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DeSantis Suggests Musk Pursue Constitutional Amendments Instead Of Establishing New Political Party

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suggested that billionaire CEO Elon Musk push for balanced budget and congressional term limit amendments to the U.S. Constitution, rather than build a new political party.

Musk, who has been outspoken about the need to rein in government spending, announced that he is launching a new political party called the America Party. 

“Backing a candidate for president is not out of the question, but the focus for the next 12 months is on the House and the Senate,” he noted in a post on X.

The governor suggested that if Musk funds candidates in competitive Senate and House contests, Democrats will likely win.

But DeSantis acknowledged that the GOP has an issue with people running on spending less, but then failing to do so. “There’s a gap between the campaign rhetoric, and then the performance,” he said.

He explained that he does not believe “electing a few better people” will alter the “trajectory” on the debt issue.

DeSantis said that the “incentives” in D.C. will “lead to these outcomes, really, regardless of the outcome of elections at this point,” asserting that a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution is needed.

Musk “would have a monumental impact” if he got involved, DeSantis said.

Billionaire Elon Musk announced the launch of his new political party on Saturday, but has yet to share any further details on how he plans to navigate the red tape to establish a viable alternative.

Musk on Saturday appeared to confirm his intention to launch his “America Party,” after posting a poll to his X account the prior day asking followers whether or not he should create the new party.

“By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it! When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy,” he wrote. “Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.”

Elon Musk’s plan to launch a new US political party could split the Republicans, Donald Trump’s allies have warned.

Former Trump Appointee Says MAGA Movement Is ‘Dead’

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Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

A former Trump administration official is lighting a match under the MAGA movement—and claiming it’s already burned out.

Carrie Prejean Boller, once appointed by Trump to the White House Religious Liberty Commission, declared Monday that “MAGA is dead,” accusing the president of abandoning his “America First” roots and aligning U.S. foreign policy with Israel in the escalating conflict with Iran.

Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Prejean Boller didn’t hold back.

“I think that a foreign country has occupied our government, and we are seeing now that this president of the United States of America is being influenced by a foreign government,” she said.

“And MAGA, let me tell you right now, MAGA is dead. It is deader than dead, and Americans are furious. We don’t recognize President Donald J. Trump anymore,” she added, calling Trump a “dear friend” she no longer recognizes.

Her comments come amid a growing fracture inside the Republican coalition following U.S.-Israel joint strikes on Iran on Feb. 28—an operation that has reignited debate over what “America First” actually means in practice.

Prejean Boller herself was recently ousted from the Religious Liberty Commission after being accused of attempting to “hijack” a hearing on antisemitism. Trump had appointed her to the role in May 2025.

But she’s far from alone in her criticism.

Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, once one of Trump’s fiercest allies, is also breaking ranks—calling the strikes a betrayal of campaign promises.

“The American people did not vote for this,” Greene told CNN. “I went to, I can’t even tell you, countless rallies all over the country for President Trump… and we said on every single rally stage, ‘No more foreign wars, no more regime change.’”

The internal rupture deepened further Tuesday when Joe Kent abruptly resigned as director of the National Counterterrorism Center—the first Trump official to step down in protest over the Iran conflict.

“I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” Kent wrote on X. “Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”

The White House swiftly dismissed that claim. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the suggestion that Trump was influenced by Israel “insulting and laughable.”

Despite the high-profile defections, early polling suggests the MAGA base hasn’t moved nearly as much as its loudest critics. An NBC News survey found just 5% of self-identified MAGA Republicans opposed the initial strikes.

Prejean Boller isn’t buying it.

“I talk to MAGA people all day long, every day, and the everyday, average American is absolutely against this war,” she said. “And they know that the only reason why we are even in Iran right now is because of Israel.”

Impeachment Critic Introduces Resolution Urging VP To Remove President With 25th Amendment

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Kamala Harris via Wikimedia Commons

Colorado Republican Ken Buck announced a resolution on Monday calling for Vice President Kamala Harris to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Biden from office.

The resolution is unexpected as Rep. Buck has fiercely criticized Republicans’ effort to impeach President Joe Biden.

“Calling on Vice President Kamala Harris to convene and mobilize the principal officers of the executive departments of the Cabinet to activate section 4 of the 25th Amendment to declare President Joseph R. Biden incapable of executing the duties of his office and to immediately exercise powers as Acting President,” Buck’s resolution read.

Rep. Buck’s resolution cites several examples of why Buck believes President Biden to be no longer capable of executing his office.

Mediaite has more:

Whereas President Joseph R. Biden is the oldest sitting President in United States history at 81 years old;
Whereas President Joseph R. Biden has been televised wandering aimlessly at events, including an event with the King of Jordan at the White House in February 2024, an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit event in November 2023, and a Global Fund conference in September 2022;
Whereas President Joseph R. Biden frequently speaks publicly in an incoherent and indiscernible manner, often with the aid of a teleprompter, including speeches he gave at a brewery in Wisconsin in January 2024, a speech in Vietnam in September 2023, and a Presidential townhall with CNN in July 2021;

Buck’s resolution concludes by declaring Harris must “immediately use her powers under section 4 of the 25th Amendment to convene and mobilize the principal officers of the executive departments in the Cabinet to declare what is obvious to a horrified Nation: That the President is unable to successfully discharge the duties and powers of his office.”

Buck will not seek reelection to his heavily Republican district in 2024 and expressed his disappointment with the GOP. Vocal Republicans have also voiced frustration over Buck’s opposition to the Biden impeachment as well his decision to vote against impeaching Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas.

“I think that we have three committees that are working very hard on uncovering evidence of Hunter Biden’s wrongdoing,” Buck said in September of 2023.

“They are looking to see if there is a connection with Joe Biden. If they reach that point where they could find evidence of a connection, fine. I think that the Republicans will move forward with an impeachment inquiry. Right now, I’m not convinced that that evidence exists. And I’m not supporting an impeachment inquiry,” he concluded.

This article originally appeared on American Liberty News. Republished with permission.

Bernie Sanders Addressed Claims He And AOC Are Trying To Launch Third Party

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By Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America - Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez & Bernie Sanders, CC BY-SA 2.0,

Self-proclaimed Socialist Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt) recently aired his grievances with the Democrat Party saying the party lacks a vision for the future but denied claims he’s planning to launch a new political party with the help of progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Sanders recently told the New York Times one of the goals of his tour of rallies across the country with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) was to encourage progressive candidates to run as independents and not as Democrats – denied that he was attempting to start a third party when asked by NBC’s “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker. 

“We’re not trying to start a third party. What we are trying to do is strengthen American Democracy where faith in both the Democratic and Republican Parties is extremely low,” Sanders said.

“You want to run as a Democrat? Great. You want to run as an independent? That’s great, but you’ve got to get involved in the political process,” he added. 

Sanders continued, “What Democrats lack right now is a vision for the future… The two-party system is failing the working class of this country.” 

Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez have been barnstorming the country on what they call their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. The duo have attracted large crowds at their rallies, which have been held in Arizona, Utah, California and other states, but have also attracted criticism. 

Fox News noted that the pair of progressive lawmakers were spotted exiting a private jet costing a staggering $15,000 an hour in Sacramento, California on April 17. The self-identified Democratic Socialists chartered the jet to transport them to several West Coast stops on the tour.

An April Fox News poll found that Democrats are at their lowest favorability rating ever, with just 41% of those surveyed having a favorable view of the party and 56% of respondents having an unfavorable view, leaving the party at a negative 15% rating. Democrats are still favored over the Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections, however. 

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) has been rumored as a potential 2028 primary opponent to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer but has yet to make any announcement.

However, a government accountability nonprofit is calling on the House to launch a probe into whether Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., misappropriated her taxpayer-funded member allowance.

Americans for Public Trust, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, sent a letter to the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) on Tuesday, questioning “several troubling expenses” from AOC’s disbursements, which they claim are “in contravention of federal law and the standards of the House of Representatives.”

Each member of Congess receives a Member Representational Allowance (“MRA”), a budget for official duties that “may not be used for personal or campaign purposes,” according to the Congressional Research Service. However, the “Squad” member is being accused of using these funds for “campaign purposes.”

AOC reportedly made a payment of $3,700 to a “Juan D Gonzalez” and another for $850 to “Bombazo Dance Co Inc.,” with both expenditures described as being used for “training.”

VP Vance Predicts ‘Dumbest’ Democrat Candidate Will Secure Nomination In 2028

Vice President JD Vance took aim at the Democratic Party’s likely 2028 presidential contenders during a lighthearted but pointed exchange on Fox News, joking that the party’s “dumbest” candidate is most likely to emerge from the primary.

In an exclusive interview released Wednesday on Jesse Watters Primetime, Watters raised speculation about California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s national ambitions, noting the governor’s frequent media appearances and rumored White House aspirations.

“Gavin Newsom, obviously, is running for president. Have you seen this guy cross his legs? Have you ever seen anyone cross their legs like that?” Watters asked jokingly.

“My legs don’t cross like that, Jesse,” Vance replied with a laugh. “You can interpret that however you want to.”

Watters went on to frame the looming Democratic contest as a showdown between Newsom and Vice President Kamala Harris.

“Gavin and Kamala are on a collision course,” Watters said. “Who’s gonna win?”

“The dumbest candidate will probably win,” Vance quipped. “That’s my guess with the Democratic Party.”

Vance argued that the current Democratic bench reflects deeper structural problems within the party, particularly its fixation on identity politics over competence.

“I mean, look, the Democrats have a couple of big issues, and one is that they lean so far into wokeism that they can’t see the obviousness of the fact, which is that Kamala Harris is not qualified to be president of the United States,” Vance said.

“That’s why she got the vice presidential nomination. That’s why she got the presidential nomination. This is who Kamala Harris is.”

Vance contrasted Harris with Newsom, describing the California governor as emblematic of failed progressive governance.

“Now, the flip side is, I think you have an unbelievably corrupt and incompetent governor in Gavin Newsom,” he said. “The fact that those are the two frontrunners just suggests how deeply deranged the Democrat Party is. Let them fight it out. We’ll figure it out.”

A Weak Democratic Bench for 2028

While Newsom and Harris dominate early speculation, Democrats face a thin and fractured 2028 field. Other frequently mentioned names include Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—each of whom carries significant liabilities with general-election voters. Many Democrats privately acknowledge that the party lacks a unifying figure with broad national appeal, particularly as voters continue to recoil from progressive economic and cultural policies.

Republicans, by contrast, are positioning themselves as the party of stability, affordability, and public safety heading into the next election cycle.

Cost of Living and Accountability

Watters noted that Democrats are expected to campaign heavily on cost-of-living issues in upcoming elections, a strategy Vance dismissed as deeply hypocritical.

“That’s a pot-meet-kettle situation,” Vance argued, pointing to Democratic-led policies that fueled inflation, higher energy costs, and housing shortages.

He credited the Trump administration with reversing those trends.

“We haven’t even been in office for a year, and you’ve already seen prices start to come down. You’ve seen rents start to come down. You’ve seen groceries leveling off,” Vance said.

“Is there more work to do? Absolutely. But the people who are going to do that work is the Trump administration, is the president of the United States, who is solving the Democrats’ affordability crisis.”

“You don’t give power back to the very people who set the house on fire,” he added. “You give more power to the person who put the fire out.”

Impeachment Politics

When asked whether Democrats would attempt to impeach President Trump again if they regain control of Congress, Vance said such a move would be predictable—and revealing.

“I’m sure he’ll get impeached,” Vance said. “Look, they have nothing to actually run on or govern on.”

“Their entire obsessive focus of that party is they hate Donald Trump,” he continued. “So, if they ever get power, are they going to lower Americans’ taxes? No. Are they going to make your life more affordable? No. Are they going to solve the crime crisis? No.”

“What they’re going to do is they’re going to spend all their time and all of your money trying to get Donald Trump.”

Vance urged voters to focus on results rather than partisan theatrics.

“I think the American people should vote for the people who want to make their life more affordable, who want to make their neighborhoods safer,” he said. “That’s what we’re trying to deliver every single day.”

Newsom Responds With a Meme

Newsom’s office responded to the interview with a digitally altered image of Vance crossing his legs in an exaggerated pose, captioned: “We all know JD copies Daddy.”

Anarchist Arrested In Murder-For-Hire Plot Targeting Top Government Official

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A 29-year-old man has been arrested for what federal authorities describe as a brazen “murder-for-hire” online plot targeting the U.S. Attorney General.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Minnesota resident Tyler Maxon Avalos was taken into custody on October 16 after a tipster notified them of his alleged TikTok post offering a $45,000 bounty on the life of Pam Bondi, the U.S. Attorney General.

The post reportedly featured Ms. Bondi’s photo with a red target icon over her forehead and the caption: “WANTED: Pam Bondi / REWARD: 45,000 DEAD OR ALIVE (PREFERABLY DEAD). Beneath the image: ‘Cough cough. When they don’t serve us, then what?’”

Court filings reveal Avalos used the handle “Wacko” on TikTok and had references to an “An Anarchist FAQ book” in his profile. Authorities further noted his criminal history of violence: a July 2022 felony stalking conviction in Dakota County (Minnesota), an August 2016 felony third-degree domestic battery charge in Polk County, Florida, and an April 2016 misdemeanor domestic assault in Dakota County (originally a felony domestic assault by strangulation). The affidavit describes media concerns that Avalos has “anarchist ties,” though the FBI has not publicly confirmed a full motive.

Federal prosecutors say Avalos now faces a charge of interstate transmission of a threat to injure another person — a federal crime carrying potentially years in prison. His attorney, Daniel Gerdts, stated only that his client “is not guilty of any crime.”

Recent incidents of violence targeting Republican or conservative figures

While the Bondi case is extraordinary, it aligns with a growing body of incidents in which political actors — particularly those associated with the Republican side — have been targeted:

  • In September 2024, at least one apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump (the Republican former-President and leading 2024 nominee) was reported.
  • More broadly, an analysis by the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) found that between 2016 and 2025 there were 25 attacks and plots targeting elected officials, candidates, judges and other government figures motivated by extremist partisan beliefs — more than triple the number in the previous 25 years combined.
  • While some of the high-profile cases involve Democratic officials (for example, the June 2025 shootings of Minnesota legislators), the broader trend applies across the ideological spectrum: violence is trending upward, not just against one side but throughout government—and conservatives are explicitly among the targets.

Polls & studies confirm the spike in political violence

The Bondi bounty scheme emerges against a backdrop of disturbing data indicating rising public concern and creeping acceptance of politically motivated violence:

Other surveys show that while majorities condemn political violence, many believe it will increase. For example, a CBS News poll found that people of all parties overwhelmingly find political violence unacceptable — yet they are concerned it will escalate.

A recent study found that 86 % of Americans believe political violence is either a major or minor problem — the highest in two years. When asked whether political violence has increased over the past few years, 78 % said yes.

A Pew Research Center-sponsored survey found that Americans believe politically-motivated violence is increasing, and that polarization is seen as a key cause.

A PBS/NPR/Marist poll found that nearly one-third of Americans now believe political violence may be necessary to set the country back on track — up from 19 % about a year and a half earlier.

Other surveys show that while majorities condemn political violence, many believe it will increase. For example, a CBS News poll found that people of all parties overwhelmingly find political violence unacceptable — yet they are concerned it will escalate.

Former Fox News Editor Blames Trump for Firing

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Looking east towards 6th Avenue along north (48th Street) side of Fox News building on a snowy afternoon. [Photo Credit: Jim.henderson, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons]

Former Fox News Editor Chris Stirewalt was fired following the 2020 election.

Stirewalt famously called Arizona for Joe Biden in what many said was a premature decision.

Now, in a new book Stirewalt is criticizing former President Trump, and blaming him, at least in part, for his firing, DNYUZ reports.

Stirewalt wrote, “I got canned after very vocal and very online viewers — including the then-president of the United States — became furious when our Decision Desk was the first to project that Joe Biden would win the former G.O.P. stronghold of Arizona in 2020.”

Trump was furious at Stirewalt for calling the state too early.

A ratings decline followed after Trump urged his supporters to watch other networks.

But the decision to call Arizona was never reversed an ultimately turned out to be the right one.

[READ NEXT: New Accusations Hit Member of Trump’s Family]

Trump Endorses Mike Lindell In Minnesota Governor’s Race

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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 is throwing his political weight behind one of his longest-standing allies, giving MyPillow founder Mike Lindell his “complete and total endorsement” in Minnesota’s closely watched race for governor — a move that underscores the president’s loyalty to one of his fiercest defenders even as Republicans debate the party’s best path to winning a traditionally blue state.

Trump announced his endorsement Wednesday morning in a lengthy Truth Social post, praising Lindell as a tireless supporter who has stood by him through years of political and legal battles.

“Mike Lindell, the ‘Pillow Man,’ and one of America’s greatest and most hard working Patriots, is running to be GOVERNOR OF MINNESOTA, replacing one of the worst and most incompetent governors in the history of the U.S.A.,” Trump wrote.

The president argued Lindell could reverse what he described as the state’s decline under outgoing Democratic Gov. Tim Walz.

“He can do it! Nobody has sacrificed more than Mike Lindell in fighting for our country, especially when it comes to Election Integrity,” Trump continued. “He truly deserves everything he gets – He will MAKE MINNESOTA GREAT AGAIN!!!”

Trump concluded with an unequivocal endorsement.

“MIKE LINDELL HAS MY COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT – HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN. Good Luck Mike!!!”

The endorsement formalizes a relationship that has stretched back years. Lindell emerged as one of Trump’s most visible allies after the 2020 election, frequently appearing alongside the president, using his platform to defend Trump’s claims about election integrity, and becoming a regular presence at rallies and conservative events. His loyalty came at a steep personal and financial cost, with retailers dropping MyPillow products and voting technology companies filing high-profile defamation lawsuits against him over statements about the 2020 election.

Trump has repeatedly praised Lindell for remaining loyal despite those setbacks. Even before issuing his formal endorsement, the president had publicly said last year that Lindell “deserves to be governor of Minnesota.”

Lindell launched his gubernatorial campaign last December, joining a crowded Republican field seeking to replace Walz, who opted against seeking another term. Walz’s administration has faced sustained criticism from Republicans over massive fraud schemes involving state-administered federal nutrition programs, allegations Trump referenced again in his endorsement.

The endorsement also comes as Minnesota Republicans remain divided over their preferred nominee.

While businessman Kendall Qualls secured the Minnesota GOP’s endorsement at the state convention, Lindell has continued campaigning aggressively and has remained competitive in public polling. A recent SurveyUSA/KSTP poll showed Lindell leading the Republican primary field with 27% support, ahead of Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth at 22% and Qualls at 17%, though roughly one-quarter of Republican voters remained undecided.

If Lindell captures the Aug. 11 Republican primary, he would likely face Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who entered the governor’s race after Walz stepped aside and has built a substantial fundraising advantage. Multiple early surveys have shown Klobuchar beginning the general election campaign as the favorite.

Trump nevertheless argued Republicans can prevail, while again alleging election problems have hurt the GOP in Minnesota.

In a separate Truth Social post Wednesday, the president blasted Klobuchar as “lightly respected” and accused her of knowing about the fraud allegations surrounding Minnesota’s child nutrition reimbursement programs.

“I have gotten to know Klobuchar over the years, and find her to be equally as incompetent as Walz, and probably equally as corrupt in that, as a high Government Official from Minnesota, she knew everything that was going on,” Trump wrote.

He also claimed, “If the Elections in Minnesota weren’t RIGGED, any Republican could win, but they were, and that is why nobody has won there since Richard Nixon many years ago. I thought I won it all three times, only to be disappointed in the end.”

Minnesota’s Republican primary is scheduled for Aug. 11, with the general election set for November.

A Done Deal: West Virginia Poised To Turn Dark Red

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Governor Jim Justice, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Former President Donald Trump is poised to win West Virginia, according to Fox News.

Republican Jim Justice is also projected to flip the 2024 West Virginia Senate seat, according to Fox News.

With Democrat Senator Joe Manchin opting not to seek reelection, the race left a critical seat open in a state that has shifted dramatically to the right in recent years. This Senate seat was a major target for Republicans, who view West Virginia as a strong pickup opportunity as they aim to regain control of the U.S. Senate.

The Republican Frontrunner: Jim Justice

Governor Jim Justice, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Jim Justice, who has served as West Virginia’s governor since 2017, was widely seen as the frontrunner in the race to replace Joe Manchin. Initially elected as a Democrat, Justice switched to the Republican Party in 2017 during a rally with then-President Donald Trump, a move that aligned him with the state’s increasingly conservative electorate. Since then, Justice has solidified his position as one of the most prominent and popular figures in West Virginia politics, with consistently high approval ratings and strong support from rural voters.

Justice’s campaign for the Senate centered on his track record as governor, during which he has focused on job creation, economic development, and coal industry revitalization—key issues in a state that has been economically dependent on coal mining for generations. He also made a point of emphasizing his ties to former President Trump, who remains extremely popular in West Virginia.

The Democrat: Glenn Elliott

Attorney and Wheeling city councilman Glenn Elliott is hoping to succeed Joe Manchin. Elliott has emphasized his work as a city councilman in Wheeling, where he has focused on economic development, affordable housing, and revitalizing downtown areas. His campaign has argued that the state needs new leadership to address its economic challenges and improve the quality of life for working-class families.

Endorsements

Here are five key endorsements for Jim Justice in the 2024 West Virginia Senate race:

  1. Donald Trump: The former president endorsed Jim Justice early in his campaign, cementing Justice’s status as the frontrunner in a state that overwhelmingly supported Trump in both 2016 and 2020.

Big Jim will be a Great UNITED STATES SENATOR, and has my Complete & Total Endorsement. HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!!” Trump wrote.

Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
  1. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN): Senator Blackburn endorsed Justice, praising his leadership and effectiveness as West Virginia’s governor, reinforcing his national Republican support.

“Governor Jim Justice is a proven effective leader, and I am honored to endorse him for Senate in West Virginia,” said Senator Blackburn. “He has shown himself to make decisions that are best for the people of West Virginia with honor, integrity, and patriotism. I am confident that Governor Justice is the best person to protect West Virginia values and the principles our country was founded upon. Now more than ever we need true conservative leaders to take back the Senate Majority and reverse the damage caused by the Biden Administration.

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

Insiders Say Trump Has Finally Settled On His 2028 Favorite

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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)

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is increasingly signaling that Vice President JD Vance is his preferred heir to the MAGA movement, according to multiple White House insiders, though the president has stopped short of offering a formal endorsement for the 2028 Republican nomination.

The reports suggest Trump has moved away from privately weighing Vance against Secretary of State Marco Rubio and now speaks more confidently about the vice president’s political future.

White House Sources Point To Vance

According to Axios, White House aides say Trump has begun making comments such as “JD looks great” and no longer frames the question as a choice between Vance and Rubio. One administration source told Axios that “JD is earning it, and Trump sees it.”

The turning point for Vance reportedly came in mid-June when he joined presidential envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff in helping negotiate the memorandum of understanding with Iran, a key step toward ending the conflict.

The diplomatic breakthrough coincided with the June 16 release of Vance’s book, “Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith.” Already scheduled for a promotional tour, Vance received additional national exposure because of his prominent role in the negotiations.

Vance conducted 33 interviews during June, appearing on conservative podcasts, at White House press briefings, in informal media gaggles, and on programs across the political spectrum, including HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher” and ABC’s “The View.”

One Trump adviser told Axios that although the president does not watch “The View,” he saw clips from Vance’s appearance and was pleased with what he saw.

Trump Hasn’t Made It Official

Despite the reports, Trump has not publicly endorsed Vance as his successor.

Over the past year, the president has repeatedly praised both Vance and Rubio while emphasizing that the next presidential election remains years away. He has previously suggested that the vice president would naturally have an advantage but has also described Rubio as a strong potential leader.

Political observers note that withholding a formal endorsement allows Trump to maintain influence within the Republican Party while avoiding an early succession battle.

Rubio Remains An Influential Figure

Rubio continues to be viewed as one of the administration’s most influential officials, but allies say he has shown little interest in challenging Vance for the Republican nomination.

The secretary of state has publicly praised Vance and has previously indicated he would support the vice president if he decides to seek the White House in 2028.

2028 Race Already Taking Shape

Although the Republican presidential primary is still more than two years away, speculation about Trump’s eventual successor has intensified as potential candidates build fundraising networks and expand their national profiles.

For now, Trump has not formally anointed a successor. But according to White House insiders, the president increasingly appears to view Vance as the leading contender to carry the MAGA banner after he leaves office.

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