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    Bongino Reveals How He Left Traps Within FBI To Root Out Media Leakers

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    4
    Dan Bongino via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    Former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is pulling back the curtain on what he says was a deeply divided bureau — and the tactics he used to expose internal “snakes.”

    Speaking on the “Hang Out with Sean Hannity” podcast, Bongino described an FBI split between agents committed to the mission and others he believes were actively undermining it from within.

    “There were two FBIs trying to help you solve the A, B and C problems, and that’s FBI one and FBI two,” Bongino said in the episode released Tuesday.

    According to Bongino, one side of the bureau was filled with professionals he respected deeply — including agents working in Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC) units and violent crime fugitive task forces.

    But the other side, he warned, was far more troubling.

    “And then you had this other FBI,” Bongino said, adding, “which was populated with, to say, unfortunately, ‘snakes’ is being nice.”

    A Hidden Divide Inside the Bureau

    Bongino explained that one of the biggest challenges he and FBI Director Kash Patel faced was figuring out who could be trusted — and who couldn’t.

    The problem, he said, wasn’t always obvious.

    “You’re trying to figure this out, and you’re asking someone for advice, you’ve only been there a couple weeks, and you don’t know if that person is part of the good FBI or the bad FBI,” Bongino said.

    Even recommendations from within the bureau sometimes backfired.

    “It happened a couple times where they’d say, ‘Oh, you can trust John Smith.’ And you trust John Smith, and then a week later you see a leak in the media and you’d be like, ‘I’m pretty sure that came from John Smith,’” he added.

    How Bongino Flushed Out Leakers

    To combat internal leaks, Bongino said he turned to a simple but effective strategy: setting traps.

    He described deliberately sharing small, harmless — or “innocuous” — details about his schedule with select individuals, then watching to see if that information surfaced in the media.

    When it did, it pointed directly to the source.

    “It was like we would play this little game,” Bongino said.

    The tactic allowed him to identify individuals he believed were leaking sensitive information, even as he acknowledged the broader difficulty of navigating an agency he viewed as internally fractured.

    A Mission to Restore Trust

    Bongino joined the FBI in March 2025 with a stated goal of restoring integrity and public trust in the bureau. He served for nearly a year before departing in January 2026.

    At the time of his appointment, he made clear what he saw as the stakes.

    “My promise to you is that I will work tirelessly to help restore integrity, eliminate political bias, and ensure the FBI remains dedicated to its core mission of protecting the United States and upholding the Constitution,” Bongino said.

    Now back in the public arena, Bongino is offering a firsthand account of what he describes as a battle inside one of the nation’s most powerful institutions — and the methods he used to confront it.

    FROM THE DESK OF DONALD TRUMP JR. Democrats tried to rig the census by counting millions of illegal immigrants — giving blue states more power in Congress. Now we’re making sure only American citizens are counted. But first, we need to verify our own records. CONFIRM YOUR VOTER INFORMATION NOW.

    Inside The White House Correspondents’ Dinner Suspect’s ‘Manifesto’

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    3

    The man accused of opening fire outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner left behind a detailed “manifesto” describing his intent to target members of the Trump administration, “prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest,” according to a copy obtained by CBS News.

    Cole Allen, 31, allegedly sent the writing to family members before the attack. In it, he stated that while law enforcement, hotel employees, and guests were not his intended targets, he was willing to harm them if necessary to reach administration officials. “I really hope it doesn’t come to that,” he wrote.

    Authorities say Allen charged a security checkpoint outside the Washington Hilton on Saturday night armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and knives. President Donald Trump and other officials were quickly escorted from the event, which was later canceled. A Secret Service agent who was shot during the incident, while wearing a bulletproof vest, has since been released from the hospital.

    The suspect’s brother reportedly alerted police in Connecticut after receiving the email, prompting law enforcement to intervene. Investigators later recovered additional writings from Allen’s home in Torrance, California, and his hotel room at the Hilton.

    A chilling and ironic tone

    Throughout the message, Allen adopted a matter-of-fact tone, at times veering into irony.

    “Hello everybody!” he began. “So I may have given a lot of people a surprise today.”

    He apologized to his parents “for saying I had an interview without specifying it was for ‘Most Wanted,’” and to colleagues and students for claiming he had a personal emergency. He suggested that by the time the email was read, he might already require medical attention, referring to potential injuries as “self-inflicted status.”

    Declared targets — with one exception

    Allen wrote that he chose to act because he did not want the administration’s alleged “crimes” to “coat [his] hands.” While he did not explicitly name Trump or the event, he described a plan to target officials in descending order of rank.

    He made one notable exception: “not including Mr. Patel,” he wrote, referencing the FBI director, who was also in attendance.

    Allen added that he would avoid targeting Secret Service, Capitol Police, or National Guard personnel unless necessary. “I hope they are wearing body armor,” he wrote.

    He also detailed tactical decisions, claiming, “In order to minimize casualties, I will also be using buckshot rather than slugs (less penetration through walls).”

    Anticipating criticism

    The manifesto included a section addressing hypothetical objections to his actions, along with rebuttals.

    “As a half-black, half-white person, you shouldn’t be the one doing this,” he wrote as a potential criticism. “Rebuttal: I don’t see anyone else picking up the slack.”

    He also referenced his Christian faith, writing that some might argue he should “turn the other cheek.”

    “Rebuttal,” he continued, “Turning the other cheek is for when you yourself are oppressed.”

    Allen then described various unnamed individuals experiencing hardship, in some cases attributing their struggles to the administration.

    “I don’t expect forgiveness, but if I could have seen any other way to get this close, I would have taken it,” he added.

    Criticism of security

    In a postscript, Allen sharply criticized security measures at the event.

    “PS… what the hell is the Secret Service doing? … No damn security. Not in transport. Not in the hotel. Not in the event,” he wrote.

    He claimed that if he had been a foreign agent, he could have brought in heavier weaponry without detection. Officials note that while the Washington Hilton hosted the event, it remained an operational hotel with public access, and only specific areas were secured.

    Family warnings and prior behavior

    Allen’s sister reportedly told investigators that he frequently used “radical” rhetoric and had previously discussed doing “something” to address what he saw as problems in society and government.

    She also revealed her brother was a regular visitor to the shooting range, was a member of a group called “The Wide Awakes” and had previously attended a “No Kings” rally in California. 

    Political reaction and unanswered questions

    The motive behind the attack remains under investigation.

    Former President Barack Obama emphasized the lack of confirmed details while condemning political violence broadly.

    “Although we don’t yet have the details about the motives behind last night’s shooting… it’s incumbent upon all of us to reject the idea that violence has any place in our democracy,” Obama wrote. He also praised the Secret Service, calling their work “a sobering reminder of the courage and sacrifice” they show.

    During a “60 Minutes” interview, Trump reacted angrily after host Norah O’Donnell read excerpts from the alleged manifesto.

    “You read that crap from some sick person? I got associated with all stuff that has nothing to do with me,” Trump said, adding, “You should be ashamed of yourself… You’re a disgrace.”

    More than 2,500 people had gathered for the annual dinner, which celebrates the First Amendment. Trump, who has typically declined to attend during his presidency, had made a historic appearance this year and has since said he hopes to reschedule the event within 30 days.

    The Full Manifesto

    To read Allen’s full 1,052-word manifesto as published by The New York Post, with minor edits to improve profanity, see below:

    Hello everybody!

    So I may have given a lot of people a surprise today. Let me start off by apologizing to everyone whose trust I abused.

    I apologize to my parents for saying I had an interview without specifying it was for “Most Wanted.”

    I apologize to my colleagues and students for saying I had a personal emergency (by the time anyone reads this, I probably most certainly DO need to go to the ER, but can hardly call that not a self-inflicted status.)

    I apologize to all of the people I traveled next to, all the workers who handled my luggage, and all the other non-targeted people at the hotel who I put in danger simply by being near.

    I apologize to everyone who was abused and/or murdered before this, to all those who suffered before I was able to attempt this, to all who may still suffer after, regardless of my success or failure.

    I don’t expect forgiveness, but if I could have seen any other way to get this close, I would have taken it. Again, my sincere apologies.

    On to why I did any of this:

    I am a citizen of the United States of America.

    What my representatives do reflects on me.

    And I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes.

    (Well, to be completely honest, I was no longer willing a long time ago, but this is the first real opportunity I’ve had to do something about it.)

    While I’m discussing this, I’ll also go over my expected rules of engagement (probably in a terrible format, but I’m not military so too bad.)

    Administration officials (not including Mr. Patel): they are targets, prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest

    Secret Service: they are targets only if necessary, and to be incapacitated non-lethally if possible (aka, I hope they’re wearing body armor because center mass with shotguns messes up people who *aren’t*

    Hotel Security: not targets if at all possible (aka unless they shoot at me)

    Capitol Police: same as Hotel Security

    National Guard: same as Hotel Security

    Hotel Employees: not targets at all

    Guests: not targets at all

    In order to minimize casualties I will also be using buckshot rather than slugs (less penetration through walls)

    I would still go through most everyone here to get to the targets if it were absolutely necessary (on the basis that most people *chose* to attend a speech by a pedophile, rapist, and traitor, and are thus complicit) but I really hope it doesn’t come to that.

    Rebuttals to objections:

    Objection 1: As a Christian, you should turn the other cheek.

    Rebuttal: Turning the other cheek is for when you yourself are oppressed. I’m not the person raped in a detention camp. I’m not the fisherman executed without trial. I’m not a schoolkid blown up or a child starved or a teenage girl abused by the many criminals in this administration.

    Turning the other cheek when *someone else* is oppressed is not Christian behavior; it is complicity in the oppressor’s crimes.

    Objection 2: This is not a convenient time for you to do this.

    Rebuttal: I need whoever thinks this way to take a couple minutes and realize that the world isn’t about them. Do you think that when I see someone raped or murdered or abused, I should walk on by because it would be “inconvenient” for people who aren’t the victim?

    This was the best timing and chance of success I could come up with.

    Objection 3: You didn’t get them all.

    Rebuttal: Gotta start somewhere.

    Objection 4: As a half-black, half-white person, you shouldn’t be the one doing this.

    Rebuttal: I don’t see anyone else picking up the slack

    Objection 5: Yield unto Caesar what is Caesar’s.

    Rebuttal: The United States of America are ruled by the law, not by any one or several people. In so far as representatives and judges do not follow the law, no one is required to yield them anything so unlawfully ordered.

    I would also like to extend my appreciation to a great many people since I will not be likely to be able to talk with them again (unless the Secret Service is *astoundingly* incompetent.)

    Thank you to my family, both personal and church, for your love over these 31 years.

    Thank you to my friends, for your companionship over many years.

    Thank you to my colleagues over many jobs, for your positivity and professionalism.

    Thank you to my students for your enthusiasm and love of learning.

    Thank you to the many acquaintances I’ve met, in person and online, for short interactions and long-term relationships, for your perspectives and inspiration.

    Thank you all for everything.

    Sincerely,

    Cole “coldForce” “Friendly Federal Assassin” Allen

    PS: Ok now that all the sappy stuff is done, what the hell is the Secret Service doing? Sorry, gonna rant a bit here and drop the formal tone.

    Like, I expected security cameras at every bend, bugged hotel rooms, armed agents every 10 feet, metal detectors out the wazoo.

    What I got (who knows, maybe they’re pranking me!) is nothing.

    No damn security.

    Not in transport.

    Not in the hotel.

    Not in the event.

    Like, the one thing that I immediately noticed walking into the hotel is the sense of arrogance.

    I walk in with multiple weapons and not a single person there considers the possibility that I could be a threat.

    The security at the event is all outside, focused on protestors and current arrivals, because apparently no one thought about what happens if someone checks in the day before.

    Like, this level of incompetence is insane, and I very sincerely hope it’s corrected by the time this country gets actually competent leadership again.

    Like, if I was an Iranian agent, instead of an American citizen, I could have brought a damn Ma Deuce in here and no one would have noticed s**t.

    Actually insane.

    Oh and if anyone is curious is how doing something like feels: it’s awful. I want to throw up; I want to cry for all the things I wanted to do and never will, for all the people whose trust this betrays; I experience rage thinking about everything this administration has done.

    Can’t really recommend it! Stay in school, kids.

    John Kennedy here. The last fundraising deadline passed — and we came up short. Now the woke crowd is celebrating, saying “Kennedy’s finished.” Let’s prove them wrong. Chip in $25, $50, or whatever you can to close the gap and keep fighting.

    Trump Cites Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting To Push White House Ballroom: ‘Cannot Be Built Fast Enough’

    By
    Patrick Houck
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    2
    Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Saturday night’s shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner highlights the urgent need for a new White House ballroom, declaring the project “cannot be built fast enough” as he renewed his push for the controversial proposal.

    The remarks came after a gunman, later identified as Cole Thomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, attempted to breach the event at the Washington Hilton, where Trump and senior officials were present. The suspect was apprehended, and a federal officer was injured but survived, officials said.

    Trump Links Incident to Security Concerns

    Following the incident, Trump criticized the Hilton as insufficiently secure and argued that hosting such events off White House grounds creates vulnerabilities.

    In a post and subsequent comments, Trump said the attack would not have happened if the event had been held in a secure facility at the White House.

    “This event would never have happened… It cannot be built fast enough,” Trump said, referring to the proposed ballroom.

    He emphasized that the planned venue would include enhanced security features such as bulletproof glass and protections against drones, all within the perimeter of the White House complex.

    The Ballroom Project

    Trump has been pushing for the construction of a large, high-security ballroom on White House grounds — a project estimated to cost hundreds of millions of dollars and, according to him, funded by private donors and major corporations.

    The proposed facility would be designed to host large-scale events currently held offsite, including the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, and would be significantly larger than existing event spaces on the grounds.

    Plans call for a 90,000-square-foot structure replacing the temporary tents often used on the South Lawn. The design includes a 22,000-square-foot banquet hall capable of seating up to 1,000 guests, along with enhanced security features such as bulletproof glass and a glass-enclosed bridge connecting it to the main residence.

    Reported donors include major technology companies such as Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Google, as well as individuals like Jeff Yass.

    Trump has also said the ballroom would sit above a larger underground complex being constructed by the military. That portion, expected to include medical and security facilities, would be funded through federal appropriations.

    Legal and Political Hurdles

    The project has faced legal challenges and scrutiny over whether proper approvals were obtained.

    • A federal judge previously halted parts of construction pending congressional authorization
    • Preservation groups have raised concerns about the impact on the White House complex
    • An appeals court has allowed some work to continue while the case proceeds

    Despite those hurdles, Trump and his allies have framed the ballroom as a necessary modernization tied to national security.

    Broader Reaction

    The shooting has intensified debate around the project.

    Some lawmakers — including critics of Trump — have acknowledged security concerns highlighted by the incident. Others argue the ballroom is unnecessary or improperly authorized, questioning both its scale and cost.

    What Comes Next

    The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.

    At the same time, the legal battle over the ballroom is expected to continue, with a key court hearing anticipated in the coming months.

    Trump, however, appears unlikely to back down — positioning the project not just as a legacy item, but as a direct response to a preventable security failure.

    READ NEXT: Acting AG Reveals Who Suspect Was Targeting At WH Dinner

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    Trump Shares Altered Photo Targeting Candace Owens, Escalating Feud

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

    WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has intensified his ongoing feud with conservative commentator Candace Owens by sharing a doctored TIME magazine-style cover portraying her as “Vile Person of the Year,” along with fresh personal insults.

    The image, posted on Trump’s social media platform, depicted Owens on a mocked-up TIME cover — a format often used for satire or political messaging — and labeled her with the inflammatory title. Trump also referred to Owens as “low IQ” in accompanying remarks.

    As Mediaite reports:

    “Candace Owens’ stock, which was never very high, has fallen a long way,” wrote Trump. “Her attack on the First Lady of France is despicable. I believe, in this case, without verification, she is an extremely Low IQ individual!”

    Screenshot via @realDonaldTrump on Truth Social

    The attached image was clearly meant to show Owens in an unflattering light, with raised exposure and a black-and-white filter. Along with the title “Vile Person of the Year,” other text on the cover reads, “Candace Owens lies, lies, lies,” “uses rich white men,” “0% fact check ratio on all credible fact checking sites,” and “protects sex offenders!”

    On April 9, Trump posted on Truth Social:

    I know why Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, and Alex Jones have all been fighting me for years, especially by the fact that they think it is wonderful for Iran, the Number One State Sponsor of Terror, to have a Nuclear Weapon — Because they have one thing in common, Low IQs. They’re stupid people, they know it, their families know it, and everyone else knows it, too!

    Owens reacted on X with a cutting remark, writing, “It may be time to put Grandpa up in a home.”

    The post drew swift attention across political and media circles, with reactions ranging from criticism of the rhetoric to concerns about political distractions as major issues dominate the lead-up to the midterm election.

    READ NEXT: Ousted US Official Still Receiving Shocking Military Benefits

    Police Officer Chance Bretches was awarded a Lifesaving Medal with Valor for rescuing someone from a burning vehicle… But now radicals are trying to ruin his life just for doing his job. Officer Bretches and his family need your help. [Support Police Officers HERE]

    Report: Youngkin’s Trump White House Hopes Dim After Virginia Setback

    By
    Patrick Houck
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    1
    President Donald Trump signs Executive Orders, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo by Molly Riley)

    The political fallout from Virginia’s redistricting referendum is reaching beyond the state, cutting into Glenn Youngkin’s standing at a moment that matters for his future.

    In recent weeks, the former governor had been floated as a possible pick for a Trump administration role, with secretary of labor among the positions mentioned. He was seen as a Republican who could point to a win in a blue-leaning state and bring a different profile into a national cabinet.

    That window now looks narrower.

    Timing Undercuts Momentum

    The criticism from inside GOP circles is landing at a particularly inconvenient time for Youngkin.

    According to Politico’s Dasha Burns, administration officials are blaming him for not doing enough to stop the redistricting measure, which passed by a slim margin and could shift up to four House seats toward Democrats. It’s the kind of loss that gets noticed in Washington, especially when control of the House is on the line.

    And it’s not just about the outcome. It’s about perception.

    A senior official, speaking anonymously, put it bluntly: “He doesn’t have enough friends here.” That comment points to a problem that goes beyond one referendum. It suggests Youngkin lacks the internal support that often decides who gets a seat at the table.

    Burns continues:

    Becca Glover, executive director of Youngkin’s Spirit of Virginia PAC, defended the former governor’s efforts, noting he raised and contributed nearly $500,000 to Virginians for Fair Maps and supported the Congressional Leadership Fund and Fair Maps’ fundraising efforts.

    “The governor hit the campaign trail making many stops across the Commonwealth from Wise to Virginia Beach to Leesburg to motivate the grassroots to vote no,” Glover said. “He was proud to be part of a team including Speaker [Mike] Johnson and other former governors to get out the vote.”

    Glover also pointed to the dozens of interviews Youngkin did and his efforts at retail campaigning.

    “He continues to ask that the Supreme Court of Virginia to strike down this unconstitutional power grab,” Glover said.

    A source briefed on White House discussions pushed back, saying Youngkin’s actions helped set the stage for the current difficulties facing him and his party in Virginia.

    “Look, there’s plenty of blame to go around. But if Youngkin hadn’t left the special session open, Louise Lucas would never have had the chance to ram through those maps,” the person said, referring to the Democratic state senator who played a key role in advancing the redistricting effort. “So he has some responsibility for losing these seats.”

    From Rising Star to Question Mark

    Youngkin’s appeal to national Republicans has always been tied to his 2021 victory and his ability to win in a competitive state without fully leaning into Trump-style politics.

    But that brand cuts both ways.

    Inside a Trump-aligned orbit, relationships and loyalty still carry more weight than résumé lines. Another loss in Virginia, even one tied to a ballot measure, gives skeptics more reason to question how much influence Youngkin really has, both at home and in the broader party.

    That matters when administration roles are being discussed behind closed doors.

    Fewer Openings, More Competition

    Even under the best conditions, cabinet-level positions are limited and highly competitive. Candidates need more than a strong narrative. They need advocates inside the administration willing to push their case.

    Right now, the signals suggest Youngkin doesn’t have that backing.

    The criticism tied to the referendum may not be decisive on its own. But combined with lingering doubts about his connections in Washington, it adds friction at the worst possible time.

    READ NEXT: Indicted Democrat Who Resigned From Congress Plans Reelection Bid

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    Leak Reveals Trump Planning ‘Mic-Drop’ Showdown With Media At WHCA Dinner

    By
    Patrick Houck
    -
    2

    WASHINGTON — A leaked report indicates President Donald Trump is preparing a high-profile confrontation with the press at this weekend’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, signaling a return to direct engagement after years of boycotting the event.

    According to the report, Trump plans to deliver a sharply critical speech targeting media outlets he believes have treated his administration unfairly — particularly coverage of the ongoing Iran conflict — before making a quick exit from the event.

    Planned ‘Mic-Drop’ Moment

    Sources familiar with the plan say Trump intends to use the traditionally lighthearted dinner as a platform for a more combative message, aimed at what he has frequently described as hostile or biased coverage.

    The strategy reportedly includes:

    • Direct criticism of specific outlets
    • A short, pointed address rather than a traditional speech
    • Leaving immediately afterward — before awards and entertainment begin

    That approach would break with longstanding tradition, where presidents typically remain for the full program and participate in a comedic back-and-forth with the press.

    Timing and Optics

    The reported plan comes as tensions between the administration and the media remain elevated, particularly over coverage of military operations involving Iran.

    Trump has long accused broad swaths of the press of unfair reporting, while journalists have defended their coverage as part of standard scrutiny of government actions.

    His expected appearance would mark his first attendance at the annual dinner as president after previously skipping it during both terms.

    Breaking With Tradition

    The WHCA dinner has historically served as a symbolic — if sometimes tense — moment of interaction between the presidency and the press corps.

    In recent years, the event has evolved:

    • Comedians, once a staple, have been replaced or scaled back
    • The tone has shifted away from direct political roasting
    • Attendance by presidents has become less consistent

    This year’s program reportedly features a mentalist rather than a comedian, reflecting efforts to avoid controversy tied to past appearances.

    Political Context

    The planned speech also carries broader political implications.

    A direct confrontation with the media — especially in a high-visibility setting — could energize supporters who view press coverage as adversarial, while further straining relations with journalists already at odds with the administration.

    What Comes Next

    It remains unclear whether Trump will follow through exactly as outlined in the leaked plan.

    But if he does, the dinner could shift from a ceremonial event into a high-stakes political moment — one likely to reverberate beyond a single evening in Washington.

    READ NEXT: Watch: Lefty Media Star Makes Disgusting Comments About Atrocities

    Tick-Tock: Time is running out to sync your Trump account before your data is lost forever! Team Trump is counting on you. HURRY, before it’s too late! [Click HERE to update your info]

    Legal Battle Erupts After Judge Halts Virginia Redistricting Certification

    By
    Patrick Houck
    -
    3

    Virginia’s attorney general is appealing a court order that halted a newly approved redistricting plan, setting off another legal clash with potential ripple effects far beyond the state.

    Attorney General Jay Jones said he will challenge a circuit court judge’s decision to block the measure, even after voters narrowly approved it in a statewide referendum.

    “As I said last night, Virginia voters have spoken, and an activist judge should not have veto power over the People’s vote,” Jones said. “We look forward to defending the outcome of last night’s election in court.”

    Court steps in after close vote

    The dispute centers on a temporary constitutional amendment that would allow Democrats to redraw Virginia’s congressional districts before the next census.

    The measure passed with 51% support, compared with 48% opposed. Still, Tazewell County Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley Jr. moved to block it, raising concerns about how the question was presented to voters and when the vote was held.

    Hurley had already tried to stop the referendum months earlier. In February, he issued an order preventing the April vote from going forward.

    Twice, the Virginia Supreme Court allowed the process to continue anyway. The justices declined to weigh in fully, saying only that the process, not the outcome, could ultimately come under review.

    “Issuing an injunction to keep Virginians from the polls is not the proper way to make this decision,” the court said at the time.

    What the new map could do

    If it stands, the plan could dramatically reshape Virginia’s congressional delegation.

    Democrats currently hold a 6-5 edge. Under the proposed map, that margin could widen to as much as 10-1. The arrangement would remain in place until after the 2030 census, when an independent commission would again take over the process.

    That potential shift is drawing attention from both parties nationwide.

    National fallout and political warnings

    Republicans say the move could trigger similar efforts in GOP-led states.

    Sen. Lindsey Graham suggested South Carolina should consider a response.

    “After the Virginia Democrats’ efforts to redistrict in order to increase Democrat seats in the House of Representatives, South Carolina should consider fighting fire with fire,” he said, urging state leaders to weigh their options.

    Democrats, meanwhile, argue the plan is a reaction to earlier redistricting pushes in Republican-controlled states.

    Gov. Abigail Spanberger said Virginia voters understood the stakes.

    “When we found the results out, I was really excited but not surprised,” she said. “Because it’s been clear for a number of months that Virginians were really motivated to take this temporary responsive stance.”

    She pushed back on criticism that the process lets politicians choose their voters, pointing to public access to the maps and contrasting Virginia with states where legislatures acted without voter input.

    A broader fight over redistricting

    The debate is part of a larger, escalating battle over congressional maps.

    House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries cast the Virginia vote as a direct response to pressure from President Donald Trump, pointing to his push for mid-decade redistricting in Texas as the starting point.

    “It was important for Democrats to push back aggressively,” Jeffries said, adding that the party would continue to respond in kind.

    But not all Democrats are comfortable with that approach.

    Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) warned that tit-for-tat redistricting could damage the political system.

    “The wrong thing doesn’t make it the right thing,” he said. “If we continue to just attack the other side … our democracy is degraded.”

    What comes next

    For now, the legal fight returns to the courts, where the future of the voter-approved plan remains uncertain.

    At stake is more than Virginia’s map. The outcome could shape how far states are willing to go in redrawing districts mid-decade and how aggressively parties respond to each other in the process

    READ NEXT: Republican Colleagues Seek Answers After Congressman Goes Missing

    Turning Point is funding the largest ballot-chasing operation in U.S. history to win key battleground states. Our grassroots army is already in the field for 2026 and beyond. But they can’t stay there without your support. Donate today to help win the midterms, protect the America First movement, and keep conservatives in power.

    DeSantis Mentioned As Possible Trump Supreme Court Nominee

    By
    Patrick Houck
    -
    3
    Ron DeSantis via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    President Donald Trump has told confidants that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is angling for a role in the Trump administration, describing the governor as “begging” for consideration, according to a report from Axios.

    Trump, speaking privately, claimed DeSantis specifically sought the position of attorney general. One person familiar with the conversation said Trump put it bluntly: “Ron was begging me to be AG.”

    Private meeting sparks speculation

    The remarks followed a private lunch between the two Republicans at Trump National Doral Golf Club in Miami roughly a week earlier. Multiple sources briefed on the meeting said the discussion went beyond casual politics and touched on DeSantis’ future after leaving the governor’s office.

    DeSantis is term-limited and set to step down in January 2027, which makes his next move one of the more open questions in Republican politics.

    Not everyone close to the conversation agrees with Trump’s characterization. One source described the exchange as broader and less defined.

    “There was a conversation at that lunch,” the person said. “I don’t think AG is real. But he’s gonna be looking for work and Trump likes him.”

    Competing accounts of DeSantis’ interests

    Other accounts suggest DeSantis has different ambitions.

    According to Axios, a source familiar with his thinking said the governor has little interest in serving as attorney general. Instead, two roles stand out: secretary of defense or a future seat on the U.S. Supreme Court.

    “DeSantis is 100% not interested in the AG job,” the source said. “But he would be interested in two things: War secretary or Supreme Court, which would be his dream job.”

    The same source pointed to DeSantis’ long-standing admiration for Justice Clarence Thomas, noting the two “almost have a father-son relationship.” DeSantis has frequently cited Thomas as a model for constitutional interpretation and has publicly defended him amid criticism from the left.

    From rivals to allies

    The behind-the-scenes discussions reflect a shift in the relationship between Trump and DeSantis.

    The two were rivals during the 2024 Republican presidential primary, where tensions often played out in public. That dynamic changed after DeSantis exited the race and endorsed Trump. Since then, both camps have signaled a more cooperative approach.

    DeSantis’ office pushed back on the idea that he is lobbying for a specific job, emphasizing instead that the governor “enjoys a great relationship with President Trump.”

    Trump, for his part, has said publicly he would consider bringing DeSantis into his administration once the governor leaves office, though no formal offer has been made.

    What comes next

    Any path forward remains uncertain.

    A Supreme Court appointment would depend on a vacancy, something no administration can guarantee. A Defense Department role would require changes in current leadership. And while DeSantis has not ruled out another presidential run, joining an administration could offer a different route to stay relevant on national policy.

    For now, the conversations appear informal and fluid. But with DeSantis’ term winding down and Trump continuing to shape his political team, the question of where the Florida governor lands is unlikely to fade anytime soon.

    READ NEXT: GOP Lawmakers And Dems Unite To Block Trump’s Key Policy

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    ‘Tormented’ Tucker Carlson Apologizes For ‘Misleading’ Viewers On Trump

    By
    Patrick Houck
    -
    11
    Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson said he is “sorry” for misleading viewers about President Donald Trump, acknowledging in Monday’s episode of his podcast that his past support helped shape public perception.

    Speaking on “The Tucker Carlson Show” alongside his brother, Buckley Swanson Peck Carlson, he said he feels “tormented” by his past backing of Trump and accepted some responsibility for helping elevate him politically.

    “I want to say I’m sorry for misleading people,” Carlson said, adding that the impact of those decisions will weigh on him “for a long time.”

    Carlson also reflected on what he described as missed warning signs, saying that he and others who supported Trump are “implicated” in the current political landscape.

    WATCH:

    The remarks come amid a growing public rift between Carlson and Trump, with the president increasingly criticizing the commentator in a series of social media posts.

    Carlson, once one of Trump’s most prominent media allies, has become more critical in recent months, particularly over foreign policy decisions and messaging.

    As Mediaite reports:

    Trump has repeatedly lashed out at Carlson in recent months in response to his former ally becoming increasingly critical of the Trump administration – most notably its handling of the Epstein files and the president’s war against Iran.

    This month, the president called Carlson “a Low IQ person,” “stupid,” and “highly overrated” in several Truth Social rants attacking him, as well as other former allies, including Megyn Kelly, Alex Jones, and Candace Owens.

    Responding to Trump’s attacks this month, Carlson remarked, “I’ve always liked Trump and still feel sorry for him, as I do for all slaves… He’s hemmed in by other forces. He can’t make his own decisions. It’s awful to watch.”

    Carlson’s son Buckley Carlson – who shares the same name as his uncle – left his job as Vice President JD Vance’s deputy press secretary last week following Trump’s repeated attacks against his father.

    Monday’s apology follows earlier revelations from legal proceedings indicating Carlson had privately expressed skepticism about Trump even while publicly supporting him.

    The remarks have drawn mixed reactions across the political spectrum.

    Some critics view the apology as an acknowledgment of the influence prominent media figures can have on public opinion. Others have questioned the timing, given Carlson’s long-standing role in shaping conservative discourse.

    It remains unclear whether the comments signal a lasting shift in Carlson’s political stance or a temporary break, similar to the waning support he showed toward the end of Trump’s first term.

    The episode underscores continuing divisions within conservative media and the broader political movement surrounding Trump, as the administration’s attention remains focused on international developments.

    READ NEXT: ‘Awesome’? Senator’s Iran Reaction Sparks Outrage

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    Greene Questions Details Of Trump Assassination Attempt

    By
    Patrick Houck
    -
    2
    Marjorie Taylor Greene -Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, via Wikimedia Commons

    Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the 2024 assassination attempt against President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, adding to growing debate within fringe circles over the incident.

    Greene suggested in comments and social media posts that aspects of the shooting remain unclear, pointing to what she described as unanswered questions about how the attack unfolded and how security failures occurred.

    Her remarks come despite official investigations concluding that the incident involved a lone gunman who opened fire at a campaign rally, grazing Trump’s ear before being killed by law enforcement.

    As Mediaite reports:

    Authorities identified 20-year-old Thomas Crooks as the sole shooter in the incident that injured Trump and two others. 50-year-old rally-goer Corey Comperatore, who was seated behind Trump, was killed, and Crooks was killed by authorities.

    Since then, some MAGA stalwarts have joined other critics in calling for detailed information on the investigation into the shooting.

    Greene retweeted a lengthy post by Trisha Hope, a self-described “J6 Activist,” in which she questioned the shooting and the legitimacy of the famous photo of a bloodied Trump with his fist in the air yelling, “Fight, fight, fight!”

    Greene called Hope’s post an “Extremely important post worth the read and consideration.”

    While Greene has amplified claims circulating online that question whether the full details of the incident have been disclosed, no evidence has been presented to support those theories.

    Her remarks reflect a broader pattern among some political figures and commentators, including Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens, who have expressed skepticism about the investigation’s findings.

    Authorities have described the Butler shooting as a targeted assassination attempt carried out by a single attacker. The incident resulted in Trump being injured and at least one rally attendee killed, prompting a large-scale federal investigation involving the FBI and other agencies.

    Subsequent congressional hearings also examined security lapses that allowed the shooter to access the rally site, with bipartisan calls for greater transparency and accountability from the Secret Service.

    There is no indication from federal authorities that the official conclusions of the investigation are being reconsidered.

    However, the renewed attention on the Butler incident suggests it will remain a subject of political debate as the 2026 election cycle continues.

    READ NEXT: House Dems Make Shameless Move Against Key Trump Official

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