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    All Eyes On Ohio: Moreno Seeks To Topple Senator Brown

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    0

    The 2024 Ohio Senate race is a key battleground, featuring incumbent Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown and Republican challenger Bernie Moreno who aims to unseat Brown in a race that will be crucial for determining control of the U.S. Senate.

    Meet Bernie Moreno

    Bernie Moreno is a successful businessman and Republican candidate in Ohio’s 2024 Senate race. He gained prominence as an auto dealership mogul, owning multiple dealerships across the U.S. before selling most of them to focus on new ventures. Moreno has positioned himself as a political outsider, emphasizing his experience in business and entrepreneurship. His campaign centers on securing the U.S. border, advocating for conservative economic policies and opposing what he calls “woke” political ideologies.

    Key Policy Issues

    Border Security: Moreno prioritizes strengthening U.S. border security, advocating for stricter immigration enforcement and building infrastructure to prevent illegal crossings.

    Economic Reform: He emphasizes conservative economic policies, including reducing taxes and regulations to boost business growth and job creation.

    Opposition to “Woke” Policies: Moreno is vocal about fighting what he views as “woke” ideologies, particularly in education and corporate governance, promoting conservative values instead.

    Senator Sherrod Brown

    Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, has served as Ohio’s U.S. Senator since 2007. Brown has faced recent criticism from conservatives over his support for President Biden’s policies, including issues related to inflation and energy. Brown’s stances on issues like inflation, federal spending, and opposition to domestic energy production have hindered Ohio’s economy, especially in the manufacturing and energy sectors

    Critical Issues in the Race

    The Ohio Senate contest will likely focus on a few key issues that have shaped recent elections in the Buckeye state. These include economy, energy, and immigration.

    Economy and Inflation: Moreno advocates for reduced government spending, deregulation, and tax cuts to combat inflation triggered by the Biden-Harris administration. He argues that excessive government intervention and policies supported by Brown have contributed to rising costs.

    Energy and Climate: Moreno supports expanding domestic energy production, emphasizing Ohio’s reliance on traditional energy sectors, to lower energy costs and ensure energy independence, contrasting with Brown’s focus on renewable energy.

    Immigration and Border Security: Moreno emphasizes strict immigration control and securing the U.S. border as key to national security and reducing crime.

    Campaign Spending and Fundraising

    The Ohio Senate race between Sherrod Brown and Bernie Moreno has attracted significant spending and fundraising, making it one of the most expensive Senate contests of 2024. The overall spending in the race has surpassed $300 million, reflecting the high stakes and national attention on this pivotal Senate seat

    –Sherrod Brown: Brown’s campaign has raised nearly $31 million as of the third quarter of 2024, setting a record for Senate races in Ohio. His campaign is supported by major Democrat donors and organizations, helping him maintain a fundraising lead. According to Brown’s campaign, the most any U.S. Senate candidate in Ohio had raised in a three-month period was Democrat Tim Ryan, who raised $17.2 million in the third quarter of 2022.

    –Bernie Moreno: Moreno’s campaign, while not matching Brown’s total fundraising according to FEC data, has been supported by significant outside spending from conservative PACs and interest groups. In the third quarter of 2024, Moreno’s joint fundraising committee–which includes Moreno’s campaign, the U.S. Senate Republicans’ campaign arm, and several other affiliated groups–reported collecting $10,080,008.66. The joint fundraising committee and Moreno’s campaign spent more than $8.7 million combined during those three months and ended September with a combined $3.9 million cash on hand, according to FEC records. Moreno has invested heavily in his own campaign, focusing on political ads and outreach to build momentum. Spending in support of Moreno has helped keep the race highly competitive​, pro-Moreno groups have spent just over $150 million on TV ads, compared to about $128 million spent on ads in support of Brown, according to Medium Buying.

    Voter Sentiment and Polling

    The Ohio Senate race between Sherrod Brown and Bernie Moreno is shaping up to be a tight contest. Recent polling indicates a highly competitive race, with some surveys showing a narrow lead for Brown, while others suggest Moreno is gaining ground thanks to his focus on conservative social values and the economy.

    RealClearPolitics polling average shows Brown with a slim lead over the Republican challenger of 2.6 percentage points.

    Marist polling reports Democrat incumbent Sherrod Brown receives the support of 50% of likely voters statewide including those who are undecided yet leaning toward a candidate. Republican challenger Bernie Moreno receives 48%. Among independents, Brown has a 54% to 43% advantage over Moreno.

    Endorsements

    Donald Trump: The former president endorsed Moreno, praising his business acumen and commitment to conservative values.

    Mr. Moreno will “fight the corrupt Deep State that is destroying our Country,” Mr. Trump wrote in a social media post.

    “I could not be more grateful or humbled to have the complete and total endorsement of President Donald Trump at this vital moment in the campaign,” Mr. Moreno said in a statement, adding that a Republican takeover in the Senate and a victory from Mr. Trump in the presidential contest “will Make America Great Again!”

    J.D. Vance: The vice presidential candidate backed Moreno early in the race.

    “Thrilled to endorse Bernie Moreno for senate. He’s a good friend, a job creator, and will be a fantastic senator. We’d make a hell of a team!” Vance said in a tweet.

    Matt Gaetz: The Florida congressman voiced his support for Moreno’s Senate bid.

    Jim Jordan: Ohio’s influential congressman and conservative leader has supported Moreno.

    “Bernie is a true America First conservative, and will make us proud in the U.S. Senate,” Jordan said. “Our country needs common sense conservative fighters now more than ever. Bernie is a political outsider who has lived the American Dream. His perspective, his grit and his conservative values will serve Ohio well in the U.S. Senate.”

    Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost: “To defeat Sherrod Brown in November, we need to nominate a proven conservative who can unite the party, and Bernie is the candidate who can do that,” Yost said.

    Cleveland Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam gave $50,000 apiece to Moreno’s campaign in mid-August, and other members of their family kicked in an additional $45,000 in total, records show.

    “Bernie is grateful for the overwhelming support of Ohioans who are ready to fire Sherrod Brown after 50 years in political office,” said campaign spokeswoman Reagan McCarthy in a statement. “In the final stretch, Bernie will continue to outwork Sherrod and barnstorm Ohio.”

    WE NEED YOU! If you want leaders who focus on jobs and keeping America safe instead of woke politics support Bernie Moreno for US Senate. Donate TODAY.

    Trump Launches Super PAC Devoted To Taking Out GOP Rep

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    5

    President Donald Trump targeted Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie (Ky.) in a blistering social media post Sunday.

    After Trump’s strike on Iran was announced, Massie was among the first to attack the move as “unconstitutional” on social media, echoing what was otherwise coming mostly from Democrats or the left.

    By Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America – Thomas Massie, CC BY-SA 2.0,

    On Sunday, Trump eviscerated Massie on his Truth Social app, saying the congressman is a “pathetic loser” and “not MAGA.” Then Trump upped the attack by revealing that his massive political operation has launched a new PAC with the sole purpose of Massie’s ouster in the Kentucky primary next year.

    “Actually, MAGA doesn’t want him, doesn’t know him, and doesn’t respect him,” Trump said, a claim Trump apparently means to back up, as a short time later, Axios revealed the formation of a new Super PAC under Trump’s massive political operation that’s designed specifically to get rid of Massie in the 2026 Kentucky primary.

    The Kentucky MAGA PAC will be run by top Trump advisors Tony Fabrizio and Chris LaCivita.

    “Massie’s long-time opposition to President Trump’s working family tax cuts — and really anything to do with President Trump — is coming to an end,” LaCivita said in a statement to Axios. “Thomas ‘Little Boy’ Massie will be fired.”

    More from Axios:

    Trump’s team has launched Kentucky MAGA, a super PAC devoted to defeating Massie in the May 2026 primary.

    – The organization will be run by Trump’s senior political advisers, Tony Fabrizio and Chris LaCivita.
    – LaCivita said the PAC would spend “whatever it takes” to defeat Massie.
    – Plans for taking on Massie were in the works before the congressman decided to call Trump’s attack on Iran unconstitutional, a Trump aide said.

    Behind the curtain: Trump’s operation has been talking with potential Republican challengers to Massie.
    – Aides say the goal is to rally around one Massie opponent, so that multiple rivals don’t splinter support.

    Massie and Trump have fallen out repeatedly, and in particular, the congressman has been a vocal critic of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”

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    Federal Judge Resigns To Speak Out Against Trump’s ‘Assault On The Rule Of Law’

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    8

    A federal judge appointed by former President Ronald Reagan has resigned his lifetime post to speak publicly against what he describes as a dangerous politicization of the justice system under Donald Trump. Mark L. Wolf, who served on the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts since 1985, announced his decision in an op-ed published in The Atlantic, saying he could no longer remain silent as he believes the former president uses the law to reward allies and target adversaries.

    Wolf, 78, said that stepping down would allow him to speak freely after decades of being constrained by judicial ethics rules.

    “President Donald Trump is using the law for partisan purposes, targeting his adversaries while sparing his friends and donors from investigation, prosecution, and possible punishment,” he wrote. “This is contrary to everything that I have stood for in my more than 50 years in the Department of Justice and on the bench. The White House’s assault on the rule of law is so deeply disturbing to me that I feel compelled to speak out. Silence, for me, is now intolerable.”

    A Massachusetts native and Harvard Law graduate, Wolf began his public service career in the Department of Justice in 1974, joining just after the Watergate scandal. He served under Attorney General Edward Levi during President Gerald Ford’s administration—a formative experience that, he said, shaped his views on nonpartisan justice and the importance of public trust in the legal system. He later became a top federal prosecutor in Boston before Reagan nominated him to the bench. Over nearly four decades as a judge, Wolf became known for handling high-profile corruption cases and for his work to strengthen judicial ethics and transparency.

    Wolf took senior status in 2013, meaning he already had a reduced caseload and his seat was filled the following year by Judge Indira Talwani. His resignation, therefore, does not create a new vacancy for any administration to fill. Instead, it marks his formal departure from a system he says is under siege from political manipulation.

    “I decided all of my cases based on the facts and the law, without regard to politics, popularity, or my personal preferences,” Wolf wrote. “That is how justice is supposed to be administered—equally for everyone, without fear or favor. This is the opposite of what is happening now.”

    Speaking to The New York Times, Wolf said he hopes to serve as a voice for other judges who feel bound by the Code of Judicial Conduct from speaking candidly about growing public distrust in the courts. “I hope to be a spokesperson for embattled judges who, consistent with the code of conduct, feel they cannot speak candidly to the American people,” he said.

    The White House pushed back sharply on Wolf’s remarks. Spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told Fox News Digital that judges “who want to inject their own personal agenda into the law have no place on the bench.”

    She added that Trump’s record of legal victories undermines Wolf’s claim of politicization: “With over 20 Supreme Court victories, the Trump Administration’s policies have been consistently upheld by the Supreme Court as lawful despite an unprecedented number of legal challenges and unlawful lower court rulings. Any other radical judges that want to complain to the press should at least have the decency to resign before doing so.”

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    Report: Trump Legal Team Files To Dismiss Special Counsel’s Election Interference Case

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    2
    Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

    Lawyers for former President Trump filed a motion on Thursday to dismiss charges related to the 2020 election brought against him by Special Counsel Jack Smith.

    In their legal filing, the Trump team claims Smith was unlawfully appointed.

    Fox News reports:

    “President Donald J. Trump respectfully requests leave to file this proposed motion to dismiss the Superseding Indictment and for injunctive relief—which is timely and, alternatively, supported by good cause—based on violations of the Constitution’s Appointments and Appropriations Clauses,” the filing states. 

    The Appointments Clause says, “Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the Supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States be appointed by the President subject to the advice and consent of the Senate, although Congress may vest the appointment of inferior officers in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.” Smith, however, was never confirmed by the Senate.

    “The proposed motion establishes that this unjust case was dead on arrival— unconstitutional even before its inception,” the Trump filing states.

    Trump lawyers argued that in November 2022, Attorney General Merick Garland “violated the Appointments Clause by naming private-citizen Smith to target President Trump, while President Trump was campaigning to take back the Oval Office from the Attorney General’s boss, without a statutory basis for doing so.” 

    motion-to-dismissDownload

    Trump attorneys argue that Smith “was not appointed ‘by Law,'” and argue that he “has operated with a blank check by relying on an inapplicable permanent indefinite appropriation that was enacted in connection with a reauthorization of the Independent Counsel Act in 1987.” 

    “Smith was not appointed pursuant to that Act, which expired in 1999. The appropriation contemplates the possibility of appointment by some ‘other law,’ but no ‘other law’ authorized Smith’s appointment,” the attorneys continue. “The appropriation also requires that the prosecutor be “independent,” in the very particular, rigorous sense that attorneys appointed pursuant to the defunct Independent Counsel Act were meant to be independent.” 

    They added: “That is not true of Smith’s appointment, either.” 

    “For these reasons, Smith should have never been permitted to access these huge sums of money, and his use of this funding violated the Appropriations Clause,” the filing states. “Based on these violations of the Appointments and Appropriations Clauses, the Superseding Indictment should be dismissed with prejudice. In addition, an injunction against additional spending by Smith is necessary to prevent ongoing irreparable harm and to ensure complete relief for the Appropriations Clause violation.” 

    Trump pleaded not guilty to all charges. 

    Smith has until Halloween, Oct. 31, to file his response.

    President Trump is the only one who stood up for working families, and the DC elite want him destroyed. Kamala is raising over $1 Billion to crush his campaign. Will you chip in $3 before the day ends? — JD Vance

    Pennsylvania’s 2024 Senate Race Heats Up – A Must-Win For Republicans

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    0

    The 2024 Pennsylvania Senate race is emerging as one of the most closely watched and pivotal contests in the nation, with significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. Incumbent Democrat Senator Bob Casey Jr. is seeking reelection for a fourth term, while Republicans are coalescing around David McCormick, a former hedge fund executive.

    Both candidates are gearing up for what is expected to be one of the most expensive and competitive Senate races in the country…

    Bob Casey Jr.: The Incumbent

    Bob Casey Jr., son of the late Governor Bob Casey Sr., has served Pennsylvania in the Senate since 2006. Casey has built a reputation as a pragmatic legislator who prioritizes health care, jobs and labor rights.

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

    In the Senate, Casey has leveraged his seniority to secure key committee assignments, including on the influential Senate Finance Committee.

    However, the political climate in Pennsylvania has become increasingly polarized in recent years, teeing up a more challenging electoral environment for the seasoned politician this year. With the Keystone State narrowly voting for Joe Biden in 2020 after flipping to Donald Trump in 2016, Republicans see this as an opportunity to unseat Casey.

    David McCormick: The Challenger

    David McCormick, a former hedge fund CEO and Army veteran, is a prominent figure in Pennsylvania politics and business. McCormick served as the CEO of Bridgewater Associates, one of the world’s largest hedge funds, from 2020 to 2022, where he gained a reputation for strong leadership in the financial sector. A West Point graduate, McCormick also served as an Army officer during the Gulf War, earning a Bronze Star for his service.

    National Archives at College Park – Still Pictures, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

    In public service, McCormick held senior economic positions in the George W. Bush administration, including Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs. His platform emphasizes economic growth, job creation and strengthening national security. McCormick is also focused on fiscal conservatism, advocating for reduced government spending and taxes.

    McCormick previously ran for Senate in 2022, narrowly losing the Republican primary to Mehmet Oz, who ultimately lost to Democrat John Fetterman in the general election. Since then, McCormick has remained active in Pennsylvania politics, positioning himself as a fiscal conservative and critic of the Biden administration’s economic policies.

    McCormick’s background in business and finance has appealed to Pennsylvania’s suburban voters, while his military service has resonated with the state’s sizable veteran population along with Donald Trump’s MAGA base.

    Key Policy Issues

    In his 2024 campaign, McCormick has focused on national security, economic freedom and his status as a business leader and political outsider, in stark contrast to Casey’s long tenure in Washington. This dynamic has brought the race to a near tie.

    McCormick’s platform focuses on reducing government spending, boosting economic growth and opposing progressive policies that he argues have hurt the state’s energy sector, particularly coal and natural gas.

    Fundraising and Campaign Spending

    The Pennsylvania Senate race is expected to be one of the most expensive in the nation, with both candidates benefiting from substantial outside spending.

    According to Federal Election Commission (FEC) data, Bob Casey has raised more than $21 million, thanks to strong support from labor unions, healthcare groups, and Democrat super PACs such as the Senate Majority PAC. Casey’s deep connections with national Democrats and his long-standing relationships with Pennsylvania’s organized labor groups have made him a fundraising powerhouse.

    On the Republican side, David McCormick has raised over $17 million with significant support from national conservative groups such as Club for Growth and Americans for Prosperity.

    Endorsements and Support

    Donald Trump: Former President Donald Trump officially endorsed McCormick’s Senate bid last April during a Pennsylvania rally.

    “I am officially giving my endorsement to David McCormick tonight. He’s a good a man. He wants to run a good ship. He’s a smart guy, who was a very successful guy. He’s given up a lot to do this,” Trump told supporters at a rally in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania.

    “I’ll tell you what: He’s the nominee of the Republican Party, David McCormick. Go out and vote for him because Casey doesn’t do a damn thing,” Trump said.

    Pat Toomey: Former Senator Pat Toomey praised McCormick’s economic expertise and commitment to conservative values, saying he’s the right leader to represent Pennsylvania.

    Ari Fleischer: The former White House Press Secretary endorsed McCormick at a September fundraiser, highlighting his strong leadership and policy experience.

    Organizational Endorsements:

    Senate Leadership Fund: Backed McCormick as part of their efforts to secure Republican Senate seats.

    Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC): Endorsed McCormick for his unwavering support for Israel and stance against antisemitism​.

    “RJC trusts Dave McCormick – a 7th generation Pennsylvanian, West Point graduate, combat veteran, Bronze star recipient, Pennsylvania job creator and business leader – to be a Senator the people of Pennsylvania can be proud of.”

    “Bob Casey is no friend of Israel. Where Bob Casey has failed, Dave McCormick will lead.”

    Voter Sentiment and Polling

    Recent polling data suggests that the race between Casey and McCormick is likely to be close, reflecting Pennsylvania’s status as a swing state. Polls indicate that Casey holds a slight lead over McCormick, but the race is expected to tighten as November draws closer. Pennsylvania has a history of closely contested statewide elections, with margins often decided by just a few percentage points.

    RealClearPolitics (October 14, 2024): Casey leads McCormick 47.8% to 44.6%​

    Emerson College Poll (October 2024): 48% support incumbent Democrat Senator Bob Casey while 46% support Republican Dave McCormick.

    Trafalgar Polling (October 2024): Casey leads McCormick 47.4% to 45.6% with 7% undecided.

    Quinnipiac Univesity (October 2024): Incumbent Democratic Senator Bob Casey leads Republican challenger David McCormick 51% to 43%. Democrats 96% to 3% back Casey, while Republicans 88 % to 10% back McCormick. Independents are evenly split, with 44% supporting McCormick and 44% supporting Casey.

    Both candidates will need to appeal to Pennsylvania’s diverse electorate, which includes rural, suburban, and urban voters. Rural parts of the state have trended Republican in recent elections, while urban areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh remain Democratic strongholds. The key battleground will likely be the suburbs, particularly in counties like Bucks and Montgomery, where moderate and independent voters could swing the outcome.

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    Fox News Star Predicts Two Dems Will Announce 2028 Bids Early

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    0

    Fox News contributor and former Trump White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany is already looking ahead to the next presidential cycle—and her prediction underscores a growing concern on the Right: Democrats may try to mimic President Donald Trump’s political playbook after years of vilifying it.

    In a promotional video shared by Fox News on X and captioned, “We asked our talent to share their predictions for 2026!”, McEnany kicked off the segment with a bold forecast. According to McEnany, Democrats—despite routinely attacking Trump’s unconventional style—are quietly preparing to copy the very strategy they once denounced.

    “Happy 2026,” McEnany said. “Here’s my prediction: there will be a Democrat who tries to emulate and copy the Trump playbook—meaning they will declare their candidacy for the presidency before the end of next year.”

    McEnany named California Gov. Gavin Newsom as the most likely Democrat to break with tradition and launch an early White House bid, followed closely—perhaps uncomfortably closely—by former Vice President Kamala Harris.

    “I believe that Democrat will be Gavin Newsom,” McEnany continued. “And shortly thereafter—though I don’t want to scare everyone—I believe Kamala Harris will declare shortly after in 2027. We’ll see!”

    Democrats Imitating Trump?

    The irony of McEnany’s prediction is hard to miss. For nearly a decade, Democrats and legacy media outlets have castigated President Trump for disrupting political norms, launching early campaigns, dominating media attention, and speaking directly to voters outside traditional party structures. Yet as Republicans consolidate behind Trump-style populism, Democrats appear increasingly eager to borrow from the same rulebook—early announcements, personality-driven politics, and nonstop media exposure.

    Newsom, the progressive governor of California, has long been rumored to harbor national ambitions. His frequent appearances on cable news, high-profile red-state visits, and aggressive messaging against Republican governors have fueled speculation that he is positioning himself as the Democratic Party’s next standard-bearer.

    Harris, meanwhile, remains one of the most polarizing figures in modern Democratic politics. After a historically weak vice presidency marked by staff turnover, low approval ratings, and policy misfires—particularly on immigration—Harris has been cautiously testing the waters for a political comeback.

    A Tense California Power Struggle

    Adding intrigue to McEnany’s prediction is the longstanding rivalry between Newsom and Harris, two California Democrats whose careers have frequently intersected—and occasionally clashed.

    The relationship has often been described by political observers as “frenemies.” While publicly supportive, both figures clearly view one another as obstacles on the path to higher office.

    That tension surfaced last summer during Newsom’s appearance on Pod Save America, shortly after Harris replaced President Joe Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket. Asked about the abrupt switch, Newsom responded with thinly veiled sarcasm.

    “We went through a very open process, a very inclusive process,” Newsom quipped. “It was bottom-up—I don’t know if you know that. That’s what I’ve been told to say!”

    The remark was widely interpreted as a jab at Democratic leadership and their handling of Biden’s exit, reinforcing GOP criticisms that Democratic “democracy” often amounts to backroom decision-making.

    Harris, for her part, took a swipe at Newsom in her campaign memoir 107 Days. She recalled calling Newsom to secure his support after Biden dropped out of the race—only to receive a terse text message.

    “Hiking. Will call back,” Newsom reportedly replied.

    “He never did,” Harris added pointedly.

    Signs of a Harris Comeback?

    Despite her past struggles, Harris has been making calculated moves that many Democrats—and Republicans—see as the early stages of a 2028 presidential run.

    According to Axios, Harris has been “stepping toward” another campaign, citing her expanded book tour, renewed engagement with Democratic donors, and a high-profile appearance before the Democratic National Committee earlier this month.

    Reporter Alex Thompson noted that after lying low for much of the year, Harris has suddenly reemerged on the national stage—raising eyebrows within her own party.

    “After embarking on a 2024-focused book tour,” Thompson wrote, “Harris made several moves this week that many Democrats see as the beginnings of a 2028 campaign.”

    DNC Chair Ken Martin has also offered unusually warm public praise for Harris, further fueling speculation.

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    Report: Trump Team Mulling Replacement For Controversial Admin. Nominee

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    5
    By Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America - Pete Hegseth, CC BY-SA 2.0

    This Trump nominee could already be on his way out…

    President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team has reportedly been drafting a list of alternative nominees for Defense Secretary in case Trump rethinks his choice of, Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Pete Hegseth.

    According to Vanity Fair, which spoke to two unnamed Republican sources “close to Trump,” the president-elect’s transition team has been “quietly preparing a list of alternative defense secretary candidates should Trump abandon Hegseth,” following news of a 2017 sexual assault allegation.

    “It’s becoming a real possibility,” claimed one of the sources. The other source said, “People are upset about the distraction. The general feeling is Pete hasn’t been honest.”

    Shortly after Trump announced his decision to nominate Hegseth for secretary of defense this month, the Trump transition team was informed about a 2020 payment Hegseth reportedly made to a woman who accused him of sexually assaulting her at a hotel and spa in 2017.

    In a statement, Hegseth’s lawyer Timothy Parlatore insisted, “Mr. Hegseth is completely innocent. Not only did she take advantage of him, but we believe she then extorted him knowing that at the height of the #MeToo movement the mere public allegation would likely result in his immediate termination from Fox News.”

    The New York Times reported last week that Trump had “not moved off supporting Mr. Hegseth, despite claims that his team was reassessing the pick, according to several people close to the incoming president.”

    Hegseth’s nomination took Senate Republicans by surprise.

    Asked for his thoughts on the nomination, Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) reportedly remarked, “Really? I’d have to think about it.”

    Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) reacted, “Wow… I’m just surprised because the names that I’ve heard for Secretary of Defense have not included him,” while Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) asked, “Who?”

    Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) was more optimistic about the nomination, calling Hegseth “an impressive individual.”

    Utah Republican Inches Toward Mitt Romney Senate Challenge

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    8
    Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

    A prominent Utah lawmaker appears to be gearing up for a Senate bid, potentially teeing up a competitive primary challenge against incumbent Senator Mitt Romney (R).

    Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson announced Thursday that he is launching an exploratory committee to consider running for Senate, according to reports from Fox News.

    “I’ve really loved the opportunity that we’ve had to keep government small and out of people’s lives, it’s part of why Utah is so special,” Wilson said of his time in public office.

    He continued, “I really believe that what Washington needs is to be a lot more like Utah. We’ve got this amazing opportunity to send Utah values back to D.C., and to have a conservative fighter back there, doing things back there the way we do them here in the Beehive State.” 

    “I’ve been in elected office for a while. And one thing that I know is these offices don’t belong to any of us individually, they belong to the people that elect us,” Wilson said.

    Wilson added, “And so my decision is going to be based on what I hear from people, what I believe is in the best interest of the state of Utah, and what is, quite frankly, in the best interest of my family.”

    Romney has yet to announce if he will run for another term in the Senate but earlier this week filed preliminary paperwork with the Federal Election Commission. 

    Romney was the GOP nominee in the 2012 presidential election and was defeated by former President Barack Obama. The Republican lawmaker has become a controversial figure within the party over the past years, frequently butting heads with then-President Donald Trump. Romney twice voted to impeach Trump.

    This is a breaking news story. Click refresh for the latest updates.

    Results: Congressional Republicans Hold Internal Leadership Vote

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    1
    Ted Eytan from Washington, DC, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

    On Wednesday, Republicans elected a fresh slate of leaders ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration.

    Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) took home the Senate GOP conference chair position, defeating Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) for the coveted spot. 

    Cotton defeated the Iowa Republican in what was the only contested race for a GOP leadership position that was not to become the new leader of the conference. 

    He will replace John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), who will take over as No. 2 leader in the conference as whip after Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) was term-limited. 

    Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) won an uncontested race to become the No. 4 Senate Republican, keeping her hold on a post in GOP leadership.

    Capito served the previous two years as the No. 5 Senate Republican and was vice chairwoman of the Senate GOP Policy Committee. She will now be chairwoman of the committee.

    Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) formally joined the Senate Republican leadership team on Wednesday, having won an uncontested bid to become the vice chairman of the Senate GOP Policy Committee. 

    Lankford ran unchallenged for the position and will replace Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), who moved up to become chairwoman of the committee. 

    As vice chair, Lankford is chiefly tasked with keeping the minutes at the weekly Tuesday policy luncheon. 

    Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) will take over as chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) and helm the campaign efforts for the 2026 cycle. 

    Scott won the chairmanship on Wednesday and ran uncontested for the post. He replaces Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), who steered the party to a potential 53-seat majority and four flipped seats during the 2024 cycle. 

    “I am honored and humbled by the confidence placed in me to protect and grow our Republican majority,” Scott said. “With President Trump in the White House and Republican leadership in Congress, help is on the way for the American people. Donald J. Trump proved that when we fight everywhere with the TRUTH, we win. That is why we must secure a Republican Senate for all four years of the Trump administration, and that work starts today!”

    Trump Injured At Rally, Possibly Shot – Suspect Down

    By
    Patrick Houck
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    1
    Gage Skidmore Flickr

    UPDATE: 8:25 pm

    The New York Times’ Maggie Haberman reports that Donald Trump Jr. said, “I just spoke to my father on the phone, and he is in great spirits.”

    UPDATE: 8:15 pm

    Two sources briefed The New York Times that a rally attendee was killed in the assassination attempt.

    UPDATE: 7:36 pm

    New video footage from the Butler Farm Show grounds shows the body of the attempted assassin on the roof of building approximately 400 feet from where President Trump was speaking. Gunfire from Secret Service agents killed him. The suspect’s identity remains unknown.

    The shooter on the roof fired at Trump from outside the security perimeter, using the elevated position for a clear line of sight.

    A witness on a nearby building informed a BBC reporter that he had seen the shooter crawling onto the roof with a rifle and had tried to warn law enforcement for “two or three minutes” prior to the shooting.

    UPDATE: 7:31 pm

    The Secret Service has confirmed that former President Donald Trump is safe and under protective measures following the shooting at today’s rally. A spokesperson stated that Trump is “fine” and described the incident as a “heinous act.” However, specific details about what transpired at the event remain scant.

    The suspect has been “neutralized,” according to law enforcement sources.

    𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗣: 𝗜’𝗩𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗘𝗡 𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗗, 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗔 𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗟! 𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗢𝗙 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗪 𝗔𝗧 𝗠𝗘, 𝗜 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗡𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥! 𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗜 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗡 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬? 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗕𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗪𝗘 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗬!

    ORIGINAL ARTICLE:

    A retired two-star general standing behind the president was shot, too…

    Former President Donald Trump defiantly raised his fist following an apparent assassination attempt at today’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

    Moments after the first shot rang out, Trump reached toward his ear and blood streaked across his face.

    The shots came as Trump began discussing immigration in his stump speech. Bystanders said the sound resembled that of a small-caliber weapon.

    Secret Service agents quickly whisked Trump off the stage, but not before he signaled to the crowd and appeared to shout the word “fight” multiple times.

    Billionaire Elon Musk voiced his support for Trump following the attack. “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery,” Musk said.

    The entrepreneur made a substantial donation to a pro-Trump super PAC backing the Republican nominee in swing states, according to a report from Bloomberg on Friday. The exact amount of the donation was not disclosed.

    Commenters on X praised the 45th president’s response, suggesting it might have secured his victory in the election.

    𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗣: 𝗜’𝗩𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗘𝗡 𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗗, 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗔 𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗟! 𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗢𝗙 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗪 𝗔𝗧 𝗠𝗘, 𝗜 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗡𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥! 𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗜 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗡 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬? 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗕𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗪𝗘 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗬!

    Additional reactions poured in.

    The alleged gunman is down, according to the county prosecutor.

    This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

    𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗣: 𝗜’𝗩𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗘𝗡 𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗗, 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗔 𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗟! 𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗢𝗙 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗪 𝗔𝗧 𝗠𝗘, 𝗜 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗡𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥! 𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗜 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗡 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬? 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗕𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗪𝗘 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗬!
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