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    Trump Roars Back at Democrats Over Threat to Impeach Pete Hegseth

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    Gage Skidmore Flickr

    President Donald Trump is defending his Pentagon chief as Democrats consider a new impeachment fight if they regain control of the House.

    President Donald Trump blasted congressional Democrats Thursday over their growing calls to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing the opposition party of turning impeachment into a political weapon.

    Speaking to reporters, Trump dismissed the latest threats against his Pentagon chief and suggested Democrats were more interested in targeting administration officials than addressing the country’s problems.

    “I think it’s terrible. All they do is they talk about impeaching everybody,” Trump said when asked whether he was concerned about efforts to remove Hegseth.

    The president also warned that Republicans could respond with similar tactics.

    “I mean, honestly, if we wanted to play that game, we could play it just as well,” Trump said.

    His remarks come as Democrats openly discuss using a potential House majority after the November midterms to pursue Hegseth’s removal, setting up another possible showdown between the White House and Capitol Hill.

    Trump Stands Firmly Behind Hegseth

    Despite growing criticism from Democratic lawmakers, Trump offered an emphatic endorsement of his defense secretary.

    The president described Hegseth as a “great warrior” who has done a “great job” leading the Pentagon.

    “I think he’s the best at his job in many, many years, and a lot of people agree with that,” Trump said.

    The defense secretary has become one of the administration’s most controversial figures, facing scrutiny over his leadership decisions, the dismissal of senior military officers and the administration’s handling of military operations overseas.

    But Trump has consistently defended Hegseth, portraying him as a central figure in his effort to overhaul the Pentagon and restore what the administration describes as a stronger, more accountable military.

    The president’s latest comments signal that he has no intention of distancing himself from Hegseth as Democrats intensify their criticism.

    Democrats Eye Impeachment After Midterms

    The impeachment push is already gaining traction on Capitol Hill, including from an unexpected Republican source.

    Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), a frequent critic of the Trump administration, introduced an impeachment resolution against Hegseth last month.

    A vote on Massie’s privileged resolution is expected after lawmakers return to Washington following the November midterm elections.

    Several House Democrats have told The Hill they support Massie’s effort and would consider backing additional impeachment proceedings if their party regains control of the chamber.

    Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), a member of the House Armed Services Committee and former Marine Corps reservist, delivered a particularly harsh assessment of Hegseth’s tenure.

    “Secretary Hegseth has been nothing short of a disaster for the Pentagon and for America’s standing in the world,” Carbajal said in a statement Wednesday.

    He cited the controversy surrounding Hegseth’s use of the Signal messaging app, the removal of senior military leaders and the administration’s handling of the war with Iran.

    “If he won’t resign, I will vote in favor of impeachment at the next opportunity,” Carbajal declared.

    The impeachment campaign also highlights divisions within Republican ranks, with Massie challenging a Cabinet official whom Trump continues to defend.

    Jeffries Threatens to Push Hegseth Out

    House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has also intensified his criticism of Hegseth, although he has stopped short of fully committing Democratic leadership to impeachment proceedings.

    During a recent campaign appearance, Jeffries warned that Democrats would “run Pete Hegseth out of town” if they regained control of the House.

    In a separate interview, Jeffries said Trump should remove Hegseth himself or Democrats would address the matter.

    “Pete Hegseth needs to be pushed aside by the president, or we’re going to have to deal with that situation if he is not,” Jeffries told MS NOW.

    The Democratic leader has also suggested that the party would investigate Hegseth’s conduct before deciding how to proceed.

    Meanwhile, some Democrats are already making impeachment a priority.

    Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) told Semafor that removing Hegseth should be among the party’s leading objectives if Democrats regain power.

    The growing pressure places Hegseth at the center of a potential congressional confrontation just as Trump campaigns to maintain Republican control of Washington.

    Massie Prepares for a Post-Election Showdown

    Massie has made clear that he intends to press ahead regardless of the midterm results.

    The Kentucky Republican told Roll Call on Monday that he plans to force consideration of his impeachment resolution during the week of November 9, provided Hegseth remains in office.

    The proposal includes eight articles of impeachment involving allegations that Hegseth exceeded his authority during the Iran war and other military operations.

    Massie also accuses the defense secretary of violating congressional war powers and improperly using his office against critics.

    The allegations remain disputed.

    Because Massie’s resolution is privileged, it could force the House to address the matter shortly after lawmakers return. However, members could also vote to table the resolution rather than proceed with impeachment.

    Even if the House voted to impeach Hegseth, removing him from office would require a two-thirds vote in the Senate.

    That creates a substantial hurdle for Democrats seeking his removal. Roll Call+1

    Pentagon Pushes Back Against Critics

    The Pentagon has rejected criticism of Hegseth’s leadership, crediting him with restoring military standards, reducing bureaucracy and strengthening the armed forces.

    Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson previously described Hegseth as a “transformative leader” who has improved the department’s performance.

    Wilson said the department remains united behind the secretary’s vision and committed to supporting American service members.

    The administration has also defended its military operations and leadership decisions against allegations of misconduct.

    Trump’s latest remarks reinforce that support, making clear that the president views the impeachment campaign as another political confrontation with Democrats rather than a reason to reconsider Hegseth’s position. ABC News

    A New Impeachment Battle Looms

    With Election Day approaching, the dispute over Hegseth is becoming a test of how aggressively Democrats intend to challenge Trump’s administration if they regain congressional power.

    Democrats argue that Hegseth’s management of military operations and his handling of congressional oversight warrant serious scrutiny.

    Trump and the Pentagon maintain that the secretary has delivered results and deserves to remain in office.

    But with Massie preparing to force a vote and Democratic lawmakers openly discussing additional investigations, the controversy is unlikely to disappear after November 3.

    Trump has made his position clear: He is standing behind Hegseth, even as lawmakers from both parties prepare for a possible impeachment showdown.

    Marjorie Taylor Greene Unleashes Brutal Trump Insult as GOP Faces Midterm Showdown

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

    The former MAGA firebrand is taking another swing at President Donald Trump, warning that his influence could spell disaster for Republican candidates just days before voters head to the polls.

    Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) is escalating her bitter feud with President Donald Trump, delivering a blistering insult that could deepen divisions within the Republican Party just days before the November midterm elections.

    Once among Trump’s most outspoken allies, Greene now claims the president has become a political liability for the very Republicans he is campaigning to elect.

    “Trump has become a curse to Republican candidates and it will be worse in ’28,” Greene wrote on X.

    The extraordinary attack came after Trump suggested during a Georgia campaign rally that his willingness to help the state could depend on his relationship with its elected representatives.

    Greene accused the president of putting personal grievances ahead of the needs of Georgia residents, marking another dramatic escalation in their increasingly hostile relationship.

    Greene Blasts Trump Over Georgia Rally Remarks

    The latest confrontation began after Trump appeared at a Saturday rally in Perry, Georgia, to boost Republican candidates ahead of the November 3 elections.

    During his remarks, Trump emphasized the importance of electing lawmakers who maintain a strong working relationship with the White House.

    The president praised Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.), the Republican Senate nominee challenging Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, and suggested Collins would have no trouble reaching him when Georgia needed assistance.

    “Collins could call me anytime he wants,” Trump told supporters.

    But Trump quickly shifted gears, mocking Ossoff with a reference to the television character Pee-wee Herman and suggesting he would be less receptive to requests from political opponents.

    “But he needs money for Georgia. I don’t give a damn what he wants. I’m not in,” Trump said while describing how he might respond to a request from someone he disliked.

    Greene seized on those remarks, accusing Trump of threatening to withhold assistance from Georgia over personal political differences.

    “He has no idea how bad he is doing in GA,” Greene wrote.

    She went on to argue that Trump’s comments demonstrated a lack of concern for ordinary Georgians before delivering her stinging assessment of his political influence.

    Her criticism reflects her interpretation of Trump’s remarks. The president did not announce a formal policy to withhold federal funding from Georgia.

    From MAGA Loyalist to Fierce Trump Critic

    Greene’s latest broadside is particularly striking given her history as one of Trump’s most aggressive defenders on Capitol Hill.

    The former Georgia congresswoman built her political reputation championing Trump’s America First agenda, attacking his Democratic opponents and defending him through some of his most contentious political battles.

    But their alliance unraveled in late 2025.

    Trump withdrew his endorsement of Greene in November after the two clashed over several issues, including the administration’s handling of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

    Greene also accused the president of failing to devote enough attention to the rising cost of living, an issue that has become increasingly important to voters ahead of the midterms.

    Their feud intensified until Greene resigned from Congress in January 2026.

    By April, she was openly questioning whether the president still represented the political movement she had spent years defending.

    “This is not the same man that we supported,” Greene said at the time.

    Trump has hardly remained silent.

    During an October 16 rally in Dalton, Georgia, the president mocked his former ally by calling her “Marjorie Taylor Brown” and referring to her as a “whack job.”

    He also celebrated Republican Clay Fuller’s victory in the race to succeed Greene in Congress, underscoring just how far their once-close political relationship has deteriorated.

    Greene Warns Republicans Could Pay the Price

    Greene’s latest attack comes as Republicans fight to preserve their congressional majorities in a challenging political environment.

    With Election Day approaching, Trump has been traveling across the country to rally supporters and boost Republican candidates in competitive races.

    But Greene argues that the president’s involvement could ultimately hurt the party rather than help it.

    Her warning extends beyond November’s elections, suggesting that Republicans could face even greater difficulties during the 2028 presidential race.

    Greene has repeatedly criticized the administration’s handling of the war with Iran, the Epstein files and economic concerns, arguing that Republicans have strayed from the promises that helped return Trump to the White House.

    On Monday, she issued another warning, predicting that voters would deliver a message to Republicans on November 3.

    “There is a powerful lesson that voters are going to send to Republicans on Nov 3rd, but I’m not confident they will learn the lesson,” Greene wrote.

    Her comments reflect a growing personal dispute with Trump, although they do not necessarily represent the views of the broader Republican electorate.

    Trump Pushes Forward as Election Day Nears

    Despite Greene’s criticism, Trump remains deeply involved in the Republican Party’s final midterm push.

    The president has campaigned for candidates across several battleground states, including Georgia, where Collins is attempting to unseat Ossoff in one of the nation’s closely watched Senate contests.

    Trump has also emphasized his ability to deliver political support and federal attention to states represented by Republican allies.

    For Greene, however, the president’s latest Georgia remarks were another sign that personal loyalty has become too important in his political calculations.

    The former congresswoman’s attack adds a new layer of drama to an already tense election season, with Republicans attempting to maintain party unity as Democrats seek to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction over economic conditions and the administration’s policies.

    Whether Greene’s criticism resonates with Republican voters remains uncertain.

    But one thing is clear: The political alliance that once made Greene one of Trump’s loudest defenders has become one of the Republican Party’s most bitter public feuds.

    Trump’s Senate Pick Sparks A Republican Revolt

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

    President Donald Trump is going all in for South Carolina’s Republican Senate nominee. The congressman she defeated is sitting this one out—and making sure everyone knows why.

    Rep. Ralph Norman told Fox News Digital on Tuesday that he will not campaign for Sen. Darline Graham, accusing Trump and powerful interests of trying to impose their preferred candidate on voters.

    The public blowup comes one week before Election Day, with Graham facing Democrat Annie Andrews in a race that has become more competitive than Republicans anticipated.

    A Primary Fight That Never Ended

    Graham defeated Norman in the August Republican runoff after receiving Trump’s endorsement. But the nomination battle has left a lasting split.

    In a text message to Fox, Norman accused special interests and the president of spending millions to promote misleading claims about Graham’s qualifications. He argued that South Carolinians should not have to accept a nominee simply because party leaders demand it.

    “Elections have consequences,” Norman told the outlet.

    According to Fox, Graham’s campaign manager approached Norman’s chief of staff about having the congressman campaign alongside her. Norman declined—and said another request would not change his answer.

    There is a distinction between his campaign boycott and his ballot: Fox reported that Norman previously said he would vote for Graham, even though members of his family would not.

    Another Blow From Across the Aisle

    Andrews, a pediatrician, has also picked up support from two former South Carolina governors who once represented opposing parties.

    Republican David Beasley and Democrat Jim Hodges appeared together in an endorsement video released by Andrews’ campaign Monday, WIS reported. Their joint appearance gives Andrews prominent validators outside the usual Democratic campaign lineup.

    Norman’s son, Warren, has separately written that he is leaning toward Andrews, according to Fox’s account of his FITSNews opinion piece.

    Trump Doubles Down

    Republican leaders are pressing ahead with their case for Graham, who was appointed to the Senate following the death of her brother, Lindsey Graham.

    Fox reported that the Senate Leadership Fund, a political action committee aligned with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, pledged $5 million in advertising for the South Carolina contest.

    Trump has also campaigned for Graham, while the Republican National Committee argues that defeating Andrews will unite the party.

    But the race has tightened enough for the Cook Political Report to move it from “Likely Republican” to “Lean Republican,” according to Fox. That leaves Graham favored, with less breathing room.

    Trump helped her win the nomination. With the general election approaching, Norman is making clear that delivering the seat will be someone else’s job.

    Pete Hegseth Reportedly Eyeing Pivot To Senate Seat

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    0
    By Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America - Pete Hegseth, CC BY-SA 2.0

    War Secretary Pete Hegseth may have his eye on a different Washington address — and the opening could depend on a fellow Republican’s next move.

    Hegseth is reportedly seeking an appointment to the U.S. Senate as concerns mount about a possible impeachment effort after the midterm elections. His potential route runs through Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn, whose seat would become available if she wins the governor’s race and leaves Congress.

    In an October 25 report, Puck described Capitol Hill chatter that Hegseth has been pressing for Blackburn to appoint him as her successor. The reporting raises the possibility of a move from President Donald Trump’s Cabinet to the chamber that could otherwise confront an impeachment case against him.

    A Senate opening — with competition

    The potential appointment comes with a significant complication: Hegseth apparently is not the only Republican interested.

    According to Mediaite’s account of Puck’s reporting, Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., also wants the seat.

    Puck journalist Leigh Ann Caldwell reported that Hegseth attended a University of Tennessee football game with Blackburn earlier this month, with Burchett alongside them. Caldwell also reported, citing someone familiar with Burchett’s intentions, that the congressman has been campaigning for Blackburn across the state.

    That puts a Tennessee lawmaker with an established political network in the mix for the same opportunity reportedly attracting Hegseth.

    Caldwell also questioned whether Hegseth’s relatively recent Tennessee residency would carry enough weight.

    His time in the state, she wrote, “might not count as real Tennessee roots.”

    Impeachment pressure builds

    The maneuvering comes as Democrats weigh their next steps against the Pentagon chief.

    Puck reported that momentum is building among House Democrats to pursue impeachment when Congress returns after Election Day. Caldwell also reported that some Republicans hope Trump will dismiss Hegseth before an impeachment effort advances, while some senators envision him stepping down before they must confront a trial. Those possibilities remain reported discussions, rather than announced decisions.

    The political backdrop is becoming more threatening for Republicans.

    CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten said Sunday that the numbers were heading toward “blowout territory,” according to Mediaite. He cited a 69% chance that Democrats would capture at least 230 House seats — a forecast that would put them comfortably above the majority threshold.

    That remains a projection. Voters have yet to determine control of the next Congress.

    Impeachment would also require separate decisions in each chamber. A House majority can approve articles of impeachment, but conviction and removal require support from two-thirds of senators present. Winning a congressional majority would not, by itself, give Democrats enough votes to remove Hegseth.

    The Pentagon has pushed back

    Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell previously denied the Senate speculation to Axios, saying Hegseth remained focused on leading the department.

    For now, the reported Senate route rests on several unresolved decisions: Blackburn must win and vacate her seat, then choose a successor. And on top of it all, Hegseth would also have to leave the Cabinet.

    Former Trump Aide Calls Rumored White House Shake-Up ‘Terrifying’

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles delivers remarks during the Memorial Service for Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Sunday, September 21, 2025.(Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)

    The job isn’t open but the replacement talk is already setting off alarms.

    Former White House deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews says the prospect of Stephen Miller replacing Susie Wiles as President Trump’s chief of staff is “terrifying” — adding a sharp warning to speculation about who could run the West Wing after the midterms.

    Trump has repeatedly rejected reports that Wiles is headed for the exit. But Matthews, who served during his first administration and later became a vocal critic, argued that the president’s public assurances aren’t the whole story.

    “He’s been doing his favorite thing, which is calling around, seeing what people think of different names that he floats if he chooses to replace her,” Matthews told MeidasTouch’s Jack Cocchiarella on Sunday, according to The Hill.

    “Publicly, he said that he’s sticking with Susie, but we know that he’s making these calls, and one of those names is Stephen Miller.”

    “And that is a terrifying prospect,” she added.

    One Name Sets Her Off

    Matthews offered little praise for Wiles, accusing her of being “complicit in the horrors of this administration.” But she drew a distinction between the current chief of staff and Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff.

    “Stephen Miller is bats— crazy,” she said.

    Matthews warned that elevating Miller could have consequences during the final two years of Trump’s presidency.

    “The idea of someone like a Stephen Miller in charge is a very scary thing,” she told Cocchiarella.

    Her comments were a political assessment of a possible personnel change, rather than an announcement that one is coming. Matthews described having occasional interactions with Miller during briefing preparations with then-press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, according to The Hill.

    Why the Exit Rumors Won’t Quit

    The speculation gained momentum after Politico reported Oct. 15 that Trump had been asking friends and political allies about Wiles and discussing potential successors.

    According to Mediaite’s account of the Politico reporting, four people with direct knowledge described those conversations. Names reportedly floated included Miller, New York Yankees president Randy Levine, special envoy Steve Witkoff, Bill Pulte and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Trump disputed the report.

    Another former Trump chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney, predicted a departure could come after the midterms — while offering a different explanation from Matthews.

    “If she leaves, and I think she probably will, it’s not necessarily because she’s fallen out of favor with Trump,” Mulvaney told NewsNation’s The Hill Sunday.

    “It’s just a natural sort of time to make that change.”

    Mulvaney’s forecast suggested a possible voluntary transition, rather than a firing. It did not establish that Wiles has decided to leave. AOL

    Trump Says ‘Zero Chance’

    Trump’s public position has been emphatic.

    In a statement quoted by The Hill, he branded Politico’s reporting “TOTAL FAKE NEWS” and said Wiles had his “COMPLETE confidence.”

    He reinforced that message in an Oct. 16 conversation with CNN’s Kristen Holmes, saying there was “zero chance” he was considering replacing her.

    “She’s been incredible,” Trump said, according to CNN’s report. He also said Wiles would remain at the White House for a long time.

    Semafor reported that nearly a dozen people close to Trump questioned reports of tension. One adviser suggested people seeking Wiles’s position were helping fuel the speculation. The outlet also reported that Wiles had indicated she intended to stay until Trump leaves office.

    A New Fight Over the Reporting

    The controversy has since expanded into a confrontation between the White House and Politico.

    White House counsel Will Scharf demanded corrections or retractions of three Wiles-related stories, according to Just the News. The administration accused the outlet of publishing false accounts of internal conflict.

    Politico subsequently corrected a separate story about former press secretary Katie Zacharia’s Fox News interview. The correction said follow-up reporting found Wiles did not directly arrange the interview, Political Wire reported. That correction concerned the interview’s booking, rather than announcing a resolution of the replacement dispute.

    For now, Wiles remains chief of staff, Trump says she has his confidence, and no successor has been announced. Matthews’s warning concerns what might happen next — with the midterms approaching and competing accounts of Wiles’s future still circulating.

    Also draft a version more suited for White House Watch

    Trump Backs Wiles as Chief of Staff Speculation Draws Warning From Former Aide

    President Donald Trump is standing behind White House chief of staff Susie Wiles as reports about her future — and potential successors — draw competing assessments from former administration officials.

    Sarah Matthews, a former deputy White House press secretary during Trump’s first term, said Sunday that the possibility of deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller taking over would be “terrifying.”

    Her remarks came during an interview with MeidasTouch’s Jack Cocchiarella, according to The Hill, amid speculation that Wiles could depart after the November midterm elections. Trump has repeatedly denied that he is considering replacing her.

    Matthews Questions Public Assurances

    Matthews argued that Trump’s public support for Wiles could coexist with private discussions about other candidates.

    “He’s been doing his favorite thing, which is calling around, seeing what people think of different names that he floats if he chooses to replace her,” Matthews said, according to The Hill.

    “Publicly, he said that he’s sticking with Susie, but we know that he’s making these calls, and one of those names is Stephen Miller.”

    Matthews, who has become a vocal Trump critic, described that possibility as “a terrifying prospect.” She said she occasionally interacted with Miller during briefing preparations with then-press secretary Kayleigh McEnany.

    Her comments expressed opposition to a potential Miller appointment. They did not establish that Trump has decided to make a change.

    Reports Put Spotlight on Post-Midterm Staffing

    Politico reported Oct. 15 that Trump had been consulting friends and political allies about Wiles and discussing possible replacements.

    According to Mediaite’s account of the reporting, the names floated included Miller, New York Yankees president Randy Levine, special envoy Steve Witkoff, Bill Pulte and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Trump disputed the report.

    Former acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney offered a different interpretation of a possible departure: Wiles could choose to leave after the elections without losing the president’s confidence.

    Speaking on NewsNation’s The Hill Sunday, Mulvaney predicted she would probably depart and described the post-election period as a natural opportunity for a staffing transition, according to The Hill’s report carried by AOL. His assessment was a prediction, rather than a confirmed departure plan.

    Trump and Advisers Push Back

    Trump has publicly rejected the suggestion that Wiles’s position is in jeopardy.

    In a statement quoted by The Hill, he called the Politico reporting “TOTAL FAKE NEWS” and said his chief of staff had his “COMPLETE confidence.”

    Trump subsequently told CNN’s Kristen Holmes on Oct. 16 that there was “zero chance” he was considering replacing Wiles. He praised her performance and said she would remain at the White House for a long time, according to CNN’s report.

    Semafor also reported that nearly a dozen people close to Trump questioned accounts of tension. The outlet said Wiles had indicated she intended to remain in her position until the end of his presidency.

    White House Challenges Coverage

    The administration has also formally challenged Politico’s reporting. White House counsel Will Scharf demanded corrections or retractions of three Wiles-related stories, according to Just the News.

    Politico subsequently corrected a separate report concerning former press secretary Katie Zacharia’s interview with Sean Hannity. Its correction said follow-up reporting found Wiles did not directly arrange that interview, Political Wire reported.

    Vance Tells GOP To ‘Stop Whining’ As Ramaswamy Ad Sparks Ohio Firestorm

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    Vice President JD Vance delivered a blunt message Wednesday to Republicans recoiling from Vivek Ramaswamy’s controversial campaign ad: Stop fighting over the commercial and start fighting to win Ohio.

    The intervention came as Ramaswamy faced bipartisan backlash over an advertisement featuring Democratic opponent Amy Acton’s estranged mother—and as prediction-market traders sharply marked down his chances of becoming governor.

    Asked by a BBC reporter whether the ad was appropriate, Vance declined to make that judgment his priority.

    “Well, I’ll be honest with you, whether the ad was appropriate or not is not really my concern,” Vance said, according to Mediaite’s account of the exchange.

    Instead, he argued, Republicans should focus on who will govern Ohio and represent the state in Washington.

    “But I have to admit that I’m a little bit disgusted when I see Republicans across the country who are whining more about that advertisement than they are about what the congressional Democrats and other Democrats want to do to the United States of America,” he said.

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

    An Ad Opens A Republican Rift

    The commercial features Donna Arthur, Acton’s estranged mother, attacking her daughter’s honesty and urging Ohioans not to elect her.

    But the mother-daughter estrangement carries a history central to the backlash.

    Acton has publicly described childhood neglect and sexual abuse by her stepfather. According to Mediaite, she and her younger brother were removed from their mother’s custody, and reporting on court records has supported her account.

    Critics accused Ramaswamy’s campaign of exploiting that history by giving Arthur a platform to attack her daughter.

    Former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley was among those condemning the move.

    “He’s a bad guy. It’s a shame he continues to get away with it,” Haley wrote, according to Mediaite.

    Acton’s brother, Phil Stearns, responded in a video released by her campaign, describing his sister as a child who endured abuse while trying to protect him.

    “And she was 11 and 12 years old, and to think that that’s somehow a talking point? Shame on Vivek,” Stearns said.

    A Market Warning—And A Campaign Doubling Down

    The controversy has coincided with another troubling development for Ramaswamy.

    In its Wednesday report, Mediaite cited Polymarket prices implying roughly a 22% chance of a Ramaswamy victory, compared with 79% for Acton. Ramaswamy had briefly fallen to 21%, the outlet reported.

    Those figures represent a trading-market snapshot, not voter support or a guaranteed election forecast. Mediaite also noted that his market standing had been declining before the ad controversy, making it difficult to isolate the commercial’s effect.

    His campaign nevertheless plans to press ahead. Axios reported that the operation was committing $4 million to promoting the ad.

    Vance, meanwhile, urged Republicans to rally behind Ramaswamy and GOP Sen. Jon Husted, arguing that the stakes justified a tougher political fight.

    “Politics is a tough business,” he said.

    His closing instruction left little room for ambiguity: “Stop whining about an advertisement and go win the race in 13 days.”

    Vance Reveals The Conversation He Hasn’t Had With Trump About 2028

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    0
    White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

    JD Vance believes Donald Trump would back him for president. But there’s one problem with treating that endorsement as a done deal: They haven’t discussed it.

    The vice president acknowledged that uncertainty during a Monday interview with journalist Mark Halperin on 2WAY, leaving open the possibility that Trump could let a Republican primary unfold before picking a favorite.

    “I think if I run, the president will endorse me,” Vance said, according to Mediaite’s account of the interview.

    But when Halperin asked whether that endorsement would come immediately, the answer became less certain.

    “I would think so, but I don’t know, man,” Vance replied. “I haven’t talked to him about it.”

    An Endorsement Worth Waiting For

    The admission followed Vance’s argument that Trump’s backing carries extraordinary weight with Republican voters, who trust the president’s judgment after watching him battle the party establishment.

    “Obviously, the voters are gonna decide,” Vance told Halperin. “Donald Trump is only one vote of many, but I think his endorsement is still the most powerful.”

    That makes the timing consequential. Vance said Trump could reasonably decide to watch candidates compete before intervening.

    “Again, I think I would get his endorsement, but I also think there’s something to be said for people actually running their own race,” he said.

    When Halperin suggested Vance might struggle as a presidential candidate, the vice president acknowledged the possibility.

    “I might be terrible at it,” he said.

    Trump Keeps His Options Open

    Asked Tuesday about backing Vance, Trump praised his vice president but confirmed they had not discussed the matter. He said the immediate priority was getting through the midterm elections.

    Trump’s support has helped Vance before. ABC News reported that his endorsement helped propel Vance to victory in Ohio’s 2022 Republican Senate primary.

    For now, Vance says he remains undecided about running in 2028. His expectation of Trump’s support comes with a qualification: The conversation has yet to happen.

    Former Trump Chief Of Staff Predicts When Susie Wiles Will Leave White House

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles delivers remarks during the Memorial Service for Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Sunday, September 21, 2025.(Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)

    President Donald Trump is publicly standing behind Susie Wiles. One of her predecessors thinks she’ll leave the White House after the midterms anyway.

    Former acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney predicted Sunday that Wiles will depart after November’s elections — while pushing back on suggestions that she has lost her grip on the president’s inner circle.

    “If she leaves, and I think she probably will, it’s not necessarily because she’s fallen out of favor with Trump,” Mulvaney told NewsNation’s “The Hill Sunday,” according to The Hill.

    “It’s just a natural sort of time to make that change,” he added.

    The prediction lands amid mounting reports about potential replacements and a POLITICO story that reportedly sent Trump into a fury. But Mulvaney’s assessment came with a distinction: Wiles could leave on her own terms while still wielding considerable influence.

    The Report That Reportedly Set Trump Off

    The latest round of speculation escalated after POLITICO reported that Trump had privately sounded out allies about possible replacements for his chief of staff.

    According to Mediaite’s account of POLITICO’s reporting, aide Natalie Harp printed Thursday’s Playbook newsletter and handed it to Trump.

    The president reportedly “blew up” over the negative headlines about Wiles. Three people familiar with the episode described a “freakout,” while Wiles and her allies worked the phones to contain the fallout.

    POLITICO also reported that Trump made additional calls about Wiles after reading the story, according to a person with direct knowledge.

    Trump has forcefully rejected suggestions that his chief of staff is on the chopping block.

    “TOTAL FAKE NEWS Politico doesn’t care about facts, integrity, or honest journalism — it’s why I kicked them out of the White House!” he said in a statement quoted by The Hill.

    “Susie Wiles is my loyal and longest serving Chief of Staff — there is a reason for that. She has been with me since the beginning, is my trusted advisor, and has my COMPLETE confidence.”

    A Press Secretary’s Exit Fuels The Chatter

    The hiring and rapid departure of press secretary Katie Zacharia added fuel to questions about Wiles’s standing.

    According to The Hill, reports suggested Wiles had distanced herself from Zacharia’s appointment. Mulvaney offered his own theory about how that became public.

    “I think she probably leaked it out that she was not involved in the hiring of Katie Zacharia,” he said.

    That was Mulvaney’s speculation, rather than an established account of a leak.

    POLITICO subsequently reported that Wiles helped arrange Zacharia’s appearance with Sean Hannity, whose questioning put the new press secretary’s credentials and troubled debut under a brighter spotlight.

    Fox News disputed that account, telling The Hill that Hannity controls his interviews and that Wiles and White House spokesperson Danielle Alvarez had nothing to do with the booking.

    Mulvaney viewed the reports of Wiles’s possible involvement in Zacharia’s downfall as a sign that the chief of staff still carries weight inside the administration.

    Potential Successors Begin Circling

    Meanwhile, The Washington Post reported Friday that Stephen Miller, Lee Zeldin and Bill Pulte had begun positioning themselves for the job should Wiles depart.

    The same report included a crucial caveat: Wiles had given aides and allies no indication that she planned to leave.

    Trump Tells New Press Secretary To ‘Reconsider’ Job After Turbulent First Week

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    0

    President Donald Trump’s new press secretary hasn’t finished her first week — and he’s already told her to think about whether she wants to stay.

    Trump told reporters Friday that he advised Katie Zacharia to reconsider the role after a rocky debut and days of scrutiny over her legal credentials, according to The Hill.

    “I said, ‘Honestly, if I were you, I’d reconsider,’” Trump said, describing their conversation.

    “I said, ‘You think about it, but I would reconsider,’” he continued.

    Trump said the decision ultimately belongs to Zacharia and that he would speak with her upon his return from a trip that includes a Georgia rally and time in Florida. He said he wants her “to be happy” and accused the news media of treating her unfairly.

    A Briefing That Became The Story

    Zacharia’s Tuesday debut lasted roughly 14 minutes and included just three questions, from Breitbart, Fox News and the Daily Mail. She also briefly referred to her husband as “my president” before correcting herself — a stumble that quickly became fodder for critics, Forbes reported.

    Former Biden press secretary Jen Psaki compared the appearance to a “Saturday Night Live” skit. Anthony Scaramucci, whose stint as Trump’s communications director lasted just 11 days, publicly started counting down her tenure. Trump initially praised her performance, telling reporters Tuesday, “I thought she was very good.”

    Zacharia told Hannity she had received briefing materials Tuesday morning and had little preparation time, according to Fox News.

    Bar Exam Questions Take Over

    The media has also seized on Zacharia’s failed bar exam and her public identification as a lawyer. Trump described her as an attorney when announcing her appointment.

    That coverage now includes an acknowledgment from Zacharia herself. During Thursday’s appearance on Sean Hannity’s Fox News program, she confirmed that she had not passed the exam and had never retaken it, ABC News reported.

    Earlier Thursday, she told Real America’s Voice that she took the exam after graduating from Pepperdine’s law school in 2011 but considered the results “somewhat inconsequential” because she planned to move to China, where she subsequently worked in international transaction law.

    She also said legal professionals had advised her that she could describe herself as a lawyer providing legal analysis, distinguishing that from an attorney providing legal advice, according to ABC News.

    Questions intensified after she responded to a reporter asking where she passed the bar by referring to her move to China. She later told The New York Times that helicopter noise had prevented her from hearing the question correctly, ABC reported.

    By Friday, Trump was publicly offering his new spokeswoman a chance to reconsider — leaving her future behind the podium unresolved.

    Megyn Kelly Urges Don Lemon To Run For President

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    3

    Don Lemon is floating a presidential run — and Megyn Kelly is giving him an unexpected push.

    The former Fox News host encouraged the outspoken Trump critic to pursue the White House, arguing that a career in television journalism should hardly disqualify him. But her surprising show of support came with a swipe at some of the Democratic Party’s biggest names.

    “OK, I’m going to shock you,” Kelly said on Tuesday’s episode of her show, according to The Hill. “I think he should do it. I actually think he should do it.”

    “First of all, it’s not a dealbreaker that he has spent his life as a journalist. I mean, you could absolutely parlay that into a career in public service.”

    An Endorsement With An Edge

    Kelly’s encouragement quickly became a pointed assessment of the politicians Lemon might hope to join.

    She questioned whether former Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Joe Biden had demonstrated greater intelligence than the former CNN anchor. She also suggested Lemon could hold his own against Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., Mediaite reported.

    “Are we so enamored with our public officials now we don’t think somebody like Don Lemon could do it? Honestly, I’m not,” Kelly said, according to The Hill.

    Her enthusiasm also came with an acknowledgment that a Lemon campaign would provide plenty of material for the people covering it.

    “I encourage him and I’m rooting for him. He doesn’t actually think he’s going to win, however,” she added.

    That makes her remarks something more complicated than a straightforward political endorsement: encouragement for Lemon to enter the race, delivered alongside digs at Democrats and anticipation of the spectacle.

    Lemon Leaves The Door Open

    The discussion followed Lemon’s Oct. 3 appearance on “Uncloseted” with Spencer Macnaughton, where he described viewers asking whether he would consider running for office.

    “If the people want me, I’ll do it,” Lemon said.

    He acknowledged that a presidential campaign would require a full-time commitment and said he still wanted to devote much of his time to journalism. He nevertheless raised the possibility of combining his media work with a campaign.

    There is a significant distinction behind the 2028 chatter: Macnaughton asked about the chances Lemon would run at some point in his lifetime. Lemon’s estimate of 65% to 70% was not a firm commitment to the next presidential election.

    Lemon also said he believed Americans could elect a gay Black president, while expressing doubts about whether the current political moment was right for such a candidacy.

    The former CNN host, who launched his own show after the network fired him in 2023, has yet to turn that speculation into an announced campaign.

    But he already has one unlikely voice urging him toward the starting line.

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