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Bongino Reveals The Untold Story Behind Trump’s Crime Crackdown
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Bongino Reveals The Untold Story Behind Trump’s Crime Crackdown

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FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino revealed new details about a nationwide law enforcement initiative directed by President Donald Trump to combat violent crime in major U.S. cities.

Speaking during a Fox News segment, Bongino described how he and FBI Director Kash Patel were tasked with developing a plan to address the growing violence and lawlessness in cities such as San Francisco and Chicago.

“With regards to this crush and violent crime, whether it’s in San Francisco, Chicago, any other major city early on, this is kind of the untold story of this op,” Bongino said.

“I get appointed, announced in February. Come in in March. Kash is there a little bit earlier? President brings us in early and in essence, this is kind of the behind the scenes guys.”

According to Bongino, President Trump was personally moved to take action after witnessing rising crime and homelessness in the nation’s capital and other large cities.

“He says to us, you know, listen, I’m a builder. I’m in a lot of these big cities. He has just zero tolerance for violent crime. He just does. He drives around Washington, DC on these OTRS, off the record movements. He sees homelessness, crime, he can’t stand it. He says, What do we got to do to fix this?” Bongino said.

Bongino recalled that the President’s directive was simple and direct.

“And his answer is very simple. President is like, go get them boys. Go get them. That was it. Like, you do what you have to do.”

Following those instructions, Bongino and Patel assembled a team of top FBI special agents from across the country to design an aggressive strategy to target violent offenders.

“So we got in there cash and I and we brought in the best sac special agents in charge across the country, guys who had forgotten more about crime and enforcing it. The most people ever know. They’ve done this their whole lives,” he said.

“One of them, we pulled in from Phoenix. He had an amazing job out there. We said, Hey, James, Joe. I said, Joe, you tell me what we need to do to go get these demon savages off the street. Tell me what we need to do,” Bongino added.

The team established what Bongino called a “violent crime roundtable,” consisting of the nation’s top criminal investigators.

“We brought in a violent crime roundtable of the best Crim agents in the country. We figured out a battle plan. How to kind of water balloon. You know, when you squeeze a water balloon, you get a bowl. How do we bulge agents here and in, bulge agents there, and we cleaned up at the President’s direction, the director and I with the SEC and the agents in the field, we water ballooned around the country,” he said.

The results, Bongino reported, have been unprecedented.

“Get a load of this, guys. This is, this is going to trip you out. 28,000 violent crime arrests in 2025 and the year is not even over,” he said. “You say, What does that mean? Put it in comparison prior three, four years, the FBI under prior leadership at average, about 15, 16,000 we’re at 28,000 28,000 we’re not even done with the year. We haven’t even hit Thanksgiving or Christmas yet.”

Bongino credited the increase in arrests to strong leadership and support from the President, Attorney General, and FBI officials who redirected the agency’s focus back to its core mission.

“Shows you when you get a president, an attorney general, a deputy attorney general, and an FBI leadership team that lets the FBI do FBI work instead of getting into other nonsense in the past, look what happens your cities get cleaner,” Bongino concluded.

The data cited by Bongino represents one of the largest year-to-date surges in violent crime arrests in modern FBI history, marking a significant shift in federal law enforcement operations under President Trump’s direction.

CNN Analyst: Trump’s Approval Goes Up as Democrats’ Shutdown Continues
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CNN Analyst: Trump’s Approval Goes Up as Democrats’ Shutdown Continues

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CNN data analyst Harry Enten said Monday that the ongoing government shutdown has not damaged President Donald Trump’s approval rating, despite entering its third week.

According to Enten, Trump’s popularity remains steady and has even slightly increased as the shutdown continues amid disputes over federal spending cuts.

“This shutdown hasn’t eaten into Donald Trump’s support at all,” Enten said during a CNN segment.

“His net approval rating is actually up a point in terms of his popular support.”

Enten compared the current situation to the 2018–2019 government shutdown that took place during Trump’s first term.

That earlier standoff lasted 35 days and resulted in a notable drop in his approval ratings at the time.

“So the bottom line is this, the first shutdown during Trump’s first term 2018 and 2019 was hurting Donald Trump. This one is not hurting him at all,” Enten said.

“There’s no real reason Donald Trump might say, at least when it comes to popular support, ‘I want to get out of this shutdown,’” he added.

Enten went on to explain that public perception surrounding the shutdown appears to have shifted in Trump’s favor.

“It comes down to the blame game. A game I loved to play when I was younger,” he said.

“Blame Trump for the shutdown a great deal in 2018 slash 2019, 61% — more than three and five Americans — blamed Trump a great deal for that particular shutdown.”

He then contrasted those figures with current polling numbers.

“You come over to this side of the screen. Look at this. It’s a different world. It’s a different world. Forty-eight percent of Americans blame Trump a great deal for this particular shutdown,” Enten said.

“So it’s more than three and five back in 2018 slash 2019. It’s less than half — a drop of 13 points.”

“Again, it’s no real wonder that Donald Trump at this point, looking at the shutdown, says, you know, it’s not actually harming me politically in large part because he’s getting less of the blame and he’s doing things differently during this shutdown,” Enten concluded.

The current government shutdown began earlier this month following a breakdown in negotiations between the White House and congressional Democrats over spending reforms.

President Trump has sought to implement targeted reductions to address the federal deficit, while Democratic leaders have rejected those proposals, arguing that the cuts would affect government programs they support.

As the shutdown continues, many federal employees have gone without pay.

The departments most directly affected include Homeland Security, Transportation, Justice, and Interior.

Essential personnel such as border patrol agents, air traffic controllers, federal firefighters, FBI agents, and TSA screeners have remained on duty but have not received paychecks since the shutdown began.

The Office of Management and Budget has estimated that more than 800,000 federal workers have been impacted.

Treasury officials have stated that federal operations related to national defense, public safety, and emergency response will continue under contingency funding until Congress reaches an agreement.

Despite the disruption, polling data cited by CNN shows that President Trump’s approval among voters remains largely unchanged, signaling a potential shift in how the public assigns responsibility for government shutdowns.

Lawmakers from both parties are expected to resume negotiations later this week, though no firm timeline for a resolution has been announced.

Trump Scores Legal Win to Protect Portland After Local Leaders Let Antifa Run Wild
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Trump Scores Legal Win to Protect Portland After Local Leaders Let Antifa Run Wild

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A federal appeals court ruled Monday that President Donald Trump may deploy National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, to support law enforcement amid ongoing unrest and attacks on officers.

The decision allows Trump to move forward with the federalization of 200 Oregon National Guard members while a broader legal challenge continues.

In a 2–1 decision, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted an Oct. 4 injunction that had blocked the deployment.

The court found that Trump “likely” acted within his constitutional authority when he directed the Guard to assist in restoring order around the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland.

The legal dispute began when Oregon’s Democratic Attorney General Dan Rayfield and the city of Portland filed a joint suit against the Trump administration, arguing that the president exaggerated the severity of recent protests and unlawfully intervened in state affairs.

Demonstrations outside the Portland ICE office in recent months have led to multiple arrests and reports of violence against law enforcement officers.

Federal law, the appeals court noted, “authorizes the federalization of the National Guard when ‘the President is unable with the regular forces to execute the laws of the United States.’”

The judges concluded that evidence presented by the Department of Justice supported the president’s decision to deploy additional personnel.

In a statement posted on X, Rayfield criticized the ruling, writing, “We are on a dangerous path in America. A panel of Ninth Circuit judges has chosen to not hold the president accountable.”

The appeals court cited multiple incidents of harassment and threats targeting federal employees stationed in Portland.

“Several ICE officers at the Portland [Enforcement Removal Operations] office have had their names, photographs, and home addresses posted publicly in several municipal locations and residential neighborhoods, along with threatening messages,” the ruling stated.

Judges also noted that local and state officials had been “unable or unwilling” to provide adequate protection for federal personnel and facilities.

“The continued deployment of [Federal Protective Services] officers to Portland is unsustainable,” the court added, emphasizing that escalating violence and a lack of coordination with local authorities necessitated federal action.

According to the FBI, there have been 195 arrests and citations near the ICE facility since June, including cases involving property destruction and assaults on federal agents.

Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the court’s decision Monday, calling it a significant victory for law enforcement and for the administration’s authority to ensure public safety.

“Today, the 9th Circuit found that [President Trump] has the right to deploy the National Guard to Portland, Oregon, where local leaders have failed to keep their citizens safe,” Bondi wrote on X.

“This follows hard work by [Department of Justice] attorneys and helps re-affirm a simple truth: President Trump is the Commander-in-Chief. We will continue fighting and winning in court to defend President Trump’s agenda,” Bondi added.

The Ninth Circuit’s decision marks the latest development in a series of legal battles over federal intervention in cities facing prolonged unrest.

The panel’s ruling allows National Guard troops to begin coordinated operations in Portland while the court considers further arguments in the ongoing case.

Karoline Leavitt Drops a ‘Your Mom’ on Huffpost Reporter’s ‘Bullsh*t’ Question
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Karoline Leavitt Drops a ‘Your Mom’ on Huffpost Reporter’s ‘Bullsh*t’ Question

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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt publicly called out HuffPost correspondent S.V. Date on Monday, accusing him of being a “left-wing hack” who “constantly bombards” her phone with politically motivated questions.

The dispute stemmed from a text exchange between the two last week regarding President Donald Trump’s upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest.

Date had sent Leavitt a message asking whether President Trump was “aware of the significance of Budapest” before agreeing to meet Putin there for peace talks scheduled in the coming weeks.

“Does he not see why Ukraine might object to that site? Who suggested Budapest?” the reporter wrote.

His message referenced the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, in which Ukraine agreed to relinquish nuclear weapons inherited from the Soviet Union in exchange for assurances from Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom that its sovereignty would be respected.

Leavitt replied, “Your mom did.”

Date followed up by asking, “Is this funny to you?”

“It’s funny to me that you actually consider yourself a journal [sic],” Leavitt responded. “You are a far left hack who nobody takes seriously, including your colleagues in the media, they just don’t tell you that to your face.”

She continued, “Stop texting me your disingenuous, biased, and bullsh*t questions.”

The White House press secretary later shared screenshots of the October 17 exchange on X, writing, “For context, S.V. Dáte of the Huffington Post is not a journalist interested in the facts. He is a left-wing hack who has consistently attacked President Trump for years and constantly bombards my phone with Democrat talking points.”

Leavitt’s post came shortly after HuffPost published an article describing what it called the White House’s “Wild Response” to Date’s inquiry.

“Just take a look at [Date’s] feed, it reads like an anti-Trump personal diary,” Leavitt wrote.

“Activists who masquerade as real reporters do a disservice to the profession.”

Date later responded publicly on X within the same thread, writing, “Feel better now? Now can you answer the question? Please and thank you.”

The exchange quickly circulated across social media, drawing attention from journalists, political commentators, and other members of the administration.

Several officials appeared to adopt Leavitt’s tone when responding to Date’s subsequent questions.

In a separate article published by HuffPost on Monday evening, Date reported on War Secretary Pete Hegseth’s red, white, and blue tie worn during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the White House last week. That piece included a comment from Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, who responded to Date’s inquiry with, “Your mom bought it for him — and it’s a patriotic American tie, moron.”

The dispute between Leavitt and Date follows a series of tense exchanges between Trump administration officials and members of the press, as the White House continues to push back on what it describes as politically slanted coverage.

James Comey Faces New Setback as DOJ Questions His Lead Lawyer’s Role
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James Comey Faces New Setback as DOJ Questions His Lead Lawyer’s Role

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Federal prosecutors indicated Sunday that they may seek the removal of former FBI Director James Comey’s lead defense attorney, citing a possible conflict of interest tied to disclosures Comey made in 2017 after President Donald Trump dismissed him during his first term.

The Department of Justice pointed to the long professional relationship between Comey and his current attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, as a potential issue.

Prosecutors questioned whether Fitzgerald had any involvement in Comey’s sharing of information during that period.

“This fact raises a question of conflict and disqualification for current lead defense counsel,” prosecutors wrote of Fitzgerald, a longtime friend and former colleague of Comey.

Both men previously served as federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York.

In a filing submitted to U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff, prosecutors requested an expedited review and the appointment of a “filter team” of government attorneys.

That team would be responsible for assessing materials in Comey’s criminal case, including communications potentially protected by attorney-client privilege.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tyler Lemons and Gabriel Diaz stated in the filing that the team would help determine Fitzgerald’s potential role in disseminating information Comey disclosed after leaving the FBI.

“Based on publicly disclosed information, the defendant used current lead defense counsel to improperly disclose classified information,” they wrote, according to court documents first obtained by Politico.

Comey’s legal team quickly filed an opposition Monday, rejecting the government’s request for an expedited filter team and protocol.

They argued that the memos Comey shared with his lawyers in 2017 were not classified at the time and that the classification occurred later.

“In short, there is no good faith basis for attributing criminal conduct to either Mr. Comey or his lead defense counsel,” the filing stated.

Comey’s lawyers described the government’s claim as “provably false” and an attempt to damage Fitzgerald’s reputation.

“Similarly, there is no good faith basis to claim a ‘conflict between’ Mr. Comey and his counsel, much less a basis to move to disqualify lead defense counsel,” they added.

Fitzgerald, a former U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, is part of Comey’s broader legal team defending him in the Eastern District of Virginia.

The former FBI director was charged last month with one count of making a false statement and one count of obstruction of justice.

Prosecutors referenced a 2019 report from the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General that criticized Comey for sharing certain details about his interactions with President Trump with his attorneys.

While the report determined that some of the material later became classified, it also found no evidence “that Comey or his attorneys released any of the classified information contained in any of the memos to members of the media.”

The Inspector General’s office ultimately declined to recommend charges related to the disclosures.

The motion arrives as prosecutors seek early procedural wins in the case, which is expected to draw new attention this week.

Comey’s defense team has challenged multiple government actions, including President Trump’s appointment of former White House aide Lindsey Halligan as acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Halligan was appointed to the post last month following the resignation of interim U.S. attorney Erik Siebert, who reportedly faced pressure to move forward with indictments against Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Comey’s attorneys have argued that Halligan’s appointment, made three days before the grand jury issued Comey’s indictment, could strengthen their forthcoming motion to dismiss.

That filing is expected to allege that the case represents a “vindictive” prosecution.

The court is set to hear arguments in the coming days on both the Justice Department’s request for a filter team and the defense motion to dismiss.

Kamala Harris Declares Herself ‘Most Qualified Candidate in U.S. History,’ Fox News Anchor Destroys Her
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Kamala Harris Declares Herself ‘Most Qualified Candidate in U.S. History,’ Fox News Anchor Destroys Her

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Kamala Harris drew widespread attention last week after declaring during an interview that she may be the “most qualified” person ever to run for president.

Harris made the remarks during an interview with journalist Kara Swisher, recorded before a live audience, in which she listed her previous positions in public office as evidence of her credentials.

“The fact that I was elected District Attorney for two terms as the first woman elected Attorney General of the state of California,” Harris said.

“I ran the second largest department of justice in the United States, second only to the United States Department of Justice.”

She continued by noting her election to the U.S. Senate and her position in the current administration.

“I was the United States Senator, second black woman elected in the history of the United States Senate,” Harris said, drawing applause from the crowd.

“I was the first woman vice president of the United States.”

Harris then added, “Some people have said I was the most qualified candidate ever to run for president,” prompting another round of cheers from the audience.

The comments quickly spread online, where critics and political commentators questioned her claim and compared her résumé to previous U.S. presidents and presidential contenders.

Fox News anchor Dana Perino was among those who responded, pointing to historical examples of leaders with longer or more diverse experience in government.

“Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, served as governor of Virginia, minister to France, secretary of state and vice president and we could go on and on,” Perino said.

She continued, “George H. W. Bush: congressman, ambassador, envoy to China, CIA director, VP, WWII combat pilot.” Perino added, “And even Joe Biden had more qualifications than she did.”

Harris’s interview comes as she continues to face scrutiny over her leadership record and approval ratings heading into the 2024 general election.

Democrats formally selected her as their presidential nominee in July 2024 following Joe Biden’s decision to step aside after months of internal debate within the party.

Before becoming vice president, Harris served as California’s attorney general from 2011 to 2017 and as a U.S. senator from 2017 until her inauguration as vice president in January 2021.

Her record as attorney general included high-profile initiatives on criminal justice reform, consumer protection, and environmental enforcement, though she has faced criticism from both political opponents and progressive activists over her handling of certain cases during that period.

During the interview, Harris emphasized her career trajectory as proof of her qualifications and experience in national leadership.

“I ran the second largest department of justice in the United States,” she said again while reflecting on her tenure as California’s attorney general.

“I was the United States senator, second black woman elected in the history of the United States Senate.”

The vice president’s comments follow a series of recent public appearances aimed at reintroducing her to voters in key battleground states ahead of the general election.

Her campaign has focused on themes of equality, economic opportunity, and national security, while opponents have criticized her for what they describe as a lack of clarity and consistency on policy issues.

As Harris continues to campaign for the presidency, her claim of being the “most qualified candidate ever to run for president” remains a focal point of political discussion.

The remark has generated both strong support from Democratic audiences and pointed skepticism from across the political spectrum.

Philadelphia DA Admits ‘Mistake’ After Murder Suspect Freed Twice Before Killing Kada Scott
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Philadelphia DA Admits ‘Mistake’ After Murder Suspect Freed Twice Before Killing Kada Scott

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Philadelphia authorities confirmed Monday that human remains found in a shallow grave over the weekend belong to 23-year-old Kada Scott, a woman who had been missing since October 4. DNA testing verified the identity of the remains, according to local reports.

Police have charged 21-year-old Keon King with kidnapping and murdering Scott.

King, who is currently being held on $2.5 million bail, had previously been arrested twice within the past year on similar charges involving another woman, but was released after both cases were dropped when the victim did not appear in court.

District Attorney Larry Krasner acknowledged that allowing King to go free following those earlier cases was a serious mistake.

“Everyone involved at this point, including the [initial prosecutor], agrees that we wish this happened differently,” Assistant District Attorney Toczylowski said Thursday.

Scott was last seen on October 4 after arriving for her overnight shift at a senior-living facility in Philadelphia.

Her car was later found parked outside the workplace, and investigators discovered several personal belongings nearby, including her glasses, cellphone case, iPad case, and bank card.

Authorities launched an intensive search for Scott after her disappearance, and the investigation quickly focused on King, who had a history of violent behavior.

Prosecutors revealed that one of King’s earlier kidnapping cases had been largely captured on video.

“One of those cases — King’s alleged assault and abduction of the woman in January — was largely captured on video, prosecutors say, so the case could have moved forward even without the woman’s testimony,” The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

Despite that evidence, prosecutors withdrew both cases when the victim declined to appear in court. In one incident, King was accused of choking and kidnapping a former girlfriend inside his car.

King was released after posting 10% of a $200,000 bail set in his first kidnapping arrest. When questioned about why his office did not seek a higher bail amount, Krasner described the decision as “strategic,” citing challenges with overnight court appeals.

“You have the option of trying to do what is often a midnight or three o’clock in the morning telephonic appeal to a municipal court judge,” Krasner said.

“The unfortunate reality of this is that some, but not all of these judges, don’t want you calling them in the middle of the night. And if you do, they lower the bail. They don’t raise it, they don’t leave it. They lower it. So it is always a complex, strategic decision.”

Krasner also noted that prosecutors were concerned about the safety of victims who might have to testify while the defendant remained free on bail.

“The reason they had to worry he was going to come out of the same door they went in the courthouse right after they testified against him is because he was on bail,” Krasner said.

The district attorney’s office has faced mounting criticism over its handling of violent offenders and bail policies following a series of high-profile cases involving repeat suspects.

In Scott’s case, investigators believe she was abducted after finishing her overnight shift. Her disappearance prompted a citywide search effort that lasted more than two weeks before the discovery of her remains.

King was arrested shortly afterward and charged with kidnapping, murder, and related offenses.

A preliminary hearing in King’s case is scheduled for next month. He remains in custody at a Philadelphia detention facility.

Obama’s 0 Million ‘Presidential Center’ Mocked as Chicago’s New ‘Death Star’
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Obama’s $830 Million ‘Presidential Center’ Mocked as Chicago’s New ‘Death Star’

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Former President Barack Obama’s long-delayed presidential center in Chicago is again drawing public scrutiny as construction nears completion, following years of lawsuits, cost overruns, and community frustration.

Obama posted on X Saturday about the Obama Presidential Center, promoting it as a “hub for change” ahead of its planned opening next year.

“When the Obama Presidential Center opens next year, it will be a hub for change — a place for people from all over the world to come together, get inspired, and take what they learn back to their own communities,” he wrote.

Despite the former president’s optimism, the $830 million project has faced mounting criticism over its impact on the surrounding neighborhood, escalating construction costs, and multiple legal battles.

The privately funded complex, located on Chicago’s South Side, broke ground in September 2021 and will occupy roughly 20 acres of Jackson Park — a 540-acre site originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect behind New York’s Central Park.

According to Newsweek, the Obama Presidential Center has become “behind schedule, over budget, and mired in lawsuits.”

The project was initially expected to cost about $500 million but has now ballooned to over $830 million.

In addition to cost concerns, residents living near the site have voiced anger about rising rent and property taxes linked to development in the area.

“Rents are going up fast,” said Kyana Butler of Southside Together, one of several activist groups that lobbied the Obama Foundation to work more closely with the local community.

“A two-bedroom apartment that used to rent for $800 a month has already jumped to $1,800. Property taxes are going up so much that the owner of my building is saying she might just walk away.”

Local groups, including the Obama Community Benefits Agreement Coalition, have warned that the project is accelerating gentrification and pushing out long-term residents.

Some have described the center as a “monstrosity,” saying the development has transformed what was once one of the city’s most scenic park spaces.

The center is expected to feature a museum dedicated to Obama’s presidency, a new public library branch, an athletic center, gardens, and a children’s play area.

While the Obama Foundation maintains that the project will bring jobs and revitalization to the area, critics argue that it has already priced out many residents and damaged community trust.

Online, the building’s design has become a frequent target of mockery. Social media users compared the main tower to fictional structures from science fiction and fantasy franchises.

Some users posted videos of “Star Wars” X-wing fighters closing in on the building, while others edited images of the structure onto the legs of the AT-AT walkers from “The Empire Strikes Back.”

Others compared it to the Eye of Sauron from “The Lord of the Rings,” Easter Island statues, and even trash bins or cat litter boxes.

“It’s an ‘obamanation!’ Just like his presidency!” one user commented, while another said, “It’s like someone built a Lego set without the instructions.”

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) weighed in on X, calling it a “bold move” to locate the “Death Star” in Chicago. Cartoonist Scott Adams also mocked the design, describing it as resembling a “North Korean guard tower.”

The Obama Foundation has not responded publicly to the latest wave of criticism, though construction continues at the site.

The center’s completion date has been pushed back several times amid legal disputes, including challenges over the use of public parkland for a privately managed complex.

While the former president continues to describe the project as a beacon for global learning and progress, many residents see it as a costly and disruptive project that has failed to deliver for the community it was meant to serve.

The Obama Presidential Center is currently expected to open sometime next year.

President Trump Praises Winsome Earle-Sears, Calls Virginia GOP Candidate ‘Excellent’ Ahead of Election
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President Trump Praises Winsome Earle-Sears, Calls Virginia GOP Candidate ‘Excellent’ Ahead of Election

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President Donald Trump voiced his support for Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, calling her an “excellent” candidate ahead of the state’s upcoming gubernatorial election against Democrat Abigail Spanberger.

While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump was asked if he planned to issue a formal endorsement in the race.

The President said he has not been heavily involved in the Virginia election but expressed confidence in Earle-Sears and criticism toward her opponent.

“I think the Republican candidate is very good, and I think she should win because the Democrat candidate’s a disaster,” Trump told reporters.

“I think the Republican candidate is excellent, and I think the Democrat candidate is a disaster.”

Trump went on to mention the candidates’ recent debate, saying he believed Spanberger “couldn’t answer the most basic question.”

He also tied energy policy to both the Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial races, predicting higher prices under Democrat leadership.

“A big thing with that race and also the race in New Jersey, is going to be energy,” Trump said.

“Both of the Democrats are going to drive the energy prices through the roof — through the roof. Your energy is going to double and triple. If the Republican gets elected, your energy is going to be coming down by 70, 80 percent. Thank you very much, everybody, vote Republican.”

Reporters also asked Trump about Jay Jones, the Democrat nominee for Virginia attorney general, following remarks Jones made during a debate with current Attorney General Jason Miyares.

Jones had said he could not “wait to see Donald Trump in court and protect Virginia to put us first,” while calling on Miyares to “prosecute the president.”

Asked to respond to those comments, Trump described Jones as a “third-rate intellect.”

“He’s a third-rate intellect,” Trump said. “He’s a guy … I’ve never seen anybody say what he said — that he wanted to kill his opponent’s children, he wanted to kill his opponent. I can’t imagine anybody voting for Jay Jones.”

The President was referring to text messages obtained by the National Review in which Jones made violent remarks about Virginia Republican leaders.

According to the outlet, on August 8, 2022, Jones sent messages to Virginia House Delegate Carrie Coyner (R) in which he imagined a hypothetical scenario involving shooting two dictators or former Virginia Speaker of the House Todd Gilbert (R), writing that he would shoot Gilbert twice.

Later text messages between Jones and Coyner reportedly included comments about Gilbert’s family, with Jones writing about “Gilbert’s children dying in the arms of their mother.”

The messages surfaced as Jones faced scrutiny during his attorney general campaign, with Republican leaders citing them as evidence of unfit character for statewide office.

Trump’s remarks mark one of his first public comments about the Virginia gubernatorial and attorney general races this cycle.

Earle-Sears, who made history in 2021 as Virginia’s first Black woman elected statewide, has emphasized lowering taxes, strengthening energy independence, and boosting small business growth.

Secretary Hegseth, JD Vance Lead 250th Marine Corps Anniversary Celebration
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Secretary Hegseth, JD Vance Lead 250th Marine Corps Anniversary Celebration

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The 250th anniversary celebration of the United States Marine Corps was held over the weekend at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California, marking a historic milestone in American military history, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The event took place under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who have both emphasized restoring readiness, discipline, and pride to the armed forces.

General Eric Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps, opened the ceremony by declaring, “The next fight is coming. Marines will be ready. Ready to fight. Ready to win.” His message reflected a renewed focus on strength and preparedness across all branches of the military.

In his address at Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia, last month, President Trump spoke about what he described as a “reawakening of the warrior spirit” throughout the armed services.

“We’re a team,” he told senior military leaders. “And so my message to you is very simple: I am with you, I support you, and as president, I have your backs 100%.”

President Trump’s remarks outlined a shift away from policies implemented during the previous administration. “We’re bringing back a focus on fitness, ability, character, and strength,” he said.

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

“The purpose of America’s military is not to protect anyone’s feelings. It’s to protect our republic.” He added that the Navy, Air Force, and Space Force have met or exceeded recruitment goals for the first time in several years, signaling what he called a turnaround in morale and commitment.

The President also criticized what he called the “apparatus of political correctness” that had replaced merit in military culture. “You can never be great if you’re going to do that,” he said.

“We will not be politically correct when it comes to defending American freedom. We will be a fighting and winning machine. We want to fight. We want to win. And we want to fight as little as possible.”

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivered one of the event’s most direct addresses, telling Marines that their strength lies in unity rather than political slogans.

“I’m not supposed to say this, really not. But I think you guys might be my favorite,” Hegseth said. “The truth is, your diversity is not your strength. Never has been. Your strength is in your unity of purpose, in your shared mission, in your oath to the Constitution.”

He added, “It’s the bond that turns individuals into single-minded fighting units. You see, you are set apart. You’re not civilians. You’re devil dogs, leathernecks, United States Marines.”

Hegseth closed by reminding the Corps of its defining purpose: “You are set apart for a distinct purpose — to kill bad guys, break things, and close with and destroy the enemy for a livin’.”

Vice President J.D. Vance also addressed the crowd, greeting Marines with, “God bless you, Marines,” and adding, “From one Marine to another, thank you for your service.”

He praised the ceremony’s display, saying, “I’ve also got to give a special shout out to the incredible display that we saw earlier today. It made my heart sing.”

The anniversary celebration coincides with renewed public appreciation for the nation’s armed forces as President Trump and his administration continue efforts to restore what they call the “warrior culture” of America’s military ahead of the country’s 250th Independence Day in 2026.


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