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Democrat Donors Boost Trump-Backed Challenger To Oust Rep. Thomas Massie

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Political representation of parties making money

A growing share of high-dollar political donors with histories of supporting Democratic candidates are now backing Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL and primary challenger to Republican Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentuckyโ€™s 4th Congressional District.

Gallrein, who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump, is positioning himself as a MAGA-aligned alternative to Massieโ€”one of the most independent-minded Republicans in Congress and a frequent critic of party leadership, including Trump at times.

Trump has made unseating Massie a priority, previously signaling he would support a primary challenger after clashes with the Kentucky congressman over key votes and strategy. Gallrein has emerged as that candidate.

However, campaign finance records reviewed by the Daily Caller raise questions about the ideological makeup of Gallreinโ€™s donor base.

According to Federal Election Commission filings, 85% of donors who contributed the maximum allowable amount to Gallreinโ€™s campaign have previously donated to Democratic candidates. Of the 141 donors identified in the fourth quarter who gave at least $3,500, 120 had prior histories of donating to Democrats.

Additionally, 112 of those donorsโ€”roughly 79%โ€”are considered high-dollar contributors to Democratic campaigns, suggesting a significant overlap between Gallreinโ€™s financial support and traditional Democratic donor networks.

The findings stand in contrast to Gallreinโ€™s public claims about his fundraising.

โ€œLet me give you an example: my money is coming from conservatives โ€” not from the same people who got Mamdani elected,โ€ Gallrein said during a Feb. 25 appearance on Hugh Hewittโ€™s show.

โ€œIโ€™ve challenged journalists to look into where his funding is coming from โ€” thereโ€™s a Pulitzer Prize waiting for whoever does that research,โ€ Gallrein said. โ€œThe sentiment right now is like a pressure valve being released. Thereโ€™s finally a viable candidate, and itโ€™s a one-on-one race โ€” not a split field heโ€™s benefited from in the past. And his money isnโ€™t coming from Kentucky.โ€

When asked about the apparent discrepancy, the Gallrein campaign dismissed the criticism.

โ€œHonestly, we find that question is ridiculous. Thomas Massie is bankrolled by Obama donors, Kamala donors, Hillary donors, and even Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar donors. You should be asking him about that,โ€ a campaign spokesperson told the Caller.

โ€œPresident Trump endorsed Ed Gallrein because heโ€™s the MAGA conservative in this race. There is a reason the ladies of View [sic] love Massie. Maybe ask Massieโ€™s best friend, socialist Ro Khanna, about who is the conservative in this race,โ€ the spokesperson added.

Among Gallreinโ€™s contributors is Adam Offenhartz, who made an in-kind donation to the campaign and has previously supported both former Vice President Kamala Harrisโ€™s 2024 campaign and President Joe Bidenโ€™s 2020 bid.

The race is shaping up as a high-profile proxy battle within the Republican Party, while drawing in an unexpected mix of donors from across the political spectrum.

FBI Unit Who Raided Trump Same as One That Ran Trump-Russia Investigation

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I, Aude, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.That is how the old saying goes, and apparently it is the motto of a particular FBI unit.

The FBI Unit that oversaw the Trump-Russia hoax investigation and is the focus of Special Counsel John Durham’s investigation into the abuses of power by the Bureau during Trump’s tenure, is also the one that conducted the Mar-a-Lago raid, Real Clear Investigations reports.

The counterintelligence division let the investigation into Russian “collusion” title “Crossfire Hurricane” which was led by disgraced former FBI agent Peter Strzok.

Now the unit is leading the investigation into Trump, from Washington, not the field office in Miami.

But one member of Crossfire Hurricane is still involved. Key member Brian Auten still works politically sensitive investigations including the probe into Hunter Biden’s laptop.

RCI continues:

Auten has been allowed to work on sensitive cases even though he has been under internal investigationย since 2019, when Justice Departmentย Inspector General Michael Horowitz referred him for disciplinary review for hisย role in vetting a Hillary Clinton campaign-funded dossier used by the FBI toย obtain a series of wiretap warrants to spyย on former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page. Horowitz singledย outย Auten forย cutting a number of cornersย in the verification process and even allowing information he knew to beย incorrect slip into warrant affidavitsย and mislead the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act court.

In congressionalย testimonyย this month, Wray confirmed that “a number of” former Crossfire Hurricane team members are still employed at the bureau while undergoing disciplinary review. In the meantime, Wray has walled off the former Russiagate investigators only from participating in FISA wiretap applications, according to the sources.

Auten could also be part of the team helping to determine whether the documents seized pose a national security risk, and whick ones fall outside of the scope of the investigation and need to be returned.

The FBI has already made the massive mistake of violating the search warrant and stealing Trump’s passports, which are being returned due to them being unrelated documents.

Another top counterintelligence official is a Democrat donor.

Sources told RealClearInvestigations that Jay Bratt, the top counterintelligence official in Justice’s national security division, who happens to be a Democratic National Committee donor, has been coordinating theย Mar-a-Lago investigation with Alan Kohler,ย who heads the FBI’s counterintelligence division.

The connection between the Russia Hoax and the FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago appear to go deeper with all of the agents under investigation still working for the bureau if they decided to stay.

[READ NEXT: Trump to Smoke This Biden Official]

Haley Defeats Trump In DC Republican Primary

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Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley has secured her first victory in the Washington, D.C. Republican presidential primary contest

Haley garnered 1,274 votes to formerย President Trumpโ€™sย 676 with all precincts reporting, according to Decision Desk HQ.

The win for the former United Nations ambassador breaks a streak of more than a half dozen victories for Trump to start out the GOP contests for the nomination.ย 

Despite trailing behind former President Trump throughout the race Haley has pledged to remain in the race at least until Super Tuesday when more than a dozen states will vote.

the win in the winner-take-all D.C. primary will give her all of its 19 delegates. Voting in the District took place across three days from Friday to Sunday.ย 

Candidates need at least 1,215 delegates to mathematically clinch the Republican nomination.ย 

Report: Oprah Pitched a White House Run with Mitt Romney

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Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

This union would have certainly shaken up the 2020 election…

The latest revelation in “Romney: A Reckoning” by McKay Coppins, out a week from Tuesday, reveals that Oprah Winfrey floated a presidential run and suggested Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney join her for a”unity ticket.”

Axios has more:

Coppins writes that Romney told him Winfrey, a Democrat, made a pitch to run together “to save the country,” according to a source familiar with the manuscript.

Romney tells Coppins he dismissed the idea, believing that such a campaign would inadvertently help Trump.

Last month, Romney announced he would not run for re-election.

Greene Questions Details Of Trump Assassination Attempt

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

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

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

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

As Mediaite reports:

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

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

Greene retweeted a lengthy post by Trisha Hope, a self-described โ€œJ6 Activist,โ€ in which she questioned the shooting and the legitimacy of the famous photo of a bloodied Trump with his fist in the air yelling, โ€œFight, fight, fight!โ€

Greene called Hopeโ€™s post an โ€œExtremely important post worth the read and consideration.โ€

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Former Florida Republican Announces Bid For Governor- As A Democrat

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Ron DeSantis via Gage Skidmore Flickr

A former Republican congressman and outspoken critic of Donald Trump is running for office…but this time as a Democrat.

David Jollyย on Thursday officially launched his longshot campaign for governor as a Democrat.ย 

โ€œLetโ€™s end the politics of division and return Florida to voters who simply want an economy that works, the best education system in the world, safe communities, and a government that stays out of their doctorsโ€™ offices and family decisions,โ€ Jolly said in a press release. 

โ€œThis is a different type of issues-driven, results-focused campaign, and it will be driven not by anger and division but by optimism and solutions,โ€ he continued. โ€œWe are building a new coalition of Floridians who deeply care about their state and are desperate for real answers to real problems that are putting our quality of life at risk.โ€

Jolly previously represented Floridaโ€™s 13th congressional district, which includes parts of the greater Tampa area, from 2014 to 2017. He lost his seat to former Gov.ย Charlie Cristย (D), who like Jolly, left the GOP. Jolly officially left the Republican Party in 2018.

The former Republican turned Democrat will face a fierce race in the Sunshine State that has become one of the most prominent red states in the country. Trump, who is now a Florida resident, won the state by 13 points in November. Republicans have also flipped a number of traditionally Democrat strongholds, including Miami-Dade County, and hold a voter registration advantage.

Florida Gov.ย Ron DeSantisย (R-Fla.), who is term-limited, defeated Crist in his 2022 reelection bid by nearly 20 points.ย ย 

Jolly is the first Democrat to throw his name in the ring for governor. Former state Sen. Jason Pizzo (D-Fla.) is said to be mulling an independent run after leaving the Democratic Party last month. 

On the Republican side, Rep.ย Byron Donaldsย (R-Fla.) officially launched his bid for governor earlier this year. Florida first ladyย Casey DeSantisย is also rumored to be considering a bid.ย 

GOP Rival Threatens to Stalk Trump Across the Country Until He Debates

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Maryland GovPics, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is not letting Donald Trump off so easily…

Christie, one of Trump’s fiercest Republican critics, pledged Sunday to follow the leading candidate โ€œaround the countryโ€ if the former president does not debate.

โ€œWell, if he doesnโ€™t do any of the debates, Howie, you know, weโ€™re going to give him another chance,โ€ he told Fox Newsโ€™s Howard Kurtz on โ€œMedia Buzz.โ€ โ€œIโ€™m sure heโ€™s not coming to the Reagan debate. Weโ€™ll give him another chance in Alabama. But if he doesnโ€™t come there, then Iโ€™m going to follow him around the country. Wherever he goes, Iโ€™ll go. And weโ€™ll wind up talking to each other one way or other. And he knows thatโ€™s true.โ€

When pushed further on the topic, Christie confirmed he would change his schedule to follow Trump around.

Trump refused to participate in the first Republican presidential debate, citing his massive lead in the polls and his rocky relationship with Fox News and Rupert Murdoch. Trump also indicated he does not plan to participate in the next debate.

Kurtz also asked the former governor if he has been โ€œsellingโ€ Republicans as he attacks the former president, questioning whether Christie is just telling voters what they โ€œwant to hear about Trump.โ€

โ€œYou know, first, you have to make sure that you distinguish yourself from the front-runner, and Iโ€™m doing that. But also, youโ€™ve got to tell people about what youโ€™re for and what your experience will get them a chance to do,โ€ he said.

โ€œThe American people are tired of being lied to,โ€ he added. โ€œTheyโ€™re tired of being lied to by Joe Biden when he said the other day that heโ€™s reduced the deficit when, in fact, heโ€™s going to double the deficit this year. Theyโ€™re tired of being lied to by Donald Trump when he says the election in 2020 was stolen, and thatโ€™s all he wants to talk about going forward is that and the fact that heโ€™s out on bail in four different jurisdictions.โ€

Marjorie Taylor Greene Reportedly Prepping For 2028 Presidential Run

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Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) is reportedly considering a run for president in 2028 โ€” a move that, if realized, could reshape the Republican Partyโ€™s post-Trump era and test the staying power of the โ€œAmerica Firstโ€ movement.

According to a new report from Notus, Greene has privately expressed interest in following in Donald Trumpโ€™s footsteps to the White House. The outlet cites four sources familiar with her thinking, saying Greene believes she represents the โ€œreal MAGAโ€ faction โ€” the core conservative movement that has reshaped the GOP since 2016 โ€” and that many Republican leaders have drifted away from those grassroots values.

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 GOPโ€™s base remains loyal to Trumpโ€™s populist agenda.


Building a National Brand

While Greene has long been a lightning rod for criticism from the left, sheโ€™s also gained national recognition for her unapologetic defense of conservative causes โ€” from border security to religious freedom, from cutting wasteful spending to standing up against what she calls the โ€œweaponizationโ€ of government against political opponents.

In recent months, Greene has sought to expand her reach beyond the hardcore MAGA base. Sheโ€™s made high-profile appearances on Bill Maherโ€™s โ€œReal Timeโ€ on HBO, The View, and CNN, signaling an effort to engage audiences outside of conservative media. Her willingness to enter unfriendly territory underscores her confidence and desire to make the case for conservative principles in front of skeptics.

As one GOP strategist told Notus, โ€œSheโ€™s trying to take the MAGA message to a national stage โ€” not just to Republicans, but to all Americans who feel Washington is broken.โ€


Criticizing the GOPโ€™s Lack of Direction

Greene has also been unafraid to criticize her own party when she believes it has lost focus. On Real Time, she expressed frustration with Republicans who, after years of campaigning to repeal and replace Obamacare, โ€œstill donโ€™t have a plan.โ€

โ€œIโ€™m angry about that,โ€ Greene said on the show, adding that conservatives need to deliver tangible results, not just rhetoric.

In recent weeks, she has also called out male Republican members of Congress as โ€œweakโ€ for caving to establishment pressure, blasted the GOP for having โ€œno planโ€ to avoid government shutdown chaos, and criticized the partyโ€™s leadership for not pushing harder to release Jeffrey Epstein files, saying Americans deserve transparency and truth.


A Populist in the Trump Mold

Those close to Greene describe her as both fiercely loyal to Donald Trump and equally committed to ensuring his populist movement survives beyond him. She was one of Trumpโ€™s earliest and most vocal defenders during both impeachments and remains one of his strongest allies in Congress.

At the same time, Greene has worked to develop her own national voice, one that emphasizes restoring American sovereignty, rebuilding manufacturing, reducing foreign entanglements, and protecting traditional values that she argues have been under assault from both the left and establishment Republicans.

The 2028 Question

When asked directly about a presidential run during an appearance on comedian Tim Dillonโ€™s podcast last October, Greene laughed off the speculation โ€” but didnโ€™t shut it down entirely.

โ€œOh my goodness. I hate politics so much, Tim,โ€ she said. โ€œPeople are saying that, and Iโ€™ve seen a few people saying โ€˜sheโ€™s runningโ€™โ€ฆ What Iโ€™m doing right now is I very much want to fix problems. Thatโ€™s honestly all I care about.โ€

Still, those familiar with her thinking say Greeneโ€™s ambitions go beyond her congressional seat. With her growing national platform, fundraising power, and ability to command headlines, she could emerge as one of the most influential Republican figures in the post-Trump era โ€” whether she runs in 2028 or not.

In August, President Donald Trump made his clearest endorsement yet for a future Republican presidential candidate, declaring that Vice President JD Vance is โ€œmost likelyโ€ to carry the MAGA torch after his second term ends.

Trump described Vance as โ€œprobably the favoriteโ€ to lead the Republican Party into the next election cycle.

โ€œHeโ€™s most likely the heir,โ€ Trump said, referring to Vance. โ€œHe understands the movement, he understands the people, and heโ€™s doing a phenomenal job as Vice President.โ€

Trump also praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio, calling him โ€œsomebody that maybe would get together with JD in some form,โ€ suggesting Rubio could play a key role in a future Vance-led administration or campaign.

Rubio, for his part, echoed Trumpโ€™s praise of Vance during a recent interview with Lara Trump on Fox News.

โ€œI think heโ€™s doing a great job as Vice President. Heโ€™s a close friend, and I hope he intends to do it,โ€ Rubio said of Vance.

Although recent polling has shown Rubio with some early support among Republican voters for a potential 2028 run, conventional political wisdom indicates he wouldnโ€™t start publicly signaling interest in running for president until much closer to the election.

โ€œYou never know what the future holds,โ€ Rubio said. โ€œBut if Iโ€™m able to finish this term strong and we accomplish what weโ€™ve set out to do, Iโ€™ll be satisfied with that as the apex of my public service career.โ€

Republican Senator Calls For Stephen Miller To Be Removed From Trump Inner Circle

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

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said Sunday that White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller should be removed from President Donald Trumpโ€™s inner circle, arguing the longtime adviser wields too much influence over administration policy and has contributed to repeated controversies.

Speaking on CNNโ€™s State of the Union, Tillis told host Jake Tapper that Miller has had an โ€œoutsized influenceโ€ on the administration and is โ€œout of his depthโ€ in his current role.

When asked directly whether Miller should be relieved of his duties, Tillis replied, โ€œOh, of course I do.โ€

โ€œNot only does Stephen really want to just paint a picture. Heโ€™s not worried about substance. Heโ€™s more worried about form,โ€ Tillis said. โ€œBut I also think that he has an outsized influence over the operations of the Cabinet. And I believe we have got qualified Cabinet members there that sometimes are doing less than what they want to because of his direction and his outsized influence.โ€

Miller, one of Trumpโ€™s closest advisers since the presidentโ€™s first campaign, has long been a key architect of the administrationโ€™s hardline immigration policies. He currently serves as deputy chief of staff and has played a central role shaping the White Houseโ€™s approach to border enforcement and deportation initiatives.

Tillisโ€™s remarks come amid broader scrutiny of the administrationโ€™s immigration enforcement strategy and leadership at the Department of Homeland Security. The criticism follows a series of controversies, including the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis earlier this year.

Tillis previously criticized Miller and thenโ€“Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after both officials suggested Good and Pretti were acting unlawfully before they were killed, assertions that drew backlash from lawmakers and civil liberties advocates. The North Carolina Republican has called for a thorough investigation into the incidents and greater accountability within DHS.

The comments also come as the administration undergoes leadership changes at the department. Trump recently removed Noem from her post as homeland security secretary following mounting criticism of her tenure and controversies surrounding immigration enforcement operations.

Tillis, who has announced he will not seek reelection, has been among the more vocal Republican critics of the administrationโ€™s handling of the Minneapolis incidents and broader immigration enforcement policies. On Sunday, he said the administration should rely more heavily on Cabinet officials rather than informal influence from White House advisers.

โ€œHeโ€™s a big problem in this administration,โ€ Tillis said of Miller. โ€œHe has been from the beginning.โ€

One Trump Endorsement Just Ended This Governor’s Race

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President Donald J. Trump hosts a Rose Garden Club dinner in honor of Police Week in the White House Rose Garden, Monday, May 11, 2026. (Official White House Photo by Molly Riley)

President Donald Trumpโ€™s political muscle was on full display Monday in Michigan.

Just hours after Trump issued a full-throated endorsement of Republican gubernatorial candidate Rep. John James, one of Jamesโ€™ top primary rivals suspended his campaign and fell in line behind the presidentโ€™s choice.

“It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Congressman, John James, who is running to become the next Governor of the Beautiful State of Michigan!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “John James has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Governor of Michigan โ€” HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!”

The endorsement landed like a political thunderbolt in a Republican primary where Trump’s backing was widely viewed as the single most valuable prize.

James quickly celebrated the endorsement, calling Trump “the greatest President of my lifetime.”

Then came the shockwave.

Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, who had been running against James for the GOP nomination, abruptly suspended his campaign and endorsed James.

“This campaign has always been about the people of Michigan and standing with President Trump to defeat the Democrats in November,” Nesbitt said. “Today, I am suspending my campaign and proudly joining President Trump in endorsing John James as Michigan’s next Governor.”

“A divided primary only helps Democrats. It’s time to unite,” he added.

James wasted no time framing the move as proof of Trump’s influence.

“When President Trump endorsed this campaign, Aric Nesbitt did exactly what a true Michigan CONSERVATIVE should do,” James wrote on X. “He united behind the President and our mission to Save Michigan from the Libs and the RINOs destroying our Republic!”

The rapid surrender underscores a political reality Republicans have understood for years: in many GOP primaries, Trump’s endorsement can instantly reshape the field.

The Michigan governor’s race had been viewed as one of the nation’s most important Republican contests heading into 2026. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited, creating an open-seat battle that Republicans believe offers a major pickup opportunity.

Trump’s endorsement carried even more weight because Michigan Republican voters have consistently indicated they place enormous value on the president’s recommendations. Prior polling found overwhelming majorities of GOP primary voters saying they would be more likely to support a Trump-endorsed candidate.

Not everyone was impressed.

Businessman Perry Johnson, another Republican candidate still in the race, blasted Trump’s decision.

“President Trump received bad advice yet again,” Johnson said. “John James is a two-time statewide loser, and Michigan has already seen this movie before.”

Johnson pointed to James’ unsuccessful U.S. Senate bids in 2018 and 2020, arguing Republicans need a different nominee to win statewide.

Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox also declined to step aside.

“Like @POTUS, I’ve won Michigan twice by building a coalition of working Michiganders who are sick of being screwed by the elites,” Cox wrote on X, adding that he looks forward to becoming “President Trump’s favorite Governor when I win.”

The endorsement marks a notable shift for Trump.

Last year, Trump publicly questioned whether James should leave Congress to run for governor, expressing concerns that Republicans could lose his competitive House seat and weaken the GOP majority in Washington.

Those concerns appear to have been put aside.

With Trump’s backing now secured and one major rival already gone, James enters the next phase of the race as the clear Republican frontrunner.

And if Monday was any indication, Trump’s endorsement may have effectively ended the primary before most voters even cast a ballot.