Trump, Biden To Make Dueling Border Visits This Week

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February 26, 2024

Trump w: Border Wall — Trump at the border wall via Wikimedia Commons

On Thursday, both President Biden and Donald Trump plan to visit the U.S.-Mexico border as illegal immigration continues to be a central topic through the 2024 election.

Biden will travel to Brownsville, Texas to meet with U.S. Border Patrol agents, law enforcement, and local leaders, according to a White House official.

That same day, Trump is delivering remarks in Eagle Pass, Texas, Fox News previously confirmed.

Brownsville and Eagle Pass are about 325 miles, or about a 5-hour-20 minute drive, apart.

According to a Fox News analysis published last week, nearly 7.3 million migrants are known to have illegally crossed the southwest border since Biden took office.

That number is greater than the population of 36 individual states. It comes from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which has already reported 961,537 border encounters in the current fiscal year, which runs from October through September. If the current pace of illegal immigration does not slow down, fiscal year 2024 will break last year’s record of 2,475,669 southwest border encounters — a number that by itself exceeds the population of New Mexico, a border state.

The total number of southwest land border encounters since Biden assumed office in 2021 is 7,298,486, CBP data shows.

Trump Appeals $464 Million Fraud Verdict

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Madeleine Jackson

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February 26, 2024

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Donald Trump waving — Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

On Monday, former President Donald Trump’s legal team appealed the recent civil fraud ruling by New York Judge Arthur Engoron.

Judge Engoron’s ruling ordered Trump to pay nearly $355 million, Donald Jr. and Eric to each pay $4 million, and ex-Trump Org chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg to pay $1 million. The order also barred Trump from serving as a corporate officer or a director of a company in New York for three years, and barred his sons for two years. The Trumps did avoid the so-called “corporate death penalty;”

Engoron declined to revoke the Trump Org’s certificate to do business in New York.

The monetary verdicts also incur pre- and post-judgment interest under New York law. With interest, the total amount Trump is currently on the hook for is just over $354 million, with post-judgment interest accruing at nearly $112,000 per day.

Trump has previously signaled he planned to file an appeal.

CNN Newsroom anchor Jim Acosta described it as “breaking but not shocking news” Monday morning and reported Trump will have to put up the cash or post bond to sustain the appeal, as chief legal affairs correspondent Paula Reid noted.

As CNN reported, the “common practice” in this New York court district is to require a bond of 110 percent, a staggering sum in light of these cumulative verdicts.

The New York fraud case and the Carroll verdicts “could wipe out a substantial amount of Trump’s liquid assets,” reported Adam Klasfeld at Just Security, noting that the ex-president had said in a deposition that his assets were “‘substantially in excess’ of $400 million,” and a Bloomberg analysis “estimated Trump’s liquid assets at $600 million.”

Ronna McDaniel Steps Down As RNC Chair

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Madeleine Jackson

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February 26, 2024

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Ronna McDaniel speaking — Ronna McDaniel via Gage Skidmore Flickr

This is big…

Following Donald Trump’s South Carolina primary win Ronna McDaniel has formally announced plans to step down as chairwoman of the Republican National Committee (RNC).

McDaniel shared she plans to officially step down next week amid reports Trump wants fresh leadership in the RNC before heading into the general election.

Maggie Haberman broke the news Monday morning, writing in the New York Times:

The decision is not a surprise. The chairwoman, Ronna McDaniel, told Mr. Trump weeks ago that she planned to leave shortly after the South Carolina primary, which was held on Saturday. But she now sets in motion a new election within the party’s official body, where Mr. Trump’s preference for chair and co-chair will try to secure enough votes to take over.

Mr. Trump has publicly backed Michael Whatley, the chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party and the national committee’s general counsel, to replace Ms. McDaniel. And he has said that he wants his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, to be the next co-chair.

Mr. Trump’s remarks on the R.N.C. leadership came in the run-up to the South Carolina primary on Saturday, and in anticipation of his tightening his grip on the party. He ended up defeating his main rival, former Gov. Nikki Haley of South Carolina, by more than 20 points in her home state.

Mediaite obtained a statement from the RNC, which reads:

“It has been the honor and privilege of my life to serve the Republican National Committee for seven years as Chairwoman to elect Republicans and grow our Party. Some of my proudest accomplishments include firing Nancy Pelosi, winning the popular vote in 2022, creating an Election Integrity Department, building the committee’s first small dollar grassroots donor program, strengthening our state parties through our Growing Republican Organizations to Win program, expanding the Party through minority outreach at our community centers, and launching Bank Your Vote to get Republicans to commit to voting early.

“I have decided to step aside at our Spring Training on March 8 in Houston to allow our nominee to select a Chair of their choosing. The RNC has historically undergone change once we have a nominee and it has always been my intention to honor that tradition. I remain committed to winning back the White House and electing Republicans up and down the ballot in November. I want to thank my husband Patrick, our children Abigail and Nash, the members of the 168 who elected me four times, President Trump for giving me the opportunity to lead our Party, as well as the RNC staff and donors who have supported me and our mission over the years.”

Earlier this month, Trump endorsed North Carolina GOP chair Michael Whatley, daughter-in-law Lara Trump, and campaign senior adviser Chris LaCivita to lead the Republican National Committee (RNC).

“Michael has been with me from the beginning, has done a great job in his home state of North Carolina, and is committed to election integrity, which we must have to keep fraud out of our election, so it can’t be stolen,” Trump said.

“Lara is an extremely talented communicator and is dedicated to all that MAGA stands for,” the former president said. “She has told me she wants to accept this challenge and would be GREAT!”

Biden Challenger Signals Openness To Being Haley’s VP

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Madeleine Jackson

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February 23, 2024

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Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips could turn this election on its head…

During a recent interview the long-shot primary challenger to President Biden said he was open to running alongside Nikki Haley as a “unity ticket.”

“I think it’s a conversation that Ambassador Haley and I should have, if that’s what this comes down to,” Phillips said in a Thursday interview on Minneapolis’s News Talk 830 WCCO, first highlighted by Mediaite.

Phillips said “in the event of a Donald Trump victory this November,” he thinks “any American who opposes that, should celebrate, encourage and inspire an alternative that can actually win and lead our country in the way that people want, and I think anybody, including myself, should keep open minds and hearts about that.”

“I hope Nikki Haley does, and I think America could be very well served by some type of a bipartisan ticket that restores faith in government and most importantly, demonstrates to the world — to the world — that America can work together and restore its extraordinary brand around the entire world,” Phillips said.

The Minnesota Democrat repeatedly argued that Democrats should nominate someone else to take on Biden before ultimately jumping into the race himself.

GOP Governor Offers 5 Requirements to Serve as Trump’s VP

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Madeleine Jackson

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February 23, 2024

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Who will be Donald Trump’s running mate?

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who is among the field of candidates being considered for the job, offered an idea of what Trump should look for.

During an interview with Fox News host Lawrence Jones, Noem offered her perspective on the accomplishments, qualifications, and attitudes a vice president for Trump would need to bring to the office.

“I’m all-in to do what I can to help the team. He needs somebody that actually is not part of the swamp, I think. He needs a business owner,” Noem said. “He needs somebody who’s been a commander-in-chief, somebody who makes decisions when things get tough.”

She added, “Those are his qualifications, and he needs to know he can have somebody around him that trusts him and he trusts and will fight.”

“So, when he picks whoever it is a vice president, I’ll support whoever he picks, and I’m going to make sure that I’m someone who still continues to defend and fight for his policies,” the governor said.

During a recent interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham, Trump was asked about half a dozen potential running mate choices: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, multimillionaire biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, a Democrat turned independent.

Trump revealed they are all being considered for VP.

New York Judge Rules On Trump’s Penalty Payment In Fraud Case

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By

Madeleine Jackson

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February 23, 2024

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Legal_Gavel_ — Gavel via Wikimedia Commons Image

Will that be cash or card?

On Thursday, New York Judge Arthur Engoron said he would not delay enforcement of the multimillion-dollar judgment in former President Trump’s civil fraud case.

Last week, Engoron ordered Trump to pay a $354.8 million penalty, plus interest, after finding he conspired to alter his net worth for tax and insurance benefits. Since Engoron’s ruling last Friday, more than $87,000 in interest has been added to that amount each day.

The Hill has more:

Trump’s legal team asked the judge to push back enforcement by 30 days in order to “protect” the defendants’ appellate rights and “ensure an orderly post judgment process.”

“You have failed to explain, much less justify, any basis for a stay,” Engoron wrote in an email reply to Trump lawyer Clifford Robert’s request, filed to the court docket Thursday. “I am confident that the Appellate Division will protect your appellate rights.”

A judgement has since been docketed, though it is not yet available for public viewing. The order officially starts the clock on paying any penalties.

Engoron directed Robert to inform him of any “specific” differences the defense judgement would have. The Trump family lawyer said the state’s proposed judgement had two errors and accused New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) of violating standard practices.

“The Attorney General has not filed any motion on notice, nor moved to settle the proposed Judgment; her unseemly rush to memorialize a ‘judgment’ violates all accepted practice in New York state court,” Robert said, asking for a stay in the judgement’s enforcement.

Trump Endorses Ex-McCarthy Aide To Fill Open Seat

Politics

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Madeleine Jackson

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February 22, 2024

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This is a big boost…

Former President Donald Trump has chosen to throw his support behind ex-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s chosen successor for his empty seat in Congress, Vince Fong.

Fong, a California Assembly member who worked as McCarthy’s district director for almost a decade, is one of nine candidates running to replace him in Central Valley for his House seat.

Fox News has more:

“I am proud to join California’s Republican Congressional Delegation, and give Vince Fong my Complete and Total Endorsement!” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. “Vince was one of only 6 Republicans in the State Assembly to stand with me, and reject the Second Impeachment Hoax. In Congress, Vince will work with me to Grow the Economy, Lower your Taxes, Cut Burdensome Regulations, Champion American Energy, and Protect and Defend the Second Amendment, which is under siege by the Radical Left.”

Endorsing Boudreaux last month, Grenell and Patel described him as the anti-establishment, America First choice. “Sheriff Mike Boudreaux is an America First patriot who has proven he is a principled fighter for freedom,” Grenell said, The Porterville Recorder reported at the time. “California needs leaders with courage to stand up to Washington bureaucrats. His record proves he is the right choice for the Valley.”

Patel said, “Sheriff Boudreaux is the kind of leader we need in Congress, one with the courage to stand up and fight, not back down, and put American first,” The Recorder reported.

Trump’s endorsement of Fong is likely to give him a boost with voters who may have been wary over his years-long ties to the GOP establishment. Fong wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, soon after the former president’s announcement, “Thank you… for your endorsement! Let’s get to work to secure the border, improve our economy, and defend our water and energy resources!”

Trump Adviser Hits DeSantis With Snarky Insult

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Madeleine Jackson

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February 22, 2024

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An adviser to Donald Trump hit Ron DeSantis where it hurts…

On Wednesday, Chris LaCivita attacked the Florida Governor over his speculation into former President Trump’s search for a vice presidential candidate.

DeSantis told supporters during a call Wednesday that Trump should not play “identity politics” with his vice president pick, NBC News reported, after the former president finalized a shortlist for his ticket.

“Chicken fingers and pudding cups is what you will be remembered for you sad little man,” LaCivita said Wednesday in a dig at DeSantis on X, formerly Twitter.

DeSantis endorsed Trump for president after he dropped out of the primary race, but he was notably critical of the former president in the call, NBC News reported.

Trump’s campaign responded by putting DeSantis down again and brushing off his concerns.

“Ron DeSantis failed miserably in his presidential campaign and does not have a voice in selecting the next vice president of the United States,” Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told NBC. “Rather than throw cheap shots from afar, Ron should focus on what he can do to fire [President] Joe Biden and Make America Great Again.”

Judge Orders MyPillow CEO To Pay $5 Million To Made Over Election Claims

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By

Madeleine Jackson

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February 22, 2024

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Time for Mike Lindell to pay the piper.

On Wednesday a federal judge ruled that the MyPillow CEO must pay $5 million to the man who debunked his 2020 election claims.

Following the 2020 presidential election, Lindell launched the “Prove Mike Wrong” challenge, which he promised $5 million to anyone who could prove that data pointing to election fraud was not related to the 2020 election and was a product of Chinese election interference.

Robert Zeidman, a computer forensics expert from Nevada, was able to prove the pro-Trump businessman’s claims were false but has still yet to be paid his reward.

Mediaite continues:

That led to last spring’s arbitration panel, which also decided that Lindell had to pay Zeidman the reward that he soundly earned. (That arbitration panel was actually in the fine print of the “Prove Mike Wrong” contest.) After that decision, Lindell vowed to take the case to court, which resulted in Wednesday’s ruling.

In depositions related to the case, Lindell indicated that he never thought he would have to pay.

Lindell also claimed that he was “broke” after being “canceled” for spreading election lies. (Though he was also “canceled” by Fox News for being broke.) Lindell was one of many parties sued for defamation related to the 2020 election by Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic.

Former NYC Mayor Appeals $148M Defamation Verdict

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Madeleine Jackson

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February 21, 2024

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Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani appealed a jury’s verdict ordering him to pay $148 million to two Georgia election workers for defaming them following the 2020 presidential election.

Giuliani filed for bankruptcy shortly after the verdict was handed down freezing the election workers’ case and their efforts to collect the staggering sum from the lawyer who previously represented Trump.

The Hill has more:

“We very much appreciate the judge’s expeditious consideration of this matter and look forward to proceeding accordingly,” Ted Goodman, political adviser to Giuliani, said in a statement earlier in the day after the bankruptcy judge’s ruling.

A Washington, D.C., jury ordered Giuliani to pay $148 million to the two election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, after they became a focal point of the Trump campaign’s claims of mass voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election.

Prior to the trial, Giuliani was found liable for failing to turn over discovery. The jury then decided how much he must pay.

“The absurdity of the number really underscores the absurdity of the entire proceeding,” Giuliani said after the verdict was handed down, also doubling down on his baseless claims about the two women.

It remains unclear how much money the mother-daughter duo would be able to recover from Giuliani, even if his appeal fails.