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    Former Vice President Mike Pence Chimes In On Trump’s Strikes On Iran

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    1
    Mike Pence via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    Former Vice President Mike Pence is offering strong praise for President Donald Trump’s military strikes on Iran—an endorsement that comes despite the long-standing and highly public rift between the two former running mates.

    In an interview with Fox News Digital, Pence applauded Trump for what he described as decisive leadership in confronting Iran, while also criticizing a growing isolationist faction within the Republican Party.

    “It’s one of the things I give President Trump great credit for,” Pence said this week.

    Pence’s comments arrive nearly three weeks into ongoing U.S. military strikes against Iran, part of a broader escalation that has drawn sharp criticism from some populist and anti-war voices aligned with the MAGA and “America First” movements. Those critics argue the operation risks entangling the U.S. in another prolonged conflict overseas.

    But Pence, a longtime advocate of a more traditional Republican foreign policy rooted in strong global engagement and deterrence, rejected those concerns. He framed Trump’s actions as a rejection of isolationism within the party.

    “Around this administration, and to some extent in this administration, there have been some increasingly loud voices calling for America to pull back from our role as leader of the free world. Isolationist voices have taken hold in some quarters of the Republican Party,” Pence said.

    “But fortunately, President Trump turned a deaf ear to those voices last year when he struck Iran, and this year, when he launched Operation Epic Fury,” Pence emphasized. “I think it’s greatly to his credit.”

    Pence argued that Trump’s approach aligns with the broader Republican base.

    “I think it’s reflective of where the overwhelming majority of Republicans are. Republicans understand that America is the arsenal of democracy, that we’re the leader of the free world, that we have obligations to lead,” he said.

    The former vice president also drew on his firsthand experience serving alongside Trump during their time in the White House.

    “I’ve told people many times, I’m proud of President Trump for making the decision to launch operation Epic Fury. But I’m not surprised, because the President I served with is no isolationist.”

    The praise is notable given the fractured relationship between the two men. Pence and Trump have been estranged since the final days of their administration, particularly following the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Trump publicly pressured Pence to reject the certification of the 2020 election results—something Pence refused to do, citing constitutional limits. The fallout led to years of mutual criticism, with Pence at times condemning Trump’s actions and Trump frequently targeting Pence in speeches and on social media.

    Despite that personal and political break, Pence has occasionally continued to support Trump’s policy decisions—especially on national security—reflecting enduring alignment on certain ideological priorities even as their political alliance has dissolved.

    The current conflict underscores those stakes. U.S. and Israeli strikes have reportedly killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and severely weakened Iran’s military leadership and infrastructure. In response, Iran has launched retaliatory attacks across the Middle East, targeting Israel and regional neighbors.

    The conflict has also had major global economic consequences. Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have halted roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply, sending fuel prices sharply higher in the U.S. and worldwide.

    Against that backdrop, Pence doubled down on his support for the administration’s aggressive posture.

    “I couldn’t be more proud of President Donald Trump for making the decision to send our troops directly against an enemy that has literally claimed thousands of American lives, including nearly 1,000 service members,” he said.

    He added that Trump has “unleashed the armed forces of the United States to take the fight directly to the source of global terrorism. And I think at the end of the day, the American people understand that this is a fight that we have to win, and it’s going to be important that we finish the threat that Iran has posed to the American people, to our cherished ally, Israel, to nations across the region and across the West, once and for all.”

    Pence concluded by offering advice he would give Trump if asked:

    “To finish the threat that the mullahs and Tehran have posed to the people of this country once and for all.”

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    Trump Denies Plan To Deploy Troops Amid Iran Conflict

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    1
    President Donald Trump answers questions from members of the media aboard Air Force One en route to Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, for a rally on the economy, Tuesday, December 9, 2025. (Official White House Photo by Molly Riley)

    President Trump on Thursday denied he would deploy additional U.S. troops to aid in his war in Iran, telling reporters he’s not putting forces “anywhere.”

    “No, I’m not putting troops anywhere,” Trump said at the White House when asked whether he intends to send more service members to the Middle East.

    “If I were, I certainly wouldn’t tell you,” he continued, before adding that the U.S. “will do whatever’s necessary to keep the price” of oil down. 

    The comments come as Reuters reported the Trump administration is considering deploying thousands of U.S. troops to reinforce its operation in the region.

    At least 13 service members have already died in the conflict, while another 200 have been injured, including 10 severely, according to the Pentagon.

    The war is now nearing the end of its third week with no clear conclusion in sight. The White House is set to ask Congress for $200 billion in supplemental funding for its military campaign.

    This article is breaking news and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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    Report: Mysterious Drones Spotted Over Military Base Housing Trump Cabinet Officials

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    1
    By Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America - Pete Hegseth, CC BY-SA 2.0

    U.S. officials have detected unidentified drones flying over a Washington military installation that houses Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to three people briefed on the situation. Authorities have not yet determined the origin of the drones.

    The sightings come amid heightened security concerns tied to escalating tensions in the Middle East. A senior administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, told The Washington Post the military has intensified monitoring for potential threats as the United States and Israel conduct strikes against Iran. Multiple drones were observed over Fort Lesley J. McNair on a single night within the past 10 days, prompting additional security measures and a White House meeting to assess possible responses.

    The incidents in Washington coincide with broader security actions both domestically and abroad. The U.S. government has issued a global alert to its diplomatic posts and increased security levels at several military bases. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey and MacDill Air Force Base in Florida have both raised their force protection level to Charlie, indicating that intelligence suggests a possible threat. The only higher level, Delta, is reserved for when an attack is imminent or has already occurred.

    Officials also considered relocating Rubio and Hegseth following the drone activity, according to two of the people briefed. However, the senior administration official said both secretaries remain at their residences on the base, which were publicly identified by multiple news outlets in October.

    Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell declined to provide details about the situation. “The department cannot comment on the secretary’s movements for security reasons, and reporting on such movements is grossly irresponsible,” he said.

    Separately, MacDill Air Force Base—home to U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East—experienced multiple security incidents this week. The FBI is investigating a suspicious package that temporarily closed the base’s visitors center on Monday. On Wednesday, an unspecified incident prompted a shelter-in-place order that lasted several hours.

    “To ensure the safety and security of our people and the mission, commanders adjust their installation’s security posture in accordance with local threat assessments,” an Air Force spokesperson said in a statement.

    The State Department has also directed all U.S. diplomatic posts worldwide to immediately review their security protocols. The order, outlined in a cable reviewed by The Washington Post, cited “the ongoing and developing situation in the Middle East and the potential for spillover effects.”

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    Trump Lifts Jones Act Shipping Rule To Lower Oil Costs Amid Iran War

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    1
    The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

    President Donald Trump has issued a 60-day waiver of the century-old Jones Act, allowing foreign ships to transport oil and other resources between U.S. ports, a White House official told FOX Business on Wednesday.

    The Jones Act requires that cargo shipped between U.S. ports be carried on American-built, American-owned vessels crewed primarily by U.S. citizens. The temporary waiver suspends those requirements to ease short-term supply disruptions.

    “President Trump’s decision to issue a 60-day Jones Act waiver is another step to mitigate disruptions to the oil market as the U.S. military continues meeting the objectives of Operation Epic Fury,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement posted on X. “This action will allow vital resources like oil, natural gas, fertilizer, and coal to flow more freely to U.S. ports.”

    Press secretary Karoline Leavitt framed the move as a short-term fix tied to ongoing military operations, saying it would help “vital resources…flow freely” during the disruption.

    But the backlash was immediate.

    Shipping industry groups warn the waiver could sideline U.S. workers under the guise of emergency policy. And despite the political urgency, they say consumers shouldn’t expect relief at the pump — the estimated impact on gas prices is basically negligible.

    At the same time, frustration is building inside the administration over allies who are largely staying out of efforts to secure the Strait.

    Trump made that frustration public, floating the idea that maybe those countries should handle the problem themselves.

    “I wonder what would happen if we ‘finished off’ what’s left of the Iranian Terror State, and let the Countries that use it, we don’t, be responsible for the so called ‘Straight?’ (sic) That would get some of our non-responsive ‘Allies’ in gear, and fast!!!” Trump wrote.

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    GOP Lawmaker Warns Trump Against One Move That Would ‘Destroy’ Republican Party

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    5

    Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) issued a stark warning Tuesday to President Trump, cautioning that a unilateral move to withdraw the United States from NATO could fracture the Republican Party and trigger long-lasting internal divisions.

    “If he broke up NATO on his own, it would be a civil war in the Republican caucus, or the conference,” Bacon warned CNN’s Kaitlan Collins. “Most of us would find that totally unacceptable, and I’m not alone. There’s a large group of us that believe in our alliances and standing up for freedom and pushing back on China and Russia.

    “We don’t want war with these guys, but you’ve got to be strong, and if he went in and somehow destroyed or tore up NATO, it would probably destroy the party for many years,” he added. “There would be many that will never forgive that.”

    Bacon, a retired Air Force general who has often positioned himself as a more traditional, internationalist Republican, has at times broken with Trump on foreign policy and national security issues. While not a consistent antagonist of the former president, he has repeatedly defended U.S. alliances and a robust global posture—placing him at odds with Trump.

    A moment later, Bacon reiterated that he believes the GOP “would implode” if the U.S. were to depart NATO.

    His comments came after Trump sharply criticized the alliance earlier Tuesday in a Truth Social post, arguing that U.S. military strength makes reliance on allies unnecessary. The president lashed out at countries reluctant to support U.S. operations tied to escalating tensions with Iran.

    “Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer ‘need,’ or desire, the NATO Countries’ assistance — WE NEVER DID!” Trump wrote. “Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea. In fact, speaking as President of the United States of America, by far the Most Powerful Country Anywhere in the World, WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!”

    Trump has also been pushing for an international coalition to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that has been closed since late February amid the conflict with Iran. The disruption has driven sharp increases in oil, gas, and fertilizer prices worldwide.

    On Wednesday, President Trump escalated his rhetoric and floated the idea of shifting responsibility for the Strait of Hormuz to other countries that rely on the strategic shipping route after the U.S. has “finished off” Iran, in a jab at America’s “non-responsive allies.”

    “I wonder what would happen if we ‘finished off’ what’s left of the Iranian Terror State, and let the Countries that use it, we don’t, be responsible for the so-called ‘Strait?’ That would get some of our non-responsive ‘Allies’ in gear, and fast!!!,” Trump wrote.

    Moments later he added: “Remember, for all of those absolute “fools” out there, Iran is considered, by everyone, to be the NUMBER ONE STATE SPONSOR OF TERROR. We are rapidly putting them out of business!”

    Despite his criticism of NATO, Trump warned Sunday that the alliance faces a “very bad” future if member nations do not contribute more to joint security efforts. He has long argued that NATO countries fail to meet defense spending commitments and has repeatedly threatened to withdraw the U.S. from the alliance.

    Bacon’s warning underscores the divide between Republicans on the issue. As a lawmaker preparing to leave Congress, bacon has opted to speak more candidly about the potential political consequences of Trump’s foreign policy approach. His comments reflect broader concerns among establishment-minded Republicans who view NATO as central to U.S. global leadership and national security.

    Formed in 1949 to counter Soviet expansion, NATO remains a cornerstone of Western military cooperation. While some Republicans aligned with Trump have dismissed it as outdated, others—like Bacon—argue that abandoning the alliance would not only weaken U.S. influence abroad but is also likely to ignite a damaging rift at home.

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    Report: White House Reviews Offer To Reopen Homeland Security

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    4

    White House negotiators are reviewing a Democratic proposal to fund and reopen the Department of Homeland Security, as talks continue to move slowly. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said Tuesday that Democrats are not demonstrating urgency in reaching a deal.

    According to Republicans familiar with the negotiations, the White House submitted its most recent offer to Senate Democrats more than two weeks ago. Democrats did not provide a counteroffer until late Monday evening.

    A White House official confirmed to The Hill that it is currently under review.

    Thune told reporters that the administration has already made significant concessions in an effort to reopen the department and restore pay for Transportation Security Administration agents and other critical personnel.

    “I was going over last night some of the gives that the White House had made that went above and beyond any initial offers that they put out there, and there’s a lot of stuff in there,” Thune said.

    Among those concessions, Thune said, is a proposal to increase funding for body cameras for federal immigration enforcement officials from $20 million to $100 million. He also noted that the White House has предложed additional oversight measures, including audits by the inspector general to identify “noncompliance.”

    “There’s a whole bunch of stuff that have been significant gives on the part of the White House,” Thune added.

    Despite those offers, Thune criticized Democrats for prolonging the negotiations.

    “But the Democrats seem intent on dragging out this political issue,” he said.

    Thune also pointed to the 18-day gap between the White House’s last offer and the Democratic response as evidence of a lack of urgency.

    “What they want to do is they want to defund law enforcement. They want to defund ICE, and they want to defund CBP,” he said, referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. We got to have a meaningful conversation where we sit down at the table and actually work these issues out,” Thune added.

    “You can’t get there if you’re not sitting down at the table.”

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    Trump Official Resigns In Protest Over War With Iran

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    2
    By The White House - https://www.flickr.com/photos/202101414@N05/54581054338/, Public Domain,

    On Tuesday morning, a Trump administration official announced his immediate resignation due to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

    Joe Kent, the Trump-appointed director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned in protest from his position on Tuesday.

    “After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today,” wrote Kent in a letter to Trump, which he also made public on social media:

    I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.

    I support the values and the foreign policies that you campaigned on in 2016, 2020, 2024, which you enacted in your first term. Until June of 2025, you understood that the wars in the Middle East were a trap that robbed America of the precious lives of our patriots and depleted the wealth and prosperity of our nation.

    In your first administration, you understood better than any modern President how to decisively apply military power without getting us drawn into never-ending wars. You demonstrated this by killing Qasam Solamani and by defeating ISIS.

    Early in this administration, high-ranking Israeli officials and influential members of the American media deployed a misinformation campaign that wholly undermined your America First platform and sowed pro-war sentiments to encourage a war with Iran. This echo chamber was used to deceive you into believing that Iran posed an imminent threat to the United States, and that should you strike now, there was a clear path to a swift victory. This was a lie and is the same tactic the Israelis used to draw us into the disastrous Iraq war that cost our nation the lives of thousands of our best men and women. We cannot make this mistake again.

    As a veteran who deployed to combat 11 times and as a Gold Star husband who lost my beloved wife Shannon in a war manufactured by Israel, I cannot support sending the next generation off to fight and die in a war that serves no benefit to the American people nor justifies the cost of American lives.

    I pray that you will reflect upon what we are doing in Iran, and who we are doing it for. The time for bold action is now. You can reverse course and chart a new path for our nation, or you can allow us to slip further toward decline and chaos. You hold the cards.

    It was an honor to serve in your administration and to serve our great nation.

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

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    Report: Growing Coalition Of Republicans Quietly Turning Their Sights On Rubio For 2028

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    3
    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)

    A year ago, the path appeared clear for Vice President JD Vance to emerge as the heir apparent to President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement heading into the 2028 election.

    Vance, who was just 40 years old at the time of the 2024 election, entered office with a wave of support from Republicans and the strong backing of Trump’s family. Early in the administration, many within the party saw him as the natural successor to Trump.

    While the vice president remains well positioned for a likely 2028 run, quiet questions are beginning to emerge about whether his path to the nomination is as inevitable as it once seemed. Much of that speculation centers on the rising profile of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose influence within the administration has grown significantly during the first year of Trump’s second term — particularly following the U.S. strikes on Iran.

    The long-term political consequences of the conflict remain unclear. But Rubio’s growing visibility has caught the attention of many of Trump’s closest allies — including the president himself. According to multiple sources who spoke with ABC News, Trump has privately remarked on how “popular” and “loved” Rubio has become within the administration.

    People close to the president say Trump has repeatedly praised Rubio both publicly and privately. At times, the president has even started standing ovations for him during events and declared that Rubio will go down as “the greatest secretary of state in history.”

    Despite the growing speculation, Trump has so far declined to formally endorse either Vance or Rubio as his preferred successor. Instead, he has occasionally floated the idea of the two running together on a joint ticket — without specifying which would lead it.

    Behind closed doors, however, Trump has continued to raise the question with allies and donors. According to sources, the president has asked people directly: “Marco or JD?” — including during a discussion with donors at his Mar-a-Lago resort in late February, as first reported by Axios.

    ‘Draft Rubio’ movement begins to form

    As Rubio’s prominence grows, some Republican donors have quietly begun discussing ways to strengthen his political future ahead of the 2028 election.

    Multiple sources told ABC News that a group of donors and party figures has started exploring the possibility of organizing a “draft Rubio” effort after the 2026 midterm elections. Those discussions are being driven by supporters and political allies rather than Rubio himself, reflecting what some in Trump-aligned circles see as increasing enthusiasm for the secretary of state within the party.

    Still, Republican operatives note that donor enthusiasm does not necessarily determine the eventual nominee.

    “Donors don’t pick the nominee — the base picks,” one senior Republican operative told ABC News. “Donors tried to abandon President Trump and tried to pick [Florida Gov. Ron] DeSantis, and we all saw how that went.”

    When asked about donor interest in Rubio’s future, White House communications director Steven Cheung downplayed the speculation.

    “The President has assembled an all-star team that has achieved unprecedented success in just over one year,” Cheung said in a statement to ABC News. “No amount of crazed media speculation about Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio will deter this Administration’s mission of fighting for the American people.”

    The vice president’s office declined to comment.

    Rubio’s Expanding Role in the Administration

    Over the course of the administration’s first year, Rubio has steadily taken on a larger role in Trump’s government.

    In addition to serving as secretary of state, Rubio has at times taken on other major responsibilities, including acting national security adviser and acting director of the U.S. Agency for International Development. His growing list of assignments has even become something of a running joke around Washington, with some observers wondering what position Rubio might take on next.

    His profile rose even further following the administration’s recent military strikes on Iran.

    Rubio emerged as one of the leading public voices explaining the operation alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. When Trump authorized the sweeping strikes — known as Operation Epic Fury — Rubio was already traveling to Mar-a-Lago, where he joined the president in a makeshift situation room to monitor the opening hours of the operation.

    Meanwhile, Vance remained in Washington during the strikes.

    The vice president monitored the operation from the White House Situation Room alongside Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. They were connected by conference line to Trump and the rest of the national security team at Mar-a-Lago.

    A spokesperson for Vance told ABC News that the vice president stayed in Washington “to maintain operational secrecy and in keeping with the administration’s security protocol to limit the President and Vice President co-locating away from the White House.”

    During the early days of the conflict, Rubio remained by Trump’s side at Mar-a-Lago, further fueling speculation about his rising influence inside the administration.

    At the same time, that higher profile could carry political risks. If Rubio ultimately pursues the presidency, his role in the Iran operation could become a central issue. Early polling suggests the military strikes are unpopular with many Americans. According to an Ipsos poll, just 29% approve of the strikes, while 43% disapprove and 26% remain unsure.

    Vance Keeps a Lower Public Profile

    In contrast, Vance — a Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq — maintained a relatively low public profile in the early days of the conflict.

    More recently, however, the vice president has begun ramping up both his political and official appearances. On Friday he spoke in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, where he briefly addressed the Iran conflict in remarks to supporters.

    Vance has also been noticeably less active on social media platforms like X than in the past.

    A senior White House official told ABC News that the administration intentionally limited public messaging during the early stages of the operation.

    “The national security team was deliberate on letting the President’s statements and addresses to the nation stand as the operation unfolded,” the official said.

    Vance was also scheduled to participate in a town hall with CBS News that was expected to air Saturday, but the broadcast was postponed following the Iran strikes.

    Despite the quieter public posture, the vice president remains deeply engaged politically. As finance chair of the Republican National Committee, Vance continues to maintain a busy fundraising schedule, with events planned in Dallas and Austin later this month, according to fundraiser invitations obtained by ABC News.

    During a press conference Monday, Trump acknowledged that he and Vance had differed somewhat on the Iran decision.

    “I don’t think so. No, no, we get along very well on this,” Trump said. “He was, I would say philosophically a little bit different than me. I think he was maybe less enthusiastic about going, but he was quite enthusiastic. But I felt it was something we had to do. I didn’t feel we had a choice. If we didn’t do it, they would have done it to us.”

    Betting Markets Reflect Uncertainty

    Prediction markets and betting sites are also reflecting the emerging uncertainty surrounding the 2028 race.

    On Kalshi, Rubio recently moved ahead of both Vance and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) to become the market’s top choice to succeed Trump. Kalshi traders currently give Rubio a 19% chance of winning the 2028 election, with both Vance and Newsom at 18%.

    On Polymarket, however, Vance remains the favorite with a 21% chance, followed by Newsom at 18% and Rubio at 16%.

    Traditional betting markets still place Vance slightly ahead as well. DraftKings lists Vance at +376 to win the presidency, meaning a $100 bet would yield $376 if he wins. Newsom stands at +426, while Rubio is listed at +488.

    On BetMGM, Vance is seen as roughly twice as likely to win, with odds of +350 compared to Rubio’s +700.

    For now, the 2028 race remains wide open — but Rubio’s growing prominence inside the Trump administration has begun to complicate what once looked like a straightforward path for Vice President JD Vance.

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

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    4
    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.

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    Judge Blocks Fani Willis From Fighting Multi-Million Legal Fee Demand In Trump Case

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    0
    Image via Pixabay free images

    A Fulton County, Georgia, judge ruled Monday that District Attorney Fani Willis cannot participate in a legal dispute over President Donald Trump and his co-defendants’ efforts to recover millions of dollars in legal fees from her failed racketeering case against them.

    In an order issued Monday, Judge Scott McAfee said that because Willis had already been “wholly disqualified” from the prosecution, she could not take part in the dispute over approximately $16.8 million in legal fees sought by Trump and the other defendants. Earlier this year, Trump requested that Willis’ office reimburse him more than $6.2 million in attorney fees and related costs.

    McAfee’s ruling marks another victory for Trump in his long-running conflict with Willis, whom he previously described as a “rabid partisan” engaged in a “witch hunt” during the prosecution.

    The defendants—who were originally charged by Willis with conspiring to illegally overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia—are seeking reimbursement under a state law passed in 2025. The law allows defendants to recover legal fees in cases where prosecutors are disqualified.

    In his ruling, McAfee noted that Fulton County itself could become involved in the matter, since any reimbursement would come from the county’s budget. However, Willis’ attorneys argued in court filings that she should still be allowed to participate in the proceedings.

    “Without intervention by the District Attorney, any award would violate basic fundamental notions of due process by denying her an opportunity to be heard or even challenge the reasonableness of the claimed attorney fees before it is taken from her budget,” the lawyers wrote.

    Trump’s lead attorney, Steve Sadow, praised the decision in a statement.

    “Judge McAfee has properly denied DA Willis’ motion to intervene in POTUS’ action for reimbursement of attorney fees because her disqualification for improper conduct bars Willis and her office from any further participation in this dismissed, lawfare case,” Sadow said.

    Willis originally brought a sweeping Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) case against Trump and 18 co-defendants in August 2023. Prosecutors alleged that the group conspired to interfere with Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results. Over time, however, the case narrowed significantly due to plea deals and the dismissal of several charges.

    The most significant setback for the prosecution came in 2024, when the Georgia Court of Appeals disqualified Willis from the case. The court determined that an undisclosed romantic relationship between Willis and her lead prosecutor, Nathan Wade, created a conflict of interest.

    Following her disqualification, responsibility for the case shifted to the Georgia Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council. The council’s director, Peter Skandalakis, ultimately moved to dismiss the case, and McAfee approved the request.

    “In my professional judgment, the citizens of Georgia are not served by pursuing this case in full for another five to ten years,” Skandalakis said.

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