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CNN’s Anderson Cooper Slams Letitia James Over Trump Prosecution: ‘Not a Great Look’
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CNN’s Anderson Cooper Slams Letitia James Over Trump Prosecution: ‘Not a Great Look’

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CNN host Anderson Cooper openly criticized New York Attorney General Letitia James on Thursday following her federal indictment on bank fraud charges, calling out her past comments about targeting former President Donald Trump and suggesting they undermine her credibility, as reported by The New York Post.

During his broadcast, Cooper referenced a 2018 conversation in which James, then newly elected as attorney general, was asked by a community activist if she was ready to take legal action against the sitting president.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James.

“And she replied, ‘Oh, we’re gonna definitely sue him, we’re gonna be a real pain in the ass, he’s gonna know my name personally,’” Cooper told his panel.

“I mean that’s not a great look for somebody who has just been elected, who just been campaigning, who hasn’t even looked, I guess deeply, at any evidence,” Cooper said.

James, a Democrat, launched a high-profile civil case against Trump and the Trump Organization, accusing them of inflating property values to secure loans and favorable financial terms. The case led to a $355 million judgment against Trump earlier this year.

However, that ruling was overturned by an appellate court in August, which found that the penalties were improperly applied after Trump appealed the decision.

James was indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury in Virginia on one count of bank fraud, according to officials familiar with the case. She has denied all wrongdoing and claims the charges are politically motivated.

“These charges are baseless, and the president’s own public statements make clear that his only goal is political retribution at any cost,” James said in a statement released through her office.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James addressed several thousand people who gathered for a rally in Foley Square in lower Manhattan May 3, 2022. Thousands gathered after a leaked draft documented indicated that the Supreme Court has voted to overturn Roe v. Wade. Roe V Wade Protest

The indictment marks a significant reversal of fortune for James, who built her political profile around pursuing cases against Trump and his business interests. She previously described her office’s investigation into Trump as a personal mission and campaigned on promises to hold him accountable.

The new charges have renewed scrutiny of James’ earlier statements and her approach to politically charged prosecutions. Critics argue her public comments from 2018 demonstrated bias, while supporters maintain that her actions were consistent with her campaign pledges.

Federal prosecutors have not released detailed information about the evidence leading to the indictment. James is expected to appear in federal court in the Eastern District of Virginia for an arraignment later this month.

As the case moves forward, it places one of Trump’s most outspoken legal adversaries on the defensive — and even prompted rare criticism from within CNN’s ranks.

Adam Schiff Suggests Trump Could Use Military to Bomb Americans
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Adam Schiff Suggests Trump Could Use Military to Bomb Americans

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Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) said during an MSNBC interview on Wednesday that he could not rule out the possibility of President Donald Trump authorizing military strikes against domestic organizations after the administration’s designation of certain groups as terrorist threats.

Schiff made the remarks during an appearance on All In with Chris Hayes, where the discussion focused on the administration’s recent classification of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua as a “narco-terrorist” organization and its stance toward Antifa and other domestic groups accused of political violence.

Host Chris Hayes said, “The contention of the administration is they’ve called Tren de Aragua a narco-terrorist, that that elevates them and that we’re an armed conflict with them. Today the attorney general Pam Bondi, who refused to answer so many of those questions in a White House meeting about Antifa, said, essentially, we are going to treat Antifa the way we’re treating the cartels. Now one of those cartels, they have said, is a narco-terrorist, that they have the inherent constitutional authority to order strikes on. And I got to say, that moment, you know, caught my attention, given the level of violence they are directing at those cartels.”

Schiff responded, “It should catch all of our attention because if you look at where this started. It started with blowing up ships. You then have the president say, well, we may go to land targets now in Venezuela or elsewhere. And with statements like the attorney general, now you begin to wonder, do they believe that they have the authority by putting some groups on a list, even domestic groups, to use lethal force against them, with no trial, no due process, no nothing.”

The California senator added, “And, you know, the reality is we can’t rule that out. We can’t rule that out. I mean, given the abuse, the misuse of the military in American cities, the president telling the assembled generals and admirals that we have an enemy within, it’s a military training grounds in American cities as far as he’s concerned, you cannot exclude the possibility that the next stage of this is to go after groups closer to home, or even here at home.”

The exchange came after Attorney General Pam Bondi said at a White House briefing that Antifa and similar groups would be treated “the same way we’re treating the cartels,” suggesting that the administration viewed violent domestic networks through the same legal framework used for foreign terrorist or criminal organizations.

Earlier this month, the White House formally designated the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua as a “narco-terrorist organization,” a move that, under federal law, allows for the use of targeted military or intelligence operations against the group.

The administration has also expanded counterterrorism authorities for federal law enforcement and military coordination targeting transnational gangs.

Bondi’s statement followed the designation and appeared to apply similar standards to certain domestic extremist groups accused of violent activity in U.S. cities, including Antifa.

The Justice Department has maintained that such designations are aimed at violent networks and not political organizations.

Schiff, who previously chaired the House Intelligence Committee, has been an outspoken critic of Trump’s national security policies and the use of military power for domestic operations.

His comments echoed previous concerns he raised during debates over the Insurrection Act and the use of federal forces in major U.S. cities during civil unrest.

The Department of Justice has not commented directly on Schiff’s statements.

The administration has continued to defend its use of expanded counterterrorism designations as a legal tool to disrupt violent organizations operating within or outside the United States.

As of Thursday, there has been no indication that any domestic groups have been formally designated for military targeting under the narco-terrorism authority.

However, Schiff said the rhetoric surrounding such powers should be “closely monitored,” warning that broad interpretations of executive authority could blur the line between foreign and domestic military operations.

Greta Thunberg Caught Photo of Starved Israeli Hostage to Push Pro-Hamas Agenda
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Greta Thunberg Caught Photo of Starved Israeli Hostage to Push Pro-Hamas Agenda

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Climate activist Greta Thunberg faced widespread backlash this week after sharing an image of an emaciated Israeli hostage in a social media post that falsely portrayed him as a Palestinian prisoner.

The image, which appeared in an Instagram post published Monday, was part of a slideshow Thunberg shared in collaboration with several activists.

The post claimed to highlight the “suffering of Palestinian prisoners” and accused Israel of “cruelty and dehumanization.”

“The suffering of Palestinian prisoners is not a matter of opinion — it is a fact of cruelty and dehumanization. Humanity cannot be selective. Justice cannot have borders,” the post read.

However, the photo Thunberg used was not of a Palestinian prisoner.

It depicted 24-year-old Israeli hostage Evyatar David, who was abducted by Hamas and held in captivity in Gaza.

The image originated from a Hamas propaganda video released in August showing David digging his own grave after being deliberately starved by his captors.

The mistake quickly drew outrage, particularly from David’s family.

His sister, Yeela David, responded directly under Thunberg’s post, calling the activist’s actions irresponsible and deeply offensive.

“You should make a research before you post things you don’t understand about. In the 6th slide you put a photo of an Israeli hostage who Hamas starved on purpose.

This is Evyatar David,” she wrote.

“Every minute you are not deleting the post, you are becoming a bigger joke.”

The image of David sparked international condemnation when it was first released by Hamas.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry and the Consulate General of Israel in New York later displayed the image on digital billboards in Times Square to raise awareness of the hostages’ suffering.

At the time of the video’s release, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Hamas terrorists deliberately starve our hostages, documenting them in a cynical, humiliating, and malicious manner.”

The disturbing footage showed David marking off days on a calendar as he noted the last time he was fed. In one part of the video, David said, “This is the grave I think I’m going to be buried in. Time is running out.”

Thunberg’s post included the image as part of a campaign tied to the second anniversary of the October 2023 Hamas attacks against Israel.

Following public criticism, the photo of David was quietly removed from her Instagram post without acknowledgment. Thunberg has not publicly commented on the mistake or issued an apology.

The controversy followed another incident involving Thunberg earlier this week. Israeli officials confirmed that she and hundreds of others were detained and later expelled from Israel after their vessel — part of the Global Sumud Flotilla — was intercepted while attempting to reach Gaza.

During a press conference after her return, Thunberg claimed that she and other detainees were mistreated while in custody.

“Personally, I don’t want to share what I was subjected to because I don’t want it to make headlines and ‘Greta has been tortured,’ because that’s not the story here,” she told reporters.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry has denied Thunberg’s claims, stating that all detainees were treated in accordance with international law and that no abuse occurred during their detention.

The misidentification of an Israeli hostage as a Palestinian prisoner has intensified scrutiny of Thunberg’s political activism, with critics accusing her of promoting misinformation and exploiting sensitive events for publicity.

The post remains visible on her social media account with the altered image set, though no clarification has been issued.

Trump Secures Historic Israel-Hamas Peace Deal After Months of Talks
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Trump Secures Historic Israel-Hamas Peace Deal After Months of Talks

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President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a U.S.-brokered peace plan aimed at ending the long-running conflict in Gaza.

The deal includes an Israeli troop withdrawal to a designated line and the release of all remaining hostages, marking what Trump described as a major step toward a lasting peace in the Middle East.

“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,” Trump wrote in a post.

The agreement was facilitated through mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, with support from other regional partners.

Trump emphasized the cooperation of all parties involved and credited international coordination for helping finalize the deal.

“All Parties will be treated fairly! This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS,” Trump added.

The announcement followed a brief moment caught on camera at the White House earlier in the day.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio was photographed handing a handwritten note to President Trump during a briefing.

The note, later captured by press photographers, read: “You need to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first.”

Moments later, Trump confirmed the agreement publicly through his social media post.

Hamas officials said Friday that the group is open to releasing all remaining hostages and stepping aside from governance under Trump’s proposed ceasefire plan.

The group stated that its acceptance would depend on the cooperation of other Palestinian factions and regional allies, noting that additional discussions were needed before final terms could be finalized.

In remarks later that day, Trump called the agreement a turning point for the region and praised allied nations for their role in pushing for an end to the conflict.

“I just want to let you know that this is a very special day, maybe unprecedented in many ways. It is unprecedented, but thank you all and thank you all to those great countries that helped! We were given a tremendous amount of help. Everybody was unified in wanting this war to end and seeing peace in the Middle East. And we’re very close to achieving that,” Trump said.

Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas would be required to release all hostages at once and transfer administrative control of Gaza to an “International Stabilization Force.”

The body would be jointly led by President Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, with Palestinian experts participating in the transitional government to oversee reconstruction and political transition.

Humanitarian conditions in Gaza have deteriorated significantly in recent months, increasing pressure on Hamas to agree to a deal.

According to United Nations data, more than 33,000 residents have been displaced by Israeli operations, and roughly 25 percent of the population faces famine-level food insecurity.

While the first phase of the peace plan focuses on troop withdrawals and humanitarian relief, U.S. officials have indicated that subsequent stages will address long-term governance and regional security guarantees.

Negotiations are expected to continue in coordination with Egyptian and Qatari officials over the coming weeks.

Pelosi Fumbles CNN Interview, Defends Scandal-Plagued Virginia Democrat
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Pelosi Fumbles CNN Interview, Defends Scandal-Plagued Virginia Democrat

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Rep. Nancy Pelosi appeared on CNN Wednesday for an interview with anchor Dana Bash, where the former House Speaker faced pushback on several claims regarding the government funding debate and her defense of embattled Virginia Democrat Jay Jones.

Pelosi, who carries the honorary title of “Speaker Emerita,” discussed the continuing resolution (CR) under consideration in Congress to end the partial government shutdown.

During the interview, she asserted that the House-passed CR contained partisan measures inserted by Republicans.

However, legislative records and multiple public statements from both parties show the proposal to be what is typically described as “clean,” containing no additional provisions or partisan riders.

The current CR has passed the House and been voted on six times in the Senate.

It maintains basic government operations without policy conditions, though it does not extend certain pandemic-era programs such as expanded Obamacare subsidies.

Pelosi maintained that the bill’s structure favored Republicans, a claim Bash questioned during the exchange.

According to the Congressional Record, Democrats in the Senate blocked the measure in multiple procedural votes, resulting in a brief lapse in federal operations.

House Republicans have continued to back the same short-term funding bill as a means to reopen government agencies.

Later in the interview, Pelosi was asked about Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for attorney general in Virginia.

Jones has faced controversy over social media comments and questions surrounding his sentencing for a reckless driving charge that was later tied to a community service arrangement benefiting his own campaign.

Despite these issues, Pelosi defended him, saying he remains “better on balance” than current Attorney General Jason Miyares, a Republican.

Pelosi did not address multiple reports detailing Jones’s past online statements, including ones interpreted as wishing harm on political opponents and law enforcement officers.

The exchange drew attention online after Pelosi’s comments appeared to contrast sharply with her previous criticism of Republican figures for inflammatory rhetoric.

Bash did not directly challenge Pelosi’s comparison between Jones and Miyares, moving instead to another topic.

In the closing minutes of the interview, Pelosi returned to the subject of President Donald Trump, criticizing his recent statements about local officials who violate federal law.

She called his rhetoric “deranged” and “dangerous,” suggesting it encouraged division.

When pressed about specific examples of alleged falsehoods by Trump during his State of the Union address, Pelosi did not identify particular statements.

The CNN segment marked one of Pelosi’s few extended interviews since stepping down from Democratic leadership after the 2022 midterms.

Her comments on both the government shutdown and the Virginia attorney general race immediately prompted reactions from lawmakers in both parties, with Republicans pointing to her remarks as an example of selective outrage over political rhetoric.

From Blue to Red: Californians Rush to Florida for Safety and Sanity
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From Blue to Red: Californians Rush to Florida for Safety and Sanity

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Florida’s luxury real estate market continues to attract a growing number of buyers from California, as residents of the high-tax, heavily regulated state relocate to the Sunshine State in record numbers.

While both California and Florida share similarities such as warm climates, large populations, and diverse cultures, economic and policy differences are driving the migration trend.

Screenshot – National Taxpayers Union Foundation

Developers and analysts say the combination of Florida’s zero state income tax, business-friendly environment, and high quality of life has turned the state into a magnet for new residents, particularly from the West Coast.

“Miami represents a new start, a refreshing reset,” said Camilo Miguel, Jr., CEO of Mast Capital, in an interview with Fox News Digital.

“I think that it’s a place where policies, economics and lifestyle align together very well. It’s definitely good for their wallets and helps them have a little bit more buying power. The advantages here outweigh the drawbacks there.”

Mast Capital is developing two high-profile projects — Cipriani Residences Miami and The Perigon Miami Beach — both of which have seen strong demand from California buyers.

According to Miguel, 40% of buyers at the under-construction Cipriani project this summer came from the West Coast.

Web traffic to the development’s site has increased 14% over the past six months, trailing only New York in domestic visits.

At The Perigon, roughly 10% of its buyers are from California.

Units in both properties start in the low millions and reach up to $12.5 million, with completion scheduled between 2027 and 2028.

National migration data supports the trend. According to PODS, nearly 240,000 residents left California between 2023 and 2024, the largest outflow of any U.S. state.

Of that total, more than 39,000 relocated to Florida during the same period.

Screenshot – National Taxpayers Union Foundation

Miguel said the reasons go beyond real estate. “I think it starts with the convergence of lifestyle and business — zero state income tax, business-friendly policies, year-round outdoor living,” he explained.

“It’s also a great transition for a California resident to be moving here to Florida because you still get to enjoy and embrace the outdoors … We’re a great coastal city, and we have access to do pretty much anything you can within 15 minutes of where you live.”

He added that Florida’s appeal has drawn attention from across the financial sector.

“It’s really been a magnet for financial giants as well from all over the country … Crime is certainly a part of the discussion. I think the political climate does come up, but in general, overall quality of life takes the lead in those conversations.”

Recognizing the influx of serious buyers, Miguel said his company has increased its outreach in California.

“It goes back to the quality of life story, quality of product, quality of environment,” he said.

“The people buying here from California that we are selling to have an intention to move here and live here … The intention here is to make this a full relocation and make this their permanent home.”

Although New York remains Mast Capital’s top source of buyers, California’s market now delivers nearly equal value.

A May 2025 report from the National Taxpayers Union Foundation supports that finding, showing that California lost approximately $4.5 billion in adjusted gross income last year, while Florida gained about $4.1 billion.

“I don’t think that California will surpass New York,” Miguel said.

“Miami has always been a place that New Yorkers have visited and vacationed and held second homes, although they’re becoming primary residents. But I do think that California will continue to be a close second to New York going forward.”

Miguel also noted that the migration extends beyond California and New York.

“If you look at it domestically — Chicago, Texas, Washington, D.C., Boston — those are all places where we’re seeing buyers buying in Miami in our projects,” he said.

“It’s quite interesting to see that dynamic evolve and improve and grow. Florida in general is really just kind of outperforming the country.”

Kathy Hochul ‘Is Running Scared’ as Governor’s Support Collapses, Stefanik Surges
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Kathy Hochul ‘Is Running Scared’ as Governor’s Support Collapses, Stefanik Surges

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House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) is closing the gap on New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY), according to a new statewide poll showing the governor in a vulnerable position heading into the 2026 election.

The poll, conducted for E-PAC, Stefanik’s leadership political action committee, surveyed 1,250 likely voters across New York and found Hochul leading Stefanik by just five points, 48% to 43%.

Once respondents were informed of each candidate’s policy positions, the numbers shifted in Stefanik’s favor — giving her a narrow lead of 46.4% to Hochul’s 45.9%.

The findings, obtained exclusively by Breitbart News, suggest Hochul faces significant political challenges as her approval ratings continue to decline across multiple demographics.

“The data is clear that Kathy Hochul, the worst Governor in America, is a deeply embattled and historically unpopular failed Governor who is struggling to even gain support from her own party,” Stefanik said in a statement following the release of the poll.

“It is now crystal clear why Kathy Hochul bent the knee to the Communist Antisemite running for Mayor of New York City because she desperately needed to shore up her own party.”

Hochul’s recent endorsement of Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, a progressive state assemblyman from Queens, for New York City mayor has drawn criticism from both parties.

Mamdani, who has faced controversy for past remarks and positions on Israel, has been described by opponents as far-left and divisive.

The endorsement also caught the attention of President Donald Trump, who criticized Hochul’s move on Truth Social.

“Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has Endorsed the ‘Liddle’ Communist, Zohran Mamdani, running for Mayor of New York. This is a rather shocking development, and a very bad one for New York City,” Trump wrote.

“How can such a thing happen? Washington will be watching this situation very closely. No reason to be sending good money after bad!”

Despite Hochul’s endorsement, Mamdani has not reciprocated the support.

Analysts say the hesitation reflects the political risk of aligning too closely with the unpopular governor, whose approval ratings have slipped since taking office.

In her statement, Stefanik accused Hochul of presiding over economic decline, rising costs, and policies that have weakened public safety.

“Kathy Hochul has destroyed New York State creating an affordability crisis with the highest taxes in the nation, and the highest energy, utility, rent, and grocery bills,” Stefanik said.

“Kathy Hochul’s single-party Democrat rule affordability crisis, coupled with the crime crisis from failed bail reform, combined with the sanctuary state policies, putting criminals and illegals first and New Yorkers last, is a political disaster for Hochul.”

Alex deGrasse, Executive Director of Team Elise, called the results “devastating for the Worst Governor in America,” adding that “Hochul’s dismal record of failure and bending the knee to Commie Mamdani is causing her already weak support to crater across New York.”

“Voters want change and a Governor who will fight for them, which is why they will resoundingly reject Kathy Hochul for new leadership in Elise Stefanik if she decides to run for Governor,” deGrasse said.

Stefanik has not formally entered the 2026 race for governor but has been widely discussed as a potential challenger.

DeGrasse noted that the poll’s findings are particularly significant given that Stefanik has not yet announced a campaign.

“What is truly remarkable about this poll is that this is before Elise has even formally announced her campaign,” he said.

“There is a reason why Kathy is running scared.”

The poll highlights growing dissatisfaction among New Yorkers over issues such as crime, affordability, and state management — areas where Hochul’s administration has faced bipartisan criticism.

With Stefanik’s name recognition and support rising, political observers say the race for New York’s governorship in 2026 could become one of the most competitive in the country.

Famous Lifelong Democrat ‘Totally Frightened’ by Party, Vows to ‘Campaign For Republicans’
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Famous Lifelong Democrat ‘Totally Frightened’ by Party, Vows to ‘Campaign For Republicans’

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Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz said Tuesday that he plans to campaign for Republican candidates in the upcoming midterm elections, marking a significant departure from his six-decade affiliation with the Democratic Party.

During an appearance on The Record with Greta Van Susteren on Newsmax, Dershowitz said that the Democratic Party’s embrace of political extremism and abandonment of constitutional values left him no choice but to support Republican efforts to retain control of Congress.

“They’re [Democrats] not succeeding in persuading the American people that they’re up to a leadership role, which is why, after me being a Democrat for 60 or more years, I am now going to campaign very hard for the Republicans to maintain control of the House and the Senate,” Dershowitz said.

“Not because I love the Republican agenda. It’s because I’m totally frightened if the Democrats were to gain control of either House. Who they would appoint as chair people? Who they would put in the position of inquisitors, and how they would deny rights to people, and how they would introduce a kind of McCarthyism that we haven’t seen since I was a college student in the 1950s.”

Dershowitz, who has long described himself as a liberal Democrat committed to civil liberties, said the party’s current leadership has prioritized attacking President Donald Trump rather than focusing on governance or bipartisan cooperation.

He cited what he described as “left-wing McCarthyism” that has taken hold within Democratic circles.

“It’s left-wing McCarthyism. We’re seeing it throughout the Democratic Party with a few exceptions, like the great Senator Fetterman, who you interviewed, who really is the one person who represents principle, represents honesty, and really nonpartisan approaches in the Democratic Party,” Dershowitz told Van Susteren.

The Harvard Law professor added that he wished more of his former Democratic colleagues would follow the example of Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, whom he praised for taking independent positions on policy issues.

“I wish his colleagues would learn from him, but they don’t. They are moving toward the extreme, extreme left, and the only thing they care about is trying to hurt President Trump,” Dershowitz said.

His comments come as several Democratic lawmakers have escalated rhetoric toward the president and his administration.

Kamala Harris referred to President Trump as a “fascist” during the 2024 campaign, while Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas compared him to “Hitler” in multiple interviews.

Dershowitz said that such language reflects a broader problem within the Democratic Party, which he believes has moved away from constitutional principles and due process in favor of political vendettas.

The remarks also come as new polling data suggests that President Trump continues to maintain steady approval ratings among voters.

According to CNN senior data reporter Harry Enten, 52 percent of voters believe Trump is following through on his 2024 campaign promises.

Enten added that Trump’s consistent 43 percent approval rating indicates public confidence in his handling of key issues such as border security, inflation, and crime.

In October 2024, President Trump’s approval stood at 44 percent, and recent surveys suggest his support could pose a challenge for Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

A New York Times poll shows Democrats leading Republicans by two points in generic ballot matchups, while a Yahoo/YouGov survey shows a four-point advantage.

Dershowitz’s decision to campaign for Republicans is yet another example of the ongoing political realignment among prominent figures who previously identified with the Democratic Party.

His statements mark one of his strongest public rebukes of Democratic leadership to date and signal his growing concern over the direction of the party heading into the next election cycle.

Trump Scores Major Win as Senate Confirms Over 100 Nominees During Shutdown
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Trump Scores Major Win as Senate Confirms Over 100 Nominees During Shutdown

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Senate Republicans voted Tuesday to confirm more than one hundred of President Donald Trump’s nominees as the government shutdown continued into another week, marking one of the largest single-day confirmation efforts of his presidency.

In a series of votes that followed party lines, lawmakers approved 107 nominees for various federal positions, significantly reducing the number of pending nominations awaiting action in the Senate.

The confirmations came as the chamber remained at an impasse over legislation to reopen the government, with floor time in recent weeks largely consumed by funding debates.

The newly confirmed group includes several of President Trump’s longtime allies, former political candidates, and senior advisors, as well as nominees to key diplomatic, regulatory, and prosecutorial roles.

Among the most high-profile confirmations was former Republican Senate candidate and NFL player Herschel Walker, who was confirmed as the U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas.

Sergio Gor, a longtime political strategist and advisor to President Trump, was approved as the U.S. Ambassador to India.

The Senate also reappointed Paul Atkins, who currently serves as Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, to another term that extends through 2031.

Other confirmed nominees include senior administration officials and a series of U.S. attorneys and assistant secretaries across multiple agencies.

Tuesday’s vote followed a similar effort last month, when Senate Republicans confirmed 48 additional nominees.

That earlier batch included Kimberly Guilfoyle, who was appointed as U.S. Ambassador to Greece, and Callista Gingrich, who was confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland.

The confirmations were made possible under a procedural change adopted by Senate Republicans last month.

The move, described as a “nuclear option” by lawmakers, altered Senate rules to allow a simple majority to confirm nominees, expediting approval of large groups at once.

Republicans said the rule change was necessary to address what they characterized as deliberate obstruction by Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York.

The Democratic caucus had blocked or delayed dozens of President Trump’s nominees for nearly nine months into his presidency, arguing that the Senate needed more time to vet candidates.

Traditionally, subcabinet-level nominees and others with bipartisan support are confirmed through unanimous consent or by voice vote, which streamlines the process and avoids extended floor debate.

However, Democrats had repeatedly declined to grant those procedural approvals, prompting Republicans to push through the rule change.

Under the new rules, the majority party may bring an unlimited number of nominees forward for confirmation in a single package.

Each nominee must still clear procedural hurdles, including committee approval and a final confirmation vote, but the overall process has become considerably faster.

Republican leaders said the change was intended to restore functionality to the Senate and ensure that critical government positions are filled during a period of continued policy gridlock.

Democrats criticized the move, claiming it weakened minority-party influence in the confirmation process.

Despite the ongoing government shutdown, which has limited legislative activity, Tuesday’s vote marked a significant victory for President Trump’s administration as it works to fill key federal roles.

The White House issued a statement praising the confirmations as “a vital step in advancing the President’s agenda and ensuring effective governance.”

With the latest confirmations, the total number of nominees approved during the current congressional session now exceeds 150, reflecting an accelerated pace of appointments under the revised Senate procedures.

Trump Ends Venezuela Talks, Democrats Enter Melt Down Mode
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Trump Ends Venezuela Talks, Democrats Enter Melt Down Mode

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President Donald Trump has directed his administration to end diplomatic outreach efforts to Venezuela, marking a significant change in U.S. policy toward the government of Nicolás Maduro.

The decision was reported Monday evening by the New York Times, which cited officials familiar with the development.

According to the report, President Trump instructed Envoy for Special Missions Richard Grenell last week to stop discussions with Maduro’s representatives.

The decision reportedly followed growing frustration within the administration over what officials described as Maduro’s refusal to relinquish power voluntarily and his continued denial of Venezuelan government involvement in narcotics trafficking.

The Times report stated that multiple military options remain under review as part of contingency planning but noted that no direct military action has been authorized.

Administration officials indicated that the decision to end talks is part of a broader reassessment of U.S. strategy in Venezuela as the administration weighs increased pressure on the Maduro government.

The Times also reported that Senator Marco Rubio has played a leading role in shaping the White House’s approach toward Venezuela, advocating for stronger measures against the Maduro regime and opposing ongoing diplomatic negotiations.

Rubio reportedly viewed Grenell’s discussions as counterproductive and as creating “confusion” about the U.S. position.

Grenell, according to the report, had been exploring potential arrangements that would have allowed American energy companies access to Venezuelan oil resources in exchange for easing diplomatic tensions. Those efforts have now been halted.

In response to the Times article, debate quickly emerged across political and media circles over the nature of Trump’s decision.

Some outlets characterized it as a potential prelude to military escalation, while others described it as a move to reinforce U.S. policy toward a government accused of widespread human rights abuses and links to organized crime.

Estrella Infante wrote on X that the administration’s actions should not be interpreted as “regime change” in the traditional sense, but rather as an effort to “end an era of impunity.”

Infante added, “Venezuela isn’t just another country, it’s a narco-dictatorship allied with enemies of the United States and responsible for regional chaos and mass migration.”

She went on to say, “Venezuelans voted massively on July 28, 2024, and have already stood up against tyranny.”

Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Democratic caucus have expressed concern over the move, warning that it could heighten tensions in the region.

Some lawmakers described the development as a possible step toward “regime change,” while others called for restraint in any future policy decisions involving Venezuela.

Maduro responded during his weekly state television broadcast on Monday, claiming he had reached out to the Vatican for mediation.

“I have great faith that Pope Leo, as I stated in the letter I sent him, will help Venezuela preserve and achieve peace and stability,” Maduro said.

Maduro also alleged during his broadcast that Venezuelan security forces had foiled a “false flag operation” intended to target the U.S. Embassy in Caracas.

The embassy has been closed since 2019, though a small number of administrative staff remain in the country.

No independent evidence has been presented to substantiate Maduro’s claims, and similar accusations have been made by his government in the past without verification.

The Venezuelan leader’s televised statements come amid growing internal unrest and international pressure following the contested July elections.

The Trump administration has continued to recognize opposition figures as legitimate representatives of the Venezuelan people and has maintained sanctions against the Maduro government.

Administration sources said that all options remain under consideration as the U.S. continues to pursue policies aimed at countering narcotics trafficking and promoting democratic governance in the region.


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