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Don Lemon Thanks Protester Who Praises Charlie Kirk’s Assassin Live
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Don Lemon Thanks Protester Who Praises Charlie Kirk’s Assassin Live

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Former CNN anchor Don Lemon is facing criticism after allowing a Chicago protester to make disturbing comments about the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk during a live broadcast on his YouTube channel Sunday.

Lemon did not challenge or interrupt the remarks, which included vulgar language and praise for Kirk’s alleged killer.

The incident occurred at an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protest in Chicago that was streamed on Lemon’s personal channel.

During the livestream, one protester went on a profanity-laced tirade attacking Kirk, his widow Erika Kirk, and expressing support for Tyler Robinson — the man accused of assassinating Kirk on September 10.

“Charlie Kirk is a piece of sh*t. I don’t give no f**k. I got a job too. I don’t give no f**k. Dox me. You better not pull up where I be at … Charlie Kirk running around saying stupid-ass racist-ass sh*t. All type of dumb-ass sh*t. And they call him a patriot,” the man said.

“And he was a piece of sh*t. He was a racist. He said if he see a black pilot, he wonder is he qualified … he the one said that a couple gun deaths is okay for the Second Amendment. He said that shit. Then when he get shot, we all ‘posed to cry? He was talking shit the minute the bullet hit his neck.”

The protester continued his remarks by attacking Erika Kirk, calling her “stupid” and accusing her of racism after Turning Point USA announced an “All American Halftime Show” to rival Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny’s scheduled 2026 Super Bowl performance.

“I’ma be Charlie for Halloween. Put a f**king hole in my neck. And free Tyler Robinson,” the man added.

“In my eyes, that’s what a patriot is. Sh*t. Just free him and send him to the military. He a good shot. You can’t deny that.”

Throughout the exchange, Lemon did not interject or refute the man’s statements.

At the end of the interview, he thanked the protester and shook his hand before laughing.

Lemon then turned back to the camera and attempted to distance himself from the comments while continuing the broadcast.

“Look, this is live in real life. The views expressed on this program are not those of the host or this program,” Lemon said.

“But it’s live, and that’s — look, this man has a freedom of speech. He can say what he wants. That’s him. That’s on him. But anyways, that is unfiltered and that’s live.”

The exchange sparked widespread reaction online as clips circulated across social media, with viewers criticizing Lemon for not condemning the comments or cutting off the interview.

This was not the first time Lemon allowed inflammatory remarks about Kirk to go unchallenged.

On September 11, during an episode of The Don Lemon Show, comedian D.L. Hughley spoke about the conservative activist’s death, calling Kirk “a horrible human being.”

“Charlie Kirk was a horrible human being. He said horribly incendiary things … the very last words he spoke were basically putting the onus of gun violence on gangs, which is synonymous with black people,” Hughley said.

“The very way he died was lying about black people with his last breath.”

Kirk’s final words came during a speech at Utah Valley University, where he questioned an audience member who brought up gang-related violence while discussing mass shootings.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk on September 10 prompted strong reactions across the political spectrum. Supporters mourned the conservative leader’s death, while some online users posted celebratory or mocking comments.

Multiple employees were fired from companies after publicly posting messages supporting the assassination on social media platform BlueSky.

As of Monday, Lemon has not publicly addressed the backlash following the protest interview.

Postgame Brawl Erupts Between Chiefs and Lions After Patrick Mahomes Gets Snubbed
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Postgame Brawl Erupts Between Chiefs and Lions After Patrick Mahomes Gets Snubbed

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A tense Sunday night matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions ended in a heated altercation after the final whistle, marring what had been a hard-fought game at Arrowhead Stadium.

Following the Chiefs’ 30-17 victory, quarterback Patrick Mahomes approached Lions defensive back Brian Branch for a postgame handshake.

According to multiple reports, Branch refused to acknowledge Mahomes’ gesture.

Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster appeared to take exception to Branch’s reaction, leading to a verbal exchange that quickly escalated into a physical confrontation.

Witnesses on the field said Branch shoved Smith-Schuster in the helmet after the two exchanged words.

The wide receiver stumbled to one knee as Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco stepped in to try to separate the players. Moments later, Smith-Schuster attempted to lunge toward Branch, reigniting the confrontation.

Despite Pacheco’s efforts to restrain him, Branch managed to grab Smith-Schuster’s helmet and rip it off.

Players from both sidelines rushed in to intervene, with members of each team attempting to pull the two apart.

At least one more punch was thrown before officials and teammates restored order.

The situation eventually cooled, and players returned to their respective sidelines.

The brief scuffle ended with no reported injuries, but league officials are expected to review footage of the incident.

Disciplinary action from the NFL is considered likely, though no penalties had been announced as of late Sunday.

Kansas City’s win marked a crucial rebound after the team’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier in the week.

The Chiefs improved to 3-3 on the season behind a strong offensive performance led by Mahomes, who threw for multiple touchdowns and kept the team in control during the second half.

The Lions, meanwhile, saw their four-game streak of scoring at least 30 points come to an end.

Detroit’s offense struggled to find rhythm against the Chiefs’ defense, which capitalized on several key stops in the red zone.

The loss dropped the Lions to 4-2, though they remain near the top of the NFC North standings.

After the game, both teams were seen leaving the field without further incident.

Reporters noted that Mahomes appeared calm as he exited, while Smith-Schuster was escorted to the locker room by teammates and staff members.

Branch did not speak to the media following the altercation, and Lions representatives declined immediate comment on the brawl.

The league has not released a statement regarding potential fines or suspensions, but similar postgame altercations in previous seasons have resulted in fines or short-term disciplinary measures.

NFL officials are expected to review broadcast footage and on-field reports to determine accountability.

The Chiefs will face the Los Angeles Chargers next week, while the Lions are scheduled to play the Chicago Bears.

Both teams enter Week 7 with key divisional matchups ahead — but for now, much of the focus remains on the late-game clash that overshadowed Kansas City’s victory.

What began as a competitive contest between two playoff-caliber teams ended in controversy, with the NFL once again expected to address player conduct as part of its ongoing enforcement of postgame discipline.

Chuck Schumer Calls for Americans to ‘Forcefully Rise Up’ Over Letitia James Indictment
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Chuck Schumer Calls for Americans to ‘Forcefully Rise Up’ Over Letitia James Indictment

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said Sunday that Americans “should be forcefully rising up” against the federal government following the indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James on federal bank-fraud charges.

His comments came during an interview with MSNBC host Al Sharpton.

A federal grand jury indicted James on Thursday in the Eastern District of Virginia, charging her with Bank Fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 and False Statements to a Financial Institution under 18 U.S.C. § 1014. The indictment alleges that James made false representations in mortgage documents.

Schumer’s remarks followed days of unrest in cities including Chicago and Portland, where left-wing protesters and Antifa-aligned groups have clashed with federal agents conducting immigration enforcement operations.

During the interview, Schumer accused President Donald Trump of “weaponizing” the Department of Justice to target political opponents.

“They have made the Justice Department, which under every other president, Democrat or Republican, pursued the law and went after people who broke the law — they have made it into Trump’s personal attack dog. That is what dictatorships do. That’s what tyranny is all about,” Schumer said.

He claimed that the case against James lacked merit and that federal prosecutors were acting under political pressure.

“She had a legitimate case, she pursued it, she actually won, so Trump is now trying to get back at her,” Schumer said.

“But the case is so weak that even Trump’s first prosecutor, who he appointed, said there’s not a case here. So, he fired that one and put a new prosecutor in, who would do whatever he wants.”

Schumer said he had spoken with James shortly after the indictment was announced. “She is strong, she is tough, she is resolute, and she is confident, as am I, that these charges will be rejected because they have no basis in law or in fact,” he said.

The senator’s comments referred to Erik Seibert, the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Seibert was removed from his position in September after the White House withdrew his nomination.

President Trump addressed the dismissal on Truth Social last month, writing, “I withdrew the Nomination of Erik Seibert as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, when I was informed that he received the UNUSUALLY STRONG support of the two absolutely terrible, sleazebag Democrat Senators, from the Great State of Virginia. He didn’t quit, I fired him! Next time let him go in as a Democrat, not a Republican.”

When asked by Sharpton to elaborate on his description of the indictment as “tyranny,” Schumer said that Trump’s actions marked a break from long-standing American norms.

“It is just such a hallmark of tyrannical, autocratic dictatorship societies that they use the prosecutorial department as a political weapon,” Schumer said.

“It is a disgrace, and every American, I don’t care if you’re Democrat, Republican, liberal, conservative, moderate people, should be forcefully rising up against this, speaking out against it, and making it clear how inimical this is to what our democracy has stood for for more than two centuries.”

Sharpton also referenced a report from the New York Times claiming that property tied to the investigation was classified as an investment property but was being used by relatives who were not paying rent.

Schumer responded that he had not reviewed the affidavits but reiterated his belief that prosecutors lacked sufficient evidence.

The indictment of James marks the first time a sitting New York attorney general has been charged with a federal financial crime.

The Justice Department has not issued a statement beyond confirming the charges, and James’s legal team has said she will “vigorously contest” the allegations in court.

James’s arraignment is expected later this month in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia.

Hundreds Get Naked to Protest National Guard with ‘Emergency’ Bike Ride in Portland
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Hundreds Get Naked to Protest National Guard with ‘Emergency’ Bike Ride in Portland

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A protest outside a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland escalated Sunday as hundreds of naked cyclists joined demonstrators in what organizers called an “emergency” edition of the annual World Naked Bike Ride.

According to the Associated Press, the ride — typically held in the summer — was moved up after activists announced they would use the event to protest President Donald Trump’s plans to deploy the National Guard to assist in controlling ongoing demonstrations in Portland.

The protest, which has grown over recent days, drew hundreds of participants who rode through the city before gathering near the ICE facility in Portland’s South Waterfront district.

Riders said the unusual demonstration was intended to oppose what they described as federal overreach in response to civil unrest.

Despite cold and rainy conditions, participants carried out the protest as planned. Temperatures in Portland were in the mid-50s, but riders showed up in large numbers.

Rider Janene King told the Associated Press the event represented a local form of political expression.

“We definitely do not want troops coming into our city,” King said, calling the event a “quintessentially Portland way to protest.”

The nude ride, which is often promoted as both a celebration of body positivity and an environmental statement, was repurposed this weekend as a political protest.

Organizers said the decision to hold the demonstration came after reports that federal officials were preparing to deploy additional National Guard personnel in the area.

The appearance of the cyclists added to an already volatile protest scene.

Demonstrations outside the ICE facility had been ongoing, with protesters calling for an end to deportation operations and federal involvement in local law enforcement issues.

The protests coincided with a broader legal challenge to the National Guard deployment.

According to PBS, two dozen Democrat-led states have joined together to contest the order in court, arguing that the president’s decision violates constitutional limits on federal power.

The coalition of states filed their case with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, claiming the deployment exceeded presidential authority.

“By calling forth troops when there is no invasion to repel, no rebellion to suppress, and when state and local law enforcement are fully able to execute the law, the President flouts the vision of our Founders, undermines the rule of law, and sets a chilling precedent that puts the constitutional rights of all Americans at risk,” the filing stated.

The protests at the Portland ICE facility have remained a flashpoint for tensions between federal and local authorities since the first demonstrations began.

City officials have faced criticism for their handling of the gatherings, while federal agencies have defended their enforcement efforts as necessary to maintain order.

The National Guard’s potential deployment in Portland has drawn a mix of responses, with some residents supporting the move as a measure to prevent property damage and protect public safety, and others arguing it represents federal intrusion into local matters.

Sunday’s nude ride drew significant attention online as images circulated across social media platforms, showing hundreds of cyclists gathered near the ICE building under cloudy skies and light rain.

While the event concluded without major incident, police monitored the scene and directed traffic around the demonstration.

No arrests were immediately reported.

Officials said the ICE facility remained secured during the protest, and federal employees were advised to avoid the area.

Organizers of the World Naked Bike Ride have not said whether additional protests will be scheduled but indicated that future rides could include political messages beyond the event’s traditional environmental and body freedom themes.

The Portland Police Bureau said officers would continue to monitor demonstrations near the ICE facility in the coming days as tensions remain high over the possible federal deployment.

Over 30 Kids Rescued from Human Traffickers and Child Predators in Big Blue City
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Over 30 Kids Rescued from Human Traffickers and Child Predators in Big Blue City

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Federal and local authorities rescued over 30 missing children and dismantled several trafficking operations targeting vulnerable youth during a coordinated law enforcement effort across Texas, officials confirmed Monday.

The mission, known as “Operation Lightning Bug,” focused on the San Antonio area and led to multiple arrests, felony warrants, and new investigations.

The joint effort involved the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) offices in San Antonio, Del Rio, Midland, and Pecos, along with the San Antonio Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit, Special Victims Unit, Street Crimes Unit, and undercover teams.

Through combined investigative work, teams analyzed national and state crime databases to locate at-risk juveniles and coordinate recovery efforts.

The operation produced the following results:

  • Three arrests for harboring runaways
  • Nine felony warrants executed
  • Six sex trafficking survivors rescued and connected to services
  • Five new trafficking investigations opened
  • More than 30 missing juveniles located
  • More than 120 additional juveniles voluntarily returned home, clearing their names from missing persons databases

Each recovered child was interviewed by the San Antonio Police Department’s Special Victims Unit to determine whether they had been victimized.

Survivors were referred to agencies including Health and Human Services to receive long-term care, counseling, and protection.

U.S. Marshal Susan Pamerleau of the Western District of Texas said in a statement that the operation reflects the Marshals Service’s ongoing commitment to protecting children.

“The safety of our children is the safety of our communities, and justice demands that we protect those who cannot protect themselves,” Pamerleau said.

“Through Operation Lightning Bug, we reaffirm our promise to safeguard the most vulnerable and strengthen the safety of our communities.”

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus also commended the multi-agency effort, emphasizing its results.

“Every suspect arrested, juvenile returned home and survivor taken out of harm’s way matters,” McManus said.

“This operation demonstrates what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies unite to protect children.”

The U.S. Marshals carried out the initiative under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015.

That law authorizes the agency to recover missing or endangered children, even when the cases do not involve fugitives.

It also established the USMS Missing Child Unit, which conducts similar operations nationwide to locate and rescue minors in danger.

Kirsta Leeberg-Melton, founder and CEO of the Institute to Combat Trafficking, told Fox News Digital that trafficking remains a widespread problem across Texas and the nation.

“Trafficking is something that the city of San Antonio and the state of Texas and the nation have been grappling with for a considerable period of time,” she said.

Leeberg-Melton explained that traffickers often prey on instability and target children without steady housing, food, or family support.

“They are easy pickings for traffickers to take advantage of,” she said.

“They exploit these needs by offering those items and then calling in debts and putting those kids in a position where they are able to exploit them for sex or for labor.”

She added that public awareness has not kept pace with how the crime has evolved, particularly online.

“Trafficking is the exploitation of men, women and children for forced sex or forced labor by a third party for their profit or gain. That’s been around forever,” Leeberg-Melton said.

“What hasn’t really been around is people’s understanding of that crime and their knowledge that it’s happening everywhere.”

According to Leeberg-Melton, traffickers have increasingly used the internet to reach victims and expand operations.

“As technology advances, traffickers…are early adopters and adapters of technology,” she said.

“The internet allows them to connect with victims and buyers far beyond their local area.”

She also emphasized that human trafficking is not confined to border regions.

“American citizens can traffic American citizens on American soil,” Leeberg-Melton said, noting that most U.S. trafficking cases involve domestic perpetrators and victims.

“The biggest myth is that it happens somewhere else, and it happens to someone else,” she added.

“Until we start recognizing that people have value, no matter who they are, where they come from, what they’ve done or what’s been done to them, we will continue to excuse some level of exploitation.”

Leeberg-Melton also cited “sextortion” as a growing form of trafficking that uses coercion or threats to obtain sexual content.

“When you have someone that you are holding something over their head and then you are asking them for additional photographs or additional sexual conduct with the threat…that is a form, frankly, of human trafficking,” she said.

Authorities said Operation Lightning Bug remains ongoing as investigators continue to pursue new leads generated during the crackdown.

Trump Ends Gaza Nightmare, Brings Every Living Hostage Home
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Trump Ends Gaza Nightmare, Brings Every Living Hostage Home

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All 20 remaining living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza were released Monday, walking to Red Cross trucks under their own power following a historic cease-fire deal brokered by President Donald Trump.

The first seven hostages returned to Israel around 2:30 a.m. ET after being transported out of Gaza by Red Cross trucks.

The remaining 13 were freed hours later as part of the same exchange. Emotional scenes followed as the freed hostages spoke to family members for the first time after 738 days in captivity.

Among those reunited were twin brothers Gali and Ziv Berman, who were kept apart for two years before embracing again.

Parents spoke with their sons for the first time in video calls, with in-person reunions expected later Monday.

Israeli authorities said 28 bodies of other hostages remain in Gaza and are expected to be returned in the coming days.

The release concludes a two-year ordeal that began with Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack on southern Israel, when more than 250 people were taken hostage.

Survivors from previous exchanges and rescues by the Israel Defense Forces have described extreme abuse during captivity, including torture, starvation, and sexual assault.

One hostage, Evyatar David, was forced to dig his own grave for a Hamas propaganda video released in August 2024, showing him visibly emaciated.

The following month, Hamas executed six hostages at point-blank range after Israeli troops approached their location.

The conflict devastated Gaza, with large portions of the enclave destroyed by Israeli airstrikes.

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reported more than 67,000 deaths, though its figures do not distinguish between civilians and militants.

The release of the final hostages marks a key turning point in the conflict and a central step in President Trump’s 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the war.

Following Israel’s acceptance of the cease-fire deal, its forces withdrew from most of Gaza and halted attacks on Hamas targets.

Under the agreement, Hamas is required to hand over the bodies of all deceased hostages it can locate, while an international coalition will work to recover the remains of those still missing.

Officials said it remains unclear how many hostages’ bodies were lost amid the destruction of Hamas’ tunnel network during the war.

The list of surviving hostages confirmed by both Israeli and Hamas officials includes:
Matan Angrest, 22; Ziv Berman, 28; Gali Berman, 28; Elkana Bohboot, 36; Rom Braslavski, 21; Nimrod Cohen, 20; Ariel Cunio, 28; David Cunio, 35; Evyatar David, 24; Guy Gilboa-Dalal, 24; Maxim Herkin, 37; Eitan Horn, 38; Segev Kalfon, 27; Bar Kupershtein, 23; Omri Miran, 48; Eitan Abraham Mor, 25; Yosef-Chaim Ohana, 25; Alon Ohel, 24; Avinatan Or, 32; and Matan Zangauker, 25.

The 26 confirmed dead include: Inbar Hayman, 27; Tamir Adar, 38; Mohammad Alatrash, 39; Sahar Baruch, 24; Uriel Baruch, 35; Amiram Cooper, 85; Itay Chen, 19, an Israeli-American; Oz Daniel, 19; Ronen Engel, 54; Ran Gvili, 24; Manny Godard, 73; Tal Haimi, 41; Asaf Hamami, 40; Guy Illouz, 26; Eitan Levi, 53; Eliyahu Margalit, 75; Joshua Mollel, 21; Omer Neutra, 21, of New York; Sonthaya Oakkharasri; Dror Or, 48; Daniel Perez, 22; Sudthisak Rinthalak; Lior Rudaeff, 61; Yossi Sharabi, 53; Arye Zalmanovich, 85; and Hadar Goldin, 25.

Two others — Bipin Joshi, 24, and Tamir Nimrodi, 20 — had unknown conditions before the exchange.

Following standard procedure, the Red Cross transferred the freed hostages to the Israeli military, which will take them to medical facilities for evaluation and treatment.

Once all hostages are safely across the border, the Israel Defense Forces are set to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including about 250 serving life sentences.

The exchange represents a central milestone in President Trump’s cease-fire deal, paving the way for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.

It also precedes Trump’s scheduled arrival in Israel to formally mark the end of the Gaza war and welcome the freed captives home — including Itay Chen and Omer Neutra, both American citizens.

Chicago Democrat Breaks Ranks, Backs Trump’s Federal Deployment
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Chicago Democrat Breaks Ranks, Backs Trump’s Federal Deployment

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Chicago Alderman Ray Lopez, a Democrat representing the city’s 15th Ward, voiced support for President Donald Trump’s decision to send additional federal personnel to Chicago, saying many residents share his approval of the move.

Lopez’s comments came during an interview with Fox News, where he distanced himself from other Democratic leaders who have accused the administration of escalating tensions in the city.

When asked whether his constituents agree with Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker—both of whom have condemned the deployment and accused the administration of “declaring war” on Chicago—Lopez was clear.

“Absolutely not. There are many people in the city of Chicago who completely support having the additional resources to keep both ICE agents and community protesters safe,” Lopez said.

He added that state and city officials have failed to maintain public order.

“What we have seen is a complete abdication of responsibility, both by Governor Pritzker and by the mayor of the city of Chicago, who have refused up until this point to allow police just to maintain the peace for protesters and for ICE agents doing their job. We need to bring some sanity back to the conversation, and a majority of Chicagoans want to see that happen.”

President Trump ordered the deployment of 300 members of the Texas National Guard last week to assist federal law enforcement agents who have faced escalating violence in the Chicago area.

The administration said the move was intended to “protect federal functions, personnel, and property” as part of what the Pentagon called the Federal Protection Mission.

A federal judge later issued a temporary hold on the deployment order, but the Trump administration proceeded with sending hundreds of additional agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and other federal agencies.

The expanded federal presence aims to reinforce security at multiple sites and to support ongoing deportation operations.

The decision follows a series of violent confrontations between protesters and law enforcement outside the federal immigration processing facility in Broadview, Illinois.

The site has become a focal point for near-daily clashes between left-wing demonstrators and federal agents. According to authorities, several arrests have been made after repeated attempts by groups of protesters to block entrances, damage government property, and interfere with deportation transports.

The Broadview facility has been the target of multiple coordinated attacks in recent weeks.

Protesters have pelted federal vehicles with rocks, slashed tires, and attempted to obstruct operations.

Some of the demonstrations have been led or joined by left-wing political figures, including Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss and congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh, both Democrats, who were filmed blocking federal vehicles during one recent protest.

Tensions escalated sharply on Saturday when at least 10 vehicles were used to ram and trap federal agents near the Broadview site.

The Department of Homeland Security reported that at least one attacker was armed, prompting agents to return fire in self-defense.

No federal personnel were reported killed, but several sustained injuries.

Following the attacks, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that special operations units would be deployed to Illinois to assist in securing federal facilities.

“We are sending in additional personnel to stabilize the situation and protect our officers,” Noem said last week.

The order came after two separate ramming incidents occurred in the same day, underscoring growing concerns about organized violence targeting federal agents.

The unrest has fueled broader debate within Illinois politics, where divisions between local and federal authorities continue to widen.

While Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson have criticized the deployment as unnecessary and provocative, Lopez maintains that federal reinforcements are essential to restoring public safety.

“I talk to people every day who just want to live in peace and see law and order upheld,” Lopez said.

“Most Chicagoans understand that without security, there can be no stability.”

The administration’s deployment remains under judicial review, but federal officials say their mission in Illinois will continue as planned to protect personnel, enforce immigration laws, and prevent further attacks on government property.

Trump Admin Hits the Department of Education with Massive 20% Job Cut
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Trump Admin Hits the Department of Education with Massive 20% Job Cut

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The Department of Education announced this week that nearly 460 employees have been laid off as part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to reduce the size of federal agencies and shift authority over education back to states and local communities.

The cuts represent roughly 20 percent of the department’s workforce and mark a major step in the administration’s long-promised effort to reduce Washington’s involvement in public education.

The largest reductions affected the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, along with staff associated with the TRIO college access program.

According to administration officials, the decision was driven by the need to streamline operations and eliminate duplicative programs that have grown over decades of federal expansion.

Teachers unions and Democratic lawmakers immediately criticized the move, arguing that the layoffs would negatively impact students and families.

Several union representatives called the reductions “harmful to students,” claiming they would reduce federal oversight of special education and college preparation programs.

However, administration officials countered that the current system has become inefficient and costly, diverting billions of dollars into administrative overhead rather than directly benefiting classrooms.

President Trump has consistently argued that the Department of Education has grown into a “bloated bureaucracy” that consumes taxpayer funds while producing limited results.

His executive order to begin phasing out the department is part of a broader initiative to return decision-making power to states, local districts, and parents.

The president has said that education policy should be determined “by those closest to the students, not by bureaucrats in Washington.”

Education Secretary Linda McMahon reiterated that students with disabilities will remain a top priority under the restructuring.

She noted that responsibility for some disability-related programs could eventually shift to the Department of Health and Human Services, where existing medical and rehabilitation expertise could improve coordination.

“This is about better management, not abandonment,” McMahon said during a briefing.

“We are focused on ensuring students receive services more efficiently and effectively.”

Administration officials said the restructuring is designed to consolidate overlapping functions and reduce redundancy between agencies.

They also emphasized that many state education departments have the capacity to manage federal grants and special programs directly, reducing the need for multiple layers of review from Washington.

Republican lawmakers have expressed support for the downsizing, calling it a necessary correction to decades of federal overreach in education policy.

They argue that the federal government’s growing list of mandates and compliance requirements has imposed costly burdens on schools while producing little improvement in academic outcomes.

“For too long, states have had to navigate a maze of federal regulations just to access their own education funding,” one GOP congressional aide said.

“This reform puts that control back where it belongs.”

Democratic leaders have opposed the cuts and accused the administration of using them to advance a political agenda.

The ongoing dispute has contributed to a partial government shutdown affecting several federal agencies, including the Department of Education, where approximately 90 percent of remaining staff have been furloughed.

Despite the political fallout, administration officials maintain that the layoffs are part of a larger strategy to modernize federal operations and prioritize efficiency.

President Trump’s team estimates that reducing the size of the department will save hundreds of millions of dollars annually while redirecting resources toward state and local education initiatives.

President Trump has framed the move as part of his broader commitment to reforming Washington’s bureaucracy.

“Our goal is simple,” the president said earlier this year.

“Put power back in the hands of parents, teachers, and communities, and end the waste that has defined the federal education system for far too long.”

The Department of Education’s workforce reduction is expected to continue in phases as the administration evaluates additional areas for consolidation.

The plan reflects the administration’s broader education strategy—one that prioritizes local control, fiscal responsibility, and greater accountability to families rather than federal agencies.

Virginia Dem Candidate Can’t Answer Gender Locker Room Question During Debate
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Virginia Dem Candidate Can’t Answer Gender Locker Room Question During Debate

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Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears and former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger faced off Thursday night in the Virginia gubernatorial debate, held just weeks before Election Day and days after the emergence of the Jay Jones texting scandal that has roiled the state’s Democratic Party.

The debate, broadcast statewide from Richmond, gave both candidates an opportunity to address key issues shaping the race — including ethics, education, and gender policies — though Spanberger faced sustained questioning over her continued endorsement of Jones, the Democratic nominee for attorney general.

Jones came under fire earlier this month when a series of text messages from 2022 surfaced in which he appeared to fantasize about murdering then-Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates Todd Gilbert, a Republican, and about Gilbert’s children dying in his wife’s arms.

The texts were sent to a former GOP colleague and have prompted widespread condemnation.

Despite repeated questions from moderators and from Earle-Sears during the debate, Spanberger declined to say whether she still supports Jones or whether she believes he should withdraw from the race.

“We are all running our individual races,” Spanberger said.

“It is up to every person to make their own decision.”

When pressed again on whether she continues to endorse Jones following the revelations, Spanberger avoided a direct answer, instead reiterating that voters now “have the information” and can “make an individual choice based on this information.”

Her refusal to address the issue directly drew scrutiny from political observers, with some noting that the controversy has complicated Democratic efforts to regain ground in a state that has seen a political shift in recent election cycles.

The debate also turned tense over questions about education policy and gender identity — an issue that has been at the forefront of political debate in Virginia since 2021, when the state became a flashpoint for disputes over transgender policies in schools.

Spanberger was asked whether she supports allowing biological males to use girls’ locker rooms and restrooms, a question she has avoided throughout the campaign.

She again declined to give a direct answer, offering instead a response emphasizing local control.

“My answer is that each local community decision should be made between parents and educators and teachers in each community,” Spanberger said, referencing her background in law enforcement and her role as a mother.

“Nothing is more important to me than the safety of all children.”

However, Spanberger did not say whether she would repeal the policy signed by Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin that requires students to use restrooms corresponding to their biological sex.

Earle-Sears seized on Spanberger’s reluctance to take a clear position.

“Parents deserve to know exactly where their leaders stand,” Earle-Sears said during her response.

“This is not a time for ambiguity. It’s a time for leadership.”

The exchange became one of the most discussed moments of the evening, with political analysts comparing Spanberger’s performance to a “Dukakis moment” — referencing the 1988 presidential debate in which Democrat Michael Dukakis was criticized for giving a detached response to a question about crime.

Throughout the 90-minute debate, the two candidates also clashed on public safety, taxes, and Virginia’s economic outlook.

Earle-Sears emphasized her record on fiscal management and law enforcement, while Spanberger attempted to frame her campaign as focused on education and bipartisanship.

The fallout from the Jones scandal continues to hang over the Democratic ticket, with several state lawmakers calling his texts “disqualifying.”

Jones has not withdrawn from the race and has apologized publicly for his comments, calling them “deeply inappropriate.”

The Virginia gubernatorial election will take place in early November, with both campaigns now turning to their final round of rallies and media appearances.

Early voting began last week across the state.

Dem Mega Donor and Major Tech CEO Wants Trump to Send National Guard to San Francisco
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Dem Mega Donor and Major Tech CEO Wants Trump to Send National Guard to San Francisco

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Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, a longtime Democratic donor and one of San Francisco’s most prominent business leaders, sparked outrage among Democrats on Friday after publicly praising President Donald Trump and endorsing his proposal to deploy the National Guard to San Francisco.

Benioff’s comments were made during an interview with The New York Times, in which he discussed the city’s ongoing problems with crime, homelessness, and public disorder.

His remarks marked a sharp departure from his longstanding support for Democratic politicians and causes.

According to The New York Times, President Trump, during an Oval Office meeting in August, mentioned he was considering sending federal troops into San Francisco, citing the city’s deteriorating conditions.

The report stated that the president had said Democrats had “destroyed” San Francisco and vowed that he would “clean that one up, too.”

Benioff told the publication that he supported the president’s idea and believed National Guard soldiers could help stabilize the situation.

“I fully support the president,” Benioff said.

“I think he’s doing a great job.”

The statement quickly drew backlash from prominent Democrats and local officials.

Many have long opposed the use of the National Guard in urban areas, particularly in cities that have experienced unrest related to immigration enforcement or protests against federal agencies.

San Francisco Board of Supervisors member Matt Dorsey, who represents portions of the city’s downtown, called Benioff’s endorsement of Trump’s proposal “a slap in the face to San Francisco.”

In a post on X, Dorsey wrote that the city did not need federal intervention and criticized Benioff for supporting what he described as an unnecessary show of force.

State Senator Scott Wiener also condemned the idea, saying in a statement that National Guard involvement would amount to an “illegal military occupation.”

Wiener wrote, “Inviting Trump to send the National Guard here is not one of those good things. Quite the opposite. We neither need nor want an illegal military occupation in San Francisco.”

Despite the criticism, Benioff’s comments reflect growing frustration among business and civic leaders over the city’s ongoing public safety and homelessness issues.

San Francisco has struggled for years with open-air drug markets, rising theft, and widespread encampments, even after repeated promises by state and local leaders to address the problems.

Benioff, whose company is headquartered in downtown San Francisco, has been one of the city’s most vocal advocates for reform.

He has funded housing initiatives, supported local nonprofits, and regularly spoken out about improving public safety and civic engagement.

However, his endorsement of President Trump’s approach marks a significant shift from his usual alignment with Democratic policy positions.

White House cryptocurrency adviser David Sacks highlighted the moment on X, describing Benioff’s remarks as a turning point for San Francisco’s political and business community.

Sacks, who has previously criticized city leadership for its handling of crime and homelessness, celebrated the Salesforce CEO’s comments as evidence that even longtime Democratic donors were losing faith in local governance.

San Francisco’s challenges have become a national issue in recent years, with many major retailers closing stores in the city and residents voicing concerns about deteriorating safety and cleanliness.

Benioff’s support for the president’s plan places him among a growing number of tech executives and investors who have shifted their political views amid frustration with progressive leadership in California.

While other technology figures have become more outspoken about supporting President Trump’s policies, Benioff’s endorsement stands out given his history of donating millions to Democratic campaigns and liberal causes.

As of Friday evening, Benioff had not issued any clarification or retraction of his remarks.

The White House and San Francisco officials have not commented on whether discussions about a potential National Guard deployment are ongoing.


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