Author name: Jonathan Dillon

Minnesota Man Accused of Offering ,000 to Assassinate Pam Bondi
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Minnesota Man Accused of Offering $45,000 to Assassinate Pam Bondi

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Federal prosecutors have charged a Minnesota man with making an online threat to kill Attorney General Pam Bondi, following a report that he posted a TikTok message offering $45,000 to anyone who carried out the act.

According to an affidavit filed in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, the FBI was alerted to the post on October 9 when another TikTok user reported it to authorities.

The report prompted an investigation that led to the arrest of 32-year-old Tyler Maxon Avalos on October 16.

He is charged with one count of Interstate Transmission of a Threat to Injure the Person of Another under Title 18, United States Code, Section 875.

The charge carries a potential sentence of up to five years in federal prison.

Court filings include a screenshot of the alleged post, which featured a photo of Attorney General Bondi with what appeared to be a sniper’s red scope dot over her forehead.

The post’s caption read, “WANTED: Pam Bondi / REWARD: 45,000 / DEAD OR ALIVE (PREFERABLY DEAD).” Investigators said Avalos also commented under the post, writing “cough cough” and “when they don’t serve us then what?”

In the affidavit, federal investigators said the content of the post met the criteria of a threat under federal law and that Avalos had demonstrated a pattern of violent behavior in the past.

“He has a multistate conviction history including a July 2022 felony stalking conviction from Dakota County, an August 2016 felony third-degree domestic battery from Polk County, Florida, and an April 2016 misdemeanor domestic assault from Dakota County, which appears to have been reduced from a felony domestic assault by strangulation charge,” the document stated.

Avalos was taken into custody by federal agents and is currently being held pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutors said they intend to argue that his criminal history and the nature of the alleged threat make him a danger to the community and a flight risk.

The case comes amid a broader national effort by the Department of Justice to pursue criminal charges against individuals who use social media platforms to issue or promote threats against government officials.

Investigators said TikTok cooperated with federal authorities in the case by providing account information tied to the post.

Pam Bondi, who currently serves as Attorney General of the United States, was appointed by President Donald Trump in November 2024 after former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration for the role.

Bondi previously served two terms as Florida’s attorney general and spent 18 years as a prosecutor in Hillsborough County.

She also represented Trump during his first impeachment trial, in which he was acquitted by the Senate.

A spokesperson for the Justice Department declined to comment on the ongoing case but confirmed that federal law enforcement takes all threats against public officials seriously and investigates them thoroughly.

The affidavit notes that Avalos’ TikTok account was suspended following the discovery of the post, and that additional electronic evidence is being reviewed by federal investigators.

He remains in custody at a federal detention facility in Minnesota awaiting his preliminary court appearance.

Arnold Schwarzenegger ‘Terminates’ Gavin Newsom and Jake Tapper on Gerrymandering
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Arnold Schwarzenegger ‘Terminates’ Gavin Newsom and Jake Tapper on Gerrymandering

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Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger criticized Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed redistricting overhaul on Sunday, calling it a “fantasy” designed to secure long-term Democratic control of the state under the pretense of “temporary reform.”

Speaking with CNN’s Jake Tapper on State of the Union, Schwarzenegger said the measure, known as Proposition 50, would dismantle California’s independent redistricting commission — a body he championed during his tenure to prevent partisan manipulation of electoral maps.

The proposal, backed by Newsom and Democratic legislative leaders, seeks to replace the independent panel with a state-run process for at least the next decade.

Schwarzenegger said the move would “undo decades of reform” and warned that the decision could set a precedent that spreads beyond California.

“Well, I’m not really the spokesperson for the anti–Proposition 50 campaign. I just want to defend the work that I have done, because we worked so hard to get the independent redistricting commission in California,” Schwarzenegger said.

“California was in the leadership on that issue. Then we went around the country, promoted it around the country, and actually convinced about 30% of districts to have an independent commission. Now, all of a sudden, they’re undoing all of that.”

He said both major parties are guilty of manipulating political boundaries but accused Newsom’s allies of pushing the country “in the opposite direction.”

“There’s this war going on all over the United States — who can out-cheat the other one? Texas started it. They did something terribly wrong. Then all of a sudden, California says, ‘Well, then we have to do something terribly wrong,’” Schwarzenegger said.

“It saddens me to see that we’re going in the opposite direction rather than having an independent commission draw the district lines.”

Tapper noted that a CBS poll shows 62% of likely California voters support the measure. Schwarzenegger dismissed the argument, saying the proposal’s promise of a temporary change cannot be trusted.

“When they say this is temporary, there is no such thing,” he said.

“The longest programs are government programs that are ‘temporary.’ Just remember that — if it is a tax program or if it is a redistricting program — anything that is temporary with government is permanent.”

He added that once Democrats take control of the process, they will continue to justify its permanence.

“In the year 2032, when the independent redistricting commission is supposed to come back, they’re going to say, ‘Wait a minute, there’s still gerrymandering going on in Texas, in Ohio, in Florida. We have to continue with the gerrymandering.’ That’s what’s going to happen,” he said.

“They will find an excuse. Therefore, I don’t think it is temporary. That’s total fantasy.”

Schwarzenegger said politicians should focus on “outperforming” their opponents rather than manipulating district maps.

“To me, it’s all about competition — competition creates performance. What they’re doing with the redistricting commission is trying to draw district lines in such a way that they get voted in no matter if they work well or not for the American people,” he said.

“So the American people get cheated.”

When asked whether he blamed Republicans for starting the redistricting battle, Schwarzenegger rejected the idea, saying gerrymandering has been a bipartisan problem for two centuries.

“There’s such extreme gerrymandering that in a state like Massachusetts, 40% of the people voted for Trump — and the Republican Party has zero representatives sent to the House. Think about that,” he said.

“In New Mexico, if 45% of the people voted for Trump and vote Republican — zero representatives from the Republican Party. There’s crazy gerrymandering going on all over the country.”

Schwarzenegger said he originally established California’s commission to set a model for fair redistricting across the country.

“We wanted to try to stop it in California, and we did. Then we went around the country,” he said.

“This whole thing about finger-pointing — ‘They did it, so therefore we should do it’ — that’s not the way to go.”

The former governor said the focus should remain on fair competition and voter trust.

“One party should outperform the other party. It should be about performance,” he said.

“If you really want to fight for democracy, why would you go and destroy the Constitution in California — tear it up and redo the whole thing? To me, it just doesn’t make any sense at all.”

Kourtney Kardashian Expands Lemme Line With New ‘Lemme Purr’ Lollipops
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Kourtney Kardashian Expands Lemme Line With New ‘Lemme Purr’ Lollipops

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Kourtney Kardashian Barker has announced the launch of a new addition to her Lemme wellness brand — probiotic lollipops aimed at supporting women’s health. The product, called Lemme Purr Lollipops, became available Sunday exclusively at Target stores nationwide, as reported by The New York Post.

The new supplement follows the success of Kardashian’s Lemme Purr gummies and capsules, which are marketed as daily probiotics that promote vaginal health.

The lollipops, priced at $5.99 per pack, are the latest expansion in Kardashian’s effort to bring wellness products into mainstream retail spaces.

Like the original Lemme Purr gummies, the lollipops’ key ingredient is Bacillus coagulans, a probiotic strain known for producing lactic acid.

The bacteria help maintain healthy pH levels and balance the vaginal microbiome — the natural ecosystem of bacteria and fungi that can affect a woman’s overall health.

According to the brand, the probiotic can also support immune health and aid in digestion. Research has linked B. coagulans to improved symptoms in people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as bloating, cramping, and diarrhea.

The lollipops also contain vitamin C for antioxidant and collagen support, as well as pineapple extract for flavor. Each pop contains 70 calories and is made with real sugar. The product is vegetarian, gluten-free, non-GMO, and formulated without artificial sweeteners.

Women’s health expert Olivia Cassano of Evvy, a company specializing in microbiome science, previously told The New York Post that maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the vaginal microbiome is crucial.

“When the vaginal microbiome isn’t healthy — say, there’s too much bad bacteria or not enough good bacteria — women are at risk for infections like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and aerobic vaginitis,” Cassano said.

“It can also result in a higher risk of other health conditions, such as recurrent UTIs. Research has even linked certain shifts in the vaginal microbiome to pregnancy complications like preterm birth.”

This is the second time Kardashian has introduced a lollipop-based supplement. Her first, Lemme Glow, was a limited-edition beauty supplement designed to promote healthy hair, skin, and nails.

The company says that unlike the earlier release, Lemme Purr Lollipops are a permanent addition to the Lemme lineup.

“Our community fell in love with our first lollipops, so I couldn’t wait to bring them back in a new way,” Kardashian said in a statement. “Lemme Purr Lollipops are such a fun extension of one of our best-sellers, Lemme Purr, and I love that they turn daily self-care into something sweet and simple.”

Kardashian’s launch joins a growing market of candy-form health supplements. Other companies, such as It Girl Vitamins, sell lollipops infused with peptides and greens. Kid-friendly brands like Olly and YumEarth have also introduced multivitamin pops for children.

Soros Fingerprints Found All Over the Rise of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani
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Soros Fingerprints Found All Over the Rise of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani

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In September 2017, a photograph surfaced on social media showing activist Linda Sarsour kneeling on a Brooklyn sidewalk beside campaign volunteers for City Council candidate Khader El-Yateem.

Among them was a young organizer named Zohran Mamdani.

That image, posted on El-Yateem’s campaign page, marked the beginning of a political collaboration that would soon extend far beyond a local election.

Eight years later, Mamdani — now 34 — is positioned to seek the mayoralty of New York City.

His ascent, according to a Fox News Digital investigation, is the result of a coordinated network of political and religious organizations that have advanced candidates sharing socialist and Islamist ideologies.

A review of 110 groups supporting Mamdani shows overlapping ties between Muslim advocacy organizations and left-wing coalitions, including 76 Democratic Party affiliates and unions.

Central to that effort are two key networks: Sarsour’s MPower organizations and a related group called Emgage.

Tax records reviewed by Fox News Digital show that billionaire George Soros’ Open Society foundations have contributed nearly $2.5 million to MPower and Emgage in recent years.

The Heir: Inside the (Not So) Secret Network of Alex Soros

A spokesperson for the Open Society Foundations said, “We fund a range of civil society organizations that work to deepen civic engagement through peaceful democratic participation, counter discrimination including against Muslim Americans and advance human rights.”

The spokesperson added that the cited grants occurred years before the mayoral race and were unrelated to any campaign activity.

The Fox News Digital investigation found that MPower and Emgage are part of a coalition of about 30 ethnic and religious groups, including CAIR Action, the Islamic Circle of North America, the Muslim Action Coalition, and the Bangladeshi American Advocacy Group.

Together, they have combined annual revenues exceeding $24 million and have mobilized resources, volunteers, and online campaigns to back Mamdani.

Analysts say these networks represent a coordinated political machine that merges progressive socialist movements with Islamist activism.

Through campaigns like Emgage’s “Defend and Advance” initiative, the coalition promotes Mamdani alongside other Muslim candidates such as Virginia Lt. Governor candidate Ghazala Hashmi and Dearborn, Michigan, Mayor Abdullah Hammoud.

Emgage’s financial supporters include the Sterling Charitable Gift Fund in Herndon, Virginia — a group previously investigated by federal authorities in connection with suspected funding of Hamas-linked entities in the early 2000s, though no charges were ever filed.

Over the past decade, Sarsour and her allies have built a nationwide infrastructure linking philanthropy, activism, and political organizing.

Their financial backing has come from large foundations such as the Ford Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, and the Tides Foundation, alongside Soros’ network.

This structure has helped launch Mamdani’s political career, combining nonprofit outreach with campaign operations.

Dalia Al-Aqidi, an Iraqi American Muslim and Republican congressional candidate challenging Ilhan Omar in Minnesota, said, “The data, the money trail and the affiliations, from the Democratic Socialists of America to the Islamists, tells a different story.”

She added, “Mamdani’s ascent is the product of deliberate design: a sophisticated collaboration between socialist activism and Islamist organizing, lubricated by millions in foundation grants and political donations.”

Mamdani’s activism began at Bowdoin College in Maine, where in 2012 he co-founded a chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine.

By 2017, he was working on El-Yateem’s campaign with Sarsour.

In 2018, he joined the board of the Muslim Democratic Club of New York, a political organization co-founded by Sarsour to mobilize Muslim voters for progressive candidates.

The group endorsed Mamdani during his 2020 campaign for the New York State Assembly.

Public records show that MPower Change, a nonprofit housed at Neo Philanthropy, received at least $2.4 million in funding between 2017 and 2024, including more than $1 million from Soros’ Foundation to Promote Open Society and $450,000 from the MacArthur Foundation.

Emgage Action, another key organization in Mamdani’s orbit, has received more than $3 million in grants from the same philanthropic network.

Mamdani’s rise has also been supported by several imams with controversial records.

In January, he met with Imam Muhammad Al-Barr, who had previously prayed publicly for the “annihilation” of Israel.

In May, Imam Siraj Wahhaj — who once testified as a character witness for Omar Abdel-Rahman, the “Blind Sheikh” convicted in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing — donated to Mamdani’s campaign fund. Mamdani later described Wahhaj as “one of the nation’s foremost Muslim leaders.”

Other clerical backers include Imam Talib Abdur-Rashid of the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood in Harlem, who previously defended individuals linked to terrorist organizations, and Imam Khalid Latif of New York University, who endorsed Mamdani on social media in June.

Following criticism of his meeting with Wahhaj, Mamdani received public support from Sarsour, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, and Emgage Action.

Sarsour shared a photo of herself with Mamdani, writing, “May Allah continue to bless and protect you.”

Emgage’s executive director Wa’el Alzayat responded to the controversy by saying, “We are in this for the long haul.”

Al-Aqidi said the controversy only confirms how deeply the network is entrenched.

“For over a decade, Linda Sarsour and her network of allies have built the Mamdani machine piece by piece: the institutions, the donors, the narratives and now, the candidate,” she said.

“His rise was not spontaneous. It was engineered, and the machinery behind it is only getting stronger.”

Blue City Police Commissioner Heaps Praise on Kash Patel’s FBI After Massive Bust
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Blue City Police Commissioner Heaps Praise on Kash Patel’s FBI After Massive Bust

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Federal authorities in Philadelphia announced on October 24, 2025, the results of a large-scale operation targeting the open-air drug market in the city’s Kensington neighborhood, one of the most violent and drug-plagued areas in the country.

The coordinated effort led to the indictment of 33 individuals accused of distributing fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, and cocaine throughout the region.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania unsealed the indictment, which focused on the Weymouth Street Drug Trafficking Organization.

Prosecutors allege the group controlled the 3100 block of Weymouth Street — described as the center of Kensington’s drug trade — from January 2016 through October 2025.

The investigation was carried out under the Project Safe Neighborhoods Recon initiative and involved the FBI, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and other local and federal partners.

The operation included 11 search warrants executed across Philadelphia, Puerto Rico, Delaware, and New Jersey. Nine tactical teams and hundreds of officers participated in the raids.

During the searches, authorities recovered firearms, cash, and large quantities of narcotics.

Of the 33 individuals charged, 24 were arrested during the operation, eight were already in custody on unrelated charges and will be transferred to federal detention, and one suspect remains at large.

Key defendants named in the indictment include:

  • Jose Antonio Morales Nieves, 45, of Luquillo, Puerto Rico, who is accused of overseeing the organization’s operations and charging “rent” to drug dealers operating on the block.
  • Ramon Roman-Montanez, 40, of Philadelphia, identified as the organization’s day-to-day manager.
  • Nancy Rios-Valentin, 33, of Philadelphia, who allegedly handled the group’s financial transactions.

Although the indictment does not include murder or shooting charges, federal prosecutors said the organization relied on violence and intimidation to maintain control of territory and to silence witnesses.

U.S. Attorney David Metcalf called the case “the largest federal indictment in this district in decades” and described it as part of a renewed federal strategy to treat open-air drug markets as organized criminal enterprises.

FBI Director Kash Patel commended the operation and its outcome, calling it a blueprint for urban crime reduction. “This takedown is how you safeguard American cities from coast to coast,” Patel said.

“We have permanently removed a drug trafficking organization off the streets of Philadelphia.”

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel credited federal cooperation for the success of the operation.

“We’re not going to apologize for removing people who terrorize our community. This is the model we can keep running,” Bethel said.

He added, “Director Patel, I appreciate the support. This is the work I constantly tell people. We are having SIGNIFICANT success across the city this year…it’s those relationships…it’s the FBI I would turn to to help us.”

Authorities said follow-up efforts will include public safety initiatives, community engagement programs, and continued enforcement to prevent other organizations from filling the power vacuum in the Kensington drug market.

Kensington has long been regarded as one of the nation’s most concentrated drug markets.

Between 2015 and 2019, its 1.4 square miles recorded more than 630 fatal overdoses.

The opioid crisis, initially driven by prescription painkillers, evolved into a wave of fentanyl and xylazine (“tranq”) distribution, leading to severe addiction and health consequences.

Gun violence has also plagued the area, with over 1,400 shootings reported between 2015 and 2022 near Kensington and Allegheny Avenues.

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified the crisis, with national overdose deaths rising by 27% in 2020.

Recent federal and local efforts, such as the 2024 Kensington Initiative, helped reduce overdose deaths in the area by 20% through a combination of targeted arrests and harm-reduction programs.

Officials said the October 2025 operation marks a major step toward dismantling entrenched criminal networks that have controlled the flow of fentanyl and other narcotics in the city for years.

Kensington remains a top enforcement priority for federal and local agencies due to its links to gang activity and cartel-connected trafficking of synthetic drugs like powdered xylazine.

Scott Jennings Shreds Democrats on CNN Over Candidate’s Nazi Tattoo Scandal
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Scott Jennings Shreds Democrats on CNN Over Candidate’s Nazi Tattoo Scandal

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Republican political analyst Scott Jennings confronted CNN panelists over the Democratic Party’s support for Maine Senate candidate Jared Platner, who is facing mounting scrutiny for a tattoo resembling a Nazi SS emblem.

The exchange took place during a Sunday segment on “CNN NewsNight,” where Jennings accused Democrats of hypocrisy after years of branding Republicans and conservatives as extremists.

The controversy centers on Platner, a 41-year-old Marine veteran and progressive candidate endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders.

Platner has been under fire since CNN’s KFile reported that he bears a chest tattoo similar to the Totenkopf, the skull-and-crossbones insignia used by Nazi SS units.

In a series of resurfaced Reddit posts from 2019 and 2020, Platner allegedly discussed Nazi-associated symbols and defended their use within military circles.

Using the screen name “P-Hustle,” Platner wrote that symbols like the Totenkopf and SS lightning bolts had been adopted by certain Marine Scout Sniper units as cultural identifiers rather than ideological statements.

When challenged about their Nazi origins, Platner dismissed the criticism, writing that outsiders “have no idea what they’re talking about” and sarcastically adding, “I will be sure to inform the Black guys I know with bolts that they’re Nazis now.”

Platner has since claimed that he got the tattoo during a “drunken liberty stint” in Croatia years ago and denied knowing its historical connection to Nazi imagery.

However, CNN’s KFile report found evidence that Platner was aware of the symbolism and had defended its use before entering politics.

Despite the controversy, Platner continues to lead in polling for Maine’s Democratic Senate primary.

According to internal campaign surveys, he is ahead by as much as 30 points and has received endorsements from progressive senators including Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Chris Murphy, and Sheldon Whitehouse.

Jennings addressed the issue directly during a heated CNN panel discussion moderated by Abby Phillip.

He argued that Democrats who had spent years calling conservatives “Nazis” were now rallying behind a candidate tied to Nazi-associated imagery.

“I hate to break the news to you, but he’s winning the primary by 30 points,” Jennings said.

“Getting a Nazi tattoo made him more popular — more popular among Democrats. You’ve got a guy running for attorney general in Virginia who wants to murder Republicans, and he raised $500,000 off of it. You got Nazi tattoo guy in Maine. I sat out here for a year, two years listening to every Democrat at this table say, Donald Trump’s a Nazi, Elon Musk’s a Nazi, and your party is now in love with a guy with a Nazi tattoo who trained a left-wing paramilitary group and called himself an Antifa super soldier on the internet, and he’s going up every day. Good luck getting him out.”

Democratic commentator María Hinojosa countered that Platner should resign, saying, “I said that he should resign, and I think that Democrats should also speak out.”

Jennings replied, “Good luck,” noting that Platner’s polling numbers have not declined despite the backlash.

Phillip pressed Jennings on whether he was implying that Platner represented the entire Democratic Party.

Jennings responded, “Look at the polling. Look at the energy. Bernie Sanders wants him. The beating heart of the Democratic Party, where their energy is, wants the Nazi tattoo guy. That’s what they want.”

As the conversation grew tense, Phillip referenced past controversies involving Republican candidates to suggest that both parties had faced similar dilemmas.

Jennings pushed back, saying, “He doesn’t answer to you. He answers to the energy base in your party. And right now, the energy is behind these left-wing progressive kinds of candidates. This is who they want.”

Platner’s campaign has not publicly commented on the growing calls for him to withdraw.

The Democratic National Committee has also not issued a formal statement, while Sanders’ office reaffirmed its endorsement earlier this month.

According to CNN’s reporting, federal investigators have not opened any inquiry into Platner, and the tattoo itself does not violate any election or ethics laws.

However, the episode has reignited political debate over ideological extremism and the double standards often applied to partisan controversies.

As Jennings noted during the segment, “When all this story broke and he started talking about it, he literally got more popular. He’s beating the incumbent governor by 30 points.”

The Maine Democratic Senate primary is scheduled for June 2026.

Trump Admin Discovers a Ton of Money Going to Illegal Aliens for Healthcare
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Trump Admin Discovers a Ton of Money Going to Illegal Aliens for Healthcare

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The Trump administration has identified more than $1 billion in taxpayer money that was improperly used to fund healthcare for illegal immigrants, according to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Director Dr. Mehmet Oz.

The revelation comes as the government shutdown enters its fourth week amid an ongoing standoff over federal spending priorities.

In an interview with Fox & Friends this week, Dr. Oz said investigators have reviewed records from only about half a dozen states so far and already discovered more than $1 billion in misspent Medicaid funds.

“The receipts don’t lie,” Dr. Oz said, adding that the administration is in the process of “clawing back” the funds that were misused.

The discovery adds to growing concerns about waste and fraud in federally funded healthcare programs.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been auditing spending under the direction of the Trump administration, has found extensive evidence of improper payments linked to illegal immigrants’ use of Medicaid services.

Dr. Oz said the administration’s investigation is ongoing and that additional states are expected to come under review in the coming months.

Officials emphasized that only a small portion of the nationwide Medicaid system has been examined so far, suggesting that the total amount of misspent funds could ultimately be much higher.

The latest findings come as the federal government remains partially shut down following disagreements in Congress over budget priorities.

The Trump administration has accused Democrats of refusing to fund essential programs for American citizens while fighting to preserve healthcare benefits and social services that benefit individuals living in the country illegally.

Earlier this month, House Speaker Mike Johnson discussed the issue during an interview with ABC News host George Stephanopoulos.

Johnson said Democrats had made federal funding for illegal immigrants’ healthcare a key demand in ongoing budget negotiations.

“They’ve made it clear they want to keep the gravy train going,” Johnson said, describing the dispute as one of the main causes of the shutdown.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democratic leaders have criticized Republican spending proposals, calling them “uncompassionate.”

They have defended continued healthcare access for illegal immigrants under Medicaid expansion, arguing that the policy is consistent with federal healthcare law and humanitarian obligations.

However, the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers have pointed to reports of widespread fraud and abuse within Medicaid as evidence that reforms are necessary.

A 2024 report by RedState cited Oregon as an example, where the state is expected to distribute approximately $1.5 billion in healthcare benefits from 2025 through 2027, with 25 percent of that cost funded by federal taxpayers.

The CMS audit findings have intensified scrutiny of those programs, especially in states that have expanded eligibility requirements.

Officials said federal guidelines prohibit Medicaid funding for individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States, except in emergency situations.

Dr. Oz said the administration is committed to recovering misused funds and strengthening oversight to prevent future waste.

“We’re focused on accountability,” he said, noting that the administration is coordinating with state governments to ensure compliance with federal rules.

Despite the shutdown, White House officials said the Trump administration continues to prioritize efforts to lower drug costs and improve healthcare affordability for American families.

The administration recently announced a second agreement with a major pharmaceutical company to reduce prescription prices nationwide, part of its broader initiative to make medication more accessible to the public.

The CMS investigation remains ongoing, and additional findings are expected to be released in the coming weeks as more state audits are completed.

Virginia Lt. Gov. Candidate Says She Doesn’t ‘Really Care’ About Sexually Explicit Books in Schools
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Virginia Lt. Gov. Candidate Says She Doesn’t ‘Really Care’ About Sexually Explicit Books in Schools

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Democratic Virginia state senator and lieutenant governor candidate Ghazala Hashmi is facing renewed scrutiny after comments resurfaced from a 2023 committee meeting in which she said she doesn’t “really care” about sexually explicit materials being available to children in public schools.

Hashmi made the remarks during a Public Education Subcommittee meeting on Senate Bill 1463, legislation that would require all public and school libraries in Virginia to place parental advisory labels on books containing sexually explicit content accessible to minors.

The measure was introduced to give parents more visibility into the type of material their children could access in school libraries.

“We seem to focus on sexual explicit material. I don’t really care about that,” Hashmi said during the meeting.

The bill, sponsored by Republican lawmakers, aimed to provide parents with a clearer system for identifying age-appropriate material. Hashmi’s remarks came after a discussion between members of the committee about how to best balance parental involvement with library autonomy.

During the hearing, Republican state Sen. Amanda Chase referenced a similar proposal that would require schools to label or flag books with explicit sexual content. The intention, Chase said, was to help parents — especially those with multiple children — monitor reading materials more easily.

“Many parents don’t have time to review every book their kids bring home,” Chase said, adding that advisory labels would give families a simple and effective tool to protect minors from inappropriate content.

Representatives from the Virginia School Librarians Association and the Virginia Library Association spoke against the bill, arguing that it would undermine professional discretion and impose unnecessary restrictions.

They maintained that it is ultimately parents’ responsibility to oversee what their children read.

Chase pressed the point that most parents expect schools to provide safe, age-appropriate materials. Before she could continue, Hashmi interrupted, saying, “I think we won’t engage in a debate,” and moved to end further discussion.

She then thanked the Virginia Library Association for its input and invited others to speak in opposition. When no one did, she added her own remarks.

“I’ll just say one of my concerns is violence,” Hashmi said.

“We seem to focus on sexual explicit material. I don’t really care about that; I care about the gratuitous violence that children are exposed to — not necessarily through books, but through all of the other social media. I think that does far greater harm to our children.”

The Hashmi campaign did not respond to the Daily Caller’s request for comment about her statement.

The resurfaced remarks have drawn attention as the lieutenant governor’s race intensifies. Republican nominee John Reid seized on the issue this week, staging a mock debate that featured an AI-generated stand-in for Hashmi after he said she repeatedly declined to debate him in person.

Hashmi’s campaign released a new television and digital ad on Tuesday accusing Reid of planning to “close public schools” and divert taxpayer funds to private education programs. Reid called the ad “false,” saying Hashmi was “misrepresenting his record” and avoiding public accountability.

Senate Bill 1463 remains part of a broader debate in Virginia over parental involvement in education and access to sexually explicit materials in public schools.

The issue gained momentum after several Virginia school districts drew criticism for stocking books with graphic sexual content, prompting some parents to call for stricter oversight.

Hashmi’s 2023 comments have reignited that discussion ahead of the November election, as voters weigh candidates’ positions on transparency, parental rights, and educational standards across the state.

JD Vance Laughs Off Jen Psaki’s ‘Disgraceful’ Swipe at His Marriage
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JD Vance Laughs Off Jen Psaki’s ‘Disgraceful’ Swipe at His Marriage

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Vice President J.D. Vance on Thursday condemned comments made by former White House press secretary Jen Psaki about his wife, Usha Vance, calling them “disgraceful,” as reported by the Western Journal.”

Speaking to reporters before departing Israel, the vice president addressed Psaki’s remarks, which were made earlier in the week on the “I’ve Had It” podcast. The episode, posted to YouTube on Tuesday, featured Psaki suggesting that the second lady remained in her marriage unwillingly.

Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance take the stage with their children during the inauguration parade for President Donald Trump at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C., on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.

“I always wonder what’s going on in the mind of his wife,” Psaki said. “Like, ‘If you’re OK please blink four times. Come over here. We’ll save you.’”

When asked about the comments, Vice President Vance responded directly. “I think it’s disgraceful,” he said in a video posted Thursday on X. “But of course the second lady can speak for herself.”

Vance then spoke briefly about his wife and their shared commitment to public service. “I am very lucky to have a wonderful wife,” he said. “And I know — at least I hope — that my wife feels the same about me.”

He continued, “We are very lucky to have this journey, or I should say, I’m very lucky to go on this journey with a very loving wife. We’re gonna keep on serving the country together. And I’m honored to have Usha by my side, on this trip in particular — but always.”

Vance’s comments came just before he left Israel, where, according to Axios, he denounced a symbolic vote by the Israeli Knesset to annex the West Bank, calling it an “insult.”

Psaki’s remarks drew attention across social media, with many conservatives criticizing the former press secretary’s comments as inappropriate and disrespectful toward the second lady.

Usha Vance, an accomplished attorney, has maintained a low public profile throughout her husband’s political career.

Republican Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance (left) walks onstage with wife Usha Vance at a rally July 27 at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

The exchange added to growing tensions between members of President Donald Trump’s administration and prominent figures aligned with the Democratic Party.

Psaki, who served under former President Joe Biden, has remained active in media and political commentary since leaving the White House.

Vice President Vance’s response underscored his refusal to engage in extended public disputes over personal attacks. His remarks focused on his family and ongoing work abroad, framing his response around dignity and service rather than partisan rhetoric.

The vice president’s comments followed recent statements in which he urged Americans to reject politically motivated hostility and focus on unity through service and responsibility.

Poll: Most Dems Want Government Shutdown to Keep Going While Federal Workers Miss Paychecks
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Poll: Most Dems Want Government Shutdown to Keep Going While Federal Workers Miss Paychecks

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As the government shutdown enters its third week, a new Rasmussen poll reveals that a majority of Democrats, along with a significant number of Republicans and independents, support allowing the shutdown to continue.

The data challenges long-held assumptions about how voters react to federal shutdowns.

Historically, both parties have tried to avoid blame for interruptions to government services and paychecks, fearing backlash from voters.

But this latest polling indicates that public opinion has shifted, particularly among Democrats.

According to the poll, roughly two-thirds of Democratic respondents said they wanted the shutdown to continue, compared with 41% of Republicans and 44% of independents who shared the same view.

The findings suggest that frustration with Washington gridlock is being tempered by partisan priorities and differing views of government’s role.

The shutdown began on October 1, following the failure of Congress to pass a funding measure.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and nearly all Senate Democrats voted against a bipartisan bill that would have temporarily extended government funding, citing disagreements over healthcare and spending priorities.

It marked the eleventh consecutive failed attempt to end the impasse.

President Donald Trump has stated he will not reopen the government until Democrats agree to negotiate on healthcare subsidies and immigration funding.

On Feb 3, 2025, President Donald Trump signs executive orders and proclamations in the Oval Office of the White House, Washington, DC, and speaks to reporters about U.S.-Mexico tariff negotiations.

Senate Democrats, meanwhile, have insisted they will not vote on new funding until their policy demands are addressed.

The Rasmussen findings come as both parties attempt to control the narrative surrounding the shutdown.

For decades, political strategists have operated under the assumption that whichever party is blamed for closing the government would suffer in future elections.

However, the new data suggests that Democrats may view the standoff as politically beneficial, even as federal workers remain unpaid.

Republican lawmakers have expressed skepticism toward government expansion, arguing that the shutdown limits unnecessary spending and bureaucratic interference.

For many conservative voters, temporary government closures are viewed as a sign that Washington is being held accountable.

Democrats, on the other hand, traditionally argue that government is an essential institution for providing services and ensuring stability.

But this poll suggests that anti-Trump sentiment among Democratic voters may outweigh their concerns about a prolonged shutdown.

The Rasmussen report highlights what it calls a “polarized political environment,” noting that attitudes about the shutdown are increasingly tied to perceptions of President Trump’s leadership.

WASHINGTON D.C., USA – April 7, 2025: United States President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House in Washington DC.

CNN and other networks have reported that despite the closure, Trump’s approval rating has remained steady and even improved slightly in recent polling.

Political analysts have pointed out that the Democrats’ resistance strategy could prolong the shutdown indefinitely.

Without a shift in position from Senate Democrats, additional funding bills are likely to fail in the near term.

President Trump is scheduled to meet with congressional leaders later this week to discuss potential resolutions, though no major progress has been announced.

Administration officials have continued to emphasize that the President is open to negotiation once Democrats agree to reopen the government.

As the standoff continues, millions of federal workers and contractors remain furloughed or unpaid, while agencies continue to suspend nonessential services.

The longer the shutdown drags on, the more both parties risk being blamed by voters frustrated with Washington’s inability to govern.

For now, the polling indicates that partisans on both sides see little incentive to compromise, suggesting that the shutdown could continue well into the coming weeks unless a bipartisan deal emerges.


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