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NBC Host Gets Schooled: Scott Bessent Calls Out Media’s Inflation Spin
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NBC Host Gets Schooled: Scott Bessent Calls Out Media’s Inflation Spin

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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pushed back against NBC’s “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker on Sunday, accusing her of cherry-picking economic data to paint a distorted picture of inflation under President Donald Trump’s administration.

During the interview, Welker cited increases in the prices of coffee, beef, and bacon to challenge the administration’s handling of consumer costs.

Bessent responded by pointing out that key prices have fallen in recent months and that the affordability crisis began under the Biden-Harris administration.

“Mr. Secretary, coffee prices are up 19% from a year ago, beef is up almost 15%, and bacon is up almost 6%, just to name a few. So when are all grocery prices going to come down, as President Trump promised?” Welker asked.

“As much as I like you, you like to cherry-pick,” Bessent replied.

“You know, when we came in, it was ‘eggflation, eggflation, eggflation.’ Egg prices are down, gasoline prices are down, and overall inflation since President Trump has come in has come down. We inherited this terrible affordability crisis from the Biden administration.”

Bessent emphasized that tackling inflation and restoring consumer purchasing power were among the Trump administration’s top economic priorities.

“The first thing we had to do was get it under control, and this month’s inflation number was actually below the consensus number,” Bessent said.

“If we look at core inflation, it was 0.2%, which is the lowest it has been in a long time. Rents are coming down, so you know it, Kristen. You don’t get to cherry-pick. Inflation is a composite number, and I am confident that in the coming months, inflation is going to continue to ease.”

The Treasury Secretary’s comments come as federal data show that overall inflation has stabilized after years of volatility.

Inflation reached a 40-year high of 9.1% in July 2022 under Joe Biden, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The rapid rise in prices during that period strained household budgets nationwide, driving up the costs of groceries, fuel, and housing.

In contrast, the most recent BLS report showed that inflation stood at 3.0% for the 12 months ending in September 2025.

The same report noted that producer prices — a key indicator of future consumer costs — declined by 0.1% in August, bringing the annual wholesale inflation rate down to 2.6% from 3.3% the previous month.

Bessent highlighted these trends as evidence that the Trump administration’s policies, including targeted spending restraint and domestic energy expansion, have begun to reverse the damage caused by the previous administration’s economic approach.

Part of the discussion centered on food costs, particularly eggs, which became a symbol of inflationary strain during Biden’s term.

Between November 2023 and March 2025, egg prices more than doubled after an outbreak of avian influenza led to the culling of millions of chickens nationwide, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

Prices have since fallen substantially, aided by supply recovery and easing feed costs.

Bessent also cited progress in the labor market, noting that revisions to government employment data revealed previous overestimations.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 911,000 fewer jobs were created during the year ending in March 2025 than initially reported.

The revised figures show a slowdown in hiring that continued into late summer, reinforcing signs of a cooling but stabilizing economy.

While Welker pressed Bessent on whether the administration would deliver faster relief for families still feeling the effects of higher prices, he maintained that the overall economic direction was improving.

“Inflation is coming down, wages are catching up, and America’s affordability crisis is being fixed,” he said.

The exchange marked one of Bessent’s most direct rebuttals of media reporting on economic issues since taking office.

The Treasury Department has continued to argue that measured declines in inflation and steady labor participation show progress after what officials describe as the worst affordability downturn in decades.

French Cops Arrest Louvre Thieves as Hunt for Mastermind Expands
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French Cops Arrest Louvre Thieves as Hunt for Mastermind Expands

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French authorities have arrested two men accused of stealing nearly $100 million worth of the country’s crown jewels during a daytime robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris.

The arrests came Saturday night, less than a week after the high-profile heist that stunned security officials and museum visitors.

One suspect, whose name has not been released, was taken into custody at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport as he attempted to board a flight to Algeria, according to Le Parisien.

The second was arrested later the same evening in Paris.

Both men are in their 30s and are from Seine-Saint-Denis, a suburb north of the capital.

Authorities said the men were detained as part of an investigation into “organized gang robbery” and “conspiracy to commit a crime.”

Two additional suspects remain at large, and police have yet to recover the missing jewels.

According to BFMTV, investigators received a tip Saturday that one of the suspects was planning to leave the country.

Officers moved quickly, apprehending him at the airport before he could board his flight.

French police believe the pair are experienced criminals with histories of theft and may have been hired to carry out the robbery on commission.

The Louvre heist took place last week when four masked individuals dressed in yellow safety vests and motorcycle helmets used a cherry picker to access the museum’s Apollo Gallery.

Once inside, they shattered reinforced glass cases with chainsaws and seized eight pieces from the French Crown Jewels collection.

Witnesses reported that the operation lasted less than four minutes before the thieves fled the scene.

The stolen pieces include a sapphire diadem, a necklace, and an earring set associated with 19th-century Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense.

Thieves also made off with Empress Eugénie’s diamond diadem and her large corsage-bow brooch, items known for their exceptional historical and artistic value.

During their escape, the suspects attempted to destroy the cherry picker by setting it on fire before fleeing on two scooters parked nearby.

While most of the jewelry remains missing, one item—Eugénie’s emerald-set imperial crown—was later discovered outside the museum, damaged but salvageable.

Investigators have gathered substantial forensic evidence from the scene.

Police officials said they collected nearly 150 DNA samples, fingerprints, and hair strands across several locations linked to the suspects.

Hair believed to belong to one of the thieves was discovered in a motorcycle helmet discarded near the museum, along with yellow vests matching those used in the operation.

The two arrested men are being held at police headquarters in Paris, where they can remain in custody for up to 96 hours before formal charges are filed.

Authorities have not released information about the remaining suspects or the individual believed to have masterminded the theft.

In response to the incident, France’s Ministry of Culture has tightened security across major museums and cultural institutions.

The remaining Crown Jewels have been transferred from the Louvre to a secure vault managed by the Bank of France.

A preliminary report from France’s Court of Auditors, scheduled for public release in November, found that the Louvre’s video surveillance systems were outdated and inconsistent across its galleries.

The document also revealed that security spending at the museum had declined significantly compared to two decades ago, according to El País.

France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez praised law enforcement for their swift action in the arrests.

“I extend my warmest congratulations to the investigators who have worked tirelessly as I requested and who have always had my full confidence,” he wrote on X.

“The investigations must continue while respecting the confidentiality of the inquiry under the authority of the specialized interregional jurisdiction of @parquetdeParis. It will be with the same determination!! We keep going!!”

However, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau criticized the media for publishing details about the arrests, warning that coverage could interfere with the ongoing investigation.

“This revelation can only hinder the investigative efforts of the 100 or so mobilised investigators, both in the search for the stolen jewellery and for all the perpetrators. It is too early to provide any specific details,” Beccuau said.

The investigation remains active as French police continue their international search for the remaining suspects and the missing Crown Jewels.

Forty-One Million Americans Could Lose Food Benefits as Democrats Block Shutdown Deal
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Forty-One Million Americans Could Lose Food Benefits as Democrats Block Shutdown Deal

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Roughly 41 million Americans who rely on federal food assistance could see their benefits halted beginning November 1 as the government shutdown enters its second month without a resolution.

According to a notice posted on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) website, there will be “no benefits issued Nov. 1” under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if Congress fails to approve funding.

The program, which provides food assistance to low-income families and individuals, is funded primarily by the federal government but administered through state agencies.

The announcement follows repeated failed efforts by lawmakers in the U.S. Senate to end the funding impasse.

Senators have held 12 votes since October 1 on various measures to reopen the government, all of which have failed to secure enough support for passage.

The ongoing shutdown has become the second-longest since 1981 and has begun to affect a growing number of federal services, including programs that millions depend on for daily necessities.

SNAP benefits are typically distributed to recipients through electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, with funds allocated by the federal government and transferred through state systems.

Each state manages its own issuance schedule, with some distributing benefits based on alphabetical order of last names, while others use case numbers or staggered release dates.

The potential disruption to SNAP would mark one of the most significant impacts yet from the federal stalemate.

President Lyndon B. Johnson established the first permanent food stamp program in 1964 as part of his Great Society initiative.

The program’s origins, however, date back to 1939, when the first temporary food stamp system was launched during the Great Depression to support struggling families.

As the standoff continues, political divisions have deepened over the cause of the shutdown and the scope of federal spending.

Democratic lawmakers have blamed Republicans for what they describe as unnecessary gridlock, while Republicans argue that the dispute centers on fiscal responsibility and government priorities.

President Donald Trump has said he will not support a spending package that includes $1.5 trillion in funding that he said would “give illegal aliens health care.”

The president reiterated his position during remarks to reporters this week, emphasizing that federal resources must be directed toward citizens and lawful residents rather than noncitizens.

Meanwhile, other federal workers are also feeling the impact of the shutdown.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that thousands of air traffic controllers across the country are continuing to work without pay to maintain operations at airports and ensure flight safety.

Lawmakers in both chambers remain deadlocked over a compromise to restore government funding.

Representative Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., told Fox News that the path to reopening the government likely depends on a handful of Senate Democrats crossing party lines.

“We need four or five more Senate Democrats to cross over to reopen the federal government,” Burchett said.

The funding lapse has already delayed pay for hundreds of thousands of federal employees and disrupted services across multiple agencies.

Without an agreement before the start of November, SNAP beneficiaries could experience a lapse in benefits, heightening concerns among state agencies responsible for distributing aid.

The USDA has advised states to prepare for possible delays and to communicate updates directly to SNAP participants as the situation evolves.

Unless Congress passes a new funding measure in the coming days, November 1 will mark the first day that tens of millions of Americans could lose access to the nation’s largest food assistance program.

Scott Jennings Shreds Democrats on CNN Over Candidate’s Nazi Tattoo Scandal
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Scott Jennings Shreds Democrats on CNN Over Candidate’s Nazi Tattoo Scandal

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Republican political analyst Scott Jennings confronted CNN panelists over the Democratic Party’s support for Maine Senate candidate Jared Platner, who is facing mounting scrutiny for a tattoo resembling a Nazi SS emblem.

The exchange took place during a Sunday segment on “CNN NewsNight,” where Jennings accused Democrats of hypocrisy after years of branding Republicans and conservatives as extremists.

The controversy centers on Platner, a 41-year-old Marine veteran and progressive candidate endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders.

Platner has been under fire since CNN’s KFile reported that he bears a chest tattoo similar to the Totenkopf, the skull-and-crossbones insignia used by Nazi SS units.

In a series of resurfaced Reddit posts from 2019 and 2020, Platner allegedly discussed Nazi-associated symbols and defended their use within military circles.

Using the screen name “P-Hustle,” Platner wrote that symbols like the Totenkopf and SS lightning bolts had been adopted by certain Marine Scout Sniper units as cultural identifiers rather than ideological statements.

When challenged about their Nazi origins, Platner dismissed the criticism, writing that outsiders “have no idea what they’re talking about” and sarcastically adding, “I will be sure to inform the Black guys I know with bolts that they’re Nazis now.”

Platner has since claimed that he got the tattoo during a “drunken liberty stint” in Croatia years ago and denied knowing its historical connection to Nazi imagery.

However, CNN’s KFile report found evidence that Platner was aware of the symbolism and had defended its use before entering politics.

Despite the controversy, Platner continues to lead in polling for Maine’s Democratic Senate primary.

According to internal campaign surveys, he is ahead by as much as 30 points and has received endorsements from progressive senators including Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Chris Murphy, and Sheldon Whitehouse.

Jennings addressed the issue directly during a heated CNN panel discussion moderated by Abby Phillip.

He argued that Democrats who had spent years calling conservatives “Nazis” were now rallying behind a candidate tied to Nazi-associated imagery.

“I hate to break the news to you, but he’s winning the primary by 30 points,” Jennings said.

“Getting a Nazi tattoo made him more popular — more popular among Democrats. You’ve got a guy running for attorney general in Virginia who wants to murder Republicans, and he raised $500,000 off of it. You got Nazi tattoo guy in Maine. I sat out here for a year, two years listening to every Democrat at this table say, Donald Trump’s a Nazi, Elon Musk’s a Nazi, and your party is now in love with a guy with a Nazi tattoo who trained a left-wing paramilitary group and called himself an Antifa super soldier on the internet, and he’s going up every day. Good luck getting him out.”

Democratic commentator María Hinojosa countered that Platner should resign, saying, “I said that he should resign, and I think that Democrats should also speak out.”

Jennings replied, “Good luck,” noting that Platner’s polling numbers have not declined despite the backlash.

Phillip pressed Jennings on whether he was implying that Platner represented the entire Democratic Party.

Jennings responded, “Look at the polling. Look at the energy. Bernie Sanders wants him. The beating heart of the Democratic Party, where their energy is, wants the Nazi tattoo guy. That’s what they want.”

As the conversation grew tense, Phillip referenced past controversies involving Republican candidates to suggest that both parties had faced similar dilemmas.

Jennings pushed back, saying, “He doesn’t answer to you. He answers to the energy base in your party. And right now, the energy is behind these left-wing progressive kinds of candidates. This is who they want.”

Platner’s campaign has not publicly commented on the growing calls for him to withdraw.

The Democratic National Committee has also not issued a formal statement, while Sanders’ office reaffirmed its endorsement earlier this month.

According to CNN’s reporting, federal investigators have not opened any inquiry into Platner, and the tattoo itself does not violate any election or ethics laws.

However, the episode has reignited political debate over ideological extremism and the double standards often applied to partisan controversies.

As Jennings noted during the segment, “When all this story broke and he started talking about it, he literally got more popular. He’s beating the incumbent governor by 30 points.”

The Maine Democratic Senate primary is scheduled for June 2026.

Nick Mangold’s Sudden Death at 41 Sends Shockwaves Through NFL Community
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Nick Mangold’s Sudden Death at 41 Sends Shockwaves Through NFL Community

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Nick Mangold, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and longtime center for the New York Jets, has died at the age of 41.

The news comes just two weeks after Mangold revealed that he was battling chronic kidney disease and was in urgent need of a transplant.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” Jets owner Woody Johnson said in a statement.

“He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Mangold played college football at Ohio State University, where he was part of the Buckeyes’ 2003 national championship team.

He earned first-team All-American honors in 2005 before being selected by the Jets in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft.

He quickly made an impact in the league, earning a spot on the NFL’s All-Rookie team in 2006.

His first Pro Bowl appearance came in 2008, followed by three All-Pro selections — first-team in 2009 and 2010, and second-team in 2011.

Mangold became one of the most durable and respected offensive linemen in the NFL during his 11 seasons with the Jets.

After the 2016 season, the Jets released Mangold as part of a roster rebuild.

He retired from football in 2018 after signing a one-day contract to end his career with the team that drafted him.

In 2022, Mangold was inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor, cementing his place among the franchise’s all-time greats.

Earlier this month, Mangold shared his health struggle in a message to fans, revealing that he had been diagnosed with a genetic defect leading to chronic kidney disease in 2006.

“I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time,” he wrote.

“Unfortunately, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

He continued, “I am deeply grateful to anyone that would consider donating.

Most of all, I’m thankful for my family, who have been my rock every step of the way.

This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me.”

Mangold ended his message on a hopeful note: “While this has been a tough stretch, I’m staying positive and focused on the path ahead. I’m looking forward to better days and getting back to full strength soon. I’ll see you all at MetLife Stadium & The Shoe very soon.”

Jets Vice Chairman Christopher Johnson remembered Mangold as a leader both on and off the field.

“Nick was the embodiment of consistency, strength, and leadership,” Johnson said.

“For over a decade, he anchored our offensive line with unmatched skill and determination, earning the respect of teammates, opponents, and fans alike. His contributions on the field were extraordinary — but it was his character, humility, and humor off the field that made him unforgettable.”

Former Jets head coach Rex Ryan became emotional while remembering Mangold during ESPN’s Sunday broadcast.

“It’s brutal. Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets,” Ryan said.

He recalled that Mangold insisted on playing through injury during Ryan’s final game as head coach.

“My last game, Mangold’s injured. Like, injured. And he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me. That’s what I remember about this kid. He was awesome and just way too young.”

Mangold is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and their four children.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Chris Murphy Confronted Live on CNN Over Americans Going Hungry Due to Schumer’s Shutdown
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Chris Murphy Confronted Live on CNN Over Americans Going Hungry Due to Schumer’s Shutdown

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CNN’s Jake Tapper questioned Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut on Sunday about whether Democrats are prepared to let food assistance funding lapse in order to secure an extension of Obamacare subsidies, as the federal government shutdown stretches into its second month.

The exchange took place on “State of the Union,” where Tapper asked Murphy directly if Democrats were willing to let the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) run out of money as part of their push to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies.

“Funding for food stamps is expected to run out at the end of this week,” Tapper said.

“This is happening because Democrats have not agreed to vote to fund the government without the Republicans making concessions to seriously change health care policy. So is this a trade-off you’re willing to make and continue to make, letting some Americans go hungry until these Obamacare subsidies get extended?”

Murphy declined to give a yes-or-no answer, instead accusing Republicans of blocking bipartisan negotiations.

“We’re shut down right now because Republicans are refusing to even talk to Democrats about a bipartisan budget bill,” Murphy responded.

“As you know, the reason we didn’t shut down for four years when Joe Biden was president was because Democrats negotiated with Republicans, and every single one of those short-term or long-term funding bills included both Democratic and Republican priorities. So the government shut down because Republicans have done something unprecedented: they have refused to talk to Democrats about a bipartisan budget.”

Democrats have refused to back any funding deal that omits an extension of Obamacare subsidies, which are set to expire.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has led his caucus in blocking every Republican proposal to reopen the government since the Oct. 1 shutdown began, insisting that any bill must include the continuation of the health care subsidies.

Murphy defended the Democrats’ position by citing the potential impact on health care costs.

“One of our priorities is pretty simple: making sure that premiums don’t go up by 75% for 22 million families this fall,” Murphy said.

“Now, the reality is, if they sat down to try to negotiate, we could probably come up with something pretty quickly.”

The White House and congressional leaders have held several meetings since the shutdown began, but no agreement has been reached.

President Donald Trump canceled a planned meeting with top Democratic lawmakers shortly before the Sept. 30 funding deadline, though the two sides later met at the White House.

The talks ended without progress, leaving most federal operations unfunded.

During the interview, Murphy also referenced the administration’s recent $20 billion foreign aid package to Argentina, arguing that the same amount could be used to resolve the shutdown and restore government funding.

“The president just announced $20 billion going to bail out the Argentinian economy. For $20 billion, we could open the government back up, that’s enough money to relieve a lot of pressure from these premium increases,” he said.

“We could get this deal done in a day if the president was in D.C. rather than overseas. We could open up the government on Tuesday or Wednesday, and there wouldn’t be any crisis in the food.”

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides aid to more than 40 million Americans nationwide.

Without congressional action, SNAP will lose funding on Nov. 1, prompting at least two dozen states to warn that they will suspend benefits if the shutdown continues.

The ongoing impasse marks the second-longest government shutdown since 1981.

Republican lawmakers have introduced multiple measures to reopen the government and provide temporary funding for critical programs, but all have been blocked in the Senate.

Schumer and Democratic leadership have maintained that no deal will move forward without the inclusion of the ACA subsidy extension and other Democratic priorities.

As of Sunday, Senate negotiations remain at a standstill, leaving food assistance recipients, federal employees, and millions of Americans uncertain about how long the shutdown will continue.

Shock Poll: GOP Candidate Leads California Gov Race as Dem Party Throws Itself Off a Cliff
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Shock Poll: GOP Candidate Leads California Gov Race as Dem Party Throws Itself Off a Cliff

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Republican policy analyst and commentator Steve Hilton is leading the latest poll in California’s 2026 gubernatorial race, a development that suggests widespread voter dissatisfaction with the state’s Democratic leadership.

The Emerson College poll shows Hilton narrowly ahead of all major Democratic contenders, including former Representative Katie Porter.

His lead falls within the survey’s 3% margin of error, but the result marks a rare moment in which a Republican candidate tops a statewide poll in California.

Hilton, known for his work as a conservative commentator and his criticism of the state’s high taxes, cost of living, and public safety issues, has emerged as the early front-runner in a crowded field.

The poll comes amid deep divisions within California’s Democratic Party and declining enthusiasm among voters after years of one-party rule.

The survey found that 57% of California voters support Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to alter congressional district maps, a move critics say would dismantle the state’s constitutionally mandated independent redistricting commission.

The governor’s plan would give the state legislature more power over how congressional lines are drawn — a change opponents argue could entrench Democratic control for decades.

While the poll reflects the state’s continued liberal tilt on many policy issues, it also reveals growing frustration with Democratic leadership.

Newsom’s approval rating stands at 48%, his highest mark in the past year, yet still below 50% amid concerns about homelessness, crime, and the state’s declining population.

Hilton’s lead comes as Democratic support fractures among several lesser-known candidates.

Porter, who represented Orange County in Congress until early 2025, is the only Democrat polling in double digits.

Her campaign, however, has struggled to recover from a recent controversy involving a heated exchange with a CBS interviewer, which drew widespread backlash.

Other Democrats included in the Emerson poll failed to gain significant traction.

Political analysts note that the weak early showing from the Democratic field could prompt additional candidates to enter the race.

Among those mentioned as potential contenders is Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), who has maintained a low national profile since being appointed to fill Kamala Harris’s former Senate seat in 2021.

Padilla’s potential candidacy is seen by some party strategists as an effort to consolidate Democratic voters behind a single, higher-profile figure capable of challenging Hilton’s momentum.

The poll’s findings also indicate that overall Democratic support still outweighs Republican support when all candidates are grouped by party affiliation, reflecting the state’s longstanding political demographics.

However, Hilton’s early lead highlights shifting attitudes among independents and moderate Democrats, particularly in regions outside the coastal metropolitan areas.

Emerson College surveyed a cross-section of registered voters across the state, with results showing that economic concerns remain a dominant factor in voter priorities.

Respondents cited housing affordability, taxes, and public safety as the most important issues ahead of the 2026 election.

Hilton, originally from the United Kingdom, previously served as an adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron before moving to the United States, where he became an American citizen.

He has since worked as a political analyst and commentator, focusing on state-level policy reforms and government accountability.

If Hilton maintains his position in the months ahead, it would mark one of the strongest showings by a Republican gubernatorial candidate in California in more than a decade.

The last Republican to serve as governor was Arnold Schwarzenegger, who left office in 2011.

The California governor’s race is scheduled for November 2026.

Warren Launches “Investigation” Into Privately Funded Trump Ballroom, Gets Roasted Online
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Warren Launches “Investigation” Into Privately Funded Trump Ballroom, Gets Roasted Online

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Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) faced widespread criticism and mockery on social media after announcing an investigation into the funding behind President Donald Trump’s new White House ballroom project.

Warren revealed her plans Thursday on X, saying she would examine how the project’s contracts were approved and whether the companies funding the construction had ties to the Trump administration.

Her post came as demolition began on the East Wing to make way for the addition.

“I’ve launched an investigation into the contracting and approval process for the demolition of the White House — and whether the corporate donors funding Trump’s ballroom are seeking favors with the Administration,” Warren wrote.

“The American public deserves answers.”

The ballroom, which will span approximately 9,000 square feet, is projected to cost $300 million.

President Trump has said the project is being funded through private and corporate donations, not taxpayer money.

Warren’s comments echoed broader concerns raised by Senate Democrats, who claim that the donations may present potential ethical conflicts.

“Billionaires and corporations with business in front of the Trump administration are coughing up millions to build Trump’s BALLROOM,” she wrote in a follow-up post.

“What are these companies getting in return?”

A White House spokesperson dismissed Warren’s announcement, arguing that the senator’s priorities were misplaced amid the ongoing government shutdown.

“Democrats are more concerned with President Trump’s historic beautification of the White House than they are for American citizens [who] are hurting because of their reckless government shutdown,” spokesperson Davis Ingle said in a statement to MSNBC.

The ballroom project has been in planning stages for months, with initial approval obtained earlier in the year.

The addition is expected to serve as a permanent venue for official ceremonies, receptions, and state events, replacing temporary structures often used for large gatherings.

Following Warren’s post, critics flooded social media with ridicule and skepticism about the senator’s announcement.

Many users questioned the need for an investigation into a privately funded project and accused her of attempting to score political points.

“So let me get this straight, you are going to use taxpayer money to investigate a privately funded renovation project?” one user wrote in response to Warren’s post.

Others suggested the move was politically motivated, citing the timing of the announcement during the ongoing shutdown.

“If this was such a concern, why now? Why not back in July when it was all made public?” another commenter asked.

“Could it be because back then, you weren’t getting HAMMERED over your shutdown, and you’re now desperately clinging to ANYTHING that might serve as a distraction?”

Some responses mocked Warren directly, referencing her previous controversies.

“Liz wants White House events held in inflatable tents instead of a ballroom because tents remind her of the teepee she grew up in,” one user joked.

Another wrote, “How she launching an investigation? By opening a Google tab?”

“I expect this to go about as well as your ancestry DNA investigation,” another reply read, referencing the senator’s past claims of Native American ancestry.

While Warren’s office has not provided further details on the scope of her inquiry, the announcement has drawn both scrutiny and laughter online.

The White House confirmed that all funding for the ballroom project would come from private donations and emphasized that no taxpayer funds would be used.

Construction on the White House ballroom is expected to continue through early next year, with completion anticipated in mid-2026.

Karine Jean-Pierre Cornered on CNN Over Biden’s Cognitive Decline
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Karine Jean-Pierre Cornered on CNN Over Biden’s Cognitive Decline

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White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre appeared on CNN Thursday to promote her new book but faced tough questioning from anchor Brianna Keilar, who pressed her about Joe Biden’s mental and physical fitness during his time in office.

The interview quickly shifted from the topic of Jean-Pierre’s memoir to Biden’s cognitive abilities after Keilar cited Original Sin, a recently released book by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson.

The book reported that multiple former cabinet secretaries believed Biden was not capable of handling late-night crises and included claims that actor George Clooney said Biden did not recognize him at a fundraiser he hosted.

Keilar directly challenged Jean-Pierre: “Why, why didn’t you see… Why didn’t you have concerns? Why didn’t you raise them?”

Jean-Pierre responded by defending Biden’s performance and denying that she had ever seen signs of mental decline.

“So, I did not have any concerns. I saw him on a daily basis, Brianna. You know that. I saw him every day. I engaged with him every day,” Jean-Pierre said.

She acknowledged that Biden “showed age” but insisted, “This is a president that was sharp. This is a president that pushed his staff. This is a president that was on top of what the policies that he cared about that were important to the American people.”

Jean-Pierre continued by emphasizing what she described as Biden’s leadership record.

“This is a president that led a coalition… when it came to the war in Ukraine,” she said, adding that the administration achieved “historic successes” in its first years.

Keilar pressed further, asking bluntly, “Do you think he should be president right now?”

Jean-Pierre repeated that she had no concerns about Biden’s capacity to serve.

“No. I did not see anything that concerned me when he decided to run for president. I did not,” she said.

“I saw him every single day. He was sharp, and he was on top of the policies.”

Keilar then asked whether Jean-Pierre had read Original Sin, which draws on interviews with more than 200 sources, including officials close to the former president.

Jean-Pierre admitted she had not read the book and had no plans to.

Keilar challenged that response.

“A lot of people, if the leadership of their workplace imploded… and someone wrote a book with 200 sources… they would want to read it. They’d want to reflect on that. Why not?” she asked.

Jean-Pierre replied, “No, because… I saw it personally and I experienced it personally. On an average day-to-day. And right now… look where we are today.”

The discussion then took an unexpected turn when Jean-Pierre shifted topics to what she described as domestic threats to minority communities.

“There are people who are going missing in the street because there’s military being told to round people up who are brown, who are black. And some of them are US citizens,” she said.

“We are in a place where the rule of law has been thrown out the window.”

The interview drew attention across media and social platforms, with observers noting Keilar’s persistent questioning and Jean-Pierre’s repeated refusal to engage directly with the claims raised in Original Sin.

Jean-Pierre’s remarks come amid continued debate over Biden’s condition during his presidency and the accounts of senior officials who have described internal concerns about his ability to fulfill the demands of the office.

The segment marked one of the most direct confrontations Jean-Pierre has faced from a mainstream network since leaving the White House, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of Biden’s tenure and the accounts documented by former administration insiders.

Aircraft Carrier Strike Group Deployed to the Caribbean to Help Fight Venezuela Cartels
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Aircraft Carrier Strike Group Deployed to the Caribbean to Help Fight Venezuela Cartels

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday directed a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group to deploy to the Caribbean as tensions with Venezuela escalated over alleged narcotics trafficking operations.

The U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford, accompanied by several guided-missile destroyers and a submarine, was ordered to the region under the command of U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM).

The deployment follows a series of operations led by the Trump administration targeting drug smuggling routes allegedly connected to Venezuelan networks.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the deployment in a statement posted on X, saying the move was designed to strengthen the U.S. military’s presence and operational capabilities in the region.

“The enhanced U.S. force presence in the USSOUTHCOM [Area of Responsibility] will bolster U.S. capacity to detect, monitor, and disrupt illicit actors and activities that compromise the safety and prosperity of the United States homeland and our security in the Western Hemisphere,” Parnell said.

“These forces will enhance and augment existing capabilities to disrupt narcotics trafficking and degrade and dismantle transnational criminal organizations.”

The deployment marks one of the largest U.S. naval movements in the Caribbean in recent years and underscores the administration’s renewed focus on countering organized criminal operations linked to Venezuela and other regional actors.

Hegseth’s order came the same day the Pentagon confirmed a separate military engagement in the Caribbean.

According to Hegseth, U.S. forces struck a boat operated by members of the Tren de Aragua organization, a Venezuelan-based criminal network known for its involvement in drug trafficking and violent crimes across South America and the Caribbean.

The operation reportedly resulted in the deaths of six individuals described by the Pentagon as “narco-terrorists.”

No U.S. personnel were injured during the incident.

The strike on the Tren de Aragua vessel followed weeks of heightened intelligence activity in the region as U.S. agencies tracked increased trafficking movements tied to the group.

Defense officials said the operation was part of a broader campaign to intercept smuggling networks and prevent the transfer of narcotics into the United States.

USSOUTHCOM, headquartered in Doral, Florida, oversees U.S. military operations across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Its mission includes countering drug trafficking, supporting humanitarian efforts, and strengthening regional security partnerships.

Officials have not specified how long the Gerald R. Ford strike group will remain deployed, but defense analysts said the movement signals a clear deterrent message to Venezuela and other governments accused of facilitating or tolerating criminal enterprises in their territorial waters.

The deployment also comes amid renewed diplomatic tension between Washington and Caracas following reports of Venezuelan cooperation with foreign actors under U.S. sanctions.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan government of turning a blind eye to drug smuggling operations and harboring criminal groups that pose threats to regional stability.

Defense Department sources said the strike group’s presence will support ongoing joint operations with regional allies, including Colombia and the Dominican Republic, aimed at intercepting narcotics shipments before they reach U.S. shores.

The U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford, commissioned in 2017, is the Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier.

Its deployment to the Caribbean reflects an intensified U.S. focus on maritime security and counter-narcotics enforcement in the Western Hemisphere.


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