Author name: Don Palladino

Pete Buttigieg Praises Communist Zohran Mamdani as ‘Great Mayor,’ Blasts Cuomo Ahead of 2028 Race
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Pete Buttigieg Praises Communist Zohran Mamdani as ‘Great Mayor,’ Blasts Cuomo Ahead of 2028 Race

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Former Transportation Secretary and 2028 presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg praised New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani during an interview this week, calling the self-described communist “capable of being a great mayor” while sharply criticizing former Governor Andrew Cuomo, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

“I don’t live in New York, but I think he has the capacity to be a great mayor,” Buttigieg said during an appearance on CNN.

“He, I think, right now, has been taking a lot of steps that are not just about winning, but about trying to bring people together, which is something that people didn’t see in him or expect from him earlier on in the campaign.”

Buttigieg added that he believes Mamdani’s campaign reflects a “really important and exciting race to watch,” though he stopped short of offering a formal endorsement. “I don’t think he needs me in order to win,” he said.

The 2028 contender then shifted his focus to Mamdani’s main opponent, Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent after failing to secure the Democratic nomination.

“Andrew Cuomo has disqualified himself in so many ways, including morally,” Buttigieg said. “That’s just one of many reasons why I think so many New Yorkers are going to vote for Mamdani.”

Zohran Mamdani speaks to the press at the 2025 NYC Pride March, Jun 29, 2025, NYC, NY, USA. Yannick Peterhans/NorthJersey.com

Mamdani, a state assemblyman from Queens and self-professed socialist with ties to far-left activism, has drawn widespread support from high-profile Democrats. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and New York Governor Kathy Hochul both recently endorsed his campaign.

“Zohran Mamdani has relentlessly focused on addressing the affordability crisis and explicitly committed to being a mayor for all New Yorkers, including those who do not support his candidacy,” Jeffries said in a statement last week.

“In that spirit, I support him and the entire citywide Democratic ticket in the general election.”

Hochul echoed the sentiment, describing Mamdani as “focused on making New York City affordable, a goal I enthusiastically support.” The governor said she had held “frank conversations” with the candidate in recent months.

“We’ve had our disagreements,” Hochul said. “But in our conversations, I heard a leader who shares my commitment to a New York where children can grow up safe in their neighborhoods and where opportunity is within reach for every family.”

Mamdani’s campaign has maintained a strong lead ahead of the November election. According to the latest RealClearPolitics polling data, Mamdani holds a 17.2-point advantage over Cuomo in the New York City mayoral race.

Buttigieg’s remarks mark one of his most visible public statements since signaling interest in a 2028 presidential bid. His comments place him in line with the Democratic establishment’s growing embrace of progressive candidates like Mamdani, who have gained traction in urban races across the country.

Chicago Mayor Gets Triggered Over Reporter Using Term ‘Illegal Alien’
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Chicago Mayor Gets Triggered Over Reporter Using Term ‘Illegal Alien’

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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson reacted sharply during a press briefing this week after a reporter used the term “illegal alien” while asking a question about the city’s ongoing migrant crisis.

Johnson interrupted the reporter and rejected the terminology outright.

“We don’t have illegals. Aliens — I don’t know if that’s from some sort of sci-fi message you wish you’d had. The legal term for my people was slaves — you want me to use that term too?” Johnson said.

“Let’s get the language right. We’re talking about undocumented individuals who are human beings. The last thing I’m going to do is accept racist, nasty language to describe human beings.”

Chicago remains a sanctuary city, meaning local authorities do not assist federal immigration enforcement agencies in deporting individuals who entered the country illegally unless those individuals are wanted on a criminal warrant, have been convicted of a serious crime, or are deemed a threat to public safety or national security.

The confrontation drew attention as Chicago continues to face rising crime and a growing influx of migrants.

Conservative commentator and Townhall radio host Guy Benson reacted to Johnson’s comments on social media, writing, “He’s a moron.”

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker also appeared on Fox News this week, where he declined to acknowledge Chicago’s escalating violent crime crisis.

When asked about recent spikes in homicides and carjackings, Pritzker avoided directly addressing the issue, instead pointing to state funding initiatives for social programs and law enforcement training.

Meanwhile, former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, a Democrat, criticized the state’s leadership for what he described as an ongoing failure to address violence in Chicago.

Blagojevich, who was convicted of corruption for attempting to sell the U.S. Senate seat once held by Barack Obama, was pardoned by President Donald Trump in 2020 after serving eight years in federal prison.

President Trump has previously ordered federal intervention in Chicago to help reduce violent crime.

During his presidency, he deployed federal law enforcement resources not only to Chicago but also to Washington, D.C., and Portland, Oregon, in response to ongoing violence and unrest in major U.S. cities.

Johnson’s comments come amid growing frustration among residents over Chicago’s handling of immigration and public safety.

Since 2023, tens of thousands of illegal aliens have been transported to Chicago from southern border states as part of relocation efforts led by state officials in Texas and Arizona.

The city has struggled to house the influx, with temporary shelters filling public schools, park facilities, and vacant buildings.

Earlier this month, Townhall reported that federal agents arrested an illegal immigrant accused of placing a $10,000 bounty on the head of a federal officer.

The arrest has intensified concerns about violent criminal activity connected to individuals residing in the country unlawfully.

Johnson, who has defended Chicago’s sanctuary city policies since taking office, has faced criticism from both local residents and state leaders over his administration’s response to the migrant crisis and persistent violent crime.

His exchange with the reporter has added to ongoing debate over how city officials are addressing immigration enforcement and public safety challenges as Chicago continues to face financial strain and overcrowded city shelters.

French Cops Arrest Louvre Thieves as Hunt for Mastermind Expands
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French Cops Arrest Louvre Thieves as Hunt for Mastermind Expands

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French authorities have arrested two men accused of stealing nearly $100 million worth of the country’s crown jewels during a daytime robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris.

The arrests came Saturday night, less than a week after the high-profile heist that stunned security officials and museum visitors.

One suspect, whose name has not been released, was taken into custody at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport as he attempted to board a flight to Algeria, according to Le Parisien.

The second was arrested later the same evening in Paris.

Both men are in their 30s and are from Seine-Saint-Denis, a suburb north of the capital.

Authorities said the men were detained as part of an investigation into “organized gang robbery” and “conspiracy to commit a crime.”

Two additional suspects remain at large, and police have yet to recover the missing jewels.

According to BFMTV, investigators received a tip Saturday that one of the suspects was planning to leave the country.

Officers moved quickly, apprehending him at the airport before he could board his flight.

French police believe the pair are experienced criminals with histories of theft and may have been hired to carry out the robbery on commission.

The Louvre heist took place last week when four masked individuals dressed in yellow safety vests and motorcycle helmets used a cherry picker to access the museum’s Apollo Gallery.

Once inside, they shattered reinforced glass cases with chainsaws and seized eight pieces from the French Crown Jewels collection.

Witnesses reported that the operation lasted less than four minutes before the thieves fled the scene.

The stolen pieces include a sapphire diadem, a necklace, and an earring set associated with 19th-century Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense.

Thieves also made off with Empress Eugénie’s diamond diadem and her large corsage-bow brooch, items known for their exceptional historical and artistic value.

During their escape, the suspects attempted to destroy the cherry picker by setting it on fire before fleeing on two scooters parked nearby.

While most of the jewelry remains missing, one item—Eugénie’s emerald-set imperial crown—was later discovered outside the museum, damaged but salvageable.

Investigators have gathered substantial forensic evidence from the scene.

Police officials said they collected nearly 150 DNA samples, fingerprints, and hair strands across several locations linked to the suspects.

Hair believed to belong to one of the thieves was discovered in a motorcycle helmet discarded near the museum, along with yellow vests matching those used in the operation.

The two arrested men are being held at police headquarters in Paris, where they can remain in custody for up to 96 hours before formal charges are filed.

Authorities have not released information about the remaining suspects or the individual believed to have masterminded the theft.

In response to the incident, France’s Ministry of Culture has tightened security across major museums and cultural institutions.

The remaining Crown Jewels have been transferred from the Louvre to a secure vault managed by the Bank of France.

A preliminary report from France’s Court of Auditors, scheduled for public release in November, found that the Louvre’s video surveillance systems were outdated and inconsistent across its galleries.

The document also revealed that security spending at the museum had declined significantly compared to two decades ago, according to El País.

France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez praised law enforcement for their swift action in the arrests.

“I extend my warmest congratulations to the investigators who have worked tirelessly as I requested and who have always had my full confidence,” he wrote on X.

“The investigations must continue while respecting the confidentiality of the inquiry under the authority of the specialized interregional jurisdiction of @parquetdeParis. It will be with the same determination!! We keep going!!”

However, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau criticized the media for publishing details about the arrests, warning that coverage could interfere with the ongoing investigation.

“This revelation can only hinder the investigative efforts of the 100 or so mobilised investigators, both in the search for the stolen jewellery and for all the perpetrators. It is too early to provide any specific details,” Beccuau said.

The investigation remains active as French police continue their international search for the remaining suspects and the missing Crown Jewels.

While Congress Fumbled, This Billionaire Patriot Paid the Troops Out of Pocket
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While Congress Fumbled, This Billionaire Patriot Paid the Troops Out of Pocket

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Billionaire businessman Timothy Mellon, heir to one of America’s most prominent banking families, has been identified as the individual who donated $130 million to ensure U.S. troops were paid during the federal government shutdown.

The New York Times reported Saturday that Mellon, 83, was the anonymous benefactor referenced earlier in the week by President Donald Trump.

The President had described the contributor as “a friend” who “loves the military and loves the country” but had requested not to be named.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Asia on Friday night, President Trump called the donor’s wish for anonymity “pretty unusual in the world I come from,” adding that the individual was “a great gentleman” and “a great patriot.”

The White House did not comment on the report and directed inquiries to the Department of War and the Treasury Department. Both agencies declined immediate comment.

Mellon is the grandson of Andrew Mellon, who served as U.S. Treasury Secretary from 1921 to 1932 and was a key figure in shaping American economic policy during the early 20th century.

The Mellon family, which built its wealth through banking, oil, and steel, is estimated to be worth about $14 billion, according to Forbes.

A reclusive figure, Timothy Mellon resides in Wyoming and rarely speaks publicly. His political contributions have drawn attention in recent years.

One day after President Trump’s 2024 conviction in a New York fraud case, Mellon donated $50 million to the pro-Trump super PAC Make America Great Again.

While the Pentagon formally accepted Mellon’s $130 million contribution, questions remain about whether the funds can legally be distributed.

The Antideficiency Act prohibits federal agencies from spending money that has not been appropriated by Congress during a government shutdown.

“The donation was made on the condition that it be used to offset the cost of service members’ salaries and benefits,” said Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell.

The Senate on Thursday voted down a proposal that would have ensured pay for active-duty military personnel during the shutdown, rejecting the measure 54-45.

President Trump has been vocal about ensuring troops are paid despite the budget stalemate.

“I am using my authority, as Commander in Chief, to direct our Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to use all available funds to get our Troops PAID on October 15th,” the President posted on his Truth Social account earlier this month.

The Pentagon subsequently said it identified available resources, including unused research and development funds, to cover immediate payroll needs.

Legal experts, however, have questioned whether reallocating those funds without congressional approval could violate the Constitution’s spending clause, which reserves the power of appropriations to Congress.

Mellon’s involvement adds a new dimension to the ongoing debate over executive authority and fiscal control during a government shutdown.

His unprecedented donation underscores growing private sector efforts to fill gaps left by congressional gridlock, even as legal and procedural barriers continue to complicate their implementation.

Andrew Mellon’s legacy continues to influence the family’s public image.

Known both for his business empire and his philanthropy, the elder Mellon’s donations helped establish major cultural institutions such as the National Gallery of Art and Carnegie Mellon University.

His grandson’s recent gift, though unconventional in form, reflects a similar impulse toward civic contribution — albeit one entangled in the political and legal complexities of a modern government shutdown.

Shots Fired After U-HAUL Truck Rams into California Coast Guard Base
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Shots Fired After U-HAUL Truck Rams into California Coast Guard Base

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In a dramatic turn of events Thursday night, a driver used a U-Haul truck in an apparent attempt to ram through the gates of Coast Guard Base Alameda, a critical facility in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Law enforcement officers responded decisively, opening fire and wounding the suspect after multiple verbal warnings were ignored.

The incident, which authorities say appears isolated, has quickly reignited debate over public safety and the role of federal agencies in America’s cities.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the driver deliberately “attempted to weaponize the vehicle to ram into Coast Guard Base Alameda.”

The threat was so immediate that, as the statement notes, “when the vehicle’s actions posed a direct threat to the safety of Coast Guard and security personnel, law enforcement officers discharged several rounds of defensive live fire.”

The suspect, wounded in the stomach, was taken into custody for a mental health evaluation and is expected to survive. Fortunately, no Coast Guard personnel were injured during the incident. A bystander, struck by a fragment, was treated at a local hospital and released shortly thereafter.

FBI spokesperson Cameron Polan stated, “At this time, the incident appears to be isolated, and there is no known current threat to the public.” This assurance is vital because, in an age of heightened security concerns, any attack on a federal base rightfully raises alarm.

Video from the scene captured the tense moments as the U-Haul truck accelerated backwards, crashing into the base’s perimeter.

U-Haul’s spokesperson, Jeff Lockridge, emphasized the company’s cooperation with authorities: “U-Haul is assisting law enforcement to meet any investigative needs they have.” The FBI is currently leading the investigation, seeking clarity on the motives behind the failed attack.

This shocking event unfolded against the backdrop of significant political and social tension in the Bay Area. Earlier that same day, protesters gathered outside the base, holding signs that read “Protect our neighbors” and “No ICE or troops in the Bay.”

Many sang hymns, expressing strong opposition to any ramp-up of federal immigration enforcement, including the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the National Guard.

These protests were sparked by the arrival of U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents at the base for what was described as a possible increase in immigration enforcement operations.

Hours prior to the incident, President Donald Trump—known for his firm stance on law and order—had called off a planned surge of federal agents into San Francisco.

Trump’s decision came after conversations with San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and business leaders who insisted they were making progress in cleaning up the city.

This marked a clear contrast with earlier moments in his administration when he sent federal resources into other Democrat-led cities despite resistance from local officials.

The deployment of National Guard troops on American streets continues to be a contentious issue, facing ongoing legal battles in Washington, West Virginia, and Oregon.

Many Americans, however, have voiced support for the federal government’s efforts to restore order and reinforce the safety of law-abiding citizens.

As federal officials like Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth have emphasized, maintaining security at vital installations like Coast Guard Base Alameda is a national priority.

Their leadership underscores the importance of decisive action in moments of crisis, putting public safety above all else.

Coast Guard Island itself is a secure, 67-acre artificial island situated in the Oakland Estuary. Federally owned and strictly off-limits to the general public without proper government credentials, it has been the home of Base Alameda since 2012.

This facility serves as a crucial support hub for Coast Guard operations along the West Coast, underscoring the seriousness of any security breach at its gates.

As the dust settles, many are left reflecting on the day’s events. On one hand, the swift and coordinated response by law enforcement ensured the safety of everyone inside the base, demonstrating the value of clear-headed leadership and robust security measures.

On the other, the presence of protests and the incident itself highlight ongoing disagreements over the best way to secure our communities while respecting civil liberties.

In the end, this incident serves as a reminder that, while the nation may be divided on many issues, the commitment to safeguarding American lives and critical infrastructure must remain a bipartisan priority.

The response from federal officers and leadership alike sends a clear message: when threats arise, America stands ready to defend itself, thanks to the brave men and women who serve and the leaders who back them.

WATCH BELOW:

Stephen Miller Shreds Robert De Niro After Actor Calls Him “Nazi” on Live TV
Entertainment

Stephen Miller Shreds Robert De Niro After Actor Calls Him “Nazi” on Live TV

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U.S. Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller responded Wednesday night to actor Robert De Niro after the Hollywood star compared him to Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels during an MSNBC interview.

Miller called De Niro “a sad, bitter, broken, old man” and said the actor’s comments reflected a long decline in his public relevance.

Miller appeared on Fox News’ “Hannity” following De Niro’s remarks, which aired Sunday on MSNBC’s The Weekend.

National Harbor, MD US – Mar 4, 2023: Stephen Miller speaks at the 2023 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).
Credit: Julia Nikhinson – CNP

During that segment, De Niro attacked both President Donald Trump and members of his administration, claiming there is “no way” President Trump would “want to leave the White House” voluntarily.

He then turned his attention to Miller, calling him “a Nazi” and referring to him as “the Goebbels of the cabinet.”

“He set it up with, I guess, he’s the Goebbels of the cabinet, Stephen Miller. He’s a Nazi. Yes, he is, and he’s Jewish and he should be ashamed of himself,” De Niro said during the interview.

The comments drew immediate backlash, with many criticizing De Niro for invoking Nazi comparisons and making inflammatory remarks about Miller’s faith.

Appearing on Fox News, host Sean Hannity suggested Miller consider legal action in response. “If it was me, I think I’d be hiring an attorney, and I’d be looking at suing for defamation,” Hannity said.

Miller declined to discuss potential legal steps but directly addressed De Niro’s statements.

“Robert De Niro is a sad, bitter, broken, old man who is mostly enraged because he has not made a movie worth watching in at least 30 years,” Miller said.

He continued, “This man has been degrading himself on camera with one horrific film after another for my entire adult life, and he is not taken seriously by anybody — not by his family, not by his friends, not by his community.”

Miller added that De Niro has issued “probably the longest string of flops, failures, embarrassments.”

“He is a shell of a man, and everybody disregards everything he says,” Miller said during the interview.

The Homeland Security Advisor’s comments came as the administration continues to push back against increasingly hostile rhetoric from entertainment industry figures toward President Trump and members of his team.

De Niro has been one of the president’s most outspoken celebrity critics for several years, frequently using public appearances to denounce the administration. His comments on MSNBC marked one of his harshest attacks to date.

De Niro’s reference to Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels — a key architect of Adolf Hitler’s messaging campaign — drew particular condemnation from Jewish advocacy organizations, which called the comparison “offensive” and “historically ignorant.”

Miller, who is Jewish, has served as Homeland Security Advisor since early 2025, advising President Trump on border enforcement, immigration reform, and national security policy.

The White House has not issued a separate statement on De Niro’s comments. However, senior administration officials privately described the remarks as “reckless” and “inflammatory,” noting that such comparisons can endanger public officials.

De Niro has not responded to Miller’s statements or to the growing backlash over his MSNBC appearance.

The actor, known for roles in Raging Bull and Taxi Driver, has increasingly used political commentary as a platform in recent years, often targeting President Trump and his administration in interviews and public events.

The exchange marks the latest in a series of high-profile verbal attacks between Hollywood figures and federal officials. Miller’s televised remarks on Wednesday signaled that the administration intends to confront such rhetoric directly rather than ignore it.

Illegal Alien Freed by Biden, Licensed by Gavin Newsom, Kills Three in I-10 DUI Crash
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Illegal Alien Freed by Biden, Licensed by Gavin Newsom, Kills Three in I-10 DUI Crash

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A 21-year-old illegal alien from India is in custody following a deadly multi-vehicle collision in Southern California that killed three people and injured four others.

The crash occurred Tuesday, October 21, 2025, on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 10 near its interchange with Interstate 15 in Ontario, California.

Authorities identified the driver as Jashanpreet Singh, who is being held by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department on suspicion of driving under the influence causing great bodily harm and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

According to law enforcement officials, Singh was operating a semi-truck when he sped into slow-moving traffic without braking, causing a chain-reaction collision involving multiple vehicles.

Dashcam footage from the semi-truck reportedly shows Singh failing to slow down or attempt to avoid the cars ahead before impact.

Three people were pronounced dead at the scene, while four others were transported to nearby hospitals, two of them in critical condition.

The identities of the victims have not yet been released pending notification of their families.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sources confirmed that Singh entered the United States illegally and was previously detained and released at the California border under the Biden-Harris administration in March 2022.

Singh has been living in California since that time.

ICE officials said a detainer has been filed with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department to take Singh into federal custody upon the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.

“ICE has placed a detainer request on Singh, who remains in county custody on suspicion of DUI causing great bodily injury and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated,” a federal source confirmed. Singh has not yet been formally charged by prosecutors.

The circumstances surrounding how Singh obtained a commercial driver’s license (CDL) have drawn scrutiny.

Under California law, individuals are not required to prove legal residency to obtain a driver’s license, and that provision was expanded in September 2022 when Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1766.

AB 1766 extended the policy to allow anyone residing in California, regardless of immigration status, to obtain a state-issued ID card.

The law also permits noncitizens to apply for driver’s licenses without providing documentation of lawful residency.

A REAL ID-compliant license is typically required for CDL holders who transport goods requiring entry into federal facilities.

However, state policies under Newsom’s administration have allowed undocumented immigrants to obtain CDLs for in-state commercial driving, which critics argue has created serious safety and accountability concerns.

Law enforcement officials said it remains unclear how Singh obtained the license required to operate a semi-truck and whether it was issued under the provisions of AB 1766.

Federal authorities are reviewing the case as part of a broader inquiry into how state licensing policies intersect with federal immigration enforcement.

The deadly crash has renewed questions about California’s licensing system and its impact on road safety.

State officials have not yet commented on whether Singh held a valid CDL at the time of the crash or whether his employment status as a commercial driver was being investigated.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said the investigation remains ongoing and that additional charges may be filed pending the outcome of toxicology reports. Singh is expected to make his first court appearance later this week.

ICE officials confirmed Singh will remain in custody throughout the legal process and could face deportation proceedings following any state-level prosecution.

Federal authorities said they are coordinating with local law enforcement to ensure Singh does not evade custody before facing trial.

The collision marks one of the deadliest traffic incidents in the Inland Empire this year and has intensified debate over immigration and licensing policies in California.

DOJ Memo Proves Merrick Garland and Christopher Wray Greenlit FBI Probe into Trump Campaign
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DOJ Memo Proves Merrick Garland and Christopher Wray Greenlit FBI Probe into Trump Campaign

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Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, on Thursday released a Justice Department memorandum dated April 2022 showing that then-Attorney General Merrick Garland, then-Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, and then-FBI Director Christopher Wray personally authorized an FBI investigation into alleged efforts by associates of Donald Trump’s 2020 campaign to obstruct Congress’ certification of the election.

Grassley posted the four-page document on X, saying it demonstrated that top Biden administration officials “personally approved” the case — identified internally as “Arctic Frost” — and “unleashed unchecked government power at the highest levels.” He added, “My oversight will continue.”

The April 2022 authorization allowed the FBI’s Washington Field Office to open what it classified as a “Sensitive Investigative Matter.”

The memo outlines the bureau’s request to determine whether individuals connected to Trump’s 2020 campaign conspired to obstruct Congress during the certification of the Electoral College on January 6, 2021.

According to the executive summary, “Following the 2020 Presidential and Vice Presidential election, in an apparent effort to obstruct Congress’s certification of Electoral College, fraudulent certificates of electors’ votes were submitted to the Archivist of the United States, purporting to represent the actual elector votes from the states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin.”

It continued, “Open source reporting and public statements made by individuals closely associated with Donald J. Trump, Inc. (Trump Campaign) present an articulable factual basis indicating the existence of a federal crime, and thus the FBI seeks to open a full investigation.”

The memo added that “because this investigation involves a SIM as set forth in the Department of Justice memorandum dated February 5, 2020, entitled ‘Additional Requirements for Opening of Certain Sensitive Investigations’ (DOJ Memo), your authorization is required before WFO may initiate this full investigation.”

Monaco wrote at the bottom of the document, “Merrick- I recommend you approve,” and initialed it on April 5, 2022. Garland signed off on the same day, completing the approval process.

The authorization occurred more than a year after the January 6 Capitol riot and months before Special Counsel Jack Smith was appointed to oversee related cases. The memo marks an early step in the Justice Department’s inquiry into the “fake electors” matter that later became a key focus of Smith’s work.

In 2023, Smith’s office issued subpoenas seeking phone records for eight Republican senators and one House member. The records covered the period from January 4 to January 7, 2021, and included details such as numbers dialed, dates, and call durations.

The targeted senators included Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Josh Hawley of Missouri, and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, told Fox News host Sean Hannity on Tuesday that he recently learned Smith also attempted to subpoena his toll records but said his provider, AT&T, declined to provide them.

Smith later defended the subpoenas, saying they were “narrowly tailored and entirely proper.” His attorneys told Grassley that the requests complied with Justice Department procedures and were part of routine investigative work.

Republican lawmakers have criticized the operation, alleging it amounted to political surveillance and likening it to the Watergate scandal. Smith’s legal team disputed those claims and argued the subpoenas were appropriately documented and disclosed.

They said the requests were referenced in a footnote of Smith’s final report and were shared with Trump’s defense team during discovery.

Grassley’s release of the memo renewed scrutiny over how senior Justice Department officials managed politically sensitive investigations during the Biden administration, and whether proper oversight and accountability mechanisms were maintained.

Texas Identifies Over 2,000 Potential Noncitizens on Voter Rolls Following State Review
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Texas Identifies Over 2,000 Potential Noncitizens on Voter Rolls Following State Review

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Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson announced Tuesday that her office has completed a review of the state’s voter registration database against federal citizenship records, identifying more than 2,000 potential noncitizens who may have voted in recent elections.

The review, conducted through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database, was made possible through federal data-sharing access granted to states during the Trump administration.

The findings have been sent to county election officials across Texas for further investigation.

“Only eligible United States citizens may participate in our elections,” Nelson said in a statement.

“The Trump Administration’s decision to give states free and direct access to this data set for the first time has been a game changer, and we appreciate the partnership with the federal government to verify the citizenship of those on our voter rolls and maintain accurate voter lists.”

According to Nelson’s office, 2,724 potential noncitizens were flagged out of the state’s approximately 18 million registered voters.

County officials will now review the data and determine whether each individual is eligible to remain on the rolls.

If local investigations confirm that any of the identified voters cast ballots illegally, the cases will be referred to the Office of the Attorney General for prosecution.

Nelson emphasized the importance of accuracy and transparency in the state’s voter registration system, adding that every legitimate vote must be safeguarded.

“Everyone’s right to vote is sacred and must be protected,” she said.

“We encourage counties to conduct rigorous investigations to determine if any voter is ineligible — just as they do with any other data set we provide. The SAVE database has proven to be a critically important data set and one of many that we will continue to use in Texas to ensure that only qualified voters cast a ballot in our elections.”

Under state law, voters identified as potential noncitizens will receive written notification from their county registrar.

Each individual will have 30 days to respond with proof of U.S. citizenship to remain on the voter rolls.

If a voter fails to provide documentation by the deadline, their registration will be canceled.

The registration can later be restored if proof of citizenship is submitted.

The announcement follows years of debate in Texas and across the country over election integrity and noncitizen voting.

Texas has consistently sought to verify voter eligibility through various cross-checking systems, though access to the federal SAVE database has allowed for more direct verification of citizenship status.

Nelson said her office would continue to work closely with counties to ensure the voter registration list remains accurate and up to date.

She also credited the federal partnership with providing an important tool in protecting the state’s elections from unlawful participation.

The review represents the latest step in Texas’ broader effort to strengthen voter list maintenance procedures and prevent ineligible voting.

Counties are expected to complete their local reviews and submit findings to the Secretary of State’s office before the end of the year.


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