Imagine waking up to news that a ghost from nearly five years ago has finally been caught, admitting to planting bombs in the heart of Washington, D.C., on the eve of chaos.
The New York Post reported that Brian Cole Jr., a 30-year-old from Woodbridge, Virginia, has been charged with placing viable pipe bombs outside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Republican National Committee (RNC) headquarters on January 5, 2021, just before the Capitol riot, and was arrested on Thursday, after confessing to the crime.
Let’s rewind to that tense night in early 2021 when Cole allegedly set down two dangerous explosives near the nerve centers of both major political parties.
These devices, fully capable of destruction, sat undiscovered for 17 hours until they were found on January 6, 2021, just as supporters of the former president stormed the Capitol, delaying the certification of the 2020 election results.
Fast forward to this week, when federal investigators, after years of dead ends, finally nabbed Cole following a meticulous re-examination of the case.
It’s almost poetic justice that it took a fresh set of eyes to solve a crime that haunted D.C. for so long, especially under new FBI leadership determined to cut through bureaucratic fog.
“This is what it’s like when you work for a president who tells you to go get the bad guys and stop focusing on other extraneous things not related to law enforcement,” said FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino at a press conference on Thursday.
Well, credit where it’s due—Bongino’s team did what others couldn’t in four years, though one wonders if the previous focus on political theater over hard evidence slowed things down.
“Our team re-examined the case from the ground up after the previous leadership spent four years with no success,” said FBI Director Kash Patel to The Post on Thursday.
Cole, after his arrest on Thursday morning, December 4, 2025, confessed that afternoon, admitting to the chilling act, though his motives remain murky due to inconsistent statements during a lengthy four-hour interview.
He told investigators he bought into claims that the 2020 election was stolen, yet a national Republican operative noted there’s “zero indication” Cole was a committed supporter of the former president.
Interestingly, Cole wasn’t registered with either party in Virginia and skipped primaries, though he did vote in general elections in 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024, painting a picture of a politically ambiguous figure.
On Friday, Cole made his initial appearance in D.C. federal court before U.S. Magistrate Moxila Upadhyaya, where he did not enter a plea.
He faces serious charges, including transporting explosives across state lines with harmful intent and attempted malicious destruction using explosive materials, and was ordered held pending a detention hearing on December 15, 2025.
President Donald Trump just scored a historic win as the first-ever recipient of the FIFA Peace Prize!
The New York Post reported that on Friday, Trump was honored for his remarkable efforts in fostering global unity during a prestigious ceremony ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, D.C.
The award, presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, recognized Trump’s “exceptional and extraordinary actions” in promoting harmony worldwide, a nod to his tireless work on the international stage.
It’s a refreshing change to see a leader celebrated for bridging divides rather than pandering to divisive cultural trends. Let’s hope this sets a precedent over the usual progressive posturing.
During the event, Infantino handed Trump a gold medal, which the president proudly placed around his own neck, along with a striking gold trophy engraved with his name and depicting hands holding up the world. The symbolism couldn’t be clearer—Trump as a unifying force in a fractured era.
The FIFA Peace Prize, officially titled “FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World,” was introduced just last month as an annual honor by soccer’s global governing body.
Trump, long known to share a rapport with Infantino, was widely tipped to be the inaugural winner, despite claiming he had no official heads-up about the accolade.
“I don’t know that I’m getting it. I haven’t been officially noticed,” Trump remarked, adding a touch of humility before accepting the honor. Such candidness cuts through the polished nonsense we often hear from leaders dodging accountability.
The ceremony drew a notable crowd, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, though they stayed seated while Trump danced to a lively rendition of “YMCA.” It’s a small but telling moment—Trump’s energy stands in contrast to the stoic detachment of some counterparts.
Trump didn’t shy away from making waves, using his platform to suggest American football needs a rebrand since soccer truly embodies the term “football” globally.
“This is football – there is no question,” he declared with characteristic boldness. It’s a quirky but pointed jab at cultural disconnects that often go unchallenged.
Behind the lighthearted moments, Trump emphasized the gravity of his mission, tying the award to his broader efforts to end conflicts and protect lives. It’s a reminder that beneath the showmanship, there’s a focus on tangible results over empty virtue signaling.
Interestingly, Infantino has previously argued that Trump deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for brokering a cease-fire in Gaza, though that honor went to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado this year. Trump, for his part, remains unfazed, focusing on his record of settling multiple conflicts—eight, by his count.
Questions arose about whether accepting the FIFA Peace Prize aligns with Trump’s recent hardline stance on Venezuelan drug trafficking, including threats to strike land-based operators and noting risks to Colombian counterparts.
Trump insisted there’s no conflict, framing his actions as life-saving rather than contradictory. It’s a tough balance, but prioritizing security isn’t the same as abandoning peace.
Since early September 2025, the U.S. military has targeted numerous vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking off Venezuela and Colombia, with significant casualties reported. Critics might seize on this to question the “peace” narrative, but defending national interests against criminal networks is hardly warmongering.
Trump’s acceptance speech underscored his commitment to global stability, a stark contrast to the chaos often fueled by unchecked progressive policies. “The world is a safer place now,” he asserted with conviction. That’s the kind of leadership that cuts through the noise of endless cultural debates.
The FIFA Peace Prize isn’t just a trophy—it’s a recognition of Trump’s unapologetic approach to tackling the world’s toughest issues, from wars to crime. While some may scoff at the optics, dismissing this as mere pageantry ignores the real impact of his negotiations and resolve.
Hold onto your stethoscopes, folks—House Republicans are rolling out a bold new plan to give Obamacare a serious makeover.
Under the leadership of Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, chairman of the Republican Study Committee, a fresh piece of legislation dubbed "The More Affordable Care Act" aims to pare down key components of the Affordable Care Act while introducing personal health savings accounts branded as "Trump Health Freedom Accounts," alongside state-driven flexibility to tackle rising premiums.
Let’s start at the beginning: Pfluger is set to file this bill on Monday, signaling a significant push from the GOP to address healthcare woes.
Under this proposal, states could opt out of major Obamacare mandates as long as they protect high-risk pools from premium spikes.
These so-called "waiver states" would have the freedom to manage their own healthcare exchanges or even hand the reins to private companies.
It’s a sharp pivot from federal overreach, offering a lifeline to regions stuck with limited, often pricey, federal options.
Here’s where it gets interesting: federal subsidies that currently cut insurance costs would be funneled into personal "Trump Health Freedom Accounts" for eligible folks in waiver states.
Think of it as a healthcare piggy bank, giving families direct control over their dollars instead of feeding a bureaucratic black hole.
And in a nod to choice, the bill lets Americans shop for plans across state lines, ensuring waiver state programs are open to out-of-state buyers.
This legislative jab comes just as enhanced Obamacare subsidies, beefed up during the COVID-19 crisis, are poised to expire by year’s end, potentially leaving millions facing a brutal "price cliff."
Most GOP lawmakers are digging in their heels against extending these pandemic-era boosts, arguing they’ve jacked up overall health costs, while Democrats and a few moderate Republicans push to keep them for affordability’s sake.
House GOP leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., are piecing together a broader healthcare package that might see a vote before the month wraps up.
Whether Pfluger’s bill makes the cut for that package remains up in the air, though his clout within the party suggests it’ll get a serious look, with sources predicting strong interest from House Republicans.
Pfluger himself isn’t mincing words, telling Fox News Digital, "By establishing Health Freedom Accounts, we’re putting healthcare decisions back where they belong: in the hands of American families, not Washington bureaucrats."
That’s a refreshing take—why should faceless pencil-pushers dictate your doctor visits when you could steer the ship with your own hard-earned funds? Echoing this, Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., who’s already floated a similar bill in the Senate, told Fox News Digital, "We don’t have to replace Obamacare, we keep exchanges, we keep protections for preexisting conditions – but we can add options for families, allowing them to shop across state lines, increasing transparency in health care, and giving any financial support to them directly through HSA-style Trump Health Freedom Accounts, so families can choose the care that fits their needs." Now, if only the left could stop clutching their one-size-fits-all playbook long enough to consider competition as a cure for bloated costs.
Brace yourself for a jaw-dropping betrayal as a once-trusted DEA official stands accused of aiding a notorious Mexican drug cartel.
Paul Campo, a former high-ranking Drug Enforcement Agency official, has been indicted by the Department of Justice on serious charges including conspiracy to commit narcoterrorism, money laundering, and aiding cocaine distribution, all tied to his alleged dealings with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), the Daily Caller reported.
Campo, who stepped down from his role as Deputy Chief of the Office of Financial Operations at the DEA near the end of the previous administration, didn’t exactly retire to a quiet life of golf and gardening. Instead, the indictment claims he jumped into bed with one of the most dangerous criminal outfits in the world. Talk about a career pivot that raises eyebrows.
The allegations paint a grim picture of Campo’s post-DEA activities, accusing him of scheming to launder a staggering $12 million in drug trafficking profits for CJNG. It’s the kind of number that makes you wonder how someone sworn to uphold the law could allegedly flip so hard.
Campo didn’t act alone; an associate named Robert Sensi reportedly linked him with someone they thought was a CJNG operative. Turns out, that “operative” was a confidential source working under law enforcement’s watchful eye—a classic sting that caught them in the net.
The duo allegedly didn’t just stop at laundering funds; they offered advice on acquiring drones and assault rifles for the cartel. If true, this isn’t just a betrayal of public trust—it’s a direct threat to safety on both sides of the border.
According to the charges, Campo and Sensi guided the supposed cartel representative on laundering money through cryptocurrency, real estate deals, and even prepaid gift cards. They reportedly took part in three transactions totaling $750,000, thinking they were building trust with CJNG.
They even believed a third deal would trigger a $5 million cocaine shipment, expecting to pocket a cut of the profits. Greed, it seems, can blind even those who once hunted criminals for a living.
If convicted, both Campo and Sensi face the possibility of life behind bars—a fitting consequence if these allegations hold up in court. It’s a stark reminder that no one is above the law, no matter how high they once climbed.
DEA Administrator Terrance C. Cole didn’t mince words when addressing Campo’s alleged actions. “The alleged conduct occurred after he left DEA and was unrelated to his official duties here, but any former agent who chooses to engage in criminal activity dishonors the men and women who serve with integrity and undermines the public’s confidence in law enforcement,” Cole said in a statement. Let’s unpack that: even if Campo’s misdeeds came after his badge was retired, the stain on the agency’s reputation lingers.
“We will not look the other way simply because someone once wore this badge,” Cole continued. “There is no tolerance and no excuse for this kind of betrayal.” That’s a line in the sand conservatives can applaud—accountability must be blind to past titles.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton of the Southern District of New York echoed the sentiment with equal force. “By participating in this scheme, Campo betrayed the mission he was entrusted with pursuing for his 25-year career with the DEA,” Clayton stated. It’s a gut punch to see someone who spent decades fighting drugs allegedly switch teams for a payday.
CJNG isn’t just another criminal group; it’s a violent organization that’s been designated a foreign terrorist entity under executive actions focused on border security and curbing transnational crime. This case underscores why strong policies to combat cartels are non-negotiable for protecting American communities.
While progressive voices might argue for softer approaches to drug policy, stories like Campo’s remind us that cartels aren’t misunderstood entrepreneurs—they’re ruthless networks that corrupt and destroy. Conservatives must keep pushing for tough enforcement without losing sight of the human cost on all sides.
This indictment, announced on a Friday evening by Cole and Clayton, isn’t just about one man’s fall from grace; it’s a call to action to root out corruption wherever it hides. Let’s hope this case serves as a deterrent to others tempted to trade honor for dirty money, and a reminder that the fight against cartels demands unwavering resolve.
Hold onto your hats, folks—Taylor Taranto, a man once pardoned by President Donald Trump for his role in the January 6 events, is back in the legal spotlight with fresh allegations that have eyebrows raised across Washington, D.C.
From past convictions to recent suspicious activities near a congressman’s home, Taranto’s story is a whirlwind of controversy that raises serious questions about accountability and second chances, Fox News reported.
Taranto’s legal troubles began with his involvement in the January 6 Capitol events, for which he received a presidential pardon, but that grace didn’t keep him out of hot water for long.
Later, he was convicted for threatening Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., and former President Barack Obama, showing a pattern of behavior that’s hard to ignore.
Earlier this year, U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols also found Taranto guilty of possessing firearms and ammunition illegally in his van near Obama’s D.C. residence, a move that screamed red flags.
Not stopping there, Taranto was caught on camera making a fake bomb threat against a Maryland government building, further cementing concerns about his judgment.
Fast forward to this week, and Taranto’s probation officer reported local police spotting him near Raskin’s Takoma Park, Maryland, home early Tuesday morning—an unsettling development for anyone paying attention.
Living out of his van and livestreaming on Rumble as a self-proclaimed “independent journalist investigating major crimes,” Taranto seems to be crafting a narrative that’s more fiction than fact.
In one such stream, he brazenly admitted, “he’s one of the guys that hates January 6 people, or more like Trump supporters,” referring to Raskin, as if proximity to a lawmaker’s home is just casual journalism (Taranto, via livestream).
Let’s unpack that quote—Taranto’s words drip with resentment, but they also reveal a dangerous obsession with figures who oppose his worldview, a mindset that doesn’t scream “harmless citizen.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Travis Wolf didn’t mince words either, warning that Taranto’s actions suggest he’s “on the path” to repeat the criminal antics of 2023, a chilling prospect for law enforcement (Wolf, court statement).
At a recent hearing, Judge Nichols ordered Taranto to hightail it back to Washington state, with a stern warning that custody awaits if he steps out of line again.
Nichols, clearly not playing games, scheduled a probation hearing for December 10 in Washington state and made it crystal clear he’s ready to lock Taranto up for any violations.
Prosecutors also raised alarms about Taranto’s mental health and potential breaches of supervised release, while his attorney pleaded for more time to review the case and a holiday return home.
Taranto promised to drive back by Friday noon, but with his track record—including livestreamed threats near a Maryland elementary school chosen for its closeness to Raskin’s residence—one wonders if promises mean much.
Hold onto your hats, folks—disgraced former Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., has been slapped with a lifetime ban from holding any public office in the Garden State.
After a stunning fall from grace, Menendez, once a powerful figure in the Senate, now faces an 11-year prison sentence and a permanent exclusion from public trust positions following a conviction on 16 counts including bribery and acting as a foreign agent, Fox News reported.
This saga began unraveling between 2018 and 2022, when federal prosecutors revealed Menendez and his wife, Nadine, allegedly accepted lavish bribes—think gold bars, cash, and a luxury convertible—in exchange for political favors.
These weren’t just petty gifts; prosecutors say Menendez used his influence as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to protect the interests of bribe payers and even benefit foreign governments like Egypt.
Adding fuel to the fire, co-defendant Jose Uribe reportedly struck a plea deal, admitting to gifting Nadine Menendez a Mercedes convertible while agreeing to cooperate with authorities.
By July 2024, the hammer dropped—Menendez was found guilty on charges ranging from extortion to conspiracy, marking him as the first U.S. senator convicted of acting as a foreign agent.
In January, a judge handed down an 11-year prison term, the harshest sentence ever for a sitting or former senator, sending shockwaves through political circles.
Not stopping there, New Jersey Superior Court Judge Robert Lougy ruled that Menendez is forever barred from positions of public trust in the state, a decision backed by the state’s attorney general.
If Menendez dares to apply for any public role, he’ll face a fourth-degree contempt-of-court charge—a legal brick wall to any comeback dreams.
New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin didn’t mince words, stating, “Critical to preserving the public's faith and trust in government institutions is ensuring that elected officials who commit crimes involving their offices don’t find new opportunities to regain positions of power.”
Platkin’s right—trust in government is already on shaky ground, and letting corrupt politicians slink back into office would be like handing a fox the keys to the henhouse.
He added, “Too many people in New Jersey have a cynical viewpoint that corruption is a routine, widespread feature of our politics. We hope the court’s decision sends a message that it is not acceptable, and it will carry consequences.”
Ever defiant, Menendez told reporters at his sentencing, “I hope President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores the integrity to the system.”
While his frustration with the system might resonate with those fed up with political games, Menendez’s attempt to paint himself as a victim falls flat when gold bars and luxury cars are part of the evidence pile.
His claims of a process “corrupted to the core” sound more like sour grapes than a genuine cry for justice, especially given the mountain of evidence and historic conviction that now define his legacy.
Tragic news has struck the country music world as Criscilla Anderson, a beloved singer and Netflix star, has lost her courageous fight against colon cancer at just 45 years old.
Known for her role on the 2020 Netflix series “Country Ever After” alongside ex-husband Coffey Anderson, Criscilla’s passing was announced posthumously via Instagram on December 2, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and fierce determination.
The New York Post reported that Anderson’s journey began with a diagnosis of colon cancer in 2018, a battle she faced with grit while raising three biological children—Ethan, Emmarie, and Everleigh—and a stepdaughter, Savannah, whom she lovingly called her “bonus girl.”
Before her music career, Anderson dazzled as a choreographer for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, showcasing the same energy that later defined her as a performer. Her marriage to Coffey Anderson from 2009 to 2022 brought her into the spotlight, blending family life with artistic dreams.
The Netflix series “Country Ever After” captured their story, highlighting Anderson’s struggle with stage 3 colon cancer while leaning on Christian faith for strength. It was raw, real, and a reminder of what matters when the progressive agenda often pushes shallow priorities over family values.
By 2021, Anderson celebrated remission—a hard-won victory that sadly didn’t last. When the cancer returned in late 2022, it came with a vengeance, showing the harsh reality of a disease that doesn’t play fair.
Last month, before the heartbreaking announcement, her friend Lindsey Villatoro shared that Anderson’s cancer had spread to her brain following a stroke. It was a gut punch, yet Anderson’s spirit never wavered as she explored treatment options like radiation and clinical trials.
Her posthumous Instagram post, shared by Lindsey, was a testament to her love for her family and her unyielding faith. “If you’re reading this, I’ve finally slipped into the arms of Jesus – peacefully and surrounded by love,” Anderson wrote, a message that cuts through the noise of today’s self-obsessed culture.
Let’s unpack that quote—while the left often scoffs at faith as outdated, Anderson’s words remind us that spiritual strength can anchor a person through unimaginable pain. Her focus wasn’t on victimhood but on eternal hope, a perspective sorely missing in modern discourse.
Anderson’s message to her children was equally powerful, filled with personal promises to each one. “My babies … I am watching over you,” she said, a line that hits hard for anyone who values the sacred bond of family over fleeting societal trends.
Her ex-husband, Coffey Anderson, also paid tribute, writing, “Criscilla defined strength and fighter like no other person on the planet.” High praise, but let’s be honest—while Hollywood often glorifies weakness as virtue, Anderson’s life showed that real strength isn’t performative; it’s lived.
Her battle wasn’t just physical; it was mental and emotional, as she told People magazine before the cancer’s return. She spoke of preparing for bad news, treating cancer like a chronic condition—an approach that’s both pragmatic and a slap in the face to the “just feel good” mentality peddled by progressive ideologues.
Anderson’s story isn’t just about loss; it’s about how she lived—loving deeply, fighting hard, and holding fast to her beliefs. In a world obsessed with tearing down traditional values, her reliance on faith stands as a quiet rebellion against cultural decay.
Her passing leaves a void for her fans, her family, and the music community that admired her resilience. Yet, as she said, “I am not gone … I’m Home,” a final note of peace that challenges us to rethink what truly matters when the curtain falls.
President Donald Trump is swinging the wrecking ball of progress straight into the heart of the White House with a jaw-dropping ballroom project.
Fox News reported that Trump has greenlit a massive renovation, complete with a privately funded $300 million ballroom addition, overseen by a newly appointed architectural firm, to host grand state visits and gatherings.
Back in July, when this ambitious plan was first unveiled, the estimated cost sat at a hefty $200 million, but that figure has since ballooned to $300 million.
Fast forward to October, and the project roared to life with heavy machinery tearing into the historic East Wing, a sight that both stuns and signals a new era for the presidential estate.
By late October, excavators were spotted clearing rubble, a clear sign that there’s no turning back on this monumental overhaul of a cherished national symbol.
While some may wince at the loss of history, the White House insists this addition has been long in the making, promising a venue worthy of America’s global stature.
On Thursday, Trump tapped Shalom Baranes Associates, a respected Washington, D.C.-based firm, to steer the design of this grand ballroom, marking a pivotal shift in the project’s development.
Originally, McCrery Architects led the charge on the design, and they’ll stay on as consultants, ensuring continuity as the vision takes shape.
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle couldn’t contain the excitement, declaring, “As we begin to transition into the next stage of development on the White House Ballroom, the Administration is excited to share that the highly talented Shalom Baranes has joined the team of experts to carry out President Trump’s vision.”
Ingle also praised the new architect’s credentials, stating, “Shalom is an accomplished architect whose work has shaped the architectural identity of our nation’s capital for decades and his experience will be a great asset to the completion of this project.”
While Ingle’s enthusiasm paints a rosy picture, let’s be real—redefining the White House isn’t just about pretty blueprints; it’s about ensuring this space reflects American strength, not just another overpriced progressive pet project.
President Trump himself chimed in with a touch of humor, admitting, “I wouldn't say my wife is thrilled.”
He added, “She hears pile drivers in the background all day, all night.”
One can only imagine the First Lady’s patience wearing thin with the constant clamor, but if this ballroom turns out as promised, it might just be worth the headache—let’s hope it’s not another government boondoggle dressed up as innovation.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem just dropped a bombshell that’s reshaping America’s borders.
The Daily Caller reported that on Thursday, Noem unveiled a bold expansion of travel restrictions, barring entry from more than 30 countries as part of the Trump administration’s push to safeguard national security and public safety.
Earlier this year, in June, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation restricting entry from a dozen nations, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, and Somalia, citing inadequate security protocols and heightened terrorism risks in those regions.
Other countries on that initial list, such as Haiti, Yemen, and Sudan, were flagged for similar concerns about unstable governance and vetting challenges.
The administration argued these measures were necessary to pressure foreign governments into stepping up their cooperation on security matters, ensuring travelers don’t pose a threat to American soil.
Fast forward to Noem’s latest announcement, and the list of restricted countries has ballooned to over 30, though she kept the precise figure under wraps.
“I won’t be specific on the number, but it’s over 30. And the President is continuing to evaluate countries,” Noem told host Laura Ingraham on “The Ingraham Angle.”
Well, that’s a lot of nations on the no-fly list, and while clarity is lacking, it’s clear the administration isn’t playing around when it comes to perceived risks—though some might wonder if blanket bans are the sharpest tool in the shed.
Noem didn’t mince words when explaining the rationale, pointing to governance issues in the affected countries as a core concern.
“Listen, if they don’t have a stable government there, if they don’t have a country that can sustain itself and tell us who those individuals are and help us vet them, why should we allow people from that country to come here to the United States?” she pressed on “The Ingraham Angle.”
Her point hits a nerve—why take chances on unverified travelers when the stakes are so high?—yet critics might argue this approach risks painting entire populations with too broad a brush.
The Trump administration doubled down on the urgency of these restrictions by highlighting recent violent incidents tied to individuals from high-risk areas.
One case involved Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an unauthorized migrant who entered during the prior administration and was later arrested for attacking a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colorado.
Another chilling event occurred less than two weeks before that, when 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez fatally shot two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., shouting political slogans as he was apprehended—incidents like these fuel the administration’s argument for tighter borders, though they also stoke heated debates about fairness and effectiveness.
Buckle up, folks -- Senate Republicans are on the verge of slamming through nearly 100 of President Donald Trump’s nominees in one fell swoop.
After a brief hiccup from Senate Democrats, GOP leaders have outmaneuvered the opposition to push forward a massive bloc vote, setting a blistering pace for confirmations in Trump’s second term, as the Daily Caller reports.
On Thursday, Republicans kicked off the procedural gears to confirm 88 of Trump’s picks in a single package.
Enter Democrat Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado, who threw a wrench in the works by blocking the initial package, claiming it broke Senate rules.
His main beef? The inclusion of Sara Bailey, a former Fox News contributor tapped for the high-level role of director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, a position Democrats argue shouldn’t be bundled in a group vote under current Senate guidelines.
Bennet crowed about his momentary victory, but Republicans weren’t fazed -- they regrouped, refiled the package later that day, and even tacked on nine more nominees for good measure, bringing the total to nearly 100.
This revamped lineup includes notable names like former New York Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, slated to be inspector general for the Department of Labor, alongside 13 U.S. attorney picks and a host of other executive branch roles.
Senate rules, tweaked by Republicans back in September, keep cabinet-level and judicial posts out of these bulk confirmations, but Democrats still cried foul over Bailey’s spot in the mix.
Yet, as the dust settled on Thursday evening, the Senate had already greenlit 314 civilian nominees during Trump’s second term, according to the Senate Republican Communications Center.
If this 97-member bloc gets the nod, that number will soar past 410, a figure that leaves the confirmation totals at this stage of former President Joe Biden’s term -- and even Trump’s first term -- in the rearview mirror.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune didn’t hold back, pointing fingers at the other side for dragging their feet. “Democrats -- and their base -- still can’t deal with the fact that President Trump won last November,” Thune said. “And so they have held up every single one -- every single one -- of his nominations in revenge.”
Thune’s jab hits a nerve, as it’s hard to see this blockade as anything but sour grapes from a party still smarting over past defeats, though one can empathize with their frustration over losing ground on procedural battles.
Thune also noted that Republicans have nearly wiped out a backlog that once topped 150 nominees waiting for floor votes, a feat bolstered by earlier bloc approvals of 48 nominees in September and 108 in October.
Meanwhile, Bennet doubled down on his stance, declaring, “I will not allow unqualified nominees, this White House, or the President to undermine the rule of law and our national security.”
Respectfully, Senator, that sounds noble, but when the GOP can just reload and add more names to the list, it’s tough to argue this isn’t more theater than triumph -- especially when the public craves results over rhetoric in a time of progressive overreach on policy fronts.