President Joe Biden has awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom to a man who appeared in a photo with the would-be assassin of Donald Trump.
José Andrés, who was among 19 people awarded the medal, was photographed with Ryan Wesley Routh – the man arrested on suspicion of attempting to assassinate the Republican on his Florida golf course in Sept. 2024.
The background, which features an array of miniature Ukrainian flags, suggests the photo taken some time after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in Feb. 2022 but likely before Routh’s Sept. 2024 arrest.
It is not known if Routh and Andrés had any connection prior to the photograph. The chef, credited with popularizing the concept of tapas dining, received the award for his humanitarian work with the World Central Kitchen.
🚨Biden just gave the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Jose Andres, who appears in photos with Trump’s would-be assassin. pic.twitter.com/jZoWh8se1z
Americans are flocking to Republican states in large numbers while Democrat-controlled jurisdictions are seeing the fewest new arrivals, according to a U-Haul’s annual Growth Index.
South Carolina, which is controlled by the GOP in eight of the state’s nine executive offices, in addition to its governorship, State House, and State, topped the list with arrivals accounting for 51.7% of all one-way U-Haul traffic in and out of the state throughout 2024. Texas, having topped the list for three successive years, fell to second, while North Carolina rounded out the top three.
Liberal states saw the fewest new arrivals. California, for the fifth year in a row, ranked bottom of the 50 states, behind Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
“Migration to the Southeast and Southwest continues as families gauge their cost of living, job opportunities, quality of life and other factors that go into relocating to a new state,” said U-Haul International president John ‘J.T.’ Taylor. “Out-migration remains prevalent for a number of markets across the Northeast, Midwest and West Coast — and particularly California.”
U-Haul tracked the number of people moving into every state in 2024:
Social media users offered their own insight into the data.
I've lived all around the country. I've lived at least one year in NYC, Boston, Providence, CT, Atlanta, SC, Chicago, Tulsa, Scottsdale, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Austin, and Miami. I live in NC now and I honestly believe I live in the best town in the USA. It's the best place…
I have a theory behind the ‘why’, and it has to do with total fertility rate and its decline over the years.
The U.S. total fertility rate has been below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman since 1971. In 2022, the TFR was around 1.66, one of the lowest in modern…
MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell has suggested that U.S. military veterans are more likely to be terrorists than those who have crossed the border illegally into the United States.
Unsurprisingly, O’Donnell’s comments were met with massive backlash.
“The simple fact is, this country has suffered more deadly terrorism at the hands of American-born citizens who are veterans of the United States military than people who have crossed into this country at the southern border,” O’Donnell said.
“It is very clear from the evidence that if you want to worry about terrorism in this country, the United States Army is a much bigger problem than the southern border.”
Watch:
O’Donnell’s remarks came on the heels of the recent terror attack in New Orleans that left at least 15 dead and dozens injured.
42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, armed with a Glock and a .308 rifle, reportedly rammed a truck into crowds in the city’s French Quarter on New Year’s Day.
The FBI confirmed the attack as suspected terror event after an ISIS flag was discovered on the truck
O’Donnell used historical examples, including Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber, to argue that American veterans are more dangerous to America than illegal immigrants.
“Timothy McVeigh parked a truck outside that building loaded with explosives in an act of homegrown American terrorism,” O’Donnell said, referencing the 1995 bombing.
“Timothy McVeigh’s hatred of the American government was not tamed in any way by his service in the American military. So, too, with America’s latest terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve.”
O’Donnell also slammed President-elect Donald Trump for his response to the attack.
“When Donald Trump sees the type of terrorist attack that occurred in New Orleans, he doesn’t remember Timothy McVeigh and, instead, he blames the criminals that he imagines are crossing the southern border,” he said.
He continued by asserting:
“No one who has ever crossed the southern border, in the history of the existence of the southern border, has killed more people in this country than Timothy McVeigh, who was born in Lockport, New York, the northwest part of the state, into a White Roman Catholic American family with roots in this country that go back farther than Donald Trump’s roots in this country.”
Nassau County officials have authorized local law enforcement to shoot down drones deemed a threat to public safety.
The announcement came Thursday during the unveiling of a state-of-the-art drone command center capable of tracking drones from miles away.
However, officials acknowledged that they still require federal approval for more advanced tools to neutralize drones safely.
County Executive Bruce Blakeman emphasized the urgency of taking proactive measures to prevent potential disasters. “We don’t want to wait until we have some kind of disastrous event to then say, ‘Well, we could have done this and we could have done that,’” Blakeman said.
He granted the Nassau County Police Department the authority to take down drones posing a risk during mass gatherings. “If there is a mass gathering anywhere and there is a drone that is a threat to the public at large, they have the authority and the jurisdiction and the right to shoot down that drone,” Blakeman added.
Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder highlighted the department’s preparedness to address the growing drone threat. “As far as my snipers go, I have 30 of the best, world-renowned snipers in the country that can hit a quarter a mile away,” Ryder said.
He also pointed to the county’s new command center, which allows authorities to monitor drone activity within a 20-mile radius.
Despite these advancements, Ryder acknowledged the limitations of local resources. “I can see a drone coming from 20 miles, but I can’t stop it,” he said. Ryder and Blakeman urged Congress to pass legislation enabling local authorities to use drone mitigation technology, such as signal jamming or forced returns to the drone’s home base.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently issued a temporary ban on drone operations over parts of New Jersey and authorized the use of “deadly force” against drones violating restricted airspace.
The ban is in effect until at least January 17, prohibiting unmanned aircraft within a nautical mile of specified areas outlined in an FAA Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).
Increased drone sightings in recent months, particularly over New Jersey, New York, and near 17 U.S. military installations, have raised alarms.
Some of the sightings occurred near properties linked to foreign entities, including China, fueling national security concerns.
Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey suggested a possible link to an Iranian “mothership” over the Atlantic Ocean.
BREAKING REPORT – DRONES OVER NEW JERSEY ARE FROM IRAN: Congressman Jeff Van Drew claims Iran has stationed a "mothership" off the U.S. East Coast, reportedly launching drones now flying over New Jersey. pic.twitter.com/ayV8tYioXA
He criticized the federal government’s response, calling it “not just frustrating — it’s dangerous.”
Blakeman called on the federal government to provide local jurisdictions with the tools and authority to address the drone threat effectively. “We would like the power to do a few things,” he said.
“Number one, we would like the technology so we don’t have to shoot it down, because that creates a whole ’nother set of problems with the people who are on the ground.”
Blakeman advocated for drone mitigation technology that could disable drones or send them back to their operators.
He also urged for legislation allowing local authorities to issue federal summonses for violations of drone laws.
The mysterious drone sightings have left residents and officials seeking answers.
The White House has largely downplayed the concerns, but local officials and lawmakers are pressing for action.
Nassau County’s new drone command center represents a significant step forward, but Blakeman and Ryder agree that without federal support, their ability to address the threat remains limited.
As Nassau County takes matters into its own hands, the push for stronger federal collaboration and technology to mitigate drones grows, reflecting the increasing urgency of addressing this evolving security challenge.
Donald Trump once again raised the prospect of Canada joining the United States just weeks after he jokingly suggested the idea to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The President-elect has stood firm on America’s neighbors, calling on both Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to address illegal immigration on their respective sides of the border. Earlier in December, he threatened both with a 25% tariff, prompting in swift action by the Mexican Government while Trudeau personally visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago in the immediate aftermath.
In the early hours of Wednesday, Dec. 18, Trump hinted at the idea publicly following a previous private jibe to Trudeau. On Truth Social, Trump wrote: “No one can answer why we subsidize Canada to the tune of over $100,000,000 a year? Makes no sense! Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State. They would save massively on taxes and military protection. I think it is a great idea. 51st State!!!”
Although Trump’s remarks were made in jest, the idea has gained intrigued as to whether Canada joining the United States would be possible. There would, of course, be constitutional matters at hand. Canada would require a significant constitutional amendment, requiring approval from the country’s House of Commons, Senate, and all provincial legislatures. The U.S., meanwhile, would require Congressional approval once Canada had applied for statehood.
Politically, however, the prospect obviously remains unlikely. Trump’s unlikely to admit a territory which overwhelmingly supported Kamala Harris in a hypothetical poll. Plus, who wants to fund their socialized medical system?
Would you support Canada becoming the 51st US State?
Economically, there’s little reason to unify the two nations. Both are members the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement, meaning it’s unnecessary to pursue a further degree of economic cooperation.
Nevertheless, the concept is interesting, and intrigued many on social media.
I believe that should we come to the point of considering the possibilities, every Canadian province should become a separate state. Actually, I believe that Canada could remain a country, but should modify its constitution to match the USA Constitution way.
I live a few miles from the Montana / Canada border on the northwestern side of the Rocky Mountains. I would LOVE for Canada to become a state. It would be awesome to travel across the border without border guards and completely different laws to contend with. Let's do it!!
Donald Trump’s administration is going to be a humorous one.
Trump transition spokeswoman and future press secretary responded to an Elizabeth Warren letter to the President-elect by calling her “Pocahontas” – Trump’s nickname for the Senator that boasts 1/1024 Cherokee heritage.
The Massachusetts Sen. queried the rules regarding conflicts of interest in a letter to Trump, specifically Elon Musk’s role in the transition team. She called for further transparency, and wrote:
Putting Mr. Musk in a position to influence billions of dollars of government contracts and regulatory enforcement without a stringent conflict of interest agreement in place is an invitation for corruption on a scale not seen in our lifetimes. As your Transition Team Ethics Plan makes clear, the role of government is not to line the pockets of the wealthiest Americans; a strong, enforceable ethics plan for the world’s richest man is a necessary first step for delivering on that promise.
In response, transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt accused the Democrat of playing politics while referring to Warren’s historic claims of Native American heritage. Adding that Trump had “assembled the most impressive and qualified team of innovators, entrepreneurs, and geniuses to advise and staff our government”, Leavitt said:
Pocahontas can play political games and send toothless letters, but the Trump-Vance transition will continue to be held to the highest ethical and legal standards possible – a standard unfamiliar to a career politician whose societal impact is 1/1024th of Elon Musk’s.
🚨 REPORT: Senator Elizabeth Warren sent a letter to Trump concerning "conflict of interest" rules for Elon Musk being a top adviser – WaPo
Donald Trump reportedly floated the idea of Canada becoming America’s 51st state in a conversation with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The President-elect spoke with Trudeau after threatening to implement 25% trade tariffs on both Canada and Mexican as part of his administration’s efforts to curb illegal immigration and the flow of illicit drugs. The Canadian Prime Minister subsequently flew to Mar-a-Lago, a meeting which Fox News reported to be “very productive” – echoing a drastic pledge by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to tackle border crossings after she spoke with Trump.
Trump reportedly expressed frustration over the $100 billion trade deficit between Canada and the U.S, threatening to slap the tariff on Canadian goods from day one of his presidency. Trudeau complained to Trump he can’t implement such a tariff because it would kill the Canadian economy completely. To that Trump fired back asking “so your country can’t survive unless it’s ripping off the U.S. to the tune of $100 billion? – and hilarious floated the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state of the U.S if there economy was to fail, which prompted Trudeau to laugh nervously.
The meeting was reportedly amicable and “very friendly,” but also emphasized a new relationship between the United States and Canada come January 20.
Hahahaaa Trudeau was complaining about tariffs and Trump told him that if Canada can’t survive without ripping off the U.S. then Canada should become the 51st state 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/JCqsaCBuxG
Footage has emerged of a liberal volunteer refusing to assist a Hurricane Helene victim due to Donald Trump signs in her front yard.
The interaction was filmed on the Republican’s Ring doorbell, and shows a volunteer walking up to the house with supplies. A barking dog muffles some of the initial conversation, but the victim can be heard saying, “I’m sorry.”
“That’s alright,” replies the volunteer. “I’m really conflicted. I have a lot more stuff to give, but I am not a fan of Donald Trump, so these signs are a problem for me.”
“So, I’m gonna gave to think about it,” adds the liberal as she leaves the property.
The video was filmed on Nov. 26, 2024 – some three weeks after Trump’s victory in the presidential election.
This video is truly sad.
A liberal volunteer showed up at a Hurricane Helene victim's house and said, "I'm really conflicted. I have a lot more stuff to give, but I am NOT a fan of Donald Trump, so these signs are a problem for me."
This woman is not giving from her heart. She has no compassion or kindness within her. What’s in an abundance of her heart, her mouth speaks volumes. She is trying to show her moral superiority, and it stinks to high heavens.
So this nasty excuse of a human being doesn't want to help out her fellow neighbor, her fellow American, a fellow woman in need because of her Trump sign.. Got it. They are ALL evil, mean, uncaring and incapable of compassion.
The Supreme Court Struck down so-called “affirmative action” in 2023. The policy was a mainstay of U.S. colleges and universities. The idea was created in the 1960s when President John F. Kennedy, in response to growing positive sentiment toward civil rights for blacks, decided to create the Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity in 1961. In an accompanying executive order, Kennedy used the phrase “affirmative action” to describe the actions he thought American institutions should take to actively correct perceived or real racial imbalances and discrimination.
It took off like wildfire in the liberal university world. In practice, affirmative action meant that schools were admitting black and other minority students at higher rates than before, even though many or most could not meet the same standards as other students who were admitted. Yes, meaning white students. Affirmative action became so entrenched in American culture that questioning whether it was right or fair to let academically sub-par students into schools (thereby depriving more capable applicants because they were white) would get a person accused of racism. But then again, what common sense statement doesn’t provoke accusations of racism anymore?
American colleges were doing the Ibram X. Kendi program long before Ibram Henry Rogers (his real name) came along with his racist agenda that he called “anti-racist.” Kendi famously wrote that “the only remedy to past discrimination is present discrimination.” Yes, that’s right. He really did write that. More surprising is how many millions of allegedly sensible Americans went right along with it, agreeing that it was a moral good to discriminate against white people in order to preferentially advance black people.
The name for this practice is “racism.”
It will take years before colleges truly end race-based admissions, if they ever really do, which seems doubtful. It’s stupidly easy to get around the ban on affirmative action by relabeling the practice and playing dumb. Robert VerBruggen, writing in City Journal, discusses how universities can easily continue to favor minority-ethnic applicants by using different language, and by tweaking recruiting methods. For example:
At a minimum, top colleges responding to an affirmative-action ban could be expected to expand recruiting efforts and expand preferences for low-income applicants. More aggressively, they might extensively calibrate their socioeconomic preferences to target blacks and Hispanics—such as giving a boost to kids who come from single-parent families or who speak a language other than English at home.
But at least one new college is taking meritocracy seriously; the University of Austin. Over the weekend on 60 Minutes, they profiled that school, which admits on MEI: Merit, Excellence, and Intelligence.
In a former Texas department store, the University of Austin, known as UATX, started classes this fall with a say-anything, shout-nothing philosophy. UATX’s motto is “the pursuit of truth.”
The school swaps DEI — diversity, equity and inclusion — for what some call MEI: merit, excellence and intelligence. UATX, co-founded by historian Niall Ferguson, launched with a focus on encouraging free speech and open debate.
“University forms the way you think about the world for the rest of your life,” Ferguson said. “If our universities are screwed up, and I believe they are, then that will screw up America as a whole quite quickly.”
Faculty members and advisers to the school are an ideological mix including Larry Summers, Steven Pinker, Deirdre McCloskey, Leon Kass, Jonathan Haidt, Glenn Loury, Joshua Katz, Tyler Tyler, Richard Dawkins, among many others.
Give the segment a watch for yourself – it’s something you won’t see at any other colleges in America, with few exceptions.
X users were quick to point out that it should not be controversial to have an admissions policy that prioritizes competence and intelligence.
It's the return of common sense!
If you have the skill set, you will excel. No more advancing due to your skin color.
Judging people based on their smarts and accomplishments? What a profound idea. Not radically racially dividing people by their skin color, gender, religious thoughts and ethnic labels—how in the world will this even work?
The medical examiner in the Daniel Penny case has come under fire for her questionable analysis of the facts, which many viewed as biased against Penny.
The prosecution rested its bogus case yesterday, which centers around whether or not Penny was acting in self-defense in protecting subway passengers from a raving lunatic threatening to kill people. Only in New York City would this even be a subject of debate, let alone a criminal case.
As was the case for George Floyd, Neely had drugs in his system – something the medical examiner didn’t even begin to take into account in her analysis. As the Daily Wire reported:
The New York medical examiner who performed Jordan Neely’s autopsy testified that she determined Neely died from asphyxiation after viewing viral videos of him in a chokehold and without waiting to see a toxicology report.
Dr. Cynthia Harris was the last witness called by the prosecution on Friday, CBS News reported. She testified that, even though Neely had a pulse when police arrived, he still died from Daniel Penny’s chokehold. “This is an asphyxial death. So, in asphyxial death, for lack of a better way of putting it, the brain dies first,” she testified, according to The Washington Times.
Penny’s defense attorneys questioned Harris why Neely’s death certificate originally listed the cause of death as pending further study. Harris said this was due to a misunderstanding from a police report that said Neely had been screaming while police were present. But, after viewing video of Penny restraining Neely in a chokehold and appearing unresponsive, Harris made her determination about the cause of death – without waiting for the toxicology report.
Harris told the defense that even if Neely had enough fentanyl in his system to take out an elephant, she still would have ruled that he died from asphyxiation.
Does this sound like someone with a political agenda to you?
It sure does to us at Wokespy – and a quick search through the FEC’s individual contribution records reveals that Dr. Harris accounted for $6,600 of the $1 billion that her fellow Harris incinerated before losing to Donald Trump.
In July and August of this year, two contributions of $3,300 were made to the Harris campaign, while $330 was made to ActBlue – and I have no insight on why she only makes contributions in numbers beginning in 33.
This of course leads to an obvious question; can someone who heavily donated to the woman that encouraged the George Floyd riots of 2020 and then raised bail money for people who would go on to commit murders, and backed defunding the police, be trusted as a neutral source in a self-defense case that has become politically coded? To ask such a question answers it.
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