News

NFL Hall of Famer Antonio Gates Caught Up in Explosive Gambling Scandal
News

NFL Hall of Famer Antonio Gates Caught Up in Explosive Gambling Scandal

/

Pro Football Hall of Famer Antonio Gates has been accused of hosting and participating in a rigged poker game in Miami, according to a report released Sunday by sports investigative journalist Pablo Torre.

The game was reportedly organized by Curtis Meeks, a man recently indicted by federal prosecutors in connection with a wide-ranging gambling scandal that has shaken the NBA.

Torre’s report came one day after the New York Post published claims from a purported victim who alleged that he and his friends were scammed out of nearly $1 million in a poker game connected to Meeks.

The victim said an unnamed former NFL player was used as a “face card” to attract participants to the game, which prosecutors now describe as part of a larger, coordinated criminal enterprise.

Federal prosecutors last week unsealed a sweeping indictment naming more than 30 individuals accused of participating in separate but connected schemes involving both sports betting and manipulated poker games.

Among those implicated are Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former NBA player Damon Jones.

According to the indictment, Billups allegedly served as a “face card” for one of the poker operations, lending credibility to games organized by figures with ties to organized crime.

Prosecutors say the setup was designed to lure wealthy participants—referred to in the indictment as “fish”—into games that were secretly rigged using advanced technology and coordinated dealer manipulation.

It is not yet clear whether Gates’ alleged involvement is directly connected to the federal probe.

No criminal charges have been filed against him.

The New York Post source, who said he was defrauded in one of Meeks’ poker games, could not confirm whether the event was part of the same ring described in the indictment.

However, he said Meeks was present during the game and that the presence of a professional athlete was what convinced him and his associates to participate.

“We would never have been there if not for the professional athlete,” the source said, though he declined to name the individual involved.

The federal investigation has already upended several professional sports circles, raising concerns that athletes from outside the NBA may have also been drawn into the operation.

Prosecutors allege that the network of games stretched from Miami to Las Vegas and involved a combination of professional athletes, entertainment figures, and associates linked to illicit gambling enterprises.

Gates, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August, spent his entire 16-year NFL career with the San Diego and Los Angeles Chargers.

A converted college basketball player from Kent State, Gates became one of the most prolific tight ends in NFL history, finishing his career with 11,841 receiving yards and 116 touchdowns before retiring after the 2018 season.

The indictment does not name Gates or any NFL players, but the new claims have sparked speculation about the scope of the investigation and whether more athletes could be implicated as prosecutors continue their work.

Meeks, who faces multiple felony charges, is accused of leading a network that combined high-stakes sports betting and fraudulent poker operations designed to siphon money from wealthy participants under the guise of legitimate games.

The Justice Department has not commented on whether additional indictments are expected, but court filings indicate that investigators are continuing to review communications and financial records tied to the alleged gambling ring.

If confirmed, the allegations against Gates would represent a significant expansion of the case’s reach beyond the NBA, signaling that professional sports figures from multiple leagues may have become entangled in one of the most far-reaching gambling scandals in recent memory.

Trump Admin Warns 42 Million Could Lose Food Stamps as Shutdown Continues: ‘Bottom Line, the Well Has Run Dry’
News

Trump Admin Warns 42 Million Could Lose Food Stamps as Shutdown Continues: ‘Bottom Line, the Well Has Run Dry’

/

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has warned that roughly 42 million Americans could lose access to federal food assistance beginning November 1 if the current government shutdown is not resolved, as reported by Fox News.

The department says it lacks the authority to redirect funding to cover Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments without congressional approval.

According to an internal USDA memo obtained by Fox News Digital, the ongoing impasse in Congress has halted funding for SNAP, commonly known as food stamps.

II.studio – Shutterstock.com

“Due to Congressional Democrats’ refusal to pass a clean continuing resolution (CR), approximately 42 million individuals will not receive their SNAP benefits come November 1st,” the memo said.

“This jeopardizes all SNAP recipients in November, including those that have applied for benefits in the last half of October, and furloughed Federal employees who will not receive their combined October/November benefits.”

Democrats have urged the Trump administration to tap into the agency’s SNAP contingency fund, which they estimate contains about $5 billion, to continue distributing benefits. However, USDA officials say that fund cannot legally be used for regular benefits.

“SNAP contingency funds are only available to supplement regular monthly benefits when amounts have been appropriated for, but are insufficient to cover, benefits,” the memo stated.

“The contingency fund is not available to support [fiscal year 2026] regular benefits because the appropriation for regular benefits no longer exists.”

The department said the contingency fund is reserved for emergencies such as the Disaster SNAP program, which provides food assistance to families affected by hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters.

USDA officials also rejected proposals to transfer funding from other nutrition programs, warning that doing so would hurt vulnerable Americans.

“Transfers from other sources would pull away funding for school meals and infant formula,” the memo read.

“This Administration will not allow Democrats to jeopardize funding for school meals and infant formula in order to prolong their shutdown.”

On Monday, the USDA updated its website with a statement blaming Senate Democrats for stalling funding for SNAP.

“Senate Democrats have now voted 12 times to not fund the food stamp program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),” the statement read.

“Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 1.”

The statement added that Democrats must choose between “holding out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures or reopening the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance.”

In response, nearly all House Democrats signed a letter to USDA on Friday, arguing that the contingency fund was designed for precisely this situation. “We urge USDA to use these funds for November SNAP benefits and issue clear guidance to states on how to navigate benefit issuance,” the letter said.

Impact of Government Lapse on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 

The standoff continues as Senate Democrats refuse to advance the House-passed continuing resolution from September 19, which would have temporarily extended fiscal year 2025 funding.

Democrats are demanding that any agreement also include an extension of enhanced Obamacare subsidies set to expire at year’s end.

Search Underway After Cruise Crew Member Goes Overboard in Mediterranean
News

Search Underway After Cruise Crew Member Goes Overboard in Mediterranean

/

An urgent search is underway in the Mediterranean Sea after a crew member aboard the Viking Star cruise ship went overboard Monday morning during a voyage between Crete and Sicily, as reported by Fox News.

A spokesperson for Viking Cruises confirmed to Fox News Digital that a crew member was seen going overboard at approximately 11:31 a.m. local time. The ship immediately activated its emergency response procedures and began a coordinated search effort with the Italian Coast Guard.

“The ship initiated a full-scale search in coordination with Italian authorities,” the Viking spokesperson said. “No further details are available at this time.”

The incident occurred during the vessel’s eight-day, seven-night cruise that began in Athens, Greece, with scheduled stops in Turkey, Crete, Sicily, Naples, and Civitavecchia — the port city outside Rome. The overboard alert was made while the ship was en route from Crete to Palermo, Italy.

Passengers onboard said the announcement that a crew member had gone overboard came as a shock. According to a Fox News producer traveling on the cruise, a waiter froze upon hearing the alert as others rushed toward the deck to look out over the water.

One person was heard shouting, “I see someone,” as passengers peered toward the waves.

Witnesses reported seeing a crew member throw an orange life ring into the sea, followed by another rescue device — a smaller ring with a flare attached.

The Viking Star reportedly slowed to circle the area where the person was last seen while search operations continued under the direction of the Italian Coast Guard.

The ship’s cruise director later made an announcement informing passengers that the search perimeter had been expanded as the Coast Guard continued to sweep the area by air and sea.

As of Monday evening, details regarding the missing crew member — including their identity and the circumstances surrounding the incident — remained unclear.

The Viking Star, a 745-foot ocean liner, can accommodate up to 930 passengers and around 500 crew members. It is one of Viking’s fleet of luxury ocean vessels known for their smaller capacity and focus on destination-based travel.

Following its scheduled stop in Palermo, the ship’s itinerary includes visits to Naples and the port of Civitavecchia before returning to Greece.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the search will impact the remainder of the cruise schedule. The Italian Coast Guard continues to lead recovery efforts in the Mediterranean as of Tuesday morning.

CBS News Chief Bari Weiss Reportedly Eyes Pro-Trump CNN Pundit Scott Jennings for New Role
News

CBS News Chief Bari Weiss Reportedly Eyes Pro-Trump CNN Pundit Scott Jennings for New Role

/

CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss is reportedly seeking to recruit conservative commentator and CNN contributor Scott Jennings as part of an effort to reshape the network’s on-air talent lineup, as reported by the New York Post.

According to a report from Semafor, Weiss and Jennings met last week at CBS headquarters in New York to discuss a potential move.

The reported outreach comes at a time of major transition for CBS News, which is undergoing staff changes and preparing for a new editorial direction under Weiss.

Scott Jennings speaks during the Republican Party of Kentucky 2019 Lincoln Dinner in downtown Lexington. LincolnDinner_Jennings

The New York Post reported Monday that John Dickerson, co-anchor of the CBS Evening News, will be leaving the network at the end of the year. Dickerson will continue anchoring alongside Maurice DuBois until his departure, as CBS braces for a round of layoffs affecting the news division.

Jennings, a former special assistant to President George W. Bush and longtime adviser to Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, has become a prominent conservative voice on CNN.

Known for his unapologetic defense of President Donald Trump during panel discussions, Jennings has built a loyal following among right-leaning viewers frustrated by CNN’s coverage.

As a contributor rather than a full-time employee, Jennings is free to explore opportunities with other outlets.

A source familiar with the situation told Semafor that the meeting with Weiss was informal. CNN declined to comment, and requests for comment sent to Jennings and CBS News were not immediately returned.

Interest in Jennings appears to be growing beyond television. Earlier this year, Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong reportedly contacted Jennings about joining his “LAT Next” media venture.

Weiss’s reported outreach to Jennings follows a series of moves suggesting that she intends to broaden CBS’s ideological range.

Just last week, the Status newsletter reported that Weiss had considered recruiting Fox News anchor Bret Baier, host of Special Report with Bret Baier, to anchor the CBS Evening News.

Baier remains under contract with Fox through 2028, and a network spokesperson declined to comment on the report.

Weiss, 41, joined CBS News earlier this year after Paramount’s Skydance division acquired her Free Press media venture for an estimated $150 million. Her mandate from the network’s leadership is to make CBS coverage more “balanced” and “fact-based,” according to internal sources.

Norah O’Donnell, who left CBS Evening News earlier this year, has met with Weiss about possibly returning to the anchor desk, The Post reported earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Gayle King’s future at CBS remains uncertain as her multimillion-dollar contract approaches its expiration next spring amid network cost-cutting.

Schumer Shutdown Becomes National Joke as Memes Flood Social Media
News

Schumer Shutdown Becomes National Joke as Memes Flood Social Media

/

The government shutdown led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is drawing widespread mockery across social media as frustration grows over stalled negotiations in Washington, as reported by Joe Hoff.

What began as a partisan standoff has now become a cultural punchline, with viral memes and videos spreading faster than any progress on Capitol Hill.

Online users have dubbed it the “Schumer Shutdown,” a label that has gained traction as the blame shifts toward Democratic leadership.

Social media feeds have been flooded with jokes, edits, and compilations highlighting the political deadlock, with many portraying the Democratic Party as disorganized and out of touch.

“The Democrats are losing the Schumer Shutdown and know that because they are being laughed at,” one post read. “It’s a real disaster.”

Several viral videos circulating this week feature clips of Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and other top Democrats, often paired with music or movie scenes mocking their handling of the budget impasse.

Many of the clips have been shared thousands of times on platforms like X, TikTok, and Instagram.

“This shutdown will be remembered for its memes,” one user wrote, sharing a compilation video that has been viewed more than two million times. Others created parodies and even custom screensavers inspired by the standoff.

One popular meme circulating online shows a photo of Jeffries with the caption, “Jeffries is coming across as an idiot.”

Another features President Donald Trump with the tagline, “Trump keeps rocking,” reflecting the perception among conservatives that the president has maintained control of the political narrative despite congressional gridlock.

“This shutdown is a joke on Schumer, Jeffries, and the Democrats,” another post stated. “It’s clear the country wants this silliness from the Dems to end.”

The online reaction mirrors growing public impatience with Congress. With federal funding frozen and negotiations at a standstill, pressure is mounting on lawmakers to reach an agreement.

But while political leaders trade barbs on camera, social media users are turning the stalemate into a stream of viral humor.

For now, the Schumer Shutdown has become less about policy details and more about perception. The laughter from across the country suggests that Democrats may be losing control of both the message and the moment.

Soros Fingerprints Found All Over the Rise of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani
News

Soros Fingerprints Found All Over the Rise of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani

/

In September 2017, a photograph surfaced on social media showing activist Linda Sarsour kneeling on a Brooklyn sidewalk beside campaign volunteers for City Council candidate Khader El-Yateem.

Among them was a young organizer named Zohran Mamdani.

That image, posted on El-Yateem’s campaign page, marked the beginning of a political collaboration that would soon extend far beyond a local election.

Eight years later, Mamdani — now 34 — is positioned to seek the mayoralty of New York City.

His ascent, according to a Fox News Digital investigation, is the result of a coordinated network of political and religious organizations that have advanced candidates sharing socialist and Islamist ideologies.

A review of 110 groups supporting Mamdani shows overlapping ties between Muslim advocacy organizations and left-wing coalitions, including 76 Democratic Party affiliates and unions.

Central to that effort are two key networks: Sarsour’s MPower organizations and a related group called Emgage.

Tax records reviewed by Fox News Digital show that billionaire George Soros’ Open Society foundations have contributed nearly $2.5 million to MPower and Emgage in recent years.

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

A spokesperson for the Open Society Foundations said, “We fund a range of civil society organizations that work to deepen civic engagement through peaceful democratic participation, counter discrimination including against Muslim Americans and advance human rights.”

The spokesperson added that the cited grants occurred years before the mayoral race and were unrelated to any campaign activity.

The Fox News Digital investigation found that MPower and Emgage are part of a coalition of about 30 ethnic and religious groups, including CAIR Action, the Islamic Circle of North America, the Muslim Action Coalition, and the Bangladeshi American Advocacy Group.

Together, they have combined annual revenues exceeding $24 million and have mobilized resources, volunteers, and online campaigns to back Mamdani.

Analysts say these networks represent a coordinated political machine that merges progressive socialist movements with Islamist activism.

Through campaigns like Emgage’s “Defend and Advance” initiative, the coalition promotes Mamdani alongside other Muslim candidates such as Virginia Lt. Governor candidate Ghazala Hashmi and Dearborn, Michigan, Mayor Abdullah Hammoud.

Emgage’s financial supporters include the Sterling Charitable Gift Fund in Herndon, Virginia — a group previously investigated by federal authorities in connection with suspected funding of Hamas-linked entities in the early 2000s, though no charges were ever filed.

Over the past decade, Sarsour and her allies have built a nationwide infrastructure linking philanthropy, activism, and political organizing.

Their financial backing has come from large foundations such as the Ford Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, and the Tides Foundation, alongside Soros’ network.

This structure has helped launch Mamdani’s political career, combining nonprofit outreach with campaign operations.

Dalia Al-Aqidi, an Iraqi American Muslim and Republican congressional candidate challenging Ilhan Omar in Minnesota, said, “The data, the money trail and the affiliations, from the Democratic Socialists of America to the Islamists, tells a different story.”

She added, “Mamdani’s ascent is the product of deliberate design: a sophisticated collaboration between socialist activism and Islamist organizing, lubricated by millions in foundation grants and political donations.”

Mamdani’s activism began at Bowdoin College in Maine, where in 2012 he co-founded a chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine.

By 2017, he was working on El-Yateem’s campaign with Sarsour.

In 2018, he joined the board of the Muslim Democratic Club of New York, a political organization co-founded by Sarsour to mobilize Muslim voters for progressive candidates.

The group endorsed Mamdani during his 2020 campaign for the New York State Assembly.

Public records show that MPower Change, a nonprofit housed at Neo Philanthropy, received at least $2.4 million in funding between 2017 and 2024, including more than $1 million from Soros’ Foundation to Promote Open Society and $450,000 from the MacArthur Foundation.

Emgage Action, another key organization in Mamdani’s orbit, has received more than $3 million in grants from the same philanthropic network.

Mamdani’s rise has also been supported by several imams with controversial records.

In January, he met with Imam Muhammad Al-Barr, who had previously prayed publicly for the “annihilation” of Israel.

In May, Imam Siraj Wahhaj — who once testified as a character witness for Omar Abdel-Rahman, the “Blind Sheikh” convicted in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing — donated to Mamdani’s campaign fund. Mamdani later described Wahhaj as “one of the nation’s foremost Muslim leaders.”

Other clerical backers include Imam Talib Abdur-Rashid of the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood in Harlem, who previously defended individuals linked to terrorist organizations, and Imam Khalid Latif of New York University, who endorsed Mamdani on social media in June.

Following criticism of his meeting with Wahhaj, Mamdani received public support from Sarsour, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, and Emgage Action.

Sarsour shared a photo of herself with Mamdani, writing, “May Allah continue to bless and protect you.”

Emgage’s executive director Wa’el Alzayat responded to the controversy by saying, “We are in this for the long haul.”

Al-Aqidi said the controversy only confirms how deeply the network is entrenched.

“For over a decade, Linda Sarsour and her network of allies have built the Mamdani machine piece by piece: the institutions, the donors, the narratives and now, the candidate,” she said.

“His rise was not spontaneous. It was engineered, and the machinery behind it is only getting stronger.”

Mark Cuban Endorses TrumpRx Program, Citing Transparency and Savings for Patients
News

Mark Cuban Endorses TrumpRx Program, Citing Transparency and Savings for Patients

/

Entrepreneur and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban voiced his support for the TrumpRx program and its Cost Plus Drugs model, describing the initiative as a major step toward price transparency and affordability in the U.S. pharmaceutical industry, as reported by The Gateway Hispanic.

Cuban called the program “amazing” and said it has the potential to deliver meaningful savings for seniors and patients nationwide.

WASHINGTON – February 22, 2025: President Donald Trump arrives at the White House South Lawn on Marine One after his visit to CPAC.

Cuban, who founded CostPlusDrugs.com to simplify access to affordable medications, praised the TrumpRx program for its use of transparency as a tool to rebuild trust between patients and the healthcare system.

The initiative allows consumers to see exactly how drug prices are calculated and how much profit is being made on each sale.

Through the TrumpRx API and the CostPlusDrugs.com platform, patients can view daily updates on drug prices that include full cost breakdowns and a flat 15% profit margin.

The approach removes layers of middlemen, including Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), who have long been blamed for inflating prescription costs.

“Trust is what we truly sell in this industry, and that has allowed us to grow so quickly,” Cuban said. He noted that by connecting manufacturers directly to patients, the TrumpRx model and the Most Favored Nation (MFN) program are making brand-name drugs more affordable and accessible.

Cuban acknowledged that while the program does not fix every issue in the healthcare system, it represents a significant improvement in price clarity and patient savings.

Seniors—who are most affected by prescription costs—stand to benefit the most from these changes.

The entrepreneur also highlighted that the TrumpRx program’s structure reflects the broader goals of President Donald Trump’s administration: providing practical, market-based solutions that put patients first and reduce the influence of corporate intermediaries.

The program’s emphasis on consumer choice and transparency aligns with conservative efforts to create more accountability in healthcare spending.

Apr 28, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Mark Cuban after the game against the LA Clippers during game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

“The combination of transparency, savings, and direct access to medications gives patients more control and confidence,” Cuban said. He emphasized that rebuilding public trust in healthcare depends on honest pricing and eliminating unnecessary costs.

Support from prominent business leaders like Cuban has brought renewed attention to TrumpRx’s promise of efficiency and cost reduction.

The initiative’s advocates argue that it showcases a model of free-market healthcare reform that delivers real benefits to citizens without additional government expansion.

As Cuban continues to champion affordable drug pricing, the TrumpRx program remains a focal point in the broader debate over how to lower healthcare costs while empowering patients through information and competition.

Zohran Mamdani Protested Biden Over Israel Yet Secured Endorsements from Jeffries and Hochul
News

Zohran Mamdani Protested Biden Over Israel Yet Secured Endorsements from Jeffries and Hochul

/

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a self-described socialist, has drawn attention for winning endorsements from two of New York’s most prominent Democrats — House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Governor Kathy Hochul — despite his history of public opposition to President Joe Biden’s stance on Israel, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

Mamdani, who has been outspoken in his criticism of U.S. foreign policy, joined demonstrations against Biden during the 2024 Gaza conflict. At the time, Biden had reaffirmed America’s support for Israel as it defended itself against Hamas terrorist attacks.

New York, NY – January 7, 2020: Former Vice President & Democratic hopeful Joe Biden made foreign policy statement at Current on Pier 59

Mamdani accused the administration of enabling “war crimes” and aligned himself with protest groups calling for a “global intifada,” a term widely recognized by Jewish leaders as a call for violence.

After widespread backlash, Mamdani said he would no longer use the term “global intifada,” but the controversy highlighted a growing divide within the Democratic Party over its stance toward Israel.

While Mamdani’s positions put him at odds with the Biden administration and pro-Israel voters, Jeffries and Hochul have both endorsed his mayoral campaign.

Jeffries, traditionally viewed as a reliable supporter of Israel, backed Mamdani despite the candidate’s history of protests against Democratic leadership. Hochul, who had previously criticized Mamdani’s rhetoric, later followed suit with her own endorsement.

Dec. 7, 2023; Washington, D.C., USA; House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries speaking at a press conference on Dec. 7, 2023 in Washington, D.C.. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

The endorsements represent a striking political contradiction — two leading Democrats supporting a candidate who publicly opposed the president from their own party.

Mamdani’s candidacy has drawn sharp criticism from Jewish organizations and moderate Democrats who view his policies as dangerous to the U.S.-Israel relationship.

His calls to reduce American military aid to Israel and his participation in anti-Israel demonstrations have raised concerns among New York’s large Jewish population.

For many observers, the support Mamdani has received from top Democrats reflects the growing influence of the party’s far-left faction. Critics argue that the endorsements signal a shift away from the party’s long-standing commitment to Israel as a key American ally.

Zohran Mamdani speaks to the press at the 2025 NYC Pride March, Jun 29, 2025, NYC, NY, USA. Yannick Peterhans/NorthJersey.com

The Biden administration has maintained its position that Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism.

Mamdani, however, has continued to align himself with activists who oppose U.S. military assistance to the Israeli government and frame the conflict as one of oppression rather than defense.

Despite the controversy, Mamdani’s campaign has continued to gain traction among progressive circles. His endorsements from Jeffries and Hochul underscore the challenges facing Democratic leaders as they navigate tensions between moderate and socialist factions within the party.

Brennan Panics on MSNBC as Jordan Refers Him for Prosecution
News

Brennan Panics on MSNBC as Jordan Refers Him for Prosecution

/

Former CIA Director John Brennan appeared uneasy during an MSNBC interview this week as House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan formally referred him to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution.

The referral alleges that Brennan knowingly made false statements to Congress during a May 2023 interview regarding the CIA’s use of the Steele dossier in its assessment of Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Jordan sent the referral to Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday, citing “significant evidence” that Brennan “knowingly made false statements” before the House Judiciary Committee.

The letter details how Brennan’s testimony contradicted the official record established by both the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the CIA.

“We write to refer significant evidence that former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John Brennan knowingly made false statements during his transcribed interview before the Committee on the Judiciary on May 11, 2023,” Jordan wrote.

The referral accuses Brennan of violating federal statute 18 U.S.C. § 1001, which makes it a crime to knowingly and willfully make materially false statements to Congress.

Jordan emphasized that such conduct undermines the constitutional role of legislative oversight.

“Congress cannot perform its oversight function if witnesses who appear before its committees do not provide truthful testimony.

Making false statements before Congress is a crime that undermines the integrity of the Committee’s constitutional duty to conduct oversight,” Jordan stated.

According to the letter, Brennan’s claim that the CIA was not “involved at all” with the Steele dossier cannot be reconciled with newly declassified documents.

Those records, Jordan said, show that a CIA officer drafted an annex summarizing the dossier, and that Brennan, along with then-FBI Director James Comey, made the final decision to include that information in the Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA).

“Brennan’s assertion that the CIA was not ‘involved at all’ with the Steele dossier cannot be reconciled with the facts,” Jordan wrote.

“As the newly declassified documents show, a CIA officer drafted the annex containing a summary of the dossier; Brennan made the ultimate decision, along with then-FBI Director James Comey, to include information from the dossier in the ICA; and, as discussed further below, Brennan overruled senior CIA officers who objected to the inclusion of the dossier material.”

The referral further alleges that Brennan misled Congress by claiming the CIA opposed including the Steele dossier in the ICA.

Jordan’s letter argues that evidence contradicts that testimony, pointing to internal CIA communications and records from the House Intelligence Committee.

During his interview on MSNBC with host Nicolle Wallace, Brennan dismissed Jordan’s referral as political retribution.

Wallace asked, “New tactic, same story. What is your response to Jim Jordan getting in the action?”

Brennan replied that Jordan was “getting into the action of Trump’s revenge tour.”

“Well, it’s clear that that’s exactly what he’s doing. He’s trying to get into the action of Trump’s revenge tour,” Brennan said.

“As I’ve said several times on this program, as well as in congressional testimony, I’ve cooperated with all these inquiries and investigations of the government.”

“I have explained exactly what transpired during the Russian interference in the 2016 election,” he continued.

“And Jim Jordan now, I think, is trying to twist my words and misrepresent and mischaracterize the facts as a way to play to and be a supplicant to Donald Trump, which is why he’s making this referral now to the Department of Justice.”

Brennan added that the matter had already been reviewed multiple times and claimed his account was consistent with what he described in his memoir.

“But as you pointed out, I’ve said before, this ground has been retread and plowed numerous times. And I even wrote about it in my memoir, exactly what happened there,” Brennan said.

He concluded by denying any wrongdoing. “Why, oh, why would I have any motivation to not tell the truth to Congress about this? Because it’s already a matter of public record,” Brennan said.

The move marks the latest development in ongoing congressional investigations into the origins of the Russia probe and the use of opposition-funded materials in U.S. intelligence assessments.

Chicago Mayor Gets Triggered Over Reporter Using Term ‘Illegal Alien’
News

Chicago Mayor Gets Triggered Over Reporter Using Term ‘Illegal Alien’

/

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson reacted sharply during a press briefing this week after a reporter used the term “illegal alien” while asking a question about the city’s ongoing migrant crisis.

Johnson interrupted the reporter and rejected the terminology outright.

“We don’t have illegals. Aliens — I don’t know if that’s from some sort of sci-fi message you wish you’d had. The legal term for my people was slaves — you want me to use that term too?” Johnson said.

“Let’s get the language right. We’re talking about undocumented individuals who are human beings. The last thing I’m going to do is accept racist, nasty language to describe human beings.”

Chicago remains a sanctuary city, meaning local authorities do not assist federal immigration enforcement agencies in deporting individuals who entered the country illegally unless those individuals are wanted on a criminal warrant, have been convicted of a serious crime, or are deemed a threat to public safety or national security.

The confrontation drew attention as Chicago continues to face rising crime and a growing influx of migrants.

Conservative commentator and Townhall radio host Guy Benson reacted to Johnson’s comments on social media, writing, “He’s a moron.”

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker also appeared on Fox News this week, where he declined to acknowledge Chicago’s escalating violent crime crisis.

When asked about recent spikes in homicides and carjackings, Pritzker avoided directly addressing the issue, instead pointing to state funding initiatives for social programs and law enforcement training.

Meanwhile, former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, a Democrat, criticized the state’s leadership for what he described as an ongoing failure to address violence in Chicago.

Blagojevich, who was convicted of corruption for attempting to sell the U.S. Senate seat once held by Barack Obama, was pardoned by President Donald Trump in 2020 after serving eight years in federal prison.

President Trump has previously ordered federal intervention in Chicago to help reduce violent crime.

During his presidency, he deployed federal law enforcement resources not only to Chicago but also to Washington, D.C., and Portland, Oregon, in response to ongoing violence and unrest in major U.S. cities.

Johnson’s comments come amid growing frustration among residents over Chicago’s handling of immigration and public safety.

Since 2023, tens of thousands of illegal aliens have been transported to Chicago from southern border states as part of relocation efforts led by state officials in Texas and Arizona.

The city has struggled to house the influx, with temporary shelters filling public schools, park facilities, and vacant buildings.

Earlier this month, Townhall reported that federal agents arrested an illegal immigrant accused of placing a $10,000 bounty on the head of a federal officer.

The arrest has intensified concerns about violent criminal activity connected to individuals residing in the country unlawfully.

Johnson, who has defended Chicago’s sanctuary city policies since taking office, has faced criticism from both local residents and state leaders over his administration’s response to the migrant crisis and persistent violent crime.

His exchange with the reporter has added to ongoing debate over how city officials are addressing immigration enforcement and public safety challenges as Chicago continues to face financial strain and overcrowded city shelters.


Scroll to Top