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WaPo Editorial Board Blasts Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Budget Plan
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WaPo Editorial Board Blasts Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Budget Plan

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The Washington Post Editorial Board issued a sharp rebuke of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s latest budget proposal, raising concerns about the city’s long-term financial stability and criticizing what it described as a continued reliance on short-term fixes rather than structural reform, as reported by the Gateway Pundit.

In an editorial published this week, the board focused on Chicago’s deep pension liabilities and warned that Johnson’s plan to close a $1.15 billion budget shortfall through higher taxes, borrowing, and other measures risks worsening the city’s fiscal problems rather than solving them.

“Chicago has long-term structural problems with its finances, thanks in large part to wildly underfunded pensions,” the editorial board wrote.

The board pointed to the city’s history of temporary solutions, including “a notorious 2008 deal that sold off 75 years of future parking meter revenue for $1.15 billion, which was quickly spent.”

Mojahid Mottakin – Shutterstock.com

“That deal is still hurting finances today, which should have taught local politicians that there is no substitute for serious fiscal reform,” the board continued. “Alas, apparently not.”

The editorial cited data showing significant growth in city spending over recent years, much of it tied to federal pandemic aid that has since expired.

The city’s net operating budget increased nearly 40 percent between 2019 and 2025, according to Grant McClintock of the Civic Federation.

“The pandemic is over, but many of the programs and personnel positions established during that time remain, and without the benefit of the federal funding that previously supported them,” McClintock said, as quoted by the Post.

Mayor Johnson, a Democrat elected in 2023, has proposed a series of tax increases to address the budget gap.

Aug 19, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. The DNC program will feature President Joe Biden and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during Monday’s ceremonies. Mandatory Credit: Jasper Colt-USA TODAY

Among them is a plan to raise the tax on leased “personal property,” including computers, vehicles, and software, from 11 percent to 14 percent.

Johnson also wants to revive Chicago’s so-called “head tax,” which would require large employers to pay $33 per worker, per month.

The Washington Post editorial board warned that such measures could damage the city’s economic prospects.

“By making it more expensive to do business or hire workers in the city, these measures threaten Chicago’s future economic growth and tax collections,” the board wrote.

It added that the proposals come at a particularly difficult moment, noting that the Chicago Federal Reserve’s 12-month hiring outlook is “the weakest it’s been since the pandemic.”

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, also a Democrat, has publicly criticized the proposed head tax, saying it would penalize employment.

Johnson was asked about Pritzker’s concerns during a recent press event and rejected them, defending his approach to closing the budget gap.

The Post editorial framed Johnson’s plan as a continuation of what it described as Chicago’s pattern of avoiding difficult fiscal choices, relying instead on borrowing, tax increases, and temporary measures to cover long-term obligations.

The criticism is notable given the newspaper’s generally favorable stance toward Democratic leaders and policies. In this case, the editorial board concluded that Chicago’s approach to budgeting reflects a failure to confront fundamental financial realities.

The city now faces the challenge of addressing pension obligations, expiring federal support, and a slowing economic outlook, all while debating whether Johnson’s proposed tax increases will stabilize city finances or accelerate economic pressure on businesses and workers.

MTG Declares ‘Dam Is Breaking’ and GOP Defections Spell Trouble—Trump Keeps Moving
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MTG Declares ‘Dam Is Breaking’ and GOP Defections Spell Trouble—Trump Keeps Moving

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Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said Tuesday that President Donald Trump is losing control over the Republican Party, pointing to recent votes by GOP lawmakers that broke with the White House and signaling what she described as the start of a “lame duck” phase ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, as reported by Breitbart.

Greene made the remarks during an appearance on CNN’s The Source, hosted by Kaitlan Collins, where she argued that recent actions by Republican lawmakers show a shift away from strict party discipline around the president.

WASHINGTON, DC – March 22, 2024: U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) speaks to reporters after voting against a government spending bill, and filing a motion to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson.

“I’d like to point something out. Just last week, and I think the dam is breaking, many Republicans may not have called him out, but last week, 13 Republicans voted with Democrats to overturn one of President Trump’s executive orders, which enabled him to fire federal workers,” Greene said.

She also referenced Republican resistance at the state level.

“We also saw Indiana Republicans vote against redistricting,” Greene said.

According to Greene, those actions reflect a broader political calculation by lawmakers preparing for the next election cycle.

“He didn’t call any of them traitors and call for primaries against them, but I would like to say that is a sign where you’re seeing Republicans, they’re entering the campaign phase for 2026, which is a large signal that lame duck season has begun and that Republicans will go in all in for themselves in order to save their own reelections,” she said.

Collins responded by pressing Greene on the implications of her comments.

WASHINGTON D.C., USA – FEBRUARY 4, 2025: Kaitlan Collins speaks ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump news conference in the East Room of the White House.

“You think the dam is breaking in terms of the president’s iron grip of support when it comes to your party,” Collins said.

“Absolutely,” Greene replied, pointing to what she described as a striking contrast between lawmakers’ public votes and their private behavior.

“Those 13 Republicans that voted to take down his executive order last week literally that same evening put on their tuxedos and their evening ball gowns and went to the White House Christmas party. That’s pretty bold,” Greene said.

The comments highlighted growing internal tensions within the Republican Party as lawmakers weigh loyalty to President Trump against their own political futures.

Greene suggested that some Republicans are increasingly willing to distance themselves from the president when it serves their electoral interests, even while maintaining outward appearances of unity.

Greene’s remarks come as Republicans begin positioning themselves for the 2026 midterm elections, a period that often brings heightened intraparty competition and shifting alliances.

Her comments also underscored frustration among some conservative lawmakers who view recent defections as a sign of weakening resolve within the GOP conference.

The vote Greene referenced involved a bipartisan effort to overturn an executive order signed by President Trump that allowed for the dismissal of certain federal workers.

Thirteen Republicans joined Democrats in opposing the order, a move that drew attention on Capitol Hill and within conservative media circles.

While Greene has been one of President Trump’s most outspoken defenders in Congress, her comments on CNN marked a rare public acknowledgment from within the GOP that the president’s influence may be facing resistance from his own party.

The White House has not responded publicly to Greene’s remarks. The lawmakers involved in the vote have also not issued collective statements addressing her criticism.

As Republicans look toward the next election cycle, Greene’s comments suggest that internal divisions, rather than unified opposition to Democrats, may become a defining feature of the party’s political landscape.

Phil Mickelson Mocks Australian Gun Control Logic After Terrorist Shooting
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Phil Mickelson Mocks Australian Gun Control Logic After Terrorist Shooting

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Golf legend Phil Mickelson responded publicly to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following the Bondi Beach attack, criticizing calls for expanded gun control by pointing to the actions of the two terrorists who opened fire Sunday evening.

Mickelson made his remarks in response to Albanese’s post-attack comments suggesting Australia should consider expanding its already strict firearms regulations. Writing in a post on X, Mickelson said the attackers “didn’t seem affected by the strict gun laws already in place.”

“In fact the shooting went on for a long time since there wasn’t anybody else with a gun to stop them,” Mickelson wrote.

Mickelson included a link to Albanese’s speech discussing the potential expansion of Australian gun controls.

Mickelson added, “I’m not a big gun guy but even I’m not this dumb to believe what this guy is selling.”

Breitbart News reported that Albanese has suggested a significant expansion of gun controls in the days following the Bondi Beach attack.

According to the report, the proposed measures would apply to law-abiding citizens rather than the two terrorists responsible for the attack.

The New York Times reported that the Australian government is considering several measures as part of its review.

Those measures include “a limit on the number of firearms a person can own and a ban on gun licenses for noncitizens.”

Albanese has also raised the possibility of setting specific time frames for reviewing gun licenses.

The purpose of those reviews, according to Albanese, would be to determine whether licensed individuals have become “radicalized.”

NPR reported that additional proposals under consideration include efforts to “speed up the establishment of a National Firearms Register.”

NPR also reported that changes to import policies are being discussed, including measures to bar “items involving 3D printing or accessories that hold large amounts of ammunition.”

Australia already maintains some of the most stringent gun control laws in the world.

Those laws were in place at the time of the Bondi Beach attack.

Mickelson’s comments focused on the fact that those existing controls did not prevent the attackers from carrying out the shooting.

Mickelson’s response came as international attention remained focused on the Bondi Beach incident and the political response that followed.

His remarks directly addressed the argument that additional restrictions would prevent similar attacks in the future.

By referencing the length of the shooting and the absence of armed intervention, Mickelson framed his criticism around the effectiveness of current policies.

His comments were limited to the actions of the attackers and the laws already governing firearm ownership in Australia.

The exchange unfolded entirely through public statements and media reporting.

Mickelson’s comments were made through X, while Albanese’s proposals were outlined through speeches and comments reported by Breitbart News, The New York Times, and NPR.

The discussion reflects the ongoing debate following the Bondi Beach attack, as Australian officials evaluate potential policy changes and critics question whether expanded gun controls would address the actions of terrorists who carried out the attack.

Karoline Leavitt Slams Vanity Fair Article Targeting Trump Chief of Staff
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Karoline Leavitt Slams Vanity Fair Article Targeting Trump Chief of Staff

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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt forcefully rejected a Vanity Fair article this week that focused on White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, accusing the magazine and its reporter of misrepresenting comments and omitting key context, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The controversy stems from a Vanity Fair story written by reporter Chris Whipple, who said he conducted multiple interviews with Wiles beginning “little more than a week before the inauguration.”

In the article, Whipple described speaking with Wiles in informal settings, including Sundays after church and once while she was doing laundry at her Washington, D.C., apartment.

WASHINGTON – February 22, 2025: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt arrives at the White House South Lawn on Marine One after her visit to CPAC.

According to Whipple’s account, Wiles discussed a wide range of topics, including what he characterized as President Donald Trump’s “alcoholic’s personality,” Vice President J.D. Vance’s political evolution from “Never Trump to MAGA,” and what he described as a decade-long period in which Vance was a “conspiracy theorist.”

Whipple also wrote that Wiles spoke about Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought as “a right-wing absolute zealot” and referenced Elon Musk’s “microdosing.”

Whipple claimed that their discussions extended to major policy and national security matters.

“Over sandwiches from the White House Mess, we talked about the challenges Trump faces. Throughout the past year, Wiles and I have spoken regularly about almost everything: the contents, and consequences, of the Epstein files; ICE’s brutal mass deportations; Elon Musk’s evisceration of USAID; the controversial deployment of the National Guard to US cities; the demolition of the East Wing; the lethal strikes on boats allegedly being piloted by drug smugglers—acts many have called war crimes; Trump’s physical and mental health; and whether he will defy the 22nd Amendment and try to stay on for a third term,” Whipple wrote.

He further stated, “Most senior White House officials parse their words and speak only on background. But over many on-the-record conversations, Wiles answered almost every question I put to her.”

Leavitt responded to the article during remarks to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, sharply disputing its characterization of Wiles and the administration.

She called the story “another example of disingenuous reporting” and said Wiles’s remarks had been taken “wildly out of context.”

“As for the Vanity Fair article, Michael, I’ll take your question directly. This is, unfortunately, another example of disingenuous reporting, where you have a reporter who took the Chief of Staff’s words wildly out of context, did not include the context those conversations were had within,” Leavitt said.

She continued, “And then further, I think the most egregious part of this article was the bias of omission that was clearly present, and we see a lot of this when dealing with the media every day— you will leave out important context, leave out comments and facts.”

Leavitt also said that multiple individuals within the White House spoke with the reporter but were not reflected in the final piece.

“You know, many people in this building spoke with that reporter, and those comments were never included in the story, probably because it didn’t push this false narrative of chaos and confusion that the reporter was clearly trying to push,” she said.

The press secretary went on to praise Wiles’s role in the administration, emphasizing her leadership and relationship with President Trump.

“So, what I’ll say about our Chief of Staff— as you’ve seen from not just myself, but also the entire cabinet and a groundswell of support from people on Capitol Hill, who don’t even work in this building— about how incredible Susie Wiles has been to President Trump,” Leavitt said.

“And he’s been able to accomplish so much because of his leadership and his tenacity, but also because of Chief of Staff Wiles’s leadership and her ability to effectuate his agenda.”

Leavitt also addressed the issue earlier on X, posting in support of Wiles and the administration.

“Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has helped President Trump achieve the most successful first 11 months in office of any President in American history,” Leavitt wrote.

“President Trump has no greater or more loyal advisor than Susie. The entire Administration is grateful for her steady leadership and united fully behind her.”

The White House has not indicated any further response to Vanity Fair beyond Leavitt’s public statements.

Ted Cruz Applauds John Fetterman’s Stand Against Antisemitism in His Own Party
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Ted Cruz Applauds John Fetterman’s Stand Against Antisemitism in His Own Party

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Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., found rare bipartisan agreement Tuesday as they jointly condemned antisemitism during an interview on Fox News’ “Hannity,” following the deadly Dec. 14 mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, as reported by Fox News.

The two senators appeared together on the program hosted by Sean Hannity, where Cruz publicly praised Fetterman for confronting antisemitism within his own party.

“I just want to commend John Fetterman for the courage he’s served… he’s shown extraordinary courage calling out antisemitism in his own party. And he’s done so at considerable cost to himself,” Cruz said during the interview.

Senator John Fetterman, D-Pa., attends a hearing of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs considering nominations on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

Their discussion centered on the Bondi Beach shooting, which occurred as roughly 1,000 people gathered at Australia’s most popular beach to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. Authorities say the attack left 15 people dead and 42 others hospitalized, including two police officers.

Reports indicate that one of the victims was a Holocaust survivor.

“What we saw on Bondi Beach was the latest manifestation of this evil, and this evil is spreading. This hatred of Israel. This hatred of Jews,” Cruz said.

“They [Jews] can’t even celebrate, you know, one of their holidays without getting gunned down and mowed and targeted,” Fetterman added.

Fetterman described the attack as a “horrific massacre” and stressed that antisemitism is an issue Democrats must directly address. Cruz agreed, condemning the violence in strong terms.

“It is grotesque, it is evil, and it is dangerous, and we need to stand up and front it,” Cruz said.

New South Wales police confirmed that two suspects, identified as a father and son, were taken into custody following the attack.

The father, 50, later died, while his 24-year-old son remains hospitalized with injuries. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the attack was motivated by “Islamic State ideology.”

Cruz echoed that assessment during the interview.

“Radical Islamic terrorism, they are at war with us,” Cruz told Fox News. “This is their objective. There’s evidence that this father-son duo of murderers were [sic] affiliated with ISIS.”

Authorities also credited Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old Muslim man, with disarming one of the attackers.

Video of Ahmed wrestling a firearm away from the gunman circulated widely online. Albanese later referred to Ahmed as an “Australian hero.”

In the aftermath of the shooting, Israeli officials sharply criticized the Australian government for what they described as failures to protect Jewish communities amid a surge in antisemitic incidents.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the attack on X by revealing that he had previously warned Albanese about rising antisemitism.

“I told him: ‘Your policy encourages terrorism. It encourages antisemitism,’” Netanyahu wrote.

The senators also discussed foreign policy, expressing agreement with President Donald Trump’s decision to bomb Iranian nuclear facilities during his second term.

“The single most important foreign policy decision President Trump has made in the second term was the decision to bomb the Iranian nuclear facilities,” Cruz said.

“When the Ayatollah chants death to America, I believe him,” Cruz added.

“The president as commander-in-chief has an obligation to keep the American people safe, and allowing the Ayatollah to acquire a nuclear weapon that he could use to murder thousands or even millions of Americans was an unacceptable risk.”

Fetterman called the strike “absolutely” appropriate.

“I believe I was the only Democrat that was actually calling for and fully supported bombing the Iranian nuclear facility,” Fetterman said.

The conversation concluded with domestic concerns, including rising antisemitic incidents in the United States.

Fetterman criticized former President Joe Biden’s border policies, calling them a “disaster,” and argued for stricter immigration vetting.

“It’s also reasonable to bring in people that have the kinds of values that are compatible with our values,” Fetterman said.

“That is not about free speech. That’s about bringing on the people that want to assimilate, and they want to build their lives in our country, not becoming part of a destructive force in our nation.”

JD Vance Completely Cooks the Democrats’ Affordability Crisis Narrative
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JD Vance Completely Cooks the Democrats’ Affordability Crisis Narrative

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Vice President JD Vance criticized Democrats for repeatedly highlighting affordability concerns, arguing that rising costs for housing, health care, and everyday expenses are the direct result of policies enacted during the Biden-Harris administration.

Speaking about the economy, Vance said current challenges were inherited and that recent improvements reflect a shift toward policies prioritizing American workers, energy production, and domestic investment.

Vance said he was struck by how often Democrats emphasize affordability while, in his view, ignoring the causes behind higher prices.

“And I got to say, I’m a little surprised. I’m a little surprised by when the Democrats talk all the time about affordability,” Vance said.

“Democrats say, you know, things aren’t affordable. This isn’t affordable. This has gotten more expensive. Drugs have gotten more expensive, housing has gotten more expensive. And you know what? They’re right? And it was because of them. It ain’t that hard.”

Vance pointed specifically to housing costs, noting that prices surged during the four years of the Biden-Harris administration.

He attributed that increase to immigration policies he said strained housing supply.

“If you go back to the four years of the Biden administration, why did housing get so expensive? Double in price during the Biden administration, it’s because Joe Biden let in 20 million illegal immigrants who took homes that all by right, go to American citizens and to the people of this great state,” Vance said.

He also addressed rising health care costs, arguing that Biden-era policies allowed pharmaceutical companies to charge Americans significantly more than consumers overseas.

“When we talk about, why did health care get so unaffordable during the Biden administration, it’s because Joe Biden allowed prescription drug companies to take advantage of this country,” Vance said.

“You know, Europeans were paying way less for prescription drugs than our American citizens.”

Vance contrasted that with actions taken by President Donald Trump, describing direct engagement with drug executives.

“It took Donald J Trump to haul those pharmaceutical executives into the Oval Office and say, No more,” Vance said.

“Europe is going to pay more for drugs and America is going to pay less for drugs, because we got to fight for the American people for a change.”

Turning back to housing, Vance said recent declines in rent prices reflect changes in immigration enforcement.

“Why? Have rents gone down for four consecutive months? And I know they’re still too high, but why have rents gone down for four consecutive months?” he asked.

“Because we were starting to get those illegal aliens out of the United States of America, those criminals, those gang members, those people who are taking homes that ought, by right, go to the people in this room, and your children and your grandchildren.”

Vance framed the issue as a straightforward supply-and-demand problem.

“It’s simple economics,” he said.

“If you have fewer people, fewer illegal aliens, trying to buy homes, that means American citizens are going to finally be able to afford a home. Again. It’s very, very simple economics.”

He also credited changes in trade and investment policy for what he described as a surge in domestic investment.

“When you ask, why is it that we have trillions of dollars of new investment coming into the United States of America, because we finally got a president who says, If you’re going to build in America, if you’re going to invest in America, we’re going to make it easy for you,” Vance said.

He added that companies moving jobs overseas would face consequences.

“But if you’re not going to build anything in America, if you’re going to try to ship an American job overseas, then we’re going to penalize you for doing something overseas that you ought to do in the United States of America,” Vance said.

“That’s why we’ve got so much money coming in.”

Vance said the administration inherited what he described as severe economic conditions from Biden, including record debt, inflation, and energy costs.

“So if you look at every single affordability crisis that we talk about in the United States of America today, it’s because we inherited a nightmare of an economy from Joe Biden,” he said.

“The highest peacetime debt and deficits in the history of the United States of America. That blows the door off inflation, the highest energy prices in the history of the United States of America.”

He emphasized the role of energy policy in lowering costs, particularly fuel prices.

“We are in one of the great energy regions in the entire world, not just in America, in the entire world,” Vance said.

“You know why energy prices are lower? You know why gas prices have come down so much? Because we finally got an American president who wants to invest in American energy and American workers instead of green energy boondoggles that are produced overseas.”

Vance concluded by expressing optimism while acknowledging ongoing challenges.

“So on all these things, my point, ladies and gentlemen, is that we are making progress,” he said.

“And I never forget where I come from. I never forget who I serve, and I know that there is so much more progress to be made.”

WATCH:

CBP Officer Opens Fire During Road Rage Incident at JFK Airport
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CBP Officer Opens Fire During Road Rage Incident at JFK Airport

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Gunfire broke out near John F. Kennedy International Airport early Tuesday morning after a Customs and Border Protection officer opened fire during a heated confrontation that authorities say stemmed from a traffic crash, prompting an investigation and causing significant disruptions for travelers.

According to authorities, shots were fired near Terminal 8 at approximately 4:48 a.m., during the early-morning travel rush.

The sound of gunfire rattled the area as airport traffic was already building.

One vehicle was struck by gunfire, but officials said no injuries were reported.

ABC7 reported that despite the discharge of a firearm, no bystanders or motorists were wounded.

Port Authority police said the incident originated from what appeared to be a road rage dispute following a minor traffic accident on a nearby highway leading into the airport.

Two vehicles were involved in the crash, which occurred before the shooting.

Officers who responded to the scene encountered an on-duty Customs and Border Protection officer who told investigators that he had been assaulted by the other driver involved in the crash.

According to authorities, the officer reported that the confrontation escalated after the accident and that he discharged his service weapon multiple times during the encounter.

The circumstances surrounding the use of force remain under review, and investigators have not indicated whether any charges will be filed.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed that it is leading the investigation into the shooting.

Authorities said the review will examine the sequence of events leading up to the gunfire, including the initial crash, the reported assault, and the officer’s decision to discharge his weapon.

Traffic into JFK Airport was significantly impacted in the aftermath of the incident.

The shooting caused major delays on the Van Wyck Expressway, one of the primary routes into the airport.

Officials were forced to funnel incoming traffic into a single lane as law enforcement secured the scene and conducted their investigation.

The lane closures and traffic restrictions led to backups stretching along the expressway, complicating access to the airport for travelers and airport employees during a peak period.

Some motorists experienced lengthy delays as police worked to clear the area and ensure there was no ongoing threat.

Authorities emphasized that the shooting did not take place inside the airport terminals and that airport operations continued despite the traffic disruptions.

Terminal 8, which serves several major international carriers, remained open, though access to the terminal was affected by the roadway congestion.

Port Authority officials said the investigation remains active and that additional information will be released once the facts are fully established.

Pentagon Escalates Investigation Into ‘Seditious Six’ Dem Sen. Mark Kelly
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Pentagon Escalates Investigation Into ‘Seditious Six’ Dem Sen. Mark Kelly

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The Pentagon announced Monday that it is escalating a preliminary review into what it described as “serious allegations of misconduct” involving Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., following his participation in a controversial video that reminded U.S. service members they could disobey orders they believe to be “unlawful.”

The review, which had been initiated by the Pentagon’s Office of General Counsel, is now being elevated to an official Command Investigation, according to a Pentagon spokesperson.

The move follows criticism from the Trump administration, which has argued that the video undermines military discipline and the chain of command.

Kelly, a retired U.S. Navy captain and former Navy pilot, is now the sole member of a group referred to by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth as the “seditious six” to face a formal investigation.

Other lawmakers who appeared in the video include Democratic Reps. Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, Jason Crow of Colorado, and Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan. Those lawmakers urged military and intelligence personnel to refuse “illegal orders.”

In a statement sent to Breitbart News, a Department of War official confirmed the escalation of the review.

“The Office of the Secretary of War, in conjunction with the Department of War’s Office of the General Counsel, is escalating the preliminary review of Captain Mark Kelly, USN (Ret.), to an official Command Investigation,” the official said.

“Retired Captain Kelly is currently under investigation for serious allegations of misconduct. Further official comments will be limited to preserve the integrity of the proceedings.”

The Pentagon’s initial review was launched to determine whether disciplinary action was warranted against Kelly, including the possibility of a court-martial or other administrative measures.

A Department of War statement issued last month indicated that Kelly’s conduct was being evaluated for potential punishment.

An official Command Investigation represents a more serious phase of review. Such investigations are used when allegations are considered more substantiated or severe and grant investigators broader authority, including the ability to compel sworn testimony and gather additional evidence.

The controversy centers on the distinction under military law between clearly unlawful orders and those that may be subject to interpretation.

Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, service members are obligated to obey lawful orders, and refusal based on personal disagreement or uncertainty can itself constitute a violation of the UCMJ.

The Trump administration has argued that messaging which encourages ambiguity about orders risks disrupting military cohesion and could have serious consequences in operational settings.

Officials have warned that hesitation or refusal to follow orders in combat or high-risk environments could place service members in danger.

Hegseth addressed the issue publicly prior to the escalation of the investigation, criticizing Kelly and the other lawmakers involved.

“In the military, vague rhetoric and ambiguity undermines trust, creates hesitation in the chain of command, and erodes cohesion,” Hegseth wrote on X.

“The military already has clear procedures for handling unlawful orders. It does not need political actors injecting doubt into an already clear chain of command.”

He further accused the lawmakers of acting with intent.

“As veterans of various sorts, the Seditious Six knew exactly what they were doing—sowing doubt through a politically-motivated influence operation,” Hegseth wrote.

“The [Department of War] won’t fall for it or stand for it.”

Kelly responded to the Pentagon’s announcement by criticizing the administration and characterizing the investigation as an abuse of power.

In a social media post following the escalation, he said the action should concern the public.

“It should send a shiver down the spine of every patriotic American that the president and secretary of defense would abuse their power to come after me or anyone this way,” Kelly said.

Kelly’s participation in the video has placed him at the center of the Pentagon’s inquiry, even as the other lawmakers involved have not been formally subjected to command-level investigations.

The Pentagon has not detailed why Kelly alone is currently under review, citing the need to protect the integrity of the ongoing process.

The investigation remains ongoing, and Pentagon officials have said additional information will not be released while proceedings continue.

Ford Takes .5 Billion Write-Down, Scraps Flagship Electric Truck After EV Losses Mount
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Ford Takes $19.5 Billion Write-Down, Scraps Flagship Electric Truck After EV Losses Mount

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Ford Motor Co. announced Monday that it is taking a $19.5 billion write-down tied to its electric vehicle operations and is scrapping its electric F-150 truck, marking a major retreat from an aggressive push into electric vehicles that has cost the company billions of dollars.

The announcement comes after years of heavy investment in electric vehicle production, during a period when the Biden-Harris administration promoted electric vehicles while discouraging gas-powered alternatives.

Ford has previously disclosed that its electric vehicle division has generated multibillion-dollar losses, and the company acknowledged Monday that those losses have forced a significant strategic shift.

Ford said the $19.5 billion charge reflects a reassessment of its electric vehicle assets and future plans, as demand has not materialized at levels the company initially projected.

The automaker indicated it will now redirect resources away from unprofitable electric vehicle programs and toward areas with stronger returns.

“This is a customer-driven shift to create a stronger, more resilient and more profitable Ford,” Ford President and CEO Jim Farley said in a statement.

“The operating reality has changed, and we are redeploying capital into higher-return growth opportunities: Ford Pro, our market-leading trucks and vans, hybrids and high-margin opportunities like our new battery energy storage business,” Farley said.

Ford has acknowledged in prior earnings reports that its electric vehicle division has struggled, describing ongoing losses that weighed heavily on overall company performance.

Monday’s announcement formalizes what executives signaled earlier this year: that Ford’s initial electric vehicle strategy has proven unsustainable under current market conditions.

According to Fortune, the Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker will implement a series of changes across its vehicle lineup and production facilities to better align with customer demand.

The company said it will focus on producing more affordable vehicles and reducing exposure to large, high-cost electric models that have failed to generate expected returns.

The changes include scrapping production of certain larger electric vehicles, including the F-150 Lightning.

Ford plans to retool the vehicle as an electric platform equipped with a gas-powered generator, shifting away from a fully electric configuration.

The company also said it will intensify development of smaller, lower-cost vehicles, including a midsize pickup truck targeted for release in 2027.

Ford’s announcement represents a notable reversal from its posture just a few years ago, when the company publicly aligned itself with the Biden-Harris administration’s electric vehicle agenda.

In 2021, then-President Joe Biden traveled to Dearborn, Michigan, to visit Ford’s Rouge Electric Vehicle Center, where he participated in a highly publicized demonstration of the electric F-150 Lightning.

During the visit, Biden took the electric truck for a test drive and commented on its performance.

“This sucker’s quick!” Biden said.

The visit drew additional attention after Biden addressed reporters while seated in the vehicle.

When one reporter attempted to ask a question about Israel, Biden responded before driving off.

“Mr. President, can I ask you a quick question on Israel before you drive away since it’s so important?” the reporter asked.

“No you can’t. Not unless you get in front of the car as I step on it. I’m only teasing,” Biden said, before speeding off.

Ford’s electric vehicle strategy was widely promoted during that period as part of a broader transition away from internal combustion engines.

However, the company’s financial disclosures over the past several years have shown that electric vehicle production has become a significant drag on earnings.

Monday’s write-down reflects Ford’s conclusion that its electric vehicle investments will not deliver the returns once anticipated.

The company said the shift is intended to stabilize operations and position Ford for profitability by focusing on trucks, vans, hybrids, and other business segments with established demand.

Ford did not provide a specific timeline for completing the restructuring but indicated that the changes would begin immediately.

The automaker said it remains committed to offering electric and hybrid options, but emphasized that future investments will be guided by customer demand and financial performance rather than policy pressure.

The move places Ford among a growing number of automakers scaling back electric vehicle ambitions amid slowing sales, rising costs, and consumer reluctance to fully embrace electric-only transportation.

Tone-Deaf Schumer Starts Shooting Presser With Buffalo Bills Shoutout
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Tone-Deaf Schumer Starts Shooting Presser With Buffalo Bills Shoutout

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Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer faced widespread criticism after opening a press conference addressing recent mass shootings with a celebratory reference to the Buffalo Bills, a moment that drew sharp rebukes from lawmakers, commentators, and public figures who described the remarks as inappropriate given the gravity of the events.

Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader, spoke to reporters Sunday in New York to address multiple issues, including deadly shootings at Brown University in Rhode Island and at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.

Australian authorities have described the Bondi Beach attack as a terror incident targeting Jews.

Before addressing either shooting, Schumer appeared smiling as he opened the press conference with a personal aside about his hometown football team.

“First, of course, as I always say, no matter what — ‘Go Bills!’ They beat the Patriots today. It’s a big deal,” Schumer said.

The comment came moments before Schumer transitioned to somber remarks about the violent incidents, a shift in tone that quickly sparked backlash across social media and among fellow elected officials.

Critics argued that opening with sports banter was out of place as the nation and international community grappled with deadly attacks.

Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., responded bluntly to the video of Schumer’s remarks.

“Retire. Immediately,” Lawler wrote.

Florida Republican Rep. Randy Fine also condemned Schumer’s decision to lead with football remarks, questioning the judgment of the Senate’s top Democrat.

“This is unbelievable,” Fine said.

“You claim to be the most senior elected Jew in history but want to talk about Football?”

Fine added that he initially doubted the authenticity of the clip when it was first shared with him.

“When my friend sent this [to] me, I told him it couldn’t be real,” he said.

“Disgraceful.”

The reaction was not limited to elected officials. Conservative radio host Jesse Kelly criticized Schumer’s demeanor during the press conference.

“Just a complete lizard person,” Kelly wrote.

“Stopped being human a long time ago.”

Conservative podcaster Alec Lace also weighed in, pointing to the contrast between the subject matter and Schumer’s opening remarks.

“TONE DEAF AF,” Lace wrote.

“Chuck Schumer says he’ll comment on the shooting at Brown University and the terrorist attack in Australia… But first… GO BILLS!”

Musician John Ondrasik, a multiplatinum singer-songwriter, also criticized the Senate leader’s remarks.

“What a mentally deranged human,” Ondrasik wrote.

The criticism came as details continued to emerge about the shootings Schumer was addressing.

The Bondi Beach attack occurred during a Hanukkah celebration and resulted in multiple fatalities.

Australian authorities have described it as the deadliest terror incident in the country in recent decades.

The attack targeted Jewish attendees and has drawn international attention and condemnation.

Separately, a shooting at Brown University resulted in fatalities on campus, adding to a weekend marked by violence in multiple locations.

The incidents prompted calls for solemn reflection and leadership from public officials, particularly those addressing the events publicly.

Schumer’s press conference also included remarks on other topics, including pricing practices by Instacart, further contributing to criticism that the opening tone did not reflect the seriousness of the situation.

Critics argued that the sequence of comments suggested a lack of gravity at a moment when victims and their families were being mourned.


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