{"Articles":[ {"id":"3132228-1724374758", "title":"Delegates express disappointment at Beyonce no-show but say Harris ‘made up for it’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3132228%2Fdnc-delegates-disappointment-beyonce-no-show%2F", "byline":"Hailey Bullis, Mabinty Quarshie and Samantha-Jo Roth", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"CHICAGO — Hopes that Beyonce would make a surprise appearance on the closing night of the Democratic National Convention were dashed after the night ended with no sign of the “Freedom” singer. The evening was packed with celebrities, with musicians such as Pink and the Chicks taking the stage on the grand finale of the […]", "description":""

CHICAGO \u2014 Hopes that Beyonce<\/a> would make a surprise appearance on the closing night of the Democratic National Convention<\/a> were dashed after the night ended with no sign of the \u201cFreedom\u201d singer.<\/p>

The evening was packed with celebrities<\/a>, with musicians such as Pink and the Chicks taking the stage on the grand finale of the DNC. The event drew so many attendees that the convention floor was completely closed off hours before Vice President Kamala Harris took the stage to deliver the DNC\u2019s closing speech.The A-lister delegates and attendees were most excited to see, however, was Beyonce. Speculation mounted throughout the week, and hit a fever pitch Thursday, that Beyonce would perform on the final night of the DNC.Maryland delegate Roxanne Brown, 45, said she was let down that Beyonce did not end up appearing. However, Brown said that the letdown was OK, though, because \u201cKamala made up for it.\u201d\u201cI was disappointed because I was looking forward to seeing Beyonce, but I was most looking forward to watching history, which is a nomination of our first black female president,\u201d Brown said.<\/p>

Another Maryland delegate, Lily Qi, 60, said she would have loved to see the pop sensation, but she echoed Brown\u2019s sentiment that supporting Harris was the most important part of the night.\u201cI would have loved to see her and her energy, and she's an icon, a cultural icon, as I understand,\u201d Qi said. \u201cBut you know, this is not why I'm here, of course, right? I am here to make sure that Kamala Harris is elected.\u201d<\/p>

Erica Harrison, a stay-at-home mother from North Carolina, captured the anticipation. \"I was getting excited. I told my husband, I thought that Beyonce would come out and perform and sing 'Freedom,' but I was wrong.\"<\/p>

\"The entire thing was a surreal moment. I'm still on a high,\" she said. \"So even though Beyonce didn't come, she would have just been a little cherry on top. But everything else was amazing.\"Rumors had been swirling that the DNC would feature a special guest for days, with musician Taylor Swift also being floated as a possibility. But Beyonce was the chief figure speculated to make an appearance.Excitement over the possibility of Beyonce's DNC appearance hit a fever pitch Thursday after White House political director Emily Ruiz posted a bee emoji, which is linked to Beyonce as her fanbase is referred to as the \u201cBeyHive.\u201dRuiz later posted an apology, saying, \u201cSorry guys my 6-year-old took my phone.\u201d<\/p>

Democratic Party Chairman Jaime Harrison also dodged confirming or denying<\/a> whether Beyonce would appear during an appearance on CBS Mornings.Conflicting reports about whether or not the iconic singer would appear were published by multiple outlets. TMZ published a report earlier on Thursday saying that multiple sources told the outlet she would be the surprise performer speculated.However, as the final night\u2019s programming was underway, a representative for Beyonce told the Hollywood Reporter that she was \u201cnever scheduled to be there\u201d and that \u201cthe report of a performance is untrue.\u201dA Washington Examiner reporter overheard attendees exiting the United Center expressing disappointment the singer didn\u2019t show, with one exclaiming, \u201cBut we didn\u2019t get Beyonce!\u201dNevertheless, Maine delegate Eric Best said while he wanted to \u201cbe able to brag to my kids that I was there when Beyonce showed up,\u201d he did not feel like his \u201clife was diminished by the fact that she didn't.\u201d<\/p>

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER<\/a><\/p>

New York delegate Alicia Hyndman, 52, said she thought it was for the best that Beyonce didn\u2019t show.<\/p>

\u201cI felt if Beyonce came, it would have been too celebrity,\u201d Hyndman said. \u201cI think would have been playing into the opposition's playbook like big Hollywood.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/beyonce_noshow_dnc.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3085609-1721196000", "title":"Sen. Whitehouse’s attacks on fossil energy producers are incoherent", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F3085609%2Fsen-whitehouse-attacks-fossil-energy-producers-incoherent%2F", "byline":"Benjamin Zycher", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"It might seem difficult to take positions on a prominent issue diametrically opposed and equally preposterous. But Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a man whose Pavlovian opposition to the U.S. fossil energy producers has led him into incoherence rare even by Beltway standards, has achieved just such a magical trick. Whitehouse, the chairman of the Senate […]", "description":""

It might seem difficult to take positions on a prominent issue diametrically opposed and equally preposterous. But Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a man whose Pavlovian opposition to the U.S. fossil energy producers has led him into incoherence rare even by Beltway standards, has achieved just such a magical trick.<\/p>

Whitehouse, the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, for years has accused<\/a> the major U.S. fossil energy producers of creating the purported climate \u201ccrisis\u201d and hiding their knowledge<\/a> of and deceiving the public<\/a> about the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions. Translation: For decades, the U.S. fossil energy sector has produced too much energy and thus too many greenhouse gas emissions.\u00a0<\/p>

Alas, that stance is so yesterday. Whitehouse\u2019s new argument<\/a> is that \u201coil and gas companies could be engaging in collusive, anti-competitive activities with OPEC+ that would raise crude oil prices.\u201d So now the U.S. fossil energy producers in cahoots with OPEC+ might be producing too little.\u00a0<\/p>

With respect to Whitehouse\u2019s collusion argument: Perhaps Whitehouse should call President Joe Biden as a witness for a Budget Committee hearing, as it was Biden who in October 2022 asked<\/a> the Saudis to delay a scheduled production cut until after the midterm elections.\u00a0<\/p>

More generally, it is the Biden administration that has taken hundreds of actions<\/a> making U.S. fossil energy production more difficult and costly. It is the Biden administration that has tried to hide the attendant adverse price effects by using<\/a> the Strategic Petroleum Reserve<\/a> and other government stockpiles<\/a> to manipulate short-run supplies in a wholly ad hoc fashion \u2014 that is, for purely political purposes.\u00a0<\/p>

If U.S. producers are \u201ccolluding\u201d with OPEC+ to restrict output, they are doing a rather bad job of it. Since March 2021, when real U.S. gross domestic product growth was about 5%, U.S. crude oil output<\/a> has increased by 13%. U.S. natural gas production<\/a> has increased by more than 5%. U.S. refinery capacity utilization<\/a> has increased from 81.9% to 89.7%, refinery use<\/a> of crude oil and other inputs has increased by 10.7%, and refinery output<\/a> of products has increased by 8%. OPEC+ output<\/a> is about the same as in early 2021, while non-U.S. output<\/a> in the rest of the world has increased by almost 4%.<\/p>

With respect to Whitehouse\u2019s climate \u201cresponsibility\u201d and \u201cdeception\u201d assertions: U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from all combustion of fossil fuels<\/a> are about 74% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions<\/a>. Elimination of all U.S. fossil fuel combustion emissions would reduce global temperatures in 2100 by 0.077 degrees Celcius, applying the Environmental Protection Agency climate model<\/a> under realistic assumptions. That effect would not be detectable.<\/p>

Accordingly, someone should ask Whitehouse to explain the precise sense in which U.S. fossil energy producers are \u201cresponsible\u201d for the asserted climate crisis (for which, by the way, there is no evidence<\/a>). That is the relevant question in particular given that reduced output by U.S. producers would be offset largely or wholly with increased production by foreign producers.\u00a0<\/p>

Whitehouse continues<\/a>, \u201cFor decades, the fossil fuel industry has known about the economic and climate harms of its products.\u201d The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in its 1990 First Assessment Report made it clear that it could not explain why temperatures were higher 5,000-6,000 years ago despite no evidence of an increase in greenhouse gas concentrations. Fast forward to the Sixth Assessment Report<\/a>: IPCC still cannot narrow down the \u201clikely\u201d range of climate effects of increased greenhouse gas concentrations. And the IPCC climate models<\/a> continue to overstate the atmospheric temperature record by a factor of over 2.3<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

In short, according to Whitehouse the fossil energy producers for decades have \u201cknown\u201d things that were not known in 1990 and are not known now. They are producing too little energy and too much. Such are the Schr\u00f6dinger-like fruits of a stance wholly ideological, impervious to facts, and oblivious to the real investment and economic harm caused by the Beltway blame game. <\/p>

Whitehouse\u2019s \u201cinvestigations\u201d have produced no useful information but gobs of Beltway propaganda: \u201cIf it is an election year, the fossil energy producers must be guilty of something.\u201d Is this the best he can do? The evidence says yes.<\/p>

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM RESTORING AMERICA<\/a><\/p>

Benjamin Zycher is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AP22080625251491.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3081706-1720960622", "title":"DHS pressed for clarity on Secret Service protocols to ‘assess threats’ after Trump rally shooting", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3081706%2Fdhs-pressed-clarity-secret-service-protocols-trump-rally-shooting%2F", "byline":"Cami Mondeaux", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) is pressing the Department of Homeland Security to provide clarity on how Secret Service members are trained to respond to threats after a shooting broke out at former President Donald Trump’s rally on Saturday. In a letter sent to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Sunday, Green pressed […]", "description":""

House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) is pressing the Department of Homeland Security to provide clarity on how Secret Service members are trained to respond to threats after a shooting broke out<\/a> at former President Donald Trump's rally on Saturday.<\/p>

In a letter<\/a> sent to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Sunday, Green pressed the top Biden administration official to provide information or any documentation related to security detail at Trump's rally<\/a> in Butler, Pennsylvania. Green praised the \"swift response\" of the Secret Service members but argued the DHS must be investigated for some reports that suggest the department rebuffed \"multiple requests\" from Trump's security team to \"increase protective services\" ahead of the event. <\/p>

\u201cThe seriousness of this security failure and chilling moment in our nation\u2019s history cannot be understated,\" Green wrote. \"As the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) investigates, the Committee on Homeland Security (Committee) is dedicated to conducting rigorous oversight to ensure that the American people receive answers and presidential candidates receive proper and adequate protection.\"<\/p>

Green outlined a number of questions he wants to be answered by the department, including access to all documents and communications within the DHS and Secret Service related to \"any potential increase or addition of protective resources to President Trump\u2019s security detail\" from mid-November to the present day.<\/p>

The letter also requests information on Secret Service<\/a> rules of engagement protocols \u201cto assess and neutralize threats\u201d after concerns were raised about how the shooter \"was able to access a rooftop within range and direct line of sight of where President Trump was speaking.\"<\/p>

Green's requests come as lawmakers from both parties have responded swiftly to the shooting and have begun to reconsider security protocols in Congress. House Republicans are scheduled to have a briefing with the sergeant-at-arms on Sunday afternoon, one lawmaker told the Washington Examiner. <\/p>

Reps. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) and Mike Lawler (R-NY) also announced they would be introducing a bill that would provide enhanced Secret Service protection to Trump as well as President Joe Biden and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.<\/a> while on the campaign trail.<\/p>

\"As reports continue to emerge, it\u2019s clear that more protection is needed for all major candidates for president,\" the two said in a joint statement. \"That\u2019s why we\u2019re planning on introducing bipartisan legislation providing President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump, and presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. with enhanced Secret Service protection. Anything less would be a disservice to our democracy.\u201d<\/p>

The FBI identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel, Pennsylvania, on Sunday morning. Crooks died shortly after the shooting after being \"neutralized\" by the Secret Service, agency spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement. At least one rally attendee was also killed. <\/p>

Trump was taken to a nearby hospital<\/a> to be treated after confirming he was pierced in the upper part of his right ear.<\/p>

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER<\/a><\/p>

\u201cI knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place,\u201d he wrote in a Truth Social Post. <\/p>

The former president<\/a> is in stable condition. Trump later flew to New Jersey after being released from the hospital. He is expected to travel to Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention that begins on Monday.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/secret-service-44.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3077696-1720701634", "title":"Johnson quiets initial concerns about fundraising prowess by raising $23.5 million in second quarter", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2Fcongressional%2F3077696%2Fjohnson-quiets-initial-concerns-about-fundraising-prowess-by-raising-23-5-million-in-second-quarter%2F", "byline":"Cami Mondeaux", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) raised $23.5 million in the second quarter of 2024, outperforming expectations and continuing to quiet initial concerns about his fundraising prowess when he took the gavel last October. More than $17 million of that haul went toward Johnson’s committees with the remaining $6.5 million going toward individual members and GOP […]", "description":""

House Speaker Mike Johnson<\/a> (R-LA) raised $23.5 million in the second quarter of 2024, outperforming expectations and continuing to quiet initial concerns about his fundraising<\/a> prowess when he took the gavel last October.<\/p>

More than $17 million of that haul went toward Johnson's committees with the remaining $6.5 million going toward individual members and GOP candidates. Additionally, Johnson has now transferred more than $16 million to the National Republican Congressional Committee<\/a> this cycle as part of efforts to grow the party's slim House majority next year. <\/p>

\u201cWith commonsense solutions, strong candidates, and momentum growing every day, another extraordinary quarter shows Republicans are expanding our base and energized to win up and down the ballot in November,\u201d Johnson said in a statement. \u201cAs we gather in Milwaukee next week to officially nominate President Donald Trump, our Party has never been more unified and equipped with the resources needed to grow the House majority, win the Senate, and win the White House.\u201d<\/p>

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER<\/a><\/p>

Johnson's second-quarter haul builds on other House GOP leaders' fundraising for a total of $45 million raised during the second quarter, when combining the speaker's numbers with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), Minority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), and GOP Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY). <\/p>

Johnson's fundraising still falls slightly behind his predecessor, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy<\/a> (R-CA), but the high numbers offer hope to Republicans that the speaker is able to raise large sums for the party despite only holding the gavel for nine months.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AP24178017398020-scaled.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3074143-1720513167", "title":"State program spends $1 million to get 37 ‘disadvantaged’ people drivers licenses", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3074143%2Fstate-program-spends-1-million-to-get-37-disadvantaged-people-drivers-licenses%2F", "byline":"TJ Martinell | The Center Square", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"(The Center Square) – A program set up in King County through the state Department of Licensing and funded by the state Legislature has spent nearly $1 million teaching “disadvantaged” women to drive, with just 37 women actually obtaining their license in a five-month period. King County contracts with Mujer al Volante, a nonprofit organization in […]", "description":""

(The Center Square)\u00a0\u2013 A program set up in King County through the state Department of Licensing and funded by the state Legislature has spent nearly $1 million teaching \u201cdisadvantaged\u201d women to drive, with just 37 women actually obtaining their license in a five-month period.<\/p>

King County contracts with Mujer al Volante, a nonprofit organization in Seattle that offers support services to refugee and immigrant women. In 2022, the Legislature gave DOL $350,000 to also contract with the nonprofit, with an additional $2 million appropriated earlier this year in the state transportation budget.<\/p>

The Drivers License Assistance Program \u201cTaking the Steering Wheel of My Life\u201d provides qualifying applicants assistance toward obtaining a driver\u2019s license. To qualify, a person must be a woman or \u201cnonbinary,\u201d an immigrant, asylee, or refugee, and be classified as \"low-income.\"<\/p>

Since the program started in December, there have been 522 individuals who have gone through the program. However, just 37 of them have successfully passed the written and driving exams. In January, there were 101 participants and only one of them obtained their license. In April, there were 132 participants, 13 of which got their license.<\/p>

When The Center Square reached out to DOL for comment, Communications Manager Christine Anthony wrote that \u201cwe contracted with Mujer al Volante in December of 2023, and this is the first report to the Legislature. This is a new program we are administering, and we will continue to work with the organization and monitor their progress.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/AP24014160536170-1-scaled.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3072819-1720443053", "title":"Sorry, progressives, but facts can’t be racist", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F3072819%2Fsorry-progressives-but-facts-cant-be-racist%2F", "byline":"Brad Polumbo", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Facts cannot be racist. But that hasn’t stopped many liberal media figures and Democratic politicians from trying to insist otherwise after one conservative writer dared to point out what we all know about Vice President Kamala Harris: She wouldn’t be where she is now without the movement for DEI, also known as diversity, equity, and […]", "description":""

Facts cannot be racist. But that hasn\u2019t stopped many liberal media<\/a> figures and Democratic politicians from trying to insist otherwise after one conservative writer dared to point out what we all know about Vice President Kamala Harris<\/a>: She wouldn\u2019t be where she is now without the movement for DEI<\/a>, also known as diversity, equity, and inclusion.\u00a0<\/p>

In an article<\/a> that went viral, Charles Gasparino wrote that if she is successfully put forward as President Joe Biden\u2019s<\/a> successor, Harris will be \u201cthe country\u2019s first DEI president.\u201d Suffice it to say, this did not go over well.\u00a0<\/p>

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) tweeted<\/a> out the headline and said, \u201cThis is straight-up racist.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

Meanwhile, the account \u201cRacism Watch Dog\u201d shared the article and said<\/a>, \u201cBark bark bark,\u201d in a post that 4.7 million people have seen.\u00a0<\/p>

Another viral tweet<\/a> accused the article of \u201cfinding a way to spell the nword with only 3 characters.\u201d<\/p>

You get the idea: How dare conservatives label Kamala Harris a diversity pick. That\u2019s obviously racist and hateful! <\/p>

There\u2019s just one problem, however. It is a fact that Harris was selected to be Biden\u2019s vice president in part due to her race and gender. It is a fact that if she had been a white male but otherwise remained a California senator, Harris never would\u2019ve been selected as his running mate.\u00a0<\/p>

You don\u2019t have to take my word for it. Just ask Biden. During the 2020 presidential campaign, Biden openly said, in explicit terms<\/a>, that he was only considering women to be his vice president, and he strongly implied<\/a> that he would favor a woman of color.\u00a0<\/p>

That\u2019s right: We know for a fact that, but for her gender, Harris never would\u2019ve been selected as vice president. (And if not for that, she certainly wouldn\u2019t be at the forefront of the conversation for a potential Biden replacement.) So, to call her a diversity or \u201cDEI\u201d pick is not an opinion that can be characterized as racist: It is an observation of a fact.\u00a0<\/p>

When I pointed this out on X, many of the same liberals and progressives got upset with me as well. <\/p>

But a fact that upsets people continues to be a fact. And none of their counterarguments change the fact that Harris, no matter how one feels about it, owes her current position in part to the Democrats\u2019 blatant identity politics and openly discriminatory pursuit of diversity.\u00a0<\/p>

Some critics pointed out that Harris isn\u2019t unqualified for vice president, arguing that as a former senator and state attorney general, she has similar qualifications to past vice presidential picks, such as Biden when he served under President Barack Obama. Yet this is something of a non sequitur because to say that Harris was a diversity selection is not to say she\u2019s totally unqualified for the job.\u00a0<\/p>

For example, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is objectively a \u201cdiversity pick\u201d because Biden openly said he was only considering black women for the job. Yet Jackson is also eminently qualified for the position \u2014 she was simply elevated above others due to her immutable characteristics. These two things can and do coexist with regularity.\u00a0<\/p>

DEI picks rarely, if ever, result in a situation where someone totally unqualified is picked for a job. But someone is a diversity hire if, but for her immutable characteristics, she would not have been given the role under a strictly meritocratic selection. And that is almost certainly the case for Harris. After all, according to Biden himself, she was selected through a process in which more than half of the alternatives, males, were ruled out due to their gender and white females were seemingly disfavored. That left only her and a handful of other minority women<\/a> who were high-ranking Democratic officials from which Biden could choose.<\/p>

And beyond her identity, Harris didn\u2019t add much to the ticket. She wasn\u2019t from a swing state. She had never won a competitive election against a Republican. She wasn\u2019t popular with the Democratic base, having failed horrifically in her own presidential bid. She wasn\u2019t even popular in the primary with black voters, a group from whom Biden already had strong support. And she was prone to cringeworthy moments and had the campaign trail charisma of a wet towel.\u00a0<\/p>

Harris\u2019s main \u201cvalue add\u201d for Biden\u2019s ticket was that she was a woman of color. We all knew it then, and we all know it now. <\/p>

Another counterargument is that vice presidents are often selected due to factors not directly related to merit. That may be true, but it shouldn\u2019t be. And it doesn\u2019t make racial favoritism any less morally detestable. It also doesn\u2019t make the charge that Harris is a DEI pick less true. If anything, it just offers context to better understand the significance of this truth.\u00a0<\/p>

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER<\/a><\/p>

So, too, some critics have yelled, \u201cBut Trump!\u201d, as they are wont to do, and they have pointed out that President Donald Trump did something similar when he appointed Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett after promising to appoint a woman. Yet this whataboutism isn\u2019t a refutation of the actual charge. It just means that Barrett was also a DEI pick, as some acknowledged at the time. (If their point was just that Republicans can be hypocrites, they\u2019d have no argument from me!)<\/p>

We simply cannot let Democrats and progressives make noticing facts they find inconvenient off-limits by throwing around false charges of racism. No matter how hard some on the Left insist, facts can never be racist, and the moment we cave to that ridiculous framing, we lose the ability to discuss the truth and cede the political conversation to whoever is willing to cry \u201cvictim\u201d the loudest. <\/p>

Brad Polumbo (@Brad_Polumbo<\/a>) is an independent journalist, YouTuber<\/a>, and a co-founder of BASEDPolitics.<\/a><\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/AP24188824437913-scaled.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3071849-1720418400", "title":"Increasing economic growth should be top priority", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F3071849%2Fincreasing-economic-growth-should-be-top-priority%2F", "byline":"Bruce Thompson", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"For the past three and a half years, the U.S. economy has struggled under the economic policies of the Biden administration and congressional Democrats.  Increased taxes, spending, deficits, and debt have produced higher prices, lower wages, soaring interest rates, and slower economic growth. For typical American families, the Biden administration’s policies have resulted in lower […]", "description":""

For the past three and a half years, the U.S. economy<\/a> has struggled under the economic<\/a> policies of the Biden administration<\/a> and congressional Democrats.\u00a0<\/p>

Increased taxes, spending, deficits, and debt have produced higher prices, lower wages, soaring interest rates, and slower economic growth. For typical American families, the Biden administration's policies have resulted in lower standards of living and dashed hopes of a better future. <\/p>

While the inflation<\/a> rate has eased from its 9.1% peak, the highest level in 40 years, prices are still up 20% since Biden took office, far outpacing the increase in wages.<\/p>

Millions of Americans are financially stressed, unable to buy a home, pay off their debt, or save for the future<\/a>. Household debt <\/a>is at an all-time high, up $3 trillion, or 21%, since the first quarter of 2021.\u00a0<\/p>

Along with these high prices, the U.S. economy is stuck in a slow growth rut. The latest numbers<\/a> show the economy is slowing under high interest rates and persistent inflation, with personal spending and capital goods orders weakening.\u00a0<\/p>

Real gross domestic product (GDP) grew at only 1.4%<\/a>\u00a0 last quarter, the slowest growth in nearly two years. In the last nine quarters, economic growth has averaged only half our historic growth rate.\u00a0<\/p>

The U.S. needs to adopt pro-growth policies to encourage faster economic growth. But if Biden and congressional Democrats are given another chance in November, we face even higher taxes, more spending, and slower growth. They are already planning to leverage the 2025<\/a> debate over extending the 2017 tax cuts to force the largest tax increase in our history.\u00a0<\/p>

They are drafting plans to raise taxes on individual taxpayers and American businesses, actions, which could tip the economy into a recession and result in larger deficits and debt<\/a>.<\/p>

The Biden administration\u2019s most harmful proposal would raise the U.S. corporate tax rate to one of the highest in the world. This would be a major economic mistake. Increasing the corporate rate is the most economically damaging tax increase, and raising this tax<\/a> in a weak economy would cause it to lose more revenue than it gained, likely triggering an eventual economic collapse.<\/p>

Numerous studies have shown that raising the corporate rate would have a harmful effect on working families, lowering their wages and incomes, increasing the prices they pay, and reducing their retirement<\/a>\u00a0 savings. A Federal Reserve study <\/a>found that a higher corporate tax rate would be \u201cuniformly harmful\u201d to working people, leading to \u201csignificant reductions \u201c in their jobs and incomes.<\/p>

Increasing the corporate tax rate would also put U.S. companies at a significant competitive disadvantage against our global competitors. Under the Biden administration, the U.S. rate<\/a> would be higher than every other country we compete against, reducing investment in America and shifting profits and jobs overseas.\u00a0<\/p>

Americans faced similar financial challenges of high prices, stagnant growth, and soaring taxes and spending 44 years ago. The Republican Party platform in 1980 stated that nothing was more important than economic growth, and endorsed the Reagan economic recovery program<\/a> of lower tax rates and spending cuts.\u00a0<\/p>

Once passed, the Reagan tax cuts <\/a>and spending reforms kicked off an economic boom, with real GDP growth reaching\u00a0 7% in 1983 and 8% in 1984, and averaging nearly 5% a year through 1988. Inflation dropped from 11% to 4% and nearly 20 million jobs were created in the largest peacetime expansion in U.S. history.\u00a0<\/p>

The Reagan tax cuts were modeled after the Kennedy tax cuts in the 1960s, which also set off an economic growth boom, with real growth averaging more than 5% a year. The Reagan-Kennedy tax cuts led to extended periods of unprecedented economic growth<\/a> and a higher standard of living for all Americans.\u00a0<\/p>

Under our current path of high taxes and spending, the economic outlook is dim. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is forecasting<\/a> 10 years of dismal and weak growth averaging 1.8% a year,\u00a0 much lower than the 3.5% average annual growth the U.S. experienced from 1960 to 2000. If that happens, we will have a decade of lower incomes, fewer jobs, and countless lost opportunities.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER<\/a><\/p>

But it does not have to be this way. As we have seen, an economic policy of low tax rates and fiscal restraint can increase investment, productivity, and output, leading to higher incomes and faster growth. Pro-growth tax policies that increase the incentive to work, save, and invest, along with spending restraint, would improve economic growth, getting us out of our slow growth rut and returning the economy to its historic growth rate<\/a>. <\/p>

Higher economic growth would generate trillions of dollars of economic activity, leading to higher wages and incomes, better jobs and opportunities, and more prosperity for all Americans. We cannot settle for another 10 years of subpar growth. Increasing economic growth should be our top priority. <\/p>

Bruce Thompson was a U.S. Senate aide, assistant secretary of Treasury for legislative affairs, and the director of government relations for Merrill Lynch for 22 years.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AP23315572079441.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3069418-1720072800", "title":"Is the American dream dead? My family’s story proves otherwise", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F3069418%2Fis-the-american-dream-dead-my-familys-story-proves-otherwise%2F", "byline":"Hera Varmah", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The American dream has been woven into countless narratives throughout my life, shaped by the inspiring stories shared by my family members and friends who came to the United States in search of a better life. This Independence Day, it might be tempting to think this dream is now elusive as division and discouragement spread across […]", "description":""

The American dream has been woven into countless narratives throughout my life, shaped by the inspiring stories shared by my family members and friends who came to the United States in search of a better life. This Independence Day<\/a>, it might be tempting to think this dream is now elusive as division<\/a> and discouragement<\/a> spread across our country.<\/p>

But my life proves it can still be a reality \u2014 if we strive to make it one. <\/p>

Those of us from immigrant communities are familiar with the promise of opportunity, enshrined by the Founding Fathers in the Declaration of Independence and encapsulated in the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Families like mine have worked urgently to realize this promise.<\/p>

Growing up, my family of 12 children born to immigrant parents faced many obstacles. We could have taken the wrong path, but we were fortunate to live in a state that gave us access to a top-tier education at Catholic private schools, magnet schools, and traditional public schools, in which each of us found what we needed to chase our dreams. <\/p>

As a young girl, I didn\u2019t believe I was intelligent or that I could excel in school. Even though my parents had faith in me, I was convinced I would fail. I focused on sports, thinking it was the only area in which I could succeed. I thought my siblings would go on to be successful while I remained stuck in poverty.<\/p>

But thanks to scholarship opportunities in my state, I met teachers who saw my potential and supported me, helping me gain confidence. And I was able to build friendships with others from different backgrounds and belief systems. <\/p>

Today, I am a college graduate working at a national policy organization, fighting for children like me. I went from feeling inadequate as a young girl to testifying before Congress at age 24.\u00a0<\/p>

My siblings and I are a fulfillment of my grandparents\u2019 dreams. We all have different opinions, careers, hopes, and dreams, but we are all achieving our goals. Four of us are college graduates, two are engineers, one is in medical school, six are university students, and two are high school students. <\/p>

This Independence Day, I want my family\u2019s story to be the norm, not an exception.<\/p>

I want my generation to reignite the spirit of striving for greatness in their careers, nurturing their families, or pursuing whatever version of the American dream they might hold. Negativity and doom may drive news cycles, but success stories abound when children are given opportunity. We must share these stories \u2014 and make them possible.<\/p>

Consider my friend and colleague Gissell, a first-generation American born in Delaware but raised in Mexico in the early 2000s. At 14 years old, she returned without her parents to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to pursue her education. Thanks to Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, which she was able to attend because of Wisconsin\u2019s school choice program, Gissell overcame numerous obstacles, including the difficult decision to forgo a full scholarship to Georgetown University to bring her two teenage sisters from Mexico instead and care for them. <\/p>

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER<\/a><\/p>

She went on to earn a double full scholarship to Marquette University and became the first college graduate in her family this May. She is still building her American dream as she pursues a career in policy.<\/p>

Our stories prove the American dream is alive and well if only we give children the chance to chase it. This means granting them access to quality education and opportunities regardless of their background or ZIP code. This Independence Day, let\u2019s rededicate ourselves to that goal.<\/p>

Hera Varmah is a graduate of Florida\u2019s tax credit scholarship programs and an external relations associate at the American Federation for Children.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/iStock-1399726385.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3069580-1720021085", "title":"Three times Biden disregarded the ‘limits of presidential power’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F3069580%2Fthree-times-biden-disregarded-the-limits-of-presidential-power%2F", "byline":"Andrea Ruth", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Fresh off his humiliating performance at the presidential debate, President Joe Biden found the energy to deliver brief remarks to a nationally televised audience over the Supreme Court‘s presidential immunity case.  In a four-minute address that resembled a campaign ad more than a formal statement, Biden, who took no questions, condemned the Supreme Court’s decision. […]", "description":""

Fresh off his humiliating performance at the presidential debate, President Joe Biden<\/a> found the energy to deliver brief remarks to a nationally televised audience over the Supreme Court<\/a>'s presidential immunity case.\u00a0<\/p>

In a four-minute address that resembled a campaign ad more than a formal statement, Biden, who took no questions, condemned the Supreme Court's decision. His comments echoed those of Justice Sonia Sotomayor<\/a>, employing fear-inducing language such as \"fundamentally changed\" and other phrases suggesting a significant shift but also allowing for possible retreats, such as \"for all practical purposes,\" \"almost certainly,\" and \"virtually no limits.\"<\/p>

One thing Biden said stood out<\/a>. \"I know I will respect the limits of the presidential power, as I have for three and a half years,\" he said. <\/p>

This statement is in stark contrast to his actions. In reality, the president has consistently pushed the boundaries of his power, particularly during the first two years of his presidency, when he frequently disregarded the separation of powers. <\/p>

Rent moratorium<\/p>

The first instance in which Biden ignored the limits of presidential power was when he allowed the COVID-era rent moratorium to remain in place. He won an initial 5-4 decision. Still, Justice Brett Kavanaugh<\/a> warned he only allowed it to continue to maintain an orderly transition and that any further relief would require \"clear and specific congressional authorization (via new legislation).\" The Biden administration ignored the warning and tried to extend the moratorium again. The Supreme Court struck it down.\u00a0<\/p>

Vaccine mandate<\/p>

In another instance, the Biden administration attempted to force private companies to mandate employee vaccinations, arguing it had the authority to use Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations to enforce it. The Supreme Court disagreed, striking down the mandate and ruling the agency exceeded its authority. The court wrote, \"Although Congress<\/a> has indisputably given OSHA the power to regulate occupational dangers, it has not given that agency the power to regulate public health more broadly.\"\u00a0<\/p>

Student debt relief<\/p>

Though academics, scholars, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Biden did not have the authority to implement student debt relief unilaterally, the president chose to do it anyway. Once again, the Supreme Court told him \"no,\" reminding him in yet another instance that he was not respecting the limits of presidential power. Chief Justice John Roberts<\/a> rejected the administration's argument it had authority under the 2003 HEROES Act to implement the plan. Roberts wrote, \"The question here is not whether something should be done; it is who has the authority to do it.\"\u00a0<\/p>

The court invoked the \"major question\" doctrine, which states that if Congress wants to give agencies the authority to make decisions of vast economic and political significance, it must say so clearly. Roberts said the HEROES Act didn't authorize debt relief at all. <\/p>

Rather than go to Congress and ask lawmakers to draft legislation for debt relief, Biden attempted a backdoor to implement student debt forgiveness. The administration devised a new scheme it felt would insulate it from judicial review. Biden had the audacity to boast about it. He said, \"The Supreme Court blocked me, but it did not stop me.\" <\/p>

However, two federal judges in separate states, Kansas and Missouri, blocked the new Saving on a Valuable Education plan enacted by the Department of Education<\/a>. States sued, arguing the administration once again overstepped its authority. While the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily lifted the Kansas judge's ban on the new repayment plan, the injunction is still in place in Missouri. The judges in both cases said the administration could not show Congress authorized the new plan.\u00a0<\/p>

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER<\/a><\/p>

The judges in the two cases, U.S. District Judge Daniel D. Crabtree in Kansas and U.S. District Judge John A. Ross in Missouri, were both appointed by President Barack Obama<\/a>. So, any complaints team Biden might have about the judges' political motivations fall flat.<\/p>

Pointing out how wrong former President Donald Trump is when it comes to restraints on executive power is not a valid way for Biden to excuse his lack of restraint, and it is a bald-faced lie for him to say he's respected the limits of presidential power during his term.<\/p>

Andrea Ruth is a contributor to the Washington Examiner magazine.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/AP24184012822003-scaled.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3065773-1719900000", "title":"Fairfax County Public Schools leadership displays disdain for parents — again", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F3065773%2Ffairfax-county-public-schools-leadership-displays-disdain-for-parents-again%2F", "byline":"Stephanie Lundquist-Arora", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Last Thursday, as the first presidential debate was making national headlines, Fairfax County School Board members held a meeting during which they voted on controversial changes to family life education curriculum. The takeaway for the few of us able to attend or watch it virtually was that the district’s leadership hates parents — or, at […]", "description":""

Last Thursday, as the first presidential debate<\/a> was making national headlines, Fairfax County School Board<\/a> members held a meeting during which they voted on controversial changes to family life education curriculum. The takeaway for the few of us able to attend or watch it virtually was that the district\u2019s leadership hates parents \u2014 or, at the very least, is severely inconvenienced by us.<\/p>

Darcy Healy, one of the speakers during public comment, delivered an impassioned statement that represents how many parents in Fairfax County are feeling. She said<\/a>, \u201cWe are parents, and we want you to listen to us, but we feel that that\u2019s just not happening. \u2026 The survey that was done in May and June [shows] 80% are against this co-ed situation. Let\u2019s continue to debate this. Don\u2019t do it over the summer. And don\u2019t do the vote on the evening of the presidential debate. This is an important topic. Show us that you want it to be important.\u201d<\/p>

Healy is right. In surveys both this year<\/a> and last year<\/a>, parents and community members made it clear that they did not support co-ed sex education or gender ideology instruction in their children\u2019s elementary classrooms. Several community members made this exact point during the last two school board meetings\u2019 public comment periods on June 13 and June 27.<\/p>

Instead of being inclusive and accepting community feedback, the Fairfax County School Board was hostile \u2014 most notably among them, the board\u2019s vice chairwoman, Melanie Meren<\/a>.<\/p>

First, Meren spoke indignantly about the curriculum\u2019s opt-out option. She said<\/a>, \u201cAnd, you know, what I want to convey is that we need to make decisions of curriculum for the benefit of, you know, as many children as possible. And this is why parents and families have the option to opt out if they don\u2019t feel the content is appropriate for their children when it comes to family life education.\u201d<\/p>

But why include unwanted, political nonsense such as gender ideology in a public school district\u2019s sex education curriculum and then place the burden of opting out on the parents? Here\u2019s why: because district leadership knows that many parents are preoccupied with our many other obligations and will forget to complete the extra administrative task of opting out our children from curriculum lessons.<\/p>

District leaders should not be experimenting with our children, but since they seem to insist on doing so, this curriculum should require parents to opt in rather than opt out.<\/p>

Meren then delivered an angry rant about the illegitimacy of the community\u2019s feedback mechanisms. She said<\/a>, \u201cI also do want to underscore that the comments that have been referred to as a survey, um, it actually was not a survey. There was a call for public comments. \u2026 There was also not a methodology to ensure that comments were unique contributors. So, of the 2,500 comments, it\u2019s unknown how many were contributed more than once.\u201d<\/p>

The takeaway is that if the district\u2019s leaders don\u2019t like community feedback, they blame the comment forum. Last year, for example, Karl Frisch<\/a>, the school board chairman, similarly dismissed<\/a> the survey as feedback from \u201cReddit warriors.\u201d<\/p>

In contrast, Ilryong Moon, a school board member who does not appear to be completely disgusted and inconvenienced by the district\u2019s parents, seemed to realize the absurdity of his colleagues\u2019 comments right away. The at-large member responded<\/a> that if there was a problem with the feedback mechanism for community input, it was the board\u2019s responsibility to fix the process. Moon further said he valued community input and thanked the 2,539 survey respondents for their time.<\/p>

Unfortunately, in spite of the negative feedback on the proposal, school board members, including Moon, voted to include gender ideology instruction in the seventh grade family life education curriculum. And they did not vote against gender ideology indoctrination for elementary school children. They instead postponed that decision \u2014 perhaps in the hopes that they can pass it when fewer parents are paying attention.<\/p>

Or even worse, they will include such measures surreptitiously and without a vote. Acting on her \u201cmajority doesn\u2019t always dictate\u201d philosophy, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid has already used a back-door, anti-democratic, administrative method to introduce co-ed instruction for sex education in the district\u2019s new pilot program<\/a> in 14 elementary schools that she likely intends to expand.\u00a0<\/p>

And so, to Healy I say, I feel your pain, and we will continue to debate this. But sadly, it seems that Reid, Frisch, Meren, and their tyrannical leftist activist minority have already decided what is best for our children. They seem to believe that we, the parents, are roadblocks obstructing their path, to be circumvented or run over.<\/p>

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER<\/a><\/p>

Stephanie Lundquist-Arora is a contributor for the Washington Examiner, a mother in Fairfax County, Virginia, an author, and the Fairfax chapter leader of the Independent Women\u2019s Network.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iStock-473628448-scaled.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3060911-1719468000", "title":"How Ben Sasse could transform education", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F3060911%2Fhow-ben-sasse-could-transform-education%2F", "byline":"Max Eden", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"In late 2022, former Republican Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse was appointed president of the University of Florida. The media mostly ran with artificially inflated stories of student protests. But Sasse’s supporters were optimistic that he could prove a transformative leader.  To date, he’s kept a relatively low public profile. But Sasse has just been handed […]", "description":""

In late 2022, former Republican Nebraska<\/a> Sen. Ben Sasse was appointed president of the University of Florida. The media mostly ran with artificially inflated stories of student protests. But Sasse\u2019s supporters were optimistic that he could prove a transformative leader.\u00a0<\/p>

To date, he\u2019s kept a relatively low public profile. But Sasse has just been handed a golden opportunity to remodel not only higher education, but substantially improve public K-12 education along with it. We should know soon whether he\u2019ll take it.<\/p>

For decades, conservatives have complained about teachers\u2019 colleges, where educators and administrators must receive certification. The evidence proves that they\u2019re a waste of time and money that confers no benefit on new teachers. Worse than that, they\u2019ve devolved into little more than critical race theory-indoctrination camps. It\u2019s rather insane that red states still require teachers to be steeped in anti-white, anti-American, anti-achievement dogma before entering a public school classroom.<\/p>

But most do, for three reasons. First, state legislators tend to be intimidated by people who have \u201cPh.D\u2019s,\u201d even if they have Ph.D\u2019s in nonsense. Second, legislators are typically reticent to rock the boat at their alma maters. And third, even if legislators had the will, transformational leaders who could overhaul a teachers\u2019 college are few and far between.<\/p>

None of these limiting conditions, however, apply to the UF.<\/p>

The Florida legislature passed House Bill 1291 last month, which mandates that state-approved teacher-preparation programs may not be \u201cbased on theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States.\u201d Instead, these programs must teach \u201cmastery of academic program content\u201d and \u201cinstructional strategies.\u201d Fancy that \u2014 schools of education that teach teachers to teach, rather than be social justice warriors. This law goes into effect on July 1.<\/p>

As the Claremont Institute recently documented<\/a>, the UF\u2019s College of Education is radically out of compliance with state law. UF\u2019s College of Education went as woke as any teachers\u2019 college could get \u2014 right under DeSantis\u2019s nose. In 2020, it jettisoned requirements for things such as \u201cCore Teaching Strategies,\u201d \u201cMusic for the Elementary Child,\u201d and \u201cArt Education\u201d with, respectively, \u201cEquity Pedagogy Foundations,\u201d \u201cEquity Pedagogy Applications\u201d and \u201cStudying Equity Pedagogy.\u201d Math and science? They simply weren\u2019t \u201cinclusive\u201d enough.<\/p>

Which is to say \u2014 everything was infused with CRT. Required course readings include things such as \u201cThe First Day of School: A CRT Story,\u201d \u201cWhite Girl Teaching,\u201d \u201cRaising Race Questions: Whiteness and Inquiry in Education,\u201d and required videos included one called \u201cThe Urgency of Intersectionality.\u201d<\/p>

So, what will Sasse do? A traditional college president would try to run interference for his institution, make cosmetic changes, and do his best to continue to violate the spirit of the law while pretending to adhere to its letter. Sasse doesn\u2019t need to play it this way, though. He can, and should, see that between the Florida law and the Claremont report he has been dealt two aces.<\/p>

By going hard-woke right under DeSantis\u2019s nose, the leadership of UF\u2019s College of Education has clearly indicated that they don\u2019t see themselves as Florida state government employees. So, they shouldn\u2019t be. They should all be fired. The College of Education should be fundamentally reworked, root to branch.<\/p>

The possibilities here are incredible. At minimum, Sasse could require his teachers\u2019 college to actually help teachers teach. Best practices in classroom management and student discipline, rigorous instruction in the science of reading, and additional content area knowledge for science, math, or history teachers should be a top priority.<\/p>

But UF could go far beyond teaching the basics. Florida has a burgeoning private and micro-school sector thanks to its universal education savings account. UF could offer a teacher entrepreneurship track. Florida\u2019s classical education sector, in particular, is thriving. UF could offer teachers rigorous training in classical methods. And believe it or not, teachers are rarely trained to actually deliver a particular curriculum. UF could do that, too.<\/p>

Why must a teacher move to Gainesville to get a UF degree? UF could set up satellite centers in every Florida county, and rework their program to support teacher apprenticeships. What\u2019s more \u2014 why limit that to Florida? With teacher certification reciprocity agreements, UF could colonize (we can use that word; it\u2019s Florida) teacher education nationally.<\/p>

When Mitch Daniels was president of Purdue University, he proved that colleges could be effectively administered \u2014 that endless tuition increases resulted from executive incompetence, not an inexorable law of finance. Sasse\u2019s legacy could be to prove that someone other than Daniels can do this too. Or, it could be to pioneer ways in which state flagship universities can drive dramatic improvement in public education \u2014 ways that could and should be emulated in every red state in America if they work.\u00a0<\/p>

Here\u2019s hoping he gets started next month on his transformational legacy.<\/p>

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM RESTORING AMERICA<\/a><\/p>

Max Eden is a research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/AP23008729452093-scaled.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3057090-1719295200", "title":"Biden’s Gaza pier is an abject failure", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F3057090%2Fbiden-gaza-pier-abject-failure%2F", "byline":"John Hannah", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Choose your label to describe what’s become of President Joe Biden’s Gaza pier: Dumpster fire. Boondoggle. White elephant. Whatever you call it, the project is a bona fide failure. It seems destined to be a textbook example of what happens when the political imperative to “do something” overwhelms serious planning.  The latest news is that […]", "description":""

Choose your label to describe what\u2019s become of President Joe Biden\u2019s<\/a> Gaza pier<\/a>: Dumpster fire. Boondoggle. White elephant. Whatever you call it, the project is a bona fide failure. It seems destined to be a textbook example of what happens when the political imperative to \u201cdo something\u201d overwhelms serious planning.\u00a0<\/p>

The latest news<\/a> is that the pier may be terminated ahead of schedule. Erected in mid-May by the U.S. military to deliver seaborne assistance, the pier\u2019s operations repeatedly have been interrupted by rough waters.\u00a0<\/p>

A storm broke<\/a> the pier apart only days after going into service. After millions of dollars of repairs<\/a>, it was thrown back into action. Days later, forecasts of choppy waters led the military to tow<\/a> the pier to safe harbor. It\u2019s just returned<\/a> to service a third time, though it\u2019s hard not to believe that the project\u2019s days are numbered.\u00a0<\/p>

Mother Nature may end up being the proximate cause of the pier\u2019s demise, but it hasn\u2019t been the only problem foiling the effort. Security has also been a major problem. In the brief time the facility actually functioned, the relatively small amounts of assistance making it to shore were being widely looted by desperate mobs.\u00a0<\/p>

All of these challenges were forecast well in advance. This was hardly a case in which officials struggled to make sense of what former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld famously described<\/a> as the \u201cknown unknowns\u201d and the \u201cunknown unknowns.\u201d On the contrary, the obstacles posed by Gaza\u2019s heavy seas and lack of security were obvious to anyone tracking events.\u00a0<\/p>

In other words, Biden and his team were operating in the easiest part of Rumsfeld\u2019s matrix: the land of \u201cknown knowns\u201d \u2014 problems that we know with certainty will arise and that require solutions in advance.<\/p>

I was part of a group that had discussions last December with the U.S. team in charge of getting humanitarian aid into Gaza. We asked about the feasibility of a maritime channel. In so many words, we were told it was a dumb idea. Waters near Gaza are notoriously treacherous. The effort would be within range of Hamas\u2019s guns. The amount of aid that could be delivered by sea would be a drop in the bucket of what was needed. Far better to focus on dramatically expanding land routes into Gaza, we were told.\u00a0<\/p>

That wasn\u2019t the only expert advice the administration disregarded. Reporting suggests<\/a> the U.S. military first learned of Biden\u2019s decision to build the pier only when he announced it in his March 7 State of the Union address. But at the time, planners still had no answers as to how such a project could be successfully executed.<\/p>

Topping their concerns was security and making sure that once supplies made it to shore, they could be safely delivered into the hands of suffering Gazans. It was already widely understood that the biggest challenge was not getting adequate supplies of food into Gaza but making sure it reached innocent civilians without first being diverted.<\/p>

Remarkably, Biden and his team didn\u2019t demand a solution to the security problem before making the pier the centerpiece of a major presidential initiative. Nor did they bother to develop one in the two months that it took the military to get the pier into place. With the eyes of the world watching and U.S. credibility on the line, the administration\u2019s approach to a well-defined set of challenges that could make or break the effort seemed to amount to little more than hoping things would work out.<\/p>

Alas, they haven\u2019t. Instead, the pier has become a humiliating internet meme<\/a> and joke \u2014 and at a price tag of more than $200 million in U.S. taxpayer funds and months of effort by 1,000 troops.\u00a0<\/p>

On its face, this appears to be a classic case of a breakdown in sound policymaking. At the time of Biden\u2019s announcement, criticism of his support for Israel was reaching fever pitch. Pictures of Gaza\u2019s devastation dominated headlines. Important parts<\/a> of Biden\u2019s Democratic coalition were threatening not to support his reelection.\u00a0<\/p>

It\u2019s not hard to imagine that within the White House pressure cooker, the panic to \u201cdo something\u201d for suffering Palestinians and show presidential leadership by going over the heads of a seemingly recalcitrant Israeli leadership became overwhelming. Something big had to be announced in the State of the Union \u2014 regardless of whether all the hard questions had been answered.<\/p>

Understandable? Perhaps. Acceptable? No. Good intentions are not enough. Hope is never a strategy, especially not for the world\u2019s greatest democracy whose resolve, reliability, and competence have never been in greater doubt. We simply can\u2019t afford self-inflicted mistakes such as Biden\u2019s pier \u2014 mistakes that observers saw coming miles away. <\/p>

Figuring out how things went so badly awry should be a target-rich environment for congressional oversight.  <\/p>

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM RESTORING AMERICA<\/a><\/p>

John Hannah is a senior fellow at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America and former national security adviser to Vice President Dick Cheney.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/AP24139591326544.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3052740-1718960078", "title":"Rubio’s rapport with Latino voters could drive Trump to victory", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3052740%2Fmarco-rubio-latino-voters-trump-victory%2F", "byline":"Ross O'Keefe", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Former President Donald Trump‘s interest in selecting Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) as his vice president is setting off alarm bells for Democrats. The Florida senator and one-time rival of Trump has turned into a reliable ally and offers the former president a direct line to a bloc Republicans have been flirting with taking from Democrats […]", "description":""

Former President Donald Trump<\/a>'s interest in selecting Sen. Marco Rubio<\/a> (R-FL) as his vice president is setting off alarm bells for Democrats.<\/p>

The Florida senator and one-time rival of Trump has turned into a reliable ally and offers the former president a direct line to a bloc Republicans have been flirting with taking from Democrats for years \u2014 Latino and Hispanic voters. While Latino and Hispanic voters aren't a monolith, creating in-roads with them would put several states Democrats have taken for granted in recent cycles in play, Michael LaRosa, who is a former press secretary for first lady Jill Biden and special assistant to President Joe Biden, wrote<\/a> in an op-ed for the New York Times.<\/p>

\"But there is something Latino voters have in common: their Latin American roots and the pride that comes from casting a vote for someone who looks and talks like them,\" LaRosa wrote. \"Mr. Rubio would break a significant cultural barrier as the first Latino on a national ticket.\"<\/p>

Rubio could help Trump convince large Latino constituencies in swing states Arizona and Nevada while shoring up Republican-leaning Florida. It also could make normally Democratic New Mexico, which has the largest proportion of Hispanics in the United States, interesting.<\/p>

There has been some doubt about whether Rubio could serve as Trump's vice president, given the 12th Amendment doesn't allow for a president and vice president to be from the same state, in this case, Florida, without losing its electoral votes.<\/p>

LaRosa said this concern is \"overblown,\" citing former Vice President Dick Cheney's residential switch from Texas to Wyoming, and he thinks Rubio could do something similar.<\/p>

LaRosa said Trump selecting Rubio would be taking a page out of Biden's 2020 campaign playbook. When he selected Vice President Kamala Harris, he made the choice to appeal to voters of color, a move that worked as black women turned out for the Biden-Harris ticket.<\/p>

And winning over Hispanic and Latino voters will matter in states where they make up smaller shares of the electorate but where the races are still considered tight. Trump is beating Biden in Pennsylvania by more than 2 points in the Real Clear Politics average<\/a> \u2014\u00a0a state Biden can't afford to lose if he plans to repeat his 2020 success.<\/p>

LaRosa argued, \"There are voters who make their choice because they want to be a part of history and break ground more than, say, that they agree with the candidate, or the ticket, on specific policies.\" Latinos could be those voters, and that's why he said Rubio scares him and should scare Democrats this November.<\/p>

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER<\/a><\/p>

The Florida senator is one man in a throng<\/a> of Trump vice presidential candidates, some of whom recently received vetting materials from the campaign.<\/p>

The Washington Examiner contacted the Trump campaign and Rubio's office but received no response.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/AP22310815339264-scaled.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3047141-1718618746", "title":"Torres mocks Bowman’s fire alarm stunt in hint he’s abandoning fellow Democrat", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2Fcongressional%2F3047141%2Ftorres-mocks-bowman-fire-alarm-hint-abandoning-democrat%2F", "byline":"Elaine Mallon", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) is in the middle of a brutal primary fight, and a fellow New York Democrat looks like he is on the cusp of endorsing the “Squad” member’s opponent. Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY), a fiercely pro-Israel member of Congress, got into a spat with Bowman over the weekend after the Israel critic […]", "description":""

Rep. Jamaal Bowman<\/a> (D-NY) is in the middle of a brutal primary fight, and a fellow New York<\/a> Democrat looks like he is on the cusp of endorsing the \u201cSquad\u201d member\u2019s opponent.<\/p>

Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY), a fiercely pro-Israel<\/a> member of Congress, got into a spat with Bowman over the weekend after the Israel critic questioned the sincerity of Torres\u2019s support for the Jewish state. Torres was quick to hit back at Bowman, poking fun at the lawmaker\u2019s stunt of pulling a fire alarm in the Capitol while on his way to a vote that would prevent a government shutdown last September.<\/p>

\u201cAs for Jamaal Bowman, I care as much about his opinion on me as I do about his opinion on how to properly pull a fire alarm or his opinion on how to remain in Congress,\u201d Torres told<\/a> the New York Post. \u201cHis opinion is worse than a rubber stamp \u2014 it leaves no impression, much like his legislative record or his recent attendance record.\u201d<\/p>

Bowman said on the Night School podcast<\/a> hosted by Marc Lamont Hill that Torres only stands in support of Israel because of the \u201cpower of the Israel lobby.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cRitchie is very calculating in this way. ... Ritchie \u2014 he just seems to be always plotting, always calculating something,\u201d Bowman said.<\/p>

Bowman\u2019s attack on Torres, a two-term representative of the Bronx, appeared unprovoked as the neighboring representative had steered clear of weighing in on Bowman\u2019s contest.<\/p>

But in the middle of the episode, Hill asked Bowman to comment on why Torres falls in line with Bowman on every matter except for when it comes to Israel.<\/p>

\u201cHow can someone be so progressive on so many issues and not see the injustice going on in Palestine in the same way?\u201d Hill asked.<\/p>

Hill made the comment that Torres \u201ctweets to Netanyahu like he is Netanyahu\u2019s long lost cousin.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cSo if I was doing that when I first got in, my bank account first of all would be flushed,\u201d Bowman said.<\/p>

Bowman\u2019s criticisms of Israel as it wages war with Hamas have put him in a vulnerable position with the large contingent of Jewish supporters in his district.<\/p>

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, an influential pro-Israel PAC, has spent millions of dollars attacking Bowman, helping give Westchester County Executive George Latimer a boost in his challenge to unseat the two-term congressman. Bowman is trailing Latimer by 17 points, according<\/a> to a recent poll.<\/p>

Prior to serving as U.S. representative for the Bronx, Torres was a New York City Council member for 10 years. He noted his public support for Israel dates back to 2015, when he took a trip there. <\/p>

He said one of the reasons he didn\u2019t join the \u201cSquad\u201d after being elected in 2020 was he believed that some of the members\u2019 support for the BDS movement was antisemitic.<\/p>

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER<\/a><\/p>

\u201cI have a general rule of not weighing in against a congressional Democrat who has not weighed in against me,\u201d Torres said. \u201cBut Bowman\u2019s gratuitous attack on my character might cause me to rethink that rule.\u201d<\/p>

New York\u2019s primary will be on June 25.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AP24165005433095.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3004139-1715721649", "title":"Biden greenlights $1 billion weapon shipment to Israel week after withholding bombs", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F3004139%2Fbiden-greenlights-weapon-shipment-israel-after-withholding-bombs%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Biden administration announced its approval of a $1 billion weapon shipment to Israel just one week after President Joe Biden announced he would withhold a weapons shipment if Israel launched an offensive into Rafah. The administration notified Congress of the move on Tuesday, the Washington Examiner independently confirmed. Officials told the Wall Street Journal […]", "description":""

The Biden administration<\/a> announced its approval of a $1 billion weapon shipment to Israel<\/a> just one week after President Joe Biden announced he would withhold a weapons shipment if Israel launched an offensive into Rafah.<\/p>

The administration notified Congress of the move on Tuesday, the Washington Examiner independently confirmed. <\/p>

Officials told<\/a> the Wall Street Journal that the package includes offensive weapons, including $700 million in tank ammunition, $500 million in tactical vehicles, and $60 million in mortar rounds. Additional steps must be taken before the weapons are approved and delivered.<\/p>

The move was foreshadowed by national security adviser John Kirby, speaking with reporters last week.<\/p>

\"[Biden] also said yesterday that he will continue to ensure that Israel has all of the military means it needs to defend itself against all of its enemies, including Hamas,\" he said. \"For him, this is very straightforward: He\u2019s going to continue to provide Israel with all of the capabilities it needs, but he does not want certain categories of American weapons used in a particular type of operation in a particular place. And again, he has been clear and consistent with that.\"<\/p>

Kirby further clarified that Israel has not yet launched a Rafah operation that crosses Biden's red line. Biden said last week he would withhold specific 2,000-pound bombs from Israel if the country expanded operations into Rafah, where Palestinian refugees have fled due to the war.<\/p>

Israel began an offensive into Rafah last week, which has continued with airstrikes and ground operations. It's unclear what Biden's red line regarding Rafah is.<\/p>

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) signaled that the lower chamber was satisfied with Biden's action.<\/p>

\u201cI think it\u2019s important for us to express again the will of Congress on the matter and so I don\u2019t think we\u2019ll be changing what we do on the legislation,\u201d he told reporters Tuesday evening.<\/p>

Tuesday's move to approve another major weapons shipment is likely to lose Biden the goodwill he received from progressive Democratic allies after his announcement that offensive weapons would be withheld, which in turn drew him ire from Republicans and pro-Israel Democrats.<\/p>

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER<\/a><\/p>

Biden has attempted to balance the passions of pro-Israel Democrats with the vehement opposition of pro-Palestinian Democrats during Israel's campaign in Gaza. The invasion of Rafah has emerged as a new flashpoint, with the Biden administration repeatedly warning Israel of the consequences if it launches an all-out assault on the area.<\/p>

Cami Mondeaux and Naomi Lim contributed to this report.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/AP24128020312504-1-scaled.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"2872560-1709100613", "title":"Great Stakes: Michigan union and blue-collar workers in the driver’s seat for the presidency", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F2872560%2Fmichigan-union-blue-collar-workers-drivers-seat-presidency%2F", "byline":"Naomi Lim", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Michigan voters have an outsize impact on who will win the White House and which party will carry the House and Senate in 2024. In this series, Great Stakes: The fight to be hailed as victors in Michigan, the Washington Examiner will look at the thorny politics and unique matters that will swing the critical battleground state. Part four, […]", "description":""

Michigan voters have an outsize impact on who will win the White House and which party will carry the House and Senate in 2024. In this series, Great Stakes: The fight to be hailed as victors in Michigan, the Washington Examiner will look at the thorny politics and unique matters that will swing the critical battleground state. Part four, below, examines how the economy and union vote will determine who wins the expected rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.<\/p>

SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Michigan \u2014 President Joe Biden<\/a> and former President Donald Trump<\/a>'s economic<\/a> pitches to Michigan<\/a>'s blue-collar voters, particularly the state's half a million union<\/a> members, could decide the 2024 general election<\/a> as this week's primary underscores the likely nominees' respective weaknesses before November.<\/p>

If Trump can compete with Biden for those voters in places such as Michigan's famed Macomb County<\/a>, as former President Ronald Reagan<\/a> did in 1980 with so-called Reagan Democrats, he could win the state's 15 Electoral College<\/a> votes and reclaim the White House<\/a> this election cycle.<\/p>

Trump not only has to win Macomb County, as he did in 2016 and 2020, but he also has to \"win with a margin\" to counter the parts of Michigan where he could underperform, according to Republican strategist Jamie Roe, the longtime chief of staff to former Republican Rep. Candice Miller.<\/p>

Tuesday's Republican primary emphasized Trump's loose grip on 30 to 40% of his party, with former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations<\/a> Nikki Haley<\/a> holding him to 70% of the vote. Meanwhile, Biden netted about 80% of the Democratic primary vote due to an \"uncommitted<\/a>\" protest vote.<\/p>

Macomb County voted for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer<\/a> (D-MI) in 2022, \"but every time Trump's been on the ballot, there are parts of the electorate that come out\" for him \"that really don't come out for a whole lot of other people,\" Roe told the Washington Examiner.<\/p>

Those people include union workers despite Michigan-based United Auto Workers <\/a>President Shawn Fain, for example, endorsing Biden last month.<\/p>

Terry Bowman, Trump's 2016 campaign Michigan co-chairman and 2020 Workers for Trump national chairman, has also worked for the Ford Motor Company<\/a> for almost three decades. Bowman now chairs the board of the nonpolitical Institute for the American Worker, but he contended what is good for union officials does not \"necessarily mean that it's good for the rank and file.\"<\/p>

\"They like [Trump] personally as a candidate and just as a person,\" Bowman said. \"Secondly, we do now have a history of Donald Trump's policies, and going into 2024, I think workers have looked at: What did Donald Trump do for blue-collar auto workers<\/a>, and what has Joe Biden done for blue-collar workers?\"<\/p>

One of Biden's more politically problematic policies has been his desire to have 50% of all new vehicle sales being electric models<\/a> by 2030, though policy analysts disagree regarding its workforce consequences. Simultaneously, Bowman was temporarily laid off this week because Ford's Rawsonville Plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan, which builds batteries for the maker's electric F-150 Lightning, is reducing production and shifts.<\/p>

\"We have thousands, or tens of thousands of workers in the auto industry in America that work in transmission plants and in engine plants,\" Bowman said. \"There's more jobs coming into the assembly of batteries, but it's not going to be on a one-for-one basis. ... Even with the government subsidies, the demand for these trucks is just not there.\"<\/p>

Trump receiving more support from industrial union workers than Republicans traditionally do is \"part of a longer transformation along educational lines between the political parties,\" according to Michigan State University Institute of Public Policy and Social Research Director Matthew Grossmann. But that does not help Biden, who this week had almost 52,000 Democrats mark themselves as \"uncommitted\" in protest of the Israel<\/a>-Hamas<\/a> war instead of voting for him.<\/p>

\"It's a smaller proportion of the Michigan economy than it used to be, but it still has a lot of cultural resonance because lots of people have family members who work for the auto industry or support the UAW,\" Grossmann said.<\/p>

Mark Gaffney, a former president of Michigan's AFL-CIO<\/a>, a union federation, conceded other types of labor groups have become less politically powerful as their membership has declined, in addition to those members being \"more independent.\"<\/p>

\"Younger members tend to be even more independent,\" Gaffney said, adding that Trump's opposition to the North American Free Trade Agreement appealed to industrial union members after years of their leadership describing such deals as bad.<\/p>

\"So along comes Trump, and whether he follows through on everything that he says or not is debatable, but he convinces people that he's talking their language,\" Gaffney continued. \"So we could have lost, in some unions, as many as 40% of our members last time. And that's a pretty big number.\"<\/p>

But Jackie Kelly-Smith, Macomb County Democratic Committee's black caucus chairwoman and a retired UAW worker, was more optimistic concerning Biden's prospects in the community, citing him taking part in last fall's strike.<\/p>

\"We've had this going on since I got hired by General Motors<\/a> in 1975,\" Kelly-Smith said. \"They feel as though my union should not endorse someone that I don't want to vote for. On the other hand, you have the union saying we're going to endorse those that allow us to continue to represent, negotiate, and bargain, and that's not always a Republican president. ... Trump didn't care if we went bankrupt.\"<\/p>

More broadly, the economy, along with border<\/a> security and abortion<\/a> access, could determine the election, with polls demonstrating disapproval of Biden's economic approach. For instance, Biden's economic approval rating is roughly net negative 16 percentage points, with 40% approving and 56% disapproving.<\/p>

Michigan state Rep. Karen Twinsett, a Democrat who represents parts of Detroit and Dearborn in neighboring Wayne County, another critical region, recognized that Biden's economy, or \"Bidenomics,\"<\/a> has been detrimental to her constituents.<\/p>

\"When you're talking about somebody in the presidency, normally, these things don't bother you until they're hitting you at home, like gas prices<\/a> or whatever,\" Twinsett said. \"Everyday people don't think about that stuff, but when you go to the grocery store, you're feeling it.\"<\/p>

In response, state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-MI), who represents other parts of Dearborn, implored Biden to emphasize \"corporate greed that has been masquerading as inflation.\"<\/p>

\"Inflation<\/a> is real, but also corporations have upped their prices exponentially since the pandemic hit,\" Byrnes said. \"If they don't call it out and don't act on it, people will feel like they're trying to pull the wool over their eyes.\"<\/p>

But Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI), the dean of Michigan's congressional delegation in Washington, and former state Sen. Tom Barrett, who is contesting Michigan's 7th Congressional District again, argued Bidenomics's damage has already been done. For Walberg, from the five town halls he led last week before his interview with the Washington Examiner, it is \"very clear\" that Bidenomics is \"not working,\" especially related to interest rates <\/a>and energy costs<\/a>, and that only a \"very significant turnaround\" could improve Biden's popularity.<\/p>

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER<\/a><\/p>

Barrett additionally downplayed the importance of Biden's union endorsements after the International Brotherhood of Teamsters<\/a>'s political action committee donated $45,000 to the Republican National Committee's convention fund. The Teamsters have yet to endorse a candidate.<\/p>

\"The national union leadership is always going to endorse Democrats, and the UAW was always going to endorse Biden,\" Barrett said. \"It was just a question of when now they had become frustrated with him over his electric vehicle mandates and other things that really disadvantaged union workers and auto plants because their jobs aren't going to be around. I would say your average or stereotypical UAW worker is probably somebody who cares about crime in their communities, cares about the border a whole heck of a lot.\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/AP24023837150822-1-scaled.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886737-1763056738", "title":"America First Legal adds Byron Donalds as plaintiff in US Census Bureau lawsuit ", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fjustice%2F3886737%2Famerica-first-legal-byron-donalds-census-bureau-lawsuit%2F", "byline":"Pedro Rodriguez", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"EXCLUSIVE — America First Legal added Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) on Wednesday as a plaintiff to a lawsuit against the U.S. Census Bureau in an amended complaint.  The lawsuit, filed by the University of South Florida College Republicans and Pinellas County Young Republicans with the Middle Judicial District of Florida, Tampa Division, in September, alleges […]", "description":""

EXCLUSIVE \u2014 America First Legal added Rep. Byron Donalds<\/a> (R-FL) on Wednesday as a plaintiff to a lawsuit against the U.S. Census Bureau in an amended complaint.\u00a0<\/p>

The lawsuit, filed by the University of South Florida College Republicans and Pinellas County Young Republicans with the Middle Judicial District of Florida<\/a>, Tampa Division, in September, alleges that the bureau's use of statistical manipulation fabricated millions of residents and unfairly distorted congressional representation, as well as Electoral College votes.\u00a0<\/p>

The plaintiffs argued that the bureau<\/a>'s move violated the Constitution<\/a>'s actual enumeration clause and federal law. They requested a three-judge panel to review their claims.<\/p>

\"The integrity of our electoral system begins with an accurate census,\" Donalds said, affirming that Florida voters \"should not lose their rightful representation due to bureaucratic manipulation\" in a statement shared with the Washington Examiner.<\/p>

\"[The lawsuit] underscores the need for accuracy and transparency in the Census Bureau's process \u2014 representation must be based on real counts of real Americans,\" America First Legal<\/a> President Gene Hamilton said in the joint statement.\u00a0<\/p>

The lawsuit says the government agency invoked the group quarters imputation and differential privacy, computation methods that take residents into account with limited knowledge, in college dormitories or residential areas during the COVID-19 pandemic<\/a>, when most students were not present.<\/p>

The group quarters imputation allowed the agency to count \"phantom people\" and \"distort population figures,\" as mentioned in the lawsuit, by drawing an estimate of the number of college students<\/a> at the time through a comparison of previous populations in the same place.<\/p>

UNHAPPY STATES CONSIDER CENSUS LAWSUIT TO STOP NEW POLITICAL MAP\u00a0<\/a><\/p>

Federal law prohibits the use of statistical sampling for congressional<\/a> apportionment, as stated in 13 U.S.C. \u00a7 195, and the use of different census dates for\u00a0populations of people sought to be estimated through the group quarters method, as mentioned in 13 U.S.C. \u00a7 141.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

If the claims were to be upheld in court, the three-judge<\/a> panel could rule that the agency is guilty of violating the Constitution and federal law on multiple counts, mandate the agency to create a new 2020 census<\/a> report free of the use of the statistical methods, and possibly issue an injunction against the agency prohibiting it from using the statistical methods in question in its 2030 census<\/a> report.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/us-census-2020-form.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886674-1763055539", "title":"Eric Swalwell blasts Bill Pulte DOJ referral over alleged mortgage fraud", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse%2F3886674%2Feric-swalwell-bill-pulte-doj-referral-alleged-mortgage-fraud%2F", "byline":"Rachel Schilke", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) blasted the “targeting” of President Donald Trump’s political opponents after it was reported he had been referred to the Justice Department by a top housing official in the Trump administration on Friday on allegations of mortgage fraud in Washington, D.C.. Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, sent […]", "description":""

Rep. Eric Swalwell<\/a> (D-CA) blasted the \"targeting\" of President Donald Trump's political opponents after it was reported he had been referred to the Justice Department<\/a> by a top housing official in the Trump administration on Friday on allegations of mortgage fraud in Washington, D.C.<\/a>.<\/p>

Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi<\/a> alleging that Swalwell may have made false or misleading statements in loan documents for a home in the nation\u2019s capital, per NBC News.<\/p>

\u201cAs the most vocal critic of Donald Trump<\/a> over the last decade and as the only person who still has a surviving lawsuit against him, the only thing I am surprised about is that it took him this long to come after me,\u201d Swalwell said.<\/p>

The Washington Examiner contacted the DOJ for confirmation.<\/p>

Swalwell is the fourth Democratic official to face mortgage fraud allegations in the months since Trump took office for the second time.<\/p>

The California<\/a> Democrat was one of the first Democrats to call for an investigation into Russia\u2019s<\/a> alleged meddling in the 2016 election during Trump's first administration. He has sued<\/a> the president over his actions leading up to the Jan. 6, 2021<\/a>, Capitol riot.<\/p>

Pulte previously sent criminal referrals to the DOJ for two other prominent Democratic critics of Trump: New York Attorney General Letitia James<\/a> and Sen. Adam Schiff<\/a> (CA). He also criminally referred Lisa Cook<\/a>, a Federal Reserve governor, to the DOJ. All three have denied wrongdoing.<\/p>

\u201cLike James Comey<\/a> and John Bolton<\/a>, Adam Schiff and Lisa Cook, Letitia James and the dozens more to come \u2014 I refuse to live in fear in what was once the freest country in the world,\u201d Swalwell said, listing other targets of the Trump administration<\/a>. \u201cOf course, I will not end my lawsuit against him. And I will not stop speaking out against the President and speaking up for Californians.\u201d<\/p>

SHUTDOWN RELIEF COMING SOON: HOUSE VOTE CLEARS FINAL HURDLE TO REOPEN GOVERNMENT<\/a><\/p>

\u201cAs Mark Twain said, \u2018Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.\u2019 Mr. President, do better. Be Better,\u201d Swalwell added.<\/p>

Swalwell has been a frequent target of Republicans, claiming that he had ties to a suspected Chinese spy and was compromised by a foreign intelligence agency. Swalwell, who has denied the allegations, faced<\/a> a House Ethics Committee investigation, but it closed in 2023<\/a> with no conclusion that he committed any wrongdoing.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AP25260580710966.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886575-1763053788", "title":"ESPN faces backlash for BYU article mocking Mormon prophet", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3886575%2Fespn-faces-backlash-byu-article-mocking-mormon-prophet%2F", "byline":"Jenny Goldsberry", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"ESPN edited an article on its website about Brigham Young University after it sparked backlash for “ill-advised jokes” about Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of the Mormon religion. The article discusses the bottom 10 college football teams. As of Thursday, the BYU Cougars are 8-1. “Legend has it, after the angel Moroni showed Joseph Smith […]", "description":""

ESPN edited an article on its website about Brigham Young University after it sparked backlash for \"ill-advised jokes\" about Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of the Mormon religion.<\/p>

The article discusses the bottom 10 college football teams. As of Thursday, the BYU Cougars are 8-1.<\/p>

\"Legend has it, after the angel Moroni showed Joseph Smith the golden plates upon which the Mormon Church was founded, he also warned Smith to make sure to heed the oft-forgotten inscription located on the scratched up backside of the plates: 'BEWARE THE COVETED FIFTH SPOT LEST IT BITE YOU IN THE BEHIND IN LUBBOCK,'\" writer Ryan McGee initially wrote.<\/p>

McGee was referring to the team's undefeated record until last week, when it lost to Texas Tech. The golden plates, which recount anecdotes about Jesus Christ's visit to the Americas, are the founding scripture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.<\/p>

Smith credited his finding of the golden plates, written in an ancient language and buried underground, to a vision from the angel Moroni, one of the prophets who wrote the text. Moroni can often be seen as a golden statue on the church's temples.<\/p>

Smith shared the scripture, now called the Book of Mormon, with others who converted to the religion he founded. BYU is owned by the church and named after Smith's successor.\u00a0<\/p>

\"The new #Bottom10 is up. The one that mentions Bruce Wayne, Bane, Brian Kelly, a guy named @mugtang and the angel Moroni speaking to Joseph Smith,\" McGee wrote on X on Wednesday.<\/p>

McGee's article quickly sparked controversy on X.<\/p>

\"WTF is this @espn? #1 Why is 8-1 BYU even on this list at all given the other teams,\" one user wrote<\/a>. \"But wtf is this paragraph. Sounds like it was written by a drunk fan who uses every clich\u00e9 bashing point in a sports argument. This is pathetic for a \u2018professional\u2019 article to be posted on ESPN.\"<\/p>

\"Hey @ESPNMcGee what in the world is happening here?? How is this ok?\" another user wrote<\/a>.<\/p>

\"Yo @espn we know you love the SEC, but hating on @BYUfootball and showing your religious bigotry is bull crap. What a joke. No wonder every one hates you,\" one user wrote<\/a>.<\/p>

\"More than anything, I hate that he thought this was clever,\" another user wrote<\/a>.<\/p>

\"Hey @ESPNMcGee, wanted to let you know that making fun of a religion while describing their football team is pretty bull**** and disrespectful and you should apologize and maybe change your description,\" one user wrote<\/a>.<\/p>

\"Just lame he has to mock our religion but for other religious schools he has actual analysis,\" another user wrote<\/a>, noting McGee's analysis of the University of Notre Dame, a Catholic school.<\/p>

On Thursday afternoon, the article was edited, and McGee addressed the controversy on X.<\/p>

\"BYU lands in the Coveted Fifth Spot after hauling truckloads of gear out into the middle of West Texas seeking fortune, fame and riches, only to come up empty and get run out of town by a bunch of mysterious masked Raiders,\" the article now says. \"In other words, the entire plot of that Billy Bob Thornton TV series.\"<\/p>

\"New - and revised - #Bottom10 is up. Apologies for earlier insensitivities,\" McGee wrote<\/a> on X. \"Certainly wasn't my intent. But BYU is still in the Coveted Fifth Spot. Ill-advised jokes can be deleted. Ill-advised gameplans cannot.\"<\/p>

ESPN GOT THE KYREN LACY STORY WRONG WHILE PEDDLING OUTRAGE<\/a><\/p>

\"Thank you for removing the religious bigotry from the article @ESPNMcGee. How kind of you,\" one user responded<\/a> to the edits.<\/p>

The Washington Examiner reached out to ESPN and BYU for comment.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/joseph-smith-statue-espn-collage-close-up.jpg?1763053756&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886590-1763053093", "title":"Border Patrol heading to Charlotte next for immigration operation, sheriff confirms", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fimmigration%2F3886590%2Fborder-patrol-charlotte-immigration-operation%2F", "byline":"David Zimmermann", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Border Patrol agents will be en route to Charlotte, North Carolina, as early as this weekend or early next week to conduct an immigration operation, a county sheriff confirmed on Thursday. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden revealed he spoke with two federal officials about the move on Wednesday without disclosing specific details of the operation. […]", "description":""

Border Patrol<\/a> agents will be en route to Charlotte<\/a>, North Carolina, as early as this weekend or early next week to conduct an immigration<\/a> operation, a county sheriff confirmed on Thursday.<\/p>

Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden revealed he spoke with two federal officials about the move on Wednesday without disclosing specific details of the operation. The Border Patrol is not asking the sheriff's office to assist with or participate in federal immigration enforcement, according to the local official.<\/p>

\"We value and welcome the renewed collaboration and open communication with our federal partners,\" McFadden said. \"It allows us to stay informed and be proactive in keeping Mecklenburg County safe and to maintain the level of trust our community deserves.\"<\/p>

The sheriff's statement<\/a> marks the first confirmation of Border Patrol's Charlotte operation, which was previously reported by the Washington Examiner<\/a> based on sources familiar with the plan.<\/p>

Border Patrol agents based in Chicago<\/a> are expected to travel to North Carolina<\/a> in the coming days. Gregory Bovino, the commander who oversaw the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in Los Angeles<\/a> and Chicago this year, is also poised to travel to Charlotte.<\/p>

Under McFadden, Charlotte has declined to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement because of its status as a sanctuary city. Although he has criticized ICE in the past, McFadden said he has a \"better working relationship\" with the agency since a meeting on Oct. 17.<\/p>

McFadden, a Democrat in his second term, recently announced<\/a> he's seeking reelection next year.<\/p>

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said it will not participate in any immigration enforcement actions, as it lacks authority in this matter. The police department added that it has not been involved in the planning of the operation whatsoever.<\/p>

Gov. Josh Stein (D-NC) said he has not received any confirmation from the federal government concerning the operation.<\/p>

\"If we had absolute confidence that ICE was going to come here and they were going to go and find violent, dangerous drug traffickers and criminals and be targeted in their work, the city would welcome them with open arms,\" Stein told reporters<\/a> in Charlotte on Wednesday. \"I'm almost certain of that. We haven't heard from them, so we don't know what their plans are, but we have seen instances where ICE has gone after American citizens and detained them for up to days at a time.\"<\/p>

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles made a similar statement, calling the rumors of such an operation unverified and telling the local community to remain calm.<\/p>

\"As Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) has shared, CMPD does not participate in ICE operations, nor is CMPD involved in the planning of these federal activities,\" she posted on X<\/a>. \"CMPD would only become involved in situations where there are criminal behavior or criminal warrants that fall under CMPD\u2019s jurisdiction.\"<\/p>

BORDER PATROL AGENTS IN CHICAGO HEADING TO CHARLOTTE THIS WEEK<\/a><\/p>

The Department of Homeland Security<\/a> declined to comment on the operation.<\/p>

\"Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country,\" DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin previously told the Washington Examiner. \"We do not discuss future or potential operations.\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25317735849123.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886645-1763052604", "title":"Trump rolls back Biden-era rule, opens Alaska for drilling", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fenergy-and-environment%2F3886645%2Ftrump-rolls-back-biden-rule-open-alaska-drilling%2F", "byline":"Callie Patteson", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Oil and gas drilling in Alaska just got a whole lot easier, as the Trump administration is rolling back rules imposed under former President Joe Biden that restricted fossil fuel development in the nation’s largest tract of public land.  The Department of the Interior announced Thursday that it is rescinding a rule issued by the […]", "description":""

Oil and gas drilling in Alaska just got a whole lot easier, as the Trump administration is rolling back rules<\/a> imposed under former President Joe Biden<\/a> that restricted fossil fuel<\/a> development in the nation\u2019s largest tract of public land.\u00a0<\/p>

The Department of the Interior<\/a> announced Thursday that it is rescinding a rule<\/a> issued by the Bureau of Land Management in April 2024, which had blocked drilling on 13 million acres of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

The rule prohibited drilling on nearly half of the NPR-A, with the intention of conserving the environment, land, and habitats of wildlife in the region, such as caribou, migratory birds, and polar bears.\u00a0<\/p>

The final rule rescinding the Biden administration's<\/a> drilling curbs is set to be published in the Federal Register on Nov. 17.<\/p>

The NPR-A, a roughly 23-million-acre area in Alaska\u2019s North Slope Borough, was first set aside by President Warren Harding in 1923 as an emergency oil supply for the U.S. Navy<\/a>. Jurisdiction of the land was ultimately transferred to the Interior Department in the 1970s, opening it up to oil and gas development.\u00a0<\/p>

President Donald Trump<\/a> and his Cabinet have repeatedly blasted the Biden administration\u2019s environmental rules curbing drilling as government overreach.\u00a0The Trump administration<\/a> has quickly taken steps to roll back these regulations and other management plans for the area to boost oil and gas development in the state.\u00a0<\/p>

\"By rescinding the 2024 rule, we are following the direction set by President Trump to unlock Alaska\u2019s energy potential, create jobs for North Slope communities and strengthen American energy security,\" Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum<\/a> said in a statement.\u00a0<\/p>

\"This action restores common-sense management and ensures responsible development benefits both Alaska and the nation,\u201d Burgum added. <\/p>

In Thursday\u2019s announcement, the Interior Department said its Bureau of Land Management<\/a> would manage the NPR-A under new regulations that align with those originally established by the agency in 1977.\u00a0The agency said rescinding the Biden-era environmental protections would reduce regulatory burdens and help \u201cdeliver full economic benefits\u201d to the region.\u00a0<\/p>

Late last month, BLM published a call for nominations<\/a> and comments on what areas in the NPR-A should be made available in an oil and gas lease sale scheduled to take place this coming winter.\u00a0A lease sale has not been held in the 23-million-acre reserve since 2019.\u00a0<\/p>

Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed this summer, BLM is now required to hold no fewer than five lease sales in the NPR-A by 2035. Each sale is required to make at least 4 million acres available, effectively making the entire reserve open for oil and gas exploration and drilling combined.\u00a0<\/p>

The Trump administration\u2019s efforts to unleash Alaskan energy have the backing of the Republican-led Congress.\u00a0<\/p>

SENATE VOTES TO UNDO BIDEN-ERA PRODUCTON CURBS IN ALASKA'S NATIONAL PETROLEUM RESERVE<\/a><\/p>

Also in October, the Senate voted to walk back environmental protections in the NPR-A put in place under Biden. These protections, included in BLM\u2019s 2022 management plan for the reserve, blocked roughly 11 million acres onshore and offshore from oil and gas leasing.\u00a0<\/p>

A similar resolution has been introduced in the House<\/a> by Rep. Nick Begich (R-AK), though there has been little movement in the lower chamber in part due to the since-ended government shutdown<\/a>.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP23249826674305-e1763069865814.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886662-1763051842", "title":"Wisconsin commission approves increased electricity rates", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fenergy%2F3886662%2Fwisconsin-commission-approves-increased-electricity-rates%2F", "byline":"Center Square", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"(The Center Square) – Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission approved a pair of residential electricity rate hikes last week, including 13.9% for Alliant Energy over two years and 20% for Xcel Energy. The Alliant natural gas rate will increase nearly 11% while Xcel Energy’s was 14%. The group is set to vote on an increase for […]", "description":""

(The Center Square) \u2013 Wisconsin\u2019s<\/a> Public Service Commission approved a pair of residential electricity<\/a> rate hikes last week, including 13.9% for Alliant Energy<\/a> over two years and 20% for Xcel Energy.<\/p>

The Alliant natural gas rate will increase nearly 11% while Xcel Energy\u2019s was 14%.<\/p>

The group is set to vote on an increase for Madison Gas and Electric on Nov. 20. The increases will go into effect Jan. 1.<\/p>

That means that the commission has approved more than $2 billion in electric and natural gas rate increases since Gov. Tony Evers became governor, according to Americans for Prosperity \u2013 Wisconsin.<\/p>

\u201cSkyrocketing energy bills are hurting Wisconsin families, renters, and small business owners already struggling to make ends meet, pushing the American Dream further out of reach,\u201d AFP-Wisconsin Legislative Director Jerry Ponio said. Today, our state ranks among the highest in the Midwest for electric rates \u2013 proof that the current system under Evers is broken.\u201d<\/p>

Alliant said that its rate increase would amount to an average residential electrical monthly bill increase of about $6 a month in 2026 and another $8 a month in 2027. The increase would be $3 a month to the average residential natural gas customer\u2019s bill in 2026, and about $3 a month in 2027,\u00a0Alliant said<\/a>.<\/p>

EVERS, WEDC SPENT MORE THAN $160K ON TRADE TRIP TO EUROPE<\/a><\/p>

Alliant received a 12% electricity rate increase and a 9.86% in gas rates in 2023.<\/p>

\"Wisconsin needs leadership that puts people ahead of utility profits\u2014and AFP-WI is leading the charge,\u201d Ponio said. \u201cThrough grassroots action, we\u2019ll keep pressing for the accountability families deserve and fight for energy policies that put consumers first.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/AP24305092104734.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886487-1763050809", "title":"Ensure America’s skies don’t fall prey to congressional games of chicken ", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fop-eds%2F3886487%2Fensure-us-skies-dont-fall-congressional-games-chicken-government-shutdown-air-travel%2F", "byline":"Jackson Shedelbower", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The federal shutdown may be over, but its turbulence is far from behind us. Nowhere were the consequences more visible than in the skies. Delays slammed nearly every major U.S. airport, air traffic controller training ground to a halt, and long-term modernization projects were temporarily shelved when they were needed the most. As the dust […]", "description":""

The federal shutdown<\/a> may be over, but its turbulence is far from behind us. Nowhere were the consequences more visible than in the skies<\/a>. Delays slammed nearly every major U.S. airport<\/a>, air traffic controller training ground to a halt, and long-term modernization projects were temporarily shelved when they were needed the most.<\/p>

As the dust settles in Washingt<\/a>o<\/a>n<\/a>, policymakers must make a renewed commitment to improving America\u2019s aviation infrastructure and to helping shield it from future political games of chicken. Establishing a longer-term funding mechanism for the Federal Aviation Administration<\/a> would protect critical operations and modernization efforts when the lights go dark on Capitol Hill.<\/p>

The U.S. aviation network is running on outdated technology and borrowed time. A 2024 Government Accountability Office<\/a> report found that 51 of the nation\u2019s 138 FAA systems<\/a> are considered \u201cunsustainable.\u201d Paper strips, floppy disks, and technology that looks better suited for a museum display are far too common in America\u2019s air traffic control towers.\u00a0<\/p>

Meanwhile, more than 90%<\/a> of U.S. airport towers are understaffed, straining an already fragile system and elevating the risk of delays for millions. Earlier this summer<\/a>, for example, delays caused by widespread staffing shortages stymied travel plans<\/a> for passengers flying through Washington, D.C., and Newark. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy<\/a> even changed his family\u2019s flight plan to steer clear<\/a> of New York\u2019s crowded skies.<\/p>

Those cracks only widened during the shutdown. Air traffic controllers \u2014 whose paychecks depend on annual appropriations by Congress<\/a> \u2014 were forced to work without pay, guiding planes through the nation\u2019s busiest airspace while worrying about their own household bills. Some took on second jobs<\/a>. Others simply called it quits<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

The result? The FAA was forced to cancel<\/a> up to 1 in 10 commercial flights. By mid-November, over 5 million passengers experienced disruptions<\/a> on the tarmac.<\/p>

Worse yet, the shutdown didn\u2019t just ground flights; the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, which trains new controllers to fill the national shortage, closed its doors<\/a>, too. This translates to fewer trainees entering airport towers to backfill vacancies.<\/p>

The same can be said about critical aviation upgrades and modernization efforts. In July, Congress approved $12.5 billion to help finance Duffy\u2019s blueprint to modernize air traffic control systems<\/a>. The plan includes replacing copper wires with fiber-optic cable, building new radar and weather systems, and bringing 21st-century technology into control towers. But some of these projects were frozen<\/a> during the shutdown.<\/p>

Lawmakers in Washington don\u2019t have to rewrite the script to solve this problem. Programs such as Social Security<\/a> and Medicare<\/a> operate with dedicated funding sources that aren\u2019t subject to annual budget battles. When lawmakers leave town, Americans continue to receive their benefits.<\/p>

OVER 1,000 FLIGHTS CANCELED DAY AFTER GOVERNMENT REOPENS<\/a><\/p>

Similar protections, or at least more long-term appropriations, should be granted to the FAA. It would ensure steady investment in staffing, safety, and technology, regardless of political turbulence. For example, passing legislation that allows the FAA to dip into the Airport and Airway Trust Fund to pay air traffic controllers during future shutdowns would be a good first step.<\/p>

The recent shutdown exposed how fragile our nation\u2019s aviation system has become. Regardless of when the next standoff arrives, flights cannot operate on partisan timelines. Congress must insulate FAA funding to keep America\u2019s skies safe, staffed, and modernized.<\/p>

Jackson Shedelbower is the executive director of the Center for Transportation Policy. <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25301674714316-e1763066304158.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886504-1763050602", "title":"Activists demand Schumer step down with hand-delivered petition to DC office", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fsenate%2F3886504%2Factivists-demand-schumer-resignation-hand-delivered-petition-dc-office%2F", "byline":"Ramsey Touchberry", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Demonstrators with Our Revolution delivered what the progressive activist group said were more than 10,000 digital “signatures” on Thursday to Sen. Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) Washington office, demanding he resign as Democratic leader for his handling of the government shutdown. The episode was the latest outpouring of anger at the New York Democrat for what liberal […]", "description":""

Demonstrators with Our Revolution delivered what the progressive activist group said were more than 10,000 digital \"signatures\" on Thursday to Sen. Chuck Schumer\u2019s (D-NY) Washington office, demanding he resign as Democratic leader<\/a> for his handling of the government shutdown<\/a>.<\/p>

The episode was the latest outpouring of anger at the New York Democrat for what liberal groups say was an unforgivable failure to keep his members united<\/a>, after a group of Senate Democrats dropped their healthcare demands to help Republicans end the shutdown that concluded Wednesday.<\/p>

\u201cWhether they did this behind his back or they did it with his consent, either way shows a lack of leadership from the minority leader in the Senate,\u201d Our Revolution Deputy Director Paco Fabien told the Washington Examiner. \u201cWe need new leadership in Congress.\u201d<\/p>

Schumer, whose office did not respond to a request for comment, voted against the deal that eight of his Democratic caucus members struck with Republicans to reopen the government. Even so, left-leaning activist groups and some House Democrats still place blame at Schumer\u2019s feet for the defections.<\/p>

Fabien, whose organization also delivered petitions to Schumer\u2019s office in September calling on him to endorse now-Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani<\/a>, said there was lingering frustration with the top Senate Democrat over his refusal to do so.<\/p>

\u201cHe caved, and he never endorsed Zohran Mamdani for mayor of New York City, even though he was the Democratic nominee,\u201d Fabien said. \u201cWe need leaders that will fight with us, not against us, and that's why we need new changes in Democratic leadership in the Senate.\u201d<\/p>

Around a dozen organization members carried empty boxes with the group\u2019s logo into Schumer\u2019s office. Fabien told a staff member that they were environmentally conscious and had her take a photo of a barcode linking to digital copies of their petition signatures. They also attempted to deliver a tongue-in-cheek \"retirement gift\" in the form of an oversized cutout of a watch, but were prevented from bringing it into the building by U.S. Capitol Police, according to Fabien.<\/p>

The senators who bucked their fellow Democrats say the shutdown, the longest in U.S. history at 43 days, was causing hardship for unpaid federal workers and families without benefits like food stamps and that they could no longer stick with the party\u2019s demands to extend expiring Obamacare subsidies. Rather, they secured a guarantee from Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) for a vote on a healthcare bill of Democrats' choosing by mid-December.<\/p>

The concession was far from adequate for most of their Democratic colleagues. Still, the deal-makers have made the case that they won the messaging war by creating a national conversation about healthcare costs, a notion that progressives roundly reject.<\/p>

\u201cUnfortunately, messaging doesn't provide healthcare to the 20 million folks that are going to lose it because of this, and they give up with a promise of a vote that is absolutely not going to pass,\u201d Fabien said.<\/p>

It\u2019s estimated that more than 4 million Obamacare recipients out of the 24 million people with marketplace plans will be forced to drop their coverage in the coming years without the continued subsidies.<\/p>

Senate Democrats are now looking to \u201cregroup\u201d<\/a> after the shutdown defeat, but have little time to cobble together a bill extending the pandemic-era premium subsidies that could pass with the required GOP support. Democrats would, at a minimum, need to settle for stronger eligibility requirements to win over the 13 or more Senate Republicans needed to break a filibuster.<\/p>

\u201cGiven the lack of leadership we've seen so far from Schumer and other Democrats in both the House and the Senate, I find it very unlikely that we\u2019ll come to a compromise that will be helpful for Americans that need it the most,\u201d Fabien said.<\/p>

ACTIVISTS DELIVER 80,000 PETITIONS URGING SCHUMER AND JEFFRIES TO BACK MAMDANI<\/a><\/p>

Fabien, whose organization was founded by Sen. Bernie Sanders<\/a> (I-VT) following his failed 2016 presidential run, suggested Sanders would be a more effective Democratic leader in the Senate. He said Schumer\u2019s counterpart in the House, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), should also be replaced, despite his opposition to the shutdown deal. He floated Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), a potential 2028 primary challenger to Schumer, and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), leader of the Progressive Caucus, as desirable replacements.<\/p>

\u201cWe're hoping to replace Democratic leadership across the board in Congress,\u201d Fabien said.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IMG_0248-e1763065298822.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885978-1763050253", "title":"Pakistan blames India and Afghanistan for terrorist attacks that rocked country as tensions escalate", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F3885978%2Fpakistan-blames-india-afghanistan-terrorist-attacks%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Pakistan directly blamed Afghanistan and India for a deadly suicide bombing on Tuesday in Islamabad, further escalating tensions in the fragile region. In a speech to the National Assembly on Wednesday, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif blamed Afghanistan and longtime rival India for the bombing in the capital, which killed 12 people and wounded 35 […]", "description":""

Pakistan<\/a> directly blamed Afghanistan<\/a> and India for a deadly suicide bombing on Tuesday in Islamabad, further escalating tensions in the fragile region.<\/p>

In a speech to the National Assembly on Wednesday, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif blamed Afghanistan and longtime rival India for the bombing in the capital, which killed 12 people and wounded 35 others. Sharif portrayed the involvement as a pattern, further connecting India and Afghanistan to the Balochistan Liberation Army's hijacking of a train in March, which killed 31 passengers.<\/p>

\"To say that external adversaries are not involved in these terrorist incidents is as absurd as calling night day and day night,\" Sharif said. <\/p>

\"I want to say here with full force and confidence that we are fully aware of the actions of these enemies of Pakistan and external elements,\" he added. \"We have given them a crushing response before, and we will do so again, inshallah. You will never be allowed to obstruct Pakistan's peace, progress, and prosperity.\"<\/p>

The Pakistani Taliban, TPP, denied any involvement in the attack. An offshoot initially claimed responsibility, but a commander soon contradicted it, according to the Associated Press.<\/p>

The Washington Examiner contacted the Pakistani Embassy for additional information.<\/p>

Just a day before the Tuesday bombing, Cadet College Wana, located along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, was attacked by six terrorists. No civilian fatalities were reported after the army's swift intervention, but all six terrorists were killed.<\/p>

On Thursday, Pakistan's Information Ministry said the attackers were all Afghan nationals affiliated with the TPP and that the attack was planned in and launched from Afghanistan. Some of the attackers were alleged to have used American-made weapons.<\/p>

\"The attack on Cadet College Wana was planned and controlled from Afghanistan,\" the ministry said in a statement. \"The attack was planned in Afghanistan by\u00a0kharji\u00a0Zahid and the final approval was given by\u00a0[TPP Emir] Noorwali Mehsud. All the\u00a0khwarij\u00a0who attacked Cadet College Wana were Afghan citizens. The equipment for this attack was provided from Afghanistan, which included American-made weapons.\"<\/p>

Attached to the statement was a video showing a diagram of the assault and intercepted phone calls relating to the attack.<\/p>

Speaking with the Senate on Thursday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi divulged further details about the bombing. He said it was \"related to Afghanistan,\" that the suicide bomber was an Afghan national, and that seven facilitators of the attack were arrested.<\/p>

\"It is becoming very difficult for us; the way people from Afghanistan are coming here and attacking us,\" he said, adding that the government would do \"whatever is possible\" to tackle it.<\/p>

Naqvi also connected the bombing to illegal Afghan immigration to Pakistan, saying the government is dedicated to ensuring all illegal immigrants are deported.<\/p>

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry\u00a0said the suicide bomber didn't even know \"Pakistan's language nor did he know of the country's currency,\" according to<\/a> Dawn.<\/p>

While Pakistan has struggled with terrorist attacks for decades, most occur in the border provinces. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Tuesday<\/a> that the bombing in the heart of the country was a \"wake-up call\" and that Pakistan is \"in a state of war.\"<\/p>

\"Anyone who thinks that the Pakistan Army is fighting this war in the Afghan-Pakistan border region and the remote areas of Balochistan, today's suicide attack at the Islamabad district courts is a wake-up call,\" he said.<\/p>

Asif said the attack was \"a message from Kabul, to which ... Pakistan has the full strength to respond.\"<\/p>

The bombing, combined with the attack at Wana, he argued, has \"raised the stakes in this state of war against Afghanistan. We should take this with the utmost seriousness.\"<\/p>

Leaning into the claim that India had a hand in the Islamabad bombing, Asif said Pakistan is \"prepared to face the enemy on both the western and eastern borders.\"<\/p>

\"If these people want a final round and for all-out hostility to begin, then what other option will we have?\" he asked.<\/p>

India has vehemently rejected the \"baseless and unfounded allegations\" that it was involved in the bombing. It said the allegations are a distraction from \"the ongoing military-inspired constitutional subversion and power-grab unfolding within the country,\" referring to a constitutional amendment passed Thursday that widened the power of Field Marshal Asim Munir.<\/p>

Sharif took a softer tone on Wednesday during his speech to Parliament, saying Islamabad wanted \"Afghanistan to also be an equal partner in peace.\"<\/p>

\"But it is not acceptable that they make promises and then fail to act on them,\" he said of the Taliban government. \"The Afghan brothers and sisters whom Pakistan hosted as guests for forty years, providing them with resources, the world is witnessing today the return for that forty-year hospitality.\"<\/p>

Pakistan has long accused the Taliban of harboring the TPP, which uses Afghanistan as a springboard to launch terrorist attacks. Last month witnessed the nadir of relations, when Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul sparked a short-lived armed conflict that killed dozens of people and injured hundreds more.<\/p>

Walter Ladwig, an associate war studies professor at King's College London, told<\/a> NBC News that the attacks and accusations illustrate the difficulties posed by the mutual belligerence between Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.<\/p>

SUICIDE BOMBER KILLS 12 IN PAKISTAN, WOUNDING DOZENS MORE IN BLAST HEARD FOR MILES<\/a><\/p>

\"The bigger problem is the absence of any real security dialogue among India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan,\" he argued.<\/p>

\"Without any real regional intelligence sharing, every act of violence tends to be viewed through a political lens \u2014 as state-sponsored, rather than part of a broader extremist problem,\" Ladwig concluded.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25317568167363.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886136-1763049180", "title":"US Catholic bishops chide Trump’s immigration policies: ‘Climate of fear’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fimmigration%2F3886136%2Fus-catholic-bishops-reject-trump-immigration-enforcement-policies%2F", "byline":"Pedro Rodriguez", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops condemned parts of President Donald Trump‘s “indiscriminate” and “inhumane” methods of immigration enforcement on Tuesday. During their Fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore, 216 of 224 bishops voted to adopt a “special message” that acknowledged the significance of the rule of law and advocated immigration reform. “We are disturbed when […]", "description":""

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops condemned parts of President Donald Trump<\/a>'s \"indiscriminate\" and \"inhumane\" methods of immigration<\/a> enforcement on Tuesday.<\/p>

During their Fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore<\/a>, 216 of 224 bishops voted to adopt a \"special message\" that acknowledged the significance of the rule of law and advocated immigration reform.<\/p>

\u201cWe are disturbed when we see among our people a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling and immigration enforcement. We are saddened by the state of contemporary debate and the vilification of immigrants,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>

The message then expressed the bishops' \"concern\" over the condition of detention centers and detainees' lack of access to pastoral care before it denounced the detention of illegal immigrants<\/a> in hospitals, schools, and churches.<\/p>

\"We are troubled by threats against the sanctity of houses of worship and the special nature of hospitals and schools,\u201d the message said. \u201cWe are grieved when we meet parents who fear being detained when taking their children to school and when we try to console family members who have already been separated from their loved ones.\u201d <\/p>

While the bishops condemned the immigration tactics used by law enforcement<\/a>, they acknowledged the significance of the rule of law and suggested the Trump administration<\/a> uphold the law with \u201cdignity.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cCatholic teaching<\/a> exhorts nations to recognize the fundamental dignity of all persons, including immigrants,\" the letter said. \u201cWe bishops advocate for a meaningful reform of our nation\u2019s immigration laws and procedures. Human dignity and national security are not in conflict. Both are possible if people of good will work together.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cWe recognize that nations have a responsibility to regulate their borders<\/a> and establish a just and orderly immigration system for the sake of the common good. Without such processes, immigrants face the risk of trafficking<\/a> and other forms of exploitation. Safe and legal pathways serve as an antidote to such risks,\" the letter added.<\/p>

In the bishops' declaration, the group also recognized the \u201cgenerations of immigrants<\/a>\u201d who have made \u201cenormous contributions to the well-being of our nation.\u201d<\/p>

The bishops then concluded their deposition by recognizing the tense climate both law enforcement and immigrants have faced, and prayed for the end of the \"dehumanizing rhetoric and violence.\"<\/p>

POPE LEO URGES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO HAVE RESPECT FOR \u2018HUMAN DIGNITY\u2019 IN FIRST INTERVIEW<\/a><\/p>

\u201cWe oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people. We pray for an end to dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, whether directed at immigrants or at law enforcement,\u201d they said. <\/p>

The Trump administration, composed of devout Catholics or supporters of the Catholic Church<\/a>, has yet to respond to the bishops' adoption of the statement.\u00a0<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/catholic-bishop-lawsuit-e1763066528184.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886473-1763049066", "title":"Colombia’s Petro amplifies quarrel over drugs with ‘barbarian’ Trump after halting intel sharing with US", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fforeign-policy%2F3886473%2Fcolombia-gustavo-petro-barbarian-trump-drug-boat-strikes%2F", "byline":"Emily Hallas", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Colombian President Gustavo Petro denounced President Donald Trump as a “barbarian,” escalating a feud between the two leaders over the United States’s approach to targeting drugs flowing from South America.  Earlier this week, Petro ordered his country to stop sharing intelligence with Washington due to his outrage at Trump for authorizing around 20 military strikes […]", "description":""

Colombian<\/a> President Gustavo Petro denounced President Donald Trump as a \u201cbarbarian,\u201d escalating a feud between the two leaders over the United States\u2019s approach to targeting drugs <\/a>flowing from South America. <\/p>

Earlier this week, Petro ordered his country to stop sharing<\/a> intelligence with Washington due to his outrage at Trump for authorizing around 20 military strikes <\/a>on boats off the coast of the continent suspected to be carrying drug cartel members and illegal narcotics to the U.S. The Pentagon\u2019s most recent strike<\/a> was on Wednesday and killed four people. <\/p>

The same day, the Colombian president defended his decision, arguing, \u201cIntelligence is not for killing.\u201d <\/p>

\u201cThe most key thing is intelligence\u201d in combating the drug trade, Petro said during an interview<\/a> with NBC News. \u201cThe more we coordinate intelligence, the better. That is what I have been doing. But intelligence is not for killing.\u201d<\/p>

The Trump administration has received criticism from a range of lawmakers and countries for carrying out the lethal strikes without more evidence of criminality. The United Nations has claimed the strikes<\/a> \u201cviolate international human rights law\u201d after the Pentagon targeted a series of alleged drug boats, largely in the Caribbean waters off the Venezuelan coasts. Strikes have killed around seven dozen people whom the Trump administration believes to be \u201cnarcoterrorists<\/a>\u201d trafficking drugs into the U.S. <\/p>

The Pentagon has accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro\u2019s regime of deliberately funneling drugs into the U.S. that have killed many. And the State Department last month sanctioned Colombia <\/a>over the matter, calling Petro a \u201cformer guerrilla member\u201d and saying his policies amount to the \u201cappeasement and emboldening of narcoterrorists\u201d in the region. <\/p>

Petro has sought to cast blame on Trump over the drug war, saying on Wednesday the president \u201cwants to frighten us.\"\u00a0<\/p>

HERE ARE THE DETAILS OF THE US STRIKES TARGETING ALLEGED DRUG VESSELS<\/a><\/p>

The State Department has pushed back against suggestions that the Trump administration is targeting the innocent. <\/p>

\"Bottom line, these are drug boats,\" Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last month<\/a>. \"If people want to stop seeing drug boats blow up, stop sending drugs to the United States.\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/AP25276857455121.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886393-1763048174", "title":"Noem unveils $10,000 bonus paychecks for TSA agents who stuck out shutdown", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Finfrastructure%2F3886393%2Fkristi-noem-tsa-bonus-paychecks%2F", "byline":"David Zimmermann", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Thursday that TSA agents who worked throughout the 43-day government shutdown will receive $10,000 bonus paychecks for their “exemplary service” in keeping air travel safe for the nation. Noem thanked the hard-working Transportation Security Administration agents for “stepping up, taking on extra shifts, for showing up each and […]", "description":""

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem<\/a> announced on Thursday that TSA<\/a> agents who worked throughout the 43-day government shutdown<\/a> will receive $10,000 bonus paychecks for their \"exemplary service\" in keeping air travel safe for the nation.<\/p>

Noem thanked the hard-working Transportation Security Administration agents for \"stepping up, taking on extra shifts, for showing up each and every day\" as the shutdown derailed thousands of flights due to a lack of federal funding.<\/p>

\"We will be continuing to not only recognize employees across the country, but we will be looking at every single TSA official who helped serve during this government shutdown and do what we can to recognize that and help them financially with a bonus check to get them and their family back on their feet,\" she said at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.<\/p>

It remains unclear how many TSA employees will receive the bonuses, but Noem handed out the first bonus paychecks to multiple TSA agents present at the Houston press conference.<\/p>

Thursday's announcement comes three days after President Donald Trump<\/a> suggested $10,000 bonuses be given to air traffic controllers who worked during the prolonged funding lapse. Those who left were threatened with a \"negative mark\" on their records, \"at least in my mind,\" Trump said.<\/p>

The shutdown ended late Wednesday after the short-term, Senate-passed continuing resolution cleared the House<\/a> and was signed by the president. During the signing ceremony, Trump blamed Democrats<\/a> for refusing to reopen the government for over a month.<\/p>

While the shutdown is over, its disruptive effects on air travel will linger. On Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy<\/a> said flight cuts at 40 major domestic airports will remain at 6% rather than rise to 10% as more air traffic controllers return to work.<\/p>

TRUMP OFFERS $10,000 BONUS TO AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS WHO STAYED DURING SHUTDOWN AND THREATENS THOSE WHO LEFT<\/a><\/p>

Air travel may take days or even weeks before operations return to normal<\/a>, according to aviation experts. The day after the shutdown ended, roughly 1,300 flights were canceled and about 15,000 were delayed, per live data<\/a> from flight tracker FlightAware as of Thursday afternoon.<\/p>

In the meantime, federal agencies will be working to distribute back pay to their previously furloughed workers in the coming days. NBC News reported some checks could be issued as early as this weekend.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25312020285230.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886269-1763047251", "title":"Democrats want school choice for themselves, not everyone else", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Frestoring-america%2Fequality-not-elitism%2F3886269%2Fdemocrats-want-school-choice-for-themselves-pritzker-teachers-unions%2F", "byline":"Elisha Krauss", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Once again, Democrats have shown their lack of self-awareness, let alone self-respect, when it comes to their “do as I say, not as I do” mentality. The rotund and often angry Democratic governor of Illinois, JB Pritzker (whose net worth is estimated to be almost $4 billion), shouted about how awful school choice is at a […]", "description":""

Once again, Democrats<\/a> have shown their lack of self-awareness, let alone self-respect, when it comes to their \u201cdo as I say, not as I do\u201d mentality.\u00a0The rotund and often angry Democratic governor of Illinois, JB Pritzker<\/a> (whose net worth is estimated<\/a> to be almost $4 billion), shouted about how awful school choice<\/a> is at a conference this past week.<\/p>

Speaking to the Illinois Federation of Teachers, Pritzker claimed Republicans, as well as President Donald Trump and his allies, want to take dollars away from public schools and funnel them to private businesses.<\/p>

\u201cRepublicans want to take billions away from public schools and pump it into private institutions,\u201d he stated<\/a>.<\/p>

After that line got boos from the crowd of public school teachers, he continued, \u201cThey want to punish teachers for telling the truth. They want to criminalize educators for supporting LGBTQ students. They want to turn classrooms into culture war battlegrounds. And I\u2019m sorry to be vulgar, but Donald Trump and his cronies can f*** all the way off.\u201d<\/p>

On top of the fact that most of his above statements are factually untrue, it seems incredibly out of touch to tell parents who are concerned about the quality of their children\u2019s education to \u201cf***\u201d off.<\/p>

That is who he is speaking to, after all: mothers and fathers. Grandmas and grandpas. Foster families and legal guardians. Not Trump, not political cronies \u2014 but loved ones around the nation and within his own state who think our children deserve better.<\/p>

Pritzker himself sent his two children to a swanky Chicago-area school, Francis W. Parker<\/a>, where annual tuition currently runs<\/a> anywhere from $43,000 (for kindergarten) to over $50,000 (for 8th grade). What does the average single mother in the United States make annually? Less than the kindergarten tuition at the liberal governor\u2019s school of choice ($40,000 a year on average). <\/p>

The governor, who can clearly afford to send his children to any school in the world, no matter the cost, wants to make sure the minority mothers of Chicago never have access to a better education.\u00a0And why? Because he, like many of his Democratic peers, is beholden to the power and money of the teachers unions.<\/p>

Pritzker has been in an internal battle <\/a>with the unions because they want more money. (What else is new?) He says he wants to give it to them, but he\u2019s smart enough to know his state doesn\u2019t have the funds to pay what they are demanding. So, when he cannot pay up, he has to prove to them he is still on their side. <\/p>

The numerous Illinois-based teachers unions boast over 250,000 members combined; that number is more than 10% of the voters who showed up for Pritzker in his 2022 reelection.\u00a0And if he has aspirations of running for president in 2028, then he knows he has to kowtow to the National Education Association (which has upwards of 3 million members) and the American Federation of Teachers (around 1.5 million members), in addition to the dozens of subsidiary organizations and groups around the country that claim to advocate our children.<\/p>

Pritzker is not alone in his targeting of school choice. His gubernatorial counterpart to the north and likely 2028 Democratic candidate for president, Gretchen Whitmer, is known for her cozy relationship<\/a> with teachers unions, which contributed $1 million<\/a> to the Michigan governor\u2019s race. She has vetoed<\/a> the use of educational vouchers for her constituents.\u00a0<\/p>

In my home state of California, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has experienced past battles with the California Teachers Association, but overall, he has had a simpatico relationship with teachers unions, making sure student vouchers are not accessible to the children in his state.<\/p>

Newsom did briefly lift<\/a> the voucher ban, but only for those who lost their homes in the horrific wildfires this January. Despite sending his children to a school that costs $60k a year<\/a>, he has consistently limited the parental rights<\/a> and decisions of his constituents.<\/p>

ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS PUSH PRITZKER ON FEDERAL SCHOOL CHOICE PROGRAM<\/a><\/p>

Democrats are due for a reckoning at the ballot box for minimizing the needs of America\u2019s children and limiting the rights of parents to choose what is best for their own family.\u00a0They can pretend their angst is directed at fat cat lobbyists and Trump, but we are wise enough to know their hatred for educational choice is directed at us and our children.<\/p>

Mothers tend to get really engaged when it comes to the well-being of our babies. These clips will serve as fodder for campaign commercials against Democrats in the future. Pritzker and his peers might soon realize that if they choose to \u201cf***\u201d around with our children, they will lose.<\/p>

Elisha Krauss is a conservative commentator and speaker who resides in Los Angeles, California, with her husband and their four children. She advocates women\u2019s rights, school choice, and smaller government.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25291759390425-e1763062508519.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886241-1763046653", "title":"DOJ searching for suspect who attacked Alina Habba’s office, Bondi says", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fjustice%2F3886241%2Fdoj-searching-suspect-attacked-alina-habba-office-pam-bondi%2F", "byline":"Kaelan Deese", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Justice Department is searching for an individual who entered acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba’s office, damaged property, and fled the scene, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Thursday. “Last night, an individual attempted to confront one of our U.S. Attorneys — my dear friend Alina Habba — destroyed property in her office, […]", "description":""

The Justice Department<\/a> is searching for an individual who entered acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey<\/a> Alina Habba\u2019s office, damaged property, and fled the scene, Attorney General Pam Bondi<\/a> announced Thursday.<\/p>

\u201cLast night, an individual attempted to confront one of our U.S. Attorneys \u2014 my dear friend Alina Habba \u2014 destroyed property in her office, and then fled the scene,\u201d Bondi said in a statement and in a post on X<\/a>, adding that, \u201cThankfully, Alina is ok.\u201d<\/p>

Bondi condemned the incident as part of a disturbing pattern of rising hostility toward federal law enforcement officials.<\/p>

We will find this person, and the individual will be brought to justice. Our federal prosecutors, agents, and law-enforcement partners put their lives on the line every day to protect the American people, and this Department will use every legal tool available to ensure their\u2026<\/p>— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) November 13, 2025<\/a>

\u201cAny violence or threats of violence against any federal officer will not be tolerated. Period,\u201d Bondi said. \u201cThis is unfortunately becoming a trend as radicals continue to attack law-enforcement agents around the country. We will find this person, and the individual will be brought to justice.\u201d<\/p>

In response to Bondi's announcement, Habba wrote on X<\/a>, \"I will not be intimidated by radical lunatics for doing my job.\"<\/p>

The department is now working with federal agents to identify the suspect, Bondi said, vowing that the government \u201cwill use every legal tool available to ensure their safety and hold violent offenders fully accountable.\u201d<\/p>

Further details about the attempted confrontation, including the suspect\u2019s identity, motive, or how the individual accessed Habba\u2019s office, were not immediately released.<\/p>

Habba, a close ally of President Donald Trump<\/a>, previously served as one of his personal attorneys and as a White House<\/a> counselor before being tapped earlier this year to serve as acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey.<\/p>

FBI ARRESTS FORMER NEWSOM CHIEF OF STAFF ON PUBLIC CORRUPTION CHARGES<\/a><\/p>

According to her DOJ biography<\/a>, Habba, who was appointed both acting U.S. attorney and special attorney to the attorney general, oversees federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation across the state, supervising roughly 155 federal prosecutors and 130 staff in Newark, Camden, and Trenton. She was sworn in at the White House on March 28, during a ceremony attended by Trump and Bondi.<\/p>

The Thursday announcement comes as Habba remains the subject of legal challenges to her appointment. A federal judge recently ruled she is serving unlawfully in the role, though she continues to oversee the office while the decision is under appeal.<\/a><\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/AP25233711642097.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886228-1763046390", "title":"Trump signs executive order launching first lady’s foster care initiative", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F3886228%2Ftrump-executive-order-first-lady-foster-care-initiative%2F", "byline":"Christian Datoc and Mabinty Quarshie", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday afternoon aimed at fast-tracking children through the foster care system. The order also launched first lady Melania Trump‘s “Fostering the Future” initiative, an offshoot of her “Be Best” antibullying campaign from the president’s first term. The first lady headlined the signing ceremony, which was also attended […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> signed an executive order on Thursday afternoon aimed at fast-tracking children through the foster care system.<\/p>

The order also launched first lady Melania Trump<\/a>'s \"Fostering the Future\" initiative, an offshoot of her \"Be Best\" antibullying campaign from the president's first term.<\/p>

The first lady headlined the signing ceremony, which was also attended by senior Trump administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner.<\/p>

\"As I stand here and observe the audience, I recognize the vital importance of each one of you to this mission, to our future generations,\" the first lady said to begin the ceremony.<\/p>

She said she developed the idea for \"Fostering the Future\" in 2021, with the mission of providing \"individuals from the foster care community the ability to secure an entry-level job position and, in turn, financial independence.\"<\/p>

\"Together, we will illuminate the pathway for today's foster children to become tomorrow's builders and tomorrow's builders will foster the future of America's legacy,\" the first lady concluded before turning over the microphone to her husband.<\/p>

The president asserted that Thursday's order will make the foster system \"better, fairer, and more effective than ever before.\"<\/p>

\"When she gets involved in things, that works. I can tell you,\" he added.<\/p>

He noted the provisions in his \"one big, beautiful bill\" that provide roughly $25 million in scholarship funding to \"expand occupational training, education, and financial literacy programs for the foster youth and make it possible for more of them to attend the school of their choice.\"<\/p>

\"We are going to protect American children in foster care, and we're going to ensure that they will never, ever be forgotten,\" the president closed. \"These children will never be forgotten, and they're going to grow up to be unbelievable, strong, smart, wealthy, productive citizens.\"<\/p>

He did not field questions from reporters after the event. After signing the order, the president joked that he had done so by hand, not with an autopen.<\/p>

Felicia Curcuru, the CEO of Binti, a software company that builds tools aimed at improving the child welfare system, also attended the signing ceremony. She told the Washington Examiner that she is \"honored\" to participate in the initiative.<\/p>

Curcuru applauded the first lady's leadership in elevating the needs of children and families in foster care.\"<\/p>

\"By shining a national spotlight on the challenges faced by youth in care and the opportunities to strengthen support systems, the First Lady is helping drive the urgency, visibility, and commitment this issue deserves,\" Curcuru wrote in a statement. \"We are grateful for the Administration\u2019s focus on putting children first, and we appreciate the invitation for Binti to attend, as this moment highlights the critical role technology can play in helping states expand foster family capacity, support youth aging out of care, ensure families receive the services they need, and reduce costs to the government.\"<\/p>

According to White House officials, Thursday's order will leverage private sector partnerships to provide foster children with technical scholarships and other resources to help youths transitioning out of foster care.<\/p>

\"Scholarship recipients will learn in a supportive environment, gaining knowledge critical to realizing job security within the technology sector,\" the program's landing page on the first lady's website<\/a> says. \"By providing access to a computer science education, these individuals will be prepared to enter the workforce and ultimately reach financial independence.\"<\/p>

White House officials said just 50% of all children in the foster care system graduate from high school, while just 3% go on to obtain college degrees. Furthermore, they said 25% of foster children experience homelessness, and only half of them gain full employment by the age of 24.<\/p>

The president previously signed a presidential proclamation this spring declaring May \"National Foster Care Month,\" and the first lady hosted a group of foster children for trick-or-treating at the White House's Halloween celebration last month.<\/p>

TRUMPWORLD FORECLOSES ON 'FALL GUY' HOUSING DIRECTOR BILL PULTE AMID MORTGAGE DRAMA CLEANUP<\/a><\/p>

You can watch the president's remarks in full below.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25317700388449.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886313-1763046009", "title":"Daily on Energy: New York delays gas stove ban, Plug Power pulls the plug, and oil supply glut warning", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fdaily-on-energy%2F3886313%2Fdaily-on-energy-new-york-delays-gas-stove-ban-plug-power-pulls-plug-oil-supply-glut-warning%2F", "byline":"Callie Patteson and Maydeen Merino", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY: Good afternoon and happy Thursday, readers! The government is back in action after the longest government shutdown, with federal employees now heading back to work. In today’s newsletter, we first take a look at International Energy Agency projections that global oil supply is expected to jump 3.1 million barrels per day this […]", "description":""

WHAT\u2019S HAPPENING TODAY: Good afternoon and happy Thursday, readers! The government is back in action after the longest government shutdown, with federal employees now heading back to work.<\/p>

In today\u2019s newsletter, we first take a look at International Energy Agency projections that global oil supply is expected to jump 3.1 million barrels per day this year and 2.5 million next year \ud83d\udee2\ufe0f. We break down what these numbers mean for the oil markets. <\/p>

Meanwhile, in New York, the state is hitting pause on a new law that would require all-electric heating and cooking systems in new buildings and homes \ud83d\udd25\ud83c\udf9b\ufe0f\ud83d\udd25. Keep reading to learn more about the legal challenge that's putting the mandate on pause. <\/p>

Welcome to Daily on Energy, written by Washington Examiner energy and environment writers Callie Patteson (@CalliePatteson<\/a>) and Maydeen Merino (@MaydeenMerino<\/a>). Email cpatteson@washingtonexaminer dot com or mmerino@washingtonexaminer dot com for tips, suggestions, calendar items, and anything else. If a friend sent this to you and you\u2019d like to sign up, click here<\/a>. If signing up doesn\u2019t work, shoot us an email, and we\u2019ll add you to our list.<\/p>

OIL SUPPLY GLUT FEARS LOOM HEADING INTO 2026: The International Energy Agency is warning that there will be an even greater surplus of crude oil next year, creating an increasingly unbalanced market. <\/p>

The details: In its monthly oil market report released today, the IEA estimated<\/a> that global oil supply growth will jump to 3.1 million barrels per day this year and 2.5 million bpd in 2026. This continues to well outpace demand, by roughly 2.4 million bpd for 2025 and 4 million bpd next year. <\/p>

That\u2019s not to say demand isn\u2019t rising \u2013 it is. The IEA forecasts that global demand will also grow by 788,000 bpd this year and 770,000 bpd in 2026. As OPEC+ continues to increase production, though, and the Trump administration looks to boost exports of oil and gas, the IEA has warned that the industry is becoming increasingly unbalanced. <\/p>

Key quote: \u201cGlobal oil market balances are looking increasingly lopsided, as world oil supply is forging ahead while oil demand growth remains modest by historical standards,\u201d the Paris-based agency said. \u201cAt the same time, the risks to the forecast remain plentiful, with the economic repercussions of the recent tariff turmoil and the U.S. federal government shutdown still uncertain, and the impacts of new sanctions on Russia yet to become clear.\u201d<\/p>

Where prices stand: The IEA\u2019s updated forecast comes one day after oil prices plunged by roughly $2 per barrel. Both domestic and international benchmarks began to recover today.<\/p>

At 2:30 p.m. Brent Crude was up 0.48% and selling at $63.01 per barrel. Similarly, West Texas Intermediate had risen by 0.34% and priced at $58.69 per barrel. <\/p>

NEW YORK DELAYS GAS STOVE BAN: New York state is postponing the implementation of a law that would mandate all-electric heating and cooking systems in new buildings and homes, effectively banning natural-gas powered stoves and furnaces. <\/p>

Quick reminder: The law, known as the All-Electric Buildings Act, was scheduled to go into effect in January. Once in effect, the law would bar the installation of gas-powered heating and cooking systems in new buildings that are seven stories or shorter. The mandate was also expected to take effect for all other buildings in 2029, with some exceptions for large buildings such as stores, hospitals, and restaurants. <\/p>

The details: Attorneys representing the state agreed to delay the implementation of the law in a stipulation filed in the U.S. District Court in Albany on Wednesday, as the mandate has been wrapped up in court challenges for years. <\/p>

The state is facing lawsuits from trade groups, led by Mulhern Gas, that have argued that the law infringes on federal law. The groups first filed their lawsuit in 2023, arguing that the Energy Policy and Conservation Act preempted state laws. <\/p>

In July of this year, the federal court for the Northern District of New York upheld the law, ruling that the state\u2019s ban on new gas and propane heating and cooking systems was not preempted. The groups are now appealing the ruling. <\/p>

New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley wrote in the filing that the decision to temporarily suspend the law was to \u201cavoid further litigation\u201d and \u201cuncertainty\u201d during the appellate process. <\/p>

Read more from Callie here<\/a>. <\/p>

GAS INDUSTRY TO BENEFIT FROM AI\u2019S ENERGY DEMAND\u2026LATE NEXT YEAR: Natural gas producers, processors, and power productions have much to gain from soaring energy demands brought on by artificial intelligence \u2013 particularly as the fossil fuel industry is in favor of the Trump administration. However, those benefits won\u2019t be seen for at least another year, one executive says. <\/p>

The details: Adnoc Gas\u2019s chief financial officer Peter van Driel told the<\/a> Wall Street Journal this week that the gas processing firm has not yet seen an earnings boost related to AI and data center driven energy demand. It\u2019s coming, though, he said, estimating that the company will see a boost in late 2026 or early 2027. <\/p>

\u201cI am convinced ultimately that AI will improve our bottom line,\u201d van Driel told the outlet. <\/p>

Adnoc Gas, which is an arm of the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company group, is also predicting that AI energy usage will cause a 13% jump in worldwide demand for natural gas by 2030. By comparison, the IEA estimates<\/a> that global gas demand rose by 2.7% in 2024 alone. <\/p>

SOLAR STALLING AND GAS SLOWLY BUILDING, REPORT FINDS: In its latest Power Market Report, energy transition tracker Cleanview is seeing the Trump administration\u2019s pro-fossil fuel agenda playing out, as growth for renewables like solar power is beginning to slow while natural gas is on the up. <\/p>

On solar: While the solar industry has seen record levels of growth in recent years \u2013 domestic manufacturing capacity of solar panels nearly quadrupled<\/a> between 2022 and 2024 \u2013 the industry may have reached its peak. <\/p>

Cleanview found that, since November 2024, annualized utility-scale solar capacity additions fell by 6%. The energy transition tracker said the dip can likely be attributed to developers rushing to complete projects before the Biden administration\u2019s tariffs on imports from Southeast Asia kicked in, as well as higher interest rates. <\/p>

On gas: Cleanview also found that natural gas capacity additions are on the rise \u2013 increasing 19% year-over-year. Over the last 13 months, it estimated, there were around 3,937 megawatts of natural gas additions. This is still far below (around 84%) the peak seen in March 2019, which was around 23,959 megawatts. <\/p>

Cleanview estimates this still shows a lack of interest in mass construction of new gas plants, however, with AI demand set to soar, that trend will very likely shift \u2013 as van Driel pointed out above. Cleanview\u2019s report details that natural gas capacity under construction grew 64% year-over-year and gas capacity across all stages of development more than doubled in that same time frame.<\/p>

You can read more findings from the report on wind and battery trends here<\/a>. <\/p>

PLUGPOWER SUSPENDS LPO-BACKED HYDROGEN PROJECT: Plug Power, a company specializing in producing hydrogen fuel cells, is pulling the plug on its plans to construct six facilities to produce and liquify zero or low-carbon hydrogen \u2013 putting at risk the federal loan guarantee it got during the Biden administration. <\/p>

The details: Plug Power confirmed with Daily on Energy today that it suspended activities on the projects, which were set to be financed through the Department of Energy\u2019s Loan Programs Office. The company received<\/a> a $1.66 billion loan guarantee in January, in the final days of the Biden administration. <\/p>

Plug Power previously estimated that the total project would support 100-200 construction jobs as well as an additional 50 full-time positions at each location. The hydrogen fuel produced at the facilities was intended to be used for fuel cell electric material handling equipment as well as the transportation and industrial sectors. <\/p>

In its third quarter filing<\/a> with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Plug Power explained that it is temporarily suspending activities related to its DOE loan while it evaluates reallocation of capital. The company also admitted that the move puts the $1.66 billion at risk as DOE could modify or fully terminate the funding. <\/p>

\u201cPlug\u2019s trajectory remains driven by strong global demand for its hydrogen solutions, and the company\u2019s plans do not depend on government funding,\u201d the company said in a statement shared with Daily on Energy. \u201cThis evolution reinforces Plug\u2019s commitment to operational efficiency, stakeholder value, and sustainable growth.\"<\/p>

When asked whether DOE plans to terminate the loan, the agency directed Daily on Energy to Plug Power. <\/p>

EU SUPPORTS 2040 EMISSION REDUCTION GOAL: The European Parliament approved the European Union\u2019s plan to reduce emissions by 90% by 2040, Reuters reports<\/a>. <\/p>

As part of the plan, countries can purchase foreign carbon credits to cover up to 5% of the emission reduction goal. While the plan is more ambitious than those of other countries, it falls short of the target scientific advisors recommended \u2013 at least 90% reduction in emission without offsets. <\/p>

EU countries supported the new goal last week, just ahead of the United Nations\u2019 annual climate summit, COP30. At the summit, nations will be discussing how to achieve their emission targets, as many have fallen short. <\/p>

The goal is a weaker version of the plan created by the European Commission, which would have allowed for countries to buy foreign carbon credits to cover up to 3% of emission reductions. EU countries will now be allowed to purchase 5% of the emission reduction goal, lowering the overall target to 85%. <\/p>

DEMOCRATS CRITICIZE TRUMP OVER EXPORT CONTROL DELAY ON CHINA: Several top Democrats criticized the Trump administration\u2019s move to delay a rule that would have restricted Chinese companies from accessing U.S. technology in exchange for rare earths. <\/p>

In September, the Commerce Department issued the so-called \"affiliates rule,\u201d which would prevent firms that are at least 50% owned by sanctioned companies from receiving U.S. tech exports. However, the rule was suspended for a year starting earlier this week as part of the administration\u2019s truce<\/a> with China to ease export restrictions on rare earths. <\/p>

Reuters reports<\/a> that top Democrats sent a letter to the administration calling the move to suspend the rule as a \"giveaway of key national security tools.\"<\/p>

The letter was signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, as well as Democratic Sens. Ron Wyden of Oregon, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico, Andy Kim of New Jersey and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada.<\/p>

The senators wrote, \u201cThe suspension of these controls undermines U.S. national security and will make it far more difficult to stem the illicit diversion of American-made semiconductors and other advanced technology to Chinese state-affiliated entities.\u201d<\/p>

\"We urge you to reinstate these controls and end your giveaway of key national security tools,\u201d they added. <\/p>

As a reminder: At the end of October, Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping reached an agreement<\/a> to ease restrictions that China had recently imposed on exports of five rare earth minerals. China has used its control over rare earths as leverage against the United States, as the minerals are critical for applications in the energy and environment sectors. <\/p>

ICYMI \u2013 PENNSYLVANIA EXITS REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS INITIATIVE: As part of budget deal, Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is withdrawing<\/a> the state from the Northeast\u2019s cap-and-trade program. <\/p>

In a move to end a stalemate over the budget that lasted over 100 days, state Democrat lawmakers agreed to withdraw from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative of RGGI as part of the negotiations. RGGI is a multistate cap-and-trade program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. <\/p>

Democrats agreed to exit the program as a way to secure more funding for public schools and income tax credits for lower-income families. <\/p>

What are they saying: Environmental Defense Fund managing director Amanda Leland said, \u201cGovernor Shapiro and legislative leaders have needlessly sacrificed Pennsylvania\u2019s most promising tool for lowering household electricity bills and reducing pollution.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cPennsylvanians are calling for cleaner air, lower energy bills and a responsible state budget \u2014 not for their Governor to lock the state into dirty, expensive energy sources of the past,\u201d Leland added. <\/p>

Commonwealth Foundation\u2019s vice president of policy, Elizabeth Stelle, said \u201cPennsylvania\u2019s withdrawal from RGGI marks a major victory for families and job creators already struggling with skyrocketing electricity rates.\u201d <\/p>

\u201cWith the threat of RGGI gone, we can focus on reliability and affordability, paving the way for Pennsylvania to embrace all its energy resources and secure American energy independence,\u201d Stelle said. <\/p>

Read more about Pennsylvania\u2019s budget by the Washington Examiner\u2019s Molly Parks here<\/a>. <\/p>

RUNDOWN<\/p>

Bloomberg<\/a> London\u2019s Rich Come to Grips With Floods on Their Doorstep<\/p>

E&E News<\/a> Regulators press FERC on state authority as Trump promotes data centers<\/p>

Canary Media<\/a> This industrial heat pump is cheaper to run than a boiler. Yes, really.<\/p>

<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/DOE.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886248-1763045964", "title":"Newsom caves on illegal immigrant drivers licenses", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F3886248%2Fnewsom-caves-on-illegal-immigrant-drivers-licenses%2F", "byline":"Zachary Faria", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Another month, another instance of California walking back a dangerous or destructive policy while smugly trying to assert some sort of moral superiority over the policy’s critics. California has revoked 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses for nondomiciled immigrants (immigrants who are legally in the country but are not citizens or permanent residents). This comes after Transportation […]", "description":""

Another month, another instance of California<\/a> walking back a dangerous or destructive policy while smugly trying to assert some sort of moral superiority over the policy\u2019s critics.<\/p>

California has revoked<\/a> 17,000 commercial driver\u2019s licenses for nondomiciled<\/a> immigrants (immigrants who are legally in the country but are not citizens or permanent residents). This comes after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy<\/a> issued new emergency rules regarding CDLs and demanded California revoke those licenses, but Gov. Gavin Newsom<\/a> claims it is actually happening because the licenses were revoked due to some unspecified<\/a> \u201cinconsistency with California law.\u201d<\/p>

SEAN DUFFY SLAMS 'AWOL' BUTTIGIEG: I'M 'CLEANING UP YOUR MESSES. SIT THIS ONE OUT.'<\/a><\/p>

This comes after multiple high-profile instances of illegal immigrants with California-issued CDLs causing fatal accidents while driving. That means that Newsom\u2019s defense is not that this policy is dangerous, which it has proven to be. Instead, what Newsom is essentially saying is that California just doesn\u2019t even follow its own state law when it comes to issuing tens of thousands of licenses for semitrucks<\/a> and other large vehicles, and it just so happened to discover these issues after Duffy raised the issue.<\/p>

Moreover, Newsom is trying to deflect<\/a> blame by claiming that California wasn\u2019t violating federal law, and that those immigrant drivers had work authorizations from the federal government. The illegal immigrant<\/a> who killed three people in a reckless driving accident in Florida was granted<\/a> work authorization by the Biden administration, for example. But being given work authorization does not absolve California of determining whether someone is capable of reading and understanding road signs before giving them a license to drive a big rig, especially when the person in question is an illegal immigrant.<\/p>

NEWSOM SELLS OUT THE US AT LATEST HYPOCRITICAL CLIMATE CONFERENCE<\/a><\/p>

Newsom keeps trying to turn this into some kind of burn against Duffy or President Donald Trump<\/a>, but the fact remains that California is the problem. Trump and Duffy didn\u2019t make California issue 17,000 CDLs against state law. They didn\u2019t make California give licenses to illegal immigrants who can\u2019t read road signs and flunked<\/a> English proficiency tests. This is California\u2019s fault because, under Newsom, the state has decided to give illegal immigrants whatever they want and only ask questions later when some sort of controversy results from the policy.<\/p>

This is how California operates. The state\u2019s Democratic leaders push a terrible policy, and then lash out with sarcastic digs at the critics who point out the consequences of those policies. All the while, the only defense Newsom and California Democrats<\/a> have is that they are just too incompetent to keep track of what their state is doing. As this latest scandal shows, it is not a compelling defense.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/iStock-2220437616-e1762447518203.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886358-1763045768", "title":"‘Red Cup Rebellion’: Starbucks union launches strike in over 40 cities", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fbusiness%2F3886358%2Fred-cup-day-rebellion-starbucks-union-strike-over-40-cities%2F", "byline":"Joseph Nepomuceno", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Starbucks Workers United launched a strike at coffeehouses in over 40 cities on Thursday, hoping to hamper sales on the coffee chain’s “Red Cup” sales day. Red Cup Day, when the coffee giant gives away free reusable holiday-themed cups with customer orders, is an annual event for the company. The 2024 Red Cup Day broke […]", "description":""

Starbucks<\/a> Workers United launched a strike<\/a> at coffeehouses in over 40 cities on Thursday, hoping to hamper sales on the coffee chain\u2019s \"Red Cup\" sales day.<\/p>

Red Cup Day, when the coffee giant gives away free reusable holiday-themed cups with customer orders, is an annual event for the company. The 2024 Red Cup Day broke records for Starbucks<\/a>, with the chain seeing a 42% increase in customer visits on the day of the promotion.<\/p>

The union claims that more than 1,000 baristas have walked out on the job<\/a> after its membership and corporate leaders failed to secure a collective bargaining agreement. The strike was authorized<\/a> by 92% of union<\/a> voters.\u00a0<\/p>

Workers United is seeking better pay<\/a>, benefits, hours, and the settlement of hundreds of legal complaints the union has filed against the company.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cWe have been clear that a wage increase floor in future years is insufficient to meet the needs of baristas who are struggling right now to pay bills and get enough hours,\u201d Michelle Eisen, a 15-year barista and union delegate, said in April after contract negotiations collapsed<\/a>.<\/p>

\u201cWe know pay and benefits are important. That\u2019s why Starbucks offers the best overall wage and benefits package in retail, worth on average $30 per hour for hourly partners,\u201d Chief Partner Officer Sara Kelly said in a statement<\/a>. \u201cDespite this, Workers United proposes pay increases of 65% immediately and 77% over three years with additional payments on top of this.\u201d<\/p>

Thursday\u2019s strike is not the first \u201cRed Cup Rebellion.\u201d More than 200 stores participated<\/a> in a similar strike on Red Cup Day in 2023. Starbucks and Workers United opened negotiations in April 2024, and just before Christmas of that year, 59 stores closed for five days.<\/p>

The union, which started organizing in Starbucks in 2021, claims to represent over 12,000 employees. The coffee chain said Workers United only represents 9,500 workers. The company has more than 240,000 employees<\/a> in the United States alone.<\/p>

The holiday season is typically the busiest time of the year for Starbucks. Under the leadership of new CEO Brian Niccol and his \u201cBack to Starbucks\u201d strategy, the chain recently ended its two-year streak of declining same-store sales<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

REPUBLICANS PLAN FIRST MAJOR LEGISLATIVE REFORM TO LABOR LAWS IN DECADES<\/a><\/p>

The plan centers on improving customers\u2019 in-store experience, including shorter wait times, improved customer hospitality, and more comfortable seating in redesigned store interiors.<\/p>

Niccol has also shuttered 1% of the company\u2019s locations<\/a> and laid off nearly 1,000 \u201cnon-retail\u201d jobs. Between 150 and 200 underperforming locations have been or will be closed.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25317599173316.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886230-1763045725", "title":"State Department designates antifa groups in Europe as foreign terrorist organizations", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F3886230%2Fstate-department-designates-antifa-groups-europe-foreign-terrorist-organizations%2F", "byline":"Timothy Nerozzi", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The State Department designated antifa groups on the other side of the Atlantic as foreign terrorist organizations. Four organizations that identify with the international antifa network will be designated as specifically designated global terrorists, a subgroup of foreign terrorist organizations, State Department officials announced on Thursday. “The anarchists, Marxists, and violent extremists of antifa have […]", "description":""

The State Department<\/a> designated antifa groups <\/a>on the other side of the Atlantic as foreign terrorist organizations.<\/p>

Four organizations that identify with the international antifa network will be designated as specifically designated global terrorists, a subgroup of foreign terrorist organizations<\/a>, State Department officials announced on Thursday.<\/p>

\"The anarchists, Marxists, and violent extremists of antifa have waged a terror campaign in the United States and across the Western world for decades, carrying out bombings, beatings, shootings, and riots in service of their extreme agenda,\" said<\/a> State Department Principal Deputy Spokesman Tommy Pigott.<\/p>

\"The State Department is committed to identifying and dismantling these terror networks that conspire to ruthlessly suppress the will of the people and violently undermine the very foundations of the United States and Western Civilization,\" he added.<\/p>

The four targeted groups are Antifa Ost, a German group; the International Revolutionary Front, an Italian group; Armed Proletarian Justice, a Greek group; and Revolutionary Class Self-Defense, another Greek group.<\/p>

The State Department linked each organization to instances of political violence in their respective nations, including car bombings and targeted shootings.<\/p>

Antifa Ost was already deemed a terrorist organization by the Hungarian government after attacks in September left nine victims injured.<\/p>

German Antifa members also claimed responsibility for multiple arson attacks<\/a> against Alternative for Germany, a right-wing party that has been gaining ground in the nation's parliament.<\/p>

Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO), who has made combating antifa activities a priority, called the designations a \"major step in our fight against Antifa's terror network.\"<\/p>

\"I'm grateful to Secretary Rubio and the Trump Administration for working with me on this critical issue \u2013 holding these radical groups who enable, fund, and support political violence in the United States and across the world accountable,\" Schmitt said<\/a> in a post on X.<\/p>

\"Each of these groups are violent cells in this transnational operation. Designating them as FTO's is an important step to dismantling this subversive network of far-left extremism,\" he continued.<\/p>

The Trump administration has continued to crack down on domestic antifa activity<\/a> after rebuking claims by critics that the group is a decentralized ideology without organization.<\/p>

The White House hosted a roundtable last month with approximately a dozen journalists concerning how to dismantle the network.<\/p>

ANTIFA BEHIND VIOLENT COUNTERPROTEST AGAINST TPUSA EVENT AT UC BERKELEY<\/a><\/p>

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Tuesday that an investigation into a \"violent riot\" that broke out Monday evening during a Turning Point USA event at the University of California, Berkeley, is being conducted.<\/p>

Confrontations between police and antifa <\/a>protesters have resulted in two arrests \u2014 one student and another individual with no affiliation to the university at all.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP20193634295520.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886363-1763045692", "title":"Congress joins PETA push to end sunscreen testing on animals", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwashington-secrets%2F3886363%2Fcongress-joins-peta-push-end-sunscreen-testing-animals%2F", "byline":"Paul Bedard", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"PETA scored a big win this week when Congress finally voted to end the 42-day government shutdown. Deep down in the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026, was a provision pushed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to end sunscreen testing on animals, which can cause scarring and vision issues in bunnies and other test […]", "description":""

PETA scored a big win this week when Congress finally voted to end<\/a> the 42-day government shutdown.<\/p>

Deep down in the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026<\/a>, was a provision pushed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals<\/a> to end sunscreen testing on animals, which can cause scarring and vision issues in bunnies and other test targets.<\/p>

On page 149 of the 161<\/a>-page bill was a congressional demand that the Food and Drug Administration accept non-animal cancer testing methods for sunscreen active ingredients.<\/p>

Within a year, the legislation said that the FDA must issue guidance on how nonclinical testing alternatives to animal testing should be used \u201cto meet safety and efficacy standards.\u201d<\/p>

PETA scientist Jeffrey Brown told Washington Secrets, \u201cCongress has made it clear that it expects the FDA to find ways to accelerate the use of non-animal tests to give consumers confidence that the sunscreens they use are safe. This highlights an opportunity for FDA to engage with the many companies that are interested in using more innovative and human-relevant non-animal testing methods. PETA thanks these lawmakers for their leadership on sunscreen testing and commitment to good science, human health, and animal protection.\u201d<\/p>

While there are several sunscreens<\/a> on the market that do not use animal testing, there remain several others that do.<\/p>

PETA has led the fight by animal rights activists to shift to testing that doesn\u2019t require animals.<\/p>

SEE THE LATEST POLITICAL NEWS AND BUZZ FROM WASHINGTON SECRETS<\/a><\/p>

\u201cWe have sent multiple letters to the agency, urging it to act swiftly by collaborating with sunscreen manufacturers and other scientific experts who have spent decades developing reliable cell- and computer-based test methods to assess sunscreen safety. The FDA must fulfill its responsibility to use the best, most human-relevant science to protect the public, rather than insisting that companies conduct decades-old animal tests that have been shown not to protect human health,\u201d said Brown.<\/p>

In his statement, he called out a handful of lawmakers who helped include the language in the spending bill. They were Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Reps. John Joyce (R-PA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), David Joyce (R-OH), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Craig Goldman (R-TX), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), and John James (R-MI).<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25317132554713.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886117-1763045059", "title":"DOJ urges judge not to toss Comey and James cases over ‘paperwork error’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fjustice%2F3886117%2Fdoj-urges-judge-not-toss-comey-letitia-james-cases-paperwork-error-lindsey-halligan%2F", "byline":"Kaelan Deese", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"ALEXANDRIA, Virginia — Attorneys for the Justice Department urged a federal judge on Thursday to reject an effort by former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James to dismiss criminal charges against them, calling their challenge to the prosecutor who brought the cases a misreading of federal law and “at best, […]", "description":""

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia \u2014 Attorneys for the Justice Department<\/a> urged a federal judge on Thursday to reject an effort by former FBI Director James Comey<\/a> and New York Attorney General Letitia James<\/a> to dismiss criminal charges against them, calling their challenge to the prosecutor who brought the cases a misreading of federal law and \u201cat best, a paperwork error.\u201d<\/p>

The dispute centers on acting U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan<\/a>, a former legal adviser and White House<\/a> aide to President Donald Trump<\/a>, who was appointed in September to lead the Eastern District of Virginia<\/a> after her predecessor resigned under pressure to pursue charges against the two officials. Halligan, who has no prosecutorial background, presented both cases to grand juries on her own and was the only person to sign the indictments.<\/p>

Throughout the 80-minute hearing on Thursday, defense attorneys for Comey and James argued Halligan was unlawfully appointed and therefore lacked authority at every stage of the proceedings. They alleged the DOJ violated\u00a028 U.S.C. \u00a7 546<\/a>, the statute governing interim U.S. attorneys, which allows an attorney general appointment for only a single 120-day period. That period, they argued, had already been used by Erik Siebert, the previous interim U.S. attorney, meaning Attorney General Pam Bondi<\/a> could not legally restart the clock with a second appointment. If Halligan\u2019s appointment were void, they said, the indictments would collapse.<\/p>

\u201cWhen the only person presenting to the grand jury lacks government authority, it is a fundamental error,\u201d Comey attorney Ephraim McDowell told U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie during the joint hearing. \u201cThe only thing that matters is if Ms. Halligan had proper authority when she stood in front of the grand jury, and she did not.\u201d<\/p>

DOJ attorney Henry Whitaker argued the defense theory has no basis in the statutory text. Section 546, he said, contains no limit on the number of interim appointments a president may make through the attorney general until the Senate<\/a> confirms a permanent nominee.<\/p>

\u201cThey are trying to elevate what is at best a paperwork error,\u201d Whitaker said, adding that the idea the DOJ was attempting to dodge Senate confirmation was \u201cfanciful.\u201d<\/p>

The government has also stressed that on Oct. 31, Bondi retroactively designated Halligan as a \u201cspecial attorney\u201d as of Sept. 22, three days before Comey\u2019s indictment, which the DOJ said independently authorized her to conduct grand jury proceedings.<\/p>

More significantly, the DOJ has pointed to another federal statute to argue the Comey case would survive even if Currie ruled Halligan lacked authority. In court papers, the department cited 18 U.S.C. \u00a7 3288<\/a>, which permits prosecutors to refile felony charges within six months if an indictment is dismissed after the limitations period has expired. Comey\u2019s indictment was unsealed days before the five-year deadline expired, meaning the DOJ believes it could return to a grand jury even if this first indictment is invalidated.<\/p>

Some career prosecutors opposed bringing the cases at all, but Halligan pursued them shortly after Trump demanded action against Comey, James, and others on Truth Social<\/a>. The challenges to her appointment echo similar disputes in New Jersey and Nevada, where federal judges ruled that recent Trump-installed acting U.S. attorneys were serving unlawfully. In those districts, however, indictments were signed by career prosecutors, unlike in the Halligan cases.<\/p>

Currie at one point pressed Whitaker on whether the DOJ believes a Florida federal judge was wrong to dismiss the classified documents case against Trump based on the finding that then-special counsel Jack Smith<\/a> had been improperly appointed.<\/p>

Whitaker responded that the ruling was \u201ccertainly not controlling here,\u201d arguing the special counsel role carries \u201cunique and broad\u201d authority, unlike a U.S. attorney. He added that \u201cyou wouldn\u2019t have appointed Jack Smith\u201d as a U.S. attorney because he would not meet the statutory qualifications. \u201cThe attorney general has full authority\u201d to appoint those who do.<\/p>

James's lawyer, Abbe Lowell<\/a>, argued the government\u2019s interpretation of Section 546 requires the judge \u201cto add words\u201d to the statute, rendering the 120-day limit meaningless. <\/p>

Lowell said that if the rule simply allowed the attorney general to review a handpicked selection indefinitely, it would serve no purpose. Currie noted, as Lowell spoke, that \u201cHalligan acted alone in presenting both cases\u201d to the grand jury, based on the transcripts and materials she has reviewed. He warned that under the government\u2019s reading, \u201csomeone like [former White House chief strategist] Steve Bannon<\/a> or [Tesla CEO] Elon Musk<\/a>\u201d could walk into a grand jury, obtain an indictment, and have the attorney general \u201clater authorize that\u201d by retroactively designating the person as a special attorney. Halligan, Lowell argued, was selected as someone who \u201cwould do what the president asks.\u201d<\/p>

Currie has already ordered the government to produce full transcripts of Halligan\u2019s grand jury presentations after prosecutors initially omitted them. She said Thursday she would rule before Thanksgiving. If she sides with Comey and James, the DOJ could appeal.<\/p>

Comey was charged in late September with making a false statement to Congress during a 2020 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Asked by Sen. Ted Cruz<\/a> (R-TX) about his 2017 testimony on whether he authorized a leak involving the Clinton Foundation<\/a> investigation, Comey responded that he stood by his earlier answers. His firing in 2017 remains one of the most contentious episodes of Trump\u2019s first term, and Comey has been an outspoken critic of Trump ever since.<\/p>

James faces bank fraud and false statement charges connected to a mortgage on her Virginia home. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty and deny wrongdoing.<\/p>

LETITIA JAMES AND JAMES COMEY CASES FIGHT TO REMOVE LINDSEY HALLIGAN<\/a><\/p>

Comey and James are also pursuing other paths to dismiss the case, including on the argument that the charges are \"selective and vindictive,\" claiming Trump has a personal vendetta against them. U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff will weigh Comey's motion<\/a> next week, and U.S. District Judge Jamar Walker will hear James's motion in early December.<\/p>

Barring any appeals that could lead to unforeseen delays in the cases, the trials against Comey and James are slated to begin on Jan. 5 and Jan. 26, respectively.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/James_Comey_Letitia_James.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886273-1763044836", "title":"Fetterman hospitalized after fall caused by ‘ventricular fibrillation flare-up’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fsenate%2F3886273%2Ffetterman-hospitalized-after-fall-caused-by-ventricular-fibrillation-flare-up%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) was hospitalized Thursday out of “an abundance of caution” after a “ventricular fibrillation flare-up” caused him to fall outside his Braddock, Pennsylvania, home. Fetterman has faced several health challenges after suffering a stroke during his Senate campaign in 2022. This latest health scare occurred during an early morning walk. “Out of […]", "description":""

Sen. John Fetterman<\/a> (D-PA) was hospitalized Thursday out of \"an abundance of caution\" after a \"ventricular fibrillation flare-up\" caused him to fall outside his Braddock, Pennsylvania, home.<\/p>

Fetterman has faced several health challenges after suffering a stroke during his Senate<\/a> campaign in 2022. This latest health scare occurred during an early morning walk.<\/p>

\"Out of an abundance of caution, he was transported to a hospital in Pittsburgh,\" a statement<\/a> from Fetterman's press office said. \"Upon evaluation, it was established he had a ventricular fibrillation flare-up that led to Senator Fetterman feeling light-headed, falling to the ground and hitting his face with minor injuries.\"<\/p>

Fetterman's office said he is doing well, but he opted to stay in the hospital for the time being so \"doctors can fine-tune his medication regimen.\" In a statement, he appeared to be in good spirits, joking about the fall.<\/p>

FETTERMAN ON SHUTDOWN: 'THIS WAS A FAILURE'<\/a><\/p>

\"If you thought my face looked bad before, wait until you see it now!\" Fetterman was quoted as saying.<\/p>

The Senate Democrat was last hospitalized for a physical health problem in February 2023, after he reported feeling light-headed during a Senate retreat. Later that month, he was admitted for clinical depression for an extended period.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25211018813225-e1762967773571.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886281-1763044406", "title":"Founder of faith nonprofit pleads guilty to theft, fraud", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3886281%2Ffounder-of-faith-nonprofit-pleads-guilty-theft-fraud%2F", "byline":"Center Square", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"(The Center Square) – The former director of a nonprofit faith organization that worked to help prisoners reenter society pleaded guilty to stealing more than $200,000 from the group. Attorney General Dave Yost said in a release Thursday that Thomas Ostrosky, 52, was the executive director of The Lazarus Experience in Sylvania, and he stole $207,000 […]", "description":""

(The Center Square) \u2013\u00a0The former director of a nonprofit faith<\/a> organization that worked to help prisoners<\/a> reenter society pleaded guilty to stealing<\/a> more than $200,000 from the group.<\/p>

Attorney General Dave Yost said in a release Thursday that Thomas Ostrosky, 52, was the executive director of The Lazarus Experience in Sylvania, and he stole $207,000 from the group and its donors, which included elderly Ohioans.<\/p>

He founded the organization, described as a Christian ministry, in 2017. It is no longer in operation.<\/p>

\u201cThe defendant exploited the goodwill of donors who believed in the organization\u2019s mission,\u201d Yost said. \u201cSuch a shameful betrayal of the community\u2019s trust demands accountability.\u201d<\/p>

Ostrosky pleaded guilty to felony charges of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, theft from a person in a protected class, solicitation fraud and telecommunications fraud. <\/p>

OHIO DOCTOR\u2019S LICENSE REVOKED FOR FORCING ABORTION PILLS ON GIRLFRIEND<\/a><\/p>

Ostrosky was indicted April 14 by a Lucas County grand jury and arrested two days later in Dade City, Fla.<\/p>

He\u2019s expected to be sentenced Dec. 2 in Lucas County.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/oklahoma-prison-.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886280-1763044094", "title":"Parent, family legislation moving forward in Ohio", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3886280%2Fparent-family-legislation-moving-forward-ohio%2F", "byline":"Center Square", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"(The Center Square) – One side of the Ohio General Assembly continues to push legislation for two-parent households in the state, while the other wants to revamp how the state handles children in broken homes. The Ohio House of Representatives is moving ahead with legislation that would give tax breaks to employers who offer paid parental […]", "description":""

(The Center Square) \u2013\u00a0One side of the Ohio<\/a> General Assembly continues to push legislation<\/a> for two-parent households in the state, while the other wants to revamp how the state handles children<\/a> in broken homes.<\/p>

The Ohio House of Representatives is moving ahead with legislation that would give tax breaks to employers who offer paid parental leave, and now has a Senate bill focused on revamping domestic relations laws to give both parents roles and responsibilities.<\/p>

Sen. Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, calls the Senate\u2019s legislation a way to modernize domestic relations with the focus on a child\u2019s best interest.<\/p>

\"No one is a winner in parenting disputes,\" Gavarone said in a release. \u201cBut if anyone is, it should be the kids. By passing this legislation, the Ohio Senate is taking the first step toward encouraging cooperation between separated parents.\u201d<\/p>

Her bill would change state law to show both parents have roles and responsibilities when they don\u2019t live together.<\/p>

It would also create a state policy to promote a relationship between a child and both parents, giving each parent time and roles in decision-making.<\/p>

It would also encourage parents to work together and submit a parenting plan. Additionally, it:<\/p>

\u2022 Prohibits courts from giving preference to a parent because of financial status or gender.<\/p>

\u2022 Allows courts to restrict parenting responsibilities to protect a child from physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or a parent from domestic violence.<\/p>

\u2022 With unmarried parents, gives an expedited hearing and temporary orders for a father upon determination of paternity and allows either the mother or father to file a complaint requesting the allocation of parenting rights and responsibilities upon the father establishing parentage.<\/p>

\u2022 Creates other factors for determining the best interest of the child if a parent fails to comply with a temporary or other court order.<\/p>

OHIO DOCTOR\u2019S LICENSE REVOKED FOR FORCING ABORTION PILLS ON GIRLFRIEND<\/a><\/p>

Reps. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania Township, and Melanie Miller, R-Ashland, opened the first House hearing for a bill that would give employers a credit of $54,000 a year or $300 per day, whichever is less, if they offer paid parental leave.<\/p>

\u201cStrong families are the foundation of a strong Ohio,\u201d Williams said in a news release. \u201cThe Paid Parental Leave Act rewards employers who invest in their employees\u2019 well-being and gives parents the time they need to bond with and care for their newborns. Supporting family stability and workforce participation go hand in hand.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/ohio-redistricting.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886279-1763043923", "title":"IL congressman pushes military to accept CLT, experts say it could shape education", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3886279%2Fil-congressman-pushes-military-accept-clt-experts%2F", "byline":"Center Square", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"(The Center Square) – An Illinois congressman is pushing to expand testing options at U.S. service academies, a move experts say could revive academic rigor and expand access for classical students. U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Illinois, introduced legislation that would require the nation’s military academies, including West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Air Force […]", "description":""

(The Center Square) \u2013 An Illinois<\/a> congressman is pushing to expand testing options at U.S. service academies, a move experts say could revive academic<\/a> rigor and expand access for classical students<\/a>.<\/p>

U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Illinois, introduced legislation that would require the nation\u2019s military academies, including West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Air Force Academy, to accept the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as an alternative to the ACT and SAT.<\/p>

\u201cAmerica\u2019s service academies should represent the highest ideals of our nation \u2013 courage, integrity, and intellect. The Classic Learning Test upholds those same ideals,\u201d said Miller in a news release. \u201cRequiring our military academies to accept the CLT will help cultivate a new generation of leaders who are not only exceptionally capable but deeply grounded in the principles that make America strong.\u201d<\/p>

Jonathan Butcher, the Will Skillman senior research fellow in education policy at the Heritage Foundation, said the move could mark a significant shift toward higher academic standards in admissions.<\/p>

\u201cThe CLT adds an important new option for families in addition to the SAT and ACT,\u201d he said. \u201cIt places greater emphasis on logic and geometry, which sets it apart from traditional tests, and its reading sections use more rigorous excerpts than those found on the SAT or ACT.\u201d<\/p>

The CLT, founded in 2015, focuses on classic Western texts and promotes critical thinking and moral reasoning. While 200\u2013300 colleges accept it, military academies still require the ACT or SAT. The new legislation would change that. <\/p>

Critics have argued that emphasizing classical texts could narrow diversity in applicant pools, but Butcher dismissed that argument as misguided.<\/p>

\u201cI mean, saying it\u2019s going to limit diversity is absolutely the soft bigotry of low expectations,\u201d Butcher said. \u201cJust because we\u2019re trying to have students from ethnically diverse backgrounds, does that mean we shouldn\u2019t hold them to high standards? That\u2019s remarkably biased and pompous. The goal should be to challenge students and ensure those who enter higher education are truly prepared. We\u2019re not doing them any favors if we make it easy to get in, only for them to be overwhelmed and take on loans they\u2019ll pay back for the rest of their lives.\u201d<\/p>

Butcher said requiring military academies to accept the CLT could also attract students with stronger moral and intellectual formation, qualities central to military leadership. <\/p>

\u201cI think there will still be students using other standardized tests,\u201d he said. \u201cBut this opens the door for students with backgrounds that are very different from what traditional schools offer today. Most public schools no longer require Latin or the study of classical texts like Socrates and other early Western writings,\u201d said Butcher. \u201cI would hope that students from the growing number of classical schools become a larger part of the applicant pool for military academies.\u201d<\/p>

Butcher noted that the CLT promotes critical thinking over rote memorization, potentially moving students away from the \u201ctest prep culture\u201d that rewards short-term strategies rather than genuine intellectual growth.<\/p>

SOME \u2018COMMUNITY PEACEKEEPERS\u2019 CHAMPIONED BY DEMOCRATS NOW CHARGED WITH MURDER<\/a><\/p>

\u201cYou know, the test prep culture encourages students to take extra classes for the SAT or ACT,\u201d Butcher said. \u201cFor those who are motivated and work hard, that\u2019s a helpful opportunity. But the bigger issue is that many high schools assume every student is headed to college, and that\u2019s the wrong assumption.<\/p>

Butcher stressed that students should be prepared for paths that fit their readiness and goals, and warned that sending them to college unprepared can do more harm than good.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Feat.AllHands1.100825.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885915-1763043645", "title":"Judge denies LaMonica McIver’s bid to toss charges over immigration facility scuffle", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fjustice%2F3885915%2Fjudge-denies-lamonica-mciver-bid-toss-charges-over-immigration-facility-scuffle%2F", "byline":"Jack Birle", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Rep. LaMonica McIver’s (D-NJ) charges for allegedly assaulting law enforcement outside a federal immigration facility earlier this year will go forward, a federal judge ruled Thursday. U.S. District Judge Jamel Semper, an appointee of former President Joe Biden, denied McIver’s motion to dismiss the case on claims of vindictive prosecution and denied her bid to […]", "description":""

Rep. LaMonica McIver's (D-NJ) charges for allegedly assaulting law enforcement outside a federal immigration<\/a> facility earlier this year will go forward, a federal judge ruled Thursday.<\/p>

U.S. District Judge Jamel Semper, an appointee of former President Joe Biden<\/a>, denied McIver's motion to dismiss the case on claims of vindictive prosecution and denied her bid to dismiss two of the three charges on claims of immunity under the speech or debate clause. Semper said he would reserve ruling on the remaining count until he sees more evidence as the case develops in federal court.<\/p>

McIver had argued that the Constitution<\/a>'s speech or debate clause, which grants immunity to members of Congress conducting official actions as part of their legislative duties, protected her from the charges because she was conducting oversight of the immigration facility. Semper largely rejected the claim that her alleged conduct was part of her official duties.<\/p>

\"The alleged criminal conduct did not occur during Defendant\u2019s inspection of Delany Hall, instead it occurred during an inexplicable delay of Defendant\u2019s oversight inspection,\" Semper said<\/a>. \"Although Defendant bears no fault in the delay, her alleged intervention into the Mayor\u2019s questionable arrest had no cognizable connection to any legislative function protected by the Speech or Debate Clause.\"<\/p>

\"Defendant\u2019s active participation in the alleged conduct removes her acts from the safe harbor of mere oversight. Lawfully or unlawfully, Defendant actively engaged in conduct unrelated to her oversight responsibilities and congressional duties,\" he added.<\/p>

The Justice Department<\/a> charged McIver, who was first elected to Congress<\/a> in 2024, with three counts of assaulting, resisting, impeding, and interfering with a federal officer in May, after an incident at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Newark, New Jersey<\/a>, that month. She was indicted<\/a> by a grand jury in June and pleaded not guilty<\/a> to all three charges later that month.<\/p>

The DOJ alleges that McIver slammed a federal agent with her forearm, grabbed him, and struck another agent during a scuffle between Democratic officials and federal law enforcement outside the facility.<\/p>

McIver was able to avoid censure in the House <\/a>for her actions in September, when five Republicans joined all Democrats to vote down the measure.<\/p>

LAMONICA MCIVER ESCAPES HOUSE CENSURE WITH FIVE GOP HELPERS<\/a><\/p>

The Thursday ruling keeping the charges against McIver alive marks the latest victory for the DOJ in avoiding the dismissal of high-profile charges against officials for allegedly interfering with federal immigration enforcement.<\/p>

Earlier this year, a federal judge denied Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan's bid to dismiss<\/a> DOJ-levied obstruction charges for allegedly helping an illegal immigrant in her court escape federal officers by letting him out a back door. The trial against Dugan is scheduled for next month<\/a> in federal court.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25246531162591.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885991-1763043222", "title":"Over 1,000 flights canceled day after government reopens", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Finfrastructure%2F3885991%2Fover-1000-flights-canceled-day-after-government-reopens%2F", "byline":"Jenny Goldsberry", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Despite the government reopening on Wednesday, flights are still being affected by the 43-day government shutdown. Flight tracker FlightAware reported that 1,289 flights were canceled on Thursday, and another 14,106 flights were delayed. While the numbers are expected to increase later in the day, there was a slight decrease in cancellations. Air traffic controllers missed […]", "description":""

Despite the government reopening on Wednesday<\/a>, flights are still being affected<\/a> by the 43-day government shutdown.<\/p>

Flight tracker FlightAware<\/a> reported that 1,289 flights were canceled on Thursday, and another 14,106 flights were delayed. While the numbers are expected to increase later in the day, there was a slight decrease in cancellations.<\/p>

Air traffic controllers missed two paychecks during the shutdown. However, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Thursday that paychecks are \"coming their way.\" During the shutdown, some controllers continued working, while others took time off to earn money in other ways. President Donald Trump offered a $10,000 bonus<\/a> for air traffic controllers who continued working.<\/p>

The reopening of the government and resumption of federal employees' paychecks come as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches in two weeks. Thanksgiving is among the busiest travel days, according to the Transportation Security Administration. Last year, the Friday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving saw more than 2.7 million passengers<\/a>. Additionally, the Sunday after Thanksgiving set a record<\/a> with more than 3 million travelers.<\/p>

Many air traffic controllers retired during the shutdown. Duffy explained that the \"understaffing\" has left current air traffic controllers at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, for example, with only four days off per month.<\/p>

Duffy predicted that flight delays and cancellations \"will live on<\/a>\" after the shutdown<\/a>. He said a \"substantial\" number of travelers will see their Thanksgiving travel plans affected, noting that air travel will be \"reduced to a trickle.\"<\/p>

GOVERNMENT MAY REOPEN, BUT AIR TRAVEL CHAOS IS FAR FROM OVER<\/a><\/p>

However, the number of flight reductions at 40 airports<\/a> nationwide is expected to remain at only 6%<\/a>.<\/p>

As of Thursday afternoon, 489 flights are canceled for Friday, and another 723 flights are delayed, according to FlightAware. Those numbers are expected to change.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AP25269826044813.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886056-1763042714", "title":"Joe Rogan says BBC’s deceptive edit of Trump shows ‘rotting’ ideology in media", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3886056%2Fjoe-rogan-bbc-deceptive-edit-trump-shows-rotting-ideology-media%2F", "byline":"Asher Notheis", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Podcaster Joe Rogan said several of President Donald Trump’s legal battles against press outlets, such as the BBC’s “crazy” edit of Trump’s speech on Jan. 6, 2021, “seem to be legitimate.” Two BBC executives resigned after a report showed that the outlet spliced together two clips of Trump’s speech that were 54 minutes apart, making […]", "description":""

Podcaster Joe Rogan<\/a> said several of President Donald Trump\u2019s legal battles against press outlets, such as the BBC's \"crazy\" edit of Trump's speech on Jan. 6, 2021<\/a>, \u201cseem to be legitimate.\u201d<\/p>

Two BBC executives resigned<\/a> after a report showed that the outlet spliced together two clips of Trump\u2019s speech that were 54 minutes apart, making it appear as if the president called for violence at the U.S. Capitol. Rogan said the outlet\u2019s edit is \u201cnuts,\u201d and they were \u201cpublicly\u201d lying against a U.S. president on the internet, which \u201canybody can see.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cLike, it is the clearest indication of how that woke s*** was rotting people\u2019s brains, and it is still, but just less, you know what I mean? It was, like, on the march then, and they all felt like they had to go along with it. And so, \u2018By any means necessary, we must make sure,\u2019 so they decided to paint a different version of what he said, and they\u2019re f***ed now,\u201d Rogan said on the Joe Rogan Experience Tuesday.<\/p>

Rogan also said CBS News\u2019s 60 Minutes similarly edited its interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris<\/a>, but did so \u201cthe other way<\/a>\u201d to make it appear she had \u201ca good answer.\u201d He said news outlets aren\u2019t supposed to be \u201cthe propaganda arm\u201d of whatever political party they support.<\/p>

Rogan added the next step is a \u201crejection\u201d of this ideology, but \u201cthe scary part\u201d of that leads to an overcorrection, suggesting the United States could \u201cgo, like, white nationalists.\u201d He said the \u201cultimate expression\u201d of the American political division is evident in Charlie Kirk\u2019s<\/a> assassination, suggesting the country may be at \u201cstep seven\u201d toward a \u201cbona fide Civil War.\u201d<\/p>

Trump\u2019s legal team is giving the BBC until Friday to retract<\/a> any \u201cfalse, defamatory, disparaging, and inflammatory statements\u201d about him, according to a Sunday letter. If they fail to do so, a civil action lawsuit seeking up to $1 billion in damages will be filed.<\/p>

OPINION: BBC BIAS, DONALD TRUMP, AND NIGEL FARAGE<\/a><\/p>

Outgoing BBC Director-General Tim Davie said during a staff call that journalists \u201chave to fight for our journalism,\u201d<\/a> though he didn\u2019t mention Trump in this call. Davie added that the outlet has made \u201csome mistakes that have cost us,\u201d but encouraged people \u201cto fight for that.\u201d<\/p>

In June, Rogan debated Trump\u2019s legal battles against media outlets with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), in which Sanders argued the lawsuits \"[have] the impact of intimidating [the] media<\/a>.\" Rogan said \u201cdeceptive editing\u201d by outlets is not \u201cobjective journalism,\u201d but rather \u201ccampaigning\u201d for someone.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP23231049387786.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885760-1763042545", "title":"Former FCC leaders petition agency to eliminate long-standing ‘news distortion’ policy", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3885760%2Fformer-fcc-leaders-petition-agency-eliminate-news-distortion-policy%2F", "byline":"Pedro Rodriguez", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Former heads of the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday called on the agency to repeal the “news distortion” policy invoked by the Trump administration this year. The policy, which had not been invoked for decades prior to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr mentioning it in discussions surrounding an allegedly deceptively edited 60 Minutes video and an […]", "description":""

Former heads of the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday called on the agency to repeal the \u201cnews distortion\" policy<\/a> invoked by the Trump administration this year.<\/p>

The policy, which had not been invoked for decades prior to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr mentioning it in discussions surrounding an allegedly deceptively edited 60 Minutes video and an incident where late-night show host Jimmy Kimmel made controversial statements about the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk<\/a>.<\/p>

The policy was petitioned<\/a> for repeal by the Protect Democracy Project. The organization filed the petition on behalf of a group of former FCC commissioners who claim the Trump administration misused the policy. <\/p>

\u201cIn the right hands, it could stop misinformation, disinformation, what have you. But the problem is, it\u2019s never been used that way, and the FCC has other tools,\u201d said Gigi Sohn, an adviser to the petition. \u201cRight now, it\u2019s being used as a cudgel. And this is not just about Chair Carr. This is about future chairs or commissioners who want to use this as a tool of censorship.\u201d<\/p>

The five Democratic and two Republican former commissioners who served in the agency from 1981 to 2017 argued that the policy was not applied to its intended purpose, which is to regulate a communications channel that has \u201cdeliberately distorted a factual news report.\u201d<\/p>

The group's petition stated that when enforced, the policy \u201cmust involve a significant event and not merely a minor or incidental aspect of the news report,\" adding that \u201cexpressions of opinion or errors stemming from mistakes are not actionable.\"<\/p>

\u201cThough these former officials hold diverse views on many policy issues, they are united in their belief that the news distortion policy violates First Amendment<\/a> principles, chills broadcaster speech, and can be exploited for partisan purposes,\u201d the Protect Democracy Project wrote.\u00a0<\/p>

The petition arose after the agency reprimanded ABC News for its alleged inaction against Kimmel after he made controversial comments suggesting that Kirk's suspected killer<\/a> was part of the MAGA movement and not a radicalized left-winger, despite reports suggesting the latter<\/a>.<\/p>

\u201cFCC Chairman Brendan Carr\u2019s recent invocation<\/a> of the policy to threaten ABC and Disney for airing late-night host Jimmy Kimmel\u2019s commentary about Charlie Kirk\u2019s murder \u2014 a clear example of how the policy enables government officials to target outlets for perceived critical coverage,\u201d the organization added.\u00a0<\/p>

The FCC invoked the policy against CBS News in February, after it was alleged that its news program 60 Minutes intentionally deceived viewers through edits made to an interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris<\/a>.<\/p>

YOU EITHER BELIEVE IN FREE SPEECH, OR YOU DON'T\u00a0<\/a><\/p>

CBS News\u2019s<\/a> parent company, Paramount, agreed to a $16 million settlement with the president in June, months after Trump<\/a> sued the outlet.<\/p>

The group has not said whether it would take legal action if the petition is ignored or rejected by the Trump<\/a> administration. However, Sohn affirmed that if the petition were to be ignored, it would give the organization a stronger basis for a lawsuit.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Jimmy-Kimmel-3.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885977-1763042424", "title":"Trump only wins if Maduro is ousted, former Venezuela adviser Abrams says", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fdefense%2F3885977%2Ftrump-wins-maduro-ousted-venezuela-adviser-abrams%2F", "byline":"Mike Brest", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump will only come out in his campaign to pressure Nicolas Maduro if the Venezuelan leader gets removed from power, Elliott Abrams, who served as the special representative for Venezuela during the first Trump administration, said on Thursday. The Department of War currently has a larger buildup of military forces in the Caribbean […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump will only come out in his campaign to pressure Nicolas Maduro<\/a> if the Venezuelan<\/a> leader gets removed from power, Elliott Abrams, who served as the special representative for Venezuela during the first Trump administration, said on Thursday.<\/p>

The Department of War<\/a> currently has a larger buildup of military forces in the Caribbean than at any point in decades, and is carrying out lethal attacks on suspected drug smuggling boats off Venezuela's coast, while the administration has doubled the reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest to $50 million.<\/p>

\"The U.S. has been saying this is about narcotics. This is about narcotics. That\u2019s the official position. So we could announce in February, well narcotic shipments are down, so we won. But it\u2019s false,\" Abrams said during an event with the Atlantic Council. \"If Nicolas Maduro is still there at the end of this, then he won. All he has to do is survive. And I hope the president recognizes it\u2019s too late to back away. Either Trump is going to win or Maduro is going to win. That contest is now in place.\"<\/p>

Since early September, the U.S. has carried out about 20 lethal strikes on suspected drug smugglers allegedly heading for the U.S., killing about 75 people.<\/p>

Abrams said Maduro likely believes he can outlast the pressure campaign, even though the military strikes are now a part of the overall strategy, which were not implemented during Trump's first term.<\/p>

\u201cWe\u2019ve had a big challenge to the regime but in the end, he survived. In that sense, he won. He must be thinking well, maybe this will go away if we get to January, February. The armada can\u2019t stay there forever. You cannot keep the USS Gerald Ford in the Caribbean until July, I think,\" he added. \"Something\u2019s got to happen or, and this is my great fear, or we walk away. And it\u2019s not inconceivable.\u201d<\/p>

Trump has not approved military strikes on Venezuelan soil, but has given the CIA the green light to carry out covert operations inside the country. It's unusual for the president to publicly share where he or she has authorized the CIA to operate. Elliott deemed the admission a part of psychological operation or psy-op.<\/p>

The U.S. also challenged Maduro during Trump's first administration but was unsuccessful.<\/p>

\"We found out, obviously, last time that the economic sanctions, plus the diplomatic campaign, we had 60 countries. I remember right saying, Maduro has got to go. It wasn't enough,\" Abrams said. \"What has been done so far isn't enough. Quite obviously, it hasn't worked. Maduro is still there.\"<\/p>

Abrams previously told the Washington Examiner that the U.S. could target airstrips, military bases, and hit ships that haven't left port if Trump approves.<\/p>

Elliott has a long history in Washington, having served in the State Department during the Reagan Administration, when the U.S. intervened in<\/a> El Salvador and Nicaragua, among others in the 1980s. He was also a central figure in the unwinding of the Iran-Contra scandal and pleaded guilty in 1991 to two misdemeanor charges for withholding information from two congressional committees about it, though he received a pardon from President George H.W. Bush the next year.<\/p>

Trump was briefed on updated military operation options for Venezuela by senior military leaders on Wednesday, though the president has yet to make a final decision, according to CBS News<\/a>.<\/p>

Venezuela ordered a massive mobilization<\/a> of forces earlier this week in response to the arrival of the U.S.'s largest and most modern aircraft carrier. Venezuela's military has older and outdated military equipment, which would likely be of little match for U.S. forces, if the U.S. goes that route.<\/p>

It military has about 20 Russian SU-30 fighter aircraft, about 15-16 older F-16 aircraft, some tanks and armored vehicles, and a layered air defense system, according to retired Adm. Laura Richardson, who previously served as the commander of U.S. Southern Command.<\/p>

DOJ MEMO SAYS US TROOPS SAFE FROM PROSECUTION OVER SMUGGLING BOAT STRIKES<\/a><\/p>

\"It's old. It's outdated. And really, I think it's more to protect the internal part of the country, the capital and the regime, versus being really a country's defense system,\" she said during the same event as Abrams. \"So they have some capability, more capability than most countries in Latin America, but certainly not to. counter the capability that is in the region from the United States.\"<\/p>

Another official from the first administration, Defense Secretary Mark Esper<\/a>, said earlier this week that he does not believe the military is the \"best tool to use<\/a>\" regarding Venezuela, and cautioned the president that while there are \"a lot of reasons\" to want Maduro gone, \"it's easy to get into a war, [but] it can be hard to get out of a war.\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AP25244635591074.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885434-1763042400", "title":"Bill Pulte will do anything to lower housing prices except build more housing", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fin_focus%2F3885434%2Fbill-pulte-do-anything-lower-housing-prices-except-build-more-housing%2F", "byline":"Tiana Lowe Doescher", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces here. Outside of necessary wars and appropriate law enforcement, violence is never […]", "description":""

In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces here<\/a>.<\/p>

Outside of necessary wars and appropriate law enforcement, violence is never the answer. If it were, everyone in the White House would understand why <\/a>Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent once wanted to punch Bill Pulte in the face<\/a>.<\/p>

On this week's episode of the soap opera that is the swamp, the primary antagonist was Pulte, the nepograndbaby construction heir whom President Donald Trump<\/a> appointed as his director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. With the House back in session to hopefully make progress on the Senate-passed ROAD to Housing Act<\/a>, Pulte decided to throw a wrench in the GOP's massive victory over the Democratic Party's record-setting government shutdown. What if, posited Pulte, instead of focusing on why median home sale prices are up 30% in the last five years, the government simply forced lenders to offer 50-year fixed mortgages?<\/p>

According to Politico, Pulte blindsided the White House by proposing the 50-year fixed mortgage to Trump over a 10-minute pitch at Mar-A-Lago.<\/p>

THE SENATE TRIES TO DO WHAT THE FED CANNOT: SOLVE THE HOUSING CRISIS<\/a><\/p>

\"The thing that became clear from this latest episode \u2014 if it wasn't already clear \u2014 is that Bill Pulte doesn't know the first f***ing thing about how the mortgage markets operate,\" an unnamed White House source told Politico. \"After publicly humiliating the president with his moronic 50-year mortgage plan, it's safe to assume that his days are numbered.\"<\/p>

Not one to recede quietly into ignominy, Pulte followed up his 50-year fixed mortgage proposal with a second and utterly irreconcilable pledge to pursue portable mortgages. This proposal is less intellectually offensive in theory, but it is functionally impossible to reconcile with fixed mortgages.<\/p>

The 50-year fixed mortgage proposal is indeed a mathematical monstrosity. But as a policy intended to make housing more affordable, it's an even more egregious Band-Aid that would ultimately achieve the opposite of that goal. The portable mortgage works in other countries, but Pulte's suggestion of a physically portable mortgage in tandem with an even longer fixed mortgage rate indicates that he is recklessly pursuing solutions that move markets and rattle investor confidence without understanding what he's doing.<\/p>

Let's start with the actual math, which begins with understanding the anomaly of the American mortgage market. <\/p>

Unlike other countries, which almost exclusively offer variable mortgages to residential consumers, the standard American mortgage is fixed over a 30-year or 15-year period. But, to lock in an interest rate, American mortgages require borrowers to lock in their debt into a single property. Because the New Deal incentivized mortgages to be sold through government channels to a secondary mortgage market, mortgages generally do not live on a bank's balance sheet. Instead, they are repackaged into mortgage-backed securities, and not even the Fannie Mae chairman can allow the original borrower of a mortgage to swap out various properties as collateral while maintaining that preferential fixed rate.<\/p>

There's currently a 50-basis-point spread between the average 15-year and 30-year fixed mortgage rates (5.82% and 6.32%, respectively). It's safe to assume that a 50-year mortgage rate would be, at minimum, another 50 bps higher than the 30-year. Assuming a 50-year mortgage rate of 6.82%, let's compare how different home ownership would look across the three mortgages.<\/p>

If I put down the standard minimum 20% of the median home price of $410,800, taking out a 15-year fixed mortgage would necessitate a monthly payment of $2,737.50. But I would only pay $164,110 in interest payments over the lifetime of the loan. For a 30-year fixed mortgage, I would lock in a much lower monthly payment of $2,029.30, but I would pay $410,908 just in borrowing costs over the lifetime of the loan.<\/p>

Now, let's consider paying 80% of the $410,800 home with Pulte's 50-year fixed mortgage with a conservatively estimated rate of 6.82%. I would lock in a monthly rate of $1,883.30 \u2014 a little better than the 30-year monthly, but not as much of a marginal benefit as between the 30-year and the 15-year \u2014 but I would pay an eye-watering $801,280 in interest over the half-century lifetime of the home.<\/p>

Because amortization requires borrowers to allocate larger shares of their earlier monthly payments to paying off their interest costs first, if I chose to sell my home 10 years into my 50-year fixed mortgage, I would have only paid an extra $2,824 in equity after the down payment, bringing my total percentage of the home owned to almost 21%.<\/p>

Pulte thinks the solution to this equity problem is to make the mortgage portable. The legal problems posited by this proposal are obvious: the securitization contracts brokered when the mortgage is sold and repackaged on the secondary market explicitly forbid exchanging one piece of collateral for another, which would lead to a liquidity and legal crisis, bringing the secondary market that makes American mortgages so cheap to a standstill.<\/p>

Portability would also make the very nature of a fixed-rate mortgage unprofitable for lenders and only beneficial to the disproportionately wealthy and elderly class of Americans who already own homes. The problem, as it has been for a decade now, is an insufficient supply, not an insufficient demand. At barely 1%, the homeowner vacancy rate has remained close to a half-century low since the start of the pandemic, and the 7% rental vacancy rate is not much better. When the country had far fewer people in the 1970s, we built 19 million new housing units. But in the 2010s, we built less than half that.<\/p>

New housing starts have slowed for decades, but precipitously so after the Great Recession. Whereas the Census Bureau estimated there was one housing unit for every 1.79 people in 2008, there's currently only one housing unit for every 1.835 people. That may not seem like much of a difference, but extrapolate that out to more than a decade of new family formation and population growth, and we have an estimated 7.2 million homes missing. A Zillow analysis<\/a>\u00a0of newly released Census Bureau data from 2023 found that America's total housing deficit reached an all-time high of 4.7 million units, as even though 1.4 million new homes were added to the market, we created 1.8 million newly formed families.<\/p>

The cause, of course, is too much government, not too little<\/a>. Even before COVID-19, building multifamily housing, even as modest as two-story townhomes or duplexes, was\u00a0illegal<\/a>\u00a0in 75% of land zoned for residential property. Zoning codes often also ban workarounds, such as accessory dwelling units (think guest homes for a grandparent), single-room occupancies (think rooms rented out for a boarder), and manufactured homes (think low-cost trailers or mobile homes). On top of restrictions for what a homeowner can do on their property, zoning laws can also restrict minimum lot sizes, explicitly pricing out lower-income earners who would be happy to own 800 square feet instead of a lot for a McMansion with a patio.<\/p>

The Houston metropolitan area, which authorized 70,000 new housing permits in 2023, nearly twice as many as the entire tri-state area, has seven times as many permits as metro Boston, and a whopping 10 times as many as the San Francisco metro area. In turn, this corresponds to lowered costs of buying said housing: The median home in Houston is $300,000, which is one-fifth of the price of the median Bay Area home.<\/p>

The obvious solution here is to use federal carrots and sticks to influence the local zoning laws that have turned California compounds into lonely medieval fiefdoms surrounded by the fleeing middle-class masses, while Texas and Florida have unleashed prosperity, new wealth, and property creation. And in red states, governors should not run away from the property taxes <\/a>that are eminently less harmful to economic growth than corporate, consumption, and income taxes, but instead consider transitioning property taxes into land value taxes. Unlike most property taxes, which penalize property owners for improving their developments and adding density to their land, land value taxes only tax the inherent value of a piece of land, leading them to boost housing supply while disincentivizing investors and pensioners from owning properties that could be otherwise used for primary residents.<\/p>

The Federal Reserve can lower the federal funds rate, but it cannot lower \"the interest rates\" as they pertain to mortgages: when the central bank slashed the federal funds rate by 100 basis points in 2024, both the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate and the 10-year Treasury yield rose 100 basis points.<\/p>

PROPERTY TAXES ARE ACTUALLY THE LEAST BAD TAX \u2014 EXCEPT FOR ONE<\/a><\/p>

Pulte can manipulate mortgage terms, but he cannot bring down the actual price of housing: recall the consequences of when former President Joe Biden tried to do so. When Biden began his presidency, the median sales price of a home was $369,800, and the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage was 2.7%, incurring total interest payment costs of $136,131.20 over the loan term. By the end of his presidency, Biden's inflationary fiscal policy, designed to improve affordability, led to a median home sale price of $417,700 and an average 30-year fixed rate of 6.87%. The net borrowing costs over the lifetime of an average 30-year fixed mortgage taken out on 80% of the median home were\u00a0nearly half a million dollars.<\/p>

It is not Pulte's job to fix Los Angeles's garbage zoning laws, but if he considers it his job to improve housing affordability by distracting markets with poppycock mortgage proposals and Congress from actually passing legislation to incentivize local reform, he is failing. The only way to make housing more affordable is to lower home prices, not monthly mortgage payments. That is a problem with one solution: supply, not demand.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sold-house-pic-iStock-1481193734.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885905-1763041867", "title":"Ukraine announces audit of public companies to fight corruption", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F3885905%2Fukraine-announces-audit-public-companies-fight-corruption%2F", "byline":"David Zimmermann", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko on Thursday announced that the embattled nation’s government will conduct a comprehensive audit of public companies in the energy sector to fight corruption allegations worrying the European Union. The audit applies to the state-owned nuclear power company Energoatom, among other Ukrainian entities. Energoatom is accused of being at the center […]", "description":""

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko on Thursday announced that the embattled nation's government will conduct a comprehensive audit of public companies in the energy<\/a> sector to fight corruption allegations worrying the European Union<\/a>.<\/p>

The audit applies to the state-owned nuclear power<\/a> company Energoatom, among other Ukrainian entities. Energoatom is accused of being at the center of an alleged $100 million kickback scheme.<\/p>

Ukraine's<\/a> anti-corruption authorities are committed to uncovering the scandal as the country battles to maintain Western support for its war with Russia<\/a>, which has bombarded Ukraine's energy infrastructure with aerial attacks recently.<\/p>

\"During full-scale war, when the enemy destroys our energy system every day and our people live under constant outage schedules \u2014 any corruption is absolutely unacceptable,\" Svyrydenko posted on X<\/a>.<\/p>

The Ukrainian government dismissed two ministers, Energoatom's vice president, and other officials on Wednesday as the anti-corruption investigation intensifies amid the company-wide audit.<\/p>

\"We are preparing a comprehensive decision regarding all state-owned enterprises, including those in the energy sector<\/a>,\" the prime minister said. \"Audits are underway, and supervisory boards have been instructed to review operations, especially procurement practices.\"<\/p>

The fallout from the scandal remains a challenge for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky<\/a>, who is balancing turmoil within his own government and the external threat posed by Russia.<\/p>

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz<\/a> spoke with Zelensky on Thursday to express his concerns about the corruption allegations facing Ukraine's energy sector.<\/p>

Merz \"underlined the German<\/a> government\u2019s expectation that Ukraine press ahead energetically with fighting corruption and further reforms, particularly in the area of the rule of law,\" Merz's office said, according to the Associated Press.<\/p>

In response, Zelensky promised \"full transparency, long-term support for the independent anti-corruption authorities and quick further measures in order to win back the confidence of the Ukrainian population, European partners, and international donors,\" per the statement from Merz's office.<\/p>

Germany is one of Ukraine's strongest EU allies, providing an estimated 40 billion euros in military aid since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Merz reiterated Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine as the war persists.<\/p>

\"I am grateful to Germany for its support,\" Zelensky said. \"German assistance has saved thousands of our people's lives.\"<\/p>

TOP UKRAINIAN OFFICIALS REMOVED FROM OFFICE OVER $100 MILLION CORRUPTION SCANDAL<\/a><\/p>

The audit comes amid aggressive Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukraine's energy plants, causing many civilian casualties and triggering mass blackouts.<\/p>

\"While the enemy continues its nightly attacks, our task remains unchanged: to ensure that every Ukrainian family has light, gas, and heat,\" Svyrydenko said, adding that 1 billion Ukrainian hryvnias will be allocated to help rebuild the nation's damaged energy sites.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25307672279561_0939aa-e1763059208113.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886260-1763041693", "title":"WATCH LIVE: Trump signs executive order on foster care", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F3886260%2Fwatch-live-trump-signs-executive-order-foster-care%2F", "byline":"Emily Hallas", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"WHITE HOUSE REOPENS PUBLIC TOURS AS HOLIDAY SEASON BEGINS President Donald Trump is signing an executive order seeking to bolster foster care in the United States as part of first lady Melania Trump’s “Fostering the Future” effort, which is part of her Be Best initiative. The signing will take place around 2 p.m. ET in […]", "description":""

WHITE HOUSE REOPENS PUBLIC TOURS AS HOLIDAY SEASON BEGINS<\/a><\/p>

President Donald Trump<\/a> is signing an executive order<\/a> seeking to bolster foster care in the United States as part of first lady Melania Trump's<\/a> \"Fostering the Future\" effort, which is part of her Be Best initiative.<\/p>

The signing will take place around 2 p.m. ET in Washington, D.C.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AP25266500599416.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885569-1763041574", "title":"Mamdani borrows page from ‘proactive’ Hochul playbook on Trump", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F3885569%2Fmamdani-proactive-hochul-playbook-trump%2F", "byline":"David Sivak", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D-NY) play-nice approach to President Donald Trump has become an early template for Zohran Mamdani as he prepares for a White House clash as New York mayor. Since winning the mayorship last week, Mamdani has made clear he would not “mince” words with Trump, who taunts him as a “communist” and threatened […]", "description":""

Gov. Kathy Hochul<\/a>\u2019s (D-NY) play-nice approach to President Donald Trump<\/a> has become an early template for Zohran Mamdani<\/a> as he prepares for a White House clash as New York<\/a> mayor.<\/p>

Since winning the mayorship<\/a> last week, Mamdani has made clear he would not \u201cmince\u201d words<\/a> with Trump, who taunts him as a \u201ccommunist\u201d and threatened to pull funding from New York City if he won.<\/p>

But Mamdani has also promised to keep the \u201cdoor open\u201d to working with him on affordability, the signature issue of his upstart campaign, and previously committed not to be \u201creflexive\u201d<\/a> in helping or opposing the White House.<\/p>

On Tuesday, Mamdani revealed<\/a> that he would call the president before taking office on Jan. 1, 2026, describing their relationship as \u201ccritical\u201d to the success of New York.<\/p>

\"I'll say that I'm here to work for the benefit of everyone who calls the city home and that wherever there is a possibility for working together towards that end, I'm ready,\" Mamdani told<\/a> a local NBC affiliate. \"And if it's to the expense of those New Yorkers, I will fight it.\"<\/p>

If that message sounds familiar, it\u2019s because Hochul has handled Trump the same way since he returned to Washington in January. Early on, she made repeated trips<\/a> to the White House to build rapport and has forged a delicate working relationship that defies the sort of feuding the president relishes with other Democrats in his old home state.<\/p>

In an echo of that outreach, Mamdani says he will be \u201cproactive\u201d when it comes to tamping down tensions, particularly on immigration enforcement, with the president.<\/p>

Hochul\u2019s relationship with Trump is far from friendly, and she has sporadically sparred with him in public. Last month, Hochul accused him of trying to \u201cdefund the police<\/a>\u201d when his administration withheld $34 million in counterterrorism grants earmarked for New York transit.<\/p>

Yet Hochul has also shown a willingness to cooperate with Trump on energy policy and earlier this month agreed to issue permits for one of his priorities, an underwater gas pipeline. On other projects, she has dug in, including his desire to scrap a new congestion toll into Manhattan.<\/p>

POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON THE RISE IN THE US: A TIMELINE OF KEY INCIDENTS<\/a><\/p>

\u201cShe treats me very much nicer to my face than she does to the public,\u201d Trump said in a radio interview<\/a> last year.<\/p>

It remains to be seen how serious Mamdani is about finding common ground with Trump. Mamdani offered a more confrontational stance on election night, declaring that Trump\u2019s \u201cauthoritarian administration\u201d was one of the \u201ctwin crises\u201d facing New York alongside the cost of living.<\/p>

There is also an ideological gulf between Mamdani, a socialist, and Hochul, a relative centrist.<\/p>

Regardless, Mamdani has a lot at stake for his city and less leverage than Hochul. Trump, who endorsed former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the mayoral race, said he would not let Mamdani \u201csquander<\/a>\u201d the federal money that flows to New York, and his aides have already begun to draw up lists of projects for review, according to<\/a> Bloomberg.<\/p>

The city is also bracing for stepped-up immigration enforcement after federal agents targeted street vendors in a Chinatown raid last month. Mamdani is opposed to cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, unlike outgoing Mayor Eric Adams.<\/p>

In a worst-case scenario for Democrats, Trump has suggested he might send the National Guard into New York, as he has in other Democratic-run cities, as part of a crackdown on crime. Mamdani said Tuesday that he is speaking with Hochul about how to respond to Trump\u2019s threats.<\/p>

\u201cI mean, do I see the seeds of conflict? Yes,\u201d said Bob Liff, a longtime political consultant in New York. \"I think it clearly will require some combination of skill and backbone on the part of Mamdani. And I believe he has the backbone, and we'll see if he has the skill.\"<\/p>

It is not unprecedented for New York mayors to butt heads with the White House. Adams, a Trump ally, was a frequent critic of President Joe Biden\u2019s handling of the migrant crisis, with their relationship all but severed by the time the Justice Department prosecuted Adams on corruption charges that the Trump administration later dropped.<\/p>

Trump\u2019s broadsides against Mamdani have been particularly hostile, however.\u00a0Trump, like the rest of the GOP, has made Mamdani a boogeyman for socialism<\/a>, warning that he will \u201cdestroy\u201d the city with his promise of rent controls, free buses, and government-run grocery stores.<\/p>

When it comes to immigration enforcement, Trump has threatened to arrest or even deport Mamdani<\/a> if city officials refuse to cooperate. Mamdani, who was born in Uganda and came to the United States as a child, became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2018.<\/p>

Trump\u2019s rhetoric has been more muted<\/a> since Mamdani\u2019s election. When asked about Mamdani\u2019s promise to fight him as mayor, Trump told Fox News, \u201cHe has to be a little bit respectful of Washington, because if he\u2019s not, he doesn\u2019t have a chance of succeeding.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cAnd I want to make him succeed,\u201d Trump added. \"I want to make the city succeed.\"<\/p>

Separately, Trump told business leaders at a forum in Miami that his administration will \u201chelp\u201d Mamdani, though he says his interest is in New York, not the success of his mayorship.<\/p>

\"We want New York to be successful,\u201d Trump said. \"We'll help him. A little bit, maybe.\"<\/p>

State Sen. Jabari Brisport, a Mamdani ally who represents Brooklyn, said he did not see the shift as an olive branch so much as Trump \u201cprobably wrestling with the fact that he has a lot of business in New York and a lot of donors in New York.\u201d<\/p>

FULL LIST OF EXECUTIVE ORDERS, ACTIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS TRUMP HAS MADE AS PRESIDENT<\/a><\/p>

\u201cAnd he can't, you know, torch the city politically, without also hurting people that are close to him,\u201d Brisport told the Washington Examiner, alluding to Trump\u2019s decades spent as a Manhattan real estate developer.<\/p>

Trump is just one of the elected officials who will decide the fate of Mamdani\u2019s mayorship. He must also cooperate with legislators in Albany and Hochul herself as he seeks new sources of revenue to pay for his agenda.<\/p>

Hochul, who is up for reelection next year, has opposed raising income taxes, as Mamdani campaigned on during the mayor\u2019s race, and recently cast doubt<\/a> on his plans for free city bus service.<\/p>

Still, Hochul, who offered Mamdani a late endorsement in September, has expressed interest in partnering with him on a program to expand access to child care in New York.<\/p>

\u201cI think she will sense it\u2019s politically in her favor to do something big on child care,\u201d Brisport said. \u201cAnd I think it's on Zohran and the movement to make sure that it is funded appropriately, and that it actually makes childcare more affordable for New Yorkers.\u201d<\/p>

To some extent, Mamdani will be relying on Hochul and Letitia James, the state attorney general, to oppose the president\u2019s actions in court. Mamdani has promised to \u201cTrump-proof\u201d New York City, but he has few options<\/a> to counter the administration on his own.<\/p>

He has pledged to protect the personal data of immigrants in the country illegally and proposed tens of millions in new funding for legal defense services.<\/p>

\u201cPeople have to understand their jurisdiction first. You can fight, you can make statements, but understand the limitations of your authority within the jurisdiction of whatever you're governing \u2013 mayor, city, governor, state,\u201d said state Sen. Joseph Addabbo, who represents Trump\u2019s hometown borough of Queens.<\/p>

Mamdani\u2019s overtures to Trump are not the only sign he is mindful that running New York will look different than the aspirational rhetoric of his campaign.<\/p>

AOC DUCKS ON CHUCK SCHUMER BUT ADMITS NEW YORK SENATE NOISE IS REAL<\/a><\/p>

Liff, the political consultant, noted that Mamdani has chosen experienced hands as deputies. Mamdani also asked the city\u2019s police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, to stay in her role, likely to address unease over his since-disavowed calls to abolish the department. Tisch has supported stricter cash bail policies.<\/p>

\u201cHe's not trimming his sails, but he\u2019s demonstrated a pragmatic streak,\u201d Liff said.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ap-mamdani-and-hochul-e1763058871954.jpg?1763040875&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886212-1763040565", "title":"After road deaths, Trump administration moves to stop California from issuing commercial driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fdaily-memo%2F3886212%2Froad-deaths-trump-administration-moves-stop-california-issuing-commercial-drivers-licenses-illegal-immigrants%2F", "byline":"Byron York", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"AFTER ROAD DEATHS, TRUMP ADMINISTRATION MOVES TO STOP CALIFORNIA FROM ISSUING COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSES TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. On Aug. 12, the driver of a tractor-trailer truck made an illegal U-turn on the Florida Turnpike near Fort Pierce. It was a crazy, out-of-the-blue move, and the stunned driver of a minivan driving nearby was not able to […]", "description":""

AFTER ROAD DEATHS, TRUMP ADMINISTRATION MOVES TO STOP CALIFORNIA FROM ISSUING COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSES TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.\u00a0On Aug. 12, the driver of a tractor-trailer truck made an illegal U-turn on the Florida<\/a> Turnpike near Fort Pierce. It was a crazy, out-of-the-blue move, and the stunned driver of a minivan driving nearby was not able to stop before crashing into the truck, which was blocking all southbound lanes of the turnpike. The driver and two passengers in the minivan were killed.<\/p>

Authorities quickly determined\u00a0that the truck driver, 28-year-old Harjinder Singh, was an Indian who was in the United States illegally<\/a>, having crossed into the U.S. from Mexico in 2018. Even though Singh was in the country illegally, and even though he had limited knowledge of English, and even though he failed a driving test 10 times, the state of California<\/a>, like the state of Washington earlier, issued him a commercial driver's license. That is how Singh came to be driving so dangerously on the Florida Turnpike.<\/p>

Two months later,\u00a0on Oct. 21, another semitruck driver who was in the U.S. illegally caused a crash that killed three people in Southern California. Authorities say 21-year-old Jashanpreet Singh crossed illegally into the U.S. in 2022. Even though he was in the country illegally, and even though federal officials had warned California about its issuance of commercial driver's licenses to illegal immigrants, the state gave Singh a license. That is how he came to be driving so dangerously in Southern California.<\/p>

The two cases raised obvious questions\u00a0about California's issuance of commercial driver's licenses. California is one of 19 states that issue driver's licenses regardless of an applicant's immigration status. In the cases of both Harjinder Singh and Jashanpreet Singh, California issued what is called a non-domiciled commercial driver's license, that is, a license granted to a driver who does not live in the state.\u00a0<\/p>

On Wednesday, the federal Department of Transportation<\/a>\u00a0took action against California. \"U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy<\/a> announced today that the California Department of Motor Vehicles has admitted to illegally issuing 17,000 non-domiciled Commercial Drivers Licenses to dangerous foreign drivers,\" the department said in a press release<\/a>. \"Thanks to the Federal Motor Center Safety Administration's ongoing audit, each of these licenses is being revoked.\u201d<\/p>

Duffy placed the blame\u00a0squarely on California Gov. Gavin Newsom<\/a> (D) and the state's lenient policies. \"After weeks of claiming they did nothing wrong, Gavin Newsom and California have been caught red-handed,\" Duffy said in a statement. \"Now that we've exposed their lies, 17,000 illegally issued trucking licenses are being revoked. This is just the tip of the iceberg. My team will continue to force California to prove they have removed every illegal immigrant from behind the wheel of semitrucks and school buses.\"<\/p>

CALIFORNIA REVOKES 17,000 ILLEGALLY ISSUED LICENSES AFTER DUFFY EMERGENCY ORDER<\/a><\/p>

Newsom denied any problems\u00a0with California's system but has gone along with the revocation of the 17,000 licenses. The governor's spokesman mocked the secretary<\/a> as Sean \"Road Rules\" Duffy, a reference to his appearances on an MTV reality show 27 years ago. Newsom's spokesman also accused Duffy of lying \"in a sad and desperate attempt to please his dear leader,\" using a favorite Resistance phrase for President Donald Trump<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

It was standard Newsom trolling.\u00a0But this is serious stuff, with six people dead in just two crashes in Florida and California. Between those crashes, the federal government issued new rules making it much more difficult for California and other states to grant licenses to unqualified immigrants. Newsom and his team can mock all they want, but the Trump administration<\/a> is doing the right thing to bring a new measure of safety to America's roads.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25309185350960.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885931-1763039468", "title":"Washington Commanders select lead architect for stadium design", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3885931%2Fwashington-commanders-select-lead-architect-for-stadium-design%2F", "byline":"David Zimmermann", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Washington Commanders announced on Thursday that they have selected a lead architect to oversee the revamped design of the football team’s new stadium, expected to open in 2030. The move comes two months after the Council of the District of Columbia approved the $3.7 billion deal for the second time to redesign the abandoned […]", "description":""

The Washington Commanders<\/a> announced on Thursday that they have selected a lead architect to oversee the revamped design of the football<\/a> team's new stadium, expected to open in 2030.<\/p>

The move comes two months after the Council of the District of Columbia approved the $3.7 billion deal<\/a> for the second time to redesign the abandoned RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.<\/a> The NFL<\/a> team's current home venue is the nearby Northwest Stadium in Maryland.<\/p>

Commanders President Mark Clouse named the Texas-based HKS firm as the lead architect, calling the selection a \"major step forward\" in bringing the team back to the district.<\/p>

\"HKS has a proven track record of delivering world-class stadiums that balance design, functionality and community impact,\" Clouse said in a statement<\/a>.<\/p>

The firm has been responsible for designing multiple NFL stadiums, including SoFi Stadium in California and AT&T Stadium in Texas.<\/p>

\"This partnership underscores our shared vision to create a stadium that enhances the fan experience, strengthens our connection with the community, and sets a new standard for the future of sports and entertainment\u2014delivering an exceptional experience that will serve our team, our fans, and the District for decades to come,\" Clouse added.<\/p>

The Washington, D.C., government is contributing more than $1 billion in taxpayer funds and additional foregone revenue in tax breaks and other incentives for the Commanders to return to the district. The Commanders are then investing $2.7 billion to build the stadium, marking the single largest private investment in the district's history.<\/p>

HKS Global Venues Director Mark Williams said his company is \"thrilled to partner with the Commanders\" for the new design.<\/p>

\"We\u2019re reimagining what home-field advantage means by channeling the rhythm and the roar that made RFK so special and carrying that spirit forward in a bold new way,\" he said in a press release<\/a>. \"The site, set within the monumental fabric of Washington, D.C., is one of the most extraordinary in professional sports, and we are honored to help write the next chapter in its history.\"<\/p>

In recent months, President Donald Trump<\/a> has gotten involved in the Commanders' stadium deal by threatening to block the agreement unless the Commanders return to their Redskins name. The president recently suggested the new stadium should be named after him, according to an ESPN report. The White House<\/a> called the idea \"beautiful.\"<\/p>

WHITE HOUSE HAILS 'BEAUTIFUL' PROSPECT OF NEW COMMANDERS STADIUM BEARING TRUMP'S NAME<\/a><\/p>

Thursday's announcement is the latest step in getting the stadium closer to completion. Vertical construction is expected to start in spring 2027, three years before the stadium's projected opening. RFK Stadium is currently undergoing demolition, according to an October update<\/a> from Events DC.<\/p>

Next steps include working out the concept and schematic design principles before presenting the plans to the Washington, D.C., government in a series of community engagement meetings slated for November and December.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25260779669943.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886009-1763039375", "title":"Centrist Democrats warn against rise of partisanship in Congress after backing deal to end shutdown", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse%2F3886009%2Fcentrist-democrats-warn-against-partisanship-congress-after-shutdown%2F", "byline":"Emily Hallas", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Centrist Democrats cautioned against a growing antipathy toward compromise in Congress, after they bucked their party to back a GOP deal ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Reps. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA), Adam Gray (D-CA), Don Davis (D-NC), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), and Jared Golden (D-ME) gained attention on Wednesday when […]", "description":""

Centrist Democrats<\/a> cautioned against a growing antipathy toward compromise in Congress, after they bucked their party to back a GOP deal ending the longest government shutdown<\/a> in U.S. history.<\/p>

Reps. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA), Adam Gray (D-CA), Don Davis (D-NC), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), and Jared Golden (D-ME) gained attention on Wednesday when they crossed the aisle to end the gridlock in Washington, D.C., six weeks after the shutdown began, triggering repercussions that reverberated nationwide.<\/p>

In reaction to the shutdown, which began due to deep disagreements between Republicans and Democrats about attaching Obamacare subsidies to a measure to keep the government open, those lawmakers, and other centrist Democrats, expressed concern that a \"truly deliberative democracy\" is declining.<\/p>

Perez issued a statement<\/a> on Tuesday, calling for Congress to put the public over party.<\/p>

\"The last several weeks\u00a0have been a case study in why most Americans can't stand Congress,\" she warned.<\/p>

She urged both parties to work together in good faith to negotiate a better way of life for citizens. <\/p>

\"Americans can't afford for their Representatives to get so caught up in landing a partisan win that they abandon their obligation to come together to solve the urgent problems that our nation faces,\" she said. \"I'll work with whoever is necessary to reach those goals \u2014 and I don't give a damn which side of the aisle they sit on.\"<\/p>

Cuellar issued a similar statement. <\/p>

\"The problem is, when Democrats or Republicans think they're winning at the end of a long shutdown, it's the American public that loses,\" he told<\/a> NewsNation.<\/p>

Gray agreed, writing in an op-ed <\/a>for the Turlock Journal, \"Lasting policy in this country is not born of hostage\u2011taking. It is born of compromise.\"<\/p>

Most of the House Democrats who pushed the continuing resolution across the finish line in a vote on Wednesday evening represent swing districts and are up for reelection in 2026.\u00a0<\/p>

They have pushed colleagues on both sides of the aisle to demonstrate \"courage\" in bipartisanship, contrasting those who have cast compromise with the other side as a weakness or \"caving in\" to the opposition.<\/p>

\"We need to demonstrate the courage to practice the version of politics most of us wish was the norm: Two sides acknowledging there's a problem, and sitting down to find a workable solution,\" Golden wrote in a September Substack post<\/a>, urging Republicans and Democrats to negotiate a deal to avert the shutdown.<\/p>

Golden's words come as calls within his party have grown louder to oust Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who they believe has been too willing to work with Republicans. Senate candidates, such as Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Democratic Texas state Rep. James Talarico, argued it was because Schumer \"folded\" that a key number of centrist Senate Democrats advanced the continuing resolution in the upper chamber this week after weeks of deadlock, allowing it to be sent to the House for a final vote.<\/p>

If Schumer were an \"effective leader, he would have united his caucus to vote \u2018No\u2019 tonight and hold the line on healthcare,\" Moulton said in a post <\/a>on X.<\/p>

\"This moment demands fighters<\/a>, not folders,\" Talarico added.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) disagreed. He was one of the eight Democratic-aligned lawmakers who backed the GOP's continuing resolution.\u00a0<\/p>

FETTERMAN ON SHUTDOWN: 'THIS WAS A FAILURE'<\/a><\/p>

Extending Obamacare subsidies must happen, but will require Democrats \"to negotiate with the Republicans,\" Fetterman said during\u00a0a CBS interview earlier this week<\/a>, \"because America decided to put us in the minority.\"<\/p>

\"That's the essence of democracy, to find a way forward because our parties have different priorities, and that's why I've always refused to put our government in the middle of all of it, because millions and millions of American lives will be impacted that way,\" he added. \"Two things must be true: that I want to make healthcare more affordable for Obamacare, but also that our government should never be held as a hostage, whether it's a Republican or whether it's a Democrat.\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP23296523419132.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885724-1763039239", "title":"Return to normal? What happens now that longest-ever government shutdown is over", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3885724%2Freturn-to-normal-what-happens-now-government-shutdown-over%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The longest government shutdown in U.S. history ended on Wednesday night, but it will take some time before everything is back to normal. Millions were affected by the government shutdown as it dragged on for weeks, hurting a wide range of Americans, including federal workers, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients, and travelers. While the reopening […]", "description":""

The longest government shutdown<\/a> in U.S. history ended on Wednesday night, but it will take some time before everything is back to normal.<\/p>

Millions were affected by the government shutdown as it dragged on for weeks, hurting a wide range of Americans, including federal workers, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program<\/a> recipients, and travelers. While the reopening of the government will bring relief to those affected, the timelines vary.<\/p>

Here's what to know after the government shutdown:<\/p>When do federal workers start getting paid again?

Around 1.4 million federal workers were affected by the government shutdown, with half of them working without pay for six weeks. Historically, workers were given their back pay within a few business days of the government reopening. Federal employment attorney Shaun Southworth said in an Instagram video that this time around shouldn't be any different<\/a>.<\/p>

The White House's Office of Management and Budget<\/a> sent a memo, first seen by<\/a> Semafor, outlining agency-by-agency projections for sending back pay. The administration set a goal of sending out all backlogged payments by Wednesday.<\/p>

Most paychecks should go out to workers between Sunday and Wednesday.<\/p>When will SNAP payments resume?

In the last few weeks, SNAP became the center of the shutdown after the Trump administration<\/a> announced it would suspend payments, triggering a legal battle. The bill to reopen the government secured SNAP funding through Sept. 2026, meaning a similar crisis won't unfold even if the government shuts down again in January.<\/p>

Despite this, the timeline for SNAP to go back to normal remains uncertain. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Agriculture<\/a>, which handles the program, said funds could be available \u201cupon the government reopening, within 24 hours<\/a> for most states,\u201d the Associated Press reported.<\/p>

But whether this means that funds will be available on SNAP debit cards or simply available for states is uncertain. The timeline will vary from state to state \u2014 an Associated Press analysis found that at least 19 states and the District of Columbia<\/a> loaded full benefits onto SNAP cards last week.<\/p>

American Public Human Services Association spokeswoman Jessica Garon estimated to the outlet that the timeline for full SNAP benefits to resume would range from three days to one week.<\/p>When and what is reopening?

With the government reopening, locations managed by the federal government will once again open their doors to the public, though not all at once. The Smithsonian<\/a>, with its 21 museums and the National Zoo<\/a>, will have a dynamic opening schedule.<\/p>

A notice on the Smithsonian's website<\/a> said the National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum, and\u00a0the Steven F.\u00a0Udvar-Hazy Center will reopen on Friday. All remaining museums and the National Zoo will \"reopen on a rolling basis\u00a0by Monday, Nov. 17.\"<\/p>

Washington, D.C., tourist hot spots should reopen quickly as well. No reopening date was given for the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center or the Washington Monument, but after the last shutdown in 2019, it only took a few days.<\/p>

National parks<\/a> were largely able to stay at least partially open throughout the shutdown, and those affected should reopen within days.<\/p>What's happening with flights?

Given the cascading effects of flight cancellations, air travel could take the longest to return to normal. The day before the shutdown ended, when the writing was on the wall, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy<\/a> warned that flight cuts could continue<\/a> well after the government reopens.<\/p>

\u201cWe\u2019re at the cusp of hopefully having the government reopened,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m concerned that we\u2019re not going to have, on Day One, controllers come back into the towers right away. I\u2019m asking them to do that. President Trump has asked them to do that. It is their jobs, and they will be paid, but it might not be immediate that they come back in.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cAnd so, we\u2019re going to watch, analyze, encourage them to come back,\u201d Duffy added. \u201cBut, again, we\u2019re going to start to alleviate the restrictions that \u2014 we\u2019re at 6% now \u2014 we\u2019ll alleviate that only when the data says we should.\u201d<\/p>

On Wednesday, he said if the \"[Federal Aviation Administration] safety team determines the trend lines are moving in the right direction, we\u2019ll put forward a path to resume normal operation.\"<\/p>

Aviation experts are divided on when exactly flights will go back to normal, with answers ranging from days to weeks. Most agree it will vary from airport to airport and airline to airline. Much depends on the actions of individual air traffic controllers, who have been under tremendous stress even before the shutdown due to shortages.<\/p>

\u201cAre we assuming that every single air-traffic controller hasn\u2019t picked up a second job and is just going to come back ready to work 60- or 80-hour weeks? Probably not<\/a>,\u201d Tiffany Funk, cofounder and president of\u00a0the travel website point.me<\/a>, told USA Today.<\/p>

SHUTDOWN RELIEF COMING SOON: HOUSE VOTE CLEARS FINAL HURDLE TO REOPEN GOVERNMENT<\/a><\/p>

The Senate<\/a> Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation will examine the effect of the government shutdown on aviation safety at a Nov. 19 hearing.<\/p>

\u201cThe government shutdown has severely impacted our already fragile aviation industry, and recovering from its effects will take time,\" Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Moran said. \"As we work to reopen the government, it\u2019s critical that we address the damage done and look at the long-term effects of the shutdown.\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25316007344145.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3886121-1763038950", "title":"Trump shifts on economy to ‘We feel your pain’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwashington-secrets%2F3886121%2Ftrump-shifts-on-economy-to-we-feel-your-pain%2F", "byline":"Paul Bedard", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Facing criticism from Main Street voters about inflated grocery prices, President Donald Trump and his team are adopting an aggressive strategy of sympathizing with the economic pain Americans feel and explaining their plan to fix it. “We are very aware of the pain,” Peter Navarro, the Trump economist and senior counselor for trade and manufacturing, […]", "description":""

Facing criticism from Main Street voters about inflated grocery prices, President Donald Trump<\/a> and his team are adopting an aggressive strategy of sympathizing with the economic pain Americans feel and explaining their plan to fix it.<\/p>

\u201cWe are very aware of the pain,\u201d Peter Navarro,<\/a> the Trump economist and senior counselor for trade and manufacturing, told Washington Secrets.<\/p>

After two weeks of somewhat confusing strategy on the issue that has led to plummeting approval ratings,<\/a> the Trump White House has settled on a plan to offer understanding for what Americans are facing, how inflation under the former Biden administration hurt the economy, and what the administration is doing to cut prices.<\/p>

The president this week complained that Republicans have been slow to pick up on that plan and aren\u2019t talking up recent improvements in prices, such as gasoline.<\/p>

Peter Navarro: "They want to blame Donald Trump for what is Biden legacy inflation" pic.twitter.com\/9HN7H8YCpb<\/a><\/p>— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 13, 2025<\/a>

But like when former President Ronald Reagan<\/a> faced a similar wobbly economy, Trump and his team realize that they have to lead the discussion and are now planning trips around the country and deploying top aides to explain the rescue effort.<\/p>

In the past few days, for example, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Kevin Hassett, chairman of the National Economic Council, and Navarro have hit the airwaves to tell what they inherited from Biden and why some economic sectors have been slow to recover.<\/p>

Trump, said Navarro, \u201cis very focused on the issue.\u201d<\/p>

But, he said, \u201cWhat he\u2019s pissed off about is that nobody else is on our side of the fence, so we\u2019re fixing that.\u201d<\/p>

Navarro said that continuing to lessen inflation is a top job. \u201cWe\u2019re focused like a laser on addressing inflation issues and potential slow-growth issues. What we need to do is message that we are doing a great job and things are getting better. Yeah, that provides no comfort at all to people who are in pain. So what we have to do is explain exactly what we're doing sector by sector, transportation, health care, food, shelter, remind people how we got there, which is to say that everything that Democrats do in terms of policy is inflationary,\u201d said Navarro.<\/p>

\u201cAnd then,\u201d he added, \u201cgive them some hope.\u201d<\/p>

SEE THE LATEST POLITICAL NEWS AND BUZZ FROM WASHINGTON SECRETS<\/a><\/p>

Navarro also said that the economic team plans to better explain why some economic sectors and even grocery items may remain high.<\/p>

On the Fox Business show Mornings with Maria<\/a>, he told host Maria Bartiromo, for example, that \u201clags\u201d in production can delay price cuts. He gave an example of reducing the prices of eggs and chickens because they can be produced quickly while beef takes longer to get to market.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25233554920385.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885880-1763037983", "title":"AT&T class action lawsuit: How to receive your share of the $177 million settlement", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3885880%2Fatt-class-action-lawsuit-177-million-dollar-settlement-how-to-get%2F", "byline":"Pedro Rodriguez", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"AT&T has agreed to pay up to $177 million after settling a class action lawsuit surrounding two “data incidents” from 2024. Affected customers are eligible for up to $7,500 if they file a claim before Dec. 18. The lawsuit came after the phone carrier was accused of allowing partial customer data, such as names, addresses, […]", "description":""

AT&T has agreed to pay up to $177 million after settling a class action lawsuit<\/a> surrounding two \u201cdata incidents<\/a>\u201d from 2024. Affected customers are eligible for up to $7,500 if they file a claim before Dec. 18.<\/p>

The lawsuit came after the phone carrier was accused of allowing partial customer data, such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, dates of birth, account passcodes, billing account numbers, and Social Security<\/a> numbers, to be put on the dark web or illegally downloaded from a third-party cloud platform. <\/p>

Customers in the United States who had their information or data breached in the March 30, 2024, or July 12, 2024, incidents are eligible to file a claim for their partial settlement<\/a>. <\/p>

For those affected by the first data breach, up to $5,000 can be awarded. For those involved in the second breach, up to $2,500 can be awarded. <\/p>

CONGRESS MUST SUMMON AT&T CEO JOHN STANKEY OVER CATASTROPHIC DATA LEAK <\/a><\/p>

Customers who are unsure if their data<\/a> was accessed can call Kroll Settlement Administration at (833) 890-4930 for confirmation. <\/p>

Claimants can submit a claim through the Kroll Settlement website<\/a> by entering their full name, class member ID, email address, or AT&T account number.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/teens-social-media-phone.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885794-1763037216", "title":"US bishops vote to ban transgender surgeries at Catholic hospitals", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3885794%2Fus-bishops-vote-ban-transgender-surgeries-catholic-hospitals%2F", "byline":"Asher Notheis", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"U.S. bishops voted Wednesday to ban gender reassignment surgeries at Catholic hospitals in their latest update to the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. The seventh edition of the ERD states that “we have a duty to ‘protect our humanity,’” which includes “accepting it and respecting it as it was created.” The […]", "description":""

U.S. bishops voted Wednesday to ban gender reassignment surgeries at Catholic<\/a> hospitals in their latest update to the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.<\/p>

The seventh edition of the ERD<\/a> states that \u201cwe have a duty to \u2018protect our humanity,\u2019\u201d which includes \u201caccepting it and respecting it as it was created.\u201d The document states this means Catholic healthcare<\/a> services cannot provide medical interventions intended to \u201calter the fundamental order of the human body in its form or function,\u201d be it surgical, hormonal, or genetic.<\/p>

\u201cIn accord with the mission of Catholic health care, which includes serving those who are vulnerable, Catholic health care services and providers \u2018must employ all appropriate resources to mitigate the suffering of those who experience gender incongruence or gender dysphoria\u2019 and to provide for the full range of their health care needs, employing only those means that respect the fundamental order of the human body,\u201d the document reads.<\/p>

The updated guidance comes two years after the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a doctrinal note<\/a> on the \u201cMoral Limits to Technological Manipulation of the Human Body.\u201d This guideline said all appropriate resources must be used to help those struggling with \u201cgender incongruence,\u201d but such means \u201cmust respect the fundamental order of the human body.\u201d<\/p>

The nonprofit Catholic Health Association of the United States said Wednesday that these updated directives are \"consistent with Catholic health care practice<\/a>,\" which prohibit medical treatment intended to change sexual characteristics. The group added that Catholic providers will continue to welcome patients who identify as transgender.<\/p>

According to the Catholic Health Association, 1 in 7 patients in the U.S. receive care from Catholic hospitals daily.<\/p>

DHS SUED OVER POLICY BANNING TRANSGENDER TSA OFFICERS FROM CONDUCTING PAT-DOWNS<\/a><\/p>

In December 2022, the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with groups against the Biden administration\u2019s<\/a> requirement that healthcare and insurance groups perform gender reassignment procedures. The case was brought by religious doctors who said the mandate violated their beliefs<\/a>.<\/p>

The Supreme Court<\/a> said Wednesday it will hear two cases back-to-back challenging state laws<\/a> banning biological men from women\u2019s sports on Jan. 13, 2026. All rulings in the cases are expected by the end of June.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25315648240407.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884978-1763036368", "title":"Weak Starmer waltzes into a winter of discontent", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fbeltway-confidential%2F3884978%2Fweak-keir-starmer-waltzes-into-winter-of-discontent%2F", "byline":"Tom Rogan", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his center-left/left Labour Party government are under great pressure. You’d think that Starmer’s catastrophic approval rating (17% positive to 66% negative), the state of the U.K. economy (only 1.3% growth is expected in 2025, inflation is at nearly 4%, and unemployment is rising), and the soaring popularity of Nigel […]", "description":""

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer <\/a>and his center-left\/left Labour Party<\/a> government are under great pressure.<\/p>

You'd think that Starmer's catastrophic approval rating (17% positive to 66% negative), the state of the U.K.<\/a> economy (only 1.3% growth is expected in 2025, inflation is at nearly 4%, and unemployment is rising), and the soaring popularity of Nigel Farage's<\/a> Reform Party (leading Labour 7-10 points) might have jolted Starmer into a new clarity of purpose. Instead, however, the prime minister is acting as if the coming winter of discontent is a mirage that can be ignored into evaporation.<\/p>

Although used poorly in reference to William Shakespeare's<\/a> Richard III source material, in U.K. politics, the phrase \"winter of discontent\" refers to the winter of 1978-1979, in which the Labour government of James Callaghan lost governing credibility. Callaghan soon thereafter lost an election to the Conservative Party under Margaret Thatcher<\/a>. Today, Starmer faces a similar crisis.<\/p>

Starmer's challenge was underlined on Tuesday and Wednesday when his allies began orchestrating leaks to the media, accusing Health Secretary Wes Streeting of preparing a dangerous bid to challenge Starmer for the keys to No. 10 Downing Street (in the U.K. system, the leader of the party holding a parliamentary majority automatically becomes prime minister). Streeting denied any plots to remove Starmer but notably refused to rule out a future leadership challenge. And while Starmer condemned those leaking against Streeting, saying he had nothing to do with it, the chaos on display underlines his increasing political vulnerability.<\/p>

Continuing rates of high illegal immigration<\/a> are Starmer's key problem. This has forced the government into expensive measures, such as renting entire hotels for asylum-seekers and accepting increasing pressure on already creaking public services like the U.K.'s socialized medical system, the National Health Service. Highly aggressive criminal prosecutions<\/a> of various social media posts related to asylum-seekers have also led many U.K. residents to believe their interests come second to strangers. Recent incidents, such as the mistaken release of numerous prisoners, have also played into the narrative that Starmer's government is incompetent.<\/p>

Still, it is the weak economy that most informs public dissatisfaction.<\/p>

It's clear that the tax and spending binge embarked upon by Starmer and his Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves (U.K. Treasury Secretary equivalent with far greater powers) since entering office last year has failed. The deficit remains stubbornly high, and Starmer needs to kick-start business and consumer confidence. He also needs to find ways to cut spending. Unfortunately, the prime minister isn't willing to battle it out with his party's far-left.<\/p>

Earlier this summer, Reeves presented modest welfare reforms<\/a> which, as I noted at the time, were \"designed to reduce the deficit by $7 billion a year by 2030. The reforms centered on strengthened eligibility safeguards for those receiving generous incapacity benefits. The U.K. needs spending savings because its 2024-2025 budget deficit is predicted to come in at $187 billion.\" The reforms were sensible if far from sufficient. But when Labour backbenchers revolted over even these modest reforms, Starmer simply surrendered. With that surrender went another crumb of credibility.<\/p>

No serious economist believes the United Kingdom's ballooning welfare budget is sustainable amid very poor productivity rates and an aging population. Consider, for example, that an extraordinary 1.7 million<\/a> Britons are now receiving unemployment benefits out of a total population of 69 million. An increasingly large number of young people are now neither in work-related training nor seeking active employment. But with market confidence weakening as the deficit looms large, and spending cuts off the table, Starmer and Reeves are returning to the tax solution.<\/p>

Outlining a new budget on Nov. 26, Reeves is widely expected to abandon Labour's election manifesto pledges and introduce new taxes on income and investment. When that happens, it will be another blow to already stretched household wallets and to business confidence. Why, investors ask, would they take risks with new ventures when Starmer will simply tax gouge them in success today, tomorrow, or when the next budget comes calling? Why take risks when Starmer is happy to allow millions to sit idle on generous benefits and the unions to enrich their members at the expense of the public purse?<\/p>

BELTWAY CONFIDENTIAL: CHINA'S SELF-DEFEATING JAPAN BEHEADING THREAT<\/a><\/p>

All of this must leave Farage feeling pretty happy. Farage's Reform Party has yet to produce a serious governing platform beyond its pledges to cut immigration. But at the moment, he is content to let Starmer sink deeper into the political abyss.<\/p>

Starmer might well be replaced as prime minister before Christmas. But whoever replaces him is likely to pursue even more disastrous left-wing policies. And as public discontent grows, the pressure to hold a new election will reach a breaking point.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/AP25275619265432.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885714-1763035443", "title":"Osbourne family reveals Trump called after Ozzy’s death", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fentertainment%2F3885714%2Fosbourne-family-reveals-trump-called-after-ozzys-death%2F", "byline":"Jenny Goldsberry", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The family of rock star Ozzy Osbourne aired President Donald Trump’s voicemail on Wednesday, months after his death in July. Osbourne’s Widow, Sharon, and their children, Kelly and Jack, posted a family tribute on their podcast. During the episode, Jack held a cellphone to the microphone to play Trump’s voicemail to Sharon, who was the […]", "description":""

The family of rock star Ozzy Osbourne<\/a> aired President Donald Trump<\/a>\u2019s voicemail on Wednesday, months after his death in July.<\/p>

Osbourne's Widow, Sharon, and their children, Kelly and Jack, posted a family tribute on their podcast. During the episode, Jack held a cellphone to the microphone to play Trump\u2019s voicemail to Sharon, who was the second runner-up in Trump\u2019s third season of Celebrity Apprentice in 2010.<\/p>

\u201cHi, Sharon, it\u2019s Donald Trump, and I just wanted to wish you the best and the family,\u201d Trump said in the recording. \u201cOzzy was amazing, he was an amazing guy. I met him a few times, and I wanna tell you he was unique in every way and talented.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cSo I just wanted to wish you the best, and it\u2019s a tough thing, I know how close you were, and whatever I can do, take care of yourself, say hello to the family. Thanks, bye,\u201d Trump said.<\/p>

The U.K.-based celebrity family has typically remained apolitical and has refrained from offering endorsements of political candidates. However, Kelly Osbourne spoke out against Trump\u2019s campaign promises<\/a> while guest-hosting The View in 2015.<\/p>

\u201cLove him or hate him, he didn\u2019t have to call and leave a voicemail,\u201d Jack said of Trump\u2019s message.<\/p>

\u201cListen, when it comes to politics, we know nobody comes out a winner,\u201d Sharon said. \u201cAll I know is a man that I know, I worked with for a month. I spent one month with him and his wife, who was always gracious, elegant, just a delight to talk to.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cHe was just a great guy to talk to, and he has always treated me with respect,\u201d Sharon said. \u201cHe wanted nothing from us.\u201d<\/p>

Sharon noted that she is not an American citizen and that she votes \u201cfor no one.\u201d The Osbournes noted that they also received a message from King Charles III, but Sharon implied that U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer<\/a> did not reach out.<\/p>

\u201cFor [Trump] to take his time to do that for us,\u201d Sharon said while becoming emotional. \u201cAnd because do you know what? He doesn't live in a bubble. He knows what's going on in the streets. He knows what is going on. And I can't say that for our prime minister. Again, President Trump and Melania. Thank you. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>

TRUMP RAGES AT DEMOCRATS AND THE FILIBUSTER IN SIGNING BILL TO END GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN<\/a><\/p>

Ozzy was 76 when he died<\/a>. The singer had emphysema but continued to perform, with his final performance just 17 days before he died.<\/p>

Trump did not offer a statement on Ozzy on Truth Social or X at the time of his death.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/osbourne-trump-e1763053064354.jpg?1763035068&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885831-1763034677", "title":"Japan refuses to retract Taiwan comments despite Beijing rage and beheading threat", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F3885831%2Fjapan-refuses-retract-taiwan-comments-despite-beijing-rage-beheading%2F", "byline":"Timothy Nerozzi", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"An offhand remark from the prime minister of Japan has roiled Beijing, unleashing an onslaught of accusations and even threats of decapitation from Chinese officials. The Chinese Communist Party demanded that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi retract her assertion last week that a hypothetical invasion of Taiwan would be a “survival-threatening situation” to Japan. Under Japanese […]", "description":""

An offhand remark from the prime minister of Japan<\/a> has roiled Beijing, unleashing an onslaught of accusations and even threats of decapitation from Chinese officials.<\/p>

The Chinese Communist Party<\/a> demanded that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi retract her assertion<\/a> last week that a hypothetical invasion of Taiwan would be a \"survival-threatening situation\" to Japan. Under Japanese law, that term designates a scenario in which the purely defensive Japanese military can deploy.<\/p>

\"Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made provocative remarks on Taiwan, which imply the possibility of armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait. Despite China\u2019s serious d\u00e9marches and protests, she still refused to change course and take back what she had said,\" Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian declared at a Thursday press conference.<\/p>

The Chinese ministry<\/a> called Takaichi's comment a \"blatant interference in China's internal affairs, a challenge to China's core interests, and infringement on China's sovereignty. It also said the prime minister must \"retract the unjustified remarks\" or else \"all the consequences arising therefrom must be borne by the Japanese side.\"<\/p>

Lin's rebuke was tame compared to previous comments made by Chinese Consul General Xue Jian, who publicly fantasized about decapitating Takaichi on social media.<\/p>

\"We have no choice but cut off that dirty neck that has been lunged at us without hesitation,\" Xue, who is stationed in Osaka, wrote. \"Are you ready?\u201d<\/p>

Japanese<\/a> Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the \"intent\" of Xue's remark was \"not entirely clear\" but still \"extremely inappropriate.\"<\/p>

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party passed a resolution on Tuesday threatening to deport Xue and designate him as a persona non grata if the Chinese government did not take appropriate action. Xue's social media post was deleted.<\/p>

Takaichi has refused to walk back her statement, insisting that her views are \"consistent with the government's traditional position.\"<\/p>

Japan is widely considered the most important U.S. ally in East Asia<\/a> and a bulwark against Chinese expansionism in the region.<\/p>

President Donald <\/a>Trump has largely avoided addressing the question of Taiwan's sovereignty since returning to the White House earlier this year. However, his administration seems to be investigating various factions behind the scenes as it seeks to formulate a long-term policy on the conflict.<\/p>

The American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto embassy of the United States<\/a> on the island, invited Kuomintang Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun to speak with top U.S. envoy Raymond Greene on Wednesday. The Kuomintang is the island's conservative opposition party and takes a more passive stance with the mainland government.<\/p>

TAKAICHI CHANNELS ABE IN COURTING TRUMP AS PRESIDENT AFFIRMS NEW FRIENDSHIP<\/a><\/p>

\"The U.S. has never sought conflict across the Taiwan Strait. The primary goal is to avoid war and ensure that any cross-strait differences are handled peacefully and without coercion,\" Greene said after the meeting.<\/p>

Green reportedly invited Cheng<\/a> to visit the U.S. soon to discuss how best to avoid military conflict between Taiwan and the mainland.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25305363420976.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885842-1763034547", "title":"After 40 years, Philadelphia to stop discriminating against white male business owners", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fbeltway-confidential%2F3885842%2Fphiladelphia-city-contracts-white-business-owners-discrimination%2F", "byline":"Christopher Tremoglie", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Philadelphia is a majority minority city, meaning its largest population demographic is considered a racial minority in the United States. Representing approximately 39% of the city’s population, black Americans are the city’s largest ethnic group (while being less than 13% of the national population). White Americans are the second-largest group in Philadelphia, comprising 33.6% of […]", "description":""

Philadelphia<\/a> is a majority minority city, meaning its largest population demographic is considered a racial minority in the United States. Representing approximately 39% of the city\u2019s population<\/a>, black Americans are the city\u2019s largest ethnic group (while being less than 13% of the national population). White Americans are the second-largest group in Philadelphia, comprising 33.6% of the city\u2019s population (and the country's largest racial demographic at approximately 60% of the country\u2019s population). Asians are next at 7.7%, followed by Latinos at 7.67% of the city\u2019s population. Added together, there are more racial minorities living in Philadelphia than white people.\u00a0<\/p>

Yet, despite more than half the city\u2019s population being comprised of non-white people, it was Philadelphia's policy and practice to discriminate against white business owners, particularly white male business owners. As the Philadelphia Inquirer reported<\/a>, Philadelphia\u2019s government \u201cset specific goals\u201d to award 35% of \"hundreds of millions of dollars in yearly government contracts to businesses that are owned by women and people of color.\u201d These funds were set aside for \u201cminority, women, or disabled-owned enterprises.\u201d The 35% threshold was implemented in 2016; it used to be 25%, put into effect over four decades ago, \u201cin the early 1980s.\u201d <\/p>

Now, imagine the uproar, rage, hostility, and claims of racial discrimination<\/a> if this policy reserved 35% of city contracts for white people, or, specifically, white men. And people have the audacity to talk about white privilege in this country? What privilege? Being denied contract opportunities solely because of their white skin color? Racial discrimination is racial discrimination even if the recipient is a white person. It's a simple concept, yet one that much of the country has difficulty recognizing.<\/p>

Fortunately, this \u201cpractice is no more,\u201d the Inquirer reported. And it\u2019s primarily due to the Trump administration\u2019s efforts to eliminate the country's toxic DEI programs. Going into effect in the fall, the Inquirer claimed that DEI and affirmative action initiatives in the city are being scrapped due to a \u201cnational and political backlash<\/a>.\u201d And much, if not all, of this is due to the Trump administration\u2019s executive order issued<\/a> on the first day of his second term on Jan. 20, \u201cEnding Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.\u201d<\/p>

Thankfully, the Trump administration has common sense and opposes government-sanctioned racial discrimination. In his directive, Trump labeled DEI programs \u201cdemonstrated immense public waste and shameful discrimination. That ends today.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cAmericans deserve a government committed to serving every person with equal dignity and respect, and to expending precious taxpayer resources only on making America great,\u201d read Trump\u2019s executive order. <\/p>

Any DEI or race-based priority initiatives are programs that \u2014 as the above Philadelphia program revealed \u2014 encourage the wanton discrimination of white people, particularly white men. It\u2019s indicative of the corrosive societal rot that DEI facilitates. There\u2019s nothing equitable about prioritizing one person\u2019s skin color or ethnicity over another. That\u2019s the textbook definition of prejudice and discrimination. Yet, because it was happening to white people, this racism was deemed permissible, if not even outright encouraged.<\/p>

And, despite left-wing, liberal, and Democratic thinking to the contrary, racial discrimination against white people is still actually discrimination. For some reason, people have reservations about admitting this. Or, decades of left-wing-induced societal indoctrination have resulted in the acceptance and tolerance of bigotry against white men. Regardless, it should never be acceptable. Withholding 35% of government contracts solely because of one\u2019s white skin color is an abhorrent form of prejudice, bigotry, racism, and discrimination. <\/p>

I have my suspicions about whether the execution of this policy reversal will yield different results than the public recognition of it. Nevertheless, it is an important step toward a real racial reckoning and undoing the decades of damage the Left has created with its socio-political discriminatory policies. Philadelphia\u2019s policy should never have been approved, let alone existed for over four decades.<\/p>

FROM \u2018LEVERAGE\u2019 TO LIES, DEMOCRATS WERE ALWAYS RESPONSIBLE FOR SHUTDOWN SUFFERING<\/a><\/p>

Incidentally, the city initiative replacing the old anti-white male business owner program is allegedly designed to incentivize \u201csmall and local businesses\u201d in Philadelphia.<\/p>

\u201cThe goal of the revised program is to create an environment in which all businesses can thrive and contribute to the local economy, said Philadelphia Solicitor Renee Garcia.<\/p>

Interesting, because creating an \u201cenvironment in which all businesses can thrive and contribute to the local economy\u201d should have been the objective and policy all along.\u00a0<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/philly-scaled-e1763048391380.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885792-1763033946", "title":"New York delays implementation of law banning gas stoves in new homes ", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fenergy-and-environment%2F3885792%2Fnew-york-delays-implementation-law-banning-gas-stoves-new-homes%2F", "byline":"Callie Patteson", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"New York moved to delay the implementation of a law that would mandate all-electric heating and cooking systems in new buildings, effectively banning new natural-gas powered stoves and furnaces.  The law, known as the All-Electric Buildings Act, was scheduled to go into effect in January 2026. However, as the mandate continues to be wrapped up […]", "description":""

New York<\/a> moved to delay the implementation of a law that would mandate all-electric<\/a> heating and cooking systems<\/a> in new buildings, effectively banning new natural-gas powered stoves <\/a>and furnaces.\u00a0<\/p>

The law, known as the All-Electric Buildings Act, was scheduled to go into effect in January 2026. However, as the mandate continues to be wrapped up in the courts, it is now unclear whether the state will move to enforce the law.\u00a0<\/p>

Once in effect, the law would bar the installation of gas-powered<\/a> heating and cooking systems in new buildings that are seven stories or shorter. The mandate was also expected to take effect for all other buildings in 2029, with some exceptions for large buildings such as stores, hospitals, and restaurants.\u00a0<\/p>

Attorneys representing the state agreed to delay the implementation of the law in a stipulation filed<\/a> in the U.S. District Court in Albany on Wednesday.<\/p>

New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley wrote in the filing that the decision to temporarily suspend the law was to \u201cavoid further litigation\" and \"uncertainty\" during the appellate process.\u00a0<\/p>

The state is facing legal challenges from trade groups, led by Mulhern Gas, that have argued that the law infringes on federal law.\u00a0<\/p>

The groups first filed their lawsuit in 2023, arguing that the Energy Policy and Conservation Act preempted state laws. <\/p>

\u201cThe nation\u2019s energy policy cannot be dictated by state and local governments; such a patchwork approach would be the antithesis of a national energy policy,\u201d their complaint said at the time.<\/p>

\u201cFurther, millions of New Yorkers use natural gas, propane, and oil for home heating, cooking, and hot water, particularly in the coldest winter months, and the decision to outright prohibit the use of all fuel gas \u2014 even propane \u2014 in new buildings is at odds with citizens\u2019 and businesses\u2019 need for reliable, resilient, and affordable energy,\u201d the trade groups added.<\/p>

In July of this year, the federal court for the Northern District of New York upheld the law, ruling that the state\u2019s ban on new gas<\/a> and propane heating and cooking systems was not preempted.\u00a0<\/p>

As the fossil fuel groups swiftly have moved to appeal the ruling, home building trade associations have asked the Trump administration to step in. <\/p>

In a letter sent to Attorney General Pam Bondi in June, the New York State Builders Association and National Association of Home Builders asked the government to delay or block the state law.<\/p>

\u201cThe gas ban violates core constitutional principles of interstate commerce by attempting to dictate national energy usage through state-level restrictions,\u201d the letter said<\/a>. \u201cIt burdens domestic energy production, raises costs on middleclass homeowners, and compromises energy reliability and economic freedom.\u201d<\/p>

Trump has long been a proponent of gas-powered heaters and cooking equipment, and has repeatedly criticized Democratic efforts to transition to electrical alternatives. <\/p>

Many Democrat-run cities and states have moved to phase out the use of gas-powered furnaces and stoves due to concerns about human health risks and the dangers of methane emissions associated with these fossil fuel appliances.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

The Biden administration also aimed to regulate the industry via the Department of Energy, issuing efficiency standard rules that would have prohibited roughly 3% of gas stove models on the market. Those regulations, as well as dozens of other climate and environmental-related rules, were quickly lifted this summer<\/a> under Trump.\u00a0<\/p>

While environmental advocates have slammed New York's decision to delay its gas stove ban, Gov. Kathy Hochul\u2019s (D-NY) office has insisted that the state is not changing course on its climate change-related goals.\u00a0<\/p>

TRUMP CONSIDERS ISSUING EXECUTIVE ORDER PROTECTING GAS STOVES AND HEATERS<\/a><\/p>

\u201cThe governor remains committed to the all-electric-buildings law and believes this action will help the state defend it, as well as reduce regulatory uncertainty for developers during this period of litigation,\u201d Hochul\u2019s office said.<\/p>

The appellate court has reportedly not added the case to its calendar as of Wednesday, according to<\/a> the Times Union. The trade groups challenging the ruling have until late December to submit any additional filings.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP23172781800052.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885683-1763030529", "title":"Bongino slams Massie for ‘disgusting’ implication that FBI is targeting investigators in Jan. 6 pipe bomb case", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fjustice%2F3885683%2Fbongino-slams-massie-for-disgusting-implication-that-fbi-is-targeting-investigators-in-jan-6-pipe-bomb-case%2F", "byline":"David Zimmermann", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino slammed Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) on Thursday for implying that the bureau is targeting investigators in the Washington, D.C., pipe bomb case. Massie posted a letter on Wednesday from an FBI whistleblower’s attorney, who raised concerns about the bureau allegedly moving to retaliate against his client for making a protected […]", "description":""

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino<\/a> slammed Rep. Thomas Massie<\/a> (R-KY) on Thursday for implying that the bureau is targeting investigators in the Washington, D.C.<\/a>, pipe bomb case.<\/p>

Massie posted a letter on Wednesday from an FBI<\/a> whistleblower's attorney, who raised concerns about the bureau allegedly moving to retaliate against his client for making a protected disclosure to Congress related to the case, prompting a response from Bongino.<\/p>

\"I received this troubling letter today from the attorney representing the most recent FBI whistleblower regarding the J6 pipe bomb investigation,\" Massie wrote on X<\/a>. \"Just a reminder to [FBI Director Kash Patel<\/a>], in case this letter is warranted, federal law prevents retaliation against whistleblowers.\"<\/p>

The correspondence references a Thursday meeting at 10 a.m. in the FBI's Washington Field Office, where bureau management is reportedly attempting to identify the whistleblower.<\/p>

Bongino revealed he offered the congressman an in-person brief on the case over the phone. The two spoke on Wednesday morning. Bongino called him later in the day, but he did not receive a call back.<\/p>

\"Despite [my outreach], you continue to imply that the Director and I are targeting investigators in the case,\" Bongino responded at length. \"This is disgusting, even by the low standards many have for politicians. You know my number, and you\u2019re free to call me anytime. But it\u2019s easier to tweet and throw BS bombs.\"<\/p>

The deputy director confirmed that the Thursday morning meeting is still scheduled to happen. However, he said, the purpose of the meeting is to brief FBI leadership on whistleblower resources that may need to be disclosed to show evidence of malfeasance in the Biden administration's investigation.<\/p>

Bongino assured that FBI leadership is \"passionate\" about finishing the unsolved case.<\/p>

Last month, the FBI renewed its call for tips<\/a> about the unknown person who placed two pipe bombs near the Democratic National Committee<\/a> and the Republican National Committee<\/a> on Jan. 5, 2021, the night before the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. The bombs did not detonate, but the FBI has said they were \"viable\" and could have posed serious harm to the public.<\/p>

The FBI and Metropolitan Police Department are offering a $500,000 reward to anyone who has information that may lead to the location, arrest, and conviction of the person responsible.<\/p>

The suspect's identity remains a mystery nearly five years later, although there are unverified reports<\/a> that a former Capitol Police officer may be connected to the pipe bombs. Massie promoted the bombshell story<\/a> on social media, alleging the FBI<\/a> is involved in a \"cover-up.\"<\/p>

LOUDERMILK ASKS FOR INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPTS WITH HARRIS'S SECRET SERVICE DETAIL ABOUT DNC PIPE BOMB<\/a><\/p>

Bongino alluded to this reporting as \"grossly inaccurate\" and misleading. No breakthrough has been made in discovering the person's identity, the law enforcement official said.<\/p>

\"I proudly serve in this administration, and I proudly work with Director Patel to reform and advance the crime-fighting and national security missions of the FBI,\" Bongino told Massie. \"We would love to have you as a partner in this mission, rather than a dog barking behind a fence.\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25316637353588.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885665-1763029399", "title":"Joe Concha says Zohran Mamdani is motivated by ‘free money from the government’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Ffinance-and-economy%2F3885665%2Fjoe-concha-zohran-mamdani-motivated-free-money-government%2F", "byline":"Jenny Goldsberry", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Washington Examiner Senior Writer Joe Concha suggested that New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani promised to call President Donald Trump to assure federal funding. “What motivates Mamdani more than anything? Free money from the government,” Concha said on Fox Business’s Kudlow on Wednesday. “So when Trump threatened, ‘if this guy wins I’m going to withhold […]", "description":""

Washington Examiner Senior Writer Joe Concha<\/a> suggested that New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani promised to call President Donald Trump<\/a> to assure federal funding.<\/p>

\u201cWhat motivates Mamdani more than anything? Free money from the government,\u201d Concha said on Fox Business\u2019s Kudlow<\/a> on Wednesday. \u201cSo when Trump threatened, \u2018if this guy wins I\u2019m going to withhold as much as I can,\u2019 Mamdani then becomes this lizard person shape shifter, and now suddenly he\u2019s going to be nice to Trump because that\u2019s who the handout is coming from. He realizes that\u2019s a war he\u2019s not going to win.\u201d<\/p>

Concha was referring to Trump\u2019s Fox News interview from June<\/a>, where Trump threatened to withhold federal funding for New York City after Mamdani won the Democratic primary earlier this summer.<\/p>

\u201cIf he does get in, I\u2019m gonna be president, then he\u2019s going to have to do the right thing, but they\u2019re not getting any money. He\u2019s got to do the right thing,\u201d Trump said.<\/p>

After Mamdani won the mayor\u2019s office earlier this month, Trump said it would be more \u201cappropriate\u201d<\/a> if Mamdani reached out first. <\/p>

While Mamdani spent most of his campaign and even his victory speech<\/a> challenging Trump, he changed his tune this week. <\/p>

CONSERVATIVES BEWARE: SOCIALISM ISN\u2019T TO BE MOCKED, BUT FEARED<\/a><\/p>

\u201cI will be reaching out to the White House as we prepare to actually take office because this is a relationship that will be critical to the success of the city,\u201d Mamdani said in an interview <\/a>with NBC New York before he is sworn in on Jan. 1, 2026.<\/p>

Mamdani won just over 50% of the vote<\/a> in New York City, while his predecessor, Eric Adams, won 67% of the vote<\/a> in 2021. Former Vice President Kamala Harris won the city with 70%<\/a> of the vote during last year\u2019s election.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/zohran-mamdani.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885693-1763028939", "title":"Savannah to continue enforcing gun control ordinance a judge declared ‘unenforceable’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2F3885693%2Fsavannah-georgia-continue-enforcing-gun-control-ordinance-judge-declared-unenforceable%2F", "byline":"Emily Hallas", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"A Georgia mayor on Wednesday stood by an ordinance prohibiting guns in unlocked vehicles after a state judge issued a ruling declaring it unconstitutional.  The policy, which has been challenged by ​​Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, requires firearms left in vehicles to be “securely stored” in compartments or in a locked trunk.  Savannah Mayor Van […]", "description":""

A Georgia<\/a> mayor on Wednesday stood by an ordinance prohibiting guns<\/a> in unlocked vehicles after a state judge issued a ruling declaring it unconstitutional. <\/p>

The policy, which has been challenged<\/a> by \u200b\u200bGeorgia Attorney General Chris Carr, requires firearms left in vehicles to be \u201csecurely stored\u201d in compartments or in a locked trunk.\u00a0<\/p>

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said the city would continue to enforce the ordinance<\/a> after Chatham County Recorder's Court Judge Brian Huffman Jr. handed down a ruling siding with Clayton Papp, who had appealed a citation for violating the ordinance. And the mayor promised to appeal the decision to the Superior Court, in comments<\/a> to the Savannah Morning News.<\/p>

\u201cOur position remains firmly grounded in long-established legal precedent: the City is regulating the use and operation of the vehicle\u2014not the firearm itself, which Georgia citizens are lawfully entitled to possess,\u201d Johnson said. <\/p>

\"We\u2019ve had this in existence now for quite some time, and we have reduced the number of guns stolen from unlocked vehicles in Savannah,\" he told reporters.<\/p>

Savannah appears to hold power to continue to enforce the ordinance because Huffman\u2019s ruling likely only applies to Papp's case due to the challenge being raised as part of a criminal defense and not a broader lawsuit seeking an injunction to stop further enforcement, according to Anthony Michael Kreis, a Georgia State University law professor.<\/p>

\"In theory, the city could continue to enforce the ordinance and leave it to individual defendants to raise this question again as a defense,\" Kreis told the Associated Press. <\/p>

Johnson has said he backs the policy as a way to promote responsible gun ownership without infringing on Second Amendment<\/a> rights. He said this week that the number of guns stolen from unlocked cars reported to Savannah police dipped from more than 200 in 2023 to just over 100 this year after the ordinance was instituted with unanimous support from the Savannah City Council in 2024.<\/p>

In his ruling Wednesday, which Carr hailed as<\/a> \u201ca major victory for law-abiding gun owners,\u201d Huffman said Savannah's ordinance was \"void and unenforceable.\"<\/p>

\u201cConcerns over firearms stolen from vehicles and later used in violent crime are, in fact, concerning,\u201d the judge wrote. \u201cGood intentions, however, do not immunize legislation from constitutional scrutiny.\u201d<\/p>

Huffman\u2019s ruling said Georgia\u2019s law states that when a firearm is placed in a vehicle, whether the owner is present or has stepped away, the gun remains within the owner\u2019s possession \u2014 it does not differentiate between \u201cpossession\u201d and \u201cstorage.\u201d<\/p>

TITLE IX ACTIVIST PREDICTS GENETIC SCREENING \u2018IS THE FUTURE OF WOMEN\u2019S SPORTS\u2019<\/a><\/p>

The city\u2019s ordinance differentiates \u201cpossession\u201d from \u201cstorage,\u201d and aims to govern the storage of a firearm while in a car parked locally, the judge continued, stating that the policy violates a state law that prohibits local governments from regulating \"the possession, ownership, transport, (or) carrying\" of firearms.\u201d <\/p>

Since the ordinance was established last year, the Savannah Police Department has issued 41 citations, the mayor said during his State of the City address last week. <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AP24180477121520.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885636-1763027832", "title":"Gaslighting Americans on inflation is a bad idea", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fbeltway-confidential%2F3885636%2Fgaslighting-americans-on-inflation-is-a-bad-idea%2F", "byline":"David Harsanyi", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Fox News host Laura Ingraham asked President Donald Trump this week if the affordability issue was a factor in races in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City. “More than anything else, it’s a con job by the Democrats,” Trump said, before going on to harangue the media and instruct the GOP to tell voters […]", "description":""

Fox News<\/a> host Laura Ingraham asked President Donald Trump<\/a> this week if the affordability issue was a factor in races in Virginia<\/a>, New Jersey,<\/a> and New York City<\/a>. \"More than anything else, it's a con job by the Democrats<\/a>,\" Trump said, before going on to harangue the media and instruct the GOP to tell voters prices are down.<\/p>

Now, I stand behind few in my contempt for legacy media, but it\u2019s far more likely that the average voter feels like prices are high because they\u2019ve actually been in a supermarket during the past year. Yet, Trump officials have apparently landed on a strategy of gaslighting consumers. This was tried not very long ago. The Joe Biden administration constantly waved away \u201ctransitory\u201d inflation. No issue did more damage to the administration. <\/p>

\u201cGrocery prices are actually down significantly under Trump,\" National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett said on CBS News last weekend. Inflation, as Hassett knows, has been tempered, but is still compounding. We\u2019re doing better than historic 9% year-to-year increases we saw during the Democrats\u2019 self-destructive mishandling of the post-COVID economy. But 3+% on top of those spikes isn\u2019t going to placate many. Trump averaged 2.46 % inflation during his first term when prices had been relatively stable for years. <\/p>

Back in 2022, Democrats let their ideological preferences trump political prudence by ignoring warnings from economists that if they pushed through the \u201cInflation Reduction Act\u201d during a hot economy. Indeed, Biden told Americans that the price tag for the bill was \u201czero.\u201d His advisers, when they weren\u2019t mocking<\/a> inflation worries as a \"high-class problem,\u201d made the preposterous case that more spending would mitigate the problem.\u00a0<\/p>

It didn\u2019t. One MIT Sloan study found that government spending was responsible<\/a> for 42% of the 2022 inflation spike. Biden never recovered.<\/p>

Hitting consumers with billions in sales tax increases in the guise of tariffs over the last year isn't a much better strategy for Trump. Most economists predicted that tariffs would contribute to price hikes, and yet Trump\u2019s love of protectionism trumped pragmatism. The president has been pulling back on his historic tariffs since Liberation Day, though plenty have already contributed to economic uncertainty and inflation. <\/p>

\u201cYou\u2019re going to see some substantial announcements over the next couple days for things we don\u2019t grow here in the U.S.,\u201d Bessent, who also claimed prices were down, promised<\/a> on \u201cFox & Friends\u201d this week. <\/p>

Wait, did the administration just learn about comparative advantage? Because tariffs were allegedly instituted to help American workers and industry. Fruit prices have gone up. Ground beef prices have spiked<\/a> 13%. Coffee has jumped 19% \u2014 66% higher<\/a> than in 2019. Americans like these things.\u00a0<\/p>

Rather than admit it was a mistake, Trump has taken a page<\/a> from Biden by blaming<\/a> \u201cgouging\u201d and big, greedy corporations for inflation. This strategy never works, either.\u00a0<\/p>

Remember that one of the other arguments for tariffs was that revenue would bring down the debt. The United States federal debt accelerated to its highest level ever last quarter, reaching<\/a> $38 trillion. Trump has not cut any spending. That also threatens inflation. At the same time, Trump has launched a relentless campaign to convince the Federal Reserve to keep cutting interest rate cuts for more easy money. <\/p>

On top of that, the president wants to dump billions of tax revenues from tariffs back into the economy via $2,000 checks to middle- and low-income Americans \u2013 even as Washington keeps borrowing. Some people might fall for this kind of populist ruse. It\u2019s short-sighted economically as we know from the last time Washington helped spike inflation by mailing out checks. <\/p>

ZOHRAN MAMDANI'S UNIMPRESSIVE WIN<\/a><\/p>

There\u2019s no magic bullet to bring down prices. The president can only do so much. One thing he can do is \u2018no harm.\u2019 But even if voters are wrong, no politician has ever convinced the electorate to change their minds about the economy. Wide majorities in virtually every poll now say their grocery, utility bills, healthcare, housing, and fuel costs have all gone up during the past year. Most of them are feeling the aggregate cost of inflation.\u00a0<\/p>

Gaslighting them is political suicide.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/trump-thumbs-up-AP25313797614872.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885633-1763027775", "title":"Seattle socialist rides Mamdani wave to win mayoral election as city sees large progressive shift", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3885633%2Fkatie-wilson-wins-seattle-mayoral-election%2F", "byline":"Pedro Rodriguez", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Seattle‘s mayoral election was called on Wednesday night in favor of self-described socialist Katie Wilson, who took down incumbent Bruce Harrell by a razor-thin margin. Wilson campaigned on the platform of making Seattle “Trump proof,” advocated strict gun reform, promised city-owned grocery stores, and pledged to raise taxes on wealthier households. She has often been […]", "description":""

Seattle<\/a>'s mayoral election was called on Wednesday night in favor of self-described socialist<\/a> Katie Wilson, who took down incumbent Bruce Harrell by a razor-thin margin.<\/p>

Wilson campaigned on the platform of making Seattle \u201cTrump<\/a> proof,\u201d advocated strict gun reform, promised city-owned grocery stores, and pledged to raise taxes on wealthier households. She has often been compared to socialist<\/a> New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani<\/a>, who was elected on a similar platform.<\/p>

She defeated Harrell by less than 2,000 votes, although Harrell has not yet signaled whether he will request a recount.<\/p>

Wilson's victory came after thousands of mail-in ballots were counted after election night, giving Wilson the upper hand after she trail<\/a>ed by nearly 10,000 votes on Election Day.\u00a0Her win gave Seattle progressives a clean sweep, knocking off the incumbent mayor, City Council president, and city attorney.<\/p>

Wilson will lead the state's largest metropolitan area, home to nearly 4 million residents, despite facing criticism for having little relevant job experience.\u00a0She worked as a barista, boatyard worker, baker, and lab technician before establishing the Transit Riders Union in 2011.<\/p>

Wilson considers herself an \u201coutsider\u201d with \u201cinsider knowledge.\u201d<\/p>

\u201c[I am] an outsider who comes with an insider's knowledge and experience,\" Wilson previously said. <\/p>

SOCIALIST CANDIDATES CRUISED TO VICTORY IN OVER A DOZEN RACES<\/a><\/p>

Wilson, a 43-year-old married mother, said she still receives some financial support from her parents.<\/p>

\"They send me a check periodically to help with the child care expenses,\" Wilson told Seattle's PubliCola, citing her $2,200 monthly day care costs.\u00a0<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25309193924973.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884460-1763026350", "title":"Democrats just want men for their votes", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Frestoring-america%2Fcommunity-family%2F3884460%2Fdemocrats-just-want-men-for-their-votes%2F", "byline":"Kimberly Ross", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"In a recent interview, California Gov. Gavin Newsom stated an obvious truth: The Democratic Party has abandoned boys and men. This has been apparent for some time, but it has not been addressed by those on the Left because of ignorance or partisan flippancy. Newsom is right to be concerned. This crisis is a broad problem […]", "description":""

In a recent interview<\/a>, California Gov. Gavin Newsom<\/a> stated\u00a0an obvious truth: The Democratic Party<\/a> has abandoned boys and men. This has been apparent for some time, but it has not been addressed by those on the Left because of ignorance or partisan flippancy. Newsom is right to be concerned.<\/p>

This crisis is a broad problem that touches every race and economic class. It's far more important than its impact on politics. But Newsom's No. 1 reason for the worry? It's hurting Democrats' electoral prospects.\u00a0<\/p>

There is a wealth of data on the current crisis of masculinity in the United States. In terms of education, women currently dominate. There are more female college students than male college students. Young men feel bereft of purpose as they look at their present and contemplate their future. <\/p>

The mental health crisis is real. Young men overdose<\/a> at a much higher rate than their female counterparts. According<\/a> to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, \"the suicide rate among males in 2023 was approximately four times higher than the rate among females.\" Among federal inmates<\/a>, men are 93.4% of the population. And those who perpetrate mass shootings<\/a> are overwhelmingly male.<\/p>

It's a good thing that Newsom recognizes the Democratic Party's deficit in this matter. The party has done almost everything to turn boys and men away from joining its ranks, and it has done so with glee. For years, the Left has focused on women in a way that sidelines men. It is the Left that chants \"the future is female,\" as if a society where boys and men are constantly maligned is better. It is the Left that routinely labels all masculinity as toxic. And it is the Left that simultaneously promotes third-wave feminism while embracing transgenderism. To them, biological reality means little, and inherent qualities are interchangeable.<\/p>

In the interview, Newsom said of Democrats, \"We need to own up to the fact that we ceded that ground. We walked away from this crisis of men and boys. Trump saw it as an electoral opportunity to exploit it, but he\u2018s done nothing to deliver in terms of results to address those anxieties, which are real.\"<\/p>

It's fair to say that little is being done \u2014 by anyone \u2014 to address these anxieties. The problem is deep and wide-ranging. But Newsom believes President Donald Trump exploited the crisis. If anything, this sounds like an attempt to cope with the Democratic Party's glaring failures. It takes no effort at all to see why the Republican Party does a better job<\/a> of attracting men.<\/p>

Only one side of the political aisle prizes marriage, family, traditional roles, and biological truths. One side clearly values the military and law enforcement, two fields dominated by men and defined by strength. One side supports hardworking rural and blue-collar folk and doesn't measure worth by college degrees. Why would American men feel welcomed or understood by the Left?\u00a0<\/p>

The early- and mid-20th-century gains that women experienced morphed into radical ideas that pushed men out of the arena. The Left now feels that men should both sit down and listen more and feel bad about their own masculinity. It is destructive for a society that needs both men and women to function. Even with figures such as Newsom calling out their party, Democrats are still abysmal at talking to or about men (as evidenced by this\u00a0recent piece<\/a>\u00a0in the New Yorker).<\/p>

WHAT DO WOMEN GAIN BY HATING MEN?<\/a><\/p>

Newsom seems desperate. His own party fails to speak properly to and include roughly one-half of the population. That's not easily remedied. And given the stranglehold the woke crowd has on the Left, it's not going to be fixed soon, or maybe ever. <\/p>

As a politician, Newsom is chiefly propelled by election results. If Democrats make it a priority to gain male voters instead of just speaking to men as vital parts of our world, the party will continue to do poorly. Republicans do well with male voters because they speak of and to them as if they're an essential part of our societal equation. Because they are. <\/p>

Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks<\/a>) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner\u2019s Beltway Confidential blog and a contributor to the Magnolia Tribune.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25315785498549-e1763006483568.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885644-1763026348", "title":"Left-wing activist Jesse Jackson hospitalized with progressive supranuclear palsy", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3885644%2Fjesse-jackson-hospitalized-progressive-supranuclear-palsy%2F", "byline":"Emily Hallas", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Rev. Jesse Jackson, a Civil Rights activist recognized as a leader on the Left, was hospitalized this week with a neurodegenerative condition. Jackson, 84, was admitted to a local hospital, where he is under observation for progressive supranuclear palsy, a condition he has faced for over a decade, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition announced Wednesday evening. […]", "description":""

Rev. Jesse Jackson<\/a>, a Civil Rights activist recognized as a leader on the Left, was hospitalized <\/a>this week with a neurodegenerative condition.<\/p>

Jackson, 84, was admitted to a local hospital, where he is under observation for progressive supranuclear palsy, a condition he has faced for over a decade, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition announced Wednesday evening.<\/p>

Jackson founded the left-wing social justice coalition in 1971. He stepped down as the Chicago civil rights organization\u2019s leader in 2023.<\/p>

The activist\u2019s PSP condition was confirmed in April, after he was initially diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, according to the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.<\/p>

PSP is a rare neurological disorder that resembles Parkinson's but often has more accelerated symptoms and a severe prognosis. <\/p>

Symptoms of the rare brain disease include trouble balancing, inability to aim the eyes, slurred speech, trouble walking, and difficulty swallowing. <\/p>

Jackson's voice has remained a force in politics in recent years, and he attended the Democratic National Convention last year <\/a>to support then-Vice President Kamala Harris in her race for the presidency.<\/p>

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS WARN FLIGHT CUTS WON\u2019T EASE SHUTDOWN STRAIN OR PREVENT RISK<\/a><\/p>

Reflecting on the moment, the aging Jackson later said he viewed it as a \u201cfulfillment\u201d of the civil rights group he founded decades ago.<\/p>

\u201cI saw the fulfillment of the Rainbow: Red, Yellow, Black, and White,\u201d he told<\/a> the Washington Informer. <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Jesse-Jackson-DNC.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885622-1763025638", "title":"Elon Musk throws ‘full support’ behind Trump-endorsed Byron Donalds for Florida governor", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2F3885622%2Felon-musk-support-byron-donalds-florida-governor%2F", "byline":"Pedro Rodriguez", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Former Department of Government Efficiency leader Elon Musk threw his full support behind Rep. Byron Donalds’s (R-FL) bid for Florida governor. Donalds has already been endorsed by President Donald Trump, but Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has yet to make an endorsement in the race, as there’s been speculation that his wife, Casey DeSantis, is weighing […]", "description":""

Former Department of Government Efficiency leader Elon Musk<\/a> threw his full support behind Rep. Byron Donalds's (R-FL) bid for Florida governor<\/a>.<\/p>

Donalds has already been endorsed by President Donald Trump, but Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has yet to make an endorsement in the race, as there's been speculation that his wife, Casey DeSantis, is weighing her own run.<\/p>

\u201cCongratulations, Byron! You certainly have my full support,\u201d Musk posted on X<\/a> Wednesday night, replying to Donalds<\/a>'s February post announcing his run.<\/p>

\"I arrived in the Sunshine State at 17 years old on a Greyhound bus, with a trunk full of clothes and a dream. Now is the time to keep the best state in the country as the best state in the country. Tonight, I am proud to announce my candidacy to be the next governor of Florida,\" Donalds added.<\/p>

Musk adds to the long list of influential supporters to back Donalds's campaign ahead of the 2026 elections, including influential Republicans such as Trump, Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), Randy Fine (R-FL), Florida state Rep. Meg Weinberger, and Florida Commissioner of the City of Sweetwater Ian Vallecillo.<\/p>

Donalds picked up the endorsement of 12 more sheriffs on Wednesday, bringing his total support of Florida\u2019s top law enforcement officers to 28.<\/p>

\u201cAs Governor, he\u2019ll stand with the men and women on the front lines, defend our freedoms, and make sure Florida remains a state where law and order prevail. I\u2019m proud to stand with Byron Donalds for Governor,\u201d Baker County Sheriff Scotty Rhoden said in a statement the Donalds for Governor campaign shared with the Washington Examiner. <\/p>

Musk \u2014 the Tesla CEO worth $488 billion \u2014 was influential at the beginning of Trump\u2019s second administration, spearheading DOGE's fight to eliminate \"waste, fraud, and abuse\" during his volunteer role.\u00a0<\/p>

Musk was also influential in the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court elections, spending nearly $20 million in an attempt to elect conservative candidate Brad Schimel. <\/p>

DESANTIS TELLS FLORIDA UNIVERSITY LEADERS TO STOP ISSUING H-1B VISAS FOR JOBS AMERICANS CAN DO<\/a><\/p>

Donalds is running in a crowded primary field to replace termed-out DeSantis, featuring Florida lawmaker Paul Renner and Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett, with DeSantis ally James Fishback expected to announce his bid<\/a> in the coming days.<\/p>

Florida has not elected a Democrat to lead the state since\u00a01994. The front-runner for the Democratic nomination is\u00a0David Jolly, a former Republican congressman who believes \u201cRepublicans in\u00a0Tallahassee\u00a0have gone too far in dividing us.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/AP25034742274085.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883488-1763020800", "title":"Aircraft carrier deployment enables a bad Maduro decapitation option", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fin_focus%2F3883488%2Faircraft-carrier-deployment-enables-maduro-decapitation-option%2F", "byline":"Tom Rogan", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces here. With this week’s arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft […]", "description":""

In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces here<\/a>.<\/p>

With this week's arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, along with her three destroyers and one attack submarine escort, the U.S. military <\/a>has completed a major buildup around Venezuela<\/a>. It could now credibly attempt a decapitation operation against dictator Nicolas Maduro<\/a> should President Donald Trump <\/a>order it. The president has already authorized CIA action to destabilize Maduro's regime.<\/p>

This is not to say that Trump should order decapitation strikes to force Maduro out of power. On the contrary, the risks inherent in such a military operation would be very significant.<\/p>

The problem here is not that of military practicality, but rather of second- and third-order effects. Maduro absolutely would be pushed out of power once U.S. forces were fully committed. The CIA would likely be able to then quickly bribe a growing cadre of regime military officers to start an internal uprising against Maduro. And at a moral level, Maduro's departure would also be a manifestly good thing. After all, Maduro stole last year's presidential election by refusing to yield power to the overwhelming winner, Edmundo Gonzalez. As with his predecessor, Hugo Ch\u00e1vez, Maduro has also presided over the continuing implosion of Venezuelan society amid rampant corruption, shortages of food and medicine, and extreme violence. Ch\u00e1vez and Maduro have made the nation with the world's largest proven oil reserves a dystopia of impoverishment and misery.<\/p>

WHAT RUSSIA'S DESPERATE STRUGGLE TO ENVELOP POKROVSK TELLS US<\/a><\/p>

The problem?<\/p>

However quickly or easily Maduro was forced out of power, the United States would then be left to pick up the pieces. At a minimum, that would mean confronting well-armed narcotrafficking and criminal organizations determined to protect their illicit businesses. It would mean confronting high-ranking officers in the military and security services who have made fortunes by enabling criminal groups in return for a share of their profits. It would mean handling a humanitarian relief operation for a population of more than 28 million people who have been depleted by Maduro's extraordinary economic mismanagement.<\/p>

These complexities and Trump's oft-stated skepticism about entangling the U.S. in foreign wars lead some to believe that Trump is simply posturing with these military deployments. This thinking assumes that the military buildup is designed not to remove Maduro but to facilitate escalating military options against drug smugglers operating out of Venezuela and Colombia. The U.S. military has now carried out approximately 19 strikes against drug smuggling boats off Colombia and Venezuela. It is also possible that Trump is dangling a potent threat of military force over Maduro's head in order to pressure those around the dictator to push him out of power, in fear that if they don't, they will share in his fate.<\/p>

That said, we must not discount the vast array of military power now positioned around Venezuela. <\/p>

Even before the Ford carrier strike group arrived this week, the U.S. military had amassed a potent presence proximate to Venezuela. Alongside the Navy is a Marine expeditionary unit embarked with Harrier jump jets, a reinforced infantry battalion, an F-35B Marine fighter attack squadron based out of Puerto Rico, and hundreds of special forces personnel. Various U.S.-based Air Force bomber squadrons are also regularly flying just off the Venezuelan coast. These deployments are far greater than what the U.S. needs in order to strike drug smugglers at sea or on land.<\/p>

Indeed, as the Washington Examiner reported<\/a> in early October, \"military planners believe the assembled forces are now sufficient to seize and hold key strategic facilities such as ports and airfields on Venezuelan territory (the Washington Examiner is withholding some details for national security reasons). U.S. control over such locations would allow for the increased, sustained projection of U.S. military power into Venezuela from defensible positions.\"<\/p>

It should go without saying that all of this is also very expensive. It's also risky. With the Ford strike group now near Venezuela, it is at least temporarily unavailable for other contingencies. In this case, the Ford was repositioned from operations in the Middle East. What happens, for example, in the admittedly unlikely event that a new conflict with Iran breaks out in the near future?<\/p>

But what the Ford does do is significantly boost Trump's military means of forcing Maduro out.<\/p>

The Ford's air wing includes four strike fighter squadrons consisting of 48 F\/A-18 Super Hornets and an additional EA-18G Super Hornet, an electronic warfare squadron designed for jamming enemy forces, which can also be armed. Alongside the 10 F-35Bs deployed to Puerto Rico, the U.S. now can significantly overmatch the Venezuelan air force's 19 or 20 Su-30MKV fighter aircraft. While Venezuela has recently loaded Kh-31 anti-ship missiles onto these aircraft in an effort to deter Trump, the Su-30MKV and its weapons are no match for the technical capability and skill of deployed U.S. forces. They would likely be shot down en masse before they could even track interceding U.S. forces. The Su-30MKVs would be extraordinarily unlikely to get within range of any U.S. warships to even fire their Kh-31s. Maduro's commanders are aware of this, which is why they have sensibly avoided flying near the U.S. military since Trump warned them not to do so last month.<\/p>

Venezuelan ground-based air defenses would similarly struggle against the amassed U.S. military forces. They rely upon later-generation Russian air defenses, which have repeatedly proved inadequate against Israeli air crews over Syria and Iran. Additionally, U.S. aircrews are superior to their Israeli counterparts. In short, U.S. military forces near Venezuela now have the ability to launch rapid surprise attacks to destroy the Venezuelan air force, air defense network, and command and control apparatus. Or, put simply, to do what is necessary to enable a decapitation air-special forces campaign against Maduro.<\/p>

CHINA'S SELF-DEFEATING JAPAN BEHEADING THREAT<\/a><\/p>

But again, the key question here is not whether the U.S. could launch decapitation strikes, but whether it should launch those strikes. Considering that uncertainty is the only certainty in war, that Maduro poses a real but presently manageable threat to U.S. interests, and that there is little U.S. domestic appetite for a new nation-building campaign, Trump should restrict his crosshairs to the cartels.<\/p>

Trump's whack-a-mole strategy against the narcotraffickers isn't going to win the war on drugs. However, it introduces friction to these organizations<\/a>, increasing their human and financial costs of doing business. And unlike a possible decapitation strategy against Maduro, this whack-a-mole strategy carries an affordable cost and risk to U.S. interests.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2399619_sd_6914c3f4e75ca_1762968564.jpg?w=640" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885063-1763019000", "title":"Shutdown defeat could deepen Democratic divides in bitter Maine Senate primary", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2Fcongressional%2F3885063%2Fshutdown-defeat-could-deepen-democratic-divide-maine-senate-primary%2F", "byline":"Ramsey Touchberry", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The senators who bucked their fellow Democrats to help reopen the government are largely immune from progressive fury due to retirements and the absence of 2026 reelections, but the plotline could thicken for some midterm Senate candidates. In particular, the contentious battleground primary already in full swing in Maine may be supercharged by the shutdown-ending […]", "description":""

The senators who bucked their fellow Democrats<\/a> to help reopen the government are largely immune from progressive fury due to retirements and the absence of 2026 reelections, but the plotline could thicken for some midterm Senate candidates.<\/p>

In particular, the contentious battleground primary already in full swing in Maine<\/a> may be supercharged by the shutdown-ending deal that cleared Congress Wednesday evening and was swiftly signed into law by President Donald Trump.<\/p>

The Democratic bids to take on Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) pit establishment-backed Gov. Janet Mills (D-ME) against progressive outsider Graham Platner. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) voted against the shutdown deal yet faces palpable fury from the Left and renewed calls for his ouster over the rebellions, presenting the latest opportunity for critics to scrutinize Mills as a recruit of the Senate Democratic leader.<\/p>

Both Mills and Platner were opposed to the block of Senate Democrats that dropped their healthcare demands to support funding legislation to end the shutdown. But while Mills urged<\/a> Democrats to \u201cfight back,\u201d Platner went a step further by calling on<\/a> Schumer to \u201cstep down\u201d and characterizing<\/a> the deal as a \u201csurrender\u201d to Republicans.<\/p>

\u201cHe\u2019s trying to portray Mills as the establishment pick by a guy, the Senate minority leader, who couldn\u2019t hold the caucus together,\u201d said Democratic strategist Brad Bannon. \u201cThat triangle is not a coincidence. It's a connection.\u201d<\/p>

Among the eight Democratic defectors was Maine Sen. Angus King, an independent who caucuses with Democrats and an architect of the shutdown agreement. Collins, a centrist Republican, was also involved, directing further attention in the state to how Democratic leadership in Washington navigated the 43-day saga that left Democrats with no policy wins on expiring Obamacare subsidies.<\/p>

\u201cJanet Mills is Schumer\u2019s hand-picked candidate, so anything that's bad for Schumer is bad for Mills,\u201d Bannon added.<\/p>

A Maine Democratic strategist, granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, made the case that both candidates' shutdown positions presented a greater opportunity to contrast Republicans like Collins, who supports extending the subsidies but with reduced eligibility and benefits, rather than a litmus test for Democratic voters. To that effect, Mills and Platner made healthcare affordability arguments in favor of the tax credits, rather than attacking one another directly.<\/p>

Neither the Mills nor the Platner campaigns responded to requests for comment for this story. Senate Democrats' campaign arm, which is tied to Schumer and supports Mills, also did not respond. <\/p>

Those who crossed party lines to strike a deal settled for a promise from Republicans to hold a vote next month on a bill of the Democrats' choosing to extend the insurance premium credits past 2025, demands around which caused the longest shutdown in U.S. history. Democrats are now looking to quickly \"regroup\"<\/a> in the three working weeks left before the vote to cobble together legislation that has no guarantee it can pass, a bitter pill to swallow after weeks spent demanding Republicans make concessions.<\/p>

Elsewhere in the country, the senators who rebelled are also largely insulated from long-term blowback. Those who are up for reelection, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), are retiring. The rest are not up for reelection until 2028 and beyond, including Sens. King, Tim Kaine (D-VA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Fetterman (D-PA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). Some may also choose to retire, while Fetterman is already expected to face primary challengers over his frequent disagreements with the party.<\/p>

DEMOCRATS \u2018REGROUP\u2019 FOR SENATE OBAMACARE TALKS AFTER SHUTDOWN DEFEAT<\/a><\/p>

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), a potential primary challenger to Schumer in 2028, said those senators \u201chope that people are going to forget this moment.\u201d She blasted Schumer and Senate Democrats but dodged whether the Democratic leader should be replaced or if she'll mount a challenge, saying that the \u201cproblem is bigger\u201d than just Schumer.<\/p>

\u201cA leader is reflected as a reflection of the party, and Senate Democrats have selected their leadership to represent through them,\u201d Ocasio-Cortez told reporters Wednesday. \u201cThe question needs to be bigger than just one person. We have several Senate primaries this cycle.\u201d<\/p>

Rachel Schilke contributed to this report.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25316623190872.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885601-1763017863", "title":"Historic shutdown ends, federal civilian workers to be paid after 43 days", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fdaily-on-defense%2F3885601%2Fhistoric-shutdown-ends-federal-civilian-workers-to-be-paid-after-43-days%2F", "byline":"Jamie McIntyre", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"IT’S OVER. WHEW! At 10:15 last night, after a private dinner in the White House State Dining Room, President Donald Trump signed H.R. 5371, the “Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026.” “This is a big day, a big night. It’s very important what has taken place because […]", "description":""

IT\u2019S OVER. WHEW! At 10:15 last night, after a private dinner in the White House State Dining Room, President Donald Trump signed H.R. 5371<\/a>, the \u201cContinuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cThis is a big day, a big night. It's very important what has taken place because we've seen how good government can be and how bad government can be,\u201d Trump said before putting a Sharpie to paper. \u201cSo, with my signature, the federal government will now resume normal operations.\u201d<\/p>

Final passage came last night when six Democrats joined Republicans to give the continuing resolution a narrow, but comfortable 222 to 209 margin, which came days after eight senators broke from the Democratic caucus to end the stalemate on the 43rd day. Only two Republicans voted against the measure, Reps. Thomas Massie (KY) and Greg Steube (FL).<\/p>

The law, which funds the government through the end of January, not only provides that all federal employees will receive full back pay, whether they had to report to the office or not, but it also reverses the mass federal layoffs carried out by Trump during the shutdown.<\/p>

HOUSE LOOKS TO REMOVE GOP PROVISION THAT WOULD ALLOW SENATORS TO SUE OVER BIDEN DOJ INVESTIGATIONS<\/a><\/p>

TRUMP: \u2018WHEN WE COME UP TO MIDTERMS \u2026 DON'T FORGET\u2019: There were no words of conciliation from Trump, who launched into an angry assault on Democrats, who he accused of trying to \u201cextort our country,\u201d and \u201cinflicted massive harm\u201d blaming their failed effort to restore healthcare subsidies on \u201cextremists in the other party\u201d who \u201cdid it purely for political reasons.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cThey caused 20,000 flights to be canceled or delayed,\" Trump said. \u201cThey deprived more than 1 million government workers from their paychecks and cut off food stamp benefits for millions and millions more Americans.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cWe'll work on something having to do with healthcare. We can do a lot better. We can do great,\u201d Trump said, suggesting as he has in recent days that he\u2019ll propose a scheme that would cut out the middleman. \u201cI'm calling today for insurance companies not to be paid, but for the money, this massive amount of money to be paid directly to the people of our country so that they can buy their own healthcare, which will be far better and far less expensive.\u201d<\/p>

Noting that government funding will run out in just over 11 weeks, Trump also foot-stomped his demand that Senate Republicans use the so-called \"nuclear option\u201d of eliminating the 60-vote requirement for passage of controversial legislation to give them the ability to impose their will on Democrats. \u201cI also want to call for a termination to the filibuster so that this could never happen again,\u201d Trump said. \u201cDon't forget, we have another date coming up in the not-too-distant future.\u201d<\/p>

TRUMP RAGES AT DEMOCRATS AND THE FILIBUSTER IN SIGNING BILL TO END GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN<\/a><\/p>

KAINE: WHY WE CAVED: Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), one of the eight Senate Democrats who broke ranks to end the shutdown said the end came only after Republicans suffered big losses in last week\u2019s elections, and agreed to negotiate provisions to protect federal workers, including back pay and reinstatement of people who had been capriciously fired to \u201cpunish\u201d the Democrats.<\/p>

Kaine is under no illusions that a vote on restoring Obamacare subsidies does not mean a stand-alone bill will pass, or that President Trump would ever sign it. However, it was also clear that House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), were dug in and would not budge, no matter how many people lost food stamps or how chaotic air travel became.<\/p>

\u201cI have close knowledge of key actors, and I do not believe Republicans would have conceded on healthcare during the shutdown,\u201d Kaine wrote. \u201cThat was true even after their electoral wipeout last week, and even with polls showing that many Americans blamed Republicans for the shutdown.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cYou can test somebody's red line, but at some point it becomes beating your head against a red line,\u201d Kaine said on CNN yesterday. \u201cWe need to open government again and then put that healthcare debate front and center.\u201d<\/p>

POST-SHUTDOWN LINES DRAWN OVER OBAMACARE ABORTION RESTRICTIONS<\/a><\/p>

Good Thursday morning and welcome to Jamie McIntyre\u2019s Daily on Defense, written and compiled by Washington Examiner National Security Senior Writer Jamie McIntyre<\/a> (@jamiejmcintyre<\/a>) and edited by Christopher Tremoglie<\/a>. Email here<\/a> with tips, suggestions, calendar items, and anything else. Sign up or read current and back issues at DailyonDefense.com<\/a>. If signing up doesn\u2019t work, shoot us an email and we\u2019ll add you to our list. And be sure to follow me on Threads and\/or on X @jamiejmcintyre<\/a>.<\/p>

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP OR READ BACK ISSUES OF DAILY ON DEFENSE<\/a><\/p>

NOTE TO READERS:Daily on Defense will be on Thanksgiving break beginning the week of Monday, Nov. 17, and continuing through the end of the month. We\u2019ll be back at the beginning of December.<\/p>

RUBIO: EU HAS NO SAY IN US WAR ON CARTELS: Secretary of State Marco Rubio left a G7 foreign ministers meeting in Canada, saying European nations \u201cshould be thanking us,\u201d rather than questioning the legality of U.S. strikes on suspected drug runners.<\/p>

The comments came after two senior European diplomats told reporters \u2014 but not Rubio \u2014 that they had concerns about the ongoing operations that have killed 76 people in 19 strikes. \u201cThey didn\u2019t raise it with me. They may have raised it among themselves \u2026 but it didn\u2019t come up once in any of the gatherings that we had.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cThe bottom line here is that the President is going to defend the national interests and the national security of the United States, which is under threat by these terrorist organizations,\u201d Rubio told reporters<\/a>. \u201cI don\u2019t think that the European Union gets to determine what international law is, and what they certainly don\u2019t get to determine is how the United States defends its national security.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cI do find it interesting that all of these countries want us to send and supply, for example, nuclear-capable Tomahawk missiles to defend Europe, but when the United States positions aircraft carriers in our hemisphere where we live, somehow that\u2019s a problem,\u201d he added.<\/p>

ZELENSKY\u2019S LATEST HEADACHE: Even before the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the government of Volodymyr Zelensky had been plagued by allegations of corruption. Now his government has been rocked by a new scandal, a major embezzlement and kickback scheme involving the state-owned nuclear power company.<\/p>

Independent investigators, whose power Zelensky tried to curb earlier this year, uncovered what they say is $100 million in kickbacks in the energy sector linked to a dozen people, including five who have been detained. Zelensky called for the firing of his justice and energy ministers, who were not directly involved in the scandal, and they subsequently submitted their resignations.<\/p>

\u201cThere must be maximum integrity in the energy sector, in absolutely all processes. I support \u2013 and the Prime Minister supports \u2013 every investigation carried out by law enforcement and anti-corruption officials,\u201d Zelensky said in a video address<\/a>. \u201cUndermining the state means you will be held accountable. Breaking the law means you will be held accountable.\u201d<\/p>

Zelensky noted the corruption, uncovered while average Ukrainians are suffering from power outages caused by relentless Russian strikes, is particularly odious. \u201cIt is absolutely unacceptable that, amid all this, there are also some schemes in the energy sector.\u201d<\/p>

TOP UKRAINIAN OFFICIALS REMOVED FROM OFFICE OVER $100 MILLION CORRUPTION SCANDAL<\/a><\/p>

DOES RUSSIA WANT PEACE? In his remarks to reporters yesterday, Rubio was asked directly if Russia was showing any signs it was ready for peace talks.<\/p>

\u201cWell, we can only go by what we see,\u201d Rubio said, indicating that Russian President Vladimir Putin\u2019s territorial ambitions have not changed. \u201cI think they\u2019ve stated clearly what they want is they want the rest of Donetsk, and obviously the Ukrainians aren\u2019t going to agree to that.\u201d<\/p>

Rubio said Russia continues to suffer horrific casualty numbers, \u201closing 7,000 soldiers a week \u20147,000 dead soldiers a week from Russia,\u201d but is continuing its long-range strikes into Ukraine, \u201cto degrade their electrical grid and try to demoralize the country.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cThey\u2019ve made a demand that Ukraine can\u2019t agree to, and so that\u2019s sort of where we are at this point,\u201d he added.<\/p>

KYIV MAYOR WARNS UKRAINE HAS 'HUGE PROBLEMS' FINDING SOLDIERS AS RUSSIAN ATTACKS 'JUST KEEP COMING'<\/a><\/p>

THE RUNDOWN:<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Trump rages at Democrats and the filibuster in signing bill to end government shutdown<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: House looks to remove GOP provision that would allow senators to sue over Biden DOJ investigations<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Top Ukrainian officials removed from office over $100 million corruption scandal<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Kyiv mayor warns Ukraine has 'huge problems' finding soldiers as Russian attacks 'just keep coming'<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Epstein said he advised Russian UN ambassador on how to deal with Trump<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Venezuela orders major mobilization as US aircraft carrier arrives in nearby waters<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: DOJ memo says US troops safe from prosecution over smuggling boat strikes<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Trump administration sanctions firms supporting Iran\u2019s military capabilities<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Israeli president condemns settler mob that burned Palestinian factories and vehicles<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Fact check: Does Trump need to expand H-1B visas to address lack of \u2018talented\u2019 workers?<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Tom Rogan Opinion: China\u2019s self-defeating Japan beheading threat<\/p>

The Hill<\/a>: Rubio Pushes Back on US Allies\u2019 Concerns over Trump\u2019s Alleged Drug Boat Strikes<\/p>

AP<\/a>: Top Ukrainian ministers submit their resignations as the country is rocked by a corruption scandal<\/p>

Financial Times<\/a>: The elite Russian unit hunting Ukraine\u2019s drone warriors<\/p>

NBC News<\/a>: Trump's Pentagon name change could cost up to $2 billion<\/p>

Bloomberg<\/a>: Pentagon Overstated Shutdown Impact on Secretive Missile Program<\/p>

Breaking Defense<\/a>: Golden Dome SBIs Will Need to Be Defended from Adversary Attack: Experts<\/p>

Wall Street Journal<\/a>: How a Chinese AI Company Worked Around U.S. Rules to Access Nvidia\u2019s Top Chips<\/p>

DefenseScoop<\/a>: SOCOM Solicits Industry to Train Commandos to Build and Fly FPV Drones<\/p>

The War Zone<\/a>: A-29 Super Tucano Light Attack Aircraft Being Pitched as Drone Hunter<\/p>

Air & Space Forces Magazine<\/a>: B-52 Bombers Deploy to Spain, Train with Nordic and Baltic Allies<\/p>

Defense News<\/a>: US P-8 Aircraft \u2018Hunts\u2019 German, Swedish Subs in Baltic Sea<\/p>

Air & Space Forces Magazine<\/a>: Air Force Chief OKs Daily Callsign Nametags, Friday Morale T-Shirts<\/p>

Aviation Week<\/a>: GE Pursues Small Turbofan Development for CCA<\/p>

Air & Space Forces Magazine<\/a>: Solar Storms Delay Launch Space Force Needs to Certify New Rocket<\/p>

Task & Purpose<\/a>: Air Force Families Given the Go-Ahead for Early Christmas Decorations After Outcry<\/p>

THE CALENDAR: <\/p>

THURSDAY | NOVEMBER 13<\/p>

8:30 a.m. 1400 L St. NW\u2014 Atlantic Council discussion: \"U.S. Policy and the Path to Democracy in Venezuela After Maduro,\u201d with retired Army Gen. Laura Richardson, former commander of U.S. Southern Command; former U.S. Special Representative to Venezuela Elliott Abrams, council on Foreign Relations senior fellow; and John Polga-Hecimovich, associate professor at the U.S. Naval Academy https:\/\/www.atlanticcouncil.org\/event\/us-policy-and-the-path-to-democracy<\/a><\/p>

9 a.m. 1957 E St. NW \u2014 George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs and Aerospace Corporation discussion: \"Should the Wolf Amendment Be Repealed?,\" focusing on the U.S.-China relationship, with Dean Cheng, nonresident senior fellow, Potomac Institute for Policy Studies; Dan Hart, nonresident senior fellow, Atlantic Council; and Brian Weeden, director of civil and commercial policy at the Aerospace Corporation's https:\/\/calendar.gwu.edu\/event\/live-debate-should-the-wolf-amendment-be-repealed?<\/a><\/p>

10 a.m. \u2014 Center for Strategic and International Studies and National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement virtual discussion: \"Meeting the U.S. Defense Imperative: Challenges and Opportunities in the Development of the Defense Industrial Base Workforce,\" with Malinda Woods, chair, NIICA Board of Directors, former senior adviser to the Defense Secretary on Supply Chain Resilience and former director, Defense Department's Title III Defense Production Act; Clay Nagel, senior director of NIICA's National Center for Skill Based Learning; Jerry McGinn, director, CSIS Center for the Industrial Base and senior fellow, CSIS Defense and Security Department; Sujai Shivakumar, CSIS director and senior fellow of Renewing American Innovation; and Matt Brogoshian, executive director, American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative https:\/\/www.csis.org\/events\/meeting-us-defense-imperative-challenges<\/a><\/p>

1 p.m. \u2014 Atlantic Council virtual discussion of a new report, \"Minsk in Moscow's Grip: How Russia Subjugated Belarus Without Annexation,\" with author Hanna Liubakova, nonresident fellow, Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center; Giselle Bosse, professor at Maastricht University; Brian Whitmore, nonresident senior fellow, Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center; and Agnia Grigas, nonresident senior fellow, Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center; https:\/\/www.atlanticcouncil.org\/event\/report-launch-how-russia-subjugated-belarus<\/a><\/p>

4:30 p.m. 1521 16th St. NW \u2014 Institute of World Politics book discussion: At Sea Against the Soviet Fleet: The Evolution of U.S. Navy Operational Intelligence in the Cold War, with author retired Navy Capt. Bryan Leese https:\/\/www.iwp.edu\/at-sea-against-the-soviet-fleet<\/a><\/p>

FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 14<\/p>

8:45 a.m. 2500 Calvert St. NW \u2014 American Bar Association discussion: \"The AI Arms Race and National Security Law\" https:\/\/events.americanbar.org\/event<\/a><\/p>

MONDAY | NOVEMBER 17<\/p>

1 p.m. \u2014 Foundation for Defense of Democracies in-person and virtual discussion: \u201cPower Under Pressure: The Fight to Protect Taiwan's Energy Lifelines from Beijing\u2019s Aggression<\u2019 with retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, senior director, FDD Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation; Craig Singleton, senior director, FDD China Program, and moderated by Politico China Correspondent Phelim Kine https:\/\/www.fdd.org\/events\/2025\/11\/17\/power-under-pressure<\/a><\/p>

TUESDAY | NOVEMBER 18<\/p>

10:30 a.m. \u2014 U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission releases its 2025 annual report to Congress, \u201cNational security implications of the economic relationship between the United States and the People's Republic of China\u201d https:\/\/www.uscc.gov\/<\/a><\/p>

WEDNESDAY | NOVEMBER 19<\/p>

12 p.m. \u2014 Association of the U.S. Army webinar: \u201cThe history and impact of the Junior ROTC program,\u201d with Arthur Coumbe, author of Soldiers in the Schoolhouse: A Military History of the Junior ROTC https:\/\/www.ausa.org\/events\/noon-report\/soldiers-in-the-schoolhouse<\/a><\/p>

THURSDAY | NOVEMBER 20<\/p>

6 p.m. 1717 K St. NW \u2014 America-Eurasia Center in-person event: \"Preventing Nuclear War and Determining a New Strategy for Peace,\u201d with Daryl Kimball, executive director, Arms Control Association https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/preventing-nuclear-war<\/a><\/p>

FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 21<\/p>

1 p.m. \u2014 Arms Control Association virtual briefing: \u201cRenewed U.S. Nuclear Explosive Testing? Moving From Confounding Nuclear Testing Threats to a Constructive Test Ban Policy,\u201d with Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), Corey Hinderstein, vice president for studies, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; and Daryl Kimball, executive director, Arms Control Association https:\/\/us02web.zoom.us\/webinar\/register<\/a><\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-18-at-7.32.03-AM.png?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883270-1763017200", "title":"December Social Security direct payment worth $967 goes out in 18 days", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Ffinance-and-economy%2F3883270%2Fdecember-social-security-direct-payment-worth-967-goes-out-in-18-days%2F", "byline":"Asher Notheis", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"December Supplemental Security Income payments, worth up to $967, will be issued to recipients in 18 days. SSI payments are typically issued on the first day of a month, as is the case with December’s payment. If a payment falls on either a weekend or a holiday, however, SSI payments are issued on the last […]", "description":""

December Supplemental Security Income<\/a> payments, worth up to $967, will be issued to recipients in 18 days.<\/p>

SSI payments are typically issued on the first day of a month, as is the case with December\u2019s payment. If a payment falls on either a weekend or a holiday, however, SSI payments are issued on the last day of the month that isn\u2019t a weekend.<\/p>

Beneficiaries are people with limited income who are either blind, aged 65 and older, or have a qualifying disability.<\/p>

The amount beneficiaries receive varies based on several factors, including the number of people filing<\/a>. For example, individual filers can receive up to $967, couples filing jointly can receive $1,450, and those providing essential care to SSI recipients can receive up to $484. <\/p>

January SSI payments increased by 2.5%<\/a> to keep pace with inflation. <\/p>

In addition to the previous prerequisites for receiving SSI payments<\/a>, recipients must also be U.S. citizens or noncitizens in one of the alien classifications granted by the Department of Homeland Security.<\/p>

SENATE EYES ICC LOOPHOLE TO SPEED UP NEXT BATCH OF SPENDING BILL<\/a><\/p>

Additionally, they must live in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands, and must not be absent from the United States for a full calendar month or 30 consecutive days.<\/p>

A full calendar<\/a> for the Social Security Administration payments can be viewed on the agency\u2019s website.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25219200600776_f2a2c2.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883332-1763017200", "title":"Second round of November Social Security payments goes out in six days", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Ffinance-and-economy%2F3883332%2Fsecond-round-of-november-social-security-payments-goes-out-in-six-days%2F", "byline":"Asher Notheis", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The second round of November Social Security payments for retirees, now capped at $5,108, will be issued in six days. When will payments arrive? Retirees born between the 11th and 20th of a month will receive this payment on Nov. 19.  The first round of payments already went out on Nov. 12 for retirees born […]", "description":""

The second round of November Social Security payments for retirees, now capped at $5,108, will be issued in six days.<\/p>When will payments arrive?

Retirees born between the 11th and 20th of a month will receive this payment on Nov. 19<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

The first round of payments already went out on Nov. 12 for retirees born on or before the 10th of a month, and the third round will be issued on Nov. 26 for retirees born on or after the 21st.<\/p>When am I eligible?

Citizens are eligible for Social Security payments beginning at 62 years old.<\/p>How can I maximize my check?

Social Security payment amounts are determined by several factors, including age of retirement, the amount paid into Social Security, and the number of years paid into Social Security.<\/p>

Payments largely depend<\/a> on a recipient\u2019s retirement age. A beneficiary retiring at the youngest age, 62, could receive up to $2,831 per month<\/a>, while a 70-year-old retiree could receive up to $5,108 per month, according to the Social Security Administration.<\/p>

Beneficiaries can see a personalized estimate of how much they could expect each month through<\/a> the SSA\u2019s calculator.<\/p>

OUTGOING BBC EXECUTIVE TELLS STAFF TO \u2018FIGHT\u2019 FOR JOURNALISM WITHOUT ADDRESSING TRUMP LAWSUIT THREAT<\/a><\/p>How is it financed?

Social Security is financed by a payroll tax paid for by employers and employees.<\/p>

Social Security payment amounts are set to shrink unless Congress takes action to prevent it. Analysts estimate<\/a> the SSA will no longer be able to issue full payments as early as 2034, due to a rising number of retirees and a shrinking number of workers.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25095459416193_6852b0.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885135-1763017200", "title":"What to expect with missing economic data as government shutdown ends", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Ffinance-and-economy%2F3885135%2Fmissing-economic-data-government-shutdown-ends%2F", "byline":"Zach Halaschak", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"One of the effects of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history has been a loss of critical economic data about inflation and jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics saw its work slow and then stop in October, leaving large gaps in economic data. The Washington Examiner spoke with three former BLS commissioners who served […]", "description":""

One of the effects of the longest government shutdown<\/a> in U.S. history has been a loss of critical economic data about inflation and jobs.<\/p>

The Bureau of Labor Statistics saw its work slow and then stop in October, leaving large gaps in economic<\/a> data. The Washington Examiner spoke with three former BLS commissioners who served under a combined five presidents about what might come once the government shutdown ends.<\/p>

DEMOCRATS \u2018REGROUP\u2019 FOR SENATE OBAMACARE TALKS AFTER SHUTDOWN DEFEAT<\/a><\/p>

While there have been several shutdowns that have affected the data collection agencies, this one is far different, given its duration. The shutdown also came at a pivotal time for an economy that is still facing inflation and indications of a slowing labor market<\/a>.<\/p>

William Beach, who led the BLS from 2019 to 2023 under Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, said that one of the first things that will happen with the BLS after the shutdown ends will be the announcement of a new release schedule featuring the reports that have gone unreleased over the past several weeks. It should show specific calendar dates for when lapsed reports from the shutdown era will be made public.<\/p>

The Senate this week finally voted to reopen the government<\/a> after some Democrats defected and joined Republicans in voting for a short-term funding bill. And on Wednesday night, the House followed suit, voting to reopen the government after nearly 43 days.<\/p>What reports have been missed?

Several key reports have been skipped amid the government shutdown. Notably, the employment reports for September and October were never released because BLS employees have been furloughed since the start of October. The Job Openings and Labor Turnover report for September was also missed.<\/p>

Also, important inflation reports have lapsed. The producer price index reports for September and October were never released. The consumer price index report for September was released, but the CPI report for October, scheduled for Thursday morning, is delayed.<\/p>

In fact, the White House speculated on Wednesday that the employment report and CPI report for last month might not ever be released.<\/p>

\u201cThe Democrats may have permanently damaged the Federal Statistical system with October CPI and jobs reports likely never being released,\u201d said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. \u201cAll of that economic data released will be permanently impaired, leaving our policymakers at the Fed, flying blind at a critical period.\u201d<\/p>When could the reports be released?

The main question now is when those lapsed reports will be released and in what form.<\/p>

One of the main challenges is retroactively collecting data from the month of October, which was the only full month that the BLS was out of commission, according to Erica Groshen, who led the agency from 2013 to 2017 while Barack Obama was president.<\/p>

\u201cWhen the shutdown ends, the BLS experts in every program are going to have to figure out what data they can recover from October, the data they otherwise would have expected to collect that is recoverable, and what\u2019s not recoverable,\u201d she said.<\/p>

Groshen predicted that some reports would be released more quickly than others, specifically the September reports that were scheduled to be published last month but were never released. She said those might come out rather quickly, just because the data was already collected in September, before the start of the government shutdown.<\/p>

\u201cSo there are some things that were collected already, and they just need to be processed,\u201d she said, pointing to the September PPI report that was supposed to have been released on Oct. 16. She said it might take a week or so to process that.<\/p>

Beach predicted that the missing September jobs report might be the first, or one of the first, economic reports to be released after the shutdown ends.<\/p>

\u201cMy guess is it\u2019s not only fully collected and fully processed, but probably it\u2019s fully written up,\u201d Beach said of the September employment report.<\/p>

\u201cIt\u2019s October that I\u2019m really worried about,\u201d he added.<\/p>

Some reports will be more complicated.<\/p>

Katharine Abraham, who served as the BLS commissioner from 1993 to 2001 under former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, noted that the employment reports consist of two parts: the household survey data, which provides the unemployment rate, and the payroll jobs numbers.<\/p>

\u201cWe\u2019ve lost the household survey data for October, we\u2019re not going to get it I don't think,\u201d she said. \u201cI can't imagine a scenario where those data are filled in retrospectively.\u201d<\/p>

Groshen also expected that surveys of businesses would be more successful than those for households.<\/p>

\u201cIf you are surveying firms, then the larger they are, the more likely they are to have all of this information electronically, and they can just look it up,\u201d Groshen said.<\/p>

Beach said that because of the missing household survey, there might not be an official October unemployment rate.<\/p>

He also emphasized that there was no data collection for the CPI in October, stating that this is particularly problematic because about 70% of the data is dependent on people collecting data from stores.<\/p>

\u201cThe other 30% comes from third parties that provide us data on housing costs, gasoline, new and used cars \u2014 so all that data is somewhere in the IT resources at BLS, but you can\u2019t build a full index just on 30% of the data,\u201d he said.<\/p>

Beach said he isn\u2019t sure what the BLS will do because there is really no precedent for the situation. He said it\u2019s possible that the BLS could only have a partial October CPI and then try to fill in the blanks next month.<\/p>

\u201cWhich means that they\u2019ll take the September and the November and interpolate for the missing October numbers,\u201d Beach said.<\/p>

DOWNSIDE OF $2,000 TARIFF DIVIDEND CHECKS: INFLATION<\/a><\/p>

But the PPI is a little different. That is because data for that price index is primarily collected electronically. Beach said that if businesses were submitting their data for the PPI in October, that data should be in electronic collection centers.<\/p>

Still, it isn\u2019t clear exactly how the BLS will handle the release of its reports this time around. Groshen said that staffing cuts at the BLS might also make it more difficult for the agency to handle such a long shutdown.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25316007344145_555640.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885229-1763017200", "title":"Ossoff pressures GOP rivals on Epstein files in escalating 2026 Georgia fight", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3885229%2Fossoff-pressures-gop-rivals-epstein-files-escalating-2026-georgia-fight%2F", "byline":"Samantha-Jo Roth", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"EXCLUSIVE — Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) is pressing his Republican challengers in Georgia’s 2026 Senate race to take a stand on whether they will support a House effort to force the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. “Even Marjorie Taylor Greene is calling out President Donald Trump’s broken promises,” Ossoff said in a statement to […]", "description":""

EXCLUSIVE \u2014 Sen. Jon Ossoff <\/a>(D-GA) <\/a>is pressing his Republican challengers in Georgia<\/a>\u2019s 2026 Senate race to take a stand on whether they will support a House effort to force the release of the Jeffrey Epstein<\/a> files.<\/p>

\u201cEven Marjorie Taylor Greene<\/a> is calling out President Donald Trump\u2019s broken promises,\u201d Ossoff said in a statement to the Washington Examiner. \u201cI challenge my opponents, Buddy Carter, Mike Collins, and Derek Dooley, to side with Rep. Greene and the majority of Georgians who want the sexual predator president who used to party with Jeffrey Epstein himself to release the Epstein Files. Will they sign the discharge petition? If not, why not?\u201d<\/p>

It\u2019s the first time Ossoff has publicly engaged his possible GOP rivals, Reps. Buddy Carter (R-GA), Mike Collins (R-GA), and former Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley, signaling a more aggressive posture from one of the most vulnerable Democratic incumbents up for reelection next year. Ossoff narrowly won his seat in 2021 and is defending it in a state Trump carried in 2024, setting up what is expected to be one of the most expensive and closely watched Senate races of 2026.<\/p>

Ossoff\u2019s remarks come as new correspondence <\/a>released by House Oversight Committee Democrats has renewed scrutiny of Trump\u2019s relationship with Epstein. In emails between Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and author Michael Wolff, Epstein allegedly wrote that Trump \u201cspent hours at my house\u201d and \u201cof course he knew about the girls.\u201d<\/p>

The disclosures were made public hours before Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ) was sworn in, providing Democrats the 218th signature<\/a> needed for a discharge petition to trigger a House vote on whether to release the Epstein files.<\/p>

Trump previously suggested he would release documents related to Epstein but has since backed away from that pledge, frustrating some of his own allies. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), a fellow Georgian, recently urged Trump to follow through on the commitment, saying the public deserves transparency.<\/p>

On Monday, Trump publicly pushed back <\/a>on separate criticism from Greene tied to his decision to host Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa at the White House, an unusually sharp exchange between the president and one of his strongest allies. He dismissed her objections, telling reporters, \u201cI don\u2019t know what happened to Marjorie. \u2026 She\u2019s lost her way, I think.\" Greene has broken with Trump on multiple issues in recent months, including the Epstein files, underscoring a growing, and politically significant,\u00a0 tension inside his base.<\/p>

That tension is now spilling into Georgia\u2019s Republican Senate primary, where Carter, Collins, and Dooley are all seeking Trump\u2019s endorsement while navigating pressure from grassroots voters who want the files released.<\/p>

Carter has defended the president, telling News4JAX<\/a> in August that he is \u201clockstep with the president\u201d and \u201ctrusts his judgment.\u201d Collins has been quieter<\/a> after previously writing on X: \u201cRelease the Epstein files. Release the Las Vegas shooter files. Release the JFK files.\u201d<\/p>

His leadership PAC fundraised off the issue earlier this year, and in a hot-mic exchange at a Muscogee County GOP meeting obtained by the Washington Examiner,<\/a> Collins told an attendee he believed Trump was \u201cin there\u201d when asked whether the president appears in the files, but only, he said,\u00a0because Trump \u201cwas the one that was telling the FBI about it\u201d and had previously barred\u00a0Epstein from Mar-a-Lago, according to audio later posted to YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>

Dooley has not taken a public stand on the topic. His campaign dismissed Ossoff\u2019s remarks as a distraction.<\/p>

\u201cJon Ossoff will say and do anything to distract from his failure to represent the people of Georgia,\u201d campaign spokesman Connor Whitney said in a statement provided to the Washington Examiner.<\/p>

Collins\u2019s team did not address Ossoff\u2019s remarks directly and instead pointed to a recent post from Trump on Truth Social <\/a>dismissing renewed focus on Epstein as a \u201choax\u201d pushed by Democrats to distract from the government shutdown. In the post, Trump warned that \u201conly a very bad, or stupid, Republican would fall into that trap\u201d and urged Republicans to focus solely on \u201copening up our Country\u201d rather than responding to questions about the Epstein files.<\/p>

Carter\u2019s campaign did not respond to requests for comment.<\/p>

GEORGIA REPUBLICANS NAVIGATE THREE PRIMARIES AT ONCE IN HIGH-STAKES SENATE RACE<\/a><\/p>

Public frustration over the secrecy surrounding the Epstein investigation extends beyond party lines. A recent Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll <\/a>found that about 90% of Democratic primary voters and more than one-third of Republicans say they are dissatisfied with how much information has been made public.<\/p>

A discharge petition to force a vote on whether to release the Epstein files reached the 218 signatures needed on Wednesday, ensuring the issue will stay front and center as Georgia\u2019s Senate race intensifies.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-collage-1e9tprt5z-1762987253810.jpg?1762969330&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3877491-1763015400", "title":"Why Democrats’ hard-fought redistricting wins may all be for naught", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fsupreme-court%2F3877491%2Fdemocrats-hard-fought-redistricting-wins-may-be-for-naught%2F", "byline":"Mabinty Quarshie", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Democrats’ aggressive response to the redistricting war with the GOP has helped the party stave off dramatic losses of congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, as they seek to retake control of at least one chamber in Congress. Yet the successful counterattacks against the GOP could be wiped out next year if […]", "description":""

The Democrats' aggressive response to the redistricting<\/a> war with the GOP has helped the party stave off dramatic losses of congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections<\/a>, as they seek to retake control of at least one chamber in Congress<\/a>.<\/p>

Yet the successful counterattacks against the GOP could be wiped out next year if the Supreme Court<\/a> strikes down Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits racial discrimination in voting, in the case of Louisiana v. Callais<\/a>.<\/p>

Gov. Gavin Newsom<\/a> (D-CA) successfully lobbied Californians to pass Proposition 50, which will help Democrats net up to five favorable seats to counter the mid-decade map Texas<\/a> Republicans enacted, which netted five favorable seats for the GOP.<\/p>

Democrats are likely to gain another seat in Utah<\/a> after a district judge approved a new congressional map<\/a> on Monday that includes a solidly blue district in Salt Lake City. Lawmakers in Virginia<\/a> are attempting to muscle in a new map that could net Democrats two or three more seats after passing a constitutional amendment that still needs voter approval.<\/p>

Separately, Kansas<\/a> House Speaker Dan Hawkins declined to call a special session to move forward on a new map, and Ohio\u2019s<\/a> bipartisan redistricting commission gave its approval on a map<\/a> that gives the GOP an edge but does not completely decimate Democratic districts.<\/p>

But all that could be for naught. The Supreme Court case is being argued over whether Louisiana\u2019s<\/a> creation of a second majority-minority congressional district violates the 14th or 15th amendments.<\/p>

Some advocacy groups have claimed that if Section 2 is struck down, it would result in the creation of\u00a0at least 19 new safe<\/a>\u00a0GOP House seats, on top of an additional eight seats from Republican redistricting efforts. Other experts claim that black representation will decrease.<\/p>

SUPREME COURT COULD KICK-START ANOTHER ROUND OF REDISTRICTING WITH LOUISIANA RACE-BASED DISTRICTING CASE<\/a><\/p>

If the Supreme Court strikes down Section 2, \u201cAfrican American seats in the Deep South could be lost in Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida,\" said Shawn Donahue, a professor of political science at the University of Buffalo who focuses on redistricting.<\/p>

Rep. Sanford Bishop\u2019s (D-GA) district in southwest Georgia<\/a> \u201cis in trouble,\u201d according to Donohue, as are Reps. Jim Clyburn's (D-SC), Bennie Thompson's (D-MS), Steve Cohen's (D-TN), and possibly Shomari Figures's (D-AL) and Terri Sewell\u2019s (D-AL) seats. Many of the majority black seats in the Deep South send black Democratic representatives to Congress because \u201cthey are racially polarized,\u201d\u00a0Donahue\u00a0added.<\/p>

Democrats and aligned groups have slammed any attempt to weaken the Voting Rights Act, passed in 1965 during the Civil Rights<\/a> Movement, as an undemocratic attack to benefit President Donald Trump<\/a>.<\/p>

\u201cRepublicans are already targeting the voting power of communities of color in their craven redistricting schemes, and if the Supreme Court sides with Donald Trump, it would be a major, generational step back in our fight for racial justice and fair representation,\" Democratic National Committee<\/a> Chairman Ken Martin told the Washington Examiner in a statement. \"This is an all-hands-on-deck moment to sound the alarm \u2013 the Republican goal is nothing short of silencing voters of color. Make no mistake: no matter how the Court rules, we intend to take back the majority in 2026.\u201d<\/p>

Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the civil rights group the National Urban League, blasted the high court's 6-3 conservative-leaning majority as beholden to Trump.<\/p>

\"It is troubling, it's disappointing, and it is absolutely tragic that the Supreme Court would even entertain striking down Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act,\" Morial said. \"The Supreme Court does not have clean hands when it comes to the mess and the confusion of our democracy today.\"<\/p>

The Supreme Court's 2013 Shelby County v. Holder decision struck down the preclearance requirement for states with a history of voting discrimination in the Voting Rights Act, which Morial claimed paved the way for this moment in the redistricting battles.<\/p>

\"They opened the floodgates for suppression,\" he added. \"They opened the floodgates for gerrymandering. They opened the floodgates for states to engage in, if you will, ill-advised and sinister methods and means to really gain unfair advantages in elections. So I'm hopeful that the Supreme Court, in its wisdom, will sustain Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.\"<\/p>

Dave Wasserman, the senior editor and elections analyst for the Cook Political Report, told the Washington Examiner that estimates of 15-19 seats becoming gerrymandered were meant to \"sound an alarm.\"\"I don't agree that 15 to 19 is the number of seats that would be eliminated if Section 2 is struck down,\u201d Wasserman said. \"I think it's probably closer to a dozen. But that's also a question more for 2028 than it is for 2026.\"<\/p>

A ruling in late June 2026 from the Supreme Court may be too late for some states to implement new maps before the midterm elections.<\/p>

\"I think potentially, the only state that would redraw before 26 would be Louisiana, where one or two Democratic seats could be at risk,\" Wasserman said.<\/p>

Morial claimed that he was not in support of a tit-for-tat redistricting war between Democrats and the GOP but said it could be necessary given the high court's alliance with Trump.<\/p>

His comments were somewhat echoed by Rep. Kevin Kiley<\/a> (R-CA), a lawmaker who could lose his seat under California's new map, who criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson<\/a> (R-LA) for supporting Trump's effort to gerrymander before the midterm elections.<\/p>

\"I warned the Speaker for months that a redistricting war was (1) bad for the country, (2) unpopular with Members on both sides, and (3) likely to end as a wash,\" he wrote on X<\/a>. \"Yet he cheered it on rather than try to stop it.\"<\/p>

Ohio-based Republican strategist Matt Dole said he was not surprised by Kiley's comments.<\/p>

\"What's happening in California<\/a> is brutal and it is not good and disallows Democrats to sort of claim the moral high ground on redistricting, which is what they usually attempt to do,\" he said. But \"I think it's a fight worth having redistricting and the way we redistrict.\"<\/p>

Dole also claimed that Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act was no longer necessary, saying the original intent of the law was to allow black people to register to vote and then actually be able to vote without intimidation.<\/p>

According to the Brennan Center for Justice<\/a>, Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act was barely used for redistricting in the first 17 years of the law. But when the legislation was extended in 1982 for 25 years, it included a \"results\" test provision that prohibited voting laws that were discriminatory against racial minorities, regardless of intent. The provision allowed voters to challenge electoral maps that diluted the power of minority voters.<\/p>

\"We're just very far afield of that,\" Dole said. \"And certainly, the original Voting Rights Act says nothing about the right of representation. It only speaks to the right of voting. People say the 1965 Voting Rights Act is in jeopardy. That's just not the case at all. And I understand the political messaging there. I understand why they're doing it from a political standpoint, but I think the court is right to go and say, 'OK, we've been at this for 60 years now. Where do we stand as a country now?'\"<\/p>

Critics of the Voting Rights Act point to the growing number of black lawmakers who represent non-majority-minority districts as to why Section 2 should be struck down. In early 2023, 30 out of 60 black lawmakers, most of whom are Democrats, represented non-majority minority districts or states \u2014 a notable contrast from decades prior.<\/p>

Justice Department<\/a> lawyer Hashim Mooppan told the high court justices that \"there are only 15 majority-black districts\u201d nationwide during arguments for the Louisiana v. Callais case.<\/p>

\"It's not going to basically eliminate all black members of Congress,\" Northwestern University professor Erik Nisbet said. \"But it is going to, over time, eliminate the likelihood of them being elected overall, I think in the aggregate.\"<\/p>

But the loss of black members of Congress highlights the tension Democrats face between preserving majority-minority seats and eking out more favorable districts. <\/p>

\"One reason there's been resistance to redistricting in Illinois<\/a> is because some black lawmakers are worried this would dilute black majority districts,\" Nisbet said. \"And this is where I think the redistricting battle, and some of the Democrats' response, is unfortunate, because what you're going to see is this tit for tat, it's basically normalized redistricting for political gain on both sides.\"<\/p>

If Section 2 is hollowed out, the public \"will be less upset about it because it's already been normalized,\" Nisbet said, citing the redistricting wars.<\/p>

But there are some caveats for Democrats if Section 2 is thrown out.<\/p>

\u201cDemocrats could be free to unpack districts in states they control to spread voters in heavy Democratic districts to other districts,\u201d also known as cracking gerrymandering, Donohue said.<\/p>

Additionally, Latino voters who voted in favor of the GOP and Trump during the 2024 election<\/a> could back Democrats in states such as Texas if anxiety over the economy continues to dominate voters.<\/p>

\"From my research, and from my view, when I'm looking at exit polls, Latino voters are very interesting voters right now, and I think they're voting very much economically,\" Nisbet said. \"And a lot of the Latino male vote was economic-based. ... Latino voters come from a lot of different backgrounds. I think the key thing is that what they were voting on was their pocketbook last week, like a lot of Americans.\"<\/p>

Ultimately, what a ruling in late June will be is uncertain. <\/p>

\u201cWe don\u2019t know what\u2019s going to happen,\u201d Donohue said. But\u00a0\u201cWhat happens in Baton Rouge won\u2019t stay in Baton Rouge, potentially.\u201d<\/p>

SUPREME COURT POISED TO SHAKE UP MIDTERM ELECTIONS<\/a><\/p>

In the best-case scenario for Republicans on redistricting efforts alone, not factoring in the Supreme Court case, the GOP could net an additional eight seats, according to the Cook Political Report<\/a>. In a best-case scenario for Democrats, their counterefforts would ultimately see a net gain of one. As things stand, Wasserman explained that the CPR rates 188 seats as safe for Republicans, with an additional 16 seats \"likely Republican,\" while there are 180 seats that are \"safe Democrat,\" and an additional 18 \"likely Democrat.\"<\/p>

\u201cWe\u2019re looking at a battlefield of maybe 30 or so competitive races,\u201d he said.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25309656080346.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885403-1763015400", "title":"Trumpworld forecloses on ‘fall guy’ housing director Bill Pulte amid mortgage drama cleanup", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F3885403%2Ftrump-world-forecloses-onhousing-director-bill-pulte%2F", "byline":"Christian Datoc", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Bill Pulte’s days with the Trump administration seem numbered, as MAGA allies have soured on proposals coming out of his office aimed at solving President Donald Trump’s affordability problem. Pulte, Trump’s Federal Housing Finance Agency director, has been the subject of several damaging headlines after successfully petitioning Trump to back a 50-year mortgage option as […]", "description":""

Bill Pulte\u2019s days with the Trump administration<\/a> seem numbered, as MAGA allies have soured on proposals coming out of his office aimed at solving President Donald Trump<\/a>\u2019s affordability problem.<\/p>

Pulte, Trump\u2019s<\/a> Federal Housing Finance Agency director, has been the subject of several damaging headlines after successfully petitioning Trump to back a 50-year mortgage option<\/a> as a means of combating out-of-control housing prices.<\/p>

A significant swathe of the president\u2019s typically staunch base of supporters criticized the proposal, including Laura Loomer and\u00a0Fox News\u2019 Laura Ingraham, for allegedly preying on potential homebuyers, as the interest on the longer loan would virtually double compared to that of a 30-year option.\u00a0<\/p>

\"I don\u2019t like 50-year mortgages as the solution to the housing affordability crisis,\" Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) wrote on X. \"It will ultimately reward the banks, mortgage lenders, and home builders while people pay far more in interest over time and die before they ever pay off their home.\"<\/p>

On Monday, Politico<\/a> reported that it only took Pulte 10 minutes, plus a single poster board, to convince the president to back his idea. The story quoted two White House staffers who suggested that Pulte has a habit of deviating from the typical workflow for getting policies to the president\u2019s desk for review and is responsible for the heat the White House is currently taking from MAGA voices.<\/p>

\u201cAnything that goes before POTUS needs to be vetted,\u201d one source claimed to the outlet. \u201cAnd a lot of times with Pulte they\u2019re not. He just goes straight up to POTUS.\u201d<\/p>

A second source shared with the outlet: \u201cThe thing that became clear from this latest episode \u2014 if it wasn\u2019t already clear \u2014 is that Bill Pulte doesn\u2019t know the first f***ing thing about how the mortgage markets operate.<\/p>

\u201cAfter publicly humiliating the president with his moronic 50 year mortgage plan it\u2019s safe to assume that his days are numbered.\u201d<\/p>

Three out-of-government Trumpworld figures told the Washington Examiner that the Politico story, along with subsequent reporting on Pulte\u2019s removal of watchdogs monitoring Fannie Mae last month, suggests a coordinated campaign to use Pulte as a shield for the president amid the mortgage drama.<\/p>

A day after the Politico report, the Wall Street Journal reported<\/a> that the watchdogs fired by Pulte had been investigating whether or not he had improperly pulled mortgage records of Trump\u2019s political enemies after he brought mortgage fraud allegations against Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook in August. Those allegations led to attempts from the president to remove her from the Federal Reserve Board, though a federal judge later restored her to her position.<\/p>

\u201cIt\u2019s pretty clear that some people in the White House are pissed. POTUS is laser-focused on the economy, and whether or not Bill took advantage of that \u2014\u00a0it\u2019s not for me to say,\u201d one longtime Trump adviser told the Washington Examiner. \u201cBut anyone with a brain can see they\u2019re looking for a way to clean this up, and it seems like they\u2019ve found their fall guy.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cYeah, he\u2019s on the chopping block,\u201d a second former Trump administration official told the Washington Examiner. \u201cAs it should be. You can make unforced errors. But you can\u2019t make the president look bad. Full stop.\u201d  <\/p>

A White House official, when asked about the current dynamic between Trump and Pulte, told the Washington Examiner: \u201cPresident Trump is always exploring new ways to improve housing affordability for everyday Americans.\u201d <\/p>

Still, the Pulte smoke doesn\u2019t appear to have moved either the FHFA director or Trump off their positions on exploring new mortgage options.<\/p>

Pulte himself posted on X that<\/a>, in addition to the 50-year, the Trump administration is \u201cactively evaluating portable loans,\u201d that buyers could conceivably transfer across multiple properties. <\/p>

And during his Monday interview with Fox, Trump stood firm in his support, despite consecutive days of negative backlash among Republicans.<\/p>

\u201cIt\u2019s not even a big deal,\u201d he told Ingraham. \"All it means is you pay less per month, you pay it over a longer period of time. It\u2019s not like a big factor. It might help a little bit, but the problem was that Biden did this. He increased the interest rates.\"<\/p>

Kevin Hassett, the director of Trump\u2019s National Economic Council, similarly defended the proposal during a Wednesday conversation with the Economic Club of Washington, D.C.<\/p>

\u201cI think that too many people buying houses right now is not what the problem is,\u201d he countered when asked if a lower barrier for purchasing a home, especially among first-time buyers, would only exacerbate the housing supply problem. \u201cThe problem is that the home ownership of people of 40 and under is at a historic low.\u201d<\/p>

Hassett did offer some interesting insight, however, about the quiet competition among the president\u2019s aides when it comes to making policy and, in particular, dealing with people who \u201cwhisper in his ear after everybody is gone.\u201d<\/p>

TRUMP SAYS AFFORDABILITY IS A \u2018DEAD\u2019 ISSUE. HIS RECENT PROPOSALS SAY OTHERWISE<\/a><\/p>

\u201cThere is a risk that the most convincing person in any administration is the person who talked to the president last, and then that creates a competition to, like, check his sleeping schedule and decide who's the one who's going to call him right before he goes to sleep,\u201d he stated. \u201cAnd that's something that every President has to deal with, and that I think, that this administration has dealt really well with compared to previous administrations.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25275627399084.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3881458-1763013600", "title":"Democrats should be wary of the redistribution rabbit hole", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Frestoring-america%2Fcourage-strength-optimism%2F3881458%2Fdemocrats-redistribution-tax-policies-economic-growth%2F", "byline":"James Rogan", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The strong showing by Democrats in the recent elections is causing a debate about how aggressive the party should be in pushing a program of making everyday life more affordable for the middle and working classes. Should the party pursue policies surrounding universal childcare, free higher education, and greater subsidies for healthcare expenses and housing funded by much […]", "description":""

The strong\u00a0showing<\/a>\u00a0by Democ<\/a>rats in the recent elections is causing a debate about how aggressive the party should be in pushing a program of making everyday life more affordable for the middle and working classes. Should the party pursue policies surrounding universal childcare, free higher education, and greater subsidies for healthcare expenses and housing\u00a0funded by much higher taxes on business and the more affluent?\u00a0<\/p>

The logical answer is an emphatic \"no.\"<\/p>

The facts about what happens when government becomes more involved in the economy,\u00a0and when it provides consumption subsidies for middle-class and working-class households, should make Democratic elites think twice before jumping off the deep end on redistribution. The facts are beyond debate. Economic growth\u00a0slows<\/a>\u00a0as the size of the government\u2019s role in an economy grows. Look at the countries of Europe, which are rapidly going\u00a0bankrupt<\/a>\u00a0because economic growth has slowed so dramatically over the past two decades, but social welfare spending continues to increase.\u00a0<\/p>

This means redistribution and economic growth are incompatible. Strong economic growth provides the resources so that everyone can share in the American dream of a continuous rise in the standard of living. Adjusted for inflation, in 1967, only 5% of American households enjoyed annual incomes of $150,000 and higher. Today, about 35% of the country\u2019s households<\/a> have incomes of $150,000 and higher. <\/p>

Unlike the countries of Europe, the United States has relatively low taxes on business and, at least in most states, nonconfiscatory taxes on the most affluent. It is important to\u00a0note, however, that the U.S. has a very\u00a0progressive<\/a>\u00a0tax system. Until now, voters have preferred pro-growth policies to policies of redistribution. The benefits of this choice are obvious when comparing the per capita incomes of the wealthy countries of Europe to the U.S. Household incomes in the U.S. are 30 to 50%\u00a0higher<\/a>\u00a0than in Europe.\u00a0<\/p>

A\u00a0recent paper<\/a>\u00a0from the National Bureau of Economic Research explains that redistribution\u00a0does not work. Redistributive income policies reduce real incomes but have only a marginal effect on income inequality.\u00a0Voices that clamor for greater\u00a0income redistribution always sound compassionate and reasonable. This probably explains the election of\u00a0an\u00a0avowed socialist to be\u00a0mayor<\/a>\u00a0of New York City. But economics is not a morality play. Economics is a system of incentives. And\u00a0incentives<\/a>\u00a0matter\u00a0a\u00a0lot.\u00a0When the government takes more from those who produce and invest in order to subsidize those who don\u2019t, it undermines the very engine that drives prosperity.<\/p>

People respond to incentives. Nobel Laureate\u00a0James Mirrlees<\/a>, deceased, explained that from the standpoint of economic growth, the most economically efficient\u00a0tax rate on the most productive members of our society is zero. Rather than raising taxes on the most productive to fund redistribution programs, our political elites should be reducing taxes on productive high earners and replacing the income tax with a consumption tax.\u00a0<\/p>

Economic growth depends on savings, investment, and risk-taking. Redistribution, through higher taxes, transfer payments, or wage controls, discourages all three. When capital is taxed more heavily, there is less of it. When marginal tax rates climb, entrepreneurship declines. When welfare expands, labor participation falls. Over time, the productive share of the economy shrinks while the dependent share grows.<\/p>

Redistribution doesn\u2019t just slow economic growth. It changes the nature of a society. A culture of personal responsibility and striving is replaced by a culture of entitlement. In the U.S., the entitlement culture is\u00a0bankrupting<\/a>\u00a0the nation. The U.S. is borrowing to fund entitlement programs, which are not sustainable. Debt is piled on debt. Interest rates are higher. Home ownership becomes unaffordable.<\/p>

WAR DEPARTMENT REVERSES COURSE ON MEDIA REPORTING RESTRICTIONS<\/a> <\/p>

Everyone\u2019s standard of living depends on growth. A rising economy lifts all boats. Everyone enjoys higher wages. Opportunity grows. Social mobility increases. The best economic and social policies promote personal responsibility, hard work, and the liberty to live as each person chooses.\u00a0<\/p>

Instead of redistributing income, politicians should focus on expanding opportunity: improve education, reduce regulatory barriers, reward work, and keep taxes predictable and low. Growth, not redistribution, is what provides the funds for compassion.<\/p>

James Rogan is a former U.S. foreign service officer who has worked in finance and law for 30 years. He writes a daily note<\/a> on the markets, politics, and society. He can be followed on X<\/a> and reached at RoganJames8202@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/GettyImages-2221170587.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884494-1763013600", "title":"The war in Ukraine won’t be won or lost in Pokrovsk", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fbeltway-confidential%2F3884494%2Fwar-ukraine-pokrovsk-russia%2F", "byline":"Ani Chkhikvadze", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"After 18 months of fighting, Pokrovsk, a Ukrainian town once home to 60,000 people, has been reduced to ruins. Russian forces control most of the town and have continued efforts to encircle Ukrainian troops still holding out in its western districts. Pokrovsk will likely fall. But its capture will not change much in the broader course […]", "description":""

After 18 months of fighting, Pokrovsk, a Ukrainian<\/a> town once home to 60,000 people, has been reduced to ruins. Russian<\/a> forces control most of the town\u00a0and have continued efforts to encircle Ukrainian troops still holding out in its western districts. Pokrovsk will likely fall. But its capture will not change much in the broader course of the war.<\/p>

The Institute for the Study of War noted this week that Russia will likely seize Pokrovsk, but only after taking more time and suffering greater losses than it would if it had concentrated its resources elsewhere. Pokrovsk has been a key Russian target since the fall of Avdiivka in February 2024. The Kremlin's troops have since advanced roughly 40 kilometers northwest, at a cost of enormous casualties.<\/p>

Ukraine says the Russian military command committed 170,000 servicemembers to offensive operations in Pokrovsk and that Russian forces suffered 25,000 killed and wounded in October alone. Still, its capture would mark Russia's biggest territorial gain since Bakhmut fell in 2023.<\/p>

Pokrovsk is smaller than Bakhmut and Avdiivka, and sits on the crossroads of several roads leading toward Kostyantynivka, Kramatorsk, and Slovyansk, cities that make up what Ukrainian officers call the \"fortress belt\" of Donetsk. Taking Pokrovsk would open the road to these larger hubs. This makes it strategically significant, and losing it would complicate Ukrainian logistics, opening avenues for further Russian advances.<\/p>

For 3 1\/2 years of war, Russia's objective has been to establish control over all of the Donetsk region. But even with Pokrovsk under Russian control, much of Donetsk Oblast would remain in Ukrainian hands, including the major cities of Kramatorsk and Slovyansk. That bears noting. After all, if Russia maintains its current tempo, 18 months to take Pokrovsk, years to take Bakhmut before that, it will take it many more years to capture the entire Donetsk region, and at costs that make the current casualty figures look modest.<\/p>

When zoomed out, it's obvious that this is not a war Russia is winning. The Kremlin's real strategy is psychological. Russia hopes to exhaust Ukrainians, drain Western support, and turn attrition into leverage.<\/p>

Yes, Pokrovsk's fall would be bad news for Ukraine, but hardly dramatic. This is not where the war will be decided. The real turning point will depend on how firm the United States and its allies remain, whether they enforce secondary sanctions, cut Europe's reliance on Russian oil, and accelerate defense investments.<\/p>

WAR DEPARTMENT REVERSES COURSE ON MEDIA REPORTING RESTRICTIONS<\/a><\/p>

Russia must be contained on every front. That means limiting its reach not only in Ukraine but in Georgia, Moldova, and beyond, while sustaining military aid to Kyiv and increasing Western defense spending. The message must be that the West's commitment is serious, long-term, and comprehensive. The war in Ukraine is not a regional conflict but one for the future of the Western world, and it will determine whether the democratic world still has the will and capacity to defend itself.<\/p>

What will be critical is not the defense of one tiny town, but whether the West can hold the line.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Ukraine-war-2-scaled.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884648-1763013600", "title":"Afghan service of US reaches back to Civil War", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Frestoring-america%2F3884648%2Fafghan-visa-applicants-us-military-history%2F", "byline":"Beth Bailey", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Thanks to the National Archives and Records Administration, we can trace Afghan involvement in U.S. military operations back to the Civil War. In pension documents available online, Afghan war veteran Pvt. Mohammad Kahn recalls arriving in the United States in 1861. Though he “could not speak one word of English,” Kahn’s lack of fluency was no […]", "description":""

Thanks to the National Archives and Records Administration, we can trace Afghan involvement in U.S. military operations back to the Civil War.<\/p>

In pension documents\u00a0available online<\/a>, Afghan war veteran Pvt. Mohammad Kahn recalls arriving in the United States in 1861. Though he \u201ccould not speak one word of English,\u201d Kahn\u2019s lack of fluency was no hindrance around two and a half months later when he recalled being \u201cpersuaded to enlist\u201d in the U.S. Army<\/a> \u201cunder the influence of liquor.\u201d Becoming a member<\/a>\u00a0of the 43rd\u00a0New York Infantry Regiment, Kahn said his \u201cduty was that of a soldier and [he] carried a musket.\u201d<\/p>

Kahn described participating in the Peninsula Campaign and the Battle of Williamsburg before being detached as company cook during the winter of 1861. After serving in the Battles of White Oak Swamp and Malvern Hill, Kahn received a blow to the face and head with the butt of a musket. While recovering from the injury, he was detailed once more as a cook during the May 1863 Second Battle of Fredericksburg.<\/p>

Shortly after the July 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, Kahn became separated from his unit and was arrested on suspicion that he was a contraband,\u00a0a term used to describe escaped slaves<\/a>. While being forced into labor in a hospital in Philadelphia, Kahn told guards that he was a \u201cregularly enlisted soldier\u201d of the 43rd\u00a0New York Infantry Regiment. The guard refused to believe the private, insisting that a nonwhite man could not be part of an all-white unit.<\/p>

After spending months searching for a way to rejoin his company, Kahn hopped aboard a train transporting the 14th\u00a0New York Infantry Regiment to Washington, D.C., to take part in the Battle of the Wilderness in May 1864. Kahn arrived at the front lines on the final day of the bloody\u00a0Battle of Spotsylvania Court House<\/a>. \u201cI went straight to my company and fell into line,\u201d he wrote. Between 10 and 15 minutes later, Kahn was shot through the hand, becoming one of 17,000 casualties of the gruesome Spotsylvania campaign.<\/p>

Kahn ultimately spent several months recovering in Chestnut Hill Hospital in Pennsylvania, where he received treatment for symptoms of rheumatism that resulted from exposure while wintering in swampland. After recovering, Kahn reports that he served as a sharpshooter until 1865. Following his service, Khan continued to be plagued by rheumatism and was ultimately granted a pension from the U.S. government on account of his physical suffering.<\/p>

Pensions are not in the cards for Afghan allies who served and sacrificed alongside U.S. forces during our nearly 20-year conflict in Afghanistan. Hundreds of thousands still struggle to avail themselves of the refugee and visa programs designed to grant them safety following the Taliban\u2019s takeover of their homeland.<\/p>

There are currently about 85,000 unprocessed applicants in the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, which grants refugee status to vetted judicial personnel, Special Forces personnel, and human rights activists, according to #AfghanEvac president Shawn VanDiver.<\/p>

The Special Immigrant Visa program, designed to provide legal status to vetted interpreters and others who labored on behalf of the U.S. government, is under strain. As of April,\u00a0only 10,216 SIVs remain<\/a>,\u00a0though more than 125,000 applications are awaiting processing and adjudication.<\/p>

Among SIV applicants facing difficulties are members of the National Strike Unit. Trained by the CIA, the NSU worked closely with the U.S. intelligence community and elite U.S. military units and were instrumental in operations<\/a> throughout the war. They also played a vital role in establishing security at Hamid Karzai International Airport in August 2021.<\/p>

WAR DEPARTMENT REVERSES COURSE ON MEDIA REPORTING RESTRICTIONS<\/a><\/p>

Geeta Bakshi, a 14-year veteran of the CIA, is supporting members of the NSU through the nonprofit group FAMIL. Bakshi told the\u00a0Washington Examiner that \u201cthousands of former NSU personnel \u2014 among the most vetted in the SIV program and most at risk of Taliban retaliation \u2014 were left in limbo after relocating to the U.S. following the August 2021 withdrawal.\u201d She says that with support from Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and the Trump administration, FAMIL is \u201cmaking real progress to clear SIV backlogs, secure permanent residency for eligible NSU members, and help reunite them with the spouses and children they were forced to leave behind.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cThese are men and women who risked everything to protect Americans, and it\u2019s our duty to ensure they can safely rebuild their lives here,\u201d Bakshi said.<\/p>

Beth Bailey (@BWBailey85<\/a>) is a freelance contributor to Fox News and the host of The Afghanistan Project.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/afghanistan-map.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884960-1763013600", "title":"Trump confronted again by Epstein problem that won’t go away", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F3884960%2Ftrump-confronted-again-epstein-problem-wont-go-away%2F", "byline":"Naomi Lim", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Jeffrey Epstein died more than six years ago, yet he continues to haunt President Donald Trump from beyond the grave. On Wednesday, House Oversight Committee Democrats disclosed some of the convicted sex offender’s emails in their possession in which the disgraced financier writes that Trump “knew about the girls.” The revelations come hot on the […]", "description":""

Jeffrey Epstein <\/a>died more than six years ago, yet he continues to haunt President Donald Trump<\/a> from beyond the grave.<\/p>

On Wednesday, House Oversight Committee<\/a> Democrats disclosed some of the convicted sex offender's emails in their possession in which the disgraced financier writes that Trump \u201cknew about the girls.\u201d<\/p>

The revelations come hot on the heels of the news that Epstein's accomplice,\u00a0Ghislaine Maxwell,<\/a>\u00a0is expected to seek a commutation from the president for her 20-year federal prison sentence.<\/p>

At the same time, House Speaker Mike Johnson<\/a> (R-LA) swore in Rep. Adelita Grijalva<\/a> (D-AZ) on Wednesday, almost two months after she won her special election. Moments after her swearing in, she became the decisive 218th signature needed to force a full House vote on a measure requiring the Justice Department<\/a> to release all of its files regarding the federal investigation into Epstein.<\/p>

Republican strategist Evan Siegfried said \u201cenough\u201d of Trump\u2019s base cares about Epstein, \u201cbecause his crimes represent a larger problem that the base recognizes: that ruling elites have taken advantage of everyday people while protecting one another.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cNo situation more embodies this than the Epstein scandal,\u201d Siegfried told the Washington Examiner. \u201cPeople want to know who the establishment is protecting, and they deserve full transparency.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cThe discharge petition and new emails are a step forward, but it is all part of a slow-moving process, which will absolutely frustrate several people who just want it all out in plain sight,\" Siegfried added. \"The best thing that can be done from both a moral and political standpoint is to rip the Band-Aid off, man up, and release the full files with only the victims protected. You\u2019ll avoid the drip, drip, drip and surrounding questions about why it is taking so long \u2014 which can itself fuel further conspiracies, speculation, and political problems.\u201d<\/p>

Trump defended himself from the criticism in a social post on Wednesday, accusing Democrats of supporting \u201cthe Jeffrey Epstein Hoax again because they\u2019ll do anything at all to deflect on how badly they\u2019ve done on the Shutdown<\/a>, and so many other subjects.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cOnly a very bad, or stupid, Republican would fall into that trap,\u201d Trump wrote on social media<\/a>. \u201cThere should be no deflections to Epstein or anything else, and any Republicans involved should be focused only on opening up our Country, and fixing the massive damage caused by the Democrats!\u201d<\/p>

The White House also responded on Wednesday, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt <\/a>criticizing Democrats for their \u201cselectively leaked emails to the liberal media [for] a fake narrative to smear\u201d Trump.<\/p>

In addition to Epstein\u2019s 2019 email to author Michael Wolff, in which he indicated Trump \u201cknew about the girls,\u201d House Democrats circulated another note from 2011. In the note,\u00a0Epstein told Maxwell, \u201cI want you to realize that the dog that hasn\u2019t barked is trump\u201d and that redacted-but-since-identified Virginia Giuffre, a victim of Epstein and Maxwell who died by suicide\u00a0in\u00a0April,\u00a0allegedly\u00a0\u201cspent hours at my house with\u201d Trump.<\/p>

To that end, Leavitt emphasized that Giuffre, whose memoir Nobody's Girl was posthumously published last month and prompted King Charles III <\/a>to strip his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of his titles and residence at Royal Lodge, has \u201crepeatedly said President Trump was not involved in any wrongdoing whatsoever and \u2018couldn\u2019t have been friendlier\u2019 to her in their limited interactions.\"<\/p>

\u201cThe fact remains that President Trump kicked Jeffrey Epstein out of his club decades ago for being a creep to his female employees, including Giuffre,\u201d Leavitt told the Washington Examiner, referring to Trump\u2019s private club in Florida, Mar-a-Lago<\/a>, near where Epstein lived.<\/p>

A White House official also undermined the credibility of Wolff, the author behind the 2018 book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, contending that his work has historically been \u201criddled with mistakes and inaccuracies.\u201d<\/p>

During her press briefing on Wednesday, Leavitt reiterated that Trump has been transparent regarding Epstein, pointing to how the Justice Department<\/a> has \u201cturned over tens of thousands of documents to the American people\u201d concerning Epstein.<\/p>

\u201cThe Department of Justice also moved to unseal grand jury testimony, which we know, unfortunately, a judge declined those requests,\u201d she told reporters. Democrats are \u201ctalking about it all of a sudden because President Trump is in the Oval Office, but when Joe Biden <\/a>was sitting in there, the Democrats never brought this up. This wasn't an issue that they cared about because they actually don't care about the victims in these cases. They care about trying to score political points against President Trump.\u201d<\/p>

Regardless, in response to the House vote regarding the Epstein files, provoked by a bipartisan discharge petition led by Reps. Thomas Massie <\/a>(R-KY) and Ro Khanna<\/a> (D-CA), the White House held a meeting with Attorney General Pam Bondi, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Rep. Lauren Boebert <\/a>(R-CO).<\/p>

A separate report emerged on Wednesday that Trump called Boebert regarding Epstein on Tuesday.<\/p>

Leavitt bristled at a question regarding the meeting during her briefing, arguing that it demonstrated Trump\u2019s commitment to transparency, as his administration is \u201cwilling to sit down with members of Congress and address their concerns.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cThat's a defining factor of transparency, having discussions, having discussions with members of Congress about various issues,\u201d she said. \u201cI'm not going to detail conversations that took place in the Situation Room in the press briefing room.\u201d<\/p>

Regardless, Boebert, along with Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene<\/a> (R-GA) and Nancy Mace<\/a> (R-SC), remained with Massie as the four Republicans on the petition. Boebert later confirmed the meeting did take place, thanking White House officials for meeting with her.<\/p>

Johnson said the House vote will take place next week, but it is unlikely to pass the Senate.<\/p>

The political furor around Epstein is, in part, a problem of Trump\u2019s own making, perpetuated by the likes of the president\u2019s own Cabinet members, namely Patel<\/a>, who, along with FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino<\/a>, called for greater transparency regarding Epstein in their past lives as MAGAworld podcasters.<\/p>

The issue of transparency regarding Epstein was exacerbated in July when the Justice Department and FBI reported that there was no evidence that Epstein had a client list or that he was murdered when he died by apparent suicide while in federal custody in 2019. That followed comments from Bondi<\/a>, who told Fox News in February that Epstein\u2019s client list was \"on her desk\" to be reviewed. Bondi told reporters in July she was speaking about the so-called Epstein files.<\/p>

Bongino reportedly considered resigning over the Justice Department and FBI\u2019s Epstein findings after Bondi, also in February, underscored how she was making the Epstein files public when many of those documents were already in the public domain.<\/p>

WHY TRUMP 2.0 HONEYMOON MAY FINALLY BE OVER: \u2018YES, DJT HAS HIT SOME GUARDRAILS\u2019<\/a><\/p>

In the hope of countering criticism of an alleged cover-up, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Trump\u2019s former personal attorney, interviewed Maxwell in her prison in Florida days before she was transferred to a nicer facility in Texas, where she is serving time after being found guilty of five sex trafficking-related charges in 2021.<\/p>

Against that backdrop, Trump sued the Wall Street Journal for $10 billion in July for its reporting regarding the president\u2019s contribution to a birthday book compiled by Maxwell for Epstein\u2019s 50th birthday.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25272685436069-e1762959017424.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885488-1763013600", "title":"Chuck Schumer lost the government shutdown", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fsenate%2F3885488%2Fchuck-schumer-government-shutdown-leadership%2F", "byline":"W. James Antle III", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is the biggest loser of the 43-day government shutdown fight. Progressive Democrats are angry that the shutdown ended on Wednesday night after the House passed a clean short-term spending bill and President Donald Trump signed it into law without extending the expiring Obamacare subsidies. While the vote was bipartisan in both […]", "description":""

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer<\/a> (D-NY) is the biggest loser of the 43-day government shutdown<\/a> fight.<\/p>

Progressive Democrats are angry that the shutdown ended on Wednesday night after the House passed a clean short-term spending bill and President Donald Trump<\/a> signed it into law without extending the expiring Obamacare subsidies.<\/p>

While the vote was bipartisan in both houses of Congress<\/a>, the overwhelming majority of Democrats on Capitol Hill voted against reopening the government. But the shutdown was effectively ended earlier this week once eight senators who caucus with the Democrats broke ranks and voted for a deal that would fund government operations until early next year.<\/p>

Schumer wasn\u2019t among the eight senators, but he still caught most of the blame anyway. The thinking was that he was either tacitly in favor of the deal, which was brokered by his deputy, retiring Sen. Dick Durbin<\/a> (D-IL), or powerless to keep the caucus together and stop it.<\/p>

Neither scenario reflected well on Schumer\u2019s leadership, according to many Democrats.<\/p>

\u201cWe are talking about a coordinated effort of eight senators with the knowledge of Leader Schumer, voting to break with the entire Democratic Party in exchange for nothing,\u201d Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez<\/a> (D-NY), a possible 2028 Schumer primary challenger, complained<\/a> to CNN.\u00a0<\/p>

Schumer also caught flak from outside progressive groups. \u201cChuck Schumer should step down as Senate Minority Leader immediately,\" Joseph Geevarghese, executive director of Our Revolution, said in a statement. \"If he secretly backed this surrender and voted 'no' to save face, he\u2019s a liar. If he couldn\u2019t keep his caucus in line, he's inept. Either way, he\u2019s proven incapable of leading the fight to prevent health care premiums from skyrocketing for millions of Americans. The country can\u2019t afford his failed leadership any longer.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cIf this was Schumer\u2019s best, his best clearly isn\u2019t good enough,\u201d said Adam Green of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee in a message to donors. \u201cThe legacy of Chuck Schumer is caving, not winning.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cOn November 9, Chuck Schumer surrendered in the fight for affordable healthcare, supplying Republicans the votes necessary to advance a budget that will cause premiums to double and triple for millions of Americans,\u201d the left-wing group Indivisible said. \u201cThis was not a capitulation by the entire Democratic Caucus. But the betrayal extends beyond the eight Democrats who voted yes. The fact that the group was comprised entirely of Senators who are retiring or who won\u2019t face primaries for several years points to these Dems giving cover to a larger faction eager to throw in the towel. ... Despite his 'no' vote, the entire political world knows this is a direct result of Chuck Schumer\u2019s leadership.\u201d<\/p>

Indivisible closed its missive against \u201cSchumer\u2019s second massive capitulation to the Trump regime\u201d by urging supporters to contact Democratic senators to urge them to call for Schumer to step down as minority leader and allow someone else to lead the opposition to Trump.<\/p>

That\u2019s unlikely to happen anytime before next year\u2019s midterm elections. But Schumer will become an even bigger issue in the Democratic primaries.<\/p>

\u201cThis happened because Chuck Schumer failed in his job yet again because they do not understand that when we fight, we win,\u201d said Graham Platner, a progressive seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge Sen. Susan Collins<\/a> (R-ME). \u201cWhen we hold the line for working families, for working people, we win. But they don\u2019t get this. They see all of this as a game. Call in today, call your senators. \u2026 Call your senators and say that Chuck Schumer can no longer be leader.\u201d<\/p>

This was Schumer\u2019s unenviable position throughout the shutdown. To Republicans, it was the \u201cSchumer shutdown.\u201d However, many Democrats questioned Schumer\u2019s resolve from the beginning, as he led a group of 10 senators from his caucus in voting to keep the government open in March.<\/p>

House Speaker Mike Johnson<\/a> (R-LA) squared the circle by holding up a copy of the Washington Examiner magazine<\/a>, depicting<\/a> the left-wing revolt against Schumer in March. \u201cThe far-left base has turned on Chuck Schumer because he did the responsible thing and put the lights on,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cWhy? Because they want him to show a fight against President Trump. So Schumer doesn\u2019t want to be in this situation again.\u201d<\/p>

But it didn\u2019t appease the left wing of the Democratic Party, which believed winning the off-year elections <\/a>validated its strategy and made the case for keeping the government shut down longer, even with holiday meals and travel rapidly approaching. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), who held out against the shutdown on all 15 Senate votes, later said<\/a> Schumer was \u201cdiscovering that you can\u2019t get back into the good graces of the Indivisible folks.\u201d<\/p>

TRUMP RAGES AT DEMOCRATS AND THE FILIBUSTER IN SIGNING BILL TO END GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN<\/a><\/p>

A handful of Democrats were unwilling to continue to inflict<\/a> that kind of pain on their own constituents and provided just enough votes to break the Senate filibuster.<\/p>

Yet that may not be enough cover for Schumer, who, with the announcement<\/a> that former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) will retire from Congress in 2027, is the last member of the old guard still standing. For now.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25301784517302.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885586-1763012260", "title":"Flight cuts to remain at only 6% after shutdown due to air traffic controllers returning to work  ", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3885586%2Fflight-cuts-to-remain-at-only-6-percent%2F", "byline":"Washington Examiner Staff", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The number of flight reductions at 40 airports throughout the country is expected to remain at only 6% instead of the 10% total that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced last week.  The reason for the shift is due to a larger number of air traffic controllers returning to work than previously expected, the Department of […]", "description":""

The number of flight reductions at 40 airports<\/a> throughout the country is expected to remain at only 6%<\/a> instead of the 10% total<\/a> that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced last week.\u00a0<\/p>

The reason for the shift is due to a larger number of air traffic controllers returning to work than previously expected, the Department of Transportation announced, the Associated Press reported<\/a>. The change comes as the federal government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, ended on Wednesday after President Donald Trump signed the government funding bill<\/a> into law.<\/p>

The initial reductions were implemented last week due to the shutdown and a shortage of air traffic controllers. This led to safety concerns regarding air traffic, and as a precaution, the number of flights decreased at 40 major U.S. airports. <\/p>

\u201cI anticipate there will be additional disruptions, there will be frustration. We are working with the airlines. They\u2019re going to work with passengers, but in the end, our sole role is to make sure that we keep this airspace as safe as possible,\u201d Duffy said last week. \u201cThe administrator is going to talk about all of the tools we\u2019re going to deploy. One of them, though, is going to be that there is going to be a 10% reduction in capacity at 40 of our locations.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cThis is not based on what airline \u2026 has more flights out of what location. This is about where is the pressure and how do we alleviate the pressure,\u201d Duffy added.<\/p>

A ramp-up plan to the 10% cut total was introduced last Friday to mitigate chaos during the reduction transition process, with only 4% of flights<\/a> initially being canceled.<\/p>

AIRPORTS SEE 6% FLIGHT REDUCTION TUESDAY, EVEN AS GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN WINDS DOWN<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>

Duffy said on Wednesday that the number of flight reductions will remain at 6%, as Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Department officials analyze when the standard number of flights can safely resume, according to the Associated Press.<\/p>

\u201cIf the FAA safety team determines the trend lines are moving in the right direction, we\u2019ll put forward a path to resume normal operations,\u201d said Duffy.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/airplane-iStock-1355017918.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884311-1763011800", "title":"Bipartisan, anti-Trump group carrying 2025 momentum into midterm ‘affordability’ blitz", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F3884311%2Fbipartisan-anti-trump-group-2025-momentum-midterm-affordability%2F", "byline":"Christian Datoc", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"EXCLUSIVE — The Cost Coalition, a bipartisan group opposed to President Donald Trump‘s economic agenda, is looking to maintain momentum coming out of the 2025 elections with “targeted” affordability-focused investment campaigns for both House and Senate races during the 2026 cycle. The group was founded in May by Terry Holt, a longtime adviser to former […]", "description":""

EXCLUSIVE \u2014 The Cost Coalition, a bipartisan group opposed to President Donald Trump<\/a>'s economic agenda, is looking to maintain momentum coming out of the 2025 elections<\/a> with \"targeted\" affordability-focused investment campaigns for both House and Senate races during the 2026 cycle.<\/p>

The group was founded in May by Terry Holt, a longtime adviser to former President George W. Bush and former House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), and Andrew Bates, a White House spokesperson for former President Joe Biden. Austin Weatherford, the former chief of staff to former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), also joined the coalition earlier this year.<\/p>

The group will send a memo, obtained by the Washington Examiner, to\u00a0political allies and donors<\/a> on Friday, previewing an aggressive expansion of successful 2025 campaign strategies early next year.<\/p>

\"Trump voters feel burned by broken economic promises, and Tuesday\u2019s results demonstrate that they are imminently persuadable with a message focused squarely on costs,\" the memo reads. \"Trump and his allies will spend huge sums to try and dig themselves out of the hole they've dug. Which means it's critical to put our foot on the gas pedal even more.\"<\/p>

The memo additionally teased plans to actively engage in both House and Senate races in the 2026 cycle, with plans to announce new endorsements and launch ad campaigns targeting \"working families, veterans and military families, small businesses, and people of faith\" in the first quarter of next year.<\/p>

Cost Coalition officials declined to provide an estimate for the expected total ad spend.<\/p>

The bipartisan efforts mirror a Biden campaign tactic, later picked up by former Vice President Kamala Harris, to court Republican voters disaffected by Trump. That effort failed during the 2024 cycle, but, since Cost Coalition's launch in May, the group appears to have made a significant impact.<\/p>

The group endorsed both Governors-elect Mikie Sherill (D-NJ) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) in late spring and hit the pavement in New Jersey and Virginia throughout the summer and fall.<\/p>

Affordability messaging certainly resonated with voters last Tuesday, with exit polls consistently ranking elevated prices as the top issue this cycle.<\/p>

\"Lowering costs is the way to create a big tent in a time when Washington is making lifeunaffordable. A credible, bipartisan messenger laser-focused on affordability can make an evenbigger, unique impact in 2026 and beyond,\" Cost Coalition's memo concludes.<\/p>

Trump and Republicans have sought to downplay the effect that the president's economic agenda had on last Tuesday's results, most notably with Trump telling reporters at the White House that affordability is a \"con job\" by the Democrats.<\/p>

\"The Democrats are good at a few things, cheating on elections and conning people with facts that aren\u2019t true. We are much better than [former President Joe] Biden and all of them now, just so you understand,\" he stated last week. \"Do you remember that the Biden administration had the highest inflation in 48 years? The reason I don\u2019t want to talk about affordability is because everybody knows that it\u2019s far less expensive under Trump than it was under sleepy Joe Biden.\"<\/p>

Still, Trump's deputy chief of staff James Blair conceded in a post-election interview with Politico that Trump \"recognizes, like anybody, that it takes time to do an economic turnaround.\"<\/p>

\u201cWhy did Zohran Mamdani<\/a> do so well [Tuesday] night? He relentlessly focused on affordability,\u201d Blair proffered. \u201cPeople talk about communists; they can say all these things, but the fact is, he was talking about the cost of living.\u201d<\/p>

And Trump himself has announced a number of proposals that seem keenly focused on addressing souring consumer sentiment.<\/p>

Last Friday, the president directed the Justice Department to open a price-fixing investigation into meatpacking companies. On Saturday, Bill Pulte, the president\u2019s Federal Housing Finance Agency director, confirmed that the administration is \u201cworking on\u201d a 50-year mortgage option for homebuyers. On Sunday, Trump touted on Truth Social how his tariffs were making the United States \u201cthe Richest, Most Respected Country In the World\u201d and his plans to use tariff revenue to send taxpayers a $2,000 stimulus check, \u201cnot including high-income people.\u201d<\/p>

TRUMP SAYS AFFORDABILITY IS A 'DEAD' ISSUE. HIS RECENT PROPOSALS SAY OTHERWISE<\/a><\/p>

On Monday, Trump suggested that he would authorize $10,000 bonuses<\/a> for any air traffic controllers who did not take time off during the government shutdown. Pulte<\/a> again made headlines on Wednesday by announcing that the administration is \"evaluating\" plans for portable mortgages.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/GettyImages-2245876892.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885355-1763011800", "title":"Post-shutdown lines drawn over Obamacare abortion restrictions", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse%2F3885355%2Ffunding-restrictions-abortions-extension-obamacare-subsidies%2F", "byline":"Gabrielle M. Etzel and Hailey Bullis", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The government shutdown may be over, but Republicans and Democrats are now divided over whether Obamacare subsidies should be subject to abortion funding restrictions if Congress agrees to extend them. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said last week that any bipartisan deal on subsidies would have to include language similar to the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal funding […]", "description":""

The government shutdown may be over, but Republicans<\/a> and Democrats<\/a> are now divided over whether Obamacare subsidies should be subject to abortion funding restrictions if Congress agrees to extend them.<\/p>

Senate Majority Leader John Thune<\/a> (R-SD) said last week that any bipartisan deal on subsidies would have to include language similar to the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal funding for abortion except in the narrow circumstances of rape, incest, or life-threatening complications for the mother.<\/p>

Thune said that \u201cwithout Hyde protections,\u201d a one-year extension to the subsidies as Democrats have demanded, doesn\u2019t \u201cget close\u201d to what is needed to strike a deal. <\/p>

A senior aide to a majority member on the House\u2019s Energy and Commerce Health subcommittee told the Washington Examiner that a \u201cHyde application to any extension would definitely be necessary,\u201d and said that they would also want any legislative vehicle to go through regular order in the committee.<\/p>

Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL), a member of the Health subcommittee, said that Hyde provisions would \u201cabsolutely\u201d need to be included in any deal struck over the subsidies.\u201cI mean, there's a reason why we have those protections in place,\u201d Cammack said. \u201cAnd I mean, it stands to reason that anything that we do using taxpayer dollars should include Hyde provisions.\u201d<\/p>

A spokesperson for Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) said in a statement that the Florida Republican \u201cdoes not support the use of federal funds to pay for abortions. Accordingly, he believes the Hyde Amendment remains an essential component of any health care legislation.\u201d<\/p>

But Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), a leading Democrat on the House\u2019s Energy and Commerce Health subcommittee, told the Washington Examiner that incorporating Hyde Amendment language into any compromise on Obamacare subsidies is \u201ca non-starter.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cWhat we need to be doing is addressing the fact that Americans across the country are not going to have access to healthcare next year because they can't afford their insurance,\u201d Dingell said. \u201cSo they're not going to go get healthcare when they need it, they're going to end up in emergency rooms, and [it will end up] increasing the costs overall on the healthcare system.\u201d<\/p>

When asked about Thune\u2019s comment, Dingell said that he is \u201cplaying games with the American people\u2019s health.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cWe shouldn't be playing games. We should be straightforward. We should be fixing the healthcare system,\u201d said Dingell. <\/p>

A spokesperson for Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) also said any Hyde Amendment restrictions would be a \"nonstarter\" for the congresswoman.<\/p>

Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) also told the Washington Examiner that \u201cno federal funds can be used for abortion already\u201d and that Republicans are \"looking for excuses not to extend the ACA tax credit.\" <\/p>

Democrats in the House and Senate argue that Obamacare subsidies do not fund abortion services because insurers, in theory, are supposed to collect an abortion surcharge from enrollees<\/a> if they cover abortions. In practice, however, insurance companies only solicit one payment from enrollees and only submit a single claim to the federal government to collect the subsidies, which anti-abortion advocates say muddies the bookkeeping.<\/p>

Anti-abortion advocates argue that the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which created the Obamacare marketplace, effectively allows for federal dollars to fund abortion services because it is not under the jurisdiction of the Hyde Amendment, which only applies to appropriations bills that fund the executive departments.<\/p>

However, Obamacare-related expenses are not part of the normal appropriations process, as they are funded through a separate system. Anti-abortion advocates contend that the original Obamacare legislation was written intentionally without Hyde protections.<\/p>

Republicans have attempted to incorporate Hyde Amendment protection language into Obamacare subsidies since 2017, notably during the original GOP \u201crepeal and replace\u201d effort under the first Trump administration. <\/p>

More recently, it\u2019s been a focus of Senate Republicans. Sens. John Boozman (R-AR) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced a bill in January that would prohibit insurance companies from using Obamacare subsidies to cover abortion services and require plans to charge an \u201cabortion surcharge\u201d if they chose to provide those services. <\/p>

Last month, during the shutdown, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced a similar bill to prohibit federal subsidies from providing both abortion and gender transition medical services, a duo some advocates refer to as \u201cHyde plus.\u201d<\/p>

Conservative advocacy groups have been increasing pressure on the GOP to include Hyde Amendment protections in Obamacare subsidies since before the government shutdown. <\/p>

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America previously told the Washington Examiner that the issue would be recorded as part of their Pro-Life scorecard metric that ranks officeholders, as well as a key factor in their support for the 2026 midterm elections.<\/p>

However, it\u2019s unclear whether House Republicans view attaching Hyde protections to Obamacare subsidies with the same level of importance as their Senate colleagues. <\/p>

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), who has a strong anti-abortion track record, has stated that the subsidy structure \u201cneeds real reform,\u201d but he has not specified whether Hyde Amendment protections would be included in his list of priorities.Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), another member of the Health subcommittee, said that \u201cno matter what we do, Hyde has to be in there.\u201d<\/p>

Crenshaw told the Washington Examiner that he instead supports using the funds that would have been used for subsidizing premiums to instead go toward Health Savings Accounts that Obamacare enrollees can use for co-pays and deductibles.<\/p>

A similar proposal has been floated in the Senate by Health Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy (R-LA), who suggests instead that the funds be used to create Flexible Spending Accounts for enrollees<\/a>. While patients own HSAs and get to roll over the funds each year, funds from a federally subsidized FSA would be returned to the government at the end of the plan year.<\/p>

Neither Cassidy nor Crenshaw has presented bill text yet that specifies the details of their plans, including whether or not they would have Hyde protections.<\/p>

When asked by the Washington Examiner about restrictions on abortion funding being attached to an ACA extension, Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH) called it \u201cfrustrating.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cI think they should let people just have their healthcare,\u201d Landsman said. \u201cIt's so frustrating that they have put up every barrier to just people getting their healthcare. This is, this is really simple. People are not getting healthcare through their employer. They go to the marketplace. They need a little extra help paying for their healthcare. These are their constituents, and they continue to put up roadblock after roadblock after roadblock, and voters hate it.\u201d<\/p>

Still, it\u2019s not guaranteed Johnson will put any deal on the expiring subsidies up to a vote on the floor, as the speaker has not made the promise to do so, unlike Thune, who did as part of negotiations to end the government shutdown. McGovern said that, even if a Senate bill included Hyde protections, he was unsure whether Johnson would bring any legislation about Obamacare to the House floor.<\/p>

\u201cThe way this congress works is, if you want to make something into a law, the Senate and House both have to pass it, and it goes to the White House,\u201d McGovern said. \u201cWe don't have an assurance that Mike Johnson will bring anything up. He's too busy trying to derail the Epstein files.\u201d<\/p>

The Washington Examiner contacted the Speaker\u2019s office for comment. <\/p>

For his part, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) told the Washington Examiner, \"Our position is our position, a three-year clean extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credit.\"David Sivak contributed to this report. <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/debbie-dingell-trump-tariffs.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884219-1763010000", "title":"Mamdani is a warning for Western civilization", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Frestoring-america%2Ffaith-freedom-self-reliance%2F3884219%2Fzohran-mamdani-warning-western-civilization%2F", "byline":"Mike Gonzalez", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Three days before last week’s elections, the once-trenchant Saturday Night Live devoted its “Cold Opening” skit to poking fun at Zohran Mamdani, now New York mayor-elect, for “smiling so much my face hurts.” The joke was that Mamdani’s permanent grin is false, an artifice he uses to appear relatable. Well, SNL is no longer the […]", "description":""

Three days before last week's elections<\/a>, the once-trenchant Saturday Night Live<\/a> devoted its \"Cold Opening\" skit to poking fun at Zohran Mamdani<\/a>, now New York mayor-elect, for \"smiling so much my face hurts.\" The joke was that Mamdani's permanent grin is false, an artifice he uses to appear relatable.<\/p>

Well, SNL is no longer the must-watch entertainment it was in its earlier years, but it remains a good political prognosticator. Mamdani's face hurts no more; the metamorphosis from candidate to mayor-elect means the toothy grin is gone, and Mamdani can now bear his totalitarian fangs.<\/p>

On election night, the soon-to-be \"Hizzhoner\" devoted his nearly 25-minute\u00a0victory speech<\/a>\u00a0at the Brooklyn Paramount theater to laying out his politics of grievances and a worldview made up of the oppressed and their oppressors, the stock-in-trade of all good Marxists since the 1848 Communist Manifesto.<\/p>

MAMDANI WON AN ELECTION, NOT A REVOLUTION<\/a><\/p>

A question at this point is why the Democratic Party allowed Mamdani's true political faction, the Democratic Socialists of America, to take it over. DSA members repeatedly make clear that they do not like the Democratic Party, but that their strategy is to become zombie-like body snatchers in a bad Halloween movie.<\/p>

As for the rest of the country, what is imperative now is saving Western civilization from the likes of Mamdani. This can be done one step at a time, but with a grand strategy.<\/p>

One of those steps is saving Columbus Circle and the statue of its namesake from the ravages of Mamdani, who would just as soon raze it and erect a Mosque in its place, not because he is religious, but because he understands that Islam can be used as an anti-Western symbol.<\/p>

This is not hyperbole. We should understand why, once elected, Mamdani let the mask slip. He made clear not only that he believes in big government, but that he has totalitarian inclinations.<\/p>

All communists do, of course. Communism can exist only if it is preoccupied with all aspects of an individual's life, big or small, leaving them no escape from the party and the state.<\/p>

Mamdani opened his speech with a reference to Eugene Debs, who founded the Socialist Party of America over a century ago. And yes, he promised us a new dawn.<\/p>

\"The sun may have set over our city this evening, but as Eugene Debs once said, 'I can see the dawn of a better day for humanity,'\" Mamdani told the crowd.<\/p>

He also mentioned Jawaharlal Nehru, independent India's first prime minister and a man who introduced the so-called \"Nehruvian socialism,\" which pauperized India.<\/p>

\"Standing before you, I think of the words of Jawaharlal Nehru: 'A moment comes, but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance,'\" Mamdani said.<\/p>

But the point in the speech that really caught my eye was when Mamdani said, \"We will prove that there is no problem too large for government to solve, and no concern too small for it to care about.\"<\/p>

That was the most frightening part. Not only does Mamdani believe that government alone can solve big problems, but, worse, he believes government can enter every nook and cranny of our lives \u2014 our religion, our family life, our aspirations. There is a word for that in political science: totalitarianism.<\/p>

This is the strategy of the DSA, and why it has snatched the Democratic Party's body. It wants to implement Marxism, not by fighting elections openly, but by winning poorly attended primaries in which extremists tend to do well. Then it romps to victory in blue cities.<\/p>

We have a generation of 20- and 30-something-year-olds who were indoctrinated in high school and college, and their parents, exhausted after a day of work, abdicated their responsibility to deprogram them at home at night.<\/p>

This left the young ripe for Mamdani's promises of free stuff. Like Nick Fuentes, a fascist sociopath on the Right, the DSA is appealing to our young, except its strategy is much more sophisticated.<\/p>

\"The Democratic Party is not really our friend,\" a DSA activist says in\u00a0a video<\/a>\u00a0posted by Andy Ngo, before she tells us that \"the Democratic Party is a tool that we use.\"<\/p>

And what happens in New York will not necessarily stay there.<\/p>

\"I think that the model that we used in New York is 100% replicable,\" DSA activist Daniel Goulden of DSA NYC also says in the video.<\/p>

Goulden's\u00a0online bio<\/a>\u00a0tells us that he (\"they\/them\") is \"a writer, teacher, and climate organizer living in Brooklyn. They have an MFA from the New School and their fiction and nonfiction has been published in\u00a0Jacobin, Reed Magazine, JMWW,\u00a0and the\u00a0Bitchin\u2019 Kitsch.\" Goulden was also \"a lead organizer on a campaign that won the biggest Green New Deal legislation in U.S. history and are on the faculty of the School of Visual Arts in New York City.\"<\/p>

How do we defend ourselves from this army of super-educated idiots? In the immediate, let's act quickly to save the furniture of Western civilization from this scourge. And who better to start with than the face of Western civilization himself, Christopher Columbus, who brought its bounties to the Western Hemisphere.<\/p>

THE ZOHRAN MAMDANI EFFECT WON'T GO NATIONAL<\/a><\/p>

Mamdani has already called for tearing down Columbus's statue. But New York landmarks can be saved by officially making them landmarks. Mayor Eric Adams has a month and a half to work with the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission to designate Columbus Circle and its statue so.<\/p>

Later, we can think about what to do with schools, and maybe the Democrats will wake up and go back to the days of Thomas Phillip \"Tip\" O'Neill and Dick Gephardt. I didn't think much of them back then, but boy, wouldn't it be great if Democrats loved America again?<\/p>

Mike Gonzalez is the Angeles T. Arredondo senior fellow on e pluribus unum at the Heritage Foundation\u00a0and the author of\u00a0NextGen Marxism: What It Is and How to Combat It.\u00a0Heritage is listed for identification purposes only. The views expressed in this article are the author\u2019s own and do not reflect any institutional position of Heritage or its board of trustees.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/mamdani-3.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884665-1763010000", "title":"Happy talk won’t solve economic anxiety", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F3884665%2Ftrump-happy-talk-wont-solve-economic-anxiety%2F", "byline":"Washington Examiner", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Exit polls from this month’s off-year elections showed the economy, especially affordability, was the top issue on voters’ minds. A strong majority of voters, including a slim majority of Republicans, rate the economy as “fair” or “poor.” Yet President Donald Trump, much like former President Joe Biden before him, refuses to believe it. Asked by […]", "description":""

Exit polls from this month\u2019s off-year elections<\/a> showed the economy, especially affordability, was the top issue on voters\u2019 minds. A strong majority of voters, including a slim majority of Republicans, rate the economy<\/a> as \u201cfair\u201d or \u201cpoor.\u201d Yet President Donald Trump<\/a>, much like former President Joe Biden<\/a> before him, refuses to believe it.<\/p>

Asked by Laura Ingraham<\/a> on Fox News, \u201cWhy are people saying they are anxious about the economy?\u201d Trump rejected the premise of the question. <\/p>

\u201cI don\u2019t think they are saying that, I think polls are fake,\u201d he said. \u201cWe have the greatest economy we\u2019ve ever had.\u201d<\/p>

Voters who buy increasingly expensive groceries and don't like it will remember that Biden said the same thing right before Trump cantered to victory in the 2024 elections<\/a>. In both cases, the presidents' responses are defensive because in both cases, the two men were aware of the truth and simply wished it were not so. If Trump wants Republicans to prevent the party from being pummeled in 2026, he needs to drop the happy talk and change course \u2014 particularly on tariffs<\/a> \u2014 before it is too late.<\/p>

There are some narrow areas where the economy has greatly improved. The prices of eggs and gasoline are way down. But the prices of beef, coffee, auto repairs, and housing are all rising, and Trump\u2019s responses either admit that tariffs are the problem or would make the situation worse.<\/p>

On beef and coffee, Trump promised that tariff relief is coming soon. Which is nice to hear, but also an admission that tariffs cause rising prices. \u201cWe\u2019re going to take care of all this stuff very quickly, very easily,\u201d Trump claimed. \u201cIt\u2019s surgical. It\u2019s beautiful to watch.\u201d There has been nothing surgical about the chaotic announcement and haphazard implementation of tariffs, the details of which change almost daily.<\/p>

Housing<\/a> starts are down, and construction costs are way up as Trump's trade policy has wreaked havoc on lumber, steel, aluminium, and concrete imports. Manufacturers have been hit equally hard by rising electronic, chemical, and machine tools costs. Trump has even acknowledged that farmers need a bailout because they have been cut off from the soybean market and are also paying higher prices for fertilizer and farm equipment.<\/p>

\u201cEveryone agrees energy is down,\u201d Trump claims. That is true of gasoline largely because of his deregulatory policies. But the price of electricity is up. Overall, energy costs are rising, not falling. <\/p>

Pressed on the fact that the average age of first-time homebuyers has reached a record high of 40 years old<\/a>, Trump at first blamed Biden before touting his new 50-year mortgage plan. But 50-year mortgages will drive prices up further, not make anything more affordable. It boosts demand without increasing supply. Instead of further enriching banks by making homeowners pay mortgages forever, Trump should stick to increasing supply, an idea he mentioned during the campaign that he seems to have abandoned since taking office.<\/p>

Trump\u2019s $2,000 tariff dividend<\/a> is also a terrible idea that will make the economy worse. How is it any different than the Biden stimulus payments that everyone agrees caused the worst inflation crisis in a generation? Instead of trying to mitigate economic pain caused by tariffs with stimulus checks, how about just ending the economic pain by getting rid of the tariffs? <\/p>

The economy was recovering nicely before Trump\u2019s \u201cLiberation Day\u201d tariff announcement. Real wages were rising, business investment was up, energy prices had stabilized, and food inflation was easing. The Trump tariffs disrupted all that, stalling what was about to be a strong economic recovery.<\/p>

EDITORIAL: THE SUPREME COURT CAN MAKE ELECTION DAY GREAT AGAIN<\/a><\/p>

Trump is likely going to lose his tariff case soon at the Supreme Court<\/a>. He will be tempted to be defiant and reimplement narrower tariffs using a patchwork of other tariff authorities. That would be a mistake. The best thing he could do for the Republicans in 2026, for his legacy, and for the economy is to take the off-ramp the Supreme Court gives him and let the tariffs die. Then the economic recovery that began when he was sworn into office can begin again.<\/p>

Trump can\u2019t talk voters out of what they feel in their wallets. Declaring the economy \u201cthe greatest ever\u201d won\u2019t make groceries cheaper or housing more affordable. If he wants Americans to believe in his leadership again, he must start acknowledging their struggles instead of pretending everything is perfect.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25315611267038.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884695-1763010000", "title":"Indoctrination is systemic in America’s universities", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Frestoring-america%2Fequality-not-elitism%2F3884695%2Findoctrination-systemic-america-universities%2F", "byline":"Timothy K. Minella", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Is America’s justice system racist, rotten to the core, and in desperate need of reform? Or does stricter sentencing and increased policing help to keep vulnerable communities safe? One might think that college students would be forced to wrangle with challenging and competing ideas like these, but instead, universities are teaching one side of some […]", "description":""

Is America's justice system racist<\/a>, rotten to the core, and in desperate need of reform? Or does stricter sentencing and increased policing help to keep vulnerable communities safe? One might think that college<\/a> students would be forced to wrangle with challenging and competing ideas like these, but instead, universities are teaching one side of some of the most complex issues confronting our nation today, opting for anti-American indoctrination instead of education.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>

That\u2019s the disturbing conclusion of a recent study<\/a> examining millions of college syllabi. As the authors of the study write, \u201cThe truth is that far too many are teaching in ways that look a lot like they\u2019re trying to indoctrinate students.\u201d The results reveal the urgent need to restore real education to the center of universities\u2019 missions.  <\/p>

The study by three professors, one from Scripps College and two from Claremont McKenna College, used a large database of syllabi to investigate the teaching of highly controversial issues in university classrooms. One of these issues was the role of race in the American criminal justice system.  <\/p>

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT MUST REMOVE \u2018PARTISAN\u2019 LANGUAGE FROM EMPLOYEES\u2019 SHUTDOWN EMAILS, JUDGE RULES<\/a><\/p>

The study found that books arguing that American criminal justice is systemically racist \u2014 most notably Michelle Alexander\u2019s\u00a0The New Jim Crow \u2014 are assigned far more often than books that criticize this conclusion.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

Despite professors having several options for well-regarded books that dispute Alexander\u2019s account of systemic racism, a shockingly small number of syllabi assign these books alongside Alexander. Her most prominent critic appears in less than 4% of syllabi that assign\u00a0The New Jim Crow.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

A book that appeared much more frequently on syllabi alongside Alexander was Ta-Nehisi Coates\u2019s Between the World and Me, a work that somehow offers an even stronger denunciation of America than The New Jim Crow. Coates writes that white supremacy is inherent and immutable in the American character, doubting that Americans will ever be able to excise racism from our society.  <\/p>

In other words, professors are failing to expose their students to multiple perspectives on highly controversial issues like race and criminal justice. By frequently assigning Alexander and Coates together, professors are reinforcing a single, disputed narrative: America was founded on racism, and our institutions continue to oppress certain groups.  <\/p>

You don\u2019t need a doctorate to recognize that this one-sided approach fails to educate students for citizenship in a constitutional republic. There are certainly some topics, such as the periodic table of elements, that don\u2019t require professors to teach multiple perspectives. But we fail students when we only expose them to a single, questionable perspective on highly controversial issues like criminal justice reform.  <\/p>

As citizens, students will be required to exercise their judgment in matters of public concern, weighing competing values and considering the costs and benefits of policies. It does students no good to send the message that there is only one valid perspective on these matters.  <\/p>

The widespread anti-American indoctrination revealed in this study reinforces the need for reform in higher education. Beyond the issue of criminal justice, students too often complete their college education without receiving any exposure to the foundational principles of our constitutional republic: freedom of speech, federalism, and the separation of powers. When these principles happen to be discussed in their college courses, they are often taught from a cynical point of view that emphasizes their shortcomings or that claims they derive from a desire to oppress.  <\/p>

To address this imbalance, the Goldwater Institute, where I work, is advancing the Freedom from Indoctrination Act<\/a>, a state-level reform that requires public universities to provide students with a rigorous education in American civics. Under this policy, all students would take at least one course that closely examines the Constitution and discusses major constitutional debates and developments, along with foundational principles like limited government and equal protection.  <\/p>

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION LAUNCHES HIGHER EDUCATION RULEMAKING BODY WITH VETERAN AS PRIMARY NEGOTIATOR<\/a><\/p>

Such a course would challenge students to consider multiple perspectives on the document that continues to serve as the framework for our republic after nearly 240 years. With the 250th anniversary of American independence on the horizon, there are few more crucial tasks than to renew citizens\u2019 understanding of our civic heritage.  <\/p>

For too many students, college looks more like indoctrination than education. But reforms like the Freedom from Indoctrination Act will help to restore universities to their core missions: the pursuit of truth and the education of citizens.  <\/p>

Timothy K. Minella is a Senior Fellow at the Goldwater Institute. He advances policies and develops programming that promote constitutional principles in education and public life.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/AP25008503931252-scaled.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885211-1763010000", "title":"Minneapolis city councilman who was carjacked pivots away from soft-on-crime policies", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2F3885211%2Fminneapolis-city-councilman-jamal-osman-carjacked-pivots-toward-soft-on-crime-policies%2F", "byline":"Mia Cathell", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"More than five years after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody, the city’s Democratic leadership has largely held on to 2020-era police reform attitudes hostile to law enforcement, despite these anti-police positions falling out of fashion with Democrats elsewhere. But a progressive Minneapolis city councilman appears to be changing his tune toward […]", "description":""

More than five years after the death of George Floyd<\/a> in Minneapolis police custody, the city\u2019s Democratic leadership has largely held on to 2020-era police reform attitudes hostile to law enforcement, despite these anti-police positions falling out of fashion with Democrats elsewhere.<\/p>

But a progressive Minneapolis<\/a> city councilman appears to be changing his tune toward policing after he was carjacked earlier this week.<\/p>

Jamal Osman, a Democrat on the Minneapolis City Council, was the victim of an armed carjacking in his own district on Monday night. While in office, he has pushed for policies that handle crime with \u201ccultural sensitivity.\u201d Now, he is calling for the criminals who carjacked him to face \u201cconsequences.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cSomething has to be done,\u201d Osman said during a Tuesday news briefing<\/a>, addressing his car being stolen from him at gunpoint. \u201cThere has to be some kind of consequences \u2014 has to be some kind of way of dealing with this heinous crime.\u201d<\/p>

Osman reiterated later on, \u201cI\u2019m not a legal expert, but there has to be some kind of consequences. If individuals know they can get away [with] this kind of heinous behavior or crimes, they\u2019re going to continue doing it again.\u201d<\/p>

In an X post<\/a>, Osman said he \u201creally appreciates the quick response\u201d from the Minneapolis Police Department and thanked them again at the press conference for their \u201cphenomenal\u201d services.<\/p>

Osman, who was recently reelected, promised<\/a> on the campaign trail to \u201cexpand restorative justice programs for low-level offenses.\u201d <\/p>

As a councilman, he has championed<\/a> reallocating funding from the city\u2019s police force toward \"alternative public safety solutions<\/a>.\" In March, the councilor introduced a motion<\/a> that reallocated $650,000 in public safety funds for non-police violence response programming.<\/p>

On behalf of one organization sending out \u201ccommunity patrols\u201d to high-crime areas, Osman publicly pushed back<\/a> against the city cutting off funding<\/a> for the Metro Youth Diversion Center\u2019s deployment of so-called \u201cviolence interrupters\u201d in his ward, saying<\/a> that such services are \u201cworking.\u201d<\/p>

Osman successfully<\/a> fought to secure the Metro Youth Diversion Center\u2019s $708,400 government contract<\/a> with the city, enabling the group to retain its \u201cviolence interrupters.\u201d The program is comprised of civilian \u201coutreach workers<\/a>\u201d dressed in neon-orange vests who are dispatched to de-escalate violent situations through \u201cculturally aware\u201d conflict resolution, as opposed to traditional policing.<\/p>

Minneapolis has hired teams of violence interrupters in response to the defund the police movement. The city adopted<\/a> this \u201ccommunity-oriented\u201d approach to policing under the Cure Violence Model<\/a>, a philosophy that treats violence as a public health disease and believes \u201ccompassionate\u201d rehabilitation can change criminal behavior.<\/p>

Minneapolis has the highest number of carjackings and homicides in Minnesota, with 329 and 77 committed in 2024, respectively, statistics<\/a> reported by the state\u2019s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension show. In comparison, Minneapolis was the only Minnesota city, besides St. Paul, to surpass single-digit victim counts for those crimes. According to 2023\u00a0data, homicides have increased<\/a> in Minneapolis by 6% and carjackings jumped up 21% between 2023 and 2024.<\/p>

MPD Chief Brian O\u2019Hara, who stood next to Osman on Tuesday to deliver a case update, said the city \u201ccontinues to see a troubling number of violent incidents and, in particular, incidents that involve juveniles.\u201d<\/p>

According to O\u2019Hara, one of the two juveniles who targeted Osman, as part of a carjacking spree, was \u201cknown\u201d to police. Officials believe that the same suspects, aged 15 and 16, punched a woman repeatedly in the face as she tried to protect her daughter during another carjacking earlier that evening.<\/p>

\u201cI just didn\u2019t really think it was going to happen to me,\u201d Osman remarked.<\/p>

Osman told the Washington Examiner that he handled the incident like any resident would by calling 911 and waiting for officers to respond, but said it has not changed his beliefs about the best approach to curbing crime.<\/p>

\u201cMy values have not changed,\" Osman said. \u201cViolent crimes demand accountability, and at the same time, Minneapolis needs strong prevention and support for our young people so we can stop these incidents before they happen. My heart aches for these kids \u2014 but caring about them does not mean excusing serious harm. Consequences and hope can, and must, coexist.\u201d<\/p>

In a statement, Osman\u2019s office said the councilman\u2019s position on public safety \u201chas been clear and consistent since the day he took office,\u201d saying that he is \u201ca mainstream Minnesota<\/a> Democrat\u201d who has defeated several defund-the-police candidates.<\/p>

\u201c[H]is record reflects the values he has always stood for: accountability for violent crimes, strong prevention and intervention for young people, and restorative justice for low-level, nonviolent offenses. Those values have not changed,\u201d Osman\u2019s office told the Washington Examiner, adding that \u201cMonday night\u2019s carjacking was a frightening incident, but it does not alter his long-held views.\u201d<\/p>

From the outset of his tenure, Osman has sought to \u201creimagine police.\u201d In 2020, then a newly elected city councilor, Osman, told the MinnPost that the MPD is \u201ctoo powerful.\u201d<\/a><\/p>

\u201cThe resource[s] and funding they get\u2014we should definitely look at it,\u201d Osman said of the city\u2019s police department. \u201cAnd maybe we should take those resources and spend it in [the] community, however that looks.\u201d<\/p>

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORMS AFTER GEORGE FLOYD PUT CITY POLICE IN \u2018CATASTROPHIC\u2019 STATE<\/a><\/p>

Osman, a Somali-born immigrant, has also rallied behind efforts to recruit ethnically diverse police personnel \u201cwho reflect our neighborhoods,\u201d particularly officers of Somali, Latino, and Hmong descent. Osman's Ward 6 district is home<\/a> to the city\u2019s largest East African population.<\/p>

In addition, Osman supports mandatory MPD training in \u201cbias awareness\u201d and \u201ccultural sensitivity.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Jamal-Osman.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885570-1763008352", "title":"Boebert claims ‘no pressure’ to remove her name from Epstein petition", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3885570%2Fboebert-claims-no-pressure-remove-name-epstein-petition%2F", "byline":"Christopher Tremoglie", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) denied reports that her meeting at the White House on Wednesday was to pressure her to remove her name from a congressional petition that would necessitate a vote to release files related to disgraced financier, convicted sex offender, and alleged sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. The petition, initially proposed by Reps. Thomas […]", "description":""

Rep. Lauren Boebert<\/a> (R-CO) denied reports that her meeting at the White House on Wednesday was to pressure her to remove her name from a congressional petition that would necessitate a vote to release files related to disgraced financier, convicted sex offender, and alleged sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein<\/a>.<\/p>

The petition, initially proposed<\/a> by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) requires 218 signatures to approve the release of the files. Boebert was one of only four House Republicans to initially sign the petition, which included Massie, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC). The Colorado congresswomen said the meeting was just adults having a conversation.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cI love the White House,\u201d Boebert said<\/a> to CPR News on Wednesday night. \u201cAdults are allowed to have conversations.\u201d<\/p>

She explained that no one pressured her to make a decision, and the meeting on Wednesday was about transparency. <\/p>

\u201cI want to honor President Trump\u2019s legacy of transparency,\u201d Boebert said<\/a>. \u201cI was assured today that this is an administration who's going to continue to be transparent and honest, and we\u2019ll see what comes of it. But there was no pressure, and I mean, everybody was great and worked just well with me.\u201d<\/p>

Reports first circulated earlier this week that Boebert was meeting with Trump administration officials to persuade her to remove her name from the petition, so there would not be enough signatures to require the release of the Epstein files. During Wednesday\u2019s press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt<\/a> was pressed about the meeting with Boebert. She pushed back against questions about Boebert\u2019s meeting, claiming it was an act of transparency, as previously reported<\/a> by the Washington Examiner.<\/p>

\u201cDoesn\u2019t it show transparency that members of the Trump administration are willing to brief members of Congress whenever they please?\u201d Leavitt responded when asked about the Boebert meeting. \u201cDoesn\u2019t that show our level of transparency? Doesn\u2019t that show the level of transparency when we are willing to sit down with members of Congress and address their concerns?\u201d<\/p>

WHITE HOUSE DANCES AROUND TRUMP OFFICIALS MEETING WITH LAUREN BOEBERT ON EPSTEIN FILES<\/a><\/p>

Leavitt also said she wouldn\u2019t go into detail about the contents of Boebert\u2019s meeting at the White House.<\/p>

\u201cThat\u2019s a defining factor of transparency, having discussions, having discussions with members of Congress about various issues,\u201d Leavitt added. \u201cAnd I\u2019m not going to detail conversations that took place in the Situation Room in the press briefing room.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/AP25064670234720.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885562-1763001607", "title":"Tim Burchett claims Democrats blocked motion to get Epstein files ‘straight to the floor’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3885562%2Fburchett-claims-democrats-blocked-motion-epstein-files%2F", "byline":"Washington Examiner Staff", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) claimed on Wednesday that Democrats blocked his motion to bring the Jeffrey Epstein files to the floor. The congressman made the revelation in a video posted to his social media as he was leaving the Capitol late Wednesday afternoon. “Just left the House floor, and I tried to do a UC, […]", "description":""

Rep. Tim Burchett<\/a> (R-TN) claimed on Wednesday that Democrats blocked his motion to bring the Jeffrey Epstein<\/a> files to the floor. The congressman made the revelation in a video posted to his social media as he was leaving the Capitol late Wednesday afternoon.<\/p>

\u201cJust left the House floor, and I tried to do a UC, unanimous consent, tried to get the Epstein files, get it straight to the floor, cut out all this nonsense,\u201d said Burchett. \u201cAnd, you know, and the Democrats blocked it, oddly enough. Now, here they\u2019ve had it for four years, and obviously, if there\u2019s something there about Trump, they would have released it. And now they\u2019re all \u2018let\u2019s get it out, let\u2019s get it out.\u2019\u201d<\/p>

\u201cWell, I just made a motion to bring it straight to the daggum floor, and they blocked it,\u201d he said. \u201cThey blocked it. So, this is politics. It has nothing to do with doing what\u2019s right. It\u2019s Washington, D.C. to a T.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cThey ought to be ashamed of themselves,\u201d Burchett added. \u201cBut they\u2019re probably not.\u201d<\/p>

Burchett\u2019s comments about the Democrats blocking his motion came just hours after House Oversight Committee Democrats published emails between Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and author Michael Wolff. In the exchange<\/a>, Epstein said that Trump \u201cspent hours at my house\u201d and \u201cof course he knew about the girls.\u201d<\/p>

Burchett also spoke to Bloomberg TV about the Epstein files and whether Trump is mentioned in them. He dismissed such concerns and said the things that are being released are \u201clittle pieces\u201d that fit narratives and are \u201cout of context.\u201d Burchett did not speak on the emails released earlier in the day but expressed overall skepticism about anything that would be released.<\/p>

\u201cThe Democrats have had this thing for four years, and let\u2019s be honest, if there was something in there detrimental to President Trump, Joe Biden would have released it,\u201d Burchett said in an interview<\/a> with Bloomberg\u2019s Joe Mathieu. \u201cHe\u2019s the anti-Christ to the Democrats. They want to bury him as soon as they could.\u201d<\/p>

Burchett also said that Republicans \u201chad it for nine months\u201d and that he expressed frustration over the contents of the emails and files associated with Epstein. <\/p>

\u201cI\u2019m just tired of it. I\u2019m tired of all the pontificating back and forth, what\u2019s in there, what isn\u2019t in there,\u201d Burchett said. \u201cI think what you\u2019re seeing right now is both sides are taking out little pieces that fit their narrative, out of context, maybe, or something that\u2019s been discharged, is not legitimate, maybe.\u201d<\/p>

He also blasted Democrats for trying to manipulate public opinion about the Epstein files. He claimed they were weaponizing the emails to humiliate Trump and influence public opinion, and doing all of this while being dishonest about their genuine concerns over Epstein\u2019s victims.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

OVERSIGHT DEMOCRATS RELEASE EPSTEIN EMAILS MENTIONING TRUMP HOURS AHEAD OF GRIJALVA SWEARING-IN<\/a><\/p>

\u201cI think that shows what\u2019s really going on in the Democratic Party. They\u2019re not concerned about the people that are involved,\u201d Burchett said. \u201cSome of them, clearly, they just hate Trump, and they think they\u2019re going to embarrass him. They\u2019ll release a few emails that are taken out of context or something that\u2019s not been verified, or worse, something that\u2019s been thrown out as negligible or that\u2019s inaccurate. And they\u2019ll take it as fact, and then you\u2019ll have to rehear all of that. And that\u2019s what it\u2019ll be. It\u2019ll be we\u2019ll hear that for the next however many years.\u201d <\/p>

When asked if the president should be worried, Burchett said no.<\/p>

\u201cI don\u2019t think so. Like I said, if there was something in there on Trump, I\u2019m sure Biden would\u2019ve released it. He had those files for four daggum years,\u201d Burchett said. \u201cI\u2019ve talked to legal experts, a guy back home, Teddy Davis, we\u2019ve gone over this thing a thousand times, over the backwards and forwards, and things that could be in there and might not be in there.\u201d <\/p>

\u201cI don\u2019t have a lot of faith in what\u2019s in there and what isn\u2019t in there right now,\u201d the congressman added. \u201cI think they should have released the files a long time ago because right now it\u2019s just all politics.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/AP24270708149085.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885456-1762987212", "title":"Trump rages at Democrats and the filibuster in signing bill to end government shutdown", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F3885456%2Ftrump-bill-signing-government-shutdown%2F", "byline":"Christian Datoc, Lauren Green and Rachel Schilke", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump ended the government shutdown late Wednesday night, heaping a healthy dose of blame on Democrats for “inflicting massive harm” over the past 43 days. The House passed a short-term continuing resolution, previously approved by the Senate, to fund the government through the end of January earlier Wednesday evening. The bill was largely supported by […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> ended the government shutdown late Wednesday night, heaping a healthy dose of blame on Democrats for \"inflicting massive harm\" over the past 43 days.<\/p>

The House passed a short-term\u00a0continuing resolution<\/a>, previously approved by the Senate,\u00a0to fund the government through the end of January earlier Wednesday evening. The bill was largely supported by the Republican conference, with a handful of Democrats joining them in voting for the bill.\u00a0The president signed the bill itself into law after 10 p.m. Wednesday night.<\/p>

Trump opened his remarks in the Oval Office by blaming Democrats<\/a> for what he called \"an attempt to extort American taxpayers for hundreds of billions of dollars for illegal aliens.\"<\/p>

\"People were hurt so badly. Nobody's ever seen anything like this one. This was a no-brainer,\" the president stated. \"This was an easy extension, but they didn't want to do it the easy way. They had to do it the hard way. They look very bad. The Democrats do.\"<\/p>

Trump proceeded to double down on his recent calls to abolish the filibuster<\/a> \"so that this can never happen again.\"<\/p>

\"If we had the filibuster terminated, this would never happen again. And don't forget we have another date coming up in the not-too-distant future,\" he declared. \"So I say terminate the filibuster because, by the way, the Democrats will do it immediately if they ever assumed office, which hopefully they won't.\"<\/p>

The president also addressed two recent points of focus, for both Republicans and Democrats. First, he reiterated claims that his economic policies are driving down prices, citing a report from Walmart, and subsequently sought to undermine criticism of the GOP for failing to extend expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits, set to expire by the end of the year.<\/p>

\"I'm calling today for insurance companies not to be paid. But for the money, this massive amount of money, to be paid directly to the people of our country, so that they can buy their own healthcare, which will be far better and far less expensive than the disaster known as Obamacare,\" he stated.<\/p>

Six House Democrats<\/a> broke from the caucus and voted for the bill: Reps. Jared Golden (D-ME), Adam Gray (D-CA), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Don Davis (D-NC), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA).<\/p>

Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Greg Steube (R-FL) were the sole Republicans who split with the party to vote against the measure.<\/p>

TRUMP SAYS AFFORDABILITY IS A 'DEAD' ISSUE. HIS RECENT PROPOSALS SAY OTHERWISE<\/a><\/p>

This is the conclusion to a long shutdown saga that largely took place in the Senate, leading to a 43-day shutdown as Democrats dug in their heels to demand healthcare concessions in exchange for votes. This broke the record of the previous shutdown, which was 35 days under the first Trump administration.<\/p>

You can watch Trump's comments in full below.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25317126080330.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885387-1762984898", "title":"Johnson says House to vote on release of Epstein files next week", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse%2F3885387%2Fjohnson-house-vote-epstein-files-release%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said the House would vote on the release of documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein next week. Democrats have pushed for the release of files related to Epstein after the issue emerged as a wedge between President Donald Trump and many of his supporters. A bipartisan bill […]", "description":""

Speaker Mike Johnson<\/a> (R-LA) said the House would vote on the release of documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein<\/a> next week.<\/p>

Democrats have pushed for the release of files related to Epstein after the issue emerged as a wedge between President Donald Trump and many of his supporters. A bipartisan bill from Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) was required to hit the floor of the House after a discharge petition reached 218 signatures, but Johnson had leeway for when to put it to a vote. On Wednesday, Johnson said he would expedite a full vote on the full release of the files next week.<\/p>

\u201cWe\u2019re going to put that on the floor for a full vote when we get back next week,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>

\u201cIn the meantime, I\u2019ll remind everybody the [House] Oversight Committee has been working around the clock\u201d on its own investigation, he added.<\/p>

Johnson said Trump personally approved of the move.<\/p>

\u201cHe is for maximum transparency. He said it as recently as a couple of days ago, and I talked to him about it today. He\u2019s for everything coming out,\u201d he told reporters.<\/p>

When asked about the new swathe of emails relating to Trump that Democrats released, Johnson said it was intended as a distraction.<\/p>

\u201cI think it\u2019s a massive distraction by the Democrats while we\u2019re trying to get the government reopened and cover for their mistakes. I find it interesting that the press corps didn\u2019t ask all these questions for four years during the Biden administration,\u201d Johnson said when asked whether he had any concerns about the new findings.<\/p>

Some Republicans have become increasingly frustrated with the ongoing debate on the issue. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), a Trump ally, tried to expedite a vote on the bill earlier on Wednesday.<\/p>

SHUTDOWN RELIEF COMING SOON: HOUSE VOTE CLEARS FINAL HURDLE TO REOPEN GOVERNMENT<\/a><\/p>

\u201cJust get it to the daggum floor and let the people decide,\u201d he said.<\/p>

\u201cI\u2019m tired of messing around. The Democrats have had the Epstein files for four years, and now we\u2019ve got it for nine months, and it\u2019s going to be dragged into a bunch of nonsense. Let\u2019s just take it to the floor. Let\u2019s vote on it. Let\u2019s get on with it,\u201d Burchett added.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2399372_sd_69148c815d107_1762954369.jpg?w=640" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884533-1762984377", "title":"Appeals court overruled by Supreme Court on all its Trump cases weighs OBBB abortion challenge", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fjustice%2F3884533%2Fappeals-court-overruled-by-supreme-court-on-all-its-trump-cases-weighs-obbb-abortion-challenge%2F", "byline":"Jack Birle", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The provision of the One Big Beautiful Bill preventing Medicaid reimbursements to abortion providers was at the center of arguments on Wednesday at a federal appeals court, which has regularly had its rulings in Trump policy cases halted by the Supreme Court. The three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, all of whom were appointed to […]", "description":""

The provision of the One Big Beautiful Bill preventing\u00a0Medicaid<\/a>\u00a0reimbursements to\u00a0abortion<\/a>\u00a0providers was at the center of arguments on Wednesday at a federal\u00a0appeals court,<\/a>\u00a0which has regularly had its rulings in Trump policy cases halted by the Supreme Court.<\/p>

The three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, all of whom were appointed to the court by former President Joe Biden, heard an appeal by the Justice Department of a lower court's order blocking the provision<\/a> of the law that prevents Medicaid reimbursements for healthcare providers that receive more than $800,000 annually in funds from the program and that also provide abortion services.<\/p>

The appeals court lifted the order pending appeal<\/a> in September, with arguments Wednesday centering on whether the law passed by Congress contained unconstitutional targeting of abortion providers \u2014 specifically, of Planned Parenthood, which filed the lawsuit.<\/p>

DOJ lawyer Eric McArthur argued to the judges that the provision of the bill passed by Congress did not unlawfully target Planned Parenthood specifically, and that the issue should not be litigated in the courtroom but rather through the legislature.<\/p>

\"That's the fundamental problem with this lawsuit, is they have simply brought their claims to the wrong forum. This is only a one-year disqualification for the Medicaid program. So when this expires at the end of whatever it is, July 4 of next year, and Congress is looking at that question again, they're free to go to Congress and try to persuade their congressman,\" McArthur said.<\/p>

Planned Parenthood lawyer Alan Schoenfeld argued to the court that the provision was an unlawful targeting by Congress of them with the provision.<\/p>

\"What you don't hear members of Congress saying [is] 'we're going after abortion full stop.' They say, 'we're going after Big Abortion,' which is synonymous with Planned Parenthood, which the government doesn't dispute, or they simply say they're going after Planned Parenthood,\" Schoenfeld told the judges.<\/p>

The judges appeared skeptical of both sides' arguments, also grappling with whether Planned Parenthood affiliates that do not perform abortions would be affected by the law. McArthur said the Department of Health and Human Services was still writing guidance on who the provision affects.<\/p>

The First Circuit serves as the place for appeals from the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, among other lower courts, which has been a popular venue for opponents of President Donald Trump to file lawsuits challenging his policies and orders. The District of Massachusetts and the First Circuit both have benches composed predominantly of judges appointed by Democrats.<\/p>

APPEALS COURT LIFTS BLOCK OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD DEFUNDING IN ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT<\/a><\/p>

The high court has granted every request by the Trump administration to halt injunctions out of the First Circuit since January.<\/p>

The most recent Trump win over the First Circuit came last week when the high court lifted a block<\/a> on a policy mandating that biological sex, as opposed to gender identity, be listed on a person's U.S. passport. The First Circuit's decision to allow a lower court's order moving child nutrition funds to SNAP was temporarily blocked<\/a> by the Supreme Court on Tuesday.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25254841857230-1.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885375-1762982082", "title":"WATCH LIVE: Trump signs government funding bill to end record-long shutdown", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F3885375%2Fwatch-live-trump-signs-government-funding-bill-shutdown%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump is set to sign the government funding bill, ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The signing is scheduled to take place at 9:45 p.m. The House voted 222-209 in favor of the bill, its last hurdle before reaching the White House. While earning criticism on both sides of the aisle, […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> is set to sign the government funding bill, ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.<\/p>

The signing is scheduled to take place at 9:45 p.m.<\/p>

The House voted 222-209 in favor of the bill, its last hurdle before reaching the White House. While earning criticism on both sides of the aisle, Trump praised the bill as a victory, while House Democrats were highly critical.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25167721245925.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884986-1762981305", "title":"Epstein said he advised Russian UN ambassador on how to deal with Trump", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F3884986%2Fepstein-advised-russian-un-ambassador-trump%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein said in newly released emails that he advised Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations on how to deal with President Donald Trump. The plethora of Epstein emails released by House Democrats on Wednesday included many that showed his vast international connections. Among these were connections with the […]", "description":""

The late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein<\/a> said in newly released emails that he advised Russia's<\/a> permanent representative to the United Nations on how to deal with President Donald Trump<\/a>.<\/p>

The plethora of Epstein emails released by House Democrats on Wednesday included many that showed his vast international connections. Among these were connections with the Russian government, which Epstein said he helped advise about Trump.<\/p>

\"Churkin was great,\" one email to former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland read, referring to Vitaly Churkin, Russia's former chief diplomat to the United Nations. \"He understood Trump after our conversations. It is not complex. He must be seen to get something. [It's] that simple.\"<\/p>

In the same email chain, Epstein urged Jagland to mention him when discussing the matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin and encourage Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to speak with him for further insight on Trump.<\/p>

His exchanges regarding Russia and Trump were notable for illustrating the hostile relationship between the former friends, with Epstein repeatedly bashing Trump during his first term.<\/p>

Larry Summers, the treasury secretary during the Clinton administration and economic adviser to the Obama administration, asked Epstein if the Russians \"have stuff on Trump,\" as he viewed the Helsinki Summit between Trump and Putin as \"appalling even by his standards.\"<\/p>

\u201cMy email is full with similar comments. wow,\u201d Epstein replied. \u201cIm sure his view is that it went super well. he thinks he has charmed his adversary.. Admittedly he has no idea of the symbolism. He has no idea of most things.\u201d <\/p>

He added that Trump's handling of the summit was \u201cpredictable.\u201d<\/p>

Epstein and Trump once counted each other as friends but had a falling out sometime in the mid-2000s. The emails reveal that the animosity between them was mutual in the years leading up to the financier's death.<\/p>

Despite the falling out, Epstein's alleged contacts with the Russian government and other figures showed he was likely leveraging his former relationship with Trump to make contact with high-level officials.<\/p>

The email that drew the most attention was one sent by Epstein to his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, in which he allegedly said the \u201cdog that hasn\u2019t barked is trump \u2026 [victim name] spent hours at my house with him, he has never once been mentioned. police chief. etc.\u201d<\/p>

OVERSIGHT DEMOCRATS RELEASE EPSTEIN EMAILS MENTIONING TRUMP HOURS AHEAD OF GRIJALVA SWEARING-IN<\/a><\/p>

While the victim's name was redacted in the release, House Republicans quickly revealed<\/a> that the victim in question was Virginia Giuffre, who had repeatedly denied any wrongdoing by Trump.<\/p>

At a Wednesday White House briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the emails \u201cprove absolutely nothing other than President Trump did nothing wrong.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25316505524548.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885334-1762980729", "title":"Chinese scientist to be deported after pleading guilty in fungus smuggling case", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fjustice%2F3885334%2Fchinese-scientist-fungus-smuggling-case%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"A Chinese scientist will be swiftly deported after she pleaded guilty to smuggling a dangerous fungus into the United States. Michigan University researcher Yunqing Jian, 33, was arrested in June and charged with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the U.S., false statements, and visa fraud. She and her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, 34, smuggled Fusarium graminearum, a fungus […]", "description":""

A Chinese<\/a> scientist will be swiftly deported after she pleaded guilty to smuggling a dangerous fungus<\/a> into the United States.<\/p>

Michigan University researcher Yunqing Jian, 33, was arrested in June and charged with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the U.S., false statements, and visa fraud. She and her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, 34, smuggled\u00a0Fusarium graminearum, a fungus the Department of Justice noted is classified by scientific literature as a \u201cpotential agroterrorism weapon.\u201d Jian wasn't sentenced to any further prison time beyond the five months she has already spent; she will instead be quickly deported back to China.<\/p>

Though the five-month prison sentence handed down by U.S. District Judge Susan DeClercq was well below the two years Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Martin was seeking, a press release<\/a> from the DOJ was optimistic.<\/p>

\"Today\u2019s guilty plea underscores the critical role CBP plays in protecting the United States from biological threats that could endanger public health and harm our agricultural economy,\u201d CBP Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon said in a statement. \u201cThis case highlights the dangers posed by individuals attempting to smuggle potentially hazardous materials into the country, even under the guise of academic research.\"<\/p>

\u201cWe must stop Chinese Nationals who are smuggling potentially catastrophic biomaterials. We cannot allow these smugglers to work in the shadows at the University of Michigan. This felony conviction and sentence are a small but important measure against secret biological threats from China,\" U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon said.<\/p>

The prosecution in the case struggled to prove Jian's intent despite the possibly catastrophic impact of the fungus if it were used maliciously.<\/p>

\u201cI don\u2019t have evidence that she had evil intent,\u201d Martin told a judge, according to<\/a> the Associated Press. \u201cBut I don\u2019t have evidence that she was doing this for the betterment of mankind either.\u201d<\/p>

During her court appearance, Jian relied on a letter she'd sent in as an apology.<\/p>

\u201cI did not follow the rules because I was under pressure to proceed with research and produce results,\u201d she wrote. \u201cThe research was not to harm anyone, but instead to find ways to protect crops from disease.\u201d<\/p>

Jian pleaded guilty to smuggling and making false statements to investigators in exchange for having the conspiracy charge dropped.<\/p>

The Chinese national's case drew national attention over its espionage implications, posing a danger to the entire U.S. agricultural sector.<\/p>

According to the arrest affidavit, the smuggling was done from August 2022 to July 2024, when Liu was arrested. In the first smuggling attempt, Liu instructed Jian to smuggle the fungus in through one of her pairs of boots, an intercepted WeChat conversation showed.<\/p>

In January 2024, Jian attempted to get a third party to smuggle Fusarium graminearum to her by shipping it in a statistics book. The package was intercepted, and the fungus uncovered.<\/p>

The \u201cnoxious\u201d fungus causes billions of dollars in economic losses every year, causing the \u201chead blight\u201d disease in wheat, barley, maize, and rice. Its toxins can cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects in both humans and livestock, the release noted. Ten samples were recovered in that package alone.<\/p>

\u2018AGROTERRORISM\u2019 FUNGUS WAS FIRST SMUGGLED INTO US IN 2022 INSIDE CHINESE NATIONAL\u2019S BOOTS<\/a><\/p>

Beijing was quick to deny any involvement.<\/p>

\u201cI don\u2019t know the specific situation, but I would like to emphasize that the Chinese government has always required overseas Chinese citizens to abide by local laws and regulations and will also resolutely safeguard their legitimate rights and interests,\u201d Liu Pengyu, spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in the United States, told Fox News in June.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/chinese-fungus-boots.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885090-1762980140", "title":"FBI arrests former Newsom chief of staff on public corruption charges", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fjustice%2F3885090%2Ffbi-newsom-chief-of-staff-public-corruption%2F", "byline":"Kaelan Deese", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"A former top aide to Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) was arrested Wednesday on sweeping federal corruption charges alleging she helped steal more than $225,000 in campaign funds tied to former federal Health Secretary Xavier Becerra. Dana Williamson, 53, of Carmichael, was taken into custody and appeared in a Sacramento federal courtroom Wednesday afternoon following the […]", "description":""

A former top aide to Gov. Gavin Newsom<\/a> (D-CA) was arrested Wednesday on sweeping federal corruption charges alleging she helped steal more than $225,000 in campaign funds tied to former federal Health Secretary Xavier Becerra<\/a>.<\/p>

Dana Williamson, 53, of Carmichael, was taken into custody and appeared in a Sacramento federal courtroom Wednesday afternoon following the unsealing of a 23-count indictment<\/a> that includes charges of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, bank fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruction of justice, filing false tax returns, and making false statements, prosecutors said.<\/p>

The Justice Department<\/a> alleged that between February 2022 and September last year, Williamson and others diverted funds from a dormant political campaign account once associated with Becerra, then California\u2019s attorney general, to an associate\u2019s personal use. Prosecutors said the money was disguised as payment for a \"no-show job.\"<\/p>

Williamson served as Newsom\u2019s chief of staff from late 2022 until November last year. Before that, she was a Cabinet secretary under former Gov. Jerry Brown<\/a> and managed Becerra\u2019s 2018 campaign for attorney general.<\/p>

\u201cMs. Williamson no longer serves in this administration. While we are still learning details of the allegations, the governor expects all public servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity,\u201d a spokesperson for Newsom said.<\/p>

Becerra, the former secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services under former President Joe Biden<\/a>, is not accused of wrongdoing and could not be reached for comment.<\/p>

The indictment also alleges that, after receiving a federal subpoena in early 2024 related to pandemic-era Paycheck Protection Program loans, Williamson created backdated contracts to cover-up the scheme. Prosecutors further say she claimed more than $1 million in improper tax deductions for luxury personal expenses, including private jet travel, designer handbags, and no-show jobs for friends and family.<\/p>

\u201cThis is a crucial step in an ongoing political corruption investigation that began more than three years ago,\u201d U.S. Attorney Eric Grant said in announcing the charges.<\/p>

According to prosecutors, four other individuals were charged in connection with the case, including Sean McCluskie, Becerra\u2019s former chief of staff at HHS. The indictment identifies McCluskie and three unnamed co-conspirators who allegedly helped divert the campaign funds and disguise the payments through shell business entities. Two additional defendants were separately charged by information in related cases unsealed Wednesday, reflecting what prosecutors described as an \u201congoing public corruption probe\u201d centered on Sacramento\u2019s political consulting circles.<\/p>

NEWSOM TAKES CENTER STAGE AT UN CLIMATE SUMMIT AMID TRUMP'S ABSENCE<\/a><\/p>

FBI Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel called the case \u201cthe result of three years of relentless investigative work,\u201d while IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen said Williamson \u201cdisguised personal luxuries as business expenses\u201d to evade taxes.<\/p>

If convicted, Williamson faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of the most serious counts, though a judge would determine any sentence under federal sentencing guidelines.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25309185350960_046b5a.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884732-1762979051", "title":"Shutdown relief coming soon: House vote clears final hurdle to reopen government", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse%2F3884732%2Fshutdown-house-vote-clears-final-hurdle-reopen-government%2F", "byline":"Lauren Green and Rachel Schilke", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The record-breaking government shutdown is almost at an end after the House voted for a new spending deal late Wednesday night, sending the bill to President Donald Trump’s desk after both Democrats and Republicans voted to reopen the government. In a 222 to 209 vote, the House passed a short-term, Senate-passed continuing resolution to fund […]", "description":""

The record-breaking government shutdown<\/a> is almost at an end after the House<\/a> voted for a new spending deal late Wednesday night, sending the bill to President Donald Trump<\/a>\u2019s desk after both Democrats and Republicans voted to reopen the government.<\/p>

In a 222 to 209 vote, the House passed a short-term, Senate-passed continuing resolution<\/a> to fund the government through the end of January. The bill was largely supported by the Republican conference, with a handful of Democrats joining them in voting for the bill. <\/p>

Six Democrats voted for the bill: Reps. Jared Golden (D-ME), Adam Gray (D-CA), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Don Davis (D-NC), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA). <\/p>

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Greg Steube (R-FL) were the sole Republicans who split with the party to vote against the measure.<\/p>

This is the conclusion to a long shutdown saga that largely took place in the Senate, leading to a 43-day shutdown as Democrats dug in their heels to demand healthcare concessions in exchange for votes. This broke the record of the previous shutdown, which was 35 days under the first Trump administration.<\/p>

Trump plans to sign the funding deal around 9:45 p.m., per the White House.<\/p>

Wednesday\u2019s vote is the first the House has taken since Sept. 19, with the chamber coming off of a 54-day recess that Democrats have blasted as an \u201ceight-week, paid vacation\u201d for Republicans. The GOP, in turn, has argued that they \u201cdid their job\u201d and they would not return to Washington until Senate Democrats voted to reopen the government.<\/p>

Republicans almost unanimously supported the funding legislation, despite many in the caucus often voting against continuing resolutions as a way to fund the government. Conservative House Freedom Caucus, often the thorn in the side of the leadership, sent a memo saying the bill is a \u201ccomplete and total win.\u201d<\/p>

But Johnson\u2019s continual proclamation of party unity over the course of the shutdown hit a snag on Tuesday night heading into Wednesday. Republicans became aware of a provision tucked into the spending deal that essentially allows senators to sue the U.S. government for accessing their data without their knowledge. <\/p>

The Senate provision was included after it was revealed that several GOP lawmakers\u2019 data were collected as part of a Biden-era investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots.<\/p>

GOP members testifying before and sitting on the Rules Committee insisted they had no idea the provision was included, and many criticized the \u201coptics\u201d behind it. But had Republicans wanted to alter the bill to strip the provision, it would have to go back to the Senate for approval. <\/p>

So Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) promised a \u201cstandalone\u201d bill <\/a>on Wednesday that would repeal the provision, with a vote on the legislation to be on the \"fast track suspension calendar\" for next week. His statement came a half hour after Rep. John Rose (R-TN) introduced such a bill, who said<\/a> \"two wrongs don't make a right.\"<\/p>

But there was some rising anger toward Johnson for allowing the provision to go through.<\/p>

\"That does nothing to change the fact that certain senators will get paid an additional $500k of taxpayer money,\" Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) said<\/a> responding to Johnson's announcement. \"The Senate will never take up your 'standalone' bill. This is precisely why you shouldn't let the Senate jam the House.\"<\/p>

Steube said leading up to the vote that he would be a \"no\" on the Jan. 31 CR, telling reporters that he's \"not voting to give Lindsey Graham half a million dollars.\"<\/p>

Johnson spoke to the provision following the vote on Wednesday night, saying he was \"very angry\" and called Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) this morning to have a conversation about it. <\/p>

\"I think that was way out of line,\" Johnson said. \"I don't think it was a smart thing to do. I don't think it was the right thing to do, and the House is going to reverse it.\"<\/p>

Johnson added he didn't ask for Thune to commit to bringing the stand-alone bill to the floor.<\/p>

\"I think he regretted the way it was done, and we had an honest conversation about that,\" Johnson said.<\/p>

Johnson gave his members a 36-hour notice to return to Washington late Monday after the Senate altered the stopgap bill the House first passed in September. The original spending deal expired on Nov. 21, which quickly became an unattainable goal after the shutdown spilled over into November and gave appropriators no time to negotiate on the 12 bills needed to fund the government. <\/p>

Senate Republicans were joined by seven Democrats and one independent, who caucuses with Democrats, to clear the 60-vote threshold<\/a> to break the filibuster on Sunday evening. The chamber later passed the bill<\/a> on Monday, sending it to the House for approval.<\/p>

After 14 failed votes on the short-term bill previously passed by the House, the Senate\u2019s version extended the funding through Jan. 31 and included a \u201cminibus\u201d package of three appropriations bills that would fund the Veterans Affairs and Agriculture departments, among others. <\/p>

The CR notably does not include any extension of the Obamacare subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of this year \u2014 the main issue that Democrats have been fighting for, which caused backlash from voters and even some lawmakers who have argued that Senate Democrats went through the entire government shutdown to ultimately get nothing.<\/p>

Johnson capitalized on this, taking a victory lap after the vote to reopen the government to call the shutdown \"utterly pointless and foolish.\"<\/p>

\"This outcome was totally foreseeable,\" the speaker said, adding that \"[Democrats] got nothing for their selfish political stunt here.\"<\/p>

\"They didn't achieve anything with this at all,\" he added.<\/p>

House Democrats have repeatedly slammed the Senate-passed version, as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) introduced a discharge petition in an effort to force the speaker to hold a vote on a three year extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire at the end of this year. The petition would need 218 signatures, which is unlikely given the House Democratic caucus sits at 214.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cThe legislation that we will introduce in the context of a discharge petition will provide that level of certainty to working class Americans who are on the verge of seeing their premiums, co-pays, and deductibles skyrocket, in some cases, experiencing increases of $1,000 or $2,000 per year,\u201d Jeffries told reporters Wednesday ahead of the vote. <\/p>

Senate Republicans promised to allow a vote next month on the expiring subsidies, with no guarantee that they can pass Congress or be signed into law. Johnson has not made any promises to bring up a bill to extend the subsidies and made clear last week that he was \u201cnot part of any negotiations.\u201d<\/p>

As another concession, Republicans have agreed to reverse thousands of planned layoffs that the White House announced on Oct. 1, the first day of the shutdown. <\/p>

The record-setting shutdown, which stoked partisanship, has succeeded in created a rift between Democratic and Republican leadership. Once calling each other their \u201cgood friends,\u201d Johnson said Jeffries, along with Schumer, are \u201cirredeemable at this point.\u201d Jeffries said the Republicans holding daily press conferences, mainly Johnson and leadership, are \u201cstone-cold extremist liars.\u201d <\/p>

Tensions are also rising between the top four appropriators, also known as the \u201cFour Corners.\u201d The Appropriations Committee is one of the few on Capitol Hill where bipartisanship is not only encouraged but essential, particularly when passing all 12 bills out of committee onto the floor, where they often receive a bipartisan vote in favor of passage. <\/p>

The four corners are typically respectful and gracious of their counterparts on the other side of the aisle, but the talks leading up to the Sept. 19 vote and throughout the shutdown proved that Republicans and Democrats were on polar opposite sides.<\/p>

OVERSIGHT DEMOCRATS RELEASE EPSTEIN EMAILS MENTIONING TRUMP HOURS AHEAD OF GRIJALVA SWEARING-IN<\/a><\/p>

There really is a \u201clack of trust,\u201d House Appropriations ranking member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) said, noting that during a typical appropriations process, all four corners sign off on the bills, but she did not. She particularly slammed Senate Appropriations chairwoman Susan Collins (R-ME), for the Senate\u2019s controversial lawsuit provision.<\/p>

DeLauro added that her concern is, after these last few weeks proving to be more drudgery than progress, \u201cwe\u2019re going to be here in the same situation on Jan. 30.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25314663697499.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885362-1762977852", "title":"WATCH LIVE: House votes on funding bill to end government shutdown", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3885362%2Fwatch-live-house-vote-funding-bill-government-shutdown%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The House is voting on a bill to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The vote was scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. House Democrats are expected to oppose the bill, while most Republicans are expected to support it. If it passes, the bill will be sent to President Donald Trump’s desk to […]", "description":""

The House is voting on a bill to end the longest government shutdown<\/a> in U.S. history.<\/p>

The vote was scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.<\/p>

House Democrats are expected to oppose the bill, while most Republicans are expected to support it. If it passes, the bill will be sent to President Donald Trump's desk to sign.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25316007344145_555640.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885317-1762977715", "title":"Marie Gluesenkamp Perez asks House to disapprove of fellow Democrat Chuy Garcia", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse%2F3885317%2Fmarie-gluesenkamp-perez-house-disapprove-chuy-garcia%2F", "byline":"Rachel Schilke", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) surprised much of the House, including her own Democratic colleagues, on Wednesday by introducing a motion to condemn Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (D-IL) for his decision to no longer seek reelection and essentially pave the way for his chief of staff to replace him. Perez introduced a privileged motion that […]", "description":""

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) surprised much of the House<\/a>, including her own Democratic<\/a> colleagues, on Wednesday by introducing a motion to condemn Rep. Jesus \"Chuy\" Garcia (D-IL) for his decision to no longer seek reelection and essentially pave the way for his chief of staff to replace him.<\/p>

Perez introduced a privileged motion that called out Garcia for \"undermining the process of a free and fair election<\/a>.\"<\/p>

\"Whereas Representative Garcia's actions are beneath the dignity of his office and incompatible with the spirit of the Constitution. Now therefore, let it be resolved that the House of Representatives disapproves of the behavior of the representative from Illinois, Mr. Garcia,\" Perez said. <\/p>

Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA) was sternly talking to Perez on the floor ahead of her, introducing her privileged motion. Perez did not take questions while leaving the chamber.<\/p>

Garcia filed for reelection on Oct. 27, but on Nov. 7, he put out a video that he would not seek reelection because his cardiologist warned him about his health, so he \u201ccould walk those grandkids into adulthood.\u201d<\/p>

His chief of staff, Patty Garc\u00eda, filed for the race on Nov. 3, just prior to the state board's deadline. She officially launched her campaign on Wednesday. <\/p>

Rep. Garcia did not have any Democratic Party primary challengers, so speculation arose that he gave his chief a heads-up that he would retire, allowing her to file for candidacy ahead of the deadline.<\/p>

In a statement, Perez said Garcia's stated reasons for retiring are \"honorable,\" but his decision to \"anoint an heir is fundamentally undemocratic.\"<\/p>

\"This is the kind of thing that makes folks tune out of electoral politics,\" Perez said. \"And frankly, who'd blame them? If we fail to hold our colleagues accountable for the subversion of elections, we own the consequences.\" <\/p>

\"Americans bled and died to secure the right to elect their leaders,\" the congresswoman continued. \"We can expect to be taken seriously in the fight for free and fair elections if we turn a blind eye to election denial on our side of the aisle.\"<\/p>

Perez received support from a former House colleague and current Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ).<\/p>

\"Rep Chuy Garcia\u2019s decision to end his re-election at the last second and plant his chief of staff as the only candidate to succeed him was undemocratic and should not be allowed,\" Kim said in a post to X<\/a>. \"Standing against corruption means standing up no matter which political party violates. The House should condemn and steps need to be taken to restore the people\u2019s right to choose.\"<\/p>

In a statement responding to the resolution, Garcia's spokesperson said the congressman made a \"deeply personal decision\" based on his health and his family's decision to raise their grandchildren after the death of his daughter.<\/p>

\u201cHe followed every rule and every filing requirement laid out by the State of Illinois,\" the spokesperson said. \"At a moment like this, he hopes his colleagues, especially those who speak about family values, can show the same compassion and respect that any family would want during a health crisis. Congressman Garc\u00eda remains committed to finishing his term with dignity and continuing his lifelong fight for working families.\u201d<\/p>

Illinois's 4th District is rated D+17 by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, so whoever wins the Democratic nomination is all but assured a win in the general election, hence Perez's resolution.<\/p>

Byron Sigcho-Lopez, a progressive Chicago alderman, told the Chicago Sun-Times last week he is considering<\/a> an independent bid in the district. Republican candidate Lupe Castillo and Working Class Party candidate Ed Hershey are also running in the race.<\/p>

HOUSE CANDIDATE KAT ABUGHAZALEH FEDERALLY INDICTED OVER ILLINOIS ICE PROTEST<\/a><\/p>

Under the rules of a privileged motion, the House has to vote on the resolution within two legislative days. It is a rare moment of party vs party infighting, and an even rarer instance of a lawmaker seeking a reprimand of someone within the same party. <\/p>

However, Perez, a centrist Blue Dog, has made challenging the status quo on Capitol Hill the forefront of her agenda. She is expected to be one of the handful of Democratic \"yes\" votes on the continuing resolution set for a vote Wednesday evening. She meant to vote \"yes\" in September for the original spending deal, but she missed the vote.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/AP-marie-gluesenkamp-perez-debate-102824.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885224-1762977424", "title":"DHS announces 150 illegal immigrant child predators detained in Florida", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fimmigration%2F3885224%2Fdhs-illegal-immigrant-child-predators-florida%2F", "byline":"Pedro Rodriguez", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Department of Homeland Security announced Wednesday morning the apprehension of over 150 illegal immigrant sexual predators in Florida as part of “Operation Dirtbag.” “This operation was called Operation Criminal Return. I call it Operation Dirtbag, because these individuals were sex offenders, but not just sex offenders, they targeted children,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem […]", "description":""

The Department of Homeland Security<\/a> announced Wednesday morning the apprehension of over 150 illegal immigrant <\/a>sexual predators in Florida<\/a> as part of \"Operation Dirtbag.\"<\/p>

\u201cThis operation was called Operation Criminal Return. I call it Operation Dirtbag, because these individuals were sex offenders, but not just sex offenders, they targeted children,\u201d Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem<\/a> said on Fox & Friends.<\/p>

\u201cThese 150 individuals will be gone off of our streets. Our kids will be safer,\u201d Noem added. <\/p>

Noem, who worked alongside Gov. Ron DeSantis<\/a> (R-FL) in this effort, stated she wants to replicate the effort nationwide. <\/p>

\u201cThe fact that they were sexual deviants and perverts, and now we\u2019ve gotten them off of our streets, it\u2019s remarkable. And we need to do more of it,\u201d she said.<\/p>

Aside from the 150 child predators, at least 80 other illegal immigrants were rounded up in the Sunshine State after being wanted for crimes, including drug offenses and even murder.<\/p>

Noem then spoke on the importance of cracking down on illegal immigration in the country, which has constantly received pushback by Democrats like Gov. JB Pritzker (D-IL), whose \u201cpersonal attacks\u201d against President Donald Trump put \u201chis people in jeopardy each and every day.\u201d<\/p>

Noem, however, signaled that she will continue to direct the Department of Homeland Security to crack down on illegal immigrant child predators throughout the country despite Democratic pushback.<\/p>

\u201cWe\u2019re not going to just be in Chicago<\/a>. We\u2019re spreading out to other cities and continuing to do our work. I won\u2019t talk about specific operations, but we\u2019re not going to give him any relief from his political rhetoric,\u201d she stated. \u201cWe\u2019re going to be in there defending these families. The significant difference that we\u2019ve made in public safety in Chicago is something that we need more and many more cities.\u201d<\/p>

Noem\u2019s announcement comes months after DHS, along with the federal government<\/a>, has intensified its campaign to remove illegal immigrant child predators from American cities.<\/p>

In late July, Immigration and Customs Enforcement<\/a> and Homeland Security Investigations spearheaded \"Operation Apex Predator,\" which resulted in the arrests of multiple illegal immigrant child sexual predators. <\/p>

Days later, ICE also announced the detainment of an illegal immigrant and child predator in Philadelphia. <\/p>

THE LEFT RENEWS CALLS TO OBSTRUCT JUSTICE<\/a><\/p>

\"An illegal alien who committed a crime by unlawfully entering the United States<\/a>, who is then charged with heinous crimes like this, should never be released to prey on the citizens of Montgomery County,\" ICE<\/a> Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia's field office director, Brian McShane, said in a statement.<\/p>

\"The sanctuary<\/a> policies recently enacted by the Montgomery County Commissioners forced prison<\/a> officials to release this individual to the streets rather than turn him over to ICE<\/a> officials on the detainer filed against him,\" he added. \"I am just glad we got him before he could harm another.\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/ICE-arrest-illegal-immigrants.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884983-1762970293", "title":"House looks to remove GOP provision that would allow senators to sue over Biden DOJ investigations", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse%2F3884983%2Fhouse-seeks-remove-senate-republican-provision-sue-doj-over-biden-investigations%2F", "byline":"Hailey Bullis", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"House Republicans are moving to repeal a controversial provision that was slipped into the Senate’s version of the federal funding bill, which would allow senators to sue the government for accessing their data without their knowledge. The provision, which would allow senators to sue the government and receive up to $500,000 or more for each […]", "description":""

House<\/a> Republicans are moving to repeal a controversial provision that was slipped into the Senate's<\/a> version of the federal funding bill, which would allow senators to sue the government for accessing their data without their knowledge.<\/p>

The provision, which would allow senators to sue the government and receive up to $500,000 or more for each violation, was reportedly inserted by Senate Majority Leader John Thune<\/a> (R-SD) after it was revealed that several GOP lawmakers were investigated as part of a Biden administration-era investigation into the Jan. 6<\/a> riots at the Capitol.<\/p>

The investigation, dubbed \u201cArctic Frost,\u201d helped form the basis of one of special counsel Jack Smith's investigations into President Donald Trump<\/a>. It was revealed in October that the investigation had obtained phone communications from eight Republican senators and one representative. Sens. Lindsey Graham (SC), Tommy Tuberville (AL), Josh Hawley (MO), Marsha Blackburn (TN), Ron Johnson (WI), and Rep. Mike Kelly (PA) were among those tracked.<\/p>

Rep. John Rose (R-TN) introduced a bill on Wednesday called the\u00a0Repealing Enrichment for Senators Exploited by Targeting that would repeal the Senate provision. <\/p>

\"Two wrongs don't make a right,\" Rose said in a post to X<\/a>.<\/p>

The effort to repeal the rider has the support of Speaker Mike Johnson<\/a> (R-LA), who said in a statement on X that Republicans would put the legislation \"on the fast track suspension calendar in the House for next week.\"<\/p>

But that was called into question by Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL).<\/p>

\"That does nothing to change the fact that certain senators will get paid an additional $500k of taxpayer money,\" he wrote in response<\/a> to Johnson's comments on X. \"The Senate will never take up your 'standalone' bill. This is precisely why you shouldn\u2019t let the Senate jam the House.\"<\/p>

The Senate provision was subject to scrutiny<\/a> during the House Rules Committee's markup of the government funding bill Tuesday night, with several GOP members expressing reservations about its inclusion.<\/p>

Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO) later pressed House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole<\/a> (R-OK) over the Senate provision that would allow senators to sue the government and receive up to $500,000 or more for each violation, asking him if he supported it.<\/p>

When pressed further by Neguse, Cole said, \u201cDo I support the bill? Yes. Do I support every single provision in the bill? No.\u201d<\/p>

During the markup, Cole told Neguse he \"didn\u2019t have anything to do\" with the provision and did not \"have any knowledge of it.\"<\/p>

HOUSE PANEL GREENLIGHTS SENATE FUNDING MEASURE, PAVING WAY FOR FLOOR VOTE<\/a><\/p>

Rep. Chip Roy<\/a> (R-TX), who is running for Texas attorney general, said the provision's inclusion was why \"people have a low opinion of this town.\"<\/p>

\"It is beside my comprehension that this got put in the bill,\" Roy said. <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/WEX_GOP_SHUTDOWN-3-e1762446852698.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884951-1762969211", "title":"House Democrats ramp up scrutiny of Paramount-Skydance merger over ‘inadequate’ response", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse%2F3884951%2Fhouse-democrats-scrutiny-paramount-skydance-merger-inadequate-response%2F", "byline":"David Zimmermann", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Two House Democrats followed up with the newly merged entertainment company Paramount Skydance on Wednesday after receiving an “inadequate and incomplete” response to their initial inquiry about the Federal Communications Commission’s approval of the $8 billion merger. Over the summer, Skydance joined Paramount after the latter settled a lawsuit with President Donald Trump for $16 […]", "description":""

Two House<\/a> Democrats followed up with the newly merged entertainment company Paramount Skydance on Wednesday after receiving an \"inadequate and incomplete\" response to their initial inquiry about the Federal Communications Commission's<\/a> approval of the $8 billion merger. <\/p>

Over the summer, Skydance joined Paramount<\/a> after the latter settled a lawsuit with President Donald Trump<\/a> for $16 million over last fall's 60 Minutes controversy involving deceptive editing of then-Vice President Kamala Harris's<\/a> pre-election interview.<\/p>

Reps. Jamie Raskin<\/a> (D-MD) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ), both ranking members on separate committees, question whether the merger<\/a> and settlement are related.<\/p>

\"The timing of this approval from the Trump Administration was deeply suspicious,\" their three-page letter<\/a> states. \"It came only after Skydance and Paramount agreed to make millions of dollars in payments and to provide free services directly to Donald Trump and to support his future presidential library.\"<\/p>

The lawmakers raise concerns over several changes that Paramount Skydance has made since the merger, including the appointments of independent ombudsman Kenneth Weinstein and Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss at CBS News<\/a>. They allege that Weiss's appointment and CBS's acquisition of the Free Press \"suggest a new and concertedly right-wing approach to your news operation.\"<\/p>

Raskin and Pallone sent the first letter in August, asking Paramount Skydance to provide answers and documents regarding the settlement between Paramount and Trump. The two Democrats were left unsatisfied with their responses.<\/p>

\"We write today because your response does not appear to reflect a good-faith effort to cooperate with our committees' investigation,\" they wrote.<\/p>

The corporation provided no responses to most of the requests in the initial inquiry, only partially addressing one item. When asked for a description of the company's communications with the president or his administration officials, Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison said it only engaged in \"routine and customary interactions\" with government officials.<\/p>

\"Your assertion that it is 'routine and customary' for the President of the United States to endorse a multi-billion merger that had been pending for more than eight months just days after the CEO of Skydance sat next to the President at an Ultimate Fighting Championships event is profoundly troubling,\" the letter reads.<\/p>

Raskin and Pallone ask Ellison to respond to their second inquiry by Nov. 26.<\/p>

SCHUMER FLOATS FCC COMPLAINT OVER TRUMP'S EDITED 60 MINUTES INTERVIEW<\/a><\/p>

Wednesday's letter marks the latest instance of Democratic lawmakers scrutinizing the Paramount-Skydance merger. Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) led a similar investigation<\/a>.<\/p>

Since taking over in August, Ellison has been determined to overhaul the company's operations by laying off 2,000 employees and overseeing a major shake-up at CBS. Under Weiss's leadership, CBS has already granted Trump an interview on 60 Minutes<\/a> after last year's editing fiasco.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25302579515487-e1762986509317.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884139-1762968224", "title":"Newsom takes center stage at UN climate summit amid Trump’s absence", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fenergy-and-environment%2F3884139%2Fgavin-newsom-takes-center-stage-un-climate-summit-trump-absence-cop30%2F", "byline":"Maydeen Merino", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"As the highest-ranking U.S. official at the United Nations’s annual climate summit, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) used the spotlight to tout California as a leader in curbing climate change and bash the Trump administration for its absence.  Newsom was in attendance at the U.N.’s annual climate summit, COP30, in Brazil this week. Newsom has used […]", "description":""

As the highest-ranking U.S. official at the United Nations's<\/a> annual climate summit, Gov. Gavin Newsom<\/a> (D-CA) used the spotlight to tout California as a leader in curbing climate change and bash the Trump administration<\/a> for its absence.\u00a0<\/p>

Newsom was in attendance at the U.N.'s annual climate summit, COP30, in Brazil<\/a> this week. Newsom has used the climate summit to criticize the Trump administration for reversing course from the Biden administration<\/a> and cutting policies meant to boost clean energy in favor of fossil fuels, as well as to burnish his climate credentials as a possible 2028 presidential candidate.<\/p>

\"I'm here in the absence of the leadership<\/a> from [President] Donald Trump<\/a>,\" Newsom told SkyNews at COP30 on Tuesday. \"I'm here to show up on behalf of my country, and I'm here to showcase California's leadership dominance in the low-carbon green growth space.\"\u00a0<\/p>

\"I'm here because I think it's more than electric power. It's about economic power, and I'm not going to cede America's economic leadership to China<\/a>,\" he added.\u00a0<\/p>

COP30 brings together thousands of international delegates, indigenous peoples, and other climate activists. The summit will include talks on how governments can reduce emissions, as many have fallen short of their targets. <\/p>

Newsom has taken aim at the Trump administration for skipping the event ever since arriving in Brazil on Monday. At a Milken Institute<\/a> event in S\u00e3o Paulo, ahead of the summit, Newsom said the administration's absence was disrespectful to all those attending the event.\u00a0<\/p>

The governor said the U.S. should engage with Brazil. He then accused Trump of giving the country the \"middle finger\" by imposing \"shameful\" tariffs of 50% on Brazilian goods.<\/p>

Trump and Newsom have clashed over a series of policy changes the administration has implemented, including those related to climate. California has filed nearly 46 lawsuits against the Trump administration. <\/p>

Katelyn Roedner Sutter, California state director at the Environmental Defense Fund, told the Washington Examiner it is \"incredibly important\" that Newsom is at the climate summit.<\/p>

\"I'm disappointed in the lack of leadership from the federal government on this issue,\" Sutter said. \"I think it's created this opportunity where states can and are really stepping up to fill a void, and that's what Gov. Newsom is doing.\"<\/p>

The Trump administration has steered away from engaging in global climate events as it withdraws from the Paris Climate Agreement, through which nations have agreed to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.\u00a0<\/p>

However, Heather Reams, president and CEO of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, criticized Newsom's trip to COP30, arguing that it was a means of political gain.<\/p>

\"Unfortunately, Senate Democrats chose to keep the government shutdown<\/a> for more than 40 days, which prevented a Republican congressional delegation from attending COP30,\" Reams said in a statement to the Washington Examiner.\u00a0\"Unsurprisingly, Governor Newsom took advantage of the opportunity, turning it into a calculated play to advance his own political ambitions.\"<\/p>

White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers told the Washington Examiner in a statement that Newsom's trip to Brazil was \"embarrassing,\" as he promoted the \"Green Energy Scam\" while California<\/a> faces the highest energy prices in the country.<\/p>

\"It's time for Newscum [a derogatory nickname for Newsom] and other countries to drop the climate facade,\" Rogers said. \"President Trump will not allow the best interest of the American people to be jeopardized by the Green Energy Scam. These Green Dreams are killing other countries, but will not kill ours thanks to President Trump's commonsense energy agenda.\"<\/p>

The Trump administration has reversed policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and subsidizing clean energy. Among those policy changes are significant cuts in subsidies for clean energy technology that were part of the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act. <\/p>

Additionally, Trump has signed into law resolutions<\/a> that prevented\u00a0California\u00a0from implementing\u00a0vehicle emissions rules\u00a0intended to reduce auto pollution and promote the use of electric vehicles. One of the resolutions banned the state from imposing a ban on gas-powered vehicles by 2035. The other two regulations would have set strict emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles and nitrogen oxide pollution from trucks.<\/p>

California has sought to become a leader in these measures. Newsom noted that the Golden State plans to continue prioritizing clean energy technology and climate policies.\u00a0<\/p>

\"China, they're not interested in this debate. They are flooding the zone, and they're going to dominate in the next great global industry<\/a>,\" Newsom said at the summit.\u00a0<\/p>

\"The United States of America is dumb as we want to be<\/a> on this topic, but the state of California is not, and so we are going to assert ourselves, we're going to lean in, and we are going to compete in this space,\" he said.\u00a0<\/p>

COP30: EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT THE UN CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE<\/a><\/p>

At the summit, Newsom signed agreements<\/a> with several nations, including the Netherlands and Nigeria, to partner on climate action. <\/p>

\"We're here with an open hand, not a closed fist. So we're doing everything in our power. And there's a resistance to Trump and Trumpism that is emerging in the United States. But I hope people's state of mind globally is that he is not a permanent fixture of my country,\" Newsom said. <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25315776893418.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884954-1762967523", "title":"Appeals court allows families to sue Saudi Arabia over naval air base attack ", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fjustice%2F3884954%2Fappeals-court-families-survivors-sue-saudi-arabia-naval-air-base-attack%2F", "byline":"Pedro Rodriguez", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"A federal appeals court ruled on Monday that survivors and families of the victims from a 2019 terrorist attack on a U.S. naval air base in Florida can sue Saudi Arabia for allowing the gunman in the attack to be on American soil.  In a unanimous decision from a three-judge panel on the U.S. Court […]", "description":""

A federal appeals court ruled on Monday that survivors and families of the victims from a 2019 terrorist attack<\/a> on a U.S. naval<\/a> air base in Florida<\/a> can sue Saudi Arabia for allowing the gunman in the attack to be on American soil.\u00a0<\/p>

In a unanimous decision from a three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, which covers Alabama<\/a>, Florida, and Georgia<\/a>, survivors and families of the victims of the attack can proceed with a lawsuit against Saudi Arabia.<\/p>

As stated by Judge Stanley Marcus, the lawsuits against Saudi Arabia can proceed since Mohammed Saeed al Shamrani, the perpetrator of the attack, was a second lieutenant of the Royal Saudi Air Force who came to the United States in 2017 as a member of the Pentagon<\/a>'s pilot training program for foreign nationals.<\/p>

The appeals court overruled a decision from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, which said the court lacked jurisdiction under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act and the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act.<\/p>

\"One group, or bundle, of the plaintiffs' claims \u2014 those based on the theory that the kingdom had been grossly negligent in vetting, hiring, and sending airman al Shamrani to the United States<\/a> \u2014 is facially sufficient to survive the jurisdictional attack,\" Marcus wrote.<\/p>

The court also ruled on the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism<\/a> Act, which upheld claims that the Saudi government failed to vet the accused attacker properly, despite extensive evidence that he was affiliated<\/a> with al Qaeda and adhered to extremist<\/a> views, and \"deliberately\" sent him to the United States.\u00a0<\/p>

GUNMAN WHO OPENED FIRE AT NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA WAS SAUDI ARABIAN FLIGHT STUDENT\u00a0<\/a><\/p>

\"The Amended Complaint sufficiently alleges that the Kingdom committed grossly negligent <\/a>acts of commission rather than omission,\" the court said. \"Second, the Amended Complaint asserts that on multiple occasions, Saudi Arabia conducted security screenings for Al Shamrani \u2014 deliberate and affirmative acts of will or exertion designed to accomplish an objective\" of enrolling him in the training program.<\/p>

\"Third, Saudi Arabia<\/a> nominated al Shamrani for, and awarded him, a scholarship which enabled him to go to Texas to learn English from August 2017 until May 2018, and then to participate in the flight training program at NAS Pensacola<\/a> from May of 2018 until the time of the attack on December 6, 2019,\" the court added.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP19343048509647.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884502-1762967265", "title":"DOJ memo says US troops safe from prosecution over smuggling boat strikes", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fdefense%2F3884502%2Fdoj-memo-us-troops-safe-prosecution-smuggling-boat-strikes%2F", "byline":"Mike Brest", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel reportedly found that the U.S. troops involved in the lethal targeting of alleged drug smuggling vessels would not be exposed to future prosecution. The decision by the administration to seek the legal opinion in July, as reported by the Washington Post, underscores concerns some had about the legality […]", "description":""

The Justice Department's<\/a> Office of Legal Counsel reportedly found that the U.S. troops involved in the lethal targeting of alleged drug smuggling<\/a> vessels would not be exposed to future prosecution.<\/p>

The decision by the administration to seek the legal opinion in July, as reported by the Washington Post, underscores concerns some had about the legality of the strikes<\/a> before they got underway.<\/p>

The War Department<\/a> declined to comment to the Washington Examiner, though Secretary Pete Hegseth<\/a> reiterated the administration's stance on Wednesday that it has \"all the authorities necessary\" to carry out these strikes.<\/p>

\u201cWe got lawyers on lawyers, all the authorities necessary to do so, treating these terrorists<\/a> like the al Qaeda of the Western Hemisphere,\u201d Hegseth said at a defense industry event in Fort Wayne, Indiana.<\/p>

U.S. forces have conducted roughly 20 strikes on boats since early September, killing about 75 people. The administration has not shared proof that there were drugs aboard any of these vessels.<\/p>

Adm. Alvin Holsey, the head of U.S. Southern Command, which is the combatant command that covers the Caribbean and South America, is overseeing these strikes. He announced his intention to retire<\/a> next month and will ultimately serve only about one year of a three-year term.<\/p>

Chief Pentagon<\/a> spokesman Sean Parnell has previously denied that Holsey's abrupt retirement announcement was indicative of his feelings about the broader counter-narcotic strategy.<\/p>

\"This is a total lie. Never happened,\" Parnell said in October. \"There was no hesitation or concerns about this mission. Just more Fake News.\"<\/p>

The administration has told Congress<\/a> the United States is in an \"armed conflict\" with \"narcoterrorists,\" using those as justifications for the lethal engagements.<\/p>

Hegseth also acknowledged on Wednesday, \u201cWe\u2019re seeing in real time that they\u2019re changing their methods and we\u2019ll adapt, as they change those methods.\"<\/p>

The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group was deployed from Europe to the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility last month, and the Navy announced its arrival<\/a> to the region on Tuesday. Subsequently, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino L\u00f3pez\u00a0said it would bring \u201cthe entire country\u2019s military arsenal<\/a> on full operational readiness.\"<\/p>

The addition of the Ford carrier group brings the total number of U.S. troops in the greater Caribbean area to nearly 15,000. It's the largest buildup of U.S. forces in the region in decades.<\/p>

Allies have expressed concern about the legalities of the strikes. <\/p>

Colombian<\/a> President Gustavo Petro said Tuesday that he had ordered the country to stop sharing intelligence with the U.S. regarding the strikes. Earlier in the day, CNN reported that the United Kingdom\u00a0had done the same<\/a>.<\/p>

\u201cIt is our long-standing policy to not comment on intelligence matters,\" a U.K. government spokesperson told the Washington Examiner on Tuesday. \u201cThe U.S. is our closest ally on security and intelligence. We continue to work together to uphold global peace and security, defend freedom of navigation, and respond to emerging threats.\u201d<\/p>

HERE ARE THE DETAILS OF THE US STRIKES TARGETING ALLEGED DRUG VESSELS<\/a><\/p>

French Foreign Minister Jean-No\u00ebl Barrot said Wednesday that \u201cwe have observed with concern the military operations in the Caribbean region, because they violate international law and because France<\/a> has a presence in this region through its overseas territories, where more than a million of our compatriots reside.\"<\/p>

There is speculation that the U.S. could eventually carry out strikes inside Venezuela<\/a>, possibly targeting the country's president, Nicol\u00e1s Maduro<\/a>, though doing so would be considered a significant escalation. The Trump administration<\/a> views Maduro as an illegitimate leader and has accused him of being the leader of a drug cartel.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AP25273449762836.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884328-1762966516", "title":"Fact check: Does Trump need to expand H-1B visas to address lack of ‘talented’ workers?", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3884328%2Ffact-check-does-trump-expand-h1b-visa-address-lack-talented-workers%2F", "byline":"Anna Giaritelli", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump’s admission to Fox News host Laura Ingraham that the United States workforce lacks “certain talents and people,” and should therefore expand the H-1B visa program, has stirred a debate among conservatives. In an exchange that aired Tuesday evening, Ingraham suggested that bringing in more foreign workers would have negative consequences for American […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump's <\/a>admission to Fox News host Laura Ingraham that the United States workforce lacks \"certain talents and people,\" and should therefore expand the H-1B visa<\/a> program, has stirred a debate among conservatives.<\/p>

In an exchange that aired Tuesday evening, Ingraham suggested that bringing in more foreign workers would have negative consequences for American workers.<\/p>

\"Well, I agree, but you also do have to bring in talent,\" Trump said.<\/p>

\"Well, we have plenty of talented people here,\" Ingraham replied.<\/p>

\"No, you don\u2019t,\" Trump said. \"No, you don\u2019t have certain talents and people have to learn.\"<\/p>

\ud83d\udea8I PRESSED President Trump on H-1B visas.\ud83d\udea8\u201cIf you want to RAISE WAGES for Americans, you can\u2019t flood the country with THOUSANDS of foreign workers.\u201d@POTUS<\/a>: \u201cYou have to bring in talent\u2026 You can\u2019t take people off the unemployment line and say, \u2018go make missiles.\u2019\u201dThe\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/lB4wWuRKGK<\/a><\/p>— Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) November 12, 2025<\/a> What is the H-1B visa?

The H-1B visa program was created in 1990 as a way for U.S. companies to hire up to 85,000 foreign workers for special occupations per year. At last count, as many as 700,000<\/a> foreigners were approved to work in the U.S. in 2025.<\/p>

The H-1B visa allows foreign workers with a bachelor\u2019s degree or equivalent to work in the country for three years and can be extended for an additional three years.<\/p>

Historically, the visas have largely gone to workers in information technology and computer sciences, systems analysts, engineers, university professors, and healthcare workers. Corporations, including Amazon, Google, Meta, Apple, and IBM,\u00a0ranked<\/a>\u00a0in the top 10 of employers who hired the most H-1B visa recipients.<\/p>

H-1B visa recipients must be paid at least $60,000, which is below the 2023 median U.S. household income of $80,600, according to Census Bureau data<\/a>.<\/p>

USCIS makes 20,000<\/a> of these visas available to recent U.S. master\u2019s degree or doctorate graduates and an additional 65,000 to workers overseas seeking admission.<\/p>

The H-1B and the H-1A visa, issued for hiring nurses, were born in 1990 out of the Immigration Act.<\/p>Trump\u2019s record on the H-1B visa

Several months into the pandemic in 2020, Trump signed an executive order that denied admission to H-1B visa holders outside of the food supply network.<\/p>

Trump decried<\/a> this particular visa in 2016 as \"substituting\" Americans with \"cheap labor.\" He later changed his tune and said<\/a> that he supported the program, claiming that he had many of these types of workers on his properties.<\/p>

Billionaire businessman and the Department of Government Efficiency's former chairman, Elon Musk, was an\u00a0H-1B visa recipient\u00a0<\/a>and is believed to have impacted Trump's view on the visa.<\/p>

In October, Trump signed<\/a> a proclamation that raised the H-1B visa fee for companies to $100,000 per worker. The Trump administration has since been sued<\/a> by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.<\/p>Is there a worker shortage or not?

Prior to Trump's latest admission, conservatives were already divided on the H-1B visa. The fallout over the program has grown overnight across social media platforms, where the debate was in full swing Wednesday.<\/p>

Steve Cortes, founder of the League of American Workers, said American workers were already being negatively affected by the growth of artificial intelligence and that bringing in more foreign workers would further risk jobs for citizens.<\/p>

\"Entry-level and junior white collar workers are seeing massive pain from AI, already,\" Cortes wrote in a post. \"This environment is NO time to allow millions of foreign laborers into America. We must phase out H1B and other abused worker visa programs!\"<\/p>

Entry-level and junior white collar workers are seeing massive pain from AI, already.This environment is NO time to allow millions of foreign laborers into America. We must phase out H1B and other abused worker visa programs! pic.twitter.com\/8l9FqvUKXQ<\/a><\/p>— Steve Cortes (@CortesSteve) October 28, 2025<\/a>

Indiana state Rep. Andrew Ireland shared an example of an H-1B visa job that was unnecessary and an example of how the program was due for shutting down.<\/p>

\"Indiana's own state government hired a foreign worker on an H-1B visa for a 'Database Administrator' job this year. If we're serious about being America First, we cannot use tax dollars to import foreign workers,\" Ireland, a Republican, wrote on X Wednesday.<\/p>

\ud83d\udea8 Indiana's own state government hired a foreign worker on an H-1B visa for a "Database Administrator" job this year. If we're serious about being America First, we cannot use tax dollars to import foreign workers pic.twitter.com\/sRfMVxf2ez<\/a><\/p>— Andrew Ireland (@AndrewIrelandIN) November 12, 2025<\/a>

The conservative Heritage Foundation think tank, normally in lock-step with Trump, took a swipe at the program and said it was displacing Americans who needed jobs.<\/p>

\"Congress created the H-1B visa to bring a limited number of skilled, specialty workers to fill a need in the U.S. economy. Today, it serves to displace thousands of qualified American workers,\" Heritage wrote in a post<\/a> to X on Monday.<\/p>

The Department of Labor made a case in late October that the H-1B visa be overhauled \u2014 not entirely in line with the White House's strong support for the program on Tuesday.<\/p>

\"Young Americans have had the American Dream stolen from them, as jobs have been replaced by foreign workers due to rampant abuse of the H-1B visa. Under @POTUS and @SecretaryLCD's leadership, we\u2019re holding companies accountable for their abuse\u2014and recapturing the American Dream for the AMERICAN PEOPLE,\" the Department of Labor said in a statement<\/a>.<\/p>

Daniel Di Martino is a fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a PhD candidate in economics at Columbia University in New York who studies the impact of immigration policy on the economy and said doing away with it would be \"suicidal.\"<\/p>

\"President Trump is right about H-1B visas. America benefits from talented immigrants,\" Di Martino responded<\/a> on X. \"The visa isn't perfect but ending it is suicidal. It brings billions in foreign investment, retains talented foreign students, boosts innovation, and brings foreign doctors who save lives.\"<\/p>

EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT THE H-1B VISA DEBATE SURROUNDING TRUMPWORLD<\/a><\/p>

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Wednesday that Trump\u2019s plan was foolproof.<\/p>

\"Americans can't have jobs with specific skill, because we haven't built ships in the U.S. for years. We haven't built semiconductors,\u201d Bessent told Fox News's Fox & Friends on Wednesday. \"This idea of overseas partners coming in again, teaching American workers, then return home. That's a home run.\u201d<\/p>

<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/AP24051788535515-scaled.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884767-1762966233", "title":"Supreme Court will hear arguments in transgender sports cases in January", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fsupreme-court%2F3884767%2Fsupreme-court-hear-arguments-transgender-sports-cases-january%2F", "byline":"Jack Birle", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Supreme Court announced on Wednesday that it will hear a pair of cases challenging state laws banning biological men from women’s sports in January, setting the date for arguments with implications for dozens of similar state laws. The high court scheduled oral arguments for Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J. for Jan. […]", "description":""

The Supreme Court<\/a> announced on Wednesday that it will hear a pair of cases challenging state laws banning biological men from women's sports<\/a> in January, setting the date for arguments with implications for dozens of similar state laws.<\/p>

The high court scheduled oral arguments for Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J. for Jan. 13, 2026, meaning the justices will hear both the cases<\/a> about transgender<\/a> sports laws back-to-back.<\/p>

In\u00a0Little\u00a0v.\u00a0Hecox, the Supreme Court\u00a0will hear arguments over whether Idaho's law limiting women's sports to biological women violates the\u00a014th Amendment, and B.P.J.\u00a0v. West Virginia State Board of Education deals with whether a similar West Virginia law violates Title IX or the equal protection clause.<\/p>

Activists who filed the lawsuit in Little v. Hecox attempted to voluntarily dismiss the case at the federal district court after the Supreme Court agreed to review the case. The lower court denied<\/a> the bid, and the justices will now hear oral arguments in the case.<\/p>

The Supreme Court also announced that it scheduled arguments for the high-profile gun case Wolford v. Lopez for Jan. 20, 2026, while the high court will have arguments in an emergency docket case over President Donald Trump's attempted firing of Federal Reserve governor\u00a0Lisa Cook<\/a> for cause.<\/p>

In Wolford v. Lopez, the high court will look at whether a Hawaii law barring handgun owners who have a concealed carry permit from carrying their weapon on private property unless the owner, or manager of the property, has given the person \"express authorization to carry a firearm on\u00a0the property,\" violates the Second Amendment. The case is one of two significant gun cases<\/a> the justices have agreed to hear this term so far.<\/p>

SUPREME COURT TO REVIEW LEGALITY OF COUNTING MAIL BALLOTS ARRIVING AFTER ELECTION DAY<\/a><\/p>

With the Cook case, the high court took the unusual step of scheduling oral arguments for a dispute on its emergency docket. Trump has asked the Supreme Court to allow him to fire Cook, citing an accusation from Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte that she committed mortgage fraud as proper cause to do so under federal statute.<\/p>

The Supreme Court will continue to hear arguments for this term through the end of April, with all rulings in the cases expected by the end of June.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25309548994455.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884855-1762965881", "title":"Marjorie Taylor Greene digs in on ‘America Only’ values after waving off Trump criticism", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse%2F3884855%2Fmarjorie-taylor-greene-america-only-values-trump-criticism%2F", "byline":"Emily Hallas", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) on Wednesday appeared to harden her line against the White House, signaling the widening gulf between President Donald Trump and leading political figures who claim to embody the Make America Great Again movement he started.  The Georgia lawmaker rebuked the president’s decision to allow 600,000 students from China to study […]", "description":""

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene<\/a> (R-GA) on Wednesday appeared to harden her line against the White House, signaling the widening gulf between President Donald Trump<\/a> and leading political figures who claim to embody the Make America Great Again movement he started.\u00a0<\/p>

The Georgia lawmaker rebuked the president\u2019s decision to allow 600,000 students from China<\/a> to study at U.S colleges and universities as part of a broader trade deal the United States made with Beijing. She also appeared to criticize <\/a>Trump\u2019s recent meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa<\/a>, arguing he is a \u201cterrorist.\u201d<\/p>

Once a noisy supporter of Trump, Greene has in recent months put distance between herself and the president. Similar to commentators like Tucker Carlson<\/a>, Greene has portrayed herself as a true purveyor <\/a>of MAGA values, arguing that much of Trump\u2019s policy, particularly around foreign affairs, is out of touch with the America First movement he sparked.<\/p>

This week, Greene refused to back away from her increasingly antagonistic approach toward the White House<\/a>, despite Trump\u2019s recent comments that she has \u201clost her way<\/a>,\u201d and assertion that \u201cI know what MAGA wants better than anybody else\u201d because \u201cMAGA was my idea<\/a>.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cThis is my way and there is no other way to be,\u201d Greene said, after denying Tuesday that she had \"lost\" her way in comments<\/a> to The Hill.<\/p>

Greene\u2019s latest statement comes as she seemingly embraced an increasingly isolationist worldview that equates<\/a> \"America First\" with\u00a0\u201cAmerica Only.\u201d Since August, the congresswoman's use of the phrase has skyrocketed on X<\/a>.<\/p>

\u201cI\u2019m America First. Maybe even America only,\u201d she said then<\/a>. \u201cI don\u2019t care if you call me an isolationist. America is our home. And it\u2019s falling apart.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

Ingraham: You said as many as 600,000 Chinese students could come to the US. Why is that a pro-maga position\u2026 Trump: MAGA was my idea. It was nobody else's idea. I know better than anybody else what Maga wants pic.twitter.com\/VECDwAqG8o<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/ne7jjjOv0H<\/a><\/p>— Acyn (@Acyn) November 11, 2025<\/a>

Greene has slammed the Trump administration<\/a>, including Vice President JD Vance<\/a>, for working to negotiate the end of wars in a host of countries and has particularly criticized the U.S. alliance with Israel<\/a>, urging the White House to defund the nation.<\/p>

\u201cWhy did he go to Israel this week?\u201d Greene said of Vance\u2019s recent trip during an interview<\/a> on Carlson\u2019s podcast last month. \u201cWhy is he over there? He should be here.\u2026 America voted for America First, and they meant it, and right now they're extremely angry.\u2026 They're really, really mad. They're stepping back, they're taking a hard look, and they're starting to be angry and they're starting to be vocal about it.\"<\/p>

Trump\u2019s approach to America First has been far more pragmatic. His administration has argued that remaining engaged with other countries and negotiating for peace in Ukraine<\/a>, Israel, Gaza<\/a>, and other conflicts is necessary to avoid a scenario where the U.S. is dragged into a costly and deadly World War III.\u00a0<\/p>

TITLE IX ACTIVIST PREDICTS GENETIC SCREENING \u2018IS THE FUTURE OF WOMEN\u2019S SPORTS\u2019<\/a><\/p>

And pursuing stabilized relationships with other nations, including morally questionable leaders in Syria<\/a> and China<\/a>, could also be in the U.S.'s best interests economically, boosting the country\u2019s wealth by \u201ctrillions,\u201d Trump has suggested, pushing back against rhetoric from people such as Greene that he should ban Chinese students from U.S. universities.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cYou know, the students pay more than double when they come in from most foreign countries. I want to see our school system thrive,\u201d the president said this week<\/a>. \u201cAnd it\u2019s not that I want them, but I view it as a business. We have millions and millions of people also. I want to get along with countries, if possible, people are shocked.\u2026 I stopped eight wars in the last nine months. I don\u2019t want to be in wars. If I am in a war, we\u2019re going to win the thing. It\u2019ll be violent. I don\u2019t want to be in wars.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/AP25203580841635.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3885029-1762965590", "title":"New York dead last in competitive taxes: Report", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Ffinance-and-economy%2F3885029%2Fnew-york-last-competitive-taxes-report%2F", "byline":"Center Square", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"(The Center Square) – For the fifth consecutive year, New York is dead last among 50 states in competitive taxes as judged by the Tax Foundation’s analysis. Policymakers, taxpayers, and business leaders can gauge tax systems state-to-state in many ways, including through the 2026 State Tax Competitiveness Index. It compares more than 150 variables in […]", "description":""

(The Center Square) \u2013 For the fifth consecutive year, New York<\/a> is dead last among 50 states in competitive taxes<\/a> as judged by the Tax Foundation\u2019s analysis.<\/p>

Policymakers, taxpayers, and business<\/a> leaders can gauge tax systems state-to-state in many ways, including through the 2026 State Tax Competitiveness Index. It compares more than 150 variables in five major areas: corporate taxes; individual income taxes; sales and excise taxes; property and wealth taxes; and unemployment insurance taxes.<\/p>

The state was last out of the cellar in 2021, ranking No. 48.<\/p>

New York\u2019s best category is corporate taxes at No. 28. It is 42nd in sales taxes; 38th in unemployment insurance taxes; 47th in property taxes; and 50th in individual income taxes.<\/p>

Property taxes are better than a year ago by one spot, unemployment insurance taxes are down one, and the remainder are unchanged.<\/p>

In its analysis, the foundation says the state has high rates and a burdensome and highly non-neutral tax structure.<\/p>

\u201cTo a significant degree, the draw of New York, and particularly New York City, has been enough to attract and retain individuals despite a high-rate, poorly structured tax code, just as many people choose to live in the city despite its high cost of living generally,\u201d the report says in its analysis. \u201cAt the margin, however, taxes matter \u2013 and in an era of enhanced migration, they now matter more than ever.\u201d<\/p>

The top individual income tax rate is 10.9%, the progressive income tax rate of 3.876%, and the corporate tax rates of 6.5% to 7.25%.<\/p>

AOC DUCKS ON CRITICIZING CHUCK SCHUMER, BUT ADMITS NEW YORK SENATE NOISE IS REAL<\/a><\/p>

\u201cConvenience of the employer\u201d rules mean remote employees of firms headquartered in New York can be taxed in another state and New York unless the other state has an allowance.<\/p>

New York is\u00a0the worst of the nine-state Northeast<\/a>\u00a0as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau and of the three Middle Atlantic states.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/iStock-899569810.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884916-1762965512", "title":"The threat of an overproduced elite", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fcolumnists%2F3884916%2Fthreat-overproduced-elite-higher-education%2F", "byline":"Michael Barone", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Success breeds failure. Policies and practices well-suited to society at one juncture in history are often poorly suited to the world they have beneficially transformed. If you carry a good thing too far, it can turn out not to be a good thing anymore. Case in point, one of the most successful public policies in […]", "description":""

Success breeds failure. Policies and practices well-suited to society at one juncture in history are often poorly suited to the world they have beneficially transformed. If you carry a good thing too far, it can turn out not to be a good thing anymore.<\/p>

Case in point, one of the most successful public policies in U.S. history, the World War II<\/a> GI Bill of Rights, which financed college educations<\/a> for military veterans. Signed by former President Franklin Roosevelt<\/a>, it embodied New Deal generosity even as its chief backers included the\u00a0racist Democratic Mississippi Rep. John Rankin and the supposedly reactionary American Legion. One secret of its success, like that of Social Security, was apparent reciprocity: It provided benefits for those who made some contribution.<\/p>

In doing so, it subsidized both economic and intellectual upward mobility for those from modest or even subsistence beginnings \u2014 the children of Appalachian coal miners, eastern and southern European immigrants, and even many black Americans whose service was limited to segregated units.<\/p>

Taken together, their achievements not only increased the enrollment of colleges and universities (many of which disliked the democratization) but vastly increased the size and capacities of the American economy.<\/p>

This success embedded in the minds of elites and many ordinary Americans the notion that any further expansion of higher education would be good for individuals and the country. State legislatures founded new systems of universities and community colleges. Congress pumped large sums into higher education and took up the idea of somehow subsidizing loans to college and graduate students.<\/p>

As a result, the share of Americans pursuing higher education rose from just 5% before WWII to nearly two-thirds today, with almost 40% earning a bachelor's degree. Those numbers have been increased by seemingly generous student loans, the proceeds of which are gobbled up by a vast increase in higher education administrators (they now outnumber teachers) and by ever-higher tuitions.<\/p>

As Charles Murray argued in his 2008 book Real Education<\/a>, these are far higher percentages than the share of the population with the cognitive skills needed to profit from serious four-year undergraduate study, much less advanced graduate school. Schools have responded with reduced rigor and grade inflation to the point that, as Palantir CEO Alex Karp noted<\/a>, \"Inflated grades have degraded the value of college degrees.\"<\/p>

The result is that American society, which before the GI Bill of Rights tended to provide higher education to too few, now provides it to too many. Consequently, we have what the maverick scholar Peter Turchin called an \"overproduction of elites.\"<\/p>

One consequence is that the economic premium from a bachelor's degree is becoming smaller<\/a>, if not vanishing. Another is that there is a glut of college graduates entering the labor market \u2014 some 7 million since January 2020 \u2014 while the number of those without such a degree is declining<\/a>. A country with shortages of construction workers and truck drivers has a glut of people whose credentials lead them to think they should be running things.<\/p>

The result, as Silicon Valley investor Peter Thiel predicted<\/a> back in 2020, is a crash in expectations, as young people facing an expensive housing market with disappointing salaries and high costs will \"find it very hard to start accumulating capital in the form of real estate and then if one has no stake in the capitalist system, then one may well turn against it.\"<\/p>

All of which helps explain the election of the self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani as the next mayor of New York City<\/a>. His core constituency was \"a group that has become increasingly central to American politics,\" John Carney wrote<\/a> in the New York Post. \"The downwardly mobile professionals, the overproduced graduates of our university system, raised to expect middle-class stability and discovering instead that the system has little to offer beyond high rent and burnout.\"<\/p>

Or, as Gregory Conti wrote<\/a> in First Things, his core constituency was \"the college-educated, cash-strapped professional middle class.\"<\/p>

I've called this group the barista proletariat<\/a>, and it has proved crucial not only in New York but also in the election of teacher union official Brandon Johnson as mayor of Chicago in 2023 and in the elevation of university towns over industrial cities as the most Democratic counties in presidential target states.<\/p>

BAD NEWS FOR REPUBLICANS, WARNINGS FOR BOTH PARTIES<\/a><\/p>

Nationally, this is a splinter group. Mandani got just 50.4% of the vote in a city where the last four Democratic presidential nominees got 68%, 76%, 79%, and 81%. But the command of police forces in central cities with a disproportionate share of the nation's economic product and violent crimes has consequences.<\/p>

Surveys show that Mamdani received high percentages from recent migrants to New York and from young voters. Neither has memories of how the crime-fighting policies of former Mayors Rudy Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg (1994-2013) made the city, and in particular their gentrified neighborhoods, more liberal. Nor have they experienced the repeated failures of rent control and socialist provision, which Mamdani has championed. The overproduced elite is well-positioned to inflict major damage on the nation it disdains but feels entitled to lead.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25310754404399-e1762832276182.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884673-1762965476", "title":"Kash Patel says China agreed to stop production of fentanyl ingredients", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fjustice%2F3884673%2Fkash-patel-says-china-agreed-stop-production-fentanyl-ingredients%2F", "byline":"Kaelan Deese", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"China agreed to halt the production of fentanyl precursor chemicals and to place seven of its chemical subsidiaries under new controls, FBI Director Kash Patel announced Wednesday, following a previously unreported trip to Beijing that he said was aimed at curbing the global supply of the deadly synthetic opioid. Patel said his meetings in China last week, […]", "description":""

China<\/a> agreed to halt the production of fentanyl precursor chemicals and to place seven of its chemical subsidiaries under new controls, FBI<\/a> Director Kash Patel<\/a> announced Wednesday, following a previously unreported trip to Beijing that he said was aimed at curbing the global supply of the deadly synthetic opioid.<\/p>

Patel said his meetings in China last week, revealed<\/a> by Reuters on Monday, came at the direction of President\u00a0Donald Trump<\/a>, whose Oct. 30 summit with Chinese President\u00a0Xi Jinping<\/a>\u00a0in South Korea led to renewed bilateral cooperation on narcotics control and trade issues.<\/p>

\u201cPrecursors are what makes up fentanyl,\u201d Patel said during a briefing at the White House, adding that China \"has officially designated and listed all 13 precursors used to make fentanyl.\"<\/p>

\u201cWhile we ... have been fighting hard to seize and stop drug traffickers, we must attack fentanyl precursors, the ingredients necessary to make this lethal drug,\" Patel said, alluding to the War Department's recent and increasingly more frequent<\/a> airstrikes on Venezuelan<\/a> drug boats in the Caribbean Sea outside of Trinidad and Tobago.<\/p>

FBI Director Kash Patel on trip to China and fentanyl precursors: "President Trump has shut off the pipeline that creates fentanyl that kills tens of thousands of Americans. These substances are now banned." pic.twitter.com\/ExkB20UXXy<\/a><\/p>— CSPAN (@cspan) November 12, 2025<\/a>

The White House announcement followed a New York Times<\/a> report earlier this week that revealed that Beijing tightened its export restrictions on a wider range of chemicals tied to synthetic opioid production.<\/p>

On Monday, China\u2019s Ministry of Commerce and four other government agencies added 13 chemicals to a list requiring licenses for export to the United States, Mexico, and Canada, a step analysts said was aimed at implementing the Trump-Xi agreement reached during their meeting in South Korea<\/a> late last month.<\/p>China deal comes amid other efforts to ease trade tensions

China\u2019s new export rules came alongside other gestures to ease trade tensions, including a one-year suspension of sanctions against several U.S. subsidiaries of South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean and temporary relief for certain port-related measures.<\/p>

Beijing\u2019s actions were described by Chinese scholar Wu Xinbo, dean of the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, as part of a broader effort \u201cto implement what they agreed to at the summit.\u201d<\/p>

U.S. officials have long blamed China\u2019s sprawling chemical industry for supplying precursors that Mexican cartels use to manufacture fentanyl, which remains the leading cause of overdose deaths in the U.S.\u00a0In 2023, there were over 105,000 drug-related deaths in the nation, according<\/a> to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.<\/p>

By 2024, the number of fatal overdoses fell by nearly 25%, or roughly 30,000 fewer deaths, according<\/a> to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The FBI director suggested that if the deal holds true, it could play a major part in hindering the movement of the deadly drugs across the southern border.<\/p>

\"That was the sole purpose of my trip to China, to eliminate these precursors, and if successful, we would suffocate the drug-trafficking organizations\u2019 ability to manufacture fentanyl in places like Mexico,\" Patel added, saying this was the first time a bureau director traveled to China in more than a decade. It is not immediately clear which previous director traveled to China prior to his most recent trip.<\/p>Patel's trip announcement follows criticism over FBI plane usage

The unreported trip to China came at a time when the director is facing public criticism for his use of the bureau's private jet for a reported trip to see his girlfriend.<\/p>

Justice Department officials on Wednesday pushed back heavily on the Wall Street Journal's reporting<\/a> about the frustrations and criticisms of Patel's use of the jet allegedly elevating to the top of the Justice Department, including to Attorney General Pam Bondi<\/a>.<\/p>

Fake news by WSJ gets shot called\ud83d\udc47\ud83c\udffdhttps:\/\/t.co\/ODpmZTQPLx<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/kFpYkmj3PQ<\/a><\/p>— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) November 12, 2025<\/a>

\"Fake news by WSJ gets shot called,\" Patel posted to X on Wednesday, pointing to a statement by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who called the outlet's reporting \"flat-out false.\"<\/p>

DRUG BOAT STRIKES ARE TIED TO VENEZUELA. THAT'S NOT WHERE THE FENTANYL COMES FROM<\/a><\/p>

\"The Attorney General and I have worked shoulder-to-shoulder with Director Patel every step of the way,\" Blanche added. \"Any anonymous coward spreading lies to divide this Department insults the men and women of law enforcement who risk their lives to keep this country safe.\"<\/p>

The Washington Examiner contacted a representative from the FBI for comment.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25316680444878.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884511-1762965064", "title":"Kash Patel’s girlfriend sues commentator over post suggesting Mossad connection", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3884511%2Fkash-patels-girlfriend-sues-commentator-over-post-suggesting-mossad-connection%2F", "byline":"Asher Notheis", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"FBI Director Kash Patel’s girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, is suing an online commentator for $5 million over a social media post he made in September that she claims is falsely tying her to Mossad. Wilkins, a country musician who has been in a relationship with Patel since January 2023, filed a lawsuit on Oct. 28 against […]", "description":""

FBI<\/a> Director Kash Patel\u2019s<\/a> girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, is suing an online commentator for $5 million over a social media post he made in September that she claims is falsely tying her to Mossad.<\/p>

Wilkins, a country musician who has been in a relationship with Patel since January 2023, filed a lawsuit on Oct. 28 against RiftTV CEO Elijah Schaffer over his post on X. Schaffer reposted a statement on X saying Mossad, the national intelligence agency of Israel, would send \u201cfemale operatives\u201d to Iran \u201cinfiltrating government surveillance networks,\u201d and Schaffer\u2019s repost<\/a> included a picture of Wilkins and Patel together.<\/p>

\u201cWhile defendant may not have included any caption to spell out the meaning of the post, he didn\u2019t have to. Ever since Kash Patel was appointed as Director of the FBI in February 2025, the conspiratorial corners of the internet and social media have been spreading a false narrative that Ms. Wilkins is an Israeli Mossad agent, or \u2018honeypot,\u2019 who is only in a relationship with Kash Patel to spy on and manipulate the United States government,\u201d Wilkins\u2019s lawsuit reads.<\/p>

The lawsuit<\/a> claims that Schaffer\u2019s viewers on X \u201cinterpreted\u201d his post to be calling Wilkins a Mossad agent. The suit also cites Schaffer\u2019s other post criticizing Israel<\/a>, accusing it of \u201ccontrolling the United States and its politicians.\u201d<\/p>

Schaffer issued a 14-minute. video responding to the lawsuit on X, saying he \u201cnever\u201d called her a honeypot. He also said it is \u201chighly suspicious\u201d how the \u201centire\u201d lawsuit is based on his thoughts on Israel\u2019s government.<\/p>

Wilkins\u2019s lawsuit<\/a> was filed through the Binnall Law Group. The Washington Examiner has contacted Binnall Law Group, RiftTV, and the Justice Department\u2019s Office of Public Affairs for comment.<\/p>

TRUMP ORDERS DOJ INVESTIGATION OF MEATPACKING INDUSTRY PRICE GOUGING, REFLECTING AFFORDABILITY AGENDA<\/a><\/p>

According to Newsweek,<\/a> Wilkins has sued two other people, podcast host Kyle Seraphin and former Utah Senate candidate Sam Parker, for spreading \u201clies\u201d about her. <\/p>

Patel defended his girlfriend earlier this month on X, saying the \u201cdisgustingly baseless attacks\u201d against her are \u201cbeyond pathetic.\u201d He added that he would not be distracted by \u201cbaseless rumors.\u201d <\/p>

A community note attached to Patel\u2019s X post <\/a>said that social media users were not mostly targeting Wilkins, but rather his reported firing of people, and his use of a government jet to see Wilkins perform the national anthem at a wrestling match.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25052838447893.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884815-1762964819", "title":"AOC ducks on criticizing Chuck Schumer, but admits New York Senate noise is real", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fsenate%2F3884815%2Faoc-ducks-criticize-schumer-new-york-senate-noise-real%2F", "byline":"Rachel Schilke", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) dodged questions on whether Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) should step aside as party leader but acknowledged that the calls for her to challenge him for his seat in the Senate are real. Ocasio-Cortez said on Wednesday the blame is not just on Schumer but on the seven Senate Democrats […]", "description":""

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez<\/a> (D-NY) dodged questions on whether Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer<\/a> (D-NY) should step aside as party leader but acknowledged that the calls for her to challenge him for his seat in the Senate are real.<\/p>

Ocasio-Cortez said on Wednesday the blame is not just on Schumer but on the seven Senate Democrats<\/a> and one Democratic-aligned independent who voted with most Republicans<\/a> to overcome a 60-vote filibuster and reopen the government earlier this week.<\/p>

\"A leader is a reflection of the party, and Senate Democrats have selected their leadership to represent them,\" Ocasio-Cortez said when asked if it was time for Schumer to step away. \"So the question needs to be bigger than just one person.\"<\/p>

She acknowledged calls from her supporters to launch a bid for the upper chamber.<\/p>

\"I know I'm being asked about New York. That is years from now,\" Ocasio-Cortez said, reminding her voters that Schumer wouldn't be up for reelection until 2028.<\/p>

\"We actually do have Senate elections this year, and my hope is that people across this country actually participate in their primary elections in selecting their leadership,\" the New York<\/a> congresswoman continued.<\/p>

It is worth noting that none of the eight Democratic Caucus members who voted to break the filibuster are up for reelection in 2026.<\/p>

For months, there has been speculation about Ocasio-Cortez launching a primary bid against Schumer, after the longtime Senate Democrat voted with Republicans to overcome the 60-vote filibuster in March to help ease along a continuing resolution. Though he did not vote for the filibuster on the CR this time around, a handful of House Democrats began calling on Schumer to step aside after failing to \"meet the moment.\"<\/p>

\u201cSenator Schumer is no longer effective and should be replaced,\u201d Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) said in a post<\/a> on X following the vote. \u201cIf you can\u2019t lead the fight to stop healthcare premiums from skyrocketing for Americans, what will you fight for?\u201d<\/p>

Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA), who is running for Senate against Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) next year, said the vote on Sunday evening was \"another example of why we need new leadership.\"<\/p>

BERNIE SANDERS BLASTS ESTABLISHMENT CANDIDATES, BACKS AOC FOR 2028<\/a><\/p>

\"If @ChuckSchumer were an effective leader, he would have united his caucus to vote \u2018No\u2019 tonight and hold the line on healthcare,\u201d Moulton wrote<\/a> on X. \"Maybe now @EdMarkey will finally join me in pledging not to vote for Schumer?\"<\/p>

No Democratic senators have called for Schumer to step aside, though a few called the deal a mistake or a \"very bad night<\/a>.\" <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/GettyImages-2243391925.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884947-1762964653", "title":"Pritzker open to conversation with Trump on alderman’s immigration proposal", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fimmigration%2F3884947%2Fpritzker-conversation-trump-aldermans-immigration-proposal%2F", "byline":"Center Square", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"(The Center Square) – A letter from a Chicago alderman to President Donald Trump could lead to a conversation with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker over immigration. Alderman Raymond Lopez wrote to the president and proposed that noncitizens with clean criminal records in the country for more than 10 years pay a $2,500 fee to gain […]", "description":""

(The Center Square) \u2013 A letter from a Chicago<\/a> alderman to President Donald Trump<\/a> could lead to a conversation with Illinois<\/a> Gov. JB Pritzker<\/a> over immigration<\/a>.<\/p>

Alderman Raymond Lopez wrote to the president and proposed that noncitizens with clean criminal records in the country for more than 10 years pay a $2,500 fee to gain pardon and amnesty.<\/p>

Lopez\u2019s plan also would allow U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem<\/a> to expedite the removal of more recent arrivals who don\u2019t have pending merit hearing cases.<\/p>

\u201cSeparating the Biden\/Harris migrants from the long-term undocumented is a must,\u201d Lopez told The Center Square.<\/p>

In his letter, Lopez wrote to Trump that addressing the \u201cunchecked influx of migrants\u201d that entered the country under former President Joe Biden<\/a> and former Vice President Kamala Harris<\/a> \"has rightly been among your highest domestic priorities.\u201d<\/p>

Lopez said cities like Chicago, Portland, New York, and others have taken the opportunity to push back on Trump\u2019s efforts to secure the borders, secure communities, and enforce the laws enacted by Congress.<\/p>

The alderman reminded the president that he promised during the campaign to go after the most dangerous noncitizens across the country and also shared his support for a pathway for eligible Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) residents.<\/p>

When asked by The Center Square, Pritzker did not rule out using Lopez\u2019 letter as the basis for dialogue with Trump over immigration.<\/p>

\u201cI\u2019m always open to a conversation with the president. I will say that when he does things like threatens to jail the mayor of Chicago, the governor of Illinois, the governor of California, etcetera, it makes it all the more difficult,\u201d Pritzker said.<\/p>

Pritzker said he has long advocated for immigration reform.<\/p>

Lopez, a Chicago Democrat, said Pritzker\u2019s comments were interesting but added that the governor\u2019s rhetoric has not exactly matched what Lopez proposed.<\/p>

The alderman said his letter has drawn a lot of interest because it is so pragmatic.<\/p>

\u201cEspecially when it is offered from a Democrat to a Republican as a way to find a middle ground,\u201d Lopez suggested.<\/p>

Lopez said there could be movement on the issue even if the president does not respond specifically to his letter.<\/p>

SOME \u2018COMMUNITY PEACEKEEPERS\u2019 CHAMPIONED BY DEMOCRATS NOW CHARGED WITH MURDER<\/a><\/p>

\u201cMany members within the administration, even secretary-level members, are discussing and beginning to draw plans for what a possible, potential amnesty program looks like in the United States,\u201d Lopez said.<\/p>

Lopez promised a campaign to raise awareness in Illinois and particularly in Chicago.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/AP25289786746071.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883303-1762964574", "title":"Adelita Grijalva signs Epstein discharge petition moments after being sworn in by Mike Johnson", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse%2F3883303%2Fmike-johnson-swears-in-adelita-grijalva-last-signature-epstein-petition%2F", "byline":"Lauren Green", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ) has become the decisive 218th signatory of a discharge petition forcing a vote on a full release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, moments after being sworn in by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). Grijalva has been in congressional limbo since Sept. 24, when she won her House seat in a special […]", "description":""

Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ) has become the decisive 218th signatory of a discharge petition forcing a vote on a full release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, moments after being sworn in by House Speaker Mike Johnson<\/a> (R-LA).<\/p>

Grijalva has been in congressional limbo since Sept. 24, when she won her House seat in a special election. Johnson had pushed off swearing her in while the House<\/a> remained out of session during the government shutdown. But with a deal finally being struck to reopen the government, she officially became a member of the 119th Congress on Wednesday afternoon.<\/p>

Moments after being sworn in, she signed the discharge petition brought by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA). The petition had been sitting on 217 signatures, one short of the ability to call a vote after seven legislative days, and has been a thorn in the side of Johnson and President Donald Trump. Grijalva joins all Democrats in signing it, as well as Massie and Reps. Nancy Mace (R-SC), Lauren Boebert (R-CO), and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA).<\/p>

Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ) slammed the speaker for the delay in swearing in Grijalva on the House floor on Wednesday before she gave remarks thanking her family and constituents.<\/p>

\"It had been 50 days since the people of Arizona's 7th Congressional District elected me to represent them, 50 days that over 800,000 Arizonans have been left without access to the basic services that every constituent deserves,\" Grijalva, who was joined by two Epstein survivors in the chamber for her ceremony, said in her first speech on the House floor. \"This is an abuse of power.\"<\/p>

Trump, House GOP leadership, and the Justice Department have sought to move past the Epstein files following public fallout from when the department announced after the July 4 weekend that it had no plans to make any further documents available and affirmed that Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges related to the sex trafficking of minors.<\/p>

In an effort to move past the issue, CNN reported<\/a> that the White House planned to hold a meeting with Boebert before the petition could reach 218 signatures.<\/p>

Boebert later confirmed the meeting did take place, thanking White House officials for meeting with her.<\/p>

\"Together, we remain committed to ensuring transparency for the American people,\" Boebert said in a post to X.<\/p>

House Oversight Committee ranking member Robert Garcia (D-CA) told reporters he was \u201cvery concerned\u201d about the meeting with Boebert, while asking why the president is directing a \u201ccover-up.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cDonald Trump is now apparently calling Republican members of Congress directly, bringing them possibly to the White House to take them off the petition,\u201d Garcia said.<\/p>

When asked about Trump speaking with Boebert in a press conference, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded by asking<\/a>, \u201cDoesn\u2019t it show transparency that members of the Trump administration are willing to brief members of Congress whenever they please?\u201d<\/p>

The House Oversight Committee has launched its own investigation into the Epstein files, issuing multiple subpoenas and releasing batches of documents from the DOJ and the Epstein estate.<\/p>

Democrats on the committee released emails<\/a> from Epstein about Trump, just hours before Grijalva was sworn in, in which the disgraced financier claimed that the president \u201cspent hours at my house\u201d and \u201cof course he knew about the girls.\u201d<\/p>

\"What we think is most important is that all the speculation about what happened or what may not have happened could end right now if Donald Trump releases the Epstein files,\" Garcia told the Washington Examiner following the release of the emails. <\/p>

As of late last month, the Arizona Democrat holds the record for the longest time between an election and swearing-in ceremony. Johnson continued to insist that she deserved the same \"pomp and circumstance\" as any other member and painted the picture of the House in session with her family in the balcony.<\/p>

Grijalva \u201cwon her election after the House was out of session, so we have not had a full session,\u201d Johnson said a few weeks ago. \u201cShe deserves to have all the pomp and circumstance that everybody else does.\u201d<\/p>

It has been a long journey for Democrats since Grijalva was elected on Sept. 23 to replace her late father, former Rep. Ra\u00fal Grijalva, who died earlier this year. Members of her party have demanded she be sworn in during pro forma sessions in the House, marched to Johnson's office, and even approached the speaker in the Capitol.<\/p>

Johnson interrupted Sens. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) after they made their way over to the lower chamber to speak with reporters last month on the issue of swearing her in. Johnson told the senators he would swear her in when they vote to end the government shutdown.<\/p>

The current House GOP majority is two seats, with 219 Republicans and 214 Democrats, meaning Johnson can only afford to lose two GOP votes and still pass legislation along party lines. Grijalva did not change the margin due to House numbers.<\/p>

The House returned to Washington following the Senate's passage of its version of the continuing resolution, and many Democrats plan on voting against the measure. The upper chamber's version extends the CR to Jan. 31, 2026, and includes a minibus of three appropriations bills that would fund the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Agriculture, among others. The bill does not include any extension of the Obamacare subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of this year, that Democrats have been fighting for.<\/p>

OBAMA SHOWS HIS STAR POWER STILL BURNS BRIGHT ONE YEAR ON FROM HARRIS DISAPPOINTMENT<\/a><\/p>

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) denounced the new bill and has advised his members to vote against it because it does not address premium Obamacare subsidies they wanted extended as part of the shutdown fight.<\/p>

\u201cWe will not support spending legislation advanced by Senate Republicans that fails to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits,\u201d Jeffries said in a statement.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IMG_5970-e1763044167256.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884807-1762964055", "title":"Most of Mamdani’s campaign promises are ‘not gonna happen’: Salena Zito", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3884807%2Fmost-mamdanis-campaign-promises-not-gonna-happen-salena-zito%2F", "byline":"Jenny Goldsberry", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Washington Examiner senior columnist Salena Zito predicted that New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will not accomplish “half” of what he’s promised his supporters. “[Mamdani] is not going to get half of what he said he’s going to get,” Zito said on the Charlie Kirk Show Tuesday. “Free child care for all between six weeks […]", "description":""

Washington Examiner senior columnist Salena Zito<\/a> predicted that New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will not accomplish \u201chalf\u201d of what he\u2019s promised his supporters.<\/p>

\u201c[Mamdani] is not going to get half of what he said he's going to get,\u201d Zito said on the Charlie Kirk Show<\/a> Tuesday. \u201cFree child care<\/a> for all between six weeks and six years old. That's not going to happen. I don't know who can pay for that.\u201d<\/p>

However, Zito gave Mamdani credit for speaking to voters with a promise to improve their city, which has become increasingly expensive to live<\/a>.<\/p>

\u201cIt's eight out of 10 young Americans [that] live within 20 miles of their hometown, like where they grew up. So, they want to be rooted. So, who's speaking to that?\u201d Zito said. \u201cThe politician that speaks to it sort of captures the imagination, in particular if you're young. And that's what Zohran did. He showed up and he said, \u2018I see you and I'm going to make everything better.\u2019\u201d<\/p>

The average home price<\/a> in New York City is $735,000. Meanwhile, the average salary rate<\/a> is about $23 an hour.<\/p>

WHAT DEMOCRATS ARE MISSING IN TRYING TO RECAPTURE YOUNG PEOPLE<\/a><\/p>

According to an ABC News exit poll<\/a>, Mamdani swept the majority of voters who have lived in New York City for less than five years, with eight out of 10 electing him. However, a majority of New York voters who have lived in the city for over 10 years voted for former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.<\/p>

Meanwhile, adults in the United States are shifting their opinions on economic systems<\/a>, with 54% of those surveyed in a September Gallup poll<\/a> reporting a favorable opinion of capitalism. This was the lowest approval rating in the six years Gallup has polled on the topic of capitalism.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25300655192880.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884735-1762963960", "title":"Trump administration sanctions firms supporting Iran’s military capabilities", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F3884735%2Ftrump-administration-sanctions-firms-support-iran-military%2F", "byline":"David Zimmermann", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Trump administration on Wednesday announced new sanctions on foreign firms, including those in China and India, supporting Iran‘s military capabilities through the production of ballistic missiles and drones. The Treasury Department revealed that the sanctions target 32 entities and individuals in Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, China, Hong Kong, India, Germany, and Ukraine […]", "description":""

The Trump administration<\/a> on Wednesday announced new sanctions<\/a> on foreign firms, including those in China and India, supporting Iran<\/a>'s military capabilities through the production of ballistic missiles and drones.<\/p>

The Treasury Department<\/a> revealed that the sanctions target 32 entities and individuals in Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, China, Hong Kong, India, Germany, and Ukraine that operate weapons procurement networks on behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps<\/a> and its overseas Quds Force. Both groups are designated terrorist organizations.<\/p>

Among the sanctions' targets is a three-person venture that the Treasury described as the \"MVM partnership,\" which is accused of sourcing ballistic missile propellant ingredients from China on behalf of Iran's Defense Industries Organization. Additionally, four Iranian employees were sanctioned for participating in or overseeing the production of unmanned aerial vehicle components.<\/p>

\"Across the globe, Iran exploits financial systems to launder funds, procure components for its nuclear and conventional weapons programs, and support its terrorist proxies,\" John Hurley, undersecretary of the Treasury's Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, said in a statement<\/a>.<\/p>

\"At the direction of President Trump, we are putting maximum pressure on Iran to end its nuclear threat,\" he added. \"The United States also expects the international community to fully implement UN snapback sanctions on Iran to cut off its access to the global financial system.\"<\/p>

Wednesday's action marked the second round of U.S. nonproliferation sanctions<\/a> against Iran since the snapback measures returned.<\/p>

In September, the United Nations<\/a> reimposed its sanctions on Iran after the snapback mechanism<\/a> in the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal was triggered by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The three European nations accused Iran of \"significant nonperformance\" of its nuclear commitments under the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.<\/p>

The snapback mechanism is a veto-proof tool invoked whenever a member of the 2015 international agreement finds that Iran has violated the terms of the nuclear agreement.<\/p>

The reimposed U.N. sanctions include an arms embargo, restrictions on Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, a ban on exporting items that could contribute to these programs, and asset freezes and travel bans on Iranian individuals and entities involved in prohibited activities.<\/p>

In a press statement<\/a>, the State Department<\/a> called on all U.N. member states to implement their legally obligated pre-2016 sanctions.<\/p>

MEXICAN AUTHORITIES THWART ALLEGED IRANIAN ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT ON ISRAELI AMBASSADOR<\/a><\/p>

Russia and China are among the U.N. members that do not recognize the return of sanctions on Iran.<\/p>

\"The United States will continue to use all available means, including sanctions on entities based in third countries, to expose, disrupt, and counter Iran\u2019s procurement of equipment and items for its ballistic missile and UAV programs,\" State Department spokesman Thomas Pigott said, adding that the weapons programs \"jeopardize regional security and international stability.\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25268755147914.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884901-1762963421", "title":"Georgia students score higher on accountability index", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Feducation%2F3884901%2Fgeorgia-students-score-higher-accountability-index%2F", "byline":"Center Square", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"(The Center Square) – Georgia’s high school graduation rates rose 1.5 percentage points to 87.2%, according to the results of the 2025 College and Career Ready Performance Index released Wednesday. The index also shows improvements in content mastery, which includes scores in English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, among elementary, middle, and high school […]", "description":""

(The Center Square)\u00a0\u2013 Georgia's<\/a> high school<\/a> graduation rates rose 1.5 percentage points to 87.2%, according to the results of the 2025 College and Career Ready Performance Index released Wednesday.<\/p>

The index also shows improvements in content mastery, which includes scores in English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, among elementary, middle, and high school students<\/a>.<\/p>

Students across all levels also boosted their readiness scores, which measure a long list of achievements, including how many students are at or above grade-level when it comes to reading, attendance, and accelerated enrollment, according to the Georgia Department of Education.<\/p>

The only decreases were in the progress component, which tracks growth in English Language Arts and mathematics, and the progress of how well English learners are towards proficiency, according to the department. The scores were down 0.1 percentage points for elementary school students and 0.5 percentage points for high school students, according to the results.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cThis year\u2019s College and Career Ready Performance Index scores show strong improvements in our students\u2019 academic achievement and their preparation for life,\u201d state Superintendent Richard Woods said. \u201cThey also point the way toward areas where we can continue to grow and expand opportunities in all of Georgia\u2019s public schools.\"<\/p>

Calhoun County, a small county in the southwestern portion of the state, had content mastery scores increase by 11.8 percentage points for elementary students, 7.1 percentage points for middle schoolers, and 12.4 percentage points in the county's high school, according to information provided by the education department.<\/p>

\u201cEither they will become employed, they will enroll in a postsecondary institution, or they will enlist in the military,\u201d Calhoun County School Superintendent Pamela Quimbley said in a statement. \u201cThat is the vision I have for our students \u2013 for them to become productive citizens.\u201d<\/p>

REPUBLICANS SEE WARNING SIGNS, OSSOFF SEES HOPE AFTER PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONER OUSTINGS<\/a><\/p>

The education department\u00a0announced in September<\/a>\u00a0that the state's graduation rate of 87.2% was an all-time high. The 2024 graduation rate was 85.4%.system<\/p>

Every state school system is required to measure accountability as a provision of the\u00a0Every Student Succeeds Act,<\/a>\u00a0signed by former President Barack Obama in 2015. The index is the measuring tool for Georgia, according to the department.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25155663008748.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884493-1762962455", "title":"Pennsylvania Democrats concede to GOP on fossil fuel regulation as lawmakers look to end budget standoff", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Feconomy%2F3884493%2Fpennsylvania-democrats-gop-fossil-fuel-regulation%2F", "byline":"Molly Parks", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Pennsylvania‘s over 100-day budget impasse is nearing an end after the General Assembly passed a state budget exceeding $50 billion and sent the deal to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s (D-PA) desk on Wednesday afternoon. The impasse hit Pennsylvania school budgets hard as public school administrators began to warn of the long-term impacts on district operations. The over four-month […]", "description":""

Pennsylvania<\/a>'s over 100-day budget<\/a> impasse is nearing an end after the General Assembly passed a state budget exceeding $50 billion and sent the deal to Gov.\u00a0Josh Shapiro's (D-PA) desk on\u00a0Wednesday afternoon.<\/p>

The impasse hit Pennsylvania school budgets<\/a> hard as public school administrators began to warn of the long-term impacts on district operations. The over four-month stalemate between the state's two parties showed tangible signs of ending this week when lawmakers agreed to a\u00a0funding deal, in which Democrats agreed to withdraw from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative as part of the\u00a0negotiations.<\/p>

Republicans have opposed the initiative as a hindrance to Pennsylvania's natural gas programs since former Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf joined the group in 2022, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer<\/a>. Democrats conceded the state's membership to the initiative in order to secure more funding for public schools and an earned income tax credit for lower-income families, according to the Associated Press<\/a>.<\/p>

The state House first passed the budget by a vote of 156-47, and the Senate then also confirmed it by a vote of 40-9. Most of the no votes came from the Republican caucus, except for two Democratic senators and one Democratic House member who also voted no.<\/p>

Republican state Rep. Kristin Marcell of Bucks County voted in favor of the bill and touted its ability to fund the state \"without raising taxes or tapping into the Rainy Day Fund.\" She also praised the deal for pulling Pennsylvania out of the RGGI.<\/p>

\"This will give our energy industry the jumpstart it needs to grow to meet the increasing energy demands of Pennsylvanians and our country as a whole,\" Marcell said.<\/p>

Marcell and Democratic State Rep. Mike Schlossberg of Lehigh County, who also voted for the bill, each touted the budget's investments in education. Marcell highlighted the budget's investment in Career and Technical Education, which amounted to a state appropriation<\/a> of over $144 million.<\/p>

\"This budget represents our continued efforts to ensure fair funding for Parkland and Allentown schools, invests in critically needed mental healthcare, reduces costs for Pennsylvanians, and gets stuff done in Pennsylvania,\" Schlossberg said.<\/p>

However, the bipartisan-passed budget also led to some bipartisan pushback, with Republican no-votes arguing that the spending still went too far and Democratic no-votes contending that their caucus had conceded too much.<\/p>

\"I voted NO on the main budget bill because it spends too much. The governor\u2019s budget proposal would have resulted in a tax increase in 2027. The lower spending level in the bill passed today will still cause a tax increase, but not until 2028. Pennsylvania is overspending, not undertaxing,\" GOP state Rep. Brad Roae said.<\/p>

Democratic state Rep. Greg Vitali, a staunch environmentalist, criticized the legislation for conceding the RGGI. He told Spotlight PA<\/a> that the Democrats are \"caving in\" to Republicans and sacrificing the \"only serious thing,\" the RGGI, that would help address climate change in Pennsylvania.<\/p>

\"Democrats and the governor have ceded to this, along with other environmental asks, as a way of coming to a budget agreement and getting other things they deem important,\" Vitali said.<\/p>

PENNSYLVANIA FUNDING HAS SPIKED 64% UNDER LAST TWO GOVERNORS<\/a><\/p>

The free-market-based public policy think tank, the Commonwealth Foundation, praised the move, with the group's COO and general counsel stating that lawmakers \"finally freed our commonwealth from the threat of crippling energy taxes under RGGI.\"<\/p>

Shapiro, who has been acutely involved<\/a> in the budget deal, is expected to sign the budget on Wednesday afternoon.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/PA-State-Capitol-scaled.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884731-1762961392", "title":"Kentucky officials name the 14 victims killed in UPS plane crash", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fbusiness%2F3884731%2Fkentucky-officials-name-14-victims-killed-in-ups-plane-crash%2F", "byline":"Pedro Rodriguez", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Today, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, alongside other Kentucky officials, named the 14 victims of the United Parcel Service plane crash outside of Muhammad Ali International Airport on Nov. 4.    “Our city feels the full weight of this unimaginable tragedy,” Greenberg said at the press conference. “Behind every one of these names is a circle of […]", "description":""

Today, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, alongside other Kentucky<\/a> officials, named the 14 victims of the United Parcel Service<\/a> plane crash outside of Muhammad Ali International Airport<\/a> on Nov. 4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

\"Our city feels the full weight of this unimaginable tragedy,\u201d Greenberg said at the press conference. \u201cBehind every one of these names is a circle of family, friends, stories that will forever be unfinished.\"<\/p>

\"I hope that with this certainty, their grieving can continue and turn to healing, and that they can begin to find ways to move forward, to recover from this trauma and find joy and happiness in life once again, knowing it will never be the same without their loved one,\" he added.<\/p>

The victims include Capt. Dana Diamond, 62, Capt. Richard Wartenberg, 57, First Officer Lee Truitt, 45, Angela Anderson, 45, Carlos Fernandez, 52, Trinadette \u201cTrina\u201d Chavez, 37, Tony Crain, 65, John Loucks, 52, John Spray, 45, Matthew Sweets, 37, Ella Petty Whorton, 31, Megan Washburn, 35, Louisnes Fedon, 47, and Fedon's 3-year-old granddaughter Kimberly Asa. <\/p>

Greenberg said the victims were able to be identified through DNA, medical, and dental records \u2014 which were completed less than 24 hours ago \u2014 as well as cooperation from UPS on the identities of the pilots.\u00a0<\/p>

Jefferson County Coroner Jo-Ann Farmer stood alongside Greenberg at the press conference and said that \"there's almost a sense of relief\" between officials and the families of the victims that all of the bodies have been identified.<\/p>

\"I had a family member ask me yesterday, 'How do you ever get used to this? And I said 'I don't,'\" Farmer stated. \"If I get used to this and it doesn't bother me, I'm in the wrong profession.\"<\/p>

UPS, FEDEX GROUND PLANE MODEL INVOLVED IN DEADLY LOUISVILLE FLIGHT<\/a><\/p>

Video of the crash circulated on social media after the Hawaii-bound flight crashed into a nearby facility, obliterating several neighboring buildings and causing a fiery explosion fueled by nearly 38,000 gallons of gas.\u00a0<\/p>

The reason for the crash is still unknown, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration<\/a> to call for an inspection of all such aircraft.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25309475688608.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884195-1762961247", "title":"Israeli president condemns settler mob that burned Palestinian factories and vehicles", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F3884195%2Fisraeli-president-condemns-settler-mob-burned-palestinian-factories-vehicles%2F", "byline":"Timothy Nerozzi", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Israeli President Isaac Herzog and other top officials condemned an outbreak of Israeli settler violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. On Tuesday, a mob of Israeli settlers descended upon an industrial area of the Palestinian town of Beit Lid, setting fire to vehicles, factories, and farmland, as well as attacking residents. “The harsh […]", "description":""

Israeli President Isaac Herzog and other top officials condemned an outbreak of Israeli<\/a> settler violence against Palestinian communities<\/a> in the West Bank.<\/p>

On Tuesday, a mob of Israeli settlers descended upon an industrial area of the Palestinian town of Beit Lid, setting fire to vehicles, factories, and farmland, as well as attacking residents.<\/p>

\"The harsh events that took place this evening in the Shomron by a handful of violent and dangerous individuals are shocking and serious,\" Herzog said<\/a>. \"Such violence against civilians and against IDF soldiers crosses a red line and I condemn it severely.\"<\/p>

\"Shomron,\" sometimes rendered as \"Samaria,\" is a term used by Israelis to refer to regions of the West Bank historically tied to the biblical nation of Israel.<\/p>

Herzog added, \"All state authorities must act decisively to eradicate the phenomenon and to strengthen the IDF fighters and security forces who protect us day and night.\"<\/p>

The mob was captured on surveillance video, showing dozens of settlers donning black face masks<\/a> to conceal their identity, with many brandishing clubs and other blunt weapons.<\/p>

Four Palestinians<\/a> were injured in the attack.<\/p>

Footage published by Palestinian news outlets shows the mob setting fire to trucks, metal sheds, tents, and other infrastructure. The Bedouin village of Deir Sharaf and the Al-Juneidi dairy factory were also targeted.<\/p>

The Israel Defense Forces were dispatched to confront the mob through \"riot dispersal means,\" causing the attackers to flee.<\/p>

The military later clashed with the mob again at the nearby Baron Industrial Zone, where IDF members <\/a>were attacked and military vehicles' tires were punctured.<\/p>

The IDF arrested four rioters, but three of those suspects have already been released from custody.<\/p>

The IDF chief also released a statement condemning the violence, blaming the attacks on a \"criminal minority\" that harms the reputation of fellow Israelis.<\/p>

\"We are aware of the recent violent incidents in which Israeli civilians attacked Palestinians and Israelis,\" Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, IDF chief of staff, said in a statement following the reports. \"I strongly condemn them. The IDF will not tolerate phenomena of a criminal minority that stains a law-abiding public.\"<\/p>

\"These are acts that contradict our values. They cross a red line and divert the attention of our forces from fulfilling their mission, defending the communities, and conducting offensive operations,\" Zamir continued. \"We are determined to stop this phenomenon and will act on this matter severely until justice is done.\"<\/p>

Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, Central Command chief, blamed the attack on \"anarchist fringe youth\" who \"must be dealt with firmly.\u201d<\/p>

The attack on Beit Lid is far from an isolated occurrence. International bodies have said the rate of Israeli-led violence against Palestinian communities has spiked in recent months, with humanitarian groups adding that the Israeli government and IDF are not doing enough to prevent the trend.<\/p>

The United Nations<\/a> Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said October 2025 had \"the highest monthly number of Israeli settler attacks since OCHA began documenting such incidents in 2006.\"<\/p>

The U.N. office said an average of eight incidents a day, totaling over 260 attacks in October, resulted in \"casualties, property damage or both.\"<\/p>

The OCHA reported, \"The surge in October continues a steady upward trend observed throughout the year, with approximately 1,485 settler attacks documented since January 2025, including 172 incidents resulting in casualties, 1,129 causing property damage, and 184 involving both casualties and property damage.\"<\/p>

Jonathan Schanzer, executive director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told the Washington Examiner that the settlers participating in this kind of mob violence are \u201csmall groups of fringe people,\u201d and that they appear more organized than in years past. <\/p>

Schanzer said that Israeli security has been stretched thin by threats from Palestinian \"extremists\" in the West banks, as as Iranian spies and rising violence in the Arab-Israeli community. \"Given all of these severe challenges that threaten Israel directly, there has been less of a sense of urgency to deal with the right wing extremists,\" he said. \"That has obviously changed in recent days.\"<\/p>

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas<\/a> was traveling to France to meet with President Emmanuel Macron in Paris during the attack.<\/p>

The two leaders announced on Wednesday their mutual efforts to \"establish a joint committee for the consolidation of the state of Palestine,\" a body that would primarily focus on reviewing a proposed constitution for Palestinian territories.<\/p>

France recognized a Palestinian sovereign state at the United Nations in September, alongside a number of other European countries, including Belgium and the United Kingdom.<\/p>

During his meeting with Abbas, Macron<\/a> warned that Israeli settler violence has reached intolerable levels and threatened to take action if Israel attempted to annex the West Bank.<\/p>

\"Plans for partial or total annexation, whether legal or de facto, constitute a red line to which we will respond strongly with our European partners,\" Macron said.<\/p>

\"The violence of the settlers and the acceleration of settlement projects are reaching new heights, threatening the stability of the West Bank and constitute violations of international law,\" Macron added.<\/p>

While not taking place in Gaza, the West Bank violence contributes to an air of fragility regarding the Israel-Hamas ceasefire brokered by President Donald Trump.<\/p>

The peace deal was intended to halt all hostilities between Israel and Hamas, but smatterings of violence have continued despite the ostensible armistice.<\/p>

Schanzer said he does not believe the West Bank clashes threaten peace in Gaza directly, but worries that it will have wider effects on Israeli diplomacy.<\/p>

\u201cIt\u2019s for this reason, as well as a general desire of Israel to maintain law and order for the sake of it, that we are seeing a crackdown,\" he said. \"In other words, containing this violence is in Israel\u2019s interest on several levels.\u201d<\/p>

Jared Kushner, son-in-law of Trump, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu<\/a> in Israel earlier this week to discuss the transition from Phase I of the peace plan to Phase II.<\/p>

With the bodies of only four deceased Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza, the United States and Israel are preparing for the disarmament of Hamas as part of the second phase \u2014 an initiative Trump has said he is willing to complete by force if necessary.<\/p>

Trump has also requested Herzog to pardon Netanyahu <\/a>of the crimes he is accused of committing.<\/p>

TRUMP ASKS ISRAELI PRESIDENT TO PARDON NETANYAHU FROM 'POLITICAL, UNJUSTIFIED PROSECUTION'<\/a><\/p>

On Wednesday, Herzog acknowledged that he received the request via an official letter from Trump, who has said the charges made against Netanyahu are a cynical political move.<\/p>

He has repeatedly urged Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, most notably during his October speech before the Knesset<\/a>.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25316386280864.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884670-1762961134", "title":"Daily on Energy: A major revision from IEA, oil plunges, and utilities brace for orders to keep coal", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fdaily-on-energy%2F3884670%2Fdaily-on-energy-major-revision-iea-oil-plunges-utilities-brace-orders-keep-coal%2F", "byline":"Callie Patteson and Maydeen Merino", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY: Good afternoon and happy Wednesday, readers! Did you miss your chance to see the Northern Lights last night? Don’t worry, meteorologists and space weather forecasters are tracking another strong geomagnetic storm hitting our atmosphere that will likely light up the skies again tonight 🌌.  If you’re wanting to catch a glimpse, try […]", "description":""

WHAT\u2019S HAPPENING TODAY: Good afternoon and happy Wednesday, readers! Did you miss your chance to see the Northern Lights last night? Don\u2019t worry, meteorologists and space weather forecasters are tracking<\/a> another strong geomagnetic storm hitting our atmosphere that will likely light up the skies again tonight \ud83c\udf0c. <\/p>

If you\u2019re wanting to catch a glimpse, try to find an unobscured view that allows you to look toward the northern horizon. The less light pollution the better! If you can\u2019t see it with the naked eye, try using your smartphone, as low-exposure photos often will highlight the iconic hues. Check out this photo<\/a> to see what the auroras looked like in Washington, D.C., last night \ud83d\udcf8. <\/p>

In the meantime, enjoy today\u2019s edition of Daily on Energy, in which we dive into the International Energy Agency\u2019s latest forecasts on oil and gas demand (spoiler: they\u2019re walking back last year\u2019s peak prediction). Plus, another utility company is expecting to be asked by the administration to extend the life of another coal plant \ud83c\udfed. Keep reading to find out which one. <\/p>

Welcome to Daily on Energy, written by Washington Examiner energy and environment writers Callie Patteson (@CalliePatteson<\/a>) and Maydeen Merino (@MaydeenMerino<\/a>). Email cpatteson@washingtonexaminer dot com or mmerino@washingtonexaminer dot com for tips, suggestions, calendar items, and anything else. If a friend sent this to you and you\u2019d like to sign up, click here<\/a>. If signing up doesn\u2019t work, shoot us an email, and we\u2019ll add you to our list.<\/p>

IEA REVERSES COURSE, PREDICTS FOSSIL FUEL DEMAND WILL GROW: One year after predicting that fossil fuel demand would peak by the end of the decade, the International Energy Agency is now saying that demand will continue to grow over the next several decades. <\/p>

In its World Energy Outlook report released<\/a> this morning, the IEA estimated that if there are no major policy changes aimed at curbing fossil fuel use, oil and gas demand will not peak by 2050. The IEA now estimates that crude demand will rise to 113 million barrels per day by 2050, with gas demand jumping to 5,600 billion cubic metres in that same timeframe. <\/p>

If nations follow through on all proposed green policies, oil demand would likely peak at 102 million barrels per day around 2030, while natural gas demand would only increase by around 1% annually to 2035. In both cases, coal demand is expected to decline. <\/p>

Some context: In today\u2019s report, the IEA reintroduced its \u201cCurrent Policies Scenario\u201d which has not been used for five years. This scenario, better known as CPS, provides a baseline forecast for oil and gas demand based on current laws, regulations, and markets. The IEA stopped publishing this scenario in 2019 as it shifted to forecasts that were more optimistic about renewable energy growth. <\/p>

Last week, the Paris-based agency said it halted the CPS due to turmoil and rapid changes seen in the \u201cpolicy landscape\u201d brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. <\/p>

While IEA said there is now \u201cmerit\u201d in revisiting this scenario, it comes at a time when the Trump administration is actively championing the fossil fuel industry and urging allies to walk back green energy commitments. Energy Secretary Chris Wright also blasted the IEA\u2019s modeling in July, telling<\/a> Bloomberg that his preference was to \u201creform\u201d how the IEA makes its predictions. <\/p>

You can find the full report available to the public here<\/a>. <\/p>

MEANWHILE\u2026OIL PRICES PLUNGE: While the IEA\u2019s report estimated that the prices of oil and gas would rise over the next 25 years, crude prices plunged this afternoon. <\/p>

Both international and domestic benchmarks were down by around 4% just after 3 p.m. EST. West Texas Intermediate dropped by 4.42% and was selling at $58.34 per barrel. Brent Crude also fell by 3.94% and was priced at $62.59 per barrel. <\/p>

Some analysts have said<\/a> that the reopening of the government may boost consumer confidence in the markets and spark new demand for crude. However, as prices drop, ongoing fears of oversupply appear to overshadow the odds of that outcome.  <\/p>

CHEVRON CO-LOCATING TEXAS DATA CENTER WITH GAS: Chevron is further committing to boost oil and gas production through the end of the decade, choosing to use the energy resource to power a massive artificial intelligence data center in West Texas. <\/p>

The details: Chevron confirmed<\/a> today that it has chosen the Lone Star state as the location for its first AI data center project. The oil and gas major will be co-locating the facility with a new natural gas-fired power plant that is expected to be in service and pumping energy as soon as 2027. Chevron first announced its plans to co-locate data centers with natural gas in late January.<\/p>

Ahead of today\u2019s announcement, the company told<\/a> Bloomberg that this first project will ultimately have the capacity to generate as much as 5 gigawatts of power. It will take some time for the power plant to reach that milestone, as Chevron is expecting to produce around 2.5 gigawatts of power by its third year of operation. The power plant will likely be built separately from the existing grid in West Texas.<\/p>

The announcement came as part of Chevron\u2019s latest five-year plan released for its investor day. In the plan, Chevron said it expects to grow oil and gas production to 2-3% annually through 2030. <\/p>

\u201cWe believe Chevron is uniquely positioned to grow earnings and free cash flow into the next decade,\u201d Mike Wirth, Chevron CEO, said in a statement. \u201cNever in my career have I seen a higher confidence outlook, further into the future and with lower execution risk; Chevron is stronger, more resilient, and better positioned than ever.\u201d<\/p>

UTILITIES EXPECTING MORE ORDERS TO KEEP OLD COAL PLANTS OPEN: The Trump administration is reportedly planning to increase pressure on utility companies to keep aging coal power plants open past their planned retirement dates, as part of its efforts to revive the coal industry. <\/p>

What we\u2019ve seen so far: In late May, the Department of Energy ordered for the J.H. Campbell coal plant to extend operations for 90 days \u2013 just one week before it was scheduled to close. The administration at the time insisted that the extension was necessary to meet high energy demands during the summer season. In August, DOE directed utility Consumers Energy and Midwest grid operator MISO to keep the plant open even further<\/a> through November. <\/p>

What\u2019s coming: The Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association confirmed<\/a> to Canary Media that it is expected to receive a similar order from the Energy Department to keep Unit 1 of its Craig Station coal plant online past its scheduled closure. <\/p>

\u201cBased on conversations with the U.S. Department of Energy, we believe that it is likely that we will receive an emergency order before the end of the year,\u201d Tri-State spokesperson Mark Stutz told the outlet. <\/p>

If it does receive the order, it would place unwanted pressure on the electric cooperative, as it has said that it is legally required to shut the unit down but that it also has economic reasons to do so. <\/p>

EUROPEAN UNION INCHES CLOSER TO DELAYING DEFORESTATION BAN\u2026AGAIN: The European Union appears to have enough support among its member states to delay its controversial deforestation ban by one year. <\/p>

The details: People with knowledge of the discussions told<\/a> Bloomberg that representatives of member states signaled support for the delay today. The move comes just weeks after the European Commission proposed softening requirements related to the deforestation rule, which is set to go into effect on Dec. 30. <\/p>

Under the commission\u2019s proposal, the deforestation ban would still go into effect at the end of the year but would offer relief to small operators and larger businesses in low-risk countries by not requiring full checks and enforcement for an additional six months to one year. <\/p>

Sources told Bloomberg that delaying the ban entirely would make the commission\u2019s proposal no longer necessary. Several member states wish to see the law enforced in its current form, and avoid any softening of the language. <\/p>

Some liberal members of the European Parliament have suggested<\/a> that delaying the deforestation ban would appease the Trump administration, which has increased pressure<\/a> on the EU to soften its climate and environmental related regulations. <\/p>

Quick reminder: The deforestation ban was first approved by the EU in June 2023 and is intended to reduce the number of products consumed in the region that contribute to deforestation, while also reducing carbon emissions. Once in effect, the law will prohibit products made from commodities such as coffee, palm oil, soy, cocoa, cattle, wood, and rubber that were imported from recently cleared forests or contributed to forest degradation. <\/p>

COP30 PROTESTERS: At the United Nations annual climate summit, indigenous protesters entered the conference to demand action on climate change mitigation and forest protection. <\/p>

Reuters reports<\/a> that the protesters clashed with security guards at the entrance, with some waving flags calling for land rights. Security guards pushed back the protesters and used tables to block the entrance, the publication said. <\/p>

Nato, an Indigenous leader from the Tupinamba community, said, \u201cWe can\u2019t eat money. We want our territory free. But the business of oil exploration, mineral exploration, and logging continues.\u201d <\/p>

The UN climate summit, or COP30, started earlier this week, bringing thousands of government and indigenous leaders as well as climate activists to Brazil. The summit is expected to feature discussions about how governments could better reduce their emissions, as many have fallen short of their targets. Trump and his administration have chosen to skip the climate talks this year. <\/p>

GLOBAL EV SALES ROSE IN OCTOBER: Global sales of electric vehicle and plug-in hybrids rose 23% in October to 1.9 million units, the market research firm Rho Motion told<\/a> Reuters. <\/p>

China accounted for more than half of the global EV sales. China\u2019s EV companies are thriving in the market as they provide advanced technology at a lower cost. Rho Motion said there was strong growth also in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. <\/p>

In North America, EV sales were down 41% following record highs in August and September ahead of the $7,500 EV tax credit expiring thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. <\/p>

The numbers: Chinese sales rose to about 1.3 million vehicles. Europe sales went up 36% to 372,786 units. North American sales dropped 41% to 100,370 vehicles. <\/p>

Rho Motion data manager Charles Lester told Reuters that \"Chinese automotive market is expected to show strong growth in November and December, helped by pull forward effect as the country is moving from a full purchase tax exemption to just a 50% exemption on [new energy vehicles].\" <\/p>

ICYMI - CHINA PLANS TO KEEP US MILITARY FROM OBTAINING ITS RARE EARTH MAGNETS: China plans to block companies with ties to the United States military from obtaining its rare earths, the Wall Street Journal reported<\/a> earlier this week. <\/p>

The WSJ reported that China plans to use the \u201cvalidated end-user\u201d system or VEU to allow its rare earths to flow to the U.S. but ensure they don\u2019t end up with U.S. military suppliers, according to people familiar with the plan. The plan may still change, and its licensing system will not be certain until it is implemented, the WSJ said. <\/p>

Rare earth magnets are used in various applications across the energy and defense sectors, including in jet fighters and drones. China has used its dominance in the rare earth sector as leverage against the U.S. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping reached a truce last month for Beijing to ease its export restrictions on rare earths. <\/p>

RUNDOWN <\/p>

USA Today<\/a> Northern lights could be visible across the US again tonight. See where.<\/p>

E&E News<\/a> Inside the oil industry\u2019s efforts to sway regulatory comment periods<\/p>

Washington Post<\/a> Where the sky keeps bursting<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/DOE.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884454-1762959425", "title":"Stefanik hot on Hochul’s trail in New York governor’s race, down 3 points in new poll", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2Fstate%2F3884454%2Fstefanik-on-hochul-trail-new-york-governor-race%2F", "byline":"David Zimmermann", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) has closed in on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D-NY) lead in a new poll less than one week into the Republican candidate’s 2026 bid for New York governor. Stefanik trails the incumbent by three points in a tight 46-43% margin, according to a poll released by JL Partners on Wednesday. The gap […]", "description":""

Rep. Elise Stefanik<\/a> (R-NY) has closed in on Gov. Kathy Hochul's<\/a> (D-NY) lead in a new poll less than one week into the Republican candidate's 2026 bid for New York<\/a> governor.<\/p>

Stefanik trails the incumbent by three points in a tight 46-43% margin, according to a poll released by JL Partners<\/a> on Wednesday. The gap sits within the survey's margin of error. Eleven percent of respondents were undecided between the two. Hochul's three-point lead holds when she runs against an unspecified Republican candidate.<\/p>

With the minimal lead, the pollster's findings suggest the gubernatorial race may be closer than previously anticipated.<\/p>

While Stefanik has fresh enthusiasm behind her bid as an advantage, Hochul is working against her dismal approval ratings one year out from the general election. Fifty-four percent of likely voters disapprove of Hochul, compared to 40% who approve.<\/p>

Further dampening her reelection odds, 18% of voters said they would definitely vote for Hochul. However, a whopping 55% said it was time for someone new, giving Republicans an opportunity to take control of the New York governor's mansion.<\/p>

Stefanik launched her campaign<\/a> on Friday, taking aim at Hochul's policies and declaring herself the presumptive Republican nominee. New York's Republican primary remains uncontested so far, but Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said last week<\/a> he would consider entering the race.<\/p>

The poll shows Stefanik appeals more to Republican voters than Blakeman, with 74% of respondents voting for Stefanik and only 5% backing Blakeman in the GOP primary.<\/p>

The pro-Trump congresswoman is also more well-known than the Long Island politician. Sixty-one percent of likely Republican primary voters have a very favorable opinion of Stefanik, while the same percentage of voters have never heard of Blakeman.<\/p>

HOCHUL HAMMERS STEFANIK AS TRUMP 'SELLOUT' AFTER REPUBLICAN LAUNCHES GOVERNOR BID<\/a><\/p>

When asked about a hypothetical matchup between Hochul and Blakeman, likely general election voters preferred to vote for the sitting governor by a 47-36% margin.<\/p>

JL Partners conducted two separate polls from Nov. 9 to 10: the first among a sample size of likely congressional election voters in New York, and the second among a sample size of 400 likely Republican primary voters in New York. The first poll had a 4.4% margin of error, and the second poll had a 4.9% margin of error.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25310814098202.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884637-1762959391", "title":"White House dances around Trump officials meeting with Lauren Boebert on Epstein files", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F3884637%2Fwhite-house-trump-officials-lauren-boebert-epstein-files%2F", "byline":"Mabinty Quarshie", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt sidestepped repeated questions from reporters regarding reports that top Trump administration officials met with Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) to discuss the Justice Department case files related to Jeffrey Epstein. The meeting was allegedly to pressure Boebert not to sign a petition in Congress that would force a vote on […]", "description":""

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt<\/a> sidestepped repeated questions from reporters regarding reports that top Trump administration officials met with Rep. Lauren Boebert<\/a> (R-CO) to discuss the Justice Department case files related to Jeffrey Epstein<\/a>.<\/p>

The meeting was allegedly to pressure Boebert not to sign a petition in Congress that would force a vote on the release of the Epstein files. The petition needs 218 signatures, which could happen later Wednesday after Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ) is sworn into office.<\/p>

\"Doesn't it show transparency that members of the Trump administration are willing to brief members of Congress whenever they please?\" Leavitt asked during Wednesday's press briefing. <\/p>

OVERSIGHT DEMOCRATS RELEASE EPSTEIN EMAILS MENTIONING TRUMP HOURS AHEAD OF GRIJALVA SWEARING-IN<\/a><\/p>

\"Doesn't that show our level of transparency? Doesn't that show the level of transparency when we are willing to sit down with members of Congress and address their concerns?\" Leavitt continued. \"That's a defining factor of transparency, having discussions, having discussions with members of Congress about various issues. And I'm not going to detail conversations that took place in the Situation Room, in the press briefing room.\" <\/p>

It is unclear if Leavitt misspoke when she said conversations took place in the Situation Room.<\/p>

Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) led the measure to force a vote on the release of the file in Congress, but if Boebert removes her signature, they will have fallen short of the 218 votes. Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene<\/a> (R-GA) and Nancy Mace<\/a> (R-SC) are the two other Republicans who have signed the petition.<\/p>

CNN reported that Attorney General Pam Bondi, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, and FBI Director Kash Patel were among the officials who attended the meeting.<\/p>

Trump took to social media to slam Democrats over the Epstein case after the briefing concluded. <\/p>

\"The Democrats are trying to bring up the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax again because they\u2019ll do anything at all to deflect on how badly they\u2019ve done on the Shutdown, and so many other subjects,\" he wrote on Truth Social<\/a>. \"Only a very bad, or stupid, Republican would fall into that trap.<\/p>

\"The Democrats cost our Country $1.5 Trillion Dollars with their recent antics of viciously closing our Country, while at the same time putting many at risk \u2014 and they should pay a fair price. There should be no deflections to Epstein or anything else, and any Republicans involved should be focused only on opening up our Country, and fixing the massive damage caused by the Democrats!\"<\/p>

Before the Wednesday press briefing, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released emails from Epstein<\/a>, including at least one that Epstein wrote to confidant Ghislaine Maxwell that stated Trump had \u201cspent hours\u201d at Epstein\u2019s house with sex trafficking victims.<\/p>

POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON THE RISE IN THE US: A TIMELINE OF KEY INCIDENTS<\/a>  <\/p>

\"These emails prove absolutely nothing other than the fact that President Trump did nothing wrong, and what President Trump has always said is that he was from Palm Beach, and so was Jeffrey Epstein,\" Leavitt said, denouncing the emails.<\/p>

\"Jeffrey Epstein was a member at Mar-a-Lago until President Trump kicked him out because Jeffrey Epstein was a pedophile, and he was a creep,\" she added. <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/111225_WEX_BRIEFING-5-e1762976940860.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884578-1762959046", "title":"Newsom sells out the US at latest hypocritical climate conference", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fbeltway-confidential%2F3884578%2Fgavin-newsom-sells-out-us-latest-hypocritical-climate-conference-cop30-brazil%2F", "byline":"Zachary Faria", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) is trying to set himself up for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, embracing every left-wing activist issue he thinks will play well. That includes climate change, no matter how contradictory or pointless his climate grandstanding really is. Newsom jetted down to Brazil for a climate conference that is more than 5,000 […]", "description":""

Gov. Gavin Newsom<\/a> (D-CA) is trying to set himself up for the 2028<\/a> Democratic presidential nomination, embracing every left-wing activist issue he thinks will play well. That includes climate change<\/a>, no matter how contradictory or pointless his climate grandstanding really is.<\/p>

Newsom jetted down to Brazil<\/a> for a climate conference that is more than 5,000 miles away from Sacramento. Newsom\u2019s round-trip private jet flight, adding to global carbon emissions, is not the only climate hypocrisy on display here, either. The climate conference, COP30, necessitated Brazil mowing<\/a> down tens of thousands of acres of the Amazon rainforest to pave a highway, lest the global elites and United Nations<\/a> bigwigs in attendance be expected to sit in traffic or hold their conference somewhere with existing infrastructure.<\/p>

REPUBLICAN TRUMP SUPPORTER LEADS PACK IN CROWDED CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL RACE<\/a><\/p>

What was the message that was so important that Newsom had to fly down to a graveyard of rainforest trees to deliver it in person instead of via a video call? That President Donald Trump<\/a> is bad, of course. Newsom said it was \u201cshameful<\/a>\u201d that Trump was a bad ally to Brazil, and it was \u201cjaw-dropping\u201d that no one from the administration was in attendance at the conference. Newsom also bragged that, while the United States is \u201cdumb\u201d<\/a> on climate change, \u201cthe state of California<\/a> is not.\u201d<\/p>

Newsom has it all exactly backward, though. These global climate cooperation agreements are always a sham, because the U.S. is expected to bear the brunt of global climate treaties while China<\/a>, the country with the least regard for the global climate, gets off scot-free. That applies to the Paris Climate Accords<\/a> and the U.N.'s \u201cclimate reparations<\/a>\u201d scheme.<\/p>

NEWSOM LEADS VANCE IN POTENTIAL 2028 PRESIDENTIAL MATCHUP: POLL<\/a><\/p>

If anyone\u2019s climate policies are \u201cdumb,\u201d it\u2019s Newsom\u2019s, which he himself likely recognizes, as he has spent the last several years reversing<\/a> his stances on nuclear energy policy, natural gas, oil regulations, and other issues. California under Newsom has ignored real climate issues, such as forest management<\/a> to lessen the severity of wildfires, instead obsessing over fake problems while putting forward \u201csolutions\u201d that are worse for the environment, such as banning<\/a> plastic bags.<\/p>

Like every other issue he has faced as governor, Newsom has made a fool of himself on climate policy. He intends to make a fool of the U.S. on the global stage with this issue as well, taking the same position as former President Joe Biden<\/a> that Americans should have a unique form of shame for climate change, all while he binds the U.S. to agreements that place the blame on Americans and offer exemptions and carveouts to the Chinese Communist Party.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25315589221399.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884554-1762958126", "title":"DHS sued over policy banning transgender TSA officers from conducting pat-downs", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Finfrastructure%2F3884554%2Fdhs-sued-policy-banning-transgender-tsa-officers-conducting-pat-downs%2F", "byline":"Emily Hallas", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"A transgender employee at Dulles International Airport filed a lawsuit accusing the Department of Homeland Security of sex discrimination over the agency’s new policy banning transgender Transportation Security Administration employees from performing pat-down checks. TSA, which is part of DHS, now operates in conjunction with President Donald Trump’s executive orders directing government agencies to issue […]", "description":""

A transgender<\/a> employee at Dulles International Airport filed a lawsuit accusing the Department of Homeland Security<\/a> of sex discrimination over the agency's new policy banning transgender Transportation Security Administration employees from performing pat-down checks.<\/p>

TSA, which is part of DHS, now operates in conjunction with President Donald Trump's executive orders <\/a>directing government agencies to issue policies based on biological sex<\/a> instead of gender identity.<\/p>

Under the new policy, transgender TSA employees are prohibited from performing airport security screening pat-downs, and they are required to use restrooms that align with their biological sex, triggering the lawsuit last week from Danielle Mittereder.<\/p>

\"Solely because she is transgender, TSA now prohibits Plaintiff from conducting core functions of her job, impedes her advancement to higher-level positions and specialized certifications, excludes her from TSA-controlled facilities, and subjects her identity to unwanted and undue scrutiny each workday,\" the complaint says, according to the Associated Press.<\/p>

Jonathan Puth, Mittereder's lawyer, told the outlet, \"This is somebody who is really dedicated to her job and wants to make a career at TSA. And while her gender identity was never an issue for her in the past, all of a sudden it's something that has to be confronted every single day.\"<\/p>

In response, TSA spokesman Russell Read explained that the agency's policy is that biological male employees pat down male passengers and biological female officers pat down female passengers.\u00a0<\/p>

\"Male Transportation Security Officers will conduct pat-down procedures on male passengers and female Transportation Security Officers will conduct pat-down procedures on female passengers, based on operational needs,\" Read said.<\/p>

TITLE IX ACTIVIST PREDICTS GENETIC SCREENING 'IS THE FUTURE OF WOMEN'S SPORTS'<\/a><\/p>

The Trump administration has argued that basing policy on gender identity is \"subjective,\" \"internally inconsistent,\" and defies biological realities.<\/p>

\"[Gender identity] diminishes sex as an identifiable or useful category but nevertheless maintains that it is possible for a person to be born in the wrong sexed body,\" Trump wrote in a January executive order<\/a>. \"Invalidating the true and biological category of 'woman' improperly transforms laws and policies designed to protect sex-based opportunities into laws and policies that undermine them, replacing longstanding, cherished legal rights and values with an identity-based, inchoate social concept.\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25316506874998-1.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884437-1762956863", "title":"Maine Democrat Jordan Wood ends Senate bid to pursue House run", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2Fcongressional%2F3884437%2Fmaine-democrat-jordan-wood-ends-senate-bid-pursue-house-run%2F", "byline":"Joseph Nepomuceno", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Democrat Jordan Wood announced his entry into a battleground House race in Maine on Wednesday after incumbent Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) revealed he will not run for reelection. Wood was running in Maine’s Democratic Senate primary, a heated race involving progressive oysterman Graham Platner and Gov. Janet Mills (D-ME), prior to his announcement. However, he […]", "description":""

Democrat Jordan Wood announced his entry into a battleground House<\/a> race in Maine<\/a> on Wednesday after incumbent Rep. Jared Golden<\/a> (D-ME) revealed he will not run for reelection.<\/p>

Wood was running in Maine's Democratic Senate primary<\/a>, a heated race involving progressive oysterman Graham Platner and Gov. Janet Mills<\/a> (D-ME), prior to his announcement. However, he dropped that bid in favor of a House run.<\/p>

\"Last week, Jared Golden announced that he's not running for reelection, leaving open one of the most competitive House races in the entire country,\" Wood said<\/a>. \"So I'm stepping up, where I'm needed most, right here in the 2nd District.\"<\/p>

Wood lives 20 miles outside the district but said<\/a> he is moving within its borders, bringing with him his Senate campaign funding<\/a> haul, which ended September with over $920,000 cash on hand, including a $250,000 loan.<\/p>

Running against Wood in the Democratic primary is Matt Dunlap, the state auditor. The winner will likely face two-term former Gov. Paul LePage, a Republican whose campaign had<\/a> $716,000 cash on hand at the end of September.<\/p>

Wood criticized the eight Senate Democrats who sided with Republicans on Sunday to pass a funding bill that would end the government shutdown.<\/p>

\"America needs an opposition party willing to fight for them,\" Wood wrote<\/a> on X. \"This 'deal' isn't that. Sad night for the Democratic Party and our country.\"<\/p>

The Maine Democrat was the chief of staff for former Rep. Katie Porter<\/a> and has helped lead several liberal nonprofit organizations. Porter has drawn criticism after clips of her scolding<\/a> staff and leaving<\/a> a filmed interview in frustration surfaced.<\/p>

\"She's tough, yes, but she's also decent and accountable,\" Wood told<\/a> the Advocate in defense of his former boss. In the same interview, he condemned Platner's old online posts.<\/p>

\"What I saw was someone who doesn't understand what's wrong with these statements \u2014 how offensive and threatening they are, not just to LGBTQ people, but to people of color and women,\" said Wood, who is gay.<\/p>

GRAHAM PLATNER'S ONLINE PRO-COMMUNISM, ANTI-WHITE, ANTI-POLICE POSTS PUT DEMOCRAT IN DEEP WATER: POLL<\/a><\/p>

Golden's retirement announcement, which opened the way for Wood's run, was partially motivated by recent acts of political violence, such as Charlie Kirk<\/a>'s murder and the assassination attempts against President Donald Trump<\/a> and Gov. Josh Shapiro<\/a> (D-PA).<\/p>

\"These have made me reconsider the experiences of my own family, including all of us sitting in a hotel room on Thanksgiving last year after yet another threat against our home,\" Golden wrote<\/a> in an op-ed for the Bangor Daily News.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25316643855464.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884498-1762956805", "title":"What everyone got wrong about Bill Gates’s climate memo", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Frestoring-america%2Ffaith-freedom-self-reliance%2F3884498%2Fwhat-everyone-got-wrong-bill-gates-climate-memo%2F", "byline":"Hannah Cox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Billionaire and noted climate activist Bill Gates made headlines last month when he released a piece seemingly rejecting his prior stances on global warming. In the memo, which was titled “Three tough truths about climate,” Gates declared that climate change “will not lead to humanity’s demise” and that “the doomsday outlook is causing much of the […]", "description":""

Billionaire and noted climate<\/a> activist Bill Gates<\/a> made headlines last month when he released a piece seemingly rejecting his prior stances on global warming<\/a>. In the memo, which was titled \u201cThree tough truths about climate,\u201d Gates declared that climate change \u201cwill not lead to humanity\u2019s demise\u201d and that \u201cthe doomsday outlook is causing much of the climate community to focus too much on near-term emissions goals.\u201d <\/p>

The Left was immediately enraged, with the scientific community (which has been thoroughly captured by progressives) claiming<\/a> he was making \u201cstraw man\u201d arguments. Meanwhile, some on the Right took a victory lap, with President Donald Trump declaring MAGA had \u201cwon the War on the Climate Change Hoax.\u201d<\/p>

But both sides failed to notice a crucial point. In the memo, Gates actually does not reverse his belief that the climate is changing or that it\u2019s a matter that needs urgent attention. The memo is far more nuanced and interesting than that. But he does express a key change in his thinking when it comes to how climate change should be addressed: He believes the market will have to do it instead of the government. <\/p>

As one of the few true capitalists left in this country, Gates has had an important change of heart, and it is one of the most encouraging things I\u2019ve read in a while. Let\u2019s dissect.<\/p>

In the piece, Gates starts off by saying that \u201cinnovation will allow us to drive emissions down much further,\u201d and he says the hyper-focus on emissions is \u201cdiverting resources from the most effective things we should be doing to improve life in a warming world.\u201d He goes on to say that climate activists need to \u201crefocus on the metric that should count even more than emissions and temperature change: improving lives.\u201d<\/p>

Climate change itself was never a hoax, but the \u201csolutions\u201d pushed by the Left for decades were certainly a Trojan horse meant to move economies steadily toward collectivism. The broader climate activist community has refused to grapple with the real results of its green energy and regulatory agenda, which plainly show these efforts reduce energy production, drive up prices, and put lives in immediate danger (thanks to the blackouts and lack of access to air conditioning these conditions create). <\/p>

Gates acknowledges this fact and points out that the global poor are the most affected by it, noting that climate change does not pose an immediate threat to them, but poverty and disease do. He also admits that the current climate agenda has failed, stating, \u201cWe are going to fall far short of the world\u2019s climate goals. One reason is that the world\u2019s demand for energy is going up \u2014 more than doubling by 2050.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

He\u2019s not wrong about that at all. But unlike most in his camp, he seems to have a grasp on Economics 101. He goes on to say, \u201cFrom the standpoint of improving lives, using more energy is a good thing, because it\u2019s so closely correlated with economic growth .... More energy use is a key part of prosperity.\u201d<\/p>

He then adds a call for innovation.<\/p>

\u201cAlthough wind and solar have gotten cheaper and better, we don\u2019t yet have all the tools we need to meet the growing demand for energy without increasing carbon emissions,\u201d Gates writes. \u201cBut we will have the tools we need if we focus on innovation.\u201d<\/p>

He also points out that the greatest emissions reduction has already come from such innovation \u2014 not regulations, not environmental reviews, not brushing your teeth in the shower.<\/p>

What Gates is calling for is an unleashing of the doers, the builders, and the thinkers, all of whom hold the keys to creating the technology and infrastructure we need to address climate concerns while also unleashing economic growth and energy abundance. The government is not capable of doing that, but it is what\u2019s in the way of it. <\/p>

BILL GATES GETS REAL ON CLIMATE AND LEAVES THE LEFT BEHIND<\/a><\/p>

The top policy reform that has to take place in order for that to happen is our permitting system. Many had hoped Congress would pass a bill through the House by the end of this year, as both Republicans and Democrats increasingly recognize our permitting system as the existential threat that it is. The system is a web of bureaucracy, driving up production costs and stagnating innovation \u2014 often by over a decade. It\u2019s inexcusable, a boot on the neck of the market, and a blockade on the one access point that could deliver both economic relief and clean energy to the masses.<\/p>

Congress members need to open the government up and get back to work, and permitting reform must be top of their agenda when they do. If Bill Gates\u2019s new viewpoint is indicative of public sentiment, they\u2019re going to have a robust coalition meeting them when they come back.<\/p>

Hannah Cox (@HannahDCox<\/a>) is the president and co-founder of BASEDPolitics and a fellow for the White Coat Waste Project.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/GettyImages-2237146061.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884438-1762956751", "title":"WATCH LIVE: Adelita Grijalva sworn into House after seven-week delay Democrats say was meant to put off Epstein vote", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse%2F3884438%2Fwatch-live-adelita-grijalva-sworn-into-house-epstein-vote%2F", "byline":"Pedro Rodriguez", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) will swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ) to the House at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, seven weeks after she won her election. Grijalva won a special election in Arizona‘s 7th Congressional District after her predecessor and father, Raul Grijalva, died from cancer in March. OVERSIGHT DEMOCRATS RELEASE EPSTEIN EMAILS MENTIONING TRUMP HOURS […]", "description":""

House<\/a> Speaker Mike Johnson<\/a> (R-LA) will swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ) to the House at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, seven weeks after she won her election<\/a>.<\/p>

Grijalva won a special election in\u00a0Arizona<\/a>'s 7th Congressional District after her predecessor and father, Raul Grijalva, died from cancer in March.<\/p>

OVERSIGHT DEMOCRATS RELEASE EPSTEIN EMAILS MENTIONING TRUMP HOURS AHEAD OF GRIJALVA SWEARING-IN<\/a><\/p>

Grijalva's swearing in will be a boost for congressional Democrats<\/a>. Once she takes office, the freshman representative will likely become the last necessary signature on a petition to force a vote on the bipartisan Epstein<\/a> Files Transparency Act. Democrats have long said this is the reason for her delayed swearing-in.<\/p>

The bill could come to the House floor as early as December, after Grijalva adds her signature to the petition that has been circulated by House members.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/AP25267159848886.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884127-1762956553", "title":"DOJ eyes hate crime charges for UC Berkeley protests amid civil rights investigation", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fjustice%2F3884127%2Fdoj-eyes-hate-crime-charges-for-uc-berkeley-protests%2F", "byline":"Kaelan Deese", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Justice Department is weighing conspiracy and civil rights charges after violent protests erupted Monday at the University of California, Berkeley, during a Turning Point USA event, as federal investigators are also scrutinizing whether university and police officials failed to protect attendees. The Civil Rights Division of the DOJ directed UC Berkeley Police Chief Yogananda […]", "description":""

The Justice Department<\/a> is weighing conspiracy and civil rights charges after violent protests erupted Monday at the University of California<\/a>, Berkeley, during a Turning Point USA<\/a> event, as federal investigators are also scrutinizing whether university and police officials failed to protect attendees.<\/p>

The Civil Rights Division of the DOJ directed UC Berkeley Police Chief Yogananda Pittman and the university system president, James Milliken, to preserve all records related to the Monday incident, including officer communications, use-of-force reports, arrest logs, and security footage. Letters sent to both Pittman and Milliken on Tuesday by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon<\/a> cite possible violations of federal civil rights statutes and outline an expansive preservation order that could extend to both the university and Berkeley city police.<\/p>

\"We are determining whether recent events provide a basis for additional investigation of violations of federal rights, including, without limitation, violations of the First and Fourteenth Amendments,\" Dhillon wrote.<\/p>Federal statutes and possible charges

Dhillon said in separate interviews with Fox News<\/a> and CNN<\/a> that her division is exploring charges under 18 U.S.C. \u00a7\u00a7 241 and 242, which criminalize conspiracies to deprive individuals of constitutional rights and the deprivation of rights under color of law.<\/p>

\"It could be 18-241 or 18-242 \u2014 we also have hate crime statutes that apply,\" Dhillon told Fox\u2019s Laura Ingraham. \"Some of the epithets hurled at members of the crowd made reference to their race and other protected characteristics. We\u2019re going to do a deep dive into all the potential criminal and civil aspects of this.\"<\/p>

Dhillon added that beyond the actions of antifa<\/a>-aligned protesters, investigators are examining whether the Berkeley administration or local police \u201cfailed to equally protect conservative speakers,\u201d possibly triggering equal protection concerns under federal law.<\/p>University response and antifa threat

UC Berkeley spokesman Dan Mogulof said the university is \"fully cooperating\" with federal authorities and conducting its own investigation \"to identify the outside agitators responsible.\" He said the event \u201cproceeded safely and without interruption\u201d despite isolated violence that led to at least three arrests.<\/p>

\"There is no place at UC Berkeley for attempts to use violence or intimidation to prevent lawful expression or chill free speech,\" Mogulof said.<\/p>

The FBI-led\u00a0Joint Terrorism Task Force\u00a0is also participating in the investigation, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi, who described antifa as \u201can existential threat to our nation\" in a post on X.<\/p>

Antifa is an existential threat to our nation.The violent riots at UC Berkeley last night are under full investigation by the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force. We will continue to spare no expense unmasking all who commit and orchestrate acts of political violence.Under\u2026<\/p>— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) November 11, 2025<\/a> Antifa involvement prompts calls for heightened scrutiny by MAGA base

In response to the federal government's handling of the protest aftermath, some prominent Trump-aligned critics have questioned why there has not been more decisive action taken by the president against the antifa protesters who terrorized TPUSA supporters from the event.<\/p>

\"Sadly, I don't think anyone takes this seriously,\" said political commentator Mike Cernovich in response to Bondi, adding that \"Trump has tools he can use\" that he is not currently using.<\/p>

Sadly, I don't think anyone takes this seriously. Trump has tools he can use. He could cut off funding to Berkley. He has chosen not to. This is another press release, but Trump is showing he doesn't care, and is afraid of Gavin Newsom.<\/p>— Cernovich (@Cernovich) November 11, 2025<\/a>

\"He could cut off funding to Berkley,\" Cernovich added. \"He has chosen not to. This is another press release, but Trump is showing he doesn't care, and is afraid of Gavin Newsom.\"<\/a><\/p>

Although the Trump administration designated antifa a domestic terrorist organization in September, no terrorism-related charges have yet been brought in connection with the Berkeley incident. The only criminal case involving terrorism charges for antifa so far involves two defendants indicted last month in Texas<\/a> under 18 U.S.C. \u00a7 2339A, for allegedly providing material support to terrorists following a July 4 attack on an ICE detention facility.<\/p>

The Washington Examiner reported Tuesday that the UC Berkeley protest appears to have been coordinated<\/a> by the antifa-linked group By Any Means Necessary, a far-left agitator coalition that circulated flyers urging followers to \u201cEnd Fascist Turning Point\u2019s Youth-Oriented Campaign of Incitement to Violence.\u201d<\/p>

BAMN\u2019s materials called TPUSA a \u201cwhite nationalist, neo-fascist organization\u201d and explicitly invoked militant action: \u201cDonald Trump\u2019s program for a fascist America must be defeated here and now at UC Berkeley!\u201d<\/p>

During the protest, agitators reportedly mocked slain TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk<\/a>, chanting \u201cF*** your dead homie!\u201d and holding signs referencing his death. One attendee wearing a red \u201cFreedom\u201d shirt was assaulted and bloodied after being attacked while selling pro-TPUSA merchandise.<\/p>

BAMN, previously identified by the FBI in 2002 as \u201cthought to be involved in terrorist activities,\u201d has deep ties to Bay Area teachers unions and led similar riots during Trump\u2019s first term.<\/p>Dhillon seeks exhaustive list of records

Dhillon, who previously represented conservative speakers in lawsuits against UC Berkeley after the 2017 riots, said the pattern of violent disruptions \u201cis no longer protest \u2014 it\u2019s terrorism.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cWhat we have here is a terrorist organization allowed to run wild on an American campus funded by taxpayers,\u201d she told CNN. \u201cIt\u2019s illegal, and we won\u2019t let it stand.\u201d<\/p>

ANTIFA BEHIND VIOLENT COUNTERPROTEST AGAINST TPUSA EVENT AT UC BERKELEY<\/a><\/p>

Dhillon\u2019s letter to UC Berkeley Police suggests the federal review could expand significantly. Among the 18 categories of records sought are officer body camera footage, internal chat messages, incident action plans, and any \u201cdeclinations to pursue prosecution\u201d of those arrested.<\/p>

The department\u2019s investigation, she said, will \u201cspare no expense unmasking all who commit and orchestrate acts of political violence.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25315125705920.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883991-1762956000", "title":"The MAGA coalition needs its infighting", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fin_focus%2F3883991%2Fmake-america-great-again-coalition-needs-infighting%2F", "byline":"Jeremiah Poff", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces here. If you ever wanted proof that political coalitions are fragile and […]", "description":""

In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces here<\/a>.<\/p>

If you ever wanted proof that political coalitions are fragile and messy affairs, look no further than the Republican Party<\/a> in the era of President Donald Trump.<\/a><\/p>

Last year, the GOP was ebullient. With Trump in the lead, the party won unified control of the federal government and had a mandate to govern. On his way to a second, nonconsecutive term, Trump won 312 electoral votes, the most by any Republican since George H.W. Bush\u2019s<\/a> landslide victory in 1988, and delivered the GOP its first national popular vote win since 2004.<\/p>

This monumental, realigning victory was due in no small part to an eclectic coalition that was full of contradictions. On the one hand, it featured traditional Republican constituencies that had cut their teeth in the George W. Bush<\/a> and the Tea Party eras and cared mostly about low taxes, aggressive foreign policy, and a business-friendly posture, as well as social conservatives who had consistently voted Republican over issues such as abortion<\/a>.<\/p>

MAGAZINE: THE MAGA CIVIL WAR BEGINS: CAN CONSERVATIVE INSTITUTIONS FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO?<\/a><\/p>

But it also featured an array of newcomers, many of whom, as recently as 2016 or even 2020, had voted for the Democratic Party<\/a> or were entirely disengaged from politics. Trump\u2019s promise to \"Make America Great Again\" managed to bring along Silicon Valley technology innovators, such as Elon Musk<\/a> and his acolytes, who feared that continued Democratic rule would stifle innovation and expand a regime of censorship.<\/p>

It included a whole cadre of politically disengaged young men who followed apolitical \u201cpodcast bros\u201d such as Joe Rogan<\/a>, Theo Von, and Andrew Schulz, but had come to view Democrats as scoldish hall monitors who sought to police any joke that may have pushed the bounds of political correctness and smear anyone who found it funny. It was a coalition that included working-class Hispanics, who, until recently, had been devoted Democrats but were concerned about the cost of living. And it included the so-called \"Make America Healthy Again\" movement, spearheaded by now-Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.<\/a><\/p>

It is safe to say that, if you wanted to find a group within the coalition that elected Trump to the presidency to identify with, you very likely could. In that sense, there was something for everyone in the MAGA tent. But this also meant that there were fundamental tensions within that coalition from its inception. Now, a year removed from that historic election, it is becoming all the more clear that the electoral coalition Trump assembled was nothing short of miraculous.<\/p>

It is hardly hyperbole to suggest that without Trump, the coalition would not exist. Much in the way that the Republican Party was remade in the Ronald Reagan<\/a> era, the Trump revolution has fundamentally reshaped the GOP for the future. Yet, as he nears the end of his first year back in office for his final term, the group that he assembled is full of fissures.<\/p>

An ongoing row within MAGA, largely centered on Tucker Carlson\u2019s<\/a> decision to hold a softball interview<\/a> with Nick Fuentes, a loudmouth personality with an affinity for antisemitism, Adolf Hitler, and Joseph Stalin, is only one part of the picture.<\/p>

It is a bare expectation to condemn Fuentes\u2019s smug and vile tirades. But at the same time, his following, while somewhat significant, is also irrelevant as a political force. He spent the entirety of the 2024 election<\/a> countersignaling the Trump campaign, urged his followers not to vote for the president, and unleashed a campaign of unvarnished racism against Vice President JD Vance<\/a> because his wife, second lady Usha Vance, is from a family of Indian immigrants.<\/p>

But what initially began as a legitimate concern about a growing antisemitic<\/a> influence in certain circles on the Right, most notably regarding Fuentes and his audience, has expanded to a broader and increasingly nasty debate over what the conservative movement stands for and what the future of the MAGA coalition is. And as messy as it is, it needed to happen.<\/p>

A recent letter penned by Christopher Long, the former president of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, and former ISI chairman Thomas Lynch exemplifies these fissures within the conservative movement. The letter took issue with ISI\u2019s engagement with and platforming of Notre Dame professor Patrick Deneen, known for his book Why Liberalism Failed, and neomonarchist blogger Curtis Yarvin.<\/p>

The letter<\/a>, which calls for the firing of ISI President Johnny Burtka for his engagement with them, decries Yarvin and Deneen as espousing ideas fundamentally opposed to American ideals because of their implicit or explicit rejection of postwar conservatism and the classical liberal interpretation of the founding. The letter also tries to tie the two of them to Fuentes, saying, \u201cTraditional conservatives who believe in America\u2019s Founding principles and look back at the Reagan Revolution as a step in the right direction need to wake up and understand the battle currently underway.\u201d<\/p>

While for most people this attempt to gatekeep a certain brand of intellectual from conservative institutions reeks of inside baseball, it comes at a time when the question of \u201cWhat comes next?\u201d as Trump\u2019s January 2029 exit from the White House<\/a> comes further into view becomes more and more pressing.<\/p>

\u201cThe battle currently underway\u201d is one that began the moment Trump executed his hostile takeover of the GOP but will far outlast him. This time next year, the midterm elections will be in the rearview mirror, and Republicans with ambitions of sitting behind the Resolute Desk will be launching their presidential campaigns, each with an eye toward inheriting the coalition that Trump created. The Republican Party, and indeed the conservative movement at large, will have to decide which parts of the Trump coalition can be kept and which ones will be cast aside.<\/p>

The political movement supported by working-class voters will have to decide whether Trump\u2019s peace with blue-collar labor unions, such as the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, will continue, even in the face of opposition from business-friendly Republican voters who have long taken a skeptical and hostile stance toward organized labor and unionization.<\/p>

It will also have to decide whether it will cater to those same working-class voters who joined the GOP because of the promise that tighter trade restrictions and tariffs would bring back jobs lost to foreign economies, or if it will revert to its corporate-supported pre-Trump consensus of free trade with anyone, at any time.<\/p>

MAGA has been the home for social conservative principles on life, marriage, and family, and will have to decide whether it can continue to make peace with an army of tech bros who see human flourishing through the lens of a computer screen, artificial intelligence<\/a>, and robotics that they believe can deliver a utopia.<\/p>

The movement that has been the home for the anti-abortion movement and achieved its most important victory with the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022 must decide whether it can coexist alongside other members of the coalition that have opposed abortion restrictions and felt comfortable voting for Trump precisely because he moderated on the issue.<\/p>

The coalition, now largely alone in its support for Israel<\/a>, will have to decide whether it can reconcile a wide range of factions that have differing views on foreign policy, whether it be the more liberal Jews who joined MAGA after being horrified by the unchallenged rise of antisemitism on the Left; the interventionist hawks who have cheered U.S. engagement overseas; the foreign policy realists who believe the United States is far too entangled with other nations, including Israel; or Von, Rogan, and the other podcasters who have either said that the Israeli military campaign in Gaza<\/a> was genocide or platformed people who did.<\/p>

And will the MAHA<\/a> faction have a place in the post-Trump future? Or will the libertarian economic impulses within the movement discourage the aggressive oversight of Big Pharma and food companies that Kennedy has spearheaded at HHS<\/a>?<\/p>

MAGAZINE: NICK FUENTES IS A PORTENT OF WHERE CONSERVATISM IS HEADING<\/a><\/p>

The fight for the future of the conservative political project is as much a fight over ideas as it is whether or not the Trump MAGA coalition, with all of its internal contradictions, will continue to exist in its current form.<\/p>

In the end, the glue that holds together this coalition of contradictions may be the failures and radicalism of the Left and the Democratic Party. After all, this was the catalyst that helped form it in the first place. But to be honest about this coalition means being honest about its conflicts and letting those ideological battles take place.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/AP25287667278874.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884387-1762955643", "title":"Byron York predicts Trump can ‘will’ Saudi Arabia to join Abraham Accords", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F3884387%2Fbyron-york-abraham-accords-trump-can-will-saudi-arabia-to-join%2F", "byline":"Jenny Goldsberry", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Washington Examiner Chief Political Correspondent Byron York said he “would not bet against” President Donald Trump’s ability to convince Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords. York appeared on Fox News’s Special Report with Bret Baier Tuesday before the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the District of Columbia. Trump expressed confidence that […]", "description":""

Washington Examiner Chief Political Correspondent Byron York<\/a> said he \u201cwould not bet against\u201d President Donald Trump\u2019s ability to convince Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords<\/a>.<\/p>

York appeared on Fox News\u2019s Special Report with Bret Baier<\/a> Tuesday before the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's<\/a> visit to the District of Columbia. Trump expressed confidence that bin Salman will sign on to the Abraham Accords during his interview on CBS News\u2019s 60 Minutes earlier this month.<\/p>

\u201cHe basically thinks he can will this into existence. So, the crown prince doesn\u2019t want this. He wants that. We\u2019ll figure something out. But Trump\u2019s will shows that he believes he can just make it, create it, and come up with this peace plan,\u201d York said. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t bet against him on that. He has been very, very good on these things.\u201d<\/p>

Kazakhstan was the latest country<\/a> to sign the international deal to normalize relations with Israel when President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed on last week. The majority Muslim Asian country is the first to sign on during Trump\u2019s second term, as Sudan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco signed on during the first.<\/p>

During a trip to Saudi Arabia in May, Trump said that it\u2019s his \u201cdream\u201d that Saudi Arabia would join the Abraham Accords. A Saudi-Israel peace deal was reportedly on the verge<\/a> of agreement before the Hamas attack reshaped the region.<\/p>

Trump brokered the peace deal<\/a> between Israel and Hamas, which demanded the disarmament of Hamas and allowed its members who gave up their arms to seek amnesty. In return, they would receive aid delivery. However, the Israeli government is withholding half the number of humanitarian aid trucks<\/a> originally set to flow into Gaza due to Hamas\u2019s slow release of deceased hostages<\/a>.<\/p>

A DECADE AGO, THE START OF THE TRUMP ERA<\/a><\/p>

According to Hamas, they would need \u201cspecial equipment<\/a>\u201d to extract the deceased hostages' remains that were buried under rubble.<\/p>

The crown prince signaled that Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords would be contingent<\/a> on the peace deal remaining intact.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/MBS-Donald-Trump-meeting-Saudi-Arabia.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884240-1762955245", "title":"Trump nominee wants to eliminate controversial Dulles International Airport ‘people movers’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Finfrastructure%2F3884240%2Ftrump-nominee-eliminate-dulles-airport-people-movers%2F", "byline":"Molly Parks", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Trent Morse, President Donald Trump‘s pick to sit on the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority board of directors, is doubling down on his criticisms of Washington Dulles International Airport’s mobile lounges following Monday’s “people mover” crash. Eighteen people were sent to the hospital on Monday when one of the controversial runway mobile lounges crashed into a […]", "description":""

Trent Morse, President Donald Trump<\/a>'s pick to sit on the Metropolitan Washington<\/a> Airports Authority board of directors, is doubling down on his criticisms of Washington Dulles International Airport's mobile lounges following Monday's \"people mover\" crash<\/a>.<\/p>

Eighteen people were sent to the hospital on Monday when one of the controversial runway mobile lounges crashed<\/a> into a dock at the Washington-area airport. Local flyers have harbored strong feelings, both good and bad<\/a>, about the transport system since the 1960s, and this week's crash launched the debate back into the spotlight.<\/p>

Morse, a former White House Presidential Personnel Office<\/a> official, told the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation that \"the people mover is a relic of the past\" in his nomination hearing last week.<\/p>

\"It is an embarrassment that international travelers, when visiting the capital of the most powerful nation in the world, are transported back to the '60s,\" Morse said. \"If I have the privilege of being confirmed, I will work tirelessly with my colleagues to make Dulles the airport that we should be proud of.\"<\/p>

Morse said he will seek the removal of Dulles's mobile lounges, according to the Washington Post<\/a>. However, according to Northern Virginia Magazine<\/a>, an MWAA official said in September that the transport system could be there to stay for another 15 to 20 years.<\/p>

The White House gave a nod to Morse's push for infrastructure reform at Dulles in a statement on Wednesday, falling in line with Trump's March executive order<\/a> titled \"Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Again.\"<\/p>

\"Eighteen people were recently hospitalized due to an accident involving the notorious 'people movers' at Dulles,\" White House spokesman Kush Desai said. \"The American people can rest assured that the Trump administration is committed to leaving no stone unturned to make our nation\u2019s infrastructure as safe and sleek as possible.\"<\/p>

Airports and air travel have been a major contention point recently, as the government shutdown has caused flight delays<\/a> and cancellations and has forced air traffic controllers<\/a> to work without pay.<\/p>

The MWAA has been part of the epicenter of the discussion on airport safety ever since the midair collision<\/a> of a Black Hawk helicopter and a passenger plane landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport killed 67 people in January.<\/p>

GOVERNMENT MAY REOPEN, BUT AIR TRAVEL CHAOS IS FAR FROM OVER<\/a><\/p>

The authority oversees both Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.<\/p>

A spokesperson for the MWAA told the Washington Examiner they could not comment on behalf of the board of directors.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/AP23176849913786-scaled.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884242-1762954609", "title":"EU regulation fails to provide economic benefits for consumers, study shows", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Ftechnology%2F3884242%2Feu-regulation-fails-provide-economic-benefits-consumers-study%2F", "byline":"David Zimmermann", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"A digital regulation in the European Union has failed to result in lower costs for consumers as American technology companies continue facing punishment under the European bloc’s antitrust legislation, according to a study released Wednesday. The new study, commissioned by Apple and conducted by the Analysis Group, finds the EU’s Digital Markets Act does not […]", "description":""

A digital regulation in the European Union<\/a> has failed to result in lower costs for consumers as American technology<\/a> companies continue facing punishment under the European bloc's antitrust legislation, according to a study<\/a> released Wednesday.<\/p>

The new study<\/a>, commissioned by Apple<\/a> and conducted by the Analysis Group, finds the EU's Digital Markets Act does not fulfill its stated goal to reduce app prices. The study's author finds very little evidence that the regulation leads to economic benefits for consumers.<\/p>

The study discovered that while app developers are paying commission rates to Apple 10 percentage points lower than normal, the drop does not result in lower subscription prices for app users most of the time.<\/p>

For example, if the commission rate decreases from 30% to 20%, the developer does not pass on its commission savings to consumers, who end up paying the subscription at the same price or higher. Developers did this for 91% of their products, according to the study's findings. Of the remaining 9%, developers lowered prices no higher than five cents for about 2 out of every 10 products.<\/p>

Apple says this phenomenon resembles its past experience after launching the Small Business Program, which reduced commission rates by half for smaller developers, starting in 2021.<\/p>

\"Less than 5% of those developers\u2019 apps exhibited any price decreases whatsoever after their commission rates decreased,\" according to the study. \"Similarly, when Apple reduced the commission rate from 30% to 15% for all auto-renewable subscriptions after one year, developers decreased prices for only a small minority of subscriptions.\"<\/p>

The reduced commission payments follow Apple's adoption of alternative business terms last year in response to the DMA. The law classifies Apple as one of six \"gatekeepers\" because of its market dominance in the tech industry, particularly concerning the iPhone and App Store, and requires the company to pave the way for more competition in the digital sector.<\/p>

Apple's alternative business terms allowed enrolled EU developers to pay lower fees on their sales if they stuck with the App Store instead of using alternative app marketplaces.<\/p>

The commission savings for developers amounted to 20.1 million euros in the three months following the agreement of the terms. More than 86% of those savings went to non-EU developers.<\/p>

\"The DMA has failed to live up to its promises, delivering less security, less privacy, and a worse experience for consumers across Europe,\" an Apple spokesperson said in a statement provided to the Washington Examiner. \"This study provides further evidence that the DMA is not benefiting consumers in the form of lower prices. At the same time, we know the regulation is creating new barriers for innovators and startups while exposing consumers to new risks.\"<\/p>

EU MUST BACK US FOR CHINA TRADE DEAL TO HOLD, EXPERTS WARN<\/a><\/p>

The DMA has been under scrutiny as various studies show the economic toll<\/a> and logistical hurdles<\/a> that the law imposes on tech companies based in the United States. In one study<\/a>, the Computer and Communications Industry Association estimated the cost to comply with the DMA for U.S. companies could amount to $1 billion per year. With all of the EU's tech regulations combined, the economic losses could total up to an annual $100 billion.<\/p>

Apple has been outspoken after the EU fined the company 500 million euros for alleged DMA violations. The tech giant appealed the fine, but recent news reports<\/a> indicate a settlement in the case is close. Apple previously argued the regulation should be repealed or modified.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP24085394195061.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884469-1762954455", "title":"NYPD oversight board head resigns, citing union pressure", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3884469%2Fnypd-oversight-board-head-resigns-citing-union-pressure%2F", "byline":"Center Square", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"(The Center Square) — The head of a New York City civilian board that investigates complaints against NYPD cops has resigned after a long feud with the city’s top police union.  In a letter to Mayor Eric Adams announcing his resignation, Dr. Mohammad Khalid, chair of the Civilian Complaint Review Board, cited “relentless” pressure from New […]", "description":""

(The Center Square) \u2014 The head of a New York City<\/a> civilian board that investigates complaints against NYPD<\/a> cops has resigned after a long feud with the city's top police union<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

In a letter to Mayor Eric Adams announcing his resignation, Dr. Mohammad Khalid, chair of the Civilian Complaint Review Board, cited \"relentless\" pressure from New York Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry, whom he accused of forcing him out. <\/p>

\"Mr. Hendry\u2019s attacks have been relentless and untrue, and they have negatively impacted me, my family and my health,\" Khalid wrote. \"To be clear, I would have liked to continue my work with the CCRB. But I will not do so when he can brazenly lie about me without consequence.\"<\/p>

The PBA has pressed for Khalid's resignation, accusing him of a \"bias\" against NYPD officers and pointing to his voting record on the board. <\/p>

In an Oct. 31 letter to Adams, the PBA claimed that Khalid has a \"conflict of interest\" as the CCRB's chairman because he also holds a position on Staten Island Community Board 2. The police union said that has \"undeniably influenced the outcome of countless cases where CCRB substantiated and recommended discipline of alleged misconduct.\" <\/p>

\"His participation in these determinations are extremely problematic as substantiations are used as the basis for charges against the officer, as well as the ultimate disciplinary determination by the NYPD, and they follow police officers for the remainder of their careers as they are both publicly available and incorporated into their personnel file,\" the PBA wrote.<\/p>

The 15-member board is tasked with reviewing investigations of NYPD officers and other law enforcement officials accused of misconduct and recommending discipline for those actions.<\/p>

Khalid, a Staten Island dentist, was tapped by Adams as the board's interim chairman in 2024. He hadn't been confirmed yet. Prior to serving as chairman, he was a board commissioner from 2005 to 2014 under then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg.<\/p>

In a statement acknowledging his abrupt resignation, the board praised Khalid for tenure as the panel's chairman and for \"his tireless effort and the lasting impact he had as its leader.\"<\/p>

\"He advocated for an increased budget and headcount to help fulfill the work of civilian oversight of police,\" the board said. \"He led by example in letting the values of objectivity and impartiality guide his decision-making.\" <\/p>

MAMDANI PLANS TO CALL TRUMP BEFORE TAKING OFFICE: \u2018A RELATIONSHIP THAT WILL BE CRITICAL\u2019<\/a><\/p>

But Hendry welcomed Khalid's resignation, citing his \"disregard for CCRB\u2019s own rules and procedures, and his dangerous plan to strip away the police commissioner\u2019s authority.\" <\/p>

\"His resignation is an important first step, but much more is required to make CCRB into the impartial agency mandated by the City Charter,\" he said, adding that Khalid's replacement must be \"a fair-minded chair, and every case that went against a police officer should be thrown out.\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/nypd-suicides.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884470-1762954182", "title":"Cruz, Cornyn file bill to hold Mexico accountable for water failures", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3884470%2Fcruz-cornyn-file-bill-hold-mexico-accountable-water-failures%2F", "byline":"Center Square", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"(The Center Square) – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, Republicans from Texas, have filed a bill to hold Mexico accountable for failing to provide water to south Texas in accordance with a 1944-era treaty.  The Ensuring Predictable and Reliable Water Deliveries Act of 2025 would strengthen enforcement of the 1944 Treaty of Utilization […]", "description":""

(The Center Square) \u2013 U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz<\/a> and John Cornyn<\/a>, Republicans from Texas<\/a>, have filed a bill to hold Mexico<\/a> accountable for failing to provide water to south Texas in accordance with a 1944-era treaty.\u00a0<\/p>

The Ensuring Predictable and Reliable Water Deliveries Act of 2025 would strengthen enforcement of the 1944 Treaty of Utilization of Waters, which governs water usage between the U.S. and Mexico, including from two international reservoirs, Lake Amistad and Falcon Lake in Texas along the international border.  <\/p>

The bill would impose restrictions and measures against Mexico if it does not meet its average annualized obligation. It requires the secretary of State to report to Congress on Mexico\u2019s status of meeting its treaty obligations. If the secretary finds that Mexico hasn\u2019t met its obligations, the bill directs the president to deny all non-treaty requests from the Mexican government and limit or terminate engagement with Mexican authorities with the exception of drug interdiction,\u00a0according to<\/a>\u00a0the bill language.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cMexico has consistently failed to meet its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty, cycle after cycle. The Mexican government exploits the structure of the treaty to defer and delay its deliveries in each individual year until it becomes impossible for it to meet its overall obligations, and it continues to fail to meet its obligation to deliver water to the United States,\u201d Cruz said. \u201cThese failures are catastrophic for Texas farmers and ranchers, who rely on regular and complete deliveries by Mexico under the treaty and are on the front lines of this crisis, facing water shortages that threaten agriculture and livestock. Without stronger congressional pressure and oversight, Mexico will continue to fail to meet its obligations.\u201d <\/p>

Mexico has historically released water storage from Lake Amistad to Mexican growers, not to Texas growers, and for years, the U.S. federal government hadn\u2019t enforced the treaty. Last year, Mexican officials killed any agreements to release water to Texans, even running ads in Mexico City to protest compliance with the treaty, The Center Square reported. The treaty mandates Mexico to deliver 350,000 acre-feet of water per year over a five-year cycle, a total of 1.75 million acre-feet, to the U.S., which it has not done. <\/p>

The last five-year cycle ended in October. According to the International Boundary and Water Commission, as of Oct. 24, 2025, Mexico ended the cycle delivering approximately 885,000 acre-feet, less than 50% of its total obligation of 1.75 million acre-feet. <\/p>

This is after the Trump administration reached a deal with Mexican authorities in April requiring them to fulfill their end of the treaty or face economic sanctions, The Center Square\u00a0reported.<\/a><\/p>

Prior to that, an agreement was reached last fall between U.S. and Mexican authorities requiring Mexico to deliver water to the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. This was eight months after Texas sugar growers said they had no choice but to shut down the last remaining sugar operation in Texas because the federal government hadn\u2019t held Mexico accountable for breaking the treaty, The Center Square\u00a0reported<\/a>.<\/p>

Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers for years called on the Biden administration, and previous administrations, to force Mexico's hands, the industry argues, to no avail.<\/p>

The Rio Grande Valley is among the most fertile agricultural regions in the state and country. In order to grow a wide range of crops, farmers rely on water from the Colorado and Rio Grande rivers. The agricultural industry in the valley contributes roughly $1 billion annually to the economy and provides roughly 8,400 full-time jobs,\u00a0The Center Square\u00a0reported.<\/a><\/p>

\u201cMexico\u2019s deficit under the 1944 Water Treaty has never been greater. Barring action by Mexico, in October 2025, Texans will be facing a projected deficit of 1.3-million acre-feet of water,\u201d Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said last year when demanding that Mexico comply with the treaty. <\/p>

Cruz, Cornyn, U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, Monica De La Cruz, R-Edinburg, and others, sought to include funding stipulations in federal appropriation bills stating that the U.S. would withhold foreign aid to Mexico until it released the required amount of water. <\/p>

PAXTON SUES TEXAS COUNTY OVER TAXPAYER-FUNDED DEFENSE OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FACING DEPORTATION<\/a><\/p>

Mexico receives hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign aid from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assistance. <\/p>

Cruz and Cornyn also filed an\u00a0<\/a>amendment<\/a>\u00a0to the National Defense Authorization Act to create a new framework to ensure Mexico complies with the treaty.<\/p>

Earlier this year, Cruz, Cornyn and De La Cruz secured a $280 million block grant through the USDA to provide immediate economic relief to south Texas farmers.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25296640008505.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884471-1762954016", "title":"Arizona ranks 17th in unfunded pension liabilities: Report", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3884471%2Farizona-ranks-17th-unfunded-pension-liabilities-report%2F", "byline":"Center Square", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"(The Center Square) – Arizona ranked 17th in the nation in unfunded pension liabilities, according to a new report from the Reason Foundation. Arizona had a total of $27.3 billion in pension debt, according to the report. The foundation based its numbers on fiscal year 2024. Arizona added approximately $10 billion in unfunded pension debt liabilities […]", "description":""

(The Center Square) - Arizona<\/a> ranked 17th in the nation in unfunded pension<\/a> liabilities, according to a new report from the\u00a0Reason Foundation.<\/a><\/p>

Arizona had a total of $27.3 billion in pension debt, according to the report. The foundation based its numbers on fiscal year 2024.<\/p>

Arizona added approximately $10 billion in unfunded pension debt liabilities from 2014 to 2024<\/p>

Leonard Gilroy, senior managing director of the Reason Foundation\u2019s Pension Integrity Project, told The Center Square that Arizona added approximately $10 billion in unfunded pension debt liabilities from 2014 to 2024. <\/p>

For the first 10 years of the new pension reforms, Arizona was expected to see a jump in its unfunded liabilities, Gilroy said. <\/p>

Of the current total of $27.3 billion, taxpayers are responsible for about two-thirds, while active public employees are responsible for the remaining third, Gilroy explained. However, due to the pension fund reforms, the \u201ctaxpayers and new employees are sharing costs much more equally than in the past,\u201d he added.<\/p>

Gilroy said Arizona\u2019s pension debt is on a \u201ctrajectory of improvement\u201d after years of \u201cdifficult reforms and difficult decisions.\u201d<\/p>

Arizona has four major pension systems, according to Gilroy. These pension systems are the Arizona State Retirement System, the Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System, the Arizona Correctional Officer Retirement Plan and the Arizona Elected Officials Retirement Plan.<\/p>

The ASRS covers state employees and teachers, and the APSPRS takes care of law enforcement and first responders. <\/p>

In addition, the CORP deals with correctional officers, and the EORP pertains to elected officials. <\/p>

Gilroy, who helped reform Arizona\u2019s pension program, said many reforms have been made over the years to the state\u2019s pension programs. He noted these major reforms were made to APSPRS, CORP and EORP. <\/p>

ASRS, Arizona\u2019s largest pension fund, did not undergo major reforms, he stated.<\/p>

To improve these three pension funds, Arizona paid down unfunded liabilities, lowered return assumptions and built new retirement options for new hires, Gilroy said. <\/p>

In 2016, Arizona passed\u00a0Senate Bill 1428<\/a>, which stated any new government hires after July 1, 2017, could choose between a defined contribution plan and a defined benefit plan.<\/p>

According to the Department of Labor, a defined contribution plan allows an \u201cemployee or the employer (or both) [to] contribute to the employee's individual account under the plan.\u201d<\/p>

The DOL\u00a0says\u00a0<\/a>a defined benefit plan guarantees a \u201cspecified monthly benefit at retirement.\u201d<\/p>

Before this law came into effect, Arizona law mandated public pension benefits be paid out exactly as stated in a contract, according to Gilroy. <\/p>

He said Arizona\u2019s new pension option for government workers was \u201cbuilt to be sustainable.\u201d<\/p>

 The new generation of workers is less likely than the older generation to stay at one job for their whole careers, Gilroy told The Center Square.<\/p>

Gilroy noted Arizona has improved its funded ratio for its pension plans, rising from 72% to 74.3% from 2014 to 2024.<\/p>

According to Gilroy, this funded pension ratio indicates that Arizona has nearly three-fourths of the funds needed to cover its future pension obligations. <\/p>

The 74.3% of the funded ratio is based on all of Arizona\u2019s major pensions, including those for Phoenix and Tucson's city employees. Gilroy said only local taxpayers in these two cities are responsible for these pension funds. <\/p>

He added that when the funds\u2019 total assets ($79.2 billion) are divided by their total liabilities ($106.6 billion), the result is 74.3%  <\/p>

Of Arizona's pension liabilities, 70% are in the ASRS, he noted.<\/p>

ASRS is the only major state-wide pension program that saw its funded ratio decline from 2014 to 2024. The three reformed pension plans saw increases in their funded ratios, Gilroy said.<\/p>

Going forward, Gilroy said if the total fund percentage continues to go up and the state keeps hitting its return assumptions, then Arizona has a chance of getting its pension program funded at 100%. <\/p>

\u201cIf you put in the money now, you save that money in the long run because you\u2019re not trying to chase the problems of the past,\u201d he said.<\/p>

In 2022, the Arizona Legislature\u00a0approved\u00a0<\/a>a one-time $1.1 billion payment in its 2023 budget to help pay down some of its unfunded pension liability.\u00a0<\/p>

JOHNSON TO SWEAR IN ADELITA GRIJALVA SEVEN WEEKS AFTER ELECTION WIN<\/a><\/p>

Gilroy said paying down pension debt as soon as possible allows governments to \u201cfree up money in their budgets to dedicate to other priorities like public safety or tax cuts.\u201d<\/p>

Arizona\u2019s pension debt is on track to improve, Gilroy said. However, he added that the main challenge will be to make sure the \u201csystem post-reform is maintained.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/az-state-capitol.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884118-1762953337", "title":"Scott Bessent to oversee final circulation of penny", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Ffinance-and-economy%2F3884118%2Fscott-bessent-to-oversee-final-circulation-of-penny%2F", "byline":"Jenny Goldsberry", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will visit the Philadelphia Mint on Wednesday to commemorate the last production of the penny in the United States. Treasurer Brandon Beach will join Bessent nine months after President Donald Trump called to halt production of the 1-cent coin. Trump explained that the decision was part of an effort to “rip the […]", "description":""

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent<\/a> will visit the Philadelphia Mint on Wednesday to commemorate the last production of the penny<\/a> in the United States.<\/p>

Treasurer Brandon Beach\u00a0will join Bessent nine months after President Donald Trump called to halt production<\/a> of the 1-cent coin. Trump explained that the decision was part of an effort to \u201crip the waste out of our great nation\u2019s budget, even if it\u2019s a penny at a time.\u201d<\/p>

The Philadelphia Mint is a notable location to host Bessent and Beach, as it is the nation\u2019s first mint. It produced the first U.S. copper pennies. In 1793, the Philadelphia Mint made and delivered 11,178 pennies. In 2017, when the mint reached its 225th anniversary, the pennies that year were struck with an additional \u201cP\u201d for Philadelphia.<\/p>

A single penny made up of 2.5% copper<\/a> and zinc costs 3.69 cents<\/a> to make. Before 1857, the mint produced the coin completely out of copper. According to the U.S. Mint\u2019s fiscal 2024 report<\/a>, last year alone, the penny\u2019s production resulted in a loss of $85 million for the mint.<\/p>

While the penny is winding down production, the coin will still hold value in the U.S. economy. The Treasury is currently selling a set of uncirculated coins from 2025<\/a>, which includes a penny on its website. Limited edition collector\u2019s editions of pennies are also anticipated in the future. <\/p>

During fiscal 2024, the Treasury\u2019s coin circulation was 57% pennies<\/a>. As a result, the Treasury will save $56 million a year<\/a> by eliminating its production.  <\/p>

THE PENNY IS GOING AWAY IN EARLY 2026: WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU AND YOUR ONE-CENT COINS<\/a><\/p>

Nickels could be next on the Treasury\u2019s chopping block as they cost over 13.78 cents each to make. Bessent has floated the idea of changing a nickel\u2019s composition \u201cso that a nickel is worth a nickel<\/a>.\u201d Fiscal 2024 marked the 19th consecutive fiscal year<\/a> that nickels cost more to make than they were worth.<\/p>

The Washington Examiner has reached out to the Treasury for comment.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/pennies-.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884083-1762952400", "title":"WATCH LIVE: Jeffries holds press conference as Johnson eyes final House vote ending shutdown", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse%2F3884083%2Fwatch-live-hakeem-jeffries-press-conference-house-shutdown-vote%2F", "byline":"Emily Hallas", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) is holding a press conference on Wednesday afternoon after his party agreed to bring the longest government shutdown in U.S. history to a close. Jeffries and other House Democrats will address the media at 2 p.m. in Washington, D.C. SENATE PASSES BILL TO END GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN, TEEING UP FINAL […]", "description":""

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries<\/a> (D-NY) is holding a press conference on Wednesday afternoon after his party agreed to bring the longest government shutdown<\/a> in U.S. history to a close. <\/p>

Jeffries and other House Democrats will address the media at 2 p.m. in Washington, D.C. <\/p>

SENATE PASSES BILL TO END GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN, TEEING UP FINAL HOUSE PASSAGE<\/a><\/p>

Senate Democrats pushed the House-passed congressional resolution to open the government across the finish line on Monday evening after blocking it for weeks due to concerns about a lack of a provision extending Obamacare subsidies. <\/p>

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is seeking to hold a final vote in the House to pass the measure into law on Wednesday evening.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/110725_WEX_JEFFRIES-13-e1762969044766.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884036-1762952261", "title":"Top Ukrainian officials removed from office over $100 million corruption scandal", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F3884036%2Ftop-ukrainian-officials-removed-office-100-million-dollar-corruption-scandal%2F", "byline":"Molly Parks", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Ukrainian government ousted its ministers of justice and energy from their positions after an investigation revealed a $100 million corruption scandal among current and former top government officials. Ukraine‘s National Anti-Corruption Bureau announced that a “high-level criminal organization,” comprising government officials and businessmen, infiltrated the public nuclear energy company Energoatom to launder money and […]", "description":""

The Ukrainian<\/a> government ousted its ministers of justice<\/a> and energy<\/a> from their positions after an investigation revealed a $100 million corruption<\/a> scandal among current and former top government officials.<\/p>

Ukraine<\/a>'s National Anti-Corruption Bureau announced that a \"high-level criminal organization,\" comprising government officials and businessmen, infiltrated the public nuclear energy company Energoatom to launder money and secure benefits illegally.<\/p>

\"The main activity of the criminal organization was the systematic receipt of illegal benefits from Energoatom's contractors in the amount of 10% to 15% of the contract value,\" the NACB press release<\/a> said.<\/p>

The corruption scandal has rocked the Ukrainian government, as businesspeople close to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky<\/a> have been sanctioned. Five individuals have been arrested, and seven individuals have been notified of their suspected involvement in the ring, dubbed \"Operation 'Midas.'\" Zelensky released a statement on Wednesday, saying his administration is holding those suspected accountable.<\/p>

\"There will be a cleansing and reset of Energoatom's management,\" Zelensky said. \"I believe that the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Energy cannot remain in office. This is, among other things, a matter of trust. If there are accusations, they must be addressed. The decision on suspension from office is prompt, as swift as possible.\"<\/p>

Zelensky said<\/a> he had a productive phone call with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko on the matter and asked her to ensure that Justice Minister German Galushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk submit their resignations. Svyrydenko confirmed their resignations on Wednesday.<\/p>

\"Submitted to the Verkhovna Rada for consideration a submission regarding the dismissal from the position of Minister of Justice Herman Halushchenko and Minister of Energy Svitlana Hrynhchuk,\" Svyrydenko posted on X<\/a>.<\/p>

She confirmed that Deputy Minister of Justice for European Integration Issues Lyudmila Suhak would assume the duties of the justice minister.<\/p>

\"Right now, it is extremely difficult for everyone in Ukraine \u2014 enduring power outages, Russian strikes, and losses. It is absolutely unacceptable that, amid all this, there are also some schemes in the energy sector. I will sign a decree to impose sanctions on two individuals implicated in the NABU case concerning Energoatom,\" Zelensky said.<\/p>

Svyrydenko confirmed<\/a> that personal sanction requests against two individuals, Timur Mindich and Oleksandr Tsukerman, have been submitted. Mindich has ties to Zelensky through the production company Kvartal 95, according to NBC News<\/a>. Mindich is currently a co-owner of the company founded by Zelensky.<\/p>

Kvartal 95 released a statement<\/a> saying the events are \"not related\" to the company and that while Mindich has a \"legal relationship\" with the company, he \"does not participate in its activities and does not influence the content or decisions of the team.\"<\/p>

THE BATTLE FOR POKROVSK: KEY UKRAINIAN CITY IN DANGER OF FALLING TO RUSSIA<\/a><\/p>

\"There must be maximum integrity in the energy sector, in absolutely all processes. I support \u2014 and the Prime Minister supports \u2013 every investigation carried out by law enforcement and anti-corruption officials. This is an absolutely clear and consistent position for everyone,\" Zelensky said.<\/p>

\"Right now, we all must protect Ukraine. Undermining the state means you will be held accountable. Breaking the law means you will be held accountable,\" he added.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25307672279561.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884305-1762950887", "title":"OpenAI slams New York Times for demanding ChatGPT logs to crack down on paywall bypassing in lawsuit", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Ftechnology%2F3884305%2Fopenai-new-york-times-demanding-chatgpt-logs-paywall-lawsuit%2F", "byline":"Emily Hallas", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"OpenAI is challenging the New York Times’s efforts to access millions of private ChatGPT user conversations to support the newspaper’s lawsuit against the artificial intelligence company. OpenAI said Wednesday it is taking “steps to comply” with the newspaper’s request “because we must follow the law.” “The New York Times’ demand does not align with our […]", "description":""

OpenAI is challenging the New York Times<\/a>\u2019s efforts to access millions of private ChatGPT<\/a> user conversations to support the newspaper\u2019s lawsuit against the artificial intelligence<\/a> company.<\/p>

OpenAI said Wednesday it is taking \u201csteps to comply\u201d with the newspaper\u2019s request \u201cbecause we must follow the law.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cThe New York Times\u2019 demand does not align with our privacy standards,\u201d the tech company headed by Sam Altman added in a press release<\/a>. \"That is why we\u2019re challenging it.\"<\/p>

OpenAI and the New York Times have been embroiled in legal fights since 2023. At the time, the newspaper brought a lawsuit<\/a> against Altman\u2019s company and Microsoft, OpenAI\u2019s primary financial backer, due to copyright concerns centered on allegations that they unlawfully used millions of the outlet's articles to help program ChatGPT and other AI models.<\/p>

In the latest development in the New York court case this week, OpenAI said the outlet requested over 20 million ChatGPT user conversations randomly sampled from December 2022 to November 2024 as part of their \"baseless lawsuit\u201d to prove the tech company violated copyright laws.<\/p>

\u201cThey claim they might find examples of you using ChatGPT to try to get around their paywall,\u201d OpenAI wrote in a lengthy statement.<\/p>

\u201cWe respect strong, independent journalism. \u2026 However, this demand from the New York Times does not live up to that legacy, and we\u2019re asking the court to reject it,\u201d the statement continues. \u201cWe strongly believe this is an overreach. It risks your privacy without actually helping resolve the lawsuit.\u201d<\/p>

One aspect of the copyright infringement case has involved the New York Times pushing Magistrate Judge Ona Wang to require ChatGPT to preserve all conversations<\/a> to save possible evidence that the AI model is unlawfully using the newspaper\u2019s data.<\/p>

Wang ruled in May that OpenAI must preserve all future ChatGPT conversations, including those already being deleted by the company under standard default retention and deletion policies<\/a> and those being deleted by users that are automatically removed from the system within 30 days.<\/p>

Last month, Wang scaled back the ruling in response to challenges from OpenAI. The tech company can return to standard deletion policies under the latest order, but must preserve ChatGPT logs already saved under the previous order, the judge said.<\/p>

OpenAI has not denied using data from the New York Times to train ChatGPT and other large language models. But Altman and Microsoft have argued the use is protected under a legal doctrine known as \"fair use,\u201d which allows for material to be reused without permission in certain instances, including for research, teaching, and commentary.<\/p>

WAR DEPARTMENT REVERSES COURSE ON MEDIA REPORTING RESTRICTIONS<\/a><\/p>

\u201cWith fair use, you say, 'Yes, there was infringement, but we\u2019re not liable for it,'\u201d\u00a0Harvard Law School professor Mason Kortz<\/a> explained<\/a>.<\/p>

\u201cThe way fair use is determined is through a four-factor test,\u201d he continued. \"The first factor is the character of the use, whether the allegedly infringing work is transformative or is merely duplicative of the original work. The second factor is the character of the original work. Works that are highly creative, that can contain a lot of expression, it\u2019s harder to claim fair use. The third factor is the amount used. Did the alleged infringer use the entire protected work or only a small segment of it? And the fourth factor is what impact the allegedly infringing use has on the market for the original. Is this going to displace the market for the original, or is this entering a new market that the original copyright owner is not able to enter?\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Sam-Altman-Open-AI-jjh143.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884042-1762950570", "title":"Graham Platner’s online pro-communism, anti-white, anti-police posts put Democrat in deep water: Poll", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2Fcongressional%2F3884042%2Fgraham-platner-online-posts-put-democrat-in-deep-water-poll%2F", "byline":"David Zimmermann", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Graham Platner, a Democratic contender in the 2026 Maine Senate race, is struggling to gain traction with voters after his controversial online history came to light, according to a new poll. The Nov. 7 survey, released by Democratic pollster EMILYs List, shows Platner trailing Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) significantly because of his pro-communism, anti-white, anti-police […]", "description":""

Graham Platner, a Democratic contender in the 2026 Maine<\/a> Senate race, is struggling to gain traction with voters after his controversial online history came to light, according to a new poll<\/a>.<\/p>

The Nov. 7 survey<\/a>, released by Democratic pollster EMILYs List, shows Platner trailing Sen. Susan Collins<\/a> (R-ME) significantly because of his pro-communism, anti-white, anti-police Reddit posts.<\/p>

When respondents were provided balanced information about the political newcomer, Platner was behind Collins by nine points in the hypothetical matchup. However, when respondents were read quotes from his online posts and given information about his Nazi tattoo, the nine-point gap grew to 19.<\/p>

Even when respondents were given Platner's lengthy apology, he only closed the 19-point gap by five points. In all three scenarios, Collins remained above 50% in support.<\/p>

Platner's grassroots campaign was thrown into turmoil last month after his social media posts<\/a>, in which he described himself as a \"communist,\" castigated rural white Americans, and called police officers \"bastards\" following George Floyd's murder by an officer in 2020 resurfaced. He also bore a skull-and-crossbones tattoo<\/a> that resembled a Nazi symbol. The tattoo has since been covered up<\/a>.<\/p>

While Platner is trying to emphasize his experience as a veteran and oyster farmer from Maine, the damage has already been done one year out from the general election. Multiple staffers working on his campaign have resigned<\/a> in recent weeks due to the controversies.<\/p>

Based on the survey results, the left-leaning pollster argues it's difficult for Platner to recover.<\/p>

\u201cThe poll\u2019s findings are clear,\u201d Tiernan Donohue, chief campaigns officer of EMILYs List, said. \u201cMaine voters find Graham Platner\u2019s comments blaming victims for sexual assault, calling the Mainers he is seeking to represent \u2018racist\u2019 and \u2018stupid,\u2019 and promoting violent political action completely disqualifying.\u201d<\/p>

Platner is challenging Gov. Janet Mills<\/a> (D-ME) for the Democratic nomination in the Maine Senate<\/a> race, while Collins is seeking to defend her seat.<\/p>

Although Collins is ahead of Platner in the polls, Maine voters don't have much of an appetite for her reelection. Democrats lead Republicans by nine points on a generic ballot, and Collins's approval rating is in the negative by 10 points. The senator only received 44% approval, compared to 54% disapproval.<\/p>

PLATNER REBUILDS CAMPAIGN AFTER SETBACKS HE BLAMES ON PARTY LEADERSHIP<\/a><\/p>

Mills was not included in the poll. EMILYs List endorsed Mills<\/a> last month when she announced her Senate bid.<\/p>

Impact Research conducted the poll from Oct. 22 to Oct. 27, with a sample size of 700 likely Maine voters and a 3.7% margin of error.<\/p>

<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25309659956454.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884185-1762950534", "title":"WATCH LIVE: White House holds press briefing after government shutdown deal clears Senate", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F3884185%2Fwatch-live-white-house-press-briefing-government-shutdown-deal%2F", "byline":"David Zimmermann", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will hold a press briefing at 1 p.m. Wednesday. The press conference comes after the Senate overcame a stalemate in the nation’s longest government shutdown this week. SENATE PASSES BILL TO END GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN, TEEING UP FINAL HOUSE PASSAGE Eight Democrats joined Republicans in the vote that moves Congress […]", "description":""

White House<\/a> press secretary Karoline Leavitt<\/a> will hold a press briefing at 1 p.m. Wednesday.<\/p>

The press conference comes after the Senate<\/a> overcame a stalemate in the nation's longest government shutdown<\/a> this week. <\/p>

SENATE PASSES BILL TO END GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN, TEEING UP FINAL HOUSE PASSAGE<\/a><\/p>

Eight Democrats joined Republicans in the vote that moves Congress toward reopening the government. The stopgap funding bill now heads to the House for a vote. <\/p>

The White House has repeatedly blamed Democrats for keeping the federal government closed.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25308689173340.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884121-1762950488", "title":"‘Principled’ Fetterman would lead Demcoratic Party ‘in a normal world’: Joe Concha", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3884121%2Fprincipled-john-fetterman-would-lead-demcoratic-party-in-a-normal-world-joe-concha%2F", "byline":"Asher Notheis", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Washington Examiner senior writer Joe Concha praised Sen. John Fetterman’s (D-PA) appearance on The View on Wednesday, where the senator dismissed criticism of his efforts to end the government shutdown. Fetterman is one of eight democrats who voted with Senate Republicans on a vote to end the government shutdown, and the bill has been sent […]", "description":""

Washington Examiner senior writer Joe Concha praised Sen. John Fetterman's<\/a> (D-PA) appearance on The View<\/a> on Wednesday, where the senator dismissed criticism of his efforts to end the government shutdown.<\/p>

Fetterman is one of eight democrats<\/a> who voted with Senate Republicans on a vote to end the government shutdown, and the bill<\/a> has been sent to the House of Representatives. Fetterman defended his decision on The View to reopen the government, brushing off criticism from Gov. Gavin Newsom<\/a> (D-CA) and Sen. Bernie Sanders<\/a> (I-VT) as he finds \u201ca way forward\u201d for the nation.<\/p>

Concha said Fetterman would rise to become the Democratic Party\u2019s<\/a> new leader \u201cin a normal world,\u201d citing how the senator represents Pennsylvania<\/a>, \u201ca purple state.\u201d Because of this, Fetterman represents people across the political spectrum and \u201ccan\u2019t afford\u201d to lean too politically left, like Newsom or Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).<\/p>

\u201cTo answer your question, no, he can\u2019t be the leader of the party because he is certainly not extreme enough, right? He\u2019s obviously a guy who's principled and tries to go from the middle and tries to get things done, and that\u2019s a big no-no in the Democratic Party, apparently,\u201d Concha said on Fox News\u2019s Fox & Friends First.<\/p>

Concha also criticized cohost Sunny Hostin\u2019s treatment of Fetterman on the show, noting that she criticized Fetterman for reopening the government and allowing several federal employees to receive a paycheck, while Hostin earns \u201c$2 million per year.\u201d However, he said Fetterman handled Hostin\u2019s criticism \u201cperfectly,\u201d and suggested the senator not return to the show.<\/p>

FETTERMAN ON SHUTDOWN: \u2018THIS WAS A FAILURE\u2019<\/a><\/p>

Fetterman said on Tuesday that \"no one really knows<\/a>\" who is leading the Democratic Party. He added that his vote to reopen the government \u201creflected\u201d his values, and he\u2019s \u201cOK\u201d if that puts him at odds with his party.<\/p>

Washington Examiner\u2019s Lauren Green said Monday that Democrats faced \u201ca lot of pressure<\/a>\u201d as the shutdown continued. She added that Democrats acquired a promised vote for Affordable Care Act<\/a> subsidies next month, but this doesn\u2019t guarantee passage in the Senate, nor whether the House will pick it up for a vote.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25211018813225-e1762967773571.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884124-1762949698", "title":"Trump administration launches higher education rulemaking body with veteran as primary negotiator", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Feducation%2F3884124%2Ftrump-administration-launches-higher-education-rulemaking-body%2F", "byline":"Pedro Rodriguez", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Education Department has created a rulemaking body tasked with shaping the future of higher education accountability, Pell Grants, and student aid. Matthew Feehan, a National Guard veteran and former infantry officer, has been appointed by the department to serve as the primary negotiator on the Accountability in Higher Education and Access through Demand-driven Workforce […]", "description":""

The Education Department<\/a> has created a rulemaking body tasked with shaping the future of higher education accountability, Pell Grants, and student aid.<\/p>

Matthew Feehan, a National Guard veteran<\/a> and former infantry officer, has been appointed by the department to serve as the primary negotiator on the Accountability in Higher Education and Access through Demand-driven Workforce Pell Committee.<\/p>

\u201cFeehan will represent student veterans, active-duty service members pursuing higher education, and the organizations that advocate for them,\u201d Combat Vets of America wrote in a press release.<\/p>

\u201cMatt represents exactly what CVA stands for, integrity, service, and a relentless commitment to\u00a0 improving the systems that affect those who served,\u201d CVA National Commander Brandon M. Barron said. \u201cHis selection by the Department underscores both his credibility and the growing influence of a\u00a0 new generation of veteran leadership.<\/p>

\u201cWe are proud to stand behind him as he\u00a0advocates for accountability, access, and the educational rights our veterans\u00a0have earned.\u201d<\/p>

Feehan and the AHEAD Committee\u2019s work \u201cwill influence how educational institutions are held accountable and how student aid is delivered\u2014making this one of the most consequential higher education negotiations in years,\u201d CVA added.\u00a0<\/p>

The department appointed Feehan after he was nominated by the Veterans Education Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of educational<\/a> opportunities, transparency,\u00a0and fair treatment for student veterans, service members, and their families.<\/p>

Feehan will be taking up the new role ahead of the Education Department\u2019s next negotiated rulemaking meeting, where officials will discuss the implementation of changes to institutional and programmatic accountability measures, such as the loss of direct loan eligibility for certain programs with low-earnings outcomes, financial value transparency, and gainful employment<\/a>.<\/p>

Another plan that will be discussed in the meeting is the establishment of program eligibility requirements for a new transferable Workforce Pell Grant for students enrolled in programs that last 8-15 weeks, which includes active-duty<\/a> service members.<\/p>

VETERANS DEFENDED OUR HOMELAND AND NOW THEY NEED A PLACE TO SIT IN IT<\/a><\/p>

The meeting will also feature a discussion on the exclusion of Pell Grant<\/a> assistance for students who receive grant or scholarship aid covering their entire cost of attendance or for students with a student aid<\/a> index in excess of twice the maximum Pell Grant award.<\/p>

Lastly, on behalf of active-duty and former military<\/a> members enrolled in higher education, Feehan will weigh in on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act<\/a>, which calls for significant reforms aimed at strengthening accountability, improving access and affordability in higher education<\/a>, and modernizing the administration of federal student aid programs.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/1c3a74e758c91b4be720c500616a6922-scaled.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884117-1762948400", "title":"Venezuela orders major mobilization as US aircraft carrier arrives in nearby waters", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fdefense%2F3884117%2Fvenezuela-orders-major-mobilization-aircraft-carrier-arrives%2F", "byline":"Mike Brest", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Venezuela ordered a “massive” military deployment on Tuesday night in response to the arrival of the largest U.S. military aircraft carrier in the region. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said the government is placing “the entire country’s military arsenal on full operational readiness,” with preparations including the “massive deployment of ground, aerial, naval, riverine and […]", "description":""

Venezuela<\/a> ordered a \u201cmassive\" military deployment on Tuesday night in response to the arrival of the largest U.S. military<\/a> aircraft carrier in the region.<\/p>

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said<\/a> the government is placing \u201cthe entire country\u2019s military arsenal on full operational readiness,\u201d with preparations including the \u201cmassive deployment of ground, aerial, naval, riverine and missile forces.\u201d<\/p>

Padrino Lopez said on national television that the mobilization will include \u201calmost 200,000\u201d service members.<\/p>

The arrival of the Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group<\/a> in the Caribbean has been anticipated for weeks, after the Navy said it would relocate from Europe to the region on Oct. 24. The Ford, which is the Navy\u2019s largest and most modern aircraft carrier, has about 4,000 sailors on board.<\/p>

The U.S. military is currently in the midst of its largest buildup of U.S. forces in the Western Hemisphere in decades.<\/p>

U.S. troops have carried out nearly 20 lethal kinetic strikes, killing about 75 people, <\/a>on purported drug smuggling vessels that have ties to Venezuela. The strikes are a significant deviation from the United States's long-standing strategy of leaning on the Coast Guard to interdict these ships, seize any drugs, and arrest anyone on board.<\/p>

With thousands of service members in the Caribbean, there is an increasing belief that the strikes on vessels are one part of the administration's larger plan to apply more pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro<\/a>.<\/p>

The U.S. views Maduro as an illegitimate leader. He was accused by the international community of falsely claiming victory in the last election, and he was indicted in the U.S. in 2020 on narcoterrorism charges.<\/p>

President Donald Trump<\/a> has approved the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela, but he has not approved the military to carry out kinetic strikes on Venezuelan soil, which would be a significant escalation from the strikes in international waters.<\/p>

Should he do that, the U.S. could target airstrips, military bases, drug production facilities, and more.<\/p>

HERE ARE THE DETAILS OF THE US STRIKES TARGETING ALLEGED DRUG VESSELS<\/a><\/p>

Maduro claimed last month that the country has 5,000 Russian-made antiaircraft missiles in \"key defense positions.\" The Igla-S missiles are short-range, low-altitude, portable air defense systems that can be fired by an individual soldier and take down small aerial targets flying low to the ground, such as drones, cruise missiles, helicopters, and low-flying planes.<\/p>

Earlier this year, the administration designated several drug cartels as terrorist organizations, which gave it more latitude in how to combat them. The U.S. also increased<\/a> the reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest from $25 million to $50 million.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-collage-fd3yiier8-1762139879072-e1762182338148.jpg?1762164375&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884178-1762948315", "title":"Voters want Trump focused on domestic, not foreign issues", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwashington-secrets%2F3884178%2Fvoters-want-trump-focused-on-domestic-not-foreign-issues%2F", "byline":"Paul Bedard", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The White House, embroiled in a heated debate over the president’s plan to invite hundreds of thousands of Chinese workers into the United States, is being pressured by voters to focus more on domestic issues and less on foreign policy. In two new independent polls, majorities of likely voters and supporters of President Donald Trump […]", "description":""

The White House<\/a>, embroiled in a heated debate over the president\u2019s plan to invite hundreds of thousands of Chinese workers into the United States, is being pressured by voters to focus more on domestic issues and less on foreign policy.<\/p>

In two new independent polls, majorities of likely voters and supporters of President Donald Trump<\/a> want him to tackle the Main Street issues that he campaigned on last year, rather than world hot spots such as Nigeria and Mali.<\/p>

OPINION: H-1B VISAS ARE HURTING AMERICAN STUDENTS<\/a><\/p>

In a Rasmussen Reports survey, for example, 62% said \u201cit would be better if Trump spent more time dealing with domestic issues like the economy<\/a>.\u201d That included 54% of Republicans and 61% of independent voters.<\/p>

A just-released Big Data Poll found that 51.9% feel Trump is \u201ctoo focused<\/a>\u201d on foreign policy. Among independent voters, it is 55.4%.<\/p>

Most believe that Trump is doing a good job handling foreign policy<\/a>. He recently helped settle the Israel-Hamas war and has cut successful deals with major economic foes, including China<\/a>, with his tough use of tariffs.<\/p>

But his plan to grant some 600,000 visas to Chinese workers has prompted a massive pushback<\/a> from his Make America Great Again base. Trump\u2019s recent comments that the U.S. doesn\u2019t have enough talented citizens for certain jobs fueled MAGA\u2019s outrage.<\/p>

This is the social compact breaking down. We need urgency to restore it:1 - Mass deportations2 - Stop the H-1B scam3 - Dramatically reduce LEGAL Immigration4 - End chain migration and the Visa Lottery5 - Build 10 million homes for Americans6 - Crush the College Cartel pic.twitter.com\/hJXzcD3qak<\/a><\/p>— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) August 14, 2025<\/a>

Many of those chafing at Trump\u2019s plan have seized on one of the last social media posts<\/a> from the late Charlie Kirk<\/a>, founder of Turning Point USA. Before he was assassinated, he condemned the H-1B visa program to bring in foreign workers and called for a sweeping reduction in legal immigration. Others are citing an interview<\/a> Trump did with Fox News host Laura Ingraham this week, during which she challenged the president on the visas.<\/p>

The issue is also a factor behind why \u201cAmerica Last\u201d is trending on social media.<\/p>

\u201cAmerica Last is trending, only this time, it's being used to describe Trump himself during what should have been an easy interview with @IngrahamAngle<\/a>,\u201d tweeted Rich Baris, director of Big Data Poll and the head of the newly organized National Association of Independent Pollsters created to challenge biased media polls.<\/p>

But Trump\u2019s foreign focus isn\u2019t all bad, according to another pollster who found substantial support for the president\u2019s efforts to provide American aid to the needy overseas.<\/p>

McLaughlin & Associates found that 76% of Trump\u2019s base backs international food and medicine assistance \u201cthat uses American-made products to save lives, improve global health, strengthen alliances, and bolster U.S. national security and the economy.\u201d<\/p>

SEE THE LATEST POLITICAL NEWS AND BUZZ FROM WASHINGTON SECRETS<\/a><\/p>

The pollster added that overseas aid programs that use American products are a winner among several key voting groups. \u201cThe support level is highest among Democrats, but three-quarters of Trump voters and Republicans favor it, and approval reaches 80% among Evangelicals,\u201d said McLaughlin.<\/p>

What\u2019s more, according to McLaughlin\u2019s analysis, \u201cThis kind of strategic investment in American leadership is consistent with President Trump\u2019s America First vision.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25286624750772.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884047-1762947844", "title":"Trump asks Israeli president to pardon Netanyahu from ‘political, unjustified prosecution’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolitics%2F3884047%2Ftrump-asks-israeli-president-netanyahu-pardon%2F", "byline":"Emily Hallas", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump has requested Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of crimes he is accused of committing. Herzog said Wednesday he received an official letter from Trump making the request. The move comes after Trump has repeatedly suggested the accusations leveled against Netanyahu are sham, politically motivated charges. He has […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump has requested Israeli<\/a> President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu <\/a>of crimes he is accused of committing.<\/p>

Herzog said Wednesday he received an official letter from Trump making the request. The move comes after Trump has repeatedly suggested the accusations leveled against Netanyahu are sham, politically motivated charges. He has frequently pushed Herzog in recent months to pardon the prime minister, including during his high-profile speech to the Israeli parliament<\/a> in October.<\/p>

\u201cWhile I absolutely respect the independence of the Israeli Justice System, and its requirements, I believe that this \u2018case\u2019 against Bibi, who has fought alongside me for a long time, including against the very tough adversary of Israel, Iran, is a political, unjustified prosecution,\u201d Trump said in the letter <\/a>shared by Herzog\u2019s office.<\/p>

Trump framed a pardon as an opportunity to further stabilize Israel after the country recently signed onto a historic though fragile peace deal suspending a three-year-long war with Hamas, and secured the release of all living hostages from the terrorist group in Gaza. <\/p>

\u201cAs the Great State of Israel and the amazing Jewish People move past the terribly difficult times of the last three years, I hereby call on you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister, and is now leading Israel into a time of peace,\u201d Trump continued. <\/p>

\"Now that we have achieved these unprecedented successes, and are keeping Hamas in check, it is time to let Bibi unite Israel by pardoning him, and ending that lawfare once and for all,\u201d Trump wrote to Herzog. <\/p>

The pardon process in the Israeli justice system is more complex than in the U.S. While presidents can choose to unilaterally issue them in the U.S., in Israel, a defendant or a member of their family must go through the process of appealing to the president for a pardon, and the country\u2019s Ministry of Justice must also typically weigh in and recommend a pardon. There are also some legal restrictions on pardoning a defendant who has not yet been convicted, as in Netanyahu\u2019s case. <\/p>

Herzog\u2019s office mentioned the obstacles in a response to Trump that said the Israeli president holds \"the highest regard and continues to express his deep appreciations for President Trump's unwavering support for Israel.\"<\/p>

\"Alongside and not withstanding this ... anyone seeking a Presidential pardon must submit a formal request in accordance with the established procedures,\" the statement added.<\/p>

Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. He is accused of accepting more than $200,000 worth of extravagant gifts. The prime minister is also accused of attempting to negotiate more favorable coverage from two Israeli media outlets. <\/p>

The case has stretched on now for four years, as Netanyahu has denied all the charges. <\/p>

Trump personally urged Herzog in October to pardon the prime minister when he went off-script during a rare speech to the Israeli Knesset focused on celebrating the ceasefire with Hamas and the return of the hostages.<\/p>

\u201cI have an idea, Mr. President: Why don\u2019t you give him a pardon?\u201d Trump said to Herzog, pointing to Netanyahu, and sparking a sustained standing ovation and applause from the crowd. <\/p>

WITKOFF AND KUSHNER MEET WITH NETANYAHU AS FIRST STAGE OF CEASEFIRE WANES<\/a><\/p>

\u201cThis was not in the speech, as you probably know, but I happen to like this gentleman right over here,\u201d Trump added, pointing at Herzog. \u201cIt just seems to make so much sense. You know, whether we like it or not, this has been one of the greatest wartime presidents.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cAnd cigars and champagne \u2014 who the hell cares about that?\u201d Trump continued, referencing some of the bribes Netanyahu is accused of accepting. \u201cAll right? Enough controversy for the day, right? It\u2019s actually, I don\u2019t think it\u2019s very controversial. So, you know,  I see, so popular. You are a very popular man,\u201d Trump added, looking at Netanyahu. \u201cYou know why? Because you know how to win.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Trump-Netanyahu.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883961-1762947401", "title":"Byron York says shutdown was an ‘anti-Trump protest’ by Democrats", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fsenate%2F3883961%2Fbyron-york-shutdown-anti-trump-protest-democrats%2F", "byline":"Jenny Goldsberry", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Washington Examiner Chief Political Correspondent Byron York suggested that Democratic senators no longer agree on why they shut down the government. Eight Democratic senators joined their Republican colleagues in voting to pass a continuing resolution that would reopen the government after a 41-day shutdown. However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) still voted against it […]", "description":""

Washington Examiner Chief Political Correspondent Byron York<\/a> suggested that Democratic senators no longer agree on why they shut down the government<\/a>.<\/p>

Eight Democratic senators joined their Republican colleagues in voting to pass a continuing resolution that would reopen the government after a 41-day shutdown. However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) still voted against it because it does not address the \"healthcare crisis.\" York explained on the Hugh Hewitt Show<\/a> on Tuesday that the Democrats \"don't agree\" on healthcare being the reason why they shut down the government.\u00a0<\/p>

\"There appears to be an argument brewing among Democrats over why they shut the government down. And they don't agree with each other on why they did what they did,\" York said.<\/p>

York cited a New York Times\u00a0article that quoted Democratic senators saying they supported the shutdown to oppose \"Trump's authoritarianism<\/a>.\"<\/p>

\"I guess all that stuff they said about Obamacare and subsidies and healthcare for millions of Americans, etc., they didn't actually mean it,\" York said. \"And that this was more of a just kind of a generalized anti-Trump protest, which makes it even less sense because there was absolutely no actual goal.\"<\/p>

The premium Obamacare tax credits were enhanced under the Biden administration amid the COVID-19 pandemic. These credits are set to expire at the end of this year, nearly 2 1\/2 years after former President Joe Biden declared the pandemic over. However, Schumer maintains that the government shutdown centered on extending healthcare subsidies.<\/p>

A Congressional Budget Office<\/a> report estimated that permanently extending the enhanced credits would cost the government $383 billion. However, if they permanently expire, the number of Americans without health insurance would rise by an average of 3.8 million annually until 2034.<\/p>

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) projected that a bill on the Obamacare subsidies deadline, meant to expire at the end of this year, could be expected in \"mid-December<\/a>.\"<\/p>

\"We're going to have a vote, and I believe there are a number of Republicans who are going to join us in trying to address healthcare costs for Americans,\" Shaheen said. \"We believe there are a lot of Republicans \u2014 including a lot of Trump supporters \u2014 who want to see us do something about this because their costs are going up.\"<\/p>

WHY DID DEMOCRATS FIGHT SO LONG \u2014 BEFORE CAVING?<\/a><\/p>

Shaheen said the defecting senators have \"kept leadership informed throughout\" negotiations.<\/p>

The continuing resolution would keep the government funded through Jan. 31.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/schumer-jeffries-for-collage.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883927-1762946062", "title":"Kyiv mayor warns Ukraine has ‘huge problems’ finding soldiers as Russian attacks ‘just keep coming’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F3883927%2Fkyiv-vitali-klitschko-ukraine-huge-problems-finding-soldiers-russian-attacks-keep-coming%2F", "byline":"Molly Parks", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The mayor of Kyiv, Ukraine, Vitali Klitschko, is sounding the alarm over the number of soldiers the country can retain as it fights to stave off Russian forces. Klitschko said Ukraine is having “huge problems” finding enough soldiers to defend the country, as Ukrainians flee west from the war-torn region to Europe. Klitschko suggested the […]", "description":""

The mayor of Kyiv<\/a>, Ukraine, Vitali Klitschko, is sounding the alarm over the number of soldiers the country can retain as it fights to stave off Russian<\/a> forces.<\/p>

Klitschko said Ukraine<\/a> is having \"huge problems\" finding enough soldiers to defend the country, as Ukrainians flee west from the war-torn region<\/a> to Europe. Klitschko suggested the government should lower the age at which citizens can be enlisted in the country's army from 25.<\/p>

\"In the past, 18-year-olds served in the army \u2014 but those are kids,\" Klitschko said. \"Right now, you can only be mobilized in Ukraine from age 25. You could lower it by a year or two \u2014 to 23 or 22.\"<\/p>

He made the comments in an interview with the Axel Springer Global Reporters Network, telling the network that Russian soldiers \"just keep coming<\/a>, they don\u2019t care about fallen soldiers,\" according to Politico.<\/p>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lowered the draft age from 27 to 25<\/a> in April 2024 to boost the country's soldier numbers. In December 2024, Zelensky cautioned against<\/a> cries in the media to lower the draft age further. In July, Zelensky signed a law<\/a> allowing citizens over 60 to enlist.<\/p>

As many Ukrainians flee their home country for Western Europe for asylum<\/a> from the war, the country's manpower continues to dwindle.<\/p>

The Ukrainian government made way for 18 to 22-year-olds to flee the country several months ago, with the goal of having children stay through their education instead of leaving with their parents. The order also allowed the young adults to pass back through the border freely when they wish to return.<\/p>

\"If we want to keep boys in Ukraine, we really need them to finish school here first<\/a> and for their parents not to take them away,\" Zelensky<\/a> said in a press conference.<\/p>

THE BATTLE FOR POKROVSK: KEY UKRAINIAN CITY IN DANGER OF FALLING TO RUSSIA<\/a><\/p>

Klitschko said in the interview that for young people to return to Ukraine, the country needs \"peace, jobs, and a good quality of life.\" He also likened Russia's attacks to \"a computer game.\"<\/p>

As the war wages on, Russia has taken about 90% of the battleground Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, a fall which would be a huge boon to Russian President Vladimir Putin<\/a>.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/ap23175434214854-scaled-e1762963372980.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883936-1762945396", "title":"Sherrill unveils affordability-focused campaign blueprint that she says carried her to victory in New Jersey", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2Fstate%2F3883936%2Fmikie-sherrill-unveils-affordability-focused-campaign-blueprint-new-jersey%2F", "byline":"David Zimmermann", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"One week after winning the election, Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) unveiled her affordability-focused campaign blueprint that her campaign manager said brought her to victory in the Garden State. Sherrill prioritized issues that concerned New Jersey voters, like rising utility costs, in her race against failed Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli. The Democratic congresswoman’s win was one […]", "description":""

One week after winning the election<\/a>, Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill<\/a> (D-NJ) unveiled her affordability-focused campaign blueprint that her campaign manager said brought her to victory in the Garden State.<\/p>

Sherrill prioritized issues that concerned New Jersey<\/a> voters, like rising utility costs, in her race against failed Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli<\/a>. The Democratic congresswoman's win was one of many races that sent President Donald Trump<\/a> and Republicans reeling following their decisive victory across the nation last year.<\/p>

Alex Ball, the campaign manager for Sherrill, said affordability played a key role in handing the New Jersey Democrat the win.<\/p>

\"When communicating about affordability, Mikie didn\u2019t talk like a typical Democrat,\" she wrote in a campaign memo<\/a> published by Politico on Wednesday. \"Mikie's affordability message was rooted in the no-nonsense, military ethos of finding a way or making one, vowing to take on anyone on her mission to drive costs down. She talked about not just holding others accountable, but challenged New Jerseyans to hold her accountable as governor.\"<\/p>

While running, Sherrill used her experience as a Navy helicopter pilot to distinguish herself from her opponent. Although the public became aware of her involvement in the Naval Academy's 1994 cheating scandal, that ultimately didn't hurt her in the race. She went on to beat Ciattarelli by nearly 14 points<\/a>, with strong support from women and younger voters.<\/p>

Among her accomplishments cited in the memo is Sherrill's ability to shift all 21 counties<\/a> in New Jersey to the Left and flip several swing counties that voted for Trump last year. She also made an effort to mobilize Latinos and black voters, resulting in a record turnout among both demographics. Sherrill received at least 85% support in majority-black towns and at least 65% support in majority-Latino towns.<\/p>

\"Mikie connected with traditional Democratic constituencies and forged bonds with new ones,\" her campaign manager said. \"In other words, Mikie is at the leading edge of building the next Democratic Party.\"<\/p>

Ball added her boss understood she was leading one of the first campaigns before the 2026 election cycle rather than one of the last campaigns of the 2024 cycle.<\/p>

\"She directed her campaign to think differently and look forward. That resulted in a sharper understanding of the electorate, the issues, and the mood,\" she said, contrasting Sherrill's approach with Ciattarelli's outreach to Trump voters. \"And, it merits pointing out, Mikie's understanding of the electorate and approach to this campaign were sharper than the opinions of many pundits, pollsters, and members of the press.\"<\/p>

Democrats are especially confident about winning voters on the affordability issue in 2026, although Trump has since Election Day declared the issue<\/a> \"dead\" under his administration and, therefore, useless in helping Democrats win next year.<\/p>

TRUMP SAYS AFFORDABILITY IS A 'DEAD' ISSUE. HIS RECENT PROPOSALS SAY OTHERWISE<\/a><\/p>

Countering Trump's narrative, Ball argues Democrats can keep their momentum heading into the 2026 midterm elections<\/a> if they address issues that resonate with voters.<\/p>

\u201cLean into a modern approach to campaigning that competes everywhere, for every voter, with a message relentlessly focused on the issues voters care about. When you understand who your electorate is, and you communicate with them, they respond,\u201d she wrote. \u201cThat is the key to winning in 2026 and beyond.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25310754131781.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884001-1762944931", "title":"Newsom says US is ‘as dumb as we want to be’ on climate policy at COP30 in Brazil", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fenergy-and-environment%2F3884001%2Fgavin-newsom-us-dumb-climate-policy-cop30-brazil%2F", "byline":"Pedro Rodriguez", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) said the United States is “as dumb” as it wants to be when it comes to climate policy during his Tuesday appearance at the United Nations’ COP30 climate summit in Brazil. Newsom’s remarks come after he criticized President Donald Trump over his absence at the summit.  “The United States of America […]", "description":""

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) said the United States is \u201cas dumb\" as it wants to be when it comes to climate policy during his Tuesday appearance at the United Nations\u2019 COP30 climate summit in Brazil<\/a>.<\/p>

Newsom's<\/a> remarks come after he criticized President Donald Trump<\/a> over his absence at the summit.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cThe United States of America is as dumb as we want to be on this topic, but the state of California is not,\u201d Newsom said. \u201cSo we are going to assert ourselves, we\u2019re going to lean in, and we are going to compete in this space.\u201d<\/p>

Newsom also called Trump\u2019s decision to reverse course on climate action \u201cdumb,\u201d adding that the president\u2019s policies are a threat to the rule of law and democracy. <\/p>

Trump shifted America\u2019s strategy toward green energy after withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement in both of his terms, revitalizing offshore oil drilling in the U.S. and deregulating the fossil fuel industry.<\/p>

During his appearance alongside Brazil\u2019s President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, who won a third term after being imprisoned for corruption, Newsom accused Trump\u2019s overturning of green energy policy as advantageous for China<\/a>. <\/p>

\u201c[China] will dominate in the next great global industry,\u201d Newsom said at the summit. <\/p>

Newsom promised the audience at the conference that California would continue to prioritize green technology. <\/p>

\u201cClimate change seems abstract. We need to talk in terms that people understand,\u201d Newsom<\/a> said. \u201cBut we can\u2019t do that without all of you. ... So we\u2019re here with an open hand, not a closed fist.\u201d<\/p>

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ESCALATES PRESSURE ON EUROPE TO WALK BACK CLIMATE POLICIES <\/a><\/p>

At the conference, which was held days after Newsom approved a congressional map that would help Democrats take over five House seats held by Republicans in California, the governor used the global stage to challenge Trump\u2019s credibility, accusing him of wanting to cheat elections.<\/p>

\u201cHe\u2019s the most unpopular president in U.S. history. That\u2019s why he\u2019s trying to rig the election,\u201d Newsom told reporters. \u201cTrump is temporary. He\u2019s reckless. He\u2019s chaotic,\u201d Newsom added. \u201cPeople need to stand up. You need to stand up to a bully.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25315589221399.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884049-1762944589", "title":"Oversight Democrats release Epstein emails mentioning Trump hours ahead of Grijalva swearing-in", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3884049%2Foversight-democrats-epstein-emails-trump-adelita-grijalva-swearing-in%2F", "byline":"Rachel Schilke", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"New email correspondence released by House Oversight Committee Democrats revealed conversations held by late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein about President Donald Trump, alleging that the president “spent hours at my house” and “of course he knew about the girls.” The Democrats released email correspondence between Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, as well as author Michael Wolff, […]", "description":""

New email correspondence released by House Oversight Committee<\/a> Democrats revealed conversations held by late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein<\/a> about President Donald Trump<\/a>, alleging that the president \"spent hours at my house\" and \"of course he knew about the girls.\"<\/p>

The Democrats<\/a> released email correspondence between Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell<\/a>, as well as author Michael Wolff, on Wednesday morning, hours before Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva's (D-AZ) swearing-in ceremony, after which she will provide the 218th signature on a discharge petition to release the Epstein files.<\/p>

In a private email with Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence after being convicted of conspiring in Epstein's sex trafficking ring, Epstein allegedly said the \"dog that hasn't barked is trump ... [victim name] spent hours at my house with him, he has never once been mentioned. police chief. etc.\"<\/p>

Maxwell allegedly responded, \"I have been thinking about that.\"<\/p>

In another email, Epstein allegedly told Wolff, who has written several books about Trump, that \"of course he knew about the girls as he asked ghislaine to stop.\"<\/p>

\"[Victim] mara lago. [identifier]. Trump said he asked me to resign, never a member ever,\" the full correspondence allegedly reads. \"Of course he knew about the girls as he asked ghislaine to stop.\"<\/p>

In another email exchange between Wolff and Epstein, the author allegedly told the financier he heard CNN was \"planning to ask Trump tonight about his relationship with you--either on air or in scrum afterwards.\"<\/p>

Epstein allegedly responded, \"If we were able to craft an answer for him, what do you think it should be?\"<\/p>

Wolff allegedly said he thought Epstein should let Trump \"hang himself.\"<\/p>

\"If he says he hasn't been on the plane or to the house, then that gives you a valuable PR and political currency,\" Wolff said, according to the released email. \"You can hang him in a way that potentially generates a positive benefit for you, or, if it really looks like he could win, you could save him, generating a debt.\"<\/p>

\"Of course, it is possible that, when asked, he'll say Jeffrey is a great guy and has gotten a raw deal and is a victim of political correctness, which is to be outlawed in a Trump regime,\" Wolff allegedly added.<\/p>

Trump has repeatedly insisted he has committed no wrongdoing and has called the Epstein saga a \"hoax,\" leading to outrage from some of his fellow congressional Republicans and much of his conservative base.<\/p>

The emails came from the estate of Epstein, part of 23,000 documents that the committee is reviewing as part of its larger investigation into the Epstein files.<\/p>

The files have become a point of contention on Capitol Hill, as all House Democrats and four House Republicans have signed a petition to release all information related to Epstein in the Justice Department's possession immediately.<\/p>

\"The more Donald Trump tries to cover up the Epstein files, the more we uncover,\" House Oversight Committee ranking member Robert Garcia (D-CA) said. \"These latest emails and correspondence raise glaring questions about what else the White House is hiding and the nature of the relationship between Epstein and the President. The Department of Justice must fully release the Epstein files to the public immediately. The Oversight Committee will continue pushing for answers and will not stop until we get justice for the victims.\"<\/p>

However, House Republican leadership and other conservatives have insisted that the petition is not necessary, as the Oversight Committee conducts a thorough investigation into Epstein's crimes that will release information to the public without harming the victims.<\/p>

A House GOP Oversight Committee spokesperson told the Washington Examiner that Democrats continue to \"carelessly cherry-pick documents to generate clickbait that is not grounded in the facts.\"<\/p>

\"The Epstein Estate has produced over 20,000 pages of documents on Thursday, yet Democrats are once again intentionally withholding records that name Democrat officials,\" the spokesperson argued. \"Democrats should stop politicizing this investigation and focus on delivering transparency, accountability, and justice for the survivors.\"<\/p>

The House GOP Oversight Committee also accused Democrats of covering up names when the Epstein estate did not censor them in the redacted documents provided to the committee in a post on X.<\/p>

\"It's because this victim, Virginia Giuffre, publicly said that she never witnessed wrongdoing by President Trump,\" the committee said. \"Democrats are trying to create a fake narrative to slander President Trump. Shame on them.\"<\/p>

Democrats have accused Republicans of wanting to protect Trump and pedophiles, a major argument as the caucus bashed House Speaker Mike Johnson<\/a> (R-LA) for weeks for not swearing in Grijalva during the House's nearly two-month recess during the government shutdown<\/a>.<\/p>

Grijalva has said for weeks that she will provide the 218th signature on the discharge petition to release the Epstein files. Reps. Thomas Massie<\/a> (R-KY), Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Nancy Mace (R-SC), and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) are the four Republican lawmakers who signed the petition.<\/p>

Massie, who is co-leading the bill with Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and has been a constant thorn in the side of the Republican trifecta, has said he will not budge. However, eyes will be on the three female lawmakers to see whether they will remove their names from the petition to avoid it being brought to the floor for what is likely to be a politically challenging vote for many Republicans.<\/p>

The White House has been whipping the three signatories to remove their names to no avail.<\/p>

Mace told<\/a> the Hill that she will not remove her name from the petition. Greene has been incredibly vocal about releasing all the information regardless of whose names are in the files. Boebert has previously indicated she will not remove her name despite pressure from the White House.<\/p>

JOHNSON TO SWEAR IN ADELITA GRIJALVA SEVEN WEEKS AFTER ELECTION WIN<\/a><\/p>

House leadership has said it will not stop the bill from hitting the floor: Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) told the Washington Examiner he will not break precedent and whip against privileged motions, Johnson said in early October he will not block a floor vote on the bill, and House Rules Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) said her panel won't turn off the petition or seek to jam it in the panel's deliberations.<\/p>

The latter, essentially sticking language in a rule to kill a petition, has been a tactic used by Republican leadership before to avoid votes they dislike. Most recently, they used it for Rep. Anna Paulina Luna's (R-FL) discharge petition on proxy voting for new parents.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25272685436069-e1762959017424.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883672-1762943651", "title":"Trump can make Big Tech great again", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Frestoring-america%2Ffaith-freedom-self-reliance%2F3883672%2Ftrump-can-make-big-tech-great-again%2F", "byline":"Taylor Millard", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Lina Khan, the Biden-era Federal Trade Commission chairwoman who questioned mergers and championed antitrust enforcement, has returned to the spotlight as part of New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team. Khan said she wanted to “set a new model for Democratic governance” by helping Mamdani put together his administration. Mamdani is a self-described socialist, though […]", "description":""

Lina Khan<\/a>, the Biden-era Federal Trade Commission<\/a> chairwoman who questioned mergers and championed antitrust<\/a> enforcement, has returned to the spotlight as part of New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani\u2019s transition team. Khan said she wanted to \u201cset a new model for Democratic governance\u201d by helping Mamdani put together his administration.<\/p>

Mamdani is a self-described socialist, though President Donald Trump has called him a communist. Khan is a longtime ally of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), both of whom strongly backed Mamdani in the mayoral contest. Khan once proclaimed that \u201call decisions are political insofar as government agencies are bringing them,\u201d when discussing whether Amazon should be broken up.<\/p>

So, it\u2019s not surprising to see her team up with Mamdani.<\/p>

\"Khan and Mamdani are ideological soulmates who will once again demonstrate all the well-worn but seemingly forgotten lessons of the last century \u2014 socialism is the road to poverty and serfdom,\" quipped Robert Bork Jr. of the Antitrust Education Project.<\/p>

Whatever team Mamdani puts together, Khan\u2019s involvement will likely continue \u2014\u00a0for good or ill, toward New Yorkers and Americans.<\/p>

When Khan was removed as FTC chairwoman, Trump promised<\/a> her replacement, Andrew M. Ferguson, would be the most \u201cpro-innovation FTC Chair in our Country\u2019s History.\u201d Wall Street believed the FTC would be less willing to challenge mergers and acquisitions or attempt to break large corporations into parts. Analysts and Ferguson himself suggested he\u2019d be more of a beat cop, instead of an aggressive enforcer.<\/p>

\u201cIf a merger doesn\u2019t violate the law, we will get out of the way as quickly as possible, letting businesses grow and innovate,\u201d Ferguson told alumni of the University of Virginia Darden School of Business in August.<\/p>

However, Ferguson\u2019s record in the job has proved inconsistent with that statement. Under him, the FTC has continued antitrust lawsuits against Amazon, Meta, Google, and Ticketmaster and opened new fronts against Zillow and Redfin.<\/p>

Ferguson also continued Khan\u2019s skepticism over big mergers \u2014\u00a0revealing new guidelines that seemingly target private equity and technology companies. This included filing suit against two medical device companies that wanted to join forces, despite there being no evidence of an \u201coverlapping\u201d market.<\/p>

So much for a return to normal under Trump 2.0\u00a0\u2014 the administration that promised to end overbearing regulations has kept Khan\u2019s antitrust crusade alive.<\/p>

The moves haven\u2019t surprised free-market tech analysts such as Jessica Melugin at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. Melguin, who is also a Washington Examiner magazine contributor, believes progressives and the \u201cNew Right\u201d dislike Big Tech for different reasons. The Left complains about Big Tech\u2019s labor practices and market success. The \u201cNew Right\u201d argues that Big Tech censored conservatives and pushes an ideological agenda.<\/p>

Regardless of the why, Melugin suggested, \u201cThe levers of government power remain effective for whoever is in power. Antitrust is a very big lever.\u201d<\/p>

That could be why some populist Republicans continue to go down Khan\u2019s extreme left-wing path, despite significant opposition to that approach from MAGA base favorites such as Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), who battled with Khan on a near-daily basis for years as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, and Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), who has long championed a return to the consumer welfare standard approach to antitrust.<\/p>

That approach, favored by Lee and most conservatives, focuses on moving against monopolists or oligopolists where their market dominance adversely affects consumers in terms of actual pricing of goods and services.<\/p>

The regulatory environment feels contradictory: The Trump administration promises to make it easier for businesses to succeed, yet, as Joshua Withrow observes, it often seems at war with itself. Withrow, a tech and innovation policy fellow at R Street Institute, said one camp wants to see tech companies drive innovation and international competitiveness.<\/p>

\u201cUltimately, the logic behind this populist conservative antitrust movement and that of Lina Khan \u2014 \u2018big is bad\u2019 \u2014 leads to a similar policy outcome,\u201d Withrow said.<\/p>

In many respects, Trump himself has lined up with the tech side of the argument as opposed to Khan-friendly voices. This may stand to reason \u2014 Trump is something of a tech innovator in his own right with Truth Social and TrumpCoin. He won massive backing from Silicon Valley leaders during his 2024 reelection campaign and the transition ahead of his second inauguration.<\/p>

MAMDANI NAMES ALL-FEMALE TRANSITION TEAM HEADLINED BY FORMER FTC CHAIRWOMAN LINA KHAN<\/a><\/p>

The other side, more associated with fringe players such as antitrust hawk Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater, who has fallen out<\/a> with key Trump administration players over alleged self-serving press leaks, unfortunately remains focused on using a blunt antitrust hammer on Big Tech. Slater, who, like Khan, is an immigrant to the U.S. from Europe and seems to take a more European than traditional American approach to antitrust, is one of the names generally mentioned as aligning with Khan in contrast to the GOP writ large.<\/p>

Whether the FTC reverses course remains to be seen. Neil Chilson, the head of AI policy at the Abundance Institute, many of whose fans have been pushing back on Mamdani\u2019s approach to policy, told me there\u2019s still time. Trump \u201crecognizes\u00a0that America's tech companies are\u00a0vital to global AI leadership,\u201d he said. \u201cThe FTC should finish cleaning up the dregs of Khan\u2019s radical agenda.\u201d<\/p>

Taylor Millard is a freelance journalist who lives in Virginia.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AP25199568287716.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883890-1762943035", "title":"Small lot development can help solve the housing affordability crisis", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Frestoring-america%2Ffaith-freedom-self-reliance%2F3883890%2Fsmall-lot-development-housing-affordability-crisis%2F", "byline":"Edward J. Pinto", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The United States has an estimated 33,338 zoning jurisdictions, each of which has the power to constrain housing supply and drive up costs. Their authority flows from the states, which, under the 10th Amendment, have the power to enact zoning and land-use regulations. By contrast, the federal government’s power over state and local zoning and land use […]", "description":""

The United States has an\u00a0estimated\u00a033,338 zoning jurisdictions<\/a>, each of which has the power to constrain housing<\/a> supply and drive up costs. Their authority flows from the states, which, under the 10th Amendment, have the power to enact zoning and land-use regulations. By contrast, the federal government\u2019s power over state and local zoning and land use actions is limited under the Constitution<\/a>.<\/p>

Much of what the federal government does is in the form of housing subsidies and bureaucracy. The Department of Housing and Urban Development\u2019s fiscal 2026\u00a0budget<\/a>\u00a0is $89 billion, with the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit\u00a0costing\u00a0another $15 billion<\/a> annually. Since HUD was established in 1965, it has spent trillions, yet housing remains scarce and unaffordable.<\/p>

It is a common misconception<\/a> that developers\u00a0prefer\u00a0building big homes on large lots because they yield higher profits. In reality, local zoning codes and minimum lot size requirements largely\u00a0dictate\u00a0the size of a house and the size of the lot it sits on, not market preferences<\/a>.<\/p>

MEDIAN AGE OF US HOMEBUYER RISES TO 40, A RECORD<\/a><\/p>

The American Enterprise Institute<\/a> Housing Center\u00a0examined\u00a0the nearly 11 million single-family detached and 1.1 million single-family attached homes built in new residential subdivisions across the nation from 2000 to 2024 and found that the SFD and SFA lot sizes<\/a> averaged about 8,000 square feet and 1,900 square feet, respectively. Then we asked a simple question: what if we changed one variable and made those lots smaller? If SFD and SFA lot sizes averaged roughly 5,000 square feet and 1,900 square feet, respectively, and 20% of the SFD lots were used instead for SFA homes, the same amount of land would have yielded 400,000 more homes annually, and the median sales price would have been $66,000 lower.<\/p>

Our conclusion is simple: The three most important things for housing supply and affordability are smaller lots, smaller lots, smaller lots. To get all 50 states on board, we suggest repurposing 10% or $8.9 billion of HUD\u2019s<\/a> annual budget as a bounty for small lot single-family construction. This would be enough to provide bounties averaging $35,000 per lot on 250,000 small lot single-family homes per year. The states would be paid for performance \u2014 the laboratory of the states would determine how to accomplish this. The private sector would be happy to build on these smaller lots, and the households needing more affordable homes to grow families would benefit. The \"Not in My Backyard\" generation would have the opportunity to have grandchildren.<\/p>

Here's how it might work. A $25,000 bounty would be paid for each new style of home that meets the square feet requirement and is platted or subdivided on or after January 2026 \u2014 SFD homes on 5,000 square feet or less, SFA homes on 2,000 square feet or less, and duplex, triplex, or quadplex built on a new lot of 6,000 square feet, 8,000 square feet, and 10,000 square feet or less respectively.<\/p>

SHOULD THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GRADE EVERY STATE AND CITY ON ITS ZONING RULES?<\/a><\/p>

For new lots within 5 miles of a new manufacturing site certified by the U.S. Department of Commerce<\/a> to create 500 or more jobs from 2025 to 2030, another $25,000 would be paid on each new SFD or attached home that meets the above requirements.\u00a0An additional $25,000 bounty to be paid for each new SFD or attached home meeting the above requirements and built on land purchased from the federal government. A maximum of two bounties should be paid per lot.This program would enlist the combined efforts of all levels of government to \u201cMake Starter Homes Great Again.\u201d Economic development needs these homes \u2014 they are where jobs go to sleep at night.<\/p>

Edward J. Pinto is a senior fellow and codirector of the American Enterprise Institute\u2019s Housing Center, where he focuses on housing risk and mortgage markets.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sold-house-pic-iStock-1481193734.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3884021-1762942918", "title":"Bessent promises relief on prices of coffee and bananas as tariffs bite", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F3884021%2Fscott-bessent-promises-relief-prices-coffee-bananas-tariffs%2F", "byline":"Zach Halaschak", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said trade policies for certain food products, such as coffee and bananas, will soon be changed in an effort to ease cost-of-living concerns. Bessent made the announcement on Wednesday on Fox News. However, he did not provide any specifics about what the changes to trade policy might be or which countries […]", "description":""

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent<\/a> said trade<\/a> policies for certain food products, such as coffee and bananas<\/a>, will soon be changed in an effort to ease cost-of-living concerns.<\/p>

Bessent made the announcement on Wednesday on Fox News. However, he did not provide any specifics about what the changes to trade policy might be or which countries could see their tariff levels change in order to incentivize shipments to the United States.<\/p>

WHAT CAN TRUMP DO TO HELP COST OF LIVING BEFORE MIDTERM ELECTIONS?<\/a><\/p>

\"You're going to see some substantial announcements over the next couple of days in terms of things we don't grow here in the United States, coffee being one of them, bananas, other fruits, things like that,\" Bessent said.<\/p>

Some have called on the Trump administration to cut tariffs on certain food products for which the U.S. does not have significant production capacity. The U.S. imports most bananas and coffee, meaning that the tariffs have caused prices of those products to rise, with no alternative domestic source.<\/p>

The most recent inflation report showed that coffee prices have shot up a blistering 18.9% over the past year. Instant coffee has gone up in price by 21.7%. Banana prices are up nearly 7% in the 12 months ending in September, according to the same report.<\/p>

The Washington Examiner reached out to the Treasury Department for further details about the policy pivot on coffee and bananas.<\/p>

Grocery prices, in particular, have harmed consumers. The administration has worked to emphasize the food items that have seen a price decrease in recent months \u2014 for instance, by noting that the costs of certain Thanksgiving spreads<\/a> have fallen and highlighting that gasoline prices have also dipped.<\/p>

However, costs are up for other grocery items. Meat, poultry, and fish prices, on average, are up 6% over the past year, according to the consumer price index. Ground beef is up nearly 13%. Some vegetables, such as lettuce, are rising in cost faster than overall inflation, while others, such as tomatoes, are below the rate of inflation.<\/p>

DOWNSIDE OF $2,000 TARIFF DIVIDEND CHECKS: INFLATION<\/a><\/p>

During the Wednesday interview, Bessent also expressed optimism that consumers will get some cost-of-living relief in the coming months. He said \"the American people are going to start feeling better\" in the first part of 2026.<\/p>

Bessent once again said there are several options on the table when asked about Trump's push for<\/a> $2,000 tariff rebate payments.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25309790031620.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883655-1762942794", "title":"A left-wing influencer’s pro-CCP propaganda falls apart on camera", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fbeltway-confidential%2F3883655%2Finfluencer-hasan-piker-pro-ccp-propaganda-falls-apart%2F", "byline":"Brad Polumbo", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Left-wing streaming star and self-described socialist Hasan Piker went to China with the explicit goal of showing his millions of impressionable young viewers why they shouldn’t believe the “Western propaganda” about the authoritarian nation. However, just days into his trip, Piker accidentally did the opposite — showing his audience, and the world, the truth about […]", "description":""

Left-wing streaming star and self-described socialist Hasan Piker<\/a> went to China<\/a> with the explicit goal of showing his millions of impressionable young viewers why they shouldn\u2019t believe the \u201cWestern propaganda\u201d about the authoritarian nation. However, just days into his trip, Piker accidentally did the opposite \u2014 showing his audience, and the world, the truth about life under the Chinese Communist Party.<\/p>

It all started when Piker went, while live-streaming, to an event at Tiananmen Square<\/a> honoring the infamous dictator Mao Zedong. (Some historical estimates suggest<\/a> that Mao is responsible for more deaths than Adolf Hitler.) While joking about how much they loved China and Mao, one of Piker\u2019s friends held up his phone to display a meme that depicts Piker as Mao with the text, \u201cClosely follow the great leader Chairman Mao forward in the revolution!\u201d<\/p>

As Newsweek reports<\/a>, police approached them \u201cwithin seconds.\u201d<\/p>

Officers detained Piker and his friends, confiscated his friend\u2019s phone, and reviewed the image and footage to make sure no one was mocking their hero, Mao. After the Americans explained that they weren\u2019t mocking him, but were instead huge admirers, their devices were returned, and they were free to go.<\/p>

The logical conclusion here is clear: China is, in fact, the censorious, authoritarian state its Western critics claim. Or, as Hoover Institution research fellow Liu He wrote on X<\/a>, \u201cForeigners are finally beginning to see a reality the Chinese are intimately familiar with day in, day out, and have long attained a skin-level understanding of. Not only is there no freedom to criticize the government of China; people don\u2019t even have the freedom to praise China. Whether you support or criticize the state, all speech is subject to political review. You don\u2019t need to expose the system; the system exposes itself.\u201d<\/p>

Yet this was not, in fact, Piker\u2019s takeaway. <\/p>

Back in his hotel room, the streamer instead told his audience<\/a> that China is \u201cnot as bad as silly Americans imagine it is.\u201d What\u2019s more, Piker explained<\/a> the officer\u2019s actions as if they were totally normal and justified, saying, \u201cHe thought we were making a mockery. They didn\u2019t realize that we were swagged-out white boys who love China. They were being extra attentive to make sure no one was making fun of Mao or anything like that \u2026 it\u2019s a cultural difference.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cPeople have this false notion that they will like arrest you for a meme or whatever; it\u2019s not like that at all,\u201d Piker bizarrely concluded, evidently overlooking the fact that his experiences prove the opposite, that he would have been in trouble if they\u2019d been mocking Mao. <\/p>

MAMDANI RIPS OFF HIS SMILING MASK<\/a><\/p>

Then he claimed, mostly absurdly, that American police are worse than Chinese police! This, of course, ignores the fact that thanks to our First Amendment, Americans are free to criticize and mock even beloved historical figures without fear of arrest or prosecution. <\/p>

Piker himself is clearly beyond saving, too deeply ensconced in his own cognitive dissonance to perceive the gap between his beliefs and reality, even as it slaps him in the face. But he is, for once, doing a service to his audience by showing them the truth so starkly and in real time. Any young people tuning in who still have a shred of critical thinking skills may finally realize that their \u201cfavorite streamer\u201d is just a useful idiot for authoritarian regimes.<\/p>

Brad Polumbo is an independent journalist and host of the Brad vs Everyone podcast.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/hasan-piker-biden-garbage-e1762960749282.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883872-1762941981", "title":"Life over death: One baby’s story resurfaces a cultural divide", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Frestoring-america%2Fequality-not-elitism%2F3883872%2Flife-death-baby-story-cultural-divide%2F", "byline":"Lila Rose", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"When doctors told Charlie’s parents that their preborn baby had a rare and fatal condition called limb-body wall complex, they were devastated. The diagnosis meant that some of Charlie’s organs had developed outside his tiny body and were attached to the placenta. They were told their son would not survive long after birth. Almost immediately, […]", "description":""

When doctors told Charlie\u2019s parents that their preborn baby had a rare and fatal condition called limb-body wall complex, they were devastated. The diagnosis meant that some of Charlie\u2019s organs had developed outside his tiny body and were attached to the placenta. They were told their son would not survive long after birth. Almost immediately, the doctors recommended an abortion<\/a>.<\/p>

But Charlie\u2019s parents made a different choice. They decided to love their child for every moment they were given, and so they carried him to term. When Charlie was born, he lived peacefully<\/a> for two precious hours. He was comforted, kissed, and held. In those two hours, he experienced what every human being deserves: love.<\/p>

Earlier this month, I shared Charlie\u2019s story<\/a> on X. The post has reached 35 million people and sparked a storm of responses. Thousands expressed gratitude and admiration for Charlie\u2019s parents. Others mocked them with cruelty, calling their decision \u201cpointless\u201d or \u201ctorture.\u201d But that reaction revealed something deeper than online division. It exposed the central moral question: do we believe that every human life has value, or only those that meet a standard of health, comfort, or convenience?<\/p>

SENATE GOP CALLS ON RFK JR. TO REVOKE GENERIC ABORTION PILL APPROVAL<\/a><\/p>

The difference between killing and natural death is crucial for understanding what is tragic and what should be illegal. When a child like Charlie dies naturally, surrounded by love, we witness the dignity of life even in suffering. When a child\u2019s life is intentionally ended through abortion, we participate in an act of violence that denies that dignity altogether.<\/p>

Critics argue that allowing a baby with a fatal condition to be born is cruel, and they should instead be aborted because of the pain for parents and the child that may come from being born. But love is never cruel. Choosing life does not create suffering; it transforms it. The real cruelty lies in a culture that tells parents their only act of compassion is to kill their child before birth. <\/p>

Parents who choose life despite a fatal prenatal diagnosis often describe their experience as painful but profoundly meaningful. They know they cannot save their child\u2019s life, but they can protect their child\u2019s dignity. They can ensure their baby dies naturally, surrounded by love rather than violence. True palliative care provides pain management, comfort, and peace, not suffering. With skilled pain management through a variety of methods, babies with fatal conditions can live and die naturally, surrounded by love rather than violence.<\/p>

There are organizations devoted to helping families safeguard the dignity of their children. Groups like Be Not Afraid<\/a> provide comprehensive palliative care to parents who receive a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis. They guide families through medical decisions, offer bereavement support, and connect them with others who have walked the same road. Their work stands as a living rebuttal to the lie that abortion is a merciful option.<\/p>

But many children diagnosed with a challenging condition in the womb are not given the chance of life. Globally, selective abortions have killed millions of children found to test positive for fetal abnormalities, especially those diagnosed with Down syndrome. Here in the United States, a staggering 67%<\/a> of babies prenatally diagnosed with Down syndrome are aborted, robbing our world of their irreplaceable joy and humanity. In Iceland, the termination rate for preborn babies diagnosed with Down syndrome is nearly 100%<\/a>. This has led to only three babies with Down syndrome being born annually in a population of about 370,000.<\/p>

To make matters worse, diagnoses of fetal anomalies frequently come late, between 18 and 22 weeks during anatomy scans, pressuring families into rushed decisions under a cloud of misinformation, along with a horrific second-trimester surgical abortion<\/a> that includes dismembering the fully-formed child. Some physicians, shockingly, deliver inaccurate or overly negative details to nudge desperate mothers toward abortion, turning what should be a time of informed compassion into one of coerced despair. In 2023 alone, over 41,000<\/a> babies diagnosed with fetal abnormalities were aborted in the United States. Each of those children was unique, irreplaceable, and deserving of care.<\/p>

The heart of this issue is simple. A just society does not measure human worth by health, strength, or lifespan. We measure it by the love we give and the moral courage we show in defending the weakest among us. When we reject that principle, we risk becoming a culture that values efficiency over compassion and comfort over conscience.<\/p>

Charlie\u2019s parents did something radical. They said yes to life when the world told them to say no. They bore their pain with grace and gave their son the greatest gift any parent can give: unconditional love. Their story challenges all of us.<\/p>

Will we be a society that destroys life to avoid suffering, or one that stands firm in love despite it?<\/p>

OHIO DOCTOR\u2019S LICENSE REVOKED FOR FORCING ABORTION PILLS ON GIRLFRIEND<\/a><\/p>

Every life, even one measured in hours, carries immeasurable worth. Charlie\u2019s two hours mattered. May Charlie\u2019s story, shared millions of times around the world, awaken in us a renewed conviction to protect every child, to comfort every mother, and to stand against a culture that devalues the vulnerable. His life was a gift from God. Our response to such gifts must always be gratitude, reverence, and action.<\/p>

We must ban all abortion because every life, no matter how short, changes the world.<\/p>

Lila Rose is the president and founder of Live Action<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/iStock-2201093100-e1762959422201.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883910-1762941318", "title":"Google accuses China-based criminal network of compromising up to 100 million U.S. credit cards in lawsuit", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2F3883910%2Fgoogle-accuses-china-criminal-network-compromising-100-million-credit-cards-lawsuit%2F", "byline":"Emily Hallas", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Google filed a lawsuit Wednesday accusing China-based cyber criminals of conducting a massive phishing operation targeting millions of credit card holders across the United States.  The criminal network, known as “Lighthouse,” targeted between 15 and 100 million potential cards in the U.S. and impacted “over a million victims,” according to the tech company.  Google said […]", "description":""

Google<\/a> filed a lawsuit Wednesday accusing China-based cyber<\/a> criminals of conducting a massive phishing operation targeting millions of credit card holders across the United States. <\/p>

The criminal network, known as \u201cLighthouse,\u201d targeted between 15 and 100 million potential cards in the U.S. and impacted \u201cover a million victims,\u201d according to the tech company. <\/p>

Google said the cyber-attackers built a sweeping scheme often based on using text messages to warn recipients about a stuck package or an unpaid toll, according to <\/a>CBS News. Scammers would then send recipients to fake sites, where they would be tricked into revealing personal and sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, which are then stolen.<\/p>

Google said it found more than 100 fake sites using its logo to manipulate people into handing over passwords or credit card numbers.<\/p>

Google's general counsel, Halimah DeLaine Prado, told the outlet the company had filed what it calls a first-of-its-kind lawsuit under the RICO Act, which is often used to target organized crime rings.<\/p>

Cyber attacks from China have become an increasing concern<\/a> for the U.S. in recent years, with government agencies such as the EPA recently rolling out systems <\/a>to address attacks on critical infrastructure, including the country\u2019s water systems.  <\/p>

Last year, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were among those hacked <\/a>by China\u2019s \u201cSalt Typhoon\u201d typhoon, which targeted text messages, monitored phone calls, and tracked geolocation as part of a campaign-sabotaging telecommunications infrastructure. <\/p>

China is not the only country the U.S. has warned is carrying out operations targeting U.S. cybersecurity.<\/p>

ESPIONAGE-LINKED CHINESE COMPANY EMBEDDED IN TOP U.S. RESEARCH LABS<\/a><\/p>

Multiple government agencies warned earlier this year<\/a> that Iran or its affiliates could target U.S. defense industrial base companies via cyberattacks.<\/p>

U.S. defense contractors, \u201cparticularly those possessing holdings or relationships with Israeli research and defense firms, are at increased risk,\u201d the agencies said.<\/p>

<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/AP25230562424250-google.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883637-1762940489", "title":"Sydney Sweeney shines as trailblazing boxer in Christy", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F3883637%2Fsydney-sweeney-shines-christy%2F", "byline":"Harry Khachatrian", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"In David Michod’s latest film, Christy, Sydney Sweeney embodies the title role with ferocity and conviction. “Maybe it’s true,” she narrates between punches in the prologue. “Maybe I have demons inside of me.” The line, delivered mid-fight, encapsulates the film’s theme: a woman’s relentless pursuit of triumph amid the toils of tragedy. Sweeney plays Christy Martin, […]", "description":""

In David Michod<\/a>\u2019s latest film,\u00a0Christy, Sydney Sweeney<\/a> embodies the title role with ferocity and conviction. \u201cMaybe it\u2019s true,\u201d she narrates between punches in the prologue. \u201cMaybe I have demons inside of me.\u201d The line, delivered mid-fight, encapsulates the film<\/a>\u2019s theme: a woman\u2019s relentless pursuit of triumph amid the toils of tragedy.<\/p>

Sweeney plays Christy Martin, the trailblazing boxer who in the 1990s put women\u2019s boxing on the map \u2014 creating the product, cultivating the audience, and forcing the sport to take her seriously. The cultural landscape then was nothing like today\u2019s ESPN-boosted WNBA; Martin had everything working against her. Known to many for Euphoria, Sweeney herself has wrestled with being taken seriously by an audience inclined to ogle. Like every generational sex symbol, from Marilyn Monroe to Megan Fox, she has had to fight the perception of her body as her only credential. Christy is her bid for liberation from that gaze.<\/p>

And she succeeds. Sweeney gained over 30 pounds of muscle for the role, adopting the bearing and gait of a natural fighter from a West Virginia<\/a> coal-mining family \u2014 worlds away from the Californian vocal fry of\u00a0Euphoria. That she remains utterly magnetic, without a single scene in lingerie or less, is a testament to her range. The transformation recalls Margot Robbie\u2019s\u00a0I, Tonya; Robbie likewise fought to be taken seriously by an audience that only saw her for her body.<\/p>

Yet as commanding as Sweeney is, the film\u2019s most haunting performance comes from Ben Foster as boxing coach Jim Martin. When Christy first walks into his dingy gym, Foster\u2019s Martin seems to smell vulnerability, assigning her a sparring partner and quietly instructing him to \u201ccrack a few ribs.\u201d When Christy comfortably knocks the man cold instead, his eyes widen with opportunity. \u201cI can make you the greatest female fighter in the world,\u201d he promises.<\/p>

Michod\u2019s screenplay captures the tragedy of a woman with determination but no blueprint. \u201cCompared to who? Nobody\u2019s doing it,\u201d Christy retorts. Even the training montages \u2014 boxing biopic genre clich\u00e9s by nature \u2014 gain poignancy when you notice she\u2019s studying male fighters because there were no women to emulate.  <\/p>

Martin trains her, promotes her, and soon begins to control her. The professional partnership metastasizes into a marriage of domination and abuse. Foster\u2019s menace is so complete that when he snarls, \u201cI\u2019ll kill you if you leave me,\u201d you don\u2019t question why Christy doesn\u2019t run straight to the police. It\u2019s an unnerving feat that Foster makes Ike Turner look like Mr. Darcy by comparison.<\/p>

The film also exposes the social constraints that trapped Christy. Despite Christy's romantic attraction to women<\/a>, her mother \u2014 horrified by the notion and the scandal it might cause \u2014 urges her to stay with Martin even after hearing of his violence. \u201cYou\u2019ll ruin everything,\u201d she pleads. These are the demons Christy speaks of in the opening; the accumulated trauma of a woman doing everything she can to stay in everyone\u2019s good graces.<\/p>

The boxing sequences, choreographed with precision, also work to animate and exude that repression. Every punch and jab feels heavier, sharper, more desperate than her opponents\u2019. \u201cYou work harder than most of the men I train,\u201d Martin admits early on, and it\u2019s true \u2014 whatever anguish she suffers outside the ring, inside it, Christy channels it into sheer combustion.<\/p>

For all his cruelty, Martin does propel her into the spotlight \u2014 if only because her victories enrich him. The film peaks with her meeting the flamboyant promoter Don King (a brief but scene-stealing portrayal by Chad L. Coleman). When the VHS reel of her highlights fails to play, Christy throws off her coat and begins shadowboxing in King\u2019s office. The sheer vitality of the moment earns her a spot on the same card as Mike Tyson, making history as the first woman to fight on pay-per-view.<\/p>

SYDNEY SWEENEY BREAKS SILENCE ON AMERICAN EAGLE AD CONTROVERSY<\/a><\/p>

Through it all, Michod resists the easy empowerment slogans that could have softened Christy\u2019s grit. She doesn\u2019t want to be narrowly framed as a mascot for feminism; she wants to be judged by her talent and tenacity. \u201cDon\u2019t watch me because I\u2019m a woman,\u201d she insists. \u201cWatch me because I can fight.\u201d<\/p>

What emerges is a portrait of perseverance and passion. It\u2019s often said that hard times create strong men, but sometimes they forge even stronger women. Christy is both an emotional rollercoaster and a bruising testament to the demons that forged a legend.<\/p>

Harry Khachatrian (@Harry1T6<\/a>) is a film critic for the Washington Examiner\u2019s Beltway Confidential blog. He is a software engineer, holds a master\u2019s degree from the University of Toronto, and writes about wine at BetweenBottles.com<\/a>.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25299217229308-e1762910576123.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883856-1762939962", "title":"California revokes 17,000 illegally issued licenses after Duffy emergency order", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Finfrastructure%2F3883856%2Fsean-duffy-revokes-illegally-issued-licenses-california%2F", "byline":"Molly Parks", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"California has revoked 17,000 nondomiciled commercial driver’s licenses issued illegally in the state after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy demanded it do so. The Transportation Department and the state of California have disagreed over the Golden State’s compliance with federal trucking laws for several months. Duffy continues to reprimand the state for its noncompliance, and California […]", "description":""

California<\/a> has revoked 17,000 nondomiciled commercial driver's licenses issued illegally in the state after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy<\/a> demanded it do so.<\/p>

The Transportation Department and the state of California have disagreed over the Golden State's compliance<\/a> with federal trucking laws for several months. Duffy continues to reprimand the state for its noncompliance, and California officials have repeatedly argued they are following all regulations.<\/p>

In a Wednesday announcement, the Transportation Department<\/a> said the California Department of Motor Vehicles had issued 17,000 nondomiciled CDLs in violation of federal regulations. Duffy has made cracking down on non-English speaking<\/a> commercial truck drivers a cornerstone priority of his department<\/a>. His efforts heightened after a fatal semitruck crash<\/a> in the summer caused by a non-English proficient illegal immigrant, who had one of his licenses issued in California.<\/p>

\"After weeks of claiming they did nothing wrong, Gavin Newsom and California have been caught red-handed,\" Duffy said in a statement. \"Now that we've exposed their lies, 17,000 illegally issued trucking licenses are being revoked.\"<\/p>

Duffy reiterated his threat to pull $160 million<\/a> in federal funding from the state if it does not revoke all CDLs issued in violation of federal standards.<\/p>

\"This is just the tip of the iceberg,\" Duffy said. \"My team will continue to force California to prove they have removed every illegal immigrant from behind the wheel of semitrucks and school buses.\"<\/p>

\u201cOnce again, the Sean \u2018Road Rules\u2019 Duffy fails to share the truth \u2014 spreading easily disproven falsehoods in a sad and desperate attempt to please his dear leader,\u201d Gov. Gavin Newsom's (D-CA) office said.<\/p>

In late October, the state's DMV told the Washington Examiner that the Transportation Department previously allowed CDLs<\/a> \"for asylum seekers and refugees.\"<\/p>

In a September letter obtained by the Washington Examiner, Alicia Fowler, the general counsel for the California State Transportation Agency, argued that the state is in full compliance with federal laws.<\/p>

\"California's laws, regulations, standards, and orders are either identical to or have the same effect as the federal safety requirements\u2014including the English language proficiency requirement,\" Fowler wrote<\/a>.<\/p>

However, a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration audit this year revealed that 25% of nondomiciled CDLs were issued out of compliance with federal regulations. The audit found \"systemic non-compliance\"<\/a> in California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, and Washington.<\/p>

A spokesperson for the Transportation Department said it \"urges all states to revoke illegally issued CDLs,\" and that California was the first state found to be out of compliance.<\/p>

California is also one of the top CDL-issuing states in the nation, according to the department.<\/p>

DOT, CALIFORNIA DISAGREE ON STATE'S COMPLIANCE WITH ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS FOR TRUCKERS. HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW<\/a><\/a><\/p>

\"Sounds like the federal Secretary of Transportation needs a lesson on his own road rules,\" Gov. Gavin Newsom's (D-CA) press office wrote in an X post<\/a>. \"The facts are plain and simple \u2014 California commercial driver\u2019s license holders had a fatal crash rate nearly 40% LOWER than the national average.\"<\/p>

The Transportation Department said it has notified the 17,000 nondomiciled CDL holders that their licenses are out of compliance with federal requirements. These licenses will expire in 60 days, according to the department.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Duffy.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883612-1762939745", "title":"With ‘tariff dividend’ and 50-year mortgage schemes, Trump fails basic economics", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Frestoring-america%2Ffaith-freedom-self-reliance%2F3883612%2Ftariff-dividend-trump-50-year-mortgage-fails-economics%2F", "byline":"Brady Leonard", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump has always been a mixed bag on policy, especially on economic policy. In his first term, the president made several fiscally sound moves to stimulate growth and ease the burden on taxpayers, particularly the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which provided a tax cut to most families and made America more competitive via […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> has always been a mixed bag on policy, especially on economic<\/a> policy. In his first term, the president made several fiscally sound moves to stimulate growth and ease the burden on taxpayers, particularly the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act<\/a>, which provided a tax cut to most families and made America more competitive via a sizable reduction in the corporate tax rate. Trump also slashed regulations, unleashed American energy production, and appointed judges<\/a> who are skeptical of broad administrative power.<\/p>

On the flip side, he instituted tariffs, which led to a farm bailout, blew out spending at levels that would make Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush blush, and, of course, printed enough money during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic to kickstart an inflationary cycle that exceeded any period of price increases in the last 40 years. <\/p>

The president has racked up some accomplishments since his second inauguration in January. The southern border was immediately closed, reducing illegal crossings to next to zero. He negotiated an end to the Gaza war and crippled the Iranian nuclear program in the shortest and least militarily detrimental engagement in the Middle East since the fall of Jericho.<\/p>

Trump\u2019s actions and proposals in the economy this year, however, have been almost universally bad, and they appear to be getting worse.<\/p>

In a move that\u00a0defies logic<\/a>, Trump promised to send $2,000 \u201ctariff dividend<\/a>\u201d checks to non-high-income Americans.\u00a0\u201cPeople that are against Tariffs are FOOLS! We are now the Richest, Most Respected Country In the World, With Almost No Inflation, and A Record Stock Market Price. 401k\u2019s are Highest EVER,\u201d Trump posted on Truth Social. \u201cWe are taking in Trillions of Dollars and will soon begin paying down our ENORMOUS DEBT, $37 Trillion. Record Investment in the USA, plants and factories going up all over the place. A dividend of at least $2000 a person (not including high-income people!) will be paid to everyone.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

For starters, the math doesn\u2019t add up. Assuming the roughly 150 million American adults making under $100k\/year qualify for the stimulus check, the $300 billion being paid would nearly double the income brought in by the federal government via tariffs. In an economic environment already mired in uncertainty, and a political environment that sees the administration dogged by still too high inflation, printing hundreds of billions in cash and pouring it into the economy would be insane.<\/p>

Sure, the president\u2019s approval rating could see a small temporary bump, but the blowback both economically and politically would be catastrophic. Furthermore, the Supreme Court appears likely<\/a> to rule that most of Trump\u2019s tariffs are unconstitutional, making the entire exercise futile. <\/p>

Perhaps an even worse proposal, which makes even less sense at face value, is the president\u2019s insistence on the institution of 50-year mortgages<\/a>. Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte confirmed that the agency is indeed working on a \u201ccomplete game changer,\u201d claiming that a 50-year mortgage would help make housing more affordable.<\/p>

Again, the math is not on the administration\u2019s side. Due to the structuring of long-term mortgages, this proposal would cost homeowners a fortune in interest while doing little to reduce monthly expenses. For example, if you took out a 30-year, $400,000 loan at 6.25% interest, you would pay the bank over $400,000 in interest, while you would end up paying north of $800,000 in interest with a 50-year loan, all to reduce your monthly payment by around 10%.<\/p>

To make matters worse, increasing the demand for housing without drastically cutting regulations and eliminating tariffs on building materials in order to increase supply would send housing prices through the roof, making homes even more unaffordable<\/a> for younger Americans.<\/p>

TRUMP PROMISES $2,000 TARIFF DIVIDEND CHECKS: HOW THE REBATE PAYMENTS COULD WORK<\/a><\/p>

The president\u2019s approval rating<\/a> has been slipping over the last couple of months, largely due to a stagnant economy, and with the shellacking the GOP received in last week\u2019s off-year elections<\/a>, it is understandable that the president would attempt some big moves in order to turn the tide. <\/p>

But unfortunately, the laws of economics are undefeated. You stimulate economies through deregulation and tax cuts, and you make housing affordable by reducing the cost and time necessary to build more housing, whether the increasingly economically illiterate factions within the GOP and the White House like it or not.<\/p>

Brady Leonard (@bradyleonard<\/a>) is a musician, political strategist, and host of The No Gimmicks Podcast.<\/a><\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25314769367316-e1762909233890.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883873-1762935823", "title":"Former Virginia House Democrat launches comeback bid after elections give party boost in state", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2F3883873%2Fformer-virginia-house-democrat-elaine-luria-launches-comeback-bid%2F", "byline":"Emily Hallas", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Former House Democrat Elaine Luria launched a campaign on Wednesday seeking to reclaim her old seat in a swing Virginia district. After losing her reelection bid three years ago to Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Luria is looking to unseat the incumbent Republican lawmaker in a rematch to represent Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District. “Virginians are hungry for change, […]", "description":""

Former House<\/a> Democrat Elaine Luria launched a campaign on Wednesday seeking to reclaim her old seat in a swing Virginia <\/a>district. <\/p>

After losing her reelection bid three years ago to Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Luria is looking to unseat the incumbent Republican lawmaker\u00a0in a rematch<\/a>\u00a0to represent Virginia\u2019s 2nd Congressional District.<\/p>

\u201cVirginians are hungry for change, and I look forward to getting back to work for Hampton Roads to make life more affordable for working families, grow our economy, cut health care costs, and strengthen our military,\u201d Luria said in a statement <\/a>to X announcing her campaign.<\/p>

\u201cService to our country means putting the interests of the people above all else\u2013including political parties,\u201d she added. \u201cI cannot sit back and watch as Republicans in Congress create chaos while failing to address the rising cost of living and the issues that matter to Coastal Virginians. Hampton Roads deserves a government that lowers costs, creates opportunities & improves their lives.\u201d<\/p>

The district is viewed as the most competitive GOP-held seat in the state and is expected to be one of the most competitive races in the country in the 2026 elections.<\/p>

Kiggans won her 2024 bid<\/a> for reelection by nearly 4 percentage points. Luria had flipped the seat blue in 2018, before being defeated by Kiggans in 2022 by just over 3 percentage points.<\/p>

Both women are Navy veterans, hailing from a district that is home to the largest naval base in the country, with a voting population heavily composed of active-duty and retired military members.<\/p>

The district covers much of the southeastern coast of Virginia, including Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Franklin, and Isle of Wight, Accomack, and Northampton counties.<\/p>

SPANBERGERS SAYS ELECTION WIN 'ABSOLUTELY NOT' EXCUSE FOR DEMOCRATS TO EXTEND SHUTDOWN<\/a><\/p>

Luria's move to run for office again comes after Democrats saw a boost in the state during the 2025 election.<\/p>

The party won the races for governor, attorney general, and lieutenant governor, decisively fending off Republican hopes of building on the swing toward a red Virginia that occurred during the 2024 presidential election.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25316110066462.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883596-1762935070", "title":"Rob Schneider recalls De Niro spat over Trump, urges kindness as Berkeley protest erupts", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3883596%2Frob-schneider-urges-kindness-berkeley-tpusa-protests%2F", "byline":"Heather Hunter", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Actor and comedian Rob Schneider told a packed Turning Point USA audience Monday night that a heated exchange with Robert De Niro about President Donald Trump years ago taught him the value of responding to critics with humor and grace — a lesson he said applied to the protesters outside the event. The former Saturday […]", "description":""

Actor and comedian Rob Schneider<\/a> told a packed Turning Point USA<\/a> audience Monday night that a heated exchange with Robert De Niro about President Donald Trump<\/a> years ago taught him the value of responding to critics with humor and grace \u2014 a lesson he said applied to the protesters<\/a> outside the event.<\/p>

The former Saturday Night Live<\/a> cast member recounted how, during the SNL 40th anniversary celebration, he unexpectedly came face-to-face with De Niro.<\/p>

\u201cDe Niro turns around and goes, \u2018Schneider! How could you support that schmuck? Trump is a schmuck! He\u2019s turning the whole country into schmucks. Schneider, I thought you were smarter than that!\u2019\u201d Schneider said.<\/p>

COMEDY CLASH: Rob Schneider tells a packed TPUSA crowd how a tense exchange with Robert De Niro over his support for President Trump at the 'SNL' anniversary convinced him to stick to kindness toward critics and protesters \u2014 including the ones outside the event he\u2019s speaking at:\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/Yc7yHpZzAZ<\/a><\/p>— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 11, 2025<\/a>

The Deuce Bigalow star said his only thought in the moment was surprise that the actor even knew his name.<\/p>

\u201cI looked right at him and said, \u2018I love you. I love you. No, I really love you,\u2019\" Schneider recounted. <\/p>

\"I swear to God he looked right at me and went... \u2018OK, OK.\u2019\"<\/p>

Schneider, a recent Catholic convert and outspoken conservative voice in Hollywood, told the crowd that kindness disarms critics more effectively than anger.<\/p>

\u201cThat\u2019s the only way to handle this. We\u2019re never going to be able to out-cancel the cancel culture,\u201d Schneider said. \u201cThey\u2019re better at it than us.\"<\/p>

Outside UC Berkeley\u2019s Zellerbach Hall, police arrested several people after fights erupted among demonstrators, event attendees, and officers. Videos captured a bloody scuffle before police intervened.<\/p>

BREAKING: ANTIFA protesters have rushed the entrance of tonight\u2019s TPUSA event attempting to break down barriers. Attendees were all rushed behind a police arrest and another anti-TPUSA protester has been arrested @TPUSA<\/a> | @Savsays<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/xo8Mv0mFHj<\/a><\/p>— FRONTLINES TPUSA (@FrontlinesTPUSA) November 11, 2025<\/a>

Federal authorities are opening investigations into the protests that erupted outside the TPUSA event.<\/p>

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon responded<\/a> to the violent protests, calling the \"intimidation\" of TPUSA attendees \"unacceptable.\" <\/p>

Attorney General Pam Bondi later said the case was under \u201cfull investigation.\u201d<\/a><\/p>

KIMMEL SAYS HE TOLD HIS CHILDREN TRUMP WAS TO BLAME FOR HIS SHOW'S SUSPENSION<\/a><\/p>

The event \u2014 featuring Schneider and author Frank Turek \u2014 was a stop on the Turning Point USA Tour, renamed in honor of TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk<\/a>, who was killed at a campus event in Utah in September.<\/p>

Despite the unrest, Schneider said, \"The people outside \u2014 you gotta love them. And I love them. I wish them the best. I hope they come around.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/rob-schenider.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883255-1762934400", "title":"Why Democrats are owning the affordability argument", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fin_focus%2F3883255%2Fwhy-democrats-owning-affordability-argument%2F", "byline":"Joe Concha", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces here. Affordability. It is the buzzword in politics these days.  And Democrats, […]", "description":""

In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>

Affordability. It is the buzzword in politics these days.\u00a0<\/p>

And Democrats<\/a>, amazingly, somehow own this issue if last week's elections are any indication. Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani<\/a> won comfortably in New York<\/a> despite being a pro-Jihadi antisemite with almost no real work experience while embracing socialism in the financial capital of the world. His message of affordability, slickly produced on social media with a smiling Mamdani promising lots of free stuff like the next coming of Oprah Winfrey, helped him win an election despite having little name recognition until just a few months ago.<\/p>

Mikie Sherrill<\/a> in New Jersey and Abigail Spanberger<\/a> in Virginia both won their gubernatorial races by focusing on lowering housing and energy costs. Exit polls, as a result, showed all three candidates trouncing their opponents on the affordability issue.<\/p>

\u201cIt's the wealthiest city in the wealthiest country in the history of the world, and yet, 1 in 4 New Yorkers are living in poverty, and the rest are seemingly trapped in a state of anxiety,\u201d Mamdani told Meet the Press last month. \u201cWe've seen that this is a city that needs to be affordable for the people who build it every day. Our focus was on exactly that, and by keeping that focus on an economic agenda, we showed New Yorkers that this could be more than just a museum of what [it] once was.\u201d<\/p>

PELOSI'S TARNISHED LEGACY<\/a><\/p>

The incredible part about this pitch is that a majority of voters in the Big Apple actually bought it, almost as if they weren't alive during the Biden administration when Democrats controlled the House, Senate, and White House. Both Spanberger and Sherrill, as congresswomen, were staunch supporters of the Inflation Reduction Act, which can objectively be called the worst piece of legislation passed since the Affordable Care Act. Ultimately, the bill did nothing to lower inflation, and even former President Joe Biden later admitted he regretted calling it the Inflation Reduction Act.<\/p>

In the end, this 730-page boondoggle allocated $369 billion to environmental projects, while also giving $64 billion to extend Obamacare insurance subsidies and $4 billion to \"Western wildfire resilience,\" which did nothing to prevent the worst wildfires in California history under Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) last year.<\/p>

\u201cI wish I hadn\u2019t called it that because it has less to do with reducing inflation than it has to do with providing alternatives that generate economic growth,\u201d Biden said one year after the IRA was passed.<\/p>

So here's the question: How exactly did Democrats grab this affordability mantle? Because you won't be able to find more hypocritical people on the planet on this side of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).<\/p>

Let's look at Mamdani's victory celebration last week in Brooklyn as an example. Per the New York Post, \"The jubilation at the Brooklyn Paramount was fueled by Mamdani\u2019s win over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa \u2013 as well as espresso martini coolers that reportedly cost $22 and $15 glasses of Riesling white wine.\"\u00a0<\/p>

The venue\u2019s menu included \"PBR beers at $13, Montauk Summer Ale at $16, Indian Wells Chardonnay for $15 and shaker cup cocktails that cost as much as $22.\"<\/p>

Does that sound affordable to you?<\/p>

This is the same Mamdani who got married at his family's million-dollar compound with private security in the otherwise poor country of Uganda. And it's the same Mamdani who attended the private Bank Street School, which only costs $60,000 per year to attend. How many New Yorkers can afford that?<\/p>

In New Jersey, Sherrill, as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, magically made $7 million in a short period of time, buying and selling defense stocks with impeccable timing. Overall, Sherrill is worth more than $11 million, with much of that money being accumulated only after she was elected to Congress. Yes, just the perfect governor-elect who, in the words of former President Bill Clinton, \"can feel your pain.\" Spanberger is also worth millions despite earning just $174,000 per year while serving in Congress for the past six years.<\/p>

If Republicans expect to hold the House and Senate in the midterm elections next year, the party needs to hammer home this point:\u00a0<\/p>

Socialism has never worked, yet Sanders is calling Mamdani the new leader of the Democratic Party. He wants to raise taxes on millionaires to pay for all the free stuff he has promised, which is already adding rocket fuel to a mass exodus out of New York.<\/p>

According to a survey conducted by J.L. Partners, approximately 765,000 New Yorkers are preparing to leave following Mamdani's election, which is more than the entire populations of Washington, Seattle, Denver, and Nashville, Tennessee. And with that exodus goes all of that tax revenue to pay for Mamdani's unicorn dreams. As mentioned, this is a mayor who has never run anything in his life, and that's going to be very apparent after he takes office.<\/p>

As for Sherrill and Spanberger, it doesn't get much better: Sherrill says she'll issue an executive order to prevent electric companies from raising prices, with no sense of history that shows that when the government intervenes with price controls, it always fails. Sherrill also wants to ban the sale of all gas-powered cars by 2035, a move that will make electricity even more unaffordable.<\/p>

As for Spanberger, she fully supports the Virginia Clean Economy Act, which will ultimately ban oil and gas production in Virginia, mandating that the commonwealth produce 100% renewable electricity by 2050. Result: More than 40% of Virginia's electricity has to be imported from other states, up from 18% five years ago.<\/p>

New York is going to learn in a hurry just how disastrous price controls can be as Mamdani goes full socialist in opening government-run grocery stores in the five boroughs. Just ask Mayor Lester \"Butch\" Klingenberg of Erie City, Kansas, how things went on this front when its program launched five years ago.<\/p>

\u201cIn 2020, we purchased the Erie Market grocery store in Erie, Kansas, and we had one profitable month, and then after that, we were bleeding. We made no profit,\u201d Klingenberg said. \u201cAnd this went on clear through 2024, and we had to lease it out, lease it out or close it.\u201d<\/p>

Whole countries have tried this gambit as well, including Cuba and the Soviet Union, resulting in mass food shortages and mile-long lines. But New York somehow voted for this anyway, because either enough voters aren't informed on history or somehow believe a guy with zero executive experience can pull this off with a wink and a smile.<\/p>

Can the GOP hold Congress in the 2026 midterm elections? It all depends on what kind of messaging candidates decide to focus on.<\/p>

And that message should be clear: Democrats had their shot for four years this decade. Spending skyrocketed. The national debt followed suit. Inflation spiked to above 9%, its highest level since 1981. Wages stagnated. Trade deficits exploded. GDP growth went limp.<\/p>

Voters need to be reminded of this horrific record. That didn't happen in New Jersey, Virginia, and New York City last week.<\/p>

If Republicans want to avoid House Speaker Hakeem Jefferies (D-NY) and the perpetual impeachment hearings of President Donald Trump that will surely follow, call these socialists and big-government believers out. And all that needs that has to be done is to repeat this one word: Bidenomics.\u00a0<\/p>

SOCIALISM ISN'T TO BE MOCKED, BUT FEARED<\/a><\/p>

Do we really want a repeat of that?<\/p>

It's a rhetorical question.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/WB.Politics.100825.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883848-1762931194", "title":"Tensions rise as US aircraft carrier strike group nears waters near Venezuela", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fdaily-on-defense%2F3883848%2Fus-aircraft-carrier-strike-group-nears-venezuela%2F", "byline":"Jamie McIntyre", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"US GETS IT SHIPS TOGETHER: As the world wonders whether the U.S. is on the verge of striking Venezuela, the arrival in the Caribbean of the world’s newest, largest aircraft carrier and its missile-firing escort ships is ratcheting up the pressure on Nicolas Maduro, who the Trump administration has declared is not the legitimate leader […]", "description":""

US GETS IT SHIPS TOGETHER: As the world wonders whether the U.S. is on the verge of striking Venezuela, the arrival in the Caribbean of the world\u2019s newest, largest aircraft carrier and its missile-firing escort ships is ratcheting up the pressure on Nicolas Maduro, who the Trump administration has declared is not the legitimate leader of the country.<\/p>

\u201cWith more than 4,000 Sailors and dozens of tactical aircraft aboard, Gerald R. Ford provides combatant commanders and America\u2019s civilian leaders increased capacity to project power through sustained operations at sea,\u201d U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command said in a press release<\/a>, noting the destroyers USS Bainbridge and USS Mahan were accompanying the carrier, along with an \u201cair and missile defense command ship,\u201d the USS Winston S. Churchill.<\/p>

\u201cThere hasn't been this much combat firepower afloat in the region going back to the 1960s and the Cuban missile crisis,\u201d former U.S. Southern Commander retired Adm. James Stavridis said on CNN. \u201cOnce the carrier and her escorts are on station, there's going to be probably ten or maybe a few more major surface combatants in the region. Reportedly, there's a nuclear submarine. There's a squadron of Joint Strike Fighters, fifth-generation fighters, stationed in Puerto Rico. You know, this is kind of 20,000 sailors, marines on board those amphibious readiness ships.\u201d<\/p>

FORD AIRCRAFT CARRIER STRIKE GROUP REACHES CARIBBEAN, INCREASING ALREADY OVERWHELMING US FORCE<\/a><\/p>

IS TRUMP BLUFFING? President Donald Trump has made a point of being cagey about whether he plans to move from striking suspected drug boats in the Caribbean to what he called \u201cland\u201d attacks. One day, he seems to be threatening military action, the next, he\u2019s waffling.<\/p>

\u201cThese actions certainly do not sound like mere drug enforcement against organized criminals. Not even close. These are the actions you take before you consider launching a major military operation against another country, and that authority, the Constitution is clear, must come from Congress,\u201d Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said on the floor of the Senate last week. \u201cBut it also sounds like nobody really knows what the plan is, because like so many other things with Donald Trump, he keeps changing his mind. Who knows what he will do tomorrow? To date, we have heard no clear goals, no clear timeline, no clear explanation for what Donald Trump's objective is in Venezuela. This is unacceptable and it's dangerous.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cMy view is this is gunboat diplomacy. Put pressure on Nicolas Maduro, perhaps do some strikes ashore to increase that pressure, try and convince him to give up power,\u201d said Stavridis. \u201cIf they do decide to pursue the course of strikes on land, in my view, they need to move it in a way where you really tie it to the counter-narcotics, act of war theory.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cThat means you're going to go after counter-narcotics sites in Venezuela. So, think transit points where drugs move on land, maybe where the boats are coming out of, maybe the maintenance areas for those boats, maybe some command and control nodes, particular cell towers, pretty limited target set. Probably do that with Tomahawk missiles. Maybe some drones,\u201d Stavridis said. \u201cI think then you hit pause. You go to Maduro and say, 'How do you like it so far? Because we can do a lot more than this.' And you hope he folds his tents and goes away.\u201d<\/p>

DRUG BOAT STRIKES ARE TIED TO VENEZUELA. THAT\u2019S NOT WHERE THE FENTANYL COMES FROM<\/a><\/p>

VENEZUELA ON HIGH ALERT: In an address on Venezuelan national television, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino L\u00f3pez announced that Maduro has placed the \u201centire country\u2019s military arsenal on full operational readiness,\u201d activating almost 200,000 troops.<\/p>

\"The aggression will be responded to with national unity,\" L\u00f3pez said in a statement<\/a>. \"We are ready here, we don't want war.\" The preparations reportedly include the \u201cmassive deployment of ground, aerial, naval, riverine and missile forces\u201d with the participation of all security forces and militia.<\/p>

The Pentagon has reportedly developed a range of options for military action in Venezuela, including \u2014 according to the New York Times \u2014 \u201cdirect attacks on military units that protect President Nicol\u00e1s Maduro and moves to seize control of the country\u2019s oil fields.\u201d<\/p>

UK STOPS SHARING SOME INTEL WITH US OVER DRUG VESSEL STRIKES<\/a><\/p>

Good Wednesday morning and welcome to Jamie McIntyre\u2019s Daily on Defense, written and compiled by Washington Examiner National Security Senior Writer Jamie McIntyre<\/a> (@jamiejmcintyre<\/a>) and edited by Christopher Tremoglie<\/a>. Email here<\/a> with tips, suggestions, calendar items, and anything else. Sign up or read current and back issues at DailyonDefense.com<\/a>. If signing up doesn\u2019t work, shoot us an email and we\u2019ll add you to our list. And be sure to follow me on Threads and\/or on X @jamiejmcintyre<\/a>.<\/p>

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP OR READ BACK ISSUES OF DAILY ON DEFENSE<\/a><\/p>

NOTE TO READERS: Daily on Defense will be on Thanksgiving break beginning the week of Monday, Nov. 17, and continuing through the end of the month. We\u2019ll be back at the beginning of December.<\/p>

HAPPENING TODAY: SO LONG SHUTDOWN: Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has called lawmakers back to Washington with the hopes of voting today on the Senate bill to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.<\/p>

The Senate voted Monday on a compromise continuing resolution that passed 60-40 after eight Democrats broke ranks and voted with Republicans. The measure included provisions to protect the jobs of federal workers and ensure they receive back pay, along with yearlong funding for the operation of Congress, agriculture, military construction, and veterans affairs. It does not include extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, which was the Democrats' key demand.\u00a0<\/p>

Early this morning, the House Rules Committee voted 8-4<\/a> along party lines to advance the measure, teeing up the legislation for a full floor vote later today.<\/p>

But one provision could be a problem. It would allow certain senators to sue the federal government for $500,000 or more if their phone records were sought or obtained as part of an investigation into President Trump, and that has rankled Democrats and even some Republicans.<\/p>

\u201cIf it were to pass, this astounding provision would give eight Republican Senators a personal payday of at least one million dollars each paid for directly by U.S. taxpayers,\u201d said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD). \u201cThese Senators want to get paid a pirate\u2019s treasure simply for having their call records turned over by their phone company in response to a lawful subpoena, subject to a lawful non-disclosure order signed by a federal judge, as part of a lawful criminal investigation. To be clear, there was no \u2018phone tap\u2019 or eavesdropping on the content of their conversations.\u201d<\/p>

He called the amendment \u201cmost blatantly corrupt provisions for political self-dealing and the plunder of public resources ever proposed in Congress.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cIt is beside my comprehension\u201d that the provision was included, said Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), one of four Republicans, including Reps. Tom Cole (R-OK), Austin Scott (R-GA), and Morgan Griffith (R-VA) who have voiced objections to the amendment.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cWe need to fund the government, and we need to get this passed\u2026but that provision needs to get fixed, and we need to find a way as a body to get it fixed as soon as possible,\u201d Roy said, adding the amendment is why \u201cpeople have a low opinion of this town.\u201d<\/p>

REPUBLICANS SIGNAL UNHAPPINESS WITH PHONE RECORD PROVISION IN GOVERNMENT FUNDING BILL<\/a><\/p>

LAVROV\u2019S ALL RIGHT: It would appear that rumors out of Moscow last week that Russian President Vladimir Putin\u2019s longtime trusted foreign minister Sergey Lavrov had fallen out of favor may have been off base. \u201cThere is no truth to these reports whatsoever,\u201d Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Friday. \u201cLavrov continues to serve as foreign minister, of course.\u201d<\/p>

Sure enough, yesterday, the 75-year-old Lavrov took reporters' questions<\/a> at the foreign ministry, repeating Russia\u2019s denial that it has been secretly engaged in any underground nuclear testing. \u201cThere must have been a misunderstanding,\u201d he said. \u201cWe have so far not received clarifications from our U.S. counterparts as to what exactly President Donald Trump meant to convey in his remarks.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cWas it nuclear tests, delivery vehicle tests, or subcritical tests which do not involve a nuclear reaction and are permitted under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty?\u201d Lavrov said.<\/p>

\u201cPresident Putin has issued a directive not to conduct nuclear tests and not even to make preparations for them,\u201d he added. \u201cOur principled position was laid out by President Putin in 2023, when, taking a question during one of his speeches, he said that if a nuclear power were to conduct nuclear weapons tests (not delivery system tests, not subcritical tests), then Russia will respond in kind.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cWe are ready to discuss the suspicions raised by our U.S. counterparts, whereby we have allegedly holed up deep underground and are secretly doing something there. We are also ready to discuss with our U.S. counterparts resuming preparatory work for the summit between the leaders of Russia and the United States, which they themselves proposed,\u201d Lavrov added. \u201cBudapest would, of course, be our preferred location. All the more so as, during his meeting with Viktor Orban, Donald Trump confirmed that Budapest was a preferable venue for Washington as well.\u201d<\/p>

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER<\/a><\/p>

THE RUNDOWN:<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Ford aircraft carrier strike group reaches Caribbean, increasing already overwhelming US force<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: UK stops sharing some intel with US over drug vessel strikes<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: US kills six in strikes on two reported drug boats over weekend<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Drug boat strikes are tied to Venezuela. That\u2019s not where the fentanyl comes from<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Here are all the details of the US strikes targeting alleged drug vessels<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Trump\u2019s former defense chief Esper: Military not the \u2018best tool\u2019 to stop drug interdictions<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Hegseth announces weapons acquisitions overhaul \u2018to operate on a wartime footing\u2019<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Hegseth acquisition reform makes room for nontraditional defense contractors<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: A dynamite debate: What if deterrence fails to prevent a future Armageddon?<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: DOJ tells Supreme Court to give Trump \u2018extraordinary deference\u2019 to deploy troops to Chicago<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Cold and disease threaten postceasefire Gaza as winter approaches<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Unexploded ordnance will long threaten Gazans despite tenuous ceasefire<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Houthis signal they\u2019ve stopped attacking Israel, but will resume if Gaza ceasefire falls through<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Mexican authorities thwart alleged Iranian assassination attempt on Israeli ambassador<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Marine veteran Vance joins Trump for Arlington ceremony honoring fallen troops<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Border Patrol agents in Chicago heading to Charlotte this week<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Texas to begin surveilling border for evidence of tunneling on state land<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Catholic Church retaliates against US Army for canceling support for chapels<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Opinion: Trump holds a positive meeting with Syria\u2019s Ahmed al Sharaa, but key questions remain<\/p>

Bloomberg<\/a>: Navy Considers Base for 10,000 Near Gaza Without US Troops<\/p>

New York Times<\/a>: Xi\u2019s Military Purges Show Unease About China\u2019s Nuclear Forces<\/p>

AP<\/a>: Japan and China exchange barbs after PM Takaichi\u2019s remarks over Taiwan<\/p>

CNN<\/a>: Sexism at Hegseth\u2019s Pentagon contributed to ousting of female elite commander, military insiders allege<\/p>

New York Times<\/a>: Hegseth Is Purging Military Leaders With Little Explanation<\/p>

CNN<\/a>: UK suspends some intelligence sharing with US over boat strike concerns in major break<\/p>

CNN<\/a>: Here\u2019s what the US military is using to strike alleged drug boats<\/p>

Air & Space Forces Magazine<\/a>: The Pentagon Wants to Buy Weapons Faster. What Will It Cost?<\/p>

Breaking Defense<\/a>: Zelenskyy: \u2018We Want to Order 25 Patriot\u2019 Air Defense Systems from US<\/p>

AP<\/a>: Europe\u2019s private drone industry eyes opportunity as NATO strengthens defense<\/p>

Air & Space Forces Magazine<\/a>: Air Force Fighter Roadmap Projects Slow Growth for F-35 Fleet<\/p>

The War Zone<\/a>: China\u2019s Stealthy GJ-11 \u2018Mysterious Dragon\u2019 Soars Out of the Shadows<\/p>

Defense One<\/a>: Longest Shutdown in History Creating a Readiness Hole of Unknown Proportions<\/p>

Breaking Defense<\/a>: Funding for SDA\u2019s Next Missile Tracking Contracts Diverted to Troop Payments: Sources<\/p>

Defense News<\/a>: Military Experts Warn Security Hole in Most AI Chatbots Can Sow Chaos<\/p>

USA Today<\/a>: Transgender Troops Who Served 15 to 18 Years Sue Air Force over Revoked Pensions<\/p>

New York Times<\/a>: The Volunteer Buglers Giving 24-Note Salutes <\/p>

THE CALENDAR: <\/p>

WEDNESDAY | NOVEMBER 12 <\/p>

10 a.m. 1616 Rhode Island Ave. NW \u2014 Center for Strategic and International Studies discussion: \"The Invisible Shield: Wireless Spectrum and U.S. National Security,\u201d Brooke Donilon, chief of staff of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration; and Arpan Sura, senior counsel to FCC Chairman Carr, participate in a discussion: \"Wireless Leadership and National Security https:\/\/www.csis.org\/events\/invisible-shield-wireless-spectrum-and-us-national-security<\/a><\/p>

11 a.m. \u2014 Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs Institute of Global Politics livestreamed event: \u201cThe Geopolitical Chessboard: Implications of the Current Global Ferment,\u201d with former Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton and Mike Pompeo https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/livestream-the-geopolitical-chessboard<\/a><\/p>

11 a.m. \u2014 Middle East Institute and PoliTact virtual discussion: \"Afghanistan-Pakistan Conflict: What Does it Mean for Regional Stability and US Strategic Interests?,\" with former Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asia David Sedney; Joshua White, non-resident fellow, Brookings Institution's Foreign Policy Program; Craig Carp, managing director at Karpology Javid Ahmad, MEI associate fellow; and Marvin Weinbaum, MEI senior fellow https:\/\/us02web.zoom.us\/webinar\/register<\/a><\/p>

6 p.m. 1224 30th St. NW \u2014 Washington Diplomat Ambassador Insider Series event: \u201cThe future of U.S. - Philippines relations, the challenges in the South China Sea, the Philippines strategic role in Asia, and the economic opportunities shaping the region\" with Philippines https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/ambassador-insider-series<\/a><\/p>

THURSDAY | NOVEMBER 13<\/p>

9 a.m. 1957 E St. NW \u2014 George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs and Aerospace Corporation discussion: \"Should the Wolf Amendment Be Repealed?,\" focusing on the U.S.-China relationship, with Dean Cheng, nonresident senior fellow, Potomac Institute for Policy Studies; Dan Hart, nonresident senior fellow, Atlantic Council; and Brian Weeden, director of civil and commercial policy at the Aerospace Corporation's https:\/\/calendar.gwu.edu\/event\/live-debate-should-the-wolf-amendment-be-repealed?<\/a><\/p>

10 a.m. \u2014 Center for Strategic and International Studies and National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement virtual discussion: \"Meeting the U.S. Defense Imperative: Challenges and Opportunities in the Development of the Defense Industrial Base Workforce,\" with Malinda Woods, chair, NIICA Board of Directors, former senior adviser to the Defense Secretary on Supply Chain Resilience and former director, Defense Department's Title III Defense Production Act; Clay Nagel, senior director of NIICA's National Center for Skill Based Learning; Jerry McGinn, director, CSIS Center for the Industrial Base and senior fellow, CSIS Defense and Security Department; Sujai Shivakumar, CSIS director and senior fellow of Renewing American Innovation; and Matt Brogoshian, executive director, American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative https:\/\/www.csis.org\/events\/meeting-us-defense-imperative-challenges<\/a><\/p>

1 p.m. \u2014 Atlantic Council virtual discussion of a new report, \"Minsk in Moscow's Grip: How Russia Subjugated Belarus Without Annexation,\" with author Hanna Liubakova, nonresident fellow, Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center; Giselle Bosse, professor at Maastricht University; Brian Whitmore, nonresident senior fellow, Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center; and Agnia Grigas, nonresident senior fellow, Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center; https:\/\/www.atlanticcouncil.org\/event\/report-launch-how-russia-subjugated-belarus<\/a><\/p>

4:30 p.m. 1521 16th St. NW \u2014 Institute of World Politics book discussion: At Sea Against the Soviet Fleet: The Evolution of U.S. Navy Operational Intelligence in the Cold War, with author retired Navy Capt. Bryan Leese https:\/\/www.iwp.edu\/at-sea-against-the-soviet-fleet<\/a><\/p>

FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 14<\/p>

8:45 a.m. 2500 Calvert St. NW \u2014 American Bar Association discussion: \"The AI Arms Race and National Security Law\" https:\/\/events.americanbar.org\/event<\/a><\/p>

MONDAY | NOVEMBER 17<\/p>

1 p.m. \u2014 Foundation for Defense of Democracies in-person and virtual discussion: \u201cPower Under Pressure: The Fight to Protect Taiwan's Energy Lifelines from Beijing\u2019s Aggression\" with retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, senior director, FDD Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation; Craig Singleton, senior director, FDD China Program, and moderated by Politico China Correspondent Phelim Kine https:\/\/www.fdd.org\/events\/2025\/11\/17\/power-under-pressure<\/a><\/p>

<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-18-at-7.32.03-AM.png?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3881864-1762930800", "title":"December Social Security direct payment worth $967 goes out in 19 days", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3881864%2Fdecember-social-security-direct-payment-worth-967-goes-out-in-19-days%2F", "byline":"Asher Notheis", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"December Supplemental Security Income payments, worth up to $967, will be issued to recipients in 19 days. SSI payments are typically issued on the first day of a month, as is the case with December’s payment. If a payment falls on either a weekend or a holiday, however, SSI payments are issued on the last […]", "description":""

December Supplemental Security Income<\/a> payments, worth up to $967, will be issued to recipients in 19 days.<\/p>

SSI payments are typically issued on the first day of a month, as is the case with December\u2019s payment. If a payment falls on either a weekend or a holiday, however, SSI payments are issued on the last day of the month that isn\u2019t a weekend.<\/p>

Beneficiaries are people with limited income who are either blind, aged 65 and older, or have a qualifying disability.<\/p>

The amount beneficiaries receive varies based on several factors, including the number of people filing<\/a>. For example, individual filers can receive up to $967, couples filing jointly can receive $1,450, and those providing essential care to SSI recipients can receive up to $484. <\/p>

January SSI payments increased by 2.5%<\/a> to keep pace with inflation. <\/p>

In addition to the previous prerequisites for receiving SSI payments<\/a>, recipients must also be U.S. citizens or noncitizens in one of the alien classifications granted by the Department of Homeland Security.<\/p>

WHY DID DEMOCRATS FIGHT SO LONG \u2013 BEFORE CAVING?<\/a><\/p>

Additionally, they must live in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands, and must not be absent from the United States for a full calendar month or 30 consecutive days.<\/p>

A full calendar<\/a> for the Social Security Administration payments can be viewed on the agency\u2019s website.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Social-Security-Money-8-1-e1762811353372.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3881915-1762930800", "title":"First round of November Social Security payments goes out today", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3881915%2Ffirst-round-november-social-security-payments-wednesday%2F", "byline":"Asher Notheis", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The first round of November Social Security payments for retirees, now capped at $5,108, will be issued today. When will payments arrive? Retirees born on or before the 10th of the month will receive this payment on Wednesday.  The second round of payments will follow on Nov. 19 for retirees born between the 11th and […]", "description":""

The first round of November Social Security<\/a> payments for retirees, now capped at $5,108, will be issued today.<\/p>When will payments arrive?

Retirees born on or before the 10th of the month will receive this payment on Wednesday<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

The second round of payments will follow on Nov. 19 for retirees born between the 11th and 20th of the month, and the third round will be issued on Nov. 26 for retirees born on or after the 21st.<\/p>When am I eligible?

Citizens are eligible for Social Security payments beginning at 62 years of age.<\/p>How can I maximize my check?

Social Security payment amounts are determined by several factors, including age of retirement, the amount paid into Social Security, and the number of years paid into Social Security.<\/p>

Payments largely depend<\/a> on a recipient\u2019s retirement age. A beneficiary retiring at the youngest age, 62, could receive up to $2,831 per month<\/a>, while a 70-year-old retiree could receive up to $5,108 per month, according to the Social Security Administration.<\/p>

Beneficiaries can see a personalized estimate of how much they could expect each month through<\/a> the SSA\u2019s calculator.<\/p>

<\/a>CHRISTINE PELOSI RUNNING FOR CALIFORNIA STATE SENATE, NIXING OPPORTUNITY FOR MOTHER\u2019S HOUSE SEAT<\/a><\/p>How is it financed?

Social Security is financed by a payroll tax paid for by employers and employees.<\/p>

Social Security payment amounts are set to shrink unless Congress takes action to prevent it. Analysts estimate<\/a> that the SSA will no longer be able to issue full payments as early as 2034, due to a rising number of retirees and a shrinking workforce.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Social-Security-9-1.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883260-1762930800", "title":"Why Trump 2.0 honeymoon may finally be over: ‘Yes, DJT has hit some guardrails’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F3883260%2Ftrump-honeymoon-finally-over-guardrails%2F", "byline":"Naomi Lim", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"After riding a political honeymoon for a year, President Donald Trump’s dominance could be coming to an end as he meets resistance from Senate Republicans over the chamber’s filibuster rule and the Supreme Court over tariffs. The other coequal branches of the federal government to Trump’s executive, the legislative and judiciary, “are standing up and […]", "description":""

After riding a political honeymoon for a year, President Donald Trump<\/a>\u2019s dominance could be coming to an end as he meets resistance from Senate Republicans<\/a> over the chamber\u2019s filibuster rule<\/a> and the Supreme Court over tariffs<\/a>.<\/p>

The other coequal branches of the federal government to Trump\u2019s executive, the legislative and judiciary, \u201care standing up and doing their jobs,\u201d according to Republican strategist Charlie Black.<\/p>

\u201cSenators do not believe that the end justifies the means,\u201d regarding filibuster reform, Black told the Washington Examiner, before adding of the Supreme Court and tariffs that he suspected \u201cconservatives on the court are trying to follow the law, regardless of who is president.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cSo, yes, DJT has hit some guardrails,\u201d he said, referring to Trump.<\/p>

However, for Claremont McKenna College politics professor and former GOP strategist John Pitney, the resistance from congressional Republicans, at least, is not in response to separation of powers concerns.<\/p>

\u201cThey do worry that Trump's policies will cost them seats in the House and Senate,\u201d Pitney told the Washington Examiner. \u201cTariffs are slamming small businesses<\/a>. [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] raids not only generate ugly images but also hurt agriculture<\/a> and construction<\/a>. Federal personnel cuts have made it harder for citizens to access services and have jeopardized things such as special education. And people blame the shutdown<\/a> more on Republicans than Democrats. Trump won a short-term victory of sorts when eight Senate Democrats voted to reopen the government. But that victory will blow up on Republicans unless they reverse the spike in [Obamacare<\/a>] premiums.\u201d<\/p>

Simultaneously, congressional Republicans \u201cfear the MAGA base, so they don't want to go out of their way to antagonize Trump,\u201d Pitney said.<\/p>

Trump alluded to that dynamic last week after Republicans underperformed in the off-year elections in New Jersey and Virginia, in addition to New York City, California, and Pennsylvania, with GOP strategists concerned regarding turnout, even the composition of the party\u2019s coalition, following 2029 when the president departs the White House for the second and last time.<\/p>

\u201cThey say that I wasn\u2019t on the ballot was the biggest factor,\u201d Trump told Senate Republicans last week in the Rose Garden. \u201cI don\u2019t know about that, but I was honored that they said that.\u201d<\/p>

Regardless, there is one year before the 2026 midterm elections, which will be perceived as a referendum on Trump and congressional Republicans, notwithstanding the president not being on the ballot.<\/p>

One year before those elections, Democrats had increased their average advantage over the GOP in generic congressional ballot polling in recent weeks, now holding a 4-point edge, 46%-42%, according to RealClearPolitics<\/a>.<\/p>

To that end, congressional Republicans are resisting Trump, partly, because \u201cthey don't want to take the rap for hurting people,\" Pitney, the professor, added.<\/p>

\u201cThe filibuster actually gives Senate Republicans an easy out: They can vote for bills that they don't really want, and then blame Democrats when those bills fall short of 60 votes,\u201d he said.<\/p>

Trump did not have a honeymoon period during his first administration, as he became the only president in the country\u2019s history to begin his first term with a negative job approval rating, according to Gallup<\/a>.<\/p>

In fact, his 2017 inauguration, after losing the popular vote to 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, was followed the next day by the 500,000-person Women's March on Washington, the largest single-day protest in the country's history at the time, before he contended throughout his administration with what he called the deep state, or federal government employees who he alleged were undermining his legislative and political agenda.<\/p>

Eight years later, after making what will likely be considered the country\u2019s greatest political comeback amid criminal indictments in four different federal or state prosecutions, Trump returned to the White House in 2025, again, with negative job approval. <\/p>

At the same time, Trump has since experienced a protracted honeymoon, in part, because of his 2024 popular vote win and his removal of critics and opponents from the federal government and broader political environment, including asking prospective employees to pass a loyalty test.<\/p>

Nevertheless, that honeymoon could be ending. In addition to Senate Republicans resisting Trump\u2019s demand to repeal the chamber\u2019s filibuster rule during his push to reopen the government after the nation\u2019s longest shutdown, several Senate Republicans have also opposed the president\u2019s trade agenda, casting multiple votes against his tariff policies on Brazil, Canada, and other countries affected by his \"Liberation Day\" duties.<\/p>

Senate Republicans have also not confirmed several of Trump\u2019s administration nominees, including Paul Ingrassia for special counsel of the U.S., Ed Martin for U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, and Janette Nesheiwat for\u00a0surgeon general.<\/p>

The Senate GOP has similarly expressed concerns, though mostly privately, about Trump's $20 billion currency swap with Argentina, as China purchases Argentine beef over U.S. beef products, and about military strikes against accused narcoterrorists in the Caribbean and Pacific to undercut proclaimed Venezuelan President Nicol\u00e1s Maduro. Those strikes have prompted the United Kingdom to partially stop sharing intelligence with the U.S.<\/p>

Senate Republicans' resistance coincided with the Supreme Court's last week, with justices indicating they could rule against Trump in the case regarding whether he has the authority to introduce tariffs based on his emergency powers without congressional approval.<\/p>

During oral arguments for the case, which Trump has described as \u201cliterally, LIFE OR DEATH for our Country,\u201d given that tariffs have become one of his signature policies, Justice Neil Gorsuch previewed \u201ca one-way ratchet\u201d of continually ceding responsibility from Congress to the president if they are permitted to stand.<\/p>

The Supreme Court has previously been at odds with Trump regarding the deportation of Salvadoran national Kilmar Armando \u00c1brego Garc\u00eda and the president's reliance on the Alien Enemies Act.<\/p>

The White House has downplayed the prospect of Trump's honeymoon ending, arguing that the president \"is working day and night to deliver on the promises he was elected to fulfill, and it\u2019s indisputable that he has succeeded on a massive scale so far.\"<\/p>

\"Whether it be historic tax cuts, a secure border, lowering crime rates, addressing Biden\u2019s inflation crisis, tackling drug prices, and more, the president is just getting started,\" White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told the Washington Examiner. \"The American people also elected members of Congress to deliver on this same agenda \u2014 they should listen to their constituents the way the President has done.\u201d<\/p>

TRUMP QUIETLY MEETS WITH SYRIA\u2019S FORMER JIHADIST PRESIDENT AT WHITE HOUSE<\/a><\/p>

Meanwhile, Democrats are conveying confidence about their own prospects against Trump and Republicans in next year\u2019s midterm elections, particularly after last week\u2019s off-year contests.<\/p>

\u201cAs Americans are reeling from skyrocketing costs, a reckless trade war shuttering businesses, and a healthcare crisis that would force many Americans to pay double for coverage, Donald Trump is focused on the primary issue that matters to him: raising funds for his ballroom makeover,\u201d Democratic National Committee deputy communications director Abhi Rahman told the Washington Examiner. \u201cAmericans across the country know exactly what his Trump-first priorities are heading into the midterms next year.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/trump-commanders-stadium-name.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883331-1762930800", "title":"Motion by Letitia James and James Comey cases fights to remove Lindsey Halligan", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fjustice%2F3883331%2Fletitia-james-james-comey-motion-fights-remove-lindsey-halligan%2F", "byline":"Kaelan Deese", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"A federal judge is poised to hear arguments this week in a joint motion by former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James seeking to disqualify interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan from overseeing their criminal prosecutions in the Eastern District of Virginia. U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, an appointee of […]", "description":""

A federal judge is poised to hear arguments this week in a joint motion by former FBI Director James Comey<\/a> and New York Attorney General Letitia James<\/a> seeking to disqualify interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan from overseeing their criminal prosecutions in the Eastern District of Virginia. <\/p>

U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, an appointee of former President Bill Clinton sitting by designation from South Carolina<\/a> to avoid conflicts in the district, will preside over the hearing Thursday morning. Currie has already ordered full grand jury transcripts for review, signaling an unusual level of scrutiny of what Halligan\u2019s role was before the indictments were handed up to her by grand jurors.<\/p>

If the court takes the unusual step of removing Halligan, the question arises whether the indictments she obtained must also be dismissed or whether a replacement prosecutor would simply assume the case.<\/p>The challenge to Halligan\u2019s role

In respective filings unsealed Monday, Comey<\/a> and James<\/a> argue that Halligan\u2019s appointment was invalid and that her involvement taints the integrity of both prosecutions. They note that Halligan had never worked as a prosecutor before being appointed to lead the Eastern District of Virginia and that her predecessor, Erik Siebert, resigned under pressure<\/a> after declining to pursue these same cases. Within days of being sworn in, Halligan secured a grand jury indictment against Comey, followed by an indictment against James weeks later.<\/p>

Comey\u2019s lawyers argue that those circumstances demonstrate improper political influence over the Justice Department<\/a>. They say Halligan\u2019s direct involvement in presenting the cases to the grand jury, rather than delegating to a line prosecutor, is a \u201cstructural defect\u201d that makes the indictments void.<\/p>

James\u2019s attorneys have made similar claims, calling her appointment \u201cunlawful\u201d and alleging she was placed in the job to target political opponents.<\/p>

If the judge finds Halligan\u2019s appointment invalid, the Justice Department could be ordered to name a new prosecutor, but legal experts say dismissal of the indictments themselves would require a higher showing of prejudice or fundamental unfairness.<\/p>A unique procedural question

Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani told the Washington Examiner that Halligan\u2019s personal role in obtaining the Comey indictment distinguishes her situation from other recent challenges to acting or interim U.S. attorneys. <\/p>

\u201cIt\u2019s unique in that she\u2019s the one who actually went into the grand jury to get the indictment,\u201d Rahmani said. \u201cTypically, the U.S. attorney is not personally handling the case. They\u2019re on the caption, but they\u2019re not even in the room.\u201d<\/p>

Rahmani said that the difference could complicate the outcome if Currie disqualifies Halligan. \u201cThe question is, if she\u2019s disqualified, is the grand jury indictment improper because she secured it herself? Would they have to reindict? Would there be a statute of limitations issue? That\u2019s what makes this case unique,\u201d he said.<\/p>

Even so, Rahmani said disqualification alone would not automatically void the indictments. \u201cYou\u2019d need to show more than just a technical violation,\u201d he said. \u201cEven if she were unlawfully appointed, the defense has to show prejudice \u2014 that it was fundamentally unfair. That\u2019s a higher bar than simply removing her from the case.\u201d He added that any order disqualifying or dismissing the prosecutions would likely trigger immediate appeals and could delay the current trial timelines.<\/p>Grand jury transcript dispute adds tension

The Comey case has also become entangled in a separate dispute over grand jury secrecy. Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick, who oversees pretrial proceedings, rebuked prosecutors last week for what he described as an \u201cindict first, investigate later\u201d approach and ordered the government to produce late-September grand jury transcripts and audio for review.<\/p>

Prosecutors, including Halligan and Department of Justice trial attorneys Tyler Lemons and Gabriel Diaz, quickly appealed to U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff, a Biden appointee, arguing that Fitzpatrick\u2019s order exceeded his authority and that Comey had not shown sufficient grounds to overcome grand jury secrecy. Nachmanoff largely upheld Fitzpatrick\u2019s discretion<\/a> but sent the matter back for a more limited review of whether the defense has \u201cparticularized and factually based grounds\u201d to justify disclosure.<\/p>

At a brief status conference on Monday, the Justice Department agreed to provide all grand jury transcripts and audio for Fitzpatrick\u2019s private review, but not for Comey\u2019s defense team. Fitzpatrick said an in-camera review was necessary \u201cto make an informed decision\u201d about possible disclosure and will also consider an ex parte filing from Comey\u2019s lawyers describing alleged breaches of attorney-client privilege during the grand jury process, according<\/a> to Law and Crime.<\/p>

Comey\u2019s team argues those materials could show misconduct in Halligan\u2019s presentation to the grand jury, the first of her career, while prosecutors maintain that no privileged evidence was used and that nothing in the grand jury process supports dismissal.<\/p>Halligan\u2019s defense and DOJ backing

Prosecutors have sought to bolster Halligan\u2019s standing, filing a certification on Nov. 3<\/a> that Attorney General Pam Bondi<\/a> lawfully appointed Halligan as a special attorney on Sept. 22, the same day the Comey indictment was presented and ratified her grand jury actions to eliminate any procedural doubt.<\/p>

Supporters, including Mike Davis, a close Trump ally and former chief judicial nominations counsel to Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), have defended Halligan\u2019s record. <\/p>

In a recent Federalist op-ed, Davis argued Halligan \u201cproved her critics wrong\u201d<\/a> by filing evidence that he said \u201coverwhelmingly demonstrates Comey\u2019s guilt,\u201d including handwritten notes, emails sent under Comey\u2019s alias Reinhold Niebuhr, and communications with Columbia Law School professor Daniel Richman that prosecutors allege show coordination with the media.<\/a><\/p>Watchdog complaint adds scrutiny

The Campaign for Accountability, a left-leaning watchdog group, filed complaints Tuesday<\/a> with the Florida<\/a> and Virginia<\/a> state bars, urging Halligan\u2019s disbarment.<\/p>

The group alleges she violated ethics rules by acting at Trump\u2019s direction and prosecuting cases that career officials deemed unsupportable. <\/p>

\u201cThe evidence appears to demonstrate that, absent President Trump\u2019s intervention, neither Mr. Comey nor Ms. James would have been indicted,\u201d the complaint states.<\/p>How Comey and James are defending the charges

Comey faces charges of making false statements and obstructing Congress for his 2020 Senate testimony about the FBI\u2019s handling of Hillary Clinton\u2019s private email investigation and related leaks to the media. He has pleaded not guilty and claims the prosecution stems from political motives rather than independent law enforcement.<\/p>

James is charged with bank fraud for allegedly misrepresenting her intent to personally occupy a Virginia home purchased in 2020 with a $109,600 mortgage and allegedly acquiring nearly $20,000 in ill-gotten gains due to her alleged misrepresentation of her intent. She has pleaded not guilty and argues that the case represents an unlawful abuse of power.<\/p>

Both defendants have so far focused their defenses on challenging Halligan\u2019s appointment and claiming selective or vindictive prosecution, rather than disputing the substance of the allegations themselves.<\/p>What\u2019s next

Currie has required the government to submit the full grand jury transcript ahead of Thursday\u2019s hearing, indicating close attention to Halligan\u2019s role in securing the indictments. Fitzpatrick, meanwhile, is completing his in-camera review of the grand jury materials and an ex parte defense submission regarding alleged breaches of privilege.<\/p>

FLORIDA AND VIRGINIA PRESSURED TO INVESTIGATE LINDSEY HALLIGAN OVER PROSECUTING COMEY AND JAMES<\/a><\/p>

The federal courthouse in Alexandria was closed Tuesday for the Veterans Day holiday, but a ruling from Fitzpatrick on whether any grand jury materials can be shared with Comey\u2019s defense team could come as early as Wednesday. <\/p>

Trials for both Comey and James remain set for January in the Eastern District of Virginia\u2019s \"rocket docket,\" assuming no delays or appeals force the dates to be pushed back.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25282737343571.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883532-1762930800", "title":"Downside of $2,000 tariff dividend checks: Inflation", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Ffinance-and-economy%2F3883532%2Fdownside-2000-tariff-dividend-checks-inflation%2F", "byline":"Zach Halaschak", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Sending $2,000 tariff dividend payments to voters could further fuel inflation, economists caution, even if it offers households short-term relief from the cost of living. Over the weekend, Trump said he wants to provide “a dividend of at least $2,000 a person” from his tariff agenda. The details of such a plan, and even if […]", "description":""

Sending $2,000 tariff<\/a> dividend payments to voters could further fuel inflation<\/a>, economists caution, even if it offers households short-term relief from the cost of living.<\/p>

Over the weekend, Trump said he wants to provide<\/a> \u201ca dividend of at least $2,000 a person\u201d from his tariff agenda. The details of such a plan, and even if one is actually being devised, are still unclear, but sending payments directly to consumers could be inflationary.<\/p>

Jason Furman<\/a>, the chairman of former President Barack Obama\u2019s Council of Economic Advisers, told the Washington Examiner that when former President Joe Biden issued stimulus spending during the pandemic recovery, it contributed to higher inflation in subsequent years.<\/p>

TRUMP PROMISES $2,000 TARIFF DIVIDEND CHECKS: HOW THE REBATE PAYMENTS COULD WORK<\/a><\/p>

\u201cWhen Biden sent out $2,000 checks, they added to inflation, and when Trump sends out $2,000 checks, they will add to inflation,\" he said.<\/p>

In 2021, Americans earning under $75,000 received full $1,400 stimulus payments as part of the American Rescue Plan, passed by Democrats and signed into law by Biden. The checks were meant to help households recover from the pandemic disruptions. But they came as the economy was already reopening, and are now thought to have contributed to an excess of demand for goods and services and helped stoke inflation to nearly 9% the next year.<\/p>

Furman, now an economist at Harvard University, was one of the economists who warned about inflation as the United States emerged from the pandemic. Now, he says, the economy is still dealing with too much inflation and is concurrently close to full employment, with the unemployment rate at a low 4.3% as of August, the last month for which data was published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics before the government shutdown.<\/p>

\u201cAnd so more money will mean people spend more, but they won't really be able to buy much more,\u201d Furman said of the $2,000 payments. \"Instead, the stuff will become more expensive.\"<\/p>

The degree to which they could affect inflation depends on multiple factors, but one is whether the dividend payments are drawn solely from tariff revenue or are deficit-financed. It appears that tariff revenue may not be sufficient.<\/p>

\u200b\u200bErica York, vice president of federal tax policy at the Tax Foundation, told the\u00a0Washington Examiner\u00a0that if you take all the filers who earn less than $100,000 per year and assume spouses earning under that threshold would also qualify, that comes out to roughly 150 million getting those payments. It is worth noting that the $100,000 threshold is arbitrary, and the White House has not suggested an exact income threshold.<\/p>

She said that places the minimum cost at about $300 billion. However, York\u2019s group estimates that tariff revenue for this calendar year will not be enough to cover the rebates.<\/p>

\u201cFull year impact, it\u2019s going to be at least $100 billion short for the checks,\u201d she said.<\/p>

Additionally, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan fiscal watchdog that advocates lower deficits, released an analysis<\/a> this week finding that annual $2,000 tariff dividends would cost $6 trillion over the decade, roughly twice as much as Trump\u2019s tariff agenda is expected to raise over that same period.<\/p>

The CRFB\u2019s analysis, though, showed that current tariffs could be used to pay out a $2,000 dividend every other year without adding to the deficit.<\/p>

Romina Boccia, director of budget and entitlement policy at the libertarian Cato Institute, said that if the stimulus spending is deficit-financed, it would likely be inflationary. She also highlighted that Trump intends to gear the $2,000 payments toward people who are not wealthy.<\/p>

Boccia pointed out that when wealthy people get payments like this, they are more likely to put those funds into savings. However, lower- and middle-class taxpayers are far more likely to spend the money.<\/p>

The Federal Reserve has notably pivoted to cutting interest rates, with the intention of supporting economic activity. If the Fed is loosening its monetary policy stance at a time when the government is sending people $2,000 payments, Boccia said, the combination could be inflationary.<\/p>

\u201cSo if you double that \u2014 rate cuts with an inflationary stimulus check \u2014 you're going to likely see a small, one-time uptick in inflation as a result of that,\u201d she told the Washington Examiner.<\/p>

It is difficult to gauge precisely how much $2,000 tariff rebates could affect the overall rate of inflation, in part because there has been little guidance on what such a plan would actually entail. But Furman said a ballpark range could be one percentage point of cumulative inflation added, or about half a percentage point extra per year for a couple of years.<\/p>

Still, he said, the Fed could act to mitigate some of the inflation that might arise from adjusting monetary policy, thereby reducing its effect.<\/p>

\u201cI don't think they would actually raise interest rates, but they would definitely stop cutting interest rates, and they might be able to stop some of the inflation,\u201d Furman said.<\/p>

Much about the plan remains uncertain, marked by a question mark. When asked for clarification and specifics about the payments on Monday, a White House official told the Washington Examiner declined to provide information, and instead said that the tariffs are resetting global commerce and safeguarding national and economic security while raising billions of dollars in revenue.<\/p>

The official said the U.S. is committed to putting the money to good use for the public but did not elaborate on specifics about the payments Trump has floated.<\/p>

Also, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday that he had not discussed the idea with Trump. He also suggested that it might not come in the form of a stimulus check.<\/p>

\u201cThe $2,000 dividend could come in lots of forms,\u201d Bessent said on ABC. <\/p>

\u201cYou know, it could be just the tax decreases that we are seeing on the president's agenda \u2014 you know, no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on Social Security, deductibility of auto loans,\u201d he said.<\/p>

Furthermore, direct $2,000 payments would almost certainly have to be approved by Congress and not done by executive fiat, according to York.<\/p>

It is also a question of whether Trump\u2019s ambitious tariff policies will even be allowed to stand. The Supreme Court is currently weighing whether Trump had the authority to issue those tariffs after companies and states sued the Trump administration.<\/p>

WHAT CAN TRUMP DO TO HELP COST OF LIVING BEFORE MIDTERM ELECTIONS<\/a><\/p>

\u200b\u200bSen.\u00a0Lisa Murkowski<\/a>\u00a0(R-AK) said Monday that a ruling against the Trump administration could complicate any form of rebate payments.<\/p>

\u201cThere is a very valid case to be made that if the Supreme Court pushes back on tariffs, we\u2019re going to have to repay that,\u201d she told the Washington Examiner. \u201cNow, as an appropriator, I\u2019m looking at that and saying, all right, where do we find this? So, offering $2,000 to everybody out of the tariff proceeds now may be a little bit risky.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP23163747995964.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3880616-1762927200", "title":"Will Trump let Mali fall to the jihadists?", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fbeltway-confidential%2F3880616%2Fwill-trump-let-mali-fall-to-the-jihadists%2F", "byline":"Michael Rubin", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The third time will not be the charm. As radical jihadis close in on Bamako, the capital of Mali and a city with roughly the same population as Los Angeles, the United States appears woefully unprepared, if not AWOL. President Donald Trump has yet to appoint an assistant secretary of state to oversee and coordinate […]", "description":""

The third time will not be the charm. As radical jihadis close in on Bamako, the capital of Mali<\/a> and a city with roughly the same population as Los Angeles, the United States appears woefully unprepared, if not AWOL.<\/p>

President Donald Trump<\/a> has yet to appoint an assistant secretary of state to oversee and coordinate policy in Africa at a time when Russian and Chinese influence has surged and Africa has become the epicenter for rare earths and commodities trade. The U.S. Embassy in Mali has only a skeleton staff. African states in the region, including U.S. partners like the Ivory Coast and Senegal, will soon need to brace for the arrival of millions of refugees.<\/p>

Making the situation worse is that the U.S. has been in this situation before, but appears not to have learned the lesson that proactively rebuffing the jihadists is far less costly than cleaning up the mess after they seize territory.<\/p>

As the Islamic State began its rampage through Syria and Iraq, President Barack Obama thought himself clever by withholding U.S. assistance. Not only did he oppose involving the U.S. in \u201cstupid wars,\u201d but he also believed he could extract concessions from Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki by blackmailing him in his time of need. The result? The U.S. spent close to $50 billion to defeat the Islamic State militarily in \u201cOperation Inherent Resolve.\u201d<\/p>

That lesson fell on deaf ears during the first Trump administration. Not only did Trump seek to undermine the Syrian Kurds, the U.S. allies that served as the vanguard of the movement to roll back the Islamic State, but he and his mercantilist<\/a> special envoy<\/a> Zalmay Khalilzad<\/a> also set the stage for the Taliban\u2019s capture of Kabul. True, that event did not come on Trump\u2019s watch, but he set the stage with an ill-considered<\/a> peace deal<\/a>. Trump and his supporters are right to foist blame on President Joe Biden\u2019s team for the incompetence of planning for the withdrawal, but it would be dishonest to ignore the Trump team\u2019s naive belief that the Taliban were interested in peace or serving in a national unity government.<\/p>

On a human scale, Afghanistan is a tragedy not only because the Taliban\u2019s seizure of power sparked a refugee crisis, with 3.6 million refugees fleeing to neighboring countries and snuffed out the hope of tens of millions of Afghan girls and women, but also because it was entirely preventable. The cost of the tragedy was huge. Between 2001 and 2022, the U.S. spent upwards of $2 trillion when interest on debt is included. That money need not have been wasted; Afghanistan was transforming when Trump and Biden decided to pull the rug out from underneath its elected officials. The annual amount spent in terms of blood and treasure during the last five years of America\u2019s Afghanistan presence was not much greater than the average annual U.S. investment in its Korea and Japan\u2019s presence. The costs will likely only grow in the coming years as the Taliban again turns Afghanistan into a haven for terrorists and the illegal drug trade.<\/p>

If Kabul was the first capital to fall to Islamists, Damascus was the second as a group led by an Islamist terrorist with a $10 million bounty on his head seized the Syrian capital. Trump may praise interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa as a strong man and a transitional leader, but Chechen, Uyghur, and Arab terrorists now use Syria as their petri dish. His rhetoric may sway Trump, but al-Sharaa\u2019s policies appear geared to transform Syria into a jihadi state, hostile to moderates and religious minorities.<\/p>

SHUTDOWN ENTERS 40TH DAY WITH FLIGHTS SNARLED AND SNAP DISRUPTED<\/a><\/p>

The Al-Qaeda-affiliated group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin could take Bamako any day, as it tightens the noose on the city. The group\u2019s emir, Iyad Ag Ghaly, cares far less about public relations than Al-Sharaa does. Trump may not care about \u201csh-thole\u201d countries, but radicalism does not respect borders. If Mali falls, the Islamic State will only be one state removed from the Atlantic coast, and terrorists can use refugee flows for cover.<\/p>

Trump must decide: Is being on watch when Al Qaeda affiliates seized two capitals 4,000 miles apart the legacy Trump wants?<\/p>

Michael Rubin is a contributor to the Washington Examiner's Beltway Confidential. He is director of analysis at the Middle East Forum and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.<\/p>

<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP23213737255448.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3880717-1762927200", "title":"Why Kazakhstan’s joining the Abraham Accords matters ", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fbeltway-confidential%2F3880717%2Fwhy-kazakhstans-joining-the-abraham-accords-matters%2F", "byline":"Alissa Pavia", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"At first glance, Kazakhstan’s decision to join the Abraham Accords last week holds little relevance. Israel and Kazakhstan have held diplomatic relations for over thirty years, prompting critics to view the latter’s entry into the accords as nothing more than a self-aggrandizing act by President Donald Trump. But there is more to this decision than […]", "description":""

At first glance, Kazakhstan's<\/a> decision to join<\/a> the Abraham Accords last week holds little relevance. Israel<\/a> and Kazakhstan have held diplomatic relations for over thirty years, prompting critics to view the latter's entry into the accords as nothing more than a self-aggrandizing act by President Donald Trump<\/a>. But there is more to this decision than meets the eye.\u00a0<\/p>

The Abraham Accords are a strategic partnership between Israel and Muslim-majority nations with the aim of expanding regional cooperation. In some cases, the accords have opened the door to normalizing ties with Israel, with countries like the United Arab Emirates, Sudan, and Bahrain recognizing the country for the first time. Signed in 2020, the Accords represented a watershed moment in the history of the Middle East, breaking with decades of entrenched grievances toward Israel in a region where many states still do not recognize its right to exist.<\/p>

Kazakhstan, however, established relations with Israel in 1991 after gaining independence from Russia. Bringing the resource-rich nation into the\u00a0agreement holds significant strategic relevance.<\/p>

First, it extends Iran\u2019s strategic encirclement by adding to the growing list of pro-West, pro-Israel countries in the Middle East and Central Asia. Iran remains the United States\u2019 primary threat in the Middle East, and Washington has used the Abraham Accords as one tool to curb Tehran\u2019s influence and that of its proxies. Even though Iran and Kazakhstan hold strong trade and commercial relations \u2014 Kazakhstan has long helped Iran avoid international sanctions through oil swap deals \u2014 Astana has now sent a strong signal of its alignment with the West. In doing so, it gains strong allies, which it hopes will eventually allow it to decouple from Russia. Kazakhstan is a strategic partner for Iran. Should circumstances call for tougher actions against the Islamic Regime, Washington now holds significant leverage over Astana.\u00a0<\/p>

Second, this action could prompt other countries in the region, like Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, to follow suit. That would mean Iran being sandwiched between pro-Western countries, leading to even greater isolation.<\/p>

It's also important to note that this is happening at a moment when Iran is already at its most vulnerable. After two years of confrontation with Israel, Iran has suffered heavy military and nuclear losses, and the devastation of Hezbollah, the Houthi rebels and Hamas. Astana\u2019s entry to the Abraham Accords is thus unnerving the regime. An Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson harshly criticized the action.\u00a0<\/p>

TRUMP TICKING OFF CAMPAIGN PROMISES, BUT PESKY ISSUE OF INFLATION STILL ELUDES HIM<\/a><\/p>

Kazakhstan is joining the Abraham Accords at a time of growing international criticism towards Israel in response to its conduct in the war in Gaza. But this action signals that Israel is far from isolated on the world stage, even as the number of countries recognizing Palestine continues to grow.<\/p>

But most of all, alliances derive power from expansion, and Astana\u2019s step marks a weakening of Iranian posturing in the region.<\/p>

Alissa Pavia is a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25311026113993.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3882050-1762927200", "title":"China’s self-defeating Japan beheading threat", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fbeltway-confidential%2F3882050%2Fchina-self-defeating-japan-beheading-threat%2F", "byline":"Tom Rogan", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Japan should expel the Chinese consul general to Osaka over his X post that appeared to threaten to behead Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Xue Jian’s rhetoric goes far beyond the so-called “Wolf Warrior” tendency of Chinese diplomats to aggressively rebuke perceived slights to the Chinese Communist Party and its policies. Xue’s threat followed a parliamentary […]", "description":""

Japan<\/a> should expel the Chinese consul general to Osaka over his X post that appeared to threaten to behead Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Xue Jian's rhetoric goes far beyond the so-called \"Wolf Warrior\" tendency of Chinese diplomats to aggressively rebuke perceived slights to the Chinese Communist Party and its policies.<\/p>

Xue's threat followed a parliamentary speech by Takaichi last week, during which she observed that a Chinese attack on Taiwan would constitute a \"survival-threatening attack\" for Japan. Such a threat would justify Japanese military action in support of Taiwanese and, presumably, U.S. forces. In response, Xue warned that this constituted \"a path of death that only some stupid politicians in Japan would choose.\" He then added that China<\/a> needed only to \"cut off\" their \"dirty necks\" without hesitation. The Chinese Foreign Ministry justified Xue's comments by blaming Takaichi. China has \"made serious d\u00e9marches and protests to Japan,\" a spokesperson added.<\/p>

Although Xue's post was subsequently deleted, the language used by a senior Chinese diplomat is clearly unacceptable. Beijing is always keen to make clear its extreme sensitivity about Taiwan, an island democracy that China claims as its unjustly severed territory. But for an experienced Chinese diplomat to casually threaten to decapitate a foreign leader is psychotic behavior. Xue may have been speaking metaphorically, but he and his government must have known how his message would be perceived.<\/p>

Fortunately, there is a familiar self-defeating quality to Xue's message. <\/p>

After all, by reacting so outrageously to what every other country will have regarded as a legitimate expression of Japan's concern over any future Chinese attack on Taiwan, Xue has made his country look only rude, arrogant, and slightly ridiculous. While statements from top Chinese officials have said Beijing seeks only \"win-win cooperation\" and \"mutual respect,\" many governments have experienced numerous private and public examples of a different Chinese offering. Namely, that of Chinese officials who rudely assert their own interests with disdain for diplomatic protocol. In turn, outbursts such as this one don't simply alienate the nation at which they are targeted; they foster the broader belief that while Beijing might be a necessary partner via its economic might, it's also an inherently unreliable and unpleasant one. This helps Washington as it attempts to defend the U.S.-led democratic international order against Chinese efforts to displace it.<\/p>

U.S. Ambassador to Tokyo George Glass recognized as much. Responding to Xue's post, Glass observed, \"The mask slips \u2014 again. Just a few months ago Xue compared Israel with Nazi Germany. Now, he threatens [Takaichi] and the Japanese people. Time for Beijing to behave like the 'good neighbor' it talks repeatedly about \u2014 but fails repeatedly to become.\"<\/p>

This is the right message to send. The Trump administration should give it added teeth by making clear to Japan that it will take supportive measures for Tokyo if China engages in retaliatory measures beyond its own diplomatic expulsions. Again, Takaichi has taken a robust stance in support of U.S. Pacific security interests with her comments on Taiwan. It's a stance that the U.S. cannot take for granted amid other allies, such as South Korea, that prefer to bend the knee to Beijing<\/a>.<\/p>

TRUMP HOLDS A POSITIVE MEETING WITH SYRIA'S AHMED AL SHARAA, BUT KEY QUESTIONS REMAIN<\/a><\/p>

Will the Chinese Communist Party apparatchiks learn their lesson here? <\/p>

It's very unlikely. Propelled both by arrogant indignation and a great fear of appearing weak, Chinese officials are willing to alienate the world if in doing so they appear at least temporarily strong.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/AP25279230113947.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883173-1762927200", "title":"Democrats ‘regroup’ for Senate Obamacare talks after shutdown defeat", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fsenate%2F3883173%2Fdemocrats-regroup-senate-obamacare-talks-shutdown-defeat%2F", "byline":"David Sivak and Ramsey Touchberry", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Senate Democrats have little time to cobble together a bill extending premium Obamacare subsidies with no guarantee that the legislation can pass, a bitter pill to swallow after weeks spent fighting with Republicans over healthcare. There are just three weeks when the Senate is in session before mid-December, when Republicans committed to holding a vote […]", "description":""

Senate Democrats<\/a> have little time to cobble together a bill extending premium Obamacare<\/a> subsidies with no guarantee that the legislation can pass, a bitter pill to swallow after weeks spent fighting with Republicans over healthcare.<\/p>

There are just three weeks when the Senate is in session before mid-December, when Republicans committed to holding a vote on the subsidies as part of a shutdown deal<\/a>. The vote was a meager concession as Republicans are not willing to promise the bill will get through Congress or be signed into law.<\/p>

But the vote at least leaves the door open to a breakthrough, and the Democrats who negotiated that deal are urging their caucus not to squander the opportunity.<\/p>

\u201cWe have to write a version that is good for our values, that helps people, but is also designed to get some Republican votes,\u201d said Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), one of seven Senate Democrats to vote to reopen the government on Monday. \u201cIf we write this bill in that sweet spot, I think we got a really strong chance of getting it passed.\u201d<\/p>

Congressional Republicans have shown some willingness to extend the Obamacare subsidies, subject to new limitations on income and language, eliminating \"phantom enrollees<\/a>.\" Senators from both parties also want to pass regulations on pharmacy benefit managers, meaning there is fertile ground for a grand bargain on healthcare before the end of the year.<\/p>

\u201cThere are Democrats and Republicans who are both interested in trying to do something in the healthcare space,\u201d Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said. \u201cAnd clearly, there is a need.\u201d<\/p>

Yet most Democrats lack trust in their GOP colleagues and believe they would not commit to extending the subsidies because there is no real interest among leadership or the White House. In the House, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) will not agree to hold the same vote on Obamacare subsidies as President Donald Trump has more recently begun to propose legislation that could only draw Republican support.<\/p>

\u201cThe government shutting down seemed to be an opportunity to lead us to better policy, but it didn't work,\u201d said Senate Minority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL), another Senate Democrat who sided with Republicans on Monday. \u201cIt worked to this extent \u2014 health insurance became a big issue \u2014 and we get our day in court in December [with a vote]. But this government shutdown itself did not achieve that.\u201d<\/p>

For now, Democrats are looking to a bloc of centrist Republicans interested in hammering out a healthcare deal. <\/p>

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), a retiring lawmaker known for his bipartisan deal-making, echoed other centrists in advocating a one-year extension coupled with a one- or two-year ramp-down. He made the case that a three-year plan would avoid midterm election drama yet not cut off benefits \u201ccold turkey.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cI don't think you'll see a straight one-year extension, because does anybody really want to go through this drama next year during an election cycle?\u201d Tillis said. \u201cYou have to give people time to react, and this sort of cold turkey that people are going through now, they couldn't possibly plan for some of these increases.\u201d<\/p>

Kaine, for his part, expressed optimism that common ground could be found when it comes to \u201cmeans testing ... so that the benefits are really to low- and moderate-income people.\u201d<\/p>

Democrats concede that, with the shutdown behind them, they have limited leverage to extend the Obamacare subsidies. Republicans are generally reluctant to prop up a law passed by the Democrats and feel that the premium subsidies, a product of the coronavirus pandemic, should not have been reauthorized.<\/p>

However, Republicans are also aware that healthcare could become a liability for them in the midterm elections next year, as out-of-pocket premiums are set to increase for more than 20 million people with plans through the Obamacare marketplace.<\/p>

Multiple rank-and-file Republicans are beginning to draft their own legislative proposals on how to address the rising cost of healthcare, while the top Republicans on the relevant committees are also expected to be engaged.<\/p>

SENATE PASSES BILL TO END GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN, TEEING UP HOUSE RETURN<\/a><\/p>

Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ) was among the frustrated Democrats to lambast the shutdown-ending funding deal, calling it a \u201cdisgrace\u201d and a \u201csetback\u201d while also urging the party to \u201cregroup.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cIn the same chamber where the nation watched Senator McCain show courage in saving the ACA, now we see a vote that will lead to millions losing healthcare,\u201d Kim said in a post on X. \u201cThere is no excusing this. It\u2019s a huge setback. But we must regroup, expose the cruelty of Trump\u2019s actions, and never stop fighting for the right of healthcare for every American.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25310651922102.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883448-1762927200", "title":"Government may reopen, but air travel chaos is far from over", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3883448%2Fair-travel-delays-after-government-shutdown%2F", "byline":"Samantha-Jo Roth", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"As Congress moves closer to ending the record-breaking government shutdown that has disrupted thousands of flights nationwide, a swift return to normal operations at U.S. airports remains unlikely. The Senate approved a bipartisan deal to end the shutdown on Monday night, sending the measure to the House, which is expected to take it up later […]", "description":""

As Congress moves closer <\/a>to ending the record-breaking government shutdown<\/a> that has disrupted thousands of flights nationwide<\/a>, a swift return to normal operations at U.S. airports remains unlikely.<\/p>

The Senate approved a bipartisan deal<\/a> to end the shutdown on Monday night, sending the measure to the House, which is expected to take it up later this week. If passed, the legislation would reopen the government and restore pay for hundreds of thousands of federal employees who have been working without pay since Oct. 1.<\/p>

At a press conference in Chicago on Tuesday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy <\/a>said flight operations were beginning to stabilize after a difficult weekend marked by widespread staffing shortages and flight disruptions.<\/p>

\u201cSaturday, Sunday, Monday were very rough travel days, significant cancellations and significant delays,\u201d Duffy said. \u201cHowever, today has been a much better day. A lot more air traffic controllers are coming in. On Saturday, we had 81 staffing triggers. Today, we have four. So I think our air traffic controllers are seeing an end to the shutdown and feel more hopeful, and they\u2019re coming into their facilities. We\u2019re grateful to them for all that they\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/p>

While Duffy described a noticeable improvement in staffing and flight operations, aviation officials and union leaders cautioned that a full recovery will take time and that the system\u2019s deeper problems remain unresolved.<\/p>

Earlier in the day, when asked by reporters in Wausau, Wisconsin, whether air travel would be back to normal by Thanksgiving if the government reopens, Duffy said much of that will hinge on staffing levels.<\/p>

\u201cDepends on are we going to have air traffic controllers come into work,\u201d he said. \u201cIf we have the controllers showing up, I think we're going to be back to regular flight schedules again. I can't control the weather. I can't control if there are mechanical issues on aircraft. But with regard to controlling the airspace, we\u2019ll be up and running.\u201d<\/p>

Duffy added that controllers could begin receiving back pay within 48 hours of the government reopening, which would ease some financial strain. \u201cI believe that in this package to reopen the government, our controllers could be paid within 48 hours,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s a 70% payment, but they'll get a big lump sum of what they're due, which is helpful. They don't have to wait another two weeks to be paid.\u201d<\/p>

After peaking on Sunday with nearly 3,000 flight cancellations and more than 10,000 delays, air travel showed signs of improvement on Tuesday. Data from Cirium <\/a>indicated that about 1,148 flights, just over 5% of the day\u2019s total, were canceled as of Tuesday afternoon, with New York-LaGuardia and Boston suffering the highest effects at 12% and 8% respectively.<\/p>

The Federal Aviation Administration began ordering phased flight reductions last week, cutting schedules<\/a> by up to 10% at 40 of the nation\u2019s busiest airports in an effort to reduce stress on an already depleted workforce. Even once funding resumes, the FAA\u2019s staffing crisis will continue to constrain flight operations. Duffy has said he does not plan to rescind the FAA\u2019s flight reductions until controllers return to work and safety data improves.<\/p>

Airlines for America, which represents the nation\u2019s largest carriers, said flight schedules cannot immediately bounce back once the shutdown ends. \u201cThere will be residual effects for days,\u201d the group said in a statement on Monday, warning that delays could spill into the Thanksgiving travel rush.<\/p>

Both industry groups and air traffic controllers agree that returning to full operations will not happen overnight.\u00a0 \u201cThe shutdown isn\u2019t a light switch,\u201d National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Nick Daniels said Monday. \u201cIt\u2019s not just on and it\u2019s not just off.\u201d<\/p>

President Donald Trump weighed in Monday on Truth Social<\/a>, urging air traffic controllers to return to work and warning of penalties for those who stay home. He criticized employees taking time off during the shutdown, saying those who continued reporting for duty should be rewarded with bonuses.<\/p>

A veteran controller in the Midwest told the Washington Examiner that morale has cratered as mandatory overtime stretches into its second month. \u201cThe system wasn\u2019t healthy before the shutdown, and it\u2019s not going to be healthy after it,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve been short-staffed for years, and hiring takes time we don\u2019t have.\u201d<\/p>

He described a relentless schedule in which most controllers rotate through late evenings, early mornings, and overnight shifts, often returning to work with just a few hours of rest. \u201cIt\u2019s not sustainable,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve been operating this way for a decade, and now it\u2019s worse.\u201d<\/p>

Duffy said on CNN\u2019s State of the Union that the FAA is short thousands of air traffic controllers, with retirements accelerating during the shutdown. \u201cI used to have about four controllers retire a day before the shutdown,\u201d he said. \u201cNow up to 15-20 a day are retiring.\u201d<\/p>

The wave of retirements underscores a deeper workforce crisis, as some controllers, exhausted by years of long hours and mounting pressure, are quitting outright.<\/p>

A controller in Minnesota who resigned last week said the shutdown was the final straw after months of high stress and limited support. \u201cSeeing people with 15 or 18 years on the job say they regret working six-day weeks their whole lives made me think, 'Is this really what I want to do?'\u201d he said. \u201cThis job has always been stressful, but now it\u2019s just unnecessary.\u201d<\/p>

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS WARN FLIGHT CUTS WON\u2019T EASE SHUTDOWN STRAIN OR PREVENT RISK<\/a><\/p>

The FAA\u2019s staffing challenges predate the shutdown.<\/a> The agency remains about 3,000 certified controllers below full strength, a shortfall that has persisted for more than a decade as retirements outpace hiring and a significant share of trainees do not complete certification. Overall, about 20% of trainees fail to certify as a controller at their first assigned facility, according to FAA data.<\/p>

Even as the Trump administration pushes a multibillion-dollar modernization plan<\/a> to overhaul outdated radar and communication systems, experts say no technology upgrade can offset the human gap. As one controller put it, \u201cYou can\u2019t automate focus or rest. Until we fix that, nothing\u2019s really going to change.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25308752280619_31b35e.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883733-1762924375", "title":"Inside Scoop: Mamdani’s socialist takeover, America in transition, can California get even bluer?", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fvideos%2F3883733%2Finside-scoop-jim-antle-socialist-takeover-america-transition-california-bluer%2F", "byline":"Amy DeLaura", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Jim Antle, the magazine’s executive editor, brings to life the pages of the Washington Examiner magazine in the show Inside Scoop. Each episode features exclusive insight from the article authors and expert analysis. Antle starts off the show discussing the newly elected socialist New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s election and its implications for the Democratic […]", "description":""

Jim Antle<\/a>, the magazine's executive editor, brings to life the pages of the Washington Examiner magazine<\/a> in the show Inside Scoop<\/a>. Each episode features exclusive insight from the article authors and expert analysis.<\/p>

Antle starts off the show discussing the newly elected socialist New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's election and its implications for the Democratic Party<\/a>. Mamdani's victory is seen as a signal for Democrats to embrace fighters against President Donald Trump and Wall Street. However, Antle notes that socialism hasn't really worked out very well throughout history.<\/p>

\u201cThere is a large constituency for free stuff,\u201d Antle said. \u201cA lot of people would like to see relief from the high costs. A lot of people would like to believe the promises that there is such a thing as a free lunch, maybe coming to a bodega near you? Republicans, too, should be careful what they wish for. Mamdani could be a victor that Democrats go on to really regret based on becoming identified as a socialist political party in a country that is perhaps not ready for it. Or, he really could be the next new wave of what is in store for us with progressive and Democratic politics.\u201d<\/p>

Antle is then joined by David Mark to discuss his article on California passing Proposition 50 and how it could shift the state's political landscape<\/a>, possibly turning the state even bluer.<\/p>

\u201cIt's just a matter of how blue it's going to become,\u201d Mark said. \u201cCurrently, Democrats have a 43 to 9 edge over Republicans. In California, the goal is to make it even bigger to 48 to 4, basically knock out five incumbent Republicans. Whether or not that happens is an open question. Three, probably four of those seats will almost certainly go Democratic. One is iffy, but there's also a few remainders you might call the survivors among California Republican House members.\u201d<\/p>

This proposition could have significant implications for the midterm elections and whether Republicans will retain their House majority. The redistricting effort in California was a direct response to other red states attempting the same thing.<\/p>

\u201cIt was a direct response specifically to Texas, in which the goal by the Republican state government there is to knock out five Democrats from the delegation,\u201d Mark said. \u201cThe goal with Democrats in California is to defeat five Republicans. Plausible both will happen. Might be three or four in both states, some variation thereof, but I think it's safe to say they essentially cancel each other out.\u201d<\/p>

This week\u2019s in-depth report, by Nicole Russell<\/a>, focuses on Trump's executive orders on transgender issues<\/a>. As a direct result, several global sports organizations enacted policies effectively banning or severely restricting the participation of biological males in female sports.<\/p>

\u201cI was very excited to see the executive order come out of the Trump administration,\u201d said Linnea Saltz<\/a>, sports ambassador for Independent Women<\/a>. \u201cI was there with a multitude of other females that day for the signing. It was amazing to be a part of that piece of history.\u201d<\/p>

Saltz, who became a female sports advocate after being forced to compete <\/a>against a biological male in college, spoke with the Washington Examiner about what Trump\u2019s executive order meant for her personal fight to protect women\u2019s sports.<\/p>

\u201cMe sending an email to the NCAA in 2019, essentially being silenced for my outcry, to having the individual, the largest microphone in the world, the president of the United States, inviting me and my colleagues in to celebrate fairness and women's sports,\u201d Saltz said. \u201cIt was unlike any experience I could have ever imagined for myself.\u201d<\/p>

It was a sequel to his January order with the added threat of cutting federal funding, which spurred organizations into action. Since then, the U.S Olympic and Paralympic Committee has barred transgender women from competing in women\u2019s sports at the Olympic and Paralympic levels.<\/p>

INSIDE SCOOP: NO KINGS, NO CIVILITY, PREDATORY LAWYERS, REPUBLICANS-TURNED-DEMOCRATS<\/a><\/p>

\u201cI was proud to hear that they had made the decision that biological men are not allowed to compete in women's sports. It's not fair. It's obviously a complete differentiation. There's a reason for separation and sex, and I'm glad that they upheld that.\u201d<\/p>

Tune in each week at washingtonexaminer.com<\/a> and across all our social media platforms to go behind the headlines in the Washington Examiner\u2019s magazine show, Inside Scoop<\/a>.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1112-IS-FULL-SHOT-THUMB-e1762963122495.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883813-1762924010", "title":"Erin Houchin blasts Democrats for using the ‘American people as leverage’ during shutdown", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3883813%2Fhouchin-blasts-democrats-using-american-people-leverage-shutdown%2F", "byline":"Washington Examiner Staff", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The House Rules Committee voted to advance the Senate’s funding bill on Tuesday night. The legislation will be voted on by Congress on Wednesday, in hopes of ending the government shutdown, which will be in its 44th day. However, during the procedural voting process, which lasted into early Wednesday morning, Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN) blasted […]", "description":""

The House Rules Committee<\/a> voted to advance the Senate\u2019s funding bill on Tuesday night. The legislation will be voted on by Congress on Wednesday, in hopes of ending the government shutdown, which will be in its 44th day. However, during the procedural voting process<\/a>, which lasted into early Wednesday morning, Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN) blasted Democrats for causing the shutdown, accusing them of playing political games and using the \u201cAmerican people as leverage.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cSo let\u2019s just be very clear,\u201d Houchin said<\/a>. \u201cRepublicans in the House voted to fund the government 50 days ago. Democrats in the House voted to close the government. Republicans in the Senate voted 14 times to fund the government. Democrats in the Senate voted 14 times to keep it closed. All of the suffering that the American people have been enduring, discussed here tonight, falls only on one party, the Democrats.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

She called the Democrats\u2019 actions since the shutdown<\/a> began a \u201cpolitical stunt,\u201d claiming they \u201cgaslighted\u201d people while bemoaning the harms experienced due to the stoppage. She questioned their motives, claiming that their overall objective was to give money to insurance companies.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cDemocrats thought this political stunt would give them leverage,\u201d Houchin said. \u201cThey used the American people as leverage, and for what? So big insurance companies can continue collecting big payouts.\u201d<\/p>

She cited the political drama regarding the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, known as WIC, as an example of Democratic malfeasance.<\/p>

\u201cLet\u2019s discuss WIC, we had an amendment on WIC,\u201d Houchin said. \u201cPresident Trump made sure that this program was fully funded despite the Democrats turning off the funding for it. Democrats have lamented for hours about all the people hurting from the shutdown that they caused.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cWe\u2019ve listened to Democrats talk about how healthcare is too expensive, due to a system they broke,\u201d Houchin added. \u201cNow they want the American people to believe they\u2019re gaslighting, and hand even more money to big government and big insurance. But more money is not going to fix a broken program. Think about this. They shut down the government to fight for enhanced premium subsidies. Guess who gets those? Insurance companies. They shut down the government so insurance CEOs can benefit from record profits.\u201d <\/p>

Houchin then addressed the weaponization of federal agencies, which, Houchin claimed, targeted President Donald Trump during former President Joe Biden\u2019s term.<\/p>

\u201cMany of us agree that no agency of government should ever be used to intimidate or target members of Congress or the Senate,\u201d she said. \u201cBut we also know that the harms inflicted on this institution, and on President Trump by the Biden Department of Justice, are so egregious they border on treason. The American people deserve confidence in the DOJ that it\u2019s not weaponized against anyone, especially elected officials who have a constitutional duty to hold government accountable.\u201d<\/p>

\"Now, I cannot answer today what the appropriate remedy is, but I do believe every citizen has a right to petition their government and seek a redress of grievances,\u201d she added. \u201cHere\u2019s where we differ today. The American people have suffered long enough under a Democrat-led shutdown, and I\u2019m not willing to keep our government closed while these issues are debated and decided in the House.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

DEMOCRATS WERE ALWAYS RESPONSIBLE FOR SHUTDOWN SUFFERING<\/a><\/p>

Houchin then reiterated her intention to vote to reopen the government, but did emphasize she was willing to have bipartisan talks in the future to advance legislation regarding concerns over healthcare subsidies and other matters Democrats discussed during Tuesday night\u2019s hearing. <\/p>

\u201cI will vote against the amendment and for the rule because people have suffered long enough under the Schumer shutdown,\u201d she added. \u201cI\u2019m happy to discuss a stand-alone bipartisan bill to address this issue moving forward, but I won\u2019t make this change today and continue to stall the process.\u201d <\/p>

\u201cIt\u2019s time to reopen the government and end this shutdown,\u201d Houchin concluded, before yielding her time.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Rep.-Erin-Houchin.jpeg?w=348" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3882360-1762923600", "title":"Some ‘community peacekeepers’ championed by Democrats now charged with murder", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Finvestigations%2F3882360%2Fsome-community-peacekeepers-championed-by-democrats-now-charged-with-murder%2F", "byline":"Mia Cathell", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Several so-called “community peacekeepers” meant to curb violent crime in major Democrat-led cities are facing murder charges. Democratic officials championed the peacekeepers as a progressive alternative to policing, whose criminal backgrounds purportedly helped provide a compassionate, “culturally sensitive” approach. Each of the arrested violence prevention activists had previous encounters with law enforcement, including past murder […]", "description":""

Several so-called \u201ccommunity peacekeepers\u201d meant to curb violent crime in major Democrat-led cities are facing murder charges.<\/p>

Democratic officials championed the peacekeepers as a progressive alternative to policing, whose criminal backgrounds purportedly helped provide a compassionate, \u201cculturally sensitive\u201d approach.<\/p>

Each of the arrested violence prevention activists had previous encounters with law enforcement, including past murder cases, fueling doubts about the effectiveness of such criminal justice reform programs that critics see as soft on crime.<\/p>Chicago

Kellen McMiller, a member of the Chicago<\/a> Peacekeepers, was arrested in mid-September for a deadly burglary incident just days after appearing alongside Gov. JB Pritzker<\/a> (D-IL) at an event applauding the state-funded Peacekeepers program<\/a>\u2019s violence prevention efforts.<\/p>

McMiller, a career criminal who was already wanted across four U.S. states, allegedly robbed a Louis Vuitton store at approximately 4:50 a.m. on Sept. 11 as part of an organized crime crew that crashed a car while fleeing the scene, killing an innocent civilian on his way to work.<\/p>

According to authorities, at least a dozen suspects arrived at the Louis Vuitton location in six stolen vehicles. Surveillance video showed a pickup truck ramming into the storefront and smashing through the windows. The burglars then loaded a large amount of merchandise, luxury goods valued at around $700,000, into the vehicles.<\/p>

Per police, one of the getaway cars, which McMiller was allegedly in, accelerated through multiple red lights until it collided with an SUV driven by the father of a newborn<\/a> heading to his final work shift before going on paternity leave that morning. The victim\u2019s fianc\u00e9e<\/a> gave birth to their son shortly after he was killed in the crash.<\/p>

The Cook County State\u2019s Attorney\u2019s Office has filed<\/a> first-degree murder charges against McMiller and six alleged accomplices for the fatal, \u201chighly orchestrated\u201d smash-and-grab.<\/p>

\u201cThis case is a heartbreaking example of the threat that these organized retail theft operations pose to the entire community,\u201d State\u2019s Attorney Eileen O\u2019Neill Burke said in a statement.\u202f\u201dNot only is the economic vitality of our city compromised by these crimes, but these offenders pose a physical danger to every one of us who live and work here.\u201d<\/p>

Six days prior to the victim\u2019s death, Pritzker met with McMiller along with other Peacekeepers, whom he said are \u201cworking to create safer communities.\u201d<\/p>

McMiller, who was wearing a Peacekeepers uniform, posed with Pritzker for a one-on-one picture.<\/p>

The photograph, showing Pritzker and McMiller standing side by side, was scrubbed from a press release<\/a> promoting the meeting on the governor\u2019s website some time after state officials learned that authorities were charging McMiller in connection with the murder, CWB Chicago reported<\/a>.<\/p>

Following the report, a spokesperson for Pritzker said his office was \u201ctroubled\u201d to hear of the allegations against McMiller and had removed the picture in question once they were made aware.<\/p>

\"The Governor meets hundreds of people in communities every week and is often asked to take photos,\u201d the statement<\/a> said. \u201cWe were extremely troubled to learn that this individual was arrested for his alleged involvement in this serious crime, and we expect them to be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.\u201d<\/p>

McMiller, then a fugitive from justice, had four warrants outstanding for his arrest at the time, three of which were from out of state, according to Chicago Police Department arrest records<\/a> reviewed by the Washington Examiner. His criminal history in Chicago, which dates back a decade, includes domestic battery, obstructing a peace officer, and street gang activity.<\/p>

Three weeks before the robbery, McMiller was reportedly recruited as \u201can apprentice Peacekeeper\u201d by Public Equity, a local nonprofit organization partnered<\/a> with the Peacekeepers program.<\/p>

Metropolitan Peace Initiatives, one of the organizations overseeing<\/a> Public Equity, is reevaluating its vetting process after McMiller\u2019s arrest. \u201cI think it\u2019s just an opportunity for us to get better at what we do and continue to strengthen our protocols and standards,\u201d MPI executive director Vaughn Bryant told<\/a> WBEZ Chicago.<\/p>

Chicago CRED, which runs<\/a> the Peacekeepers program, also released a statement saying that they \u201cintentionally recruit individuals who are closely connected to people at very high risk of shooting or being shot.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cBecause many of them are justice-involved individuals who have experienced severe violence-related trauma, they sometimes make poor choices that can lead to tragic consequences,\u201d Chicago CRED said. \u201cWith that in mind, we are constantly enhancing our screening practices and additional supports.\"<\/p>

The governor\u2019s office referred to the group of Peacekeepers as \u201ctrusted messengers\u201d in the community.\u00a0<\/p>

Pritzker praised the Peacekeepers in an X post<\/a> containing footage from their Sept. 5 meeting and contrasted what they do with President Donald Trump\u2019s plan to send National Guard troops to clean up crime in Chicago.<\/p>

TRUMP VOWS TO SOLVE CRIME IN CHICAGO \u2018JUST LIKE\u2019 IN WASHINGTON AFTER WEEKEND OF SHOOTINGS<\/a><\/p>

\u201cIt's folks like these that we need more of doing the hard work of community violence prevention, not troops on the ground to undermine efforts fighting crime,\u201d Pritzker wrote.<\/p>

Funded<\/a> by the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Peacekeepers program dispatches \u201ctrained\u201d community members to de-escalate and mitigate conflicts in Chicago\u2019s most violent hot spots.<\/p>

State funding for the program was authorized through the passage of the Reimagine Public Safety Act<\/a>, a 2021 initiative signed\u00a0into law<\/a> by Pritzker, which has since allocated<\/a> more than $350 million to \u201ccommunity violence intervention.\u201d<\/a> Peacekeepers receive \u201ca modest stipend\u201d under the program.<\/p>Washington, D.C.

Cotey Wynn, who is awaiting trial for premeditated murder, was a full-time \u201cviolence interrupter\u201d supervising a pilot public safety program within the District of Columbia<\/a> attorney general\u2019s office.<\/p>

Wynn currently stands accused of aiding and abetting the murder of a businessman in a September 2023 mass shooting that wounded three others at a local smoking lounge.<\/p>

In March of this year, Wynn was captured<\/a> by the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force and charged<\/a> with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the murder plot. According to the criminal complaint<\/a>, Wynn was seen on security tape surveying the victims\u2019 bodies and signaling to the suspected gunman when and where to escape.<\/p>

Up until this point, Wynn was a program supervisor of a \u201cviolence interruption\u201d initiative in the D.C. attorney general\u2019s office called Cure the Streets<\/a>. Wynn, who previously served 10 years in prison, led a team<\/a> of six \u201cviolence interrupters\u201d and \u201coutreach workers.\u201d<\/p>

In July 2020, Wynn was spotlighted on the attorney general\u2019s website as a Cure the Streets success story. The since-deleted profile<\/a> called Wynn \u201ca pillar of the community\u201d who exemplified \u201ccommunity-driven public safety work.\u201d<\/p>

Months later, in December 2020, Wynn was charged<\/a> with murder over a different shooting death stemming from 2017; however, that case was dismissed<\/a> due to insufficient evidence.<\/p>

According to an affidavit<\/a>, while under arrest, Wynn \u201cappeared to brag about criminal cases that he had previously [beaten]\u201d and remarked that \u201cthe government didn't do their homework\u201d before apprehending him.<\/p>

In response to his 2020 arrest, the attorney general\u2019s office stressed<\/a> that the 2017 homicide happened before Wynn was recruited into the Cure the Streets program.<\/p>

Karl Racine, then the D.C. attorney general, told reporters that he had met Wynn a few times through Cure the Streets and found him to be \u201chighly respected\u201d in the community.<\/p>

\u201cMy impression of Cotey in the two years I\u2019ve known him is that he\u2019s extremely diligent, he\u2019s highly respected by his teammates and his community, and he\u2019s a conscientious, hard-working individual,\u201d Racine said. \u201cWe certainly weren\u2019t aware of any matter related to the subject of his arrest yesterday.\u201d<\/p>

D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who succeeded Racine, defended his office\u2019s hiring of ex-convicts in violence prevention programming, such as the Cure the Streets, during 2023 testimony<\/a> in front of the D.C. City Council\u2019s judiciary and public safety committee.<\/p>

\u201cKeeping them locked up\u2026will not make us safer or stronger,\u201d Schwalb said.<\/p>

DC\u2019S CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM BRINGS IN THE MOST VIOLENT YEAR IN TWO DECADES<\/a><\/p>

Cure the Streets \u201cfront-line\u201d staff must be \u201cculturally appropriate\u201d<\/a> \u201ccommunity insiders,\u201d according to recruitment requirements. Staffers may be former gang members or have prior firearm convictions.<\/p>

In a statement responding to Wynn\u2019s latest arrest, Schwalb\u2019s office noted his reputation as a \u201crespected\u201d anti-violence activist.<\/p>

\"Our office had no knowledge of Cotey\u2019s potential involvement in any events related to his arrest,\u201d Schwalb\u2019s administration told<\/a> FOX 5 DC. \u201cHe is well known throughout the District for his anti-violence work and is respected across the community.\u201d<\/p>Philadelphia

Self-described \u201chood abolitionist\u201d Sergio Hyland was arrested<\/a> in April for allegedly shooting his girlfriend<\/a>, a mother of two, in the back of the head. Her body was found dumped underneath an overpass.<\/p>

Hyland, who was out on parole, served 22 years in state prison<\/a> for a previous murder conviction before becoming a Philadelphia-based consultant on violence reduction and harm de-escalation strategies. He had a website<\/a> advertising his services, such as speaking engagements, one-on-one coaching, workshops, and \u201ccriminal justice consultations.\u201d<\/p>

During his time behind bars, Hyland was mentored by Russell Maroon Shoatz, a former Black Panther and soldier in the Black Liberation Army. Shoatz, whose mentorship \u201cpoliticized\u201d Hyland, had murdered a Philadelphia police officer<\/a> in 1970.<\/p>

As an abolitionist, Hyland aims to abolish prisons and policing altogether.<\/p>

\u201c[A] special part of the population is more criticized than the other and, more policed than the other, and more incarcerated than the other,\u201d Hyland told<\/a> Resolve Philly, urging a second-chance approach that affords offenders the \u201copportunities to make mistakes.\u201d<\/p>

Hyland, an organizer for the left-wing Pennsylvania Working Families Party, worked<\/a> to make \u201ccriminal justice reform a priority in the progressive movement.\u201d<\/p>

A week before his arrest, Hyland endorsed Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, a Soros<\/a>-funded prosecutor, for reelection.<\/p>

\u201cWe are proud to endorse him and support his unwavering commitment to transformative criminal justice reform,\u201d Hyland was quoted as saying in a Working Families Party statement. \u201cHis initiatives to end mass incarceration, eliminate cash bail for nonviolent offenses, and hold law enforcement accountable for bad actions resonate deeply with our mission to advocate for policies that promote equity and justice for all Pennsylvanians.\u201d<\/p>

Krasner said at the time that he was \u201chonored to accept their endorsement.\u201d<\/p>

SOROS-FUNDED PHILADELPHIA DA WARNS TRUMP TO STAY OUT OF HIS CITY<\/a><\/p>

When asked about Hyland\u2019s arrest, Krasner\u2019s campaign said that the DA\u2019s office is \u201cworking closely\u201d with police to prosecute him as \u201cvigorously\u201d as the law allows.<\/p>

\u201cLarry has only a passing awareness of Mr. Hyland and saw him at a few events on the campaign trail,\u201d a spokesperson for Krasner\u2019s campaign told<\/a> the Philadelphia Inquirer. \u201cThe District Attorney\u2019s Office worked closely with the Philadelphia Police Department to charge him in this matter and will be vigorously prosecuting him to the fullest extent of the law.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/McMiller-Pritzker.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3882760-1762923600", "title":"Virginia redistricting push leader used campaign funds on family business, daughter’s campaign, steaks", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Finvestigations%2F3882760%2Flouise-lucas-questionabcampaign-funds-family-business-daughters-campaign-steaks%2F", "byline":"Robert Schmad", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Virginia Senate President pro tempore Louise Lucas (D), a woman helping lead the charge to redraw the commonwealth’s congressional maps to favor Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, has used her donors’ cash to: bankroll her family business, fund her daughter’s political career, cut checks to churches who support her party, pay for casino […]", "description":""

Virginia Senate President pro tempore Louise Lucas (D), a woman helping lead<\/a> the charge to redraw the commonwealth\u2019s congressional maps to favor Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, has used her donors\u2019 cash to: bankroll her family business, fund her daughter\u2019s political career, cut checks to churches who support her party, pay for casino events, support organizations where she is a member, and to cover tabs at restaurants dealing in steak and seafood.<\/p>

Lucas brags <\/a>that her redistricting effort, if successful, could result in the Old Dominion state having a congressional delegation of 10 Democrats and one Republican, costing the GOP four seats and possibly control of the entire House of Representatives. The Virginia lawmaker is no stranger to campaign finance controversy, as her approval for a casino project<\/a> after receiving a $100,000 donation from the company proposing it drew scrutiny<\/a> from the press in 2024.<\/p>Mixing religion with politics

Over her more than three decades serving in Virginia\u2019s legislature, Lucas, who is black, has consistently used her campaign funds to financially support historically black churches in and around her Senate district. The same churches that Lucas uses her campaign funds to bankroll happen to function as valuable allies to both Lucas and her Democratic colleagues.<\/p>

One of the churches to receive the most cash from Lucas\u2019s campaign treasury is New Mount Olivet Baptist Church in Portsmouth, where Lucas herself serves as a deaconess. <\/p>

Lucas\u2019s campaign has transferred $13,390 to the historically black Baptist church since 2021, according <\/a>to public records. Milton Blount, who served as the church\u2019s head pastor until his death in January, endorsed <\/a>Lucas\u2019s daughter, Lisa Lucas-Burke, for Portsmouth mayor in 2024, encouraged <\/a>his followers to support the Democratic Party, and was involved <\/a>in liberal politics. Cardell Patillo, who took over as the church\u2019s top pastor following Blount\u2019s passing, hosted <\/a>Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger at a campaign event in August.<\/p>

Second Calvary Baptist Church\u2019s leadership also took advantage of its spiritual authority to help Democrats after receiving large contributions from Lucas, the Washington Examiner previously reported<\/a>. <\/p>

\u201cYou can rest assured that I will be telling our congregation to vote for you,\u201d Second Calvary Baptist Church head pastor Geoffrey Guns told Democratic Virginia attorney general nominee Jay Jones in an October video. <\/p>

The church held a campaign event with Spanberger, where she was invited to speak from its pulpit. The church\u2019s pastor delivered impassioned sermons telling his congregation that there was \u201conly one choice\u201d for governor after endorsing Spanberger, and church leadership encouraged churchgoers to support Democrats on social media.<\/p>

The church\u2019s full-throated support of the Democratic Party followed $26,500 in donations from Lucas between 2023 and 2024.<\/p>

New Community Temple<\/a> and Third Baptist Church<\/a> in Portsmouth, which each received thousands from Lucas\u2019s campaign account, have encouraged <\/a>their members to vote <\/a>for Democrats through their pastors. <\/p>

Americans strongly oppose churches endorsing political candidates, with 77% of adults polled by the Pew Research Center in 2022 saying <\/a>houses of worship should not endorse candidates for political office. <\/p>Limos, casinos, seafood, and steak

When she\u2019s not using her campaign account to cut checks to churches, Lucas is tapping it to pick up tabs for swanky recreation. A Washington Examiner review <\/a>of campaign finance records found that, over the course of her tenure in the Virginia Senate, Lucas has spent over $60,000 on fundraising events at casinos and golf courses, food at restaurants offering luxury fare, live music, limousines, and stays at top-tier hotels using her campaign funds.<\/p>

In 2023, for instance, Lucas racked up a $566 bill at Admirals Steak & Seafood<\/a>, a self-proclaimed<\/a> fine dining restaurant located at the Rivers Casino in Portsmouth. Individual tabs at the restaurant, judging by its menu, can easily exceed $100. Appetizers, such as the $28 duck confit salad, cost what full meals would at normal restaurants, and the cheapest steak on the menu, a six-ounce filet, runs $50. Other items, such as the 32-ounce prime tomahawk steak or the 24-ounce porterhouse, cost over $100 each.<\/p>

Lucas also reported <\/a>using her campaign account to cover $1,140 in bills at the Omni Homestead Resort<\/a>, a luxury resort in the middle of the Allegheny Mountains featuring golf courses, skiing, a two-acre water park, hot springs, a full-service spa, and horseback riding.<\/p>

One of Lucas\u2019s largest campaign expenditures<\/a> was the $20,885 she dropped for \u201cevent support\u201d at Rivers Casino in November 2023. The expenditure lacks further description on Lucas\u2019s campaign finance filing, making it unclear exactly what the massive payment covered. She\u2019s held similarly expensive campaign events at the Bide-A-Wee Golf Course<\/a> in Portsmouth. Public records provide greater details on her golf spending than her casino expenditures.<\/p>

The $20,139 Lucas spent at the golf course between 2007 and 2019 covered food, beverages, golf cart rentals, and fees to use the course, records show.<\/p>

Some, though not all, of Lucas's spending on luxury recreation were described as \u201cfundraising\u201d costs.<\/p>Keeping it in the family

Of all the entities and individuals to receive payments from Lucas\u2019s political war chest over the years, her daughter\u2019s ill-fated<\/a> Portsmouth mayoral campaign was one of the biggest beneficiaries. <\/p>

Lucas gave <\/a>her daughter\u2019s campaign $305,000 between December 2023 and October 2024, serious money for a local election. Her daughter Lisa Lucas-Burke also received <\/a>$6,500 from her mother to support her campaigns for city council between 2016 and 2020.<\/p>

Beyond bankrolling her daughter\u2019s political ambitions, Lucas has also provided her with a day job.<\/p>

Lucas-Burke has, per her LinkedIn profile<\/a>, been employed at Lucas Lodge since 2015 as the firm\u2019s executive director. Prior to that, she was its quality assurance director between 1998 and 2014. The firm, which handles \u201cMedicaid waiver services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities,\u201d identifies <\/a>Lucas as its CEO.<\/p>

Since 2017, Lucas Lodge has received <\/a>roughly $6,000 in payments from Lucas\u2019s campaign. The bulk of the payment covered \u201coffice rental\u201d as well as reimbursements for travel and an \u201cevening on Crystal Lake.\u201d<\/p>

Lucas\u2019s campaign account also made $3,500 in payments <\/a>to Girls Inc. of Greater Peninsula between 2006 and 2012. These expenditures overlap with her daughter\u2019s tenure as board chair of a Girls Inc. chapter in the same region.<\/p>

FEDERAL EMPLOYEES, PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS, AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS DONATED TO JAY JONES AFTER TEXT SCANDAL<\/a><\/p>

The Virginia state senator used her campaign funds to financially support nonprofit organizations with which she is affiliated as well. Lucas\u2019s official biography describes <\/a>her as a member of the Links Foundation, a nonprofit that she used donor funds to pay <\/a>roughly $16,500 between 2014 and 2019.<\/p>

Lucas\u2019s office did not respond to a request for comment.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25013616976589.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3882842-1762923600", "title":"The Supreme Court may not be eager to dump the Trump tariffs", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Frestoring-america%2Ffaith-freedom-self-reliance%2F3882842%2Fsupreme-court-trump-tariffs%2F", "byline":"Hugh Hewitt", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The oral arguments before the Supreme Court last week added another level of debate to the ongoing arguments among everyone interested in President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Until last week, most of the arguments about tariffs have swirled around the economic impact of the president’s tariffs. But the arguments before the court had very little to […]", "description":""

The oral arguments before the Supreme Court<\/a> last week added another level of debate to the ongoing arguments among everyone interested in President Donald Trump\u2019s<\/a> tariffs.<\/p>

Until last week, most of the arguments about tariffs <\/a>have swirled around the economic impact of the president\u2019s tariffs. But the arguments before the court had very little to do with huge revenues the tariffs are undeniably bringing into the federal Treasury, their impact on GDP, or the balance of trade.<\/p>

Rather, the debate before \u201cThe Nine\u201d was an extended discussion between the justices and able counsel on both sides about whether the president has the power to do what he has already done and no doubt plans to continue to do unless the Supreme Court tells him to stop.<\/p>

A GOOD DAY FOR THE SEPARATION OF POWERS IN THE SUPREME COURT<\/a><\/p>

First, a prediction. My guess is that a majority of the Court, and quite possibly all nine of the justices, will leave the tariffs in place pending the results of a remand of the proceeding to a district court for fact-finding outlined by the majority. Such fact finding should sort through and categorize all of the tariffs which the president has imposed to date (and all those to be imposed prior to the next ruling of the district court.)<\/p>

When that fact-finding is done, a ruling that separates the tariffs into categories should emerge, and don\u2019t be surprised if the Supreme Court provides direction on those categories. One \u201cbucket\u201d of Trump tariffs should be those which involve nations that are obviously hostile to the U.S., most obviously the People\u2019s Republic of China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela and Cuba. The \u201calliance of tyrants\u201d are all enemies of the United States, and every president needs broad an unreviewable authority to impose tariffs and even absolute trade embargos on such nations when the president concludes the tariffs and embargoes are necessary.<\/p>

A second \u201cbucket\u201d are those Trump tariffs which have already yielded agreements on trade between the U.S. and the other nations.\u00a0 The court ought to be very slow to upend such agreements whether or not they think the president had the authority to impose them under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.<\/p>

The third and final bucket is the everything else bucket, and odds are the District Court will fill that to the rim and declare them all void as either a \u201cmajor rule\u201d that did not proceed through the minimum requirements of regulatory rule-making or even (perhaps, not very likely, but perhaps) an unconstitutional exercise of tariff and\/or taxing power committed by Article I to the Congress which cannot be delegated away.<\/p>

The \u201cnon-delegation doctrine\u201d was employed to strike down two laws enacted by Congress in 1935, and went into the witness protection program thereafter. Don\u2019t expect a surprise return from hiding.<\/p>

The regulatory agencies to which vast powers have been delegated by Congress are being corralled in their legislating via rule-making and guidance letters in slow but steady fashion. So I expect IEEPA will not be struck down, but that its future reach will be significantly limited, but not for tariffs on nations that threaten America or for agreements reached in the months prior to the next ruling of the District Court which gets the remanded proceedings.<\/p>

A second prediction: The Federal Circuit will get a chance to review that second round of proceedings before the District Court and will tweak the findings and the language of any rule set that emerges, and then the highest court will get its second shot at the biggest ball of yarn in the world. Don\u2019t be surprised by a third round of such proceedings.<\/p>

Recall the many back-and-forths between the branches on the subject of the treatment of unlawful combatants in the Global War on Terror, and the (not done yet) up and down the federal courts of all the proceedings around the terrorists held at Guantanamo Bay? We are still in the judicial wilderness there and it\u2019s doubtful we will ever emerge from it.<\/p>

The tariff power under the IEEPA, by contrast, demands an answer and a pretty specific set of rules regarding its future deployment. But not just yet. What is allowed and why, what must be undone and why, are questions that require answers. Just not speedy ones.<\/p>

The court could very well demand of the president\u2019s lawyers a country-by-country account of why the tariff imposed was necessary to deal with which emergency.\u00a0 Other questions could be posed by the Supreme Court that the District Court would have to sort through and answer in the search for \u201climiting principles\u201d that put fences around the powers conferred by IEEPA.<\/p>

That the nine would agree on the need for limiting principles of some sort seems obvious to me, or else the Congress would be empowered to delegate all of its duties to legislate to the president. Justice Neil Gorsuch hammered on this possibility with Solicitor General John Sauer in one of many interesting exchanges that occurred during the arguments. All of the justices should be concerned with maintaining separation of powers between the three branches.<\/p>

But they also have to take judicial notice of all the consequences of the tariffs already imposed, and not just the revenue raised \u2014which has been immense\u2014 but also the national security aspects of many of the tariffs, most notably vis-a-vis China.<\/p>

SUPREME COURT COULD SAVE TRUMP BY OVERTURNING HIS TARIFFS<\/a><\/p>

Prudence dictates that the court move carefully if it intends to impose \u201cblack-letter\u201d limits on the powers that the IEEPA gives the president.<\/p>

Very few people can pull the tablecloth out from under the setting of a\u00a0 Thanksgiving feast without destroying the dishes, the food and the mood. The caution that keeps that trick out of almost all dining rooms should prevail here too. The majority of the Supreme Court will want, I suspect, to act with the prudence dictated by the complexity of the situation the vast array of consequences that the tariffs have already wrought.<\/p>

Hugh Hewitt is a longtime conservative commentator and author. He hosts the\u00a0Hugh Hewitt Show\u00a0on Salem Radio every weekday from 3 to 6 p.m.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/AP25267580485050.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3882902-1762923600", "title":"The Supreme Court can make Election Day great again", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Feditorials%2F3882902%2Fsupreme-court-election-day-mail-ballots%2F", "byline":"Washington Examiner", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"In some states, such as Florida, all ballots are counted on Election Day and results are guaranteed to be certified by the end of the night. In other states, such as California, there is hardly such a thing as Election Day, and the day itself is just the beginning of weeks or months of cursing […]", "description":""

In some states, such as Florida<\/a>, all ballots are counted on Election Day and results are guaranteed to be certified by the end of the night. In other states, such as California<\/a>, there is hardly such a thing as Election Day, and the day itself is just the beginning of weeks or months of cursing about making complicated what should be straightforward. Only one of these two systems complies with federal law. Now, the Supreme Court<\/a> will finally hear a case that should return America to a sensible national standard.<\/p>

Mississippi has become one of 30 states that require mail-in ballots to be counted even if they are received after Election Day. Some states, such as Illinois, mandate that all ballots received up to 14 days after Election Day shall be counted. In California, the limit is seven days. In Mississippi, the limit is five days. In Florida, Georgia, and some other states, all ballots received after Election Day are excluded from the count, no matter when they were postmarked.<\/p>

In January of this year, the Republican National Committee sued Mississippi in federal court, claiming its five-day post-Election Day window for receiving ballots violated Chapter 2, Section 7 of the U.S. Code, which states: \u201cThe Tuesday next after the first Monday in November in every even-numbered year is established as the day for the election of Representatives.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

By accepting ballots after the federally designated Election Day, the RNC argues, Mississippi law undermines the uniform federal election-day mandate by diluting the constitutionally protected right to have one\u2019s timely, valid ballot counted without being drowned out by later \u201cuntimely, invalid ballots.\u201d<\/p>

The RNC lost in District Court, but won in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit before the case was selected to be heard by the Supreme Court. What was a ruling that would have affected only Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas now has the chance to become the standard nationally.<\/p>

The Constitution gives Congress the sole authority to determine when federal elections are held. Congress has exercised that authority three times in federal law, setting a uniform national Election Day on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of every even-numbered year.<\/p>

When lawmakers established this single Election Day in 1871, the bill\u2019s sponsor, Rep. Benjamin Butler of Massachusetts, explained it plainly: \u201cI think it will be fair for everybody that on the day when one votes, all should vote, and that the whole question should be decided then.\u201d<\/p>

Requiring that ballots be received by Election Day honors that principle without hindering access to the vote. With modern mail systems and generous early-voting options, every eligible voter has ample opportunity to cast a ballot on time. Other advanced democracies \u2014 France, Japan, Brazil \u2014 manage to release official results on election night. Florida, the third most populous state, consistently delivers high-turnout elections and clear results within hours of polls closing.<\/p>

A WELCOME END TO A POINTLESS SHUTDOWN<\/a><\/p>

Delaying the acceptance of ballots serves no good purpose and undermines the intent of federal law and the public\u2019s confidence in the process. Election legitimacy depends on trust, and trust falters when a system that once settled outcomes quickly now drags on for days or weeks, despite better technology.<\/p>

By upholding a single, uniform Election Day, the Supreme Court can restore clarity, fairness, and faith to our democratic process. Americans deserve to know that every valid vote is counted on time. The court now has a chance to reaffirm what Congress intended more than 150 years ago: one nation, one day, one election.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AP20290654303044-Michigan.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883699-1762921800", "title":"ICE calls out Arlington police for not cooperating in arresting illegal immigrants", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fvideos%2F3883699%2Fice-arlington-police-not-cooperating%2F", "byline":"Amy DeLaura", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"ARLINGTON, Virginia — Immigration and Customs Enforcement called out the Arlington County Police Department for not cooperating with the department’s initiative to apprehend illegal immigrants. In a response exclusively received by the Washington Examiner, the local police are simply saying, “That’s not our job.” ICE announced the arrest of a Guatemalan male, who entered the […]", "description":""

ARLINGTON, Virginia \u2014 Immigration and Customs Enforcement <\/a>called out the Arlington County Police Department for not cooperating with the department's initiative to apprehend illegal immigrants.<\/p>

In a response exclusively received by the Washington Examiner, the local police are simply saying, \"That's not our job.\"<\/p>

ICE<\/a> announced the arrest<\/a> of a Guatemalan male, who entered the country illegally, for breaking into a home in Arlington, Virginia.<\/p>

Edgar Bernabe Estrada has been arrested several times by local law enforcement and has a criminal record dating back to 2000.\u00a0The 45-year-old has racked up larceny charges, the act of manufacturing, selling, or possessing a fictitious operator\u2019s license, and breaking and entering with the intention to commit a felony, a charge for which the now 45-year-old was convicted and sentenced to serve more than two and a half years in prison.<\/p>

\u201cICE Washington, D.C. will continue our efforts to prioritize public safety of our communities by arresting and removing criminal alien offenders from our streets.\" ICE ERO<\/a> Washington, D.C., Field Office Director Russ Hott said. \u201cWe remain absolutely committed to our mission of enforcing U.S. immigration laws throughout Virginia and the District, even in jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with ICE.\u201d<\/p>

Back in May, the Arlington County Board voted<\/a> to modify its \u201ctrust policy\u201d to stifle the police department's ability to work with ICE even if the suspect is arrested on charges of committing a violent felony, gang activity, human trafficking, or a terrorist attack.<\/p>

In a press release<\/a>, ICE wrote, \u201cArlington County officials release criminal alien offenders back into their community to reoffend, rather than allowing ICE officers to arrest them while they\u2019re in local law enforcement custody.\u201d<\/p>

When the Washington Examiner asked ACPD for a response to the accusations from ICE, Ashley Savage, the media relations and public affairs manager, responded, saying, \"Federal immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the federal government.\u201d Then, they proceeded to attach a copy of the trust policy.<\/p>

WHRO reported<\/a> that ICE has made more than 4,000 arrests in Virginia so far this year. This is more than the combined total of the previous four years.<\/p>

County Board Chairman Takis Karantonis<\/a> told Washington Examiner he wanted to repeal Section 7 specifically because of the Trump administration\u2019s actions on illegal immigrants.\u00a0<\/p>

ARLINGTON COUNTY BOARD IS ACTIVELY WORKING TO PREVENT POLICE FROM COOPERATING WITH ICE<\/a><\/p>

\u201cThe decision to remove Section 7 and related language comes in the wake of the federal administration\u2019s ongoing erosion of the constitutional right to due process, which every person has regardless of their status,\u201d Karantonis said. \u201cThe rhetoric and actions of this administration have led to tremendous stress and fear in our community. \u2026 The County has always held that immigration enforcement is the sole and exclusive responsibility of the federal government.\u201d<\/p>

ICE did not respond to a request for comment, instead sending an automatic reply stating that media requests may not be monitored during the government shutdown.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/251104arlingtonva-ICE-e1762917784659.png?w=339" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883617-1762915692", "title":"House panel greenlights Senate funding measure, paving way for floor vote", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3883617%2Fhouse-panel-senate-funding-measure-paving-floor-vote%2F", "byline":"Hailey Bullis", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The government shutdown is one step closer to ending after the House Rules Committee advanced the Senate’s short-term funding bill Tuesday night. The panel voted 8-4, along party lines, to pass the measure, teeing up the legislation for a full floor vote on Wednesday. Democrats used the Rules Committee meeting to criticize the Senate deal, […]", "description":""

The government shutdown<\/a> is one step closer to ending after the House Rules Committee<\/a> advanced the Senate<\/a>\u2019s short-term funding bill Tuesday night.<\/p>

The panel voted 8-4, along party lines, to pass the measure, teeing up the legislation for a full floor vote on Wednesday.<\/p>

Democrats used the Rules Committee meeting to criticize the Senate deal, which left out an extension to expiring enhanced Obamacare tax subsidies the party had been trying to secure in return for ending the shutdown, offering 43 amendments to the spending resolution.<\/p>

The funding agreement struck by the Senate would fund the government until the end of January 2026 and includes funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program until the end of fiscal 2026. It also reverses layoffs conducted by the Trump administration during the shutdown and freezes future layoffs until the funding patch expires.<\/p>

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) has repeatedly railed against the funding deal struck in the Senate, saying that Democrats will continue to fight to extend the expiring tax subsidies.Ahead of the Rules Committee markup, Jeffries told reporters that Democrats would offer amendments to extend the credits for three years and strip another provision that would essentially allow senators to sue the U.S. government for accessing their data without their knowledge. The Senate provision was included after it was revealed that several GOP lawmakers\u2019 data were collected as part of a Biden-era investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.<\/p>

\u201cWe're going to tattoo that provision just like we're going to tattoo the Republican healthcare crisis on the foreheads of every single House Republican who dares vote for this bill,\u201d Jeffries said Tuesday night.<\/p>

The amendment failed along party lines, with eight votes against and four in favor. Meanwhile, an amendment proposed by Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) to fund Planned Parenthood after Republicans' massive tax and spending bill barred the use of Medicaid funds for the nonprofit group earlier this year also failed.<\/p>

\"The CBO numbers don't lie,\" Scanlon said. \"By defunding Planned Parenthood, the big ugly bill increases the deficit, so this isn't about saving money, it's about punishing Planned Parenthood and the one million people who rely on its health centers every year for cancer screenings, STI testing, birth control, and safe legal abortion. Republicans are willing to gut public health, cut off care demands, and take away essential services, all to get a win for their most extreme base and to secure tax cuts for billionaires.\"<\/p>

During the markup, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Rules ranking member Jim McGovern (D-MA) sparred repeatedly, with Cole criticizing McGovern and Democrats for withholding their support for a funding deal and accusing them of \"putting thousands of people out of work.\"<\/p>

Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO) later pressed Cole over the Senate provision that would allow senators to sue the government and receive up to $500,000 or more for each violation, asking him if he supported it.<\/p>

\"I didn't have anything to do with it,\" Cole conceded. \"Didn't have any knowledge of it.\" <\/p>

When pressed further by Neguse, Cole said, \"Do I support the bill? Yes. Do I support every single provision in the bill? No.\"<\/p>

Now that the legislation has advanced out of the Rules Committee, it can head to the House floor, where members will first vote on the rule, and then on final passage. Early Wednesday morning, a release was issued that reported the House will meet at noon for \"legislative business.\" The first votes are expected at approximately 5:10 p.m. and the last votes at 7:15 p.m.<\/p>

Jeffries said Democratic leadership is expecting its members to be \u201cstrongly opposed\u201d to the legislation, meaning House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) will largely have to rely on his own conference to get the bill across the finish line on Wednesday.<\/p>

That task is expected to be easier for Johnson than in previous shutdown fights, with some of his usual holdouts already publicly on his side ahead of the vote. The conservative House Freedom Caucus sent a list of talking points to its members on Monday, touting the legislation as a \u201ccomplete and total win.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cThis continuing resolution gets government funding to the end of January 2026, thereby blocking attempts by Democrats and the Swamp to force a budget-busting, pork-filled, lobbyist-handout omnibus at the last minute before Christmas,\u201d reads the memorandum, confirmed by the Washington Examiner.<\/p>

HOUSE FLICKERS BACK TO LIFE AS MIKE JOHNSON PREPARES SHUTDOWN VOTE<\/a><\/p>

Still, House GOP leadership can only afford to lose two votes, assuming no Democrats cross over. Already, one Democrat, Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME), who said last week that he would retire from Congress after this term, has signaled<\/a> he could vote for the measure.<\/p>

On the Republican side, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) has voiced concerns about provisions in the bill that would crack down on the hemp industry. Massie and Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN) were the two GOP \"no\" votes on the House\u2019s funding bill that passed in September.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25316007344145.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883780-1762913292", "title":"JFK’s grandson, Jack Schlossberg, to vie for Nadler’s congressional seat", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3883780%2Fjfk-grandson-schlossberg-nadler-congressional-seat%2F", "byline":"Washington Examiner Staff", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Jack Schlossberg, the only grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, announced he was running for the congressional seat of Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), who is retiring at the end of his term in 2026.  Nadler first won election to Congress in 1992. Schlossberg announced his candidacy for Nadler’s seat with a video posted to […]", "description":""

Jack Schlossberg, the only grandson of former President John F. Kennedy<\/a>, announced he was running for the congressional seat of Rep. Jerrold Nadler<\/a> (D-NY), who is retiring at the end of his term in 2026. <\/p>

Nadler first won election to Congress in 1992.<\/p>

Schlossberg announced his candidacy for Nadler\u2019s seat with a video<\/a> posted to Instagram. And he introduced his campaign by doing what many Democrats seem to do today, blaming President Donald Trump<\/a> for many of the things Schlossberg felt are going wrong with the country.<\/p> View this post on Instagram <\/a>

A post shared by Jack Schlossberg (@jackuno)<\/a><\/p>

\u201c250 years after America was founded, and our country is at a turning point,\u201d Schlossberg began.\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s a crisis at every level: a cost-of-living crisis sponsored by the big, beautiful bill, historic cuts to social programs working families rely on, healthcare, education, and child care. It\u2019s a corruption crisis. The president has made almost a billion dollars this year. He\u2019s picking winners and losers from inside the Oval Office. It\u2019s cronyism, not capitalism.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cIt\u2019s a constitutional crisis with one dangerous man in control of all three branches of government,\u201d Schlossberg also said in the video. \u201cHe\u2019s stripping citizens of their civil rights and silencing his critics. The worst part is: it doesn\u2019t have to be this way. And it wasn\u2019t always.\u201d<\/p>

Schlossberg then introduced himself and highlighted his background as a resident of New York City, but did not discuss his family's background.<\/p>

\u201cMy name is Jack Schlossberg, and I\u2019m running for Congress to represent my home, New York\u2019s 12th congressional district, where I was born and raised, where I took the bus to school every single day from one side of the district to the other,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is the best part of the greatest city on Earth. We have the best hospitals and schools, restaurants and museums. This is the financial and media capital of the world.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cThis district should have a representative who can harness the creativity, energy, and drive of this district and translate that into political power in Washington,\u201d Schlossberg said. \u201cI\u2019m not running because I have all the answers to our problems. I\u2019m running because the people of New York 12 do. I want to listen to your struggles, hear your stories, amplify your voice, go to Washington, and execute on your behalf.\u201d <\/p>

Schlossberg\u2019s background includes academic credentials from Yale and Harvard. According to reports<\/a>, he has a large social media presence and a substantial following. He has written for notable publications, including The Washington Post, Politico, Time, and The New York Times, among others. He\u2019s been a frequent critic of Trump and Republicans.<\/p>

HOUSE FLICKERS BACK TO LIFE AS MIKE JOHNSON PREPARES SHUTDOWN VOTE<\/a><\/p>

\u201cThere is nowhere I\u2019d rather be than in the arena fighting for my hometown,\u201d Schlossberg said. \u201cOver the next eight months, during the course of this campaign, I hope to meet as many of you as I can. If you see me on the street, please say hello. If I knock on your door, I hope we can have a conversation. Because politics should be personal.\u201d<\/p>

New York\u2019s 12th Congressional District is considered<\/a> the \u201cmost Democratic district in New York City, according to the Cook Political Report. It consists of the Upper East and West sides of New York City, Midtown Manhattan, Chelsea, Times Square, Roosevelt Island, and Hell\u2019s Kitchen, among other areas. It has the highest average per capita income<\/a> of all congressional districts in the U.S.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/scholoss.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883758-1762908474", "title":"Start your engines: House members race back to Washington ahead of funding vote", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3883758%2Fhouse-members-back-washington-ahead-funding-vote%2F", "byline":"Hailey Bullis", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"House members racing to return to Washington ahead of Wednesday’s vote on a measure that would fund the government have taken matters into their own hands to ensure they get back in time. As the government shutdown enters day 43, lawmakers have booked multiple flights, taken a train, driven, or, in the case of Rep. […]", "description":""

House<\/a> members racing to return to Washington<\/a> ahead of Wednesday\u2019s vote on a measure that would fund the government have taken matters into their own hands to ensure they get back in time.<\/p>

As the government shutdown<\/a> enters day 43, lawmakers have booked multiple flights, taken a train, driven, or, in the case of Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), ridden a motorcycle over 900 miles to guarantee they are on Capitol Hill when it comes time to vote.<\/p>

Van Orden started his journey back to Washington on Monday, and chronicled his ride on his \u201cb****in' Harley Davidson\u201d from Wisconsin in a series of social posts.<\/p>

\u201cYou may ask, 'Derrick, why are you on a Harley Davidson when it's 32 degrees outside?'\u201d he said in a video posted on Monday. \u201cThis is why: Our Senate colleagues finally came to their senses and passed that CR, so now we got to get back to Washington, D.C., and vote on the bill.\u201d<\/p>

He continued, \u201cBut because they shut down the government, the Democrats, the flights are too unreliable. So, I'm going to ride a motorcycle. It's going to take about 16 hours or so. It's going to be a little chilly, but I will do my duty. I'm getting back to D.C. We're going to get this country back on track.\u201d<\/p>

In another post, the Wisconsin Republican joked that Reps. Erin Houchin (R-IN) and Max Miller (R-OH) owe him dinner for tolls he paid, or was about to pay, in their states during his trip. \u201cI'm essentially building your highways,\u201d he quipped.<\/p>

On Tuesday night, as the House Rules Committee convened to markup the government funding legislation passed by the Senate on Monday, Van Orden posted that he was in Somerset, Pennsylvania.<\/p>

\u201cIt warmed up to a balmy 26 degrees,\u201d Van Orden said. \u201cIt's actually really beautiful here, but we're hanging out for the night, and we'll see you tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>

Rep. Dave Taylor (R-OH) also opted to drive back, with the freshman Republican telling the Washington Examiner that with any \u201clittle delay at the airport,\u201d it is faster for him to drive.<\/p>

Taylor made the 7 1\/2-hour drive back to Washington on Tuesday afternoon. In an interview, Taylor said he usually opts to drive, but the delays due to the government shutdown were \u201cone more reason not to try it.\u201d<\/p>

Rules Committee ranking member Jim McGovern (D-MA) told reporters during a press conference that he took the train back to make sure he made it in time for the committee markup, before criticizing President Donald Trump and Republicans for not agreeing to an extension of expiring Obamacare subsidies that Democrats have been demanding in exchange for reopening the government.<\/p>

\"I wish Donald Trump could have been on the train with me today and heard some of the stories that I heard, you know, but I don't think he ever has been on the train,\" McGovern said. \"I don't know. I don't know. He lives in a bubble, but I wish some of my Republican colleagues were on that train.\"<\/p>

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) gave members a 36-hour notice to get back to Washington after the Senate passed a deal to fund the government until the end of January 2026. But the protracted government shutdown has led to widespread delays and flight cancellations across the country.<\/p>

The Federal Aviation Administration reduced flight capacity by 10% at 40 key airports last week as a result of staffing and safety concerns due to the lapse of funding during the government shutdown.<\/p>

Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) told reporters Tuesday night that he was \u201clucky,\u201d because his direct flight out of Oklahoma City only had an hour delay.<\/p>

\u201cI'm not moving from a big hub to another hub,\u201d Cole said, \u201cI was able to get home, because I was here last week, and turn around and get back in short order, relatively short delay, but I know enough of my other colleagues are having problems.\u201d<\/p>

Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), who is scheduled to fly back to Washington on Wednesday morning, has multiple flights booked in case of cancellations, his office told the Washington Examiner. Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC) is also scheduled to fly back on Wednesday, per his office.<\/p>

Johnson will need full attendance from his members to pass the government funding legislation, as he can only lose two votes if all Democrats vote against the legislation. Already, one Democrat, Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME), who said last week that he would retire from Congress at the end of his term, has signaled<\/a> he could vote for the measure.<\/p>

HOUSE FLICKERS BACK TO LIFE AS MIKE JOHNSON PREPARES SHUTDOWN VOTE<\/a><\/p>

On the Republican side, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) has voiced concerns about provisions in the bill that would crack down on the hemp industry. Massie and Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN) were the two GOP nos on the House\u2019s funding bill that passed in September.<\/p>

The House is expected to start voting on the funding patch as early as 4 p.m. on Wednesday.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Van_Orden_motorcycle_press_office-e1762926531318.jpeg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883675-1762905600", "title":"Republicans signal unhappiness with phone record provision in government funding bill", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse%2F3883675%2Frepublicans-phone-record-provision-shutdown-bill%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"House Republicans signalled their unhappiness with a Senate provision that would allow those affected by operation “Arctic Frost” to sue the government. Reps. Tom Cole (R-OK), Chip Roy (R-TX), Austin Scott (R-GA), and Morgan Griffith (R-VA) were among the Republicans who voiced displeasure with the provision in a House Rules Committee hearing. The provision would […]", "description":""

House Republicans<\/a> signalled their unhappiness with a Senate<\/a> provision that would allow those affected by operation \"Arctic Frost\" to sue the government.<\/p>

Reps. Tom Cole (R-OK), Chip Roy (R-TX), Austin Scott (R-GA), and Morgan Griffith (R-VA) were among the Republicans who voiced displeasure with the provision<\/a> in a House Rules Committee hearing. The provision would allow affected senators to collect payments for damages, plus attorneys\u2019 fees, of up to $500,000 for each time special counsel Jack Smith retained their call logs.<\/p>

\"It is beside my comprehension\" that the provision was included, Roy said. \"That provision needs to get fixed.\"<\/p>

The language of the bill, he added, is why \"people have a low opinion of this town.\"<\/p>

Scott said he wasn't happy about the provision, while Cole said he didn't even know how it ended up in the bill. Griffith said he was annoyed by it.<\/p>

Despite the displeasure, however, all signaled that they would put their objections on hold in order to get the bill through quickly and end the government shutdown. Cole signaled that he would push for a vote later to overturn the measure.<\/p>

Though the financial compensation aspect was the most objectionable part, the provision would also require phone carriers to immediately notify senators and their congressional offices if their communication records are sought, unless they're under criminal investigation.<\/p>

According to Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), the language of the provision was directly inserted by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD).<\/p>

FUNDING BILL OPENS THE DOOR TO COMPENSATE GOP SENATORS WHO SUE OVER \u2018ARCTIC FROST\u2019<\/a><\/p>

\u201cLeader Thune inserted that in the bill to provide real teeth to the prohibition on the Department of Justice targeting senators,\u201d Cruz told Politico.<\/p>

\u201cThe abuse of power from the Biden Justice Department is the worst single instance of politicization our country has ever seen,\u201d Cruz added. \u201cI think it is [former President]\u00a0Joe Biden<\/a>'s\u00a0Watergate, and the statutory prohibition needs to have real teeth and real consequences.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25316007344145.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883623-1762898031", "title":"Burchett likens Trumpcare to asteroid that killed the dinosaurs, says it’ll ‘wipe out Schumer’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3883623%2Fburchett-trumpcare-meteorite-dinosaurs-schumer%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) praised President Donald Trump’s teased healthcare plan, comparing its effect to the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs. Speaking on Tuesday after Trump said he would pursue his own healthcare reforms, dubbed “Trumpcare,” to replace Obamacare, Burchett gave the concept a positive reception. He suggested that the political affect of the plan […]", "description":""

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) praised President Donald Trump's<\/a> teased healthcare<\/a> plan, comparing its effect to the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs.<\/p>

Speaking on Tuesday after Trump said he would pursue his own healthcare reforms, dubbed \"Trumpcare,\" to replace Obamacare, Burchett gave the concept a positive reception. He suggested that the political affect of the plan could be seismic, reaching back millions of years for a proper metaphor.<\/p>

\"I think that meteorite that hit the Gulf of America a millennia ago that wiped out the dinosaurs is Trumpcare, and it\u2019s going to wipe out the dinosaur that's Chuck Schumer,\" Burchett said, referring to the roughly 6-mile-wide asteroid that hit the Earth over 66 million years ago around the Yucatan Peninsula, triggering a chain reaction that killed 75% of life on Earth, including the dinosaurs.<\/p>

Burchett offered further thoughts on the healthcare issue in an interview with CNN, arguing that congressional leadership needed to overcome its fear of making a definitive deal regarding healthcare. He said that such a deal had to bring together patients and doctors, ignoring the concerns of insurance companies.<\/p>

\"It seems kinda crazy, but in the future maybe we oughta bring the patients and the doctors to the table and tell the insurance companies they can go take a flying leap,\" he said.<\/p>

The issue of Affordable Care Act subsidies was the primary reason Democrats gave for refusing to vote for the last Continuing Resolution, which triggered the longest government shutdown in United States history. As the shutdown appears to be drawing to a close, Trump sought to soothe the worries of those concerned with healthcare by proposing his own alternative.<\/p>

JOHNSON TO SWEAR IN ADELITA GRIJALVA SEVEN WEEKS AFTER ELECTION WIN<\/a><\/p>

\u201cThat would be so exciting,\u201d Trump said in a Fox News interview on Monday. \u201cCall it Trumpcare. Call it whatever you want. \u2026 Anything but Obamacare!\u201d<\/p>

\u201cI said it\u2019s going to be a disaster. And I was exactly right,\u201d he said about Obamacare. \u201cThe premiums have gone up like rocket ships. And I'm not just talking about recently. I\u2019m talking about for years they\u2019ve been going up.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/AP24270708149085.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883649-1762895418", "title":"The changing history of the shutdown", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fdaily-memo%2F3883649%2Fthe-changing-history-of-the-shutdown%2F", "byline":"Byron York", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"THE CHANGING HISTORY OF THE SHUTDOWN. Why did Senate Democrats shut the government down for more than 40 days? Now that the standoff is over, it appears a number of Democrats cannot agree among themselves on why they did what they did. The stated reason for the shutdown, of course, was the Democratic demand that Republicans extend […]", "description":""

THE CHANGING HISTORY OF THE SHUTDOWN. Why did Senate Democrats shut the government down for more than 40 days? Now that the standoff is over, it appears a number of Democrats cannot agree among themselves on why they did what they did.<\/p>

The stated reason\u00a0for the shutdown, of course, was the Democratic demand that Republicans extend taxpayer-paid, Covid-era \"emergency\" subsidies for people who purchase health insurance through Obamacare. Democrats created the subsidies, on top of the massive subsidies that already exist under the Affordable Care Act, to help Americans pay for coverage during the pandemic. The 2022 Democratic legislation called for \"emergency\" subsidies to remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2025. Now, of course, the \"emergency\" is long over, and the subsidies' expiration date is fast approaching. So Democrats, who are also worried about hefty price increases of Obamacare coverage in general, came up with a plan to demand that the \"emergency\" subsidies be extended, or they would shut down the government. Republicans offered a \"clean\" bill to fund the government; Democrats filibustered, and the shutdown came.<\/p>

But why did it come?\u00a0For over 40 days, Democrats pounded on the healthcare theme. Every day, every waking hour, they accused Republicans of taking away healthcare from millions of Americans. That's why Democrats simply had to shut down the government. \"We're in a government shutdown, and you may be asking yourself, 'How the hell did we get here?'\" said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer<\/a> after one week. \"Donald Trump and the Republican Party are hellbent on taking healthcare away from 16 million people.\" On the House side, Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said<\/a>, \"The government remains closed because Republicans have zero interest in actually providing affordable healthcare to everyday Americans.\" And so it went, day after day.<\/p>

It was never going to work.\u00a0This newsletter has explained it<\/a> many times, but the short version is that the party that attaches conditions to reopening the government is the party that loses the shutdown. As a shutdown drags on, the public wants the government to open first, and any policy negotiations to take place later.<\/p>

So now,\u00a0the shutdown is nearly over, and the action has turned to Democrats pointing fingers of blame at each other. Progressives throughout the party are angry at the eight \"moderate\" Senate Democrats who abandoned the blockade and voted with Republicans to move forward on funding the government.<\/p>

And then there is the debate\u00a0over how the shutdown came about. Here is what the New York Times' Ezra Klein<\/a>, who is well-connected among progressive Democrats, wrote this week: \"Democrats said the shutdown was about the subsidies, but for most of them, it wasn't. It was about Trump's authoritarianism. It was about showing their base, and themselves, that they could fight back....The Affordable Care Act subsidies emerged as\u00a0the\u00a0shutdown demand because they could keep the caucus sufficiently united.\u201d<\/p>

Whoa. It wasn't about the subsidies? And when Democrats said, over and over and over, that it was about the subsidies, they weren't telling the truth? That appears to be the case, according to the \"dozen or so House and Senate Democrats\" Klein spoke to.<\/p>

If Democrats were really targeting\u00a0\"Trump's authoritarianism,\" then what, specifically, did they mean by that? You can bet they would put the administration's immigration enforcement high on the list, but that probably wouldn't be a very effective topic for a shutdown. After all, a recent Harvard-Harris poll found<\/a> that 79% of Americans favor \"deporting immigrants who are here illegally and have committed crimes,\" and 54% favor \"deporting all immigrants who are here illegally.\" Shut down the government for that?<\/p>

What about other manifestations of Trump's \"authoritarianism\"? Sending the National Guard to fight crime in some high-crime areas? Blowing up drug-running boats in international waters? The prosecution or investigation of John Bolton, James Comey, and John Brennan? It's hard to imagine shutting down the government over any or all of those issues. <\/p>

Maybe an issue, like affordability?\u00a0Certainly, that's an important issue with voters; it played a big role in last week's Democratic electoral victories. Democrats could certainly argue that President Donald Trump hasn't done enough to bring down prices. The problem is, Democrats would have a huge glasshouse problem if they were to shut down the government over prices. Which party presided over inflation that rose to 9.1%?<\/p>

Apparently, if they had their choice,\u00a0Senate Democrats would have launched a kind of everything bagel shutdown, based on a little bit of all their grievances against Trump's \"authoritarianism.\" But the party's more strategic minds decided to focus on healthcare. And so Democrats spent more than 40 days telling Americans that the government was shut down because Republicans wanted to take away their healthcare. In fact, it now appears the shutdown was more of a Democratic tantrum against Trump in search of a rationale.\u00a0<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25301784517302.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883650-1762894364", "title":"WATCH LIVE: House Rules Committee hearing on bill to reopen government", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3883650%2Fwatch-live-house-rules-committee-hearing-bill-reopen-government%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The House Rules Committee is holding a hearing on the Senate’s bill to reopen the government. The hearing began shortly after 6:30 p.m. JOHNSON TO SWEAR IN ADELITA GRIJALVA SEVEN WEEKS AFTER ELECTION WIN The government shutdown is on the verge of ending after a group of Senate Democrats struck a deal with Republicans. House […]", "description":""

The House Rules Committee is holding a hearing on the Senate's bill to reopen the government<\/a>.<\/p>

The hearing began shortly after 6:30 p.m.<\/p>

JOHNSON TO SWEAR IN ADELITA GRIJALVA SEVEN WEEKS AFTER ELECTION WIN<\/a><\/p>

The government shutdown is on the verge of ending after a group of Senate Democrats struck a deal with Republicans. House Democrats are united against the deal, but the majority of House Republicans are likely to vote in favor of the deal.<\/p>

The shutdown currently stands as the longest in United States history.<\/p>

<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/GettyImages-2239448075.jpg?w=594" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883462-1762892182", "title":"Trump downplays concerns over proposed 50-year mortgages: ‘It’s not even a big deal’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F3883462%2Ftrump-downplays-concerns-over-proposed-50-year-mortgages-not-big-deal%2F", "byline":"Heather Hunter", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump brushed off conservative backlash to his administration’s exploration of 50-year home loans, arguing the plan could slightly ease monthly payments amid soaring housing costs, even as critics warn it would trap buyers in decades of debt. During a Monday night appearance on Fox News’s The Ingraham Angle, host Laura Ingraham pressed Trump […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> brushed off conservative backlash to his administration\u2019s exploration of 50-year home loans, arguing the plan could slightly ease monthly payments amid soaring housing<\/a> costs, even as critics warn it would trap buyers in decades of debt.<\/p>

During a Monday night appearance on Fox News\u2019s The Ingraham Angle, host Laura Ingraham pressed Trump about the controversial proposal coming from his housing team, noting that the idea of \u201clifetime mortgages\u201d has angered many within his own base.<\/p>

\u201cHousing costs are still out of reach,\u201d Ingraham said. <\/p>

\u201cYour housing director has proposed something that has enraged your MAGA friends, which is this 50-year mortgage idea. So [there's] a significant MAGA backlash, calling it a giveaway to the banks and simply prolonging the time it would take for Americans to own a home, outright. Is that really a good idea?\u201d<\/p>

Ingraham: Is a 50 year mortgage really a good idea? Trump: It\u2019s not even a big deal. You go from 40 years to 50 Ingraham: 30 pic.twitter.com\/W07mMUjz97<\/a><\/p>— Acyn (@Acyn) November 11, 2025<\/a>

Trump dismissed the uproar, saying the change would be minor compared to the effect of high interest rates.<\/p>

\u201cIt\u2019s not even a big deal,\u201d Trump said. \u201cYou go from 40 to 50 years, and what it means is you pay, you pay something less.\"<\/p>

\"You pay it over a longer period of time. It\u2019s not like a big factor. It might help a little bit,\" the president added. \"But the problem was that Biden did this \u2014 he increased the interest rates. And I have a lousy Fed person who\u2019s going to be gone in a few months.\u201d<\/p>

The idea, reportedly under review by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, would allow federally backed lenders, such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, to offer 50-year fixed-rate mortgages, extending beyond the traditional 30-year loan term.<\/p>

Supporters argue that longer-term loans could help first-time buyers afford homes amid record-high prices. But fiscal conservatives argue the move would saddle Americans with massive long-term interest payments and delay full home ownership for decades.<\/p>

Online, several prominent right-wing commentators labeled the plan \u201ca gift to the banks.\u201d<\/p>

The satirical outlet The Babylon Bee even joked that financial guru Dave Ramsey was \u201cin critical condition after learning of 50-year mortgages.\u201d<\/p>

Dave Ramsey In Critical Condition After Learning Of 50-Year Mortgage https:\/\/t.co\/CH77RUn7dV<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/EXlcPyvcCk<\/a><\/p>— The Babylon Bee (@TheBabylonBee) November 10, 2025<\/a>

The uproar comes as housing affordability reaches crisis levels. The National Association of Realtors reported that the average age of first-time homebuyers has climbed to 40, the highest ever recorded, while their share of total home purchases has dropped to just 21%, down from 40% two decades ago.<\/p>

TikTok real estate influencer Freddie Smith went viral in illustrating why millennials are struggling to become first-time homeowners.<\/p> @fmsmith319<\/a>

Housing cost from 1995 vs 2019 vs 2023<\/p> \u266c original sound - Freddie Smith<\/a>

\u201cIn 1995, the average house was $130,000,\u201d Smith said. \u201cBy 2023, it jumped to $419,000.\u201d<\/p>

Smith noted that while average incomes have barely increased, housing prices have surged, especially during the pandemic, leaving millennials struggling to buy their first homes.<\/p>

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION 'WORKING ON' 50-YEAR MORTGAGE TO BOOST HOUSING AFFORDABILITY<\/a><\/p>

He pointed out that in 2019, housing costs accounted for just 21% of the average American\u2019s income, but by 2023, that figure had soared to 49%.<\/p>

Trump, however, shifted the focus to his predecessor, accusing the Biden administration of leaving sky-high interest rates that are now choking first-time buyers.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/housing-trump-image-collage-rdvlwua1u-1762901156317-e1762903086943.jpg?1762885080&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883294-1762891217", "title":"Sean Duffy slams ‘AWOL’ Buttigieg: I’m ‘cleaning up your messes. Sit this one out.’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolitics%2F3883294%2Fsean-duffy-slams-awol-buttigieg-im-cleaning-up-your-messes-sit-this-one-out%2F", "byline":"Heather Hunter", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and current Secretary Sean Duffy traded sharp words Monday over the air traffic controller shortage that has disrupted U.S. travel during the government shutdown. Buttigieg, who led the Department of Transportation under President Joe Biden, blasted President Donald Trump on X after he told controllers who walked off the job […]", "description":""

Former Transportation<\/a> Secretary Pete Buttigieg<\/a> and current Secretary Sean Duffy<\/a> traded sharp words Monday over the air traffic controller shortage that has disrupted U.S. travel during the government shutdown.<\/p>

Buttigieg, who led the Department of Transportation under President Joe Biden, blasted President Donald Trump<\/a> on X after he told controllers who walked off the job to \u201cget back to work\u201d and offered a $10,000 bonus for those who stayed on duty.<\/p>

\u201cThe President wouldn\u2019t last five minutes as an air traffic controller, and after everything they\u2019ve been through \u2014 and the way this administration has treated them from Day One \u2014 he has no business sh***ing on them now,\u201d Buttigieg wrote on X.<\/p>

Duffy, who succeeded Buttigieg at the DOT under Trump, quickly fired back, accusing his predecessor of neglecting the department and leaving behind a broken aviation system.<\/p>

\u201cGive me a break,\u201d Duffy wrote on X. \u201cYou were basically AWOL at the DOT. I spend my whole day dealing with your neglect and cleaning up your messes. Sit this one out.\u201d<\/p>

Give me a break. You were basically AWOL at the DOT.\u2070\u2070I spend my whole day dealing with your neglect and cleaning up your messes. Sit this one out. https:\/\/t.co\/DPptdJ3wOm<\/a><\/p>— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) November 10, 2025<\/a>

The social media spat erupted on the same day that Trump, speaking in the Oval Office, defended his administration\u2019s efforts to restore normal air travel once the government reopens.<\/p>

\u201cIt\u2019ll be better than normal,\u201d Trump told reporters. \u201cWe\u2019re buying the most sophisticated avionics and technology for our control towers. We didn\u2019t have that \u2014 we had a guy named Buttigieg.\"<\/p>

Trump continued to slam the Biden secretary by mocking his name and implying that his work in the administration was taking the country \"off the edge of a cliff.\u201d<\/p>

Trump cited last January's fatal mid-air collision near Reagan National Airport<\/a>, blaming outdated systems and \u201cbillions wasted\u201d under Buttigieg\u2019s leadership.<\/p>

Buttigieg later responded with a social media video post defending his record, claiming Trump\u2019s remarks were \u201cfalse and confusing.\u201d<\/p>

Why is Trump going after America's air traffic controllers, today of all days? It's one more way to distract from his decision to increase your health insurance premiums. pic.twitter.com\/zXq6d9j7mW<\/a><\/p>— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) November 11, 2025<\/a>

\u201cOther than mostly pronouncing my name right, everything he said was wrong,\u201d Buttigieg said. \u201cHe just made a bunch of s*** up about air traffic control. This is a system that was in pretty rough shape by the time he lost in 2020, and we took it over. We improved it \u2014 including launching a long-term communications fix that is still underway.\u201d<\/p>

Buttigieg went on to accuse Trump of attacking federal workers \u201cafter everything they\u2019ve been through.\u201d<\/p>

Buttigieg\u2019s critics, however, say the department\u2019s problems stem from his misplaced priorities while in office. A July New York Post report revealed<\/a> that the DOT spent more than $80 billion on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, money, industry insiders say, that should have gone toward modernizing air traffic control technology.<\/p>

The FAA has since faced a series of embarrassing safety lapses, including the fatal crash at Reagan National earlier this year involving a Blackhawk helicopter and a commercial jet. Investigators blamed communication failures,<\/a> including an outdated Pentagon hotline that had been offline<\/a> for more than a year.<\/p>

BUTTIGIEG SAYS TRUMP 'WOULDN'T LAST FIVE MINUTES AS AN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER'<\/a><\/p>

Duffy has made modernizing aviation safety a top priority, pledging to overhaul the FAA\u2019s aging systems and hire new controllers once funding resumes.<\/p>

As Congress works to reopen the government, both men appear eager to shape the narrative of Buttigieg defending his legacy and Duffy drawing a sharp contrast.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/duffy-buttigieg-air-image-collage-3n2eycds1-176289632601-e1762902505531.jpg?1762884498&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883489-1762890689", "title":"Duffy vows penalties for air traffic controllers missing work, worries about their ‘patriotism’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F3883489%2Fduffy-penalties-air-traffic-controllers-missing-work%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy threatened penalties for air traffic controllers who failed to show up for work for extended periods during the government shutdown. Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Duffy specified that his ire was not directed at all air traffic controllers who missed work during the shutdown period, but only those who “systemically weren’t […]", "description":""

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy<\/a> threatened penalties for air traffic controllers<\/a> who failed to show up for work for extended periods during the government shutdown<\/a>.<\/p>

Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Duffy specified that his ire was not directed at all air traffic controllers who missed work during the shutdown period, but only those who \"systemically weren't doing their job.\" He questioned the dedication and patriotism of those who continuously failed to show up for work during the shutdown, pledging to take action against them.<\/p>

\"I'm concerned about their dedication,\" Duffy said. \"I'm concerned about their patriotism. And so we haven't made a decision, but we are going to look at those controllers who continually made the decision not to show up for work, and again, we have to look at the data.\"<\/p>

\"I would just tell you, I'm trying to bring more air traffic controllers in,\" he added. \"I'm not trying to take air traffic controllers out, but if we have controllers who systemically weren't doing their job, we will take action.\"<\/p>

Though the government shutdown seems on the verge of ending, Duffy warned on Tuesday that flight cuts could continue well after the government reopens.<\/p>

\u201cWe\u2019re at the cusp of hopefully having the government reopened,\u201d Duffy said. \"I\u2019m concerned that we\u2019re not going to have, on Day One, controllers come back into the towers right away. I\u2019m asking them to do that. President Trump has asked them to do that. It is their jobs, and they will be paid, but it might not be immediate that they come back in.\"<\/p>

OVER 5,000 FLIGHTS DELAYED OR CANCELED ON SECOND DAY OF FAA CUTS AS DUFFY THREATENS MORE REDUCTIONS<\/a><\/p>

\u201cAnd so, we\u2019re going to watch, analyze, encourage them to come back,\u201d he added. \"But, again, we\u2019re going to, we\u2019re going to start to alleviate the restrictions that \u2014 we\u2019re at 6% now \u2014 we\u2019ll alleviate that only when the data says we should.\"<\/p>

Thousands of flights have been canceled or delayed since cuts began on Friday. Duffy previously warned<\/a> that flight cuts could go up to 20% at some airports if the shutdown continued.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AP25247486451069.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883555-1762888057", "title":"Supreme Court extends halt on using child nutrition funds for SNAP as House set to vote on reopening government", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fsupreme-court%2F3883555%2Fsupreme-court-child-nutrition-funds-snap-extension%2F", "byline":"Jack Birle", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Supreme Court extended a pause on Tuesday of a lower court’s order for the Trump administration to use child nutrition funds to fully fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, as the House of Representatives is expected to pass legislation to reopen the government as soon as Wednesday. The unsigned order from the high court extends an administrative stay initially granted […]", "description":""

The\u00a0Supreme Court\u00a0extended a pause on Tuesday of a lower court's order for the\u00a0Trump administration\u00a0to use child nutrition funds to fully fund\u00a0Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program\u00a0benefits, as the House of Representatives is expected to pass legislation to reopen the government as soon as Wednesday.<\/p>

The unsigned order from the high court extends an administrative stay initially granted by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson on Friday<\/a>, which was set to expire late Tuesday evening, through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday. The only noted dissent was from Jackson, who said she would deny the extension of her stay.<\/p>

The Department of Justice had asked the high court to extend the block on the lower court's order mandating that Section 32 Child Nutrition Funds be moved to fund SNAP<\/a>, arguing it injects \u201cthe federal courts into the political branches\u2019 closing efforts to end this shutdown\u201d by attempting \u201cto reallocate resources without lawful authority.\u201d<\/p>

The DOJ also noted in its Monday brief to the Supreme Court that Congress appeared to be on the verge of reopening the government, which would automatically fund SNAP benefits and render the lawsuit moot.<\/p>

The Senate passed legislation to reopen the government Monday evening, with the House set to reconvene Wednesday. The lower chamber of Congress is widely expected to pass that legislation to end the shutdown and send it to President Donald Trump's desk, ending the shutdown as soon as Wednesday. <\/p>

The Supreme Court's extension of the administrative stay should be long enough for the shutdown-ending legislation to be signed into law, and moot the lower court's order to use child nutrition funds for SNAP.<\/p>

DOJ ASKS SUPREME COURT TO HALT \u2018RAID\u2019 ON CHILD NUTRITION FUNDS FOR SNAP AS SHUTDOWN DEAL ADVANCES<\/a><\/p>

Attorney General Pam Bondi celebrated<\/a> the high court's order Tuesday, thanking the high court for preventing \"further judicial upheaval for the SNAP and Child Nutrition programs.\"<\/p>

\"Thank you to the Court for allowing Congress to continue its swift progress to end the shutdown WITHOUT last-ditch disruption from lower courts. We will continue fighting and winning to protect President Trump\u2019s agenda from meritless judicial activism,\" Bondi said.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25307563463690_da324d.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3882362-1762887600", "title":"From ‘leverage’ to lies, Democrats were always responsible for shutdown suffering", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fbeltway-confidential%2F3882362%2Fdemocrats-leverage-government-shutdown-political-agenda%2F", "byline":"Christopher Tremoglie", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Democrats tried their hardest to convince the country that the government shutdown was the fault of President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. They relied on every political weapon at their disposal. They used their accomplices in the media. They used celebrities to advance their political narratives. They unleashed their social media army of trolls […]", "description":""

Democrats<\/a> tried their hardest to convince the country that the government shutdown was the fault of President Donald Trump<\/a> and the Republican Party<\/a>. They relied on every political weapon at their disposal. They used their accomplices in the media. They used celebrities to advance their political narratives. They unleashed their social media army of trolls to constantly smear the GOP in hopes of persuading the public that the Republicans were responsible for the shutdown.<\/p>

Yet, in the end, like so many times before with Democrats, they were the ones doing the very thing they accused Republicans of doing. And Trump and the Republicans broke them from continuing their harmful and divisive political games.<\/p>

Consider the words of House Minority Whip Rep. Katherine Clark<\/a> (D-MA), who said the quiet part out loud. During an interview on Fox News, Clark admitted \u2014 perhaps mistakenly, perhaps in a moment of rare political truth from a left-wing politician \u2014\u00a0 that the government shutdown was an opportunity for Democrats to gain political leverage, even if people were suffering.<\/p>

\u201cShutdowns are terrible,\u201d Clark said. \u201cAnd of course, there will be families that are going to suffer. We take that responsibility very seriously. But it is one of the few leverage times we have.\u201d<\/p>

Leverage. Democrats repeatedly went on their soapboxes and preached about the shutdown hurting people when, in reality, the only thing they cared about was political power and using perceived \"leverage\" to amass more of it. They didn\u2019t care about any suffering. They gleefully accepted it and viewed it as necessary collateral damage. It is similar to the Democrats' antics during the COVID-19 pandemic when they openly admitted they were taking advantage of the worldwide emergency to benefit their political agenda.<\/p>

It's all part of their \"never let a crisis go to waste\" political strategy, a sentiment embraced by Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC).<\/p>

\u201cThis is a tremendous opportunity to restructure things to fit our vision,\u201d\u00a0Clyburn said<\/a> in the middle of the health crisis during the deadly pandemic. And if they were willing to let people die during a pandemic to advance a political agenda, clearly, they had no problem with people enduring hardships during a government shutdown. And so Democrats went on media circuits and talk shows and repeatedly lied to the people over and over and over again.<\/p>

Consider their rhetoric. For weeks, a common refrain by Democratic politicians was that the shutdown was due to Republicans. \"Republicans control the presidency, the House, and the Senate,\" they would say. This message was disseminated through every available medium. Republicans held the majority and were the ones who could and should reopen the government.<\/p>

So, Republicans did.<\/p>

It was never true, of course, and Democrats knew it all along. Hence, Republicans needed eight Democrats to join them. They were, as usual, lying to the public. And, when Republicans did use their majority to vote to open the government, it was the Democrats, once again, trying to sabotage those efforts and obstruct the government from opening. Fortunately, eight Democrats had enough decency and common sense to go against their party\u2019s line.<\/p>

WHY DID DEMOCRATS FIGHT SO LONG \u2014 BEFORE CAVING?<\/a><\/p>

This stunt should cost the Democrats, politically. They should lose a ton of credibility with the public. They should be deemed untrustworthy. Their narrative, even before the shutdown began, was dishonest and deceptive, predicated on advancing a political agenda rather than prioritizing the welfare of the people.\u00a0<\/p>

Typically, they would weaponize their accomplices in the media to influence and persuade public opinion. They used it the last time there was a government shutdown when Trump was president. It was a tactic Democrats used this time, too. The difference was that Trump and Republicans were privy to their tactics and did not cave. They stood firm and refused to acquiesce. They knew they were on the right side of history on this and were not going to surrender. <\/p>

Unfortunately, with the monopoly in legacy media, the truth will get convoluted, and the narrative will become misrepresented. The Democrats\u2019 lemmings and foot soldiers will try to position this as a political win, even though it was an embarrassing defeat. But if there is ever any justice, it is that the people, especially those affected by the shutdown, will realize any pain they endured during this time was due to Democratic political games. <\/p>

<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-collage-q9l6mbp77-1762872785883-e1762872912438.jpg?1762860910&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883529-1762885221", "title":"Johnson to swear in Adelita Grijalva seven weeks after election win", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse%2F3883529%2Fjohnson-swear-in-adelita-grijalva%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox and Lauren Green", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) will swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ) on Wednesday after a seven-week delay. Grijalva won a special election called after the death of her father and predecessor, Rep. Raúl Grijalva. She then broke the record for the longest delay faced by a representative between winning an election and being sworn […]", "description":""

House Speaker Mike Johnson<\/a> (R-LA) will swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva<\/a> (D-AZ) on Wednesday after a seven-week delay.<\/p>

Grijalva won a special election called after the death of her father and predecessor, Rep. Ra\u00fal Grijalva. She then broke the record for the longest delay faced by a representative between winning an election and being sworn in, a delay widely decried by Democrats as politically motivated. On Tuesday, Johnson's office issued a notice that Grijalva would be sworn in at 4 p.m. Wednesday.<\/p>

Grijalva welcomed the development, but added a note of bitterness over the fact that her first vote would be on the Senate's bill to end the government shutdown.<\/p>

\u201cWhile I am eager to get to work, I am disappointed that one of my first votes will be on a bill that does nothing to protect working people from skyrocketing premiums, loss of health coverage, or do anything significant to rein in Trump\u2019s abuse of power,\u201d Grijalva wrote in a statement to the Washington Examiner on Monday.<\/p>

Explaining the delay in swearing in the House Democrat, Johnson insisted that Grijalva deserved the same \"pomp and circumstance\" of any other member, painting the picture of the House in session with her family in the balcony.<\/p>

Grijalva \u201cwon her election after the House was out of session, so we have not had a full session,\u201d Johnson said a few weeks ago. \u201cShe deserves to have all the pomp and circumstance that everybody else does.\u201d<\/p>

The current House GOP majority is two seats, with 219 Republicans and 214 Democrats, meaning Johnson can only afford to lose two GOP votes and still pass legislation along party lines. Grijalva will not change the margin due to House numbers.<\/p>

The House returned to Washington following the Senate's passage of its version of the continuing resolution, and many Democrats plan to vote against the measure. The upper chamber's version extends the CR to Jan. 31, 2026, and includes a minibus of three appropriations bills that would fund the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Agriculture, among others. The bill does not include any extension of the Obamacare subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of this year, that Democrats have been fighting for.<\/p>

OBAMA SHOWS HIS STAR POWER STILL BURNS BRIGHT ONE YEAR ON FROM HARRIS DISAPPOINTMENT<\/a><\/p>

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) denounced the new bill and has advised his members to vote against it because it does not address premium Obamacare subsidies they wanted extended as part of the shutdown fight.<\/p>

\u201cWe will not support spending legislation advanced by Senate Republicans that fails to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits,\u201d Jeffries said in a statement.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-collage-xav6o2e41-1760494705629.jpg?1760480374&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883432-1762884043", "title":"Newsom calls Trump proposal for offshore drilling near California ‘dead on arrival’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fenergy-and-environment%2F3883432%2Fgavin-newsom-trump-proposal-offshore-drilling-california-dead-on-arrival%2F", "byline":"Barnini Chakraborty", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) on Tuesday dismissed the Trump administration’s proposal to auction off oil and gas drilling rights along the West Coast as “dead on arrival.” The governor’s press office took it a step further on social media: “Donnie [a nickname for President Donald Trump], if you’re going to open up America’s coasts, why skip […]", "description":""

Gov.\u00a0Gavin Newsom<\/a> (D-CA) on Tuesday dismissed the Trump administration's<\/a> proposal to auction off oil and gas drilling rights along the West Coast as \"dead on arrival.\"<\/p>

The governor's press office took it a step further on social media<\/a>: \"Donnie [a nickname for President Donald Trump<\/a>], if you're going to open up America's coasts, why skip your own backyard at Mar-a-Lago?\"<\/p>

Newsom and the Trump administration have butted heads at almost every turn, and this latest\u00a0row over drilling rights is no exception. The administration's plan proposes six offshore lease sales<\/a> between 2027 and 2030 along the California<\/a> coast, according to a draft seen by the Washington Post. There is also an expansion of drilling into the eastern Gulf of America. In the past, drilling in these areas has been avoided due to its negative effect on the environment<\/a> and tourism.\u00a0<\/p>

Newsom also called out the proposal on the sidelines of the COP30 climate summit<\/a> in Brazil, which the Trump administration chose not to attend. Newsom, who is possibly eyeing a 2028 White House bid<\/a>, reiterated to reporters at the conference that the plan to drill would be \"dead on arrival\" in California.\u00a0<\/p>

Newsom spokesman Anthony Martinez faulted the Trump administration for failing to consider offshore drilling's<\/a> effect on the environment and said the governor's office was not told about the plans ahead of time.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cExpensive and riskier offshore drilling would put our communities at risk and undermine the economic stability of our coastal economies,\u201d Martinez said in a statement.<\/p>

A catastrophic oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara in 1969 killed thousands of birds, damaged property, and harmed the commercial fishing industry. It led to the first Earth Day in the United States and gave birth to the national environmental movement. Since the spill, drilling has been prohibited in California state waters, which extend 3 miles from the shoreline. <\/p>

Sable Offshore, a Texas<\/a>-based oil company, is trying to reactivate three drilling rigs in federal waters off Santa Barbara that have sat idle since a 2015 oil spill. In May, it started producing oil from one of the rigs under an existing lease. Last month, California Attorney General Rob Bonta <\/a>sued Sable Offshore, accusing the company of illegally discharging waste into local waterways. The company has countersued the state.\u00a0<\/p>

Ten oil and energy groups wrote in a joint letter <\/a>this year to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management that all areas with \"the potential to generate jobs, new revenue, and additional production to advance America's energy dominance should be considered for inclusion.\"<\/p>

The group was led by the American Petroleum Institute and defended possible new drilling sites near California. <\/p>

REGULATORY AGENCY WILL EXPAND, NOT SHRINK, FOR NUCLEAR BUILDOUT, TRUMP OFFICIAL SAYS<\/a><\/p>

\u201cUndiscovered resources could be readily produced given the array of existing infrastructure in the area, particularly in southern California,\u201d the 16-page letter said.<\/p>

An email to the Department of the Interior for comment was not returned.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/oil-spill-e1762901116731.jpeg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883424-1762883938", "title":"Catholic Church retaliates against US Army for canceling support for chapels", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fdefense%2F3883424%2Fcatholic-church-us-army-chapels%2F", "byline":"Pedro Rodriguez", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The U.S. Army moved forward with a decision to cancel all religious support contracts for Army chapels, drawing criticism and possible legal action from the Catholic Church. “In canceling these contracts, the Army over-burdens Catholic chaplains, harms chapel communities, and impedes the constitutional guarantee of the free exercise of religion, especially for Catholics,” wrote Archbishop […]", "description":""

The U.S. Army<\/a> moved forward with a decision to cancel all religious<\/a> support contracts for Army chapels, drawing criticism and possible legal action from the Catholic Church<\/a>.<\/p>

\"In canceling these contracts, the Army over-burdens Catholic chaplains, harms chapel communities, and impedes the constitutional guarantee of the free exercise of religion, especially for Catholics,\" wrote Archbishop for the Military Services Timothy P. Broglio<\/a>. \"The cancellation of chapel contracts may appear to be a neutral elimination of chapel support, which itself affects the free exercise of religion for all soldiers.\"<\/p>

\"This action disproportionately harms Catholics, first, because Catholic chaplains are already so low density and in such high demand, and second, because the Catholic faith<\/a> requires continuing religious education and sacramental preparation that can only be accomplished through competent support,\" Broglio added.\u00a0<\/p>

Broglio explained the infringement that the cancellation of the Army contracts has on the Constitution<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

\"The Army's action intolerably infringes upon the free exercise of religion for Catholics in the U.S. Army, as well as my responsibility as Archbishop, to provide pastoral care to those within my canonical jurisdiction,\" Broglio said. \"I assure the faithful of this Archdiocese that I will pursue all legal options to address this grave misstep.\"<\/p>

Broglio's letter, which was sent to all members of Congress, comes after the U.S. Army Installation Management Command's Religious Support Office, under the direction of War Secretary Pete Hegseth<\/a>, released a memo in March that directed the Army to cancel all religious contracts by Oct. 1.<\/p>

\"It creates a redundancy and is strictly prohibited to use a different funding stream to contract for tasks and services already included in validated manning requirements,\" the memo said.<\/p>

FAITH IN TRUMP'S WHITE HOUSE: AN OPEN DOOR TO EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANS<\/a><\/p>

Other members of the Catholic Church<\/a>, including Scott Matthews, a retired Army colonel and president of the pastoral advisory council at the Daenner Catholic Community in Kaiserslautern, also condemned the decision.\u00a0\u00a0\"Service members<\/a> and their families<\/a> are used to this kind of support at Catholic parishes back home, and they deserve the same level of pastoral<\/a> care while serving overseas,\" Matthews said.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/soldiers-us-army-line.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883301-1762882899", "title":"Antifa behind violent counterprotest against TPUSA event at UC Berkeley", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Finvestigations%2F3883301%2Fantifa-behind-violent-counterprotest-against-tpusa-event-uc-berkeley%2F", "byline":"Mia Cathell", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Monday’s violent counterprotest against a Turning Point USA event at the University of California, Berkeley, was organized by an outside antifa agitator group responsible for leading previous uprisings on campus and across the city. Ahead of the TPUSA speaking event, which ended in several assaults and arrests, an antifa coalition, called By Any Means Necessary, […]", "description":""

Monday\u2019s violent counterprotest<\/a> against a Turning Point USA<\/a> event at the University of California, Berkeley, was organized by an outside antifa agitator group responsible for leading previous uprisings on campus and across the city.<\/p>

Ahead of the TPUSA speaking event, which ended in several assaults and arrests, an antifa<\/a> coalition, called By Any Means Necessary<\/a>, circulated a flyer<\/a> calling on its followers to \u201cEnd Fascist Turning Point\u2019s Youth-Oriented Campaign of Incitement to Violence.\u201d<\/p>

According to BAMN\u2019s poster, which was also distributed on campus<\/a>, the purpose of the counterprotest was to \u201cmake clear [TPUSA] is a white nationalist, neo-fascist organization.\u201d<\/p>

In the promotional material, BAMN claimed that conservative activist Charlie Kirk<\/a>, the assassinated cofounder of TPUSA, formed the student activism group \u201cto recruit college youth toward higher and more violently active levels of support for [President Donald] Trump\u2019s<\/a> more-and-more openly fascist agenda for America.\u201d<\/p>

BAMN then accused TPUSA of enlisting \u201cyoung thugs for Trump\u2019s inevitable attempt at military occupation of the Bay Area.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cDonald Trump\u2019s program for a fascist America must be defeated here and now at UC Berkeley!\u201d the call-to-action said. \u201cUC Berkeley must not normalize fascism on our campus and in our communities!\u201d<\/p>

During the chaotic demonstration outside the event, titled<\/a> \u201cThis Is The Turning Point,\u201d on Monday evening, antifa agitators surrounded a campus building<\/a> where TPUSA was scheduled to host the last leg of its American Comeback tour<\/a>, a cross-country campaign promoting conservatism on college campuses.<\/p>

At times, the mob broke out into chants<\/a> mocking Kirk\u2019s murder: \u201cF*** your dead homie!\u201d<\/p>

\u201cWho\u2019s more alive here than Charlie Kirk?\u201d an agitator asked<\/a> the crowd after climbing over a security barrier. Another held a sign saying, \u201cKirk said death penalties should be public, quick, and televised. Congrats, bud!\u201d<\/p>

DOJ TO INVESTIGATE UC BERKELEY AFTER LEFT-WING \u2018VIOLENT THUGS\u2019 START BRAWL AT TPUSA EVENT<\/a><\/p>

One masked militant led a chant<\/a> calling for political violence against so-called fascists. \u201cAny time, any place, punch a fascist in the face!\u201d the provocateur shouted.<\/p>

A right-wing supporter, wearing a red version of the \u201cFreedom\u201d shirt that Kirk wore when he was killed while speaking at a TPUSA university tour stop, was left bloodied<\/a> by a brawl with an agitator.<\/p>

Footage<\/a> from the fight shows a counterprotester stealing<\/a> something from the conservative attendee before punching him in the face repeatedly as he tried to take it back.<\/p>

This was not the first time that BAMN staged a violent protest on UC Berkeley\u2019s campus or in the city. BAMN operatives were at the forefront<\/a> of the mass 2017 Berkeley protests orchestrated to oppose Trump\u2019s first term.<\/p>

OPINION: VIOLENCE AGAINST CAMPUS CONSERVATIVES HAS REACHED NEW HEIGHTS\u00a0<\/a><\/p>

Allegedly a front<\/a> for the Revolutionary Workers League, a Trotskyite political party, BAMN believes that radical action<\/a> is necessary \u201cto advance the struggle ... by any means necessary.\u201d<\/p>

In 2002, the FBI identified BAMN as \u201cthought to be involved in terrorist activities.\u201d According to an internal report<\/a>, the FBI met with Secret Service and criminal intelligence officials at a \u201cdomestic terrorism symposium\u201d where BAMN was mentioned among other organizations.<\/p>

BAMN members, many of them educators, are embedded<\/a> in both the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, the largest teachers\u2019 unions in the United States. In a successful 2020 bid to lead AFT, BAMN ran a slate<\/a> of its members during the AFT national convention\u2019s delegate elections<\/a>.<\/p>

The candidates included BAMN leader Yvette Felarca, a middle school teacher at Berkeley Unified School District. At that time, Felarca was the president of AFT Local 1078, the Berkeley-based AFT chapter, and remains a representative<\/a> on the branch\u2019s executive board.<\/p>

In 2016, Felarca was charged with felony assault and inciting a riot for hitting an alleged neo-Nazi who was part of a rally<\/a> at the California state Capitol. The altercation made national news after seven people were stabbed and 10 were hospitalized as a result of the ensuing riot.<\/p>

However, under a plea deal she struck, Felarca walked away with community service \u2014 90 hours of volunteer work at an approved nonprofit group \u2014 that would dismiss the case<\/a> upon completion, per Berkeleyside.<\/p>

Antifa International, a transnational antifa collective, had set up a defense fund<\/a> for Felarca, which also paid for her attorney fees in a lawsuit she brought against BUSD.<\/p>

The school district placed<\/a> Felarca on administrative leave \u201cpending investigation into concerns that have been raised,\u201d such as Felarca possibly \u201cindoctrinating\u201d students with her ideological beliefs and taking excessive time off, perhaps to engage in political activity.<\/p>

OPINION: HOW A TEACHERS UNION IS PROTECTING A VIOLENT ANTIFA RADICAL<\/a><\/p>

Felarca eventually returned<\/a> to teaching full-time following a series of disruptive BAMN protests that even shut down<\/a> one of the school board\u2019s bi-monthly meetings.<\/p>

The Washington Examiner contacted BAMN for comment.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GettyImages-1230094388.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883276-1762882535", "title":"Top Netanyahu confidant who led Israeli ceasefire negotiation team resigns", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F3883276%2Fron-dermer-israeli-ceasefire-negotiation-resigns%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"A top confidant to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who played a leading role in Jerusalem’s October ceasefire negotiations team, resigned from his ministerial post. The U.S.-born Ron Dermer began serving as Israeli minister of strategic affairs in December 2022, a position in which he became highly influential in crafting Netanyahu’s response to Hamas’s Oct. […]", "description":""

A top confidant to Israeli<\/a> Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu<\/a>, who played a leading role in Jerusalem's October ceasefire negotiations team, resigned from his ministerial post.<\/p>

The U.S.-born Ron Dermer began serving as Israeli minister of strategic affairs in December 2022, a position in which he became highly influential in crafting Netanyahu's response to Hamas's Oct. 7, 2023, attack. In his resignation letter, he expressed pride in his role and said he was leaving due to familial commitments, rather than any political disagreements.<\/p>

Dermer said he originally committed to only serve for two years, but had extended his stay with his family's blessing to \"remove the existential threat posed by Iran\u2019s nuclear military capabilities\" and then to negotiate the October ceasefire deal.<\/p>

\"This war \u2014 both on the battlefield and in the international arena \u2014 is a defining moment for the Jewish people and the State of Israel,\" Dermer wrote to Netanyahu. \"This government has faced immense challenges since the October attacks and throughout the war against Hamas and Iran\u2019s proxies. Yet we have seen Israel\u2019s strength, unity, and resilience as the Jewish people once again stood in defense of their land and destiny.\"<\/p>

In his public statement of resignation, he presented his tenure as a defining moment for Israel and the Jewish people and himself as the defender of a long legacy.<\/p>

\"For over 100 generations, Jews dreamed of living as a free people in their own land. Four generations ago, that dream began to take shape \u2014 and I was blessed to live in the era when it was realized. With all my heart, I dedicated myself to serving the State of Israel and will continue to do so, each in my own way, as part of the unbreakable chain of the Jewish people,\" Dermer wrote. <\/p>

\"As I conclude my role, I do so with humility \u2014 knowing that I could not have wished for a more meaningful time to serve my country. Many of the fallen heroes of this war died defending Israel and the Jewish people from annihilation. Their heroism has rekindled the spirit of unity that has always carried Israel through the darkest of times,\" he added.<\/p>

Dermer is widely viewed as Netanyahu's closest adviser, the Times of Israel reported<\/a>, being trusted with issues of top importance such as hostage negotiations, Israel's relationship with the United States, and its relations with its Arab neighbors.<\/p>

Given his role, Dermer was the central Israeli figure in the negotiations with Hamas and the U.S. to bring the war in Gaza to a close and return the last remaining hostages.<\/p>

Before his role as Minister of Strategic Affairs, Dermer served as Israel's ambassador to the U.S. from 2013 to 2021, during which he increasingly aligned Israel with the Republican Party.<\/p>

WITKOFF AND KUSHNER MEET WITH NETANYAHU AS FIRST STAGE OF CEASEFIRE WANES<\/a><\/p>

Although he has left the Israeli government, he's set to remain influential in diplomacy and as a special envoy for Netanyahu. One source familiar with the matter likened his new role to that of Jared Kushner in the U.S., the Times of Israel reported.<\/p>

His departure coincides with a period of crisis for Netanyahu's government as the period of grace granted by the opposition dissipates with the end of hostilities.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25189006659123.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883311-1762881761", "title":"MAGA-land troubles growing for Trump and GOP", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwashington-secrets%2F3883311%2Fmaga-land-troubles-growing-for-trump-and-gop%2F", "byline":"Paul Bedard", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) isn’t the only one. As President Donald Trump turns to traditional second-term issues such as foreign policy, his Make America Great Again base is starting to vent that the shift away from focusing on deporting immigrants, slashing government, and cutting prices is not what they voted for. TRUMP LOSING TOUCH […]", "description":""

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene<\/a> (R-GA) isn\u2019t the only one.<\/p>

As President Donald Trump<\/a> turns to traditional second-term issues such as foreign policy, his Make America Great Again base is starting to vent that the shift away from focusing on deporting immigrants, slashing government, and cutting prices is not what they voted for.<\/p>

TRUMP LOSING TOUCH WITH MAGA: WHITE HOUSE REPORT CARD<\/a><\/p>

Independent pollsters, whose findings have often clashed with anti-Trump media polls, are starting to show evidence of a mutiny, especially among independents and younger voters.<\/p>

And some influencers who rejoiced in Trump\u2019s first half year into his second term are urging him to return to MAGA's<\/a> base issues.<\/p>

\u201cMTG is absolutely right,\u201d said pollster Rich Baris, director of Big Data Poll and the head of the newly organized National Association of Independent Pollsters<\/a> created to challenge biased media polls.<\/p>

\u201cForeign policy, forget military action, is not even close to the top three most important issues to voters right now,\u201d Baris told Washington Secrets. \u201cVoters gave him a lot of grace. They're now fresh out of it.\u201d<\/p>

Wait until his approval falls to 40%, even below that, which is entirely possible at this point.All the RINOs in the Senate, which is basically all of them, will drop the act and abandon him again.Of course Lindsey Graham will pretend until the primary, no matter what. https:\/\/t.co\/7lgISxpnP0<\/a><\/p>— Rich Baris The People's Pundit (@Peoples_Pundit) November 11, 2025<\/a>

Fellow independent pollster Mark Mitchell of Rasmussen Reports<\/a> added, \u201c[Trump and his administration] were supposed to burn the federal government down, and everybody is mad that they didn't.\u00a0Remember this: election '24<\/a> was a referendum on institutional trust. And instead, Trump just got into office and said, \u2018Trust me, bro.'\u201d<\/p>

Greene\u2019s recent criticism<\/a> of Trump was one of the clearest signs that the \"Trump Train\" was veering off track. The Trump loyalist has clashed with his view that the economy is booming and prices are coming down. And she has hit his consumption with foreign policy, most recently his meeting this week<\/a> with the head of Syria, a new Trump ally once declared a terrorist.<\/p>

My district overwhelmingly voted for President Trump, and they want to see America First policies put into action! Georgia\u2019s 14th is a rural district that faced real hardship during the COVID lockdowns with many families still feeling the effects today. That\u2019s why I\u2019m in\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/QpAw3VqYti<\/a><\/p>— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 (@RepMTG) November 7, 2025<\/a>

\u201cMy district overwhelmingly voted for President Trump, and they want to see America First policies put into action!\u201d she said on X<\/a>.<\/p>

Trump responded with a slight putdown<\/a> of Greene, saying, \u201cShe's lost her way,\u201d to which she stood firm in demanding a renewed focus on an America First agenda.<\/p>

Others have also piled on. Blaze columnist Auron MacIntyre, for example, has voiced complaints about Trump\u2019s promotion of China dumping students into the United States and, like Greene, mocked the president's<\/a> latest economic scheme to push 50-year home mortgages.<\/p>

Stimulus check, 50-year mortgages, hundreds of thousands of new Chinese college students, no action against AntifaI just want to trust the plan, but sadly chimping seems to be the only way forward<\/p>— Auron MacIntyre (@AuronMacintyre) November 11, 2025<\/a>

Fox News\u2019s Laura Ingraham<\/a> fed the fire this week when she pushed Trump on his Chinese student plan<\/a>. His answer that MAGA wants a new Red Communist population the size of Baltimore or Milwaukee angered many of his supporters.<\/p>

Laura Ingraham asks President Trump how allowing 600,000 Chinese students to attend US colleges is MAGA. President Trump says "half the colleges in the United States would go out of business" if we limited the amount of Chinese students coming in. pic.twitter.com\/ln2nc5ZMMq<\/a><\/p>— The American Conservative (@amconmag) November 11, 2025<\/a>

Conservative influencer Mike Cernovich has been hitting X to complain about the president\u2019s moves, most recently the lack of outrage after antifa activists clashed with supporters of the late Charlie Kirk<\/a> during a California<\/a> college rally this week.<\/p>

50 year mortgages. 600,000 CCP spies in colleges around the country. ANTIFA attacks in Berkeley. Does Trump want Democrats to win the midterms in a blue wave?<\/p>— Cernovich (@Cernovich) November 11, 2025<\/a>

He said on X<\/a>, \u201c50 year mortgages. 600,000 [Chinese Communist Party] spies in colleges around the country. ANTIFA attacks in Berkeley. Does Trump want Democrats to win the midterms<\/a> in a blue wave?\u201d<\/p>

Baris has an unfortunate answer for the White House<\/a>. In a new survey shared with Washington Secrets, he said the 2026 congressional midterm generic ballot is predicting a blue wave. He said it shows voters prefer Democrats over Republicans on that generic ballot, 46.8% to 38.9%.<\/p>

Maybe worse, he suggested that Trump\u2019s approval could fall below 40%. And if that happens, Rasmussen pollster Mitchell predicted that a Democratic Congress will fire up the impeachment machine again.<\/p>

Other numbers shown to Washington Secrets by Baris found that voters of all ages are down on Trump\u2019s foreign focus and his non-MAGA attention. \u201cIs everyone wrong or is the administration in a bubble?\u201d he asked.<\/p>

If he has a rally now, He's getting booed based on all of the DMs I'm getting. Maybe that's what he needs to hear. https:\/\/t.co\/shQLSS78w7<\/a><\/p>— Mark Mitchell, Rasmussen Reports (@honestpollster) November 11, 2025<\/a>

Mitchell, meanwhile, has highlighted findings that young men are deserting Trump and want him to return to his effort to cut government with the so-called Department of Government Reform.<\/p>

SEE THE LATEST POLITICAL NEWS AND BUZZ FROM WASHINGTON SECRETS<\/a><\/p>

And two days after Trump was booed at a Washington Commanders NFL game, Mitchell suggested that Trump host a MAGA rally and confront that sentiment.<\/p>

\u201cHe's getting booed based on all of the DMs I'm getting. Maybe that's what he needs to hear,\u201d said Mitchell.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25303182109018.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883262-1762881572", "title":"Trump’s former defense chief Esper: Military not the ‘best tool’ to stop drug interdictions", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fdefense%2F3883262%2Fformer-trump-defense-secretary-esper-military-tool-drug-boats%2F", "byline":"Mike Brest", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who served during President Donald Trump’s first term, does not believe the military is the “best tool” to stop drug trafficking in response to the current U.S. strategy of blowing up these vessels. The Trump administration has taken a more aggressive stance toward Venezuela and its president, Nicolas Maduro, during […]", "description":""

Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper<\/a>, who served during President Donald Trump's<\/a> first term, does not believe the military is the \"best tool\" to stop drug trafficking in response to the current U.S. strategy of blowing up these vessels.<\/p>

The Trump administration has taken a more aggressive stance toward Venezuela and its president, Nicolas Maduro, during the first year of his second term. The whole-of-government strategy includes the Justice Department doubling the reward for information that leads to his arrest, the largest military buildup in the Western Hemisphere in decades, and lethal kinetic strikes on purported drug smuggling vessels.<\/p>

\"I don't think the military is the best tool to use for any number of reasons,\" Esper said on Tuesday during the Wall Street Journal's board of directors council summit. \"I would employ the Coast Guard. It may be reinforced by the U.S. military, which we did by the way during my tenure, but to me, it's a law enforcement action.\"<\/p>

\"I would want to capture those traffickers,\" he added. \"I would want to find out what they're carrying, where they're carrying it to, who they got their instructions from, who's paying them. I'd want to unravel the network, not just get the traffickers.\"<\/p>

During Trump's first term, when Esper was serving as defense secretary, the president considered military action in Venezuela, but Esper talked him out of it. Esper wrote about the president's deliberations<\/a> regarding the South American country in his memoir.<\/p>

\"There's a lot of reasons to want [Maduro] to go, right, but my view is always, we have bigger fish to fry in the world beginning with China, if you will,\" Esper continued. \"And what I [counseled then], and what I would [counsel] now is it's easy to get into a war, [but] it can be hard to get out of a war.\"<\/p>

The former secretary did not support Trump's second term<\/a>, which further soured their strained relationship. The current secretary, Pete Hegseth<\/a>, ended Esper's private security protection<\/a> and removed his portrait<\/a> from the Pentagon wall early in his tenure.<\/p>

The U.S. military has carried out nearly 20 lethal kinetic strikes, killing roughly 75 people during these operations, which began in early September. The administration views those individuals as \"narcoterrorists\" and has told Congress the United States is in an \"armed conflict\" with drug cartels.<\/p>

Neither the military nor the administration has shown evidence to prove there were drugs on board any of the vessels.<\/p>

HERE ARE THE DETAILS OF THE US STRIKES TARGETS ALLEGED DRUG VESSELS<\/a><\/p>

President Donald Trump has said he gave the CIA his approval to conduct covert destabilizing activities in Venezuela. He has discussed the possibility of green-lighting U.S. strikes on Venezuelan soil, but has not done so yet.<\/p>

The overwhelming U.S. military presence in the region has led experts to believe that there could be a greater objective at the end of the plan, such as regime change. The U.S. does not consider Maduro to be a legitimate leader after the international community accused him of falsely declaring himself the victor in the last election. He was charged with narcoterrorism in the U.S. in 2020.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/AP20133048613555-scaled.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883338-1762881298", "title":"UK stops sharing some intel with US over drug vessel strikes", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fforeign-policy%2F3883338%2Fuk-intel-sharing-us-drug-vessel-strikes%2F", "byline":"Pedro Rodriguez", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Anonymous whistleblowers from the United Kingdom will no longer share crucial intelligence with the United States due to President Donald Trump‘s counternarcotics operations.  In recent months, Trump has directed the U.S. military to halt drug cartel operations bound for the U.S. in the southern Caribbean Sea. The U.K. has joined an international consensus that Trump’s […]", "description":""

Anonymous whistleblowers from the United Kingdom<\/a> will no longer share crucial intelligence with the United States<\/a> due to President Donald Trump<\/a>'s counternarcotics operations.\u00a0<\/p>

In recent months, Trump has directed the U.S. military to halt drug cartel<\/a> operations bound for the U.S. in the southern Caribbean Sea.<\/p>

The U.K. has joined an international consensus that Trump's decisive military action against the international drug dealers is illegal.<\/p>

\"It is our long-standing policy to not comment on intelligence matters,\" a U.K. government spokesperson told the Washington Examiner.\u00a0\"The U.S. is our closest ally on security and intelligence. We continue to work together to uphold global peace and security, defend freedom of navigation, and respond to emerging threats.\"<\/p>

A Department of War official told the Washington Examiner, \"We don\u2019t discuss intelligence matters.\"<\/p>

The U.K., which controls a number of intelligence assets in the region, has helped the U.S. locate vessels suspected of carrying drugs so that the U.S. Coast Guard<\/a> could interdict them, the sources told CNN.\u00a0<\/p>

U.K. leadership's decision means they will no longer direct the intelligence they collect to the Joint Interagency Task Force South in South Florida<\/a>, which comprises representatives from partner nations that combat the international drug trade.<\/p>

The decision to stop sharing intel with the U.S., according to the sources, took place a month ago and has no definite end date. <\/p>

The decision aligns the U.K. with the United Nations<\/a>, whose human rights chief, Volker T\u00fcrk, said the strikes violate international law and amount to \"extrajudicial killing.\"<\/p>

Prior to the Trump administration's decisive action<\/a>, the U.S. only directed law enforcement and the Coast Guard to handle counternarcotics operations, something the British government was willing to assist with, sources said.\u00a0<\/p>

After the U.K.'s secret decision, Canada also said it will not assist the U.S. military<\/a>'s campaign against the cartels.\u00a0<\/p>

\"It is important to note that Canadian Armed Forces<\/a> activities under Operation Caribbean, conducted in coordination with the United States Coast Guard, are separate and distinct from the U.S. military strikes on suspected drug vessels,\" a spokesperson for the Canadian military told the country's press last month.\u00a0<\/p>

WHY THE LEFT WANTS TO INVOKE THE WAR POWERS ACT ON TRUMP'S CARTEL BATTLE<\/a><\/p>

Despite claims that the U.S. has violated international law by striking cartels in foreign waters, Trinidad and Tobago<\/a>'s prime minister has backed the strikes and given Trump permission<\/a> to pursue cartels in the country's waters near Venezuela.\u00a0<\/p>

\"I, along with most of the country, am happy that the U.S. naval<\/a> deployment is having success in their mission,\" Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said. \"The pain and suffering the cartels have inflicted on our nation is immense. I have no sympathy for traffickers<\/a>; the U.S. military<\/a> should kill them all violently.\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2209282_sd_68a745c805092_1755792840.jpg?w=640" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3882987-1762881094", "title":"Reagan-appointed judge resigns to pursue anti-Trump activism", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fjustice%2F3882987%2Freagan-judge-mark-wolf-resigns-trump%2F", "byline":"Ross O'Keefe", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"A judge appointed by former President Ronald Reagan resigned last week to protest the presidency of President Donald Trump. U.S. District Judge Mark L. Wolf of Massachusetts said he gave up the job he wanted to serve in for life because he could “no longer can bear to be restrained by what judges can say […]", "description":""

A judge appointed by former President Ronald Reagan<\/a> resigned last week to protest the presidency of President Donald Trump<\/a>.<\/p>

U.S. District Judge Mark L. Wolf of Massachusetts said he gave up the job he wanted to serve in for life because he could \u201cno longer can bear to be restrained by what judges can say publicly or do outside the courtroom.\u201d<\/p>

\"President Donald Trump is using the law for partisan purposes, targeting his adversaries while sparing his friends and donors from investigation, prosecution, and possible punishment,\" he wrote in an op-ed for the Atlantic. \"This is contrary to everything that I have stood for in my more than 50 years in the Department of Justice and on the bench. The White House\u2019s assault on the rule of law is so deeply disturbing to me that I feel compelled to speak out. Silence, for me, is now intolerable.<\/p>

Reagan appointed the 78-year-old to the bench in 1985. He noted that Trump cannot replace him because former President Barack Obama already appointed Judge Indira Talwani in 2013 as his successor.<\/p>

He now\u00a0plans to do \u201ceverything in my power to combat today\u2019s existential threat to democracy and the rule of law.\" Wolf said he plans to use his time outside of the court to advocate for judges.<\/p>

\u201cI resigned in order to speak out, support litigation, and work with other individuals and organizations dedicated to protecting the rule of law and American democracy,\u201d Wolf wrote. \u201cI also intend to advocate for the judges who cannot speak publicly for themselves.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cI cannot be confident that I will make a difference,\u201d Wolf concluded. \u201cI am reminded, however, of what Senator Robert F. Kennedy said in 1966 about ending apartheid in South Africa: \u2018Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.\u2019 Enough of these ripples can become a tidal wave.\u201d<\/p>

Wolf also slammed Trump's use of executive orders as \u201cunconstitutional or otherwise illegal,\" his calls for judges to be impeached, and alleged \u201ccorruption by [Trump] and those in his orbit,\u201d among other things.<\/p>

He blasted the Department of Justice's prosecutions of former FBI Director\u00a0James Comey\u00a0and New York Attorney General\u00a0Letitia James, later suggesting that prosecutions alone can be damaging to defendants. Wolf worked in the Justice Department, serving as deputy U.S. attorney for the District of Massachusetts and as chief of the department\u2019s Public Corruption Unit in Boston from 1981 to 1985.<\/p>

APPEALS COURT REJECTS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S REQUEST TO STOP FULL SNAP BENEFIT PAYMENTS<\/a><\/p>

The top judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Chief Judge Denise J. Casper, praised Wolf for his longtime service.<\/p>

\u201cJudge Wolf has served on this Court with distinction for over four decades,\u201d Casper said in a statement. \u201cHis steadfast commitment to the rule of law, determination in wrestling with novel issues of fact and law, and dedication to making fair, equitable, and legally sound decisions without fear or favor are the hallmarks of his time on the bench.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/m-wolf.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883412-1762880658", "title":"Americans report strain from increasing household debt", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3883412%2Famericans-report-strain-from-increasing-household-debt%2F", "byline":"Center Square", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"(The Center Square) — More than half of U.S. households say they’re struggling with debt, according to a new WalletHub survey. Total household debt increased to $18.59 trillion in the third quarter of 2025, which is $990 billion below the all-time 2008 high of $19.57 trillion. Still, debt is steadily rising for many, with more than […]", "description":""

(The Center Square) \u2014\u00a0More than half of U.S. households say they\u2019re struggling with debt<\/a>, according to a new WalletHub survey<\/a>.<\/p>

Total household debt increased to $18.59 trillion in the third quarter of 2025, which is $990 billion below the all-time 2008 high of $19.57 trillion.<\/p>

Still, debt is steadily rising for many, with more than two in five people expecting their household debt to increase in the next 12 months.<\/p>

Chip Lupo, a writer and analyst for WalletHub, told The Center Square in an exclusive interview that the survey\u2019s findings are very concerning.<\/p>

\u201cWhat stood out most to me about this survey is just how deeply Americans feel the weight of debt; not just financially, but emotionally and physically,\u201d Lupo said. \u201cMore than half of households report struggling with debt; 36% feel \u2018owned\u2019 by credit card companies; and 38% say it affects their health. This combination of financial strain and personal stress is striking.\u201d<\/p>

The recently-released survey was done in conjunction with WalletHub\u2019s Household Debt Report, which examined the latest economic data from the third quarter. Notably, the report found that the average American household had:<\/p>

\u2022 $108,425 in mortgage debt<\/p>

\u2022 $3,500 in home equity lines of credit debt<\/p>

\u2022 $13,727 in auto loan debt<\/p>

\u2022 $13,711 in student loan debt<\/p>

\u2022 $10,227 in credit card debt<\/p>

\u2022 $4,562 in other debt, which included personal loans and other financing<\/p>

The survey sought to put these findings from the report in context. Across the nation, it was found that American families are drowning in debt.<\/p>

In total, 56% said their household is struggling with debt. Many don\u2019t see an end in sight, with 46% anticipating they will still have debt when they die.<\/p>

Credit card debt is causing the most strain for families, the survey found. In total, 46% of American households reported struggling with credit card debt the most, followed by mortgages at 23% and student loans at 13%.<\/p>

Many pointed to high inflation and an ever-increasing cost of living as playing a role in their increasing debt.<\/p>

\u201cHigh inflation is seen as the primary driver of rising debt, and nearly half of Americans expect to carry debt to the grave,\u201d Lupo said. \u201cThese figures highlight how critical it is for consumers to track their net worth and actively manage debt, especially credit card balances, as the survey shows that this is the most common source of financial stress.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/AP23258417401605-1-scaled.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883390-1762880338", "title":"Cruz, Cornyn file bill to make federal benefit fraud a deportable offense", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3883390%2Fcruz-cornyn-file-bill-to-make-federal-benefit-fraud-a-deportable-offense%2F", "byline":"Center Square", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"(The Center Square) – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, both Texas Republicans, have filed a bill to make defrauding the federal government a deportable offense.  The Deporting Fraudsters Act, filed with cosponsors, would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to clarify that “aliens who have been convicted of defrauding the United States Government or […]", "description":""

(The Center Square) \u2013 U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz<\/a> and John Cornyn<\/a>, both Texas<\/a> Republicans, have filed a bill to make defrauding<\/a> the federal government a deportable offense.\u00a0<\/p>

The Deporting Fraudsters\u00a0Act, filed with cosponsors, would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to clarify that \u201caliens who have been convicted of defrauding the United States Government or unlawfully receiving public benefits are inadmissible and deportable,\u201d\u00a0according to<\/a>\u00a0the bill language. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Rep. Dave Taylor (R-Ohio).<\/p>

\u201cAmericans who meet eligibility requirements should be the only ones to receive taxpayer-funded benefits,\u201d Cruz said. \u201cUnder the Biden administration\u2019s border policies, abuse of these programs by illegal aliens increased. This bill will stem that abuse, and I urge my colleagues to pass this bill without delay.\u201d <\/p>

The INA doesn\u2019t include welfare fraud in a list of crimes that make foreign nationals inadmissible or deportable. <\/p>

It includes a vague phrase, \u201cmoral turpitude,\u201d which has been used as \u201ca catch-all cause for deportation and inadmissibility,\u201d the senators argue. \u201cThe INA\u2019s lack of a specific welfare fraud offense enables lax and inconsistent punishment for welfare fraud by illegal aliens.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cIllegal aliens who falsify documents, steal identities, and cheat the system to gain public benefits meant for American citizens, including SNAP or Medicaid, should unquestionably be deported,\u201d Cornyn said. \u201cBy ensuring any illegal alien who defrauds the U.S. government can be removed from our country, this commonsense legislation would end the America-last policies of Joe Biden and rightfully put Americans first.\u201d<\/p>

In February, President Donald Trump directed federal agencies to stop funding public benefits for foreign nationals living illegally in the U.S., The Center Square\u00a0reported.<\/a>\u00a0The order cites federal law, including the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, that \u201cgenerally prohibits illegal aliens from obtaining most taxpayer-funded benefits.\u201d<\/p>

Texas has sought to end public benefits for those in the country illegally. In 2021, Texas and 13 states sued to ensure that a federal public charge rule remained in effect, which requires foreign nationals to prove they can financially support themselves prior to being admitted to the U.S., The Center Square\u00a0reported<\/a>.<\/p>

Kansas also sued last year to halt a Biden administration plan to provide free taxpayer-funded health care to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, arguing the plan was illegal. A federal judge agreed, halting it, The Center Square\u00a0reported<\/a>.<\/p>

One estimate puts the cost of taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal foreign nationals at roughly $120 billion a year before the Biden administration border crisis, The Center Square\u00a0reported<\/a>. By 2023, a U.S. House report\u00a0estimated<\/a>\u00a0that housing and shelter, public school education, health care and several welfare programs cost taxpayers more than $451 billion.<\/p>

That\u2019s in addition to another report\u00a0estimating<\/a>\u00a0that every year, $42 billion is spent on one or more welfare programs for illegal foreign nationals and $69 million on public school education for illegal foreign national children; and a Medicare report found that \"emergency services for undocumented aliens\" cost $7 billion in fiscal 2021 and $5.4 billion in fiscal 2022, with taxpayer money funding at least $8 billion in improper Medicaid payouts (10% of the nation's total of $80 billion), The Center Square\u00a0reported<\/a>.<\/p>

According to a U.S. Census Bureau 2022 Survey of Income and Program Participation, 48% of households headed by illegal foreign nationals received food-related federal subsidies through multiple programs. <\/p>

According to U.S. Department of Agriculture data, 1.5 million noncitizens received $4.2 billion in Food Stamp benefits in 2022,\u00a0according to an<\/a>\u00a0analysis by the Economic Policy Innovation Center.\u00a0<\/p>

According to an Open the Books\u00a0investigation<\/a>, \u201cIllegal immigrants have benefitted from at least $197 million in direct federal healthcare-related grants since fiscal year 2021.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

PAXTON SUES TEXAS COUNTY OVER TAXPAYER-FUNDED DEFENSE OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FACING DEPORTATION<\/a><\/p>

The estimate excludes indirect spending through Medicaid, which the Congressional Budget Office\u00a0estimated<\/a>\u00a0was roughly $27 billion in fiscal years 2017 through 2023.\u00a0<\/p>

The total costs of taxpayer-funded federal benefits for illegal foreign nationals is expected to be in the trillions going back decades.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ted-cruz-john-cornyn-collage.jpg?1762880137&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883174-1762879728", "title":"Title IX activist predicts genetic screening ‘is the future of women’s sports’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fsports%2F3883174%2Ftitle-ix-activist-predicts-genetic-screening-future-of-womens-sports%2F", "byline":"Jenny Goldsberry", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Former NCAA athlete turned activist Kim Jones anticipates more sports organizations will follow the Olympics in banning transgender athletes from women’s sports. The International Olympic Committee is considering banning transgender athletes ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Jones, cofounder of the Independent Council on Women’s Sport, said the move would lead to […]", "description":""

Former NCAA athlete turned activist Kim Jones anticipates more sports organizations will follow the Olympics in banning transgender athletes<\/a> from women\u2019s sports.<\/p>

The International Olympic Committee is considering banning transgender athletes ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles<\/a>. Jones, cofounder of the Independent Council on Women\u2019s Sport, said the move would lead to \u201cbigger buy-in from the public.<\/p>

\u201cThere's nothing the public hates more than being deceived or defrauded,\u201d Jones told the Washington Examiner. \u201cYou have to be able to take stances in sport that clarify that you have ethical standards, that sports are fair, that you're not trying to pull one over on people who are investing their time, energy, and resources into sports. There's going to be an overwhelming support for this.\"<\/p>

Enforcing a transgender ban could become the next challenge for women\u2019s sports. Olympic boxer Imane Khelif has already refused the genetic testing<\/a> required to compete in World Boxing.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cScreening is the future of women's sports because just like any category, an enforcement mechanism has to exist,\u201d Jones said. \u201cWe don't just trust people on their honor in sports. That's what rules are for.\u201d<\/p>

Current screenings, which use a saliva sample, can take up to 48 hours for results. Jones predicts that the tests will become \u201csuper fast and super cheap,\u201d and expects tests to be as accessible as an over-the-counter pregnancy test in the future.<\/p>

Jones has four children who competed in collegiate swimming; her youngest daughter competed against transgender swimmer Lia Thomas in 2021 and 2022. As athletic directors, the NCAA, and USA Swimming continued to allow Thomas to compete against female athletes, Jones said she knew \u201cthe burden was going to fall upon young women and eventually parents,\" to ensure girls' sports were protected.<\/p>

Following that experience, Jones met Marshi Smith through fellow women\u2019s sports activist Riley Gaines, another swimmer who competed against Thomas, who connected the two via a phone call. Together, they formed the Independent Council on Women\u2019s Sport and helped expose further anecdotes of transgender athletes infiltrating women\u2019s sports.<\/p>

While Jones referred to Thomas as a \u201ccatalyst\u201d in the Title IX fight for women\u2019s sports, Jones suggested a change in the Olympic Games would trickle down to other athletes as well.<\/p>

\u201cThere's no level of accomplishment or athleticism that a young girl needs to reach to be treated fairly and given access to fair and safe sport,\u201d Jones said. <\/p>

BELTWAY CONFIDENTIAL: WHERE ARE THE LIBERAL MEDIA \u2018FACT CHECKS\u2019 ON IMANE KHELIF NOW?<\/a><\/p>

The Olympic and Paralympic Committee signaled it would update its policies to comply with President Donald Trump\u2019s<\/a> executive orders on transgender athletes. Trump named himself head of the task force<\/a> for the Summer Olympics.<\/p>

Trump issued a \u201cKeeping Men Out of Women\u2019s Sports\u201d executive order in February that barred transgender athletes and pledged to rescind funds to institutions \u201cthat deprive women and girls of fair athletic opportunities.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/olympics_trans.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883360-1762879685", "title":"Newsom leads Vance in potential 2028 presidential matchup: Poll", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3883360%2Fnewsom-leads-vance-2028-presidential-matchup-poll%2F", "byline":"Center Square", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"(The Center Square) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom leads Vice President JD Vance by three percentage points in an early potential head-to-head matchup for president in 2028, according to a new poll from Overton Insights. The poll asked 1,200 registered voters who think of themselves as Democrats, Republicans, and Independents their thoughts on a series of […]", "description":""

(The Center Square) \u2014\u00a0California<\/a> Gov. Gavin Newsom<\/a> leads Vice President JD Vance<\/a> by three percentage points in an early potential head-to-head matchup for president in 2028<\/a>, according to a new poll<\/a> from Overton Insights.<\/p>

The poll asked 1,200 registered voters who think of themselves as Democrats, Republicans, and Independents their thoughts on a series of questions, with 22% of those voters saying they believe Newsom is the leader of the Democratic Party.<\/p>

The 399 voters in the poll who identified as Democrats, however, favored former Vice President Kamala Harris with 35% of the vote compared to 23% for Newsom and 7% apiece for U.S. Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.<\/p>

\u201cAfter moderating his image, Newsom has relentlessly attacked President Trump, and his offensive seems to be working in the minds of voters as he leads Vance by 3 points in a hypothetical 2028 matchup,\" Overton Insights Poll Director Mark Cunningham said. \"However, despite this momentum, he still has yet to pass former Vice President Kamala Harris in polling, still trailing by double digits. While there is plenty of time to go, and Newsom still remains the betting favorite, Harris would certainly be a formidable opponent if she decides to run for president again.\u201d<\/p>

REPUBLICAN TRUMP SUPPORTER LEADS PACK IN CROWDED CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL RACE<\/a><\/p>

Vance led with 34% of the vote among the 444 respondents who said they would be Republican primary voters, followed by 22% for Donald Trump Jr., 12% for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, 8% for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and 7% for Secretary of State Marco Rubio.<\/p>

Overall, 40% of voters said that they feel politically homeless. Fifty percent said they feel like they identify with one of the two parties.<\/a><\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/vance-newsom-collage.jpg?1762879503&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3882960-1762878459", "title":"Trump burnishes credentials as the sports president with surprise Pat McAfee appearance", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F3882960%2Ftrump-sports-president-surprise-pat-mcafee-show-appearance%2F", "byline":"Mabinty Quarshie", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump proved his love of sports runs deep during a surprise phone call to The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN Tuesday afternoon, when he pontificated on several topics ranging from college football payrolls to his dislike of the NFL kickoff rules. The president also paid respect to veterans many times during the show, even […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> proved his love of sports<\/a> runs deep during a surprise phone call to The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN\u00a0<\/a>Tuesday afternoon, when he pontificated on several topics ranging from college football payrolls to his dislike of the NFL kickoff rules.<\/p>

The president also paid respect to veterans many times during the show, even going so far as to give multiple \"oorahs\" in honor of the Marines<\/a> and Veterans Day<\/a>. The show was filmed in Parris Island, South Carolina, where the Marine Corps Recruit Depot is located.<\/p>

Trump claimed that college football costs could balloon as athletes receive compensation beyond scholarships. <\/p>

\"Well, it is a very serious problem, because even football, when they give quarterbacks $12 [million], $13 [million], $14 million ... and all of a sudden you're going to see it's going to be out of control,\" Trump warned. \"And even rich colleges are going to go bust because you're not going to be able to do this.\"<\/p>

\"And you know, they had the old way, they gave scholarships, and they did lots of good things,\" he continued. \"But there's, there could be some form of payments. But when they start bidding up the costs \u2014 look, the NFL and all of you know all teams, they have caps. You don't really have that in college sports.\"<\/p>

The president warned again that \"all of a sudden, you're going to have like, NFL-type payrolls,\" which colleges cannot afford.<\/p>

On the subject of the new NFL kickoff rule, McAfee, a former punter for the Indianapolis Colts, feigned offense. \"I love sports, but I do have to say, and I'll probably get myself in a little trouble with this, I hate the kickoff,\" Trump said.<\/p>

\"Oh, come on, Mr. President,\" McAfee yelled. <\/p>

\"I think it's so terrible,\" Trump said. \"I think it's so demeaning, and I think it hurts the game. It hurts the pageantry. I've told that to [NFL Commissioner] Roger Goodell.\"<\/p>

Trump briefly discussed attending the Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions game in Landover, Maryland, on Sunday, when he sat in the commentary booth<\/a> for the Fox Sports broadcast and was met with some boos from the crowd. Air Force One conducted a flyover during the game as well.<\/p>

\"It was a little bit of a blowout game, in all fairness, with the Commanders, as opposed to the Redskins,\" he said about the team's old name, which has been the source of controversy for years. \"What happened to the Redskins, by the way? But it was the game. Wasn't the greatest game.\"<\/p>

McAfee also asked Trump, an avid golf fan, whether the U.S. would ever win a Ryder Cup going forward after the team lost to the European team on home soil earlier this year.<\/p>

MARINE VETERAN VANCE JOINS TRUMP FOR ARLINGTON CEREMONY HONORING FALLEN TROOPS<\/a><\/p>

\"The other team, they really sank a lot of putts,\" Trump explained. \"You're looking and they sink in 30-footer, 40-footer, 70-footer, you know, just one after another. And it was interesting. It looked like it was over.\" <\/p>

Trump also touted the fact that the World Cup and the Olympics would be held in the U.S. during his second term.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25314010950132-e1762958479427.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883115-1762878362", "title":"‘No Kings’ leader to cut off support for Democrats who back Schumer", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fsenate%2F3883115%2Fno-kings-leader-democrats-support-chuck-schumer%2F", "byline":"Molly Parks", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Ezra Levin, co-founder of the liberal advocacy group Indivisible and a leader of “No Kings,” slammed Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and the Democratic establishment after eight Senate Democrats broke ranks to support the GOP-led funding deal. Levin called the deal a “complete” capitulation on behalf of Democratic leaders when journalist Jim Acosta asked […]", "description":""

Ezra Levin, co-founder of the liberal advocacy group Indivisible and a leader of \"No Kings<\/a>,\" slammed Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer<\/a> (D-NY) and the Democratic establishment after eight Senate Democrats<\/a> broke ranks to support the GOP-led funding deal.<\/p>

Levin called the deal a \"complete\" capitulation on behalf of Democratic leaders when journalist Jim Acosta asked him about Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).<\/p>

\"They have shown us time and time again this year that given the chance, they will cower, given the chance, they will capitulate,\" Levin said.<\/p>

He told Acosta<\/a> that internal Indivisible polling showed that \"the chasm between rank and file Dems and Democratic leadership is so vast,\" and pointed to a newly announced program by the nonprofit organization to support Democratic primary challengers <\/a>who will fight against the Trump administration in 2026.<\/p>

\"We should be asking every single Senate Democratic candidate, 'Are you supporting Chuck Schumer for leadership?' And if you are, you don't got my vote, you didn't get my donation, you don't get my support, you don't get my attention,\" Levin said.<\/p>

Schumer was not one of the eight Democrats who voted in line with Republican senators to open the government<\/a>, as he instead insisted on the inclusion of the extension of Obamacare subsidies in any funding deal.<\/p>

\"I will not support the Republican bill that\u2019s on the Senate floor because it fails to do anything of substance to fix America\u2019s healthcare crisis,\" Schumer wrote on X.<\/p>

GEN Z SOCIALIST DEFIES MAMDANI WITH PLAN TO LAUNCH PRIMARY CHALLENGE AGAINST JEFFRIES<\/a><\/p>

Schumer also marched in the most recent \"No Kings<\/a>\" rally in New York City during the shutdown in October.<\/p>

Levin's comments come as younger Democratic primary challengers<\/a> are raising significant funds in their bids to oust older, incumbent establishment Democrats as the 2026 midterm elections roll around.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/AP25292020163346.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"3883211-1762877590", "title":"Paxton sues Texas county over taxpayer-funded defense of illegal immigrants facing deportation", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fimmigration%2F3883211%2Fken-paxton-lawsuit-harris-county-illegal-immigrants-defense%2F", "byline":"Pedro Rodriguez", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued Harris County for directing over a million taxpayer dollars for the defense of illegal immigrants facing deportation. “We must stop the left-wing radicals who are robbing Texans to prevent illegals from being deported by the Trump Administration,” Paxton wrote in a press release. “Beyond just being blatantly unconstitutional, […]", "description":""

Texas<\/a> Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued Harris County for directing over a million taxpayer dollars for the defense of illegal immigrants<\/a> facing deportation<\/a>.<\/p>

\u201cWe must stop the left-wing radicals who are robbing Texans to prevent illegals from being deported by the Trump Administration<\/a>,\u201d Paxton wrote in a press release. \u201cBeyond just being blatantly unconstitutional, this is evil and wicked. Millions upon millions of illegals invaded America during the last administration, and they must be sent back to where they came from.\u201d <\/p>

\u201cThese expenditures serve no public purpose and instead constitute unconstitutional grants of public funds<\/a> to private entities to subsidize the legal defense of illegal aliens who ought to be deported,\u201d Paxton added. <\/p>

As shown in Paxton\u2019s press release, the Harris County Commissioners Court voted 4-1 in late October to allocate $1,344,751 in taxpayer dollars to a legal defense fund for illegal immigrants in court from deportation proceedings. <\/p>

The county commissioners court \u2014 now composed of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Commissioner Lesley Briones, and Harris County Administrator Jesse Dickerman \u2014 first created the immigrant<\/a> legal defense fund in 2020.\u00a0<\/p>

The organizations that make up the legal defense compact, which are set to receive the taxpayer dollars, include the Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project, Justice for All Immigrants, Kids in Need of Defense, Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services, and Baker Ripley, all tax-exempt organizations that provide legal representation for immigrants in need, as noted on their websites<\/a>. <\/p>

If Paxton\u2019s lawsuit, which alleges the county commissioners' court violated the Texas Constitution\u2019s<\/a> gift clause, were to be upheld in court, the money would have to return to the county, since it has yet to be disbursed.<\/p>

\u201cThe Texas Constitution prohibits governmental entities like Harris County from misusing public funds by giving gifts or conferring private benefits to individuals and groups that do not serve a legitimate public end,\u201d Paxton mentioned in his news release. <\/p>

Paxton\u2019s<\/a> lawsuit comes after Republican candidate for county judge, Aliza Dutt, denounced the late October vote, blowing the whistle on the fund violations to the Texas Constitution. <\/p>

PAXTON SUES \u2018RADICAL ACTIVIST ORGANIZATION\u2019 FOR REGISTERING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO VOTE IN TEXAS<\/a><\/p>

A day before the lawsuit against Harris County<\/a>, the Senate hopeful filed a lawsuit of the same nature against another tax-exempt organization after an investigation from his office found that the organization was providing illegal immigrants<\/a> assistance with voter registration<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

At least 14<\/a> million illegal immigrants have made their way to the United States in recent years, 1.7<\/a> million of whom reside in Texas<\/a>.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/3805e1211274ad3865028448128febd2-e1762895574969.jpg?w=696" }, {"id":"3132228-1724374758", "title":"Delegates express disappointment at Beyonce no-show but say Harris ‘made up for it’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3132228%2Fdnc-delegates-disappointment-beyonce-no-show%2F", "byline":"Hailey Bullis, Mabinty Quarshie and Samantha-Jo Roth", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"CHICAGO — Hopes that Beyonce would make a surprise appearance on the closing night of the Democratic National Convention were dashed after the night ended with no sign of the “Freedom” singer. The evening was packed with celebrities, with musicians such as Pink and the Chicks taking the stage on the grand finale of the […]", "description":""

CHICAGO\u2014HopesthatBeyonce<\\\/a>wouldmakeasurpriseappearanceontheclosingnightoftheDemocraticNationalConvention<\\\/a>weredashedafterthenightendedwithnosignofthe\u201cFreedom\u201dsinger<\\\/p>

Theeveningwaspackedwithcelebrities<\\\/a>,withmusicianssuchasPinkandtheChickstakingthestageonthegrandfinaleoftheDNCTheeventdrewsomanyattendeesthattheconventionfloorwascompletelyclosedoffhoursbeforeVicePresidentKamalaHarristookthestagetodelivertheDNC\u2019sclosingspeechTheA-listerdelegatesandattendeesweremostexcitedtosee,however,wasBeyonceSpeculationmountedthroughouttheweek,andhitafeverpitchThursday,thatBeyoncewouldperformonthefinalnightoftheDNCMarylanddelegateRoxanneBrown,45,saidshewasletdownthatBeyoncedidnotendupappearingHowever,BrownsaidthattheletdownwasOK,though,because\u201cKamalamadeupforit\u201d\u201cIwasdisappointedbecauseIwaslookingforwardtoseeingBeyonce,butIwasmostlookingforwardtowatchinghistory,whichisanominationofourfirstblackfemalepresident,\u201dBrownsaid<\\\/p>

AnotherMarylanddelegate,LilyQi,60,saidshewouldhavelovedtoseethepopsensation,butsheechoedBrown\u2019ssentimentthatsupportingHarriswasthemostimportantpartofthenight\u201cIwouldhavelovedtoseeherandherenergy,andshe'sanicon,aculturalicon,asIunderstand,\u201dQisaid\u201cButyouknow,thisisnotwhyI'mhere,ofcourse,right?IamheretomakesurethatKamalaHarrisiselected\u201d<\\\/p>

EricaHarrison,astay-at-homemotherfromNorthCarolina,capturedtheanticipation\\\"IwasgettingexcitedItoldmyhusband,IthoughtthatBeyoncewouldcomeoutandperformandsing'Freedom,'butIwaswrong\\\"<\\\/p>

\\\"TheentirethingwasasurrealmomentI'mstillonahigh,\\\"shesaid\\\"SoeventhoughBeyoncedidn'tcome,shewouldhavejustbeenalittlecherryontopButeverythingelsewasamazing\\\"RumorshadbeenswirlingthattheDNCwouldfeatureaspecialguestfordays,withmusicianTaylorSwiftalsobeingfloatedasapossibilityButBeyoncewasthechieffigurespeculatedtomakeanappearanceExcitementoverthepossibilityofBeyonce'sDNCappearancehitafeverpitchThursdayafterWhiteHousepoliticaldirectorEmilyRuizpostedabeeemoji,whichislinkedtoBeyonceasherfanbaseisreferredtoasthe\u201cBeyHive\u201dRuizlaterpostedanapology,saying,\u201cSorryguysmy6-year-oldtookmyphone\u201d<\\\/p>

DemocraticPartyChairmanJaimeHarrisonalsododgedconfirmingordenying<\\\/a>whetherBeyoncewouldappearduringanappearanceonCBSMorningsConflictingreportsaboutwhetherornottheiconicsingerwouldappearwerepublishedbymultipleoutletsTMZpublishedareportearlieronThursdaysayingthatmultiplesourcestoldtheoutletshewouldbethesurpriseperformerspeculatedHowever,asthefinalnight\u2019sprogrammingwasunderway,arepresentativeforBeyoncetoldtheHollywoodReporterthatshewas\u201cneverscheduledtobethere\u201dandthat\u201cthereportofaperformanceisuntrue\u201dAWashingtonExaminerreporteroverheardattendeesexitingtheUnitedCenterexpressingdisappointmentthesingerdidn\u2019tshow,withoneexclaiming,\u201cButwedidn\u2019tgetBeyonce!\u201dNevertheless,MainedelegateEricBestsaidwhilehewantedto\u201cbeabletobragtomykidsthatIwastherewhenBeyonceshowedup,\u201dhedidnotfeellikehis\u201clifewasdiminishedbythefactthatshedidn't\u201d<\\\/p>

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NewYorkdelegateAliciaHyndman,52,saidshethoughtitwasforthebestthatBeyoncedidn\u2019tshow<\\\/p>

\u201cIfeltifBeyoncecame,itwouldhavebeentoocelebrity,\u201dHyndmansaid\u201cIthinkwouldhavebeenplayingintotheopposition'splaybooklikebigHollywood\u201d<\\\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/beyonce_noshow_dnc.webp?w=696" } {"id":"3085609-1721196000", "title":"Sen. Whitehouse’s attacks on fossil energy producers are incoherent", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F3085609%2Fsen-whitehouse-attacks-fossil-energy-producers-incoherent%2F", "byline":"Benjamin Zycher", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"It might seem difficult to take positions on a prominent issue diametrically opposed and equally preposterous. But Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a man whose Pavlovian opposition to the U.S. fossil energy producers has led him into incoherence rare even by Beltway standards, has achieved just such a magical trick. Whitehouse, the chairman of the Senate […]", "description":""

ItmightseemdifficulttotakepositionsonaprominentissuediametricallyopposedandequallypreposterousButSenSheldonWhitehouse(D-RI),amanwhosePavlovianoppositiontotheUSfossilenergyproducershasledhimintoincoherencerareevenbyBeltwaystandards,hasachievedjustsuchamagicaltrick<\\\/p>

Whitehouse,thechairmanoftheSenateBudgetCommittee,foryearshasaccused<\\\/a>themajorUSfossilenergyproducersofcreatingthepurportedclimate\u201ccrisis\u201dandhidingtheirknowledge<\\\/a>ofanddeceivingthepublic<\\\/a>abouttheimpactsofgreenhousegasemissionsTranslation:Fordecades,theUSfossilenergysectorhasproducedtoomuchenergyandthustoomanygreenhousegasemissions\u00a0<\\\/p>

Alas,thatstanceissoyesterdayWhitehouse\u2019snewargument<\\\/a>isthat\u201coilandgascompaniescouldbeengagingincollusive,anti-competitiveactivitieswithOPEC+thatwouldraisecrudeoilprices\u201dSonowtheUSfossilenergyproducersincahootswithOPEC+mightbeproducingtoolittle\u00a0<\\\/p>

WithrespecttoWhitehouse\u2019scollusionargument:PerhapsWhitehouseshouldcallPresidentJoeBidenasawitnessforaBudgetCommitteehearing,asitwasBidenwhoinOctober2022asked<\\\/a>theSaudistodelayascheduledproductioncutuntilafterthemidtermelections\u00a0<\\\/p>

Moregenerally,itistheBidenadministrationthathastakenhundredsofactions<\\\/a>makingUSfossilenergyproductionmoredifficultandcostlyItistheBidenadministrationthathastriedtohidetheattendantadversepriceeffectsbyusing<\\\/a>theStrategicPetroleumReserve<\\\/a>andothergovernmentstockpiles<\\\/a>tomanipulateshort-runsuppliesinawhollyadhocfashion\u2014thatis,forpurelypoliticalpurposes\u00a0<\\\/p>

IfUSproducersare\u201ccolluding\u201dwithOPEC+torestrictoutput,theyaredoingaratherbadjobofitSinceMarch2021,whenrealUSgrossdomesticproductgrowthwasabout5%,UScrudeoiloutput<\\\/a>hasincreasedby13%USnaturalgasproduction<\\\/a>hasincreasedbymorethan5%USrefinerycapacityutilization<\\\/a>hasincreasedfrom819%to897%,refineryuse<\\\/a>ofcrudeoilandotherinputshasincreasedby107%,andrefineryoutput<\\\/a>ofproductshasincreasedby8%OPEC+output<\\\/a>isaboutthesameasinearly2021,whilenon-USoutput<\\\/a>intherestoftheworldhasincreasedbyalmost4%<\\\/p>

WithrespecttoWhitehouse\u2019sclimate\u201cresponsibility\u201dand\u201cdeception\u201dassertions:USgreenhousegasemissionsfromallcombustionoffossilfuels<\\\/a>areabout74%oftotalUSgreenhousegasemissions<\\\/a>EliminationofallUSfossilfuelcombustionemissionswouldreduceglobaltemperaturesin2100by0077degreesCelcius,applyingtheEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyclimatemodel<\\\/a>underrealisticassumptionsThateffectwouldnotbedetectable<\\\/p>

Accordingly,someoneshouldaskWhitehousetoexplaintheprecisesenseinwhichUSfossilenergyproducersare\u201cresponsible\u201dfortheassertedclimatecrisis(forwhich,bytheway,thereisnoevidence<\\\/a>)ThatistherelevantquestioninparticulargiventhatreducedoutputbyUSproducerswouldbeoffsetlargelyorwhollywithincreasedproductionbyforeignproducers\u00a0<\\\/p>

Whitehousecontinues<\\\/a>,\u201cFordecades,thefossilfuelindustryhasknownabouttheeconomicandclimateharmsofitsproducts\u201dTheIntergovernmentalPanelonClimateChangeinits1990FirstAssessmentReportmadeitclearthatitcouldnotexplainwhytemperatureswerehigher5,000-6,000yearsagodespitenoevidenceofanincreaseingreenhousegasconcentrationsFastforwardtotheSixthAssessmentReport<\\\/a>:IPCCstillcannotnarrowdownthe\u201clikely\u201drangeofclimateeffectsofincreasedgreenhousegasconcentrationsAndtheIPCCclimatemodels<\\\/a>continuetooverstatetheatmospherictemperaturerecordbyafactorofover23<\\\/a>\u00a0<\\\/p>

Inshort,accordingtoWhitehousethefossilenergyproducersfordecadeshave\u201cknown\u201dthingsthatwerenotknownin1990andarenotknownnowTheyareproducingtoolittleenergyandtoomuchSucharetheSchr\u00f6dinger-likefruitsofastancewhollyideological,impervioustofacts,andoblivioustotherealinvestmentandeconomicharmcausedbytheBeltwayblamegame<\\\/p>

Whitehouse\u2019s\u201cinvestigations\u201dhaveproducednousefulinformationbutgobsofBeltwaypropaganda:\u201cIfitisanelectionyear,thefossilenergyproducersmustbeguiltyofsomething\u201dIsthisthebesthecando?Theevidencesaysyes<\\\/p>

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BenjaminZycherisaseniorfellowattheAmericanEnterpriseInstitute<\\\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AP22080625251491.jpg?w=696" } {"id":"3081706-1720960622", "title":"DHS pressed for clarity on Secret Service protocols to ‘assess threats’ after Trump rally shooting", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3081706%2Fdhs-pressed-clarity-secret-service-protocols-trump-rally-shooting%2F", "byline":"Cami Mondeaux", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) is pressing the Department of Homeland Security to provide clarity on how Secret Service members are trained to respond to threats after a shooting broke out at former President Donald Trump’s rally on Saturday. In a letter sent to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Sunday, Green pressed […]", "description":""

HouseHomelandSecurityCommitteeChairmanMarkGreen(R-TN)ispressingtheDepartmentofHomelandSecuritytoprovideclarityonhowSecretServicemembersaretrainedtorespondtothreatsafterashootingbrokeout<\\\/a>atformerPresidentDonaldTrump'srallyonSaturday<\\\/p>

Inaletter<\\\/a>senttoDHSSecretaryAlejandroMayorkasonSunday,GreenpressedthetopBidenadministrationofficialtoprovideinformationoranydocumentationrelatedtosecuritydetailatTrump'srally<\\\/a>inButler,PennsylvaniaGreenpraisedthe\\\"swiftresponse\\\"oftheSecretServicemembersbutarguedtheDHSmustbeinvestigatedforsomereportsthatsuggestthedepartmentrebuffed\\\"multiplerequests\\\"fromTrump'ssecurityteamto\\\"increaseprotectiveservices\\\"aheadoftheevent<\\\/p>

\u201cTheseriousnessofthissecurityfailureandchillingmomentinournation\u2019shistorycannotbeunderstated,\\\"Greenwrote\\\"AstheUSSecretService(USSS)investigates,theCommitteeonHomelandSecurity(Committee)isdedicatedtoconductingrigorousoversighttoensurethattheAmericanpeoplereceiveanswersandpresidentialcandidatesreceiveproperandadequateprotection\\\"<\\\/p>

Greenoutlinedanumberofquestionshewantstobeansweredbythedepartment,includingaccesstoalldocumentsandcommunicationswithintheDHSandSecretServicerelatedto\\\"anypotentialincreaseoradditionofprotectiveresourcestoPresidentTrump\u2019ssecuritydetail\\\"frommid-Novembertothepresentday<\\\/p>

TheletteralsorequestsinformationonSecretService<\\\/a>rulesofengagementprotocols\u201ctoassessandneutralizethreats\u201dafterconcernswereraisedabouthowtheshooter\\\"wasabletoaccessarooftopwithinrangeanddirectlineofsightofwherePresidentTrumpwasspeaking\\\"<\\\/p>

Green'srequestscomeaslawmakersfrombothpartieshaverespondedswiftlytotheshootingandhavebeguntoreconsidersecurityprotocolsinCongressHouseRepublicansarescheduledtohaveabriefingwiththesergeant-at-armsonSundayafternoon,onelawmakertoldtheWashingtonExaminer<\\\/p>

RepsRitchieTorres(D-NY)andMikeLawler(R-NY)alsoannouncedtheywouldbeintroducingabillthatwouldprovideenhancedSecretServiceprotectiontoTrumpaswellasPresidentJoeBidenandRobertFKennedyJr<\\\/a>whileonthecampaigntrail<\\\/p>

\\\"Asreportscontinuetoemerge,it\u2019sclearthatmoreprotectionisneededforallmajorcandidatesforpresident,\\\"thetwosaidinajointstatement\\\"That\u2019swhywe\u2019replanningonintroducingbipartisanlegislationprovidingPresidentJoeBiden,formerPresidentDonaldTrump,andpresidentialcandidateRobertKennedyJrwithenhancedSecretServiceprotectionAnythinglesswouldbeadisservicetoourdemocracy\u201d<\\\/p>

TheFBIidentifiedtheshooterasThomasMatthewCrooks,20,ofBethel,Pennsylvania,onSundaymorningCrooksdiedshortlyaftertheshootingafterbeing\\\"neutralized\\\"bytheSecretService,agencyspokesmanAnthonyGuglielmisaidinastatementAtleastonerallyattendeewasalsokilled<\\\/p>

Trumpwastakentoanearbyhospital<\\\/a>tobetreatedafterconfirminghewaspiercedintheupperpartofhisrightear<\\\/p>

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\u201cIknewimmediatelythatsomethingwaswronginthatIheardawhizzingsound,shots,andimmediatelyfeltthebulletrippingthroughtheskinMuchbleedingtookplace,\u201dhewroteinaTruthSocialPost<\\\/p>

Theformerpresident<\\\/a>isinstableconditionTrumplaterflewtoNewJerseyafterbeingreleasedfromthehospitalHeisexpectedtotraveltoMilwaukeefortheRepublicanNationalConventionthatbeginsonMonday<\\\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/secret-service-44.webp?w=696" } {"id":"3077696-1720701634", "title":"Johnson quiets initial concerns about fundraising prowess by raising $23.5 million in second quarter", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2Fcongressional%2F3077696%2Fjohnson-quiets-initial-concerns-about-fundraising-prowess-by-raising-23-5-million-in-second-quarter%2F", "byline":"Cami Mondeaux", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) raised $23.5 million in the second quarter of 2024, outperforming expectations and continuing to quiet initial concerns about his fundraising prowess when he took the gavel last October. More than $17 million of that haul went toward Johnson’s committees with the remaining $6.5 million going toward individual members and GOP […]", "description":""

HouseSpeakerMikeJohnson<\\\/a>(R-LA)raised$235millioninthesecondquarterof2024,outperformingexpectationsandcontinuingtoquietinitialconcernsabouthisfundraising<\\\/a>prowesswhenhetookthegavellastOctober<\\\/p>

Morethan$17millionofthathaulwenttowardJohnson'scommitteeswiththeremaining$65milliongoingtowardindividualmembersandGOPcandidatesAdditionally,Johnsonhasnowtransferredmorethan$16milliontotheNationalRepublicanCongressionalCommittee<\\\/a>thiscycleaspartofeffortstogrowtheparty'sslimHousemajoritynextyear<\\\/p>

\u201cWithcommonsensesolutions,strongcandidates,andmomentumgrowingeveryday,anotherextraordinaryquartershowsRepublicansareexpandingourbaseandenergizedtowinupanddowntheballotinNovember,\u201dJohnsonsaidinastatement\u201cAswegatherinMilwaukeenextweektoofficiallynominatePresidentDonaldTrump,ourPartyhasneverbeenmoreunifiedandequippedwiththeresourcesneededtogrowtheHousemajority,wintheSenate,andwintheWhiteHouse\u201d<\\\/p>

CLICKHERETOREADMOREFROMTHEWASHINGTONEXAMINER<\\\/a><\\\/p>

Johnson'ssecond-quarterhaulbuildsonotherHouseGOPleaders'fundraisingforatotalof$45millionraisedduringthesecondquarter,whencombiningthespeaker'snumberswithHouseMajorityLeaderSteveScalise(R-LA),MinorityWhipTomEmmer(R-MN),andGOPChairwomanEliseStefanik(R-NY)<\\\/p>

Johnson'sfundraisingstillfallsslightlybehindhispredecessor,formerSpeakerKevinMcCarthy<\\\/a>(R-CA),butthehighnumbersofferhopetoRepublicansthatthespeakerisabletoraiselargesumsforthepartydespiteonlyholdingthegavelforninemonths<\\\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AP24178017398020-scaled.webp?w=696" } {"id":"3074143-1720513167", "title":"State program spends $1 million to get 37 ‘disadvantaged’ people drivers licenses", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3074143%2Fstate-program-spends-1-million-to-get-37-disadvantaged-people-drivers-licenses%2F", "byline":"TJ Martinell | The Center Square", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"(The Center Square) – A program set up in King County through the state Department of Licensing and funded by the state Legislature has spent nearly $1 million teaching “disadvantaged” women to drive, with just 37 women actually obtaining their license in a five-month period. King County contracts with Mujer al Volante, a nonprofit organization in […]", "description":""

(TheCenterSquare)\u00a0\u2013AprogramsetupinKingCountythroughthestateDepartmentofLicensingandfundedbythestateLegislaturehasspentnearly$1millionteaching\u201cdisadvantaged\u201dwomentodrive,withjust37womenactuallyobtainingtheirlicenseinafive-monthperiod<\\\/p>

KingCountycontractswithMujeralVolante,anonprofitorganizationinSeattlethatofferssupportservicestorefugeeandimmigrantwomenIn2022,theLegislaturegaveDOL$350,000toalsocontractwiththenonprofit,withanadditional$2millionappropriatedearlierthisyearinthestatetransportationbudget<\\\/p>

TheDriversLicenseAssistanceProgram\u201cTakingtheSteeringWheelofMyLife\u201dprovidesqualifyingapplicantsassistancetowardobtainingadriver\u2019slicenseToqualify,apersonmustbeawomanor\u201cnonbinary,\u201danimmigrant,asylee,orrefugee,andbeclassifiedas\\\"low-income\\\"<\\\/p>

SincetheprogramstartedinDecember,therehavebeen522individualswhohavegonethroughtheprogramHowever,just37ofthemhavesuccessfullypassedthewrittenanddrivingexamsInJanuary,therewere101participantsandonlyoneofthemobtainedtheirlicenseInApril,therewere132participants,13ofwhichgottheirlicense<\\\/p>

WhenTheCenterSquarereachedouttoDOLforcomment,CommunicationsManagerChristineAnthonywrotethat\u201cwecontractedwithMujeralVolanteinDecemberof2023,andthisisthefirstreporttotheLegislatureThisisanewprogramweareadministering,andwewillcontinuetoworkwiththeorganizationandmonitortheirprogress\u201d<\\\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/AP24014160536170-1-scaled.jpg?w=696" } {"id":"3072819-1720443053", "title":"Sorry, progressives, but facts can’t be racist", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F3072819%2Fsorry-progressives-but-facts-cant-be-racist%2F", "byline":"Brad Polumbo", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Facts cannot be racist. But that hasn’t stopped many liberal media figures and Democratic politicians from trying to insist otherwise after one conservative writer dared to point out what we all know about Vice President Kamala Harris: She wouldn’t be where she is now without the movement for DEI, also known as diversity, equity, and […]", "description":""

FactscannotberacistButthathasn\u2019tstoppedmanyliberalmedia<\\\/a>figuresandDemocraticpoliticiansfromtryingtoinsistotherwiseafteroneconservativewriterdaredtopointoutwhatweallknowaboutVicePresidentKamalaHarris<\\\/a>:Shewouldn\u2019tbewheresheisnowwithoutthemovementforDEI<\\\/a>,alsoknownasdiversity,equity,andinclusion\u00a0<\\\/p>

Inanarticle<\\\/a>thatwentviral,CharlesGasparinowrotethatifsheissuccessfullyputforwardasPresidentJoeBiden\u2019s<\\\/a>successor,Harriswillbe\u201cthecountry\u2019sfirstDEIpresident\u201dSufficeittosay,thisdidnotgooverwell\u00a0<\\\/p>

GovGavinNewsom(D-CA)tweeted<\\\/a>outtheheadlineandsaid,\u201cThisisstraight-upracist\u201d\u00a0<\\\/p>

Meanwhile,theaccount\u201cRacismWatchDog\u201dsharedthearticleandsaid<\\\/a>,\u201cBarkbarkbark,\u201dinapostthat47millionpeoplehaveseen\u00a0<\\\/p>

Anotherviraltweet<\\\/a>accusedthearticleof\u201cfindingawaytospellthenwordwithonly3characters\u201d<\\\/p>

Yougettheidea:HowdareconservativeslabelKamalaHarrisadiversitypickThat\u2019sobviouslyracistandhateful! <\\\/p>

There\u2019sjustoneproblem,howeverItisafactthatHarriswasselectedtobeBiden\u2019svicepresidentinpartduetoherraceandgenderItisafactthatifshehadbeenawhitemalebutotherwiseremainedaCaliforniasenator,Harrisneverwould\u2019vebeenselectedashisrunningmate\u00a0<\\\/p>

Youdon\u2019thavetotakemywordforitJustaskBidenDuringthe2020presidentialcampaign,Bidenopenlysaid,inexplicitterms<\\\/a>,thathewasonlyconsideringwomentobehisvicepresident,andhestronglyimplied<\\\/a>thathewouldfavorawomanofcolor\u00a0<\\\/p>

That\u2019sright:Weknowforafactthat,butforhergender,Harrisneverwould\u2019vebeenselectedasvicepresident(Andifnotforthat,shecertainlywouldn\u2019tbeattheforefrontoftheconversationforapotentialBidenreplacement)So,tocallheradiversityor\u201cDEI\u201dpickisnotanopinionthatcanbecharacterizedasracist:Itisanobservationofafact\u00a0<\\\/p>

WhenIpointedthisoutonX,manyofthesameliberalsandprogressivesgotupsetwithmeaswell <\\\/p>

ButafactthatupsetspeoplecontinuestobeafactAndnoneoftheircounterargumentschangethefactthatHarris,nomatterhowonefeelsaboutit,oweshercurrentpositioninparttotheDemocrats\u2019blatantidentitypoliticsandopenlydiscriminatorypursuitofdiversity\u00a0<\\\/p>

SomecriticspointedoutthatHarrisisn\u2019tunqualifiedforvicepresident,arguingthatasaformersenatorandstateattorneygeneral,shehassimilarqualificationstopastvicepresidentialpicks,suchasBidenwhenheservedunderPresidentBarackObamaYetthisissomethingofanonsequiturbecausetosaythatHarriswasadiversityselectionisnottosayshe\u2019stotallyunqualifiedforthejob\u00a0<\\\/p>

Forexample,SupremeCourtJusticeKetanjiBrownJacksonisobjectivelya\u201cdiversitypick\u201dbecauseBidenopenlysaidhewasonlyconsideringblackwomenforthejobYetJacksonisalsoeminentlyqualifiedfortheposition\u2014shewassimplyelevatedaboveothersduetoherimmutablecharacteristicsThesetwothingscananddocoexistwithregularity\u00a0<\\\/p>

DEIpicksrarely,ifever,resultinasituationwheresomeonetotallyunqualifiedispickedforajobButsomeoneisadiversityhireif,butforherimmutablecharacteristics,shewouldnothavebeengiventheroleunderastrictlymeritocraticselectionAndthatisalmostcertainlythecaseforHarrisAfterall,accordingtoBidenhimself,shewasselectedthroughaprocessinwhichmorethanhalfofthealternatives,males,wereruledoutduetotheirgenderandwhitefemaleswereseeminglydisfavoredThatleftonlyherandahandfulofotherminoritywomen<\\\/a>whowerehigh-rankingDemocraticofficialsfromwhichBidencouldchoose<\\\/p>

Andbeyondheridentity,Harrisdidn\u2019taddmuchtotheticketShewasn\u2019tfromaswingstateShehadneverwonacompetitiveelectionagainstaRepublicanShewasn\u2019tpopularwiththeDemocraticbase,havingfailedhorrificallyinherownpresidentialbidShewasn\u2019tevenpopularintheprimarywithblackvoters,agroupfromwhomBidenalreadyhadstrongsupportAndshewaspronetocringeworthymomentsandhadthecampaigntrailcharismaofawettowel\u00a0<\\\/p>

Harris\u2019smain\u201cvalueadd\u201dforBiden\u2019sticketwasthatshewasawomanofcolorWeallknewitthen,andweallknowitnow <\\\/p>

AnothercounterargumentisthatvicepresidentsareoftenselectedduetofactorsnotdirectlyrelatedtomeritThatmaybetrue,butitshouldn\u2019tbeAnditdoesn\u2019tmakeracialfavoritismanylessmorallydetestableItalsodoesn\u2019tmakethechargethatHarrisisaDEIpicklesstrueIfanything,itjustofferscontexttobetterunderstandthesignificanceofthistruth\u00a0<\\\/p>

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So,too,somecriticshaveyelled,\u201cButTrump!\u201d,astheyarewonttodo,andtheyhavepointedoutthatPresidentDonaldTrumpdidsomethingsimilarwhenheappointedSupremeCourtJusticeAmyConeyBarrettafterpromisingtoappointawomanYetthiswhataboutismisn\u2019tarefutationoftheactualchargeItjustmeansthatBarrettwasalsoaDEIpick,assomeacknowledgedatthetime(IftheirpointwasjustthatRepublicanscanbehypocrites,they\u2019dhavenoargumentfromme!)<\\\/p>

WesimplycannotletDemocratsandprogressivesmakenoticingfactstheyfindinconvenientoff-limitsbythrowingaroundfalsechargesofracismNomatterhowhardsomeontheLeftinsist,factscanneverberacist,andthemomentwecavetothatridiculousframing,welosetheabilitytodiscussthetruthandcedethepoliticalconversationtowhoeveriswillingtocry\u201cvictim\u201dtheloudest <\\\/p>

BradPolumbo(@Brad_Polumbo<\\\/a>)isanindependentjournalist,YouTuber<\\\/a>,andaco-founderofBASEDPolitics<\\\/a><\\\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/AP24188824437913-scaled.webp?w=696" } {"id":"3071849-1720418400", "title":"Increasing economic growth should be top priority", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F3071849%2Fincreasing-economic-growth-should-be-top-priority%2F", "byline":"Bruce Thompson", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"For the past three and a half years, the U.S. economy has struggled under the economic policies of the Biden administration and congressional Democrats.  Increased taxes, spending, deficits, and debt have produced higher prices, lower wages, soaring interest rates, and slower economic growth. For typical American families, the Biden administration’s policies have resulted in lower […]", "description":""

Forthepastthreeandahalfyears,theUSeconomy<\\\/a>hasstruggledundertheeconomic<\\\/a>policiesoftheBidenadministration<\\\/a>andcongressionalDemocrats\u00a0<\\\/p>

Increasedtaxes,spending,deficits,anddebthaveproducedhigherprices,lowerwages,soaringinterestrates,andslowereconomicgrowthFortypicalAmericanfamilies,theBidenadministration'spolicieshaveresultedinlowerstandardsoflivinganddashedhopesofabetterfuture <\\\/p>

Whiletheinflation<\\\/a>ratehaseasedfromits91%peak,thehighestlevelin40years,pricesarestillup20%sinceBidentookoffice,faroutpacingtheincreaseinwages<\\\/p>

MillionsofAmericansarefinanciallystressed,unabletobuyahome,payofftheirdebt,orsaveforthefuture<\\\/a>Householddebt<\\\/a>isatanall-timehigh,up$3trillion,or21%,sincethefirstquarterof2021\u00a0<\\\/p>

Alongwiththesehighprices,theUSeconomyisstuckinaslowgrowthrutThelatestnumbers<\\\/a>showtheeconomyisslowingunderhighinterestratesandpersistentinflation,withpersonalspendingandcapitalgoodsordersweakening\u00a0<\\\/p>

Realgrossdomesticproduct(GDP)grewatonly14%<\\\/a>\u00a0lastquarter,theslowestgrowthinnearlytwoyearsInthelastninequarters,economicgrowthhasaveragedonlyhalfourhistoricgrowthrate\u00a0<\\\/p>

TheUSneedstoadoptpro-growthpoliciestoencouragefastereconomicgrowthButifBidenandcongressionalDemocratsaregivenanotherchanceinNovember,wefaceevenhighertaxes,morespending,andslowergrowthTheyarealreadyplanningtoleveragethe2025<\\\/a>debateoverextendingthe2017taxcutstoforcethelargesttaxincreaseinourhistory\u00a0<\\\/p>

TheyaredraftingplanstoraisetaxesonindividualtaxpayersandAmericanbusinesses,actions,whichcouldtiptheeconomyintoarecessionandresultinlargerdeficitsanddebt<\\\/a><\\\/p>

TheBidenadministration\u2019smostharmfulproposalwouldraisetheUScorporatetaxratetooneofthehighestintheworldThiswouldbeamajoreconomicmistakeIncreasingthecorporaterateisthemosteconomicallydamagingtaxincrease,andraisingthistax<\\\/a>inaweakeconomywouldcauseittolosemorerevenuethanitgained,likelytriggeringaneventualeconomiccollapse<\\\/p>

Numerousstudieshaveshownthatraisingthecorporateratewouldhaveaharmfuleffectonworkingfamilies,loweringtheirwagesandincomes,increasingthepricestheypay,andreducingtheirretirement<\\\/a>\u00a0savingsAFederalReservestudy<\\\/a>foundthatahighercorporatetaxratewouldbe\u201cuniformlyharmful\u201dtoworkingpeople,leadingto\u201csignificantreductions\u201cintheirjobsandincomes<\\\/p>

IncreasingthecorporatetaxratewouldalsoputUScompaniesatasignificantcompetitivedisadvantageagainstourglobalcompetitorsUndertheBidenadministration,theUSrate<\\\/a>wouldbehigherthaneveryothercountrywecompeteagainst,reducinginvestmentinAmericaandshiftingprofitsandjobsoverseas\u00a0<\\\/p>

Americansfacedsimilarfinancialchallengesofhighprices,stagnantgrowth,andsoaringtaxesandspending44yearsagoTheRepublicanPartyplatformin1980statedthatnothingwasmoreimportantthaneconomicgrowth,andendorsedtheReaganeconomicrecoveryprogram<\\\/a>oflowertaxratesandspendingcuts\u00a0<\\\/p>

Oncepassed,theReagantaxcuts<\\\/a>andspendingreformskickedoffaneconomicboom,withrealGDPgrowthreaching\u00a07%in1983and8%in1984,andaveragingnearly5%ayearthrough1988Inflationdroppedfrom11%to4%andnearly20millionjobswerecreatedinthelargestpeacetimeexpansioninUShistory\u00a0<\\\/p>

TheReagantaxcutsweremodeledaftertheKennedytaxcutsinthe1960s,whichalsosetoffaneconomicgrowthboom,withrealgrowthaveragingmorethan5%ayearTheReagan-Kennedytaxcutsledtoextendedperiodsofunprecedentedeconomicgrowth<\\\/a>andahigherstandardoflivingforallAmericans\u00a0<\\\/p>

Underourcurrentpathofhightaxesandspending,theeconomicoutlookisdimTheCongressionalBudgetOffice(CBO)isforecasting<\\\/a>10yearsofdismalandweakgrowthaveraging18%ayear,\u00a0muchlowerthanthe35%averageannualgrowththeUSexperiencedfrom1960to2000Ifthathappens,wewillhaveadecadeoflowerincomes,fewerjobs,andcountlesslostopportunities<\\\/a>\u00a0<\\\/p>

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ButitdoesnothavetobethiswayAswehaveseen,aneconomicpolicyoflowtaxratesandfiscalrestraintcanincreaseinvestment,productivity,andoutput,leadingtohigherincomesandfastergrowthPro-growthtaxpoliciesthatincreasetheincentivetowork,save,andinvest,alongwithspendingrestraint,wouldimproveeconomicgrowth,gettingusoutofourslowgrowthrutandreturningtheeconomytoitshistoricgrowthrate<\\\/a> <\\\/p>

Highereconomicgrowthwouldgeneratetrillionsofdollarsofeconomicactivity,leadingtohigherwagesandincomes,betterjobsandopportunities,andmoreprosperityforallAmericansWecannotsettleforanother10yearsofsubpargrowthIncreasingeconomicgrowthshouldbeourtoppriority <\\\/p>

BruceThompsonwasaUSSenateaide,assistantsecretaryofTreasuryforlegislativeaffairs,andthedirectorofgovernmentrelationsforMerrillLynchfor22years<\\\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AP23315572079441.jpg?w=696" } {"id":"3069418-1720072800", "title":"Is the American dream dead? My family’s story proves otherwise", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F3069418%2Fis-the-american-dream-dead-my-familys-story-proves-otherwise%2F", "byline":"Hera Varmah", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The American dream has been woven into countless narratives throughout my life, shaped by the inspiring stories shared by my family members and friends who came to the United States in search of a better life. This Independence Day, it might be tempting to think this dream is now elusive as division and discouragement spread across […]", "description":""

TheAmericandreamhasbeenwovenintocountlessnarrativesthroughoutmylife,shapedbytheinspiringstoriessharedbymyfamilymembersandfriendswhocametotheUnitedStatesinsearchofabetterlifeThisIndependenceDay<\\\/a>,itmightbetemptingtothinkthisdreamisnowelusive asdivision<\\\/a>anddiscouragement<\\\/a>spreadacrossourcountry<\\\/p>

Butmylifeprovesitcanstillbeareality\u2014ifwestrivetomakeitone <\\\/p>

Thoseofusfromimmigrantcommunitiesarefamiliarwiththepromiseofopportunity,enshrinedbytheFoundingFathersintheDeclarationofIndependenceandencapsulatedintheidealsoflife,liberty,andthepursuitofhappinessFamilieslikeminehaveworkedurgentlytorealizethispromise<\\\/p>

Growingup,myfamilyof12childrenborntoimmigrantparentsfacedmanyobstaclesWecouldhavetakenthewrongpath,butwewerefortunatetoliveinastatethatgaveusaccesstoatop-tiereducationatCatholicprivateschools,magnetschools,andtraditionalpublicschools,inwhicheachofusfoundwhatweneededtochaseourdreams <\\\/p>

Asayounggirl,Ididn\u2019tbelieveIwasintelligentorthatIcouldexcelinschoolEventhoughmyparentshadfaithinme,IwasconvincedIwouldfailIfocusedonsports,thinkingitwastheonlyareainwhichIcouldsucceedIthoughtmysiblingswouldgoontobesuccessfulwhileIremainedstuckinpoverty<\\\/p>

Butthankstoscholarshipopportunitiesinmystate,Imetteacherswhosawmypotentialandsupportedme,helpingmegainconfidenceAndIwasabletobuildfriendshipswithothersfromdifferentbackgroundsandbeliefsystems <\\\/p>

Today,Iamacollegegraduateworkingatanationalpolicyorganization,fightingforchildrenlikemeIwentfromfeelinginadequateasayounggirltotestifyingbeforeCongressatage24\u00a0<\\\/p>

MysiblingsandIareafulfillmentofmygrandparents\u2019dreamsWeallhavedifferentopinions,careers,hopes,anddreams,butweareallachievingourgoalsFourofusarecollegegraduates,twoareengineers,oneisinmedicalschool,sixareuniversitystudents,andtwoarehighschoolstudents <\\\/p>

ThisIndependenceDay,Iwantmyfamily\u2019sstorytobethenorm,notanexception<\\\/p>

Iwantmygenerationtoreignitethespiritofstrivingforgreatnessintheircareers,nurturingtheirfamilies,orpursuingwhateverversionoftheAmericandreamtheymightholdNegativityanddoommaydrivenewscycles,butsuccessstoriesaboundwhenchildrenaregivenopportunityWemustsharethesestories\u2014andmakethempossible<\\\/p>

ConsidermyfriendandcolleagueGissell,afirst-generationAmericanborninDelawarebutraisedinMexicointheearly2000sAt14yearsold,shereturnedwithoutherparentstoMilwaukee,Wisconsin,topursuehereducationThankstoCristoReyJesuitHighSchool,whichshewasabletoattendbecauseofWisconsin\u2019sschoolchoiceprogram,Gissellovercamenumerousobstacles,includingthedifficultdecisiontoforgoafullscholarshiptoGeorgetownUniversitytobringhertwoteenagesistersfromMexicoinsteadandcareforthem <\\\/p>

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ShewentontoearnadoublefullscholarshiptoMarquetteUniversityandbecamethefirstcollegegraduateinherfamilythisMaySheisstillbuildingherAmericandreamasshepursuesacareerinpolicy<\\\/p>

OurstoriesprovetheAmericandreamisaliveandwellifonlywegivechildrenthechancetochaseitThismeansgrantingthemaccesstoqualityeducationandopportunitiesregardlessoftheirbackgroundorZIPcodeThisIndependenceDay,let\u2019srededicateourselvestothatgoal<\\\/p>

HeraVarmahisagraduateofFlorida\u2019staxcreditscholarshipprogramsandanexternalrelationsassociateattheAmericanFederationforChildren<\\\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/iStock-1399726385.jpg?w=696" } {"id":"3069580-1720021085", "title":"Three times Biden disregarded the ‘limits of presidential power’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F3069580%2Fthree-times-biden-disregarded-the-limits-of-presidential-power%2F", "byline":"Andrea Ruth", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Fresh off his humiliating performance at the presidential debate, President Joe Biden found the energy to deliver brief remarks to a nationally televised audience over the Supreme Court‘s presidential immunity case.  In a four-minute address that resembled a campaign ad more than a formal statement, Biden, who took no questions, condemned the Supreme Court’s decision. […]", "description":""

Freshoffhishumiliatingperformanceatthepresidentialdebate,PresidentJoeBiden<\\\/a>foundtheenergytodeliverbriefremarkstoanationallytelevisedaudienceovertheSupremeCourt<\\\/a>'spresidentialimmunitycase\u00a0<\\\/p>

Inafour-minuteaddressthatresembledacampaignadmorethanaformalstatement,Biden,whotooknoquestions,condemnedtheSupremeCourt'sdecisionHiscommentsechoedthoseofJusticeSoniaSotomayor<\\\/a>,employingfear-inducinglanguagesuchas\\\"fundamentallychanged\\\"andotherphrasessuggestingasignificantshiftbutalsoallowingforpossibleretreats,suchas\\\"forallpracticalpurposes,\\\"\\\"almostcertainly,\\\"and\\\"virtuallynolimits\\\"<\\\/p>

OnethingBidensaidstoodout<\\\/a>\\\"IknowIwillrespectthelimitsofthepresidentialpower,asIhaveforthreeandahalfyears,\\\"hesaid<\\\/p>

ThisstatementisinstarkcontrasttohisactionsInreality,thepresidenthasconsistentlypushedtheboundariesofhispower,particularlyduringthefirsttwoyearsofhispresidency,whenhefrequentlydisregardedtheseparationofpowers <\\\/p>

Rentmoratorium<\\\/p>

ThefirstinstanceinwhichBidenignoredthelimitsofpresidentialpowerwaswhenheallowedtheCOVID-erarentmoratoriumtoremaininplaceHewonaninitial5-4decisionStill,JusticeBrettKavanaugh<\\\/a>warnedheonlyallowedittocontinuetomaintainanorderlytransitionandthatanyfurtherreliefwouldrequire\\\"clearandspecificcongressionalauthorization(vianewlegislation)\\\"TheBidenadministrationignoredthewarningandtriedtoextendthemoratoriumagainTheSupremeCourtstruckitdown\u00a0<\\\/p>

Vaccinemandate<\\\/p>

Inanotherinstance,theBidenadministrationattemptedtoforceprivatecompaniestomandateemployeevaccinations,arguingithadtheauthoritytouseOccupationalSafetyandHealthAdministrationregulationstoenforceitTheSupremeCourtdisagreed,strikingdownthemandateandrulingtheagencyexceededitsauthorityThecourtwrote,\\\"AlthoughCongress<\\\/a>hasindisputablygivenOSHAthepowertoregulateoccupationaldangers,ithasnotgiventhatagencythepowertoregulatepublichealthmorebroadly\\\"\u00a0<\\\/p>

Studentdebtrelief<\\\/p>

Thoughacademics,scholars,andformerHouseSpeakerNancyPelosisaidBidendidnothavetheauthoritytoimplementstudentdebtreliefunilaterally,thepresidentchosetodoitanywayOnceagain,theSupremeCourttoldhim\\\"no,\\\"remindinghiminyetanotherinstancethathewasnotrespectingthelimitsofpresidentialpowerChiefJusticeJohnRoberts<\\\/a>rejectedtheadministration'sargumentithadauthorityunderthe2003HEROESActtoimplementtheplanRobertswrote,\\\"Thequestionhereisnotwhethersomethingshouldbedone;itiswhohastheauthoritytodoit\\\"\u00a0<\\\/p>

Thecourtinvokedthe\\\"majorquestion\\\"doctrine,whichstatesthatifCongresswantstogiveagenciestheauthoritytomakedecisionsofvasteconomicandpoliticalsignificance,itmustsaysoclearlyRobertssaidtheHEROESActdidn'tauthorizedebtreliefatall <\\\/p>

RatherthangotoCongressandasklawmakerstodraftlegislationfordebtrelief,BidenattemptedabackdoortoimplementstudentdebtforgivenessTheadministrationdevisedanewschemeitfeltwouldinsulateitfromjudicialreviewBidenhadtheaudacitytoboastaboutitHesaid,\\\"TheSupremeCourtblockedme,butitdidnotstopme\\\" <\\\/p>

However,twofederaljudgesinseparatestates,KansasandMissouri,blockedthenewSavingonaValuableEducationplanenactedbytheDepartmentofEducation<\\\/a>Statessued,arguingtheadministrationonceagainoversteppeditsauthorityWhilethe10thCircuitCourtofAppealstemporarilyliftedtheKansasjudge'sbanonthenewrepaymentplan,theinjunctionisstillinplaceinMissouriThejudgesinbothcasessaidtheadministrationcouldnotshowCongressauthorizedthenewplan\u00a0<\\\/p>

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Thejudgesinthetwocases,USDistrictJudgeDanielDCrabtreeinKansasandUSDistrictJudgeJohnARossinMissouri,werebothappointedbyPresidentBarackObama<\\\/a>So,anycomplaintsteamBidenmighthaveaboutthejudges'politicalmotivationsfallflat<\\\/p>

PointingouthowwrongformerPresidentDonaldTrumpiswhenitcomestorestraintsonexecutivepowerisnotavalidwayforBidentoexcusehislackofrestraint,anditisabald-facedlieforhimtosayhe'srespectedthelimitsofpresidentialpowerduringhisterm<\\\/p>

AndreaRuthisacontributortothe WashingtonExaminer magazine<\\\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/AP24184012822003-scaled.webp?w=696" } {"id":"3065773-1719900000", "title":"Fairfax County Public Schools leadership displays disdain for parents — again", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F3065773%2Ffairfax-county-public-schools-leadership-displays-disdain-for-parents-again%2F", "byline":"Stephanie Lundquist-Arora", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Last Thursday, as the first presidential debate was making national headlines, Fairfax County School Board members held a meeting during which they voted on controversial changes to family life education curriculum. The takeaway for the few of us able to attend or watch it virtually was that the district’s leadership hates parents — or, at […]", "description":""

LastThursday,asthefirstpresidentialdebate<\\\/a>wasmakingnationalheadlines,FairfaxCountySchoolBoard<\\\/a>membersheldameetingduringwhichtheyvotedoncontroversialchangestofamilylifeeducationcurriculumThetakeawayforthefewofusabletoattendorwatchitvirtuallywasthatthedistrict\u2019sleadershiphatesparents\u2014or,attheveryleast,isseverelyinconveniencedbyus<\\\/p>

DarcyHealy,oneofthespeakersduringpubliccomment,deliveredanimpassionedstatementthatrepresentshowmanyparentsinFairfaxCountyarefeelingShesaid<\\\/a>,\u201cWeareparents,andwewantyoutolistentous,butwefeelthatthat\u2019sjustnothappening\u2026ThesurveythatwasdoneinMayandJune[shows]80%areagainstthisco-edsituationLet\u2019scontinuetodebatethisDon\u2019tdoitoverthesummerAnddon\u2019tdothevoteontheeveningofthepresidentialdebateThisisanimportanttopicShowusthatyouwantittobeimportant\u201d<\\\/p>

HealyisrightInsurveysboththisyear<\\\/a>andlastyear<\\\/a>,parentsandcommunitymembersmadeitclearthattheydidnotsupportco-edsexeducationorgenderideologyinstructionintheirchildren\u2019selementaryclassroomsSeveralcommunitymembersmadethisexactpointduringthelasttwoschoolboardmeetings\u2019publiccommentperiodsonJune13andJune27<\\\/p>

Insteadofbeinginclusiveandacceptingcommunityfeedback,theFairfaxCountySchoolBoardwashostile\u2014mostnotablyamongthem,theboard\u2019svicechairwoman,MelanieMeren<\\\/a><\\\/p>

First,Merenspokeindignantlyaboutthecurriculum\u2019sopt-outoptionShesaid<\\\/a>,\u201cAnd,youknow,whatIwanttoconveyisthatweneedtomakedecisionsofcurriculumforthebenefitof,youknow,asmanychildrenaspossibleAndthisiswhyparentsandfamilieshavetheoptiontooptoutiftheydon\u2019tfeelthecontentisappropriatefortheirchildrenwhenitcomestofamilylifeeducation\u201d<\\\/p>

Butwhyincludeunwanted,politicalnonsensesuchasgenderideologyinapublicschooldistrict\u2019ssexeducationcurriculumandthenplacetheburdenofoptingoutontheparents?Here\u2019swhy:becausedistrictleadershipknowsthatmanyparentsarepreoccupiedwithourmanyotherobligationsandwillforgettocompletetheextraadministrativetaskofoptingoutourchildrenfromcurriculumlessons<\\\/p>

Districtleadersshouldnotbeexperimentingwithourchildren,butsincetheyseemtoinsistondoingso,thiscurriculumshouldrequireparentstooptinratherthanoptout<\\\/p>

Merenthendeliveredanangryrantabouttheillegitimacyofthecommunity\u2019sfeedbackmechanismsShesaid<\\\/a>,\u201cIalsodowanttounderscorethatthecommentsthathavebeenreferredtoasasurvey,um,itactuallywasnotasurveyTherewasacallforpubliccomments\u2026TherewasalsonotamethodologytoensurethatcommentswereuniquecontributorsSo,ofthe2,500comments,it\u2019sunknownhowmanywerecontributedmorethanonce\u201d<\\\/p>

Thetakeawayisthatifthedistrict\u2019sleadersdon\u2019tlikecommunityfeedback,theyblamethecommentforumLastyear,forexample,KarlFrisch<\\\/a>,theschoolboardchairman,similarlydismissed<\\\/a>thesurveyasfeedbackfrom\u201cRedditwarriors\u201d<\\\/p>

Incontrast,IlryongMoon,aschoolboardmemberwhodoesnotappeartobecompletelydisgustedandinconveniencedbythedistrict\u2019sparents,seemedtorealizetheabsurdityofhiscolleagues\u2019commentsrightawayTheat-largememberresponded<\\\/a>thatiftherewasaproblemwiththefeedbackmechanismforcommunityinput,itwastheboard\u2019sresponsibilitytofixtheprocessMoonfurthersaidhevaluedcommunityinputandthankedthe2,539surveyrespondentsfortheirtime<\\\/p>

Unfortunately,inspiteofthenegativefeedbackontheproposal,schoolboardmembers,includingMoon,votedtoincludegenderideologyinstructionintheseventhgradefamilylifeeducationcurriculumAndtheydidnotvoteagainstgenderideologyindoctrinationforelementaryschoolchildrenTheyinsteadpostponedthatdecision\u2014perhapsinthehopesthattheycanpassitwhenfewerparentsarepayingattention<\\\/p>

Orevenworse,theywillincludesuchmeasuressurreptitiouslyandwithoutavoteActingonher\u201cmajoritydoesn\u2019talwaysdictate\u201dphilosophy,FairfaxCountyPublicSchoolsSuperintendentMichelleReidhasalreadyusedaback-door,anti-democratic,administrativemethodtointroduceco-edinstructionforsexeducationinthedistrict\u2019snewpilotprogram<\\\/a>in14elementaryschoolsthatshelikelyintendstoexpand\u00a0<\\\/p>

Andso,toHealyIsay,Ifeelyourpain,andwewillcontinuetodebatethisButsadly,itseemsthatReid,Frisch,Meren,andtheirtyrannicalleftistactivistminorityhavealreadydecidedwhatisbestforourchildrenTheyseemtobelievethatwe,theparents,areroadblocksobstructingtheirpath,tobecircumventedorrunover<\\\/p>

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StephanieLundquist-AroraisacontributorfortheWashingtonExaminer,amotherinFairfaxCounty,Virginia,anauthor,andtheFairfaxchapterleaderoftheIndependentWomen\u2019sNetwork<\\\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/iStock-473628448-scaled.jpg?w=696" } {"id":"3060911-1719468000", "title":"How Ben Sasse could transform education", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F3060911%2Fhow-ben-sasse-could-transform-education%2F", "byline":"Max Eden", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"In late 2022, former Republican Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse was appointed president of the University of Florida. The media mostly ran with artificially inflated stories of student protests. But Sasse’s supporters were optimistic that he could prove a transformative leader.  To date, he’s kept a relatively low public profile. But Sasse has just been handed […]", "description":""

Inlate2022,formerRepublicanNebraska<\\\/a>SenBenSassewasappointedpresidentoftheUniversityofFloridaThemediamostlyranwithartificiallyinflatedstoriesofstudentprotestsButSasse\u2019ssupporterswereoptimisticthathecouldproveatransformativeleader\u00a0<\\\/p>

Todate,he\u2019skeptarelativelylowpublicprofileButSassehasjustbeenhandedagoldenopportunitytoremodelnotonlyhighereducation,butsubstantiallyimprovepublicK-12educationalongwithitWeshouldknowsoonwhetherhe\u2019lltakeit<\\\/p>

Fordecades,conservativeshavecomplainedaboutteachers\u2019colleges,whereeducatorsandadministratorsmustreceivecertificationTheevidenceprovesthatthey\u2019reawasteoftimeandmoneythatconfersnobenefitonnewteachersWorsethanthat,they\u2019vedevolvedintolittlemorethancriticalracetheory-indoctrinationcampsIt\u2019sratherinsanethatredstatesstillrequireteacherstobesteepedinanti-white,anti-American,anti-achievementdogmabeforeenteringapublicschoolclassroom<\\\/p>

Butmostdo,forthreereasonsFirst,statelegislatorstendtobeintimidatedbypeoplewhohave\u201cPhD\u2019s,\u201deveniftheyhavePhD\u2019sinnonsenseSecond,legislatorsaretypicallyreticenttorocktheboatattheiralmamatersAndthird,eveniflegislatorshadthewill,transformationalleaderswhocouldoverhaulateachers\u2019collegearefewandfarbetween<\\\/p>

Noneoftheselimitingconditions,however,applytotheUF<\\\/p>

TheFloridalegislaturepassedHouseBill1291lastmonth,whichmandatesthatstate-approvedteacher-preparationprogramsmaynotbe\u201cbasedontheoriesthatsystemicracism,sexism,oppression,andprivilegeareinherentintheinstitutionsoftheUnitedStates\u201dInstead,theseprogramsmustteach\u201cmasteryofacademicprogramcontent\u201dand\u201cinstructionalstrategies\u201dFancythat\u2014schoolsofeducationthatteachteacherstoteach,ratherthanbesocialjusticewarriorsThislawgoesintoeffectonJuly1<\\\/p>

AstheClaremontInstituterecentlydocumented<\\\/a>,theUF\u2019sCollegeofEducationisradicallyoutofcompliancewithstatelawUF\u2019sCollegeofEducationwentaswokeasanyteachers\u2019collegecouldget\u2014rightunderDeSantis\u2019snoseIn2020,itjettisonedrequirementsforthingssuchas\u201cCoreTeachingStrategies,\u201d\u201cMusicfortheElementaryChild,\u201dand\u201cArtEducation\u201dwith,respectively,\u201cEquityPedagogyFoundations,\u201d\u201cEquityPedagogyApplications\u201dand\u201cStudyingEquityPedagogy\u201dMathandscience?Theysimplyweren\u2019t\u201cinclusive\u201denough<\\\/p>

Whichistosay\u2014everythingwasinfusedwithCRTRequiredcoursereadingsincludethingssuchas\u201cTheFirstDayofSchool:ACRTStory,\u201d\u201cWhiteGirlTeaching,\u201d\u201cRaisingRaceQuestions:WhitenessandInquiryinEducation,\u201dandrequiredvideosincludedonecalled\u201cTheUrgencyofIntersectionality\u201d<\\\/p>

So,whatwillSassedo?Atraditionalcollegepresidentwouldtrytoruninterferenceforhisinstitution,makecosmeticchanges,anddohisbesttocontinuetoviolatethespiritofthelawwhilepretendingtoadheretoitsletterSassedoesn\u2019tneedtoplayitthisway,thoughHecan,andshould,seethatbetweentheFloridalawandtheClaremontreporthehasbeendealttwoaces<\\\/p>

Bygoinghard-wokerightunderDeSantis\u2019snose,theleadershipofUF\u2019sCollegeofEducationhasclearlyindicatedthattheydon\u2019tseethemselvesasFloridastategovernmentemployeesSo,theyshouldn\u2019tbeTheyshouldallbefiredTheCollegeofEducationshouldbefundamentallyreworked,roottobranch<\\\/p>

ThepossibilitieshereareincredibleAtminimum,Sassecouldrequirehisteachers\u2019collegetoactuallyhelpteachersteachBestpracticesinclassroommanagementandstudentdiscipline,rigorousinstructioninthescienceofreading,andadditionalcontentareaknowledgeforscience,math,orhistoryteachersshouldbeatoppriority<\\\/p>

ButUFcouldgofarbeyondteachingthebasicsFloridahasaburgeoningprivateandmicro-schoolsectorthankstoitsuniversaleducationsavingsaccountUFcouldofferateacherentrepreneurshiptrackFlorida\u2019sclassicaleducationsector,inparticular,isthrivingUFcouldofferteachersrigoroustraininginclassicalmethodsAndbelieveitornot,teachersarerarelytrainedtoactuallydeliveraparticularcurriculumUFcoulddothat,too<\\\/p>

WhymustateachermovetoGainesvilletogetaUFdegree?UFcouldsetupsatellitecentersineveryFloridacounty,andreworktheirprogramtosupportteacherapprenticeshipsWhat\u2019smore\u2014whylimitthattoFlorida?Withteachercertificationreciprocityagreements,UFcouldcolonize(wecanusethatword;it\u2019sFlorida)teachereducationnationally<\\\/p>

WhenMitchDanielswaspresidentofPurdueUniversity,heprovedthatcollegescouldbeeffectivelyadministered\u2014thatendlesstuitionincreasesresultedfromexecutiveincompetence,notaninexorablelawoffinanceSasse\u2019slegacycouldbetoprovethatsomeoneotherthanDanielscandothistooOr,itcouldbetopioneerwaysinwhichstateflagshipuniversitiescandrivedramaticimprovementinpubliceducation\u2014waysthatcouldandshouldbeemulatedineveryredstateinAmericaiftheywork\u00a0<\\\/p>

Here\u2019shopinghegetsstartednextmonthonhistransformationallegacy<\\\/p>

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MaxEdenisaresearchfellowattheAmericanEnterpriseInstitute<\\\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/AP23008729452093-scaled.jpg?w=696" } {"id":"3057090-1719295200", "title":"Biden’s Gaza pier is an abject failure", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F3057090%2Fbiden-gaza-pier-abject-failure%2F", "byline":"John Hannah", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Choose your label to describe what’s become of President Joe Biden’s Gaza pier: Dumpster fire. Boondoggle. White elephant. Whatever you call it, the project is a bona fide failure. It seems destined to be a textbook example of what happens when the political imperative to “do something” overwhelms serious planning.  The latest news is that […]", "description":""

Chooseyourlabeltodescribewhat\u2019sbecomeofPresidentJoeBiden\u2019s<\\\/a>Gazapier<\\\/a>:DumpsterfireBoondoggleWhiteelephantWhateveryoucallit,theprojectisabonafidefailureItseemsdestinedtobeatextbookexampleofwhathappenswhenthepoliticalimperativeto\u201cdosomething\u201doverwhelmsseriousplanning\u00a0<\\\/p>

Thelatestnews<\\\/a>isthatthepiermaybeterminatedaheadofscheduleErectedinmid-MaybytheUSmilitarytodeliverseaborneassistance,thepier\u2019soperationsrepeatedlyhavebeeninterruptedbyroughwaters\u00a0<\\\/p>

Astormbroke<\\\/a>thepierapartonlydaysaftergoingintoserviceAftermillionsofdollarsofrepairs<\\\/a>,itwasthrownbackintoactionDayslater,forecastsofchoppywatersledthemilitarytotow<\\\/a>thepiertosafeharborIt\u2019sjustreturned<\\\/a>toserviceathirdtime,thoughit\u2019shardnottobelievethattheproject\u2019sdaysarenumbered\u00a0<\\\/p>

MotherNaturemayendupbeingtheproximatecauseofthepier\u2019sdemise,butithasn\u2019tbeentheonlyproblemfoilingtheeffortSecurityhasalsobeenamajorproblemInthebrieftimethefacilityactuallyfunctioned,therelativelysmallamountsofassistancemakingittoshorewerebeingwidelylootedbydesperatemobs\u00a0<\\\/p>

AllofthesechallengeswereforecastwellinadvanceThiswashardlyacaseinwhichofficialsstruggledtomakesenseofwhatformerSecretaryofDefenseDonaldRumsfeldfamouslydescribed<\\\/a>asthe\u201cknownunknowns\u201dandthe\u201cunknownunknowns\u201dOnthecontrary,theobstaclesposedbyGaza\u2019sheavyseasandlackofsecuritywereobvioustoanyonetrackingevents\u00a0<\\\/p>

Inotherwords,BidenandhisteamwereoperatingintheeasiestpartofRumsfeld\u2019smatrix:thelandof\u201cknownknowns\u201d\u2014problemsthatweknowwithcertaintywillariseandthatrequiresolutionsinadvance<\\\/p>

IwaspartofagroupthathaddiscussionslastDecemberwiththeUSteaminchargeofgettinghumanitarianaidintoGazaWeaskedaboutthefeasibilityofamaritimechannelInsomanywords,weweretolditwasadumbideaWatersnearGazaarenotoriouslytreacherousTheeffortwouldbewithinrangeofHamas\u2019sgunsTheamountofaidthatcouldbedeliveredbyseawouldbeadropinthebucketofwhatwasneededFarbettertofocusondramaticallyexpandinglandroutesintoGaza,weweretold\u00a0<\\\/p>

Thatwasn\u2019ttheonlyexpertadvicetheadministrationdisregardedReportingsuggests<\\\/a>theUSmilitaryfirstlearnedofBiden\u2019sdecisiontobuildthepieronlywhenheannounceditinhisMarch7StateoftheUnionaddressButatthetime,plannersstillhadnoanswersastohowsuchaprojectcouldbesuccessfullyexecuted<\\\/p>

Toppingtheirconcernswassecurityandmakingsurethatoncesuppliesmadeittoshore,theycouldbesafelydeliveredintothehandsofsufferingGazansItwasalreadywidelyunderstoodthatthebiggestchallengewasnotgettingadequatesuppliesoffoodintoGazabutmakingsureitreachedinnocentcivilianswithoutfirstbeingdiverted<\\\/p>

Remarkably,Bidenandhisteamdidn\u2019tdemandasolutiontothesecurityproblembeforemakingthepierthecenterpieceofamajorpresidentialinitiativeNordidtheybothertodeveloponeinthetwomonthsthatittookthemilitarytogetthepierintoplaceWiththeeyesoftheworldwatchingandUScredibilityontheline,theadministration\u2019sapproachtoawell-definedsetofchallengesthatcouldmakeorbreaktheeffortseemedtoamounttolittlemorethanhopingthingswouldworkout<\\\/p>

Alas,theyhaven\u2019tInstead,thepierhasbecomeahumiliatinginternetmeme<\\\/a>andjoke\u2014andatapricetagofmorethan$200millioninUStaxpayerfundsandmonthsofeffortby1,000troops\u00a0<\\\/p>

Onitsface,thisappearstobeaclassiccaseofabreakdowninsoundpolicymakingAtthetimeofBiden\u2019sannouncement,criticismofhissupportforIsraelwasreachingfeverpitchPicturesofGaza\u2019sdevastationdominatedheadlinesImportantparts<\\\/a>ofBiden\u2019sDemocraticcoalitionwerethreateningnottosupporthisreelection\u00a0<\\\/p>

It\u2019snothardtoimaginethatwithintheWhiteHousepressurecooker,thepanicto\u201cdosomething\u201dforsufferingPalestiniansandshowpresidentialleadershipbygoingovertheheadsofaseeminglyrecalcitrantIsraelileadershipbecameoverwhelmingSomethingbighadtobeannouncedintheStateoftheUnion\u2014regardlessofwhetherallthehardquestionshadbeenanswered<\\\/p>

Understandable?PerhapsAcceptable?NoGoodintentionsarenotenoughHopeisneverastrategy,especiallynotfortheworld\u2019sgreatestdemocracywhoseresolve,reliability,andcompetencehaveneverbeeningreaterdoubtWesimplycan\u2019taffordself-inflictedmistakessuchasBiden\u2019spier\u2014mistakesthatobserverssawcomingmilesaway <\\\/p>

Figuringouthowthingswentsobadlyawryshouldbeatarget-richenvironmentforcongressionaloversight  <\\\/p>

CLICKHERETOREADMOREFROMRESTORINGAMERICA<\\\/a><\\\/p>

JohnHannahisaseniorfellowattheJewishInstituteforNationalSecurityofAmericaandformernationalsecurityadvisertoVicePresidentDickCheney<\\\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/AP24139591326544.jpg?w=696" } {"id":"3052740-1718960078", "title":"Rubio’s rapport with Latino voters could drive Trump to victory", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3052740%2Fmarco-rubio-latino-voters-trump-victory%2F", "byline":"Ross O'Keefe", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Former President Donald Trump‘s interest in selecting Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) as his vice president is setting off alarm bells for Democrats. The Florida senator and one-time rival of Trump has turned into a reliable ally and offers the former president a direct line to a bloc Republicans have been flirting with taking from Democrats […]", "description":""

FormerPresidentDonaldTrump<\\\/a>'sinterestinselectingSenMarcoRubio<\\\/a>(R-FL)ashisvicepresidentissettingoffalarmbellsforDemocrats<\\\/p>

TheFloridasenatorandone-timerivalofTrumphasturnedintoareliableallyandofferstheformerpresidentadirectlinetoablocRepublicanshavebeenflirtingwithtakingfromDemocratsforyears\u2014 LatinoandHispanicvotersWhileLatinoandHispanicvotersaren'tamonolith,creatingin-roadswiththemwouldputseveralstatesDemocratshavetakenforgrantedinrecentcyclesinplay,MichaelLaRosa,whoisaformerpresssecretaryforfirstladyJillBidenandspecialassistanttoPresidentJoeBiden,wrote<\\\/a>inanop-edfortheNewYorkTimes<\\\/p>

\\\"ButthereissomethingLatinovotershaveincommon:theirLatinAmericanrootsandthepridethatcomesfromcastingavoteforsomeonewholooksandtalkslikethem,\\\"LaRosawrote\\\"MrRubiowouldbreakasignificantculturalbarrierasthefirstLatinoonanationalticket\\\"<\\\/p>

RubiocouldhelpTrumpconvincelargeLatinoconstituenciesinswingstatesArizonaandNevadawhileshoringupRepublican-leaningFloridaItalsocouldmakenormallyDemocraticNewMexico,whichhasthelargestproportionofHispanicsintheUnitedStates,interesting<\\\/p>

TherehasbeensomedoubtaboutwhetherRubiocouldserveasTrump'svicepresident,giventhe12thAmendmentdoesn'tallowforapresidentandvicepresidenttobefromthesamestate,inthiscase,Florida,withoutlosingitselectoralvotes<\\\/p>

LaRosasaidthisconcernis\\\"overblown,\\\"citingformerVicePresidentDickCheney'sresidentialswitchfromTexastoWyoming,andhethinksRubiocoulddosomethingsimilar<\\\/p>

LaRosasaidTrumpselectingRubiowouldbetakingapageoutofBiden's2020campaignplaybookWhenheselectedVicePresidentKamalaHarris,hemadethechoicetoappealtovotersofcolor,amovethatworkedasblackwomenturnedoutfortheBiden-Harristicket<\\\/p>

AndwinningoverHispanicandLatinovoterswillmatterinstateswheretheymakeupsmallersharesoftheelectoratebutwheretheracesarestillconsideredtightTrumpisbeatingBideninPennsylvaniabymorethan2pointsintheRealClearPoliticsaverage<\\\/a>\u2014\u00a0astateBidencan'taffordtoloseifheplanstorepeathis2020success<\\\/p>

LaRosaargued,\\\"Therearevoterswhomaketheirchoicebecausetheywanttobeapartofhistoryandbreakgroundmorethan,say,thattheyagreewiththecandidate,ortheticket,onspecificpolicies\\\"Latinoscouldbethosevoters,andthat'swhyhesaidRubioscareshimandshouldscareDemocratsthisNovember<\\\/p>

CLICKHERETOREADMOREFROMTHEWASHINGTONEXAMINER<\\\/a><\\\/p>

TheFloridasenatorisonemaninathrong<\\\/a>ofTrumpvicepresidentialcandidates,someofwhomrecentlyreceivedvettingmaterialsfromthecampaign<\\\/p>

TheWashingtonExaminercontactedtheTrumpcampaignandRubio'sofficebutreceivednoresponse<\\\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/AP22310815339264-scaled.jpg?w=696" } {"id":"3047141-1718618746", "title":"Torres mocks Bowman’s fire alarm stunt in hint he’s abandoning fellow Democrat", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2Fcongressional%2F3047141%2Ftorres-mocks-bowman-fire-alarm-hint-abandoning-democrat%2F", "byline":"Elaine Mallon", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) is in the middle of a brutal primary fight, and a fellow New York Democrat looks like he is on the cusp of endorsing the “Squad” member’s opponent. Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY), a fiercely pro-Israel member of Congress, got into a spat with Bowman over the weekend after the Israel critic […]", "description":""

RepJamaalBowman<\\\/a>(D-NY)isinthemiddleofabrutalprimaryfight,andafellowNewYork<\\\/a>Democratlookslikeheisonthecuspofendorsingthe\u201cSquad\u201dmember\u2019sopponent<\\\/p>

RepRitchieTorres(D-NY),afiercelypro-Israel<\\\/a>memberofCongress,gotintoaspatwithBowmanovertheweekendaftertheIsraelcriticquestionedthesincerityofTorres\u2019ssupportfortheJewishstateTorreswasquicktohitbackatBowman,pokingfunatthelawmaker\u2019sstuntofpullingafirealarmintheCapitolwhileonhiswaytoavotethatwouldpreventagovernmentshutdownlastSeptember<\\\/p>

\u201cAsforJamaalBowman,IcareasmuchabouthisopiniononmeasIdoabouthisopiniononhowtoproperlypullafirealarmorhisopiniononhowtoremaininCongress,\u201dTorrestold<\\\/a>theNewYorkPost\u201cHisopinionisworsethanarubberstamp\u2014itleavesnoimpression,muchlikehislegislativerecordorhisrecentattendancerecord\u201d<\\\/p>

BowmansaidontheNightSchoolpodcast<\\\/a>hostedbyMarcLamontHillthatTorresonlystandsinsupportofIsraelbecauseofthe\u201cpoweroftheIsraellobby\u201d<\\\/p>

\u201cRitchieisverycalculatinginthiswayRitchie\u2014hejustseemstobealwaysplotting,alwayscalculatingsomething,\u201dBowmansaid<\\\/p>

Bowman\u2019sattackonTorres,atwo-termrepresentativeoftheBronx,appearedunprovokedastheneighboringrepresentativehadsteeredclearofweighinginonBowman\u2019scontest<\\\/p>

Butinthemiddleoftheepisode,HillaskedBowmantocommentonwhyTorresfallsinlinewithBowmanoneverymatterexceptforwhenitcomestoIsrael<\\\/p>

\u201cHowcansomeonebesoprogressiveonsomanyissuesandnotseetheinjusticegoingoninPalestineinthesameway?\u201dHillasked<\\\/p>

HillmadethecommentthatTorres\u201ctweetstoNetanyahulikeheisNetanyahu\u2019slonglostcousin\u201d<\\\/p>

\u201cSoifIwasdoingthatwhenIfirstgotin,mybankaccountfirstofallwouldbeflushed,\u201dBowmansaid<\\\/p>

Bowman\u2019scriticismsofIsraelasitwageswarwithHamashaveputhiminavulnerablepositionwiththelargecontingentofJewishsupportersinhisdistrict<\\\/p>

TheAmericanIsraelPublicAffairsCommittee,aninfluentialpro-IsraelPAC,hasspentmillionsofdollarsattackingBowman,helpinggiveWestchesterCountyExecutiveGeorgeLatimeraboostinhischallengetounseatthetwo-termcongressmanBowmanistrailingLatimerby17points,according<\\\/a>toarecentpoll<\\\/p>

PriortoservingasUSrepresentativefortheBronx,TorreswasaNewYorkCityCouncilmemberfor10yearsHenotedhispublicsupportforIsraeldatesbackto2015,whenhetookatripthere <\\\/p>

Hesaidoneofthereasonshedidn\u2019tjointhe\u201cSquad\u201dafterbeingelectedin2020washebelievedthatsomeofthemembers\u2019supportfortheBDSmovementwasantisemitic<\\\/p>

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\u201cIhaveageneralruleofnotweighinginagainstacongressionalDemocratwhohasnotweighedinagainstme,\u201dTorressaid\u201cButBowman\u2019sgratuitousattackonmycharactermightcausemetorethinkthatrule\u201d<\\\/p>

NewYork\u2019sprimarywillbeonJune25<\\\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AP24165005433095.jpg?w=696" } {"id":"3004139-1715721649", "title":"Biden greenlights $1 billion weapon shipment to Israel week after withholding bombs", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F3004139%2Fbiden-greenlights-weapon-shipment-israel-after-withholding-bombs%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Biden administration announced its approval of a $1 billion weapon shipment to Israel just one week after President Joe Biden announced he would withhold a weapons shipment if Israel launched an offensive into Rafah. The administration notified Congress of the move on Tuesday, the Washington Examiner independently confirmed. Officials told the Wall Street Journal […]", "description":""

TheBidenadministration<\\\/a>announceditsapprovalofa$1billionweaponshipmenttoIsrael<\\\/a>justoneweekafterPresidentJoeBidenannouncedhewouldwithholdaweaponsshipmentifIsraellaunchedanoffensiveintoRafah<\\\/p>

TheadministrationnotifiedCongressofthemoveonTuesday,theWashingtonExaminerindependentlyconfirmed<\\\/p>

Officialstold<\\\/a>theWallStreetJournalthatthepackageincludesoffensiveweapons,including$700millionintankammunition,$500millionintacticalvehicles,and$60millioninmortarroundsAdditionalstepsmustbetakenbeforetheweaponsareapprovedanddelivered<\\\/p>

ThemovewasforeshadowedbynationalsecurityadviserJohnKirby,speakingwithreporterslastweek<\\\/p>

\\\"[Biden]alsosaidyesterdaythathewillcontinuetoensurethatIsraelhasallofthemilitarymeansitneedstodefenditselfagainstallofitsenemies,includingHamas,\\\"hesaid\\\"Forhim,thisisverystraightforward:He\u2019sgoingtocontinuetoprovideIsraelwithallofthecapabilitiesitneeds,buthedoesnotwantcertaincategoriesofAmericanweaponsusedinaparticulartypeofoperationinaparticularplaceAndagain,hehasbeenclearandconsistentwiththat\\\"<\\\/p>

KirbyfurtherclarifiedthatIsraelhasnotyetlaunchedaRafahoperationthatcrossesBiden'sredlineBidensaidlastweekhewouldwithholdspecific2,000-poundbombsfromIsraelifthecountryexpandedoperationsintoRafah,wherePalestinianrefugeeshavefledduetothewar<\\\/p>

IsraelbegananoffensiveintoRafahlastweek,whichhascontinuedwithairstrikesandgroundoperationsIt'sunclearwhatBiden'sredlineregardingRafahis<\\\/p>

HouseSpeakerMikeJohnson(R-LA)signaledthatthelowerchamberwassatisfiedwithBiden'saction<\\\/p>

\u201cIthinkit\u2019simportantforustoexpressagainthewillofCongressonthematterandsoIdon\u2019tthinkwe\u2019llbechangingwhatwedoonthelegislation,\u201dhetoldreportersTuesdayevening<\\\/p>

Tuesday'smovetoapproveanothermajorweaponsshipmentislikelytoloseBidenthegoodwillhereceivedfromprogressiveDemocraticalliesafterhisannouncementthatoffensiveweaponswouldbewithheld,whichinturndrewhimirefromRepublicansandpro-IsraelDemocrats<\\\/p>

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Bidenhasattemptedtobalancethepassionsofpro-IsraelDemocratswiththevehementoppositionofpro-PalestinianDemocratsduringIsrael'scampaigninGazaTheinvasionofRafahhasemergedasanewflashpoint,withtheBidenadministrationrepeatedlywarningIsraeloftheconsequencesifitlaunchesanall-outassaultonthearea<\\\/p>

CamiMondeauxandNaomiLimcontributedtothisreport<\\\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/AP24128020312504-1-scaled.jpg?w=696" } {"id":"2872560-1709100613", "title":"Great Stakes: Michigan union and blue-collar workers in the driver’s seat for the presidency", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F2872560%2Fmichigan-union-blue-collar-workers-drivers-seat-presidency%2F", "byline":"Naomi Lim", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Michigan voters have an outsize impact on who will win the White House and which party will carry the House and Senate in 2024. In this series, Great Stakes: The fight to be hailed as victors in Michigan, the Washington Examiner will look at the thorny politics and unique matters that will swing the critical battleground state. Part four, […]", "description":""

MichiganvotershaveanoutsizeimpactonwhowillwintheWhiteHouseandwhichpartywillcarrytheHouseandSenatein2024Inthisseries, GreatStakes:ThefighttobehailedasvictorsinMichigan, the WashingtonExaminer willlookatthethornypoliticsanduniquemattersthatwillswingthecriticalbattlegroundstatePartfour,below,examineshowtheeconomyandunionvotewilldeterminewhowinstheexpectedrematchbetweenPresidentJoeBidenandformerPresidentDonaldTrump<\\\/p>

SHELBYTOWNSHIP,Michigan\u2014PresidentJoeBiden<\\\/a>andformerPresidentDonaldTrump<\\\/a>'seconomic<\\\/a>pitchestoMichigan<\\\/a>'sblue-collarvoters,particularlythestate'shalfamillionunion<\\\/a>members,coulddecidethe2024generalelection<\\\/a>asthisweek'sprimaryunderscoresthelikelynominees'respectiveweaknessesbeforeNovember<\\\/p>

IfTrumpcancompetewithBidenforthosevotersinplacessuchasMichigan'sfamedMacombCounty<\\\/a>,asformerPresidentRonaldReagan<\\\/a>didin1980withso-calledReaganDemocrats,hecouldwinthestate's15ElectoralCollege<\\\/a>votesandreclaimtheWhiteHouse<\\\/a>thiselectioncycle<\\\/p>

TrumpnotonlyhastowinMacombCounty,ashedidin2016and2020,buthealsohasto\\\"winwithamargin\\\"tocounterthepartsofMichiganwherehecouldunderperform,accordingtoRepublicanstrategistJamieRoe,thelongtimechiefofstafftoformerRepublicanRepCandiceMiller<\\\/p>

Tuesday'sRepublicanprimaryemphasizedTrump'sloosegripon30to40%ofhisparty,withformerUSAmbassadortotheUnitedNations<\\\/a>NikkiHaley<\\\/a>holdinghimto70%ofthevoteMeanwhile,Bidennettedabout80%oftheDemocraticprimaryvoteduetoan\\\"uncommitted<\\\/a>\\\"protestvote<\\\/p>

MacombCountyvotedforGovGretchenWhitmer<\\\/a>(D-MI)in2022,\\\"buteverytimeTrump'sbeenontheballot,therearepartsoftheelectoratethatcomeout\\\"forhim\\\"thatreallydon'tcomeoutforawholelotofotherpeople,\\\"RoetoldtheWashingtonExaminer<\\\/p>

ThosepeopleincludeunionworkersdespiteMichigan-basedUnitedAutoWorkers<\\\/a>PresidentShawnFain,forexample,endorsingBidenlastmonth<\\\/p>

TerryBowman,Trump's2016campaignMichiganco-chairmanand2020WorkersforTrumpnationalchairman,hasalsoworkedfortheFordMotorCompany<\\\/a>foralmostthreedecadesBowmannowchairstheboardofthenonpoliticalInstitutefortheAmericanWorker,buthecontendedwhatisgoodforunionofficialsdoesnot\\\"necessarilymeanthatit'sgoodfortherankandfile\\\"<\\\/p>

\\\"Theylike[Trump]personallyasacandidateandjustasaperson,\\\"Bowmansaid\\\"Secondly,wedonowhaveahistoryofDonaldTrump'spolicies,andgoinginto2024,Ithinkworkershavelookedat:WhatdidDonaldTrumpdoforblue-collarautoworkers<\\\/a>,andwhathasJoeBidendoneforblue-collarworkers?\\\"<\\\/p>

OneofBiden'smorepoliticallyproblematicpolicieshasbeenhisdesiretohave50%ofallnewvehiclesalesbeingelectricmodels<\\\/a>by2030,thoughpolicyanalystsdisagreeregardingitsworkforceconsequencesSimultaneously,BowmanwastemporarilylaidoffthisweekbecauseFord'sRawsonvillePlantinYpsilanti,Michigan,whichbuildsbatteriesforthemaker'selectricF-150Lightning,isreducingproductionandshifts<\\\/p>

\\\"Wehavethousands,ortensofthousandsofworkersintheautoindustryinAmericathatworkintransmissionplantsandinengineplants,\\\"Bowmansaid\\\"There'smorejobscomingintotheassemblyofbatteries,butit'snotgoingtobeonaone-for-onebasisEvenwiththegovernmentsubsidies,thedemandforthesetrucksisjustnotthere\\\"<\\\/p>

TrumpreceivingmoresupportfromindustrialunionworkersthanRepublicanstraditionallydois\\\"partofalongertransformationalongeducationallinesbetweenthepoliticalparties,\\\"accordingtoMichiganStateUniversityInstituteofPublicPolicyandSocialResearchDirectorMatthewGrossmannButthatdoesnothelpBiden,whothisweekhadalmost52,000Democratsmarkthemselvesas\\\"uncommitted\\\"inprotestoftheIsrael<\\\/a>-Hamas<\\\/a>warinsteadofvotingforhim<\\\/p>

\\\"It'sasmallerproportionoftheMichiganeconomythanitusedtobe,butitstillhasalotofculturalresonancebecauselotsofpeoplehavefamilymemberswhoworkfortheautoindustryorsupporttheUAW,\\\"Grossmannsaid<\\\/p>

MarkGaffney,aformerpresidentofMichigan's AFL-CIO<\\\/a>,aunionfederation,concededothertypesoflaborgroupshavebecomelesspoliticallypowerfulastheirmembershiphasdeclined,inadditiontothosemembersbeing\\\"moreindependent\\\"<\\\/p>

\\\"Youngermemberstendtobeevenmoreindependent,\\\"Gaffneysaid,addingthatTrump'soppositiontotheNorthAmericanFreeTradeAgreementappealedtoindustrialunionmembersafteryearsoftheirleadershipdescribingsuchdealsasbad<\\\/p>

\\\"SoalongcomesTrump,andwhetherhefollowsthroughoneverythingthathesaysornotisdebatable,butheconvincespeoplethathe'stalkingtheirlanguage,\\\"Gaffneycontinued\\\"Sowecouldhavelost,insomeunions,asmanyas40%ofourmemberslasttimeAndthat'saprettybignumber\\\"<\\\/p>

ButJackieKelly-Smith,MacombCountyDemocraticCommittee'sblackcaucuschairwomanandaretiredUAWworker,wasmoreoptimisticconcerningBiden'sprospectsinthecommunity,citinghimtakingpartinlastfall'sstrike<\\\/p>

\\\"We'vehadthisgoingonsinceIgothiredbyGeneralMotors<\\\/a>in1975,\\\"Kelly-Smithsaid\\\"TheyfeelasthoughmyunionshouldnotendorsesomeonethatIdon'twanttovoteforOntheotherhand,youhavetheunionsayingwe'regoingtoendorsethosethatallowustocontinuetorepresent,negotiate,andbargain,andthat'snotalwaysaRepublicanpresidentTrumpdidn'tcareifwewentbankrupt\\\"<\\\/p>

Morebroadly,theeconomy,alongwithborder<\\\/a>securityandabortion<\\\/a>access,coulddeterminetheelection,withpollsdemonstratingdisapprovalofBiden'seconomicapproachForinstance,Biden'seconomicapprovalratingisroughlynetnegative16percentagepoints,with40%approvingand56%disapproving<\\\/p>

MichiganstateRepKarenTwinsett,aDemocratwhorepresentspartsofDetroitandDearborninneighboringWayneCounty,anothercriticalregion,recognizedthatBiden'seconomy,or\\\"Bidenomics,\\\"<\\\/a>hasbeendetrimentaltoherconstituents<\\\/p>

\\\"Whenyou'retalkingaboutsomebodyinthepresidency,normally,thesethingsdon'tbotheryouuntilthey'rehittingyouathome,likegasprices<\\\/a>orwhatever,\\\"Twinsettsaid\\\"Everydaypeopledon'tthinkaboutthatstuff,butwhenyougotothegrocerystore,you'refeelingit\\\"<\\\/p>

Inresponse,stateRepErinByrnes(D-MI),whorepresentsotherpartsofDearborn,imploredBidentoemphasize\\\"corporategreedthathasbeenmasqueradingasinflation\\\"<\\\/p>

\\\"Inflation<\\\/a>isreal,butalsocorporationshaveuppedtheirpricesexponentiallysincethepandemichit,\\\"Byrnessaid\\\"Iftheydon'tcallitoutanddon'tactonit,peoplewillfeellikethey'retryingtopullthewoolovertheireyes\\\"<\\\/p>

ButRepTimWalberg(R-MI),thedeanofMichigan'scongressionaldelegationinWashington,andformerstateSenTomBarrett,whoiscontestingMichigan's7thCongressionalDistrictagain,arguedBidenomics'sdamagehasalreadybeendoneForWalberg,fromthefivetownhallsheledlastweekbeforehisinterviewwiththeWashingtonExaminer,itis\\\"veryclear\\\"thatBidenomicsis\\\"notworking,\\\"especiallyrelatedtointerestrates<\\\/a>andenergycosts<\\\/a>,andthatonlya\\\"verysignificantturnaround\\\"couldimproveBiden'spopularity<\\\/p>

CLICKHERETOREADMOREFROMTHEWASHINGTONEXAMINER<\\\/a><\\\/p>

BarrettadditionallydownplayedtheimportanceofBiden'sunionendorsementsaftertheInternationalBrotherhoodofTeamsters<\\\/a>'spoliticalactioncommitteedonated$45,000totheRepublicanNationalCommittee'sconventionfundTheTeamstershaveyettoendorseacandidate<\\\/p>

\\\"ThenationalunionleadershipisalwaysgoingtoendorseDemocrats,andtheUAWwasalwaysgoingtoendorseBiden,\\\"Barrettsaid\\\"Itwasjustaquestionofwhennowtheyhadbecomefrustratedwithhimoverhiselectricvehiclemandatesandotherthingsthatreallydisadvantagedunionworkersandautoplantsbecausetheirjobsaren'tgoingtobearoundIwouldsayyouraverageorstereotypicalUAWworkerisprobablysomebodywhocaresaboutcrimeintheircommunities,caresabouttheborderawholeheckofalot\\\"<\\\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/AP24023837150822-1-scaled.jpg?w=696" } {"id":"3883097-1762876811", "title":"Republican Trump supporter leads pack in crowded California gubernatorial race", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F3883097%2Frepublican-trump-supporter-chad-bianco-california-gubernatorial-race%2F", "byline":"Barnini Chakraborty", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump and fierce critic of Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA), is emerging as a leading contender in California’s crowded gubernatorial race, where a roster of Democratic hopefuls has struggled to impress.   Bianco has pitched himself as the law-and-order conservative on a ticket jam-packed with candidates hoping […]", "description":""

RiversideCountySheriffChadBianco<\\\/a>,astaunchsupporterofPresidentDonaldTrump<\\\/a>andfiercecriticofGovGavinNewsom<\\\/a>(D-CA),isemergingasaleadingcontenderinCalifornia's<\\\/a><\\\/a>crowdedgubernatorialrace,wherearoster<\\\/a>ofDemocratichopefulshasstruggledtoimpress\u00a0\u00a0<\\\/p>

Biancohaspitchedhimself asthelaw-and-orderconservativeonaticketjam-packedwithcandidateshopingtosucceedNewsom,whowillbetermedoutofofficeandiseyeinga2028presidentialrun<\\\/a> <\\\/p>

ArecentBerkeley-IGSpoll<\\\/a><\\\/a>hasBiancoleadingthepackwith13%,followedbyformerDemocraticRepKatiePorter<\\\/a>at11%Thesurveyfoundthat44%ofvotersremainundecidedonwhoshouldsucceedNewsom <\\\/p>

\\\"NowthatProposition50haspassed,thecandidateswillneedtoseizetheopportunitytogetvoters\u2019attention,\\\"EricSchickler,directoroftheInstituteforGovernmentStudies,said<\\\/p>

Porterhasgottenthe\\\"attention\\\"ofvoters,butforallthewrongreasonsShemadenationalheadlines<\\\/a>afternearlystormingoutofaCBSinterviewandoldfootageofherberatingastaffersurfaced\u00a0<\\\/p>

\u201cAbotchedinterviewisagiftthatkeepsongiving,\u201dpoliticalanalystSteveSwattsaid\u201cKatiePorteristrendingbackwards,andthatisnotwhatyouwanttodowhenyou\u2019reacandidateforgovernororanythingelse\u201d<\\\/p>

Democratsinthe2026racehadbeenforcedtowaitforVicePresidentKamalaHarris<\\\/a>,whohintedformonthsthatshemayrun,onlytoannounceattheendofJulyshewouldnotentertheraceSenAlexPadilla(D-CA)alsohadnamerecognitionanditwaswidelybelievedtheDemocraticPartywouldthrowitssupportaroundhimbuthe,too,decidedtopass <\\\/p>

Sofar,thereare12declaredDemocraticcandidatesand11declaredRepublicancandidates <\\\/p>

California'sgubernatorialprimaryisn\u2019tuntilJune2,whichgiveshopefulseightmonthstolayoutpolicyagendasandappealtovoterconcerns <\\\/p>

\\\"Thisraceisasopenasitgets \u201440%ofvotershaven'tmadeuptheirminds,andnoone'scrackedmuchbeyondthemid-teens,\\\"AdinLenchnerofCarrollStreetCampaigns<\\\/a>,toldthe WashingtonExaminer \\\"Whatpeoplearecravingissimple:someonewho'sfocusedonthem,whowantstomaketheirlivesalittlebetter,whohastheirbackWe'veseenoverandoveragain\u2014inNJ,VAPA,MA,andhereinNewYork\u2014thatwhencandidatescentertheircampaignsonaffordability,rootednotinscarcityorshutdownsbutinvision,investment,andsafety,theycanwin\\\" <\\\/p>

TheproblemforDemocraticcandidatesinCaliforniaisthattolandthegovernor'sjobtheywillhavetoworkaroundallofthethingsNewsomambitiouslypromisedbutneverdeliveredon\u2014likehealthcareforallandaffordablehousing\u2014whenapplyingforthesameposition\u00a0California\u2019schildpovertyratehasalmosttripledfrom2021to2024Thestate'sMedicaidprogram,Medi-Cal,wasexpanded,butduringthelateststatebudget,healthcareforillegalimmigrantswasscaledback\u00a0<\\\/p>

\\\"Thereisnoheavyweightinthering,\\\"\u00a0StevenMaviglio,aSacramento-basedDemocraticstrategist,toldthe\u00a0WashingtonExaminer\\\"PartlybecauseNewsomisleavingbehinddouble-digitbillion-dollarstructuraldeficits,andthejobsimplyisn'tattractiveAndpartlybecausewinning\u00a0requiresraisingtensofmillionsandmobilizingarestlesselectorate\\\"\u00a0<\\\/p>

MaviglioaddedthattherewasapossibilitythatifthereisnoclearfrontrunneremergesamongDemocrats,theycould\\\"dividethepiesothatthetwomajorRepublicancontenderscouldsneakin\\\"<\\\/p>

\\\"Ifthatlookslikely,therewillbeenormouspressureforsomeofthecampaignstodropout,\\\"headded\\\"Thatisthedangerofthetoptwoprimary\\\"<\\\/p>

PoliticalstrategistKaivanShrofftoldthe WashingtonExaminer thatdespitesomemisstepsbyPorter,heseesherinthetoptwoheadingintonextNovember'sgeneralelection<\\\/p>

\\\"IstillthinkthisisKatiePorter'sracetolosewithoutabiggernamejumpingin,whichcouldstillhappen,\\\"hesaid\\\"Shehastakenahit,butcaneasilyregaingroundwithafewviralmomentsshowingherasthefighterCaliforniansneedAndshecertainlyknowshowtogoviralRightnow,Democraticsupportissplitonthejungleprimary,butthereisnorealchanceBiancowinsthegeneralelectiononceDemocratscoalescearoundthecandidate(s)thatproceedtothegeneralelection\\\"<\\\/p>

JeffLe<\\\/a>,formerdeputyCabinetsecretarytoformerCaliforniaGovJerryBrown,toldthe WashingtonExaminer thattheJuneprimaryis\\\"lightyearsawayfromtheelectorate\\\"<\\\/p>

\\\"Thelackofaclearstandoutreflectstheimportanceofvoteroutreachevenmoreandcrispmessagingthatmeetsrhetoricangerandfrustrationofthedemocraticbase,\\\"headded\\\"Thisisevenmorethecaseaftertheshutdowndeal CaliforniaisstillclearlyadeepbluestatewithasignificantvoterregistrationforDemocratsARepublicanstillfacessignificantheadwindsandthepresident\u2019sunpopularityinthestateandthediminishingRepublicanpoliticalinfrastructurewillcontinuetohamperanyRepublicanaspirant\\\"<\\\/p>

Biancoisbettingthathislongcareerinlawenforcementwillhelphimdefytheoddsandwinthegovernor\u2019soffice<\\\/p>

Firstelectedsheriffin2018afterdecadeswiththeRiversideCountySheriff\u2019sOffice,hesecuredreelectionin2022andpubliclyexpressedinterestinrunningforgovernorinJune2024Hedrewwidespreadattentionduringthepandemicwhenherefusedtoenforcevaccinemandatesforhisemployees,arguingthatvaccinationshouldremainapersonalchoice<\\\/p>

CHRISTINEPELOSIRUNNINGFORCALIFORNIASTATESENATE,NIXINGOPPORTUNITYFORMOTHER'SHOUSESEAT<\\\/a><\\\/p>

Healsocameunderfireafteradataleakin2014outedhimasamemberoftheOathKeepers,afar-right,anti-governmentmilitiagroupwhosemembersparticipatedintheJan6USCapitolattackBiancohassincesaidheisnolongeramemberoftheorganizationbecauseit\\\"didnotoffermeanything\\\" <\\\/p>

Onhiscampaignwebsite,helists11prioritiesforthestate,including,butnotlimitedto,publicsafety,affordability,immigration,homelessness,insurance,energy,andemergencyresponse\u00a0\u00a0<\\\/p>

OnBianco'sheels isformerFoxNewshostSteveHilton<\\\/a><\\\/a> <\\\/p>

HiltonhasspentthepastthreeyearstravelingaroundCaliforniaandlisteningtowhatvotersarelookingforHerecentlytoldthe\u00a0WashingtonExaminer\u00a0thataffordabilityistheNo1concern\u00a0<\\\/p>

FormerGovArnoldSchwarzenegger<\\\/a><\\\/a>wasthelastRepublicangovernorofCaliforniaHeleftofficein2011<\\\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/chad.jpeg?w=696" } ]}