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The Democrat Party Has ‘Officially Surrendered to Radicals Who Hate America’: Mike Johnson
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The Democrat Party Has ‘Officially Surrendered to Radicals Who Hate America’: Mike Johnson

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On the 37th day of the ongoing government shutdown, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) addressed reporters on Capitol Hill, warning that the Democratic Party is being overtaken by what he described as a “communist wave” following a string of left-wing victories in Tuesday’s elections.

Johnson’s remarks came after Democrat Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old New York City councilman and self-described Marxist, secured a decisive win that many in Washington now see as a symbolic turning point for the party’s ideological direction.

“There are some things we really need to point out,” Johnson said during his press briefing.

“First, there were no surprises on Tuesday night, ok? You had blue states and blue cities that voted blue, to the alarm of no one, to the surprise of no one. That was what was expected.”

He continued, “It just so happened that New York, New Jersey, and Virginia were the states that were in the national spotlight on Tuesday. If the tables had been turned, and the calendar had been different, and you had three red states, we’d have an entirely different narrative that you all would be writing about. Don’t lose the simple facts.”

Johnson then turned to the broader implications of the results, saying, “The big headline that everyone is writing about, appropriately, is that the future of the Democrats was set in New York City. A 34-year-old Marxist is now the leader of the Democratic Party, and it is a very dangerous road for them to go down.”

Referencing Mamdani’s campaign, Johnson said, “It is very easy to run and win as a socialist, right? All you do is promise everything to everyone for free. What a great message that is. Boy, that really resonates with people who don’t study history.”

He warned that the allure of socialism comes with hidden consequences.

“While you’re making all those promises, you just hope they never realize the trap that you’re actually setting — the impossibility of fulfilling your fantastical claims and dreams and the extreme danger and chaos that would result if you ever could.”

Johnson argued that such campaigns threaten fundamental American principles.

“When you run as a socialist, you have to hope that they never understand that this will lead to the inevitable loss of their freedom, their opportunity, their security. The loss of meritocracy and fairness in society. The loss of colorblindness and the loss of emphasis on character and the morality and personal incentive and the common sense that we rely upon to keep a republic in operation.”

He added, “If you run as a socialist, you run on a big list of false claims. You promise everything to everyone, and you can’t deliver. And if you were ever able to deliver, it would be at the great detriment of the very people that you lured in to vote for you.”

Johnson also highlighted growing divisions within the Democratic Party, noting that more moderate members could soon find themselves politically isolated.

“The Democrats have now set themselves on a collision course in their own tent,” he said.

“If you look at Spanberger in Virginia and Sherrill in New Jersey, they tried to run as moderate pragmatists; that’s how they self-described. But they will be no match for the coming communist wave taking over their party right now.”

“The energy is on the side of the Marxists,” Johnson said.

“Look no further than the top two Democrats in Congress. They had to bend the knee to the socialists.”

On Wednesday, Johnson expanded on those remarks, calling Mamdani’s win “the biggest victory for destructive, dangerous, big government socialism in U.S. history.”

“Zohran Mamdani’s victory marks the BIGGEST WIN FOR destructive, dangerous, big government SOCIALISM in U.S. history — and a loss for freedom loving American people,” Johnson said.

“He’s an unapologetic Marxist — fully EMBRACED by the Democrat establishment. Hakeem Jeffries ENDORSED him. Barack Obama personally called to CONGRATULATE him. The Democrat Party has officially surrendered to socialists and the radicals who HATE America — they now control the movement.”

Johnson’s comments reflect growing concern among Republican lawmakers that the Democratic Party is shifting further left ahead of next year’s midterm elections.

He warned that the success of openly socialist candidates like Mamdani signals a broader ideological realignment within the party — one he described as a direct threat to freedom and democratic governance.

Zohran Mamdani Already Begging for Cash: ‘Pay a Fee to Get Stuff for Free’
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Zohran Mamdani Already Begging for Cash: ‘Pay a Fee to Get Stuff for Free’

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Newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism after asking supporters to fund his transition team, just one day after winning on promises of “free buses” and rent freezes aimed at tackling the city’s affordability issues.

Mamdani, a self-described socialist, campaigned on proposals to tax wealthy New Yorkers in order to fund public transportation and housing initiatives.

His platform focused heavily on what he called “affordability justice,” pledging to make the city livable again for middle- and lower-income residents through government-backed subsidies.

During his campaign, Mamdani told voters he would “freeze rents” and “make public transit free for everyone.”

His message resonated with progressive voters, particularly young and college-educated residents, who saw his platform as a direct challenge to what he called “corporate-driven politics.”

However, the feasibility of his promises immediately drew skepticism from housing and transit experts.

Critics argued that rent freezes historically lead to reduced housing maintenance, creating unsafe living conditions for tenants, while free public transit systems often face significant funding shortfalls and operational issues.

The debate over Mamdani’s proposals intensified after his post-election announcement asking New Yorkers to donate money for his transition.

He cited staffing and operational expenses as the reason for seeking additional funds.

“Those are things we will have to provide,” Mamdani said, referring to the resources needed for his transition.

“I’m excited for the fact that it will be funded by the very people who brought us to this point, the working people who have been left behind by the politics of this city.”

Mamdani explained that his transition would “require staff, it will require research, it will require infrastructure,” and expressed optimism that grassroots donors would continue to support him financially.

The appeal sparked backlash across social media and among political observers, who called the move contradictory to his campaign message.

Critics noted that Mamdani’s promise to fund city improvements by “taxing the rich” was inconsistent with his request for contributions from ordinary working people.

Mamdani’s campaign previously claimed to have paused donations before the election, emphasizing that his movement was not driven by money but by community involvement. His renewed fundraising push, however, quickly drew accusations of hypocrisy.

The controversy has raised broader questions about how Mamdani plans to pay for his ambitious proposals.

Analysts estimate that providing free public buses in New York City could cost hundreds of millions of dollars annually, while freezing rent would likely require large-scale subsidies to property owners to prevent mass property neglect.

While Mamdani’s supporters maintain that his ideas represent a bold new direction for the city, others argue that they are unsustainable and could worsen New York’s fiscal challenges.

Some residents have voiced frustration over his focus on symbolic gestures rather than practical solutions to affordability and public safety.

Political analysts also noted that Mamdani’s support was strongest among younger, college-educated voters.

Exit polling indicated that non-college-educated voters largely rejected his platform, expressing concerns about higher taxes and declining public services.

As Mamdani begins his transition, questions remain about whether his proposals can be implemented without significant tax hikes or new city debt.

His call for “working people” to fund his transition has fueled ongoing skepticism about whether his vision of a city built on “free services” can withstand economic reality.

For now, Mamdani insists that his movement remains driven by the same grassroots supporters who helped him win office.

But for many New Yorkers, his early appeal for donations is serving as a first test of how his promises of “free” programs will actually play out in practice.

Non-Citizen Mayor in Kansas Charged After Illegally Voting To Re-Elect Himself
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Non-Citizen Mayor in Kansas Charged After Illegally Voting To Re-Elect Himself

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A small-town mayor in Kansas is facing felony charges after allegedly voting illegally in his own election despite not being a U.S. citizen.

Jose Ceballos, the recently re-elected mayor of Coldwater, was charged with multiple counts of election-related crimes after Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced the findings of an investigation into his eligibility to vote.

Ceballos, a Mexican national living in the United States legally, reportedly voted for himself in violation of state law that restricts voting rights to U.S. citizens.

Attorney General Kobach announced the charges in a press release on November 5, one day after the 2025 election.

“In Kansas, it is against the law to vote if you are not a U.S. citizen. We allege that Mr. Ceballos did it multiple times,” Kobach said.

“Voting by noncitizens, including both legal and illegal aliens, is a very real problem. It happens. Every time a noncitizen votes, it effectively cancels out a U.S. citizen’s vote.”

According to Kobach’s office, the charges were filed in Comanche County, where Coldwater is located. Ceballos faces three counts of voting without being qualified and three counts of election perjury.

The offenses are classified as nonperson felonies under Kansas law and carry a potential prison sentence of more than five years.

The investigation and subsequent charges have renewed statewide debate about proof-of-citizenship laws and voter verification systems.

Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab joined Kobach in announcing the charges and called attention to previous efforts to implement stricter voter identification measures.

“I’ve worked with Attorney General Kobach for years on proof of citizenship as a useful tool to root out election crimes,” Schwab said.

“During my time as House Elections Chair, then Secretary Kobach and I fought to pass a proof of citizenship requirement. Instead, we’re left relying on individuals’ word when it comes to verifying citizenship.”

Schwab noted that Kansas’s proof-of-citizenship law was struck down in federal court in 2018, limiting the state’s ability to verify voter eligibility at registration.

He credited President Donald Trump’s administration for expanding the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, which assists states in confirming voter citizenship status.

“I’m grateful that President Trump implemented the SAVE program to help states and to prevent situations like this,” Schwab said.

The Attorney General’s office confirmed that First Assistant Attorney General Stacy Edwards will prosecute the case, with Special Agent Nate Humble and Special Agent in Charge Matt Simpson leading the investigation.

According to the press release, the ongoing inquiry will also examine whether the city of Coldwater’s charter or local ordinances include any separate provisions for officeholder eligibility.

State law, however, requires that any individual elected to public office be a “qualified elector,” meaning they must be eligible to vote.

While it remains unclear how long Ceballos had been registered to vote, the charges indicate that he participated in multiple elections.

If convicted, Ceballos could face a prison sentence and loss of eligibility to hold public office in the United States.

The case is being closely watched by election officials and lawmakers as Kansas continues to debate the enforcement of citizenship verification laws for voter registration and candidacy.

The incident comes amid broader national discussions about election integrity and the role of noncitizens in local government.

Kansas law explicitly prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal, state, or local elections, regardless of legal residency status.

Blue City Voters Just Elected a Convicted Killer to City Council in Maine
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Blue City Voters Just Elected a Convicted Killer to City Council in Maine

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Voters in Bangor, Maine, have elected a convicted killer to the city’s governing body, more than two decades after she pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the brutal death of a Canadian tourist.

Angela Walker, who was convicted in 2003 under the name Angela Humphrey, won one of three open seats on the Bangor City Council in Tuesday’s municipal election.

According to official results, Walker received 2,231 votes, finishing third in a nine-candidate race. Democrats Susan Faloon and Daniel Carson also won council seats.

All three successful candidates were endorsed by Food and Medicine, a progressive nonprofit based in the Bangor area, the Bangor Daily News reported.

Walker’s past, however, has drawn renewed public scrutiny following her election.

Court records show that in 2002, Walker pleaded guilty to manslaughter and perjury in the death of 47-year-old Derek Rogers, a Canadian tourist who was beaten and suffocated on Old Orchard Beach.

Prosecutors at the time described the killing as a violent and senseless act.

They said Rogers had encountered Walker, her brother Benjamin, his girlfriend, and a 13-year-old on the beach in July 2002.

Following a heated exchange, Walker shoved sand into Rogers’ nose and mouth, suffocating him.

At first, Walker tried to shift blame to her brother and his girlfriend.

But investigators determined that she was lying about her role in the crime.

“The indictment against Ms. Humphrey is stronger than against her brother,” Assistant Attorney General Fernand LaRochelle said at the time.

To avoid a prolonged trial that could have been complicated by the defendants accusing each other, prosecutors reached a plea agreement.

The state dropped a murder charge in exchange for Walker’s guilty plea to manslaughter.

She was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

According to Seacoastonline, Walker also pleaded guilty to perjury for giving false statements during the investigation.

At the time of the killing, she was already incarcerated for violating probation in an unrelated assault case.

Walker later claimed that she acted out of anger after Rogers made what she described as a racist remark about her Sioux heritage.

Prosecutors did not dispute that words were exchanged but maintained that the killing was a disproportionate and violent response.

Walker’s election marks her first entry into public office since her release from prison.

Her campaign focused on housing, public health, and community engagement, issues she said were central to improving life in Bangor.

Her victory has prompted mixed reactions among Bangor residents, with some calling it a sign of redemption and others expressing disbelief that someone with a homicide conviction could now hold public office.

Maine law does not prohibit individuals with felony convictions from running for or holding local elected positions once they have completed their sentence.

Walker’s election adds to a growing number of cases nationwide in which formerly incarcerated individuals have sought and won public office, arguing that their experiences provide valuable perspectives on criminal justice and social reform.

For now, Walker is set to begin her term on the Bangor City Council as one of nine members.

Her swearing-in is expected later this month.

His death, once described by prosecutors as an act of “senseless violence,” remains a painful memory for those who remember the 2002 case that shocked coastal Maine.

Big Pharma Exec Suddenly Collapses in the Oval Office During Drug Pricing Event
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Big Pharma Exec Suddenly Collapses in the Oval Office During Drug Pricing Event

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A pharmaceutical executive standing behind President Donald Trump during a White House event on Thursday collapsed unexpectedly, prompting officials to stop the live broadcast as medical personnel rushed to assist.

The incident occurred in the Oval Office during President Trump’s announcement on obesity drug pricing initiatives, which included remarks from pharmaceutical executives and medical professionals.

“Are you OK? Gordon, you OK?” asked Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks as the man began to lose consciousness.

“Press out!” officials shouted as President Trump immediately stood from his seat at the Resolute Desk. Dr. Mehmet Oz, who was among those in attendance, quickly stepped forward to help.

The man who collapsed was identified by multiple news outlets as Gordon Findlay, an executive at Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures the widely known obesity and diabetes medications Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy.

White House officials confirmed that Findlay was treated on site and later reported to be in stable condition. The cause of the medical episode has not been made public.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt released a statement following the incident. “During the Most Favored Nations Oval Office Announcement, a representative with one of the companies fainted,” Leavitt said.

“The White House Medical Unit quickly jumped into action, and the gentleman is okay. The Press Conference will resume shortly.”

The event, part of President Trump’s continuing efforts to address obesity treatment costs and accessibility, featured remarks from leaders of major pharmaceutical companies and healthcare organizations.

The administration has been working with industry representatives to expand affordability options for new obesity treatments that have gained popularity nationwide.

Following the incident, White House staff and security personnel cleared members of the press from the room as medical personnel attended to Findlay.

Reporters were later told the press conference would continue once the situation stabilized.

Observers noted that the collapse occurred shortly after the formal portion of the announcement began.

Video of the incident briefly circulated before the feed was cut, showing President Trump reacting quickly as aides called for assistance.

The White House later confirmed that the remainder of the event proceeded after a short delay, and that all participants were safe.

Novo Nordisk, headquartered in Denmark, has not released a public statement regarding Findlay’s condition but confirmed through a company spokesperson that one of its executives experienced a “medical situation” during the event and received immediate medical attention.

Fainting or medical episodes during public events are not uncommon, particularly under the intense lighting and long standing periods associated with televised White House ceremonies.

President Trump, who resumed the announcement after the pause, continued outlining new measures intended to promote competitive pricing in the pharmaceutical industry and reduce costs for patients using obesity and diabetes medications.

The White House Medical Unit remained on site for the duration of the event as a precaution. Officials did not provide further details about Findlay’s condition but reiterated that he was “okay” and expected to recover fully.

Michigan Dem Rep Gets Completely Cooked Online Over SNAP Fund ‘Taxpayers Money’ Comments
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Michigan Dem Rep Gets Completely Cooked Online Over SNAP Fund ‘Taxpayers Money’ Comments

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As the Schumer Shutdown enters its sixth week, debate over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) continues to escalate, with Democrats and Republicans trading blame over stalled government funding.

Democrats, led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have accused Republicans of obstructing aid to low-income families, while Republican leaders insist Democrats are deliberately prolonging the shutdown for political leverage.

The dispute centers on the allocation of funds for SNAP, which provides food assistance to millions of Americans.

Although both chambers of Congress have expressed support for keeping the program funded, partisan divisions over broader spending priorities have left the issue unresolved.

While media outlets have echoed Democratic talking points, several reports have drawn criticism for portraying carefully selected SNAP recipients as emblematic of the shutdown’s impact.

Republican lawmakers argue that such coverage overlooks the legislative reality — that Senate Democrats have declined to consider several GOP-backed continuing resolutions that would fund the program.

Democratic leaders have also faced scrutiny for public comments suggesting they intend to use the shutdown as “leverage.”

Multiple members of the party have acknowledged that keeping the government closed could strengthen their negotiating position on other spending initiatives.

Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-MI) drew additional attention this week after making an appeal on the House floor that Republicans quickly seized upon.

“Mr. President, I have a word for you directly: This is not your money—this is the money of United States taxpayers, specifically allocated for emergencies such as this—release those funds. Allow it to flow to the families in need,” Scholten said.

The remark was intended as a rebuke of President Donald Trump, who has called for greater oversight of emergency spending and accountability in entitlement programs.

But the line quickly sparked criticism from fiscal conservatives, who argued that the statement inadvertently reinforced Republican arguments about taxpayer responsibility and program oversight.

Republican lawmakers pointed out that taxpayer dollars fund federal assistance programs like SNAP, yet the same taxpayers often have little influence over how the money is allocated or monitored.

They also noted that eligibility for SNAP generally excludes most working taxpayers, making Scholten’s statement politically risky at a time when public frustration with spending is high.

This is not the first time Democrats have framed entitlement programs as “taxpayer money.”

Earlier this year, Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) made similar remarks regarding Social Security, saying the funds belong to the people.

His comments drew pushback from Republicans who noted that while workers pay into Social Security, the funds are controlled by the federal government and subject to political management.

The ongoing standoff has stalled multiple programs beyond SNAP, affecting portions of the federal workforce and delaying government services across several agencies.

As negotiations continue, neither side has indicated a clear path toward reopening the government.

Democrats maintain that Republicans must agree to expanded funding provisions, while Republicans argue that the White House and Senate Democrats are holding essential services hostage to secure partisan policy wins.

For now, the Schumer Shutdown remains unresolved, with no agreement in sight and millions of Americans caught in the middle as both parties continue to spar over who bears responsibility for the impasse.

Shutdown Showdown: Democrats Claim They’re ‘Unified’ as America Suffers
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Shutdown Showdown: Democrats Claim They’re ‘Unified’ as America Suffers

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Senate Democrats are expected to block another government funding measure on Friday, signaling that the party intends to continue the shutdown until it secures new concessions on health care subsidies and federal spending priorities.

A Thursday closed-door meeting reportedly left Senate Democrats “coalescing around a unified strategy rather than splintering into factions,” according to Semafor.

While several Democrats privately expressed interest in ending the shutdown, sources told the outlet that there likely are not enough votes to pass a funding measure.

Lawmakers familiar with the discussions said Democrats plan to use the shutdown to press for an extension of the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits, which are scheduled to expire at the end of the year.

Republicans previously stated that they would only consider health care subsidy discussions once the government is funded.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has since indicated that he is open to guaranteeing a vote on the ACA subsidy extension but not committing to a specific outcome, Semafor reported.

Thune outlined his strategy following a separate Republican meeting Thursday, according to Politico.

He plans to bring the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) back to the floor for another vote.

The proposal, previously blocked multiple times by Senate Democrats, would be amended to include a later expiration date and a “negotiated package of three full-year spending bills.”

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) said there may also be support for recalling federal employees who were subject to reductions in force (RIF) during the shutdown.

“Those who were RIF’d during the shutdown should be recalled,” she told reporters.

Democrats, however, appeared firm in their position heading into Friday’s vote.

Several members of the caucus said they are committed to remaining unified until their demands on health care and worker protections are addressed.

“We know what our mission is to try to take the message from Tuesday that people want us to fight to keep costs down. And we want to stay together,” said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT).

“So we’re working that through.”

Murphy said the party’s internal discussions were aimed at maintaining unity during negotiations.

“It makes a lot more sense for us to come together on a joint strategy than have division in the caucus. And we’re a lot closer to that,” he said.

Sen Elizabeth Warren said “Voters want Democrats to fight for lower costs and to make their lives better. That’s the fight Americans want us to wage: a fight for affordability. It’s as simple as that.”

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) echoed that message, saying Democrats intend to prioritize health care and the well-being of federal workers.

“We’re unified in how we’re going to move forward,” Duckworth said.

“The key part of it is health care and how we take care of our federal workers.”

Thune noted that some Democrats have privately expressed frustration with the prolonged shutdown but are facing internal pressure not to break ranks.

“There are Democrats who are inclined to do the right thing. They’re under an enormous amount of pressure from the left,” Thune said.

“There are a few who really want to, in my view, do the right thing and get this over with.”

The ongoing standoff leaves federal operations in a holding pattern, with both parties acknowledging that significant disagreements remain over the structure of future spending bills.

Friday’s vote is expected to determine whether the impasse deepens or if negotiations will move toward a resolution.

Grand Jury Activity Heats Up in DOJ’s Investigation Into John Brennan
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Grand Jury Activity Heats Up in DOJ’s Investigation Into John Brennan

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The Department of Justice is preparing to issue multiple grand jury subpoenas as part of its ongoing criminal investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan, according to information obtained by Fox News.

Officials from both Miami and Washington, D.C., are reportedly coordinating on the matter, with the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Jason Reding Quiñones, overseeing the probe.

The latest development signals a significant escalation in the federal government’s investigation into the former intelligence official.

Fox News previously reported that both Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey have been under federal investigation since early July 2025.

Thursday’s update confirms that prosecutors are now moving forward with formal grand jury activity related to the case.

Comey is currently fighting his case in court, with a trial set for January. While Brennan has not been indicted, officials have indicated that evidence related to his conduct will be presented before a grand jury in South Florida.

It remains unclear whether the proceedings will result in formal charges.

The investigation follows a criminal referral from House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), who last month urged the Department of Justice to take action against Brennan for allegedly lying under oath.

In his referral, Jordan accused the former CIA Director of having “willfully and intentionally” made false statements to Congress during his 2023 testimony before the Judiciary Committee.

Specifically, Jordan said Brennan denied that the CIA used the Steele dossier to inform the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) on alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Jordan further alleged that Brennan falsely claimed the CIA opposed including material from the dossier in the assessment.

The referral outlined that Brennan’s testimony was contradicted by documents and witness statements reviewed by congressional investigators.

The Steele dossier, compiled in 2016 by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele, contained unverified allegations linking then-candidate Donald Trump to Russian officials.

The dossier was later shared with the FBI and used to support elements of the investigation into alleged Russian election interference.

Republican lawmakers have argued for years that the dossier was improperly relied upon by federal agencies and intelligence officials during the transition period following the 2016 election.

Multiple congressional inquiries have sought to determine how the dossier influenced both the FBI’s Crossfire Hurricane investigation and the intelligence community’s assessment of Russian activities.

Sources familiar with the current DOJ investigation said that prosecutors in Florida have been gathering documentation and witness testimony to determine whether Brennan’s 2023 congressional statements constituted perjury or obstruction.

The Justice Department has not commented publicly on the investigation or confirmed the scope of the grand jury’s involvement.

However, officials told Fox News that the issuance of subpoenas is imminent, and additional witnesses could be called to testify in the coming weeks.

The inquiry into Brennan is one of several federal cases tied to former intelligence and law enforcement officials over their handling of materials related to the 2016 election.

Comey’s trial, scheduled for early next year, will likely provide the first significant legal test of those investigations.

The Southern District of Florida has confirmed that U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones is supervising the proceedings.

DOJ officials have emphasized that while no indictment has been filed, the presentation of evidence before a federal grand jury represents a key step in determining whether Brennan will face formal charges.

Supreme Court Delivers Blow of Reality to ‘Gender Ideology’ Radicals
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Supreme Court Delivers Blow of Reality to ‘Gender Ideology’ Radicals

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The Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration can enforce a policy requiring U.S. passports to reflect a holder’s biological sex, allowing the measure to take effect while ongoing litigation continues.

The order issued by the Court stated, “Displaying passport holders’ sex at birth no more offends equal protection principles than displaying their country of birth—in both cases, the Government is merely attesting to a historical fact without subjecting anyone to differential treatment.”

The decision temporarily reinstates the administration’s directive, which had been blocked by lower courts following challenges from advocacy groups and individual plaintiffs.

The ruling came after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit declined in September to pause a lower court’s injunction that had prevented enforcement of the rule.

The policy stems from an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on his first day in office, January 20, 2025.

The order directed federal agencies to “implement changes to require that government-issued identification documents, including passports, visas, and Global Entry cards, accurately reflect the holder’s sex,” defining sex as “an individual’s immutable biological classification as either male or female.”

Under the Biden-Harris administration, the U.S. State Department had permitted passport applicants to choose among “M,” “F,” or “X” as their sex marker, without requiring that the selection correspond to their biological sex.

That rule change, introduced in 2021, was reversed immediately upon President Trump’s return to office as part of his broader directive to align federal identification documents with biological definitions of sex.

In her dissent, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, criticized the Court’s decision to allow the policy to take effect during ongoing litigation.

“On January 22, 2025, the agency overhauled the rules for sex markers on passports, reverting to its pre-1992 practices. Its Passport Policy now requires that all new passports reflect the holders’ sex assigned at birth,” Jackson wrote.

She continued, “Why? Because two days earlier, on January 20, President Trump issued Executive Order No. 14168, characterizing transgender identity as ‘false’ and ‘corrosive’ to American society.”

The plaintiffs in the case, who are transgender individuals, argued that the State Department’s policy violates the Equal Protection Clause by discriminating on the basis of sex and by lacking any rational basis.

Jackson summarized their argument, writing that it “unlawfully discriminated on the basis of sex, and it lacked any rational basis because it was motivated by bare animus against transgender Americans.”

The plaintiffs also claimed that the rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), asserting that it was “arbitrary and capricious” and enacted without adherence to procedural requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act.

The Court’s order does not represent a final ruling on the underlying case but allows the Trump administration’s policy to remain in effect while the legal challenge proceeds through the appeals process.

The decision marks a significant development in the administration’s efforts to restore what it describes as biological accuracy across federal documentation standards.

The ongoing case will continue in lower courts as both sides prepare for full arguments on the constitutionality of the policy later this year.

Dave Portnoy Blasts Mamdani, Threatens to Pull Barstool Sports from New York City
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Dave Portnoy Blasts Mamdani, Threatens to Pull Barstool Sports from New York City

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Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy said he is considering closing the company’s New York City office following the election of Zohran Mamdani, calling the newly elected mayor a “Communist” who “hates America.”

During a YouTube livestream last week, held ahead of Mamdani’s victory on Tuesday, Portnoy said he has given serious thought to moving the company out of Manhattan because of the city’s new political direction.

“I hate the guy,” Portnoy said. “I can’t stand the thought of him running New York City. I can’t stand it.”

He continued, “Thirty-something-year-old Communist running New York City who’s never had a job in his life, hates America — doesn’t seem like the best.”

Portnoy said he has discussed potential relocation plans with Barstool’s finance team and is weighing whether to move the office to nearby New Jersey cities such as Hoboken or Jersey City.

“I don’t want to f**king have an office [in Manhattan],” Portnoy said during the livestream.

“But then we have all those people who, like, that f**ked up their life because I hate the guy. Like, all the people in the New York office have to go to Jersey City or … Hoboken. So it’s a Catch-22.”

He added that he has directed company staff to begin exploring new office spaces outside New York City.

“A part of me is like, how much will actually change? But I really have given it thought,” Portnoy said.

“I told our finance guys to start looking around for property, no joke. Take a principled stand.”

Mamdani, a New York state assemblyman born in Uganda, campaigned on a platform of progressive economic reforms that include rent freezes, city-run grocery stores, and expanded public housing. Supporters of his agenda said the policies would create greater equity and affordability across the city, while critics warned they could discourage investment and drive employers to leave.

Portnoy’s comments echoed concerns voiced by business owners who have expressed skepticism about Mamdani’s economic proposals. Some said the measures could harm small businesses and deter future corporate growth in New York City.

Following Mamdani’s election victory on Tuesday, Portnoy posted on X, “But if this is what the people of NYC want than so be it. Thank god I don’t live there anymore.”

Portnoy has been a frequent critic of left-leaning politicians and has used his platforms to speak out against policies he views as harmful to free enterprise.

In a July interview with FOX Business, he described Mamdani as “one of the worst, scariest candidates.”

“He hates capitalism, he wants a fundamental shift in what has built this country, and he doesn’t really particularly hide it,” Portnoy said in that interview.

Mamdani’s win marks a significant political shift in New York City, where he campaigned on an explicitly socialist platform and pledged to use city government to impose new rent controls and expand public services.

Barstool Sports, which Portnoy founded in 2003, moved into its Manhattan office several years ago after expanding from an online sports blog into a multimedia company.

The company employs dozens of staff in New York and operates additional offices across the country.

Portnoy did not specify when a final decision on relocation might be made but confirmed that discussions about leaving New York City are ongoing.


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