This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
An expert who not only has testified before Congress on the U.S. Constitution but has represented members in court cases is warning about Joe Biden's speculated agenda to deliver to his friend and supporters preemptive pardons.
It is Jonathan Turley, the Shapiro Professor of Public Interest Law at George Washington University and author of "The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage," who wrote, "After years of lying to the American people about the influence-peddling scandal and promising not to consider a pardon for his son, Biden would end his legacy with the ultimate dishonesty: converting pardons into virtual party favors."
There has been much speculation about those preemptive pardons from Biden, who lied about allowing juries and courts to determine the outcomes of his son Hunter's criminal gun and tax cases, flip-flopped and pardoned him.
Hunter Biden could have been ordered to jail for years for his felony gun convictions and his guilty pleas to felony tax charges.
However, Joe Biden handed him a get-out-of-jail-free card, then followed up with hundreds and hundreds more commutations and pardons to a long list of those with criminal convictions.
The activity triggered a rash of speculation about those preemptive pardons, and Turley explains what's going on.
"Democrats are worried about the collapsing narrative that President-elect Donald Trump will destroy democracy, end future elections, and conduct sweeping arrests of everyone from journalists to homosexuals. That narrative, of course, ignores that we have a constitutional system of overlapping protections that has blocked such abuses for over two centuries."
Thus, the talk of preemptive pardons, but Turley said it wouldn't work out.
"Ironically, preemptive pardons would do precisely what Biden suggests that he is deterring: create a dangerous immunity for presidents and their allies in committing criminal abuses," he said.
He noted if Biden delivers those pardons, "he would fundamentally change the use of presidential pardons by granting 'prospective' or 'preemptive' pardons to political allies. Despite repeated denials of President-elect Donald Trump that he is seeking retaliation against opponents and his statements that he wants 'success [to be] my revenge,' Democratic politicians and pundits have called for up to thousands of such pardons."
He explained there's politics all over the scheme.
"After many liberals predicted the imminent collapse of democracy and that opponents would be rounded up in mass by the Trump Administration, they are now contemplating the nightmare that democracy might survive and that there will be no mass arrests," he wrote. "The next best thing to a convenient collapse of democracy is a claim that Biden's series of preemptive pardons averted it. It is enough to preserve the narrative in the face of a stable constitutional system."
"Preemptive pardons could become the norm as presidents pardon whole categories of allies and even themselves to foreclose federal prosecutions. … It will give presidents cover to wipe away any threat of prosecution for friends, donors, and associates. This can include self-pardons issued as implied condemnations of their political opponents. It could easily become the final act of every president to pardon himself and all of the members of his Administration.
"We would then have an effective immunity rule for outgoing parties in American politics."
He noted that in the past, Bill Clinton pardoned both family members and political donors.
"Yet, despite that history, no president has seen fit to go as far as where Biden appears to be heading," he said. Promoters of the plan, he said, "would prefer to fundamentally change the use of the pardon power to maintain an apocalyptic narrative that was rejected by the public in this election. If you cannot prove the existence of the widely touted Trump enemies list, a Biden pardon list is the next best thing."
Lara Trump recently addressed speculation surrounding the potential for her to be appointed to fill Senator Marco Rubio’s seat, stating that the decision rests with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
While discussing the possibility of stepping into Rubio's Senate position, Lara Trump emphasized that it would ultimately be Governor DeSantis' choice, a sentiment echoed by her father-in-law, President-elect Donald Trump, Breitbart reported.
Lara Trump made the comments during an appearance on Breitbart News Daily, where she discussed her family’s move to Florida and the state’s growth. She revealed that she and her family relocated from New York to Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic, joining the many who left the Northeast during that time.
She noted that Florida’s popularity surged as people sought refuge from the pandemic’s restrictions, which she described as stifling. "Florida’s where it’s at, let me tell you," she said, pointing to the state's vibrant growth and favorable climate. "We did the move that I think a lot of people did during the COVID days when it felt like you were in a communist country in the Northeast."
The Trump family’s decision to move was influenced, in part, by the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, who she praised during the interview. Lara Trump referred to him as one of the key reasons her family chose to relocate, noting his effective handling of the pandemic and leadership style.
She continued by emphasizing Florida’s success during the pandemic, citing the increase in the state’s congressional seats as a sign of the state’s appeal. "Florida’s booming," she added. "You’ve seen that."
Lara Trump, now a resident of the Sunshine State for over three years, highlighted how the state's continued growth and the influx of new residents have contributed to its success. She also joked about the pleasant Florida weather during the interview, commenting that the temperature was a comfortable 72 degrees at the time.
When asked if she would consider stepping into the Senate seat, Lara Trump responded with cautious interest, emphasizing that the final decision lies with Governor DeSantis.
"I would like to represent anyone in this great country we call the United States of America, but certainly from the state of Florida, that would also be really nice," she said. Lara Trump also made it clear that, while she is open to the idea of serving, she respects that Governor DeSantis would ultimately decide who fills Rubio’s seat.
As the speculation swirled, her father-in-law, President-elect Donald Trump, was also questioned about the possibility of Lara Trump stepping into a Senate role.
During his remarks, Donald Trump praised his daughter-in-law for her impressive work as the co-chair of the Republican National Committee, calling her “unbelievable” and “highly respected.” He also pointed out that Lara Trump has numerous opportunities outside of politics, including offers from television networks.
“She has so many other things,” he said. “People want her to be on television. They want to give her contracts." However, he stressed that Lara Trump’s main priorities are her family and her country.
Despite the flurry of speculation, Donald Trump indicated that the decision rests squarely with Governor DeSantis.
"No, I don’t. I probably don’t, but I don’t know," he said when asked if he expected DeSantis to appoint Lara to the Senate. "Ron’s doing a good job. That’s his choice. Nothing to do with me."
The Trump family’s comments highlight the respect they have for Governor DeSantis’ leadership and his judgment regarding Florida’s political future. Lara Trump, while open to the opportunity, remains focused on her family’s goals and believes that DeSantis will make the best decision for the state.
They say that a mother's work is never finished, and that's an adage that Melania Trump is keeping close to her heart.
The wife of President-elect Donald Trump is anxious for her son Barron's protection as he enters on his adult life, insiders told People, with mother and son remaining in close contact.
The former and future First Lady has long endeavored to keep her son out of the political fray, and she does not see her duties as a mother lessening with her son attracting more public attention than ever.
“Melania worries about the hate in the country and how it falls on her son, who is innocent of any of this,” a source told People.
According to sources, Melania wants her son to make friends, but she has encouraged him to beware of "haters" with ulterior motives.
"She wants to encourage him to make friends, be super careful of the haters which can be anywhere — especially on college campuses these days — and keep him mentally healthy by having open communication with him and the rest of her immediate family."
Melania's guarded attitude has no doubt been influenced by her own experiences with being double crossed by former associates who went on to blast her in public.
And her concern for her son's safety is certainly justified after an election year that saw her husband, Donald, survive two assassination attempts as his political rivals compared him to Hitler.
Barron has constant Secret Service protection while he attends college classes at New York University's Stern School of Business. Melania and her son talk about their unique experiences with being in the spotlight, sources told People, and she does what she can to give him a normal life.
“She is and has been a good sounding board for him. They talk about life as it is and how they are in the spotlight," the source adds. "She tries to normalize his life. If that is even possible.”
Earlier this year, Melania confirmed that Barron is living at his family's Trump Tower residence in Manhattan while he attends school nearby. While he remains physically and emotionally connected to his mother, Barron is said to be a popular student on campus.
The college freshman may not be able to have a typical life, but he has found a safe way to socialize with peers through online gaming.
Meanwhile, a day is coming when Melania will have to make room for another woman in Barron's life, with insiders describing him as quite the ladies' man at school.
"He’s tall and handsome. A lot of people seem to think he’s pretty attractive — yes, even liberal people like him," a source said.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Generations back, gays and lesbians were shunned in American society.
That changed when they demanded to be acknowledged and then tolerated.
Then they demanded to be promoted and honored.
Now one California teacher has sparked an enraged student and parent population in the district by demanding that students ARE "gay or lesbian."
It is NBC San Diego that has profiled the outrage sparked by the scheme of one teacher, a math instructor who reportedly "ordered his students to either come out as gay or lesbian during an activity."
It's at Rancho Buena Vista High School in Vista, and students were given the requirement while in an elective seminar class to teach them how to be "socially current."
The instructions:
"Stand in a circle. Each of you is now gay or lesbian, and you are about to begin your coming out process. You cannot talk for the rest of this activity."
Seven students promptly walked out and the repercussions continue even now.
Parent James Leon got an image of the classroom orders and posted them online.
"These are the types of activities being put on our children in public schools," read the caption. "My daughter told the teacher Hell no!!!!! Then proceeded to walk out of the classroom."
Since then, hundreds of enraged parents and others have joined the conversation.
"This doesn't belong in any classroom, not even sure where it belongs, but definitely not a classroom."
And, "This situation is so infuriating, I don't want this being 'taught' in my kids' classrooms. Ever."
Others charged that the teacher never should be working with "anyone's kids."
A response from the school was that Leon's daughter could "complete the alternative assignment."
And the father, in addressing a regular school board meeting days ago, was shocked when four San Diego County deputies showed up on a "preserve the peace call."
Then he told the board, "There is nothing that it does other than groom children."
His criticism was joined by a district bus driver, the report said.
"I am ashamed I work for the district and you guys allow this to happen in our schools," he said.
The father now has a meeting scheduled with Supt. Matt Doyle after the holidays.
And he's been warned not to let his daughter meet with the superintendent without a parent present.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
In this thought-provoking episode of WND Live, Dr. Robert Malone, renowned virologist and expert in global affairs, takes us deep into the world of media manipulation and the ongoing psychological warfare, or psywar, shaping modern society.
Malone explores how powerful narratives are crafted and pushed through mainstream media to control public perception, influence political outcomes, and steer global agendas. He will break down the techniques being used to manipulate the masses, from propaganda to fear-based messaging, and how these tactics are being deployed on a global scale.
With an insider's perspective on both science and global geopolitics, Dr. Malone will uncover the hidden forces behind the headlines and help viewers understand the real impact of this psychological warfare. What are the stakes? Who benefits from these manipulations? And how can we protect ourselves from becoming pawns in this ever-evolving game?
Sen. John Fetterman said he would vote "from an open-mind and an informed opinion" on President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet picks, including former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, Breitbart reported. The Pennsylvania Democrat made his intentions known in a post to X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday.
Fetterman shared a post from Hegseth, Trump's pick to head the Defense Department, expressing high praise for Fetterman's "fairness, courage & hospitality." Hegseth has faced many attacks since Trump tapped him for the job.
His tattoos were flagged as symbols of "white supremacy" when, in fact, they express his Christian faith. Hegseth was also dragged through the mud about a supposed rape in 2017, which he was never charged for.
The New York Times also smeared Hegseth with "an angry email" his mother wrote to him for "mistreating women." As it turned out, that letter was something his mother had apologized for and no longer stood behind.
In the face of all of these attacks, Fetterman has been level-headed in his approach to Hegseth and other Trump nominees, including Elise Stafanik, Trump's pick for U.S. ambassador, and Tulsi Gabbard, the nominee for national security director. Hegseth thanked Fetterman for his "fairness, courage & hospitality" in a post to X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday.
"Thank you @JohnFetterman for your fairness, courage & hospitality. I appreciate our time together — and your commitment to the troops, American defense & our ally Israel. And, from a Vikings fan…go Steelers," Hegseth wrote.
The junior senator shared the post and responded in kind. "I believe that it’s appropriate and the responsibility of a U.S. Senator to have a conversation with President-elect Trump's nominees. That’s why I met with Elise Stefanik and Pete Hegseth, just wrapped with Tulsi Gabbard, and look forward to my meetings with others soon," Fetterman wrote in his post to X on Tuesday.
"My votes will come from an open-mind and an informed opinion after having a conversation with them. That’s not controversial, it's my job," Fetterman wrote.
I believe that it’s appropriate and the responsibility of a U.S. Senator to have a conversation with President-elect Trump's nominees.
That’s why I met with Elise Stefanik and Pete Hegseth, just wrapped with Tulsi Gabbard, and look forward to my meetings with others soon.
My… pic.twitter.com/Vli5tr8XSr
— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) December 17, 2024
This pragmatic approach is a continuation of Fetterman's move to the right as he increasingly becomes disillusioned with the Democratic Party. On Fox News last month, Fetterman noted that "one area where we kind of lost ourselves was the border," among others.
"And I've been on this network, you know, months, months ago saying, 'Hey, you know, it can't be controversial for our party to have pro-immigration, but we need a secure border.' And when we ask or demand people to not believe what they see, and see those kind of numbers, that that's not a problem," Fetterman said of Democrats' losing approach to illegal immigration.
"It's like, well, then you lose about that 100%," Fetterman added. He also acknowledged that he sided with Israel in its war with Hamas and believed that Trump's stance aligned with his.
"In terms of the incoming administration, I actually like what I see in terms of being very, very strong pro-Israel," Fetterman shockingly admitted. It seems Trump has an ally in a very unlikely place.
The Democrats hate giving even an inch to Trump and his agenda. Meanwhile, Fetterman is happy to consider Trump's nominees and give credit where it's due, even if it means going against his party's current crusade to stop Trump.
Donald Trump said Monday that he trusts Florida governor Ron DeSantis (R) to appoint the "right" person to replace Senator Marco Rubio, who is joining the Trump administration as Secretary of State.
While he gave his daughter-in-law Lara Trump a glowing endorsement, Trump said he does not believe DeSantis will appoint her to Rubio's seat.
There has been speculation that Lara Trump could get the role, and Trump reportedly spoke with DeSantis about it in private.
At least publicly, DeSantis appears to be in no hurry to satisfy Trump's wishes. The governor has emphasized that he is vetting multiple candidates, although it's entirely possible that DeSantis has the position lined up for a supporter of his own.
Trump and DeSantis had a bruising feud during the 2024 Republican presidential primary, and despite their recent detente, DeSantis harbors his own personal ambitions.
He is term-limited as governor, and some believe he may replace Rubio with a loyalist to keep the seat open for himself in the future.
While Lara Trump has expressed interest in the job, her father-in-law admitted at a Mar-A-Lago press conference that it's far from a done deal.
Despite their history of conflict, Trump complimented DeSantis on a "good" job as governor and said he would let him make his decision on his own.
“No, I don’t. I probably don’t, but I don’t know. Ron’s doing a good job. That’s his choice. Nothing to do with me,” Trump said, when asked if he expects DeSantis to choose Lara Trump.
At the same time, Trump said Lara's skills leave her with alternatives.
"Ron’s going to have to make that decision, and he’ll make the right decision. I also know that Lara’s got so many other things. I mean, she’s got so many other things. People want her to be on television. They want to give her contracts. You know, her predominant thought is our country and her family. Those are her thoughts," Trump said.
Lara Trump recently resigned from her position as co-chair of the Republican National Committee, where she helped orchestrate her father-in-law's historic political comeback.
Donald lavished praise on her performance at the RNC, dismissing the notion that her appointment would be an act of "nepotism."
"And they did such an unbelievable job, especially on cheating, they stopped it, or at least, they stymied it — too big to rig, and we won in a landslide. You know, we won tremendously. She did an amazing job,” he said.
Melania Trump thanked a crowd of supporters at Mar-A-Lago for "being there" for her and her son Barron through a turbulent year.
2024 was a roller coaster for the Trump family, marked by lawfare, two harrowing assassination attempts, and finally, Donald Trump's triumphant re-election victory.
In a rare display of vulnerability, Melania expressed her gratitude Sunday night, telling a throng of supporters: "For being there for myself and Barron - thank you for that."
While Melania has long endeavored to shield her son from the political spotlight, that is liable to change as Barron, her only child with Donald Trump, enters adulthood.
"Melania worries about the hate in the country and how it falls on her son, who is innocent of any of this," a source told People.
This year, Melania's relationship with her son entered a new phase as Barron went off to college at New York University, even as the threats to her family became more real than ever.
As her husband survived not one but two assassination attempts, Melania became more outspoken with her own political views, condemning Donald's rivals for inciting hatred against him.
Melania's political convictions were also hardened by a frightening experience impacting her son, who was allegedly blacklisted from her bank, she confessed in her memoir, blasting the incident as an example of "cancel culture" run amok.
Now, Melania is set to reprise her role as First Lady, as Barron matures into a confident young gentleman with a bright future ahead.
Like his mother, Barron remains a mysterious figure known for his stoic aura. He is well-liked by his college peers, especially the ladies.
"He’s tall and handsome. A lot of people seem to think he’s pretty attractive — yes, even liberal people like him," a source told People.
Melania Trump is a "mama bear" to be sure - and she remains a strong support for her son as he goes off into the world.
"She wants to encourage him to make friends, be super careful of the haters which can be anywhere — especially on college campuses these days — and keep him mentally healthy by having open communication with him and the rest of her immediate family," another source told People.
It's definitely going to be an adjustment for Melania to let go of Barron, who has long been the center of her emotional universe. But there are indications that Melania is ready to embrace political responsibilities with renewed vigor, as her increasingly vocal public role suggests.
Once seen as a rising star of the left, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in serious political jeopardy after the resignation of his top deputy, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
The shocking news resonated across Canada's border with America, as President-elect Trump celebrated the development in a sarcastic post. Trump has made no secret of his dislike for Freeland, who renegotiated NAFTA with the first Trump administration.
"The Great State of Canada is stunned as the Finance Minister resigns, or was fired, from her position by Governor Justin Trudeau. Her behavior was totally toxic, and not at all conducive to making deals which are good for the very unhappy citizens of Canada. She will not be missed!!!" Trump wrote.
In her resignation letter, Freeland criticized Trudeau's response to Trump's "extremely serious" threats to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian imports. Trudeau scrambled to Mar-A-Lago last month for dinner with Trump and took a picture with him.
Freeland criticized Trudeau for responding to Trump's threats with "costly political gimmicks" like a tax holiday to help Canadians deal with inflation. Freeland said Canada must keep its "fiscal powder dry" for a protracted trade war with the United States.
"For the past number of weeks, you and I have found ourselves at odds about the best path forward for Canada," Freeland wrote.
“Our country is facing a grave challenge,” Freeland said in her letter. “That means keeping our fiscal powder dry today, so we have the reserves we may need for a coming tariff war.”
Trudeau has replaced Freeland with Dominic LeBlanc, a close ally who joined Trudeau for dinner at Mar-A-Lago last month.
Freeland's resignation is a shocking blow to Trudeau, who had long counted her as one of his closest supporters.
But the prime minister's political star has dimmed as Canadians simmer over a housing crisis worsened by high immigration rates. The crisis has challenged Trudeau's image as an immigrant-friendly liberal, as even he has admitted Canada needs to tighten its borders.
But the about face may be coming too late, with many seeing Freeland's resignation as a bad omen for Trudeau and his tenuous hold on power.
Trump has belittled Trudeau's embattled position, recently labeling him the governor of the 51st American state. If Trudeau is not forced to resign soon, he is facing a widely anticipated shellacking in an election next year.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Christmas is the most wonderful time of year. It's a holiday that has been celebrated through the years at the White House.
Through the centuries, many presidents have reflected on the true meaning of Christmas. Here are four examples of presidents, of different parties, reflecting on the season – even during times of war – when we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace.
We begin on a bleak note. In the winter of 1777-78, our American warriors spent those bleary months at Valley Forge. About 12 were dying each day. Their leader, commander in chief and later president, George Washington, noted the poignancy of them having to spend the holiday season in such miserable conditions, but such was the commitment of those who helped forge our country.
Wrote Washington: "To see men without clothes to cover their nakedness, without blankets to lay on, without shoes, by which their marches might be traced by the blood from their feet, and almost as often without provisions as with; marching through frost and snow, and at Christmas taking up their winter quarters within a day's march of the enemy, without a house or hut to cover them till they could be built and submitting without a murmur, is a mark of patience and obedience which in my opinion can scarcely be paralleled."
Wow. As we snuggle up by the fireplace and enjoy a nice cup of hot chocolate, we should remember the sacrifices of those who made our freedom possible because of their dedication to liberty.
Jumping ahead to the mid-20th century, we see another wartime Christmas greeting from another commander-in-chief, our 32nd president. Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered a Christmas greeting to the American troops in 1944, including those in Europe engulfed in the Battle of the Bulge, Hitler's last major counter-offensive.
FDR said: "Here, at home, we will celebrate this Christmas Day in our traditional American way – because of its deep spiritual meaning to us; because the teachings of Christ are fundamental in our lives; and because we want our youngest generation to grow up knowing the significance of this tradition and the story of the coming of the immortal Prince of Peace and Good Will."
Then he added: "But, in perhaps every home in the United States, sad and anxious thoughts will be continually with the millions of our loved ones who are suffering hardships and misery, and who are risking their very lives to preserve for us and all mankind the fruits of His teachings and the foundations of civilization itself."
Within months FDR would be dead, and Harry Truman became the president. This Baptist from Missouri had some very powerful Christmas reflections. This is a portion of a Christmas greeting from our 33rd president during the 1949 holiday season – transmitted by radio to the nation from his home in Independence, Missouri: "Since returning home, I have been reading again in our family Bible some of the passages which foretold this night. It was that grand old seer Isaiah who prophesied in the Old Testament the sublime event that found fulfillment almost 2,000 years ago. Just as Isaiah foresaw the coming of Christ, so another battler for the Lord, St. Paul, summed up the law and the prophets in a glorification of love which he exalts even above both faith and hope. … In love alone – the love of God and the love of man – will be found the solution of all the ills which afflict the world today."
He concludes, "In the spirit of the Christ Child – as little children with joy in our hearts and peace in our souls – let us, as a nation, dedicate ourselves anew to the love of our fellowmen."
Jumping ahead to our times, we see Yuletide remarks from the 45th and soon-to-be 47th president. At the White House Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 5, 2019, Donald J. Trump said: "More than 2,000 years ago, a brilliant star shone in the East. Wise men traveled far, far afield. … And they came and they stood with us under the star, where they found the Holy Family in Bethlehem. As the Bible tells us, when the Wise Men 'had come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and fell and worshiped him.'
"Christians give thanks that the Son of God came into the world to save humanity. Jesus Christ inspires us to love one another with hearts full of generosity and grace. … As one grateful nation, we praise the joy of family, the blessings of freedom, and the miracle of Christmas."
It truly is the most wonderful time of the year – from your house, my house, to the White House. Merry Christmas!