Author name: Justin Murray

Millions Missing: DOJ Charges Two in California Homeless Funding Scandal
News

Millions Missing: DOJ Charges Two in California Homeless Funding Scandal

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Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced Thursday that two Los Angeles-area men have been charged in separate federal cases involving the alleged misuse of millions of dollars in public funds intended for homelessness and affordable housing programs.

Essayli, who leads the Central District of California, said the cases are part of a broader federal probe into the state’s homelessness spending, which has totaled billions of dollars over the past several years with little measurable progress.

“California has spent billions of taxpayer dollars to combat its homelessness crisis with very little to show for it,” Essayli said in a post on X.

“Six months ago, I announced the Homelessness Fraud and Corruption Task Force. Today, we begin to hold people accountable by announcing two cases where more than $50 million of homelessness funding was fraudulently obtained.”

According to the Department of Justice, one of the defendants, Cody Holmes, 31, of Beverly Hills, was arrested Thursday morning.

Prosecutors allege Holmes used falsified financial records to secure nearly $26 million from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) through a state program known as Project Homekey.

Holmes previously served as chief financial officer for Shangri-La Industries LLC, a Los Angeles-based development company that received funding to build affordable housing in Thousand Oaks.

The DOJ alleges Holmes diverted the money to pay personal expenses, including credit card bills and purchases at luxury retailers, instead of completing the state-funded housing project.

“Even though the developer received all the money from the state, the developer did not complete the construction of the Thousand Oaks project,” Essayli said at a news conference Thursday.

“Essentially, he stole the money.”

In a separate case, real estate developer Steven Taylor was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of fraudulently obtaining loans through false statements to financial institutions.

Prosecutors allege Taylor inflated property values to secure additional funds, including one property in Cheviot Hills that he later sold to a homeless housing developer for more than double its original price.

Essayli said both cases were uncovered as part of his office’s newly formed Homelessness Fraud and Corruption Task Force, which launched earlier this year to investigate potential misuse of state and federal funding related to California’s ongoing homelessness crisis.

“Federal agents this morning arrested Cody Holmes, the former CFO of Shangri-La Industries, and a grand jury yesterday indicted real estate developer Steven Taylor, both of whom are charged with fraud in separate cases,” Essayli said.

“Holmes allegedly siphoned public funds for homelessness and used millions of dollars for his own use. Taylor is accused of lying to banks to fraudulently obtain loans.”

Project Homekey, the state program at the center of one of the cases, was launched in 2020 to convert hotels, motels, and other properties into permanent housing for the homeless.

The program has distributed billions of dollars in state and federal funds to developers and local governments.

Essayli said the arrests mark the beginning of a series of investigations into potential fraud linked to California’s homelessness programs.

He emphasized that federal authorities intend to pursue additional cases where evidence shows that public money was misused.

California has spent more than $20 billion on homelessness initiatives since 2018, according to state data, yet the state continues to have the largest homeless population in the country.

Federal officials said the new task force will focus on tracing where that money has gone and ensuring accountability for individuals and organizations that misused taxpayer funds.

Both Holmes and Taylor are expected to make their initial court appearances in the coming days in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

If convicted, they each face multiple counts of wire fraud and related financial crimes.

Essayli said his office will continue coordinating with federal and state agencies to ensure that taxpayer money intended to address homelessness is properly used.

“We will hold accountable those who exploit this crisis for personal gain,” he said.

Victoria’s Secret Faces Backlash After Featuring Transgender Models in 2025 Fashion Show
Entertainment

Victoria’s Secret Faces Backlash After Featuring Transgender Models in 2025 Fashion Show

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Victoria’s Secret reignited controversy this week after featuring transgender model Alex Consani, 22, on the runway during the company’s 2025 Fashion Show, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The appearance marked Consani’s second consecutive year walking for the brand, which has continued to highlight transgender and plus-size models as part of its “diversity and inclusion” campaign.

Consani first made headlines in 2024 as one of the lingerie brand’s first openly transgender models, alongside Valentina Sampaio. The California-born model began a career in fashion at age 12 and has since become a recurring figure in Victoria’s Secret’s recent rebranding efforts.

The 2025 show, held earlier this week, also featured models Bella Hadid, Jasmine Tookes—who walked the runway while nine months pregnant—and Emily Ratajkowski, who made her Victoria’s Secret debut at 34.

Plus-size models including Paloma Elsesser, Ashley Graham, and Yumi Nu also took part in the event, which the company promoted as a celebration of “beauty in all forms.”

According to the Daily Mail, the fashion house attempted to balance its recent “body positivity” image with a partial return to its traditional glamour. The report noted that while the company sought to revive the glitzy presentation of earlier Victoria’s Secret shows, it maintained a lineup showcasing “representation” and “inclusivity.”

Victoria’s Secret has faced consistent financial and public relations struggles since shifting its marketing away from the brand’s original focus on feminine luxury.

Sales have declined for several consecutive years, with many observers attributing the downturn to the company’s effort to appeal to progressive audiences while alienating its traditional customer base.

Public reaction to this year’s show was immediate and divisive. Critics on X labeled the event “Victor’s Secret,” with users mocking the decision to feature transgender models in lingerie.

One commenter wrote, “Stealing a job from a real woman,” while others questioned how the company expected to recover financially when its rebranding continues to face public backlash.

Supporters, however, praised the move as a step toward diversity in the fashion industry. Consani and Sampaio have both been featured prominently in the brand’s online campaigns since their debut.

The 2025 showcase represented the company’s latest effort to redefine its image following criticism of its 2024 show. Despite renewed media attention, analysts noted that Victoria’s Secret continues to struggle with stagnant growth and consumer resistance to its direction.

The brand has not issued a formal response to the online criticism following the event.

Soros Backed DA Keith Ellison’s Wild Antifa Claim Obliterated by His Own Tweet
Left-wing extremism

Soros Backed DA Keith Ellison’s Wild Antifa Claim Obliterated by His Own Tweet

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Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is facing renewed criticism after an old social media post resurfaced showing him holding a book titled Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook.

The image, originally shared during his time in Congress, has reignited debate about the Democratic Party’s relationship with far-left activist groups.

The controversy comes as federal and state officials continue to grapple with how to address violence linked to Antifa-affiliated demonstrators.

Over the past several years, the group has been tied to riots, property destruction, and attacks during political rallies across major U.S. cities.

Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly described Antifa as a decentralized movement with organized elements that engage in violence under the banner of “anti-fascism.”

Ellison, who previously served as deputy chair of the Democratic National Committee, has faced questions about his past remarks minimizing Antifa’s existence.

During prior interviews, Ellison echoed a common line among some Democrats that the group was “more of an idea” than an organization.

Critics argue that his earlier comments are contradicted by his public endorsement of a handbook associated with the movement.

The photograph, which showed Ellison smiling while holding the book, was originally posted to his personal social media account. “At a bookstore and found this excellent book,” Ellison wrote in the post, which quickly drew attention online when it first appeared and continues to circulate years later.

The renewed focus on the image coincides with broader scrutiny of left-wing activism and its connection to street violence.

During President Trump’s first term, the administration labeled Antifa as a domestic threat and directed federal agencies to prioritize investigations into coordinated attacks involving masked demonstrators.

Officials cited incidents in Portland, Seattle, and other cities where Antifa-linked groups clashed with law enforcement and conservative protesters.

Political observers note that the resurfaced photo has put Ellison in a difficult position as he seeks to maintain credibility as Minnesota’s top law enforcement officer.

Republicans in the state have seized on the image as evidence of hypocrisy, arguing that Ellison’s past praise of Antifa undermines his authority to enforce public order.

While Ellison has not issued a new statement regarding the photograph, his earlier dismissal of Antifa as “nebulous” remains part of the public record.

Those remarks have been widely criticized by conservative lawmakers and commentators who point to the documented involvement of self-identified Antifa members in violent demonstrations.

The controversy also arrives at a time when Democrats face growing internal division over how to handle radical factions within their base.

Efforts to distance the party from left-wing extremism have been complicated by viral images such as Ellison’s, which opponents argue reveal a pattern of tolerance toward political violence when it aligns with progressive causes.

Law enforcement officials continue to monitor Antifa-related activity in several U.S. cities, emphasizing that the group’s loose organization makes prosecution challenging.

Federal authorities have described members as part of a network of local cells that coordinate online and frequently mobilize during protests against government policies.

The resurfaced image of Ellison holding Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook remains a striking example of how digital history can follow public figures long after the initial controversy fades.

With political tensions rising nationwide, the photo’s reappearance has renewed questions about accountability, judgment, and the line between activism and extremism—particularly for those charged with upholding the law.

Kamala Repeatedly Heckled, Whines About Name Not Being Pronounced Correctly in Chicago
News

Kamala Repeatedly Heckled, Whines About Name Not Being Pronounced Correctly in Chicago

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Kamala Harris’ book tour stop in Chicago was interrupted several times on Saturday afternoon as security removed multiple protesters during her appearance promoting her new memoir, “107 Days.”

The event, held at a downtown venue, featured Harris in conversation with journalist Michele Norris.

According to attendees, the first disruption occurred when a woman began shouting from the audience during the discussion, prompting members of the crowd to respond with shouts of “get her out.”

Security personnel quickly escorted the woman from the room as Harris and Norris paused briefly before continuing.

Footage from the event captured at least two additional interruptions. In one instance, a man reportedly shouted about genocide before being removed by security officers.

The motivations of the individuals involved in the disruptions were not immediately clear.

After the second incident, Norris addressed the crowd directly, saying, “We encourage people to use their voices, but we want them to show respect for this woman.”

Harris followed with a lighthearted remark, saying, “And please pronounce my name correctly…” drawing laughter from parts of the crowd before resuming the conversation.

The disruptions marked the latest in a series of protests that have followed Harris’ national book tour since its launch in late September.

The tour, organized to promote her memoir “107 Days,” has included stops in several major cities and has been met with both enthusiastic supporters and vocal critics.

The book recounts Harris’ 107-day campaign for the presidency in 2024 following Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race.

It provides a behind-the-scenes account of her campaign operations, internal staff challenges, and key political decisions made during that period.

Harris has described the memoir as a reflection on her rapid presidential bid and a look into what she called “a defining period of political change.”

However, critics have questioned both the content and timing of its release, suggesting it has reopened divisions within the Democratic Party less than a year after her campaign ended.

An advisor to a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate told Politico, “At a time when people are looking for a vision and leadership… and want to see leaders rise to the level of threat facing the country, it’s pretty crazy she chose to write a gossip book that prioritizes the pettiness of her politics.”

The advisor added, “It’s embarrassing for her, and for all Democrats, considering she was the leader of the party less than a year ago.”

Former CNN journalist Chris Cillizza also criticized Harris’ recent media tour on his Substack newsletter, writing, “Harris’ recent media tour to tout her memoir — ‘107 Days’ — has reminded me of something I think I have long known: She is simply not a very good politician. And she hasn’t gotten much better over her decades in the business.”

Cillizza expanded on those comments in a post on X, writing that Harris’ reemergence on the national stage “reminded me she’s not good on her feet” and that “she speaks in word salads.”

Democratic strategist Gary South also questioned the decision to publish the memoir so soon after the 2024 election.

In an interview with The Hill, South said the tone of the book appeared combative. “She came out with arms flailing and guns blazing, blaming everyone but herself for her loss,” he said.

“It is a curiously negative and ungracious tome for someone who reportedly thinks she can run again in 2028.”

Despite the criticism and repeated disruptions, Harris’ team has indicated that her book tour will continue as scheduled, with future stops planned in several major cities across the United States.

The Virginia Governor’s Debate was a Disaster for Democrat Candidate Spanberger
News

The Virginia Governor’s Debate was a Disaster for Democrat Candidate Spanberger

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U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) refused to say whether she would rescind her endorsement of Virginia Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones after reports surfaced of violent text messages in which Jones allegedly threatened to shoot Republican House Speaker Todd Gilbert and made additional threats against Gilbert’s family.

According to messages obtained by the National Review, Jones wrote to a colleague in 2022 expressing that he wanted to put “two bullets” in Gilbert’s head.

The messages also included comments directed at Gilbert’s wife and children. “I’ve told you this before. Only when people feel pain personally do they move on policy,” Jones allegedly texted to Republican House Delegate Carrie Coyner.

He went on to say, “I mean do I think Todd and Jennifer are evil? And that they’re breeding little fascists? Yes.”

The threats prompted widespread condemnation from both sides of the political spectrum, though Jones has remained in the race for attorney general.

Spanberger has denounced the comments but has so far stopped short of withdrawing her endorsement or calling for Jones to drop out.

During a televised debate Wednesday night between Spanberger and her Republican opponent, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, the issue was raised directly.

Spanberger acknowledged she was “aware of” Jones’ messages but avoided taking a clear position on whether she would revoke her support.

“I denounced them when I learned of them and I will denounce them every chance I get,” Spanberger said.

Earle-Sears immediately pressed her for a direct answer on whether she would retract her endorsement, but Spanberger did not respond directly.

Co-moderator Deanna Albrittin followed up, giving Spanberger 15 seconds to clarify her position.

“We are all running our individual races. I believe my opponent has said that about her lieutenant governor nominee. And it’s up to every person to make their own decision. I am running my race to serve Virginia, and that is what I intend to do,” Spanberger said.

When moderators provided yet another opportunity to give a direct yes or no answer, Spanberger repeated her comments about “individual races” and personal choices without addressing whether she would continue to back Jones.

Earle-Sears then turned to her opponent and asked pointedly whether it would take Jones “pulling the trigger” for Spanberger to withdraw her endorsement.

Spanberger’s refusal to answer drew criticism online and from several political observers who noted her reluctance to confront the issue head-on.

Her body language during the exchange also became a focus of attention, as viewers pointed out that she frequently avoided eye contact with Earle-Sears, who faced her directly throughout the discussion.

Another tense moment came when Earle-Sears criticized Spanberger for what she described as a delayed response to a racist protest sign that appeared at one of the lieutenant governor’s campaign events.

The sign targeted Earle-Sears, who is Black, and stated she should be forced to use a separate water fountain if she opposed biological males competing in women’s sports.

The debate, viewed as one of the most consequential of the campaign, comes amid tightening polling in Virginia’s gubernatorial and congressional races.

A Cygnal poll released this week showed Spanberger leading Earle-Sears by just four points, 47% to 43%, with 5.6% of respondents undecided.

The same polling firm’s September survey had Spanberger ahead by seven points, indicating a steady narrowing of the race in recent weeks.

Trump Ends Venezuela Talks, Democrats Enter Melt Down Mode
News

Trump Ends Venezuela Talks, Democrats Enter Melt Down Mode

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President Donald Trump has directed his administration to end diplomatic outreach efforts to Venezuela, marking a significant change in U.S. policy toward the government of Nicolás Maduro.

The decision was reported Monday evening by the New York Times, which cited officials familiar with the development.

According to the report, President Trump instructed Envoy for Special Missions Richard Grenell last week to stop discussions with Maduro’s representatives.

The decision reportedly followed growing frustration within the administration over what officials described as Maduro’s refusal to relinquish power voluntarily and his continued denial of Venezuelan government involvement in narcotics trafficking.

The Times report stated that multiple military options remain under review as part of contingency planning but noted that no direct military action has been authorized.

Administration officials indicated that the decision to end talks is part of a broader reassessment of U.S. strategy in Venezuela as the administration weighs increased pressure on the Maduro government.

The Times also reported that Senator Marco Rubio has played a leading role in shaping the White House’s approach toward Venezuela, advocating for stronger measures against the Maduro regime and opposing ongoing diplomatic negotiations.

Rubio reportedly viewed Grenell’s discussions as counterproductive and as creating “confusion” about the U.S. position.

Grenell, according to the report, had been exploring potential arrangements that would have allowed American energy companies access to Venezuelan oil resources in exchange for easing diplomatic tensions. Those efforts have now been halted.

In response to the Times article, debate quickly emerged across political and media circles over the nature of Trump’s decision.

Some outlets characterized it as a potential prelude to military escalation, while others described it as a move to reinforce U.S. policy toward a government accused of widespread human rights abuses and links to organized crime.

Estrella Infante wrote on X that the administration’s actions should not be interpreted as “regime change” in the traditional sense, but rather as an effort to “end an era of impunity.”

Infante added, “Venezuela isn’t just another country, it’s a narco-dictatorship allied with enemies of the United States and responsible for regional chaos and mass migration.”

She went on to say, “Venezuelans voted massively on July 28, 2024, and have already stood up against tyranny.”

Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Democratic caucus have expressed concern over the move, warning that it could heighten tensions in the region.

Some lawmakers described the development as a possible step toward “regime change,” while others called for restraint in any future policy decisions involving Venezuela.

Maduro responded during his weekly state television broadcast on Monday, claiming he had reached out to the Vatican for mediation.

“I have great faith that Pope Leo, as I stated in the letter I sent him, will help Venezuela preserve and achieve peace and stability,” Maduro said.

Maduro also alleged during his broadcast that Venezuelan security forces had foiled a “false flag operation” intended to target the U.S. Embassy in Caracas.

The embassy has been closed since 2019, though a small number of administrative staff remain in the country.

No independent evidence has been presented to substantiate Maduro’s claims, and similar accusations have been made by his government in the past without verification.

The Venezuelan leader’s televised statements come amid growing internal unrest and international pressure following the contested July elections.

The Trump administration has continued to recognize opposition figures as legitimate representatives of the Venezuelan people and has maintained sanctions against the Maduro government.

Administration sources said that all options remain under consideration as the U.S. continues to pursue policies aimed at countering narcotics trafficking and promoting democratic governance in the region.

Trump Has Reporters Cracking Up During Oval Office Meeting with Canada’s Carney
News

Trump Has Reporters Cracking Up During Oval Office Meeting with Canada’s Carney

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President Donald Trump met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House on Tuesday for a bilateral meeting that included discussions on trade, defense cooperation, and economic policy.

The meeting drew attention not only for its substance but also for the moments of humor exchanged between the two leaders.

The two spoke with reporters in the Oval Office before their private talks began.

Prime Minister Carney opened by praising President Trump’s leadership on global issues, citing economic growth, NATO’s increased commitments, and diplomatic efforts in several regions.

“You are a transformative President, from the economy, unprecedented commitments of NATO partners… peace from India/Pakistan, through to Azerbaijan… disabling Iran, and now—” Carney began.

Before he could finish, President Trump interrupted with a grin and said, “The merger of the United States & Canada!”

The unexpected remark drew laughter from Carney and members of the White House press corps.

“That wasn’t where I was going,” Carney replied with a smile.

Trump laughed and patted the prime minister on the back, adding, “I’m just kidding.”

The exchange set a lighthearted tone for the press portion of the meeting. When asked by a reporter about the current status of trade negotiations between the two countries, President Trump said discussions were ongoing but complicated, particularly regarding tariffs on steel and automobiles.

“The United States was always giving everything to Canada,” Trump said, referring to what he described as one-sided trade policies in past agreements.

“It’s been to the detriment of U.S. companies.”

Despite the challenges, Trump expressed respect for his Canadian counterpart, calling Carney a “great man” and a “world-class leader.”

The president’s remarks prompted another round of laughter when a reporter followed up by asking why, if Carney was a great leader and the United States wanted a deal, the agreement hadn’t yet been finalized.

“Because I want to be a great man, too,” Trump responded, smiling as laughter filled the room.

“Thank you very much.”

The two leaders also shared a brief exchange about sports, with Trump noting that while he was not traditionally a hockey fan, he had developed an appreciation for the sport.

Before the formal meeting began, Carney’s arrival at the White House included another friendly moment.

Shaking hands with the president, Carney pointed out that his choice of attire was intentional.

“I wore red for you!” he told Trump, referencing the bright tie he had selected for the occasion.

The meeting marked Carney’s first official visit to Washington as prime minister since taking office earlier this year.

The two leaders discussed ongoing trade negotiations, energy cooperation, and border security.

White House officials said the talks were productive and emphasized the strong economic ties between the United States and Canada, which remain each other’s largest trading partners.

In a statement released after the meeting, the White House said both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to “strengthening cross-border trade, ensuring fair market access, and maintaining close defense and intelligence cooperation.”

Tuesday’s Oval Office appearance showcased a working relationship that mixed policy discussions with a noticeable sense of camaraderie.

Both Trump and Carney appeared in good spirits throughout, signaling a continued effort to maintain strong bilateral ties between the two neighboring nations.

NBC News Fact-Checked by Its Own Reporting After Calling Kavanaugh’s Attacker a ‘Woman’
Culture War

NBC News Fact-Checked by Its Own Reporting After Calling Kavanaugh’s Attacker a ‘Woman’

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NBC News received a Community Note on X after referring to the trans-identified male who attempted to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh as a “woman” in a social media post.

The correction came from the platform’s users citing NBC’s own earlier reporting that identified the individual as male.

The would-be assassin, legally identified as Nicholas Roske, was sentenced to more than eight years in prison last week.

Court documents also list Roske as “Sophie Roske,” a name he began using while in custody.

Prosecutors had requested a 30-year sentence, but U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman, who was appointed by Joe Biden, imposed a sentence of slightly more than eight years.

According to court filings, Roske admitted to traveling to Maryland in June 2022 with a firearm, ammunition, a knife, and burglary tools.

Authorities said he intended to kill Justice Kavanaugh at his home in Montgomery County after the leak of the Supreme Court’s draft opinion that would eventually overturn Roe v. Wade.

Roske was arrested near Kavanaugh’s residence after calling 911 and telling police, “I need psychiatric help.”

NBC News posted on X following last week’s sentencing, writing, “A woman who pleaded guilty to attempting to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh three years ago was sentenced to more than eight years in prison.”

The accompanying article on NBC’s website carried the same phrasing, headlined, “Woman sentenced to 8 years for attempting to assassinate Brett Kavanaugh.”

The post immediately drew criticism from social media users who pointed out that Roske is biologically male and was referred to as such in prior coverage.

The backlash prompted a Community Note to appear under NBC’s post, citing the network’s earlier stories about the case.

The note linked to an April 2025 NBC News report titled, “Man who had gun and knife will plead guilty to trying to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Kavanaugh.”

The comparison between the two headlines was highlighted in the note as evidence of the outlet’s inconsistency.

NBC’s previous reporting also aligned with initial police and court documents, which consistently identified Roske as male.

In June 2022, NBC News published another report headlined, “Man with a gun outside Kavanaugh’s home told 911, ‘I need psychiatric help.’” That report outlined Roske’s confession that he had planned to attack the justice before changing his mind and surrendering.

Social media users widely circulated screenshots of NBC’s earlier articles alongside the recent post, pointing out that the network’s shift in language appeared to contradict its own documented reporting.

The Community Notes feature on X, introduced under the platform’s community moderation system, allows users to add context to posts deemed misleading or incomplete.

In this case, the note clarified that Roske is a biological male and that NBC News had previously referred to him as such.

As of Monday, NBC had not amended the headline on its website or issued a public correction. The sentencing, which took place last week in federal court in Greenbelt, Maryland, closes a case that drew nationwide attention when it first broke in 2022 amid heightened security concerns surrounding Supreme Court justices.

Court records show that Roske pleaded guilty in 2023 to attempting to assassinate a U.S. judge.

Prosecutors cited the seriousness of the crime and Roske’s stated intent when recommending a longer prison term.

Judge Boardman’s decision to issue a reduced sentence has also generated renewed debate over how politically motivated threats against public officials are handled in federal court.

The NBC News post remains live on X, with the Community Note still visible beneath it.

Speaker Johnson Exposes Democrats’ Shutdown Demands, Drops ‘Stubborn Facts’
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Speaker Johnson Exposes Democrats’ Shutdown Demands, Drops ‘Stubborn Facts’

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House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) on Monday released a chart outlining what he described as key differences between the House-passed Republican spending plan and Democratic demands to reopen the federal government.

The comparison shows a significant divide between the two parties over federal funding priorities, including spending on health care for illegal aliens and new partisan programs.

“Facts are stubborn things: Here are the differences between what Republicans passed out of the House and what Democrats are demanding in order to reopen the government,” Johnson said in a post on social media.

He attached a side-by-side chart contrasting the House GOP’s continuing resolution (CR) with the Democrats’ counterproposal.

The Republican plan calls for a clean seven-week extension of current Biden-era spending levels with no new programs or additional partisan spending.

The document states that this proposal “allows time for continued work on regular bipartisan appropriations, which is already underway.”

According to the chart, Democrats’ proposed resolution would reinstate taxpayer-funded health care benefits for illegal aliens and able-bodied adults, send $500 million to what Johnson’s office described as “left-wing media,” and repeal $50 billion in investments designated for rural health care.

It would also add $1.5 trillion in new partisan spending, according to the summary released by Johnson’s office.

At a press conference Monday, Johnson said the Republican plan is designed to maintain government operations while allowing appropriators to complete the regular budget process.

He accused Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) of creating a partisan conflict to satisfy his political base.

“I want you to look at the real facts,” Johnson told reporters.

“The GOP plan would keep the lights on and keep the government open so that appropriators can finish this very healthy process for the people they represent.”

Johnson emphasized that the Republican plan is “clean,” containing no policy riders or unrelated provisions.

“Why do we say it’s clean? Because there’s nothing to it. It’s 24 pages. It’s the bare minimum. It just says, keep the status quo,” he said.

He argued that Democrats have tried to link the continuing resolution to the broader health care debate, calling the move a distraction.

“A red herring is a distraction,” Johnson said.

“They decided that they would pick a fight on health care.”

Johnson said health care policy and the continuing resolution are “two totally separate things,” noting that Republicans had already planned to address health care later in the year.

“The clean continuing resolution would simply keep the lights on so that the members in the House and Senate can have those debates on health care,” he explained.

“We were always planning it. We have lots of ideas on the table on how to fix it, but we don’t yet have consensus on it because it’s very complicated. We have time to do it.”

Johnson accused Schumer of misrepresenting the nature of the spending dispute for political purposes.

“In his desperation, they decided to create the red herring,” Johnson said.

“They decided to claim that this is all about health care, which the September funding issue never was. That’s a December policy issue. He tried to create it as a September funding issue.”

“In his desperation, they hastily filed an outrageous counter proposal. It is a wild wish list of big government liberal nonsense that we can’t do,” Johnson added.

The standoff between the House and Senate comes as negotiations continue over how to fund the government before a potential shutdown.

House Republicans are pushing for short-term funding extensions that maintain current levels while continuing appropriations work.

Senate Democrats have indicated they will seek additional funding measures, setting up a likely confrontation over the scope of federal spending heading into the final months of the year.


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