Author name: Kyle Stevenson

JD and Usha Vance Arrive in Israel to Bolster Fragile Gaza Cease-Fire
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JD and Usha Vance Arrive in Israel to Bolster Fragile Gaza Cease-Fire

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Vice President J.D. Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance arrived in Israel on Tuesday for a series of urgent high-level meetings aimed at reinforcing the fragile cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, as reported by the New York Post.

The couple landed at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, where they were welcomed by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and other American and Israeli officials.

Vance did not make any public remarks upon arrival but immediately began closed-door meetings with Israeli leadership and U.S. envoys working on the Gaza negotiations.

Vice President Vance’s itinerary includes a sit-down with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and discussions with senior White House envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who have been central to the administration’s diplomatic efforts in the region.

The visit comes as Washington seeks to stabilize the first phase of the cease-fire, which was brokered under President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan earlier this month.

The administration is now pressing both sides to honor the agreement and move toward the more difficult second phase of negotiations.

Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the terms of the truce since it took effect on Oct. 10. Despite the mutual allegations, both sides maintain that they remain committed to the deal.

A senior Israeli official said the vice president’s visit is meant to “advance the Gaza talks to the second phase” and ensure the cease-fire remains in place long enough to recover all hostages and remains.

Under the agreement, Hamas is required to turn over the remains of 15 hostages still believed to be in Gaza. Thirteen have already been returned since the cease-fire began.

Israel, for its part, handed back the remains of 15 Palestinians on Tuesday, officials confirmed.

Vance, who is expected to stay in the region until Thursday, will also meet with the families of hostages whose remains have yet to be recovered. The meetings are expected to provide reassurance that the U.S. remains actively engaged in seeing the cease-fire plan through to completion.

Dec 8, 2018; Philadelphia, PA, USA; President Donald Trump stands with West Point cadets during the 119th Army-Navy game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images

President Trump has emphasized the importance of the plan’s success, describing it as “critical to restoring lasting stability in the region.”

Administration officials say the White House remains in close contact with both Israeli and Qatari mediators overseeing the implementation of the deal.

The coming days will test whether the cease-fire, now in its second week, can hold amid growing tension and pressure for further progress in the negotiations.

DHS Hits ‘No Kings’ Protestor with a Classic FAFO After Call to Shoot ICE Agents
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DHS Hits ‘No Kings’ Protestor with a Classic FAFO After Call to Shoot ICE Agents

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The Department of Homeland Security on Monday posted video footage from a “No Kings” rally in Chicago that shows a man calling for the shooting of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, and the agency said it has referred the matter to the Department of Justice.

In the clip shared by DHS on its official social channels, an unidentified participant can be heard addressing the crowd through a microphone. “You gotta grab a gun, we gotta turn around the guns on this fascist system,” the man shouted.

“These ICE agents gotta get shot and wiped out. The same machinery that’s on full display right there has to get wiped out.”

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehend an undocumented migrant they were surveilling in Herndon, VA, Jan. 15, 2025.

DHS said the incident took place at the Chicago rally and that the footage has been forwarded to the Justice Department for investigation. “This rioter, and his statements have been referred to the DOJ,” the DHS social media post read.

“There is no place in America for psychotic incitements of unlawful violence against ICE or CBP.”

The DHS post added a direct warning to would-be attackers and those who would encourage them. “FAFO. If you threaten or lay hands on our law enforcement officers we will hunt you down and you will find out, really quick. We’ll see you cowards soon,” the agency said.

The department’s decision to refer the footage comes amid heightened concern about targeted violence against federal law enforcement. In September, federal authorities reported a sniper attempted to shoot ICE officers at a facility in Dallas, Texas.

The Chicago clip also surfaced less than six weeks after Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated during an event at Utah Valley University, events DHS cited in highlighting the growing threats facing federal personnel.

Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL) issued a public condemnation of the Chicago protester’s remarks on her X account, identifying the man as an employee of Wilbur Wright College and labeling his words a criminal act.

“Sickening,” Miller wrote. “A staff member at Wilbur Wright College is calling for ICE agents to get ‘shot’ and ‘wiped out.’”

“This is a criminal threat that should be investigated,” she added.

A Department of Justice spokesperson, speaking to Fox News, urged restraint and warned that incitement of violence would not be tolerated.

“The Department is actively tracking these targeted assaults against our law enforcement and will hold offenders accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” the DOJ representative said.

“Any official encouraging reckless behavior should think twice before inciting further violence and putting federal agents in harm’s way.”

Local authorities in Chicago have not publicly confirmed whether the individual pictured in the DHS video has been identified or detained.

DHS officials said the referral to DOJ was intended to ensure that the incident receives full investigative review and appropriate prosecution if criminal statutes were violated.

The “No Kings” rallies, which took place in multiple cities nationwide over the weekend, drew large crowds and significant media attention. Organizers described the events as protests against perceived executive overreach.

The Chicago demonstration is now the focus of federal scrutiny after the video surfaced showing explicit calls for violence against federal officers.

DHS officials have in recent months emphasized the protection of federal personnel as a priority, citing a string of incidents they say demonstrate an elevated risk to officers and staff.

In the social media post accompanying the Chicago footage, DHS reiterated that threats of violence against ICE and Customs and Border Protection personnel will be pursued as crimes.

Representatives for Wilbur Wright College did not immediately return requests for comment about the identity or employment status of the person named by Rep. Miller.

Similarly, organizers of the “No Kings” rallies have not issued a statement addressing the video or the referral to the Justice Department.

Federal authorities have, in recent weeks, warned the public that speech that crosses into actionable threats can prompt criminal charges.

Legal experts note that advocacy that amounts to direct incitement of violence, or specific threats against individuals or classes of persons, may be prosecutable under federal statutes.

The DHS post urged citizens to report threats and emphasized that the agency and its partners would continue to monitor demonstrations and online activity for potential criminal conduct.

The Justice Department said it would evaluate the referral and determine whether to open a criminal investigation based on the evidence provided.

NJ Dem Releases Cringe Spanish Video in Desperate Attempt to Reach Hispanic Voters
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NJ Dem Releases Cringe Spanish Video in Desperate Attempt to Reach Hispanic Voters

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Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey faced scrutiny Tuesday after posting a campaign video on X in which she attempted to speak Spanish, admitting in both the video and the accompanying caption that she doesn’t speak it well.

The 34-second advertisement, aimed at reaching Hispanic voters, featured Sherrill introducing herself and discussing her campaign for governor in Spanish.

“Hello, New Jersey. My Spanish is not very good, but I want to speak directly to the Latina community,” she said.

“I’m Mikie Sherrill, candidate for governor. I was a pilot in the Navy and a federal prosecutor. And I have four children with my husband, Jason. And I know in New Jersey costs are very high. And I want to create opportunity for families in New Jersey. And I want to lower costs for everyone.”

In her post accompanying the video, Sherrill repeated her acknowledgment in Spanish, writing, “My Spanish isn’t good, but my love for the Latina community of New Jersey is very strong.”

Sherrill currently leads Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli by four percentage points, according to the RealClearPolling average of surveys conducted between Sept. 22 and Oct. 15.

However, her advantage has narrowed in recent weeks following renewed attention to a past controversy from her time at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Sherrill was reportedly involved in a cheating scandal while attending the academy and was barred from participating in her commencement ceremony.

Though she later received a commission and served as a Navy helicopter pilot, the resurfacing of that disciplinary incident has been cited as a factor contributing to her declining numbers in recent polling.

Democratic strategists have also expressed concern that Sherrill may struggle to attract Hispanic voters in the upcoming election.

Her Spanish-language ad was viewed by some as an attempt to bolster her support within that demographic, particularly after President Donald Trump’s strong performance among Hispanic voters in the 2024 election.

According to CNN’s national exit poll from 2024, President Trump received 46% of the Hispanic vote, 40% of the Asian vote, and 13% of the black vote, defeating Kamala Harris in the general election.

Trump’s gains among Hispanic voters were attributed to his economic policies and focus on border security, both of which resonated with working-class communities across key states.

Polling conducted before the 2024 election indicated that Hispanic voters were increasingly shifting toward Republican candidates, citing dissatisfaction with inflation and the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of immigration.

Sherrill’s ad comes as Democrats continue to grapple with declining support from Hispanic voters nationwide.

Several high-profile Democrats have previously faced criticism for efforts to connect with Spanish-speaking audiences.

In July 2022, then–First Lady Jill Biden drew backlash for comparing Hispanic voters to “breakfast tacos” during remarks at a “LatinX IncluXion Luncheon” in San Antonio.

“The diversity of this community,” Mrs. Biden said at the time, “as distinct as the bodegas of the Bronx, as beautiful as the blossoms of Miami, and as unique as the breakfast tacos here in San Antonio.”

The following year, she mispronounced the Spanish phrase “Sí, se puede” — meaning “Yes, we can” — during a public appearance, sparking widespread criticism.

During his 2020 campaign, then–candidate Joe Biden was also criticized after dancing to the Spanish-language hit “Despacito” at a Florida rally in an apparent effort to appeal to Hispanic voters.

Sherrill’s campaign has not commented on the reaction to her Spanish-language ad.

She is serving her fourth term in Congress and is now running for governor of New Jersey in a closely watched race expected to draw significant national attention.

CNN Analyst: Trump’s Approval Goes Up as Democrats’ Shutdown Continues
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CNN Analyst: Trump’s Approval Goes Up as Democrats’ Shutdown Continues

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CNN data analyst Harry Enten said Monday that the ongoing government shutdown has not damaged President Donald Trump’s approval rating, despite entering its third week.

According to Enten, Trump’s popularity remains steady and has even slightly increased as the shutdown continues amid disputes over federal spending cuts.

“This shutdown hasn’t eaten into Donald Trump’s support at all,” Enten said during a CNN segment.

“His net approval rating is actually up a point in terms of his popular support.”

Enten compared the current situation to the 2018–2019 government shutdown that took place during Trump’s first term.

That earlier standoff lasted 35 days and resulted in a notable drop in his approval ratings at the time.

“So the bottom line is this, the first shutdown during Trump’s first term 2018 and 2019 was hurting Donald Trump. This one is not hurting him at all,” Enten said.

“There’s no real reason Donald Trump might say, at least when it comes to popular support, ‘I want to get out of this shutdown,’” he added.

Enten went on to explain that public perception surrounding the shutdown appears to have shifted in Trump’s favor.

“It comes down to the blame game. A game I loved to play when I was younger,” he said.

“Blame Trump for the shutdown a great deal in 2018 slash 2019, 61% — more than three and five Americans — blamed Trump a great deal for that particular shutdown.”

He then contrasted those figures with current polling numbers.

“You come over to this side of the screen. Look at this. It’s a different world. It’s a different world. Forty-eight percent of Americans blame Trump a great deal for this particular shutdown,” Enten said.

“So it’s more than three and five back in 2018 slash 2019. It’s less than half — a drop of 13 points.”

“Again, it’s no real wonder that Donald Trump at this point, looking at the shutdown, says, you know, it’s not actually harming me politically in large part because he’s getting less of the blame and he’s doing things differently during this shutdown,” Enten concluded.

The current government shutdown began earlier this month following a breakdown in negotiations between the White House and congressional Democrats over spending reforms.

President Trump has sought to implement targeted reductions to address the federal deficit, while Democratic leaders have rejected those proposals, arguing that the cuts would affect government programs they support.

As the shutdown continues, many federal employees have gone without pay.

The departments most directly affected include Homeland Security, Transportation, Justice, and Interior.

Essential personnel such as border patrol agents, air traffic controllers, federal firefighters, FBI agents, and TSA screeners have remained on duty but have not received paychecks since the shutdown began.

The Office of Management and Budget has estimated that more than 800,000 federal workers have been impacted.

Treasury officials have stated that federal operations related to national defense, public safety, and emergency response will continue under contingency funding until Congress reaches an agreement.

Despite the disruption, polling data cited by CNN shows that President Trump’s approval among voters remains largely unchanged, signaling a potential shift in how the public assigns responsibility for government shutdowns.

Lawmakers from both parties are expected to resume negotiations later this week, though no firm timeline for a resolution has been announced.

Maher Claims GOP “Rigged” Elections—Schwarzenegger Brings Receipts on Democrats
Entertainment

Maher Claims GOP “Rigged” Elections—Schwarzenegger Brings Receipts on Democrats

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Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger pushed back against HBO host Bill Maher’s comments on gerrymandering during an appearance on “Real Time with Bill Maher,” telling the audience that both political parties — not just Republicans — have engaged in redistricting manipulation for decades.

The exchange began when Maher criticized Republicans for allegedly using gerrymandering to maintain control of congressional districts.

SACRAMENTO, CA – AUG 19: Bill Maher performs at Sacramento Convention Center in Sacramento, California on August 19th, 2011

“It makes sense in that the Democrats have no power now,” Maher said.

“The only power they can have is if they win the midterm elections and take back the House. If only the Republicans get to gerrymander, the Democrats will never take back the House.”

Schwarzenegger quickly interrupted to challenge the statement. “No, no,” he said.

“Gerrymandering is going on, has been going on for 200 years.”

Maher responded, “Not on this level,” suggesting that the Republican Party’s recent redistricting efforts have been more aggressive than previous examples.

Schwarzenegger disagreed, arguing that both major parties have a long history of drawing maps in their favor.

“Look,” Schwarzenegger continued, “there are states out there that have 40% of Republicans and only have, like, 20% representation in Congress. There’s the opposite also true. So there’s gerrymandering going on all over.”

The former governor cited several examples of states where one party’s representation is disproportionate to its voter share.

In Massachusetts, for instance, Republicans make up roughly 40% of the electorate yet hold no congressional seats.

Connecticut has five congressional districts, all represented by Democrats, despite significant Republican support.

In Illinois, Republicans hold only three of 17 House seats even though they received nearly 47% of the statewide vote.

In California, where Republicans make up about 40% of the electorate, they currently hold nine of 52 seats in the U.S. House.

Schwarzenegger said the problem extends across the political spectrum and is not limited to one party.

“To undo all of that and to take away the power — see, this is a trick that you have to understand,” he said.

“The Democrats are fighting the Republicans. The Republicans are fighting with the Democrats. But you know something? One of them is going to win.”

Maher replied, “Yes, it’s gonna be the Republicans… because they didn’t follow your example into the halls of nobleness.”

Schwarzenegger did not respond directly but reiterated that the problem lies within the system itself rather than one party’s actions.

The conversation touched on broader debates over redistricting and political fairness as several cases involving congressional maps move through the courts.

One major case, Louisiana v. Callais, now before the U.S. Supreme Court, could have nationwide implications for how race-based districting is handled.

The decision is expected to influence how both parties approach redistricting before the next national election.

Schwarzenegger, who has long advocated for independent redistricting commissions to draw fairer congressional maps, used his appearance to highlight the need for systemic reform.

As California governor, he backed efforts to remove map-drawing power from state legislators and place it in the hands of a bipartisan citizens’ panel, a model that has since been studied by other states.

The former governor, who has publicly criticized both parties on issues of political corruption and partisanship, ended the exchange by calling for greater transparency and accountability in the redistricting process.

Gerrymandering — the practice of manipulating district boundaries to benefit one political party — has been a contentious issue in recent years.

Critics on both sides argue that it undermines fair representation and allows entrenched political interests to dominate elections regardless of voter preference.

While Maher maintained that Republicans have taken the practice to new extremes, Schwarzenegger’s remarks highlighted the bipartisan nature of redistricting manipulation and urged audiences to view the problem as systemic rather than partisan.

Westchester Inmate Smuggles Gun, Shoots Fellow Inmate Inside Police Transport Van
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Westchester Inmate Smuggles Gun, Shoots Fellow Inmate Inside Police Transport Van

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Authorities in Westchester County are investigating how a Bronx man accused of child sex crimes managed to bring a gun and drugs into a Mount Vernon police transport van and allegedly shoot another inmate while in custody, as reported by The New York Post.

According to court filings and police reports, 32-year-old Louis Soto is now facing new assault and weapons charges in addition to his original counts of sex abuse of a minor, burglary, and forcible touching.

Krakenimages.com – Shutterstock.com

The bizarre incident unfolded Thursday while Soto was being transported with other prisoners to the Westchester County Jail in Valhalla.

Investigators are still working to determine how Soto managed to smuggle a handgun and cocaine into the vehicle. During the trip, officers reportedly heard a single gunshot from the rear of the van, immediately followed by a prisoner claiming he had been shot.

Mount Vernon Police Chief Marcel Olifiers confirmed the events in a statement to WABC Eyewitness News. “The officers reported hearing a single gunshot in the rear of the van followed by a prisoner stating that he had been shot,” Olifiers said.

“This is a very serious incident and we take this very seriously.”

The injured inmate, whose name has not been released, was struck in the leg and is expected to survive, according to investigators.

Two Mount Vernon police officers who were assigned to the transport detail have been placed on modified duty while the investigation continues. City officials have not released their names.

Soto, who had been arrested the previous day on the initial sex crime charges, was immediately taken into custody after the shooting. He is being held at the county jail pending arraignment on the new charges, which include assault and criminal possession of a weapon.

Mount Vernon officials have declined to comment further on the case.

However, law enforcement sources confirmed that the Mount Vernon Police Department is working with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office to determine how the firearm and drugs were brought into the secured vehicle.

The shooting has raised questions about security procedures during inmate transport and how weapons can pass through police custody checks.

The internal review is expected to focus on both the officers’ handling of the prisoners and the screening protocols used before the inmates were loaded into the van.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Trump Cuts All U.S. Foreign Aid to Colombia After President Petro Attacks Anti-Drug Strikes
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Trump Cuts All U.S. Foreign Aid to Colombia After President Petro Attacks Anti-Drug Strikes

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President Donald Trump announced Sunday that the United States would immediately end foreign aid to Colombia following remarks by Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who accused the U.S. of committing “murder” during a recent military strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel.

Trump made the announcement in a Truth Social post, saying that the Colombian government had engaged in what he called “a long term rip off of America.”

The decision follows escalating tensions between Washington and Bogotá over U.S. military operations targeting narcotics networks in the Caribbean and South America.

“President Gustavo Petro, of Colombia, is an illegal drug leader strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs, in big and small fields, all over Colombia,” Trump wrote.

“It has become the biggest business in Colombia, by far, and Petro does nothing to stop it, despite large scale payments and subsidies from the USA that are nothing more than a long term rip off of America. AS OF TODAY, THESE PAYMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT, OR SUBSIDIES, WILL NO LONGER BE MADE TO COLOMBIA.”

Trump continued, “The purpose of this drug production is the sale of massive amounts of product into the United States, causing death, destruction, and havoc. Petro, a low rated and very unpopular leader, with a fresh mouth toward America, better close up these killing fields immediately, or the United States will close them up for him, and it won’t be done nicely. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

The exchange came one day after Petro posted a statement on X criticizing the United States for conducting air and sea strikes on suspected narcotics traffickers.

In his post, Petro accused the U.S. of carrying out “murders” against Colombians after American intelligence identified a vessel believed to be transporting drugs northward.

On Sunday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth released a video showing the U.S. military strike that destroyed a boat with three suspected drug traffickers aboard.

According to Hegseth, intelligence linked the men to the National Liberation Army (Ejército de Liberación Nacional, or ELN), a Marxist guerrilla and narcotics organization that has operated in Colombia for decades.

Hegseth said the strike was part of a continuing effort to target drug-smuggling routes and dismantle cartel-linked maritime networks in the Western Hemisphere.

The Trump administration has carried out a series of military actions against narcotics traffickers since early September.

On September 2, U.S. forces intercepted and sank a vessel carrying 11 members of the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua (TdA).

That operation was the first in what defense officials described as a new campaign aimed at curbing transnational drug networks and blocking their entry points into the United States.

The aggressive counter-narcotics strategy has faced pushback from Democrats and some members of the Senate, including Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who raised concerns about the scope of military engagement.

However, the Senate voted on October 8 to block an attempt to halt the strikes, allowing the operations to continue under the President’s directive.

President Trump’s decision to cut foreign aid to Colombia marks a significant shift in U.S. policy toward one of its traditional allies in Latin America.

Colombia has received billions of dollars in U.S. assistance over the past two decades, primarily for counter-narcotics and security programs under initiatives such as Plan Colombia.

Trump also reminded the public that his administration took an aggressive approach to international drug enforcement from the outset.

Hours after taking office on January 20, 2025, he issued an executive order designating several major criminal networks—including Mexico’s drug cartels, Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, and El Salvador’s MS-13—as foreign terrorist organizations.

Officials said the designation allowed U.S. forces broader authority to target cartel-linked operations abroad and to classify their activities as acts of terrorism under federal law.

Neither the Colombian government nor the U.S. Department of State issued an immediate response to Trump’s announcement Sunday.

The suspension of aid takes effect immediately, with future bilateral cooperation expected to be reviewed in the coming weeks.

Speaker Johnson Exposes the Ridiculous ‘No Kings’ Narrative in Under a Minute
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Speaker Johnson Exposes the Ridiculous ‘No Kings’ Narrative in Under a Minute

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House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed the nationwide “No Kings” protests held Saturday as a “stunt,” arguing that the very existence of the demonstrations disproved claims that President Donald Trump governs like a monarch.

Johnson made the remarks Sunday on ABC News’s This Week during an interview with host Jonathan Karl.

The coordinated protests, organized by anti-Trump groups across multiple cities, drew participants including attorney George Conway, who was seen wearing a shirt identifying himself as a member of Antifa.

Demonstrators held signs and chanted slogans criticizing President Trump and his administration, framing the rallies as a stand against authoritarianism.

Karl questioned Johnson about his previous characterization of the protests as “hate America” rallies, a description the speaker used during an October 10 interview on Fox and Friends.

At that time, Johnson predicted the demonstrations would include “the pro-Hamas wing and the, you know, the Antifa people.”

“Start with the ‘No Kings’ rallies. You called these ‘Hate America’ rallies. What do you mean?” Karl asked.

“That collection of folks that I listed were part of it,” Johnson said.

“We congratulate them on a violent-free, free speech exercise. The irony of the message is clear for everyone. If President Trump was a king, the government would be open right now. If President Trump was a king, they would not have been able to engage in that free speech exercise on the Mall which was open because President Trump hasn’t closed it. In the last shutdown, 2013, President Obama closed the National Mall, the national parks, didn’t allow people to engage in all this. They needed a stunt. They needed a show.”

The speaker’s comments came amid the ongoing partial government shutdown that began at 12:01 a.m. on October 1, after the Senate failed to pass a continuing resolution to fund federal agencies.

The measure fell short of the 60 votes required to overcome a Democratic filibuster.

The House had approved a short-term funding bill on September 19.

President Trump and congressional Republicans have accused Democratic lawmakers of using the shutdown to delay or obstruct government operations rather than negotiate a long-term funding agreement.

The protests also occurred less than a month after President Trump announced that Antifa had been formally designated a domestic terrorist organization.

The announcement, made on September 17 via Truth Social, followed the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk during a campus event at Utah Valley University earlier that month.

Antifa-linked violence has been documented in several U.S. cities over recent years.

In Portland, Oregon, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility has repeatedly been targeted by rioters opposing the agency’s enforcement operations against illegal immigrants.

Federal officials said Antifa members assaulted conservative journalists and attempted to use high-powered lasers to disable federal aircraft during previous riots.

The organization was also involved in widespread unrest following the death of George Floyd in May 2020 and participated in the violent demonstrations that took place in Portland in January 2021.

In June 2019, journalist Andy Ngo was beaten by Antifa members while covering protests in the same city.

During his ABC interview, Johnson contrasted the current environment under President Trump with actions taken by former President Barack Obama during a previous government shutdown.

Johnson noted that public spaces, including the National Mall, remained open this time, allowing demonstrators to exercise their First Amendment rights.

Child Thanks President Trump for Sending National Guard to Restore Safety: ‘I Couldn’t Play’
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Child Thanks President Trump for Sending National Guard to Restore Safety: ‘I Couldn’t Play’

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A Memphis child publicly thanked President Donald Trump for deploying the National Guard to his city, saying the troops’ presence has made his neighborhood peaceful and safe enough for him to play outside again, as reported by The Western Journal.

The child, identified as Braylon, appeared in a TikTok video uploaded by his mother on Thursday. In the video, he described how life in Memphis has changed since National Guard troops arrived earlier this month to address the city’s escalating crime problem.

Members of the National Guard patrol the area surrounding the outskirts of the Capitol Building on January 19, 2021, in Washington D.C.

“My name is Braylon and I live here in Memphis. I’ve been noticing not just a slight change, more of a detrimental change of how peaceful Memphis is ever since the National Guard came,” he said.

“There were a lot of things that I couldn’t do before the National Guard came because I had to worry about guns and stuff. I couldn’t play because I was worried that somebody might pull out a gun or something. But now I can do that. And I just wanted to thank the President of the United States for bringing the National Guard here.”

National Guard troops were deployed to Memphis on Oct. 10 as part of a federal initiative to curb violent crime. The Memphis Safe Task Force reported that as of Thursday, the combined effort has resulted in 978 arrests and the seizure of 197 illegal firearms.

According to FBI data cited by Stateline, Memphis recorded the highest violent crime rate among all major U.S. cities in 2024, with 2,501 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Despite these statistics, Democratic Memphis Mayor Paul Young told CNN he was “certainly not happy” about the National Guard deployment.

The deployment to Memphis followed similar federal efforts in Washington, D.C., where National Guard troops were sent in August. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed Tuesday that the D.C. operation has led to more than 4,000 arrests and over 400 firearm seizures.

Feb 21 2025 Washington DC Pam Bondi walked out to do a interview with Fox .she did not talk to the press on the way there .

Although some media outlets claimed crime was down by 34 percent in the capital, FBI data showed the real decline was closer to 10 percent, as local reports had excluded aggravated and felony assaults.

Polling in Washington indicated that a majority of residents supported President Trump’s anti-crime crackdown and viewed the Guard’s presence as “justified and necessary.”

The National Guard has also been deployed to Chicago amid a significant rise in homicides over the past decade.

Democratic Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have voiced opposition to the federal presence and have publicly urged President Trump not to send additional troops.

For Memphis residents like Braylon, however, the increased security has been a relief. His message of gratitude highlighted how federal efforts have impacted daily life in cities plagued by violence, especially for families who say they can now live — and play — without fear.

Joe Rogan Torches ‘No Kings’ Protesters as ‘FBI Agents and Losers’
Entertainment

Joe Rogan Torches ‘No Kings’ Protesters as ‘FBI Agents and Losers’

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Podcast host Joe Rogan criticized the recent “No Kings” protests in Washington, D.C., describing the demonstrators as “losers” and suggesting many were backed by Democrats or connected to federal agencies. Rogan made the remarks during Wednesday’s episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, joined by comedian and actor Bryan Callen.

The “No Kings” protests were organized as a large-scale anti-Trump demonstration in the nation’s capital earlier in the week. The event drew progressive groups and activists who rallied against President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies.

Rogan opened the segment by mocking what he described as coordinated, inauthentic activism funded by political groups.

“All those people that are protesting on the streets, 99% of them are losers,” Rogan said.

“The other ones work for the Fed.”

Callen, who often appears on Rogan’s podcast, laughed at the remark and said, “I have a whole joke about that.”

Rogan continued, “FBI agents and losers. It’s all it is. The whole f**king, every protest, is FBI agents and losers.”

Callen agreed, adding his own take on the subject. “I talk about this all the time. I’m like, for me, you want me to join a protest, you want me to get out on the street? First of all, to make a sign? Get the f**k out of here, and then I’m supposed to make the sign?”

Rogan replied, “You don’t have to make the sign. There’s a guy with a van who’s paid by George Soros, and he’s got staff.”

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

Callen asked, “He’s handing them out?”

Rogan answered, “Signs that were made at Kinko’s. Okay, they’re not homemade at all. And you just f**king just pass those bad boys out.”

The two went on to joke about the nature of modern political protests, saying many appear to be more performative than genuine.

Callen quipped, “I’m never leading a revolution. My problem is my sign would say, ‘Ugh,’ or ‘it’s complicated.’”

Rogan’s comments quickly circulated on social media, generating strong reactions from listeners and critics alike. Supporters of the host praised his remarks as a candid assessment of political theater, while detractors accused him of dismissing legitimate activism.

The “No Kings” protests that Rogan referred to were held across multiple locations in Washington, D.C., and featured signs and chants opposing President Trump. Among those who attended were progressive lawmakers and activists, including California Senator Adam Schiff, who was questioned by reporters at the event but declined to answer questions about Democrats’ midterm election prospects.

Rogan, who hosts one of the most-listened-to podcasts in the United States, has frequently commented on political and cultural issues. His interviews often attract significant media attention due to his wide-ranging discussions with guests from across the political spectrum.

Bryan Callen, known for his work in comedy and television, echoed Rogan’s sentiment that many public demonstrations appear preplanned and heavily organized. Both men used the exchange to question the authenticity of large-scale political protests.

While Rogan did not single out any specific organizations by name beyond mentioning financier George Soros, his remarks referenced a recurring theme in his commentary — skepticism toward establishment-backed activism and the role of government agencies in public political movements.


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