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    Former CIA Agent Enters 2024 White House Contest

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    5

    The Republican presidential primary field just gained an unexpected new entry.

    Thursday morning, former CIA clandestine agent Will Hurd announced he’s running for president.

    Hurd, a one-time CIA officer from Texas who served three terms in Congress before deciding against running for re-election in 2020. He officially declared his candidacy in an interview with CBS News and also filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to run.

    “This is a decision that my wife and I decided to do because we live in complicated times and we need common sense,” Hurd told CBS News.

    “To be frank on this, that we’re not talking about these things,” he said. “I’m pissed that our elected officials are telling us to to hate our neighbors. Our neighbors are not our enemies. They’re our fellow Americans who we just happen to have a disagreement with.”

    “These are the issues that we should be talking about,” Hurd continued. “And I believe the Republican Party can be the party that talks about the future, not the past.”

    The Democratic National Committee welcomed Hurd to the race by seeking to tie him to Trump.

    “Will Hurd spent his career in Congress in lockstep with Donald Trump’s extreme MAGA agenda – voting to rig the economy for the ultra-wealthy, ban abortion nationwide, gut Planned Parenthood, and repeal the Affordable Care Act, all while cozying up to the gun lobby,” said DNC Chair Jaime Harrison. “The GOP primary field is overflowing with MAGA Republicans desperate to win over the right-wing fringes, and Hurd is just the latest entrant into an incredibly chaotic and extreme 2024 field.”

    Hurd has an uphill battle ahead of him in an already crowded primary field. Former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have largely dominated the polls thus far. Former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, tech mogul Vivek Ramaswamy, and former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson have lagged behind in the polls.

    Former Vice President Mike Pence also recently entered the race after months of speculation.

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

    Scott Bessent Emerges As Top Contender For Lindsey Graham’s Senate Seat

    By
    Patrick Houck
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    2
    [Photo Credit: The White House from Washington, DC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons]

    Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is being encouraged to enter the suddenly open race for South Carolina’s U.S. Senate seat, a move that could place one of President Donald Trump’s most prominent Cabinet officials at the center of what is shaping up to be a closely watched Republican primary.

    According to Politico, supporters reached out to Bessent on Sunday, urging him to run following the unexpected death of longtime Sen. Lindsey Graham.

    The outreach immediately adds another high-profile name to the growing list of Republicans being discussed as potential successors to Graham, who represented South Carolina in the Senate for more than two decades.

    Graham died Saturday at the age of 71. A preliminary autopsy determined that he died from an aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, commonly known as hardening of the arteries.

    No indication Bessent plans to run

    Despite the speculation, Bessent has given no public indication that he intends to launch a Senate campaign.

    People close to the Treasury secretary told Politico that he remains focused on leading the Treasury Department, a position he had long hoped to hold. A Treasury Department spokesperson declined to comment on the reports.

    Still, even the possibility of a Bessent candidacy could reshape the race.

    A South Carolina native, Bessent maintains homes in Charleston and Washington. Before joining the Trump administration, he built a successful career as a financier and hedge fund manager. Since taking office, he has become one of the administration’s most visible public advocates for Trump’s economic agenda, defending the president’s tax, trade, energy, and tariff policies in frequent television appearances and public events.

    A different kind of Senate candidate

    If Bessent entered the race, he would bring a combination of political and financial advantages uncommon for a first-time Senate candidate.

    His statewide roots, personal wealth, experience in financial markets, and close relationship with Trump would make him an immediate contender in a Republican primary expected to place a premium on loyalty to the president and the ability to quickly organize a statewide campaign.

    Bessent has also developed a higher political profile than many Treasury secretaries.

    Initially viewed primarily as a market-focused economic expert, he has increasingly become one of the administration’s most outspoken defenders, regularly making the case for Trump’s broader policy agenda in addition to his economic initiatives.

    A difficult decision

    Running for the Senate would require Bessent to give up one of the most influential positions in the federal government.

    As Treasury secretary, he serves as the administration’s chief economic spokesman and plays a central role in shaping tax policy, tariffs, sanctions, financial regulation, and international economic negotiations.

    Those responsibilities could prove more appealing than leaving for a rapidly unfolding Senate campaign.

    At the same time, opportunities to seek a Republican Senate seat in a state as reliably conservative as South Carolina are rare. The GOP nominee would begin the general election as the clear favorite.

    Race expected to move quickly

    South Carolina officials are expected to move quickly to fill the vacancy.

    Gov. Henry McMaster is expected to appoint a temporary replacement while the state prepares for a special nominating process ahead of the November election.

    Several prominent Republicans are already being mentioned as possible candidates, including Rep. Nancy Mace, who is reportedly giving serious consideration to entering the race.

    The addition of Bessent’s name, however, would introduce a nationally recognized figure with deep financial resources and direct ties to the White House.

    It would also create a significant personnel decision for Trump.

    A successful Bessent Senate campaign would give the president another close ally on Capitol Hill for years to come. But it would also require Trump to replace a Treasury secretary who has become a central figure in advancing the administration’s economic agenda.

    READ NEXT: Hunter Biden Scores Massive Legal Victory

    Have you abandoned MAGA too? Or can Trump still count on you? He needs an answer NOW.

    New Poll Reports Unexpected Candidate Could Topple Trump

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    9
    Gage Skidmore Flickr

    This could be interesting…

    Obama could be the only Democrat that could defeat Donald Trump this November- Michelle Obama that is.

    A recent survey, conducted by Reuters/Ipsos, found that Obama was the only Democrat to surpass Trump in a hypothetical matchup, garnering 50 percent support to his 39 percent. Only 4 percent of respondents said they would not vote at all.

    The Hill has more:

    Meanwhile, the poll found that in a head-to-head matchup, President Biden and Trump are neck-and-neck. They each received 40 percent of the vote, while 8 percent said they would vote for someone else, and another 8 percent said they would not vote.

    Other Democrats floated as potential replacements to Biden in the poll included Vice President Harris, who received 42 percent in a head-to-head match-up with Trump, who received 43 percent. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) trailed Trump by 3 percentage points, and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) trailed by 5 points in a hypothetical contest with the presumptive GOP nominee.

    Obama was the top choice among Democrats to replace Biden on the 2024 ticket, according to a Rasmussen Reports poll released in February. Despite her popularity, the former first lady has repeatedly said she will not be pursuing a bid for the White House.

    FLOTUS at Fayetteville, N.C. -The Arts Center speech Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian

    “As former First Lady Michelle Obama has expressed several times over the years, she will not be running for president,” Crystal Carson, the director of communications for Obama’s office, said in a statement in March.

    Obama “supports President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ re-election campaign,” Carson said.

    I AM DONALD TRUMP, AND I’M BEING SENTENCED ON JULY 11TH! IF YOU REMEMBER ONE THING, REMEMBER THIS: I’M THE ONLY THING STANDING IN THE WAY OF THE COMPLETE AND TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF AMERICA BY THE BIDEN REGIME. WILL YOU PLEASE DONATE ONE MORE TIME BEFORE DOOMSDAY?

    Report: Mike Pence to Resist Special Counsel Subpoena

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    1
    Mike Pence via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    Former Vice President Mike Pence is reportedly planning to fight a subpoena for testimony as part of a Justice Department special counsel’s investigation into former President Donald Trump.

    Multiple sources close to Pence informed Politico that the former VP, who is rumored to be planning to announce a 2024 White House run, will likely address his plans to resist the subpoena during a visit to Iowa on Wednesday.

    The aides told Politico that Pence’s decision to challenge Special Counsel Jack Smith’s request has little to do with executive privilege, instead, he plans to argue that his former role as president of the Senate — therefore a member of the legislative branch — shields him from certain Justice Department demands.

    Pence allies say he is covered by the constitutional provision that protects congressional officials from legal proceedings related to their work — language known as the “speech or debate” clause. The clause, Pence allies say, legally binds federal prosecutors from compelling Pence to testify about the central components of Smith’s investigation. If Pence testifies, they say, it could jeopardize the separation of powers that the Constitution seeks to safeguard.

    “He thinks that the ‘speech or debate’ clause is a core protection for Article I, for the legislature,” said one of the two people familiar with Pence’s thinking, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss his legal strategy. “He feels it really goes to the heart of some separation of powers issues. He feels duty-bound to maintain that protection, even if it means litigating it.”

    That’s because the legal question of whether the vice president draws the same “speech-or-debate” protections as members of Congress remains largely unsettled, and constitutional scholars say Pence raising the issue will almost certainly force a court to weigh in. That could take months.

    “It is admittedly a constitutionally murky area with no clear outcome,” said Mark Rozell, a George Mason University political scientist who specializes in executive privilege. “Since there is a legislative function involved in the vice president presiding over the Senate, a court very well could decide that it must address the scope of the speech or debate privilege and whether it would apply in this case.”

    Last week, Smith’s office moved to subpoena Pence in one of its most aggressive moves to date as its inquiries into Trump’s alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election accelerate. (RELATED: Special Counsel Overseeing Trump Criminal Probe Subpoenas Mike Pence)

    Notably, the Justice Department has previously argued in civil litigation that the “speech or debate” clause protects the vice president when working on Senate business. The department explicitly asserted in 2021 that Pence was shielded by the “speech or debate” clause in a civil lawsuit related to his role presiding over Congress’ Jan. 6 session.

    Report: Tom Cotton Removes Name From Cabinet Consideration

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    1
    Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    A surprising move…

    As President-elect Donald Trump begins to start forming his administration one high-profile name will be notably absent: Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton.

    Cotton had been widely seen as a front-runner for a top cabinet position in the next Trump administration, but a source close to the senator told Fox News on Thursday that he asked that his name be pulled from consideration

    Cotton has two boys under the age of 10 and wants to remain close to them and not upend their lives.  He also feels “confident” about securing the No. 3 position in the new GOP Senate majority, the Republican Conference chair when the election is held next week.

    The source said Trump understands Cotton’s decision and knows “he is with him all the way in the Senate.”

    It’s unclear who Trump will select to serve in his new administration but some familiar faces are expected to return.

    Ben Carson is being weighed to return once again as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and Betsy DeVos could return as Secretary of Education. Mike Pompeo too could return as Defense Secretary.

    New faces include North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who could serve as Secretary of the Interior or Energy Secretary. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) is in the running for Secretary of State, while Robert F. Kennedy Jr., could serve as Secretary of Agriculture or Health and Human Services.

    ‘Tormented’ Tucker Carlson Apologizes For ‘Misleading’ Viewers On Trump

    By
    Patrick Houck
    -
    11
    Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson said he is “sorry” for misleading viewers about President Donald Trump, acknowledging in Monday’s episode of his podcast that his past support helped shape public perception.

    Speaking on “The Tucker Carlson Show” alongside his brother, Buckley Swanson Peck Carlson, he said he feels “tormented” by his past backing of Trump and accepted some responsibility for helping elevate him politically.

    “I want to say I’m sorry for misleading people,” Carlson said, adding that the impact of those decisions will weigh on him “for a long time.”

    Carlson also reflected on what he described as missed warning signs, saying that he and others who supported Trump are “implicated” in the current political landscape.

    WATCH:

    The remarks come amid a growing public rift between Carlson and Trump, with the president increasingly criticizing the commentator in a series of social media posts.

    Carlson, once one of Trump’s most prominent media allies, has become more critical in recent months, particularly over foreign policy decisions and messaging.

    As Mediaite reports:

    Trump has repeatedly lashed out at Carlson in recent months in response to his former ally becoming increasingly critical of the Trump administration – most notably its handling of the Epstein files and the president’s war against Iran.

    This month, the president called Carlson “a Low IQ person,” “stupid,” and “highly overrated” in several Truth Social rants attacking him, as well as other former allies, including Megyn Kelly, Alex Jones, and Candace Owens.

    Responding to Trump’s attacks this month, Carlson remarked, “I’ve always liked Trump and still feel sorry for him, as I do for all slaves… He’s hemmed in by other forces. He can’t make his own decisions. It’s awful to watch.”

    Carlson’s son Buckley Carlson – who shares the same name as his uncle – left his job as Vice President JD Vance’s deputy press secretary last week following Trump’s repeated attacks against his father.

    Monday’s apology follows earlier revelations from legal proceedings indicating Carlson had privately expressed skepticism about Trump even while publicly supporting him.

    The remarks have drawn mixed reactions across the political spectrum.

    Some critics view the apology as an acknowledgment of the influence prominent media figures can have on public opinion. Others have questioned the timing, given Carlson’s long-standing role in shaping conservative discourse.

    It remains unclear whether the comments signal a lasting shift in Carlson’s political stance or a temporary break, similar to the waning support he showed toward the end of Trump’s first term.

    The episode underscores continuing divisions within conservative media and the broader political movement surrounding Trump, as the administration’s attention remains focused on international developments.

    READ NEXT: ‘Awesome’? Senator’s Iran Reaction Sparks Outrage

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    Mike Pence Team Refutes Presidential Campaign Rumors

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    0
    Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    Former Vice President Mike Pence did not file campaign paperwork for a 2024 White House run.

    On Monday, Pence spokesperson Devin O’Malley quickly tried to dispel reports after a Statement of Candidacy form was submitted to the Federal Election Commission in Pence’s name.

    “Former Vice President Mike Pence did not file to run for President today,” O’Malley said in response to a reporter who tweeted Pence had entered the race.

    “Someone filed a Pence filing. But it wasn’t Pence, his spokesman says, suggesting it was a prank,” tweeted New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman.

    Despite the Pence team’s attempts to contain the fake news story, it wasn’t long before multiple outlets mistakenly reported the FEC submission.

    While Pence is not responsible for the latest 2024 rumor the former Vice President has hinted at a presidential run in the near future. Last month, Pence told reporters he’s giving “prayerful consideration” to a 2024 bid.

    If Pence ultimately does announce a 2024 White House run he would be facing off against his old boss on the debate stage, teeing up an intense primary battle.

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

    By
    Patrick Houck
    -
    5
    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.

    READ NEXT: White House Responds To Report It’s Seeking New Top Cabinet Official

    Iranian Cleric Threatens Trump, Calls To Execute Protesters

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    0
    By The White House - https://www.flickr.com/photos/202101414@N05/54581054338/, Public Domain,

    Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, a hard-line Iranian cleric close to the regime, on Friday openly called for the execution of protesters in Tehran as the Islamic Republic intensifies its crackdown on demonstrations spreading through the capital.

    “Armed hypocrites should be put to death!” Khatami declared in a sermon broadcast on Iranian state radio, according to The Associated Press.

    Khatami’s remarks underscore what many conservatives have long argued: Iran’s leadership is not a conventional government but a revolutionary theocracy that rules through intimidation, mass arrests, and violence—especially when faced with internal dissent.

    Regime turns its fury toward Trump and Israel

    Khatami also aimed his threats at President Donald Trump, who has warned the Iranian regime that executions of demonstrators would cross a red line that could trigger a U.S. military response.

    Khatami described the demonstrators as “butlers” of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and “Trump’s soldiers,” accusing both men of “disintegrating the country.”

    “They should wait for hard revenge from the system,” Khatami said of Netanyahu and Trump, per the AP. “Americans and Zionists should not expect peace.”

    For Republican-leaning Americans who view Iran as the world’s leading state sponsor of terror, Khatami’s comments serve as another reminder that Tehran’s ruling clerics continue to treat the United States—and Trump in particular—as an enemy to be threatened, not a partner for diplomacy.

    Iranian state TV escalates rhetoric against Trump

    The comments come amid renewed concerns over inflammatory messaging carried by Iranian state media. Iran’s government-controlled television networks—which operate as propaganda arms of the regime—have repeatedly aired hostile messaging targeting the United States and Israel, including threatening rhetoric directed at President Trump.

    Iran’s state broadcasters have often been used to amplify the regime’s “Death to America” ideology, glorify attacks against U.S. interests, and signal the leadership’s intent to retaliate against Western pressure. That same infrastructure is now being used to justify domestic repression, painting protesters as foreign agents rather than Iranian citizens demanding freedom.

    Judiciary chief pushes for “fast” punishment

    Khatami’s call for executions followed remarks earlier this week from Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, who urged rapid action against protesters.

    “If we want to do a job, we should do it now. If we want to do something, we have to do it quickly,” Mohseni-Ejei said, according to The Associated Press, citing a video from Iranian state television.

    “If it becomes late, two months, three months later, it doesn’t have the same effect. If we want to do something, we have to do that fast,” he added.

    His statement reflects a familiar authoritarian playbook: move quickly and harshly to crush resistance before it spreads—through intimidation, public punishment, and fear.

    Trump says executions halted after U.S. warning

    Iranian shopkeeper Erfan Soltani was expected to be among the first to face the death penalty, but the Trump administration said hundreds of executions were halted following the president’s intervention. Trump on Wednesday said he’d been told by good sources that Iran would not proceed with executions.

    On Tuesday, Trump canceled talks with Iranian leaders and issued a blunt message of support to demonstrators.

    “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!!” he wrote in a Truth Social post.

    The president has said any acts of violence against protesters would draw a “strong” response from the U.S., while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters “all options remain on the table.”

    To Republicans who supported Trump’s maximum-pressure strategy, the moment is being viewed as a test of whether deterrence still works: the U.S. draws a clear line, and hostile regimes back down when they believe America is serious.

    Death toll rises as Iran tightens grip

    The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported 2,797 deaths in Iran amid the government crackdown as of Friday afternoon.

    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!”

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