Author name: Robert Walsh

Mayor Says New Haven Police Chief Confessed to Stealing City Money
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Mayor Says New Haven Police Chief Confessed to Stealing City Money

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New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson abruptly retired Monday after admitting he stole money from a city fund designated to pay confidential informants, according to city officials, as reported by The New York Post.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker announced the development during a press conference, confirming that Jacobson confessed to taking money from a fund used to compensate informants who assist police investigations.

The mayor said the theft was for Jacobson’s personal expenses.

Jacobson, who had served as New Haven’s police chief for more than three years and spent roughly 15 years with the department overall, admitted to the misconduct after city officials identified irregularities in the handling of the informant fund.

According to Elicker, deputies confronted Jacobson about the discrepancies during a meeting Monday morning.

The mayor said Jacobson submitted retirement paperwork effective immediately just before Elicker planned to meet with him and place him on administrative leave.

“To say this news is a shock is an understatement,” Elicker said during the press conference. “No one is above the law … we treat everyone the same. That includes the New Haven Chief of Police.”

Officials have not yet disclosed how much money was taken or over what period the alleged theft occurred. Elicker said there is currently no evidence suggesting that any other individuals were involved in the misuse of the funds.

The stolen money came from a city-controlled account intended specifically to pay confidential informants, a key investigative tool used by police departments to gather information related to criminal activity.

Elicker did not provide details about how the irregularities were discovered but said they prompted immediate action once identified.

Following Jacobson’s departure, Assistant Chief David Zannelli was named acting chief of the New Haven Police Department, according to the mayor.

Elicker said the Connecticut State Police and the state’s attorney’s office are now determining the next steps in the investigation.

Authorities did not announce whether criminal charges have been filed, but confirmed that the matter has been referred for further review.

Jacobson joined the New Haven Police Department approximately 15 years ago and worked his way through the ranks before being appointed chief.

During his tenure, he oversaw policing operations in one of Connecticut’s largest cities. His sudden departure marks a significant leadership change for the department.

City officials said they will cooperate fully with state investigators as the review continues. No timeline has been provided for the completion of the investigation or for any potential legal proceedings related to the alleged theft.

Hollywood Actress and Kamala Voter Breaks With the Left on Venezuela Reality
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Hollywood Actress and Kamala Voter Breaks With the Left on Venezuela Reality

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Actress and activist Sara Foster publicly addressed the ongoing situation in Venezuela, calling on critics to focus on the country’s humanitarian crisis rather than framing recent developments solely through a political lens.

In a detailed statement, Foster said she has spent more than a decade directly assisting Venezuelan families by helping provide food, medicine, and other basic necessities.

She emphasized that her involvement long predates the current political moment and is rooted in personal relationships with families living under extreme conditions.

“I did not vote for Trump, not that I was excited to vote for Kamala, but I did,” Foster said.

“But what I have done is facilitate food, medicine, basic essentials for children in Venezuela.”

Foster said her work in Venezuela spans more than ten years and includes sustained contact with families facing severe deprivation.

“For over 10 years, I have developed close relationships with families there, with mothers there who have watched their children die because you cannot imagine the conditions in Venezuela,” she said.

“You cannot imagine parents unable to get the basic essentials for their children.”

She described speaking directly with mothers who experienced the loss of their children inside their own homes, stressing that the reality on the ground is often misunderstood by outsiders.

“I spoke to families, to mothers who watch their children die on the floors of their home,” Foster said.

“You cannot imagine.”

Foster noted that she has been publicly posting and speaking about Venezuela and Nicolás Maduro for more than a decade, long before the current attention on the country.

“I’ve been posting about Maduro and the state of Venezuela for a very long time, over 10 years,” she said.

Addressing critics directly, Foster urged people to understand the humanitarian situation before assigning political motives or criticizing reactions to recent events.

“So before you sit and criticize and I can’t pretend to know how this will impact America, I’m honestly just so focused on the relief I feel for the people of Venezuela,” she said.

She pushed back against framing the situation as a partisan issue tied to U.S. politics.

“So before you want to politicize this and make this a Trump thing, look into the conditions and the quality of life for how people have been surviving and living in Venezuela,” Foster said.

Foster described the current moment in Venezuela as a turning point for ordinary citizens, rejecting the idea that the country is under occupation.

“Venezuela is not occupied today,” she said.

“Venezuela is liberated today.”

She encouraged critics to research the situation independently.

“Truly learn about it,” Foster said.

“Read about it again.”

Foster also acknowledged that geopolitical motivations, including oil interests, may play a role in the broader situation, but said that does not negate the immediate impact on Venezuelans.

“I am not saying that this isn’t for the oil all that okay, maybe it is,” she said.

“Maybe it’s truly sinister, but for the people of Venezuela today, this is a good thing. This is a good thing.”

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NYC Jewelry World Explodes as Viral Brawl Lands Jewelers in Handcuffs
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NYC Jewelry World Explodes as Viral Brawl Lands Jewelers in Handcuffs

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A heated dispute between well-known New York jewelers escalated into a physical altercation Friday, prompting police response and resulting in assault arrests, according to video evidence and statements from law enforcement.

The incident involved Maksud Agadjani, the owner of TraxNYC, and George and Freddy Akay of Akay Diamonds.

Agadjani, who has built a significant online following with more than 3 million followers on Instagram, accused the Akays of using his name to defraud customers, a claim that sparked a public confrontation.

Video posted by Agadjani shows him approaching the Akay Diamonds booth and aggressively confronting one of the men.

In the footage, Agadjani is seen screaming directly into a man’s face, repeatedly calling him a thief while shouting profanities. The video captures a chaotic scene as bystanders gather and attempt to intervene.

At one point, Agadjani appears to be pulled away from the booth by others in the crowd. Moments later, the confrontation resumes.

Another man is seen spitting in Agadjani’s face, which immediately leads to a violent brawl.

The footage shows shoving and punches being thrown as multiple individuals become involved.

Following the incident, Agadjani shared additional videos and images on social media documenting what he said were injuries sustained during the altercation.

In one video, he displayed visible redness on his neck, which he claimed resulted from an attempt by the Akays to strangle him.

He also pointed to a red mark on his head, saying he had been struck during the fight.

Agadjani repeatedly alleged that George and Freddy Akay attempted to kill him.

In another video, he is seen using what appears to be a nebulizer, a device commonly used to treat respiratory conditions, while continuing to accuse the men of wrongdoing and describing the encounter.

The New York Police Department confirmed that officers responded to a report of an assault related to the incident.

According to the NYPD, officers were informed upon arrival that two men had approached an alleged male victim and that a verbal dispute escalated into a physical confrontation.

Police said that two individuals punched the alleged victim with closed fists, causing minor injuries.

The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that George and Freddy Akay were both arrested on assault charges in connection with the altercation.

Authorities did not release additional details regarding the charges or whether further legal action is expected.

Media outlets reached out to both George and Freddy Akay for comment following the arrests. Freddy Akay declined to comment.

No public statement was immediately available from George Akay.

The incident has drawn widespread attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the dramatic footage circulated online.

Agadjani’s large social media presence amplified the reach of the videos, which quickly spread across multiple platforms.

‘Somali Democrat Medicaid Fraud’ Ring Raided in Maine
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‘Somali Democrat Medicaid Fraud’ Ring Raided in Maine

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Investigative journalist Steve Robinson detailed what he described as a significant federal investigation involving Gateway Community Services, a Lewiston, Maine–based organization connected to a network of migrant-run nonprofits, Medicaid billing, and Democratic Party officials in the state.

Robinson said the organization at the center of the investigation operates as a for-profit entity while maintaining a 501(c)(3) filing that allows it to receive grant funding.

“Nonprofits and forming Medicaid agencies. The particular agency in question is called Gateway Community Services, and it’s a for-profit company that just has a 501 (c)(3) filing in order to accept grant money when you need a c3 filing,” Robinson said.

Gateway Community Services is located on Canal Street in Lewiston, an area Robinson described as a central hub for multiple migrant-run organizations.

Robinson said he was present at the site during what appeared to be a law enforcement action.

“But it has an office on Canal Street in Lewiston, and I was actually on site there, investigating and doing some monologs in front of the building,” Robinson said.

“When about 15 HSI agents rolled up with what appeared to be a search warrant, it looked like they were coming there to take away computers and filing cabinets.”

Robinson said the building houses numerous organizations tied to migrant services and Medicaid-funded operations.

“And what’s interesting about that building guy is it’s kind of a nexus for a host of migrant run NGOs,” he said.

“There’s the Maine immigrant rights coalition. There are no generational nor a bunch of home health care agencies that also bill Medicaid, or, as we call it in Maine, MaineCare.”

According to Robinson, the location functions as a shared space for multiple groups involved in health care and migrant advocacy.

“So this is a building that serves as kind of a catch all space for tons of migrant organizations,” he said.

Robinson said the investigation extends beyond what he described as alleged Medicaid fraud and includes political connections to Maine Democrats.

“And another thing I would say about this particular location and Gateway Community Services is that it’s not just a Somali Medicaid fraud,” Robinson said.

“It’s a Somali Democrat Medicaid fraud.”

Robinson alleged that Gateway Community Services has extensive ties to the Democratic Party in Maine, including connections to Governor Janet Mills and her administration.

“Because this is an organization with elaborate and extensive ties to the main Democratic Party, including Governor Janet Mills and her administration,” Robinson said.

He pointed to the involvement of Democratic lawmakers Yusuf Yusuf and Deqa Dhalac, both of whom Robinson said are linked to the organization.

“There are two Democratic lawmakers, Representative Yusuf Yusuf and Representative Deqa Dhalac who have both their state lawmakers, members of the Democratic Party,” Robinson said.

Robinson also cited the appointment of Eklas Ahmed, a former Gateway Community Services employee, to a senior role within state government.

“And Janet Mills, when she was forming the Office of New Americans as a migrant resettlement agency for the state of Maine, picked a woman named Eklas Ahmed, who is a former employee of Gateway Community Services,” Robinson said.

According to Robinson, Gateway Community Services also received contracts from the Mills administration without a competitive bidding process.

“And furthermore, Gateway received many no bid contracts from the Mills administration for the purposes of doing community health outreach work,” he said.

Robinson said those contracts included activities tied to voter registration efforts during the 2022 election cycle.

“Which involved registering migrants to vote in the 2022 election,” he said.

Robinson said the organization’s political and financial connections distinguish it from other entities facing scrutiny.

“So this is not just any run of the mill organization that was fraudulently billing Medicaid, allegedly,” Robinson said.

“It’s one that was very, very well tied and connected to the main Democratic Party, and remains tied to the Democratic Party.”

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Explosions Rock Caracas as U.S. Military Strikes Inside Venezuela’s Capital
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Explosions Rock Caracas as U.S. Military Strikes Inside Venezuela’s Capital

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Reports from Venezuela indicated that at least seven explosions were heard in the capital city of Caracas during the early morning hours.

According to The Associated Press, low-flying aircraft were seen over Caracas at approximately 2 a.m. local time on Saturday, coinciding with the reported explosions.

U.S. officials did not immediately release details about the targets of the strikes, the duration of the operation, or the specific military assets involved.

The confirmation marked a significant escalation in U.S. military activity involving Venezuelan territory.

In a related move, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a Notice to Air Missions at 1 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Saturday.

The notice prohibited all U.S. aircraft from operating “at all altitudes within Venezuelan airspace.”

The restriction applied broadly and did not specify an expiration time, indicating heightened concern about safety conditions in and around Venezuelan airspace following the reported military activity.

The reported strikes came as the U.S. military has been conducting operations targeting alleged drug-smuggling boats operating in the Caribbean and the Eastern Pacific.

U.S. authorities have previously stated that those efforts are focused on disrupting trafficking routes and networks that move narcotics toward the United States and other destinations.

The developments followed recent public comments from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

On Thursday, Maduro said his government was open to negotiating an agreement with the United States after months of what he described as American military pressure targeting drug trafficking networks tied to his government.

Maduro’s statement came amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Caracas, particularly surrounding allegations that elements within the Venezuelan government are linked to international drug trafficking operations.

U.S. officials have repeatedly accused Venezuelan leadership of facilitating or benefiting from those networks, accusations the Venezuelan government has denied.

The reported strikes and the FAA’s airspace prohibition suggested a rapidly evolving security situation early Saturday.

The Notice to Air Missions effectively grounded U.S. civilian aviation operations over Venezuela, a step typically taken when military activity or other risks pose a threat to flight safety.

Obama Admin Helped Overthrow Ukraine’s Democracy, Took Control of Intel Services: Mike Benz
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Obama Admin Helped Overthrow Ukraine’s Democracy, Took Control of Intel Services: Mike Benz

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Jack Posobiec and Mike Benz argued in a recent exchange that the 2014 Maidan Revolution in Ukraine was not an organic popular uprising but a U.S.-backed color revolution that illegally removed the country’s democratically elected president and placed Ukraine under direct Western intelligence influence.

The discussion focused on the removal of President Viktor Yanukovich, who was elected in 2010, and the subsequent installation of a new Ukrainian government following mass protests in Kyiv’s Maidan Square. Posobiec framed the events as a coordinated effort involving U.S. political figures, intelligence agencies, and allied interests hostile to Russia.

“You’re walking through how this Maidan revolution really was a George Floyd style US government-backed color revolution that saw elements of John McCain and Democrats and George Soros all working together to again,” Posobiec said.

“And I just want to be very clear about this. I mean, very, very clear about this to everybody out there that whether or not you liked or supported Vijanikovich, the previous president of Ukraine. He was a democratically elected president of the country. He was elected by the people of Ukraine, and there was no legal process to remove him from power.”

Posobiec continued by asserting that Yanukovich was forced out through U.S. intervention rather than constitutional means.

“He was ousted, he was forced to step down and flee the country by elements of the US government, all in the name of democracy,” he said.

Posobiec linked the events to broader U.S. foreign policy under the Obama administration, citing what he described as open hostility toward Russia from then-President Barack Obama and then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

“Just that basic understanding that the US government under Obama, at the time, working with Hillary, was targeted and openly stating their hostility towards Russia,” Posobiec said.

He added that this context raised questions about subsequent Russian actions.

“Then when you see the response from Russia, you have to really ask yourselves, was this unprovoked, or perhaps, was there something that caused them to react this way?”

Turning to the aftermath of the Maidan uprising, Posobiec questioned the role of U.S. intelligence in shaping Ukraine’s future governance.

“So the Maidan revolution takes place, the US government gets their hooks in US intelligence bends. What happens next in Ukraine?” he asked.

Benz responded by pointing to reporting from The New York Times that he said detailed how Ukraine’s post-Maidan leadership and intelligence apparatus were directly influenced by U.S. and British officials.

According to Benz, the selection of Ukraine’s new leadership occurred immediately after Yanukovich’s removal.

“Well, so on the topic of the intelligence state, the New York Times actually published that the very night of the very morning after the Maidan Square toppled Viktor Yanukovich and installed Yat Sen Yook in Ukraine,” Benz said.

He claimed that the new leader was chosen through Western intervention rather than by Ukrainian voters.

“He was not elected the new head of state was literally selected in a joint phone call by Victoria Nuland and Geoff Pyatt, who, in very explicit terms, picked the next president of Ukraine, not the Ukrainian people,” Benz said.

Benz described a subsequent New York Times report that examined the rebuilding of Ukraine’s intelligence services after the change in government.

He said the article detailed how Western intelligence agencies moved quickly to take control of Ukraine’s security infrastructure following the overthrow.

“But the very next day, the New York Times, as it as they published in a piece, I believe it was last year or two years ago, they published a reconstruction of Ukraine’s intelligence state,” Benz said.

He explained that the report described the condition of Ukraine’s intelligence headquarters immediately after the events in Kyiv.

“What they said is that the new head of Ukrainian intelligence walked into the building of Ukraine’s Intelligence Center, the day after the coup was complete, and the lights were off, and documents were scattered everywhere,” Benz said.

According to Benz, the newly installed intelligence chief’s first actions involved direct coordination with Western intelligence services.

“And the first thing he did is he placed two phone calls, one to the chief the CIA chief of station, and one to the MI6 chief of station in Ukraine,” Benz said.

Benz concluded that a joint intelligence partnership was established immediately following Yanukovich’s removal.

“And a three-way partnership was struck the very day after the coup to rebuild Ukraine’s intelligence state from the ground up as a three-way partnership between Ukraine, the CIA, and MI6,” he said.

“So not only did the Obama administration and the British government overthrow the democratically elected Government of Ukraine,” Benz added, “but then they immediately took control through the CIA and MI6 of the intelligence services in Ukraine from the ground up.”

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Puerto Rico Enacts Law Recognizing Unborn Children as ‘Natural Persons’ From Conception
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Puerto Rico Enacts Law Recognizing Unborn Children as ‘Natural Persons’ From Conception

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Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González Colón has signed legislation formally recognizing unborn children as “natural persons” from the moment of conception, amending the territory’s Civil Code in a move that has drawn national attention from pro-life organizations, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The measure, known as Senate Bill 504, or PS 504, was signed into law in late December. The legislation updates Puerto Rico’s Civil Code to establish legal recognition of unborn children for civil purposes, including matters such as inheritance rights.

The law does not change existing abortion statutes in Puerto Rico and does not create new criminal penalties related to abortion.

According to the text of the legislation, the recognition of personhood applies specifically within the civil law framework.

Lawmakers supporting the bill said it was intended to clarify legal standing in civil matters rather than alter criminal law or medical regulations.

Pro-life organizations described the law as a significant step within U.S. jurisdictions. Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life, commented publicly following the signing.

“National Right to Life celebrates this landmark achievement for the pro-life movement. Puerto Rico’s clear and courageous recognition of preborn babies as persons reflects a deep respect for life and provides a powerful example for lawmakers throughout the United States. Legal personhood for the preborn is not only consistent with science and human dignity but is the foundation upon which a culture of life can flourish,” Tobias told Life News.

Tobias also addressed the broader implications of the legislation, saying, “Puerto Rico’s action stands as a compelling reaffirmation that the protection of human life at all stages is a fundamental civil right. This measure underscores the essential truth that every human being—born and unborn—deserves equal protection under the law.”

The legislation aligns Puerto Rico’s Civil Code with language recognizing life as beginning at conception for specific legal purposes. Supporters argue the change reflects biological definitions of when human life begins, while critics have emphasized that the measure stops short of addressing abortion policy directly.

Life News characterized the legislation as one of the strongest affirmations of preborn personhood within U.S. jurisdictions.

“This historic legal recognition marks one of the strongest pro-life affirmations within U.S. jurisdictions. By explicitly acknowledging the inherent dignity and personhood of the preborn, Puerto Rico has taken a principled and scientifically grounded step to align its civil law with the biological reality that human life begins at fertilization,” the outlet reported.

While the law does not include provisions restricting abortion, some pro-life groups say it could serve as a foundation for future legislative efforts.

Advocates argue that codifying personhood language in civil law establishes a framework that could influence later debates on life-related policies.

Puerto Rico’s action comes amid continued national debate over abortion policy following recent changes to federal and state laws across the United States.

Several states have enacted measures expanding abortion access, while others have moved to strengthen restrictions or redefine legal protections for unborn children.

Officials in Puerto Rico have not announced additional legislation related to abortion following the signing of Senate Bill 504. For now, the law stands as a civil code amendment recognizing unborn children as legal persons for limited purposes under territorial law.

‘We Are Not Afraid’: Erika Kirk Says TPUSA Is Going Back to Campuses
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‘We Are Not Afraid’: Erika Kirk Says TPUSA Is Going Back to Campuses

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Erika Kirk, the widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, said the conservative youth organization will continue its nationwide presence on college campuses and resume its signature debates, despite the killing of its founder earlier this year, as reported by Fox News.

Kirk made the remarks during an appearance on Fox News Sunday with host Shannon Bream, where she addressed the future of Turning Point USA following her husband’s death.

“We are not afraid,” Kirk said during the interview, adding that the TPUSA team will continue to host “Prove Me Wrong”–style debates as part of its campus outreach.

San Marcos, TX / United States – Oct. 24 2018: Turning Point USA founder and president Charlie Kirk during a visit to Texas State University in San Marcos.

Charlie Kirk was assassinated on Sept. 10 during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University. The event marked the first stop on TPUSA’s planned “American Comeback Tour.”

According to accounts of the event, nothing initially appeared out of the ordinary.

Kirk was seated beneath a white tent displaying the slogan “Prove Me Wrong,” a phrase closely associated with his campus debates, and was taking open-microphone questions from attendees when he was fatally shot.

The event drew thousands and followed a format Kirk had used for years while engaging with students on college campuses across the country.

His death abruptly halted the tour and raised questions about the future of the organization he founded as a teenager. Erika Kirk told Bream she intends to continue that work.

Charlie Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA at age 18 after dropping out of community college. The organization began as a small campus-focused effort aimed at promoting conservative ideas among students.

Kirk’s profile rose quickly within Republican politics.

By his mid-20s, he became the youngest speaker at the Republican National Convention in 2016.

Over the following years, he built a national media presence and developed close ties to Donald Trump, according to public accounts of his political activity.

With financial backing from Republican donors, including Foster Friess, Turning Point USA expanded rapidly. Tax filings show the organization’s revenue increased from approximately $2 million in 2015 to $85 million in 2024.

By that time, Kirk led what had become one of the largest conservative nonprofits in the country, with millions of followers across digital platforms and hundreds of campus chapters.

Erika Kirk said the organization has seen increased interest since her husband’s death, including a surge in campus chapter enrollments, signaling continued momentum among conservative students nationwide.

Arizona, USA – September 25 2025: Donald Trump and Erika Kirk at Charlie Kirk memorial turning point usa event.

During her interview, she emphasized that TPUSA would continue its mission and return to campuses to host debates and events consistent with its longstanding approach.

The organization has not announced a revised schedule for the “American Comeback Tour,” but leadership has indicated plans to resume campus activities in the coming months.

‘Americans Rejected EVERYTHING the Democrats Stand For’: Byron Donalds
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‘Americans Rejected EVERYTHING the Democrats Stand For’: Byron Donalds

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Rep. Byron Donalds said the Democratic Party is struggling to redefine itself after voters rejected its positions on immigration, border security, inflation, and social issues, arguing that any attempt at rebranding fails to address what he described as fundamental policy failures.

Speaking about recent Democratic messaging efforts, Donalds questioned whether a meaningful shift is even possible given what he said are the party’s long-standing policy positions.

“Where is the rebrand? Here am I missing it? I have no idea what they’re going to do, because everything that the Democrats stand for is what the American people have soundly rejected,” Donalds said.

Donalds said immigration and border security remain central issues for voters, arguing that Democratic policies have led to chaos at the southern border and empowered criminal organizations.

“They stand for open borders. The American people rejected it. They stand for rampant illegal immigration. They stand for criminal illegals coming into our country. They stand for the drug cartels having control of our southern borders,” he said.

He also pointed to economic concerns, saying Democrats are responsible for inflation that has strained household budgets across the country.

Donalds tied those economic conditions directly to policies supported by Democrats under Joe Biden.

“And last but not least, they stood for the inflation that crippled so many American families,” Donalds said.

“That was Democrats that voted for Joe Biden’s economic plan, which led to higher inflation for the American people, a stagnant economy, wages adjusted for inflation, were down, and they’re going to rebrand themselves.”

Donalds said voters are also paying attention to social policy debates, including those involving transgender issues and athletics, which he described as out of step with public opinion.

“I didn’t even get into the crazy social agendas around transgenderism and boys and women’s sports,” he said.

“That’s what they stand for. Those are the policies they want to go back to.”

He questioned what Democrats could realistically change if they attempt to repackage their message without altering their underlying positions.

“So what’s the rebrand going to do? Are they going to get more crazy?” Donalds asked.

“They’re going to follow Zorhan Mamdani I don’t think that’s going to work for the American people.”

Donalds said voters are focused on practical outcomes rather than messaging, emphasizing economic stability and personal prosperity.

“Americans want sound borders. They want a sound economy. They want prices to be stable and to lower. They want more money in their pocket,” he said. “They really want to thrive. They want the American dream.”

According to Donalds, Democrats have consistently opposed or undermined those priorities through their policy choices.

“Democrats don’t stand for that,” he said.

“Look at the policy sets.”

He argued that changes in party leadership or public-facing figures would not alter the results if the policies remain the same.

“You could put AOC or somebody else out in front, but it’s the same policies,” Donalds said.

“Which means it’s going to be destructive of America.”

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CBS News Blasted for One-Sided Anti-Trump ’60 Minutes’ Hit Piece
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CBS News Blasted for One-Sided Anti-Trump ’60 Minutes’ Hit Piece

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Media analyst Howie Kurtz criticized CBS’s “60 Minutes” over what he described as a one-sided report targeting a Trump administration policy involving Venezuelan prisoners, arguing the segment failed to include any voices defending the policy it attacked.

Kurtz said the network’s handling of the piece raised serious questions about fairness and balance, particularly given the absence of policy advocates or administration supporters in the broadcast.

“I think that CBS will have even more of a black eye if it doesn’t eventually run this story,” Kurtz said.

“But look, I watched a bootleg copy of the CBS segment, and it is totally one sided. It is totally anti Trump and the guests included beside the two Venezuelan prisoners from Human Rights Watch from the Human Rights Center at Berkeley, and nobody defending the Trump policy, not an advocate, not an activist.”

Kurtz argued that if CBS intended to present a critical report, it had an obligation to include opposing viewpoints, even if that required holding the story until such voices could be included.

“And so it seems to me that if Bari Weiss wanted to weigh in, she should have gone to one of the five screenings,” he said.

“And just briefly, rich stories get held all the time.”

He cited past newsroom practices to illustrate his point.

“Mike Wallace once called me and said that Don Hewitt, the producer, told him that his story wasn’t ready and that he needed a voice such as mine,” Kurtz said.

“I came on right at the top, just before the stopwatch.”

A Fox News anchor pressed the issue of whether journalists should delay a story to secure responses from those being criticized.

“You know, even, even if, let’s say, your boss comes to you, you’ve had trouble getting comment from the administration, which was the claim here,” the anchor said.

“Then if your boss comes to you and says, I’ve got the phone numbers of the people who have put this policy in place, which we are critical of in this piece. Wouldn’t you want to hold it off and then be able to say, okay, ask the people who put this policy in place to defend it at that point. I mean, shouldn’t you want to do that?”

Kurtz responded that while it would be preferable to have administration officials on camera, he believes the White House intentionally declined to participate and that CBS should not use that refusal as a reason to kill or reshape a story.

“Yeah, but I think the White House made a deliberate decision not to provide a guest, and I think Bari Weiss may have made too much of that,” Kurtz said.

“Because you need to. You’re sure if they can get somebody on camera, it would be it would really help the peace and maybe this will die down.”

He then referenced internal correspondence from the show’s own staff to drive home his argument.

“But the correspondent Sharon Alfonsi wrote in an internal note, if the administration’s refusal to participate becomes a valid reason to spike a story, then we have effectively handed them a kill switch for any reporting they find inconvenient,” Kurtz said.

“So it gives the Trump White House veto power, in effect, simply by deciding not to play.”

The Fox News anchor agreed that administration voices should be sought whenever possible.

“Yeah, absolutely,” the anchor said.

“But if you had the opportunity to maybe appeal directly to the people who are making this policy, you’d want them on the show, right?”

Kurtz said he agreed, but added that reports indicate CBS may have excluded relevant responses that were already provided off camera.

“Absolutely, of course,” he said.

“But Axios is reporting that there were comments provided by the White House, by the State Department and homeland security, obviously not on camera, that weren’t used. If that’s true, it’s inexplicable.”

Kurtz also criticized what he said were omissions within the “60 Minutes” report itself, particularly regarding criminal histories.

“And just to look at the fairness of the piece that 60 Minutes wanted to air,” he said.

“Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi, who I just mentioned, said nearly half of the 252 Venezuelans sent to El Salvador had no criminal history, and then just dropped it. No mention of the other half who obviously do have a criminal history.”

He added that the segment also criticized a visit by Kristi Noem to a notorious prison without including any response from her.

“And the segment criticized a Kristi Noem visit to that notorious prison,” Kurtz said.

“No comment at all from her side.”

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