Author name: Peter Zambelli

California Woman Busted for Registering Her Dog to Vote Twice
Election

California Woman Busted for Registering Her Dog to Vote Twice

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An Orange County woman has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies after prosecutors say she illegally registered her dog to vote and cast ballots in two separate California elections.

Laura Lee Yourex, 62, of Costa Mesa, allegedly registered her dog, Maya Jean Yourex, as a voter and submitted mail-in ballots in the dog’s name during the 2021 recall election of then-Governor Gavin Newsom and the 2022 primary election.

According to Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, the fraudulent ballot cast in 2021 was successfully counted in the recall election, while the 2022 primary ballot submitted under the dog’s name was flagged and rejected.

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office announced that Yourex has been charged with one felony count of perjury, one felony count of procuring or offering a false or forged document to be filed, two felony counts of casting a ballot when not entitled to vote, and one felony count of registering a non-existent person to vote.

If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of six years in state prison.

District Attorney Spitzer said in a statement:

“A Costa Mesa woman has been charged with five felonies for illegally registering her dog to vote and casting ballots in her dog’s name in the 2021 California gubernatorial recall election and the 2022 primary election. The dog’s vote was successfully counted in the 2021 gubernatorial recall election but was rejected in the 2022 primary. Laura Lee Yourex, 62, of Costa Mesa, has been charged with one felony count of perjury, one felony count of procuring or offering a false or forged document to be filed, two felony counts of casting a ballot when not entitled to vote, and one felony count of registering a non-existent person to vote. Yourex is scheduled to be arraigned at the Stephen K. Tamura West Justice Center in Westminster on September 9, 2025, in Department W12. She faces a maximum sentence of six years in state prison if convicted on all counts.”

Prosecutors said the Orange County District Attorney’s Office was alerted to the case on October 28, 2024, by the Orange County Registrar of Voters.

Officials reported that Yourex had admitted to registering her dog to vote and casting ballots addressed to the animal.

California election law requires individuals registering to vote to submit an Affidavit of Registration containing their name, residence, mailing address, date of birth, political party preference, and certification of U.S. citizenship, all signed under penalty of perjury.

Proof of residence or identification is not required to register or vote in state elections, though it is required for first-time voters in federal elections.

As a result, the fraudulent 2022 primary ballot cast in Maya Jean’s name was rejected.

By contrast, the 2021 recall ballot was accepted and counted.

That election concluded with 61.9 percent of voters choosing to keep Newsom in office.

An investigation conducted by the Orange County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation found evidence that Yourex not only registered her dog but also cast ballots mailed to the fraudulent registration.

Investigators also reviewed social media posts in which Yourex appeared to acknowledge the scheme.

In January 2022, she posted a photo of her dog wearing an “I voted” sticker and posing with a ballot.

Another post from October 2024 displayed a photograph of Maya’s dog tag alongside a vote-by-mail ballot, captioned, “maya is still getting her ballot,” despite the fact the dog had already died.

Yourex is scheduled to be arraigned on September 9, 2025, at the Stephen K. Tamura West Justice Center in Westminster.

The case has drawn broader attention amid ongoing scrutiny of California’s election procedures.

Harmeet Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, has recently taken legal action against Orange County Registrar of Voters Robert Page for declining to provide voter registration records related to non-citizens allegedly being allowed to vote in federal elections.

Following news of Yourex’s charges, Dhillon commented on the case.

“And yet…Orange County refused to provide @CivilRights with voter registration records they are required to produce on demand. We had to sue! What next, someone’s pet llama or support peacock on the rolls?! We will find the whole darn menagerie by the time we are done!” Dhillon said.

The case will proceed in Orange County court as officials continue reviewing voter registration practices across the state.

Bondi Terminates DOJ Paralegal for Repeated Abusive Conduct Toward Guard
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Bondi Terminates DOJ Paralegal for Repeated Abusive Conduct Toward Guard

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Attorney General Pam Bondi has dismissed another Department of Justice employee for misconduct involving disrespect toward National Guard members in Washington, D.C., as reported by The New York Post.

Elizabeth Baxter, a paralegal in the DOJ’s Environmental and Natural Resources Division, was fired Friday following an internal investigation.

The incident occurred after Baxter allegedly flipped off a National Guard member while on her way to work and later repeated similar actions inside DOJ facilities.

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

According to Bondi, Baxter told a DOJ security guard on the morning of August 18 that she had just made the obscene gesture toward a guardsman at the Metro Center Metro stop and said, “F**k the National Guard.”

Later that day, DOJ surveillance cameras recorded Baxter making the same gesture again toward a National Guard member, reportedly saying, “F**k you!”

On August 25, Baxter allegedly repeated the behavior, once more telling a security guard at the DOJ’s 4CON building in the NoMa district that she hated the National Guard and telling them to “F**k off.”

Bondi confirmed the termination in a statement. “Today, I took action to terminate a DOJ employee for inappropriate conduct towards National Guard service members in DC,” Bondi said.

“This DOJ remains committed to defending President Trump’s agenda and fighting to make America safe again. If you oppose our mission and disrespect law enforcement — you will NO LONGER work at DOJ.”

Baxter’s firing comes just weeks after another DOJ employee, paralegal Sean Charles Dunn, was dismissed and later charged following a separate incident.

Dunn, who worked in the criminal division’s international affairs section, was accused of shouting obscenities at federal officers and throwing a salami sandwich at a Border Protection officer on August 10 in D.C.’s U Street neighborhood.

According to charging documents, Dunn yelled, “F**k you! You f**king fascists! Why are you here? I don’t want you in my city!” before allegedly hurling the sandwich.

He was initially arrested for felony assault, but after a grand jury declined to indict, prosecutors charged him with misdemeanor assault, which carries a penalty of up to one year in jail.

Bondi addressed the matter after Dunn’s termination, stating, “This is an example of the Deep State we have been up against for seven months as we work to refocus DOJ. You will NOT work in this administration while disrespecting our government and law enforcement.”

Baxter’s termination letter, issued Friday evening, removed her from her position as Paralegal Specialist, GS-0950-11, effective immediately. DOJ officials emphasized that the decision followed multiple witness statements, video evidence, and a full review of her conduct.

JD Vance Completely Obliterates Jen Psaki for Her Terrible Response After School Shooting
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JD Vance Completely Obliterates Jen Psaki for Her Terrible Response After School Shooting

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Vice President JD Vance on Thursday criticized MSNBC host Jen Psaki and other Democrats for denouncing calls for prayer after the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and Church in Minneapolis, as reported by The Daily Mail.

In a statement posted online, Vance defended the role of prayer after Psaki’s remarks that it was inadequate as a response to the tragedy.

“We pray because our hearts are broken. We pray because we know God listens. We pray because we know that God works in mysterious ways, and can inspire us to further action,” Vance wrote.

Psaki sparked controversy on Wednesday with her comments on social media following the shooting, writing:

“Prayer is not freaking enough. Prayers does not end school shootings. Prayers do not make parents feel safe sending their kids to school. Prayer does not bring these kids back. Enough with the thoughts and prayers.”

Vance responded directly, asking, “Why do you feel the need to attack other people for praying when kids were just killed praying?” He added that of all the political fights in recent years, targeting prayer was one of the most unusual.

“Of all the weird left wing culture wars in the last few years, this is by far the most bizarre. What are you even talking about?”

Other Democrats echoed Psaki’s comments, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who said during a press conference, “Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now: these kids were literally praying.”

The remarks drew criticism from conservatives who said Democrats were dismissing the role of faith during a national tragedy.

Vance said he was alarmed at how quickly the left reacted with criticism of prayer. “It is shocking to me that so many left wing politicians attack the idea of prayer in response to a tragedy,” he wrote.

“Literally no one thinks prayer is a substitute for action. We pray because our hearts are broken and we believe that God is listening.”

Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed on Wednesday morning when 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire during a back-to-school Mass at the Minneapolis church. Seventeen others were injured, including 14 students and three parishioners.

Vance’s first public response came shortly after the shooting when he called for Americans to join in prayer for the victims. “Join all of us in praying for the victims!” he wrote.

President Donald Trump also issued a statement urging prayer. “The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!” he wrote.

The attack remains under investigation as Minneapolis authorities continue to review evidence connected to the shooter.

American Tests Positive for the Bubonic Plague in California
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American Tests Positive for the Bubonic Plague in California

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Health officials in California have confirmed that a resident of South Lake Tahoe has tested positive for plague, marking a rare but serious case of the illness in the state.

Authorities believe the individual contracted the disease from a flea bite while on a camping trip.

El Dorado County’s acting director of public health, Kyle Fliflet, released a statement addressing the case.

“Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher elevation areas of El Dorado County,” Fliflet said.

“It’s important that individuals take precautions for themselves and their pets when outdoors, especially while walking, hiking and or camping in areas where wild rodents are present,” he added.

The plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and is typically carried by rodent species.

According to historical records, it was introduced to the United States in the early 20th century by immigrants traveling on rat-infested ships.

There are three primary forms of the disease:

  • Bubonic plague, which affects the lymph nodes.
  • Septicemic plague, which enters the bloodstream.
  • Pneumonic plague, which impacts the lungs.

Symptoms of plague are often similar to those of the common cold and can take up to two weeks to appear after exposure.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the United States sees an average of seven cases annually.

Most are recorded in the western states, including New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado.

Transmission to humans generally occurs through flea bites, direct contact with an infected rodent, or improper handling of an animal carrying the disease.

Although plague is historically associated with catastrophic outbreaks such as the Black Death in the 14th century, modern medicine has significantly reduced its threat.

Infections today are commonly treatable with antibiotics, and the prognosis is generally favorable with timely medical intervention.

The last epidemic of plague in the United States occurred in Los Angeles between 1924 and 1925.

Since 2000, a total of 15 people nationwide have died from the illness, according to federal health data.

Earlier this summer, health officials in Arizona confirmed a plague-related death, the first fatality recorded in the United States in 2024.

That case was linked to a prairie dog die-off in the region.

California health officials are urging residents and visitors to remain cautious while outdoors, particularly in areas where rodents are active.

Recommended precautions include keeping pets on leashes, avoiding contact with wild animals, using insect repellent, and promptly reporting any unusual die-offs of rodents or other wildlife to local authorities.

The El Dorado County Department of Public Health has not released further details about the South Lake Tahoe patient, including their current condition.

Officials continue to monitor the area and are emphasizing preventive measures to reduce the risk of additional cases.

Liberals’ DC Crime Narrative Debunked, Crackdown Crushes Crime in Week One
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Liberals’ DC Crime Narrative Debunked, Crackdown Crushes Crime in Week One

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President Donald Trump’s law-and-order initiative in Washington, D.C., is showing results after its first week, with significant declines in several categories of violent crime.

The crackdown began earlier this month as part of a federal effort to address crime in the nation’s capital.

The initiative came after years of public concern about rising carjackings, robberies, and violent offenses.

Supporters of the effort have pointed to the immediate results from the first week.

According to the latest available data, carjackings dropped by 83 percent compared to the seven days before the operation began.

Robberies fell by nearly half during the same period, while violent crime overall declined by 22 percent.

The reported decreases come amid renewed debate over how crime statistics in the District have been tracked and presented in recent years.

Earlier this year, a D.C. police commissioner was suspended following allegations of falsifying crime numbers to show reductions that did not accurately reflect the city’s crime rate.

The suspension raised questions about the reliability of previously released data, including claims that the District’s crime levels had reached “30-year lows.”

Critics of that narrative note that even if the figures had been accurate, the city’s murder rate remained far higher than the national average.

The Trump administration’s effort has included coordination between federal agencies and local authorities, with a focus on reducing violent incidents in high-crime areas of the city.

Officials have said the goal is to not only drive down numbers in the short term but also restore public confidence that safety can be maintained in the nation’s capital.

The early results suggest the initiative is having a measurable impact, though it remains to be seen whether the declines will continue over the longer term.

Crime analysts and policymakers will be watching closely as the operation enters its second week and beyond.

While full weekly breakdowns of all crime categories are expected in the coming days, the latest numbers provided indicate that the most visible and high-profile crimes have seen immediate reductions since the start of the federal crackdown.

The initiative represents one of several law enforcement priorities the President has emphasized since taking office, with a stated focus on restoring order and protecting residents in cities where crime has become a central concern.

Further updates on the program’s progress are expected as more crime statistics are released in the coming weeks.

Donald Trump Reveals Details of Putin Call After White House Peace Summit
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Donald Trump Reveals Details of Putin Call After White House Peace Summit

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President Donald Trump appeared on Fox & Friends Tuesday morning to discuss his historic peace summit at the White House and a private call he made to Russian President Vladimir Putin following meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

Aug 2, 2012; London, United Kingdom; Russian president Vladimir Putin during the men’s 100kg final in the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCel-North Arena 2. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-Imagn Images

On Monday, Trump hosted Zelenskyy along with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The summit focused on security guarantees for Ukraine.

“During the meeting, we discussed Security Guarantees for Ukraine, which Guarantees would be provided by the various European Countries, with a coordination with the United States of America,” Trump said. “Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine.”

Following those discussions, Trump placed a private call to Putin while still at the White House. He later announced that the call was a success and that he is arranging a direct meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy as a step toward ending the war.

President Donald Trump talks to military troop via a teleconference from Mara-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 2018. [GREG LOVETT/palmbeachpost.com] Trump Thansgiving 27
Fox host Charlie Hurt asked about the conversation. Trump revealed that Putin told him there had been no communication with the White House during the Biden administration.

“They had no communication with the White House for years as people died, years with Biden and his people, no communication. Putin told me, years, it was years that he didn’t speak to anybody from the White House, and it was a long time that he didn’t speak to anybody from Europe.”

Trump described the U.S.-Russia relationship under Biden as “fractured,” stressing the need for dialogue. “In this case, two to tango. They have to have somewhat of a relationship. Otherwise, we’re just wasting a lot of time,” he said.

The president also pointed to his recent meeting with Putin in Alaska as evidence of their working relationship.

“Despite the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax, which truly was a very dangerous thing for our country, I maintained a very good relationship. You saw that when he got off his plane, I got off my plane, there’s a warmth there … and it’s a good thing, not a bad thing.”

Trump explained that he informed the European leaders he would be contacting Putin after the summit.

“By the time I called him, it was one o’clock in the morning in Russia. We had a very good call, and I told them that we’re going to set up a meeting with President Zelensky, and you and he will meet, and then after that meeting, if everything works out, I’ll meet, and we’ll wrap it up,” Trump said.

He emphasized that his focus is to end the conflict and save lives.

“If I can save 7,000 people a week from being killed, I think that’s pretty— I want to try and get to heaven, if possible.”

Trump also referenced previous negotiations he brokered between India and Pakistan and reiterated his belief that his diplomatic efforts prevented further escalation.

Bondi Strengthens Crime Crackdown After DC Officials Defy Trump Orders
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Bondi Strengthens Crime Crackdown After DC Officials Defy Trump Orders

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Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a new directive Friday evening requiring the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in Washington, D.C., to cooperate fully with federal immigration authorities, escalating the Trump administration’s federal takeover of the city.

The order compels the MPD to work “fully and completely” with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies, reversing the city’s long-standing sanctuary policies.

It follows Bondi’s earlier anti-sanctuary directive on Thursday, which had already triggered pushback from D.C. officials.

“Today’s order is even STRONGER than yesterday’s order because instead of requiring DC to rescind just one MDP order, [Bondi] has now REQUIRED full cooperation with federal immigration authorities,” Department of Justice spokesperson Chad Gilmartin said in a statement.

“We are NOT backing down. As required by law, DC’s Police Chief ‘shall provide’ services [President Donald Trump] may deem ‘necessary & appropriate.’”

Bondi’s Thursday order placed Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) administrator Terry Cole in charge of the MPD and rescinded multiple directives that had limited cooperation with ICE.

That move was immediately challenged by city leadership.

Democratic D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb sent a letter to MPD Chief Pamela Smith urging her to ignore the order.

“It is my opinion that the Bondi order is unlawful, and that you are not legally obligated to follow it,” Schwalb wrote.

“Having been duly appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council, you are the lawfully appointed Chief of Police of the District of Columbia. Therefore, members of MPD must continue to follow your orders and not the orders of any official not appointed by the Mayor.”

The updated Friday directive does not place Cole at the head of MPD, but it significantly broadens the mandate by requiring full participation by the city’s police force in immigration enforcement operations.

The Trump administration’s push comes amid a wider federal effort to address violent crime and illegal immigration in the nation’s capital.

In recent days, hundreds of National Guard troops and additional federal law enforcement officers have been deployed to Washington, D.C.

According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the operations have already produced measurable results.

On Wednesday, MPD and federal agents conducted a joint operation that led to 45 arrests, including 29 illegal aliens.

Despite these developments, D.C. leadership has continued to resist. On Friday, Schwalb filed a lawsuit challenging the federal takeover of MPD, accusing the Trump administration of violating the city’s “home rule” provisions.

Mayor Muriel Bowser has also spoken out against the moves, aligning with Schwalb in opposition to the administration’s directives.

Bondi defended the new order in her Friday night announcement and criticized Schwalb’s position.

“Unfortunately, the DC Attorney General continues to oppose our efforts to improve public safety in Washington, DC,” Bondi said in a statement.

“It is important to note that this same DC Attorney General is responsible for failing to enforce consequences for dangerous juvenile offenders.”

The legal clash over authority in the nation’s capital adds another layer to the ongoing dispute between the Trump administration and Democratic city leaders.

While Bondi has emphasized the need for federal-local cooperation in combating crime and enforcing immigration laws, D.C. officials argue that the measures undermine local autonomy.

The outcome of Schwalb’s lawsuit and the federal government’s enforcement push will shape the next phase of the Trump administration’s takeover of public safety operations in Washington, D.C.

For now, Bondi’s directive stands, and MPD officers are required to comply with federal immigration authorities as the administration continues its efforts in the city.

Guatemalan National Walks Free After Sending 12 Kids to the Hospital with THC Gummies
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Guatemalan National Walks Free After Sending 12 Kids to the Hospital with THC Gummies

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A Guatemalan foreign national accused of distributing THC-laced gummies that led to the hospitalization of 12 Long Island middle school students in March has been released without bail under New York law.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney announced that 22-year-old Wilmer Castillo Garcia has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child following the incident at William Floyd Middle School.

On the day of the hospitalizations, students reportedly consumed gummies infused with THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana.

Investigators traced the source of the gummies to an Instagram account that they linked to Castillo Garcia.

In addition to the child endangerment charge, prosecutors allege that Castillo Garcia sold both cocaine and marijuana to an undercover officer in two separate transactions.

As a result, he faces two counts of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, along with other felony and misdemeanor charges.

Castillo Garcia has entered a plea of not guilty.

Despite the seriousness of the case, Castillo Garcia was released on his own recognizance due to New York’s current bail laws.

These laws restrict when bail may be imposed, and his charges, while including four felonies and two misdemeanors, do not qualify as bail-eligible.

District Attorney Tierney criticized the law, pointing to the potential risk of allowing a foreign national facing multiple drug-related charges to be released without bail.

“This is yet another example of how New York’s bail laws are broken,” Tierney said.

“We cannot even ask for reasonable security on a foreign national who allegedly provided THC gummies that sickened middle-schoolers to ensure he faces justice.”

Castillo Garcia’s defense attorney, Matthew Tuohy, argued that his client is not a flight risk and emphasized that the charges do not involve violence.

“He hired an attorney, he was present in court at his own volition, and he showed he’s not a risk of flight,” Tuohy said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

“These are drug cases, not violent cases, so they’re not bail-eligible. At the same time, I don’t think there was an intent to harm anybody, on anybody’s part. It’s an unfortunate situation, and we’re going to do the best we can to resolve it in the best possible way.”

Tuohy also highlighted Castillo Garcia’s personal background, noting that he had endured a difficult upbringing and has only recently received support from family members.

“My client has had a very, very tough upbringing. He’s basically been on his own. He has family here now that is helping him, and I’m trying to get him on the right path to resolve this the best way we can,” Tuohy added.

The case has raised renewed debate in Suffolk County over New York’s bail reform laws, particularly in cases involving noncitizens and drug distribution affecting minors.

Tierney and other local officials have pointed to the case as evidence that current bail laws limit prosecutors’ ability to ensure accountability and public safety.

Castillo Garcia is scheduled to return to court on September 2.

If convicted on the most serious charges, he could face a maximum sentence of up to nine years in prison.

Kristi Noem Moves to ‘Secure Military Housing’ After Doxxing, Death Threats
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Kristi Noem Moves to ‘Secure Military Housing’ After Doxxing, Death Threats

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has temporarily relocated to secure military housing after facing what the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) describes as a surge in death threats and “vicious doxxing” on the dark web, as reported by Fox News.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital on Friday that the move was necessary following the publication of the location of Noem’s Washington, D.C., apartment.

“Following the media’s publishing of the location of Secretary Noem’s Washington D.C. apartment, she has faced vicious doxxing on the dark web and a surge in death threats, including from the terrorist organizations, cartels, and criminal gangs that DHS targets,” McLaughlin said.

“Due to threats and security concerns, she has been forced to temporarily stay in secure military housing. Secretary Noem continues to pay rent for her Navy Yard residence.”

McLaughlin also criticized the exposure of Noem’s residence. “It’s a shame that the media chooses sensationalism over the safety of people enforcing America’s laws to keep Americans safe,” she added.

The department says the threats against Noem include those from criminal networks and terrorist organizations targeted by DHS operations. Noem’s relocation comes as she continues to oversee enforcement operations against high-risk individuals in the country illegally.

Last week, Noem said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are now facing a 1,000% increase in assaults as they work to apprehend what she called “the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens.”

“We will not and have not let this violence stop us or slow us down,” Noem posted on X. “Every day our law enforcement continues to enforce the law and arrest the most depraved criminals including pedophiles, terrorists, murderers, gang members, and sexual predators.”

In July, Fox News Digital reported that ICE officials faced an 830% increase in assaults between Jan. 21, 2025, and July 14, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. That timeframe began the day after President Donald Trump returned to office.

Noem, who became Homeland Security Secretary under the Trump administration, has emphasized the department’s focus on apprehending violent offenders and maintaining aggressive enforcement operations despite rising threats against DHS personnel.

An arraignment or further legal actions related to the threats against Noem has not been announced. DHS has not provided details on whether arrests have been made in connection to the threats.

Scott Bessent Slams ‘Eye-Popping’ Congressional Trades, Backs Stock Ban Plan: ‘The American People Deserve Better’
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Scott Bessent Slams ‘Eye-Popping’ Congressional Trades, Backs Stock Ban Plan: ‘The American People Deserve Better’

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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is calling for a ban on individual stock trading by members of Congress, citing the “eye-popping” returns some lawmakers have reported and warning that such activity erodes public trust in government, as reported by The Western Journal.

Speaking to Bloomberg on Wednesday, Bessent said Americans are right to be skeptical when elected officials report profits that would rival the best-performing hedge funds.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent arrives for a meeting with Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on December 10, 2024.

“I am going to start pushing for a single stock trading ban, because it is the credibility of the House and the Senate that you look at some of these eye-popping returns,” Bessent said.

He pointed specifically to the financial gains reported by California Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Oregon Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden, remarking, “Every hedge fund would be jealous of them.”

Bessent, a former hedge fund manager himself, said that lawmakers should not be using their positions for personal enrichment.

San Francisco, CA – August 23, 2019: Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, speaking at the Democratic National Convention Summer Meeting in San Francisco, California.

“And you know, the American people deserve better than this. People shouldn’t come to Washington to get rich,” he continued.

“They should come to serve the American people, and it brings down trust in the system because, I can tell you, that if any private citizen traded this way, the SEC would be knocking on their door.”

While multiple bills have been introduced in Congress to address the issue of lawmakers trading stocks, Bessent said he has yet to see a proposal that he considers the “perfect bill.” He emphasized that excessive trading by lawmakers undermines the integrity of Congress.

“The House and the Senate, they’re supposed to be working for the American people, their constituents.”

“They’re supposed to be making law. And they shouldn’t be trading every day. I’m not going to name names, but there was one person in Congress who had 1,200 or 1,300 trades two years ago. And you know, my hedge fund didn’t have that many trades.”

President Donald Trump has also voiced support for a ban on individual stock trades by members of Congress. In an interview with Time Magazine in April, Trump said:

“Well, I watched Nancy Pelosi get rich through insider information, and I would be OK with it. If they send that to me, I would do it.”

He confirmed that he would “absolutely” sign such a measure into law.

Bessent said the effort is about restoring credibility to the legislative branch and ensuring lawmakers focus on their legislative responsibilities instead of personal financial gains.


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