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ESPN Commentator Paul Finebaum Considers Senate Run in Alabama After Charlie Kirk Assassination
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ESPN Commentator Paul Finebaum Considers Senate Run in Alabama After Charlie Kirk Assassination

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Longtime ESPN and SEC Network host Paul Finebaum is weighing a possible run for the United States Senate, citing the September 10 assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk as his inspiration, as reported by The Blaze.

Finebaum, who has hosted The Paul Finebaum Show for decades, told OutKick’s Clay Travis that Kirk’s death deeply affected him and left him questioning his current role in sports media.

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“I spent four hours numb, talking about things that didn’t matter to me. And it kept building throughout that weekend,” Finebaum said in the interview. “I felt very empty doing what I was doing that day.”

Finebaum added that the incident left him reflecting on his purpose. “It’s hard to describe, not being involved in politics … how that affected me and affected tens of millions of people all over this country. And it was an awakening.”

For the first time publicly, Finebaum also disclosed his political affiliation. “I am a registered Republican in North Carolina as of this hour. And I was a registered Republican in Alabama before I moved,” he said.

The 68-year-old Tennessee native revealed that he voted for President Donald Trump, though he noted, “they also tell us not to discuss that.”

The potential Senate run would be for the seat soon to be vacated by Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), who is reportedly preparing a campaign for governor. Finebaum said discussions with individuals in Alabama and Washington persuaded him to consider the opportunity.

“One or two people in Washington had reached out to me about whether I would be interested in politics, something I’d never thought about before. Something I didn’t really think possible,” Finebaum said. He added that one particular conversation was “compelling and compassionate in the approach,” which helped push him toward seriously considering candidacy.

Initially, Finebaum dismissed the idea after hearing speculation that Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl might run for Tuberville’s seat. “I was hesitant and did not take the idea of running too seriously,” Finebaum admitted.

As the weekend after Kirk’s assassination unfolded, however, his perspective shifted. “I gave some thought to it … and got a little bit more interested,” he said.

Finebaum explained why Alabama would be the best fit for his entry into politics. “Alabama has always been the place I’ve felt the most welcome, that I’ve cared the most about the people. I’ve spoken to people from Alabama for 35 years, and I feel there is a connection that is hard to explain.”

BlazeTV host Steve Deace said Finebaum has the recognition to succeed in Alabama. “He absolutely has the name ID to win a primary, which means winning the election in Alabama,” Deace said.

He also remarked on the irony of ESPN producing a conservative Senate candidate: “I’m fine with people in sports getting involved in politics, as long as they agree with me and know what time it is. It would be delicious irony for woke ESPN to produce a senator inspired by my friend Charlie Kirk’s boldness.”

ESPN declined to comment, and Finebaum’s program did not respond to media inquiries.

New York City’s Financial Sector Is in Trouble as Jobs Flee to Red States
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New York City’s Financial Sector Is in Trouble as Jobs Flee to Red States

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New York City’s role as the nation’s leading financial center is showing signs of strain, according to new data and warnings from one of the city’s top business leaders.

Kathryn Wylde, president and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, said in an interview Sunday on WABC 770 AM’s “Cats Roundtable” that the city faces a critical challenge in maintaining its status.

“Right now, the big challenge is are we going to remain competitive for jobs?” Wylde said.

She emphasized that the financial services industry, long a cornerstone of the city’s economy, is shrinking in New York.

“They’re our biggest taxpayers and major employers – and that industry is shrinking in New York,” she told host John Catsimatidis.

Figures compiled by the Partnership for New York City and shared with FOX Business show that Texas has now overtaken New York in the size of its financial services workforce.

In 2024, Texas recorded 519,000 financial sector employees compared to New York’s 507,000.

The data includes banking and finance roles but excludes insurance and real estate jobs.

Within New York City, the industry shed 8,400 jobs from January through August of this year.

That contrasts with the same period last year, when the sector added 6,400 jobs.

Since 2019, New York City’s financial services workforce has expanded by just 4 percent.

By comparison, Austin’s sector grew 27 percent, Charlotte rose 21 percent, and Dallas increased 11 percent over the same period.

Major employers have followed the broader migration trend. JPMorgan Chase now employs more workers in Texas than in New York.

The bank reported a workforce of about 31,500 in Texas last year, making it the state with the company’s largest employee base.

JPMorgan still has 24,000 employees in New York City, compared with 18,000 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but the momentum is shifting.

Goldman Sachs employs 7,800 people in New York City, while its Dallas hub is expected to expand from 4,000 employees to more than 5,000.

“We are seeing an acceleration of financial services jobs relocating to states where the cost of living and doing business is far lower than New York,” Wylde told FOX Business.

She said headquarters are still based in New York, but the erosion of the workforce threatens the tax base.

“Low taxes are the biggest competitive advantage of other states, allowing financial professionals to go from giving 55% of their earnings to government in New York City to 38% in Texas or Florida,” she added.

Despite the declines, New York City remains the leader in overall banking employment, though competitors are narrowing the gap.

Wylde said stemming the losses will require significant changes.

“We have to stop the drain. The only way we can do that is we’ve got to manage our budget in a way that we control spending and control taxes and keep public safety and improve affordability,” she said during the interview.

Wylde also commented on the political climate in New York, where Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, is considered a frontrunner in the city’s upcoming mayoral race.

“I’m trying to assure people that New York is bigger than one person,” Wylde said.

“We absolutely are going to save New York. New York is full of leaders… In the nonprofit sector, in the cultural sector, business… No one person, no one leader is a threat to New York as long as we all stick with the city.”

The data highlights a broader national trend of financial institutions expanding into lower-tax states, where the cost of doing business and living is considerably less than in New York.

For the city, the challenge remains whether it can adapt quickly enough to retain its role as the country’s economic center while facing growing competition from rising financial hubs across the nation.

Speaker Johnson Trolls Democrats Hard with Their Own Words on Government Shutdowns
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Speaker Johnson Trolls Democrats Hard with Their Own Words on Government Shutdowns

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House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is spotlighting past statements from top Democrats as negotiations over a federal funding measure remain at a standstill.

With the government set to partially shut down at midnight Tuesday if no agreement is reached, Johnson has accused Democratic leaders of hypocrisy for refusing to compromise while previously condemning shutdowns under Republican leadership.

Johnson placed a television outside his Capitol office looping a video of prominent Democrats criticizing shutdowns in prior years.

Among those featured are Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., Minority Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass., and Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass.

In one clip from 2019, Ocasio-Cortez said on the House floor, “It is not normal to shut down the government when we don’t get what we want.”

The speaker’s office noted that Democrats are now opposing GOP-backed funding measures and risking a shutdown they once condemned.

Schumer is also shown warning in September 2024 that a government shutdown would cause widespread harm.

“If the government shuts down, it will be average Americans who suffer most. A government shutdown means seniors who rely on Social Security could be thrown into chaos,” Schumer said during a floor speech in which he accused Republicans of being led by “MAGA radicals.”

Other Democrats highlighted in Johnson’s video include Jeffries, who argued in December 2024 that a shutdown would harm working-class families.

“Families will be hurt. Farmers will be hurt,” Jeffries said.

Clark, speaking in September 2023, added, “It’s the service members who will work without a paycheck. It’s the firefighters who will be furloughed.”

Pressley, in a video posted on social media in 2024, said, “This shutdown — you know who’s going to feel the pain? You know who it hurts? You. Every day people, and the most vulnerable. Seniors, veterans, working families, hungry kids, y’all.”

Despite those earlier warnings, Republicans argue that Democrats are unwilling to support a continuing resolution to keep the government open beyond October 1.

Breitbart News reported that Democrats have refused to advance the GOP-led measure.

President Donald Trump addressed the issue Tuesday during a press conference from the Oval Office, insisting that Republicans are not seeking a shutdown.

“They are shutting it down. We’re not shutting it down. We don’t want it to shut down because we have the greatest period of time ever. I tell you we have $17 trillion being invested, so the last person that wants it shut down is us,” Trump said.

Republican lawmakers have said they expect Democrats to bear the responsibility if the deadline passes without a deal.

Several have pointed specifically to Schumer’s role, warning that he will be blamed for the shutdown should it move forward.

The video outside Johnson’s office will continue playing as both chambers weigh options in the hours before the deadline.

With neither side showing signs of concession, the impasse leaves federal employees, service members, and contractors awaiting word on whether they will face furloughs or delayed paychecks starting Wednesday.

Fort Worth Councilwoman Confronted Over Her Post Mocking Charlie Kirk
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Fort Worth Councilwoman Confronted Over Her Post Mocking Charlie Kirk

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Fort Worth City Councilwoman Elizabeth Beck is facing backlash after posting an Instagram story that appeared to mock the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.

The post, which was made shortly after Kirk’s death on September 10, referenced his support for the Second Amendment, sparking outrage among conservatives in Texas and across the country.

BlazeTV host Alex Stein responded by sending his girlfriend, Paige — known online as “Pre-Paid Wireless” — to a city council meeting to call out Beck directly. Paige joined other Texans in voicing their anger over Beck’s remarks.

“Hi, my name is Paige,” she said while addressing the council.

“Honestly, it feels like there’s no point in trying to reason with people who are so soulless and so far gone that they openly mock the tragic assassination of someone that they don’t agree with.”

She added that public officials who engage in such behavior should be held accountable.

“The two city council members who did just that need to be publicly shamed and know that this type of behavior will not be accepted in this country. But you know, one of the best parts of social media is that it shows you who people really are,” Paige continued.

Paige accused Beck of using Kirk’s death to make a political point.

“Councilwoman Beck quickly took to her Instagram after it was announced Charlie Kirk had been shot and posted ‘unfortunate’ with an out-of-context quote from Charlie Kirk about the Second Amendment on her story,” she said.

According to Paige, Beck’s post implied that individuals who support the right to bear arms deserve violence if they become victims.

“She made it clear that if you support the Second Amendment and are tragically killed by a mentally ill man with a transgender boyfriend, that you deserved what happened to you,” Paige told the council.

In addition to calling out Beck for her social media comments, Paige also raised past allegations about Beck’s conduct.

She said the councilwoman previously insulted a volleyball coach as “a white, skinny, dumb b*tch” after her daughter was not allowed to join the team due to missing tryouts.

“Are you starting to see how these people operate?” Paige asked during her remarks.

“They will call you names such as racist, bigot, white supremacist even if you don’t give them their way.”

The controversy surrounding Beck’s Instagram post comes as Texas officials and conservative activists continue to memorialize Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated earlier this month while speaking at Utah Valley University.

Tributes and vigils have taken place nationwide, and his supporters have sharply criticized those who have used his death to score political points.

Beck has not issued a public statement in response to Paige’s comments at the council meeting.

It remains unclear whether the council will take any formal action related to the controversy.

The exchange highlights the sharp divisions in Fort Worth politics, where local officials have faced criticism for their public remarks and conduct.

For now, Beck’s Instagram post and Paige’s public rebuke have added a new layer to the ongoing debates surrounding free speech, political discourse, and the legacy of Charlie Kirk.

Democrat Senator Van Hollen Cries ‘Political Persecution’ After Comey Indictment
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Democrat Senator Van Hollen Cries ‘Political Persecution’ After Comey Indictment

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Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) criticized the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey during an appearance on MSNBC’s Katy Tur Reports on Friday, calling the case politically motivated and harmful to the justice system.

Comey was indicted earlier this week on charges of making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

The charges stem from testimony in which prosecutors allege he denied authorizing anyone to act as an anonymous source regarding an FBI investigation connected to Hillary Clinton.

The indictment alleges he in fact directed his longtime associate Daniel Richman to provide information to reporters.

Van Hollen, speaking with anchor Katy Tur, argued the case represented an abuse of executive power.

“What we’re talking about here is a gross corruption of the judicial process,” he said.

“The president effectively ordering his Department of Justice to bring charges against Comey over the objections of people in the Department of Justice initially, including the Eastern District of Virginia attorney who was, by the way, a Trump supporter, who said that there were inadequate grounds for bringing these charges, as did many others.”

Van Hollen described the prosecution as politically driven.

“And so, what we see here is a political prosecution, political persecution. We are in very, very dangerous territory here. And this, of course, comes on the heels of the president’s effort to use government power to crack down on free speech,” he said.

Tur asked whether Van Hollen still had confidence in the Justice Department.

He responded that he did not.

“Oh, I do not have faith in this Justice Department,” he said.

“You’ve got an attorney general, Attorney General Bondi, who is a rubber stamp for the president rather than exercising independent legal judgment. She is just an instrument of the President of the United States. And unlike in other administrations, the president of the United States is directing the Justice Department through his social media directly.”

Van Hollen’s remarks reflect ongoing divisions in Washington over the prosecution of former senior officials tied to FBI and Justice Department actions during and after the 2016 election.

While federal prosecutors maintain the charges against Comey are based on sworn testimony and documented evidence, many Democrats have characterized the indictment as politically motivated.

Comey, who served as FBI director from 2013 until his dismissal in 2017, has been a central figure in numerous controversies.

His oversight of the Clinton email investigation, his role in approving surveillance under the Crossfire Hurricane probe, and his memos documenting conversations with President Trump have all drawn scrutiny.

The current charges add another chapter to his contentious post-government career.

The Justice Department has not issued public comment beyond the indictment itself, and Comey has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case is expected to move forward in federal court in the coming months.

NC Dem Defends Bail System After Repeat Offender Kills Ukrainian Refugee Iryna Zarutska
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NC Dem Defends Bail System After Repeat Offender Kills Ukrainian Refugee Iryna Zarutska

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A North Carolina lawmaker is facing backlash after downplaying a connection between the state’s bail system and the murder of a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee.

State Rep. Marcia Morey, a Democrat from Durham and former judge, said during a legislative session that there was “no correlation” between the death of Iryna Zarutska and the release of the man accused of killing her, despite his lengthy criminal record.

Decarlos Brown, the suspect charged in the case, has been described by law enforcement as a career criminal with a history of arrests.

Authorities say Brown had been jailed and released 14 times before allegedly stabbing Zarutska to death on a Charlotte light rail train in August.

The case has intensified debate over bail policies in North Carolina, with critics pointing to repeated releases of violent offenders as a public safety failure.

“But don’t correlate what happened in January and a magistrate who set a bail according to guidelines to what happened in August. There is no correlation,” Morey said, defending the state’s system of pretrial release.

Morey has long been one of the state’s most vocal advocates for bail reform, arguing that the system often discriminates against low-income defendants who cannot afford to post bond.

She has maintained that the current guidelines are designed to ensure fairness and consistency.

However, her remarks drew sharp criticism from lawmakers who say the Zarutska case demonstrates the dangers of allowing repeat offenders to cycle in and out of jail without consequence.

Republican Senate Leader Phil Berger directly linked the crime to policies that he argues put criminals ahead of victims.

“Iryna should still be alive. She should be thriving and enjoying time with her family and friends,” Berger said.

“We cannot let North Carolina be held hostage by woke, weak-on-crime policies and court officials who prioritize criminals over justice for victims. We are also taking steps to revive the death penalty for those who commit the most heinous crimes.”

Families of victims have also spoken out, saying the system’s leniency for repeat offenders often leads to preventable tragedies.

For them, Brown’s history of arrests and releases reflects a pattern of failures that ultimately resulted in Zarutska’s death.

The debate over bail reform has been ongoing in North Carolina for years.

Supporters argue that requiring cash bail disproportionately impacts poor defendants charged with nonviolent offenses, while wealthier individuals accused of serious crimes are able to post bond and secure release.

Opponents say the Zarutska case highlights the flaws of such policies, contending that violent offenders should not be given repeated opportunities to return to the community.

They argue that public safety must outweigh concerns about financial fairness when it comes to individuals with a record of violent behavior.

The killing of Zarutska has added urgency to legislative discussions on bail reform and criminal justice.

While Democrats like Morey continue to press for changes aimed at reducing inequities, Republicans are pushing for stricter measures to ensure repeat offenders remain behind bars.

As the investigation and court proceedings in Brown’s case move forward, Zarutska’s death remains central to a broader debate about crime, punishment, and accountability in North Carolina.

The issue is expected to remain a top focus in the state legislature in the months ahead.

Al Gore Now Using AI to Spy on You as the ‘Greatest Con Job Ever Perpetrated’ Continues
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Al Gore Now Using AI to Spy on You as the ‘Greatest Con Job Ever Perpetrated’ Continues

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Former Vice President Al Gore has launched an expanded global monitoring initiative that uses artificial intelligence and satellite technology to track pollution sources down to individual neighborhoods.

The system, unveiled Wednesday, is an extension of Climate TRACE, the coalition Gore founded to monitor methane emissions and other greenhouse gases.

According to the Associated Press, the new technology now maps soot and fine particle pollution across 2,500 cities worldwide.

The expansion enables users to identify not only broad regions but also individual houses and backyards where pollutants are being emitted.

The coalition employs a network of 300 satellites and 30,000 ground-based sensors to track more than 137,000 separate sources of particle pollution.

Of these, nearly 4,000 have been classified as “super emitters” due to the volume of pollutants they release into the atmosphere.

The announcement came just hours after President Donald Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly, where he described climate change as “the greatest con job” in the world.

The President reiterated his skepticism toward international climate initiatives, saying they often operate on public funding without accountability.

Gore said the new system will soon provide near real-time pollution tracking.

Currently, it allows users to view long-term trends, but within the next year the coalition intends to offer daily updates.

Gore expressed interest in integrating the data into weather applications, similar to how allergy reports are displayed.

In presenting the expanded capabilities, Gore emphasized that artificial intelligence now makes it possible to identify the precise origins of pollutants.

“It’s difficult, before AI, for people to really see precisely where this conventional air pollution is coming from,” Gore said.

“When it’s over in their homes and in their neighborhoods and when people have a very clear idea of this, then I think they’re empowered with the truth of their situation. My faith tradition has always taught me you will know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”

The Climate TRACE platform allows public access to data that identifies specific emitters.

Gore described himself as “thrilled” that the coalition can now monitor emissions without the knowledge of those producing them.

This latest effort follows Gore’s past comments on those who question mainstream climate science.

In 2015, he suggested that climate change “deniers” should face punishment, though he did not specify what form that punishment should take.

He also remarked that politicians who reject what he called “accepted science” should be held accountable.

More recently, Gore tied his climate activism to religious conviction, telling followers that fighting climate change is a command from God.

The expansion of Climate TRACE highlights a growing reliance on artificial intelligence and satellite monitoring in global environmental efforts, even as political leaders remain divided over the role of international climate policy.

President Trump’s remarks at the United Nations underscored the sharp divide between skeptics of global agreements and advocates such as Gore who push for expanded surveillance and accountability in the name of combating climate change.

Democrats Reportedly Furious Over Kamala Harris’ New Gossip-Filled Memoir
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Democrats Reportedly Furious Over Kamala Harris’ New Gossip-Filled Memoir

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Former Vice President Kamala Harris is facing sharp criticism from within her own party following the release of her new memoir 107 Days.

According to Politico, several Democratic operatives and strategists view the book as divisive and ill-timed, coming less than a year after her defeat in the 2024 presidential election, as reported by The Independent Journal Review.

Oct 29, 2024; Washington, DC, USA; Democratic Presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a campaign speech at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024.

Michael Hardaway, a Democratic strategist and former senior adviser to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, told Politico that Harris missed an opportunity to unite her party.

“In an era where Democrats need all hands on deck in the fight to protect the country and the constitution from the lawlessness of the Trump administration, she had a real opportunity to be a critical voice in the resistance,” Hardaway said.

“This book seems to be unhelpful and divisive in a way that makes it hard for her to be the face of the party as we look to the future.”

Other Democrats echoed that frustration. An adviser to a potential 2028 presidential candidate described Harris’ memoir as a “gossip book that prioritizes the pettiness of her politics.”

The adviser added:

“It’s embarrassing for her, and for all Democrats, considering she was the leader of the party less than a year ago.”

During her book tour this week, Harris spoke about her regrets regarding the 2024 campaign. On ABC’s Good Morning America Tuesday, she said it was “reckless” not to have shared her concerns with former President Joe Biden about his decision to seek reelection.

In a separate interview on MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show, Harris was asked about a potential 2028 run for president. She responded, “That’s not my focus right now. That’s not my focus at all, it really isn’t.”

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a rally at Shell Energy Stadium on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

David Axelrod, former chief strategist for Barack Obama’s campaigns, told Politico that Harris’ rollout appeared muddled. “If this was intended as a campaign launch, I don’t think it got off the pad. If it was intended as a catharsis, only she can know if it was successful,” Axelrod said.

One former Biden and Harris campaign staffer warned that Harris risks being seen as a “sore loser” by voters, which could harm her future prospects.

Still, some Democrats have voiced support. Mike Nellis, a strategist who worked on Harris’ 2020 campaign, praised her for speaking honestly.

“I think if we had had more difficult conversations as a party over the last couple of years, we would’ve been in a much stronger position to win the election last year,” Nellis said.

Harris announced in July that she would not run in California’s gubernatorial race, fueling speculation about a possible 2028 presidential bid. However, polling has shown limited enthusiasm among California Democrats for another Harris campaign.

CNN’s Harry Enten noted Monday that Harris’ popularity among Democrats has declined since her loss to President Donald Trump in 2024. Trump, who secured 49.8 percent of the vote compared to Harris’ 48.3 percent, became the first Republican candidate in two decades to win the popular vote.

Harris’ office did not respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.

Hegseth, Noem Back Creation of Coast Guard Secretary Amid Trump’s Drug Smuggling Crackdown
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Hegseth, Noem Back Creation of Coast Guard Secretary Amid Trump’s Drug Smuggling Crackdown

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Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem are supporting a plan to establish a new civilian secretary of the Coast Guard, a move they say will strengthen oversight and improve coordination with other branches of the military, as reported by Fox News.

Currently, the Coast Guard is the only armed service without a cabinet-level civilian secretary. It falls under the Department of Homeland Security but does not have a direct equivalent to the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, or Air Force.

The proposal, which is gaining momentum within the Trump administration and Congress, seeks to align the Coast Guard with the organizational standards of the other services under the Department of War.

In a letter obtained by Fox News Digital, Hegseth wrote to Noem outlining the importance of the change.

WASHINGTON – January 14 2025: Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense nominee, testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

“I view the creation of a Secretary of the Coast Guard as a vital step toward strengthening strategic integration and alignment between the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of War,” Hegseth said.

He added, “Furthermore, a Secretary of the Coast Guard would reinforce civilian oversight of the military, a foundational principle of our Constitution. A dedicated Service Secretary would promote appropriate executive accountability and policy guidance for the Coast Guard’s critical mission set, provide clear leadership and advocacy, and ensure that the Service is effectively advancing the priorities of the Secretary of Homeland Security and the President of the United States.”

Noem echoed the importance of creating the position, stressing that it would improve the Coast Guard’s ability to conduct joint operations with other branches of the military.

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem speaks during a press conference at Nashville International Airport announcing new express TSA lanes for military families as part of the “Serve With Honor, Travel With Ease” initiative Thursday, July 17, 2025.

She pointed to Operation Pacific Viper, a joint effort between the Coast Guard and the Navy designed to counter drug trafficking into the United States, as an example of the type of coordination that would benefit from a dedicated civilian secretary.

“The Coast Guard is the tip of the spear in the fight to protect our Homeland,” Noem said in a statement.

“Every day, they are taking down drug smugglers, going toe-to-toe with our adversaries in the Arctic and the Pacific, and saving lives. Having a Secretary of the Coast Guard will be essential for President Trump’s mandate to rebuild the Service into the finest maritime fighting force in the world.”

Supporters argue that creating the position will streamline bureaucracy by ensuring direct reporting to the White House and Congress, eliminating multiple layers of administrative hurdles.

“This person is going to be instrumental in getting things done,” Ezell, a senior administration official, told Fox News Digital.

The United States Coast Guard performs a rescue simulation at the OC Air Show Saturday, June 10, 2023, in Ocean City, Maryland.

The proposal coincides with the Coast Guard’s recently unveiled Force Design 2028 plan, which lays out reforms to its organizational structure, acquisitions, contracting, personnel, and technology.

The plan also includes aligning physical fitness, body composition, and grooming standards with those of the Department of Defense, while identifying areas where training and personnel expansion are most needed.

The Coast Guard currently has approximately 43,000 active-duty service members. Advocates of the reform say a dedicated secretary will provide the leadership necessary to strengthen the service’s role in national security, law enforcement, and humanitarian missions.


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