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California Launches Absurd Program Forcing Businesses to Prove They’re ‘Gay Enough’ for State Contracts [WATCH]
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California Launches Absurd Program Forcing Businesses to Prove They’re ‘Gay Enough’ for State Contracts [WATCH]

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A report published by City Journal is drawing attention to a California program that provides contracting opportunities to businesses certified as LGBT-owned, including a verification process that requires applicants to submit documentation related to their sexual orientation or gender identity, as reported by Townhall.

According to the report, businesses seeking certification under the state’s LGBT Business Enterprise program must complete an application process designed to verify that qualifying ownership requirements have been met before becoming eligible for certain contracting opportunities.

The certification process has become the subject of debate after details of the application requirements circulated widely on social media.

The program emerged after years of advocacy from activists who argued that LGBT-owned businesses faced barriers in obtaining contracts and business opportunities within California’s utility sector.

Those efforts ultimately resulted in policies administered through the California Public Utilities Commission that expanded contracting opportunities for businesses certified as LGBT-owned.

According to the report, approximately $633 million in contracts were made available to businesses that could demonstrate a qualifying ownership status under the program.

The certification process includes a questionnaire intended to establish whether an applicant qualifies as a member of the LGBT community.

The report states that applicants may be asked to provide documentation such as marriage licenses, evidence of “completed or attempted parenting efforts,” records connected to gender transition procedures, or letters from what the program describes as a “recognized LGBT organization.”

Applicants are also required to submit multiple forms of identification as part of the verification process.

The requirements gained broader attention after a social media post highlighted portions of the certification materials and questioned the legality of the process.

The post stated, “California has a gay certification checklist to ensure taxpayer funded contracts only for lgbtq people, are being awarded to people who are gay enough.”

The post continued, “Extremely bizarre, not to mention highly illegal.”

The certification program is intended to verify eligibility before businesses receive recognition as LGBT-owned enterprises.

Similar certification programs exist for other categories of businesses that seek preferential consideration or inclusion in supplier diversity initiatives.

According to the report, applicants who knowingly provide false information during the certification process can face significant penalties.

The penalties include fines of up to $5,000 and the possibility of up to one year in prison for fraudulent claims made during the application process.

The publication of the report has generated renewed discussion about whether governments should provide contracting advantages based on characteristics such as sexual orientation or gender identity.

Critics have questioned whether the requirements and resulting contracting preferences can withstand legal scrutiny, particularly as courts continue to review diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across the country.

Supporters of such initiatives have argued that certification programs are designed to identify businesses owned by groups that have historically faced barriers to economic opportunities and government contracting.

The report has added California’s program to the growing national debate over diversity-based contracting preferences and the standards used to verify eligibility.

Questions surrounding the certification requirements, the use of taxpayer-funded contracts, and the legal framework supporting such programs are likely to continue as scrutiny of diversity-focused initiatives increases nationwide.

KC-46A Refueling Blunder Blamed on Pilot and Operator Mistakes, Air Force Finds
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KC-46A Refueling Blunder Blamed on Pilot and Operator Mistakes, Air Force Finds

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An Air Force investigation into last July’s midair mishap involving a KC-46A Pegasus and an F-22A Raptor found that human error on both ends of the refueling mission led to nearly $10 million in aircraft damage.

The incident, which took place over the Atlantic Ocean on July 8, 2025, forced the KC-46A to make an emergency landing after its refueling boom was literally ripped off the jet and dropped into the sea.

According to Air Mobility Command’s Accident Investigation Board (AIB) report, released June 12, the chaos began during a standard training mission with seven Raptors.

An experienced KC-46A boom operator’s manual input errors combined with a rookie F-22 pilot’s misjudged approach caused a disastrous chain reaction.

The report states that the boom operator accidentally placed the refueling boom “excessively out of trim,” creating a “radical force” on the boom nozzle. That misalignment locked the connection between the tanker and the fighter, creating enormous tension.

When the connection was released, the bound boom rocketed upward, striking the tail of the Pegasus and snapping off.

Stunning Images Show Shredded KC-46 Boom That Led to Emergency Landing

Investigators described it as an “unrecoverable boom fly-up rate,” meaning the energy released during the separation was simply too much to control.

The force cracked two of the boom’s structural tubes, causing the aft end, tail assembly, and telescoping tube to break away completely and fall into the Atlantic.

While the veteran boom operator had over 1,000 flight hours in KC-46A and KC-135 tankers, the F-22 pilot was still a student with just 13 hours in the Raptor.

That lack of experience mattered. The AIB found the student pilot “failed to account for the stiff boom characteristics,” contributing significantly to the mishap by approaching too aggressively.

Together, the errors resulted in catastrophic damage to the KC-46A’s refueling system and structural components, including the APU access doors, exhaust deflector, and tail section. Fortunately, no one was injured, and no other aircraft were affected.

The Pegasus involved belonged to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, and the Raptor was assigned to the 1st Fighter Wing. Both aircraft were operating under standard training protocols.

But as the report revealed, the simplest breakdown in precision can have serious consequences when multimillion-dollar aircraft are operating just feet apart in midair.

F-22

The Air Force estimated total losses at nearly $10 million in structural damage and replacement costs.

While that figure doesn’t match the price tag of the aircraft themselves, it’s an expensive reminder of how vital rigorous training and procedural accuracy are in aerial refueling operations.

The KC-46A program itself has been surrounded by technical issues and controversy since its inception. The tanker, intended to replace the aging KC-135 fleet, has wrestled with multiple hardware defects and system errors since rollout.

Despite modernization efforts, signature reports of boom stiffness, software faults, and foreign object damage have repeatedly slowed its full acceptance by the War Department.

In this case, however, the Air Force’s own report makes clear that the mishap was not mechanical failure but human error. That’s an important distinction from many of the previous Pegasus headlines that pointed fingers at Boeing’s design flaws.

Engine Heat Triggers Alaska Runway Breakup, KC-46 Tanker Grounded After High-Power Tests
A New Hampshire Air National Guard KC-46 tanker following the engine test that left the airport’s tarmac littered with chunks of asphalt. Air Force photo.

Instead, this incident highlights the complexity of the human-machine interface at high altitude—one wrong input, and the laws of physics take over.

The mishap’s most fortunate outcome is what didn’t happen: no lives were lost, no injuries were reported, and no civilian property was damaged. Considering the potential risk of midair collisions or uncontrolled descents, that’s no small victory.

Still, this event adds another bullet point to the long list of refueling incidents under review.

Commanders across multiple wings are now reemphasizing improved synchronization training between tanker crews and fighter pilots, especially with student aviators. Closing rates, nozzle pressure calibration, and communication timing are under renewed scrutiny.

Military insiders say the mishap underscores why continuous training refreshes and technology updates are critical for the fleet.

It also reinforces the importance of experience—especially when new-generation aircraft with unique aerodynamic properties like the F-22 are involved.

For War Secretary Pete Hegseth’s team, the takeaway is straightforward: maintain hard standards and never compromise on readiness.

The modern battlefield depends on midair refueling for extended operations, especially across the vast Indo-Pacific region. Errors like this one can’t become routine.

The Kansas-based 22nd Air Refueling Wing is reportedly implementing new simulator modules to account for peculiarities in the KC-46A’s boom responsiveness.

Meanwhile, the 1st Fighter Wing is revisiting its training pipeline for student Raptor pilots to ensure better anticipation of boom stiffness when connecting with different tankers.

Ultimately, this $10 million midair accident should serve as a cautionary tale—the margin for error in aerial refueling is razor-thin, and even seasoned operators can learn something from a day when the checklist goes sideways.

With renewed command emphasis and sharper supervision, the Air Force aims to make sure the next generation of tanker and fighter crews gets it right the first time, not the next time.

Air Force Tanker Readiness Figures Called Into Question After GAO Report
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Air Force Tanker Readiness Figures Called Into Question After GAO Report

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A new Government Accountability Office audit is raising serious questions about the U.S. Air Force’s tanker fleet — and whether brass are sugarcoating the numbers for Washington’s benefit.

According to the report, the service’s official “mission-capable” rates might look good on paper, but the definition of that phrase is doing a lot of heavy lifting.

The GAO found that the Air Force counts tankers as “mission-capable” even when they can’t actually perform their primary mission of, you guessed it, refueling aircraft.

A plane qualified only for hauling cargo or performing medical evacuations still makes the cut, padding the stats for an Air Force already struggling to keep its aerial gas stations in the air.

What really matters, though, is how many tankers are “fully mission capable” — the ones that can actually refuel fighters and bombers in midair.

And that number, according to the watchdog, is dramatically lower and has stayed below internal Air Force benchmarks for years.

The report, which analyzed data from 2019 through 2025, paints a concerning picture.

The public version released this month omits the exact figures because those details were deemed “Controlled Unclassified Information.” Translation: too embarrassing to share with taxpayers footing the bill.

As of earlier this year, the Air Force claimed a fleet of 373 aging KC-135s and 103 KC-46A Pegasus tankers.

Both platforms are essential for maintaining global reach and rapid response capabilities. Without them, American power projection sputters to a halt — literally.

The GAO warns that old airframes, chronic parts shortages, and manpower shortfalls have left the service relying on workarounds and wishful thinking.

Pentagon Names Six Airmen Killed in KC-135 Crash Over Iraq
A formation of U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons conduct refueling via a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker. U.S., Singapore, and Thailand air forces participate in Cope Tiger 2022 at Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand is an annual multilateral aerial exercise aimed at improving combat readiness and interoperability between the Republic of Singapore, Royal Thai and United States Air Forces, while concurrently enhancing the three nations’ military relations. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

One telling example came from maintainers at Tinker Air Force Base who said certain tankers have sat parked for months awaiting obsolete or unavailable parts.

The venerable KC-135, introduced during the Eisenhower era, remains the backbone of the fleet — but its maintenance demands are brutal. Even simple replacement parts can take months to source.

The newer KC-46A, meanwhile, is still plagued with design and software issues, particularly its troublesome refueling boom. Instead of replacing the old tankers, the Pegasus has become an additional burden.

“Maintainers from multiple units told us they considered parts shortages to be the key contributing factor to low availability and capability rates,” said the GAO.

The auditors noted the situation has forced Air Force leaders to juggle schedules and raid one base’s stock to keep others flying.

Those “creative solutions” include a strategy called “regionalization,” where bases borrow aircraft from one another to meet mission needs.

While it might sound efficient, in practice it’s a game of bureaucratic musical chairs, distracting from the underlying issue — the Air Force’s inability to fix its long-term sustainment problems.

To buy time and artificially boost readiness figures, Air Mobility Command is reportedly considering stretching the interval between scheduled depot maintenance from five to six years.

Officials claim that would raise availability by about six percent. Skeptics worry it merely postpones the inevitable — more breakdowns later.

This crisis isn’t new. An earlier GAO assessment flagged similar issues, accusing the service of underestimating repair delays and bottlenecking the depot system. The new findings confirm the Air Force still hasn’t addressed its foundational weaknesses in logistics, manpower, and modernization.

Meanwhile, China and Russia are watching — both heavily investing in long-range strike and refueling capabilities while America’s Air Force fights with spreadsheets and spare parts. The fallout isn’t theoretical.

Rescue Efforts Intensify as KC-135 Crashes Over Western Iraq During Support Mission
An Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft takes off within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in this October 2015 photo. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Justin Norton.

Every time a tanker is grounded, our global ops tempo slows down, and that means slower responses to threats — from the South China Sea to the Persian Gulf.

To militaries that depend on their refueling fleet, this is more than just paper-pushing. Tankers are the lifeblood of American air dominance. Without them, our bombers, fighters, and cargo aircraft cannot execute extended-range operations.

The GAO’s warning should light a fire under Pentagon leadership to prioritize fixes rather than hide behind definitions.

A readiness report that paints a rosier picture than reality isn’t just misleading — it borders on negligence. Transparency, accountability, and a brutally honest look at the Air Force’s aging fleet are long overdue.

Under the leadership of President Trump and War Secretary Pete Hegseth, taxpayers and warfighters alike expect a military that’s battle-ready, not bureaucratically “compliant.”

Until the Air Force stops playing semantic games and delivers true full-mission capability across its tanker fleet, American airpower will remain limited by its own broken logistics chain.

For the sake of national strength and deterrence, the time for excuses is over. The numbers now need to match reality.

Two Boeing Employees Were Among the Eight Killed in Fiery B-52 Crash at Edwards Air Force Base
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Two Boeing Employees Were Among the Eight Killed in Fiery B-52 Crash at Edwards Air Force Base

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A test flight at Edwards Air Force Base in California turned deadly Monday morning when a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress went down in flames shortly after takeoff, killing all eight people onboard, including two employees from Boeing.

The massive bomber, a symbol of American airpower since the Cold War, was conducting a routine radar modernization test when disaster struck.

According to base officials, the aircraft crashed and erupted in fire moments after leaving the runway, sending black smoke billowing into the desert sky.

Boeing, which designed and built the B-52 back in the 1950s and remains one of its core contractors to this day, confirmed the loss of two of its team members in a brief statement on social media.

“We are in contact with their families and are offering support,” the company said, expressing condolences while the Air Force works to notify all the victims’ families.

The other six aboard included Air Force personnel, civilians, and government contractors. None survived the fiery crash. The Air Force has not released the names of those lost as officials await next-of-kin notification.

The incident has sent shockwaves through both the military and the defense industry, which rely on partnerships like this one between Boeing and the War Department to advance crucial modernization programs.

Eight Tragically Killed in Fiery B-52 Crash at Edwards Air Force Base
Smoke rises from a blackened part of Edwards Air Force Base after the crash of a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber aircraft on June 15, 2026, in a still image from news helicopter video. (KABC via Reuters)

Edwards Air Force Base Deputy Commander Col. James Hayes told reporters that the base’s operations had been paused while investigators and recovery crews assess the damage.

“We are shutting down operations to repair runway damage and ensure full safety clearance,” Col. Hayes said during a press conference Monday afternoon.

For the Air Force, the B-52 represents the definition of endurance.

Originally built in the early years of the Cold War, the bomber has carried U.S. deterrence across decades of technological evolution. With ongoing radar, engine, and avionics upgrades, the B-52 continues to serve as the backbone of America’s long-range strike capability.

Officials have projected that the B-52 may remain in service until at least 2050 — potentially making it the first U.S. aircraft to serve for a century.

Monday’s tragedy underscores just how dangerous flight testing remains, even at the most advanced facilities in the world.

Edwards Air Force Base has long served as a cradle of American aerospace development, the testing ground for everything from the legendary X-1 rocket plane to the cutting-edge stealth fighters and bombers now in production.

Air Force and Boeing teams are expected to work together during the accident investigation, led by the Air Force’s Safety Investigation Board. That panel will examine every factor — mechanical, procedural, and environmental — to determine what caused the crash.

Eight Tragically Killed in Fiery B-52 Crash at Edwards Air Force Base
A B-52H Stratofortress from Edwards Air Force Base, California, departs for an evening test mission on Aug. 7, 2025. Air Force photo by Todd Schannuth.

Early speculation centers on a potential systems malfunction during takeoff, but officials caution it is far too soon to draw firm conclusions.

As of Tuesday, wreckage crews remain on-site securing debris and clearing damage from the runway.

The accident has temporarily halted other scheduled test missions at Edwards, which plays a vital role in future aircraft certification and modernization.

In Washington, members of the defense industrial community reacted swiftly, praising the courage and commitment of those who put their lives on the line pushing American airpower forward.

Boeing’s test and engineering division released a statement recognizing the “profound loss of teammates who embodied the dedication and innovation that keeps our military strong.”

President Trump, an outspoken supporter of rebuilding America’s military might and holding contractors accountable to the highest standards of safety and excellence, has previously called the B-52 an icon of “unmatched American strength that will never be retired on his watch.”

This latest loss will undoubtedly reignite attention to aging airframes and modern testing protocols as the Pentagon continues to invest billions to sustain and upgrade the bomber fleet.

Though details remain limited, one thing is clear: the eight patriots who perished Monday died serving the mission of keeping America’s skies safe and our military strong.

Their loss is a sobering reminder that readiness, innovation, and deterrence often carry a heavy human price.

The investigation will likely take months, with results to be released once the Air Force confirms the findings.

Until then, Edwards Air Force Base remains quiet as the nation’s aviation community grieves and reflects — united in gratitude for those who gave everything in service to America’s defense.

Inside Gavin Newsom’s Luxurious Empire as DOJ Probe Looms Over His $30 Million Fortune [WATCH]
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Inside Gavin Newsom’s Luxurious Empire as DOJ Probe Looms Over His $30 Million Fortune [WATCH]

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s announcement that he and his wife are the subjects of a federal investigation has brought renewed attention to the couple’s financial holdings, business interests, and nonprofit activities as questions continue to swirl around the probe, as reported by The New York Post.

Newsom revealed Monday in a pre-recorded social media video that the Department of Justice is investigating him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom.

The governor accused President Donald Trump of directing the FBI and DOJ to pursue the matter because of a potential 2028 presidential campaign.

According to sources cited in the report, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California is investigating allegations raised by California whistleblowers involving Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s taxes, former Newsom chief of staff Dana Williamson, and potentially other statehouse staff members.

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The renewed attention has also highlighted the governor’s substantial personal fortune, which is estimated at roughly $30 million.

By comparison, Newsom’s annual gubernatorial salary of $245,929 represents only a small portion of his overall wealth.

Newsom entered politics as a wealthy businessman before becoming mayor of San Francisco in 2004.

At the time, he was reportedly worth approximately $6.9 million, largely due to his ownership interests in wine and hospitality ventures that grew through relationships connected to the influential Getty family.

His father, William Newsom, was an attorney and appeals court judge who maintained a close relationship with billionaire Gordon Getty.

William Newsom was entrusted with delivering a $2.2 million ransom following the July 10, 1973, kidnapping of John Paul Getty III by the Italian mafia.

Gordon Getty’s son, Billy Getty, later partnered with Newsom in launching the Balboa Cafe and PlumpJack businesses. PlumpJack eventually expanded into a network of wineries, restaurants, and hotels throughout California.

Newsom has previously suggested that tensions developed between him and Billy Getty due to his relationship with Gordon Getty, contributing to a falling out between the former business partners.

The governor’s business interests have continued to attract attention during his political career. Previous reporting found that approximately $50,000 in donor funds was spent at PlumpJack properties.

Newsom and his wife also own two high-value California properties.

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In 2018, shortly before becoming governor, the couple purchased a 12,600-square-foot residence in Fair Oaks for $3.7 million.

State records show they financed $2.7 million of the purchase through a mortgage. Rather than moving into the governor’s mansion, Newsom chose to remain at the Fair Oaks property.

The family later purchased a home in Kentfield, located in Marin County, about 20 miles north of San Francisco. The property was acquired near the end of 2024 for $9.1 million and carried a $6.5 million mortgage.

The move allowed the couple’s four children to attend local private schools.

Newsom has also generated income through publishing. His memoir, “Young Man in a Hurry,” has been viewed by some political observers as laying the groundwork for a possible 2028 presidential campaign.

Campaign finance records showed that Newsom’s political action committee spent approximately $1.6 million purchasing copies of the book. Disclosure forms indicated he earned more than $100,000 through publication payments and royalties.

While Newsom’s podcasts have attracted attention as another possible vehicle for a future national campaign, disclosures indicate they have not generated personal income because state rules prohibit him from receiving such earnings while serving in office.

Much of the current focus surrounding the federal investigation appears tied to Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s nonprofit and business activities.

Siebel Newsom maintains a separate blind trust reportedly holding at least $1 million in assets. She serves as the founder of the nonprofit Representation Project and receives an annual salary exceeding $150,000 from the organization.

The nonprofit has also paid approximately $150,000 annually to Girls Club Entertainment, Siebel Newsom’s media production company, which produces documentary films.

Another nonprofit founded by Siebel Newsom, the California Partners Project, has also drawn attention.

Previous reporting indicated that more than $4.4 million in donations were directed to the organization from groups and individuals with business interests before the state.

The California Partners Project has worked on initiatives overlapping with those of the Representation Project.

While such fundraising activities are legal, they have generated concerns among critics regarding potential conflicts of interest.

“They are not breaking any laws,” said Dan Schnur, a teacher of political communications at USC and UC Berkeley, “but [Newsom] is following this law more aggressively than any other politician in modern memory.”

Financial disclosure records also show that Newsom previously held investments in companies, including Intel and Merck & Co., before becoming governor. He currently maintains a blind trust reportedly worth more than $1 million and invested primarily in mutual funds.

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JD Vance Torches Jessica Tarlov on Live TV for Peddling Iran Deal Nonsense [WATCH]
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JD Vance Torches Jessica Tarlov on Live TV for Peddling Iran Deal Nonsense [WATCH]

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Vice President JD Vance defended the Trump administration’s newly announced agreement with Iran during an appearance on Fox News’ “The Five,” where he challenged criticism of the deal and argued that opponents were overlooking key conditions attached to any potential benefits for Tehran, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

Vance joined the program Tuesday evening as a guest co-host while promoting his new book, “Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith.”

During the discussion, he sparred with fellow co-host Jessica Tarlov over reports concerning the administration’s agreement with Iran.

Tarlov referenced reporting from The Wall Street Journal and Axios and suggested that concerns had been raised about the agreement by CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The exchange quickly turned into a broader debate over what Iran would receive under the framework of the agreement and what conditions would have to be met before any economic benefits could be realized.

Vance argued that critics were focusing on potential gains for Iran while ignoring the concessions and changes the country would be required to make.

“Jessica, you’re making the same mistake, unfortunately, that a lot of the Iranian propagandists make when they talk about this,” Vance said.

He continued by arguing that opponents of the agreement were discussing possible benefits without acknowledging the requirements imposed on Iran.

“They talk about the benefits to the Iranians without any of the things the Iranians would have to give up and have to change in order to get those benefits,” Vance said.

The vice president also addressed claims involving a reported $300 billion investment fund tied to the agreement.

“So you mentioned $300 billion fund, let’s be clear about this — not a single cent of American money under any circumstance, no matter what the Iranians do, goes to Iran, not a single cent of American money!” Vance said.

Tarlov responded by noting, “But they got other money.”

Vance then explained how the administration views foreign investment provisions that could become available if Iran meets the terms outlined in the agreement.

“Here’s what this says. This says, for example, let’s say that the United Arab Emirates, who have been a great ally, let’s say they want to invest in a power plant in Iran, what this deal provides is that if the Iranians have done everything we require them to do, then we will allow the United Arab Emirates to do that,” Vance said.

According to Vance, current restrictions prevent such investments from moving forward without U.S. approval.

Republican Vice Presidential Candidate JD Vance Delivers Remarks In Philadelphia, United States, on 22 September 2025.

“But they can’t do that right now without American approval. So we’re fundamentally saying if the Iranians transform how they interact with the world, we will transform how the world economy interacts with Iran,” Vance said.

The vice president emphasized that Iran would not receive any benefits automatically and argued that compliance with the agreement’s requirements would be necessary before economic opportunities became available.

“But if they don’t do any of that stuff, they don’t get any of these benefits.

So I think all the Democrats who are saying, well, the Iranians get all these things, they don’t get anything unless there’s been a complete transformation of how Iran interacts with the world, that would be a huge win for America!” Vance added.

Vance also argued that the United States had already achieved major strategic objectives regardless of whether Iran ultimately complies with the agreement.

“If they don’t do any of these things, we don’t give them anything. They don’t receive anything. Their nuclear program is still destroyed. Their military is still destroyed. Their missile program and industrial base is still destroyed. We fundamentally have transformed the Middle East. Whether they comply or not, this is just icing on the cake, assuming they do all the right things,” Vance said.

The discussion highlighted continuing debate over the administration’s approach to Iran, with supporters arguing that the agreement provides incentives for behavioral change while maintaining significant leverage through economic restrictions and approval requirements.

Johnson & Johnson CEO Credits Trump Tax Cuts For Giant 55 Billion American Investment Drive [WATCH]
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Johnson & Johnson CEO Credits Trump Tax Cuts For Giant 55 Billion American Investment Drive [WATCH]

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Healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson is expanding its footprint in the United States with a sweeping $55 billion investment initiative, a move company leadership says was helped by tax policies enacted under President Donald Trump’s administration and a favorable business climate for domestic manufacturing.

Speaking Tuesday on FOX Business’ “Mornings with Maria,” Johnson & Johnson Chairman and CEO Joaquin Duato said the company’s decision reflects confidence in the American workforce, investment environment, and tax structure.

“We have the best talent, we have the best investment environment and, very importantly, we have now the tax policy enacted with this administration that has enabled us to be competitive,” Duato said.

The CEO argued that previous tax conditions placed American-based companies at a disadvantage compared to competitors headquartered overseas.

“We’re playing with a hand tied to our back compared to companies that were domiciled outside of the U.S.,” he said.

Duato added that recent policy changes have improved the company’s ability to grow domestically.

“Now we can create high-skilled jobs, we can invest in America, and we can be competitive,” he said.

The investment package includes a more than $1 billion commitment to a new U.S. Vision manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, Florida.

The Florida project is part of a broader effort by the company to increase domestic production across multiple areas of its business.

According to Duato, Johnson & Johnson’s long-term objective is to manufacture all of its medicines, medical technologies, and related products in the United States.

He described the investment effort as a “show of confidence in American manufacturing.”

The company has undergone significant changes in recent years and is now concentrating its efforts on pharmaceuticals and medical technology following the separation of its consumer health business.

Discussing the company’s future direction, Duato emphasized a focus on research, innovation and the development of new treatments.

“We are now focused on science and innovation. So what is our goal now? Our goal is to continue to deliver sustained growth through patient breakthroughs,” he said.

Among the company’s recent developments is Icotyde, a newly approved once-daily oral treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Duato said the medication was designed to deliver efficacy and safety that can compete with injectable biologic treatments.

He predicted the medicine will “transform… autoimmune diseases.”

Beyond pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson is also pursuing advancements in medical technology. The company is currently seeking approval for its first robotic surgical system, which is intended to assist surgeons and improve surgical outcomes.

The investment announcement comes as manufacturers increasingly weigh where to locate production facilities and research operations.

Johnson & Johnson’s decision to expand heavily within the United States adds to a growing list of large-scale domestic investments aimed at increasing production capacity and creating high-skilled jobs.

Duato highlighted the company’s diversified portfolio as a key reason for its confidence in future growth.

“We are not a one-trick pony company. We’re a company with a stable of blockbusters,” he said.

The CEO noted that Johnson & Johnson currently has dozens of major products generating significant revenue.

“We have 28 platforms at Johnson & Johnson of more than $1 billion, so that gives us the confidence to be so bold to say we have line of sight to double-digit growth for Johnson & Johnson by the end of the decade, and that is remarkable for a company which is more than $100 billion.”

The $55 billion investment plan, including the Jacksonville manufacturing facility, represents one of the company’s largest commitments to domestic operations and highlights its strategy of expanding production, research, and technology development within the United States.

Trump Endorsements Deliver Two Victories, Miss in Georgia Governor Race [WATCH]
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Trump Endorsements Deliver Two Victories, Miss in Georgia Governor Race [WATCH]

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President Donald Trump’s influence in Republican primaries faced another major test Tuesday as voters in Georgia and Alabama headed to the polls for high-profile runoff elections, as reported by Fox News.

While Trump-backed candidates scored victories in two of the three marquee contests, a wealthy Georgia businessman delivered a notable setback by defeating a candidate endorsed by both Trump and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.

In Alabama’s Republican Senate runoff, Rep. Barry Moore, a member of the House Freedom Caucus and longtime Trump ally, defeated former Navy SEAL sniper Jared Hudson.

Moore entered the race with Trump’s endorsement and secured a comfortable victory in the deeply Republican state.

Trump also notched a win in Georgia’s Republican Senate runoff. Rep. Mike Collins received a late endorsement from the president over the weekend and defeated former college football coach Derek Dooley, who had been backed by Kemp.

Collins now advances to a general election showdown against Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff.

The race is expected to be one of the most closely watched Senate contests of the 2026 midterms and could play a major role in determining whether Republicans maintain their narrow Senate majority.

Following Collins’ victory, Trump quickly pledged additional support for the campaign.

The president wrote that he would “be doing Big TRUMP Rallies for Mike in Georgia.”

The biggest surprise of the night came in Georgia’s Republican gubernatorial runoff.

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones entered the race with endorsements from both Trump and Kemp.

Despite that support, Jones was defeated by billionaire businessman Rick Jackson, who campaigned as an outsider and invested more than $100 million of his own money into the race.

Jackson launched his campaign months after Trump had already endorsed Jones, but repeatedly emphasized his admiration for the president and argued that his business background mirrored Trump’s approach to governing.

“I just thought, you know, if you had somebody doing business solutions for the state of Georgia, just like Trump is for the United States, I just felt like I would have a major impact on the state of Georgia, and so that was one of the reasons I wanted to get in. I was inspired by President Trump,” Jackson told Fox News Digital.

Jackson also argued that he would be closely aligned with the president’s agenda if elected governor.

“I’m going to be Trump’s favorite governor because we’re just alike on the way that we handle business and handle problems, and I want to do exactly in Georgia what he’s doing at the federal government,” he said in a Fox News Digital interview Sunday.

Rather than criticizing Jackson after the loss, Trump praised the businessman from abroad while attending the G7 Summit in Europe.

“Rick Jackson ran a great TRUMP Campaign. Very smart! Was with me on Saturday Night making a pitch. Amazing!!!” Trump wrote on social media.

The president also praised Jones, writing that Jackson “won against a great guy, Burt Jones, who has a fantastic future!!!”

The Georgia result marked one of the few recent instances in which a Trump-endorsed candidate failed to prevail.

Over the past several weeks, Trump-backed candidates have defeated incumbents and rivals in major Republican contests across Indiana, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Texas.

However, Trump’s streak suffered another interruption earlier this month in Iowa. There, Rep. Randy Feenstra lost the Republican gubernatorial primary despite receiving a late endorsement from the president.

Feenstra was narrowly defeated by businessman, farmer, and former political strategist Zach Lahn, who received support from organizations aligned with the Make America Healthy Again movement and Turning Point USA.

Trump’s endorsement record rebounded last week in South Carolina, where Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette finished first in the Republican gubernatorial primary and advanced to a runoff.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, another Trump-backed candidate, also avoided a runoff in South Carolina’s Republican Senate primary.

Republican strategists argued that Jackson’s victory in Georgia reflected unique circumstances rather than a rejection of Trump’s influence.

One Trump political operative noted that Jackson spent unprecedented sums in the race and embraced Trump throughout the campaign.

“Rick Jackson set a record for spending in a statewide Republican primary. He spent Tom Steyer-level money in a state a fraction of the size of California. That’s going to have an impact,” the operative said.

The operative added, “Rick bearhugged Trump. All of his ads and material was about how he’s going to be Trump’s favorite governor. So the race was not really a referendum on Trump.”

Veteran Republican strategist Matt Gorman echoed that assessment.

“Rick was a great candidate. Trump’s endorsement can’t do all the work. It’s a massive value add, but it’s not a panacea. Now the focus is on coming together for the fall,” Gorman said.

Jackson also received a late endorsement from Sen. Ted Cruz, who campaigned alongside him during a rally on the eve of the runoff.

“Rick has an extraordinary record, an extraordinary life story. And I also think he’s positioned to win. And the stakes are too high. This election is a battleground all across the country. We can’t afford to lose Georgia,” Cruz told Fox News Digital.

When asked whether his endorsements placed him at odds with Trump in certain races, Cruz rejected the suggestion.

“No. Not remotely…. The president and I agree on the vast majority of races. What I try to do in every race is endorse the strongest conservative who can win. And typically, I get in races late in the race at a time where my support might be able to make a difference and be helpful,” Cruz said.

Kristi Noem Exposes China’s 1,000-Year Plan to Kill America from Within [WATCH]
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Kristi Noem Exposes China’s 1,000-Year Plan to Kill America from Within [WATCH]

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Kristi Noem is sounding the alarm again, and this time she says the Chinese Communist Party may be running a highly organized scheme to push Chinese nationals into the United States through both the northern and southern borders.

Speaking to Maria Bartiromo on FOX Business, Noem described intelligence reports that look more like a spy thriller than an immigration issue, alleging China is using a “travel agency style operation” to infiltrate the country.

The Shield of the Americas special envoy and former Department of Homeland Security Secretary explained that this effort uses fake documentation, prepared travel routes, and coordinated transit hubs throughout Latin and South America.

According to her, Chinese operations in multiple nations have been built to move people along a preplanned trail straight into the U.S.

“We saw very coordinated attacks of people coming into this country from China,” Noem said.

“Countries that I have worked with in Latin and South America have told us how they had Chinese operations set up for people to fly into their countries, almost like a travel agency would be.”

Noem described a system where migrants are handed specific packets of materials and supplies, including documents and bags, before being shipped north by bus.

“Overwhelmingly, the testimonies have been that they were the same-aged individuals, young, mainly men, some females, but very much a coordinated attempt to get individuals into our country, to change our country,” she said.

Her warning comes as border agents continue to report historic numbers of Chinese nationals attempting to enter the United States.

Federal data shows that since late 2023 there have been more than 22,000 encounters involving Chinese citizens at the southern border alone.

Intelligence analysts and the DEA have long warned that much of the fentanyl crisis poisoning American communities begins in China.

Precursor chemicals are made there, sent to Mexican cartels, and then shipped into U.S. neighborhoods. Now, alleged human smuggling networks linked to China appear to be joining the mix.

“They have facilitated that,” Noem added.

“I wouldn’t say, necessarily, we found ties to it officially, right to the government, but absolutely, Chinese businesses, those tied to the CCP, those individuals working with the cartels to make sure that the product gets into the United States.”

Her comments reinforce what many Republicans have been saying for years. China is not only a trade and technology adversary but an active saboteur seeking to weaken America from within.

According to Noem, this operation goes far beyond typical illegal immigration.

It is a national security crisis hiding in plain sight.

“And remember, China has a thousand-year plan to destroy the United States,” she warned.

“They do not just build up their military. They do not just manipulate their currency or harm us with trade practices. They have a plan to kill our country from the inside by killing off our next generation of Americans. They will use every tool that they have.”

WATCH:

Noem is no stranger to fighting the political and bureaucratic battles over border enforcement.

Before her firing from DHS in March, she reversed several open-border policies left behind by Alejandro Mayorkas under the Biden administration.

Her tenure produced record drug seizures totaling more than half a million pounds and helped trigger roughly 1.9 million self-deportations along with over 600,000 removals in her first year.

Supporters called her results proof of what strong enforcement can accomplish.

Critics, of course, disputed the data, just as they have every effort by conservatives to secure the border.

What is clear is that the Biden years let chaos run wild, while leaders like Noem tried to reestablish order and safety.

Noem’s credibility on this issue runs deep.

As former governor of South Dakota and later as DHS secretary, she earned a reputation for confronting Chinese influence head-on.

From banning Chinese land purchases near military sites to challenging CCP-linked technology use in infrastructure projects, she has consistently been on the front line.

Her latest warnings about a CCP-coordinated migration pipeline highlight a dangerous truth that Washington elites prefer to ignore.

China’s strategy is not limited to advanced weapons, cyber espionage, and satellite launches.

It includes the exploitation of America’s weakest point—an unprotected border that the left has turned into a revolving door.

Republicans in Congress have already pledged to press the issue, calling for aggressive hearings and renewed scrutiny of how foreign nationals, particularly those from adversarial nations, are slipping through.

As fentanyl deaths rise, cartels thrive, and Chinese nationals cross in record numbers, the question becomes how long it will take for Washington to admit the problem is not a coincidence but a plan.

Kristi Noem’s message is stark.

The coordinated infiltration of Chinese nationals is part of a much larger effort to erode American strength and sovereignty.

Her warning serves as a reminder that weakness at the border invites far more than illegal immigration. It invites espionage, manipulation, and ultimately, a slow and silent national surrender.

Mark Robinson Drops Truth Bombs on Karmelo Anthony’s Race‑Baiting Defenders [WATCH]
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Mark Robinson Drops Truth Bombs on Karmelo Anthony’s Race‑Baiting Defenders [WATCH]

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Former North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson is at it again, lobbing truth grenades at the coddled leftist mob that refuses to face reality.

His latest target is the group of race agitators defending convicted murderer Karmelo Anthony, who brutally stabbed fellow student Austin Metcalf to death.

What should have been a straightforward case of justice has been twisted into another racial spectacle by activists and media cheerleaders incapable of acknowledging moral responsibility.

Robinson, a conservative straight shooter who has made a name exposing the rot in both liberal politics and cultural decay, did not tiptoe around the issue.

Speaking frankly to Anthony’s hysterical supporters, Robinson tore into their excuses for failure and violence.

He dismissed their claims of oppression and systemic injustice, pointing instead to the personal choices and values that have been abandoned by too many young Americans.

Anthony’s apologists have been unhinged since the conviction. Some even issued death threats to the Metcalf family and anyone who dared express sympathy for the actual victim.

They claimed that Metcalf, a white teenager, somehow brought his own murder upon himself by arguing with a black peer.

To Robinson, such madness reveals the dangerous moral inversion the left has nurtured through decades of racial politics.

He played one video of a woman who rambled about being lost and not knowing how to guide her five sons in a world where Karmelo Anthony faces punishment for stabbing someone to death.

Robinson did not coddle her despairing nonsense.

“Okay, ma’am, I’ve got you on this one,” he began, before listing every fundamental value missing from the modern left’s parenting philosophy: discipline, respect, education, and faith.

His advice was simple but powerful.

Tell your sons to behave in school, pay attention, and make good grades.

Tell them to respect adults and the law.

Tell them that fights with police or teachers should not be waged in the streets or classrooms, but settled with calm dignity and proper respect through the right channels.

It is a message of accountability that today’s grievance-obsessed culture avoids like sunlight.

Robinson then hit on the cultural moral rot that critics of the left keep warning about.

He urged parents to teach boys to pull up their pants, honor their families, take responsibility, and build strong homes.

His words recalled traditional American values that liberals mock as “outdated” but which built the country in the first place.

“If you get her pregnant, get a job. Then get her a ring. Then get a house, and then make it a home,” Robinson declared.

Common sense to most Americans, but heresy to the left.

Faith, too, took center stage in Robinson’s message. “Tell them that Jesus Christ is the way and the truth, and if they will follow him, all will be well.”

Nothing more radical than urging moral backbone and spiritual grounding, yet those are precisely the lessons progressives want erased from the national conversation.

Robinson wrapped up his remarks with one sharp conclusion.

He told the woman that if she taught her sons everything he suggested, she would never have to tell them not to kill a classmate in cold blood.

WATCH:

His bluntness struck home, and for once, truth sounded louder than the endless droning of victimhood narratives.

The Anthony family, however, remains deep in denial.

Rather than reckon with their son’s violent act, they have painted him as a martyr of racial injustice.

His mother accused all the witnesses of lying and claimed her son acted only in self-defense.

Sympathizers erupted outside the courthouse chanting that the system was racist.

None of them confronted the obvious fact that a young man is dead because another young man decided that rage and entitlement were substitutes for morality.

Robinson’s message matters because it cuts through the fog of excuses that progressives have spent decades creating.

When violence, irresponsibility, and family collapse are celebrated or ignored in the name of “equity,” tragedy spreads like a virus.

Robinson’s talk was not hate; it was tough love, the kind this nation used to understand before political correctness swallowed truth.

Even after losing his gubernatorial race to the swamp media machine that smeared him relentlessly, Robinson stands firm.

He speaks the kind of common sense that terrifies leftists precisely because it appeals to ordinary people who are tired of lies.

His loss may have kept him out of the governor’s mansion, but his influence as a moral leader remains stronger than ever.

The conservative movement thrives when leaders like Robinson refuse to bend the knee to political intimidation.

The left may sneer, but the message resonates.

Discipline, faith, family, and respect for life are what keep communities safe.

No movement built on grievance and denial can replace that foundation.

For every family seduced by the culture of outrage, Robinson’s words are both a warning and a roadmap.

America does not need more excuses or more riots.

It needs parents who tell their children the truth, even when it hurts.

That is how the nation heals and how justice, not noise, wins the day.


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