Author name: Stephen Phelps

Kushner and Witkoff Reveal Trump’s Bold Plan to Disarm Hamas in Gaza
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Kushner and Witkoff Reveal Trump’s Bold Plan to Disarm Hamas in Gaza

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President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff offered new details Sunday on the administration’s multi-phase plan to disarm Hamas and establish stable leadership in Gaza following months of conflict.

Speaking on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” Kushner and Witkoff explained how they developed the 20-point peace framework and outlined their next steps ahead of a scheduled trip to Israel on Monday.

The pair are key architects behind the Trump-led Israel-Hamas peace initiative, which aims to end Hamas’ military influence and rebuild the devastated region.

Kushner warned that the situation remains fragile and that Hamas could attempt to “try to reconstitute and take back their positions” amid the ongoing power vacuum.

“The success or failure of this will be if Israel and this international mechanism is able to create a viable alternative. If they are successful, Hamas will fail, and Gaza will not be a threat to Israel in the future,” Kushner said.

In recent days, Israel reported that Hamas militants fired on Israeli troops in Rafah, violating the cease-fire agreement.

The terror group has also carried out public executions of Palestinians accused of cooperating with Israel, heightening tensions across Gaza.

Hamas leaders have refused to agree to disarmament, posing a major challenge to the peace plan’s implementation.

To counter Hamas’ influence, Witkoff said the Trump administration is organizing a “weapons buy-back program” designed to incentivize militants to surrender their arms.

The goal, he said, is to prevent Hamas from regaining control of the Palestinian enclave and to create conditions for a transitional government.

Kushner added that efforts are underway to establish an interim governing body that would report directly to the Trump-chaired “Board of Peace,” a new international oversight committee that has yet to be formally created.

The board is expected to include “qualified Palestinians and international experts,” according to the plan.

When asked about Gaza’s long-term political future, Kushner said it remains “too early to tell” whether a democratic system could emerge, emphasizing that the immediate goal is to “make it functional” during the rebuilding phase.

He added that transparency will be central to the administration’s reconstruction strategy.

“You can’t replace a corrupt government with another corrupt government,” Kushner said.

“The reason why — again, and this is an impossible thing to do, but Steve and I and President Trump are always aiming to try and accomplish impossible but rational things. So the goal here is to set up a transparent, good government. This can be very, very difficult to do, but we’re in the very early phases of trying to accomplish that.”

Witkoff estimated the cost of rebuilding Gaza could exceed $50 billion, noting that financial backing is expected from Middle Eastern and European governments.

“You’ll see European participation and so forth. I think the beginning of this plan is how to get it going. And that’s what me and Jared work on all the time. The money raising, we think, is the easy part. We think that happens relatively quickly. But it’s the master plan, and we’re working with a group of people who have been working on master plans for the last two years,” Witkoff said.

Elements of the peace deal are already being implemented, including the recovery of Israeli hostages and the return of the remains of victims.

However, recent violence by Hamas has raised concerns about the durability of the cease-fire. Israel temporarily halted humanitarian aid deliveries Sunday and conducted airstrikes in response to Hamas attacks that killed several IDF soldiers over the weekend.

The Israeli military later stated that aid deliveries would resume Monday.

The U.S. State Department also issued a warning that Hamas was planning an attack “against Palestinian civilians.”

President Trump pledged “to go in and kill” members of the terrorist organization if any civilian lives were taken.

Asked whether American troops might be deployed to disarm Hamas, Witkoff called it “highly unlikely.”

Kushner followed by saying a firm “no,” clarifying that military intervention “was not the intent.”

Officials said the administration will take “appropriate measures” to safeguard civilians and maintain the cease-fire should new attacks occur.

FBI Investigating Potential Sniper Setup Near President Trump’s Palm Beach Arrival
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FBI Investigating Potential Sniper Setup Near President Trump’s Palm Beach Arrival

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Federal authorities are investigating a security threat after the Secret Service discovered a hunting stand positioned with a clear line of sight to the location where President Donald Trump exits Air Force One in Palm Beach, Florida.

The FBI has taken control of the investigation, according to statements provided to Fox News.

Officials said the elevated stand was found last week near the Air Force One landing area at Palm Beach International Airport.

The structure appeared to have been in place for several months.

“Prior to the President’s return to West Palm Beach, USSS discovered what appeared to be an elevated hunting stand within sight line of the Air Force One landing zone,” FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News.

Patel confirmed that “no individuals were located at the scene,” and said federal agents immediately launched an evidence-gathering operation.

“The FBI has since taken the investigatory lead, flying in resources to collect all evidence from the scene, and deploying our cell phone analytics capabilities,” Patel said.

Fox News reported that the U.S. Secret Service uncovered the stand during security sweeps ahead of President Trump’s scheduled arrival.

The structure was positioned in a way that allowed direct visual access to the aircraft’s exit point. Authorities have not yet linked the stand to any individual or group.

Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications for the Secret Service, confirmed that the agency is “working closely” with the FBI and local law enforcement in Palm Beach County.

He said the discovery was made during “advance security preparations” conducted before the President’s visit.

“There was no impact to any movements and no individuals were present or involved at the location,” Guglielmi told Fox News.

Patel reiterated that “USSS spotted a suspicious stand near the AF1 zone in Palm Beach,” prompting the federal response.

The discovery adds to a pattern of security incidents in the area involving potential sniper threats near President Trump’s residence and properties in Florida.

Last year, federal prosecutors charged Ryan Routh, 59, with attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate after authorities said he set up a sniper position outside President Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach.

According to investigators, Routh pushed the muzzle of his rifle through the perimeter fence before fleeing into nearby brush.

Law enforcement officers later recovered a Go-Pro camera, two backpacks, a loaded SKS-style 7.62×39 caliber rifle with a scope, and a black plastic bag containing food.

One of the backpacks held ceramic tiles believed to have been intended for use as body armor.

Following a two-week trial in federal court, a Florida jury found Routh guilty last month on all five counts, including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and weapons-related offenses.

The Secret Service and FBI have not released additional details regarding the Palm Beach investigation.

Authorities said President Trump’s travel schedule and security operations were not affected by the discovery.

Both agencies are continuing to assess whether the hunting stand poses any connection to previous threats or incidents involving the President’s security perimeter in southern Florida.

General Flynn Takes a Flamethrower to Mike Pence’s Reputation in a Series of X Posts
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General Flynn Takes a Flamethrower to Mike Pence’s Reputation in a Series of X Posts

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Former National Security Adviser Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn sharply criticized former Vice President Mike Pence in a series of posts this week, accusing him of betrayal, hypocrisy, and silence over what Flynn described as one of the most difficult periods of his life and career.

In several statements posted to X, Flynn accused Pence of failing to reach out to him after years of controversy surrounding his prosecution and subsequent exoneration.

“Sadly, it appears a former VP of the USA @Mike_Pence was as bad as they say he was,” Flynn wrote.

He added that the country was facing “a combination of communism creeping into our government, seriously compromised politicians wasting taxpayers’ hard-earned money, and a bloated bureaucracy that needs radical reform and reduction.”

Flynn, who served briefly as President Donald Trump’s national security adviser before being targeted in the FBI’s “Crossfire Hurricane” investigation, referenced a resurfaced 2019 thread circulating online.

The thread alleged that Obama administration officials coordinated with members of Pence’s staff during the early stages of the Russia probe.

The claims suggested that then–Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates had violated Justice Department protocols by running a “backchannel” between FBI agent Peter Strzok and Pence’s office.

Flynn cited the allegations as further evidence of what he described as a “deep-state operation” intended to undermine the incoming Trump administration.

In his post, Flynn urged Americans to support President Trump’s efforts to restore trust in government.

“Say a prayer that @realDonaldTrump is the leader that can fix these severe problems. I do everyday,” he wrote.

Hours later, Flynn escalated his criticism of Pence, saying the former vice president never contacted him after his legal ordeal.

“To this day, @Mike_Pence has never reached out,” Flynn said. “Not once did Mr. fake Christian ever call or message me to say; ‘Mike, I’m sorry for what your family went through.’ NOT ONCE.”

He continued, “He was and still is a big phony. Sorry Mike, I don’t hold any grudges (I don’t live like that) but millions of Americans do (and will).”

The dispute between the two men dates back to early 2017, when Flynn was forced to resign as national security adviser after reports surfaced that he had misled Pence about the nature of his conversations with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak.

Flynn has consistently argued that his removal and subsequent prosecution were politically motivated, part of what he and his supporters consider a coordinated effort by intelligence officials to damage President Trump’s administration.

In 2020, Flynn received a full presidential pardon from President Trump, who said Flynn had been “the victim of a witch hunt.”

The Justice Department later moved to dismiss the charges against him after internal documents revealed irregularities in how the FBI handled the investigation.

Pence, who has rarely commented on Flynn’s case publicly, has faced increasing criticism from Trump-aligned conservatives since the 2020 election.

His decision to certify the Electoral College results in January 2021 created a lasting divide between him and much of the Republican base, while Flynn’s standing within pro-Trump circles has remained strong.

Flynn’s latest remarks come as President Trump and his allies consolidate control over key positions in Washington following his return to the White House.

Flynn has continued to advocate for large-scale government restructuring, arguing that entrenched interests within the federal bureaucracy have undermined accountability and transparency.

“Radical reform and reduction,” Flynn wrote in one of his posts.

“It’s heartbreaking how corrupt our nation has become.”

GOP Oversight Destroys Dems’ Epstein–Trump Smear, Releases ‘Receipts They Don’t Want You to See’
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GOP Oversight Destroys Dems’ Epstein–Trump Smear, Releases ‘Receipts They Don’t Want You to See’

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The House Oversight Committee on Friday released a transcript of its interview with Alex Acosta, the former U.S. attorney who negotiated a controversial plea deal with Jeffrey Epstein, alongside flight manifests from the disgraced financier’s private plane.

The interview took place in late September, with Acosta, who previously served as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida, providing detailed insights into the 2008 agreement.

The released documents include flight manifests listing prominent figures such as Prince Andrew, Bill Gates, Walter Cronkite, and Richard Branson as passengers on Epstein’s private plane.

None of these individuals have been accused of any wrongdoing.

Former President Bill Clinton also appeared multiple times in the manifests, including on at least one flight in 2002 accompanied by Secret Service agents.

Clinton is not accused of any wrongdoing.Acosta’s negotiation with Epstein in 2008 resulted in a plea deal that allowed the financier to avoid federal charges.

Instead, Epstein served 13 months in jail and pleaded guilty to state charges.

As part of the agreement, he registered as a sex offender and paid settlements to victims.

During the interview, Acosta explained the decision, citing challenges with the case that could have jeopardized a conviction.

“And so in part it was influenced by that, and in large part it was also influenced by the viability of the case. Every attorney that looked at the case, from the prosecuting attorney, again, through the entire chain, looked at the evidence, and there were evidentiary issues with the victims,” Acosta said.

“Many victims refused to testify. Many victims had changing stories. All of us understood why they had changing stories, but they did. And defense counsel would have – cross-examination would have been withering.”

Acosta further elaborated on the rationale behind the plea deal, expressing concern that Epstein might have escaped jail time entirely.

“Our judgment in this case, based on the evidence known at the time, was that it was better to have a billionaire serve time in jail, register as a sex offender and pay his victims restitution than risk a trial with a reduced likelihood of success,” Acosta said.

“I supported that judgment then, and based on the state of the law as it then stood and the evidence known at that time, I would support that judgment again.”

He noted that the state attorney in Florida “had let him off entirely.”

“And so our thinking at the time was, you know, the State attorney is letting him get away with this. The State attorney is asking pre-trial diversion. Unacceptable. Entirely unacceptable. But a billionaire going to jail sends a strong signal to the community that this is not acceptable, that this is not right, that this cannot happen,” Acosta said.

During the discussion, Acosta acknowledged that Epstein’s legal team “got awfully close to the line of unethical,” adding that he “resisted” some of their tactics.

The interview shed light on the complexities of the case and the strategic considerations at play during negotiations.

In 2019, while serving as United States Secretary of Labor, Acosta defended his role in the plea deal.

“Simply put, the Palm Beach state attorney’s office was ready to let Epstein walk free, no jail time,” Acosta claimed.

“Prosecutors in my former office found this to be completely unacceptable.”

He reflected on changes over time, stating, “We now have 12 years of knowledge and hindsight and we live in a very different world.”

“Today’s world treats victims very, very differently.”

The release of the transcript and flight manifests has reignited interest in Epstein’s case, with the Oversight Committee continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the plea deal.

The documents provide a detailed record of the individuals associated with Epstein’s travels, though no allegations have been made against those named.

The committee’s efforts aim to ensure transparency and accountability in the handling of the case.

The interview with Acosta, conducted by committee members, lasted several hours and covered his tenure as U.S. attorney.

The flight manifests, spanning multiple years, offer a glimpse into Epstein’s social circle, though the focus remains on the legal proceedings that followed his arrest.

The Oversight Committee has not yet announced further actions based on the released materials.

Epstein’s plea deal, negotiated over a decade ago, has been a subject of scrutiny, especially as new information has emerged about his crimes.

Acosta’s comments during the interview provide context for the decision-making process at the time, highlighting the evidentiary challenges and the pressure to secure some form of justice.

The release of these documents marks a significant step in the ongoing review of the case.As investigations continue, the House Oversight Committee is expected to release additional findings.

The public release of the transcript and manifests occurred on October 17, 2025, just before the weekend, allowing for widespread analysis of the contents.

The committee’s work is part of a broader effort to address past handling of high-profile cases involving influential figures.

Kash Patel Says Deep State Panic Just Beginning as More Indictments Loom
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Kash Patel Says Deep State Panic Just Beginning as More Indictments Loom

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FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed in an interview with investigative journalist John Solomon that additional indictments are expected against corrupt officials tied to long-standing misconduct within the federal government.

During the exchange, Solomon pressed Patel on whether further criminal referrals were likely.

“Beyond those who are already charged,” Solomon asked.

“Do you think you’ve seen other crimes that might eventually get referred to justice?”

Patel replied that the FBI continues to pursue numerous investigations targeting individuals in positions of power.

“Yes, we are looking at so many different leads on criminal activity by those who are in positions of power, and we’re not going to stop until every single one of those is fully exposed,” he said.

“The documents are provided either to Congress or the courts of law and make every referral we can under the Department of Justice.”

He went on to say that the public should view the current prosecutions as only the beginning of a much larger effort.

“These indictments that you’ve seen and the ones that you’re going to see coming up here in this near future, are just the beginning,” Patel continued.

Acknowledging public frustration about the pace of progress, Patel noted that dismantling entrenched corruption requires time and persistence.

“But I have to remind the audience one thing, everybody’s like, it’s seven months. What have you guys been doing? Well, they spent 20 years building this diseased temple of corruption. It takes a little bit of time to defeat it and beat it down,” he said.

Patel urged the public to evaluate the FBI’s recent work and remain patient as the investigations unfold. “I’m not asking you to trust me,” he added.

“I’m asking you to look at the work the men and women of the FBI have done so far in these seven, eight months, and just imagine what we’re going to do come the year end.”

The remarks signal that additional legal action may be forthcoming as the FBI continues to probe what Patel described as a two-decade network of entrenched corruption within the government.

GOP Odds of Keeping the House Are ‘Up like a Rocket’: CNN’s Harry Enten
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GOP Odds of Keeping the House Are ‘Up like a Rocket’: CNN’s Harry Enten

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CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten on Wednesday detailed a significant shift in indicators for control of the U.S. House of Representatives, saying prediction markets now give Republicans a stronger chance of retaining the chamber in the 2026 midterm elections while Democrats’ lead on the generic ballot trails their position from the last comparable cycle.

Citing the Kalshi prediction market during a “CNN News Central” segment with host Kate Bolduan, Enten noted that Republicans stood at a 37% chance of keeping the House at the time of the broadcast, up sharply from the spring.

“[I]f you go back six months ago, you go back to April, Kate Bolduan, what were we looking at? Well, we were looking at the Democrats with a very clear shot of taking control of the U.S. House of Representatives, according to the Kalshi Prediction Market odds,” he said.

“We saw them at an 83% chance. But those odds have gone plummeting down.”

“Now we’re talking about just a 63% chance, while the GOP’s chances — up like a rocket, up like gold, up from 17% to now a 37% chance,” Enten continued.

“So what looked like a pretty clear likely Democratic win in the House come next year has become much closer to a toss-up at this point, although still slightly leaning Democratic.”

Bolduan asked what was driving the change.

Enten compared today’s national environment with the opening months of the last midterm under President Donald Trump.

“I want to take a look and compare it to 2017, 2018, right? Because that’s sort of the baseline. That was, of course, the first [President Donald] Trump term. That was where Democrats were sort of keeping pace,” he said.

“You go back to April, look at the generic congressional ballot, what’d you see? You see plus three Democrats in 2025 in April, you see plus three Democrats back in April of 2017. Now jump over to this side of the screen. What happens? Well, the Democrats are no longer keeping pace with the pace that they were setting back in 2017, 2018.”

“You look back in 2017, you saw that the Democrats had leaped up to an eight-point advantage. I remember covering this. I remember a lot of folks, including myself saying, you know what? Republicans look pretty decent right now, in terms of the fact that they had the House, they had the Senate, they had the presidency, but things were likely going to flip,” Enten added.

“And I was looking for the same signs this year. The bottom line is, it hasn’t happened, Kate Bolduan, it hasn’t happened. Democrats have stayed basically steady, they have fallen off the pace.”

Enten also addressed how map changes could influence outcomes even if Democrats hold a small national-vote lead. He said the current environment favors Republicans in seat conversion.

“If both sides max out, we’re probably looking at a GOP gain of plus seven House seats,” he said.

That calculation, he noted, does not include the potential effect of the Supreme Court’s pending actions concerning the Voting Rights Act and whether race can be used to draw congressional districts.

“If you add that in, then you could be looking about adding 10, 12, 15, 17 on top of this seven seats … It’s a different new landscape,” Enten said.

“And we’re not quite sure how much Democrats will have to be ahead in the national House vote in order to gain control.”

Issue polling reflects additional headwinds for Democrats heading into the next cycle, Enten said, pointing to a Washington Post/Ipsos survey conducted Sept. 11 to Sept. 15.

In that poll, Republicans led Democrats by 7 points on the economy, 13 points on immigration and 22 points on crime.

Enten previously noted on “CNN News Central” on Sept. 22 that these gaps could signal trouble for Democrats if they persist through the midterm year.

Taken together, the market odds, the slower movement in the generic ballot compared with 2017–2018, and the structure of competitive districts suggest a more competitive fight for House control than models showed in April.

Enten summarized the moment as one where Democrats retain an edge in national indicators but have not yet matched the surge they achieved ahead of the 2018 midterms, while Republicans benefit from favorable maps and stronger ratings on key issues.

Jim Jordan Calls Jack Smith to Testify Before the House Judiciary Committee
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Jim Jordan Calls Jack Smith to Testify Before the House Judiciary Committee

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Former special counsel Jack Smith has been called to testify before the House Judiciary Committee following allegations of prosecutorial misconduct and constitutional violations tied to his investigations of President Donald Trump.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan announced the summons in a formal letter, stating that Smith, who led two prosecutions against President Trump that were dismissed after the 2024 election, is “ultimately responsible for the prosecutorial misconduct and constitutional abuses” that occurred under his leadership.

“Among the disturbing tactics employed in that prosecution, your team sought to silence President Trump by restricting his public statements about the case, conducted an unnecessary and abusive raid of his residence, attempted to improperly pressure defense counsel with the promise of political patronage, and manipulated key evidence in the investigation,” Jordan wrote.

“These actions undermined the integrity of the criminal justice system and violated the core responsibility of federal prosecutors to do justice.”

Jordan’s letter calls on Smith to appear for a transcribed interview before the committee no later than October 28, 2025, to address concerns surrounding his conduct and decision-making.

The committee is also demanding that Smith provide all communications and records tied to his work as special counsel, as well as documents related to his appointment.

In the letter, Jordan said Smith’s testimony “is necessary to understand the full extent to which the Biden-Harris Justice Department weaponized federal law enforcement.”

He emphasized that the committee’s investigation seeks to determine how federal prosecutorial power may have been used to influence political outcomes.

Two senior members of Smith’s team, Jay Bratt and Thomas Windom, previously declined to answer questions from committee investigators, invoking both privileges and their Fifth Amendment rights, according to the correspondence.

Jordan’s letter describes their refusal as a significant obstacle to obtaining a full account of the decision-making processes within Smith’s office.

Jim Jordan Demands Testimony from JACK SMITH by Red Voice News

The committee’s concerns deepened after the release of FBI documents on October 7, which revealed that Smith’s team obtained phone records from eight Republican senators and Republican Rep. Bill Hagerty of Tennessee as part of an operation identified as the “Arctic Frost” investigation.

Additional records made public by Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley earlier in the year indicated that subpoenas were also issued to a number of conservative groups, including Turning Point USA and the Republican Attorneys General Association, in connection with the same probe.

During his interview with the committee, Windom reportedly declined to say “how many other members of Congress were investigated as part of the Arctic Frost investigation and Jack Smith investigation,” according to Jordan’s letter.

Beyond the congressional inquiry, Smith is also the subject of an ethics investigation being conducted by the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), a federal watchdog agency.

The investigation, confirmed in August by Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, is examining whether Smith violated the Hatch Act, which restricts certain political activities by federal employees.

The Judiciary Committee’s pursuit of testimony and documents from Smith comes amid broader House Republican efforts to examine what they describe as political bias and overreach within the Department of Justice during the previous administration.

If Smith complies with the request, his testimony would mark the first time he has publicly addressed the allegations of misconduct related to his special counsel investigations since the dismissal of the cases against President Trump following the 2024 election outcome.

Report: Indicted Letitia James Sheltering ‘Fugitive’ Relative in Virginia Home
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Report: Indicted Letitia James Sheltering ‘Fugitive’ Relative in Virginia Home

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Indicted New York State Attorney General Letitia James is reportedly housing her grandniece, who has been classified as a fugitive, in her Virginia residence. The Daily Mail reported that Nakia Thompson, James’ grandniece, has been living with her three children in the attorney general’s Norfolk home since 2020.

Court records reviewed by the outlet show that Thompson is listed as an “absconder” wanted by authorities in Forsyth County, North Carolina, for violating the terms of her probation.

New York, NY – May 9, 2022: Attorney General Letitia James makes announcement about protecting access to abortion at AG New York office

The records indicate she failed to complete her probation sentence following misdemeanor convictions for assault and battery and trespassing.

Keith Acree, a spokesperson for the North Carolina Department of Corrections, confirmed Thompson’s fugitive status to the Daily Mail.

“Ms. Thompson was sentenced to probation for misdemeanor convictions for assault and battery and trespassing, and has willfully avoided probation supervision,” Acree stated. He added, “An absconder is considered a fugitive. Thompson faces arrest if she is located in North Carolina.”

Acree further noted that Thompson’s offenses are considered low-level and classified as “non-extraditable,” meaning she cannot be forcibly returned to North Carolina to face arrest. As a result, Thompson has been able to reside outside the state without being detained.

Public records reviewed by the Daily Mail list James as the homeowner of a three-bedroom property in Norfolk, Virginia, where Thompson and her children have reportedly lived for the past five years. The property is located approximately 350 miles from Forsyth County, North Carolina.

The Forsyth County District Attorney’s Office and the North Carolina Department of Corrections did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The New York Post regarding whether any additional legal steps would be taken against Thompson or whether James could face scrutiny for housing a fugitive.

Letitia James, who was indicted last week by a federal grand jury in Virginia on a single count of bank fraud, has not commented on the report. She was accused of falsifying mortgage documents related to a Virginia property.

The charges stemmed from an investigation by federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia, where the case is being handled.

James, who has been one of the most prominent Democratic officials in the country, has faced increasing public attention since the indictment was announced. Federal authorities have not confirmed whether the latest revelations regarding her grandniece’s fugitive status will play any role in her ongoing case.

Chuck Schumer Calls for Americans to ‘Forcefully Rise Up’ Over Letitia James Indictment
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Chuck Schumer Calls for Americans to ‘Forcefully Rise Up’ Over Letitia James Indictment

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said Sunday that Americans “should be forcefully rising up” against the federal government following the indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James on federal bank-fraud charges.

His comments came during an interview with MSNBC host Al Sharpton.

A federal grand jury indicted James on Thursday in the Eastern District of Virginia, charging her with Bank Fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 and False Statements to a Financial Institution under 18 U.S.C. § 1014. The indictment alleges that James made false representations in mortgage documents.

Schumer’s remarks followed days of unrest in cities including Chicago and Portland, where left-wing protesters and Antifa-aligned groups have clashed with federal agents conducting immigration enforcement operations.

During the interview, Schumer accused President Donald Trump of “weaponizing” the Department of Justice to target political opponents.

“They have made the Justice Department, which under every other president, Democrat or Republican, pursued the law and went after people who broke the law — they have made it into Trump’s personal attack dog. That is what dictatorships do. That’s what tyranny is all about,” Schumer said.

He claimed that the case against James lacked merit and that federal prosecutors were acting under political pressure.

“She had a legitimate case, she pursued it, she actually won, so Trump is now trying to get back at her,” Schumer said.

“But the case is so weak that even Trump’s first prosecutor, who he appointed, said there’s not a case here. So, he fired that one and put a new prosecutor in, who would do whatever he wants.”

Schumer said he had spoken with James shortly after the indictment was announced. “She is strong, she is tough, she is resolute, and she is confident, as am I, that these charges will be rejected because they have no basis in law or in fact,” he said.

The senator’s comments referred to Erik Seibert, the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Seibert was removed from his position in September after the White House withdrew his nomination.

President Trump addressed the dismissal on Truth Social last month, writing, “I withdrew the Nomination of Erik Seibert as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, when I was informed that he received the UNUSUALLY STRONG support of the two absolutely terrible, sleazebag Democrat Senators, from the Great State of Virginia. He didn’t quit, I fired him! Next time let him go in as a Democrat, not a Republican.”

When asked by Sharpton to elaborate on his description of the indictment as “tyranny,” Schumer said that Trump’s actions marked a break from long-standing American norms.

“It is just such a hallmark of tyrannical, autocratic dictatorship societies that they use the prosecutorial department as a political weapon,” Schumer said.

“It is a disgrace, and every American, I don’t care if you’re Democrat, Republican, liberal, conservative, moderate people, should be forcefully rising up against this, speaking out against it, and making it clear how inimical this is to what our democracy has stood for for more than two centuries.”

Sharpton also referenced a report from the New York Times claiming that property tied to the investigation was classified as an investment property but was being used by relatives who were not paying rent.

Schumer responded that he had not reviewed the affidavits but reiterated his belief that prosecutors lacked sufficient evidence.

The indictment of James marks the first time a sitting New York attorney general has been charged with a federal financial crime.

The Justice Department has not issued a statement beyond confirming the charges, and James’s legal team has said she will “vigorously contest” the allegations in court.

James’s arraignment is expected later this month in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia.

Dem Mega Donor and Major Tech CEO Wants Trump to Send National Guard to San Francisco
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Dem Mega Donor and Major Tech CEO Wants Trump to Send National Guard to San Francisco

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Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, a longtime Democratic donor and one of San Francisco’s most prominent business leaders, sparked outrage among Democrats on Friday after publicly praising President Donald Trump and endorsing his proposal to deploy the National Guard to San Francisco.

Benioff’s comments were made during an interview with The New York Times, in which he discussed the city’s ongoing problems with crime, homelessness, and public disorder.

His remarks marked a sharp departure from his longstanding support for Democratic politicians and causes.

According to The New York Times, President Trump, during an Oval Office meeting in August, mentioned he was considering sending federal troops into San Francisco, citing the city’s deteriorating conditions.

The report stated that the president had said Democrats had “destroyed” San Francisco and vowed that he would “clean that one up, too.”

Benioff told the publication that he supported the president’s idea and believed National Guard soldiers could help stabilize the situation.

“I fully support the president,” Benioff said.

“I think he’s doing a great job.”

The statement quickly drew backlash from prominent Democrats and local officials.

Many have long opposed the use of the National Guard in urban areas, particularly in cities that have experienced unrest related to immigration enforcement or protests against federal agencies.

San Francisco Board of Supervisors member Matt Dorsey, who represents portions of the city’s downtown, called Benioff’s endorsement of Trump’s proposal “a slap in the face to San Francisco.”

In a post on X, Dorsey wrote that the city did not need federal intervention and criticized Benioff for supporting what he described as an unnecessary show of force.

State Senator Scott Wiener also condemned the idea, saying in a statement that National Guard involvement would amount to an “illegal military occupation.”

Wiener wrote, “Inviting Trump to send the National Guard here is not one of those good things. Quite the opposite. We neither need nor want an illegal military occupation in San Francisco.”

Despite the criticism, Benioff’s comments reflect growing frustration among business and civic leaders over the city’s ongoing public safety and homelessness issues.

San Francisco has struggled for years with open-air drug markets, rising theft, and widespread encampments, even after repeated promises by state and local leaders to address the problems.

Benioff, whose company is headquartered in downtown San Francisco, has been one of the city’s most vocal advocates for reform.

He has funded housing initiatives, supported local nonprofits, and regularly spoken out about improving public safety and civic engagement.

However, his endorsement of President Trump’s approach marks a significant shift from his usual alignment with Democratic policy positions.

White House cryptocurrency adviser David Sacks highlighted the moment on X, describing Benioff’s remarks as a turning point for San Francisco’s political and business community.

Sacks, who has previously criticized city leadership for its handling of crime and homelessness, celebrated the Salesforce CEO’s comments as evidence that even longtime Democratic donors were losing faith in local governance.

San Francisco’s challenges have become a national issue in recent years, with many major retailers closing stores in the city and residents voicing concerns about deteriorating safety and cleanliness.

Benioff’s support for the president’s plan places him among a growing number of tech executives and investors who have shifted their political views amid frustration with progressive leadership in California.

While other technology figures have become more outspoken about supporting President Trump’s policies, Benioff’s endorsement stands out given his history of donating millions to Democratic campaigns and liberal causes.

As of Friday evening, Benioff had not issued any clarification or retraction of his remarks.

The White House and San Francisco officials have not commented on whether discussions about a potential National Guard deployment are ongoing.


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