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Nancy Pelosi Teases Retirement Plans, Hints Which Republican Could be Next Speaker

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Gage Skidmore Flickr

As speculation builds over House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) retirement plans, she keeps her intentions tight to her chest.

During an interview with CNN, Rep. Pelosi said that her retirement plans will be affected by the recent attack on her husband Paul in their San Fransisco home.

“My decision will again be rooted in what the wishes of my family and the wishes of my caucus, but none of it will be very much considered until we see what the outcome of all of this is,” Pelosi said on CNN’s “State of the Union” when asked about her intentions by co-anchor Dana Bash.

“There are all kinds of ways to exert influence,” Pelosi continued. “The Speaker has awesome power. But I will always have influence.”

On ABC’s “This Week,” Pelosi similarly demurred to anchor George Stephanopoulos.

“Right now I’m not making any comments until this election is finished, and we have a little more time to go,” Pelosi said. “I wish it was faster.” 

Pelosi previously said she would retire at the end of this term but her reluctance to formally acknowledge those plans has caused some to speculate about the legitimacy of the claim.

Later, Pelosi suggested Republicans have yet to determine who will be the next House Speaker, casting doubt on Kevin McCarthy’s pursuit of the role.

“Why would I make a judgment about something that may or may not ever happen?” Pelosi asked. “No, I don’t think he has it. But that’s up to his own people to make a decision as to how they want to be led or otherwise.”

Last week, McCarthy announced his campaign for House GOP Speaker and Steve Scalise (R-La.) announced his campaign for House Majority Leader.

However, as of Sunday, neither party has officially won control of the lower chamber in Congress.

Report: Sec. Mayorkas Tells Border Official ‘Resign or Be Fired’

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NEW YORK CITY (September 11, 2022) Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas lays flowers for USSS Master Special Officer Craig Miller and participates in the September 11th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony at Ground Zero in New York City, NY. (DHS photo by Sydney Phoenix)

A Biden administration border official is reportedly being pressured to resign from his role.

Multiple sources close to the matter informed Politico that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Chris Magnus is being pressured by leaders to resign or be fired after criticizing their ineffectiveness at tamping down the border surge.

Magnus was reportedly told on Wednesday by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas that he should either resign or be dismissed and, so far, the CBP chief has refused to step down, according to four people.

Some executive assistant commissioners at CBP have indicated they would leave the agency if Magnus does not resign, according to one of the current DHS official and the former DHS official.

Mayorkas has since shifted Magnus’ duties and responsibilities to his deputy secretary, John Tien, and has deputy CBP commissioner Troy Miller, a career government official, running the agency’s day-to-day operations, according to three of the people.

POLITICO reported in October that five current administration officials who work with Magnus described him as unengaged in his job, saying he often failed to attend White House meetings on the situation on the border, badmouthed other agencies to colleagues and superiors, and has not built relationships within CBP and across other immigration agencies to address the influx of migrants at the border. Several also said he fell asleep in numerous meetings, which Magnus blamed on the effects of his multiple sclerosis.

Magnus has been leading the border agency since December and it’s currently unclear who might permanently take over his Senate-confirmed position if he complies with Sec. Mayorkas’ wishes.

CBP is responsible for securing U.S. borders at and between ports of entry. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the agency responsible for arresting and detaining undocumented people within U.S. borders and both agencies are encompassed within DHS.

The latest DHS data shows that for the fiscal year ending in September, nearly 2.4 million migrants were detained at the border, a 37% increase from the year before.

GOP House Conference Chair Endorses Trump Ahead of Official 2024 Announcement

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Elise Stefanik with Donald Trump via Wikimedia Commons

While conservatives seem to be abandoning former President Donald Trump ahead of his potential 2024 bid House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-NY) is doubling down on the former president.

In a statement to The New York Times, Rep. Stefanik said that she’s “proud” to endorse the former President despite the fact he hasn’t officially announced his candidacy yet.

“I am proud to endorse Donald Trump for president in 2024,” Stefanik said. “It is time for Republicans to unite around the most popular Republican in America who has a proven track record of conservative governance.”

The No. 3 Republican lawmaker’s endorsement comes at a time of uncertainty surrounding Trump as he faces blame for Republicans’ lackluster midterm results. This year’s midterms were expected to be a Republican blow-out but instead, the GOP has experienced a weaker-than-expected performance.

As of Friday, neither political party has claimed an official majority in the House of Representatives or the Senate.

In a separate statement to Breitbart News, Rep. Stefanik explained why she made her endorsement so early.

“Republican voters determine who is the leader of the Republican Party and it’s very clear President Trump is the leader of the Republican party. What the media fails to report is that we just won the midterms and flipped the House,” Stefanik in an exclusive statement to Breitbart News.

“I am proud to endorse Donald J. Trump for President in 2024. I fully support him running again,” she continued. “Under his presidency, America was strong at home and abroad, our economy was red hot, our border was secure, our neighborhoods were safe, our law enforcement was respected, and our enemies feared us,” Stefanik said. “We cannot afford another four years of Joe Biden’s failed policies that have led to the inflation crisis, border crisis, and crime crisis. It is time for Republicans to unite around the most popular Republican in America, who has a proven track record of conservative governance. Poll after poll shows that President Trump would defeat any Republican challenger by massive margins, and would beat Joe Biden if the election were held today. President Trump has always put America First, and I look forward to supporting him so we can save America.”

On Election day eve, Trump teased his plans to make a “big announcement” on Nov. 15th with many supporters believing he plans to officially kick off his 2024 presidential campaign.

Trump confirmed that he will be holding a “special announcement” at Mar-a-Lago on Nov. 15 in a press release on Thursday night. 

However, Republicans’ less-than-stellar midterm outcome has spurred infighting among the party with many prominent Republicans pointing the finger at Trump. Since Tuesday, multiple Republicans have publicly announced they do not intend to support Trump’s next presidential bid and have urged him to reconsider.

Former House Speaker for the GOP, Newt Gingrich, stated on Wednesday that he believes Trump might be reconsidering his plans for 2024.

“I mean, just in my own emails today, [with] the number of people who want somebody other than Trump who have decided, literally overnight, that person is going to be DeSantis, he’s going to find it almost impossible to avoid running,” Gingrich told Just the News. “I think Trump’s got to look at the results and be troubled.”

Retiring Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey also blamed Trump for this year’s midterm results while speaking to CNN.

“President Trump had to insert himself and that changed the nature of the race and that created just too much of an obstacle,” Toomey said on CNN’s “Erin Burnett OutFront.”  

“And by the way, it’s not just Pennsylvania. You look all over the country, there’s a very high correlation between MAGA candidates and big losses, or at least dramatically underperforming,” he added, referring to Trump’s slogan: Make America Great Again.  

Virginia Lt. Governor Winsome Sears, who has publicly supported Trump in the past also said that Republicans must move on from Trump after the midterms.

“A true leader understands when they have become a liability,” Sears said. “A true leader understands that it’s time to step off the stage, and the voters have given us that very clear message.” 

Former Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), who was known to clash with Trump on occasion, said the former president was a “drag” for Republican candidates across the country.

“I think Trump’s kind of a drag on our ticket. I think Donald Trump gives us problems politically,” he said during an interview in Janesville, Wis., his hometown.  

“We lost the House, the Senate and the White House in two years when Trump was on the ballot, or in office,” he said. “I think we just have some Trump hangover. I think he’s a drag on our office, on our races.” 

Ex-Trump Admin. Official Wins Race for Montana House Seat

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Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

The GOP is inching closer to securing a majority in the House of Representatives as former Trump Administration official Ryan Zinke declares victory in Montana’s newly created 1st Congressional District.

Zinke, the former interior secretary during the Trump administration, beat Democrat opponent Monica Tranel the Associated Press reported on Thursday.

According to The Washington Examiner:

Prior to Tuesday’s election, Zinke’s and Tranel’s campaigns both focused on affordability, though Zinke also focused on inflation and spending, while Tranel focused on growth. To combat inflation, Zinke has suggested slowing federal spending and has advocated more action to lower energy costs, according to KTVH.

“The things that are hurting are inflation — energy costs too much, fertilizer’s too much,” he said during a debate in Bozeman last month.

Ahead of the election, Tranel highlighted her four-point affordability plan, which calls for investing in the American workforce and domestic manufacturing, as well as standing up against corporate consolidation. To fix the housing situation, Tranel said during last month’s debate that she wants to expand tax credits for affordable developments and put restrictions on corporations that have been purchasing homes for investment purposes.

High Profile Democrat Loses Seat to MAGA Republican in History-Making Upset

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In a shocking upset Democrat Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) Chairman Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney has lost his re-election battle.

The New York Democrat charged with leading the House Democrats’ re-election efforts called Republican challenger Mike Lawler to concede Wednesday morning. Maloney is the first sitting chairman of the DCCC to lose reelection in more than 40 years. 

At a press conference, Maloney said he called Republican candidate Mike Lawler and congratulated him on a “good win” in New York’s 17th Congressional District.

The Daily Beast reports:

Despite Maloney trying to brand his opponent as “MAGA Mike Lawler,” and former President Bill Clinton calling an influential rabbi in the Hudson Valley to switch his endorsement, the incumbent failed to defeat Lawler, a GOP state assemblyman.

Maloney maneuvered to run in a different district after the Empire State’s congressional map was redrawn, forcing fellow Democratic incumbent Rep. Mondaire Jones to run for a brand new district in Manhattan and Brooklyn, where he lost in the primary.

As The Daily Beast reported in October, the DCCC chairman’s messy reelection fight—which included a primary challenge to his left from state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi—was the result of a series of repercussions from Maloney’s decision to switch seats, sparking gripes within Democratic campaign circles.

This story is developing. Stay with Great America News Desk for more updates.

Trump Teases ‘Very Big Announcement’ on Nov. 15

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Gage Skidmore Flickr

During a Monday evening rally in Ohio, former President Trump declared he plans to make a “big announcement” next Tuesday.

“I’m going to be making a very big announcement on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla.,” Trump said toward the end of a rally near Dayton, Ohio, where he was campaigning for a host of candidates in the state, including Republican Senate candidate J.D. Vance, the night before the midterm elections.

“We want nothing to distract from the importance of tomorrow,” Trump said.

Previous reports indicated Trump was eyeing Nov.14th as the potential date he would make his presidential campaign announcement.

Trump’s latest message comes amid heightened anticipation that he’s planning to announce his third presidential campaign after Republicans re-take control of Congress.

Advisers in Trump’s inner circle have expressed their expectation that Trump wait to make the announcement until after the midterms but some early rumors indicated Trump strongly considered breaking the news Monday night while campaigning for Ohio Republican candidate J.D Vance.

Last week, Kellyanne Conway discussed Trump’s 2024 plans. (READ NEXT: Kellyanne Conway Drops Major Hint on Trump’s Impending 2024 Announcement)

https://twitter.com/Breaking911/status/1588228184746631168

Twitter Chief Elon Musk Endorses Republicans in Final Election Hours

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Mitch McConnell via Gage Skidmore Flickr

In the final hours leading up to Election Day, billionaire Twitter CEO Elon Musk is pushing undecided voters to support Republican candidates, a move sure to infuriate liberal Twitter addicts across the country.

The Monday morning message comes months after Musk indicated he was likely to support Republicans in the next election cycle despite previously voting for Democrats.

“To independent-minded voters: Shared power curbs the worst excesses of both parties, therefore I recommend voting for a Republican Congress, given that the Presidency is Democratic,” Musk wrote.

In May, Musk said he was included to change his voting preferences.

“I have voted overwhelmingly for Democrats, historically – overwhelmingly. Like, I’m not sure, I might never have voted for a Republican, just to be clear. Now this election, I will,” he said at the time.

Musk has become increasingly vocal about his own personal politics over the past year, even indicating he would rather vote for Ron DeSantis for president instead of Donald Trump.

In June, Musk revealed he supported a Republican for the first time, casting his vote for Mayra Flores but the billionaire indicated it would not be the last vote he cast for the GOP. In a Twitter thread, Musk revealed that while he previously supported Democrat Andrew Yang for president he’s inclined to side with DeSantis in future elections.

“I supported Yang last time, but DeSantis has a better chance of winning.

In another tweet, Musk was asked who he was leaning towards and he simply replied “DeSantis.”

This story is developing. Stay with Great America News Desk for updates.

Biden DHS Still Colluding with Big Tech to Censor Dissent

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Joe Biden via Gage Skidmore Flickr

ANALYSIS – Even as Biden’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) publicly shuttered its stillborn ‘Disinformation Governance Board’ (aka Ministry of Truth) after a huge outcry, new evidence shows that Team Biden is still trying to use DHS to collude with Big Tech to censor Americans on social media.

The latest information uncovered through an investigation by The Intercept points to a Facebook-designed portal that government officials could use to flag content they deem objectionable and request that the platform remove it. 

According to The Intercept:

There is also a formalized process for government officials to directly flag content on Facebook or Instagram and request that it be throttled or suppressed through a special Facebook portal that requires a government or law enforcement email to use. At the time of writing, the “content request system” at facebook.com/xtakedowns/login is still live. DHS and Meta, the parent company of Facebook, did not respond to a request for comment. The FBI declined to comment.

That the federal government believes it can directly help control what views and news can be disseminated online is beyond reprehensible.

As The Intercept notes:

How disinformation is defined by the government has not been clearly articulated, and the inherently subjective nature of what constitutes disinformation provides a broad opening for DHS officials to make politically motivated determinations about what constitutes dangerous speech.

In other words, governments don’t decide what is valid information and what isn’t.

Instead, that is what politics, a free media and the marketplace of ideas are for.

But Big Brother, especially under Democrats, is relentless in its appetite for control. (RELATED: Congressional Leaders Expose Scheme to Pump Liberal Misinformation Network Into Classrooms)

The Intercept continues to describe this Orwellian effort:

Key Takeaways:

* The work is primarily done by CISA, a DHS sub-agency tasked with protecting critical national infrastructure.

* DHS, the FBI, and several media entities are having biweekly meetings as recently as August.

* DHS considered countering disinformation relating to content that undermines trust in financial systems and courts.

* The FBI agent who primed social media platforms to take down the Hunter Biden laptop story continued to have a role in DHS policy discussions.

And all this has been corroborated by official documentation and other news reporting.

Earlier, NewsBusters reported that:

DHS continued its counter-“disinformation” work in a more cloaked fashion, and that the government specifically intended to target certain content areas including COVID-19, election security and “domestic violent extremism.”

Considering how much ‘accepted’ information about COVID was later proven false or questionable and how the FBI and DOJ have been falsely hyping the otherwise minor ‘domestic violent extremism’ threat, this effort is highly concerning.

Meanwhile, a DHS Office of Inspector General report recommended that DHS “develop a unified strategy to counter disinformation campaigns that appear in social media.”

All this portends an extremely dangerous trend that must be stopped in its tracks. 

It is critical that a GOP-controlled Congress investigate and help dismantle all these insidious DHS ‘disinformation’ efforts as soon as possible.

Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of Great America News Desk.

MSNBC Abruptly Cuts Ties with Controversial Host After Berating Ron DeSantis

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Ron DeSantis via Gage Skidmore Flickr

Don’t mess with DeSantis.

On Friday, MSNBC suddenly announced its decision to cut ties with controversial host Tiffany Cross over her “bad judgment.” According to sources familiar with the matter, executives decided not to renew Cross’s two-year contract after growing tired of the host’s controversial antics.

“Repeated bad behavior on and off-air. Bad judgment,” a source close to the situation told Fox News.

Cross, who hosted the weekend program “Cross Connection,” will be replaced by rotating guest anchors until a replacement is named.

Cross was previously a fill-in host for Joy Reid’s weekend show “AM Joy” and got her own Saturday program in 2020. She has since made a name for herself over her vitriolic statements about conservatives, a move that would ultimately cost her job.

The reporting thus far does not indicate that ratings were a factor. An internal MSNBC ratings memo obtained by Mediaite earlier this year said that “The Cross Connection is the highest-rated weekend show on MSNBC,” and that the show’s audience “skews 55% female and 35% African American.”

Mere hours before being fired Cross raised eyebrows over her comments about Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Sunshine state during an appearance with Comedy Central. She used her turn during the “One’s Gotta Go” segment to push for the release of Florida into the castration bin, attacking the governor and comparing his state to a set of genitalia that could use a trim.

“I say Florida literally looks like the dick of the country. So let’s get rid of Florida. Ron…” Cross said.

“Seriously, let’s castrate Florida. Here’s the problem, Ron DeStupid, Ron DeSantis, whatever you want to call Florida Man, he is so problematic,” she continued. “The people there passed Amendment Four, which gave returning citizens, those formerly incarcerated, the right to vote. He instituted a poll tax. He has done everything he can to keep Black and brown people from the ballot. He trafficks in stupidity and ignorance and I just think they are a problem for the rest of the country. Let’s get them out.”

Trump Files Lawsuit Against New York Attorney General

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Alec Perkins from Hoboken, USA, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump filed a new lawsuit against New York Attorney General Letitia James as he seeks to halt her attempts to appoint a watchdog to review a revocable trust Trump uses to manage his assets.

According to The Hill, Trump filed a 41-page lawsuit with Florida’s Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court accusing AG James of embarking on a “crusade” against him as he seeks to stop the Democrat from imposing restrictions on his business and personal life. In the Florida lawsuit, Trump claims there would be a deprivation of privacy and property rights if James gains control over his personal revocable trust.

Pending the outcome of the lawsuit, James asked a court to appoint an independent watchdog that would review the Trump’s financial procedures and disclosures, including for the movement of any assets.

Last week Trump retaliated and filed a lawsuit in a Manhattan court seeking to stop AG James from appointing the monitoring agent, which he says would “nationalize his company” in violation of the constitution.

“Crooked and highly partisan James now thinks it is the business of the State of New York to go after my revocable trust and pry into my private estate plan,” Trump wrote, “only to look for ways to recklessly injure me, my family, my businesses, and my tens of millions of supporters.

“If I were not elected President of the United States, and now leading in the polls by substantial margins against both Democrats and Republicans, this would not be happening,” the former president wrote.

A spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office said “multiple judges have dismissed Donald Trump’s baseless attempts to evade justice, and no number of lawsuits will deter us from pursuing this fraud.”

“We sued Donald Trump because he committed extensive financial fraud,” the spokesperson said. “That fact hasn’t changed, and neither will our resolve to ensure that no matter how powerful or political one might be, no one is above the law.”

In September, James filed a lawsuit against the Trump Organization and three of Trump’s children seeking $250 million for alleged tax fraud.

Read Trump’s lawsuit below: