{"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":"4477721-1772489731", "title":"Cornyn wants to work with Trump to fix ‘broken’ immigration system if reelected", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F4477721%2Fcornyn-trump-fix-broken-immigration-system-if-reelected%2F", "byline":"Lauren Green", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"SCHERTZ, TX – Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) is fighting for his political life after cutting a bipartisan gun-control deal. But if the 74-year-old survives a bruising GOP primary and wins reelection, he’s signaling he won’t abandon deal-making — this time turning to immigration reform with President Donald Trump. Cornyn said the moment could be perfect […]", "description":""

SCHERTZ, TX - Sen. John Cornyn<\/a> (R-TX) is fighting for his political life after cutting a bipartisan gun-control<\/a> deal. But if the 74-year-old survives a bruising GOP primary and wins reelection, he\u2019s signaling he won\u2019t abandon deal-making \u2014 this time turning to immigration reform with President Donald Trump<\/a>.<\/p>

Cornyn said the moment could be perfect for Trump to lead on the issue since the border is secure and the administration was deporting illegal immigrants with serious criminal records.<\/p>

\"I do believe that President Trump is capable of, once the border is secure, which it is now, and once we've removed people who never should have been here in the first place, to have a conversation about what we want our immigration system <\/a>to look like,\" Cornyn told the Washington Examiner at a rally Monday.<\/p>

\"We don't want to ever displace American workers, that's for sure. But the fact is, virtually all of us, sometime or another in our family history, came from somewhere else, and to me, that's one of our great assets, is our legal immigration system,\" the Texas Republican continued. \"So we'll have that conversation with the President when the time is right.\"<\/p>

Cornyn made a similar comment in an interview with Politico earlier in the week, saying the desire to see immigration reform pass into law was one of the reasons he ran for reelection. His GOP opponents argue that Cornyn's immigration reform is little more than amnesty for illegal immigrants who broke the law when they entered the United States.<\/p>

\u201cJohn Cornyn has been in Washington for 24 years,\" Rep. Wesley Hunt<\/a> (R-TX) told the Washington Examiner. \"If he was going to fix immigration, he would\u2019ve done it by now. Instead, his first big immigration effort in the Senate was what? Amnesty for illegal immigrants.\"<\/p>

Another opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton<\/a>, said Cornyn's emphasis on immigration reform was further proof that \"he must be fired\" in Tuesday's GOP primary.<\/p>

\"John Cornyn is running again because he wants to push amnesty,\" Paxton wrote on X<\/a>. \"After over forty years in office, he wants to spend another decade doing what he's always done: helping illegals.\"<\/p>

One attendee of the rally told the Washington Examiner that Cornyn\u2019s answer on immigration \u201creally resonated\u201d with him. <\/p>

\u201cI'm of Mexican descent,\u201d said 44-year-old Jeremiah Arevalo. \u201cBasically, the way I see immigration is not to have open borders. No country, most countries in the world don't have open borders, but you have to simplify the process.\u00a0 What we have right now is so difficult for somebody who legally, or honestly, wants to become a citizen \u2014 they have to go through so many hurdles.\u201d<\/p>

The flare-up underscores the tenuous relationship that Cornyn has with the GOP base<\/a> and why he's facing a primary challenge from two other Republican candidates<\/a>. Throughout much of the campaign, Corny has fought allegations that he's an establishment Republican.<\/p>

Cornyn, who was first elected in 2002, has fought hard against allegations that he is an establishment Republican more comfortable in the George W. Bush era than in Trump's. Much of the criticism has centered on Cornyn's decision to work with Democrats after the Uvalde Shooting in 2022 to pass gun-control legislation. The bill expanded background checks for gun purchasers under the age of 21 and also provided federal money for state red flag laws. It also led to Cornyn being censured by the local Texas Republican Party.<\/p>

The gun-control effort has become campaign fodder for both Paxton and Hunt, each of whom is jockeying to be in the top two on primary day. In Texas<\/a>, if no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote, the top two contenders advance to a runoff.<\/p>

Cornyn, for his part, has not shied away from the criticism and has even punched back at his opponents. The senator has mocked Hunt's missed votes in Washington while campaigning. He's also gone after Paxton for ethical issues, and an alleged affair the attorney general engaged in that helped lead to his unsuccessful impeachment by the Texas legislature.<\/p>

\"We've got three of us in the primary now, and you ain't seen nothing yet, I'll be able to give the Attorney General my full and undivided attention, and he'll be receiving that,\u201d Cornyn said at a Monday rally outside of San Antonio. \u201cI think it means it's a wake-up call to Republicans to see the Democrats showing up in greater numbers to vote.\"<\/p>

TRUMP'S SNUB OF CRENSHAW MAY NOT SWAY TEXAS VOTERS AWAY FROM INCUMBENT <\/a><\/p>

In a striking departure from Senate tradition, Sen. Ted Cruz<\/a> (R-TX) did not endorse his home-state colleague, Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), as he faces a fierce challenge. In 2020, Cruz endorsed<\/a> Cornyn as he mounted a largely uncontentious<\/a> primary run, while Cornyn offered a delayed endorsement<\/a> for Cruz\u2019s 2018 race and supported him in 2024.<\/p>

\u201cI\u2019m staying out of the race,\u201d Cruz told the Washington Examiner last year when the primary began heating up. \u201cBoth John and Ken are friends of mine. I've worked closely with both of them. I respect them both, and I will trust the decision to the voters of Texas.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-collage-xqdag2pw6-1772504532566-e1772507648661.jpg?1772486941&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477744-1772485166", "title":"US Embassy in Saudi Arabia hit by suspected Iranian drones", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fdefense%2F4477744%2Fus-embassy-saudi-arabia-iran-drone%2F", "byline":"Mike Brest", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Two suspected Iranian drones hit the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, causing a small fire overnight into Tuesday. The incident is the latest incident regarding an Iranian retaliatory attack in the region against U.S. bases and personnel. “The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh was subjected to an attack by two drones according to initial estimates, […]", "description":""

Two suspected Iranian<\/a> drones hit the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia<\/a>, causing a small fire overnight into Tuesday.<\/p>

The incident is the latest incident regarding an Iranian retaliatory attack in the region against U.S. bases and personnel. <\/p>

\"The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh was subjected to an attack by two drones according to initial estimates, resulting in a limited fire and minor material damage to the building,\" a spokesperson from the Saudi Ministry of Defense said<\/a>.<\/p>

It's unclear if there were any casualties. The ministry said<\/a> earlier on Monday that five hostile drones were intercepted near Prince Sultan Air Base.<\/p>

Shortly after, the U.S. mission to Saudi Arabia issued an alert for Americans to shelter in place \"immediately.\"<\/p>

The United States, in conjunction with Israel<\/a>, launched a massive military operation targeting Iran's senior leaders, its navy, and their missile arsenal and production facilities, among several other military targets on Saturday.<\/p>

Iran has responded by firing countless missiles and drones at Israel and U.S. assets and bases all across the region, including in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.<\/p>

Six U.S. service members have been killed in the war so far, all of whom were killed in the same attack in Kuwait, according to CNN<\/a>. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth<\/a> said the strike that killed the service members hit a \u201ctactical operation center that was fortified.\"<\/p>

Senior U.S. officials have said to expect additional American casualties.<\/p>

Iranian one-way attack drones are intentionally cheaply made, and the U.S. is forced to use much more expensive systems to intercept them.<\/p>

The U.S. also used low-cost attack drones modeled<\/a> after the Iranian Shahed drones in its initial attacks of the war. It was the first time the U.S. used them in combat.<\/p>

The proliferation and evolution of drone technology have been on display in the Russia-Ukraine war, which has gone on for more than four years now. Russia and Iran have strengthened their defense relationship over the course of the war, and Iran provided Russia with thousands of Shahed drones and even helped them set up domestic manufacturing plants for the attack drones.<\/p>

HOW THE IRAN CONFLICT WAS LAUNCHED: 'OPERATION EPIC FURY IS APPROVED. NO ABORTS. GOOD LUCK'<\/a><\/p>

Drones have already demonstrated to be a vulnerability for American security in the Middle East. <\/p>

Three service members were killed, and more than 40 were injured at Tower 22, a small U.S. base in Jordan, in January 2024 in a drone attack carried out by Iranian-backed militias. U.S. forces carried out significant retaliatory strikes in retaliation for the deadly attack.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26061681420559.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477708-1772484462", "title":"State Department urges Americans to leave Middle East immediately over ‘serious’ safety risks", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fforeign-policy%2F4477708%2Fstate-department-americans-depart-middle-east-iran%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The State Department urged all Americans in the Middle East to leave immediately over “serious” safety risks as Iran continues to attack the United States’s Arab allies. On Monday, the State Department’s assistant secretary for consular affairs, Mora Namdar, said Secretary of State Marco Rubio “urges Americans to DEPART NOW from the countries below using […]", "description":""

The State Department<\/a> urged all Americans in the Middle East to leave immediately over \"serious\" safety risks as Iran<\/a> continues to attack the United States's Arab allies.<\/p>

On Monday, the State Department's assistant secretary for consular affairs, Mora Namdar, said Secretary of State Marco Rubio \"urges Americans to DEPART NOW from the countries below using available commercial transportation, due to serious safety risks.\" She then provided several resources for people across the Middle East to contact for help with evacuations.<\/p>

The alert listed: Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Of those listed, only Syria, the Palestinian territories, and Egypt haven't yet been targeted by Iran, Israel, or the U.S. Cyprus has also been targeted.<\/p>

After the opening U.S.-Israeli salvos on Saturday morning, Tehran responded by launching volleys of missiles and drones at the U.S.'s Gulf Arab allies and Israel. According to<\/a> the Wall Street Journal, the Gulf states were targeted because Tehran was betting on making their situation intolerable, pushing them to use their influence in the Trump administration to force an end to the campaign. The actual effect has been the opposite, with the infuriated Arab leaders floating the idea of joining the conflict outright.<\/p>

The Gulf states all host U.S. troops, but many missiles and drones have instead been aimed at residential areas in the states' large cities. Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE have been the worst hit in the first few days. Despite each nation's advanced air defenses, footage has shown dozens of munitions breaching the umbrella and making contact.<\/p>

RUBIO SAYS \u2018IMMINENT\u2019 IRANIAN THREAT TO US WAS KNOWING IT WOULD RESPOND TO ISRAELI ATTACK<\/a><\/p>

Tourist hotspots like Dubai have been particularly hard hit by the conflict. Influencers residing in the city flooded social media with videos of drone attacks and missile interceptions from their luxurious apartments.<\/p>

The evacuation order from the State Department could indicate the acknowledgment of the likelihood of continued attacks or fears that the situation could deteriorate. As with previous conflicts, the order could also reflect U.S. fears of terrorist attacks on civilian targets from Iranian sympathizers, similar to how the U.S. issued an evacuation order for all Americans in Russia ahead of the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In both cases, the fears have not materialized so far.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/030226_WEX_RUBIO-8-e1772488096215.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477715-1772479512", "title":"White House moves to put down conservative revolt over Iran messaging ‘confusion’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F4477715%2Fwhite-house-moves-put-down-conservative-revolt-iran-confusion%2F", "byline":"David Sivak", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The White House is attempting to straighten out a mutiny on the Right from pundits accusing the Trump administration of inconsistent messaging when it comes to its military operation against Iran. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a lengthy statement Monday defending the president from complaints that Trump and his advisers have been unclear, […]", "description":""

The White House<\/a> is attempting to straighten out a mutiny on the Right from pundits accusing the Trump administration<\/a> of inconsistent messaging when it comes to its military operation against Iran<\/a>.<\/p>

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a lengthy statement Monday defending the president from complaints that Trump and his advisers have been unclear, and at times contradictory, in laying out their justification for the conflict.<\/p>

She did not address whether Trump is pursuing regime change in Iran, as he suggested in his remarks to the nation over the weekend, but named the destruction of Iran\u2019s military and its terrorist proxies as objectives.<\/p>

\u201cKilling terrorists is good for America,\u201d Leavitt said<\/a> in a sharply worded X post.<\/p>

The statement was a direct response to commentator Matt Walsh, a Trump ally who questioned<\/a> why the administration was hesitant to call the stated goal regime change when Iran\u2019s senior leadership was killed in a Saturday strike.<\/p>

Walsh also noted the conflicting statements from Trump and his advisers on whether the strikes were preemptive \u2014 Trump called the Iranian threat \u201cimminent<\/a>\u201d on Saturday, a description officials later walked back \u2014 and questioned why the administration was citing the dismantlement of Iran\u2019s nuclear program as a third objective when officials said its facilities had been \u201cobliterated<\/a>\u201d last year.<\/p>

\u201cSo far, we\u2019ve heard that although we killed the whole Iranian regime, this was not a regime change war. And although we obliterated their nuclear program, we had to do this because of their nuclear program. And although Iran was not planning any attacks on the US, they also might have been, depending on who you ask,\u201d Walsh said.<\/p>

\u201cThe messaging on this thing is, to put it mildly, confused,\u201d he added.<\/p>

Walsh was joined by Sean Davis<\/a>, Saagar Enjeti, and other conservative commentators who spent the day accusing the administration of bungling its messaging on the conflict.<\/p>

Secretary of State Marco Rubio<\/a> expressed frustration Monday over the complaints, telling reporters on Capitol Hill that the \u201cclear objective\u201d was to neutralize Iran\u2019s navy and its short-range missile capabilities.<\/p>

\u201cI don\u2019t understand what the confusion is,\u201d Rubio said.<\/p>

He also laid out in plain terms why the administration chose to strike when it did, suggesting that Israel was primed to launch an attack on its own and that joining suit was necessary to minimize casualties to Americans.<\/p>

\u201cWe knew there was going to be an Israeli action, we knew that would precipitate an attack against American forces, and we knew that if we didn\u2019t preemptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties,\u201d Rubio said<\/a>.<\/p>

The comments represent an attempt to change the narrative on the conflict as Democrats begin to accuse Trump of pursuing a costly, open-ended \u201cwar of choice.\u201d Earlier in the day, War Secretary Pete Hegseth<\/a> stood before a briefing room podium insisting that the United States was not engaged in an \u201cendless\u201d operation and that the Pentagon had defined metrics for success.<\/p>

He did address the question of regime change, but attempted to split the difference by denying it was an explicit goal of the White House.<\/p>

\"This is not a so-called regime change war, but the regime sure did change, and the world is better off for it today,\" Hegseth told reporters.<\/p>

DEMOCRATS SEIZE ON ANTI-WAR FERVOR TO DING TRUMP ON IRAN<\/a><\/p>

In terms of Rubio, Enjeti and other pundits scrutinized his explanation of how the strikes were preemptive.<\/p>

\u201cOk, I get it now: The war was preemptive in the sense that we had to preempt Iranian reaction to Israel\u2019s preemption,\u201d Enjeti said<\/a> on X.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26049689872175.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477612-1772477733", "title":"Rubio says ‘imminent’ Iranian threat to US was knowing it would respond to Israeli attack", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fdefense%2F4477612%2Frubio-imminent-iran-threat-israel-attack%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States attacked Iran over the “imminent” threat posed by an Iranian response to an Israeli attack that the U.S. knew was coming. The Trump administration gave out a flurry of explanations for the largest U.S. combat operation since the 2003 Iraq War on Monday, following the Saturday […]", "description":""

Secretary of State Marco Rubio<\/a> said the United States attacked Iran<\/a> over the \"imminent\" threat posed by an Iranian response to an Israeli attack that the U.S. knew was coming.<\/p>

The Trump administration<\/a> gave out a flurry of explanations for the largest U.S. combat operation since the 2003 Iraq War on Monday, following the Saturday morning attack. Speaking with reporters, Rubio claimed the danger posed by an Iranian response was too great to sit out of any attack, which was bound to come from Israel anyway.<\/p>

\"We knew that there was going to be an Israeli action,\" Rubio said. \"We knew that that would precipitate an attack against American forces, and we knew that if we didn\u2019t preemptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties.\"<\/p>

\"There absolutely was an imminent threat, and the imminent threat was that we knew that if Iran was attacked, and we believed they would be attacked, that they would immediately come after us, and we were not going to sit there and absorb a blow before we responded,\" he told reporters, later adding that \"we went proactively in a defensive way to prevent them from inflicting higher damage. Had we not done so, there would have been hearings on Capitol Hill about how we knew that this was going to happen, and we didn't act preemptively to prevent more casualties and more loss of life.\"<\/p>

House Speaker Mike Johnson<\/a> (R-LA) gave a similar answer, adding that the U.S. had \"exquisite intelligence\" that made it confident of the belief that Iran would retaliate against U.S. \"personnel and assets\" in the region.<\/p>

\"We have troops in harm's way, and we have many Americans in the region, and that was of a great concern. If we had waited for all of those eventualities to take place, the consequences of inaction on our part would have been, could have been devastating. We don't know at what magnitude, but you can assume ... we would have suffered staggering losses,\" he said.<\/p>

The Trump administration has given various justifications for its attack against Iran<\/a>, including the development of its nuclear program, its role in regional destabilization, its past attacks against U.S. personnel, and its growing ballistic missile program. Rubio's explanation, saying that Washington feared an Iranian reaction to an apparently inevitable Israeli attack, is likely to feed into critics of Jerusalem from the Left and Right who claim the operation came at the bidding of Israel<\/a>.<\/p>

The strike was the second time the U.S. had attacked Iran in the middle of nuclear negotiations, though on a much larger scale this time around.<\/p>

Washington and Jerusalem have managed an unparalleled level of military and intelligence integration and cooperation ahead of the strike on Iran, apparently divvying up responsibilities.<\/p>

Two senior Israeli defense officials familiar with the planning of the operation told the New York Times<\/a> hours after hostilities began that the attack began at 8:10 a.m. local time and included direct strikes against high-ranking figures. The plan presented to Trump had Israel focusing its strikes on missile storage sites, production facilities, and launchers, while the U.S. would focus on nuclear, IRGC, and government targets.<\/p>

In Trump\u2019s first address, less than two hours after the first strikes on Saturday, he laid out an extensive list of grievances against Iran, going back to the Iranian hostage crisis of 1979.<\/p>

\u201cIt\u2019s been mass terror, and we\u2019re not going to put up with it any longer,\u201d he said of the Islamic regime\u2019s activities across the Middle East.<\/p>

Trump swore to \u201craze Iran\u2019s missile industry to the ground\u201d and \u201cannihilate\u201d its navy.<\/p>

He concluded by making clear he was aiming for regime change, calling on the Iranian people to \u201cseize control of your destiny\u201d and take over the government.<\/p>

US AND ISRAEL LAUNCH \u2018PREEMPTIVE\u2019 ATTACK AGAINST IRAN<\/a><\/p>

The president gave himself a pat on the back in a Monday Truth Social post<\/a>, praising his previous hostility to the Iran nuclear deal and claiming Tehran would have had a nuclear weapon by now if he hadn't scrapped it.<\/p>

\"If I didn\u2019t terminate Obama\u2019s horrendous Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA), Iran would have had a Nuclear Weapon three years ago. That was the most dangerous transaction we have ever entered into, and had it been allowed to stand, the World would be an entirely different place right now. You can blame Barack Hussein Obama, and Sleepy Joe Biden. THANK YOU PRESIDENT TRUMP!\" Trump said.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/030226_WEX_RUBIO-10-e1772488121293.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477422-1772474110", "title":"Nancy Mace under House Ethics investigation for alleged ‘improper reimbursement practices’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse%2F4477422%2Fnancy-mace-ethics-inquiry-alleged-improper-reimbursement%2F", "byline":"Rachel Schilke", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) is facing a House Ethics Committee investigation for allegedly engaging in “improper reimbursement practices” that led to the congresswoman receiving more money than her actual total amount of expenses. According to a report released Monday, the Office of Congressional Conduct found enough evidence to suggest Mace sought reimbursements that “exceeded her […]", "description":""

Rep. Nancy Mace<\/a> (R-SC) is facing a House Ethics<\/a> Committee investigation for allegedly engaging in \"improper reimbursement practices\" that led to the congresswoman receiving more money than her actual total amount of expenses.<\/p>

According to a report released Monday, the Office of Congressional Conduct found enough evidence to suggest Mace sought reimbursements that \"exceeded her reimbursable expenses incurred.\"<\/p>

\"If Rep. Mace engaged in improper reimbursement practices, then she may have violated House rules, standards of conduct, and federal law,\" the office wrote in its report.<\/p>

Mace is running for governor of South Carolina in this year's GOP primary. An early February poll<\/a> from National Public Affairs shows Mace trailing Attorney General Alan Wilson, 17% to 23%. Another poll from Targoz Market Research late January to early February found Mace leading the field with 18%, compared to Wilson's 12%.<\/p>

Per the report, Mace used a House program that provides reimbursements while on official business in Washington, D.C. She sought reimbursements for most months between January 2023 and September 2024. During that time, she stayed in a home she owned with her then-fianc\u00e9, Brendan Patrick Bryant.<\/p>

Under the program, she could seek reimbursements for costs such as utilities, homeowners' association fees, insurance, and travel-related taxes. The figure could not be more than the total housing expenses incurred that month. But after reviewing invoices and documents, the OCC determined there were discrepancies between the amounts requested and received by Mace for reimbursement and the total of the associated bills.<\/p>

\"In 2023, Rep. Mace\u2019s requests for reimbursement exceeded the total of the DC Property\u2019s expenses in January, February, March, May, June, September, October, and November. In 2024, Rep. Mace\u2019s requests for reimbursement exceeded the total of the DC Property\u2019s expenses in January, March, April, and May\u2014amounting to an excess of $9,485.46,\" the OCC found.<\/p>

March 2, 2026, OCC Nancy Mace reimbursement report <\/a> by web-producers <\/a> <\/p>

The House Ethics Committee plans to review the matter, noting in a press release that conducting a review of the referral from the OCC \"does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred.\"<\/p>

Mace's counsel, William Sullivan, called the referral report \"fundamentally flawed\" in a letter to the House Ethics Committee's chief counsel. Sullivan claimed the narrative includes \"unverified assertions and referrals\" that may have been influenced by Bryant.<\/p>

The congresswoman accused<\/a> Bryant and several other men of sexual abuse on the House floor in a bombshell speech last February. Sullivan called relying on information from Byrant \"deeply problematic.<\/p>

\"The OCC was informed of Bryant\u2019s relationship with the congresswoman and his documented history of abusive and retaliatory conduct toward her,\" Sullivan wrote<\/a>. \"Counsel repeatedly raised these credibility concerns and requested transparency regarding the sources of information the OCC relied upon and which the OCC never provided. This lack of lucidity deprived the Congresswoman of any meaningful opportunity to assess or respond to the information underlying those assertions.\"<\/p>

Sullivan added Mace was working in good faith with the OCC but using the alleged information from Bryant \"raises additional questions about the completeness and legitimacy of the factual record supporting the referral\" to the ethics panel. Per the OCC, Mace refused to cooperate<\/a> with the office's review.<\/p>

The ethics investigation comes as Mace is leading the charge to publicly release all of the panel's reports on congressional sexual harassment investigations. Her push comes after explicit text messages were released showing evidence that Rep. Tony Gonzales<\/a> (R-TX) had an alleged affair with his former staffer, who died by suicide last year. Gonzales says he will not resign<\/a> despite calls from his fellow Republicans to do so.<\/p>

\"The reason that no one is ever held accountable here in Congress for their transgressions is because both sides protect the other,\" Mace said in a video<\/a> published last week. <\/p>

PRESSURE MOUNTS ON TONY GONZALES TO STEP DOWN OVER SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MESSAGES TO LATE STAFFER<\/a><\/p>

Under her resolution, if adopted, the Ethics Committee would have to preserve and publicly release all reports tied to investigations into members accused of sexual harassment toward staffers or engaging in relationships with staffers within 60 days.<\/p>

The Ethics Committee is currently awaiting a report from the OCC, which concluded its investigation into Gonzales, for transfer. The report cannot be transmitted to the panel until after the primary on Tuesday under the OCC's rules. That report, under law, must be made public within 45 days of referring it to the Ethics Committee, unless the panel votes to extend its investigation by another 45 days.<\/p>

The Washington Examiner reached out to Mace for comment.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AP25216048661299.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477611-1772472020", "title":"Senate adds Trump ban on purchases by large investors to bipartisan housing bill", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fsenate%2F4477611%2Fsenate-adds-trump-ban-investors-housing-bill%2F", "byline":"Zach Halaschak", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Senate added language that would ban large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes into bipartisan housing legislation, a big win for the White House. President Donald Trump has advanced such a ban as a key plank of his housing agenda, even though it is at odds with traditional Republican free-market economics. The provision’s inclusion will likely receive a mixed […]", "description":""

The Senate<\/a> added language that would ban large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes into bipartisan housing<\/a> legislation, a big win for the White House<\/a>.<\/p>

President Donald Trump<\/a> has advanced such a ban as a key plank of his housing agenda, even though it is at odds with traditional Republican free-market economics. The provision\u2019s inclusion will likely receive a mixed reaction among congressional Republicans<\/a>.<\/p>

MIXED GOP RECEPTION FOR TRUMP BAN ON LARGE INVESTORS BUYING SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES<\/a><\/p>

The inclusion of the institutional investor ban is one of the biggest changes to the now-renamed 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, authored by Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC) and ranking member Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). The Senate is holding a vote on whether to proceed with the measure Monday.<\/p>

Other major changes include the deletion of one provision that would have directed more federal funding to localities that permit more housing near transit and another that would have essentially graded<\/a> every state and city on their zoning laws.<\/p>

Another major addition is that the bill would ban the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency through 2030. Banning CBDCs, as they are known, has been a goal for conservatives worried about surveillance by the Fed. <\/p>

There have been two competing bipartisan housing bills \u2014 the Senate\u2019s ROAD to Housing Act<\/a> and the House\u2019s Housing for the 21st Century Act<\/a>. They share some important similarities but also significant differences, and the latest legislative language attempts to reconcile the two.<\/p>

Trump first announced the proposed ban earlier this year and later signed an executive order intended to effectuate it in part. But the administration\u2019s goal has always been to have Congress pass such a restriction into law. He mentioned the executive order during the State of the Union last week and called on Congress to codify a ban.<\/p>

\u201cI\u2019m asking Congress to make that ban permanent, because all this for, people, really, that\u2019s what we want,\u201d the president said. \u201cWe want homes for people, not for corporations. Corporations are doing just fine.\u201d<\/p>

The White House previously circulated draft legislative language<\/a> on such a ban on large investors. The original language in the White House draft defined a \u201clarge institutional investor\u201d as any investment fund, corporation, or entity that controls over 100 single-family homes.<\/p>

The bill released Monday raises that threshold to 350. <\/p>

While Trump and the White House have been supportive of such a move, some Republicans on Capitol Hill are opposed to banning firms from purchasing homes.<\/p>

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), a member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, told the Washington Examiner that the policy has been proposed in the past by two of the most progressive senators, Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Warren.<\/p>

\u201cTo me, I think it\u2019s masking the underlying problem of not enough housing starts,\u201d Tillis said last week. \u201cSo if we view that as a solution to that problem, I don\u2019t see how it fits. I\u2019ve been against it when Bernie Sanders first proposed it, or Elizabeth Warren, I\u2019m still against it.\u201d<\/p>

Still, other GOP lawmakers, such as Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) and Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN), have pushed hard for an institutional investor ban to be included in the bipartisan housing legislation, and both have previously introduced legislation to that effect.<\/p>

More broadly, both Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill are hoping to deliver a bipartisan legislative win for their constituents with the passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.<\/p>

TOP DEMOCRAT CHALLENGES TRUMP ON BAN OF BIG INVESTORS FROM SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSES<\/a><\/p>

Senate banking committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC) declared on Monday that 2026 \u201cis the year of affordability.\u201d He said the legislation is \u201cfulfilling the promise\u201d that Trump made voters during the State of the Union last month.<\/p>

\u201cNot only is this bill about cutting regulatory red tape, lowering costs, and expanding housing supply while generating no new spending, but it\u2019s about making sure people like the single mom who raised me in North Charleston, South Carolina, have even greater access to economic opportunity and the American dream of homeownership,\u201d Scott said.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26056768621539.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477484-1772471816", "title":"Watch the moment Hillary Clinton loses her cool upon learning photos of deposition have been leaked: ‘I am done with this’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse%2F4477484%2Fhillary-clinton-video-photo-leak-epstein-deposition%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was visibly outraged after learning that photos from her deposition had been leaked on social media. While Clinton was answering questions about her relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, her counsel suddenly interjected, demanding to know how it was consistent with the rules of the closed […]", "description":""

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton<\/a> was visibly outraged after learning that photos from her deposition had been leaked on social media.<\/p>

While Clinton was answering questions about her relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein<\/a>, her counsel suddenly interjected, demanding to know how it was consistent with the rules of the closed deposition. Clinton's calm disposition instantly changed, and she angrily threatened to walk out of the deposition and cease her cooperation.<\/p>

\"If you guys are doing that, I am done,\" she said. \"You can hold me in contempt from now until the cows come home. This is just typical behavior. For Heaven's sake!\"<\/p>

\"It doesn't matter, we are all abiding by the same rules,\" Clinton responded after someone started to try and explain, slamming her fist on the table in the process. Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) had leaked the photo.<\/p>

\"I'm done, for now,\" she concluded after her counsel recommended a break, and the camera cut.<\/p>

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform<\/a> released video recordings of the depositions of former President Bill Clinton<\/a> and Hillary Clinton last week, totaling over nine hours.<\/p>

House Republicans viewed the former president's testimony more favorably and considered it less hostile than his wife's. Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) openly praised Bill Clinton's deposition as \u201cproductive\u201d and revealed that he \u201canswered every question, or attempted to answer every question.\u201d<\/p>

WATCH: HOUSE RELEASES BILL AND HILLARY CLINTON\u2019S EPSTEIN DEPOSITION VIDEOS<\/a><\/p>

\u201cEverybody knows President Clinton. \u2026 He\u2019s got Southern people skills and he\u2019s a charming individual, obviously,\u201d Comer responded when asked by reporters why he thought Bill Clinton's testimony was more respectful than Hillary Clinton's.<\/p>

The former president and first lady were the two highest-ranking officials in U.S. history to testify to Congress over a subpoena.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Hillary-Clinton-Boebert-react.png?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477495-1772471254", "title":"Energy markets face ‘heart attack’ as Gulf infrastructure targeted in Iran conflict", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fenergy-and-environment%2F4477495%2Fenergy-markets-heart-attack-gulf-targeted-iran-conflict%2F", "byline":"Callie Patteson", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The escalating conflict in Iran is posing a significant risk to energy infrastructure across the Middle East and Persian Gulf, including crucial crude oil transit routes as well as facilities used to refine and produce oil and natural gas.  Over the weekend, the United States and Israel carried out attacks on Iran, killing Supreme Leader […]", "description":""

The escalating conflict in Iran<\/a> is posing a significant risk to energy infrastructure across the Middle East and Persian Gulf, including crucial crude oil<\/a> transit routes as well as facilities used to refine and produce oil and natural gas.\u00a0<\/p>

Over the weekend, the United States and Israel carried out attacks on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The surprise strikes have threatened millions of barrels of oil<\/a> in the global markets, as the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed off and Iran has retaliated by targeting other energy facilities in the region. <\/p>

Analysts have warned that this conflict could disrupt the transportation of 15 million barrels of crude oil. And if the disruption lasts more than a few days, some warn it could raise crude oil prices<\/a> into the triple digits. <\/p>

HOW GULF STATES ARE RESPONDING TO IRAN'S RETALIATORY STRIKES<\/a><\/p>

\u201cProbably, three or four days is enough for the oil and natural gas market to have a heart attack, which would mean price is going up much more than they do right now,\u201d Rystad Energy chief economist Claudio Galimberti told the Washington Examiner.<\/p>

Here\u2019s a closer look at some of the most important transit routes, export terminals, and other energy-related infrastructure at risk.\u00a0<\/p>Infrastructure already hit 

On Monday, Iran began to retaliate following Saturday\u2019s attack, launching drones against Qatar state-owned energy giant QatarEnergy\u2019s facilities at Ras Laffan and Mesaieed. <\/p>

Following the attacks, QatarEnergy ended all liquefied natural gas production. The company has a total annual production capacity of 77 million tons of LNG. <\/p>

Qatar is one of the largest LNG suppliers worldwide, sending more than 70% of its exports to Asia and 25% to Europe in 2022, according to the Energy Information Administration. <\/p>

IRAN CONFLICT THREATENS TO RAISE GAS PRICES<\/a><\/p>

Iran\u2019s retaliation spread further across the Gulf States Monday, with state-run Saudi Press Agency reporting that Saudi Arabia\u2019s Ras Tanura oil refinery sustained damage from Iranian drones. <\/p>

The facility, operated by Aramco, was shut down after a drone strike in the area. The refinery has a capacity of around 550,000 barrels per day and is a crucial supplier of diesel worldwide. <\/p>Others at risk 

Clayton Seigle, a senior fellow in the Energy Security and Climate Change Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told the Washington Examiner that there are several other major facilities to keep an eye on that are within striking distance of Iran that have not yet been targeted.\u00a0<\/p>

This includes Saudi Arabia's Ju'aymah Terminal, one of the largest LNG export facilities in the world, which handles more than 5 million barrels per day of Saudi oil. Another is Al Basrah Oil Terminal, a major crude oil terminal owned and operated by Iraq, which has a loading capacity of over 3 million barrels per day.\u00a0<\/p>

<\/a>THE US AND ISRAEL ATTACKED IRAN: WHAT WE KNOW<\/a><\/p>

Seigle also pointed to smaller offshore terminals with export capacity of several million barrels per day located off the coasts of the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cWhen you put that all together, you\u2019re looking at 15 million barrels of crude,\u201d he said. <\/p>

Additionally, Galimberti highlighted the Leviathan offshore gas field, located in the eastern Mediterranean, as a possible target for Iran.\u00a0<\/p>

Leviathan is Israel\u2019s largest gas field, with roughly 22.9 trillion cubic feet in gas reserves, supplying natural gas to Israel, Egypt, and Jordan. It is primarily operated by Chevron.<\/p>

Hours after Saturday\u2019s strike, sources confirmed<\/a> to Reuters that the gas field was temporarily shut down as a precautionary measure. <\/p>

Other foreign-owned entities, including Norwegian DNO and Dubai\u2019s Dana Gas, moved to pause their oil and gas production in the Kurdistan region of Iraq amid the conflict over the weekend. <\/p>

The region exported roughly 200,000 barrels of crude per day last month. <\/p>The Strait of Hormuz

By far the most important piece of the global oil network at risk in the conflict is the Strait of Hormuz, which separates the Persian Gulf from all other marine passageways for energy production. <\/p>

Roughly 20 million barrels of crude oil and other oil products pass through the strait daily, equivalent to 20% of global oil demand.<\/p>

Over the weekend, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the strait was \"effectively closed\u201d to maritime vessels. <\/p>

While it remains unclear if the closure is being enforced, several large vessels estimated to be transporting more than 10 billion barrels of oil have already turned around before passing through the strait, according<\/a> to an analysis of shipping data by Sky News.<\/p>

Seigle explained that some of these ships may be changing their routes due to insurers canceling contracts or GPS systems being jammed.\u00a0<\/p>

Galimberti described the transit route as the \u201caorta\u201d of the energy sector\u2019s circulatory system, warning that if a closure of the strait lasts too long, it could lead to a \u201cheart attack.\u201d <\/p>

\u201cThe Strait of Hormuz is essential to the whole system to work,\u201d Galimberti said. <\/p>

IRAN CONFLICT THREATENS TO RAISE GAS PRICES <\/a><\/p>

He explained that even if other producers can fill gaps in supply caused by the conflict, market flow won\u2019t be restored if it cannot be transported through the strait. <\/p>

\u201cThis is the highest concentration of foreign gas facilities in the world and the Strait of Hormuz is the big artery of the entire oil market,\u201d he said, adding, \u201cIf the war continues, then expect oil prices to continue to climb.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/ap-19203437081367-e1772488574388.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476802-1772470800", "title":"Elites are fighting for power. Everyone else is fighting for meaning", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fin_focus%2F4476802%2Felites-fighting-for-power-everyone-else-seeking-meaning%2F", "byline":"Bob Woodson", "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. Where is our attention? Across the country, the loudest voices […]", "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>

Where is our attention? Across the country, the loudest voices insist that America is tearing itself apart. Talking heads shout. Single-issue campaigns divide. Experts sort citizens into warring tribes.<\/p>

But beneath the noise, a quiet and shared sense of reverence grows across our nation.<\/p>

It appeared when a country song by a previously unknown singer named Oliver Anthony<\/a> spread across the nation \u2014 not because it was polished by a music industry machine, but because millions recognized their own unease in it. Truck drivers, teachers, single mothers, veterans, young men working construction, retirees living on fixed incomes \u2014 these people shared \u201cRich Men North of Richmond\" not as entertainment but as testimony: Yes. That\u2019s how it feels. To be unseen, talked down to, ignored, and worked without dignity.<\/p>

Then came 20 Buddhist monks, walking across the United States \u2014 no money, no slogans, no party affiliation. As they passed through towns and cities, ordinary Americans emerged from homes, diners, farms, and offices simply to greet them. They offered water, food, and sometimes their tears. <\/p>

No one asks who they voted for. No one demanded a position paper. People simply recognized something they had been missing.<\/p>

These are not isolated cultural curiosities. They are signals. The song revealed how tired we have become. The monks stirred our conscience's desire for peace.<\/p>

America\u2019s greatest suffering is not political division. Americans are not morally dead \u2014 we are morally depleted. This is a moral exhaustion that sets in when people are exposed to constant moral conflict without clear resolution, no agency, and no shared victory.<\/p>

The elites \u2014 on both the Left and the Right \u2014 believe the central struggle in America is power: who governs, which coalition wins, which demographic prevails. But ordinary Americans are responding to something else entirely. We are searching for moral grounds to stand on. Not policy, but purpose.<\/p>

The Romans had a word for what sustains a civilization: pietas. It meant love of God<\/a>, loyalty to family, devotion to community, and duty to country \u2014 all woven together. This was not sentiment, but obligation rooted in gratitude. Over time, moral exhaustion and civic depletion weakened the bonds that held the Roman Empire together. As virtue eroded and unity fractured, Rome became unsustainable.<\/p>

A healthy civilization does not survive on rights alone, but on reverence as well.<\/p>

The crowds greeting strangers walking in silence; the millions sharing a raw song across social classes; the growing hunger for community, faith, and belonging: These are not protests. They are pleas. Beneath the arguments about race, class, and party, millions are quietly saying together that they want a country that means something again.<\/p>

When a nation loses the ability to honor what is good about itself, it does not become more just; it becomes more fragile. A people ashamed of their own story cannot defend it, improve it, or pass it on.<\/p>

To pass on the whole story of our nation truthfully is not to deny the history of oppression, but neither is it to overlook the courage, sacrifice, and triumph born from it.\u00a0<\/p>

There was, of course, the unrepentant Confederate President Jefferson Davis, who defended slavery<\/a> as a necessity. But there were also the three black barbers who operated a critical Underground Railroad network alongside nearly 1,200 white farmers in Ohio \u2014 with support from two Native American tribes.\u00a0<\/p>

Together, they enabled an estimated 50,000 enslaved black men, women, and children to escape to freedom despite the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which made such acts punishable by imprisonment or death. They risked their livelihood and their lives to express their desire for peace and to uphold moral authority.<\/p>

There was the white sawmill owner who, in 1909, donated a large supply of lumber to build Piney Wood School, the nation\u2019s oldest continuously-operating historically black boarding school today. There was Julius Rosenwald, a white Jewish businessman who partnered with Booker T. Washington to build nearly 5,000 schools<\/a> that educated one-third of poor black children in the South.\u00a0<\/p>

These are concrete examples of American virtues in action. Moral courage is not owned by any race. Not all whites were villains, and not all blacks were victims.<\/p>

This is the story our children are to inherit. Adversity is real, but it does not excuse the surrender of virtue nor the abandonment of responsibility.<\/p>

Telling every story \u2014 stories of both adversity and of virtue \u2014 helps\u00a0show what citizenship looks like when conscience is stronger than fear.<\/p>

America\u2019s history is more than a record of injustice. It is also a record of courage. <\/p>

In America\u2019s history, we see a shared moral impulse that transcends identity politics<\/a>: a longing for peace rooted in responsibility, agency, and love of neighbor. This is the durable peace that emerges when citizens strive, imperfectly but persistently, to live out the Constitution\u2019s<\/a> promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness through virtue, faith, and self-governance.<\/p>

Telling this side of U.S history<\/a> does not excuse wrongdoing. But refusing to acknowledge virtue, especially across racial lines, traps us in resentment and keeps us from moving forward together in reconciliation and growth.<\/p>

When people face moral opposition, some defend it, some resist it, and some rise above it. History is shaped by the choices that are made.<\/p>

We need to shift the national dialogue so that our leaders and our children make the right choice, so that we have a future rooted in responsibility rather than resentment. <\/p>

We will not restore this nation\u2019s moral health through better messaging, better programs, or better coalitions. <\/p>

Renewal will come when we recover what formed us: Forgiveness that resonates louder than grievance, a sense of duty before demand, faith before ideology, and acts of service before status.<\/p>

The future of the nation cannot be decided first in Washington, universities, or media studios. It will be decided in neighborhoods, churches, schools, and families, by whether we teach our children that they belong to something and therefore owe something to one another.<\/p>

A people united only by politics eventually fractures. A people united by shared moral purpose endures.<\/p>

IN FOCUS: TRUMP CLOSED THE GAP BETWEEN RHETORIC AND ACTION ON IRAN<\/a><\/p>

Beneath all the shouting, America is telling us which one it still longs to be.<\/p>

May America\u2019s founding principles long be celebrated in both song and practice. And make no mistake, this is something worth protecting.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26042815103933-e1772473512234.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477458-1772470494", "title":"Where religion exits, extremism enters", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fbeltway-confidential%2F4477458%2Fwhere-religion-exits-extremism-enters%2F", "byline":"Timothy P. Carney", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"America has become much more secular. White evangelicals are increasingly de-institutionalized.  This is a bad development, which helps explain the rise in extremism, racism, political violence, and antisemitism. There are reams and reams of evidence suggesting that, at least among conservatives, religiosity inoculates among extremism. Antisemitism is less common among frequent church-attenders, and so is […]", "description":""

America has become much more secular<\/a>. White evangelicals are increasingly de-institutionalized. <\/p>

This is a bad development, which helps explain the rise in extremism, racism, political violence<\/a>, and antisemitism<\/a>.<\/p>

There are reams and reams of evidence suggesting that, at least among conservatives, religiosity inoculates among extremism. Antisemitism is less common among frequent church-attenders<\/a>, and so is unhealthy attachment to guns<\/a>. Religiosity seems to reduce violence<\/a>. Converting in prison seems to reduce recidivism<\/a>.<\/p>

I would argue that progressives in America are much less tolerant and pluralistic on politics and ideology because their politics and ideology have become their religion.<\/p>

Humans are created as tribal and religious beings. If you strip away traditional organized religion, something will take its place.<\/p>

An essay today<\/a> at Crisis magazine tells this tale in a personal and shocking way.<\/p>

The author is Peter Cytanovic. You probably don\u2019t know his name, but you know his face \u2014 as the face of Trump-era white supremacism<\/a>. He was famously pictured carrying a torch and yelling angrily in Charlottesville<\/a>, Virginia, in 2017.<\/p>

He says he subsequently converted to Catholicism<\/a> and has reformed.<\/p>

Here are the most important passages from his essay:<\/p>

\u201cAlthough I was raised in a loving home, it was economically strained, and there was a part of me that understood that there was injustice in the poverty I saw around me. Yet, I did not have the language or moral formation to articulate what made it unjust.\"<\/p>

\u201cI was not Catholic or religious at all. Both my parents were born Catholic but left the Faith. I was a \u2018none\u2019 who was culturally Christian as a vague abstraction. I wanted justice, but I did not know what justice truly was. I enrolled at the University of Nevada, Reno, but I had no plan, no goal, and that absence of direction became the soil in which my radicalization took root\u2026\"<\/p>

\u201cThe nihilism I had in youth evolved into a zealous rage against the world. I never formally joined a neo-Nazi organization, nor did I desire to, but I increasingly embraced hateful ideas that I justified as necessary to protect what I perceived as my community: the white community\u2026\"<\/p>

\u201cThe Christian ideal replaced pagan racial solidarity with a deeper and more humane communion, one grounded not in exclusion but in love of neighbor, rooted in Christ.\u201d<\/p>

I wrote<\/a> on this very topic after the Charlottesville protests, which culminated with James Alex Fields running down a crowd of counter-protestors, and killing Heather Heyer:<\/p>

\u201cJames Alex Fields grew up without a father. He was kind of from Kentucky, kind of from Cincinnati, and lived in the outlying suburbs of Toledo. As far as we can tell he didn\u2019t go to church. He was neither Midwestern nor Southern. He tried to join the military, but couldn\u2019t cut it\u2026\"<\/p>

\u201cFields, as far as we can tell, lacked the community, the tribal ties, the identity in which most people find their sense of purpose and of support. And so he donned the identity of white nationalism.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cMany Americans enjoy identifying as Mormons, as Jews, as Portlanders, as Middlebury students, as Greek Americans, as Ballou High School students, or any of a million ethnic, religious, social, or geographic identities\u2026\"<\/p>

TIM CARNEY: A WOMAN'S WORK IS NEVER DONE<\/a><\/p>

\u201cAbsent a strong identity and tribe, would it be surprising if a man chose his most abstract traits, his race and his nationality, and made those into his identity? So we get a sort of invented identity \u2014 call it white nationalism \u2014 that\u2019s far more toxic than any smaller identity or tribe. Being invented, this identity is more likely to be based in ideology than in organic custom, ritual, or community.\u201d<\/p>

Even most secular progressives seem to grasp today that religion has been a force for good in the country.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/ap-17199454813505-e1772487730813.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476888-1772470264", "title":"Gorsuch questions how one regular marijuana gummy could allow for taking away gun rights", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fsupreme-court%2F4476888%2Fgorsuch-questions-marijuana-gummy-gun-rights%2F", "byline":"Jack Birle", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Justice Neil Gorsuch sharply questioned the Justice Department over the amount of regular unlawful drug usage necessary to trigger a federal gun charge on Monday during arguments in a key Second Amendment case for drug users. The Supreme Court heard arguments in the case United States v. Hemani, where Ali Hemani challenged the constitutionality of […]", "description":""

Justice Neil Gorsuch<\/a> sharply questioned the Justice Department<\/a> over the amount of regular unlawful drug usage necessary to trigger a federal gun charge on Monday during arguments in a key Second Amendment<\/a> case for drug users.<\/p>

The Supreme Court<\/a> heard arguments in the case United States v. Hemani<\/a>, where Ali Hemani challenged the constitutionality of a federal gun charge against him. The charge was filed based on his admission to consuming marijuana \"about every other day.\" Hemani's lawyers argued the federal law barring firearm possession for any person who \u201cis an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance\" violates the Second Amendment.<\/p>

Arguing for the Justice Department, Principal Deputy Solicitor General Sarah Harris asserted the law is constitutional. Harris maintained that, like habitual drunkards, unlawful drug users may have their gun rights temporarily taken away. Harris faced a grilling from the justices over this assertion.<\/p>

Gorsuch zeroed in early in the arguments on how much regular unlawful drug use would be needed to take away someone's ability to possess a firearm, appearing deeply skeptical of the legality of the sweeping federal law.<\/p>

\"You would qualify a habitual user as one gummy bear every other night,\" Gorusch asked, referring to marijuana infused gummy bears, to which Harris responded, \"Absolutely.\"<\/p>

Gorsuch also pressed Harris on how marijuana is \"sort of illegal and sort of isn't.\" The federal government does not enforce drug laws for marijuana in the same way as other drugs, as more states have legalized the drug. Harris pushed back on the assertion that the federal government is \"of two minds\" on marijuana enforcement versus other illegal drug enforcement.<\/p>

Hemani\u2019s case originates from an August 2022 FBI search of his family home, during which agents found his\u00a0firearm, roughly 60 grams of marijuana, and 0.95 grams of\u00a0cocaine. Hemani told the FBI at the time that he consumed marijuana \u201cabout every other day.\u201d He was later charged under the federal law at the center of the case based on his mention of regular marijuana consumption, but both a federal district court and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals tossed the indictment as violating his Second Amendment rights.<\/p>

Many of the questions leveled at Harris focused on the definition of an \"unlawful drug user,\" including how frequently a person would have to consume the illegal drugs to violate the law at the center of the case, similar to Gorsuch's question.<\/p>

Under the Supreme Court's 2022 ruling in New York Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen<\/a>, gun regulations must conform with the country\u2019s history and tradition of gun laws to be constitutional. Justice Brett Kavanaugh questioned the laws Harris pointed to as evidence of similar laws in the country's historical tradition, as being more targeted at \"addicts\" rather than unlawful drug users. <\/p>

Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked about other drugs, and how they could pose a risk of violence that the law is designed to combat. She mentioned Robitussin, Ambien, Tylenol with codeine, testosterone, and Adderall as examples.<\/p>

\"Is it your position that all of the drugs that I just mentioned would pose a risk of violence and dangerous behavior?\" Barrett asked Harris, to which she responded yes. \"So it's the lawfulness?\" Barrett followed up.<\/p>

Hemani's lawyer, Erin Murphy, argued to the justices that the law is unconstitutional regarding her client's marijuana usage, focusing on her client's usage of the drug, but did not contest that it \"doesn't mean that the statute is unconstitutional as to every drug.\"<\/p>

Chief Justice John Roberts questioned Murphy on that assertion, asking if she wanted the law challenged on a case-by-case basis based on the drug involved in each case rather than ruling if the law is on its face unconstitutional. Murphy received further questions from other justices on her assertion, with Justice Elena Kagan later asking what makes marijuana distinct from other illegal drugs.<\/p>

\"How do you win with marijuana, but you don't win with that kind of drug where, really, anybody looking at it would say, oh, that is a dangerous thing to have that drug and a gun in the same place? Is it just, you just can't do it?\" Kagan asked.<\/p>

The justices overall appeared more skeptical of the Justice Department's arguments than of Hemani's, as they questioned Harris for a longer period during the oral arguments than Murphy.<\/p>

SUPREME COURT COULD LOAD UP ON GUN CASES THIS TERM<\/a><\/p>

The law at the center of the case heard by the justices Monday was also the basis for one of the three gun charges on which\u00a0Hunter Biden<\/a>, son of former President\u00a0Joe Biden, was found\u00a0guilty<\/a>\u00a0by a federal jury. The former president pardoned<\/a>\u00a0Hunter on those charges in December 2024 before leaving the White House.<\/p>

The Supreme Court is expected to issue a decision in United States v. Hemani by the end of June, when the current Supreme Court term ends. The justices are also expected to issue a ruling in another gun case,\u00a0Wolford v. Lopez, which deals with\u00a0Hawaii\u2019s<\/a>\u00a0\u201cvampire\u201d gun law.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP24222125276518.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476670-1772470210", "title":"Melania Trump gives candid, heartfelt message to families of soldiers killed in Iran operation", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fforeign-policy%2F4476670%2Fmelania-trump-iran-conflict-soliders%2F", "byline":"Mabinty Quarshie", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"First lady Melania Trump paid tribute to the families of fallen soldiers who died in connection to the U.S. strikes against Iran during the United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday. “My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their heroes, who sacrificed their lives for freedom,” the first lady said. “Their bravery and […]", "description":""

First lady Melania Trump<\/a> paid tribute to the families of fallen soldiers who died in connection to the U.S. strikes against Iran<\/a> during the United Nations <\/a>Security Council meeting on Monday. <\/p>

\"My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their heroes, who sacrificed their lives for freedom,\" the first lady said. \"Their bravery and dedication will always be remembered.<\/p>

\"I extend my earnest wishes for a swift and smooth recovery to all those who have been injured. You are in my thoughts and prayers during these challenging times,\" she continued. \"The U.S. stands with all of the children throughout the world. I hope soon peace will be yours.\"<\/p>

MELANIA TRUMP CALLS INAUGURAL DRESS \u2018AMERICA\u2019S DESTINY\u2019 SYMBOL AT SMITHSONIAN EVENT<\/a><\/p>

President Donald Trump<\/a> launched a joint operation with Israel against Iran on Saturday. The president has claimed the operation could go on for four to five weeks<\/a> and that it would be waged, in part, to honor the\u00a0American service members<\/a>\u00a0killed by Tehran\u2019s retaliatory attacks.<\/p>

\"Today, we grieve for the four heroic American service members who have been killed in action, and send our love and support to their families,\" the president said. \"In their memory, we continue this mission with ferocious, unyielding resolve to crush the threat this terrorist regime poses to the American people, and a threat, indeed it is.\"<\/p>

Melania Trump's comments at the U.N. Security Council marked the first time a sitting first lady has presided over a meeting. The first lady gaveled the U.S. presidency of the security council on Monday, as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz sat behind her.<\/p>

The U.S. is presiding over the meeting, taking over from the United Kingdom in February. The security council has a rotating presidency of the 15-member council.<\/p>

\"I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute on behalf of the council to the delegation of the United Kingdom for its service as president of the Council for the month of February,\" the first lady said. <\/p>

The appearance at the U.N. meeting is one of the few limited public appearances <\/a>centered on\u00a0family<\/a>-friendly matters.<\/p>

\"Enduring peace will be achieved when knowledge and understanding are fully valued within all societies,\u201d the first lady said.<\/p>

She also urged the meeting that \u201cNow is the time for our generation to elevate our children above ideology through access to wisdom.\u201d<\/p>

More than 150 children have been killed at an elementary girls\u2019 school in Minab, in southern Iran, after Operation Epic Fury was authorized.<\/p>

\"We are aware of the reports from Iran about the death of possibly dozens of children, allegedly as the result of a strike that hit an elementary school in the town of Minab,\" said Rosemary DiCarlo, under-secretary-general for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, during the Monday meeting.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25323773058632.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477442-1772469827", "title":"US troop death toll in Middle East up to six", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fdefense%2F4477442%2Fus-troops-death-toll-middle-east%2F", "byline":"Mike Brest", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Six American service members have been killed by Iranian forces so far in the first three days of the conflict, U.S. Central Command announced Monday afternoon. “U.S. forces recently recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted for service members from a facility that was struck during Iran’s initial attacks in the region,” CENTCOM said in […]", "description":""

Six American service members have been killed by Iranian<\/a> forces so far in the first three days of the conflict, U.S. Central Command announced Monday afternoon.<\/p>

\"U.S. forces recently recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted for service members from a facility that was struck during Iran's initial attacks in the region,\" CENTCOM said in a statement posted on social media.<\/p>

Prior to the updated fatality tally, CENTCOM officials had said four U.S. troops had lost their lives since the conflict began on Saturday morning.<\/p>

CENTCOM did not directly address whether all six were killed in the same Iranian attack, though War Secretary\u00a0Pete Hegseth<\/a> said during a Monday morning press briefing that the first identified fatalities were in a fortified tactical operation center when it was hit by an Iranian projectile.<\/p>

The War Department<\/a> has not released the identities of any of the six fatalities, and as is their standard procedure, will share their names after notifying their families.<\/p>

American service members across the region have come under direct attack amid the conflict. The Iranians have targeted U.S. assets in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.<\/p>

Senior American leaders have warned that there would likely be additional U.S. fatalities.<\/p>

\u201cWe expect to take additional losses, and as always, we will work to minimize U.S. losses,\u201d Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters on Monday. \u201cBut, as the secretary said, this is major combat operations.\u201d<\/p>

Similarly, President Donald Trump warned, \u201cSadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That\u2019s the way it is. Likely be more.\"<\/p>

HOW THE IRAN CONFLICT WAS LAUNCHED: 'OPERATION EPIC FURY IS APPROVED. NO ABORTS. GOOD LUCK'<\/a><\/p>

Prior to Trump\u2019s approval of the mission, the War Department spent the last couple of weeks increasing its presence in the Middle East. The department deployed thousands of service members from all branches of the military, hundreds of fourth- and fifth-generation fighter aircraft, dozens of refueling tankers, and two carrier strike groups and their embarked air wings.<\/p>

These six service members represent the first American military casualties in the Middle East since two troops and a contractor were killed in an Islamic State group ambush in Syria in late 2025.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26061509283445_6ec0b9.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476891-1772469408", "title":"Who is running Iran now?", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4476891%2Firan-leading-government-military-us-war%2F", "byline":"Mike Brest", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Iranian authorities have announced a three-member interim council to run the government amid the unprecedented joint U.S.-Israeli operations that took out both Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several other senior officials. The three council members will be Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian; the chief justice of the Supreme Court, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei; and a member of the […]", "description":""

Iranian<\/a> authorities have announced a three-member interim council to run the government amid the unprecedented joint U.S.-Israeli operations that took out both Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei<\/a> and several other senior officials.<\/p>

The three council members<\/a> will be Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian; the chief justice of the Supreme Court, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei; and a member of the Guardian Council, Ayatollah Alireza Arafi. This decision is outlined in the country's constitution.<\/p>

It comes after the United States and Israel killed dozens of senior leaders in the opening salvo of the conflict on Saturday morning. In addition to killing Khamenei, the Israeli military intelligence directorate, Shlomi Binder, said<\/a> they were \u201cable to create tactical surprise, eliminating over 40 of the most important individuals in Iran in under 40 seconds.\u201d<\/p>

Khamenei had been in power since 1989 after being appointed by the 88-member clerical assembly, known as the Assembly of Experts, that holds the authority to appoint a new supreme leader, and that group will now need to figure out a successor.<\/p>

The assembly has only picked a successor once after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, and that was after the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the supreme leader from 1979 until 1989.<\/p>

There is also the possibility that any selected successor could become a target for new Israeli or U.S. strikes.<\/p>

Prior to the current conflict, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was one of the most powerful, influential, and feared institutions in Iran, playing a significant role in the country\u2019s projection of power both domestically and abroad.<\/p>

The Guard, which has between 150,000-190,000 personnel, consists of ground, naval, and air forces; an internal security apparatus, an external operations force, and the Quds Force, which is responsible for the organization\u2019s covert activities abroad, according to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence\u2019s counterterrorism guide. The internal security entity, known as the Basij, is responsible for killing thousands of protesters in late 2025 and early 2026, which prompted international outrage.<\/p>

President Donald Trump<\/a> has also acknowledged that the U.S. does not know who is leading the country currently outside of the president, who had been in a deferential role to the supreme leader.<\/p>

Trump told CNN<\/a>, \u201cWe don\u2019t know who the leadership is. We don\u2019t know who they\u2019ll pick. Maybe they\u2019ll get lucky and get someone who knows what they\u2019re doing,\" and he added, \u201cThose were the leaders, and some of them were being considered.\"<\/p>

Iranian leaders \u201cgot a little bit arrogant\u201d by all meeting in the same location, Trump said. \u201cThey thought they were undetectable. They weren\u2019t undetectable. We were shocked by it.\u201d<\/p>

Following the initial strikes, Iran quickly began its retaliation, firing missiles and attack drones at U.S. bases throughout the Middle East, which angered those countries, and targeting Israel directly. They have targeted U.S. assets in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.<\/p>

The Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, indicated<\/a> that some units within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are acting independently from the central government apparatus.<\/p>

\"As a matter of fact, our, you know, military units are now in fact independent and somehow isolated, and they are acting based on instructions \u2014 you know, general instructions \u2014 given to them in advance,\u201d he told Al Jazeera.<\/p>

Without a clear leadership structure, it will be difficult for the U.S. to negotiate an end to the conflict and to get any rogue unit to comply, though Araghchi could also be trying to distance himself from the Iranian retaliatory attacks.<\/p>

In the first three days of the conflict, six American service members were\u00a0killed<\/a>\u00a0in an Iranian attack, though the Pentagon has not said where in the region they were. Several others were seriously injured. War Secretary\u00a0Pete Hegseth<\/a>\u00a0said they were in a fortified tactical operation center when it was hit by an Iranian projectile.\u00a0Separately, two Pentagon employees were injured in an Iranian drone strike on a hotel in Bahrain, according to a State Department cable reviewed by the Washington Post<\/a>.<\/p>

The Qatari air force shot down two Iranian SU-24 bomber jets, seven ballistic missiles, and five drones on Monday, according to a statement<\/a> from the country's foreign ministry.<\/p>

DAN CAINE SAYS ADDITIONAL FIREPOWER HEADED TO MIDDLE EAST AND HEDGES OPERATION TIMELINE<\/a><\/p>

Kuwaiti air defenses accidentally shot down three American F-15E Strike Eagles aircraft, but all six pilots ejected, were found, and are in stable condition. There is an investigation into the incident.<\/p>

American leaders have warned that the U.S. will likely have more casualties as Iran continues to retaliate across the region.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Khamenei.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477217-1772469060", "title":"Starmer fires back at Trump over Iran ‘unlawful action’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4477217%2Fkeir-starmer-trump-iran-unlawful-action%2F", "byline":"Timothy Nerozzi", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is defending himself from criticism lobbed by President Donald Trump, sticking to his decision not to join offensive campaigns against Iran. Starmer, speaking before the British Parliament on Monday, mentioned the U.S. leader by name as he outlined his reasoning for withholding U.K. military personnel from “offensive strikes” — primarily, […]", "description":""

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer<\/a> is defending himself from criticism lobbed by President Donald Trump<\/a>, sticking to his decision not to join offensive campaigns against Iran<\/a>.<\/p>

Starmer, speaking before the British Parliament<\/a> on Monday, mentioned the U.S. leader by name as he outlined his reasoning for withholding U.K. military personnel from \"offensive strikes\" \u2014 primarily, his concern that such operations violate international law.<\/p>

\u201cPresident Trump has expressed his disagreement with our decision not to get involved in the \u200binitial strikes, but it is my duty to judge what is in Britain\u2019s national interest. That is what I\u2019ve done, and I stand by it.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cWe were not involved in the \u200binitial strikes against Iran, and we will not join offensive action now. But in the face of Iran\u2019s barrage of missiles and \u2060drones, we will protect our people in the region,\u201d he continued.<\/p>

The United Kingdom<\/a> has opened British military bases for \"limited\" use by the U.S. military as it continues to pummel the Islamic Republic. Already, dozens of Iran's highest-ranking leaders<\/a> have been killed by pinpoint attacks launched by the United States and Israel.<\/p>

But Starmer was clear on where he stands regarding the initial launch of the conflict: \u201cI will not commit our military personnel to unlawful action.\"<\/p>

Trump admonished Starmer in an earlier interview on Monday, saying he was \"very disappointed in Keir\" for not allowing the U.S. military to utilize the British military base on the Chagos Archipelago for the operation.<\/p>

\u201cThat\u2019s probably never happened between our countries before,\u201d Trump told the Telegraph. \u201cIt sounds like he was worried about the legality<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>

Starmer, harkening back to President George W. Bush's prolonged war on terrorism<\/a> during his speech at Parliament, expressed extreme skepticism about Trump's capabilities in wrapping up the conflict efficiently.<\/p>

\u201cWe all remember the mistakes of Iraq<\/a>, and we have learned those lessons. Any U.K. \u200cactions must \u2060always have a lawful basis and a viable, thought-through plan,\u201d Starmer said. \u201cThis government does not believe in regime change from the skies.\u201d<\/p>

The friction with Trump only further frustrated the Starmer government, which has been entangled in a no-win situation over its plans to cede the Chagos Archipelago<\/a> to Mauritius.<\/p>

Mauritius is threatening further legal action if the U.K. does not abide by an international court ruling that its sovereignty over the islands is illegitimate. Chagossian citizens of Britain are threatening their own lawsuit, arguing they are being robbed of their homeland.<\/p>

TRUMP SAYS IRAN MISSILES COULD SOON HAVE REACHED US AND SNUBS PRESS QUESTIONS ON CONFLICT<\/a><\/p>

Additionally, national security experts in both Britain and the U.S. have expressed extreme concern about the impact of\u00a0ceding the islands<\/a>\u00a0on regional military capabilities.<\/p>

In his Monday interview, Trump said Starmer should have just \"fought it out and owned it\" or made the Mauritius government take it from Britain by force.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26059528551009.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477226-1772468727", "title":"PHOTOS: Usha Vance talks child literacy at hospital reading event", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F4477226%2Fphotos-usha-vance-child-literacy-hospital-reading-event%2F", "byline":"Naomi Lim", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"EXCLUSIVE — With the world watching a widening conflict in the Middle East, second lady Usha Vance is keeping an eye on the home front. Vance, 40, spent time reading to young patients of Children’s National Hospital in Washington on Monday, taking a couple of questions from the Washington Examiner and some in the “Dr. […]", "description":""

EXCLUSIVE \u2014 With the world watching a widening conflict in the Middle East, second lady Usha Vance<\/a> is keeping an eye on the home front.<\/p>

Vance, 40, spent time reading to young patients of Children\u2019s National Hospital<\/a> in Washington on Monday, taking a couple of questions from the Washington Examiner and some in the \"Dr. Bear's Den\" reading room.<\/p>

Vance's appearance at the hospital coincided with the start of National Reading Month,\u00a0underscoring her top priority as second lady: improving childhood literacy. It also took place against the backdrop of military strikes against Iran that have preoccupied her husband, Vice President JD Vance<\/a>.<\/p>

When asked why childhood literacy is so important to her with so many competing priorities for the administration at home and abroad, Vance underscored how the issue is \"something that's top of mind in our own household right now, with three kids, all of whom are at different stages of learning to read and learning to kind of love books.\"<\/p>

\"From a broader perspective, if you're reading the news at all now, it's pretty obvious that we're at a crisis point in childhood literacy, and that the skill that's foundational to everything else that they could possibly hope to do in their life, is something that we really need to be focusing on as a country,\" Vance told the Washington Examiner.<\/p>

The National Assessment of Educational Progress, also called the nation\u2019s report card, found in January 2025 that reading levels for fourth and eighth grade students had decreased by 2 percentage points in 2024 compared to 2022.<\/p>

In that report card, one-third of eighth grade students scored below \u201cbasic\u201d in reading, the most in the report's history, and 40% of fourth graders recorded the same result, the most in two decades.<\/p>

\"Having children of my own, as a parent, there are all sorts of things that you can do, small things, to support the work that schools are doing that's so important and hopefully try to reverse this trend,\" Vance said. \"So we're experimenting with different ways of supporting the work that schools are doing and hopefully helping reverse this decline and giving kids the opportunities that they deserve.\"<\/p>

Although Vance did not answer questions regarding foreign policy or her pregnancy \u2014 she is expecting her fourth child, a boy, in late July \u2014 the Washington Examiner was in the room for her to read from Dr. Seuss's The Sneetches and Other Stories.<\/p>

March is also Dr. Seuss Month because he was born on March 2.<\/p>

\"My daughter picked it specially,\" Vance said of her only daughter, Mirabel, 4. \"She couldn't come and join me today, but she was asking me to read it just this morning, so we thought that maybe a lot of people here might like it too. And it's by Dr. Seuss, who actually spent a lot of his life in my hometown in San Diego, where we also have a very good children's hospital.\"<\/p>

Vance similarly praised Children\u2019s National Hospital.<\/p>

\"This is the first place that my own first kid got his medical care for the first year of his life,\" she said of Ewan, 8. \"So it's a very special place, and I'm really happy to be here with all of you.\"<\/p>

At the end of the reading, which was broadcast around the hospital, Vance left a gift for the children in the room: new plush toys of the second couple's dog, Atlas.<\/p>

Dr. Beth Wells, the chief clinical officer for Children's National Hospital, welcomed Vance's trip to the hospital, emphasizing \"how important these stories are for children in a healthcare setting.\"<\/p>

USHA VANCE TO VISIT CHILDREN\u2019S NATIONAL HOSPITAL TO MARK NATIONAL READING MONTH<\/a><\/p>

\"It brings comfort,\" Wells said. \"It helps with their neurodevelopment.\"<\/p>

Vance's event provided a domestic policy reprieve to the foreign policy news of the day, with Trump addressing last Saturday's strikes against Iran at the White House<\/a> and first lady Melania Trump speaking at the United Nations<\/a> in New York.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0929.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477290-1772468361", "title":"Montana Republican Ryan Zinke to retire and join exodus from House", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse%2F4477290%2Fryan-zinke-retiring-joining-house-exodus%2F", "byline":"Rachel Schilke", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) is retiring after this year and will not seek another term in the House of Representatives, joining a mass exodus of Republicans opting out of reelection to seek another office or leave politics altogether. Zinke, 64, has represented Montana’s 1st Congressional District since 2023, previously serving as interior secretary during President […]", "description":""

Rep. Ryan Zinke<\/a> (R-MT) is retiring after this year and will not seek another term in the House of Representatives<\/a>, joining a mass exodus of Republicans<\/a> opting out of reelection to seek another office or leave politics altogether.<\/p>

Zinke, 64, has represented Montana's<\/a> 1st Congressional District since 2023, previously serving as interior secretary during President Donald Trump<\/a>'s first administration from March 2017 to January 2019.<\/p>

He said in a letter reported<\/a> by Montana Right Now that he not only believes in term limits but has \"quietly undergone multiple surgeries\" for injuries he sustained while serving in the military, and he must \"face several more immediately after leaving office.\"<\/p>

\"The injuries sustained from a career in Special Operations are not immediately life threatening, but the repair cannot be deferred any longer and recovery will require considerable time with my wife Lola and my family,\" Zinke said.<\/p>

HERE\u2019S WHERE HOUSE AND SENATE RETIREMENTS STAND IN 2026<\/a><\/p>

Zinke is among 51 members of the House who have announced that they will finish out their full terms but not seek reelection to the chamber<\/a> in 2026. He is one of 30 Republicans who are retiring after their term ends at the beginning of 2027, and former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned earlier this year.<\/p>

The Montana congressman's seat is rated \"likely Republican\" by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, as Trump won the district by 12 points in 2024. Aaron Flint, the host of a statewide popular radio show \"Montana Talks,\" announced he would seek the GOP nomination for Zinke's seat. The filing deadline for those seeking to run in the race is on Wednesday.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Ryan-Zinke-2024.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477236-1772467707", "title":"Democrats risk looking ‘foolish’ if Trump’s Iran mission is a success: Joe Concha", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fentertainment%2F4477236%2Fdemocrats-trump-iran-mission-joe-concha%2F", "byline":"Asher Notheis", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Washington Examiner senior writer Joe Concha predicted that various Democratic lawmakers opposing military action against Iran will mirror how they looked in protesting President Donald Trump’s State of the Union. Various prominent Democrats, including 2028 hopefuls such as former Vice President Kamala Harris, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA), and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), have vocally opposed […]", "description":""

Washington Examiner senior writer Joe Concha<\/a> predicted that various Democratic lawmakers opposing military action against Iran will mirror how they looked in protesting President Donald Trump\u2019s<\/a> State of the Union.<\/p>

Various prominent Democrats, including 2028 hopefuls<\/a> such as former Vice President Kamala Harris, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA), and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), have vocally opposed the U.S. strikes in Iran, with the California governor arguing that Trump is \u201cputting Americans at risk abroad because he is unpopular at home.\u201d<\/p>

Concha said the U.S. mission in Iran failing would be good for the Democrats in the 2026 elections but \u201cobviously not good for the country.\u201d He added that the Iran mission is \u201ca textbook case\u201d of \u201chigh risk, high reward\u201d for Trump and the Republican Party<\/a>.<\/p>

\u201cIf this war is over in a matter of weeks, with limited U.S. casualties, Democrats will look as foolish as they did when they opposed Trump\u2019s extraction of Nicolas Maduro out of Venezuela, as Victoria Coates just noted on your show earlier,\u201d Concha said on Fox Business\u2019s Varney & Co. \u201cThey\u2019ll look as tone-deaf as they were when they supported men playing against women in sports, or defunding or at least decreasing funding for police.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cThey\u2019ll look as out of touch as they did during the State of the Union last week when they were asked, \u2018Do you value American citizens over those in the country illegally?\u2019 per their Constitutional oath, and none of them stood,\u201d Concha said.<\/p>

Concha concluded that the Democratic Party\u2019s<\/a> \u201creflex\u201d is to oppose Trump on everything and hope the party regains power in the midterm elections.<\/p>

WHO HAS BEEN KILLED SO FAR DURING US-ISRAEL MISSION IN IRAN?<\/a><\/p>

Following the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, War Secretary Pete Hegseth said Monday that the Trump administration is watching closely for any signs of sleeper-cell activity<\/a> or inspired violence while emphasizing that agencies are already positioned to respond.<\/p>

Trump declined to answer questions from the press<\/a> two days after the operation against Iran, speaking about the conflict on Monday and then awarding the Medal of Honor, the nation\u2019s highest award for valor in combat, to three people. He then exited the White House\u2019s East Room without answering a single question shouted to him.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26061608550512-e1772481721269.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477241-1772467347", "title":"WATCH: House releases Bill and Hillary Clinton’s Epstein deposition videos", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F4477241%2Fbill-clinton-hillary-clinton-epstein-deposition-videos-released%2F", "byline":"Kaelan Deese", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The House Committee on Oversight and Reform released videos of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton‘s testimonies on Monday following last week’s hours-long depositions related to lawmakers’ extensive Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The videos of Hillary and Bill, which totaled more than nine hours in combined total length, were taken last […]", "description":""

The House Committee on Oversight<\/a> and Reform released videos of former President Bill Clinton<\/a> and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton<\/a>'s testimonies on Monday following last week's hours-long depositions related to lawmakers' extensive Jeffrey Epstein<\/a> investigation.<\/p>

The videos of Hillary and Bill, which totaled more than nine hours in combined total length, were taken last Thursday and last Friday, respectively. Committee Chairman James Comer<\/a> (R-KY) said they amounted to \"an historical\" interview of the Clintons following widespread interest in their testimony over their references in the Epstein files<\/a> release.<\/p>

WATCH THE DEPOSITIONS OF BILL AND HILLARY CLINTON BELOW<\/p>

One of the highlights from former President Clinton's deposition includes a section where he is questioned by Ranking Member Robert Garcia (D-CA) about whether the committee should subpoena President Donald Trump as part of its sweeping investigation into the late convicted sex offender Epstein.<\/p>

Clinton responded, \"that's for you to decide,\" before stating he had no information to suggest Trump committed any wrongdoing related to Epstein, according to the newly released deposition video.<\/p>

At another point during Democratic questioning, the former president chided committee members of his own party who were asking him about Trump with very few follow-up questions.<\/p>

\"Since there was no follow-up question ... he never said anything to me to make me think he was involved in anything improper with regard to Epstein,\" Clinton said in defense of Trump.<\/p>

Although both Clintons eventually complied with the subpoena, it came after a tense fight between House leadership and even threats of contempt of Congress after they initially failed to cooperate. They both offered separate statements defending their decisions to comply, but stressed that they were ignorant of Epstein's sex trafficking crimes.<\/p>

Meanwhile, an appalled former secretary of state was captured on deposition video<\/a> when it was revealed to her that Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) surreptitiously took an image of her while the deposition was still under seal. Clinton can be heard saying \"I'm done ... for now\" after learning an image of her had been posted on social media last Thursday.<\/p>

Clinton quickly made her way back to the hot seat where she testified for the full 4.5 hours on Thursday. Toward the end of the full deposition, she said a question Comer asked her about how the committee should investigate whether Epstein was an intelligence asset was one she appreciated above the rest of the day.<\/p>

\"You know, Mr. Chairman, I really appreciate that question, and I can't say that about many of the questions, but I really do appreciate that question, and I think it's an absolutely essential question for you to try to examine and find answers for,\" she said.<\/p>

Clinton added that she recommended the committee make \"either document requests or maybe even a subpoena to the CIA. I would also include the DNI. I would include, you know, any counter intelligence or appropriate unit within the Justice Department,\" Clinton said, adding the committee should investigate intelligence counterparts in the United Kingdom and Israel.<\/p>

The purpose of the committee is to investigate past governmental failures that allowed a figure like Epstein, who traveled the world for more than two decades but was only charged in 2019 with facilitating sex trafficking of minors, to evade accountability for so long.<\/p>

Democrats have turned their attention to calling on members of Trump's cabinet<\/a> to be interviewed, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick<\/a>, whose name appeared in emails from the Justice Department's release of Epstein files last month.<\/p>

A full written transcript of both testimonies is still being drafted and will be released at a later date.<\/p>

<\/a>WATCH THE MOMENT HILLARY CLINTON LOSES HER COOL UPON LEARNING PHOTOS OF DEPOSITION HAVE BEEN LEAKED: \u2018I AM DONE WITH THIS\u2019<\/a><\/p>

The committee is slated to interview a former accountant and attorney for Epstein later this month as its investigation is ongoing.<\/p>Watch both the deposition of Hillary and Bill Clinton below:"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/clinton-deposition-collage-e1772485570278.jpg?1772467586&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477204-1772467294", "title":"Democrats seize on anti-war fervor to ding Trump on Iran", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse%2F4477204%2Fdemocrats-seize-anti-war-fervor-ding-trump-iran%2F", "byline":"David Sivak", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Democrats are taking a page from the MAGA Right as they pummel President Donald Trump for an open-ended conflict with Iran. Top Democrats are accusing the president of ignoring the concerns of working families since he authorized a military operation to topple Iran’s government on Saturday, arguing the conflict is a distraction from the sort […]", "description":""

Democrats are taking a page from the MAGA Right<\/a> as they pummel President Donald Trump<\/a> for an open-ended conflict with Iran<\/a>.<\/p>

Top Democrats are accusing the president of ignoring the concerns of working families since he authorized a military operation to topple Iran\u2019s government on Saturday, arguing the conflict is a distraction from the sort of kitchen-table issues that matter most to the average voter.<\/p>

\u201cThe American people want us to focus on making their life better, making their life more affordable, not getting involved in another endless war in the Middle East that is going to end in failure,\u201d House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) said on CNN Monday.<\/p>

\u201cThis administration somehow found the resources, has found billions of dollars for bombs, but can't find any money to actually bring down the high cost of living here in the United States of America,\" he added.<\/p>

TRUMP AND DESANTIS LOCK HORNS IN GOP SPLIT OVER AI<\/a><\/p>

It\u2019s the sort of argument that populist conservatives like former Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have been amplifying<\/a> in recent days, disgruntled with an \u201cAmerica First\u201d policy agenda they understood to mean less intervention abroad.<\/p>

The issue is more than a political wedge, however, with Trump\u2019s base. In the lead-up to the strikes, polls repeatedly showed voters broadly disapproving<\/a> of war with Iran, and Democrats see an opening to capture that anti-war sentiment. <\/p>

They have simultaneously attempted to support the administration\u2019s goal, preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, while painting Trump\u2019s course of action, a joint air campaign with Israel and other regional allies, as needlessly reckless or poorly thought out.<\/p>

\u201cIran must never be allowed to attain a nuclear weapon but the American people do not want another endless and costly war in the Middle East when there are so many problems at home,\u201d Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said on Saturday in a statement.<\/p>

The White House insists it can juggle its economic agenda with military intervention abroad, pointing to Trump\u2019s heavy use of tariffs to swat away accusations he has walked away from his America First campaign promises. <\/p>

\u201cWhile operations are ongoing in Iran, the Trump administration continues to slash regulations, negotiate new trade deals, and secure more investments into American manufacturing,\u201d White House spokesman Kush Desai said in a statement. <\/p>

The White House has also been rolling out a series of proposals on energy, drug prices, and healthcare meant to serve as a counterweight to the affordability line of attack by Democrats.<\/p>

\u201cIf Hakeem really cared about affordability for the American people, he would get off his soapbox and work with the Administration to pass the President\u2019s historic Great Healthcare Plan and housing proposals,\u201d Desai said in a dig at Jeffries.<\/p>

The cost-of-living issue helped Republicans retake control of Washington following a spike in inflation under President Joe Biden. Today, polls consistently show it ranking as one of the top concerns<\/a> for voters alongside healthcare access and immigration. <\/p>

On Iran, Democrats have been buoyed by MAGA voices leveling rare criticism at the administration. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a lengthy statement<\/a> Monday laying out how the air strikes serve U.S. interests, responding directly to a pro-Trump pundit who questioned the White House\u2019s \u201cconfused\u201d messaging<\/a>.<\/p>

Leavitt did not address whether the U.S.\u2019s goal is regime change, as Trump seemed to suggest before a denial<\/a> from War Secretary Pete Hegseth, but argued the operation was necessary to prevent a \u201cradical regime and its terrorist leaders from threatening America and our core national security interests.\u201d<\/p>

The most common criticism from Democrats has been that Trump did not ask Congress for approval before launching the air strikes, a fight over constitutional authority that will come to a head this week when the House and Senate vote on whether to rein in Trump\u2019s war powers in Iran.<\/p>

But the conflict also has implications for the midterm elections, and Democrats see the America First critique as a way to infuse their messaging on affordability with a war that presents a political liability for Trump.<\/p>

As the strikes got underway, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, focused on the risk of higher energy prices<\/a> due to attacks on oil infrastructure and the closure of maritime supply lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>

\u201cAmericans are demanding help with the cost-of-living crisis, but President Trump would rather start another war, potentially driving up energy prices, than listen to them,\u201d she said in a statement<\/a>.<\/p>

Republicans overwhelmingly support Trump\u2019s military operation, meaning he is less likely to face a rebuke from Congress. He also has pockets of Democratic support from lawmakers who fear undercutting the administration in the middle of a regional conflict.<\/p>

On Monday, Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) suggested the military strikes were necessary after years of failed diplomacy and economic pressure and that Democrats were being hypocritical for roundly denouncing them.<\/p>

\u201cEvery member in the U.S. Senate agrees we cannot allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon,\u201d he said<\/a> in a post on X. \u201cI\u2019m baffled why so many are unwilling to support the only action to achieve that.\u201d<\/p>

MAGA RIGHT SOURS ON THUNE OVER SAVE ACT FIGHT<\/a><\/p>

\u201cEmpty sloganeering vs. commitment to global security \u2014 which is it?\u201d he added.<\/p>

The conflict with Iran is just the latest chance for Democrats to make an America First appeal to voters. They made a similar argument<\/a> when Trump deposed Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro in a more targeted operation and last year when the president bailed out Argentina<\/a> to the tune of $20 billion.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26043661321825-e1772485166653.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477228-1772467192", "title":"Keir Starmer smites the special relationship on Iran", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fbeltway-confidential%2F4477228%2Fkeir-starmer-smites-the-special-relationship-on-iran%2F", "byline":"Tom Rogan", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Prime Minister Keir Starmer has undermined the special relationship by his dithering and inadequate support for the United States in its conflict with Iran. The United Kingdom refused U.S. requests to use British air bases for strikes on Iran in the buildup to this conflict. Things have only gotten worse since the conflict began. Starmer’s […]", "description":""

Prime Minister Keir Starmer <\/a>has undermined the special relationship by his dithering and inadequate support for the United States in its conflict <\/a>with Iran<\/a>. The United Kingdom<\/a> refused U.S. requests to use British air bases for strikes on Iran in the buildup to this conflict. Things have only gotten worse since the conflict began.<\/p>

Starmer's government says it is simply ensuring its conformity with international law. Being that Iran has engaged in systematic terrorist and other hostile activity against the U.S. and its allies, that legal concern takes on an absurdly overwrought dominance in Starmer's mind. <\/p>

True, there's no question that this war carries a deep risk and uncertainty in terms of its eventual outcome. It also carries significant costs to the U.S.'s short-to-medium term readiness for a much greater national security priority: being able to defeat China in any war over Taiwan<\/a>. Still, a fundamental principle of any close alliance is that once a country engages in combat, its ally stands behind it. Even if that ally has major doubts as to what its partner is doing.<\/p>

Consider President Ronald Reagan's response to the Falkland Islands crisis. On April 2, 1980, Argentina launched a surprise invasion of the British Falkland Islands territory in the South Atlantic. Reagan pushed hard for a diplomatic resolution. But when Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher ordered military action to recover the islands, Reagan ordered arms supplies and intelligence support to the British war effort. The U.S. also provided other still-classified but important support to the U.K.'s war effort. Reagan kept pushing for a quick ceasefire in private. But once British troops entered combat, he made clear his public support for America's closest ally. Similarly, a few years later, Thatcher didn't hesitate<\/a> in allowing Reagan to use British bases to strike Libya in retaliation for terrorist attacks.<\/p>

Starmer has offered a different example of leadership.<\/p>

It took the prime minister until Sunday evening, and only after an attempted Iranian drone attack on a British military base on Cyprus, to nervously announce that the U.K. will now allow U.S. forces to operate out of British bases. Even then, Starmer took pains to note that this authorization will apply only to strikes on Iranian missile forces. Unlike other allied leaders from Australia to Germany, Starmer has also equivocated in his rhetorical support for the U.S. The special relationship notwithstanding, this should have been a no-brainer for Starmer, given that Iran has engaged in a number of recent successful and attempted terrorist attacks on British soil<\/a>.<\/p>

KHAMENEI IS DEAD. WE'RE ABOUT TO LEARN HOW MANY TERRORISTS CROSSED THE US BORDER<\/a><\/p>

True, President Donald Trump is no saint of allied virtue. His recent foolish disregard for British military sacrifices in Afghanistan<\/a> caused great understandable upset in the U.K. As with his immoral threats to Greenland<\/a>, Trump's foolish hyperbole too often fosters an unnecessary anti-Americanism that complicates the ability of allied leaders to support the U.S.<\/p>

Ultimately, however, rhetorical folly toward an ally is one thing. Foolish action is another.<\/p>

The basic, sad truth: as U.S. forces are in harm's way and taking casualties against an enemy, America's closest ally is dithering on the sidelines. It's not just the Trump administration that's upset. From the perspective of nonpartisan national security professionals in the Pentagon and intelligence community, the U.K. suddenly seems a lot less reliable.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26059528551009.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477275-1772467140", "title":"Kevin Kiley to run in California’s redrawn 6th Congressional District", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2Fcongressional%2F4477275%2Fkevin-kiley-run-california-redrawn-6th-congressional-district%2F", "byline":"Barnini Chakraborty", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) on Monday decided to run in California’s carved-up 6th Congressional District, a Democratic-leaning area that will be an uphill climb for the Republican lawmaker.  Kiley, a former high school English teacher whose district was targeted and redrawn last year to tilt the 2026 elections in favor of Democrats, will now […]", "description":""

U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley<\/a> (R-CA) on Monday decided to run in California's<\/a> carved-up 6th Congressional District, a Democratic-leaning area that will be an uphill climb for the Republican<\/a> lawmaker.\u00a0<\/p>

Kiley, a former high school English teacher whose district was targeted and redrawn last year to tilt the 2026 elections in favor of Democrats<\/a>, will now face a crowded field of challengers. He was widely expected to run in the 5th Congressional District.\u00a0<\/p>

\"It\u2019s true that I was fully prepared to run in the new 5th, having tested the waters and with polls showing a favorable outlook in a 'safe' district. But doing what\u2019s easy and what\u2019s right are often not the same,\" he posted on X. \"And at the end of the day, as much as I love the communities in the 5th District that I represent now \u2013 and as excited as I was about the new ones \u2013 seeking office in a district that doesn\u2019t include my hometown didn\u2019t feel right.\"<\/p>

Kiley currently represents California's\u00a03rd Congressional District, a conservative-leaning area that is also\u00a0the state's most geographically diverse. It spans most of the California-Nevada border, including Sierra, Nevada, Placer, Alpine, Mono, and Yuba counties, as well as parts of El Dorado and Sacramento counties. The\u00a0district spans Lake Tahoe, Death Valley National Park, and five national forests, making it one of the most rural areas in the state. The new 3rd District was split into six factions, and Kiley has said he would not run in any of them.<\/p>

Kiley's new district spans parts of West Sacramento, East Sacramento, Natomas, Roseville, and Rocklin.<\/p>

\u201cThe new 6th District is Democratic-leaning but open-minded,\u201d Kiley said. \u201cWhile this will be a more challenging race, I believe we can build a winning coalition for common sense.\u201d<\/p>

Kiley has been open about his disdain for Proposition 50, a redistricting<\/a> ballot measure passed last year that redrew five congressional districts across California. It was pitched to voters as a counter to President Donald Trump<\/a> telling Republican-led states to redraw their maps to favor GOP candidates ahead of November's election<\/a>. Kiley told the\u00a0Washington Examiner\u00a0that the mid-decade redistricting measure was \u201ca direct attack on democracy\u201d and said it set a dangerous precedent, trampled on the will of the people, and risked election errors.\u00a0<\/p>

Kiley's\u00a0decision averts a messy intraparty showdown with Rep. Tom McClintock<\/a> (R-CA) in the safely Republican 5th Congressional District, which stretches from near Lake Tahoe to the Mojave Desert along the eastern border of the state.<\/p>

KEVIN KILEY FACES ELECTION CROSSROADS AS HE REBUKES TRUMP'S TARIFFS <\/a><\/p>

Kiley will instead face a crowded field that includes former state Sen. Richard Pan and Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho, both Democrats.<\/p>

Jeff Le, who served as a deputy Cabinet secretary to former Democratic California Gov. Jerry Brown,\u00a0told\u00a0the\u00a0Washington Examiner\u00a0that Kiley would be a \u201cheavy underdog\u201d in the 6th District but added that Kiley's decision to move away from Trump and criticize House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) now made sense.\u00a0<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/AP25272590477547.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4040585-1772466925", "title":"Here’s where House and Senate retirements stand in 2026", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F4040585%2Fwhere-house-senate-retirements-stand-2026%2F", "byline":"Rachel Schilke", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Nearly 11% of lawmakers are looking to make a change after the 2026 midterm elections, with several in both chambers either retiring or seeking higher office. The House received its first departure on Jan. 5. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) announced in November that she would retire at the beginning of the year and not […]", "description":""

Nearly 11% of lawmakers are looking to make a change after the 2026 midterm elections<\/a>, with several in both chambers either retiring or seeking higher office.<\/p>

The House received its first departure on Jan. 5. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene<\/a> (R-GA) announced in November that she would retire at the beginning of the year and not finish out her term, which ends in early 2027.<\/p>

But by the end of 2026, 51 other House members will not be returning to their seats. Of those members, 25 are stepping away from public office, 11 are seeking a governorship, and 14 are looking to make the jump to the Senate. One lawmaker, Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), is running for attorney general.<\/p>

The 51 House members leaving the 119th Congress<\/a>, plus the 11 senators<\/a> not seeking reelection, have set a modern record for announcing their departures this far ahead of a major election for both chambers. It is also the most Senate turnover since 2012.<\/p>Prominent House Democrats and Republicans say goodbye to politics

Among the most prominent Democrats retiring is Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi<\/a> (D-CA). She is leaving Capitol Hill after nearly 40 years in Congress, leaving behind a legacy that includes becoming the first female speaker of the House from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023.<\/p>

Other establishments lawmakers saying goodbye include Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Chuy Garc\u00eda (D-IL), Jerry Nadler<\/a> (D-NY), Danny Davis (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky<\/a> (D-IL), and Dwight Evans (D-PA), who have opted to pass on the torch to a new generation. <\/p>

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), who has represented the District of Columbia for over three decades, officially announced her retirement<\/a> on Jan. 27 after months of questions from reporters whether she\u2019d seek another term. Norton and her team were often on opposite wavelengths when answering questions about her political future, with the congresswoman offering a resounding \u201cyes\u201d while her staff said she was still deciding.<\/p>

The retirement of household names comes as Democrats\u2019 progressive base has been itching for new blood in Congress in the wake of significant losses in the 2024 election<\/a>. Younger leaders and voters are pushing for their Democratic leaders to fight more against President Donald Trump<\/a>, though legislatively, they often have their hands tied due to the GOP holding the majority in all three branches of government.<\/p>

Rep. Jared Golden<\/a> (D-ME) is leaving politics because he is tired<\/a> of the atmosphere and hyper-partisanship that\u2019s grown on Capitol Hill, as well as the rise in political violence<\/a> in the wake of the assassinations of Charlie Kirk and Minnesota legislator Melissa Hortman, attempts on Trump\u2019s life, and other instances. <\/p>

On the Republican side, lawmakers such as Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Barry Loudermilk<\/a> (R-GA), Michael McCaul<\/a> (R-TX), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), and Don Bacon<\/a> (R-NE) are leaving after many years of service in the House. Arrington, in particular, is retiring after helping facilitate the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is set to be the Republicans\u2019 cornerstone piece of legislation for the 119th Congress. <\/p>

Bacon and Newhouse have not been afraid to be outspoken against Trump and his policies throughout his two terms in the White House<\/a> \u2014 a rare trait for a Republican member in politics, now that Trump has cemented himself as the highly influential leader of the GOP and is not afraid to launch primary challenges to replace centrists with his allies. <\/p>

Notably, many lawmakers on both the Democratic and Republican sides are giving up their reelection bids in safe seats, which won\u2019t make or break either party\u2019s ability to get the House majority. Swing districts, such as Bacon\u2019s and Golden\u2019s, are likely to end up in the hands of the opposite party, but that will offset and not affect the numbers much, either.<\/p>Lawmakers seeking other offices

Many are eyeing a seat in the Senate, a chamber that is not without its hurdles but often is considered a more prominent position in Congress, given that senators have longer terms and do not have to run for reelection every two years.<\/p>

Among Democrats seeking a Senate seat are Reps. Jasmine Crockett<\/a> (D-TX), Seth Moulton<\/a> (D-MA), Chris Pappas<\/a> (D-NH), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Angie Craig (D-MN), and Haley Stevens (D-MI). All are looking to fill a position left vacant by a retiring senator.<\/p>

The Texas<\/a> Senate race will be one of the most-watched races of the 2026 cycle<\/a>, given the competitive primaries from both parties. In Illinois, a Democrat is likely to succeed Sen. Dick Durbin<\/a> (D-IL), but a heated primary will make for an interesting election season in a blue state.<\/p>

On the Republican side, Reps. Wesley Hunt (R-TX), Ashley Hinson<\/a> (R-IA), Harriet Hageman (R-WY), Barry Moore (R-AL), Andy Barr (R-KY), Mike Collins (R-GA), and Buddy Carter (R-GA) are running for the Senate.<\/p>

While most hope easily to replace outgoing senators, a few \u2014 such as Hunt and Moore \u2014 are wading into messy GOP primaries. Hunt will face off against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn<\/a> (R-TX) and Attorney General Ken Paxton<\/a>, while Moore will square off against at least three other strong contenders. Colleagues Carter and Collins will battle each other for the GOP nomination.<\/p>

\u201cAmong Republicans, some members have simply hit a ceiling in Congress or party leadership and see greater opportunity back home,\u201d Republican strategist Dennis Lennox said. \u201cOthers are fed up with a House that can\u2019t legislate and a Senate where almost nothing clears the 60-vote threshold.\u201d<\/p>

Lennox said 2026 is projected to be a \u201cbad cycle\u201d for Republicans, if the numbers and trends hold. But, he said, \u201cRepublicans won\u2019t lose the majority because incumbents chose not to run again.\u201d<\/p>

Many House members want to leave Capitol Hill altogether, but don\u2019t want to stop their political careers. On the GOP side, most members who are leaving the House are seeking a governorship: Reps. Nancy Mace<\/a> (R-SC), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), and David Schweikert (R-AZ), to name a few. <\/p>

The only Democrat running for governor is Rep. Eric Swalwell<\/a> (D-CA). <\/p>Senators head for the door after long careers on the Hill

This cycle, 12 senators are looking to leave Capitol Hill, with four seeking a governorship while the remaining eight are eyeing a peaceful end to their political careers \u2014 for now.<\/p>

The most notable, yet not shocking, of the retirements comes from Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY). The longest-serving party leader<\/a> in Senate history, McConnell will leave Capitol Hill after serving in the upper chamber since 1984. He leaves behind a legacy of cementing a conservative majority on the Supreme Court and steering Washington toward being a dominating world power.<\/p>

There is a competitive field to replace McConnell, including former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron and businessman Nate Morris. The latter has the backing of Elon Musk, who donated $10 million to his campaign. Musk emerged as a top donor<\/a> in the 2024 election, dropping at least $250 million on Trump\u2019s comeback bid alone.<\/p>

Other notable retirements include Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY). Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), who has been a vocal thorn in Trump\u2019s side over many issues, is also departing the upper chamber. <\/p>

Sens. Michael Bennet (D-CO), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) are running for governor of their respective states.  <\/p>

Bennet is up for reelection to the Senate in 2028, with Klobuchar and Blackburn up in 2030 \u2014 meaning someone would have to be appointed to finish out their terms should they win. For Tennessee, Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) has already expressed interest he would like to succeed Blackburn in the Senate via appointment. Tuberville\u2019s term in the Senate expires in 2027, so no one will need to be appointed to finish out his term. <\/p>

If Bennet, Klobuchar, and Blackburn don't win their Senate races, they will likely still continue to finish out their terms in the Senate.<\/p>What\u2019s the cause of all these retirements? 

The departure of so many members is not surprising to many strategists.<\/p>

\u201cCongress has been a bad workplace for a long time,\u201d said Doug Heye, a Republican strategist who\u2019s held communications positions in the House, Senate, and for the Republican National Committee<\/a>. Though noting it has been a long-standing problem for years due to a lack of appropriations and previous shutdowns, he largely attributes the decline in Congress as a positive place for employment to the events of Jan. 6, 2021<\/a>.<\/p>

He said after that, bipartisan relationships \u201chave fallen apart.\u201d <\/p>

\u201cDemocrats immediately said, \u2018These 20 members, take me off any of their bills that I'm a co-sponsor on.\u2019 And I get it. So it became a worse workplace. Then we had a 15-round vote for speaker \u2014 bad workplace. We had a speaker deposed for no reason, and a speaker pro temp, God love [former Rep.] Patrick McHenry<\/a>, for three weeks \u2014 bad workplace. And now we have discharge petitions that are going through. Bad workplace,\u201d Heye said.<\/p>

\u201cIt's hard to talk to a member of Congress, Republican or Democratic, who likes their day job.\u201d<\/p>

Heye said he thinks if House members were abandoning ship because of a fear of Trump or a fear of elections, they wouldn\u2019t seek other offices. He pointed to Hinson, who could easily win in her red district but is instead looking to move forward to a higher position.<\/p>

\u201cWe'll see if any of them are happy in those higher offices,\u201d Heye said. \u201cBut the primary fear for me is, the House of Representatives is an especially toxic workplace, and it's what we see playing out every day. But we\u2019re all spectators, we\u2019re not participants.\u201d<\/p>

BATTLE FOR THE SOUL OF DEMOCRATS SEEN THROUGH PRISM OF BITTER SENATE PRIMARIES<\/a><\/p>

GOP strategist John Feehery agreed that Congress is \u201cnot an easy lifestyle.\u201d <\/p>

\u201cI am not sure if it is a sign that the House is gone, but clearly some members want different jobs in the public sector and some just want to make more money,\u201d Feehery said. \u201cIt is an interesting time to be in Congress as a Republican. The party is changing, becoming more populist, and with Trump in the White House, they have an opportunity to get a lot done legislatively.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/house-retirements-2026-e1766167276539.jpg?1766149259&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477074-1772466596", "title":"Democrats face choice to reopen DHS amid fears of Iran terrorist proxies retaliating inside US", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse%2F4477074%2Fhouse-gop-putting-democrats-on-record-dhs-shutdown-iran-strikes%2F", "byline":"Rachel Schilke", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"House Democrats will be forced to decide this week whether to reopen the Department of Homeland Security or keep the agency charged with protecting the country from terrorism closed as threats of Iranian terrorist cells retaliating inside the United States mount. House Republican leadership is teeing up a vote to fund DHS this week, with […]", "description":""

House Democrats will be forced to decide this week whether to reopen the Department of Homeland Security or keep the agency charged with protecting the country from terrorism closed as threats of Iranian terrorist cells retaliating inside the United States mount.<\/p>

House Republican<\/a> leadership is teeing up a vote to fund DHS this week, with Republicans using the possible fallout from the U.S. strikes on Iran as leverage to end the partial government shutdown<\/a>.<\/p>

\u201cFollowing the successful strikes on Iran and the FBI\u2019s warning of elevated threats here at home, it is dangerous for Democrats in Washington to keep the Department of Homeland Security shut down,\u201d House Majority Leader Steve Scalise<\/a> (R-LA) said<\/a> on X on Sunday afternoon following a call with the House GOP conference.<\/p>

\u201cThis week, we are calling on House Democrats to end their dangerous games by bringing to the floor legislation to end the DHS shutdown so we can ensure agencies can protect America during this dangerous time,\u201d Scalise added.<\/p>

House Speaker Mike Johnson<\/a> (R-LA) told Republicans the DHS funding bill will largely resemble the one that passed the chamber in January<\/a> but stalled in the Senate, the Washington Examiner confirmed. The House rules committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to discuss the legislation.<\/p>

The decision to put the DHS bill on the floor for the second time comes as negotiations between the White House, Senate Democrats, and Senate Republicans remain up in the air over how to proceed with funding for immigration agencies. <\/p>

But Republicans have pointed to possible dangers spreading across the country in response to the U.S. striking Iran over the weekend, which they say requires a fully-funded DHS. Several members have already pointed to one shooting in Austin that happened over the weekend, which authorities are investigating as possibly motivated <\/a>by the conflict in Iran.\u00a0<\/p>

One House Republican on Sunday's conference call told the Washington Examiner that putting the DHS bill on the floor will show that the GOP is staying on offense.<\/p>

\u201cWe've already funded it. We'll vote to fund it again,\u201d the member said of Republicans. \u201cWhat are you doing, Democrats? Why are you blocking funding when we're at war?\u201d<\/p>

The DHS bill received seven House Democratic votes when it came up for a vote in January, and the prolonged shutdown, coupled with the news out of Iran, increases the chances the second DHS bill will get the same, if not more, support from centrist Democrats.<\/p>

One point of contention among conservatives, however, is that they want to attach the SAVE America Act to the DHS funding bill to force the Senate to take up the bill. The legislation, which will require voter ID and proof of citizenship to register in elections, has become a focal point of the Republican agenda.<\/p>

But Senate Republican leadership under Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has been hesitant to remove the 60-vote filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act, something which many conservatives in the House are demanding he do. <\/p>

The House Republican on the call told the Washington Examiner that there is a bloc of the conference that wants to see more pressure being put on the Senate, not just on the SAVE America Act, but on other issues as well.<\/p>

\u201cGet busy doing some things. You know, we're not moving confirmations enough. Why are you out of session again, you know, when you still haven't gotten this done? Force Democrats to be there. There's no urgency. There's just a lot of excuses,\u201d the Republican said.<\/p>

Some Republicans suggested on the call that the House hold votes on any legislation sent over by the Senate until the SAVE America Act gets a vote in the upper chamber. But others don\u2019t see a reason to add the SAVE America Act to a funding bill. Doing so would likely make any funding bill for Homeland Security dead in the water, considering it will already be difficult to get a handful of Democrats to pass any funding for DHS without serious immigration enforcement reforms.<\/p>

\u201cWe have passed the save act twice,\u201d Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) told the Washington Examiner in a text. \u201cI think [it\u2019s] more important to get dhs funded.\u201d<\/p>

Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) told the Washington Examiner in an interview he thinks the House should \u201cbombard the Senate\u201d with multiple bills, whether that\u2019s a stand-alone DHS funding bill or a funding bill with the SAVE America Act attached.<\/p>

For now, the DHS funding bill will get a vote without the SAVE America Act attached, Johnson told House Republicans on Sunday\u2019s call, citing DHS as the immediate priority due to the Iran strikes. The speaker is also wary of optics heading into the competitive midterm election cycle this year, reportedly<\/a> telling his members that \u201cif we\u2019re going to go to war against our own party in the Senate, there may be implications to that,\u201d Fox News Digital reported.<\/p>

That mentality doesn\u2019t sit well with Roy.<\/p>

\u201cI keep hearing House Republicans saying, \u2018Well, we don't want to be seen as having interparty squabbles heading into the election.\u2019 You know what else? We don't want to be seen as doing nothing, so we should do something,\u201d Roy said.<\/p>

TRUMP CLAIMS IRAN OPERATION \u2018AHEAD OF SCHEDULE\u2019 AS U.S. SINKS 10 SHIPS<\/a><\/p>

The House is only scheduled to vote on Wednesday and Thursday this week, with members set to receive a briefing on the Iran strikes from administration officials on Tuesday. Democrats requested Friday to be a no-vote day so members could attend the Rev. Jesse Jackson\u2019s funeral.<\/p>

Coming up for a vote this week, likely on Thursday, will be a bipartisan war powers resolution by Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) to prohibit any unauthorized U.S. military action against Iran. Most House Republicans and a few House Democrats have come out against the war powers resolution, diminishing its chances of passing.<\/p>

The Washington Examiner reached out to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) for comment.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26041600666931.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477208-1772466327", "title":"Appeals court sends tariff refund lawsuits to trade court after Trump loss", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fsupreme-court%2F4477208%2Fappeals-court-tariff-refund-lawsuits-trade-court%2F", "byline":"David Zimmermann", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"A slew of lawsuits seeking refunds from tariffs are returning to the U.S. Court of International Trade due to a federal appeals court’s Monday ruling. The decision, issued by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, comes after the Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s tariffs implemented under the International Emergency Economic […]", "description":""

A slew of lawsuits<\/a> seeking refunds from tariffs<\/a> are returning to the U.S. Court of International Trade due to a federal appeals court's Monday ruling.<\/p>

The decision, issued by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, comes after the Supreme Court<\/a> struck down President Donald Trump's<\/a> tariffs implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977. In its three-page ruling<\/a>, the appeals court denied the Trump administration's request for a 90-day pause before the matter of tariff refunds would be sent back to the trade court. The court filing contains no explanation or dissent, and the trade court has not yet signaled how it plans to proceed.<\/p>

A coalition of small businesses and blue states, including Maine and Minnesota, is listed as the plaintiff and appellant in the case against the federal government.<\/p>

Last month, the Supreme Court determined that Trump's use of an emergency declaration to impose global tariffs last spring was unlawful.<\/p>

Shortly after the landmark decision, the president issued a new 10% tariff and later updated the rate to 15%. This time, the tariffs were imposed under the Trade Act of 1974. The workaround allows the executive branch to continue taxing imports from foreign trading partners without violating the Supreme Court's decision.<\/p>

HERE ARE TRUMP\u2019S TOP PROMISES FROM HIS 2026 STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS<\/a><\/p>

The tariff ruling quickly sparked a wave of refund lawsuits, including one filed by FedEx<\/a>. The shipping company intends to redistribute the money<\/a> incurred by tariffs to its customers if the Trump administration issues refunds.<\/p>

It remains to be seen how the trade court will rule, although it unanimously struck down Trump's tariffs last May before the issue went to the Supreme Court for consideration.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26052102960489.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477239-1772465917", "title":"White House doctor weighs in on Trump’s mystery rash", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F4477239%2Fwhite-house-doctor-weighs-in-trump-mystery-rash%2F", "byline":"Christian Datoc", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump inadvertently alerted the public to a new medical problem he apparently will be dealing with for the foreseeable future. Trump delivered remarks early Monday at the White House‘s Medal of Honor ceremony, where journalists photographed a mystery rash behind the president’s right ear, in addition to an apparent abrasion of some kind. […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> inadvertently alerted the public to a new medical problem he apparently will be dealing with for the foreseeable future.<\/p>

Trump<\/a> delivered remarks early Monday at the White House<\/a>'s Medal of Honor ceremony, where journalists photographed a mystery rash behind the president's right ear, in addition to an apparent abrasion of some kind.<\/p>

White House officials declined to say what caused the rash and possible cut, but Dr. Sean Barbabella, Trump's White House physician, told the Washington Examiner that he recently prescribed the president a topical cream to put on the condition.<\/p>

\"President Trump is using a very common cream on the right side of his neck, which is a preventative skin treatment, prescribed by the White House Doctor,\" Barbabella said in a statement. \"The president is using this treatment for one week, and the redness is expected to last for a few weeks.\"<\/p>

Through his first year-plus back in office, Trump was pictured in public with, on separate occasions, swollen ankles and heavy bruising on his hands, with the most recent occurrence happening during Trump's trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, earlier this year.<\/p>

TRUMP SAYS IRAN CONFLICT WILL 'CONTINUE' TO HONOR FOUR AMERICANS KILLED IN ACTION<\/a><\/p>

The White House has attributed Trump's ailments and injuries to a new chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis, in addition to the president's daily intake of higher-than-typical aspirin doses.<\/p>

Trump's appearance at the White House Medal of Honor ceremony can be seen in full below.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2263902508.jpg?w=594" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476823-1772465709", "title":"Biden judge blocks Noem from banning lawmaker visits at ICE detention sites", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fjustice%2F4476823%2Fbiden-judge-blocks-noem-ban-lawmaker-visits-ice%2F", "byline":"Anna Giaritelli", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"A federal judge appointed by former President Joe Biden upheld a restraining order against the Department of Homeland Security after the Trump administration attempted to ban members of Congress from visiting Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention sites with less than a week’s notice. U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb of the District of Columbia ruled Tuesday […]", "description":""

A federal judge appointed by former President Joe Biden<\/a> upheld a restraining order against the Department of Homeland Security<\/a> after the Trump administration attempted to ban members of Congress from visiting Immigration and Customs Enforcement<\/a> detention sites with less than a week's notice.<\/p>

U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb of the District of Columbia ruled Tuesday for a third time since December 2025 that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem<\/a>'s effort to prevent federal lawmakers from entering and touring ICE facilities likely violated the law.<\/p>

Cobb concluded that it went against congressional funding restrictions and \"imposes irreparable harm\" on lawmakers by \"denying them the ability to carry out timely oversight of convened facilities,\" a point she also made in February.<\/p>

\"If anything, the strength of that finding has become greater over the intervening weeks, given that ICE\u2019s enforcement and detention practices have become the focus of intense national and congressional interest,\" the judge's order stated. \"And as before, the public interest and the balance of equitable considerations weigh strongly in favor of granting Plaintiffs the limited preliminary relief of a temporary restraining order.\"<\/p>

In recent weeks, reports of abuse and neglect have surfaced in the media regarding several ICE detention sites in Texas and California as the agency continues arresting immigrants alleged to have entered the U.S. illegally and procuring more detention sites as President Donald Trump's deportation operation continues in Year 2. Trump has vowed to remove the \"largest\" number of people in national history.<\/p>

More than a dozen House Democrats took part in a lawsuit last year over Noem's directive not to allow visits from lawmakers in Congress who conduct oversight of the agency if it is not made more than seven days in advance of the visitation date. <\/p>

Cobb first ruled on Dec. 17 that it was likely illegal for ICE and DHS to request a week's notice because it went against existing policy that required lawmakers be given free access to detention facilities. <\/p>

WHY TRUMP'S CHANGES TO IMMIGRATION COURTS WILL 'ABSOLUTELY' RAMP UP DEPORTATIONS<\/a><\/p>

This most recent unfavorable decision for the DHS followed Noem's directive last month in which she reinstated the week's notice requirement on the basis that the ban would be enforced with funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.<\/p>

The DHS did not respond to a request for comment.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP22117078415325_f8066f.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477312-1772465530", "title":"Daily on Energy: Fallout of Iran conflict, MAGA props up solar, and the Greenpeace verdict", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fdaily-on-energy%2F4477312%2Fdaily-on-energy-fallout-iran-conflict-maga-props-up-solar-greenpeace-verdict%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 Monday, readers! The cliché “news never stops” certainly rang true this weekend. We hope you were able to step away from the headlines a little bit to enjoy the sunny weather, which has somehow already disappeared! It’s snowing again in Washington, D.C., as we send out this newsletter. […]", "description":""

WHAT\u2019S HAPPENING TODAY: Good afternoon and happy Monday, readers! The clich\u00e9 \u201cnews never stops\u201d certainly rang true this weekend. We hope you were able to step away from the headlines a little bit to enjoy the sunny weather, which has somehow already disappeared! It\u2019s snowing again in Washington, D.C., as we send out this newsletter. \u2744\ufe0f\ud83d\ude22<\/p>

We\u2019re closely tracking the fallout of the United States and Israel\u2019s strikes on Iran over the weekend, as the surprise attack has sent oil and gas prices soaring. \ud83d\udee2\ufe0f\ud83d\udcc8\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf7 We\u2019ll be keeping an eye on this over the next few days, as analysts have warned prices could hit triple digits if disruptions in the markets continue. <\/p>

In other news, today\u2019s edition of Daily on Energy dives into a few things on solar, as major MAGA influencers are escalating their support for the renewable energy source. \u2600\ufe0f\u26a1<\/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 PRICES SOAR AFTER IRAN ATTACK: Major disruption in the oil market<\/a> has followed President Donald Trump\u2019s decision to authorize strikes against Iran over the weekend. <\/p>

The strikes have led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global route for transporting oil exports. Nearly 20 million barrels of crude oil and other oil products pass through the strait daily, which is about 20% of global oil demand.<\/p>

Soaring crude: Just before 3 p.m. EST, domestic benchmark West Texas Intermediate rose 56.28% to $71.17 per barrel, while Brent Crude jumped 6.74% to $77.68 per barrel. <\/p>

Analysts have warned that if global transport of oil is effectively blocked through the Strait of Hormuz for longer than three to four days, that will dramatically raise oil prices \u2013 and, as a result, gas prices. <\/p>

Prices at the pump: The national average price of gasoline was $2.997 per gallon Monday morning, up by nearly $0.02 from yesterday and $0.06 from one week ago, according to AAA. GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan estimates that gas stations could see average increases of $0.10 to $0.30 per gallon, with a few select stations seeing jumps as high as $0.85 per gallon. <\/p>

It\u2019s important to note that the conflict in Iran isn\u2019t the only thing contributing to rising gas prices, De Haan said, pointing to the ongoing transition to summer gasoline blends, higher seasonal demand, and expected maintenance at domestic refineries. <\/p>

Read more from Callie on where prices could be headed here<\/a>. <\/p>

Energy infrastructure at risk: The Strait of Hormuz is widely considered to be the most crucial energy chokepoint facing disruptions this week. But there are severe risks across the Middle East. <\/p>

Iran has begun to retaliate following Saturday\u2019s attack, launching drones against Qatar state-owned energy giant QatarEnergy\u2019s facilities at Ras Laffan and Mesaieed. QatarEnergy ended all liquefied natural gas production after drone strikes this morning. <\/p>

Clayton Seigle, a senior fellow in the Energy Security and Climate Change Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Callie that there are several other major facilities to keep an eye on that are within striking distance from Iran. <\/p>

One is the Ju'aymah Terminal, one of the largest LNG export facilities in the world, located in Saudi Arabia. Another is the Al Basrah Oil Terminal, a major crude oil terminal owned and operated by Iraq. Seigle also pointed to smaller offshore terminals with export capacity of several million barrels per day located off the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. <\/p>

\u201cWhen you put that all together, you\u2019re looking at 15 million barrels of crude,\u201d he said. <\/p>

Natural gas prices: Qatar is a significant global LNG supplier, sending more<\/a> than 70% of its exports to Asia and 25% to Europe in 2022.<\/p>

Domestic natural gas futures rose as much as 7.2% today. In the United Kingdom, natural gas prices soared about 50%. Dutch futures rose more than 45%, according to CNBC<\/a>. <\/p>

MARYLAND LEANS ON SOLAR WITH $50M INVESTMENT: The state of Maryland is reportedly spending around $50 million to deploy solar panels across the state, utilizing existing parking lots and brownfields operated by the state\u2019s Department of Transportation (MDOT). <\/p>

The details: The agency recently signed a deal with the Maryland Energy Administration to use the state\u2019s Strategic Energy Investment Fund (SEIF), according<\/a> to the Baltimore Sun. The $50 million from the fund was allocated by the General Assembly last year. <\/p>

MDOT reportedly plans to use the funds to deploy solar panels at 25 sites, which will be revealed in a request for bids later this year. The project will likely involve installing solar panels above parking lots, on top of short-term parking garages, or on lands such as brownfields, which are often contaminated due to previous developments. It will not deploy solar panels on any natural lands, according to the Baltimore Sun. <\/p>

The state estimates that the $50 million solar project will generate roughly 35 megawatts of energy, enough to power roughly 120,000 homes in the state each year. <\/p>

MAGA INFLUENCER PROPS UP SOLAR: Katie Miller, a right-wing podcaster and wife to Trump\u2019s deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, is increasing her call on the U.S. to embrace solar energy \u2013 breaking with the Trump administration, which has left the renewable resource out of its own definition of energy. <\/p>

Earlier this morning, Miller called<\/a> solar power \u201cincreasingly indispensable\u201d to the nation\u2019s effort to rapidly build out and deploy artificial intelligence. She pointed to China\u2019s own acceptance of solar power, saying the country produced 1.17 million gigawatt hours of electricity just from solar last year. <\/p>

\u201cRapidly scaling solar energy is a national security issue,\u201d Miller wrote.Her post also re-shared an interview<\/a> she recently gave to the Washington Post, in which she emphasized how solar can support the administration\u2019s energy dominance agenda. <\/p>

Influencing the executive: Publicly, the Trump administration has yet to fully support solar energy, instead putting its weight behind traditional fossil fuels and other baseload resources such as nuclear energy. But Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who repeatedly lambasted solar last year, acknowledged last week that the renewable energy resource has a \"commercial role\u201d to play. <\/p>

The Interior Department is also weighing clearing the permitting pathway for some large solar projects to move forward. You can read more about the agency\u2019s decisions from Maydeen here<\/a>. <\/p>

BLM NOMINEE UP FOR COMMITTEE VOTE: Stevan Pearce\u2019s nomination to be director of the Bureau of Land Management will be up for a committee vote this week, following much pushback from Democrats over his past efforts to sell off public land. <\/p>

The Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee plans to vote on Pearce\u2019s nomination on Wednesday. <\/p>

Democrats pressed Pearce at last week's committee hearing over whether he would seek to sell public land in his role, in which he would oversee more than 244 million acres of federal land and over 700 million acres of sub-surface minerals. <\/p>

Pearce was a former Republican representative from New Mexico. But, he has made statements in support of shifting public ownership of land to state or private entities. <\/p>

At last week\u2019s hearing, the top Democrat on the panel, Sen. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, said it will be challenging for him to support Pearce\u2019s tenure at the BLM because of his call to sell public lands. <\/p>

Pearce, throughout the hearing, told Democrats that the Secretary of the Interior does not envision large sales of public lands and noted that the Federal Land Policy Management Act prohibits such sales. <\/p>

The committee will also vote on Kyle Haustveit for undersecretary of energy and David LaCerte to remain on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.<\/p>

ICYMI \u2013 GREENPEACE HIT WITH $345 MILLION VERDICT: Greenpeace was dealt an adverse $345 million judgment over the environmental group\u2019s role in organizing protests against the Dakota Access pipeline. <\/p>

A federal judge on Friday finalized a $345 million verdict against Greenpeace in a lawsuit brought by Texas-based pipeline company Energy Transfer. The final ruling came after judge James Gion slashed close to half the $667 million the jury awarded<\/a> Energy Transfer in March.  <\/p>

Greenpeace said it has decided to seek a new trial and, if necessary, appeal the decision with the North Dakota Supreme Court. <\/p>

\u201cEnergy Transfer\u2019s attempts to silence us are failing. Greenpeace International will continue to resist intimidation tactics,\u201d Greenpeace International Executive Director Mads Christensen said in a statement<\/a>. <\/p>

\u201cWe will not be silenced. We will only get louder, joining our voices to those of our allies all around the world against the corporate polluters and billionaire oligarchs who prioritise profits over people and the planet,\u201d Christensen added. <\/p>

Between 2016 and 2017, protests erupted, joined by members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, opposing the 1,200-mile pipeline that carried oil from western North Dakota to Illinois and crossing under the Missouri River. <\/p>

The protesters warned that the oil would pollute the reservation\u2019s drinking water. Greenpeace\u2019s lawyers said the environmental group assisted the tribe in organizing its protests. However, Energy Transfer accused the group of delaying the pipeline\u2019s construction. <\/p>

A LOOK AHEAD<\/p>

March 3 The Electric Power Supply Association\u2019s annual Competitive Power Summit is being held in Washington, D.C. <\/p>

March 3 The Environmental and Energy Study Institute is holding a briefing on wildfire policy. <\/p>

March 4 The Global CCS Institute is holding its 2026 European Forum on Carbon Capture and Storage in Brussels, Belgium. <\/p>

March 4 The Atlantic Council is holding EXIM Bank chairman John Jovanovic for a discussion on the export-import bank\u2019s role in supporting U.S. manufacturing, strengthening supply chains, and supporting trade. <\/p>

March 4 The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is meeting to consider pending calendar business. <\/p>

March 4 The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is meeting to consider the nomination of Douglas Weaver regarding his seat on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. <\/p>

March 5 Rystad Energy is holding its Washington D.C. Energy Forum. <\/p>

March 8 Time to turn the clocks, it\u2019s Daylight Saving Time.RUNDOWN\u00a0<\/p>

Grist<\/a> A regional network is racing to save the Midwest\u2019s native seeds<\/p>

Bloomberg<\/a> As Iran Crisis Upends Oil and Gas, Clean Energy Gets Complicated<\/p>

Electrek<\/a> Here\u2019s why Florida\u2019s 10 MPH e-bike speed limit law actually makes sense<\/p>

<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/DOE.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477107-1772465143", "title":"Trump delivers freedom while the Left marches for oppression", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fbeltway-confidential%2F4477107%2Firanians-celebrate-khamenei-death-left-protests%2F", "byline":"Steven Taff", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"This past weekend, President Donald Trump ordered a targeted strike on Iran that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. This joint attack by Israel and the United States hit Khamenei’s compound in Tehran as part of a larger operation against high-ranking officials. Directly following the news of the supreme leader’s death, protests […]", "description":""

This past weekend, President Donald Trump<\/a> ordered a targeted strike on Iran<\/a> that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei<\/a>. This joint attack by Israel<\/a> and the United States<\/a> hit Khamenei's compound in Tehran<\/a> as part of a larger operation against high-ranking officials.<\/p>

Directly following the news of the supreme leader's death, protests and rallies were mobilized across many U.S. cities \u2014 most notably Washington, D.C., New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco<\/a> \u2014 in protest of the president's orders to strike Iran. <\/p>

While these demonstrators marched against the president\u2019s orders, their presence highlighted a staggering paradox: As American activists protested the strike, native Iranians were cheering in the streets, celebrating a long-awaited liberation from an oppressive theocracy.<\/p>

Meanwhile, the American Left, which has championed human rights, can\u2019t bring itself to show solidarity with those fighting for their liberty in Iran. The Left reacts with emotion rather than critical thinking and intelligence. <\/p>

Once again, it has revealed its true colors, proving it only cares about the oppressed when the oppressor isn't its political enemy, Trump.<\/p>

Yet, it seems as if U.S. citizens on the Left continue to protest, condemning the actions of the U.S. that have just given the Iranian's a fighting chance to begin regime change.<\/p>

Protesters shouted slogans such as \"No new wars\" and \"Stay out of the Middle East,\" arguing that this intervention is yet another quagmire that mirrors the long-term war in Iraq.\u00a0<\/p>

However, War Secretary Pete Hegseth<\/a> has stated, \u201cThis is not Iraq. This is not endless. Our generation knows better.\u201d <\/p>

Hegseth has made it abundantly clear that there are no U.S. troops in Iran, nor are there any long-term commitments to Iran. He emphasized that the president can achieve his objectives without a 20-year occupation or the deployment of 200,000 soldiers. <\/p>

Without signaling future U.S. strategy, Hegseth said,  \u201cNo, but we\u2019re not going to go into the exercise of what we will or will not do. It\u2019s foolishness. We\u2019ll go as far as we need to go.\u201d <\/p>

The U.S. has learned, through 20 years in Iraq and Afghanistan and the loss of many American lives, that regime change cannot be forced. It can only be achieved by the people who live there. <\/p>

Many cases illustrate this point perfectly, such as the Arab Spring revolutions of the early 2010s, with Tunisia serving as the prime example of success. Tunisia\u2019s \"Jasmine Revolution\" succeeded in initiating a democratic transition, unlike other Arab Spring nations, primarily due to its strong civil society, military neutrality, and a culture of political compromise. <\/p>

TRUMP WINS AS DEMOCRATS SIT OUT THE AMERICAN COMEBACK<\/a><\/p>

Key actors, including secularists and Islamists, prioritized consensus over conflict, resulting in a liberal constitution, Nobel-winning mediation, and early, peaceful power transfers. <\/p>

While the U.S. did not have a hand in the regime change, it provided significant public support after the democratic transition. This underscores the definitive role of civil society in reclaiming its own future, proving that the most enduring regime changes are those driven by the overwhelming will of the people.<\/p>

In the case of Iran, there is still much to do, as the strategic bombings continue. Many are looking as to what comes next. This is largely up to the citizens of Iran, and the will they look to impose. <\/p>

As for the U.S., the era of nation-building may be over, but the era of decisive action has clearly begun. <\/p>

By removing the head of the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism without the quagmire of a ground war, the administration has set a new precedent: The United States will provide the spark for liberty, but it is the people of Iran who must carry the torch.<\/p>

Americans need to wake up and realize that the oppressors of this world need to be dealt with. <\/p>

They must educate themselves before taking to the streets to march for a cause they fundamentally misunderstand.<\/p>

Instead of seeking the truth from the oppressed, they have chosen to weaponize their First Amendment rights in defense of a theocratic tyrant \u2014 the very man who dismantled the freedoms of a once-prosperous nation.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GettyImages-2255909207.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477174-1772464776", "title":"A different war in the Middle East", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fcolumnists%2F4477174%2Fdifferent-war-in-middle-east%2F", "byline":"Sean Durns", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"“Just when I thought I was out,” Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone says in The Godfather Part III, “they pull me back in.” For the United States and the Middle East, it’s a familiar feeling. The U.S. once again finds itself at war in a part of the world that some historians have called a “labyrinth.”  […]", "description":""

\u201cJust when I thought I was out,\u201d Al Pacino\u2019s Michael Corleone says in The Godfather Part III, \u201cthey pull me back in.\u201d For the United States and the Middle East<\/a>, it\u2019s a familiar feeling. The U.S. once again finds itself at war in a part of the world<\/a> that some historians have called<\/a> a \"labyrinth.\"\u00a0<\/p>

On Feb. 28, the U.S. and Israel <\/a>carried out military strikes, code-named Operation Epic Fury, against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Americans are no strangers to warfare<\/a> in the Middle East. Indeed, it has been the chief theater of U.S. military operations for much of the U.S.\u2019s post-Cold War existence.<\/p>

Yet a little more than two days in, Epic Fury has already been a war of firsts.<\/p>

In a March 2 press conference<\/a>, War Secretary Pete Hegseth called it the \u201cmost lethal, most complex, and most precise operation\u201d in history. This isn\u2019t mere bluster. In the war\u2019s opening salvo, no fewer than 48 top Iranian officials were killed<\/a> in precision strikes. Also dead was the regime\u2019s so-called Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who had ruled with an iron fist since 1989 and was, until Saturday morning, the longest serving dictator on the world stage.\u00a0<\/p>

By all accounts, it was the largest decapitation strike in modern history. <\/p>

At 86, Khamenei was long past his prime. But he was the worst of America\u2019s enemies in the region. The Islamic Republic was born in bloodshed<\/a> and terror under the regime\u2019s founder and Khamenei\u2019s predecessor, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. But it was Khamenei who solidified the regime\u2019s grip on power, making its terror a permanent fixture in the Middle East and beyond for years.<\/p>

Khamenei was the figurehead for the most virulently anti-American regime in recent history. His death and the regime\u2019s possible fall are historic. The 1979 Islamic Revolution, such as the communist revolutions in Cuba, China, and Russia before it, forever changed<\/a> the world, ushering in an age of terror, chaos, and upheaval that transformed the region.\u00a0<\/p>

By showing that a secular regime could be toppled and replaced by an Islamic theocracy, Khomeini and his followers inspired a generation of jihadists, future al-Qaeda leaders Osama bin Laden<\/a> and Ayman al-Zawahiri among them. The Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks<\/a> and the subsequent decadeslong Global War on Terror that followed are a direct offshoot of what unfolded nearly fifty years ago. In a very real sense, the decades of U.S. military involvement in the Middle East are directly linked to what Khomeini and his ilk inaugurated.<\/p>

With Khamenei\u2019s death and the possible fall of the regime, the U.S. and the world are now poised to finally turn the page.<\/p>

The Iranian regime was built on blood and calls for \u201cDeath to America\u201d and \u201cDeath to Israel.\u201d But it was a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation that may seal its fate. The U.S. has not cooperated as closely with any ally in a theater of war in decades, if ever. These were \u201ccoordinated operations of an unprecedented scale,\u201d Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said.<\/p>

The Trump administration has rightly called on allies to step up and carry more of the defense burden. The administration\u2019s 2026 National Defense Strategy highlighted<\/a> Israel as a \u201cmodel ally.\u201d Operation Epic Fury showcases why, building off the stunning capabilities demonstrated<\/a> by Israel in June 2025. A regime that murdered thousands of Americans is being buried under rubble.<\/p>

THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC HAD ITS CHANCE<\/a><\/p>

Preliminary reports indicate that Israel may have even used Iron Beam, an advanced <\/a>laser system, to shoot down missiles. Israel has long been at the forefront of pioneering and fielding new defense technologies and comments from the Pentagon indicate that there might be more to come. \u201cThere were,\u201d Caine told reporters, \u201cseveral combat firsts\u201d which will be elaborated on at a \u201clater date.\u201d<\/p>

Epic Fury is different in another respect, as well. While the scope and scale are large and ambitious, both President Trump and Secretary of War Hegseth have rejected speculation that the U.S. is going to find itself in another attempt at nation-building and democracy promotion. As Hegseth said, \u201cOur ambitions are not utopian.\u201d This is fitting. After all, the Middle East is not a part of the world that inspires optimism.\u00a0<\/p>

Yet wars have a logic of their own. If, as the saying goes, no plan survives first contact with the enemy, flexibility and dexterity will be key. As Dwight Eisenhower famously observed: \u201cEvery war will astonish you.\u201d That much, at least, is certain.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26032482244222.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476751-1772462473", "title":"DC lifts recreational advisory for Potomac River after sewage spill", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fenergy-and-environment%2F4476751%2Fdc-lifts-recreational-advisory-potomac-river-sewage-spill%2F", "byline":"David Zimmermann", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The health department in Washington, D.C., lifted its recreational advisory for the Potomac River on Monday, after millions of gallons of raw sewage contaminated it in January. The announcement allows residents to engage in recreational activities, such as fishing, now that the river’s bacterial levels are within safe ranges. Swimming, however, remains strictly prohibited without […]", "description":""

The health department in Washington, D.C.<\/a>, lifted its recreational advisory for the Potomac River on Monday, after millions of gallons of raw sewage contaminated it in January.<\/p>

The announcement allows residents to engage in recreational activities, such as fishing, now that the river's bacterial levels are within safe ranges. Swimming, however, remains strictly prohibited without a special permit.<\/p>

\"Protecting the health and safety of District residents is our top priority,\" said Dr. Ayanna Bennett, director of the health department. \"After careful review of the last three weeks of water quality data, we are confident that conditions in the District\u2019s portion of the Potomac River no longer pose an elevated public health risk. This advisory applies only to waters within the District of Columbia, and we encourage residents to follow guidance from neighboring jurisdictions for areas outside the District\u2019s boundaries.\"<\/p>

Monday marks 21 days since the last sewage overflow, according to the department.<\/p>

The sewage spill began when the Potomac Interceptor sewer line in Maryland<\/a> collapsed on Jan. 19, releasing more than 240 million gallons of untreated sewage into the Potomac River. As a result, E. coli levels were dangerously high for human contact. Drinking water was not affected, though.<\/p>

The episode caused quite a stir between President Donald Trump<\/a> and Gov. Wes Moore<\/a> (D-MD) over who held responsibility<\/a> for cleaning up one of the largest wastewater spills in U.S. history.<\/p>

Despite heated disagreement<\/a> between the leaders, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency collaborated with state and local partners.<\/p>

Unlike Moore, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser<\/a> was more willing to cooperate with the Trump administration. After Trump called on her to take action, she requested<\/a> federal emergency assistance, which the president approved.<\/p>

TRUMP APPROVES EMERGENCY DECLARATION FOR DC OVER POTOMAC SEWAGE SPILL<\/a><\/p>

Bowser also asked for a full reimbursement for costs incurred by the District of Columbia and DC Water so that residents who pay for the public utility don't have to bear the emergency costs. Repairs on the ruptured Potomac Interceptor system are expected to be completed later this month.<\/p>

The D.C. Council questioned representatives of DC Water on Monday about how the sewage spill came to contaminate the Potomac River. During the hearing, DC Water CEO David Gadis said his company did not think the sewage pipe was in imminent threat of collapse when its last inspection occurred in October 2024.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26051801955003.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477157-1772462466", "title":"Loudoun County Public Schools can’t be let off the hook for sexual harassment scandal", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fcolumnists%2F4477157%2Floudoun-county-schools-cant-off-hook-sexual-harassment%2F", "byline":"Zachary Faria", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Loudoun County Public Schools system wants everyone to quickly forget that it tried to destroy the lives of boys who were the victims of sexual harassment by a transgender student. LCPS tried to hit three high school boys with Title IX sexual harassment violations after they voiced their discomfort with a girl being allowed to change […]", "description":""

The Loudoun County <\/a>Public Schools system wants everyone to quickly forget that it tried to destroy the lives of boys who were the victims of sexual harassment by a transgender<\/a> student.<\/p>

LCPS tried to hit three high school<\/a> boys with Title IX sexual harassment violations<\/a> after they voiced their discomfort with a girl being allowed to change in the boys\u2019 locker room with them. That girl allegedly used her phone to record them in the boys\u2019 locker room, but the boys were deemed to be the ones committing sexual harassment, because the girl claims to be a boy, and LCPS takes misgendering more seriously than actual, real sexual harassment.<\/p>

STAYING SILENT ON TRANS EXTREMISM IS NO LONGER AN OPTION<\/a><\/p>

LCPS dropped its investigation into one of the boys, but the other two were\u00a0accused<\/a>\u00a0of \u201cdiscrimination\u201d and suspended by the district. LCPS has since reached a\u00a0court settlement<\/a>\u00a0with the boys and their families, and a federal judge has now blocked the Department of Justice from intervening in the case.<\/p>

The Justice Department will be able to appeal, but the accountability should not be reliant on whether or not such a repeal is granted. The reality is that LCPS facilitated the sexual harassment of male students by allowing a female student to regularly use the boys\u2019 locker room, and then ignored it when that female student sexually harassed those male students. Then, the district set out to\u00a0punish\u00a0the boys who were the victims in this case because those boys did not adhere to the transgender ideology of the Loudoun County Public Schools district.<\/p>

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FINDS CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS HID STUDENTS' GENDER TRANSITIONS FROM PARENTS<\/a><\/p>

Six of the nine members of the board voted<\/a> last September to continue the policy that put that girl in the boys' locker room in the first place (and allowed<\/a> a boy to enter the girls\u2019 bathrooms to sexually assault two female students back in 2021). Of those six, three<\/a> are still serving on the board after the 2025 elections: Sumera Rashid, Vice Chair Anne Donohue, and Chair April Chandler.<\/p>

Those three, and anyone else who has supported these trans bathroom policies, have proven that they are unfit to have any power over the school system. Anyone and everyone involved in targeting those teenage boys should be run out of politics forever, regardless of what \u201csettlement\u201d the district ended up reaching. The LCPS has decided for years to prioritize the fantasies of the transgender movement above the safety of students, and that is one of the most unforgivable things a school board could do.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/C0086T01-e1772480247772.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476540-1772461099", "title":"Who has been killed so far during US-Israel mission in Iran?", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4476540%2Fsenior-iran-hezbollah-officials-civilians-killed-us-israel-strikes%2F", "byline":"David Zimmermann and Keely Bastow", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"There have been numerous casualties on all sides since the joint U.S.-Israel strikes against Iran commenced over the weekend, with more lives expected to be lost as the campaign continues. The Islamic regime’s leadership is currently bearing the brunt of losses, but Hezbollah has also taken some damage. Additionally, civilians have been caught in the […]", "description":""

There have been numerous casualties on all sides since the joint U.S.-Israel strikes<\/a> against Iran<\/a> commenced over the weekend, with more lives expected to be lost as the campaign continues.<\/p>

The Islamic regime's leadership is currently bearing the brunt of losses, but Hezbollah<\/a> has also taken some damage. Additionally, civilians have been caught in the crossfire.<\/p>

DAN CAINE SAYS ADDITIONAL FIREPOWER HEADED TO MIDDLE EAST AND HEDGES OPERATION TIMELINE<\/a><\/p>Senior Iranian officials taken out

Between 30 and 50 Iranian officials were eliminated in the targeted operation, crippling the country's government.<\/p>

Iran is scrambling to appoint replacements as it sustains losses at the highest level.<\/p>

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and wife Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh<\/p>

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei<\/a> was the highest-ranking Iranian leader to be killed in \"Operation Epic Fury,\" the name given by President Donald Trump<\/a> to the mission for targeting the clerical government. Khamenei was at his Tehran compound before his death on Saturday.<\/p>

The Iranian supreme leader's wife, Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, died sometime after sustaining wounds from the airstrikes that killed her husband. Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law were also killed. His son, who is seen as a possible successor, remains alive.<\/p>

Ali Shamkhani<\/p>

Commodore Ali Shamkhani, the former head of Iran's defense council and a close adviser to Khamenei, was among the top officials killed in the Saturday strikes.<\/p>

He was overseeing the negotiations between the United States and Iran about a potential nuclear deal<\/a>. The latest round of talks concluded late last week, just before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran.<\/p>

HOW THE IRAN CONFLICT WAS LAUNCHED: \u2018OPERATION EPIC FURY IS APPROVED. NO ABORTS. GOOD LUCK\u2019<\/a><\/p>

Mohammad Pakpour<\/p>

Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour formerly led the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. He replaced the previous IRGC commander, Hossein Salami, who was eliminated by Israeli forces last June.<\/p>

Following his death, Pakpour has been succeeded by Brig. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi. The appointment was made on Sunday. Vahidi is under U.S. sanctions for his role in quashing nationwide protests and committing human rights violations.<\/p>

Abdolrahim Mousavi<\/p>

Maj. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi served as Iran's armed forces chief of staff since June 2025, when his predecessor was assassinated by Israeli strikes before \"Operation Midnight Hammer<\/a>,\" which targeted Iran's nuclear program.<\/p>

Mousavi is being replaced by an interim leadership council, led by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.<\/p>

Aziz Nasirzadeh<\/p>

Brig. Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh, the country's defense minister, also died in the initial joint strikes.<\/p>

He was replaced by an acting defense minister on Monday.<\/p>

Mohammad Shirazi<\/p>

Brig. Gen. Mohammad Shirazi had led the supreme leader's military office since 1989.<\/p>

In this role, he facilitated coordination between armed forces commanders and the supreme leader.<\/p>

Hossein Jabal Amelian<\/p>

Brig. Gen. Hossein Jabal Amelian oversaw Iran's Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research, an agency responsible for developing advanced weapons.<\/p>

Israeli military assessment says its research entailed nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons.<\/p>

Reza Mozaffari Nia<\/p>

Brig. Gen. Reza Mozaffari Nia once led the SPND, contributing to nuclear weapons development.<\/p>

Majid Mousavi<\/p>

Brig. Gen. Majid Mousavi had commanded the IRGC's Aerospace Force since last June.<\/p>

Mohsen Darrebaghi<\/p>

Brig. Gen. Mohsen Darrebaghi served as a deputy for logistics and support and general staff of Iran's armed forces.<\/p>

Other notable casualties in Iran's government include Brig. Gen. Gholamreza Rezaian, the police intelligence chief; Brig. Gen. Bahram Hosseini Motlagh, the general staff of Iran's armed forces; Mohammad Baseri, a senior intelligence ministry official; and Salah Asadi, the head of Iran's intelligence department.<\/p>Hezbollah leaders

Several leaders of Hezbollah<\/a>, a key Iran-backed terrorist group based in Lebanon<\/a>, were also hit hard by Israel. The Jewish state retaliated after Hezbollah launched aerial attacks from the Lebanese capital of Beirut.<\/p>

After Hezbollah and Israel traded fire, Lebanon's prime minister banned the terrorist group from conducting \"military activities\" and relegated it to political duties.<\/p>

Mohammad Raad<\/p>

Mohammad Raad, the head of Hezbollah's parliamentary faction, died on Monday after Israel struck Beirut.<\/p>

Serving as a member of parliament for Hezbollah since 1992, Raad led the Iranian proxy's 13-member political wing. Also, he was once a spokesperson for former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who died in Israeli airstrikes in September 2024.<\/p>

Hussein Makled<\/p>

Hussein Makled, the head of Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters, was also killed.<\/p>

The Israeli military says Makled provided Hezbollah with \"intelligence assessments regarding [Israel Defense Forces] troops and the State of Israel\" and \"closely cooperated with senior commanders in Hezbollah who planned and advanced terror attacks against Israel and its citizens.\"<\/p>

Adham al Othman<\/p>

Adham al Othman, the commander of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad's military wing, was also killed in the Israeli attack in Beirut on Monday.<\/p>

The Islamic Jihad made the announcement of his death, but the Israeli military did not immediately confirm the veracity of the opposing group's claim.<\/p>Civilian casualties

Preliminary figures show Iran with the highest number of recorded deaths since the strikes began, but civilians in other nations also have been killed.<\/p>

Meanwhile, at least four U.S. troops have died so far during Operation Epic Fury.<\/p>

Iran<\/p>

At least 555 people have died in Iran so far, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society. The nongovernmental humanitarian organization, which operates under state influence, is known for failing to distinguish<\/a> between civilian and military casualties in its death tolls.<\/p>

The deadliest incident occurred in Minab, where an all-girls elementary school was targeted. At least 175 people, most of them likely children, were killed.<\/p>

Israel<\/p>

At least nine people in Israel<\/a> died on Sunday after Iran struck a synagogue and bomb shelter underneath the religious site in Beit Shemesh, a city about 18 miles west of Jerusalem.<\/p>

At one point on Monday, a funeral gathering for two of the victims was disrupted by air sirens that were triggered by explosions overhead as Israel intercepted drones and missiles. The funeral proceeded several minutes after the immediate threat was gone.<\/p>

HOW GULF STATES ARE RESPONDING TO IRAN\u2019S RETALIATORY STRIKES<\/a><\/p>

Neighboring Middle Eastern states<\/p>

Several Persian Gulf nations that host U.S. bases or forces are dealing with their own losses from retaliatory strikes.<\/p>

In Lebanon, at least 50 people died in Israeli strikes. The United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman all recorded deaths in the single digits following Iran's strikes. Meanwhile, there have been significantly more wounded casualties in certain nations, especially the UAE. Saudi Arabia and Qatar recorded no fatalities so far.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26061637944627.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4477066-1772461001", "title":"2028 presidential hopefuls slam Trump over Iran strikes", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2F4477066%2F2028-presidential-election-hopefuls-slam-trump-iran-strikes%2F", "byline":"Barnini Chakraborty", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The newest Iran crisis, triggered by the weekend’s U.S.-Israeli strikes and the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, has become the first major foreign policy test for 2028 presidential hopefuls.  Two days before President Donald Trump authorized those strikes, Vice President JD Vance, a likely Republican candidate, told the Washington Post there was “no chance” military strikes […]", "description":""

The newest Iran crisis<\/a>, triggered by the weekend's U.S.-Israeli strikes and the killing of Iran's supreme leader<\/a>, has become the first major foreign policy test for 2028 presidential hopefuls<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

Two days before President Donald Trump<\/a> authorized those strikes, Vice President JD Vance<\/a>, a likely Republican candidate, told <\/a>the Washington Post\u00a0there was \"no chance\" military strikes would result in the United States becoming involved in a drawn-out war and floated the idea of solving \"the problem diplomatically.\" Vance, who has often harshly criticized America's involvement in foreign wars, has remained silent since the attacks.\u00a0<\/p>

Democratic contenders have not. <\/p>

They have opposed Trump's military actions, especially his decision not to seek congressional authorization first, but their criticisms differ in tone and emphasis, revealing early ideological lanes forming within the party. Some took aim at Trump solely, while others threaded the needle, calling out Iran's oppressive regime and faulting Trump for not seeking congressional approval first.  <\/p>

\"The nuanced differences underscore a party still recalibrating after its bruising loss in 2024,\" California-based political strategist Luke Conners told the Washington Examiner. \"Democrats are actively redefining their message, with lawmakers adjusting their positions in response to President Trump\u2019s expansive and unapologetic use of executive authority.\"<\/p>

Here's a look at some of the comments. <\/p>Gavin Newsom

Gov. Gavin Newsom<\/a> (D-CA) stressed that \"the corrupt and repressive Iranian regime must never have nuclear weapons\" and that the leadership \"must go\" but said it \"does not justify the President of the United States engaging in an illegal, dangerous war that will risk the lives of our American service members and our friends without justification to the American people.\"<\/p>

Newsom added that the president was\u00a0\"putting Americans at risk abroad because he is unpopular at home,\" called Trump a \"wrecking ball president,\" and said Trump's actions were a sign of \"weakness masquerading as strength.\"<\/p>

California<\/a> is home to the largest Iranian community outside of Iran. The conflict has forced Newsom to navigate the dual pressures of managing a massive, deeply affected diaspora community and a high-stakes, partisan foreign policy debate as he is termed out of office and pivots toward a White House run. <\/p>JB Pritzker

Like Newsom, Gov. JB Pritzker<\/a> (D-IL) has pitched himself as someone willing to take on Trump. He also accused the president of \"sidestepping the Constitution,\" said the strikes lacked a clear objective, and accused Trump of failing to explain the rationale for a \"potentially endless conflict\" and disregarding the safety of American service members around the globe.\u00a0<\/p>

\"Americans asked for affordable housing and healthcare, not another potentially endless conflict,\" he posted on social media.<\/p>Cory Booker

Sen Cory Booker<\/a> (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, questioned Trump's strength and mental acuity.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cAmerica must be strong and smart,\" he said. \"Today\u2019s actions were launched by a president who has rarely proven to be either.\"<\/p>

Booker, while acknowledging that the Iranian regime is one of the most dangerous and destabilizing forces in the Middle East, and one that has \"American blood on its hands,\" blasted Trump for going around Congress to carry out attacks.\u00a0<\/p>

\"The Constitution is unambiguous: Congress alone has the power to declare war and to authorize the use of military force,\" he said. \"Americans are feeling less safe because President Trump launched 'massive and ongoing' military strikes on Iran without Congressional authorization, without meaningful consultation with lawmakers, and without presenting a credible legal justification or coherent strategy.\"<\/p>

Booker also faulted Trump for not having a strategy in place if the Iranian regime collapses. He also said Trump had no plan for securing nuclear material, preventing a humanitarian catastrophe, protecting tens of thousands of U.S. troops and civilians across a region on high alert, nor a plan to coordinate with suddenly imperiled neighboring nations.  <\/p>Pete Buttigieg

Pete Buttigieg<\/a>, the former transportation secretary under the Biden administration, was a Navy Reserve veteran when he was deployed to Afghanistan in 2014. Like Booker, he slammed Trump for green-lighting a military operation without congressional authorization or a plan for what comes next.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cThis nation learned the hard way that an unnecessary war, with no plan for what comes next, can lead to years of chaos and put America in still greater danger,\" he posted on Bluesky.<\/p>Josh Shapiro

Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA) also faulted Trump for acting \"unilaterally \u2014 without congressional approval and outside of the guardrails set up by our founders.\" Shapiro, like Booker, acknowledged some of the horrors of the Iranian regime, claiming the \"Iranian regime represses its own people and is the leading state sponsor of terrorism around the world.\"\u00a0<\/p>Kamala Harris

Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump in 2024 under unique circumstances, accused the president of \"dragging the\u00a0United States into a war the American people do not want.\"<\/p>

\"Let me be clear: I am opposed to a regime-change war in Iran, and our troops are being put in harm\u2019s way for the sake of Trump\u2019s war of choice,\" Harris said in a statement over the weekend.<\/p>

\"This is a dangerous and unnecessary gamble with American lives that also jeopardizes stability in the region and our standing in the world,\" she continued. \"What we are witnessing is not strength. It is recklessness dressed up as resolve.\"<\/p>

Harris, who was in Madison, Wisconsin, on Sunday for her book tour, told the paying crowd that the president has \"dragged America into a war that we don't want\" and hammered him for not seeking congressional approval first. <\/p>

While Harris has not said she is running in 2028, she has been hinting at a possible return.\u00a0<\/p>Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez<\/a> (D-NY) was just as forceful in rebuking Trump's actions as Harris, calling the conflict \"unlawful\" and \"unnecessary.\"<\/p>

THREE US SERVICE MEMBERS KILLED IN OPERATIONS AGAINST IRAN, CENTCOM SAYS<\/a> <\/p>

\"And it will be catastrophic,\" she predicted. <\/p>

Ocasio-Cortez also accused Trump of lying to the nation and said he made \"a deliberate choice of aggression when diplomacy and security were within reach.\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Wh-Situation-room-3-e1772475289657.jpeg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476892-1772459927", "title":"Virginia mosque with alleged ties to Iran regime holds remembrance service for ‘martyr’ Ali Khamenei", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Finvestigations%2F4476892%2Fmanassas-mosque-remembrance-service-ali-khamenei%2F", "byline":"Mia Cathell", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"A mosque in Northern Virginia, located near Washington, D.C., held a remembrance service for Iran’s supreme leader, who was killed over the weekend following joint U.S. and Israeli strikes against Tehran. Manassas Mosque, a Shia Muslim religious center with alleged financial ties to the Iranian regime, hosted an iftar, a fast-breaking meal eaten at sundown […]", "description":""

A mosque in Northern Virginia<\/a>, located near Washington, D.C., held a remembrance service for Iran<\/a>\u2019s supreme leader, who was killed<\/a> over the weekend following joint U.S. and Israeli<\/a> strikes against Tehran.<\/p>

Manassas Mosque, a Shia Muslim religious center with alleged financial ties<\/a> to the Iranian regime, hosted an iftar, a fast-breaking meal eaten at sundown during Ramadan, on Sunday evening to honor \u201cHis Eminence,\u201d Ayatollah Ali Khamenei<\/a>.<\/p>

The mosque invited its followers, \u201cas we navigate what our responsibilities are today,\u201d to attend the potluck-style dinner, which began with Islamic prayer and ended in special programming dedicated to mourning the death of Khamenei.<\/p>

\u201cManassas Mosque extends its condolences and glad tidings on the martyrdom of His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei,\u201d said an Instagram post<\/a> advertising the event.<\/p>

The mosque, situated about 30 miles outside of Washington<\/a>, was formed to \u201cnourish a community of pious, educated, socially conscious, and active Muslims\u201d living in the metropolitan area.<\/p>

Its leadership, however, has a history of incendiary behavior.<\/p>

After the October 2023 terrorist attacks against Israel, the Manassas Mosque endorsed the actions of Hamas. In a community newsletter<\/a>, the mosque issued a statement explicitly expressing support for the terrorist group. \u201cWe stand firmly with the Palestinian Resistance (Hamas),\u201d the mosque\u2019s leaders declared at the time.<\/p>

Manassas Mosque\u2019s Imam Abolfazl Bahram Nahidian claimed at a 2010 rally<\/a> on Quds Day, an annual anti-Israel day of protest calling for the destruction of the Jewish state, that Israelis orchestrated the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks as part of a Zionist conspiracy to sow Islamophobia.<\/p>

\u201cAll the plots and the schemes that they make are to destroy humanity,\u201d Nahidian said of the Israeli people, calling them \u201cthe most devilish ones on Earth.\u201d<\/p>

TRUMP SAYS KHAMENEI IS DEAD: \u2018THE SINGLE GREATEST CHANCE FOR THE IRANIAN PEOPLE TO TAKE BACK THEIR COUNTRY\u2019<\/a><\/p>

Manassas Mosque is suspected of being a financial backer of the Islamic revolutionary government of Iran.<\/p>

About two decades ago, Manassas Mosque received a total of $193,000 from the Iranian-run Alavi Foundation between 2004<\/a> and 2005<\/a>, according to tax filings obtained<\/a> by the Investigative Project on Terrorism.<\/p>

In 2009, the Justice Department sought to seize the Alavi Foundation\u2019s assets on suspicion that it was funding Iran\u2019s efforts to build nuclear weapons. According to the complaint<\/a>, the Alavi Foundation funneled money from its interests in the United States to Bank Melli, which the Treasury Department previously designated<\/a> as an entity that provides material support to terrorism.<\/p>

The full extent of the mosque\u2019s apparent financial connections to Iran is unclear. As a registered house of worship, Manassas Mosque is not required to publicly disclose such information.<\/p>

A since-scrubbed blog section<\/a> on Manassas Mosque\u2019s website featured a tribute to Qasem Soleimani, an Iranian military officer of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who was responsible for the deaths of more than 600 American service members, according to the U.S. government.<\/p>

On the third anniversary of Soleimani\u2019s death by U.S. drone strike, Manassas Mosque posted a memorial piece commemorating the day of his \u201cmartyrdom.\u201d<\/p>

In 2021, Customs and Border Protection confiscated<\/a> 750 pounds of Iranian-made ceramic tiles donated to the Manassas Mosque for alleged violations of economic sanctions against Iran. CBP later released<\/a> the religious tiles after the Council on American-Islamic Relations assisted the mosque\u2019s challenge of the seizure.<\/p>

In 2023, House Republicans issued a letter<\/a> to then-Attorney General Merrick Garland and -Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines identifying Manassas Mosque as one of four Islamic organizations in the U.S. with suspected connections to Iran.<\/p>

The letter, warning of Iran\u2019s ideological influence over Muslim American religious institutions, pointed to footage from inside Manassas Mosque showing that the center was \u201cadorned with pictures of \u2018martyrs\u2019 of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corpsm\u201d alongside Iranian flags and a life-sized cutout of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini.<\/p>

The congressional letter also noted that Manassas Mosque \u201copenly celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran,\u201d which brought the current regime to power.<\/p>

TRUMP CLOSED THE GAP BETWEEN RHETORIC AND ACTION ON IRAN<\/a><\/p>

Manassas Mosque has been an active part of the Washington political scene. Most recently, in response to the U.S.-Iranian conflict, Manassas Mosque co-sponsored<\/a> marches<\/a> on the White House led by the area\u2019s Party for Socialism and Liberation arm and the Freedom Road Socialist Organization of D.C.<\/p>

The Washington Examiner contacted Manassas Mosque for comment.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GettyImages-2255430051.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476989-1772458448", "title":"Iran conflict threatens to raise gas prices ", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fenergy-and-environment%2F4476989%2Firan-conflict-threatens-raise-gas-prices-strait-hormuz%2F", "byline":"Callie Patteson", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Americans can expect prices at the gas pump to increase in the aftermath of the United States and Israel’s surprise attacks on Iran over the weekend, though the price hikes won’t be too drastic — yet.  The U.S. and Israel carried out strikes on Iran early Saturday morning, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The attacks […]", "description":""

Americans can expect prices at the gas pump to increase in the aftermath of the United States and Israel\u2019s<\/a> surprise attacks on Iran<\/a> over the weekend, though the price hikes<\/a> won\u2019t be too drastic \u2014 yet. <\/p>

The U.S. and Israel carried out strikes on Iran early Saturday morning, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The attacks sent crude oil<\/a> prices soaring Monday morning, as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps moved to close one<\/a> of the most important chokepoints for global oil trade, the Strait of Hormuz. <\/p>

Crude oil is the largest component of the retail price of gasoline, accounting for around 50%<\/a>, making it one of the primary drivers of gasoline price movements. <\/p>

As the conflict in Iran has sent domestic and international benchmarks for crude oil above $70 per barrel, rising gas prices aren\u2019t far behind. The national average price of gasoline was $2.997 per gallon Monday morning, up by nearly $0.02 from yesterday and $0.06 from one week ago, according to AAA. <\/p>

This isn\u2019t a dramatic change over the last few days, and analysts have predicted that any additional price jumps will be seen in cents rather than dollars.<\/p>

GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan has estimated that over the next week, gas stations could see average increases of $0.10 to $0.30 per gallon, with a few select stations seeing jumps of $0.30 to $0.85 per gallon. <\/p>

Most states, he warned, will start seeing price hikes on Monday or Tuesday. <\/p>

De Haan also noted that increased prices at the pump won\u2019t just be caused by the conflict in Iran. He explained that the market is already in the middle of a transition to summer gasoline blends, which cost more to produce and have higher seasonal demand. Plus, he said the U.S. is currently in an early phase of the refineries' expected maintenance season, which will limit production. <\/p>

Those factors were already expected to put upward pressure on prices; geopolitical tensions and conflict \u201csimply accelerates the move,\u201d De Haan said. <\/p>

The warnings come just days after President Donald Trump<\/a> championed low gas prices as a major win for his administration during his State of the Union address last week. Trump promised to bring gas prices down during his campaign and has successfully done so over the last year.<\/p>

Global oil markets were on track Monday to see the largest daily gain in years. <\/p>

Just before 1 p.m., Brent Crude was up by more than 6%, trading at around $77.46 per barrel. Similarly, West Texas Intermediate has risen 5.86%, and was priced at $70.95 per barrel.<\/p>

Analysts have warned that if global oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz is effectively blocked for more than three to four days, oil and, by extension, gas prices will shoot up dramatically. <\/p>

\u201cEighty percent of the [gasoline] price in the United States is due to the crude price,\u201d Rystad Energy chief economist Claudio Galimberti told the Washington Examiner. <\/p>

Galimberti warned that if crude oil prices jump by 20% to 30%, gasoline prices could rise by around 10%. <\/p>

\u201cYou can expect gasoline prices to be much higher if these Brent prices are confirmed at this level,\u201d he said. <\/p>

OIL AND GAS PRICES SOAR AFTER IRAN STRIKES<\/a><\/p>

Roughly 20 million barrels of crude oil and other oil products pass through the strait daily, equivalent to 20% of global oil demand.<\/p>

Since Saturday\u2019s strike, several large vessels estimated to be transporting more than 10 billion barrels of oil have turned around before passing through the strait, according<\/a> to an analysis of shipping data by Sky News. <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-collage-h40jnapny-1772474346114-e1772476413293.jpg?1772458409&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476808-1772458400", "title":"‘No controlling legal authority’ goes to war", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fcolumnists%2F4476808%2Fno-controlling-legal-authority-goes-to-war%2F", "byline":"Timothy P. Carney", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"When former Vice President Al Gore solicited campaign contributions in the White House, in violation of the federal law banning him from raising campaign contributions in the White House, he declared that “no controlling legal authority” had told him his action was illegal. As President Donald Trump enters U.S. armed forces into a foreign conflict […]", "description":""

When former Vice President Al Gore<\/a> solicited campaign contributions in the White House<\/a>, in violation of the federal law banning him from raising campaign contributions in the White House, he declared that \u201cno controlling legal authority\u201d had told him his action was illegal.<\/p>

As President Donald Trump <\/a>enters U.S. armed forces into a foreign conflict with Iran<\/a> without congressional<\/a> authority, his defense is about the same.<\/p>

Presidents, going back to Thomas Jefferson, have unilaterally launched wars of various magnitudes, placing Trump in plenty of company. Calling Trump\u2019s unauthorized war \u201cillegal\u201d is true but probably moot, as Jack Goldsmith laid out<\/a> in an essay Saturday:<\/p>

\u201cLaw is the language we use when criticizing presidential war powers<\/a>\u2014and it has been since the beginning of the nation,\u201d writes Goldsmith, who headed the Office of Legal Counsel under former President George W. Bush. \u201cBut the truth is that there are only political constraints.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cThere are no effective legal limitations within the executive branch,\u201d Goldsmith continues. \u201cAnd courts have never gotten involved in articulating constraints in this context. That leaves Congress and the American people.\u201d<\/p>

This is tough to handle because Americans are a litigious people with a highly developed hunger for justice. Rule-breaking should and can be prevented, or at least punished and reversed. We deeply believe that. If someone steals your wallet, he should get punished, and you should get your wallet back. This is what makes a civilization.<\/p>

But events sometimes bring us to the borderlands of civilization, where there is no controlling legal authority. War is one such event.<\/p>

There was no controlling legal authority to stop Trump from entering the U.S. military into Israel\u2019s long-running conflict with Iran. Nobody could credibly go to court and sue to stop it. If some 9th-Circuit Biden appointee rules the conflict illegal, that will mean nothing.<\/p>

War is beyond the reach of the courts.<\/p>

That does not mean the president has unlimited war powers. It means the only checks on war are democratic checks \u2014 political checks.<\/p>

Congress, not Trump, rightfully has the power to enter the U.S. into a foreign war. Congress, not the courts, is responsible for enforcing its rights.<\/p>

That\u2019s why Congress, specifically the Republican majority, deserves opprobrium right now.<\/p>

Congressmen, like the rest of us, have known for weeks that Trump was planning an attack on Iran. Our war fleet takes a while to sail toward Iran, and its movements aren\u2019t secret.<\/p>

A few members did try to exert their branch\u2019s proper authority, and Republican members castigated them for it.<\/p>

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) wrote an X essay<\/a> arguing, wrongly, that the president can wage war for 60 to 90 days, for any reason, without congressional approval. In truth, the president may only do that if he is responding to an attack on the U.S., which is not what this conflict is. But Lawler concludes that \u201cthe notion that this strike is illegal or that the President needed Congress\u2019 authority is wrong.\u201d<\/p>

Note, though, that Lawler is attacking the very idea of Congress getting involved at all. He doesn\u2019t say, \u201cI have my own AUMF, which gives the President the authority he needs to wage this war against Iran.\u201d<\/p>

No, Lawler, like the leadership in both chambers, wants to stay out of this and let the president have his way, despite clear constitutional and statutory language<\/a> giving Congress and only Congress the power to enter the U.S. into a war.<\/p>

THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC WAS ALWAYS DESTINED FOR ASH HEAP OF HISTORY<\/a><\/p>

Congress has been steadily handing over its war powers for decades.<\/p>

Blaming Congress doesn\u2019t relieve the president of blame. Trump should have gone to Congress weeks ago to ask for authorization for the use of force. Sure, in a sense, he didn\u2019t \u201cneed\u201d an AUMF, but under the Constitution, the document that gives him power to command troops, starting a war is the job of Congress. It would have been proper, and it would have enforced a good but dying norm of respecting the separation of powers<\/a>.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26061610651412.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476786-1772458049", "title":"Cornyn cites Trump’s age in rebuttal to Hunt’s ‘insulting’ call for ‘next generation’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2F4476786%2Fcornyn-trump-age-rebuttal-hunt-call-next-generation%2F", "byline":"Asher Notheis", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) said he hasn’t heard any Republicans label President Donald Trump, 79, “too old” in response to primary challenger Rep. Wesley Hunt‘s (R-TX) call for the “next generation.” Hunt and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton are challenging Cornyn in the Texas Senate primary as the incumbent seeks a fifth six-year term. Hunt, 44, […]", "description":""

Sen. John Cornyn<\/a> (R-TX) said he hasn\u2019t heard any Republicans label President Donald Trump<\/a>, 79, \u201ctoo old\u201d in response to primary challenger Rep. Wesley Hunt<\/a>'s (R-TX)\u00a0call for the \"next generation.\"<\/p>

Hunt and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton<\/a> are challenging Cornyn in the Texas Senate primary as the incumbent seeks a fifth six-year term. Hunt, 44, said last week that \u201cit\u2019s time for the next generation of leadership to step up,\u201d taking a shot at Cornyn, 74, by saying the Senate is \u201cnot a retirement community.\u201d<\/p>

Cornyn, however, dismissed Hunt\u2019s comments.<\/p>

\u201cI mean, correct me if I\u2019m wrong, but I think either President Trump\u2019s either 79 or 80, and I don\u2019t hear anybody, any Republican saying he\u2019s too old,\u201d Cornyn said on CBS News. \u201cAnd I think it\u2019s frankly kind of insulting, but what else is Wesley going to say? He\u2019s not going to make it past March 3, he is going to force a runoff, and I guess if that\u2019s what he counts as success, he will be successful.\u201d<\/p>

Cornyn cautioned against nominating Paxton over himself, saying a Paxton nomination would jeopardize the down-ballot races for Republicans in the House and state elections. Paxton\u2019s campaign has faced some turbulence<\/a> over his prior impeachment, of which he was acquitted<\/a>, as well as allegations <\/a>that he pursued an extramarital<\/a> affair in 2024.<\/p>

Polling data released Feb. 23 show Paxton leading this primary race with 36%<\/a>, ahead of Cornyn by 2% and Hunt by 10%. If no candidate breaches the 50% threshold on Tuesday, a primary runoff election between the top two candidates will be held on May 26<\/a>. <\/p>

\u2018SWEAT EQUITY\u2019: WESLEY HUNT DOESN\u2019T SHY AWAY FROM MISSED VOTES AHEAD OF TEXAS SENATE PRIMARY<\/a><\/p>

Trump has notably not endorsed in this heated primary race<\/a>. In January, he told White House reporters on Air Force One that he supports each of the candidates, and he hadn\u2019t \u201cmade a decision on that race yet.\u201d<\/a><\/p>

Meanwhile, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) and state Rep. James Talarico are vying for the Democratic Party\u2019s nomination in this Senate race. Talarico received 52% of support in data from the Emerson College Polling<\/a> released Sunday, outpacing Crockett by 5%. The poll\u2019s margin of error is 3.3%.<\/p>

The Texas Senate primary is Tuesday, March 3.<\/p>

The Washington Examiner contacted Hunt\u2019s campaign for comment.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26059828394096-e1772469037719.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476906-1772457865", "title":"Trump says Iran missiles could soon have reached US and snubs press questions on conflict", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F4476906%2Ftrump-dodges-iran-questions-medal-of-honor-ceremony%2F", "byline":"Mabinty Quarshie", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump justified launching strikes against Iran by saying the regime was working on missiles that could have reached the United States, but refused to answer questions from the press two days after the stunning joint operation with Israel. After speaking about the Iran conflict and then awarding the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award […]", "description":""

President\u00a0Donald Trump<\/a>\u00a0justified launching strikes against Iran<\/a> by saying the regime was working on missiles that could have reached the United States, but refused to answer questions from the press two days after the stunning joint operation with Israel<\/a>.<\/p>

After speaking about the Iran conflict and then awarding the Medal of Honor<\/a>, the nation's highest award for valor in combat, to three individuals, Trump exited the East Room without answering a single question shouted to him.<\/p>

The Monday event was the first time since Operation Epic Fury began on Saturday that Trump had spoken live to the public about the joint operation. Trump justified the conflict, saying that Iran was working to rebuild its nuclear capacities after last year's strike and was also working on expanding its ballistic missile program to \"shield their nuclear weapon development\" program.<\/p>

\"The regime's conventional ballistic missile program was growing rapidly and dramatically, and this posed a very clear, colossal threat to America and our forces stationed overseas,\" Trump said. \"The regime already had missiles capable of hitting Europe and our bases, both local and overseas, and would soon have had missiles capable of reaching our beautiful America.\"<\/p>

Trump said the global community was relieved that Iran was being stopped in its tracks, but \"they just didn't have the courage to say so.\" <\/p>

\"An Iranian regime armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would be an intolerable threat to the Middle East, but also to the American people,\" Trump said about the strikes. \"Our country itself would be under threat, and it was very nearly under threat.\" <\/p>

\"This was our last best chance to strike, what we're doing right now, and eliminate the intolerable threats posed by this sick and sinister regime, and they are indeed sick and sinister,\" Trump added.<\/p>

Trump said the objectives of the operation were to destroy Iran's missile capabilities, annihilate its navy, block Iran from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon, and ensure that the Iranian regime cannot continue to arm, fund, and direct terrorist armies around the globe.<\/p>

The president had previously spoken to individual reporters about the strikes since Saturday, but it is notable that Trump, who regularly takes impromptu press conferences, declined to do so on Monday. <\/p>

DAN CAINE SAYS ADDITIONAL FIREPOWER HEADED TO MIDDLE EAST AND HEDGES OPERATION TIMELINE<\/a><\/p>

After the stunning capture of former Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3, Trump quickly held a press conference while at Mar-a-Lago.<\/p>

Gen.\u00a0Dan Caine<\/a>, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and War Secretary Pete Hegseth held a press conference about the operation on Monday morning.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26059026656140-e1772475819335.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476757-1772457371", "title":"US boosts homeland security posture amid retaliation risks after Iran strikes", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fnational-security%2F4476757%2Firan-retaliation-threat-us-security%2F", "byline":"Kaelan Deese", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Federal authorities are intensifying counterterrorism monitoring across the United States amid concerns Iran or its sympathizers could attempt retaliation following U.S.-backed strikes on Iranian leadership, according to administration officials and a former FBI counterterrorism supervisor. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, addressing the strikes on Iran for the first time since they took place just after […]", "description":""

Federal authorities are intensifying counterterrorism<\/a> monitoring across the United States amid concerns Iran<\/a> or its sympathizers could attempt retaliation following U.S.-backed strikes on Iranian leadership, according to administration officials and a former FBI<\/a> counterterrorism supervisor.<\/p>

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth<\/a>, addressing the strikes on Iran for the first time since they took place just after midnight on Friday, said the Trump administration<\/a> is watching closely for any signs of sleeper-cell activity<\/a> or inspired violence but emphasized that agencies are already positioned to respond.<\/p>

NOW - Secretary of War Hegseth says the U.S. is ready for possible Iranian sleeper cell attacks on U.S. soil. pic.twitter.com\/v4IpxtBMTE<\/a><\/p>— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) March 2, 2026<\/a>

\u201cOf course, we\u2019re paying attention to any potentialities there,\u201d Hegseth said Monday morning during a Pentagon press conference. \u201cThis is a former regime, a regime that seeks to export that ideology try to sow terror. We\u2019re ready for that. We\u2019ve seen these types of folks before, and the American people can rest assured that we\u2019re vigilant on that.\u201d<\/p>

Hegseth said a weekend mass shooting in Austin<\/a>, Texas, involving a suspect who wore a shirt that said \"Property of Allah\"<\/a> is now under federal review<\/a> but that it has not changed the government\u2019s operational posture. On Monday, an update from authorities obtained by CBS News revealed<\/a> the shooter appeared to be wearing a shirt emblazoned with a design similar to the Iranian flag.<\/p>

The deadly shooting incident in Texas \u201cDoesn\u2019t change the operation at all,\u201d Hegseth told reporters from the Pentagon on Monday, adding, \"I know the authorities are executing exactly the way they should.\u201d<\/p>

During the period of U.S. and Israeli strikes over the weekend, FBI Director Kash Patel<\/a> said Joint Terrorism Task Forces nationwide have been directed to remain on alert to identify and disrupt threats.<\/p>

\u201cOur JTTFs throughout the country are working 24\/7, as always, to address and disrupt any potential threats to the homeland,\u201d Patel said, adding that counterterrorism and intelligence teams have been instructed to \u201cmobilize all assisting security assets needed.\u201d<\/p>

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said she is coordinating with intelligence and law enforcement partners to \u201cclosely monitor and thwart any potential threats to the homeland.\u201d<\/p>

Chris Quick, a former FBI agent with roughly 30 years of federal investigative experience who supervised Joint Terrorism Task Force operations, told the Washington Examiner that heightened alert status typically means sharpening focus on existing intelligence rather than launching entirely new operations.<\/p>

\u201cThe way I would describe it is the Bureau\u2019s on heightened alert,\u201d Quick said, explaining investigators would be \u201cmonitoring known subjects or cases they have that involve a nexus to Iran or Iranians that are in the country\u201d while coordinating with foreign partners for threat information.<\/p>

Quick said signals intelligence gathered by agencies such as the National Security Agency<\/a> is routinely shared with the FBI when communications raise concern.<\/p>

\u201cNSA picks up communications and then that would be shared with the Bureau to follow up on it,\u201d he said, describing how emails, calls, or other intercepts tied to individuals in the U.S. are evaluated to determine whether they constitute a direct threat or warrant continued monitoring.<\/p>

He added that crises in the Middle East do not fundamentally change how agencies operate day to day but increase scrutiny of information tied to the region. Authorities are \u201cjust being a little bit more aware, a little bit more cognizant of things coming out of the Mideast,\u201d Quick said.<\/p>

Because DHS personnel are embedded within JTTFs, Quick said interagency coordination is already constant on a day-to-day basis.<\/p>

\u201cWe had one or two people from DHS on our task force, so we\u2019re constantly sharing information,\u201d he said, noting that intelligence is exchanged daily rather than only during emergencies.<\/p>Contingency planning around major events

Quick also said the shift is the level of contingency planning around major public events that could present attractive targets. Using large international gatherings as an example, he said security preparations that are already extensive can be further reinforced in light of geopolitical developments.<\/p>

\u201cYou\u2019re going to have more heightened awareness for these big public events now because of what\u2019s happened,\u201d Quick said, noting that an event such as the upcoming FIFA<\/a> World Cup this summer \u2014 already subject to heavy federal oversight \u2014 could see additional layers of monitoring because adversaries might view it as an opportunity to \u201cmake a big statement.\u201d<\/p>

Likely areas of concern otherwise remain familiar ones for counterterror officials, including transportation systems, crowded public spaces, and government or military facilities.<\/p>

\u201cAll the usual places, transportation, anywhere where there\u2019s a large amount of people, because that\u2019s the whole purpose of these terrorist attacks,\u201d he said. He added that military bases or energy infrastructure could also be viewed as possible targets for those seeking to disrupt U.S. operations.<\/p>

Analysts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies have similarly assessed<\/a> that Iran historically relies on a mix of proportional and indirect responses \u2014 including cyber operations, proxy activity, maritime disruption, or limited missile strikes \u2014 calibrated to signal resolve while avoiding a broader regional war. Drawing on decades of Iranian behavior, CSIS researchers say Tehran often selects retaliatory options that remain below the threshold of full-scale conflict, using tools such as deniable attacks, economic disruption, or harassment of U.S. and allied interests to create pressure without triggering uncontrollable escalation.<\/p>

Quick emphasized that federal authorities continue to rely on public awareness as an additional layer of defense. \u201cThe bureau always wants the public to be alert. If you see something, say something, report it,\u201d he said.<\/p>

TEXAS BAR SHOOTING SUSPECT WORE 'PROPERTY OF ALLAH' CLOTHING WITH IRANIAN FLAG<\/a><\/p>

DHS disseminated a bulletin<\/a> this week warning that while a large-scale, coordinated attack is considered unlikely in the near term, Iran-aligned hackers are expected to attempt lower-level cyber activity and that individuals inspired by overseas events could act independently, underscoring why officials say vigilance remains critical as tensions evolve.<\/p>

The Washington Examiner contacted the FBI for additional updates about the Texas shooting investigation.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Wh-Situation-room-3-e1772475289657.jpeg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476933-1772456747", "title":"Ken Paxton extends ban on youth gender transitions to mental health professionals", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fhealthcare%2F4476933%2Fken-paxton-mental-health-professionals-state-ban-youth-gender-transition%2F", "byline":"Gabrielle M. Etzel", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Mental health professionals are now included among the healthcare providers who could lose their license for providing transgender procedures for minors in Texas, according to a new legal opinion from state Attorney General Ken Paxton.  Paxton, who is competing in a hotly contested Republican Senate primary in Texas on Tuesday, issued a legal opinion on […]", "description":""

Mental health<\/a> professionals are now included among the healthcare providers who could lose their license for providing transgender procedures for minors in Texas<\/a>, according to a new legal opinion from state Attorney General Ken Paxton<\/a>. <\/p>

Paxton, who is competing in a hotly contested Republican Senate primary in Texas on Tuesday, issued a legal opinion on Monday interpreting the state\u2019s 2023 bill that prohibits gender transition procedures<\/a>, or so-called \u201cgender affirming care\u201d for minors. <\/p>

The law, SB 14, prohibits doctors from prescribing puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, or providing gender-transition surgeries to minors. <\/p>

The attorney general and Senate candidate said in a press release that any \u201cradical facilitating\u201d of gender transition medicine on children \u201cis committing child abuse.\u201d <\/p>

\u201cThe law is clear that these radical procedures are illegal and in no world should Texas tax dollars be used to permanently harm children,\u201d Paxton said. \u201cThis opinion should send a clear warning there will be consequences for any medical professional, whether doctor or therapist, who is illegally \u2018transitioning\u2019 Texas kids.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

Paxton issued his legal opinion as an answer to questions from the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, the state agency regulating medical licenses, on how to execute the three-year-old law.\u00a0<\/p>

The opinion Paxton issued on Monday clarifies that \u201cany licensee that facilitates the provision of unlawful procedures or treatments that aim to transition a child\u2019s sex\u201d is no longer eligible to receive state reimbursement and \u201crisk revocation of their licenses to practice.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

Paxton wrote that the definition of a healthcare provider \u201cdoes not require a prescription pad or scalpel\u201d and can apply to therapists, counselors, and other licensed mental health professionals in the state.<\/p>

He also said in his opinion that the statute prohibits public money from being directly or indirectly spent on any healthcare specialist that \u201cprovides or facilitates the provision of a procedure or treatment.\u201d<\/p>

Paxton argued that most medical gender transitions begin with mental health counseling that facilitates social transitioning. Social transitioning often includes changing elements of gender expression, such as clothing and hairstyle, as well as selecting a new name or pronouns.  <\/p>

Paxton, as attorney general, defended the law in legal challenges that resulted in the Texas Supreme Court upholding the law as constitutional in 2024.\u00a0<\/p>

The Supreme Court\u2019s 8-1 opinion on the law found that the state legislature \u201cmade a permissible, rational policy choice to limit the types of available medical procedures for children, particularly in light of the relative nascency of both gender dysphoria and its various modes of treatment.\u201d <\/p>

PLANNED PARENTHOOD MAY WEATHER THE BLOW OF GOP DEFUNDING<\/a><\/p>

The opinion comes as Paxton faces a tough primary election on Tuesday against sitting Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX). Paxton has led in some recent polls. With three major candidates in contention, the top two candidates are likely to go into a run-off that would be decided in a May 26 election.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26048118909794.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474372-1772455895", "title":"Trump claims Iran operation ‘ahead of schedule’ as US sinks 10 ships", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F4474372%2Ftrump-us-ahead-iran-operation-epic-fury%2F", "byline":"Mabinty Quarshie", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump said Monday that Operation Epic Fury, the major joint military offensive by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, was moving “ahead of schedule,” with the U.S. already sinking 10 of the regime’s ships. “We have the strongest and most powerful, by far, military in the world, and we will easily prevail,” Trump said […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> said Monday that Operation Epic Fury, the major joint military offensive by the U.S. and\u00a0Israel<\/a> against Iran<\/a>, was moving \"ahead of schedule,\" with the U.S. already sinking 10 of the regime's ships.<\/p>

\"We have the strongest and most powerful, by far, military in the world, and we will easily prevail,\" Trump said during a Medal of Honor ceremony on Monday. \"We're already substantially ahead of our time projections.\"<\/p>

Trump said it was initially \"projected four weeks to terminate the military leadership, and as you know, that was done in about an hour.\" The president said progress was being made at \"annihilating Iran's navy.\" <\/p>

\"We've knocked out already 10 ships,\" Trump said. \"They're at the bottom of the sea.\"<\/p>

\"Whatever the time is, it's okay. Whatever it takes ... we have from right, from the beginning, we projected four to five weeks, but we have capability to go far longer than that. We'll do it,\" Trump added about the projected length of the operation.<\/p>

DAN CAINE SAYS ADDITIONAL FIREPOWER HEADED TO MIDDLE EAST AND HEDGES OPERATION TIMELINE<\/a><\/p>

Trump's comments were the first time he spoke publicly about Operation Epic Fury since it began early Saturday. The offensive led to the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei<\/a> and other senior Iranian officials.<\/p>

The president pushed back against media claims that he would eventually become \"bored\" with the operation.<\/p>

\"If I got bored, I wouldn't be standing here right now. I guarantee you that,\" Trump said. \"... We also projected four weeks to terminate the military leadership, and as you know, that was done in about an hour. So we're ahead of schedule there by a lot.\"<\/p>

Trump also outlined four \u201cobjectives\u201d about the strikes on Iran, which include destroying Iran\u2019s missile capabilities, \u201cannihilating\u201d its navy, preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, and stopping it from arming terrorist groups around the country.<\/p>

Hours before Trump spoke, Gen. Dan Caine<\/a>, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the Pentagon<\/a> is sending more firepower to the Middle East.<\/p>

At least four U.S. troops have died so far in the campaign, according to U.S. Central Command. Trump paid his condolences to the fallen during the Medal of Honor ceremony. <\/p>

\"Today, we grieve for the four heroic American service members who have been killed in action, and send our love and support to their families,\" Trump said. <\/p>

The four fallen service members have not yet been identified.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26061610651412.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476872-1772455716", "title":"Penetrated, isolated, and decimated, Iran’s evil regime is in tatters", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fcolumnists%2F4476872%2Firan-evil-regime-in-tatters%2F", "byline":"Guy Benson", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"I’ll leave it to military and intelligence experts to offer more comprehensive and detailed analyses of the still-underway U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran’s regime, but two breathtaking realities have become unavoidably clear, even to relatively casual observers. First, the United States and Israel have achieved exquisite and deep intelligence penetration of the regime. Second, the regime […]", "description":""

I\u2019ll leave it to military<\/a> and intelligence<\/a> experts to offer more comprehensive and detailed analyses of the still-underway U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran<\/a>\u2019s regime, but two breathtaking realities have become unavoidably clear, even to relatively casual observers. First, the United States<\/a> and Israel<\/a> have achieved exquisite and deep intelligence penetration of the regime. Second, the regime is dying alone, suffering global isolation.<\/p>

The former point should have been undeniable after Israel\u2019s incredible 2024 assassination of a top Hamas leader within Iran\u2019s capital city. Ismail Haniyeh was killed inside an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps \u201csafe house\u201d by a bomb the Israelis had planted there approximately two months prior<\/a>, according to reports. This masterstroke did not resonate the way that it should have. It showed that the Jewish state\u2019s intelligence services were not just operating in Tehran to a stunning extent, but they were doing so with significant high-level inside help. And it wasn\u2019t just any element of the regime that had been compromised \u2014 it was the vaunted Guard.<\/p>

Last summer, the regime suffered a far greater blow, with Israel\u2019s 12-day war destroying its air defenses, providing total air superiority for American and Israeli planes over Iranian territory. This allowed U.S. bombers to drop \"bunker-busters\" onto multiple nuclear sites, crippling the regime\u2019s illicit and genocidal program. As I noted<\/a> over the weekend, the fact that the regime has already begun to rebuild that program, refusing ultimatums to abandon its nuclear ambitions, even with its very existence in serious jeopardy, tells us everything we need to know about its fanatical leaders\u2019 motives and priorities. Speaking of those leaders, they\u2019re now dead.\u00a0Virtually all of them. The Israeli military published a graphic<\/a> of the top echelons of the regime, featuring 15 \"most wanted\" men, from the ayatollah on down. Every single one of them has now been eliminated, and then some<\/a>. This is another intelligence feat that boggles the mind.<\/p>

The location of the erstwhile so-called \"supreme leader\" was reportedly<\/a> sniffed out and tracked for months by the CIA, which handed the information over to the Israelis, who took him out when the time was right. The regime\u2019s penetration was so complete that Israel was evidently able to collect images of Ali Khamenei\u2019s corpse and deliver them to President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before Iranian state media even announced the killing.<\/p>

For their part, Israeli intelligence officials were made aware of a key in-person meeting of top regime figures, which they promptly struck with deadly accuracy. They also pulled off something similar<\/a> last summer, to say nothing of the epic pager-bomb operation against Iran\u2019s Hezbollah army, as well as their accompanying assassination of Hezbollah\u2019s leader. Between the efforts of the U.S.'s CIA and Israel's Mossad, a lot of evil people have been brought to ultimate justice lately, in a chain of events triggered by Iran\u2019s strategic catastrophe of supporting and green-lighting Hamas\u2019s barbaric attacks of Oct. 7, 2023.<\/p>

Meanwhile, America and Israel continue to pummel a long list<\/a> of selected targets, from Iran\u2019s naval fleet<\/a> to its ballistic missile facilities and stockpiles<\/a>. It\u2019s been a bloodbath for the regime, celebrated joyfully by its victims. What comes next remains a murky and thorny question, but it\u2019s hard to imagine anything worse than this regime, from a geopolitical perspective, for reasons outlined previously<\/a>. In addition to the shocking intelligence penetration of this Islamofascist theocracy, it\u2019s also been startling to see the utterly isolated state in which it finds itself. Iran\u2019s \u201cfriends\u201d in Russia, bogged down in their own failing quagmire<\/a> elsewhere, have done nothing<\/a>.<\/p>

Their Chinese Communist Party allies have watched from afar, perhaps wondering what to do about their various evaporating sources of oil. The Arab world has rallied against the regime, with condemnations of Tehran driven into the open<\/a> by the regime\u2019s idiotic attacks against multiple Gulf States over the weekend \u2014 the Saudis had reportedly been pressing the U.S. and Israel to take out Iran\u2019s regime in private<\/a>, despite public statements in support of diplomatic negotiations.<\/p>

The leftist Canadian and Australian governments backed the operation, with the Aussies citing multiple Iran-backed terrorist attacks plotted on their soil. European brass couldn\u2019t be bothered<\/a> to interrupt their weekends. And the \"progressives\" running Britain have chosen to clumsily advertise their own irrelevance and self-imposed impotence<\/a>, which is a real shame. Malign actors around the world are watching this once-feared dictatorship being ritually humiliated and decimated \u2014 all while thoroughly compromised and alone.<\/p>

IRAN AND INTENDED CONSEQUENCES<\/a><\/p>

These same actors also can\u2019t escape America\u2019s precise and flawless operation to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, which required exceptional intelligence and military capabilities in an entirely separate global theater, carried off just weeks ago. At the very least, the adversaries and enemies of the U.S. are receiving some inescapable, healthy reminders of our unsurpassed power and capabilities. A restoration of \"FAFO\"-fueled fears among those who wish ill for America is a good thing.<\/p>

Finally, Americans are getting another welcome lesson in the profound value of our alliance with Israel. We aren\u2019t fighting a war for them, despite what certain influencers may claim. If anything, the truth is closer to the opposite: Our intelligence and military might have been on brilliant display against the Iranian regime, but the lion\u2019s share of the espionage and military dirty work has been carried off, quite triumphantly, by the Israelis. We share many interests with Israel, particularly because their enemies are, generally speaking, our enemies \u2014 both abroad and<\/a> here<\/a> at home<\/a>. The top-line result of this effective and lethal partnership is one of the most evil, generational threats to American national security sustaining a devastating-to-fatal blow. That\u2019s an \"America First\" outcome, which also happens to benefit Israel existentially.\u00a0Win, win.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26060314070136.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476790-1772455509", "title":"Trump says Iran conflict will ‘continue’ to honor four Americans killed in action", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F4476790%2Ftrump-iran-conflict-will-honor-americans-killed%2F", "byline":"Christian Datoc", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump stated Monday that he will maintain the ongoing military operations in Iran to honor the four American service members killed by Tehran’s retaliatory attacks. Trump’s comments came during the president’s first public comments following Saturday morning’s offensive. He released two prerecorded videos over the weekend, giving brief updates on the operation, including […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> stated Monday that he will maintain the ongoing military operations in Iran to honor the four American service members<\/a> killed by Tehran's retaliatory attacks.<\/p>

Trump's comments came during the president's first public comments following Saturday morning's offensive. He released two prerecorded videos over the weekend, giving brief updates on the operation, including confirming the killing of Iran's former supreme leader, Ali Khamenei<\/a>, by an Israeli airstrike.<\/p>

\"Today, we grieve for the four heroic American service members who have been killed in action, and send our love and support to their families,\" the president said during a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House. \"In their memory, we continue this mission with ferocious, unyielding resolve to crush the threat this terrorist regime poses to the American people, and a threat, indeed, it is.<\/p>

\"We have the strongest and most powerful, by far, military in the world, and we will easily prevail,\" he said. \"We're already substantially ahead of our time projections, but whatever the time is, it's okay. Right from the beginning, we projected four to five weeks, but we have capability to go far longer than that. We'll do it.\"<\/p>

Trump proceeded to outline four goals for the operation, none of which included installing a new government in Tehran.<\/p>

First, according to Trump, the United States will seek to \"destroy Iran's missile capabilities\" and prevent them from producing new ones. Second, the president said was \"annihilating their Navy.\" The U.S. has already sunk some 10 Iranian Naval vessels since Saturday.<\/p>

\"Third, we're ensuring that the world's No. 1 sponsor of terror can never obtain a nuclear weapon,\" Trump said. \"And finally, we're ensuring that the Iranian regime cannot continue to arm, fund, and direct terrorist armies outside of their borders.\"<\/p>

War Secretary\u00a0Pete Hegseth<\/a>\u00a0made similar comments Monday morning at a rare, joint\u00a0press conference<\/a>\u00a0alongside Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.<\/p>

\"Everybody was behind us,\" he said. \"They just didn't have the courage to say so. An Iranian regime armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would be an intolerable threat to the Middle East, but also to the American people. Our country itself would be under threat, and it was very nearly under threat.\"<\/p>

Trump additionally honored the following three Army veterans, two posthumously, at Monday's event.<\/p>

Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Terry Richardson is credited with saving the lives of 85 service members during the Vietnam War.<\/p>

Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2013. He is being honored for valorous action on the field of combat. <\/p>

Master Sgt. Roderick Edmonds died in 1985. He was taken as a prisoner of war in World War II and refused to cooperate with Nazi soldiers in identifying Jewish soldiers.<\/p>

IRAN STRIKES ERASE 'SPACE' BETWEEN TRUMP AND NETANYAHU, INSIDERS SAY<\/a><\/p>

You can watch Trump's remarks in full below.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26061610472186.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476852-1772455261", "title":"Bernie Sanders and Ro Khanna propose billionaire wealth tax, setting standard for Left", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Ffinance-and-economy%2F4476852%2Fbernie-sanders-ro-khanna-propose-billionaire-wealth-tax%2F", "byline":"Zach Halaschak", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) introduced legislation on Monday that would impose a tax on billionaires across the country, long a goal for the Left. The legislation, which in the GOP-controlled Congress has no chance of passing, is still notable in that it sets a baseline for liberal efforts to tax the right ahead of the midterm election […]", "description":""

Sen. Bernie Sanders<\/a> (I-VT) and Rep. Ro Khanna<\/a> (D-CA) introduced legislation on Monday that would impose a tax on billionaires across the country, long a goal for the Left.<\/p>

The legislation, which in the GOP-controlled\u00a0Congress<\/a>\u00a0has no chance of passing, is still notable in that it sets a baseline for liberal efforts to tax the right ahead of the\u00a0midterm election<\/a> and could become a test for Democratic hopefuls for the 2028 nomination. The bill would impose a 5% annual wealth tax on just under 1,000 of the wealthiest people in the country.<\/p>

\u2018SWEAT EQUITY\u2019: WESLEY HUNT DOESN\u2019T SHY AWAY FROM MISSED VOTES AHEAD OF TEXAS SENATE PRIMARY<\/a><\/p>

The bill provides for wealth distribution and would provide $3,000 direct payments to every individual in a household making $150,000 or less per year and $12,000 to a family of four. The legislation would net $4.4 trillion over the next decade, according to economists at the University of California at Berkeley.<\/p>

\u201cWe cannot continue a trend in which, over the past 50 years, $79 trillion in wealth in our country has been redistributed from the bottom 90% to the top 1%,\u201d Sanders said. \u201cEnough is enough. Billionaires cannot have it all. It is time to enact a wealth tax on billionaires \u2014 and use this revenue to address some of the major crises facing working families, the children, the elderly, the sick and the most vulnerable.\u201d<\/p>

Sanders and Khanna noted in a Monday news release that no one with a net worth less than $1 billion would pay extra taxes if the law were enacted.<\/p>

The legislation, dubbed the Make Billionaires Pay Their Fair Share Act, would also reverse changes to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act that were imposed as part of the GOP-backed One Big Beautiful Bill Act last year.<\/p>

It would also expand Medicare to cover dental, vision, and hearing for seniors, dedicate funding toward the goal of building and preserving over 7 million affordable homes, establish a $60,000 minimum annual salary for public school teachers, and make it so that families don\u2019t pay more than 7% of their income on child care, according to the authors.<\/p>

Because the bill would levy a 5% tax on the net worth of billionaires, if those billionaires didn\u2019t have enough liquid assets to pay the Treasury, they would presumably have to sell off assets in order to foot the tax bill.<\/p>

Sanders and Khanna noted that the world\u2019s wealthiest person, Tesla founder Elon Musk, would owe $42 billion in taxes against his $833 billion net worth. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos would face an $11 billion tax bill.<\/p>

Taxes on wealth, as opposed to income, have historically proved difficult to implement. In the U.S., Democrats have offered proposals for taxing wealth, directly or indirectly, but have so far not been able to implement any. <\/p>

For instance, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced a proposal<\/a> that would tax the unrealized capital gains of billionaires and very high earners.<\/p>

The latest effort comes as some in California work to impose a similar 5% tax on billionaires in the Golden State. That would target some 200 billionaires in the state.<\/p>

Notably, Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who is seen as a front-runner for president in 2028, has come out against<\/a> the California billionaire tax. He argues that such a law would simply cause billionaires to move to other states, which would hurt the economy and tax base.<\/p>

\u201cOver the years, you would see a significant reduction in taxes because taxpayers will move. And that is what I fear at a state level,\u201d Newsom said.<\/p>

BIG WEEK AHEAD FOR MAJOR LEGISLATION TO ADDRESS HOUSING AFFORDABILITY WOES<\/a><\/p>

But Khanna said the newest legislation at the federal level is necessary, given the big income gaps between billionaires and working-class taxpayers.<\/p>

\u201cWe have a deep economic divide in this country,\u201d Khanna said. \u201cOn one side, places like Silicon Valley are generating extreme wealth. On the other side, families are struggling to cover the cost of health care, housing, and basic needs.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26050123898473.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476657-1772454894", "title":"Social Security cuts backlog for disability claims by 30%, agency says", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Ffinance-and-economy%2F4476657%2Fsocial-security-pending-disability-adjudication-upgrades%2F", "byline":"Asher Notheis", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"EXCLUSIVE – The Social Security Administration on Monday unveiled new improvements to its disability adjudication process. The SSA said recent upgrades have reduced the backlog in its pending disability adjudication, which the agency uses to evaluate disability claims and determine benefits, by roughly 30% since June 2024. The number of outstanding claims dropped from 1.27 […]", "description":""

EXCLUSIVE \u2013 The Social Security Administration<\/a> on Monday unveiled new improvements to its disability adjudication<\/a> process.<\/p>

The SSA said recent upgrades have reduced the backlog in its pending disability<\/a> adjudication, which the agency uses to evaluate disability claims and determine benefits, by roughly 30% since June 2024. The number of outstanding claims dropped from 1.27 million to 830,000 over the last 20 months, the SSA said.<\/p>

The agency also said it processed 2.3 million claims in fiscal 2025, a 10% increase from the year prior. This increase has cut down average processing times for initial claims by almost 45 days since January 2025 and reduced the average processing times at the hearing level to 265 days, marking the lowest level in two decades.<\/p>

\u201cFor too long, Americans with disabilities have endured lengthy delays for a decision on the support they desperately need,\u201d Social Security Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano said in a statement to the Washington Examiner. \u201cUnder President Trump\u2019s leadership, Social Security is improving how we process disability claims, leveraging smarter technology, stronger federal-state partnerships, and a relentless focus on efficiency.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cReducing disability inventory and backlogs and delivering timely decisions are key to transforming the agency into a model of excellence \u2014 a digital-first agency that operates at peak efficiency and provides best-in-class service to the millions of Americans who rely on SSA,\u201d Bisignano added.<\/p>

The SSA said it has accomplished these improvements by streamlining its processes, including bringing together \u201cformerly siloed parts\u201d of its disability infrastructure under a chief of disability adjudication who reports to Bisignano. The agency also converted medical files to searchable digital texts, expediting the examination of disability claims.<\/p>

FIRST ROUND OF MARCH SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS GOES OUT IN NINE DAYS<\/a><\/p>

The SSA\u2019s upgrades to its disability adjudication process come about a month after it surpassed 100 million Americans creating my Social Security accounts<\/a>. Bisignano said the milestone marks how the SSA is working toward \u201cproviding convenient and best-in-class customer service.\u201d<\/p>

Social Security payments continue to roll out as the SSA improves its services. The first Social Security payment for March will go out on March 11<\/a>, and April\u2019s Supplemental Security Income payment will be issued to recipients on April 1<\/a>.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP25339755301880-1-e1772465461832.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476227-1772454780", "title":"Trump’s snub of Crenshaw may not sway Texas voters away from incumbent", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2F4476227%2Ftrump-snub-dan-crenshaw-endorsement-sway-texas-voters%2F", "byline":"Lauren Green", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"HOUSTON — Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) didn’t land President Donald Trump’s endorsement, typically a boost in competitive primaries, but Texas voters don’t seem to mind. Crenshaw is fending off state Rep. Steve Toth in a competitive Republican primary, without the help of either the president or Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX). In a series of interviews […]", "description":""

HOUSTON \u2014 Rep. Dan Crenshaw<\/a> (R-TX) didn\u2019t land President Donald Trump's<\/a> endorsement, typically a boost in competitive primaries, but Texas<\/a> voters don\u2019t seem to mind.<\/p>

Crenshaw is fending off state Rep. Steve Toth in a competitive Republican primary, without the help of either<\/a> the president or Gov. Greg Abbott<\/a> (R-TX). In a series of interviews with the Washington Examiner, Texas voters expressed that the lack of an endorsement holds little weight in their decision at the ballot box.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cI voted for Crenshaw regardless of Trump\u2019s endorsement,\u201d 58-year-old Cyndi Garlinger told the Washington Examiner.<\/p>

Crenshaw's relationship with the president has been on a downward decline since he did not vote to overturn the 2020 election and was outspoken on the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The Texas Republican also had a fallout with the GOP TV personality Tucker Carlson<\/a> last year.<\/p>

Other voters in the area told the Washington Examiner they were supporters of Toth but that the president\u2019s involvement had no impact on their support for Crenshaw\u2019s opponent.\u00a0Meanwhile, some voters threw their support behind Toth after they felt misrepresented by Crenshaw.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cWhen he first came on the scene, I was all for him, but he's kind of sold out, I think, and I don't agree with his politics anymore,\u201d 47-year-old information technology manager John, who did not wish to have his last name published, said. \u201cI think he's in it for himself and not the people of Texas.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cPersonally, in regards to Dan Crenshaw, I reached out to him for some help,\u201d 59-year-old Scott Tevington said. \u201cI mean, he never responded to that. I'm not going to vote for him this time.\u201d<\/p>

This is not the first time Crenshaw has faced an uphill reelection battle. <\/p>

The four-term congressman was able to defeat a tough primary challenge without a Trump endorsement in the 2024 election. <\/p>

\u201cI make my own opinion,\u201d 51-year-old Stacey Pierce told the Washington Examiner on whether she takes endorsements into account. \u201cI mean, I like that Trump endorses certain people, but if I did not like that person, his endorsement wouldn't mean anything.\u201d<\/p>

For nearly a decade, Republican candidates have sought Trump's endorsement, but as the president heads toward lame-duck status, these endorsements may fade from voters' minds. The two-term president has controlled much of the GOP landscape since 2015, when he launched his first presidential bid. With him heading into his last two years, many people are left wondering how much weight he will continue to carry.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cI think it holds weight, but in Texas, I'm not so sure it matters that much,\u201d 61-year-old Al Guadagno said.<\/p>

Crenshaw\u2019s district will look different in this year\u2019s election than it did in 2024 due to the Trump-backed redistricting effort in the Lone Star State. The redistricted map creates 30 Republican-friendly congressional seats, compared to just eight districts favoring Democrats, resulting in a five-seat boost for the GOP from its current 25-13 advantage.<\/p>

Toth\u2019s home district falls within the newly drawn 2nd Congressional District in Texas under the new maps. Toth has argued that Crenshaw is not conservative enough in his push to unseat the four-term incumbent.<\/p>

The congressman\u2019s fate will now lie in the hands of new voters to determine if he is the best fit for the new district, as they head to the polls on March 3. Much of Crenshaw\u2019s \u201cnews\u201d tab<\/a> on his campaign website focuses on his challenger, aiming to protect his own record and target Toth. <\/p>

\u201cI've always voted for Dan,\u201d 68-year-old Greg Graham told the Washington Examiner. \u201cHe's been a good guy, represented the state good, and he's got my vote.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cIt's just the newcomer is not known as well,\u201d Graham continued.\u00a0<\/p>

TRUMP ENDORSES TEXAS REPUBLICANS BUT LEAVES OUT DAN CRENSHAW<\/a><\/p>

Toth has garnered the support of both Sen. Ted Cruz<\/a> (R-TX) and the House Freedom Caucus, while Crenshaw has secured an endorsement from ex-HFC member Rep. Anna Paulina Luna<\/a> (R-FL). It is yet to be determined whether endorsements such as these will hold weight with the voters of North Houston.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cEndorsements generally run along the lines of, 'If you agree with me, I'll endorse you, and I don't, that's tit for tat,'\u201d 57-year-old Kris Connor told the Washington Examiner. \u201cI don't agree with that. I think people should stand on their own and try to promote what they want to see in the country, and so I'm not a big endorsement guy.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/WEX_HOUSE_VOTES-11-e1764869914375.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476791-1772454535", "title":"Second senator endorses Graham Platner in Maine Senate battle", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2F4476791%2Fgraham-platner-senate-endorsement-ruben-gallego-maine-race%2F", "byline":"Ramsey Touchberry", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Graham Platner captured his second endorsement from a sitting senator on Monday, with Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joining Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) in backing the progressive outsider in a contested primary against Gov. Janet Mills (D-ME) for Maine’s battleground seat. “Graham Platner is the kind of fighter Maine hasn’t seen in a long time, someone […]", "description":""

Graham Platner<\/a> captured his second endorsement from a sitting senator on Monday, with Sen. Ruben Gallego<\/a> (D-AZ) joining Sen. Bernie Sanders<\/a> (I-VT) in backing the progressive outsider in a contested primary against Gov. Janet Mills<\/a> (D-ME) for Maine\u2019s battleground seat.<\/p>

\u201cGraham Platner is the kind of fighter Maine hasn\u2019t seen in a long time, someone who tells you exactly what he thinks, doesn\u2019t owe anything to the special interests, and wakes up every day thinking about working families,\u201d Gallego said in a statement. \u201cHe\u2019s a Marine, and reflects the grit and independence that defines Maine, and that\u2019s exactly why I\u2019m proud to stand with Graham Platner.\u201d<\/p>

Gallego, also a Marine combat veteran, \u201cknows how to win tough races \u2014 and he gets that if Democrats try the same thing year after year, we will lose,\u201d Platner said in a statement, referring to Gallego\u2019s 2024 election win in battleground Arizona.<\/p>

Mills, an establishment-backed candidate with more centrist views, is supported by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). He\u2019s stood by Mills despite a recent University of New Hampshire poll showing Platner with a whopping 38-point lead in the primary and up 11 points over Sen. Susan Collins<\/a> (R-ME). The same survey showed Mills beating Collins by just 1 point.<\/p>

\u201cPolls come and go. There are different polls that are all over the lot,\u201d Schumer told reporters last week. \u201cWe're going to win in Maine, and frankly, Mills is the only Democrat who's won statewide in 20 years.\u201d<\/p>

LIABILITY OR USEFUL FOIL? TRUMP TAKES CENTER STAGE IN SUSAN COLLINS REELECTION FIGHT<\/a><\/p>

The primary for the toss-up seat isn\u2019t until June 9. But Democrats such as Schumer fear Platner\u2019s more insurgent style of politics and baggage, including past offensive social media posts and a now-covered Nazi-linked tattoo, will turn away swing voters and spoil the party\u2019s latest chance to oust Collins. \u00a0<\/p>

\u201cFor what it's worth, I don't have any tattoos,\u201d Mills quipped in a tweet last week.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP25316623190872-1.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476806-1772453809", "title":"Qatar shot down two Iranian bomber jets", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fdefense%2F4476806%2Fqatar-shot-down-two-iranian-bomber-jets%2F", "byline":"Keely Bastow", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Qatar shot down two Iranian aircraft on Monday as Iran continued its retaliation mission against the Gulf States. The Qatar Air Force shot down two Iranian SU-24 bomber jets, seven ballistic missiles, and five drones, according to a statement from the Qatari Foreign Ministry. “The threat was addressed immediately upon detection, in accordance with the […]", "description":""

Qatar shot down two Iranian aircraft on Monday as Iran continued its retaliation mission against the Gulf States.<\/p>

The Qatar Air Force shot down two Iranian SU-24 bomber jets, seven ballistic missiles, and five drones, according to a statement<\/a> from the Qatari Foreign Ministry.<\/p>

\u201cThe threat was addressed immediately upon detection, in accordance with the operational plan, as all missiles were shot down before reaching their targets,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>

The ministry urged its citizens to remain calm despite rising tensions in the region. Iran has launched attacks against Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, though most were missiles or air projectiles. <\/p>

Qatar previously said its major airport had been targeted<\/a>.<\/p>

DAN CAINE SAYS ADDITIONAL FIREPOWER HEADED TO MIDDLE EAST AND HEDGES OPERATION TIMELINE<\/a><\/p>

The Iranian attacks are a response to the U.S.-Israeli joint military operation that began Feb. 28. On Saturday, officials announced that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed as a result of strikes on his compound. Still, U.S. leaders, including War Secretary Pete Hegseth, said this is not a regime-changing operation.<\/p>

\"This is not a so-called regime change war, but the regime sure did change, and the world is better off for it today,\" Hegseth said Monday morning. <\/p>

Qatar is one of many countries in the Middle East that have expressed concerns about \"risks of the conflict expanding\" in a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Russian president has also spoken with the leaders of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.<\/p>

<\/a><\/p>

<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26060566926161.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476727-1772453251", "title":"Macron goes nuclear with increases to French warhead arsenal", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4476727%2Femmanuel-macron-increase-france-nuclear-warhead-arsenal%2F", "byline":"Timothy Nerozzi", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"French President Emmanuel Macron is channeling the atomic spirit of his predecessor Charles de Gaulle with orders for the French military to “increase the number of nuclear warheads” in the nation’s arsenal. Macron announced the seismic shift in France’s defensive posture during a speech at the Ile Longue naval base on Monday, adding that his […]", "description":""

French President Emmanuel Macron<\/a> is channeling the atomic spirit of his predecessor Charles de Gaulle with orders for the French military to \"increase the number of nuclear warheads<\/a>\" in the nation's arsenal.<\/p>

Macron announced the seismic shift in France's<\/a> defensive posture during a speech at the Ile Longue naval base on Monday, adding that his government will no longer be communicating the extent of French nuclear capabilities moving forward.<\/p>

\"In order to be free, we must be feared \u2014 and in order to be feared, we must be powerful,\" Macron said. \"This increase in our arsenal reflects that approach.\"<\/p>

\u201cThis is not an arms race,\" the president warned. \"It is essential that our adversaries, or combination of adversaries, cannot even glimpse the possibility of hitting France without the certainty of suffering damage they would not recover from.\"<\/p>

Macron's rhetoric \u2014 emphasizing self-reliance to maintain sovereignty in the age of nuclear weapons \u2014 harkens back to the doctrines of De Gaulle, the general who led Free French Forces during World War II and led the nation in its aftermath.<\/p>

De Gaulle doubted the reliability of international alliances in ensuring national security, famously questioning<\/a> whether the nuclear-armed United States \"would be ready to trade New York for Paris\" amid the Cold War. It was this thinking that spurred France to become one of the world's nuclear powers.<\/p>

While Macron was announcing France's new atomic age, the French aircraft carrier named after the general was on its way to aid Western-aligned allies in the conflict against Iran.<\/p>

France voiced discontent with the U.S. and Israel<\/a> in the hours following strikes against the Islamic Republic, warning that the operations would undermine regional stability and run counter to international consensus.<\/p>

Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot maintained this posture<\/a> on Monday despite the country's entry into the conflict, rebuking the U.S. and Israel for their \"unilateral\" actions that lacked the \"necessary legitimacy\" France believes can only be obtained \"by going before the [United Nations] Security Council.\"<\/p>

Instead, Barrot offered condolences to \"allied countries that have been deliberately targeted by the missiles and drones of the [Iranian] Revolutionary Guards and dragged into a war they did not choose.\"<\/p>

HOW THE IRAN CONFLICT WAS LAUNCHED: 'OPERATION EPIC FURY IS APPROVED. NO ABORTS. GOOD LUCK'<\/a><\/p>

\u201cSaudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Jordan \u2014 France expresses its full support and complete solidarity,\u201d Barrot said. \u201cIt stands ready, in accordance with the agreements that bind it to its partners and with the principle of collective self-defense provided under international law, to take part in their defense.\"<\/p>

France's entry into the conflict is concurrent with the militaries of Germany and the United Kingdom<\/a>, opening channels for joint operations and offering access to defense infrastructure in the region.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26061507652684.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476568-1772452602", "title":"How Gulf States are responding to Iran’s retaliatory strikes", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4476568%2Fgulf-states-qatar-saudi-arabia-kuwait-bahrain-uae-responding-iran-retaliatory-strikes%2F", "byline":"David Zimmermann", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Multiple countries in the Middle East have been the targets of retaliatory airstrikes led by Iran and its proxies following the joint U.S.-Israeli operation against the Islamic regime over the weekend. In response, several Persian Gulf states have condemned Iran and threatened the mobilization of forces to thwart further attacks and safeguard their own security. […]", "description":""

Multiple countries in the Middle East<\/a> have been the targets of retaliatory airstrikes led by Iran<\/a> and its proxies following the joint U.S.-Israeli operation<\/a> against the Islamic regime over the weekend.<\/p>

In response, several Persian Gulf states have condemned Iran and threatened the mobilization of forces to thwart further attacks and safeguard their own security. While none have formally entered the conflict, some have shot down aerial projectiles launched by Iran.<\/p>

Monday morning, Qatar<\/a> shot down two Iranian jets, marking the first time a country has shot down aircraft rather than just missiles. The Qatari Foreign Ministry said it downed two Iranian SU-24 bombers<\/a>, as well as seven ballistic missiles and five drones.<\/p>

Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait<\/a>, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates<\/a> have all been attacked by Iran in some capacity. These countries contain U.S. bases or forces in the region.<\/p>

Iran's aerial attacks have largely been concentrated in the UAE. According to Israeli political analyst Amit Segal, 63% of Iranian ballistic missiles were aimed at the global tourist destination<\/a>. Despite the large amount of enemy fire, the UAE has been very successful in intercepting the missiles.<\/p>

Among the most notable cities that came under Iranian fire was Dubai, where hundreds of attack drones and ballistic missiles damaged a luxury hotel and the nearby airport. At least three people \u2014 foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh \u2014 were killed in the UAE. At least another 58 casualties were wounded in the country.<\/p>

Hundreds more were injured across the Middle East at the hands of Iran.<\/p>

The UAE swiftly denounced Iran's retaliatory strikes, warning that \"any infringement on the sovereignty of any state constitutes a direct threat to the security and stability of the entire region.\" Saudi Arabia<\/a> took its response one step further, saying it would \"mobilize all its capabilities to assist [neighboring countries] in any measures they undertake.\"<\/p>

Their alliance is notable, considering the Saudis and Emiratis have been at odds over divergent economic interests and foreign policies. The two nations now find themselves aligned against Iran at a time of crisis for the region.<\/p>

Similarly, Qatar affirmed its right to respond with force under international law after Iran damaged its civilian and energy infrastructure and claimed civilian casualties. Although there are no confirmed deaths in Qatar, at least 16 people have been wounded.<\/p>

Beyond civilian and energy infrastructure, the Iranian military focused its attacks on regional U.S. bases in Bahrain<\/a> and Kuwait.<\/p>

At least four U.S. troops have died so far, according to U.S. Central Command. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine<\/a> said \"additional losses\" should be expected as the campaign against Iran continues for the next few weeks.<\/p>

Hezbollah<\/a> joined Iran in launching retaliatory strikes toward Israel<\/a>, killing at least 11 people. The Jewish state deployed strikes in return against the Lebanon-based terrorist group, resulting in an estimated 31 deaths.<\/p>

As a result, the Lebanese government banned Hezbollah from launching further strikes<\/a> and conducting \"military activities\" as the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes continue to unfold.<\/p>

DAN CAINE SAYS ADDITIONAL FIREPOWER HEADED TO MIDDLE EAST AND HEDGES OPERATION TIMELINE<\/a><\/p>

While monitoring its airspace for enemy breaches, Kuwait mistakenly shot down three U.S. F-15 fighter jets. Caine said the incident involving friendly fire is under investigation.<\/p>

Bahrain also activated its air defense systems to intercept Iranian missiles and drones. The country severed ties with Iran a decade ago, so it is no friend to the Islamic regime.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26060508437333_99f004.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476520-1772452500", "title":"Inside Donald Trump’s Iran gamble: Win it and then own it", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwashington-secrets%2F4476520%2Finside-donald-trump-iran-gamble-win-it-own-it%2F", "byline":"Rob Crilly", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Welcome to Monday’s edition of Washington Secrets. The news is dominated by Iran, so we have a look at President Donald Trump’s unique approach to big decisions, which revolves around his extraordinary belief in his own ability. There is the moment Trump almost gave away his plan on Friday, and Gavin Newsom tells all about […]", "description":""

Welcome to Monday's edition of Washington Secrets. The news is dominated by Iran, so we have a look at President Donald Trump's unique approach to big decisions, which revolves around his extraordinary belief in his own ability. There is the moment Trump almost gave away his plan on Friday, and Gavin Newsom tells all about last year's infamous phone call \u2026<\/p>

Donald Trump has told people around him that public opinion will turn against him for launching strikes on Iran <\/a>but will rally decisively behind him once a quick victory proves him right.<\/p>

Multiple sources, including current and former advisers, say the impact of the raid to capture Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela and strikes on Iran in his first term emboldened him to act now, secure in the knowledge that everything else will fall into place.<\/p>

It is a confidence not shared by advisers. Reuters reports<\/a> that he shrugged off advice that strikes would cause political problems for Republicans in November's midterm elections.<\/p>

But sources who understand Trump's thinking told Secrets he has no doubts that it will work out.<\/p>

\"I've seen him get to a place where his feeling is, 'F*** it, these guys are unreal,'\" said a former Iran adviser, describing Trump's approach to negotiating with Tehran. \"There's an element where if he's frustrated enough, then he's like, 'The politics will be OK.'\"<\/p>

It is a bold gamble, a bet that he can use air power and decisive military might<\/a> to achieve U.S. objectives in an abbreviated time frame.\u00a0<\/p>

The first half of his thinking has already come to pass. A Reuters\/Ipsos poll published on Sunday found that only 1 in 4 people supported strikes, and about half concluded the president was too willing to use military force.<\/p>

Now he has to seal the deal and get the job done before the U.S. casualty list grows longer and public sentiment sours further.<\/p>

Last week, with the decision to strike Iran taken, Trump hosted TV anchors and select journalists at the White House for lunch ahead of the State of the Union.<\/p>

One of those present explained the thinking.<\/p>

Alex Marlow, editor-in-chief of Breitbart, said the lunch was off-the-record, so he had to be careful in what he said.<\/p>

But he still told The Charlie Kirk Show that \u201chis perspective, from what I'm able to glean from my conversations with him, is that people tend to be very negative when things happen initially, and then if they're successful, they all of a sudden get on board.<\/p>

\u201cIt's kind of like people remembering they were at Woodstock when they weren't \u2026 that sort of thing.\u201d<\/p>

One of the episodes that had a big impact on Trump was his 2020 strike that killed Qassem Soleimani<\/a>, head of the Quds force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, responsible for spreading Tehran's unconventional warfare through the Middle East.<\/p>

Simone Ledeen, who was principal director for special operations at the Pentagon at the time, said the president had heard all the concerns before.<\/p>

\"Initially, everyone freaked out about that, and were calling it World War III, which never materialized,\" she said. \"And by the way, the president was confident, at that time, that that would not materialize.\"<\/p>

Alex Gray, who was on the National Security Council, said voices even inside the administration warned that it would plunge the U.S. into an Iraq-style quagmire.<\/p>

\"The result is I think it has given people a sense that if the United States is smart in how it engages, and if the United States is surgical and has limited objectives, you know, we're not trying to reshape a country and install freedom and democracy,\" he said, \"but if relatively bounded and grounded and what we're trying to accomplish, we have a lot more agency in these situations than the post Iraq conventional wisdom.\"<\/p>

Team Trump is confident that public opinion will come around.<\/p>

Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz told Secrets: \"President Trump is the greatest foreign policy president of my lifetime, and he has proven that time and again. The so-called TV 'experts' always panic, but Trump is always proven right in the end. I trust him fully.\"<\/p>

Trump has also kept an ace up his sleeve. He has been coy about the objectives of the strikes, which means he can define what counts as the end and what counts as a win, said Richard Fontaine, who was on George W. Bush's NSC.<\/p>

\"Instead Trump has preserved the flexibility to adapt based on how things unfold,\u201d Fontaine wrote in a thread discussing the strategy. \"He could stop in a couple of days and say the nuke and missile threat is taken care of and it\u2019s now over to the Iranian people.<\/p>

\"He could instead continue for weeks, aiming at decisive regime change. It\u2019s a different approach to war.\"<\/p>

It is the opposite of the old Colin Powell doctrine, Fontaine added, first building a national consensus behind the war, deploying a ground component as part of an overwhelming force, and communicating a clear objective.<\/p>

Which of course comes with Powell's Iraq-era Pottery Barn rule: You break it, you own it.<\/p>

Secrets sees a new version when it comes to Trump's approach to managing public opinion and staying out of foreign quagmires: You win it, then you own it.<\/p>How Trump almost went public with the decision

During a Pentagon briefing Monday morning<\/a>, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, revealed that Trump gave the order to launch strikes at 3:38 p.m. on Friday.<\/p>

The president was aboard Air Force One at the time. No wonder it was one of the rare occasions that he didn't head to the press cabin at the back of the plane to answer questions.<\/p>

After landing in Texas less than an hour later, a member of the travelling press pool shouted a question. \"How close are you to launching strikes?\" he asked.<\/p>

\"I'd rather not tell you,\" the response came. \"You would have had the greatest scoop in history, right?\"<\/p>

That response, and its unusual tenses, looks rather different in hindsight.<\/p>The time Trump ran the 'Newscum' nickname past Newsom

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) has described how last year he telephoned Trump in the early hours of the morning to discuss plans to send thousands of troops into Los Angeles. He told the British Rest is Politics podcast how he had a missed call from an unknown Palm Beach number late at night on the West Coast and then called him back.<\/p>

\"And it begins with the following, as God is my witness, he goes, 'Hey, hey, yeah,'\" according to Newsom\u2019s account.<\/p>

\"I mean, this is 10 o'clock my time, p.m. He goes, 'What do you think of Newscum?'\"<\/p>

\"The nickname Newscum. He calls me Newscum, worst governor. He goes, 'Pretty original, right?'\"<\/p>

They talked for 19 minutes, he said, including going over the Trump versus Kamala Harris presidential debate, and the number of MAGA hats the president had sold. Los Angeles is not mentioned in Newsom\u2019s telling.<\/p>

He says this was the moment he decided to take a more confrontational approach. And the call later became infamous, when Newsom sued Fox News<\/a> for allegedly misrepresenting its timing and accusing him of lying about it.<\/p>

You can hear the whole interview by clicking here.<\/a><\/p>Lunchtime reading

Justice arrives for Tehran's terrorism<\/a>: Former Vice President Mike Pence writes for the Washington Examiner. \"Excessive restraint applied before victory is secured will be mistaken for weakness, which will only invite further aggression,\" he says. \"History has shown that peace is preserved not by wishful thinking, but by American strength.\"<\/p>

You know what? Maybe the time is right for an AOC presidential bid<\/a>: There is growing chatter that there is no better time for the liberal Left to propel one of its own to the Democratic presidential nomination. Victory in New York and a cost-of-living crisis mean a populist Democrat may be ideally placed to win in 2028. If Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is too old at 84, maybe Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), 36, is the best bet. You may have missed this piece, but it offers a decent take on debate on the Left.<\/p>

You are reading Washington Secrets, a guide to power and politics in D.C. and beyond. It is written by Rob Crilly, whom you can reach at secrets@washingtonexaminer DOT COM with your comments, story tips, and suggestions. If a friend sent you this and you\u2019d like to sign up, click here<\/a>.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26059796387875.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476629-1772452373", "title":"Trump closed the gap between rhetoric and action on Iran", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fin_focus%2F4476629%2Ftrump-closed-gap-rhetoric-action-iran%2F", "byline":"Jakub Grygiel", "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. Once started, wars take a dynamic of their own, surprising […]", "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>

Once started, wars take a dynamic of their own, surprising everyone involved, no matter how certain the outcome seemed at the outset. The Iranian mullahs thought they could withstand any attack and bring \"death to America,\" and the Trump administration<\/a> thought it could eliminate Iran's capabilities and perhaps even change the regime by bombing. So far, the former have been proven wrong, and many of them are dead by now, but the latter has not yet been proven right.<\/p>

Yet we can make the following four preliminary observations.<\/p>

First, President Donald Trump <\/a>continues to remove the large gap between our rhetoric and action. Iran<\/a> has been adversarial with the United States since 1979, killing hundreds of Americans since then. For the last 24 years, Western powers, including the U.S., have been negotiating with Tehran to end its nuclear program. The objective has always been clearly stated: Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. But only Trump took the objective seriously and acted upon it.<\/p>

Maintaining such gaps between goals and actions is dangerous in the long run. Neither enemies nor friends took our words seriously because we scolded without punishing and we praised without helping. European leadership is always \"concerned\" about some hostile rival, whether Iran or Russia, but incapable of mustering a serious response to anything: Its geopolitical irrelevance is correlated to the gap between rhetoric and action.\u00a0<\/p>

Second, Trump returned to an old verity proven by history: Security is built by eliminating actual enemies, not by hoping that they would convert to a more liberal understanding of international politics. The modern liberal view that all states would converge into a benign behavior simply by tying them all in an ever-expanding net of rules, procedures, and negotiations was always a risky bet on a theory. It has proven to be utopian. Russia, North Korea, Venezuela, and Iran ended the \"rules-based international order\" simply by breaking the rules. Reprimanding them, even sanctioning them, would never bring them into compliance.<\/p>

America's 47-year conflict with Iran could not be won at the negotiating table. The supreme leader and his clerics, driven by a hateful millenarian worldview, never gave up their goal of defeating the U.S. The proven method of ending conflicts is to eliminate the enemy's capacity to wage war. This involves degrading their capabilities to a point of effective disarmament and removing leaders whose hostility is irreconcilable. The old Venetian saying homo morto non fa guerra, though brutal, remains true: A dead man can't wage war.<\/p>

The attack may result in a significantly weakened Iranian military, a decimated and impotent Iranian revolutionary leadership, and a state teetering on the brink of chaos. But it is misguided to believe that only the political stability of other states is beneficial to the U.S. and its allies. Sometimes the best one can hope for is a rival ensnared in a cycle of domestic unrest. In international politics, friends are very difficult to create, making impotent and fragmented enemies a viable alternative.<\/p>

While a clear regime change in Iran could be a benefit, it is not necessary for the U.S. to achieve its primary objective: to eliminate Iran as a threat.\u00a0<\/p>

Third, contrary to the expectations of many experts, the U.S. is bringing allies along. Bold decisions to use force against enemies attract. Saudi Arabia<\/a> is eager to see a diminished, and certainly a non-nuclear, Iran. And Iran's choice to retaliate by striking not just Israel<\/a> but also Gulf states and a British base in Cyprus made it very clear that this conflict is not just between Tehran and an alliance of Washington and Jerusalem. Tehran's escalation helps the U.S.<\/p>

Europe's reaction is ambivalent. Spain, led by an anti-American socialist, condemned the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran. But other Europeans have been more cautious. It's hard to condemn an action that seeks to achieve the goal they have long shared: a non-nuclear Iran.<\/p>

France, the United Kingdom, and Germany have signaled a willingness to join military operations in some capacity. The most consequential development may be Germany's position. If Berlin participates in actions targeting Iranian military capabilities, it will mark a historic shift in European geopolitical dynamics. For decades, Germany has been Europe's economic powerhouse, leaving the military domain to the U.K. and France. This division of roles is evolving rapidly. If Germany<\/a> assumes a more assertive military role alongside its economic leadership, it would emerge as Europe's predominant power. And it could shape Europe's future with less reliance on broad political consensus.<\/p>

Moreover, many experts on the Left and the Right have always feared that U.S. would be entangled in small wars, dragged in by its allies. The isolationists advocated jettisoning allies, while the liberals hoped international institutions would replace alliances. In reality, what is happening now is the opposite: The U.S. is entangling its allies from the Gulf to Europe in the Iran conflict. The difference is important. Allies are not dragging us into local feuds of little importance to us, but we are forcing them to support our own objectives.\u00a0<\/p>

Fourth, how will this conflict affect U.S. standing versus the other great rivals, Russia and China? The heavy use of relatively scarce weapons, from Tomahawk missiles to interceptors, is certainly stripping American arsenals in other regions, the Pacific in particular. This may create dangerous windows of opportunity for China<\/a>, which may think that U.S. operations in Iran degraded American military capabilities, for instance, in the South China Sea. Action on one frontier may temporarily weaken deterrence and defense on another. It is a recurrent problem for great powers throughout history.<\/p>

Two questions are important to keep in mind. First, how long will the U.S. bomb Iran? The longer this conflict lasts, the greater the opportunities for China and Russia. Trump indicated that it should be over, more or less, in four weeks. This is plausible, but it is too early to judge whether it will happen.<\/p>

Second, how will it end? If it ends without a clear defeat of the current Iranian regime \u2014 defined as elimination of its nuclear and missile capabilities, serious degradation of its other military forces, and at a minimum a chronic weakness of its political control of the country \u2014 then it will be likely that the U.S. will have to maintain a sizeable military force ready to intervene again in the Middle East. That's beneficial to China and Russia. But if it ends with a defeat of the revolutionary mullahs, the U.S. will be able to redirect its attention and resources elsewhere without the lingering threat of a new supreme leader actively seeking \"death to America.\"<\/p>

In the end, no political decision is cost-free.<\/p>

Continued negotiations with Tehran were not going to remove the Iranian threat. The cost of seeking a negotiated settlement was high. Most likely, a nuclear Iran with large numbers of ballistic missiles. The alternative, the ongoing attack, is also costly in terms of casualties, expended weapons and money, and unforeseen consequences of an armed conflict.<\/p>

MIKE PENCE: JUSTICE ARRIVES FOR TEHRAN'S TERRORISM<\/a><\/p>

But there are also potential benefits, namely an Iran that is different from the hostile and aggressive power of the last decades.<\/p>

Only time will tell.<\/p>

Jakub Grygiel is a professor at the Catholic University of America, a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution, and a senior adviser at the Marathon Initiative.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26060567712472_eabc84-e1772469089302.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476538-1772450702", "title":"How the Iran conflict was launched: ‘Operation Epic Fury is approved. No aborts. Good luck’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fdefense%2F4476538%2Fisrael-us-iran-conflict-launched-trump-khamenei%2F", "byline":"Mike Brest", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump made the most consequential decision of his second term last Friday at 3:38 p.m. “Operation Epic Fury is approved. No aborts. Good luck,” Trump said, instructing the Department of War to move ahead with a decapitation operation against Iran that was many years in the making, according to his top military adviser, […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> made the most consequential decision of his second term last Friday at 3:38 p.m.<\/p>

\"Operation Epic Fury is approved. No aborts. Good luck,\" Trump said, instructing the Department of War<\/a> to move ahead with a decapitation operation against Iran<\/a> that was many years in the making, according to his top military adviser, Gen. Dan Caine<\/a>.<\/p>

The message from the president, coincidentally, came as he was aboard<\/a> Air Force One, nearing his arrival in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he touted his economy and energy policy agendas.<\/p>

After the president\u2019s authorization, U.S. troops began making their final preparations, checking and rechecking their systems. Pilots and crews did one last rehearsal for their strike packages and air crews began loading their final weapons aboard aircraft. The first U.S. attacks were conducted by CYBERCOM and SPACECOM to disrupt their communications and ability to respond and defend against the incoming attacks. <\/p>

At 9:45 a.m. local time Saturday morning, or 1:15 a.m. in Washington, D.C., more than 100 U.S. aircraft took off in a single synchronized wave that included tankers, airborne early warning, electronic attack bombers, drones, and more.<\/p>

The strikes were closely coordinated with the Israelis, who are actively participating in attacks.<\/p>

\"The first shooters at sea were tomahawks unleashed by the United States Navy, closed in on Iranian naval forces and began to conduct strikes across the southern flank in Iran on the ground, forces fired precision standoff weapons, measured, deliberate, precise and lethal,\" Caine said.<\/p>

The U.S. deployed B-2 stealth bombers; F-18, F-16, and F-22 fighter jets, A-10 attack jets and F-35 stealth fighters; and one-way attack drones. <\/p>

The one-way attack drones, coincidentally, were \u201cmodeled\u201d after Iran\u2019s highly effective Shahed-drones \u2014 which they have given to Russia for their war in Ukraine \u2014 and it was the first time<\/a> the U.S. used these in combat.<\/p>

U.S. forces ultimately struck more than a thousand targets over the first 24 hours of the conflict, which is now in its third day.<\/p>

In the opening salvo, the Israelis said<\/a> they killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei<\/a> and several other top leaders, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Cmdr. Mohammad Pakpour, Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, two Khamenei advisers, a current and former chairman of Iran's nuclear program, and a chief intelligence official in Iran's military emergency headquarters.<\/p>

Iran, for its part, has launched countless missiles and drones at U.S. bases in several countries in the region and at Israel. They have targeted U.S. assets in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. <\/p>

In the fog of battle, Kuwaiti air defenses accidentally shot down<\/a> three American F-15E Strike Eagles aircraft, but all six pilots ejected, were found, and are in stable condition. An investigation into the incident is underway.<\/p>

Four American service members were killed<\/a> in an Iranian attack, though the Pentagon has not said where in the region they were. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth<\/a> said they were in a fortified tactical operation center when it was hit by an Iranian projectile. Leaders have warned that the U.S. will likely have more casualties as Iran continues to retaliate against the ongoing U.S. operations.<\/p>

\u201cWe expect to take additional losses, and as always, we will work to minimize U.S. losses,\u201d Caine told reporters at the Pentagon Monday. \u201cBut, as the secretary said, this is major combat operations.\u201d<\/p>

There are concerns that Iran's proxy forces in the region could enter the fray, which would further strain U.S. and Israeli defenses. Hezbollah, Iran's proxy in Lebanon, and Israel have already attacked one another but it has remained relatively contained for now. <\/p>

Leading up to Trump\u2019s approval of the mission, the Department of War spent the last couple of weeks bolstering its assets in the Middle East. They deployed thousands of service members from all branches of the military, hundreds of fourth- and fifth-generation fighter aircraft, dozens of refueling tankers, and two carrier strike groups and their embarked air wings.<\/p>

Caine acknowledged that more U.S. military assets are currently heading to the region. He didn't want to provide specifics for operational security, but said, \"We have more tactical aviation flowing into theater just based on the time it took to get it out there.\"<\/p>

Both Caine and Trump have warned that this mission, unlike last year's Operation Midnight Hammer, will be a sustained campaign that will likely last weeks.<\/p>

DAN CAINE SAYS ADDITIONAL FIREPOWER HEADED TO MIDDLE EAST AND HEDGES OPERATION TIMELINE<\/a><\/p>

\"This is not a single overnight operation,\" the chairman said. \"The military objectives that CENTCOM and the Joint Forces have been tasked with will take some time to achieve, and in some cases, will be difficult and gritty work.\"<\/p>

Trump said the conflict could take four weeks, while Hegseth acknowledged they will operate until they accomplish their goals.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Hegseth-and-Caine.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474529-1772449200", "title":"How to save Trump EPA’s ‘biggest deregulatory move in history’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F4474529%2Ftrump-epa-biggest-deregulatory-move-in-history%2F", "byline":"Steve Milloy", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump on Feb. 12 announced the “biggest deregulatory move in history” — the Environmental Protection Agency rescission of the 2009 Obama administration EPA endangerment finding for greenhouse gases with respect to vehicles. It is a great move to end the climate hoax, to spur American energy dominance, and to boost the economy and […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> on Feb. 12 announced the \u201cbiggest deregulatory move in history\u201d \u2014 the Environmental Protection Agency<\/a> rescission of the 2009 Obama administration EPA endangerment finding<\/a> for greenhouse gases with respect to vehicles.<\/p>

It is a great move to end the climate hoax, to spur American energy dominance<\/a>, and to boost the economy and economic growth by trillions of dollars. But there\u2019s much more to the game than just making the announcement.<\/p>

Former President Barack Obama's<\/a> endangerment finding declared that emissions of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, threatened public health and welfare<\/a> through mechanisms such as global warming, climate change, and extreme weather.<\/p>

ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH GROUPS SUE EPA OVER ROLLBACK OF LANDMARK CLIMATE FINDING<\/a><\/p>

Although Congress<\/a> never ordered or authorized EPA to regulate emissions of greenhouse gases<\/a>, radical green groups had schemed since the Clinton administration<\/a> to bring about such regulation through litigation. This scheme succeeded and resulted in the 2007 Supreme Court decision in\u00a0Massachusetts v. EPA,\u00a0in which the court held that EPA could \u2014 not that it had to \u2014 regulate greenhouse gas emissions despite the absence of congressional authorization.<\/p>

Though former President George W. Bush's<\/a> EPA opted not to regulate greenhouse gases, Obama's EPA did, issuing the endangerment finding in December 2009.<\/p>

The endangerment finding has since been used to underpin federal action, promote climate alarmism, and reduce emissions. The Obama EPA used the endangerment finding to launch its \u201cwar on coal\u201d and to destroy 50% of the U.S. coal industry. In 2008, before Obama became president, coal was used to generate more than half of U.S. electricity. When Obama left office, that percentage had been cut in half. Virtually all the largest coal companies were forced to file for bankruptcy.<\/p>

Red states and the coal industry sued in 2015, winning an injunction from the Supreme Court<\/a> in early 2016, in the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia\u2019s last decision before his unexpected death. Nevertheless, a final decision on the litigation didn\u2019t occur until 2022 in\u00a0West Virginia v. EPA<\/a>, long after the coal industry had been wrecked. But that decision did serve as the basis for what Trump has just done by requiring that the EPA have the express authorization of Congress before embarking on major regulatory programs.<\/p>

The only problem with\u00a0West Virginia v. EPA\u00a0is that it didn\u2019t explicitly overturn\u00a0Massachusetts v. EPA\u00a0because the red-state litigants never specifically raised the issue, and the Supreme Court chose to rule as narrowly as possible.<\/p>

So, here\u2019s the problem: While the Trump EPA is now saying that the Obama endangerment finding is illegal under the holding in\u00a0West Virginia v. EPA\u00a0(i.e., no congressional authorization),\u00a0Massachusetts v. EPA\u00a0remains on the books as good law.<\/p>

Simply rescinding the Obama decision, as the Trump EPA just did, is technically just a change in policy, not a change in the operative law. In the event that Democrats win the White House in 2028<\/a>, you can bet they will reinstate the endangerment finding as soon as possible in 2029, citing Massachusetts v. EPA in doing so.<\/p>

What needs to happen next is that the Trump EPA rescission of the endangerment finding must be taken up by the Supreme Court as soon as possible. The Court must rule that\u00a0West Virginia v. EPA\u00a0trumps\u00a0Massachusetts v. EPA. This must be done before the 2028 elections or before the potential inauguration of a Democrat president in 2029<\/a>. This way, if a Democrat president wants to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, they will need an act of Congress to do so. And that will be no easy task, even in the event of a Democrat-controlled Congress.<\/p>

THE EPA\u2019S ENDANGERMENT FINDING WAS ABOUT CONTROL, NOT THE ENVIRONMENT<\/a><\/p>

Finally, the Trump EPA must now also rush to rescind the separate endangerment finding for greenhouse gas emissions, stationary sources such as power plants, refineries, industrial facilities, and oil and gas wells, so that they can also benefit from a reversal of\u00a0Massachusetts v. EPA.<\/p>

There is a lot to do. Time and competent lawyering by the Justice Department<\/a> \u2014 too often a challenge, it seems \u2014 is of the essence.<\/p>

Steve Milloy is a biostatistician and attorney. He posts on X at @JunkScience<\/a>.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image-collage-k0kkc1lol-1765838380385-e1765838476921.jpg?1766054070&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476554-1772448902", "title":"On This Day: The bombardment begins!", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F4476554%2Fon-this-day-revolutionary-war-bombardment-begins%2F", "byline":"Salena Zito", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The following is an installment of “On This Day,” a series celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by following the actions of Gen. George Washington, the Continental Congress, and the men and women whose bravery and sacrifice led up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. March 2, 1776 Gen. George Washington writes again to Maj. […]", "description":""

The following is an installment of \u201cOn This Day,\u201d a series celebrating America\u2019s 250th anniversary<\/a> by following the actions of Gen. George Washington, the Continental Congress, and the men and women whose bravery and sacrifice led up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.<\/p>

March 2, 1776<\/p>

Gen. George Washington<\/a> writes again to Maj. Gen. Artemas Ward. Washington has weighed all options, the flow of the tides, the hazards, and the very real danger of the enemy possibly seizing Dorchester Neck in South Boston<\/a>. Despite all that, he and his officers agree that the time has come for the Army to act within two days if they are to strike.<\/p>

Washington gives Ward notice so that preparations will not be delayed.<\/p>

George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 2 March 1776<\/p>

Cambridge 2d March\u201476. Saturday Evening<\/p>

Sir,<\/p>

After weighing all Circumstances of Tide &ca\u2014& considering the hazard of having the Posts on Dorchester Neck taken by the Enemy, & the evil consequences which would result from it, the Gentlemen here, are of Opinion that we should go on there Munday Night.1 I give you this Early notice of it, that you may delay no time in preparing for it, as every thing here will be got in readiness to co-operate\u2014In haste I am Sr Yr most Obedt Servt<\/p>

Go: Washington<\/p>

ON THIS DAY: WASHINGTON: READY THE MILITIA, THE TIME NEARS ON BOSTON<\/a><\/p>

The plan is for American artillery to open fire on Boston from Lechmere Point, Cambridge, not from Dorchester Heights. In the coming days, this plan will show that Washington was stealthily launching a very different plan that includes Gen. John Thomas and thousands of troops heading toward Dorchester Heights \u2014 all hauling hundreds of carts pulled by oxen with hay bales to stifle the sound of the wheels to prevent the British, or possible spies, from hearing a thing.<\/p>

With Thomas and the troops, nearly two dozen Ticonderoga cannons were dragged from Fort Ticonderoga by bookseller turned military leader Henry Knox. Knox accomplished the feat by outsmarting the enemy. It took him over 50 days in the brisk New England winter to drag the cannons.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Washington-flogging-e1772466390292.jpg?w=568" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476651-1772448724", "title":"WATCH LIVE: Trump awards Medals of Honor to three US troops", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F4476651%2Fwatch-live-trump-awards-medals-of-honor-three-us-troops%2F", "byline":"David Zimmermann", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump is awarding the Medal of Honor to three U.S. Army service members at the White House on Monday. One medal will be presented to a Vietnam War veteran, while two will be awarded posthumously as the U.S. military attacks Iran. TRUMP SUGGESTS IRAN WAR COULD CONTINUE FOR WEEKS AS US SUFFERS FIRST […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> is awarding the Medal of Honor<\/a> to three U.S. Army service members at the White House<\/a> on Monday.<\/p>

One medal will be presented to a Vietnam War veteran, while two will be awarded posthumously as the U.S. military attacks Iran.<\/p>

TRUMP SUGGESTS IRAN WAR COULD CONTINUE FOR WEEKS AS US SUFFERS FIRST CASUALTIES AND OIL PRICES SURGE<\/a><\/p>

The president awarded two Medals of Honor during his State of the Union<\/a> address last week. One was presented to a 100-year-old Korean War veteran, and the second was given to a soldier who took part in the recent Venezuela operation.<\/p>

The ceremony, scheduled to start at 11 a.m., will be held in the East Room of the White House. Trump is expected to be asked about the joint U.S.-Israeli military operation in Iran.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26061041310262.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476616-1772448433", "title":"Oil and gas prices soar after Iran strikes", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fenergy-and-environment%2F4476616%2Foil-gas-prices-soar-conflict-iran%2F", "byline":"Maydeen Merino", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Oil and gas prices soared on Monday after the United States and Israel carried out strikes on Iran over the weekend that killed Iran’s supreme leader and other top officials. The strikes prompted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to effectively close the Strait of Hormuz to maritime vessels, shutting down a key global route for […]", "description":""

Oil<\/a> and gas prices<\/a> soared on Monday after the United States and Israel carried out strikes on Iran over the weekend that killed Iran\u2019s supreme leader and other top officials.<\/p>

The strikes prompted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps<\/a> to effectively close the Strait of Hormuz to maritime vessels, shutting down a key global route for transporting oil exports.<\/p>

The strait serves as one of the world\u2019s most important oil chokepoints, with nearly 20 million barrels of crude oil and other oil products passing through the strait daily, equal to 20% of global oil demand, according to the Energy Information Administration<\/a>. <\/p>

As of Monday morning, U.S. benchmark<\/a> West Texas Intermediate prices rose 7.3% to $71.91 a barrel, while Brent crude, the international benchmark, climbed 8.4% to nearly $78.99.<\/p>

The strikes aimed at Iranian military and nuclear infrastructures, resulting in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran has attacked several U.S. military bases, including in Israel, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. <\/p>

Wood Mackenzie analysts warned<\/a> that nearly 15 million barrels per day of Gulf crude and product exports are under threat. <\/p>

\u201cFailure to quickly re-establish flows through the Strait of Hormuz could again drive prices well over US$100\/bbl from Friday\u2019s close under US$73\/bbl (Brent),\u201d they wrote. <\/p>

The national average for prices at the pump is $2.99, according to AAA.<\/a><\/p>

Energy markets are broadly feeling the impact of the conflict, with domestic natural gas futures rising<\/a> as much as 7.2%.<\/p>

IRGC 'EFFECTIVELY CLOSED' KEY SHIPPING LANE STRAIT OF HORMUZ, CHOKING OIL ROUTES<\/a><\/p>

Qatar\u2019s state-owned energy giant QatarEnergy announced<\/a> Monday that it would end all liquefied natural gas production after an Iranian drone hit its facilities at Ras Laffan and Mesaieed.<\/p>

Qatar is a significant global LNG supplier, sending more<\/a> than 70% of its exports to Asia and 25% to Europe in 2022.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26061431219824.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476533-1772447110", "title":"Reza Pahlavi stresses ‘critical’ need for Iran-Israel partnership in Middle East", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4476533%2Freza-pahlavi-critical-need-iran-israel-partnership-middle-east%2F", "byline":"Asher Notheis", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi previewed a future where Iran and Israel are at peace on Sunday, following the death of Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Pahlavi, who has lived in exile for 47 years, described Khamenei’s death as an “earthshattering event,” as it marks the end of “the chief monster of these monsters.” He addressed the […]", "description":""

Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi previewed a future where Iran<\/a> and Israel <\/a>are at peace on Sunday, following the death of Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei<\/a>.<\/p>

Pahlavi, who has lived in exile for 47 years, described Khamenei\u2019s death as an \u201cearthshattering event,\u201d as it marks the end of \u201cthe chief monster of these monsters.\u201d He addressed the people of Iran over the weekend, hours after the joint U.S. and Israel strikes<\/a> that killed Khamenei, saying \u201cthe final victory will still be forged by our hands<\/a>\u201d despite these strikes from the two other countries.<\/p>

Pahlavi said Sunday he vows to aid Iran in transitioning to democracy, and \u201cof course,\u201d he imagines the country at peace with Israel. <\/p>

\u201cIn modern history, Iran actually gave refuge to Jews that were escaping the Nazis during the Second World War, giving them refuge and sanctuary in Iran,\u201d Pahlavi said on CBS News\u2019s 60 Minutes. \u201cThe strategic importance of having a partnership with Israel is critical.\u201d<\/p>

Pahlavi also listed \u201cfour core principles\u201d for rebuilding Iran and its leadership: the country\u2019s territorial integrity, the separation of religion and state, equality of all citizens, and a democratic process that allows people to elect their future system of governance. He also said Iran\u2019s nuclear program<\/a> should be \u201ctotally dismantled,\u201d saying he doesn\u2019t believe the country has \u201cany need\u201d for it.<\/p>

Despite his desire to lead Iran to democracy, Pahlavi said he\u2019s \u201cnot running for office.\u201d He said the people of Iran \u201ctrust me as a transitional leader,\u201d not as a future king or president. <\/p>

\u201cI\u2019m totally focused on my mission in life, which is [to] let me bring the country to a point that they can make that free choice,\u201d Pahlavi said. \u201cThat would be enough for me, having said, \u2018Mission accomplished.\u2019\u201d<\/p>

OPINION: TRADING THE TURBAN FOR A CROWN WON\u2019T FIX IRAN<\/a><\/p>

President Donald Trump<\/a> said Saturday he knows \u201cexactly\u201d who is running Iran after Khamenei\u2019s death, but declined to divulge who that is. He also said that \u201cthere are some good candidates\u201d<\/a> for who could lead the country.<\/p>

Trump said Sunday that the U.S. conflict in Iran, dubbed \u201cOperation Epic Fury,\u201d could last for four weeks<\/a>. As of Monday, three U.S. soldiers have been killed, and five others have been seriously wounded.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26045601459765-e1772459048826.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476532-1772445075", "title":"Hegseth disputes Iraq War comparisons, arguing Iran Operation Epic Fury isn’t about regime change", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fdefense%2F4476532%2Fhegseth-disputes-iraq-war-comparisons-iran-regime-change%2F", "byline":"Mike Brest", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"War Secretary Pete Hegseth disputed on Monday that the American operation in Iran is about regime change, even if that is an effect of the conflict. “This is not a so-called regime change war, but the regime sure did change, and the world is better off for it today,” Hegseth said in his first public […]", "description":""

War Secretary Pete Hegseth<\/a> disputed on Monday that the American operation in Iran<\/a> is about regime change, even if that is an effect of the conflict.<\/p>

\"This is not a so-called regime change war, but the regime sure did change, and the world is better off for it today,\" Hegseth said in his first public comments since the United States launched the opening strikes on Saturday morning.<\/p>

Early Saturday morning, the U.S. and Israel launched overwhelming strikes on targets<\/a> across Iran that included going after their senior leaders, killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and many of his closest lieutenants. They also targeted Iranian command and control centers, integrated air defense systems, ballistic missile sites, navy ships and submarines, and more.<\/p>

He said their objectives are \"laser focused\" and consist of destroying Iran's offensive missiles and missile production, its navy, and other military infrastructure.<\/p>

\"This is not Iraq,\" the secretary added during his press conference at the Pentagon. \"This is not endless. I was there for both. Our generation knows better, and so does this president. He called the last 20 years of nation-building wars dumb, and he's right. This is the opposite. This operation is a clear, devastating, decisive mission. Destroy the missile threat, destroy the Navy, no nukes.\"<\/p>

He added: \"No stupid rules of engagement, no nation-building quagmire, no democracy building exercise, no politically correct wars. We fight to win, and we don't waste time or lives.\"<\/p>

With so many senior Iranian leaders killed in the early hours of the war, it's unclear who the next leader will be and who could negotiate an end to the conflict from the Iranian side.<\/p>

LEBANON BANS HEZBOLLAH \u2018MILITARY ACTIVITIES\u2019 AFTER RETALIATORY STRIKES LAUNCH FROM BEIRUT<\/a><\/p>

He said the U.S. does not currently have troops in Iran but did not rule out the possibility, adding, \"We're not going to go into the exercise of what we will or will not do.\"<\/p>

Hegseth, Gen. Dan Caine<\/a>, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and President Donald Trump<\/a> have all warned that this war could last a number of weeks and that they expect the U.S. will have more casualties than it suffered in the early hours of the conflict.<\/p>

\"This is not a single overnight operation,\" Caine told reporters. \"The military objectives that CENTCOM and the Joint Forces have been tasked with will take some time to achieve, and in some cases, will be difficult and gritty work.\"<\/p>

Trump predicted the operation could take up to four weeks, though Hegseth noted it could be more or less depending on how it plays out.<\/p>

THE US AND ISRAEL ATTACKED IRAN: WHAT WE KNOW<\/a><\/p>

Four American service members have been killed, and a handful of others have been wounded. The military has not yet identified the fallen as they carry out next of kin notifications. The Pentagon hasn\u2019t released where the service members who were killed were at the time of their deaths, but Hegseth acknowledged they were in a fortified tactical operation center when it was hit by an Iranian projectile. <\/p>

Hegseth, during his time in the Army National Guard, deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and saw the shortcomings in both of those campaigns firsthand.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Hegseth.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476491-1772444076", "title":"Dan Caine says additional firepower headed to Middle East and hedges operation timeline", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fdefense%2F4476491%2Fdan-caine-additional-firepower-middle-east-hedges-operation-timeline%2F", "byline":"David Zimmermann", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Pentagon is sending more firepower to the Middle East as part of the joint operation against Iran, Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a Monday morning press conference. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, who leads U.S. Central Command, “will receive additional forces even today,” Caine said. “This rapid […]", "description":""

The Pentagon<\/a> is sending more firepower to the Middle East as part of the joint operation against Iran<\/a>, Gen. Dan Caine<\/a>, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a Monday morning press conference.<\/p>

Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, who leads U.S. Central Command, \"will receive additional forces even today,\" Caine said. \"This rapid buildup of forces demonstrated the Joint Forces' ability to adapt and project power at the time and place of our nation's choosing.\"<\/p>

For weeks, the U.S. military has been solidifying its presence in the Middle East<\/a> ahead of \"Operation Epic Fury.\" The USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln, two large aircraft carriers, were involved in the coordinated attack on Iran that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei<\/a> and other senior Iranian officials.<\/p>

Caine declined to discuss specific details about the current and planned number of U.S. troops taking part in the operation as \"that would tip the enemy off,\" the top-ranking general said.<\/p>

\"We have more tactical aviation flowing into theater just based on the time it took to get it out there,\" he added. \"We're just about where we want to be in terms of total combat capacity and total combat power for Adm. Cooper ... [who will] consistently assess the trajectory of the campaign.\"<\/p>

At least four U.S. troops have died so far in the campaign, according to CENTCOM. Caine said \"additional losses\" should be expected.<\/p>

\"This is not a single overnight operation,\" he told reporters. \"The military objectives that CENTCOM and the Joint Forces have been tasked with will take some time to achieve, and in some cases, will be difficult and gritty work.\"<\/p>

President Donald Trump<\/a> said the operation is expected to last up to four weeks, although Secretary of War Pete Hegseth<\/a> noted there is a chance the timeline could shift.<\/p>

LEBANON BANS HEZBOLLAH \u2018MILITARY ACTIVITIES\u2019 AFTER RETALIATORY STRIKES LAUNCH FROM BEIRUT<\/a><\/p>

\"President Trump has all the latitude in the world to talk about how long it may or may not take \u2014 four weeks, two weeks, six weeks,\" Hegseth said. \"It could move up. It could move back. We're going to execute at his command the objectives we've set out to achieve.\"<\/p>

Operation Epic Fury commenced early Saturday morning after Trump approved the mission the day before. According to Caine, Trump gave the order while stating, \"Operation Epic Fury is approved. No aborts. Good luck.\"<\/p>

<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26061509283445.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476455-1772440096", "title":"Usha Vance to visit Children’s National Hospital to mark National Reading Month", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F4476455%2Fusha-vance-visit-childrens-national-hospital-national-reading-month%2F", "byline":"Naomi Lim", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"EXCLUSIVE — Second lady Usha Vance will make a special appearance at the Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., on Monday to underscore the importance of childhood literacy. During the appearance, which coincides with the start of National Reading Month, Vance will spend time reading with the hospital’s patients. “Ms. Vance has championed childhood literacy […]", "description":""

EXCLUSIVE \u2014 Second lady Usha Vance<\/a> will make a special appearance at the Children\u2019s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., on Monday to underscore the importance of childhood literacy.<\/p>

During the appearance, which coincides with the start of National Reading Month, Vance will spend time reading with the hospital's patients. <\/p>

\"Ms. Vance has championed childhood literacy through her projects such as her Summer Reading Challenge launched last summer,\" a spokeswoman for the second lady told the Washington Examiner. \"The second lady plans to continue her Summer Reading Challenge this year, launching in June.\"<\/p>

Vance announced last year her first Summer Reading Challenge, a program through which children from kindergarten to eighth grade try to read 12 books of their choice before September for a certificate and a prize. In 2025, a child also won a trip to the\u00a0White House<\/a>.<\/p>

In addition, the Washington Examiner exclusively reported last June<\/a> that Vance, 40, a trial lawyer and\u00a0Supreme Court<\/a>\u00a0justice clerk before her husband,\u00a0JD Vance<\/a>, was nominated to become the country's next vice president in 2024, welcomed more than 200 children to the second couple\u2019s residence, Number One Observatory Circle, for her first Camp VPR, short for Vice President's Residence.<\/p>

Every child who attended the inaugural Camp VPR received a book, Usha Vance told the Washington Examiner at the time.<\/p>

\u201cIt was wonderful to see their excitement when choosing a book,\u201d she said. \u201cI hope this inspires them to pick up more books this summer and to complete the Second Lady\u2019s Summer Reading Challenge. I encourage all kids across the country to join in and can\u2019t wait to see what they have to say about the books they read this summer.\u201d<\/p>

Vance's decision to include childhood literacy in her policy portfolio as second lady was inspired, in part, by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, known as the nation\u2019s report card, finding in January last year that reading levels for fourth- and eighth-grade students had decreased by 2 percentage points in 2024 compared to 2022.<\/p>

For example, the National Assessment of Educational Progress found last year that one-third of eighth-grade students scored below \u201cbasic\u201d in reading, the most in the report's history, with 40% of fourth-graders scoring the same result, the most in two decades.<\/p>

Vance's appearance at Children\u2019s National Hospital comes weeks after she and the vice president confirmed in January that they are expecting their fourth child, a son, in July.<\/p>

During an interview last month with Fox News, Vance reflected on the pair's first year as the country's second couple with three young children, Ewan, 8, Vivek, 6, and Mirabel, 4.<\/p>

\"I think we're just taking it step by step and day by day,\" she said. \"And right now, to me, the thing that I really care about is trying to get some of these projects that we've been germinating off the ground, being there for everything that JD needs me for and making sure that our kids get through this with happiness, you know, and with \u2014 with a pretty normal life on the \u2014 on the other end of it.<\/p>

TRUMP AND VANCE TURN OVER \u2018NEW LEAF\u2019 WITH ZELENSKY ONE YEAR SINCE OVAL OFFICE CLASH<\/a><\/p>

As well as being the first second lady to live at the vice president\u2019s residence with young children, Vance, a graduate of Yale University<\/a> and Yale Law School, is also the first Indian American second lady.<\/p>

Supplementing her domestic policy agenda, Vance has become a pseudo-ambassador for the United States abroad, including leading a presidential delegation to the 2025 Special Olympic Winter Games in Italy last March and a diplomatic mission to Greenland for the Avannaata Qimussersu, the country\u2019s national dogsled race, before the vice president upended her plans.<\/p>

The Vances visited the American Pituffik military base instead amid early concerns about President Donald Trump<\/a>'s plans for Greenland.<\/p>

Usha Vance has accompanied her husband on different domestic and foreign trips, from India<\/a> to the Vatican<\/a>, including last month's 2026 Winter Olympics, again in Italy, where they represented the U.S. after protests over the Trump administration's anti-illegal immigration<\/a> response.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP25323772414404.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476459-1772438664", "title":"Lebanon bans Hezbollah ‘military activities’ after retaliatory strikes launch from Beirut", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4476459%2Flebanon-bans-hezbollah-military-activities-retaliatory-strikes-launch-beirut%2F", "byline":"David Zimmermann", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Lebanon banned Hezbollah from conducting “military activities” on Monday in response to the Iran-backed terrorist group’s attack on Israel. The development comes after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran over the weekend killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and prompted a wave of retaliatory strikes in the Gulf Region. On Monday morning, Hezbollah launched airstrikes on Israel in […]", "description":""

Lebanon<\/a> banned Hezbollah<\/a> from conducting \"military activities\" on Monday in response to the Iran-backed terrorist group's attack on Israel<\/a>.<\/p>

The development comes after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran<\/a> over the weekend killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and prompted a wave of retaliatory strikes in the Gulf Region.<\/p>

On Monday morning, Hezbollah launched airstrikes on Israel in retaliation for Khamenei's killing. Israel responded in kind with strikes on southern Lebanon. State media reported at least 31 civilians, and at least one of the terrorist group's leaders, were killed as a result.<\/p>

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam then announced that Hezbollah's activities would be limited to the \"political sphere.\"<\/p>

\"We declare our rejection of any military or security operations launched from Lebanese territory outside the framework of legitimate institutions,\" Salam said, calling Hezbollah's strikes \"illegal.\" He also stated a commitment to ceasing hostilities and resuming negotiations.<\/p>

This statement marks the prime minister's strongest repudiation of the Lebanon-based Iranian proxy.<\/p>

Salam previously called Hezbollah's airstrikes on Israel \"a reckless and suspicious act that endangers Lebanon\u2019s security and gives Israel pretexts to continue its attacks,\" and he vowed to \"take all necessary measures to stop those responsible and protect the Lebanese people.\"<\/p>

HEZBOLLAH LEADER KILLED IN IDF STRIKES IN LEBANON<\/a><\/p>

Iran and the United States were in the middle of discussing a pathway to a possible nuclear deal before \"Operation Epic Fury\" commenced. <\/p>

President Donald Trump<\/a> intended the joint strikes to keep the Islamic regime from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to free the Iranian people. Instead of an extended war, Trump said the operation could last less than four weeks. At least four American troops have been killed so far.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26038436096644.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476492-1772438656", "title":"Trump suggests Iran war could continue for weeks as US suffers first casualties and oil prices surge", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fdaily-on-defense%2F4476492%2Ftrump-iran-war-pentagon-briefing-us-suffers-first-casualties-oil-prices-surge%2F", "byline":"Jamie McIntyre", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"TIGHT-LIPPED TRUMP: With the exception of taking a few random phone calls from news organizations, President Donald Trump has limited his communication with the American people about the joint U.S.-Israeli war on tightly scripted videos and social media messages. On his flight back to Washington from Mar-a-Lago, Trump did not answer reporters’s questions, and on […]", "description":""

TIGHT-LIPPED TRUMP: With the exception of taking a few random phone calls from news organizations, President Donald Trump has limited his communication with the American people about the joint U.S.-Israeli war on tightly scripted videos<\/a> and social media messages<\/a>. On his flight back to Washington from Mar-a-Lago, Trump did not answer reporters's questions<\/a>, and on his public schedule the only open event today is an 11 a.m. Medal of Honor presentation ceremony.<\/p>

In one of those random phone calls, Trump told<\/a> the Daily Mail that the war was always envisioned as lasting about a month. \u201cIt's always been a four-week process. We figured it will be four weeks or so. It's always been about a four-week process so, as strong as it is \u2014 it's a big country \u2014 it'll take four weeks, or less.\u201d<\/p>

In a separate phone call<\/a> with NBC News, Trump said the military campaign \u2014 dubbed \"Operation Epic Fury\" by the U.S. and \"Roaring Lion\" by Israel \u2014 was ahead of schedule, with the successful day one killings of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dozens of other top Iranian leaders. \u201cWhen we get 48 leaders, that\u2019s a big event.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cCombat operations continue at this time in full force, and they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved. We have very strong objectives,\u201d Trump said in his Sunday video update<\/a>. In the recorded video Trump acknowledged the deaths of three U.S. military service members who he said were \u201ckilled in action,\u201d and vowed to \u201cavenge their deaths.\u201d <\/p>

\u201cWe grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives,\u201d he said. <\/p>

The U.S. military withheld details<\/a> of the circumstances of the deaths along with the serious wounding of five other U.S. troops, \u201cout of respect for the families,\u201d but reports say the U.S. Army troops died in a missile attack on a sustainment unit in Kuwait. \u201cSadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That's the way it is. Likely be more,\u201d Trump said. \u201cBut we'll do everything possible where that won't be the case.\u201d<\/p>

THREE US FIGHTER JETS DOWNED IN KUWAIT IN \u2018FRIENDLY FIRE\u2019 ACCIDENT<\/a><\/p>

HEGSETH, CAINE TO BRIEF: For two days the Pentagon and the military provided no briefings for reporters, but this morning at 8 a.m. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Dan Caine are scheduled to hold an on-camera press briefing at the Pentagon.\u00a0<\/p>

The U.S. Central Command is exercising tight messaging control, publishing scant information on its public website, and posting only bare bones updates on social media.<\/p>

In its initial announcement <\/a>of the beginning of hostilities, CENTCOM did reveal that its Task Force Scorpion Strike \u201cemployed low-cost one-way attack drones for the first time in combat<\/a>,\u201d and in a post on X<\/a> confirmed U.S. B-2 stealth bombers<\/a>, armed with 2,000-pound bombs, struck Iran\u2019s \u201chardened ballistic missile facilities.\u201d<\/p>

Other posts on social media boasted<\/a> about America having \u201cmost powerful military on earth,\u201d and \u201ccutting off the head of the snake,\u201d while accusing Iran of lying<\/a> about its targeting of U.S. military facilities in the region and a U.S. aircraft carrier. \u201cIran\u2019s IRGC claims to have struck USS Abraham Lincoln with ballistic missiles. LIE. The Lincoln was not hit. The missiles launched didn\u2019t even come close,\u201d CENTCOM said<\/a>.<\/p>

CENTCOM has posted a short video<\/a> showing Iranian planes and command centers being destroyed by U.S. airpower, and emailed a fact sheet to reporters yesterday saying 1,000 targets had been hit, but gave no details. The fact sheet listed two dozen weapons systems currently operating in the theater, with the notation that the list did not include \u201cspecial capabilities we can\u2019t list here.\u201d<\/p>

But the few specifics published come directly from Trump, via Truth Social.<\/p>

\u201cI have just been informed that we have destroyed and sunk 9 Iranian Naval Ships, some of them relatively large and important,\u201d he posted yesterday<\/a>. \u201c We are going after the rest \u2014 They will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea, also!\u201d<\/p>

HOW THE CIA PLANNED THE PERFECT MOMENT TO KILL IRAN\u2019S KHAMENEI AFTER MONTHS OF SURVEILLANCE<\/a><\/p>

THE BIG QUESTION: \u2018WHY NOW?\u2019: In another break with past practices, there were no administration officials appearing on any of the Sunday shows to make the case for President Trump\u2019s decision to end negotiations with Iran and launch an all out war for regime change.<\/p>

The reason was \u201cvery simple,\u201d Trump told NBC. \u201cThey weren\u2019t willing to stop their nuclear research \u2026They weren\u2019t willing to say they will not have a nuclear weapon.\u201d In announcing<\/a> the beginning of \"major combat operations\u201d Saturday, Trump said the U.S. \u201csought repeatedly to make a deal.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cWe tried,\u201d Trump said. \u201cBut Iran refused, just as it has for decades and decades. They rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions. And we can't take it anymore\u201d<\/p>

Yesterday Republican senators, who had been briefed by the White House Saturday, served as surrogates to make the administration's case, that even absent an imminent threat<\/a> from Iran, the time to strike was now, when the Iranian regime was at its weakest point in nearly half a century.<\/p>

\u201cWe have a chance here. Not only take the mothership of terrorism down, Iran, we also have a chance to eliminate one of the most lethal proxies in the Mideast, Hezbollah,\u201d Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said on Fox last night. \u201cThey're weak. We can take them out, and we should take them out. Between the United States and Israel, we've got these bastards on the ropes. Finish them off.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cWhy now?,\u201d Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) said on CNN \u201cLet me tell you why now, because this is the opportunity where the regime is at the very weakest point it has been for 47 years.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cWhat I urged President Trump on Friday, I said, this regime is teetering. It is hanging by a thread. Do not miss this opportunity,\u201d Cruz said. \u201cRemember, this ayatollah has for months hired hit men with the stated purpose of murdering President Donald J. Trump.\u201d<\/p>

IRANIAN ATTACKS KILL A DOZEN ACROSS ISRAEL, UAE, AND KUWAIT<\/a><\/p>

\u2018A DEAL WAS IN OUR REACH\u2019: Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, who was the chief negotiator in talks with the U.S., denied that Iran refused for forswear nuclear weapons, and said as of last Thursday substantial progress had been made in negotiations with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. <\/p>

\u201cBoth Iranian and the U.S. delegation were happy at the end of seven hours of negotiations,\u201d Araghchi said on ABC\u2019s This Week. \u201cWhen we concluded, the Omani foreign minister, who was the impartial intermediator between us, he concluded by saying in his post that we made significant progress this time. We were able to come to a good understanding on some of our differences.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cSome other differences were left for the next meeting, and we decided to go for Vienna, to send our technical teams to Vienna [today] to go to the IAEA, and with the help of the International Atomic Energy Organization, try to find technical solutions for the political problems,\u201d Araghchi said. So, a deal was at our reach, and we left Geneva happily with the understanding that we can reach a deal next time we meet.\u201d<\/p>

NEW IRANIAN SUPREME LEADER TO BE CHOSEN IN \u2018ONE OR TWO DAYS\u2019 AFTER KHAMENEI KILLED<\/a><\/p>

Good Monday 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>

HAPPENING TODAY: Secretary of State Marco Rubio was scheduled to travel to Israel today, but given the events of the weekend, Rubio will instead travel to Capitol Hill, where his schedule has him briefing House and Senate Leaders at 4 p.m. Trump\u2019s decision to launch a full scale war without consulting or seeking authorization from Congress has lit a fire under lawmakers who were already preparing War Powers Resolutions for a vote this week.<\/p>

\u201cIt's not the president's decision for how long this lasts, or even to start it in the first place,\u201d Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) said on CNN. \u201c This is a war of choice without congressional authorization, and he needs to come to Congress immediately to seek an authorization for the use of military force. Otherwise, these hostilities need to cease immediately.\u2019<\/p>

\u201cAnd the number one question that Congress needs to press upon in these debates is, what's the strategic end game?\u201d Auchincloss said. \u201cBecause the ayatollah is dead. Well, the ayatollah was 86 years old with a cancer diagnosis. So these bombs did what biology was going to do anyways.\u201d<\/p>

The war has ignited a fierce debate about just what exactly the The War Powers Resolution of 1973<\/a> \u2014 passed over President Richard Nixon's veto in the wake of the Vietnam War \u2014 requires. \u201cThe War Powers Resolution gives the president the authority to act for to up up to 60 days without prior congressional approval,\u201d argues Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-NC). \u201cThat authority exists for moments just like this when speed matters and American lives are on the line.\u201d<\/p>

The law, which some scholars argue is unconstitutional, states: \u201cThe President in every possible instance shall consult with Congress before introducing United States Armed Forces into hostilities or into a situation where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances.\u201d<\/p>

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) one of the sponsors argues there is no imminent threat. \u201cAll of the intelligence I've seen in 13 years on the Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees tell me there is no imminent threat from Iran that justifies sending our sons and daughters into war.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cThe president can act to imminently defend the United States against imminent attack, if that happens without congressional approval needing later ratification by Congress. But if you're going to initiate war, you need Congress,\u201d Kaine said on Fox News Sunday. \u201cThe president not only did not come to Congress to seek a debate or vote, he acted without even notification to the vast majority of us.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cThis is an illegal war,\u201d Kanie said. \u201cI have a War Powers Resolution queued up for vote this week, and I'm encouraging my colleagues to assert the constitutional power vested in the legislative branch.<\/p>

On CBS, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) predicted the votes will back Trump\u2019s decision to us the U.S. military to try to bring down the Iranian regime, especially now that U.S. forces are in harms way.<\/p>

\u201cI expect there'll be overwhelming Republican support for our troops, for our troops, and for the president's decision to finally eliminate the threat of Iran,\u201d Cotton said on Face the Nation. \u2018I would invite Democrats in the Congress to join their Democratic colleagues like John Fetterman and Josh Gottheimer and Greg Landsman in supporting our troops in finally putting America's foot down against the Islamic Republic of Iran.\u201d<\/p>

RUBIO ALERTED GANG OF EIGHT BEFORE IRAN ATTACK, IN CONTRAST TO VENEZUELA MISSION<\/a><\/p>

THE RUNDOWN:<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: US and Israel launch \u2018preemptive\u2019 attack against Iran<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Trump announces \u2018massive and ongoing operation\u2019 against Iran<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Iran operation to last four weeks, Trump says<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Three US service members killed in operations against Iran, CENTCOM says<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Trump predicts more US deaths in Iran operation<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Iranian attacks kill a dozen across Israel, UAE, and Kuwait<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: New Iranian supreme leader to be chosen in \u2018one or two days\u2019 after Khamenei killed<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: US uses \u2018low-cost one-way attack drones\u2019 for first time in combat during Iran strikes<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Monitoring the situation: White House releases photos of Trump, Rubio and team being briefed on Iran operation<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Rubio alerted Gang of Eight before Iran attack, in contrast to Venezuela mission<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Trump dodges questions on Iran after returning to Washington<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: B-2 stealth bombers hit Iranian ballistic missile sites with 2,000-pound bombs: CENTCOM<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Trump says US has sunk nine Iranian navy ships and \u2018largely destroyed\u2019 headquarters<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: How the CIA planned the perfect moment to kill Iran\u2019s Khamenei after months of surveillance<\/p>

Washington Examiner:<\/a> UK, France, and Germany jump into the fray in Iran, vowing to defend Gulf allies<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Texas bar shooting suspect wore \u2018Property of Allah\u2019 clothing with Iranian flag<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Israel struck Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, IDF says <\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: DHS releasing some illegal border crossers into US despite claims of \u2018zero\u2019 releases<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: As war in Ukraine enters fifth year, peace remains elusive<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Tom Rogan Opinion: Opinion: Khamenei is dead. We\u2019re about to learn how many terrorists crossed the US border<\/p>

Washington Examiner<\/a>: Tom Rogan Opinion: Trump shakes Iran\u2019s tree to see what falls out<\/p>

AP<\/a>: War Powers Debate Intensifies After Trump Orders Attack on Iran Without Approval by Congress<\/p>

AP<\/a>: US intel did not suggest a preemptive strike from Iran before US-Israeli attacks, AP sources say<\/p>

Washington Post<\/a>: Push from Saudis, Israel Helped Move Trump to Attack Iran<\/p>

New York Times<\/a>: The C.I.A. Helped Pinpoint a Gathering of Iranian Leaders. Then Israel Struck.<\/p>

AP<\/a>: More than 550 people killed in Iran, Iranian Red Crescent Society says<\/p>

Politico<\/a>: Putin\u2019s Friendship Has Limits\u2014as Iran Just Found Out<\/p>

Wall Street Journal<\/a>: U.S. Races to Accomplish Iran Mission Before Munitions Run Out<\/p>

Defense One<\/a>: Shahed Drone Meets Clone in US War on Iran<\/p>

Air & Space Forces Magazine<\/a>: Weapons of \u2018Epic Fury\u2019: Fighters, Missiles, and \u2018Special Capabilities\u2019<\/p>

The War Zone<\/a>: America\u2019s New PrSM Ballistic Missile Just Made Its Combat Debut<\/p>

Breaking Defense<\/a>: Here\u2019s How Cyber Could Have Been Used to Target Iran in Operation Epic Fury<\/p>

SpaceNews<\/a>: Space Force Opens Secretive Space Tracking to Commercial Firms<\/p>

DefenseScoop<\/a>: Pentagon to Publish Open-Source Software Stack for 5G, 6G Network Innovation<\/p>

Air & Space Forces Magazine<\/a>: Sentinel ICBM Restructure to Bring \u2018More Capability Faster,\u2019 Top Commanders Say<\/p>

Air & Space Forces Magazine<\/a>: AMC Boss: New Airlifter, Connectivity Are Top Problems to Solve<\/p>

Air & Space Forces Magazine<\/a>: Air Guard Cuts Tactical Air Control Units, Adds Cyber Operators<\/p>

CBSA<\/a>: Breaking the Double Bind: U.S. Defense Strategy and Multi-Theater Deterrence<\/p>

THE CALENDAR: <\/p>

MONDAY | MARCH 2 <\/p>

9:15 a.m. 430 Dirksen \u2014 U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission hearing: \"Part of Your World: U.S.-China Competition Under the Sea,\u201d with Navy Vice Adm. Richard Seif, commander,<\/p>

 Naval Submarine Forces; and Navy Rear Adm. Mike Brookes, commander, Office of Naval Intelligence; Jason Hsu, senior fellow, Hudson Institute; Seaver Wang, director of climate and energy at the Breakthrough Institute; and David Calhoun, director at Baron https:\/\/www.uscc.gov<\/a><\/p>

12 p.m. \u2014 Center for Strategic and International Studies virtual discussion: \u201cU.S. and Israel Strike Iran \u2014 What Comes Next?\u201d with CSIS experts Mona Yacoubian, Seth Jones, Emily Harding, and Clayton Seigle https:\/\/www.csis.org\/events\/us-and-israel-strike-iran-what-comes-next<\/a><\/p>

12 p.m. \u2014 Foreign Policy webinar: \"Is Cuba Next?\" with Peter Kornbluh, director, George Washington University National Security Archives Cuba Documentation Project https:\/\/foreignpolicy.com\/live\/is-cuba-next\/?<\/a><\/p>

12 p.m. \u2014 Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies virtual book discussion: Warhead: How the Brain Shapes War and War Shapes the Brain with author Nicholas Wright, affiliated scholar, Georgetown University Medical Center for Clinical bioethics https:\/\/sais.jhu.edu\/campus-events?<\/a><\/p>

12 p.m. \u2014 Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft virtual discussion: \"The Trump Doctrine,\" with Asli Bali, non-resident fellow, Quincy Institute and professor at Yale Law School; Aziz Rana, non-resident fellow, Quincy Institute and professor of law at Cornell University; and Trita Parsi, co-founder and executive vice president of the Quincy Institute https:\/\/quincyinst.org\/events\/the-trump-doctrine<\/a><\/p>

12 p.m. \u2014 Washington Institute for Near East Policy virtual forum: \"Ukraine Diplomacy and the Middle East,\" with retired Lt. Gen. Joseph Kellogg, former special presidential envoy for Ukraine; and Anna Borshchevskaya, WINEP senior fellow https:\/\/washingtoninstitute-org.zoom.us\/webinar\/register<\/a><\/p>

TUESDAY | MARCH 3<\/p>

8 a.m. 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW \u2014 Hudson Institute discussion: \"Securing Venezuela's Freedom after Maduro,\" with Leopoldo Lopez, Venezuelan opposition leader https:\/\/www.hudson.org\/events\/securing-venezuelas-freedom-after-maduro<\/a><\/p>

9 a.m. 226 Dirksen \u2014 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing: \u201cOversight of the Homeland Security Department,\" with testimony from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem http:\/\/judiciary.senate.gov<\/a><\/p>

9:30 a.m. 216 Hart \u2014 Senate Armed Services Committee hearing: \"Update on the National Defense Strategy,\" with testimony from Elbridge Colby, undersecretary of defense for policy http:\/\/www.armed-services.senate.gov<\/a><\/p>

12 p.m. \u2014 Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft virtual book discussion: Israel, Palestine, U.S. complicity, and the March to War with Iran, with author Robert Malley, lecturer and senior fellow, Yale Jackson School; Khaled Elgindy, senior fellow, Quincy Institute Middle East Program; and Trita Parsi, co-founder and executive vice president of the Quincy Institute https:\/\/quincyinst.org\/events\/book-talk<\/a><\/p>

9:30 a.m. \u2014 Henry L. Stimson Center virtual discussion: \"North Korea's Ninth Party Congress: Domestic and Global Implications,\" with former Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation Vann Van Diepen; Michael Madden, founder of North Korea Leadership Watch and nonresident fellow, Stimson Center 38 North Program; Rachel Minyoung Lee, senior fellow, Stimson Center's 38 North Program; and Jenny Town, director, Stimson Center's 38 North Program https:\/\/www.stimson.org\/event\/north-koreas-ninth-party-congress<\/a><\/p>

6 p.m. 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW \u2014 Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center and the Sheridan Libraries and University Museums discussion: \"How Are Marine Robots Shaping Our Future?,\" with James Bellingham, executive director, Johns Hopkins Institute for Assured Autonomy; and Neil Greenfieldboyce, science correspondent for NPR https:\/\/hub.jhu.edu\/events\/2026\/03\/03\/<\/a><\/p>

QUOTE OF THE DAY: \u201cWe are now using that military for good. We want to have it for good purpose. We're undertaking this massive operation not merely to ensure security for our own time and place, but for our children and their children, just as our ancestors have done for us many, many years ago. This is the duty and the burden of a free people. These actions are right and they are necessary to ensure that Americans will never have to face a radical, bloodthirsty terrorist regime, armed with nuclear weapons and lots of threats.\u201d President Donald Trump, in his recorded video remarks Sunday<\/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":"4475254-1772438400", "title":"Trump and DeSantis lock horns in GOP split over AI", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2Fpresidential%2F4475254%2Ftrump-desantis-lock-horns-gop-split-ai%2F", "byline":"David Sivak", "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. An emerging GOP rift over artificial intelligence is pitting two of […]", "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>

An emerging GOP rift over artificial intelligence<\/a> is pitting two of the most powerful figures in Florida politics against one another, as Gov.\u00a0Ron DeSantis<\/a>\u00a0(R-FL), a onetime rival of President\u00a0Donald Trump<\/a>, bucks the White House\u2019s light-touch regulatory approach.<\/p>

DeSantis has buried the hatchet with Trump since challenging him for the Republican nomination in 2024, fundraising on his behalf and running Florida with a Trumpian flair<\/a> that has earned him praise from the president. However, the two represent opposite poles of the party when it comes to AI, a fast-developing technology that has DeSantis pumping the brakes in his home state.<\/p>

He wants to curb the construction of energy-hungry data centers in Florida and is championing an AI \u201cbill of rights\u201d that would, among other things, give parents more control over how children access chatbots and other AI tools. Trump, by contrast, sees AI as a future bedrock of the American economy<\/a> and has used a heavy hand<\/a> to dissuade states from enacting new laws, going so far as to threaten lawsuits for any state that gets ahead of the administration.<\/p>

The policy dispute does not appear to have upended the detente between Trump and DeSantis, who insist in public<\/a> that the political sniping<\/a> that defined the 2024 campaign is ancient history. As recently as this month, the two were golfing together at his West Palm Beach course.<\/p>

It has raised questions<\/a>, however, over whether DeSantis is simply taking a principled stand, or if he is positioning himself for a coming debate over how closely to embrace a technology that could displace millions of jobs and fuel a backlash that might resonate with Trump\u2019s base.<\/p>

Trump has taken the party in a decidedly pro-AI direction, signing executive orders that cut red tape and aim to spur the construction of data centers in the United States. He is nonetheless preparing to leave his populist following to a successor, and DeSantis, who is term-limited and will leave the governor\u2019s mansion next year, is one of many Republicans who could seek the presidential nomination again in 2028.<\/p>

\u201cI think if anyone knows Florida, they know that Ron is doing this for one reason and one reason alone,\u201d said one GOP operative involved in Florida politics. \u201cIt's 2028 \u2014 the same way we're seeing Kamala [Harris] talk about 2028, it's the same way Ron's doing it.\"<\/p>

\u201cThey seem to think that the math has changed,\" said the operative, who requested anonymity to speak candidly. \"They seem to think that voters haven't already made up their minds.\u201d<\/p>

Vice President JD Vance, an early GOP front-runner for 2028, has sided with Trump, though he is mindful of polls<\/a> showing voter apprehension<\/a> toward the technology. In terms of jobs, he argues AI will help workers be more productive, rather than replace them, and frames AI as a national security imperative due to China\u2019s investments in the industry.<\/p>

TRUMP ORDERS EVERY FEDERAL AGENCY TO STOP USING ANTHROPIC<\/a><\/p>Red states under the microscope

That view has wide support among congressional Republicans, who believe the federal government should regulate AI, but with a light touch and one national standard.<\/p>

The rift can be seen more clearly at the state level, however, where GOP lawmakers in Tennessee, Nebraska, and elsewhere have begun to consider AI regulations despite a de facto moratorium Trump imposed in December 2025.<\/p>

The Florida Senate passed restrictions<\/a> on data center construction at DeSantis\u2019s urging on Thursday and was preparing to vote<\/a> on consumer protections as of last week, though movement has been slower in the state House, where the Republican speaker views AI laws with skepticism.<\/p>

Trump\u2019s ban was initially perceived as a counter to the regulations being passed in blue states such as Colorado and California, where conservatives have denounced laws against \u201calgorithmic discrimination<\/a>\u201d as opening the door to \u201cwoke\u201d search results. But the administration has increasingly demonstrated it wants to dissuade lawmakers in red states, too.<\/p>

The White House reportedly intervened<\/a> to stop DeSantis\u2019s AI bill of rights from passing the Florida House. It separately informed Utah legislators of its opposition to an \u201cunfixable\u201d AI transparency bill<\/a> on Feb. 12, according to a letter obtained by the Washington Examiner.<\/p>

MASSIE OPPOSITION BECOMES TRUMP LITMUS TEST IN KENTUCKY SENATE RACE<\/a><\/p>DeSantis needles Trump

The White House is not entirely opposed to state-level regulation. AI czar David Sacks has previously said child safety laws would not be challenged by the administration.<\/p>

\u201cThe White House fully supports child safety and has never told a State that it cannot enact child safety protections,\u201d a White House official said in a statement, noting that Trump signed legislation last year to combat sexually explicit deepfakes online.<\/p>

Yet the crackdown has prompted DeSantis to accuse Trump of pursuing an \u201cAI amnesty,\u201d a term that has caught the attention<\/a> of the White House.<\/p>

The administration says that state regulations will create a confusing patchwork for the industry that could hamper AI growth and let larger states set the agenda for the rest of the country. DeSantis, meanwhile, has publicly challenged that logic, arguing that AI will go unregulated for years without state action, given a lack of movement on Capitol Hill.<\/p>

\u201cCongress could, theoretically, preempt states through legislation,\u201d DeSantis said<\/a> on X as Trump prepared to issue his executive order on AI.<\/p>

\u201cThe problem is that Congress hasn\u2019t proposed any coherent regulatory scheme but instead just wanted to block states from doing anything for 10 years, which would be an AI amnesty.\"<\/p>

DeSantis has similarly approached AI data centers with a not-in-my-backyard enthusiasm that combines affordability concerns with GOP skepticism of Big Tech. His proposals<\/a> seek to prevent consumers from paying more due to high AI energy use and to bar taxpayer subsidies for their construction.<\/p>

In a sign that DeSantis\u2019s agenda has political saliency, Trump rolled out an AI energy plan<\/a> to keep rates lower at his State of the Union<\/a> address last week.<\/p>

TRUMP BETS ON NUCLEAR TO POWER THE AI CENTURY<\/a><\/p>A new playbook

DeSantis\u2019s decision to butt heads with the White House on AI is a departure from the political mimicry<\/a> he tested in his failed campaign for president. It also defies the playbook he\u2019s employed since Trump won a second term.<\/p>

DeSantis called a special legislative session shortly before Trump took office to support his immigration crackdown. More recently, he\u2019s heeded the president\u2019s calls on redistricting, throwing his weight behind an effort to carve out as many as five additional House seats for Republicans in Washington.<\/p>

That approach has brought him back into the good graces of Trump, whose political orbit is dotted with Republicans who once opposed his return to the White House.<\/p>

\u201cYou\u2019re my friend, and you\u2019ll always be my friend,\u201d Trump told DeSantis in December 2025, when the two appeared together for the opening of the \u201cAlligator Alcatraz\u201d immigrant detention facility. \u201cWe may even have some skirmishes in the future \u2014 I doubt it.\u201d<\/p>

Not all Republicans, however, are so forgiving, particularly those who view his stance on AI as evidence that DeSantis is looking beyond Trump. His resistance stands in contrast to pro-AI allies such as Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), the front-runner to succeed him as governor next year.<\/p>

\u201cI mean, it's short-sighted, it's simple-minded,\u201d the GOP operative said. \"It's quintessentially Ron \u2014 you're talking about attacking AI, an industry that has brought so much to Florida.\"<\/p>

MAGA RIGHT SOURS ON THUNE OVER SAVE ACT FIGHT<\/a><\/p>

DeSantis, for his part, is happy to embrace the label of AI skeptic. His office replied to a request for comment with a \u201csampling\u201d of 15 different X posts DeSantis has shared since November 2025 that warn of \u201cwoke AI,\u201d highlight the harm it could cause adolescents, or describe preferential treatment for AI companies as \u201cbad policy.\u201d<\/p>

His allies, meanwhile, have disputed<\/a> that DeSantis is making a political calculation by splitting with Trump.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP25182704051865-e1772464438449.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476480-1772438206", "title":"WATCH LIVE: Pentagon addresses Iran strikes for first time", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fdefense%2F4476480%2Fwatch-live-pentagon-addresses-iran-strikes-first-time%2F", "byline":"David Zimmermann", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Pentagon is set to hold a press conference on the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes that targeted Iran over the weekend. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine are expected to answer reporters’ questions about “Operation Epic Fury.” TRUMP SUGGESTS IRAN WAR COULD CONTINUE FOR WEEKS, AS US SUFFERS […]", "description":""

The Pentagon<\/a> is set to hold a press conference on the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes that targeted Iran<\/a> over the weekend.<\/p>

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth<\/a> and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine<\/a> are expected to answer reporters' questions about \"Operation Epic Fury.\"<\/p>

TRUMP SUGGESTS IRAN WAR COULD CONTINUE FOR WEEKS, AS US SUFFERS FIRST CASUALTIES AND OIL PRICES SURGE<\/a><\/p>

This is the first time the two military leaders are publicly speaking about the mission. President Donald Trump<\/a> previously provided updates in video addresses.<\/p>

The press conference is scheduled to start on Monday at 8 a.m.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26058502425850.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4469588-1772434800", "title":"First round of March Social Security payments goes out in nine days", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F4469588%2Ffirst-round-march-social-security-payments-nine-days%2F", "byline":"Asher Notheis", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The first round of March Social Security payments for retirees, now capped at $5,108, will be issued in nine days. When will payments arrive? Retirees born on or before the 10th of a month will receive this payment on March 11.  The second round will go out on March 18 to those born between the […]", "description":""

The first round of March Social Security payments for retirees, now capped at $5,108, will be issued in nine days.<\/p>When will payments arrive?

Retirees born on or before the 10th of a month will receive this payment on March 11. <\/p>

The second round will go out on March 18 to those born between the 11th and 20th of a month, and the third round will go out on March 25 to those born on or after the 21st of a month.<\/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 on a recipient\u2019s retirement age<\/a>. 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 using the SSA\u2019s calculator<\/a>.<\/p>

US UNABLE TO \u2018FIGHT EVERY DRONE THREAT\u2019 AT FIFA WORLD CUP GAMES: OFFICIAL<\/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 the SSA will no longer be able to issue full payments<\/a> as early as 2034, due to a rising number of retirees and a shrinking workforce.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Social-Security-money-11-5.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4469660-1772434800", "title":"April Social Security direct payment worth $994 goes out in 30 days", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F4469660%2Fapril-social-security-benefits-payment-supplemental-security-income%2F", "byline":"Asher Notheis", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The April 2026 Supplemental Security Income payments, worth up to $994, will be issued to recipients in 30 days. Beneficiaries are people with limited income who are either blind, aged 65 and older, or have a qualifying disability. The amount beneficiaries receive varies based on several factors, including the number of people filing. For example, […]", "description":""

The April 2026 Supplemental Security Income<\/a> payments, worth up to $994, will be issued to recipients in 30 days.<\/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 $994<\/a>, couples filing jointly can receive $1,491, and those providing essential care to SSI recipients can receive up to $498. <\/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>

Recipients must also live in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands. They must not be absent from the United States for a full calendar month or 30 consecutive days.<\/p>

JUDGE DECLINES TO REMOVE PROSECUTORS IN CHARLIE KIRK MURDER CASE<\/a><\/p>

SSI payments are typically issued on the first day of each month. For months when the first day of a month falls on a weekend or holiday, these payments are issued on the last business day of the previous month, like March\u2019s payment.<\/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\/2026\/02\/Social-Security-9-4.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475082-1772434800", "title":"Memoirs from potential presidential candidates shed light on their 2028 strategies", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F4475082%2Fmemoirs-potential-presidential-candidates-shed-light-2028-strategy%2F", "byline":"Emily Hallas", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"A series of potential Democratic presidential contenders have signed off on memoirs ahead of the 2028 election cycle, laying the groundwork to build inroads with crucial demographics. Several of those viewed as likely candidates, including Govs. Josh Shapiro (D-PA) and Andy Beshear (D-KY), have made faith central to their autobiographies, a move that comes as […]", "description":""

A series of potential Democratic presidential contenders<\/a> have signed off on memoirs ahead of the 2028 election cycle<\/a>, laying the groundwork to build inroads with crucial demographics.<\/p>

Several of those viewed as likely candidates, including Govs. Josh Shapiro (D-PA) and Andy Beshear (D-KY), have made faith central to their autobiographies, a move that comes as Republicans have dominated religious conversations in a country where around three-quarters<\/a> of Americans identify with a religion. Elizabeth Ashford, a Los Angeles-based strategist, said that emphasizing faith<\/a> will not necessarily push a candidate across the finish line. But it could appeal particularly to younger voters thirsty for \u201cmoral leadership,\u201d she suggested.<\/p>

\u201cFor a long time, Democrats have probably avoided talking about their, you know, authentic faith and faith practices to, like, their own detriment,\u201d she said. \u201cThe Right, Republicans, I think, have done a very strategic job of making that theirs.\u201d<\/p>Josh Shapiro

In Where We Keep the Light, Shapiro<\/a> ushered his views on faith, Jews, and Israel into the limelight. In one passage, the Pennsylvania<\/a> Democrat, who is a practicing Jew<\/a>, detailed facing antisemitic treatment from former Vice President Kamala Harris\u2019s team when she was considering him to be her running mate in 2024. That account, among others, particularly stirred the waters, marking his potential appeal to pro-Israel voters.<\/p>

Ashford suggested Shapiro is laying the groundwork early to make it clear to voters who he is, explaining that being on the campaign trail is \u201cbrutal, and you have to really be on your toes and have positions.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cWhat's happening in our nation, around Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza, you know, there's a real demand that people have a position,\u201d she said. <\/p>

\u201cIf this is part of your fundraising base, and who you are and your family, it might be difficult to shift away from being in a position that is pro-Israeli, if you are on the record for your whole career being that, to shift gears spontaneously for the purposes of this election,\u201d she continued. \u201cPeople turn away from inauthenticity. So, Shapiro might just be like, This is who I am.\u201d<\/p>

In his book, Shapiro said that during the vetting process<\/a>, Harris staffers asked him if he had ever been an agent of the Israeli government or \u201cever communicated with an undercover agent of Israel.\u201d Shapiro replied he found the question \u201coffensive,\u201d writing that he has struggled with living out his faith in a time when it \u201cis more tenuous than ever to be Jewish in America.\u201d<\/p>

\u201c[I] wondered whether these questions were being posed to just me \u2014 the only Jewish guy in the running \u2014 or if everyone who had not held a federal office was being grilled about Israel in the same way,\u201d he said. <\/p>

Shapiro also writes of facing his son\u2019s questions last April about whether the firebombing of their home shortly after the family celebrated the first Seder of Passover happened because they were Jewish. Though he says vitriol has \u201conly intensified\u201d in recent years for daring to \u201clive my Judaism out loud,\u201d the governor pitched faith as the great unifier. <\/p>

\u201cNow more than ever, we yearn for and need a world defined by faith. It's universal, this belief in others to help us through what feels unsettled, uncivil, un-American. It's a guidepost, a path through the woods. When the dark feels like it could consume us whole and churn us up and lose us, it is where we keep the light,\u201d he wrote. <\/p>Andy Beshear

Beshear<\/a> announced in February that he, too, would have a memoir released this year. The Kentucky governor has adopted a more overtly progressive take on religion than Shapiro. His book, Go and Do Likewise: How to Heal a Broken Country, is set to be published in September. The memoir will be centered on faith \u201cas a force for good in public life\u201d and a \u201crebuke to how faith has been hijacked, profaned, misused, and corrupted by Donald Trump.\u201d  <\/p>

It\u2019s an approach that could ingratiate himself with progressives, who are often younger, a demographic Ashford said is \u201ccertainly\u201d turning to faith in greater numbers than older generations. She particularly referenced voters who see \u201cmoral harm\u201d in the Trump administration\u2019s immigration policy<\/a>.  <\/p>

\u201cIs there a return to faith? Yeah, but I think that as diverse, maybe, as America itself,\u201d Ashord said. \u201cLike for some people, returning to faith and having a thirst to hear more will take the form of looking for some moral leadership in very painful and difficult times from a democratic perspective.\"<\/p>

Beshear\u2019s interpretation of Christianity<\/a> has led him to embrace anti-Trump positions on a range of issues, which could broaden his appeal to the progressive movement. Last year, during a tour of South Carolina, a Bible Belt state that plays a key role in Democrats\u2019 presidential nominating process, Shapiro said he\u2019s a \u201cproud pro-LGBTQ+<\/a> governor\u201d and used his faith to explain his position to voters, including why he vetoed measures that would have restricted children from pursuing sex changes or undergoing transgender operations. <\/p>

\u201cMy faith teaches me that all children are children of God, and I didn\u2019t want people picking on those kids,\u201d Beshear said.<\/p>

The pre-order page <\/a>for the Kentucky governor\u2019s memoir describes him as \u201ca leading Democratic voice against the cruel, corrupt, and immoral practices of Donald Trump and his administration.\u201d Go and Do Likewise, which is a direct reference to the Biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, is touted as \u201ca book for everyone who believes in justice and doing right by their neighbor.\u201d <\/p>

As a red-state governor, Beshear has also sought to cast himself as proof that Democrats can compete in Republican strongholds. <\/p>

\u201cI\u2019m a proud pro-choice governor, I\u2019m a proud pro-LGBTQ+ governor, and I\u2019m a proud pro-diversity <\/a>governor,\u201d Beshear said during a dinner for Democrats in South Carolina\u2019s conservative Georgetown County. \u201cSome people would tell you that a Democrat can\u2019t win in a state like mine or yours with that resume. Yet here I am.\u201d<\/p>

Ashford suggested that the trend of Democrats, including Beshear, being more open about their religion could be part of a strategy to take back voters who crossed party lines to support Trump<\/a>. If so, it would be a strategy Beshear is well-positioned to play. The president won reelection in Kentucky by over 30 percentage points in 2024. Beshear won his gubernatorial reelection in the state by 5% the previous year.<\/p>

\u201cFaith doesn't play badly in vast tranches of America,\u201d Ashford said. \u201cThere were folks who moved over to Trump, who, you know, are Democrats\u2026.And Democrats intelligently want to bring them back.\u201d <\/p>Gavin Newsom

Gov. Gavin Newsom<\/a> (D-CA) released his memoir, Young Man in a Hurry, on Tuesday. The governor has promoted the book as a means to reveal the \u201cmessy\u201d underpinnings of his life, in contrast to \u201csanitized\u201d memoirs he slammed others for releasing. <\/p>

\u201cThere\u2019s a line in the book about plaster crumbling. That wasn\u2019t metaphorical. That was real. I had built armor \u2014 professional, polished, controlled. I thought it was a strength. Sometimes it was. Sometimes it was fear,\u201d he wrote in a Fox Digital op-ed <\/a>highlighting the book. \u201cFor years, I believed that if I worked harder, responded faster, and explained more clearly, I could reshape public perception. But caricatures persist because they serve a purpose. Fighting them endlessly can become a trap in itself,\u201d he continued, musing that he had to come to accept \u201cmy insecurities rather than masking them\u201d and recognize \u201cthat I had sometimes been too self-absorbed to see how my ambitions affected the people closest to me.\u201d <\/p>

The California<\/a> Democrat is using his book tour, with stops planned in Georgia, South Carolina, and New Hampshire, as a strategic bid to court black voters, according to Brian Arbour, a political science professor at the City University of New York. <\/p>

\"The reason it's important on the Democratic side is that usually slightly over half of the electorate in the South Carolina Democratic primary is African American,\" he told KPVI<\/a>. \"It plays a very important role, because obviously African Americans are an essential part of the Democratic base.\"<\/p>

In the book, as on his national tour, Newsom has appeared intent on shedding perceptions that he is a slick member of a privileged and out-of-touch political establishment, telling a predominantly black audience in Atlanta earlier this week, \u201cI\u2019m like you.\u201d<\/p>

\"I'm not trying to impress you,\" Newsom said. \"I'm just trying to impress upon you I'm like you. I'm no better than you. I'm a 960 SAT guy.\"<\/p>

The governor tells a similar story in his book, recounting a childhood spent grappling with dyslexia, philandering bachelor years, carrying on an affair with Ruby Rippey-Tourk, his aide\u2019s wife, and watching his mother die by assisted suicide after struggling with breast cancer. It\u2019s a memoir aimed at peeling back the \u201cguarded\u201d he\u2019s cultivated to compensate for the feeling of inner inadequacies, according to Newsom. <\/p>

HILLARY CLINTON SAYS DEMOCRATS HAVE \u2018GOOD BENCH\u2019 FOR 2028<\/a><\/p>

Ashford said politicians like Newsom write books because \u201cobviously they want to get ahead of any narratives that might be negative,\u201d including opposition research that typically comes out during campaigns. <\/p>

\u201cThere's obviously that very tactical part of it, which is you just want to get everything out that you can, and then it's taken care of, right? Because you have owned that narrative, and it\u2019s in the public record,\u201d she said. <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26044732183364.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476356-1772433000", "title":"James Talarico offers Democrats a vision of faith that doesn’t conflict with the Left", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2Fcongressional%2F4476356%2Fjames-talarico-democrats-vision-of-faith%2F", "byline":"Lauren Green", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"SAN ANTONIO — Texas state Rep. James Talarico‘s Senate bid is offering a vision of Christianity that fits comfortably within the Left — and giving Democrats uneasy with religion permission to engage with it on their own terms. Talarico’s campaign blended prayer, pop music, and progressive politics at a rally in San Antonio on Sunday. […]", "description":""

SAN ANTONIO \u2014 Texas state Rep. James Talarico<\/a>'s Senate bid is offering a vision of Christianity<\/a> that fits comfortably within the Left \u2014 and giving Democrats<\/a> uneasy with religion permission to engage with it on their own terms.<\/p>

Talarico's campaign blended prayer, pop music, and progressive politics<\/a> at a rally in San Antonio on Sunday. A maxed capacity crowd turned out to Stable Hall, a San Antonio music venue, for the event which began with 10 minutes of \"community building\" \u2014 where attendees were encouraged to get to know those standing to their left and right.<\/p>

The socializing was followed by a pastor taking the stage to warm up the crowd.<\/p>

\u201cLet us always be about extending our hand in peace to everyone, most especially the opposition, Amen?\u201d the pastor said as the crowd echoed amen. \u201cBecause if we are going to heal as a nation, if we are going to be well again as a nation, we need great leaders like James, but we also need the people to never go to sleep again and not to slack off. We need the people to be paying attention and to be out there.\u201d<\/p>

Talarico was met by energized voters<\/a> when he finally took the stage in Wrangler jeans and Lucchese boots. His stump speech, although heavily religious in tone, offered plenty of red meat for the Democrats in attendance. <\/p>

Talarico accused billionaires \u2014 or the \"top\" in his parlance \u2014 of dividing \"by party, by race, by gender, by religion\" the working people \u2014 the \"bottom\" \u2014 in order to \"pick our pockets.\" He said Republicans were engaging in cancel culture and trying to \"control what we watch, what we say, what we read.\" <\/p>

One attendee jumped up in agreement, clapping as Talarico called for the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. 48-year-old Elizabeth Parra, who brought her mom to the rally, teared up as he related his message back to the Bible. <\/p>

\u201cI feel a lot of Christians are progressive, and they just were feeling isolated and ostracized, but I think this is helping, because he's actually resonating with us like the way,\u201d Parra told the Washington Examiner, as she went on to explain how she left the church nearly a decade ago, but has seen the religion in a new light through Talarico.\u00a0<\/p>

Talarico\u2019s \u201cprogressive\u201d view of Christianity might appeal to Democrats, but it's sure to be a target if he triumphs over Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) for the Democratic nomination in Tuesday's primary election. Republicans have honed in on his comment during a 2021 Texas legislature speech that \u201cGod is nonbinary,\u201d but his supporters seemed not to bat an eye at the progressive stance.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cI think it is along that line of saying that God does transcend all limitations, so you wouldn't just be one gender or one sex, he's omnipotent, he's everywhere, he's everything,\u201d Parra said of the comment.<\/p>

57-year-old Elizabeth Rosenbulm, who had never attended a political rally before Sunday, told the Washington Examiner she often feels like she is on an island as a Christian Democrat, but Talarico and his supporters have made her feel heard, calling his message \u201csimple but powerful.\u201d<\/p>

While Talarico took the time to take a picture with each of the hundreds of attendees, the DJ switched between Bad Bunny and Ella Langley. Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican artist whose political leanings and anti-ICE sentiment have made him an icon among Democrats, was invoked by Talarico multiple times during the rally. <\/p>

\"Bad Bunny, one of my favorite artists, gave one of the best Super Bowl halftime performances of all time. And then I saw that Kid Rock, someone I grew up listening to, held a counter concert. I didn't even know that was a thing,\" said Talarico as the crowd booed Kid Rock.<\/p>

\"What leads someone to protest that beautiful halftime show? I think it's fear, fear of the unknown, fear of change, fears we all struggle with, but there was nothing to be afraid of in that halftime performance,\" he added. \"Just joy and unity and love, because, in the words of scripture, love casts out fear. Or in the words of Bad Bunny, the only thing more powerful than hate is love.\"<\/p>

Talarico\u2019s Christian-infused campaign long predates his Senate bid. He\u2019s gone viral<\/a> multiple times for calling for gun control and opposing a push by Republican state lawmakers to add the Ten Commandments to public classrooms.<\/p>

22-year-old Ryan Guerra told the Washington Examiner he first became aware of Talarico after listening to him on Joe Rogan\u2019s podcast last year. The interview prompted Guerra to look into politics more after voting Republican in the past. Guerra said he believes Talarico resonated with him enough to flip his vote and that his Christian values have pushed him to think \u201cmore of what you believe in.\u201d<\/p>

DOES JAMES TALARICO HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO FLIP THE TEXAS SENATE SEAT<\/a><\/p>

While Talarico\u2019s supporters remain hopeful, the candidate\u2019s political future \u2014 and how broadly his message resonates \u2014 is uncertain. Polls in recent weeks have shown both Crockett and Talarico leading, but the margin is what matters. If neither candidate receives more than 50%, a runoff will be required. <\/p>

Crockett, who is serving her second term in the House, is a rising star and seen as more of a fighter than Talarico. The congresswoman's position has benefited from attempts by Republicans to label her as the new face of the Democratic Party. Crockett has been all too happy to help, focusing much of her campaign on attacking President Donald Trump. Her launch video underscored heavily the insults that Trump has lobbed in her direction. <\/p>

Tuesday's primary will test whether Democrats want a combative figure like Crockett or Talarico, whose campaign events are a safe space for faith \u2014 carefully redefined to fit progressive politics. Talarico may quote scripture and talk about love being more powerful than hate, but in the age of Trump are Democrats really ready to follow the Bible and turn the other cheek?<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_7119-e1772411941908.jpeg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476431-1772431680", "title":"Three US fighter jets downed in Kuwait in ‘friendly fire’ accident", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F4476431%2Fa-number-of-us-fighter-jets-crash-in-kuwait%2F", "byline":"Washington Examiner Staff", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Three U.S. military jets “went down” in Kuwait in a friendly fire incident, the Pentagon announced Monday morning. The three F-15s were shot down during active combat by the Kuwaiti air defense systems. The six pilots were ejected and are in stable condition, according to a U.S. CENTCOM release issued Monday. “At 11:03 p.m. ET, […]", "description":""

Three U.S. military jets \"went down\" in Kuwait<\/a> in a friendly fire incident, the Pentagon<\/a> announced Monday morning.<\/p>

The three F-15s were shot down during active combat by the Kuwaiti air defense systems. The six pilots were ejected and are in stable condition, according to a U.S. CENTCOM<\/a> release issued Monday. <\/p>

\"At 11:03 p.m. ET, March 1, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident,\" the release said.<\/a> \"During active combat\u2014that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones \u2014 the U.S. Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses.\"<\/p>

The cause of the incident is under investigation, CENTCOM confirmed. <\/p>

F-15E Strike Eagles, the planes involved, seat two crew members: a pilot and a weapon system officer, according to the U.S. Air Force. It is \"designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions\" and can be used during low-altitude flights, \"day or night and in all weather.\"<\/p>

The incident comes as U.S., Israeli, and Iranian military forces battle throughout the Middle East and Persian Gulf region. Kuwait has been one of the many Gulf States to be hit by retaliatory strikes from Iran and its proxies.<\/p>

So far, four U.S. service members have been killed during the operation. CENTCOM said they were killed during the attack in Iran but did not provide additional details about where or when they were killed. <\/p>

A drone attack over the weekend caused damage and chaos at the Kuwait International Airport<\/a>, the country's aviation authority said Saturday. Minor injuries were reported. A Kuwaiti military base that housed Italian soldiers was also hit Saturday, according to Kuwaiti officials, though no casualties were reported.<\/p>

After the friendly-fire incident, the country's Ministry of Defense said \"direct coordination\" took place<\/a> with U.S. forces and \"joint technical measures\" were taken.<\/p>

\u201cHe stressed that the relevant authorities are following up on the investigations to determine the causes of the accident, calling for information to be obtained from official sources,\u201d the post noted. <\/p>

UK, FRANCE, AND GERMANY JUMP INTO THE FRAY IN IRAN, VOWING TO DEFEND GULF ALLIES<\/a><\/p>

Two videos circulated on social media <\/a>showing the crashes. In one video, a U.S. fighter jet is seen on fire and free-falling to the ground near the U.S. Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, CNN reported. In a second video, a pilot was seen ejected from his aircraft and parachuted to the ground. <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Air-Force.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4473612-1772431200", "title":"NEA’s hyper-fixation on race shows fight against ‘woke’ indoctrination is not over", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F4473612%2Fnea-hyper-fixation-on-race-woke-indoctrination%2F", "byline":"Chloe Hunt", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Critics say “woke” education is fading. Some even say it’s dead. But the National Education Association‘s training materials suggest the opposite. In a program called “Leaders for Just Schools,” the largest teachers’ union in our country teaches educators and administrators how to improve schools for everyone. Well, at least that’s what they claim. The Leaders for Just Schools […]", "description":""

Critics say \u201cwoke\u201d education<\/a> is fading. Some even say it\u2019s dead. But the National Education Association<\/a>'s training\u00a0materials\u00a0suggest the opposite<\/a>.<\/p>

In a program called \u201cLeaders for Just Schools,\u201d the largest teachers\u2019 union in our country teaches educators and administrators how to\u00a0improve schools<\/a> for everyone. Well, at least that\u2019s what they claim.<\/p>

The Leaders for Just Schools training includes sections<\/a> on oppression, white privilege, microaggressions, biases, and racial dialogue. The goal of the training, according to the documents, is for participants to walk away with the tools to create equitable education systems, advocate for equity, empower students, and transform policy. <\/p>

WHY DO FAIRFAX DEMOCRATS KEEP FIGHTING FOR RACISM IN SCHOOLS?<\/a><\/p>

As the largest labor union in the country<\/a> dedicated to achieving \u201csuccess, justice, and equity in our nation\u2019s public schools\u201d as well as the \u201cwell-being of all our students,\u201d the NEA wields enormous influence over how educators are trained to think about their role in the classroom. Leaders for Just Schools is a three-year-long program, one that NEA president Becky Pringle claims is more vital now than ever<\/a> due to ongoing efforts in the country to whitewash history and marginalize black students, students of color, LGBT students, and more. <\/p>

The emphasis on privilege and identity begins at the start of the training<\/a>, when educators are asked to \u201cidentify their privilege\u201d and recall the first time they interacted with someone different from themselves. From there, participants receive a rundown on equity and biases, involving looking at \u201c-ISMS,\u201d which are defined as, \u201cWhen one group experiences privileges and advantages over another group or groups.\u201d<\/p>

The training then moves into a lengthy section on \u201cprivilege,\u201d which runs through Peggy McIntosh\u2019s magnum opus titled White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack. For those of you who haven't read it, here\u2019s a quick rundown: men are unwilling to acknowledge their oppressive privilege, and similar sort of privilege applies to white people. According to McIntosh, meritocracy is a myth, and white privilege is so endemic to the United States\u2019s past and present that everyone really doesn\u2019t have democratic choice.\u00a0<\/p>

After reading this material, participating educators and administrators are then invited to go on what is known as a \u201cPrivilege Walk.\u201d In this exercise, the training facilitator reads a series of statements related to identity, opportunity, and life experience. Participants step forward or backward depending on whether the statements apply to them.\u00a0<\/p>

A couple example statements<\/a> are: \u201cIf you\u2019re in a position of power that has traditionally been held by people with dominant identity and social location markers, take one step forward\u201d and \"If your primary ethnic identity is \u201cAmerican, take one step forward.\" <\/p>

After this activity, participants are explicitly asked to connect privilege back to McIntosh\u2019s work on males and whiteness. <\/p>

If this training material is absorbed, and ultimately becomes how teachers view society and the educational system, the implications are troubling and numerous. Teachers are trusted to believe in the ability and power of every student. However, when teachers are trained to hyper-fixate on \u201cwhiteness,\u201d \u201cprivilege,\u201d and \u201coppression,\u201d the objective becomes less so education and more so indoctrination, top-down style.\u00a0<\/p>

This is not to deny that inequality exists. Of course it does. But if every interaction is framed through the lens of social privilege and hierarchy, teachers are no longer treating students equally \u2014 they\u2019re treating students differently based on their immutable characteristics and demographic markers.  <\/p>

In another part of the training focused on controlling people\u2019s language, the NEA separates the ways that race-related dialogue<\/a> can be silenced into \u201cwhite people\u201d and \u201cmarginalized people.\u201d More specifically, a white person could silence the dialogue by saying, \u201cI\u2019m not racist.\u201d On the other hand, someone in the \u201cmarginalized group\u201d could silence the dialogue with, \u201cI\u2019m going to let that one go.\u201d<\/p>

After this section, participants explore oppression, defined by the NEA as \u201cThe one-way systemic mistreatment of a defined group of people, with that mistreatment reinforced and supported by society where one group systematically enjoys privileges while the other group or groups systematically experience disadvantage.\" Once again, they are asked to connect it back to the privilege walk<\/a>, specifically through the question, \u201cIn what ways did the historical connections to the Privilege Walk prompts shift your thinking or expand your knowledge about privilege and oppression?'\u201d<\/p>

At a time when boys feel more withdrawn<\/a> now than ever from school, the NEA chooses to teach educators that males, as a group, are guilty of unconscious oppression. When fewer children<\/a> are finding joy and intellectual stimulation in schools, they insist on painting the bleakest picture of America as a nation steeped in white supremacy, racism and oppression. <\/p>

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPENT HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS INJECTING DEI INTO SCHOOL DISTRICTS<\/a><\/p>

The problem with this training isn\u2019t that race and privilege<\/a> are included. The problem is that these items are the NEA\u2019s main organizing principles. <\/p>

The NEA is one of the most powerful institutions in American education, and with that power comes the responsibility to strengthen our schools. If this is what \u201cjust schools\u201d means, then parents and lawmakers are justified in asking: Is this the best we can do for America\u2019s children?<\/p>

Chloe Hunt is an investigative reporter for Defending Education.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AP25073533787734.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474839-1772431200", "title":"Progressives bet big on anti-Israel sentiment to oust Valerie Foushee in North Carolina", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2Fcongressional%2F4474839%2Fvalerie-foushee-progressive-challenger-2026%2F", "byline":"Rachel Schilke", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"An under-the-radar primary in North Carolina is gaining national attention after morphing into another competitive battleground for progressives waging war against establishment Democrats, putting incumbent Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-NC) at risk of losing her seat in the state’s bluest district. The 69-year-old Foushee is facing Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam, a younger, more left-leaning candidate, […]", "description":""

An under-the-radar primary in North Carolina<\/a> is gaining national attention after morphing into another competitive battleground for progressives<\/a> waging war against establishment Democrats, putting incumbent Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-NC) at risk of losing her seat in the state's bluest district. <\/p>

The 69-year-old Foushee is facing Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam, a younger, more left-leaning candidate, in the March 3 primary. The congresswoman has been in this position before, defeating the 32-year-old Allam by nine points in the 2022 primary to replace former Rep. David Price<\/a>.<\/p>

The rematch reflects growing frustration with Foushee among younger, left-leaning voters who view her as insufficiently confrontational, particularly on Israel and outside political spending, in one of the safest Democratic districts in the country.<\/p>

\u201cThey feel like, not that it's now or never, but that now is a darn good time to be a progressive, and in a district that has moved this far to the left, I think they may be right,\u201d said Chris Cooper, political science professor at Western Carolina University.<\/p>

Allam, the first Muslim woman to hold elected office in North Carolina, is pitching herself as a champion who will go against the grain to advance left-leaning policies. She's been called proudly \"anti-Israel,\" supports abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and has a history of incendiary tweets like one from 2013 that simply says: \"F--- the police.\" <\/p>

Allam has aggressively highlighted that the American Israel Public Affairs Committee<\/a> spent over $2.1 million supporting Foushee's 2022 bid. She's also made much of the congresswoman\u2019s 2024 trip to Israel, where Foushee met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu<\/a>. Foushee has defended that trip, saying it was about fostering diplomatic relationships with a U.S. ally.<\/p>

Unlike four years ago, Foushee has moved to distance herself from AIPAC this cycle. <\/p>

\u201cAIPAC has not offered financial support in the last 18 months, but if offered, the Congresswoman would decline,\u201d a spokesperson for Foushee\u2019s campaign told\u00a0Indy Week\u00a0last August. \u201cShe will not accept AIPAC contributions during the 2026 campaign.\u201d<\/p>

But that promise was undercut after it was reported that Article One PAC, a group tied to a billionaire AIPAC donor, is dropping $600,000<\/a> on media supporting Foushee.<\/p>

Foushee said in a statement to the Washington Examiner that she does not coordinate with super PACs in accordance with the law. <\/p>

\"My voting record and continued support for legislation to stop arms sales to Israel speaks for itself,\" Foushee said. \"I have no control over outside expenditures.\u201d<\/p>

The race itself is being flooded with cash as David Hogg\u2019s<\/a> Leaders We Deserve PAC is spending six figures in support of Allam. Justice Democrats, a progressive group that supports Reps. Ilhan Omar<\/a> (D-MN) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez<\/a> (D-NY), has also spent $380,000 backing Allam.<\/p>

Foushee says she believes elections should be delivered by \"the candidates' merits and ability to deliver.\"<\/p>

\"My opponent clearly does not feel the same way,\" Foushee said of Allam. \"She invited millions in out-of-state dark money into this race over the last few months and is now trying to backtrack.\u201d<\/p>Progressives see another chance to defeat Democratic establishment

Progressives are riding high after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's<\/a> win last year over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who was heavily favored by establishment Democrats. They were also handed a significant victory last month when social justice activist Analilia Mejia bested former Rep. Tom Malinowski in a crowded Democratic primary for a special election in New Jersey's 11th congressional district.<\/p>

\u201cThe [North Carolina] race kind of reflects what we\u2019re seeing in the party, where there\u2019s this push for more of the younger generation to come in,\u201d said Doug Wilson, a North Carolina Democratic strategist and head of Alexander Wilson Consulting.<\/p>

Sen. Bernie Sanders<\/a> (I-VT) has endorsed Allam and even traveled to North Carolina to campaign on her behalf. <\/p>

Foushee, meanwhile, has the endorsement of former Gov. Roy Cooper (D-NC), who is running for Senate. She's also getting help from the Congressional Black Caucus. Rolling Sea Action Fund, a group aligned with the caucus, is already running an ad<\/a> highlighting Allam's use of a racial slur in an old X post.<\/p>

The ad could potentially undercut Allam's support in her own home base of Durham County, which has a large African American population. Allam\u2019s campaign did not respond to multiple requests for an interview.<\/p>

Despite the race being framed as an ideological battle on the Left, Foushee disputes that she is anything but a progressive. She pointed out that her caucus has endorsed her and that she has cosponsored legislation such as the Green New Deal and the Medicare for All Act.<\/p>

\u201cI want voters to know that I have been fighting and delivering progressive change for this district my entire life,\" Foushee told the Washington Examiner, pointing to various successes at the state and federal levels. \"My experience and track record in Congress position me to deliver the progressive change this district deserves as Democrats retake the majority.\u201d<\/p>

On the campaign trail, Foushee also touts that she's bringing home money for the district, including $20 million<\/a> for affordable housing and other community projects. Critics note that Foushee voted against<\/a> one of the bills that included some of that very funding.<\/p>

Allam, for her part, says that Foushee isn't doing enough to fight President Donald Trump's agenda.<\/p>

\u201cFolks are struggling, families are hurting, and they need their leadership in their safest blue seats to be stepping up and putting up a fight against this right-wing administration,\u201d Allam told<\/a> Spectrum News.<\/p>

The winner of the primary contest is all but assured to win the general election. Former Vice President Kamala Harris carried the district by 46 percentage points in 2024. <\/p>

WHATLEY BACKS CONGRESSIONAL STOCK TRADING BAN AS NORTH CAROLINA SENATE RACE HEATS UP<\/a><\/p>

While Allam's position might not be an issue for the seat, the same can't be said for other North Carolina Democrats.<\/p>

But one veteran North Carolina Republican operative, granted anonymity to speak freely, told the Washington Examiner they expect there will be efforts to try and tie Allam to Roy Cooper should she win.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/foushee-allam-2026-e1772224249511.jpg?1772205451&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475073-1772431200", "title":"Big week ahead for major legislation to address housing affordability woes", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fsenate%2F4475073%2Fbig-week-major-legislation-address-housing-affordability-woes%2F", "byline":"Zach Halaschak", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Senate is pushing ahead with a bipartisan bill to improve housing affordability, teeing up a critical week for housing on Capitol Hill and raising major questions about what provisions will be included. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) filed cloture on legislation from the House on Thursday, and the Senate will hold a vote on whether to proceed on […]", "description":""

The Senate<\/a> is pushing ahead with a bipartisan bill to improve housing<\/a> affordability, teeing up a critical week for housing on Capitol Hill and raising major questions about what provisions will be included.<\/p>

Senate Majority Leader\u00a0John Thune<\/a>\u00a0(R-SD) filed cloture on legislation from the House on Thursday, and the Senate will hold a vote on whether to proceed on Monday. The situation, particularly about what will be added or stripped out of the House bill by the Senate, is fluid.<\/p>

WHITE HOUSE\u00a0CIRCULATES\u00a0BILL TO BAN LARGE INVESTORS FROM SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING<\/a><\/p>

There have been two competing bipartisan housing bills \u2014 the Senate\u2019s ROAD to Housing Act<\/a> and the House\u2019s Housing for the 21st Century Act<\/a>. They share some important similarities, but also significant differences. <\/p>

The ROAD to Housing Act would change the federal government\u2019s role<\/a> in housing and would limit barriers to construction imposed by localities and environmental rules. The bill contains provisions encouraging local and state governments to build more housing.<\/p>

At a high level, the Housing for the 21st Century Act is designed to help modernize local development and rural housing programs, further expand manufactured and affordable housing finance opportunities, and protect borrowers and assisted families. It also enhances oversight of housing providers.<\/p>

Both measures have strong support from members of both parties who see housing affordability as one of the major problems facing the country. Still, it will be difficult to get a bill through both chambers with the support of the White House.<\/p>

The Senate might take the Housing for the 21st Century Act, strip it down, and add a lot of the text of its own bill into that shell. There will also likely be pieces of the House bill that were not in the ROAD to Housing Act that will remain in, although it is not clear which ones.<\/p>

One significantly different measure in the House bill is a provision that would overhaul the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, a major housing program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development<\/a>.<\/p>

A senior GOP Senate aide told the\u00a0Washington Examiner\u00a0that the legislation is being framed as \u201cROAD to housing, plus\u201d and will include additions to what was in the original iteration of ROAD to Housing, which previously passed the Senate last year as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, but it was cut from the legislation in the House and did not become law.<\/p>

Still, the parameters of the negotiations are in flux.\u201cI\u2019m expecting they will probably \u2026 strip out 21st Century and put in much of the ROAD to Housing Act, and then potentially put in other elements of the 21st Century bill,\u201d Dennis Shea, executive vice president and chairman of the Bipartisan Policy Center\u2019s housing policy center, told the Washington Examiner.<\/p>

But the idea of gutting the House bill and inserting much of the Senate bill might not sit well with some on the House side.<\/p>

A senior House aide told the Washington Examiner that there needs to be \u201cserious negotiation\u201d as part of the process.<\/p>

\u201cGiven the significant bipartisan support in the House, replacing the text of the Housing for the 21st Century Act with ROAD to Housing would be an affront to the legislative process,\u201d the aide said. \u201cThis work should not be tossed aside, and there must be a serious negotiation if the goal is to quickly get a bill to the president\u2019s desk.\u201d<\/p>

House Financial Services Committee\u00a0<\/a>Chairman\u00a0French\u00a0Hill\u00a0(R-AR), who led the charge for Republicans on the House legislation, said in a statement this week that it is crucial that the Senate work with the House on the matter. He said that Thune invoking cloture on the House bill was an \u201cimportant step.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cIt is imperative that my Senate colleagues work with the House to deliver a bipartisan housing bill to President Trump\u2019s desk \u2014 one that reflects the shared priorities of the House, Senate, and White House,\u201d Hill said.<\/p>

A senior GOP Senate aide said last week that negotiations over what will be in the housing legislation from the Senate would continue over the weekend.<\/p>

One big question is about whether the final Senate legislation will include a provision to ban large institutional investors from buying single-family homes. That is a priority for President Donald Trump, yet it is at odds with traditional Republican free-market economics.<\/p>

The original versions of both ROAD to Housing and Housing for the 21st Century did not include such prohibitions.<\/p>

Trump first announced the proposed ban earlier this year and later signed an executive order meant to effectuate it in part. But the administration\u2019s goal has always been for Congress to pass such a restriction into law. He mentioned the executive order during the State of the Union on Tuesday and called on Congress to codify a ban.<\/p>

\u201cI\u2019m asking Congress to make that ban permanent, because all this for, people, really, that\u2019s what we want,\u201d the president said. \u201cWe want homes for people, not for corporations. Corporations are doing just fine.\u201d<\/p>

Some Republicans on Capitol Hill are squarely opposed to the Trump proposal, such as outgoing Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), a member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. Tillis noted that the policy has been proposed by liberal Democrats in the past, such as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).<\/p>

\u201cTo me, I think it\u2019s masking the underlying problem of not enough housing starts,\u201d Tillis told the Washington Examiner. \u201cSo if we view that as a solution to that problem, I don\u2019t see how it fits. I\u2019ve been against it when Bernie Sanders first proposed it, or Elizabeth Warren, I\u2019m still against it.\u201d<\/p>

But other Republican lawmakers, such as Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) and Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN), have been pushing hard for an institutional investor ban to end up in the housing legislation. Both have previously introduced legislation to that effect.<\/p>

Last week, the White House began circulating draft legislative language on such a ban. That language defines a \u201clarge institutional investor\u201d as any investment fund, corporation, or entity that controls over 100 single-family homes.<\/p>

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) said he thinks some of the details, such as what constitutes a large institutional investor, in the Trump proposal that the White House circulated on Capitol Hill could end up changing.<\/p>

\u201cI think the numbers may change a little bit, I mean, like 100 to maybe 500 or 1,000, or something like that, but I think there\u2019s definitely a path forward,\u201d Mullin said.<\/p>

Shea said he thinks a lot of conversations surrounding specifics are ongoing.<\/p>

\u201cI assume within the conversations that are ongoing between Congress and the administration and the private industry \u2026 they\u2019re looking at exceptions, they\u2019re looking at ways to maybe manage the proposal in a way that would create more support for it,\u201d Shea said.<\/p>

The White House reiterated its desire for such a ban for large institutional investors when contacted by the Washington Examiner on Friday.<\/p>

MIXED GOP RECEPTION FOR TRUMP BAN ON LARGE INVESTORS BUYING SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES<\/a><\/p>

\u201cThe administration is strongly seeking a prudent and robust provision addressing the challenges of institutional investor purchases of single-family homes,\u201d White House spokesman Davis Ingle said.<\/p>

In terms of timing, there will likely not be a vote on the final bill text from the Senate this coming week, but there might be the following week, the Senate aide said.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26041754953283_0888d5.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476031-1772431200", "title":"Republicans didn’t cut Medicaid — but Democrats did make a mess of it", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Frestoring-america%2Ffaith-freedom-self-reliance%2F4476031%2Frepublicans-medicaid-democrats-did-make-mess%2F", "byline":"Sally Pipes", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Democrats are hoping that healthcare will propel them to victory in this year’s midterm elections. Their central charge is that Republicans have cut Medicaid by $1 trillion over 10 years as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill signed into law by President Donald Trump back in July. There’s just one problem with that claim. It’s not true. […]", "description":""

Democrats<\/a> are hoping that healthcare will propel them to victory in this year's midterm elections. Their central charge is that Republicans<\/a> have cut Medicaid by $1 trillion over 10 years<\/a> as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill signed into law by President Donald Trump back in July<\/a>.<\/p>

There's just one problem with that claim. It's not true. A new report from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office<\/a> confirms as much.<\/p>

The CBO now projects that federal Medicaid<\/a> spending will exceed $7.1 trillion between 2026 and 2034<\/a>. The agency points to \"technical changes<\/a>\" that will increase spending by $700 billion over the coming decade.<\/p>

IRAN STRIKES ERASE SPACE BETWEEN TRUMP AND NETANYAHU, INSIDERS SAY<\/a><\/p>

In other words, Medicaid outlays are projected to increase in absolute terms over the next decade. But they'll rise at a slightly lower rate<\/a> than the CBO previously projected. Hence, Democrats' accusation of \"cuts.\"<\/p>

During the Biden administration<\/a>, Medicaid enrollment surged, aided by pandemic-era policies that limited states' ability to remove ineligible beneficiaries<\/a>.<\/p>

The result, predictably, was a spending extravaganza. In January 2025, just before Trump took office, the CBO revised its ten-year projections for Medicaid spending up by more than $1.2 trillion<\/a>, compared to its 2021 baseline.<\/p>

The One Big Beautiful Bill tries to moderate that trajectory by tightening eligibility standards and implementing modest work requirements<\/a> for able-bodied adults. Those changes will slow projected growth. But they will not cut overall spending.<\/p>

There's plenty to cut. By one estimate, Medicaid made nearly $1.1 trillion in improper payments between 2015 and 2024<\/a>.<\/p>

JOE CONCHA: CAN PARAMOUNT SAVE CNN FROM ITSELF?<\/a><\/p>

Medicaid now covers roughly one in five Americans<\/a>. It was designed as a safety-net program for the poor, elderly, and disabled \u2014 not an ever-expanding entitlement with limited oversight. <\/p>

Calling slower spending growth a \"cut\" may be politically useful. But it's misleading \u2014 and puts Medicaid's long-term sustainability at risk.<\/p>

Sally C. Pipes is President, CEO, and Thomas W. Smith Fellow in Health Care Policy at the Pacific Research Institute. Her latest book is The World's Medicine Chest: How America Achieved Pharmaceutical Supremacy\u2014and How to Keep It (Encounter 2025). Follow her on X @sallypipes.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2389199_sd_69051308d3af9_1761940232.jpg?w=640" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476036-1772431200", "title":"Virginia is the next important battleground of the fight for life", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Frestoring-america%2Fcommunity-family%2F4476036%2Fvirginia-battleground-fight-for-life%2F", "byline":"Julia Jensen", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Virginia is well on its way to enshrining abortion up until birth into its state constitution. An amendment, sponsored by mother-of-two State Senator Jennifer Boysko, advanced through the Virginia Senate and would make abortion a “fundamental right.” Virginian voters can expect to vote on the measure this fall. The pro-life movement has a sacred duty […]", "description":""

Virginia<\/a> is well on its way to enshrining abortion<\/a> up until birth into its state constitution. An amendment, sponsored by mother-of-two State Senator Jennifer Boysko, advanced through the Virginia Senate and would make abortion a \u201cfundamental right.\u201d Virginian voters can expect to vote on the measure this fall.<\/p>

The pro-life<\/a> movement has a sacred duty to make voters aware of the radical nature of this amendment and the tangible harm that mothers and their unborn children will face if the referendum passes. <\/p>

Recall that then-Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam<\/a> set off a national firestorm around abortion, when, years ago, he stated, in reference to third-trimester abortions, that an \u201cinfant would be delivered\u201d and \u201ckept comfortable\u201d while a \u201cdiscussion\u201d occurs about whether to end the baby's life.<\/p>

THE US AND ISRAEL ATTACKED IRAN: WHAT WE KNOW<\/a><\/p>

In an attempt to soften the extreme nature of the amendment, the proposed legislation<\/a> (HJR 1) is filled with deceptive and misleading language, shamelessly using the euphemism \u201creproductive freedom\u201d and flanking text about abortion next to that of prenatal and fertility care to deceive and garner voters.<\/p>

The amendment establishes that the Commonwealth cannot pass any protections for unborn Virginians \u2014 even in the third trimester or the day the baby is born. Additionally, no one obtaining or performing an abortion could be prosecuted for doing so. This would protect an abortionist who kills the baby of a mother who decided mid-procedure to keep and raise her child, or a non-professional performing an unsuccessful abortion.\u00a0<\/p>

The proposed law could also put Virginia out of line with the federal Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2004, which recognizes the legal rights of children in the womb. If a pregnant woman is killed along with her child in utero, the question arises as to whether Virginia would challenge this precedent or attempt to alter the sentences of those who would normally be convicted of double homicide.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

Many have remained quiet as drafted legislation evolves towards potential passage. Still, groups like Virginia for Preborn Justice are stepping up by meeting with state legislatures and actively advocating against the amendment. Bishops Michael F. Burbidge and Barry C. Knestout also spoke out against HJR 1 in the Arlington Catholic Herald, noting how the amendment provides no protections whatsoever for pre-born children.<\/p>

It is imperative that pro-life Virginians not only vote when the referendum occurs but raise awareness of this consequential legislation. Pro-life members of Congress on the state and national levels must use their platforms to speak out and reveal the true nature of HR 1 before it\u2019s too late.<\/p>

TRUMP ENDORSEMENT TRACKER: HERE'S WHO THE PRESIDENT HAS PICKED IN GOP MIDTERM ELECTION PRIMARIES<\/a><\/p>

New Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger <\/a>signed legislation earlier this month, sending the referendum into action for a special election in November. <\/p>

Women and children deserve far better than policies that lead to their death. Pro-life Virginians must inform their neighbors about this perilous amendment and vote against the establishment of a constitutional right to destroy unborn life up until the second before a child is born. <\/p>

Julia Jensen is the communications assistant at Advancing American Freedom.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WEX_MARCH_FOR_LIFE-11-e1769199644768.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476237-1772431200", "title":"Ending the war on CO₂ is the right call", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Frestoring-america%2Ffaith-freedom-self-reliance%2F4476237%2Fending-war-co2-right-call%2F", "byline":"Jon Miltimore", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"In 2010, Rolling Stone criticized President Barack Obama for “leading from behind” on climate change after his comprehensive energy bill died, with the administration admitting it lacked the votes to pass it. “Instead of taking the fight to big polluters,” the magazine declared, “President Obama has put global warming on the back burner.” Rolling Stone didn’t seem to realize […]", "description":""

In 2010, Rolling Stone criticized<\/a> President Barack Obama<\/a> for \u201cleading from behind\u201d on climate change <\/a>after his comprehensive energy bill died, with the administration admitting it lacked the votes to pass it.<\/p>

\u201cInstead of taking the fight to big polluters,\u201d the magazine declared, \u201cPresident Obama has put global warming<\/a> on the back burner.\u201d<\/p>

Rolling Stone didn\u2019t seem to realize that Obama\u2019s administration had already pulled off the biggest \u201cclimate\u201d coup in US history. The previous year, in what became known as the Endangerment Finding, the Environmental Protection Agency<\/a> declared that \u201cgreenhouse gases\u201d pose a threat to public health and welfare and therefore fall within the agency\u2019s regulatory authority under the Clean Air Act<\/a>.<\/p>

TRUMP ENDORSEMENT TRACKER: HERE'S WHO THE PRESIDENT HAS PICKED IN GOP MIDTERM ELECTION PRIMARIES<\/a><\/p>

The EPA\u2019s definition of \u201cgreenhouse gases\u201d included carbon dioxide (CO\u2082) and methane (CH\u2084) \u2014 emissions produced by mammals \u2014 yet neither appears in the original Clean Air Act or its 1970 amendments, which form today\u2019s regulatory framework. With a stroke of a pen, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson simply classified them as pollutants, meaning that exhaling or passing gas was, in effect, polluting.<\/p>

To some, this might sound humorous, but to others, especially those who see climate change as an apocalypse, it\u2019s no laughing matter. Columbia University magazine recently argued<\/a> that farm animal burps are fueling global warming, which is why some today argue humans must drastically rethink food production<\/a> to save the planet. <\/p>

Many people, however, are skeptical that government-led efforts to ramp back carbon dioxide emissions will create a better world, including the Trump administration.<\/p>

Earlier this month, the EPA announced<\/a> it was scrapping the Endangerment Finding.<\/p>

\u201cThe Endangerment Finding has been the source of 16 years of consumer choice restrictions and trillions of dollars in hidden costs for Americans,\u201d said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.<\/p>

By rescinding the finding, the Trump administration eliminated the legal foundation the federal government relies on to regulate greenhouse gases. <\/p>

While those who see climate change as a dire threat to humanity will hear Zeldin\u2019s announcement as unwelcome news, the action was appropriate for several reasons.<\/p>

First, simply declaring something an emergency does not justify extra-constitutional action. The Supreme Court made this clear in 2022 when it struck down<\/a> the EPA\u2019s Clean Power Plan, which had cited its regulatory authority over greenhouse gases to pass a sweeping federal plan \u2014 including cap-and-trade, something Congress had rejected multiple times. By putting the EPA in check, the Court reminded Americans that there are constitutional limits to executive power \u2014 much like it did in a recent ruling on tariffs<\/a>.<\/p>

HERE\u2019S WHO HAS FALLEN FROM THE EPSTEIN FILES<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>

Second, classifying CO\u2082 as a pollutant is dubious, even if it were technically constitutional under the sweeping language of the Clean Air Act. Unlike the Act\u2019s original \u201ccriteria pollutants,\u201d which are directly harmful at ambient levels, carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring gas essential for life and photosynthesis.<\/p>

Finally, treating CO\u2082 as a pollutant is a highly questionable public policy, as it largely ignores the economic tradeoffs of emission restrictions. In its race to net zero<\/a>, many EU nations have pivoted toward alternative energies. This has reduced CO\u2082 emissions, but at great cost. Europeans are now paying<\/a> two to four times more for electricity than Americans, thanks to rushed transitions to renewable fuels, heavy subsidies for wind and solar, fossil-fuel taxes, and the early shutdown of coal plants. Germany\u2019s households pay 2.6 times the U.S. rate, and the U.K. industrial sector pays 4.2 times more than that of the U.S.<\/p>

Europe\u2019s war on farming<\/a> and industry has curbed CO\u2082 emissions, but China is heading in the opposite direction. And it\u2019s far from clear that the continent\u2019s decision to treat CO\u2082 as a pollutant is anything other than economic suicide \u2014 one that will do little to save the planet.<\/p>

There\u2019s a saying in economics: what gets measured, gets managed. By labeling CO\u2082 a pollutant, the Endangerment Finding effectively made it a target for regulation, shifting policy decisions, energy markets, and economic priorities toward cutting emissions \u2014 with little thought of costs or tradeoffs.<\/p>

As Matt Ridley recently pointed out<\/a>, there's nothing especially \u201cscientific\u201d in this approach: it rests on the idea that a child in Africa might die of heat stroke in 50 years from carbon dioxide-induced warming \u2014 while ignoring that the same CO\u2082 helps prevent starvation today.<\/p>

OPINION: THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC WAS ALWAYS DESTINED FOR THE ASH HEAP OF HISTORY<\/a><\/p>

Many argue that climate change is too big an emergency to ignore, just as President Donald Trump argued that trade deficits justified unilateral executive action on tariffs. But as F.A. Hayek warned, \u201c\u2018Emergencies\u2019 have always been the pretext on which the safeguards of individual liberty have been eroded.\u201d<\/p>

Declaring something a \u201ccrisis\u201d helps justify federal action, but it often comes at the cost of freedom, economic stability, and common sense.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AP24297071232017-scaled-e1772388147694.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476401-1772431200", "title":"Justice arrives for Tehran’s terrorism", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Frestoring-america%2Fcourage-strength-optimism%2F4476401%2Fjustice-arrives-tehran-terror%2F", "byline":"Mike Pence", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"After 47 years of tyranny, terrorism, and nuclear brinkmanship, justice is finally being served to the mullahs in Tehran. For nearly half a century, the Islamic Republic of Iran has defined itself by hostility toward the United States and Israel. From the seizure of our embassy in 1979 to the arming of terrorist proxies across […]", "description":""

After 47 years of tyranny, terrorism, and nuclear brinkmanship, justice is finally being served to the mullahs in Tehran.<\/p>

For nearly half a century, the Islamic Republic of Iran<\/a> has defined itself by hostility toward the United States and Israel<\/a>. From the seizure of our embassy in 1979 to the arming of terrorist proxies across the Middle East<\/a>, Tehran has pursued a deliberate campaign of violence and destabilization. Iranian-backed militias were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American service members in Iraq. The regime has funded Hezbollah<\/a> and Hamas, supplied missiles and drones to murder Israeli civilians, and openly declared its intention to erase the Jewish state from the map.<\/p>

Sovereign nations cannot tolerate such conduct indefinitely.<\/p>

Thanks to the decisive leadership of President Donald Trump<\/a> and the courage of the U.S. military, \"Operation Epic Fury\" has commenced with strength and clarity of purpose. Acting in coordination with our ally Israel, American forces have struck key regime leadership compounds, degraded critical military infrastructure, and dealt significant blows to the naval and missile capabilities that Tehran has long used to terrorize the region. If there was any doubt before, this strike is yet another reminder that the U.S. will always stand with Israel.<\/p>

The regime in Tehran was given countless opportunities to change its ways. Instead, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei<\/a> chose violence. And now he has reaped what he sowed.<\/p>

Critics deride the president\u2019s decision as \u201cpreemptive,\u201d as though it were based on vague speculations about the future. In reality, this action is the logical and just response to a decadeslong campaign of bloodshed against Americans and our allies. The regime facilitated the deaths of hundreds of Americans in the Middle East and plotted the assassination of senior American officials, even placing a bounty on the president himself.<\/p>

Operation Epic Fury is off to a strong start, but it will not be without cost. Indeed, fighting has already claimed the lives of American service members. We must honor their sacrifice by ensuring that this mission succeeds. It would be foolish to expect the mullahs to go quietly. They will cling to power with all the desperate cruelty they have shown for decades. The president and Congress must continue to provide our military with the resources, clarity of mission, and unified support necessary to achieve lasting victory over the terrorist regime in Tehran. <\/p>

Excessive restraint applied before victory is secured will be mistaken for weakness, which will only invite further aggression. History has shown that peace is preserved not by wishful thinking, but by American strength. <\/p>

For decades, the Iranian people have suffered under a regime that jails, tortures, and massacres its political opponents in the hope of smothering the possibility of a popular uprising. Instead, it has inadvertently revealed that the true enemy of this regime is neither the U.S. nor Israel, but the Iranian people themselves. Now is their moment to seize control of Iran\u2019s destiny. <\/p>

America\u2019s quarrel has never been with the citizens of Iran. It is with the theocratic rulers who have squandered their nation\u2019s vast potential in pursuit of terrorism and death.<\/p>

IRAN OPERATION TO LAST FOUR WEEKS, TRUMP SAYS<\/a><\/p>

The Iranian people are heirs to one of the world\u2019s oldest and richest civilizations \u2014 a nation of poets, scholars, and entrepreneurs whose history stretches back millennia before the ayatollahs seized power. Their future need not be defined by repression and isolation. A free Iran, at peace with its neighbors and with the world, would transform and stabilize the Middle East and strengthen the cause of liberty everywhere.<\/p>

If this moment marks the beginning of the end of Iran\u2019s long darkness, it will not be because America sought conflict. It will be because America refused to ignore evil. <\/p>

Mike Pence served as the 48th vice president of the United States and is the founder of Advancing American Freedom.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26060537006275_92fc19-e1772424963116.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474492-1772427600", "title":"‘Create a crisis’: Mainstream professor group partners with DSA to unleash anti-ICE chaos on campuses", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F4474492%2Fmainstream-professor-group-partners-with-dsa-to-unleash-anti-ice-chaos-on-campuses%2F", "byline":"Robert Schmad", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"EXCLUSIVE — The American Association of University Professors has developed a “toolkit” alongside the youth wing of the Democratic Socialists of America and the Sunrise Movement to cause disruptions on college campuses intended to hamstring the enforcement of immigration laws, the Washington Examiner has learned. The toolkit encourages ideologically motivated students to rally like-minded individuals […]", "description":""

EXCLUSIVE \u2014 The American Association of University Professors has developed a \u201ctoolkit\u201d alongside the youth wing of the Democratic Socialists of America<\/a> and the Sunrise Movement to cause disruptions on college campuses<\/a> intended to hamstring the enforcement of immigration laws, the Washington Examiner has learned.<\/p>

The toolkit encourages ideologically motivated students to rally like-minded individuals to carry out a three-phase plan to pressure businesses to cut ties with immigration enforcement officials, according to documents <\/a>obtained by Defending Education<\/a> and shared exclusively with the Washington Examiner. <\/p>

Phase one requires establishing an \u201corganization committee\u201d and distributing a petition calling on the university to sever relationships with businesses believed to be cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement<\/a>. If demands are not met in a timely manner, activists are directed to \u201cescalate\u201d by protesting outside the homes of university officials, reaching out to influential alumni, and staging demonstrations.<\/p>

If that fails, students are to skip class and engage in \"indefinite\" campus occupations, similar to tactics employed by pro-Palestinian protestors, until their demands are met. The document notes that the phase three tactics \u201chave only been approved by Sunrise and [the Young Democratic Socialists of America.]\u201d <\/p>

The document does not include a principled objection to the tactics from the AAUP but rather states that \u201cstudents can generally take more risks on campus than paid employees, and it\u2019s important to be cognizant of that dynamic,\u201d suggesting that the professors don\u2019t necessarily oppose the tactics but that they are worried about job security. <\/p>

A slide deck<\/a> produced in conjunction with the AAUP-developed toolkit states that the movement's strategy is to \u201ccreate a crisis\u201d for university leadership.<\/p>

\"This should be a wake up call for the public that activist professors are coordinating with far-left radicals to create chaos on campuses to achieve a leftwing political revolution,\" Rhyen Staley, Defending Education's director of research, told the Washington Examiner. \"It is gross and unprofessional that these academics prefer to participate in the economic bullying of the very institutions that pay their salary instead of focusing on educating their students.\u201d<\/p>

Some pages of the toolkit include the American Federation of Teachers logo, one of the two major teachers unions in the United States. The union, which is affiliated with the AAUP, did not return a request for comment.<\/p>

Companies targeted by the movement include Hilton Hotels, Flock Safety, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Target, and airlines working with immigration-related law enforcement. Included in the toolkit is a list of over 2,000 universities that partner with one or more such companies.<\/p>

While the AAUP, the Sunrise Movement, and the DSA disavow violence and property destruction in this toolkit, demonstrations orchestrated by the latter two groups have led to both in the past.<\/p>

A Hilton hotel that appeared on the Sunrise Movement\u2019s list of targets in Minneapolis, for instance, saw its fa\u00e7ade destroyed, windows smashed, and walls covered in graffiti due to its housing of ICE agents, the Washington Free Beacon reported<\/a>. One agent was left bloodied by a rioter. The slideshow accompanying the toolkit calls on<\/a> activists to make sustained noise outside Hilton hotels to deprive ICE agents and all other guests of sleep.<\/p>

TOP TEACHERS UNION INVITES PRO-VIOLENCE ACTIVISTS TO SHAPE PUBLIC SCHOOL CURRICULA<\/a><\/p>

Some of the pro-Palestinian encampments<\/a> that cropped up on college campuses over the years, in which the DSA was often involved, devolved into clashes <\/a>with law enforcement and resulted in damage <\/a>to university property. The Sunrise Movement, for its part, has staged a number of protests involving illegal tactics, such as occupying government buildings<\/a> and blocking roads<\/a>. <\/p>

The DSA has also taken stances that have been criticized by some as radical, such as calling for the abolition of police and prisons and aligning itself with authoritarian regimes in China, Cuba, and Venezuela<\/a>. <\/p>

The AAUP did not respond to a request for comment.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AP26014849565799.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476126-1772427600", "title":"Cornyn is the right choice for Texas Republicans", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F4476126%2Fcornyn-is-the-right-choice-for-texas-republicans%2F", "byline":"Washington Examiner", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) is in the race of his life as he tries to win a fifth term this year. The Texas Republican has been taking many arrows in the back from his two primary opponents, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX). The two rivals suggest Cornyn has lost touch […]", "description":""

Sen. John Cornyn<\/a> (R-TX) is in the race of his life as he tries to win a fifth term this year.<\/p>

The Texas<\/a> Republican<\/a> has been taking many arrows in the back from his two primary opponents, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton<\/a> and Rep. Wesley Hunt<\/a> (R-TX). The two rivals suggest Cornyn has lost touch with voters back home because he's been serving in the Senate for far too long. They are wrong.<\/p>

Cornyn is 74 years old, but he hasn't lost his fastball. He's sharp as ever, accessible to the media, and a respected elder statesman in the nation's capital. In other words, he's no Joe Biden.<\/p>

TIANA LOWE DOESCHER: TRUMP'S ATTACK ON IRAN IS AN ATTACK ON CHINA'S ECONOMIC SUPERIORITY<\/a><\/p>

Texas will hold its primaries on Tuesday, and the Cornyn\/Paxton\/Hunt race is likely heading to a two-man runoff in late May.<\/p>

Texans should vote for Cornyn for many reasons. After serving as a district judge, member of the Texas Supreme Court, and Texas attorney general, Cornyn was elected to the Senate in 2002. His track record has been impressive as he climbed up the leadership ladder, serving as chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee and Senate Majority whip. He now sits on various influential panels, including the Finance, Judiciary, Budget, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations committees. <\/p>

Paxton and Hunt say Cornyn has become a Washington insider, but having that much power in Washington helps constituents in the Lone Star state. Cornyn has been a leader in job creation, fighting crime, and caring for veterans, among other issues.<\/p>

Perhaps the most compelling reason why Cornyn is the best choice is rooted in simple campaign politics: Cornyn is battle-tested and is, by far, the best general election candidate. Democrats have a three-decade-plus losing streak in Texas statewide races, but that could end this year if Republicans choose the wrong candidate in their primary. Republican leaders and strategists are bracing for a turbulent election in November when the GOP could lose its majorities in the House and the Senate. If Texas goes blue, the Senate might well flip back to the Democrats. That would mean many of President Donald Trump<\/a>'s nominees, including a potential Supreme Court pick, would face uphill battles to confirmation.<\/p>

Unlike Cornyn, the 63-year-old Paxton has a lot of baggage. He was impeached by the Texas House (not filled with Democrats) in a 121-23 roll call on bribery and conspiracy charges to benefit a political donor. The Texas Senate subsequently acquitted him, but the stain is indelible. We won't cite every Paxton controversy \u2014 not because they're not worth mentioning, but because they are too plentiful. <\/p>

Democrats are rooting for Paxton to win the primary so they can face a more beatable opponent in the general election.<\/p>

Hunt, meanwhile, is an Iraq<\/a> war veteran and has served admirably in the House since 2023. He's 44 years old and has a bright political future. Could he win in November? Perhaps, but Cornyn is a sure bet. Cornyn has won every general election for the Senate by a comfortable margin, surpassing Trump\u2019s margin last time around.<\/p>

Despite intense lobbying, Trump has not endorsed anyone in the race. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), the NRSC, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R), American Israel Public Affairs Committee, and the National Federation of Independent Business have all gotten behind Cornyn.<\/p>

OPINION: THE RED STATE OPPORTUNITY ON DATA CENTERS<\/a><\/p>

All three Republican candidates say they are closest to Trump and the Make America Great Again movement. Cornyn has voted with Trump overwhelmingly, though he's not a rubber stamp. From time to time, Cornyn will respectfully disagree with Trump. That's a good thing.<\/p>

This intense primary will likely go on for another three months, but on Tuesday, Texas should vote to keep its state red by backing Cornyn.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Cornyn-on-Judge-scaled-e1772375120729.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476421-1772423683", "title":"Hezbollah leader killed in IDF strikes in Lebanon", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F4476421%2Fhezbollah-leader-killed-in-idf-strikes-in-lebanon%2F", "byline":"Washington Examiner Staff", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The head of Hezbollah‘s parliamentary bloc in Lebanon’s government was killed during a military strike conducted by Israel Defense Forces on Sunday. Mohammad Raad was among 10 people killed by airstrikes in Beirut, Lebanon.  Raad was a member of the Lebanese Shia Islamist party and leader of the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, according to […]", "description":""

The head of Hezbollah<\/a>'s parliamentary bloc in Lebanon\u2019s government was killed during a military strike conducted by Israel Defense Forces<\/a> on Sunday. Mohammad Raad was among 10 people killed by airstrikes in Beirut, Lebanon<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

Raad was a member of the Lebanese Shia Islamist party and leader of the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, according to reports. He had served in the position since 2000. In 2019, Raad was one of the members of Lebanon\u2019s parliament sanctioned<\/a> by the United States for his role in terrorist activities and \u201cproviding support to terrorists.\u201d His son was a member of Hezbollah\u2019s special operations forces but was killed during the conflict with Israel after the Oct. 7 attacks.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cHezbollah uses its operatives in Lebanon's parliament to manipulate institutions in support of the terrorist group's financial and security interests and to bolster Iran's malign activities,\u201d Sigal Mandelker, U.S. under-secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said<\/a> at the time. <\/p>

Sunday\u2019s IDF strikes were explicitly aimed at Hezbollah strategic targets and leadership in Lebanon after the Iranian-backed paramilitary group took credit for rocket attacks on northern Israel, according to the Times of Israel. Hezbollah\u2019s attack in Israel was in turn a retaliation for Israel\u2019s attack on Iran on Saturday and the death of Iran\u2019s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

Hezbollah\u2019s retaliatory strikes in northern Israel were the group\u2019s first action against Israel<\/a> since a ceasefire agreement was signed in November 2024. The IDF claimed<\/a> other senior Hezbollah leaders were killed in the strikes, according to the Jerusalem Post.<\/p>

IDF Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo said Israel would increase its intensity against Hezbollah targets as part of its retaliatory efforts for the strikes in Northern Israel. He explained some of the IDF's strategy behind Israel\u2019s military response. <\/p>

\u201cShortly after Hezbollah\u2019s rocket fire, in accordance with planning, we launched a first wide wave of strikes in Beirut and southern Lebanon, targeting senior operatives, headquarters, and terror infrastructure,\u201d said<\/a> Milo. \u201cWe are also working to evacuate the population in southern Lebanon for its protection ahead of additional strikes.\u201d<\/p>

ISRAEL STRUCK HEZBOLLAH TARGETS ACROSS LEBANON, IDF SAYS<\/a><\/p>

He also said<\/a> that Hezbollah chose \u201cthe Iranian Regime over the State of Lebanon and initiated an attack on our civilians. We were prepared - and they will pay a heavy price.\u201d<\/p>

Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun blasted Hezbollah and Israel for using their military strikes. He criticized both for using his country as a battlefield in a proxy war. <\/p>

\u201cWhile we condemn the Israeli aggression against Lebanon, we warn that persisting in using Lebanon as a platform for proxy wars puts our country in danger,\u201d said Aoun.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mohammad-Raad.webp?w=640" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476417-1772414641", "title":"Gas prices: Costs creep up close to $3 per gallon to begin March", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F4476417%2Fgas-prices-costs-creep-up-close-to-3-per-gallon-to-begin-march%2F", "byline":"Washington Examiner Staff", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The national average price for regular gas rose to $2.984 per gallon on Sunday to begin March.  The new pricing marks a 5-cent increase from a week ago and slightly over an 11-cent rise since the beginning of February, when gas was $2.87 per gallon. With the current military conflict between Iran and the United […]", "description":""

The national average price for regular gas rose to $2.984 per gallon on Sunday to begin March. <\/p>

The new pricing marks a 5-cent increase from a week ago and slightly over an 11-cent rise since the beginning of February, when gas was $2.87 per gallon. With the current military conflict between Iran and the United States and Tehran retaliating by closing the Strait of Hormuz<\/a>, considered one of the world\u2019s most important oil export routes, gas prices are expected to increase further. However, even before the current hostilities, fuel costs have been steadily rising, increasing nearly twenty cents since dropping to $2.79 per gallon on Jan. 12<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

The recent increase in gas prices<\/a> was attributed to severe winter weather across the country over the past month. Snowstorms in January and February disrupted oil refinery operations and production, affecting pricing. <\/p>

\u201cThe winter storm that wreaked havoc on most of the nation has led to supply disruptions and pushed up the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline to $2.87,\u201d according to AAA<\/a>. \u201cBelow-freezing temperatures and lingering snow have disrupted some crude production and refinery operations, while gasoline demand increased pre-storm as drivers filled up their tanks ahead of the severe winter weather.\u201d<\/p>

Gas prices are still lower than a year ago, even amid the current surge, according to AAA<\/a>. A year ago, the national average cost of a gallon of regular gas was $3.103. <\/p>

The nearly 20-cent increase since January represents an anomaly in fuel costs since Trump has been president, in both terms. Affordable gas pricing has been a staple of both of his administrations, and the six weeks of fuel costs under $3 per gallon were a stark contrast to the high gas pricing during the Biden administration<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

During Biden\u2019s time in office, the price for regular gas in the U.S. averaged $3.555 per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration<\/a>. During this time, the highest yearly average for regular gasoline in U.S. history was recorded at $4.059 per gallon in 2022. The highest monthly average for a gallon of regular gas in U.S. history also occurred during Biden\u2019s term, in June 2022, when the price was $5.032 per gallon.<\/p>

The lowest statewide average gas prices are in the South, while the highest fuel costs in the country are along the West Coast. Currently, 39 states have average prices below the $3-per-gallon threshold. Earlier in the winter, there were as many as 43 states.\u00a0<\/p>

THE US AND ISRAEL ATTACKED IRAN: WHAT WE KNOW<\/a><\/p>

California has the highest gas prices in the country to begin March at $4.646 per gallon. The Golden State has had the highest fuel costs in the country for most of the last two years. However, earlier in 2026, and during some periods in the previous 24 months, Hawaii had the highest prices. Incidentally, Hawaii is currently the state with the second-highest gas prices at $4.394 per gallon.<\/p>

Next is Washington state with an average of $4.366 per gallon, followed by Oregon at $3.921 and Nevada at $3.701.<\/p>

Oklahoma has the nation's lowest gas prices at $2.475 per gallon. Mississippi is next at $2.547. Kansas is next at $2.551, followed by Tennessee at $2.571, and Louisiana at $2.572 per gallon.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/gas-prices-33.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476372-1772403009", "title":"Israel struck Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, IDF says", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4476372%2Fisrael-hezbollah-targets-lebanon%2F", "byline":"Zach LaChance", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Israel launched targeted strikes on Hezbollah, an Iranian terrorist proxy, in Lebanon, its military announced on Sunday night. The Israeli military struck “senior” Hezbollah terrorists in Beirut and one “central” Hezbollah terrorist in southern Lebanon, according to its air force. It also urged civilians in nearly 50 villages in Lebanon to evacuate ahead of what […]", "description":""

Israel launched targeted strikes on Hezbollah<\/a>, an Iranian terrorist proxy, in Lebanon, its military announced on Sunday night.<\/p>

The Israeli military struck \"senior\" Hezbollah terrorists in Beirut and one \"central\" Hezbollah terrorist in southern Lebanon, according to<\/a> its air force. It also urged civilians<\/a> in nearly 50 villages in Lebanon to evacuate ahead of what is likely to be more strikes.<\/p>

\"For your safety, you must immediately evacuate your homes and move away from the villages by at least 1,000 meters to open areas,\" an IDF spokeswoman said. \"Anyone present near Hezbollah elements, facilities, and combat means endangers their life.\"<\/p>

The strikes came in response to missiles launched by Hezbollah toward northern Israel, all of which fell in open areas. The terrorist group said the attack was in retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Saturday.<\/p>

There were no reports of injuries or damage in Israel from that missile barrage.<\/p>

Israel has long been clashing with Hezbollah, having been at war with the group in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack by Hamas. <\/p>

But the strikes come at a precarious time for the region. Israel and the U.S. have just begun a coordinated bombing campaign against Iran that is designed to topple its regime.<\/p>

Israel's engagement with one of Iran's proxies threatens to expand that conflict into a wider regional war.<\/p>

UK, FRANCE, AND GERMANY JUMP INTO THE FRAY IN IRAN, VOWING TO DEFEND GULF ALLIES<\/a><\/p>

Israel maintained<\/a> that it prepared for the possibility of proxy attacks in \"Operation Roar of the Lion,\" its mission targeting Iranian regime leadership.<\/p>

Israel also said it is \"ready for a multi-arena scenario and to confront any threat to the State of Israel.\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/israel-beirut-strikes.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476354-1772399952", "title":"Trump dodges questions on Iran after returning to Washington", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F4476354%2Ftrump-dodges-questions-on-iran%2F", "byline":"Zach LaChance", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump did not speak to reporters after returning to Washington, D.C., on Sunday night, dodging questions about Iran and instead admiring new statues in the White House Rose Garden. The U.S. military began a large-scale military operation against Iran over the weekend with Israel, battering the regime’s military infrastructure and killing Supreme Leader […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> did not speak to reporters after returning to Washington, D.C., on Sunday night, dodging questions about Iran<\/a> and instead admiring new statues in the White House Rose Garden.<\/p>

The U.S. military began a large-scale military operation against Iran over the weekend with Israel, battering the regime's military infrastructure and killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.<\/p>

Despite the stunning developments and the announcement that three U.S. service members have already died in the operation, Trump was silent when he returned to the White House.<\/p>

Press barraged him with questions about Iran when he was taking in new statues of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson in the Rose Garden. But he ignored their requests for comment and instead fixated on the statues.<\/p>

\"Unbelievable statues, come and look at them,\" he told the reporters gathered outside, before walking away.<\/p>

Trump has thus far avoided addressing the media directly since the start of the Iran mission, dubbed \"Operation Epic Fury,\" on Saturday.<\/p>

He did not host a press conference announcing the mission, instead opting for a video address posted on his Truth Social account. Trump posted another video address on Sunday afternoon, in which he gave an update on the operation and addressed the service members' deaths.<\/p>

The president has also spoken to some media outlets, though none of the conversations were recorded.<\/p>

TRUMP PREDICTS MORE US DEATHS IN IRAN OPERATION<\/a><\/p>

The lack of media exposure is hardly normal for Trump and has not always been the case with the announcement of military campaigns he has launched in his second term.<\/p>

While the first Iran operation against its nuclear sites last summer saw just a short address from Trump with no questions, he took numerous questions from reporters after the U.S. military's capture of former Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro in January.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/trump-dodges-iran-questions.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476338-1772392054", "title":"UK, France, and Germany jump into the fray in Iran, vowing to defend Gulf allies", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4476338%2Fuk-france-germany-vow-defend-gulf-allies%2F", "byline":"Zach LaChance", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Three major European powers are setting up an increased defensive posture in order to defend their allies in the Gulf under assault from Iranian missiles. In a joint statement on Sunday, leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany said they are “appalled” by Iran’s attacks on Gulf countries, which were launched in retaliation for […]", "description":""

Three major European<\/a> powers are setting up an increased defensive posture in order to defend their allies in the Gulf under assault from Iranian<\/a> missiles.<\/p>

In a joint statement<\/a> on Sunday, leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany said they are \"appalled\" by Iran's attacks on Gulf countries, which were launched in retaliation for the U.S. and Israel's joint military operation against the regime. The three called on Iran to cease the attacks immediately and vowed to defend their \"interests and those of our allies in the region.\"<\/p>

This effort will include \"enabling necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Iran\u2019s capability to fire missiles and drones at their source,\" the statement said.<\/p>

\"We have agreed to work together with the US and allies in the region on this matter,\" it added.<\/p>

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced later that as part of this coordination with the United States, he granted<\/a> the U.S. permission to use British bases to strike Iranian ballistic missile sites.<\/p>

Such strikes will be limited to missile storage depots or launchers in order to cripple the regime's missile program \"at source,\" Starmer said.<\/p>

French President Emmanuel Macron also convened an emergency meeting of his defense council, in which he said France would \u201cenhance\" its \"defensive posture\u201d in the region after one of its naval bases was damaged by an Iranian drone in the United Arab Emirates.<\/p>

It is not clear if German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has taken similar steps yet, but he is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump on Tuesday.<\/p>

The statement is a sign that the conflict is expanding significantly as Iran launches attacks across the region.<\/p>

HOW THE CIA PLANNED THE PERFECT MOMENT TO KILL IRAN'S KHAMENEI AFTER MONTHS OF SURVEILLANCE<\/a><\/p>

It also marks a pivot from Starmer, Macron, and Merz's initial position after the U.S. and Israel's joint operation began.<\/p>

The three previously called for the resumption of nuclear talks instead of a drawn-out conflict.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-collage-zyugthsly-1772410621128-e1772462289865.jpg?1772444308&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476333-1772386511", "title":"Trump predicts more US deaths in Iran operation", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F4476333%2Ftrump-predicts-more-us-deaths-iran%2F", "byline":"Zach LaChance", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump predicted on Sunday that more American service members will die during the U.S. military operation against Iran. “Sadly, there will likely be more before it ends,” Trump said in a video address. “That’s the way it is. Likely be more.” His comments follow U.S. Central Command’s announcement that three U.S. soldiers have […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> predicted on Sunday that more American service members will die during the U.S. military operation against Iran<\/a>.<\/p>

\u201cSadly, there will likely be more before it ends,\u201d Trump said in a video address<\/a>. \u201cThat\u2019s the way it is. Likely be more.\"<\/p>

His comments follow U.S. Central Command's announcement<\/a> that three U.S. soldiers have died in the operation targeting Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. Five others were seriously wounded, while \"several others\" sustained minor injuries and concussions.<\/p>

Trump said he will do \"everything possible\" to avoid any further deaths, mourning the losses.<\/p>

\u201cAs one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation,\u201d he said. \u201cEven as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives, we pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen.\u201d<\/p>

But he also signaled the mission, dubbed \"Operation Epic Fury,\" will not slow down. In his address, Trump said it will continue \"in full force\" and \"until all of our objectives are achieved.\"<\/p>

That comes after he revealed that the mission will last four weeks.<\/p>

\u201cWe figured it will be four weeks or so. It\u2019s always been about a four-week process. So, as strong as it is, it\u2019s a big country, it\u2019ll take four weeks or less,\" Trump told the Daily Mail<\/a> earlier on Sunday.<\/p>

Trump largely reiterated his red lines in the address, maintaining that the mission is necessary to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.<\/p>

\"These actions are right, and they are necessary to ensure that Americans will never have to face a radical, bloodthirsty terrorist regime armed with nuclear weapons and lots of threats,\" he said.<\/p>

IRAN OPERATION TO LAST FOUR WEEKS, TRUMP SAYS<\/a><\/p>

Trump also concluded the 6-minute speech by repeating his call for the Iranian people to determine their own fate, telling them to \"take back\" Iran.<\/p>

\"America is with you. I made a promise to you, and I fulfilled that promise. The rest will be up to you, and we'll be there to help,\" he said.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/trump-more-deaths-iran.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476327-1772383057", "title":"Iran operation to last four weeks, Trump says", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F4476327%2Ftrump-iran-operation-four-weeks%2F", "byline":"Zach LaChance", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The U.S. military operation against Iran is set to go on for four weeks, President Donald Trump revealed on Sunday. “It’s always been a four-week process,” Trump told the Daily Mail about the timeline for the strikes. “We figured it will be four weeks or so. It’s always been about a four-week process. So, as […]", "description":""

The U.S. military operation against Iran<\/a> is set to go on for four weeks, President Donald Trump<\/a> revealed on Sunday.<\/p>

\"It's always been a four-week process,\" Trump told the Daily Mail<\/a> about the timeline for the strikes. \"We figured it will be four weeks or so. It's always been about a four-week process. So, as strong as it is, it's a big country, it'll take four weeks or less.\"<\/p>

This is the first firm timeline Trump has floated since the United States and Israel began a coordinated bombing effort on Saturday to weaken the regime.<\/p>

The U.S. has been striking Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, while Israel has targeted regime leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in Israeli strikes.<\/p>

The U.S.'s mission, dubbed \"Operation Epic Fury,\" has already resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers<\/a>. Five others were seriously wounded.<\/p>

So far, U.S. strikes have hit Iran's navy fleet, its ballistic missile sites, air defense systems, and military headquarters, according to<\/a> a recent list from U.S. Central Command.<\/p>

B-2 STEALTH BOMBERS HIT IRANIAN BALLISTIC MISSILE SITES WITH 2,000-POUND BOMBS: CENTCOM<\/a><\/p>

Besides Khamenei, Israel has wiped out high-level regime figures, including the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and multiple Khamenei advisers. Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, was targeted but survived the strikes and is currently leading the transition effort with the country's chief justice and an Islamic cleric.<\/p>

Iran has responded with retaliatory strikes on Israel and U.S. military bases across the Middle East.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/trump-iran-op-four-weeks.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476302-1772380423", "title":"Texas bar shooting suspect wore ‘Property of Allah’ clothing with Iranian flag", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2F4476302%2Ftexas-bar-shooting-property-of-allah-iran-flag%2F", "byline":"Claire Carter", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The suspected gunman who opened fire outside a crowded downtown Austin, Texas, bar early Sunday was wearing a pullover reading “Property of Allah” and another shirt depicting the Iranian flag during the attack, according to law enforcement officials.  The shooter was identified as Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen who was born in Senegal. Three […]", "description":""

The suspected gunman who opened fire outside a crowded downtown Austin<\/a>, Texas, bar early Sunday was wearing a pullover reading \u201cProperty of Allah\u201d and another shirt depicting the Iranian flag during the attack, according to law enforcement officials.\u00a0<\/p>

The shooter was identified as Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen who was born in Senegal<\/a>. Three people, including the suspect, were pronounced dead, while 14 victims were transported to area hospitals. <\/p>

Police said the shooting unfolded shortly before 2 a.m. in Austin\u2019s Sixth Street entertainment district, a popular nightlife area packed with crowds near the University of Texas<\/a>. <\/p>

TRUMP AND MAMDANI'S UNLIKELY POLITICAL ALLIANCE: 'A NEW YORK CITY SOAP OPERA'<\/a><\/p>

Officers already assigned to the district responded within minutes and fatally shot the suspect, who wielded a pistol and rifle to carry out the attack. The FBI\u2019s terrorism task force joined the operation soon after. <\/p>

According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, Diagne drove past the area several times before stopping and shooting out of his car window. Diagne then exited the vehicle with his rifle and began firing. <\/p>

Authorities said three were killed, including the gunman, and more than a dozen others were injured when the gunman fired into crowds gathered outside the bar. Several of the wounded remain hospitalized.<\/p>

Officials have not yet released the identities of those killed or injured, and investigators said a motive for the shooting remains unclear.<\/p>

Alex Doran, the acting agent in charge of the FBI\u2019s San Antonio office, said the agency is investigating whether the shooting early Sunday was an act of terrorism because of \u201cindicators\u201d found on the gunman and in his vehicle.<\/p>

The attack happened hours after the United States and Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran<\/a>, killing its supreme leader and top officials. <\/p>

TRUMP AGREES TO TALK WITH IRAN\u2019S NEW LEADERSHIP AS REGIONAL WAR WIDENS<\/a><\/p>

Emergency medical crews treated 17 people at the scene after the shooting unfolded as bars were closing for the night.<\/p>

Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said first responders arrived within a minute of receiving the emergency call, allowing medics and officers to begin treating victims almost immediately.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26060597162946.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476307-1772379203", "title":"For Democratic contenders, Iran war presents opportunity and risk", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fdaily-memo%2F4476307%2Fdemocratic-contenders-iran-opportunity-risk%2F", "byline":"Byron York", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"FOR DEMOCRATIC CONTENDERS, IRAN WAR PRESENTS OPPORTUNITY AND RISK. According to the RealClearPolitics average of polls, the top five contenders for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination are former vice president and 2024 nominee Kamala Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. All of them were […]", "description":""

FOR DEMOCRATIC CONTENDERS, IRAN WAR PRESENTS OPPORTUNITY AND RISK.\u00a0According to the RealClearPolitics average of polls<\/a>, the top five contenders for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination are former vice president and 2024 nominee Kamala Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. All of them were presented with an opportunity, and a risk, when President Donald Trump decided to attack Iran and, working in alliance with Israel, decapitate the Iranian regime.<\/p>

Each potential candidate\u00a0felt the need to comment in the war's first 24 hours. But what to say? Or, more specifically, how, precisely, to oppose Trump? Should they criticize the war as another outrage from a lying, reckless president? Should they argue that the war is not in the United States's national interest? Should they declare that Trump ignored the Constitution by failing to ask for congressional authority to attack? And then, finally: Amid all the criticism of Trump, should they also concede that the Iranian regime was a bad actor on the international stage?<\/p>

The contenders' big problem\u00a0is they can't know which path of attack will be more effective because they don't know what is going to happen. If, after initial military success which included killing supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Iran effort fails to establish a new government and the country descends into chaos and remains a danger to the region \u2014 if that happens, the Democratic contenders will be proved right. Trump and his Republican supporters will suffer grave political damage \u2014 shades of George W. Bush and the Iraq War \u2014 and Democrats will benefit.<\/p>

On the other hand,\u00a0if, after initial military success, the Iran effort produces a stable government that seeks to live in peace with its neighbors \u2014 if that happens, the Democrats will be proved wrong. Their political opponents will portray them as TDS-afflicted losers who didn't have the guts to stand up to tyranny.<\/p>

Each candidate's statement\u00a0gives some clues to how they approach the problem. Start with Harris. The former vice president was in Detroit this weekend for what local media<\/a> called a \"campaign-style\" visit when word of the Iran attack came. Harris immediately declared her outrage at the president's decision.<\/p>

\"Donald Trump has dragged\u00a0us into a war the American people do not want,\" Harris told reporters<\/a> on her way into a vegan restaurant on Saturday. \"He has put American troops in harm's way. I unequivocally oppose this war of choice, and everyone should. And the bottom line, when it comes down to it, is that if we want to stop Donald Trump, with this random decision that he has arrived at, then Congress must act, and Congress must act immediately. The American people do not want our sons and daughters to go into this unauthorized war of choice, and I unequivocally oppose it.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

Gavin Newsom, true to form,\u00a0chose to attack, attack, attack. \"He lied to you,\" Newsom said<\/a> of Trump at a book event in San Francisco. \"Reckless is the only way to describe this. He didn't describe to the American people what the endgame is here. He didn't describe the existential threat of the moment, the immediacy of the crisis at hand. There wasn't one. He manufactured it. And now we're manufacturing a crisis of outcomes unknown and the uncertainty it makes at this moment. And that's Donald Trump, the chaos president, this wrecking ball president, across the board. Destruction is not strength.\" Newsom concluded with, \"We just pray pray for our troops, we pray for our allies, and we pray that Donald Trump is temporary and his time is up in just three years.\u201d<\/p>

Buttigieg, third in the RealClearPolitics average\u00a0at the moment, chose to accuse Trump of both acting lawlessly and ignoring domestic issues while focusing on a needless foreign war. \"The president has launched our nation and our great military into a war of choice, risking American lives and resources, ignoring American law, and endangering our allies and partners,\" Buttigieg wrote<\/a>. \"It does nothing to help with the urgent problems here at home that Americans face every day. This nation learned the hard way that an unnecessary war, with no plan for what comes next, can lead to years of chaos and put America in still greater danger.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

For her part, Ocasio-Cortez\u00a0chose an all-of-the-above Trump criticism. \"The American people are once again dragged into a war they did not want by a president who does not care about the long-term consequences of his actions,\" she wrote<\/a>. \"This war is unlawful. It is unnecessary. And it will be catastrophic.\" Ocasio-Cortez accused Trump of cutting off negotiations that \"could have staved off war,\" and of making \"a deliberate choice of aggression when diplomacy and security were within reach.\" She demanded that Trump \"stop lying to the American people.\" And she took the institutional route, too: \"In moments of war, our Constitution is unambiguous: Congress authorizes war. The president does not. I will do my part to uphold our Constitution by voting YES on my representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie's War Powers Resolution. Every member of Congress must join us in rejecting this aimless war.\u201d<\/p>

Fifth in the polls\u00a0at the moment, Gov. Shapiro was the only Democrat to include criticism of Iran's leadership in his statement on the war. \"Make no mistake, the Iranian regime represses its own people and is the leading state sponsor of terrorism around the world,\" Shapiro wrote<\/a>. \"They must never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. The regime and its proxies have killed American servicemembers and innocent civilians, wreaked havoc across the globe, and pose a direct threat to global peace and stability.\" Shapiro added that just recently, \"tens of thousands of brave Iranians have died standing up for their freedoms against this cruel regime. The people of Iran deserve a government that gives voice to these hopes, respects their rights, and pursues their interests peacefully \u2014 not through violence or intimidation.\u201d<\/p>

That recognition of the ugliness\u00a0of the Iranian regime set Shapiro apart from his fellow contenders. Yes, he began by criticizing Trump for not seeking congressional approval and \"ignoring the guardrails set up by our founders in Philadelphia nearly 250 years ago.\" Shapiro also noted<\/a> that Trump \"has not adequately explained why this war is urgent now, what this military campaign may look like, or what the strategic objective is.\" Trump has been erratic, Shapiro continued: \"Until a few days ago, he was seeking a deal to dismantle Iran's nuclear program that the president himself claimed just a few months ago was completely destroyed. But today he declared that this is a war for regime change, something he said he would not pursue.\" Shapiro ended by noting that he is praying for America's armed forces. \"They are the best of us,\" he said. \"We have complete faith in their skills and professionalism and they make up the most powerful military on Earth. May God protect our troops.\u201d<\/p>

So what to make\u00a0of the top five contenders' reactions? First, they all spoke in character \u2014 Newsom slash and burn, Shapiro balanced, etc. But more importantly, they're all betting that the potential for things to go wrong in Iran will soon make their criticisms look trenchant. Given the riskiness of Trump's move, they might be right. And if they are right, Trump and his party will likely be cooked politically. Indeed, from the Republican perspective, the gravity and substance of the Democratic criticisms show how politically critical it is that the president's Iranian mission succeed.\u00a0<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GettyImages-2255430051.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476292-1772377661", "title":"B-2 stealth bombers hit Iranian ballistic missile sites with 2,000-pound bombs: CENTCOM", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fdefense%2F4476292%2Fb2-bombers-iran-ballistic-missile-sites%2F", "byline":"Claire Carter", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"B-2 stealth bombers struck Iranian ballistic missile facilities using 2,000-pound precision bombs, U.S. Central Command said Sunday.  The announcement marks the first confirmed use of the B-2 stealth bombers in the current round of U.S. military operations against Iran.  CENTCOM said the aircraft employed 2,000-pound bombs against Iran’s “hardened” missile facilities but provided few additional […]", "description":""

B-2 stealth bombers<\/a> struck Iranian<\/a> ballistic missile facilities using 2,000-pound precision bombs, U.S. Central Command<\/a> said Sunday. <\/p>

The announcement marks the first confirmed use of the B-2 stealth bombers in the current round of U.S. military<\/a> operations against Iran. <\/p>

CENTCOM said the aircraft employed 2,000-pound bombs against Iran\u2019s \u201chardened\u201d missile facilities but provided few additional operational details.<\/p>

ISRAEL TOUTS 'LARGEST EVER' MILITARY FLYOVER IN IRAN ATTACK<\/a><\/p>

\u201cNo nation should ever doubt America's resolve,\u201d CENTCOM said in the post.<\/p>

The B-2 bomber, operated by the U.S. Air Force<\/a>, is designed to penetrate heavily defended airspace and conduct long-range precision strikes. The same aircraft was used in June 2025<\/a> to strike Iranian nuclear<\/a> sites. <\/p>

Its deployment underscores the growing scale of U.S. involvement as the confrontation with Iran deepens.<\/p>

The strikes come as U.S. and Israeli forces continue a broad military campaign against Iranian targets that began this weekend. <\/p>

President Donald Trump<\/a> said earlier Sunday that U.S. operations had sunk nine Iranian naval vessels, adding to the state of what has been dubbed \"Operation Epic Fury.\" Trump said that Iranian naval forces have been nearly depleted.\u00a0<\/p>

HOW THE CIA PLANNED THE PERFECT MOMENT TO KILL IRAN\u2019S KHAMENEI AFTER MONTHS OF SURVEILLANCE<\/a><\/p>

More than 1,000 Iranian targets have been struck by U.S. and Israeli forces since the start of the operation, according to reporting by the Wall Street Journal<\/a>. <\/p>

Iran, meanwhile, said it had carried out more retaliatory attacks against American military bases located in the region than the United States and Israel had on it.<\/p>

See the video released by CENTCOM:<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/B2-bomber.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476258-1772375284", "title":"How the CIA planned the perfect moment to kill Iran’s Khamenei after months of surveillance", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fdefense%2F4476258%2Fhow-cia-planned-khamenei-iran-assassination%2F", "byline":"Claire Carter", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wasn’t a stroke of luck for the United States and Israel in Saturday’s attack but rather the culmination of months of intelligence surveillance and coordination that created the perfect moment to strike the center of Iran’s leadership.  The CIA spent months tracking Iran’s senior leadership before […]", "description":""

The assassination of Iranian<\/a> Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei<\/a> wasn\u2019t a stroke of luck for the United States and Israel<\/a> in Saturday\u2019s attack but rather the culmination of months of intelligence surveillance and coordination that created the perfect moment to strike the center of Iran\u2019s leadership. <\/p>

The CIA spent months tracking Iran\u2019s senior leadership before a narrow intelligence window led American and Israeli officials to adjust the timing of strikes that ultimately killed Khamenei and other key leadership officials.<\/p>

The emerging timeline, as reported by several media outlets<\/a>, shows the operation was driven less by a sudden battlefield decision and more by a prolonged intelligence effort that culminated in a serendipitous moment of Iranian vulnerability. <\/p>

TIANA LOWE DOESCHER: TRUMP'S ATTACK ON IRAN IS AN ATTACK ON CHINA'S ECONOMIC SUPERIORITY<\/a><\/p>

U.S. intelligence tracked leadership travel patterns, meetings, communications, and security movements as tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States escalated across the region. <\/p>

During the surveillance period, intelligence agencies were searching for information that multiple senior decision-makers could be located at the same place at the same time \u2014 something officials believed rarely occurred because of assassination concerns surrounding Iran\u2019s leaders.<\/p>Intelligence shared with Israel

The CIA shared its intelligence assessments with Israeli officials as military planning intensified.<\/p>

That intelligence directly influenced operational decisions, with officials adjusting the timing of the strikes in part because surveillance indicated where Iranian leaders were located shortly before the attack window. <\/p>

EDITORIAL: THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC WAS ALWAYS DESTINED FOR THE ASH BIN OF HISTORY<\/a><\/p>

U.S. intelligence has identified a planned high-level leadership meeting in Tehran involving Khamenei and senior military commanders, giving planners confidence that the target would be present. <\/p>The strike window opens

Initial military plans had contemplated strikes at a different time, but real-time information pointing to the leadership gathering accelerated the operation, according to officials familiar with the planning cited in international reporting. <\/p>

U.S. and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes Saturday targeting sites tied to Iran\u2019s political and military command structure while Khamenei met with members of his inner circle. The Department of War has named the attacks Operation Epic Fury.  <\/p>

The attack represented what officials described as a \u201cwindow of opportunity\u201d to simultaneously hit Iran\u2019s leadership hierarchy rather than individual figures over time. <\/p>

Three U.S. service members have been killed in the operation against Iran, and several others have been injured, according to U.S. Central Command. <\/p>

Iran\u2019s state-run news agency has reported approximately 260 deaths, 165 of which were killed in a strike at an all-girls school<\/a>. <\/p>

TRUMP AND MAMDANI'S UNLIKELY POLITICAL ALLIANCE: 'A NEW YORK CITY SOAP OPERA'<\/a><\/p>Aftermath and uncertainty

Iran confirmed Khamenei\u2019s death in the hours after the strikes, which triggered retaliation across the region and raised fears of widening conflict.<\/p>

Lawmakers and intelligence officials have since warned that eliminating Iran\u2019s longtime supreme leader could create uncertainty over who assumes control next and whether hard-line factions consolidate power.  <\/p>

President Donald Trump said he has candidates in mind to lead Iran, but interim leadership said a new supreme leader could be appointed in the coming days. <\/p>

THREE US SERVICE MEMBERS KILLED IN OPERATIONS AGAINST IRAN, CENTCOM SAYS<\/a><\/p>

Trump said he and Iran's leaders are open to negotiations, but a date and time have not been set. On the same day, the president said nine Iranian navy ships had been sunk.<\/p>

In its retaliatory attacks, Iran has targeted its Middle Eastern neighbors, including U.S. military posts located in the region.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26060583787119.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474706-1772373600", "title":"California is a dependent state, not a powerhouse", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fbeltway-confidential%2F4474706%2Fcalifornia-dependent-state-not-powerhouse%2F", "byline":"Zachary Faria", "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. California has a wealth of advantages compared to other states. […]", "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>

California<\/a> has a wealth of advantages compared to other states. Its gross domestic product would rank fourth on the global stage, behind only the United States<\/a>, China, and Germany. It has a wealth of natural resources that should make water management and energy production easy. <\/p>

And yet, California is badly mismanaged.<\/p>

California is one of seven states that share water<\/a> from the Colorado River, receiving one-third of its overall water from the river. These states have\u00a0failed<\/a>\u00a0to come to a renewed agreement on how to divvy\u00a0up that water, leading the Interior Department to get involved. The current deal among the states expires at the end of the year.<\/p>

BELTWAY CONFIDENTIAL: NEWSOM'S WORST NIGHTMARE, AS ZUCKERBERG LEAVES CALIFORNIA<\/a><\/p>

In 2023, six of the seven states actually did reach an\u00a0agreement<\/a>. Those states were Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. California did not agree because the Golden State would have seen the biggest cuts under the other states\u2019 plan. California instead proposed a plan that would put the most cuts on its fellow \u201clower basin\u201d states, Arizona and Nevada, which included California reportedly pitching cutting off Las Vegas and Phoenix from relying on the river.<\/p>

California is trying to throw its weight around against its water neighbors because it has become reliant on water from outside the state, all because state leaders have refused to harness the water within the state\u2019s borders. Voters approved a bond in 2014 that allocated $2.7 billion for water storage projects. It has been 12 years, and no new storage facilities have been built as of yet.<\/p>

When presented with solutions, California has declined to take them. Gov. Gavin Newsom<\/a> (D-CA) and his administration\u00a0determined<\/a>\u00a0that $20 billion was too expensive for plans for a tunnel that would direct water from the Sacramento River to water-needy Southern California, even as Newsom has overseen exponential increases in the state\u2019s budget. California has seen record-setting years of rain and snow, only to let the\u00a0runoff<\/a>\u00a0flow\u00a0into the Pacific Ocean, with no ability \u2014 or willingness \u2014 to store that water for dry years. California even struggles to keep water in its water-rich north, where activists pressure Democratic leaders to keep water pumps\u00a0shut off<\/a>\u00a0on behalf of dying species of fish, resulting in that water being flushed out to sea.\u00a0<\/p>

California has been reduced to a dependent \u201cpower,\u201d not just on the issue of water. California\u2019s targeting of the oil industry<\/a> with heavy regulations has led to refineries shutting down in the state. California is on track to lose a\u00a0projected 21%<\/a> of its oil refinery capacity over the next few years. Valero and Phillips 66 have each announced\u00a0recent<\/a>\u00a0refinery closures, which have led Newsom to support reversing a law he signed just three years ago.<\/p>

Much as it did with water policy, California created this crisis by fitting its oil and gas policy to what environmental activists have demanded. The result is that California, in November 2025, imported more gasoline than it ever has before, despite most of it being produced in the U.S. According to the Institute for Energy Research, \u201cIn 2025, the Bahamas\u00a0supplied<\/a>\u00a012% of California\u2019s ship-borne gasoline imports, more than it had in the previous nine years combined.\u201d India and South Korea are also heavy importers for California, and the state \u201cwill need to depend on imports for at least the next several years.\u201d<\/p>

This was not inevitable. California had over 40 oil refineries in the 1980s. That number has dropped to a dozen, which are increasingly consolidated under a handful of companies. The best California can hope for to decrease its self-imposed dependency on foreign nations is to increase its dependency on other states through a proposed pipeline that would bring gasoline from Illinois to California.\u00a0<\/p>

Just as California is the biggest importer of gasoline among U.S. states, it was also the\u00a0leading\u00a0importer of electricity<\/a> for years. Virginia has since taken that\u00a0top spot<\/a>, but California is still reliant on its neighbors for power despite its grand promises of a sustainable \u201cclean energy\u201d grid that would revolutionize the future of the nation. Instead, California\u2019s grid relies on importing 20% to 30% of its electricity in a given year.<\/p>

This is because, again, California has been weakened by its commitment to environmental activism. The state has tried to erase oil and natural gas from its energy production system, putting increased weight on wind and solar, neither of which is strong or reliable enough to keep the grid running. Aside from making California reliant on energy from other states, this has also led Newsom and his Democratic colleagues\u00a0to reverse<\/a>\u00a0course on those \u201cdirty\u201d forms of energy.\u00a0<\/p>

What is more interesting than that reversal is what California has done with regard to nuclear energy. Despite nuclear being a clean form of energy, state Democrats have run every nuclear plant out of service but one, Diablo Canyon. California Democrats signed the death warrant for that plant as well, but the last several years have been defined by those Democrats reversing course to keep the plant open, since it alone provides roughly 9% of the state\u2019s energy.<\/p>

Despite this war on nuclear energy at home, California also\u00a0imports<\/a>\u00a0energy from Washington and Arizona. In fact, nuclear energy makes up a higher\u00a0percentage<\/a>\u00a0of California\u2019s energy imports \u2014 11% \u2014 than Diablo Canyon does of the state\u2019s energy, meaning that the state was happy to force its neighbors to produce nuclear energy for the Golden State\u2019s grid while it was hounding nuclear plants out of its own borders.<\/p>

That extends to \u201cdirty\u201d energy forms as well. California is working on setting up a regional energy\u00a0network<\/a>\u00a0with neighboring states to trade electricity. It\u2019s a sensible proposal, since it would likely make energy cheaper in California, and the state already exports excess solar energy that it can\u2019t use itself. But such a proposal would mean that California would be entering into an agreement with states that rely on coal, such as New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. In 2021, California produced almost no coal energy on its own, but nearly 10% of the state\u2019s energy imports came from coal.<\/p>

NEWSOM'S ENERGY POLICIES COULD JEOPARDIZE NATIONAL SECURITY, CALIFORNIA CONGRESSMAN WARNS<\/a><\/p>

This stands in contrast with Newsom\u2019s boasting that California is providing federal welfare to other states through its federal tax loads. Newsom is happy to paint other states as whiny dependents who criticize California\u2019s mismanagement while relying on its money (or, more accurately, the money from California residents who pay federal taxes). But he has it backwards. It is California that has become reliant on other states for such basic things as energy, gasoline, and water.<\/p>

California has the resources, financial and natural, to be independent when it comes to those issues, but it does not have the will or the competence. That has left California as a dependent state, which helps explain why it is floundering.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP25162648439409.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476243-1772370762", "title":"Trump says US has sunk nine Iranian navy ships and ‘largely destroyed’ headquarters", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fdefense%2F4476243%2Ftrump-us-sink-nine-iran-navy-ships%2F", "byline":"Claire Carter", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that U.S. military forces had sunk nine Iranian Navy ships and “largely destroyed” their naval headquarters. Operation Epic Fury commenced Saturday when the United States and Israel bombed Iran in a joint attack, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and many other top Iranian officials.  “I have just been […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> announced on Sunday that U.S. military<\/a> forces had sunk nine Iranian<\/a> Navy ships and \u201clargely destroyed\u201d their naval headquarters.<\/p>

Operation Epic Fury commenced Saturday when the United States and Israel<\/a> bombed Iran in a joint attack, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei<\/a> and many other top Iranian officials. <\/p>

\u201cI have just been informed that we have destroyed and sunk 9 Iranian Naval Ships, some of them relatively large and important. We are going after the rest \u2014 They will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea, also! In a different attack, we largely destroyed their Naval Headquarters\u201d Trump said in a Truth Social post<\/a>.<\/p>

THREE US SERVICE MEMBERS KILLED IN OPERATIONS AGAINST IRAN, CENTCOM SAYS<\/a><\/p>

Prior to his announcement, Trump told the Atlantic <\/a>on Sunday that he and Iran\u2019s new leadership have agreed to hold talks, although the president noted talks are long overdue.\u00a0<\/p>

The president said he and Iran have not set a date and time, as many of the leaders who participated in previous talks are now dead. <\/p>

After the initial attack in Tehran, Trump said U.S. forces in the Middle East would enact a \u201cmassive and ongoing operation\u201d to weaken Iran and destroy imminent threats to America. <\/p>

Israeli participation in the operation focused on killing Khamenei, while the U.S. focused on Iran\u2019s defense industry, with the now-sunken navy ships signifying the U.S.\u2019s commitment to eliminating any defense threat posed by the country.<\/p>

TRUMP AGREES TO TALK WITH IRAN\u2019S NEW LEADERSHIP AS REGIONAL WAR WIDENS<\/a><\/p>

While Trump has agreed to future talks, it is unclear which Iranian officials will participate, as a new leader has not been appointed. <\/p>

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday that new leadership could be selected within the next few days, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the leadership transition process is already underway.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26060537006275.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476224-1772368507", "title":"Trump agrees to talk with Iran’s new leadership as regional war widens", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fforeign-policy%2F4476224%2Ftrump-agrees-talk-iran-leadership-war%2F", "byline":"Claire Carter", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump said Sunday that Iran’s new leadership after the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has signaled they are willing to talk with the president, and Trump is ready to do so. Trump said in an interview with the Atlantic on Sunday that Iran has agreed to meet with him but noted […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> said Sunday that Iran<\/a>\u2019s new leadership after the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei<\/a> has signaled they are willing to talk with the president, and Trump is ready to do so.<\/p>

Trump said in an interview with the Atlantic<\/a> on Sunday that Iran has agreed to meet with him but noted the country should have agreed prior to Saturday's attack, which was done in coordination with Israel, that killed many of Iran\u2019s senior leaders.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cThey want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them. They should have done it sooner. They should have given what was very practical and easy to do sooner. They waited too long,\u201d Trump said. <\/p>

EDITORIAL: THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC WAS ALWAYS DESTINED FOR THE ASH BIN OF HISTORY<\/a><\/p>

A date and time have not been set for discussions, the president said, adding that many of the leaders involved in previous talks are now dead. <\/p>

Trump had previously said the operation in Iran, dubbed \"Operation Epic Fury\" by the Department of War<\/a>, would continue for several days.\u00a0<\/p>

Trump said he does not have a timeline for the end of the bombing campaign aimed at destroying Iran\u2019s missiles and missile industry. He said the operation was a long time coming.<\/p>

\u201cPeople have wanted to do it for 47 years,\" Trump said. \"They\u2019ve killed people for 47 years, and now it\u2019s reversed on them.\u201d <\/p>

The president\u2019s comments come as the U.S. Central Command announced three U.S. soldiers were killed in action during the operation the day prior. Trump has said he recognizes the cost of the military operation in Iran but called it a \u201cnoble mission.\u201d <\/p>

TIANA LOWE DOESCHER: TRUMP'S ATTACK ON IRAN IS AN ATTACK ON CHINA'S ECONOMIC SUPERIORITY<\/a><\/p>

Since the operation, Iran has launched missiles in retaliation, with targets aimed at Israel and U.S. military operations in the Middle East. Videos show explosions at military posts in Kuwait and Iraq.<\/p>

A residential area of Israel was leveled, resulting in nine dead and 20 more missing. <\/p>

The future of Iran\u2019s leadership<\/a> sits a question mark for now, but Trump has said he has \u201cgood candidates\u201d in mind. <\/p>

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday that new leadership could be selected within the next few days, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the leadership transition process is already underway.<\/p>

THREE US SERVICE MEMBERS KILLED IN OPERATIONS AGAINST IRAN, CENTCOM SAYS<\/a><\/p>

Iranian authorities have declared national mourning while simultaneously coordinating military responses to continued Israeli strikes and defending against attacks across multiple fronts. <\/p>

Possible successors have not been publicly named, and the selection could shape Iran\u2019s domestic direction and foreign policy posture at a moment of escalating confrontation.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26058692332382.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4473462-1772366400", "title":"Republican tax cuts must not be blamed for rising deficits and debt", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F4473462%2Fcbo-higher-spending-not-tax-cuts-causes-deficits-debt%2F", "byline":"Bruce Thompson", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Congressional Budget Office has released its annual Budget and Economic Outlook for 2026 to 2036, and once again, CBO and the media are blaming the nation’s deficit problem on Republican tax cuts. However, the 172-page report shows very clearly that higher spending, and not lower taxes, is the main reason for the rising deficits and […]", "description":""

The Congressional Budget Office<\/a> has released its annual Budget and Economic Outlook for 2026 to 2036, and once again, CBO and the media are blaming<\/a> the nation\u2019s deficit problem on Republican tax cuts.\u00a0However, the 172-page report shows<\/a> very clearly that higher spending, and not lower taxes, is the main reason for the rising deficits and debt.<\/p>

A Washington Post story on the CBO report<\/a> said the \u201cGOP tax law fuels steeper deficits,\u201d and cites the \u201cmassive cost\u201d of the Republican tax cuts. Not one word in the entire article addressed the massive increases in spending projected by the CBO over the next 10 years.<\/p>

The CBO report provides 10-year projections of revenue, outlays, deficits, and debt, and by any measure, these numbers show that rising budget deficits<\/a> are caused by higher spending, not because taxes are too low. Instead, the numbers show that excess revenue coming in is fueling more spending.<\/p>

Even with the Republican-led tax cuts<\/a>, which essentially just extended current law and prevented a massive tax increase, federal tax revenue is soaring. Total federal taxes are projected to increase by an incredible $70 trillion over the next 10 years, rising well above the 50-year average as a percent of GDP.<\/p>

Annual tax revenue will increase from $5 trillion in 2025 to more than $8 trillion in 2036, a 60% increase in the annual tax burden. Tax revenue will be even higher if growth exceeds the paltry 1.8% annual growth projected by CBO for the next 10 years.<\/p>

The projected growth of federal spending is staggering. Total federal spending is projected to increase<\/a> by $95 trillion over the next 10 years. This is more money than the federal government collected in taxes in the 65 years from 1960 to 2025.<\/p>

RESTORING AMERICA: ON THE FEDERAL DEFICIT, PICKING THE LOW-HANGING FRUIT WON\u2019T BE ENOUGH<\/a><\/p>

What\u2019s more, total annual spending will increase from $7 trillion in 2025 to more than $11 trillion per year in 2036 \u2014 an increase of 63%. <\/p>

As the numbers show, rising taxes do not reduce deficits and debt. Higher tax revenue just leads to more spending, resulting in bigger deficits and higher debt. Our fiscal problems are caused by too much spending, not too-low taxes.<\/p>

Bruce Thompson was a U.S. Senate aide, assistant secretary of the Treasury for legislative affairs, and the director of government relations for Merrill Lynch for 22 years.\u00a0<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/iStock-1313622009.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476201-1772364043", "title":"FBI terrorism task force joins investigation into Texas bar shooting that left three dead", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2F4476201%2Ffbi-terrorism-task-force-austin-texas-bar-shooting%2F", "byline":"Claire Carter", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force has joined the investigation into a mass shooting that left three dead, including the alleged gunman, and 14 injured at a popular bar in downtown Austin, Texas, in the early hours of Sunday. Austin police responded shortly before 2 a.m. to reports of a shooter at Buford’s, a beer […]", "description":""

The FBI<\/a> Joint Terrorism Task Force has joined the investigation into a mass shooting<\/a> that left three dead, including the alleged gunman, and 14 injured at a popular bar in downtown Austin, Texas<\/a>, in the early hours of Sunday.<\/p>

Austin<\/a> police responded shortly before 2 a.m. to reports of a shooter at Buford's, a beer garden located along the city\u2019s busy West Sixth Street entertainment district, Austin Police Chief Lisa David said during a news conference. <\/p>

The FBI\u2019s terrorism task force is reportedly assisting<\/a> based on preliminary evidence found at the scene. The evidence includes a pistol and an assault-style rifle suspected to be used<\/a> by the gunman to commit the attack.<\/p>

THE US AND ISRAEL ATTACKED IRAN: WHAT WE KNOW<\/a><\/p>

Officers already assigned to patrol near the nightlife corridor arrived and confronted an armed man. Police exchanged gunfire with the suspect, who was fatally shot at the scene, Davis said, and there are no outstanding suspects. <\/p>

Emergency medical crews treated 17 people at the scene after the shooting unfolded as bars were closing for the night. Three people, including the suspect, were pronounced dead, while 14 victims were transported to area hospitals. <\/p>

Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said first responders arrived within a minute of receiving the emergency call, allowing medics and officers to begin treating victims almost immediately. <\/p>

The shooting sent crowds fleeing from one of Austin\u2019s most popular nightlife areas, located near the University of Texas campus and known for heavy weekend foot traffic. <\/p>

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised police, firefighters, and paramedics for their swift response, saying their actions saved lives during what he described as a chaotic and frightening incident for the city.<\/p>

IRANIAN ATTACKS KILL NEARLY A DOZEN ACROSS ISRAEL, UAE, AND KUWAIT, AS CAMPAIGN EXPANDS<\/a><\/p>

Officials have not yet released the identities of those killed or injured, and investigators said a motive for the shooting remains unclear, though the FBI terrorism task force's presence indicates a link to a terrorism<\/a> motive.<\/p>

Police urged anyone searching for loved ones connected to the incident to contact the department\u2019s victim services unit.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Crime_Police_vb4.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476200-1772363174", "title":"The Iran strike is about weakening China", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F4476200%2Fthe-iran-strike-is-about-weakening-china%2F", "byline":"Conn Carroll", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump’s statement explaining the military strikes he ordered on Iran detailed how the Iranian regime has “waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder targeting the United States” for 47 years. Forty-seven years. That is a long time. But why strike now? The answer is not nuclear weapons. Trump destroyed Iran’s nuclear […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a>\u2019s statement<\/a> explaining the military strikes he ordered on Iran<\/a> detailed how the Iranian regime has \u201cwaged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder targeting the United States\u201d for 47 years. Forty-seven years. That is a long time. But why strike now?<\/p>

The answer is not nuclear weapons<\/a>. Trump destroyed Iran's nuclear program<\/a> in June 2025. Trump mentioned that Iran has \u201clong-range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe,\u201d and that is true. But it is not new.<\/p>

So why now?<\/p>

THE US AND ISRAEL ATTACKED IRAN: WHAT WE KNOW<\/a><\/p>

Relatedly, why did we strike Venezuela<\/a> in January? Nicolas Maduro<\/a> had been in power for over a decade before Trump authorized the operation to arrest and detain him. Yes, Maduro was directing a campaign of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking against the United States, but that had been true for years. There was no sudden escalation of that campaign in January that warranted his abduction.<\/p>

So why now?<\/p>

I think the answer to both questions is China<\/a>. <\/p>

In 2023, China announced a \u201call-weather strategic partnership\u201d with Venezuela, deepening cooperation between the two, including Chinese investments in Venezuela\u2019s oil industry<\/a> and Chinese control of Venezuela's telecommunications infrastructure. Venezuela only amounted to 4% of Chinese oil imports, but China\u2019s investments in Venezuela gave it a key beachhead in America\u2019s backyard.<\/p>

EDITORIAL: THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC WAS ALWAYS DESTINED FOR THE ASH BIN OF HISTORY<\/a><\/p>

China\u2019s relationship with Iran goes back even further and has become deeper. China was a major arms supplier for Iran during its war with Iraq, and it has become China\u2019s most valuable asset in the region. The countries signed a strategic partnership<\/a> in 2016, increasing oil sales from Iran to China, and deepening Chinese control of Iranian infrastructure. In addition to getting 14% of their oil imports from Iran, Chinese currency helps fund Iran\u2019s network of military proxies from Lebanon to Yemen. No one benefits more from the chaos caused by Iran\u2019s export of terrorism than China, which is why Chinese satellite firms were so eager to help the Houthis attack U.S assets<\/a> in the region.<\/p>

SEAN DURNS: THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC HAD ITS CHANCE<\/a><\/p>

Neither the Maduro apprehension nor the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was a response to some imminent threat to U.S. national security. They were both calculated strikes against China\u2019s ability to project influence around the world.<\/p>

With Iran and Venezuela weakened, China is now more isolated and dependent on Russian oil than ever. Taking out the China-friendly regimes in Iran and Venezuela may not prevent China from invading Taiwan, but they have raised the cost.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/AP644355974730.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476169-1772361316", "title":"New Iranian supreme leader to be chosen in ‘one or two days’ after Khamenei killed", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4476169%2Fnew-iran-supreme-leader-khamenei-death%2F", "byline":"Claire Carter", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Iran’s next supreme leader could be selected within “one or two days,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday as the country moves to fill the position left vacant after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in joint U.S. and Israeli strikes.  Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the leadership transition process is already underway despite U.S.-Israeli […]", "description":""

Iran\u2019s<\/a> next supreme leader could be selected<\/a> within \u201cone or two days,\u201d Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday as the country moves to fill the position left vacant after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei<\/a> was killed in joint U.S. and Israeli<\/a> strikes.\u00a0<\/p>

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the leadership transition process is already underway despite U.S.-Israeli airstrikes and Iranian retaliatory attacks across the region.\u00a0<\/p>

President Donald Trump<\/a> has also hinted at having a possible new leader in mind, saying, \u201cThere are some good candidates.\u201d<\/p>

EDITORIAL: THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC WAS ALWAYS DESTINED FOR THE ASH BIN OF HISTORY<\/a><\/p>

Former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has been leading the opposition and has previously stated he would lead any transition government. Pahlavi, whose family ruled Iran before the 1979 revolution, has not yet received an endorsement from Trump but nonetheless insisted Sunday that he was \"leading this transition\" to a new government.<\/p>

\"This is time now for a very strong, stable transition. I am leading this transition. I have the support of millions of Iranian people. I have the people inside the country that are joining. \u2026 The military will side with us. We have a plan of action and a transition plan,\u201d he said on Fox News's Sunday Morning Futures. <\/p>

Under Iran\u2019s constitution, an interim leadership structure has temporarily assumed the duties of the supreme leader while a permanent successor is chosen. The caretaker body includes<\/a> Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Mohseni Ejei, and senior cleric from the Guardian Council Alireza Arafi. <\/p>

THREE US SERVICE MEMBERS KILLED IN OPERATIONS AGAINST IRAN, CENTCOM SAYS<\/a><\/p>

The country\u2019s Assembly of Experts<\/a>, which is an 88-member clerical body, is responsible for selecting the new supreme leader. The group is required to move quickly following a leader\u2019s death and meets behind closed doors to deliberate among qualified senior clerics before announcing a decision. <\/p>

Khamenei\u2019s killing during the opening phase of the U.S.-Israel military campaign has created a consequential leadership crisis in Iran, as Khamenei has ruled for 37 years. The compressed timeline reflects both constitutional requirements and pressure on Iran\u2019s leadership to demonstrate continuity as the country faces active military conflict and internal uncertainty. <\/p>

Iranian authorities have declared national mourning while simultaneously coordinating military responses to continued Israeli strikes and defending against attacks across multiple fronts. <\/p>

Possible successors have not been publicly named, and the selection could shape Iran\u2019s domestic direction and foreign policy posture at a moment of escalating confrontation. <\/p>

TRUMP TEASES 'GOOD CANDIDATES' TO LEAD AFTER KHAMENEI'S DEATH<\/a><\/p>

Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) said there is looming uncertainty about how conflict in Iran will play out following Khamenei\u2019s death.  <\/p>

\u201cWe have had very little visibility into what happens next after the supreme leader is eliminated,\u201d Warner said on CNN<\/a>. \u201cI think we still don\u2019t know what is happening next.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GettyImages-2259244786.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476122-1772360014", "title":"The Islamic Republic was always destined for the ash heap of history", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F4476122%2Fislamic-republic-destined-ash-heap-of-history%2F", "byline":"Washington Examiner", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the so-called supreme leader of Iran, is dead. So too are at least 40 senior Iranian regime officials, all of whom were killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic. It was a deserved and nearly inevitable end to a regime that created the greatest terrorist state on the planet. […]", "description":""

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei<\/a>, the so-called supreme leader of Iran<\/a>, is dead. So too are at least 40 senior Iranian regime officials, all of whom were killed in U.S.<\/a> and Israeli<\/a> strikes on the Islamic Republic<\/a>. It was a deserved and nearly inevitable end to a regime that created the greatest terrorist state on the planet. It should be stated as plain fact that only the United States, the indispensable nation, could have brought this about. Thus, the regime was bound ultimately to be destroyed, and no nation or its own people could make that happen without America's participation.<\/p>

The Islamic Republic of Iran was born in bloodshed in 1979, nearly half a century ago. From its inception, its ruling theocrats engaged in mass murder, hostage taking, and torture. The regime\u2019s founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, constructed an artifice dependent on terrorism, building the scaffold that would send countless men, women, and children to their deaths. First, the regime liquidated its leftist allies who had brought about the fall of the Shah, then it turned outward, against the civilized world.\u00a0<\/p>

THE US AND ISRAEL ATTACKED IRAN: WHAT WE KNOW<\/a><\/p>

Khomeini isn\u2019t the first antisemitic autocrat, with dreams of murdering Jews and destroying America, to meet his end in a bombed-out bunker. We hope but do not trust that his successor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, will be the last.<\/p>

Before Khomeini had even solidified his grip on power, his minions had taken the U.S. Embassy in Tehran hostage, holding its staff for 444 days. In the 1980s, Iran sent its agents to neighboring countries. Like Lenin before him, Khomeini sought to export his revolution. As historian Ray Takeyh has noted, Khomeini and his acolytes wanted to launch a new \u201cIslamic epoch\u201d with Iran at its epicenter. It was to be a \u201crevolution without borders.\u201d<\/p>

Accordingly, the Islamic Republic spread its terror far from its shores, making satrapies of Lebanon, Yemen, and much of Syria and Iraq. Iranian proxies operated with abandon in Bulgaria in Europe, Nigeria in Africa, and Argentina, among other places, and fomented untold death and destruction along the way. Tehran remade the Middle East vastly for the worse.<\/p>

In the 1980s, less than a decade old, the regime embarked on a campaign of kidnapping, torturing, and murdering Westerners, from CIA station chiefs to journalists and any who else who dared question its millenarian vision. The Iran-Iraq War, in which Khomeini battled Saddam Hussein, was the bloodiest conflict since World War II, with casualty estimates exceeding more than 1 million. It lasted for nearly a decade, sputtering out when Khomeini ran out of bodies to throw into the slaughter. Khomeini and his apparatchiks could not have cared less about the human cost; it gave unarmed children plastic \u201ckeys to paradise\u201d for martyrdom on the front lines. He sent them to clear minefields by simply running across them.<\/p>

Dozens of terrorist groups can trace their start to the Iranian regime. Tehran wholesale created Hezbollah, once labeled the \u201cA Team\u201d of terrorists, with an arsenal greater than most nation-states. Iran\u2019s tentacles stretched to any Islamist movement, Sunni or Shia, that sought to vanquish the United States and destroy Israel. Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, al-Qaeda, and others all received support from their patrons in Tehran. All are terrorist groups. All have blood, American and otherwise, on their hands.<\/p>

WORLD LEADERS STRESS DIPLOMATIC RESOLUTION AFTER US-ISRAEL STRIKES ON IRAN<\/a><\/p>

There is an old saying from antiquity: those whom the Gods would destroy, they first make mad. The Islamic Republic was born of bloodshed, and it eventually fell prey to its own hubris and propaganda. Madness involves a detachment from reality, and the mullahs of Iran had become mad.<\/p>

Tehran spent three decades attempting to acquire nuclear weapons. Over the span of six presidencies, the mullahs sought to deceive the U.S. and the world about their nuclear ambitions. Every president since George H.W. Bush<\/a> sought to stop them. Countless negotiations ensued. But the Iranian leadership was consistent in its dishonesty and perfidy. The regime successfully bought time and played the West for suckers.<\/p>

The Islamic Republic was given multiple chances to end its nuclear weapons program. Time and again, the regime refused. Karim Sadjadpour, a well-regarded analyst of Iran at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, estimated that Tehran\u2019s nuclear program cost the region at least $100 billion in sunk costs.\u00a0<\/p>

This money could have been spent improving the lives of Iranian citizens. But that was never the regime\u2019s objective or concern. Revolutionary terrorism was. That is why Iran couldn\u2019t have been allowed to have nuclear weapons. It is also why Iran was never going to give them up. <\/p>

The regime and its founders, including Khamenei, were messianic ideologues who wanted to remake the Middle East and the world in their twisted image.<\/p>

Only the U.S. could have stopped them.\u00a0<\/p>

OPINION: DEMOCRATS ENDANGER SECURITY WITH THEIR SHUTDOWN<\/a><\/p>

Israel, while capable of precise and daring operations, could not have acted alone. The courageous Iranian people, always the regime\u2019s first and foremost victims, were unable to topple the regime\u2019s entrenched terrorism apparatus by themselves. Before Operation Urgent Fury and Khamenei\u2019s death, Iran slaughtered at least 32,000 Iranians while most of the world did nothing. The United Nations, which is a morally bankrupt institution if ever there was one, and that feckless vapour, the \"international community,\" did nothing, at least nothing unless you count their pusillanimous skepticism and carping against the U.S. and Israel.<\/p>

The era of doing nothing or indulging the regime in its games is over. The Islamic Republic is headed to the ash heap of history, joining other failed tyrannies. It was a course set from the regime\u2019s inception. But it took America to make it happen.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GettyImages-2255909207.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476164-1772359302", "title":"Three US service members killed in operations against Iran, CENTCOM says", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fdefense%2F4476164%2Fus-service-members-killed-iran-operations%2F", "byline":"Claire Carter", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The U.S. Central Command said Sunday that three U.S. service members were killed in action during Operation Epic Fury and another five were seriously wounded. CENTCOM added that several other service members sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions. “Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing,” CENTCOM said in an X post. “The […]", "description":""

The U.S. Central Command said Sunday that three U.S. service members<\/a> were killed in action during Operation Epic Fury and another five were seriously wounded. <\/p>

CENTCOM added that several other service members sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions.<\/p>

\"Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing,\" CENTCOM said in an X post<\/a>. \"The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.\"<\/p>

In the joint attacks on Iran<\/a> dubbed Operation Epic Fury, Israel<\/a> had targeted Iranian leaders, while the U.S. had gone after Iran\u2019s ballistic missile and nuclear programs. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei<\/a> was killed in a strike on the first day of the operation.<\/p>

Since the joint U.S.-Israel operation, Iran has launched counterattacks in the region, particularly targeting U.S. military operations in the area.<\/p>

A video published Sunday showed an Iranian <\/a>one-way attack drone striking the U.S. Army\u2019s Camp Buehring in Kuwait. The drone exploded into a tank, and there have been no reports of casualties.\u00a0<\/p>

Other clips show smoke clouds over Erbil, Iraq, where a portion of U.S. forces are based.\u00a0<\/p>

Operation Epic Fury and President Donald Trump\u2019s call for the overthrow of the Islamic Republic mark the start of a new U.S. intervention in the Middle East.\u00a0<\/p>

NEW IRANIAN SUPREME LEADER TO BE CHOSEN IN \u2018ONE OR TWO DAYS\u2019 AFTER KHAMENEI KILLED<\/a><\/p>

Trump released a video following the attack and recognized the cost <\/a>of an attack in the Middle East, with U.S. personnel and bases likely targets of Iranian retaliation.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cWe may have casualties \u2014 that often happens in war \u2014 but we\u2019re doing this not for now. We\u2019re doing this for the future, and it is a noble mission,\u201d Trump said. \u201c[Iran] attempted to rebuild their nuclear program and to continue developing long range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas and could soon reach the American homeland.\u201dIranian forces have already begun retaliation asIsrael suffered missile<\/a>and drone strikes, one of which leveled a residential home leaving nine people dead and 20 missing.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26059711801797.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4472206-1772359200", "title":"Champagne socialism is forced to raise its glass to economic reality", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F4472206%2Fchampagne-socialism-forced-to-raise-glass-to-economic-reality%2F", "byline":"Brooke Medina", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"In New York City, champagne socialist talking points are starting to meet real-world consequences. Mayor Zohran Mamdani is now floating the idea of a 10% property tax increase to fund his social programs and plug a looming budget hole.  The city he leads is already the most expensive place to live in the country, with families everywhere still trying to catch up to higher costs. […]", "description":""

In New York City<\/a>, champagne socialist talking points are starting to meet real-world consequences. Mayor\u00a0Zohran Mamdani<\/a> is\u00a0now\u00a0floating\u00a0the idea of\u00a0a\u00a010%\u00a0property tax increase<\/a> to fund\u00a0his\u00a0social programs and plug a looming budget hole.\u00a0<\/p>

The city he leads is already the most expensive place to live in the country, with families everywhere still trying to catch up to higher\u00a0costs. A\u00a0massive\u00a0tax hike\u00a0like his proposal\u00a0would\u00a0only\u00a0make\u00a0things worse, especially for middle-class New Yorkers.<\/p>

Mamdani\u2019s threat\u00a0to raise the property tax rate\u00a0insults not only those who\u00a0live within the five boroughs, but also every rural American.\u00a0New York City already receives around 55% of its revenue\u00a0from federal aid and subsidies, relying on\u00a0taxpayers\u00a0nationwide to meet\u00a0its massive\u00a0budgetary obligations.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0worth noting that\u00a0Mamdani\u2019s proposed\u00a0budget for\u00a0New York City\u00a0is\u00a0$10 billion\u00a0larger\u00a0than\u00a0that of\u00a0the entire state of Florida\u2019s budget.\u00a0<\/p>

MAMDANI PROPOSES MILLIONS FOR RACIAL AND GENDER EQUITY DESPITE BUDGET SHORTFALL<\/a><\/p>

That kind of spending\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0go unnoticed by the taxpayers footing the bill.\u00a0During a midterm election year<\/a>,\u00a0politicians\u00a0are making affordability a keystone issue\u00a0among constituents, leading state legislatures across the nation to focus on property tax reforms to help reduce the cost of living.\u00a0This is\u00a0likely a\u00a0reality that is on\u00a0Gov. Kathy Hochul\u2019s<\/a> (D-NY) mind\u00a0as she seeks reelection in November.\u00a0<\/p>

And Hochul\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0alone in\u00a0feeling that pressure.\u00a0Across the country, lawmakers are moving in the opposite direction\u00a0of Mamdani,\u00a0balancing their state and city budgets through property tax reforms and reduced spending. The socialism-lite approach of levying regressive taxes that hurt lower-income Americans the most is exactly what one should expect from 21st-century, progressive policymakers who have the luxury of pretending\u00a0that economic reality is a social construct.\u00a0<\/p>

Most states, especially red ones, want no part of it.\u00a0State lawmakers are\u00a0prioritizing affordability and lower property taxes by using\u00a0familiar tools, such as homestead exemptions and expanding property tax credits to shield more of a home\u2019s value from taxation.\u00a0<\/p>

Other states are looking at reforms such as caps on annual assessment increases, limits on year-over-year collection growth, and inflation-linked restraints to make property taxes more predictable and prevent bills from rising faster than incomes. <\/p>

Still, other states are requiring clearer notices, creating processes to challenge assessments, and in some cases mandating voter approval before taxes increase \u2014 efforts reflected in recent reforms in Texas, Kansas, and Ohio. <\/p>

Another example is found in\u00a0Tennessee,\u00a0which\u00a0is moving toward a bill that would require voter approval for any property tax increases\u00a0outside of\u00a0the already agreed-upon limit.\u00a0A\u00a0Beacon Center\u00a0poll\u00a0last month\u00a0found that 90%\u00a0of Tennessee voters support it.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cNo one should ever face the loss of their home because they can't pay rent to the government,\u201d Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns said last month. <\/p>

These examples of property tax reform across the nation share a common thread. They treat property tax relief as a cost-of-living priority and a fairness issue, and start from the premise that a family home should be protected, not treated as the default backstop when state and city budgets don\u2019t add up. <\/p>

KATHY HOCHUL BOOSTS SPENDING BY $150 MILLION WHILE REFUSING MAMDANI\u2019S TAX HIKE<\/a><\/p>

That is exactly what New York\u2019s<\/a> current conversation lacks.\u00a0And yes, Americans notice. They vote\u00a0with\u00a0their feet. When leaders raise the cost of staying put, they\u00a0shouldn\u2019t\u00a0be surprised when more people decide they\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0afford to\u00a0remain.\u00a0<\/p>

A family that buys a home\u00a0shouldn\u2019t\u00a0feel as though\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0forever waiting for the next assessment to decide whether they can\u00a0afford\u00a0it,\u00a0and champagne socialists\u00a0shouldn\u2019t\u00a0be\u00a0trusted to\u00a0fairly balance a budget.\u00a0<\/p>

Brooke Medina is the Vice President of Communications at State Policy Network.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/YL.HigherTaxes.022526.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476130-1772357659", "title":"Iranian attacks kill a dozen across Israel, UAE, and Kuwait, as campaign expands", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4476130%2Firan-missile-attack-israel-uae-kuwait%2F", "byline":"Claire Carter", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"An Iranian missile strike on a residential area in Israel killed at least nine people and left 20 others missing Sunday, authorities said as Tehran expanded retaliatory attacks across the region following surprise attacks from the U.S. and Israel that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.  Israeli emergency responders continued searching through rubble hours […]", "description":""

An Iranian<\/a> missile strike on a residential area in Israel<\/a> killed at least nine people and left 20 others missing Sunday, authorities said as Tehran<\/a> expanded retaliatory attacks across the region following surprise attacks from the U.S. and Israel that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei<\/a>. <\/p>

Israeli emergency responders continued searching through rubble<\/a> hours after the strike hit a home during an overnight barrage of missiles and drones. Authorities said multiple people were pulled from debris while rescue operations remained ongoing amid fears the death toll could rise. <\/p>

Iran\u2019s retaliation also reached the Gulf, as the United Arab Emirates<\/a> confirmed that Iranian drone and missile attacks killed three people<\/a> after impacts were reported in populated areas, expanding the conflict beyond Israel and Iran and raising alarm among regional governments hosting U.S. military forces. <\/p>

THE US AND ISRAEL ATTACKED IRAN: WHAT WE KNOW<\/a><\/p>

The three killed were from Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, and another 58 have been wounded.<\/p>

The UAE said Iran had launched 165 ballistic missiles targeting the country, of which 152 were destroyed, and 13 fell into the sea. Iran also launched 541 bomb-carrying drones at the UAE, of which 506 were destroyed.<\/p>

Kuwait\u2019s Ministry of Health reported<\/a> one dead and 20 injured after a total of 97, but the health ministry said none of the casualties are Kuwaiti citizens. <\/p>

The Kuwaiti<\/a> army has reportedly intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles and drones as Iran continued hurling attacks on Gulf countries. <\/p>

An Iranian drone attempted to strike a building in Dubai but failed to detonate<\/a>. <\/p>

The widening retaliation came as Israel continued strikes inside Iran, with explosions reported across Tehran for a second consecutive day. Israeli officials said the strikes are aimed at Iran\u2019s military command structure and missile capabilities following the joint U.S.-Israel operation that killed Khamenei and several senior commanders. <\/p>

TOM ROGAN: TRUMP SHAKE'S IRAN'S TREE TO SEE WHAT FALLS OUT<\/a><\/p>

Khamenei's death saw celebrations and protests throughout the region, with 22 people dying <\/a>in violent clashes between protesters and security forces in Pakistan at the U.S. Consulate in Karachi. Iran\u2019s interim leadership vowed continued retaliation, calling the killing of the supreme leader an act of war and warning that attacks against Israeli and U.S. interests would persist.\u00a0<\/p>

In the joint attacks on Iran, Israel had targeted Iranian leaders while the U.S. went after Iran\u2019s ballistic missile and nuclear programs.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/AP26060487033336.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474955-1772352000", "title":"Steve Descano: America’s worst prosecutor", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fin_focus%2F4474955%2Fsteve-descano-america-worst-prosecutor%2F", "byline":"Timothy P. Carney", "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. FAIRFAX COUNTY, Virginia — Murderers, rapists, perverts, and pimps. These […]", "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>

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Virginia \u2014 Murderers, rapists, perverts, and pimps. These are the folks served by Fairfax County<\/a> prosecutor Steve Descano.<\/p>

The George Soros<\/a>-funded Commonwealth\u2019s attorney for this suburban county of 1 million has openly stated he won\u2019t enforce the law when it clashes with his ideology. The results have been ugly:<\/p>

Richard Cox was already a serial sex offender when he exposed himself in a women\u2019s locker room in Fairfax, but Descano let him go \u2014 and he proceeded to expose himself in a high-school girl\u2019s locker room.<\/p>

SOROS-FUNDED PROSECUTOR STEVE DESCANO AND FAIRFAX COUNTY\u2019S BOOMING BROTHEL INDUSTRY<\/a><\/p>

Abdul Jalloh was arrested more than 30 times<\/a>, including for malicious wounding, but was repeatedly set free. He is now accused of stabbing Stephanie Minter to death on February 23.<\/p>

Gret Glyer was executed in his bed, in a calculated assassination. Descano last month let the killer go with an insanity plea.<\/p>

And a Chinese pimp ran a brothel in a residential neighborhood, across the street from a school bus stop. While police did everything they could to shut it down, Descano\u2019s office dropped the prostitution charges and let the place continue operating until the Republican attorney general got it shuttered.<\/p>

These are just a few of the stories that illustrate Descano\u2019s extreme toleration of criminals<\/a> and harm to his constituents. <\/p>Soros-funded ideologue

Descano is in office because of left-wing billionaire George Soros.<\/p>

Descano was first elected as Fairfax County\u2019s Commonwealth\u2019s Attorney in 2019 when he knocked off the incumbent Raymond Morrogh in the Democratic primary, winning by 1,500 votes in a low-turnout election.<\/p>

Descano raised about $1 million between the primary and the general election, a shocking amount for a downballot county race. About two-thirds of his cash came from two Soros-funded organizations, the Justice and Public Safety PAC and the New Virginia<\/a> Majority PAC.<\/p>

Soros was the champion of \u201ccriminal justice reform\u201d at the time, and Descano was one of his proteges.<\/p>

In that 2019 primary, when the ACLU asked the candidates to refuse to enforce certain laws, Morrogh answered, \u201cWe are a nation of laws, not men. I'm not a super legislature. I can't decide, and should not decide what laws to prosecute and what not to prosecute, nor should Steve.\u201d<\/p>

Descano sees it differently. He sees his position as an opportunity to single-handedly legalize things that state and local legislatures have banned. He told the ACLU, for instance, \u201cI'm going to ask to get all charges dismissed when they're related to people possessing marijuana.\u201d<\/p>

He later wrote in the New York Times<\/a> that he would effectively nullify the law within Fairfax County if Virginia was to restrict abortion.<\/p>

In that op-ed, Descano used a telling turn of phrase. \u201cThe real threat,\u201d was not law-breakers, he wrote, but \u201cthe real threat, I now realize, may stem from those who write the law.\u201d<\/p>

In other words, democratic legislators were his enemy. The criminals were not.<\/p>

Descano also tried to single-handedly turn Fairfax County into something a sanctuary county: \u201cWherever possible,\u201d Descano\u2019s website declared until recent minor edits, \u201cSteve will make charging and plea decisions that limit or avoid immigration consequences.\u201d<\/p>

This is a naked admission of discrimination. Descano's stated policy is to prosecute a U.S. citizen more harshly for a given crime than he would prosecute an illegal immigrant.<\/a><\/p>

Sure enough, in 2025, Descano\u2019s office declined<\/a> to prosecute Wilmer Osmany Ramos Giron for allegedly strangling the mother of his child. Instead, they hit Giron with a misdemeanor charge for brandishing a machete.<\/p>

Descano\u2019s office said this reflected the wishes of the victim, but she told<\/a> local reporter Nick Minock that she wanted her assailant locked up for 15 years because \u201che\u2019s dangerous.\u201d<\/p>

In 2023, local trial lawyer Ed Nuttall challenged Descano in the Democratic primary. Backed once again by Soros money, Descano won reelection. Descano declined to run for state Attorney General in 2025, instead endorsing Jay Jones, who famously fantasized about murdering moderate Republicans.<\/p>Brothels and perverts

Last summer, residents of the Greenway Downs neighbodhood and Fairfax County police worked together to try and shut down a whorehouse in a residential neighborhood. Their main obstacle was Descano's office<\/p>

Rose Spa was very obviously<\/a> a house of prostitution, which is illegal in Virginia. The police busted the place multiple times, but couldn\u2019t do much besides issue tickets for minor infractions. \u201cOur hands are tied,\u201d the police repeatedly told neighbors. Descano was the one tying their hands.<\/p>

Prostitution, in the view of progressive reformers, is just another consensual activity between adults.<\/p>

Soros non-profits have lobbied for the legalization of prostitution<\/a>. His Open Society Foundations published a book<\/a> titled 10 Reasons to Decriminalize Sex Work. Justice for All, which bankrolled Descano, also funds<\/a> \u201clegal services and protections to individuals engaged in consensual sex\u201d as part of fighting the \u201ccriminalization of sex work.\u201d<\/p>

Also, the brothel owner and the prostitutes were all Chinese immigrants, and so any prosecution could have \u201cimmigration consequences.\u201d<\/p>

In July, the police hit Rose Spa with a misdemeanor prostitution-related charge. In August, Descano\u2019s office dropped the charge and let the brothel skate. Weeks later, Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares leaned on<\/a> the landlord to expel the sex business.<\/p>

Descano has protected far worse perversion, though.<\/p>

Richard Cox was a repeat Tier-III sex offender in June 2024 when Fairfax police arrested him for exposing himself in a women\u2019s locker room. Cox\u2019s defense: He identified as a woman<\/a>.<\/p>

Knowing he was a repeat sex offender, Descano\u2019s office nevertheless dropped the charges against him in July. Thus set free, Cox prowled about other women\u2019s locker rooms in the area for months, including Arlington County swimming pools that doubled as the pools for local high schools.<\/p>

Arlington eventually prosecuted Cox for exposing himself to girls in locker rooms, and subsequently found him in possession of child pornography.<\/p>Descano's Murderers

The murders of Stephanie Minter and Gret Glyer brought Descano\u2019s radical leniency back into focus in February.<\/p>

Glyer, who founded an organization to help fund charities, was asleep at home on the night of June 24, 2022, when Joshua Danehower entered his bedroom and shot him 10 times next to his wife. Danehower did this because he was obsessed with Glyer\u2019s wife, with whom he had gone on one date a decade before. He had a murder dossier titled \u201cthe plan,\u201d acquired a lock-pick set and a gun, and then carried out his plan.<\/p>

Descano\u2019s office made sure Danehower would not serve prison time. Descano negotiated an insanity plea<\/a>. After five years in a psychiatric hospital, the murderer will be released if the state decides he is now sane.<\/p>

\u201cThe insanity defense is used in less than 1%<\/a> of criminal cases and is successful<\/a> only about 25% of the time<\/a>,\u201d noted the website Liberty Unyielding.<\/p>

\u201cBut Fairfax County Commonwealth\u2019s Attorney Steve Descano has let 11 killers avoid conviction by accepting their plea of \u2018Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity.\u2019 \u201d<\/p>

That\u2019s one out of every five killers in the county. \u201cSo killers are 100 times more likely to avoid a conviction by claiming to be insane in Fairfax County than they would be in the rest of America.<\/p>

The week after Danehower was let off the hook, Abdul Jalloh allegedly stabbed Stephanie Minter to death at a bus stop.<\/p>

Jalloh had 30 arrests on his record at the time, but every charge of a violent crime, Descano dropped, setting him free to kill.<\/p>

THE PERVERTED POSTER BOY OF GENDER IDEOLOGY<\/a><\/p>

Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) brands herself as a pragmatic moderate. Descano has no such pretensions.<\/p>

As governor, Spanberger is the leader of the state party. She could prove her moderate bonafides by leaning on Descano to reform, or more likely to drum him out of the party \u2014 turn donors and party officials against Descano\u2019s all-but-certain future runs for higher office, and encourage him to return to private practice.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ap-steve-descano-fairfax-county-072324.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4469564-1772348400", "title":"First round of March Social Security payments goes out in 10 days", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F4469564%2Ffirst-round-of-march-social-security-payments-goes-out-in-10-days%2F", "byline":"Asher Notheis", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The first round of March Social Security payments for retirees, now capped at $5,108, will be issued in 10 days. When will payments arrive? Retirees born on or before the 10th of a month will receive this payment on March 11.  The second round will go out on March 18 to those born between the […]", "description":""

The first round of March Social Security<\/a> payments for retirees, now capped at $5,108, will be issued in 10 days.<\/p>When will payments arrive?

Retirees born on or before the 10th of a month will receive this payment on March 11. <\/p>

The second round will go out on March 18 to those born between the 11th and 20th of a month, and the third round will go out on March 25 to those born on or after the 21st of a month.<\/p>When am I eligible?

Citizens are eligible for Social Security benefits beginning at age 62.<\/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 on a recipient\u2019s retirement age<\/a>. 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 can expect each month using the SSA\u2019s calculator<\/a>.<\/p>

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ABANDONS PLANS FOR ICE FACILITY IN NEW HAMPSHIRE: KELLY AYOTTE<\/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 the SSA will no longer be able to issue full payments<\/a> as early as 2034, due to a rising number of retirees and a shrinking workforce.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Social-Security-Money-8-4-e1771962242219.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4469633-1772348400", "title":"April Social Security direct payment worth $994 goes out in 31 days", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F4469633%2Fapril-social-security-payment-supplemental-security-income%2F", "byline":"Asher Notheis", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The April 2026 Supplemental Security Income payments, worth up to $994, will be issued to recipients in 31 days. SSI beneficiaries are people with limited income who are either blind, aged 65 and older, or have a qualifying disability. The amount beneficiaries receive varies based on several factors, including the number of people filing. For […]", "description":""

The April 2026 Supplemental Security Income<\/a> payments, worth up to $994, will be issued to recipients in 31 days.<\/p>

SSI 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 $994<\/a>, couples filing jointly can receive $1,491, and those providing essential care to SSI recipients can receive up to $498. <\/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>

Recipients must also live in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands. They must not be absent from the United States for a full calendar month or 30 consecutive days.<\/p>

JUDGE DECLINES TO REMOVE PROSECUTORS IN CHARLIE KIRK MURDER CASE<\/a><\/p>

SSI payments are typically issued on the first day of each month. For months when the first day of a month falls on a weekend or holiday, these payments are issued on the last business day of the previous month, like March\u2019s payment.<\/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\/2026\/02\/Social-Security-money-13-6.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4472183-1772348400", "title":"America’s AI future requires massive infrastructure investment", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fop-eds%2F4472183%2Famerica-ai-future-massive-infrastructure-investment%2F", "byline":"Doug Kelly and Kent Kaiser", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"If the United States is serious about leading the world in artificial intelligence, it must confront a difficult truth: AI is not just about algorithms, venture funding, cloud platforms, or research labs. It is about energy and power grids, natural resources and supply chains, and human capital.  Right now, the U.S. is unprepared for what […]", "description":""

If the United States is serious about leading the world in artificial intelligence<\/a>, it must confront a difficult truth: AI is not just about algorithms, venture funding, cloud platforms, or research labs. It is about energy and power grids<\/a>, natural resources and supply chains, and human capital.<\/a> <\/p>

Right now, the U.S. is unprepared for what is coming. China<\/a> is rapidly integrating energy expansion, data center capacity, human capital, and global AI exports into a coherent national strategy.<\/p>

The U.S. currently lacks the dependable, affordable, and scalable power needed for sustained AI development, a recent study by the American Edge Project<\/a> showed. China, by contrast, has aggressively invested in energy and transmission for years, and as a result, is producing twice as much electricity as the U.S.\u00a0<\/p>

WHY BREAKING CHINA\u2019S GRIP ON CRITICAL MINERALS CAN\u2019T WAIT<\/a><\/p>

Contrary to common belief, the data centers that power AI aren\u2019t the cause of the energy challenge we face \u2014 they merely expose three decades of underinvestment in America\u2019s transmission grid. <\/p>

Closing that gap requires an all-of-the-above approach to power generation \u2014 nuclear, natural gas, renewables, and advanced energy sources. We must onshore critical supply chains by incentivizing domestic production of gas turbines and power transformers to eliminate multiyear wait times. And we must modernize and secure the grid by streamlining permitting, expanding transmission, and protecting infrastructure against cyber threats<\/a>. Utilities, regulators, developers, and communities must come together to fast-track the power projects critical to America's AI future.<\/p>

Supply chains are equally vulnerable. Every layer of AI infrastructure, from chips<\/a> to networking switches to heat exchangers, depends on global supply chains that the U.S. does not fully control. More than 90%<\/a> of the world's most advanced semiconductors are produced in Taiwan, leaving us exposed to supply disruptions, political upheaval, or economic coercion. Rare earth processing remains overwhelmingly concentrated in China. JP Morgan's recent $1.5 trillion commitment<\/a> toward critical minerals underscores how seriously markets are taking these vulnerabilities \u2014 and so must we.<\/p>

Continued investment in semiconductor manufacturing and AI accelerator development is essential to maintaining the U.S.'s compute advantage. We must secure critical mineral supply chains by developing domestic rare earth processing and diversifying sources beyond China's chokehold. And we must prevent harmful regulation by enacting a multiyear freeze on state AI laws, rejecting restrictive copyright theories, and resisting antitrust experiments that would weaken U.S. innovators.<\/p>

The AI race is ultimately a talent race. The U.S. does not have enough of the skilled workforce needed to build and maintain rapid expansions of AI infrastructure. Semiconductor technicians, materials scientists, AI systems engineers, and specialized tradespeople are in short supply or aging out of the workforce. Replacements are not emerging fast enough. Meanwhile, China is producing engineers at nearly quadruple the U.S. rate \u2014 a deficit we cannot afford to ignore.<\/p>

Making AI workforce development a shared national initiative across government, industry, and education must be an urgent priority. That means AI and computer science requirements in middle and high schools<\/a>, expanded STEM investments, and workforce retraining programs for AI-adjacent fields. It also means streamlining H-1B visas and creating new pathways for AI talent from allied nations.<\/p>

None of this is abstract. The promise of AI is a pathway to higher wages, lower costs, and more upward mobility for millions of families. But that promise evaporates if we fail to deploy. China understands this and is rapidly embedding AI across its industrial base, civil services, and foreign partnerships.\u00a0<\/p>

U.S. adoption remains fragmented and slowed by uncertainty and regulatory confusion.<\/p>

<\/a>CHINA\u2019S MINERAL MONOPOLY IS PUTTING OUR NATIONAL SECURITY AT RISK<\/a><\/p>

We must move faster, both at home and abroad. That means building public trust through demonstrated benefits, promoting AI literacy, and exporting an American AI stack that carries with it the values of openness, opportunity, and transparency. It means giving allies priority access to U.S. chips, models, and cloud infrastructure while leading the world in setting democratic AI governance standards.<\/p>

AI leadership is global leadership; It is energy leadership, supply chain leadership, and workforce leadership. The window to build it is open now. It will not stay open forever.<\/p>

Kent Kaiser, Ph.D., is the executive director of the Trade Alliance to Promote Prosperity. Doug Kelly is the CEO of the American Edge Project, a nonprofit coalition dedicated to strengthening the U.S.\u2019s technological leadership.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/iStock-2242540577-e1772060426905.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474233-1772348400", "title":"Heritage Foundation boasts ‘strong and unified’ team months after exodus", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolitics%2F4474233%2Fheritage-foundation-new-hires-strong-unified-team-after-exodus%2F", "byline":"David Zimmermann", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Heritage Foundation has been onboarding new scholars and aides in the few months since dozens of top members resigned from the conservative think tank over its handling of conservative commentator Tucker Carlson’s friendly interview with right-wing antisemite Nick Fuentes. With 21 new hires since last November, the organization is trying to recover from the […]", "description":""

The Heritage Foundation<\/a> has been onboarding new scholars and aides in the few months since dozens of top members resigned from the conservative think tank<\/a> over its handling of conservative commentator Tucker Carlson's<\/a> friendly interview with right-wing antisemite Nick Fuentes.<\/p>

With 21 new hires since last November, the organization is trying to recover from the controversy that caused a deep rift within the Republican Party<\/a>.<\/p>

Among the figures that the think tank welcomed in February were school choice advocate Corey DeAngelis<\/a>, conservative thought leader Daniel McCarthy<\/a>, and federal budget policy veteran Daniel Kowalski<\/a>.<\/p>

There was also a series of internal promotions and fresh recruits<\/a>, the latter of which included Stewart Whitson, who was brought on as chief of staff to Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts.<\/p>

Former chief of staff Ryan Neuhaus departed the organization last November due to the intense backlash over Roberts's initial response to the viral Carlson-Fuentes interview.<\/p>

At the time, Roberts defended Carlson for letting Fuentes speak his mind and denounced the \"venomous coalition\" for trying to \"cancel\" the former Fox News host. Afterward, Roberts apologized to staff for downplaying antisemitism<\/a> on the Right. Many perceived that his comments about a \"venomous coalition\" were aimed at the Jewish community.<\/p>

At one point during the podcast interview, Fuentes talked about \"organized Jewry\" holding enormous influence in the United States, while Carlson left his guest unchecked.<\/p>

Neuhaus wrote the script for the video in which Roberts came to Carlson's defense. The former chief of staff had Roberts believe the script had been approved by colleagues when it apparently wasn't.<\/p>

\"Our former chief of staff had the pen,\" Roberts said in leaked footage of a town hall meeting<\/a> obtained by the Washington Free Beacon. \"When the script was presented to me \u2026 I understood from our former colleague that it was approved, it was signed off on by the handful of colleagues who are part of that. Still, my fault, I should have had the wisdom to say, 'Time out, let\u2019s double check this.'\"<\/p>

Neuhaus was reassigned as a senior adviser to the think tank's B. Kenneth Simon Center for American Studies to work on housing and other issues, according to Roberts.<\/p>

As for the new hires, DeAngelis will contribute to research on school choice, race, and gender issues in education, as well as to opposition to teacher unions at the organization's Center for Education Policy. He was listed as a contributor to the think tank's Project 2025, a pre-2024 policy roadmap for the next Republican president after former President Joe Biden<\/a>.<\/p>

McCarthy was placed at the B. Kenneth Simon Center for American Studies as a distinguished fellow, while Kowalski was tapped to lead the Grover M. Hermann Center for the Federal Budget.<\/p>

Each new hire is being made with the Heritage Foundation's 2026 priorities<\/a> in mind. This year, the organization is focusing on ensuring election integrity ahead of the midterm elections, advancing energy policies in line with the Trump administration's<\/a> agenda, promoting messaging to help end illegal immigration, and other areas.<\/p>

Safeguarding the nuclear family is another policy goal. In January, the Heritage Foundation published a report<\/a> on how the White House can encourage higher U.S. marriage and childbirth rates. The proposals include \"marriage bootcamps\" for unmarried couples and tax credits used to incentivize larger families.<\/p>

The paper marked a strategic shift<\/a> from the controversy that befell the think tank last fall.<\/p>

\"Our team is strong and unified \u2014 already delivering influential research on the issues that matter most to Americans this year,\" a spokesperson for the think tank told the Washington Examiner, citing the marriage paper and an artificial intelligence-enabled report<\/a> simulating a protracted military conflict between the U.S. and China<\/a>.<\/p>

Republican lawmakers, such as Sen. Ted Cruz<\/a> (R-TX), were quick to pounce on the Heritage Foundation for initially defending Carlson and urged their peers in Congress<\/a> to denounce antisemitism regardless of whether it came from the right or left. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump<\/a> and Vice President JD Vance<\/a> were not as critical of Carlson.<\/p>

This illustrates the growing split between traditional conservatives associated with longstanding Republican institutions and populist, pro-Trump conservatives.<\/p>

Many staffers who fell in the former category left to join<\/a> Advancing American Freedom, founded by former Vice President Mike Pence<\/a> in 2021 after he left the White House. Trump's eldest son panned the staff exodus from the Heritage Foundation to AAF.<\/p>

\"Personally, I think it's great news for Heritage that a bunch of Trump-hating [Republicans in name only] are leaving,\" Donald Trump Jr. posted on X<\/a> in December. \"Anyone who would want to go work for Mike Pence's globalist never-Trump organization isn't MAGA and definitely doesn't put America First!\"<\/p>

Roberts, who has further aligned the Heritage Foundation with Trump since taking over the think tank in 2021, appears to have no intention of stepping down anytime soon despite facing resignation calls.<\/p>

In the meantime, Roberts is focusing on leading the organization into the future as the Trump administration continues to execute its multifaceted policy agenda over the next three years.<\/p>

CONN CARROLL: THE FEMINIST FREAKOUT OVER CONSERVATIVE FAMILY POLICY<\/a><\/p>

The Washington Examiner contacted the Heritage Foundation for comment on how it's recalibrated since the fallout.<\/p>

\"Under Dr. Kevin Roberts\u2019s leadership and our new Four Cornerstones<\/a>,\" the spokesperson said, \"Heritage has become a more resilient, mission\u2011driven institution that\u2019s focused on making America a better place to live, work, and raise a family, now, and for generations to come.\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP25353741936860.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474954-1772348400", "title":"Newsom book tour missteps expose national campaign ‘growing pains’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F4474954%2Fgavin-newsom-book-tour-missteps-national-campaign-growing-pains%2F", "byline":"Barnini Chakraborty", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) has spent years cultivating the image of a polished, camera-ready Democrat, equally comfortable with conservative critics as well as selling progressive policies to a national audience. But as talk of a 2028 presidential run grows, the past week has offered a harsh reminder of a political reality: staying the presumed front-runner […]", "description":""

Gov. Gavin Newsom <\/a>(D-CA) has spent years cultivating the image of a polished, camera-ready Democrat, equally comfortable with conservative critics as well as selling progressive policies to a national audience.<\/p>

But as talk of a 2028 presidential run<\/a> grows, the past week has offered a harsh reminder of a political reality: staying the presumed front-runner is often a lot harder than becoming one.<\/p>

A string of recent missteps has exposed how quickly Newsom\u2019s carefully crafted image can fray under national scrutiny and how the traits that play well in California\u2019s<\/a> partisan environment may need recalibrating on a national stage.<\/p>

One flashpoint came after comments related to standardized testing sparked accusations of racial insensitivity. During a book tour stop in Georgia, Newsom, speaking with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who is black, was asked what he wanted the audience and readers to know about him. Newsom said he wasn\u2019t trying to impress anyone, but \"just trying to impress upon you, I\u2019m like you. I\u2019m no better than you. I\u2019m a 960 SAT guy.\u201d<\/p>

The governor then discussed his dyslexia and lifelong struggle to read, but the damage had been done, and he gifted his opponents a ready-made sound bite and talking point.<\/p>

He was accused of being racist and of calling black people dumb. Former Fox News host Megyn Kelly declared that the comment would \u201chaunt him forever,\u201d while Sen. Tim Scott <\/a>(R-SC), who is black, slammed him on social media.<\/p>

\"Black Americans aren't your low bar,\" Tim Scott posted on X. \"We've built empires, created movements, outworked, outhustled and outsmarted people like you. Stop using your mediocre academics as a way to patronize communities.\"<\/p>

Fox News host Sean Hannity, who is white, also got in on the action<\/a>, posting on X that \u201c@GavinNewsom<\/a> Thinks a 960 SAT Makes Him \u2018Like\u2019 Black Americans. Let That Sink In.\u201d<\/p>

Instead of turning the other cheek, Newsom unleashed on Hannity in a profanity-laced retort, accusing him of giving President Donald Trump<\/a> repeated passes when he made racist remarks, but then feigning outrage at Newsom\u2019s statements.<\/p>

\u201cYou didn\u2019t give a s*** about the President of the United States of America posting an ape video of [former President Barack Obama] or calling African nations s***holes \u2014 but you\u2019re going to call me racist for talking about my lifelong struggle with dyslexia?\u201d Newsom posted on X<\/a>. \u201cSpare me your fake f***ing outrage, Sean.\u201d<\/p>

Newsom\u2019s allies argued the backlash mischaracterized his intent, but critics claimed the episode reflected a broader vulnerability and that a national candidate should anticipate how comments will land beyond a friendly political base.<\/p>

Making things worse was the response from Newsom\u2019s communications team. The group has been hailed by allies for its aggressive defense of the governor and its brutal and biting takedown of the Trump administration on social media<\/a>, but has been increasingly criticized by journalists as overly combative. <\/p>

Public clashes with reporters and sharp responses from his press team have become more frequent, reinforcing a perception of a political operation that defaults to confrontation.<\/p>

Real Clear Politics correspondent Susan Crabtree shared a screenshot of her email exchange with Newsom\u2019s communications director on X. She asked about the governor's dyslexia diagnosis.<\/p>

\u201cHey Susan \u2014 thanks for reaching out,\" the response read. \"Respectfully, f*** off.\"<\/p>

While the brash style has helped Newsom dominate media cycles and energize supporters in partisan fights, it\u2019s wearing thin as the outgoing governor gets ready to pivot to a national campaign, Democratic strategist Kaivan Shroff told the Washington Examiner. Shroff said Newsom\u2019s schtick of pushing back hard is playing into Republicans' hands and could ultimately hurt him on a national stage.<\/p>

Two days after the book tour stop in Atlanta, Newsom drew fresh criticism from members of his own coalition after suggesting on CNN that Democrats should be more \u201cculturally normal\u201d and \u201cless prone to spending a disproportionate amount of time on pronouns.\u201d<\/p>

The LGBT caucus called it \u201cdeeply concerning\u201d for an elected official to define who or what is considered normal. Progressive activists also slammed the governor for being so dismissive of issues central to Democratic organizing.<\/p>

The episode highlighted a delicate balancing act facing many national Democrats: appealing to persuadable voters uneasy with culture-war politics without alienating core constituencies that form the party\u2019s organizational backbone.<\/p>

\u201cFor a governor widely seen as testing a general-election message ahead of a possible White House run, the reaction underscored how narrow that political lane can be,\u201d political strategist Luke Conners told the Washington Examiner.<\/p>

But California-based political strategist Garry South, who managed Newsom\u2019s first campaign, called the week\u2019s episodes part of the learning process for the governor and his team.<\/p>

NEWSOM CALLS JD VANCE AND MARCO RUBIO 'PHONIES' FOR TURNING FROM TRUMP CRITICS TO ALLIES<\/a><\/p>

\u201cThere are always growing pains when a state elected official starts to lean into national politics, especially a presidential run,\u201d he told the Washington Examiner. \u201cJimmy Carter, also a [former] governor, gave a Playboy magazine interview in \u201876 in which he admitted he had experienced \u2018lust in his heart.\u2019 Would be pretty tame in today\u2019s political world, but the resulting headlines and TV coverage nearly froze his campaign in its tracks \u2014 but he still ended up beating an incumbent president.<\/p>

\"Every campaign has to be viewed in balance. There will always be miscues, but staying power is what matters in the end,\" South continued. \"And Newsom has a top-notch staff that has helped him become both a national figure and a leading candidate for president.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26009024948059.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476046-1772348400", "title":"Trading the turban for a crown won’t fix Iran", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F4476046%2Ftrading-turban-for-crown-wont-fix-iran%2F", "byline":"Heyrsh Abdulrahman", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"As the clerical regime in Tehran faces a deepening crisis of legitimacy, a familiar figure has reemerged in Western policy debates: Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late shah. To some in Washington, he appears to offer a ready-made alternative to the current system. But for many Iranians, particularly Kurds, Balochs, and Azeris, the prospect […]", "description":""

As the clerical regime in Tehran<\/a> faces a deepening crisis of legitimacy<\/a>, a familiar figure has reemerged in Western policy debates: Reza Pahlavi<\/a>, the son of the late shah.<\/p>

To some in Washington<\/a>, he appears to offer a ready-made alternative to the current system. But for many Iranians<\/a>, particularly Kurds, Balochs, and Azeris, the prospect of a Pahlavi restoration is not a solution \u2014 it is a potential trigger for renewed internal conflict.<\/p>

The case for restoring the monarchy often rests on a sanitized nostalgia for pre-1979 Iran. Yet for Iran\u2019s ethnic nationalities, the Pahlavi legacy is closely associated with forced centralization and political repression. In 1946, under the Pahlavi crown, the short-lived Kurdish Republic <\/a>of Mahabad was crushed and its leaders executed. For decades thereafter, the SAVAK security apparatus maintained regime stability through widespread repression of dissent,\u00a0a record documented by international human rights organizations<\/a> well before the 1979 revolution.<\/p>

WHO IS REZA PAHLAVI \u2014 IRAN\u2019S EXILED CROWN PRINCE?<\/a><\/p>

To assume that a population of roughly 90 million would willingly exchange one form of absolute rule for another is to overlook the deeper drivers of Iran\u2019s century-long struggle for accountable governance.<\/p>The ethnic fault line

Iran is a diverse, multiethnic state, yet Pahlavi\u2019s contemporary rhetoric continues to reflect a rigid centralist framework. By characterizing demands for federalism and linguistic rights as \u201cseparatism,\u201d he risks echoing the same security-first logic the current regime uses to justify crackdowns in Kurdistan and Sistan and Baluchestan.<\/p>

A durable and unified Iran cannot be sustained through coercion<\/a> or royal decree. It requires a modern social contract that recognizes regional diversity while preserving national cohesion. The protest slogan that has echoed across recent uprisings<\/a>, \u201cNeither the Shah nor the Sheikh,\u201d reflects not simply rejection of specific figures, but broader public fatigue with all forms of absolute rule.<\/p>A geopolitical spent force

The Pahlavi option also struggles under scrutiny from a realpolitik perspective. Supporters often point to his international visibility, but his practical regional leverage appears limited. Consider Oman<\/a>: despite the late shah\u2019s decisive military support for the Sultanate during the Dhofar rebellion, Muscat today prioritizes its strategic relationship with the Islamic Republic<\/a> rather than engagement with a claimant in exile.<\/p>

More fundamentally, Pahlavi lacks the core prerequisite for national leadership: executive governing experience. After more than four decades abroad, he has no meaningful political infrastructure inside Iran and no demonstrated record managing the institutional complexities of a modern state. Revolutionary transitions are rarely steered successfully from exile.<\/p>

CONGRESS SCRAMBLES FOR ANSWERS AFTER TRUMP IRAN STRIKE<\/a><\/p>Break the cycle

Replacing a religious autocracy with a secular monarchy<\/a> risks perpetuating the very cycle of concentrated power that has repeatedly destabilized Iran. The Iranian public has paid too high a price to accept another top-down political model. <\/p>

A sustainable transition must move toward a system in which sovereignty rests with citizens rather than bloodline. Iran\u2019s long-term stability and its ability to reconcile its diverse national fabric will depend on building a democratic republic that finally breaks the country\u2019s historic pattern of absolute rule.<\/p>

Heyrsh Abdulrahman\u00a0is a Washington-based senior analyst and former Kurdistan Regional Government official.\u00a0<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WB.WhiteHouse.021126.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4473317-1772344800", "title":"Supreme Court to weigh scope of gun rights for drug users", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fsupreme-court%2F4473317%2Fsupreme-court-to-weigh-scope-of-gun-rights-for-drug-users%2F", "byline":"Jack Birle", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Supreme Court will hear its second of two significant gun rights cases this term on Monday when the justices grapple with gun rights for users of drugs, such as marijuana, in a case that has brought together unusual coalitions on both sides of the question. The appeal in United States v. Hemani was brought […]", "description":""

The Supreme Court<\/a> will hear its second<\/a> of two significant gun rights cases <\/a>this term on Monday when the justices grapple with gun rights for users of drugs, such as marijuana, in a case that has brought together unusual coalitions on both sides of the question.<\/p>

The appeal in United States v. Hemani was brought by the Justice Department<\/a>. The case focuses on the constitutionality of a federal statute barring firearm possession for any person who \u201cis an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance.\u201d The DOJ has asked the high court to reverse an appeals court's finding that the law violated Ali Hemani's Second Amendment right<\/a> to bear arms, and to toss out a single-count indictment on that charge.<\/p>DOJ wants to keep current gun rights restrictions on drug users

The Justice Department under the Trump administration <\/a>has usually petitioned against gun control laws, but in the Hemani case, the DOJ has argued that a prohibition on guns for drug users<\/a> is one of the few restrictions permissible while upholding constitutional rights<\/a>.<\/p>

\"Given the Second Amendment\u2019s central role in our constitutional scheme, the government bears a significant burden in justifying restrictions on that right. Specifically, the government must show that the challenged regulation 'is consistent with this Nation\u2019s historical tradition of firearm regulation.' That is a stringent test, not a 'regulatory blank check,'\" the DOJ said in its brief. \"This case presents narrow circumstances where the government can satisfy that rigorous burden.\"<\/p>

The Justice Department argued there are clear historical roots for laws allowing restrictions on drug users possessing guns, noting that the law's restriction is \"temporary and limited: a person regains his ability to possess arms as soon as he stops habitually using drugs.\"<\/p>

\"All agree that there is a deeply rooted history and tradition of temporarily barring people from possessing firearms based on their use of alcohol. Further, all agree that this history and tradition would encompass the use of controlled substances such as marijuana,\" the DOJ argued in its brief.<\/p>

The DOJ also argued that the Fifth Circuit's ruling, which found that the government may only limit gun rights when it \"proves that a defendant was presently intoxicated while possessing a firearm,\" is an \"erroneous conclusion [that] ignores the vagrancy, civil-commitment, and surety laws that historically restricted the rights of habitual drunkards.\"<\/p>

The Trump Justice Department, in its efforts to uphold the law, has garnered support from some anti-gun groups, which are typically on the opposite side of DOJ's arguments in gun cases. The anti-gun groups Brady and Giffords filed a joint brief urging the high court to uphold the federal law.<\/p>

\"Since the Founding, legislatures have exercised their power to protect against potential threats to public safety by restricting certain categories of people from accessing firearms. Courts have routinely upheld these categorical restrictions, recognizing that the individual right to bear arms is not absolute and that these reasonable public safety regulations are entirely consistent with this Nation\u2019s historical regulatory tradition,\" the brief said.<\/p>

The groups filed a brief against the DOJ's position in the other high-profile gun case this term, Wolford v. Lopez, but in this case urged the justices to back the DOJ's position while also asking the high court not to \"call into question the centuries-old national practice of allowing legislatures to enact such prohibitions and regulators to rely on them to advance public safety.\"<\/p>

Under the Biden administration, the Justice Department successfully defended a federal law that banned guns for people under domestic violence restraining orders. The 8-1 majority in the 2024 case United States v. Rahimi<\/a> ruled that the law satisfied the standard set with the 2022 ruling in New York Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen<\/a>, which found gun regulations must conform with the country\u2019s history and tradition of gun laws.<\/p>Hemani centers his claims around Second Amendment rights of marijuana users

Hemani's brief centers on how his admission that he uses marijuana<\/a>, which is legal in some states, multiple times a week, led to his federal charge for unlawfully possessing a firearm, claiming it violates his Second Amendment rights.<\/p>

Hemani's family home was the subject of a search by the FBI<\/a> in August 2022, where they found his firearm<\/a>, along with roughly 60 grams of marijuana and 0.95 grams of cocaine<\/a>. He told FBI agents that he consumed marijuana \"about every other day.\u201d He was later charged under the federal law at the center of the case based on his mention of regular marijuana consumption, but both a federal district court and the Fifth Circuit appeals court tossed the indictment as violating the Second Amendment.<\/p>

In their brief to the Supreme Court, Hemani's lawyers center the case around the question of whether the federal law, as applied to marijuana users, violates the Second Amendment.<\/p>

\"The only question before this Court is whether \u00a7922(g)(3) is constitutional as applied to someone who admits to consuming marijuana a few times a week,\" the brief said. \"It is not.\"<\/p>

Hemani's brief argues that the law's \"unlawful user\" provision is too vague, but that even if that part of the law is not void for being too vague, the government may only restrict a person's gun rights while they are presently intoxicated. The brief claims that comparisons to historical laws barring gun possession by habitual drunkards \"did not cover anyone who consumed any quantity of alcohol 'habitually,' but instead covered only those who habitually abused alcohol to the point of frequent intoxication.\"<\/p>

\"The federal government\u2019s draconian approach thus not only flouts historical tradition, but makes it an outlier today. As most states grappling with the dangers of mixing drugs and firearms have recognized, there are ways to address that serious problem consistent with the Constitution,\" the brief said.<\/p>

\"But prohibiting anyone who regularly consumes any amount of marijuana of the right to keep a firearm in the home for self-defense is not one of them,\" the brief continued.<\/p>

Hemani's arguments have garnered support from pro-gun groups, which have filed briefs in support of the challenge to the federal law. The National Rifle Association's brief, filed with the FPC Action Foundation, argued that it is unlawful for the government to restrict a person's Second Amendment rights when they are not intoxicated, while conceding that, while intoxicated, they may be restricted.<\/p>

\"To justify firearms prohibition for marijuana users when they are not intoxicated, the government must prove that the ban is consistent with our nation\u2019s historical tradition of firearm regulation. That tradition supports restrictions on the use of firearms while intoxicated, but it does not support disarming individuals when they are sober merely because they sometimes use intoxicants,\" the NRA's brief said.<\/p>

SUPREME COURT COULD LOAD UP ON GUN CASES THIS TERM<\/a><\/p>

The Supreme Court will hear arguments in United States v. Hemani at 10 a.m. Monday, with a decision in the case expected by the end of June, when the current Supreme Court term ends.<\/p>

By the end of June, the justices are also expected to issue a ruling in the other gun case, Wolford v. Lopez, regarding Hawaii's<\/a> \"vampire\" gun law. The high court is also weighing various petitions<\/a> for gun cases, which it could elect to hear in its next term that begins in October.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP24008832840681.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474725-1772344800", "title":"Candace Owens’s first hit piece on Erika Kirk falls totally flat", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Frestoring-america%2Ffairness-justice%2F4474725%2Fcandace-owens-first-hit-piece-erika-kirk-falls-totally-flat%2F", "byline":"Brad Polumbo", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"When self-described conspiracy theorist and podcast star Candace Owens began her “investigation” into the killing of Charlie Kirk, she initially promised that she would cease her extraordinarily lucrative infotainment series speculating about Kirk’s death if his widow, Erika Kirk, asked her to, which Erika Kirk eventually did. So much for that. Months later, after original […]", "description":""

When self-described conspiracy theorist and podcast star Candace Owens<\/a> began her \u201cinvestigation\u201d into the killing of Charlie Kirk<\/a>, she initially promised<\/a> that she would cease her extraordinarily lucrative infotainment series speculating about Kirk\u2019s death if his widow, Erika Kirk<\/a>, asked her to, which Erika Kirk eventually did.<\/p>

So much for that.<\/p>

Months later, after original theories about Charlie Kirk\u2019s death, which involved secret meetings with congressmen at military bases and Egyptian military planes supposedly tracking him, were debunked, Owens is now accusing Erika Kirk of betraying her husband and being involved in his death \u2014 or at least in a cover-up about what \u201creally\u201d happened.<\/p>

\u201cErika Kirk should be dragged into a police station for questioning,\u201d Owens said in a Feb. 10 episode of her podcast<\/a>, which has received more than 3 million views on YouTube<\/a> alone. \u201cThe amount of evidence that is now piling up against Erika Kirk is almost akin to an NBC Dateline episode.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

Then, last week, Owens released a trailer<\/a> for a new \u201cinvestigative\u201d series specifically dedicated to \u201cexposing\u201d Erika Kirk, which quickly stirred up viral controversy for the dark, almost demonic way it portrayed the widow and its eerie tone and title: \u201cBride of Charlie.\u201d<\/p>

Well, on Thursday, the first episode<\/a> of this supposed \u201cbombshell investigation\u201d dropped \u2026 and to call it a dud is to massively understate the extent to which it failed to provide any evidence of any wrongdoing by Erika Kirk. On the contrary, it almost entirely avoided the subject of Charlie Kirk\u2019s death and the hallucinated involvement of his widow and friends at Turning Point USA<\/a>. It instead focused nearly exclusively on a mix of unhinged, arcane asides and bizarre, irrelevant gossip about Erika\u2019s family and upbringing.\u00a0<\/p>

After all, to torment and humiliate any widow, let alone the mother of your supposedly dear friend\u2019s children, for your own profit and entertainment, is unspeakably cruel unless, of course, you really did have some rock-solid evidence of some wrongdoing on her part that could justify such an extraordinary offense. (Of course, criticism of Erika Kirk\u2019s political decisions or statements now that she is CEO of a large and powerful political organization is fair game, but that\u2019s not really what any of her obsessed critics are focused on.)<\/p>

You\u2019d think, if such evidence of wrongdoing existed, Owens would focus on it upfront. Instead, the first hour-long episode of her series bashing Erika Kirk contained literally zero evidence of wrongdoing or nefarious behavior related to her husband\u2019s death, and consisted exclusively of a bizarre dissection of Erika\u2019s childhood, extended family, and past.<\/p>

Such revelations included:<\/p>The parsing of Erika\u2019s past statements about her relationship with her parents, and attempting to cross-reference their validity by consulting her high school yearbook pageThe criminal history and involvement in gambling of some of her grandparentsThe unearthing of the supposed \u201cscandal,\u201d in Candace\u2019s words, that Erika used a grammatically incorrect Swedish word for her grandfather growing upThe fact that the elementary school Erika attended was previously a Jewish schoolThe conspiracy theory that Erika\u2019s mother may not actually be her motherThe unearthing of a super damning photo of Erika Kirk from her childhood daycare in \u2026 a bumble bee costume \u2026 making supposed \u201cfree Mason hand signs\u201dRants about MK Ultra, tangents about the occult Jews who supposedly pioneered modern psychology, and other bizarre asides totally unrelated to Erika and Charlie Kirk

Oh, and don\u2019t forget the eight, yes, eight ads, which is a very high number for a YouTube video of this length, paid advertisements that Candace pauses her super-serious investigative reporting to deliver. We don\u2019t have access to Owens\u2019s specific finances, but as reporting from Fortune<\/a> and the Free Press reveals<\/a>, typical pricing for these kinds of ad reads can run from $10,000 to $45,000, or even $100,000. So, even an inexact, low-end estimate suggests that Candace Owens is earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from every individual podcast episode she does attacking Erika Kirk.<\/p>

Think about it like this. Candace Owens is \u201chonoring\u201d the death of her \u201cfriend\u201d by making millions of dollars by publicly attacking and humiliating his widow and the mother of his children through speculation and gossip that, even if it were all 100% true, which is almost certainly not the case, would not prove or advance in any way her theories about his death.<\/p>

That\u2019s despicable. <\/p>

WHAT TRUMP SHOULD TELL THE PUBLIC ABOUT IRAN<\/a><\/p>

But Candace Owens is clearly an evil and mentally ill woman, so this is not surprising. What\u2019s much more deeply worrying is that even after Owens has been caught in massive mistakes so glaring even Alex Jones is fact-checking her<\/a>, and even after she has crossed so many ethical lines, millions of supportive Americans still tune in to her every week and enable this psychotic woman\u2019s vile grift. <\/p>

Brad Polumbo is an independent journalist and host of the Brad vs Everyone podcast<\/a>.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/YL.AmericaSweetheart.030426.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474879-1772344800", "title":"Trump and Mamdani’s unlikely political alliance: ‘A New York City soap opera’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F4474879%2Ftrump-mamdani-white-house-housing-alliance%2F", "byline":"Samantha-Jo Roth", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The unlikely alliance between President Donald Trump and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has turned what was supposed to be a political rivalry into something closer to a New York spectacle. Trump and Mamdani, ideological opposites who spent the campaign attacking each other, now speak regularly, trade public praise, and meet privately at the White […]", "description":""

The unlikely alliance between President Donald Trump<\/a> and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani<\/a> has turned what was supposed to be a political rivalry into something closer to a New York spectacle.<\/p>

Trump and Mamdani, ideological opposites who spent the campaign attacking each other, now speak regularly, trade public praise, and meet privately at the White House, creating an unlikely alliance that has caught both parties off guard.<\/p>

The tone shift marks a sharp departure from the campaign, when Trump repeatedly attacked Mamdani <\/a>and framed him as a symbol of the Democratic Party\u2019s leftward shift. But after a one-on-one Oval Office meeting in November<\/a>, the dynamic changed. Days before their latest meeting this week, Trump referenced Mamdani during his State of the Union address to Congress<\/a>.<\/p>

\u201cThe new communist mayor of New York City, I think he\u2019s a nice guy, actually,\u201d Trump said. \u201cI speak to him a lot. Bad policy, but nice guy.\u201d <\/p>

Mamdani arrived at the White House this week prepared to pitch a major federal housing investment, leaning heavily into Trump\u2019s New York roots and media instincts. The mayor brought visual props<\/a>, including a mock-up of the New York Daily News\u2019 famous 1975 \u201cFord to City: Drop Dead\u201d front page, reimagined with Trump\u2019s photo and the headline \u201cTrump to City: Let\u2019s Build.\u201d<\/p>

I had a productive meeting with President Trump this afternoon.I\u2019m looking forward to building more housing in New York City. pic.twitter.com\/XnPbt0KXYU<\/a><\/p>— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) February 26, 2026<\/a>

The gesture appeared designed to appeal directly to a president known for closely following his media coverage, particularly New York tabloids. Mamdani\u2019s proposal centered on building roughly 12,000 housing units in the city, an effort aimed at easing affordability pressures for New Yorkers. <\/p>

But housing was not the only issue on the table. During the meeting, Mamdani raised the detention of Columbia University student Ellie Aghayeva<\/a>, who had been arrested earlier that day by federal immigration agents. According to City Hall, Trump later told the mayor in a phone call that she would be released. Mamdani also handed White House chief of staff Susie Wiles a list of four other students targeted by federal authorities, underscoring how the relationship has expanded beyond development policy into politically sensitive immigration troubles.<\/p>

For Democratic strategist and pollster Brad Bannon, the dynamic reflects more than simple pragmatism. He said both men operate with a similar instinct for commanding attention, even as they represent opposite ends of the political spectrum.<\/p>

\u201cI think Mamdani recognized the fact that there are two ends,\u201d Bannon said. \u201cThey\u2019re so far at the end of each spectrum, they kind of meet up.\u201d<\/p>

Bannon said the dynamic reflects a larger shift in how voters respond to politicians, rewarding big personalities over traditional political polish.<\/p>

\u201cAmericans are in a mood where they gravitate to candidates with outsized personalities,\u201d he said. \u201cI think they\u2019re tired of traditional politicians.\u201d<\/p>

Shared New York roots may also help explain the familiarity between the two men. Both Trump and Mamdani come from Queens, a connection strategists say helps explain a certain familiarity in tone even as their policies diverge sharply.<\/p>

Matthew Bartlett, a GOP strategist and former Trump administration appointee, described the dynamic as unexpected but politically logical, arguing that Mamdani appears to understand the practical realities of governing while Trump benefits from showing openness toward an ideological rival.<\/p>

\u201cEveryone has been expecting fireworks, and it seems as if we have friendship,\u201d Bartlett said. \u201cIt\u2019s something of a New York City soap opera in some way.\u201d <\/p>

Bartlett said Mamdani appears to be balancing progressive rhetoric with the realities of governing a city that depends heavily on federal cooperation.<\/p>

\u201cIt shows how Mamdani is recognizing that his rhetoric needs to come in with some sort of reality of governing,\u201d Bartlett said. \u201cAt the heart of this, you have two people that truly care about New York.\u201d<\/p>

For Trump, Bartlett argued, the partnership also carries political upside. Affordability and housing are broadly resonant issues that cut across ideological lines, and publicly engaging with a high-profile progressive allows Trump to project openness while possibly creating discomfort within Democratic ranks.<\/p>

\u201cThe president is always looking to incorporate people and be gracious no matter what or who,\u201d Bartlett said. He added that the dynamic could also help Trump \u201cdrive a wedge\u201d among Democrats by embracing a figure some in the party view as polarizing.<\/p>

Still, Bannon said Mamdani\u2019s strategy is largely unique to executives such as mayors and governors and is unlikely to spread among Democrats on Capitol Hill.<\/p>

\u201cI don\u2019t think you\u2019re going to see members of Congress doing this,\u201d Bannon said. \u201cIt\u2019s one thing for a mayor who is dependent on federal aid. To be successful, Mamdani has to flatter him to some extent.\u201d<\/p>

That distinction, he said, explains why other Democrats are unlikely to replicate the approach.<\/p>

\u201cTheir political survival doesn\u2019t depend on federal aid the same way,\u201d Bannon said, arguing that congressional Democrats lack both the incentive and the flexibility to engage Trump as openly as Mamdani has.<\/p>

Part of what makes the dynamic stand out is how deliberately Mamdani appears to play to Trump\u2019s strengths. The tabloid-style props, the focus on development, and the language of building all tapped into themes that have defined Trump\u2019s public identity for decades.<\/p>

\u201cHe knows how to appeal to his ego,\u201d Bannon said. \u201cAnd that\u2019s a useful skill if you\u2019re a Democratic mayor or governor.\u201d<\/p>

The arrangement carries risks for both sides. For Mamdani, progressives could eventually question how closely he is working with Trump, even if the cooperation produces results. For Trump, the relationship risks blurring the sharp contrast Republicans tried to draw during the mayoral race, when Mamdani was cast as a symbol of the Democratic Party\u2019s Left flank.<\/p>

\u201cIf it continues, it could,\u201d Bannon said when asked whether backlash might emerge. \u201cThe same question goes for Trump. Is him sucking up to a Democratic socialist mayor going to turn off the MAGA base? It\u2019s a question worth asking for both of them.\u201d<\/p>

For now, Mamdani has framed the alliance as simple pragmatism. Speaking to reporters Friday, he said his job requires keeping an open line of communication with the president while making clear where disagreements remain.<\/p>

\u201cAs the mayor of our city, I will always look to keep an open line of communication with the president of our country,\u201d Mamdani said. \u201cThat means making clear where there is disagreement, making clear where there is prospect for partnership.\u201d<\/p>

MAMDANI PITCHES NYC HOUSING INITIATIVE TO TRUMP WITH NEWSPAPER MOCKUP: 'LET'S BUILD'<\/a><\/p>

For now, both men appear willing to keep the relationship going, even as allies on both sides watch warily to see where it leads next.<\/p>

\u201cWe\u2019re only on episode two of this one,\u201d Bartlett said. \u201cThis could go much longer.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP25325767791684_63ad1a.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475654-1772344800", "title":"Trump’s inaction is letting the abortion pill fill the void left by Roe", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Frestoring-america%2Fcommunity-family%2F4475654%2Ftrumps-letting-abortion-pill-fill-void-roe%2F", "byline":"Gavin Oxley", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Even before his Supreme Court nominations led to the reversal of Roe v. Wade, President Donald Trump was lauded as the “most pro-life president in American history.” It was then-Vice President Mike Pence who handed him the laurel. But it was the pro-life movement’s perpetuation of this claim that made it real. Trump was elevated to the status […]", "description":""

Even before his Supreme Court <\/a>nominations led to the reversal of\u00a0Roe v. Wade<\/a>, President Donald Trump<\/a> was lauded as the \u201cmost pro-life president in American history.\u201d<\/a>\u00a0It was then-Vice President Mike Pence who handed him the laurel. But it was the pro-life<\/a> movement\u2019s perpetuation of this claim that made it real.<\/p>

Trump was elevated to the status of a pro-life hero but, in reality, his Supreme Court nominations appear to have been driven by political convenience rather than genuine personal conviction. <\/p>

Bestowing this title upon Trump was natural for a movement that had been fighting to overturn Roe for half a century. However, this has allowed the second Trump Administration to settle into the complacency of a job only halfway completed, flashing this title to virtue signal away any dissatisfaction among the pro-life base.<\/p>

WORLD LEADERS STRESS DIPLOMATIC RESOLUTION AFTER US-ISRAEL STRIKES ON IRAN<\/a><\/p>

Appointing justices to the Supreme Court who overturned the flawed rulings in Roe and Casey was not enough. The rising number of abortions post-Dobbs is proof that living in a world absent a fictitious constitutional right to abortion is not the end of the work Trump committed to initially.<\/p>

Trump has continually held that he believes abortion is an issue to be resolved by the states. But he is not oblivious to the problems this poses. After all, a bright red line can be drawn between the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Trump himself, and the FDA's mail-order abortion regime renders a \"state's rights\" position moot.<\/p>

Defending abortion pill deregulation<\/a> adopted under the Biden Administration has allowed abortion advocates to engage in abortion lawfare. Pro-abortion legislators and governors have gone so far as to wage war by means of adopting abortion shield laws, attempting to nullify pro-life laws that prevent abortion pill trafficking.<\/p>

Trump has allowed this chaos to ensue, stretching thin the limited capacity of the courts when federal law is already clear. Provisions within the Comstock Act<\/a>, currently left neglected and unenforced by the Trump Department of Justice, already prohibit mailing abortion<\/a>-inducing drugs across state lines.<\/p>

But this is nothing compared to Trump\u2019s greatest promise left unfulfilled: completing the FDA review his administration promised soon after the start of his second term. If the results of the independent review hold true to what the 2025 analysis<\/a> of health claims data by the Ethics and Public Policy Center suggests, the administration would be nearly obligated to, at minimum, restore in-person dispensing requirements along with other commonsense safeguards abortion bureaucrats have slashed since the original approval.<\/p>

Even excusing Trump\u2019s inaction as political strategy increasingly fails to hold water. Recent Cygnal polling<\/a> shows the abortion pill issue is also an electoral issue for the GOP. When likely Republican primary voters were surveyed, a supermajority of 80% \u201cbelieve the FDA should again require in-person visits for chemical abortions.\u201d<\/p>

CAN PARAMOUNT SAVE CNN FROM ITSELF<\/a><\/p>

The Trump administration\u2019s\u00a0continued tolerance\u00a0of mail-order\u00a0pills has not only\u00a0allowed\u00a0the abortion industry to\u00a0compensate but\u00a0expanded\u00a0the number of monthly abortions<\/a>\u00a0after the fall of\u00a0Roe,\u00a0despite many pro-life victories since.\u00a0Where brick-and-mortar clinics are closing, abortion pills have taken their place and, barring action by the administration,\u00a0abortion will continue to become more virulent than ever.<\/p>

Trump cannot be allowed to rest on his wilting laurels and tout the title of \u201cmost pro-life president\u201d while continuing to let his inaction fail women and wilt the morals of the nation.<\/p>

Gavin\u00a0Oxley\u00a0is a pro-life media and policy strategist, currently serving as media relations manager for Americans United for Life<\/a>. Follow him on X @realgavinoxley.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WEX_MARCH_FOR_LIFE-12-e1769199666838.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475668-1772344800", "title":"Utah charter school draws line against government overreach", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Frestoring-america%2Fequality-not-elitism%2F4475668%2Futah-charter-school-government-overreach%2F", "byline":"Corey DeAngelis", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"American Preparatory Academy in Utah has repeatedly refused to disclose top administrator salaries to state auditors. The school argues that these individuals are paid by a private management company rather than the school directly.  The school’s position is exactly right. Charter schools are privately operated businesses. They are not arms of the government. And state […]", "description":""

American Preparatory Academy in Utah<\/a> has repeatedly refused to disclose top administrator salaries<\/a> to state auditors. The school<\/a> argues that these individuals are paid by a private management company rather than the school directly. <\/p>

The school\u2019s position is exactly right. Charter schools<\/a> are privately operated businesses. They are not arms of the government. And state officials have no legitimate authority to force these independent service providers \u2014 and contractors that work with them \u2014 to reveal internal compensation details. <\/p>

Just imagine the uproar if school districts were forced to reveal the salaries of every private business that worked with them, whether it be janitorial services, vehicle maintenance, or curriculum providers. <\/p>

READ IN FULL: TRUMP ADDRESS ON IRAN OPERATION<\/a><\/p>

Accountability in education flows from families, not from auditor subpoenas. Parents vote with their feet every day. They select schools that deliver strong academic results and supportive environments for their children<\/a>. Schools that fail to meet family expectations lose enrollment and eventually close. This market-driven pressure creates far more effective oversight than any bureaucratic reporting requirement ever could.<\/p>

Charter schools should remain free to set leadership compensation at levels that attract and retain top talent. As long as those leaders produce results for students and families, the pay arrangements belong to the private operators who run the schools. <\/p>

Charter schools already receive only a fraction of the per-student funding that flows to traditional government schools. But charter schools are held to a higher standard, one that comes from parental choice, and are more accountable as a result. They achieve more with less by operating efficiently and focusing resources directly on classrooms. Government mandates on executive pay would only undermine that efficiency and discourage capable leaders from serving in the charter sector.<\/p>

State Rep. Neil Walter (R-St. George) has introduced legislation to protect this independence. His bill<\/a> would keep payments to independent contractors private when those payments cover services under a contract. The measure would also exclude payments to third-party vendors who are not school employees from public-record status. Walter\u2019s approach keeps government out of private business decisions, where it does not belong. <\/p>

The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools recognized Walter\u2019s consistent support by naming him Legislator of the Year. His proposal advances the principle that private contractors deserve the same operational privacy that other businesses enjoy.<\/p>

Policies that respect charter autonomy will encourage more operators to enter the field. Utah families continue to seek expanded options. When supply rises to meet that demand, children gain access to schools tailored to their needs. Imposing new regulatory burdens on private-sector education providers will produce the opposite outcome. Fewer entrepreneurs will launch charter schools. Families will face longer waitlists and reduced variety.<\/p>

The state auditor\u2019s petition to hold the management company in contempt follows a familiar pattern. These tactics mirror the strategies that teachers\u2019 unions deploy to defend the one-size-fits-all monopoly school system. Unable to compete through superior performance, monopoly defenders turn to government power to harass and constrain successful alternatives.<\/p>

A private road construction firm does not forfeit all salary privacy simply because it wins a public highway contract. If every employee\u2019s pay became subject to open records demands, firms would exit the market, and potholes would remain unfilled. Private education contractors operate under the same logic. They deliver a public good through private means. Treating them differently from other government contractors makes no sense and harms the very students<\/a> the system claims to serve.<\/p>

JOE CONCHA: CAN PARAMOUNT SAVE CNN FROM ITSELF<\/a><\/p>

American Preparatory Academy\u2019s refusal to comply protects a vital boundary. Charter schools function best when they retain the flexibility that distinguishes them from government-run institutions. Families benefit when leaders can focus on instruction instead of endless compliance paperwork.\u00a0<\/p>

Utah should reject efforts to blur the line between private operators and state agencies. The path forward requires more charter growth, stronger parental choice, and firm limits on government intrusion into private compensation decisions.<\/p>

Corey DeAngelis is a research fellow at The Heritage Foundation and a senior fellow at Americans for Fair Treatment.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/AP24208511264915-scaled-e1772303501960.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474224-1772341200", "title":"The red-state opportunity on data centers", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Feditorials%2F4474224%2Fred-state-opportunity-data-centers%2F", "byline":"Washington Examiner", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) renewed his call for a national ban on data center construction this week, and it is being heeded in blue states such as Colorado, where Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced just such a ban. With Democrats becoming more hostile to data center construction, Republicans have a huge opportunity to bring jobs, […]", "description":""

Sen. Bernie Sanders<\/a> (I-VT) renewed his call<\/a> for a national ban on data center construction this week, and it is being heeded in blue states such as Colorado<\/a>, where Denver<\/a> Mayor Mike Johnston<\/a> announced<\/a> just such a ban. With Democrats<\/a> becoming more hostile to data center construction, Republicans<\/a> have a huge opportunity to bring jobs<\/a>, tax revenue, and increased electricity<\/a> capacity to states they control.<\/p>

In his statement before President Donald Trump\u2019s State of the Union, Sanders praised Denver and warned of a \u201cvery real environmental impact\u201d that data center construction was having on communities nationwide. It is true that data centers consume a lot of electricity, but data center construction does not have to mean higher electricity costs for surrounding communities if those communities build infrastructure to increase electricity generation and transmission capacity.<\/p>

Trump mentioned this in his State of the Union speech on Tuesday: \u201cMany Americans are also concerned that energy demand from AI data centers could unfairly drive up their electric utility bills. We\u2019re telling the major tech companies that they have the obligation to provide for their own power needs. They can build their own power plants as part of their factory, so that no one\u2019s prices will go up and in many cases, prices of electricity will go down for the community, and very substantially then.\u201d<\/p>

Trump apparently was referring to a meeting with tech executives at the White House, where tech leaders would sign a pledge promising to build new electricity generation and capacity wherever and whenever they build a new data center. It is unclear how such a pledge could be enforced, but it is a policy Republican-controlled states should embrace as tech companies expand.<\/p>

Polling shows Republicans are concerned about rising electricity prices caused by data centers, although they are not nearly as concerned as Democrats. One recent poll<\/a> found that while 85% of Democrats believe the costs of new data centers outweigh the benefits, just 55% of Republicans agreed.<\/p>

More importantly, when asked if their concerns about higher electricity prices could be mitigated by new electric capacity, Republicans said yes. Morning Consult<\/a> asked Democrats and Republicans to choose between two approaches to data center construction. The first option read, \u201cThe United States should stop AI data centers in order to decrease energy demand and keep the price of electricity down.\u201d This is Sanders's position, and it was favored by Democrats by 11 points over the alternative.<\/p>

The second option, outlined by Trump, reads, \u201cThe United States should continue building AI centers and also develop more energy sources in order to increase energy supply and keep the price of electricity down.\" Republicans favored this option by 12 points over the Sanders data center construction ban.<\/p>

DEMOCRATS SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEIR IMMIGRATION POLICIES<\/a><\/p>

The U.S. didn\u2019t become the world\u2019s leading power by outlawing energy-hungry technologies. It got there by building infrastructure to meet rising demand. That is the story of human progress, from fire to coal to oil to nuclear power. Higher living standards have never come from using less energy, but from learning to produce more of it reliably and cheaply. Societies that embrace energy abundance grow richer, more capable, and more productive. Those that stall fall behind. Data centers are the latest chapter in that long story.<\/p>

Democratic states may choose construction bans, stagnation, and decline. Republican states should work with tech companies to show that the Republican Party knows how to build things, whether that is new housing, new roads, new transmission lines, new power plants, or new data centers. If Democrats ban the future, Republicans should host it.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GettyImages-2243425532.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474984-1772341200", "title":"Trump Interior Department may ease up on solar industry", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fenergy-and-environment%2F4474984%2Ftrump-interior-department-ease-up-solar-industry%2F", "byline":"Maydeen Merino", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Department of the Interior appears to be considering approving some solar power projects, in what would be a major reversal of the Trump administration’s strong stance against renewable energy and efforts to block the construction of solar plants. The solar industry could soon see some relief as the Trump administration is taking a renewed […]", "description":""

The Department of the Interior appears to be considering approving some solar power<\/a> projects, in what would be a major reversal of the Trump administration<\/a>\u2019s strong stance against renewable energy and efforts to block the construction of solar plants.<\/p>

The solar industry could soon see some relief as the Trump administration is taking a renewed look at approving some solar projects that had been sidelined in the permitting process as part of an effort to bolster the fossil fuel industry.<\/p>

It is also getting an unexpected boost from some influencers in the orbit of the White House.<\/p>

Earlier this week, E&E News reported<\/a> that the DOI is reviewing 20 commercial-scale solar projects that have been stalled in the permitting process. The review includes a package of six utility-scale projects, such as the Esmeralda Energy Center in Nevada.<\/p>

The Esmeralda Energy Center is one of seven individual solar projects that make up Esmeralda 7 solar development, which would be built on nearly 118,000 acres of federal land in Tonopah, Nevada.\u00a0Last year, reports<\/a> suggested that the department had canceled the massive solar project, but DOI said the project\u2019s proponents and the Bureau of Land Management had agreed to modify their approach.<\/p>

A spokesperson for the DOI told the Washington Examiner that it is reviewing permitting for large-scale onshore solar and wind projects. <\/p>

\u201cThis comprehensive review process ensures that projects\u2014whether on federal, state, or private lands\u2014receive appropriate oversight whenever federal resources, permits, or consultations are involved,\u201d the spokesperson said.<\/p>

\u201cBy applying consistent standards, we are strengthening accountability, preventing misuse of taxpayer-funded subsidies, and upholding our commitment to restoring balance in energy development,\u201d they added. <\/p>

President Donald Trump and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum have criticized renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, calling them unreliable.\u00a0The administration has made it more challenging for renewable energy projects to navigate the permitting process and has instead pushed to develop fossil fuel energy sources, such as coal, that they prize for their reliability.<\/p>

As part of the effort to slow renewable energy, Burgum has taken the approval process into his own hands. The DOI announced<\/a> last July that all agency-related decisions and actions with regards to wind and solar needed Burgum\u2019s personal signature to receive necessary permits. <\/p>

Sean Gallagher, senior vice president of Policy at the Solar Energy Industries Association, told the Washington Examiner that the majority of domestic solar companies are \u201cstill in the dark about whether or how their projects and permits will be considered by the Department of the Interior.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cDevelopers and investors need confidence that their projects will be able to move through the permitting process in good faith and without unfair treatment based on energy source. The reality is that Interior could provide that clarity today by revoking their July memo,\u201d Gallagher said. <\/p>

However, the solar industry is gaining some unexpected high-profile conservative supporters, such as Katie Miller and Kellyanne Conway<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

Miller, who is married to White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, has publicly voiced support for solar energy. <\/p>

Earlier this month, she tweeted<\/a>, \u201cSolar energy is the energy of the future. Giant fusion reactor up there in the sky - we must rapidly expand solar to compete with China.\u201d <\/p>

Then, Miller shared a post<\/a> with a graph from the Energy Information Administration, showing that solar is the dominant energy source of new capacity in the U.S. and is expected to surpass coal.\u00a0<\/p>

MP MATERIALS ANNOUNCES $1.25 BILLION RARE EARTHS FACILITY MEANT TO HELP COUNTER CHINA<\/a><\/p>

Conway, who managed Trump\u2019s first presidential campaign, has a consulting firm that released a poll<\/a> this month that showed that more than 8-in-10 voters in Republican-leaning states support solar energy.<\/p>

According to a confidential strategy memo obtained<\/a> by E&E News, Miller, along with Conway, said that their \u201cadvocacy is aligned with a campaign by members of the nation's largest renewable energy lobby group to MAGA-fy solar power.\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP25237795198718.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476049-1772319613", "title":"‘Sweat equity’: Wesley Hunt doesn’t shy away from missed votes ahead of Texas Senate primary", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2Fcongressional%2F4476049%2Fwesley-hunt-doesnt-shy-away-missed-votes%2F", "byline":"Lauren Green", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"SAN ANTONIO — Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX) is everywhere in Texas and showing he’s working, leaving his supporters unbothered by his lack of attendance in Washington.  Hunt has missed 69 out of the 158 votes in Congress since launching his uphill campaign to unseat longtime Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX). Yet, even as the lack of […]", "description":""

SAN ANTONIO \u2014 Rep. Wesley Hunt<\/a> (R-TX) is everywhere in Texas<\/a> and showing he's working, leaving his supporters unbothered by his lack of attendance in Washington<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

Hunt has missed 69 out of the 158<\/a> votes in Congress since launching his uphill campaign to unseat longtime Sen. John Cornyn<\/a> (R-TX). Yet, even as the lack of attendance is mocked by opponents, Hunt points to the fact that the time away from Washington has allowed him to visit more than 45 out of Texas's 254 counties and host over 50 events.<\/p>

\u201cWe don't have $100 million, sweat equity is what matters,\u201d Hunt told the Washington Examiner in an interview.\u00a0\u201cGetting in the car and driving, driving hours and hours with a hard-working team that cares about the success of this campaign, cares about the future of Texas and the future of this country, that's how you make a big difference and so I think on Tuesday, people will be very surprised at how well we do.\u201d<\/p>

Hunt, 44, walked into the Angry Elephant on Saturday afternoon in San Antonio, marking his first of two events in the area that day. The second-term congressman was met by enthusiastic voters at the bar. <\/p>

Hunt spoke on his experience in the military, his faith, cracked jokes, and even addressed attack ads that have been plastered across Texas targeting him for missing votes in Washington. <\/p>

\u201cDo you know how many votes JD Vance missed when he was running for vice president? All of them,\u201d Hunt explained<\/a>. \u201cDo you know how many votes Tim Scott missed when he was running for president? 150, the third most in the history of the Senate. This is what is required to get your voice out, you have to miss some votes to do it.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

When the Washington Examiner asked rallygoers how they would describe Hunt, two sentiments were repeatedly echoed: \u201dhonest\u201d and \u201cpatriotic.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cHe doesn't give canned answers,\" 51-year-old Stacey Pierce told the Washington Examiner. \"To every question here, he gave a little bit of his personality with it, he told us off-the-cuff-type remarks, funny or not funny.\u201d<\/p>

Hunt has increasingly been targeted by the National Republican Senatorial Committee after he jumped in the already competitive race between Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.\u00a0<\/p>

The longtime Texas senator, who has missed one vote this year, repeatedly bashed Hunt on social media over his missed votes in Washington. Cornyn\u2019s campaign even launched a website titled \"Where's Wesley Hunt\" earlier this year to mock the congressman's poor attendance in a Where's Waldo Style.  <\/p>

\u201cYou can find something bad on everybody,\u201d 61-year-old Al Guadagno told the Washington Examiner when asked about the attack ads on Hunt\u2019s voting record. \u201cYou're not always going to agree with everything each individual does, but we have a good feeling about him, and I just think he just comes across as a genuine individual. I like his family values, so I think he's going to do the right thing, and I think it will be voting on the right side when it really matters.\u201d<\/p>

DEMOCRATS' AGE DEBATE COMES FOR AL GREEN IN COMPETITIVE TEXAS HOUSE PRIMARY<\/a><\/p>

Hunt was born and raised in Houston, where he later attended the United States Military Academy at West Point before serving eight years in the Army as an Apache helicopter pilot. In his tour of Iraq, Hunt flew 55 combat air missions, and took part in two deployments to Saudi Arabia as a diplomatic liaison officer.\u00a0<\/p>

Voters across the state will head to the polls Tuesday, March 3 for the last day of voting in the state before Hunt\u2019s fate is sealed. With three major candidates in the race, it is expected to go into a run-off with the top two candidates, where they will then face each other again at a May 26 runoff election. <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_7090-e1772337546388.jpeg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476091-1772318674", "title":"Trump teases ‘good candidates’ to lead Iran after Khamenei’s death", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4476091%2Ftrump-good-candidates-lead-iran%2F", "byline":"Zach LaChance", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump revealed that he has a potential leader in mind for Iran after strikes killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Khamenei was killed on Saturday after Israel struck his compound, ending his 36-year reign and leaving the regime in disarray as it moves to appoint a successor while joint U.S. and Israeli strikes continue. […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> revealed that he has a potential leader in mind for Iran<\/a> after strikes killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei<\/a>.<\/p>

Khamenei was killed on Saturday after Israel struck his compound, ending his 36-year reign and leaving the regime in disarray as it moves to appoint a successor while joint U.S. and Israeli<\/a> strikes continue.<\/p>

With that decision expected to be made soon, Trump was asked in an interview<\/a> late Saturday if he has a preference over whoever the Islamic Republic chooses.<\/p>

\"Yes, I think so,\" Trump responded. \"There are some good candidates.\"<\/p>

He also said he knows \"exactly\" who is running Iran after Khamenei's death, but declined to divulge who that is.<\/p>

Trump's comments come as he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu floated regime change as the first strikes began overnight.<\/p>

While no candidate has emerged over the past day, former crown prince Reza Pahlavi has been leading the opposition and has previously stated he would lead any transition government.<\/p>

Trump, however, has been noticeably hesitant about endorsing Pahlavi, whose family ruled Iran before the 1979 revolution, and it is unclear if a transition to democracy is possible for Iran.<\/p>

Pahlavi himself suggested<\/a> in the wake of Khamenei's death that the Islamic Republic was over. He said it will \"very soon be consigned to the dustbin of history\" and predicted any successor to the former ayatollah is \"doomed to fail.\"<\/p>

READ IN FULL: TRUMP ADDRESS ON IRAN OPERATION<\/a><\/p>

For now, a three-member council will assume power in Tehran. That includes Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who was also targeted by Israel but survived, Chief Justice Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejehi, and one Islamic cleric.<\/p>

Iran\u2019s Assembly of Experts, which is composed of 88 elected Islamic clerics, will then meet to elect a new supreme leader.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/trump-iran-good-candidates.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476066-1772314662", "title":"Waltz insists US strikes on Iran are ‘lawful’ as UN cries foul", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4476066%2Fwaltz-us-iran-strikes-lawful-un-cries-foul%2F", "byline":"Zach LaChance", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz defended the U.S.’s strikes on Iran‘s ballistic missile and nuclear programs at an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Saturday. “Iran’s continued pursuit of advanced missile capabilities, coupled with its refusal to abandon nuclear ambitions despite diplomatic opportunities, presents a grave and mounting danger,” Waltz told the […]", "description":""

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations\u00a0Mike Waltz<\/a>\u00a0defended the U.S.'s strikes on Iran<\/a>'s ballistic missile and nuclear programs at an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council<\/a> on Saturday.<\/p>

\"Iran\u2019s continued pursuit of advanced missile capabilities, coupled with its refusal to abandon nuclear ambitions despite diplomatic opportunities, presents a grave and mounting danger,\" Waltz told<\/a> the council. \"Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. That principle is not a matter of politics; it is a matter of global security. And to that end, the United States is taking lawful actions.\"<\/p>

The rationale was echoed by Israel, which launched strikes of their own against Iranian leadership including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed.<\/p>

\"We are stopping extremism before it becomes unstoppable,\" Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon said at the meeting. \"We will ensure that no radical regime armed with nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles can threaten our people or the entire world.\"<\/p>

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres and other countries on the security council, however, sharply disagreed.<\/p>

Guterres said both countries violated international law, while also condemning Iran's retaliatory attacks on nations across the Middle East. He urged the U.S. and Iran to return to the negotiating table, warning of a \"wider conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability\u201d if strikes continue.<\/p>

The United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China similarly called for a resumption of the nuclear talks that yielded little progress after three rounds over the past month.<\/p>

Waltz poured cold water on a return to diplomacy, saying it \"cannot succeed where there is no genuine willingness to cease aggression, where there is no genuine partner for peace.\"<\/p>

Iran was also present at the meeting, with its ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, suggesting the U.S. and Israel are using force to \"determine the political future\" of Iran.<\/p>

Iravani would later spar directly with Waltz, telling him to \"be polite,\" saying it \"would be better for yourself and the country you represent.\"<\/p>

Waltz then fired back, \u201cFrankly, I am not going to dignify this with another response, especially as this representative sits here in this body representing a regime that has killed tens of thousands of its own people and imprisoned many more simply for wanting freedom from your tyranny.\"<\/p>

WORLD LEADERS STRESS DIPLOMATIC RESOLUTION AFTER US-ISRAEL STRIKES ON IRAN<\/a><\/p>

Waltz's defense mirrors Trump's own after the attacks on Iran began. <\/p>

Early Saturday, Trump justified the strikes as preventing a \"very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests.\" He also said regime change was one of the mission's goals.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/waltz-un-security-council-iran-meeting.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476023-1772307613", "title":"Shapiro blasts Trump’s decision to strike Iran but admits regime change needed", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4476023%2Fshapiro-blasts-trump-iran-strikes%2F", "byline":"Zach LaChance", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA) seemingly wavered over President Donald Trump’s decision to strike Iran early Saturday, lamenting what he sees as lacking a “clear plan” for the future of its government while simultaneously expressing the need for new leadership. “In going to war with Iran, the President has not adequately explained why this war is […]", "description":""

Gov. Josh Shapiro<\/a> (D-PA) seemingly wavered over President Donald Trump's decision to strike Iran<\/a> early Saturday, lamenting what he sees as lacking a \"clear plan\" for the future of its government while simultaneously expressing the need for new leadership.<\/p>

\"In going to war with Iran, the President has not adequately explained why this war is urgent now, what this military campaign may look like, or what the strategic objective is,\" Shapiro said in a statement<\/a>. \"President Trump and his Administration have not demonstrated to the American people that we have a clear plan with this mission.\"<\/p>

Shapiro, considered a potential 2028 contender, blasted Trump's decision to pursue regime change in Iran alongside Israel, whose own strikes killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, instead of an elusive nuclear deal. He said the pivot, which seemed inevitable as nuclear talks yielded little progress, endangers U.S. service members in the region and undermines U.S. national security.<\/p>

But the Pennsylvania governor still expressed support for a new and much different Iranian government, rebuking the regime and its violent crackdown on protesters in January that heightened U.S.-Iran tensions and spurred the military conflict.<\/p>

\"Make no mistake, the Iranian regime represses its own people and is the leading state sponsor of terrorism around the world,\" Shapiro said. \"In recent weeks, tens of thousands of brave Iranians have died standing up for their freedoms against this cruel regime. The people of Iran deserve a government that gives voice to these hopes, respects their rights, and pursues their interests peacefully \u2013 not through violence or intimidation.\"<\/p>

TOM ROGAN: TRUMP SHAKE'S IRAN'S TREE TO SEE WHAT FALLS OUT<\/a><\/p>

So far, the regime has suffered massive blows to its leadership, most notably Khamenei. His death initiates a succession process but with no successor readily apparent. Israel also killed<\/a> some of his key advisers and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, among other high-level officials.<\/p>

Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, have been urging the Iranian people to overthrow their theocratic government entirely, an equally uncertain prospect.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/shapiro-trump-iran.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4476037-1772305166", "title":"Congress scrambles for answers after Trump Iran strike", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fsenate%2F4476037%2Fcongress-scrambles-answers-trump-iran-strike%2F", "byline":"David Sivak", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Congressional leaders are rushing to get lawmakers up to speed on a military conflict with Iran that is rekindling a fight over President Donald Trump‘s war powers. Republicans in the House and Senate are working with the Trump administration to set up all-member briefings on the overnight military operation that killed top Iranian leaders, including […]", "description":""

Congressional leaders are rushing to get lawmakers up to speed on a military conflict with Iran<\/a> that is rekindling a fight over President Donald Trump<\/a>'s war powers.<\/p>

Republicans in the House and Senate<\/a> are working with the Trump administration to set up all-member briefings on the overnight military operation that killed top Iranian leaders, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei<\/a>, according to two sources familiar with the matter.<\/p>

Leadership hopes to hold the briefings next week, when Democrats plan to force votes that would tie Trump\u2019s hands on Iran, though the Trump administration has been updating smaller groups of lawmakers more quickly, with briefings planned for key committees on Saturday and Sunday.<\/p>

Republicans and a handful of Democrats<\/a> came out in support of the strikes on Saturday, meaning it is unlikely the war powers votes will succeed. But the attack, a joint operation with Israel that has prompted Iranian retaliation in the region, has raised concern that the United States is entering a protracted conflict that puts American troops in harm\u2019s way.<\/p>

THE US AND ISRAEL ATTACKED IRAN: WHAT WE KNOW<\/a><\/p>

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has called for the Senate to \u201cquickly\u201d return to session so that lawmakers can vote on the war powers resolution. He is also requesting that Trump officials update the public on the military operation with congressional hearings.<\/p>

\u201cThe administration has not provided Congress and the American people with critical details about the scope and immediacy of the threat,\u201d Schumer said in a statement. \u201cThe administration must brief Congress, including an immediate all senators classified briefing and in public testimony, to answer these vital questions.\u201d<\/p>

Currently, the Senate is slated to return Monday and the House on Wednesday. But congressional leaders are convening emergency calls to discuss the conflict, with House Republicans set to speak at 4 p.m. on Sunday and Democrats meeting over Zoom at 8 p.m. the same day, according to sources familiar with the planning.<\/p>

The administration began to brief Congress on Iran in the lead-up to the strikes, holding a meeting with the Gang of Eight on Tuesday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also called each member<\/a> of the group, which includes top House and Senate leaders and the heads of the intelligence committees, before the operation got underway.<\/p>

RUBIO ALERTED GANG OF EIGHT BEFORE IRAN ATTACK, IN CONTRAST TO VENEZUELA MISSION<\/a><\/p>

\u201cI thank Secretary Rubio for providing updates on these issues throughout the week,\u201d Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said in a statement<\/a> Saturday, adding that he expects a briefing for all members in the coming days.<\/p>

Staff on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee are receiving an update from the State Department on Saturday, according to a GOP aide, followed by a Pentagon briefing on Sunday. The Trump administration is simultaneously expected to provide updates to the Senate Intelligence Committee over the weekend, according to<\/a> Politico. Similar briefings are planned for the House.<\/p>

Lauren Green contributed to this report.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26043763647622-e1772323004581.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475968-1772300911", "title":"Khamenei aides, IRGC commander among those killed by Israeli strikes so far", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4475968%2Fkhamenei-aides-irgc-commander-killed-israeli-strikes%2F", "byline":"Zach LaChance", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"At least seven high-level officials in Iran‘s government, along with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, have been reported killed in Israeli strikes on Saturday. Israel and the United States conducted strikes starting overnight, with the Israel Defense Forces reportedly targeting regime leaders and the U.S. military hitting Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs. Retaliatory strikes from […]", "description":""

At least seven high-level officials in Iran<\/a>'s government, along with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei<\/a>, have been reported killed in Israeli<\/a> strikes on Saturday.<\/p>

Israel and the United States conducted strikes starting overnight, with the Israel Defense Forces reportedly<\/a> targeting regime leaders and the U.S. military hitting Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programs. Retaliatory strikes from Iran are underway, with missiles launched at Israel and U.S. military bases in the region. But the regime has already suffered massive losses, and not just Khamenei.<\/p>

Touting what it called its \"opening salvo\" for its military operation against the regime, the IDF said<\/a> it killed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Cmdr. Mohammad Pakpour, Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, two Khamenei advisers, a current and former chairman of Iran's nuclear program, and a chief intelligence official in Iran's military emergency headquarters.<\/p>

Most of those killed were appointed by Khamenei, who wields immense power over personnel decisions. But with his death, the regime is in crisis.<\/p>

In the interim, a three-member council will assume power. That includes Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who was also targeted by Israel, Chief Justice Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejehi, and one Islamic cleric.<\/p>

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated earlier on Saturday that Pezeshkian survived the attack.<\/p>

Iran's Assembly of Experts, which is composed of 88 elected Islamic clerics, will then meet to elect a new supreme leader.<\/p>

At this point there is no clear successor to Khamenei. According to<\/a> Axios, one of his sons, Mojtaba Khamenei, has previously been floated as a top choice. An aide to his father, he was targeted in the strikes but is believed to have survived.<\/p>

Complicating those proceedings is the U.S. and Israeli goals. Both suggested the strikes were designed to initiate regime change, with President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging the Iranian people to overthrow their theocratic government.<\/p>

IRAN STRIKES ERASE SPACE BETWEEN TRUMP AND NETANYAHU, INSIDERS SAY<\/a><\/p>

In that case, the future of Iran's government is even more unclear.<\/p>

While exiled former crown prince Reza Pahlavi had led the opposition to the regime during protests in January, Trump has expressed hesitance he would have popular support.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/khamenei-aides-irgc-commander-killed.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475844-1772298000", "title":"Trump says Khamenei is dead: ‘The single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4475844%2Fnetanyahu-touts-growing-signs-iran-strikes-killed-the-ayatollah%2F", "byline":"Emily Hallas", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump on Saturday afternoon declared that Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a man he described as “one of the most evil people in history,” is dead, following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against Tehran.  “This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> on Saturday afternoon declared that Iranian<\/a> Ayatollah Ali Khamenei<\/a>, a man he described as \"one of the most evil people in history,\" is dead, following joint U.S.-Israeli<\/a> strikes against Tehran. <\/p>

\u201cThis is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS,\u201d the president said in a post to Truth Social<\/a>. \u201cThis is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.\u201d<\/p>

A photo of the supreme leader's body was shown to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, an Israeli official told <\/a>the New York Post. <\/p>

Hours later, Iranian state media confirmed Khamenei's death.<\/p>

\"We hereby inform the devoted, martyr-loving people of Iran that His Eminence Ayatollah al-Uzma Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, was martyred in a joint attack by the criminal America and the Zionist regime on the morning of Monday, the ninth of Esfand,\" Tasnim News Agency reported<\/a> on Saturday night.<\/p>

The development marks a critical and extraordinary moment for Iran, as Netanyahu and Trump have urged those who have participated in mass uprisings against the ayatollah\u2019s government to take over the country.\u00a0<\/p>

THE US AND ISRAEL ATTACKED IRAN: WHAT WE KNOW<\/a><\/p>

In his press conference, Netanyahu urged the Iranian people to overthrow Khamenei's theocratic government, similar to President Donald Trump's calls. <\/p>

The strikes offer protestors an opportunity to \"unshackle themselves from tyranny,\" the Israeli leader said, calling the moment a \"once in a generation chance\" to overthrow the Iranian regime.<\/p>

Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, seen by some as a potential leader in a post Khamenei world, urged the Iranian people to shape their future. \u201cMy dear compatriots, Moments of destiny lie ahead of us,\u201d he said early Saturday.<\/a><\/p>What happened?

The Trump administration has for months engaged in diplomatic talks with the Iranian regime, aimed at averting military intervention, due largely to concerns about the country\u2019s nuclear weapons ambitions and the terrorism it promotes internationally. <\/p>

With no clear breakthrough in sight, the White House and Israel targeted Iran <\/a>with strikes over the weekend. In an eight-minute video message<\/a> posted to Truth Social, Trump said the objective of \u201cOperation Epic Fury\u201d is \u201cto prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests.\u201d He described Iran as the world\u2019s number 1 state sponsor of terror, and called on its citizens to overthrow the Ayatollah. That was before confirmation of Khamenei's death.<\/p>

U.S. intelligence indicating Iran intended to use conventional missiles, potentially preemptively, against U.S. troops in the Middle East, was also a key part of the rationale for why Trump signed off on the strikes, senior officials said during a Saturday briefing, according to<\/a> BBC.<\/p>

The strikes targeted several sites where the Ayatollah and other senior military leaders gathered in Iran. U.S. officials told NBC News that Israel had targeted Iranian leaders while the U.S.went after Iran\u2019s ballistic missile and nuclear programs.<\/p>

The Pentagon confirmed there were no U.S. casualties in the first 12 hours of the operation.<\/p>

The U.S. military used sea and air-based platforms to launch massive strikes across Iran overnight, a U.S. official told the Wall Street Journal. American destroyers launched Tomahawk missiles from the waters in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean Sea, while U.S. jet fighters fired missiles, the official said.<\/p>How long will the operation last?

Trump has described attacks as a \u201ccombat\u201d operation that is \u201cmassive and ongoing.\u201d A U.S. official said the \u201cmultiday\u201d operation against Iran began at about 1 a.m. Eastern time with a salvo of ship-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles and air-launched munitions from U.S. Air Force and Navy jets, in comments<\/a> to the Washington Post. <\/p>

TIANA LOWE DOESCHER: TRUMP'S ATTACK ON IRAN IS AN ATTACK ON CHINA'S ECONOMIC SUPERIORITY<\/a><\/p>

The president noted on Saturday the potential cost to American lives.<\/p>

\u201cThe Iranian regime seeks to kill. The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties \u2014 that often happens in war \u2014 but we\u2019re doing this not for now. We\u2019re doing this for the future, and it is a noble mission,\u201d Trump said. <\/p>

Ahead of the operation, Vice President J.D. Vance promised<\/a> Thursday that the U.S. would not be drawn into another long-term war in the Middle East, amid fears internvention in Iran could echo the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. <\/p>

\u201cThe idea that we\u2019re going to be in a Middle Eastern war for years with no end in sight \u2014 there is no chance that will happen,\u201d he said. \u201cI do think we have to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. I also think that we have to avoid overlearning the lessons of the past\u2026just because one president screwed up a military conflict doesn\u2019t mean we can never engage in military conflict again. We\u2019ve got to be careful about it, but I think the president is being careful.\u201d<\/p>Are the strikes legal?

The Constitution states that Congress shall have the power \u201cto declare war.\u201d Some lawmakers, such as Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), are suggesting <\/a>that the operation in Iran amounts to a war, saying Trump violated the Constitution in not bringing the matter to Congress. Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA)  are among others arguing that Trump abused his presidential authority to authorize the strikes without congressional approval. <\/p>

ISRAEL TOUTS \u2018LARGEST EVER\u2019 MILITARY FLYOVER IN IRAN ATTACK<\/a><\/p>

Secretary of State Marco Rubio alerted a key group<\/a> of congressional leaders known as the \u201cGang of Eight\u201d before the operation. He was able to reach seven of the eight members, which includes the top party members of the House and Senate intelligence committees.<\/p>

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) wants to force a \u201cwar powers<\/a>\u201d vote seeking to restrict military action against Iran. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) requested that the Trump administration brief Congress on the operation, and expressed concern that members were not alerted to the \u201ccritical details about the scope and immediacy\u201d of the Iranian threat. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-LA) said he<\/a> looks \u201cforward to administration officials briefing all senators about these military operations.\u201d <\/p>Why did the U.S. attack?

The U.S. has long expressed concern that Iran is enriching uranium in efforts to create nuclear weapons. The Trump administration carried out strikes targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities last June in hopes of obliterating its nuclear program, which is viewed by Israel and other allies as a critical threat. One of the three nuclear sites was mostly destroyed, but the two others were not as badly damaged and may have been degraded only to a point where nuclear enrichment could resume within months, according to <\/a>reports. <\/p>

The United Nations\u2019s nuclear watchdog said Friday that Iran has not allowed it access to the nuclear facilities bombed by the U.S. The International Atomic Energy Agency said it \u201ccannot verify whether Iran has suspended all enrichment-related activities,\u201d or the \u201csize of Iran\u2019s uranium stockpile at the affected nuclear facilities,\u201d according to the Associated Press. <\/p>

The State Department has held rounds of talks on the matter, including earlier this week in Geneva, but they fell short of a deal. The U.S. team of negotiators, led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, requested that Iran destroy the three main nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, and deliver all of its remaining enriched uranium to the U.S., demands that Iranian officials have objected to, according to<\/a> the Wall Street Journal. Senior U.S. officials said Saturday afternoon that they believed the three facilities were being rebuilt, a violation of existing protocols.<\/p>

TRUMP ANNOUNCES \u2018MASSIVE AND ONGOING OPERATION\u2019 AGAINST IRAN<\/a> <\/p>

Trump said Saturday that time had run out for Iran to make concessions. And he decried the regime\u2019s actions to suppress uprisings against the government. The Ayatollah\u2019s forces have reportedly killed up to tens of thousands of dissenters since massive protests began in December. <\/p>

\u201cThey rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions, and we can\u2019t take it anymore. Instead, they attempted to rebuild their nuclear program and to continue developing long-range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas, and could soon reach the American homeland,\u201d Trump said. <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26032482244222.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475985-1772297890", "title":"What is the War Powers Act Congress is fighting over after Iran attacks?", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2F4475985%2Fwhat-is-war-powers-act-congress-iran%2F", "byline":"Emily Hallas", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump’s decision to authorize overnight strikes against Iran revived sweeping debate about a decades-old law dealing with congressional involvement in military operations.  Some in Congress have raised concerns that Trump should have received permission from Congress before signing off on the joint U.S.-Israel strikes against Iran, citing the 1973 War Powers Act. Those […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a>\u2019s decision to authorize overnight strikes against Iran<\/a> revived sweeping debate about a decades-old law dealing with congressional involvement in military operations. <\/p>

Some in Congress have raised concerns that Trump should have received permission from Congress before signing off on the joint U.S.-Israel strikes<\/a> against Iran, citing the 1973 War Powers Act. Those lawmakers range from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA). <\/p>

Others have argued<\/a> that Trump held clear authority to authorize the strikes, citing Article II of the Constitution and historical precedent. <\/p>

THE US AND ISRAEL ATTACKED IRAN: WHAT WE KNOW<\/a><\/p>

The War Powers Act affirms Article I in the Constitution, which states \u201cCongress shall have power\u2026 to declare war.\u201d The 1973 law is designed to limit presidents' ability to authorize extensive military operations. It aims to prevent the president from starting or continuing long military actions abroad without Congress's approval, except in cases of a national emergency requiring an immediate response.  <\/p>

In circumstances such as Saturday\u2019s operation, the ambiguity between what constitutes a war, or \u201chostilities,\" often stirs debate between War Powers Act hardliners and those who favor softer interpretations. <\/p>

The War Powers Act holds a consultation clause that states the chief executive must talk to Congress<\/a> before sending troops into \u201chostilities\u201d in \u201cevery possible instance.\" There is a reporting requirement that states that if no war is declared or no specific congressional authorization exists, the president must notify Congress in writing within 48 hours of \u201chostilities,\u201d and provide details on the operation. There is also a time limit that stipulates that the U.S. cannot engage in military operations longer than 60 days unless Congress declares war or passes specific authorization.<\/p>

SEAN DURNS: THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC HAD ITS CHANCE<\/a><\/p>

The War Powers Act was passed in the context of the Vietnam War, and has stirred debate in the years since over whether it undermines authorities provided to the president under Article II of the Constitution. The Reagan, Clinton, and both Bush administrations, as well as the Obama administration, have sidelined the law in various instances, often invoking their Article II constitutional authority as commander in chief, or arguing that the operations they unilaterally authorized were limited in scope and were not \u201chostilities.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

In the wake of Saturday's strikes on Iran, there has been bipartisan support for passing a War Powers Act resolution that seeks to restrict Trump\u2019s authority to deploy military forces. Khanna, Massie, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Schumer, and others have been clear that they view the strikes as a violation of the War Powers Act. They are calling for a swift congressional vote on the resolution to affirm checks on the president\u2019s power. <\/p>

Others have defended the president\u2019s actions. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) said that<\/a> under Article II of the Constitution, Trump holds the authority to carry out strikes.<\/p>

\u201cUnder Article II and as Commander in Chief, the President has the authority to act. The notion that this strike is illegal or that the President needed Congress\u2019 authority is wrong,\u201d he said. \u201cFurthermore, Biden and Obama conducted numerous strikes in numerous countries without Congress, and none of the people screaming now seemed to have any objections.\u201d<\/p>

While the Trump administration did not seek congressional signoff before the strikes, it briefed the leaders of the House and Senate and the respective intelligence committees earlier in the week that military action \"may become necessary\" to protect U.S. troops and citizens in Iran. <\/p>

Secretary of State Marco Rubio alerted a key group<\/a> of congressional leaders known as the \u201cGang of Eight\u201d before the operation. He was able to reach seven of the eight members. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-LA) said he<\/a> looks \u201cforward to administration officials briefing all senators about these military operations.\u201d <\/p>

TIANA LOWE DOESCHER: TRUMP'S ATTACK ON IRAN IS AN ATTACK ON CHINA'S ECONOMIC SUPERIORITY<\/a><\/p>

Roger Wicker (R-MI), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has praised the president\u2019s \u201cdecisive\u201d action, arguing that \u201cthis is a pivotal and necessary operation to protect Americans and American interests.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cWithout the use of military force against them, Iran\u2019s ayatollahs would simply continue to grow their ability to threaten Americans and our interests, working in concert with the Chinese Communist Party, the Russian dictator Putin, North Korea, and other terrorist allies,\u201d Wicker said.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Wh-Situation-room-3-e1772475289657.jpeg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475923-1772297640", "title":"Monitoring the situation: White House releases photos of Trump, Rubio and team being briefed on Iran operation", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4475923%2Fpictured-monitoring-situation-photos-trump-briefed-iran-operation%2F", "byline":"Timothy Nerozzi", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The White House has released images showing President Donald Trump and his team from his makeshift Situation Room as strikes were launched against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The images, shared by the White House’s social media team, capture meetings held by both Trump and Vice President JD Vance amid the beginnings of “Operation Epic […]", "description":""

The White House has released images showing President Donald Trump and his team from his makeshift Situation Room as strikes were launched against the Islamic Republic of Iran<\/a>.<\/p>

The images, shared by the White House's social media team, capture meetings held by both Trump and Vice President JD Vance amid the beginnings of \"Operation Epic Fury<\/a>.\"<\/p>

Trump established a war room at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, where he was joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio<\/a>.<\/p>

THE US AND ISRAEL ATTACKED IRAN: WHAT WE KNOW<\/a><\/p>

It is known that Rubio notified members of Congress's bipartisan \"Gang of Eight\"<\/a> ahead of the strikes on Friday night. One member was not able to be contacted, according to a State Department spokesperson.<\/p>

TOM ROGAN: TRUMP SHAKE'S IRAN'S TREE TO SEE WHAT FALLS OUT<\/a><\/p>

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles is also seen in the photos from the Mar-a-Lago war room, as well as CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine<\/a>.<\/p>

Vance held a parallel meeting at the actual Situation Room in the basement of the White House's West Wing, joined by members of the Cabinet not in Florida at the time of the strikes. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard could be seen in the picture with Vance, as well as Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.<\/p>

TIANA LOWE DOESCHER: TRUMP'S ATTACK ON IRAN IS AN ATTACK ON CHINA'S ECONOMIC SUPERIORITY<\/a><\/p>

Trump announced on Saturday that \u201cmajor combat operations\u201d took place overnight with the purpose of \u201celiminating imminent threats\u201d in Iran \u2014 specifically, the Islamic Republic's nuclear program. The American strikes were augmented by Israeli military operations. <\/p>

Iran immediately launched counterattacks<\/a> that struck nations across the Middle East, including Israel, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.<\/p>

Later Saturday, Trump announced that supreme leader Ali Khamenei was killed<\/a> in the overnight strikes.<\/p>

\"This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS,\" he wrote on Truth Social.<\/p>

The president claimed that officials within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iranian police forces, and other state security groups have contacted the U.S. seeking immunity through surrender.<\/p>

Trump said that those who defect now will be eligible for immunity but that \"later they only get death.\" He added that pinpoint bombings of Iranian regime centers of power will continue \"as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!\"<\/p>

WORLD LEADERS STRESS DIPLOMATIC RESOLUTION AFTER US-ISRAEL STRIKES ON IRAN<\/a><\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/wh-situation-room-e1772315330915.jpeg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475964-1772296811", "title":"Iran and intended consequences", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F4475964%2Firan-and-intended-consequences%2F", "byline":"Guy Benson", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"As expected, the United States and Israel have launched a large-scale military operation against the Iranian regime. This action was — or should have been — widely anticipated, due to the dramatic build-up of U.S. air assets in the region in recent weeks, coupled with the regime’s suicidal intransigence in diplomatic negotiations (more on the […]", "description":""

As expected, the United States and Israel have launched a large-scale military operation<\/a> against the Iranian<\/a> regime. This action was \u2014 or should have been \u2014 widely anticipated, due to the dramatic build-up of U.S. air assets in the region in recent weeks, coupled with the regime\u2019s suicidal intransigence in diplomatic negotiations (more on the latter, crucial point in a moment).\u00a0It is unclear how all of this will look when the dust settles.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

As we wait and attempt to separate fact from fiction, we pray for our men and women in uniform<\/a>, for the oppressed people of Iran, for our allies, and for our leaders\u2019 wisdom and foresight as they make consequential, life-and-death decisions. It has been encouraging to see positive statements of support from many of our partner governments. It has been inspiring to see videos of Iranians, both on the ground and in the diaspora, celebrating the very real prospect of long-yearned-for freedom. But setting emotion aside, was this attack the right call?\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

THE US AND ISRAEL ATTACKED IRAN: WHAT WE KNOW<\/a><\/p>

That final analysis will be for history to judge, years from now; it\u2019s impossible to have perfect clarity in the moment. Many Americans are instinctively inclined to support this action, but that hopeful posture is undoubtedly tempered by various sources of trepidation and concern. These include, but are not limited to: (1) The plausibility of regime-backed terrorist sleeper cells activating within our nation, a threat that may have been exacerbated by our scandalously porous borders in recent years; (2) The sobering reality that despite our recent surgical moves in Iran and Venezuela<\/a> resulting in zero American casualties, this time could be different; (3) The undeniable track record of regime decapitations not always ending well, to put it mildly; (4) The ongoing and corrosive irrelevance of our legislative branch in matters of grave national importance; (5) The humbling truth that wars always result in unknowable and unintended consequences.<\/p>

We can hope that most or all of these points will look overblown, in retrospect. There are also valid counterpoints, or mitigating arguments, to each of them. One of the most important factors that cuts against some negative parallels being drawn to past conflicts is that Iran\u2019s people broadly loathe this regime and desperately want a return to a free, open, West-friendly society \u2014 which many of them have enjoyed in living memory. Iran is not Afghanistan<\/a>. Another is that there is zero indication America intends to engage in a ground war featuring an invading force, nor is there any apparent appetite for anything resembling a protracted occupation and nation-building experiment. These are not minor distinctions. Nevertheless, we must be cognizant of and humble about the aforementioned rule of unintended consequences, which casts a shadow over all of this.<\/p>

WORLD LEADERS STRESS DIPLOMATIC RESOLUTION AFTER US-ISRAEL STRIKES ON IRAN<\/a><\/p>

However. <\/p>

We must also consider both the unintended consequences of inaction \u2013 particularly in the face of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to rid the planet of this regime in its uniquely weakened state \u2013 and the value of valid and righteous intended consequences. It\u2019s impossible to know what letting this moment slip away might mean. But we do know how this regime has behaved, and what it has prioritized, for decades. This is not some mystery. Seizing this moment could absolutely head off future catastrophes and bloodshed, beyond what the regime has already inflicted. Then again, while it\u2019s totally realistic, it\u2019s impossible to assess that counterfactual with any certainty. What\u2019s not impossible to know is why the regime richly deserves to be consigned to the dustbin of history.<\/p>

One of the Islamic Revolution\u2019s very first acts was capturing dozens of American hostages and holding them against their will for more than a year. Since that initial crisis, Iran has become the number one state sponsor of terrorism on earth, killing hundreds of Americans \u2013 both directly and through its proxies. It has plotted, executed and sponsored a long list of deadly attacks all around the world, including on our soil. It has issued death threats, and taken concrete steps to carry them out, against high-ranking American officials, including President Donald Trump<\/a> himself. <\/p>

It has relentlessly and fanatically pursued a nuclear weapons program, a terrifying prospect for a genocidal theocratic regime that literally chants \u201cdeath to America\u201d as a central creed. That program was crippled by Operation Midnight Hammer last summer, but intelligence reports indicate the regime has already taken steps to start rebuilding it. Think of this: Even facing down the barrel of the biggest gun it\u2019s ever seen, and even in its enervated and nearly-naked state, the regime still refuses to abandon its nuclear obsession. It is their overwhelming priority and will remain so as long as they rule.<\/p>

The mullahs and their henchmen have also brutalized the courageous and good people of Iran for decades. Whenever civilians have dared to speak out against their oppressors, they\u2019ve faced beatings, kidnappings, show trials, unjust executions, and outright murders. Within the last few months, tens of thousands of them have been wantonly slaughtered in the streets by these butchers, who have failed their people in every conceivable way. <\/p>

SEAN DURNS: THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC HAD ITS CHANCE<\/a><\/p>

And in response to the people\u2019s righteous protests, the regime has given them more mass murder.\u00a0 We cannot know precisely what would replace this regime if it is toppled. But unlike other situations embedded in our collective memory, in this case, it\u2019s hard to conceive of a new status quo that could somehow be worse than the continued existence of a committed, America-hating and American-killing, Islamofascist regime that prizes nuclear weapons and organized terrorism above all else, while actively allied with the Chinese Communist Party and Russia<\/a>. Virtually every alternative, while certainly flawed to varying degrees, is less bad.\u00a0 Ridding the world of that malignant threat is a worthy, and arguably overdue, intended consequence of this action.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

Godspeed.  <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26059717007628.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475929-1772296094", "title":"Threat of Iranian retaliation puts pressure on Democrats to reopen DHS", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fsenate%2F4475929%2Firan-conflict-calls-reopen-dhs-cannot-afford-delays%2F", "byline":"David Sivak", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The threat of Iran or its terrorist proxies retaliating inside the United States is driving new pressure on Democrats to reopen the Department of Homeland Security after President Donald Trump’s overnight strikes. House Homeland Security Chairman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) joined other Republicans on Saturday in urging Democrats to end a two-week shutdown at DHS, an […]", "description":""

The threat of Iran<\/a> or its terrorist proxies retaliating inside the United States is driving new pressure on Democrats to reopen the Department of Homeland Security<\/a> after President Donald Trump<\/a>\u2019s overnight strikes.<\/p>

House Homeland Security Chairman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) joined other Republicans on Saturday in urging Democrats to end a two-week shutdown<\/a> at DHS, an agency tasked with safeguarding America against terrorist attacks.<\/p>

He cited the \u201cheightened threat landscape\u201d after the U.S. launched strikes on Iran and past attempts by Iran to target dissidents and President Donald Trump on American soil.<\/p>

READ IN FULL: TRUMP ADDRESS ON IRAN OPERATION<\/a><\/p>

\u201cIt is more important now than ever that we fully fund the Department of Homeland Security,\u201d Garbarino said<\/a> on Saturday. \u201cWe cannot afford delays. We must ensure DHS is operating at maximum readiness to prevent and respond to threats against our homeland.\u201d<\/p>

His Democratic counterpart, ranking member Bennie Thompson (D-MS), did not address DHS funding specifically but accused<\/a> Trump of making the U.S. \u201cmore vulnerable to ensuing terrorism attacks\u201d because of the operation, launched in coordination with Israel to topple Iran\u2019s leadership and dismantle its nuclear program.<\/p>

\u201cI am deeply concerned about the administration\u2019s attention to possible threats and its ability to protect Americans,\u201d he added.<\/p>

Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem said<\/a> Saturday that she was in \u201cdirect coordination with our federal intelligence and law enforcement partners as we continue to closely monitor and thwart any potential threats to the homeland.\u201d<\/p>

Kathy Hochul (D-NY), the governor of New York, said she would be dispatching police to \u201creligious, cultural, and diplomatic sites\u201d in the state as a precaution.<\/p>

\u201cWhile there are no credible threats at this time, our top priority is keeping New Yorkers safe,\u201d she said<\/a>.<\/p>

The effects of the shutdown have so far been limited by the fact that most DHS employees are considered essential and will continue to work without paychecks. The administration has nonetheless furloughed some staff and shuttered certain agency functions, leading Republicans to accuse Democrats of jeopardizing national security over the impasse.<\/p>

The White House is currently negotiating reforms to immigration enforcement after federal officers fatally shot two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis last month, but Trump has so far been unable to reach a compromise with Democrats that would allow DHS to reopen.<\/p>

THE US AND ISRAEL ATTACKED IRAN: WHAT WE KNOW<\/a><\/p>

\u201cWhile President Trump is prioritizing the safety and security of our nation, Democrats are playing politics with the Department of Homeland Security funding and are opening up our homeland to unnecessary vulnerabilities,\u201d said Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), a GOP member of Senate\u2019s Homeland Security Committee.<\/p>

Democrats, meanwhile, focused most of their statements Saturday on Trump\u2019s decision to launch the operation without congressional approval, with a war powers vote expected to be brought to the House floor sometime next week.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-collage-4vlop2op3-1772311431127-e1772313833582.jpg?1772295836&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475931-1772293715", "title":"Khamenei is dead. We’re about to learn how many terrorists crossed the US border", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fbeltway-confidential%2F4475931%2Fkhamenei-dead-learn-terrorists-crossed-the-us-border%2F", "byline":"Tom Rogan", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"In a dramatic development to the just commenced “Operation Epic Fury,” the joint U.S.-Israeli air campaign to pummel Iran’s Islamic revolutionary regime, Iran’s supreme leader has been killed. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was eliminated in an Israeli strike on his command bunker. Israeli media reports that verified footage exists of Khamenei being pulled from the wreckage. This is a severe […]", "description":""

In a dramatic development to the just commenced \"Operation Epic Fury,\" the joint U.S.-Israeli air campaign to pummel\u00a0Iran<\/a>\u2019s\u00a0Islamic revolutionary regime, Iran\u2019s supreme leader has been killed. Ayatollah\u00a0Ali Khamenei<\/a>\u00a0was eliminated in an Israeli strike on his command bunker. Israeli media reports that verified footage exists of Khamenei being pulled from the wreckage.<\/p>

This is a severe blow to the Iranian regime, one that will advance President\u00a0Donald Trump<\/a>\u2019s\u00a0interest in figuratively and literally shaking up Tehran in the hope that a more malleable negotiating partner might rise. Still, Khamenei\u2019s elimination carries high-risk consequences for the U.S. It means unprecedented Iranian escalation is now guaranteed.<\/p>

TOM ROGAN: TRUMP SHAKES IRAN'S TREE TO SEE WHAT FALLS OUT<\/a><\/p>

Khamenei wasn\u2019t just Iran\u2019s supreme leader. As I noted recently<\/a>, the supreme leader \u201cholds a perceived ordained role in the Iranian political system. Iran\u2019s political structure is governed by the Khomeinist interpretation of Twelver Shia Islam. In short, Khamenei is regarded as a regent or guardian presiding over the faithful until the Mahdi, an Imam servant of the Prophet Muhammad, currently hidden from human eyes, returns to govern the Earth. Iranian regime hard-liners, and there are many of them, perceive Khamenei not just as a leader but as a servant of God on Earth.\u201d<\/p>

Martyrdom takes on special importance for the Iranian revolutionaries, the notion of honored sacrifice being linked to the martyrdom of their ideological forefather, Husayn ibn Ali, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Khamenei\u2019s followers will perceive an absolute need to avenge him, even if doing so introduces much greater risk to their regime.<\/p>

That brings us to the terrorist infiltration concern.<\/p>

The Iranian terrorist apparatus has had many cells detected in recent years, especially because of Israeli intelligence activity and intelligence sharing with its allies. But Iran has also\u00a0shown its ability<\/a>\u00a0to infiltrate Western nations such as the United Kingdom that possess highly capable intelligence services. We\u2019ve also seen highly concerning infiltration activities by Iranian and Lebanese individuals (relevant in terms of Iran\u2019s Lebanese Hezbollah partner) across both the Mexican and Canadian borders. The absolute porousness of the U.S.-Mexican border under the Biden administration makes it highly likely that some Iranian regime or Hezbollah combat operatives made it onto U.S. soil to wait as sleeper cells, holding for future orders.<\/p>

These individuals may have benefited from impressive logistics networks in Canada and southern Latin America. And again, they will revel in the opportunity of avenging Khamenei at the cost of their own lives. Crucially, also, the profound nature of Khamenei\u2019s death may also lead these cells to self-activate without direction from Tehran that might otherwise be detected by the U.S. intelligence community.<\/p>

This threat environment underlines why FBI director Kash Patel<\/a> has emphasized the bolstering of the bureau\u2019s counterterrorism and counterintelligence units (it should be noted that the FBI\u2019s refocus on immigration enforcement activities has weakened these units since Trump returned to office).<\/p>

THE US AND ISRAEL ATTACKED IRAN: WHAT WE KNOW<\/a><\/p>

In short, the elimination of Khamenei has provoked an unparalleled and theologically cloaked blood feud that Khamenei\u2019s true believers will spare no effort to avenge.<\/p>

Buckle up.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26059701435501.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475891-1772292708", "title":"Trump shakes Iran’s tree to see what falls out", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fbeltway-confidential%2F4475891%2Ftrump-shakes-irans-tree-to-see-what-falls-out%2F", "byline":"Tom Rogan", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump has ordered a start to “Operation Epic Fury,” a joint U.S.-Israeli air campaign targeting Iran’s naval, nuclear, and missile forces, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The president’s strategy appears to center on throwing as much firepower against the core instruments of Iran’s power as possible in the hope that doing so will bring down the regime or […]", "description":""

President\u00a0Donald Trump<\/a>\u00a0has ordered a start to \"Operation Epic Fury,\" a joint U.S.-Israeli<\/a>\u00a0air campaign targeting\u00a0Iran<\/a>\u2019s\u00a0naval, nuclear, and missile forces, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The president\u2019s strategy appears to center on throwing as much firepower against the core instruments of Iran\u2019s power as possible in the hope that doing so will bring down the regime or produce a more malleable negotiating partner. What will happen next is very hard to predict.<\/p>

In a speech announcing military action early Saturday morning, Trump declared that he had chosen to \u201cdefend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.\u201d Addressing the Iranian people, Trump added, \u201cThe hour of your freedom is at hand\u2026 take over your government.\u201d<\/p>

THE US AND ISRAEL ATTACKED IRAN: WHAT WE KNOW<\/a><\/p>

Hundreds of missiles and bombs have been fired at targets across Iran, with a number of senior Iranian officials reported dead. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Saturday afternoon that Iran\u2019s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed. Whether he is in fact dead or not is largely irrelevant: he will almost certainly be dead in the coming days. The big question: what comes next?<\/p>

Speaking to Axios, which also reported<\/a> that the provisional U.S.-Israeli plan calls for five days of strikes, Trump suggested he had not yet decided how long to sustain military action. \"I can go long and take over the whole thing, or end it in two or three days and tell the Iranians: 'See you again in a few years if you start rebuilding [your nuclear and missile programs]\u2026 in any case it will take them several years to recover from this attack.\u201d<\/p>

This rhetoric suggests that Trump\u2019s strategy is to neuter key elements of the regime\u2019s power in the hope that whoever replaces Khamenei is more open to serious concessions in any new negotiations. The regime was already under unprecedented economic and popular domestic pressure before this air campaign. Trump will hope that by greatly diminishing the regime\u2019s centers of power he can cause even a hardline successor to Khamenei to relinquish Iran\u2019s ambitions for nuclear power and to accept limits on its ballistic missile programs.<\/p>

But whether this gambit will succeed or not is a very open question. This regime is defined by a large and highly motivated group of ideologues. They believe they are on a mission from God. They will not easily be cowed into submission. They may believe they can outlast the U.S. by responding with terrorist attacks and other manifestations of chaos. To truly eradicate this regime, the U.S. would need to deploy at least a limited number of ground forces into Iran<\/a>.<\/a><\/p>

KEIR STARMER TAKES ANOTHER LEAP TOWARD POLITICAL OBLIVION<\/a><\/p>

In addition, while Iranian retaliatory efforts have thus far failed to cause significant harm to U.S. forces and regional allies, we\u2019re only in the opening stage of this conflict. Iran has a great many terrorist cells and supporters spread across the globe. And as the first round of targets is eliminated, regime forces will become far harder to locate. Israel\u2019s impressive human intelligence apparatus in Iran will not be able to maintain constant coverage of these individuals. And as they hide in population centers, the risks of civilian casualties will increase significantly. At the same time, the U.S. is expending air defense munition stocks already in very short supply<\/a> to shoot down Iranian missiles.<\/p>

Put simply, this will be a military campaign fraught with risk and uncertainty.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26059026534000-e1772309994509.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475813-1772292285", "title":"US uses ‘low-cost one-way attack drones’ for first time in combat during Iran strikes", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fdefense%2F4475813%2Fus-attack-drones-first-combat-iran-strikes%2F", "byline":"Mike Brest", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The U.S. military used cheap attack drones in its opening operations for the first time in combat against Iran, Central Command confirmed on Saturday afternoon. The joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes, called Operation Epic Fury, on Iran early Saturday morning, were the beginning of a broad military campaign seemingly designed to topple the regime that has […]", "description":""

The U.S. military<\/a> used cheap attack drones in its opening operations for the first time in combat against Iran, Central Command confirmed on Saturday afternoon.<\/p>

The joint U.S.-Israeli<\/a> military strikes, called Operation Epic Fury, on Iran<\/a> early Saturday morning, were the beginning of a broad military campaign seemingly designed to topple the regime that has been in power in Tehran since the 1979 revolution.<\/p>

\"CENTCOM\u2019s Task Force Scorpion Strike employed low-cost one-way attack drones for the first time in combat,\" CENTCOM said in a statement shared on social media.<\/p>

THE US AND ISRAEL ATTACKED IRAN: WHAT WE KNOW<\/a><\/p>

The U.S. military is trying to quickly expand its drone<\/a> and counter-drone weapons as the technology rapidly evolves. Drone proliferation and improving technology has dominated the Russia-Ukraine war and has provided a blueprint for the United States. Iran, which has its own drone program, provided hundreds of drones and its manufacturing strategy to Russia for use in the war.<\/p>

CENTCOM said the drones used were \"modeled after Iran's Shahed drones,\" and that they \"are now delivering American-made retribution.\"<\/p>

The CENTCOM statement also noted that U.S. forces initially hit targets designed to \"dismantle the Iranian regime\u2019s security apparatus, prioritizing locations that posed an imminent threat. Targets included Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, Iranian air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields.\"<\/p>

The operation was the \u201clargest regional concentration\u201d of the American military\u2019s firepower \u201cin a generation,\" the statement continued.<\/p>

Iran subsequently launched hundreds of missiles and drones targeting Israel and U.S. bases in several Gulf State countries. There have been no reported U.S. casualties related to combat.<\/p>

\"Following the initial wave of U.S. and partner strikes, CENTCOM forces successfully defended against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks. There have been no reports of U.S. casualties or combat-related injuries. Damage to U.S. installations was minimal and has not impacted operations,\" the statement said.<\/p>

READ IN FULL: TRUMP ADDRESS ON IRAN OPERATION<\/a><\/p>

But President Donald Trump<\/a> warned in a video released on social media that the U.S. \"may have casualties, that often happens in war.\" Trump said he approved a \"massive and ongoing operation\" against Iran, and he urged the Iranian people to overthrow the Iranian government once the war is over.<\/p>

\"When we are finished, take over your government,\" he said in a video released on social media about an hour after the U.S.-Israel attacks began. \"It will be yours to take. This will be, probably, your only chance for generations.\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/HCQfEUYXAAACdLK-e1772310265277.jpeg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475821-1772291193", "title":"Pentagon touts no US casualties during defense against ‘hundreds’ of Iranian missile attacks", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4475821%2Fpentagon-no-us-casualties-iran-attack%2F", "byline":"Sydney Topf", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"United States Central Command reported on Saturday that there have been no American casualties or injuries in the first 12 hours of the United States and Israeli military operation against Iran. Following the joint military strikes against Iran, the Islamist regime launched counterattacks targeting Israel and U.S. military bases in the Middle East. CENTCOM reports […]", "description":""

United States Central Command<\/a> reported on Saturday that there have been no American casualties or injuries in the first 12 hours of the United States and Israeli<\/a> military operation against Iran.<\/p>

Following the joint military strikes against Iran, the Islamist regime launched counterattacks targeting Israel and U.S. military bases in the Middle East<\/a>. CENTCOM reports that there has been \"minimal\" damage to the U.S. installation and has not impacted operations.<\/p>

President Donald Trump<\/a> announced early Saturday morning that the United States waged a \u201cmassive and ongoing operation\u201d with Israel against Iran.<\/p>

THE US AND ISRAEL ATTACKED IRAN: WHAT WE KNOW<\/a><\/p>

\u201cThe President ordered bold action, and our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen are answering the call,\u201d said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM.<\/p>

U.S. forces \u201csuccessfully\u201d defended against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone strikes, according to the CENTCOM press release<\/a>.<\/p>

CENTCOM said the operation was the \u201clargest regional concentration\u201d of the American military\u2019s firepower \u201cin a generation.\u201d<\/p>

Iran has targeted other countries in the region, with there being reports of explosions<\/a> in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Araab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. <\/p>

TRUMP ANNOUNCES \u2018MASSIVE AND ONGOING OPERATION\u2019 AGAINST IRAN<\/a><\/p>

Trump warned that the operation could last longer and acknowledged that U.S. personnel or bases could come under attack in retaliation from Iran.<\/p>

\u201cWe may have casualties, that often happens in war, but we\u2019re doing this not for now. We\u2019re doing this for the future, and it is a noble mission,\u201d Trump said in a video posted to Truth Social. \u201c[Iran] attempted to rebuild their nuclear program and to continue developing long-range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas, and could soon reach the American homeland.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26036779392489.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475824-1772290810", "title":"Trump’s attack on Iran’s regime is an attack on China’s economic supremacy", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F4475824%2Ftrump-iran-attack-on-china-economic-supremacy%2F", "byline":"Tiana Lowe Doescher", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Promises made, promises kept: although President Donald Trump waited only nine days instead of the 10 he told Iran that he would give the regime to acquiesce to American demands in a nuclear weapons deal, the president followed through with his threat, launching a joint attack with Israel on Iran. Iran responded to “Operation Epic […]", "description":""

Promises made, promises kept: although President Donald Trump<\/a> waited only nine days instead of the 10 he told Iran<\/a> that he would give the regime to acquiesce to American demands in a nuclear weapons deal, the president followed through with his threat, launching a joint attack with Israel<\/a> on Iran.<\/p>

Iran responded to \"Operation Epic Fury\" with the baffling decision to fire ballistic missiles at Jordan, Syria, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. And now, some 12 hours after initial hostilities began, the U.S. and Israel have not started World War III, but rather, they have been publicly supported by Iran's Arab neighbors. Saudi Arabia, which intercepted and condemned Iran's attacks, said the kingdom will \"take all necessary measures\" to defend itself, \"including the option of responding to aggression,\" while Qatar similarly affirmed it \"reserves its full right to respond.\"<\/p>

With Iran now completely isolated from the Gulf countries that had previously cautioned the U.S. against military action confronting the regime, Iran is so thoroughly defanged that its demise is a question of probability, not implausibility. Perhaps the greater victory for Trump than the destruction of the world's number one state sponsor of terrorism is that, at last, he may have destroyed China's highly sophisticated system of globally cheap oil supply, and thus obstruct the Communist Party's ability to invade Taiwan.<\/p>

THE US AND ISRAEL ATTACKED IRAN: WHAT WE KNOW<\/a><\/p>

China imported some 11.1 million barrels of crude oil per day in 2024, about two-fifths of which came from sanctioned states that have had to supply the Chinese at a massive discount. While official Chinese statistics predictably do not disclose the real figures, independent tanker trackers and customs analysts best estimate that Russia supplied China with 2.17 million barrels per day, Iran 1.38 million, and Venezuela around a half-million.<\/p>

After Trump successfully deposed Venezuelan<\/a> dictator Nicolas Maduro<\/a> and left some version of an American proxy state in its stead, if Iran falls to a Western government and out of the thrall of the CCP, more than two-thirds of China\u2019s oil imports will come from countries either aligned with the West or likely pressured into complying with U.S. orders. Only a remaining one-fifth of China's oil supply will come from a country, Russia, that will continue to sell to China at artificially discounted prices.<\/p>

Winning over China's oil suppliers into Western sanctions standards wouldn't obliterate China's oil access, but rather its price advantage. The real victory is that the obliteration of its price advantage would likely translate to a stranglehold of oil access if China were to try to invade Taiwan. Not only would some two-thirds of its oil supply likely comply with U.S. sanctions and constrain oil sales to China, but also those who did try to sell to China would be physically constrained from doing so; China is mostly dependent on importing oil by sea, including the straits currently influenced by the Iranian regime that would be blocked off if the Ayatollah were no longer in charge. The ending of the Iranian regime would limit the CCP's ability to arbitrage sanctions risk, escalating the literal and figurative cost of China's ability to go after Taiwan.<\/p>

SEAN DURNS: THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC HAD ITS CHANCE<\/a><\/p>

If China holds its fire, it can still source normally-priced oil from the rest of the world, but it loses its cheap oil arbitrage, making the CCP more sanctions-prone than it has been in decades.<\/p>

In targeting Venezuela and Iran, Trump isn't playing checkers, but chess. If Iran falls as quickly as Maduro did, it wouldn't be long before Trump could say checkmate to the Chinese if they are stupid enough to try their hand at an invasion of Taiwan.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26029123908376.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475762-1772290215", "title":"Secret Service enhances DC security posture after Iran strikes", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F4475762%2Fsecret-service-enhance-dc-security-iran-strike%2F", "byline":"David Zimmermann", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Secret Service has enhanced security for its high-profile protectees in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere after President Donald Trump ordered a U.S. strike on Iran in coordination with Israel. The federal agency responsible for protecting the president said it is “actively monitoring” the ongoing operation in Iran and is cooperating with federal and local partners. […]", "description":""

The Secret Service<\/a> has enhanced security for its high-profile protectees in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere after President Donald Trump<\/a> ordered a U.S. strike on Iran<\/a> in coordination with Israel.<\/p>

The federal agency responsible for protecting the president said it is \"actively monitoring\" the ongoing operation in Iran and is cooperating with federal and local partners.<\/p>

\"While we do not discuss our specific protective measures for operational security reasons, the public may notice an increased law enforcement and federal presence around U.S. Secret Service protected sites,\" the Secret Service said in a statement<\/a> on Saturday. \"Any temporary traffic or pedestrian impacts will be communicated by our local law enforcement partners.\"<\/p>

THE US AND ISRAEL ATTACKED IRAN: WHAT WE KNOW<\/a><\/p>

\"We appreciate the public\u2019s continued cooperation and awareness,\" the agency added. \"As always, if something appears unusual or concerning, individuals are encouraged to report it to law enforcement.\"<\/p>

The statement means higher security around the White House<\/a> or wherever the president may be at any given moment. Trump is currently at his Mar-a-Lago<\/a> resort in Florida, according to his Saturday schedule. He gave the order for \"Operation Epic Fury\" overnight from his resort.<\/p>

Last weekend, a young man carrying a shotgun and a fuel can infiltrated Mar-a-Lago before he was fatally shot<\/a> by two Secret Service agents and a local sheriff's deputy. Trump was not present at Mar-a-Lago at the time of the Feb. 22 incident, according to the Secret Service.<\/p>

Trump, Vice President JD Vance<\/a>, and their immediate families are under the Secret Service's protection.<\/p>

Vance was reportedly monitoring the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran from the White House's Situation Room, along with Energy Secretary Chris Wright<\/a>, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent<\/a>, and the Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard<\/a>.<\/p>

RUBIO ALERTED GANG OF EIGHT BEFORE IRAN ATTACK, IN CONTRAST TO VENEZUELA MISSION<\/a><\/p>

The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C.<\/a>, said it is \"prepared to increase our presence as needed\" in light of the military conflict in Iran.<\/p>

Besides the nation's capital, New York City<\/a> and Los Angeles<\/a> are among the major U.S. cities increasing their police presence following the latest strikes on Iran. Both cities are deploying police patrols to religious sites and other sensitive locations. There are no known credible threats to the country at this time, according to federal law enforcement.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26059073776913.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475732-1772289553", "title":"The US and Israel attacked Iran: What we know", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4475732%2Fthe-us-and-israel-attacked-iran-what-we-know%2F", "byline":"Emily Hallas", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The United States and Israel on Saturday carried out strikes against Iran, marking a culmination of years of warnings about the threat the regime poses to global security.  Israeli officials said Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed during the attacks. President Donald Trump on Saturday afternoon said he believed that was “the correct story,” with […]", "description":""

The United States and Israel<\/a> on Saturday carried out strikes against Iran<\/a>, marking a culmination of years of warnings about the threat the regime poses to global security. <\/p>

Israeli officials said Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei<\/a> was killed during the attacks. President Donald Trump on Saturday afternoon said he believed <\/a>that was \u201cthe correct story,\u201d with the development appearing to stamp an end to nearly four decades of rule by the Ayatollah.<\/p>What happened?

The Trump administration has for months engaged in diplomatic talks with the Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei\u2019s<\/a> government aimed at averting military intervention, due largely to concerns about the country\u2019s nuclear weapons ambitions and the terrorism it promotes internationally. <\/p>

With no clear breakthrough in sight, the White House and Israel targeted Iran <\/a>with strikes over the weekend. In an eight-minute video message<\/a> posted to Truth Social, President Donald Trump said the objective of \u201cOperation Epic Fury\u201d is \u201cto prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests.\" He described Iran as the world\u2019s number 1 state sponsor of terror, and called on its citizens to overthrow the Ayatollah.<\/p>

U.S. intelligence indicating Iran intended to use conventional missiles, potentially preemptively, against U.S. troops in the Middle East, was also a key part of the rationale for why Trump signed off on the strikes, senior officials said during a Saturday briefing, according to<\/a> BBC.<\/p>

The strikes targeted several sites where the Ayatollah and other senior military leaders gathered in Iran. U.S. officials told NBC News that Israel had targeted Iranian leaders while the U.S.went after Iran\u2019s ballistic missile and nuclear programs. <\/p>

When asked to address reports that the Ayatollah is dead, Trump said during <\/a>an NBC News interview: \u201cWe feel that that is a correct story.\u201d \u201cMost\u201d of Iran\u2019s senior leadership is \u201cgone,\u201d the president confirmed. <\/p>

The Pentagon confirmed there were no U.S. casualties in the first 12 hours of the operation.<\/p>

The U.S. military used sea and air-based platforms to launch massive strikes across Iran overnight, a U.S. official told the Wall Street Journal. American destroyers launched Tomahawk missiles from the waters in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean Sea, while U.S. jet fighters fired missiles, the official said.<\/p>

IRAN STRIKES ERASE SPACE BETWEEN TRUMP AND NETANYAHU, INSIDERS SAY<\/a><\/p>How long will the operation last?

Trump has described attacks as a \u201ccombat\u201d operation that is \"massive and ongoing.\u201d A U.S. official said the \u201cmultiday\u201d operation against Iran began at about 1 a.m. Eastern time with a salvo of ship-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles and air-launched munitions from U.S. Air Force and Navy jets, in comments<\/a> to the Washington Post. <\/p>

The president noted on Saturday the potential cost to American lives.<\/p>

\u201cThe Iranian regime seeks to kill. The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties \u2014 that often happens in war \u2014 but we\u2019re doing this not for now. We\u2019re doing this for the future, and it is a noble mission,\u201d Trump said. <\/p>

Ahead of the operation, Vice President J.D. Vance promised<\/a> Thursday that the U.S. would not be drawn into another long-term war in the Middle East, amid fears internvention in Iran could echo the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. <\/p>

\u201cThe idea that we\u2019re going to be in a Middle Eastern war for years with no end in sight \u2014 there is no chance that will happen,\u201d he said. \u201cI do think we have to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. I also think that we have to avoid overlearning the lessons of the past\u2026just because one president screwed up a military conflict doesn\u2019t mean we can never engage in military conflict again. We\u2019ve got to be careful about it, but I think the president is being careful.\u201d<\/p>Are the strikes legal?

The Constitution states that Congress shall have the power \u201cto declare war.\u201d Some lawmakers, such as Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), are suggesting <\/a>that the operation in Iran amounts to a war, saying Trump violated the Constitution in not bringing the matter to Congress. Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA)  are among others arguing that Trump abused his presidential authority to authorize the strikes without congressional approval. <\/p>

ISRAEL TOUTS 'LARGEST EVER' MILITARY FLYOVER IN IRAN ATTACK<\/a><\/p>

Secretary of State Marco Rubio alerted a key group<\/a> of congressional leaders known as the \u201cGang of Eight\u201d before the operation. He was able to reach seven of the eight members, which includes the top party members of the House and Senate intelligence committees.<\/p>

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) wants to force a \u201cwar powers<\/a>\u201d vote seeking to restrict military action against Iran. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) requested that the Trump administration brief Congress on the operation, and expressed concern that members were not alerted to the \u201ccritical details about the scope and immediacy\u201d of the Iranian threat. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-LA) said he<\/a> looks \u201cforward to administration officials briefing all senators about these military operations.\u201d <\/p>How has Iran responded?

Iran responded to the joint U.S.-Israel attack by launching retaliatory strikes<\/a> against Israel, as well as at several U.S. military bases across the Middle East, including in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.<\/p>

U.S. Central Command said its forces have \u201csuccessfully defended against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks.\" Damage to American bases in the region has been \u201cminimal and has not impacted operations,\u201d a CENTCOM statement said. The statement also confirmed the use of the one-way drone.<\/p>

Iran\u2019s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has signaled the country stands ready to resume diplomatic talks if the joint U.S.-Israeli operation ends.<\/p>

RUBIO ALERTED GANG OF EIGHT BEFORE IRAN ATTACK, IN CONTRAST TO VENEZUELA MISSION<\/a><\/p>

\u201cIf Americans wants to talk to us. They know how they can contact me. We are certainly interested for de-escalation. This is a war of choice by the United States, and they have to pay for that,\u201d he told NBC News. \u201cBut as far as we are concerned, we don\u2019t want war.\u201d<\/p>

Iran moved to shut down one of the world's most strategic waterways after the attack. Iran\u2019s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps told ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz<\/a>, a narrow shipping lane vital to energy markets that connects to the Persian Gulf, according to<\/a> Reuters. Around a fifth of all oil traded passes through the corridor.<\/p>What is the White House saying?

The White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Saturday<\/a> that Trump has spoken on the phone with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. <\/p>

Trump monitored the military assault in Iran \u201covernight at Mar-a-Lago alongside members of his national security team,\u201d she said.<\/p>What are domestic and international leaders saying?

The domestic response to the strikes has been varied, with Republicans overall backing the mission, though calling for a congressional briefing on the matter. There have been some holdouts, including from Massie and Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), who announced<\/a> he would \u201coppose another presidential war.\u201d<\/p>

Democrats have been critical, although to varying degrees. Schumer and others have called for more details about the operation and criticized what they view as a lack of transparency. Others, such as Khanna, have been harsher, demanding Congress restrict the president\u2019s ability to mount military operations.  There have been some deviations in the Democratic caucus in favor of Trump\u2019s decision, with Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), who wholeheartedly backed the U.S. operation in a statement Saturday. <\/p>

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) said that<\/a> under Article II of the Constitution, Trump holds the authority to carry out strikes.<\/p>

\u201cThe notion that this strike is illegal or that the President needed Congress\u2019 authority is wrong,\u201d he said. \u201c[Former Presidents Joe] Biden and [Barack] Obama conducted numerous strikes in numerous countries without Congress and none of the people screaming now, seemed to have any objections. For historical context, Congress has not declared war since WWII.\u201d<\/p>

By and large, U.S. allies and NATO partners have pushed for diplomatic negotiations to swiftly resume and called on Iran to immediately cease counterattacks. <\/p>Why did the U.S. attack?

The U.S. has long expressed concern that Iran is enriching uranium in efforts to create nuclear weapons. The Trump administration carried out strikes targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities last June in hopes of obliterating its nuclear program, which is viewed by Israel and other allies as a critical threat. One of the three nuclear sites was mostly destroyed, but the two others were not as badly damaged and may have been degraded only to a point where nuclear enrichment could resume within months, according to <\/a>reports. <\/p>

The United Nations\u2019s nuclear watchdog said Friday that Iran has not allowed it access to the nuclear facilities bombed by the U.S. The International Atomic Energy Agency said it \u201ccannot verify whether Iran has suspended all enrichment-related activities,\" or the \"size of Iran's uranium stockpile at the affected nuclear facilities,\u201d according to the Associated Press. <\/p>

The State Department has held rounds of talks on the matter, including earlier this week in Geneva, but they fell short of a deal.\u00a0The U.S. team of negotiators, led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, requested that Iran destroy the three main nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, and deliver all of its remaining enriched uranium to the U.S., demands that Iranian officials have objected to, according to<\/a> the Wall Street Journal.\u00a0Senior U.S. officials said Saturday afternoon that they believed the three facilities were being rebuilt, a violation of existing protocols.<\/p>

TRUMP ANNOUNCES \u2018MASSIVE AND ONGOING OPERATION\u2019 AGAINST IRAN<\/a> <\/p>

Trump said Saturday that time had run out for Iran to make concessions. And he decried the regime\u2019s actions to suppress uprisings against the government. The Ayatollah\u2019s forces have reportedly killed up to tens of thousands of dissenters since massive protests began in December. <\/p>

\u201cThey rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions, and we can\u2019t take it anymore. Instead, they attempted to rebuild their nuclear program and to continue developing long-range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas, and could soon reach the American homeland,\u201d Trump said. <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WEX_TRUMP-11-e1772221067619.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475662-1772288594", "title":"Trump finds unlikely Democratic allies on decision to strike Iran", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F4475662%2Ftrump-finds-unlikely-democratic-allies-on-decision-to-strike-iran%2F", "byline":"Lauren Green and Naomi Lim", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump is finding allies among Democrats on his decision to strike Iran, even as the majority of the party accuses the White House of ignoring Congress to drag the country towards another open-ended war in the Middle East. A small but vocal group of Democrats is breaking ranks to back the military action, […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> is finding allies among Democrats<\/a> on his decision to strike Iran<\/a>, even as the majority of the party accuses the White House of ignoring Congress to drag the country towards another open-ended war in the Middle East.<\/p>

A small but vocal group of Democrats is breaking ranks to back the military action, arguing the Iranian regime posed a threat to American interests and peace in the Middle East.<\/p>

Rep Landsman (D-OH) told the Washington Examiner via text that he would not support reining in Trump's war powers as Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) have demanded in the aftermath of the strikes.<\/p>

SEAN DURNS: THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC HAD ITS CHANCE<\/a><\/p>

\u201cI don\u2019t support the resolution, which would require us to completely abandon our allies. It calls for the immediate remove of defensive weapons in the region,\" said Landsman. \"The Administration returned to the practice of notifying Congress of a strike with Rubio briefing the Gang of 8 last week. The strikes are an attempt to prevent further war, not to start one.\u201d<\/p>

Landsman said earlier Saturday in a statement that the \"U.S. is destroying Iran\u2019s missiles and bombs to stop them from taking more lives.<\/p>

\"These strikes are targeting military infrastructure \u2013 with warnings to Iranian civilians to take shelter away from these military targets,\" Landsman said of Operation Epic Fury, the codename for Saturday's early morning mission with Israel<\/a> against Iran. \"If it wasn\u2019t for the regime, the region may very well know peace.\"<\/p>

Landsman, whose reelection campaign this November is considered a toss-up by the Cook Political Report<\/a>, expressed \"hope these targeted strikes\" bring \"lasting peace in the region.\" <\/p>

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), a staunch proponent of the U.S.-Israel partnership, said he also opposes a similar war powers vote in the Senate demanded by Sen. Tim Kaine<\/a> (D-VA). Kaine and others have denounced Trump's operation as unconstitutional because he did not ask for congressional approval first.<\/p>

ISRAEL TOUTS 'LARGEST EVER' MILITARY FLYOVER IN IRAN ATTACK<\/a><\/p>

\"Committed Democrat here. I'm a hard no. My vote is Operation Epic Fury,\" Fetterman wrote on social media.<\/p>

Fetterman also went further than most Democrats on Saturday by explicitly praising Trump for deciding to strike Iran \u2014 not just praising the strikes. <\/p>

\"President Trump has been willing to do what\u2019s right and necessary to produce real peace in the region,\" said Fetterman. \"God bless the United States, our great military, and Israel.\"<\/p>

Several other Democrats took a more cautious tone, but stopped well short of echoing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Minority Leader (D-NY, who have called on Trump to justify the strikes and request congressional authorization for furthe action.<\/p>

\"We need to stand together to bring an end to terrorism and human rights violations. A regime that supports terror, destabilizes its neighbors, and aims to destroy other nations can\u2019t be trusted,\" said Rep. Don Davis (D-NC), whose seat is all considered a toss-up this fall. \"Global instability, fueled by extremist proxies, threatens the safety of American citizens and our allies. It\u2019s crucial that the world speaks with a unified voice against terror and proliferation, and Congress is kept informed for oversight.\"<\/p>

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) said the strikes were to \"defend our national security\" and that Iran posed an \"existential threat\" to the United States. He struck a more nuanced note, however, by also calling for congressional briefings.<\/p>

\"I expect the President to comply with the War Powers Act,\" said the New Jersey Democrat. \"Congress and the appropriate committees must be fully briefed on the strategy ahead to secure American interests, protect our allies, and create the conditions for a safer and freer future for the Iranian people.\"<\/p>

In an early morning video, Trump announced U.S. participation in the strikes, saying the purpose of the dayslong operation is to \u201cdefend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,\u201d which he described as \u201ca vicious group of very hard, terrible people.\u201d <\/p>

US AND ISRAEL LAUNCH \u2018PREEMPTIVE\u2019 ATTACK AGAINST IRAN<\/a><\/p>

\"To the great proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand,\" he said during the eight-minute video posted on Truth Social. \"When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take.\"<\/p>

Iran\u2019s first response targeted Israeli and U.S. assets across the Middle East<\/a>, with explosions reported in Bahrain<\/a>, Qatar<\/a>, the United Arab Emirates<\/a>,\u00a0Jordan<\/a>, Saudi Arabia<\/a>, and Kuwait<\/a>, including near the U.S. naval base in Bahrain. <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-collage-zjv8lccnx-1772301825606-e1772306568605.jpg?1772288571&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475816-1772287820", "title":"WATCH LIVE: Netanyahu speaks after Iran attacks", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4475816%2Fwatch-live-netanyahu-speaks-after-iran-attacks%2F", "byline":"Emily Hallas", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is addressing the overnight attacks his country carried out on Iran, in conjunction with the United States. Netanyahu began delivering remarks around 2 p.m., hours after Trump announced the two countries launched strikes on Iran.", "description":""

Israeli<\/a> Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu<\/a> is addressing the overnight attacks his country carried out on Iran<\/a>, in conjunction with the United States.<\/p>

Netanyahu began delivering remarks around 2 p.m., hours after Trump announced the two countries launched strikes on Iran. <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/AP25363679563725_828333.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475672-1772287575", "title":"IRGC ‘effectively closed’ key shipping lane Strait of Hormuz, choking oil routes", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fenergy%2F4475672%2Firgc-effectively-closed-key-shipping-lane-strait-of-hormuz-choking-oil-routes%2F", "byline":"Callie Patteson and David Zimmermann", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping lane, has been “effectively closed” to maritime vessels after the United States and Israel struck Iran overnight. The move is notable because shippers now can’t easily transport oil exports through the strait. As a result, oil prices will most likely increase. […]", "description":""

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps<\/a> said the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping lane, has been \"effectively closed\" to maritime vessels after the United States and Israel struck Iran<\/a> overnight.<\/p>

The move is notable because shippers now can't easily transport oil exports<\/a> through the strait. As a result, oil prices will most likely increase.<\/p>

\"The IRGC has warned various vessels that, due to the insecure conditions around the strait resulting from the U.S. and Israeli military aggression and Iran\u2019s responses, passage through the strait is currently unsafe,\" the Iranian military branch's statement read.<\/p>

SEAN DURNS: THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC HAD ITS CHANCE<\/a><\/p>

The Maritime Administration, an agency that falls under the Department of Transportation<\/a>, also warned commercial ships to avoid the oil-rich Gulf region in the Middle East<\/a> following the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. There has been a significant concentration of U.S. military activity in this area for several weeks before the start of \"Operation Epic Fury.\"<\/p>

Commercial vessels are advised to stay at least 30 nautical miles, or 34.5 miles, away from any U.S. military vessel so that they are not mistaken as threats, the maritime agency said.<\/p>

Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the whole strait in the event of a U.S. attack, but it never acted on those statements until now. However, the Islamic Republic said parts of the strait were recently closed for \"safety\" reasons during military drills.<\/p>

CONGRESS SPLIT ON TRUMP'S IRAN STRIKES<\/a><\/p>

It remains unclear if the closure is being enforced as an oil industry analyst claims<\/a> the strait has not been closed to vessels.<\/p>

The Strait of Hormuz<\/a> is widely considered \"one of the world\u2019s most important oil chokepoints,\" according to<\/a> the Energy Information Administration. The agency says about 20 million barrels of crude oil and other oil products pass through the strait daily, equivalent to 20% of global oil demand.<\/p>

A complete closure of the strait would have immediate impacts on international oil markets, sending prices soaring.<\/p>

\"Crude will likely rise by a few dollars tomorrow at Asia open, but further moves will depend on what happens in the coming hours to days,\" Hunter Kornfeind, an analyst with Rapidan Energy Group, told the Washington Examiner. \"The Strait of Hormuz remains the main risk to markets, especially if vessels are deterred by military action\/threats or insurance providers.\"<\/p>

By Monday, the national average for gas prices could very well surpass $3 per gallon. The current average is $2.98 per gallon as of Saturday, according to<\/a> AAA.<\/p>

Oil prices were elevated for days and weeks leading up to Saturday\u2019s strike, with traders fearing that an attack on Iran would cause a significant disruption in global supply chains.<\/p>

International and domestic benchmarks, Brent Crude and West Texas Intermediate, were both up by nearly 3% towards the close of trading on Friday.<\/p>

If there are no signs of de-escalation through Sunday, some analysts are forecasting that pool prices could jump as much as $20 per barrel or more.<\/p>

\"Given the scale of retaliation, most of the strategic initiative now lies with Iran,\" Rystad Energy\u2019s Jorge Leon told Yahoo Finance<\/a>. \"How Tehran chooses to respond over the next 24-72 hours \u2014 especially toward energy infrastructure or regional shipping \u2014 will be the primary driver of near-term oil market dynamics.\"<\/p>

Any major disruptions in global supply could be supported by major oil producers, such as OPEC+. The international oil-producing bloc is scheduled to meet Sunday and has been expected to resume its production hikes that were paused over the winter.<\/p>

WORLD LEADERS STRESS DIPLOMATIC RESOLUTION AFTER US-ISRAEL STRIKES ON IRAN<\/a><\/p>

While OPEC+ is anticipated to approve a modest hike of 137,000 barrels per day, the bloc may lean towards a sharper increase in production to offset supply losses seen from Iran.<\/p>

Saudi Arabia<\/a> and the United Arab Emirates<\/a> raised their output of oil exports in advance of the attack. Both countries are founding members of OPEC+.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26031231509809.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474304-1772287200", "title":"Planned Parenthood may weather the blow of GOP defunding", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fhealthcare%2F4474304%2Fplanned-parenthood-medicaid-defund%2F", "byline":"Gabrielle M. Etzel", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Planned Parenthood Federation of America has managed to survive nearly six months without the funding cut by Republicans. The GOP, as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Donald Trump last year, defunded Planned Parenthood by blocking reimbursements to large abortion providers through Medicaid, the massive healthcare program for low-income and […]", "description":""

Planned Parenthood Federation of America<\/a> has managed to survive nearly six months without the funding cut by Republicans. <\/p>

The GOP, as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Donald Trump last year, defunded Planned Parenthood by blocking reimbursements<\/a> to large abortion providers through Medicaid<\/a>, the massive healthcare program for low-income and disabled people.<\/p>

That fulfilled a decades-long goal of the anti-abortion movement. <\/p>

But the bill only cut funding for one year. And Planned Parenthood is now halfway through that year in relatively strong shape, thanks to stepped-up contributions from state governments and private donors. It's not clear that the measure has hastened the pace of Planned Parenthood closures or prevented a significant number of abortions.<\/p>

In other words, the defunding of Planned Parenthood has not proved to be the catastrophe claimed by abortion rights supporters. <\/p>

Nor has it been the massive victory claimed by the anti-abortion movement. Activists are now hoping for another chance to cut off funding permanently, but that opportunity may not come.<\/p>What abortion supporters claimed would happen

Congressional rules have long prohibited federal dollars from Medicaid for directly covering abortion, but the new defunding effort also stopped abortion providers from getting reimbursements for non-abortion services, such as cervical cancer screenings, STI testing, and treatment. Anti-abortion advocates argued that such a restriction was necessary because money is fungible.<\/p>

A significant number of Planned Parenthood\u2019s patient population is covered by Medicaid. Before the OBBBA, Medicaid reimbursement accounted for a large portion of the roughly $800 million in government services and grants that Planned Parenthood makes annually, or about 40% of its budget.\u00a0<\/p>

Abortion rights advocates have argued that the federal prohibition on Medicaid reimbursement for non-abortion services will hurt patients who depend upon their services for regular OBGYN care.<\/p>

Planned Parenthood President Alexis McGill Johnson<\/a> described the loss of funding as \"unsustainable\" in November, two months into the reimbursement cut, and said that \"patients' access to health care will worsen considerably over time due to the Trump administration\u2019s actions.\" <\/p>

The company's impact report<\/a> on the defunding law describes their health centers as \"being pushed to the brink\" and \"buckling under immense financial strain.\"<\/p>

Planned Parenthood released a statement in January saying that it closed 51 of its clinics nationwide in 2025<\/a> due to funding cuts from the Trump administration, including the separate freezing of Title X family planning funds to abortion providers. The organization attributes at least 20 of those directly to the cut in federal Medicaid reimbursement.<\/p>The reality: Planned Parenthood has survived the funding hit

But the financial damage done to Planned Parenthood by the GOP\u2019s federal Medicaid prohibition may be overestimated, considering how state funding and private donations have been able to fill in the gap.<\/p>

Planned Parenthood said in its January report that it covered the cost of more than 100,000 patient visits<\/a> for Medicaid beneficiaries, totaling $45 million in uncompensated care, between September, when the OBBBA\u2019s provision took effect, and the end of 2025.\u00a0<\/p>

But, on top of increased private donations, Planned Parenthood\u2019s affiliate organizations have recouped nearly $280 million through state pledges since the passage of the federal Medicaid ban, according to the health policy research group KFF<\/a>. <\/p>

Gov. Gavin Newsom<\/a> (D-CA) last October pledged over $140 million to the seven Planned Parenthood affiliates in his state. In February, he pledged another $90 million<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

Other states have also pledged lump-sum amounts of up to $41 million, the largest being $35 million from Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY).<\/p>

New York also joined Colorado, New Mexico, and Washington in passing legislation to permit Planned Parenthood reimbursement using state-only Medicaid dollars. <\/p>

Before the most recent cash promises, McGill Johnson said in November that public commitments from states helped stabilize the organization's situation, but it needed more to stay afloat in the long term.<\/p>

\"While several states have made public commitments to provide emergency funding to ensure patients using Medicaid can continue getting their care at Planned Parenthood health centers, totaling approximately $200 million [as of the end of 2025], a critical gap of hundreds of millions of dollars remains,\" McGill said.<\/p>The cause of clinic closures is unclear

It is also not clear that the GOP law caused the closures of Planned Parenthood clinics or substantially decreased the number of abortions in the United States.<\/p>

It is true that the number of Planned Parenthood clinics has declined. <\/p>

But the number was already trending down in recent years, even before the defunding measure, according to data<\/a> from the University of California, San Francisco\u2019s reproductive health policy research program.<\/p>

There are two major trends that explain the decline.<\/p>

The most significant is the proliferation of telemedicine providers prescribing the abortion pill mifepristone online. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Food and Drug Administration removed in-person screening requirements<\/a> for abortion providers to dispense the drug mifepristone. This allowed for the opening of online telemedicine practitioners to ship abortion medications directly to patients, decreasing the demand for brick-and-mortar abortion providers.<\/p>

The other is the enactment of state laws restricting abortion in the wake of the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization Supreme Court decision, which found that there is no constitutional right to abortion. Twelve states entirely ban elective abortions following the ruling. <\/p>

Those factors have led to a drop in the number of Planned Parenthood clinics. <\/p>

In 2017, UCSF recorded 362 Planned Parenthood abortion providers, representing 47% of the market. By 2023, the number of Planned Parenthood locations nationwide had shrunk to 348, representing 36% of the market.<\/p>

UCSF recorded the launching of online abortion provider websites as the opening of \u201cindependent clinics,\u201d accounting for the dramatic deviation between independent and Planned Parenthood centers starting in 2022.<\/p>

The increasing prevalence of telehealth abortion has also made it murky to discern how many abortions the GOP\u2019s one-year defund prevented.<\/p>

The pro-abortion Society of Family Planning<\/a> published a report in December outlining that nearly three in 10 abortions nationwide were conducted via telehealth during the first six months of 2025, before the Planned Parenthood defunding took effect.\u00a0<\/p>

SFP estimates that abortions have risen steadily year-over-year since the overturning of Roe, with much of that increase<\/a> due to telehealth abortion access.<\/p>

For the first six months of 2025, SFP reported nearly 592,000 abortions. Data for the second half of 2025, during which the Medicaid freeze took effect, has not yet been released.<\/p>

Also, Planned Parenthood says only half of the centers that closed<\/a> last year performed abortions. The organization estimates that the closures prevented 48,000 patients from receiving contraceptives and 21,000 patients from undergoing abortions.<\/p>Anti-abortion activists claim victory: Proof of concept

While the defunding of Planned Parenthood has not proved the critical blow they might have once hoped, anti-abortion advocates argue that the experience should embolden Republicans to pass similar measures in upcoming legislation, even during an election year, in light of the limited repercussions. In other words, they say that the one-year defunding measure serves as proof of concept that the policy can be a winner for the GOP. <\/p>

David Bereit, head of the anti-abortion coalition group Life Leadership Conference, told the Washington Examiner that Planned Parenthood\u2019s survival of the one-year defund \u201cgives [him] hope\u201d that Congress can pass another bill. <\/p>

\u201cThey've proven they don't need it,\u201d Bereit said of Planned Parenthood. \u201cWe've proven that we can pass this measure and that America didn't fall apart as a result of it, and we have the safety net of other resources that can help those who are really facing difficult situations.\u201d<\/p>

Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life, told the Washington Examiner that the fact that the abortion provider has survived on the whole has \u201cproven we can be a society that does not fund Planned Parenthood.\u201d<\/p>

Republicans passed the legislation using reconciliation, a special legislative maneuver that allows for bills to avoid the filibuster and clear the Senate with only a simple majority. Republicans said the measure was limited to one year because of procedural rules governing the reconciliation process, but leaders\u00a0did not explain which rules prevented a longer-term defunding.<\/p>

Hawkins also said that any reconciliation bill that does not include prohibitions on all Medicaid reimbursement for abortion providers is considered \u201ca pro-abortion vote\u201d that Republicans will not want on their records.<\/p>

\u201cWhat you've done is ensured we are going to be a pain in your butt now every single year, and we can't go away, because now you've proven you can do it,\u201d Hawkins said.<\/p>Prospects for new legislation

The prospects for another reconciliation bill this year, though, look slim. And Republicans may not hold on to their majorities after this year's midterm elections, making it far from clear that anti-abortion activists will get another chance to restrict funding from Planned Parenthood. <\/p>

And, after July 5th, when funding resumes, Planned Parenthood could have both federal funding and the added state dollars and private donations.<\/p>

That would be \u201cnearly a worst-case scenario,\" said Noah Brandt, vice president of communications for the anti-abortion group Live Action.<\/p>

\u201cIn July, you could be looking at an abortion industry that actually has more money than ever,\u201d Brandt said.<\/p>

Some anti-abortion activists argue that failing to pass new legislation that defunds could demoralize the base. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), the co-chairman of the House Pro-Life Caucus, told the Washington Examiner that he has talked with GOP leadership about the need to re-up the defund effort to rally anti-abortion voters ahead of the midterms.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cIt's not only about defending the defenseless and the vulnerable, but it's also, we've got amazing people working throughout this country to get people elected,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>

Anti-abortion voters are already expressing dissatisfaction with Republicans heading into the midterm elections.<\/p>

Polling commissioned this month from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America found that anti-abortion voters and campaign volunteers are less enthusiastic for the GOP<\/a> heading into the midterms this year because of the Trump administration\u2019s hesitancy to implement tougher restrictions on the abortion pill mifepristone.<\/p>

Smith said he is confident that House Speaker Mike Johnson<\/a> (R-LA) and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise<\/a> (R-LA) are \u201ctruly pro-life\u201d but acknowledged that passing a reconciliation bill would require all Republicans to support the measure.<\/p>

\u201cWe do have a thin majority, so we got to be, you know, know how to prevail,\u201d Smith said. \u201cHaving the President's leadership on defunding Planned Parenthood would be helpful.\u201d<\/p>

Johnson\u2019s office declined to comment on whether or not cutting off Medicaid funds for Planned Parenthood would be included in his push for a reconciliation bill, but the Speaker celebrated the provision of the OBBBA as a win for the anti-abortion movement during his speech at the 53rd March for Life in January<\/a>.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-collage-l3v7z9nfw-1772206029479-e1772206180580.jpg?1772227931&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475675-1772285300", "title":"Israel touts ‘largest ever’ military flyover in Iran attack", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4475675%2Fisrael-touts-largest-ever-military-flyover-us-iran-attack%2F", "byline":"Sydney Topf", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Israel said it carried out the “largest military flyover” in the history of the Israeli Air Force during the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran early Saturday morning. Approximately 200 fighter jets, at the direction of intelligence from the Israel Defense Fund and Israeli Air Force, completed an attack against Iran’s defense systems. “This is the […]", "description":""

Israel said it carried out the \u201clargest military flyover\u201d in the history of the Israeli Air Force during the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran<\/a> early Saturday morning.<\/p>

Approximately 200 fighter jets, at the direction of intelligence from the Israel Defense Fund and Israeli Air Force, completed an attack against Iran's defense systems.<\/p>

\"This is the largest military flyover in the history of the Israeli Air Force (IAF), conducted following accurate planning and based on high-quality intelligence, while synchronizing hundreds of fighter jets at the same time,\" the Israel War Room said<\/a>.<\/p>

WORLD LEADERS STRESS DIPLOMATIC RESOLUTION AFTER US-ISRAEL STRIKES ON IRAN<\/a><\/p>

The IAF's fighter jets simultaneously dropped \"hundreds of munitions\" on 500 targets part of Iran's missile array system, including aerial defense systems and missile launchers. <\/p>

One of the strikes mentioned specifically in the post targeted a missile site in western Iran's Tabriz. The IDF claimed that the Surface-to-Surface Missiles Unit would've been used to launch dozens of missiles toward Israel.<\/p>

\"The strikes on the defense systems allowed the expansion of the IAF's aerial superiority over Iranian aerial territory, and severely degraded the offensive capabilities of the Iranian regime - the launch sites in western Iran,\" the post said. <\/p>

The use of the fighter jets was part of the joint military strikes Israel and the United States carried out against Iran on Saturday.<\/p>

IRAN STRIKES ERASE \u2018SPACE\u2019 BETWEEN TRUMP AND NETANYAHU, INSIDERS SAY<\/a><\/p>

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu<\/a> said this operation will \"continue as long as necessary,\" emphasizing the coordination with President Donald Trump<\/a> during the operation. <\/p>

\"We are doing this in full cooperation with our friends in the United States under the courageous leadership of President Trump,\" Netanyahu said during his remarks<\/a>. \"Together with the United States, we will strike hard at the terror regime and create conditions that will allow the brave Iranian people to cast off the yoke of this murderous regime.\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26059627104532.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475600-1772283153", "title":"Iran strikes erase ‘space’ between Trump and Netanyahu, insiders say", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F4475600%2Firan-strikes-erase-space-between-trump-netanyahu%2F", "byline":"Christian Datoc", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"“Operation Epic Fury” indicates that President Donald Trump has gotten over recent frustrations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, persons close to the White House tell the Washington Examiner. Trump largely embraced Netanyahu throughout most of his first year back in the White House, but had reportedly begun voicing concerns about the prime minister’s actions […]", "description":""

\"Operation Epic Fury<\/a>\" indicates that President Donald Trump has gotten over recent frustrations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, persons close to the White House<\/a> tell the Washington Examiner.<\/p>

Trump largely embraced Netanyahu throughout most of his first year back in the White House, but had reportedly begun voicing concerns about the prime minister's actions in Gaza in late 2025. Multiple outlets reported that the president personally scolded Netanyahu in December, accusing him in private of undermining the Gaza ceasefire process.<\/p>

However, senior American officials and Trump world insiders say that Saturday morning's strike campaign<\/a> could only have been pulled off with close coordination with the Israeli government.<\/p>

WORLD LEADERS STRESS DIPLOMATIC RESOLUTION AFTER US-ISRAEL STRIKES ON IRAN<\/a><\/p>

\"I think that what Saturday's operation shows is that there's no space in between the United States and Israel when it comes to regional security,\" one longtime out-of-government advisor to the president told the Washington Examiner. \"The media was always going to try to spin the situation in Gaza, but that was an incredibly complicated situation. There were always going to be hiccups along the way.\"<\/p>

One former Trump national security official told the Washington Examiner that Trump and Netanyahu had always seen \"eye-to-eye\" about military action against Iran: that it was \"a question of when, not if.\"<\/p>

\"The situation with Iran is, in many ways, much more simple and straightforward than the situation in Gaza,\" that person told the Washington Examiner. \"The ayatollah cannot remain in power if he's going to, one, build nuclear weapons and, two, brutalize the Iranian people protesting regime. And these last few weeks of negotiations finally confirmed they don't seem to be serious about either.\" <\/p>

The former Trump official specifically pointed to Netanyahu's visit to the White House earlier this month as evidence of the close coordination between the U.S. and Israel on the issue.<\/p>

White House officials declined to answer specific questions regarding operational control of Saturday's strikes. U.S. planes reportedly were targeting Iran's ballistic missile capabilities, while Israel's strikes targeted critical members of Iran's political and military leadership.<\/p>

However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that Trump<\/a> and his national security team viewed the strikes from a secure location at Mar-a-Lago and that Trump and Netanyahu spoke by phone Saturday morning.<\/p>

Trump plans to continue monitoring the situation Saturday with his national security advisors.<\/p>

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also reached out to all members <\/a>of Congress's Gang of Eight to brief them on the attacks.<\/p>

WHITE HOUSE UNLOADS ON DEMOCRATS WHO 'FAILED' TRUMP'S STATE OF THE UNION 'TEST'<\/a><\/p>

Trump himself referred to Saturday morning's strikes<\/a> as an effort \"to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.\"<\/p>

\u201cThe United States military has undertaken a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests, we are going to destroy their missiles and raise their missile industry to the ground,\" he claimed in a video posted to his social media accounts. \"It will be totally again obliterated. We are going to annihilate their navy.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP25363771852774.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475619-1772282273", "title":"Iran foreign minister says Khamenei is alive ‘as far as I know’ after strikes targeted senior leadership", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4475619%2Firan-foreign-minister-says-khamenei-is-alive-after-strikes%2F", "byline":"Emily Hallas", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Iranian officials have shunned reports that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the U.S.-Israeli military operation reportedly targeting him and other regime leaders. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said that “as far as I know,” both Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, another target of the strikes, are still alive, during an interview with NBC News. […]", "description":""

Iranian officials have shunned reports that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei<\/a> was killed in the U.S.-Israeli military operation<\/a> reportedly targeting him and other regime leaders.<\/p>

Iran\u2019s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said that \u201cas far as I know,\u201d both Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, another target of the strikes, are still alive, during an interview with NBC News. <\/p>

Pezeshkian \"in good health and well-being,\" according to<\/a> Mohammad Jafar Ghaem-Panah, Iran\u2019s Executive Vice President and acting head of the presidential office. Araghchi said that several Iranian commanders may have been killed, but argued, \u201cThis is not a big problem,\u201d said regime change was \u201cmission impossible,\" and expressed willingness to pull back from counter-attacks and resume diplomatic talks if the U.S. and Israel halted strikes.<\/p>

WORLD LEADERS STRESS DIPLOMATIC RESOLUTION AFTER US-ISRAEL STRIKES ON IRAN<\/a><\/p>

There is no official confirmation regarding whether the strikes killed or injured Khamenei, after President Donald Trump announced overnight that the U.S. and Israel targeted Iran. Khamenei, 86, Pezeshkian, and other senior leaders were both targeted in a U.S.-Israeli attack that was months in the planning, according to multiple reports. Khamenei\u2019s residence was leveled by strikes, according to satellite imagery from Airbus Defence and Space obtained by the New York Times<\/a> and other outlets. <\/p>

The joint U.S.-Israeli strike appears to have been meticulously planned over the last few months to comprehensively undermine the Iranian regime and target senior officials gathered in a major sweep. Intelligence preparation and coordination were critical, as Israel targeted three sites they had identified where senior Iranian officials were gathering, according to <\/a>multiple reports. <\/p>

The preliminary assessment among Israeli officials is that Khamenei was hurt in the strike, and that Defense Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour were killed, according to the Jerusalem Post. <\/p>

Several senior figures essential to the management of the campaign and the Iranian regime\u2019s governance were \u201celiminated,\u201d and an Israeli military official told NBC News that the U.S. and Israel had worked jointly<\/a> \u201cfor thousands of hours\u201d to develop a bank of targets in Iran. <\/p>

Whether Khamenei was moved before the strike or was extracted after is unknown. <\/p>

TRUMP ANNOUNCES \u2018MASSIVE AND ONGOING OPERATION\u2019 AGAINST IRAN<\/a> <\/p>

Iran has retaliated by firing a barrage of missiles and drones at Israel and U.S. bases throughout the region, including ones in Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. Tehran\u2019s response has attracted global concern, with international leaders calling for diplomatic talks to resume and all military operations to halt. <\/p>

The White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump has spoken on the phone with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Trump also monitored the military assault in Iran \u201covernight at Mar-a-Lago alongside members of his national security team,\" she said. <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-2254672237.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475553-1772280781", "title":"Rubio alerted Gang of Eight before Iran attack, in contrast to Venezuela mission", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F4475553%2Frubio-gang-eight-iran-attack-venezuela-mission%2F", "byline":"David Zimmermann and Timothy Nerozzi", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Secretary of State Marco Rubio notified Congress’s bipartisan “Gang of Eight” members before the U.S. military helped Israel strike Iran overnight. The Cabinet secretary called the lawmakers on Friday night, but he was only able to brief seven of the eight members. It’s unclear who was the sole lawmaker who did not pick up; the […]", "description":""

Secretary of State Marco Rubio<\/a> notified Congress's bipartisan \"Gang of Eight<\/a>\" members before the U.S. military helped Israel strike Iran<\/a> overnight.<\/p>

The Cabinet secretary called the lawmakers on Friday night, but he was only able to brief seven of the eight members. It's unclear who was the sole lawmaker who did not pick up; the Washington Post reported it was Rep. Jim Himes<\/a> (D-CT), the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee.<\/p>

A State Department official confirmed the notification to Congress to the Washington Examiner. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also confirmed<\/a> Rubio provided congressional notification.<\/p>

WORLD LEADERS STRESS DIPLOMATIC RESOLUTION AFTER US-ISRAEL STRIKES ON IRAN<\/a><\/p>

The Gang of Eight includes the top Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate, as well as the top party members of the House and Senate intelligence committees.<\/p>

Rubio consulted the group during an hour-long briefing on Tuesday before the State of the Union<\/a>, per the State Department official.<\/p>

After exiting the briefing, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer<\/a> (D-NY) told the Trump administration to \"make its case\" to the nation about attacking Iran. He issued a similar statement<\/a> Saturday morning, urging the administration to brief Congress on Operation Epic Fury.<\/p>

The State Department official said after the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes had begun, the Department of War<\/a> notified the House and Senate armed services committees of the ongoing operation.<\/p>

The attack is reminiscent of the early January operation in Venezuela<\/a>, where the U.S. military bombed the capital of Caracas and captured former Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro<\/a>. That overnight operation also took place on a Friday night into the next morning.<\/p>

Where the Venezuela operation differs from the latest Iran attack, however, is that Congress was not notified by the Trump administration in advance. Rubio justified his decision to not communicate with federal lawmakers at the time, saying such a notification could have jeopardized the mission and risked the lives of U.S. service members.<\/p>

Rubio last briefed the Gang of Eight on Jan. 5, two days after the Venezuela operation.<\/p>

The Gang of Eight was also not notified of the U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities ahead of Operation Midnight Hammer last June.<\/p>

The lack of communication between the White House<\/a> and Congress<\/a> about U.S. military strikes has prompted Democrats to call for a vote to enforce the War Powers Act. The federal law requires the president to seek congressional approval before launching attacks overseas. Schumer reiterated his party's call for a war powers vote, even though Rubio briefed some members of Congress on the situation beforehand, unlike the other two times.<\/p>

President Donald Trump<\/a> argued his goal is to stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to free the Iranian people instead of seeking a protracted war with the Islamic Republic. Some conservative figures, like former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene<\/a> (R-GA), don't see it the same way.<\/p>

In a social media post<\/a> Saturday morning, Greene criticized Trump for campaigning on peace in 2024 and making his supporters, including her, believe he wouldn't take part in international conflicts.<\/p>

READ IN FULL: TRUMP ADDRESS ON IRAN OPERATION<\/a><\/p>

\"We said 'No More Foreign Wars, No More Regime Change!' We said it on rally stage after rally stage, speech after speech,\" she said. \"Trump, Vance, basically the entire admin campaigned on it and promised to put America FIRST and Make America Great Again.\"<\/p>

\"Now, America is going to be force fed and gas lighted all the 'noble' reasons the American 'Peace' and Pro-Peace administration had to go to war once again this year, after being in power for only a year. Head-spinning, but maga,\" Greene concluded.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26056078831176_ece962.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475533-1772279838", "title":"Congressional War Power Act advocates revive calls for vote after Trump’s Iran strikes", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fsenate%2F4475533%2Fcongressional-war-power-act-revive-calls-vote-iran%2F", "byline":"Lauren Green", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Democrats intensified their push to force a vote on legislation to rein in President Donald Trump’s use of military force against Iran, after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran early Saturday morning. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), who introduced the War Powers Resolution last year with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), called on Congress to convene on Monday, as their schedule […]", "description":""

Democrats<\/a> intensified their push to force a vote on legislation to rein in President Donald Trump<\/a>\u2019s use of military force against Iran<\/a>, after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran<\/a> early Saturday morning.<\/p>

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), who introduced the War Powers Resolution last year with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), called on Congress to convene on Monday, as their schedule has the members in their districts until Wednesday.<\/p>

\"Trump has launched an illegal regime change war in Iran with American lives at risk,\" Khanna wrote on X Saturday morning<\/a>. \"Congress must convene on Monday to vote on @RepThomasMassie<\/a> & my WPR to stop this. Every member of Congress should go on record this weekend on how they will vote.\"<\/p>

WORLD LEADERS STRESS DIPLOMATIC RESOLUTION AFTER US-ISRAEL STRIKES ON IRAN<\/a><\/p>

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) also called for Congress to \"quickly return\" to vote and pass the bill. <\/p>

\u201cWhen I talked to Secretary Rubio, I implored him to be straight with Congress and the American people about the objectives of these strikes and what comes next,\u2019 Schumer said<\/a> in a statement. \u201cThe administration has not provided Congress and the American people with critical details about the scope and immediacy of the threat.\u201d<\/p>

\"The Senate should quickly return to session and reassert its Constitutional duty by passing our resolution to enforce the War Powers Act,\" the leader continued. <\/p>

US AND ISRAEL LAUNCH \u2018PREEMPTIVE\u2019 ATTACK AGAINST IRAN<\/a><\/p>

House Democratic leadership announced Thursday they would force a vote next week on the resolution that specified the Constitution grants Congress the power to declare war<\/a>, as Democrats have been calling for a de-escalation in the Middle East. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) reiterated this pledge to force a vote following the strikes. <\/p>

\"The War Powers Resolution introduced by Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Thomas Massie demands that President Trump remove U.S. forces from hostilities in Iran absent Congressional authorization,\" Jeffries wrote in a statement. \"House Democrats remain committed to compelling a vote on this resolution upon our return.\"<\/p>

Massie posted his opposition to the strikes on X, vowing to work with Khanna to force a vote. <\/p>

\"I am opposed to this War,\" Massie wrote<\/a>. \"This is not \u201cAmerica First.\u201d When Congress reconvenes, I will work with @RepRoKhanna<\/a> to force a Congressional vote on war with Iran. The Constitution requires a vote, and your Representative needs to be on record as opposing or supporting this war.\"<\/p>

Prior to the strikes, the resolution already had some bipartisan support, with Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH) expressing his support.<\/p>

\"I have asked for a classified briefing defining the mission in Iran,\" Davidson wrote on X last week<\/a>. \"In the absence of new information, I will support the War Powers resolution in the House next week. War requires Congressional authorization. There are actions short of war, but no case has been made.\"<\/p>

Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed the top lawmakers<\/a> and intelligence committee members on the possibility of military action against Iran.<\/p>

TRUMP ENDORSEMENT TRACKER: HERE'S WHO THE PRESIDENT HAS PICKED IN GOP MIDTERM ELECTION PRIMARIES<\/a><\/p>

\u201cThe administration must brief Congress, including an immediate all senators classified briefing and in public testimony, to answer these vital questions,\" Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote Saturday. \"The Senate should quickly return to session and reassert its constitutional duty by passing our resolution to enforce the War Powers Act.\"<\/p>

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the attacks, saying it was a \u201cpreemptive strike against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel,\u201d warning of an \u201cimmediate state of emergency throughout the entire country.\u201d<\/p>

In a video address on Truth Social<\/a> posted around 2.30 a.m. on Saturday morning, Trump announced the U.S. participation in the strikes, saying the purpose of the strikes was to \u201cdefend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,\u201d which he described as \u201ca vicious group of very hard, terrible people.\u201d <\/p>

The strikes came as the administration was in negotiations with the Middle Eastern country.<\/p>

CONGRESS SPLITS ON TRUMP'S IRAN STRIKES<\/a><\/p>

\u201cWe are in negotiations with them,\u201d Trump said Tuesday at his State of the Union address. \u201cThey want to make a deal, but we haven\u2019t heard those secret words: \u2018We will never have a nuclear weapon.\u2019\u201d<\/p>

House GOP leadership narrowly avoided a war powers resolution on Venezuela<\/a> from passing earlier this year in a 215 to 215 vote. <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26026774427918.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475596-1772278797", "title":"Iran launches retaliatory attacks on Gulf States after US-Israel operation", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4475596%2Firan-retaliatory-attacks-gulf-states-us-israel%2F", "byline":"Sydney Topf", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Iran launched a wave of retaliatory strikes against countries in the Middle East, following the United States and Israel’s joint military attack on Saturday morning.  President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. launched “major combat operations” in Iran early Saturday. Trump said the purpose of the attack was to defend Americans by “eliminating imminent threats” […]", "description":""

Iran launched a wave of retaliatory strikes against countries in the Middle East, following the United States and Israel's joint military attack<\/a> on Saturday morning. <\/p>

President Donald Trump<\/a> announced that the U.S. launched \u201cmajor combat operations\u201d in Iran early Saturday. Trump said the purpose of the attack was to defend Americans by \u201celiminating imminent threats\u201d from the Iranian regime. <\/p>

Following the United States and Israel joint strikes, explosions were reported <\/a>at various cities around the Middle East<\/a>, including in Israel, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.<\/p>

READ IN FULL: TRUMP ADDRESS ON IRAN OPERATION<\/a><\/p>

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps said its target in Bahrain was the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet base.<\/p>

\u201cIn response to the aggression of the criminal U.S. military and the child-killing Zionist regime, and with divine assistance, the first phase of Operation True Promise 4 has commenced, marked by extensive strikes carried out by the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran against regional targets of the aggressor,\u201d the IRGC said in a statement. <\/p>

The UAE condemned the attack as a \"flagrant violation\u201d of its sovereignty and said it reserved the right to respond. <\/p>

Most of the missiles in the UAE were intercepted by air defense systems. Video obtained by UA.News showing local air defense systems intercepting missiles over a beach in Dubai, with reports indicating that one civilian was killed, according to UA.news<\/a>. <\/p>

Iran\u2019s proxies have not yet carried out retaliatory attacks related to the strikes against Iran. The U.S. and Israel have similarly not attacked those proxies, which are located in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iraq.<\/p>

CONGRESS SPLIT ON TRUMP'S IRAN STRIKES<\/a><\/p>

Since the attacks began, air raid sirens have been going off in central Israel, the country\u2019s most densely populated region, alerting Israelis to take cover. <\/p>

The Israeli defense system intercepted Iranian missiles over Haifa and Tel Aviv<\/a>. Authorities announced there has been one impacted site since the launches began this morning in a town in Northern Israel. No casualties have been reported so far. <\/p>

Saudi Arabia\u2019s foreign ministry reported that there had been \u201cblatant and cowardly Iranian attacks\u201d on its capital, Riyadh, and in the eastern province. The statement noted that the attacks came after Saudi Arabia said it wouldn\u2019t give access to its airspace or territory used to target Iran. <\/p>

The largest U.S. military installation in the region, the Al Udeid Air Base, is located in Qatar. The country\u2019s Interior Ministry said the attack caused no damage to the base. <\/p>

Since Saturday\u2019s attack, there has been reporting that Iran has been plunged into a near-total internet blackout. <\/p>

READ IN FULL: TRUMP ADDRESS ON IRAN OPERATION<\/a><\/p>

Cloudflare Radar, a platform that provides insights into global internet traffic patterns, reported <\/a>that internet traffic is \u201cclose to zero across all major regions,\u201d with a \u201cnear complete shutdown\u201d in Tehran, Fars, Isfahan, Alborz Province, and Razavi Khorasan. These reports haven't been verified. <\/p>

There are no current reports that the internet blackout is a cybersecurity attack by either Israeli or American cyber forces.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26059240652017-e1772296770130.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475566-1772278448", "title":"The Islamic Republic had its chance", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F4475566%2Fthe-islamic-republic-had-its-chance%2F", "byline":"Sean Durns", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The U.S. military and its ally Israel have struck the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Trump administration’s decision to attack followed weeks of waiting and speculation amid the largest military buildup in the Middle East in twenty years. But the strikes themselves were decades in the making. The Iranian regime had its chance, and now […]", "description":""

The U.S. military and its ally Israel have struck<\/a> the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Trump administration\u2019s decision to attack followed weeks<\/a> of waiting and speculation amid the largest military buildup in the Middle East in twenty years. But the strikes themselves were decades in the making.<\/p>

The Iranian regime had its chance, and now it only has itself<\/a> to blame for its fate. As President Trump has said on numerous occasions, the world\u2019s leading state sponsor of terrorism can\u2019t be permitted to have nuclear<\/a> weapons. He\u2019s right.<\/p>

Iran was given multiple off-ramps over the years. The regime didn\u2019t take them. Iranian leaders<\/a> could have invested in their own country and their own people. But to them, their country is a cause, and their people are sacrificial.<\/p>

US AND ISRAEL LAUNCH \u2018PREEMPTIVE\u2019 ATTACK AGAINST IRAN<\/a><\/p>

The Islamic Republic is one of the worst tyrannies the world has ever known. Since taking power in 1979, Iran\u2019s ruling theocrats have exported<\/a> chaos and upheaval. The regime has destabilized<\/a> the entire Middle East. Tehran has funded, supported, even wholesale created terrorist groups in support of their objective of vanquishing America, overthrowing key Arab allies, and destroying <\/a>Israel. <\/p>

The regime has American blood on its hands. Tehran has murdered and maimed thousands of U.S. troops and is responsible for torturing, kidnapping, and mutilating American citizens.<\/p>

But its chief victims have always been the Iranian people. On multiple occasions, Iranians have taken to the streets in protest, only to be slaughtered for demanding freedom. The regime brutally supressed a recent uprising, murdering no fewer than 32,000 Iranians according to some estimates. As President Trump noted<\/a>, it is now up to the Iranian people to step up and take out their oppressors. \u201cThis will probably be your only chance for generations,\u201d he said.<\/p>

Notably, the Iranian threat isn\u2019t confined to the Middle East. <\/p>

Iranian proxies like Hezbollah have cells<\/a> in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. They operate in the Western hemisphere, on our borders, even inside America itself. Iran has plotted attacks on U.S. infrastructure, including airports and public gatherings. Tehran has attempted to murder<\/a> U.S. officials and prominent dissidents. Under the Obama administration, the regime was emboldened enough to try to bomb a Washington D.C. restaurant in a bid<\/a> to kill a Saudi diplomat. That plot failed, but not for a lack of trying.<\/p>

The Islamic Republic not only seeks nuclear weapons \u2014 it wants the ability to use them against the United States, Europe, and others far from their borders. The regime\u2019s focus on intercontinental ballistic missiles reveals as much. After all, Tehran doesn\u2019t need ICBMs to hit Israel, Saudi Arabia, or other neighboring countries.\u00a0<\/p>

IRAN'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM IS BURIED, NOT DEAD<\/a><\/p>

Iran wants ICBMs so it can hold the United States and others hostage. This not only gives Iran leverage, it\u2019s a strategic asset for Iran\u2019s chief allies and benefactors like Moscow and Beijing.<\/p>

The United States can\u2019t allow Iran to obtain the means for nuclear blackmail.<\/p>

Yet it could not have been an easy decision. There are no free rides in foreign policy. Few momentous decisions are without potential downsides. And the strikes on Iran are no exception.<\/p>

For the first time in its history, the United States is facing two nuclear-equipped powers, Russia and China. Both are revisionist and seek to supplant the U.S. and its allies. China is engaged<\/a> in the largest military buildup in modern history. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for his military to be ready to invade Taiwan in 2027, and is clearly preparing them to do precisely that. <\/p>

America is on its back foot, with a depleted<\/a> defense industrial base. Should a war with China occur, some studies show the U.S. running out of key munitions <\/a>within weeks or less. Some of those arms are being expended now, not against a powerhouse like Beijing but against its regional proxy, Tehran. This is not only cause for concern, it is a potential opportunity for the Chinese Communist Party.<\/p>

But events have forced America\u2019s hand. China knows how useful its ally is. Some reports indicate that China was close to selling<\/a> Iran advanced anti-ship missiles, potentially deterring or raising the stakes of a U.S. attack. This could have kept Iran on its path to obtain nuclear weapons. And it is in keeping with China\u2019s longstanding policy of using Iran as its chief regional foil<\/a>, supplying the mullahs with drones, surveillance tech, advanced weapons, and key material for their missiles. China has helped keep the Iranian regime afloat, just as it has been fueling<\/a> Russia\u2019s war on Ukraine.<\/p>

CONGRESS SPLIT ON TRUMP'S IRAN STRIKES<\/a><\/p>

Henry Kissinger famously said that statesmen face \u201cagonizing choices\u201d with decisions that often aren\u2019t \u201cblack and white\u201d but \u201cbetween two shades of grey.\u201d The decision to strike Iran, while not without risk, is the right one. The world\u2019s leading state sponsor of terror cannot be allowed to go nuclear. Other American presidents have said as much, but Trump clearly means it.<\/p>

The strikes on Iran send a message to other foes, from Moscow to Beijing and beyond. American words are backed by American resolve.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AP26003403723014.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4472081-1772276400", "title":"We can fight the EU and Big Tech at the same time", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F4472081%2Fwe-can-fight-eu-big-tech-same-time-free-speech-fair-competition%2F", "byline":"Mehek Cooke", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Europe is trying to censor American speech while Big Tech is trying to rig American markets. Washington must be smart enough to fight one without protecting the other. As the trade fight escalates with the European Union, pushing back against Europe’s abuse of American technology companies is necessary, but it doesn’t mean defending Big Tech in the name […]", "description":""

Europe<\/a> is trying to censor American speech<\/a> while\u00a0Big Tech<\/a>\u00a0is trying to rig American markets. Washington must be smart enough to fight one without protecting the other.<\/p>

As the trade fight escalates\u00a0<\/a>with the European Union<\/a>, pushing back against Europe\u2019s abuse of American technology companies is necessary, but it doesn\u2019t mean defending Big Tech in the name of America First<\/a>.<\/p>

This month, the Trump administration aggressively challenged\u00a0Europe\u2019s long record of unfair trade practices<\/a>,\u00a0and further escalation is expected.\u00a0This includes confronting Europe\u2019s treatment of the U.S. technology industry, where Brussels has increasingly used regulation as a weapon against American success rather than a tool for fair competition.<\/p>

EXPERTS URGE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO TAKE TOUGH STANCE AGAINST EU REGULATIONS TARGETING US<\/a><\/p>

Congress has also taken notice.\u00a0Recently,\u00a0lawmakers held a hearing titled\u00a0\u201cEurope\u2019s Threat to American Speech and Innovation<\/a>,\u201d\u00a0underscoring growing concern that European regulators are using censorship and control under the guise of regulation.<\/p>

For years now, Europe has targeted U.S. tech companies with policies designed to extract revenue, impose control, and tilt the playing field against our country. This is regulatory protectionism, and our elected leaders must use every pressure tool at their disposal to stop it.<\/p>

As President Donald Trump <\/a>and Vice President JD Vance have consistently made clear, one of the worst laws is the Digital Services Act<\/a>, which pressures U.S. tech companies to comply with EU-style speech rules. It pushes American firms to censor lawful content under vague and subjective standards or risk massive fines tied to global revenue. Just last month, the European Commission issued a fine of\u00a0over $140 million\u00a0to X for not being \u201ctransparent\u201d enough under the DSA.<\/p>

The DSA is a terrible policy that clashes with the First Amendment<\/a>, undermines core American values, and chills American investment and innovation.\u00a0Pushing back against it is non-negotiable. Trump and Vance are right to confront it before European regulators export censorship and\u00a0police American speech<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

But not all EU tech rules are the same. <\/p>

Some conservatives are making a huge mistake by lumping the Digital Markets Act into the fight against the DSA, digital services taxes, and other onerous EU regulations.<\/p>

The DMA is an antitrust law designed to foster competition and prevent Big Tech gatekeepers from abusing their power and shutting American companies out of fair and open markets.<\/p>

Unlike other European tech regulations that support censorship or tax American companies into oblivion, the DMA prevents market manipulation by the biggest tech companies. It focuses on conduct, not content.<\/p>

The DMA targets anti-competitive conduct across app stores, search engines, operating systems, and digital advertising \u2014 consistent with how Trump-era antitrust enforcers and congressional Republicans have worked to rein in Big Tech abuses.<\/p>

The companies targeted by the DMA are not small players. They include Meta<\/a> for cross-platform data tracking and Google<\/a> for using market dominance to favor its own products across services such as Instagram and WhatsApp.<\/p>

For years, Big Tech has acted as a private regulator, shaping markets for its own enrichment.<\/p>

Even though the DMA is a European regulation, it advances a core American principle: fair and open competition.<\/p>

Contrary to what some argue, this isn\u2019t a rule the United States should fight the EU over in trade talks, especially when the regulation is already producing tangible benefits for American companies.<\/p>

Take Apple\u2019s<\/a> App Store. Before the DMA, Apple controlled nearly every aspect of how apps reached iPhone users \u2014 where they could be downloaded, how developers could charge customers, and what those apps could say. If you wanted access to iPhone users, you had to pay the Apple tax man up to 30% of your revenue. That is rent-seeking, not innovation.<\/p>

Under the DMA,\u00a0Apple\u00a0has been forced to open its ecosystem to competition<\/a>.\u00a0In Europe, American app developers can now distribute apps through alternative app stores or directly from their own websites. They can also show pricing information and use alternative payment systems. This allows U.S. developers to keep more of their earnings while competing on quality and price \u2014 driving more choice and lower costs for consumers. That is exactly how markets are supposed to work.<\/p>

RESTORING AMERICA: THE EU IS PRESSURING BIG TECH TO SILENCE AMERICANS<\/a><\/p>

In their negotiations with Europe, Congress and the Trump administration should be clear about what they are trying to safeguard. The goal should not be to shield the largest technology companies from accountability. It should be to ensure that markets remain fair, open, and competitive so consumers, startups, developers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses can succeed.<\/p>

America First does not mean Big Tech First. We must push back against Europe\u2019s censorship while refusing to protect monopolies that rig the marketplace. Real leadership defends free speech, fair competition, and the American consumer \u2014 not monopolies hiding behind the flag.<\/p>

Mehek Cooke, an attorney and political strategist, was a surrogate for the Trump for President Campaign and the Republican National Convention.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP24085394195061.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475552-1772276191", "title":"World leaders stress diplomatic resolution after US-Israel strikes on Iran", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4475552%2Fworld-leader-diplomatic-resolution-us-strike-iran%2F", "byline":"Emily Hallas", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"World leaders on Saturday morning issued reactions to the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, with most calling for diplomatic talks to swiftly resume, and for Tehran to immediately end counterattacks.  President Donald Trump announced the strikes overnight, carried out alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an effort aimed at undermining Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s regime.  […]", "description":""

World leaders on Saturday morning issued reactions to the joint U.S.-Israeli<\/a> strikes on Iran<\/a>, with most calling for diplomatic talks to swiftly resume, and for Tehran to immediately end counterattacks. <\/p>

President Donald Trump<\/a> announced the strikes overnight, carried out alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu<\/a> in an effort aimed at undermining Ayatollah Ali Khamenei\u2019s<\/a> regime. <\/p>The Iranian government and opposition leaders respond

Responses flooded in, with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi describing the strikes<\/a> as \u201cwholly unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate. He warned that Iran\u2019s military stands \u201cprepared\u201d to \u201cteach the aggressors the lesson they deserve.\u201d<\/p>

CONGRESS SPLIT ON TRUMP'S IRAN STRIKES<\/a><\/p>

Prince Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of the last Shah of Iran and someone who has been viewed as someone who could lead a democratic Iran, hailed the U.S. strikes<\/a>, saying it could soon be possible  to completely overthrow the regime, \u201creclaim Iran and rebuild it.\u201d The prince is currently in exile, living in the U.S. <\/p>The Middle East's response

Several major Middle Eastern players, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, swiftly condemned Iran for carrying out counterattacks against U.S. military bases across the Persian Gulf region and Israel. <\/p>

Missiles and drones hit the headquarters of the U.S. Navy\u2019s 5th Fleet in Bahrain and other American bases in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, according to<\/a> Politico. A U.S. official said air defenses intercepted Iranian missiles aimed at American bases, including Al Udeied in Qatar, the U.S. 5th Fleet in Bahrain, Ali Salem in Kuwait, and Al Dhafra in the United Arab Emirates.<\/p>

Saudi Arabia said that \u201ccowardly\u201d Iranian attacks that targeted the Riyadh Region and the Eastern Province were successfully intercepted. \u201cThese attacks cannot be justified under any pretext or in any way whatsoever,\u201d the country\u2019s foreign ministry said. <\/p>

Qatar \u201cstrongly\u201d condemned the Iranian attacks<\/a> on its territory. Qatar\u2019s foreign ministry noted it has long worked as a third-party mediator between Iran and the international community, and expressed concern that Tehran\u2019s counterattacks undermine the \u201cgood faith\u201d relationship between the two countries. Qatar called for an \u201cimmediate\u201d end of retaliation attacks and for all parties to \u201creturn to the negotiating table.\u201d <\/p>

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi also condemned Iran\u2019s counterattacks, saying it \u201cfirmly rejects<\/a>\u201d the violation of the sovereignty of fellow Arab states.<\/p>China and Russia call for a diplomatic resolution

The two major powers have been viewed as having a more favorable relationship with Iran than the U.S. and states in the Middle East.<\/p>

China\u2019s foreign ministry said it was<\/a> \u201chighly concerned\u201d about the strikes, demanding an \u201cimmediate\u201d end to military operations and calling for diplomatic talks to resume. <\/p>

\u201cIran's national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity should be respected. China calls for an immediate cessation of military operations, prevention of further escalation of tensions, resumption of dialogue and negotiations, and maintenance of peace and stability in the Middle East,\u201d Beijing said. <\/p>

Russia\u2019s foreign ministry strongly condemned the U.S. for authorizing the strikes. <\/p>

TRUMP ENDORSEMENT TRACKER: HERE'S WHO THE PRESIDENT HAS PICKED IN GOP MIDTERM ELECTION PRIMARIES<\/a><\/p>

\"Washington and Tel Aviv have once again embarked on a dangerous adventure that is rapidly bringing the region closer to a humanitarian, economic, and possibly radiological catastrophe,\" Russia's foreign ministry said. \"By plunging the Middle East into an abyss of uncontrolled escalation, they are actually encouraging countries around the world, primarily in the region, to acquire more and more serious means against emerging threats.\"<\/p>

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke by phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Russia\u2019s Foreign Ministry said, according to the Associated Press. Araghchi told Lavrov he would seek to convene an urgent U.N. Security Council session, it said. Lavrov reiterated Russia\u2019s condemnation of the U.S.-Israeli strikes and Moscow\u2019s readiness to help broker peace.<\/p>Europe and NATO allies condemn Iranian counterattacks

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the strikes<\/a> \u201cgreatly concerning.\u201d She stopped short of condemning the attack, but urged restraint, calling on \u201call parties to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law.\u201d At the same time, she criticized Iran\u2019s \u201cmurderous regime,\u201d and noted concerns about the country\u2019s nuclear program. <\/p>

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola issued a statement<\/a> more favorable to the strikes, noting that the EP has long called on Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions and \u201cfinally allow its people to be free to choose their own destiny.\u201d She also warned against escalation in the region, calling out Iran\u2019s counterattacks, calling them\u201c inexcusable and unjustifiable.\u201d<\/p>

France, Germany, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement<\/a> that condemned Iran\u2019s counterattacks \u201cin the strongest terms\u201d and called for diplomatic talks to resume. \u201cWe call for a resumption of negotiations and urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution,\u201d the three NATO members said. <\/p>

In a separate statement, French President Emanuel Macron said that<\/a> the joint U.S.-Israeli attack carries \u201cgrave consequences for international peace and security.\u201d He said the escalation \u201cmust stop\u201d and called for an \u201curgent\u201d meeting of the United Nations Security Council. France is ready to deploy resources to protect its closest partners at their request, he added. <\/p>

WHY TRUMP'S CHANGES TO IMMIGRATION COURTS WILL 'ABSOLUTELY' RAMP UP DEPORTATIONS<\/a><\/p>

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a video statement<\/a> saying he is concerned about what the strikes \u201cmean for security and stability.\u201d He called for a turn to diplomatic efforts, but noted that \u201cit is clear\u201d that Iran \u201cmust never be allowed\u201d to develop a nuclear weapon,\u201d adding that the country has backed over 20 potentially lethal attacks on UK soil in the past year. <\/p>

Starmer said British planes \u201care in the sky today\u201d as part of coordinated regional defensive operations. The United Kingdom has stepped up protection for British bases and personnel \u201cto their highest level,\u201d he continued. <\/p>

\u201cIran can end this now. They should refrain from further strikes, give up their weapons programs, and cease the appalling violence and repression against the Iranian people, who deserve the right to determine their own future. In line with our long-standing position, this is the route to de-escalation and back to the negotiating table,\u201d he said. <\/p>

The leader of the country\u2019s conservative party, Kemi Badenoch, backed the strikes<\/a>. \u201cUnder my leadership, the Conservative Party will always put our national security first and work with our allies to make the world a safer place,\u201d she said. <\/p>

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney backed the strikes, hailing them<\/a> as a move to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and \u201cfurther threatening international peace and security.\u201d \u201cDespite diplomatic efforts, Iran has neither fully dismantled its nuclear program, halted all enrichment activities, nor ended its support for regional terrorist proxy groups,\u201d Carney said in a statement. <\/p>

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed concern<\/a> about how the U.S.-Israeli strikes would impact the global oil supply, noting Iran is a major energy producer, and called for a way to \u201cmitigate\u201d a potential rise in oil prices.<\/p>

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the U.S. and Israel<\/a> for launching the strikes, saying they promoted a \u201chostile international order.\u201d He called on all parties, including Iran, to de-escalate tensions, warning against another \u201cdevastating\u201d war in the Middle East.<\/p>

Slovenia said it was \u201cconcerned<\/a>\u201d by the joint U.S.-Israel attacks and called for \u201cimmediate de-escalation. \u201cDiplomacy remains the only path to stability,\u201d officials said. <\/p>

TRUMP ANNOUNCES \u2018MASSIVE AND ONGOING OPERATION\u2019 AGAINST IRAN<\/a> <\/p>

Belgium\u2019s foreign affairs minister, Maxime Prevot, said he understood<\/a> that \u201cfrustration\u201d with Iran\u2019s refusal to engage in meaningful diplomatic negotiations had driven the strikes.<\/p>

\u201cBelgium has always condemned this regime: its systematic human rights violations, its threat to regional and global security, its refusal to engage constructively,\u201d he said. <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/putin-xi-mbs-starmer-macron-collage.jpg?1772276134&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475515-1772275965", "title":"Fetterman praises US strikes in Iran: Trump’s ‘willing to do what’s right’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fsenate%2F4475515%2Ffetterman-praises-strikes-iran-trump-do-right%2F", "byline":"Sydney Topf", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) commended President Donald Trump on X Saturday morning for the U.S. strikes in Iran, becoming one of the first Democratic lawmakers to support the military action.   “President Trump has been willing to do what’s right and necessary to produce real peace in the region,” Fetterman said on X. “God bless the […]", "description":""

Sen. John Fetterman<\/a> (D-PA) commended President Donald Trump<\/a> on X Saturday morning for the U.S. strikes in Iran, becoming one of the first Democratic lawmakers to support the military action.  <\/p>

\u201cPresident Trump has been willing to do what\u2019s right and necessary to produce real peace in the region,\u201d Fetterman said on X. \u201cGod bless the United States, our great military, and Israel<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>

Trump announced early Saturday morning<\/a> that the United States military had begun \u201cOperation Epic Fury,\u201d after multiple explosions were reported around Iran. <\/p>

CONGRESS SPLIT ON TRUMP'S IRAN STRIKES<\/a><\/p>

The U.S. launched a joint wave of military strikes with Israel against Iran early Saturday morning, with Tehran being the first target.<\/p>

\u201cOur objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,\u201d Trump said in a video posted on Truth Social.<\/a> \u201cThe United States military has undertaken a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cWe are going to destroy their missiles and raise their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally again obliterated. We are going to annihilate their navy,\u201d Trump added.<\/p>

Fetterman's remarks about the strikes in Iran differed from those in his party. While Republicans have been praising Trump online, a majority of Democrats have taken to social media to condemn the U.S.\u2019s military involvement in Iran.<\/p>

In the weeks leading up to Operation Epic Fury, Fetterman was outspoken in his support of possible military action in Iran. <\/p>

TRUMP ENDORSEMENT TRACKER: HERE'S WHO THE PRESIDENT HAS PICKED IN GOP MIDTERM ELECTION PRIMARIES<\/a><\/p>

As protests broke out in Iran in December, Fetterman said he would \u201cabsolutely<\/a>\u201d support military strikes in Iran.<\/p>

\u201cSure, absolutely. And now if it continues to make more sense, absolutely,\u201d Fetterman said of U.S. involvement. <\/p>

In June, Fetterman joined his Republican colleagues in rejecting a war powers resolution that would have prevented the use of military forces against Iran, unless explicitly authorized by Congress.<\/p>

Senators voted 47-53, largely along party lines, on Sen. Tim Kaine<\/a>\u2019s (D-VA) resolution. Sen. Rand Paul<\/a> (R-KY), who often opposes foreign interventions, was the single Republican to vote with Democrats in support of the resolution.<\/p>

Fetterman had also supported the United States\u2019s military strikes, Operation Midnight Hammer,\u00a0 that targeted Iranian nuclear facilities in June.<\/p>

READ IN FULL: TRUMP ADDRESS ON IRAN OPERATION<\/a><\/p>

\u201cI think I was the only Democrat that fully supported our strike of the Iranian nuclear facilities last year,\u201d Fetterman told CNN in January. \u201cAnd now by then, without those kinds of strikes, Iran could have acquired a nuclear bomb. I think I hope we can all agree that Iran should have never acquired a nuclear bomb.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cNow, for me, I think we can all agree that the world would be better, safer, and more just if you could break that regime,\u201d he added.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AP25196747369305-e1772293482762.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475297-1772271412", "title":"Illegal immigrant who stabbed woman to death at Fairfax bus stop previously arrested over 30 times", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2F4475297%2Fillegal-immigrant-stabbed-woman-arrested-30-times%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The man who allegedly stabbed a woman to death at a Fairfax bus stop was revealed by the Department of Homeland Security to be an illegal immigrant who had been arrested and released over 30 times. Abdul Jalloh, 32, is alleged to have stabbed Stephanie Minter, 41, earlier this week. He was caught shortly after […]", "description":""

The man who allegedly stabbed a woman to death at a Fairfax bus stop was revealed by the Department of Homeland Security to be an illegal immigrant<\/a> who had been arrested and released over 30 times.<\/p>

Abdul Jalloh, 32, is alleged to have stabbed Stephanie Minter, 41, earlier this week. He was caught shortly after her body was discovered at a bus stop. After his arrest, Department of Homeland Security<\/a> officials told several news outlets that Jalloh was an illegal immigrant from Sierra Leone with an extensive rap sheet. He had been arrested over 30 times for crimes including rape, malicious wounding, assault, identity theft, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, assault, and pick-pocketing.<\/p>

Outrage was quickly directed at Democratic officials, mainly Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) and Steve Descano, the progressive Democratic district attorney for Fairfax County, both of whom have implemented progressive policies towards crime.<\/p>

US AND ISRAEL LAUNCH \u2018PREEMPTIVE\u2019 ATTACK AGAINST IRAN<\/a><\/p>

\"We are calling on Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger and Virginia\u2019s sanctuary politicians to commit to not releasing this murderer and violent career criminal from their jail without notifying ICE,\" DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said, according to<\/a> Fox News.<\/p>

\"This illegal alien\u2019s murder of an innocent, beautiful American woman came less than 24 hours before Governor Spanberger\u2019s demonization of ICE law enforcement. This heinous criminal is a perfect example of why we need cooperation from sanctuary jurisdictions and the importance of third-country removals for the safety of the American people,\" she added.<\/p>

IS SPANBERGER'S VIRGINIA THE NEW CALIFORNIA?<\/a><\/p>

The Washington Examiner reached out to Spanberger for comment. Upon taking office earlier this year, Spanberger moved to ban cooperation<\/a> between law enforcement and immigration authorities.<\/p>

Jalloh had committed his litany of crimes in a relatively short period of time, after arriving in the U.S. illegally in 2012, according to the DHS. Immigration officials lodged an immigration detainer against him in 2020, and he was granted a final order of removal by a judge allowing his deportation to anywhere but his native country, the outlet reported.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/AP25348453464449_1e3546.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475510-1772271110", "title":"Congress splits on Trump’s Iran strikes", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fsenate%2F4475510%2Fcongress-split-trump-iran-strike%2F", "byline":"Emily Hallas and Joseph Nepomuceno", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Congressional leaders on Saturday morning issued a range of reactions to the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran, labeled “Operation Epic Fury” by the White House. Reactions were largely split along party lines, with Democrats questioning the move as a potential abuse of President Donald Trump’s war powers, and Republicans backing the strikes as necessary to […]", "description":""

Congressional <\/a>leaders on Saturday morning issued a range of reactions to the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran, labeled \"Operation Epic Fury\" by the White House.<\/p>

Reactions were largely split along party lines, with Democrats questioning the move as a potential abuse of President Donald Trump's war powers, and Republicans backing the strikes as necessary to target an out-of-control regime hostile to the U.S.<\/p>

The White House briefed the \"Gang of Eight,\" the top congressional leaders of both chambers and the intelligence committees, earlier this week and the night of the strikes. Seven of the eight members were informed<\/a> shortly before strikes commenced, with one being unreachable at the time. The Department of War also provided notification to the Armed Services committees after strikes had taken place on Saturday morning.<\/p>

US AND ISRAEL LAUNCH \u2018PREEMPTIVE\u2019 ATTACK AGAINST IRAN<\/a><\/p>What is Democratic leadership saying?

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries<\/a> (D-NY) swiftly condemned the attacks, saying the president overstepped his power in authorizing the strikes without congressional sign-off. <\/p>

\u201cThe Trump administration must explain itself to the American people and Congress immediately, provide an ironclad justification for this act of war, clearly define the national security objective, and articulate a plan to avoid another costly, prolonged military quagmire in the Middle East,\u201d he wrote in a statement. <\/p>

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer<\/a> (D-NY) echoed Jeffries' statement.<\/p>

\"When I talked to Secretary Rubio, I implored him to be straight with Congress and the American people about the objectives of these strikes and what comes next,' Schumer said<\/a> in a statement. \"The administration has not provided Congress and the American people with critical details about the scope and immediacy of the threat.\"<\/p>

\"Iran must never be allowed to attain a nuclear weapon but the American people do not want another endless and costly war in the Middle East when there are so many problems at home,\" the New York senator added. \"My prayers are with our brave American servicemembers.\"<\/p>

Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA) also aired concern<\/a> that the strikes risked pulling the U.S. into \u201canother broad conflict in the Middle East.\u201d Warner said the White House's move to issue strikes with formal authorization from Congress \u201craises serious legal and constitutional concerns.\u201d <\/p>

\u201cCongress must be fully briefed, and the administration must come forward with a clear legal justification, a defined end state, and a plan that avoids dragging the United States into yet another costly and unnecessary war,\u201d the Virginia Democrat said. <\/p>

TRUMP ANNOUNCES \u2018MASSIVE AND ONGOING OPERATION\u2019 AGAINST IRAN<\/a> <\/p>What are progressive members saying?

Progressive members of the Democratic caucus came out more forcefully against the White House's decision to launch Operation Epic Fury.<\/p>

Sen. Ro Khanna (D-CA) issued a similar reaction<\/a>. He said that the Trump administration launched an \u201cillegal regime change war,\u201d and called on Congress to hold a vote on the bipartisan War Powers Act, which would restrict the president. \u201cEvery member of Congress should go on record this weekend on how they will vote,\u201d Khanna said. <\/p>

\"He doesn't care about our loved ones in the military. He doesn't care about the fact that Americans don't want this war,\" Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) wrote<\/a> on X. \"He doesn't care about the Iranian people. He is corrupted. Don't fall for the lies.\" Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) reposted Tlaib's message.<\/p>Fetterman breaks ranks

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), known to often rebel<\/a> against his caucus, praised the strikes. The senator has long pushed the White House to take a firmer line on Iran. <\/p>

\u201cOperation Epic Fury. President Trump has been willing to do what\u2019s right and necessary to produce real peace in the region. God bless the United States, our great military, and Israel,\u201d he said. <\/p>What is Republican leadership saying?

Republicans also cheered on<\/a> the president, with Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) saying, \u201cWell done.\u201d  <\/p>

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said the Trump administration had \u201cexhausted<\/a>\u201d every possibility to reach a diplomatic resolution to avert the strikes. He said the strikes came after Iran had for decades \u201cdefiantly maintained its nuclear program while arming and funding Hamas, Hezbollah, and other internationally recognized terrorist organizations.\u201d <\/p>

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, praised the president\u2019s \u201cdecisive\u201d action, arguing that \u201cthis is a pivotal and necessary operation to protect Americans and American interests.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cWithout the use of military force against them, Iran\u2019s ayatollahs would simply continue to grow their ability to threaten Americans and our interests, working in concert with the Chinese Communist Party, the Russian dictator Putin, North Korea, and other terrorist allies,\u201d Wicker said.<\/p>

Graham said he is \u201cconfident\u201d the strikes will hold a successful outcome and lead to the liberation of the Iranian people.<\/p>

\u201cFrom their liberation, the path toward peace and prosperity for the region and throughout the world will be long and wide,\u201d he said. <\/p>Some GOP members oppose the war

Not all Republicans supported the Trump administration's decision to strike Iran. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) vowed to support Congressional action preventing the White House from continuing Operation Epic Fury.<\/p>

\"I am opposed to this War. This is not 'America First,'\" Massie wrote<\/a> on X. \"When Congress reconvenes, I will work with @RepRoKhanna to force a Congressional vote on war with Iran. The Constitution requires a vote, and your Representative needs to be on record as opposing or supporting this war.\"<\/p>

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) also opposed the operation, while expressing his sympathy for the Iranian people's plight.<\/p>

\"Like most Americans, I have sympathy for the plight of the Iranian people and all subjected people around the globe, from North Korea to Tibet,\" Paul said<\/a>. \"But as Adam\u2019s wrote, America: 'goes not abroad, in search of monsters to destroy.'\"<\/p>

\"As with all war, my first and purest instinct is wish Americans soldiers safety and success in their mission. But my oath of office is to the Constitution, so with studied care, I must oppose another Presidential war,\" Paul continued. <\/p>

TRUMP ANNOUNCES \u2018MASSIVE AND ONGOING OPERATION\u2019 AGAINST IRAN<\/a> <\/p>

MAGA voices not in Congress also voiced opposition to the war, including former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA).<\/p>

\"I did not campaign for this. I did not donate money for this. I did not vote for this, in elections or Congress,\" Greene posted<\/a> on X. \"This is heartbreaking and tragic. And how many more innocent will die? What about our own military? This is not what we thought MAGA was supposed to be. Shame!\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/jeffries-johnson-collage.jpg?1772271065&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475069-1772265600", "title":"Can Paramount save CNN from itself?", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fin_focus%2F4475069%2Fcan-paramount-save-cnn-itself%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. “We are doomed.” “Everybody is reeling about the obvious things.” […]", "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>

\"We are doomed.\"<\/p>

\"Everybody is reeling about the obvious things.\" <\/p>

\"The mood is horrific. People are very upset.\" <\/p>

\"A mix of despair, apprehension, and curiosity.\"<\/p>

That's what staffers and insiders are telling various news outlets regarding the frame of mind inside CNN<\/a> following news that Warner Bros. Discovery's board has chosen Paramount's<\/a> takeover bid over a competing offer from Netflix<\/a> \u2014 a deal that would put CNN under the control of Paramount CEO David Ellison. The sale would include CNN, which means it would be run by Ellison, who recently installed Bari Weiss as head of CBS News.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

\"The majority of the country longs for news that is balanced and fact-based,\" Ellison said recently. <\/p>

And this echoes what Warner Bros. Discovery chairman emeritus\u00a0John Malone wrote in his upcoming memoir regarding CNN's direction in the post-Ted Turner era, calling the network \u201ca shadow of what its founder had envisioned\" and stating his anchors, reporters, and hosts are \u201cleft of center,\u201d who \u201cexpress their opinions too much in their news.\u201d<\/p>

Malone isn't wrong. CNN became the crown jewel of journalism\u00a0during the first Gulf War in 1991 after it outsmarted and out-hustled all of the broadcast networks in providing live coverage of the U.S. bombing of Baghdad. The little cable news network emerged from the conflict as a major player, likely prompting the creation of Fox News and MSNBC after ratings soared even higher during the 1994-1995 O.J. Simpson murder investigation and trial. Fox News and MSNBC both launched in 1996.\u00a0<\/p>

But during the Trump era, the network veered hard to the Left, and provocatively so. Anchors and reporters seemed far more interested in going viral on social media or being invited onto late-night shows than in doing the kind of objective and honest reporting that made the network what it was under Turner.\u00a0<\/p>

\"[Trump] is the most powerful person in the world and we see him like an obese turtle on his back flailing in the hot sun,\" Anderson Cooper<\/a> once said of Trump on the air in 2021. Much of the legacy media cheered the comment. <\/p>

And then there was Jake Tapper<\/a> attacking Lara Trump in 2020 for her (correct) observation that Joe Biden was suffering from cognitive decline:<\/p>

\"Joe Biden, as we all know, has worked to overcome a stutter,\"\u00a0Tapper shot back in scolding fashion.<\/p>

\"I think what we see on stage with Joe Biden, Jake, is very clearly a cognitive decline,\" Lara Trump maintained.<\/p>

\"You have no [evidence of] ... a cognitive decline,\" Tapper said. \"I think you were mocking his stutter.\u00a0And I think you have absolutely no standing to diagnose someone's cognitive decline.\"<\/p>

The irony of all ironies is that Tapper went on to write a book about Biden's cognitive decline and how the media \"missed\" the story. <\/p>

Former anchor Don Lemon also frequently let his biases show.<\/p>

\u201cThis is CNN Tonight. I\u2019m Don Lemon. The president of the United States is a racist. A lot of us already knew that,\" he once said at the top of his \"news\" program.\u00a0<\/p>

There are hundreds of other examples of opinion being presented as news, but studies also back up Malone's contention. <\/p>

Harvard University, not exactly a bastion of conservatism, conducted a study in 2017 showing that CNN led the way in covering the first 100 Days of the Trump administration\u00a0negatively. In contrast, Fox News's coverage of the 45th president was 52% negative. And CNN has continued that overwhelming negativity throughout Trump's first term and into his second, unabated.\u00a0<\/p>

Can CNN actually change? We've seen this movie before in 2023 when Warner Bros. Discovery tapped Chris Licht to run the network as the successor to Jeff Zucker. Licht was given a mission: to bring CNN back to a facts-first organization and bring more independents and conservatives into the fold.<\/p>

In May 2023, CNN announced Trump would be attending a\u00a0town hall\u00a0with Kaitlan Collins serving as moderator. Given Trump was a former president and was likely going to be the Republican nominee for a third time, this invite was completely justified.\u00a0Until it wasn't.<\/p>

\u201cThis thing was madness, total madness,\u201d New York Times media reporter and CNN contributor Bill Carter tweeted at the time. \u201cLike giving a microphone to Drunk Uncle and saying: go for it!\u201d <\/p>

\u201cThis is\u00a0CNN\u2019s lowest moment as an organization,\u201d the Atlantic's James Fallows declared.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cTHIS is the 2024 Republican presidential primary,\u201d CNN Senior Media Correspondent Brian Stelter <\/a>wrote. \u201cLook away if you choose, but this is what it\u2019s going to be like. Should news outlets sanitize it or stare it in the face?\u201d <\/p>

How does one \"sanitize\" a live broadcast? Was there a need to sanitize Biden on CNN when he falsely stated he inherited\u00a09% inflation from Trump or that the Covid vaccine prevented infection and death? Of course not.<\/p>

After the Trump town hall, Cooper took it to the extreme by calling Trump's appearance on CNN \"disturbing.\"\u00a0<\/p>

\"I get it. It was disturbing,\" he said directly to viewers.\u00a0\"The man you were so disturbed to see last night, that man is the front-runner for the Republican nomination for president. \"You have every right to be outraged today, angry, and never watch this network again,\u00a0but do you think staying in your silo and only listening to people you agree with is going to make that person go away?\"<\/p>

Cooper was never reprimanded. Licht, however, would be fired less than a month later following a mutiny.<\/p>

With that backdrop, who's to say that CNN under Ellison and Weiss will even come close to accomplishing its mission of \"news that is balanced and fact-based\"? <\/p>

In order for true change to come, CNN will need to undergo the same overhaul as the Indiana Hoosiers college football team. A new coach and his staff were brought in a few years ago. New players out of the portal and recruitment were brought in. IU was the worst Division 1 football program in history two years ago. But its leadership, players, and culture were completely changed, and they miraculously captured the national championship last month.\u00a0<\/p>

KEIR STARMER TAKES ANOTHER LEAP TOWARD POLITICAL OBLIVION<\/a><\/p>

The same goes for CNN. As long as the \"left of center\" culture is prominent, and as long as anchors and hosts believe they can say and do whatever they want, nothing will change. <\/p>

And if the mood of feeling doom and despair following the announcement that Paramount and Ellison will be taking over is any indication, that change will be virtually impossible barring a major internal overhaul.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Trump-CNN.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4468201-1772262000", "title":"First round of March Social Security payments goes out in 11 days", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F4468201%2Ffirst-round-march-social-security-payments-out-in-11-days%2F", "byline":"Asher Notheis", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The first round of March Social Security payments for retirees, now capped at $5,108, will be issued in 11 days. When will payments arrive? Retirees born on or before the 10th of a month will receive this payment on March 11.  The second round will go out on March 18 to those born between the […]", "description":""

The first round of March Social Security payments for retirees, now capped at $5,108, will be issued in 11 days.<\/p>When will payments arrive?

Retirees born on or before the 10th of a month will receive this payment on March 11. <\/p>

The second round will go out on March 18 to those born between the 11th and 20th of a month, and the third round will go out on March 25 to those born on or after the 21st of a month.<\/p>When am I eligible?

Citizens are eligible for Social Security benefits beginning at age 62.<\/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 on a recipient\u2019s retirement age<\/a>. 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 using the SSA\u2019s calculator<\/a>.<\/p>

NICK REINER PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO MURDER OF HIS PARENTS<\/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 the SSA will no longer be able to issue full payments<\/a> as early as 2034, due to a rising number of retirees and a shrinking workforce.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Social-security-money-4-3-e1771875563997.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4469535-1772262000", "title":"April Social Security direct payment worth $994 goes out in 32 days", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F4469535%2Fapril-social-security-direct-payment-worth-994-32-days%2F", "byline":"Asher Notheis", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The April 2026 Supplemental Security Income payments, worth up to $994, will be issued to recipients in 32 days. Beneficiaries are people with limited income who are either blind, aged 65 and older, or have another qualifying disability. The amount beneficiaries receive varies based on several factors, including the number of people filing. For example, […]", "description":""

The April 2026 Supplemental Security Income<\/a> payments, worth up to $994, will be issued to recipients in 32 days.<\/p>

Beneficiaries are people with limited income who are either blind, aged 65 and older, or have another 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 $994, couples filing jointly can receive $1,491, and those providing essential care to SSI recipients can receive up to $498.\u00a0<\/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>

Additionally, recipients 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>

MAMDANI\u2019S ANTI POLICE RHETORIC BLAMED AFTER NYPD OFFICERS GET PELTED WITH SNOWBALLS<\/a><\/p>

SSI payments are typically issued on the first day of each month. When the first day of a month falls on a weekend or holiday, these payments are issued on the last business day of the previous month, as was the case with March\u2019s payment.<\/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\/2026\/02\/Social-Security-Money-7-3-e1771961384380.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4472020-1772262000", "title":"Trump’s deregulatory triumphs and the RFK Jr. problem", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fop-eds%2F4472020%2Ftrump-deregulatory-triumphs-rfk-jr-trouble%2F", "byline":"Jeff Stier", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"In 2024, then-candidate Donald Trump pledged to take a wrecking ball to the regulatory state — promising on Day One to take the “most aggressive regulatory reduction” in history. He followed through shortly after taking office by signing an executive order titled Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation. And recently, the administration announced, perhaps, the single biggest deregulatory […]", "description":""

In 2024, then-candidate Donald Trump pledged to take a wrecking ball to the regulatory state \u2014 promising on Day One<\/a>\u00a0to take the \"most aggressive regulatory reduction\" in history. He followed through shortly after taking office by signing an executive order titled Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation<\/a>.<\/p>

And recently, the administration announced, perhaps, the single biggest deregulatory action in recent memory:\u00a0revoking<\/a>\u00a0the Obama-era Environmental Protection Agency \"Endangerment Finding\" for greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>

Under EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's leadership, the agency's decision is a major step toward undoing the disastrous climate regulations that, for more than a decade, have constrained U.S. energy production and economic development. But the EPA is not alone. Across the federal government, agencies have taken the president's mandate seriously and delivered as promised \u2014 with one notable exception.<\/p>

FDA SLAMMED OVER NEW LOOPHOLE RELAXING ARTIFICIAL FOOD DYE BAN<\/a><\/p>

At the Department of Health and Human Services, something very different is happening. Rather than dismantling the regulatory state, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appears intent on redecorating it.<\/p>

The pattern was on full display recently at the Food and Drug Administration. As the EPA was celebrating its deregulatory victory, the FDA \u2014 without substantive review \u2014 rejected Moderna\u2019s application<\/a> to test its new mRNA flu vaccine. In a rare \u201crefusal-to-file\u201d letter<\/a>, typically reserved for applications lacking critical information, FDA vaccine chief Vinay Prasad argued Moderna\u2019s trial does not meet \u201cthe best-available standard of care.\u201d Then, just days later, the FDA reversed course<\/a> and agreed to review Moderna\u2019s application. Prasad had previously been dismissed from the agency, only to be rehired<\/a>, following his frenetic decision to halt shipments of a potentially life-saving gene therapy treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare and degenerative genetic disorder affecting young boys. Once again, the FDA reversed itself in another example of the agency\u2019s growing propensity for regulatory whiplash.<\/p>

HHS\u2019s determination to swim against the deregulatory current does not stop there. Last September, Kennedy announced<\/a> that HHS, through the FDA, would further tighten its regulatory headlock of the pharmaceutical industry by issuing new restrictions on drug advertising. The trouble for Kennedy is that the First Amendment does not align with his campaign. Drug advertising, which is already heavily regulated, is protected speech and provides meaningful benefits to patients. Yet following the announcement, the FDA issued thousands of warning letters and hundreds of cease-and-desist notices to pharmaceutical companies over ads the agency labeled \u201cdeceptive\u201d and \u201cmisleading.\u201d<\/p>

Appearing on the All-In Podcast\u00a0<\/a>last month, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary outlined how the agency is moving forward to dismantle the \u201cadequate provision\u201d standard, first established in 1969. This standard, dismissed by Makary as a \u201cloophole,\u201d simply allows advertisers to direct consumers to a complete listing of all possible risks rather than recite each one in the advertisement itself. Under the new approach, drug ads would be required to increase \u201cthe amount of information regarding any risks associated with the use of any such prescription drug.\u201d<\/p>

The choice of words \u2014 \u201cany risk\u201d \u2014 is a direct attack on the adequate-provision rule. Until now, advertisers could simply point consumers to a document containing the full list of risks, including remote or highly technical ones relevant only to narrow patient groups.<\/p>

Forcing advertisers to spell out every remote or technical risk would change the nature of these ads entirely, and perhaps that\u2019s the intention. A brief reminder to \u201cask your doctor\u201d becomes a breathless recitation of improbabilities that physicians already review in a far more relevant setting. At that point, the exercise stops being about informing consumers. It becomes a way to make the ads so long, expensive, or unwieldy that they cease to run \u2014 a result the First Amendment does not allow the government to achieve directly.<\/p>

Commercial advertising conveys information the public is entitled to receive, and the Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that the government may not suppress lawful commercial speech simply because it dislikes the message.<\/p>

FIFTEEN BLUE STATES SUE HHS OVER CHILDHOOD VACCINE SCHEDULE<\/a><\/p>

Conservatives should be clear-eyed about what is unfolding at HHS. Under Kennedy, the regulatory state is not shrinking; it\u2019s being repurposed. Every new standard imposed \u2014 whether it\u2019s to block a vaccine trial, override scientific review, or implement new commercial speech controls \u2014 can be wielded by a future progressive administration. Following the precedent Kennedy is setting, one can easily imagine a future EPA administrator banning oil and gas advertising for \"misleading\" the public about the purported dangers of carbon emissions. The regulatory tools Kennedy is building today will not stay in friendly hands forever.<\/p>

Trump's deregulatory vision is the right one. It is time for HHS to get with the program before it\u2019s too late.<\/p>

Jeff Stier is a senior fellow at the Heartland Institute.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AP26007616955451-e1767810830842.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4472865-1772262000", "title":"Trump relies on athletic star power in midterm campaign swings", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F4472865%2Ftrump-athletes-midterm-campaign%2F", "byline":"Mabinty Quarshie", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Fresh off their gold-winning performance against Canada at the Winter Olympics, the U.S. men’s hockey team descended upon the White House still riding the high of the victory. Wearing their gold medals, clips of players touring the White House colonnade spread online. Hours later, the hockey team entered the Capitol as guests of President Donald […]", "description":""

Fresh off their gold-winning performance against Canada at the Winter Olympics,<\/a> the U.S. men\u2019s hockey team descended<\/a> upon the White House still riding the high of the victory.<\/p>

Wearing their gold medals, clips of players touring the White House<\/a> colonnade spread online. Hours later, the hockey team entered the Capitol as guests of President Donald Trump.<\/p>

\"Our country is winning again,\" Trump said as he addressed both chambers of Congress during his State of the Union speech on Tuesday. \u201cIn fact, we're winning so much that we really don't know what to do about it.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cHere with us tonight is a group of winners who just made the entire nation proud: the men's gold medal Olympic hockey team,\u201d Trump said.<\/p>

TRUMP ENDORSEMENT TRACKER: HERE'S WHO THE PRESIDENT HAS PICKED IN GOP MIDTERM ELECTION PRIMARIES<\/a><\/p>

Both Republicans and Democrats stood up to applaud the team in a rare moment of bipartisanship during the speech.<\/p>

But for Trump, it was another instance of tying athletes and celebrities to his administration and its policies ahead of the midterm elections.<\/p>

But the appearance was more than a feel-good celebration. It underscored a broader strategy Trump has leaned into ahead of the midterms: surrounding himself with athletes and celebrities as cultural validators at a time when his approval ratings have slipped among key voter groups.<\/p>

Four days before the U.S. men\u2019s hockey team descended on Washington, University of Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton made a surprise appearance with Trump during his rally in Rome, Georgia, along with another football legend, U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas Herschel Walker.<\/p>

\"Gunner is a big star and a really talented quarterback,\" Trump said. \"But I heard, much more importantly, he\u2019s a Trump fan. So he was standing at the plane.\"<\/p>

Trump's event in the state was meant to show voters they are better off economically with Republicans in control, something the presence of the star Georgia quarterback helps symbolize.<\/p>

Erin Maguire, a GOP operative who has worked on past presidential super PACs, told the Washington Examiner that Trump surrounding himself with athletes and celebrities was about \"cultural alignment.\"<\/p>

\"Sports figures, entertainers, and teams bring audiences that aren\u2019t plugged into political media but are highly engaged elsewhere,\u201d Maguire said. \u201cWhen politics shows up in those spaces, it reaches voters who might otherwise tune campaigns out entirely.\u201d<\/p>

Trump, for his part, is also relying heavily on celebrities. He has recruited rap superstar Nicki Minaj to help sell the administration's \"Trump Accounts\" initiative. In his first trip after delivering the State of the Union, Trump flew down to Corpus Christi, Texas, with actor Dennis Quaid on Air Force One for a speech on energy and the economy.<\/p>

\u201cIf [celebrities] start talking about an issue, especially if other people aren't talking about it, then that issue is going to go on steroids,\u201d said Mark Harvey, a professor at the University of Saint Mary and author of Celebrity Influence: Politics, Persuasion, and Issue-based Advocacy. \u201cThey are better at gaining attention to an issue than most politicians are. Even most presidents are.\u201d<\/p>

However, Harvey cautioned that \u201cresearch isn't super strong\u201d on the effectiveness of campaign surrogates, and some endorsements could lead to backlash.<\/p>

Trump's emphasis on athletes at public events comes as his approval ratings have taken a hit across the board, according to a recent CNN poll<\/a>. Among men, Trump\u2019s approval rating has dropped 14 points from February 2025 to February 2026. Among voters aged 18-34, his approval ratings have dropped 16 points in the same time period. Among Latino voters, his approval ratings dropped 19 points, and among independents, his approval declined 15 points, a major warning sign for the GOP ahead of November.<\/p>

Those poll numbers don't bode well for the midterm elections, and without Trump on the ballot, it will be harder to convince non-MAGA voters to stick with the GOP.\u00a0Celebrities and athletes are not likely to be a Hail Mary for the GOP's midterm fortunes, even Republicans admit, but they could help.<\/p>

\u201cWill celebrity engagement alone change a midterm environment? No, because turnout, the economy, and voter sentiment still drive outcomes,\u201d Maguire said. \u201cBut cultural relevance helps sustain enthusiasm and visibility, which can matter on the margins when campaigns are fighting for attention as much as votes.\"<\/p>

Cultural relevance matters and could last longer than just one election cycle, as Trump well knows.<\/p>

The president first came to prominence as a socialite real estate developer in 1970s New York because of tabloid outlets such as the New York Post. He built upon that brand by starting casinos, writing books, with The Art of the Deal being on the New York Times bestseller list for 48 weeks, and appearing on television. The first season of The Apprentice averaged 20.7 million viewers a week alone.<\/p>

All of that meant that by the time Trump announced his first presidential campaign, he was better known than almost any other Republican running. Trump's 2016 presidential campaign scattered the coalition of both parties, with the GOP building inroads among white, working-class voters who had long voted Democratic, while shedding the white, college-educated vote that had been their mainstay.<\/p>

Harrison Fields, a former White House spokesman, told the Washington Examiner that celebrities and athletes do not just help get attention \u2014 they also give voters the social permission to publicly embrace Trump and his policies.<\/p>

\u201cIt allows people to be like \u2018I'm not really engaged in politics, but it's good to see that linebacker there, it's good to see Nick Saban golfing with the president of the United States,\u2019\" Fields said. \"It allows people to feel comfortable being a conservative, because when they see Brett Favre willing to go on stage, if Brett Favre can go out on stage and support President Trump, then I can too.\"<\/p>

White House spokesman Davis Ingle underscored the sentiment to the Washington Examiner, saying that \u201ceveryone who wants to Make America Great Again \u2013 from celebrities to everyday American patriots \u2013 are welcome in this historic political movement that President Donald Trump is leading.\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-collage-08qgn36u8-1772223640684-e1772224355287.jpg?1772205791&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474464-1772262000", "title":"RFK Jr.’s vaccine crusade put critical program and public health in danger", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F4474464%2Frfk-jr-vaccine-crusade-endanger-critical-program-public-health%2F", "byline":"Ross Marchand", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is determined to expand his unprecedented assault on healthcare and patient choice. He’s already played dangerous games with vaccine access and made it more difficult for Americans to access lifesaving drugs. His latest target is a program that has long protected patients by spurring the development of vaccines that banish once-deadly […]", "description":""

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.<\/a> is determined to expand his unprecedented assault on healthcare and patient choice. He\u2019s already played\u00a0dangerous\u00a0games<\/a>\u00a0with vaccine access<\/a> and\u00a0made it more difficult<\/a>\u00a0for Americans to access lifesaving drugs.<\/p>

His latest target is a program that has long protected patients by spurring the development of vaccines that banish once-deadly ailments. The Trump administration<\/a> should put an end to this travesty and embrace choice and innovation.<\/p>

It\u2019s no secret that Kennedy has\u00a0nothing but contempt<\/a>\u00a0for the\u00a0Vaccine Injury Compensation Program<\/a>,\u00a0which protects vaccines from eradication by litigation. He\u2019s\u00a0called\u00a0VICP \u201cbroken\u201d<\/a> and has accused it without evidence of \u201cfail[ing] its mission.\u201d Kennedy\u00a0recently fired four of the nine members <\/a>of the Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccinations\u00a0and is poised to replace them with vaccine skeptics with deep connections to the trial bar. This new ACCV is all but certain to weaken VICP and overwhelm it, with the ultimate goal of destroying it.\u00a0<\/p>

FIFTEEN BLUE STATES SUE HHS OVER CHILDHOOD VACCINE SCHEDULE<\/a><\/p>

To gauge the impact of these likely changes, it\u2019s critical to understand how VICP operates. The program was\u00a0established by legislation<\/a>\u00a0in 1986 to mitigate the effects of liability on vaccine development<\/a>. This was in response to litigation-driven shortages of lifesaving vaccines. An analysis by North Dakota State University<\/a>\u00a0describes\u00a0the dire pre-VICP state of affairs: \u201clow profit margins and lawsuits related to vaccine safety led several manufacturers to withdraw their [diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus] vaccines from the market. The price of DPT vaccine skyrocketed \u2026 By the end of 1985, only one company was still manufacturing pertussis vaccine in the U.S.\u201d<\/p>

The program has proven to be the most effective way to preserve vaccine availability and affordability for all Americans, while ensuring victims of vaccine injuries are fairly compensated. In fact, VICP has awarded $5.2 billion<\/a> since the program began accepting claims in 1988, with nearly all of that money going directly to claimants.<\/p>

For years, the VICP\u00a0has been overwhelmed<\/a>\u00a0by an uptick in claims, to the extent that many\u00a0are denied, dismissed, or see significant delays<\/a>. The problem is clearly not that VICP does not handle enough types of claims, as Kennedy\u00a0seems to believe<\/a>. Rather, the program was never designed to handle massive and unreasonable expansions, particularly those that broaden the\u00a0Vaccine Injury Table<\/a>\u00a0to cover unsubstantiated conditions. Even modest increases in claims will break an already fragile system.<\/p>

If Kennedy and his hand-picked acolytes on ACCV get their way and expand the Vaccine Injury Table further, VICP will go bankrupt and enable a windfall for trial lawyers, while victims are left with mere pennies.<\/p>

Kennedy and his\u00a0trial-lawyer friends<\/a>\u00a0envision a system in which VICP is overwhelmed by cases, pushing more claims into civil court. One particular proposal<\/a>\u00a0envisions\u00a0swamping VICP by adding costly and unfounded autism-related claims to the system.<\/p>

The question over whether to consider autism as a \u201ctable injury<\/a>\u201d \u2014 a health condition found to be caused by vaccines and eligible for a VICP payout \u2014 is not a new one. In the early 2000s, VICP\u00a0addressed\u00a0more than 5,000 autism-related petitions<\/a> by consolidating them into a handful of test cases for consideration. Years of study, testimony, and submitted evidence yielded a clear result: vaccines do not cause autism. As U.S. Court of Federal Claims Special Master Daniel T. Horner\u00a0noted<\/a>\u00a0in more recent proceedings, petitioners in the test cases, as well as follow-on individual cases, argued separate theories of causation but invariably came up short in the evidence department. That\u2019s not much of a surprise given that the link between autism and vaccines has been\u00a0extensively studied and debunked<\/a>\u00a0by scientists.<\/p>

MIKE LEE AND RAND PAUL AIM TO REPEAL VACCINE MAKER LIABILITY SHIELD<\/a><\/p>

Reversing this carefully thought-out precedent would be exceptionally costly for taxpayers and consumers. As University of Pennsylvania legal scholar Peter Grossi notes<\/a>, \u201cthe economic burden on the VICP of just one year of the most serious autism cases would likely total more than $30 billion\u2014more than 100 times the program\u2019s annual revenues. And because such claims could be submitted by those diagnosed within the last three years, the program could be faced with an immediate docket consisting of claims totaling nearly $100 billion.\u201d This would almost certainly bankrupt the system, leading to the pre-VICP status quo of disruptive litigation that bankrupted vaccine manufacturers and disrupted supplies<\/a>.<\/p>

Kennedy\u2019s latest ideological crusade would be great for trial lawyers, but terrible for millions of patients who depend on lifesaving vaccines. Americans deserve a legal system that works for them and fosters patient choice.<\/p>

Ross Marchand is the executive director of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AP25247666729767.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474625-1772262000", "title":"‘El Mencho’ killing exposes rupture in Mexico’s sovereignty posture", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F4474625%2Fel-mencho-killing-rupture-mexico-sovereignty-posture%2F", "byline":"Alicia Galvan Lopez", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Feb. 22 was not a routine operation. It was an X-ray into the nature of power in Mexico. That’s the day the Mexican army killed Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes — the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel — and six others. The operation did not merely reveal the operational capacity of the state. […]", "description":""

Feb. 22 was not a routine operation. It was an X-ray into the nature of power in Mexico<\/a>. That\u2019s the day the Mexican army killed Nemesio \u201cEl Mencho\u201d Oseguera Cervantes<\/a> \u2014 the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel<\/a> \u2014 and six others.<\/p>

The operation did not merely reveal the operational capacity of the state. It revealed its limits. It exposed the architecture of organized crime. And, above all, it exposed a vacuum of political leadership at the most delicate moment.<\/p>

Mexico is not confronting a single cartel<\/a>. It is confronting a criminal system. For more than three decades, multiple structures have coexisted, with their own internal dynamics, rivalries, and varying degrees of political penetration. Those include CJNG, the Sinaloa Cartel, the Gulf Cartel, Michoacan-based organizations, and, at one point, Los Zetas. These are not conspiracies between the state and crime, but rather tolerated instances, calculated ruptures, and accommodations that for years sustained a fragile stability.<\/p>

WHAT DOES THE KILLING OF \u2018EL MENCHO\u2019 MEAN FOR MEXICO?<\/a><\/p>

Under the old regime, crime did not disappear \u2014 it was managed. But with the fragmentation of political power, that equilibrium broke down. What emerged was not a clean war between the state and crime, but competition among structures that learned to operate with territorial autonomy.<\/p>

Within that landscape, the Sinaloa Cartel <\/a>represented the logic of accommodation for years. Jalisco represented rupture. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel did not inherit the equilibrium \u2014 it challenged it. It grew by confronting the state, not accommodating it.<\/p>

And that distinction matters.<\/p>

In 2020, a CJNG commando unit attempted to assassinate<\/a> Secretary of Public Security Omar Garcia Harfuch in the nation\u2019s capital. It was not a minor or symbolic attack. It was a militarized ambush carried out in broad daylight in one of Mexico City\u2019s most affluent and heavily guarded areas. The attackers used .50 caliber Barrett rifles \u2014 weaponry designed to pierce armored vehicles \u2014 alongside assault rifles. Dozens of rounds were fired within minutes, striking the official's vehicle repeatedly and leaving several people dead and wounded. It was not an improvised attempt; it was a planned operation aimed at executing a senior state official in the political and economic heart of the country.<\/p>

The message was unmistakable: The cartel could challenge the state where it was presumed to be most secure.<\/p>

Harfuch survived. And in security policy, such events are not archived \u2014 they become institutional memory. Today, he leads the security strategy of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum\u2019s<\/a> government. He is not a distant observer of the conflict; he was a direct target of the organization he now confronts. This is not anecdotal. It is structural.<\/p>

From a tactical standpoint, the Feb. 22 operation was flawless. It was a high-precision intelligence operation, planned under strict compartmentalization to avoid leaks in an environment where institutional infiltration is not hypothetical but structural. Coordination was selective, execution was surgical, and the objective was achieved.<\/p>

That outcome is significant. It is the product of years of professionalization, discipline, and sacrifice by Mexico\u2019s armed forces. In a country where civilian institutions have been eroded by decades of criminal penetration, it has often been the military that has assumed \u2014 frequently alone \u2014 the responsibility of confronting criminal structures that outmatch local police forces in weaponry, resources, and territorial control. Their work deserves recognition. And so do those who have fallen in such operations. Every high-impact operation carries a human cost. Every incursion against criminal structures entails real risk. The soldiers and marines who participate do so under the conviction that they serve the state and protect the population. That commitment must be acknowledged.<\/p>

Reaching the objective was an operational success. But the challenge began immediately afterward<\/a>.<\/p>

The criminal response<\/a> was neither spontaneous nor chaotic. It was structured. Within hours, road blockades appeared across multiple municipalities in different states. Vehicles were strategically set on fire along key highways. Major roadways were deliberately disrupted. Local cartel cells were activated<\/a> simultaneously. This was not emotional retaliation \u2014 it was a demonstration of capacity.<\/p>

The number of affected municipalities and the scale of the blockades revealed something deeper: The organization does not merely possess territorial presence \u2014 it has contingency protocols. It has mid-level chains of command that function under pressure. It has operational communications capable of coordinating parallel actions. This was not improvisation. It was a deployment.<\/p>

The state executed a surgical strike at a specific point. Crime responded with broad territorial activation. That distinction is crucial. The first was precision. The second was the projection of power.<\/p>

What we witnessed was not simply reactive violence; it was a strategic signal \u2014 a message directed both at the state and at the public: The structure remains intact, the capacity for disruption continues, and the organization can alter normalcy within hours.<\/p>

This confirms what political discourse often avoids acknowledging: Organized crime in Mexico is not a fragmented gang dependent on a single visible leader. It is an architecture with nodes, regional hierarchies, disciplined mid-level command, and national coordination capacity.<\/p>

BELTWAY CONFIDENTIAL: EL MENCHO FALLS, SHEINBAUM NEEDS TO ACT<\/a><\/p>

And that architecture, confronted with a targeted state operation, demonstrated resilience.<\/p>

But the most troubling dimension was not the criminal response \u2014 it was the political response.<\/p>

For years, official discourse in Mexico has revolved around sovereignty. Former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador<\/a> insisted that Mexico would not permit foreign interference<\/a>. Sovereignty was presented as an ideological shield. Direct U.S. cooperation within Mexican territory was treated as political heresy.<\/p>

Sheinbaum herself defended a strategy of containment<\/a>, arguing that frontal confrontation would only generate more violence.<\/p>

And yet, on Feb. 22, the Mexican government acknowledged direct cooperation from the United States<\/a>.<\/p>

Not only that, the initial narrative came from Washington. The White House<\/a> spoke first. The U.S. Embassy confirmed cooperation before Mexico had clearly articulated its own position.<\/p>

Meanwhile, the president of Mexico was not in a command center coordinating the operation in real time. She was at a political rally in another state. When questioned, she responded that the Security Cabinet would provide information later. During the critical hours, there was no visible public leadership from the executive branch. The Cabinet spoke that night \u2014 the president reappeared the following day.<\/p>

In other words, during one of the most significant blows against one of the country\u2019s most powerful criminal structures, the political leadership was not visible.<\/p>

And this is where the discussion becomes uncomfortable.<\/p>

For years, sovereignty was invoked in relation to Washington<\/a>. But sovereignty is not rhetorical defiance toward allies. Sovereignty is the exercise of authority over those who control territories, illicit economies, and communities through fear.<\/p>

International cooperation is not the problem. The question is different: Where was the clear assertion of sovereignty against organized crime at the decisive moment?<\/p>

Sovereignty is not defended merely by rejecting external pressure. It is exercised when the state takes control of the narrative, the command, and the strategic direction.<\/p>

Feb. 22 left a troubling image: an effective operation, a structured criminal response, and a political leadership absent in real time.<\/p>

If the strategic narrative began in Washington rather than in Mexico City, the question is not ideological \u2014 it is structural. Is Washington influencing Mexico\u2019s security strategy?<\/p>

OPINION: EL MENCHO AND TRUMP\u2019S OPPORTUNITY IN MEXICO<\/a><\/p>

Or is it simply occupying a vacuum that Mexico\u2019s political leadership chose not to fill?<\/p>

That is the real rupture Feb. 22 revealed.<\/p>

Alicia Galvan Lopez is a fellow for U.S.-Mexico Relations at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MixCollage-27-Feb-2026-02-36-PM-3445.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4451031-1772258400", "title":"Make healthy choices easier", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F4451031%2Fmake-healthy-choices-easier-dietary-guidelines%2F", "byline":"Nan Hayworth", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans send an unmistakable message: Added sugar has no place in a healthy diet. For policymakers and health professionals, that guidance is long overdue. For everyday people, however, the real question is not whether sugar should be reduced — but how. Public health efforts often fail when they demand perfection. […]", "description":""

The latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans<\/a> send an unmistakable message: Added sugar has no place in a healthy diet. For policymakers and health professionals, that guidance is long overdue. For everyday people, however, the real question is not whether sugar should be reduced \u2014 but how.<\/p>

Public health<\/a> efforts often fail when they demand perfection. Americans are repeatedly told to eliminate entire categories of food, only to abandon those plans weeks later. A more effective approach focuses on substitution rather than sacrifice, meeting people where they are and giving them tools that make healthier choices realistic over the long term.<\/p>

Sugar alternatives, including Splenda, fit squarely into that model. Sucralose is roughly 600 times sweeter than sugar, meaning far less is needed to achieve the same taste. When used in place of sugar, it allows consumers to significantly cut added sugar without changing what they eat or drink. That kind of practical adjustment makes sustained behavior change far easier.<\/p>

New clinical evidence reinforces this common-sense approach. A large, long-term randomized trial published in Nature Metabolism<\/a>, known as the SWEET study, compared diets that included sugar with diets that replaced sugar using non-sugar sweeteners such as sucralose. Over more than a year, participants who substituted sugar experienced better weight outcomes and improvements in gut health \u2014 an increasingly important marker of overall metabolic health.<\/p>

As a physician with a family history of diabetes, these findings align with what I see in real-world patient care. People succeed when dietary guidance respects human behavior. Completely abstaining from sweets is challenging and is seldom effective. Smart and moderate substitution is far likelier to succeed.<\/p>

The peer-reviewed SWEET study also helps correct lingering misconceptions. For years, consumers were warned that sucralose might disrupt gut bacteria \u2014 a claim rooted largely in an outdated animal study that has since been questioned by the journal that published it. Human clinical data now tell a different story: Replacing sugar with non-sugar sweeteners can support both weight management and gut health.<\/p>

This matters at a national level. Obesity affects nearly 90 million Americans, and diabetes continues to drive healthcare costs, disability, and lost productivity. Reducing sugar intake is one of the most effective levers we have to reverse those trends, but only if people can realistically follow the guidance.<\/p>

That\u2019s where sugar alternatives offer value. Much like nicotine replacement helped millions move away from smoking, sugar substitutes can help people transition away from excessive sugar consumption without an all-or-nothing mandate. It\u2019s a harm-reduction strategy rooted in choice, not coercion.<\/p>

The growing MAHA<\/a> movement is right to focus on diet as a cornerstone of national strength. Leaders across government, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, have emphasized the need to rein in sugar consumption. Non-sugar sweeteners give people a way to act on that advice without turning healthy eating into an exercise in deprivation.<\/p>

Kennedy has advocated that if you are going to eat French fries \u2014 not the healthiest snack \u2014 they should at least be fried in fat that is less processed than certain seed oils. If people embrace sugar alternatives such as stevia and sucralose to reduce refined sugar intake, then they will lower their blood sugar, decrease their chances of diabetes, and go a long way toward better health.<\/p>

WE FLIPPED THE FOOD PYRAMID: HERE'S WHY<\/a><\/p>

For patients managing diabetes, families watching their weight, and anyone trying to align daily habits with the new dietary guidelines, sugar-free sweeteners like sucralose are a practical tool. The science is increasingly clear, and the logic is straightforward: Making healthier choices easier is how we achieve lasting results.<\/p>

Reducing sugar doesn\u2019t require taking sweetness out of life. It requires smarter options \u2014 and the freedom to use them.<\/p>

Dr. Nan Hayworth is a board-certified ophthalmologist and former member of Congress from New York.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1626-ERF-04-e1770660405107.png?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4472152-1772258400", "title":"US energy dominance keeps beating Russia, Iran, and Venezuela. It can beat China, too", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F4472152%2Fus-energy-dominance-can-beat-china%2F", "byline":"Chris Johnson", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"For decades, American oil and natural gas dominance quietly rewired global geopolitics. By flooding markets with reliable, affordable energy, America undercut the leverage of petro-states such as Iran, Russia, and Venezuela. To confront the global threat of China, we must repeat that success — not just with oil and gas, but with nuclear power, renewables, […]", "description":""

For decades, American oil and natural gas<\/a> dominance quietly rewired global geopolitics. By flooding markets with reliable, affordable energy, America undercut the leverage of petro-states such as Iran, Russia, and Venezuela. To confront the global threat of China<\/a>, we must repeat that success \u2014 not just with oil and gas, but with nuclear power,<\/a> renewables, and the critical minerals that fuel them.<\/p>

Because when America produces energy in abundance, our adversaries lose power.<\/p>

It just happened again in President Donald Trump\u2019s<\/a>\u00a0recently announced\u00a0trade deal with India<\/a>.\u00a0Prime Minister Narendra Modi<\/a> not only agreed to purchase U.S. energy but also to stop buying oil from Russia. America will get a windfall of profits, Russia will lose funding for its war machine in Ukraine, and India will move even closer into the American orbit.\u00a0<\/p>

INDIA AGREES TO STOP BUYING RUSSIAN OIL AS TRADE DEAL REACHED WITH US<\/a><\/p>

This deal with India<\/a> was only possible because the innovative shale revolution overcame fears of \u201cpeak oil\u201d and unlocked vast new reserves of American oil and gas. This surge in production lowered gas prices at home and broke the cartel logic of global energy markets. OPEC could no longer manipulate the global economy with a word. After Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine, Europe<\/a> was able to reduce its dependence on Russian energy because of American liquefied natural gas exports. Iran\u2019s oil leverage weakened as global supply diversified, leaving the regime weaker than ever before. And Venezuela\u2019s political power collapsed when oil revenues vanished.<\/p>

We can apply this same pressure to China, but with a twist. Like our adversaries before, China is an energy powerhouse. However, its power is not rooted in oil and gas, but the energy industries of the future: nuclear, solar, batteries, and the mining and processing of critical minerals<\/a>. While the United States was engaged in partisan bickering, treating clean energy as a climate hobby instead of a strategic weapon, Beijing has been executing a plan to achieve geopolitical dominance through next-gen energy generation.<\/p>

That dominance is starting to show. Today, China controls\u00a0over 80%<\/a>\u00a0of global solar panel manufacturing, dominates lithium, cobalt, and graphite processing, and is racing ahead in nuclear supply chains. Over 10 years, from 2014 to 2023, China\u2019s nuclear power capacity\u00a0nearly tripled<\/a>.<\/p>

As nuclear and renewable energy decline in cost and the world continues to diversify its energy sources, China will come out further and further ahead. Instead of beating America in a head-to-head race on oil and gas, it is outflanking us with new energy technologies.<\/p>

To regain position, the U.S. must counter China\u2019s growing energy influence by dominating the nuclear and renewable industries, just as we did with oil and gas.<\/p>

Let\u2019s start with nuclear<\/a>.<\/p>

Nuclear, including easy-to-deploy small modular reactors, provides clean, constant energy that can be co-located with industry. Unfortunately, the U.S. spent decades winding down nuclear plants instead of putting more online. The Trump administration has reversed this negative trend<\/a> by accelerating nuclear approval and deployment. We should build on these successes.<\/p>

It takes roughly\u00a011 years<\/a>\u00a0to build a nuclear reactor in the U.S., not because of construction time, but because of overly aggressive permitting and regulatory requirements. We need a new regulatory paradigm, including a standardized approval process and pathway designed for repeatable, factory-built systems. Of course, safety must remain paramount, but regulation should enable production, not kill projects with needless bureaucratic foot-dragging.<\/p>

Likewise, the new Energy Dominance Fund is essential, helping bridge the gap between early deployment of nuclear and other energy tech and mass production. The private sector is wary of investing in new energy projects with high up-front costs and years of delays. Well-managed public support can help bring projects online, not only generating a return for the taxpayers but also increasing our production capacity.<\/p>

In addition, we must pursue renewables just as aggressively. Solar and storage are not inherently Chinese technologies. They became Chinese because Beijing subsidized manufacturing, ignored environmental standards in both mining and manufacturing, used forced labor, and crushed competitors. For years, Washington<\/a> responded with climate symbolism, allowing China to pose as a green energy<\/a> champion even while it wrecked the environment. Our trade policy should reverse course by punishing environmental laggards with pollution tariffs rather than assuming the status quo is inevitable.<\/p>

Along with updating trade policy, we need much less empty climate rhetoric and a much more aggressive energy industrial policy. That starts with building supply chains at home: mining lithium, copper, and rare earths domestically; processing them domestically; and manufacturing panels, turbines, reactors, and batteries domestically. The U.S. government\u2019s\u00a0multibillion-dollar deal<\/a>\u00a0to resurrect the Mountain Pass rare earth mine was a great move, as were the administration\u2019s mineral access\u00a0deals<\/a>\u00a0with nations around the world.<\/p>

OPINION: CHINA\u2019S MINERAL MONOPOLY IS PUTTING OUR NATIONAL SECURITY AT RISK<\/a><\/p>

We can\u2019t delay. Beijing doesn\u2019t play by traditional rules. It integrates state planning, industrial execution, and geopolitical ambition, aggressively advancing nuclear and renewable energy as tools of power projection. But by unleashing the full power of the U.S. government and private sector, we can retake the lead.<\/p>

American oil and gas dominance helped us overcome our adversaries of the last 50 years. If we dominate the future of energy, we will outcompete China for the next 50.<\/p>

Chris Johnson is president and co-founder of the American Energy Leadership Institute, a conservative energy policy research and advocacy organization working to ensure America leads and dominates the 21st century.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/AP25352724161828.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474305-1772258400", "title":"Liberals’ dishonest claim of ‘racial profiling’ in immigration enforcement", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Frestoring-america%2Ffairness-justice%2F4474305%2Fliberals-dishonest-claim-racial-profile-immigration-enforcement%2F", "byline":"Hans von Spakovsky", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"One of the most dishonest claims being made by liberals such as Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) is that the Department of Homeland Security is engaged in “racial profiling” in its enforcement of federal immigration laws. Reps. Sylvia Garcia and Rep. Al Green, both Texas Democrats, also claim that Immigration and Customs Enforcement is racially profiling residents in the greater Houston area.   The overwhelming majority of immigrants who came into the country […]", "description":""

One of the most dishonest claims being made by liberals\u00a0such as\u00a0Sen.\u00a0Dick Durbin<\/a>\u00a0(D-IL) is that the\u00a0Department of Homeland Security<\/a>\u00a0is\u00a0engaged<\/a>\u00a0in \u201cracial profiling\u201d in its enforcement of federal\u00a0immigration<\/a>\u00a0laws.<\/p>

Reps. Sylvia Garcia and Rep. Al Green, both Texas Democrats, also\u00a0claim<\/a>\u00a0that\u00a0Immigration and Customs Enforcement<\/a>\u00a0is racially profiling residents in the greater Houston area.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

The overwhelming majority of\u00a0immigrants\u00a0who came into the country illegally are Hispanic, including the huge numbers that poured in during the\u00a0Biden administration<\/a>\u00a0from Mexico. So what do Durbin, Garcia, and Green expect?\u00a0Is it\u00a0that a majority of illegal\u00a0immigrants\u00a0found and detained by ICE would\u00a0not\u00a0be\u00a0Hispanic<\/a>?\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

When ICE agents are enforcing deportation orders issued by immigration judges, do these elected officials expect ICE agents to sift through those orders by race or refuse to enforce those orders?\u00a0Do they want agents to set up some type of racial quota system to address their alleged concerns about racial profiling?\u00a0Because if that is the case, the majority of illegal\u00a0immigrants\u00a0deported will\u00a0still\u00a0be Hispanic.<\/p>

The refusal of opponents to immigration enforcement to recognize plain reality is either a sign of unbelievable ignorance or deliberate falsehoods. It is designed to inflame the public and encourage harassment and intimidation of federal agents who are doing their duty to enforce the law. It is, of course, most likely pure political grandstanding.<\/p>

Want some numbers?\u00a0The Pew Research Center recently issued a\u00a0report<\/a>\u00a0with numbers through 2023 of the \u201cunauthorized immigrant population\u201d (i.e., illegal\u00a0immigrants).\u00a0According to Pew, the number of illegal\u00a0immigrants\u00a0in our country from Mexico \u2014 \u201cthe country where the most\u201d illegal\u00a0immigrants\u00a0in the U.S. are from \u2014 was 4.3 million in 2023.\u00a0That accounts for roughly 30% of the illegal\u00a0immigration\u00a0population in the country.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

And what are the next three countries with the largest illegal\u00a0immigration\u00a0populations in the country?\u00a0 Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras: all countries labeled as \u201cHispanic\u201d by liberal race counters.<\/p>

Out of the 14 million illegal\u00a0immigrants\u00a0that Pew estimated are in the\u00a0United States,\u00a010.3 million are from Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.\u00a0So, yes, a large majority of the\u00a0immigrants\u00a0that ICE is going to target are going to be Hispanic since they represent an overwhelming majority of those who evaded our border controls to smuggle themselves into the U.S.<\/p>

By the way, another 2.475 million are from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.\u00a0That means that, according to the skin colors that liberal racists think are so important, people of color account for 12.825 million of the 14 million illegal\u00a0immigrants\u00a0in the country.<\/p>

The racial profiling claim made about Houston by\u00a0Reps.\u00a0Garcia and Green is particularly galling given that Texas, which borders Mexico, has been on the\u00a0front lines\u00a0of huge waves of Hispanics crossing the border into the Lone Star State.\u00a0Did they miss all of the news videos filmed during the Biden administration showing thousands of, yes, Hispanics, wading across the Rio Grande to enter their state?<\/p>

In 2023, according to Pew, Texas had the second-largest population of\u00a0illegal immigrants, 2.1 million, just behind California.\u00a0And Texas was also second in terms of the \u201cbiggest growth\u201d in its illegal\u00a0immigrant\u00a0population from 2021 to 2023.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

Where do Garcia and Green think all those\u00a0immigrants\u00a0came from? Germany and France?\u00a0Canada and Denmark?\u00a0They came from Mexico and Central and South America, in a smuggling pipeline that led through Mexico from the Southern Hemisphere into the U.S.<\/p>

The dishonesty of these claims is obvious.\u00a0They are an insult to the character of the men and women of federal law enforcement who are doing tough jobs while being attacked and harassed by mobs, mobs being encouraged by politicians\u00a0such as\u00a0Durbin, Garcia, and Green.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

RESISTANCE OBSESSED LIBERALS WALTZ INTO TRUMP'S TRAP<\/a><\/p>

False claims of racism are used by charlatans to disguise their true motivations and intentions, which in this case, are to stop enforcement of immigration laws and permanently ensconce an illegal population that liberals think will help them retain and expand their political power.<\/p>

Hans von Spakovsky is a\u00a0senior\u00a0legal\u00a0fellow\u00a0at the Edwin Meese III Institute for the Rule of Law at Advancing American Freedom.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AP26008649787337.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474428-1772258400", "title":"For click-hungry Vance, fraud czar is a perfect fit", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Frestoring-america%2Ffairness-justice%2F4474428%2Fjd-vance-fraud-czar-perfect-fit%2F", "byline":"Ian Haworth", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Before even the looming midterm elections, people are looking forward to 2028. According to the RealClearPolitics polling averages, Vice President JD Vance unsurprisingly leads the pack, with Donald Trump Jr. somewhat inexplicably in second place. But it’s far from a done deal. In fact, some trends suggest that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is […]", "description":""

Before even the looming midterm elections<\/a>, people are looking forward to 2028. According to the RealClearPolitics polling averages<\/a>, Vice President JD Vance<\/a> unsurprisingly leads the pack, with Donald Trump Jr. somewhat inexplicably in second place. But it\u2019s far from a done deal. In fact, some trends suggest that Secretary of State Marco Rubio<\/a>, who is practically running the federal government at this point, is on the rise, and that Vance is either plateauing or starting to dip.<\/p>

This is why many people saw Vance\u2019s latest appointment as a poisoned chalice, not unlike Kamala Harris<\/a>\u2019s doomed \u201cborder czar\u201d task.<\/p>

Condemning \u201cthe kind of corruption that shreds the fabric of a nation\u201d during his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump took a break from raking in the crypto cash from the United Arab Emirates to announce a \u201cwar on fraud to be led by our great vice president, JD Vance.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cHe'll get it done,\u201d Trump said<\/a>. \"And if we're able to find enough of that fraud, we will actually have a balanced budget overnight. It'll go very quickly. That's the kind of money you're talking about.\"<\/p>

Now, it\u2019s often the case that jobs given to vice presidents are designed to keep them busy and keep them out of the way. But this could actually work in Vance\u2019s favor, because it fits with his brand, providing him with a possibly endless slew of PR wins tailor-made for social media without the need or expectation of any policy changes.<\/p>

After all, pointing to the problem and making a loud noise is all we expect from our politicians these days. Finding fraud in the U.S. government is about as easy as finding a Ukraine flag or a BLM logo in a woke neighborhood.<\/p>

Let\u2019s remember how the Trump administration responded to a viral \u201creport\u201d on alleged Somali fraud<\/a> in Minneapolis: It mobilized thousands of immigration enforcement agents and unleashed them on the state of Minnesota before fecklessly retreating in response to the inevitable anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement backlash. It was all about clickbait then, and it\u2019ll be all about clickbait now.<\/p>

And guess what? They\u2019re heading straight back to Minnesota, with Vance, alongside Dr. Mehmet Oz, who, you may have forgotten, is the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, announcing<\/a> that the administration would \u201ctemporarily halt\u201d Medicaid funding for the state. Cue the clicks! Cue the outrage! Cue more clicks!<\/p>

TRUMP NEEDS CONGRESS IF HE WANTS TO KEEP HIS TARIFF REGIME<\/a><\/p>

For Vance, attention is all that matters here, especially as he mimics Trump with his absurd claim<\/a> that \u201cnobody has ever tried to take a systematic look at how much fraud there is in the federal government.\u201d Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency might have something to say about that.<\/p>

For a candidate who cares about two things and two things only, staying on Trump\u2019s good side and winning the nomination in 2028, this might work out just fine.<\/p>

Ian Haworth is a syndicated columnist. You can find his work on Substack<\/a>.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26056064653865.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474632-1772258400", "title":"A welcome AfD court ruling for German democracy", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fbeltway-confidential%2F4474632%2Fwelcome-afd-court-ruling-german-democracy%2F", "byline":"Ani Chkhikvadze", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"A German court has rightly blocked the country’s domestic intelligence service from continuing to brand the Alternative für Deutschland (Alternative for Germany) party a “right-wing extremist” organization. Otherwise lawfully operating political movements, however distasteful, must be confronted through argument and competition rather than through a ban. If not, you don’t have a true democracy. A […]", "description":""

A German <\/a>court has rightly blocked the country's domestic intelligence service from continuing to brand the Alternative f\u00fcr Deutschland (Alternative for Germany) party a \"right-wing extremist\" organization.<\/p>

Otherwise lawfully operating political movements, however distasteful, must be confronted through argument and competition rather than through a ban. If not, you don't have a true democracy. A free marketplace of ideas remains the most powerful mechanism for exposing bad arguments and marginalizing those who peddle them.<\/p>

Germany's desire to police the boundary of political discourse is understandable. The Basic Law, adopted in 1949 in the long shadow of the Third Reich, grants the state sweeping powers to dissolve parties that threaten the democratic order. Only two have ever been banned, both in the 1950s. The swastika, the Hitler salute, and the SS motto \"Alles f\u00fcr Deutschland\" (\"everything for Germany\")\u00a0have all been criminal offenses under\u00a0the\u00a0criminal code for decades. And yet Neo-Nazis have simply adapted. They marched under the old Imperial flag, adopted the Black Sun and the Algiz rune,\u00a0and built networks that the intelligence services estimated as having 24,000 active extremists in 2019.<\/p>

The American model, for all its imperfections, offers a more durable template. <\/p>

The United States has tolerated the existence of the Ku Klux Klan for over a century. It has allowed the American Nazi Party, the Aryan Nations, and dozens of white supremacist hate groups to operate on the fringes of its politics. Instead of focusing on speech and political organization, the U.S. prosecutes individuals who commit crimes and turn violent. It also enforces civil rights legislation and allows cultural and political debate. The Klan was defeated by the courage of the Civil Rights movement and by a society that openly rejected its ideology.<\/p>

Germany should draw from this wisdom. Slapping a state-sanctioned label on a party that won over 20% of the vote and 152 seats in the Bundestag parliament in the last election achieves the opposite of its intended purpose. It gives the AfD exactly the narrative it craves. Prohibition has a long history of making the prohibited more attractive.<\/p>

The targeting has also made the AfD subject of otherwise undue admiration among prominent American right-wing figures. Elon Musk declared that \u201conly the AfD can save Germany,\u201d and Steve Bannon has long championed the party. Vice President JD Vance met the leader of AfD, Alice Weidel, in Munich in February 2025. These Americans fail to recognize that the party they champion is, at its ideological core, profoundly anti-American. Weidel has described Germans as a \"slave\" of the U.S. Other senior party members have long expressed opinions presenting the U.S. as oppressing Germany. The party far prefers Moscow to Washington.<\/p>

THE EPSTEIN IMPASSE<\/a><\/p>

In Germany, the AfD has been empowered on the back of genuine grievances: uncontrolled immigration, suffocating bureaucracy, EU overreach, and economic stagnation. These are real problems that mainstream German parties have been slow to address. But the current Chancellor Friedrich Merz may have the answer. Merz has admitted the AfD's support is driven overwhelmingly by the migration question and that once this is brought under control, the party will shrink back to the margins.<\/p>

Until then, Germany will keep learning that free societies do not win by deciding which ideas their citizens are permitted to hear. They win by producing better ideas. The Cologne court has upheld that principle. Now it falls to Germany's politicians to prove it was worth upholding.<\/p>

<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/AP25054682376219-1.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474863-1772258400", "title":"Cassidy’s crossroads: Trump nominee presents latest challenge for GOP senator", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2Fcongressional%2F4474863%2Ftrump-nominee-presents-latest-challenge-for-cassidy%2F", "byline":"Ramsey Touchberry", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) is facing his latest dilemma over President Donald Trump’s nominees, this time with the candidate for surgeon general, as the fate of his political future draws near. The Senate health committee chairman is wrestling with Casey Means’ quest to become the nation’s next top doctor over her vaccine views, just as he did before supporting […]", "description":""

Sen. Bill Cassidy<\/a> (R-LA) is facing his latest dilemma over President Donald Trump's<\/a> nominees, this\u00a0time\u00a0with the\u00a0candidate for surgeon general<\/a>, as the fate of his political future draws near.<\/p>

The Senate health committee chairman is wrestling with Casey Means'<\/a>\u00a0quest to become the nation's next top doctor over her vaccine views, just as he did before supporting her ally, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.<\/a>, despite deep misgivings over the health and human services secretary's vaccine stances. But now, the prospect of Trump's endorsement no longer hangs over Cassidy.<\/p>

\u201cAt this point, Bill Cassidy owes Donald Trump nothing,\u201d said Jason Roe<\/a>, a veteran Republican strategist who worked for the presidential campaigns of Mitt Romney and Marco Rubio. \u201cThere's no reward for standing by the president on a controversial vote.\u201d<\/p>

Cassidy, recently passed over by Trump for Rep. Julia Letlow (R-LA) in a contested primary, is far from the only committee member to express concerns during Means\u2019 recent intense confirmation hearing. So too did centrist Sens. Susan Collins<\/a> (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski<\/a> (R-AK), and dissension from any one Republican on the panel could spell doom for the nominee.<\/p>

Unique to Cassidy, he holds the power to withhold a vote altogether, should it be determined that Means lacks the GOP support to advance to the full Senate. As chairman of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, the second-term senator was crucial to Kennedy's confirmation but has since repeatedly criticized the Cabinet member\u2019s vaccine policy changes, as have Collins and Murkowski.<\/p>

\u201cI\u2019m not sure I know what you\u2019re advocating for, which of course gives pause,\u201d Cassidy, a liver specialist and gastroenterologist, said at one point during Means\u2019s hearing as she danced around the subject of promoting child vaccinations<\/a>.<\/p>

\u201cI want to back up and broadly just reassure you that this is not an issue that I intend to complicate or bring an agenda on vaccines,\u201d Means said, at another point adding, \u201cvaccine advocacy or any anti-vaccine rhetoric has never been a part of my message.\u201d<\/p>

Means is an ally of Kennedy and a doctor-turned-wellness-influencer with a popular following in the \u201cMake America Healthy Again\u201d movement. She's facing bipartisan skepticism over not ruling out a link to vaccines and autism, sidestepping questions on using her would-be power to encourage vaccines against measles, hepatitis B, and the flu, and lacking an active medical license. Means also dodged whether access to abortion drugs should be available without an in-person office visit, but said \u201coral contraception should be widely accessible.\u201d<\/p>

Cassidy did not provide a comment for this story on his position on Means.<\/p>

Seeking to alleviate concerns while walking a political tightrope not to contradict Kennedy or the administration\u2019s controversial alterations to longstanding health and vaccine recommendations, Means repeatedly affirmed that \u201cvaccines save lives.\u201d<\/p>

Trump\u2019s endorsement of Letlow hasn\u2019t stopped Cassidy from campaigning as though he has the president\u2019s backing, whom he voted to convict of impeachment after the 2021 U.S. Capitol attack.<\/p>

Cassidy said in a statement after Trump\u2019s recent State of the Union address that he\u2019s \u201cworked with President Trump to deliver real results.\u201d A separate campaign release, headlined \u201cTrump Cracks Down On Liberal Letlow\u2019s Insider Trading,\u201d misleadingly suggested Trump was singling out Letlow\u2019s stock trading disclosure violations<\/a> by endorsing legislation during his speech to ban lawmakers and certain family members from buying stocks. <\/p>

For Cassidy's part, Collins and Murkowski are undecided on advancing<\/a> Means\u2019 nomination, a vote for which has not been scheduled. Given the committee's split, a unanimous Democratic opposition would mean any Republican could torpedo Means.<\/p>

TAKEAWAYS FROM THE INTENSE HEARING WITH TRUMP SURGEON GENERAL NOMINEE CASEY MEANS<\/a><\/p>

The fate of her nomination will be played out by the time Cassidy's political future is determined by Louisiana <\/a>primary voters on May 16.<\/p>

\u201cI think Trump endorsing against him liberates him from reelection politics, and at this point, he's free to do whatever he likes,\u201d said Roe, the GOP strategist. \u201cIt's much easier to stick to your principles when you're liberated from the political calculation.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26056607657579.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475093-1772258400", "title":"Trump and Vance turn over ‘new leaf’ with Zelensky one year since Oval Office clash", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F4475093%2Ftrump-vance-new-leaf-zelensky-one-year-since-oval-office-clash%2F", "byline":"Naomi Lim", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The world took notice of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s Oval Office confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which unfolded a year ago Saturday. The shouting match sent a clear message to the world: “There is a new sheriff in town.” Vance had issued a warning, using those exact words, two weeks […]", "description":""

The world took notice of President Donald Trump<\/a> and Vice President JD Vance\u2019s<\/a> Oval Office confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky<\/a>, which unfolded a year ago Saturday.<\/p>

The shouting match sent a clear message to the world: \u201cThere is a new sheriff in town.\u201d<\/p>

Vance had issued a warning, using those exact words, two weeks earlier during his address to the Munich Security Conference.<\/p>

But the world learnt during Zelensky\u2019s first White House meeting with Trump\u2019s second administration last Feb. 28 that the warning was not only mere words.<\/p>

One year on, the world has witnessed other examples of Trump\u2019s untraditional approach to foreign policy and diplomacy.<\/p>

In one memorable moment last May, Trump dimmed the lights in the Oval Office to play a video for South African<\/a> President Cyril Ramaphosa about allegations of white genocide in his country.<\/p>

Ramaphosa, a critic of the United States, is part of the BRICS<\/a> intergovernmental organization, which seeks to undermine the U.S.\u2019s dominance in the world\u2019s economy.<\/p>

In January, Trump rankled\u00a0European<\/a>\u00a0allies\u00a0with his desire to \u201cown\u201d Greenland<\/a> for national security and economic reasons.\u00a0<\/p>

Greenland, as a Danish<\/a> territory, is technically protected by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization<\/a>, and any action by Trump against it is likely to undercut the alliance.<\/p>

But when it comes to Ukraine<\/a>, Trump has kept his public criticism of Zelensky to a minimum, reserving it for behind-the-scenes, despite his Ukrainian counterpart appearing to campaign for Democrats in 2024.<\/p>

Trump\u2019s change in strategy was captured in a photo of him and Zelensky last April, sitting knee-to-knee on chairs set up inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican for their first meeting since their Oval Office confrontation, before the late Pope Francis\u2019 funeral. Zelensky, days later, agreed to a critical minerals deal with the U.S. without security guarantees.\u00a0<\/p>

At the same time, after a second meeting at the White House last October to discuss the possibility of Trump sending Ukraine Tomahawk cruise missiles, Trump surprised Zelensky with a post-sit-down Truth Social post demanding that Zelensky and\u00a0Russian<\/a>\u00a0President\u00a0Vladimir Putin<\/a>\u00a0\"stop the war where they are.\"\u00a0<\/p>

Since then, Trump has reiterated that both Zelensky and Putin support a ceasefire and a longer-term peace deal.<\/p>

\"Russia wants to make a deal, and Zelensky is going to have to get moving, otherwise he's going to miss a great opportunity,\u201d he told reporters earlier this month. \u201cHe has to move.\u201d<\/p>

Vance, who, as a senator, was seen as a strong critic of U.S. funding for the war in Ukraine, told the\u00a0New York Post\u00a0last October that\u00a0the relationship with Zelensky had \"turned over a new leaf.\u201d<\/p>

Regardless, Trump\u2019s strategy change has not mitigated criticism of his foreign policy and diplomacy regarding Russia and Ukraine.<\/p>

Foundation for Defense of Democracies senior director Mark Montgomery, for one, criticized the confrontation as \u201cunnecessary, although it served as fair warning to Zelensky that Trump was not going to try and hold Russia accountable as the aggressor in the same manner [former President] Joe Biden<\/a> had.\u201d<\/p>

Trump and his aides have repeatedly contended that Russia perceiving the U.S. as an impartial interlocutor is crucial to securing a peace deal, a so-called \u201cday one\u201d campaign promise for his second administration. <\/p>

But Montgomery, who is also the Cyberspace Solarium Commission\u2019s executive director in addition to being a senior director at the conservative think tank, countered that \u201csince the meeting, Trump has utterly failed to provide a balanced negotiating process that attempts to hold Russia in any way accountable and extract the concessions necessary to get to peace.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cOn the other hand, Trump has extracted [maximum] concessions from Ukraine,\u201d he said. \u201cIn general, Trump\u2019s predilection to traumatize allies and partners while he coddles authoritarians and thugs is counterproductive and threatens America\u2019s long-term national security interests.\u201d<\/p>

Vandenberg Coalition executive director Carrie Filipetti, a former Trump deputy assistant secretary of state for Cuba<\/a> and Venezuela<\/a> and deputy special representative for Venezuela, defended the president, arguing he has \u201calways viewed himself as a dealmaker, and knows that to maintain that reputation he needs to hold people accountable if they refuse to negotiate in good faith.\u201d <\/p>

\u201cThis is why he ultimately struck Iran<\/a> during Operation Midnight Hammer, why he apprehended Nicholas Maduro in Venezuela, and likely why his tone has shifted on the Russia-Ukraine war,\u201d Filipetti told the Washington Examiner. <\/p>

Last year, Trump and Vance may have seen Zelensky as an \u201cimpediment\u201d to a \u201cstrong\u201d minerals deal, arguments over which contributed to the confrontation, but now they \u201crightly\u201d see Putin as an impediment to a peace agreement, according to Filipetti.<\/p>

\u201cZelensky is willing to make sacrifices \u2014 as long as they will contribute to a just and lasting peace \u2013 but Putin\u2019s increasingly expansionist goals are not aligned with his recent military failures, nor with President Trump\u2019s priorities,\u201d she said.<\/p>

From the White House\u2019s perspective, Americans appreciate Trump\u2019s \u201ccandor\u201d as the president has \u201copenly expressed his frustration with both sides of the Russia-Ukraine War because he wants to stop the senseless killing.\u201d <\/p>

\u201cOver the past few months, the president\u2019s team has made tremendous progress towards ending this conflict, and he remains hopeful that these discussions will lead to a peace deal,\u201d White House national security spokeswoman Anna Kelly told the Washington Examiner. <\/p>

A trilateral meeting between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia is expected next week, with the potential for a leaders' summit in its aftermath.\u00a0<\/p>

This week marked the fourth anniversary of Putin\u2019s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, which this year coincided with Trump\u2019s first State of the Union <\/a>of his second administration.<\/p>

\u201cWe're working very hard to end the ninth war, the killing and slaughter between Russia and Ukraine, where 25,000 soldiers are dying each and every month,\u201d Trump said in the House of Representatives chamber on Tuesday night. \u201cThink of that. 25,000 soldiers are dying a month in a war which would have never happened if I were president, would have never happened.\u201d<\/p>

Approximately 1.8 million people have been killed or injured during the war, two-thirds of whom are estimated to be Russian.<\/p>

But even though Trump has not negotiated a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, he has gotten greater cooperation from Europe to help Ukraine with the war and sanctioned Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil.<\/p>

The U.S. has appropriated $188 billion for the war, in addition to providing Ukraine with a $20 billion loan, but has only disbursed 58% of it, whether for military, budgetary, or humanitarian assistance.<\/p>

No new appropriations for Ukraine have been passed by Congress since the start of Trump\u2019s second administration.<\/p>

VANCE LEADING TRUMP\u2019S \u2018WAR ON FRAUD\u2019 COULD BE DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD<\/a><\/p>

Instead, Trump has permitted NATO allies and partners to purchase U.S. weapons for Ukraine through the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List program.<\/p>

As a result, Europe has now committed more money to Ukraine than the U.S., in spite of concerns that it may not be enough for Ukraine to win the war.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Zelensky-Trump.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474150-1772254800", "title":"Democrats endanger security with their shutdown", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2F4474150%2Fdemocrats-endanger-with-homeland-security-shutdown%2F", "byline":"Washington Examiner", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Democrats are playing games with America’s security. With growing dangers of violence by cartels and other violent actors, it couldn’t come at a worse time. Democrats triggered a partial government shutdown in mid-February after Senate Democrats blocked a short-term funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security, arguing that DHS needs reforms in the wake […]", "description":""

Democrats<\/a> are playing games with America\u2019s security. With growing dangers of violence<\/a> by cartels<\/a> and other violent actors, it couldn\u2019t come at a worse time.<\/p>

Democrats triggered a partial government shutdown<\/a> in mid-February after Senate Democrats blocked a short-term funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security<\/a>, arguing that DHS needs reforms in the wake of recent incidents in Minnesota in which officers shot and killed two citizens.<\/p>

The shutdown is now well into its second week, and its impact is being felt in important agencies tasked with keeping Americans safe, such as the U.S. Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration, among others.<\/p>

TRUMP ENDORSEMENT TRACKER: HERE'S WHO THE PRESIDENT HAS PICKED IN GOP MIDTERM ELECTION PRIMARIES<\/a><\/p>

Now is not the time to play politics with national security. On Feb. 22, the Mexican military, with assistance from the United States, killed the boss of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, nicknamed \u201cEl Mencho.\u201d The cartel responded with widespread and wanton violence, murdering more than two dozen Mexican national guardsmen, erecting more than 250 roadblocks, and causing so much death and destruction that schools were closed, flights were grounded, and Mexican and American governments called on citizens to \u201cshelter in place.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

By day\u2019s end, more than 60 were dead. There are worrying signs that the violence is likely to continue. Some reports indicate that the cartel has begun targeting Americans who are in Mexico. Sen. Bernie Moreno<\/a> (R-OH) warned that \u201cnarco-terrorists\u201d were \u201chunting down American citizens\u201d in retaliation for U.S. pressure for the crackdown and for cooperation with Mexico's government.<\/p>

Such concerns should be taken seriously. Cartels such as JNGC are massive paramilitary organizations with global reach. Many have links to other foes, including U.S.-designated terrorist groups, including Hezbollah and China\u2019s People's Liberation Army. They are murderous and highly capable corporations with a history of torture and savagery that rivals the Islamic State and other modern barbarians.\u00a0<\/p>

They are reacting viciously because if the U.S.-Mexico crackdown on cartels is effective, they stand to lose billions of dollars and their most important foothold in America\u2019s backyard. They will not go quietly. They have a substantial presence here in the U.S. homeland. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, transnational criminal organizations such as CJNG and Sinaloa have tentacles in \u201cmajor cities throughout the United States.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

\u2018THESE PEOPLE ARE CRAZY\u2019: SIX TAKEAWAYS FROM TRUMP\u2019S STATE OF THE UNION<\/a><\/p>

Many of the U.S. government agencies tasked with combating cartels, work that includes investigating and arresting operatives on American soil, are hit by the Democrats' shutdown.\u00a0<\/p>

Homeland Security Investigations, for example, is at the tip of the spear pointed at cartel activity. HSI works closely with partner agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and others, to fight cartels. In January 2026, for example, HSI worked with the Department of Justice to arrest 37 senior cartel members and bring them to trial. HSI is also involved in combating human smuggling, which is an important money maker for cartels.<\/p>

This makes the Democrats' decision to shut down DHS dangerous. The move hurts morale, with an estimated 90% of DHS employees expected to continue working without pay. It undermines training, staffing, and investigations, with many agencies forced to redeploy or limit assignments.\u00a0<\/p>

While some, such as HSI special agents, are deemed \u201cessential,\u201d they are also hindered by the shutdown, which hampers administrative and logistical support.<\/p>

Among the entities affected, ironically, is DHS\u2019s own Office of the Inspector General, which had to suspend 85% of its audits, evaluations, and inspections. Democrats have therefore hindered DHS work but prevented proper monitoring by the department set up to ensure that the work is done properly. In pursuit of an ideological agenda, Democrats have thus also scored an \u201cown goal,\u201d hobbling oversight of the agency they claim they want to reform.\u00a0<\/p>

OPINION: DEMOCRATS SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEIR IMMIGRATION POLICIES<\/a><\/p>

The shutdown is little more than a Democrat publicity stunt. Some of their demands, such as body cameras, standardized uniforms, and better training, are reasonable. But allowing left-wing state district attorneys to prosecute federal law enforcement officials is not.\u00a0<\/p>

With the battle against powerful cartels heating up, lawmakers should work to protect the homeland, not score cheap political points by undermining its ability to do its job.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/mexico-cartel-killing.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474733-1772254800", "title":"China’s all-out campaign against Japan includes AI warfare, blacklists, and WWII grievances", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4474733%2Fchina-campaign-japan-ai-warfare-blacklists-grievances%2F", "byline":"Timothy Nerozzi", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Chinese Communist Party is waging a concerted effort to destabilize Japan, seeing its increasingly self-confident neighbor as a rising threat to its regional supremacy. Tech giant OpenAI announced this week that it has banned a ChatGPT account linked to a Chinese law enforcement agency after it was found to be using the technology to […]", "description":""

The Chinese Communist Party<\/a> is waging a concerted effort to destabilize Japan<\/a>, seeing its increasingly self-confident neighbor as a rising threat to its regional supremacy.<\/p>

Tech giant OpenAI announced<\/a> this week that it has banned a ChatGPT account<\/a> linked to a Chinese law enforcement agency after it was found to be using the technology to undermine Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi<\/a>.<\/p>

OpenAI's principal investigator, Ben Nimmo, reported<\/a> that the operation \"revealed a lot about China's strategy for covert influence operations and transnational repression,\" which sought to disrupt the prime minister's popularity through information warfare.<\/p>

\"These cyber special operations are large-scale, resource-intensive, and sustained,\" Nimmo said in a Wednesday report following the investigation. \"It's not just digital, it's not just about trolling, it's industrialized [...] It's about trying to hit critics of the [Chinese Communist Party] with everything, everywhere, all at once.\"<\/p>

The Chinese law enforcement apparatus is reported to have used AI resources<\/a> to puppet thousands of accounts, amplify genuine dissident voices within the country, and flood political offices with manufactured emails posing as foreign nationals.<\/p>

Japan\u2019s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said during a regular briefing on Friday that the \"situation threatens the very foundations of democracy.\"<\/p>

Sowing discord within the island nation is only one prong of Beijing's multilateral campaign<\/a> to neuter Japan following the rise of Takaichi's unique brand of self-assured nationalism.<\/p>

The CCP exploded with fury in November last year after Takaichi acknowledged the hypothetical invasion of Taiwan<\/a> as a national security threat that could warrant a military response from Tokyo<\/a>.<\/p>

Members of the Beijing elite called Takaichi an \u201cevil witch,\u201d<\/a> and a diplomat stationed in Japan even threatened to \u201ccut off\u201d her \u201cfilthy head\u201d following her comments.<\/p>

That ire has only grown as Takaichi repeatedly refuses to walk back her position, and scooped up a historic victory in a snap election<\/a> because of it.<\/p>

\"China's increasing harassment of Japan reflects a broader, long-term strategy to expand its influence and assert dominance across the Indo-Pacific,\" a Taiwanese source familiar with the situation told the Washington Examiner.<\/p>

Earlier this week, China imposed prohibitions on the export of dual-use items to 40 Japanese entities, including the sale of seven rare earth minerals used in heavy manufacturing.<\/p>

Japan\u2019s Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kei Sato called the black lists, which included companies such as Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Materials Corp, and Subaru Corp, \"completely unacceptable and deeply regrettable.\"<\/p>

Beijing has justified these restrictions by claiming that\u00a0Takaichi's plans to remilitarize<\/a>\u00a0the island constitute a direct threat to regional peace. These condemnations often refer back to World War II and \"Japan\u2019s history of aggression,\" accusing Tokyo of planning to resurrect its 20th-century campaign of imperial colonialism.<\/p>

The Takaichi government is strategically ignoring Beijing's incendiary rhetoric whenever possible. When Tokyo does respond, it typically takes a dispassionate, almost exasperated, tone.<\/p>

When Beijing cautioned its citizens against travel to Japan, warning of a surge in arrests of Chinese nationals, Japan's response to this accusation<\/a> was an almost comically simple, three-line data sheet from the National Police Agency showing no such spike.<\/p>

Meanwhile, Takaichi's plans for remilitarization march on. The government is slashing restrictions on the development and export of lethal weapons, planning missile defense systems close to Taiwan<\/a>, and preparing to ultimately push a constitutional change to allow the country to once again establish a standing military.<\/p>

Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said<\/a> this week that Japan's actions have \"once again laid bare the Japanese right-wing forces\u2019 ambitions to breach the postwar international order, break free from domestic laws and remilitarize Japan.\" <\/p>

JAPAN TO DEPLOY MISSILES TO TINY ISLAND NEAR TAIWAN WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS<\/a><\/p>

She added: \"The international community needs to stay on high alert, jointly safeguard the outcomes of the victory in WWII and the postwar international order, and firmly reject reckless moves of Japanese neo-militarism.\"<\/p>

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan approved plans<\/a> on Friday to bolster national intelligence capabilities amid Chinese threats.<\/p>

The proposal aims to establish an upgraded intelligence bureau and would establish a mandatory registration process for agents of foreign governments.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25320456580457.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475344-1772252340", "title":"US and Israel launch ‘preemptive’ attack against Iran", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4475344%2Firan-preemptive-strikes-israel-us%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox and Mike Brest", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The United States and Israel have launched a joint wave of strikes against Iran, with the first wave targeting Tehran. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the attacks on Saturday, saying it was a “preemptive strike against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel.” He warned of an “immediate state of emergency throughout […]", "description":""

The United States and Israel<\/a> have launched a joint wave of strikes against Iran<\/a>, with the first wave targeting Tehran.<\/p>

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the attacks on Saturday, saying it was a \u201cpreemptive strike against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel.\u201d He warned of an \u201cimmediate state of emergency throughout the entire country.\u201d<\/p>

In a video address on Truth Social<\/a> posted around 2.30 a.m. on Saturday morning, President Donald Trump announced the U.S. participation in the strikes, saying the purpose of the strikes was to \u201cdefend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,\u201d which he described as \u201ca vicious group of very hard, terrible people.\u201d <\/p>

TRUMP ANNOUNCES \u2018MASSIVE AND ONGOING OPERATION\u2019 AGAINST IRAN<\/a> <\/p>

\u201cIts menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world,\u201d Trump added.<\/p>

The Department of War subsequently revealed the operation\u2019s name in a post<\/a> on X: Operation Epic Fury.<\/p>

Videos posted on social media showed plumes of smoke rising across Tehran. Channel 12 reported that among the targets of the opening strikes were the homes of ministers and military heads, Defense and Intelligence Ministry installations, and a presidential facility. Pasteur Street, a compound home to the office of the Iranian president, the center of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps\u2019s intelligence leadership, and the Supreme National Security Council, was noted as a target by the Wall Street Journal<\/a>.<\/p>

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in the aftermath of the first strikes: \"My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, just an hour ago, Israel and the United States embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran.\u201d<\/p>

TRUMP ENDORSEMENT TRACKER: HERE'S WHO THE PRESIDENT HAS PICKED IN GOP MIDTERM ELECTION PRIMARIES<\/a><\/p>

Unlike the 12 Day War, which began with a predawn series of strikes, Saturday\u2019s strikes occurred in broad daylight. This was no coincidence \u2014 a security source told Channel 12 that a daylight strike was chosen to surprise Tehran, which was expecting any strike to occur at night.<\/p>

An Israeli official told the outlet that the \u201cinitial phase\u201d of strikes will last four days and will be much larger than the 12 Day War. Israel is going \u201call out\u201d in the operation, they said, and the U.S. is \u201con the same page.\u201d An Israeli official told The Times of Israel <\/a>that the opening strikes were targeting Iranian regime sites and military facilities, likely indicating decapitation strikes.<\/p>

Two senior Israeli defense officials familiar with the planning told the New York Times<\/a> that the attack began at 8:10 a.m. local time and included direct strikes against high-ranking figures. The plan presented to Trump had Israel focusing its strikes on missile storage sites, production facilities, and launchers, while the U.S. would focus on nuclear, IRGC, and government targets.<\/p>

Iranian air defenses were significantly degraded. A U.S. Reaper drone was filmed<\/a> flying unmolested over the large city of Shiraz in south-central Iran, located far inland.<\/p>

Sirens initially sounded across Israel, but a statement<\/a> from the Israeli Air Force clarified that there was no immediate danger, and the sirens were a drill to prepare for expected retaliation. Shortly thereafter, the Israel Defense Forces identified \u201cmissiles launched from Iran toward Israel.\"<\/p>

STATE OF THE UNION: HERE\u2019S WHAT TRUMP DIDN\u2019T SAY<\/a><\/p>

Iran\u2019s first response targeted Israeli and U.S. targets across the Middle East. Explosions were reported in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. In its first statement following the attack, the IRGC said its missiles targeting Bahrain were aiming for the U.S. naval base \u2014 the island nation houses the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the Fifth Fleet. So far, Iran\u2019s proxies have not carried out retaliatory attacks tied to the strikes against Iran, though that could change. Similarly, the U.S. and Israel could carry out attacks against those proxies, which are located in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iraq.<\/p>

Iran\u2019s first wave of retaliatory missiles had varying success \u2014 the strike on Bahrain appeared most effective, with videos showing at least one direct impact on the naval base, followed by a large plume of black smoke<\/a>. Others were less successful \u2014 Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE claimed to have intercepted all the missiles in the first barrage.<\/p>

Subsequent attacks saw more success. One Iranian missile was intercepted over Qatar, but the largely intact missile then fell into a populated area<\/a>, exploding on impact. A missile reportedly<\/a> hit a base housing Italian troops in Kuwait, causing significant damage.<\/p>

Waves of attack drones also caused damage \u2014 a video<\/a> showed a Shahed kamikaze drone hitting and destroying a U.S. radar in Bahrain.<\/p>

FCC LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGING BROADCASTERS TO AIR 'PATRIOTIC' CONTENT FOR AMERICA 250<\/a><\/p>

Saudi Arabia voiced outrage<\/a> at the Iranian attacks, pledging full support for whatever action they may take in response.<\/p>

Iran\u2019s Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S.-Israeli attack, urging the United Nations and Islamic countries to rally behind it to repel the \u201caggressors.\u201d It complained that the attack occurred during ongoing negotiations, during the Islamic month of Ramadan, and on the eve of the Persian New Year celebration, Nowruz.<\/p>

\u201cHistory is a testament that Iranians have never bowed their heads to foreign aggression; this time, too, the response of the Iranian nation will be decisive and conclusive, and will make the aggressors regret their criminal act,\u201d the statement said. <\/p>

Despite Tehran\u2019s defiance, the reaction of many Iranian people was quite different. Videos posted on social media showed hundreds of Iranian citizens throughout Tehran openly celebrating the strikes. One video<\/a> showed a school student proclaiming, \u201cI love Trump!\u201d as his classmates cheered on an explosion overtaking a government target.<\/p>

So far, Iran\u2019s proxies have not carried out major retaliatory attacks tied to the strikes against Iran, though that could change. Similarly, the U.S. and Israel could carry out attacks against those proxies, which are located in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iraq. The U.S. launched an airstrike in Iraq targeting an Iranian-backed militia, killing two militiamen.<\/p>

Concurrent with the opening strikes, Israel\u2019s Mossad also went to work. Its Persian-language Telegram channel called<\/a> on Iranians to help in the coming operations, urging citizens to \"share photos and videos of your just struggle against the regime with us.\"<\/p>

\"Our Iranian brothers and sisters, you are not alone! We have launched a highly secure and dedicated Telegram channel especially for you. Together we will return Iran to its glorious days,\" the message read.<\/p>

The U.S. embassy in Qatar implemented a shelter-in-place order for all citizens. The main U.S. military base in Qatar was attacked by Iran during June\u2019s 12 Day War. Other embassies have made similar announcements.<\/p>

In Trump\u2019s address, he laid out an extensive list of grievances against Iran, going back to the Iranian hostage crisis of 1979.<\/p>

\u201cIt's been mass terror, and we're not going to put up with it any longer,\u201d he said of the Islamic regime\u2019s activities across the Middle East.<\/p>

Trump swore to \u201craze Iran\u2019s missile industry to the ground,\u201d and \u201cannihilate\u201d its Navy.<\/p>

He concluded by making clear he was aiming for regime change, calling on the Iranian people to \u201cseize control of your destiny\u201d and take over the government.<\/p>Help is on the way

The mission was the culmination of weeks of speculation, fueled mostly by President Donald Trump<\/a> himself, as to whether he would approve a military<\/a> operation targeting Iranian senior leaders<\/a> after they killed thousands of protesters<\/a> who took to the streets in December and January in opposition of the regime. In January, Trump said, \u201cHelp is on the way<\/a>\u201d in a message directed to the protesters.<\/p>

There is now the chance for an Iranian retaliatory response, which officials in Tehran have threatened<\/a> if they were attacked by America. Israel has begun taking extensive precautions, including the closing of its airspace and restrictions on civilian movement.<\/p>

Iran's regime, which has been in place since the 1979 revolution, is likely at its weakest point<\/a> amid the protests, which have gone on intermittently for nearly a decade, according to U.S. intelligence reports provided to the president and confirmed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio<\/a>.<\/p>

The president ordered the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group to sail from the Indo-Pacific to the Middle East in order to give the president more options for how to carry out the operation and for how to defend possible U.S. assets that Iran could target in retaliation. The carrier group arrived<\/a> in the region in late January.<\/p>

It's the second time since Trump returned to the White House that the president has green-lit operations against Iran, the first time being when the Air Force bombed three of Tehran's most hardened nuclear facilities<\/a>. The long-range bombers that carried out that mission left from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and flew from there to Iran, carried out the operation, and came back to the base.<\/p>

It's unclear what will happen now when it comes to Iranian leadership, though the U.S. likely does not want to see the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fill the void left by the deaths of senior leaders across the country.<\/p>

The regime had spent decades building up and training proxy groups in other countries with the goal of carrying out operations against their shared targets \u2014 primarily Israel and the United States \u2014 without Tehran facing blowback itself.<\/p>

TRUMP IS THREATENING TO DESTROY THE SAME IRAN NUCLEAR FACILITIES HE SAID WERE \u2018OBLITERATED\u2019 MONTHS AGO<\/a><\/p>

The region has been dramatically reshaped<\/a> since Hamas launched its Oct. 7, 2023, attack<\/a> in southern Israel. That operation, in which Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (another Gaza-based terrorist group) killed roughly 1,200 people and kidnapped another 250 individuals, was the spark that instigated several connected wars as other Iranian proxies attacked Israel as well.<\/p>

What's left of Iran's proxy groups are militias in Iraq and the Houthis<\/a> in Yemen, both of whom are still standing but were left battered after various U.S. strikes that occurred after they started carrying out attacks in the region, claiming they were doing so in support of the Palestinians amid the Israel-Gaza war.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26059241787342.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475390-1772250034", "title":"READ IN FULL: Trump address on Iran operation", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4475390%2Fread-in-full-trump-address-iran-operation%2F", "byline":"Washington Examiner Staff", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Now the United States military began, a short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran.  Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people.  Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our […]", "description":""

Now the United States military began, a short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people. <\/p>

Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world. <\/p>

For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted \u201cDeath to America\u201d and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder targeting the United States, our troops and the innocent people in many, many countries. Among the regime's very first acts was to back a violent takeover of the U.S. embassy in Tehran, holding dozens of American hostages for 444 days. In 1983 Iran's proxies carried out the Marine barracks bombing in Beirut that killed 241 American military personnel. In 2000 they knew, and were probably involved with the attack on the USS Cole. Many died. <\/p>

US AND ISRAEL LAUNCH \u2018PREEMPTIVE\u2019 ATTACK AGAINST IRAN<\/a><\/p>

Iranian forces killed and maimed hundreds of American service members in Iraq. The regime's proxies have continued to launch countless attacks against American forces stationed in the Middle East in recent years, as well as U.S., naval and commercial vessels and international shipping lands. It's been mass terror, and we're not going to put up with it any longer. <\/p>

From Lebanon to Yemen and Syria to Iraq, the regime has armed, trained and funded terrorist militias that have soaked the earth with blood and guts, and it was Iran's proxy Hamas that launched the monstrous October 7 attacks on Israel, slaughtering more than 1,000 innocent people, including 46 Americans, while taking 12 of our citizens hostage. It was brutal, something like the world has never seen before. <\/p>

Iran is the world's number one state sponsor of terror, and just recently, killed 10s of 1000s of its own citizens on the street as they protested. <\/p>

It has always been the policy of the United States, in particular, my administration, that this terrorist regime can never have a nuclear weapon. I'll say it again. They can never have a nuclear weapon. That is why, in Operation Midnight Hammer last June, we obliterated the regime's nuclear program at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. After that attack, we warned them never to resume their malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons, and we sought repeatedly to make a deal. We tried. They wanted to do it. They didn't want to do it. Again, they wanted to do it. They didn't want to do it. They didn't know what was happening. They just wanted to practice evil. But Iran refused, just as it has for decades and decades. They rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions. And we can't take it anymore. Instead, they attempted to rebuild their nuclear program and to continue developing long range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas and could soon reach the American homeland. Just imagine how emboldened this regime would be if they ever had, and actually were armed with, nuclear weapons as a means to deliver their message.<\/p>

TRUMP ANNOUNCES \u2018MASSIVE AND ONGOING OPERATION\u2019 AGAINST IRAN<\/a><\/p>

For these reasons, the United States military is undertaking a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this, a very wicked, radical dictatorship, from threatening America and our core national security interests. We're going to destroy their missiles and raise their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally, again, obliterated. We're going to annihilate their navy. We're going to ensure that the region's terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region or the world and attack our forces, and no longer use their IEDs or roadside bombs, as they are sometimes called, to so gravely wound and kill thousands and thousands of people, including many Americans, and we will ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon. It's a very simple message. They will never have a nuclear weapon. <\/p>

This regime will soon learn that no one should challenge the strength and might of the United States Armed Forces. I built and rebuilt our military in my first administration, and there is no military on Earth even close to its power, strength or sophistication. My administration has taken every possible step to minimize the risk to U.S. personnel in the region. <\/p>

Even so, and I do not make this statement lightly, the Iranian regime seeks to kill. The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties. That often happens in war, but we're doing this, not for now. We're doing this for the future, and it is a noble mission.<\/p>

We pray for every service member as they selflessly risk their lives to ensure that Americans and our children will never be threatened by a nuclear armed Iran. <\/p>

We ask God to protect all of our heroes in harm's way, and we trust that with his help, the men and women of the armed forces will prevail. We have the greatest in the world, and they will prevail. <\/p>

To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces and all of the police, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons, and have complete immunity, or, in the alternative, face certain death. So lay down your arms. You will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death. <\/p>

Finally, to the great, proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don't leave your home. It's very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be, probably, your only chance for generations. For many years, you have asked for America's help, but you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want, so let's see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach. This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass.<\/p>

May God bless the brave men and women of America's Armed Forces. May God bless the United States of America, may God bless you all. Thank you. Bye.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26059073557074.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475370-1772249431", "title":"Reza Pahlavi appeals to Iranians after US-Israel strike: ‘Moments of destiny lie ahead of us’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4475370%2Freza-pahlavi-appeal-iran-moments-of-destiny%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi issued his first appeal to the Iranian people after the joint U.S.-Israeli strike against Iran, echoing President Donald Trump’s appeal that the hour of destiny was at hand. Within hours of the first U.S. and Israeli munitions hitting Tehran and other cities across Iran, Pahlavi delivered an address of a similar tone […]", "description":""

Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi<\/a> issued his first appeal to the Iranian people after the joint U.S.-Israeli strike against Iran<\/a>, echoing President Donald Trump's appeal that the hour of destiny was at hand.<\/p>

Within hours of the first U.S. and Israeli munitions hitting Tehran and other cities across Iran, Pahlavi delivered an address of a similar tone to those since January, but under much different circumstances.<\/p>

\"My dear compatriots, Moments of destiny lie ahead of us,\" he began.<\/p>

\"The aid that the President of the United States promised to the brave people of Iran has now arrived. This is a humanitarian intervention; and its target is the Islamic Republic, its repressive apparatus, and its machinery of slaughter\u2014not the country and great nation of Iran,\" Pahlavi continued. \"But, even with the arrival of this aid, the final victory will still be forged by our hands. It is we, the people of Iran, who will finish the job in this final battle. The time to return to the streets is near.\"<\/p>

US AND ISRAEL LAUNCH \u2018PREEMPTIVE\u2019 ATTACK AGAINST IRAN<\/a><\/p>

He declared that the Islamic Republic's government was \"collapsing,\" then shifted his focus to the police and military, urging them to defect and join civilian protesters.<\/p>

\"Join the people and help bring about a stable and secure transition. Otherwise, you will go down with Khamenei's sinking ship and his regime,\" Pahlavi said.<\/p>

Directly addressing Trump, the exiled crown prince urged him to \"exercise the utmost caution to preserve the lives of civilians and my compatriots.\" He said that the people of Iran were \"natural allies,\" and would never forget his support \"in the most difficult period in contemporary Iranian history.\"<\/p>

Pahlavi told listeners not to take to the streets as the U.S. and Israeli attacks were ongoing.<\/p>

\"I ask you to remain in your homes for now and preserve your safety and security. Stay vigilant and ready so that, at the appropriate time\u2014which I will announce to you precisely\u2014you can return to the streets for the final action,\" he said.<\/p>

\"We are very close to final victory. I want to be by your side as soon as possible so that together we can take back and rebuild Iran,\" Pahlavi added.<\/p>

The crown prince's message was similar to that of Trump, and was released on X just three minutes after the president's Truth Social address.<\/p>

Trump focused on his domestic audience in his address, saying the strikes were intended to \u201cdefend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,\u201d which he described as \u201ca vicious group of very hard, terrible people.\u201d<\/p>

TRUMP ANNOUNCES \u2018MASSIVE AND ONGOING OPERATION\u2019 AGAINST IRAN<\/a> <\/p>

However, he also devoted a significant amount of time to addressing the Iranian people directly, and members of the military and security services.<\/p>

\"To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces, and all of the police, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity, or, in the alternative, face certain death. So, lay down your arms. You will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death,\" Trump declared.<\/p>

\"Finally, to the great, proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand,\" he said. \"Stay sheltered. Don't leave your home. It's very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere.\"<\/p>

Similar to Pahlavi's order, Trump said to wait until the U.S. and Israel are finished to \"take over your government.<\/p>

\"It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations. For many years, you have asked for America's help, but you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want, so let's see how you respond,\" he said. \"America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach.\"<\/p>

\"This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass,\" he concluded.<\/p>

US AND ISRAEL LAUNCH \u2018PREEMPTIVE\u2019 ATTACK AGAINST IRAN<\/a><\/p>

Pahlavi has emerged as the central figure of the Iranian opposition, gaining prominence and popularity during the wave of protests beginning in December. The most recent round of protests was notable for prominently featuring direct appeals to the crown prince from large crowds.<\/p>

Pahlavi has been in direct contact with the Trump administration and has been complimented by the president.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WB.WhiteHouse.021126.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475366-1772248740", "title":"Trump announces ‘massive and ongoing operation’ against Iran", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fdefense%2F4475366%2Ftrump-announces-massive-ongoing-operation-against-iran%2F", "byline":"Mike Brest", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump announced early Saturday morning that the U.S. military has begun a “massive and ongoing operation” against Iran. Multiple explosions were reported around Iran in the early hours of Saturday morning local time, though the scope of the joint U.S.-Israeli attacks and the targets of the mission remain unclear at this point. “Our […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> announced early Saturday morning that the U.S. military<\/a> has begun a \"massive and ongoing operation\" against Iran<\/a>.<\/p>

Multiple explosions were reported around Iran in the early hours of Saturday morning local time, though the scope of the joint U.S.-Israeli attacks and the targets of the mission remain unclear at this point.<\/p>

\"Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,\" the president said in a video posted on Truth Social<\/a>. \"The United States military has undertaken a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests, we are going to destroy their missiles and raise their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally again obliterated. We are going to annihilate their navy.\"<\/p>

\"Bombs will be dropping everywhere,\" he added.<\/p>

The Department of War subsequently posted on X that the name of the operation is \"Operation Epic Fury\".<\/p>

US AND ISRAEL LAUNCH \u2018PREEMPTIVE\u2019 ATTACK AGAINST IRAN<\/a><\/p>

The president effectively argued for the Iranian people to overthrow the regime in Tehran once the U.S. mission concludes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio<\/a> acknowledged in late January that \"no one knows<\/a>\" who would take over governing the country if the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is removed from power.<\/p>

Trump's remarks indicate the mission will be much larger than the limited U.S. operations last June targeting three of their nuclear facilities. The president's go-ahead to the military came about a day after the latest round of U.S.-Iranian nuclear negotiations, while Trump indicated on Friday he was unhappy with the lack of progress.<\/p>

The president also acknowledged in the video that U.S. personnel or bases could come under attack in the coming days if Iran retaliates. Multiple U.S. embassies are on alert for possible attacks.<\/p>

\"We may have casualties, that often happens in war, but we're doing this not for now. We're doing this for the future, and it is a noble mission,\" Trump said. \"[Iran] attempted to rebuild their nuclear program and to continue developing long range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas and could soon reach the American homeland.\"<\/p>

Israel's defense minister, Israel Katz, warned of an \u201cimmediate state of emergency throughout the entire country,\" over concerns that Iran could target the Jewish State in retaliation for the attacks.<\/p>

Shortly after the initial strikes, the Israel Defense Forces identified that missiles were launched from Iran toward Israel.<\/p>

TRUMP SAYS HE'S 'NOT HAPPY' WITH IRAN TALKS AND 'SOMETIMES' FORCE IS NECESSARY<\/a><\/p>

The mission was the culmination of weeks of speculation, created mostly by President Donald Trump<\/a> himself, as to whether he would approve military<\/a> operations targeting Iranian senior leaders<\/a> if the two sides failed to make progress in negotiations.<\/p>

Trump, in January, said \u201cHelp is on the way<\/a>\u201d in a message to Iranian protesters who were involved in nationwide protests that popped up in late December and continued into January. Iran's security forces reportedly killed thousands of protesters<\/a> who participated in those protests.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Trump-Iran.png?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475282-1772237071", "title":"Richard Cox derails sex offender case, once again", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2F4475282%2Frichard-cox-derails-sex-offender-case-once-again%2F", "byline":"Amy DeLaura", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"ARLINGTON, Virginia — Richard Cox once again derailed pretrial proceedings on Friday as a Virginia court tries to decide whether he can exercise the right to self-representation. Cox, who is a registered sex offender, is facing dozens of charges in Virginia’s 17th Judicial Circuit Court, including indecent exposure and indecent liberties with a child.  Cox […]", "description":""

ARLINGTON, Virginia \u2014 Richard Cox <\/a>once again derailed pretrial proceedings on Friday as a Virginia court tries to decide whether he can exercise the right to self-representation. Cox, who is a registered sex offender, is facing dozens of charges in Virginia\u2019s 17th Judicial Circuit Court<\/a>, including indecent exposure and indecent liberties with a child.\u00a0<\/p>

Cox is on trial for charges<\/a> stemming from entering female locker rooms in recreation centers and high school pools open to the public. Cox, a biological male, identifies as transgender and could enter these facilities because Arlington County<\/a> policy allows people to use the bathroom of the gender they identify with rather than biological sex.<\/p>

Judge Daniel T. Lopez<\/a> was supposed to address motions on the validity of Cox's loitering charges, whether letters written by Cox are admissible as evidence, and whether Cox would be allowed to cross-examine witnesses.<\/p>

US AND ISRAEL LAUNCH \u2018PREEMPTIVE\u2019 ATTACK AGAINST IRAN<\/a><\/p>

However, Lopez made no rulings on Friday because Cox claimed the Commonwealth did not provide the motions in time, so Cox could not give arguments. The courtroom erupted as the judge and lawyers tried to decide which charges Cox was self-representing, and who needed to receive the motions.<\/p>

The Commonwealth is trying to convince the judge to either allow Cox to self-represent on all charges or have the public defender represent Cox on all the charges, rather than allow Cox to self-represent on only some of the charges.<\/p>

\u201cIt's become a confusion over who is representing who, on what,\u201d Deputy Commonwealth Attorney Abhimanyu Mehta said. \u201cIt's going to be a very, very long and complex jury trial, and we need to take every step we can even think of to ensure that it proceeds in a smooth and efficient manner.\u201d<\/p>

Mehta reminded the judge that Cox tried to delay a previous trial<\/a> by requesting to self-represent. Cox was on trial for two counts of possession of child pornography in the second offense earlier in February. <\/p>Loitering or exposing for sexual gratification?

Michael Cash, Arlington County\u2019s senior public defender, argued Cox gets access to facilities because Cox is homeless and that just because somebody takes an inordinate amount of time to do daily activities, such as showering, doesn't mean it's loitering.<\/p>

\u201cI don't think I'm breaking any news when I say that a lot of sex offenders in the Commonwealth are homeless,\u201d Cash said. \u201cHomeless people need to be able to take advantage of places that are open to the public, such as shelters, library, parks, and yes, showers and bathrooms, especially in the fall and winter months that we're dealing with in this case.\u201d<\/p>

Cash told the judge that the loitering charge is discriminatory against homeless people and should be dropped.<\/p>

\u201cHomeless sex offenders are the exact kind of group that would be subject to this discriminatory enforcement,\u201d Cash said. \u201cSex offenders are the kind of people that the public generally doesn't want anywhere.\u201d<\/p>

READ IN FULL: TRUMP ADDRESS ON IRAN OPERATION<\/a><\/p>

Prosecutors argued police found evidence on Cox's phone<\/a> highlighting children's swim schedules and gymnastics classes, which they said showed Cox had intent to walk around naked in front of children. Witnesses they plan to bring to the stand will present evidence of Cox\u2019s behaviors while in the locker rooms.<\/p>

\u201cThis is evidence we would like to bring to the jury and let the jury decide whether or not Cox is guilty of the loitering charges,\" prosecutors said.<\/p>Letters admitting compulsions and guilt

Judge Lopez must also weigh whether letters Cox wrote to a judge in 1993 and 1995 will be admissible.<\/p>

Cox was imprisoned in 1991 for exposing himself to children. While behind bars, Cox wrote to a judge that he gets sexual gratification from exposing himself to females in public, and had requested to be chemically castrated.<\/p>

\u201cWhile I'm jailed for just actively exposing myself, I don't just underplay my actions. I think that what I did is shameful,\u201d Cox wrote in the letter. \u201cI only want to point out the fear and frustration that's mine.\u201d<\/p>

CONGRESS SPLIT ON TRUMP'S IRAN STRIKES<\/a><\/p>

\u201cWere I not so afraid of physical contact with people, I'm sure I would have no problem in growing a normal relationship with a girl my age,\u201d Cox wrote. \u201cI don't want to be a prisoner here. I can't control it, it's not my fault.\u201d<\/p>

The defense argued the prosecution should not be allowed to show the jury these letters because Cox does not necessarily harbor the same intent from 30 years ago. Cash told Lopez that by allowing these letters into evidence, the judge would basically be saying he doesn't \u201cbuy in\u201d to the prison rehabilitation programs designed to help people \u201ctreat their worst impulses.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cOnce a pervert, always a pervert,\u201d Cash said. \u201cThat's a particularly cynical argument from the Commonwealth.\u201d<\/p>

The judge had not allowed these letters to be admissible into evidence for the child pornography trial earlier in February.<\/p>

The judge outlined that the defendant has already admitted during pretrial motions hearings that \u201cI'm just looking for help\" and \"I just want the jury to know how bad I feel<\/a>.\u201d The judge said two dynamics can exist at once: Cox can claim to be transgender, and Cox can receive sexual gratification by exposing himself in front of women. <\/p>Can Cox cross-examine witnesses?

Prosecutors are fighting to prevent Cox from being able to cross-examine witnesses. There will be witnesses as young as 17 years old, as well as mothers of children who were subjected to Cox's behavior in the bathrooms.<\/p>

Mehta argued witnesses may decline to call police, or work with prosecution in the future, if they are worried about getting cross-examined by the suspect during a trial, in front of a jury and the media.<\/p>

\u201cAll we're saying is that [the questions] should be written out in advance and only be read by the qualified attorney,\u201d Mehta said, arguing against the idea that Cox should be allowed to question any witnesses himself. \u201cIt happens all the time when two protesters or two defense attorneys, they'll write questions, ask this next, or hand up notes, or we'll check in with each other and make sure we cover everything. They certainly can do the same.\u201d<\/p>

<\/a>\u2018DYSFUNCTION IS A CHOICE\u2019: NEW MEXICO CLASSROOMS ARE FAILING STUDENTS, EDUCATOR WARNS<\/a><\/p>

The judge will allow Cox to give arguments on March 6. When Cox tried to object and request more time, the judge denied.<\/p>

The trial will begin on April 10, and is expected to last 10 days with over 25 witnesses.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0227-Richard-Cox-derails-trial-Feature-image.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475278-1772232223", "title":"Kennedy Center Honors to ‘go forward’ even through renovation closure", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F4475278%2Fkennedy-center-honors-to-go-forward-through-renovation-closure%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Trump Kennedy Center Honors ceremony will “go forward” despite the center’s temporary closure. The center’s president, Richard Grenell, said a new venue was currently being sought as the building undergoes renovations, beginning around Independence Day. “It will definitely go forward,” he told a local news radio station. “It will probably just be in a […]", "description":""

The Trump Kennedy Center<\/a> Honors ceremony will \"go forward\" despite the center's temporary closure<\/a>.<\/p>

The center's president, Richard Grenell<\/a>, said a new venue was currently being sought as the building undergoes renovations, beginning around Independence Day.<\/p>

\u201cIt will definitely go forward,\u201d he told a local news radio station. \u201cIt will probably just be in a smaller venue, which just means ticket demand will be even higher.\u201d<\/p>

The Kennedy Center Honors is a series of ceremonies spanning a weekend that honors five artists for their contributions to culture. During the weekend, the honorees receive awards, meet the president, give speeches at State Department dinners, and then conclude at a bipartisan ceremony at the Kennedy Center's Opera House.<\/p>

While the honorees typically sit next to the president during the final ceremony, the entertainment industry's well-known hostility towards Trump pushed him to end the tradition during his first term.<\/p>

KENNEDY CENTER TO CLOSE FOR TWO YEARS FOR RENOVATIONS, TRUMP SAYS<\/a><\/p>

He has since reversed his hands-off approach towards the Kennedy Center during his second term, instead taking the most hands-on role of a president in the center's history. He installed a new board of loyalists and reshaped the institution, going so far as to push the new board to rename it to the Trump Kennedy Center.<\/p>

Reflecting the new name, the honors will be held as the \"Trump Kennedy Center Honors.\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/AP25353745688678.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475221-1772225111", "title":"Comer says ‘charming’ Bill Clinton deposition better than Hillary’s because of ‘Southern people skills’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F4475221%2Fcomer-bill-clinton-deposition-better-than-hillary%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-KY) said that former President Bill Clinton’s deposition regarding his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was superior to his wife’s due to his “Southern people skills” and charm. Speaking with reporters after Bill Clinton’s deposition, Comer said the former president’s deposition was “productive,” and revealed that he “answered every question, or […]", "description":""

House Oversight Chairman James Comer<\/a> (R-KY) said that former President Bill Clinton's<\/a> deposition regarding his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein<\/a> was superior to his wife's due to his \"Southern people skills\" and charm.<\/p>

Speaking with reporters after Bill Clinton's deposition, Comer said the former president's deposition was \"productive,\" and revealed that he \"answered every question, or attempted to answer every question.\" However, he said the answers are sure to invite more questions once the transcript is released.<\/p>

A reporter then asked Comer why he believed Bill Clinton's deposition was more respectful than Hillary Clinton's<\/a>.<\/p>

\"Everybody knows President Clinton... He's got Southern people skills, and he's a charming individual, obviously,\" Comer responded.<\/p>

The Kentucky Republican further noted that the depositions marked \"historical\" days, as the Clintons marked the two most high-ranking officials in U.S. history to have ever been compelled via subpoena to deliver depositions to Congress<\/a>.<\/p>

Earlier in the day, Comer noted with satisfaction that Bill Clinton had poured cold water<\/a> on any speculation that President Donald Trump was involved with Epstein.<\/p>

JAMES COMER CLAIMS CLINTON POURED COLD WATER ON ANY TRUMP INVOLVEMENT WITH EPSTEIN<\/a><\/p>

House oversight committee<\/a> Democrats disagreed with the characterization, but refrained from saying what they believed was actually said. Democrats have aimed to subpoena Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick<\/a> over his involvement with Epstein, and some have sought to use the precedent of Clinton to seek the testimony of Trump himself.<\/p>

During his testimony, Bill Clinton denied any knowledge<\/a> of Epstein's crimes, and he was described as being largely relaxed while answering questions.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-collage-a6xftg3ck-1770138512605-e1770142645841.jpg?1770120578&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475109-1772224830", "title":"Paramount announces official merger agreement to acquire Warner Bros Discovery", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F4475109%2Fparamount-announces-official-merger-agreement-acquire-warner-bros-discovery%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Paramount Skydance announced a merger agreement to acquire Warner Bros Discovery, just one day after Netflix threw in the towel. Paramount and Netflix were locked in a months-long heated bidding war over WBD, which had fallen into financial disrepair. A February bid from Paramount proved too much for Netflix, and it announced Thursday that it […]", "description":""

Paramount Skydance<\/a> announced a merger agreement to acquire Warner Bros Discovery, just one day after Netflix threw in the towel<\/a>.<\/p>

Paramount and Netflix were locked in a months-long heated bidding war over WBD, which had fallen into financial disrepair. A February bid from Paramount proved too much for Netflix<\/a>, and it announced Thursday that it wouldn't increase its bid, clearing the way for Paramount. Paramount and WBD announced<\/a> their official merger deal on Friday, greatly expanding the cultural juggernaut.<\/p>

The deal gives Paramount ownership of several cultural and entertainment titans: Game of Thrones, Mission Impossible,\u00a0Harry Potter, Top Gun, the DC Universe, and SpongeBob SquarePants.<\/p>

\"From the very beginning, our pursuit of\u00a0Warner Bros. Discovery\u00a0has been guided by a clear purpose: to honor the legacy of two iconic companies while accelerating our vision of building a next-generation media and entertainment company,\" Paramount Chairman and CEO David Ellison said in a statement. By bringing together these world-class studios, our complementary streaming platforms, and the extraordinary talent behind them, we will create even greater value for audiences, partners, and shareholders \u2014 and we couldn't be more excited for what's ahead.\"<\/p>

WBD President and CEO David Zaslav was equally optimistic in his own statement, which was released alongside Paramount's announcement.<\/p>

\"I'm very pleased with the outcome we achieved for WBD shareholders and the entertainment industry. Our guiding principle throughout this process has been to secure a transaction that maximizes the value of our iconic assets and our century-old studio while delivering as much certainty as possible for our investors. We look forward to working with Paramount to complete this historic transaction,\" he said.<\/p>

Among the many channels and brands the deal adds to Paramount's catalogue are: Discovery Channel, HBO, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, CNN, TNT, TBS, truTV, the Travel Channel, Animal Planet, and Turner Classic Movies. Streaming-wise, Paramount now has the ability to combine Paramount+, HBO Max, and Pluto TV.<\/p>

The Netflix-Paramount bidding war was constantly overshadowed by wider national politics<\/a>. Paramount is viewed as more friendly to the Trump administration and Republicans, while Netflix is viewed as more friendly to the Democratic Party, particularly given its years-long collaborations with the Obama family.<\/p>

NETFLIX CEDES WARNER BROS. BIDDING WAR TO PARAMOUNT AFTER DECLINING TO INCREASE OFFER<\/a><\/p>

Last weekend, Trump pressured<\/a> Netflix to fire former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice<\/a> from its board over comments she made about punishing companies that kowtow to Trump. If she was not removed from the board, Trump vowed that the streaming service would \u201cpay the consequences.\u201d<\/p>

On Tuesday, Paramount CEO David Ellison attended the State of the Union<\/a> address based on an invitation from Sen. Lindsey Graham<\/a> (R-SC).<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP25352694411584_0373d6.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475180-1772221274", "title":"Trump picks up Whataburger for Air Force One and jokes about being poisoned after Texas speech", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F4475180%2Ftrump-whataburger-air-force-one-jokes-being-poisoned-after-texas-speech%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"RFK, look away now! President Donald Trump was in his element as he made a stop at Whataburger after a speech in Corpus Cristi, Texas. Trump gave a speech focused on energy, during which he was joined by the three Republicans vying for a Senate seat this November — incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), Texas Attorney General Ken […]", "description":""

RFK, look away now<\/a>!<\/p>

President Donald Trump<\/a> was in his element as he made a stop at Whataburger after a speech in Corpus Cristi, Texas.<\/p>

Trump gave a speech focused on energy, during which he was joined by the three Republicans vying for a Senate seat this November \u2014 incumbent Sen.\u00a0John Cornyn<\/a>\u00a0(R-TX), Texas Attorney General\u00a0Ken Paxton<\/a>, and Rep.\u00a0Wesley Hunt<\/a>\u00a0(R-TX). The trio will face off in a 2026 midterm primary this upcoming Tuesday, and the top two are most likely headed for a runoff later this year.<\/p>

But Trump took time to unwind on his way back to Air Force One and indulge in one of his favorite pastimes \u2014 fast food.<\/p>

\"So, are these the best hamburgers?\" he said after walking into the restaurant to cheers, prompting further applause.<\/p>

Trump then turned to the staff.<\/p>

\"How are the burgers, pretty good?\" he asked, then added, \"You're all very famous people tonight.\"<\/p>

The president inquired about feedback to his State of the Union<\/a> address, laying into the Democrats for not standing up at key points.<\/p>

\"It's unbelievable. They're crazy!\" he said, drawing agreement from the crowd.<\/p>

The president then ordered hamburgers for everyone, quipping that he'd buy them drinks, but he doesn't drink.<\/p>

\"I'm gonna get some stuff for Air Force One, then I'm gonna get the Hell out of here,\" Trump said.<\/p>

After he approached the counter to order, he was given his own special burger with a \"47\" tag, which he then showed to everyone.<\/p>

\"I probably shouldn't eat this one, I should get a different one at random, but I trust him!\" the president joked, alluding to the possibility of poisoning.<\/p>

WATCH LIVE: TRUMP DELIVERS REMARKS ON ENERGY IN TEXAS ALONGSIDE ALL THREE SENATE GOP HOPEFULS<\/a><\/p>

Several other high-ranking Republicans were present at the visit, including Sen. Ted Cruz<\/a> (R-TX).<\/p>

The president is known for his affinity for fast food, particularly McDonald's. He famously took on the brief role of a McDonald's fry cook during his 2024 campaign, a move reflecting his love of the fast food chain and mocking former Vice President Kamala Harris's unclear claim to have worked there previously.<\/p>

His Health Secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, an advocate of healthy eating, has repeatedly expressed his dismay at his boss's diet.<\/p>

In January, he told Katie Miller<\/a> that Trump has the \u201cmost unhinged eating habits.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cI don\u2019t know how he\u2019s alive, but he is,\u201d Kennedy said.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26058844884982.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4475129-1772220478", "title":"Trump two-steps around Texas GOP Senate primary in Corpus Christi swing", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F4475129%2Ftrump-two-steps-texas-gop-senate-primary-corpus-christi%2F", "byline":"Mabinty Quarshie and Naomi Lim", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump remained noncommittal about endorsing a candidate in the closely watched Senate GOP primary during his visit to Corpus Christi, Texas, following his fourth State of the Union address this week.  Trump’s visit to Corpus Christi comes during a grueling and bitter Senate GOP primary between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), Rep. Wesley […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> remained noncommittal about endorsing a candidate in the closely watched Senate GOP primary during his visit to Corpus Christi, Texas<\/a>, following his fourth State of the Union address<\/a> this week.\u00a0<\/p>

Trump\u2019s visit to Corpus Christi comes during a grueling and bitter Senate GOP primary between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn<\/a> (R-TX), Rep. Wesley Hunt<\/a> (R-TX), and state attorney general Ken Paxton<\/a>. <\/p>

Trump teased before his speech on Friday that he had \u201cpretty much\u201d decided who he would endorse, but declined to tell reporters which candidate had his support.<\/p>

\u201cNo,\u201d Trump said when reporters asked him who he was backing. <\/p>

He did, however, greet all three candidates while speaking, signaling his friendliness but refusal to truly wade into the primary. <\/p>

The president called both Paxton and Cornyn \u201cgreat\u201d and the election \u201cinteresting\u201d during his remarks. <\/p>

\u201cWe have a great attorney general, Ken Paxton. Where's Ken? Hi Ken. And we have a great Sen. John Cornyn, Hi John, thank you, John,\u201d Trump said. <\/p>

\u201cAnd another friend of mine who's doing very well, Wesley Hunt. Where's Wesley? Wesley Hunt, doing a good job,\u201d Trump also said. \u201cThank you, Wesley.\u201d <\/p>

Cornyn, who flew to Corpus Christi with Trump aboard Air Force One, is in the fight of his political career despite being backed by the National Republican Senatorial Committee <\/a>and his more than 20 years in the Senate. <\/p>

With three candidates in the field, it is not expected that any single lawmaker will win the primary. Instead, the top two candidates will advance to the primary runoff on May 26.\u00a0<\/p>

But Republicans are worried that the popular but\u00a0scandal-plagued<\/a>\u00a0Paxton could eventually win the primary, boosting Democrats\u2019 chances of finally flipping the seat blue after decades of false hope.\u00a0<\/p>

Vice President Kamala Harris threw her support behind<\/a> Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) on Friday and has recorded a robocall for the Congressional Democrat\u2019s primary battle against Texas State Rep. James Talarico.\u00a0<\/p>

Trump also publicly acknowledged the embattled Rep. Tony Gonzales<\/a> (R-TX), who sent explicit late-night texts to former aide Regina Santos-Aviles before she set herself on fire last year.<\/p>

Gonzales has refused to step down from office after the texts were made public this week, and at least six Republicans have called for his resignation, upending another Texas race with primaries looming. <\/p>

\u201cCongressman Tony Gonzales is here. Tony, congratulations,\u201d Trump said.<\/p>

Trump was in Corpus Christi to underscore his economy and energy policy agendas before November's midterm elections<\/a>, though he veered off script during his address to tell the crowd an anecdote intended to emphasize how well the stock market is performing at the moment.<\/p>

\"This wonderful, tough policeman from New York, he's taking good care of us, and he said, 'Sir, it's so good. My married life has gotten so much better. Why? My wife thought I was a loser. Financially, I couldn't make any money because my 401(K) was dying for years, and now she thinks I'm the smartest financial genius ever. It's made my sex life good. It's made my life. It's given me, it's given me a tremendous boost in life, sir.' This is a big, tough cop. He said, 'My wife treated me like a dog, and now she admires my financial genius, and I haven't done anything, my 401(K) has gone through the roof.' So I said, thank you very much,\" Trump said.<\/p>

When he was on script, Trump told the audience the oil tanker docked in the Port of Corpus Christi behind him was carrying 360,000 barrels of Venezuelan oil.<\/p>

\"We're going to keep something for ourselves,\" he said. \"We're going to give some to them, and they're going to make more money than they've ever made before.\"<\/p>

VANCE LEADING TRUMP\u2019S \u2018WAR ON FRAUD\u2019 COULD BE DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD<\/a><\/p>

In addition to Cornyn, Actor Dennis Quaid accompanied Trump to Corpus Christi on his presidential plane and, at one point during his speech, came on stage to say, \"I love Corpus Christi \u2014 and I love Donald Trump!\"<\/p>

Trump, donning a \"Gulf of America\" red baseball cap, similarly used the platform to quip about considering nominating Sen. Ted Cruz<\/a> (R-TX) to the Supreme Court<\/a>, criticize Rep. Ilhan Omar <\/a>(D-MN) for heckling him during his State of the Union, and claim he is \"entitled\" to a third term as president.<\/p>

\"Maybe we do one more term?\" he asked. \"Should we do one more? One more term? Well, we're entitled to it because they cheated like hell in the second.\"<\/p>

Trump now heads to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, for a weekend of political meetings and fundraisers, stopping at a Whataburger fast-food chain en route to the airport. \"Hamburgers for all!\" he shouted to those in the restaurant.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26058810748134.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474312-1772218978", "title":"DHS releasing some illegal border crossers into US despite claims of ‘zero’ releases", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Finvestigations%2F4474312%2Fdhs-released-illegal-border-crossers-despite-claims-zero%2F", "byline":"Anna Giaritelli", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Some immigrants who illegally crossed the U.S.-Mexico border and were arrested by Border Patrol have been released into the United States by the Department of Homeland Security despite the Trump administration’s claims that “zero” releases have occurred over the past nine months, according to four sources aware of the releases. Although the number of border […]", "description":""

Some immigrants who illegally crossed the U.S.-Mexico border and were arrested by Border Patrol<\/a> have been released into the United States by the Department of Homeland Security despite the Trump administration's claims that \"zero\" releases have occurred over the past nine months, according to four sources aware of the releases.<\/p>

Although the number of border crossers let into the interior of the country is significantly smaller than it was during the Biden administration, that some illegal immigrants have been released into the U.S. at all appears to contradict President Donald Trump's claim during the State of the Union<\/a> address, as well as numerous statements by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem<\/a>, that no one had been let in since early last summer.<\/p>

\u201cIn the past nine months, zero illegal aliens have been admitted to the United States,\u201d Trump said to a round of applause from lawmakers at the State of the Union on Tuesday.<\/p>

In just one year, President Trump\u2019s effective immigration and border security policies have led to an all-time-low in illegal crossings at the southern border. The message is clear: America\u2019s borders are closed to lawbreakers. This is just the beginning. pic.twitter.com\/3ocuVXTAbE<\/a><\/p>— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) February 25, 2026<\/a>

Noem stated in November<\/a>, December<\/a>, and January<\/a> that \"zero\" people who crossed the border and were arrested had been released from custody and permitted to remain in the country.<\/p>

Noem has also conflated releases with apprehensions. The DHS secretary stated during an August 2025 press conference<\/a> that \"we have had \u2014 for three months in a row \u2014 zero illegal aliens entering the United States.\"<\/p>

Sources did not deny that the Border Patrol, a part of DHS's agency Customs and Border Protection<\/a>, responsible for initially arresting people, had released anyone.<\/p>

However, sources said it was DHS's Immigration and Customs Enforcement<\/a> that has and continues to release an unspecified number of people from the border who are turned over to them from Border Patrol. The number of ICE releases under Trump is unclear.<\/p>

\"Dirty little secret that the [Trump administration] does not want getting out for obvious reasons,\" the first source wrote in a text message. \"There are in fact folks who are being released who recently crossed the border. ... [Border Patrol] is not releasing anyone, but ICE is.\"<\/p>

Border Patrol is mandated by federal detention standards to limit the detention of immigrants to 72 hours after an arrest before turning that person over to ICE for longer detention pending removal.<\/p>

Border Patrol may handle some removals of Mexican nationals, but ICE is responsible for the detention and removal of illegal immigrants.<\/p>

When people are released by ICE, they are given either a paper that notifies them to appear in immigration court at a certain place and time regarding their unlawful entry or a document requiring them to go to a regional ICE office and notify them that they need to be added to the court docket.<\/p>

A second source said immigrants who came over the southern border illegally are being released into the U.S. on a \"case-by-case basis.\" They continue to be placed into ICE's Alternatives to Detention program, which may require wearing an ankle monitor to track their location while not in custody.<\/p>

The Washington Examiner asked the DHS for comment. The DHS and ICE did not provide comment. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said Trump's record on the border had netted results but did not comment on his \"zero\" releases remark earlier this week.<\/p>

\u201cPresident Trump is right \u2013 thanks to his leadership the border has been totally secured in a short period of time,\" Jackson wrote in an email Friday. \"Under the Biden Administration, countless criminal illegal aliens were allowed to flood into the country. The Trump Administration has put an end to illegals being freely released into the interior. The American people are safer because of President Trump.\u201d<\/p>

CBP provided a statement from its commissioner, Rodney Scott, that stated over the past nine months, \"CBP has not released a single individual who entered the country illegally into the interior.\"<\/p>

\"The record is clear. We ended the Biden administration's disastrous catch and release policies,\" Scott said. \"U.S. Customs and Border Protection stands by the accuracy of the information provided to the American people. Our reporting is grounded in operational data, vetted through established channels, aligned with DHS policy and federal law, and available publicly on CBP\u2019s webpage.\"<\/p>

Scott, the former national chief of the Border Patrol, added that illegal immigrants in Border Patrol custody may be turned over to another agency or local law enforcement, to ICE, or the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Refugee Resettlement if the person is a child without a parent.<\/p>

Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, senior fellow at the American Immigration Council in Washington, said ICE's quiet releases over the past nine months were a good sign, because it indicated that federal employees recognize there are cases where detention is not appropriate or possible.<\/p>

\"Every administration releases some migrants either because of logistical, diplomatic, or humanitarian reasons, and releases are not failures,\" Reichlin-Melnick said in a phone call Friday. \"Some people just shouldn't be held in detention. There's no good reason to do so, especially those with serious humanitarian or medical issues. That some people are still being released is a sign that, at least at the lower levels, the agency still acknowledges this fact despite what the leadership is saying.\"<\/p>

WHY TRUMP'S CHANGES TO IMMIGRATION COURTS WILL 'ABSOLUTELY' RAMP UP DEPORTATIONS<\/a><\/p>

Trump imposed a dozen executive actions related to immigration upon taking office in January 2025. The average of 100,000 to 250,000 illegal immigrants apprehended at the southern border per month during most of the Biden administration tapered down to less than 10,000 apprehensions per month in Trump's first year.<\/p>

House Republicans estimated that 5.3 million illegal immigrants, including possible asylum-seekers, were let into the U.S. under Biden.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP25021554408263.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474940-1772216392", "title":"Democrats’ age debate comes for Al Green in competitive Texas House primary", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2Fcongressional%2F4474940%2Fdemocrat-age-debate-al-green-texas-house-primary%2F", "byline":"Lauren Green", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"HOUSTON — Age is playing a factor in Texas’s 18th congressional district race, with 78-year-old Rep. Al Green (D-TX) facing 37-year-old Rep. Christian Menefee (D-TX). The longtime Houston Democrat is facing an uphill primary on March 3 against the newest member of Congress, Menefee, after Green was drawn out of his district by the Trump-backed […]", "description":""

HOUSTON \u2014 Age is playing a factor in Texas's 18th congressional district race, with 78-year-old Rep. Al Green (D-TX) facing 37-year-old Rep. Christian Menefee (D-TX).<\/p>

The longtime Houston Democrat<\/a> is facing an uphill primary on March 3 against the newest member of Congress, Menefee, after Green was drawn out of his district by the Trump-backed redistricting<\/a> effort that passed the state last year.<\/p>

Texas's 18th district is currently represented by Menefee, who won the seat just last month to fill the remainder of the late Rep. Sylvester Turner\u2019s term through next January. Turner suddenly passed nearly a year ago at age 70. <\/p>

And with Green having served in Congress for 20 years, the seasoned lawmaker will have to convince Houston voters he's not done in Washington, as many Houston voters are looking for a change from the status quo. The Washington Examiner visited Houston polling locations, where nearly every voter emphasized that while they appreciate the work Green has done, it is time to turn a new leaf.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cI think right now folks won't change, right now they want change,\" Houston voter Javon Blair told the Washington Examiner. \"They want somebody young, innovative\u2014Christian Menefee. If you speak to those that value and not just young and innovative, you have to understand, he is a symbol of change.\u201d<\/p>

Menefee has been leading Green in the polls, showing a 24-point lead among likely voters from a University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs poll<\/a> released earlier this month. <\/p>

36-year-old Carolyn Waller said she was voting for Menefee because she wanted someone she \u201ccan relate to, younger, understandable, someone that\u2019s not just left out,\u201d she went on to say Green has been doing it for a long time, but it\u2019s time to \u201clet somebody else get in there and try to do something, make a change.\u201d<\/p>

From his protests at Trump\u2019s last two State of the Union addresses to his calls for impeachment, Green has gained a reputation for pushing back against the president in outspoken ways. But his fighter mentality may not be enough for what Houston Democrats are looking for as their representation in the lower chamber. <\/p>

Even Democratic strategists are wary of whether his impeachment push will resonate with Democratic voters after the party\u2019s massive 2024 loss.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cIt's going to be very interesting to see if that is indeed an effective message,\u201d Democratic operative Jon Reinish told the Washington Examiner. <\/p>

CEO of Girl and the Gov, Sammy Kanter, explained to the Washington Examiner that even if the impeachment messaging resonates, it is an unrealistic goal.<\/p>

\u201cThere's a forgetfulness that we've impeached Trump twice, and then he has continued to be in office that first term, right? So the effectiveness of that tool doesn't have the teeth, because it's not followed through on in completion,\u201d Kanter said.\u00a0<\/p>

Waller shared a similar sentiment, saying she is not one to push for the president's removal. <\/p>

Green's resistance to Trump was on full display on Tuesday during Trump's State of the Union address when the Houston Democrat was escorted out of the House chamber after he held up a sign that read, \u201cBlack people aren\u2019t apes<\/a>.\"<\/p>

Green said the sign, which multiple Republican members tried to pull down, was his response to an alleged deepfake AI video<\/a> displaying the Obamas as apes on Trump\u2019s Truth Social that was later taken down and criticized by many Republicans.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cI wanted the president to see it, and he saw it, and I told him, Black people are not apes, and for him to do what he did was racist, and he knows it,\u201d Green told CNN after being escorted out. <\/p>

\u201cAt some point, you cannot let racism continue,\u201d Green added. \u201cIf you tolerate it, you perpetuate it. I refuse to tolerate racism. The president needs to know Black people aren't apes, and that he should have apologized for what he did.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

His ejection from the chamber was the second time Green was removed from a Trump speech to Congress. Green was censured nearly a year ago after repeatedly interrupting Trump\u2019s joint address.<\/p>

The Texas Democrat has also filed multiple articles of impeachment against the president in both his first and second terms, with none of his resolutions being successful so far. <\/p>

\u201cI take no delight in proclaiming President Donald Trump is 'an abuser of presidential power' who is endangering invidious hate, putting Americans' lives at risk, undermining democracy, and dissolving our Republic,\u201d Green wrote in a letter calling for Trump\u2019s impeachment last December following Trump reposting a post calling for a handful of members of Congress to be executed.<\/p>

\u201cAt this critical moment in history, we must do more than confront the subordinate question of what he will do\u2014we must also confront the superior question of what we will do,\u201d he continued.<\/p>

Menefee did not attend Trump\u2019s address on Tuesday, his first one in Congress, but instead spent the night in Houston at two community events.\u00a0The 37-year-old Democrat was out at early voting polling locations Friday, talking to voters as they walked through the parking lot.<\/p>

\"The feedback we're getting out here from folks on the ground is fantastic. We are just a few days away from Election Day, and I am glad that we are almost to a conclusion, so I can get to work for people in D.C.,\" Menefee told the Washington Examiner. <\/p>

While many Houston voters have turned their sights to Menefee, some Houstonians believe Green is what is best for their district.<\/p>

\"He's the most experienced, especially with the things that're going on now, I think he can kind of help solve the turmoil weaving at this point,\" 87-year-old Tommy Erwin told the Washington Examiner. <\/p>

The Washington Examiner reached out to Green's office for comment. <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-collage-jd4k4szn2-1772225418500-e1772234517200.jpg?1772207476&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474502-1772213282", "title":"Trump is threatening to destroy the same Iran nuclear facilities he said were ‘obliterated’ months ago", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fdefense%2F4474502%2Ftrump-threatening-destroy-iran-nuclear-facilities-obliterated%2F", "byline":"Mike Brest", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump is currently contemplating whether to declare war on Iran and potentially go after the nuclear facilities he said were “totally obliterated” just eight months ago. As the Trump administration seeks a negotiated agreement regarding its nuclear program to avoid a possible war, Trump ordered significant military power into the region to give […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> is currently contemplating whether to declare war on Iran<\/a> and potentially go after the nuclear facilities he said were \"totally obliterated<\/a>\" just eight months ago.<\/p>

As the Trump administration seeks a negotiated agreement regarding its nuclear program to avoid a possible war, Trump ordered significant military power into the region to give him options for kinetic action.<\/p>

\"After Midnight Hammer, they were warned to make no future attempts to rebuild their weapons program in a particular, nuclear weapons, yet they continue starting it all over,\" Trump said during his State of the Union address to both chambers of Congress. \"We wiped it out and they want to start all over again. And are at this moment again pursuing their sinister ambitions. We are in negotiations with them.\"<\/p>

The most recent round of conversations between the two sides occurred on Thursday<\/a>. The following day, Trump said he was \"not happy\"<\/a> with how those talks were going.<\/p>

These negotiations, amid the heightened tension, come eight months after U.S. troops bombed the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities during the Israel<\/a>-Iran 12-Day war in June 2025.<\/p>

Following the bombing, several U.S. officials, including the president, insisted the facilities were \"totally obliterated,\" even though their comments disputed an initial intelligence community assessment<\/a>.<\/p>

In a speech in the hours after they took place, Trump said, \u201cIran\u2019s key enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.\u201d<\/p>

About two weeks after the U.S. strikes, top Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said their nuclear program was likely set back 1 to 2 years<\/a>.<\/p>

\"I think we're thinking probably closer to two years, like degraded their program by two years,\" Parnell said in early July 2025, adding that when factoring the totality of the strikes from a \"psychological\" perspective as well, \"We believe that Iran's nuclear capability has been severely degraded, perhaps even their ambition to build a bomb.\"<\/p>

Iran subsequently carried out a telegraphed retaliatory attack targeting a U.S. military<\/a> base in Qatar to save face but not incur further U.S. aggression.<\/p>

Despite their proclamations after Operation Midnight Hammer, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff said last week the Iranians are \u201cprobably a week away from having industrial-grade bombmaking material.\"<\/p>

Earlier this week, when challenged by CNN<\/a> on the timeline and use of the word \"obliterated,\" Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) likened it to being in a car accident, breaking your limbs and healing.<\/p>

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t rebuild,\" he told Kaitlan Collins. \"I mean, people have car accidents and obliterate their bones in their legs, and yet they can still put, you know, they can still put metal back in them and walk again.\u201d<\/p>'Help is on the way'

One of the key differences between now and eight months ago is the heightened unrest in Iran and the crackdown on protesters. In early January, Trump threatened to get militarily involved after Iranian security forces were accused of killing thousands of protesters during nationwide protests that began in late December.<\/p>

Trump said, \"Help is on the way<\/a>\" in a message directed to the protesters. Iran's security forces cracked down on the protests, resulting in mass casualties<\/a>, and they simmered down in early January, but the president's comments continue to hang over the current tension.<\/p>

Another difference from last year's operation is that when the United States bombed Iran, it was after Israeli forces had taken out their air defense systems. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has met with Trump to discuss the tension, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to travel there early next week.<\/p>

TRUMP SAYS HE'S 'NOT HAPPY' WITH IRAN TALKS AND 'SOMETIMES' FORCE IS NECESSARY<\/a><\/p>

The Iranians, during this new stretch of negotiations, have refused U.S. diplomats' demands regarding enriched uranium. The U.S. also wants Iran to limit their ballistic missile stockpile and its support for proxy forces in the region, both of which Tehran said were not topics on the table for discussions.<\/p>

\u201cWell, we\u2019re not happy with what\u2019s going on,\u201d Trump told reporters at the White House<\/a> on Friday. \u201cThey should make a deal, they\u2019d be smart if they made a deal. No nuclear weapons \u2014 we want no nuclear weapons by Iran and they\u2019re not saying those golden words.\u201d<\/p>

He downplayed his desire to use force but said that \"sometimes you have to\" and acknowledged he had not made a final decision yet.<\/p>

If Trump does authorize a military operation, it's unknown what the objective will be and could but will not necessarily include pushing for regime change by going after top leaders. Should Trump do that, Iranian officials have threatened to retaliate against any of the nearly dozen U.S. military bases in the region that house tens of thousands of troops.<\/p>

Rubio designated Iran a state sponsor of wrongful detention on Friday as well. He said that Iran \u201chas continued to cruelly detain innocent Americans, as well as citizens of other nations, to use as political leverage against other states.\u201d<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26056162387208_4a9ab1.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474937-1772212364", "title":"Hegseth announces end to Department of War attendance at Ivy Leagues", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fdefense%2F4474937%2Fpete-hegseth-ends-war-department-attendance-ivy-leagues%2F", "byline":"Brady Knox", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced an end to tuition assistance and other Department of War subsidies for several top colleges. On Friday, Hegseth announced the “complete and immediate cancellation of all Department of War attendance” at colleges including Princeton University, Columbia University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Brown University, Yale University, and “many others” […]", "description":""

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth<\/a> announced an end to tuition assistance and other Department of War<\/a> subsidies for several top colleges<\/a>.<\/p>

On Friday, Hegseth announced the \"complete and immediate cancellation of all Department of War attendance\" at colleges including Princeton University, Columbia University<\/a>, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Brown University, Yale University<\/a>, and \"many others\" starting in the 2026-2027 academic year. A source familiar with the matter told CNN that this entails the cessation of tuition assistance for schools deemed biased against the U.S. military <\/a>and sponsoring \"troublesome partnerships with foreign adversaries,\" as detailed in a memo signed by Hegseth. All graduate-level professional military education, fellowships, and certificate programs at these universities for active-duty service members will be cut.<\/p>

Harvard University<\/a> had recently been given a similar treatment.<\/p>

In his video announcement, Hegseth railed against elite universities for replacing \"the study of victory and pragmatic realism with the promotion of wokeness and weakness.\"<\/p>

\"Senior Service colleges have always been expected to act in the interest of this principle, to transform our senior war fighters into strategic thinkers capable of mastering the complexities of modern warfare and leading our joint force to victory at every echelon,\" he said. \"Unfortunately, this sacred trust has been broken in this military's professional military education system. It's been poisoned from within by a class of so-called elite universities who've abused their privilege and access to this department and utterly betrayed their purpose.\"<\/p>

He accused the Ivy League<\/a> and similar schools of having \"gorged\" themselves on taxpayer dollars, \"only to become factories of anti-American resentment and military disdain.\"<\/p>

\"They've taken our best and brightest, the men and women who pledged their lives to this nation, and subjected them to a curriculum of contempt. They've replaced the study of victory and pragmatic realism with the promotion of wokeness and weakness,\" Hegseth said.<\/p>

He also pledged to conduct an internal review of DoW war colleges, \"ensuring they are once again bastions of strategic thought, wholly dedicated to the singular mission of developing the most lethal and effective leaders and war fighters the world has ever known.\"<\/p>

\"Let's be brutally honest about how we define our terms here. This is not education. It's indoctrination. It's a calculated, targeted assault on the core of our fighting force, and it is a betrayal that we will no longer tolerate,\" Hegseth declared, saying the War Department will no longer subsidize the \"corruption\" of its war leaders and pay for \"our enemies' wicked ideologies\" to be taught.<\/p>

HEGSETH ANNOUNCES REVAMP OF BOY SCOUTS\u2019 DEI AND GENDER POLICIES<\/a><\/p>

The Washington Examiner reached out to the War Department for further comment and clarification.<\/p>

The end of these subsidies will serve as another financial blow for top U.S. colleges, which have already come under heavy pressure from the Trump administration over diversity, equity, and inclusion<\/a> practices and their handling of antisemitism<\/a> on campuses.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-2254496997.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474279-1772211500", "title":"Left-wing groups plead with Supreme Court to strike Trump’s birthright citizenship order", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fsupreme-court%2F4474279%2Fleft-wing-groups-plead-supreme-court-strike-trump-birthright-citizenship-order%2F", "byline":"Jack Birle", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Left-wing groups and activists are asking the Supreme Court to hand President Donald Trump another key loss when it hears a challenge to his birthright citizenship executive order in April. The case Trump v. Barbara will have the justices evaluate the legality of Trump’s January 2025 executive order claiming that birthright citizenship under the 14th […]", "description":""

Left-wing groups and activists are asking the Supreme Court<\/a> to hand President Donald Trump another key loss when it hears a challenge to his birthright citizenship executive order in April.<\/p>

The case Trump v. Barbara<\/a> will have the justices evaluate the legality of Trump's January 2025 executive order claiming that birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment<\/a> does not extend to children born on U.S. soil to parents who are in the country illegally or on a temporary basis, such as on a visa. Trump's order<\/a> would require at least one of the parents to be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident at the time of birth for the newborn to receive automatic citizenship.<\/p>

The class-action lawsuit against the executive order was taken up by the justices late last year and scheduled for oral arguments on April 1. Ahead of those arguments, left-wing groups have filed their own briefs asking the high court to maintain birthright citizenship for anyone born on U.S. soil.<\/p>

A coalition of Democrat-led states spearheaded by New Jersey filed a brief<\/a> arguing Trump's order violates the Immigration and Nationality Act and that the 14th Amendment's language giving birthright citizenship to those \"subject to the jurisdiction\" of the United States includes \"virtually all U.S.-born babies.\" The states also warn about harms to funding and other issues if the executive order is upheld by the Supreme Court.<\/p>

\"States and their subdivisions would also lose millions in federal funding (often for services they must provide regardless of federal reimbursement) and would incur onerous administrative burdens to implement the Order. And their residents would also suffer,\" the brief reads.<\/p>

\"The Order thrusts infants into a new underclass, threatening their educational, economic, and health outcomes,\" the brief continues. \"While U.S.-born children have always been able to call the United States home, the Order would leave numerous U.S.-born children with no home country at all.\"<\/p>

Another brief, filed by a coalition of left-wing groups including the League of Women Voters and the NAACP, claimed the Supreme Court would \"risk reviving\" the Dred Scott v. Sandford decision, a pre-Civil War Supreme Court ruling that stated black people were not U.S. citizens under federal law, if it sided with the Trump administration in this case. The\u00a0Dred Scott\u00a0decision was later overruled by the ratification of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments after the Civil War, which outlawed slavery, gave former slaves citizenship, and gave former slaves voting rights, respectively.<\/p>

The brief claimed that if the Supreme Court upheld Trump's executive order, it would be \"creating a permanent underclass in this country and encouraging the race-based suppression of civil rights that the Reconstruction Amendments and subsequent Civil Rights legislation were enacted to eliminate.\"<\/p>

\"The Reconstruction Congress enshrined birthright citizenship in the Constitution to place it beyond the reach of future political interference,\" the brief reads. \"This Court should honor that intent and strike down the Executive Order as unlawful and repugnant both to the Constitution and to this country\u2019s proud, though imperfect, history of defending the civil rights of our most vulnerable citizens.\"<\/p>

Among the various briefs calling on the high court to uphold birthright citizenship for any child born on U.S. soil, except for the children of foreign diplomats, one filed by the American Bar Association warned<\/a> that siding with the Trump administration \"would unsettle the law in innumerable areas.\"<\/p>

The ABA bills itself as a nonpartisan group, but in recent years, Republicans and conservative legal analysts have accused the ABA of taking left-wing positions and exhibiting a clear bias against conservatives. The Trump administration announced last year<\/a> it would end a decadeslong ABA arrangement of giving the group early access to possible federal judge nominees for vetting.<\/p>

Another unusual brief came from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which argued that the idea of birthright citizenship is consistent with the Catholic Church's \"fundamental teaching regarding every human person's inherent dignity\" in its brief<\/a>.<\/p>

\"While the Church recognizes the legitimate authority of sovereign nations to regulate immigration and secure their borders, the Church also teaches that this authority includes a corresponding duty to protect the God-given dignity of every human person,\" the brief reads.<\/p>

\"By recognizing children as members of a particular political community, birthright citizenship acknowledges the intrinsic value of every human person,\" the brief adds. \"In this way, it embodies the Church\u2019s teaching that public authorities must, to be morally legitimate, affirm and protect human dignity.\"<\/p>

Vatican City, the city-state that serves as the administrative capital for the Catholic Church, does not offer birthright citizenship. The Catholic Church has been largely at odds with the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration and other immigration policies since Trump returned to office last year.<\/p>

Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Sonia Sotomayor, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett are Catholic. Of the remaining three justices, Neil Gorsuch and Ketanji Brown Jackson are protestant Christians, and Justice Elena Kagan is Jewish.<\/p>

TRUMP ALLIES URGE SUPREME COURT TO UPHOLD HIS BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP ORDER<\/a><\/p>

The Trump administration has argued its executive order on birthright citizenship is constitutional, arguing the 14th Amendment's provision about citizenship was designed to apply to former slaves and never was intended to include people in the country on a temporary or unlawful basis, including illegal immigrants.<\/p>

The Supreme Court will hear arguments in the birthright citizenship case on April 1, with a ruling in Trump v. Barbara expected by the end of June.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP25197797466121.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474938-1772211304", "title":"Kamala Harris records robocall for Jasmine Crockett in last-ditch effort ahead of Texas Senate primary", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2Fcongressional%2F4474938%2Fkamala-harris-records-robocall-jasmine-crockett-texas-senate-primary%2F", "byline":"Rachel Schilke", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Former Vice President Kamala Harris is endorsing Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) by recording a robocall for the congresswoman, giving her a last-minute push ahead of a competitive Senate Democratic primary on March 3. “Texas has the chance to send a fighter like Jasmine Crockett to the United States Senate,” Harris says in the call, per […]", "description":""

Former Vice President Kamala Harris<\/a> is endorsing Rep. Jasmine Crockett<\/a> (D-TX) by recording a robocall for the congresswoman, giving her a last-minute push ahead of a competitive Senate Democratic primary on March 3.<\/p>

\u201cTexas has the chance to send a fighter like Jasmine Crockett to the United States Senate,\u201d Harris says in the call, per the Texas Tribune. \u201cJasmine has the experience and record to hold Donald Trump<\/a> and his billionaire cronies accountable.\u201d<\/p>

Crockett is running against Texas state Rep. James Talarico<\/a> for the Democratic nomination to the Senate, and the race is expected to be close as early voting wraps up on Friday. Republicans are also facing a competitive three-way primary, with Rep. Wesley Hunt<\/a> (R-TX) and Attorney General Ken Paxton looking to oust incumbent Sen. John Cornyn<\/a> (R-TX).<\/p>

\"It's time to turn Texas blue,\" Harris says at the end of the robocall. The former vice president encourages voters to cast an early ballot Friday or vote in person on election day.<\/p>

No Democrat has won statewide office in Texas<\/a> since 1994. The last Democrat to represent Texas in the Senate was Bob Krueger. Former Democratic Rep. Beto O'Rourke came the closest to winning a Senate seat in 2018, losing to incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) by 2.6 percentage points. <\/p>

Harris's endorsement of Crockett is not a surprise, given the congresswoman was a co-chair of Harris's 2024 presidential campaign. The former vice president also served in the Senate from 2017 until 2021. <\/p>

\u201cI wasn\u2019t going to make this decision without having some real conversations with the vice president,\u201d Crockett said in a podcast interview<\/a> with Native Land Pod last December. \u201cAnd obviously, she didn\u2019t just run in one state, she\u2019s run in a lot of states, right? And to this day, she still remains a mentor and a friend and an auntie of sorts.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cTalking to the vice president, it\u2019s tough because she looks at me like I am family,\u201d Crockett said. \u201cSo there\u2019s been all the conversations.\u201d<\/p>

DEMOCRATS DRIVE HISTORIC EARLY VOTING NUMBERS IN TEXAS SENATE PRIMARY<\/a><\/p>

This is the third endorsement Harris has given out since her 2024 race, all to those who supported her presidential bid. Harris supported New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno in her 2025 campaign and endorsed Dan Koh, a former White House aide in the Biden-Harris administration, in his campaign for Massachusetts's 6th District to replace Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA). Moulton is running for Senate.<\/p>

Other high-profile Democrats have waded into Texas's Senate primary. Former President Barack Obama hasn't made an official endorsement, but he praised Talarico as a \"really talented young man\" during a podcast interview last October.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-collage-wszxfcv3b-1772228166537-e1772229197683.jpg?1772211192&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474944-1772211065", "title":"Trump orders every federal agency to stop using Anthropic an hour before Pentagon deadline", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fdefense%2F4474944%2Ftrump-orders-federal-agencies-stop-using-anthropic-ai-military%2F", "byline":"Mike Brest", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump ordered on Friday afternoon every federal agency to “immediately” stop using Anthropic’s artificial intelligence model, Claude, the only AI model used in the military’s classified systems. The Pentagon and Anthropic had been in a dispute in recent weeks over the department’s insistence that the company lift two restrictions that had been in […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> ordered on Friday afternoon every federal agency to \"immediately\" stop using Anthropic's artificial intelligence<\/a> model, Claude, the only AI model used in the military\u2019s classified systems.<\/p>

The Pentagon and Anthropic had been in a dispute in recent weeks over the department's insistence that the company lift two restrictions that had been in place.<\/p>

The War Department<\/a> wants Anthropic, and other AI companies that have contracts with the department, to allow the military to use their products for \u201cany lawful use,\" though Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said in a statement on Thursday that the company does not want its AI platform to be used for mass domestic surveillance or fully autonomous weapons.<\/p>

The Pentagon initially gave Anthropic until 5:01 p.m.<\/a> on Friday to agree to a deal or the government would end its federal contracts and potentially more significant consequences, but Trump announced his order about an hour before the deadline.<\/p>

\u201cThe Leftwing nut jobs at Anthropic have made a DISASTROUS MISTAKES trying to STRONG-ARM the Department of War, and force them to obey their Terms of Service instead of our Constitution. Their selfishness is putting AMERICAN LIVES at risk, our Troops in danger, and our National Security in JEOPARDY,\u201d Trump said<\/a>.<\/p>

\u201cTherefore, I am directing EVERY Federal Agency in the United States Government to IMMEDIATELY CEASE all use of Anthropic\u2019s technology,\u201d he continued.<\/p>

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced shortly after that he has directed the department to designate Anthropic a supply chain risk, which means no company that does business with the military can do business with Anthropic.<\/p>

\"Effective immediately, no contractor, supplier, or partner that does business with the United States military may conduct any commercial activity with Anthropic. Anthropic will continue to provide the Department of War its services for a period of no more than six months to allow for a seamless transition to a better and more patriotic service,\" he said. \"This decision is final.\"<\/p>

In a lengthy statement on Thursday, Amodei said, \"Regardless, these threats do not change our position: we cannot in good conscience accede to their request.\"<\/p>

The government threatened to invoke the 1950 Defense Production Act, which was passed amid supply concerns during the Korean War. It allows the federal government broad authority to force private companies to meet its needs in the name of national defense. They, instead, opted to designate them a supply chain risk.<\/p>

PENTAGON AND ANTHROPIC HAVE UNTIL 5:01 PM TO REACH A DEAL. HERE'S WHAT THEY CAN'T AGREE ON<\/a><\/p>

\u201cThere will be a Six Month phase out period for Agencies like the Department of War who are using Anthropic\u2019s products, at various levels,\" the president said. \"Anthropic better get their act together, and be helpful during the phase out period, or I will use the Full Power of the Presidency to make them comply, with major civil and criminal consequences to follow.\u201d<\/p>

Amodei preemptively said on Thursday, \"Should the Department choose to offboard Anthropic, we will work to enable a smooth transition to another provider, avoiding any disruption to ongoing military planning, operations, or other critical missions.\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-collage-9bp0f7sax-1772227466304-e1772227554217.jpg?1772209525&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474952-1772210359", "title":"Trump drew ‘stark line’ between Democrats and Republicans: Salena Zito", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fentertainment%2F4474952%2Ftrump-stark-line-democrats-republicans-salena-zito%2F", "byline":"Sydney Topf", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Washington Examiner columnist Salena Zito said President Donald Trump drew a “stark line” between Democrats and Republicans at his State of the Union address Tuesday night. “American politics is all about contrast, right, and President Trump has always intuitively understood it at a level you don’t see with all politicians,” Zito said on Fox & […]", "description":""

Washington Examiner columnist Salena Zito<\/a> said President Donald Trump<\/a> drew a \u201cstark line\u201d between Democrats and Republicans at his State of the Union<\/a> address Tuesday night.<\/p>

\u201cAmerican politics is all about contrast, right, and President Trump has always intuitively understood it at a level you don\u2019t see with all politicians,\u201d Zito said on Fox & Friends First on Friday. \u201cHe knows how to draw a stark line. And he also understands how the opposition may or may not react.\u201d<\/p>

During Trump\u2019s address, he asked the members of the joint session of Congress to stand up if they believed their first duty of government is to protect American citizens and not illegal immigrants. Notably, only Republicans stood up. <\/p>

SALENA ZITO: TRUMP LIVES UP TO HIS PROMISE TO EAST PALESTINE<\/a><\/p>

Zito said Trump may have taken a little bit of a \u201cgamble\u201d with the move at the State of the Union, but highlighted that Democrats<\/a> showed they disagree with the majority that supports the administration\u2019s actions on the issue.<\/p>

\u201cWhy are they not standing up? This is crazy. And so I think it was a very, very important moment,\u201d she said. \u201cThis line is really, you know, sort of striking, and it really drives home the point that there\u2019s a difference between both sides.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cYou might not agree with Republicans on everything; however, the Democrats have really lost the plot,\u201d she added.\u00a0<\/p>

Zito said Democrats focus too much on hating Trump and not enough on \u201cwhat fills people\u2019s pocketbooks.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cThe American people do have to make a choice and they don\u2019t have to always agree with you,\u201d she said. \u201cBut when they see you behaving in a way that they would never behave, that they don\u2019t want their children or grandchildren to behave, they\u2019re going to choose the side that more aligns with what their needs are.\u201d<\/p>

\u2018THESE PEOPLE ARE CRAZY\u2019 IS THE CAMPAIGN DEMOCRATS SHOULD FEAR<\/a><\/p>

Zito said the president \u201chit the mark\u201d on his points about the economy. <\/p>

\u201cThe president talked about the economy in a number of different layers. I think that that is what he wanted to appeal to the voter. And I think he was very \u2014 he hit the mark,\u201d Zito said. <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WEX_SOTU-15-e1772139203809.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474790-1772207810", "title":"Rubio memo warns Middle East officials not to inflame ‘rising tensions in the region’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fpolicy%2Fforeign-policy%2F4474790%2Frubio-memo-warns-middle-east-officials-not-inflame-tensions%2F", "byline":"Molly Parks", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly issued a memo warning U.S. government officials not to make any statements that could exacerbate tensions in the Middle East. “Giving rising tensions in the region, Chiefs of Mission and embassies at addressee posts must refrain from public statements, interviews, or social media activity that could in any […]", "description":""

Secretary of State Marco Rubio<\/a> has reportedly issued a memo warning U.S. government officials not to make any statements that could exacerbate tensions in the Middle East.<\/p>

\"Giving rising tensions in the region, Chiefs of Mission and embassies at addressee posts must refrain from public statements, interviews, or social media activity that could in any way inflame regional audiences, prejudice sensitive political issues, or complicate U.S. relationships,\" Rubio said in the memo, reported by The Guardian<\/a>.<\/p>

News of the memo<\/a> comes as the United States simultaneously seeks to strike a nuclear deal with Iran, while amassing enormous military force in the region that has been widely interpreted as a sign the Islamic Republic will be hit with strikes should the talks go nowhere. On Friday, the U.S. government issued warnings <\/a>to the Israeli embassy staff to leave \"today.\"<\/p>

Politicos have interpreted the State Department memo as a veiled swipe against U.S. Ambassador to\u00a0Israel\u00a0Mike Huckabee<\/a>'s recent comments on Israel's possible territorial claims in the Middle East.<\/p>

In an interview released last Friday, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson<\/a> asked Huckabee whether or not Israel has the right to land from the Nile to the Euphrates River, referencing a Bible verse from Genesis. Huckabee responded with, \"It would be fine if they took it all.\"<\/p>

TUCKER CARLSON ACCUSES MIKE HUCKABEE OF PRIORITIZING ISRAELI LOYALTY FOLLOWING INTERVIEW<\/a><\/p>

\"Chiefs of Mission are expected to avoid all commentary on issues that could heighten tensions or create confusion about US policy,\" the Rubio memo said, according to the outlet. \"Discipline in public messaging is essential, especially at this time.\"<\/p>

The outlet noted the memo did not single out Huckabee.<\/p>

A State Department spokesperson told the Washington Examiner they had \"no comment on purportedly leaked internal memos.\"<\/p>

The White House referred the Washington Examiner to the State Department.<\/p>

The Trump administration is weighing possible strikes on Iran amid months of heightened tensions over the Islamic regime's deadly crackdown on protesters and speculations over its nuclear programs, seven months after Operation Midnight Hammer. President Donald Trump said on Friday that he is \"not happy\" with Iran and still hopes they make a deal.<\/p>

\"Well, we're not happy with what\u2019s going on,\" Trump said.<\/a> \"They should make a deal, they'd be smart if they made a deal. No nuclear weapons \u2014 we want no nuclear weapons by Iran and they're not saying those golden words.\"<\/p>

TRUMP SAYS HE\u2019S \u2018NOT HAPPY\u2019 WITH IRAN TALKS AND \u2018SOMETIMES\u2019 FORCE IS NECESSARY<\/a><\/p>

He continued, saying he would \"love not to use\" military force, but \"sometimes you have to.\"<\/p>

\"We have the greatest military anywhere in the world, there's nothing close, I'd love not to use it, but sometimes you have to,\" Trump said. <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26047438904978-e1771345590363.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474736-1772205776", "title":"The Football Town captures the exceptionalism of a region and a nation", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fcolumnists%2F4474736%2Ffootball-town-captures-exceptionalism-region-nation%2F", "byline":"Salena Zito", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"PITTSBURGH — It is rare to find a film today that captures the essence of a region, its people, and the ties that bind them with a purity that excludes any outside influences. Yet that is exactly what NFL Films has done with The Football Town — a unique production that brings to life the […]", "description":""

PITTSBURGH \u2014 It is rare to find a film today that captures the essence of a region, its people, and the ties that bind them with a purity that excludes any outside influences. Yet that is exactly what NFL<\/a> Films has done with The Football Town \u2014 a unique production that brings to life the storied history of western Pennsylvania\u2019s<\/a> tradition of football, faith<\/a>, grit, and community<\/a>.<\/p>

It hits the mark beyond the story of football and manufacturing<\/a> greatness and captures a region that celebrates its rootedness in community. And it shows how that community has humbly shaped the nation, thanks to its location, the hardiness of its people, and its love of a game that has both inspired them and held them together when everything around them was crumbling.<\/p>

The film was made for the lead-up to the 2026 NFL Draft here in Pittsburgh, as part of a partnership with VisitPITTSBURGH, the Pittsburgh<\/a> Steelers, and U.S. Steel<\/a>. The picture opens with a sweeping shot of a river navigating the rolling Appalachian mountains containing it.<\/p>

As the camera follows the curving flow of a river heading toward parts yet unknown, the rugged landscape serves as a symbolic element of the narration about to begin. You immediately understand that the river represents the flow of life, the bonds of community, and the possibilities the places ahead hold.<\/p>

\u201cThere's something in the water. That's what people say about western Pennsylvania. It's a metaphor, but it's true here. The rivers are the source of life. They were here before, man. They brought man here and they will outlast man in his grand designs.\u201d<\/p>

From that moment, the viewer embarks on a journey. Narrator Pat McAfee, a Pittsburgh native, delivers the story pitch-perfect. His gravely voice retains the region\u2019s Appalachian twang\u00a0he grew up with, and he gives it the respect it deserves.<\/p>

It isn\u2019t dramatized. It\u2019s real and authentic and sets in motion that this film is going to hit you in the gut.<\/p>

\u201cThis isn\u2019t just any football town,\u201d the former NFL punter who played under the Friday night lights here as a kid, says. \u201cIt\u2019s the football town.\u201d <\/p>

The film isn\u2019t just about football, although that\u2019s the main star. It isn\u2019t just about steelmaking, although that serves as a riveting costar. Instead it is about place. It celebrates the rootedness that has shaped this region, and through that prism it captures the heart of the country.<\/p>

'THESE PEOPLE ARE CRAZY' IS THE CAMPAIGN THAT DEMOCRATS SHOULD FEAR<\/a><\/p>

McAfee\u2019s narration makes the viewer want to be part of what he was part of \u2014 even if their team isn\u2019t the Pittsburgh Steelers and even if no one in their family ever toiled in a steel mill. This right here is America at its finest.<\/p>

He even gives a pretty good history lesson, reminding us how much a young George Washington shaped his nation as a surveyor and young military officer.\u00a0<\/p>

The U.S. Steel Tower in the center of the city, the tallest building in Appalachia, gets its due with an overhead shot. \u201cThis is the Steel City, the steel made here, built the world,\u201d he says as a shot from the 86th floor of the Empire State Building is shown as the steel is laid while it is being built.<\/p>

The film was shot last October over one weekend, capturing multiple Friday night high school football games. Each showcases both the coaches as well as the kids who aspire to one day be one of the nearly 700 other western Pennsylvania kids who have gone to the NFL draft, or better yet, one of the 20 NFL Hall of Famers to come from this region.<\/p>

It\u2019s a city with 90-plus neighborhoods, each fiercely proud of their local foot programs, and 43 school districts in Allegheny County. The shots of the Friday night games in places such as Seneca Valley, Aliquippa, and Westinghouse High School, capture the essence of the grit of the people here, particularly when you see a youth football team playing with the backdrop of the stacks of a steel mill in the background.<\/p>

\u201cGrit is what made football great here,\u201d McAfee says while the camera takes the viewer deep inside the Edgar Thomson Works mill in Braddock.<\/p>

The story begins with a reverence for the local history that shaped our country. It takes the viewer deep within the Appalachian Mountains that George Washington surveyed as a young man, to the forts that protected the assets of the French, then the British, in the frontier\u2019s early days. And it reminds both locals and newcomers to the region that while the city has successfully diversified its economy, embracing premier technology, research, and robotics from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, none of that would have been possible without the blue-collar men and women who make things in this region.<\/p>

RALSTON DELIVERS GOLD WITH HIS REID BIOGRAPHY<\/a><\/p>

Without the men and women who get their hands dirty at the three U.S. Steel plants, there wouldn\u2019t be any AI data centers being built here and across the country to power the future. All that is in the backdrop as communities draw together every Friday night to see their young people play at the local high school, or on Saturday mornings to watch Pop Warner ball, and, of course, on Sunday, to watch their beloved Pittsburgh Steelers play.<\/p>

\u201cThere is no other place in the country that can do all of that with the skills and work ethic legacy,\u201d Charlie Batch said after the film. Batch, who was part of a Steeler Super Bowl championship team, added that he was blown away by how well the filmmakers captured the essence of this region.<\/p>

There are few places in this country that can claim that their hometown has had a significant hand in not only founding our Republic, but also in igniting an industrial revolution. After oil was discovered in Titusville in 1865, it was here where factories churned out the steel that would construct streets, build the bridges and buildings that built this country, and the airplanes and tanks that would secure it.<\/p>

People have always been at the heart of it all. Descendants of resilient, gritty, hardworking, family-centric people who are fiercely loyal to this place. Their unique blend of individualism and parochialism has not diminished through the generations.<\/p>

Wayne Wade Jr. was there to watch the film along with a couple of high school football players. And if ever there was a man who embodies the heart of this film, it is this Clairton High School football coach.\u00a0<\/p>

Wade, the son of a steelworker who also coached football, won a WPIAL championship as a player, WPIAL and PIAA titles as an assistant, and five WPIAL championships as a head coach.<\/p>

Clairton, where he coaches, is the embodiment of a steel town. It is where the U.S. Steel Mon Valley Works coke plant sits, the largest coke manufacturing facility in the United States, operating nine batteries on 392 acres. Across from the plant is the practice field for youth football. Here, most of Wade Jr.\u2019s players got their start playing Pop Warner youth football. On a crisp fall day, you can see the contrast between children scrambling in pads and helmets and the backdrop of steam billowing from the plant in the background.<\/p>

Wade was on the coaching staff when the team won a whopping 66 games in a row, a historic streak that was the longest in Pennsylvania history, only ending against the team it began against, the Monessen Greyhounds \u2014 who are also from a steel town.<\/p>

Last fall, Wade earned the one trophy that all high school football coaches revere. That was the state championship when the Clairton Bears defeated Bishop Guilfoyle 35-3 at Cumberland High School.<\/p>

Wade, who is also the secondary dean of discipline at McKeesport School district, said the film is also a history lesson and should be required viewing for young people all over the country because of the way it captures what builds community and our country.<\/p>

\u201cThe film exemplifies the dedication to hard work, how kids from places like Clairton can aspire for a better life in football or a good job at the mill; both are the fabrics of our lives and form our community,\u201d he said, \u201cHeck, that is the strength of our community.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cThis film isn\u2019t just about football or steel, it is about how we are all bound together by our love for our place and that is what makes this region different,\u201d he said. \"We are just built different.\"<\/p>

This isn\u2019t just a film to preview before the NFL draft comes to Pittsburgh in April. It is about why a region such as western Pennsylvania perseveres through whatever is thrown at it, all while never losing its rootedness \u2014 even if it is forced to move away.<\/p>

Most NFL viewers, including rivals of the Steelers, will acknowledge that there is something about having a sea of gold \u201cTerrible Towels\u201d twirling in the air on their home field, leaving them wondering, \"How does that happen?\" Is it that the fans love their team so much that they travel to every game? Or is it that so many were forced to move during the crash of the steel industry in the 70s and took their love for their hometown and its team to other cities?<\/p>

The answer is both. There is a reason why over 1,200 Steeler bars are located across the world, and it has to do with how many people were displaced during the fall of Steel. They never stopped loving their city or their football team, which was often the only glue holding people together in that time period.\u00a0<\/p>

TRUMP LIVES UP TO HIS PROMISE TO EAST PALESTINE<\/a><\/p>

This sentiment and loyalty have been passed down by each generation. You are born a Steelers fan. All infants born in the region are swaddled in Terrible Towels. And who knows? Maybe one of those swaddled kids could at least grow up to make the NFL Draft one day. Over 750 have done just that, and more than 30 have gone on to be inducted in the Football Hall of Fame.<\/p>

There is a reason the region is called the \u201cCradle of Quarterbacks.\u201d Western Pennsylvania has produced 17% of all quarterbacks in the Hall of Fame, legends such as Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Joe Namath, Jim Kelly, George Bland, and Johnny Unitas.<\/p>

The feature film will make its public debut Saturday, Feb. 28. It will exclusively play at the Kamin Science Center for two months leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh on April 23 through 25.<\/p>

At 52 minutes, I expect it will eventually be resized to stream somewhere such as Netflix \u2014 it\u2019s too good and too important not to. It captures U.S. exceptionalism in a way that you can relate to, no matter who you are rooting for on any given Sunday.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/8_Steel-Worker.png?w=640" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474697-1772205535", "title":"Keir Starmer takes another leap toward political oblivion", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fbeltway-confidential%2F4474697%2Fkeir-starmer-takes-another-leap-toward-political-oblivion%2F", "byline":"Tom Rogan", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer suffered another major blow to his credibility early on Friday morning when his Labour Party lost a formerly safe parliamentary seat in a special election. Not only did Labour lose, but it lost half of its vote share on its last result in this seat in 2024, and came […]", "description":""

United Kingdom<\/a> Prime Minister Keir Starmer <\/a>suffered another major blow to his credibility early on Friday morning when his Labour Party<\/a> lost a formerly safe parliamentary seat in a special election. Not only did Labour lose, but it lost half of its vote share on its last result in this seat in 2024, and came third behind the far-left Green Party and Nigel Farage's populist-right Reform Party.<\/p>

Following the result in the constituency of Gorton and Denton, Starmer's political rivals in Labour are unsheathing their political knives. Angel Rayner, widely seen as a top potential challenger to Starmer, stated, \"This result must be a wake-up call. It\u2019s time to really listen and to reflect. Voters want the change that we promised and they voted for. If we want to unrig the system, if we want to make the change we were sent into Government to make, we have to be braver.\"<\/p>

Starmer has a big problem. <\/p>

Farage's Reform Party has a sustained 6-point+ lead in the opinion polls. And while Starmer has time on paper \u2014 he must hold a new election by Aug. 15, 2029 \u2014 the political winds are firmly against him. The prime minister's personal approval rating is net -47%.<\/p>

Starmer's key problem is that he's seen as a failed leader. The prime minister took heavy criticism following the recent removal of former U.K. ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson over Mandelson's links to Jeffrey Epstein. But the U.K. economy is also struggling, and Starmer has embraced a far-left tax-and-spend<\/a> policy of a kind unprecedented since the Second World War. Public disenchantment, especially important for the Reform Party's support, is also growing as the government continues to crack down<\/a> on free speech. This reflects a broader European governing tendency<\/a> to treat true free speech as anathema to civil society.<\/p>

And most important of all, Britons believe illegal immigration rates are far too high and that Starmer has failed to get a grip on this priority concern. Immigration takes on a special concern in the U.K. due to pressures on the country's socialized healthcare, welfare, and housing systems.<\/p>

SUPPORT IRAN REGIME-CHANGE ACTION? ADMIT THE BIG COSTS TO CHINA READINESS?<\/a><\/p>

Starmer's broader challenge is the perception that he is weak. He has repeatedly made political U-turns following limited rebellions by Labour's far-left. This has made the prime minister an effective lame duck. Nor does Starmer find much sympathy from the Right, spending insufficiently on defense<\/a> while simultaneously kowtowing to China<\/a>.<\/p>

The question, then, is how long Starmer can keep hanging on for. The Labour Left is ascendant, and although their preferred policies would undoubtedly worsen rather than improve the U.K.'s economic position, a left-wing candidate will likely triumph in any internal leadership contest to replace Starmer (under the U.K. parliamentary system, the majority party can select the new prime minister without having to hold a new election).<\/p>

The prime minister's days in power are numbered.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26045360122382.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474205-1772205457", "title":"Why baseball is America’s refuge from the culture war", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fbeltway-confidential%2F4474205%2Fwhy-mlb-refuge-from-culture-war%2F", "byline":"Steven Taff", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"With Major League Baseball’s Opening Day just 26 days away, millions of fans are preparing for a return to the diamond, not just for the love of the game, but for a reprieve from the culture wars. While the NFL and NBA have spent the last season doubling down on the divisive agenda, baseball remains […]", "description":""

With Major League Baseball\u2019s<\/a> Opening Day just 26 days away, millions<\/a> of fans are preparing for a return to the diamond, not just for the love of the game, but for a reprieve from the culture wars<\/a>. While the NFL<\/a> and NBA<\/a> have spent the last season doubling down on the divisive agenda, baseball remains the nation\u2019s last great cultural sanctuary.<\/p>

As the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees open the season on March 25, 2026, fans will get a welcome reminder of how different baseball feels from the NFL\u2019s culture-war noise \u2014 and the contrast has rarely been sharper.<\/p>

In an era when the NFL and NBA have frustrated many longtime fans with campaigns that feel overtly political, MLB hasn\u2019t been perfectly neutral either: In recent years, it has embraced causes such as Black Lives Matter and LGBT pride, with teams hosting pride-themed events at ballparks across the league.<\/p>

Some clubs have largely stayed out of it. The Texas Rangers, for example, are often seen as operating in a more conservative political environment and have a history of conservative-leaning political giving. They also remain one of the few teams without an official pride night \u2014 at least as of the currently posted 2026 promotions calendar.<\/p>

The Atlanta Braves are another example, often emphasizing broadly popular, community-based philanthropy, such as field renovations and local service projects, rather than taking high-profile positions on contentious social and political debates.<\/p>

A VoteHub analysis<\/a> published in early 2026 found that 53.7% of MLB players are registered Republicans, compared with 20.2% in the NFL and 10% in the NBA.<\/p>

Something that MLB does to deeply root itself in the American values and traditions of the past is built into how the game is played.<\/p>

Rooted in objective truth and individual accountability, baseball aligns naturally with conservative thought. The game is a series of binary realities \u2014 safe or out, strike or ball \u2014 now refined by the technological frontier.<\/p>

With the new automatic ball-strike challenge system, Major League Baseball is replacing fallible \"judgment calls\" with high-tech precision, ensuring the correct answer is found in even the closest of margins. It\u2019s a \"rule of law\" approach to sports that appeals to traditionalists.<\/p>

Another massively successful approach that MLB has been pioneering for several decades is the perspective it has on international players. Rather than relying on the escapades of domestic superstars such as LeBron James, who takes every chance to voice his hate for the United States, MLB has elevated a new generation of superstars who view America not as a source of oppression but as a land of unparalleled opportunity.<\/p>

For players from the Dominican Republic, Japan, South Korea, Venezuela, Mexico, and many more, the diamond is a place of gratitude. Currently, over\u00a027%<\/a>\u00a0of MLB players come from countries outside of the U.S., making it the most diverse sport in America, and even still, the majority of the league leans right. While other leagues are defined by domestic athletes pushing a \"woke\" agenda, baseball\u2019s international stars bring a refreshing appreciation for the American dream.<\/p>

Baseball is built on objective truth and individual accountability \u2014 principles that align perfectly with the conservative mind. It is the epitome of a meritocracy: You simply cannot hide.<\/p>

A player is judged by the cold, hard reality of a batting average, and a pitcher by a definitive earned run average. There is no narrative that can rescue a hitter stuck below .200, just as there is no saving a pitcher with a 7.32 ERA. In baseball, as in life, the scoreboard doesn\u2019t lie.<\/p>

However, the biggest difference can be seen on the lawns of the White House \u2014 for years, we have watched the NBA, a league now synonymous with political grievances, dismantle the tradition of the championship visit.<\/p>

From the Golden State Warriors to the Boston Celtics, NBA teams have frequently chosen to snub the commander in chief, preferring to make a political statement rather than show respect for the office.<\/p>

EL MENCHO FALLS, SHEINBAUM NEEDS TO ACT<\/a><\/p>

Contrast that with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite intense pressure from activist groups and \"woke\" media critics to skip their invitation following a back-to-back World Series run, the Dodgers have consistently chosen to show up. For stars such as Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani, the visit isn\u2019t about endorsing a person or political view \u2014 rather, it\u2019s about honoring a nation.<\/p>

As Dodgers manager\u00a0Dave Roberts<\/a>\u00a0famously put it, he\u2019s a baseball manager, not a politician, and he was raised to respect the highest office in the land,\u00a0regardless of who sits behind the Resolute Desk.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/ap22105096595702-scaled-e1772223403643.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474791-1772205207", "title":"Daily on Energy: Quote of the week, a closer look at the home appliance bill, and some oil news", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fdaily-on-energy%2F4474791%2Fdaily-on-energy-quote-week-closer-look-home-appliance-bill-oil-news%2F", "byline":"Callie Patteson and Maydeen Merino", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY: Good afternoon, Daily on Energy readers. We made it to Friday! We hope you all get a chance to enjoy some of this nice weather this weekend, especially after several weeks of frigid temperatures. ☀️ In today’s letter, we take a look at the Trump administration’s effort to legally own an oil […]", "description":""

WHAT\u2019S HAPPENING TODAY: Good afternoon, Daily on Energy readers. We made it to Friday! We hope you all get a chance to enjoy some of this nice weather this weekend, especially after several weeks of frigid temperatures. \u2600\ufe0f<\/p>

In today's letter, we take a look at the Trump administration\u2019s effort to legally own an oil tanker and nearly 2 million barrels of crude seized off the coast of Venezuela last December. \ud83d\udee2\ufe0f\ud83d\udea2\u2696\ufe0f<\/p>

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is now suggesting that the U.S. could conduct a \u201cfriendly takeover\u201d of Cuba after it has blocked fuel from entering the island for weeks. \ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddfb\ud83c\uddea Keep reading to see what the president had to say. \u2b07\ufe0f<\/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>

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Oil lobbyists are reportedly privately asking the Trump administration to pull back on its crackdown on offshore wind, warning that the administration risks disrupting efforts in Congress to pass meaningful permitting reform, which would help accelerate the build-out of oil and gas infrastructure. <\/p>

\u201cWe\u2019ve been heavily focused on permitting reform as kind of like the cork in the bottle,\u201d Sam Sledge, board chair of the Energy Workforce and Technology Council, told<\/a> the Wall Street Journal. \u201cI think that\u2019s been caught in the crosswinds of some other priorities with Trump\u2019s administration.\u201d<\/p>

NEMA ON HOME APPLIANCE BILL: The National Electrical Manufacturers Association commended the House's passage of a bill it says would provide regulatory certainty for manufacturers.<\/p>

Earlier this week, the House passed the Home Appliance Protection and Affordability Act<\/a>, limiting the Department of Energy's authority to set conservation standards for household appliances. The bill would amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, which gives the DOE authority to establish energy efficiency standards. <\/p>

One key change the bill would make is to terminate the DOE's six-year review of standards for a range of products, a process that has created uncertainty for manufacturers, NEMA said. <\/p>

Spencer Pederson, senior vice president of public affairs for NEMA, told Maydeen that manufacturers never really get out of the six-year review cycle because the process is so lengthy, from the government deciding that a new efficiency standard is needed to implementing it.<\/p>

He described that process as a \"never-ending cycle\" for manufacturers. <\/p>

The bill would also prohibit DOE from updating energy standards for distribution transformers, which are key electrical devices in the power grid. <\/p>

Pederson noted that the law covers a range of appliances, but distribution transformers differ from household appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, and microwaves. <\/p>

\"It's critical grid infrastructure,\" Pederson said, adding that the energy standards have helped to improve efficiency for distribution transformers to about 97% to 99%. <\/p>

\"The return on investment, the cost to get 0.1 or 2% more efficient, you're not getting the efficiency savings that really make it worth it at this point,\" he added. <\/p>

There has been some criticism that the resolution could give the administration power to repeal energy efficiency standards. <\/p>

Pederson said that NEMA is \"very supportive of efficiency standards,\" adding that manufacturers want to maintain efficiency standards to prevent \"sub-par products\" from entering the marketplace. <\/p>

LATEST ON CUBA: President Donald Trump suggested the U.S. could conduct a \u201cfriendly takeover\u201d of Cuba, following weeks of fuel shortage created by the administration.<\/p>

\u201cThe Cuban government is talking with us. They\u2019re in a big deal of trouble, as you know. They have no money, no anything right now,\u201d Trump told reporters. \u201cMaybe we\u2019ll have a friendly takeover of Cuba. We could very well end up having a friendly takeover of Cuba.\u201d<\/p>

The president has imposed increased pressure on the Cuban government to overturn its communist regime by blocking fuel from entering the island. The lack of fuel has caused a humanitarian crisis on the island as it faces rolling blackouts, impacting food prices and transportation. <\/p>

Still, as of Wednesday, the administration seemed to begin easing its grip on oil shipments to Cuba. <\/p>

The Treasury Department released new guidance<\/a> allowing U.S. companies to apply for licenses for the resale of Venezuelan oil for use in Cuba. The guidance does not allow the resale of oil to the Cuban government or to military-affiliated entities. <\/p>

U.S. MOVES TO LEGALLY CONTROL OIL TANKER SEIZED IN DECEMBER: The Trump administration is moving to legally own the sanctioned oil tanker and nearly 2 million barrels of crude seized off the coast of Venezuela in December. <\/p>

The details: The Department of Justice filed a complaint<\/a> today in the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia seeking to forfeit the Motor Tanker Skipper. The vessel was seized by U.S. military forces late last year, as well as the 1.8 million barrels of Venezuelan crude it was carrying at the time. The ship was flying under a Guyanese flag when it was intercepted. <\/p>

The complaint is the first one filed by the U.S. to begin the process to legally take control of the several oil tankers associated with transporting sanctioned Venezuelan crude that have been seized by the administration in the last few months.<\/p>

\u201cUnder President Trump's leadership, the era of secretly bankrolling regimes that pose clear threats to the United States is over,\u201d Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement. \u201cThis Department of Justice will deploy every legal authority at our disposal to completely dismantle and permanently shutter any operation that defies our laws and fuels chaos across the globe.\u201d<\/p>

Before the U.S. can formally take ownership of the vessel and its cargo, and be in a position to sell the crude oil that was on board, it must receive permission from a federal judge. <\/p>

THE LATEST ON DRILLING AND OIL: After two weeks of no change, the number of active drilling rigs in the U.S. dipped once again. <\/p>

According to data released<\/a> by Baker Hughes this afternoon, there was one fewer active rig in the U.S. in the last week, bringing the total number to 550. <\/p>

The net drop of one represents an addition of one on land and a loss of one offshore and another in inland waters. The number of oil rigs fell by two, while the number of gas rigs rose by one.<\/p>

The total number of rigs is still far fewer than what was active this time last year, which was around 593 active rigs. <\/p>

Where prices stand: Crude oil prices continued to rise today, with international and domestic benchmarks again headed for weekly gains as geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran remain. <\/p>

As of around 2 p.m. EST, West Texas Intermediate was up by 2.74%, selling at $67.00 per barrel. Similarly, Brent Crude had risen 2.54% and was priced at $72.57 per barrel. <\/p>

It remains uncertain as to whether the Trump administration will take military action against Iran over its failure to meet U.S. demands in the latest round of nuclear talks. Indirect negotiations were extended into next week, softening fears that a strike is imminent. The oil market, however, appears to remain convinced that an agreement will not be reached. <\/p>

\"The likelihood Iran is going to agree to what the Trump administration wants doesn't seem possible,\" Phil Flynn, senior analyst with Price Futures Group, told<\/a> Reuters. \"There's got to be an endgame to this and the market seems to think that's where we are headed.\"<\/p>

PLUS \u2013 OPEC+ POISED TO RESUME OUTPUT INCREASES: During OPEC+\u2019s monthly meeting on Monday, the oil-producing bloc is expected to resume increasing daily outputs of crude oil, after a several-month long pause on its extended hikes. <\/p>

What to know: Analysts who spoke<\/a> with the Wall Street Journal are expecting OPEC+ to resume production hikes with an increase of 137,000 barrels per day, restarting its rollback of voluntary cuts of around 1.65 million barrels per day. These cuts were originally set to remain in place through the end of this year.<\/p>

Adding more barrels to the market would come at a crucial time as tensions over Iran grow, sending a message to traders that the bloc can support potential gaps in supply. <\/p>

The group agreed to pause the production increase in November 2025. Its hikes last year stoked fear among global and U.S. producers that increased supply would push the market to an oil glut and tank prices. <\/p>

There is some uncertainty as to how quickly OPEC+ will ramp up its production hikes this year, with some analysts telling the outlet that remaining cuts could be pulled back anywhere from six to 10 months. <\/p>

GOVERNMENT TAKES NEXT STEP TOWARD EXPANDING DRILLING OFF CALIFORNIA COAST: The Trump administration is moving forward with its intention to expand oil and gas drilling off the coast of California, as federal regulators have begun their environmental reviews for the proposed lease sales in the region. <\/p>

The detail: Yesterday, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced<\/a> its intent to prepare a programmatic environmental impact statement for proposed oil and gas lease sales in waters off California. This is the first step required for the agency to give approvals for the lease sales under the National Environmental Policy Act. <\/p>

The notice of intent will allow tribal, state, and local governments, as well as stakeholders and the public, to offer their input and comments on key issues, reasonable alternatives, and potential mitigation measures for consideration. <\/p>

The California offshore lease sales, which have not yet been approved, have been slated to take place in 2027. <\/p>

\u201cCalifornia households are facing an energy affordability crisis, and inaction is no longer an option,\u201d Acting BOEM Director Matt Giacona said. \u201cThis Notice of Intent reflects the administration\u2019s commitment to responsibly evaluating offshore leasing as part of a broader strategy to lower costs, strengthen energy security, and support American jobs.\u201d<\/p>

The pushback: The administration\u2019s decision to move forward with obtaining approval for the lease sales come as state officials have vehemently opposed new drilling off their coastline. <\/p>

Earlier this week, dozens of California lawmakers sent a letter to the administration criticizing the administration's plans, saying future oil and gas development could pose a risk to military readiness in the region and jeopardize the livelihoods of thousands working in marine-economy activities. You can read the full letter here<\/a>. <\/p>

INTERIOR EASES UP ON SOLAR? The Department of the Interior is reviewing 20 commercial-scale solar projects that have been sidelined in the permitting process, E&E News reports. <\/a><\/p>

That includes six utility-scale projects, such as the Esmeralda Energy Center in Nevada. The project would build seven solar power plants with battery storage on nearly 118,000 acres of federal land in Tonopah, Nevada. <\/p>

Last year, reports<\/a> suggested that the department had canceled the massive solar project, but DOI said the project\u2019s proponents and BLM had agreed to modify their approach.<\/p>

The Trump administration over the past year has made it more challenging for renewable energy projects to navigate the permitting process. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has taken personal control, requiring his approval for projects to move forward. <\/p>

A DOI spokesperson told Daily on Energy that it is reviewing permitting for large-scale onshore solar and wind projects. <\/p>

\u201cThis comprehensive review process ensures that projects\u2014whether on federal, state, or private lands\u2014receive appropriate oversight whenever federal resources, permits, or consultations are involved,\u201d the spokesperson said.<\/p>

\u201cBy applying consistent standards, we are strengthening accountability, preventing misuse of taxpayer-funded subsidies, and upholding our commitment to restoring balance in energy development. As the Bureau of Land Management continues with its permitting process, ePlanning pages for individual projects will be updated,\u201d they added. <\/p>

RUNDOWN <\/p>

Straight Arrow News<\/a> States take aim at data center electric rates. Here\u2019s why it won\u2019t lower your bill<\/p>

E&E News<\/a> Trump wants to move on data centers. Not so much Congress.<\/p>

Latitude Media<\/a> Clean energy didn\u2019t collapse in 2025. It adapted <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/DOE.webp?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474703-1772203702", "title":"James Comer claims Clinton poured cold water on any Trump involvement with Epstein", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F4474703%2Fjames-comer-claims-bill-clinton-poured-cold-water-trump-involvement-epstein%2F", "byline":"Claire Carter", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Rep. James Comer (R-KY) said former President Bill Clinton claimed he has no knowledge of President Donald Trump having any involvement with Jeffrey Epstein. Comer spoke during a break in Clinton’s deposition before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee as part of the investigation into the late convicted sex offender. “Ranking member Garcia asked […]", "description":""

Rep. James Comer<\/a> (R-KY) said former President Bill Clinton<\/a> claimed he has no knowledge of President Donald Trump having any involvement with Jeffrey Epstein<\/a>. <\/p>

Comer spoke during a break in Clinton's deposition before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee as part of the investigation into the late convicted sex offender.<\/p>

\"Ranking member Garcia asked President Clinton quote, 'Should President Trump be called to answer questions for this committee,' and President Clinton said, 'That's for you to decide,'\" Comer said. \"[Clinton] went on to say that President Trump has never said anything to me to make me think he was involved, and he met with Epstein.\"<\/p>

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) later said Comer's account is not a \"complete, accurate description of what was actually said.\" He added that, in his opinion, Comer has broken committee rules by speaking about what was said in the closed deposition.<\/p>

Garcia said Clinton has been cooperative in answering questions from committee members \"fairly.\" <\/p>

\"He has not taken a pass on pleading the fifth for any questions. He's been very thorough,\" Garcia said. \"I don't think he has given any sense that he is uncomfortable to be there.\" <\/p>

Democrat members of the oversight committee delivered remarks after Comer and remained steadfast in their stance that Trump should be called to testify.<\/p>

\"[Clinton] set the tone, in my view ... that President Trump needs to now come in to these, answer these questions,\" Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) said.<\/p>

TRUMP SAYS LUTNICK WOULD COMPLY WITH EPSTEIN SUBPOENA: 'HE'S A VERY INNOCENT GUY'<\/a><\/p>

Khanna added that he and his fellow Democrats believe Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick should also be put before the committee, a move Trump did not oppose, pointing to Lutnick's innocence.<\/p>

Khanna and Garcia said Clinton's testimony has set a precedent for former and serving presidents to testify before congressional committees.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-collage-a6xftg3ck-1770138512605-e1770142645841.jpg?1770120578&w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474588-1772202869", "title":"Just take the off-ramp on tariffs, Mr. President ", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Frestoring-america%2Ffaith-freedom-self-reliance%2F4474588%2Fjust-take-off-ramp-tariffs-president%2F", "byline":"Brady Leonard", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled correctly that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not allow the president to impose tariffs, striking down President Donald Trump’s far-reaching “liberation day” tariff regime. Unsurprisingly, the president was less than thrilled. “I’m ashamed of certain members of the court. Absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what’s […]", "description":""

In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court<\/a>\u00a0ruled<\/a>\u00a0correctly that\u00a0the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not allow the president to impose tariffs<\/a>, striking down President Donald Trump<\/a>\u2019s far-reaching \u201cliberation day\u201d tariff regime. Unsurprisingly, the president was less than thrilled.\u00a0\"I'm ashamed of certain members of the court. Absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what's right for our country,\" he said.\u00a0<\/p>

What Trump failed to realize is the Supreme Court gave him and his party a gift, a rare crisp, clean off-ramp relieving Trump of responsibility for the most unpopular economic policy associated with his presidency.<\/p>

Tariffs, at least the kind concocted and implemented by Trump, are a bad policy that is also illegal and wildly unpopular. Tariffs have consistently polled\u00a0poorly<\/a>\u00a0with the broader electorate, are widely blamed for higher consumer prices, and disproportionately alienate independents and noncollege suburban voters Republicans cannot afford to lose in the midterm elections.\u00a064%<\/a>\u00a0of voters disapprove of Trump\u2019s tariffs generally, and 6-in-10\u00a0say<\/a>\u00a0they agree with the Supreme Court\u2019s decision to strike them down on constitutional grounds. When asked if Trump\u2019s tariffs raised or lowered prices on goods they had recently purchased, 66% said they\u00a0raised<\/a>\u00a0prices, while only 5% said they lowered prices \u2014 a nightmare response for Republicans as they face an election cycle centered on the trouble of \u201caffordability<\/a>.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

The midterm elections are typically a bloodbath for the party in power, and this year is shaping up to continue that trend. Trump is currently\u00a0underwater<\/a>\u00a0by 13 points, according to RealClearPolitics. He is down nearly 15 points on the economy and an abysmal 25 points on inflation.<\/p>

It is still the economy, stupid. Trump is the leader of the free world not because of former President Biden\u2019s senility or the fact that former Vice President Harris only had a few months to campaign. Inflation<\/a> was way too high for the duration of the Biden years, and voters punished the Democrats. Similarly, it is quite likely that Trump would have bested Biden in 2020 if not for an ailing economy<\/a> bogged down by draconian COVID-19 lockdowns and overspending that sent prices through the roof. <\/p>

When the Supreme Court checked Trump\u2019s authority on tariffs \u2014 like they checked Biden\u2019s\u00a0authority<\/a>\u00a0when he illegally attempted to implement a COVID vaccine mandate via OSHA, impose a nationwide eviction moratorium through the CDC, and forgive student loans using the 2003 HEROES Act \u2014 he could have taken the off-ramp. The only hope Republicans have is to cruise into the fall with a roaring economy. This was going to be difficult regardless, considering the less-than-stellar economic\u00a0numbers<\/a>\u00a0for Q4 of 2025, but the president\u2019s decision to double down on his quixotic and unnecessary global trade war may be the final nail in the coffin of the Trump 2.0 legislative agenda.\u00a0<\/p>

The president imposed a global 10% tariff following the Supreme Court\u2019s ruling on Friday, then increased\u00a0tariffs<\/a>\u00a0to 15% the next day. Aside from his pet problems, namely economic protectionism and border security, Trump is not an ideologue and has proven himself willing to pivot when a policy becomes politically damaging. He recently benched DHS Secretary Kristi Noem in favor of Tom Homan as the face of the ICE operation in Minnesota, and has changed course on everything from Obamacare to government shutdown politics when the GOP ended up getting the short end of the stick. Trump even walked back his support of COVID lockdowns and Faucism by summer 2020 and de-escalated a trade war with China<\/a> during his first term.\u00a0<\/p>

TRUMP NEEDS CONGRESS IF HE WANTS TO KEEP HIS TARIFF REGIME<\/a><\/p>

Trump\u2019s inflexibility will almost certainly damage the party this November and continue to be an albatross around the neck of his own agenda, while failing to accomplish the administration\u2019s goals. The new \u201csection 122\u201d tariffs are on equally dubious<\/a> legal grounds and will likely be overturned by the courts, but not before raising prices, injecting volatility into the market, straining our relationships with allies, and driving down consumer confidence. <\/p>

It doesn\u2019t have to be this way, Mr. President. <\/p>

Brady Leonard (@bradyleonard<\/a>) is a writer, musician, and host of The No Gimmicks Podcast.<\/a><\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/iStock-2210433019.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474557-1772202600", "title":"WATCH LIVE: Trump delivers remarks on energy in Texas alongside all three Senate GOP hopefuls", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F4474557%2Fwatch-live-trump-delivers-remarks-energy-texas%2F", "byline":"Claire Carter", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump will discuss energy production in Corpus Christi, Texas, at 4:35 p.m. EST on Friday. TRUMP ARRIVES IN TEXAS AHEAD OF HEATED GOP PRIMARY WITH NO PLANS TO ENDORSE Trump is expected to promote his energy and economic policies related to his remarks during the State of the Union address earlier this week, […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> will discuss energy production in Corpus Christi, Texas<\/a>, at 4:35 p.m. EST on Friday.<\/p>

TRUMP ARRIVES IN TEXAS AHEAD OF HEATED GOP PRIMARY WITH NO PLANS TO ENDORSE<\/a><\/p>

Trump is expected to promote his energy<\/a> and economic policies related to his remarks during the State of the Union<\/a> address earlier this week, in which he declared American dominance<\/a> in energy production and exports.<\/p>

During his speech, Trump will be joined by Sen. John Cornyn<\/a> (R-TX), Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton<\/a>, and Rep. Wesley Hunt<\/a> (R-TX), all candidates in the Texas Senate Republican primary race. The president has yet to endorse a Republican candidate in the race.<\/p>

<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WEX_SOTU-15-e1772139203809.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474413-1772202172", "title":"Starmer blasts ‘extreme’ and ‘sectarian’ Green Party after brutal election defeat", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F4474413%2Fkeir-starmer-green-party-election-defeat%2F", "byline":"Timothy Nerozzi", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is now fighting a two-front war against the left-wing as much as the right-wing, if the results of an electoral by-election Thursday are anything to go by. Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer secured an upset victory in the constituency of Gorton and Denton, a Labour stronghold. Worse than that, Labour […]", "description":""

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer<\/a> is now fighting a two-front war against the left-wing as much as the right-wing, if the results<\/a> of an electoral by-election Thursday are anything to go by.<\/p>

Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer secured an upset victory in the constituency of Gorton and Denton, a Labour stronghold<\/a>. Worse than that, Labour didn't even come in second place, as the party fell to third behind Nigel Farage<\/a>'s right-wing Reform U.K.<\/p>

The upset, which reportedly kept Starmer up until the wee hours of the morning watching results pour in, is now forcing him to condemn the \"extreme\" policies of the Greens, such as total legalization of drug use and prostitution.<\/p>

\u201cWe will continue to warn of the risk the Greens pose: the risk of extreme policies like legalizing all drugs and pulling out of NATO that most voters strongly reject, and the risk of splitting the progressive vote so that Reform come through the middle,\" Starmer said in a letter to Labour MPs on Friday.<\/p>

Green secured 41% of the vote in Gorton and Denton, followed by Reform with 29% and Labour at 25%.<\/p>

\"No longer can they try and scare people into saying they have to vote for something because they're worried about the least-worst option,\" Green Party leader Zack Polanski said<\/a>.<\/p>

They accomplished this feat via a confederation of special interest groups beyond their usual environmentalist contingency \u2014 in particular, the approximately 30% of voters in the constituency who are Muslim.<\/p>

The Greens heavily catered to the growing Islamic population<\/a> of Gorton and Denton with campaign materials distributed in Urdu, overtures in support of Palestinians, and the banging of war drums against conservative parties they called \"Islamophobic.\"<\/p>

One campaign video emphasized images of Starmer with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.<\/p>

Starmer is now warning<\/a> that the Greens are \"not the harmless environmentalists they pretend to be,\" accusing them of welcoming \"divisive, sectarian politics\" into their party.<\/p>

The prime minister admitted the results were \"disappointing\" for his party, but stuck to his playbook \u2014 promising to \"fight against extremes in politics\" on all sides who \"want to tear our country apart.\"<\/p>

That other \"extreme\" that Starmer fears is Reform U.K., which has maintained a healthy lead in nationwide polls for months with a platform centered on deportations and remigration of foreign nationals.<\/p>

UK FOREIGN OFFICE MINISTER CONFIRMS BRITAIN IS 'PAUSING' PASSAGE OF CHAGOS ISLANDS DEAL INTO LAW<\/a><\/p>

Reform U.K.<\/a> candidate Matt Goodwin took solace in his second-place finish by relishing how he \"embarrassed Labour in one of their strongest seats,\" but concurred with Starmer's fears that the Greens' victory is the result of a \"coalition of Islamists and woke progressives.\"<\/p>

Asked if he had considered resigning, he said: \"I came into politics late in life to fight for change for those people who need it,\" Starmer said to a reporter who asked if he was considering resignation. \"I will keep on fighting for those people for as long as I've got breath in my body.\"<\/p>

Reform U.K. remains the front-runner in British public opinion polls<\/a> with 26% support, followed by Labour and Conservatives tied for second place, with 18% each. The Greens are just below at 16%, followed by the Liberal Democrats at 13%.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26058279965549.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474612-1772201194", "title":"DOJ indicts 30 more people in Minnesota church storming case", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fjustice%2F4474612%2Fdoj-indicts-30-minnesota-church-storming-case%2F", "byline":"Kaelan Deese", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"The Justice Department announced Friday that an additional 30 defendants have been added to the case involving people who stormed Cities Church and allegedly terrorized congregants as part of an organized group in St. Paul, Minnesota, last month. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the development shortly after a request to unseal a superseding indictment was […]", "description":""

The Justice Department<\/a> announced Friday that an additional 30 defendants have been added to the case involving people who stormed Cities Church and allegedly terrorized congregants as part of an organized group in St. Paul, Minnesota<\/a>, last month.<\/p>

Attorney General Pam Bondi<\/a> announced the development shortly after a request to unseal a superseding indictment was entered on the court docket earlier Friday. The subsequent indictment creates a total of 39 defendants in the case and comes after the original nine defendants from the Jan. 18 protest have already had their initial appearances in arraignments before a federal court.<\/p>

Today, @thejusticedept<\/a> unsealed an indictment charging 30 more people who took part in the attack on Cities Church in Minnesota.At my direction, federal agents have already arrested 25 of them, with more to come throughout the day.YOU CANNOT ATTACK A HOUSE OF WORSHIP. If you\u2026<\/p>— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) February 27, 2026<\/a>

\"Today, the Department of Justice unsealed an indictment charging 30 more people who took part in the attack on Cities Church in Minnesota,\" Bondi said, adding that federal agents have arrested 25 so far with \"more to come throughout the day.\"<\/p>

\"YOU CANNOT ATTACK A HOUSE OF WORSHIP,\" Bondi added in her statement to X. \"If you do so, you cannot hide from us \u2014 we will find you, arrest you, and prosecute you. This Department of Justice STANDS for Christians and all Americans of faith.\"<\/p>

The original group of defendants involved nine protesters, including Nekima Levy-Armstrong, who is alleged to be one of two main organizers<\/a> of the protest, dubbed \"Operation Pullup,\" that involved a group of dozens of anti-immigration enforcement protesters storming the church and shutting down worship services.<\/p>

The superseding indictment does not add any additional charges and accuses all 39 people of violating two civil rights laws. One, a misdemeanor offense, is a violation of the FACE Act, a federal law protecting houses of worship and abortion clinics from harassment, and the other is a felony charge of conspiring to interfere with others' religious beliefs and rights.<\/p>

Protesters said they selected the church as a protest spot because they believed a senior pastor there was an official with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement<\/a>.<\/p>

Video footage captured from the day of the demonstration showed participants interrupting the service and shouting anti-ICE and Trump administration remarks while also confronting some congregants, prompting many to flee and causing at least one congregant to fall and injure herself.<\/p>

Also included in the initial group of defendants are a pair of reporters, including former CNN host Don Lemon<\/a>. Lemon pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiring to violate constitutional rights during a Feb. 13 hearing, where a judge allowed his release on personal recognizance and gave him permission to leave the country for a previously planned trip. <\/p>

Days later, independent journalist Georgia Fort likewise pleaded not guilty and was released on personal recognizance.<\/p>

The DOJ has argued that reporters cannot hide behind journalism to avoid consequences for what prosecutors said was a scheme to join the larger group during the January church storming.<\/p>

ANTI-ICE CHURCH PROTESTERS INSIST CASE IS NOT SPREADING CONSPIRACY, REQUIRING EXTENSIVE EVIDENCE REVIEW<\/a><\/p>

Earlier this week, a member of Cities Church, Ann Doucette, filed a federal <\/a>lawsuit alleging the group of people unlawfully disrupted the service and engaged in \"coordinated conduct.\" The suit directly names Lemon, pointing out that he live-streamed the incident, \"noting congregants'\" fears, and that he \"appeared to take satisfaction in the disruption.\"<\/p>

The complaint seeks \"punitive and exemplary damages\" as well as attorneys fees, in addition to injunctive relief restraining defendants and anyone acting in coordination with them from entering Cities Church.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26019847475467.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474598-1772200845", "title":"Trump says US could ‘very well’ see a ‘friendly takeover of Cuba’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F4474598%2Ftrump-us-friendly-takeover-cuba%2F", "byline":"Molly Parks", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump floated the idea of a “friendly takeover” of Cuba as the Trump administration’s oil blockade had amped up pressure on the nation’s communist regime. “The Cuban Government is talking with us,” Trump told White House reporters on Friday. “They’re in a big deal of trouble, as you know. They have no money, […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> floated the idea of a \"friendly takeover\" of Cuba<\/a> as the Trump administration's oil blockade had amped up pressure on the nation's communist regime.<\/p>

\"The Cuban Government is talking with us,\" Trump told White House reporters on Friday. \"They're in a big deal of trouble, as you know. They have no money, they have no anything right now. But they're talking with us, and maybe we'll have a friendly takeover of Cuba.\"<\/p>

The Trump administration has largely focused its Western hemisphere foreign policy on Cuba in recent weeks after its operation ousting former Venezuelan dictator Nicol\u00e1s Maduro<\/a>. Maduro was a key ally of the Cuban government and supplied the island with much of its oil. Mexico, too, has halted its oil shipments<\/a> to the island, deepening an energy crisis in the Caribbean country after the United States threatened to hit Cuba's trade partners with tariffs.<\/p>

Trump affirmed on Friday that the Cuban government is in talks with his administration and that the floated \"friendly takeover\" could be \"very positive\" for the Cuban people.<\/p>

\"We could very well end up having a friendly takeover of Cuba,\" Trump said. \"We've had a lot of years of dealing with Cuba. I've been hearing about Cuba since I'm a little boy, But they're in big trouble.\" <\/p>

His comments come just days after an incident in which the\u00a0Cuban<\/a>\u00a0Coast Guard said it killed four people and injured six from a speedboat licensed in\u00a0Florida<\/a>.<\/p>

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE GUNFIGHT OFF THE COAST OF CUBA<\/a><\/p>

Secretary of State Marco Rubio<\/a> previously said the administration would \"love\" to regime change in Cuba in a late January Senate testimony. Rubio, whose family fled communist Cuba for Florida, has made his foreign policy goals in the country a priority since his Senate days.<\/p>

\"Regime change? Oh no, I think we would love to see the regime there change,\" Rubio said<\/a>. \"That doesn't mean we are going to make a change, but we would love to see a change. There's no doubt about the fact that it would be of great benefit to the United States if Cuba was no longer governed by an autocratic regime.\"<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26058632483218.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474376-1772200800", "title":"What Trump should tell the public about Iran", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fin_focus%2F4474376%2Fwhat-trump-should-tell-public-about-iran%2F", "byline":"David Harsanyi", "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. Americans have good-faith concerns about the prospects of launching an […]", "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>

Americans have good-faith concerns about the prospects of launching an attack on the Islamist regime in Iran<\/a>. War should never be taken lightly. Not even if your cause is righteous. But President Donald Trump<\/a> needs to remind the public that the murderous Islamic<\/a> cultists in Iran are our enemy \u2014 and that matters. <\/p>

The Islamic Republic\u2019s war against the United States famously began with the Islamic coup of 1979, when revolutionaries grabbed 52 hostages from our embassy and held them for 444 days. But it never ended. <\/p>

In the early 1980s, Iran's proxy army of Hezbollah<\/a> killed 241 U.S. servicemen in Lebanon. In the mid-1990s, the Iranian-funded Saudi arm of Hezbollah, with the help of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, bombed Khobar Towers, killing 19 U.S. Air Force personnel. For decades, Iran has set aside sectarian disagreements with al Qaeda to give terrorists safe haven and logistical help<\/a>. In the 2000s, the Revolutionary Guard, along with Iraqi proxies, murdered over 600 Americans with improvised explosive devices \u2014 or, over\u00a017% of American casualties<\/a>\u00a0in that war \u2014 and maimed thousands more.\u00a0<\/p>

Not until Trump atomized terrorist leader Qassem Soleimani<\/a> did the U.S. really do anything about Iranian belligerence, even though any one of the above incidents was casus belli. <\/p>

In more recent times, the Iranian regime has sent billions to fund proxy armies such as Hamas, which had been murdering Americans<\/a> long before they killed 46 citizens in Israel in 2023. Then again, the Iranians twice reportedly<\/a> hatched plots to assassinate Trump<\/a> in 2020 and 2024. Numerous Iranian operatives have been indicted by the U.S. for meddling in our elections, cyberattacks, and for stealing aerospace, tech, and satellite data. <\/p>

And the regime has never stopped<\/a> taking American hostages. It has never stopped planning and executing assaults on the American people and interests. It has never stopped working to obtain nuclear weapons, which would allow it to export violent Shia terrorism and start an apocalyptic war to bring forth the Twelfth Imam. <\/p>

Yet, both Republican and Democratic administrations have bent over backwards for decades trying to appease these medieval cultists and coax them into signing agreements, sometimes sending pallets of unmarked currency and transferring billions. Each time, the regime has just strung us along, stretching out negotiations while secretly continuing to work on their nuclear ambitions, destabilizing the Middle East, and murdering Americans. <\/p>

But the most important question right now isn\u2019t what Iran\u2019s done. It\u2019s what it would do if it had nukes.  <\/p>

Iran's Islamist regime is uniquely evil. Anyone who believes that the Iranian clerics won\u2019t act more aggressively and violently toward the \u201cGreat Satan\u201d when they are shielded by nukes is fooling themselves. If it is willing to massacre tens of thousands of its own people and subject its citizens to decades of destitution in a crusade to develop nuclear weapons, how will it function under the shield of a nuclear weapon? What would stop Iran from buying increasingly advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles from geopolitical foes such as China and Russia that, at some point, would be able to hit the U.S.? What would stop the Iranians from disrupting international oil markets and trade? What will we do when its proxies start killing Americans? <\/p>

The Iran Firsters in the U.S., which include isolationists like Tucker Carlson<\/a> and liberal leftists like Ben Rhodes (whose antagonism toward the Jewish State was so extreme that his nickname in the anti-Israel Obama White House was \u201cHamas\u201d), want the mullahs to obtain nuclear weapons. Their hatred of Israel and Jews has led them to become apologists for the most corrupt, violent and illiberal regime on the planet.<\/p>

They like to point out that international leaders have been warning Iran was on the cusp of developing nuclear weapons for decades, and yet it\u2019s never come true. Indeed, Iran can sit perniciously close to weaponizing its uranium for a long time. But the Iranian program has been slowed by the U.S., Israel, and probably other nations, through cyber warfare, clandestine operations, assassinations, sabotage and military efforts. Every time we interrupt the clerics, they become more sophisticated and more careful. <\/p>

Never once will any of Iran\u2019s Western propagandists, however, concede that Iran can choose peace whenever it likes. What the U.S. is reportedly<\/a> asking of the mullahs in Geneva is completely reasonable for a signer of the nonproliferation pact: <\/p>

First, Iran must completely dismantle its nuclear sites and programs. If the Iranian regime truly has no interest in obtaining nuclear power, as it claims, this should be no problem. We bombed the country once, and we could do it again. <\/p>

Second, Iran needs to hand over existing stockpiles of enriched uranium to the U.S. The only reason Iran has them is for a nuclear weapons program. If Iran wants a reactor to continue low-level enrichment for medical purposes, it's welcome to it.<\/p>

Three, unlike the toothless deal agreed to by Barack Obama, a new deal can have no sunset clauses. No enrichment ever. Islamist warmongers shouldn\u2019t get their hands on weapons of mass destruction today, or in 10 or 20 years.<\/p>

Four, no sanctions relief until Iran upholds its end of the agreement. \u201cSupreme Leader\u201d Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has never been voted into any office by the people of Iran, refers to the U.S. as \u201cthe most wicked, sinister enemy.\u201d Khomeinism is a zero-sum apocalyptic cult. The clerics are not rational actors who can be trusted to sign and abide by international agreements. <\/p>

RESISTANCE-OBSESSED DEMOCRATS WALTZ INTO TRUMP'S TRAP<\/a><\/p>

Iran is an enemy of the U.S. Of our allies. Of Christians. Of peaceful Muslims. We are not the world\u2019s policemen, but we also can\u2019t turn inward and ignore reality and long-term threats. One of the slogans of the Islamic Revolution is \"America can't do a damn thing against us.\"<\/p>

But that isn\u2019t the case, is it? <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP25233484181437.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474595-1772200696", "title":"Trump says Lutnick would comply with Epstein subpoena: ‘He’s a very innocent guy’", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2F4474595%2Ftrump-howard-lutnick-comply-epstein-subpoena-very-innocent-guy%2F", "byline":"Claire Carter", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump on Friday said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick would comply with a subpoena after Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) said Democrats have enough support to force the secretary to testify before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee about his reported connections to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.  Speaking to reporters before heading […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> on Friday said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick<\/a> would comply with a subpoena after Rep. Ro Khanna<\/a> (D-CA) said Democrats have enough support to force the secretary to testify before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee<\/a> about his reported connections to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

Speaking to reporters before heading to Texas, Trump was asked about Khanna's remarks.<\/p>

\"Howard would go in and do whatever he had to say. He\u2019s a very innocent guy,\" the president said.<\/p>

During a news conference earlier in the day, Khanna said lawmakers are preparing to pursue a subpoena compelling Lutnick's appearance as part of the committee\u2019s expanding inquiry into individuals connected to Epstein. <\/p>

\u201cI believe we will have the votes to subpoena him, and we will work with ranking member [Robert Garcia (D-CA)] to make sure that he comes before our committee,\u201d Khanna said.\u00a0<\/p>

Rep. Nancy Mace<\/a> (R-SC) has also called for Lutnick to testify, enforcing Khanna\u2019s belief there will be sufficient votes to compel the commerce secretary to testify.<\/p>

According to the recently disclosed Epstein Files<\/a>, Lutnick communicated in Epstein\u2019s circle and even visited his private island years after Epstein\u2019s 2008 conviction.<\/p>

Lutnick had previously stated he cut ties with Epstein in 2005. A 2016 email to Epstein from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, which appeared to contain an invitation to a Valentine\u2019s Day party, was also revealed in the files.<\/p>

Khanna\u2019s comments come as former President Bill Clinton<\/a> testifies before the committee about his relationship with Epstein, as the former president appears in images from the Epstein files.\u00a0<\/p>

During his remarks, Khanna argued that Congress has established a new expectation that high-profile political figures and officials comply with congressional subpoenas, citing Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who testified over the past two days.\u00a0<\/p>

\u201cBefore this, we had the Trump rule,\u201d Khanna said, referring to Trump\u2019s failure to cooperate<\/a> with a subpoena issued by the House Jan. 6 committee, though it was later withdrawn<\/a>. \u201cNow we have the Clinton rule, which is that presidents and their families have to testify when Congress issues a subpoena.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

BILL CLINTON DENIES KNOWLEDGE OF EPSTEIN\u2019S CRIMES: \u2018I SAW NOTHING\u2019<\/a><\/p>

Khanna said that because of the scenario with Bill Clinton, Trump will need to testify before the committee and \u201cexplain what he knew about Epstein and why we have not had a full release of the documents.\u201d<\/p>

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna<\/a> (R-FL) spoke outside of Bill Clinton's testimony and said two women have made allegations against Trump and Bill Clinton, but they were determined to be false.<\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26014738037543.jpg?w=696" }, {"Articles":[ {"id":"4474547-1772199503", "title":"Trump says he’s ‘not happy’ with Iran talks and ‘sometimes’ force is necessary", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fwhite-house%2F4474547%2Ftrump-not-happy-iran-talks-force-necessary%2F", "byline":"Naomi Lim", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"President Donald Trump has expressed his displeasure with the progress of talks with Iran as talk of another U.S. strike on the country’s nuclear capabilities kicks into gear. “Well, we’re not happy with what’s going on,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday. “They should make a deal, they’d be smart if they […]", "description":""

President Donald Trump<\/a> has expressed his displeasure with the progress of talks with Iran<\/a> as talk of another U.S. strike on the country's nuclear capabilities kicks into gear.<\/p>

\u201cWell, we\u2019re not happy with what\u2019s going on,\" Trump told reporters at the White House<\/a> on Friday. \"They should make a deal, they\u2019d be smart if they made a deal. No nuclear weapons \u2014 we want no nuclear weapons by Iran and they\u2019re not saying those golden words.\u201d<\/p>

Trump downplayed his desire to use force, but said that \"sometimes you have to,\" though he added he had not made a final decision yet.<\/a><\/p>

When asked about the prospect of regime change in Iran if the United States intervened, the president said \"Nobody knows.\"<\/p>

\"There might be and there might not be,\" Trump said. \"It would be nice if we could do it without, but sometimes you have to do it with. Look, we have the greatest military anywhere in the world, there's nothing close, I'd love not to use it, but sometimes you have to.\"<\/p>

Trump made the comments during an informal press conference with reporters on the South Lawn as he departed the White House en route to a campaign event in Corpus Christie, Texas<\/a>, before next week's competitive U.S. Senate primary elections.<\/p>

The president was also asked about a report he is under pressure to declare a national emergency regarding elections and to sign a corresponding executive order before November's contests. <\/p>

\"No,\" he said when asked if he was considering it. \"I've never heard about it.\"<\/p>

In addition, Trump expressed some empathy for former President Bill Clinton, who was deposed by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in Chappaqua,\u00a0New York, on Friday, one day after the panel did the same to his wife, Hillary, regarding convicted sexual offender Jeffrey Epstein.<\/p>

VANCE LEADING TRUMP\u2019S \u2018WAR ON FRAUD\u2019 COULD BE DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD<\/a><\/p>

\u201cI don\u2019t like seeing him deposed. But they certainly went after me more than that,\" he said.<\/p>

Trump's appearance in Texas has been previewed as an opportunity for him to underscore his energy policies as well. <\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26058632483218.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>

CLICKHERETOREADMOREFROMTHEWASHINGTONEXAMINER<\\\/a><\\\/p>

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>

CLICKHERETOREADMOREFROMRESTORINGAMERICA<\\\/a><\\\/p>

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>

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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>

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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>

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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>

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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":"4474535-1772198882", "title":"Democrats have been disrupting Republican presidential addresses since the 1970s", "sharelink":"https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fopinion%2Fbeltway-confidential%2F4474535%2Fdemocrats-disrupting-republican-presidential-addresses-since-1974%2F", "byline":"Christopher Tremoglie", "publishDate":"Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0500", "synopsis":"Much has been made of the Democrats’ heckling of President Donald Trump during his State of the Union address this week. Defenders of the president categorized the shouting and dissension, particularly from left-wing radicals Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), as rude behavior, breaking decorum, and disrespectful. Detractors of Trump will cite […]", "description":""

MuchhasbeenmadeoftheDemocrats\u2019hecklingofPresidentDonaldTrump<\\\/a>duringhisStateoftheUnion<\\\/a>addressthisweekDefendersofthepresidentcategorizedtheshoutinganddissension,particularlyfromleft-wingradicalsRepIlhanOmar<\\\/a>(D-MN)andRepRashidaTlaib<\\\/a>(D-MI),asrudebehavior,breakingdecorum,anddisrespectfulDetractorsofTrumpwillcitesimilarincidentsovertheyears,includingoutburstsbyRepLaurenBoebert<\\\/a>(R-CO)andformerRepublicanGeorgiaRepMarjorieTaylorGreene,whoheckledthen-PresidentJoeBiden,andformerRepJoeWilson(R-SC),whoshouted\u201cyoulie\u201datthen-PresidentBarackObama<\\\/p>

SomeDemocratswereconciliatoryaboutOmarandTlaib\u2019soutburstOthersdefendeditManycitedthepreviousincidentswithBoebert,Greene,andWilsontojustify\\\"theSquad\u2019s\\\"behaviorthisweekAndifyoulistenedtomuchofthepoliticaldiscoursethisweek,itwasregularlysuggestedthatRepublicansstartedthisviolationofdecorum,withmanyhighlightingWilson\u2019s\u201cYoulie!\u201dmomentastheinitialcrackinthepresidentialaddressdecencystandardsYet,intypicalliberal,Democratic,andleft-wingfashion,thisisnottrueandentirelyrevisionist\u00a0<\\\/p>

MARKKELLYSTANDSFORILLEGALIMMIGRANTSBUTSITSFORLEGALAMERICANCITIZENS<\\\/a><\\\/p>

DemocratshavebeenhecklingRepublicanpresidentssince1974Asthesayinggoes,youcan\u2019tspell\u201cliberal\u201dwithout\u201clie\u201d<\\\/p>

ByallretrievablehistoricalaccountsofmodernpresidentialaddressestoCongress,thefirstinstanceofrudebehaviorandhecklingofapresidentappearstohaveoccurredonJan30,1974Thatiswhenthen-PresidentRichardNixonwoulddeliver(whatwouldultimatelybe)hislastStateoftheUnionspeechInthemidstoftheWatergatescandal,NixonenteredtheHousechamber,andhalftheDemocratsinattendancerefusedtostand,accordingtoformerRepDavidObey(D-WI) <\\\/p>

\u201cWhatIrememberisthatwhenNixonwalkedin,abouthalftheDemocratsrefusedtostand,\u201dObeysaidtoNBCNewsin2007<\\\/a>\u201cIthought,\u2018OhmyGod,thisisgoingtolookterribleontelevision\u2019ThenIdiscoveredtheHousemembersweren\u2019tshownontelevision\u201d<\\\/p>

\u201cHissesandbooscouldbeheardfromtheDemocraticsideofthechamber,\u201dsaidStephenAmbroseThefamedhistorianalsoclaimedthatwhenNixonreinforcedhiscommitmenttoservingouthistermandthathehadnointentionof\u201cwalkingawayfromthejobpeopleelectedmetodo,\u201dDemocratsreleased\u201cgroansofdismay\u201d\u00a0<\\\/p>

In1975,Democratsuppedtheirantics,thistimetargetingthen-PresidentGeraldFord,whoreplacedNixonafterheresignedDuringFord\u2019sfirstStateoftheUnionaddressin1975,DemocratswalkedoutoftheHousechamberbeforeFordspokeinablatantsignofdisapprovalanddisrespect<\\\/p>

\u201cIwillalwaysrememberthepresident\u2019sfirstStateoftheUnionin1975,\u201dsaidCharlesLeppert<\\\/a>,adeputyassistantforlegislativeaffairsintheHouseatthetime\u201cIcan\u2019trecallsuchdisrespect<\\\/a>forthepresidentoftheUnitedStatesinanyotherera\u201d<\\\/p>

ThingsseemedtocalmdownafterthatSomewhatshockingly,theredonotappeartobeanypresidentialslightsorhecklingepisodesduringthetermsofJimmyCarter,RonaldReagan,GeorgeHWBush,andBillClintonLookingatvideosofsomeoftheaddresses,membersofCongressregularlyapplaudeachpresidentastheyspeakInsomeinstances,somemaynothaverisen,buttheredoesn\u2019tappeartobethehecklingorpublicrebukeofapresidentthatDemocratsstartedin1974 <\\\/p>

ThencamePresidentGeorgeWBush<\\\/p>

In2004,Democratsonceagainreturnedtotheirrude,disruptiveways,heckling<\\\/a>andbooingBushduringhisStateoftheUnion <\\\/p>

Thetastelesslackofdecorumwasrepeated<\\\/a>thefollowingyearduringBush\u2019sfirstStateoftheUnionaddressofhissecondtermBushwasreportedlybooedandhissedashedeliveredhisspeech <\\\/p>

ThencameJoeWilson\u2019smomentwithObamaDuringTrump\u2019sfirstterm,therewereinstancesofdefianceandheckling,notablyin2018<\\\/a>and2019<\\\/a>,albeitnotasvociferousasthisweek\u2019sepisodeThentherewasthen-HouseSpeakerNancyPelosi\u2019sultimatesignofdisrespectandcompletebreakingofdecorumin2020whenshestoodupfromherseatbehindthepresidentintheHousechamberandtoreuphercopyofTrump\u2019sspeech <\\\/p>

READINFULL:PRESIDENTDONALDTRUMP\u2019SSTATEOFTHEUNIONSPEECH<\\\/a><\\\/p>

Andthen,it\u2019sessentiallybeenchaosandarealitytelevisionshoweversince<\\\/p>

Preferably,theStateoftheUnionwouldreturntoitsformbeforeNixon,whenmembersofCongressweremoreinterestedingovernancethanaconstantfollyofone-upmanshiporraucousandinappropriatebehaviorforapresidentialaddressHowever,despitebothsidesparticipatinginsuchanticsrecently,itmustbeemphasizedthatDemocratsstartedthiskindofunruliness <\\\/p>

RepublicanstookitforalongtimebeforefightingbackHopefully,atsomepoint,ordercanberestoredButifnot,don\u2019tblameRepublicansanddon\u2019texpectthemtoresumebackingdown\u2014norshouldthey<\\\/p>"", "image":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_2195.jpg?w=696" } ]}