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JD Vance Refers Tim Walz and Keith Ellison to DOJ Over Massive Fraud Allegations [WATCH]

Vice President JD Vance announced Monday that allegations involving Tim Walz and Keith Ellison have been referred to the Department of Justice for a potential criminal investigation related to alleged fraud involving federally funded social services programs in Minnesota, as reported by Fox News.

Vance made the announcement during an appearance on Fox News’ “Jesse Watters Primetime,” where he discussed findings outlined in a recent report from the House Oversight Committee.

According to the report, state officials were allegedly warned about fraudulent activity but failed to take sufficient action to stop it.

The report further alleges that concerns about litigation and accusations of discrimination contributed to hesitation among officials tasked with addressing the matter.

During the interview, Vance said the administration had already taken action before he appeared on the program.

“We’re certainly going to investigate this, Jesse, and I guess now I can make a bit of breaking news because I left the White House to come here to do this interview with you. And before I did, we actually referred this particular case to the Department of Justice for a full criminal investigation. We are not going to do what the Biden administration did and make judgments of the law before all the facts are in,” Vance said.

The vice president said allegations contained in the report raised concerns about how warnings from employees and whistleblowers were handled inside the Walz administration.

“But here’s what’s particularly troubling about this to me is, Jesse, you had people within Governor Walz’s office who were saying, you know what? This looks like fraud. It looks like these Somalian illegal immigrants are doing something that’s very shady, and then you had people who shut them down, who shut these whistleblowers down and said, you know, you’re a racist, or you’re a xenophobe for asking questions about where taxpayer money is going,” he continued.

Vance argued that such allegations, if proven true, would indicate that concerns about fraud were not treated with sufficient urgency by state officials.

“What that means to me, Jesse, is that clearly people weren’t taking fraud seriously. Whether it rises to the level of a criminal violation, we’re gonna investigate it, and of course, if it does rise to that level, we’re going to prosecute it. We have to,” Vance added.

The vice president currently leads the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a role he assumed in February after President Donald Trump announced a government-wide effort targeting fraud and waste during his address to Congress.

Following his television appearance, Vance reiterated his position in a post on X, stating that state officials would be held accountable if evidence supports the allegations.

“Minnesota state officials are not above the law, and if they facilitated fraud, lied under oath about what they knew, or harassed and intimidated whistleblowers, they must face justice,” Vance wrote.

The allegations have intensified scrutiny of Minnesota’s handling of federally funded programs. Previous reports have raised questions about oversight and the use of taxpayer funds within certain state-administered initiatives.

The dispute between federal and state officials has also extended beyond the House Oversight Committee report.

Earlier this year, Vance and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz announced a pause on certain federal Medicaid reimbursements to Minnesota while federal authorities reviewed concerns related to program administration.

Walz rejected the move and argued that it was politically motivated rather than tied to fraud concerns.

“Trump is weaponizing the entirety of the federal government to punish blue states like Minnesota,” Walz said on Feb. 25.

Walz also maintained at the time that the reimbursement pause had “nothing to do with fraud” and characterized the federal action as a “campaign of retribution.”

The Department of Justice has not yet announced whether formal charges or additional investigative steps will result from the referral. The allegations remain under review as federal authorities determine whether any criminal violations occurred.

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Knicks Watch Party Erupts Into Complete Chaos as Fans Brawl With Each Other, Police [WATCH]

A large crowd gathered outside Bryant Park in Manhattan on Monday night for a public watch party during Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, but the event was overshadowed by multiple disturbances that led to clashes with police and several arrests, as reported by The New York Post.

The unrest began as thousands of fans converged on the Midtown park to watch the game. Many spectators were unable to enter the official viewing area, and tensions rose as crowds swelled around the perimeter of the event.

According to reports from the scene, disorder erupted roughly an hour after tip-off. Large fights broke out near the park as New York City police officers moved in to regain control.

Officers wearing riot gear responded to the disturbances and deployed pepper spray while attempting to disperse sections of the crowd.

Videos shared online showed groups of fans climbing onto parked vehicles while chanting “We want Wemby!” in reference to Spurs star Victor Wembanyama.

One individual was seen burning a Spurs T-shirt, while another video appeared to show a group chasing a San Antonio fan across the street.

Additional footage captured damage to public property as several individuals repeatedly shook a metal bus sign near Bryant Park. The sign eventually detached from its pole, prompting cheers from some members of the crowd.

Another video from the scene showed the detached sign later being used during a street fight on West 42nd Street. The confrontation unfolded as multiple people exchanged punches and kicks while officers attempted to intervene.

Police repeatedly ordered people to move back as they worked to separate those involved in the altercations. Several individuals were detained during the incidents, with some being restrained on the ground before being taken into custody.

Witness videos also showed individuals climbing onto NYPD barricade trucks while shouting profanities. Other clips captured groups surrounding yellow taxicabs and striking vehicle windshields with lightsabers as police attempted to clear the area.

Authorities said at least one person threw a bottle at a police officer during the disturbances. Officers continued efforts throughout the evening to restore order as crowds spread through nearby streets.

The heightened security environment around the game had already drawn attention earlier in the day. The New York City Police Department and the Secret Service had canceled a separate NBA Finals watch party planned near Madison Square Garden.

Fans attending Game 3 festivities were advised to arrive at least two hours before the game because of increased security measures related to President Donald Trump’s attendance.

The scenes outside Bryant Park contrasted sharply with the excitement surrounding the Knicks’ appearance in the NBA Finals. Throughout the postseason, large crowds have gathered across New York City to support the team during its deep playoff run.

By late Monday night, police had regained control of the area. An NYPD spokesperson confirmed that multiple individuals were arrested in connection with the disturbances.

The investigation into the incidents remains ongoing.

News

Steve Hilton Surges Into California Governor Race to Face Xavier Becerra in High Stakes Showdown

Republican candidate Steve Hilton has advanced to California’s gubernatorial general election, setting up a November contest against former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra after a closely contested top-two primary, as reported by The Post Millennial.

According to a projection from Decision Desk HQ, Hilton earned one of the two spots available under California’s election system, which advances the highest two vote-getters to the general election regardless of party affiliation.

The race remained competitive throughout the vote-counting process, with several prominent candidates vying for a place on the November ballot.

On election night, Hilton narrowly led the field, receiving 27.8 percent of the vote. Becerra followed closely behind with 25.4 percent.

Billionaire activist Tom Steyer finished in third place with 19.6 percent of the vote. Other candidates, including Rep. Katie Porter and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, divided much of the remaining support among voters.

The gubernatorial contest saw major changes during the campaign after Rep. Eric Swalwell, who had previously been viewed as a leading contender, withdrew from the race following the resurfacing of sexual assault allegations.

Swalwell has denied the accusations.

Following Swalwell’s departure, Becerra appeared to gain support among Democratic voters and emerged as one of the leading candidates in the primary.

His advancement to the general election sets up a high-profile matchup between two candidates offering sharply different visions for the state.

Hilton, a former Fox News host and political commentator, centered his campaign on several issues that have become focal points in California politics.

His platform emphasized reducing regulations, lowering gas prices, reforming the state’s education system, and increasing efforts to combat crime and government fraud.

Despite receiving an endorsement from President Donald Trump, Hilton faced competition within the Republican electorate.

Chad Bianco remained in the race through primary day, creating a split among conservative voters and forcing Hilton to spend the final weeks of the campaign encouraging Republicans to rally behind a single candidate.

The result positions Hilton as the leading Republican challenger in a state where Democrats have dominated statewide elections for years.

The November election is expected to draw national attention as Republicans seek to make gains in California while Democrats work to maintain control of the governor’s office.

The primary election also produced a significant development in Los Angeles politics.

Earlier Monday, Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman secured a place in the city’s mayoral runoff after moving ahead of Spencer Pratt during the extended vote-counting process.

Pratt had maintained a lead on election night and remained ahead for several days as ballots continued to be counted.

However, late-arriving mail-in ballots ultimately pushed Raman into second place, allowing her to advance to the November runoff against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass.

The outcome creates a contest between two Democrats and concludes one of California’s most closely watched local races.

Pratt’s campaign attracted national attention after the political outsider surged into contention amid growing voter concerns over homelessness, affordability, public safety, and the city’s handling of the 2025 wildfires.

With both the governor’s race and Los Angeles mayoral contest now set, California voters will head toward a November election season featuring several high-profile battles that could shape the state’s political direction for years to come.

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Jeffries Ducks and Weaves When Asked About Scandal Riddled Democrat Graham Platner [WATCH]

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries declined to directly defend Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner during a television interview Sunday, saying the candidate would need to address the growing number of controversies surrounding his campaign on his own, as reported by the New York Post.

Jeffries made the comments during an appearance on Fox News’ “The Sunday Briefing,” where he was asked about allegations and past conduct that have generated national attention ahead of Maine’s Democratic Senate primary.

Platner, a Marine veteran and oyster farmer seeking a U.S. Senate seat in Maine, has faced scrutiny in recent months over a series of controversies, including reports involving explicit messages, allegations from former partners, a tattoo critics have linked to a Nazi-era symbol, and past online comments that resurfaced during the campaign.

Asked about allegations involving former girlfriends, Jeffries indicated he had not closely followed all of the details but stressed that violence against women should not be tolerated.

“I haven’t followed these allegations closely, but what I have said is that violence against women in any way, shape or form is unacceptable,” Jeffries said.

“It’s a red line, and nobody should cross that.”

Jeffries added, “Any accuser who comes forward has to be treated with dignity and respect.”

When pressed about other controversies involving Platner, the New York Democrat declined to offer a detailed defense of the candidate.

“He’s going to have to speak for himself, and that’s what any candidate, particularly in a high-profile race, is going to be called upon to do,” Jeffries said.

The latest attention surrounding Platner follows a New York Times report that included allegations from several former girlfriends regarding his behavior during past relationships.

One former girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield, alleged that Platner made repeated comments about what he would do to a hypothetical home intruder. The Times also reported claims involving arguments and other incidents during their relationship.

Platner has denied allegations made against him in previous reporting.

The candidate has also faced questions about a tattoo he once had on his chest that resembled a Totenkopf, or “death’s head,” symbol associated with Nazi SS units.

Platner has maintained that he received the tattoo while intoxicated during a trip to Croatia, was unaware of its historical significance at the time, and later covered it with a different design.

Graham Platner Melts Down After Fetterman Dares Him To Release His Own Texts [WATCH]

Additional scrutiny has come from resurfaced social media and Reddit posts attributed to Platner.

According to reports, those posts included criticism of police officers, comments about rural white Americans, remarks about a Purple Heart veteran, and statements defending the urination of Taliban corpses by U.S. service members.

Jeffries was also asked about comments Platner recently made regarding Sen. Susan Collins and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, commonly known as AIPAC.

Rather than directly addressing the campaign dispute, Jeffries focused on the broader issue of antisemitism.

“Listen, the effort to crush anti-Semitism in America shouldn’t be a partisan issue,” Jeffries said.

“It can’t be a red or blue issue. It’s a red, white, and blue issue.”

“It’s an American issue, and we should all be committed to crushing anti-Semitism and all other forms of hatred into the ground, bury it and make sure it can never rise again,” Jeffries said.

Despite the controversies, Platner has maintained an advantage in public polling. According to the latest RealClearPolitics polling average, he holds a 7.4-point lead over Collins.

However, Collins has historically outperformed polling expectations in previous Senate campaigns, making the race one of the most closely watched contests of the 2026 election cycle as voters prepare to head to the polls.

News

Massive Earthquake Devastates Southern Philippines as Tsunami Fears Spread Across Pacific [WATCH]

A powerful earthquake struck off the southern coast of the Philippines early Monday morning local time, causing widespread shaking, triggering tsunami warnings in parts of the Pacific region, and prompting emergency response efforts across affected communities, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The earthquake occurred at approximately 7:37 a.m. Philippine Standard Time on Monday near the island of Mindanao.

According to monitoring agencies, the epicenter was located about eight miles southwest of General Santos City, off the coast of Sarangani province in the Soccsksargen region.

Initial reports from the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) placed the earthquake at a magnitude of 8.2 before the estimate was revised downward to approximately 7.8.

Multiple monitoring agencies later confirmed a magnitude of 7.8, making it one of the strongest earthquakes to strike the Philippines in recent years.

Seismologists said the earthquake originated from thrust faulting along the Cotabato Trench subduction zone, an area known for significant seismic activity.

The event was reported as the strongest earthquake to impact the Philippines since the devastating Luzon earthquake of 1990.

The powerful shaking was felt across General Santos City and the surrounding provinces. Authorities reported structural damage in several areas, while emergency personnel began assessing the extent of the impact shortly after the quake.

Following the earthquake, tsunami warnings and advisories were issued for portions of the Philippines, Indonesia, and other nearby areas.

Officials urged residents in vulnerable coastal communities to move to higher ground as a precaution while tsunami monitoring continued.

Small tsunami waves were reported in some locations, prompting evacuations in several coastal areas as authorities monitored changing conditions.

While some Pacific regions remained under advisories, officials said Hawaii was not at risk from the event.

According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, “The PTWC said a tsunami threat existed for parts of the Pacific closer to the earthquake, but based on all available data, there was no tsunami threat to Hawaii.”

The center also noted that advisories had been issued for Guam and the Mariana Islands while additional data was being collected.

“The PTWC said it was not expecting a tsunami threat for those areas, but was awaiting further data.”

Officials further emphasized, “Again, there is NO tsunami threat to Hawaii from this earthquake.”

Authorities reported at least one fatality and four injuries in the aftermath of the quake. Emergency officials also received reports of people trapped in damaged structures, while others required medical attention following the intense shaking.

The earthquake reached Intensity VIII, classified as “Very Destructive,” in parts of Sarangani province on the Philippine seismic intensity scale.

Rescue crews faced additional challenges as strong aftershocks continued throughout the day. One aftershock measured magnitude 6.5, adding to concerns about weakened structures and slowing damage assessments in affected areas.

Emergency responders remained on the scene Monday, conducting search operations, assisting displaced residents, and evaluating infrastructure damage.

Government agencies continue to assess the full impact of the earthquake while monitoring aftershocks and coastal conditions. Officials have urged residents in affected regions to remain alert as response and recovery efforts continue.

News

Walz Accused of Turning Blind Eye as Massive Fraud Engulfed Minnesota Programs

A Republican-led congressional investigation alleges that senior Minnesota officials, including Gov. Tim Walz, failed to act on repeated warnings about fraud in state-administered social services programs, allowing hundreds of millions of dollars in confirmed or alleged losses while exposing billions more in taxpayer funds to potential abuse, as reported by Fox News.

The allegations are detailed in a 205-page final staff report released Monday by the House Oversight Committee following a months-long investigation into Minnesota’s handling of federal nutrition and Medicaid funds.

According to the report, state officials had the authority to halt payments to organizations identified as high-risk recipients of federal funding but repeatedly failed to take action after concerns were raised.

“Fraud warnings were elevated to the most senior levels of the Minnesota state government, meaningful corrective action was delayed or avoided, and payments continued long after credible signs of fraud emerged,” the report states.

The committee interviewed nearly 30 whistleblowers during its investigation. Some accused state officials of retaliating against employees who attempted to raise concerns about suspected fraud.

Investigators also concluded that fears of potential racial discrimination claims may have influenced decisions to continue payments to organizations under scrutiny, rather than legal barriers preventing intervention.

Among the findings cited in the report is an estimate that Minnesota lost approximately $300 million in federal nutrition funding intended to feed children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report also references allegations that as much as $9 billion in Medicaid billings may have been fraudulent, a figure attributed to a federal prosecutor and disputed by officials in the Walz administration.

A significant portion of the investigation focused on the now-defunct Feeding Our Future nonprofit organization.

According to the report, Walz was aware of concerns surrounding the organization as early as 2020, yet payments allegedly continued for nearly two additional years.

Congressional investigators also stated that Walz provided conflicting accounts regarding when he first learned of the fraud allegations.

The report further examines the actions of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. Investigators obtained a December 2021 audio recording in which individuals later convicted in the Feeding Our Future case reportedly met with Ellison regarding payment disputes involving the Minnesota Department of Education.

“The fraudsters pledged the Somali community’s political and financial support to Ellison if he were to intervene on their behalf,” the report states. “Ellison said he would help ‘fight these people.’”

The report also notes that Ellison later received campaign donations from several individuals connected to the case, though his office has stated those contributions were ultimately returned.

Representatives for Walz and Ellison did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Federal prosecutors have charged more than 110 individuals in connection with various fraud schemes linked to Minnesota programs.

Authorities have alleged that stolen funds were used for luxury purchases, while state investigators have also examined whether portions of the money were transferred overseas to support terrorist groups operating in Somalia and the Middle East.

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer sharply criticized Minnesota leadership following publication of the report.

“Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison are responsible for one of the most stunning oversight failures this Committee has ever examined,” Comer said.

“It is now clear the Walz Administration chose to protect the system rather than protect the taxpayer.”

The investigation began in late 2025 and included testimony from Walz, Ellison, members of Minnesota’s legislative fraud committee, and nine current or former state officials.

Following the report’s release, Comer sent a letter to Vice President JD Vance urging a comprehensive review of Minnesota’s social services programs for additional fraud vulnerabilities.

Vance Freezes Billions in Medicaid Cash Over Rampant California Fraud

Vance’s anti-fraud task force has already resulted in the arrest of at least eight individuals accused of participating in health care fraud schemes and has frozen approximately $1.3 billion in payments to providers suspected of defrauding federal programs.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration suspended nearly $260 million in federal Medicaid funding to Minnesota, citing allegations that state officials failed to adequately address fraud concerns.

The report arrives as House lawmakers prepare to consider several anti-fraud measures this week. Supporters argue additional federal safeguards are necessary to help prevent abuse of taxpayer-funded programs.

According to a 2024 report from the Government Accountability Office, fraud costs the federal government an estimated $233 billion to $521 billion annually.

News

Texas Democrat Says Stopping Susan Collins Matters More Than Allegations Against Graham Platner [WATCH]

Rep. Veronica Escobar said Sunday that the prospect of Sen. Susan Collins winning reelection concerns her more than the controversies surrounding Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, as reported by Fox News.

Escobar made the remarks during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” where panelists discussed recent allegations reported by The New York Times involving Platner.

According to the report, former girlfriends accused Platner of troubling behavior, including allegations involving violent episodes and heavy drinking.

Graham Platner Melts Down After Fetterman Dares Him To Release His Own Texts [WATCH]

Platner has denied allegations made against him and has described claims in previous reports as untrue.

During the CNN discussion, Escobar acknowledged concerns about the allegations but quickly shifted attention to Collins and the upcoming Maine Senate race.

“Of course it concerns me,” Escobar said.

“But I will also say what concerns me, even at an even greater level, is Susan Collins getting reelected. She has given cover and comfort to the most corrupt, incompetent president we’ve ever had. And, hopefully, the people of Maine will take away the seat from her, whoever the nominee is.”

Escobar also used the discussion to criticize Texas Attorney General and Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton.

“And if folks are concerned about Mr. Platner, wait until they hear about the Senate candidate in my state, Ken Paxton. He is someone who I hope gets as much coverage as the Maine candidate is getting, because what we know in Texas about Ken Paxton is pretty horrifying, even people within his own party,” Escobar said.

Fox News Digital reported that it contacted the offices of both Collins and Paxton seeking comment.

The controversy surrounding Platner has continued to grow in recent weeks.

In addition to the allegations discussed during the CNN segment, the candidate has faced scrutiny over a tattoo that critics have compared to a Nazi symbol, controversial Reddit posts criticizing soldiers, and reports regarding explicit messages allegedly sent to women while he was married.

Despite the mounting controversies, several Democrats have continued supporting Platner as he moves toward becoming the party’s likely nominee in Maine’s Senate race.

One of the most prominent Democratic voices backing Platner has been Rep. Ro Khanna of California.

Khanna argued that Platner changed after returning to Maine and working as an oyster farmer.

“[H]e really grew as a person when he came back to Maine, and he was an oyster farmer,” Khanna said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

“And he found peace, and he is ashamed of that period. To me, that suggests someone taking accountability and improving their lives, and we need that redemption in this country.”

Khanna also expressed support for Platner’s economic platform.

“And I agree with a lot of his economic policies, that we should be taxing the billionaires, we should be focusing on the working class,” he added.

The Maine Senate race has attracted increasing national attention as Democrats and Republicans battle for control of a key Senate seat.

While Platner continues to face questions about his past conduct and personal controversies, several Democratic leaders have signaled they remain focused on defeating Collins in November.

As the primary season continues, the race is expected to remain under intense scrutiny from both parties and national political observers.

News

Mamdani Claims Democrats Lost Touch With Working Class While Pushing Socialist Agenda

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he believes the Democratic Party has drifted away from its traditional focus on working-class Americans, arguing that voters are primarily concerned with everyday economic issues such as housing costs, rent, fuel prices, and groceries, as reported by Fox News.

Mamdani made the comments during a June 1 interview with MSNBC host Eugene Daniels on “MS NOW,” where he discussed the direction of the Democratic Party and the issues he believes matter most to voters.

During the interview, Mamdani said Americans want elected officials to address practical concerns affecting their daily lives.

According to the mayor, voters are looking for solutions related to rent, housing affordability, gasoline prices, and the cost of groceries.

“We have to have answers to that. And that’s what we’re trying to show,” Mamdani said.

Daniels then asked whether the Democratic Party leadership understands those concerns.

“Do you think the leadership of the Democratic Party understands that?” Daniels asked.

Mamdani responded by arguing that the party has moved away from a focus on working people.

“I think that the party as a whole has lost its focus on working people. And I’m hopeful that we start to develop that,” Mamdani said.

The mayor pointed to earlier Democratic political traditions as an example of the direction he believes the party should pursue.

“You know, you look at the four freedoms, you look at the real core of the New Deal, there was a moment when this party was unabashed about its focus on working people. And I’m excited to bring it back there,” he said.

Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist, was elected mayor of New York City in 2025 as the Democratic nominee. Since taking office, he has frequently emphasized economic issues and policies aimed at affordability and public services.

His latest comments come as Democrats continue debating how to appeal to voters who have expressed concerns about inflation, housing costs, and broader economic challenges.

The remarks also reflect a broader discussion within the party about messaging and priorities heading into future elections.

Some Democrats have argued that economic concerns should take center stage, while others have emphasized social and cultural issues alongside economic policy.

Mamdani has consistently described his political philosophy as democratic socialism and has indicated that his approach to governing will reflect those views.

During his inauguration speech on January 1, 2026, he made that position clear.

“I was elected as a democratic socialist, and I will govern as a democratic socialist,” Mamdani declared.

The New York mayor has attracted national attention since taking office, particularly because of his progressive policy positions and his willingness to challenge elements of the Democratic Party’s leadership and direction.

His latest comments add to an ongoing conversation among Democrats about how the party can reconnect with voters concerned about the cost of living and economic opportunity.

Whether party leaders embrace that approach remains to be seen, but Mamdani’s message was clear: he believes Democrats must place greater emphasis on the concerns of working people if they hope to strengthen their connection with voters in the years ahead.

News

Trump Slams ‘Crooked’ California Election Chaos As GOP Voices Outrage Over Suspicious Vote Swings

President Donald Trump sharply criticized California’s election process over the weekend as vote totals continued to change days after polls closed, affecting several high-profile Republican candidates in statewide and local races, as reported by The New York Post.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump questioned the pace of California’s vote counting and suggested Republican candidates were being disadvantaged as additional ballots were processed.

“Has anybody been watching the CROOKED Election going on in California,” Trump wrote Sunday.

The president continued, “Two great Republican Candidates are being cheated, and so is America, which, if the Dumocrats are able to fulfill their mission, great trouble and consternation will follow.”

“Watch this ‘Election’ closely!!!”

Trump later shared a post from Rep. Abe Hamadeh, who argued that California was “incapable of running free and fair elections consistent with our Constitution.”

The criticism comes as results in several major California races remain unsettled nearly a week after Election Day.

One of the most closely watched contests is the Los Angeles mayoral race, where former reality television personality Spencer Pratt has slipped from second place into third as additional ballots have been counted.

According to updated results, far-left Democratic candidate Nithya Raman moved ahead of Pratt five days after polls closed.

While Decision Desk HQ projected Raman would secure the second runoff position, the Associated Press had not officially called the race at the time of reporting.

Reacting to the projection, Trump posted, “No way this could have happened. Rigged Election!”

Pratt held an 8.1-point advantage over Raman on election night. However, successive ballot updates steadily narrowed the gap before eventually placing Raman ahead.

The shift represented a swing of more than 43,000 votes between the two candidates since election night.

Prediction market data from Polymarket indicated Raman had a 99 percent chance of advancing to the runoff, while Pratt’s chances stood at 1 percent.

Incumbent Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass had already secured a spot in the November runoff after receiving 34.7 percent of the vote with approximately 83 percent of ballots counted.

Raman’s campaign told KNBC it was encouraged by the updated results. Pratt responded to a social media post highlighting the vote shift by referencing an article from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.

“A net swing of more than 43,000 votes since Tuesday… 43,000, huh? Where have I seen that number before?” Pratt wrote.

“Probably nothing.”

The article Pratt referenced discussed a Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority estimate that 43,699 people experience homelessness on any given night in Los Angeles.

California election officials note that vote counting often extends well beyond Election Day because counties must verify signatures, process millions of vote-by-mail ballots, and conduct audits before results are certified.

Under state law, county election officials have up to 30 days following an election to complete the canvass, count valid ballots, and perform post-election reviews. Ballots mailed by Election Day remain valid if received by June 9.

Counties must submit final results to the California Secretary of State by July 3, with certification scheduled one week later.

The slow pace has also drawn criticism in the governor’s race.

Republican candidate Steve Hilton has repeatedly criticized California’s election process while waiting for final results in his contest.

“The world is laughing at our inability to count votes in a timely manner. Where is Gavin Newsom?” Hilton wrote on X.

“The snail-like pace of the vote counting process in California is just another example of the incompetence and uselessness of the state government.”

Hilton also criticized Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra, who has already secured a place in November’s election.

“If he was in charge of the Olympics the 100 meters would take 6 days!” Hilton wrote.

Despite the delays, Hilton told Fox News host Maria Bartiromo on “Sunday Morning Futures” that he remains “very confident” he will finish among the top two candidates and advance to the general election.

At the time of reporting, Hilton held a 4.4-point lead over billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer with approximately 72 percent of ballots counted statewide.

As California election officials continue processing ballots, several of the state’s most significant races remain under close scrutiny from both parties.

News

Graham Platner Melts Down After Fetterman Dares Him To Release His Own Texts [WATCH]

Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing renewed scrutiny after Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) publicly challenged him to release alleged messages that have become a growing issue in Maine’s closely watched Senate race, as reported by Red State.

Fetterman has emerged as one of Platner’s most outspoken critics within the Democratic Party.

The Pennsylvania senator recently called on Platner to release alleged text conversations with women that were reportedly revealed by a former Platner campaign operative.

During remarks on the controversy, Fetterman challenged Platner to make the communications public.

“Let me make a deal. I’ll tell P-Hustle, I’ll wear a suit every day, if he releases all those texts and messages that he’s had,” Fetterman said.

According to reports, “P-Hustle” was the account name Platner reportedly used on Kik.

Fetterman continued his challenge by saying, “You can prove [to] America… what’s [in] these conversations. Can P-Hustle prove how old these people are?”

The senator also criticized Platner over a series of past controversies, saying the candidate had made so many offensive remarks that “it’s hard to keep up with it.”

Over the weekend, Fetterman further commented on the situation and raised the possibility that explicit images could exist among the communications.

Platner responded publicly but did not indicate that he would release the alleged messages.

“John Fetterman seems to genuinely think that the reason no one likes him is because he refuses to wear a suit,” Platner wrote.

He continued, “It’s not the hoodie, dude. It’s because you’ve become a stooge for AIPAC and the Republican party.”

The exchange added another chapter to a campaign that has already drawn attention over allegations involving Platner’s conduct, reported comments about women, and criticism surrounding a tattoo that has previously generated controversy.

The latest dispute comes as polling suggests the Maine Senate race may be becoming increasingly competitive.

A survey conducted by Republican polling firm Fabrizio, Lee & Associates on behalf of the pro-Collins Pine Tree Results PAC found incumbent Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Platner tied at 46 percent among likely voters.

The remaining 8 percent of respondents were undecided. Politico first reported the results.

Pollsters Tony Fabrizio, David Lee, and Travis Tunis argued that the race has become more competitive as more information about Platner has become public.

“It is clear that the more voters learn about Platner, the more they find they don’t like him, making the Senate race HIGHLY competitive,” the pollsters wrote.

“Senator Collins and her allies need to muster the resources to keep the pressure on Platner as the Democrat money machine tries to salvage Platner’s candidacy.”

The survey also found a significant increase in unfavorable views of Platner. According to the poll, 49 percent of respondents viewed him unfavorably, compared to 29 percent in January.

The poll found that 40 percent held a favorable view of the candidate, while just 4 percent said they had never heard of him.

In addition, 59 percent of respondents said reports concerning Platner’s Kik activity made them less likely to support him, while 33 percent said the reports would not affect their vote.

The polling was conducted before publication of a subsequent New York Times report concerning allegations of abusive behavior. Political observers noted that internal surveys often favor the candidate or organization sponsoring them.

However, Collins has historically outperformed public polling. In her previous three Senate races, polling reportedly underestimated her support by eight, eight, and 12 percentage points.

With the race now appearing tied and scrutiny surrounding Platner continuing to grow, both parties are expected to closely monitor how voters respond in the months ahead.


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