Author name: Chase Brennan

Bill Clinton’s Handwritten Letter to Epstein Revealed, Media Focuses on Trump
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Bill Clinton’s Handwritten Letter to Epstein Revealed, Media Focuses on Trump

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The U.S. House Oversight Committee released new documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein’s 50th “birthday book,” including a letter written by former President Bill Clinton and a disputed message purportedly linked to President Donald Trump.

The materials were provided by Epstein’s estate following a congressional subpoena.

The letter from Clinton, written in his handwriting, offered birthday wishes to Epstein in 2003.

“It’s reassuring isn’t it, to have lasted as long, across all the years of learning and knowing, adventures and [illegible word], and also to have your childlike curiosity, the drive to make a difference and the solace of friends,” Clinton wrote.

Alongside the letter, the committee also released an illustration from the book depicting Epstein in 1983 offering balloons and candy to young girls, contrasted with a 2003 image showing Epstein being massaged by topless women beneath a drawing of his private jet.

The cartoon was captioned, “What a great country!”

House Oversight

The release came the same day a note allegedly bearing Trump’s signature was publicized.

The message read, “A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.” Trump has strongly denied writing the note, calling it “fake.”

He filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal earlier this year after it first reported on the contents of the book.

White House aides responded Monday with examples of Trump’s signature, arguing the handwriting in the book did not match.

“The latest piece published by the Wall Street Journal proves this entire ‘Birthday Card’ story is false,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement on X.

“As I have said all along, it’s very clear President Trump did not draw this picture, and he did not sign it. President Trump’s legal team will continue to aggressively pursue litigation.”

Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich also rejected the report, posting signature comparisons and calling the story defamatory.

Another image from the book shows Epstein and a Mar-a-Lago member holding an oversized check with a handwritten caption implying a woman was being “sold” to Trump for $22,500.

The woman’s name was redacted.

Her attorney told the Wall Street Journal she had no prior knowledge of the note and described it as “a disgusting and deeply disturbing hoax.”

Epstein’s longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who compiled the book for his 2003 birthday, reportedly asked Epstein’s friends and acquaintances to submit messages, drawings, or stories.

Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in Epstein’s crimes.

In interviews with federal investigators, she told Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche she could not recall whether Trump had contributed a note.

Democrats on the Oversight Committee seized on the release to criticize Trump.

Ranking Member Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., said: “President Trump called the Epstein investigation a hoax and claimed that his birthday note didn’t exist. Now we know that Donald Trump was lying and is doing everything he can to cover up the truth. Enough of the games and lies, release the full files now.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi, who last month turned over 33,000 pages of Epstein-related records from the Department of Justice to the committee, oversaw the initial review.

Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., confirmed that many of the pages contained previously known information, including Customs and Border Protection flight logs documenting Epstein’s private jet travel between 2000 and 2014.

In a letter included in Monday’s release, attorneys for Epstein’s estate wrote that they are not aware of a client list tied to Epstein’s activities.

They stated that the original copy of Epstein’s “Black Book,” a directory of contacts, was likely seized by the FBI in 2019 during searches of Epstein’s residences.

President Trump, in a post last Friday on Truth Social, criticized Democrats for pursuing the investigation.

“The confused and badly failing Democrat Party did nothing about Jeffrey Epstein while he was alive except befriend him, socialize with him, travel to his Island, and take his money! They knew everything there was to know about Epstein, but now, years after his death, they, out of nowhere, are seeming to show such love and heartfelt concern for his victims,” Trump wrote.

The Oversight Committee continues to review unredacted materials provided by the Epstein estate, though it remains unclear how much additional information will be made public in the coming weeks.

Heckler Calls Don Lemon “Full of Sh*t” During Street Filming
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Heckler Calls Don Lemon “Full of Sh*t” During Street Filming

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Former CNN host Don Lemon was confronted by a heckler in Manhattan during the filming of his podcast, leading to a profanity-filled exchange that was caught on video, as reported by The New York Post.

The clash occurred on a New York City street while Lemon, 59, attempted to conduct a man-on-the-street interview.

The encounter began when Lemon approached a man and asked where he was from. The stranger quickly interrupted him. “You’re a f**king moron, dude,” the man said.

“Thank you. So are you,” Lemon replied, smiling before trying to continue the conversation.

The man accused CNN and MSNBC of being “full of sh*t,” alleging that the networks misrepresented coverage of Gaza and other international conflicts. Lemon countered by saying the outlets were reporting on rulings from international courts, but the man was unmoved.

“They would never say it’s genocide. They were protecting Israel,” he said.

Lemon attempted to argue that the man contradicted himself by claiming not to watch him while referencing his past segments. “You must watch me. So you’re not making any sense,” Lemon told him.

The man compared it to recognizing actor George Clooney without seeing his movies, before adding, “And I’ve seen you spouting nonsense.”

As the argument escalated, Lemon asked why the man would approach him with an insult. “Because it just comes out, man. Because you’re big and think you’re something,” the man responded.

Lemon then suggested that the man’s behavior reflected poor self-respect.

“I would never in a million years walk up to anybody, whether I knew them or not, and call them a f**king moron,” Lemon said. “Not unless I had terrible self-respect and I wanted to lash out because I felt bad about myself.”

The heckler stood his ground. “I called you a f**king moron. I don’t need to defend that, cuz it’s accurate,” he said.

The exchange devolved into back-and-forth accusations, with Lemon insisting the man had repeated the insult multiple times and the heckler accusing Lemon of insulting him in return.

The interaction ended only after the man walked away, telling Lemon to “go find a library.” Lemon shot back, “You go find a library. There’s a bookstore right there.”

Afterward, Lemon admitted on camera that the argument was “beneath” him but also said he found it “fun.”

The man in the video has not been identified. The New York Post reported that Lemon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Lemon was fired by CNN in April 2023 after controversies that included on-air remarks about women being “past their prime” and disputes with colleagues.

DHS Rips New York Times for “Disgusting” Sob Story on Deported Murderer
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DHS Rips New York Times for “Disgusting” Sob Story on Deported Murderer

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) criticized The New York Times this week for publishing a story it described as a “sob story” about a deported illegal alien convicted of murder, questioning why the paper ignored the victims of his crimes.

“The New York Times ran a sob story of Orville Etoria, an illegal alien from Jamaica and a convicted MURDERER,” DHS said in its news release.

“In addition to murder, this serial criminal’s rap sheet includes criminal possession of a weapon, armed robbery, and forcible theft with a deadly weapon.”

Etoria’s immigration case stretches back more than a decade. “Following his criminal convictions, Etoria’s green card was revoked,” the DHS release stated.

“Etoria was issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge in 2009. Sixteen years later, this dangerous individual is finally off our streets and out of the country thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem. On July 17, he was deported.”

A DHS spokesperson asked, “Why does the New York Times continue to peddle sob stories of criminal illegal aliens? When will they finally shed light on their victims?” The agency added, “Every single day President Trump and Secretary Noem fight for justice for American victims of illegal alien crime and nearly every single day the media ignores these victims and their families.”

The New York Times article in question, published Tuesday and co-authored by reporters in Washington and South Africa, attempted to frame Etoria as someone who had rehabilitated after decades in prison.

The piece noted that he earned academic degrees while incarcerated and found work at a shelter after being granted parole in 2021.

However, the article acknowledged that Etoria had been convicted of murder for fatally shooting a man in the head in Brooklyn in 1996 and had a long history of violence and criminal activity.

Court records detailed in the article indicated Etoria struggled with drug abuse, mental illness, hallucinations, and paranoia, and that he had previously been arrested in 1981 on charges of attempted murder, robbery, and kidnapping.

He pleaded guilty in that case and served three years in prison.

The Times story reported that in the 1996 murder case, Etoria entered a leather goods shop and shot the victim three times in the head.

Prosecutors said the motive was never determined and that there was no indication the crime was gang-related.

Etoria claimed he had no memory of the attack because of drug use and hallucinations at the time.

Despite the severity of his criminal record, the article emphasized Etoria’s treatment following deportation to Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland.

It highlighted complaints that he was not given an attorney and quoted a relative describing his deportation as “inhumane.”

DHS officials contrasted that narrative with the absence of commentary from the victims’ families.

They noted that Etoria’s violent history had left lasting harm on Americans and that his deportation closed a long-running case that should have been resolved years earlier.

According to DHS, the decision to deport Etoria fulfills a commitment to enforce immigration laws against individuals convicted of serious crimes.

Officials said the department will continue to prioritize removals of those who pose a threat to public safety.

The deportation of Orville Etoria underscores the administration’s policy of targeting convicted criminals for removal.

DHS said its focus remains on ensuring that American communities are protected from individuals with extensive records of violence.”

Florida Man in Batman Pajamas Becomes Instant Legend, Helps Cops Take Down Burglar
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Florida Man in Batman Pajamas Becomes Instant Legend, Helps Cops Take Down Burglar

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A Cape Coral man wearing Batman pajamas helped stop a burglary suspect early Monday morning, according to police.

The incident happened around 2 a.m. in a neighborhood near Santa Barbara Boulevard and 29th Terrace.

Kyle Myvett said he was asleep when his wife noticed an alert on their home security system showing someone rummaging through his truck.

“She’s like hey someone is rummaging through your truck,” Myvett recalled.

By the time he got outside, the suspect was gone. Myvett said he then got into his truck to check the area and noticed that a neighbor’s garage door was open.

Concerned, he called his neighbor and told him he would wait outside until the garage was secured.

While watching the home, Myvett spotted someone moving inside the garage.

He said he decided to approach the individual quietly and then made physical contact to stop him.

“Without the person seeing me, I grabbed a hold of their shirt and right wrist and told him listen, don’t try to get away, I have plenty of experience with this,” Myvett said.

Myvett, who has a background in corrections, said he was able to keep the suspect calm until officers arrived on the scene.

Cape Coral Police later identified the suspect as 20-year-old Justin Schimpl.

Investigators said Schimpl had also broken into a neighbor’s car and stolen two pairs of Ray-Ban sunglasses, cash, a wristlet, and several gift cards.

“He was taken into custody, he was arrested and charged, he’s facing multiple charges today thanks to Kyle and his Batman pajamas,” said Lisa Greenberg with the Cape Coral Police Department.

Myvett said his attire gave him an added boost of confidence. “I’m really glad I had my Batman pajamas on because that gave me the extra confidence I needed,” he said.

Police credited Myvett’s quick action with helping officers locate and arrest the suspect without further incident.

Authorities said Schimpl faces multiple charges related to burglary and theft.

Myvett said his decision to act was motivated by a desire to help his community. “We want to do as much as we can for the community, and hopefully others will start being better at being better,” he said.

The Cape Coral Police Department said the incident serves as a reminder for residents to secure their vehicles and garages and to promptly report suspicious activity.

Officers emphasized that while community involvement can be valuable, residents should always exercise caution and allow police to handle potentially dangerous situations whenever possible.

The arrest concludes what neighbors described as a tense situation, and police said the items stolen during the burglary were recovered.

University of Kentucky Cheerleader Arrested After Horrific Discovery
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University of Kentucky Cheerleader Arrested After Horrific Discovery

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A University of Kentucky student and cheerleader has been arrested after police discovered the body of her newborn inside a garbage bag in a residence near campus, as reported by The New York Post.

The Lexington Police Department said officers responded Sunday to a call about an unresponsive baby. When they arrived, officers found the infant “wrapped in a towel inside of a black trash bag” placed in a closet, according to a police report obtained by WLWT.

The child was pronounced dead at the scene.

The baby’s mother, 21-year-old Laken Snelling, was identified as a senior at the university and a member of the school’s STUNT cheerleading team. Police confirmed Snelling admitted to giving birth.

According to authorities, Snelling has been charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. She was booked into the Fayette County Detention Center, where records show she remains in custody.

The cause of the infant’s death is under review by the Fayette County Coroner’s Office. Officials have not said whether additional charges may follow pending the results of that investigation.

University of Kentucky officials acknowledged Snelling’s involvement with the cheerleading program.

“We can confirm that she has been a member of the STUNT team for the last three seasons. All other questions should be directed to the Lexington Police,” a university spokesperson told local outlets.

Snelling is listed on the university’s athletics website as a member of the competitive squad. Lex18 reported she had been part of the team for three years.

Kentucky law has prohibited nearly all abortions in the state since 2022 following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

Authorities have not provided further details about the timeline of events before the infant’s death. Police said the investigation remains ongoing.

Democrats Attempt to Protest GOP Women’s Event in Alabama, It Doesn’t Go Well
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Democrats Attempt to Protest GOP Women’s Event in Alabama, It Doesn’t Go Well

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Republican organizations in Alabama are adjusting how they host political events after recent protests disrupted a town hall with Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL).

On Thursday, the Republican Women of Madison County held an event at Movement Church in Madison, Alabama, featuring Congressman Dale Strong (R-AL) as the keynote speaker.

Strong spoke about his career, from serving as Madison County Commissioner to his current role in the U.S. House of Representatives, and about his work supporting President Donald Trump’s agenda, including the recently passed One Big Beautiful Law.

The event came just days after another Republican lawmaker, Congressman Barry Moore of Enterprise, Alabama, faced a protest during a town hall in Daphne.

The disruptions prompted the Madison County group to change its original plan of opening the Strong event to the public.

Protests targeting Republican lawmakers have increased in Alabama in recent weeks.

On July 16, the Republican Women of Madison County announced on Facebook that Strong would be their speaker.

Once they caught wind of the event, left-leaning groups such as Indivisible, 50501, and Madison County Democrats began planning demonstrations.

Similar organizations, including Indivisible Baldwin County, were behind protests at Moore’s town hall.

At Daphne City Hall, Moore encountered a vocal crowd that booed and heckled him as he answered questions.

Many of the demonstrators were affiliated with progressive organizations or local Democratic groups. Moore, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, defended his record and addressed the interruptions directly.

“My constituents asked me to do town halls, so I did four across my district while Congress was out of session,” Moore told AL.com following the event.

“We showed up, listened, and answered questions directly. Alabamians deserve leaders who are willing to have tough conversations. I’ll always answer to the folks I serve. That’s what accountability looks like.”

Citing the disruptions at Moore’s event, Republican Women of Madison County president Sheila Banister explained the last-minute change for the Strong gathering.

“After seeing what happened with Barry Moore recently, after much discussion and prayer, we decided to close the event to only our members, local Republican members in the area, and their guests,” Banister said.

“And so that’s what we decided to do. It was very last minute, but going back to our mission, our first mission is to educate our own group, and it’s important that we’re able to have a good, open dialogue with Congressman Strong.”

The private setting meant that protestors who arrived at Movement Church were not permitted inside.

Banister noted the decision was necessary to ensure the group could conduct its event without disruption.

The Madison Police Department was present to enforce the rules of the venue, which is privately owned.

The incident reflects growing tensions between Alabama Republicans and progressive organizations that have sought to challenge them at public events.

While demonstrators outside the Madison event carried signs and chanted slogans, they were unable to gain entry after the rules were changed.

Congressman Strong proceeded with his remarks to attendees inside, focusing on his legislative work and on advancing Trump’s policy goals in Washington.

The event concluded without interruption.

The series of events underscores how both Republican lawmakers and grassroots conservative groups in Alabama are adapting in response to protest activity.

While elected officials like Moore continue to hold open town halls, private groups are increasingly limiting public access to ensure that their events can proceed as planned.

Jen Psaki’s Reaction to the Minnesota Catholic School Mass Shooting is Something Else
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Jen Psaki’s Reaction to the Minnesota Catholic School Mass Shooting is Something Else

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A mass shooting at a Catholic church in Minneapolis has left two children dead and 17 others injured, according to police.

The attack occurred during a morning Mass attended by students from the K-8 Annunciation Catholic School, which is connected to the parish.

Authorities confirmed that all of the wounded, including 14 children and three adults, are expected to survive.

Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, now an MSNBC host, also weighed in online with remarks that sparked immediate controversy.

“When kids are getting shot in their pews at a catholic school mass and your crime plan is to have national guard put mulch down around DC maybe rethink your strategy,” Psaki wrote on social media.

She continued in another post: “Prayer is not freaking enough. Prayers does not end school shootings. prayers do not make parents feel safe sending their kids to school. Prayer does not bring these kids back. Enough with the thoughts and prayers.”

The statements drew criticism from many online who questioned the timing and content of Psaki’s response, given that the attack had taken place during a religious service where children and families were praying.

Commenters accused Psaki of dismissing the role of faith at a time of mourning.

Psaki also linked the shooting to President Donald Trump, attacking his administration’s public safety strategy in Washington, D.C.

She wrote that Trump’s approach amounted to little more than “putting mulch down around D.C.” and suggested the Minneapolis shooting showed his plan had failed.

Data from D.C. officials, however, has shown that violent crime declined following the deployment of additional federal resources under Trump’s initiative earlier this year.

Cracker Barrel Did More Than Change Back Their Logo After Consumer Backlash
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Cracker Barrel Did More Than Change Back Their Logo After Consumer Backlash

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Cracker Barrel has removed the Pride page from its website amid consumer backlash over the company’s rebranding efforts and recent marketing decisions.

The link that once led to Cracker Barrel’s Pride content, which carried the slogan “bringing the porch to Pride,” now redirects visitors to a section titled “Culture and Belonging.”

The updated page states, “At Cracker Barrel, welcoming people has always been at the heart of who we are. When we take care of one another, we are able to take even better care of the people who walk through our doors.”

The decision follows months of pressure from conservative activists, including Robby Starbuck and Chris Rufo, who criticized the company’s involvement with LGBT-related initiatives.

Cracker Barrel had previously sponsored the Nashville Pride Parade in 2024 and released rainbow-colored rocking chairs during Pride Month.

The company also has an LGBTQ employee group called the “LGBTQ+ Alliance,” which is one of several resource groups, including one for military veterans.

The founder of the LGBTQ group at Cracker Barrel later served on the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Business Advisory Council.

The HRC publishes the Corporate Equality Index, a tool critics say is used to pressure corporations into adopting progressive workplace policies.

In a past statement to Fox News Digital, Cracker Barrel said it “has not participated in the Human Rights Campaign Index or had any affiliation with HRC in several years.”

Cracker Barrel’s relationship with the HRC has shifted over time.

In 2002, the chain received a score of zero in the inaugural Corporate Equality Index.

In the 1990s, the company came under fire for workplace policies that discriminated against gay employees.

In 1991, a corporate rule stated that workers who failed to demonstrate “normal heterosexual values” could be terminated.

Eleven employees were fired under that policy, sparking protests and boycotts.

In subsequent years, Cracker Barrel’s score with the HRC improved, reaching 80 in 2021, as the company adopted pro-LGBTQ policies and took public stances in support of the community.

Some of those stances also sparked controversy.

In 2014, the chain pulled “Duck Dynasty” products after cast member Phil Robertson made remarks widely considered homophobic.

In 2019, Cracker Barrel barred a pastor from hosting an event at one of its restaurants after he gave a sermon describing homosexuals as “freaks” and “animals” who were “worthy of death.”

Alongside the removal of its Pride page, Cracker Barrel has also responded to criticism of its recent rebranding.

The company’s updated restaurant interiors shifted away from the Americana style it was long known for, replacing it with a more modern and simplified look.

Its redesigned logo also removed the image of an elderly man leaning on a barrel and replaced it with a plain yellow barrel outline alongside the company name.

This week, Cracker Barrel confirmed it will revert to its original logo featuring “Uncle Herschel” after significant consumer backlash.

“We thank your guests for sharing your voices and love for Cracker Barrel,” the company said in a statement to FOX Business.

“We said we would listen, and we have. Our new logo is going away and our ‘Old Timer’ will remain. At Cracker Barrel, it’s always been — and always will be — about serving up delicious food, warm welcomes, and the kind of country hospitality that feels like family.”

The restaurant chain, with more than 660 locations nationwide, continues to face public scrutiny over its branding decisions, reflecting the ongoing debate over corporate involvement in cultural and political issues.

ICE Shackles Kilmar Abrego Garcia, He Goes Viral for What He Said Under His Breath
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ICE Shackles Kilmar Abrego Garcia, He Goes Viral for What He Said Under His Breath

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Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a 30-year-old native of El Salvador, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Baltimore on Monday, according to the Department of Homeland Security, which released footage of the arrest.

The video, recorded inside the ICE Field Office shortly after his detention, shows Abrego Garcia being led in handcuffs.

As an agent escorted him, he said, “it’s a corrupt government.”

DHS distributed the clip with a written statement alongside the footage: “He doesn’t belong here. He won’t be staying here. America is a safer nation without this MS-13 Gangbanger in it. Good riddance.”

Officials said Abrego Garcia is being processed and faces the possibility of removal to Uganda.

Abrego Garcia’s detention followed his release from a Tennessee jail last week while awaiting trial on federal human smuggling charges.

Prosecutors have tied those charges to a 2022 traffic stop on a Tennessee highway, where authorities say he was pulled over with eight passengers in a car and no luggage.

He has pleaded not guilty and has stated he is not a gang member.

After Monday’s appointment at the Baltimore ICE office for a scheduled interview, federal authorities detained him again and transferred him to a detention facility in Virginia.

The arrest comes after Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported to El Salvador in June.

He was subsequently returned to the United States to face the pending criminal case involving the alleged transportation of migrants living in the country illegally.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said ICE had moved forward with enforcement steps following the Baltimore interview.

“Today, ICE law enforcement arrested Kilmar Abrego Garcia and are processing him for deportation,” Noem said.

She added: “President Trump is not going to allow this illegal alien, who is an MS-13 gang member, human trafficker, serial domestic abuser, and child predator to terrorize American citizens any longer.”

Attorneys for Abrego Garcia said they filed a lawsuit seeking to block his removal to any country until he has an opportunity to contest the destination.

They also said federal officials discussed potential removal outcomes during plea negotiations.

“They’re holding Costa Rica as a carrot and using Uganda as a stick,” his lawyer, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, said.

“They’re weaponizing the immigration system in a way that’s completely unconstitutional.”

In court proceedings Monday afternoon, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis said she planned to hold additional hearings on the administration’s plan to deport Abrego Garcia to Uganda.

The judge barred the government from removing him until such a hearing is held.

Sandoval-Moshenberg said that, if deported, assurances would be needed that Abrego Garcia would not be returned to El Salvador due to concerns about persecution.

“We don’t know if Uganda will even let him walk around freely in Kampala or whether he’ll be inside of a Ugandan jail cell,” the attorney said.

He also said Abrego Garcia had informed the U.S. government that he would be willing to accept removal to Costa Rica, which, according to the lawyer, has said it would provide him refugee status.

The attorney did not say whether Abrego Garcia would agree to plead guilty in the criminal case.

Abrego Garcia had been released on bond last Friday in the human smuggling case before reporting to the ICE office in Baltimore on Monday.

Following the arrest there, DHS said he was transported to a Virginia detention facility while immigration authorities pursue removal proceedings.

Alina Habba Claps Back After Judge Rules Against Her Appointment
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Alina Habba Claps Back After Judge Rules Against Her Appointment

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Alina Habba, President Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. attorney in New Jersey, pushed back Sunday against Senate opposition and a recent federal court ruling that deemed her appointment unlawful, saying she “won’t be intimidated” as the dispute over her nomination intensifies.

Appearing on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures with host Maria Bartiromo, Habba criticized the Senate’s longstanding “blue slip” tradition, which allows home-state senators to approve or block federal judicial and U.S. attorney nominees before they move forward to confirmation votes.

“This tradition that Sen. [Chuck] Grassley is upholding effectively prevents anybody in a blue state from going through to the Senate to then be voted on,” Habba said.

“Senator Booker and Senator Kim had absolutely every right to vote no for me for the U.S. attorney position, but I had the right, as the nominee, to get in front of Senate and to be voted on, to be vetted. I never even got there.”

New Jersey’s two Democratic senators, Cory Booker and Andy Kim, objected to Habba’s nomination.

Their opposition effectively blocked her confirmation under the custom, which has been used for decades by both parties.

The controversy escalated last week after a federal judge ruled that Habba’s recess appointment to serve as acting U.S. attorney was unlawful because it circumvented the Senate confirmation process.

President Trump has repeatedly criticized the blue slip practice, calling it a partisan tool that allows Democrats to obstruct nominees in states they control.

“Chuck Grassley, who I got re-elected to the U.S. Senate when he was down, by a lot, in the Great State of Iowa, could solve the ‘Blue Slip’ problem we are having with respect to the appointment of Highly Qualified Judges and U.S. Attorneys, with a mere flick of the pen,” Trump wrote in a July Truth Social post.

“Democrats like Schumer, Warner, Kaine, Booker, Schiff, and others, SLEAZEBAGS ALL, have an ironclad stoppage of Great Republican Candidates.”

Grassley, who serves as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, defended the custom in remarks last month. He acknowledged Trump’s criticism but said he would not move to eliminate the tradition.

“I was offended by what the president said,” Grassley told committee members.

“And I’m disappointed that it would result in personal insults.”

Grassley has long maintained that the blue slip system preserves bipartisan consultation between presidents and senators when filling key positions in the judiciary and U.S. attorney offices.

Habba, however, said the custom has been weaponized against nominees in Republican administrations.

She noted that the tradition is not enshrined in law and argued that senators should not be able to block candidates before a formal hearing or vote.

The standoff has created uncertainty around the leadership of the U.S. attorney’s office in New Jersey.

Until the Senate acts on a formal nomination, the post will remain filled by a temporary appointee under Department of Justice protocols.

The dispute comes as Trump continues efforts to place his nominees in federal posts despite resistance in Democratic-led states.

The outcome of Habba’s case is expected to influence future debates over the role of Senate traditions in the appointment process.


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