Senator Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., is pushing back against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth after a censure attempt over a video that seemed to advise soldiers to disobey orders from their commander-in-chief.
This clash boils down to Kelly, a retired Navy captain, joining a group of lawmakers in a 90-second clip urging U.S. service members to defy unlawful orders, prompting Hegseth to issue a letter of censure and threaten a downgrade of Kelly’s military retirement rank and pay.
The controversy kicked off when Kelly appeared alongside other lawmakers with military or intelligence ties, including Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, in a video pushing troops to uphold the Constitution over questionable directives.
Secretary Hegseth didn’t waste time, announcing via X on Monday that he’d issue a formal censure letter to Kelly, calling it a stepping stone to proceedings that could alter Kelly’s retired status. That letter, now part of Kelly’s military file, isn’t just a slap on the wrist—it’s a permanent mark.
According to reports, the letter accuses Kelly of a months-long pattern of public statements, starting in June, labeling lawful military actions as improper, and even charging Hegseth with war crimes alongside senior officers. From a right-leaning view, sowing doubt in the chain of command isn’t just risky—it’s a reckless gamble with national security.
By Tuesday, Kelly was on Capitol Hill, holding a news conference covered by Newsmax, brandishing a copy of Hegseth’s letter like a battle flag. He didn’t mince words, framing this as a broader attack on free speech.
“What Secretary Hegseth did in sending this letter is an erosion of every U.S. citizen's First Amendment rights,” Kelly declared. With all due respect to the senator, if you’re urging troops to pick and choose orders, isn’t that a slippery slope to chaos in the ranks?
The White House, backing Hegseth, isn’t buying Kelly’s defense either. Their stance is clear: no one, not even a sitting senator, gets a free pass on accountability.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly didn’t hold back, stating, “Mark Kelly sowed doubt in a clear chain of command, which is reckless, dangerous, and deeply irresponsible for an elected official.” From a populist perspective, she’s got a point—military discipline isn’t a game, and elected officials shouldn’t be playing armchair general.
President Trump himself jumped into the fray last November on Truth Social, accusing Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers of sedition over the video. While the rhetoric is fiery, it underscores a conservative concern: where’s the line between dissent and disruption?
Kelly, undeterred, has vowed to fight tooth and nail against the censure and potential demotion. He argues his role on the Armed Services and Intelligence Committees gives him a duty to speak out.
“The point is that they're trying to shut me up, and that's not going to happen,” Kelly asserted. Fair enough, senator, but when your words risk undermining military order, shouldn’t there be some guardrails, even for a lawmaker?
Critics of Kelly, from a right-of-center lens, see this as part of a broader progressive push to challenge authority without consequence. Yet, there’s a flip side—silencing dissent, even if it’s poorly timed, could chill honest debate, a cornerstone of our republic.
Ultimately, this showdown between Kelly and Hegseth isn’t just about one video or one letter—it’s a test of where loyalty, free speech, and military duty intersect. For conservatives, it’s a reminder to hold leaders accountable, but with a nod to fairness: let’s investigate fully before swinging the hammer.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani is stepping into a hefty paycheck of nearly $260,000 a year as he takes the reins of the Big Apple.
As the 112th mayor, sworn in on Jan. 1, 2026, Mamdani becomes the first Muslim to hold the office, earning a salary consistent with his predecessor while transitioning from a state assemblyman role that paid about $142,000 annually.
For hardworking taxpayers, especially retirees on fixed incomes, this near-80% pay bump raises eyebrows when their own budgets are squeezed by Gotham’s sky-high living costs, with housing prices towering over the national average. The financial burden of supporting such a salary—more than three times the city’s median household income of roughly $80,000—falls squarely on their shoulders. From a conservative standpoint, every dollar of public funds deserves scrutiny, and no elected official should escape accountability for how taxpayer money is spent.
Mamdani’s journey to this lucrative position began with his inauguration outside City Hall on Jan. 1, 2026, where he delivered a vision heavy on progressive ideals. While the symbolism of his historic role is undeniable, conservatives might question if the focus on identity overshadows the pressing need for fiscal restraint in a city drowning in expenses.
During his address, Mamdani declared, “City Hall will deliver an agenda of safety, affordability and abundance—where government looks and lives like the people it represents,” as reported from his inaugural speech. Nice words, but when your salary outpaces most New Yorkers by a country mile, that “living like the people” bit feels a tad out of touch. A truly populist leader might consider whether accepting the full paycheck aligns with the affordability rhetoric.
Comparing numbers, Mamdani’s nearly $260,000 matches what former Mayor Eric Adams pulled in at $258,750, per public payroll records. For a city where every budget line item sparks a fight, maintaining this high compensation seems like a missed opportunity to signal frugality. Shouldn’t leaders tighten their belts before asking citizens to do the same?
Mamdani also announced via Instagram in December that he and his wife, Rama, would relocate from Astoria, Queens, to Gracie Mansion, the mayor’s rent-free Upper East Side residence, this month. “This decision came down to our family’s safety and the importance of dedicating all of my focus on enacting the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for,” he posted. Safety matters, no question, but moving into a taxpayer-funded mansion while preaching affordability might strike some as a convenient contradiction.
For everyday homeowners struggling with rent or mortgages in one of America’s priciest cities, this perks package could sting. If the mayor’s agenda is truly about making life more affordable, perhaps starting with a symbolic gesture—like declining part of that hefty salary—could build trust.
Unfortunately, Mamdani’s office didn’t respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital about whether he’d accept the full amount or donate a portion. Silence on this front leaves room for speculation, and conservatives are right to demand transparency on how public servants handle public money. No one gets a pass on accountability, especially not at this pay grade.
Let’s crunch the numbers again: Mamdani’s new income places him among NYC’s top earners, far above the median household scraping by on $80,000 a year, per Census Bureau data. From a right-of-center view, this gap fuels the argument that government often seems disconnected from the folks it claims to serve.
The progressive economic vision Mamdani champions will now play out under intense scrutiny, especially with living costs crushing New Yorkers daily. Conservatives might wonder if this salary signals more of the same big-spending policies that bloat budgets without tangible relief for the average Joe.
While Mamdani’s historic milestone as the first Muslim mayor deserves recognition, it’s the policy substance—not symbolism—that will define his tenure. A balanced perspective acknowledges his right to earn what the position pays, but also insists on results that justify the cost to taxpayers.
From a MAGA-sympathetic angle, the focus should stay on draining wasteful spending, not padding public salaries, no matter who holds the office. Mamdani’s pay isn’t personal—it’s a symptom of a system that often prioritizes elites over everyday workers. Let’s hope his actions match the populist promises.
As this administration begins, conservatives will be watching whether Mamdani’s affordability agenda delivers real savings or just more lofty speeches. New York belongs to its people, as he echoed in his address, but those people deserve leaders who prioritize their financial struggles over personal gain.
Ultimately, Mamdani’s nearly $260,000 salary is a fact, not a fault—but it’s a loud reminder to keep elected officials under a microscope. Taxpayers aren’t asking for perfection, just proof that their hard-earned dollars aren’t funding a disconnected City Hall. Here’s to hoping this mayor proves his worth, one budget cut at a time.
Another politician is accused of dipping into taxpayer funds meant for struggling Americans during the COVID-19 crisis.
Former Georgia Democratic state Rep. Karen Bennett, who served House District 94 covering parts of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties, faces federal charges for allegedly pocketing nearly $14,000 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits through fraudulent means.
For hardworking Georgia taxpayers, this stings—every dollar misappropriated from PUA could have supported families facing real financial burdens during the pandemic, with losses like this potentially costing the state millions in misallocated relief funds. From a conservative standpoint, this demands a full investigation to ensure public trust isn’t further eroded. No one, especially not a public servant, should be above scrutiny when it comes to handling emergency aid.
Prosecutors claim Bennett applied for PUA benefits in May 2020, asserting she couldn’t work for Metro Therapy, a private in-home physical therapy business, due to COVID-19 quarantine restrictions. But court documents paint a different picture—her administrative role was always home-based, and the pandemic didn’t stop her from doing her job.
Even more eyebrow-raising, Metro Therapy kept operating through the crisis, with therapists back on the job after a short hiccup. Bennett’s claim of being unable to reach her workplace seems to crumble under this reality.
Before turning to PUA, Bennett was denied standard Unemployment Insurance benefits, which raises questions about why she pursued alternative aid if her circumstances didn’t qualify her. From a populist perspective, this looks like gaming the system at a time when genuine need was rampant.
From March to August 2020, Bennett allegedly submitted weekly online certifications for PUA benefits, admitting to earning $300 weekly from the Georgia General Assembly but conveniently omitting other income. Prosecutors say she hid $905 per week from separate church employment—a glaring oversight if true.
Adding fuel to the fire, authorities allege Bennett wasn’t even actively seeking work during this period, despite her certifications claiming otherwise. For conservatives who value personal responsibility, this kind of behavior undermines the very purpose of unemployment aid.
“As a result of the false application and certifications, Bennett collected a total of $13,940 of PUA benefits and federal supplements to which she was not entitled,” said Theodore Hertzberg, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. If proven, this isn’t just a paperwork error—it’s a direct hit to the integrity of relief programs meant for the vulnerable.
Bennett has pleaded not guilty to making false statements and was released on a $10,000 bond. Her legal team didn’t respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment, leaving the public waiting for her side of the story.
Interestingly, Bennett announced her retirement in a letter to Gov. Brian Kemp on Dec. 30, stepping down on New Year’s Day after 12 years in office. The timing of her exit, right amid these charges, doesn’t exactly scream coincidence to those skeptical of political maneuvers.
“I am proud of the work accomplished by the Georgia General Assembly when we came together to advance policies that strengthened our state and improved the lives of all Georgians,” Bennett stated. While her sentiment sounds noble, conservatives might argue that true strength comes from accountability, not just legislative wins, especially when public funds are at stake.
This isn’t an isolated case—the Justice Department recently charged another Georgia state Democrat, Rep. Sharon Henderson, with similar misconduct. For those wary of unchecked government overreach, this pattern suggests a deeper need for oversight in how relief programs are administered and who gets access.
From a right-of-center view, incidents like Bennett’s fuel distrust in progressive promises of “fairness” in public policy, especially when elected officials appear to bend rules for personal gain. Georgia voters deserve transparency, and cases like this only highlight why conservative calls for fiscal restraint and strict accountability resonate.
As this case unfolds, the focus must remain on protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring emergency aid reaches those truly in need. No one wants to see a public servant vilified without evidence, but neither can we afford to let potential fraud slide under the guise of political courtesy—let the courts decide, and let the truth prevail.
Imagine getting heartfelt emails from friends after they’ve tragically passed—Texas death row inmate Nanon Williams claims just that, receiving delayed messages from Hollywood power couple Rob and Michele Reiner post-mortem.
This gripping story unfolds as Williams, a 51-year-old prisoner at W.F. Ramsey Unit in Brazoria County, Texas, reveals a deep bond with the Reiners, forged in 2016, only to be shattered by their brutal murders on Dec. 14.
Their son now stands charged in the crime, adding a tragic twist to an already heartbreaking tale.
The friendship began when the Reiners caught Williams’ powerful presentation, "Lyrics From Lockdown," a raw look at race and the prison system.
Williams, imprisoned since age 17 and maintaining his innocence, found champions in the Reiners, who emailed him nearly every day.
They even offered a home if he were ever freed, a gesture beyond typical advocacy.
Rob, initially unaware of Williams’ case details, grew furious over perceived injustices, while Michele poured out affection.
Williams cherished this dynamic deeply, seeing them as family in a system that often isolates.
The Reiners’ commitment wasn’t for Hollywood clout—it was personal, a quiet fight against a justice system they saw as flawed.
On Dec. 14, tragedy struck when the Reiners were found dead in their Brentwood, Los Angeles home by their daughter, Romy, who noted Williams had “became like family” to her parents.
Hours before her death, Michele sent an email to Williams, delayed by prison security protocols, received only after he learned of their murders via a prison tablet.
Desperate for answers, Williams emailed Michele, pleading, “Please, this can't be true. Please tell me the news is lying."
The last of three delayed emails arrived from the night before their deaths, after a Los Angeles performance of "Lyrics From Lockdown" attended by the Reiners and friends like Billy and Janice Crystal.
Williams reflected on their bond, saying, “Rob and Michele didn’t want credit for trying to help me. It was just because they loved me.”
Now, as Nick Reiner, the couple’s 32-year-old son, sits charged with two counts of first-degree murder, the story shifts to a darker family tragedy, while Williams’ tale spotlights a justice system many conservatives argue is too quick to convict—hardly the “progressive” fix some claim it to be.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz just pulled the plug on his third-term bid amid a jaw-dropping welfare fraud scandal.
In a dramatic Monday announcement, Walz declared he’s stepping away from the gubernatorial race to grapple with what’s been called the nation’s largest COVID-era fraud scheme, involving over $1 billion swiped from state and federal coffers.
Having kicked off his campaign in September, Walz has been under fire lately from President Donald Trump, Republican lawmakers, and even some Democrats over this colossal mess.
This scandal, with charges dating back to 2022, implicates over 90 individuals, largely from Minnesota’s Somali community, in a scheme abusing meal programs, housing aid, daycare operations, and Medicaid services.
Prosecutors claim the stolen funds—possibly climbing to $9 billion per the U.S. attorney in Minnesota—bankrolled luxury goods, property deals, exotic trips, and potentially even overseas terrorist activities.
Walz took ownership of the crisis last month, ordering a stop to dubious payments and an external audit of Medicaid billing, yet the stain on his leadership seems permanent.
“This is on my watch, I am accountable for this and, more importantly, I am the one that will fix it,” Walz insisted last month, shouldering the blame.
That pledge feels flimsy as the Trump administration has frozen federal child-care funding to Minnesota, while a viral video by YouTuber Nick Shirley exposing alleged daycare scams has fueled national outrage.
Walz revealed on Monday, after holiday talks with family and advisors, that he couldn’t balance a campaign with managing this disaster.
“Walz allowed fraudsters to steal billions from taxpayers, and did nothing,” slammed Joe Teirab, a former federal prosecutor tied to the Feeding our Future case, echoing Republican scorn.
GOP voices like Tom Emmer with a curt “Good riddance” and state Rep. Kristin Robbins celebrate Walz’s exit as a win for oversight, cautioning that any Democratic replacement inherits this fiasco.
Walz, opting to govern for the next year, dodged questions during his announcement but promised clarity on Tuesday, even as a House Committee hearing looms on February 10.
Democratic leaders like Gov. Andy Beshear and DNC Chair Ken Martin express confidence in holding the governorship, while Sen. Amy Klobuchar, after a Sunday meeting with Walz, remains silent on her own ambitions.
Walz accused Trump and his allies of sowing division and targeting Minnesota’s core values and programs, but with public faith rattled by this scandal, his critique may lack punch.
Whether this retreat shields Walz from further scrutiny remains doubtful, as the fallout from this billion-dollar fraud continues to reverberate across the state and beyond.
A startling discovery of a suspicious package has turned a routine Monday into a scene straight out of a thriller at Arizona’s Supreme Court building in downtown Phoenix.
Before 10:30 a.m. local time, court officials stumbled upon a package with no return label, leading to a swift evacuation of the State Courts Building and nearby parking lots.
Initial tests reportedly indicated the presence of homemade explosives, sending alarm bells ringing through the judicial corridors, as reported by AZ Family and 12News.
Law enforcement descended on the scene with a heavy presence, as videos circulating online showcased a significant response in the heart of Phoenix.
The Phoenix Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) didn’t waste a moment, confirming their involvement with a post on X.
“BREAKING NEWS @ATFPhoenix is on scene at the Arizona Supreme Court Building at 1501 W. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ to investigate a suspicious substance found at the location,” the ATF announced. Well, isn’t it comforting to know that when danger lurks in the mailroom, the feds are just a tweet away?
Adding to the tension, an email sent to the court’s mail room claimed the package “tested positive for homemade explosives,” according to 12News. If true, this isn’t just a prank gone wrong—it’s a chilling reminder of how vulnerable even our most secure institutions can be to shadowy threats.
Arizona’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) has taken the lead on the investigation, as confirmed by the Daily Caller News Foundation, though they’ve remained tight-lipped on details when pressed for comment.
Meanwhile, the building is set for a thorough sweep, with the mysterious package slated for removal as part of the safety protocol.
The closure’s duration remains a question mark, leaving staff to work remotely for the rest of the day.
Operations at the Arizona Supreme Court and appellate courts could face further disruptions, per 12News, which is hardly ideal for a justice system already navigating a backlog of cases.
Let’s be frank: in an era where progressive agendas often seem to prioritize feelings over security, incidents like this underscore the need for robust, no-nonsense safety measures at every level of government.
The evacuated parking lots and shuttered building paint a stark picture of caution, but they also raise questions about how such a package slipped through in the first place.
While the left might spin this as a one-off fluke, conservatives can’t help but wonder if this is a symptom of broader vulnerabilities in our public spaces—ones that require serious policy fixes, not just platitudes.
As the investigation unfolds under DPS oversight, the people of Arizona deserve clear answers and swift action, not bureaucratic delays or politically correct excuses. After all, justice delayed is justice denied, and safety ignored is a disaster waiting to happen.
The Trump administration just pulled the plug on over $10 billion in social services and child care funding for five Democrat-led states, citing serious fraud concerns.
This blockbuster move targets California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York, halting federal dollars for vital programs like the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Social Services Block Grant.
We’re talking big numbers here: $7.35 billion in TANF funds, $2.4 billion from CCDF, and nearly $869 million in Social Services Block Grants are now off the table for these states, at least for now.
On Monday, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) sent letters to the affected states, explaining that the funds were being frozen due to alleged fraudulent payouts to non-citizens.
This isn’t the first red flag—six years ago, the HHS Office of Inspector General found New York City had wrongly billed the federal government for over $24.7 million in child care subsidies.
More recently, in December, HHS pressed Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on whether taxpayer money was improperly aiding unauthorized migration, hinting at systemic problems.
Minnesota’s situation is especially troubling, with Pew Research Center reporting about 130,000 unauthorized migrants in the state as of 2023, up significantly since 2019.
Federal investigations by the Treasury Department and House Oversight Committee are now targeting nonprofits linked to the Somali community in the Twin Cities, home to over 100,000 Somali diaspora members.
The scope of alleged fraud is staggering—prosecutors have secured convictions tied to $250 million stolen by the Somali-linked group Feeding Our Future, with estimates suggesting losses could climb to $9 billion.
First Assistant Minnesota U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson put it bluntly on Dec. 18, 2025, saying, “What we see in Minnesota is not a handful of bad actors committing crimes. It’s staggering, industrial-scale fraud.”
Thompson’s words cut deep, and they beg the question: how can any state justify inaction when fraud reaches such an industrial level?
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz pushed back at a Monday press conference, stating, “We’ll win the fight against the fraudsters, but the political gamesmanship we’re seeing from Republicans is only making that fight harder.” While Walz’s irritation with partisan tactics is relatable, sidestepping the scale of the fraud as mere politics feels like a dodge.
Former President Trump didn’t hold back on Truth Social Monday, slamming Walz and other Democratic governors like Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker, and Kathy Hochul for what he calls corruption, declaring, “No one is above the law!”
Trump’s sharp critique, while brash, taps into a real frustration among taxpayers tired of seeing their hard-earned money vanish into questionable programs. Shouldn’t accountability be a bipartisan goal?
Colorado and California officials, though not yet formally notified of cuts, voiced concern over the impact on needy families, a valid point that reminds us fraud fixes mustn’t punish the vulnerable. Balancing oversight with compassion is the challenge ahead, and both sides need to step up without finger-pointing.
Is a Minneapolis daycare hiding something behind bizarre wall photos, or is this just another overblown controversy?
The ABC Learning Center, a Somali-run facility in Minneapolis, has landed in hot water amid allegations of fraud, with independent journalist Nick Shirley exposing an apparently empty building despite hefty taxpayer funding, while peculiar stock images on the walls have only fueled suspicion.
Over $1 million in public funds from the Child Care Assistance Program flowed to this center in the last fiscal year alone, even as the building stood empty.
The trouble started when Shirley’s report revealed a daycare that seemed devoid of children, despite claims of serving dozens. Questions quickly mounted about how such a facility could justify its funding.
ABC Learning Center’s director, Ahmed Hasan, pushed back, inviting Associated Press reporters inside to counter the narrative. He insists the center enrolls 56 children and operates normally.
“There's no fraud happening here,” Hasan declared. With all due respect, sir, an empty-looking building and over a million in funding don’t exactly scream transparency—let’s see the proof.
Things got weirder when viewers of Shirley’s video noticed random stock images—or possibly AI-generated pictures—plastered on the center’s walls, including under a “science” label. Online speculation exploded, with some suggesting these photos might conceal something unrelated to childcare.
“I wanna know what's under those stock photos,” one anonymous user on X mused. Call it a conspiracy if you must, but when decor looks more like a cover-up than a curriculum, eyebrows deservedly rise.
Since the video dropped, the center has faced harassing phone calls, which is unfortunate and uncalled for. Criticism must stay civil, but so must accountability—state regulators already conduct routine checks, so let’s hope they dig deeper.
Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families stepped in, inspecting nine facilities flagged in Shirley’s reporting, including ABC Learning Center. Their findings? Most centers, including this one, were “operating as expected” with children present at eight of nine locations during visits.
Still, the state agency is gathering evidence for further review, which is the bare minimum taxpayers should expect. With one center not even open during inspection, skepticism remains warranted.
On the federal level, the Department of Health and Human Services has frozen funding, demanding Governor Tim Walz audit the implicated centers. Walz, meanwhile, has decided against running for re-election amid a scandal costing billions in taxpayer dollars—a move that hardly inspires confidence in state oversight.
This daycare drama ties into a broader wave of fraud concerns within Minnesota’s Somali community, a topic amplified in recent political discourse around immigration policy. From a conservative lens, securing borders and vetting programs isn’t about prejudice—it’s about protecting public resources for legal residents.
While Hasan and state officials claim compliance, the strange wall decor and funding discrepancies keep questions alive. Minnesota must meet a federal deadline to report on childcare fund recipients, or risk losing support altogether—a consequence no one wants.
Ultimately, this isn’t just about one daycare; it’s about trust in systems meant to serve vulnerable families. If even a fraction of these allegations holds water, the damage to public faith could be lasting. For now, let’s demand answers, not assumptions, and ensure every penny serves its purpose.
Shocking news out of Cincinnati as a man faces serious charges for attempting to smash his way into Vice President JD Vance’s personal home.
In a brazen act shortly after midnight on Monday, January 5, 2026, 26-year-old William DeFoor from Hyde Park was detained by Secret Service personnel and arrested by Cincinnati police for damaging windows and a vehicle at Vance’s East Walnut Hills residence.
The timeline is clear: DeFoor was spotted by a Secret Service agent and captured on security footage trespassing onto the property without permission.
He’s accused of shattering four windows and damaging a vehicle, leaving a trail of destruction that kept officers on scene for hours, combing through the evidence.
Both Cincinnati police and Secret Service agents responded swiftly, ensuring the suspect was taken into custody before more harm could be done.
DeFoor now stares down a laundry list of charges, including state counts of criminal damage, obstructing official business, criminal trespass, and a felony vandalism charge.
Federally, he’s accused of damaging government property, engaging in violence in restricted areas, and even assaulting or impeding federal officers—a reminder that actions against protected officials carry heavy consequences.
The Secret Service, alongside Cincinnati police and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, is ensuring no stone is left unturned in this investigation, and conservatives can only hope this sends a message to those who think they can target public servants without repercussions.
Thankfully, Vice President Vance was not at home during the attack, having departed for Washington, D.C., the previous afternoon.
His statement reflects a father’s concern more than a politician’s outrage: "I appreciate everyone's well wishes about the attack at our home. As far as I can tell, a crazy person tried to break in by hammering the windows."
"I'm grateful to the Secret Service and the Cincinnati police for responding quickly... One request to the media: we try to protect our kids as much as possible from the realities of this life of public service," Vance added, and who can blame him for wanting to shield his family from the ugliness of such incidents?
Ohio U.S. Sen. Jon Husted weighed in, stating, “I’m thankful Vice President Vance and his family were not home during the attack and for the quick response by local and federal law enforcement.”
Husted’s follow-up hits the nail on the head: “Those who seek to commit violence against politicians and their families—or any American—should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” Let’s be real—while progressive agendas often downplay accountability, conservatives know that law and order must prevail, no exceptions.
DeFoor’s past brushes with the law, including a 2023 trespassing incident and 2024 vandalism charges with ongoing treatment.
House Speaker Mike Johnson’s already razor-thin grip on the Republican majority just got squeezed even tighter with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation.
With Greene stepping down on Jan. 5, 2026, after a public rift with President Donald Trump, Johnson now faces a House split of 219 Republicans to 213 Democrats, leaving him with almost no wiggle room to push through Trump’s ambitious legislative agenda.
This shrinking majority means potential gridlock on critical issues like tax cuts, which could delay much-needed financial relief by months or even years. From a conservative standpoint, this also heightens the risk of stalled investigations into progressive overreach, as every vote counts to hold the line against a creeping liberal agenda.
Greene’s departure wasn’t a sudden whim; she announced her resignation back in November 2025, marking the end of her tenure early this year.
Once a staunch Trump ally, her transition to critic after a falling out with the president has left many in the MAGA base scratching their heads. How do you go from cheerleader to contrarian in such a short span?
Regardless, her exit leaves Johnson in a bind, able to lose only two Republican votes on party-line issues if he hopes to pass anything without begging for Democrat scraps.
Let’s rewind a bit—at the start of the 119th Congress, Johnson was already dealing with the slimmest House majority in nearly 100 years, a partisan split of 219 to 215.
That tight margin came after former Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida chose not to return, setting the stage for a nail-biter of a session. Historically, you’d have to go back to the Great Depression era’s 72nd Congress to find margins this close, when Republicans held a mere 217 to 216 edge over Democrats.
Even then, deaths and special elections flipped control, proving how fragile these numbers can be—a lesson Johnson might want to tattoo on his forearm.
Looking ahead, the GOP’s majority could shrink even more with a special election in Texas at the end of January 2026, where two Democrats are set to face off in a runoff.
Another special election in April 2026 for a New Jersey seat, vacated by former Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill after she is elected governor, could also shift the balance. Johnson’s breathing room, already microscopic, might vanish entirely if these seats flip.
For congressional Republicans, every vote is a high-stakes poker game, and they’ve already shown they can’t afford dissent, as seen when Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania broke ranks on Trump’s major tax and spending cuts package in July 2025.
Passing that tax package was a rare win, but losing two GOP votes on final passage showed just how precarious unity is within the party. With a magic number of 218 votes needed to pass bills when all seats are filled, a single tie spells failure.
Johnson’s speakership itself was secured by a hair, winning with a 219 to 215 majority, meaning even one defection could have derailed his gavel. Vacancies from deaths and resignations have shifted the breakdown multiple times since the session began, keeping everyone on edge.