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Lawmakers React To FBI’s Assassination Attempt Update

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Gage Skidmore Flickr

Despite the FBI conducting 200 interviews and combing through 14,000 images they still don’t have a clear motive behind the attempted assassination of former President Trump at a campaign rally last Saturday in western Pennsylvania.

Republicans are demanding answers.

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) who’s on the House Oversight Committee, told Fox News Digital that he thinks it’s “bulls—” that federal investigators don’t have a motive yet. 

“I’m not buying that they have nothing,” Burchett said Wednesday. “I don’t have faith in this administration. If they (the Secret Service) don’t want conspiracy theories, they have to move quickly and answer tough questions.”

Burchett said they subpoenaed Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who agreed to comply, according to the Oversight Committee’s post on X. A hearing is scheduled for July 22. 

“Americans demand and deserve answers from Director Cheatle about the attempted assassination of President Trump and the Secret Service’s egregious failures,” the Oversight Committee said in its X post shortly before 7 p.m. Wednesday. 

Wray told Congress that Trump’s would-be assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks, used his cellphone to search for images of President Biden and Trump as well as symptoms of depressive disorder before the shooting, according to CBS News

Secret Service snipers “neutralized” Crooks, who set up on a roof overlooking the rally less than 150 yards from where Trump was speaking.

How Crooks entered the building and fired off multiple shots remains under investigation and has led to finger-pointing between the Secret Service and local police.

Special Counsel Appeals Trump Classified Docs Dismissal

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Gavel via Wikimedia Commons Image

On Wednesday, Special Counsel Jack Smith formally appealed a federal judge’s dismissal of criminal charges against former President Trump over his alleged mishandling of classified information.

Smith’s office filed a notice saying it would appeal Florida-based U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon’s ruling tossing out the 40 charges Trump faced to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The Hill has more:

The Trump-appointed judge on Monday ruled that Attorney General Merrick Garland did not have the authority to appoint a federal officer with the “kind of prosecutorial power wielded by Special Counsel Smith.”

“The bottom line is this: The Appointments Clause is a critical constitutional restriction stemming from the separation of powers, and it gives to Congress a considered role in determining the propriety of vesting appointment power for inferior officers,” Cannon wrote in a 93-page ruling.  

“The Special Counsel’s position effectively usurps that important legislative authority, transferring it to a Head of Department, and in the process threatening the structural liberty inherent in the separation of powers.” 

The ruling marked a major victory for Trump — the first time one of his four criminal cases has been dismissed entirely — and came on the heels of an attempted assassination of the former president. Trump said the dismissal should be seen as the “first step” toward “Uniting our Nation” following the failed effort to take his life, calling for his other cases to be dismissed.

A spokesperson for the special counsel’s office said Monday that Cannon’s ruling “deviates from the uniform conclusion of all previous courts to have considered the issue that the Attorney General is statutorily authorized to appoint a Special Counsel.”

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

Trump Shares Details of Call With Biden After Shooting

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Joe Biden via Gage Skidmore Flickr

A whirlwind experience…

After surviving the attempt on his life, Donald Trump is sharing more details in the moments after the near-assassination.

In a phone conversation with ABC’s Jonathan Karl, Trump described his state of mind after a bullet hit his ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday. He told Karl that it had an “impact” on him when asked if he’d “changed” since the incident.

Mediaite reports:

Trump also shared details about the call he received from President Joe Biden after the shooting, which had been described as “short and respectful” in the press. Both Biden and Trump revealed more about their conversation in interviews since, with Trump telling Karl that it was “very nice,” saying of Biden: “He couldn’t have been nicer.”

In an interview with NBC’s Lester Holt on Monday, Biden said of the exchange, “I told him how concerned I was and wanted to make sure I knew how he was actually doing. He sounded good. He said he was fine. And he thanked me for calling him. I told him he was literally in the prayers of [First Lady Dr. Jill Biden] and me, and I hoped his whole family was weathering this.”

On Sunday night, Biden delivered an Oval Office address to the nation — only his third since taking office — about the attempted assassination attempt. 

“Our politics must never be a literal battlefield, and God forbid, a killing field,” Biden said. “We stand for an America not of extremism and fury, but of decency and grace.”

Speaking for the first time publicly since the assassination attempt of former president Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the violence against Trump on Wednesday.

“As we all know, it was a heinous, horrible, cowardly act,” Harris said. “Thankfully, he was not seriously injured.”

Harris added that her and her husband’s thoughts immediately went to Melania.

“The bottom line is, no one should have to fear for the safety of a loved one because they serve in public office,” Harris continued.

Harris also shared her condolences for Corey Comperatore, who was struck by gunfire and killed while protecting his family.

“Our heart goes out to the family of Corey Comperatore a true hero who died protecting his family. And Doug and I, of course, are holding them close in our hearts. We are also wishing those who were critically injured that day a swift and full recovery. And we are thankful to the United States Secret Service, the first responders and local authorities.”

Peter Navarro To Leave Prison Ahead Of RNC Appearance

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Image via Pixabay

Sweet freedom…

Former Trump economic adviser Peter Navarro is set to be released from prison Wednesday after serving a four-month sentence for refusing to comply with a congressional subpoena related to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. 

After leaving prison Navarro is expected to take the stage at the Republican National Convention, according to an email from former President Trump’s campaign.  

It’s unclear when Navarro will take the stage in Milwaukee, Wisc. where the GOP’s nominating event is taking place. The convention is scheduled to conclude Thursday evening, only one day after Navarro’s sentence ends. 

Trump himself said in May he would “absolutely” rehire Navarro if reelected to the White House in November. Navarro has said he does not want a pardon from Trump if reelected or one from President Biden. 

“I would absolutely have Peter back. This outrageous behavior by the Democrats should not have happened,” Trump said in a statement to The Wall Street Journal.

Navarro was convicted last year of two counts of contempt of Congress — one for failing to produce documents related to the probe, and another for skipping his deposition before the House select committee that investigated the events surrounding the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. 

“It’s crying out for the Supreme Court to do this,” Navarro said of his appeal the day he began his sentence. “But the tragedy here is, because I have not been released pending appeal, I will have already done my time before that is done. 

“But that’s the price of living in Joe Biden’s America right now,” he added. “God bless you all. I’ll see you on the other side.” 

Kennedy Issues Apology After Private Trump Call Leaked

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Gage Skidmore Flickr

On Tuesday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. apologized to former President Donald Trump after footage of a private call between the two was leaked online by his son Bobby Kennedy III.

In the now-deleted video, recorded on Sunday, the day after the assassination attempt against Trump at his Pennsylvania rally, Bobby Kennedy III wrote that the former president can be heard “giving his real opinion to my dad about vaccinating kids.”

In his initial post, Bobby Kennedy III added that he believed “these sorts of conversations should be had in public.” He also lambasted Senator JD Vance (R-OH) who Trump announced Monday as his running mate, saying that the former president had chosen “JD ‘fire all the unvaccinated nurses’ Vance” over “unity” – in a suggestion that his father was being considered as a potential choice.

In the clip posted Tuesday, Trump can be heard criticizing vaccines and the dosage amounts.

Something’s wrong with that whole system. And it’s the doctors, you find. Remember I said I want to do small doses? Small doses. When you feed a baby, Bobby, a vaccination that is like 38 different vaccines, and it looks like it’s meant for a horse, not a… you know 10 pound or 20 pound baby. It looks like you’re giving you should be giving a horse this. And do you ever see the size of it, right? You know, it’s just massive. And then you see the baby all of a sudden starting to change radically. I’ve seen it too many times. And then you hear that it doesn’t have an impact, right? But you and I talked about that a long time ago.

Trump appears to then discuss working with Kennedy Jr. in the future, should he win the election, and his call with Biden following the shooting.

Anyway, I would love you to do stuff. And I think it would be so good for you and so big for you. And we’re going to win. We’re going to win. We’re way ahead of the guy. He called me. And he said: ‘How did you choose to move to the right?’

In response to the leak, Kennedy Jr. wrote that “when President Trump called” he was “taping with an in-house videographer.”

He added: “I should have ordered the videographer to stop recording immediately. I am mortified that this was posted. I apologize to the president.”

Report: Former Trump VP Hopeful Vying For Cabinet Position

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Now that Trump has announced Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate the question looms as to who will take over the seat once Trump is re-elected to the White House.

Former presidential candidate and pharmaceutical entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy recently signaled an interest in filling the Senate seat.

“I would strongly consider it if I were asked to serve,” he said of the Senate seat that would be vacated if Donald Trump were elected president and Vance elected vice president.

“I have not discussed this with Gov. DeWine but, you know, I look forward to evaluating what the future holds in store. I would strongly consider it if asked,” Ramaswamy told NBC.

Ramaswamy noted that he’s been in recent contact with Trump and has discussed different ways he may serve in the future Administration.

Vivek Ramaswamy speaking with attendees at the 2022 AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

“We’ve talked about a lot of different possibilities, President Trump and I. I mean, we talk regularly. I spoke to him, actually most recently, it was after midnight on the night that he suffered that injury, tragedy, assassination attempt on Saturday night,” he said.

“So, we‘ve talked about different ideas, potentially, in a cabinet or other ways of driving change,” he added.

On Monday, Trump announced his choice for vice president on Truth Social.

Trump Names Running Mate For 2024

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Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

And officially becomes the nominee…

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

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

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

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

Key Factors in His Political Rise

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

Political Campaign and Senate Victory

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

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MSNBC Show Yanked From Air Monday After Trump Shooting

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Image via Gage Skidmore Flickr

MSNBC yanked “Morning Joe” off the air on Monday after Donald Trump narrowly survived an assassination attempt on Saturday.

Arguably MSNBC’s flagship program, the show is a favorite of President Joe Biden and is known for its anti-Trump views.

The move came on the eve of what could’ve been the biggest Monday (in terms of ratings) in co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski’s TV careers.

According to Fox News, network executives pulled the show off the air because they feared what the hosts or guests might say about Trump narrowly surviving an assassination attempt that killed a rallygoer and critically injured two others:

Viewers who tuned in expecting to see the staunchly anti-Trump program, hosted by Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, were greeted instead by continued NBC News special reporting on the attempt on Trump’s life on Saturday. A spokesperson said “Morning Joe” will resume airing on Tuesday.

According to a CNN report, a person familiar with the decision said it was made in part over fear that one of the show’s many guests over a 4-hour broadcast “might make an inappropriate comment on live television that could be used to assail the program and network as a whole.”

The call by MSNBC to keep “Morning Joe” off the airwaves shocked political observers, with some conservatives saying it demonstrated a lack of trust in one of its most high-profile shows to sensitively cover a fraught situation.

“The fact that Morning Joe’s own network can’t trust its flagship brand not to spew reckless and inflammatory crap during breaking news tells you all you need to know about the credibility of the MSNBC line-up,” a veteran Republican consultant told Fox News Digital.

Others used X to share their thoughts on the significant programming change during one of the most significant days in cable news history:

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New York Times Handles Trump Assassination Attempt By Cropping Out American Flag

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Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

In an attack that shook America to its core on Saturday afternoon, a failed loner attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump. The New York Times’ editorial choices in covering it over the past 24 hours have sparked widespread discussion and criticism.

NYT’s Editorial Decisions

One of the most controversial decisions was the alteration of their cover photo, which conspicuously cut out the American flag. This move did not go unnoticed and spurred intense reaction online. Additionally, The New York Times opted not to use the word “assassination” in its front-page story about the shooting.

Comparison with Other Media Outlets

The New York Times wasn’t alone in making editorial choices that drew scrutiny. CNN’s Jamie Gangel also faced criticism for her response. Gangel chose to chide Trump’s rhetoric mere seconds after the attack, a decision sorely lacking empathy and perspective.

However, these responses were somewhat subdued when compared to the reactions from two reporters from a far-left Seattle outlet. These ideologues appeared to cheer the near miss.

The Post Millennial reports:

Staff writer at The Stranger Ashley Nerbovig, who covers “policing, incarceration and courts” for the far-left outlet posted on X, “Make America aim again,” in reaction to the news that the former president had survived the shooting at a rally in Pennsylvania on Sunday. Nervobig deleted the post, but screenshots went viral. She then deleted her account.

Fellow Stranger writer Hannah Krieg criticized Seattle’s Democratic mayor for praising the Secret Service and wishing the best for the former president.

Following the news of the failed assassination, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrel posted on X, “This act of political violence is disturbing and unacceptable in our country. Thank you to the Secret Service and all the first responders who quickly secured the scene. Our thoughts are with the former president and all the people who attended today’s rally.”

Krieg shared the post and wrote, “Mayor Bruce Harrel swiftly comes to the defense of Trump, a failed insurrectionist touted by mainstream Democrats as an existential threat to Democracy.” She deleted the post and then locked her account after the blowback.

For readers and viewers, these examples highlight the importance of critically evaluating news sources and being aware of potential biases. It also underscores the need for media literacy in this country.

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CNN Commentator Criticizes Trump’s Response After Assassination Attempt

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A failed loner attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump in a horrific moment on Saturday afternoon. The incident left one rally goer dead and two others in critical condition.

Yet, CNN’s Jamie Gangel chose to focus on Trump’s immediate reaction following the attack.

The Aftermath of the Attack

Moments after narrowly escaping the assassination attempt, Trump was heard yelling “Fight! Fight! Fight!” to the crowd.

Gangel’s Reaction

Jamie Gangel, a reporter for CNN, expressed her disapproval of Trump’s choice of words seconds after he was shot. She stated:

That’s not the message that we want to be sending right now. We want to tamp it down.

Police have ransacked the Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, home of the deceased gunman, a 20-year-old male named Thomas Matthew Crooks.

The FBI later confirmed Crooks’ identity early Sunday and called the incident an assassination attempt, although President Biden initially declined to do so.

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