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DOJ to Start Delivering Epstein Documents Following Comer’s Subpoena
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DOJ to Start Delivering Epstein Documents Following Comer’s Subpoena

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The Department of Justice will begin providing documents related to Jeffrey Epstein to the House Oversight Committee on Friday, according to an announcement made by Chairman James Comer (R-KY) on Monday, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

“Officials with the Department of Justice have informed us that the Department will begin to provide Epstein-related records to the Oversight Committee this week on Friday,” Comer said.

“There are many records in DOJ’s custody, and it will take the Department time to produce all the records and ensure the identification of victims and any child sexual abuse material are redacted. I appreciate the Trump Administration’s commitment to transparency and efforts to provide the American people with information about this matter.”

Chairman @RepJamesComer confirms DOJ will begin sending House Oversight documents related to Epstein on Friday:

“Officials with the Department of Justice have informed us that the Department will begin to provide Epstein-related records to the Oversight Committee this week…

The move follows a subpoena issued earlier this month by Comer, which requested “all documents and communications relating or referring to” Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell by August 19.

In a letter addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Comer emphasized the importance of full congressional oversight in examining how federal authorities handled Epstein and Maxwell’s cases.

“While the Department undertakes efforts to uncover and publicly disclose additional information related to Mr. Epstein and Ms. Maxwell’s cases, it is imperative that Congress conduct oversight of the federal government’s enforcement of sex trafficking laws generally and specifically its handling of the investigation and prosecution of Mr. Epstein and Ms. Maxwell,” Comer wrote.

The Oversight Committee has been pressing for access to documents and internal communications in order to determine how Epstein, who was connected to numerous high-profile individuals, was investigated and prosecuted prior to his death in 2019 while in federal custody.

The Department of Justice has not indicated how long the production process will take but confirmed that redactions will be made to protect victims and remove prohibited materials.

The Oversight Committee is expected to review the first round of records immediately upon receipt and will continue receiving additional batches as they are processed.

The release of documents marks one of the most significant developments in congressional efforts to review Epstein’s connections and the handling of his criminal case.

Lawmakers have signaled that they intend to make public as much information as possible, while balancing the need to protect victims’ privacy.

The committee has not set a specific timeline for hearings or public disclosures related to the documents but has indicated that further action will follow once the material has been reviewed.

James Comey Releases Bizarre Video, Says Taylor Swift Helps Him Cope with Donald Trump
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James Comey Releases Bizarre Video, Says Taylor Swift Helps Him Cope with Donald Trump

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Former FBI Director James Comey released a video on Sunday that quickly went viral, in which he praised singer Taylor Swift as a source of family inspiration and personal guidance while taking repeated shots at President Donald Trump.

Comey, who led the FBI until his dismissal in 2017, began the video by criticizing Trump, accusing him of humiliating the United States alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin. He described the experience as “a bad dream you can’t wake up from.”

The former FBI director then shifted to discussing his admiration for Taylor Swift, revealing that he has attended two of her concerts and even assisted relatives in purchasing tickets.

He said Swift’s music has been central to his family’s life for years.

“I’m in a family’s Switie group chat. I know all her music and I listen to it in my headphones when I cut the grass,” Comey said.

He added that his favorites include the 10-minute version of “All Too Well” and “Exile,” her duet with Bon Iver.

“Taylor Swift has grown up with my family and provided us a soundtrack, really, as we’ve grown ourselves and learned and adapted and dealt with adversity and celebration,” Comey said, noting that millions of families may feel the same way.

Comey explained that Swift’s career has offered lessons at every stage, which resonated with his children and also with him as a parent.

He said that Swift’s example continues to guide him as an adult.

One of the ways her influence shapes his outlook, Comey said, is in how to deal with bullies.

He noted that while mocking posts about Trump can be amusing, he is uneasy with them.

“But I gotta be honest, it also leaves me with a strange feeling at times, because I don’t want us to become like Trump and his followers,” Comey said.

“There are far more decent, honest, kind people in America than there are mean jerks. And don’t get me wrong, we have our jerks, millions of them.”

He went on to accuse Republicans of exhibiting “stunning coarseness,” while arguing that it reflects a minority attitude in the country.

“I am not an advocate for weakness. Of course, we need to stand up to jerks and defend what matters, but I think we have to try to do that without becoming like them, which is what makes me think about Taylor Swift,” Comey said.

“She’s made clear that she sees Donald Trump for what he is. Last year, she urged Americans not to make the serious mistake of electing him.”

Comey continued by claiming, “Of course, we’re now living with the consequences of that mistake. But while our elderly makeup-covered president is posting about whether Taylor Swift is still hot and declaring that he can’t stand her, what’s she doing? Living her best life, producing great music and, as she urged all of us to do during the podcast, not giving the jerks power over her mind.”

He cited Swift’s advice to treat personal energy “like a luxury item” and pointed to research suggesting that rudeness can make people less happy.

“We can’t stop people from being jerks. What we can do is stop it from hurting us, from changing us,” he added.

Comey also recalled attending a Swift concert in Hartford, Connecticut, 14 years ago.

He recited lyrics from her song “Mean,” highlighting the line, “why you gotta be so mean.”

“I bet you got pushed around. Somebody made you cold. But the cycle ends right now, because you can’t leave me down that road,” Comey said, repeating the lyrics.

“You’ll be glad I didn’t sing that. That’s right, because down that road of unhappiness, nobody should have that power over us.”

The video prompted widespread reaction online.

One user described it as “the creepiest video in the history of social media,” while another remarked, “It’s truly mind-blowing this man served as FBI director.”

Stephen Miller Obliterates Newsom and Bass Over Shielding Dangerous Illegal Aliens
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Stephen Miller Obliterates Newsom and Bass Over Shielding Dangerous Illegal Aliens

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Stephen Miller, Donald Trump’s White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, delivered a sharp rebuke of California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass during a Saturday evening appearance on Fox News.

Miller accused the two Democrat officials of enabling illegal alien crime and facilitating human trafficking through their support of sanctuary policies.

Atlanta, Georgia, USA, October 28, 2024: Stephen Miller, a Trump political advisor, speaks before former President and 2024 Republican presidential nominee, attends a rally at Georgia Tech, Atlanta.

The exchange followed an incident earlier in the week in Los Angeles when Border Patrol agents were seen outside of a press conference hosted by Governor Newsom.

The press event was centered on the Democrats’ plan to eliminate five Republican House seats in California.

According to reports, Mayor Bass expressed frustration that federal agents were carrying out arrests of illegal aliens near the site of the event.

Miller criticized both officials, arguing that their refusal to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement has fueled violent crime across the state.

“They are guilty of crimes against humanity for their facilitating child trafficking sex trafficking! They think this is a game. They think this is a joke. This is life and death!” Miller said.

“The mayor of Los Angeles and the governor of California run the largest sanctuary city and the largest sanctuary state in America. They refused to turn over tens of thousands of serial criminal illegal aliens to ICE — they get cut loose. They can go on to commit crimes like assaults, armed robbery, home invasion and murder – the most unimaginable, egregious crimes you can think of.”

Miller placed direct responsibility on California’s leadership for the rise in crimes committed by individuals shielded under sanctuary laws.

“All of that blood, all of that suffering, all of that heartache squarely on the soul and conscience of California’s governor and the mayor of Los Angeles,” he said.

Miller continued by highlighting the stories of families who have lost loved ones to crimes committed by illegal aliens.

“When you meet with the families as you have, whose loved ones have been raped and killed and slaughtered by criminal illegal aliens have no right to be in this country – what Newscum is doing, what Bass is doing – are unforgivable,” he added.

Miller concluded his remarks by praising federal agents for their enforcement efforts under President Trump’s directives.

“And God bless the ICE agents, Border Patrol Agents – doing this mission on behalf of the orders of President Trump to make America safe for our citizens,” Miller said.

California has long faced criticism over its designation as a sanctuary state, a policy that restricts cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

Los Angeles, under Mayor Bass, continues to operate as a sanctuary city, further shielding individuals in the country illegally from deportation proceedings.

The sharp critique from Miller underscores the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement, border security, and the consequences of sanctuary policies.

The remarks also reflect the Trump administration’s commitment to bolstering immigration enforcement efforts and prioritizing public safety.

Jeanine Pirro: ‘Rights Not Violated, But Protected,’ Trump’s Overhaul Brings Results
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Jeanine Pirro: ‘Rights Not Violated, But Protected,’ Trump’s Overhaul Brings Results

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Former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro is now at the center of President Donald Trump’s effort to bring federal control to Washington, D.C.’s justice system, as reported by Fox News.

As the newly appointed U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Pirro has been tasked with executing Trump’s promise of a “Liberation Day” for the nation’s capital.

Dec 8, 2018; Philadelphia, PA, USA; President Donald Trump stands with West Point cadets during the 119th Army-Navy game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images

Pirro, who previously appeared as a co-host on Fox News’ “The Five,” made clear over the weekend that her top priority is ensuring public safety.

“The first order of government is the protection of its people,” Pirro said during an appearance on My View with Lara Trump. “We want to make D.C. safe again.”

She defended Trump’s decision to federalize the Metropolitan Police Department, describing it as a necessary step to restore order in the city.

“President Trump wants to make D.C. safe and beautiful and part of my appointment here by the president was to follow through on that initiative, and the federalization of the Metropolitan PD is something that I think is a great thing and the agenda is very clear,” she said.

Pirro emphasized that the reforms are designed to protect the rights of residents, not diminish them, pushing back against criticism from opponents.

She highlighted youth crime as a central problem, pointing out that violent crimes committed by teenagers are often routed to family courts under a system focused on rehabilitation.

“If I have a 17-year-old who shoots someone with a gun, but he doesn’t kill that person, I cannot… prosecute them, investigate them. It goes to the family court. The mission there is rehabilitation… and that just isn’t cutting it with me or anyone else who’s a law enforcement professional.”

Pirro argued that the justice system in D.C. is failing victims by prioritizing rehabilitation programs such as “yoga” and “ice cream socials” over accountability for offenders.

“For 30 years, I have fought the fight to make sure that we make criminals accountable and that we protect the victim. We are not doing enough to protect the victims in D.C.,” she said.

The U.S. attorney also pointed out that the surge in violence has disproportionately affected minority communities, particularly African-American youth.

Robber wearing black hood holding gun, ready to shoot. Armed gangster criminal, killer. Weapon, violence concept

She noted that dozens of young lives have been cut short in the past year and a half, with many of those cases remaining unsolved.

“We haven’t arrested them, we haven’t taken the guns from them, and that’s what the president understands, and that is my mission,” Pirro said.

According to Pirro, Trump’s initiative is already delivering measurable results in its first week, including hundreds of arrests, the seizure of dozens of illegal firearms, and the removal of fentanyl from the streets.

Protests that erupted outside the White House over the weekend were dismissed by Pirro as “political theater.” Speaking on Fox & Friends Weekend, she said:

“They should kiss the ground at this point that you’ve got someone who wants to make this city safe again, who wants to make it clean again.”

She also warned that demonstrations labeled as “music festivals” were in reality a cover for lawlessness.

Pirro concluded with a firm commitment to President Trump’s agenda, stating, “Here’s what the president’s going to do: he’s going to make a difference. We’re going to change the laws.”

Mass Shooting Inside Brooklyn Restaurant Leaves at Least 3 Dead, 8 Injured
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Mass Shooting Inside Brooklyn Restaurant Leaves at Least 3 Dead, 8 Injured

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Multiple people were shot inside a Brooklyn restaurant early Sunday morning, and police say the suspect remains at large.

According to the New York Police Department, officers responded to reports of a shooting inside Taste of the City Lounge, located at 903 Franklin Avenue, just before 3:30 a.m.

Officials told The New York Post that several individuals were transported to local hospitals following the incident, though their conditions have not yet been disclosed.

Police confirmed that no arrests have been made.

The suspect has not been identified, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The NYPD has confirmed there were three fatalities, and eight others people wounded in the shooting.

Video footage posted on X showed officers standing inside the establishment near what appeared to be a pool of blood and broken glass.

Taste of the City Lounge describes itself as a restaurant and nightlife venue serving American and Caribbean dishes, with a full bar, hookah, and DJs.

The business opened in 2022 and is located less than half a mile from the Brooklyn Museum.

The restaurant had closed at 3 a.m. Sunday, just minutes before the shooting occurred.

The NYPD has maintained a presence in the area as the investigation continues.

Detectives are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and are seeking information that may help identify the individual responsible.

Local authorities have urged anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact police.

This case remains active, and updates are expected as the NYPD releases further information on the victims and their conditions.

West Virginia Sends Troops to Back Trump’s Crime Crackdown in D.C.
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West Virginia Sends Troops to Back Trump’s Crime Crackdown in D.C.

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The Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to reduce crime and restore order in the nation’s capital received reinforcement over the weekend with the announcement that West Virginia will deploy several hundred National Guard troops to Washington, D.C.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey, R-W.Va., confirmed Saturday that between 300 and 400 members of the West Virginia National Guard will be sent to the District of Columbia at the administration’s request.

The deployment, according to his office, will include specialized training services and equipment to assist local police, federal law enforcement, and the D.C. National Guard.

“West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation’s capital,” Morrisey said in a statement.

“The men and women of our National Guard represent the best of our state, and this mission reflects our shared commitment to a strong and secure America.”

Although specific units have not been identified, the deployment is intended to provide direct support for ongoing federal operations in Washington.

Those operations, launched by the Trump administration earlier this year, focus on cracking down on violent crime and addressing homelessness in the capital.

Maj. Gen. James Seward, the adjutant general of West Virginia, issued a statement outlining the Guard’s readiness to participate in the initiative.

“Members of the West Virginia National Guard stand ready to support our partners in the National Capital Region,” Seward said.

“Our unique capabilities and preparedness make the Guard an invaluable partner in this important undertaking.”

The additional support from West Virginia comes at a time when federal agents have already been dispatched to several neighborhoods in Washington.

Their presence has sparked a mixed reaction, with some residents and leaders praising the administration’s actions while others, particularly Democratic officials, have voiced opposition to the scope of the operations.

City leaders in Washington, who operate under federal oversight, are required to cooperate with the administration’s directives under laws governing the District.

At the same time, officials in the heavily Democratic city have expressed concern over the federal presence and the extent of control exerted by the administration.

The White House initiative in Washington follows months of heightened concern over violent crime rates in the city, which has ranked among the nation’s most dangerous in recent years.

The new deployment underscores the administration’s determination to implement a sustained effort in the capital.

According to federal officials, the strategy involves coordination among local police, federal law enforcement agencies, and Guard troops from multiple states to stabilize neighborhoods and address public safety concerns.

The Washington deployment comes as part of a broader emphasis on public safety under President Trump’s leadership, which has included calls for stricter enforcement policies in major cities across the country.

Administration officials have suggested that the model being applied in Washington could serve as a precedent for future operations in cities such as Baltimore, Detroit, and Los Angeles.

With West Virginia’s troops expected to arrive soon, the administration’s crime and safety push in Washington will expand further, combining federal and state resources in what officials describe as a critical step to restoring stability in the capital.

Cuban-Born Entrepreneur Takes on Socialist Mamdani in NYC Mayoral Race
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Cuban-Born Entrepreneur Takes on Socialist Mamdani in NYC Mayoral Race

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A Cuban-born businessman has entered the New York City mayoral race, challenging Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani and adding another independent candidate to an already crowded field.

Joseph Hernandez, 52, a biotech entrepreneur based in Manhattan, formally joined the contest in late June after collecting enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot.

Hernandez immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of seven, fleeing Fidel Castro’s communist regime in Cuba.

Hernandez has made clear that his candidacy is driven in part by opposition to Mamdani, the Democratic Party’s nominee.

“I was raised in a socialist communist society, so I am the antithesis of Zohran Mamdani’s ideology,” Hernandez said.

“In fact, he’s a motivator for me to fight in this race. I despise socialism. I am a believer in the American dream. I’m a believer in capitalism. It’s not perfect, but it’s lifted more people out of poverty than any other ideology.”

Speaking to reporters, Hernandez emphasized that his decision to run was motivated by what he described as a desire to improve conditions in the city. “I’m doing this because I love the city and want to make it better,” he said.

“I don’t have baggage like [many of the other candidates]. I’m a businessman; I’m logical; I know technology; and know how to structure budgets.”

Hernandez, who is registered as a Republican, is the head of Blue Water Venture Partners, a healthcare and technology investment firm headquartered in Manhattan.

His campaign platform has centered on public safety, housing, and modernization initiatives.

He has pledged to add 10,000 police officers to the New York Police Department and to implement measures aimed at improving security across the city.

In addition to policing, Hernandez has called for repurposing unused office space into affordable housing units, arguing that vacant commercial real estate should be transformed into residences to meet demand.

His plan also includes leveraging artificial intelligence to improve municipal services and day-to-day quality of life in New York City.

The race also features two other independent candidates: former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and current New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Cuomo entered the race after losing to Mamdani in the Democratic primary, while Adams announced his candidacy following criticism of his administration’s handling of crime and housing issues.

Hernandez reported raising approximately $300,000 since his campaign launched in late June.

He has secured endorsements from several groups, including the Bodega and Small Business Group, which cited his business background and public safety proposals as reasons for their support.

The entry of Hernandez adds another dimension to the mayoral race, which has already drawn national attention given Mamdani’s nomination and the involvement of high-profile figures such as Cuomo and Adams.

Hernandez’s campaign is expected to focus heavily on contrasting his experiences as an immigrant and businessman with Mamdani’s platform, as well as on pitching himself as an outsider with no political entanglements.

The election is scheduled for November, with candidates now intensifying their campaigns and seeking to draw support from a city electorate facing concerns over crime, housing affordability, and economic recovery.

New Evidence Emerges in Adam Schiff’s Mortgage Fraud Case
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New Evidence Emerges in Adam Schiff’s Mortgage Fraud Case

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Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) is facing intensifying scrutiny after newly released records revealed he secured mortgage rates as low as 3% on both his Maryland and California homes, despite federal prosecutors accusing him of misrepresenting his residency status to obtain financial advantages.

The Department of Justice alleges that Schiff, now the junior senator from California, improperly claimed two separate homes as primary residences for more than a decade.

That practice, prosecutors contend, allowed him to benefit from lower mortgage interest rates and reduced property taxes.

A Maryland grand jury is currently reviewing evidence in the case and weighing potential charges.

According to documents made public this week, Schiff refinanced both properties in 2020 and locked in rates of 3%, even though only one was designated as a primary residence.

That rate matched the national average for primary home mortgages at the time, while second residences typically carried higher rates.

Schiff had listed his 3,420-square-foot house in Potomac, Maryland, as a second home in 2020, 16 years after buying the property in 2003.

Neighbors say Schiff spends most of his time at the Maryland residence, which is now valued at approximately $1.4 million—almost double its original purchase price.

Meanwhile, Schiff designated his smaller 650-square-foot condo in Burbank, California, as his primary residence.

By doing so, he qualified for a homeowner’s tax exemption, reducing his property taxes by about $7,000.

Analysts estimate that the favorable mortgage terms and tax breaks saved Schiff between $30,000 and $50,000 over the 16-year period.

Financial disclosure reports also show Schiff’s personal wealth has grown considerably.

His reported bank assets rose to between $1.18 million and $2.63 million in 2024, up from between $1.02 million and $2.37 million in 2023.

In 2022, the year before he purchased the Maryland home, those assets were listed between $578,000 and $1.35 million.

The records further reveal Schiff did not disclose his mortgages on annual financial reports until 2011, years after he had purchased both properties. He has not offered an explanation for the omission.

Schiff, 65, built his national profile by leading the first House impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump.

Throughout his career, he has frequently argued that “no one’s above the law.” Trump has openly criticized Schiff, labeling him “crooked” and a “low-life.”

“I have always suspected Shifty Adam Schiff was a scam artist,” Trump posted on Truth Social in July.

Federal prosecutors have accused Schiff of wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, and making false statements to financial institutions.

Each of the charges carries penalties of up to 30 years in prison.

Schiff has denied any wrongdoing, calling the probe politically motivated.

“Since I led his first impeachment, Trump has repeatedly called for me to be arrested for treason,” Schiff wrote on X after the investigation became public in July.

“This is just Donald Trump’s latest attempt at political retaliation against his perceived enemies.”

Republicans, however, have rejected Schiff’s defense.

“Adam Schiff’s baseless smears of corruption against President Trump and Republicans have one simple explanation — he’s projecting,” Republican National Committee Press Secretary Kiersten Pels told The Post.

“Schiff is a proven liar, a con man, and a fraud.”

The Maryland grand jury has not yet issued a decision on whether Schiff will face indictment, but the investigation remains ongoing.

Adam Schiff Struggles Live on CNN When Asked About Trump’s Peace Efforts
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Adam Schiff Struggles Live on CNN When Asked About Trump’s Peace Efforts

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Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) was pressed Friday on CNN over whether President Donald Trump deserves credit for working to achieve peace between Russia and Ukraine following Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska.

Appearing on CNN’s The Lead, Schiff was asked by host Jake Tapper about the significance of Trump’s summit with Putin and whether his efforts represented progress compared to Joe Biden’s approach.

Tapper noted that Biden’s strategy on Ukraine had failed to stop the war despite providing billions in aid to Kyiv.

Schiff was reluctant to give Trump credit, instead emphasizing his preference for expanded U.S. military support to Ukraine.

“Look, I’m all for any attempt to bring an end to the bloodshed, but what would have been, I think, a far more successful strategy for the President was to have Ukraine’s back, to be leaning into providing material and military support to Ukraine, to give Ukraine the resources it needed to take out the trains carrying fuel going to the front, which have continued to feed the war,” Schiff said.

The Anchorage summit marked Trump’s latest attempt to broker peace in Eastern Europe.

While no official agreement was announced, Trump has consistently called for a permanent resolution to the conflict and warned Putin that sanctions could follow if negotiations did not begin.

Schiff, however, argued that Trump has weakened Ukraine’s position in the war.

“So I agree, the Biden approach didn’t succeed, and I think because it was too slow to provide enough material support to Ukraine to give Ukraine that military advantage it needed,” Schiff continued.

“But what the President has done since taking office has been to undercut that. We have a bipartisan bill, as you know, strongly bipartisan, to sanction Russia. The President hasn’t allowed that legislation to move forward, and the President’s own threat of imposing sanctions he withdrew on, at least until now. So I don’t think this is the successful negotiating posture Ukraine deserves.”

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has spanned three administrations.

Fighting initially erupted under the Obama administration following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.

A full-scale war broke out in 2022 under Biden, who pledged billions in U.S. assistance to Ukraine.

Despite the flow of aid, Ukrainian forces were unable to secure decisive victories, and the war has continued into 2025.

During Biden’s presidency, the U.S. government issued sanctions on Russian banks and debt, barred American investment in separatist-controlled regions of Ukraine, and later reimposed sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.

Biden promised additional action if Russia escalated further, stating that the United States and its allies would respond “in a united and decisive way.”

“The world will hold Russia accountable,” Biden said in February 2022, shortly before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin responded at the time with warnings that any attempts to obstruct Moscow would result in “consequences you have never seen in history.”

Since returning to the White House, Trump has framed his approach around direct negotiations and long-term peace agreements rather than open-ended aid packages or temporary ceasefires.

The Anchorage meeting with Putin is expected to be followed by discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is scheduled to visit the White House on Monday.

Trump has emphasized that his administration’s goal is to end the war permanently, contrasting his strategy with the Biden-Harris administration’s reliance on sanctions and military aid.

The president has argued that only a negotiated settlement between Moscow and Kyiv can bring an end to the conflict and restore stability in the region.

Bondi Strengthens Crime Crackdown After DC Officials Defy Trump Orders
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Bondi Strengthens Crime Crackdown After DC Officials Defy Trump Orders

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Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a new directive Friday evening requiring the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in Washington, D.C., to cooperate fully with federal immigration authorities, escalating the Trump administration’s federal takeover of the city.

The order compels the MPD to work “fully and completely” with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies, reversing the city’s long-standing sanctuary policies.

It follows Bondi’s earlier anti-sanctuary directive on Thursday, which had already triggered pushback from D.C. officials.

“Today’s order is even STRONGER than yesterday’s order because instead of requiring DC to rescind just one MDP order, [Bondi] has now REQUIRED full cooperation with federal immigration authorities,” Department of Justice spokesperson Chad Gilmartin said in a statement.

“We are NOT backing down. As required by law, DC’s Police Chief ‘shall provide’ services [President Donald Trump] may deem ‘necessary & appropriate.’”

Bondi’s Thursday order placed Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) administrator Terry Cole in charge of the MPD and rescinded multiple directives that had limited cooperation with ICE.

That move was immediately challenged by city leadership.

Democratic D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb sent a letter to MPD Chief Pamela Smith urging her to ignore the order.

“It is my opinion that the Bondi order is unlawful, and that you are not legally obligated to follow it,” Schwalb wrote.

“Having been duly appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council, you are the lawfully appointed Chief of Police of the District of Columbia. Therefore, members of MPD must continue to follow your orders and not the orders of any official not appointed by the Mayor.”

The updated Friday directive does not place Cole at the head of MPD, but it significantly broadens the mandate by requiring full participation by the city’s police force in immigration enforcement operations.

The Trump administration’s push comes amid a wider federal effort to address violent crime and illegal immigration in the nation’s capital.

In recent days, hundreds of National Guard troops and additional federal law enforcement officers have been deployed to Washington, D.C.

According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the operations have already produced measurable results.

On Wednesday, MPD and federal agents conducted a joint operation that led to 45 arrests, including 29 illegal aliens.

Despite these developments, D.C. leadership has continued to resist. On Friday, Schwalb filed a lawsuit challenging the federal takeover of MPD, accusing the Trump administration of violating the city’s “home rule” provisions.

Mayor Muriel Bowser has also spoken out against the moves, aligning with Schwalb in opposition to the administration’s directives.

Bondi defended the new order in her Friday night announcement and criticized Schwalb’s position.

“Unfortunately, the DC Attorney General continues to oppose our efforts to improve public safety in Washington, DC,” Bondi said in a statement.

“It is important to note that this same DC Attorney General is responsible for failing to enforce consequences for dangerous juvenile offenders.”

The legal clash over authority in the nation’s capital adds another layer to the ongoing dispute between the Trump administration and Democratic city leaders.

While Bondi has emphasized the need for federal-local cooperation in combating crime and enforcing immigration laws, D.C. officials argue that the measures undermine local autonomy.

The outcome of Schwalb’s lawsuit and the federal government’s enforcement push will shape the next phase of the Trump administration’s takeover of public safety operations in Washington, D.C.

For now, Bondi’s directive stands, and MPD officers are required to comply with federal immigration authorities as the administration continues its efforts in the city.


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