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Democrats Just Elected a Virginia AG Who Fantasized About His Opponents’ Kids Being Killed
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Democrats Just Elected a Virginia AG Who Fantasized About His Opponents’ Kids Being Killed

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Democrat Jay Jones has been projected to win the Virginia attorney general race, defeating Republican incumbent Jason Miyares in one of the state’s most closely watched elections.

The call was made by Decision Desk HQ at 8:26 p.m. on Tuesday night, with much of the remaining vote expected to come from Democratic-leaning areas.

The outcome came as a surprise to many observers, given that Miyares had led in several late-October polls and was widely expected to retain his seat.

In the final week before the election, prediction market site Polymarket placed Miyares’ chances of victory at 85 percent, while polling averages showed him holding a narrow but steady advantage.

Jones, a former state lawmaker and the Democratic nominee for attorney general, faced significant controversy throughout the campaign over the release of violent text messages he sent in 2022.

In those messages, Jones stated that he wanted to put “two bullets” in the head of then-Republican House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his wife, Jennifer. He also referred to the couple’s children, writing that the Gilberts were “breeding little fascists.”

The texts became a central issue in the race, prompting national media coverage and widespread criticism.

The Miyares campaign highlighted the messages as evidence of what it described as an alarming pattern of behavior, while Democratic officials distanced themselves publicly from the remarks.

According to the Decision Desk HQ polling average, Miyares led 47.8 percent to 45.7 percent as of October 18, following weeks of positive polling momentum.

By contrast, Jones had led by more than 10 percentage points in mid-August, before the text message scandal emerged.

As of Tuesday evening, with 70 percent of precincts reporting, Jones held 51 percent of the vote compared to 48.6 percent for Miyares.

During the campaign’s only debate, Jones addressed the controversy when asked about the texts.

“And I will also say this. I was held accountable by my party, and I deeply, deeply respect that,” he said.

“But what about when Donald Trump used incendiary language to incite a riot to try to overturn an election here in this country? What about when Winsome Sears used violent language about people who disagree with you and her and your extreme position on abortion?”

Jones’ comments drew mixed reactions.

Critics argued that his attempt to redirect the discussion toward national politics avoided accountability, while supporters said he had accepted responsibility for his actions.

An exit poll conducted by Fox News found that fewer than half of Virginia voters viewed Jones’ messages as “disqualifying.”

Analysts noted that the issue may have resonated less with voters focused on broader partisan and policy divides.

Miyares, who made history in 2021 as the first Hispanic attorney general in Virginia, campaigned heavily on crime prevention and parental rights in education.

His campaign had expected strong turnout among suburban and rural voters, but early results showed higher-than-anticipated participation in urban and Northern Virginia precincts that favored Democrats.

While official certification of the results is pending, Decision Desk HQ’s projection marks a significant win for Democrats in Virginia and a notable upset in a race once seen as leaning Republican.

Zohran Mamdani Promises to Defy President Trump’s Threats to NYC
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Zohran Mamdani Promises to Defy President Trump’s Threats to NYC

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On the eve of Election Day, New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani led a march from the Brooklyn Bridge to City Hall, pledging to defy President Donald Trump’s warning that federal funding could be withheld if the self-described democratic socialist wins Tuesday’s election, as reported by Fox News.

Mamdani, joined by supporters, local officials, and Attorney General Letitia James, addressed the crowd at sunrise Monday, promising to resist what he called “threats” from the Trump administration.

Nov 6, 2023; New York, NY, USA; New York Attorney General Letitia James arrives as Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to testify for his civil business fraud trial at New York Supreme Court on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023 in New York City, NY. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Altman-USA TODAY

“What we have seen in cities and states across the country is the necessity of, not just using the bully pulpit but also the courts, to ensure that every dollar that a municipality is owed is a dollar that is paid,” Mamdani said.

“And I will take every single day, after this election, to put together my city government, my city hall, to ensure that it is prepared not only for the threats from Donald Trump, but also the threats from an affordability crisis that has put one in four New Yorkers in poverty.”

President Trump, in a 60 Minutes interview with Norah O’Donnell that aired Sunday night, said it would be “hard” for him “to give a lot of money to New York” if Mamdani wins.

“Because if you have a communist running New York, all you’re doing is wasting the money you’re sending there,” Trump said.

Trump has frequently criticized Mamdani, who defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary in June. The president has referred to Mamdani as a “100% Communist Lunatic” and “my little communist.”

Mamdani rejected the labels but continued to campaign as a progressive opponent of the Trump administration, launching a “Five Boroughs Against Trump” tour during the summer.

Mamdani responded to Trump’s latest remarks by suggesting that the president effectively endorsed Cuomo. “Late last night, Andrew Cuomo received Donald Trump’s endorsement,” Mamdani said at his rally.

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

“If elected as mayor, our city will only descend deeper into a darkness that has forced too many of our neighbors to flee and made it impossible for working people to live lives of dignity.”

Cuomo campaign spokesperson Rich Azzopardi denied that claim, telling Fox News Digital that Mamdani is “lying.”

Azzopardi added, “There’s only one candidate in this race who has a record of fighting for New York and battling the Trump administration when it was in New York’s best interest and winning, and that’s Andrew Cuomo.”

Letitia James, who joined Mamdani’s rally days after pleading not guilty to two felony charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution, praised the candidate and said he represented “the courage that New Yorkers are desperate to see in elected officials.”

James previously filed a civil lawsuit against The Trump Organization in 2019 that found the company liable for fraud and has continued pursuing litigation against the Trump administration this year.

“Donald Trump may speak as if it is his decision, but this is money that this city is owed,” Mamdani said. “This is money that we will expect to collect.”

As Election Day approaches, Mamdani has positioned himself as the candidate most willing to challenge President Trump while framing Cuomo as aligned with the White House.

“We have long known that Andrew Cuomo is Donald Trump’s puppet in this race,” Mamdani said. “What we did not quite expect is for him to become his parrot in the final days, as well.”

The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

FBI Reveals Photos of Michigan Terror Suspects Training for Halloween Massacre
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FBI Reveals Photos of Michigan Terror Suspects Training for Halloween Massacre

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Federal agents have arrested two men accused of planning an ISIS-inspired terror attack in the Detroit area that was allegedly set to take place on Halloween, according to newly unsealed court documents, as reported by Fox News.

The suspects, identified as Mohmed Ali of Dearborn, Michigan, and Majed Mahmoud, face charges of receiving, transferring, and attempting to receive and transfer firearms with knowledge that they would be used to commit terrorism.

An FBI affidavit revealed that the plot, code-named “Pumpkin,” involved plans for a mass shooting in a Detroit suburb.

According to the complaint, Ali and Mahmoud practiced shooting at a local gun range multiple times, including sessions with a juvenile suspect identified only as “Person 1,” who used the alias “Athari,” and another unnamed co-conspirator.

In one intercepted communication, the juvenile allegedly insisted that the attack occur on Halloween.

“So ya, I talked to my brothers. We are going to do pumpkin,” he reportedly told Ali. “I talked to…[Co-conspirator 4] and [Co-conspirator 5], they said it is getting bad. So we got to do pumpkin, ya.”

Federal agents executed search warrants on both men’s residences and a storage unit in Inkster, Michigan, recovering three AR-15-style rifles, two shotguns, four pistols, more than 1,600 rounds of ammunition, GoPro cameras, tactical vests, and other equipment.

“With today’s unsealed criminal complaint, the American people can see the results of months of tireless investigative work where the FBI acted quickly and likely saved many lives,” FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News Digital.

“We’ll continue to follow the facts, uphold the law, and deliver justice for the American people.”

Investigators say the alleged plot began around September 1 and was scheduled to target civilians on Halloween.

The suspects and several co-conspirators allegedly scouted potential attack locations in Ferndale, Michigan, a Detroit suburb known for its nightlife. Authorities noted that none of the suspects were older than 21, which raised further suspicion.

The FBI said the suspects referenced the November 2015 ISIS terrorist attacks in Paris, where 137 people were killed and more than 400 injured, allegedly saying they wanted to “do the same thing as France.”

Court documents show that a co-conspirator returning from overseas was stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, who reportedly found Google searches for “ISIS” and “Islamic State” on his phone, along with photos of him holding weapons while wearing tactical gear.

Although ISIS lost control of its territory in 2019, federal authorities said the group continues to inspire individuals through online radicalization.

Investigators also discovered that the Michigan suspects shared extremist propaganda in encrypted messaging apps, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Discord, and had sought advice from the father of a local “Islamic extremist ideologue.”

Michigan Halloween Plot Foil by connectwithchristineee

Both Ali and Mahmoud were legally able to purchase firearms. According to investigators, records show multiple gun purchases, modifications, and ammunition orders tied to their names.

Among the seized weapons were a Beretta A300 Ultima Competition 12-gauge shotgun, a Daniel Defense M4 V7 rifle, several 5.56 rifles from Palmetto State Armory, and a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol.

The FBI said the investigation remains ongoing and that additional charges could be filed as agents continue to review evidence recovered from the suspects’ homes and electronic devices.

American School Director and Son Killed by Hornet Swarm in Laos
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American School Director and Son Killed by Hornet Swarm in Laos

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An American private school director and his teenage son were killed after being attacked by hundreds of hornets while ziplining during a vacation in Laos earlier this month, according to local reports and diplomatic sources, as reported by The Daily Mail.

Daniel Owen, 47, and his 15-year-old son, Cooper, died on October 15 after being swarmed by what officials believe were Asian giant hornets while participating in a ziplining excursion at an eco-adventure resort near the city of Luang Prabang.

The pair, who had been living in Vietnam, were reportedly attacked mid-zipline and were unable to reach safety as the insects surrounded them and their guide.

A source close to U.S. diplomats in Laos told The Times that rescuers struggled to bring the victims down from a tree as the hornets continued to swarm.

Both Owen and his son were conscious when they arrived at a local hospital, but later died from their injuries. Dr. Phanomsay Phakan of the Phakan Arocavet Clinic, where the two were treated, described the scene as unlike anything he had ever encountered.

“Their whole bodies were covered in red spots. It was very, very painful. A lot of stings, more than one hundred, over the whole body,” he told reporters. “I thought already that it’s a very dangerous situation because I had never seen it as bad as that.”

Officials said there were no signs of anaphylactic shock prior to their deaths, suggesting the stings themselves and resulting trauma caused the fatalities.

Originally from Idaho, Owen had spent nearly two decades living and working overseas with his family. He served as the director of the Haiphong branch of Quality Schools International (QSI), a private educational network serving children of diplomats and expatriates in multiple countries.

In a statement posted to social media, QSI confirmed the deaths and paid tribute to Owen’s career and commitment to education.

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dan Owen, Director of QSI International School of Haiphong, and his son Cooper, due to a tragic accident,” the organization wrote.

“Dan dedicated 18 years to QSI, serving in five different schools and touching countless lives with his warmth, leadership, and unwavering commitment to education. He was deeply loved across our community and will be profoundly missed. Our sincere condolences go out to the Owen family and all who knew and loved them.”

Owen, his wife Jennifer, and their son had been living in Vietnam at the time of the trip. Social media posts show the family frequently enjoyed outdoor adventures such as climbing and skiing. The Laos trip was intended as a father-son excursion to explore the jungle.

Asian giant hornets, sometimes referred to as “murder hornets,” are among the largest hornets in the world, with venom that can cause kidney failure, tissue damage, and cardiac arrest when multiple stings occur.

Laotian authorities have not released further details on the ongoing investigation.

Mississippi Mom Shoots Escaped Lab Monkey to Protect Her Kids
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Mississippi Mom Shoots Escaped Lab Monkey to Protect Her Kids

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A Mississippi mother shot and killed one of the escaped research monkeys from a recent highway accident, saying she feared for the safety of her children after spotting the animal near her home Sunday morning.

Jessica Bond Ferguson, a mother of five living in Heidelberg, Mississippi, told the Associated Press that she was alerted by her 16-year-old son to the presence of a monkey in their yard.

When she looked outside, she said the animal was approximately 60 feet from the house.

“I did what any other mother would do to protect her children,” Ferguson told the Associated Press.

“I shot at it and it just stood there, and I shot again, and he backed up and that’s when he fell.”

Authorities confirmed that the monkey Ferguson shot was one of several that escaped following a truck accident in late October.

The vehicle, which was transporting Rhesus monkeys from the Tulane National Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana, overturned on a Mississippi highway, leading to the escape of 21 animals.

Thirteen of the monkeys were quickly recovered by law enforcement and animal control teams.

Five others were shot at the scene after an initial claim by a supervisor suggested they might be infected with COVID-19, herpes, and hepatitis C. Officials later clarified that the monkeys were not infected with any of those viruses.

That left three of the monkeys unaccounted for, prompting an ongoing search across rural areas in southeastern Mississippi.

Local authorities said another of the escaped monkeys was captured on Sunday, the same day Ferguson shot the animal near her property.

As of Sunday evening, officials confirmed that only one monkey remains unaccounted for.

The Rhesus monkeys were being transported for biomedical research purposes when the accident occurred.

The truck, traveling from the Tulane National Biomedical Research Center to another facility, overturned on a stretch of highway near Laurel, Mississippi.

Officials from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks have not stated whether Ferguson will face any charges for shooting the animal, noting that the investigation remains open.

Residents in the area had previously been advised to contact law enforcement immediately if they encountered any of the monkeys, rather than attempt to approach or capture them.

Rhesus monkeys are native to South and Southeast Asia and are commonly used in medical research due to their genetic similarity to humans.

Following the accident, the Tulane National Biomedical Research Center confirmed that none of the monkeys involved in the incident were infected with diseases, and that recovery operations had been underway in coordination with local authorities.

Heidelberg, located in Jasper County, is a small town with a population of around 1,000 residents.

Several residents had reported sightings of the escaped monkeys in nearby wooded areas over the past two weeks, prompting increased patrols and wildlife monitoring.

The incident has drawn attention from both state officials and animal welfare groups, though no official statements have been released regarding the fate of the remaining monkey.

Authorities have continued to urge the public not to engage with the animal if it is spotted and to report any sightings to local law enforcement.

Trump Rejects Globalists’ Climate Circus in Brazil, Doubles Down on U.S. Energy Growth
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Trump Rejects Globalists’ Climate Circus in Brazil, Doubles Down on U.S. Energy Growth

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The White House confirmed that no top U.S. officials will attend this month’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, as President Donald Trump shifts focus toward strengthening domestic energy production and job growth.

The conference, scheduled for November 10 to 21, 2025, is expected to draw tens of thousands of delegates, but the United States will not be represented by high-level administration officials.

A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that “the U.S. is not sending any high level representatives to COP30.”

“The president is directly engaging with leaders around the world on energy issues, which you can see from the historic trade deals and peace deals that all have a significant focus on energy partnerships,” the official added.

The decision follows Trump’s January move to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement for a second time, fulfilling a campaign pledge to distance the U.S. from international climate accords.

The withdrawal also halted U.S. financial contributions to U.N.-backed climate programs, a step that drew sharp criticism from environmental groups and allied governments.

Trump had not been expected to attend the leaders’ summit that precedes the main COP30 conference, and his administration has now confirmed it will not send senior negotiators to participate in the talks either.

The president has repeatedly stated that his administration’s priority is to protect American energy independence, expand domestic oil and gas production, and sustain job growth across the energy sector.

The COP30 climate conference, hosted in Belém in Brazil’s northern Pará state, is expected to bring together approximately 50,000 attendees, with some estimates suggesting the number could exceed 60,000.

Organizers say the surge in attendance has already strained the city’s accommodations and transportation infrastructure, with hotels near capacity and airports preparing for heavy traffic during the two-week event.

Brazilian officials announced Friday that fewer than 60 heads of state have confirmed attendance at the preliminary climate leaders’ summit scheduled for November 6–7.

Those confirmed include leaders from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Norway, Colombia, Chile, Cape Verde, and Liberia. China has said Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang will represent President Xi Jinping.

The separate pre-summit was introduced this year to reduce logistical challenges for Belém ahead of the main conference.

While the federal government will not participate at a high level, more than 100 state and local officials from across the United States — including governors, mayors, and environmental representatives — are expected to attend COP30 independently.

Many of them are expected to represent regional or city-level initiatives rather than federal policy.

Trump’s decision to bypass the U.N. conference reflects his administration’s broader approach to international climate negotiations.

During his previous term, the president withdrew from the Paris Agreement in 2017, citing concerns that the accord placed disproportionate burdens on U.S. taxpayers while allowing major polluters like China to continue increasing emissions.

The 2025 withdrawal reaffirmed that stance, with the White House stating at the time that the U.S. would not participate in global frameworks that “undermine American sovereignty and economic competitiveness.”

COP30 will mark the first time Brazil has hosted the U.N. climate talks since 2019, when then-President Jair Bolsonaro declined to participate amid disputes over Amazon deforestation policy.

This year’s conference aims to evaluate global progress toward emissions reduction goals set under the Paris Agreement — which the Trump administration has now exited once again.

Despite the absence of top U.S. officials, the conference is expected to proceed with discussions on climate finance, carbon market regulations, and deforestation targets.

Trump administration officials said the president remains focused on advancing U.S. energy partnerships through bilateral trade deals rather than multilateral forums.

Hegseth Shakes Up Pentagon: Top Generals Out as New Leadership Takes Over
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Hegseth Shakes Up Pentagon: Top Generals Out as New Leadership Takes Over

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Two senior flag and general officers have been replaced in the Pentagon within the past week, reflecting ongoing changes under Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine as they continue reshaping military leadership and strategy across the Department of Defense.

The first major personnel change involves Lieutenant General Joseph P. McGee, director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy on the Joint Staff — commonly referred to as the J5.

According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the J5 is responsible for developing strategies, plans, and policy recommendations for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs to support military advice to the President and national leaders while coordinating with interagency and allied partners.

McGee, a career Army officer with 35 years of service, commanded companies in the 1st and 2nd Ranger Battalions, the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, and later a brigade combat team within the same division.

He served ten combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and earned multiple commendations throughout his career.

His retirement was announced in a brief statement from the Joint Staff: “Lt. Gen. JP McGee will retire after nearly three years of outstanding leadership and service on the Joint Staff. We are grateful for his 35 years of honorable and dedicated service to the Nation. We owe him a great debt for his service, and it is regrettable anonymous sources would put the focus anywhere else.”

Reports indicate McGee’s exit stemmed from disagreements with Secretary Hegseth and Gen. Caine over strategic priorities, particularly regarding U.S. policy toward Russia, Ukraine, and ongoing operations in the Caribbean.

CNN reported that McGee had “frequently pushed back” on several of the administration’s new defense initiatives, creating tension within the upper levels of the Pentagon.

McGee was promoted to lieutenant general in May 2024 after being renominated by Joe Biden later that year.

That nomination expired at the end of the 118th Congress, and President Donald Trump did not submit his name for renomination, signaling that McGee’s retirement was likely imminent.

His close association with former military leadership, including ex-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley and former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, reportedly contributed to the decision not to retain him.

The second change involves Rear Admiral Kurt J. Rothenhaus, who was serving as the head of the Office of Naval Research (ONR). Rothenhaus, a 33-year Navy veteran with a Ph.D. in Software Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, was reassigned to command the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR).

Replacing Rothenhaus at ONR is Rachel Riley, a 33-year-old former McKinsey & Company partner who most recently served as a senior advisor at the Department of Health and Human Services within the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Despite some media speculation, Pentagon officials clarified that Rothenhaus’s transfer was not a dismissal but a lateral move to fill a vacant command position at NAVWAR.

Critics have questioned Riley’s lack of scientific or military background, though Pentagon officials noted that none of ONR’s top military positions are held by scientists.

The leadership structure includes officers with advanced degrees in business administration, systems analysis, and software engineering.

As ONR’s director, Riley will oversee funding allocations and research priorities rather than engage in hands-on scientific work.

Pentagon officials described her management and efficiency experience as consistent with the department’s emphasis on cost reduction and program effectiveness.

These two personnel changes follow a series of leadership reshuffles within the Department of Defense since the start of the year.

More than a dozen senior officials have been reassigned, retired, or replaced, including former Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown, former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti, and the heads of the National Security Agency and Defense Intelligence Agency.

The changes reflect Secretary Hegseth’s ongoing efforts to overhaul Pentagon leadership and restructure the chain of command to align with the administration’s strategic defense and efficiency goals.

Nancy Pelosi Reportedly Calling it Quits After Nearly Four Decades in Congress
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Nancy Pelosi Reportedly Calling it Quits After Nearly Four Decades in Congress

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Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is reportedly preparing to retire from Congress at the end of her current term, according to multiple Democratic officials who spoke with NBC News.

The 85-year-old lawmaker has represented San Francisco’s 11th Congressional District since 1987 and is expected not to seek reelection in 2026.

NBC News reported that “multiple Democratic elected officials and top aides in CA and Washington tell @NBCNews they believe NANCY PELOSI will choose not to seek re-election in 2026, after nearly four decades representing her San Francisco-based district.”

A House Democratic leadership aide told the network, “I think she’s preparing to exit the stage.”

Another California Democrat expressed admiration for her long tenure, saying, “I wish she would stay for 10 more years. I think she’s out. She’s going to go out with Prop 50 overwhelmingly passing, and what a crowning achievement for her to do that.”

Pelosi’s potential retirement would mark the end of one of the longest and most controversial careers in modern congressional history.

First elected in a 1987 special election, Pelosi rose to become the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, holding the gavel during two separate stints—2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023.

Pelosi played a central role in advancing her party’s legislative priorities and led both impeachment efforts against President Donald Trump during her second tenure as Speaker.

Her leadership often drew fierce criticism from Republicans who accused her of partisan tactics and procedural overreach.

In May 2020, Pelosi authorized the House of Representatives to adopt “proxy voting” for the first time in U.S. history, citing pandemic-related concerns.

The move allowed members to cast votes remotely instead of being physically present on the House floor, a decision opposed by Republicans who argued it violated constitutional requirements for in-person voting.

During the first vote under the new system, 71 Democratic lawmakers participated by proxy.

The practice quickly became a point of contention after reports surfaced that one Maryland Democrat cast seven separate votes on behalf of colleagues in districts he did not represent.

Despite legal and political objections, Pelosi continued to extend proxy voting throughout the remainder of her speakership.

Critics maintained that the system undermined legislative accountability, while Pelosi defended it as a necessary adaptation to safeguard members’ health during the pandemic.

Pelosi’s leadership tenure also included her handling of two impeachment proceedings against President Trump—one in 2019 related to Ukraine and another in early 2021 following the Capitol riot. Both efforts resulted in acquittals by the Senate.

In recent months, Pelosi’s public appearances have sparked renewed discussion about her political future.

Last month, during an interview with NBC Boston, she made headlines for using profanity twice when responding to questions about political polarization and her party’s messaging.

If Pelosi chooses not to run again, her departure would open a powerful seat in a strongly Democratic district that she has dominated for nearly four decades.

The timing of her exit would also coincide with broader generational changes within the Democratic Party, as several long-serving members of Congress approach retirement.

Scott Jennings Ends Van Jones’ Immigration Narrative, Pulls Out the Receipts
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Scott Jennings Ends Van Jones’ Immigration Narrative, Pulls Out the Receipts

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A heated exchange unfolded on CNN as political commentator Scott Jennings and analyst Van Jones debated President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and their effect on public opinion.

The discussion centered on recent comments from President Trump and new polling data showing voter sentiment on immigration enforcement.

During the debate, Jones argued that President Trump’s recent statement that Immigration and Customs Enforcement “haven’t gone far enough” in deporting illegal immigrants could pose a political problem for the administration.

Jones suggested that the president’s tough stance on immigration might alienate some Republican voters.

Jennings pushed back strongly, citing new polling data.

“I think in a CBS survey that came out today, he had a 52 percent to 48 percent on immigration enforcement, so he was still right side up on that issue in at least that one survey,” Jennings said.

“I do think it’s a polarizing issue, but a lot of people realize we weren’t enforcing federal immigration law. Now we are, and there’s a heavy debate going on. But I don’t know who voted for Donald Trump, who is all that unhappy that he’s essentially doing what he said he was going to do. Which is simply just enforce the law.”

Jennings went on to note that the administration had not implemented any new legislation to achieve those results.

“We haven’t passed any new laws. He’s just enforcing ones that are already on the books,” he said.

According to the CBS News survey referenced by Jennings, 52 percent of voters approve of the president’s handling of immigration enforcement, compared to 48 percent who disapprove.

The data suggests that despite political division over immigration policy, a majority of voters support the administration’s approach to enforcing existing laws.

The exchange highlighted the broader political divide surrounding immigration.

Jones maintained that President Trump’s rhetoric could harm his image among moderate voters.

Jennings, however, countered that the president’s policies were consistent with his campaign promises and reflected the will of voters who wanted stronger border enforcement.

While Democrats have pushed for more leniency in enforcement and greater pathways to citizenship, President Trump has prioritized strict adherence to immigration law and increased deportations of illegal aliens.

The CBS poll cited by Jennings appeared to bolster the administration’s argument that enforcing existing laws remains popular with much of the public, even as critics argue that the policies are too aggressive.

Jennings emphasized that enforcement, not legislative overhaul, has been at the center of the administration’s approach.

“He’s essentially doing what he said he was going to do,” he told Jones, pointing to the president’s consistent message on border control since his first campaign.

21 Blue States Refused to Prove Illegal Aliens Aren’t Getting SNAP Benefits
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21 Blue States Refused to Prove Illegal Aliens Aren’t Getting SNAP Benefits

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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) officially ran out of federal funding over the weekend as the government shutdown entered its fifth week, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said on Sunday that the department had warned states earlier this year to verify SNAP eligibility to ensure taxpayer-funded benefits were not being distributed to illegal immigrants.

Rollins said that while 29 states complied with the request, 21 states refused to share their data, and two filed lawsuits against the USDA for making the request.

“We told every state to send us their SNAP data so we could make sure illegal immigrants aren’t getting benefits meant for American families,” Rollins said.

“Twenty-nine states stepped up. Twenty-one blue states refused — and two sued us for asking.”

The SNAP program, which provides food assistance to low-income households, has been strained by record enrollment numbers and budget constraints.

According to a 2023 analysis from the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), “households headed by illegal immigrants make extensive use of the welfare system, particularly food assistance programs.”

The report estimated that 59 percent of households headed by illegal aliens receive some form of welfare benefit, including cash assistance, food programs, Medicaid, or housing subsidies.

The CIS report, based on government data, raised questions about how federal and state agencies verify eligibility for these programs.

It stated that the scale of participation among non-citizen households “raises important policy questions, including whether it makes sense to have an immigration system that allows in so many people who turn to taxpayers to support their children.”

The expiration of SNAP funding is expected to have widespread effects, with millions of Americans — and non-citizens — losing access to benefits as the government shutdown continues.

The USDA has not indicated when funding might resume, leaving states scrambling to assess the impact on local food assistance programs.

The political fight over eligibility and verification intensified following the USDA’s audit request.

Federal officials said the effort was part of a broader initiative to prevent fraud and misuse of taxpayer resources, while some state officials claimed it was politically motivated.

Lawsuits filed by two states argue that the USDA’s directive violates privacy laws and oversteps federal authority.

The situation has also reignited debate over long-term dependency within the welfare system.

Local reports, including a recent segment from KOAT 7 in New Mexico, have highlighted cases such as that of Maggie Aragon, a lifelong New Mexico resident who has been receiving SNAP benefits for over three decades.

“Maggie Aragon has been a SNAP recipient for more than three decades,” the report stated.

The case has been cited by analysts as an example of how some assistance programs have evolved from temporary relief measures into long-term support systems.

Under current law, SNAP eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens and certain qualified non-citizens.

However, enforcement of eligibility standards is managed at the state level, leading to inconsistencies in how requirements are applied.

The USDA’s latest review effort was aimed at ensuring compliance across all 50 states, but resistance from several state governments has delayed progress.

As the shutdown continues, the lapse in SNAP funding is adding pressure on both federal and state agencies to resolve disputes over program oversight and fiscal priorities.

With no resolution yet in sight, millions of households remain uncertain about when — or if — food assistance will be restored.


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