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All Eyes On Ohio: Moreno Seeks To Topple Senator Brown

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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.”

Trump-Backed President-Elect Levels Stunning Coup Accusation At Colombia’s Leader

Abelardo de la Espriella, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Colombia’s President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella suspended the presidential transition Tuesday and accused outgoing President Gustavo Petro of planning a coup to remain in power after Petro refused to recognize the results of the country’s election.

Petro claims progressive Sen. Iván Cepeda actually won the popular vote in Colombia’s June 21 presidential runoff, despite official results showing de la Espriella prevailing by less than 1 percentage point.

The certified tally gave de la Espriella 49.66% of the vote to Cepeda’s 48.70%.

Petro alleges the result was manipulated through algorithms operated from California by Israeli private intelligence companies. He has not released evidence establishing that those companies altered the vote count or that the officially reported results were fraudulent.

International election observers have likewise reported no evidence of irregularities that would have changed the outcome.

De la Espriella alleges plan to ‘cling to power’

De la Espriella, a conservative lawyer and businessman endorsed by President Donald Trump, responded in a video posted to social media.

He accused Petro and Cepeda of attempting to “cling to power at all costs” through what he called a “coup d’état.”

The president-elect called on Colombia’s armed forces to uphold the Constitution and disobey any unlawful orders from Petro. He also urged the international community to monitor the transfer of power and called on his supporters to “resist” until his scheduled inauguration Aug. 7.

Transition process breaks down

De la Espriella announced that he was suspending the formal transition process, known in Colombia as the “empalme,” during which the outgoing government provides information needed by the incoming administration.

Petro’s government then halted its side of the handover.

Finance Minister Germán Ávila, who is overseeing the transition for Petro’s administration, ordered his team to suspend its work in response. Ávila said the outgoing government had “nothing to hide” and criticized statements made by members of de la Espriella’s transition team.

The breakdown followed days of increasingly hostile accusations between the outgoing president and his successor.

Election observers defend vote count

International observers have not supported Petro’s claims that the runoff was fraudulent.

A European Union observer mission praised the transparency and efficiency of Colombia’s vote-counting process. The Carter Center described the system used to manage the results as reliable, transparent, and fully traceable.

De la Espriella was formally declared the winner after defeating Cepeda, who had campaigned on continuing many of Petro’s policies.

The result represented a major political setback for Petro, whose government has struggled with security concerns and a largely unsuccessful effort to negotiate peace agreements with several armed groups.

Incoming government moves ahead

Despite suspending cooperation with Petro’s administration, de la Espriella continued preparing to take office.

He announced six additional Cabinet appointments Tuesday, adding to previously named choices for the defense, interior, finance, and environment ministries.

The dispute has raised concerns about whether Colombia’s traditionally peaceful transfer of presidential power will proceed normally.

For now, Petro remains scheduled to leave office and de la Espriella is set to be inaugurated Aug. 7.

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Eric Trump Leaves Door Open To Future White House Bid

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Gage Skidmore Flickr

Eric Trump, the son of President Donald J. Trump, left the door open for a future political career after speaking at the Bitcoin Asia conference in Hong Kong, signaling that the Trump family’s influence on American politics and business is far from over.

In an interview with Nikkei Asia, the 41-year-old Trump Organization executive said he would “never” rule out running for office. “I’m not saying no, but I’m also not saying yes,” he remarked. His comments came shortly after his wife, Lara Trump—now serving as co-chair of the Republican National Committee—announced she would pass on a Senate bid in North Carolina, opting instead to strengthen the GOP nationally.

A New Generation of Trumps in Politics?

Though neither Eric nor his brother Donald Trump Jr. has previously expressed personal ambition for elected office, both played an active role in their father’s successful 2024 campaign. The Trump sons were fixtures on the campaign trail, rallying conservative voters, motivating grassroots supporters, and building relationships with Republican donors across the country.

Eric Trump has emphasized that any decision about entering politics would center on family values and ensuring a better America for his children. “Would I want my kids to live the same experience over the last decade that I’ve lived? You know, if the answer was yes, I think the political path would be an easy one,” he told the Financial Times earlier this summer. “And by the way, I think other members of our family could do it too.”

Building American Prosperity Abroad

While speculation about his political future grows, Eric Trump has remained focused on expanding the Trump Organization’s international reach. For much of the past year, he has traveled extensively to promote World Liberty Financial, the Trump family’s new cryptocurrency project. The venture officially launched this week, backed by strong enthusiasm from international investors as well as confidence from many within the Trump administration that it represents an innovative step for American financial leadership.

Supporters see the company as a testament to the Trump family’s commitment to bold, market-driven solutions that put the U.S. at the center of the global economy. At a time when Democrats continue to impose heavy regulations on small businesses and emerging industries, the Trump family’s private-sector leadership signals to many conservatives that innovation and entrepreneurial spirit remain cornerstones of American success.

Addressing Concerns, Defending Integrity

Some lawmakers have raised concerns about the Trump family’s ongoing business activities while President Trump is in office. Eric, however, has strongly rejected any suggestion of impropriety.

“I had nothing to do with the government. I’ve been in the private sector my entire life,” he told Nikkei Asia. He emphasized that his professional work and the administration’s leadership have remained separate, pointing out that his family has always operated with integrity, even under constant media scrutiny.

The Trump Legacy Continues

Eric Trump’s willingness to consider a future in politics underscores the enduring impact of the Trump brand within the Republican Party. With Donald J. Trump serving once again in the Oval Office, Lara Trump helping lead the RNC, and both sons energizing conservative audiences across the nation, the Trump family remains a political force like no other in American history.

For many Republicans, Eric Trump’s comments serve as a reminder that the MAGA movement is not just about one presidency—it’s a generational vision of strong leadership, economic opportunity, and putting America first.

GOP Senators Stand Firm Behind Stephen Miller Amid Party Tensions

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Republican senators are rallying behind senior White House aide Stephen Miller as some GOP lawmakers privately grumble that his blunt style and hardline immigration messaging could complicate the party’s midterm prospects.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) dismissed the idea that Miller is in trouble inside Trump’s inner circle, calling him a key architect of the administration’s aggressive border agenda.

“People can disagree with Stephen on rhetoric or policy,” Graham told The Hill, “but the question is, is he in jeopardy in Trump World? Absolutely not.”

Graham argued Republicans should stop hand-wringing over internal personality clashes and instead focus on going on offense against what he called the failures of the Biden years. He pointed to an upcoming Senate vote targeting sanctuary city policies, saying Miller played a central role in shaping the effort.

Miller’s defenders say he has been instrumental in delivering on the promises Trump made to voters — from tougher immigration enforcement to cracking down on fentanyl trafficking. Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), who represents a major battleground state, credited Miller with helping advance priorities that matter to working families.

Other prominent Republicans, including Senate GOP Conference Chair Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), also praised Miller’s long-standing role in border security and law enforcement policy.

Still, the controversy highlights growing tension inside the Republican conference as lawmakers head into an election cycle. Some senators, including Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), have criticized Miller’s demeanor and influence, arguing the White House should broaden its circle of advisers.

The debate comes as Washington faces a looming Homeland Security funding deadline, with Democrats threatening to block extensions unless the administration agrees to restrictions on ICE operations. Democrats have also escalated calls for investigations, impeachments, and removals of Trump officials tied to immigration enforcement — part of a broader effort to portray the administration as extreme.

Miller has also drawn attention for his unapologetic stance on Greenland and U.S. strategic power in the Arctic, which critics say risks alienating allies. Supporters counter that Trump’s tougher posture has strengthened America’s defensive position and forced long-overdue conversations about national security.

For many Trump allies, the bottom line is simple: Miller remains one of the president’s most trusted advisers — and Republicans who want to win should focus less on palace intrigue and more on policy fights Democrats are increasingly out of step on.

As Graham put it, Miller is “Karl Rove to MAGA,” and anyone betting on his downfall, he suggested, doesn’t understand how Trump’s White House works.

Trump-backed Candidates Win Big In Indiana

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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.

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House GOP Campaign Arm Launches ‘MAGA Majority’ Program To Boost Trump-aligned Candidates

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As Republicans work to hold and expand their narrow House majority ahead of this year’s midterm elections, the party’s campaign arm is rolling out a new initiative aimed at elevating a slate of Trump-aligned candidates.

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) on Tuesday announced its first group of contenders under the “MAGA Majority” program, which highlights Republican candidates competing in key battleground districts nationwide. The announcement was first shared with Fox News Digital.

The MAGA Majority program, previously known as the “Young Guns” initiative in earlier cycles, is part of a broader GOP effort to defend its slim 218–214 advantage in the House. Democrats need a net gain of just three seats in the midterms to reclaim control of the chamber.

“House Republicans are on offense, and the MAGA Majority is the next wave of leaders who will help us expand our majority in 2026,” NRCC Chair Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina said in a statement.

Hudson added, “From veterans and job creators to proven conservative fighters and local leaders, these candidates are stepping up to secure the border, lower costs, and deliver on President Trump’s America First agenda.”

According to the NRCC, candidates selected for the MAGA Majority will receive early backing, strategic resources, and increased visibility as Republicans seek to compete in districts they view as vulnerable for Democrats.

The GOP faces traditional midterm headwinds, as the party in power typically loses seats. Republicans are also navigating a challenging political environment shaped by ongoing economic concerns, including persistent inflation, as well as President Trump’s underwater approval ratings.

Still, Republicans point to opportunities on the electoral map. Democrats will be defending more than a dozen districts that Trump carried in the 2024 presidential election, and the NRCC argues that “the MAGA Majority is designed to capitalize on that opportunity.”

The initial MAGA Majority roster includes:

  • Mike LiPetri (New York’s 3rd District), a former state lawmaker, attorney, and businessman aiming to flip a competitive Long Island seat
  • Peter Oberacker (New York’s 19th District), a state senator, farmer, and small business owner with strong ties to upstate New York
  • Tano Tijerina (Texas’ 28th District), a Webb County judge highlighted as a border security advocate
  • Eric Flores (Texas’ 34th District), a decorated Army veteran and former prosecutor from the Rio Grande Valley
  • Kevin Lincoln (California’s 13th District), former Stockton mayor and Marine, described by the NRCC as a rising Republican figure
  • Paul LePage (Maine’s 2nd District), a former two-term governor running in a district Trump has carried in all three of his presidential campaigns
  • Jay Feely (Arizona’s 1st District), a former NFL player, analyst, and humanitarian
  • Laurie Buckhout (North Carolina’s 1st District), a 26-year Army veteran and Gulf War veteran
  • Joe Mitchell (Iowa’s 2nd District), a former state representative, Trump administration veteran, and conservative grassroots organizer

Meanwhile, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is targeting 44 Republican-held districts as it looks to flip the House.

Democrats remain energized despite broader polling challenges. They point to strong performances in 2025 elections and a series of special election overperformances since Trump returned to the White House, driven in part by a focus on affordability issues amid ongoing inflation.

“Democrats are on offense, and our map reflects the fact that everyday Americans are tired of Republicans’ broken promises and ready for change in Congress,” DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene said in a statement. “Healthcare, housing, groceries, energy bills — they are all going up, and it’s directly because of Republican policies that favor the wealthiest few while leaving hardworking families behind.”

DelBene added, “Going into the midterms, Democrats have the winning message, top-tier candidates, and the public on our side, paving the way for a new Democratic House Majority under the leadership of a Speaker Hakeem Jeffries.”

John Cusack Compares Trump To ‘Killers Of Christ’ In Easter Post, Sparks Backlash

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Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

Actor John Cusack, once a household name in American cinema, used Easter Sunday to compare President Donald Trump to those who killed Jesus Christ. The post, shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, quickly stirred controversy and prompted withering criticism from users across the platform.

Cusack, who achieved A-list status in the late ’80s and ’90s with films like “Say Anything,” “High Fidelity” and “Grosse Pointe Blank,” has become better known in recent years for his political commentary than his acting work. He’s been a persistent critic of both Hollywood’s corporate culture and right-leaning political figures, often using sweeping, inflammatory language to make his points.

Breitbart’s Warner Todd Huston provides further information and corrects the actor’s historical narrative:

Of course, Cusack’s simple-minded framing of the death of Jesus Christ is not entirely correct. Jesus was not crucified merely for “politics.” The Jewish leaders who conspired to eliminate Jesus were incensed that he had called himself the Son of God and, therefore, a divine figure. They felt he was engaging in blasphemy. And the Romans prosecuted him for claiming to be “King of the Jews.” That was a crime in their eyes because only Caesar could be king. The question of Christ’s divinity was not as incidental as Cusack wants to make it seem.

Certainly, Jesus also threatened the political power of the Jewish leaders. But the Romans were somewhat indifferent and did not feel he was all that much of a political threat to them. So, obviously there was a political aspect to the whole thing, but to say it was all just a “political calculation” is an oversimplification. There was also deep religious context to it all.

The Say Anything star is a constant presence on social media where he often engages in wild-eyed, hate-filled attacks on Donald Trump and anyone else who opposes Cusack’s extremist opinions.

Last month, for instance, Cusack once again broke out his tired “Nazi” epithets by calling Tesla chief Elon Musk a “Nazi” who is “literally killing people” for heading up Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and looking for ways to cut the bloated and out-of-control federal budget.

Reactions on Social Media

The reaction to Cusack’s Easter post was swift. Many users mocked the statement, calling it “unhinged” and labeling the actor a “nut job.” Others accused him of being out of touch with everyday Americans and using religion as a tool for political attacks.

While Cusack has long aligned himself with progressive causes and anti-establishment rhetoric, critics argue that these kinds of extreme comparisons do more to alienate than persuade. Some pointed out the irony of invoking a religious holiday to make a hyperbolic political statement, particularly one that equates a democratically-elected president to biblical villains.

A Career Shifted from Blockbusters to Activism

Once a reliable lead in major Hollywood films, Cusack’s presence on screen has waned over the past two decades. Though he maintains a devoted fan base and occasional roles in direct-to-video flicks, his voice is now more commonly heard online, where he frequently engages in political debates and ad hominem attacks on his political opponents.

His legacy as a cultural figure from the ’80s and ’90s remains intact, but his recent public statements continue to polarize. Whether this latest post was an attempt to spark discussion or simply another instance of performative outrage, it’s clear Cusack remains committed to using his platform, even if it means drawing fire in the process.

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Trump Snub? GOP Incumbents Accused of ‘Borrowing’ President’s Support to Survive Brutal Primaries

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

President Donald Trump’s pull inside the Republican Party is still absolute.

His endorsement? Political gold.

“The Trump endorsement is king in any primary,” longtime GOP strategist Jesse Hunt told Fox News Digital. Fellow Republican consultant Matt Gorman didn’t mince words either, calling it “an undeniable force.”

And that reality is driving a new, high-stakes strategy among vulnerable Republicans: if you can’t win Trump’s backing… try to look like you have it anyway.

PLAYING DEFENSE AGAINST TRUMP-BACKED CHALLENGERS

Across the country, embattled GOP incumbents are facing serious primary threats from candidates backed by Trump himself. And instead of confronting that head-on, some are leaning into carefully crafted messaging that suggests they’re still aligned with the president.

Take Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy.

Cassidy — one of just seven Republicans who voted to convict Trump after the January 6 impeachment — is now locked in a tough primary against Trump-endorsed Rep. Julia Letlow.

But you wouldn’t know that from his ads.

In one spot, Cassidy highlights a fentanyl bill he authored, adding:
“President Trump said it was the most important legislation he would sign this year,”

Images of Trump appear prominently.

Another ad goes further, flashing “Trump & Cassidy” on screen while touting tax cuts the two “worked” on together.

Notably missing? Any mention that Trump is backing his opponent.

MASSIE’S PHOTO-OP FLASHBACK

In Kentucky, Rep. Thomas Massie — a longtime Trump critic — is facing a Trump-backed challenger, former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein.

Massie has repeatedly clashed with Trump, including over the Epstein files and foreign policy. But in a recent campaign ad, he spotlighted an old photo of himself smiling alongside the former president.

A subtle signal — but a deliberate one.

Meanwhile, Trump allies are pouring money into boosting Gallrein and attacking Massie.

CORNERNED IN TEXAS

In Texas, Sen. John Cornyn is fighting for survival in a runoff against MAGA favorite and state Attorney General John Paxton.

Trump hasn’t endorsed either candidate — but Cornyn is making sure voters remember their past relationship.

In one ad, the narrator says Cornyn “had his back,” as footage shows Trump and the senator giving a thumbs-up together.

“We’re especially grateful to your wonderful senators,” Trump says in an old clip featured in the ad, referring to Cornyn and Sen. Ted Cruz.

Unlike Cassidy and Massie, Cornyn isn’t contradicting an endorsement — but he’s still leaning hard into Trump’s image.

HIGH-RISK STRATEGY?

The tactic may be clever — but it’s also dangerous.

Hunt warns that implying support from Trump when you don’t actually have it could blow up fast.

“If you haven’t earned it but portray as though you have, it could be the end of your campaign,” he said. “That’s if the President decides to take issue with it.”

In today’s GOP, one thing is clear: crossing Trump is risky — but pretending he’s on your side when he isn’t could be even worse.

Trump Wins Pennsylvania!

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The most closely-watched state of the 2024 election cycle…

Former President Donald Trump won Pennsylvania on Wednesday, defeating Democrat Kamala Harris in the critical battleground state.

Trump won Pennsylvania’s 19 electoral votes four years after Democrat Joe Biden carried the state, flipping it from Trump’s column in 2016 on his way to capturing the “blue wall.” No Democrat has won the White House without also winning Pennsylvania since 1948.

The Associated Press declared Trump the winner at 2:24 a.m. EST.

The Keystone State experienced its fair share of issues on Election Day.

A Pennsylvania judge approved a petition to extend voting hours until 10 p.m. ET after a “malfunction” prevented voters in Cambria County from scanning their ballots.

“The Cambria County Board of Election learned early [Tuesday] morning that a software malfunction in the County’s Electronic Voting System has prevented voters from scanning their ballots,” County Solicitor Ron Repak said in a statement. “This should not discourage voters from voting at their precincts.”

“All completed ballots will be accepted, secured, and counted by the Board of Elections. The County Board of Elections has express voting machine [sic] at precinct locations to continue to allow voting electronically, while still allowing hand ballots to be cast,” said Repak.

Prior to the court granting the extension, Whatley had assured voters that the Republican Party’s lawyers were “all over” the issue.

“We understand that there are some line delays on the ground,” Whatley wrote on X. “We need you to stay in line. We need you to fill out your ballot in full and deliver it. Our Pennsylvania lawyers are all over this issue and will ensure fairness and accuracy in the process.”

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

MTG Slams Door On Tucker 2028 Buzz After Fueling It Herself

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Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

Marjorie Taylor Greene is pulling the plug on the Tucker 2028 hype — just months after helping light the fuse.

The former Georgia congresswoman says Tucker Carlson is not plotting a third-party White House run, despite a viral summit of Trump-world defectors and a manifesto-style speech that sent speculation into overdrive.

“Tucker, he’s not running for president,” Greene told POLITICO Playbook over the weekend, according to The Hill. “He said that publicly. He said that privately.”

Greene also ruled herself out of the 2028 sweepstakes, insisting the group’s fight is bigger than landing one of its members in the Oval Office.

“Our argument is the two-party system is a complete and total failure,” she said. “I am 100 percent totally completely disgusted with both parties.”

That is a striking change in tone from March, when Greene loudly floated Carlson as Trump’s successor — and even suggested the former Fox News star could beat the president if Trump tried to seek an unconstitutional third term. (RELATED: Marjorie Taylor Greene Floats New ‘America-First’ Party, Says Tucker Carlson Could Upend 2028)

“I SUPPORT TUCKER,” Greene wrote at the time, adding that Carlson “would beat Trump” in that hypothetical showdown, Axios reported.

Now she is slamming the brakes.

The fresh frenzy began with a photo from Carlson’s cabin in Maine showing Greene, Carlson, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and former Trump counterterrorism chief Joe Kent gathered around a wooden table.

Greene accused Trump of betraying voters who backed his promise to avoid new foreign wars and declared: “The movement has begun.” Carlson later shared her post and called for “a new path forward,” according to WIRED.

Kent then poured gasoline on the 2028 chatter, revealing that members of the group had urged Carlson to run. But he also acknowledged that Carlson had repeatedly told them no.

That resistance is not new. Carlson has pushed back on presidential speculation for years, and he drew an explicit line between building a political alternative and becoming its candidate in a July interview with the Columbia Journalism Review.

Carlson predicted that “there’s going to be a third party” and said he intended to help build it. Asked whether he would run on its ticket, he answered: “I don’t want to be a candidate.” CJR reported.

The distinction matters.

Greene is denying a Tucker Carlson campaign. She is not denying the push to create a new political force outside the Republican and Democratic parties.

As GAND previously reported, Carlson gave that effort an ideological spine last week when he unveiled a 10-point vision of what America “should be.” The former Fox host stopped short of announcing a campaign or launching a party, presenting the plan instead as the foundation for “whatever comes next,” Axios reported. (RELATED: Tucker Carlson Unveils 10-Point Blueprint As Revolt Against Trump Deepens)

His agenda called for equal treatment under the law, a revival of American manufacturing and farming, tougher restrictions on immigration, greater government transparency and an end to foreign entanglements. It also placed the Jeffrey Epstein saga at the center of Carlson’s case that powerful elites operate by a different set of rules.

Carlson’s transformation from Trump ally to MAGA dissident has been driven largely by two explosive disputes: the war in Iran and the administration’s handling of the Epstein files.

The media personality said he personally urged Trump not to enter a regime-change conflict with Tehran and visited the White House three times before the war. Once fighting began, Carlson said he stopped speaking to the president and accused him of abandoning the anti-war promise at the heart of “America First.”

Trump fired back in March, saying Carlson had “lost his way” and was no longer MAGA. Carlson later told CJR that Trump was “not a man in charge of his own life” — a brutal assessment from a commentator who was once among the most influential voices in the president’s political orbit.

The feud widened over Epstein. Carlson has accused the administration of withholding key information and protecting a powerful class from scrutiny. Greene and Massie also became prominent critics of the government’s handling of the files.

That shared anger — over war, foreign influence and elite impunity — is now binding together a loose coalition of former Trump loyalists looking beyond the GOP.

Greene’s latest comments settle one question, at least for now: Tucker Carlson is not running for president.

But the political rebellion gathering around him does not seem to be going away.