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Mamdani Backing Sarsour Listed as Speaker for Hamas-Affiliated Event in Istanbul
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Mamdani Backing Sarsour Listed as Speaker for Hamas-Affiliated Event in Istanbul

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A Hamas-affiliated organization has listed American activist Linda Sarsour as a featured participant at an upcoming conference in Istanbul, Turkey, though she has denied accepting any invitation or planning to attend.

The Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA), which Israel designated as a Hamas front group in 2021, announced in a September 24 statement that Sarsour was “expected to participate” in its upcoming “Palestinian National Forum for Dialogue” scheduled for November.

The conference, to be held in Istanbul, will reportedly focus on what organizers describe as “escalating waves of Judaization, uprooting, and annexation” in Palestinian territories and “Israel’s genocidal war.”

In response to inquiries from the Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF), Sarsour denied any involvement with the event or the group.

“This is misinformation and I will not be attending this conference,” she said in an email.

Sarsour also said she was unaware that her name had been included in the group’s announcement until she was contacted by the outlet.

Sarsour, a long-time activist and former co-chair of the Women’s March, has been politically active in New York and nationally.

She has been a vocal supporter of New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist and candidate for mayor of New York City.

The two have appeared at multiple campaign and advocacy events together since at least 2020, with Sarsour emerging as a prominent figure in Mamdani’s political base.

Both Sarsour and Mamdani have faced criticism over their rhetoric surrounding the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel.

Following the massacre, Mamdani attributed the violence to “occupation” and “apartheid” in posts that did not condemn Hamas directly.

On the second anniversary of the attacks, he referred to the assault as a “horrific war crime” but continued to emphasize criticism of Israel’s military response. Sarsour, for her part, has publicly rejected accusations of supporting Hamas or endorsing violence, saying she opposes “hate” within the pro-Palestinian movement.

Recent polling shows him leading the field in the November mayoral election following his victory in the Democratic primary.

The PCPA did not respond to inquiries from reporters about its invitation list or its designation by Israel as a terrorist-linked organization.

When labeling the group a Hamas proxy in 2021, Israel’s foreign ministry released documents it said showed “high-ranking, well-known Hamas members working in the PCPA.”

Among the documents was a letter from deceased Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh praising the organization’s efforts to expand Hamas’s international influence.

“The organization operates under the pretense of civilian cover and is responsible, on behalf of Hamas, for mobilizing actions against Israel, including violent demonstrations, marches against Israel, and demonstration and provocation flotillas,” the ministry said at the time.

The PCPA has also been linked to recent pro-Palestinian activities, including a flotilla event near Gaza that involved climate activist Greta Thunberg, according to Israeli officials.

A Wednesday statement from the group expressed support for the recent ceasefire brokered by President Donald Trump, which led to the release of multiple Israeli hostages.

The PCPA credited the outcome to “the steadfastness of the Palestinian people and their heroic resistance.”

Names of several individuals with reported ties to Hamas appeared alongside Sarsour’s in the PCPA’s conference announcement.

One listed speaker, Hisham Abu Mahfouz, a PCPA leader, posted photos of himself in January 2023 alongside Ahmed Abd al-Hadi, Hamas’s representative in Lebanon.

Another image from January 2024 showed him at a meeting where posters depicted figures from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Another announced guest is Munir Shafiq, a former leader of the Jihad Brigades, a militant group responsible for attacks in Israel during the 1980s, according to the Leibniz Institute of European History.

Also listed is Wadah Khanfar, a former Al Jazeera executive, who was described by Arabic media in 2011 as a senior Hamas official.

According to reporting from The Guardian, Khanfar is also the brother of a “Hamas activist” in Jenin.

Sarsour maintains that she had no knowledge of the event or the organization’s use of her name.

The PCPA has not publicly clarified how she came to be listed among its expected attendees.

Hakeem Jeffries Gets Embarrassed Live on CNN by Liberal Host Dana Bash
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Hakeem Jeffries Gets Embarrassed Live on CNN by Liberal Host Dana Bash

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) faced an unexpected exchange during an interview on CNN Tuesday when anchor Dana Bash pressed him to personally engage with House Speaker Mike Johnson amid the ongoing government shutdown that began on October 1.

The shutdown, now in its second week, took effect at 12:01 a.m. after two separate measures to fund the government failed in the Senate. Both proposals required 60 votes to pass.

The GOP-backed measure, which included temporary funding to keep government operations open, fell short in a 55-45 vote, with Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) joining Democrats in opposition.

Democrats have remained firm against any continuing resolution that excludes provisions for healthcare benefits for illegal aliens and other domestic funding priorities.

Meanwhile, Republicans have accused Senate Democrats and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of prolonging the shutdown by prioritizing political objectives over maintaining government functions.

During his CNN appearance, Jeffries sought to place responsibility for the shutdown on House Republicans and President Donald Trump, claiming they had refused to engage in bipartisan discussions.

However, Bash pushed back against his characterization and offered a direct challenge.

“You’re right down the hall from Mike Johnson’s office,” Bash said during the exchange.

“I know exactly where you are. You could probably take a few steps, knock on the door, and talk to him. Have you tried that?”

Jeffries responded, “Speaker Johnson hasn’t been given permission to have a conversation with me or Leader Schumer. And he said as much earlier today.”

Bash continued to press, asking whether Jeffries believed Johnson would refuse to meet if approached directly.

Jeffries replied, “We could have a conversation, but the problem is that unless they get the green light to have a meaningful discussion to find common ground, any conversation is not going to be fruitful.”

Jeffries acknowledged that no direct meetings or discussions have taken place between House leadership from either party since the shutdown began.

“We’ve had no meetings, no discussions. Donald Trump has held them back from having even a meaningful engagement,” he said.

Bash’s challenge highlighted growing frustration in Washington over the lack of progress toward reopening the government.

Lawmakers from both chambers have continued to introduce funding measures, but partisan disagreements have prevented any from advancing.

Republicans have accused Democratic leaders of using the shutdown to gain political leverage, citing the party’s insistence on including funding for programs unrelated to basic government operations. Democrats, in turn, have accused Republicans of submitting proposals that exclude key social and immigration provisions they consider nonnegotiable.

As negotiations remain stalled, federal employees and service members are bracing for delayed paychecks, while several agencies have reduced operations.

President Trump’s administration has authorized temporary measures to ensure that military personnel continue to receive pay.

The on-air exchange between Jeffries and Bash quickly gained attention on social media, with clips circulating widely across political channels.

Viewers from both sides of the aisle commented on the unusual moment when a CNN anchor pressed a Democratic leader to take direct action rather than assigning blame.

As of Tuesday evening, no additional meetings between congressional leaders had been scheduled.

Speaker Johnson’s office has not issued a public response to Jeffries’s remarks or Bash’s comments.

The current impasse marks one of the most visible political standoffs since the start of the fiscal year, with both parties facing increasing public scrutiny as the shutdown continues without a clear resolution.

Dem Senator Gets a ‘Pink Slip’ for Siding with ‘California Crazies and New York Nutjobs’
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Dem Senator Gets a ‘Pink Slip’ for Siding with ‘California Crazies and New York Nutjobs’

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As the partial government shutdown stretches into its second week, Republican leaders are pointing blame squarely at Senate Democrats for refusing to pass a continuing resolution that excludes funding for healthcare benefits for illegal aliens.

Among those taking aim at the Democratic bloc is Georgia Congressman Mike Collins, who delivered a symbolic “pink slip” to the Atlanta office of Sen. Jon Ossoff on Monday.

Collins’ move came as the shutdown entered its 13th day, with negotiations in Washington remaining at a standstill.

In a statement emailed to supporters, Collins accused Ossoff and other Democrats of “abandoning the people of Georgia” by siding with what he described as the far-left priorities of states like California and New York.

“It’s been 13 days since Jon Ossoff abandoned the people of Georgia to vote with California and New York to shut down the government because he’s fighting to give healthcare to illegal aliens,” Collins said.

“Meanwhile, federal aid for farmers is blocked, our military was at risk of missing a paycheck until President Trump stepped in, and our economy is saddled with uncertainty. We the people have had enough. It’s time for Georgians to have a U.S. Senator that stands for our values, not the California Crazies or New York Nutjobs.”

Ossoff, a first-term Democratic senator elected in 2021, faces reelection in 2026 and has been a central target of Republicans critical of the Democratic strategy during the shutdown.

The GOP argues that Democrats have deliberately delayed passing a short-term funding bill to secure additional benefits for individuals residing in the country illegally.

Collins’ symbolic “pink slip” delivery to Ossoff’s district office was intended to represent what he believes should happen at the ballot box.

The congressman, known for his lighthearted and meme-driven approach to politics, previously told The Hill that “a little bit of levity can help ease the tensions in a lot of ways,” referring to his habit of posting political jokes on social media.

His X account’s pinned post humorously edits his congressional title to describe himself as a “memer,” rather than a “member,” of Congress.

Beyond his online persona, Collins has built a reputation for legislative persistence.

He worked across party lines earlier this year to help advance the Laken Riley Act, which strengthened enforcement against criminal illegal aliens following the murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley.

The bill drew bipartisan attention in Congress and underscored Collins’ focus on border and public safety issues—topics that have also featured prominently in his critique of Ossoff and Senate Democrats.

Collins is currently a top contender in the 2026 Republican primary race to challenge Ossoff for his Senate seat.

His campaign has quickly gained momentum, raising $1.9 million in just eight weeks, according to recent filings.

Early polling has shown Collins ahead of other potential GOP candidates, including Rep. Buddy Carter and former football coach Derek Dooley, who has drawn the backing of Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.

With endorsements from conservative leaders across Georgia’s 159 counties, Collins has positioned himself as a grassroots candidate with a statewide network of supporters.

His campaign emphasizes fiscal responsibility, border enforcement, and veteran support—issues that have resonated with conservative voters frustrated by the ongoing shutdown and what they view as Democratic obstruction in Congress.

As of this week, there is no agreement in sight to end the shutdown, which has delayed federal paychecks and stalled assistance programs across the country.

Republicans continue to push for a “clean” continuing resolution that keeps the government funded without adding new benefits for illegal aliens, while Democrats maintain that such measures should be included.

For now, Collins’ pink slip delivery marks one of the most visible political statements of the shutdown, symbolizing growing conservative frustration with Senate Democrats and setting the tone for what is expected to be one of Georgia’s most closely watched political battles in 2026.

Karoline Leavitt Claps Back at the Anti-ICE ‘Emergency’ Naked Bike Ride in Portland
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Karoline Leavitt Claps Back at the Anti-ICE ‘Emergency’ Naked Bike Ride in Portland

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A group of protesters in Portland, Oregon, staged an “emergency” naked bike ride on Sunday to demonstrate against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and the potential deployment of National Guard units to the city.

The event, typically held during the summer as an annual demonstration, was organized outside of its regular schedule and promoted on social media as a form of resistance.

Organizers of the event wrote on Instagram that “Joy is a form of protest. Being together with mutual respect and kindness is a form of protest. It’s your choice how much or little you wear.”

The statement encouraged participants to express themselves freely while promoting unity and nonviolent action.

The protest took place despite rainy conditions, with dozens of participants riding through downtown Portland and over the Burnside Bridge.

Local news outlets, including regional affiliates, blurred video footage of the event due to the lack of clothing among participants.

The group also conducted a “die-in” demonstration on the Burnside Bridge, during which several riders lay on the pavement to symbolize opposition to federal immigration enforcement.

The demonstration temporarily disrupted traffic but ended without major incidents or arrests at that location.

Journalists including Jorge Ventura and Katie Daviscourt shared footage of the event online, showing participants in varying degrees of undress.

While some riders wore costumes or partial coverings, others appeared fully nude.

The videos quickly circulated across social media, prompting a wide range of public reactions.

The protest’s message focused on demanding an end to ICE operations in Portland and opposing reports of federal consideration of National Guard support for local law enforcement.

The demonstration followed weeks of smaller anti-ICE gatherings at the local ICE facility, where activists have regularly confronted federal officers.

Following the demonstration, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt commented on the event in response to a social media post by Daviscourt, stating, “If you think this is crazy, congratulations, you’re a Republican!”

The remark was widely shared online by conservative commentators highlighting the incident as an example of political extremism in progressive cities.

Later that evening, federal officers and ICE agents engaged with a separate group of protesters outside the Portland ICE facility. According to local reports, agents deployed pepper balls to disperse demonstrators after some refused to leave the property. Several individuals were taken into custody following confrontations in muddy conditions.

Video from the scene showed anti-ICE activists shouting at officers and demanding the release of those detained. Nearby, counter-protesters displayed American flags and a large painting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, voicing support for ICE and federal enforcement efforts.

Despite the naked bike ride protest and its attempts to draw attention to immigration enforcement policies, ICE operations in Portland continued without interruption. The agency has not issued any statements indicating a change in policy or activity following the demonstration.

The “emergency ride” marked the latest in a long line of unconventional protests in Portland, a city known for its frequent and often highly visible political demonstrations. Organizers have not announced plans for future rides but indicated online that they view such displays as necessary to express solidarity and opposition to federal action.

Authorities have not reported any significant property damage or injuries related to Sunday’s event.

Letitia James Rallies with Zohran Mamdani After Indictment, Vows to Keep Fighting President Trump
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Letitia James Rallies with Zohran Mamdani After Indictment, Vows to Keep Fighting President Trump

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New York Attorney General Letitia James made her first public appearance Monday night since being indicted on federal fraud charges, joining New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani at a campaign rally in Washington Heights, as reported by Fox News.

Speaking before an estimated 3,000 attendees, James defiantly declared that she “will not bow” and vowed to continue opposing President Donald Trump’s “aggressive policies.”

Zohran Kwame Mamdani is a New York State Assemblymember and democratic socialist running for Mayor. New York, US – 04 July 2025

The event, titled “Our Time Has Come,” featured several New York Democrats, including Reps. Nydia Velázquez and Adriana Espaillat, and New York City Councilmember Chi Ossé.

The rally took place three weeks before the November 4 mayoral election, in which Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, faces Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.

“Thank you to New York’s attorney general, Tish James,” Mamdani said from the stage. “For years, you have fought the good fight for New Yorkers, and now it’s our time to fight for you.”

James was indicted last week by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia. U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan announced that the attorney general faces charges of bank fraud and making false statements to financial institutions.

The charges stem from allegations involving falsified mortgage documentation tied to a Virginia property.

During her remarks Monday night, James rejected the charges as politically motivated. “I know what it feels like to be attacked for just doing your job,” she said.

New York Attorney General Letitia James talks about the ongoing investigation into the death of Daniel Prude during a press conference held at the Aenon Missionary Baptist Church on Genesee Street in Rochester Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020.
Sd 092020 Attorney General E Metro

“I also know what it feels like to overcome adversity, and so I stand on solid rock, and I will not bow. I will not break. I will not bend. I will not capitulate. I will not give in. I will not give up.”

James also accused President Trump of using the justice system for political purposes.

“This indictment is nothing more than a continuation of the president’s desperate weaponization of our justice system,” she said. “I will keep fighting for justice. I will keep fighting for New Yorkers. I will keep fighting the aggressive policies of Washington, D.C. And I will not stop.”

The attorney general has been a vocal opponent of President Trump since bringing a civil fraud case against him and The Trump Organization in New York.

WASHINGTON – February 22, 2025: President Donald Trump arrives at the White House South Lawn on Marine One after his visit to CPAC.

That case accused the company of inflating asset values and net worth to obtain favorable financial terms. A New York judge previously ruled Trump and his company liable for fraud.

At the rally, Mamdani and other Democratic leaders voiced support for James and condemned the indictment.

“We speak with a voice that recognizes that we are standing in front of the same courthouse where Attorney General Tish James did her job, upholding the law and holding Donald Trump accountable,” Mamdani said.

James endorsed Mamdani for mayor earlier this year and said she stands with him because he “knows what it’s like to be attacked, to be called names, to be threatened, to be harassed.” She said Mamdani’s campaign reflects a shared determination to “build a better New York.”

The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Leftist Arrested for Alleged Plot to Assassinate Conservative Commentator Benny Johnson
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Leftist Arrested for Alleged Plot to Assassinate Conservative Commentator Benny Johnson

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Federal authorities have arrested George Isabel Jr. for allegedly threatening conservative commentator Benny Johnson and his family in what officials are calling a politically motivated plot.

The arrest comes just days after the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, marking another apparent act of left-wing political violence targeting prominent conservative figures, as reported by The Blaze.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Isabel is accused of sending a threatening letter to Johnson’s home, where he lives with his wife, Kate, and their children. The letter, received days after Kirk’s killing, contained violent threats explicitly referencing the earlier assassination.

Attorney General Pam Bondi addressed the arrest in a public statement on Monday.

“Benny’s a well-known media personality carrying a message very similar to Charlie’s, grounded largely in faith and love of country. Just days after Charlie’s assassination, Benny received a letter at his home, where he and Kate are raising their beautiful, beautiful young family,” Bondi said.

“The author of this letter made it very clear that he hated Benny because of his views, and he wanted Benny dead. This was a coward hiding behind a keyboard who thought he could get away with this,” Bondi continued.

“You are not going to get away with threatening people in this way.” She confirmed that Isabel has been charged federally with mailing threatening communications.

Benny Johnson spoke publicly about the incident during an appearance with BlazeTV host Liz Wheeler. He described the threats as part of a larger problem of left-wing violence targeting families who express conservative values.

“To the parents out there, this is a movement about ensuring that you can raise your kids in safety and security, whether it’s from terroristic threatening of left-wing violence, which happened to me specifically in name when this individual, George Isabel Jr., said that he would blow my head off in an open field just like Charlie Kirk and watch my blood splatter on the concrete, or whether it’s from terroristic threatening of homicidal criminals who get let out of jail time and time again and scare you and your children out of the parks and off the streets.”

Johnson said that the “America First” movement remains focused on protecting families and reaffirming traditional values.

“What America First is is a movement of pro-family,” he told Wheeler. “And why is that important? Because actually, Liz, as you know, the things that make you happy in life are having a relationship with God, falling in love, getting married, having children.”

He added that those who despise those values often come from a place of bitterness and emptiness. “They are godless. They often don’t have families,” Johnson said, emphasizing that the suspect in his case will be prosecuted as a warning to others who threaten conservative families.

“You can’t have a pro-family movement of people if parents are being terroristically threatened,” he stated.

The Justice Department confirmed that the investigation remains active as prosecutors prepare to present the case before a federal court.

Report: Indicted Letitia James Sheltering ‘Fugitive’ Relative in Virginia Home
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Report: Indicted Letitia James Sheltering ‘Fugitive’ Relative in Virginia Home

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Indicted New York State Attorney General Letitia James is reportedly housing her grandniece, who has been classified as a fugitive, in her Virginia residence. The Daily Mail reported that Nakia Thompson, James’ grandniece, has been living with her three children in the attorney general’s Norfolk home since 2020.

Court records reviewed by the outlet show that Thompson is listed as an “absconder” wanted by authorities in Forsyth County, North Carolina, for violating the terms of her probation.

New York, NY – May 9, 2022: Attorney General Letitia James makes announcement about protecting access to abortion at AG New York office

The records indicate she failed to complete her probation sentence following misdemeanor convictions for assault and battery and trespassing.

Keith Acree, a spokesperson for the North Carolina Department of Corrections, confirmed Thompson’s fugitive status to the Daily Mail.

“Ms. Thompson was sentenced to probation for misdemeanor convictions for assault and battery and trespassing, and has willfully avoided probation supervision,” Acree stated. He added, “An absconder is considered a fugitive. Thompson faces arrest if she is located in North Carolina.”

Acree further noted that Thompson’s offenses are considered low-level and classified as “non-extraditable,” meaning she cannot be forcibly returned to North Carolina to face arrest. As a result, Thompson has been able to reside outside the state without being detained.

Public records reviewed by the Daily Mail list James as the homeowner of a three-bedroom property in Norfolk, Virginia, where Thompson and her children have reportedly lived for the past five years. The property is located approximately 350 miles from Forsyth County, North Carolina.

The Forsyth County District Attorney’s Office and the North Carolina Department of Corrections did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The New York Post regarding whether any additional legal steps would be taken against Thompson or whether James could face scrutiny for housing a fugitive.

Letitia James, who was indicted last week by a federal grand jury in Virginia on a single count of bank fraud, has not commented on the report. She was accused of falsifying mortgage documents related to a Virginia property.

The charges stemmed from an investigation by federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia, where the case is being handled.

James, who has been one of the most prominent Democratic officials in the country, has faced increasing public attention since the indictment was announced. Federal authorities have not confirmed whether the latest revelations regarding her grandniece’s fugitive status will play any role in her ongoing case.

Trump Schools Politico Reporter Mid-Flight After Getting Clean Bill of Health
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Trump Schools Politico Reporter Mid-Flight After Getting Clean Bill of Health

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President Donald Trump completed his annual physical at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Sunday before departing for Israel as part of his latest Middle East trip.

The president, who also met with and addressed members of the U.S. military during his visit, was given a clean bill of health by his medical team.

According to officials, the exam was part of the president’s routine yearly checkup.

White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor confirmed that the president remains in excellent health and is “fit to execute the duties of the office.”

Following the medical evaluation, President Trump spent time speaking with service members and thanking them for their work at the facility.

Before leaving Washington, President Trump boarded Air Force One bound for Tel Aviv, where he is scheduled to meet with Israeli and regional leaders following the recent peace agreement between Israel and Hamas.

The agreement, signed earlier this month, marked a major diplomatic breakthrough and included the release of the final group of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

While en route to Israel, the president held a press gaggle with reporters aboard Air Force One. The exchange quickly drew attention online after President Trump sparred with a member of the press.

When Politico’s White House Bureau Chief, Dasha Burns, attempted to ask a question, the president interrupted to ask where she was from. “Who are you with?” he said.

“Uhhh, Politico. Dasha Burns, sir,” she replied.

“Oh, you’re Dasha, Politico. Ugh,” the president said, pausing before continuing.

“Politico has gone bad. They’ve been so wrong about everything.”

Burns attempted to continue, responding, “I’ve got a lot of questions, sir.”

The president declined to take her question, turning to another member of the press instead.

“No, no. Politico, it’s been so wrong about everything,” Trump said.

“Let’s get somebody else to ask some questions, do you mind? Is that alright? Because Politico is fake news.”

The moment quickly spread across social media platforms, where clips of the exchange circulated among reporters and political commentators.

Several journalists aboard Air Force One noted that the exchange was typical of the president’s unscripted interactions with members of the press, particularly those from outlets he has accused of unfair coverage.

The exchange with Burns comes as Politico continues to cover the administration’s diplomatic activity in the Middle East and domestic policy discussions ahead of the upcoming budget negotiations in Congress.

The publication has faced criticism from Trump administration officials for its reporting on internal deliberations and anonymous sourcing practices.

After the in-flight press availability concluded, the president continued to Israel, where his agenda included meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and regional leaders who were involved in negotiating the recent peace deal.

The visit marks President Trump’s first trip to the region since the signing of the agreement, which both Israeli and U.S. officials have described as a foundation for long-term peace.

Speaker Johnson Uses Barack Obama’s Own Words to Destroy Democrats’ Shutdown Narrative
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Speaker Johnson Uses Barack Obama’s Own Words to Destroy Democrats’ Shutdown Narrative

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House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) delivered a pointed message to Democrats on Monday, warning that the ongoing partial government shutdown could soon become one of the longest in U.S. history if both chambers fail to reach an agreement.

“We’re barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history unless Democrats drop their partisan demands and pass a clean, no-strings-attached budget to reopen the government and pay our federal workers,” Johnson said during a press conference at the Capitol.

The current partial shutdown entered its 13th day on Monday after Senate Democrats rejected a House-passed temporary funding bill intended to keep the government running through late November.

The measure, described as a “clean” continuing resolution, received strong support from House Republicans but failed in the Senate when all but three Democrats voted against it.

The proposal requires 60 votes to advance in the Senate, leaving Democrats responsible for supplying enough votes to end the stalemate.

According to House leaders, the bill would maintain current federal funding levels and prevent disruptions to essential services while broader budget negotiations continue.

Democrats, however, have pushed for additional spending provisions.

Their counterproposal includes increased funding for social programs and an extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits that are set to expire.

It also includes expanded healthcare coverage for illegal aliens, a measure that has drawn criticism from Republicans who say the proposal adds unnecessary costs during an already strained budget cycle.

Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Angus King (I-ME) have been the only members of the Democratic caucus to side with Republicans in an effort to reopen the government.

The impasse has left federal employees without pay for nearly two weeks and delayed several non-essential operations across agencies.

During Monday’s press conference, Johnson invoked comments made by former President Barack Obama during the 2013 shutdown, which lasted 16 days.

“There’s only one way out of this reckless and damaging shutdown, pass a budget that funds our government with no partisan strings attached. The American people don’t get to demand ransom in exchange for doing their job. Neither does Congress. They don’t get to hold our democracy or our economy hostage over a settled law. That’s not how our democracy is supposed to work. That’s why I won’t pay a ransom in exchange for reopening the government. I’ll always work with anyone of either party on ways to grow this economy, create new jobs and get our fiscal house in order for the long haul, but not under the shadow of these threats,” Obama said at the time.

Johnson read the line verbatim, pausing before clarifying, “What I just read was a direct quote. Those are not my words. They belong to President Barack Obama. He was speaking there in 2013 when our government was shut down for 16 days.”

The Speaker’s remarks highlighted the growing frustration among House Republicans, who argue that Democrats are prolonging the shutdown for political leverage rather than pursuing a bipartisan resolution.

The current closure ranks as the fifth-longest in U.S. history, according to the Congressional Research Service.

The longest government shutdown lasted 35 days between December 2018 and January 2019.

The second-longest occurred under President Bill Clinton, lasting 21 days between December 1995 and January 1996. The third was the 2013 shutdown during the Obama administration.

Johnson said the House has already done its part by passing a seven-week temporary funding measure that would extend fiscal year 2025 spending levels through

November 21. The continuing resolution, or CR, would give lawmakers additional time to finalize a long-term spending agreement for fiscal year 2026, which began on October 1.

Republican leaders in both chambers have urged Democrats to accept the measure as a way to keep government operations running while budget discussions continue. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has not indicated whether he will bring the House bill to a vote.

As the shutdown nears the two-week mark, congressional aides say federal agencies are preparing contingency plans if the deadlock persists.

Economists warn that a prolonged closure could disrupt federal contract payments and delay small business loans.

Johnson concluded Monday’s remarks by reiterating his call for a bipartisan resolution.

“This is a moment for leadership and common sense,” he said.

“Federal workers and American taxpayers deserve better than political brinkmanship.”


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