Latest

    Politics

    Home Politics

    Trump-backed Candidates Win Big In Indiana

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    1
    Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

    President Donald Trump just sent a thunderous warning shot to the GOP establishment — and Indiana Republicans who crossed him are paying the price.

    In a stunning early midterm showing, Trump-backed primary challengers are on track to topple at least five of the seven Indiana state senators who defied the president last year on a controversial redistricting vote, according to ABC News.

    The races, usually ignored by national media and flooded with only modest cash, suddenly became political war zones after Trump vowed revenge against Republicans who sided with Democrats to block a congressional map overhaul designed to strengthen GOP power in Washington.

    And voters appear to have listened.

    The seven targeted incumbents were among 21 Republican state senators who broke ranks last year and voted against the mid-decade redistricting proposal — a move that infuriated Trump and his allies.

    Now, most of them are heading for the exits.

    One incumbent, state Sen. Greg Goode, narrowly survived against a Trump-endorsed challenger. Another, state Sen. Spencer Deery, remained locked in a razor-thin battle late Tuesday night against Trump-backed Paula Copenhaver.

    But nearly everywhere else, Trump’s handpicked candidates surged to victory.

    Even in a district where the anti-redistricting incumbent chose not to seek reelection, the Trump-endorsed candidate was projected to win — underscoring the president’s growing influence deep inside Republican state politics.

    Trump celebrated the victories Tuesday night with a flurry of triumphant social media posts highlighting the winning candidates alongside his own image — a clear signal that he sees the results as a major political flex heading into the 2026 midterms.

    The outcome is especially notable because these races became some of the most expensive state Senate primaries Indiana has seen in years. Trump-aligned groups and outside organizations poured millions into defeating the incumbents, overwhelming candidates who were unprepared for a nationalized political assault.

    The clashes also exposed lingering divisions inside the Republican Party.

    In one closely watched contest, former Vice President Mike Pence backed incumbent state Sen. Jim Buck, breaking publicly with Trump. But Pence’s support wasn’t enough. Trump-endorsed challenger Tracey Powell defeated Buck decisively Tuesday night.

    The Indiana results are likely to energize Trump allies nationwide, who see the victories as proof that Republican voters remain fiercely loyal to the president — and willing to punish GOP officials viewed as disloyal.

    For establishment Republicans hoping Trump’s grip on the party might weaken ahead of the midterms, Indiana delivered a very different message.

    READ NEXT: Former ICE Official Loses GOP Primary In Key Ohio Battleground Republicans Want To Flip

    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.

    Ron DeSantis Inching Toward 2028 White House Bid

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    2

    Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is ramping up his national profile as he quietly lays the groundwork for a potential 2028 presidential run, traveling across the country to sharpen his message, build alliances and move past his bruising 2024 loss to President Trump.

    The term-limited governor, 47, kicked off the week at the Milken Institute’s global conference in Beverly Hills and is set to headline the New York Republican Party’s annual gala May 19 at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan — high-profile appearances that signal growing national ambitions.

    “I’m in my mid-40s. [20]28, you know, maybe beyond that, I think that there’s a lot of runway,” DeSantis said Monday when asked about another White House bid.

    “Who knows? Like, you never know,” he added during a moderated discussion with The New York Post’s Charles Gasparino — before pivoting into what sounded like a campaign-style pitch.

    “Who took a state that had more Democrats than Republicans by 300,000 when he got elected [in 2018], and now has 1.5 million more Republicans?” DeSantis said, pointing to his own record.

    “Who had a state that had a trillion-dollar economy and now has $1.8 trillion? Who has a state that had some school choice, now universal? A 50-year low in the crime rate? So we’ve got a good story to tell.”

    Behind the scenes, Republican insiders say DeSantis’ intentions are hardly a secret.

    “It’s not been a secret he’s running,” one GOP insider told The Post.

    “I think DeSantis totally thinks he can win,” added a Florida-based operative. “He’d be top two in Iowa for sure.”

    Still, the path forward is complicated. While Trump himself appears to have cooled tensions following their bitter 2024 primary clash — in which DeSantis dropped out after a distant second-place finish in Iowa — some of Trump’s allies are eager for a rematch.

    “Team Trump is chomping at the bit to destroy DeSantis one more time,” a longtime Trump operative said.

    Once viewed as the GOP’s rising star capable of channeling Trump-era populism into a more disciplined conservative agenda, DeSantis has spent the past year repairing ties with the president. He is even seen as a possible cabinet contender when his gubernatorial term ends.

    “His lane is: most competent and effective governor in our nation’s history who consistently delivers on every promise he makes,” said Carly Bird, DeSantis’ former national spokesperson.

    Another GOP operative agreed that the governor retains a strong appeal.

    “A lot of people like DeSantis,” the operative said. “This is a guy that I believe sees there’s a window to run for president — you don’t know how long it stays open, and once it’s closed, that’s it.”

    In recent months, DeSantis has taken steps widely viewed as olive branches to Trump. He signed legislation renaming West Palm Beach’s airport in Trump’s honor and helped facilitate plans for Trump’s presidential library in Miami. The two have also been seen golfing together, projecting a more cordial relationship after the president’s 2024 attacks, which included nicknames like “DeSanctimonious” and “Meatball Ron.”

    One of DeSantis’ most significant recent moves came Monday, when he approved a redrawing of Florida’s congressional map expected to net Republicans four additional House seats — a shift that could offset anticipated GOP losses elsewhere and help protect the party’s majority.

    Despite the thaw at the top, skepticism lingers among Trump loyalists, and the 2028 field is already taking shape.

    Polling and party chatter suggest Vice President JD Vance is currently well-positioned, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio is gaining traction among key GOP circles.

    “You hear a lot more about Rubio. Rubio is the guy,” the Florida operative said. “Vance has his pockets, but overwhelmingly Rubio is the guy among most people … even, say, in Palm Beach.”

    Others see the race as wide open.

    “It’s JD’s race to lose right now,” said a former DeSantis staffer. “That said, there’s a million new cycles between now and a primary — anything can happen with a coalition that’s showing cracks.”

    That same former aide emphasized DeSantis’ governing record but questioned whether his political operation has adapted since 2024.

    “DeSantis is by far the most effective, results-driven conservative executive in recent memory, but it remains to be seen if his team learned the right lessons from the [2024] campaign,” the aide said.

    “The country would be better off in every way should he stay on the national stage. The moves he makes in the coming months should be very revealing.”

    DeSantis’ biography remains a core part of his political identity. The son of a TV ratings box installer, he played baseball at Yale and later graduated from Harvard Law School. He served in the Navy, including a deployment to Iraq, before entering politics and winning a House seat in 2012. He narrowly captured the Florida governorship in 2018 and secured a landslide reelection victory in 2022.

    Yet questions about his political style persist. Critics — particularly within Trump’s orbit — continue to point to his perceived awkwardness and past clashes with the former president.

    “No matter how many influencers he pays off, Ron will never be the heir to the MAGA movement,” one Trump-aligned operative said.

    Another former Trump White House official was even more blunt, calling DeSantis “as authentic as a strip mall Santa.”

    Trump himself, however, has struck a more measured tone, recently saying he would consider DeSantis for a cabinet role because “I think he’s good — doing a good job.”

    For now, most observers expect DeSantis to remain outside the administration and focus instead on positioning himself for another national campaign.

    Whether that effort succeeds may depend on how effectively he balances his record as a conservative governor with the shifting dynamics of a Republican Party still heavily influenced by Trump — and increasingly crowded with ambitious contenders eyeing 2028.

    URGENT MISSION: 35 brave House GOP members are in JEOPARDY! Today ONLY, you can donate ANY amount and it will go DIRECTLY to fending off attacks on our 35 brightest MAGA fighters in Congress in these vulnerable districts! [Rush Donation HERE]

    Report: Trump Quietly Coaxing Senate Dem To Switch Political Party

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    1

    President Trump and Senate Republicans are making a bold, behind-the-scenes play: trying to lure Sen. John Fetterman out of the Democratic Party — and into the GOP’s column.

    According to Politico’s Jonathan Martin, some Republicans believe they could cling to Senate control even if they lose multiple seats this fall — if they can convince the Pennsylvania Democrat to switch sides.

    “Trump has made the sell, offering his patented total and complete endorsement plus a financial windfall to the Pennsylvanian,” Martin reported. Behind the scenes, GOP senators have also been “gently feeling out Fetterman” about the idea of defecting, according to multiple high-level Republican officials.

    So far, Fetterman is holding the line — publicly, at least.

    “I’m not changing,” he said. “I’m a Democrat and I’m staying one.”

    But the intrigue hasn’t died down.

    When one Republican floated the idea of Fetterman becoming an independent, the senator didn’t shut it down outright — he “absorbed the suggestion and didn’t embrace or reject the overture,” according to a GOP official familiar with the exchange.

    And in Washington, actions often speak louder than words.

    Fetterman has increasingly drifted from his Democratic colleagues, skipping party luncheons and spending hours with Republicans during Senate votes. He’s developed a friendly rapport with Senate Majority Leader John Thune — the two reportedly text regularly — and has been spotted hanging out in the GOP cloakroom, once considered off-limits territory for Democrats.

    His growing ties to Republicans extend beyond politics. According to Martin, Fetterman has formed close relationships with Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA) and Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL), along with their spouses — relationships some insiders believe could ultimately influence his political future.

    At the same time, Fetterman has been openly at odds with his own party on key issues — especially immigration.

    “The Democratic Party… we became an open border party, without a doubt. And now that’s wrong,” Fetterman said in a recent interview. “I support to make our border more secure, and deport all of the criminals right now.”

    Still, he insists a full switch isn’t in the cards.

    “So I can’t be a Republican because in many other areas, I disagree… but I’m staying in my party,” he said.

    Even so, his standing among Democrats appears shaky. When asked about his relationships within the caucus, Fetterman laughed before answering: “Well, I mean, cordial… but I’m not necessarily the popular guy.”

    Threats Add a Dark Backdrop

    The political maneuvering comes amid a disturbing real-world threat targeting both Fetterman and Trump.

    Federal authorities recently arrested a Pennsylvania man — who had just launched a Senate campaign against Fetterman — after he allegedly left a series of violent voicemails threatening the senator, his family, and the president.

    According to court filings, Raymond Eugene Chandler III is accused of making graphic threats over the course of a year. In one message, he allegedly warned that Fetterman and his daughter would be dragged from their home and have their “throat… slit.”

    Days later, prosecutors say, he escalated further — urging Fetterman to assassinate Trump.

    “Walk into the Oval Office with a gun in your hand… put it to the President’s head… and… pull the trigger,” the caller said, according to investigators.

    Authorities say the threats prompted increased security for lawmakers and their families, part of a broader surge in political violence and intimidation nationwide.

    In a bizarre twist, Chandler posted a YouTube video announcing his Senate campaign just hours before his arrest, pitching a far-left platform that included wealth taxes, universal basic income, and abolishing ICE.

    High Stakes, High Drama

    For Republicans, flipping Fetterman would be a political earthquake — and a potential lifeline in a tight Senate map.

    For now, the senator remains a Democrat — but with Trump making his pitch, GOP senators keeping the door open, and tensions rising both politically and personally, Washington is watching closely.

    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]

    Trump Calls To Impeach Democrat Leader Over Supreme Court Comments

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

    President Donald Trump is turning up the heat on House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries — and floating a move that isn’t even constitutionally possible.

    In a fiery Truth Social post Sunday night, Trump demanded to know why the New York Democrat isn’t being impeached after branding the U.S. Supreme Court “illegitimate” over its latest Voting Rights Act ruling.

    “Hakeem Jeffries, a Low IQ individual, said our Supreme Court is ‘illegitimate.’ After saying such a thing, isn’t he subject to Impeachment?” Trump wrote. “I got impeached for A PERFECT PHONE CALL. Where are you Republicans? Why not get it started? They’ll be doing this to me! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

    The post quickly ignited backlash — and confusion — since members of Congress aren’t subject to impeachment under the Constitution. Instead, lawmakers can only be expelled by a two-thirds vote of their chamber.

    Still, Trump’s message was clear: he wants Jeffries gone.

    The clash comes days after the Supreme Court’s 6–3 decision striking down Louisiana’s second majority-Black congressional district, ruling it was an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.

    Chief Justice John Roberts described the district as a “snake” drawn along racial lines, while Justice Samuel Alito called the map an “unconstitutional gerrymander” and framed the ruling as an “update” to how courts interpret the Voting Rights Act.

    Trump praised the decision, calling it the “kind of ruling I like.”

    Jeffries, meanwhile, unloaded on the high court.

    “Today’s decision by this illegitimate Supreme Court majority strikes a blow against the Voting Rights Act and is designed to undermine the ability of communities of color all across this country to elect their candidate of choice,” he said.

    “It’s an unacceptable decision, but not an unexpected decision,” Jeffries added. “Because this isn’t even really the Roberts Court. It’s the Trump Court.”

    He also accused the ruling of helping Trump “scheme to suppress the vote and rig” upcoming elections.

    Trump wasn’t having it — and fired back with his impeachment call, even as constitutional reality undercuts the demand.

    Jeffries brushed off the attack with a short jab of his own on X: “Jeffries Derangement Syndrome,” a play on Trump’s long-used “Trump Derangement Syndrome” line.

    The ruling has sparked outrage across liberal media circles, with commentators like Al Sharpton, Abby Phillip, and legal analyst Paul Butler slamming the decision and arguing it shows the court does not “respect” the rights of minority voters.

    But for Trump, the focus isn’t the ruling — it’s the rhetoric.

    And he’s making it clear he wants Republicans to escalate the fight.

    Trump’s demand — even if constitutionally misplaced — comes at a time when expulsion threats are no longer theoretical on Capitol Hill.

    Just weeks ago, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) resigned from Congress as sexual misconduct allegations mounted and colleagues began weighing an expulsion vote.

    “I am aware of efforts to bring an immediate expulsion vote against me and other members,” Swalwell said at the time. “Expelling anyone in Congress without due process… is wrong. But it’s also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress.”

    Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) stepped down the same week under similar pressure, with both lawmakers facing potential removal by their colleagues.

    Most recently, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) announced she is resigning from the House of Representatives after Republicans vowed to force a vote to expel her from the chamber for committing a bevy of violations involving financial misconduct. 

    “Rather than play these political games, I choose to step away so I can devote my time to fighting for my neighbors in Florida’s 20th District,” she wrote on social media. “I hereby resign from the 119th Congress, effective immediately.”

    “This fight is far from over,” Cherfilus-McCormick, who was indicted by a grand jury last year for allegedly stealing COVID-19 emergency funds, added in her statement. 

    The House Ethics Committee found “clear and convincing evidence” in March that the Florida Democrat misused federal disaster relief money that was improperly paid to her family’s healthcare company, among other misconduct. 

    She is facing 53 years in prison as part of a separate criminal indictment.

    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.

    Multiple People Indicted Following Assault of Turning Point USA Journalist

    By
    Seijah Drake
    -
    2

    A federal grand jury has indicted two individuals in connection with the April assault of journalist Savanah Hernandez, marking a significant development in a case that drew national attention after video of the incident circulated online.

    The attack took place on April 11 near the Whipple Federal Building, where Hernandez, a reporter affiliated with Turning Point USA, was covering events on the ground. Footage later shared on social media appeared to show her being surrounded by a group, shoved, struck, and knocked to the ground during the confrontation.

    According to reports from Fox News, the indictment remains under seal, and authorities have not yet publicly confirmed the identities of those charged. Hernandez stated that she had been informed two individuals would face charges and expressed appreciation that the case is moving forward.

    Readers should note that at least one assailant that Hernandez identified after the fact was also involved in the storming of a St. Paul church in which demonstrators interrupted a service because a member of church leadership was believed to be employed by Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE).

    In the aftermath of the incident, Hernandez said she experienced physical symptoms including a headache and neck pain. She has also publicly identified individuals involved in the altercation, including an influencer father and daughter duo Chris and Paige Ostroushko that go by Minnesota Angry Man and Minnesota Angry Daughter, though they both appeared to scrub their social media presences following the altercation.

    Additional video that surfaced days after the attack appears to show moments leading up to the confrontation, including the father directing his daughter to retrieve and use a whistle near Hernandez before the situation escalated, depicting what appears to be a premeditated assault. Medical sources note that close-range exposure to loud noises, such as a whistle blown directly into the ear, can pose significant risks of hearing loss.

    The case drew attention from federal officials shortly after the footage gained traction online, including Harmeet Dhillon, who indicated that the Department of Justice was monitoring the situation.

    While details remain limited as the legal process unfolds, the indictments signal that federal authorities are pursuing charges tied to the incident. The case is likely to continue drawing scrutiny as more information becomes public and court proceedings move forward.

    This incident comes months after Charlie Kirk was assassinated on a Utah college campus while exercising his First Amendment Rights, almost exactly a year after pro-life influencer Savannah Hernandez was assaulted mid-interview, and shortly before a third assassination attempt on Trump’s life

    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.

    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
    -
    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

    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]

    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
    -
    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

    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.
    123...56Page 1 of 56
    © Great America News Desk 2022