As leadership elections approach, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) sees his position solidify.Opposition within the GOP softens, enhancing Mike Johnson’s prospects of continuing as House Speaker, the Washington Examiner reported. Previously facing significant challenges from hard-line conservatives, House Speaker Mike Johnson's leadership role seemed at risk. The main critics, Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY), initially expressed dissatisfaction with Johnson's direction, particularly his handling of the federal budget.
Changing Winds in House Politics
Despite the turmoil, recent developments have seen a shift in perspective among his most vocal critics.
Notably, Greene led a failed coup to dethrone Johnson earlier this year due to disagreements over large spending packages. However, she has recently pivoted, publicly voicing her support for Johnson in his bid to retain the speakership.
"I will be supporting him for speaker, of course," Greene stated during an interview with Politico, signaling a significant turnaround in her stance.
Trump's Endorsement Swings Conservative Support
Another turning point came with the endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump, a figure whose opinion holds considerable weight within the GOP.
Trump's support appears to have influenced other key figures, including Thomas Massie, a prominent member of the House Freedom Caucus.
Massie's relationship with Johnson has seen ups and downs, culminating in a recent reconciliation.
"We've been talking," Massie revealed to The Hill, adding, "We talked last week." These discussions, coupled with Trump's endorsement, have softened Massie's earlier reservations.
Election Dynamics and GOP Unity
In the backdrop of these reconciliations is the GOP's performance in the recent elections. While some members criticized Johnson for not expanding the party's majority, the Republicans did maintain control, a testament to his strategic leadership amidst challenging political climates.
This maintained majority is crucial as Johnson gears up for the leadership election scheduled for January 3. His candidacy received a unanimous nod from his party on November 13, bolstering his campaign to secure almost all Republican votes, a necessity given the slim majority.
Looking Forward to Leadership Elections
As the date draws near, the House leadership landscape appears increasingly favorable for Johnson. The easing of internal tensions and endorsements from high-profile figures such as Trump and now Greene, suggest a consolidated effort to maintain continuity in the House's leadership.
This unity is crucial for Johnson, who needs a strong show of support to navigate the challenges posed by a divided Congress and to implement the legislative agenda effectively. His ability to unify the party's factions will be key to his success or failure in the upcoming vote.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Introduction
For decades, the Iranian regime has been one of the principal sources of instability in the Middle East. Whether through its support for militias in Syria and Iraq, its arming of the Houthis in Yemen, its financing of Hamas, or its full support for Hezbollah in Lebanon, Tehran's foreign policy is built on expanding its regional influence through coercive and violent means.
At the same time, within its own borders, the regime continues to systematically violate human rights, repress democracy, and impose extreme repressive measures on its population.
In the face of this situation, the Iranian Resistance movement presents itself as a democratic alternative and a beacon of hope for a better future, not only for Iran but also for the entire region. This movement does not merely fight for freedom and equality in Iran; it also offers a model to end dictatorship, religious extremism and violence across the Middle East. Today, the international community has both the opportunity and the responsibility to better understand and actively support this movement.
The destabilizing role of the Iranian regime in the Middle East
Despite ceasefire agreements and diplomatic initiatives in the region, the Iranian regime's proxy forces continue to act aggressively. For instance, militias backed by Iran regularly attack Israel and American targets, even following the truce agreement in Lebanon.
Iran also persists in its meddling in Syria. Recently, Abbas Araqchi, Iran's foreign minister, stated that Tehran would be willing to send reinforcements to Syria if requested by Damascus.
If we assume that, however improbable – considering the various forces inalterably opposed to such a solution – the path to lasting peace in the Middle East lies in the creation of two independent states, Israel and Palestine, coexisting peacefully, then the Iranian regime has been one of the most prominent opponents of this vision. Since the early days of the Oslo Accords, Iran has supported acts of terrorism that undermine this goal. For instance, the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and Iran's involvement in Lebanon through Hezbollah have significantly contributed to the country's destabilization.
Historically, the Iranian regime's strategy resembles 19th century imperialist expansionism, aiming to maintain its grip on power by exporting violence beyond its borders. Based on archaic religious dogmas, this regime is entirely at odds with the values of the 21st century. To sustain itself, it relies on a dual strategy: brutal repression within its borders and the creation of crises abroad.
Since its establishment, the regime has carried out acts such as the 1979 hostage-taking at the U.S. Embassy and continues today to use terrorism and hostage-taking as tools of political pressure. Domestically, extreme practices such as amputation, forced blinding and the systematic execution of prisoners are shocking examples of its reliance on medieval methods.
As long as this regime remains in power, peace and coexistence in the Middle East will remain an illusion. Similarly, the concepts of democracy and freedom in Iran have no chance of emerging under its rule.
A practical roadmap to peace
Faced with such an oppressive regime, the natural response of the Iranian people has been to organize a widespread resistance. As the regime's first victims, members of the Iranian Resistance embody a credible alternative rooted in the ideals of freedom, equality and democracy.
The Iranian Resistance is not limited to fighting for freedom in Iran; it also provides a model to end decades of dictatorship, war and violence in a region marked by authoritarianism and appeasement policies.
Here are the key elements of the roadmap proposed by the Iranian Resistance:
1. Expansion of resistance units
Resistance units, consisting of small groups of three or more members, were established in 2015 to coordinate actions against the regime. Today, thousands of these units operate across Iran, deeply rooted in their local communities. This social connection allows them to operate securely while increasing their capacity for expansion.
Their primary mission is to counter the regime's repression by maintaining a climate of defiance and preventing society from succumbing to fear. These units currently carry out an average of 20 anti-repression actions per day, demonstrating their effectiveness.
These groups also play a crucial role in transforming social protests into genuine nationwide uprisings. For example, during the 2019 uprising, these units formed the backbone of the demonstrations, forcing the regime to resort to a bloody crackdown that left over 1,500 people dead.
Contrary to the regime's propaganda, which claims that its fall would lead to civil war or the fragmentation of Iran, the presence and organization of these resistance units ensure the country's territorial integrity while neutralizing repressive forces like the Revolutionary Guards.
2. The central role of women in the Resistance
Maryam Akbari Monfared, imprisoned for more than 15 years, is a symbol of Iranian women's resilience in the face of religious fundamentalism. Women occupy a central role in the Iranian Resistance, particularly by leading many resistance units. Their struggle not only exemplifies their quest for gender equality but also highlights their pivotal role in mobilizing and transforming Iranian society. The 2022 national uprising, marked by strong participation and leadership from women, showcased their power and determination to build a just and equitable society.
3. The historical and organizational experience of the People's Mojahedines Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK)
The People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), with nearly 60 years of resistance against successive dictatorships of the Shah and the mullahs, forms the backbone of the Iranian Resistance.
Many of its members, who have often survived years of torture and imprisonment, are now based at Ashraf 3 camp in Albania. Their organizational expertise and unique experience make them essential to leading this movement.
4. The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI): A democratic alternative
The National Council of Resistance, serving as the political core of the Iranian Resistance, is a unique coalition that brings together diverse factions under a clear guiding principle: neither the Shah nor the mullahs.
With 457 members, over 50% of whom are women, the NCRI demonstrates a commitment to equality and diversity. Its policy of positive discrimination ensures significant representation of women in the political leadership of Iran's future.
The NCRI's 10-point program includes the separation of religion and state, equality among ethnicities and religions, the abolition of the death penalty and a non-nuclear Iran. These universal democratic values form the core of its political vision.
Conclusion
The Iranian Resistance represents a viable and humane alternative to the mullahs' dictatorship. With increased support from the international community, it can not only liberate Iran but also establish peace and stability in a region plagued by decades of violence. Now is the time to stand alongside this movement of hope.
President-elect Donald Trump's post-election pace has been a marvel of swiftness, not just in terms of Cabinet picks, but also with regard to his return to active engagement on the world stage.
Strong evidence of Trump's bold reintegration into the ranks of world leaders came on Saturday during his visit to Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral, with social media users remarking en masse about what many described as his forceful assertion of American dominance after years of liberal control, as Fox News reports.
Warm welcome in Paris
As NPR noted, Trump received a grand welcome from French President Emmanuel Macron that was full of official pomp and admiration.
Upon his arrival at the Elysee Palace, Macron made an intentional display of the close ties between the United States and France, complete with posed photos of handshakes, smiles, and declarations of the “great honor” it was to receive his American counterpart.
“It's a great honor for the French people to welcome you five years later. Welcome back again,” Macron told Trump.
While Macron's words were surely noteworthy, it was a particular handshake between the two men that caught the attention of netizens everywhere.
Trump appeared to take control of the gesture, ensuring that his hand was angled high above Macron's during the exchange of pleasantries, and that move alone sparked a range of reactions from across the Internet.
“We are so back”
An X user named George mused of Trump's physicality with the French leader, “President Trump is back to dominating world leaders with his handshake.”
“Macron is going to need a hand massage after all that twisting and pulling Trump did to him,” he added.
Conservative commentator Drew Hernandez was similarly impressed, noting, “President Trump manhandles French President Emmanuel Macron with one of the most dominating handshakes I've ever seen. We are so back.”
Writer John Lefevre joked, “The Trump-Macron handshake is hilarious. Because it happened twice. And you know Macron was told to prepare and probably practiced and then still got dominated.”
Colin Rugg, another conservative pundit, referenced a previous, awkwardly extended greeting between Trump and Macron that occurred in 2017, saying, “7 years later and the handshake battle continues between Donald Trump and Emmanual Macron.”
Reintegration with global figures
Macron was not the only notable name with whom Trump engaged during his time in Paris, spending roughly 35 minutes in a joint meeting with the French president and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, whose country's conflict with Russia is one Trump has pledged to help end.
As the BBC noted, Trump also sat down with the Prince of Wales, someone he described as a “good man” who has been doing a “fantastic job” in his role, with Buckingham Palace declaring the discussion “warm and friendly,” in what appears to be a good sign for the special relationship between the U.S. and the U.K.
Rep. Adam Schiff will be sworn into the Senate Monday after resigning from his current House seat, Just the News reported. The California Democrat was elected into the upper chamber in November.
Schiff bested his GOP opponent, Steve Garvey, to win the seat left vacant by the late Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein. "I just cast my last vote as a member of the House of Representatives," Schiff captioned a video message he posted to X, formerly Twitter, Friday.
"To my LA constituents — thank you for the amazing opportunity to serve. And to the people of the whole state of CA, I’m so grateful for your confidence and look forward to all we can get done together," Schiff added.
Trump's Enemy
Schiff made a name for himself by going after President-elect Donald Trump during his first term in office. He was a driving force behind the Russia collusion hoax that ultimately fell apart because there was never any truth to it, Fox News reported.
In June 2023, the House passed a 213-209 resolution to censure Schiff for pushing the false narrative that would put Trump under suspicion throughout his 2016 campaign and beyond. Florida GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna said Schiff "launched an all-out political campaign built on baseless distortions against a sitting U.S. president" before the vote.
"With access to sensitive information unavailable to most members of Congress and certainly not accessible to the American people, Schiff abused his privileges, claiming to know the truth while leaving Americans in the dark about his web of lies… lies so severe that they altered the course of the country forever." Schiff was the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee at the time of the investigation.
With his usual flair for the dramatic, Schiff thanked his enemies. "To my Republican colleagues who introduced this resolution, I thank you. You honor me with your enmity, you flatter me with this falsehood," Schiff said.
"You, who are the authors of a big lie about the last election, must condemn the truth tellers. And I stand proudly before you. Your words tell me that I have been effective in the defense of our democracy, and I am grateful," Schiff claimed.
Backpedaling
That surly approach was popular enough with his Democratic constituents to get Schiff elected to the Senate. However, he has since taken a more defiant stance against Trump, The Hill reported.
Trump has promised payback for Schiff's malicious pursuit of him, and Schiff is striking a tougher tone against Trump. "Look, I’m not going to be intimidated by anything he says, by anything he does," Schiff said last month on CNN's State of the Union.
"I’m going to do my responsibility in this Senate. Californians are expecting me, first and foremost, to try to work and get things done," Schiff added.
The California Democrat pledged that "where the President wants to engage in unconstitutional abuses of power, just as he did in the first administration, I will defend our state." Apparently, Schiff will continue sparring with Trump as a political strategy.
Schiff is an opportunistic and unscrupulous politician who made his name by getting on the never-Trump bandwagon. He will continue to be so as long as the people of California keep voting for him.
In a candid discussion, Prince Harry addressed ongoing rumors about his marriage's stability with Meghan Markle.At The New York Times' DealBook Summit, Prince Harry quashed speculation about marital discord and potential divorce from Meghan Markle, reported by the Daily Wire.
During the summit on a recent Wednesday, Prince Harry openly criticized the persistent media speculation concerning his relationship with Meghan Markle. He noted the absurdity of reports suggesting that they have moved or purchased homes between 10 and 12 times and even claimed they divorced as many times.
Royal Couple's Struggles With Media Obsession
"Apparently we’ve bought or moved house 10, 12 times. We’ve apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times as well. So, it’s just like, what?" expressed Prince Harry, highlighting the bizarre nature of the rumors. He emphasized the emotional toll such false narratives could take on individuals, including the anonymous trolls who propagate these stories.
He lamented, "It’s hard to keep up with, but that’s why you just sort of ignore it. The people I feel most sorry about are the trolls. Their hopes are just built and built, and it’s like, ‘Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes,’ and then it doesn’t happen. So I feel sorry for them. Genuinely, I do."
Prince Harry on the Impact of Public Scrutiny
Prince Harry and Meghan have been in the public eye since their marriage in 2018, which was followed by the birth of their two children, Archie Harrison and Lilibet Diana. The couple decided to step back from their roles as working royals in 2020, moving to California due to the overwhelming media intrusion and concerns over their safety.
In a July interview with ITV, Prince Harry detailed the potential dangers posed by such scrutiny. "It’s still dangerous. All it takes is one lone actor, one person who reads this stuff to act on what they have read. Whether it’s a knife or acid, whatever it is…these are things that are of genuine concern for me," he explained.
Challenges in Safeguarding the Family's Heritage
The removal of their automatic right to taxpayer-funded UK police protection has been a significant issue, as affirmed by a decision upheld by the London High Court earlier this year, which Harry plans to appeal. This lack of security compounds the hazards they face, particularly when considering visits to the UK.
Highlighting the importance of his children’s connection to their UK heritage, Prince Harry expressed, "The UK is my home. The UK is central to the heritage of my children and a place I want them to feel at home as much as where they live at the moment in the United States."
He continues, "That cannot happen if there is no possibility to keep them safe when they are on UK soil. I can’t put my wife in danger like that, and given my experiences in life, I’m reluctant to unnecessarily put myself in harm’s way too."
Future Plans and Public Appearances
Prince Harry's appearance at the summit was not only a platform to refute false reports but also an opportunity to discuss the broader implications of media behavior on public figures. His statements made it clear that the decision to live independently was heavily influenced by the ongoing media behavior and their commitment to their family’s well-being.
The Duke of Sussex has become an increasingly vocal critic of media practices, calling for more responsible reporting and respect for the personal lives of public figures, especially in the age of digital media.
As the couple continues to navigate their public life away from the royal spotlight, their commitment to creating a safe and stable environment for their family remains evident. With legal actions underway and a focus on their children's future, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are forging a new path that respects their need for privacy and safety.
While nothing can be done to undo Joe Biden's corrupt blanket pardon of his son Hunter, the president is paying a steep price in the court of public opinion.
62% of registered voters oppose the pardon, including 41% who "strongly" disapprove, according to a poll from the Napolitan News Service. Just 30% agreed with Biden's move, the Washington Examiner reported.
The lame-duck Biden was already leaving office as an unpopular, failed president before he abused his authority to protect his family on his way out the door.
Biden pardon rejected
Hunter Biden was facing sentencing for federal tax and gun crimes when he received a lucky break from his father last weekend.
The sweeping, 11-year pardon covers any federal crimes Hunter Biden committed or "may have committed" starting in January 2014 - the same year Hunter joined the board of notorious Ukrainian company Burisma Holdings while his father was vice president.
Before pardoning his son, Biden had repeatedly said he would let the justice system prevail. His decision to break that pledge to serve his private interests has fueled backlash and anger, including from some in his own party who say he is indirectly helping President-elect Trump.
While announcing the pardon, Biden claimed that his son was the target of political pressure, echoing Trump's rhetoric about justice being weaponized against him.
"From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted," Biden said.
Sympathy for Trump
Despite Biden's claims that his son was treated unfairly, 54% of voters disagree, the poll found.
On the other hand, respondents were more likely to sympathize with Trump: 46% agreed that the Justice Department targeted him unfairly, more than the 42% who disagreed.
While Biden's defenders try to justify his pardon as the act of a loving father, it is clear that his decision has done grave damage to his already tarnished public image.
Indeed, pollster Scott Rasmussen said even Democrats are re-evaluating his legacy as the party reckons with Trump's 2024 comeback, which some Democrats have blamed on Biden's decision to seek re-election.
“In this hyper-partisan world, it’s stunning that only 52% of Democrats support the president’s pardon," Rasmussen said.
"This is just the beginning of partisan re-evaluation. I suspect the anger at Biden among Democrats is ready to bubble over. Over time, the party will come to believe that the only reason they lost in 2024 is because Biden selfishly tried to run for re-election,” Rasmussen continued.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Adam Schiff, one of the most devoted adherents to the false narrative created by Democrats two elections ago that then-candidate Donald Trump was colluding with Russia, and then a devotee of ex-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's failed agendas to impeach and remove him, is quitting his House seat.
He'll be taking up a role in the U.S. Senate after November's election,.
The Washington Examiner said Schiff is to be sworn into the Senate next week.
The report said Schiff ends a 24-year tenure in the House "with a reputation as a chief antagonist to President-elect Donald Trump, leading the first House impeachment involving withholding aid to Ukraine in return for investigations of Hunter Biden."
Because he "misused intelligence for political purposes," according to then-Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Schiff was stripped of his position on the intelligence committee.
"In June 2023, Republicans voted to censure Schiff, and McCarthy delivered a public reprimand that said Schiff misled the public during congressional investigations into the Trump campaign's ties to Russia. Trump this year referred to Schiff as 'an enemy from within,' fueling speculation that President Joe Biden should issue preemptive pardons for Schiff and others to shield them from Trump's possible legal retribution," the report explained.
Schiff beat Reps. Katie Porter, D-Calif., and Barbara Lee, D-Calif., in a primary and then won the election to replace the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein.
Because the position was open, Schiff is being installed before the rest of the newly elected senators, meaning he will have "seniority" over others who will be installed in January.
A few weeks ago, columnist Rachel Alexander in a commentary at WND said, "It is no secret that far-left California Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff uses sleazy tactics to go after his political opponents. While most members of Congress usually skate on ethics charges or receive light penalties, once in a great while their behavior is so overtly criminal that they end up prosecuted. Although Democrats are far more likely to use lawfare against Republicans than vice versa, when the behavior is so criminal, even Democrats – such as New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez who is being prosecuted for bribery – can't escape justice.
She continued, "Schiff is getting dangerously close to this stage. When he became chair of the House Intelligence Committee in 2019, he made it a personal mission to investigate Donald Trump's supposed connections to Russia, completely separate from and in addition to Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation.
"When Mueller concluded there was no collusion between Trump and Russia, Schiff dismissively blew off the exoneration, hinting that he would continue his own investigation. '[T]here may be, for example, evidence of collusion or conspiracy that is clear and convincing, but not proof beyond a reasonable doubt,' he said during an interview in February 2019."
Schiff's agenda has triggered complaints to the Office of Congressional Ethics, and the full House noted he "misled the public by reading a false retelling of a phone call between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky."
The column also noted Schiff "paid the daughter of the judge handling New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg's prosecution of Trump $4 million to push the Russia collusion hoax. Loren Merchan's hatred of Trump is so extreme that she used a photo of Trump behind bars as her profile picture on X. She runs a digital marketing agency that works with Democrats and progressive groups.
And he hasn't changed, the commentary said.
"While running for the U.S. Senate, Schiff has brazenly engaged in sleazy tactics. He spent $10 million promoting his Republican opponent during the primary. Since California uses 'top 2' voting, which means the top two vote getters in the primary move on to the general, he wanted to ensure that Republican Steve Garvey ended up with the second-most votes instead of his two Democratic challengers. On the campaign trail, Schiff brags about his political persecution of Trump as a campaign platform."
Previously, Schiff admitted he feared that a Trump administration might prosecute him.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
A constitutional expert is issuing a warning about this being the season for a "smash-mouth Santa" after a coalition of leftists launched a promotion of merchandise that celebrates Antifa.
That's the far left ideology that is personified in militant rioters who, following the death of George Floyd, inflicted billions of dollars in damages on America cities from coast to coast, for a political cause.
It is law professor, legal commentator and constitutional expert Jonathan Turley who cited the sales gimmick, and said right now, with tensions following the 2024 presidential election, it "is not the time to go full naughty list to celebrate a group that regularly beats reporters and others with opposing viewpoints. While this may appeal to your own special smash-mouth Santa, tis the season for political violence."
Antifa is characterized as left-wing and anti-fascist and anti-racist, although some of its agenda points would inflict more racism in order to address the racism it sees.
It has no control center, as it involves a multitude of decentralized groups that use incivility and violence to achieve their aims.
Doxing, harassment and property damage often are associated with the "left-wing ideologies" as they are described online, and their "anti-authoritarian, anti-capitalist, and anti-state views."
Fox News earlier documented the products, including an "ANTIFA Baby Onesie" being offered by an organization of former staffers for Barack Obama.
Fox reported, "The items can be bought via a digital merchandise store run by Crooked Media, which was co-founded in 2017 by former Obama staffers Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett and Tommy Vietor. Oftentimes referred to as the 'Obama bros,' the three communications professionals co-host 'Pod Save America,' one of the most listened-to political podcasts in the nation, per Apple Podcasts U.S. rankings."
The report noted the violence associated with the political agenda: "'ANTIFA' is a common term used to refer to far-left 'anti-fascists' who were at the forefront of the George Floyd protests during the summer of 2020. Many of those protests devolved into violent riots, even resulting in the deaths of dozens of people and billions of dollars in property damage because of the unrest. Following that summer, ANTIFA continued to deploy violent tactics."
Turley said, "It appears no liberal Christmas is complete without the ultimate stocking stuffer: an actual stocking to wear over your face while rioting. While not yet selling face coverings for anonymous violence, Crooked Media … is selling a line of Antifa items for liberals wanting to make a statement against any 'Peace on Earth.'"
He explained, "There is no apparent backlash for their support of one of the most violent groups in the world, which routinely attacks journalists and anyone who holds opposing views. Imagine the media response if a conservative site started selling 'Proud Boy' items."
He explained, "As discussed in my new book, 'The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage,' I explore the history of Antifa as a movement that began in Germany:"
That is: "Antifa originated with European anarchist and Marxist groups from the 1920s, particularly Antifaschistische Aktion, a Communist group from the Weimar Republic before World War II. Its name resulted from the shortening of the German word antifaschistisch. In the United States, the modern movement emerged through the Anti- Racist Action (ARA) groups, which were dominated by anarchists and Marxists. It has an association with the anarchist organization Love and Rage, which was founded by former Trotsky and Marxist followers as well as offshoots like Mexico's Amor Y Rabia. The oldest U.S. group is likely the Rose City Antifa (RCA) in Portland, Oregon, which would become the center of violent riots during the Trump years. The anarchist roots of the group give it the same organizational profile as such groups in the early twentieth century with uncertain leadership and undefined structures."
He noted the movement has threats built in.
"Former Democratic National Committee deputy chair Keith Ellison, now the Minnesota attorney general, once said Antifa would 'strike fear in the heart' of Trump. This was after Antifa had been involved in numerous acts of violence, and its website was banned in Germany. Ellison's son, Minneapolis City Council member Jeremiah Ellison, declared his allegiance to Antifa in the heat of the protests this summer. During a prior hearing, Democratic senators refused to clearly denounce Antifa and falsely suggested that the far right was the primary cause of recent violence. Likewise, Joe Biden has dismissed objections to Antifa as just 'an idea.'"
Liberals, this season, "can bring a small part of that political violence into their homes for the holiday to pledge that there will be no peace or silent nights so long as opposing views are heard," he warned.
President-elect Donald Trump doubled down on supporting Pete Hegseth as his nominee for defense secretary, Breitbart reported. Trump has stood by Hegseth despite the onslaught of attacks from the left lobbed at the former Fox News host to create controversy.
On Friday, Trump took to his Truth Social to reaffirm his support for Hegseth, which is a victory for conservatives. "Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe," Trump wrote.
"He was a great student - Princeton/Harvard educated - with a Military state of mind. He will be a fantastic, high-energy Secretary of Defense Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!" Trump said.
Trump's Reasons
In an earlier social media post, Trump shared New York Post op-ed by Miranda Devine titled "Dems’ attacks on the intelligent, articulate and patriotic Pete Hegseth show why they lost – a salute to Trump’s defense secretary pick." The article seemed to sum up his reasons for the pick.
"The elitist attacks on Donald Trump’s defense secretary pick, Pete Hegseth, show exactly why Democrats lost the election in a landslide," Devine began. She noted his many attributes, including that Hegseth is "a graduate of Princeton and Harvard, a combat veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, with two Bronze Stars," Devine recounted.
She also believes the 44-year-old "is an inspired choice to lead the Pentagon and rid it of the woke poison that has sent recruitment levels down the toilet," a necessary task after the mess of President Joe Biden's administration. Devine noted that military morale suffered because of "the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan" and "the exhibitionistic sexual fetishism" that infiltrated Biden's military.
"He’s a lot better qualified to run the Defense Department than Kamala Harris ever was to be commander-in-chief," Devine noted of Hegseth. She believes most objections come from elitism rather than a real concern about Hegseth's qualifications.
"It’s the same snobbery and elitism that cost Dems the election — not just the Electoral College, the House and the Senate, but the popular vote. The times they are a-changing. Trump has the mandate for change, and he is making the most of it," Devine concluded.
Anonymous Claims
A woman wishing to remain anonymous alleged that Hegseth had raped her in 2017, NBC News reported. The district attorney never pressed charges, noting that there wasn't enough evidence.
Hegseth settled with her despite his claims that their encounter was consensual. Democrats have tried to turn this into a disqualifying event, but they've tried it one too many times.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said Wednesday that he was "not going to make any decisions based on an anonymous source," NBC News reported. Graham likened it to Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing, where Christine Blasey Ford made vague accusations that were completely unsubstantiated.
Hegseth's accuser hasn't even come forward to the public with this issue in the news, ang Graham believes that could be an indication that it might not be true. "I’ve seen this movie before," Graham said.
Trump has made his pick because Hegseth is well-qualified for the job. Even as the left attacks him, Trump remains loyal to his original pick and will likely see him through to his confirmation if Republicans don't cave, and that's a win for his supporters.
During a summit with African leaders in Angola, President Joe Biden was seen resting his eyes in a moment caught on video that has attracted widespread attention.
Footage of President Biden seeming to nod off as Tanzania's Vice President Philip Mpango delivered a speech sparked debate across social media platforms, as critics quickly commented on the incident.
Biden’s First Visit to African Soil as President
The event took place in Lobito, Angola, during President Biden's first visit to the continent since taking office. While Vice President Mpango was speaking, the 82-year-old president appeared to close his eyes and rest his head, prompting speculation about whether he had fallen asleep.
Despite his brief moment of rest, Biden had been attentive before and after the incident. He engaged with the summit’s agenda, making remarks prior to and following the interval when he was seen with his eyes closed for over a minute.
The White House offered no immediate comment on the moment, fueling discussions online about the president's alertness during the meeting.
Critical Reactions on Social Media
Observers on the internet were quick to weigh in, with social media platform X serving as a primary hub for commentary. Prominent figures, including Clay Travis, Jake Schneider, and Ross Kaminsky, shared their views on the situation.
Clay Travis expressed disbelief, questioning the wisdom behind having an 82-year-old on a three-day visit to Africa, calling the decision “dumb.”
In a separate remark, Jake Schneider questioned the state of the country's leadership by asking, "Who's running the country?"
Key Announcements Amidst Controversy
Amidst the furor over the video, Biden took the opportunity to announce a substantial humanitarian aid package. He declared a commitment of $1 billion to help those affected by droughts and food scarcity in Africa.
The president emphasized the United States' role as the leading provider of aid and affirmed intentions to increase support, aligning with the responsibilities of a globally wealthy nation.
The summit, therefore, served not just as a setting for the light-hearted criticisms but also as a platform for addressing significant, ongoing humanitarian issues.
Simultaneous National Challenges in the U.S.
Back in the U.S., North Carolina residents were grappling with the consequences of Hurricane Helene. The hurricane had wreaked havoc, necessitating a request from the White House for an additional $98 billion in disaster relief.
This request was intended to assist areas heavily afflicted by the storm, highlighting the dual challenges of international diplomacy and domestic crisis management the administration is facing.
Biden's moment at the summit, though drawing criticism, occurred against the backdrop of these pressing domestic issues, underscoring the complexities in his administration's current agenda.
Implications of the African Summit Video
The visual of Biden resting his eyes comes at a time when the administration seeks to bolster ties with African nations, aiming for stronger diplomatic and economic engagement.
The summit was not only a significant event for international relations but also an opportunity for Biden to reinforce America’s commitment to addressing global challenges.
Despite the focus on the video, the summit’s outcomes and policies discussed remain a crucial aspect of the ongoing efforts to connect more deeply with African leaders and their constituencies.
Reflections on Diplomatic Engagements
While the incident with Biden's eyes raised eyebrows, the overarching goals of the summit were clear. The president’s commitments to aid and development were pivotal in shaping the narrative of the summit.
The visit also allowed Biden to reiterate his administration’s foreign policy priorities, emphasizing investment over mere aid to meet the aspirations of African nations.
For observers, the event served as a reminder of the demanding schedule faced by world leaders, particularly during extensive trips that cover multiple critical issues across different regions.
