In a recent social media post, Donald Trump falsely claimed that the “Biden FBI” placed agents within the crowd during the January 6th attack on the Capitol. This statement echoes long-standing conspiracy theories, despite investigations and reports, including one released in December 2024 by the Justice Department inspector general, which found no evidence of FBI undercover employees in the protest crowds. The inspector general’s report did identify 26 confidential sources, with some tasked to report on potential domestic terrorists. The former president’s claims appear to confuse the number of agents sent to respond to the developing crisis, and are contrary to facts.
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Following the death of Pope Francis, the first U.S.-born pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, has sparked controversy among American conservatives. His tenure has been marked by criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policies and his focus on wealth inequality. These stances have been further solidified by his recent Apostolic Exhortation, which has drawn condemnation from right-wing figures, and has prompted a backlash for his progressive views. Despite this, Leo has continued to advocate for social justice issues, including environmental concerns.
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Following a landslide victory in a special election, Adelita Grijalva, the Arizona Democrat, has been denied her seat in Congress by Speaker Mike Johnson. Despite the overwhelming support from voters, Johnson has refused to swear her in, leaving her unable to fulfill her duties. This delay has raised questions, particularly given that two Republican lawmakers were sworn in promptly after their special election wins, even during pro forma sessions. The refusal is tied to Grijalva’s promise to release the Epstein files on her first day, an effort opposed by former President Trump and possibly by Johnson. This controversial situation suggests potential political motivations behind the delay.
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House GOP leaders are facing increasing pressure from within their own ranks to reconvene the chamber amid the ongoing government shutdown. A growing number of Republican lawmakers are expressing concern that the continued recess is hurting the party’s image and could benefit Democrats. The pressure stems from the delayed pay of federal workers, and especially the military. While Speaker Mike Johnson has suggested possible solutions, including actions from President Trump, the path forward remains unclear as the stalemate with Senate Democrats continues.
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The Trump administration plans to resume detaining immigrants at the Irwin County Detention Center in Georgia, a facility previously marred by allegations of non-consensual gynecological procedures performed on detained women. Despite a 2022 Senate report confirming inappropriate gynecological procedures and lack of consent, the agency has begun temporary detentions at the facility. Immigration advocates and a former DHS civil rights official have expressed concerns, citing inhumane conditions and the administration’s focus on rapid deportations over due process and conditions. The decision to use Irwin comes amid increased pressure on ICE to accelerate arrests, despite the facility’s history and the unresolved issues surrounding medical care.
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Stephen Miller, a top aide to Donald Trump, is portrayed as a key figure driving the expansion of presidential power towards an autocratic model. Miller is known for making extreme statements, including labeling political opponents and protesters as “terrorists” while repeatedly invoking the power of the executive branch. He has been linked to the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, which aims to consolidate control over the federal government. Miller’s rhetoric and actions, including promoting false claims, have drawn criticism and are seen as a shift towards authoritarianism, especially given the absence of traditional checks and balances within the current administration.
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During an interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Vice President Vance stated that President Trump is considering all options regarding the Insurrection Act, potentially deploying the U.S. military domestically for law enforcement purposes. This comes amid discussions of federalizing National Guard troops in cities like Portland and Chicago, moves that have faced legal challenges. While Vance mentioned the president has not felt the need to invoke the Insurrection Act, he cited attacks on law enforcement as the issue and accused the media of accepting this. The administration’s attempts to deploy National Guard troops have been met with legal blocks, with appeals courts weighing in on the matter.
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Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin has publicly endorsed Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee in the New York City mayoral race, highlighting Mamdani’s campaign to make the city more affordable. This endorsement comes despite the fact that some prominent Democrats have been slow to endorse Mamdani, a “democratic socialist.” Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who was once the frontrunner, is now running an independent campaign, and has labeled Mamdani a “fringe” candidate. Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, have also attacked Mamdani, adding a level of complexity to the upcoming election.
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Helena Moreno, a New Orleans city councilmember, won the mayoral election on Saturday with 55% of the vote, succeeding LaToya Cantrell. Moreno’s victory over fellow councilmember Oliver Thomas and State Sen. Royce Duplessis ensures she avoids a runoff and will assume office in January. Cantrell’s tenure, marked by controversy and federal corruption charges, ends after two terms, during which she was the city’s first female mayor. Moreno’s campaign focused on public safety, economic development, and improved city services, and she opposes the potential deployment of federal troops to the city.
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Senator Elissa Slotkin revealed the Trump administration is compiling secret lists of domestic terrorist groups, raising concerns about the scope of National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 (NSPM-7). This directive, which broadens the definition of domestic terrorism, could lead to an expanded FBI watchlist. Slotkin, a former CIA analyst, expressed alarm that the administration is not being transparent about these lists, drawing criticism from other lawmakers. The creation of these lists, alongside the administration’s refusal to share information with Congress, has sparked warnings from experts and is seen by some as a greater infringement on freedoms than the Patriot Act.
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John Q. Hosedrinker