House Speaker Mike Johnson has removed House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner from his position overseeing the FBI and CIA, the UK Daily Mail reported. President-elect Donald Trump supposedly had no part in the drastic decision as critics believe otherwise.
The Ohio Republican, who has been chairman since January 2023, has been accused by some Trump allies of having a cozy relationship with the agencies. This is problematic as Trump has promised to "drain the swamp" again, especially in the FBI and CIA.
Notably, Trump believes it was the intelligence community that was part of the "Deep State" effort to keep him from becoming president again. He has gone with other picks, such as Kash Patel for FBI head and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to be National Intelligence Director, who are not insiders.
"Trump personally got involved and believes that Turner is basically an intel community sycophant," an anonymous source told the publication. Turner is not only out as chairman, he's completely off the committee.
According to The Hill, Johnson, who has complete discretion over the chairman position, has selected Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AK) to take Turner's place. Johnson denied that Trump had anything to do with the choice and shared his reasons in a statement to the publication.
“Our intelligence community and its oversight must maintain the highest levels of trust. The House Intel Committee will play a pivotal role in this work in the new Congress, and Rick Crawford will provide principled leadership as its chairman," Johnson wrote.
"He has earned the respect of his colleagues through his years of faithful service on the committee and his steady approach to the challenges facing our country," the House Speaker added. Johnson also gave due credit to Turner.
"He led the committee well during a very challenging period of our nation’s history and was fully dedicated to the task. He is a highly valued member of our Conference, and we look forward to his continued contributions to keeping America safe and expanding our global security, including in his important position as the Chair of the U.S. Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly," Johnson added.
For his part, Crawford has promised to "aggressively uphold our mandate to provide credible and robust oversight of the Intelligence Community’s funding and activities." Many in the "America First" crowd are hoping he can rein in the intelligence agencies' overreach.
Trump is right to be wary of the FBI, considering that they launched a years-long investigation and spied on his campaign based on the fake Steele dossier, according to the New York Post. Even after the probe proved bogus, they didn't leave him alone.
In August 2022, the FBI raided his Mar-a-Lago residence for classified documents he allegedly mishandled. Trump was rightfully outraged over the unprecedented move and railed against the FBI in an email from his Save America political action committee.
"These are dark times for our Nation, as my beautiful home, Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, was raided, and occupied by a large group of FBI agents," Trump said. He pointed out that they had been after him since he announced his presidential run in 2015 and throughout his presidency.
"I stood up to the Radical Left’s corruption. I restored power to the people and truly delivered for our Country like we have never seen before. The establishment hated it," Trump added.
Now is definitely the time to clean house with a clear mandate from the people. Trump has four years to clean up the Washington, D.C., bureaucracy, and it looks like Johnson is helping move that objective along.
The deputy mayor of Los Angeles has found himself at the center of tense legal scrutiny amid one of the city's most challenging times. Brian Williams was placed on administrative leave following an FBI investigation into an alleged threat he made against City Hall.
Williams, who has been an influential figure since his appointment by Mayor Karen Bass, is taking time off after an FBI search of his home connected to the alleged September incident. Initially, the Los Angeles Police Department conducted the investigation and identified Williams as "likely" responsible for the threat. Due to Williams' ties to the LAPD, the matter was then escalated to the FBI for further examination.
Williams, appointed in February 2023, is responsible for overseeing critical aspects of public safety within the city. His portfolio includes the operations of both the Los Angeles Police and Fire departments. As of now, however, Williams has neither been arrested nor charged. Through his attorney, Williams continues to assert his innocence, stating his intention to "vigorously" challenge the charges.
Mayor Bass has been vocal about her dedication to ensuring the security of Los Angeles residents. Following the raid, she reiterated that her foremost responsibility is to protect the community and hold individuals who engage in crime accountable. The ongoing investigation into the deputy mayor has not deterred her from issuing similar statements amidst the city's battle with relentless wildfires.
The city has been struggling with ferocious wildfires since January 7, which have wreaked havoc on the landscape, fueled by the notorious Santa Ana winds. The blazes have resulted in at least 25 fatalities and the destruction of more than 12,000 structures, leaving behind a path of desolation and tragedy.
Two major fires, the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, have been particularly destructive. Cal Fire has been diligently working on containment efforts, reporting progress with the Palisades Fire at 19% containment and the Eaton Fire at 45% as of January 15. The Palisades Fire has been linked to eight fatalities, while the Eaton Fire has claimed the lives of 17 individuals.
The causes of these fires remain under investigation as authorities continue to unravel the circumstances surrounding their ignition. Amidst the devastation, AccuWeather has projected that the financial damage and economic repercussions could range from $250 billion to $275 billion.
Mayor Bass has assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to shield Angelenos from harm, both from potential criminal threats and the current wildfire disaster. When asked by a CBS News reporter about the possibility of broader closures to enhance safety, Bass acknowledged the situation's gravity. She affirmed the city's commitment to enacting additional restrictions should they be deemed necessary to protect lives.
The widespread wildfires serve as a grim backdrop to the ongoing inquiry into the bomb threat allegations involving Deputy Mayor Williams. The convergence of these two crises underscores the tense atmosphere enveloping Los Angeles and its leadership.
As the deputy mayor remains on administrative leave, the city is left grappling with the simultaneous challenges of maintaining public trust and addressing life-threatening emergencies. Williams' case continues to progress through the judicial system as the authorities meticulously evaluate the details surrounding the September threat.
Mayor Karen Bass stands firm, advocating for justice and transparency throughout this multifaceted ordeal. Her remarks underline the necessity for diligent preventative measures to curtail potential offenses and minimize harm during these turbulent times.
The ongoing legal and environmental challenges have placed Los Angeles and its administration in a precarious situation, testing leadership and community resilience. The outcomes of these investigations and firefighting efforts are crucial in determining how effectively the city can overcome the difficulties it faces.
As residents navigate these turbulent times, the focus remains on ensuring public welfare and restoring stability to impacted communities. The resolve of Los Angeles' leadership and citizens will be key factors in addressing the adversities presented by both the alleged criminal activity and rampant wildfires.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Political differences, once again, have descended to physical blows as an "anti-Trump" Georgia House speaker banned a Trump-supporting senator from the House floor during a state of the state event, and he tried to enter anyway.
He was slammed to the floor by police and arrested.
Colton Moore, a Georgia state senator, had been banned from the House floor when he commented on the career, negatively, of the late House Speaker David Ralston.
He also had been dropped from the Senate Republican Caucus over his demands for a special legislative session to investigate Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who hired her paramour at the cost of $600,000 in tax money to create a failed organized crime case against President-elect Donald Trump.
She's still trying to move forward on that case, even though she and her paramour both have been thrown of the case by higher courts for the appearance of impropriety.
Social media video and explanations document how Moore "just got handcuffed & arrested by the RINO House Speaker after he tried to attend the State of the State session to do his job."
The report said, "Moore tried to enter the Chamber and got physically blocked from entering. They stationed cops and guards outside the door, and when he tried to get in, they wrestled him to the ground (LITERAL ASSAULT). Moore got suspended from the GOP Caucus last year after he called for the impeachment of Fani Willis. The State establishment led by Brian Kemp decided to put a target on his back because his advocacy to impeach Willis embarrassed them on a national stage. What just happened is super unconstitutional, and people need to get locked up."
Fox reported he was trying to attend the state address from Gov. Brian Kemp.
Moore had told an officer "This is a joint session of the General Assembly. Your House rules do not apply. I'm going into the chamber."
Moore then was pushed to the ground and surrounded by state patrol officers.
Moore's comments about Ralston came when there was a plan to name a building at a university in his memory. Moore's opinion of Ralston? "One of the most corrupt Georgia leaders that we are ever going to see in my lifetime."
Then-House Speaker Jon Burn claimed Moore was saying "some of the vilest that you can make about a good man" and ordered him banned from the House floor.
Moore's response was, "I will NEVER back down. I will ALWAYS speak the truth and represent the people of Northwest Georgia as their trusted America First Senator."
Georgia Republican chairman Josh McKoon said the arrest was "deeply" disappointing and he was "shocked" Moore was taken into custody.
"It was not only legally appropriate to admit him to today's proceedings — it was simply the right thing to do," McKoon said. "Our focus should be on the excellent agenda being outlined by Governor Kemp today to continue to make Georgia the best place in the country to live, work, and raise a family — not internal conflicts."
South Korean police have arrested conservative president Yoon Suk Yeol, plunging the country deeper into a political crisis weeks after Yoon attempted to declare martial law.
Hundreds of police officers converged on Yoon's compound, where he has holed up for weeks as protesters on both sides of South Korea's deep political divide gathered outside.
Yoon's arrest, the first of a South Korean president, has opened up a new and unpredictable chapter in the country's political history.
The country's anti-corruption agency accuses Yoon of attempting a coup against South Korea's democracy with his short-lived martial law declaration in December. Yoon say the arrest is illegitimate, not enforceable and an attack on the rule of law.
Yoon was brought to the Soul Detention Center after 10 hours of questioning at the office of the anti-corruption agency, where hundreds of his supporters gathered in solidarity.
In a defiant video released shortly before his arrest, Yoon said he does not recognize the legitimacy of the process, but he would comply to keep the peace.
“I am truly appalled to see illegalities upon illegalities upon illegalities being carried out and procedures being forcefully conducted under an invalid warrant,” Yoon said in the video.
“I do not acknowledge the investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials. As the president, who is responsible for upholding the constitution and legal system of the Republic of Korea, my decision to comply with such illegal and invalid procedures is not an acknowledgment of them, but rather a willingness to prevent unfortunate and bloody incidents."
Yoon's conservative People Power Party condemned the arrest as a sham, while the liberal opposition Democratic Party called it a "first step toward restoring constitutional order, democracy, and realizing the rule of law.”
Yoon's December 3 martial law proclamation was quickly and unanimously overturned by South Korea's parliament, which later voted to impeach Yoon for an attempted insurrection. Yoon has said his declaration was justified by the threat of "anti-state" actors with North Korean sympathies in the opposition party, who have a majority.
A previous attempt by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) to detain Yoon on January 3 failed after an hours-long standoff at his compound.
The second attempt was successful Wednesday as some 1,000 agents made a dramatic show of force - using wire cutters and ladders to break through barricades.
Investigators have 48 hours to hold Yoon before they need to request another warrant, but he could be detained indefinitely if prosecutors indict him for treason.
The December 14 impeachment suspended his presidential authority, but he won't be removed from office unless the Constitutional Court says so. South Korea is currently being led by Acting President Choi Sang-mok.
Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) says former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is on a "quest for freedom" and "understands that the Constitution, first and foremost, applies to American citizens," Breitbart reported. President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Gabbard to be his Director of National Intelligence, much to the chagrin of Democrats.
Van Orden was on Breitbart News Daily on Monday and gushed about Gabbard's qualifications. He said Gabbard is "an American patriot" and "is an incredibly level-headed, smart thinking person that listens to problem sets and then tries to come up with a great solution."
"And what she has that other people don’t have in our intelligence agencies, as of late — she has a quest for freedom, and she understands that the Constitution, first and foremost, applies to American citizens," he added. Van Orden noted that Gabbard will "make sure that Americans constitutional rights are adhered to" as part of Trump's Cabinet.
"I really have to commend President Trump again, a slate of absolute winners here that are going to do great things for the United States," Van Orden said of his picks. He noted that Gabbard is qualified as a "military officer that’s done multiple deployments."
Democrats are attempting to block Gabbard's confirmation by calling her "traitorous" for her hesitancy to jump into war. Van Orden responded to these critics when Slater asked whether he could "trust her" given her record.
"Of course I do. And listen, people said that crap, and then immediately following that, they published a picture of Nancy Pelosi sitting six feet away from Assad," Van Orden said of the former House Speaker and former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.
"So knock that off," he added. Van Orden said that one of the reasons he was voted into Congress was "to try to figure out why these people that are sentient beings can come up with these crazy ideas" about Republicans and overcome them.
“There’s a lot of very, very intelligent people here on the left, they just aren’t smart, you know what I mean? So my constituents have sent me here to sit down and talk to them and try to find common ground with my fellow Americans that I disagree with. And they come up with policy solutions, right?" Van Orden pointed out.
"So if you are in a position of authority, and especially when you’re talking about intelligence things, or, you know, Tulsi was a member of Congress. If you’re not getting outside of your comfort zone and talking to people that you don’t really want to, but you’re doing it for the purpose of making America better again, by understanding the thought process of our adversaries, you’re not doing your job," he added.
Van Orden pointed out that the same people who object to Gabbard speaking with America's adversaries are the same ones who perpetrated the "worst coverup in the history of the United States of America, and that was the absolute mental decline of President Joe Biden." It was clear that Biden had slipped in his cognitive abilities, but Democrats kept up the ruse until it was undeniable.
"They all knew. They all knew that Joe Biden couldn’t tie shoes for all intents and purposes, and they covered that up so that the 25-year-old staffers and them could run the country," Van Orden charged.
"That’s a travesty," he added. "So anybody that’s been saying this garbage about Tulsi and Pete [Hegseth] and everybody else, they need to look in the mirror and realize they have no business in a position of power because they intentionally covered up the fact that the President of the United States — who allegedly had keys to the nuclear arsenal — didn’t tie his own shoes for years," Van Orden said.
"So they have lost all credibility, and they should be ignored, and they should be voted out of office resoundingly," the Wisconsin Republican concluded. Instead, they're trying to block Trump's nominee.
Gabbard is a solid pick with the experience necessary to do the job well. The warmongers in the Washington, D.C. swamp and obstinate Democrats are trying to keep her out of Trump's Cabinet for precisely that reason.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Hollywood actor James Woods, whose Pacific Palisades home was miraculously spared by the fires ravaging Los Angeles, is now calling for criminal indictments for officials responsible for the lack of water to fight the deadly infernos.
"This is not simply negligence. This is criminal negligence," Woods said on X.
"The DEI vermin responsible for this travesty must be indicted for a catastrophic failure of unimaginable magnitude."
Woods attached a video of Austyn Jeffs of the Free Press who was documenting the scandal of the Santa Ynez Reservoir, which should hold 117 million gallons of water, being dry as the fires broke out last week.
"So how long has this reservoir been empty for?" Jeffs asked out loud. "Since February of last year."
"There was no communication from the Department of Water and Power to LAFD that there was a water supply issue. The firefighters, when they started fighting the fires, no one informed them that the reservoir was empty."
Woods is not the only high-profile voice chiming in about the problems in the Los Angeles government.
Author and journalist Maria Shriver, the ex-wife of Hollywood superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger, said on X: "LA cannot go forward with the status quo. LA is no longer what it was. It has to be different. It has to prioritize the safety of its citizens, police, fire, and schools. LA residents deserve better.
"Chief Crowley is saying LA cannot sustain itself. It needs more help. Chief Crowley says she rang the bell. The mayoral race presented a clear choice last time around. Moving forward, LA residents have to decide what's important and what's not.
"Right now what's important is getting this fire under control, getting firefighters the support they need, getting our neighbors the support they need. Once that happens it's time to rethink what is and imagine what can be."
Shriver attached a video of Los Angeles Fire Chief and LGBT activist Kristin Crowley who criticized Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for cutting the department's budget by $17 million.
"Let me be clear. The $17 million budget cut and elimination of our civilian positions like our mechanics did and has and will continue to severely impact our ability to repair our apparatus," Crowley told CNN's Jake Tapper.
"Over the last three years, we have been clear that the fire department needs help. We can no longer sustain where we are."
"I have also requested multiple interim budgets … to show how understaffed, under-resourced, and underfunded the LAFD is."
Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., said Friday: "I am calling for an independent investigation into the loss of water pressure to local fire hydrants and the reported unavailability of water supplies from the Santa Ynez Reservoir.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Two teen girls in Louisiana have been charged with a felony for trying to "frame a male high school teacher for sending inappropriate messages to a student."
Details about the case have been released by Craig Webre, the sheriff for Lafourche Parish.
On Jan. 6, 2025, each girl was charged with one count of false swearing for the purpose of violating public health or safety, a felony, cyberstalking, and online impersonation, the law enforcement report said.
They were placed on electronic monitoring and released to the custody of their parents.
Webre said, "Our juvenile detectives are diligent and take claims of inappropriate behavior very seriously. They are, however, equally serious about false claims. Someone's life can be instantly ruined by a false allegation, and I am proud that our investigators were able to get to the bottom of this.
"Technology has made it very easy for people to try to manipulate the truth, but technology also makes it easy for investigators to ultimately find the truth," he said.
Local school Supt. Jarod Martin said, "We are shocked and appalled to learn of the actions of two of our students. The allegations against one of our teachers were false and malicious, and we appreciate the efficiency of investigators in uncovering the source of these messages.
"Such attacks on a teacher's credibility and reputation are concerning and can inhibit their ability to effectively educate our children. We are committed to investigating all allegations of misconduct in order to provide a safe environment conducive to learning and working for all of our students and staff."
The investigation into the case was opened only a week before Christmas when there was a report from "a concerned party" that a teacher was "sending inappropriate messages to a 16-year-old female student."
The sheriff explained, "Detectives learned she and a 15-year-old friend were allegedly engaged in conversations involving inappropriate messages from the teacher via an online instant messaging platform."
The investigation included interviews with those involved, search warrants being issued for the contents of phones and various messaging accounts, and more.
"The investigation revealed that the two teenage girls had fabricated messages, created fake accounts, and shared screenshots with friends in an effort to frame the teacher for sending inappropriate messages," the sheriff's office said.
Politics aside, the late President Jimmy Carter was honored by current and former presidents, members of Congress and even the United States Secret Service.
According to USAToday, Carter was honored in a statement by the Secret Service. The agency, which has a special nickname for every president it is assigned to protect, referred to Carter as "Deacon."
Carter holds a special record with the government protection agency, claiming the title of having the longest-serving Secret Service protection detail which lasted nearly 50 years.
The late president was first assigned a Secret Service detail on Oct. 8, 1975. With 24-7 coverage, Carter received a total of 49 years and two months.
Secret Service Communications Director Anthony Guglielmi released a statement on Carter's death on behalf of the agency and its decades of protective service for him.
"President Carter had a lasting impression on everyone at the Secret Service,” said Guglielmi, adding that members of his personal detail were especially "inspired by his public service, compassion and incredible dedication to humanity."
USAToday added:
Agents had remained with the late president during the days of the state funeral ceremonies in Washington and accompanied his casket to its final resting place late Thursday evening on the grounds of the Carter home in Plains, Georgia.
The agency's sworn duty to protect Carter officially ended on Friday, which was the day after his funeral held at the National Cathedral.
Our deepest condolences go out to the Carter family. First Lady Rosalynn Carter dedicated her life to helping others with compassion and grace, and was a model for us all. pic.twitter.com/t96sKscfxR
— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) November 19, 2023
"The USSS detail for President Carter has concluded its service after completing the evening return to Plains, Georgia and the 39th president's internment," the agency added.
Carter's wife Rosalynn was also protected by the Secret Service, and was given the code name "Dancer."
The outlet noted:
Carter's wife Rosalynn was assigned her own detail in the fall stretch of the 1976 White House campaign and weeks after the Democratic National Convention that September. She was code-named Dancer in keeping with the alliteration traditionally used by the Secret Service.
Years later, the Secret Service combined their protective details and protected the Carters as one unit, as is protocol.
USAToday added, "Their daughter Amy was code-named Dynamo, and sons Chip, Jack and Jeff were Diamond, Derby and Deckhand respectively."
President-elect Donald Trump often isn't given enough credit for the acts of kindness he performs behind the scenes.
According to Breitbart, two of the men who took bullets during the first assassination attempt on President Trump's life will be in attendance at his inauguration next week, thanks to an invite from the president himself.
Joseph Feldman, 57-year-old David Dutch and 74-year-old James Copenhaver, in a statement through their attorney, confirmed that they will attend Trump's inauguration.
The two shooting victims said they were "honored" to be invited to the special event that will see Trump take the White House for a second time.
The two men were elated at the invite to the event, and Trump was obviously happy to extend the invite, as the men all share a scary, rare bond after what happened on the day they were shot.
"James and David are very appreciative of President Trump and his team for inviting them to attend the Inauguration weekend," Dutch and Copenhaver said in a statement through their attorney, Joseph Feldman.
"They are honored to take part in the festivities alongside the incoming administration and other guests. President Trump has treated both of our clients as though they are family."
Trump's communication with the men and their families was also praised by Feldman, who was speaking for the two men.
The attorney wrote that Trump "and his team have been nothing short of spectacular in maintaining an open line of communication with the families and have expressed great interest in James and David’s long road to recovery."
The two men also had a chance to shake Trump's hand after the president-elect won the election in November.
The attorney and the men also paid tribute to a third person who was shot and unfortunately didn't make it.
His name was Corey Comperatore, a father of two and a former fire chief.
"Our clients would like to remember that while they and President Trump will have the great honor of being together at the Inauguration, there is one individual who will not be joining them, and they wish to once again send their prayers and condolences to the Comperatore family."
Hopefully, the men will enjoy the day as the president enters the White House and begins the task of saving America.
Many in the liberal media and the Democratic wing of Congress have been super quick to blame "extreme climate change" for the raging, historic fires that have ravaged parts of California.
What they're not quick to blame are people starting the fires, which seems to be the case with the Kenneth fire as reported by The Los Angeles Times.
Authorities arrested a man "attempting to start a fire" in the West Hills neighborhood that was burning as a result of the Kenneth fire.
Obviously, the arrest raises questions as to how many of the fires have actually started, with many on social media claiming that arson is likely the culprit for a majority -- if not all -- of them.
The man arrested was Juan Sierra, 33. While he was arrested on suspicion of a probation violation, Ventura County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Monica Smith said Friday that he is a "person of interest" in the Kenneth fire.
Los Angeles Police Department's Topanga Division arrested Sierra earlier this week in a possible connection with the Kenneth fire that had the potential to destroy countless homes and buildings.
The outlet noted:
Fanned by strong Santa Ana winds, the fire had consumed roughly 960 acres of brush by 5:30 p.m. Thursday and was burning south through open space toward homes in the Malibu Canyon area north of the 101 Freeway near Calabasas. But a series of water drops helped slow its advance.
While the blaze is at least 35% contained, the potential destructive path was slowed down by several water drops.
The most important takeaway is that Los Angeles and California authorities have not ruled out arson as the origin of the fire.
The outlet continued:
Police arrested Sierra after he was detained by residents who claimed they saw him setting a fire, according to two law enforcement sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation. He has not been charged with setting the fire.
Social media reacts
Video of the man went viral across social media, and it sparked a mountain of comments.
Not enough probable cause to arrest for arson 🤪
Juan Sierra (33) is still a person of interest in LA Kenneth fire
3 prior arrests, violated probation, won't say if illegalpic.twitter.com/1OGhI7C1BF— MAGA M&M (@MAGAmegaMAGA) January 11, 2025
"Just a homeless guy casually cruising around LA on a bike with a blowtorch during horrific fires. No probable cause here..." one X user wrote, sarcastically.
Another X user wrote, "Riding on a bike with a small bag and a flame torch in a fire area? With prior felony probation violation? No biggie."