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Corruption Scandal Rocks Ukraine: Several Zelensky Associates Resign from Energy Sector
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Corruption Scandal Rocks Ukraine: Several Zelensky Associates Resign from Energy Sector

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Ukraine’s justice and energy ministers resigned on Wednesday as a sweeping corruption investigation involving the country’s energy sector continued to expand.

Justice Minister Herman Haluschenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk stepped down within hours of President Volodymyr Zelensky calling for new leadership in their ministries.

Both denied any wrongdoing.

Haluschenko previously served as Ukraine’s energy minister before taking over the justice ministry.

He is among several high-ranking officials identified in Operation Midas, a joint investigation launched in the summer of 2024 by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP).

According to investigators, Operation Midas uncovered extensive evidence during more than 70 nationwide raids, including large sums of cash, documents, and more than 1,000 hours of wiretap recordings. NABU said that “almost the entire staff of detectives” was assigned to the final stages of the operation.

NABU described the alleged bribery and kickback scheme as large enough to qualify as one of the biggest corporations in the country if it had operated legally.

Investigators estimate that the money-laundering network moved more than $100 million.

The probe centers on allegations that contractors paid Ukrainian politicians to secure contracts with state nuclear power company Energoatom.

These contracts involved constructing fortifications intended to protect energy facilities from Russian attacks. Many of the sites were later destroyed by Russian strikes, leaving residents without power during winter.

Kickback payments were alleged to reach up to 15 percent of the contract value.

Ukrainian authorities said the suspected ringleader was Tymur Mindich, co-owner of the production studio Kvartal 95.

The company is known for creating the 2015 television series Servant of the People, which starred Zelensky.

The show depicted an ordinary citizen who unexpectedly becomes Ukraine’s president after publicly criticizing corruption.

Mindich is also a former business partner of Ihor Kolomoyskiy, the billionaire who supported Zelensky’s successful 2019 presidential campaign.

Kolomoyskiy was arrested in 2023 on charges of fraud and money laundering. Mindich left Ukraine shortly before investigators raided his home on Monday, prompting speculation in Ukrainian media that he may have been warned.

Reports indicated he may have traveled to Israel.

Additional figures tied to Zelensky’s administration have been implicated, though not all have been publicly named.

Those identified include National Security and Defense Council secretary Rustem Umerov, former deputy prime minister Oleksiy Chernyshov, former Energoatom security chief Dmytro Basov, and Ihor Myroniuk, former deputy head of the State Property Fund.

NABU and SAP are also investigating a separate scheme involving military procurement.

Prosecutors said that in some cases, Ukrainian officials purchased low-quality foreign-made equipment at inflated prices, with a portion of the proceeds allegedly returned to those arranging the deals.

Chinese-manufactured bulletproof vests were cited as one example.

The wiretaps collected by investigators included conversations in which suspects used pseudonyms to discuss payments.

In one recording, Chernyshov — referred to as “Che Guevara” — talked about a $500,000 kickback reportedly picked up by his wife.

Court hearings broadcast by Ukrainian public television on Thursday included a wiretap in which Mindich claimed to have significant influence over Zelensky.

Though no evidence directly implicates the president at this stage, the mention added political pressure as the investigation continues.

Zelensky’s standing has also been affected by public criticism over his attempt in July to place NABU and SAP under presidential authority.

The move sparked widespread protests and was ultimately reversed by lawmakers.

Critics have pointed to Operation Midas as evidence of why independent oversight is necessary.

The expanding scandal comes as Ukraine seeks to advance its bid to join the European Union.

EU officials have repeatedly stated that anti-corruption progress is essential for membership consideration.

Earlier this week, the EU said Ukraine had made improvements but still needed to enact more reforms.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz raised concerns during a phone call with Zelensky, emphasizing “the German government’s expectation that Ukraine press ahead energetically with fighting corruption and further reforms, particularly in the area of the rule of law.”

Zelensky responded by committing to “full transparency, long-term support for the independent anti-corruption authorities and quick further measures.”

Guillaume Mercier, a spokesman for the European Commission, said the revelations showed that “anti-corruption bodies are in place and functioning in Ukraine,” while adding that “the fight against corruption is key for a country to join the EU.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a new $7 billion loan to Ukraine on Thursday.

She said the funding was intended to “cover the financial needs of Ukraine for the next two years,” while underscoring the importance of demonstrating to Russian President Vladimir Putin that he cannot “outlast” Ukraine.

The unfolding case is expected to draw attention in the United States, where debate continues over funding Ukrainian defense efforts against Russia.

Investigations involving military procurement and energy infrastructure may play a role in upcoming discussions in Washington.

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Eric Swalwell Hit With Criminal Referral Over Mortgage and Tax Fraud Allegations
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Eric Swalwell Hit With Criminal Referral Over Mortgage and Tax Fraud Allegations

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Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California is the subject of a criminal referral connected to alleged mortgage and tax fraud, according to a report from NBC News published Wednesday.

The referral was sent to Attorney General Pam Bondi by Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Bill Pulte.

NBC News, citing an anonymous source, reported that Pulte’s letter said Swalwell may have provided false or misleading information on loan documents tied to his purchase of a home in Washington, D.C.

The same source told the outlet that the FHFA’s acting inspector general is conducting a separate review into the mortgage-related allegations.

The Department of Justice declined to comment on the matter. The FHFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.

Swalwell issued a statement to the DCNF responding to the referral.

“As the most vocal critic of [President] Donald Trump over the last decade and as the only person who still has a surviving lawsuit against him, the only thing I am surprised about is that it took him this long to come after me,” Swalwell said.

“Like James Comey and John Bolton, Adam Schiff and Lisa Cook, Letitia James and the dozens more to come – I refuse to live in fear in what was once the freest country in the world.”

Swalwell also said, “Of course, I will not end my lawsuit against him. And I will not stop speaking out against the President and speaking up for Californians. As Mark Twain said, ‘Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.’ Mr. President, do better. Be Better.”

The allegations against Swalwell follow similar developments involving other Democratic officials.

In August, Sen. Adam Schiff of California established a legal defense fund in response to a Department of Justice investigation into his finances involving claims of mortgage fraud.

Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Ed Martin as a special prosecutor on August 8 to lead a probe into mortgage fraud allegations involving both Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Lisa Cook, a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, was also referred to the Department of Justice in August.

Pulte made that referral as well, according to the report, prompting a federal review of allegations regarding her mortgage documents.

Swalwell has been a frequent critic of President Donald Trump and has made multiple public statements about him over the years.

He has previously referred to Trump as a “dictator.”

The new criminal referral adds to the ongoing federal reviews involving several Democratic officials and follows a series of inquiries into alleged inconsistencies in financial disclosures and loan documentation.

Paper Trail Raises Questions About Jack Smith, Chris Wray, J6, and the ‘Arctic Frost’ Probe
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Paper Trail Raises Questions About Jack Smith, Chris Wray, J6, and the ‘Arctic Frost’ Probe

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A newly disclosed FBI document shows that former Special Counsel Jack Smith met with former FBI Director Christopher Wray in 2023 while overseeing the federal investigation known as “Arctic Frost.”

The meeting was listed internally by the FBI as a “significant case notification,” according to records shared with congressional investigators.

Fox News reported that the document was provided to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin as part of their ongoing review into Smith’s handling of the January 6 and 2020 election inquiries.

Smith launched those investigations before the March 2023 document was drafted.

The FBI document, created as part of its “significant case notification” system, stated: “On 5/24/2023, Special Counsel Jack Smith met with FBI Director Wray.” The meeting occurred one day before the FBI generated the notification, which highlighted developments in the Arctic Frost investigation.

A “significant case notification” is used by the FBI to update senior leadership and field offices about cases deemed to have substantial public importance.

The Arctic Frost probe was categorized as a “sensitive investigative matter,” according to information provided to lawmakers.

Grassley said the newly revealed document contradicts Smith’s unwillingness to clarify whether he met with senior Biden-Harris administration law enforcement officials.

Grassley said, “Jack Smith claims he wants to tell his story to Congress, but when I asked him point-blank if he ever met with Garland, Monaco, or Wray as part of his investigation, he refused to answer.”

In October, Grassley sent a letter asking Smith if he had met with Wray, then-Attorney General Merrick Garland, then-Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, or then-FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate during the Arctic Frost investigation.

Smith responded to the letter but did not disclose whether he had held meetings with any of the officials.

Grassley said, “Either Smith has a bad memory, or he’s simply not willing to come clean about his actions,” adding that, “if Smith really wanted the American people to hear the truth, he’d be cooperating with my straightforward congressional oversight requests instead of making excuses. I’m going to continue investigating to ensure the public gets full transparency.”

Sen. Johnson has also raised concerns about the Arctic Frost probe, which continues to draw scrutiny from lawmakers seeking details about the contacts between the special counsel’s office and senior Justice Department or FBI officials.

The meeting between Smith and Wray noted in the FBI document has added further questions about internal discussions related to the investigation.

Stephen Miller Unleashed: Dems are ‘a Party of Crazies, Leftists and Open Borders NUT JOBS!’
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Stephen Miller Unleashed: Dems are ‘a Party of Crazies, Leftists and Open Borders NUT JOBS!’

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Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller said President Donald Trump would emphasize that Democrats failed to secure any of their priorities during the recent government funding standoff.

Miller made the remarks during an appearance on Fox News, arguing that Democratic leaders were unable to persuade the public to support a shutdown tied to their policy goals.

“Well, I think that’s a very it’s a very safe bet, Sean,” Miller said when asked what to expect from the president.

“I also think that tonight, President Trump’s going to be very clear the Democrats got nothing. Sean, they got nothing. Chuck Schumer went to the wall and lost. Hakeem Jeffries went to the wall and lost.”

Miller said Democrats could not make the case that the government should close in order to advance their preferred programs.

“Because the end of the day, they could not convince Americans that we should shut down the government to fund their pet programs, to fund free benefits for illegal aliens, to fund health care for people who shouldn’t even be in this country,” he said.

He added that the political shift inside the Democratic Party has made it impossible for moderates to remain.

“What’s terrifying though Sean to keep hitting on this theme, is that the moderates have been driven out of the Democrat Party. Manchin is gone, cinema is gone, and everyone in that party understands that if they don’t toe the line with the leftist they will be driven out too,” Miller said.

Miller argued that the departure of lawmakers like Sen. Joe Manchin and former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema reflected a broader transformation.

According to him, the party no longer includes a centrist faction. “So we as a country, we don’t have a mainstream Democrat party. We don’t have a moderate Democrat party,” he said.

He described the remaining Democratic coalition in blunt terms.

“We have a party of crazies and lunatics and radical leftists and open borders nut jobs, that’s bad for America. It’s bad for the American people. It’s bad for the world,” Miller said.

Miller’s comments came as both chambers of Congress moved toward final passage of legislation to reopen the government.

Democratic leaders had sought to tie funding negotiations to a series of policy goals, but the final agreement did not include the measures they had sought.

JD Vance Goes Hard with Some America First Populism Love for Appalachia
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JD Vance Goes Hard with Some America First Populism Love for Appalachia

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Vice President J.D. Vance discussed the roots of populist anger in the United States, pointing to job losses, offshoring, and economic decline in communities that feel overlooked by national leadership.

Speaking about the experiences of people in Appalachia, Vance described how the region’s economic challenges and public health disparities have shaped political frustration and a sense of being left behind.

“You want to talk about, like, populism, and you want to talk about people being pissed off? Well, yeah, people are pissed off when they don’t have good jobs, and people are pissed off when things disappear and move overseas, and people are pissed off when they feel like, you know, other countries are being prioritized over the United States of America,” Vance said.

“And all of that is part of the populist resentment of the past 20 or 30 years in American politics.”

Vance noted that one of the most significant factors driving anger in the region is declining life expectancy and the premature deaths of family members.

“You know what really pisses people off when they realize that their loved ones are dying much sooner than everybody else? And that is a big part of the story of what’s going on in Appalachia and why I think so many people in Appalachia feel left behind,” he said.

Reflecting on his own background, Vance described the contrast between his personal success and the hardships faced by many people from similar communities.

“I mean, my story, obviously, it’s been like you said, I’m like the golden boy that things have just worked out for me in this really incredible way. I feel so so lucky and so grateful for it, but I also feel a certain sense of guilt, because there are a lot of people who grew up in families like mine, who haven’t had an easy life, and who haven’t had all this economic opportunity, and who haven’t had, you know a person that they fall in love with, and they’ve been able to sort of build a stable, nice stable, nice family like me, and who should have been able to build and and that gives me a sense of purpose, because I want those people to have the same opportunities that I’ve had, but it also gives gives me a great sense of anger, because we never should have gotten to the point that we are today.”

He added that the conditions facing these communities stem from decisions made over many years.

“And the reason that we have is because of failed leadership, and it’s failed leadership over generations,” Vance said.

Vance emphasized that Appalachia’s economic challenges stand in contrast with its long record of service and patriotism.

“And by the way, these are you talk about Appalachia. You were talking about people who, though they don’t have much, would take the shirt off their back and give it to a complete stranger, because that’s what you do,” he said.

He pointed to the region’s history during major U.S. conflicts.

“If you go back to Americans, America’s biggest wars, World War One, World War Two, Vietnam, which are the counties that filled their draft quotas with volunteers instead of with draftees. It’s very often the parts in deep Appalachia where you’ve got grinding poverty, but you’ve also got this incredible love of country.”

Vance said the region has earned greater support and attention.

“So if any place in this country deserves not to be left behind, it’s Appalachia,” he said.

He concluded by highlighting public health concerns in the region and expressing support for efforts aimed at improving health outcomes.

“But on the public health stuff in particular, the numbers don’t look good, and it’s one of the reasons why I’m such a big supporter of what you’re doing, because these are people who deserve to live better, healthier lives, but they really have been left behind by this country’s leadership.”

WATCH:

Sen. John Fetterman Hospitalized After Early Morning Fall Near His Home
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Sen. John Fetterman Hospitalized After Early Morning Fall Near His Home

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Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was hospitalized Thursday morning after a fall near his home in Braddock, according to a statement released by his office. The senator was taken to a hospital in Pittsburgh for evaluation and treatment, as reported by Fox News.

“During an early morning walk, Senator Fetterman sustained a fall near his home in Braddock. Out of an abundance of caution, he was transported to a hospital in Pittsburgh,” the spokesperson said.

“Upon evaluation, it was established he had a ventricular fibrillation flare-up that led to Senator Fetterman feeling light-headed, falling to the ground, and hitting his face with minor injuries.”

The spokesperson said Fetterman is “doing well and receiving routine observation at the hospital.” The office also shared a statement from the senator, who commented on the incident.

“If you thought my face looked bad before, wait until you see it now!” Fetterman said.

According to his office, Fetterman opted to remain hospitalized so doctors could adjust his medication regimen.

Fetterman has dealt with medical challenges in the past, including a stroke in 2022 during his Senate campaign that affected his ability to speak and process auditory information for a period of time.

His ongoing health monitoring has remained a consistent part of his work schedule since entering the Senate.

The hospitalization comes at a time when Fetterman has drawn attention for breaking with most Senate Democrats during the recent government shutdown.

He was among the members who voted to reopen the federal government, a position that drew both praise and criticism inside his party.

Fetterman’s office did not specify how long he is expected to remain under medical supervision. Additional updates are expected once doctors complete their evaluation and finalize adjustments to his treatment plan.

Habba Confronted And Office Vandalized As DOJ Begins Search For Suspect
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Habba Confronted And Office Vandalized As DOJ Begins Search For Suspect

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The Department of Justice is searching for a suspect who allegedly attempted to confront Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba before vandalizing her office, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Thursday, as reported by The New York Post.

“Last night, an individual attempted to confront one of our U.S. Attorneys — my dear friend @USAttyHabba — destroyed property in her office, and then fled the scene. Thankfully, Alina is ok,” Bondi wrote on X.

Feb 21 2025 Washington DC Pam Bondi walked out to do a interview with Fox .she did not talk to the press on the way there .iiu

She added, “Any violence or threats of violence against any federal officer will not be tolerated. Period. This is unfortunately becoming a trend as radicals continue to attack law enforcement agents around the country.”

Habba, who leads federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation in New Jersey, reposted Bondi’s message. “I will not be intimidated by radical lunatics for doing my job,” she wrote.

The Justice Department has not yet released a detailed description of the suspect or the extent of the damage inside the office. Officials confirmed that the individual fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.

Federal authorities are reviewing available surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses.

The incident comes as federal law enforcement agencies nationwide report increased threats and harassment directed at prosecutors, agents, and other officials.

Bondi referenced this trend in her statement, noting that attacks against federal officers have risen in multiple jurisdictions.

Habba was appointed Acting U.S. Attorney earlier this year and is responsible for overseeing high-profile federal cases throughout the state, including criminal prosecutions involving organized crime, fraud, public corruption, and civil enforcement matters.

Apr 22, 2024; New York, NY, USA; Attorney for former president Donald Trump, Alina Habba, speaks at Manhattan Criminal Court during Trump’s trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments linked to extramarital affairs in New York on April 22, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Brendan McDermid/Pool via USA TODAY NETWORK

Her office has not commented on whether the suspect had any connection to ongoing investigations or pending litigation.

The DOJ is coordinating with local and federal law enforcement partners in New Jersey to identify the suspect and determine whether additional security measures are necessary for the offices of U.S. Attorneys in the region.

Officials expect to release further information once preliminary investigative steps are complete.

Bondi said the Justice Department is treating the matter as a serious threat to a federal official. No injuries were reported.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident or the suspect to contact federal investigators.

Chris Murphy Claims Democracy Is at Risk When Dems Work With GOP
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Chris Murphy Claims Democracy Is at Risk When Dems Work With GOP

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Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut urged members of his party to close ranks following the end of the recent government shutdown, telling voters in New Hampshire that Democrats cannot afford internal divisions after several senators crossed party lines to advance a stopgap spending measure.

Murphy delivered the remarks Wednesday during a visit to New Hampshire, where he participated in a town hall event hosted by the New Hampshire Institute of Politics and Stand Up New Hampshire.

In a video obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation, Murphy warned that bipartisan cooperation on the shutdown exposed a deeper challenge for Democrats.

“The only way we’re going to survive this moment is to stay united,” Murphy said

. “There’s obviously been this repeating phenomenon where a handful of Democrats crosses over and works with Republicans. I don’t know that you can save our democracy, if we aren’t united.”

Murphy’s comments followed the decision by eight members of the Senate Democratic Caucus to break from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and vote with Republicans to advance the stopgap spending bill. The measure ended a funding lapse that had persisted for weeks.

Two of the Democrats who supported the bill were New Hampshire Sens. Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen. Both cited the impact of the shutdown on their constituents and said they hoped Republicans would work with them on extending enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits in December.

Neither senator was named directly by Murphy, but he made clear he disagreed with the decision to move forward with a deal.

“What happened in our caucus last week can’t continue to happen,” Murphy said.

“We’ve got to stay united.”

In the days leading up to the vote, Murphy had urged his colleagues to continue pressing their shutdown demands.

He argued that conceding early, particularly after Democrats’ strong results in November’s off-year elections, could cause “some pretty substantial damage” to the party’s standing.

Murphy said the party had gained momentum following its setbacks in the 2024 elections and should not risk losing ground.

Questions about Schumer’s position surfaced during Murphy’s visit. Schumer opposed the bipartisan spending package but drew criticism from progressives for failing to keep Democrats aligned during the shutdown.

More than ten House Democrats have publicly urged Schumer to step aside.

No Senate Democrats have issued similar calls. When asked directly whether Schumer should remain as the party’s leader in the Senate, Murphy replied, “I think Chuck has a super hard job right now.”

Murphy was also asked whether he is considering a run for president. The Connecticut Democrat did not provide a direct answer.

“I’m here because New Hampshire is the epicenter of American democracy, in some ways,” Murphy said.

“I’m just here to say thank you for what they did to elect a bunch of Democrats in this last election and to spur them on.”

Murphy made the trip as part of a broader effort to engage with voters after the shutdown and speak with Democrats involved in recounts, local races, and state-level organizing.

The New Hampshire appearance followed a series of discussions Murphy held with activists about the party’s direction heading into the next legislative fight.

Hillary Clinton Blasts Pentagon Shift as Pompeo Surprisingly Agrees on Global Risks
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Hillary Clinton Blasts Pentagon Shift as Pompeo Surprisingly Agrees on Global Risks

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Former Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton and Mike Pompeo voiced concerns Wednesday that America’s adversaries could gain ground internationally as the Pentagon expands operations in the Western Hemisphere and reallocates resources away from other regions, as reported by Fox News.

Their remarks came during an event at Columbia University, where Clinton said she had heard of internal Pentagon conversations about moving toward a “spheres of influence” model.

Aug 19, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Hillary Rodham Clinton, Former Secretary of State, speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. The DNC program will feature President Joe Biden and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during Monday’s ceremonies. Mandatory Credit: Josh Morgan-USA TODAY

According to Clinton, the model would prioritize U.S. military power in the Western Hemisphere, allow Russia greater control over Eastern Europe, and give China expanded influence in East Asia.

“There seems to be a group within the Pentagon who are advocating for these spheres of influence … I think that’s a disaster. And I think it weakens us vis-à-vis our principal problem, which is… the Chinese Communist Party,” she said.

The comments come as the Pentagon increases counter-narcotics and maritime security operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.

The expanded presence marks the largest U.S. military footprint in the Southern Command region in decades, a shift that aligns with President Donald Trump’s emphasis on strengthening the Western Hemisphere.

Last week, the United States announced it would withdraw a rotational infantry brigade primarily based in Romania, with additional personnel operating in Slovakia, Hungary, and Bulgaria.

In a statement to Fox News Digital responding to Clinton’s criticism, Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson said:

“Crooked Hillary is a globalist puppet who damaged America’s credibility on the world stage as Secretary of State and a failed presidential candidate. No one who is serious about putting America First should listen to her yapping. The Department is 100% focused on protecting the homeland, deterring China, and ushering in a new era of Peace Through Strength.”

Clinton, who helped shape the Obama administration’s “pivot to Asia,” said a reduced focus on the Indo-Pacific would create instability and embolden U.S. competitors. Pompeo agreed with much of her assessment, stating that the United States should pursue global “American hegemony” and should not concede leadership to rival powers.

“I agree with almost everything Secretary Clinton said there,” Pompeo said. “I want American values to dominate the world for the next 250 years … I want to influence every sphere of influence.”

Despite the Pentagon’s increased attention on the Western Hemisphere, War Department Secretary Pete Hegseth has said U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific will be “stoutly defended.”

Pompeo issued particularly strong criticism of China, even as U.S.–China relations show signs of temporary stabilization following Trump’s recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“We shouldn’t use the word competition and the Chinese Communist Party in the same sentence… The Chinese Communist Party wants to cut our heads off,” Pompeo said.

He added, “They killed 10 million people and didn’t lose a moment’s sleep when a virus was foisted around the world.”

Pompeo, who served as both CIA director and secretary of state under Trump, also claimed China approved North Korea’s deployment of troops to support Russia in the war in Ukraine.

Aug 19, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Hillary Rodham Clinton, Former Secretary of State, speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasper Colt-USA TODAY

“There are 13,000 North Koreans on the ground inside of that conflict today,” he said. “They did not go there without Xi Jinping asking Chairman Kim… to go.”

Clinton criticized congressional Republicans for remaining silent on executive actions, citing Trump’s extensions of a deadline for TikTok to divest or face a U.S. ban.

“Their tongues must be totally bitten off because they don’t speak out,” she said.

She also warned that social media is shaping public opinion in ways that pose “a huge danger to democracy,” adding that TikTok was “found by a bipartisan decision of Congress to be controlled by the Chinese Communist Party.”

Pompeo shared similar concerns. “I’m worried about the fact that we’ve got social influencers on TikTok that are shaping your minds, and that that’s controlled by the Chinese Communist Party to a significant degree,” he said.

The appearance marked a rare point of agreement between the two former officials, who publicly clashed in previous years over Clinton’s emails and Pompeo’s criticism of her record, including Benghazi and corruption allegations.

Kristi Noem Announces K Bonuses for TSA Workers as Trump Praises ‘Patriotic’ Federal Employees
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Kristi Noem Announces $10K Bonuses for TSA Workers as Trump Praises ‘Patriotic’ Federal Employees

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem traveled to Houston on Thursday to deliver $10,000 bonus checks to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers who continued working during the recent 43-day government shutdown, as reported by Fox News.

Noem made the announcement at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, where she recognized federal employees who reported to work without pay during the funding lapse.

“We will be looking at every single TSA official that helped serve during this government shutdown to do what we can to recognize that and help them financially with a bonus check to help them and their family get back on their feet,” Noem said at a press conference before handing out checks to roughly 20 TSA employees.

Officials did not specify whether full attendance during the shutdown was required to qualify for the bonus.

A White House spokesperson defended the bonuses and criticized the cause of the shutdown. “The Democrats’ decision to shut down the government – over demands to give free health care to illegal aliens – deprived many Americans of their paychecks, including TSA officers,” the spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

“The Trump Administration is grateful to the hardworking TSA officers who continued to work, without pay, to ensure America stayed safe in spite of the Democrat Shutdown.”

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

President Donald Trump has also signaled support for compensating other federal workers who remained on duty. Earlier this week, he raised the prospect of issuing bonuses to air traffic controllers who did not miss work during the shutdown.

“All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked,’” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

He added, “For those Air Traffic Controllers who were GREAT PATRIOTS, and didn’t take ANY TIME OFF for the ‘Democrat Shutdown Hoax,’ I will be recommending a BONUS of $10,000 per person for distinguished service to our Country.”

In a post on X on Thursday, Noem thanked Department of Homeland Security employees for working without pay during the shutdown.

“Thank you to every @DHSgov team member for your dedication and resilience throughout the Democrats’ Shutdown—43 days without pay for many of you—a hardship on your families. Your continued work and dedication to protecting our homeland are a testament to your patriotism. You made America safer during the longest shutdown in American history.”

Noem added, “Thanks to @POTUS Trump, our government is open. Together, we will continue to deliver on our promise to the American people: securing our homeland.”

The shutdown ended Wednesday night after the House passed a bill to fund the government.


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