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Democratic Socialist Set to Take Over DC Mayorship Sparks Showdown With Trump [WATCH]
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Democratic Socialist Set to Take Over DC Mayorship Sparks Showdown With Trump [WATCH]

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Democratic socialist candidate Janeese Lewis George appeared headed toward victory in Washington, D.C.’s mayoral race Tuesday night, positioning her to become the city’s next mayor and potentially setting up clashes with the Trump administration over crime, immigration enforcement, and federal involvement in the nation’s capital, as reported by Trending Politics News.

With votes still being counted under the city’s new ranked-choice voting system, Lewis George held a substantial lead over her closest competitor, Kenyan McDuffie. At the time results were being reported, Lewis George led by approximately 53% to 37%.

Because Washington, D.C., heavily favors Democratic candidates and no significant opposition is expected in the general election, her Democratic nomination is widely viewed as putting her on track to secure the mayor’s office.

The race follows the decision by outgoing Mayor Muriel Bowser not to seek another term. Bowser’s departure ended a lengthy tenure that often saw her balancing progressive priorities with cooperation on federal initiatives.

Under President Donald Trump, Washington has become a focal point for efforts to increase immigration enforcement, reduce crime, and improve federal properties throughout the city.

Bowser worked with the administration on several initiatives, particularly when federal resources were provided to support the Metropolitan Police Department.

Lewis George has frequently criticized Bowser’s leadership, especially regarding cooperation with Trump administration policies on crime and immigration enforcement.

President Trump recently warned that a Lewis George victory could create challenges for the city and suggested the federal government could take a more direct role if necessary.

“I wouldn’t like it,” Trump said of a potential Lewis George victory. “And maybe we take back Washington, run it on the federal basis. We won’t put up with it. We’re not going to lose our businesses.”

Lewis George’s rise has drawn comparisons to democratic socialist candidates who have gained influence in major cities and congressional districts.

Reports previously indicated that advisers close to Lewis George were studying the campaign model used by New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, whose campaign challenged the Democratic establishment and pushed policy debates further left.

Lewis George openly identifies as a democratic socialist and has promoted policies including social housing initiatives, increases to the minimum wage, and removing what she has described as military-style equipment from police departments.

In 2022, Lewis George introduced legislation known as the “Green New Deal for Housing,” which proposed authorizing the D.C. government to acquire properties and convert them into social housing.

“Housing is too essential to leave solely to the private market,” Lewis George said in 2022.

Questions surrounding policing have also remained a major issue in the campaign.

Lewis George was first elected to the D.C. Council in 2020 during the period of nationwide demonstrations following the death of George Floyd.

During that campaign, she advocated reducing police funding, limiting police presence in schools, rejecting endorsements from police unions, and eliminating cash bail.

She also participated in the June 2020 “Fund Care, Not Cops!” rally organized by the Democratic Socialists of America.

Since launching her mayoral campaign, Lewis George has distanced herself from earlier calls to defund police. Her current platform states support for law enforcement and does not reference previous pledges to reduce police funding.

Crime reduction has been a major priority for President Trump’s administration in Washington.

Last August, Trump announced a temporary federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department and deployed National Guard troops to assist city law enforcement efforts.

At the time, Trump described the operation as “a historic action to rescue our nation’s capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam, and squalor, and worse.”

While federal control of the department later ended, National Guard personnel remain deployed in the city. Former Police Chief Pamela Smith praised the federal assistance, citing staffing shortages within the department.

Bowser initially opposed the federal intervention but later expressed appreciation for the additional resources after crime rates declined.

The Trump administration also increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Washington, coordinating enforcement efforts with local and federal law enforcement agencies.

Lewis George strongly opposed those actions and criticized cooperation with federal authorities.

“I have been horrified and outraged by the conduct perpetrated by federal law enforcement officers, including ICE agents, targeting our most vulnerable neighbors – especially unhoused and undocumented residents who are simply trying to live their lives,” Lewis George wrote in August.

As discussion continued over the possibility of further federal involvement in city affairs, Lewis George argued that Washington residents wanted leadership willing to challenge the administration.

“We are not going to get ICE off our streets or protect Home Rule by fearing this President,” Lewis George said in a post to X. “Threatening DC because you do not like how our residents vote is an attack on democracy itself.”

If current vote margins hold through the ranked-choice counting process, Lewis George will become Washington’s next mayor and inherit a city that remains at the center of the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape the nation’s capital.

Chicago Man Charged After Anti-Trump Cross Burning Protest in Grant Park [WATCH]
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Chicago Man Charged After Anti-Trump Cross Burning Protest in Grant Park [WATCH]

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A 21-year-old man who publicly admitted to burning a cross in Chicago’s Grant Park earlier this month has been charged with multiple offenses, including a felony hate crime, according to authorities.

Chicago police announced on June 17 that Merlin Lu faces a felony hate crime charge in connection with the June 9 incident, during which investigators say he erected a cross in Grant Park and set it on fire.

In addition to the hate crime allegation, Lu has been charged with felony arson and felony criminal damage to property. He also faces several misdemeanor counts, including reckless conduct and disorderly conduct.

Police said Lu was taken into custody on Monday following an investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.

Authorities credited the FBI, Illinois State Police, University of Chicago Police, and the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force with assisting in the case.

The cross-burning incident drew significant attention after images and video circulated online showing the structure burning in one of Chicago’s most recognizable public spaces. Investigators subsequently worked to identify the individual responsible.

Days after the incident, Lu spoke with NBC 5 Investigates reporter Chuck Goudie in an exclusive interview and acknowledged his role in the event.

During that interview, Lu said he intentionally set the cross on fire as a protest against President Donald Trump.

According to Lu’s statements, the demonstration included a red hat placed on top of the cross. He told NBC 5 Investigates that the hat was part of the protest message he intended to convey.

The incident quickly generated public debate and drew scrutiny from law enforcement officials.

Cross burnings have long been associated with intimidation and racial hostility in the United States, leading authorities to examine whether the circumstances surrounding the Grant Park event warranted hate crime charges.

Chicago police have not publicly released additional details regarding the evidence that led to the filing of the hate crime count.

However, prosecutors moved forward with the charge after reviewing the results of the investigation conducted by local, state, and federal authorities.

Grant Park, located in downtown Chicago, is one of the city’s most heavily visited public spaces and frequently serves as a location for civic events, demonstrations, and public gatherings.

The June 9 incident occurred in a highly visible area, drawing attention from both residents and visitors.

The case remains active as it proceeds through the court system. Authorities have not announced a trial date.

Lu’s admission during the NBC Chicago interview became a central element of public discussion surrounding the case, particularly because he openly acknowledged carrying out the act and described it as a political protest directed at President Trump.

Chicago police said the charges stem from the June 9 cross-burning incident and the resulting investigation conducted by the participating agencies.

The felony hate crime charge is among the most serious counts filed against Lu and could carry substantial legal consequences if he is convicted.

Josh Hokit Fires Back at Critics After Viral White House UFC Moment [WATCH]
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Josh Hokit Fires Back at Critics After Viral White House UFC Moment [WATCH]

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UFC heavyweight Josh Hokit is standing by controversial comments he made following his victory at the Freedom 250 event held on the White House South Lawn, insisting he has no regrets despite criticism from figures across the sports and entertainment worlds, as reported by the New York Post.

Hokit drew national attention Sunday night after making remarks about former First Lady Michelle Obama during his post-fight celebration.

The comments quickly circulated online and became one of the most discussed moments from an event that otherwise generated positive headlines for bringing a major UFC card to the White House grounds.

In the days following the fight, Hokit addressed the controversy in a lengthy Instagram post, where he described himself as both “Strong and Courageous” and indicated that public criticism would not change his approach.

“Strong and Courageous,” Hokit wrote.

The fighter continued by explaining what he believes has driven his career.

“The only two reasons I joined this sport. If you exercise those every single day and back them up with hard work, the money and success will follow. I’m not here to be liked. I’m not here to be a role model. I don’t care. I’m here to succeed. I’ll do whatever it takes to get where I want to go, and if you don’t like it…Come beat me in a fight.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Josh Hokit (@theincredible_hok)

The remarks came after Hokit defeated Derrick Lewis during the White House event. A video that later circulated online appeared to show President Donald Trump removing a chain that Hokit had placed around his neck following the victory celebration.

The incident sparked reactions from several prominent figures connected to combat sports and entertainment.

UFC President Dana White addressed Hokit’s comments and rejected the statement made by the fighter.

White described the remarks as “nasty and false,” while also dismissing them as “nonsense.”

Former UFC contender Derek Brunson also criticized Hokit’s post-fight comments, arguing that they distracted from what had otherwise been a successful event.

“Hokit had to ruin the UFC White House vibes with that goofy comment about Michelle Obama,” Brunson said.

“Super unnecessary SMDH [shaking my damn head].”

Comedian Shane Gillis, who attended the event, similarly expressed disapproval when asked about the controversy afterward.

“I didn’t like that s–t,” Gillis said after the event.

The Freedom 250 card attracted widespread attention because it was staged on White House grounds and featured several high-profile bouts. Organizers and attendees largely viewed the event as a success.

However, Hokit’s remarks became one of the dominant storylines following the competition and generated significant debate across social media platforms.

The controversy also emerged as reports surfaced that federal authorities had disrupted an alleged terrorist plot connected to the event. Multiple outlets reported Tuesday that the FBI thwarted an attack targeting the UFC card.

According to those reports, five individuals were arrested by federal authorities.

Despite the criticism from UFC leadership, fellow fighters and public figures, Hokit’s social media response suggested he does not intend to retract his comments or alter his public approach.

The fighter has continued posting online following the event, while debate over his remarks has remained active among UFC fans and commentators.

For now, the fallout from Hokit’s comments remains one of the most talked-about moments from the Freedom 250 event, overshadowing portions of the action inside the cage and drawing reactions from some of the biggest names associated with the sport.

Second Tragedy Strikes Brazil as Hiker Falls 100 Feet in Horrific Accident [WATCH]
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Second Tragedy Strikes Brazil as Hiker Falls 100 Feet in Horrific Accident [WATCH]

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Authorities in Brazil are investigating a fatal hiking accident that claimed the life of a 59-year-old woman after she fell from a trail near an overlook in the city of Maricá, according to local reports.

The victim, Rosemary Suzart Garcia, was participating in a group hike on Sunday at Grutas do Spar, a popular outdoor destination in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Witnesses told local media that Garcia stepped onto a short path near an overlook and lost her footing while applying insect repellent, according to The New York Post.

According to Brazilian outlet Globo, Garcia had been hiking with a large group when the incident occurred.

One witness, Giovani Maximino, described the moments leading up to the accident and said a guide attempted to intervene as Garcia began to fall.

“The guide tried to hold her and almost fell too,” Maximino told the outlet.

He said the guide rushed toward Garcia in an effort to stop the fall but was unable to maintain his grip.

Describing the incident, Maximino said the guide “threw himself towards her” but managed only to grab onto a “root in the area.”

Witnesses said the accident unfolded quickly.

“It’s a height of approximately [100 feet]. She was just finishing applying insect repellent. It was very fast,” Maximino said.

According to reports, Garcia was equipped with safety gear at the time, including gloves, a helmet, and other protective equipment commonly used during hiking excursions.

Emergency responders were called to the scene after the fall. Firefighters later recovered Garcia’s body from the area below the overlook.

Maximino said efforts were made to contact Garcia’s family following the accident.

“I only managed to locate the children, who live in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, at almost two in the morning to give them the news,” he said.

“Until then, we had no contact with any family member.”

Authorities have not released additional details regarding the investigation, which remains ongoing.

The accident occurred one day after another fatal incident in Brazil involving a bungee jump operation in the state of São Paulo.

According to reports, 21-year-old Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas died Saturday after falling approximately 130 feet from a bridge in Limeira.

Officials said the incident occurred at the disused structure known as the “Skeleton Bridge.” Reports indicated that Rodrigues de Freitas was participating in a bungee jump activity when the cord was allegedly not attached to her harness before the jump.

Video shared on social media reportedly showed staff members carrying the participant toward the edge of the bridge before the jump took place.

Authorities have arrested six individuals in connection with the incident, including three people who were present at the jump site, according to reports.

The two fatalities, occurring on consecutive days in different parts of Brazil, have drawn significant public attention and prompted renewed discussion about safety procedures at recreational and outdoor activities.

Investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding both incidents. In the hiking case, authorities are working to determine the exact sequence of events that led to Garcia’s fall.

In the São Paulo case, officials are reviewing the actions of those involved in the bungee operation.

Both investigations remain active.

Elderly Scooter Driver Sparks Massive Crash in German Bike Race Chaos [WATCH]
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Elderly Scooter Driver Sparks Massive Crash in German Bike Race Chaos [WATCH]

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A junior cycling race in Germany was disrupted Sunday when a mobility scooter entered the course and caused a chain-reaction crash involving multiple competitors, according to video captured by spectators, as reported by the New York Post.

More than 100 cyclists from several European countries were participating in the Saarland Trofeo Juniors race when the incident occurred.

The event, held in the Saarland region of Germany, attracts young riders competing for top finishes and international recognition.

As cyclists traveled along a section of the course lined with spectators, an elderly woman operating a mobility scooter moved into the race route, creating an unexpected obstacle for the approaching riders.

Video shared on social media shows the scooter gradually entering the roadway from an area where spectators were gathered.

One cyclist was able to avoid a collision by steering around the front of the scooter. However, a rider immediately behind him was unable to react in time.

The cyclist struck the scooter and was launched from his bicycle, with the impact causing additional riders to lose control.

Footage of the incident shows several competitors crashing onto the roadway as the collision spread through the tightly packed group.

At least five cyclists were involved in the incident, according to reports and video from the scene.

One of the riders caught up in the crash was Dutch cyclist Paul Vriesman. After the race, Vriesman addressed the incident on social media, describing it as “a very nasty looking crash” while noting that he “got away with it relatively well.”

The rider said he struggled to understand how the situation unfolded during a major cycling event.

Vriesman wrote that he was “lost for words on how something like this can happen.”

He added, “So much hard work and yet another setback.”

According to reports, Vriesman had previously been involved in another significant crash earlier in the racing season.

Despite the dramatic scenes captured on video, reports indicated that all cyclists involved in the crash escaped without serious injuries.

The incident quickly gained attention online after cycling commentator Los Brolin shared footage and commented on the dangers posed when spectators enter or approach active race routes.

“Even a small step onto the road can have serious consequences at these speeds. This was not even the first incident of this kind during the race. Junior racing is already dangerous enough without spectators making it even more dangerous,” Brolin wrote on social media.

The crash did not prevent the race from producing official results.

Sindre Orholm-Lønseth of Norway finished in first place. Splinter Van’t Hoff of the Netherlands secured second place, while Elias Wändel of Germany completed the podium in third.

The incident also drew comparisons to one of cycling’s most well-known spectator-related crashes during the 2021 Tour de France.

In that race, a French woman stepped into the path of riders while holding a sign reading “Go! Gran, Grandad” in both French and German. German cyclist Tony Martin struck the sign, setting off a large crash involving numerous riders.

The woman later left the scene but surrendered to police four days afterward. Tour de France organizers eventually decided not to pursue legal action against her.

Sunday’s crash in Germany has renewed attention on spectator safety and course security at cycling events, particularly in junior competitions where large groups of riders often travel at high speeds through crowded viewing areas.

Organizers and commentators continue to emphasize the importance of keeping race routes clear to avoid incidents that can endanger competitors and spectators alike.

Adam Schiff Melts Down as Elon Musk Crowned America’s First Trillionaire [WATCH]
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Adam Schiff Melts Down as Elon Musk Crowned America’s First Trillionaire [WATCH]

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Sen. Adam Schiff criticized Elon Musk after a major milestone for SpaceX reportedly made Musk the first person to reach a net worth exceeding $1 trillion, as reported by the New York Post.

The reaction came after SpaceX began trading on the Nasdaq on Friday, an event that significantly increased the value of Musk’s holdings in the company.

The development drew praise from many supporters of Musk and his businesses, while also prompting criticism from some political figures and commentators.

Schiff responded on X, the social media platform owned by Musk, arguing that the emergence of a trillion-dollar fortune highlighted broader economic problems in the United States.

According to the report, Schiff wrote that something is “terribly wrong” with an economy that can produce a trillion-dollar fortune while some Americans continue to struggle with healthcare access.

The California Democrat also described the situation as evidence of a corrupt system in which wealth and poverty reinforce themselves.

The debate surrounding Musk’s fortune has focused in part on the growth of SpaceX, which was founded in California and developed into one of the world’s largest private aerospace companies.

SpaceX has become known for reusable rocket technology, including the ability to land rocket boosters and use them again for future launches.

The company also operates a satellite internet network and provides launch services for both commercial customers and government agencies.

The company’s public listing also benefited employees who owned shares in the business. According to the report, workers who held company stock saw those holdings increase in value when trading began.

Musk’s growing wealth has also reignited discussions about California’s business climate. SpaceX relocated its headquarters to Texas in 2024, joining a number of companies that have moved operations out of California in recent years.

Critics of California’s regulatory environment have argued that businesses face lengthy approval processes and higher costs compared to states such as Texas.

The discussion also touched on X, which Musk acquired and later restructured. The platform has remained a focal point of political debate over content moderation and free speech policies.

Schiff was not alone in criticizing Musk’s growing fortune. The report noted that Sen. Bernie Sanders also criticized Musk’s success. Economist Paul Krugman reportedly described SpaceX as a “Ponzi scheme” supported by a rigged market.

Supporters of Musk point to the growth of SpaceX, Tesla, and other ventures as evidence of long-term business success and innovation.

SpaceX has become a major launch provider for NASA missions and has significantly increased the pace of U.S. launch operations.

The controversy highlights ongoing political disagreements over wealth, taxation, and the role of large technology and aerospace companies in the American economy.

Musk, who was born in South Africa before immigrating to the United States, has built businesses in multiple industries, including electric vehicles, aerospace, and social media.

The reported trillion-dollar milestone marks another chapter in the ongoing debate over economic success, wealth accumulation, and the impact of major entrepreneurs on American industry.

Antifa’s Minnesota Mob Busted: Feds Charge 15 in Conspiracy to Attack Law Enforcement [WATCH]
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Antifa’s Minnesota Mob Busted: Feds Charge 15 in Conspiracy to Attack Law Enforcement [WATCH]

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Federal prosecutors in Minnesota have unsealed an indictment charging 15 individuals alleged to be members and associates of Direct Action Minnesota, a Minneapolis-based organization authorities say is connected to Antifa-affiliated networks, as reported by Trending Politics News.

The charges stem from activities surrounding Operation Metro Surge, a federal immigration enforcement initiative that brought thousands of federal agents to the Twin Cities area earlier this year.

The announcement was made Tuesday by U.S. Attorney Dan Rosen during a press conference outlining the allegations.

“Today, a federal indictment was unsealed charging 15 defendants with conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers and other charges related to efforts of two Minneapolis-based Antifa groups that violently opposed the enforcement of federal law in our state,” Rosen said.

According to prosecutors, the defendants are connected to Direct Action Minnesota, commonly referred to as DAMN.

The indictment alleges that members and associates participated in a coordinated effort to obstruct federal law enforcement operations during the immigration enforcement surge.

“The defendants are members and associates of Direct Action Minnesota. They are charged with conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer, solicitation to commit a crime of violence, interstate threats, interstate stalking, assault on a federal officer, and destruction of government property,” Rosen added.

Federal authorities allege that DAMN worked alongside affiliated organizations, including the Black Cat Worker’s Collective and the Ray Rainbolt Memorial Shooting Club.

Prosecutors claim members received training in surveillance techniques, operational planning, rapid mobilization efforts, and the use of shields during confrontations with law enforcement.

According to the indictment, much of the planning allegedly took place through encrypted Signal Messenger group chats. Prosecutors said participants were organized into specialized subgroups assigned specific operational roles.

The charging documents describe two primary methods allegedly used to disrupt federal operations: “hard” blockades and “soft” blockades.

Authorities said hard blockades involved the placement of vehicles, trailers, debris, and Czech hedgehogs, metal obstacles designed to block roads, near the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building.

Prosecutors allege these actions disrupted operations and led to multiple shutdowns at the facility between late January and mid-March.

Soft blockades allegedly involved participants using homemade shields constructed from plastic, wood, and metal materials to resist law enforcement officers.

The indictment also details what prosecutors described as “commuting” tactics, in which federal agents were allegedly followed from the Whipple Building to other locations.

One example cited involved Isaac Sant, who prosecutors allege followed a federal officer to Hudson, Wisconsin, on May 4. Another allegation claims Natasha Rakotz brake-checked and side-swiped a federal officer’s vehicle on May 18, resulting in a collision.

Prosecutors also allege that on May 15, William Morgan knocked notes from a federal agent’s hand and kicked a government vehicle, causing dents. The indictment states that Isaac Sant was present during that incident.

Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said the case reflects the Department of Justice’s focus on organized attacks against law enforcement.

“As alleged, these defendants, which included members of Antifa groups, engaged in an unrelenting campaign of harassment and violence targeting federal and local law enforcement. Their actions created a dangerous environment that threatened not only their intended targets, but the community as a whole,” Blanche said.

“These arrests demonstrate the Department’s commitment to law and order and stopping organized political violence in Minneapolis and beyond,” he added.

Following the announcement of the charges and arrests, demonstrations took place outside federal facilities in St. Paul and at related locations in Minneapolis.

According to reports from the scene, protesters gathered outside the federal building in St. Paul and other locations connected to the case.

Footage reportedly showed damage to property and attempts to interfere with federal agents. Authorities responded by deploying less-than-lethal crowd-control munitions.

The federal case now moves forward as prosecutors seek to prove allegations involving conspiracy, threats, assault and property destruction connected to the immigration enforcement operation.

Hillary Clinton Turns on Joe Biden: He Put Us in a ‘Terrible Dilemma’ [WATCH]
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Hillary Clinton Turns on Joe Biden: He Put Us in a ‘Terrible Dilemma’ [WATCH]

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Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is publicly criticizing former President Joe Biden’s decision to seek a second term in 2024, arguing that his choice to remain in the race damaged both his political legacy and the Democratic Party’s chances of retaining the White House, as reported by The Post Millennial.

Speaking Monday during a conversation with New Yorker editor David Remnick in New York City, Clinton said Biden should have stepped aside well before the 2024 election cycle intensified and allowed Democrats to choose a nominee through a competitive primary process.

Clinton’s remarks come nearly two years after President Donald Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 general election following Biden’s withdrawal from the race.

According to Clinton, Biden’s decision to pursue re-election created a difficult situation for Democrats and ultimately contributed to the party’s defeat.

“He made a terrible mistake. He made a terrible mistake for himself, his legacy, and for the country.”

The former Democratic presidential nominee argued that Biden should have announced in 2023 that he would not seek another term.

“I believe if he had kept to that plan and said, in, say, the late summer of ’23, that he wasn’t going to run, that he was going to pass the torch to the next generation, we would have had a real contest,” she said.

Clinton also expressed confidence that a different Democratic nominee emerging from a competitive primary would have had a stronger chance against Trump in the general election.

“Very sadly, I believe whoever emerged from that contest would have beaten Donald Trump,” Clinton said.

Questions about Biden’s age and fitness for office were a recurring issue throughout much of his presidency and became a central topic during the 2024 campaign.

For months before Biden’s June 2024 debate against Trump, polling consistently showed voter concerns regarding his age and ability to serve another four years.

Republicans repeatedly highlighted instances in which Biden appeared confused, struggled through public remarks, or delivered uneven performances during speeches and events.

Democratic officials and many media figures frequently pushed back against those concerns and defended Biden’s ability to continue serving.

The issue intensified following Biden’s debate performance against Trump in June 2024, which prompted increased scrutiny from donors, elected officials, and party leaders.

Calls for Biden to leave the race grew in the weeks that followed as concerns mounted within Democratic circles about the party’s ability to compete in November.

Reflecting on that period, Clinton said Democrats found themselves trapped once Biden decided to remain in the race.

“But once he didn’t move,” Clinton said, “and held on for as long as he did, we were in a terrible dilemma.”

Biden eventually ended his re-election campaign in July 2024 after weeks of pressure from influential Democrats, major donors, and party operatives.

His departure left Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s nominee. Harris secured the nomination without participating in a contested primary campaign after Biden exited the race.

Democrats were then forced to quickly assemble a national campaign heading into the final months of the election season.

Trump ultimately defeated Harris and returned to the White House, securing a second non-consecutive term as president.

Clinton’s comments represent one of the strongest public criticisms of Biden’s 2024 campaign decision from a prominent Democrat.

Her remarks also add to an ongoing debate within the Democratic Party over whether an earlier transition to a new generation of leadership could have changed the outcome of the election.

The comments come as Democrats continue evaluating the events that led to their loss in 2024 and weigh potential paths forward ahead of future national elections.

California Launches Absurd Program Forcing Businesses to Prove They’re ‘Gay Enough’ for State Contracts [WATCH]
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California Launches Absurd Program Forcing Businesses to Prove They’re ‘Gay Enough’ for State Contracts [WATCH]

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A report published by City Journal is drawing attention to a California program that provides contracting opportunities to businesses certified as LGBT-owned, including a verification process that requires applicants to submit documentation related to their sexual orientation or gender identity, as reported by Townhall.

According to the report, businesses seeking certification under the state’s LGBT Business Enterprise program must complete an application process designed to verify that qualifying ownership requirements have been met before becoming eligible for certain contracting opportunities.

The certification process has become the subject of debate after details of the application requirements circulated widely on social media.

The program emerged after years of advocacy from activists who argued that LGBT-owned businesses faced barriers in obtaining contracts and business opportunities within California’s utility sector.

Those efforts ultimately resulted in policies administered through the California Public Utilities Commission that expanded contracting opportunities for businesses certified as LGBT-owned.

According to the report, approximately $633 million in contracts were made available to businesses that could demonstrate a qualifying ownership status under the program.

The certification process includes a questionnaire intended to establish whether an applicant qualifies as a member of the LGBT community.

The report states that applicants may be asked to provide documentation such as marriage licenses, evidence of “completed or attempted parenting efforts,” records connected to gender transition procedures, or letters from what the program describes as a “recognized LGBT organization.”

Applicants are also required to submit multiple forms of identification as part of the verification process.

The requirements gained broader attention after a social media post highlighted portions of the certification materials and questioned the legality of the process.

The post stated, “California has a gay certification checklist to ensure taxpayer funded contracts only for lgbtq people, are being awarded to people who are gay enough.”

The post continued, “Extremely bizarre, not to mention highly illegal.”

The certification program is intended to verify eligibility before businesses receive recognition as LGBT-owned enterprises.

Similar certification programs exist for other categories of businesses that seek preferential consideration or inclusion in supplier diversity initiatives.

According to the report, applicants who knowingly provide false information during the certification process can face significant penalties.

The penalties include fines of up to $5,000 and the possibility of up to one year in prison for fraudulent claims made during the application process.

The publication of the report has generated renewed discussion about whether governments should provide contracting advantages based on characteristics such as sexual orientation or gender identity.

Critics have questioned whether the requirements and resulting contracting preferences can withstand legal scrutiny, particularly as courts continue to review diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across the country.

Supporters of such initiatives have argued that certification programs are designed to identify businesses owned by groups that have historically faced barriers to economic opportunities and government contracting.

The report has added California’s program to the growing national debate over diversity-based contracting preferences and the standards used to verify eligibility.

Questions surrounding the certification requirements, the use of taxpayer-funded contracts, and the legal framework supporting such programs are likely to continue as scrutiny of diversity-focused initiatives increases nationwide.

Inside Gavin Newsom’s Luxurious Empire as DOJ Probe Looms Over His $30 Million Fortune [WATCH]
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Inside Gavin Newsom’s Luxurious Empire as DOJ Probe Looms Over His $30 Million Fortune [WATCH]

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s announcement that he and his wife are the subjects of a federal investigation has brought renewed attention to the couple’s financial holdings, business interests, and nonprofit activities as questions continue to swirl around the probe, as reported by The New York Post.

Newsom revealed Monday in a pre-recorded social media video that the Department of Justice is investigating him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom.

The governor accused President Donald Trump of directing the FBI and DOJ to pursue the matter because of a potential 2028 presidential campaign.

According to sources cited in the report, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California is investigating allegations raised by California whistleblowers involving Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s taxes, former Newsom chief of staff Dana Williamson, and potentially other statehouse staff members.

WATCH:

The renewed attention has also highlighted the governor’s substantial personal fortune, which is estimated at roughly $30 million.

By comparison, Newsom’s annual gubernatorial salary of $245,929 represents only a small portion of his overall wealth.

Newsom entered politics as a wealthy businessman before becoming mayor of San Francisco in 2004.

At the time, he was reportedly worth approximately $6.9 million, largely due to his ownership interests in wine and hospitality ventures that grew through relationships connected to the influential Getty family.

His father, William Newsom, was an attorney and appeals court judge who maintained a close relationship with billionaire Gordon Getty.

William Newsom was entrusted with delivering a $2.2 million ransom following the July 10, 1973, kidnapping of John Paul Getty III by the Italian mafia.

Gordon Getty’s son, Billy Getty, later partnered with Newsom in launching the Balboa Cafe and PlumpJack businesses. PlumpJack eventually expanded into a network of wineries, restaurants, and hotels throughout California.

Newsom has previously suggested that tensions developed between him and Billy Getty due to his relationship with Gordon Getty, contributing to a falling out between the former business partners.

The governor’s business interests have continued to attract attention during his political career. Previous reporting found that approximately $50,000 in donor funds was spent at PlumpJack properties.

Newsom and his wife also own two high-value California properties.

WATCH:

In 2018, shortly before becoming governor, the couple purchased a 12,600-square-foot residence in Fair Oaks for $3.7 million.

State records show they financed $2.7 million of the purchase through a mortgage. Rather than moving into the governor’s mansion, Newsom chose to remain at the Fair Oaks property.

The family later purchased a home in Kentfield, located in Marin County, about 20 miles north of San Francisco. The property was acquired near the end of 2024 for $9.1 million and carried a $6.5 million mortgage.

The move allowed the couple’s four children to attend local private schools.

Newsom has also generated income through publishing. His memoir, “Young Man in a Hurry,” has been viewed by some political observers as laying the groundwork for a possible 2028 presidential campaign.

Campaign finance records showed that Newsom’s political action committee spent approximately $1.6 million purchasing copies of the book. Disclosure forms indicated he earned more than $100,000 through publication payments and royalties.

While Newsom’s podcasts have attracted attention as another possible vehicle for a future national campaign, disclosures indicate they have not generated personal income because state rules prohibit him from receiving such earnings while serving in office.

Much of the current focus surrounding the federal investigation appears tied to Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s nonprofit and business activities.

Siebel Newsom maintains a separate blind trust reportedly holding at least $1 million in assets. She serves as the founder of the nonprofit Representation Project and receives an annual salary exceeding $150,000 from the organization.

The nonprofit has also paid approximately $150,000 annually to Girls Club Entertainment, Siebel Newsom’s media production company, which produces documentary films.

Another nonprofit founded by Siebel Newsom, the California Partners Project, has also drawn attention.

Previous reporting indicated that more than $4.4 million in donations were directed to the organization from groups and individuals with business interests before the state.

The California Partners Project has worked on initiatives overlapping with those of the Representation Project.

While such fundraising activities are legal, they have generated concerns among critics regarding potential conflicts of interest.

“They are not breaking any laws,” said Dan Schnur, a teacher of political communications at USC and UC Berkeley, “but [Newsom] is following this law more aggressively than any other politician in modern memory.”

Financial disclosure records also show that Newsom previously held investments in companies, including Intel and Merck & Co., before becoming governor. He currently maintains a blind trust reportedly worth more than $1 million and invested primarily in mutual funds.

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