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JD Vance Completely Cooks Liberal Troll Defending Drug Trafficking Cartel Members
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JD Vance Completely Cooks Liberal Troll Defending Drug Trafficking Cartel Members

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Vice President J.D. Vance sparred with anti-Trump commentator Brian Krassenstein on Saturday after defending the U.S. military strike that killed 11 suspected narco-terrorists in the southern Caribbean.

The exchange began when Vance posted on X following the strike against a Venezuelan vessel allegedly carrying narcotics. “Killing cartel members who poison our fellow citizens is the highest and best use of our military,” Vance wrote.

His comment came after U.S. officials confirmed that 11 suspected members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua were killed during the operation on Tuesday.

Krassenstein, a frequent critic of the Trump administration, responded to Vance’s statement by accusing him of endorsing war crimes.

“Killing the citizens of another nation who are civilians without any due process is called a war crime,” Krassenstein wrote.

Vance rejected the criticism outright. “I don’t give a s— what you call it,” the vice president replied.

Krassenstein later escalated his remarks, claiming that Vance “should face impeachment,” over the tweet.

The dispute unfolded as the administration continued to highlight its campaign against international drug traffickers.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth addressed the strike during an appearance on “Fox & Friends” Wednesday, framing it as part of a broader effort to defend U.S. interests in the hemisphere.

“It’s a new day. It’s a different day, and … this is an activity the United States is not going to tolerate in our hemisphere,” Hegseth said.

Hegseth emphasized that the operation targeted a “narco-terrorist organization” that has sought to transport drugs into the United States.

He said the strike delivered a decisive message that such activities would be met with force.

“It won’t stop with just this strike. Anyone else trafficking in those waters, who we know is a designated narco-terrorist, will face the same fate, and it’s important for the American people to protect our homeland and protect our hemisphere,” Hegseth stated.

President Donald Trump also weighed in after the strike, releasing footage of the fiery explosion. He praised the operation and said it should serve as a warning to drug traffickers attempting to target the United States.

The president underscored that no American forces were injured during the action.

Trump further confirmed that the strike took place within the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of responsibility.

He said the suspected traffickers were in international waters transporting narcotics bound for the United States when the strike occurred.

The operation marks one of the latest moves in the administration’s efforts to confront cross-border drug trafficking networks, which officials have described as a direct threat to U.S. security.

The Tren de Aragua, the group targeted in Tuesday’s strike, has been linked by U.S. authorities to violent operations across South America and attempts to smuggle narcotics northward.

The clash between Vance and Krassenstein underscored the political divides over the administration’s tactics.

While officials defended the strike as a lawful and necessary response to international drug trafficking, critics continued to raise questions about the use of military force against foreign nationals in international waters.

For the administration, the operation was presented as part of a clear policy shift.

Hegseth and other officials framed it as a direct warning that future attempts to smuggle narcotics into the United States will be met with military action, reinforcing the administration’s message of deterrence against transnational criminal organizations.

Durham, NC, Takes “Sanctuary City” to the Next Level, Makes Move to Protect Illegal Aliens
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Durham, NC, Takes “Sanctuary City” to the Next Level, Makes Move to Protect Illegal Aliens

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Durham, North Carolina, has officially declared itself a “Fourth Amendment Workplace” after city leaders approved a measure aimed at restricting cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and increasing protections for illegal immigrant workers.

The Durham City Council unanimously passed the resolution on Tuesday, according to The Duke Chronicle.

The measure directs city staff to “uphold the 4th Amendment at their workplace and city agencies and report back to Council any barriers to effective training on the 4th Amendment for any departments.”

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures and requires warrants supported by probable cause before an arrest or property seizure can take place.

Durham’s resolution states that the city has “historically pursued equity and safety for all residents,” and that trust between residents and local government is essential for city operations.

The measure emphasizes that fear of “unconstitutional seizure” has prevented migrants in the city from “safely engaging in public life, including pursuing employment and education.”

The action comes weeks after an incident at the Durham County Courthouse in July, when four plainclothes ICE agents arrived to detain an illegal immigrant who faced a felony domestic violence charge.

The individual never appeared for his scheduled court hearing, and no arrests were made, according to WRAL.

“Our residents witnessed ICE agents in our community, instilling widespread fear and uncertainty,” Durham Mayor Leo Williams said after the incident.

“While local leaders cannot legally override the federal government’s use and weaponization of ICE, we can and must stand in strategic solidarity with our neighbors.”

That same day, residents organized a demonstration outside the courthouse to protest ICE’s presence.

Durham County Board of Commissioners Chair Nida Allam participated in the protest, saying, “This is a direct threat to the safety and dignity of our communities. The Courthouse should be a place where people can seek justice, not where they’re hunted down by federal agents.”

During Tuesday’s council meeting, migrants and their families voiced support for the resolution, citing daily fears of enforcement actions.

Local activists and residents urged the council to expand training for city employees to enforce the new policy.

Elise Ballan, chair of the Durham Workers’ Rights Commission, argued that the resolution was necessary to counter what she described as the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement measures.

“Durham celebrates a rich diversity of residents, and we understand that the Trump administration’s mass deportation targets a completely manufactured panic surrounding immigrants, puts anyone who does not appear White, anyone who does not speak English or has an accent, anyone regardless of papers or immigration status, at risk of abuse, abduction and even deportation to [a] country they have no ties to,” Ballan said.

Durham is the second city in North Carolina to adopt such a policy, following Carrboro, which passed a similar “Fourth Amendment Workplace” measure in May.

Earlier this year, ICE conducted operations in Durham, arresting 11 individuals living illegally in the United States.

The arrests raised concerns among some residents about the safety of their families.

In April, the federal government accused Durham of functioning as a “sanctuary” city for allegedly refusing to cooperate with ICE.

Durham officials rejected the claim, stating the label had “no legal or factual basis.”

The resolution also comes against the backdrop of a statewide political battle over immigration enforcement.

In 2023, the North Carolina General Assembly overrode a veto by Democrat Gov. Josh Stein to enact a law requiring sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

Despite the state mandate, Durham leaders have maintained their opposition to cooperation with ICE.

Mayor Pro Tempore Mark Anthony Middleton reiterated that position at a candidate forum earlier this week, saying he would “never back collaboration” between Durham police and ICE, according to The Chronicle.

The new resolution reinforces Durham’s stance on immigration enforcement, setting up continued conflict between city officials, state lawmakers, and federal authorities.

Eleven-Term Democrat’s Seat in Jeopardy as Missouri Redistricting Gets Heated
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Eleven-Term Democrat’s Seat in Jeopardy as Missouri Redistricting Gets Heated

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Missouri lawmakers opened a special legislative session this week to consider a new congressional map that could eliminate the seat of Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, who has represented the Kansas City area for more than two decades.

The proposal, pushed by the Republican majority, would shift Missouri’s congressional delegation from its current 6-2 GOP advantage to a 7-1 split.

Cleaver, an 11-term lawmaker, faces the greatest threat under the new lines, which carve portions of his Kansas City district into Republican-held areas.

On Thursday, the Missouri House special committee on redistricting approved the plan by a 10-4 party-line vote.

The bill would divide parts of Kansas City between the districts of Reps. Mark Alford (R-MO) and Sam Graves (R-MO), while also reshaping districts represented by Reps. Bob Onder (R-MO) and Ann Wagner (R-MO) in the St. Louis area.

The full House is expected to begin debate early next week.

President Donald Trump has endorsed the effort, calling it a chance for Missouri voters to elect another Republican.

“The tremendous opportunity to elect an additional MAGA Republican in the 2026 Midterm Elections,” Trump said in a statement.

Cleaver criticized the plan in an interview with Politico, describing it as “as stinky a plan as you could have.”

Speaking to KBIA, he argued that “someone over at the White House is seemingly committed to fomenting what I call national nastiness as a way of establishing a one-party rule in our country.… And I think it is very dangerous.”

The redistricting fight in Missouri mirrors efforts across the country, where both parties are attempting to secure advantages ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Texas Republicans recently enacted a map adding five GOP seats, while California Democrats are working on plans to counter with five new Democratic districts.

Democrats have warned that they cannot offset Republican gains if multiple red states adopt new maps.

Missouri Democrats, who hold a super-minority in the state legislature, acknowledge they have few tools to block the GOP’s proposal.

“We can’t do what Texas did,” Missouri House Minority Leader Ashley Aune told NBC News, referring to the 2021 walkout by Texas Democrats.

“There’s literally nothing procedurally, there’s nothing strategically that we can do as Democrats in the super minority to prevent these maps from passing.”

Doug Beck, Democratic leader in the state Senate, agreed.

“They can have session without us if we’re not there,” he told reporters.

Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO), who won his seat after defeating Cori Bush in a primary, said the effort to remove Cleaver is deeply unfair.

“It’s disappointing because we’re seeing legislators picking their voters instead of voters picking their legislators,” Bell said.

He praised Cleaver as “a friend and an ally and a mentor” and added, “He served not only his state, but his country, with dignity and class and honor, and we’re going to fight in every way that we can because we know what they’re doing is wrong.”

Cleaver, a former Kansas City mayor, has represented Missouri’s 5th Congressional District since 2005.

His seat covers much of Kansas City and surrounding suburbs, long considered a Democratic stronghold.

Some Republicans expressed personal respect for Cleaver even while backing the redistricting plan.

Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO) said, “There’s a lot of Democrats I don’t agree with whatsoever, and that I think should be removed. But I have a lot of healthy respect for Emanuel Cleaver.”

Others framed the fight as part of a broader national struggle over political maps.

“The Democrats have been playing this game for a very, very long time,” Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) said.

“I’m glad Republicans are moving forward on redistricting in a way that comports with their own state constitutions. That’s what Missouri is doing.”

Schmitt argued that Democrats have already exhausted their opportunities to gain seats through redistricting.

“I think we’ve got a lot more to gain [nationwide] than they do, because they’ve already squeezed all the juice out of the lemon they can,” he said.

Rep. Alford added that Republicans intend to “advance the America First agenda, while providing top-notch service to ALL constituents no matter their political affiliations.”

He stressed that the redistricting effort was coordinated between Gov. Mike Kehoe, the legislature, and the White House.

Burlison, who has long supported a 7-1 GOP map, noted that the change was delayed by internal party disputes.

“The only reason why it didn’t happen [sooner] is because of politics,” he said.

“So it’s ironic now that here we are, four years later, and the people who were the key decision leaders, Republicans, back then that played politics and drew a 6-2 map, are having to eat crow and draw a 7-1 map.”

The Missouri House is expected to take up the redistricting bill in the coming days, with passage considered likely given the GOP’s supermajority.

If approved, the map would likely end Cleaver’s tenure in Congress, further strengthening Republican control of Missouri’s congressional delegation.

Communist Student Challenged to Live in Cuba, Venezuela, or North Korea
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Communist Student Challenged to Live in Cuba, Venezuela, or North Korea

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A recent episode of Jubilee Media’s “Surrounded” series has drawn attention after podcast host Patrick Bet-David confronted a student who openly expressed support for communism while dismissing the advantages of capitalism.

The debate-style program places one individual against a group of opposing voices.

In this episode, Bet-David, known for hosting the “PBD Podcast,” debated a group of self-identified socialists and communists.

Among them was a young woman named Allannah, whose arguments against capitalism and in favor of communism quickly gained traction online.

Early in the discussion, Bet-David attempted to ground the debate in economic comparisons.

He cited the gross domestic product (GDP) of North Korea versus South Korea to highlight the stark difference in prosperity between the two countries.

Allannah responded, “Are we judging countries based on GDP and not what they value for our humans…” before trailing off.

Bet-David countered, “If you lived in North Korea, you wouldn’t be able to do what you are doing right now. You wouldn’t have a voice.”

He again referenced GDP statistics, but Allannah shifted the focus, claiming South Korea’s economy is dominated by a handful of large corporations.

“…owned by like five companies, in total, the entire country. You think that’s something to live by? If you aren’t employed by the top five companies, you are practically unemployed in that country. I’m not going to be free in a country like South Korea, where I’m only employed in five companies, or no job,” she said.

Bet-David pressed further, asking if she valued the freedoms she was exercising in that moment.

“Do you like to be free where you can call somebody out like me? Do you like to be free, where you have a strong opinion? Do you like to be free to have your dreams…” he asked, before being interrupted again.

Allannah replied, “I like to be free, but that’s why I’m anti-capitalist, because capitalism removes that choice. There is no real incentive in capitalism because the incentive is survival. When you get into communism, the incentive is for the common good.”

As the debate continued, Bet-David made her an offer: he would pay the $2,350 fee to renounce her U.S. citizenship and cover the costs of a one-way trip to the communist country of her choice. He listed Cuba, Venezuela, and North Korea as options.

Allannah dismissed the suggestion, responding, “Those aren’t communist countries.”

The exchange highlighted a growing generational divide in how capitalism and communism are perceived.

While Bet-David emphasized freedoms and economic outcomes in capitalist nations, Allannah described communism as a system designed for the collective good, despite its historical associations with repression and economic hardship in the countries mentioned.

The debate concluded with the broader question of how younger Americans are being educated about economic systems and governance.

Bet-David’s exchange with Allannah drew significant online reaction, with many viewers pointing to it as an example of differing understandings of capitalism, communism, and the realities of life under each system.

The “Surrounded” series continues to generate debate by placing contrasting perspectives in direct conversation, with this episode standing out for its clash over ideologies that have defined much of the global political and economic landscape for the last century.

AZ Dem Rep Doubles Down on Representing Illegal Aliens, ‘Had to “Google” ‘Constituent’
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AZ Dem Rep Doubles Down on Representing Illegal Aliens, ‘Had to “Google” ‘Constituent’

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Democratic Rep. Yassamin Ansari of Arizona is facing criticism after declaring that illegal immigrants held in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody are her “constituents.”

The freshman lawmaker made the remarks during a press conference Thursday and defended her position in comments to the Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF).

Ansari, who represents a Phoenix-based district, said she considers all individuals living within her district to be her constituents regardless of immigration status.

“I didn’t realize this was such a controversy until the right-wing media started attacking me for using the word,” Ansari told reporters when asked about her comments.

“The definition of constituent is somebody who is part of a community. It doesn’t matter what their legal status is — if somebody is an asylum seeker, if somebody has a heart, if somebody is a U.S. citizen, if somebody lives in the community, I represent them.”

Ansari went further, stating that the ability to vote was not a factor in her definition.

“Constituent does not mean voter,” she continued.

“I don’t care if these, if none of these individuals can vote for me. I don’t give a shit.”

Her remarks came as she has drawn attention for her advocacy on behalf of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an El Salvador national and reputed MS-13 member facing human trafficking charges in Tennessee. Ansari has joined several Democratic lawmakers in urging his release.

In April, she traveled with Democratic Reps. Robert Garcia of California, Maxine Dexter of Oregon, and Maxwell Frost of Florida to push for Abrego Garcia’s release from custody.

Republican lawmakers quickly pushed back on Ansari’s statements.

Rep. Pat Harrigan of North Carolina criticized her comments in a post on X Thursday afternoon.

“A Member of Congress who brags she had to ‘Google’ the word constituent has no business writing laws,” Harrigan wrote.

“Constituents are hardworking American citizens, the people who elect you. Not illegal aliens. Not asylum shoppers.”

Harrigan continued, saying Ansari’s own comments revealed her priorities.

“When you say ‘I don’t care if they can’t vote for me,’ you admit it. You don’t represent Americans, you represent everyone but them,” he said.

Ansari is not the only Democrat to refer to illegal immigrants as “constituents.”

In July, Rep. Sarah Elfreth of Maryland used the same term while participating in a sit-in at a Baltimore ICE facility.

The controversy surrounding Ansari’s remarks comes as polls show immigration remains a key issue for voters.

An August Wall Street Journal survey found that voters trust Republicans over Democrats to handle immigration by a 17-point margin.

Questions remain about the scope of Ansari’s definition of “constituent.”

The DCNF reported that her office did not respond to a request for clarification on whether the congresswoman also includes illegal immigrants with criminal records in her definition.

The debate adds to growing divisions in Congress over immigration policy, enforcement, and representation.

Ansari has continued to defend her remarks, while Republican lawmakers argue her comments highlight a broader disconnect between Democratic leaders and American voters.

Newark Dem Mayor’s Senior Aide Pleads Guilty in Pay-to-Play Corruption Scheme
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Newark Dem Mayor’s Senior Aide Pleads Guilty in Pay-to-Play Corruption Scheme

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A senior aide to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has pled guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services fraud in connection with a pay-to-play corruption scheme, federal prosecutors announced this week.

The aide admitted to participating in a scheme that exchanged government favors for bribes, a violation carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba released a statement on X confirming the plea and stressing her office’s stance against public corruption.

“Today a former Senior Aide to the Mayor of Newark plead guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services fraud,” Habba stated.

She added, “This is a clear example of a pay-to-play scheme, where public officials exploit their positions of power to obtain bribes in exchange for doing their jobs. This betrays the trust of the very community members they claim to serve. I will not stand for public corruption anywhere in New Jersey. These charges have a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. This is what accountability looks like — and I will continue to fight for the people of New Jersey.”

The case adds to the scrutiny surrounding Newark’s leadership after Mayor Baraka himself was arrested last month for trespassing at Delaney Hall, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility.

According to authorities, Baraka entered the facility without authorization in what was described as a political demonstration.

He was charged with criminal trespass, though the misdemeanor case was later dropped by Habba’s office.

Instead of letting the matter end there, Baraka filed a lawsuit against Acting U.S. Attorney Habba and Homeland Security Special Agent Ricky Patel.

In a 17-page complaint, Baraka alleged false arrest and malicious prosecution. The lawsuit characterized Habba as a “political operative,” language that drew criticism from federal officials.

Habba responded to the lawsuit directly, urging the mayor to turn his focus to public safety.

“My advice to the mayor – feel free to join me in prioritizing violent crime and public safety. Far better use of time for the great citizens of New Jersey,” Habba said.

The guilty plea by Baraka’s aide underscores a growing wave of corruption cases being pursued in the state.

Federal investigators have made clear that they will continue to target public officials who use their positions for personal gain.

The court has not yet set a sentencing date for the aide, but the individual faces the possibility of significant prison time if the maximum penalties are imposed.

Mayor Baraka has not been charged in the aide’s case and continues to serve as mayor of Newark while pursuing his lawsuit against federal officials.

The outcome of that lawsuit remains pending.

Federal prosecutors in New Jersey have reiterated that their priority is ensuring accountability at all levels of government, emphasizing that public service must not be abused for private benefit.

The aide’s guilty plea marks the latest development in a series of high-profile cases focused on rooting out corruption among elected officials and their staff in the state.

Florida AG Subpoenas Employer of Illegal Alien Trucker After Deadly Crash
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Florida AG Subpoenas Employer of Illegal Alien Trucker After Deadly Crash

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Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Thursday that his office will issue both civil and criminal subpoenas to the employer of Harjinder Singh, a truck driver accused of causing a crash that left three people dead on the Florida Turnpike in Fort Pierce.

Authorities said the incident occurred on August 12 when Singh, while operating a commercial tractor-trailer, attempted to make a U-turn in an unauthorized area.

The trailer jackknifed and was struck by a minivan, resulting in the deaths of all three people inside the vehicle. Singh was later charged with three counts of vehicular homicide.

Investigators stated that Singh had entered the United States illegally in 2018 by crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.

He later obtained a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in California, despite not being proficient in English.

Uthmeier emphasized that Singh’s lack of language skills and driving qualifications were critical factors that raised concerns about how he was licensed.

“This guy did not know how to speak English. He could not read road signs. He never should have received that CDL license in the first place,” Uthmeier said during a press conference.

“Not only was he illegally here in the country, but he also did not have the competency, the skillset. There’s no way he went through the proper training in order to get this license.”

Singh was arrested in Stockton, California, and extradited to Florida to face the charges.

Following his arrest, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a detainer in August, ensuring he remains in custody while legal proceedings move forward.

The Attorney General identified Singh’s employer as White Hawk Carriers.

Uthmeier said his office is pursuing subpoenas to hold the company accountable for its role in hiring Singh.

“We’re gonna use every tool, every legal tool at our disposal to fight back and protect our citizens. So today we’ll be issuing these subpoenas against the employer of this individual,” Uthmeier stated.

In addition to targeting the employer, Uthmeier said his office has sent legal demands to both California and Washington for records related to Singh’s licensing.

“We want to get as much information as possible in how this individual obtained these licenses,” he explained.

The case has drawn attention to California’s 2013 law allowing residents to obtain driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status.

That legislation has been cited by critics as a contributing factor to the current situation, as Singh was able to secure a CDL despite being in the country illegally.

Officials reiterated that Singh’s actions on the Florida Turnpike not only violated traffic laws but also resulted in the deaths of three individuals whose names have not yet been released.

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the details of the crash.

Singh remains in custody in Florida pending trial.

The Attorney General’s office has not yet released further details on the subpoenas issued to White Hawk Carriers, but Uthmeier made clear that the state intends to hold all responsible parties accountable for the events leading to the deadly collision.

JD Vance Drops a Massive Truth Bomb During RFK Jr Hearing, Blows Senators Out of the Water
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JD Vance Drops a Massive Truth Bomb During RFK Jr Hearing, Blows Senators Out of the Water

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Vice President J.D. Vance came to the defense of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Thursday as the Secretary faced sharp criticism from Senate Democrats over his decisions regarding vaccines and recent changes at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The exchange took place during a Senate Finance Committee hearing, where Kennedy was pressed repeatedly by Democratic senators about his positions on mRNA vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccine, and the direction of federal health agencies.

During the hearing, Vance posted a statement on X defending Kennedy while criticizing Democrats for their positions on children’s medical treatments.

“When I see all these senators trying to lecture and ‘gotcha’ Bobby Kennedy today, all I can think is: You all support off-label, untested, and irreversible hormonal ‘therapies’ for children, mutilating our kids and enriching big pharma,” Vance wrote.

“You’re full of shit and everyone knows it.”

The hearing began with remarks from Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID), who set the parameters before yielding to ranking member Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR). Wyden accused Kennedy of waging an “unceasing crusade against vaccines,” claiming the Secretary had “caused chaos and brought corruption to America’s healthcare systems.”

Wyden also alleged Kennedy had “elevated conspiracy theorists, crackpots, and grifters” in shaping health policy.

He ended by demanding Kennedy be sworn in as a witness, citing comments made during Kennedy’s confirmation process.

The exchanges grew more tense when Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) pressed Kennedy over changes to COVID-19 vaccine classifications.

Warren argued that Kennedy had broken his confirmation promise by “taking away vaccines from anyone who wanted them.”

Kennedy denied that allegation. “I’m not going to recommend a product for which there was no clinical data for that indication.

Is that what I should be doing?” he asked in response to Warren’s line of questioning.

Warren countered, “What you should be doing is honoring your promise you made when you were looking to get confirmed in this job. And that is, you promised, that you would not take away vaccines from anyone who wanted them. You just changed the classification of the COVID vaccine…”

Kennedy interjected, “I’m not taking them away from people. Most Americans are going to be able to get it from their pharmacy for free.”

Kennedy went further, addressing Warren’s ties to pharmaceutical companies.

“And I know you’ve taken $855,000 from pharmaceutical companies, Senator,” he stated.

“You want me to indicate a product for which there is no clinical data … I’m not taking them away. Everybody could get access to them.”

The remarks highlighted the clash between Kennedy and Senate Democrats, who have been critical of his approach to vaccine policy and oversight of the Department of Health and Human Services.

The exchanges drew significant attention online, with Vance’s comments amplifying the disputes playing out inside the committee hearing.

The Finance Committee has not announced whether additional hearings will be scheduled to continue oversight of Kennedy’s department.

Kennedy, who has served as Secretary of Health and Human Services since his confirmation earlier this year, maintained that his approach is guided by data and transparency, while Democratic senators accused him of undermining public health.

RFK Jr. Drops Hammer on Michael Bennet in Hearing: ‘They Deserve the Truth!’
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RFK Jr. Drops Hammer on Michael Bennet in Hearing: ‘They Deserve the Truth!’

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A Senate Finance Committee hearing Thursday erupted into a shouting match between Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) during an exchange over mRNA vaccines, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The hearing, which drew national attention, followed a turbulent week at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Former CDC director Susan Monarez resigned after Kennedy pressed her to step down, and three additional senior officials left the agency in protest shortly afterward.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies on Jan. 29, 2025, at his Senate hearing on his nomination to be the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

The session grew heated when Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) opened by questioning Kennedy’s integrity and referencing Monarez’s claims. Kennedy dismissed the criticism and pivoted to vaccine policy, pressing senators on clinical data related to COVID-19 shots.

The most contentious exchange occurred when Kennedy questioned Bennet directly about the safety of mRNA vaccines.

“Are you saying that the mRNA vaccine has never been associated with myocarditis or pericarditis in teens? Is that what you’re trying to tell us?!” Kennedy asked.

Bennet deflected, pointing instead to Kennedy’s decision in June to remove all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. “I am simply trying to say that the people you put on that panel after firing…” Bennet began.

Kennedy cut him off. “You are evading the question!” he shouted.

Bennet responded forcefully. “I’m asking the questions, Mr. Kennedy, on behalf of parents and schools and teachers all over the United States of America who deserve so much better than your leadership! That’s what this conversation is about!”

Kennedy fired back: “Senator, they deserve the truth, and that’s what we are going to give to them for the first time in the history of this agency!”

The clash underscored sharp partisan divides over vaccine policy and the Biden administration’s handling of health agencies before President Donald Trump appointed Kennedy to lead HHS earlier this year.

Kennedy has defended his shakeup of CDC leadership, arguing the changes were necessary to restore public trust and ensure transparency.

The Finance Committee hearing is part of ongoing oversight into HHS operations, particularly its vaccine guidance. While Democrats expressed frustration with Kennedy’s leadership, Republicans on the panel have largely supported his efforts to overhaul the agency.

The Department of Health and Human Services did not issue an additional statement following the exchange.

Trump Reportedly Set to Troll Joe Biden Hard with What’s in His White House Portrait
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Trump Reportedly Set to Troll Joe Biden Hard with What’s in His White House Portrait

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President Donald Trump announced Friday that Joe Biden’s official White House portrait will highlight the use of his autopen, a device now at the center of congressional and executive branch investigations.

Speaking to Daily Caller reporter Reagan Reese while previewing updates planned for the White House, Trump displayed a sketch of Biden’s portrait, which he said will be installed on the “Presidential Wall of Fame” in the Rose Garden.

“We put up a picture of the autopen,” Trump said, noting that the image is expected to be unveiled within two weeks.

It was not immediately clear whether the portrait would depict Biden with the device or feature the autopen alone.

Trump, alongside Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Communications Director Steven Cheung, presented Reese with different versions of the portrait, explaining that he preferred a black-and-white option without Biden smiling.

“I’m using—show the other one that we’re using because I like it. This is going to be very controversial,” Trump said.

Reese responded that the display “is going to be funny.”

Trump tied the portrait to an ongoing probe into Biden’s use of the autopen, which he has previously described as “disgraceful.”

“It’s true though, now they’re finding the autopen, which should not have been used,” he said.

Shortly after taking office, Trump directed Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House Counsel David Warrington to investigate Biden’s reliance on the device.

Congressional Republicans have launched parallel inquiries.

In a memorandum outlining his concerns, Trump argued that Biden’s aides “abused the power of presidential signatures through the use of an autopen to conceal Biden’s cognitive decline and assert Article II authority. This conspiracy marks one of the most dangerous and concerning scandals in American history.”

The directive ordered a forensic review of every document bearing Biden’s signature, including executive orders, pardons, judicial appointments, and proclamations, to determine which were signed personally and which were executed using the autopen.

Although autopens have been used by presidents of both parties for routine correspondence and ceremonial purposes, critics contend Biden’s reliance on the device was unprecedented.

An investigation by the Oversight Project found that nearly every document from Biden’s presidency contained an autopen signature, with the exception of his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race.

Biden has defended his use of the device. In an interview with The New York Times, he insisted that he personally made decisions on commutations and pardons. “I made every decision,” Biden said.

He explained that the volume of cases led him to sign off on categories of offenders rather than individual files, allowing aides to apply criteria he approved.

Among the most controversial actions were sweeping commutations affecting roughly 4,000 federal convicts and “preemptive” pardons for figures including former Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley and members of the House January 6 committee.

Biden also signed a hand-executed pardon for his son Hunter, shielding him from prosecution for federal crimes committed between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024.

Trump has continued to argue that Biden’s dependence on the autopen raises questions about the legitimacy of those actions.

“The autopen I think is maybe one of the biggest scandals that we’ve had in 50 to 100 years,” Trump said during a June press conference.

“Essentially, whoever used the autopen was the president. That’s wrong. It’s illegal. It’s so bad and it’s so disrespectful to our country.”

House Oversight Chairman James Comer is leading a parallel investigation, demanding testimony from Biden’s former aides Mike Donilon, Anita Dunn, Ron Klain, Bruce Reed, and Steve Ricchetti.

Comer also issued subpoenas to Biden’s physician Kevin O’Connor and several staff members alleged to have shielded Biden’s health condition.

The committee has cited reporting from CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson’s book Original Sin, which alleged that “five people were running the country, and Joe Biden was at best a senior member of the board.”

Republicans argue that if Biden’s aides were making key decisions, major executive actions—including pardons of family members and members of the January 6 committee—could be invalid.

The autopen controversy is expected to remain a focal point of both congressional investigations and the Trump administration’s oversight efforts in the months ahead.


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