The Treasury Department is reviewing a proposal to mint new $1 coins featuring President Donald Trump’s image as part of the upcoming commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, FOX Business reported Friday.
In a statement provided to FOX Business, a Treasury spokesperson tied the proposed coin to the broader effort to honor the nation’s founding.
“Despite the radical left’s forced shutdown of our government, the facts are clear: Under the historic leadership of President Donald J. Trump, our nation is entering its 250th anniversary stronger, more prosperous, and better than ever,” the spokesperson said.
BREAKING Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent just CONFIRMED the first drafts of Trump on the $1 coin honoring America’s 250th Birthday are real
The spokesperson added that a design has not yet been finalized.
“While a final $1 dollar coin design has not yet been selected to commemorate the United States’ semiquincentennial, this first draft reflects well the enduring spirit of our country and democracy, even in the face of immense obstacles. We look forward to sharing more soon,” the statement continued.
The draft image reviewed depicts President Trump in front of an American flag with his fist raised.
The design bears a resemblance to a photograph widely circulated after the assassination attempt against him in Pennsylvania last year, where Trump was seen reacting after being wounded in the ear and escorted off stage by Secret Service agents.
The Treasury Department has the statutory authority to authorize $1 collectible coins, including those minted to mark special anniversaries such as the United States’ semiquincentennial in 2026.
Collectible coin programs have been issued in previous years to commemorate historical figures and milestones.
The U.S. Mint most recently released commemorative coins in 2024 honoring Harriet Tubman and the Greatest Generation.
According to Mint data, the Tubman coin sold 56,894 units, while the Greatest Generation coin sold 79,980.
These figures reflect the relatively limited demand for recent commemorative coins compared with earlier programs.
Historically, several commemorative issues have seen significantly higher sales.
The Mint’s most successful commemorative coin to date remains the Statue of Liberty coin issued in 1986, which sold nearly 15.5 million coins.
Programs in the mid-1990s also saw widespread interest, particularly those linked to the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
Between 1995 and 1996, over 2.4 million commemorative coins were sold to mark the Olympic centennial.
Other high-demand issues included the 1982 George Washington 250th anniversary half dollar, which sold more than 7.1 million units, and the 1983–1984 Olympic coins for the Los Angeles Summer Games, which sold over 5 million.
The bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution, marked by commemorative coins issued in 1987, resulted in sales topping 4 million.
Whether the proposed Trump $1 coin will be approved and how widely it will be issued has not yet been determined.
The Treasury Department is expected to release additional information as the nation moves closer to the 2026 semiquincentennial.
CNN political commentator Van Jones criticized Democrats during an appearance on HBO’s Real Time Friday, saying the decision to allow a government shutdown was poorly timed and could damage the party politically.
Jones described the move as Democrats doing “the wrong thing at the wrong time for the right reason,” arguing that shutting down the federal government would have immediate negative consequences for federal workers and government services.
“I am going to maybe piss off some of my Democratic friends, but I think you can always trust our party to do the wrong thing at the wrong time for the right reason, okay,” Jones said.
“So, here’s the problem: Right now, if the Democrats don’t do anything and they pass this clean resolution, which they don’t want to do, if they did it, guess what would happen this month? Premiums would start going through the roof this month. By the time you get to the end of November, you would have Americans marching in the streets saying, I can’t pay 150% more for my insurance premiums, what the heck is going on?”
He continued, “Instead, we decided to not let that happen and shut the entire government down. So, now, people are going to be mad about the Post Office and a hundred other things that Republicans can then blame on us. So, I’m like, I get it, the base is upset, the base wants us to do something, please do something, do anything, but the something probably shouldn’t be throwing a bunch of people out of work in the federal government and crushing America’s government’s ability to function right before the pain was about to start. So, that’s my concern.”
Jones emphasized that he supported Democrats having leverage but believed the shutdown was not executed at the right time.
“I like the fact that we have this leverage, and I just want to use it at the right time,” he said.
The CNN commentator also recounted a recent conversation with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), pointing to what he viewed as inconsistency in the Democratic leadership’s stance on shutdowns.
“The weird thing is, I talked to Chuck Schumer about this like three months ago, and he was kicking me in the butt, because I had been tough on him for not allowing the government to shut down, and he convinced me that shutting the government down is stupid. Then I come on TV and he says, we’re now shutting the government down. I said, hold on a second, guys.”
Jones argued that Republicans were vulnerable over rising health care costs and that Democrats could have timed their strategy differently.
“So, look, my view is, the Republicans were about to let a bunch of Americans, 15 million Americans, step on a rake called their insurance premiums going through the roof. That’s when you shut the government down, but you do it before, and, now, it’s just going to be one more piece of garbage coming at the American people. I just think the timing’s not that great, but, look, maybe it’ll work.”
Jones’ remarks highlight divisions within the Democratic Party over how to approach the standoff and the broader political risks of a prolonged shutdown.
A Maine resident’s unexpected discovery of 250 official state ballots inside an Amazon package has fueled new concerns over election security as the state prepares for a November referendum on requiring photo identification to vote.
The incident, first reported by Maine Wire, has prompted calls for federal authorities to investigate.
The ballots, shrink-wrapped in tamper-evident packs of 50, were reportedly found earlier this week in a shipment delivered to a resident of Newburgh, Maine.
WTF. A woman in Maine received 250 state election ballots packaged inside her Amazon delivery of food and toys.
The order, which contained household items including paper plates, a bag of rice, and a toy lightsaber, appeared to have been tampered with before arriving at the woman’s home.
“When I opened it, there were 250 official State of Maine referendum ballots inside my box. Thank goodness I am an honest citizen and immediately reached out to my town clerk and took the ballots to the town for safekeeping,” the resident said.
She added, “I am greatly concerned for our state and its voting requirements.”
Election officials who reviewed photographs confirmed the ballots appeared to be authentic 2025 referendum ballots.
They were turned over to the local town office for review.
The November 4 ballot measure will decide whether Maine becomes the 37th state to require photo identification at the polls.
The proposal has drawn partisan responses, with Democrats warning it could reduce voter turnout and Republicans arguing it is necessary to restore election integrity.
Maine Democratic Party Chairman Charlie Dingman has acknowledged concerns that a voter ID law could cost his party support.
In a May 30 text message to voters, he said, “If Maine adopted Voter ID requirements similar to those of 36 other states, it could result in a loss of 13,000 Democratic votes being counted in subsequent elections.”
Republicans said the ballot discovery raises serious questions. Maine Republican Party Chairman Jim Deyermond, a retired Massachusetts State Trooper, called the incident “beyond the realm of accidental.”
He added, “This incident should be treated as a potential crime and a crime scene,” and urged the Department of Justice to “assume jurisdiction over this matter immediately.”
The Department of Justice has already been in conflict with Maine election officials over voter roll accuracy.
Last July, the DOJ requested Maine’s voter registration records, citing potential irregularities.
Deputy Assistant U.S. Attorney General Michael Gates noted that Maine could have as many as 11,000 duplicate registrations.
“Please provide a description of the steps that Maine has taken, and when those steps were taken, to identify registered voters who are ineligible to vote as well as the procedures it used to remove those ineligible voters from the registration list,” the DOJ wrote in a letter at the time.
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows rejected the request and responded, “The Gulf of Maine is awfully cold, but maybe that’s what the DOJ needs to cool down. So, here’s my answer to Trump’s DOJ today: go jump in the Gulf of Maine.”
Bellows, a Democrat who is running for governor in 2026, has also acknowledged that non-citizens are registered to vote in Maine.
Maine’s Secretary of State admits she believes non-citizens are registered to vote in Maine. pic.twitter.com/ekw46kUJTe
The ballot incident comes as debates over federal oversight of elections intensify.
During the Reconstruction era, states with histories of discriminatory practices were subject to federal supervision under the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Section 5 of the act required federal approval for election law changes and authorized federal observers to monitor voting in certain jurisdictions.
Some analysts argue that similar oversight could be necessary in modern contexts where states are alleged to be failing to enforce federal election law.
Steve Robinson, reporting for Maine Wire, noted that irregularities involving 13,000 or 11,000 votes could significantly alter control of Congress.
With Maine voters set to decide the photo ID referendum in November, questions remain about how the state will respond to the ballot incident and whether further federal action will be taken.
The case has reignited calls for stronger safeguards to ensure only eligible citizens cast ballots in upcoming elections.
President Donald Trump has directed his administration to examine whether federal funds can be withdrawn from Portland, Oregon, following violent protests in the city.
The directive came after the arrest of conservative influencer Nick Sortor on charges of second-degree disorderly conduct during demonstrations near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the president’s order during a Friday press briefing, citing growing concerns over unrest in the city and what she described as tolerance for lawlessness by local officials.
“This incident is part of a troubling trend in Portland, where left-wing mobs believe they get to decide who can visit and live in their city. It is not their city, it is the American people’s city, and President Trump is going to restore that,” Leavitt told reporters.
She added that the president has instructed his staff to begin reviewing federal aid directed to Portland.
“I just spoke with the President about this, and he has directed his team here at the White House to begin reviewing aid that can potentially be cut in Portland. We will not fund states that allow anarchy. There will also be an additional surge of federal resources to Portland immediately, including enhanced CBP and ICE resources. Law and order will prevail, and President Trump will make sure of it,” Leavitt said.
BREAKING: President Trump has ordered Pete Hegseth to deploy active duty troops to liberate “war ravaged Portland” following the city’s targeted, politically-motivated arrest of me
“President Trump will END the RADICAL LEFT’S REIGN OF TERROR in Portland once and for all!” pic.twitter.com/h9PRsFyDxC
The administration has already deployed 200 Oregon National Guard soldiers to Portland in response to the demonstrations, although a federal judge is currently reviewing the legality of that deployment.
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson pushed back against the White House:
“Let me be clear: Portland is not a military target. We will use every legal and constitutional tool at our disposal to protect our residents, uphold our values, and defend the rights of every Portlander,” Wilson said in a statement.
Wilson’s office also criticized the administration’s threat to withhold funding, claiming no formal notice had been delivered to the city.
“The federal government should be focused on partnering with us to expand housing, create jobs, and bolster social services – not siphon vital funding from our economy during a government shutdown that is already hurting cities like ours across the nation,” Wilson added.
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson denounces military deployment, falsely claims footage from violent ICE riots is from 2020:
“This is not a military target. The president will not find violence or lawlessness here.” pic.twitter.com/MW9V2Gf4CI
BREAKING: I went behind the scenes at the ICE facility in Portland with the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Protective Service (@FPSDHS).
As anti-ICE protesters lay siege to the ICE facility for more than 90 consecutive days, here’s an inside look at the officers who… pic.twitter.com/Uy5pe4jJ5D
The move against Portland comes as the Trump administration is reviewing funding to several Democratic-led cities and states during the third day of a government shutdown.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought confirmed that $2.1 billion earmarked for Chicago’s Red Line Extension and the Red and Purple Modernization Project had been put on hold.
“It’s because the administration is concerned that the Biden administration was handing out taxpayer dollars to pay for this construction based on DEI,” Leavitt said.
“DOT is reviewing the race-based contracting on unconstitutional grounds, and in the meantime, the Department of Transportation funds for these projects are on hold.”
Earlier in the week, Vought announced that $18 billion in funding for several New York infrastructure projects had also been paused over similar concerns.
An additional $8 billion for environmental initiatives across 16 Democrat-led states was either paused or canceled outright.
On Thursday, President Trump and Vought met to evaluate which federal agencies could face additional layoffs if the shutdown continues.
“Discussions continue between the Office of Management and Budget and Cabinet agencies across the board, and they are actively identifying where these cuts and these layoffs have to be made as this government shutdown hopefully does not continue,” Leavitt told reporters.
The president’s directive on Portland signals an escalation in the administration’s approach to cities experiencing unrest and resistance to federal intervention.
With funding reviews underway and additional deployments announced, the White House has indicated that federal action in Portland will expand in the coming days.
Democratic candidate for Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones is facing scrutiny after text messages from 2022 surfaced in which he allegedly made violent threats against Republican colleagues, including former Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert.
The texts were reported Friday by National Review, which said it obtained the messages from Jones’ former colleague, Republican Delegate Carrie Coyner.
According to the report, Jones sent multiple messages to Coyner in August 2022, months after leaving the Virginia House of Delegates, in which he expressed violent intentions toward Gilbert.
“I will go to their funerals to piss on their graves … [to] send them out awash in something,” Jones wrote, according to National Review.
Jones reportedly went further, writing that if he were faced with Gilbert and two dictators along with a gun containing two bullets, “Gilbert gets two bullets to the head.”
In another message, he told Coyner, “Spoiler: put Gilbert in the crew with the two worst people you know and he receives both bullets every time.”
Coyner pushed back in the exchange, asking Jones to stop.
“It really bothers me when you talk about hurting people or wishing death on them … no matter who they are,” she wrote, according to the outlet.
Jones allegedly responded with “Lol” and “Ok, ok.”
The private messages offer a disturbing glimpse into how Jones — who is looking to oust incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares this fall — describes his political adversaries in private conversations. pic.twitter.com/vvbtcn4vIQ
The texts have become a significant issue in Jones’ campaign against Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares ahead of Virginia’s November general election.
Jones, however, issued a statement to WTVR Richmond, where he did not deny sending the texts but blamed the controversy on what he called “Trump-controlled media.”
“Like all people, I’ve sent text messages that I regret and I believe that violent rhetoric has no place in our politics,” Jones said.
He accused Miyares of “dropping smears through Trump-controlled media organizations to assault my character and rescue his desperate campaign.”
According to National Review, after the 2022 text exchange, Jones also called Coyner and reportedly said that Republican officials such as Gilbert should “experience pain” so that it would result in policy changes.
He allegedly suggested that Gilbert’s wife should witness her child die.
Coyner later confirmed the text exchange in a statement to the outlet, saying, “What he said was not just disturbing but disqualifying for anyone who wants to seek public office.”
Jones’ remarks drew condemnation from both Republicans and Democrats.
Former Democratic Representative Abigail Spanberger, now the Democratic nominee for Virginia governor, told WJLA that she spoke to Jones after the story surfaced and told him “that he must fully take responsibility for his words.”
BREAKING: Virginia Democrat Gubernatorial Candidate Abigail Spanberger Responds to Bombshell Leaked Messages from AG Nominee Jay Jones
She is “disgusted” and claims she has “made it clear” that she “condemns violent language”.
The Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) called on Jones to withdraw from the race.
In a statement posted on X, Executive Director Adam Piper said, “Conservatives are being executed for their beliefs, and text messages like these are part of the problem. Virginia deserves far better.”
Jones’ campaign has already faced controversy over unrelated issues.
In 2022, he served a sentence for reckless driving in Virginia, fulfilling community service hours through his own political action committee.
Miyares criticized the move in a recent post on X, saying Jones attempted to avoid jail time by counting work for his PAC as community service.
“This raises serious, troubling questions about Jay Jones’ judgment, his ability to uphold the law, and, ultimately, his qualifications for Attorney General,” Miyares wrote.
Instead of taking accountability for his actions, it appears that my opponent submitted a letter to the Court stating that he performed 500 hours of ‘community service’ for his own PAC, which isn’t a charitable organization under state code, to dodge potential jail time.
Hamas announced on Friday that it had agreed in principle to release all remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza, including both the living and the dead, and expressed readiness to enter negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
The announcement followed what the group described as “extensive consultations” and came just days after President Donald Trump introduced a detailed peace proposal alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The militant group issued a statement saying it was prepared to immediately begin negotiations with the involvement of mediators to finalize the details of an arrangement.
According to Israeli and international reports, approximately 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with about 20 believed to still be alive.
The development comes amid heightened pressure from the United States.
President Trump set a firm deadline of 6 p.m. Sunday for Hamas to accept his peace initiative, warning that “all hell” would break loose if the group refused.
His remarks followed the release of a 20-point peace plan earlier in the week, which Israel formally accepted.
President Donald J. Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict:
1. Gaza will be a deradicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors.
2. Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough.
1. Gaza will be a deradicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors.
2. Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough.
3. If both sides agree to this proposal, the war will immediately end. Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed upon line to prepare for a hostage release. During this time, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended, and battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal.
4. Within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting this agreement, all hostages, alive and deceased, will be returned.
5. Once all hostages are released, Israel will release 250 life sentence prisoners plus 1700 Gazans who were detained after October 7th 2023, including all women and children detained in that context. For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.
6. Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries.
7. Upon acceptance of this agreement, full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip. At a minimum, aid quantities will be consistent with what was included in the January 19, 2025, agreement regarding humanitarian aid, including rehabilitation of infrastructure (water, electricity, sewage), rehabilitation of hospitals and bakeries, and entry of necessary equipment to remove rubble and open roads.
8. Entry of distribution and aid in the Gaza Strip will proceed without interference from the two parties through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent, in addition to other international institutions not associated in any manner with either party. Opening the Rafah crossing in both directions will be subject to the same mechanism implemented under the January 19, 2025 agreement.
9. Gaza will be governed under the temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities for the people in Gaza. This committee will be made up of qualified Palestinians and international experts, with oversight and supervision by a new international transitional body, the “Board of Peace,” which will be headed and chaired by President Donald J. Trump, with other members and heads of State to be announced, including Former Prime Minister Tony Blair. This body will set the framework and handle the funding for the redevelopment of Gaza until such time as the Palestinian Authority has completed its reform program, as outlined in various proposals, including President Trump’s peace plan in 2020 and the Saudi-French proposal, and can securely and effectively take back control of Gaza. This body will call on best international standards to create modern and efficient governance that serves the people of Gaza and is conducive to attracting investment.
10. A Trump economic development plan to rebuild and energize Gaza will be created by convening a panel of experts who have helped birth some of the thriving modern miracle cities in the Middle East. Many thoughtful investment proposals and exciting development ideas have been crafted by well-meaning international groups, and will be considered to synthesize the security and governance frameworks to attract and facilitate these investments that will create jobs, opportunity, and hope for future Gaza.
11. A special economic zone will be established with preferred tariff and access rates to be negotiated with participating countries.
12. No one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave will be free to do so and free to return. We will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza.
13. Hamas and other factions agree to not have any role in the governance of Gaza, directly, indirectly, or in any form. All military, terror, and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities, will be destroyed and not rebuilt. There will be a process of demilitarization of Gaza under the supervision of independent monitors, which will include placing weapons permanently beyond use through an agreed process of decommissioning, and supported by an internationally funded buy back and reintegration program all verified by the independent monitors. New Gaza will be fully committed to building a prosperous economy and to peaceful coexistence with their neighbors.
14. A guarantee will be provided by regional partners to ensure that Hamas, and the factions, comply with their obligations and that New Gaza poses no threat to its neighbors or its people.
15. The United States will work with Arab and international partners to develop a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) to immediately deploy in Gaza. The ISF will train and provide support to vetted Palestinian police forces in Gaza, and will consult with Jordan and Egypt who have extensive experience in this field. This force will be the long-term internal security solution. The ISF will work with Israel and Egypt to help secure border areas, along with newly trained Palestinian police forces. It is critical to prevent munitions from entering Gaza and to facilitate the rapid and secure flow of goods to rebuild and revitalize Gaza. A deconfliction mechanism will be agreed upon by the parties.
16. Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza. As the ISF establishes control and stability, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw based on standards, milestones, and timeframes linked to demilitarization that will be agreed upon between the IDF, ISF, the guarantors, and the Unites States, with the objective of a secure Gaza that no longer poses a threat to Israel, Egypt, or its citizens. Practically, the IDF will progressively hand over the Gaza territory it occupies to the ISF according to an agreement they will make with the transitional authority until they are withdrawn completely from Gaza, save for a security perimeter presence that will remain until Gaza is properly secure from any resurgent terror threat.
17. In the event Hamas delays or rejects this proposal, the above, including the scaled-up aid operation, will proceed in the terror-free areas handed over from the IDF to the ISF.
18. An interfaith dialogue process will be established based on the values of tolerance and peaceful co-existence to try and change mindsets and narratives of Palestinians and Israelis by emphasizing the benefits that can be derived from peace.
19. While Gaza re-development advances and when the PA reform program is faithfully carried out, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognize as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.
20. The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous co-existence.
Trump and Netanyahu presented the proposal as the most viable path to ending the war that began with Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
Israeli forces launched a large-scale ground operation in Gaza in response to that assault, which killed and injured thousands and led to the abduction of hostages into Gaza.
Since then, Israel’s military campaign has targeted remaining Hamas strongholds, with operations continuing even as hostage negotiations moved forward intermittently.
For weeks, international mediators, including officials from Qatar and Egypt, attempted to broker agreements for partial hostage releases, but progress stalled repeatedly.
The announcement from Hamas represents the first time the group has publicly signaled willingness to release all hostages and enter comprehensive negotiations under an American-led framework.
Families of the hostages have urged both governments and international actors to secure their loved ones’ release as quickly as possible, citing deteriorating conditions and uncertainty about their fate.
President Trump has framed the situation as a critical test for Hamas, telling reporters earlier this week that his administration was prepared to escalate consequences if the deadline was ignored.
“All hell will break loose if they don’t agree,” he said, driving home his administration’s position that further delays would not be tolerated.
The conflict, which has stretched nearly a year, has drawn international responses ranging from calls for ceasefire to diplomatic recognition of Palestinian statehood by some European governments.
The announcement from Hamas introduces a possible turning point, though questions remain over whether the group will follow through.
As the deadline approaches, attention remains on whether Hamas will act on its statement and whether the mediated talks will move forward.
For the families of those still in captivity, the possibility of resolution offers a measure of hope, but uncertainty remains as Israel and its allies weigh the next steps in the conflict.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem was denied entry into the Village of Broadview Municipal Building in Illinois, where she said she and her staff attempted to stop briefly to use the restroom.
The incident drew attention after Noem described being shouted at and physically blocked from entering the taxpayer-funded facility.
According to Noem, the exchange took place when she approached the building and asked, “Can we use your restroom?” A man inside the building responded, “No! You cannot!” before closing the door on her.
“This is what Governor Pritzker calls cooperation,” Noem remarked following the encounter.
She later added, “This is what we have to put up with every single day,” during an interview with podcast host Benny Johnson.
Noem said the situation reflected the type of obstruction federal authorities face regularly, despite their efforts to combat crime.
“All we’re doing is getting criminals and terrorists and heroin and gang members off the streets to make families safer,” she told Johnson.
BREAKING: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was just barred at the doors and screamed at while trying to enter Broadview City Hall.
Sec. Noem says this is the everyday reality for officers in cities led by Democrats like Governor JB Pritzker, facing attacks and harassment just for doing… pic.twitter.com/l3FUGD6NVC
The Village of Broadview, where the incident occurred, receives approximately $1 million annually in federal funding.
Noem stressed that the funding connection made the denial even more troubling.
In a public statement following the event, Noem said, “My team and I were just blocked from accessing the Village of Broadview Municipal Building in Illinois. We were stopping for a quick bathroom break. This is a public building. The Village of Broadview receives at least $1 million in federal funding every year.”
She added, “This is how JB Pritzker and his cronies treat our law enforcement. Absolutely shameful.”
My team and I were just blocked from accessing the Village of Broadview Municipal Building in Illinois. We were stopping for a quick bathroom break. This is a public building. The Village of Broadview receives at least $1 million in federal funding every year.
The confrontation highlights an ongoing tension between federal officials and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s administration.
Noem has previously criticized the state’s handling of cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and law enforcement support.
The exchange at the Broadview facility added another public clash to that strained relationship.
The Department of Homeland Security under Noem has emphasized efforts to curb illegal activity, including targeting drug trafficking and gang violence.
During her remarks, Noem reiterated that DHS operations are aimed at “making families safer” by removing criminals from communities.
Noem’s comments came as part of broader criticism of Illinois’ approach to federal-state cooperation on law enforcement matters.
The incident in Broadview provided a concrete example for her office to point to, given that the building in question is publicly funded and partially reliant on federal support.
Officials from the Village of Broadview did not immediately provide a statement on the matter.
The refusal, however, has already been circulated widely on social media after Noem shared her account of what took place.
For Noem, the denial of entry into a building supported by federal funds became a symbol of what she describes as daily challenges in carrying out DHS operations.
At present, the Department of Homeland Security has not indicated whether it will pursue any formal complaint regarding the incident, but Noem’s statements suggest the confrontation will continue to factor into her broader criticisms of Illinois leadership.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing a public challenge from one of the state’s most famous athletes over his clean energy policies.
Professional golfer Phil Mickelson, a six-time major championship winner and longtime California resident, has called on the governor to participate in a town hall debate about offshore drilling projects, specifically naming Sable Offshore.
Mickelson issued the invitation Wednesday night on social media, posting, “If you would like to have a town hall meeting with me to discuss Sable Offshore I will meet you anytime and anyplace. Let’s discuss this openly so the public knows the facts.”
If you would like to have a town hall meeting with me to discuss Sable Offshore I will meet you anytime and anyplace. Let’s discuss this openly so the public knows the facts. https://t.co/8LB1rgeewz
The unexpected call-out came shortly after Newsom criticized President Donald Trump’s administration for announcing plans to cancel billions in federal subsidies tied to green energy programs.
Bloomberg reported that nearly $8 billion in funding for hydrogen hubs, wind projects, and solar initiatives, including projects in California and the Pacific Northwest, would be halted.
Newsom, who has built a national profile on renewable energy mandates, responded on social media by condemning the cuts.
“In Trump’s America, energy policy is set by the highest bidder, economics and common-sense be damned,” Newsom wrote.
“We’ll keep chasing an all-of-the-above clean energy strategy to power our future and clean our air — no matter what politicians in DC try to dictate.”
Mickelson quickly pushed back, arguing that the state has overlooked concerns raised by Californians about controversial offshore developments.
He followed up his initial challenge with another post indicating he had attempted to contact the governor directly.
“I called your office yesterday and left my number with your assistant,” Mickelson wrote, adding a crossed-fingers emoji.
The dispute emphasizesa broader conflict between the Trump administration and democratic governors over renewable energy funding and priorities.
White House Budget Director Russell Vought confirmed that the cuts are part of larger spending reductions tied to the ongoing government shutdown, with Democratic-leaning states seeing many of the reductions first.
Hydrogen energy hubs planned along the West Coast were among the initial programs affected. Newsom and other Democrats have pledged to continue advancing clean energy initiatives despite the loss of federal support.
Mickelson’s involvement has drawn attention to Sable Offshore and similar projects, which critics say have moved forward without sufficient transparency or public debate.
His call for a town hall reflects broader frustrations in the state about how energy and environmental policies are being implemented.
Mickelson has previously voiced opposition to California’s high tax policies and hinted at leaving the state, though he has remained a prominent resident and sports figure.
His challenge to Newsom adds a new voice to the debate over the state’s energy direction at a moment when California faces mounting questions about the costs and impacts of its policies.
As of Thursday, Newsom’s office had not issued a response to Mickelson’s offer.
Should the governor agree, it would set the stage for a high-profile and unusual political forum, pairing a celebrated athlete with California’s top elected official to debate the future of energy in the state.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clashed with a reporter Thursday during a press gaggle outside the White House, as she defended President Donald Trump’s position on the government shutdown and criticized Democrats for attempting to restore healthcare benefits for illegal aliens.
Leavitt said the shutdown occurred because Democrats refused to support a continuing resolution (CR) that did not include the restoration of taxpayer-funded benefits to non-citizens.
She argued that Democrats had previously supported similar stopgap funding measures more than a dozen times.
“Democrats have voted for the same CR Republicans introduced 13 times in the past… now all of a sudden they are shutting the government down and they are holding our country hostage over a partisan political matter [healthcare benefits to illegal aliens]… And we stopped it. The President [Donald Trump] stopped it with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill,” Leavitt said.
“And now they want to undo the President’s very popular policy to ensure taxpayer-funded healthcare benefits only go to taxpaying, law-abiding American citizens.”
LEAVITT: DEMS SHUTDOWN HYPOCRISY
“Democrats voted 13 times for the same CR… now they’re shutting the government down to give health care benefits to illegal aliens. We stopped it. President Trump stopped it.” — @PressSec@KarolineLeavittpic.twitter.com/XumVbemnPz
The exchange escalated when a reporter challenged her statement, claiming Democrats could not provide Medicaid to what he referred to as “undocumented immigrants” because it was already prohibited under existing law.
Leavitt countered directly. “Let me ask you, do you think that illegal aliens should receive Medicaid benefits? Medicaid benefits that go to the most vulnerable people in our society.”
As the reporter attempted to redirect the discussion, Leavitt continued.
“Medicaid benefits that were designed to help low-income families and Americans in our country. So what the Biden’s administration did is they allowed tens of millions of illegal aliens from all over the world to come into our country.”
She said the prior administration used parole programs to admit large numbers of migrants and then extended temporary protective status, which in turn allowed them to access government services.
“It was a complete abuse of our immigration system. They slapped a Band-Aid on these illegals. They called it temporary protective status. And then they allowed those illegals from all over the world to get free benefits,” Leavitt said.
She added that Americans struggling under inflation and long wait times in hospitals were being forced to compete with non-citizens for services.
“You know who would like free benefits? Hard-working Americans who work their butts off every day, who are living paycheck to paycheck,” she said.
“Because of the Biden-induced inflation crisis. And there were higher wait times in hospitals under the Biden administration. We saw these illegals committing crimes all over our country. And they’re getting things for free. That is fundamentally unfair. And this administration is not going to do it.”
Watch this exchange re: Democrats wanting free healthcare for illegal aliens:
“You know who would like free benefits? Hard working Americans who work their butts off every day who are living paycheck to paycheck” @PressSecpic.twitter.com/dhm2c9k6Ee
Leavitt placed full responsibility for the shutdown on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), saying Democrats insisted on adding taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal aliens to the funding proposal.
“This White House is showing no weakness when it comes to their messaging on the shutdown, putting the blame squarely on the Democrats and Senator Chuck Schumer,” she said.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) backed up the White House’s position, pointing to the Democrats’ legislative text.
“This isn’t a Republican talking point, or political spin… It’s what Democrats put IN WRITING: On page 57, section 2141, of their OWN bill, Democrats restore taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal immigrants,” Johnson wrote on X.
Johnson encouraged the public to review the bill for themselves, saying the evidence was clear.
This isn’t a Republican talking point, or political spin…it’s what Democrats put IN WRITING:
On page 57, section 2141, of their OWN bill, Democrats restore taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal immigrants.
The exchange marked the latest development in the political standoff over government funding, as both chambers continue negotiations to end what Republicans have labeled the “Schumer Shutdown.”
Apple removed a widely used tracking app from its App Store on Thursday after the Department of Justice (DOJ), under the direction of Attorney General Pam Bondi, raised concerns that the tool endangered federal immigration officers.
The app, ICEBlock, allowed users to anonymously report sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. DOJ officials argued the app put federal officers at risk and could help shield illegal aliens from enforcement operations.
BREAKING: Apple has finally TAKEN DOWN the ICEBlock app, which was used by leftists like the Dallas ICE shooter, to dox the location of ICE agents
Good, but this took WAY too long.
The Trump DOJ intervened, pushing Apple to make the move.
“We reached out to Apple today demanding they remove the ICEBlock app from their App Store — and Apple did so,” Bondi said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“ICEBlock is designed to put ICE agents at risk just for doing their jobs, and violence against law enforcement is an intolerable red line that cannot be crossed. This Department of Justice will continue making every effort to protect our brave federal law enforcement officers, who risk their lives every day to keep Americans safe.”
The decision comes amid heightened concern over rising violence against ICE personnel.
Last month, a shooting at an ICE field office in Dallas, Texas, left one detainee dead and two critically injured.
Officials said the suspect, identified as Joshua Jahn, researched tracking apps, including ICEBlock, before opening fire from a rooftop.
Investigators concluded Jahn’s intended targets were ICE employees. One of the injured victims, a 32-year-old father of four, later died from his injuries.
Marcos Charles, acting director of ICE’s removal operations, said at a press conference that attacks on ICE officers have dramatically increased.
“The evidence is clear that this was intended as an assault on ICE personnel who come to work every day to do their job,” Charles said.
“Violent rhetoric has led to an over 1000% increase in assaults on ICE officers, and it has to stop.”
Apple confirmed the app’s removal in a statement, noting it took action after reviewing law enforcement concerns.
“We created the App Store to be a safe and trusted place to discover apps. Based on information we’ve received from law enforcement about the safety risks associated with ICEBlock, we have removed it and similar apps from the App Store,” Apple said.
Joshua Aaron, the creator of ICEBlock, criticized Apple’s decision. “Capitulating to an authoritarian regime is never the right move,” Aaron said in a statement.
“Apple has claimed they received information from law enforcement that ICEBlock served to harm law enforcement officers. This is patently false.”
Aaron maintained that ICEBlock, which had more than 1.1 million users, functioned similarly to other crowdsourced mapping apps, such as those that alert drivers about speed traps.
He argued the app was not intended to facilitate violence.
“We are determined to fight this with everything we have,” Aaron said.
“Our mission has always been to protect our neighbors from the terror this administration continues to reign down on the people of this nation.”
The removal of ICEBlock highlights growing tensions between federal authorities and technology companies over applications that can interfere with law enforcement operations.
DOJ officials have said the move is part of broader efforts to protect federal officers from targeted attacks, while Aaron and other supporters of the app argue it represents a free speech and community safety issue.
As of Thursday evening, ICEBlock and similar apps were no longer available for download from Apple’s App Store.
The DOJ said it will continue reviewing platforms and tools that pose risks to federal personnel.
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