Author name: Peter Zambelli

Jack Ciattarelli Gets Green Light to Sue Mikie Sherrill Over Opioid Crisis Remarks
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Jack Ciattarelli Gets Green Light to Sue Mikie Sherrill Over Opioid Crisis Remarks

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New Jersey Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli confirmed Tuesday that his campaign has received regulatory approval to move forward with a defamation lawsuit against Democratic opponent Rep. Mikie Sherrill over her claim that he profited from the opioid crisis and contributed to the deaths of “tens of thousands of New Jerseyans,” as reported by Fox News.

“It’s a baseless, reckless lie,” Ciattarelli said on America’s Newsroom.

“I just got approval yesterday from the regulators that we can go ahead with our lawsuit immediately, which is what I plan to do. … We’re not going to tolerate that kind of lie. The whole campaign has been based on a stack of lies.”

The lawsuit stems from remarks Sherrill made during a debate earlier this month, where she accused Ciattarelli of earning millions “working with some of the worst offenders” in the pharmaceutical industry and “putting out propaganda” that minimized the dangers of opioids.

“[He was] putting out propaganda, publishing their propaganda while tens of thousands of New Jerseyans died,” Sherrill said during the debate.

“And as if that wasn’t enough, then he was paid to develop an app so that people who are addicted could more easily get access to opioids. And so as he made millions, as these opioid companies made billions, tens of thousands of New Jerseyans died.”

Ciattarelli denied the accusations, calling them false and politically motivated. He also criticized Sherrill for ignoring the current fentanyl crisis tied to illegal immigration under the Biden administration.

His campaign strategist, Chris Russell, released a statement shortly after the debate announcing Ciattarelli’s intent to file suit.

Sherrill’s campaign defended the congresswoman’s remarks. “Jack’s reaction is to hide behind a lawsuit, not to take responsibility,” said campaign communications director Sean Higgins.

“What’s reckless and irresponsible is Jack Ciattarelli making millions of dollars profiting off the pain of New Jerseyans — publishing misinformation about the dangers of opioid addiction and developing an app to coach patients to ask doctors for more drugs.”

Sherrill repeated her claims at a press conference on the opioid epidemic, saying:

“So you heard it, Jack made millions. The opioid companies made billions, and thousands of New Jerseyans were dying.”

When pressed by reporters about whether she believed Ciattarelli was personally responsible for those deaths, Sherrill said, “I think we’ve laid out the case that Jack is complicit with these opioid companies, in league with these opioid companies.”

When asked again, she added, “I think he is right there with the people that again paid billions of dollars, so I think that the line is pretty clear.”

The defamation case will proceed just one week before New Jersey voters head to the polls in a tight gubernatorial race. Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman, said he remains confident about his chances despite the controversy.

“A win is a win, and I believe we’re going to come out victorious,” he said.

Trump Faces Direct Question on 2028 Run — His Reply Catches Everyone Off Guard
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Trump Faces Direct Question on 2028 Run — His Reply Catches Everyone Off Guard

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President Donald Trump dismissed speculation that he would consider serving as a vice presidential candidate in 2028, telling reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday that the Republican Party already has “great” potential leaders positioned for the future, as reported by Fox News.

Speaking to reporters during a flight on his five-day diplomatic tour of Asia, President Trump cited Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as two of the party’s strongest successors, describing them as capable of leading a unified Republican ticket.

Mar 22, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; President Donald Trump during the Division I Men’s Wrestling Championship held at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

“We have great people. I don’t have to get into that, but we have one of them standing right here. We have JD, obviously. The Vice President is great. Marco is great, I think. I’m not sure if anybody would run against those. I think if they ever formed a group, it would be unstoppable,” Trump said.

When asked if he would entertain the idea of running as vice president in 2028, Trump acknowledged that it would be legally permissible but dismissed the notion as unnecessary.

“You’d be allowed to do that, but I wouldn’t do that. I think it’s too cute,” Trump said. “Is it the White House, or the White House counsel’s, or your legal position, I guess, that you could do that?” a reporter asked.

Trump replied:

“You’d be allowed to do that, but I wouldn’t do that. I think it’s too cute.”

The president also took the opportunity to contrast his administration’s leadership with several rising Democrats, calling some of them “low IQ” candidates.

“They have Jasmine Crockett, a low IQ person. They have AOC’s low IQ. If you give her an IQ test, have her pass, like, the exams that I decided to take when I was at Walter Reed. I took those very hard, they’re really aptitude tests, I guess, in a certain way, but they’re cognitive tests. Let AOC go against Trump. Let Jasmine go against him,” Trump said.

He added, “The first couple of questions are easy. A tiger, an elephant, a giraffe, you know. When you get up to about five or six, and then when you get up to 10 and 20 and 25, they couldn’t come close to answering any of those questions.”

President Trump made the comments as he continued his international travel schedule, landing in Japan early Tuesday morning. He is expected to meet with newly-elected Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo. Takaichi is Japan’s first female prime minister.

Trump also confirmed he would be open to meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his visit to South Korea later this week, continuing diplomatic engagement that began during his first term.

The president’s trip includes meetings with multiple Asian heads of state as part of broader discussions on trade, security, and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Former NYPD Officers Save Woman Carrying Baby into East River
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Former NYPD Officers Save Woman Carrying Baby into East River

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Two retired New York City police officers are being credited with saving a woman and her 5-month-old baby from the East River on Sunday after the woman reportedly walked into the water while holding the child, as reported by The New York Post.

The incident occurred shortly before noon near Hermon Macneil Park in College Point, Queens, where the former officers were volunteering at a Halloween parade.

“We heard a lot of screaming, and somebody yelled, ‘You guys gotta get over there!’” said retired NYPD officer Kevin O’Donnell, who previously led the Community Affairs Office at the 109th Precinct.

“She was walking straight out into the water.”

O’Donnell and his friend Paul Pinsdorf, a 20-year veteran of the NYPD, immediately ran toward the scene. O’Donnell called 911 as they spotted the woman wading chest-deep into the river with the infant.

“I go, ‘Kevin, take my stuff — I gotta go in there,’” Pinsdorf recalled. He said he noticed that “the baby’s head was almost under the water” and rushed to pull both the woman and the child back to safety.

“She resisted me. I had to go all the way out there and pull her in,” Pinsdorf said.

O’Donnell described watching his colleague swim into the river to reach the woman. “He eventually came up from behind her. By then it was up to their neck in the water, both her and the baby she was holding. He grabbed them both,” O’Donnell said. “He’s a hero. He was the one that grabbed her and pulled her out.”

As Pinsdorf struggled to drag the woman to shore, O’Donnell said there was a “language barrier” and that the woman caused a “commotion” as first responders arrived.

EMS and NYPD officers reached the scene moments later and assisted in getting both the woman and the baby out of the water.

“I’m happy, I did a good thing today,” Pinsdorf said after the rescue.

According to the NYPD, the 30-year-old woman was transported to North Shore University Hospital, while the infant was taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital for evaluation.

Authorities said it is not yet clear whether the woman is the baby’s mother or what her intentions were at the time of the incident.

The quick response of the two retired officers, both volunteering for a community event, likely prevented a tragedy along the East River. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

Federal Workers’ Union Turns on Democrats, Demands End to Schumer’s Shutdown
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Federal Workers’ Union Turns on Democrats, Demands End to Schumer’s Shutdown

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The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest union representing federal workers, is calling on Democrats to support a clean Continuing Resolution (CR) and reopen the government, which has remained shut down since October 1.

The AFGE, affiliated with the AFL-CIO, represents more than 800,000 non-postal federal employees across the country, including many based in Washington, D.C.

The union’s leadership released a public statement on Monday urging both parties to set aside political maneuvering and restore government operations immediately.

“Both political parties have made their point, and still there is no clear end in sight,” AFGE President Everett Kelley said in a statement shared with NBC News.

“It’s time to pass a clean continuing resolution and end this shutdown today. No half measures, and no gamesmanship.”

Kelley’s remarks place additional pressure on Senate Democrats, who have so far refused to support a stopgap funding bill without securing a deal on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire at the end of the year.

Those subsidies help offset premium costs for individuals purchasing coverage through Obamacare exchanges, and Democrats have insisted that any short-term funding package must include provisions to extend them.

Republicans, led by President Donald Trump, have maintained that the government should reopen first and that debates over healthcare subsidies and new spending should be addressed afterward.

The Senate stalemate began when nearly all Democrats voted against a clean CR on October 1, a move that triggered the current shutdown.

Only three Senate Democrats broke ranks to support the funding measure.

Kelley emphasized that the continuing standoff is causing direct harm to workers and their families.

“It’s time for our leaders to start focusing on how to solve problems for the American people, rather than on who is going to get the blame for a shutdown that Americans dislike,” he said.

He added that lawmakers should focus on “a resolution that allows continued debate on larger issues,” including rising costs and recurring breakdowns in the federal budget process.

Democrats have continued to link their refusal to reopen the government to broader spending demands, which include funding for expanded healthcare access, environmental programs, and overseas initiatives.

Republicans have characterized those demands as unrelated to the immediate need to restore government operations.

In a post on X, Washington Examiner columnist Byron York called the AFGE’s statement a “huge development,” noting that the union is “urging Democrats to abandon their current position and join Republicans in supporting a stopgap solution.”

Speaking to NBC News, Kelley highlighted the toll the shutdown has taken on federal employees, many of whom are missing paychecks and seeking food assistance.

“When the folks who serve this country are standing in line for food banks after missing a second paycheck because of this shutdown, they aren’t looking for partisan spin,” he said.

“They’re looking for the wages they earned. The fact that they’re being cheated out of it is a national disgrace.”

The union’s statement came days after Senate Democrats blocked a measure by Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) that would have temporarily paid certain categories of federal employees during the shutdown.

Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) said Democrats opposed the proposal because they wanted all workers treated equally. “Our belief is that no federal employee, no one should bear the burden or be punished for a shutdown they have nothing to do with,” he said.

“So our view is that we want to make sure everybody gets paid at the end of the day.”

House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA) acknowledged that the shutdown would harm working families but described it as a necessary form of leverage.

“Of course, there will be families that are going to suffer,” Clark said in an interview.

“We take that responsibility very seriously, but it is one of the few leverage times we have.”

The AFGE’s call for a clean CR could provide Democrats with political justification to change course and vote to reopen the government.

As of Monday, however, there was no indication from Senate Democrats that a vote on the funding measure had been scheduled.

The Senate is expected to reconvene this week, but according to the chamber’s official calendar, the continuing resolution is not currently listed on the agenda.

Mark Cuban Endorses TrumpRx Program, Citing Transparency and Savings for Patients
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Mark Cuban Endorses TrumpRx Program, Citing Transparency and Savings for Patients

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Entrepreneur and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban voiced his support for the TrumpRx program and its Cost Plus Drugs model, describing the initiative as a major step toward price transparency and affordability in the U.S. pharmaceutical industry, as reported by The Gateway Hispanic.

Cuban called the program “amazing” and said it has the potential to deliver meaningful savings for seniors and patients nationwide.

WASHINGTON – February 22, 2025: President Donald Trump arrives at the White House South Lawn on Marine One after his visit to CPAC.

Cuban, who founded CostPlusDrugs.com to simplify access to affordable medications, praised the TrumpRx program for its use of transparency as a tool to rebuild trust between patients and the healthcare system.

The initiative allows consumers to see exactly how drug prices are calculated and how much profit is being made on each sale.

Through the TrumpRx API and the CostPlusDrugs.com platform, patients can view daily updates on drug prices that include full cost breakdowns and a flat 15% profit margin.

The approach removes layers of middlemen, including Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), who have long been blamed for inflating prescription costs.

“Trust is what we truly sell in this industry, and that has allowed us to grow so quickly,” Cuban said. He noted that by connecting manufacturers directly to patients, the TrumpRx model and the Most Favored Nation (MFN) program are making brand-name drugs more affordable and accessible.

Cuban acknowledged that while the program does not fix every issue in the healthcare system, it represents a significant improvement in price clarity and patient savings.

Seniors—who are most affected by prescription costs—stand to benefit the most from these changes.

The entrepreneur also highlighted that the TrumpRx program’s structure reflects the broader goals of President Donald Trump’s administration: providing practical, market-based solutions that put patients first and reduce the influence of corporate intermediaries.

The program’s emphasis on consumer choice and transparency aligns with conservative efforts to create more accountability in healthcare spending.

Apr 28, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Mark Cuban after the game against the LA Clippers during game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

“The combination of transparency, savings, and direct access to medications gives patients more control and confidence,” Cuban said. He emphasized that rebuilding public trust in healthcare depends on honest pricing and eliminating unnecessary costs.

Support from prominent business leaders like Cuban has brought renewed attention to TrumpRx’s promise of efficiency and cost reduction.

The initiative’s advocates argue that it showcases a model of free-market healthcare reform that delivers real benefits to citizens without additional government expansion.

As Cuban continues to champion affordable drug pricing, the TrumpRx program remains a focal point in the broader debate over how to lower healthcare costs while empowering patients through information and competition.

Kamala Hints at Presidential Run in 2028, Fox News Hosts Lose It
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Kamala Hints at Presidential Run in 2028, Fox News Hosts Lose It

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Kamala Harris told the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) that she may run for president again in 2028, signaling a potential return to national politics despite her loss in the 2024 election.

“I am not done. I have lived my entire career as a life of service, and it’s in my bones,” Harris said in an interview with “Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg,” scheduled to air this weekend.

Harris, who served one term as vice president, dismissed polling that places her behind California Governor Gavin Newsom in early surveys of potential Democratic contenders for 2028.

“If I listened to polls, I would have not run for my first office, or my second office — and I certainly wouldn’t be sitting here,” she told the network.

Recent polling shows Harris trailing Newsom among Democrats and independents. A Politico-Citrin Center-Possibility Lab survey conducted between July 31 and August 11 found Newsom leading with 25 percent support, while Harris received 19 percent.

Additional analysis released Friday by pollster Lakshya Jain indicated that Harris holds one of the highest unfavorability ratings among major Democratic figures, with 54 percent of respondents saying they view her somewhat or very unfavorably.

In her interview, Harris repeated familiar themes from her 2024 campaign, including criticism of President Donald Trump, whom she described as authoritarian.

She also accused him of targeting media figures and political opponents, offering specific claims regarding ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension earlier this year.

“You look at what has happened in terms of how he has weaponized, for example, federal agencies going around after political satirists,” Harris said.

“His skin is so thin he couldn’t endure criticism from a joke, and attempted to shut down an entire media organization in the process.”

Harris claimed that President Trump followed through on earlier promises to use federal law enforcement for political purposes.

“He said he would weaponize the Department of Justice,” she said.

“And he has done exactly that.”

ABC suspended Kimmel in September after the network found he misrepresented details surrounding conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death.

Harris suggested that President Trump was directly involved in the host’s removal, though no evidence has surfaced to support that claim.

Harris also criticized corporate and political leaders for continuing to align themselves with the administration.

“There are many… that have capitulated since day one, who are bending the knee at the foot of a tyrant, I believe for many reasons, including they want to be next to power, because they want to perhaps have a merger approved or avoid an investigation,” she told the BBC.

The remarks mark Harris’s most direct reemergence on the international stage since leaving office.

Her public appearances have increased in recent weeks, including a speech in California commemorating what she described as “democracy’s ongoing struggle against authoritarianism.”

When asked for a response to Harris’s interview, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson rejected her claims.

“When Kamala Harris lost the election in a landslide, she should’ve taken the hint — the American people don’t care about her absurd lies,” Jackson told the BBC.

“Or maybe she did take the hint and that’s why she’s continuing to air her grievances to foreign publications.”

Harris has not made an official announcement regarding a 2028 campaign, but her comments suggest she is keeping the possibility open.

Fox News hosts react:

Several Democratic strategists have indicated that both Harris and Newsom are likely to test support among donors and early state party leaders over the next year as the party begins looking toward its next presidential cycle.

NBC Host Gets Schooled: Scott Bessent Calls Out Media’s Inflation Spin
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NBC Host Gets Schooled: Scott Bessent Calls Out Media’s Inflation Spin

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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pushed back against NBC’s “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker on Sunday, accusing her of cherry-picking economic data to paint a distorted picture of inflation under President Donald Trump’s administration.

During the interview, Welker cited increases in the prices of coffee, beef, and bacon to challenge the administration’s handling of consumer costs.

Bessent responded by pointing out that key prices have fallen in recent months and that the affordability crisis began under the Biden-Harris administration.

“Mr. Secretary, coffee prices are up 19% from a year ago, beef is up almost 15%, and bacon is up almost 6%, just to name a few. So when are all grocery prices going to come down, as President Trump promised?” Welker asked.

“As much as I like you, you like to cherry-pick,” Bessent replied.

“You know, when we came in, it was ‘eggflation, eggflation, eggflation.’ Egg prices are down, gasoline prices are down, and overall inflation since President Trump has come in has come down. We inherited this terrible affordability crisis from the Biden administration.”

Bessent emphasized that tackling inflation and restoring consumer purchasing power were among the Trump administration’s top economic priorities.

“The first thing we had to do was get it under control, and this month’s inflation number was actually below the consensus number,” Bessent said.

“If we look at core inflation, it was 0.2%, which is the lowest it has been in a long time. Rents are coming down, so you know it, Kristen. You don’t get to cherry-pick. Inflation is a composite number, and I am confident that in the coming months, inflation is going to continue to ease.”

The Treasury Secretary’s comments come as federal data show that overall inflation has stabilized after years of volatility.

Inflation reached a 40-year high of 9.1% in July 2022 under Joe Biden, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The rapid rise in prices during that period strained household budgets nationwide, driving up the costs of groceries, fuel, and housing.

In contrast, the most recent BLS report showed that inflation stood at 3.0% for the 12 months ending in September 2025.

The same report noted that producer prices — a key indicator of future consumer costs — declined by 0.1% in August, bringing the annual wholesale inflation rate down to 2.6% from 3.3% the previous month.

Bessent highlighted these trends as evidence that the Trump administration’s policies, including targeted spending restraint and domestic energy expansion, have begun to reverse the damage caused by the previous administration’s economic approach.

Part of the discussion centered on food costs, particularly eggs, which became a symbol of inflationary strain during Biden’s term.

Between November 2023 and March 2025, egg prices more than doubled after an outbreak of avian influenza led to the culling of millions of chickens nationwide, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

Prices have since fallen substantially, aided by supply recovery and easing feed costs.

Bessent also cited progress in the labor market, noting that revisions to government employment data revealed previous overestimations.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 911,000 fewer jobs were created during the year ending in March 2025 than initially reported.

The revised figures show a slowdown in hiring that continued into late summer, reinforcing signs of a cooling but stabilizing economy.

While Welker pressed Bessent on whether the administration would deliver faster relief for families still feeling the effects of higher prices, he maintained that the overall economic direction was improving.

“Inflation is coming down, wages are catching up, and America’s affordability crisis is being fixed,” he said.

The exchange marked one of Bessent’s most direct rebuttals of media reporting on economic issues since taking office.

The Treasury Department has continued to argue that measured declines in inflation and steady labor participation show progress after what officials describe as the worst affordability downturn in decades.

Chuck Schumer Told a Whopper So Big Even CNN Fact Checked Him On It
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Chuck Schumer Told a Whopper So Big Even CNN Fact Checked Him On It

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Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and several Democratic lawmakers came under fire this week after circulating a misleading clip of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s remarks about a renovation project at the White House.

The edited video falsely suggested that President Donald Trump’s “main priority” was a ballroom construction project, despite clear context showing the statement referred only to ongoing renovation efforts, not national priorities.

The controversy began Thursday during a White House press briefing, when a reporter asked Leavitt, “In addition to the ballroom and the Rose Garden patio, is the president looking at any other renovations or significant kind of projects here at the White House?”

Leavitt responded, “Not to my knowledge, no. But he’s a builder at heart, clearly. And so his heart and his mind is always churning about how to improve things here on the White House grounds. But at this moment in time, of course, the ballroom is really the president’s main priority.”

Leavitt’s remarks clearly indicated that President Trump’s focus within the scope of White House renovations was on the new East Wing ballroom.

However, a shortened version of her comments, posted by multiple Democrats including Schumer, omitted the first half of her response and made it appear as though she had said the ballroom itself was the president’s main overall priority.

Schumer commented on the edited clip in a social media post, mocking the administration’s renovation project.

The post quickly spread among left-leaning accounts and Democratic members of Congress.

President Trump, however, had already departed for his multi-nation Asia tour Thursday night, where he is scheduled to meet with regional leaders and discuss trade, defense, and economic cooperation.

The misleading post drew criticism from fact-checkers and even CNN, which clarified that the viral video circulating online had been selectively edited to remove key context.

CNN reported that the original exchange showed Leavitt was responding specifically to a question about White House renovation projects and not broader presidential priorities.

“Karoline Leavitt was clearly referring to the planned new ballroom as Trump’s main priority for White House renovations,” CNN’s fact-check segment stated.

“But on social media, various Democratic members of Congress have cut out the first part of the exchange to make it sound like she was saying the ballroom was Trump’s overall main priority.”

The clarification from CNN followed a series of posts from Leavitt and other administration officials pushing back on the narrative.

The White House noted that the new ballroom project is privately funded and intended to serve as a space for state functions, press events, and formal gatherings without additional taxpayer expense.

The ballroom addition, part of a series of updates to the East Wing, has been in planning stages since early 2025.

The project is aimed at expanding the capacity of the White House complex for large official events and was approved following consultations with the National Park Service and historical preservation agencies.

Despite the correction, several Democratic lawmakers left their posts online, and Schumer has not issued a statement acknowledging the misleading nature of the clip.

Administration officials say the incident is another example of partisan misinformation surrounding the White House’s activities.

The episode also unfolded as Congress continues to face gridlock over spending negotiations and the ongoing government shutdown.

Analysts note that the mischaracterization of Leavitt’s remarks likely distracted from Democrats’ broader efforts to shape public opinion during the budget standoff.

By Friday evening, even mainstream outlets acknowledged the clip had been edited in a way that distorted the press secretary’s comments.

The acknowledgment underscored a rare moment of agreement among fact-checkers, with CNN’s coverage confirming that the viral claims circulating on social media were inaccurate.

Adam Schiff Under DOJ Investigation for Mortgage Fraud, Case Reportedly Stalled
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Adam Schiff Under DOJ Investigation for Mortgage Fraud, Case Reportedly Stalled

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Federal prosecutors in Maryland are reportedly defending Democrat Sen. Adam Schiff as a long-running mortgage fraud investigation involving the California lawmaker has stalled, according to multiple sources familiar with the case.

Schiff, who previously represented California’s 30th Congressional District before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2024, is under investigation for alleged mortgage fraud, specifically occupancy fraud, tied to a Maryland property he purchased with his wife in 2003.

Congressman Adam Schiff (R) speaks during House Judiciary Committee field hearing on New York City violent crimes at Javits Federal Building in New York City on April 17, 2023

The case stems from questions over whether Schiff falsely claimed that the property was his “primary residence” in order to secure favorable mortgage rates.

The Gateway Pundit’s Joe Hoft first reported on the allegations in April 2023. Later that summer, Fox News host Laura Ingraham reported that the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland had opened an investigation into Schiff for possible charges related to the mortgage filings.

According to property and loan documents, Schiff purchased the home in 2003 and declared under oath that he and his wife would occupy it for at least 12 consecutive months as their primary residence.

Despite that claim, Schiff continued to vote in California elections and listed a Los Angeles condominium as his primary residence.

Records show that Schiff refinanced the Maryland property multiple times between 2009 and 2013, each time asserting that it remained his principal home.

In 2009, a House Ethics investigation reviewed the matter after questions were raised about Schiff’s residency status and tax filings. Schiff said the filing was a mistake and repaid the exempt Maryland taxes.

In recent months, prosecutors in Maryland have reportedly shared information with the media, claiming there is insufficient evidence to charge Schiff. NBC News reported this week that the federal probe “came to a standstill” after months of investigation.

Four individuals familiar with the case told the outlet that prosecutors have not gathered enough evidence to move forward with charges.

The case was originally referred to the Department of Justice by Housing Director Bill Pulte, who accused Schiff of falsifying bank documents and property records over a 16-year period.

Pulte alleged that Schiff’s repeated filings allowed him to secure lower mortgage rates reserved for primary residences.

President Donald Trump publicly criticized Schiff in June, calling for prosecution and sharing a signed affidavit from Schiff’s mortgage file.

“Adam Schiff is a THIEF! He should be prosecuted, just like they tried to prosecute me, and everyone else — The only difference is, WE WERE TOTALLY INNOCENT, IT WAS ALL A GIANT HOAX!”

President Trump posted on Truth Social, attaching a copy of Schiff’s notarized declaration identifying the Maryland house as his “principal residence.”

NBC’s report described a recent internal meeting between U.S. Attorney Kelly Hayes, who is overseeing the investigation, and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

Hayes reportedly told Blanche that the evidence collected so far was not strong enough to bring charges, though the Justice Department had not reached a final decision.

“No final decision has been made,” one source told NBC News. Another federal law enforcement official said the investigation “came to a standstill,” but could be reopened if new information is uncovered.

NBC’s Ken Dilanian also reported that Ed Martin, a senior Justice Department official, has pressed to keep the case open, despite Hayes’ skepticism about the evidence. However, Blanche later denied reports that the meeting took place, describing the claim as inaccurate.

The Justice Department has not issued an official statement on the status of the investigation, and Schiff’s office has declined to comment on ongoing legal matters. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland has likewise not confirmed whether the inquiry will continue or be formally closed.

The case remains under internal review. According to officials familiar with the process, prosecutors have been directed to gather additional documentation related to Schiff’s refinancing history and property records before making a final determination.

Illegal Alien Trucker Involved in Fatal Florida Crash Failed CDL Test 10 Times Before Receiving License
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Illegal Alien Trucker Involved in Fatal Florida Crash Failed CDL Test 10 Times Before Receiving License

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An illegal alien truck driver charged in a fatal crash that killed three people in Florida failed his commercial driver’s license (CDL) test 10 times in Washington state before eventually receiving one, according to state and federal investigators.

Between March and May 2023, Harjinder Singh, an illegal alien from India, attempted to obtain his CDL license in Washington on 10 separate occasions and failed each time, records show.

Despite his repeated failures, Singh later received a CDL from Washington, and subsequently, the state of California also issued him a commercial driver’s license. Singh was driving a truck in Florida in August 2024 when he made an illegal U-turn, resulting in a crash that killed three people.

Fox News national correspondent Bill Melugin reported that Singh’s licensing process raised serious concerns about how Washington and California issue commercial driving permits.

“Additionally, I’m told Singh also failed his air brakes knowledge test twice, and that the Washington company that provided Singh’s behind-the-wheel CDL training attested he could speak English proficiently, when he couldn’t,” Melugin wrote.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is leading the state’s criminal and civil response to the case. Singh has pleaded not guilty to three counts of vehicular homicide and to federal immigration violations.

Uthmeier’s office is also pursuing a broader legal challenge against Washington and California, filing a lawsuit directly with the U.S. Supreme Court last week.

According to the attorney general’s office, the suit accuses both states of violating federal safety and immigration status requirements when issuing commercial driver’s licenses.

The filing seeks an injunction that would prevent Washington and California from granting CDLs to individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States.

“The FL AG’s office also sued California and Washington via SCOTUS last week, asking SCOTUS to prevent both states from issuing CDLs to illegal immigrants, and accusing both states of not complying with federal safety and immigration status requirements when issuing CDLs,” Melugin reported.

Investigators say the August crash in Florida could have been avoided if the licensing process had been properly followed. Singh, who was driving a tractor-trailer at the time, reportedly made a prohibited U-turn on a divided highway, causing a collision that left three people dead at the scene.

Federal authorities confirmed that Singh had entered the country illegally and was not authorized to work or operate a commercial vehicle in the United States.

The controversy over state-level licensing practices has intensified in recent months, particularly in California, which continues to issue driver’s licenses to illegal aliens under a state law enacted in 2015.

Critics argue that the policy undermines federal safety standards and has contributed to a series of deadly crashes involving unqualified drivers.

In a separate incident earlier this month, another illegal alien from India, identified as Jashanpreet Singh, was charged in California after allegedly causing a fiery collision that killed three people.

Authorities say Jashanpreet Singh was driving under the influence in a semi-truck when the crash occurred. Investigators later discovered that he, too, held a commercial license issued by the state.

Florida officials say both crashes underscore a growing concern over states that permit noncitizens to obtain commercial licenses without verifying immigration status or ensuring adequate training and English proficiency.

Federal law requires all CDL holders to demonstrate English language competency sufficient to read road signs, communicate with law enforcement, and understand safety instructions.

Attorney General Uthmeier’s office said its investigation into both the Florida crash and the licensing practices of Washington and California remains ongoing. Federal prosecutors are expected to pursue additional charges related to immigration and certification fraud.


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