Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers launched his campaign Monday, declaring exclusively to Breitbart News that he was "ready to rumble" this time around.
Rogers won the primary in 2024 for Michigan's other Senate seat but narrowly lost to then-Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D).
He plans to focus on manufacturing jobs and bolstering the middle class--issues that have traditionally been Democrat talking points.
“Our polling shows us that Michigan is tracking to the right,” Rogers said. “They understand that those Liberal Democrat policies aren’t working. Matter of fact, the last four years, Michigan alone, under Governor [Gretchen] Whitmer and Joe Biden, lost 27,000 manufacturing jobs.”
“We’re a manufacturing state here,” he continued. “That is the middle class of Michigan just being evaporated. They get it’s not working. And so, you know, the whole message for us is to stop the bleeding and turn this thing around.”
Rogers blamed his 2024 loss on being underfunded from getting into the race late.
“We were underfunded. We got in late,” he said. “Seventy percent of our money came in after the primary. And if you look at all of those pieces of information, matter of fact, 500,000 people voted in early voting before we had the chance to talk to them. Getting in early is a key component to eliminate those shortcomings.”
He plans to fix that problem this time and is already traveling around the state talking to lots of people including independents.
“We are very aggressively getting around the state, talking to coalitions, talking to not only our base, but expanded base and independents, about the future of Michigan and future of the country,” he said. “And so time allows us to do those things that we just didn’t have last time.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), chairman of the National Republicans Senatorial Committee have already endorsed Rogers, which will certainly give his campaign a boost.
“It’s huge, because the Democrats are already pouring money into Michigan, and so having that unified [support] — Tim Scott being the chairman of the NRSC and the majority leader at the same time — is significant,” he said. “And I think it sends a very clear message to national donors, to Michigan donors, hey, we’re united, and we’re going to win this race in next year.”
Trump had endorsed Rogers in 2024, and he hopes to have that same endorsement next year.
He was critical of Michigan Democrat Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) for hiding behind a folder to avoid having her picture taken while at the White House for a meeting about disaster aid following a ice recent storm in the state.
“I thought, well, that tells you, this whole thing, ‘well, I’ll work with anybody,’ and then to show up and put the folder over your face so you don’t get your picture taken? Really? That tells me you’re not all that interested in the future of Michigan and manufacturing here,” he said.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has secured a crucial agreement with Panama to ensure that American vessels receive priority and no-cost transit through the strategic Panama Canal, Breitbart reported.
The Panama Canal has long stood as a vital conduit for global maritime trade since its construction by the United States in the early 1900s.
For decades, the Canal was under American control until it was ceded to Panama. More recently, China's investments in infrastructure related to the canal have spurred concerns over growing influence across the critical waterway, which facilitates roughly 40% of U.S. maritime commerce.
Amidst rising concerns over China's footprints, the Trump administration made reducing Chinese dominance over the canal a high priority. In a significant diplomatic triumph earlier this year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio convinced Panama to withdraw from the Belt and Road Initiative. This move was seen as a victory in curtailing China's economic reach in the region.
In March, a significant shift occurred when CK Hutchinson, a company based in Hong Kong, divested two ports at the canal. These valuable assets were acquired by a consortium led by BlackRock, effectively transferring control back under U.S. interests. Although China attempted to hinder this transaction by launching an investigation, the sale stood as a strategic win for America.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth traveled to Panama City recently, arriving on a Monday night to engage in crucial discussions about ensuring American naval passage through the canal. His itinerary included discussions with Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino, meetings with various officials, and site visits to key naval and military locations.
On Wednesday, during the 2025 Central American Security Conference, Hegseth announced the successful agreement for the “first and free” passage of U.S. vessels. This arrangement further underscores a growing collaboration between the U.S. and Panama, solidified by a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing joint security.
Despite a backlash from China, which accused the U.S. of employing underhanded tactics, Panama has continued to strengthen ties with the United States. A senior defense official commended the strategic alignment in countering Chinese influence, emphasizing that the efforts are part of President Trump's broader strategy for regional cooperation.
The significance of this agreement extends beyond mere logistics. By ensuring that American ships have an uninterrupted route through the Panama Canal, the U.S. bolsters its geopolitical and economic leverage. Enhanced cooperation is expected, with increased U.S. troop presence and bolstered regional security measures.
In the face of potential Chinese retaliation, Secretary Hegseth remained unfazed. “I’m not concerned about reprisals,” he noted, highlighting a focus on national interests and a "peace through strength" philosophy. These developments point toward a concerted effort to focus on American interests and uphold President Trump’s strategic visions.
A high-ranking defense official emphasized that the action against Chinese influence in the Americas visually represents the intention of the U.S. It aligns with the wider strategy to counteract Chinese encroachments globally. This deliberation is part of an ongoing discussion about the viability of alliances with China.
Moreover, the intervention of President Trump proved crucial from the outset. A senior defense official remarked that Trump’s leadership has resonated well in negotiations. These discussions focused on rebuilding strong alliances and securing American geopolitical positions.
Hegseth himself praised Panama's efforts and friendly reception during his visit. “This trip not only met but exceeded our expectations," he expressed. This statement highlights the significant collaborative spirit shared with Panama.
Historically rooted and geopolitical considerations have propelled the U.S. to redefine its interactions regarding the Panama Canal. By successfully securing priority access for naval ships, the collaboration highlights strategies that will potentially serve as a blueprint for future actions in other regions.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) tried to hide her face during an Oval Office meeting with President Trump.
In a photograph that went viral, Whitmer was caught blocking her face with a stack of binders - creating an image of shame and capitulation that infuriated her fellow Democrats.
“Just a f–king disaster,” one Democratic operative told NBC News anonymously. “It feels like it removes some of the momentum she had as a politically savvy swing-state Dem.”
Democrats have been in a leadership crisis ever since Trump's triumph in November, and the field is wide open for ambitious Democrats like Whitmer to seek the presidency in 2028.
Her party's historic unpopularity has left Whitmer performing a delicate dance of seeming bipartisan without looking too friendly with Trump.
Clearly, Whitmer is struggling to find that balance. Prior to her meeting with Trump, she gave a speech in which she cautiously embraced Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs, which have faced nearly universal criticism from Democrats and even some Republicans.
A photographer captured the moment Whitmer apparently regretted appearing with Trump.
The image shows the governor reaching for the nearest object in sight, a stack of binders, to hide her face.
It's rare when you get a shot of the EXACT moment a politician's career ends, but there you go pic.twitter.com/wugOGW1aRI
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) April 12, 2025
After the Oval Office meeting, Whitmer's team said the governor was not expecting to be invited into the room.
“The governor was surprised that she was brought into the Oval Office during President Trump’s press conference without any notice of the subject matter,” a Whitmer spokesperson said in a statement. “Her presence is not an endorsement of the actions taken or statements made at that event.”
In another photograph taken by Reuters, Whitmer was seen standing awkwardly next to Trump's Cabinet Secretaries as Trump smiled at his desk - where he signed executive orders and ordered the DOJ to investigate some of his political opponents.
For many Democrats, Whitmer's Oval Office appearance was a shameful surrender to a president Democrats have repeatedly compared to Hitler.
Meanwhile, Trump offered a fresh reminder of his more sober and pragmatic outlook, as he shared praise for Whitmer, a former rival of his. The two previously clashed over COVID restrictions during Trump's first term.
“We’re honored to have Gretchen Whitmer from Michigan, great state of Michigan, and she’s been, she’s really done an excellent job, very good person,” he said.
President Trump clarified that electronics are not exempt from his new tariffs, as he redoubled his promise to end "unfair" trade policies once and for all.
The president confirmed that America's trading partners are not "off the hook" after his administration seemed to back away from targeting products like smartphones imported largely from China.
Trump's reversal caused the stock market to rally Monday as confidence in tech stocks rebounded. Companies like Apple are largely reliant on supply chains based in Asia, especially China.
The White House had initially announced Friday that products such as laptops, computer chips, and smartphones would not be subject to his sweeping "reciprocal tariffs."
The initial reports sowed some confusion, given that electronics make up a large share of trade between the U.S. and China.
Over the weekend, Trump aides went on TV to explain that the exemption is temporary, a message later amplified by Trump on his social media platform.
"NOBODY is getting 'off the hook' for the unfair Trade Balances, and Non Monetary Tariff Barriers, that other Countries have used against us, especially not China which, by far, treats us the worst! There was no Tariff 'exception' announced on Friday. These products are subject to the existing 20% Fentanyl Tariffs, and they are just moving to a different Tariff 'bucket,'" Trump said.
Trump has also paused most of his reciprocal tariffs for 90 days, although he is still levying steep tariffs of 10% on all imports and 145% on Chinese goods.
America depends on semiconductor chips from China, which has raised national security concerns. Trump said electronics will be subject to a separate tariff as his administration launches an investigation.
"We are taking a look at Semiconductors and the WHOLE ELECTRONICS SUPPLY CHAIN in the upcoming National Security Tariff Investigations," Trump wrote in his post.
"What has been exposed is that we need to make products in the United States, and that we will not be held hostage by other Countries, especially hostile trading Nations like China, which will do everything within its power to disrespect the American People. We also cannot let them continue to abuse us on Trade, like they have for decades, THOSE DAYS ARE OVER!"
"The Golden Age of America, which includes the upcoming Tax and Regulation Cuts, a substantial amount of which was just approved by the House and Senate, will mean more and better paying Jobs, making products in our Nation, and treating other Countries, in particular China, the same way they have treated us."
Texas Supreme Court Justice Jeff Boyd will retire this year, leaving an opening for Republican Governor Greg Abbott to fill.
Abbott, who was a state Supreme Court justice before becoming governor, has appointed six of the nine justices on the top court.
Boyd has deep ties to the state's Republicans, having worked for Governor Rick Perry as a chief of staff and general counsel before the governor appointed him to the Supreme Court in 2012.
In the early 2000s, Boyd worked under Texas' then- attorney general John Cornyn, now a U.S. senator facing a primary challenge from current attorney general Ken Paxton.
Supreme Court elections in Texas are partisan and for six-year terms. Boyd won re-election in 2014 and 2020.
Governor Abbott will appoint a placeholder, who would need to be confirmed by the Texas Senate.
Boyd, who was educated at Abilene Christian University and graduated summa cum laude from Pepperdine University School of Law, announced his retirement with a quote from Scripture.
"There is a season for every activity under the heavens," he wrote on X.
“I am honored and blessed to have served on the Texas Supreme Court these past 12 years," he continued in a statement.
"I’m especially grateful to Governor Rick Perry for appointing me to the Court in 2012, to the many Texans who have encouraged, supported, and voted for me through two statewide elections, to my many Court and campaign colleagues and co-workers for their friendship and inspiration, and to my wife Jackie and our children for reminding me daily of life’s most important blessings."
"It’s now time to let another take the helm. I will not be running for re-election in 2026 and will retire from the Court this summer, near the end of its current annual term. May God continue to bless Texas and this honorable Court.”
Meanwhile, Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock called Boyd a "model of integrity, impartiality and diligence.”
“His sharp insights and thorough analysis have shaped and strengthened the opinions of the Court, and his abundant good humor around the office have made him a beloved friend and mentor to Justices and staff alike,” Blacklock said. “Justice Boyd leaves the Supreme Court, and the law of our great State, better than he found it.”
Texas has two separate top courts. The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal on civil matters, while the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals handles criminal cases.
While King Charles was on a trip to Italy with his wife Queen Camilla, he needed a royal family stand-in for the Sovereign's Parade at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy, but his replacement was not who you'd think.
It wasn't his son William, the heir to the throne, who took his place. Instead, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh and wife of Charles's brother Edward, did the honors.
Why would this be the case?
Well for starters, William and Kate are on spring break with their children and were not available.
The royal family has been wracked with a double cancer diagnosis with King Charles and Princess Kate both receiving treatment.
At age 74, the King's disease is much more dire. He's still getting treatment, while Kate is already in remission.
Still, the medical issues have made the family more eager to spend time with loved ones rather than fulfill endless royal duties.
In addition, Prince William has been working triple duty whenever possible to help his wife and father have time to rest and heal largely out of the public spotlight.
Thankfully, there are plenty of other royals who can fulfill the obligation, even with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pretty much out of commission in the U.S.
Sophie's appearance at the parade made history, since it was the first all-female banner party at Sandhurst.
It's always a special time for the family since both William and Harry got their own military training there.
A source reported to Cosmopolitan, “William has been incredibly supportive through Kate’s cancer battle—he’s really proven himself to be a remarkable partner when the going gets tough."
The source also said the couple is making the most out of their time together and that there have been "more romantic dinners, more long walks and more holidays."
They will celebrate 14 years of marriage next month.
Kyren Lacy, a 24-year-old former Louisiana State University wide receiver and NFL prospect, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Saturday in Texas following a police chase, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office reported.
The Constable’s Office responded to a phone call from a female relative of Lacy who reported getting into an argument with him that ended with him shooting a gun into the ground.
Lacy fled the scene of the argument before police arrived, but they spotted him later in his vehicle and attempted to make a "traffic stop."
A police chase ensued for several miles until Lacy's car crashed in a residential area.
When police tried to take him into custody, they found him deceased due to the gunshot wound. “A handgun was recovered from the interior of the vehicle,” the authorities said.
Body cam and dash cam footage showed that no shots were fired after the pursuit ended.
Lacy was facing trial for a fatal hit-and-run of a 78-year-old man in December. Police accused him of negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run with death, and reckless operation of a vehicle.
A hearing to begin presenting evidence to a grand jury was set to happen on Monday, and this could have been weighing on his mind as the police chased him.
The accident would likely have put a damper on his NFL plans. He declared for the draft two days after the hit and run on December 19.
Lacy was ranked as high as the number 6 receiver prospect in the draft by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. in December when he graduated from LSU after three seasons there.
His future held a lot of uncertainty, but he wouldn't be the first NFL player to have committed serious crimes and still been given the chance to play football.
More than likely, he would have been drafted in some capacity and played in the NFL if he could avoid jail for the hit and run.
Now he will never get that chance, having made the extraordinarily bad decision to flee police and possibly shoot himself (though that could have been accidental, caused by the chase).
Whatever happened, his life was cut short in its prime, likely due to the distress of facing yet another altercation on top of the trouble he was already likely to have over the hit and run.
The Pentagon on Thursday removed Col. Susannah Meyers from her command at the U.S. military’s Greenland base Thursday after comments she made that were critical of Vice President J.D. Vance, who visited the base on March 27.
The criticism came in an internal email to Pituffik Space Base personnel that took issue with Vance's criticism of Denmark during the visit.
“I do not presume to understand current politics,” Meyers wrote, according to Military.com. “But what I do know is the concerns of the U.S. administration discussed by Vice President Vance on Friday are not reflective of Pituffik Space Base. I commit that, for as long as I am lucky enough to lead this base, all of our flags will fly proudly — together.”
Vance had accused Denmark of not taking proper care of Greenland's people, of which it is in charge because Greenland is currently a territory of Denmark.
Vance's comments stoked an independence movement that already exists in Greenland and promised that if the icy, mineral-rich nation partnered with the U.S., it would get more help with development in exchange for access to its minerals (to purchase, not just take).
Even before he took office, President Donald Trump talked about purchasing Greenland from Denmark or otherwise acquiring it.
Trump and Vance's comments riled U.S. liberals, who saw them as dictatorial and autocratic.
In reality, though, Trump is looking to prevent China from taking over the territory and controlling even more of the minerals needed to power U.S. electronic devices and electric car batteries.
The Pentagon saw Meyers's comments as an attempt to “subvert President Trump’s agenda" and said any such attempts "will not be tolerated.”
Officially, the military said it had a “loss of confidence in [Meyers’] ability to lead,” which is typical language for a firing/removal after a grave command breach.
“Commanders are expected to adhere to the highest standards of conduct, especially as it relates to remaining nonpartisan in the performance of their duties,” the statement read.
Meyers was a Biden holdover, and it's pretty clear that Trump and his administration have had enough of being undermined by holdovers and deep state actors who don't agree with him on policies.
While such loyalty demands can smack of authoritarianism, which is incredibly triggering to liberals, it's really just evidence that Trump wants to maximize his productivity in this second term as he tries to undo all the damage caused by Biden.
It's a legitimate concern, and it makes sense for Trump to do everything he can to make sure his officials and staff are willing to work with his team and not against it.
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts intervened in a legal conflict regarding the executive branch's authority by temporarily stopping the reinstatement of two fired federal authorities, Fox News reported.
This move provides a provisional victory for President Trump's administration, as the dismissals of National Labor Relations Board member Gwynne Wilcox and Merit Systems Protection Board member Cathy Harris remain contested.
In early April, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit voted 7-4 in favor of reestablishing Wilcox and Harris to their previous roles. The court's decision relied on longstanding Supreme Court rulings, specifically the cases of Humphrey’s Executor and Wiener v. United States. However, the Trump administration quickly challenged the appeals court’s ruling and sought the Supreme Court's intervention.
Roberts' intervention effectively paused the appellate court's decision, marking a significant, albeit temporary, success for the administration. The origin of the controversy traces back to orders from D.C.-based judges who previously stopped the attempts to terminate Wilcox and Harris.
The legal dispute has prompted the administration's Justice Department to seek the overturning of Humphrey's Executor precedent, a landmark case that defines the limits of presidential power. Acting Solicitor General Sarah Harris stated that the administration would urge the Supreme Court to revisit this decision, claiming it restricts the President's ability to supervise executive branch officers.
Before the en banc hearing by the D.C. Circuit, a three-judge panel initially issued a 2-1 ruling that endorsed the administration's decision to dismiss the officials. However, this ruling was overturned by a full panel hearing, known as an en banc review, which reinstated Wilcox and Harris until Chief Justice Roberts' recent action.
The case shines a light on ongoing debates surrounding the boundaries of executive power. Judge Beryl Howell of the U.S. District Court remarked that a president positioning himself as an authoritarian leader fundamentally misconstrues the role delineated under the Constitution.
The debate over executive authority became further complicated when another federal official, Hampton Dellinger, who was also dismissed by Trump's administration, filed a lawsuit. However, Dellinger ultimately decided to drop his case, following the appellate court's decision that upheld the administration's authority.
Despite the temporary nature of the Supreme Court's involvement, the decision by Roberts is seen by some as a reflection of the enduring challenges in defining the separation of powers. This particular intervention highlights the tension between judicial and executive interpretations of constitutional provisions.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit judges emphasized the need for adhering to established Supreme Court directives, citing them as binding unless overturned by the Supreme Court itself. Their position underscores the struggle between following court precedents and interpreting constitutional authority.
The Trump administration's appeal to the nation's highest court signals its commitment to redefining constitutional limits on executive power. The administration contests that recent Supreme Court rulings have already weakened the grounds established by Humphrey's Executor.
As the Supreme Court deliberates on the appeal, the decision will not only impact the status of Wilcox and Harris but may also set a precedent for future interpretations of executive power. The outcome could influence the regime under which principal officers of federal entities operate and the extent to which a president can exert oversight.
Chief Justice Roberts' decision to halt the reinstatement introduces additional complexity to an already intricate legal saga. As all eyes turn to the Supreme Court, both the administration and observers keenly await further developments.
The ultimate resolution of this case will likely have implications that extend beyond the immediate parties involved. It may impact how future administrations view their authority over federal board members and the scope of oversight permitted within the executive branch.
Americans dodged a bullet with the next Senate election, as it was revealed this week that a radical, progressive lawmaker is not making a run for the upper chamber as earlier speculated.
According to The Hill, Minnesota Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar announced that she will not seek a Senate seat and, instead, will run for reelection to her House seat.
Omar was seen as a possible frontrunner to fill the seat that will be left open by Sen. Tina Smith, who is set to retire from office after this cycle.
A prominent member of the progressive "squad" in the House, Omar formally announced that she would seek reelection to her seat representing Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District.
Omar, known for her dramatics, released a statement announcing her reelection bid and as a result, confirming that she's not interested in a Senate seat at this time.
"At a time when our rights are under attack, it is more important than ever to fight back against the chaos, corruption, and callousness of the Trump Administration," Omar's statement read.
It added, "I am excited to announce I am running for reelection for Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District to keep standing up for our rights in the face of authoritarianism."
Rep. Ilhan Omar passes on Senate run in Minnesota, seeking reelection https://t.co/FyxnmK1LLX
— The Hill (@thehill) April 11, 2025
The Hill noted:
Omar, part of the progressive “squad” in the House who represents Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, had been mulling a potential Senate bid. Other notable members of the party who have announced bids include Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and former state Sen. Melisa López Franzen.
Democratic Gov. Tim Walz has already passed on a Senate bid, but Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) could also jump into the race.
Some of the potential Republicans running for the future Senate vacancy "include former Senate candidate Royce White, who lost to Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) in November, and retired Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze," according to the outlet.
Users across social media weighed in on Omar's announcement.
"She knows she'd lose a senate race," one X user speculated.
Another X user wrote, "She wouldn't have a snowball's chance in a state-wide election."
It'll be interesting to see who, on the Democrat's side of the aisle, will drop their name in the hat.