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Trump Admin. To Direct Agency Leaders To Brace For ‘Large-scale Reductions In Force’

By
Madeleine Jackson
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By The White House - https://www.flickr.com/photos/202101414@N05/54325633746/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=159707159

The Trump administration will direct heads of agencies across the federal government to prepare to initiate “large-scale reductions in force” and develop reorganization plans by mid-March, Fox News reports. 

Fox News Digital obtained the memo that will be sent Wednesday to agency heads by Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought and acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Charles Ezell. The memo directs them to prepare to eliminate roles and submit plans for reorganization by March 13. 

Notably, the memo states that government positions “necessary to meet law enforcement, border security, national security, immigration enforcement, or public safety responsibilities” are exempt from the order, as well as officials nominated and appointed to positions requiring presidential appointment or Senate confirmation, officials in the Executive Office of the President and U.S. Postal Service workers. 

The memo is titled “Guidance on agency RIF and Reorganization Plans Requested by Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Workforce Optimization Initiative.” 

Read:

opm_omb-guidance-on-doge-workforce-eo-2.26.25Download

The memo points to the president’s February executive order, which directed agencies to “eliminate waste, bloat and insularity” in order to “empower American families, workers, taxpayers, and our system of Government itself.” 

The memo provides guidance to agency heads about the reduction-in-force and reorganization plans, along with instructions for how those plans should be submitted to OMB and OPM. 

“President Trump required that ‘Agency Heads shall promptly undertake preparations to initiate large-scale reductions in force, consistent with applicable law,’” the memo states, noting that agencies have to submit reorganization plans “no later than March 13, 2025.”

The reorganization plans, according to the memo, should provide “better service for the American people; increased productivity; a significant reduction in the number of full-time equivalent positions by eliminating positions that are not required; a reduced real property footprint; and reduced budget topline.” 

President Trump said during Wednesday’s White House Cabinet meeting that Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin has floated cutting the agency’s workforce by up to 65 percent.

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

Democrat Hits Musk With Graphic Insult In Viral Clip Before Facing Immediate Backlash

By
Madeleine Jackson
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Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D) caused a social media firestorm after telling Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) chief Elon Musk to “f— off” in the latest example of her public opposition to the newly formed agency.

“F— off,” Crockett told reporter Joe Gallina outside Capitol Hill on Tuesday when asked what she would tell Musk if she could tell him anything.

Crockett’s reaction immediately drew blowback from conservatives on social media, who took issue with the liberal firebrand’s tone.

“The face of the American left, ladies and gentlemen,” conservative account Johnny MAGA posted on X.

Many Democrats in Congress have been highly critical of Musk and DOGE, arguing that the billions in cuts the agency has announced are slashing important government resources and being done too quickly.

“DOGE is pretty cruel. Let’s be blunt about that,” Hawaii Democratic Gov. Josh Green said during a press conference last week with other Democratic governors. “These are people in our states that have worked long careers, very dedicated servants, and they’re getting kicked out of their lives.”

A recent poll, amplified by Musk on social media, suggests that a majority of the American people support DOGE’s mission.

The Harvard CAPS-Harris poll revealed a majority of Americans support reducing wasteful government spending. Most voters agree there should be a government agency dedicated to efficiency and that DOGE is helping to make major spending cuts, the nonprobability-based poll found. 

Byron Donalds Launches Campaign For Florida Governor

By
Madeleine Jackson
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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.” 

Ukraine Reportedly Strikes Minerals Deal with US, Zelensky To Visit White House For Signing

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

Ukraine has reportedly agreed to a minerals development deal with the United States, paving the way for joint resource exploration, including oil and gas. The agreement comes after Washington dropped demands for a claim to $500 billion in potential revenue from Ukraine’s natural resources.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to travel to the White House for the official signing.

Strategic Partnership and Economic Interests

The deal follows President Donald Trump‘s remarks on Feb. 22, where he suggested the U.S. was close to finalizing a mineral revenue-sharing arrangement with Ukraine. Trump framed the agreement as a step toward resolving the ongoing conflict, a sentiment echoed by some policymakers in Washington. (The Financial Times previously reported that Ukraine had rejected an earlier version of the deal due to the lack of security guarantees.)

Geopolitical Context

The timing of Zelensky’s White House visit underscores Ukraine’s broader geopolitical challenges. The country continues to seek Western economic and military support while balancing its own national interests in the face of continued Russian aggression.

The details of the final agreement remain undisclosed, but sources suggest that Kyiv negotiated for more favorable terms after previous concerns about sovereignty and financial control.

As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the White House meeting, which could mark a decisive shift in the three-year-old Russo-Ukrainian War.

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

GOP Congressman Threatens Tucker Carlson

By
Madeleine Jackson
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Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America,

Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) threatened former Fox News host Tucker Carlson during a Monday interview, saying if he ever met the pundit, he would “f‑‑‑ing kill” him.

Speaking to British journalist Steven Edginton from GB News, Crenshaw slammed Carlson for his opposition to sending funds to Ukraine.

Earlier in the interview, Edginton had asked Crenshaw about the argument that money being spent on Ukraine could be spent on other things.

“Just coming back to this $100 billion to Ukraine, I know that people like Tucker Carlson will make the argument that there’s a real opportunity cost there, we could have spent that money on the border or fixing issues in America,” Edginton said in the interview clip. “What do you make of that argument?”

Crenshaw replied that “you can walk and chew bubble gum at the same time.”

“We spent 75-80 percent of our budget on a welfare state in America, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid. I would love to ask Tucker what he thinks that $100 billion should be spent on and if he would vote on it as a conservative,” Crenshaw said. “Tucker doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”

“Have you ever met Tucker?” Edginton asked after the interview ended.

“We’ve talked a lot on Twitter,” Crenshaw, a former Navy SEAL who has a history of trading online insults with Carlson, said. “If I ever meet him, I’ll f‑‑‑ing kill him.”

“He’s the worst,” the Texas lawmaker added.

In his post on X, Edginton noted that Crenshaw said he would kill Carlson, adding: “I laughed it off. He said: ‘No seriously, I would kill him.’”

The congressman later implied he was joking while replying to outrage from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA).

Crenshaw’s reply was met with an X Community Note that read, “Dan Crenshaw did threaten Tucker Carlson’s life. His comment was caught on ‘hot mic’ A/V recording.

Carlson replied to the lawmaker in a Monday post and invited him to sit for an interview.

“Why don’t you come sit for an interview and we’ll see how you do?” Carlson said. “I’ll send you my address, @DanCrenshawTX.”

Super Bowl Champions Respond Following Bogus Reports Team Will Snub White House Invite

By
Madeleine Jackson
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The Philadelphia Eagles will reportedly go to the White House if invited, pouring cold water on the online firestorm after bogus claims said the Super Bowl champions rejected the invitation

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday evening that the team “looks forward” to receiving an invitation from President Donald Trump.

“To those wondering,” Schefter said in a tweet. “Eagles sources say the team is planning on visiting the White House this off-season and looks forward to receiving its invitation.”

That tweet came after a multi-day social media frenzy that began with a bogus claim that the Eagles had already turned down the president’s offer. The rumor was based on a weeks-old report from The U.S. Sun, which claimed an anonymous player told the outlet that everyone on the team decided days before Super Bowl LIX that they would not visit the White House if they won the game.

The rumor drew the ire of a number of prominent conservative voices, including Megyn Kelly. Hours after lashing out at the team, however, Kelly acknowledged the possibility that she’d been duped amid the social media outrage.

According to additional reporting from insider Ian Rapoport, the team would be “honored” to receive an invitation and are excited about going to the White Hous

The tradition of Super Bowl-winning teams visiting the White House began with the Pittsburgh Steelers after their Super Bowl XIV victory in 1980 during Jimmy Carter’s presidency.

While most teams have visited over the years, the tradition has increasingly become political, with players and teams sometimes declining the invitation based on personal or political reasons.

In 2018, President Trump notably disinvited the Philadelphia Eagles after reports emerged that multiple players planned to skip in protest.

Ramaswamy Scores Huge Endorsements Immediately After Launching Gubernatorial Campaign

By
Madeleine Jackson
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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
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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.”

Trump Names Former Fox Star As Deputy FBI Director

By
Madeleine Jackson
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Gage Skidmore Flickr

Trump announced on Sunday that Dan Bongino will be the next deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Bongino is a former Secret Service agent and will serve under Kash Patel.

Bongino is a former Fox News host and well-known conservative podcaster who supported Trump throughout the 2024 election. He is a close ally of Patel and will now serve directly under him at the FBI, according to a Sunday night post made by Trump on Truth Social.

Bongino and Patel will report directly to Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Dan Bongino via Gage Skidmore Flickr

On Truth Social, Trump praised Bongino for his past service in the Secret Service and “as one of the most successful podcasters in the country.” The president also pointed to Bongino’s service in the New York Police Department.

Great news for Law Enforcement and American Justice! Dan Bongino, a man of incredible love and passion for our Country, has just been named the next DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE FBI, by the man who will be the best ever Director, Kash Patel. Dan has a Masters Degree in Psychology from C.U.N.Y., and an MBA from Penn State. He was a member of the New York Police Department (New York’s Finest!), a highly respected Special Agent with the United States Secret Service, and is now one of the most successful Podcasters in the Country, something he is willing and prepared to give up in order to serve. Working with our great new United States Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and Director Patel, Fairness, Justice, Law and Order will be brought back to America, and quickly. Congratulations Dan!

In a follow-up post, Trump said, “Another aspect of the life of Dan Bongino that I think is very important. He has a great wife, Paula, and two wonderful daughters who truly love their dad. What an incredible job Dan will do!!!”

Last week, the Senate voted to confirm Patel along party lines.

During his confirmation hearing, Patel pledged to depoliticize the FBI and restore accountability within the Bureau. However, Democrats continued to vigorously criticize his close ties to President Trump and questioned his qualifications and impartiality.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) warned last week, “My prediction is if you vote for Kash Patel, more than any other confirmation vote you make, you will come to regret this one to your grave.” Other Democrats attacked Patel over his comments on the 2020 election, his defense of Jan. 6 defendants and concerns that he could lead a purge at the Bureau.

As he begins his 10-year term, Patel faces major tasks ahead, having articulated a comprehensive agenda aimed at restructuring the FBI to enhance its efficiency and public trust.

Senate Confirms Kash Patel As FBI Director

By
Patrick Houck
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Image via gage Skidmore Flickr

Kash Patel has been appointed to a 10-year term as the new director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), following the resignation of Christopher Wray.

The U.S. Senate first voted on Thursday morning to invoke cloture, the last procedural step before the afternoon’s confirmation vote. Patel, 44, cleared the hurdle largely along party lines, with Republicans supporting his nomination and Democrats expressing significant concerns.

A final roll call vote was conducted at 1:45 p.m., securing Patel’s nomination following a confirmation process marked by adversity.

The vote comes amidst efforts by Trump-backed officials to reshape the FBI and Department of Justice to align more closely with the administration’s priorities.

During his confirmation hearing, Patel pledged to depoliticize the FBI and restore accountability within the Bureau. However, Democrats continued to vigorously criticize his close ties to President Trump and questioned his qualifications and impartiality.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) warned last week, “My prediction is if you vote for Kash Patel, more than any other confirmation vote you make, you will come to regret this one to your grave.” Other Democrats attacked Patel over his comments on the 2020 election, his defense of Jan. 6 defendants and concerns that he could lead a purge at the Bureau.

Patel fired back at Democrats, accusing them of twisting his words and taking his comments out of context—including a list in his book where he identified government officials as part of the “deep state,” which they categorized as an “enemies list.”

The Senate Judiciary Committee ultimately advanced Patel’s nomination last week in a 12-10 vote, strictly along party lines.

During Thursday’s cloture vote, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) came out in opposition to Patel’s nomination.

Maine’s senior senator voiced concerns over Patel’s ability to lead the FBI impartially.

“While I strongly support efforts to ensure all federal employees perform their responsibilities ethically and in accordance with the law, Mr. Patel’s recent political profile undermines his ability to serve in the apolitical role of director of the FBI,” Collins said, adding, “Therefore, I will vote against his nomination.”

At the same time, news broke that longtime Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell would not seek reelection. McConnell backed Patel, surprising some observers.

As he begins his 10-year term, Patel faces major tasks ahead, having articulated a comprehensive agenda aimed at restructuring the FBI to enhance its efficiency and public trust.

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

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