Author name: Stephen Phelps

Rogan and Musk Rip NC Judiciary for Letting Career Criminals Walk Free
Entertainment

Rogan and Musk Rip NC Judiciary for Letting Career Criminals Walk Free

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Podcaster Joe Rogan and entrepreneur Elon Musk sharply criticized North Carolina’s judicial appointment process following the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte commuter train earlier this year.

Their comments came during a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, where both questioned how a magistrate judge without a law degree had the authority to release a repeat offender later accused in the killing.

“You think that if you are going to be appointed as a judge, you have to have proven that you have an excellent knowledge of the law and that you will make your decisions according to the law,” Musk said during the discussion.

Rogan and Musk’s remarks focused on Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes, who released suspect DeCarlos Brown Jr. in January after he signed a written promise to appear in court.

Court records obtained by Fox News Digital show Brown, who has been arrested at least 14 times, was released without posting bond.

He has since been charged with first-degree murder in Zarutska’s death.

Under North Carolina law, magistrate judges are appointed to handle matters such as issuing warrants, conducting initial appearances, and setting release conditions for defendants accused of non-capital offenses.

However, the state does not require magistrates to hold law degrees or have extensive legal experience.

According to a study by the Columbia Review, North Carolina is among 32 states that allow judges to serve without passing the bar exam, and about 80 percent of its magistrate judges do not possess law degrees.

Rogan questioned how a judge without a legal background could make critical decisions affecting public safety.

“Wasn’t there a crazy story about the judge who was involved [and] had previously dealt with [Brown], was also invested in a rehabilitation center and was sending people that they were charging to a rehabilitation center instead of putting them in jail,” Rogan said.

“Profiting from this rehabilitation center, letting them back out on the street – violent, insane people.”

The remarks referred to online reports alleging that Stokes had ties to Second Chance Services, a Charlotte-based mental health and addiction treatment clinic.

Posts on social media raised questions about whether she had connections to the facility while presiding over criminal cases.

The North Carolina Courts did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment about Stokes’ background or any potential involvement with the clinic.

The case reignited criticism of the state’s judicial system among lawmakers and residents.

“Unqualified Magistrate Judges are letting loose dangerous repeat criminals in North Carolina,” Rep. Mark Harris (R-N.C.) posted on X while sharing a clip of Rogan’s discussion.

“Iryna Zarutska’s tragic murder exposed that Democrat judges are putting criminals before victims.”

Harris later elaborated on the issue, telling Fox News Digital, “I just think there’s some real concerns that need to be raised in how we get these magistrate [judges] that have the power to put these people back out on the street.”

In the aftermath of Zarutska’s killing, ten Republican members of the North Carolina House of Representatives sent a letter demanding that Stokes be removed from her position.

“It is demoralizing for police when they arrest these folks [and] put them in jail,” Harris said.

“Only to have these magistrates that are unaccountable, untrained – and in many cases – don’t require law degrees, and they put them back out on the streets, and the American public is paying the price.”

The Charlotte stabbing has prompted renewed calls for judicial reform in North Carolina and other states with similar standards.

Critics argue that requiring judges to hold law degrees would help ensure that those responsible for key pretrial decisions are properly trained to evaluate risk and uphold public safety.

Courtroom Chaos Erupts Over Repeat Offender Raping 12-Year-Old Girl in NYC
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Courtroom Chaos Erupts Over Repeat Offender Raping 12-Year-Old Girl in NYC

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Tensions erupted in Brooklyn Criminal Court on Saturday night when relatives of a 12-year-old girl allegedly raped in a Williamsburg housing complex confronted the suspect, 27-year-old Eric McMichael, during his arraignment.

The hearing broke down into shouting as family members cursed at the accused and the judge before officers cleared the room.

“Another outburst and everyone is leaving,” Judge Orville Reynolds warned during the proceedings.

McMichael, who is homeless, faces multiple felony charges after prosecutors said he attacked the girl in the stairwell of the Cooper Houses building on Morgan Avenue near Jackson Street on Thursday night.

Prosecutors said McMichael threatened to shoot the victim if she refused to follow him.

According to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, McMichael was out on parole at the time of the alleged assault for a 2013 robbery conviction.

Prosecutors stated that McMichael approached the girl in the lobby, told her, “I need you to come with me, or I’ll shoot you,” and forced her into the stairwell before committing the attack.

Brooklyn Assistant District Attorney Jordan Rossman described the incident during the arraignment.

“An eyewitness encountered them and saw the defendant with no pants on, and the complainant, who made an outcry for help,” Rossman said.

“The defendant fled. The eyewitness brought the complainant upstairs to her family’s apartment where her mother was, and the mother saw the child bleeding from her legs.”

Rossman said the child’s mother immediately contacted police and took her daughter to the hospital, where she was treated and reported to be in stable condition.

Authorities said McMichael was identified in surveillance footage recorded at a nearby laundromat.

His parole officer recognized him in the video, leading to his arrest on Friday afternoon. Prosecutors said McMichael admitted to being in the lobby of the building after his arrest.

“He admitted to being in the lobby of the building, encountering a woman, talking to her, kissing her, hugging her, grabbing her, pushing her and refusing to let her go home until somebody came and saw what happened,” Rossman told the court.

McMichael now faces a long list of charges, including four counts of first-degree rape, two counts of second-degree rape, second- and third-degree burglary as sexually motivated felonies, two counts of sexual misconduct, forcible touching, two counts of first-degree sexual abuse, second- and third-degree sexual abuse, second-degree criminal trespass, and endangering the welfare of a child.

He is being held without bail and is scheduled to return to court on Thursday.

Court documents and prior reports show McMichael’s criminal history spans several years.

In October 2019, he was arrested after allegedly stealing a 29-year-old woman’s phone and raping her at knifepoint in an abandoned Staten Island building.

Police said he removed screws from a door to break into the location where the attack occurred.

McMichael pleaded guilty and was ordered to undergo mental health treatment, according to the Staten Island Advance.

In August 2023, McMichael was arrested again for allegedly pretending to have a gun while attempting to carjack a livery cab driver.

Before his most recent arrest, he had been living in a homeless shelter on Clay Street.

The case has prompted public outrage over how a repeat violent offender remained free under parole supervision.

Prosecutors said the investigation is ongoing as authorities continue reviewing evidence and additional witness statements.

Elise Stefanik Launches 2026 Gubernatorial Campaign, Blasts ‘Toxic’ Hochul for ‘Bending the Knee’ to Socialist Mamdani
News

Elise Stefanik Launches 2026 Gubernatorial Campaign, Blasts ‘Toxic’ Hochul for ‘Bending the Knee’ to Socialist Mamdani

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Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) formally launched her campaign for New York governor on Friday, vowing to challenge Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2026 while accusing the governor of failing New Yorkers and aligning with socialist leaders in her own party, as reported by The New York Post.

Speaking on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends,” Stefanik sharply criticized Hochul for supporting New York City’s Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a self-described socialist, ahead of his recent election win.

“When New Yorkers were looking for strong leadership from a governor not to bend the knee to Zohran Mandami, Kathy Hochul bent the knee,” Stefanik said. “Why did she do that? Because she is hemorrhaging support, even in her own party.”

Stefanik described Hochul as a “toxic governor” and cited her record as one that has “delivered the highest taxes in the nation,” harmed small businesses, and “turned her back on law enforcement.”

She said, “New York is in catastrophe because of Kathy Hochul’s leadership.”

The upstate congresswoman officially declared her candidacy earlier Friday, telling supporters that New York has ‘fallen’ under Hochul’s leadership.

Stefanik, a strong ally of President Donald Trump, framed her campaign as a fight to restore prosperity and safety to the state.

“She is an accidental governor,” Stefanik said, referencing Hochul’s rise to the office following the resignation of Andrew Cuomo.

“I have a record of flipping a district that was previously held by a Democrat. I’ve won every primary and general election, and we’ve overperformed — winning not just Republicans but independents and a fair share of Democrats as well — because my record has been delivering results for families, for small businesses, for our veterans, for our farmers.”

Her campaign launch drew immediate praise from state Republican leaders. New York GOP Chair Ed Cox called Stefanik “a unifier and party builder with the brains, the guts and the resources to win.”

He added, “She is the warrior we need to lead the fight against Democrats’ corrupt Albany machine.”

Cox blamed Hochul’s administration for driving residents out of the state. “Thanks to Kathy Hochul and Democrats, New York leads the nation in outmigration as the most taxed, least free, least affordable state in America,” he said.

“There will not be a Republican primary, and a year from now, Elise will lead our team to victory over Kathy Hochul, end one-party Democrat rule, and make New York affordable again.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center.

New York Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, joined by 11 GOP state senators, also endorsed Stefanik. “Elise Stefanik is the fighter New York needs,” Ortt said.

“She’s tough, smart, and unafraid to take on the radical left. Elise will make our state affordable again, bring good-paying jobs back to our state, crack down on crime, and stand up for hardworking New Yorkers who’ve been ignored for far too long.”

Hochul’s campaign responded by attacking Stefanik as “Donald Trump’s number one cheerleader.”

Hochul campaign communications director Sarafina Chitika said in a statement, “Sellout Stefanik is Donald Trump’s number one cheerleader in Congress and his right-hand woman in his war on New York: gutting health care, jacking up costs with expensive tariffs, and cutting funding for our police, schools, and hospitals.”

“While Stefanik puts Trump first and New York last, Governor Hochul is lowering costs, cutting middle-class taxes, and fighting for the New Yorkers Stefanik abandoned,” Chitika added.

The early clash between Stefanik and Hochul signals what is expected to be one of the most closely watched gubernatorial races in the country heading into 2026.

Scott Jennings Has Entire CNN Panel in Stitches with Sarcastic Jab at Nancy Pelosi [Watch]
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Scott Jennings Has Entire CNN Panel in Stitches with Sarcastic Jab at Nancy Pelosi [Watch]

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Republican strategist Scott Jennings delivered a cutting and widely discussed moment on CNN’s The Arena Thursday night, using a segment on former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s career to spotlight her controversial stock trading history.

Host Kasie Hunt opened the discussion by asking panelists how Republicans viewed Pelosi’s tenure.

“Obviously, the president… they have their sort of animosity,” Hunt said, adding that some in the GOP had expressed “grudging respect” for Pelosi’s political acumen despite sharp partisan divides on Capitol Hill.

Jennings began by acknowledging Pelosi’s skill as a legislative leader. “Oh, yeah,” he said.

“There were people who respected her legislative ability. I mean, she was the boss of her conference.”

Then, with deliberate timing, Jennings shifted from political respect to a pointed reference to Pelosi’s financial success during her decades in Congress.

“It’s not often that someone can become a titan of both Washington and Wall Street,” he said.

“Republicans will remember her as one of the most successful and prolific day traders. She beat the S&P 500 by 559% in her stock portfolio. She’s worth a lot of money. She did an amazing job.”

Jennings’ remarks drew laughter from the panel and immediate reaction online. His comments referenced years of public scrutiny over Pelosi and her husband, Paul Pelosi, whose stock trades have repeatedly drawn attention for their timing and profitability.

Public filings have shown the couple making trades in technology and defense companies shortly before major legislative actions or hearings affecting those industries.

The House Speaker has consistently denied wrongdoing, saying her investments are handled by her husband and that she does not participate in stock trading decisions.

Still, her financial record has become a political flashpoint, with bipartisan support emerging for proposals to ban individual stock trading by members of Congress.

Jennings continued his sharp commentary on CNN, adding another line that drew laughter in the studio.

“So, what a blow for the financial houses today on Wall Street. I’m sure they’re mourning,” he said.

Democratic strategist Xochitl Hinojosa attempted to respond, joking that Jennings was conducting “opposition research.”

Hunt, appearing both amused and surprised, remarked on Jennings’ delivery.

“I’m beginning to view what you just did there as like the Scott Jennings on TV,” she said.

Jennings ended his appearance with one final jab that quickly spread across social media.

“I want Trump to put her in charge of the Social Security Administration,” he said.

“We could all retire in six months if we let this lady manage our portfolios.”

Pelosi’s investment history has long been a source of frustration for voters critical of what they see as insider privilege among elected officials.

Despite public criticism, Pelosi has faced no legal action related to her trading activity. The controversy, however, remains a recurring topic in discussions about government ethics and transparency.

Jennings’ remarks encapsulated that ongoing debate, turning a routine political discussion into a viral exchange highlighting broader frustrations with political power and personal profit.

His comments quickly circulated across X and other platforms, earning praise from viewers who saw the segment as a rare moment of blunt humor cutting through Washington’s carefully worded television discussions.

While the CNN host moved to another topic soon after, Jennings’ televised remarks added new attention to a long-running issue that continues to raise questions about ethics, wealth, and influence in national politics.

Karoline Leavitt Amplifies Watchdog’s Damning Report on Media’s Shutdown Coverage
Media

Karoline Leavitt Amplifies Watchdog’s Damning Report on Media’s Shutdown Coverage

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A new analysis from media watchdog group NewsBusters shows that major broadcast networks have overwhelmingly favored Democrats in their coverage of the ongoing government shutdown, offering more than seven times as many positive statements about Democrats as Republicans.

In a post published Thursday on X, NewsBusters reported that ABC, CBS, and NBC have consistently portrayed Democrats favorably while assigning blame to Republicans for the shutdown, which began on October 1.

The report described the disparity as “not even close,” highlighting 83 positive statements for Democrats compared to only 12 for Republicans across the same outlets.

The Trump White House responded to the findings, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt sharing the report on her X account.

“This is what we are up against!” Leavitt wrote, referencing what the administration views as coordinated media bias benefiting the Democratic Party.

The NewsBusters report follows growing scrutiny of network news coverage amid the shutdown, which has now stretched into its second month.

Analysts have noted that television segments and headlines have largely framed Democrats as protecting key programs while depicting Republicans as the cause of the budget impasse.

Tuesday’s election results reflected continued momentum for Democrats in several key states.

Races in New York City, New Jersey, Virginia, and California all went to Democratic candidates, a trend some analysts attributed in part to favorable media framing.

In Congress, House Republicans are now weighing their next move.

The House Republican Study Committee (RSC) Steering Committee is reportedly considering advancing a short-term funding measure to extend the continuing resolution through January 2026, according to RedState.

The proposal would allow the government to reopen while broader negotiations over spending priorities continue.

Republicans have repeatedly pointed to what they see as a double standard in press coverage compared to past shutdowns.

During the 2013 shutdown under former President Barack Obama, the media’s tone was notably harsher toward the GOP.

At the time, Obama criticized Republicans for opposing his administration’s spending priorities, calling their actions an attempt at “blackmail.”

“No Congress before this one has ever, ever, in history, been irresponsible enough to threaten default, to threaten an economic shutdown, to suggest America not pay its bills just to try to blackmail a president into giving them some concessions,” Obama said in October 2013.

“Congress needs to pay our bills on time. Congress needs to pass a budget on time. Congress needs to put an end to governing from crisis to crisis,” he added.

“If Republicans do not like the law, they can go through the regular channels and processes to try to change it. That’s why we have elections.”

Media watchdogs, including the Media Research Center, have noted that coverage during Obama’s presidency framed Republican shutdown tactics as reckless and harmful, while the current reporting paints Democrats as defending essential services such as SNAP benefits and air traffic control pay.

Critics argue that the current media approach represents a shift from accountability journalism to partisan advocacy.

The NewsBusters data provides quantitative support for that argument, showing an imbalance that Republicans say reflects entrenched bias across major networks.

The government shutdown continues as both chambers of Congress remain divided over spending levels, with Democrats pushing to maintain expanded social programs and Republicans seeking reductions in non-defense discretionary spending.

No final vote has been scheduled on the proposed stopgap measure, though party leaders have indicated that discussions are ongoing.

The contrasting tone in media coverage, however, remains at the center of the broader political debate, with the latest data reinforcing claims of unequal treatment between the two parties.

Early-Release Inmate Fatally Stabs 18-Year-Old at Georgia Walmart
News

Early-Release Inmate Fatally Stabs 18-Year-Old at Georgia Walmart

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A Georgia teenager was fatally stabbed inside a Walmart on Whitemarsh Island last month by a man who had previously served time for a violent stabbing and was released early from prison, authorities confirmed, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

Police identified the suspect as 48-year-old Delano Middleton, who is accused of killing 18-year-old JT Schroeder during a confrontation in the store. According to investigators, the incident began after Schroeder allegedly kicked Middleton’s shopping cart.

Schroeder was taken to the hospital with multiple stab wounds and died four days later from his injuries. His family described him as a devoted son and beloved member of the community.

“J.T.’s precious 18-year-old son was murdered recently at the Walmart on Wilmington Island,” a family GoFundMe statement said.

“My dear friend JT, a father known for his magnetic personality, quick wit, and unrelenting devotion to his two boys, is now facing something no parent should ever have to plan for. His precious son, little J.T., who is a mirror of his father, was taken way too soon.”

Middleton had a prior record of violence. In 2021, he pleaded guilty to aggravated assault after repeatedly stabbing a woman, Erica Young, in a grocery store parking lot in what police described as an unprovoked attack. He was released early from prison in 2023 and placed on probation.

Young, the earlier victim, spoke out after hearing about Schroeder’s death. “The system failed that kid’s family,” she said in an interview with WTOC.

“If they would have did their job in my case or the other cases, because there’s other victims besides myself, then he wouldn’t have been on the streets to be able to hurt a child.”

Young recalled the moment Middleton attacked her. “I asked him did he need help finding his vehicle, and he shoved a cart over on top of me and just started stabbing me,” she said.

Schroeder’s father, also named JT, disputed reports that his son had initiated the altercation by kicking Middleton’s cart. “My son was never, ever confrontational unless he was confronted first,” he told WTOC.

Middleton is being held in custody and faces murder and aggravated assault charges. Authorities have not disclosed why he was released early despite his previous violent record.

The case has raised renewed concerns about early-release policies for violent offenders. Erica Young and others have called for accountability from state officials who allowed Middleton to be back on the streets less than two years after his first stabbing conviction.

Zohran Mamdani Already Begging for Cash: ‘Pay a Fee to Get Stuff for Free’
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Zohran Mamdani Already Begging for Cash: ‘Pay a Fee to Get Stuff for Free’

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Newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism after asking supporters to fund his transition team, just one day after winning on promises of “free buses” and rent freezes aimed at tackling the city’s affordability issues.

Mamdani, a self-described socialist, campaigned on proposals to tax wealthy New Yorkers in order to fund public transportation and housing initiatives.

His platform focused heavily on what he called “affordability justice,” pledging to make the city livable again for middle- and lower-income residents through government-backed subsidies.

During his campaign, Mamdani told voters he would “freeze rents” and “make public transit free for everyone.”

His message resonated with progressive voters, particularly young and college-educated residents, who saw his platform as a direct challenge to what he called “corporate-driven politics.”

However, the feasibility of his promises immediately drew skepticism from housing and transit experts.

Critics argued that rent freezes historically lead to reduced housing maintenance, creating unsafe living conditions for tenants, while free public transit systems often face significant funding shortfalls and operational issues.

The debate over Mamdani’s proposals intensified after his post-election announcement asking New Yorkers to donate money for his transition.

He cited staffing and operational expenses as the reason for seeking additional funds.

“Those are things we will have to provide,” Mamdani said, referring to the resources needed for his transition.

“I’m excited for the fact that it will be funded by the very people who brought us to this point, the working people who have been left behind by the politics of this city.”

Mamdani explained that his transition would “require staff, it will require research, it will require infrastructure,” and expressed optimism that grassroots donors would continue to support him financially.

The appeal sparked backlash across social media and among political observers, who called the move contradictory to his campaign message.

Critics noted that Mamdani’s promise to fund city improvements by “taxing the rich” was inconsistent with his request for contributions from ordinary working people.

Mamdani’s campaign previously claimed to have paused donations before the election, emphasizing that his movement was not driven by money but by community involvement. His renewed fundraising push, however, quickly drew accusations of hypocrisy.

The controversy has raised broader questions about how Mamdani plans to pay for his ambitious proposals.

Analysts estimate that providing free public buses in New York City could cost hundreds of millions of dollars annually, while freezing rent would likely require large-scale subsidies to property owners to prevent mass property neglect.

While Mamdani’s supporters maintain that his ideas represent a bold new direction for the city, others argue that they are unsustainable and could worsen New York’s fiscal challenges.

Some residents have voiced frustration over his focus on symbolic gestures rather than practical solutions to affordability and public safety.

Political analysts also noted that Mamdani’s support was strongest among younger, college-educated voters.

Exit polling indicated that non-college-educated voters largely rejected his platform, expressing concerns about higher taxes and declining public services.

As Mamdani begins his transition, questions remain about whether his proposals can be implemented without significant tax hikes or new city debt.

His call for “working people” to fund his transition has fueled ongoing skepticism about whether his vision of a city built on “free services” can withstand economic reality.

For now, Mamdani insists that his movement remains driven by the same grassroots supporters who helped him win office.

But for many New Yorkers, his early appeal for donations is serving as a first test of how his promises of “free” programs will actually play out in practice.

Shutdown Showdown: Democrats Claim They’re ‘Unified’ as America Suffers
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Shutdown Showdown: Democrats Claim They’re ‘Unified’ as America Suffers

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Senate Democrats are expected to block another government funding measure on Friday, signaling that the party intends to continue the shutdown until it secures new concessions on health care subsidies and federal spending priorities.

A Thursday closed-door meeting reportedly left Senate Democrats “coalescing around a unified strategy rather than splintering into factions,” according to Semafor.

While several Democrats privately expressed interest in ending the shutdown, sources told the outlet that there likely are not enough votes to pass a funding measure.

Lawmakers familiar with the discussions said Democrats plan to use the shutdown to press for an extension of the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits, which are scheduled to expire at the end of the year.

Republicans previously stated that they would only consider health care subsidy discussions once the government is funded.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has since indicated that he is open to guaranteeing a vote on the ACA subsidy extension but not committing to a specific outcome, Semafor reported.

Thune outlined his strategy following a separate Republican meeting Thursday, according to Politico.

He plans to bring the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) back to the floor for another vote.

The proposal, previously blocked multiple times by Senate Democrats, would be amended to include a later expiration date and a “negotiated package of three full-year spending bills.”

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) said there may also be support for recalling federal employees who were subject to reductions in force (RIF) during the shutdown.

“Those who were RIF’d during the shutdown should be recalled,” she told reporters.

Democrats, however, appeared firm in their position heading into Friday’s vote.

Several members of the caucus said they are committed to remaining unified until their demands on health care and worker protections are addressed.

“We know what our mission is to try to take the message from Tuesday that people want us to fight to keep costs down. And we want to stay together,” said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT).

“So we’re working that through.”

Murphy said the party’s internal discussions were aimed at maintaining unity during negotiations.

“It makes a lot more sense for us to come together on a joint strategy than have division in the caucus. And we’re a lot closer to that,” he said.

Sen Elizabeth Warren said “Voters want Democrats to fight for lower costs and to make their lives better. That’s the fight Americans want us to wage: a fight for affordability. It’s as simple as that.”

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) echoed that message, saying Democrats intend to prioritize health care and the well-being of federal workers.

“We’re unified in how we’re going to move forward,” Duckworth said.

“The key part of it is health care and how we take care of our federal workers.”

Thune noted that some Democrats have privately expressed frustration with the prolonged shutdown but are facing internal pressure not to break ranks.

“There are Democrats who are inclined to do the right thing. They’re under an enormous amount of pressure from the left,” Thune said.

“There are a few who really want to, in my view, do the right thing and get this over with.”

The ongoing standoff leaves federal operations in a holding pattern, with both parties acknowledging that significant disagreements remain over the structure of future spending bills.

Friday’s vote is expected to determine whether the impasse deepens or if negotiations will move toward a resolution.

Biden’s Green New Scam in the Crosshairs as GOP Lawmakers Ask Where the Money Went
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Biden’s Green New Scam in the Crosshairs as GOP Lawmakers Ask Where the Money Went

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House Republicans are demanding answers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over billions of dollars in climate grants distributed to left-leaning organizations during the final days of the Biden-Harris administration.

In a letter dated November 5, members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce requested documentation from EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin concerning how nearly $30 billion in taxpayer funds from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) were awarded.

The letter was signed by Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chairman John Joyce, M.D. (R-PA), and Subcommittee on Environment Chairman Gary Palmer (R-AL).

“In the final days of the Biden-Harris Administration, the EPA put their far-left allies ahead of the American people, giving away Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund grants worth nearly $30 billion to recipients who were not equipped to receive such large amounts of funding,” the chairmen said.

“By requesting documentation about this grant process from the EPA, Republicans on the Committee on Energy and Commerce are continuing our work to root out waste, fraud, and abuse while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.”

The GGRF was established under the Inflation Reduction Act, which authorized the EPA to create and implement a $27 billion program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand access to clean energy.

Of that funding, $20 billion was awarded to just eight organizations.

According to EPA records, $14 billion was allocated under the National Clean Investment Fund (NCIF) program, and another $6 billion was awarded through the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA) program.

The Republican committee leaders expressed concern that several of the organizations receiving the grants were not financially capable of managing such large sums.

“The Committee finds the potential for financial mismanagement particularly worrisome, as some of the grantees’ previous revenues were only a small fraction of the GGRF funds they received, which raises questions about whether the grant recipients can adequately manage grant amounts that are significantly larger than their previously documented revenue,” the letter stated.

Earlier this year, the committee sent requests for information to eight nonprofits that collectively received more than $20 billion through the GGRF.

The new letter expands that inquiry, seeking additional documentation from the EPA to determine whether the agency followed proper procedures before awarding the grants.

The lawmakers requested six categories of records to be delivered by November 19, including:

  1. The complete grant files for the three NCIF and five CCIA grantees, including applications, supporting documentation, and any memos reflecting changes to terms or conditions.
  2. The scoring breakdown and rationale for all NCIF and CCIA applications, including any rescoring decisions and explanations.
  3. Any internal EPA checklists or guidance on pre-award due diligence, as well as briefing materials provided to senior EPA officials regarding the selection process.
  4. Reports from Citibank or the U.S. Treasury concerning account balances or transaction histories for GGRF accounts held by the grantees or their sub-awardees.
  5. Progress reports submitted by the grantees.
  6. The names of all panel chairs, senior reviewers, selection officials, and others involved in evaluating and ranking the applications.

The lawmakers said the goal of the investigation is to ensure accountability and transparency in how taxpayer money is being used.

Republicans on the Energy and Commerce Committee have repeatedly voiced concerns about the Biden-era GGRF awards, arguing that the size of the grants and the limited track record of some recipients present significant oversight risks.

According to the lawmakers, their inquiry aims to “combat waste, fraud, and abuse within the EPA” and ensure that the funds are used for legitimate environmental purposes rather than for advancing partisan interests.

CNN’s Dana Bash Reminds Hakeem Jeffries Democrats Are Blocking Government Reopening
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CNN’s Dana Bash Reminds Hakeem Jeffries Democrats Are Blocking Government Reopening

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CNN anchor Dana Bash pushed back against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries during a Tuesday interview after the Democratic leader attempted to blame Republicans for the ongoing federal government shutdown, which reached record length this week, as reported by The Independent Journal Review.

The exchange took place as Jeffries repeated Democratic talking points accusing President Donald Trump and Republicans of causing the impasse, despite the fact that Democrats have repeatedly voted against measures to reopen the government.

“Donald Trump and Republicans shut the government down and refused to reopen it,” Jeffries said on CNN.

New York, NY – September 7, 2020: Congressman Hakeem Jeffries speaks at US Senator Chuck Schumer and members of NY House delegation media briefing on 3rd avenue in Manhattan

“Trump has spent the last 35 days [with] more time on the golf course, more time talking to Hamas, and more time talking to the Chinese Communist Party than to Democrats on Capitol Hill who represent half the country. And they continue to stubbornly refuse to address the healthcare crisis that they created, and the American people clearly have a problem with that. We want to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, and Republicans refuse to spend a dime on that, and this is the same group of people who could find $40 billion to bail out some right-wing wannabe dictator in Argentina. It’s too much for the American people. The Republicans have gone too far.”

Bash interjected, noting that Democrats had voted against reopening the government. “But, listen leader, you guys are voting no on opening the government. Not Republicans,” Bash said. “I know you’re asking for specific things, and it’s much more complicated than that.”

Jeffries countered that Republicans “caused” the shutdown because they control both Congress and the White House. However, official records show that Democrats voted down the continuing resolution (CR) that would have kept the government funded past October 1.

The funding bill failed after Democrats insisted on including a permanent extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits first implemented under former President Joe Biden.

Contrary to claims made by Jeffries and other Democrats, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan watchdog group, described the measure as “as clean of a C.R. as you could get,” according to The New York Times.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) previously estimated that permanently extending the ACA subsidies would add roughly $350 billion to the federal deficit between 2026 and 2035.

Only three members of the Senate — Democrats John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, and independent Sen. Angus King of Maine — voted to support the funding resolution and keep the government open.

Republicans, including President Trump and congressional leaders, have repeatedly urged Democrats to end the shutdown, citing the impact on thousands of federal employees — including air traffic controllers — who have been working without pay.

Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma said Tuesday that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer privately encouraged his caucus to continue blocking the funding measure until after Election Day, believing the shutdown would politically benefit Democrats.


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