Latest

    Politics

    Home Politics Page 10

    Musk Fantasizes About Jailing Zelenskyy After Trump Pauses Aid To Ukraine

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    2
    By President Of Ukraine from Україна - Joint Statement of the fourth Ukraine - Nordic Summit in Reykjavik., CC0, curid=156221560

    The rift between President Trump and Ukraine leader Volodormyr Zelenskyy is growing wider…

    On Monday, the Trump administration paused all aid to Ukraine, including weapons in transit or in Poland, until Ukrainian leaders show more appreciation for U.S. support and a commitment to peace.

    “President Trump has been clear that he is focused on peace,” a White House official told Fox News. “We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well. We are pausing and reviewing our aid to ensure that it is contributing to a solution.”

    A senior Trump administration official also told Fox News that military aid will remain on hold until Ukrainian leaders show a commitment to good faith peace negotiations.

    “This is not permanent termination of aid, it’s a pause,” the official emphasized. “The orders are going out right now.”

    Zelenskyy’s meeting with Trump and Vice President JD Vance last week erupted into a shouting match that was seen worldwide. The Ukrainian president traveled to the United States to meet with Trump after the commander-in-chief said a peace negotiation to end the war between Ukraine and Russia is in its final stages. 

    Zelenskyy was apparently presented with a minerals for security agreement by the Trump administration prior to the press event, but the deal included no security guarantees to protect Ukraine from another Russian invasion. 

    Minutes after reporters in the Oval Office asked their first questions, an aggressive spat unfolded between the heads of state.

    The Biden administration gave billions in military aid to Ukraine to fend off Russian forces amid its three-year war following Moscow’s invasion of its neighbor. 

    When asked Monday about the status of the rare-earth minerals deal, Trump told reporters that he would disclose where the deal stands when he addresses a joint session of Congress Tuesday in a speech akin to the annual State of the Union. He added that he would like to see the Ukrainian leader express more gratitude for U.S. support during the war in order to rekindle peace negotiations. 

    “I just think he should be more appreciative because this country has stuck with him through thick and thin,” Trump said. “We’ve given them much more than Europe, and Europe should have given more than us because, as you know, that’s right there, that’s the border.” 

    Later on Monday, President Trump spurred extreme reactions from senior advisers such as Elon Musk after responding to Zelenskyy’s comments signaling the end to Ukraine’s conflict with Russia is still “very, very far away.”

    “This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelenskyy, and America will not put up with it for much longer!” wrote Trump on Truth Social. “It is what I was saying, this guy doesn’t want there to be Peace as long as he has America’s backing and, Europe, in the meeting they had with Zelenskyy, stated flatly that they cannot do the job without the U.S. – Probably not a great statement to have been made in terms of a show of strength against Russia. What are they thinking?”

    On X, Musk shared Trump’s post and argued that “Zelensky wants a forever war, a never-ending graft meat grinder. This is evil.”

    Right-wing social media personality Rogan O’Handley then shared Musk’s post along with a theory:

    Zelensky knows if the war ends, his power ends

    Elections will resume and he’ll lose

    Then his adversary will investigate his money laundering and he’ll be sent to prison

    Zelensky is sending innocent Ukrainians to die in his meat grinder so he can stay in power

    Dictator

    “True,” replied Musk. “As distasteful as it is, Zelensky should be offered some kind of amnesty in a neutral country in exchange for a peaceful transition back to democracy in Ukraine.”

    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.” 

    Ramaswamy Scores Huge Endorsements Immediately After Launching Gubernatorial Campaign

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    0
    Vivek Ramaswamy speaking with attendees at the 2022 AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

    Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is already the frontrunner for a consequential race…

    On Monday, the biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy officially kicked off his highly-anticipated run to be the next Governor of Ohio.

    Ramaswamy, who was floated early on as a potential running mate for Trump, promised to increase the Buckeye State’s pull factor for citizens across the nation and promote the president’s agenda if he is elected as governor.

    “President Trump is reviving our conviction in America,” Ramaswamy told listeners at a Monday launch event in Cincinnati. “We require a leader here at home who will revive our conviction in Ohio, and that is why today I am honored to announce that I am running to be the next Governor of a great state at the heart of the greatest nation known to mankind,”

    “I will lead Ohio to be the top state in the country where patriots across America actually flock to instead of Florida and Texas,” he continued. “I will lead Ohio to be the state of excellence in America.”

    Quickly after announcing his run for Governor, President Trump posted on Truth Social a message promising his “complete and total endorsement.”

    “VIVEK RAMASWAMY is running for Governor of the Great State of Ohio. I know him well, competed against him, and he is something SPECIAL,” Trump wrote late Monday in a Truth Social post. “He’s Young, Strong, and Smart.”

    “Vivek is also a very good person, who truly loves our Country,” he said of the biotech entrepreneur. “He will be a GREAT Governor of Ohio, will never let you down, and has my COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT!”

    The world’s richest man Elon Musk, who has ascended to a visible role alongside White House staff, also wished the Ohio Republican luck after launching his political campaign. 

    “Good luck, you have my full endorsement,” the tech billionaire wrote Monday in a post on his social platform X, quoting Ramaswamy’s video announcing his next political venture. 

    DeSantis Jabs Trump-Endorsed Politician Amid Rumors His Wife Is Mounting Gubernatorial Bid

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    1
    Ron DeSantis via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    The race to succeed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is already heating up…

    Days after President Trump issued a preemptive endorsement of Rep. Byron Donalds for governor DeSantis seemingly took an underhanded jab at the Congressman amid rumors his own wife, Casey DeSantis is planning a run for the office.

    Speaking on Monday, the Florida governor reportedly snubbed Donalds for having spent time outside the state.

    “Byron hasn’t hasn’t been a part of any of the victories that we’ve had here over the Left over these last years. He’s been in other states campaigning,” DeSantis said during a presser, according to Floridian Press reporter Liv Caputo.

    In response to questions from reporters, DeSantis continued to praise his wife as a potential candidate, arguing “She would do better than me. She has the dedication to conservative principles – anything we’ve accomplished, she’d be able to take to the next level.”

    In a Thursday night Truth Social post, Trump gave Donalds his “Complete and Total Endorsement” if he decides to run, promising the congressman would have a “BIG Voice” in pushing the MAGA agenda. (RELATED: Trump Preemptively Endorses Byron Donalds For Florida Governor)

    “Byron would have a BIG Voice, and would work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda,” Trump wrote. “He will fight tirelessly to Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military, Protect our Vets, Restore our Economic Power, Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”

    “RUN, BYRON, RUN!” the president added.

    According to a new poll about potential gubernatorial candidates by The University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab (PORL) 57% of Republicans had a favorable opinion of Casey DeSantis – a higher rating than other names floated as possible candidates. 

    “Casey DeSantis was the top early pick for potential Republican primary candidates when we asked back in late 2023, albeit with only 22% support,” said Dr. Michael Binder, PORL faculty director and professor of political science. 

    Overall, 30% of respondents were favorable of the first lady, 22% unfavorable and 33% had never heard of her, according to the poll, which was conducted from Feb. 5–14.

    “She likely enjoys some favorability by association as Florida’s first lady,” Binder added, “but most of these potential candidates suffer from a lack of recognition—some suffering more than others. That said, I expect we’ll see a few of them become household names by the time the August 2026 primary rolls around.”

    The other speculative gubernatorial candidates included in the poll’s question included former Rep. Matt Gaetz, Sen. Ashley Moody, Rep. Byron Donalds and Florida commissioner of agriculture Wilton Simpson.

    Most respondents said they never heard of Moody (54%), Donalds (66%) and Simpson (79%), though those familiar with them found Moody and Donalds more favorable than unfavorable, and Simpson was split at 4% in both categories, the poll found.

    Gov. Ron DeSantis has previously shot down rumors surrounding a potential bid for office from his wife. 

    “If I had to characterize her interest in getting into the political thicket as a candidate, I would say, I would characterize it as zero,” DeSantis told reporters in May. “But, you know, I think it’s because she has had a front row seat on all the nonsense that goes on when you do it.”

    Mitch McConnell Will Not Seek Senate Re-election

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    4

    A stunning development…

    Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Thursday will announce that he is not seeking reelection in 2026, bringing an end to the longest-serving Senate leader’s political career.

    “Seven times, my fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate,” McConnell will say, according to prepared remarks.

    “Every day in between I’ve been humbled by the trust they’ve placed in me to do their business here. Representing our commonwealth has been the honor of a lifetime. I will not seek this honor an eighth time. My current term in the Senate will be my last.”

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

    Former NFL Kicker Dragged Out Of City Council Meeting After Calling MAGA ‘A Nazi Movement’

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    5
    Arrest image via Pixabay

    Former NFL punter Chris Kluwe was removed from a California city council meeting by police after a self-described act of “civil disobedience” while attacking Donald Trump.

    The reason for Kluwe’s protest revolved around a sign proposed for Huntington Beach’s public library, which would have the words “Magical,” “Alluring,” “Galvanizing” and “Adventurous” next to each other. The words spell out MAGA.

    “Through hope and change our nation has built back better to the golden era of Making America Great Again!” the signage reads.

    Video captured Kluwe speaking at the City Council meeting, where he criticized the MAGA movement, which is typically associated with President Donald Trump’s campaign message, “Make America Great Again.” He opined that it was “a Nazi movement.”

    “I’m gonna take my time to say what MAGA has stood for these past three weeks,” said Kluwe. “MAGA stands for trying to erase trans people from existence. MAGA stands for resegregation and racism. MAGA stands for censorship and book bans. MAGA stands for firing air traffic controllers while planes are crashing. MAGA stands for firing the people overseeing our nuclear arsenal.”

    “MAGA stands for firing military veterans and those serving them at the VA, including canceling research on veteran suicide,” the former punter added. “MAGA stands for cutting funds for education, including for disabled children. MAGA is profoundly corrupt, unmistakenly anti-democracy, and most importantly, MAGA is explicitly a Nazi movement.”

    Kluwe then slightly elevated his voice to say, “You may have replaced a swastika with a red hat, but that is what it is.

    “I will now engage in the time-honored American tradition of peaceful civil disobedience,” Kluwe said at the end of his speech to the City Council before walking up to the front where the council members were sitting. 

    Video posted by HB Protect on X showed police officers quickly arresting Kluwe, who was face down on the floor with a crowd cheering behind him for his actions. The City Council’s feed cut out before Kluwe was seen rushing the council members.

    He was then carried out by three police officers, two of whom holding one arm each and the other carrying the former punter’s legs. 

    Kluwe was charged with disrupting an assembly. He told the Orange County Register he was released around four hours after his arrest. He said his belief was that the plaque was more “propaganda” than celebrating the library, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

    Watch:

    Kluwe, 43, played eight years in the NFL, all for the Minnesota Vikings, from 2005-12. 

    Arizona Republican Launches Campaign For Governor

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    1
    By Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America - Karrin Taylor Robson, CC BY-SA 2.0,

    On Wednesday, Arizona Republican Karrin Taylor Robson launched her comeback gubernatorial bid.

    Robson, a small business owner and lawyer, launched her campaign with a new ad centered on President Donald Trump’s return to the White House and her desire to help take back her state from incumbent Democrat Gov. Katie Hobbs. 

    Robson lost her primary bid in 2022 to Trump-backed Republican nominee Kari Lake.

    Robson scored early support from Trump less than two months ago during his visit to Arizona as president-elect.

    “I thank President Trump for his strong endorsement and look forward to working with him to secure our border and make Arizona safe again,” Robson said in a statement first obtained by Fox News Digital. “Katie Hobbs has made it harder to live, work, and raise a family safely in this state. Like President Trump, I know how to create jobs. And like President Trump, I will not rest until our border is secure and Arizona families are safe,” she continued.

    “Katie Hobbs and Joe Biden’s insane agenda has made life more expensive and dangerous,” Robson stated. “I will fight every day alongside President Trump for stronger borders, a stronger economy, and a stronger Arizona.

    President Trump said Robson would have his support if she ran for governor while he was delivering remarks at Turning Point Action’s AmericaFest in December.

    “Are you running for governor? I think so, Karrin, ’cause if you do you’re gonna have my support, OK?” Trump said at the time.

    Cook Political Report ranks the general election race as a “toss-up,” likely making it one of the most competitive races in the upcoming midterms.

    The “Building A Better Arizona PAC” launched last month backing Robson, who formerly served on the Arizona Board of Regents. Former Arizona Republican Party Chairman Robert Graham and former Arizona Senate President Karen Fann created the group.

    The primary is Aug. 4, 2026. It’s unclear if Hobbs will face a major challenger in the Democratic primary.

    Robson will likely face off against another pro-Trump Republican during the primaries. Supporters of Rep. Andy Biggs hope that the president will shift gears and back his campaign instead, given his strong political agreements with him.

    The congressman has already gained the endorsements of Reps. Lauren Boebert, Paul Gosar, and Eli Crane.

    “Andy Biggs is the greatest thing since sliced bread,” Sen. Mike Lee( R-Utah) said on X. “Arizonans, do yourselves a big favor and elect this man as your next governor!” 

    Trump Declines To Name JD Vance His Successor During Fox News Interview

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    3
    Presidential debate photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    In what some are claiming is a dig at his vice president, Trump declined to explicitly name JD Vance as his successor during his recent interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier.

    In a clip from his interview with the president that aired Monday afternoon on Fox, Baier asked “Do you view Vice President JD Vance as your successor, the Republican nominee in 2028?”

    “No, but he’s very capable,” answered Trump decisively. “I mean, I don’t think that it, you know, I think you have a lot of very capable people. So far, I think he’s doing a fantastic job. It’s too early, we’re just starting.”

    “But by the time you get to the midterms, he’s going to be looking for an endorsement,” observed Baier.

    Trump then deflected by submitting that “a lot of people have said that this has been the greatest opening almost three weeks in the history of the presidency.”

    On Monday, Baier weighed in on the answer:

    I think it was a little shocking when he said no, you know, I wasn’t expecting that. But, you know, following up, it is you know, once you get to the midterm, it starts, you start to think about 2028. And obviously, one would think JD Vance is going to be trying to position for that role. But clearly, the president is not ready to talk about that, or think about it, and says that there are other other people that may get in the mix.

    Watch:

    Ukranian President Accuses Ex-Fox News Personality Of Colluding With Russia

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    2
    Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused conservative commentator Tucker Carlson of working with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

    Responding to Carlson’s own appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored – during which he criticized Zelensky for his persecution of political opponents and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – the Ukrainian president claimed, “Regrettably, this blogger or journalist, whatever he wants to call him, he unfortunately fully repeats words of the Putin.”

    “It seems to me that to this journalist, I do not remember his surname. Excuse me, Tucker. Yes, Tucker, his name, but it seems to me he needs to more deeply understand what’s happening in Ukraine,” Zelensky said during an appearance on pundit Piers Morgan’s program. “Just stop working for [Russian President Vladimir] Putin.”

    Carlson, Zelensky said, knows better.

    “When he simply says something, you know, just throwing the words,” the Ukrainian leader said. “Has he for one time in his lifetime lost his close ones? I wish to his family, I do not know his family, I wish them peace and no losses, but one must have his own opinion and understand that he probably influences many people. He’s simply disinforming them, misinforming the people.”

    Watch:

    Carlson, a former Fox News host, recently launched his own media company and used an interview and commentary style internet show to feature conversations with newsmakers and other public figures.

    Last year, Carlson published an extensive interview with Putin, during which the Russian leader defended his invasion of Ukraine. (RELATED: Tucker Carlson Confirms Vladimir Putin Interview)

    During his appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Zelensky also claimed he had been invited to President Donald Trump’s inauguration but decided not to go.

    “President Trump invited me to his inauguration, but he invited me in very general terms, as maybe other leaders,” he said. “I think that it was simply not very appropriate for me to come. He wouldn’t have time for [a] personal meeting.”

    Ex-AOC Aide Launches Primary Challenge Against Pelosi

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    1

    Never too early…

    Progressive Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.)’s ex-chief of staff Saikat Chakrabarti announced plans to challenge former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) for the seat she has held for over two decades.

    In a lengthy post announcing his candidacy, Chakrabarti spoke about his time with AOC.

    “After serving as her campaign manager and first chief of staff, I returned to San Francisco where for five years I’ve led a policy think tank that develops comprehensive solutions to the problems that both America and San Francisco face,” he wrote in a statement on X.

    “Now, I want to bring those solutions to Congress. I’m going to run a very different kind of campaign than most. Instead of spending hours each day doing “call time” with big money donors — I’m going to spend every day talking with voters. I know! What a radical idea,” he stated.

    Chakrabarti said his campaign would offer an “alternative vision” to President Trump and Elon Musk’s form of government.

    “Watching Trump and Elon freely unleash chaos in their illegal seizure of government, it’s become clear to me that the Democratic Party needs new leadership,” he said. 

    “I respect what Nancy Pelosi has accomplished in her career, but we are living in a totally different America than the one she knew when she entered politics 45 years ago,” Chakrabarti said in the statement. 

    “In an interview with Ezra Klein after Trump’s victory, Pelosi said the Democrats don’t need to change. I disagree.”

    Chakrabarti followed the statement by acknowledging the race would be “nearly impossible” and requires months of organizing.

    “I know it might seem like it’s a little early to start running. But the fact is, it’s almost impossible to defeat incumbents in our system — even at a time when both Congress and the Democratic Party stand at record-low approval ratings,” he wrote.

    The challenge to the veteran lawmaker comes as the Democrat Party desperately seeks to rebound after its massive 2024 losses.

    “We have no coherent message,” Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) told The New York Times on Sunday. “This guy is psychotic, and there’s so much, but everything that underlines it is white supremacy and hate. There needs to be a message that is clear on at least the underlying thing that comes with all of this.”

    The DNC elected Minnesota party leader Ken Martin on Saturday, who said during his victory speech they needed to “to rebuild our coalition.”

    “The policies that we support and the message that we have is not wrong,” Martin told the NYT. “It is a messaging problem and a brand problem. Those voters are not connecting our policies with their lives.”

    1...91011...43Page 10 of 43
    © Great America News Desk 2022