Latest

    Politics

    Home Politics

    Michael Cohen Makes Plea To Trump For A Pardon

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    0
    Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    On Tuesday, Michael Cohen, once President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer and later one of his fiercest critics, appeared on Dan Abrams’ SiriusXM show to discuss a wide range of topics—from his treatment in prison to a plea for pardons.

    During the interview, Cohen revealed that he has written letters to both President Joe Biden and Donald Trump urging sweeping clemency for Americans with criminal records who have paid their debt to society. Reading from the letter he sent to Trump, Cohen said:

    “It is urged clearly, unequivocally, and without delay that the president issue an executive order granting a full and unconditional pardon to all non-violent felons who have completed their sentences. This act would be more than a gesture of compassion.”

    He continued:

    “It would be a defining stroke of moral leadership. Over 70 million Americans carry the lifelong burden of a criminal record, despite having fulfilled their legal debt to society. They are our neighbors, coworkers, parents, veterans, and citizens who live under silent exile, denied employment, housing, education, and the right to fully participate in the country they call home. With a single act, the burden can be lifted.”

    Cohen even coined a name for the plan: “TEPO, the Trump Emancipation Proclamation Order.” He argued that such a move could be “the single most important act of kindness that any president can bestow on 70 million Americans and their families.”

    While this appeal may surprise some given their adversarial past, it comes amid a historically expansive use of Trump’s clemency powers in his second presidential term. Since returning to the White House in January 2025, President Trump has issued thousands of pardons and commutations, including blanket clemency for roughly 1,500 individuals connected to the January 6, 2021, Capitol events and a number of high-profile figures such as Ross Ulbricht and others.

    Trump’s defenders argue these pardons are part of his ongoing fight against what he describes as a politicized justice system, correcting overreach and restoring fairness where the courts or prosecutors exceeded their bounds. Opponents often frame the clemency spree as politically motivated, though Trump’s supporters see it as a restoration of constitutional pardon authority to benefit everyday Americans and loyal citizens alike.

    Cohen’s Prison Treatment and Claims About Bill Barr

    Cohen also recounted his own prison experience after being sentenced in 2018 to three years for tax evasion, bank fraud, and lying to Congress. He described harsh conditions and claimed that then-Attorney General Bill Barr had him sent back to prison under what he characterized as “draconian conditions,” with extreme cold and heat in holding areas that made his time there especially difficult.

    Break with MeidasTouch and Media Fallout

    Cohen addressed his recent departure from the MeidasTouch Network, a left-leaning media company that cut ties with him after a Substack post in which he suggested prosecutors coerced him into testifying against Trump. Cohen insisted:

    “It is true, not personal. … I specifically state that I am not here to defend Donald Trump. That is not the intention of this statement which I wrote or my Substack article.”

    He described the split as a misunderstanding driven by headlines rather than the full context of his words.

    The Trump–Cohen History

    The rift between Trump and Cohen runs deep. Once a loyal lawyer who said he would “take a bullet” for Trump, Cohen later turned on his former boss, cooperating with prosecutors and ultimately testifying in Trump’s New York criminal case—where Trump was convicted on business-record charges related to reimbursements made to Cohen during the 2016 campaign.

    At the time Cohen was seeking a pardon from Trump, that relief never materialized. Trump publicly brushed off questions about pardoning Cohen, reportedly saying, “most people will flip if the Government lets them out of trouble.”

    Watch the full interview below:

    DON’T LET MAGA FREEZE: Will you help LIGHT THE FIRE, so we can melt away the Dems’ hopes of sweeping through the midterms? Things are heating up! [Donate HERE]

    Marjorie Taylor Greene Bluntly Declares MAGA ‘Was All A Lie’

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    2

    Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, once one of President Donald Trump’s most outspoken allies on Capitol Hill, has escalated her public break with the former president—this time taking direct aim at the Make America Great Again movement itself.

    In a lengthy interview with independent political commentator Kim Iversen published on YouTube Thursday, Greene accused Trump of abandoning the grassroots voters who fueled his rise, branding MAGA a betrayal of the very people it promised to serve.

    “MAGA is — I think people are realizing it was all a lie. It was a big lie for the people,” Greene said.

    The Georgia Republican, who resigned from Congress last fall, argued that Trump has shifted his focus away from everyday Americans and toward wealthy donors and entrenched interests. According to Greene, political loyalty is now driven by money rather than principle.

    “He’s more worried about serving the big big donors,” she said, referring to donors who contribute to Trump-aligned PACs and high-dollar projects, including his newly announced ballroom. “Those are the people that get the special favors, the government contracts, they get the pardons.”

    Greene went on to argue that foreign governments and multinational corporations now wield disproportionate influence over U.S. policy.

    “And it’s the foreign countries that are running the show here,” she added. “It’s the major big corporations and what is best for the world. That’s really what MAGA is.”

    Her criticism extended to foreign policy, particularly Trump’s focus on Iran and the Middle East. Greene suggested domestic unrest is being ignored in favor of overseas conflicts.

    “I’m sorry, we’ve got civil war practically breaking out in Minnesota, can we not care about that?” she said.

    Greene reserved her sharpest criticism for U.S. involvement in Israel and Gaza, accusing Trump of prioritizing foreign interests over American lives and values.

    “We’re seeing war on behalf of Israel,” Greene said. “We’re seeing the people in Gaza — innocent people in Gaza, hundreds of thousands of them completely murdered, so that they can build some new real estate development and money can pour in and everyone can get rich there in New Gaza.”

    The remarks mark a dramatic evolution for Greene, who was once considered among Trump’s most reliable defenders in Congress. Her relationship with the former president began to fracture publicly after she accused him of dragging his feet on releasing government files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein—an issue popular among the GOP base skeptical of elite accountability.

    Following those comments, Trump publicly distanced himself from Greene, dubbing her “Marjorie ‘Traitor’ Greene” and claiming she had “some sort of act going on.” Their feud intensified in the months that followed, culminating in Greene’s decision to leave Congress altogether.

    While Greene has framed her resignation as a rejection of Washington politics, speculation has continued to swirl within conservative circles that she may be positioning herself for a future national run. Allies and critics alike have noted that her recent media appearances, broader ideological critiques, and willingness to challenge Trump directly resemble the early stages of a potential presidential or third-party campaign.

    Greene has not formally announced any plans to run for president, but she has also declined to rule it out—fueling rumors that her break with Trump may be less about stepping away from politics and more about redefining the post-Trump conservative movement on her own terms.

    According to a November report from Notus, Greene has privately expressed interest in following in Donald Trump’s footsteps to the White House. The outlet cites four sources familiar with her thinking, saying Greene believes she represents the “real MAGA” faction — the core conservative movement that has reshaped the GOP since 2016 — and that many Republican leaders have drifted away from those grassroots values. (RELATED: Marjorie Taylor Greene Reportedly Prepping For 2028 Presidential Run)

    One source told Notus that Greene feels confident she has built the national donor network and grassroots support needed to mount a serious primary campaign, especially as the GOP’s base remains loyal to Trump’s populist agenda.

    Watch the full interview:

    Hold the House. Protect Trump. Stop the next impeachment threat — chip in today!

    Walz Says He’d ‘Beat the S—‘ Out of JD Vance in Debate, Admits He Was Outmatched in 2024 Showdown

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    1

    Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), Kamala Harris’s running mate in the 2024 election, said this week that he now believes he mishandled his vice-presidential debate with Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) — and resorted to profane bravado while attempting to explain why.

    Appearing Tuesday on The Bulwark podcast with host Tim Miller, Walz was asked whether he gave Vance “too much benefit of the doubt” during their widely watched debate and whether assuming good faith was a mistake.

    “Look, I’ll own it,” Walz said. “But you’ve been around this long enough. When you’re on a ticket, you take your orders. Look, I have agency on that, meaning I could have done this, but I am a good team player. And I will say this: I never kidded anybody about debates.”

    Walz went on to express frustration that he failed to more aggressively challenge Vance, who emerged from the debate with bipartisan praise for his composure, clarity, and command of the issues.

    Though Walz claimed he does not “get joy out of beating someone,” he added, “Yes, I would beat the s— out of him now if I could, and I would call that out. I mean, that’s just different. In verbally going at it, my argument is much better.”

    Walz specifically objected to Vance’s arguments on housing and immigration — positions that align closely with mainstream Republican policy priorities and resonate strongly with working-class voters.

    “Making the case that housing prices are up because of immigration and that we should build on federal lands — it was such a crazy thing,” Walz said. “But then when I watched him, I got sucked into that.”

    Walz admitted he veered off message during the debate, particularly when reacting to controversial media narratives circulating at the time.

    “If you remember, this was right in that moment of eating dogs and cats,” Walz said. “I took that bait and thought that that was the argument of how outrageous it was. That was not the argument.”

    A Debate That Elevated Vance

    The October 2024 vice-presidential debate was widely viewed as a breakout moment for Vance, who surprised many observers with a calm, confident, and policy-focused performance. While Democrats had expected an aggressive partisan clash, Vance struck a cordial tone while forcefully defending conservative positions on immigration enforcement, housing affordability, energy independence, and federal overreach.

    Polling afterward showed Vance’s favorability rising, particularly among independents and blue-collar voters — a key reason many Republicans now see him as the natural heir to the post-Trump GOP coalition.

    Since the election, Vance has continued to build his national profile, maintaining close ties to President Donald Trump while also positioning himself as a next-generation conservative leader capable of winning Rust Belt states and expanding the Republican map. Many party insiders already consider him the likely Republican presidential nominee in 2028, if not sooner.

    Harris Privately Criticized Walz Performance

    Former Vice President Kamala Harris confirmed Walz’s shaky debate showing in her post-campaign memoir, 107 Days, revealing that she was deeply disappointed by his performance.

    “When Tim fell for it and started nodding and smiling at J.D.’s fake bipartisanship, I moaned to Doug, ‘What is happening?’” Harris wrote, referring to her husband, Doug Emhoff.

    Harris acknowledged that the debate ultimately had little impact on polling but suggested Walz should have been better prepared.

    “I reassured him that the election would not be won or lost on account of that debate, and in fact it had a negligible effect on our polling,” she wrote. “In choosing Tim, I thought that as a second-term governor and twelve-year congressman he would know what he was getting into. In hindsight, how could anyone?”

    A Telling Contrast

    For many Republicans, Walz’s comments highlight a broader contrast between the two men: Vance’s disciplined, message-driven approach versus Democrats’ increasing reliance on emotional rhetoric and post-hoc excuses.

    While Walz now says he wishes he had been more combative, Republican voters saw something different in 2024 — a Republican candidate who didn’t need theatrics to win the argument, and who looked every bit like a future president.

    Hold the House. Protect Trump. Stop the next impeachment threat — chip in today!

    Trump Says Democrats Will ‘Find Something’ To Impeach Him If Midterms Go Sideways

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    0
    Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    President Donald Trump warned Tuesday that Democrats would waste no time pursuing impeachment if they manage to retake the House of Representatives in November, arguing that their opposition is driven more by hostility than policy disagreements.

    “They’ll find something. There’ll be something,” Trump said during an exclusive interview on “The Will Cain Show.”

    “I made the wrong turn at an exit, and let’s impeach him. They did that before. They impeached me on a perfect phone call, turned out. They impeached me twice and, by the way, I won the impeachments very easily and quickly, but they impeach. They’re very nasty people [and] they have bad policy.”

    Trump’s comments reflect long-standing frustration among Republicans with what they view as Democrats’ reliance on investigations and impeachment rather than legislative solutions. During his first term, Trump became the only president in U.S. history to be impeached twice—once over a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and later over events surrounding January 6. In both cases, the Senate declined to convict, outcomes Trump and his supporters cite as vindication.

    The president joined Will Cain live from Iowa, where he kicked off a push toward the 2026 midterm elections. The visit included interactions with voters and culminated in a campaign-style event in Clive, underscoring the administration’s early focus on maintaining Republican momentum and defending narrow congressional margins.

    Republicans currently hold a razor-thin majority in the House of Representatives, with 218 seats to Democrats’ 213. That slim advantage has heightened concerns within the GOP about historical trends that tend to favor the out-of-power party during midterm elections.

    History suggests Trump and Republicans face an uphill battle heading into November. Since the 1930s, midterm elections have almost always resulted in the president’s party losing House seats—and frequently losing control of the chamber altogether. Political analysts often attribute the pattern to voter complacency among the president’s supporters and heightened motivation among the opposition.

    Trump acknowledged that reality while speaking to Cain.

    “Whether it’s Republican or Democrat, when they win, it doesn’t make any difference. They seem to lose the midterms, so that’s the only thing I worry about,” he said.

    “Maybe they [voters] want to put up a guard fence. You just don’t know. It doesn’t make sense. Even if a president did well, they seemed to lose the midterms, but hopefully we’re going to change that around.”

    Republicans argue that the stakes of the upcoming midterms are especially high, pointing to Democratic calls for renewed investigations, aggressive regulatory policies, and expanded government spending. Trump’s message to voters in Iowa centered on the need for unified Republican turnout to prevent what he described as partisan gridlock and politically motivated impeachment efforts from resurfacing.

    Donald Trump Jr. just endorsed Byron Donalds for Governor! But he needs all the help he can get to keep Florida red. Grassroots supporters like YOU can make a HUGE impact! [Help Byron Donalds TODAY]

    Republican Warns Stephen Miller Will Cost GOP Midterms

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    1

    Florida state Sen. Ileana Garcia (R), a longtime supporter of former President Trump and co-founder of Latinas for Trump, is publicly criticizing the tone and tactics surrounding the administration’s latest immigration crackdown—warning that internal divisions and inflammatory rhetoric could cost Republicans in the midterms.

    “I do think that he will lose the midterms because of Stephen Miller,” Garcia told The New York Times in an interview published Tuesday, referring to Trump’s White House deputy chief of staff and one of the architects of the administration’s hard-line immigration strategy.

    Garcia, who has consistently supported strong border enforcement and backed Trump’s efforts to regain control of the southern border, stressed that her concern is not with securing the border itself, but with how the policy is being communicated and executed. She placed particular blame on Miller for what she described as unnecessarily aggressive rhetoric that risks alienating persuadable voters—including Hispanic Republicans who favor border security but reject what they see as dehumanizing language.

    The comments follow a volatile weekend in Minneapolis, where federal agents shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti during a protest tied to the administration’s immigration actions. The incident came just weeks after another fatal shooting involving federal authorities in the same city, when ICE officers shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good earlier this month.

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Pretti “attacked” federal law enforcement officers, while Miller went further, describing Pretti as “a would-be assassin” who “tried to murder federal law enforcement.”

    White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later sought to distance President Trump from Miller’s remarks, telling reporters Monday that she had not heard the president “characterize Mr. Pretti in that way” and emphasizing that the incident remains under investigation.

    Garcia pushed back sharply on Miller’s framing in a post Monday on X.

    “Distorting, politicizing, slandering – justifying what happened to Alex Pretti contradicts the American values the administration campaigned on. He was neither a domestic terrorist nor an assassin,” Garcia wrote.

    “Allowing individuals like Stephen Miller, among others, who represent the government and make hard-line decisions, to make such comments will have long-term consequences. … This is not what I voted for!” she added.

    Garcia’s criticism carries weight within Republican circles. She helped rally Latina voters for Trump during his 2016 campaign and later served in the Department of Homeland Security during his first term. While she has consistently supported deportations of criminal illegal immigrants and stronger border controls, she has previously warned against what she called “inhumane” tactics used to meet deportation quotas, arguing that they undermine public trust and conservative messaging on law and order.

    Her remarks highlight a broader debate within the GOP as Republicans campaign on border security ahead of November’s high-stakes midterms. While voters continue to rank immigration and public safety among their top concerns, some party leaders are increasingly wary that overheated rhetoric—especially following deadly confrontations—could distract from Republicans’ core argument: restoring order at the border, enforcing the law, and keeping communities safe.

    As fallout from the Minnesota shootings continues, political observers warn that how Republicans handle immigration enforcement—and how they talk about it—may prove just as important as the policies themselves in determining control of Congress this fall.

    The House GOP HQ is pledging 35X IMPACT that could completely turn the tides for our House majority and bring the radical left to their knees. But time is running out! We’d hate for you to miss this critical opportunity. [Donate HERE]

    Trump Impeachment Star Witness Makes Longshot Run For Senate

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    0
    Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    Retired Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a former National Security Council official best known for his role in President Donald Trump’s first impeachment, announced Tuesday that he is entering Florida’s 2026 U.S. Senate race as a Democrat, challenging Republican Sen. Ashley Moody.

    Vindman rose to national prominence in 2019 after testifying against President Trump over a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky—testimony that became central to Democrats’ first impeachment effort. That impeachment ultimately failed, with the Senate acquitting Trump in a 52–48 vote largely along party lines.

    In his campaign launch video, Vindman leaned heavily on footage from the impeachment proceedings, framing his candidacy as an extension of his opposition to Trump. “The last time you saw me was here,” Vindman said, referring to the impeachment hearing. “Swearing an oath to tell the truth about a president who broke his.”

    Vindman went on to describe Trump as a “wannabe tyrant” and claimed the former president unleashed a “reign of terror and retribution” against him and his family—language that underscores how central anti-Trump activism is likely to be to his campaign pitch.

    A political newcomer with no prior electoral experience, Vindman faces steep odds in Florida, a state that has moved decisively to the right in recent election cycles. Trump carried the Sunshine State by 13 points in November 2024, and Republicans currently hold every statewide elected office. Florida has not elected a Democratic senator since Bill Nelson’s narrow reelection victory in 2012.

    Vindman, an Iraq War veteran, retired from the Army in 2020 after a decades-long military career. He later filed a lawsuit against Trump and several former aides, alleging “intimidation and retaliation,” but the suit was unsuccessful. His wife, Rachel Vindman, publicly criticized former President Joe Biden for declining to issue pardons to the couple at the end of his term.

    “Whatever happens to my family, know this: No pardons were offered or discussed,” Rachel Vindman wrote in a post on Bluesky. She added that she “cannot begin to describe the level of betrayal and hurt” she felt toward the Biden administration.

    Sen. Ashley Moody, a Republican and former Florida attorney general, was appointed to the Senate by Gov. Ron DeSantis to fill the seat vacated by Marco Rubio after Rubio became secretary of state. Moody is running for reelection with the backing of President Trump and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, giving her a significant institutional and fundraising advantage.

    The Cook Political Report currently rates the race as “solid Republican,” its strongest rating for GOP-held seats—reflecting Florida’s recent political realignment and Democrats’ continued struggles to remain competitive statewide.

    The 2026 contest is a special election to serve the final two years of Rubio’s term. The winner will need to run again in 2028 to secure a full six-year term.

    Vindman has lived in Broward County since 2023, a Democratic stronghold in South Florida. His twin brother, Eugene Vindman, represents a safely Democratic House district in northern Virginia, further highlighting the family’s close ties to Democratic politics.

    Nationally, Democrats face a difficult map in 2026 as they attempt a longshot effort to retake control of the Senate. To do so, they would need to defend vulnerable seats in states like Michigan and Georgia while flipping at least four Republican-held seats—an outcome most analysts consider unlikely.

    Donald Trump Jr. just endorsed Byron Donalds for Governor! But he needs all the help he can get to keep Florida red. Grassroots supporters like YOU can make a HUGE impact! [Help Byron Donalds TODAY]

    Trump Says GOP Has a ‘Good Bench’ for 2028—But Won’t Name a Successor Yet

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    0

    President Trump says Republicans are well-positioned for the future—and that the party has a deep lineup of potential leaders ready to carry the America First agenda into 2028.

    In an interview airing Wednesday night on NewsNation’s “Katie Pavlich Tonight,” Trump was asked whether he sees a clear successor who could continue his legacy in the White House.

    “I hope so,” Trump said. “And we certainly have a good bench. We have some very talented people.”

    While the president acknowledged he has early favorites, he declined to name any one candidate this far out.

    “I do, but it’s so early,” Trump told Pavlich. “I don’t like to [say].”

    Trump Highlights Key Leaders Driving the Agenda

    When pressed for names, Trump pointed to the strength of his administration and the results his team is delivering—especially on issues central to Republican voters, including border security, economic recovery, and restoring America’s standing abroad.

    “Look, we have great people,” Trump said. “I’m not just talking about one or two—we have so many great people.”

    Asked again who specifically stood out, Trump singled out several of the most prominent figures in his circle:

    • Vice President JD Vance, whom Trump credited with strong leadership and loyalty to the MAGA coalition
    • Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a familiar and experienced voice on foreign policy
    • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who has been a key figure in Trump’s economic team

    Trump also praised officials leading the administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration and security efforts:

    • Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar and a longtime advocate of tougher enforcement
    • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who has taken a visible role in administration security priorities

    “I could name 20 people that are phenomenal,” Trump added.

    A Sign of Confidence—and a Message to Voters

    Trump’s remarks are being read by many Republicans as a clear message: the GOP is not just a one-man movement. While Trump remains the dominant figure in conservative politics, his comments suggest the broader America First bench is expanding—a sign of stability and staying power for the party beyond any single election cycle.

    In recent years, Republican voters have increasingly prioritized candidates who will:

    • fight the administrative state rather than manage it
    • take border enforcement seriously
    • resist “forever war” foreign policy
    • challenge corporate-media narratives instead of courting them

    Trump’s list reflects that shift and highlights Republicans who have gained credibility with the base through real governance and public-facing leadership.

    Midterms: Republicans Eye a Comeback in 2026

    The comments come as Republicans begin gearing up for the 2026 midterms following setbacks in last year’s elections. Democrats and their allied media have tried to portray those results as a long-term trend—yet history suggests otherwise.

    Trump himself addressed the challenge in an earlier Fox News interview, noting that the party in power “always loses” seats in midterm elections. That pattern has been true for decades and reflects voter turnout dynamics and backlash politics more than any permanent realignment.

    A new Emerson College poll shows Democrats leading a hypothetical generic ballot matchup at 48.1% to 41.7%, with 10.2% undecided. But Republicans caution that early polling—especially this far from Election Day—often fails to capture likely-voter turnout, local issues, and late-breaking shifts that typically determine midterms.

    Bottom Line

    Trump may not be naming a successor yet, but he’s signaling something important: the Republican Party has depth, talent, and rising leaders ready to keep building on the movement voters started in 2016.

    For Republicans focused on winning in 2026—and holding the line against Democrats’ spending agenda, cultural policies, and bureaucratic overreach—Trump’s message was simple: the team is strong, and the fight isn’t slowing down.

    Trump-Backed Congresswoman Launches Campaign To Challenge Senate Incumbent

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    2
    President Donald Trump gestures to the crowd after delivering remarks at the House GOP Member Retreat, Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Donald J. Trump- John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)

    Rep. Julia Letlow (R-La.) announced Tuesday that she is launching a Republican primary challenge against Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), stepping into the race just days after President Trump publicly encouraged her to pursue a Senate run in Louisiana.

    In a two-minute launch ad, Letlow framed her campaign as part of a broader fight to defend conservative priorities in Washington.

    “I have fought alongside President Trump to put America first, standing up for our parents, securing our borders, supporting law enforcement, rooting out waste, fraud and abuse that drives up inflation and fighting to fix an education system too focused on woke ideology instead of teaching,” she said.

    Letlow argued that Louisiana Republicans want a senator whose votes are predictable when the stakes are highest.

    “A state as conservative as ours, we shouldn’t have to wonder how our senator will vote when the pressure’s on,” she continued, without mentioning Cassidy by name. “Louisiana deserves conservative champions, leaders who will not flinch.”

    Watch:

    Cassidy responds after call from Letlow

    Cassidy confirmed the news on X, saying Letlow personally called him earlier Tuesday to share her decision to run.

    “She said she respected me and that I had done a good job. I will continue to do a good job when I win re-election,” Cassidy wrote. “I am a conservative who wakes up every morning thinking about how to make Louisiana and the United States a better place to live.”

    Cassidy has long presented himself as a policy-focused Republican, emphasizing issues such as fiscal restraint, energy development, and hurricane recovery, while also working within the Senate’s institutional framework—an approach that can play well with establishment GOP voters but has faced skepticism from grassroots conservatives in recent years.

    Trump signals support for Letlow

    Letlow’s announcement followed Trump’s recent public praise of the congresswoman, where he encouraged her to make the jump to the Senate. In a Truth Social post, Trump described Letlow as a “TOTAL WINNER!” and said she “has ALWAYS delivered for Louisiana.”

    That backing immediately reshaped the race, positioning Letlow as the most prominent Republican challenger Cassidy has faced as he seeks another term. In a state where Trump remains highly popular among Republican primary voters, his involvement is likely to be one of the biggest factors in determining the outcome.

    A political fight years in the making

    Cassidy has been under heavy pressure from many pro-Trump activists since 2021, when he became one of seven Republican senators to vote to convict Trump during his impeachment trial following the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The Senate ultimately acquitted Trump, but the vote left lasting consequences for Cassidy inside Louisiana GOP politics.

    What Letlow is betting on

    Letlow, who has represented Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District since 2021, rose to national attention after winning a special election following the death of her husband, Rep. Luke Letlow, who died from complications related to COVID-19 shortly after being elected.

    Since entering Congress, she has worked to build relationships within the Republican conference while maintaining a strong conservative profile—supporting border enforcement policies, opposing Democratic-backed spending packages, and highlighting cultural issues such as parental rights and education.

    Her campaign’s early tone signals she plans to run as a Trump-aligned conservative focused on the top issues driving Republican voters in 2025: immigration, inflation, crime, cultural pushback in schools, and government accountability.

    New primary rules could raise the stakes

    The race will also unfold under Louisiana’s new closed primary process, a change that could have major consequences. With a more Republican-only electorate participating, Cassidy may face an even more conservative and Trump-friendly primary environment than in previous cycles.

    That shift could make it harder for Cassidy to rely on crossover voters or independents who might otherwise support an incumbent known for policy work and institutional seniority.

    At the same time, a crowded field could still complicate the race. If multiple Republicans enter the primary and divide anti-Cassidy voters, Cassidy could benefit from winning a strong plurality of establishment conservatives, business-oriented Republicans, and voters who prioritize seniority and committee influence.

    A high-profile Louisiana showdown

    With Letlow officially in the race and Trump already signaling his preference, Louisiana is shaping up to host one of the GOP’s most-watched Senate primaries this cycle. The contest will likely test whether Republican voters prioritize seniority and governing experience—or whether they want a more confrontational, Trump-aligned fighter in the Senate.

    For now, both candidates are claiming the conservative mantle. Letlow is promising a senator who will “not flinch,” while Cassidy insists he remains “a conservative” focused on improving life in Louisiana—and says he expects to win.

    “She said she respected me and that I had done a good job,” Cassidy wrote. “I will continue to do a good job when I win re-election.”

    JD Vance has a BIG meeting with Republican leadership coming up and wants to hear from YOU! What are the key issues facing America in 2026? Complete the Republican Leadership Survey and make your voice heard!

    Trump Suggests Deporting Ilhan Omar ‘Back To Somalia’

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    5
    U.S. Rep Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, Rashida Tlaib, and Cori Bush speak at the Mississippi River in Minneapolis asking for President Biden to stop Line 3 pipeline construction.

    President Donald Trump escalated his criticism of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) in a late-night Truth Social post Sunday, tying her to allegations of widespread fraud in Minnesota and accusing her of knowing details about the case.

    Trump’s comments came as part of a broader Sunday night posting spree that also revisited his push for the U.S. to acquire Greenland and raised concerns about a proposed New York Stock Exchange-style initiative reportedly being discussed for Dallas.

    But Trump’s sharpest remarks were aimed at Omar and Minnesota’s ongoing fraud investigation, which Republicans and administration officials have repeatedly cited as an example of major waste and abuse—particularly involving pandemic-era programs.

    In his post, Trump wrote:

    There is 19 Billion Dollars in Minnesota Somalia Fraud. Fake ‘Congresswoman’ Illhan Omar, a constant complainer who hates the USA, knows everything there is to know. She should be in jail, or even a worse punishment, sent back to Somalia, considered one of the absolutely worst countries in the World. She could help to MAKE SOMALIA GREAT AGAIN!

    The post followed Trump’s earlier claims Sunday that Omar and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) were using ICE operations and immigration enforcement disputes to shift public attention away from the fraud investigation.

    Republicans Point to Long-Running Minnesota Fraud Cases

    The Minnesota fraud controversy is not new, but it has continued to draw national attention—especially as Republican lawmakers and Trump administration officials argue that weak oversight and progressive political leadership have allowed major fraud schemes to flourish.

    Much of the recent focus has centered on a long-running Justice Department investigation involving alleged fraud tied to Minnesota-based programs. Minnesota’s Somali community has also been drawn into the spotlight in recent online coverage, including viral claims about alleged daycare-related fraud spread by YouTuber Nick Shirley.

    While critics argue the community has been unfairly targeted, conservatives say the issue is not ethnicity or immigration status—but the scale of fraud and whether political leaders turned a blind eye.

    Feeding Our Future Case Still Looms Over the State

    The most widely known Minnesota fraud case remains the Feeding Our Future scandal. In 2022, under the Biden administration, federal prosecutors indicted dozens of suspects in connection with the Feeding Our Future case, an alleged $250 million scheme involving pandemic-era food aid funds.

    The case has been frequently cited by Republicans as evidence that emergency spending programs during COVID were riddled with vulnerabilities and were too easily exploited.

    Omar Background and Trump Feud Remain Flashpoints

    Omar, who arrived in the U.S. as a refugee from Somalia at the age of 12 and became a citizen in 2000, was elected to Congress in 2018 and has consistently been a target of Trump’s attacks, which she has dismissed as racist and politically motivated.

    Trump and Omar have traded public attacks for years, with Omar frequently criticizing Trump-era immigration enforcement, foreign policy, and what she describes as nationalist rhetoric. Trump, in turn, has repeatedly singled her out as a symbol of what he and many conservatives view as an increasingly radical Democratic Party.

    The renewed attention comes as Trump and Republicans continue to highlight fraud and immigration enforcement as major election-year issues

    A SECURE MESSAGE FROM JD VANCE: Patriot — I keep my word. I told Republican leaders I’d deliver your response, and I’m not backing down. My next meeting is coming up fast, and I need your answers before I walk in. Complete the GOP Leadership Survey now.

    Iranian Cleric Threatens Trump, Calls To Execute Protesters

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    0
    By The White House - https://www.flickr.com/photos/202101414@N05/54581054338/, Public Domain,

    Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, a hard-line Iranian cleric close to the regime, on Friday openly called for the execution of protesters in Tehran as the Islamic Republic intensifies its crackdown on demonstrations spreading through the capital.

    “Armed hypocrites should be put to death!” Khatami declared in a sermon broadcast on Iranian state radio, according to The Associated Press.

    Khatami’s remarks underscore what many conservatives have long argued: Iran’s leadership is not a conventional government but a revolutionary theocracy that rules through intimidation, mass arrests, and violence—especially when faced with internal dissent.

    Regime turns its fury toward Trump and Israel

    Khatami also aimed his threats at President Donald Trump, who has warned the Iranian regime that executions of demonstrators would cross a red line that could trigger a U.S. military response.

    Khatami described the demonstrators as “butlers” of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and “Trump’s soldiers,” accusing both men of “disintegrating the country.”

    “They should wait for hard revenge from the system,” Khatami said of Netanyahu and Trump, per the AP. “Americans and Zionists should not expect peace.”

    For Republican-leaning Americans who view Iran as the world’s leading state sponsor of terror, Khatami’s comments serve as another reminder that Tehran’s ruling clerics continue to treat the United States—and Trump in particular—as an enemy to be threatened, not a partner for diplomacy.

    Iranian state TV escalates rhetoric against Trump

    The comments come amid renewed concerns over inflammatory messaging carried by Iranian state media. Iran’s government-controlled television networks—which operate as propaganda arms of the regime—have repeatedly aired hostile messaging targeting the United States and Israel, including threatening rhetoric directed at President Trump.

    Iran’s state broadcasters have often been used to amplify the regime’s “Death to America” ideology, glorify attacks against U.S. interests, and signal the leadership’s intent to retaliate against Western pressure. That same infrastructure is now being used to justify domestic repression, painting protesters as foreign agents rather than Iranian citizens demanding freedom.

    Judiciary chief pushes for “fast” punishment

    Khatami’s call for executions followed remarks earlier this week from Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, who urged rapid action against protesters.

    “If we want to do a job, we should do it now. If we want to do something, we have to do it quickly,” Mohseni-Ejei said, according to The Associated Press, citing a video from Iranian state television.

    “If it becomes late, two months, three months later, it doesn’t have the same effect. If we want to do something, we have to do that fast,” he added.

    His statement reflects a familiar authoritarian playbook: move quickly and harshly to crush resistance before it spreads—through intimidation, public punishment, and fear.

    Trump says executions halted after U.S. warning

    Iranian shopkeeper Erfan Soltani was expected to be among the first to face the death penalty, but the Trump administration said hundreds of executions were halted following the president’s intervention. Trump on Wednesday said he’d been told by good sources that Iran would not proceed with executions.

    On Tuesday, Trump canceled talks with Iranian leaders and issued a blunt message of support to demonstrators.

    “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!!” he wrote in a Truth Social post.

    The president has said any acts of violence against protesters would draw a “strong” response from the U.S., while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters “all options remain on the table.”

    To Republicans who supported Trump’s maximum-pressure strategy, the moment is being viewed as a test of whether deterrence still works: the U.S. draws a clear line, and hostile regimes back down when they believe America is serious.

    Death toll rises as Iran tightens grip

    The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported 2,797 deaths in Iran amid the government crackdown as of Friday afternoon.

    123...50Page 1 of 50
    © Great America News Desk 2022