Author name: Kyle Stevenson

Air Traffic Controllers Union Chief Blasts Schumer for Playing Politics With Nation’s Safety
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Air Traffic Controllers Union Chief Blasts Schumer for Playing Politics With Nation’s Safety

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The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) is sounding the alarm over worsening safety conditions in U.S. airspace as the ongoing government shutdown enters record territory.

Union President Nick Daniels said the crisis has pushed controllers to the breaking point and placed the flying public at greater risk, while criticizing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democrats for blocking a clean continuing resolution that would reopen the government.

NATCA represents more than 10,800 certified air traffic controllers nationwide.

The union has repeatedly called on Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution (CR) with no policy riders or partisan amendments.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed such a measure a month ago, but Senate Democrats have voted against it multiple times, demanding unrelated legislative priorities be included.

Daniels, in an interview with Fox News, said controllers are being forced to endure exhausting six-day, 10-hour workweeks amid an already critical staffing shortage of approximately 3,800 positions.

“These American patriots, they are the unsung heroes that Secretary Duffy speaks about so often. They are the ones that have been thrust into the spotlight, into center focus of a shutdown. And air traffic controllers, we don’t start shutdowns, we’re not responsible for ending shutdowns. Who does? Congress,” Daniels said.

He added that thousands of controllers classified as “essential workers” are continuing to work without pay.

“And that’s why we’re saying, end the shutdown immediately. It’s not like we’re sitting here talking about an aviation issue. We’re talking, I understand the fears, the frustrations of the American people. We want to do an amazing job on their behalf, and we are. We’re showing up to work every day, the best way that we can to get through this crisis. But this isn’t something that we asked for. We didn’t want to put ourselves in the middle of it.”

Daniels described the situation as a political standoff in which controllers have become collateral damage.

“Yet here we are, the rope in the tug of war game that we didn’t ask for at all. And we should not be used as political pawns in any way, shape or form for these shutdowns.”

According to NATCA, the shutdown has led to severe operational consequences: 2,350 support staff—including engineers and technicians—have been furloughed, halting maintenance and modernization efforts across the National Airspace System.

Hiring and training of new controllers have been suspended indefinitely.

The financial toll on employees has also been significant. Most controllers have now missed more than 120 hours of pay, with their last partial paycheck covering pre-shutdown work on October 14.

Subsequent pay periods on October 28 and beyond produced $0 paychecks for many workers, forcing hundreds to take temporary second jobs.

Safety reports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicate the impact is growing.

Between October 31 and November 2, the agency recorded 98 “staffing triggers,” events that forced ground stops, rerouting, and reduced arrival rates at major airports.

More than half of the nation’s 30 busiest facilities reported shortages, and New York-area control centers experienced up to 80 percent absenteeism during peak periods.

Aviation experts and union officials warn that prolonged shortages “erode essential layers of safety” within the air traffic control system and make the National Airspace System “less safe with each passing day.”

Meanwhile, Schumer has publicly acknowledged that Democrats see political advantage in prolonging the shutdown.

In an October 9 interview with Punchbowl News, he said, “Every day gets better for us,” referencing polling that he claimed shows voters blaming Republicans for the standoff.

Schumer added that Republicans “control everything,” despite the fact that the Senate’s 60-vote threshold prevents passage of any measure without Democratic cooperation.

As the shutdown continues, flight delays and cancellations are mounting across more than 20 major U.S. airports.

NATCA leaders say that without immediate congressional action, the strain on the nation’s air traffic system will worsen, increasing risks for travelers and deepening the financial hardship faced by the men and women who keep the skies safe.

Democrats Just Elected a Virginia AG Who Fantasized About His Opponents’ Kids Being Killed
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Democrats Just Elected a Virginia AG Who Fantasized About His Opponents’ Kids Being Killed

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Democrat Jay Jones has been projected to win the Virginia attorney general race, defeating Republican incumbent Jason Miyares in one of the state’s most closely watched elections.

The call was made by Decision Desk HQ at 8:26 p.m. on Tuesday night, with much of the remaining vote expected to come from Democratic-leaning areas.

The outcome came as a surprise to many observers, given that Miyares had led in several late-October polls and was widely expected to retain his seat.

In the final week before the election, prediction market site Polymarket placed Miyares’ chances of victory at 85 percent, while polling averages showed him holding a narrow but steady advantage.

Jones, a former state lawmaker and the Democratic nominee for attorney general, faced significant controversy throughout the campaign over the release of violent text messages he sent in 2022.

In those messages, Jones stated that he wanted to put “two bullets” in the head of then-Republican House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his wife, Jennifer. He also referred to the couple’s children, writing that the Gilberts were “breeding little fascists.”

The texts became a central issue in the race, prompting national media coverage and widespread criticism.

The Miyares campaign highlighted the messages as evidence of what it described as an alarming pattern of behavior, while Democratic officials distanced themselves publicly from the remarks.

According to the Decision Desk HQ polling average, Miyares led 47.8 percent to 45.7 percent as of October 18, following weeks of positive polling momentum.

By contrast, Jones had led by more than 10 percentage points in mid-August, before the text message scandal emerged.

As of Tuesday evening, with 70 percent of precincts reporting, Jones held 51 percent of the vote compared to 48.6 percent for Miyares.

During the campaign’s only debate, Jones addressed the controversy when asked about the texts.

“And I will also say this. I was held accountable by my party, and I deeply, deeply respect that,” he said.

“But what about when Donald Trump used incendiary language to incite a riot to try to overturn an election here in this country? What about when Winsome Sears used violent language about people who disagree with you and her and your extreme position on abortion?”

Jones’ comments drew mixed reactions.

Critics argued that his attempt to redirect the discussion toward national politics avoided accountability, while supporters said he had accepted responsibility for his actions.

An exit poll conducted by Fox News found that fewer than half of Virginia voters viewed Jones’ messages as “disqualifying.”

Analysts noted that the issue may have resonated less with voters focused on broader partisan and policy divides.

Miyares, who made history in 2021 as the first Hispanic attorney general in Virginia, campaigned heavily on crime prevention and parental rights in education.

His campaign had expected strong turnout among suburban and rural voters, but early results showed higher-than-anticipated participation in urban and Northern Virginia precincts that favored Democrats.

While official certification of the results is pending, Decision Desk HQ’s projection marks a significant win for Democrats in Virginia and a notable upset in a race once seen as leaning Republican.

Federal Judge Rules It’s ‘Cruel and Unusual Punishment’ to Deny Pedophile of Gender ‘Affirming’ Care
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Federal Judge Rules It’s ‘Cruel and Unusual Punishment’ to Deny Pedophile of Gender ‘Affirming’ Care

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A federal judge has ruled that the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) must provide laser hair removal, facial feminization surgery consultations, and voice therapy for a convicted pedophile who now identifies as transgender.

The inmate, identified as 47-year-old Brian Buckingham, was sentenced to more than 21 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing his 10-year-old son and producing child pornography.

Before sentencing, Buckingham began identifying as female under the name “Nani Love,” according to a report from Reduxx.

Court filings show that Buckingham’s attorneys argued the BOP violated the Eighth Amendment by halting previously approved “gender-affirming” treatments.

The defense claimed that ending hormone therapy and other transition-related procedures had intensified Buckingham’s depression and suicidal thoughts.

The legal team said the procedures were “medically necessary” to address gender dysphoria while in custody.

In a September ruling, Magistrate Judge David Christel determined that Buckingham was “likely to succeed” in arguing that the BOP’s denial of treatment constituted cruel and unusual punishment.

Christel’s order cited internal BOP communications acknowledging Buckingham’s requests for gender-related procedures but noted the agency “discontinued them without reason.”

U.S. District Judge Ricardo Martinez later adopted Christel’s recommendation, issuing an order that directs the Bureau of Prisons to arrange consultations for the requested cosmetic procedures within 30 days.

The BOP has objected to the order and requested the court either dismiss or delay the case until a related lawsuit, Kingdom v. Trump, is resolved.

That case, filed by a group of transgender inmates, challenges restrictions on gender-affirming medical treatments that were implemented during President Trump’s administration.

Buckingham’s lawyers opposed the delay, stating that their client faced “irreparable harm” if the procedures were not immediately resumed.

The attorneys said their client’s mental health had deteriorated since the suspension of the treatments.

According to federal court records, Buckingham was arrested after a 2020 investigation that began on the social media platform Discord.

Moderators on the platform flagged content showing child sexual abuse material connected to his account, which led to a wider inquiry.

Investigators later discovered videos that Buckingham had produced involving his own son.

At the time of his arrest, Buckingham was reportedly involved in suicide prevention efforts for the Makah Indian Nation in Washington state.

Following his conviction, he was transferred to the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Butner in North Carolina, a facility known for housing inmates requiring specialized medical care.

Despite Buckingham’s conviction for child sexual assault, his legal team maintains that the government is constitutionally required to provide access to the full range of transition-related medical treatments available under federal prison healthcare policy.

The court has not yet ruled on the BOP’s objection to the injunction. If the order is upheld, the Bureau of Prisons would be required to resume providing gender-affirming services to Buckingham.

Legal experts note that the outcome could influence how similar cases are handled across the federal prison system, potentially setting new guidelines for inmates seeking gender-transition procedures while serving criminal sentences.

Federal Judge Says Trump Can’t Federalize National Guard Despite Ongoing Portland Chaos
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Federal Judge Says Trump Can’t Federalize National Guard Despite Ongoing Portland Chaos

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A federal judge in Oregon ruled Sunday that President Donald Trump likely lacked the authority to federalize the Oregon National Guard to assist federal agents protecting the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland, which has faced near-daily unlawful demonstrations since early June.

U.S. District Court Judge Karin J. Immergut, who was appointed by President Trump, issued an order extending a preliminary injunction that temporarily prevents the federalization of the state’s National Guard.

In her ruling, Immergut determined that the administration had not met the necessary legal threshold under Title 10, Section 12406 of the U.S. Code, which allows for federalization under specific conditions such as invasion, rebellion, or when the enforcement of federal laws becomes impossible.

“This Court determines based on the trial testimony, and the exhibits it has reviewed so far, that Plaintiffs are entitled to a preliminary injunction on their claims that Defendants’ federalization and deployment of the National Guard to Oregon violates 10 section 12406 of the Tenth Amendment,” Judge Immergut wrote.

A final ruling on the injunction is expected on November 7.

The case, Oregon v. Trump et al., was filed by the state of Oregon and the City of Portland.

Plaintiffs argued that the president’s move constituted an unlawful intrusion into state and local authority.

They maintained that federal law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Protective Service (FPS), already have the ability to protect federal property without mobilizing the National Guard.

Attorneys from the Department of Justice, representing President Trump, countered that deploying the National Guard was necessary due to escalating violence directed at the ICE facility and federal agents stationed there.

Deputy Assistant Attorney Eric Hamilton argued that the president’s decision fell within his constitutional powers and was not subject to judicial review.

The Justice Department also noted that federal agencies were facing significant operational strain as a result of diverting personnel from their normal duties, including immigration enforcement under Title 8.

The three-day hearing took place at the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse in downtown Portland. Judge Immergut heard testimony from multiple federal officials with firsthand knowledge of the protests at the ICE facility on Macadam Avenue.

These included incident commanders from FPS and ICE officials who described the events as sustained and violent demonstrations linked to Antifa-affiliated groups.

FPS commanders testified that more than 100 federal law enforcement officers from various agencies have been deployed to the ICE facility but that current staffing levels remain “inadequate” to ensure safety.

They said the addition of 200 National Guard members would allow federal officers temporarily assigned to Portland to return to their regular duties elsewhere.

The commanders also criticized the Portland Police Bureau for its limited involvement during the unrest, attributing the lack of support to state and local policies governing use of force and sanctuary enforcement.

According to testimony, Portland police officers were often instructed not to intervene directly in incidents around the ICE facility.

ICE Seattle Field Office Director Camilla Walmsley also testified in support of National Guard deployment.

She described multiple incidents of violence that led to injuries among federal personnel and temporary suspension of ICE operations at the Portland facility.

Walmsley stated that ICE lacks sufficient resources to continue assisting FPS and that its Special Response Team members need to return to their assignments involving high-risk immigration enforcement operations.

The plaintiffs argued that deploying the National Guard would worsen tensions and “inflame” the protests, potentially leading to further violence.

However, Major General Timothy Rieger of the Oregon National Guard testified that his experience over more than 30 years has shown the opposite effect.

“In my experience, I have only seen Guardsmen provide a calming effect when deployed to assist with civil disturbances,” he told the court.

The ongoing protests at the ICE facility began on June 7 and have involved daily clashes with federal officers.

Testimony during the hearing described demonstrators as “highly organized” and equipped with radios, riot gear, helmets, ballistic vests, shields, and firearms.

Federal officials said the protests have included attempts to breach the facility, impede government vehicles, and harass officers outside of work.

The preliminary injunction will remain in effect until at least November 7, when Judge Immergut is expected to issue a final decision on whether the president’s order to federalize the Oregon National Guard was lawful under federal statute.

Scott Bessent Explains The Big Picture Everyone is Missing During the Shutdown
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Scott Bessent Explains The Big Picture Everyone is Missing During the Shutdown

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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday that the Trump administration’s reduction in government spending has gone largely unnoticed during the ongoing shutdown but has played a key role in helping the United States avoid a recession.

Bessent made the remarks during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” where he discussed the administration’s fiscal policies and the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cuts.

The Federal Reserve announced Wednesday that it would lower its benchmark interest rate by a quarter-point, bringing the range to between 3.75% and 4.00%.

During the interview, CNN host Jake Tapper asked Bessent whether the U.S. risked entering a recession if the Fed continued cutting rates too aggressively.

“I believe that we are in a transition period here as we are seeing the Trump administration has cut back on government spending,” Bessent said.

“What has gone unnoticed during the shutdown is, for the fiscal year that ended September 30, the government spent less than it did the year before. And because the GDP grew — the deficit-to-GDP which had been 6.4%, 6.5% deficit, the highest when we weren’t at war — we weren’t in a recession ever. We were able to bring it down to 5.9%.”

Bessent continued, “So we are bringing down government spending and I would think that the Fed would want to assist with that. Because if we go back and look, MIT just published a study that said 42% of the great inflation of 2022 came from excess government spending. So if we are contracting spending then I would think inflation would be dropping. [If] inflation is dropping then the Fed should be cutting rates.”

The Trump administration began implementing major spending cuts earlier in 2025, targeting what officials described as “inefficient or duplicative” programs across multiple agencies.

According to an October 4 update from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the administration’s cost-reduction initiatives saved an estimated $214 billion for taxpayers — roughly $1,329 per taxpayer.

The spending reductions coincided with a broader effort to rein in the federal deficit while addressing the shutdown’s fiscal impact.

Administration officials have argued that reduced government outlays are helping to stabilize inflation and ease pressure on working families despite temporary disruptions caused by the shutdown.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell had previously warned that continued rate cuts could increase inflationary risks if not balanced by sound fiscal management.

However, tensions between Powell and President Donald Trump over rate policy have been ongoing for months.

Trump has repeatedly called for the central bank to lower rates more aggressively to support growth, arguing that high interest rates are hindering small business expansion and homeownership.

Powell said earlier this year that the Fed would have cut rates sooner if not for the trade and tariff policies enacted by the administration.

The Fed’s first rate cut came on September 17, when it lowered the benchmark by a quarter-point to a range of 4.00% to 4.25%.

A second cut followed in October, bringing the rate to its current level.

Because of the shutdown, most federal economic data releases have been delayed, leaving analysts without recent updates on job growth, consumer spending, or inflation trends.

Tapper pressed Bessent on whether he believed the economy could slip into a broader recession if the Fed halts rate cuts.

“I think that we are in good shape, but I think that there are sectors of the economy that are in recession and the Fed has caused a lot of distributional problems there with their policies,” Bessent said.

“I wrote a 7,000-word essay on that. We’ve seen the biggest hindrance for housing here is our mortgage rates. So if the Fed brings down mortgage rates then they can end this housing recession. Low-end consumers who have gotten killed under President Biden, these high rates are hurting them because they have debt not assets. So I think that there are sections of the economy that could go into recession.”

Bessent reiterated his belief that the economy is in a “transition period,” contrasting his outlook with that of former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

Yellen, under the Biden-Harris administration, had characterized inflation as “transitory,” a view that later proved incorrect as consumer prices surged during her tenure.

Bessent said his use of “transition” referred instead to a short-term shift in economic conditions as the administration reduces spending and stabilizes long-term growth.

WATCH:

Clinton-Appointed Judge Blocks Trump’s Proof of Citizenship Rule for Voters
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Clinton-Appointed Judge Blocks Trump’s Proof of Citizenship Rule for Voters

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U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly has blocked the Trump administration’s effort to require proof of citizenship for federal voter registration forms, ruling that the mandate violated the separation of powers.

The decision marks a significant setback for the administration’s election integrity initiative, which sought to ensure that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in federal elections.

The ruling, issued in Washington, D.C., came after several left-leaning advocacy groups challenged the administration’s rule in federal court.

The plaintiffs argued that the requirement to provide documentation of citizenship placed an undue burden on voter registration and exceeded executive authority under existing federal law.

According to the Associated Press, Judge Kollar-Kotelly agreed with those arguments, concluding that the proof-of-citizenship directive could not be imposed without congressional approval.

Her opinion stated that the administration’s action conflicted with the structure of authority established under the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA).

The decision halts a key component of President Donald Trump’s executive order on election integrity, which aimed to strengthen safeguards around voter eligibility following concerns about noncitizen voting and irregularities in federal elections.

Supporters of the administration’s policy have long argued that proof of citizenship is a basic and necessary measure to prevent illegal voting and restore public trust in the election system.

Judge Kollar-Kotelly’s ruling drew attention because of her prior judicial record and her appointment by President Bill Clinton in 1997.

She currently serves as a senior judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

In addition to her judicial duties, she has served as an adjunct professor in Georgetown University’s joint program on mental health and the law and as chair of the Board of the Art Trust for the D.C. Superior Court.

This latest ruling follows an earlier decision in April in which Kollar-Kotelly partially blocked portions of President Trump’s executive order on election integrity.

That decision prevented federal agencies from adding a proof-of-citizenship requirement to federal voter registration forms pending further legal review.

The administration and several Republican-led states had supported the requirement, arguing that the measure would align with voter ID laws already in place in numerous states and reduce opportunities for fraudulent registration.

The Department of Justice is expected to review the ruling and consider potential avenues for appeal.

Judge Kollar-Kotelly has faced criticism in the past from conservative groups for several high-profile rulings.

In 2024, she presided over the case of Paulette Harlow, a 76-year-old pro-life activist convicted for her role in a 2020 demonstration outside an abortion facility.

According to court records, Harlow was sentenced to two years in prison under federal civil rights statutes related to access to reproductive health services.

The Catholic News Agency reported that Harlow suffers from serious health conditions and that her husband expressed concern she might not survive her sentence.

The case drew national attention among faith-based organizations and lawmakers advocating for leniency for elderly or nonviolent offenders.

The Department of Justice’s prosecution of Harlow was part of a broader federal initiative under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.

Judge Kollar-Kotelly’s handling of that case, including comments made during sentencing, drew renewed attention to her courtroom conduct and judicial approach.

With this week’s ruling, the Trump administration’s effort to impose proof-of-citizenship requirements for voter registration remains on hold.

The Department of Justice has not yet indicated whether it will appeal the decision to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The debate over voter eligibility and election security is expected to continue as both Congress and the courts confront questions about federal and state authority in administering elections.

The administration has emphasized that it will continue pursuing measures to ensure that only citizens are registered and that future elections are conducted with full transparency and legality.

Sen. John Fetterman Apologizes for Dems’ Failure to End Government Shutdown
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Sen. John Fetterman Apologizes for Dems’ Failure to End Government Shutdown

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Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) issued a public apology Thursday, expressing frustration that Senate Democrats have failed to pass legislation reopening the federal government, as reported by Fox News.

The shutdown, now in its fourth week, has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay and is threatening key assistance programs across the country.

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-PA, speaks at a rally with Tim Walz at the York Expo Center.

In an interview with CNN’s Manu Raju, Fetterman said he was embarrassed that his own party had not acted sooner to end the standoff. “And like I said, to all of the viewers, I’m apologizing that we can’t even get our s— together and just open up our government,” Fetterman told CNN.

The Pennsylvania senator said the ongoing stalemate is hitting low-income Americans especially hard, citing the potential expiration of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits if the shutdown continues.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has warned that about 42 million Americans could lose access to food assistance if Congress does not approve new spending.

“I’m saying that I’ll witness it firsthand,” Fetterman said.

“My wife, Giselle, she develops the Free Store in our community. It distributes food three times a week, and her lines have already got longer. And now, I will encounter people that have no SNAP benefits starting on Saturday, and I don’t have an explanation for them.”

The senator said the lack of action in Washington represents “an absolute failure” by both parties but added that Democrats bear a responsibility to move the process forward.

“All I could say is I’m sorry. It’s an absolute failure — what occurred here for the last month — and now things are really going to land,” Fetterman said.

“Imagine being a parent with a couple kids and how you’re going to fill the refrigerator and pack their lunches and get on with their lives when the things that they’ve depended on now is gone because we can’t even agree to just open things up.”

Fetterman also criticized Senate Democrats for failing to reach an agreement with Republicans on a spending measure to fund the government.

“If a Democrat — you know, we’re not allowed to just open this up, I mean, then our party has bigger problems than I thought we might have already,” he said.

“It’s like, that’s not controversial. Pay everybody.”

He added that many federal workers have had to borrow money just to pay their bills, calling the situation “a failure.”

The government shutdown, which began at the start of the fiscal year, continues to affect federal agencies, contractors, and public services nationwide. Lawmakers remain divided over budget priorities, and there is still no clear timeline for reopening the government.

FBI Director Patel Purges Leadership After Arctic Frost Scandal Exposed
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FBI Director Patel Purges Leadership After Arctic Frost Scandal Exposed

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FBI Director Kash Patel has reportedly removed one of the senior agents who led the controversial “Operation Arctic Frost” investigation into President Donald Trump.

The move follows recent disclosures from Senate Republicans detailing the scope of the Biden-era probe, which targeted President Trump, his associates, and multiple conservative organizations.

According to reports from MSNBC, Patel has ousted Aaron Tapp, a Special Agent in Charge who led the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office and played a central role in the Arctic Frost operation.

Tapp has served with the FBI for more than two decades and described himself on his LinkedIn profile as a “Senior FBI Executive with more than twenty-seven years of combined experience leading people, conducting and supervising complex investigations.”

He also wrote that he was “a natural collaborator focused on building and motivating cross-functional and integrated teams who consistently achieve excellence.”

“Driver of organizational and cultural change through innovation, transparency, communication and partnership,” Tapp’s profile stated.

“Currently leading the FBI San Antonio Field Office.”

The Arctic Frost investigation began in April 2022 under the Biden Justice Department and was launched in connection with the 2020 alternate electors dispute.

The operation involved seizing government-issued cell phones belonging to both Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence and conducting numerous interviews across multiple states.

The probe reportedly examined hundreds of individuals and organizations linked to the 2020 election.

Senate Republicans have accused the Justice Department of using Arctic Frost to target political opponents. Newly released documents referenced by Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley indicate that the investigation went far beyond individual cases.

Grassley revealed that former Special Counsel Jack Smith, who oversaw portions of the operation, issued an extensive number of subpoenas during the investigation.

“I’ve obtained through legally protected whistleblower disclosures,” Grassley said Wednesday, “197 subpoenas were issued by Jack Smith and his team. These subpoenas were issued to 34 individuals and 163 businesses, including financial institutions.”

Grassley said the investigation had “targeted the entire Republican apparatus,” including conservative groups such as Turning Point USA and the Republican Attorneys General Association.

Grassley’s office also confirmed that the Senate Judiciary Committee has received whistleblower materials documenting extensive surveillance activity and information requests directed at right-leaning organizations and donors.

The committee is now reviewing whether federal agencies exceeded their legal authority under the Biden-Harris administration.

Patel’s decision to remove Tapp comes shortly after those disclosures were made public.

Senate Republicans have said that Tapp appeared in internal documents connected to the Arctic Frost operation, though the FBI has not issued an official statement about his departure.

President Trump addressed the matter Wednesday evening, calling for investigations into officials and prosecutors involved in both Arctic Frost and the earlier Russia collusion probe.

“Former FBI Agent Walter Giardina is a DIRTY COP! He should be, along with Deranged Jack Smith, the sinister team of Lisa Monaco and Andrew Weissmann, Liddle’ Jay Bratt, Norm Eisen and his FAKE Charity, CREW, Christopher Wray, Merrick Garland, Thomas Windom, who dreamt up the corrupt J-6 Witch Hunt, should be investigated, immediately,” Trump said in a post to his Truth Social account.

“They are a disgrace to our Nation. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he added.

The Justice Department has not commented publicly on the removal of Aaron Tapp or on the current status of Operation Arctic Frost.

Patel’s leadership team at the FBI has reportedly been conducting an internal review of high-profile investigations launched prior to his tenure to determine whether any agents engaged in misconduct or politically motivated activity.

The Arctic Frost probe remains one of several overlapping investigations carried out between 2020 and 2023 that have faced criticism from congressional Republicans for alleged bias in federal law enforcement.

JD Vance Breaks the Internet with Hilarious Halloween Meme Costume
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JD Vance Breaks the Internet with Hilarious Halloween Meme Costume

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Vice President J.D. Vance leaned into an online joke at his own expense this Halloween, sharing a short video that quickly went viral and earned widespread attention across multiple social media platforms.

In the clip posted on TikTok and filmed at the Naval Observatory residence, Vance appears wearing a curly brown wig, a dark suit, and a red tie.

Greeting a group of trick-or-treaters at his door, he says, “Happy Halloween, kids … remember, say thank you!”

The line references the now-famous “you didn’t say thank you” meme that has circulated online for months.

As Vance spins under purple lighting, the eerie Twilight Zone theme plays in the background.

The response was immediate across TikTok, Instagram, X, and Facebook, where thousands of users shared and commented on the lighthearted clip.

The viral meme originated earlier this year after Vance’s February meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House.

Following that exchange, critics circulated an edited image of Vance with exaggerated features and messy curly hair, often paired with captions such as “you didn’t say please” or “you didn’t say thank you.”

Instead of ignoring the meme, Vance chose to play along.

Earlier this week, the White House X account joined in on the joke by posting a series of parody “costume package” graphics featuring political figures.

One of the images showed a “JD Vance Costume” with the caption “does not include the fat JD curly hair.”

Vance’s Halloween video appeared to complete that running gag by adding the missing wig himself.

@jdHappy Halloween everyone, remember to say thank you while you trick or treat!♬ original sound – J.D. Vance

Within hours of posting, Vance’s clip was trending across social media.

Screenshots and reaction videos spread quickly, with one user calling him “the best VP ever,” while another commented, “JD just won 2028.”

Elon Musk reacted to the video with a laughing emoji, while others joined in by remixing the clip, adding visual effects and pairing it with the original meme for humorous effect.

Even some critics online acknowledged Vance’s willingness to engage in the humor.

One user on X simply wrote, “he did the meme lol,” a comment that captured the general tone of the response.

The post’s virality was boosted by users across the political spectrum, who shared and re-edited the video in different formats throughout the day.

For the Trump administration, the moment reflects a broader communications strategy that embraces viral media and humor as part of its digital outreach.

President Trump’s communications team has long leaned on rapid online engagement, meme-driven content, and relatable moments to reach younger audiences and generate high levels of visibility across platforms.

Vance’s post demonstrates how a well-timed moment of humor can transform a viral joke into a political win.

By embracing the meme rather than avoiding it, the vice president turned a once-mocking internet trend into an opportunity to connect with millions of viewers — and reminded audiences that even high-ranking officials can join in the Halloween spirit.

Gov. Kathy Hochul Declares State of Emergency Over SNAP Freeze as Shutdown Drags On
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Gov. Kathy Hochul Declares State of Emergency Over SNAP Freeze as Shutdown Drags On

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide “food emergency” on Thursday as federal officials warned that funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be exhausted this weekend due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, as reported by The New York Post.

Speaking from a food pantry in Harlem, Hochul said her administration would not “be passive observers” while families face disruptions in access to food assistance. “We’re not going to be passive observers to this,” Hochul said.

Gov. Kathy Hochul tours the Homes for Heroes housing development in Tappan July 10, 2024.

To offset the anticipated shortfall, Hochul announced an additional $65 million in state emergency food relief funds to sustain benefits after the federal freeze takes effect on Saturday.

That amount comes on top of $30 million the governor announced earlier in the week, bringing the total state commitment to $95 million.

The governor said New York typically receives and distributes about $650 million each month in federal SNAP funds, which provide food assistance to more than 2.8 million residents across the state.

The funds are administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance in partnership with local social services agencies.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) warned earlier this week that without new appropriations, SNAP funding nationwide will lapse beginning November 1.

II.studio – Shutterstock.com

While the agency holds an estimated $5 billion in contingency reserves, officials said the money is “not legally available” for state use absent congressional approval of a funding measure.

The shutdown, now in its fifth week, has left millions of Americans uncertain about when critical government programs — including food benefits, housing assistance, and federal paychecks — will resume.

In New York, officials estimate that roughly one in seven households relies on SNAP to help cover monthly grocery costs.

Hochul said the state’s emergency action would be temporary and designed to bridge the gap until federal lawmakers reach an agreement to restore funding.

Danville – June 2, 2023: SNAP and EBT Accepted here sign. SNAP and Food Stamps provide nutrition benefits to supplement disadvantaged families.The governor also urged Washington lawmakers to act swiftly to end the shutdown, which has already begun to affect several federally funded programs across the state.

Hochul’s declaration comes amid mounting pressure from local officials and advocacy organizations who say food pantries have seen a sharp increase in demand as the shutdown continues.

According to Feeding New York State, an umbrella organization representing food banks statewide, some facilities have reported a 20% surge in visitors over the past two weeks.


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