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Obama Caught on Camera Pushing Government Control of ‘Facts’ on Social Media
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Obama Caught on Camera Pushing Government Control of ‘Facts’ on Social Media

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Former President Barack Obama this week called for new government regulations on social media platforms, arguing that the federal government should play a role in determining how online platforms handle political and journalistic content.

The comments, delivered during a recent forum on media and technology, come as lawmakers move to address concerns about federal involvement in information control.

“Part of what we’re going to have to do is to start experimenting with new forms of journalism and how we use social media in ways that reaffirm facts and separate facts from opinion,” Obama said.

“We want diversity of opinion. We don’t want diversity of facts. That, I think, is one of the big tasks of social media. By the way, it will require some government, I believe, some government, um, regulatory constraints around some of these business models in a way that’s consistent with the First Amendment but that also says, look, uh, there is a difference between, uh, these platforms letting all voices be heard versus a business model that elevates the most hateful voices or the most polarizing voices or the most, uh, dangerous, in the sense of inciting violence, voices.”

Obama’s comments reignited debate over how far the government should go in overseeing online speech and the role of social media companies in determining what constitutes misinformation.

His remarks drew particular attention from critics who argued that such regulatory “constraints” could enable federal involvement in suppressing dissenting opinions or politically inconvenient narratives.

The former president’s position also renewed scrutiny of a controversial law he signed in 2012 — the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act — which removed a decades-old restriction preventing the federal government from distributing propaganda domestically.

Originally enacted in 1948, the Smith-Mundt Act prohibited U.S. agencies such as the Voice of America from broadcasting government-funded messaging intended for foreign audiences inside the United States.

The 2012 revision, included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, effectively lifted that restriction.

The issue resurfaced this month when Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) introduced new legislation aimed at repealing the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act.

Massie said his proposal, formally titled HR 5704 — the Repeal the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2013, would restore the original prohibition on domestic dissemination of federally funded propaganda.

“Today, Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced HR 5704, the Repeal the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2013, to protect American audiences from the domestic dissemination of federally funded propaganda by the State Department, the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), and their component networks,” Massie’s office said in a press release.

“The 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) included the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act, legislation that ended a prohibition on the federal government exposing American audiences to its propaganda.”

The proposed repeal would, according to Massie’s office, “restore the longstanding firewall prohibiting federal domestic propaganda,” and “stop the domestic dissemination of propaganda by the State Department, United States Agency for Global Media, and their component networks.”

The bill also includes provisions designed to ensure congressional oversight while maintaining transparency for legitimate foreign communication efforts.

It would “create a secure mechanism for oversight by allowing Members of Congress and accredited media to review propaganda materials sent overseas, without enabling those materials to be exploited against the American people.”

Additional measures in the proposal would “prevent clandestine online influence operations by prohibiting the State Department and USAGM from creating covert social media accounts, websites, or podcasts to target Americans.”

It also requires that propaganda materials be archived at the National Archives with a 20-year delay before public access, along with clear disclaimers identifying the U.S. government as the source.

Obama’s renewed call for regulation has added momentum to a larger debate over the intersection of free speech, government oversight, and media control in the digital age.


His comments drew reactions from lawmakers, journalists, and policy analysts who say that calls to regulate social media often blur the line between curbing harmful content and policing political discourse.

The timing of Obama’s remarks — coinciding with the introduction of Massie’s repeal bill — highlights the growing divide in Washington over how far the federal government should go in managing information flow, both online and through traditional media.

While the administration has not signaled support or opposition to Massie’s bill, the debate over free expression and government influence on public communication continues to escalate as lawmakers weigh new legislative responses.

Riley Gaines Rips AOC’s ‘Misogynistic’ Remarks on Transgender Sports Debate
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Riley Gaines Rips AOC’s ‘Misogynistic’ Remarks on Transgender Sports Debate

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Former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines pushed back against Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) after the congresswoman mocked her 2022 finish in a national swimming championship, reigniting the debate over transgender participation in women’s sports.

As Fox News reported, Gaines addressed Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks on her OutKick podcast, Gaines for Girls, after the two exchanged barbs online earlier this week.

The dispute began when Ocasio-Cortez claimed on social media that Gaines’ criticism of transgender athletes stemmed from “anger” over tying for fifth place at the NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming & Diving Championships.

“Maybe if you channeled all this anger into swimming faster you wouldn’t have come in fifth,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote.

Gaines, who tied with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas in the 200-meter freestyle during the 2022 championships, responded that her record speaks for itself.

“I’m in the roughly 2% of people who competed in Division I athletics,” Gaines said.

“There are only eight women who make the final and are All-Americans in their event.”

The swimmer also pointed out the contrast between Thomas’s record competing as a male and later as a female.

“If they think fifth place is bad, what in the world do they think about 462nd? Because that’s what Will Thomas placed amongst the men just 12 months prior,” Gaines said, referring to Thomas by the name used before transitioning.

On her podcast, Gaines said Ocasio-Cortez’s comments reflected a broader pattern of dismissing women who speak out about fairness in sports.

“This comment is just so snide,” Gaines said. “It’s basically that same tired idea we’ve heard from the Democratic Party and those who support men stealing our opportunities — that women aren’t allowed to be angry when we’re screwed over. And if we are, then there’s something wrong with us.”

She added that the suggestion women should “just try harder” against biological males was “condescending and sexist.”

“They would only feel comfortable saying that to a woman,” Gaines said.

“For the life of me, I cannot understand this line of attack.”

Gaines accused Ocasio-Cortez of consistently taking positions out of step with most Americans.

“She’s hell-bent on being on the wrong side of every 80-20 issue,” Gaines said.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s the border, crime, castrating kids, parental rights, or the men in women’s sports issue.”

After Gaines appeared on The Ingraham Angle and invited Ocasio-Cortez to debate, the congresswoman responded by telling her to “get a real job.”

Gaines replied that her most important job is being a mother to her newborn daughter.

“If AOC had a little girl, she would probably feel a little differently about a grown man exposing himself to her daughter,” Gaines said.

“But on the other hand, she’s proven herself to be a self-absorbed, misogynistic socialist, so probably not.”

JD Vance Breaks the Internet with Hilarious Halloween Meme Costume
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JD Vance Breaks the Internet with Hilarious Halloween Meme Costume

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Vice President J.D. Vance leaned into an online joke at his own expense this Halloween, sharing a short video that quickly went viral and earned widespread attention across multiple social media platforms.

In the clip posted on TikTok and filmed at the Naval Observatory residence, Vance appears wearing a curly brown wig, a dark suit, and a red tie.

Greeting a group of trick-or-treaters at his door, he says, “Happy Halloween, kids … remember, say thank you!”

The line references the now-famous “you didn’t say thank you” meme that has circulated online for months.

As Vance spins under purple lighting, the eerie Twilight Zone theme plays in the background.

The response was immediate across TikTok, Instagram, X, and Facebook, where thousands of users shared and commented on the lighthearted clip.

The viral meme originated earlier this year after Vance’s February meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House.

Following that exchange, critics circulated an edited image of Vance with exaggerated features and messy curly hair, often paired with captions such as “you didn’t say please” or “you didn’t say thank you.”

Instead of ignoring the meme, Vance chose to play along.

Earlier this week, the White House X account joined in on the joke by posting a series of parody “costume package” graphics featuring political figures.

One of the images showed a “JD Vance Costume” with the caption “does not include the fat JD curly hair.”

Vance’s Halloween video appeared to complete that running gag by adding the missing wig himself.

@jdHappy Halloween everyone, remember to say thank you while you trick or treat!♬ original sound – J.D. Vance

Within hours of posting, Vance’s clip was trending across social media.

Screenshots and reaction videos spread quickly, with one user calling him “the best VP ever,” while another commented, “JD just won 2028.”

Elon Musk reacted to the video with a laughing emoji, while others joined in by remixing the clip, adding visual effects and pairing it with the original meme for humorous effect.

Even some critics online acknowledged Vance’s willingness to engage in the humor.

One user on X simply wrote, “he did the meme lol,” a comment that captured the general tone of the response.

The post’s virality was boosted by users across the political spectrum, who shared and re-edited the video in different formats throughout the day.

For the Trump administration, the moment reflects a broader communications strategy that embraces viral media and humor as part of its digital outreach.

President Trump’s communications team has long leaned on rapid online engagement, meme-driven content, and relatable moments to reach younger audiences and generate high levels of visibility across platforms.

Vance’s post demonstrates how a well-timed moment of humor can transform a viral joke into a political win.

By embracing the meme rather than avoiding it, the vice president turned a once-mocking internet trend into an opportunity to connect with millions of viewers — and reminded audiences that even high-ranking officials can join in the Halloween spirit.

Elon Tells Rogan the Real Reason Democrats are Prolonging the Government Shutdown
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Elon Tells Rogan the Real Reason Democrats are Prolonging the Government Shutdown

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Elon Musk joined Joe Rogan on The Joe Rogan Experience for a wide-ranging discussion that turned sharply political when the two men examined the growing crisis at the southern border and the incentives drawing illegal aliens into the United States.

Musk argued that financial benefits created by left-leaning policies have encouraged a massive influx of illegal immigration, which he believes directly benefits the Democratic Party.

“The reason you have this the standoff is because if the hundreds, hundreds of billions of dollars to create a financial incentive to like to have this giant magnet to attract illegals from every part of Earth to to these states, if that is turned off, they the illegals will leave because they’re no longer being paid to come to the United States and stay here,” Musk said.

Rogan reacted simply: “Wow.”

Musk continued, connecting the policy to political outcomes. “And then they will lose a lot of voters. The Democratic Party will lose a lot of voters.”

Rogan agreed, saying, “and they would have a very difficult job if this is kicked out of reintroducing it into a new bill.”

“Especially once things start normalizing,” Rogan added.

“Yes,” Musk replied.

Musk then went further, calling the strategy a direct threat to democracy itself.

“So like, in a nutshell, the Democratic Party wants to destroy democracy by importing voters, and you know, the Republican Party disagrees with that,” he said.

Rogan responded, “and the ruse is that if you don’t accept what they’re doing, then you’re a threat to democracy.”

“Yes,” Musk replied.

“As they try to destroy democracy,” Rogan said.

“Yes,” Musk answered.

Rogan went on, “by importing voters and incentivizing people to only vote for them and overwhelming the system.”

“Yes, and by the way, it’s a strategy that, if allowed to work, would work, and in fact, has worked. California super majority Democrat,” Musk said.

“Yeah,” Rogan replied.

Musk concluded, “And there’s so much gerrymandering that that occurs, it’s crazy.”

The exchange reflected both men’s shared view that policies offering financial incentives to illegal aliens have created a political imbalance favoring Democrats.

Their conversation comes amid renewed national attention to border security and voter integrity issues, as conservative leaders continue pressing for immigration enforcement and stricter election safeguards.

Letitia James Gets ‘DENIED’ in Her Attempt to Muzzle Federal Prosecutors
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Letitia James Gets ‘DENIED’ in Her Attempt to Muzzle Federal Prosecutors

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The federal judge presiding over New York Attorney General Letitia James’ mortgage fraud case on Friday rejected a motion that sought to compel federal prosecutors to log all their communications with the media.

U.S. District Judge Jamar Walker issued a six-page order denying the request from James’ defense team, which was filed by attorney Abbe Lowell last week.

The motion followed reports that U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan had exchanged encrypted Signal messages with a reporter about the case.

“[T]he defendant does not demonstrate that it is necessary for the Court to order the government to track communications with the media in any particular form,” Walker wrote in his ruling.

“The defendant’s request that the government be required to keep a communication log is DENIED.”

The judge, who was appointed by President Biden, acknowledged that Halligan’s Signal chat with Lawfare senior editor Anna Bower earlier this month was “unusual,” though he stopped short of characterizing it as improper.

Walker said he would not “offer an opinion on whether they were improper in any sense, either legal or ethical.”

While rejecting the request for a communication log, Walker directed prosecutors to comply with existing court rules governing evidence preservation and disclosure.

He also issued a litigation hold “preventing the deletion or destruction of any records or communications having to do with the investigation or prosecution of this case.”

Reports indicate that Halligan’s Signal messages to Bower were set to automatically disappear after eight hours.

The defense motion argued that this practice could interfere with discovery obligations, but the judge disagreed.

“[T]he Court is not persuaded that preservation of evidence related to the government’s communications requires such evidence be maintained in any particular form,” Walker wrote.

“The defendant does not demonstrate that a communication log is necessary, so the Court will not order the government to maintain one.”

Walker added, “The Court trusts that counsel on both sides will comply with this Order without further handholding.”

In a separate request, federal prosecutors asked Walker to impose a gag order on James, citing the defense motion and related publicity. The judge declined to issue the gag order.

James pleaded not guilty last week to one count of bank fraud and one count of making a false statement to a financial institution.

According to the indictment, the charges stem from her purchase of a three-bedroom, one-bathroom home on Peronne Avenue in Norfolk, Virginia, in August 2020.

Prosecutors allege that James obtained a $109,600 loan to buy the property and signed a “second home rider” stating that she was the sole borrower who would occupy and use the residence as her own.

The filing claims that this false statement allowed her to secure more favorable mortgage terms, saving her nearly $19,000.

However, investigators say the home “was not occupied or used” by James, but “was instead used as a rental investment property” for her grandniece, Nakia Thompson.

The controversy deepened earlier this month when The New York Times reported that Thompson told a grand jury she never paid rent for the property.

Following that report, Halligan allegedly sent Signal messages disputing the article’s accuracy.

Judge Walker’s order did not determine whether those messages constituted material subject to discovery.

He stated only that prosecutors must preserve all relevant evidence moving forward.

If convicted on both counts, James faces up to 60 years in prison and a fine of up to $2 million.

The case continues in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Florida Congressman Randy Fine Vows to Block Welfare Benefits for Noncitizens: ‘If You Want Free Stuff, Go Home’
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Florida Congressman Randy Fine Vows to Block Welfare Benefits for Noncitizens: ‘If You Want Free Stuff, Go Home’

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Florida Republican Rep. Randy Fine announced this week that he plans to introduce federal legislation to bar noncitizens from accessing welfare programs, declaring that taxpayer-funded benefits should be reserved exclusively for American citizens, as reported by Fox News.

“I am going to introduce a bill to ban all non-citizens from any form of welfare. No Food Stamps. No Section 8 housing. No Medicaid. No Cash Assistance. Not one penny. Not one. If you want free stuff, go home,” Fine wrote in a post on X.

Fine’s proposal comes as national debates continue over taxpayer-funded benefits and the strain of illegal immigration on social services.

His legislation would apply to all categories of noncitizens, including those in the country illegally, visa holders, and individuals with temporary protected status.

The congressman, who previously served in the Florida House of Representatives, won a special election earlier this year to represent Florida’s 6th Congressional District.

His election was endorsed by President Donald Trump, who at the time wrote on Truth Social, “Should he decide to enter this Race, Randy Fine has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, RANDY, RUN!”

Trump has since reaffirmed his support, recently posting that Fine “is doing a fantastic job representing Florida’s 6th Congressional District” and giving him his “Complete and Total Endorsement.”

Fine also recently introduced a separate measure to bar individuals with dual or foreign citizenship from serving in Congress, arguing that elected officials should hold allegiance solely to the United States.

“No person, without regard to whether that person is a United States national, may be elected to the office of Representative or Senator if that person is a national of any country other than the United States,” the bill reads.

Explaining the rationale, Fine stated, “In a globalized world, dual citizenship is more common than ever, and while that’s fine for private citizens, it’s not acceptable for lawmakers entrusted with America’s national interests.”

Fine’s welfare proposal is expected to face strong opposition from Democrats, who have supported extending access to public benefits for certain noncitizen groups, particularly in sanctuary states.

Republican lawmakers, however, have increasingly pushed to limit public assistance to citizens only, citing budget pressures and national security concerns.

Fine’s latest proposal aligns with President Trump’s broader immigration and fiscal priorities, which emphasize prioritizing Americans in public policy decisions and ensuring that federal aid programs are not extended to foreign nationals.

Fine has not yet announced when the welfare legislation will be formally introduced, but said it will be a top priority in the upcoming congressional session.

Jake Paul Praises President Trump’s Leadership, Says America Is ‘Healing Slowly’
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Jake Paul Praises President Trump’s Leadership, Says America Is ‘Healing Slowly’

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Boxing star and social media personality Jake Paul is voicing renewed support for President Donald Trump, saying he believes the country is “healing slowly” under Trump’s second-term administration, as reported by Fox News.

Paul, who encouraged his millions of online followers to vote for Trump during the 2024 election cycle, said he continues to be impressed by the administration’s approach nearly a year into its second term.

President Donald Trump laughs as supporters cheer during a Make America Great Again rally at the warren County Fair Grounds in Lebanon, Ohio, on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018. Trump In Cincinnati

“America is healing slowly,” Paul told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.

“And I think it’s in a way that people generally don’t understand or can’t comprehend, because Trump is doing things that maybe don’t make sense to a lot of people but in the long run will pay off and, in the long run, return amazing outcomes for the United States.”

Paul credited the President for taking decisive actions that prioritize long-term results over popularity. Trump is doing “one of the best jobs in all of the presidents in the history of the United States,” he said.

“He’s not doing things for public favor or being liked by everybody — he’s doing things for the good of the country.”

The 27-year-old boxer, who gained prominence on YouTube before moving into professional fighting, first made headlines for his vocal support of Trump ahead of the 2024 election.

Just days after defeating Mike Tyson in a pay-per-view bout, Paul said the nation “feels like it’s back” following Trump’s victory.

Paul and his brother, Logan Paul, were both seen attending President Trump’s inauguration earlier this year. While Jake Paul has stayed mostly out of political discussions since then, he said he remains confident in the direction of the country.

“You just have to have trust in the process and the administration,” he said. “They’re doing a phenomenal job. I think results are what is going to make the most amount of people happy in the end.”

Paul’s comments come as the administration continues a series of high-profile policy actions, including increased ICE enforcement, National Guard deployments in major cities to reduce crime, and efforts that helped secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages.

When asked about critics who question Trump’s style, Paul defended the President’s direct approach. “Just being ruthless and cutthroat, maybe not doing things for public favor — I think there are even Republicans who are like, ‘Why is this happening?’

They don’t know the inner workings and how deep and intricate things are or how big these problems are and how to solve them,” Paul said.

Paul is scheduled to fight Gervonta “Tank” Davis in an unsanctioned match on November 14 in Miami — one year to the day after his high-profile victory over Tyson in Dallas.

Arrests Made in 2 Million Louvre Heist as Stolen Crown Jewels Remain Missing
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Arrests Made in $102 Million Louvre Heist as Stolen Crown Jewels Remain Missing

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French authorities have arrested five additional suspects in connection with the October 19 theft of French crown jewels from the Louvre Museum, as investigators continue searching for the missing artifacts valued at $102 million, as reported by Fox News.

Prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced Thursday that the arrests were made in separate police operations across Paris and surrounding regions, including Seine-Saint-Denis. The suspects’ identities have not been made public.

One of those detained is believed to be part of the four-person crew that carried out the daylight heist inside the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery. “Searches last night and overnight did not allow us to find the goods,” Beccuau told RTL radio.

The thieves stole eight historic pieces in less than eight minutes, including an emerald necklace and earrings once owned by Empress Marie-Louise, a reliquary brooch, and Empress Eugénie’s diamond diadem and jeweled corsage bow.

Empress Eugénie’s crown, set with more than 1,300 diamonds and emeralds, was recovered outside the museum but was found damaged.

Two of the suspects had already been arrested earlier in the week and charged on Wednesday with criminal conspiracy and theft by an organized gang. Beccuau said both suspects partially admitted to taking part in the robbery.

One of them, a 34-year-old Algerian national living in France since 2010, was arrested at Charles de Gaulle Airport while attempting to board a one-way flight to Algeria.

Investigators said his DNA was found on a scooter used in the getaway. The man, who lived in Aubervilliers, had previous police records for traffic offenses.

The second suspect, a 39-year-old French national, was detained at his home in the same suburb. He had prior convictions for theft and was identified after forensic teams matched his DNA to a display case and other evidence left behind in the museum.

According to investigators, the suspects used a basket lift to scale the museum’s outer wall, forced open a window, and used cutting tools to remove the display glass before taking the jewels.

Louvre Director Laurence des Cars described the theft as a “terrible failure” in museum security. Beccuau said, however, that no evidence currently points to an inside collaboration.

The prosecutor issued a public appeal Wednesday night, urging the return of the jewels, emphasizing that their historical and cultural significance makes them impossible to sell.

“Anyone who buys them would be guilty of concealment of stolen goods,” Beccuau said. “There’s still time to give them back.”

The investigation remains ongoing as police continue to track the whereabouts of the stolen treasures, considered among the most valuable artifacts in France’s national collection.

Kamala Harris Grilled by Reporter, Called Out for ‘World-Class Pivot’ to Avoid Answering Question
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Kamala Harris Grilled by Reporter, Called Out for ‘World-Class Pivot’ to Avoid Answering Question

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Former Vice President Kamala Harris was pressed by an Australian journalist this week after repeatedly avoiding questions about former President Joe Biden’s health and her own role in his administration, prompting the interviewer to accuse her of delivering a “world-class pivot,” as reported by Fox News.

During an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Sarah Ferguson, Harris was questioned about her responsibility for not addressing public concerns over Biden’s cognitive and physical health during his presidency.

The exchange took place during Harris’s international tour promoting her new memoir, 107 Days, which recounts her brief 2024 presidential campaign.

Two days before Election Day, U.S. Vice President and democratic candidate Kamala Harris answers questions about Republican Nominee Donald Trump’s recent comments about election fraud and discounting the vote after speaking at Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ and stops in the chapel to talk the media after and answer a few questions in Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.

“Didn’t you also have a responsibility?” Ferguson asked. “You were one of the people in the room…. Didn’t you have a responsibility as an American to step up and say something at that point?”

“I did not question Joe Biden’s capacity to be president at all,” Harris said.

Ferguson followed up, pressing Harris on whether Biden’s alleged refusal to acknowledge his own limitations had placed her in an “impossible position” during the election.

Harris shifted the discussion toward her campaign against President Donald Trump, claiming she ran against him because of what she called “misrepresentations” to voters.

Interrupting, Ferguson responded:

“I want to interrupt you because that is a world-class pivot, but it is not the question that I asked you, which is about Joe Biden’s failure to recognize his own frailties and what that did to you. The question is about Joe Biden. Are you still reluctant to criticize the former president?”

“In what regard, please?” Harris replied, asking Ferguson to clarify.

Ferguson then asked whether Biden’s inability to acknowledge his age and condition had hindered her during the 2024 election cycle. “He was not frail as president of the United States,” Harris insisted.

“But he had frailties,” Ferguson shot back. “We all saw the debate.”

“I do believe that Joe Biden had the capacity to be president of the United States, and I have never doubted that he had the capacity to be president of the United States,” Harris said.

“If you want to talk about whether he had the ability to endure what a race for president of the United States would require in that political environment in 2024, as I’ve said in the book, I had concerns.”

When Ferguson asked whether Harris was being less candid in the interview than she had been in her book, Harris pushed back. “Of course not. I wouldn’t have written the book if I didn’t want to be frank about that,” she said.

The exchange ended with Ferguson asking, “Does it make you angry that former President Biden still says he would have won?”

“I… am focused on the present,” Harris responded, declining to elaborate.

The tense back-and-forth quickly spread online, with clips of the “world-class pivot” exchange gaining traction across social media platforms following the interview’s airing earlier this week.

Ted Cruz Demands Judge Boasberg’s Impeachment Over Secret GOP Subpoenas
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Ted Cruz Demands Judge Boasberg’s Impeachment Over Secret GOP Subpoenas

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Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, called Wednesday for the impeachment of U.S. District Judge James Boasberg following revelations that the Obama-appointed judge secretly authorized the Department of Justice to seize private phone records belonging to Cruz and other Republican senators, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

At a press conference in Washington, Cruz alleged that the Biden administration’s Justice Department, under the direction of former special counsel Jack Smith, subpoenaed his phone records and those of eight other GOP senators as part of an investigation tied to the 2020 election.

He described the effort as a “fishing expedition” that violated constitutional protections.

“The Biden Justice Department signed off on issuing subpoenas for the phone records of at least nine U.S. senators,” Cruz said.

“Twenty percent of the Republicans in the United States Senate were the target of this fishing expedition. They did so in complete contravention of the Constitution — of separation of powers, of the Speech and Debate Clause, of free speech, of basic rights of privacy.”

Cruz said the subpoena, sent from Jack Smith’s office to AT&T, sought his cell phone communications but that the company’s legal counsel refused to comply.

“AT&T looked at that subpoena and said, ‘You cannot comply because this is protected by the Speech and Debate Clause of the U.S. Constitution,’” Cruz said.

According to Cruz, Judge Boasberg subsequently issued an order barring AT&T from notifying the senators that their phone data had been targeted. The gag order was to remain in place for at least one year.

Boasberg wrote in his order that there were “reasonable grounds to believe that such disclosure will result in destruction of or tampering with evidence, intimidation of potential witnesses, and serious jeopardy to the investigation.”

Cruz said the justification was unfounded. “There is precisely zero evidence to conclude that I am likely to destroy or tamper with evidence or to intimidate potential witnesses,” he said. “This order is an abuse of power. This order is a weaponized legal system.”

The Texas senator accused Boasberg of engaging in political retaliation and said his actions constituted “a textbook abuse of Article III authority.” He urged the House of Representatives to begin impeachment proceedings immediately.

“I am right now calling on the House of Representatives to impeach Judge Boasberg,” Cruz said.

“Judge Boasberg put his robe down, stood up, and said, ‘Sign me up to be part of the partisan vendetta against 20% of the Republicans in the Senate.’ That is a dereliction of duty and a violation of the judicial oath.”

Cruz thanked Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Ron Johnson, R-Wis., for pursuing details of the subpoenas and vowed to hold all responsible parties accountable.

“We are going to get the answers of every person who signed off on this abuse of power — and mark my words, there will be accountability for these zealots who wanted to corrupt the Department of Justice and the judiciary,” Cruz said.


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