As Joe Biden's tenure in the White House fades further into the rear-view mirror, more information is emerging about the lengths to which his administration went to curtail the freedoms most Americans hold dear.
As Fox News reports, Tulsi Gabbard, now serving as Director of National Intelligence, recently declassified the details of a Biden-era scheme to battle against domestic terrorism that critics say would have facilitated government spying on American citizens.
The declassification of information about the program came as a result of a push by conservative advocacy group America First Legal (AFL) after it learned, via litigation against the Department of Homeland Security, of the existence of the “National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism.”
This Biden-era plan was borne out of that administration's assertion that the greatest threat to Americans was “right wing domestic terrorism” initiated by supporters of Donald Trump.
AFL sought declassification of the Biden plan due to its concerns about weaponization of power “by censoring disfavored speech on the Internet by labeling such speech 'misinformation,' 'disinformation,' 'hate speech,' 'domestic terrorism.'”
In the wake of the Jan. 6 unrest at the U.S. Capitol, the Biden administration “directed the U.S. Department of State, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Justice, and Central Intelligence Agency to 'obtain from foreign partners foreign intelligence and information related to U.S.-based violent extremism,'” as AFL noted.
“In other words, the Biden administration planned to outsource surveillance of Americans to foreign governments,” AFL explained.
In response to AFL's effort, Gabbard took to X to announce the declassification of documents pertaining to Biden's plan.
“As promised, I have declassified the Biden Administration's Strategic Implementation Plan for Countering Domestic Terrorism,” Gabbard wrote.
Gabbard also declared, “Under President Trump's leadership, @ODNIgov will bring transparency and accountability to end the weaponization of our intelligence community.”
Notably, Gabbard's declassification shed light on the Biden program that even spurred criticism from the American Civil Liberties Union, which opined that its provisions were reflective of “the government's ever-expanding authority to surveil and monitor American communities....”
The program, the ACLU warned, encompassed “law enforcement guidance that permits profiling on the basis of race, religion, or national origin; and the use of abusive tools such as the watchlisting system against people for constitutionally protected speech and association.”
As AFL explained, “The Biden Administration weaponized the entire intelligence apparatus -- the NSC, ODNI, CIA, FBI, DOJ, and the State Department -- to target, censor, and silence the very people it was responsible for protecting.”
Andrew Block, AFL's senior counsel opined, “The declassified plan is further proof of what we have known all along, which is that the Biden Administration used the full weight of the government to target American citizens. AFL applauds Director Gabbard for her leadership in declassifying this document,” adding that doing so will, "bring accountability to those responsible and help restore integrity and faith in the system,” and that is something millions believe is long overdue.
President Donald Trump is making good on promises made to voters in the last election that he would unleash American energy after four years of stagnation under former President Joe Biden.
Trump has signed multiple executive orders taking a sledgehammer to burdensome regulations on the coal industry created by the previous administration, which waged a "war on coal" in the name of the climate change agenda.
An executive order signed earlier this month exempted several coal plants from Biden-era regulations while slashing regulations to allow the industry to surge and lower the price of energy, which was squeezing Americans' already strained budgets.
Amy Cooke, the director of the Energy and Environmental Policy Center, told The Daily Caller that, "When utility bills are skyrocketing or blackouts are happening in winter, people are going to want reliable power back. The beauty of coal is that it allows for affordable, reliable power, which is absolutely crucial to economic prosperity, and in particular, innovation."
The previous administration didn't care about the economic impact of shutting down coal power and as a result millions of Americans suffered. However, those days are over, and under Trump, the coal industry is set to flourish.
Under Trump's new orders, over 70 coal power plants are no longer required to meet extreme air quality regulations created by the Biden administration.
A statement from the EPA explained that the new order would "bolster coal-fired electricity generation, ensuring that our nation’s grid is reliable, that electricity is affordable for the American people, and that EPA is helping to promote our nation’s energy security."
While critics pointed out that coal doesn't provide a majority of energy, Cooke was quick to point out that, because of extreme demand, Americans need maximum supply, especially from cheaper and more stable sources like coal.
Cooke stated, "We can lead the world in innovation,” Cook told the DCNF, referencing developments in natural gas and nuclear power as beneficial. “But you have to have coal. It has to be part of the mix. It’s insane that we would shut down any base load power right now, when the demand for power is so high."
The increasing demand for energy has not been matched with an increasing supply, heightening the possibility of rolling blackouts, a situation that is unthinkable for Americans who only experience rolling blackouts in third-world countries.
The Biden administration could have moved to increase American energy supply, but due to harmful leftist ideology, the Biden administration instead went to war with American energy.
For many states, Trump's cessation of hostilities against the coal industry is a much-needed relief. The coal industry provides thousands of stable and well-paying jobs to average Americans.
Furthermore, Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated, "The American people need more energy, and the Department of Energy is helping to meet this demand by unleashing supply of affordable, reliable, secure energy sources – including coal."
Lowering the cost of energy will have a domino effect on the economy, spurring economic growth as Americans have more discretionary spending power.
While there is a lot of work to be done to undo the damage caused by Joe Biden, the Trump administration is wasting no time in unleashing the American energy industry and empowering regular Americans.
A federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump's administration from deporting illegal immigrants outside of their country of origin, Breitbart reported. U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy imposed a due process standard.
The judge ruled Friday that the federal government could not send deportees to a third country outside their "order of removal without first allowing them to raise concerns about their safety." A deportation order would typically include the migrants' homeland or another destination of their choosing.
Murphy said that the administration is attempting to send deportees to nations "where they may be immediately tortured and killed, without providing that person any opportunity to tell the deporting authorities that they face grave danger or death because of such a deportation." The judge cited a supposed myriad of precedents in his written memorandum.
NEW: A federal judge in Massachusetts grants a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from deporting people to third countries without telling them where they're going and allowing them to raise fears of persecution or torture.
The opening lays out the stakes. pic.twitter.com/lXNs9XtBVt
— Aaron Reichlin-Melnick (@ReichlinMelnick) April 18, 2025
The Trump administration has been aggressive on border security, having campaigned on the issue during the 2024 presidential election. One of the ways he has sought to do that is by deporting criminal illegal aliens under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act.
The Supreme Court backed Trump earlier this month by overturning a U.S. District Judge James Boasberg's block. However, The New York Times described the decision as "narrow and focused on the proper venue for the cases," rather than granting blanket permission.
Notably, the individuals being deported in these cases are members of gangs designated as terrorist organizations. Still, Murphy slammed the administration for "removing aliens to third countries without notice and an opportunity to be heard on fear-based claims — in other words, without due process."
The judge has further restricted the administration's power to remove these dangerous criminals in Friday's decision. "The irreparable harm factor likewise weighs in Plaintiffs’ favor," Murphy pointed out about the challenged deportation.
"Here, the threatened harm is clear and simple: persecution, torture, and death. It is hard to imagine harm more irreparable," Murphy claimed.
Because the Democrats will oppose Trump on anything and everything, they have gone all in on defending criminal illegal aliens. This has made for strange bedfellows as Democratic lawmakers fall all over themselves for an alleged MS-13 gang member, Abrego Garcia.
Initial reports said that Garcia was deported by mistake, and Democrats ran with that, according to Fox News. Oregon Democratic Rep. Maxine Dexter was only the latest to appeal for his release from El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center on Friday.
"This is not just one family’s nightmare; it is a constitutional crisis that should outrage every single one of us. I will travel to El Salvador to confront this crisis head-on. Our constitutional rights are on the line," she claimed.
The only problem is that the White House confirmed Garcia was indeed a member of the gang, with tattooed fingers and a record of violence to prove it. He was accused of domestic violence against his wife and human trafficking.
The lengths the left will go to defend illegal immigrants is shocking. Trump's administration will keep fighting even as the Democrats and their cronies on the court attempt to thwart the president and the will of the people.
Former child actor Haley Joel Osment was caught on video spewing antisemitic slurs and calling a police officer a "f----- Nazi" during an April 8 arrest, the Daily Caller reported. The newly released police body camera footage showed the "Sixth Sense" actor being handcuffed for public intoxication.
The 37-year-old was busted at California's Mammoth Mountain ski resort. Osment was arrested for public intoxication, but police found cocaine residue in his ski helmet in the course of the arrest.
The "Secondhand Lions" actor was uncooperative and initially refused to give his name to the arresting officers. "I’m an American," he told officers flippantly.
"Well, you’re under arrest now," the officer told Osment. Police cuffed Osment, whose ski pants were inexplicably unbuttoned and falling down as he struggled to stand up and follow instructions. He was taken into police custody only briefly and was later released.
Osment found himself in an embarrassing situation after ski patrol and the police were called to the area around 2 p.m. for reports of an intoxicated individual, the New York Post reported. They encountered the former child actor, who was combative and sometimes uncooperative.
The police video was heavily redacted, but it showed Osment hurling insults at police. "I’ve been kidnapped by a f------- Nazi," Osment yelled at one point and insisted he was "being attack." He also said the officers were "torturing me."
However, officers were using restraint even as Osment was causing trouble for them as they tried to do their job. At one point, they had to tell him to "use your legs and stand up" while trying to take him into custody.
Once in the back of the police car, Osment continued his tirade, telling officers they were "f------ with my life." He also used an anti-Jewish slur at one of the officers, insisting, "I was decent to you and you, and you are a f------ k---," Osment said.
Haley Joel Osment hurls anti-Jewish slurs at cops in shocking arrest video, releases apology: ‘Absolutely horrified by my behavior’ https://t.co/oI0aszylsA pic.twitter.com/0pueqL16F0
— New York Post (@nypost) April 18, 2025
Osment's life has taken a turn for the worse, but this isn't the first time he's had a run-in with the law over substance abuse. In 2006, Osment was arrested for driving while intoxicated after he hit a mailbox and overturned his vehicle.
In a statement to The Post, Osment expressed regret about his behavior during the recent arrest and said he would "promise to atone for my terrible mistake." He explained that he has been in a bad way since he lost his home in January to one of the wildfires in Altadena.
"I’m absolutely horrified by my behavior. Had I known I used this disgraceful language in the throes of a blackout, I would have spoken up sooner," Osment claimed. "The past few months of loss and displacement have broken me down to a very low emotional place," he added.
"But that’s no excuse for using this disgusting word. From the bottom of my heart, I apologize to absolutely everyone that this hurts. What came out of my mouth was nonsensical garbage – I’ve let the Jewish community down and it devastates me," Osment said
Osment is not the only child star to have a tumultuous adult life, but that doesn't make it any better for him. Hopefully, this latest humiliating encounter will be a wake-up call for Osment.
Kevin Hassett, chair of the White House National Economic Council, has confirmed that the Trump administration is looking to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
Speaking to reporters on Friday at the White House, Hassett confirmed that the Trump administration is exploring their options to remove Powell despite the legal obstacles preventing President Donald Trump from outright dismissing him.
Trump has been unhappy with Powell and wants him gone to complete the removal of elements from former President Joe Biden's time in the White House.
Powell is not in alignment with Trump's goals and has refused to cooperate with the White House on economic policy.
Speaking to reporters, Hassett stated that, “The president and his team will continue to study" the options available to give Powell the boot and replace him with someone who will support Trump's agenda.
The Federal Reserve and the White House have been bound for conflict ever since President Donald Trump's confirmation as President back in January.
The Federal Reserve's independence from the executive branch means that Trump has less power to unilaterally effect change.
Trump has gone on a firing spree, removing executive officials appointed by Joe Biden by the dozen. The Trump administration has made it a priority to purge former Biden officials, and that includes Powell, who was the architect of many of Biden's disastrous economic policies.
In a post on Truth Social on Thursday, President Trump tore into Powell, saying he couldn't wait for his "termination" after Powell refused to cut interest rates, which are still holding back economic activity.
Powell is protected by a Supreme Court precedent that has existed nearly as long as the Federal Reserve has. Trump can't dismiss Powell unless he's found to have committed misconduct or severe neglect of office.
But that isn't stopping the White House from exploring their options to get rid of the defiant Powell, who shows no signs of stepping down from his position.
The Federal Reserve has enjoyed a level of unearned independence and weilds an incredible amount of power for not being either elected by the people or under the rule of the president elected by the American people.
Powell himself has shown himself to be a political actor, as many of his stances have changed since the election of Donald Trump. After years of acting like massive spending wasn't an issue, Powell suddenly decided to criticize Trump's tariff plans that will supposedly cost too much, unlike Biden's insane and reckless spending.
Hassett called Powell out on this by saying, "Having everybody that refused to warn about the runaway spending out there, saying, ‘Oh, this is going to be a catastrophe for inflation because of the tariffs,’ means that people need to improve their models and improve their messaging."
Powell is an actor of the establishment and will fight Trump's attempts to effect genuine reform, and as such, must be removed, even if it means overturning decades of legal precedent.
A call for the impeachment of President Donald Trump has been issued by a Democratic House member, spotlighting the contentious handling of a Supreme Court ruling related to an El Salvadoran deportation case.
The controversy revolves around the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose removal to El Salvador was deemed an "administrative error" amid conflicting claims about his alleged criminal affiliations, Breitbart reported.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court ordered that Garcia should be released following his erroneous deportation to El Salvador. The deportation occurred under an initiative by the Trump administration, which targeted alleged Venezuelan gang members. Despite the court's directive, the Trump administration has opted not to retrieve Garcia immediately, underscoring its position of presidential discretion in foreign affairs.
Garcia's situation became a focal point after a U.S. District Judge found probable cause to hold the administration in criminal contempt. The deportation was a breach of a prior 2019 immigration judge's ruling that Garcia could not be sent to El Salvador due to potential persecution.
Amidst these legal battles, Garcia's lawyers have insisted that his deportation was a mistake. They argued that Garcia had not engaged in criminal activities and had adhered to immigration protocols. However, conflicting assertions have arisen from various sides regarding his alleged gang affiliations.
The White House has maintained that Garcia was significantly involved with MS-13, a gang labeled as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by President Trump. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Garcia played a leadership role in MS-13 and was involved in human trafficking activities.
Justice Department representatives countered judicial critiques by stating that judges do not hold control over the president’s authority in foreign policy. Congressman Shri Thanedar has been vocal, expressing that Trump has not adhered to a lawful Supreme Court ruling, openly supporting a move towards impeachment.
Sheriff Jeff Gahler of Harford County, Maryland, underscored the Trump administration's stance by claiming Garcia is a "1000%" confirmed MS-13 member and identified domestic abuser. This assertion adds to the complex backdrop of security and legal debates surrounding Garcia's deportation.
While these allegations complicate the narrative, Garcia’s legal advocates continue pressing for his rights under immigration law, emphasizing the lack of evidence for his criminal involvement. The controversy underscores broader debates about immigration policies and executive power.
As the debate intensifies, the Justice Department has highlighted the significance of presidential prerogatives in international engagements, deflecting criticisms over the deportation's execution. This ongoing legal and political turmoil has captured national attention, drawing scrutiny to the administration’s actions.
The Democratic legislator's impeachment call places additional pressure on Trump and could amplify Congressional debates. The outcome may set important precedents for how immigration rulings are managed under executive discretion in the future.
With the Supreme Court’s role spotlighted in the unfolding events, discussions regarding its enforcement power continue. The court's inability to compel immediate action emphasizes challenges in balancing judicial rulings with the executive's diplomatic considerations.
As the story evolves, Congress and the public are closely watching potential steps from both the executive and judicial branches. The implications of this case extend beyond one individual, potentially shaping future immigration and foreign policy discourse.
Ultimately, this case could propel wider dialogue on congressional oversight and the legal complexities inherent in executing Supreme Court decisions. As parties involved navigate these turbulent waters, the nation awaits clarity and resolution on the contentious matter.
President Donald Trump's tax cuts during his first term in the White House in 2017 still remains one of his most popular and controversial moves.
However, according to JustTheNews, a new poll revealed that voters in over 20 congressional swing districts want the tax cuts extended and believe they are a good thing for the American economy.
The poll, which clearly shows the popularity of Trump's tax cuts in some of the most important congressional districts across the country, was commissioned by the National Taxpayers Union.
Americans in those districts, and millions more across the country worried about the current high living costs, made it clear that they want the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 to be extended indefinitely, which Trump promised to do during his 2024 presidential campaign.
The survey wasn't complicated, and simply asked voters in 21 congressional swing districts whether or not they believe Trump's 2017 tax cuts are good for them and for the American economy.
The outlet noted:
The survey found that 81% of respondents said their cost of living had increased in the past year, with most expecting further increases in the coming years. Meanwhile, 80% said they will struggle to meet their basic needs, like affording groceries and utilities, if their taxes increase.
The poll also found that 52% of those same voters want the tax cuts to be made permanent. Only 36% disagreed with that option.
The end of the year could be a massive bummer for millions of American families if Trump's tax cuts are not extended, as it would mean the average family pays about $1,700 more in taxes.
Pete Sepp, president of the National Taxpayers Union, released a statement on the findings of the poll his organization conducted.
"Americans fresh off tax season are frustrated by the time and money they spent to file and pay their taxes this year, and they’re worried about the next blow to their wallets," he wrote in a statement.
Sepp added, "Americans fresh off tax season are frustrated by the time and money they spent to file and pay their taxes this year, and they’re worried about the next blow to their wallets."
Users across social media agreed with the results of the poll.
A striking 85% of voters support extending Trump tax cuts.
Key poll findings: 81% can't shoulder higher taxes, 74% advocate for tax reform to lower rates, 71% favor extending the small business income deduction, and 61% oppose taxes on tips.
This signals a clear demand for tax… pic.twitter.com/51FzuEnrcF
— Stephen Moore (@StephenMoore) April 16, 2025
"This is why we elected Trump and gave the GOP control. Congress better earn it," one X user wrote.
Another X user wrote, "Now that we know exactly how the feds are stealing and wasting our money, of course sane people want to pay fewer taxes."
President Donald Trump had plenty of legal issues leading up to his election, and while he managed to navigate most of those just fine, he faces a new challenge of judicial activism regarding his bold and decisive border policies.
One of those issues deals with U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, who attempted to halt the Trump administration's deportation flights last month, specifically the flights bringing violent and dangerous illegal migrants to El Salvador for imprisonment.
According to The Hill, after Boasberg called for contempt proceedings against the president and his administration, a divided appeals court shot down that notion this week, scoring a win for Trump and his lawyers.
Judge Boasberg is one of several federal judges, all of whom were appointed by Democratic presidents, who have attempted to interfere with Trump's executive powers to manage the southern border crisis as he sees fit.
The federal appeals court released its decision this week, essentially saying the Trump administration has a right to the appeals process before legal actions can be taken.
The Hill reported:
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit indicated its order is intended to provide “sufficient opportunity” for the court to consider the government’s appeal and “should not be construed in any way as a ruling on the merits of that motion.”
Judge Boasberg, last week, had found grounds for contempt, slamming the Trump administration's refusal to turn the deportation flights around "a willful disregard" of the federal court's order.
Not surprisingly, the federal appeals court in charge of the decision split down party lines. The Hill noted:
The three-judge D.C. Circuit panel split 2-1. The two Trump appointees, Judges Gregory Katsas and Neomi Rao, ruled for the administration. Judge Cornelia Pillard, an appointee of former President Obama, dissented.
Judge Pillard wrote, "In the absence of an appealable order or any clear and indisputable right to relief that would support mandamus, there is no ground for an administrative stay."
Judge Boasberg has been on Trump's radar -- and not a good one -- ever since he intervened in the president's decision to utilize the rare and nearly-forgotten Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport certain illegal aliens.
Users across social media weighed in on the ongoing situation, with some calling for Boasberg's impeachment as a result of his seeming activism.
Appeals judges have BLOCKED Judge Boasberg's effort to hold President Trump in contempt of court for not "undeporting" MS-13 gang members.
Now, Congress should impeach this partisan dummy and investigate his bank account. pic.twitter.com/BWMbWuEOk4
— George (@BehizyTweets) April 18, 2025
"This man belongs as far away from the bench as possible. There is no room for activists in the judiciary," one X user wrote.
Another X user wrote, "He should not serve as a judge."
What would have otherwise been a cheerful and celebratory swearing-in ceremony for Dr. Mehmet Oz at the Oval Office turned into a scary medical situation for one of his young granddaughters.
According to the Daily Mail, Dr. Oz, who was appointed by Trump as the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), was set to be sworn in at the Oval Office earlier this week until his granddaughter, Philomena, 11, passed out.
The moment came just after Dr. Oz had a question-and-answer session with President Donald Trump at the White House.
Reports indicated that after Trump answered a question about nuclear weapons, Dr. Oz's daughter began yelling, "Philo fainted, Philo fainted. Dad, go!"
Several people, including Dr. Oz, rushed over to where the medical episode took place, while others hurried the press out of the room. One White House aide shouted, "Everybody out!"
Multiple videos and pictures from the moment it happened and the resulting chaos were posted across social media.
🔁 UPDATE: The White House confirms a minor family member fainted during Dr. Oz’s swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office. She has since recovered and is okay, according to officials. pic.twitter.com/xiK5h5J9xC
— Next News Network 🇺🇲 (@NextNewsNetwork) April 18, 2025
"UPDATE: The White House confirms a minor family member fainted during Dr. Oz’s swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office. She has since recovered and is okay, according to officials," Next News Network reported at the time.
It was later reported that the young girl had recovered from the incident and was doing well after being checked out.
"A minor family member fainted during Dr. Oz’s swearing in ceremony in the Oval Office,” the White House said in a statement to PEOPLE. “We are happy to say she is okay."
Users across social media reacted to the situation and Trump's response, with many praising the president for directing attention to what was happening in the room.
"Trump stops everything when someone falls out in his audience, even if that audience has 25,000 people," one X user wrote.
Another X user wrote, "Notice how Trump never runs away. He runs to the roar. Whatever is happening, he'll move to help."
Thankfully, all is well and the young girl will be fine.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Joe Biden, after decades as a politician on some fairly good salaries in Washington, and after his family took in tens of millions of dollars in what appeared to be an influence peddling scheme during his time in office, now is a former president, and is trying to make a bit of income from giving speeches, like so many out-of-office politicos.
He's signed with an agency and outlined his demands: $300,000 per speech, plus a jet if travel is involved, plus expenses for a full staff to accompany him.
But, it seems, no one is buying.
A comment at the Gateway Pundit delivered a devastating assessment of Biden: "Apparently, there isn't much of a market for angry, yelling, incoherent babbling speeches from former presidents who have difficulty forming sentences."
It was the New York Post that revealed, "It's not just Biden family artwork that's struggling to sell these days. Former President Joe Biden's attempt to bill $300,000 per speaking appearance is finding few takers, The Post has learned — as some of his own former aides say it's time for the 82-year-old to leave the spotlight for good after reminiscing about 'colored kids' Tuesday in his first public address since leaving office."
Biden has established a reputation for telling wild and untrue stories during his days campaigning and in office.
His speeches typically feature long periods of mumbling, interspersed with sudden bouts of shouting and screaming.
"I'M NOT KIDDING" is a popular insert on just about any topic.
Biden has been known to call on dead people while speaking, and often insults listeners, once calling someone a "dog-faced pony soldier."
The Post reported that a source familiar with Biden's "faltering speaking career" confirmed the $300,000 price tag.
Biden has been represented since February by the Creative Artists Agency, and delivered his "first public speech since leaving office Tuesday, stumbling when he referred to 'colored kids,'" the report said.
He had spoken earlier, but nobody covered it.
The Post's source said, "CAA is having trouble booking gigs, which isn't surprising."
The report cited Biden's "history of peddling glaring inaccuracies before his political career came to a crashing end when he delivered incoherent debate remarks that prompted a Democratic mutiny."
The CAA declined to comment to the Post on the topic.