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    Biden Remains Defiant In Letter Shared With Congressional Democrats

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    6
    Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    He’s in it to win it…

    Despite a bevy of public pleas, President Joe Biden informed colleagues that he would not bow out of the race according to a letter sent to Congressional Democrats.

    “I want you to know that despite all the speculation in the press and elsewhere, I am firmly committed to staying in this race, to running this race to the end, and to beating Donald Trump,” the president wrote in the letter.

    Biden posted the letter himself to his X account.

    Biden, 81, said he’s had “extensive” talks with Democrat leaders and he’s heard the “concerns” about his chances at beating Trump amid concerns about his age.

    Numerous lawmakers have publicly called for Biden to remove himself from the ballot this November.

    Texas Democrat Rep. Lloyd Doggett became the first sitting Member of Congress to publicly encourage Biden to step down earlier this week. In a more damning appearance, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi switched from accusing Trump of having dementia to validating questions about Biden’s mental acuity, further fueling the debate over his capacity to lead. 

    Last Monday, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) seemed to signal support for the idea of Biden stepping away from the race and seemed to promote himself as an alternative candidate. 

    Read the full text of the letter below:

    JOSEPH R. BIDEN, JR.
    July 8, 2024

    Fellow Democrats,

    Now that you have returned from the July 4th recess, I want you to know that despite all the speculation in the press and elsewhere, I am firmly committed to staying in this race, to running this race to the end, and to beating Donald Trump.

    I have had extensive conversations with the leadership of the party, elected officials, rank and file members, and most importantly, Democratic voters over these past io days or so. I have heard the concerns that people have — their good faith fears and worries about what is at stake in this election. I am not blind to them. Believe me, I know better than anyone the responsibility and the burden the nominee of our party carries. I carried it in 2020 when the fate of our nation was at stake. I also know these concerns come from a place of real respect for my lifetime of public service and my record as President, and I have been moved by the expressions of affection for me from so many who have known me well and supported me over the course of my public life. I’ve been grateful for the rock-solid, steadfast support from so many elected Democrats in Congress and all across the country and taken great strength from the resolve and determination I’ve seen from so many voters and grassroots supporters even in the hardest of weeks.

    I can respond to all this by saying clearly and unequivocally: I wouldn’t be running again if I did not absolutely believe I was the best person to beat Donald Trump in 2024.
    We had a Democratic nomination process and the voters have spoken clearly and decisively. I received over 14 million votes, 87% of the votes cast across the entire nominating process. I have nearly 3,900 delegates, making me the presumptive nominee of our party by a wide margin. This was a process open to anyone who wanted to run. Only three people chose to challenge me. One fared so badly that he left the primaries to run as an independent. Another attacked me for being too old and was soundly defeated. The voters of the Democratic Patty have voted. They have chosen me to be the nominee of the party.

    Do we now just say this process didn’t matter? That the voters don’t have a say?

    I decline to do that. I feel a deep obligation to the faith and the trust the voters of the Democratic Party have placed in me to run this year. It was their decision to make. Not the press, not the pundits, not the big donors, not any selected group of individuals, no matter how well intentioned. The voters — and the voters alone — decide the nominee of the Democratic Party. How can we stand for democracy in our nation if we ignore it in our own party? I cannot do that. I will not do that.

    I have no doubt that I — and we — can and will beat Donald Trump. We have an historic record of success to run on. From creating over 15 million jobs (including 200,000 just last month), reaching historic lows on unemployment, to revitalizing American manufacturing with 800,000 jobs, to protecting and expanding affordable health care, to rebuilding America’s roads, bridges, highways, ports and airports, and water systems, to beating Big Pharma and lowering the cost of prescription drugs, including $35 a month insulin for seniors, to providing student debt relief for nearly 5 million Americans to an historic investment in combatting climate change.

    More importantly, we have an economic vision to run on that soundly beats Trump and the MAGA Republicans. They are siding with the wealthy and the big corporations and we are siding with the working people of America. It wasn’t an isolated moment for Trump to stand at Mar-A-Lago and tell the oil industry they should give him $1 billion and he will do whatever they want.

    That’s whose side Trump and the MAGA Republicans are on. Trump and the MAGA Republicans want another $5 trillion in tax cuts for rich people so they can cut Social Security and Medicare. We will never let that happen. It’s trickle-down economics on steroids. We know the way to build the economy is from the middle out and the bottom up, not the top down. We are finally going to make the rich and big corporations pay their fair share of taxes in this country. The MAGA party is also still determined to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which could throw 45 million Americans off their coverage. We will never let that happen either. Trump got rich denying rental housing to Black people. We have a plan to build 2 million new housing units in America. They want to let Big Pharma charge as much as they want again. What do you think America’s seniors will think when they know Trump and the MAGA Republicans want to take away their $35 insulin — as well as the $2,000 capon out-of-pocket prescription costs we Democrats just got them? Or what do you think American families are going to think when they find out Trump and the MAGA Republicans want to hit them with a new $2,500 national sales tax on all the imported products they buy.

    We are the ones lowering costs for families — from health care to prescription drugs to student debt to housing. We are the ones protecting Social Security and Medicare. Everything they’re proposing raises costs for most Americans — except their tax cuts which will go to the rich.

    We are protecting the freedoms of Americans. Trump and the MAGA Republicans are taking them away. They have already for the first time in history taken away a fundamental freedom from the American people by overturning Roe v. Wade. They have decided politicians should make the most personal of decisions that should be made by women and their doctors and those closest to them. They have already said they won’t stop there — and are going after everything from contraception to IVF to the right to marry who you love. And they have made it clear they will ban abortion nationwide. We will let none of that happen. I have made it clear that if Kamala and I are reelected, and the nation elects a Democratic House and Senate, we will make Roe v. Wade the law of the land again. We are the ones who will bring real Supreme Court reform; Donald Trump and his majority want more of the same from the Court, and the chance to add to the right-wing majority they built by subverting the norms and principles of the nomination and confirmation process.

    And we are standing up for American democracy. After January 6th, Trump has proven that he is unfit to ever hold the office of President. We can never allow him anywhere near that office again. And we never will.

    My fellow Democrats — we have the record, the vision, and the fundamental commitment to America’s freedoms and our Democracy to win.

    The question of how to move forward has been well-aired for over a week now. And it’s time for it to end. We have one job. And that is to beat Donald Trump. We have 42 days to the Democratic Convention and 119 days to the general election. Any weakening of resolve or lack of clarity about the task ahead only helps Trump and hurts us. It is time to come together, move forward as a unified party, and defeat Donald Trump.

    Sincerely,

    Joseph R. Biden Jr.
    President of the United States of America

    Byron Donalds Launches Campaign For Florida Governor

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    0
    Byron Donalds via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    The race is on!

    On Tuesday evening, Florida Congressman Byron Donalds signaled he plans to campaign to become the next Florida governor days after President Trump suggested that he run.

    The next Florida gubernatorial election is slated for Nov. 3, 2026.

    Speaking to host Sean Hannity, Donalds said he came to the decision to run “after a lot of prayer [and] a lot of thoughts with my family and my friends.”

    “Sean, we have a wonderful state,” Donalds said. “I got to Florida when I was 17 years old, off of a Greyhound bus with just a trunk full of clothes. And over the rest of my time in Florida, I built a family, I built a career. … I was able to serve four years in a state legislature, four years in Congress.

    “And I think now is the time to now take the mantle and lead our state into the future.”

    The Florida Republican said he is the only candidate in the race so far and commended Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for his service to the state.

    “We have a great governor. Ron DeSantis has done a tremendous job for our state,” Donalds said. “But now the job is to keep the best state in the country as the best state in the country. And so that’s going to be the mission at hand. And I’m excited to announce my candidacy with you tonight.”

    Donalds was endorsed by President Donald Trump, who recently wrote that his fellow Sunshine State resident “would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida.”

    “I am hearing that Highly Respected Congressman Byron Donalds is considering running for Governor of Florida, a State that I love, and WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024,” a Trump social media post said. 

    “[S]hould he decide to run, [Donalds] will have my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, BYRON, RUN!”

    Ron DeSantis via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    DeSantis, however, has not signaled support for Donalds. On Monday, DeSantis told reporters he wants Florida congressmen to be “focused on enacting [Trump’s] agenda.”

    DeSantis’ comments came amid rumors that his wife, Casey, might run for governor. The Florida governor dodged a reporter’s question about his wife’s plans at a press conference Monday.

    “People ask me all the time about our wonderful first lady, who has done a fantastic job as first lady of Florida,” DeSantis responded. “I will tell you this. You’re talking about somebody like her. I won by the biggest margin that any Republican has ever won a governor’s race here in Florida. She would do better than me.” 

    Bill O’Reilly Tells Trump To ‘Take The Next Month Off’

    By
    Patrick Houck
    -
    4
    AI-generated image.

    Conservative commentator Bill O’Reilly is urging President Donald Trump to step away from the White House for several weeks, arguing that the 80-year-old president has been stretched too thin by months of nonstop domestic and international crises.

    Speaking on his “No Spin News” program, the former Fox News host said Trump should take time to rest after an intense stretch that has included the war with Iran, trade negotiations, immigration battles and high-profile diplomatic meetings.

    “He needs a breather,” O’Reilly said. “Take the next month off.”

    ‘He’s exhausted’

    O’Reilly argued that Trump’s demanding schedule appears to be taking a physical toll.

    Throughout his presidency, Trump has maintained an unusually active public schedule, often holding multiple events, traveling and making major policy announcements in a single day.

    According to O’Reilly, that pace has begun to show physically.

    “Now, I’ve noticed that he is hunching over a little bit, and that’s normal,” O’Reilly said. “You get older, every malady in the world is going to visit you. I can’t even bore you with the stuff I got to deal with.”

    O’Reilly said the changes are a natural part of aging but suggested they underscore the importance of slowing down. “I was actually feeling sorry for myself the other day, and I never do that,” he added.

    WATCH:

    Advice from a longtime ally

    The comments stand out because O’Reilly has generally been one of Trump’s most reliable supporters.

    Earlier this year, he warned Republicans they would be “slaughtered” in the midterm elections if they attempted to distance themselves from the president, arguing that Trump remains the party’s dominant political figure.

    Rather than criticizing Trump’s agenda, O’Reilly framed his latest advice as a matter of endurance, saying the president should preserve his energy for the remainder of his term.

    White House has shown no sign of slowing down

    There is no indication the administration plans to scale back the president’s schedule.

    READ NEXT: New Details Emerge About Trump Ally’s Moscow Trip

    Stand with President Trump against fraud, waste & abuse – he can’t beat the machine without YOU.

    New York Times Handles Trump Assassination Attempt By Cropping Out American Flag

    By
    Patrick Houck
    -
    3
    Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    In an attack that shook America to its core on Saturday afternoon, a failed loner attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump. The New York Times’ editorial choices in covering it over the past 24 hours have sparked widespread discussion and criticism.

    NYT’s Editorial Decisions

    One of the most controversial decisions was the alteration of their cover photo, which conspicuously cut out the American flag. This move did not go unnoticed and spurred intense reaction online. Additionally, The New York Times opted not to use the word “assassination” in its front-page story about the shooting.

    Comparison with Other Media Outlets

    The New York Times wasn’t alone in making editorial choices that drew scrutiny. CNN’s Jamie Gangel also faced criticism for her response. Gangel chose to chide Trump’s rhetoric mere seconds after the attack, a decision sorely lacking empathy and perspective.

    However, these responses were somewhat subdued when compared to the reactions from two reporters from a far-left Seattle outlet. These ideologues appeared to cheer the near miss.

    The Post Millennial reports:

    Staff writer at The Stranger Ashley Nerbovig, who covers “policing, incarceration and courts” for the far-left outlet posted on X, “Make America aim again,” in reaction to the news that the former president had survived the shooting at a rally in Pennsylvania on Sunday. Nervobig deleted the post, but screenshots went viral. She then deleted her account.

    Fellow Stranger writer Hannah Krieg criticized Seattle’s Democratic mayor for praising the Secret Service and wishing the best for the former president.

    Following the news of the failed assassination, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrel posted on X, “This act of political violence is disturbing and unacceptable in our country. Thank you to the Secret Service and all the first responders who quickly secured the scene. Our thoughts are with the former president and all the people who attended today’s rally.”

    Krieg shared the post and wrote, “Mayor Bruce Harrel swiftly comes to the defense of Trump, a failed insurrectionist touted by mainstream Democrats as an existential threat to Democracy.” She deleted the post and then locked her account after the blowback.

    For readers and viewers, these examples highlight the importance of critically evaluating news sources and being aware of potential biases. It also underscores the need for media literacy in this country.

    READ NEXT: Horrifying Discovery Made In Trump Gunman’s Car

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

    Trump’s Voter Citizenship Requirement Blocked By Federal Judge

    By
    Seijah Drake
    -
    5

    In a controversial decision that critics say undermines basic electoral integrity, U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly issued a preliminary injunction Thursday blocking the Trump administration from implementing key provisions of its election reform order — including a requirement that individuals provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.

    The Trump administration’s order, signed in March, sought to address the widespread public concern over election security by aligning U.S. registration standards with those used by many developed nations — where proof of citizenship is a basic requirement to cast a vote. Yet, in her ruling, Judge Kollar-Kotelly sided with Democratic operatives and partisan groups, granting their request to halt implementation of what should be a commonsense safeguard.

    It’s already a felony for noncitizens to vote in federal elections. So why oppose a mechanism to verify that voters are, in fact, eligible citizens? The administration’s proposed policy simply sought to enforce existing law, not change it. But for activists and partisan lawyers, that’s apparently too much.

    Critics of the ruling argue that it demonstrates a disturbing disconnect between legal theory and electoral reality. While the plaintiffs claimed the executive order infringes on the “Elections Clause” of the Constitution — which delegates much of the authority over elections to the states — the Trump order targeted the federal voter registration form, which is a product of federal law and administered by a federal agency.

    Among the more absurd arguments presented during the case was the suggestion that requiring proof of citizenship would complicate voter registration drives at grocery stores and public venues. In other words, ensuring that only citizens vote is too inconvenient for activists looking to register voters en masse.

    But this framing reveals the central issue: voter registration is being treated like a political campaign tactic, not a civic responsibility. If accuracy and integrity are seen as barriers to convenience, something is deeply wrong with the system.

    If the courts won’t even allow the federal form to be updated to reflect current law, critics argue, how can Americans have confidence that elections are fair and secure?

    Ironically, while liberal groups celebrate the decision as a “victory for voters,” many Americans see it as a victory for loopholes and ambiguity. The same people who insist elections are sacred and democracy is under threat are now openly opposing the most basic eligibility checks used around the world.

    Meanwhile, Trump’s other proposed reforms — including tighter mail ballot deadlines and review of voter rolls against immigration databases — were allowed to stand. But with the citizenship requirement blocked, many worry that the core vulnerability in the system remains unaddressed.

    When noncitizens can easily register to vote — intentionally or accidentally — and the federal government is barred from checking, who exactly benefits?

    This article originally appeared on American Liberty News. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Great America News Desk. It is republished with permission.

    READ NEXT: President Trump Signs Executive Order Requiring Proof Of Citizenship To Vote In Federal Elections

    Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk Endorses JD Vance For President In 2028

    By
    Patrick Houck
    -
    0
    Xuthoria, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

    PHOENIX — Erika Kirk, the chief executive of Turning Point USA and the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, formally endorsed Vice President JD Vance for president in 2028 on Thursday, offering an early show of support that drew sustained applause at the group’s AmericaFest conference.

    Kirk’s remarks, delivered before a packed ballroom of activists and donors, marked one of the earliest high-profile endorsements of the post-Trump era, signaling that influential conservative organizations are already looking ahead, years before that period formally begins.

    A Long-Term Strategy for the Right

    Framing her endorsement as part of a broader political plan, Kirk said Turning Point USA is focused less on individual races and more on reshaping the electoral map.

    “For both 2026 and 2028, we’re investing in states and not just in races,” Kirk said. “So what I mean by that is we are building the red wall — Arizona, Nevada, New Hampshire. That’s going to be very important to us.”

    She stressed that the immediate goal remains protecting Republican majorities in Congress to support President Donald Trump’s second-term agenda.

    “We’re going to ensure that President Trump has Congress for all four years,” she said.

    A Line That Lit Up the Room

    Kirk’s most forceful moment came when she turned directly to the next presidential cycle.

    “We are going to get my husband’s friend, JD Vance, elected for ’28 in the most resounding way possible,” she said, drawing cheers and a standing ovation from much of the crowd.

    The endorsement is notable for its timing. With nearly three years to go before the next presidential election, few Republican leaders have been willing to publicly line up behind a successor.

    Vance: Focused on the Job for Now

    Vance has not announced a presidential campaign and has repeatedly said his attention remains on his role as vice president.

    In an interview last month with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Vance acknowledged he has thought about what comes next, but said he avoids dwelling on it.

    “I’ve thought about what that moment might look like after the midterm elections, sure,” Vance said. “But whenever I think about that, I try to put it out of my head and remind myself the American people elected me to do a job right now.”

    He warned that premature ambition can be counterproductive.

    “If you start getting distracted and focus on what comes next, I think it actually makes you worse at the job that you have,” Vance said.

    For now, he said, the administration’s political focus is straightforward.

    • Win the 2026 midterms
    • Hold Republican majorities
    • Revisit future plans after that

    “And then after that, I’m going to sit down with the president of the United States and talk to him about it,” Vance said.

    A Crowded Field Taking Shape

    Kirk’s endorsement comes as early maneuvering intensifies within the Republican Party. Vance is widely viewed as a top-tier contender, but he is far from alone.

    Other Republicans frequently mentioned as possible 2028 candidates include:

    • Secretary of State Marco Rubio
    • Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis
    • Texas Sen. Ted Cruz
    • Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp
    • Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin
    • Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul

    At the same AmericaFest gathering, ideological tensions within the conservative movement were also on display. Media figures Ben Shapiro and Tucker Carlson took public shots at one another, reflecting broader disagreements over the direction of the right and Carlson’s past platforming of far-right figures, like white supremacist Nick Fuentes.

    An Early Marker for 2028

    Still, Kirk’s remarks underscore the influence of Turning Point USA and its ability to mobilize young activists, donors, and grassroots organizers nationwide.

    With the 2026 midterms looming and 2028 already on the minds of key players, her endorsement serves as an early marker of where some of the conservative movement hopes to go next — and a sign that JD Vance is already being positioned as a central figure in the GOP’s future.

    READ NEXT: Controversial MAGA Superstar Reveals Devastating Diagnosis

    Turning Point is on the front lines for America First. Help power the grassroots movement to elect real conservative fighters. Donate NOW to save America — one precinct at a time.

    Republican Senator Announces Retirement News

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    5
    Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

    Utah Senator Mitt Romney is not running for re-election.

    The longtime Trump critic unveiled the surprising announcement in a statement taking jabs at President Joe Biden as well as Donald Trump.

    “I have spent my last 25 years in public service of one kind or another. At the end of another term, I’d be in my mid-eighties. Frankly, it’s time for a new generation of leaders. They’re the ones that need to make the decisions that will shape the world they will be living in,” Romney said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital.

    “We face critical challenges—mounting national debt, climate change, and the ambitious authoritarians of Russia and China. Neither President Biden nor former President Trump are leading their party to confront them.

    “On the deficits and debt, both men refuse to address entitlements even though they represent two thirds of federal spending. Donald Trump calls global warming a hoax and President Biden offers feel-good solutions that will make no difference to the global climate.”

    “While I’m not running for re-election, I’m not retiring from the fight. I’ll be your United States Senator until January 2025. I will keep working on these and other issues and I will advance our state’s numerous priorities. I look forward to working with you and with folks across our state and nation in that endeavor,” Romney said.

    Fox News Proposes Presidential Debate

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    5
    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]

    Fox News has invited Donald Trump and Kamala Harris to participate in another debate before Americans cast their ballots.

    Fox has offered the candidates the opportunity to debate each other in Pennsylvania on two potential dates: Thursday, Oct. 24 or Sunday, Oct. 27. Fox News anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum would moderate the proposed debate.

    The network claimed in a statement addressed to the Trump and Harris campaign that the final debate would be an “opportunity for each candidate to make his or her closing arguments” before November. And they referenced a New York Times op-ed which called for Harris to debate on Fox News.

    “As made clear in The New York Times on Monday: ‘Harris Should Offer to Debate Trump Again – On Fox’ — this would present an opportunity for each candidate to make his or her closing argument,” said Fox News Media president and executive editor Jay Wallace in a statement.

    Wallace added, “We’re including proposed criteria and format, which mirror those of the CNN & ABC debates; as well as data on our broad audience reach. We appreciate your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to foster informed political dialogue at this pivotal moment for our nation.”

    The rules proposed by Fox states that it will mute a candidate’s microphone when the time belongs to the another candidate. Moreover, Trump and Harris will not be permitted to interact with their campaign staff during commercial breaks

    CNN has offered to host another debate on Oct. 23 — with the Harris campaign accepting the offer. 

    Jim Jordan here: Pelosi and Harris are pouring MILLIONS into taking back the House! Patriots must act NOW to protect our America First Majority!

    Former Jack Smith Deputy Involved In Prosecuting Trump Announces Run For Congress

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    1

    J.P. Cooney, a former top deputy to special counsel Jack Smith in the Biden-era Justice Department, has launched a Democrat bid for Congress in Virginia — centering his campaign on his role in prosecuting President Donald Trump.

    Cooney announced his candidacy in a post on X, writing: “I was fired by Donald Trump’s Department of Justice because of my work to prosecute him. But I won’t let Trump – or anyone – stop me from serving. I’m J.P. Cooney, and I’m running for Congress in Virginia’s 7th District.”

    According to his LinkedIn profile, Cooney served as Principal Deputy to Special Counsel Jack Smith and was a lead prosecutor in the federal cases brought against Trump alleging obstruction of justice and conspiracy. Those cases, filed during a period of intense political division, were widely criticized by Republicans as unprecedented uses of prosecutorial power against a political opponent — particularly as Trump was running for president.

    Many conservatives have argued that the prosecutions reflected a broader pattern of what they describe as a “weaponized” Justice Department under Democrat leadership. House Republicans have held hearings examining federal law enforcement’s conduct in high-profile political investigations, questioning whether equal standards were applied across party lines.

    Smith, whose tenure as special counsel was sharply debated on Capitol Hill, praised Cooney in remarks reported by The New York Times. “I’ve known J.P. for a long time and I think the world of him as a person and as a public servant,” Smith said. “He’s a man of integrity who has committed his career to upholding the rule of law.”

    For Republican voters in Virginia, Cooney’s campaign is likely to revive debates about the legitimacy and timing of the Trump prosecutions. GOP leaders have consistently maintained that the legal actions were politically motivated and designed to damage Trump’s electoral prospects rather than to serve impartial justice.

    Adding another layer of controversy, Cooney is running in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District — a district that does not yet exist in its current proposed form. According to The New York Times, Democrats in Virginia are advancing a redistricting effort that would significantly alter the 7th District’s boundaries. That plan would face legal hurdles and would ultimately require approval via ballot referendum.

    Republicans in the state have criticized the redistricting push as an attempt to engineer a more favorable electoral map, particularly in competitive suburban districts that have swung between parties in recent cycles. Virginia’s 7th District has been one of the most closely watched battlegrounds in the Commonwealth, reflecting broader national shifts in suburban voting patterns.

    In comments to the Times, Cooney framed his candidacy as a response to what he described as congressional inaction. “Never has there been a Congress that has been such a weak and ineffective check on a president’s abuses of power,” he said. “I lie awake every night worrying that Donald Trump does not have the best interests of our country in mind.”

    Those remarks are likely to energize Democratic primary voters but may also sharpen partisan contrasts in a state where divided government and razor-thin margins have become the norm. Virginia has trended more competitive in recent elections, with Republicans making gains in statewide contests and emphasizing issues such as public safety, parental rights in education, inflation, and federal spending.

    Cooney’s entry into the race signals that the legal battles surrounding Trump will continue to spill into the political arena.

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    Republican Don Bacon Declines To Run For Re-election

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    1

    On Monday, Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon announced he will not seek re-election.

    “After 30 years in the Air Force and 10 years in Congress, it’s time to spend my future with the love of my life, our four kids, and our wonderful grandchildren. Thank you, Nebraska!” Bacon announced Monday. 

    Bacon’s announcement comes as Congress works overtime to pass President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” by their self-imposed July 4 deadline. Through the reconciliation process, the megabill seeks to deliver on the president’s key campaign promises, including tax cuts, immigration reform and energy production. 

    Bacon has represented Nebraska’s second congressional district since 2017. He won re-election in 2024 by less than two percentage points. 

    Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) announced Sunday he would also not seek re-election next year. Like Bacon, Tillis has been willing to buck Trump and the Republican Party on key issues, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Tillis was one of just two Republicans who voted against a procedural vote on the bill in the Senate this weekend. 

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