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Dem Rep Goes Bonkers After Being Caught Texting Epstein During Congressional Hearing
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Dem Rep Goes Bonkers After Being Caught Texting Epstein During Congressional Hearing

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The House voted Tuesday to advance a resolution to censure Delegate Stacey Plaskett and remove her from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence following the release of documents showing she exchanged text messages with Jeffrey Epstein during a 2019 congressional hearing.

Plaskett, a non-voting Democrat representing the U.S. Virgin Islands, was revealed to have communicated with Epstein while former Trump attorney Michael Cohen testified before the House Oversight Committee in 2019. The texts were first reported by outlets including The Washington Post and CNN.

The documents indicate that Plaskett and Epstein exchanged messages during the hearing on Trump’s business practices.

The release of the material led Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina to introduce a formal censure resolution. “I’ve introduced a resolution to censure Stacey Plaskett and remove her from the House Intelligence Committee,” Norman said Tuesday. He added, “Her coordination with Jeffrey Epstein during official congressional business is disgraceful, unethical, and an affront to this institution.” Norman described the conduct as “corruption of judgment at the highest level.”

The 2019 text exchange occurred several years after Epstein had been arrested for trafficking crimes.

Epstein, who was later charged federally in 2019, was a registered sex offender at the time he contacted Plaskett.

Plaskett spoke on the House floor before the vote and defended her actions.

She said Epstein was a constituent of hers at the time and maintained that she was unaware he was under investigation. “I got a text from Jeffrey Epstein, who at the time was my constituent. It was not public knowledge at that time that he was under federal investigation,” Plaskett said.

She also responded sharply to criticism directed at her during the debate.

“You wanna talk about texting felons?! How often do you text Trump?” she said while addressing comments from Republican lawmakers.

The House voted to move the measure forward, setting up additional debate and a final vote on censure and committee removal.

If adopted, the resolution would remove Plaskett from the Intelligence Committee, which receives classified briefings and oversees agencies including the FBI and CIA.

The release of the Epstein communications prompted renewed scrutiny of Plaskett’s interactions with the convicted offender.

The exchange took place as she questioned Cohen during a high-profile hearing on President Trump’s business practices.

The documents show Epstein commented in real time on the proceedings.

The disclosures have led to calls within the House for increased transparency regarding communications between elected officials and individuals under criminal investigation.

The resolution introduced by Norman cites the need to maintain public trust in congressional oversight functions, particularly for members serving on committees dealing with sensitive national security matters.

Plaskett’s comments on the House floor followed widespread media coverage of the documents and the announcement of the censure effort.

The delegate has served in Congress since 2015 and has been appointed to several committees, including the Intelligence Committee, during her tenure.

The measure will proceed to further consideration as members weigh whether Plaskett’s 2019 exchange with Epstein constitutes grounds for censure and removal from committee assignments.

House Advances Censure Measure Over Plaskett’s 2019 Texts With Jeffrey Epstein

The House voted Tuesday to advance a resolution to censure Delegate Stacey Plaskett and remove her from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence after documents showed she exchanged text messages with Jeffrey Epstein during a 2019 congressional hearing.

Plaskett, a non-voting Democrat who represents the U.S. Virgin Islands, was reported by The Washington Post and CNN to have communicated with Epstein in the middle of Michael Cohen’s 2019 testimony on Trump’s business practices before the House Oversight Committee.

Epstein was a convicted sex offender at the time of the exchange.

Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina introduced the censure measure on Tuesday.

“I’ve introduced a resolution to censure Stacey Plaskett and remove her from the House Intelligence Committee,” Norman said.

“Her coordination with Jeffrey Epstein during official congressional business is disgraceful, unethical, and an affront to this institution.”

He added, “That’s corruption of judgment at the highest level.”

The newly released documents showed that Epstein sent Plaskett multiple messages while she questioned Cohen. These communications took place years after Epstein’s earlier arrest for trafficking crimes.

Plaskett took to the House floor to respond. She argued that she did not know Epstein was under federal investigation when she exchanged messages with him in 2019.

“I got a text from Jeffrey Epstein, who at the time was my constituent. It was not public knowledge at that time that he was under federal investigation,” she said.

Plaskett also responded directly to Republican criticism during the debate.

“You wanna talk about texting felons?! How often do you text Trump?” she said.

The House vote moved the censure resolution forward for additional debate and consideration.

If ultimately adopted, the measure would remove Plaskett from the Intelligence Committee, which oversees national security matters and receives classified briefings from agencies including the FBI and CIA.

The release of the communications between Plaskett and Epstein prompted renewed scrutiny of her conduct during the 2019 hearing.

Epstein commented in real time on Cohen’s testimony, and the documents showed he and Plaskett exchanged messages during the proceedings.

The calls for censure come as lawmakers continue reviewing records and documents linked to Epstein’s communications with public officials.

The disclosures involving Plaskett prompted questions from members about the conduct of officials serving on committees tasked with sensitive oversight duties.

Plaskett, who has served in Congress since 2015, has held several committee assignments during her tenure, including her current appointment to the Intelligence Committee.

The censure resolution will continue through the House process as members determine whether her 2019 communications with Epstein constitute grounds for formal reprimand and removal from the committee.

Hakeem Jeffries’ Team Sought Donations from Jeffrey Epstein, Newly Released Email Shows
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Hakeem Jeffries’ Team Sought Donations from Jeffrey Epstein, Newly Released Email Shows

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A newly released set of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein includes an email indicating that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ representatives sought financial support and a meeting with Epstein in 2013, at a time when Epstein was already a convicted sex offender.

The email was sent by a firm representing Jeffries during his early years in Congress.

According to the documents, the message promoted Jeffries as a prominent figure within the New York delegation.

The email read, “We are thrilled to announce that we are working with Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, one of the rising stars in the New York Congressional delegation.

Sometimes referred to as ‘Brooklyn’s Barack’, he is a staunch supporter of President Obama and a progressive voice for the people of New York City.”

The correspondence sought to arrange a dinner involving Jeffries and Epstein.

“Shoot us an email or give us a call … if you would like to get involved with the dinner, or would like to get an opportunity to get to know Hakeem better,” the representatives wrote.

“He is an impressive guy and who will be a progressive voice for New York politics for years to come.”

The message was sent in 2013, which is the same year

Jeffries began his second term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

At that time, Epstein had already been convicted of soliciting a minor in Florida and was a registered sex offender.

The email resurfaced as part of ongoing releases of Epstein-related files.

These documents include communications, records, and materials sought by investigators and lawmakers examining Epstein’s connections and interactions with public officials, political figures, and others who had contact with him before his 2019 arrest.

The documents were disclosed as part of a broader push to release material associated with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Both names have appeared in calls from lawmakers and victims’ advocates seeking full public access to all records related to Epstein’s conduct, associates, and the investigations connected to his sex trafficking operation.

Jeffries has publicly supported the release of all documents connected to Epstein.

He has also called for full disclosure of files related to Maxwell, who was convicted of sex trafficking and sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in facilitating Epstein’s crimes.

Lawmakers across both parties have asked for transparency surrounding the individuals who communicated or met with Epstein during the years following his initial conviction.

The newly released documents continue to shed light on individuals and organizations that interacted with Epstein, who maintained social, financial, and political contacts for years after his conviction.

The 2013 email involving Jeffries’ representatives is one of several communications uncovered in the latest batch of files.

Democrat Lawmakers Release Video That Sounds Like They’re Calling for an Insurrection
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Democrat Lawmakers Release Video That Sounds Like They’re Calling for an Insurrection

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A group of Democratic lawmakers with military and intelligence backgrounds released a video statement urging members of the U.S. Armed Forces to refuse what they described as “illegal orders” from the Trump Administration.

The message was delivered by Senators Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Mark Kelly of Arizona, as well as Representatives Jason Crow of Colorado, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire.

The lawmakers said they recorded the statement in response to concerns about the use of military personnel under the administration.

“We know you are under enormous stress and pressure right now, Americans trust their military, but that trust is at risk. This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens like us. You all swore an oath to protect and defend this constitution,” they said in the video.

The message continued with an assertion that threats to constitutional norms were not limited to foreign adversaries.

“Right now, the threats to our Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad, but from right here at home. Our laws are clear,” the lawmakers added.

“You can refuse illegal orders… you must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our constitution.”

The video drew immediate reaction from commentators, attorneys, and elected officials who argued that the message encouraged members of the military to defy the administration.

Veteran attorney Phil Holloway was among those who objected.

“Democrats in Congress are openly advocating mutiny by the U.S. Armed Forces,” Holloway said.

“They care nothing about the general welfare of the nation. It’s all about ‘get Trump’ with these imbeciles.”

Chaya Raichik of Libs of TikTok also responded on social media. “Nothing to see here… just Democrats openly calling for a military coup,” she wrote.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller shared the video with his own statement.

“Democrat lawmakers are now openly calling for insurrection,” Miller posted on X.

Slotkin, who appeared in the video, has previously argued that the administration’s deployment of military personnel to assist in immigration enforcement exceeds constitutional limits.

During prior remarks, she described the distinction she believes applies to military involvement at the southern border.

“I think we’ve had multiple administrations who have sent uniformed troops, active-duty troops, to the southern border in support roles, right? According to our Constitution, you can go in supporting roles, logistics, driving, setting up facilities, setting up, you know, border locations, whatever. It’s very different when you cross the line into law enforcement,” Slotkin said.

She added that members of the military do not train for law enforcement duties.

“Our military are not trained as law enforcement officers. They’ll be the first one to tell you that. That’s not why they got into service. And it’s also in violation of our Constitution. So, I think it’s very important that we keep that line,” Slotkin said.

The release of the video introduced a sharp disagreement between Democratic lawmakers and officials who argued that the message could be interpreted as encouraging resistance inside the military.

Muslim Brotherhood Declared Foreign Terrorist Organizations in Texas by Gov Greg Abbott
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Muslim Brotherhood Declared Foreign Terrorist Organizations in Texas by Gov Greg Abbott

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that the state is designating the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as foreign terrorist organizations, citing ties to extremist activity and statements from both groups that officials described as concerning.

The designations also categorize both entities as transnational criminal organizations under Texas law.

In a statement released by the governor’s office, Abbott said the move was based on information about the groups’ history and global activity.

“The Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR have long made their goals clear: to forcibly impose Sharia law and establish Islam’s ‘mastership of the world,’” Abbott said.

“The actions taken by the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR to support terrorism across the globe and subvert our laws through violence, intimidation, and harassment are unacceptable.”

Abbott also stated that the designations carry restrictions within Texas.

“Today, I designated the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as foreign terrorist organizations and transnational criminal organizations. These radical extremists are not welcome in our state and are now prohibited from acquiring any real property interest in Texas,” he said.

According to information included in the announcement, the Muslim Brotherhood was founded in Egypt in 1928 and has expanded globally.

A 2018 congressional report cited in the release described the organization as having connections to various jihadist groups.

The group’s founder, Hassan al-Banna, wrote that “Jihad is an obligation from Allah and every Muslim and cannot be ignored nor evaded.”

Additional material referenced the organization’s reaction to the death of Osama bin Laden and statements from influential Brotherhood figure Yusuf al-Qaradawi, who called for attacks against U.S. troops in Iraq.

The governor’s announcement also detailed prior concerns raised about CAIR.

Federal authorities have stated that the organization has historical ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, and in a 2008 terrorism financing case — the largest of its kind at the time — CAIR and several of its co-founders were listed as unindicted co-conspirators in a plot to route funds to Hamas.

Public court records note that multiple individuals who previously worked for CAIR were later sentenced for planning to assist groups such as al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

Abbott’s action comes shortly after the U.S. State Department designated four Antifa-aligned cells in Europe as foreign terrorist organizations.

Those cells, located in Germany, Italy, and Greece, were accused of conducting or planning politically motivated attacks including shootings and bombings.

The announcement in Texas also followed reporting on a proposal by the East Plano Islamic Center — the largest mosque in the state — to develop a 400-acre residential community. That project is under review by state and federal agencies.

Abbott previously launched Operation Lone Star in March 2021, a state-led border enforcement initiative involving multiple agencies.

As of January 12, 2024, state officials reported more than 495,400 illegal alien apprehensions, over 38,300 criminal arrests, and more than 34,700 felony charges under the operation.

Officials also reported seizing more than 453 million doses of fentanyl as part of the mission.

The governor’s designation of the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR marks one of the most expansive state-level actions taken against the organizations.

Cory Booker’s Public Call to Oust Schumer Sends Democrats Deeper Into Chaos
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Cory Booker’s Public Call to Oust Schumer Sends Democrats Deeper Into Chaos

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Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey publicly called for the removal of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, marking a rare open challenge to party leadership and setting off internal conflict within the Democratic Party.

Booker made the remarks during a televised appearance, initiating what several lawmakers described as an unprecedented public break from standard intra-party practice.

Booker’s comments signaled dissatisfaction with current leadership and represented a shift from the typical private discussions that accompany leadership disputes.

He called for new leadership within the Senate Democratic caucus.

The statement was delivered openly and immediately drew attention among Democratic lawmakers in Washington.

The response within the party reflected a broader internal debate about leadership direction.

The call for Schumer’s removal was presented as part of a discussion about the party’s future.

Booker emphasized the need for what he described as renewal and new energy, and he positioned his remarks as part of a broader conversation about leadership roles within the caucus.

The dispute drew attention because of its public nature.

The comments were delivered during a televised segment rather than through internal party channels, a departure from the usual handling of leadership disagreements.

The remarks were interpreted by several Democrats as an open challenge to Schumer’s role.

Booker’s statement occurred amid concerns within the party about its political direction.

Several Democrats have discussed generational leadership questions, with some lawmakers advocating new approaches and others supporting continued stability at the top.

Booker framed his position as a call for change.

The reaction among Democrats varied.

Some viewed the remarks as part of a broader debate about leadership structure, while others saw them as part of a more direct challenge to Schumer’s influence within the caucus.

The discussion highlighted divisions over strategy, messaging, and the party’s approach to forthcoming legislative and electoral challenges.

Booker’s comments also drew interest from Republicans, who noted the public dispute within the Democratic Party.

The response included observations about the strategic implications of internal divisions. Republicans positioned the situation as evidence of discord among Democrats.

The internal debate comes at a time when party unity has been a key factor in legislative negotiations.

Schumer has played a central role in guiding Democratic strategy in the Senate, and Booker’s remarks drew attention to concerns among some Democrats about leadership effectiveness as the party prepares for future legislative conflicts.

The development marked a shift from the party’s usual approach to leadership discussions.

Democratic lawmakers typically handle leadership disputes privately, and Booker’s public remarks represented a change from that practice.

Booker’s call for new leadership raised questions about how other Democrats may respond.

The reaction within the caucus will determine whether the call remains an isolated statement or develops into a broader movement.

The situation may also influence negotiations and internal coordination as Democrats navigate upcoming legislative sessions.

Booker’s remarks made clear that he believes the party’s leadership structure requires reevaluation.

He argued that the current approach is not aligned with the party’s needs as it faces future political challenges.

The statement indicated that discussions about leadership direction are likely to continue within the party.

The long-term implications of Booker’s comments remain uncertain.

The degree of support for his position among Senate Democrats will determine whether the party engages in further internal debate about Schumer’s role.

The statements marked a significant moment in ongoing discussions about party leadership and strategy.

Jennings Warns Democrats Their Epstein Attacks on Trump Could Backfire Fast
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Jennings Warns Democrats Their Epstein Attacks on Trump Could Backfire Fast

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Republican strategist Scott Jennings said Tuesday that Democrats could face growing political consequences as newly released documents continue to reveal previously undisclosed connections between prominent party figures and Jeffrey Epstein.

Appearing on the podcast “2WAY Tonight with Mark Halperin,” Jennings discussed the release of new records, including messages showing that Virgin Islands Delegate Stacey Plaskett exchanged texts with Epstein during former Trump attorney Michael Cohen’s 2019 congressional testimony.


Jennings said Democrats may be creating complications for themselves as they attempt to link President Donald Trump to Epstein.

“This was just the latest Democratic plan to tie him up and try to tie him down. He’s lived through these episodes before. And I think what we’re learning today, Mark, Democrats may be careful what they wish for here because, look, what do we already know?” Jennings asked.

Jennings referenced several examples highlighted in the latest document releases.

“A bunch of prominent Democrats were pretty tied in with Epstein. We have Stacey Plaskett on the House floor today trying to defend herself. It turns out after he was convicted, she’s getting text messages from Epstein programming her on what to say in congressional hearings,” he said.

Jennings also cited a 2013 fundraising solicitation sent to Epstein by a firm representing current House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

He continued, “We know Hakeem Jeffries was trying to fundraise with Epstein. We know Larry Summers has now had to take a step back from public life because he was soliciting dating advice from Epstein.”

Jennings said Democrats are trying to present the expanding disclosures as a Trump-related controversy, but he argued the evidence suggests the developments could shift attention to Democratic political figures instead.

“I think what we’re going to find out is that there’s more evidence that Epstein was doing a lot of stuff with Democrats than he was doing anything with Donald Trump. So Democrats want people to think this is a Trump story. We may find out it’s a Democrat story sooner,” Jennings said.

The newly released material prompted debate in the House of Representatives earlier Tuesday, where lawmakers considered a Republican-led resolution to remove Plaskett from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

The move followed reporting that she exchanged messages with Epstein during the 2019 hearing.

Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland defended Plaskett on the House floor.

Raskin said the messages amounted to routine engagement with someone classified as a constituent at the time and argued that Republicans had not presented evidence of an ethical violation.

He maintained that the matter should be directed to the House Ethics Committee if members wanted a formal review.

Raskin referred to the exchange as a conversation with a “constituent.”

He added that Republicans lacked a basis for censure.

The House ultimately rejected the resolution.

A group of Republicans joined Democrats to defeat the measure, preventing Plaskett’s removal from the Intelligence Committee.

The release of Epstein-related documents continues to provide new information about the late financier’s interactions with public officials.

Additional batches of records are expected as review processes move forward.

Michelle Obama Says America Isn’t ‘Ready’ for a Woman President Yet
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Michelle Obama Says America Isn’t ‘Ready’ for a Woman President Yet

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Michelle Obama said she will not pursue a future presidential run, arguing that the country is not prepared to elect a woman as president.

The former first lady discussed the issue during an appearance at the Brooklyn Academy of Music while promoting her new book The Look, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

Obama referenced the results of the most recent election, saying, “As we saw in this past election, sadly, we ain’t ready.”

She continued, “That’s why I’m like, don’t even look at me about running, because you all are lying. You’re not ready for a woman. You are not.”

Obama added, “You know, we’ve got a lot of growing up to do. And there’s still, sadly, a lot of men who do not feel like they can be led by a woman, and we saw it.”

Her comments came as she promoted The Look, in which she writes about her experiences with fashion, beauty, and public scrutiny.

Obama has been mentioned for years by Democratic strategists as a potential presidential candidate because of her high favorability ratings. She has repeatedly said she does not intend to run for office.

During her appearance, Obama also discussed her view of how the American public perceived her family during Barack Obama’s presidency.

Earlier this month, she told ABC in an interview that the country did not show her family “grace” because of their race. The interviewer referenced Obama’s own writing, saying, “You said we were all too aware that as a first black couple, we couldn’t afford any missteps.”

The host then asked, “And you also say as a black woman, I was under a particularly white, hot glare. Did you feel that?”

“For sure,” Obama responded. “You can’t afford to get anything wrong because you didn’t get the—at least until the country came to know us. We didn’t get the grace that I think some other families have gotten.”

PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 7, 2016: Michelle Obama smiling. The First Lady of the US delivers a speech at a campaign rally for Hillary Clinton the Democratic Presidential nominee.

She also referenced her time as a college student, recalling concerns that others might assume she was admitted because of affirmative action.

In a video clip shared online, Obama said, “Back in college, I was one of the few Black students on my campus, and I was proud of getting into such a respected school. I knew I’d worked hard for it. But still, I sometimes wondered if people thought I got there because of affirmative action.”

She added, “So often, we just accept that money, power, and privilege are perfectly justifiable forms of affirmative action, while kids growing up like I did are expected to compete when the ground is anything but level.”

Obama is currently on a national media tour promoting her book, which focuses on how women in public roles are judged for their appearance and the challenges associated with that scrutiny.

Border Agents Find Sedated Parakeets Hidden in Man’s Underwear at Entry
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Border Agents Find Sedated Parakeets Hidden in Man’s Underwear at Entry

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A U.S. citizen living in Tijuana has been indicted on a federal smuggling charge after authorities say he attempted to cross the border with sedated, endangered parakeets concealed in his underwear, as reported by The New York Post.

Jesse Agus Martinez, 35, was taken into custody at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry on Oct. 23 after a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer noticed “a bulge in Martinez’s groin area,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.

CBP officers reviewed prior records and said Martinez had a history of attempting to smuggle birds into the United States.

He was directed to secondary inspection, where authorities said he repeatedly claimed the bulge was his “pirrin,” a Spanish slang term for penis.

However, during a search, a CBP officer allegedly discovered two brown sacks tucked into his underwear. Each sack contained an orange-fronted parakeet, officials said. Both birds appeared unconscious and heavily sedated but were still breathing.

Agents and inspectors from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service identified the animals as juvenile orange-fronted parakeets, a protected species native to western Mexico and Costa Rica.

The species has been classified as endangered since 2005. Federal officials said the birds were examined at the border by Veterinary Services before being transported to a Department of Agriculture Animal Import Center for quarantine.

Authorities noted that if the parakeets had entered the country undetected, they would have bypassed required quarantine screening for diseases, including avian influenza, which is highly contagious and can be lethal.

According to prosecutors, the birds were placed in safe care and remain in stable condition.

A federal grand jury indicted Martinez on Friday, charging him with Importation Contrary to Law, an offense that carries a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the investigation is ongoing and did not announce any additional suspects or related smuggling activity. Authorities also did not disclose the source of the birds or whether Martinez was allegedly transporting them for sale.

The incident is one of many animal-smuggling cases reported at ports of entry in recent years, with CBP officers frequently intercepting protected species concealed in vehicles, baggage or on individuals attempting to cross the U.S.–Mexico border.

Martinez is scheduled for further court proceedings in the Southern District of California.

Rubio: Maduro Heading a Venezuelan Cartel That Deserves Foreign Terrorist Status
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Rubio: Maduro Heading a Venezuelan Cartel That Deserves Foreign Terrorist Status

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday he intends to designate Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), directly accusing Nicolás Maduro and his government of using state authority to support drug trafficking and violent operations connected to other extremist networks.

Rubio said the cartel is “headed by the illegitimate Nicolás Maduro” and asserted that the group has corrupted Venezuela’s governing institutions.

He added that it is responsible for “terrorist violence conducted by and with other designated FTOs.”

The designation would bring significant legal consequences, including criminal penalties for anyone providing material support to the group and restrictions on its assets.

The announcement comes during an increase in regional tensions.

Venezuela launched a large-scale military operation this week, saying it is responding to what it describes as an “imperialist threat” from U.S. forces. Several ships linked to the cartel have recently been destroyed by drones.

The Maduro government claims Washington is attempting to destabilize the regime, an allegation the Pentagon denies.

U.S. officials have acknowledged, however, that the region has grown more active in recent days.

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López said nationwide drills were ordered by Maduro and involve land, air, naval, and reserve forces.

He stated that the aim is to “optimize command, control and communications” across the country’s defense structure.

The Bolivarian Militia, a civilian reserve force established under former president Hugo Chávez, is also participating in the exercises.

The timing of the drills coincides with the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Caribbean.

The aircraft carrier, the largest in the U.S. fleet, was redeployed from Europe after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the movement of the strike group.

The Ford is operating with more than 4,000 sailors alongside two Arleigh Burke–class destroyers, USS Bainbridge and USS Mahan, as well as the command ship USS Winston S. Churchill.

Rubio’s planned terrorism designation adds another layer to a growing confrontation between Washington and Caracas.

The United States has long accused Maduro’s government of involvement in narcotics trafficking and cooperation with armed groups operating in the region.

The designation process would formally place the Cartel de los Soles on the same list as other groups deemed to be engaged in terrorism, triggering financial and criminal penalties under U.S. law.

The situation continues to evolve as both countries increase military activity in the region and political tensions escalate over control, security, and ongoing disputes surrounding drug trafficking networks.

Hunter Biden Says Dems Should ‘Turn the Temperature Up,’ Slams CNN Hosts
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Hunter Biden Says Dems Should ‘Turn the Temperature Up,’ Slams CNN Hosts

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Hunter Biden said during a recent interview that Democrats should “turn the temperature up” when addressing political extremism, while insisting he was not calling for violence, as reported by The New York Post.

The comments were made on the “Wide Awake Podcast” earlier this month during a conversation with host Joshua Rubin.

Rubin asked Biden whether both parties needed to “turn the temperature down” amid rising extremism, saying tensions appeared to be escalating.

Andrew Leyden – Shutterstock.com

Biden responded that he did not believe that was realistic. “I’m going to get myself in trouble for saying this. No, we need to turn the temperature up. We need to turn the temperature up, and we need people to see it for what it is,” Biden said.

He continued, “And what I mean by that is this: I do not believe that we are going to get to the bottom until we get to the bottom. And I want to get to the bottom faster rather than through this slow kind of process of just being picked apart — a death by a thousand cuts here.”

Biden clarified that he was not endorsing violence.

“What I mean by turning the temperature up is we need to speak truth to power,” he said. He added that Democrats should be more direct when addressing political and institutional conflicts.

“We need more people in my party, in the Democratic Party, more people in elected positions or in positions of power, or the talking heads that get paid to go on MSNBC [now MS NOW], they need to start talking about this as it is, not as a conjecture about whether or not the Supreme Court [sic] and this debate.”

Biden also criticized members of the media, naming CNN host Jake Tapper while referencing a recent text-message interview Tapper conducted with President Donald Trump.

“You have people like Jake Tapper who are having hardball discussions with Donald Trump over text. Like, what the f— are you talking about, man? That’s not journalism. That’s a complete and utter abdication of responsibility as a journalist,” Biden said.

Tapper’s text-message interview drew criticism from MS NOW host Lawrence O’Donnell at the time.

NEW ORLEANS, LA, USA – MARCH 16, 2024: Maureen Dowd and Jake Tapper discuss a career in news and novels at the New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University

O’Donnell said, “CNN presented a so-called interview… that they can’t even prove was Donald Trump. They called it ‘breaking news,’ they called it ‘an exclusive, new interview with President Trump.’

That’s what they called it, before the interviewer said this,” referencing Tapper’s explanation that Trump answered the questions via text.

A CNN spokesperson defended Tapper in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying, “Jake Tapper is a journalist — CNN journalists will always take any opportunity to ask questions of those in power and share what we learn with our audience.”

Biden also criticized CNN host Abby Phillip and CNN political commentator Scott Jennings.

“He goes out there, and he says, just parrots the talking points of the administration. And everybody does that, has done that in the past, but not when they’re parroting what are verifiable lies. And then Abby Phillips, ‘Well, that’s just not true, Scott,’” he said.

CNN did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Biden said the broader media environment was being “gobbled up by oligarchs.”


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