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Buttigieg Under Fire After Trump Attack, Past Maduro Tweets Explode Online
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Buttigieg Under Fire After Trump Attack, Past Maduro Tweets Explode Online

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Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg faced renewed scrutiny over the weekend after criticizing President Donald Trump’s operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, only for a past statement calling for Maduro’s removal to resurface, as reported by the Gateway Pundit.

Buttigieg, who served in the Biden administration, reacted publicly on Saturday to the Trump administration’s overnight operation that resulted in Maduro’s capture.

The operation, carried out in the early morning hours, concluded without any U.S. troop fatalities.

Maduro was subsequently indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices against the United States.

President Trump shared video footage of the strikes involved in the operation, which targeted at least four sites around Caracas, Venezuela.

Officials said no U.S. forces were killed during the mission.

Buttigieg argued that the operation followed what he described as a familiar political pattern.

“It’s an old and obvious pattern,” Buttigieg wrote Saturday. “An unpopular president – failing on the economy and losing his grip on power at home – decides to launch a war for regime change abroad.”

“The American people don’t want to ‘run’ a foreign country while our leaders fail to improve life in this one,” he added.

The remarks drew attention because they contrasted sharply with Buttigieg’s own prior statements about Venezuela.

Shortly after his comments circulated, social media users resurfaced a January 6, 2020, post in which Buttigieg explicitly supported the removal of Maduro following a disputed election that triggered a political crisis in Venezuela.

“The illegitimate takeover of the Venezuelan National Assembly is further evidence that dictator Maduro will stop at nothing to consolidate his grip on power,” Buttigieg wrote at the time.

“I stand behind Juan Guaidó and the Venezuelan people as they strive to reclaim their democracy and defend their rights.”

That post remains publicly available.

In 2020, opposition leader Juan Guaidó declared himself interim president of Venezuela after international observers raised concerns about the legitimacy of Maduro’s election.

The situation led to heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela, with Maduro accusing the Trump administration of attempting to orchestrate a coup.

Buttigieg’s criticism of Trump’s recent action also contrasted with policies pursued under the Biden administration. During Biden’s term, the U.S. government offered a $25 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest.

However, no attempt was made to apprehend Maduro during those four years.

Trump’s operation ultimately succeeded in capturing Maduro and transferring him to U.S. custody, where federal prosecutors moved forward with the long-standing charges.

Administration officials said the mission was limited in scope and focused specifically on Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who also faces federal charges.

As Buttigieg’s earlier comments circulated online, users on X responded by pointing out what they viewed as a reversal in his public position.

The contrast between his 2020 call to support Venezuelan opposition leaders and his 2026 criticism of Trump’s action quickly became a focal point of debate across social media platforms.

Neither Buttigieg nor his representatives issued additional comment after the older post resurfaced. The Trump administration has not responded directly to Buttigieg’s remarks, instead continuing to emphasize that the mission achieved its objective without American casualties.

The episode underscored ongoing divisions among Democratic figures over Venezuela policy, particularly as past statements continue to resurface in the wake of Trump’s decision to act where previous administrations did not.

Venezuelan Journalist Blasts Anti-Trump Protestors Backing Venezuelan Dictator Maduro
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Venezuelan Journalist Blasts Anti-Trump Protestors Backing Venezuelan Dictator Maduro

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Venezuelan journalist Germania Rodriguez Poleo delivered a message aimed at English-speaking audiences as she said she was already seeing people organize protests in support of Nicolas Maduro.

In her remarks, she urged people not to let their feelings about President Donald Trump lead them to defend Maduro.

“Now a message to my english speaking friends, because I’m already seeing people are organizing protests. Hands off Venezuela. Let’s defend Maduro. We love dictators,” Rodriguez Poleo said.

Rodriguez Poleo framed her message as a warning to those she said were preparing demonstrations, and she argued that opposition to President Trump should not translate into backing Venezuela’s dictator.

“Do not for a moment, let your hatred and disdain for Donald Trump, an unsavory character, have you defending the dictator of my country that was destroyed by him and Chavez and their system 20 years ago?” she said.

Rodriguez Poleo said Venezuelans were happy about Maduro’s arrest and said she viewed it as a turning point after decades without justice.

“We Venezuelans are very, very happy that our dictator has been arrested, removed, and will be put through a trial,” Rodriguez Poleo said.

She described the moment as the first time she believes justice is being pursued after a long period.

“It’s the first time we’re seeing justice in 26 years,” she said.

Rodriguez Poleo also expressed hope that additional figures she described as criminals would be removed from Venezuela, and she tied that outcome to Venezuelans being able to return home.

“Now let’s hope that they get the rest of the criminals out of Venezuela and then we can return home,” she said.

In her statement, Rodriguez Poleo linked Venezuela’s destruction to Maduro, Hugo Chavez, and what she described as their system, and she urged her audience to reject calls to defend Maduro even if they strongly oppose President Trump.

Her comments centered on two themes: the protests she said were being organized by English speakers and her support for Maduro being arrested, removed, and put through a trial.

Rodriguez Poleo said she hoped the removal of Maduro and other criminals would lead to Venezuelans being able to return home after what she described as years of destruction tied to Maduro, Chavez, and their system.

WATCH:

Venezuela’s 300 Billion Barrels of Oil Back in Play After Maduro Arrest
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Venezuela’s 300 Billion Barrels of Oil Back in Play After Maduro Arrest

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Following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the United States is now positioned to exert significant influence over the future of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, as the Trump administration signals interest in reviving the country’s long-dormant energy sector.

Venezuela, a country nearly twice the size of California, sits atop extraordinary petroleum wealth.

With more than 300 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, the South American nation holds larger reserves than long-established energy producers such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Kuwait.

Estimates place Venezuela’s reserves at roughly 20 percent of the global total, nearly four times the amount held by the United States.

Despite the scale of its reserves, Venezuela’s oil industry has been largely incapacitated for years.

Much of the country’s petroleum consists of heavy and extra-heavy crude, which is significantly more difficult and expensive to extract and refine than lighter grades of oil.

Production of this type of crude requires specialized equipment, continuous maintenance, and advanced refining capabilities.

Those systems have steadily deteriorated over the past decade as a result of prolonged underinvestment, U.S. sanctions, political instability, and the collapse of state-run oil company operations.

As infrastructure declined, production fell sharply, leaving much of Venezuela’s oil wealth effectively locked underground.

Comparable situations have unfolded in other energy-rich nations such as Iran and Libya, where political turmoil, financial distress, and degraded infrastructure have limited output despite vast reserves.

In Venezuela’s case, the deterioration has been particularly severe, with refineries, pipelines, and production facilities falling into disrepair.

Over the weekend, President Donald Trump said his administration intends to move quickly to revive Venezuela’s oil industry by encouraging investment from major U.S. energy companies.

Speaking during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, Trump said American firms would play a central role in restoring production capacity.

“We are going to have our very large United States oil companies go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken oil infrastructure and start making money for the country,” Trump said.

Trump did not specify a timeline for the effort or identify which companies might be involved, but his remarks signaled a potential shift in U.S. policy toward direct engagement with Venezuela’s energy sector following Maduro’s removal from power.

So far, American energy companies have stopped short of committing to new operations in Venezuela.

Chevron remains the only major U.S. oil company with a presence in the country, operating under limited authorizations granted by the U.S. government.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Chevron said it was monitoring developments while adhering to legal requirements.

“Chevron remains focused on the safety and well-being of our employees, as well as the integrity of our assets,” a company spokesperson said, adding that the firm is following “relevant laws and regulations.”

ConocoPhillips, another major U.S. energy producer with a historical presence in Venezuela, also responded cautiously.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, the company said it is tracking developments and evaluating broader implications.

“ConocoPhillips is monitoring the developments in Venezuela as well as the potential implications for global energy supply and stability,” a spokesperson said.

“It would be premature to speculate on any future business activities or investments.”

Other U.S. oil companies have not publicly commented on whether they would consider reentering Venezuela, where years of nationalization, contract disputes, and sanctions have made foreign investment highly risky.

The prospect of restoring Venezuela’s oil output carries significant implications for global energy markets.

With production currently far below historical levels, any substantial increase could affect global supply dynamics, particularly if U.S. companies are able to rehabilitate infrastructure and bring heavy crude back online at scale.

For now, the administration’s plans remain in early stages.

The focus, according to Trump’s remarks, is on stabilizing and repairing Venezuela’s oil infrastructure while positioning U.S. companies to play a leading role in the sector’s recovery.

How quickly that vision can be realized will depend on regulatory decisions, security conditions, and whether major energy firms decide the potential rewards outweigh the long-standing risks associated with operating in Venezuela.

Dan Bongino Says Goodbye to the FBI with a Thankful Post on X, Benny Johnson Reacts
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Dan Bongino Says Goodbye to the FBI with a Thankful Post on X, Benny Johnson Reacts

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Dan Bongino completed his final day as deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Saturday, officially returning to civilian life on Sunday after serving less than a year in the role.

Bongino first announced in mid-December that he planned to leave the bureau in the New Year.

He made his departure official on Saturday with a post on X, marking the end of his tenure at the FBI.

“It was a busy last day on the job,” Bongino wrote.

“This will be my last post on this account. Tomorrow I return to civilian life.”

Bongino reflected positively on his time in government service and credited the administration’s leadership for the experience.

“It’s been an incredible year thanks to the leadership and decisiveness of President Trump,” Bongino said.

“It was the honor of a lifetime to work with Director Patel, and to serve you, the American people. See you on the other side.”

Bongino assumed the position of deputy FBI director in March, stepping into one of the bureau’s most senior leadership roles.

His appointment followed years of work in law enforcement, media, and political commentary.

During his tenure, Bongino remained largely out of the public spotlight compared to his previous career, focusing on internal operations and management at the bureau.

President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged Bongino’s service following his departure, offering praise and suggesting Bongino’s future plans may involve a return to broadcasting.

“Dan did a great job,” Trump said.

“I think he wants to go back to his show.”

Before leaving office, Bongino spoke candidly about the personal toll the position had taken on him and his family.

In a May appearance on “Fox & Friends,” he described the sacrifices required by the job and the strain it placed on his personal life.

“I gave up everything for this,” Bongino said during the interview.

He went on to describe the isolation that came with working long hours in Washington, D.C., away from his family.

“I stare at these four walls all day in D.C., by myself, divorced from my wife — not divorced, but I mean separated — and it’s hard,” Bongino said.

“I mean, we love each other, and it’s hard to be apart.”

Bongino’s comments highlighted the demanding nature of senior leadership roles within the federal government, particularly at agencies like the FBI, where long hours and intense responsibilities are common.

While Bongino did not outline specific plans for his next chapter, Trump’s comments suggested a possible return to media, where Bongino previously hosted a nationally syndicated radio show and maintained a large online following. Bongino has not publicly confirmed what he plans to do following his departure from the bureau.

The FBI has not announced who will permanently fill the deputy director role following Bongino’s exit.

His departure comes at a time when the bureau continues to face scrutiny from lawmakers and the public over its operations and leadership, placing added focus on transitions within its senior ranks.

Bongino’s final day marked the conclusion of a brief but high-profile period of public service.

As he returns to civilian life, his departure closes a chapter that he described as both professionally meaningful and personally challenging.

Trump Puts a Few Latin Leaders On Notice After Arrest of Venezuela’s Maduro
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Trump Puts a Few Latin Leaders On Notice After Arrest of Venezuela’s Maduro

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President Donald Trump issued pointed warnings to several Latin American governments following a U.S. operation that resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is now in U.S. custody on American soil.

The comments came after an overnight operation into early Saturday that led to Maduro’s capture.

In remarks addressing the regional implications of the action, Trump characterized parts of Latin America as major sources of narcotics flowing into the United States and warned neighboring governments that further action could follow.

Trump directed his remarks toward Mexico, Colombia, and Cuba, linking those countries to drug trafficking concerns and regional instability.

Cuba, which has had decades of strained relations with Washington dating back to the Cold War, was included in the warnings alongside Mexico and Colombia.

During the comments, Trump again described Maduro as a “narco-terrorist” and addressed a question about how the operation could affect neighboring countries.

He directly linked Maduro to Colombian President Gustavo Petro while discussing cocaine production and trafficking.

“He has cocaine mills, he has factories where he makes cocaine, and they’re sending it into the United States,” Trump said of the Colombian leader, adding, “he does have to watch his ass.”

Trump’s remarks about Cuba were less direct but suggested future discussion and potential action.

He said his administration intended to focus on the Cuban population as well as Cuban-Americans living in the United States.

“It’s going to be something we’ll end up talking about,” Trump said, referring to Cuba.

He added that Washington wants to “help the people” of the country, which he described as similar to Venezuela.

“It’s very similar in the sense that we want to help the people in Cuba, but we also want to help the people who were forced out of Cuba and are living in this country,” Trump said, referencing Cuban-Americans who have fled the island nation and settled in the United States.

Trump also focused on Mexico during his remarks, turning attention to drug cartels operating south of the U.S. border.

He addressed Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo while discussing cartel influence and what he described as the Mexican government’s inability to confront those organizations.

Trump said that drug cartels are effectively running the country and claimed that Mexican authorities are fearful of them.

He said action would be required to address the situation.

“They’re running Mexico… I’ve asked her numerous times: ‘Would you like us to take out the cartels?’ ‘No, no, no, Mr. President, no, no, no, please.’ So we have to do something,” Trump said in a phone interview with Fox.

Mexico moved quickly to condemn the U.S. military action in Venezuela following Maduro’s arrest.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro also criticized the operation, describing it as an “assault on the sovereignty” of Latin America.

Similar criticism was echoed by several BRICS nations and other countries in the Global South, which issued statements opposing the U.S. action.

Trump’s remarks came amid heightened regional tensions following the Venezuela operation.

The administration has emphasized that the action targeted narcotics trafficking and individuals it has accused of participating in criminal enterprises, while critics have argued it represents a broader assertion of U.S. power in the region.

As Trump addressed the fallout from the operation, his comments made clear that the administration views drug trafficking and cartel influence as interconnected regional issues extending beyond Venezuela.

His statements indicated that the capture of Maduro could mark the beginning of increased pressure on other governments that Washington believes are linked to narcotics production or trafficking networks.

The warnings to Mexico, Colombia, and Cuba followed the administration’s declaration that Maduro is now in U.S. custody and that American forces played a role in securing the operation.

While Trump did not announce specific new actions against the other countries, his comments placed their governments on notice as the administration continues to frame regional drug trafficking as a national security issue for the United States.

Chuck Schumer’s Own Words Come Back to Haunt Him as He Melts Down Over Maduro Capture
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Chuck Schumer’s Own Words Come Back to Haunt Him as He Melts Down Over Maduro Capture

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Democratic New York Sen. Chuck Schumer said Sunday that he will introduce a War Powers Act resolution aimed at blocking further U.S. military operations involving Venezuela, following an operation announced by President Donald Trump that resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Schumer made the remarks during an appearance on ABC’s “This Week” with host George Stephanopoulos.

His comments came one day after President Trump announced in a Saturday post on Truth Social that Maduro and Flores were arrested in Caracas during a law enforcement operation protected by American military forces.

Schumer sharply criticized the operation and accused the Trump administration of acting outside the law.

He characterized the mission as an example of what he described as executive overreach and said Congress must intervene.

“The American people this morning, George, are scratching their heads in wonderment and in fear of what the president’s proposed,” Schumer said.

“The United States will run Venezuela. We have learned though the years, when America tries to regime change and nation-building in this way, the American people pay the price, in both blood and in dollars.”

Schumer also claimed the Trump administration lacked the authority to conduct the operation.

During a Saturday press conference following the capture of Maduro, President Trump said the United States was “running” Venezuela and stated that senior administration officials would oversee the situation.

Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine would be in charge.

Schumer disputed the scope and legality of the operation, alleging it went beyond defensive actions.

“They did not just do ships off the water,” Schumer said.

“They went inside Venezuela, bombed civilian as well as military places, and it’s a violation of the law to do what they did without getting the authorization of Congress.”

In the aftermath of the operation, several left-wing commentators and Democratic figures publicly condemned the action.

Podcasters Keith Olbermann and Dean Obeidallah called for President Trump’s impeachment in posts on BlueSky.

Congressional Democrats also criticized the mission, describing it as an illegal war.

Schumer accused Trump administration officials of misleading both Congress and the American public about the nature and scope of the operation.

During the interview, Stephanopoulos asked Schumer what steps Congress could take in response.

“What can the Congress do about it is the next question,” Stephanopoulos said.

Schumer responded by pointing to the War Powers Act as a legislative mechanism to limit the president’s authority.

“The next question is very simple, and that is that we have the War Powers Act,” Schumer said.

“That’s a privileged resolution, which means the Republicans can’t block it. Tim Kaine and I and Rand Paul are sponsors of it. It’s gonna come to the floor this week, and if it is voted for positively in both houses, then the President can’t do another thing in Venezuela without the okay of the Congress.”

Schumer’s position marked a notable contrast with his statements about Venezuela during President Trump’s first term.

In 2020, Schumer criticized Trump for what he said was a failure to remove Maduro from power after the Venezuelan leader was indicted in March of that year on drug trafficking charges.

“The President brags about his Venezuela policy? Give us a break. He hasn’t brought an end to the Maduro regime,” Schumer said at the time.

The War Powers Act resolution proposed by Schumer is expected to be introduced in the coming days, with debate anticipated in both chambers of Congress.

The move sets up a confrontation between congressional Democrats and the Trump administration over the scope of presidential authority in foreign military operations, as well as the future of U.S. involvement in Venezuela following the arrest of Maduro and Flores.

Elon Musk Signals His Bromance with Donald Trump is Back On After ‘Lovely Dinner’
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Elon Musk Signals His Bromance with Donald Trump is Back On After ‘Lovely Dinner’

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President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk appear to have eased tensions and repaired their previously strained relationship, following a weekend dinner at Mar-a-Lago that was publicly acknowledged by Musk on social media.

In a post shared Sunday on X, Musk wrote, “Had a lovely dinner last night with @POTUS and @FLOTUS,” adding, “2026 is going to be amazing!”

The post included a photograph taken Saturday evening at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, and immediately sparked speculation that the high-profile relationship between the two figures may be back on stable footing after months of public disagreements.

The interaction marked a notable shift from the friction that developed following the 2024 presidential election.

After that campaign, Musk emerged as one of the Republican Party’s largest political donors, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars, according to Reuters.

His financial backing and public support made him a prominent ally of Trump during and after the election cycle.

Following President Trump’s return to office, Musk was tapped to advise a government efficiency initiative and to help establish the Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE.

The effort was aimed at reducing federal spending and streamlining government operations.

However, Musk stepped back from that role in mid-2025 as criticism mounted over the scope and feasibility of the initiative, and disagreements between Musk and the administration became more public.

Tensions escalated further when Musk openly criticized Trump-backed spending legislation.

In a June 3 post on X, Musk voiced frustration with what Trump described as his “big beautiful bill.”

“I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore,” Musk wrote at the time.

“This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it,” Musk added.

President Trump responded publicly to the criticism, expressing disappointment in Musk’s comments while acknowledging their past relationship.

“I was very disappointed,” Trump said at the time, before adding, “Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore.”

The exchange prompted a sharp rebuttal from Musk, who took to X to argue that his support had been decisive in the 2024 election.

“Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate,” Musk wrote.

During the height of the dispute, Musk also floated the idea of forming a new political party, further fueling speculation about a lasting rift between the two men.

Despite the public nature of the disagreements, both Trump and Musk appeared to soften their tone as 2025 progressed.

In September, the two were seen shaking hands at conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, held in a box at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

The public appearance suggested a possible thaw, though neither addressed the status of their relationship at the time.

Musk later attended a White House dinner in November, where President Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, adding to indications that lines of communication between the billionaire and the administration had been restored.

The question of whether Musk had fully reentered Trump’s inner circle was raised publicly during a Cabinet meeting on Dec. 2.

FOX Business correspondent Edward Lawrence asked the president whether Musk was “back in [his] circle of friends” following their falling out.

“Well, I really don’t know. I mean, I like Elon a lot,” Trump replied.

The weekend dinner at Mar-a-Lago, paired with Musk’s upbeat public remarks, has renewed speculation about the future of their relationship as Trump’s administration continues into 2026.

While neither has formally addressed whether Musk will take on an advisory role again, the public gestures suggest that the once-strained alliance between the president and the tech billionaire may be stabilizing after a period of high-profile disagreement.

Tim Walz Reportedly Ending Reelection Campaign, Has a ‘NEW RETARD’ Been Selected?
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Tim Walz Reportedly Ending Reelection Campaign, Has a ‘NEW RETARD’ Been Selected?

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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is expected to withdraw from the 2026 gubernatorial race as he faces growing national scrutiny tied to a massive alleged fraud scheme involving Medicaid and state-funded day care programs.

“BREAKING: Tim Walz to make an announcement TOMORROW in regards to his political future. Speculation is saying he will likely withdraw from the governors race,” Minnesota political analyst Dustin Grage posted on X on Sunday night.

The development comes as Walz’s office has scheduled a press conference for 11 a.m. Monday.

The governor’s office has not disclosed what Walz plans to address during the event, according to KARE 11.

Walz, who was the Democratic vice presidential nominee in the 2024 election, has been under intensified national attention in recent months over alleged Medicaid and child care fraud in Minnesota.

Estimates cited by officials and lawmakers suggest the losses could reach into the multi-billion-dollar range.

The controversy escalated after independent journalist Nick Shirley released viral footage last month showing several taxpayer-funded day care centers in Minnesota that appeared largely empty despite receiving substantial public funding.

The footage sparked widespread scrutiny and prompted federal involvement.

Federal authorities subsequently launched an operation in Minnesota focused on “identifying, arresting, and removing criminals who are defrauding the American people,” according to the Department of Homeland Security.

The operation marked a significant escalation in the federal response to the alleged fraud.

Republicans have sharply criticized Minnesota Democrats over the scandal, accusing state leaders of failing to implement safeguards that could have prevented large-scale taxpayer losses.

A Florida lawmaker compared the alleged scheme to “organized crime,” further amplifying national attention on the issue.

The Trump administration has announced plans to freeze certain federal child care funds until states provide additional verification for the programs.

Administration officials have said the move is intended to prevent further losses and ensure federal funds are distributed only to eligible providers.

President Donald Trump addressed the issue publicly while speaking to a crowd during a New Year’s Eve celebration at Mar-a-Lago, suggesting the scope of the alleged fraud could be even larger than current estimates.

“Can you imagine, they stole $18 billion,” Trump said.

State Rep. Kristin Robbins (R–Maple Grove), chairwoman of the Minnesota Fraud Committee and a Republican candidate for governor, said she warned the Walz administration about potential fraud well before the issue gained national attention.

Robbins said she raised concerns after holding a hearing on day care fraud in February 2024.

“I gave the Department of Human Services a list of day care providers getting over $1 million in the previous year from the state who had numerous violations, and this day care was one of them on the list,” Robbins said outside the Quality Learning Center facility.

“They can’t say they didn’t know. We had a hearing on it. We gave them a list, and nothing has happened,” she added.

“I find it shocking that this is still happening when we flagged something over and over again.”

The House Oversight Committee is expected to hold multiple hearings on the alleged fraud in the coming weeks as lawmakers continue to examine the scope of the losses and the state’s oversight mechanisms.

Olson told Fox 9 that Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, whom he said Walz met with on Sunday, is viewed as a likely contender to replace the governor in the 2026 race if Walz formally exits.

Michigan Veteran Left in Coma After DoorDash Driver Allegedly Attacks Him
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Michigan Veteran Left in Coma After DoorDash Driver Allegedly Attacks Him

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A 75-year-old Michigan veteran remains in a coma after a DoorDash driver allegedly punched him in the head during a confrontation in a residential neighborhood, leaving him with severe brain injuries that required emergency surgery, according to police and family members, as reported by The New York Post.

The incident occurred on Dec. 28 in Wixom, Michigan, roughly 30 miles northwest of Detroit.

Lloyd Poole, a longtime resident and military veteran, approached a delivery driver near the end of his driveway to tell him to slow down while driving through the neighborhood, according to reporting by WXYZ.

Police identified the driver as Ryan Turner, 40. Authorities said Turner exited his vehicle and allegedly punched Poole in the head, knocking him to the ground.

“My dad fell. Never got up. Never moved. And the DoorDash driver got back in his vehicle and drove away,” Poole’s daughter, Jen Shaw, told WXYZ.

Poole was rushed to the hospital with a black eye and severe head trauma. Doctors performed emergency surgery to reduce swelling in his brain, which required removing part of his skull.

According to his family, Poole has not regained consciousness since the attack.

“He’s not responding. He can’t talk. He’s not awake,” Shaw said.

“We don’t know when he’s going to get out of this hospital bed. That may never happen.”

Turner later went to the Wixom Police Department, where he admitted to striking Poole and leaving the scene, according to law enforcement.

Turner told officers he felt threatened during the encounter after getting out of his car. Police said he acknowledged driving away after Poole collapsed.

Turner was arrested and booked into the Oakland County Jail. He was charged with one count of aggravated assault and posted a $35,000 bond on Jan. 1.

Court records obtained by Fox 2 Detroit show Turner previously faced assault and battery charges in 2022, which were later reduced to a lesser offense.

Records also indicate he has prior driving-related violations, including driving with a suspended or invalid license.

DoorDash confirmed that Turner has been permanently removed from the platform following the incident.

“DoorDash has zero tolerance for violence, and we have permanently removed the individual’s access to the platform,” a DoorDash spokesperson told CBS News.

“We are working with local law enforcement to support their investigation to ensure justice is served.”

Poole’s stepdaughter, Lindsey Gonzalez, said the family remains concerned about Turner’s release on bond, noting that his removal from DoorDash does not prevent him from working for other delivery services.

She said the family is seeking stricter bond conditions to keep Turner away from Poole’s wife and their home, which is located a short distance from Turner’s residence.

“It’s scary that he’s out walking around,” Gonzalez told Fox 2 Detroit.

“I want everybody in the public to know his face and stay away from him.”

As Poole remains hospitalized in a coma, family members have been rotating shifts at his bedside.

Doctors have not provided a timeline for recovery, and relatives say the uncertainty surrounding brain injuries has made the situation especially difficult.

“You just don’t know with the brain, so we’re very concerned,” Shaw said.

“We’re really worried.”

The case remains under investigation.

Parents of Man Killed After Crawling Into Delta Jet Engine Sue Salt Lake City
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Parents of Man Killed After Crawling Into Delta Jet Engine Sue Salt Lake City

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The parents of a Utah man who died after crawling into the engine of a Delta Air Lines aircraft at Salt Lake City International Airport have filed a lawsuit against Salt Lake City, alleging that a series of security failures allowed their son to access the tarmac during what they say was an obvious mental health crisis, as reported by The New York Post.

Kyler Efinger, 30, was found dead on New Year’s Day 2024 after climbing into the turbine of a Delta plane that was preparing for takeoff at the airport.

His parents, Judd and Lisa Efinger, allege in a lawsuit filed last Tuesday that their son’s death could have been prevented if airport personnel had intervened earlier and if security systems had functioned properly.

According to the complaint obtained by The Post, Efinger, a ticketed passenger traveling to visit his ill grandfather, was experiencing what the lawsuit describes as an “obvious mental health episode” in the hours before his death.

Efinger had been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder a decade earlier and “occasionally experienced episodes in which he became visibly disoriented,” the filing said.

The lawsuit states that at around 9 p.m., Efinger began pacing repeatedly along a walkway inside the terminal.

Less than 30 minutes later, he entered a Utah Jazz store, where his behavior was so unusual that a manager accepted less than the full purchase price for a jersey to “hurry up the transaction,” according to the filing.

Efinger left his bag in the store, prompting the manager to call Airport Operations.

The complaint alleges that Efinger then ran through the terminal without shoes, his shirt partially unzipped, as an airport employee arrived to retrieve the bag.

The manager reported hearing Efinger yell that his bag was being held “hostage” and that his “whole life is in there.”

After demanding a refund and becoming increasingly agitated, the lawsuit says the manager and an associate called airport security, at which point Efinger ran toward gate A1 without his bag.

Despite his behavior, the complaint alleges that no additional steps were taken to locate or assist him.

At approximately 9:52 p.m., Efinger attempted to open a locked jet bridge door while carrying his shoes.

He briefly interacted with a janitorial worker and then tried to open another locked door, falling in what the filing described as an “exaggerated manner.”

He later struck a window with his shoe before accessing an emergency exit door that led from the terminal’s sterile area to the secure tarmac.

That door, the lawsuit alleges, lacked a delayed egress locking system that would have required a 15- to 20-second wait before opening.

“The City did not maintain any impediments to prevent a visibly disoriented person from freely accessing the tarmac,” the lawsuit stated, adding that airport personnel were not immediately alerted to Efinger’s exit location.

Efinger walked nearly a mile across the airfield, eventually removing his pants and undergarments in freezing conditions, leaving him wearing only a jersey and socks.

He then ran toward an Airbus aircraft that had begun taxiing. The lawsuit claims city personnel failed to warn air traffic controllers or pilots that a “disoriented person” was on the tarmac.

Efinger climbed into the aircraft’s engine while it was still running. His hair was caught by the engine blades, and he was killed by “blunt head trauma from his head being forcibly pulled against the blades of the engine,” according to court documents.

Although the pilot shut down the engine after noticing Efinger, the lawsuit says the fatal injuries had already occurred.

Efinger’s parents argue that he would still be alive “if officers had located him 30 seconds sooner.”

They are seeking damages exceeding $300,000 and a jury trial, accusing Salt Lake City of failing to maintain safe premises, adequate security systems, and effective communication protocols.

A spokesperson for the Salt Lake City mayor’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.


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