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DHS Hits ‘No Kings’ Protestor with a Classic FAFO After Call to Shoot ICE Agents
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DHS Hits ‘No Kings’ Protestor with a Classic FAFO After Call to Shoot ICE Agents

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The Department of Homeland Security on Monday posted video footage from a “No Kings” rally in Chicago that shows a man calling for the shooting of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, and the agency said it has referred the matter to the Department of Justice.

In the clip shared by DHS on its official social channels, an unidentified participant can be heard addressing the crowd through a microphone. “You gotta grab a gun, we gotta turn around the guns on this fascist system,” the man shouted.

“These ICE agents gotta get shot and wiped out. The same machinery that’s on full display right there has to get wiped out.”

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehend an undocumented migrant they were surveilling in Herndon, VA, Jan. 15, 2025.

DHS said the incident took place at the Chicago rally and that the footage has been forwarded to the Justice Department for investigation. “This rioter, and his statements have been referred to the DOJ,” the DHS social media post read.

“There is no place in America for psychotic incitements of unlawful violence against ICE or CBP.”

The DHS post added a direct warning to would-be attackers and those who would encourage them. “FAFO. If you threaten or lay hands on our law enforcement officers we will hunt you down and you will find out, really quick. We’ll see you cowards soon,” the agency said.

The department’s decision to refer the footage comes amid heightened concern about targeted violence against federal law enforcement. In September, federal authorities reported a sniper attempted to shoot ICE officers at a facility in Dallas, Texas.

The Chicago clip also surfaced less than six weeks after Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated during an event at Utah Valley University, events DHS cited in highlighting the growing threats facing federal personnel.

Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL) issued a public condemnation of the Chicago protester’s remarks on her X account, identifying the man as an employee of Wilbur Wright College and labeling his words a criminal act.

“Sickening,” Miller wrote. “A staff member at Wilbur Wright College is calling for ICE agents to get ‘shot’ and ‘wiped out.’”

“This is a criminal threat that should be investigated,” she added.

A Department of Justice spokesperson, speaking to Fox News, urged restraint and warned that incitement of violence would not be tolerated.

“The Department is actively tracking these targeted assaults against our law enforcement and will hold offenders accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” the DOJ representative said.

“Any official encouraging reckless behavior should think twice before inciting further violence and putting federal agents in harm’s way.”

Local authorities in Chicago have not publicly confirmed whether the individual pictured in the DHS video has been identified or detained.

DHS officials said the referral to DOJ was intended to ensure that the incident receives full investigative review and appropriate prosecution if criminal statutes were violated.

The “No Kings” rallies, which took place in multiple cities nationwide over the weekend, drew large crowds and significant media attention. Organizers described the events as protests against perceived executive overreach.

The Chicago demonstration is now the focus of federal scrutiny after the video surfaced showing explicit calls for violence against federal officers.

DHS officials have in recent months emphasized the protection of federal personnel as a priority, citing a string of incidents they say demonstrate an elevated risk to officers and staff.

In the social media post accompanying the Chicago footage, DHS reiterated that threats of violence against ICE and Customs and Border Protection personnel will be pursued as crimes.

Representatives for Wilbur Wright College did not immediately return requests for comment about the identity or employment status of the person named by Rep. Miller.

Similarly, organizers of the “No Kings” rallies have not issued a statement addressing the video or the referral to the Justice Department.

Federal authorities have, in recent weeks, warned the public that speech that crosses into actionable threats can prompt criminal charges.

Legal experts note that advocacy that amounts to direct incitement of violence, or specific threats against individuals or classes of persons, may be prosecutable under federal statutes.

The DHS post urged citizens to report threats and emphasized that the agency and its partners would continue to monitor demonstrations and online activity for potential criminal conduct.

The Justice Department said it would evaluate the referral and determine whether to open a criminal investigation based on the evidence provided.

U.S. Reopens Puerto Rico Base, Deploys Bombers and Drones Near Venezuela
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U.S. Reopens Puerto Rico Base, Deploys Bombers and Drones Near Venezuela

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The United States has expanded its military presence in the Caribbean under U.S. Southern Command, deploying bombers, Marines, and naval forces in what defense officials describe as the largest regional buildup in decades, as reported by Fox News.

The campaign, directed by President Donald Trump and the War Department, aims to target drug-trafficking and “narco-terrorist” networks operating near Venezuela.

President Donald Trump delivered a special commencement address to University of Alabama graduates on May 1, 2025.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the creation of a new Joint Task Force this month, designed to coordinate counter-narcotics air, maritime, and special operations missions across the region.

“The purpose is to crush the cartels, stop the poison, and keep America safe,” Hegseth said in a statement.

In recent weeks, U.S. forces have carried out at least seven strikes on suspected narcotics vessels. The deployment includes thousands of American troops, with the Pentagon estimating roughly 10,000 personnel currently operating in the area.

U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers and Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II fighters recently conducted a bomber demonstration near Venezuela’s coast.

For four hours on Wednesday, B-52 aircraft from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana patrolled the region, in a display of power directed at Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.

At least seven U.S. Navy warships and one nuclear submarine are believed to be operating in the Caribbean.

The USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, photographed off Ponce, Puerto Rico, on Friday, includes the USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28), USS San Antonio (LPD-17), and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Three U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers — USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109), USS Gravely (DDG-107), and USS Stockdale (DDG-106) — have joined the deployment, alongside the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG-70) and the littoral combat ship USS Wichita (LCS-13), which has been seen operating near Cuba.

Open-source imagery also indicates that a U.S. nuclear-powered attack submarine is stationed near Venezuela, though the Pentagon has not confirmed details.

In Puerto Rico, ten F-35 fighters and three MQ-9 Reaper drones have been deployed, transforming the island into a key logistics hub. Satellite images show Naval Station Roosevelt Roads — closed since 2004 — has been reactivated for operations.

Photographs from José Aponte de la Torre Airport reveal an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship equipped with Hellfire missiles on the tarmac.

Special operations aviation activity has increased as well. MH-6 “Little Bird” helicopters and MH-60M Black Hawks were spotted training near Trinidad and Tobago earlier this month.

The Pentagon has not specified the duration of the buildup, but analysts estimate the U.S. posture is the most significant in the region since the early 2000s.

Officials have linked the deployment to counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism missions following multiple strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels.

Tensions rose after Colombia alleged that one U.S. strike mistakenly killed a fisherman rather than a trafficker — a claim the White House has denied.

Defense experts say the deployment represents a shift from traditional interdiction to a deterrence-based strategy. “This is a posture we haven’t seen in the Caribbean since the early 2000s,” one defense analyst said.

“It’s clearly meant to send a message — not just to traffickers, but to governments accused of enabling them.”

Mark Cancian, a senior defense adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Fox News Digital the mission appears aimed at maintaining strike readiness.

“What I think they’ve put in place is the capability to launch strikes at either the cartels or the Maduro regime,” Cancian said. “If I had to bet, it’s probably against the cartels — but I wouldn’t rule out something against the regime.”

Ryan Berg, director of the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, added that the posture gives Washington the flexibility to conduct precision strikes “without risking the lives of U.S. service personnel.”

After Months of Silence, Hunter Biden Finally Breaks His Silence: ‘I Realize How Privileged I Am’
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After Months of Silence, Hunter Biden Finally Breaks His Silence: ‘I Realize How Privileged I Am’

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Hunter Biden publicly acknowledged for the first time that his father, former President Joe Biden, granted him a pardon because Donald Trump won the 2024 election, suggesting the move would not have happened otherwise, as reported by The New York Post.

In an interview published Monday on journalist Tommy Christopher’s Substack, the 55-year-old Biden son said President Trump’s return to office “changed everything” and prompted his father to act.

“Donald Trump went and changed everything,” Hunter said. “And I don’t think that I need to make much of an argument about why it changed everything.”

Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, makes an appearance at the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability on Jan. 10, 2024.

Hunter Biden pleaded guilty last year to evading $1.4 million in back taxes owed to the IRS and was also convicted on felony gun charges.

The pardon from his father came in the final weeks of the Biden administration, following months of speculation about whether the outgoing president would intervene in his son’s legal troubles.

“I’ve said this before,” Hunter continued.

“My dad would not have pardoned me if President Trump had not won, and the reason that he would not have pardoned me is because I was certain that in a normal circumstance of the appeals [I would have won].”

He also accused President Trump of preparing what he called a “revenge tour” against the Biden family.

“I was the easiest target to intimidate and to not just impact me, but impact my entire family into silence in a way that at least he is not — it’s not as easy for him to do [with] me being pardoned,” he said.

Hunter Biden went on to acknowledge that his father’s pardon placed him in a uniquely favorable position.

“I realize how privileged I am,” he said. “I realize how lucky I am; I realize that I got something that almost no one would have gotten. But I’m incredibly grateful for it.”

He defended his father’s decision, claiming it was justified under the circumstances. “I don’t think that it requires me to make much of a detailed argument for why it was the right thing to do, at least from my dad, from his perspective,” Hunter added.

President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden attend the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on on April 1, 2024 in Washington, DC. In addition to the traditional egg roll and egg hunt, First Lady Jill Biden continues last year’s theme of ÒEGGucationÓ with educational activities and special performances on the South Lawn.

Last month, former White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients reportedly told the House Oversight Committee that Hunter Biden “was involved” in discussions about clemency and “attended a few meetings” in the final weeks of the Biden presidency, according to a source familiar with his testimony.

Hunter’s remarks mark his first extended public statement on the pardon, which drew criticism from both political opponents and ethics watchdogs.

The Justice Department confirmed earlier this year that it had closed its investigations into Hunter Biden’s financial and firearm cases following the pardon’s issuance.

Hillary Clinton Attacks Trump’s Privately Funded White House Ballroom Project
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Hillary Clinton Attacks Trump’s Privately Funded White House Ballroom Project

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Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton criticized President Donald Trump’s plan to build a new ballroom at the White House, calling it an act of destruction despite the project being entirely privately funded and costing taxpayers nothing, as reported by Fox News.

Clinton took aim at the project on Tuesday, posting on X that “it’s not his house. It’s your house. And he’s destroying it.”

Her post included a screenshot of a Washington Post article titled, “White House begins demolishing East Wing Facade to build Trump’s ballroom,” along with a photo of demolition work.

The ballroom project, which began construction on Monday, is designed to modernize the East Wing of the White House and add a new event space capable of hosting state functions and diplomatic gatherings.

According to the White House, the initiative will not use any public funds and is fully financed through private donations.

“I am pleased to announce that ground has been broken on the White House grounds to build the new, big, beautiful White House Ballroom,” President Trump said on Truth Social.

“Completely separate from the White House itself, the East Wing is being fully modernized as part of this process and will be more beautiful than ever when it is complete!”

“For more than 150 years, every President has dreamt about having a Ballroom at the White House to accommodate people for grand parties, State Visits, etc. I am honored to be the first President to finally get this much-needed project underway — with zero cost to the American Taxpayer!”

Trump added. “The White House Ballroom is being privately funded by many generous Patriots, Great American Companies, and, yours truly. This Ballroom will be happily used for generations to come!”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in July that the ballroom will cost approximately $200 million and span 90,000 square feet. The space will accommodate up to 650 seated guests and allow the United States to host major events without temporary tents.

“The White House is currently unable to host major functions honoring world leaders in other countries without having to install a large and unsightly tent approximately 100 yards away from the main building’s entrance,” Leavitt said. “The new ballroom will be a much-needed and exquisite addition.”

Several Democrats joined Clinton in denouncing the project. New Jersey Sen. Andy Kim posted a photo of his family near the construction site, writing, “We didn’t need a billionaire-funded ballroom to celebrate America. Disgusting what Trump is doing.”

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren also took to X, writing, “Oh you’re trying to say the cost of living is skyrocketing? Donald Trump can’t hear you over the sound of bulldozers demolishing a wing of the White House to build a new grand ballroom.”

Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta added, “Republican math. Can afford: Trump ballroom, $40 billion Argentina bailout, massive tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires. Can’t afford: health care for Americans, SNAP for struggling Americans, tax relief for middle class families.”

The ballroom project follows several high-profile renovations under the Trump administration, including an overhaul of the White House Rose Garden and the installation of two 88-foot-tall American flags on the White House lawn, both completed without taxpayer expense.

Jen Psaki’s Attack on JD and Usha Vance Backfires Instantly Across X
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Jen Psaki’s Attack on JD and Usha Vance Backfires Instantly Across X

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MSNBC host Jen Psaki is under fire after making comments suggesting that Vice President J.D. Vance’s wife, Usha Vance, is afraid of him.

The remarks were made Tuesday during an appearance on the “I’ve Had It” podcast, where Psaki discussed her concerns about Vance’s position in the Trump administration.

During the conversation, Psaki described Vice President Vance as “scarier” than President Donald Trump and speculated about his marriage.

“I think the little Manchurian candidate, JD Vance, wants to be president more than anything else,” Psaki said.

“I always wonder what’s going on in the mind of his wife. Like, are you OK? Please blink four times. We’ll come over here. We’ll save you.”

Psaki continued, “And that he’s willing to do anything to get there. And your whole iteration you just outlined, I mean, he’s scarier in certain ways in some ways. And he’s young and ambitious and agile in the sense that he’s a chameleon who makes himself whatever he thinks the audience wants to hear from him.”

The podcast episode’s description repeated Psaki’s comments, adding, “Usha Vance, please blink twice if you need help.”

Psaki’s remarks quickly drew criticism across social media, with many accusing her of mocking the vice president’s marriage and demeaning his wife.

Several users on X called her comments “vile” and “disgusting.”

Fox News contributor Joe Concha wrote, “Not a good person. At all.”

The Libs of TikTok account posted, “Unhinged Jen Psaki is now smearing JD Vance, suggesting that his wife, Usha, wants to leave her husband and offers to ‘save’ her. She also thinks JD Vance is ‘scarier’ than Donald Trump. @MSNBC should be ashamed to pay her salary.”

Townhall.com writer Amy Curtis said, “Also, this is an absolutely vile thing to say. Usha Vance is happily married. She made a vow to JD and those words mean something. It’s also an insult to women who are in actual bad marriages.”

White House Director of Communications Steven Cheung also responded, writing, “Jen Psuki [sic] must be transferring her own personal issues onto others. @jrpsaki is a dumba** who has no comprehension of the truth and has to overcompensate for her lack of talent by saying untrue things. Circle back on that, moron.”

Margot Cleveland, senior legal correspondent for The Federalist, commented, “I must admit, the pivot to ‘JD Vance is worse than Hitler’ started earlier than I anticipated.”

Conservative commentator Doug Powers added, “A NEW ‘Worse than “worse than Hitler”’ is on the way!”

Turning Point USA contributor Jack Posobiec also weighed in, writing, “Usha is accompanying JD right now in Israel securing the Gaza Peace Deal. Absolutely disgusting comments.”

Chaos at White House Entrance as Driver Slams Into Security Barrier
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Chaos at White House Entrance as Driver Slams Into Security Barrier

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A man was arrested late Tuesday night after driving his vehicle into a security barrier near the White House, according to the U.S. Secret Service.

The agency reported that the incident occurred at approximately 10:37 p.m. when the driver struck a security gate at one of the White House entrances.

Officers from the Secret Service’s Uniformed Division immediately took the man into custody at the scene.

In an official statement, the Secret Service confirmed that investigators conducted a search of the vehicle following the crash and determined there were no threats present.

The area was declared safe after the inspection was completed.

Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity or any potential motive behind the incident.

No injuries were reported, and there was no indication that the driver breached any interior White House security perimeter.

“The individual was placed under arrest by members of the Secret Service Uniformed Division,” the agency stated.

“Following a search of the vehicle, it was deemed safe.”

The Secret Service said an investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances leading to the crash and whether it was intentional.

The agency has not indicated whether federal or local charges will be filed.

The crash took place during a period of heightened security in the area surrounding the White House complex, where multiple checkpoints and barriers are regularly maintained by the Secret Service.

Vehicle access to the immediate perimeter of the White House is tightly restricted, and physical barriers are designed to prevent unauthorized entry or damage to the premises.

Washington, D.C. police were not immediately involved in the initial response but have been coordinating with Secret Service investigators as the inquiry continues.

Witness accounts from nearby streets indicated that emergency lights and additional security personnel were visible in the area shortly after the collision.

No further updates have been provided on the suspect’s condition or any possible charges.

The Secret Service said additional details will be released once the investigation has advanced.

The White House grounds remain secure, and normal operations resumed following the brief disruption Tuesday night.

KJP Attacks Karoline Leavitt, Gets Brutally Smacked Down in Savage Clap Back
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KJP Attacks Karoline Leavitt, Gets Brutally Smacked Down in Savage Clap Back

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Former Biden White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reignited controversy Tuesday when she referred to Trump White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt as “deplorable” during an appearance on ABC’s The View.

Jean-Pierre was asked by co-host Sunny Hostin to respond to a clip of Leavitt and her text exchange with a Huffington Post reporter.

The exchange was highlighted during the segment, prompting Hostin to ask whether Jean-Pierre had any advice for her successor.

“I have so many thoughts there. I do want to say that… hearing that, it’s deplorable,” Jean-Pierre said.

“And I’m using that word on purpose.”

Her use of the term echoed Hillary Clinton’s widely criticized “basket of deplorables” remark from 2016, in which Clinton labeled many of Donald Trump’s supporters as “deplorable.”

Leavitt, who serves as President Donald Trump’s current White House Press Secretary, responded hours later on Fox News.

Appearing on Jesse Watters Primetime, she dismissed Jean-Pierre’s remarks and defended both her work and President Trump’s record.

“Karine worked for the most incompetent president in history, so I guess she has a reason to be bitter but being bitter will not sell you books,” Leavitt told Watters.

She went on to criticize Jean-Pierre’s time behind the White House podium during the Biden-Harris administration, accusing her of contributing to misinformation about the former president’s capacity and record.

“With all due respect to my predecessor, she is one of the main culprits of the greatest cover up and scandal in American history,” Leavitt said.

“She took the podium every day and lied to the press about the incompetence of her boss, and on this book tour she continues to lie.”

Leavitt also pointed to recent comments made by Jean-Pierre during media appearances.

“She said this past week that Joe Biden would still be up for the job,” Leavitt continued.

“She actually said this week as well on a podcast that Joe Biden did ‘more press engagements than President Trump currently does now.’”

Leavitt called that statement false, adding, “Any person across the aisle can tell you that is a bald-faced lie.”

She closed the interview by reaffirming her position within President Trump’s administration.

“I’m very proud to work for the greatest president in history,” she said.

The exchange marked one of the most direct public clashes between the two press secretaries since Leavitt assumed the role in the Trump White House.

Jean-Pierre, who stepped down from her position earlier this year to promote her memoir and continue as a political commentator, has been critical of President Trump and his staff in multiple recent interviews.

Neither ABC nor Jean-Pierre’s representatives have issued additional comment following Leavitt’s response.

The White House did not release a statement regarding the exchange.

Leavitt, who previously served as a communications aide during President Trump’s first administration, has been an outspoken defender of his policies and record.

The former New Hampshire congressional candidate joined Trump’s communications team early in 2024 and was later elevated to press secretary following his re-election.

Jean-Pierre, meanwhile, has continued her media appearances as part of her promotional tour, frequently addressing her time in the Biden-Harris White House and discussing her perspective on press relations.

The exchange between the two officials comes as political tensions remain high in Washington, with both parties positioning ahead of key policy battles and upcoming state elections.

NJ Dem Releases Cringe Spanish Video in Desperate Attempt to Reach Hispanic Voters
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NJ Dem Releases Cringe Spanish Video in Desperate Attempt to Reach Hispanic Voters

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Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey faced scrutiny Tuesday after posting a campaign video on X in which she attempted to speak Spanish, admitting in both the video and the accompanying caption that she doesn’t speak it well.

The 34-second advertisement, aimed at reaching Hispanic voters, featured Sherrill introducing herself and discussing her campaign for governor in Spanish.

“Hello, New Jersey. My Spanish is not very good, but I want to speak directly to the Latina community,” she said.

“I’m Mikie Sherrill, candidate for governor. I was a pilot in the Navy and a federal prosecutor. And I have four children with my husband, Jason. And I know in New Jersey costs are very high. And I want to create opportunity for families in New Jersey. And I want to lower costs for everyone.”

In her post accompanying the video, Sherrill repeated her acknowledgment in Spanish, writing, “My Spanish isn’t good, but my love for the Latina community of New Jersey is very strong.”

Sherrill currently leads Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli by four percentage points, according to the RealClearPolling average of surveys conducted between Sept. 22 and Oct. 15.

However, her advantage has narrowed in recent weeks following renewed attention to a past controversy from her time at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Sherrill was reportedly involved in a cheating scandal while attending the academy and was barred from participating in her commencement ceremony.

Though she later received a commission and served as a Navy helicopter pilot, the resurfacing of that disciplinary incident has been cited as a factor contributing to her declining numbers in recent polling.

Democratic strategists have also expressed concern that Sherrill may struggle to attract Hispanic voters in the upcoming election.

Her Spanish-language ad was viewed by some as an attempt to bolster her support within that demographic, particularly after President Donald Trump’s strong performance among Hispanic voters in the 2024 election.

According to CNN’s national exit poll from 2024, President Trump received 46% of the Hispanic vote, 40% of the Asian vote, and 13% of the black vote, defeating Kamala Harris in the general election.

Trump’s gains among Hispanic voters were attributed to his economic policies and focus on border security, both of which resonated with working-class communities across key states.

Polling conducted before the 2024 election indicated that Hispanic voters were increasingly shifting toward Republican candidates, citing dissatisfaction with inflation and the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of immigration.

Sherrill’s ad comes as Democrats continue to grapple with declining support from Hispanic voters nationwide.

Several high-profile Democrats have previously faced criticism for efforts to connect with Spanish-speaking audiences.

In July 2022, then–First Lady Jill Biden drew backlash for comparing Hispanic voters to “breakfast tacos” during remarks at a “LatinX IncluXion Luncheon” in San Antonio.

“The diversity of this community,” Mrs. Biden said at the time, “as distinct as the bodegas of the Bronx, as beautiful as the blossoms of Miami, and as unique as the breakfast tacos here in San Antonio.”

The following year, she mispronounced the Spanish phrase “Sí, se puede” — meaning “Yes, we can” — during a public appearance, sparking widespread criticism.

During his 2020 campaign, then–candidate Joe Biden was also criticized after dancing to the Spanish-language hit “Despacito” at a Florida rally in an apparent effort to appeal to Hispanic voters.

Sherrill’s campaign has not commented on the reaction to her Spanish-language ad.

She is serving her fourth term in Congress and is now running for governor of New Jersey in a closely watched race expected to draw significant national attention.

Bongino Reveals The Untold Story Behind Trump’s Crime Crackdown
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Bongino Reveals The Untold Story Behind Trump’s Crime Crackdown

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FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino revealed new details about a nationwide law enforcement initiative directed by President Donald Trump to combat violent crime in major U.S. cities.

Speaking during a Fox News segment, Bongino described how he and FBI Director Kash Patel were tasked with developing a plan to address the growing violence and lawlessness in cities such as San Francisco and Chicago.

“With regards to this crush and violent crime, whether it’s in San Francisco, Chicago, any other major city early on, this is kind of the untold story of this op,” Bongino said.

“I get appointed, announced in February. Come in in March. Kash is there a little bit earlier? President brings us in early and in essence, this is kind of the behind the scenes guys.”

According to Bongino, President Trump was personally moved to take action after witnessing rising crime and homelessness in the nation’s capital and other large cities.

“He says to us, you know, listen, I’m a builder. I’m in a lot of these big cities. He has just zero tolerance for violent crime. He just does. He drives around Washington, DC on these OTRS, off the record movements. He sees homelessness, crime, he can’t stand it. He says, What do we got to do to fix this?” Bongino said.

Bongino recalled that the President’s directive was simple and direct.

“And his answer is very simple. President is like, go get them boys. Go get them. That was it. Like, you do what you have to do.”

Following those instructions, Bongino and Patel assembled a team of top FBI special agents from across the country to design an aggressive strategy to target violent offenders.

“So we got in there cash and I and we brought in the best sac special agents in charge across the country, guys who had forgotten more about crime and enforcing it. The most people ever know. They’ve done this their whole lives,” he said.

“One of them, we pulled in from Phoenix. He had an amazing job out there. We said, Hey, James, Joe. I said, Joe, you tell me what we need to do to go get these demon savages off the street. Tell me what we need to do,” Bongino added.

The team established what Bongino called a “violent crime roundtable,” consisting of the nation’s top criminal investigators.

“We brought in a violent crime roundtable of the best Crim agents in the country. We figured out a battle plan. How to kind of water balloon. You know, when you squeeze a water balloon, you get a bowl. How do we bulge agents here and in, bulge agents there, and we cleaned up at the President’s direction, the director and I with the SEC and the agents in the field, we water ballooned around the country,” he said.

The results, Bongino reported, have been unprecedented.

“Get a load of this, guys. This is, this is going to trip you out. 28,000 violent crime arrests in 2025 and the year is not even over,” he said. “You say, What does that mean? Put it in comparison prior three, four years, the FBI under prior leadership at average, about 15, 16,000 we’re at 28,000 28,000 we’re not even done with the year. We haven’t even hit Thanksgiving or Christmas yet.”

Bongino credited the increase in arrests to strong leadership and support from the President, Attorney General, and FBI officials who redirected the agency’s focus back to its core mission.

“Shows you when you get a president, an attorney general, a deputy attorney general, and an FBI leadership team that lets the FBI do FBI work instead of getting into other nonsense in the past, look what happens your cities get cleaner,” Bongino concluded.

The data cited by Bongino represents one of the largest year-to-date surges in violent crime arrests in modern FBI history, marking a significant shift in federal law enforcement operations under President Trump’s direction.

CNN Analyst: Trump’s Approval Goes Up as Democrats’ Shutdown Continues
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CNN Analyst: Trump’s Approval Goes Up as Democrats’ Shutdown Continues

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CNN data analyst Harry Enten said Monday that the ongoing government shutdown has not damaged President Donald Trump’s approval rating, despite entering its third week.

According to Enten, Trump’s popularity remains steady and has even slightly increased as the shutdown continues amid disputes over federal spending cuts.

“This shutdown hasn’t eaten into Donald Trump’s support at all,” Enten said during a CNN segment.

“His net approval rating is actually up a point in terms of his popular support.”

Enten compared the current situation to the 2018–2019 government shutdown that took place during Trump’s first term.

That earlier standoff lasted 35 days and resulted in a notable drop in his approval ratings at the time.

“So the bottom line is this, the first shutdown during Trump’s first term 2018 and 2019 was hurting Donald Trump. This one is not hurting him at all,” Enten said.

“There’s no real reason Donald Trump might say, at least when it comes to popular support, ‘I want to get out of this shutdown,’” he added.

Enten went on to explain that public perception surrounding the shutdown appears to have shifted in Trump’s favor.

“It comes down to the blame game. A game I loved to play when I was younger,” he said.

“Blame Trump for the shutdown a great deal in 2018 slash 2019, 61% — more than three and five Americans — blamed Trump a great deal for that particular shutdown.”

He then contrasted those figures with current polling numbers.

“You come over to this side of the screen. Look at this. It’s a different world. It’s a different world. Forty-eight percent of Americans blame Trump a great deal for this particular shutdown,” Enten said.

“So it’s more than three and five back in 2018 slash 2019. It’s less than half — a drop of 13 points.”

“Again, it’s no real wonder that Donald Trump at this point, looking at the shutdown, says, you know, it’s not actually harming me politically in large part because he’s getting less of the blame and he’s doing things differently during this shutdown,” Enten concluded.

The current government shutdown began earlier this month following a breakdown in negotiations between the White House and congressional Democrats over spending reforms.

President Trump has sought to implement targeted reductions to address the federal deficit, while Democratic leaders have rejected those proposals, arguing that the cuts would affect government programs they support.

As the shutdown continues, many federal employees have gone without pay.

The departments most directly affected include Homeland Security, Transportation, Justice, and Interior.

Essential personnel such as border patrol agents, air traffic controllers, federal firefighters, FBI agents, and TSA screeners have remained on duty but have not received paychecks since the shutdown began.

The Office of Management and Budget has estimated that more than 800,000 federal workers have been impacted.

Treasury officials have stated that federal operations related to national defense, public safety, and emergency response will continue under contingency funding until Congress reaches an agreement.

Despite the disruption, polling data cited by CNN shows that President Trump’s approval among voters remains largely unchanged, signaling a potential shift in how the public assigns responsibility for government shutdowns.

Lawmakers from both parties are expected to resume negotiations later this week, though no firm timeline for a resolution has been announced.


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