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Authorities Foil Alleged Synagogue Attack Plot, Arrest Alabama Suspect
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Authorities Foil Alleged Synagogue Attack Plot, Arrest Alabama Suspect

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Authorities in Alabama say they have prevented a potential mass attack after arresting a man accused of making violent threats against synagogues across the state and surrounding areas, as reported by The New York Post.

The Clarke County Sheriff’s Office in Grove Hill confirmed Tuesday that 45-year-old Jeremy Wayne Shoemaker was taken into custody Monday night in Needham, Alabama, following what officials described as “credible threats of violence made against multiple synagogues throughout Alabama and surrounding states.”

“Likely acts of violence were averted before they happened,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. Deputies executed a search warrant at Shoemaker’s residence, where they reportedly found several firearms, body armor, and “more than a suitcase full of ammo.”

According to the department, investigators also uncovered evidence suggesting Shoemaker had planned not to be taken alive and had “intentions of possibly planning attacks on public figures as well.”

The sheriff’s office confirmed that “numerous” federal agencies are now involved in the investigation and that “multiple federal charges are likely.” For now, Shoemaker faces state charges, including resisting arrest and illegal possession of firearms by a prohibited person.

Tommy Loftis, public affairs specialist for the FBI’s Mobile Field Office, told JNS that Shoemaker is currently being held at the Clarke County Jail on state charges while federal authorities continue their investigation.

Clarke County Sheriff DeWayne Smith credited the coordinated response between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies for preventing what could have been a deadly incident.

“Because we worked together, you’re not reading about in the paper a situation where there was a mass shooting or something, and everybody’s wondering how we could have prevented it,” Smith said. “This is what happens when all the agencies work together.”

The Birmingham Jewish Federation released a statement Tuesday confirming that “there is no credible threat to our community at this time.” The organization expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their quick and coordinated response.

“We are deeply grateful that swift and coordinated action by the FBI, state investigators and local law enforcement prevented what could have been a devastating act of violence,” the federation said.

“This incident is a sobering reminder that threats motivated by antisemitism and hate persist. Yet it also highlights the power of partnership, preparedness, and vigilance.”

Federal officials have not yet announced what additional charges Shoemaker could face, but investigators say the case remains open as multiple agencies continue to examine the scope of the threats and the weapons found in his possession.

Don Lemon Slammed for Calling Megyn Kelly ‘Trans’ After Preaching Against Transphobia
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Don Lemon Slammed for Calling Megyn Kelly ‘Trans’ After Preaching Against Transphobia

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Former CNN host Don Lemon is facing backlash after saying conservative commentator Megyn Kelly looked “trans,” despite his history of speaking out against transphobia, as reported by The New York Post.

The remarks, made during a recent episode of his new “Clip Farmers” podcast, quickly drew criticism across social media and accusations of hypocrisy.

NEW YORK-APR 29: News reporter Megyn Kelly attends the Time 100 Gala for the Most Influential People in the World at the Frederick P. Rose Hall at Lincoln Center on April 29, 2014 in New York City.

“I think she looks trans,” Lemon said as he and his co-hosts discussed the appearance of “MAGA ladies.”

He then added, “Looks clockable,” a term commonly used within transgender circles to describe a person whose biological gender is still identifiable despite their transition. Lemon’s co-host ended the segment awkwardly, saying, “Let’s end on that note.”

Clips of the exchange were widely circulated online, sparking immediate condemnation from critics who pointed out Lemon’s history of publicly supporting transgender rights.

“For a man who praises trans people, #DonLemon sure feels comfortable using trans as an insult,” wrote Jeff Varner, a former television personality.

Another critic posted, “The Left is using ‘Trans’ as an insult now?” while one user called the remarks “Hypocrisy at its finest. When it’s convenient, principles fly out the window.”

Lemon’s comment stands in stark contrast to his past public statements condemning discrimination against the transgender community.

At the 2023 Son Awards — an annual event honoring Black gay and queer men — Lemon criticized what he described as an “avalanche” of anti-LGBTQ legislation and book bans.

“Nearly half of those bills target our transgender and nonbinary siblings. These bills range from banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth to banning drag performances,” Lemon said at the time, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

He also accused lawmakers of advancing “book bans rooted in anti-Blackness and transphobia and queerphobia.”

Lemon had also defended transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney during the Bud Light controversy, questioning conservative pushback over the company’s marketing campaign.

“So what if someone who is transgender drinks Bud Light? How does that affect you?” Lemon said while still hosting at CNN. “So what does it matter? I don’t really get it.”

NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 21: Don Lemon speaks during “We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert” at the Great Lawn in Central Park on August 21, 2021 in New York City.

In a separate CNN segment, Lemon consoled a transgender woman who expressed fear about the 2024 election, assuring her that “there are good people who support you.”

Lemon was dismissed from CNN in 2023 after reports surfaced of alleged misogynistic behavior, including high-profile incidents that led to widespread criticism inside and outside the network.

The controversy surrounding his latest remarks has renewed scrutiny over Lemon’s credibility and consistency on the very issues he has long claimed to champion.

Blakeman Vows to Expand Police Force, Strengthen ICE Partnership if Mamdani Wins NYC Race
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Blakeman Vows to Expand Police Force, Strengthen ICE Partnership if Mamdani Wins NYC Race

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Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced plans to increase police hiring and expand cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani wins the New York City mayoral election, as reported by The New York Post.

Blakeman, a Republican seeking re-election this month, made the pledge as part of an effort to attract residents and businesses from New York City to Nassau County, according to his spokesman, Chris Boyle.

“In the unfortunate event of a Mamdani win, [Blakeman] will hire more police officers, increase cooperation with [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement], and actively encourage people and businesses to move to the safest county in America,” Boyle told The New York Post.

Boyle declined to elaborate on specific steps the county would take to enhance its existing collaboration with ICE. Nassau’s current agreement with the federal agency, signed in February, has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and activist groups who have filed lawsuits opposing the program.

The county’s partnership with ICE includes deputizing 10 detectives to work directly with federal immigration officers and detaining approximately 3,000 individuals in its correctional facilities as part of ongoing efforts to support the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies.

While the arrangement has received praise from law enforcement advocates and residents concerned about rising crime in nearby New York City, it has been met with strong opposition from Democratic lawmakers and pro-migrant groups who favor “sanctuary” policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Blakeman’s Democratic challenger, Nassau Legislator Seth Koslow, has vowed to terminate the county’s agreement with ICE if he wins the upcoming election. Koslow has argued that the program creates fear among immigrant communities and exposes the county to potential legal challenges.

Mamdani, who represents Astoria, Queens, in the New York State Assembly, has gained significant traction in his mayoral campaign as the Democratic nominee. His platform includes support for sanctuary protections, reduced policing, and expanded city-funded migrant aid programs.

Zohran Kwame Mamdani is a New York State Assemblymember and democratic socialist running for Mayor. New York, US – 04 July 2025

The New York City race has become increasingly competitive as former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican activist Curtis Sliwa both mount independent bids, drawing attention from voters dissatisfied with the city’s current direction.

Blakeman’s remarks come as suburban officials across the region voice concerns about potential spillover effects from New York City’s ongoing public safety and migrant crises.

Nassau County, which has branded itself as one of the “safest counties in America,” continues to emphasize its focus on law enforcement cooperation and local security.

JD Vance Calls Marco Rubio His ‘Best Friend in the Administration’ After Trump Floats 2028 Ticket
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JD Vance Calls Marco Rubio His ‘Best Friend in the Administration’ After Trump Floats 2028 Ticket

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Vice President J.D. Vance praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio as “my best friend in the administration” during a new interview, following President Donald Trump’s recent comments suggesting the two could form an “unstoppable” ticket in 2028, as reported by The New York Post.

In a conversation with New York Post columnist Miranda Devine on her “Pod Force One” podcast, released Wednesday, Vance reflected on the idea with a mix of humor and caution. He said the topic first came up during a private lunch with President Trump about six months ago.

WASHINGTON D.C., USA – FEBRUARY 4, 2025: Vice President JD Vance attends a press conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump in the East Room of the White House.

“We try to get lunch every couple of weeks just to catch up on what’s going on and talk about things,” Vance said. “He [Trump] mentioned it probably six months or so ago.”

The vice president added that he brought up the possibility to Rubio “in jest,” emphasizing that any discussion of 2028 is premature. “It feels so early,” he said. “What I always say to people is, if we take care of business, the politics will take care of itself.”

Vance, 41, said his focus remains on carrying out the work of the Trump administration. “We’re nine months into this administration. We’ve done a lot of good,” he said, before noting the challenges that remain from former President Joe Biden’s policies.

“The thing that I most worry about is that Biden left us a terrible affordability crisis,” Vance said. “We’ve got to make life more affordable for American citizens. Again, we’ve chipped away at that problem, but there’s a lot more work to do.”

He said his priority is continuing to make President Trump’s agenda successful. “The American people elected me to be vice president,” Vance said.

“I’m gonna work as hard as I can to make the president successful over the next three years and three months. And if we get to a point where something else is in the offing, let’s handle it then.”

When asked if a future Vance-Rubio ticket could create tension between the vice president and the secretary of state, Vance dismissed the idea. “He and I work a lot together,” he said. “A lot of the good work that we’ve been able to do as an administration is because we’re all able to work together.”

Vance and Rubio have recently coordinated diplomatic trips to Europe and the Middle East, including efforts to help mediate the ongoing conflicts involving Russia and Ukraine and the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

“Worrying too much about the politics actually, I think, makes you worse at the job that you have,” Vance said.

“I never want to wake up and think, ‘How do I make myself president of the United States?’ What I wake up and think to myself is, ‘How do I do a good job as vice president?’ And I think Marco Rubio asks himself, ‘How do I do a good job as secretary of state?’”

According to polling compiled by RealClearPolitics, Vance remains the leading figure for the 2028 Republican nomination, outperforming potential rivals by as much as 40 percentage points.

Obama Slammed for Backing White Democrat Spanberger After Scolding Voters Over Not Voting for Harris Because She’s Black
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Obama Slammed for Backing White Democrat Spanberger After Scolding Voters Over Not Voting for Harris Because She’s Black

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Former President Barack Obama is facing backlash for campaigning in support of Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger in Virginia’s governor’s race — a move that critics say contradicts his own messaging during the 2024 presidential election, when he publicly chastised Black voters for not backing Kamala Harris, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

Obama is set to appear alongside Spanberger at a campaign event next Saturday as polls show Republican candidate Winsome Earle-Sears, who is a Black woman, closing the gap in the race.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama leaves the stage after slaming President Trump and republicans at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Urbana, Illinois, September 7, 2018.

Spanberger, a former congresswoman, had been considered a strong favorite early in the campaign, but her lead has narrowed amid several controversies and declining enthusiasm among Democratic voters.

During the 2024 election, Obama urged Black men to support Kamala Harris, warning that a lack of enthusiasm for the Democratic ticket could hurt the party.

His remarks at the time drew mixed reactions, with some praising his loyalty to the Democratic candidate and others criticizing what they viewed as condescension toward Black voters.

Now, Obama’s decision to campaign against Sears — Virginia’s first Black female lieutenant governor and a Republican — has prompted accusations of hypocrisy.

“I watched Obama sit there and chastise black men saying, y’all don’t want to support this woman, but at the same time turn around, go to Virginia, and campaign against a real natural black woman,” one Virginia resident said in a TikTok video that has gained traction online.

The Daily Mail reported that Democrats are growing increasingly anxious about the outcome in Virginia, with Spanberger struggling to maintain her lead as Sears gains momentum.

The controversy also extended to the NAACP after the organization hosted an event featuring Spanberger while excluding Sears.

The group later claimed that it does not endorse political candidates, though critics noted that featuring one candidate over another effectively sent a partisan message.

A Virginia resident criticized the move in a viral X post, accusing the NAACP of prioritizing party allegiance over community representation. “They care more about Democrats than they do about Black people,” the man said in his video.

Sears, who has campaigned on issues of public safety, education, and fiscal responsibility, responded directly to Obama and Spanberger’s alignment, saying voters see through the political double standard.

Obama’s appearance in Virginia comes as Democrats attempt to shore up support in a state that has leaned blue in recent election cycles but remains competitive at the statewide level. Polling indicates that the governor’s race could tighten further in the final weeks before Election Day.

Mamdani Under Fire for Claiming NYPD and Israel Are Linked in ‘Conspiracy’ Over Police Brutality
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Mamdani Under Fire for Claiming NYPD and Israel Are Linked in ‘Conspiracy’ Over Police Brutality

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New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is facing renewed scrutiny after a resurfaced video from 2023 showed him suggesting that the New York Police Department (NYPD) and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are connected through a “conspiracy” tied to police brutality in the United States, as reported by The Western Journal.

The remarks, first reported by The New York Post, came during a panel at the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) national convention, where Mamdani served as a keynote speaker.

The event, titled “Socialist Internationalism: The Solution to the Crisis of Capitalism,” featured discussions on global activism and left-wing solidarity.

In the resurfaced clip, Mamdani — a Democrat representing Astoria, Queens — claimed that international solidarity helps reveal connections between what he described as capitalist systems abroad and domestic law enforcement practices.

“The importance for me of international solidarity is that it takes me out of the American political landscape and reminds me just how tame some of the things are that I’m actually calling for,” Mamdani said.

He continued, “We have to make clear that when the boot of the NYPD is on your neck, it’s been laced by the IDF. We are in a country where those connections abound. Especially in New York City, you have so many opportunities to make clear the ways in which that struggle over there is tied to capitalist interests over here.”

Mamdani’s comments sparked backlash after resurfacing online this week, with critics accusing him of promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories and blaming Israel for issues related to U.S. policing.

The DSA panel did not include any pushback or clarification from other participants when the remarks were made.

The New York lawmaker has not disavowed the comments, though he addressed the controversy in a statement to The New York Post, suggesting his campaign is focused on public safety and not on past remarks.

“I’ve said time and again that with public safety, I’m looking forward to working with police officers here in New York City to deliver it,” Mamdani said.

He also noted ongoing challenges within the NYPD, adding, “We now have about 350 officers leaving the department every month, and that is something we will bring to an end by ensuring that police officers are only asked to do the work of a police department, not the work of social services as they have it.”

Mamdani, who is running for mayor of New York City, has built his political career on a platform that includes support for socialist economic policies and advocacy for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel.

His past rhetoric and participation in DSA events have drawn repeated criticism from Jewish organizations and political opponents.

As the mayoral race tightens, the resurfaced video adds to growing questions about Mamdani’s views on Israel and public safety policy. Neither the DSA nor Mamdani’s campaign has responded directly to accusations that the comments reflected antisemitic sentiment.

Massachusetts Dem Governor’s Deputy Busted, Over 20 Kilos of Cocaine Seized
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Massachusetts Dem Governor’s Deputy Busted, Over 20 Kilos of Cocaine Seized

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A staffer for Democratic Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey was arrested and charged with drug trafficking following the seizure of more than 20 kilograms of cocaine by state authorities.

LaMar Cook, 45, who served as deputy director of Healey’s western Massachusetts office since 2023, was charged with trafficking over 200 grams of cocaine, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition, Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni announced Wednesday.

Authorities said Cook was taken into custody Tuesday during a traffic stop, three days after investigators carried out a controlled delivery operation of eight kilograms of cocaine to the Springfield State Office Building, where Cook worked.

According to the district attorney’s office, multiple parcels totaling roughly 21 kilograms of cocaine have been seized by Massachusetts State Police as part of the ongoing investigation into Cook.

Additional parcels containing about 13 kilograms of the drug were previously recovered at the Hotel UMass in Amherst, where Cook had been employed before joining the governor’s office.

“Evidence collected during that operation was consistent with the narcotics recovered during the most recent controlled delivery in Springfield,” Gulluni said in a statement.

Cook was arraigned Wednesday in Springfield District Court and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

His bail was set at $25,000.

A LinkedIn profile under Cook’s name described his duties as serving as a key liaison between the state government and western Massachusetts.

“In this role, I effectively manage and coordinate government initiatives and policies in 4 counties,” the profile stated.

Following the arrest, a spokesperson for Governor Healey confirmed that Cook had been terminated from his position.

“The governor’s office has been made aware of the arrest of an employee, Lamar Cook. The conduct that occurred here is unacceptable and represents a major breach of the public trust,” the statement said.

“Mr. Cook has been terminated from his position effective immediately. This criminal investigation is ongoing, and our administration will work with law enforcement to assist them in their work.”

District Attorney Gulluni said Cook’s arrest followed weeks of coordinated surveillance operations and investigative work by the Massachusetts State Police and local law enforcement agencies.

The drugs were discovered after authorities tracked suspicious packages and intercepted shipments believed to be linked to Cook.

The Springfield State Office Building, where the controlled delivery occurred, houses several state agencies and is a hub for western Massachusetts government operations.

Investigators said no other state employees have been charged in connection with the case, but the probe remains active.

Cook’s arrest drew swift reaction from political figures across Massachusetts, including Republicans challenging Healey in the 2026 gubernatorial race.

Mike Kennealy, a Republican former state official, criticized Healey’s administration on X, writing, “Healey has lost control of every aspect of her administration. When I’m Governor, we’ll clean up the mess that Maura Healey created.”

Brian Shortsleeve, former head of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, also condemned the incident.

“A top aide to Gov. Maura Healey is a drug trafficker. This is beyond shocking,” he wrote.

“This is a reflection not just on our governor and her failed leadership and management skills, but on our entire state, and we shouldn’t tolerate it. Gov. Healey owes Massachusetts an explanation.”

Authorities have not released further details on whether additional arrests are expected.

Cook remains free on bail pending a pretrial hearing in Springfield District Court later this month.

Trump Hammers Out Major Deal With Xi to Slash Tariffs, Boost U.S. Exports
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Trump Hammers Out Major Deal With Xi to Slash Tariffs, Boost U.S. Exports

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President Donald Trump met Thursday with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea, marking the final stop of his weeklong Asia trip that included visits to Malaysia and Japan.

The meeting came just hours after Trump signaled online that changes to U.S. defense and trade policy could soon be announced.

The summit focused on reducing tensions between Washington and Beijing following months of escalating trade and security disputes.

Since returning to the White House in January, President Trump has imposed major tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting Beijing to respond by tightening restrictions on rare earth exports—key materials used in advanced manufacturing and defense systems.

Ahead of Thursday’s meeting, senior aides from both sides confirmed that the discussions would center on tariffs, high-tech exports, and global supply chain competition—issues that have long defined the U.S.-China relationship.

After roughly 100 minutes of private talks, Trump described the meeting as productive, saying he and Xi reached “an outstanding group of decisions” on several key areas.

“We had an amazing meeting,” Trump told reporters.

“I believe we’ve already agreed to a lot of things.”

The president announced that Xi agreed to immediately begin purchasing U.S. soybeans and other agricultural products, a move aimed at reducing trade imbalances and strengthening American farmers’ exports.

Trump also said China had committed to working “very hard” to stop the flow of fentanyl into the United States, a major focus of his administration’s anti-drug efforts.

“I believe he’s going to work very hard to stop the death that’s coming in,” Trump said.

In exchange, Trump said he would reduce U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods from 20 percent to 10 percent.

The agreement, he explained, was structured as a one-year framework to be reviewed and renewed annually.

“We have a deal,” he said.

“Every year we’ll renegotiate the deal, but I think it’ll go on for a long time.”

The two sides also reached an understanding on rare earth exports, with China agreeing to pause planned export controls for one year.

A senior administration official said both leaders intend to revisit the arrangement in 2026, with the option to extend it if both sides remain in compliance.

President Trump also confirmed that the discussions included semiconductor production and export issues.

He said China would open talks with U.S. technology company Nvidia about purchasing additional chips, though the newest generation of advanced processors was not part of the talks.

Another key outcome of the meeting was an agreement for reciprocal visits between the two leaders.

Trump announced plans to travel to China in April, with Xi expected to visit the United States later in the year.

The meeting concluded with a brief photo opportunity before both leaders departed.

As Trump waved to reporters and boarded Air Force One, he appeared to exchange final remarks with Xi before shaking hands.

“It’s an honor to be with a friend of mine,” Trump said as they met earlier in the day.

Xi responded that “it feels very warm seeing you again because it’s been many years,” adding that while disagreements between major powers are inevitable, “the U.S. and China can still find ways to thrive side by side.”

Earlier, while traveling to South Korea, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he was considering tariff reductions as a gesture of goodwill toward Beijing’s cooperation on fentanyl enforcement.

“I expect to be lowering that because I believe that they’re going to help us with the fentanyl situation,” he said. “The relationship with China is very good.”

The meeting in Busan marks the most significant engagement between the two nations since Trump’s return to office.

Both leaders left open the possibility of broader trade and security negotiations later in 2025. Neither government released additional details about the private session.

Kentucky Sheriff’s Daughter Pushes Back Against Online Rumors After Judge’s Killing
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Kentucky Sheriff’s Daughter Pushes Back Against Online Rumors After Judge’s Killing

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The daughter of a former Kentucky sheriff accused of fatally shooting a district judge last year has publicly denounced online speculation about her father’s case, calling it “gossip” and “cruel.”

As The New York Post reported, Eighteen-year-old Lila Stines posted a TikTok video last week defending her father, Shawn “Mickey” Stines, 44, who has been charged in the September 2024 shooting death of District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54.

The killing occurred inside Mullins’ chambers in Letcher County, Kentucky, and was captured on surveillance video.

“Do you have nothing better to do than to sit and gossip?” Lila said in her video. “You are taking my pain and making it your pleasure.”

Authorities said the video evidence shows Stines entering the judge’s chambers, exchanging cellphones with Mullins, and looking at something on the screens before opening fire. The two men had reportedly been longtime friends and had lunch together hours before the shooting.

After the shooting, Stines walked out of the courthouse and immediately surrendered to police, telling officers, “They’re trying to kidnap my wife and kid.” He has pleaded not guilty and is pursuing an insanity defense.

In the year since the killing, rumors about possible motives have circulated online, including claims of personal or professional disputes between the two men.

Shawn “Mickey” Stines had a preliminary hearing at Morgan County District Court. Oct. 1, 2024

Some social media users have alleged infidelity involving Mullins and members of Stines’ family — speculation that Lila addressed directly in her video.

“You’re taking our stories and turning them into entertainment pieces, jokes, and for that matter, you’re making it your income,” she said. “Since when did that become OK?”

Lila’s video has since gained more than 40,000 likes and sparked widespread debate. In a follow-up post Monday, she said she was “shocked” at the reaction and criticized commenters who mocked her appearance. She also vowed not to stay silent about the case any longer.

“I just want to say that a lot of things that are in the dark, they are coming to light,” she said. “I looked up the definition of insanity and it’s basically doing the same thing over and over and over again, expecting change. The silence is over.”

Meanwhile, new allegations have emerged from others familiar with the case. Letcher County resident Tya Adams told NewsNation’s “Banfield” program that Mullins allegedly used his position to exploit women, describing him as someone who “ran his courthouse like a brothel.”

Adams claimed she and others were coerced into sex acts in exchange for leniency. “It was consensual,” she said, “but it was the thing that we were so young, and then they used it against us and to destroy our lives later.”

Sarah Davis, a former deputy jailer, told the outlet she had also heard about “nasty and sickening” stories related to Mullins’ conduct.

Stines remains in custody awaiting trial. Prosecutors have not commented on whether any of the allegations surrounding Mullins are being investigated in connection with the case.

JD Vance Tells TPUSA Crowd Christian Values Are Key to America’s Future
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JD Vance Tells TPUSA Crowd Christian Values Are Key to America’s Future

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Vice President J.D. Vance addressed thousands of students at a Turning Point USA event Wednesday night at the University of Mississippi, where he said America’s future depends on maintaining a “properly rooted Christian moral order.”

As Fox News reported, the event honored the late TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk, whose widow Erika also spoke to the packed crowd before Vance took the stage.

During his remarks and an extended question-and-answer session, Vance discussed how his Christian faith shapes his leadership, addressed questions about religious liberty, and responded to an inquiry about raising his children in an interfaith household.

His comments focused heavily on faith’s role in public life and the moral grounding of the nation.

“I make no apologies for thinking that Christian values are an important foundation of this country,” Vance said when asked about the separation of church and state.

“Anybody who’s telling you their view is neutral likely has an agenda to sell you. And I’m at least honest about the fact that I think the Christian foundation of this country is a good thing.”

Vance criticized modern liberalism as “a perverted version of Christianity,” explaining that while compassion for the disenfranchised is admirable, liberalism’s lack of moral or civic virtue has led to chaos.

“There’s nothing wrong, of course, with focusing on people who are disenfranchised,” Vance said.

“But if you completely separate it from any religious duty or any civic virtue, then that can actually become, for example, an inducement to lawlessness. You can’t just have compassion for the criminal. You also have to have justice too.”

He added that faith and governance must not be divorced from one another. “A properly rooted Christian moral order is such an important part of the future of our country,” Vance said.

When asked about God’s role in public life, Vance rejected the notion that the Constitution requires religion to be kept out of public spaces. “Anybody who tells you it’s required by the Constitution is lying to you,” he told the audience.

“The Supreme Court interpreted ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion’ to effectively throw the church out of every public place at the federal, state and local level. I think it was a terrible mistake, and we’re still paying for the consequences of it today.”

Vance also addressed questions about his interfaith marriage. His wife, Usha, is Hindu, and Vance spoke candidly about raising their two sons in the Christian faith.

Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance take the stage with their children during the inauguration parade for President Donald Trump at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C., on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.

“Most Sundays she will come with me to church,” he said. “Do I hope eventually that she is somehow moved by the same thing that I was moved in by church? Yeah, I honestly, I do wish that. But if she doesn’t, then God says everybody has free will, and so that doesn’t cause a problem for me.”

Reflecting on Charlie Kirk’s influence, Vance said the late TPUSA leader helped him feel more comfortable expressing his faith publicly. “This is another way in which Charlie has affected my life,” Vance said.

“Even if people had very deep personal faith, they didn’t talk about it a whole lot. But the reason why I try to be the best husband I can be, the best father I can be, the reason why I care so much about all the issues that we’re going to talk about, is because I believe I’ve been placed in this position for a brief period of time to do the most amount of good for God and for the country that I love so much.”


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