Author name: Stephen Phelps

Reporters Busted Secretly Recording White House Staff, Karoline Leavitt Takes Action
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Reporters Busted Secretly Recording White House Staff, Karoline Leavitt Takes Action

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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that her office restricted free-roaming media access after staff discovered reporters secretly recording conversations inside the Upper Press area.

The change ends decades of open-door access and now requires reporters to make appointments before entering the space.

In an interview with “Pod Force One,” Leavitt told Miranda Devine that the new rules were put in place after several incidents involving reporters attempting to listen in on internal discussions and gather information without authorization.

“We have taken over the responsibilities of the National Security Council, thanks to the restructuring of Secretary Rubio when he became National Security Advisor. Steven Cheung and I are responsible for all communications matters, including national security,” Leavitt said.

“And so we felt it became very inappropriate for reporters to be loitering around sensitive information in our offices. And we did, unfortunately, catch some unruly reporters recording us without our permission, listening in on conversations, eavesdropping.”

According to Leavitt, reporters had begun positioning themselves outside morning staff meetings, attempting to overhear discussions as officials exited the room.

She said the behavior intensified to the point where senior officials could not brief staff without interruption.

“We’d have staff meetings in the morning. Some of the reporters started to pick up on that, and we’d walk out and they would be out there trying to listen. You know, if Secretary Rubio or the chief want to come in and brief us on something, you’d have reporters out there heckling them, and it just became an inappropriate work environment,” Leavitt said.

“And so now they’re welcome up here, but it’s by appointment only. And so a lot of the outrage you’re seeing on Twitter, they’ve told us privately they’re OK with how this system works so long as they can still have appointments with me to understand the news of the day.”

Leavitt said she still grants access to reporters as her schedule allows, but noted that much of her time is spent in meetings with President Trump inside the Oval Office.

“I give them as much time as I possibly can on my schedule. Although a lot of my time is with the president and in the Oval Office and sitting in on meetings. So I try to devote as much time as I can to the press because that is my job, right? The basic duty is for me to work with the press and make sure they’re telling the truth out there,” Leavitt said.

Assistant to the President and White House Director of Communications Steven Cheung also addressed the policy change.

He confirmed that the restrictions were implemented after multiple instances of reporters secretly recording video and audio inside West Wing workspaces.

Cheung said some reporters gained unauthorized access to restricted rooms in attempts to overhear private meetings.

“Press still has access to lower press where the press team sits and can answer all inquiries. Reporters can make appointments to see us in our offices,” Cheung wrote.

The new appointment-only system applies specifically to the Upper Press area, while other areas used for daily briefings and general press functions remain accessible under standard procedures.

Stephen Miller Lays Waste to Democrats Calling for an Insurrection Against Trump
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Stephen Miller Lays Waste to Democrats Calling for an Insurrection Against Trump

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A video released this week by several Democratic lawmakers telling members of the U.S. military that they may defy “illegal” orders from President Donald Trump continued drawing reactions on Wednesday, including from White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller.

Miller addressed the video during an appearance on “The Will Cain Show” on Fox News, where he described the lawmakers’ message as “a general call for rebellion.”

The video, posted Tuesday on X by Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, featured Slotkin and five other Democratic lawmakers with prior military or intelligence backgrounds.

In the message, they said that “threats to the Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad, but right here at home,” and stated that military and intelligence community members could “refuse illegal orders.”

The group included Sens. Mark Kelly of Arizona and House members Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, and Jason Crow of Colorado.

Miller said the message constituted an attempt to undermine the authority of the commander-in-chief.

“It is insurrection, plainly, directly,” Miller said.

“Without question.”

He added that the lawmakers were telling members of the CIA and the armed services that they had “the duty and the obligation to defy orders of the commander-in-chief.”

Miller’s comments followed the broader discussion prompted by the video, which circulated widely after its release.

The remarks came during his interview on Fox News on Wednesday afternoon, where he said the statements were intended to influence military personnel regarding future directives from the president.

The editorial board of the New York Post also addressed the video on Wednesday, writing that the lawmakers were “encouraging troops to disobey their commanders.”

The board wrote that the message relied on statements from the participating lawmakers implying that the administration was directing military or intelligence personnel against American citizens.

In the video, Slotkin and the other lawmakers referenced concerns about constitutional obligations.

The participating House members said, “Our laws are clear: You can refuse illegal orders.”

The New York Post editorial described the message as an attempt to raise political support by referencing the lawmakers’ prior military service and suggesting that service members were being asked to violate the Constitution.

The reactions continued on Wednesday as the distribution of the video drew national attention.

Miller said the message was an effort to prompt active-duty personnel to disregard presidential authority. “It’s a general call for rebellion from the CIA and the armed services of the United States,” he said.

The video did not cite specific orders or actions. It was released one day after Slotkin’s statements on X, where she said “threats to the Constitution” could originate within the country.

The lawmakers did not identify particular directives from the administration that they believed violated the law.

The dispute prompted questions about the role of elected officials in providing public guidance to military personnel.

Miller said the lawmakers’ statements represented an attempt to influence service members by suggesting that they might be ordered to violate federal law.

His comments on Fox News followed the initial report by Mediaite, which first noted his reaction.

The New York Post editorial board wrote that it considered the message a “dangerous game,” adding that the statements implied misconduct without citing specific actions.

The board also wrote that the lawmakers should face unspecified “consequences.”

The release of the video continued to prompt discussion across political media outlets throughout Wednesday, as officials and commentators weighed in on the lawmakers’ statements and the responses that followed.

Chicago Woman Set on Fire on Train By Felon with 49 Prior Arrests
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Chicago Woman Set on Fire on Train By Felon with 49 Prior Arrests

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A woman is in critical condition after being set on fire during an attack on a Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line train Monday night.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:26 p.m., according to information provided to CWB Chicago by a source familiar with the investigation.

Police initially stated that a 45-year-old male had a “verbal altercation” with the 27-year-old woman before the assault.

However, a source who spoke with CWB Chicago said the attack was unprovoked and random.

Officials reported that a person of interest was taken into custody but had not been charged as of the latest update.

The source told CWB Chicago that the woman was looking at her cell phone when the man approached and poured a liquid from a bottle onto her.

She attempted to run, but the man reportedly caught up to her and ignited the liquid, setting her on fire.

The source said the attacker was also set on fire during the incident.

The woman was transported to Stroger Hospital in critical condition.

CWB Chicago reported that the suspect had previously been charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm.

A judge denied a request to keep him in custody and instead ordered 24/7 electronic monitoring.

Three weeks later, another judge modified the conditions, allowing him to leave his home during daytime hours — which included the time the attack occurred.

According to the report, the individual had been arrested 22 times by the Chicago Police Department since 2016.

The arson incident would mark his 50th arrest, with some of his previous arrests involving other arson cases.

A source told CWB Chicago that no passengers on the train intervened after the woman was set on fire.

Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani Begs For Millions in Cash Before He Takes Office
Big Cities

Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani Begs For Millions in Cash Before He Takes Office

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New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is asking supporters to contribute to his transition effort as he prepares to assume office.

In a video posted Tuesday, Mamdani urged viewers to donate through a website created for the transition.

“I hope very soon not to have to ask you for money. But until then, I’m askin’ for you to go to transition2025.com, give whatever you can …” Mamdani said in the video.

Mamdani noted that transition activities are not eligible for the city’s public matching funds program, which multiplies qualifying campaign donations.

He said that while campaign contributions can receive an eight-to-one match, transition expenses receive no such assistance.

“Now unlike the campaign, transitions do not get public matching funds from the city. So that eight-to-one match: gone. It’s up to us to raise the money. Usually campaigns take that as an opportunity to rely on wealthy donors, but that’s not us,” he said.

Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist, stated that the transition team aims to raise $4 million before he takes office on January 1.

He said the intention is to have the full team and operational plans ready on day one rather than beginning preparations after inauguration.

According to figures shown in the video, the transition effort had raised more than $1 million as of November 14.

The data also showed 12,707 donors had contributed, with an average donation of $77.65.

Mamdani outlined several reasons for the fundraising push.

“We have to vet the 50,000 resumes we’ve received,” he said, referring to applicants seeking positions in the incoming administration. He also said funds were necessary to maintain staffing.

“We have to keep paying our incredible team.”

He added that the transition requires planning for both the inauguration and the policy agenda the administration intends to pursue once in office.

“And we have to plan not just our inauguration, but our policy implementation,” he said.

WATCH:

Mamdani won New York City’s mayoral race earlier this month.

The New York state assembly member secured victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa in the general election.

Soros-Linked Dark Money Tries Sabotaging Tennessee’s Special Election
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Soros-Linked Dark Money Tries Sabotaging Tennessee’s Special Election

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A dark-money operation is targeting the special election to fill former Republican Rep. Mark Green’s seat in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, using a strategy aimed at boosting an independent candidate to influence the outcome, according to documents obtained by the Daily Caller.

The group leading the effort is the “Democratic/Liberal” PAC Your Community.

On October 31, the PAC released a poll showing Republican Matt Van Epps ahead of Democratic state Rep. Aftyn Behn by eight points ahead of the December 2 special election.

Shortly after releasing the poll, the group began distributing mailers promoting Independent candidate Jon Thorp, who previously withdrew from the GOP primary to run without a party affiliation, according to photos reviewed by the Daily Caller.

OpenSecrets data show that roughly 85% of the PAC’s spending in the 2024 cycle supported Democrats, with the remaining 15% spent opposing Republicans.

Your Community is linked to the Soros-backed Sixteen Thirty Fund and the North Fund, both part of the Arabella Advisors network.

The Heir: Inside the (Not So) Secret Network of Alex Soros

The Atlantic has described Arabella as the “mothership” of Democratic dark money, responsible for directing large amounts of anonymous donations into elections across the country.

Your Community PAC has taken a similar approach in this Tennessee race, running an advertisement on Friday promoting Thorp rather than the Democratic candidate, effectively shifting support away from Behn and into a spoiler strategy targeting Van Epps.

According to OpenSecrets, the PAC spent $16.3 million during the 2024 cycle, with 77% of its spending directed toward media in high-profile races that included the presidential contest and competitive Senate and House races in Montana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Ohio, and Nebraska.

In addition to mail operations, Google’s political ad archive shows six ads placed by the PAC in Michigan’s 10th District and Nebraska’s 2nd District, one of which was co-funded with American Bridge, the Democratic rapid-response organization founded by David Brock.

Financial records show continued funding from the PAC’s dark-money partners.

Since 2024, the North Fund has contributed $6.4 million to Your Community, while the Sixteen Thirty Fund has provided nearly $6.7 million, along with $35,000 in in-kind support.

Federal Election Commission filings list a compliance attorney as the group’s treasurer.

The listed Wilmington, Delaware, address is a private residence with no publicly identified owner.

The PAC identifies itself as “Democratic/Liberal” and backs progressive causes, including expanded abortion access, according to OpenSecrets.

Van Epps, a former Tennessee commissioner of General Services, won the Republican primary in a field of eleven candidates. He is the only candidate in the race to receive an endorsement from President Donald Trump.

Van Epps has also been endorsed by Mark Green, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, and Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, according to NBC News.

Green resigned in July after the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

A retired U.S. Army officer, he had represented Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District since 2019.

Dem Rep Goes Bonkers After Being Caught Texting Epstein During Congressional Hearing
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Dem Rep Goes Bonkers After Being Caught Texting Epstein During Congressional Hearing

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The House voted Tuesday to advance a resolution to censure Delegate Stacey Plaskett and remove her from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence following the release of documents showing she exchanged text messages with Jeffrey Epstein during a 2019 congressional hearing.

Plaskett, a non-voting Democrat representing the U.S. Virgin Islands, was revealed to have communicated with Epstein while former Trump attorney Michael Cohen testified before the House Oversight Committee in 2019. The texts were first reported by outlets including The Washington Post and CNN.

The documents indicate that Plaskett and Epstein exchanged messages during the hearing on Trump’s business practices.

The release of the material led Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina to introduce a formal censure resolution. “I’ve introduced a resolution to censure Stacey Plaskett and remove her from the House Intelligence Committee,” Norman said Tuesday. He added, “Her coordination with Jeffrey Epstein during official congressional business is disgraceful, unethical, and an affront to this institution.” Norman described the conduct as “corruption of judgment at the highest level.”

The 2019 text exchange occurred several years after Epstein had been arrested for trafficking crimes.

Epstein, who was later charged federally in 2019, was a registered sex offender at the time he contacted Plaskett.

Plaskett spoke on the House floor before the vote and defended her actions.

She said Epstein was a constituent of hers at the time and maintained that she was unaware he was under investigation. “I got a text from Jeffrey Epstein, who at the time was my constituent. It was not public knowledge at that time that he was under federal investigation,” Plaskett said.

She also responded sharply to criticism directed at her during the debate.

“You wanna talk about texting felons?! How often do you text Trump?” she said while addressing comments from Republican lawmakers.

The House voted to move the measure forward, setting up additional debate and a final vote on censure and committee removal.

If adopted, the resolution would remove Plaskett from the Intelligence Committee, which receives classified briefings and oversees agencies including the FBI and CIA.

The release of the Epstein communications prompted renewed scrutiny of Plaskett’s interactions with the convicted offender.

The exchange took place as she questioned Cohen during a high-profile hearing on President Trump’s business practices.

The documents show Epstein commented in real time on the proceedings.

The disclosures have led to calls within the House for increased transparency regarding communications between elected officials and individuals under criminal investigation.

The resolution introduced by Norman cites the need to maintain public trust in congressional oversight functions, particularly for members serving on committees dealing with sensitive national security matters.

Plaskett’s comments on the House floor followed widespread media coverage of the documents and the announcement of the censure effort.

The delegate has served in Congress since 2015 and has been appointed to several committees, including the Intelligence Committee, during her tenure.

The measure will proceed to further consideration as members weigh whether Plaskett’s 2019 exchange with Epstein constitutes grounds for censure and removal from committee assignments.

House Advances Censure Measure Over Plaskett’s 2019 Texts With Jeffrey Epstein

The House voted Tuesday to advance a resolution to censure Delegate Stacey Plaskett and remove her from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence after documents showed she exchanged text messages with Jeffrey Epstein during a 2019 congressional hearing.

Plaskett, a non-voting Democrat who represents the U.S. Virgin Islands, was reported by The Washington Post and CNN to have communicated with Epstein in the middle of Michael Cohen’s 2019 testimony on Trump’s business practices before the House Oversight Committee.

Epstein was a convicted sex offender at the time of the exchange.

Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina introduced the censure measure on Tuesday.

“I’ve introduced a resolution to censure Stacey Plaskett and remove her from the House Intelligence Committee,” Norman said.

“Her coordination with Jeffrey Epstein during official congressional business is disgraceful, unethical, and an affront to this institution.”

He added, “That’s corruption of judgment at the highest level.”

The newly released documents showed that Epstein sent Plaskett multiple messages while she questioned Cohen. These communications took place years after Epstein’s earlier arrest for trafficking crimes.

Plaskett took to the House floor to respond. She argued that she did not know Epstein was under federal investigation when she exchanged messages with him in 2019.

“I got a text from Jeffrey Epstein, who at the time was my constituent. It was not public knowledge at that time that he was under federal investigation,” she said.

Plaskett also responded directly to Republican criticism during the debate.

“You wanna talk about texting felons?! How often do you text Trump?” she said.

The House vote moved the censure resolution forward for additional debate and consideration.

If ultimately adopted, the measure would remove Plaskett from the Intelligence Committee, which oversees national security matters and receives classified briefings from agencies including the FBI and CIA.

The release of the communications between Plaskett and Epstein prompted renewed scrutiny of her conduct during the 2019 hearing.

Epstein commented in real time on Cohen’s testimony, and the documents showed he and Plaskett exchanged messages during the proceedings.

The calls for censure come as lawmakers continue reviewing records and documents linked to Epstein’s communications with public officials.

The disclosures involving Plaskett prompted questions from members about the conduct of officials serving on committees tasked with sensitive oversight duties.

Plaskett, who has served in Congress since 2015, has held several committee assignments during her tenure, including her current appointment to the Intelligence Committee.

The censure resolution will continue through the House process as members determine whether her 2019 communications with Epstein constitute grounds for formal reprimand and removal from the committee.

Colorado Professor Emeritus Shouts ‘Nazis’ at TPUSA Supporters After Chapter Approved
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Colorado Professor Emeritus Shouts ‘Nazis’ at TPUSA Supporters After Chapter Approved

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A retired professor from Fort Lewis College in Colorado was recorded calling Turning Point USA supporters “Nazis” and making obscene gestures after the student government voted to approve a TPUSA chapter on campus, as reported by Fox News.

The incident occurred on Nov. 7 following a reversal by the Associated Students of Fort Lewis College (ASFLC), which had initially rejected the chapter’s request for recognition.

David Kozak, a former professor of anthropology at the college, was seen on video reacting to the ASFLC vote during an emergency meeting.

The chapter’s approval came after senior Jonah Flynn’s proposal was first turned down, prompting campuswide debate and petitions both supporting and opposing the group.

Footage from the meeting showed Kozak flipping off the person recording before shouting at those present.

He called TPUSA supporters “Nazis” and added, “F— the Nazis.” Kozak continued, “Go on, fascists,” and “Go on, Nazi lovers,” while repeatedly shouting, “C’mon Nazis!”

A spokesperson for Fort Lewis College told Fox News Digital that Kozak no longer works for the institution. “Mr. Kozak retired from Fort Lewis College in 2022 and is no longer employed by the institution,” the spokesperson said.

“At Fort Lewis College, we remain committed to fostering an environment grounded in academic excellence, free expression, and civil discourse.”

The TPUSA chapter faced strong opposition after Flynn attempted to form the group earlier this fall. On Oct. 17, members of the Fort Lewis College community launched a petition that gathered more than 400 signatures.

The petition argued that TPUSA “has engaged in actions that directly harm our community” and stated concerns about student safety.

It said, “At a college where many students identify as Indigenous, students of color, LGBTQ+, or from other underrepresented backgrounds, this harm cannot be ignored.”

Following the rejection, a counter-petition was created supporting TPUSA, which has since collected more than 1,000 signatures. Supporters said the student organization should be allowed to operate on campus like any other recognized student group.

The ASFLC held an emergency meeting on Nov. 7, where members voted to approve the chapter despite the earlier controversy. The decision immediately prompted Kozak’s recorded reaction.

Kozak did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Homeowner Shoots and Kills Black Teen Burglar, Family Cries Murder
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Homeowner Shoots and Kills Black Teen Burglar, Family Cries Murder

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The family of 17-year-old Sivan Wilson is calling for a murder charge against 24-year-old Dayton Knapton, who shot and killed Wilson as the teen and six others were allegedly attempting a robbery in White Lake Township, Michigan, on July 8, 2025.

According to police, Knapton became aware that seven individuals were inside his detached garage after seeing them on surveillance cameras.

A press release from the White Lake Township Police Department stated that Knapton left his home and fired two rounds through the garage door, prompting the suspects to flee.

A separate release from Oakland County prosecutor Karen D. McDonald said Knapton then fired five additional shots at the fleeing individuals.

Wilson was struck and wounded but did not seek medical attention for approximately 30 minutes after fleeing the scene.

He later died at a hospital.

Another suspect was shot in the leg, though the injury was not life-threatening.

Wilson’s father, Shawn Madden, told ClickOnDetroit, “Sivan was running away and got shot. I never heard anything about him getting shot in the garage.”

Prosecutor McDonald, however, stated that Wilson was hit by one of the first two rounds Knapton fired through the door.

Knapton has been charged with manslaughter.

Wilson’s family is pressing for a murder charge, while questions have been raised about whether Michigan’s “Stand Your Ground” law could apply in the case as it proceeds through the legal system.

Liberal Radio Host Charlamagne Slams Media for Ignoring Bill Clinton’s Epstein Ties
Entertainment

Liberal Radio Host Charlamagne Slams Media for Ignoring Bill Clinton’s Epstein Ties

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A recent segment of The Breakfast Club featured Charlamagne the God and Morgyn Wood discussing media coverage surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and the public figures connected to him.

Charlamagne questioned why certain details involving former President Bill Clinton have received little attention in major news outlets.

“It’s just funny how the news works, because Bill Clinton, you know, wrote a letter to, you know, Jeffrey Epstein as well, for his birthday, but nobody’s talking about that,” Charlamagne said.

He also referenced imagery found in Epstein’s residence.

“And Jeffrey Epstein had a picture of Bill Clinton in the dress, in high heels, you know, in his New York mansion, but nobody’s talking about that.”

Charlamagne said that accountability should apply to all individuals implicated in the Epstein scandal, regardless of political affiliation.

“My thing is this, I don’t care who’s on the list, everybody got to go burn it all down. Like that’s just simple as that mutually assured destruction, whoever’s on that list need to go. Nobody needs to be protecting pedophiles. I don’t care what party.”

Morgyn Wood agreed that Clinton’s past position in the White House would likely have led to increased public examination.

“No period. And you know, to that point, though, you know Clinton is not the President right now. You know, if he was, you think that? Anyways, yeah, I think he would still be under scrutiny if he was the president right now.”

Charlamagne disagreed with that assessment and argued that the political leanings of major media outlets would have influenced the level of scrutiny.

“No, they wouldn’t, because the liberal media wouldn’t push the issue,” he said.

WATCH:


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