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Lia Thomas to Receive ‘Voice of Inspiration’ Award at Dodgers-Sponsored LGBTQ Event, Riley Gaines Responds
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Lia Thomas to Receive ‘Voice of Inspiration’ Award at Dodgers-Sponsored LGBTQ Event, Riley Gaines Responds

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Former University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas, who won the 2022 NCAA women’s swimming championship, is set to receive the “Voice of Inspiration Award” at Rainbow Labs’ Violet Visionary Awards on Thursday, as reported by Fox News.

Thomas, a biological male who identifies as transgender, drew national attention after winning the women’s 500-yard freestyle championship two years ago.

The victory ignited nationwide debate over fairness and biological advantages in women’s athletics and became a key flashpoint in the broader discussion surrounding transgender participation in female sports.

According to Rainbow Labs’ website, the “Voice of Inspiration” award “honors an individual whose story and actions ignite hope and courage within the LGBTQ+ community.”

The group’s annual Violet Visionary Awards celebrate “individuals and organizations that embody the spirit of empowerment, resilience, and joy.”

The organization says the event will “uplift the power of LGBTQIA+ expression – in fashion, art, dance, voice, and story – as a revolutionary force fueling queer joy and collective freedom.”

The event is sponsored by the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Football Club, among others. Both organizations did not respond to requests for comment from OutKick regarding their support for honoring Thomas as a “voice of inspiration.”

Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer who tied Thomas in the 200-yard freestyle during the 2022 championships, criticized the recognition.

“Voice of inspiration? The only people Will Thomas inspires are other men who realized you can take everything from women – our records, our spaces, our opportunities – and still get a standing ovation,” Gaines told OutKick, using Thomas’ birth name.

“It’s 2025, not 2020. We’re done pretending that’s courage.”

OutKick was the first to report on Thomas’s recognition at the event. The award comes as the debate over transgender participation in women’s sports continues nationwide. Currently, 29 states have laws or regulations restricting biological males from competing in girls’ and women’s sports.

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order prohibiting transgender athletes from competing against females at federally funded schools and universities. The administration has emphasized that the order is designed to protect fairness and opportunity for female athletes.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced similar controversy over the past two years for their participation in Pride-related events.

In 2023, the team honored the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence — a group of drag performers dressed as “nuns” that has drawn criticism from Catholic groups — with a “Community Hero Award.”

The team initially rescinded the invitation following backlash from fans and players but later reversed its decision and issued an apology.

The Violet Visionary Awards will take place on Thursday evening in Los Angeles.

Democrats Allegedly Threaten to Sue President Trump for Paying U.S. Troops
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Democrats Allegedly Threaten to Sue President Trump for Paying U.S. Troops

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The federal government shutdown continues as negotiations remain stalled, with Democrats continuing to push for expansive new spending measures, including taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal aliens.

The stalemate, dubbed the “Schumer Shutdown” by Republicans, has led to a series of economic and social consequences, including the depletion of funds for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and uncertainty over military pay.

To address those immediate concerns, President Donald Trump authorized the use of tariff revenue to keep WIC funding active and ordered that U.S. military personnel continue to receive their pay during the ongoing impasse.

The White House said the action was necessary to ensure essential support for families and service members affected by the shutdown.

However, Democratic leaders have criticized the decision and are reportedly weighing a lawsuit against the Trump administration for reallocating funds without congressional approval.

The move has sparked widespread backlash, with conservatives accusing Democrats of prioritizing political leverage over the needs of Americans and military families.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt condemned the Democratic response in a statement posted on X.

“The Democrats shut down the federal government and are holding the American people hostage to give illegal aliens taxpayer benefits. So President Trump took action by using tariff revenue to fund the women, infants, and children program and his Commander in Chief authority to ensure our troops get paid,” Leavitt said.

“But now the radical Democrats are going to sue to stop the President from paying our troops and protecting vulnerable Americans? They’re despicable and heartless!” she added.

House Speaker Mike Johnson also defended the President’s move, telling Axios that Republicans would not back down in ensuring troops and families are supported during the shutdown.

“If the Democrats want to go to court and challenge troops being paid, bring it,” Johnson said.

Axios reported that some Democrats within the House caucus privately acknowledge the political risk of suing the administration over the issue, particularly in competitive districts where such a move could alienate voters.

“The legality is questionable, but politically I hope Democrats don’t do it,” one unnamed Democratic lawmaker told the outlet, describing the potential lawsuit as a “massive political headache” for those seeking reelection in battleground areas.

The shutdown, now stretching into its second week, began after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic leadership refused to advance a short-term funding measure unless additional provisions were included for expanded social programs, immigration-related spending, and climate initiatives.

Republican negotiators have pushed back, insisting that the government be reopened without what they describe as partisan “wish list” funding.

While federal agencies continue to experience operational slowdowns, the Trump administration has sought to use existing authorities to minimize disruptions to critical services.

The White House maintains that ensuring military pay and continued WIC benefits falls squarely within the President’s constitutional and statutory powers.

As the standoff continues, pressure is mounting on Congress to find a path forward.

Analysts say any Democratic lawsuit to block troop payments could further intensify public scrutiny and deepen frustration among voters already affected by the shutdown’s impact on services and benefits.

The White House has not indicated any plans to reverse the President’s directive.

Administration officials say they remain focused on maintaining essential support for American families and national security until Congress resolves the budget impasse.

Secretary of War Hegseth’s Plane Force to Make Emergency Landing
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Secretary of War Hegseth’s Plane Force to Make Emergency Landing

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A U.S. Air Force C-32 carrying War Secretary Pete Hegseth and senior department officials made an emergency landing in the United Kingdom on Wednesday afternoon due to a cracked windshield, Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said.

The incident occurred as Hegseth’s delegation was returning to the United States from the NATO Ministers of Defense Meeting in Brussels, Belgium.

Shortly before 2 p.m. Eastern Time, flight-tracking data indicated the aircraft had reversed course over the Atlantic and descended to a lower altitude.

“The Air Force C-32 carrying Secretary Pete Hegseth has declared an emergency over the Atlantic, dropped to 10,000 feet, and now reversed course to the UK,” conservative journalist Nick Sortor posted on X.

“Plane is squawking 7700, which could mean an engine failure, medical issue, onboard fire, or another general emergency,” he added.

At approximately 2:10 p.m. Eastern, Parnell confirmed the diversion and attributed it to damage discovered on the flight deck glazing.

“On the way back to the United States from NATO’s Defense Ministers meeting, Secretary of War Hegseth’s plane made an unscheduled landing in the United Kingdom due to a crack in the aircraft windshield,” Parnell said. He noted that the crew executed standard emergency procedures and that the aircraft landed safely.

“All good. Thank god. Continue mission!” Hegseth wrote on X following the landing.

Pentagon officials said all passengers and crew were safe and that maintenance inspections would determine next steps for onward travel.

No injuries were reported.

The Air Force did not immediately release details on the age of the aircraft, the specific flight routing, or the timeline for returning the delegation to the United States.

C-32 aircraft—military variants of the Boeing 757—are routinely used for senior government travel and are equipped to operate with enhanced communications and security features.

The C-32 crew’s descent to approximately 10,000 feet and immediate return toward the U.K. aligned with standard in-flight safety procedures after the detection of structural issues to ensure cabin conditions remain stable while the crew prepares for a precautionary landing.

Aviation emergency code 7700, referenced by Sortor, is a general alert signaling that the crew has declared an emergency and is seeking priority handling from air traffic control.

Hegseth had been in Brussels for the NATO session, which convened defense ministers from allied nations to discuss strategic priorities and emerging security issues.

The meeting, chaired by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, is part of the alliance’s regular ministerial schedule and included agenda items on collective defense coordination, capability development, and ongoing support initiatives among member states.

NATO typically holds such meetings at least twice a year, with additional working-level engagements occurring throughout the calendar.

Following the landing, Pentagon officials indicated that contingency arrangements were being evaluated to minimize disruption to Hegseth’s schedule.

Any decision to swap aircraft or continue travel aboard the same airframe will depend on Air Force maintenance assessments and safety certifications.

The emergency landing will prompt a routine review of the incident, including inspection of the affected windshield panel, verification of pressure and temperature histories during the flight, and assessment of any contributing factors such as foreign-object impact or thermal stress.

Such reviews are standard following in-flight anomalies and are used to validate maintenance practices and inform future operational guidance.

Air Force officials emphasized that precautionary diversions are executed to preserve safety margins and that aircraft carrying senior officials are supported by established contingency protocols to ensure mission continuity.

Zohran Mamdani Declares Victory Over Democratic Party’s Soul, Others Say Not So Fast
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Zohran Mamdani Declares Victory Over Democratic Party’s Soul, Others Say Not So Fast

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Zohran Mamdani, 33, the Democratic Party’s nominee in the New York City mayoral race, told supporters Monday that his campaign has placed progressives at the center of the party’s direction while national figures signal caution about embracing his message heading into the final weeks before Election Day.

Speaking at an evening rally of approximately 3,000 people, Mamdani said his proudly socialist bid had “won the battle over the soul of the Democratic Party.”

The Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF) asked 11 Senate Democrats about Mamdani’s remarks; those lawmakers either distanced themselves from the candidate or declined to comment on how his movement fits within the party.

“I tend to focus on Michigan and not on Manhattan politics,” Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin told the DCNF when asked if she agreed that Mamdani’s campaign had won the party’s “soul.”

“I just think New York politics are different from Kansas politics, which are different than Michigan politics,” Slotkin added.

Her colleague from Michigan, Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, said, “It’s [New York City] not the rest of the country.”

National Democrats have been measured in their approach to Mamdani since his upset victory over former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the June primary.

While additional endorsements have arrived in recent weeks as the election nears and public polling shows Mamdani with a strong lead, several lawmakers suggested the candidate’s impact should be viewed as specific to New York City’s five boroughs.

“I’m one of those persons that said we should bring him into the fold and all this kind of stuff,” Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego told the DCNF.

PHOENIX, AZ / USA – MARCH 24, 2018: U.S. Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), an outspoken activist for gun safety, addressed the crowd briefly at the March for Our Lives event at the state capitol.

“Mamdani represents the New York Democratic Party and their establishment, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but it doesn’t mean that his brand would carry somewhere else.” Democratic New Mexico Sen. Ben Ray Lújan said, “You talked to my colleagues from New York? I mean I don’t vote for that guy.”

New York’s senators, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who leads the Senate Democrats’ campaign arm, have not endorsed in the mayoral contest.

U. S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer attend 2023 New York City Pride March on Fifth Avenue on Manhattan in New York on June 25, 2023.

Some Democrats have expressed unease with elements of Mamdani’s platform and public statements and have cited concerns about national implications for the party’s image.

Top Republicans, including President Donald Trump, have argued that Mamdani’s politics present a contrast they intend to use in next year’s midterm elections.

Mamdani previously called for defunding the police, describing the institution as “racist, anti-queer & a major threat to public safety” during Black Lives Matter protests.

His current platform proposals include a rent freeze and ending a gifted program in schools that allows high-achieving students to advance beyond grade level.

Mamdani also faced questions about the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which many view as a call to violence against Jews and the state of Israel.

He did not issue a condemnation until after he became the Democratic nominee for mayor.

He has not withdrawn an earlier statement that he would seek to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he enters Manhattan during his tenure as mayor.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has repeatedly declined to say why he has not endorsed Mamdani.

In an interview Tuesday with CNN’s Dana Bash, Jeffries was asked whether Mamdani and his movement represent the party’s soul.

“Well the Democratic Party, of course, is extremely diverse, and it’s represented by people like Mikie Sherrill—,” Jeffries said, referring to the party’s nominee for governor of New Jersey.

“But there’s only one soul,” Bash replied. Jeffries continued without addressing Mamdani’s place in the party and said he would meet with Mamdani again before early voting begins later in October.

Other Democrats chose not to directly assess Mamdani’s claim.

“The Democratic Party has a range of views, just like the Republican Party has a range of views,” Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly told the DCNF.

Democratic Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester said she had not seen Mamdani’s comments but added that she sees “some positive energy from New York.”

Democratic Sens. Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts said they had not seen the remarks; Warren endorsed Mamdani after his primary win and campaigned for him in August, praising his focus on cost-of-living issues.

Supporters of Mamdani contend that his candidacy offers Democrats a route back to governing majorities.

“The Democratic Party has got to shed the influence of the billionaire class and corporations on it, and has got to speak to the needs of the working class,” Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders told the DCNF.

“And certainly, when Mamdani talks about affordability, he’s speaking the right language.”

As the campaign enters its final stretch, national Democrats have signaled they will continue to calibrate their responses to Mamdani’s rise, while the nominee’s team points to rally turnout, recent endorsements, and public polling as evidence of consolidation within New York City. Early voting is scheduled to begin later in October.

Trump Admin Tells the United Nations and Their ‘Net Zero Fund’ to Kick Rocks
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Trump Admin Tells the United Nations and Their ‘Net Zero Fund’ to Kick Rocks

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The Trump administration said it will not support a proposed global carbon fee on maritime shipping that is scheduled for a vote next week at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations agency that regulates international shipping.

The measure, known as the Net Zero Fund (NZF), would mark the first instance of a UN body imposing a worldwide fee on carbon emissions from a specific industry.

Officials said the plan would raise global shipping costs by as much as 10 percent and negatively affect U.S. workers, consumers, and energy producers.

“The United States will not accept any international environmental agreement that unfairly burdens the American people,” the administration said in a statement.

“We will not tolerate any action that increases costs for our citizens, energy providers, or shipping companies.”

The NZF proposal is backed by several European nations.

As described by supporters and in summaries cited by the Associated Press, the plan would establish a minimum $100 fee for every ton of greenhouse gases emitted by ocean-going vessels above specified limits.

The IMO has estimated that the mechanism could raise between $11 billion and $13 billion per year, with proceeds directed to accelerating the development of new low-carbon marine fuels, providing incentives for “low-emission vessels,” and assisting developing countries in modernizing their fleets to meet future standards.

If approved, the fee would take effect in 2027, following a phase-in period and implementation steps overseen by the IMO’s member states.

The proposal is one of several items on the agenda as delegates consider pathways to meet previously adopted sector-wide climate goals for shipping.

Administration officials criticized the initiative as an external imposition of climate policy through a UN forum.

They described the plan as “a neocolonial export of global climate regulations” and said the United States is prepared to respond with economic measures aimed at jurisdictions that vote in favor.

Potential actions under consideration include visa restrictions on certain maritime workers, additional port fees, and sanctions on officials who promote what the statement called “activist-driven” climate policies.

Officials also noted possible limits on vessels registered in nations that support the NZF and the initiation of competition inquiries involving foreign shipping companies.

“The United States will fight to protect its economic interests,” the administration’s statement said, adding that other IMO members “should be on notice.”

U.S. officials said they plan to engage with partners on alternative approaches that, in their view, would reduce emissions without shifting costs onto American consumers or transferring revenues to international funds outside of domestic oversight.

The debate over the NZF is taking place amid broader discussions about the shipping sector’s contribution to global emissions.

Estimates cited by industry groups and UN agencies place maritime shipping at roughly 3 percent of worldwide totals, with projections varying depending on trade growth, fuel use, and technology adoption.

Proponents of a fee-based system argue that a price signal is necessary to accelerate investment in low-carbon fuels such as methanol and ammonia and to bridge cost gaps relative to conventional marine fuels.

Critics contend that a global levy would raise freight costs across supply chains and could disproportionately impact developing economies and consumers in import-reliant markets.

Within the IMO, member states regularly negotiate technical standards, efficiency measures, and timelines for adoption.

The NZF proposal would add a financial instrument to existing regulations, paired with a governance framework to allocate revenues for research, deployment, and assistance.

Details under discussion include the precise fee level, emissions thresholds, compliance verification, and how funds would be administered and distributed.

U.S. officials said they would continue to oppose measures they view as harmful to domestic economic interests while working with partners on technology-focused and market-driven solutions.

The administration has not released a separate U.S. alternative to the NZF but indicated it would back approaches that, in its assessment, preserve shipping competitiveness and avoid new costs for American producers and consumers.

The IMO’s member states are expected to take up the NZF item during next week’s session.

If the proposal does not secure sufficient support, delegates could refer it for additional study, amend its terms, or consider revised measures at a future meeting.

If it advances, the organization would begin drafting implementation rules, reporting requirements, and enforcement mechanisms ahead of the planned 2027 start date.

Illegal Aliens Ram Border Patrol SUV; Chicago Protest Turns Violent
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Illegal Aliens Ram Border Patrol SUV; Chicago Protest Turns Violent

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Federal authorities said two Venezuelan nationals were detained Tuesday morning in Chicago after a vehicle allegedly rammed a U.S. Border Patrol vehicle and fled, prompting a pursuit that ended with arrests and a confrontation between agents and protesters.

According to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson, the incident occurred near South Avenue N during an immigration enforcement operation.

“This morning while conducting an immigration enforcement operation in Chicago a vehicle, driven by an illegal alien, rammed a Border Patrol vehicle and attempted to flee the scene,” the spokesperson said.

“Border Patrol pursued the vehicle and was eventually able to stop it utilizing an authorized precision immobilization technique (PIT) maneuver. Once the vehicle was stopped, the suspects, who are both illegal aliens, attempted to flee on foot. As Border Patrol arrested the subjects and attempted to secure the scene a crowd began to form and eventually turned hostile and eventually crowd control measures were used.”

A senior DHS source identified the two individuals as Luis Gerardo Pirela-Ramirez and Yonder Enrique Tenefe-Perez, both from Venezuela.

The source said both were detained following the PIT maneuver and foot pursuits.

Officials said video captured at the scene shows objects being thrown and a roadway blocked as agents sought to secure the area. Federal officers deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd.

In a follow-up statement describing broader enforcement concerns, the DHS spokesperson said, “This incident is not isolated and reflects a growing and dangerous trend of illegal aliens violently resisting arrest and agitators and criminals ramming cars into our law enforcement officers. The fact that this attack was carried out by two illegal immigrants, highlights the need for federal law enforcement to continue to do their job of enforcing the laws of our nation —all while receiving no pay thanks to the Democrats’ government shutdown.”

The events come amid recent tensions surrounding federal immigration operations in Chicago.

Federal officials previously reported that officers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were confronted in an incident they described as a “coordinated assault” by a convoy of roughly ten vehicles.

Local authorities were notified during that episode. Chicago police were reported to have been directed not to intervene; federal officials characterized that directive as a stand-down order.

Last week, President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem addressed that earlier episode, calling the stand-down order “illegal” and urging accountability for officials involved. Federal agencies have continued scheduled enforcement operations in the city.

Tuesday’s enforcement action began with mobile surveillance and vehicle interdiction procedures commonly used by Border Patrol tactical units in urban settings, according to officials familiar with the operation.

After the PIT maneuver brought the suspect vehicle to a stop, agents moved to detain the occupants.

The crowd formed shortly after the arrests began, officials said.

No injuries to agents were immediately reported.

Authorities did not release information about injuries among bystanders.

Homeland Security officials said both detainees would be processed according to federal immigration and criminal procedures.

Potential charges stemming from the vehicle-ramming allegation were referred to federal prosecutors.

The department said additional arrests related to the crowd confrontation were possible pending review of video evidence and agent reports.

The Chicago field offices for CBP and ICE have increased coordination with other federal partners during recent operations, according to officials, citing officer safety concerns and incident response planning.

Federal agencies said they are reviewing Tuesday’s use of crowd control measures under standard after-action protocols.

Local officials did not immediately release independent accounts of the incident near South Avenue N.

DHS said updates on charging decisions and custody status for the two detainees would be provided through standard public information channels once available.

Federal authorities reiterated that enforcement operations would continue in the Chicago area under existing priorities and guidelines.

DHS said it would evaluate security posture around field operations and adjust staffing as necessary in response to public safety conditions encountered during arrests and transport.

Pentagon Press Corps Turn in Credentials En Masse After Hegseth Tightens Security
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Pentagon Press Corps Turn in Credentials En Masse After Hegseth Tightens Security

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Many Pentagon beat reporters returned press credentials on Wednesday after declining to agree to new “external engagements” policies set by the Department of War (DOW), according to media organizations and the Pentagon Press Association (PPA).

The action follows a memo issued last month by Secretary Pete Hegseth outlining revised procedures for press relations and setting a deadline for newsrooms to acknowledge the rules.

Hegseth’s memo said past participation in interviews, press briefings, and news conferences “tended to canalize toward certain types of institutions.”

The document detailed updated terms of engagement and required outlets to accept or acknowledge the rules by 5 p.m. yesterday.

Under the policy, non-compliant reporters were given 24 hours to turn in credentials and clear assigned office space inside the building.

Hegseth also addressed the standards for interactions between reporters and government personnel in a post on X, stating that “credentialed press no longer permitted to solicit criminal acts.”

The guidance, as described by the department, targets situations in which a reporter encourages a source to violate the law by leaking confidential information.

According to the department, the DOW began a review of media relations activities over the summer and reworked access and coordination procedures.

Officials said the aim is to broaden participation and recalibrate how the Pentagon engages with outlets while protecting national security information.

Representatives of the Pentagon press corps raised concerns over elements of the plan and sought changes prior to the deadline.

In recent weeks, CBS reported that the press corps’ “negotiations with the Defense Department over easing proposed restrictions on their reporting have reached an impasse, according to the Pentagon Press Association (PPA) — though the Pentagon says it has negotiated in good faith.”

Under the revised policy, beat reporters must acknowledge or adhere to the updated rules to retain credentials.

One early provision required reporters to acknowledge they would not disclose classified or controlled unclassified information that is not formally authorized for publication.

After discussions with the PPA, the department adjusted the language.

In the latest iteration of the policy, the DOW states: “Members of the news media are not required to submit their writings” before publication.

Reporters will not be required to obtain DOW approval prior to publishing stories that contain information not officially approved for release.

Physical access rules are also changing.

The department plans to reorganize newsroom space within the Pentagon, restrict access to certain offices and corridors, and require escorts in some areas.

Officials described those measures as consistent with procedures used at military installations and other secure facilities.

The department maintains that the Pentagon’s role in national security necessitates limits on unrestricted movement by non-employees inside the building.

The PPA issued a statement objecting to the restrictions and the credentialing deadline, saying they would impair routine newsgathering and limit independent reporting from the Pentagon.

The association argued that the press corps’ longstanding access framework allowed for timely coverage while honoring security protocols, and it urged further revisions to the policy.

DOW officials say they engaged in negotiations with the PPA and implemented changes — including removal of any pre-publication review requirement — in response to concerns.

They also emphasized that the policy does not alter existing laws governing the handling of classified information and that employees remain bound by federal statutes and nondisclosure obligations.

With the acknowledgment deadline passed, multiple news organizations with Pentagon-assigned reporters had not signed on to the policy.

Those outlets began returning credentials and vacating assigned workspaces in the press area, according to people familiar with the process.

Next steps will include the assignment of available workspace under the new configuration and continued enforcement of access rules.

The department said day-to-day press operations — including scheduled briefings, pool coverage, and responses to media inquiries — will continue, with credentialed reporters able to attend via the established procedures.

The PPA said it remains open to additional discussions aimed at restoring access and addressing outstanding concerns about the scope and application of the new rules.

The department has not announced further changes beyond those communicated in Hegseth’s memo and subsequent updates relayed to media organizations.

Democrats Storm Speaker Johnson’s Office, Berate Cop During Desperate Political Stunt
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Democrats Storm Speaker Johnson’s Office, Berate Cop During Desperate Political Stunt

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House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Wednesday that a group of Democratic lawmakers entered his office suite during the ongoing federal government shutdown and confronted a Capitol Police officer posted outside, an incident he described at a Capitol press conference as part of a pattern of “political stunts and antics.”

“Last night, they played some games. They stormed my office. Maybe you saw some of the video online that they themselves shared, or someone did,” Johnson said.

“They berated a Capitol police officer, screamed at him. He was just merely standing his post.”

The activity near the Speaker’s office occurred as the shutdown moved into its third week and as disputes over a continuing resolution remained unresolved.

Johnson said the episode unfolded while he was away from the office to attend a White House ceremony where President Donald Trump posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.

Democratic members have pressed for the seating of Congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva of Arizona, whose certification was completed this week.

Johnson’s critics argue that House action to administer the oath could proceed immediately.

Republican leaders have tied the matter to the broader standoff over government funding, contending that the Senate should advance the House-backed proposal to reopen agencies before unrelated business moves forward.

According to video posted online by participants and bystanders, Democratic lawmakers gathered outside Johnson’s office suite on Tuesday evening and recorded the demonstration on their phones. At least one sign posted at the entrance to the suite was removed during the confrontation.

Johnson referenced those clips in his remarks and said he viewed the conduct as crossing a line.

“It shows, again, their disdain for law enforcement, as we see all around the country, the Democrats and everyone in that party, screaming, assaulting ICE officers. They did it right here in the Capitol last night,” he said.

The exchange came amid heightened tensions over efforts to end the lapse in federal appropriations.

The Senate has repeatedly failed to advance competing measures, and both chambers have traded blame as federal workers, contractors, and service providers confront disrupted operations.

Republicans have urged passage of what they describe as a “clean” continuing resolution originating in the House, while Democrats have criticized GOP proposals as insufficient or mismatched with previously negotiated toplines.

Johnson said Democrats have focused on “all sorts of political stunts and antics,” including removing signage from his office suite, instead of engaging on the specifics of the House bill.

“They’ve been doing that every day now, and it shows their desperation,” he said.

“It also shows a very strong contrast between the party that is working for the people and trying to keep the government open and do the right thing, and the party that is engaged in all this nonsense.”

U.S. Capitol Police did not immediately provide a detailed account of the incident outside the Speaker’s office.

There were no public reports of arrests or injuries connected to the encounter as of Wednesday afternoon.

The House Sergeant at Arms likewise did not announce restrictions on public access to the Speaker’s corridor beyond the standard security posture in effect during the shutdown period.

The timing of the confrontation coincided with a sequence of events drawing national attention.

At the White House on Tuesday, President Trump presented the Medal of Freedom posthumously to Kirk during a Rose Garden ceremony attended by family members and senior officials.

Johnson and other congressional leaders participated in the event before returning to the Capitol for additional negotiations over funding legislation.

Arizona officials, including the state’s attorney general, have called for swift action to seat Grijalva following certification of the special election results.

House leaders have not announced a floor schedule for administering the oath.

If sworn in, Grijalva would succeed her father, longtime Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), and represent a southern Arizona district.

As the shutdown stretches into another week, House and Senate leaders say they remain in contact about possible pathways to reopen the government.

The House majority maintains that the chamber is prepared to move quickly once the Senate advances a vehicle acceptable to both parties, while Democrats insist the House should first take up a plan that can also clear the Senate.

Johnson reiterated that his focus is on ending the funding lapse and returning federal agencies to normal operations.

He also defended the Capitol Police presence outside leadership offices and called for members to maintain decorum during protests and media events on the Hill.

“We’ve always stood with law enforcement here,” he said, pointing back to the officer posted outside his doorway.

“He was just doing his job standing at his post.”

A Tale of Two Parties: Leaked Messages Spur GOP Firings; Dems Still Back VA AG Hopeful
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A Tale of Two Parties: Leaked Messages Spur GOP Firings; Dems Still Back VA AG Hopeful

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A leak of thousands of private messages attributed to leaders in several Young Republican organizations has prompted resignations, job dismissals, and a national statement from the Young Republican National Federation (YRNF), while a separate controversy over 2022 text messages by Virginia attorney general nominee Jay Jones continues to draw bipartisan condemnation.

POLITICO reported this week that it reviewed roughly 2,900 pages of messages from a private Telegram chat spanning January through mid-August and involving Young Republican figures in New York, Kansas, Arizona, and Vermont.

The outlet said the messages included racist, antisemitic, and violent rhetoric and references to white supremacist slogans.

Subsequent coverage detailed consequences for several participants, including job losses and calls to step down from party roles.

In a statement reported by Newsweek, the YRNF board said it was “appalled by the vile and inexcusable language revealed in the Politico article.”

The statement added: “Such behavior is disgraceful, unbecoming of any Republican, and stands in direct opposition to the values our movement represents. Those involved must immediately resign from all positions within their state and local Young Republican organizations.”

Newsweek also published a list of nine individuals named in the reporting and summarized additional responses from Republican officials.

The fallout has included personnel changes and organizational steps at the state level. POLITICO and local outlets reported that New York figures Peter Giunta and Joseph Maligno were no longer in their positions, while Kansas Young Republicans activity was halted following the disclosures.

The Kansas Reflector described actions taken after the messages became public and detailed the involvement of state-level officers.

A Forbes summary on Wednesday likewise reported multiple job separations tied to the controversy.

Newsweek’s report quoted examples from the leaked chat logs that POLITICO reviewed.

In one exchange, a participant wrote “Everyone that votes no is going to the gas chamber,” followed by a back-and-forth about “true believers.”

In another, a separate participant described rape as “Epic.”

Newsweek reported that one state leader referenced “1488,” and published additional messages attributed to individuals in the chat, along with on-record responses or apologies where available.

In New York, state Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt said he was “shocked and disgusted,” and a senior adviser to Rep. Elise Stefanik said that if POLITICO’s description was accurate, “Congresswoman Stefanik calls for any NY Young Republicans responsible for these horrific comments in this chat to step down immediately.”

The White House, through spokesperson Liz Huston, issued a statement rejecting attempts to link President Donald Trump to the private group chat, saying: “Only an activist, left-wing reporter would desperately try to tie President Trump into a story about a random group chat he has no affiliation with… No one has been subjected to more vicious rhetoric and violence than President Trump and his supporters.”

Separately, the Virginia attorney general race has been shaped by text messages from 2022 attributed to Democrat Jay Jones.

The Washington Post reported that Jones, then a former delegate, described a hypothetical scenario involving “two bullets to the head” of the Republican House speaker and used language about opponents’ children.

Virginia-based outlets have reported continuing political reaction and calls for Jones to exit the race, while other Democrats have publicly criticized the texts.

The Virginia Mercury has covered how the disclosures remain a central campaign issue ahead of debates and voter decisions this fall.

The two developments have unfolded in parallel: one centered on internal party discipline among Young Republican groups following publication of private chat logs, and the other centered on the Virginia contest after earlier text messages surfaced involving a statewide nominee.

In the youth-organization matter, the YRNF’s national statement called for implicated members to “immediately resign,” and Republican officials in multiple states issued condemnations.

In Virginia, media reports have described criticism from both parties and continued scrutiny of Jones’s candidacy stemming from the 2022 messages.

As of Wednesday, the YRNF statement remained in effect as state organizations and individual participants weighed next steps, and campaigns in Virginia continued to respond to questions about the 2022 texts ahead of November’s vote.

GOP Odds of Keeping the House Are ‘Up like a Rocket’: CNN’s Harry Enten
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GOP Odds of Keeping the House Are ‘Up like a Rocket’: CNN’s Harry Enten

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CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten on Wednesday detailed a significant shift in indicators for control of the U.S. House of Representatives, saying prediction markets now give Republicans a stronger chance of retaining the chamber in the 2026 midterm elections while Democrats’ lead on the generic ballot trails their position from the last comparable cycle.

Citing the Kalshi prediction market during a “CNN News Central” segment with host Kate Bolduan, Enten noted that Republicans stood at a 37% chance of keeping the House at the time of the broadcast, up sharply from the spring.

“[I]f you go back six months ago, you go back to April, Kate Bolduan, what were we looking at? Well, we were looking at the Democrats with a very clear shot of taking control of the U.S. House of Representatives, according to the Kalshi Prediction Market odds,” he said.

“We saw them at an 83% chance. But those odds have gone plummeting down.”

“Now we’re talking about just a 63% chance, while the GOP’s chances — up like a rocket, up like gold, up from 17% to now a 37% chance,” Enten continued.

“So what looked like a pretty clear likely Democratic win in the House come next year has become much closer to a toss-up at this point, although still slightly leaning Democratic.”

Bolduan asked what was driving the change.

Enten compared today’s national environment with the opening months of the last midterm under President Donald Trump.

“I want to take a look and compare it to 2017, 2018, right? Because that’s sort of the baseline. That was, of course, the first [President Donald] Trump term. That was where Democrats were sort of keeping pace,” he said.

“You go back to April, look at the generic congressional ballot, what’d you see? You see plus three Democrats in 2025 in April, you see plus three Democrats back in April of 2017. Now jump over to this side of the screen. What happens? Well, the Democrats are no longer keeping pace with the pace that they were setting back in 2017, 2018.”

“You look back in 2017, you saw that the Democrats had leaped up to an eight-point advantage. I remember covering this. I remember a lot of folks, including myself saying, you know what? Republicans look pretty decent right now, in terms of the fact that they had the House, they had the Senate, they had the presidency, but things were likely going to flip,” Enten added.

“And I was looking for the same signs this year. The bottom line is, it hasn’t happened, Kate Bolduan, it hasn’t happened. Democrats have stayed basically steady, they have fallen off the pace.”

Enten also addressed how map changes could influence outcomes even if Democrats hold a small national-vote lead. He said the current environment favors Republicans in seat conversion.

“If both sides max out, we’re probably looking at a GOP gain of plus seven House seats,” he said.

That calculation, he noted, does not include the potential effect of the Supreme Court’s pending actions concerning the Voting Rights Act and whether race can be used to draw congressional districts.

“If you add that in, then you could be looking about adding 10, 12, 15, 17 on top of this seven seats … It’s a different new landscape,” Enten said.

“And we’re not quite sure how much Democrats will have to be ahead in the national House vote in order to gain control.”

Issue polling reflects additional headwinds for Democrats heading into the next cycle, Enten said, pointing to a Washington Post/Ipsos survey conducted Sept. 11 to Sept. 15.

In that poll, Republicans led Democrats by 7 points on the economy, 13 points on immigration and 22 points on crime.

Enten previously noted on “CNN News Central” on Sept. 22 that these gaps could signal trouble for Democrats if they persist through the midterm year.

Taken together, the market odds, the slower movement in the generic ballot compared with 2017–2018, and the structure of competitive districts suggest a more competitive fight for House control than models showed in April.

Enten summarized the moment as one where Democrats retain an edge in national indicators but have not yet matched the surge they achieved ahead of the 2018 midterms, while Republicans benefit from favorable maps and stronger ratings on key issues.


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