Author name: Kyle Stevenson

JD Vance Torches Zohran Mamdani’s 9/11 Remarks: ‘Real Victim Was His Auntie?’
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JD Vance Torches Zohran Mamdani’s 9/11 Remarks: ‘Real Victim Was His Auntie?’

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Vice President J.D. Vance criticized New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani on Saturday, responding to comments Mamdani made during a campaign event about the impact of the September 11th attacks on his family.

Vance posted on X that, according to the Democrat, “the real victim of 9/11” was his aunt.

The exchange came as early voting began in New York City, where Mamdani, a Democratic frontrunner, faces competition from former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa.

“I want to speak to the memory of my aunt. Who stopped taking the subway after September 11th because she did not feel safe in her hijab,” Mamdani said during a Friday campaign event.

Vance shared a clip of those remarks on X, adding, “According to Zohran, the real victim of 9/11 was his auntie who got some (allegedly) bad looks.”

Mamdani, who represents Astoria in the New York State Assembly, used the campaign stop to address what he described as discrimination faced by Muslim New Yorkers since the 2001 attacks.

“I want to speak to the Muslim who works for our city, whether they teach in our schools or walk the beat for the NYPD, New Yorkers who all make daily sacrifices for the city they call home, only to see their leaders spit in their face,” Mamdani said.

He continued, “I want to speak to every child who grows up here marked as the other, who is randomly selected in a way that never quite feels random, who feels that they carry a stain that can never be cleaned. Growing up in the shadow of 9/11, I have known what it means to live with an undercurrent of suspicion in this city.”

Mamdani’s comments followed a separate controversy earlier in the week involving Andrew Cuomo.

The former governor appeared on WABC’s “Sid & Friends in the Morning” on Thursday, where he questioned Mamdani’s capacity to lead New York City during an emergency.

“Any given moment, there’s a crisis, and people’s lives are at stake. God forbid, there’s another 9/11. Can you imagine Mamdani in the seat?” Cuomo said.

Host Sid Rosenberg responded, “He’d be cheering.”

Cuomo replied, “That’s another problem,” before reiterating, “But could you imagine that?”

The exchange prompted Mamdani to accuse Cuomo of engaging in “Islamophobic rhetoric.”

During a campaign event later that day in Manhattan, Mamdani addressed reporters who asked about the remarks.

“Yes, I believe that they were,” he said.

“We’re speaking about a former governor who, in his final moments in public life, is engaging in rhetoric that is not only Islamophobic, not only racist, it’s also disgusting.”

Mamdani, a progressive Democrat and self-described democratic socialist, has faced scrutiny from both his opponents and national political figures for his past comments about policing, Israel, and 9/11.

Vance’s post drew attention to how national leaders are increasingly weighing in on the city’s race, signaling the broader political implications of Mamdani’s candidacy.

The election is set for November, with early voting underway across New York City’s five boroughs.

Hakeem Jeffries Threatens Investigation Into Trump’s White House Donors
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Hakeem Jeffries Threatens Investigation Into Trump’s White House Donors

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Democratic leaders are facing renewed criticism after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced plans to investigate private donors who contributed to President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom project.

The move comes amid widening allegations of selective prosecution within the party, following years of legal efforts aimed at the former president and his associates.

Since President Trump left office in January 2021, Democrats have pursued multiple legal actions against him, a strategy critics have described as “lawfare.”

X Screenshot – Donald J. Trump

Among the most visible figures in those efforts has been New York Attorney General Letitia James, who campaigned on a pledge to “get” Trump and pursued civil cases attempting to seize his business assets.

James’ actions drew widespread attention during and after her high-profile case targeting Trump’s real estate holdings.

Pollster Frank Luntz warned that her legal offensive could boost Trump’s standing with voters — a prediction that proved accurate as the former president’s popularity surged during the proceedings.

Now, James herself is reportedly under investigation for mortgage fraud, a development that has raised questions about the consistency and fairness of the justice system.

The same Democrats who once defended aggressive prosecutions against Trump have since labeled the case against James as a “weaponization” of law enforcement — a term frequently used to criticize political targeting.

While Democratic officials have dismissed the comparison, critics say the situation underscores a double standard. For years, party leaders emphasized that “no one is above the law,” yet opponents argue that enforcement often appears to fall along partisan lines.

Rather than scaling back politically charged investigations, Democrats are pressing forward.

On Thursday, Jeffries told MSNBC that he intends to examine donations linked to President Trump’s ongoing White House ballroom construction project — a privately funded initiative that does not use taxpayer dollars.

Jeffries claimed, without offering evidence, that the contributions may have been part of a broader effort to gain influence with the Trump administration.

“More likely, this is part of what Donald Trump has been doing since day one of his presidency: running the largest pay-to-play scheme in the history of the country. And probably soliciting donations from people who’ve got business before the United States government,” Jeffries said.

He continued, “And all of this is going to have to be investigated. It will. All of this will have to be uncovered. It will. And these people are going to be held accountable, no matter how long it takes. And that’s a warning to all of these people participating in this scheming to manipulate taxpayer dollars and, of course, to destroy the people’s house. The White House belongs to the American people. It doesn’t belong to Donald Trump.”

President Trump’s White House ballroom project was announced earlier this year as a privately financed addition to host official functions and events. The planned structure, located on the East Wing overhang, does not affect either the West Wing or the residential quarters.

Administration officials confirmed that the addition will remain part of the White House for future presidents.

Despite that, Jeffries’ remarks drew sharp backlash from conservatives who accused him of threatening private citizens for making lawful contributions.

Supporters of the project noted that similar upgrades and restorations have taken place under previous administrations from both parties.

The controversy over Jeffries’ comments adds to a growing list of disputes between Democratic leaders and Republican officials over the use of investigative power.

With multiple Democratic figures now facing scrutiny of their own — including Attorney General Letitia James — the party’s aggressive legal posture toward political opponents is once again under examination.

As investigations and counter-investigations continue, both parties are positioning for the next election cycle, where questions about the politicization of law enforcement are expected to remain a central issue.

America’s Military Bases Set to Fuel AI Revolution as Private Firms Eye Massive Expansion
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America’s Military Bases Set to Fuel AI Revolution as Private Firms Eye Massive Expansion

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As artificial intelligence rapidly changes the landscape of global technology, the United States is taking bold steps to remain at the very forefront of innovation.

The U.S. Air Force has announced a sweeping new initiative to lease out thousands of acres of land at five major bases to private companies for the construction of large-scale AI data centers.

This move stands as a testament to the nation’s ongoing commitment to technological leadership, economic growth, and a strong national defense.

On Tuesday, the Department of the Air Force published a public call for proposals to develop land it described as “underutilized” at Arnold Air Force Base in Tennessee, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, Edwards Air Force Base in California, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey, and Robins Air Force Base in Georgia.

This announcement is more than just a real estate transaction; it signals an intentional shift in how the U.S. leverages its resources to keep pace with an ever-evolving digital world.

Robert Moriarty, the Air Force’s deputy assistant secretary for installations, summed up the mission by stating, “AI is transforming the modern world, and these data centers are crucial for America to remain at the forefront of innovation.”

This forward-thinking attitude, grounded in practical policy, reflects a deep understanding that technological superiority is inseparable from national security and prosperity.

This initiative is not happening in a vacuum.

The Air Force’s decision comes on the heels of executive orders issued by President Donald Trump in January and July.

These orders are designed to accelerate the adoption of AI technology across the nation and speed up the construction of the massive data centers required for such a leap forward.

The July executive order specifically instructs the Department of Defense to identify military sites suitable for data center infrastructure and to lease the land in a competitive process.

Therefore, this latest Air Force proposal stands as a direct response to presidential leadership that prioritizes America’s technological future.

In keeping with transparency, the Air Force clarified that these data centers would not be exclusive to military projects. Instead, an Air Force official explained, “This is an opportunity for outside organizations.”

By opening up the bidding process to private companies, the Air Force is encouraging private sector investment and expertise while maintaining a firm grip on oversight and security standards.

This partnership between public and private sectors is precisely the type of innovative thinking that strengthens the nation’s infrastructure and protects American interests.

Private companies interested in this ambitious opportunity must submit their proposals by November 14, with selections scheduled for January of next year.

Following this, the Air Force will conduct thorough environmental assessments before any designs are finalized.

The scope of this effort is substantial, with the lease proposal covering about 3,100 acres across the five bases.

Notably, more than 2,100 of those acres are located at Edwards Air Force Base in California, an installation famous for cutting-edge aircraft testing, including platforms like the B-21 Raider bomber and the T-7 Red Hawk trainer.

The requirements are rigorous, as befits a project of this scale and importance. Each proposal must involve a project demanding more than 100 megawatts of new electrical load and represent a minimum investment of $500 million.

The leases themselves will not exceed 50 years unless there is a compelling national defense benefit to a longer agreement.

By setting such high standards, the Air Force ensures that only serious, well-capitalized players will shape this new chapter in American technological achievement.

Because the national security landscape continues to evolve, it is critical that the United States remains vigilant, proactive, and competitive. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s leadership has been crucial in supporting this strategic pivot.

The willingness to open underutilized military land to private AI development demonstrates not only fiscal responsibility but also a keen sense of how to leverage American ingenuity. This approach strengthens both military readiness and the broader U.S. economy at the same time.

The Air Force’s invitation to private companies to develop AI data centers on its bases is about more than just technology. It is about ensuring that America remains the world’s beacon of innovation and strength.

With determined leadership and a clear vision for the future, this initiative is poised to deliver profound benefits for the nation, securing both prosperity and security for generations to come.

Lori Lightfoot Launches ‘ICE Accountability Project’ Seeks to Publicly Identify Federal Agents
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Lori Lightfoot Launches ‘ICE Accountability Project’ Seeks to Publicly Identify Federal Agents

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Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that she is forming a nonprofit organization called the “ICE Accountability Project,” designed to collect and publish identifying information about federal immigration enforcement agents operating in the Chicago area.

The initiative, Lightfoot said, is aimed at tracking agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as part of the ongoing Operation Midway Blitz.

Mission, TX, USA – Feb. 16, 2023: A young female Border Patrol agent processes one of a group of 15 Central Americans and Mexicans who crossed the Rio Grande River illegally to enter the U.S.

In an interview with Fox 32 Chicago, Lightfoot said the organization will create “a centralized archive of all the purported criminal actions of ICE and CBP agents.”

She described the project as a transparency initiative that would allow the public to view alleged misconduct by federal officers in real time.

“We want to create a portal where what’s happening real time can be centralized and put out for the public to view,” Lightfoot said.

The former mayor explained that the database would include physical descriptions and vehicle details of agents operating in the region.

“They are on public property out in the open. We have an absolute right under our constitution to document what’s happening,” Lightfoot said, referring to ICE and CBP personnel working under President Trump’s immigration enforcement directive.

According to Lightfoot, the database would list identifying information such as height, weight, hair color, clothing descriptions, and the types of vehicles agents use.

“We have a right to compile that information and put together a profile of each of these agents that’s alleged to have committed crime,” she said.

Lightfoot denied that the project’s purpose is to “dox” or endanger federal agents. “This is not about doxxing them, it’s not about putting them in danger, and I’m sure we’re going to hear that,” she said.

“But as residents of this city and the metropolitan area, we have a right to know who’s doing what in, supposedly in our name, but we believe they are committing crime and it needs to be investigated, and then let a grand jury, let the prosecutor make a determination.”

Federal law enforcement officers are protected by qualified immunity, which shields them from civil liability for actions performed as part of their official duties unless they violate a “clearly established” constitutional right.

Critics of Lightfoot’s proposal argue that publishing personal or identifying information about federal agents could endanger officers and interfere with active operations.

Lightfoot said she expected the Department of Homeland Security and President Trump’s administration to respond to the project but maintained that she was acting within the law.

“I don’t shrink in fear of any person. I have the constitution and rule of law on my side,” she told Fox 32. “What I can’t do is sit on the sidelines and watch these crimes being committed on a regular basis and do nothing.”

The “ICE Accountability Project” comes amid a broader effort among House Democrats to increase public visibility into federal immigration enforcement activities.

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) announced during a Tuesday press conference that the House Oversight Committee will launch a national “master ICE tracker” on its website.

The online portal will allow community members to report sightings or information about ICE operations, which the committee will compile into a publicly accessible database.

“Over the course of the next couple of weeks, the Oversight Committee will be launching on their website a master ICE tracker where we’re going to be essentially tracking every single instance that we can verify that the community will send, be able to send us the information on,” Garcia said.

“It’ll all be available in one central place.”

Both initiatives — Lightfoot’s local project and the congressional tracking effort — are part of an expanding movement among Democratic leaders to monitor and document federal immigration enforcement activity.

Federal officials have not yet publicly commented on Lightfoot’s announcement or the proposed database.

White House Website Trolls Democrats with Clinton, Obama Scandals After Renovation Outrage
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White House Website Trolls Democrats with Clinton, Obama Scandals After Renovation Outrage

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Several high-profile Democrats reacted sharply this week to ongoing construction at the White House, where a privately funded 90,000-square-foot addition to the East Wing is under development.

The expansion, which includes a new ballroom and event space, is being financed by President Donald Trump and other private donors, with no taxpayer money involved.

The White House confirmed earlier this month that construction began in late September as part of a long-term effort to enhance event hosting capabilities and modernize parts of the East Wing.

The new addition will serve as a multipurpose ballroom and conference facility, while preserving the building’s existing architecture and historical character.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who served as first lady from 1993 to 2001, criticized the project during a recent interview. “It’s not his house. It’s your house. And he’s destroying it,” Clinton said, referring to the East Wing construction.

Her remarks drew attention due to her own history with the White House; upon leaving in 2001, the Clintons were criticized for taking government property later returned following a public audit.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) also expressed outrage over the project during a floor speech Thursday. Displaying a photograph of the East Wing’s partial demolition, Schumer said the image represented what he called the “desecration” of a national symbol.

“It’s illustrative of what the president is doing to the whole country,” Schumer said, linking the construction project to his broader criticisms of the administration.

The White House responded by highlighting the building’s long history of renovations and upgrades. On Thursday, officials updated the official White House website to include a historical overview of previous structural changes by past administrations.

The timeline notes that President William Howard Taft remodeled the West Wing, President Franklin D. Roosevelt expanded it, and President Harry Truman undertook a full reconstruction of the interior in the late 1940s.

The timeline also references major historical moments connected to past administrations, including President Bill Clinton’s affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, which led to his impeachment for perjury.

It further cites a 2012 meeting between Obama administration officials and members of the Muslim Brotherhood, noting that the organization is considered a terrorist group by several foreign governments.

More recent entries include First Lady Melania Trump’s completion of the privately funded neoclassical tennis pavilion on the South Lawn in 2020.

The updated timeline also references incidents from Joe Biden’s presidency, such as the discovery of a bag of cocaine in the West Wing entrance lobby and the 2023 Pride Month event where a transgender activist exposed his chest during a ceremony on the South Lawn.

The updated historical page quickly drew attention from left-leaning media outlets. Sam Stein, managing editor of the Bulwark blog, wrote, “The White House has revamped its website to defend the destruction of the East Wing. And they’ve done it exactly the way you’d expect.”

White House Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair responded on X, writing, “Liberal media has [a] problem with documented historical facts being posted on the White House website.”

Deputy Assistant to the President Kaelan Dorr also replied to Stein, adding, “Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

According to the White House, the East Wing addition is expected to be completed in early 2027 and will remain part of the permanent structure for future administrations.

Officials said the ballroom and expanded facilities will be used for state functions, press events, and official ceremonies, emphasizing that all funding for the project comes from private contributions rather than public funds.

Hakeem Jeffries Pressures Illinois Democrats to Redraw Congressional Map Amid Party Pushback
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Hakeem Jeffries Pressures Illinois Democrats to Redraw Congressional Map Amid Party Pushback

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As the federal budget standoff continues in Washington, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) is reportedly urging Illinois Democrats to adopt an aggressive redistricting plan aimed at increasing the party’s representation in Congress.

The proposal, however, has met significant resistance within Jeffries’ own ranks, with several Illinois Democrats expressing concern over both the timing and political consequences of such a move.

According to reports from Capitol News Illinois and Punchbowl News, Jeffries has been lobbying Illinois lawmakers to consider a new congressional map that would further tilt the state’s already Democrat-heavy delegation.

The current map, drawn after the 2020 census, favors Democrats by a margin of 14 seats to 3. Jeffries has encouraged Illinois to follow the example of states like California, where Democrats have advanced new maps that maximize partisan advantage in response to Republican redistricting efforts in Texas.

Despite pressure from national leadership, many Illinois Democrats appear uninterested in reopening the redistricting process. “I think there is next to zero appetite to do it,” one Democratic lawmaker told Capitol News Illinois. Another added, “There is no world where I see this happening.”

Concerns have also been raised among Black elected officials, who worry that an aggressive gerrymander could weaken minority representation in Congress by redistributing Black voting populations into other districts.

State Sen. Willie Preston (D-Chicago), a congressional candidate and chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, said his caucus would oppose any plan that risks undermining Black political power.

“We’re going to fight back. We just won’t do so at the expense of our own power,” Preston told Punchbowl News.

Currently, three of Illinois’ congressional districts are at least 40 percent African American, according to U.S. Census data. The state is represented by four Black members in the U.S. House.

Political analysts note that further reconfiguring these districts could require incorporating rural, majority-white areas that typically vote Republican—reducing the likelihood of maintaining current minority-majority representation.

In addition to internal party objections, logistical challenges complicate Jeffries’ push for a new map. Legislators would have to move swiftly to introduce and pass a redistricting plan or risk delaying the state’s 2026 primary elections.

Illinois lawmakers are expected to reconvene next week for their veto session, and while Jeffries continues to lobby for the effort, much of the decision-making power ultimately rests with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.

Pritzker has so far declined to take a clear position on the issue. When asked about the possibility of redrawing congressional boundaries mid-decade, he indicated reluctance but did not rule it out.

“In general, I do not think mid-decade redistricting for political purposes is something that any state should be doing,” Pritzker said. “That’s why I have to say that if we’re forced into it… we can” redraw lines that could potentially allow Democrats to pick up an additional seat.

Political observers note that Illinois Democrats already control a sizable advantage in the state’s delegation and that pursuing another round of redistricting could risk internal divisions within the party, particularly among members of the Black caucus.

The discussion comes as Democrats face mounting pressure nationally to maintain control of the U.S. House of Representatives ahead of the 2026 midterms, where even small shifts in district boundaries could determine majority control.

For now, Illinois lawmakers have given no indication that they intend to revisit the state’s congressional map. The upcoming veto session is expected to focus on pending legislation and budget adjustments rather than new redistricting measures, leaving Jeffries’ proposal in doubt.

Stephen Miller: Gavin Newsom’s CDL Policy Gave Illegal Alien Keys to Kill
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Stephen Miller: Gavin Newsom’s CDL Policy Gave Illegal Alien Keys to Kill

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White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and Joe Biden during a Fox News interview Friday, citing their policies as contributing factors in a fatal multi-vehicle crash that left three people dead.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) confirmed that Jashanpreet Singh, a 21-year-old Indian national living illegally in the United States, retained and even upgraded his commercial driver’s license (CDL) days before the deadly collision.

Singh is accused of causing the crash while allegedly under the influence of drugs.

In an appearance on “The Will Cain Show,” Miller pointed to California’s decision to grant commercial driving privileges to noncitizens as a key policy failure.

“Gavin Newsom in his state has a policy to give commercial driver’s licenses to individuals who do not know how to speak English and do not know how to drive,” Miller said.

“Those are policy choices that Gov. Newsom and his state have made. So it’s one Democrat policy choice after another.”

Miller also criticized the Biden-Harris administration’s border and immigration decisions, arguing they directly enabled Singh to remain in the country.

“This is a Democrat-caused calamity, heartbreaking calamity,” Miller told host Will Cain.

“The first crime against Americans was the Biden administration’s decision to voluntarily free and release from custody an illegal alien within hours of crossing the southern border.”

He described the period under the previous administration as one where strict enforcement helped prevent such incidents.

“Let’s go back to the unending nightmare that we lived through for four years under Biden, where single adult men in groups, in caravans, or traveling alone would show up at the border, present themselves, announce, ‘I’m here illegally. I’ve invaded your country. I demand entry,’” Miller said.

Miller said Singh entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and was released shortly after by the Biden-Harris administration.

He added that the reversal of Trump-era immigration policies contributed to the tragedy.

“And Biden would order the border patrol at taxpayer expense to ferry them on to the destination of their choice, in this case, California − that happened in 2022. The Biden administration did one other thing. Donald Trump issued a regulation barring work permits for illegal aliens. Biden reversed that regulation, mandated work permits for illegal aliens, issued him [Singh] a work permit,” Miller said.

Police in Ontario, California, arrested Singh following the crash, which authorities said involved multiple vehicles and resulted in three fatalities.

The California Highway Patrol is leading the ongoing investigation into the collision.

Homeland Security officials confirmed Singh’s illegal entry into the United States in 2022 and his subsequent release under Biden-era border guidelines.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the state of California allowed Singh to obtain his commercial driving license under existing state law.

A Department of Transportation report released on September 26 found that more than 25 percent of commercial licenses issued to non-domiciled drivers in California were processed improperly.

Federal officials said the California Department of Motor Vehicles ignored federal directives to revoke licenses held by individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the incident could have been prevented had the state complied with the administration’s updated safety measures.

“The deadly crash in Ontario should never have happened,” Duffy said in a statement.

“California defied direct orders to revoke commercial licenses from undocumented drivers, and now three innocent lives have been lost.”

Authorities said Singh remains in custody at the San Bernardino County Jail on multiple felony counts, including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence causing injury.

His next court appearance is scheduled for later this month.

Miller concluded that the tragedy reflects broader failures in border and state policy enforcement.

“This is what happens when leaders put politics above the rule of law,” he said.

FEMA Scandal Deepens — DHS Report: FEMA Workers Skipped Trump Supporters’ Homes During Disaster Relief Efforts
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FEMA Scandal Deepens — DHS Report: FEMA Workers Skipped Trump Supporters’ Homes During Disaster Relief Efforts

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A new report from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revealed that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) workers under the Biden-Harris administration systematically withheld disaster relief from homeowners who displayed support for President Donald Trump.

The report, released Tuesday, found that the discrimination was not isolated but part of a widespread pattern of politically motivated conduct spanning several years.

The allegations first surfaced in late 2024 when a whistleblower claimed FEMA workers had been directed not to provide aid to homes with Trump campaign signs following Hurricane Milton.

At the time, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell told Congress the incident was isolated and blamed a single employee who was later fired.

The DHS investigation, however, contradicted that account, concluding that “the abuses were widespread, systematic, and occurred during multiple disasters dating back to Hurricane Ida in 2021.”

According to the report, FEMA employees under the Biden administration violated the Privacy Act of 1974 by collecting and documenting political information about disaster survivors.

Field notes cited in the investigation showed that employees recorded details about political flags, signs, and slogans and then used those indicators to decide whether to provide assistance.

In one instance, a FEMA relief worker recorded in 2024, “Trump sign, no contact per leadership,” referring to a Florida home impacted by Hurricane Milton.

Another entry from 2021, during the federal response to Hurricane Ida in Pennsylvania, described the property as having “a lot of explicit political flags, posters, etc. ‘F**k Joe Biden’ ‘MAGA 2024’ ‘Joe Biden Sucks’ ‘TRUMP 2024.’ We do not recommend anyone visiting this location.”

A third FEMA field report from Louisiana in 2021 noted, “Homeowner had sign stated … this is Trump country.”

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem called the findings disturbing, condemning the politically motivated actions that deprived Americans of federal disaster assistance.

“The federal government was withholding aid against Americans in crisis based on their political beliefs — this should horrify every American, regardless of political persuasion,” Noem said.

“For years, FEMA employees under the Biden administration intentionally delayed much-needed aid to Americans suffering from natural disasters on purely political grounds,” she continued.

“They deliberately avoided houses displaying support for President Trump and the Second Amendment, illegally collected and stored information about survivors’ political beliefs, and failed to report their malicious behavior. We will not let this stand.”

The DHS report found that the misconduct extended beyond Hurricane Milton to include earlier disasters, such as Hurricanes Ida and Ian, as well as several severe flood and wildfire responses between 2021 and 2023.

Investigators said the findings showed a pattern of discrimination that violated both federal law and FEMA’s own policies regarding neutrality in disaster relief operations.

FEMA officials did not immediately respond to the report’s release.

The agency has previously stated that all employees are required to provide aid based solely on need, without regard to political affiliation or beliefs.

Following the report’s publication, the DHS referred the case to the Department of Justice for possible criminal prosecution.

The referral focuses on potential violations of civil rights protections and federal laws governing the misuse of taxpayer-funded programs.

The investigation also called for a full review of FEMA’s disaster response protocols and mandatory retraining for all field employees to prevent similar conduct in the future.

According to DHS officials, disciplinary actions are expected against several current and former FEMA staff members found to have participated in or ignored the politically motivated directives.

The report marks the first formal acknowledgment that political bias within a federal disaster relief agency may have affected the distribution of emergency aid.

DHS said additional audits are underway to determine whether the same conduct occurred during other federal disaster responses in recent years.

JD Vance Denounces Israeli Annexation Vote, Reaffirms Trump’s Peace Commitment
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JD Vance Denounces Israeli Annexation Vote, Reaffirms Trump’s Peace Commitment

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Vice President J.D. Vance on Thursday criticized Israel’s Knesset for passing a symbolic vote in support of annexing the West Bank, calling the move a “very stupid political stunt” during his visit to the country, as reported by The Western Journal.

The West Bank, located on the western bank of the Jordan River, was captured by Israel from Jordan during the 1967 Six-Day War. Israel administers the area, which includes several Israeli settlements, while Palestinians continue to view the territory as central to a future Palestinian state.

“When I asked about it, somebody told me it was a political stunt, that it had no practical significance. It was symbolic,” Vance said in a video posted to X. “I mean, look, if it was a political stunt, it was a very stupid political stunt I personally take some insult to it.”

“The West Bank is not going to be annexed by Israel,” he continued. “The policy of the Trump Administration is that the West Bank will not be annexed by Israel. That will continue to be our policy. And if people want to take symbolic votes, they can do that, but we certainly weren’t happy about it.”

The vote to annex the West Bank passed with support from far-right lawmakers, despite opposition from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, according to the Times of Israel. The legislation would still require three additional votes before becoming law.

Israeli legislator Avi Maoz, who supported the bill, said Israel should “apply its laws and sovereignty to the areas of settlement in Judea and Samaria to establish the status of these areas as an inseparable part of the sovereign State of Israel.”

“The Holy One, blessed be He, gave the people of Israel the Land of Israel. Settlement in the Land of Israel is the redemption and national revival, settlement is what makes the Land of Israel flourish after two thousand years of exile,” Maoz said.

“In applying sovereignty to Judea and Samaria, we are making a correction that is long overdue. Since the government has been procrastinating, our job as members of Knesset is to do this.”

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, whose Otzma Yehudit party backed the measure, said he was “proud” of the vote despite international backlash.

“There is pressure on you, international pressure,” Ben Gvir said. “But the right-wing government is doing what is right for the residents of the State of Israel. And what is right for the residents of the State of Israel is sovereignty now.”

U.S. officials made clear that the Trump administration does not support annexation. “They passed a vote in the Knesset, but the president has made clear that’s not something we’d be supportive of right now,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters before departing for Israel.

“We think there’s potential for [it to be] threatening to the peace deal.”

President Donald Trump also addressed the matter in an interview with Time before the Knesset vote. “It won’t happen. It won’t happen. It won’t happen because I gave my word to the Arab countries,” the president said.

“And you can’t do that now. We’ve had great Arab support. It will not happen. Israel would lose all of its support from the United States if that happened.”

Jasmine Crockett Says She’s ‘Strongly Considering’ Running for Texas Senate Seat
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Jasmine Crockett Says She’s ‘Strongly Considering’ Running for Texas Senate Seat

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Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) said Wednesday she is “strongly considering” a bid for the open U.S. Senate seat in Texas, telling SiriusXM listeners that recent polls and political developments have convinced her the Democratic primary is winnable, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

“Every other day, there’s a poll that comes out that makes it clear that I can win the primary for the U.S. Senate race in Texas,” Crockett said. “And I am looking.” A recent survey cited by Crockett’s camp put her at 31 percent support in the Democratic primary, about six points ahead of her nearest rival.

Aug 19, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. The DNC program will feature President Joe Biden and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during Monday’s ceremonies. Mandatory Credit: Jasper Colt-USA TODAY

Crockett’s comments come after the Texas Legislature redrew congressional districts earlier this year. She told reporters the decision to pursue a statewide campaign is in part a response to the redistricting that split her current House seat.

“If you want to take my seat of 766,000 away, I feel like there has to be some karma in that to where I take your seat that is for 30 million away,” she said.

The Dallas-area congresswoman said her final call on entering the race will hinge on her team’s ability to “expand the electorate.” “The question will be whether or not we believe that we’ve got enough juice to expand the electorate,” Crockett said.

“If we can expand the electorate, then I will strongly be considering hopping in the Senate race.”

If Crockett does formally enter the contest, she would first have to prevail in a crowded Democratic primary.

Should she win the nomination, she would likely face a Republican opponent such as Sen. John Cornyn or Attorney General Ken Paxton in the general election; Rep. Wesley Hunt is also among Republicans seeking the GOP nomination.

Crockett’s potential candidacy has prompted immediate reaction from analysts and political operatives on both sides of the aisle. Supporters point to her name recognition and strong polling in the Democratic primary as signs she could consolidate the party’s progressive base.

Aug 19, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. The DNC program will feature President Joe Biden and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during Monday’s ceremonies. Mandatory Credit: Josh Morgan-USA TODAY

Critics and Republican strategists argue her profile could make the general election easier for GOP nominees in a state that remains Republican-leaning in statewide contests.

The congresswoman has cast her interest in the Senate seat in both political and personal terms, saying she wants to respond to what she called an attempt by state lawmakers to dilute her district.

Texas Republicans have defended the redistricting plans as part of routine legislative work to reflect population shifts and ensure equal representation.

Crockett enters the conversation at a moment of intense attention on Texas politics. The seat is considered a top target for Republicans seeking to maintain or expand their Senate margin and a potential pickup for Democrats aiming to make inroads at the statewide level.

A contested Democratic primary could narrow resources and focus ahead of the general election.

Crockett did not set a timetable for a formal announcement. Her statement Wednesday made clear, however, that she is actively assessing polling, organizing capacity and voter-expansion strategies before deciding whether to file for the primary ballot.


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