With legacy on the line, Obama hitting campaign trail to boost Democrats in key governor elections
With Election Day in New Jersey and Virginia’s very competitive and combustible races for governor just two weeks away, Democrats are bringing in one of their party’s best campaign trail closers. Former President Barack Obama will headline rallies in New Jersey and Virginia — the only two states in the nation to hold gubernatorial contests the year after a presidential election — on Nov. 1, the Saturday before Election Day. For Democrats, who are aiming to escape the political wilderness after last year’s stunning election setbacks when they lost the White House and Senate majority and fell short in winning back the House, the 2025 ballot box showdowns are their first major shot at redemption, and they hope that Obama’s two-state swing will energize their base voters. But for the former president, whose crowning domestic achievement — the Affordable Care Act, which is better known as Obamacare — is front-and-center in the current federal government shutdown and a top issue on the 2025 campaign trail, his return to the campaign trail is also about protecting his legacy. BATTLE FOR GOVERNOR IN THIS CLOSELY WATCHED RACE MAY BE HEADED FOR A PHOTO FINISH “President Obama reminds us what we can accomplish when we leaders are unafraid to take on big challenges to deliver,” New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial nominee Rep. Mikie Sherrill said in a statement. “He led historic efforts to insure millions of Americans and lower healthcare costs.” And taking aim at the GOP nominee in the race, Sherrill argued, “The contrast couldn’t be clearer. Jack Ciattarelli is supporting Trump’s attacks on New Jersey, from terminating the Gateway Tunnel Project to kicking hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans off their healthcare. I am so grateful to have President Obama’s support and endorsement in this race as we harness our momentum to mobilize New Jerseyans to vote.” Sherrill, who appears to be barreling toward an Election Day photo finish with Ciattarelli, announced on Tuesday that Obama will headline a rally with her in Newark on Nov. 1. And former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic nominee in Virginia who’s facing off against Republican rival Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle Sears, announced that the former president would headline a rally with her that same day, in Norfork. HEAD HERE FOR THE LATEST FOX NEWS REPORTING ON THE 2025 ELECTIONS “Virginia’s elections are some of the most important in the country this year, and I am proud to endorse Abigail Spanberger for Governor. Republican policies are raising costs on working families so billionaires can get massive tax cuts,” Obama said in a statement. Spanberger and Earle-Sears are running to succeed term-limited GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin. State law in Virginia bars incumbent governors from serving a second consecutive four-year term. In New Jersey, polls suggest Ciattarelli is closing the gap with Sherrill in the race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy. FIVE KEY RACES TO WATCH WITH TWO WEEKS UNTIL ELECTION DAY Ciattarelli’s campaign claimed that Obama’s upcoming appearance on the New Jersey campaign trail is a sign of weakness for the Democrats. “National and New Jersey Democrats are in full-blown panic. At this point, we expect them to import anyone they think can excite Democrats because Mikie Sherrill excites no one,” Ciattarelli campaign chief strategist Chris Russell argued in a statement to Fox News Digital. Ciattarelli, who’s making his third straight run for Garden State governor and who nearly upset Murphy four years ago, has good reason to be optimistic he can pull off a victory in blue-leaning New Jersey. In a state where registered Democrats still outnumber Republicans despite a GOP surge in registration this decade, three public opinion polls released last week — from Fox News, Quinnipiac University and Fairleigh Dickinson University — indicated Ciattarelli gaining ground. The Fox News poll conducted Oct. 10–14, put Sherrill at 50% support among likely voters, with Ciattarelli at 45%. Sherrill’s 5-point advantage was down from an 8-point lead in Fox News’ September survey in New Jersey. While Democrats have long dominated federal and state legislative elections in blue-leaning New Jersey, Republicans are very competitive in gubernatorial contests, winning five out of the past 10 elections. THE POLITICAL BOMB TRUMP EXPLODED IN THE NEW JERSEY SHOWDOWN FOR GOVERNOR And President Donald Trump made major gains in New Jersey in last year’s presidential election, losing the state by only six percentage points, a major improvement over his 16-point deficit four years earlier. Multiple sources confirmed to Fox News that Trump will hold a tele-rally with Ciattarelli ahead of Election Day. Trump, on Monday night, took to social media to tout that “Jack is a man who will bring costs and prices down, rapidly, but in particular, energy costs, because he knows that everything else will follow.” Last week, Ciattarelli was joined at a jam-packed diner stop in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, by Vivek Ramaswamy, the MAGA rock star who is running for governor next year in his home state of Ohio. And this week another well-known Republican politician in MAGA world is headed to New Jersey. Fox News learned that Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, a top House ally of the president who has Trump’s backing as he runs next year for Florida governor, will team up with Ciattarelli on Wednesday. The stops by the high-profile surrogates and Trump’s tele-rally may help Ciattarelli energize MAGA supporters, many of whom are low propensity voters who often skip casting ballots in non-presidential election years. It’s the same story for the Democrats. Sherrill had plenty of company on the campaign trail this past weekend from major Democratic Party surrogates, including two of the biggest names in the party — Govs. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Wes Moore of Maryland — who are considered potential 2028 White House contenders. And with Obama, Sherrill and Spanberger are landing the most popular and most well-known Democrat in the nation. According to a Gallup poll conducted in January, Obama had a 59% favorable rating among Americans, higher than any other living former president. And
Defiant Sliwa says ‘I am not dropping out’ of NYC mayor race: ‘Under no circumstance’
Republican New York City mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa rejected calls for him to withdraw from the race on Tuesday. Sliwa was defiant during a morning press conference outside a Manhattan subway station, after many political observers called on him to withdraw from the race in order for Andrew Cuomo to defeat the Democratic nominee, Zohran Mamdani. “So let’s be very clear. I am not dropping out. Under no circumstance. I’ve already been offered money to drop out, I said no. Distant from that, with threats against Nancy and myself, I now have to have armed security with me, former NYPD officers. Never had that in my life,” Sliwa said Tuesday. One commuter walking by the press conference yelled, “Drop out already!” BILL ACKMAN JUMPS INTO NYC MAYORAL FIGHT, SAYS SLIWA MUST DROP OR ‘WE ARE TOAST’ Sliwa lashed out at Cuomo, arguing the independent candidate was not putting real effort into his campaign. Instead, he said, Cuomo was simply relying on Sliwa to drop out of the race. DAVID MARCUS: IT’S NOT CURTIS SLIWA’S JOB TO SAVE THE DEMOCRAT PARTY FROM ITSELF Several prominent figures have called on Sliwa to withdraw, including billionaire John Castimatidis, who is CEO of WABC Radio and Red Apple Media. Catsimatidis, a Republican who launched his own mayoral campaign in 2013, cited concerns “that Sliwa’s continued candidacy could split the vote and inadvertently help another candidate.” “Catsimatidis said the move is essential to consolidating support behind a ‘viable alternative’ and avoiding what he described as a potentially damaging outcome for the city if the vote remains divided,” a press release from his office said. Sliwa rejected the push at the time, telling Fox News Digital, “The billionaires can conspire to pick their candidate… I trust the people. They will make the decision. I will not drop out.” Sliwa is currently on a leave of absence from WABC Radio, where he has worked for decades, while running for NYC mayor. Mamdani has appeared amused by the situation, however. “I never thought I would say this, but here we are, where the only candidates who agree that billionaires shouldn’t control the future of this city are the Republican nominee and the Democratic nominee,” the democratic socialist said.
US military buildup in Caribbean sees bombers, Marines and warships converge near Venezuela
The United States has significantly increased its military presence across the Caribbean under U.S. Southern Command, deploying bombers, warships and Marines as part of an expanded campaign targeting drug-trafficking and so-called “narco-terrorist” networks operating near Venezuela. In addition to seven strikes on boats believed to be carrying narcotics, the Trump administration has built up thousands of troops in the region. War Secretary Pete Hegseth this month announced the creation of a new counter-narcotics Joint Task Force operating near Southern Command, saying it was established “to crush the cartels, stop the poison, and keep America safe.” The task force will coordinate air, maritime and special-operations missions across the region — marking the largest U.S. military effort in the Caribbean in decades. U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers and Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II fighters recently conducted a bomber attack demonstration over the region — a show of force captured in War Department imagery. For four hours on Wednesday, B-52s from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana patrolled near Venezuela’s coast in a display of military might aimed at Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. TRUMP UNLEASHES US MILITARY POWER ON CARTELS. IS A WIDER WAR LOOMING? At least seven U.S. Navy warships and one nuclear submarine are believed to be patrolling the region. The USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group is also operating in the Caribbean Sea. Ship spotters photographed the flagship USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) off the coast of Ponce, Puerto Rico, on Friday. The group includes USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28), USS San Antonio (LPD-17) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), based at Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. The 22nd MEU comprises Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced), Combat Logistics Battalion 26 and Battalion Landing Team 3/6. Three U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers — USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109), USS Gravely (DDG-107) and USS Stockdale (DDG-106) — are currently deployed in the Caribbean, joined by the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG-70) and the littoral combat ship USS Wichita (LCS-13), which has been operating near Cuba. Open-source reporting indicates that a U.S. nuclear-powered attack submarine has been deployed near Venezuela, although the exact number of nuclear vessels and their precise locations have not been confirmed by the Pentagon. WAR DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES NEW COUNTER-NARCOTICS TASK FORCE UNDER TRUMP DIRECTIVE TO CRUSH CARTELS In Puerto Rico, the U.S. has deployed ten F-35 fighter jets and at least three MQ-9 Reaper drones, transforming the island into a key logistics and surveillance hub for operations in the region. Reuters imagery from Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, shows the drones staged for use. Recent photos also show that Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, a major U.S. facility closed in 2004, has been reactivated. Satellite images and on-site photos reveal aircraft and personnel operating from the base, including at least one AC-130J Ghostrider gunship equipped with Hellfire missiles parked at José Aponte de la Torre Airport, which serves the installation. Special-operations aviation has increased as well. In early October, MH-6 “Little Bird” light-attack helicopters — typically used by U.S. Army Special Operations Forces — and MH-60M Black Hawks were spotted training off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago, according to images first published by The Washington Post. The Pentagon has not detailed how long the buildup will last, but a New York Times report estimates about 10,000 U.S. troops are currently operating in the theater — the largest American presence in the region in decades. U.S. defense officials have linked the deployments to ongoing counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism missions tied to recent strikes on vessels accused of trafficking drugs from Venezuela. The moves come as tensions escalate following Colombia’s claim that one of the U.S. strikes killed a fisherman, not a trafficker — an accusation the White House has denied. SECRETARY OF WAR HEGSETH LANDS IN PUERTO RICO AS US RAMPS UP CARIBBEAN CARTEL FIGHT WITH NAVAL FORCES Analysts say the combination of heavy bombers, stealth fighters, Marines and Navy surface combatants underscores a shift from law-enforcement interdiction to a broader show of force aimed at deterring state-linked trafficking networks. “This is a posture we haven’t seen in the Caribbean since the early 2000s,” said one defense analyst familiar with U.S. operations in the region. “It’s clearly meant to send a message — not just to traffickers, but to governments accused of enabling them.” Experts generally agree the U.S. buildup does not suggest preparations for all-out war. Mark Cancian, a senior defense adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Fox News Digital that such a campaign would require between 50,000 and 100,000 U.S. troops — far more than the roughly 10,000 currently in theater. “What I think they’ve put in place is the capability to launch strikes at either the cartels or the Maduro regime,” Cancian said. “If I had to bet, it’s probably against the cartels — but I wouldn’t rule out something against the regime.” That limited but flexible posture reflects what some experts describe as a modern form of coercive diplomacy. “It sort of looks like we’re in the throes of a 21st-century version of gunboat diplomacy,” said Brandan Buck, a foreign policy analyst at the Cato Institute. “The Trump administration is doing what it can to force some sort of transition [of] power — out of Maduro’s hands and into someone else’s — without a classic invasion.” Ryan Berg, director of the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the current deployment gives Washington strike options without committing to a major ground war. “The force posture currently in the southern Caribbean is consonant with the potential for precision strikes using Tomahawk missiles or other weapons, but without risking the lives of U.S. service personnel,” Berg said.
State Department blasts Dems over shutdown, says national security at risk amid Senate battle
FIRST ON FOX: Secretary Marco Rubio’s Department of State unleashed on Democrats over the federal government shutdown and revealed the hypocrisy of former State Department officials, noting how detrimental a shutdown is for the country. The federal government is nearing three weeks of being shut down as many government employees received a partial paycheck during the last pay period and face a full missed paycheck in the coming days. “President Trump is delivering historic peace deal after historic peace deal,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott told Fox News Digital. “Congressional Democrats are delivering a shutdown that undermines our national security.” ‘DEMOCRAT SHUTDOWN’ WILL NEXT JEOPARDIZE US NUCLEAR STOCKPILE WITH IMMINENT FURLOUGHS: WHITE HOUSE The holdup in Washington lies in the Senate, where Democrats are insistent that Republicans undo Medicaid policy changes that were signed into law under President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Senate Democrats will have to break ranks with Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., in order to break the 60-vote threshold required to pass a continuing resolution which would reopen the government through late November. “Congressional Democrats have decided to jeopardize our national security with their politically motivated government shutdown,” a State Department official told Fox News Digital. “Republicans on Capitol Hill are prepared to move forward with a clean continuing resolution, but instead, Democrats are trying to exploit this moment to push their political pet projects like healthcare for illegal immigrants, continuing wasteful COVID payments, and harmful climate extremism,” the State Department official added. CHARLAMAGNE THA GOD SAYS DEMOCRATS ARE LOSING THE SHUTDOWN MESSAGING BATTLE Republicans currently hold 53 seats in the Senate, though Sens. John Fetterman, D-Pa., and Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., have crossed the aisle and voted to reopen the government in some of the previous 10 failed votes. “By putting the American people last, Democrats are forcing the American people to have a State Department with limited diplomatic engagement around the world, significantly reduced communications, and disruptions that will impact U.S. foreign policy,” the State Department official explained to Fox News Digital. “While we will undergo every possible effort to ensure critical missions continue, the Democrats’ obstruction will have serious impacts on the national security interests of the United States,” the official continued. REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK: GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN STALLS AS DEMOCRATS DEMAND OBAMACARE SUBSIDY EXTENSION The State Department also noted commentary from previous administrations that undermines the Democrat messaging surrounding the shutdown. “A self-inflicted wound, like the shutdown that we just endured, can never happen again,” former Secretary of State John Kerry said in Oct. 2013. “As President Obama said, the shutdown ‘encouraged our enemies…emboldened our competitors, and it depressed our friends who look to us for steady leadership.’” “I believe that those standing in the way [of a resolution] need to think long and hard about the message that we send to the world when we can’t get our own act together,” Kerry said of the 2013 shutdown. SENATE DEMS EMBOLDENED BY WEEKEND RALLIES BLOCK GOP PLAN TO END SHUTDOWN FOR 11TH TIME Former Secretary of State and Democratic nominee for president Hillary Clinton also noted the detrimental effects of a government shutdown in 2013, saying that “the partial government shutdown is emblematic of too many people in politics choosing scorched earth over common ground.” “We can’t let partisanship override citizenship,” Clinton said at the 2013 Sacerdote Great Names address. Former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who served under the Biden administration, said, “if we’re serious about U.S. leadership in the world, we can’t keep operating without knowing whether we’ll have a budget for the next fiscal year, forcing us to impose harmful cuts and hiring freezes,” during spending battles last year.” Another date has not yet been set for an additional vote on a continuing resolution to extend the funding of the government, though Senate Majority Leader John Thune said there may be additional votes held this week.
Johnson, Scalise demand answers after suspected Hamas operative discovered on US soil
FIRST ON FOX: House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., is sounding alarms to the Trump administration after a man allegedly involved in the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack in Israel was arrested in Louisiana. Scalise led Republicans in his state’s delegation, including Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., in a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem about the case of Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub Al-Muhtadi. The lawmakers asked for a briefing from Bayou State lawmakers as well as information on any other potential terror threats, which they blamed on the record surge of illegal immigrants coming across the U.S.-Mexico border under former President Joe Biden. ‘GO TO HELL!’ HAMAS CO-FOUNDER SNAPS AFTER BEING QUESTIONED ON OCT. 7 AFTERMATH “We appreciate the job you are doing to keep Americans safe here at home and write you as members of the Louisiana congressional delegation to request a briefing regarding how Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub Al-Muhtadi came to reside in Lafayette, Louisiana, after entering the United States in 2024 during the Biden administration’s dangerous open borders policy,” Scalise’s letter said. He cited public information and reports that “Al-Muhtadi is alleged to have participated in the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led terrorist attacks against Israel and to have entered the United States the following year after falsely concealing his affiliations on his visa application.” “He was later located living and working in Lafayette, Louisiana, before being taken into custody by federal authorities,” the lawmakers wrote. “We would also like to be informed about any additional terrorist threats in our state due to President Biden’s dangerous and deadly immigration policies.” The letter is also signed by Louisiana Republican Reps. Julia Letlow and Clay Higgins, as well as Sens. John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy. The DOJ, which announced Al-Muhtadi’s arrest late last week, said he entered the country under false pretenses on Sept. 12, 2024. A press release by the department accused the 33-year-old of being part of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine’s (DFLP) military wing, a Gaza-based group it says participated in the attack alongside Hamas. ISRAEL’S COVERT CAMPAIGN TARGETS HAMAS TERRORISTS BEHIND OCT 7 MASSACRE “As set forth in documents filed yesterday, on October 7, when Al-Muhtadi learned of the unfolding barbaric attack on Israel and civilians from multiple nations, including the United States, he sprang into action,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “He armed himself, recruited additional marauders, and then entered Israel, where there is evidence placing him near one of the worst-hit Israeli communities.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Scalise told Fox News Digital of his letter, “President Biden put our state and country at risk by allowing this Hamas terrorist, who committed atrocities in Israel on October 7, to enter our country and take up residence in Lafayette, LA.” “It is disgusting that Democrats’ failed open border policies allowed this to happen, putting our national security and the lives of Louisiana families at great risk,” Scalise said. “I’m grateful President Trump and the FBI are taking swift action to keep Americans safe from this terrorist.” There were multiple reported instances of people suspected of terror affiliations entering the country under the prior administration’s watch. In March of last year, a 22-year-old linked to Hezbollah was caught by border agents in Texas and immediately taken into federal law enforcement custody, according to the New York Post. He was deported earlier this year. Fox News Digital reached out to DHS for a response but did not immediately hear back.
Trump admin on pace to shatter deportation record by end of first year: ‘Just the beginning’
EXCLUSIVE: With over 500,000 illegal aliens deported since President Donald Trump took office in January, the administration is on track to significantly exceed the record number of illegals deported out of the United States. Since Trump’s return to the Oval Office on Jan. 20, the administration has deported over 515,000 illegal aliens, according to a high-ranking official at the Department of Homeland Security. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital the administration is “on pace to shatter historic records” by deporting 600,000 illegals by the end of Trump’s first year back in office. She said that in total, more than two million illegal aliens have left the U.S., including 1.6 million who voluntarily self-deported, as well as the over 515,000 deportations. Another 485,000 illegal aliens have been arrested by DHS since Trump took office. McLaughlin said that “this is just the beginning” and that Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem “have jumpstarted an agency that was vilified and barred from doing its job for the last four years.” DEM JUDGE IN HOT SEAT AFTER DHS EXPOSES ‘WHOLE NEW LEVEL’ OF ACTIVISM, SHELTERING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT “Illegal aliens are hearing our message to leave now or face the consequence. Migrants are now even turning back before they reach our borders,” said McLaughlin, pointing to what she said has been a 99.99 percent drop in migration through Panama’s Darien Gap, which is a key migration route to the U.S. “In the face of a historic number of injunctions from activist judges, ICE, CBP, and the U.S. Coast Guard have made historic progress to carry out President Trump’s promise of arresting and deporting illegal aliens who have invaded our country.” Just this weekend, DHS said that it continued its sweep of the “worst of the worst” criminal illegal aliens across the country amidst the ongoing government shutdown. Over the weekend, DHS said it arrested illegals convicted of rape of a child, assault, hit-and-run, kidnapping and other crimes. One of those arrested was Erick Xavier Romero, a Dominican national, who the agency said was convicted of rape of a child in Boston. Another illegal, Guatemalan national, German Osvaldo Cortez-Chajon, was arrested this weekend after being convicted of traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act in Dale County, Alabama. A third illegal, Mexican national Graciano Lopez-Flores, was arrested following a conviction of indecent liberties with a child in Orange County, North Carolina. DHS FLIPS SCRIPT ON MEDIA NARRATIVE WITH NEW DETAILS ABOUT ILLEGAL TEEN ARRESTED BY ICE: ‘SAFETY THREAT’ Also in North Carolina, ICE arrested Shahed Hassan, an illegal from Bangladesh, who was convicted of simple assault, possession of drug paraphernalia, illegally carrying a concealed gun, driving while impaired, probation violation, felony larceny and domestic violence protection order violation in Wake County. Just to the north, ICE arrested Van Pham from Laos, who was convicted of five counts of abduction and burglary in Fairfax County, Virginia. In Massachusetts, ICE arrested Patricia Pimental-Cordero, from the Dominican Republic, who was convicted of two counts of hit-and-run in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Another illegal, Ramona Mercado-Vasquez from the Caribbean island of Dominica, was arrested by ICE in Bergen County, New Jersey, following a conviction for kidnapping and robbery. In Wisconsin, ICE arrested Mexican national Karlett Zagal-Salazar, who was convicted of drug trafficking. ICE REVEALS ‘DISTURBING DETAILS’ AFTER AGENCY RESCUED 3-YEAR-OLD ABDUCTED TO MEXICO Commenting on the arrests, McLaughlin told Fox News Digital that “nothing—not even a government shutdown—will slow us down from making America safe again.” She slammed the Democratic Party, saying, “While Democrats in Congress continue to keep the government shutdown, our ICE law enforcement officers aren’t slowing down in arresting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens.”
‘It’s a joke’: White House dismisses ‘No Kings’ protests, while Nancy Pelosi rips crown in defiance
While President Donald Trump and his administration brushed off the “No Kings” nationwide protests rebuking the president over the weekend, Democrats lauded the protesters for standing up for democracy. The protest marked at least the second time “No Kings” rallies have been organized across the country in major cities, including Washington, New York City and Los Angeles, since Trump took office for the second time, and organizers claim the protests are in opposition to his authoritarian policies. Meanwhile, Trump pushed back on the description of “king,” as he and other Republicans poked fun at the millions participating in the rallies. PROTESTERS NATIONWIDE HOLD ‘NO KINGS’ RALLIES AMID GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN “I’m not a king,” Trump told reporters Sunday on Air Force One. “I work my ass off to make our country great. That’s all it is. I’m not a king at all.” Trump also characterized the protests as inconsequential, and said that those who participated didn’t accurately reflect the people who make up the U.S. “The demonstrations were very small, very ineffective and the people were whacked out,” Trump said Sunday. “When you look at those people, those are not representative of the people of our country.” Despite Trump’s rejection of being labeled a king, the official White House social media accounts previously posted an image in February of Trump wearing a crown with a caption claiming “long live the king.” Trump also reposted an AI-generated video that Vice President JD Vance originally shared, depicting Trump placing a crown on his head and drawing a sword. Additionally, Trump shared another AI-generated video of him donning a crown in a fighter jet over New York City, unloading what appeared to be feces on the protesters. WATCH: ‘NO KINGS’ PROTESTERS AT MASSIVE NYC RALLY REVEAL MOTIVATION FOR TAKING TO THE STREETS: ‘DISGUSTING’ Meanwhile, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., said that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. needed a distraction from the government shutdown that started Oct. 1, although Johnson did admit that the protests turned out to be a “violent-free, free speech exercise.” “They needed a stunt,” Johnson said in an interview with ABC Sunday. “They needed a show. Chuck Schumer has — needs cover right now. He’s closed the government down because he needs political cover, and this was a part of it.” However, Democrats said the protests were an opportunity to stand up for democracy. For example, Schumer said that there are “no dictators” in the U.S., and that “we won’t allow Trump to keep eroding our democracy.” “Dictators evolve when good people of all different beliefs and backgrounds stay silent,” Schumer said in a social media post on Saturday. “This No Kings Day says we will not stay silent.” Additionally, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi shared a video clip of her dismantling a plastic crown, appearing to harken back to when she ripped Trump’s State of the Union address in 2020. “We’re gonna tear up the crown!” Pelosi said in the brief clip, which she shared on social media with the caption: “No crown. #NoKings!” NATIONWIDE UNREST LOOMS AS ‘NO KINGS’ DEMONSTRATORS BEGIN TO GATHER IN MAJOR US CITIES Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., also weighed in, claiming “we said ‘hell no’ to kings, and reminded the nation and the world what patriotism looks like.” “From our nation’s capitol to cities across California, millions stood shoulder to shoulder to say that our democracy is worth fighting for, that our voices will not be silent, and that we will not sit back and let a wannabe king take our freedoms,” Schiff said Saturday to accompany several photos of himself at the protest in Washington. “Proud to stand with you.” Additionally, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said the protests were reflective of the democratic process in the U.S. “This is what democracy looks like!” Murray said in a Saturday social media post. “We use our voices and our votes. NO KINGS IN AMERICA!”
Jeffries hints at imminent decision on Mamdani endorsement after dodging questions for weeks
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., is expected to imminently weigh in on the New York City mayoral race after dodging the question for weeks. The top House Democrat, who represents part of Brooklyn, has faced scrutiny in the press for repeatedly side-stepping reporters when asked whether he will endorse fellow Democrat Zohran Mamdani, a self-described Democratic Socialist, for mayor. Asked during his Monday press conference whether he will make his thoughts on the race clear before early voting begins in New York City on Saturday, Oct. 25, Jeffries said, “Yes, that’s my intention.” It could mean Jeffries endorses Mamdani before Election Day rolls around — or he could sidestep backing anyone in the race altogether. TRUMP WANTS ‘2 PEOPLE TO DROP OUT’ TO SET UP A ‘1-ON-1’ MAYORAL RACE WITH MAMDANI IN NYC The remark was similar to comments he gave Fox News Digital on Friday, the day after the mayoral debate. Jeffries said then, however, that he had not yet watched the debate at that point. “I do expect to speak to the Democratic nominee, Zohran, at some point before early voting,” he added when asked how long he was waiting to endorse. He also dodged the question of why he has not yet endorsed Mamdani during an appearance on ABC News’ “This Week” on Sunday. “As I’ve indicated, I expect to have a conversation with him at some point this week in advance of early voting, which begins next weekend in New York City. And we’ll certainly have more to say about the mayors’ race and about our Democratic nominee prior to early voting beginning,” Jeffries said instead. BILL ACKMAN JUMPS INTO NYC MAYORAL FIGHT, SAYS SLIWA MUST DROP OR ‘WE ARE TOAST’ Mamdani is currently the presumed frontrunner in the race against Republican Curtis Sliwa and Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York. Jeffries’ counterpart in the House, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has repeatedly denounced Mamdani as a “Marxist.” And Mamdani’s candidacy has caused somewhat of a rift between Democrats in Washington. He’s been endorsed by progressive stars within the Democratic Party like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., but both Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., have been silent. Reps. Laura Gillen, D-N.Y., and Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y., moderates representing the suburbs outside of New York City, have denounced Mamdani’s candidacy. Jeffries appears to have been deliberately unclear about his moves, but Republicans have accused him and Schumer of prolonging the current government shutdown over fear of a progressive revolt led by New York Democrats like Mamdani. Jeffries made his brief remarks on Monday during a press conference on day 20 of the shutdown, with Republicans and Democrats appearing no closer to an agreement on a path forward. At another point in the press conference, Jeffries demanded that President Donald Trump take a more active role in negotiations on ending the shutdown. “Donald Trump definitively needs to get involved. He needs to get off the sidelines, get off the golf course and actually decide to end the shutdown that he’s created, that he has allowed to happen,” Jeffries said. “We know that House and Senate Republicans don’t do anything without getting permission from their boss, Donald J. Trump, and the reason why there have been no negotiations, zero negotiations, since Republicans shut the government.” But Republican leaders in Congress have repeatedly insisted that they have nothing to negotiate after offering a straightforward, seven-week extension of fiscal year (FY) 2025 federal funding levels. The measure, called a continuing resolution (CR), is aimed at giving congressional appropriators more time to strike a longer-term deal on FY2026 funding. The House passed the bill on Sept. 19. But in the Senate, where at least eight Democrats are needed to break a filibuster if all GOP lawmakers supported it, the bill has failed to advance twelve times. Democratic leaders are demanding any funding bill be paired with an extension of COVID-19 pandemic-era Obamacare subsidies that are set to expire at the end of this year.
Teens who assaulted former DOGE staffer slapped with federal charges: ‘Need for accountability’
Two teenagers, Lawrence Cotton Powell, 19, and Anthony Taylor, 18, who are linked to the beating of former DOGE staffer Edward Coristine in Washington, D.C., are now facing federal charges for a series of assaults and attempted carjacking. The teens are charged with two counts of first-degree robbery and assault with intent to commit robbery, each of which is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and attempted carjacking, which holds a penalty of up to five years. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeannine Pirro announced the charges in a press conference on Monday. Pirro said the charges highlight “the need for accountability of offenders in the district.” ‘RADICAL’ DC OFFICIALS TREATED OFFICERS ‘LIKE CRAP,’ POLICE LEADER SAYS – 7 ATTACKS THAT LED TO TRUMP TAKEOVER “What’s significant about this case is the history of Lawrence Cotton Powell,” she said. Pirro said that despite being a repeat offender and already having a criminal history involving assault, Powell had been let off by D.C. judges shortly before he beat and robbed Coristine. She said that despite the U.S. Attorney’s office requesting jail time for Powell, his sentence was suspended by a local judge on July 25, just days before he attacked Coristine. “After a felony of attempted robbery conviction, after a violation of probation, after a second crime, after a second conviction, after no compliance with CSOSA [Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency], the judges say, ‘Do better,’ and they let him go. And guess what? Within ten days, he’s at it again,” said Pirro. According to Pirro, Powell and Taylor, with a gang of several others, assaulted and robbed another individual just minutes before attacking Coristine. Pirro said that upon seeing the gang of approximately ten suspects approaching, Coristine pushed a female friend into her car in an attempt to keep her safe. TEENS WHO ASSAULTED FORMER DOGE STAFFER GET NO JAIL TIME WITH PROBATION-ONLY SENTENCES “He was then attacked by multiple suspects who then punched him repeatedly, causing significant injuries to him. They got him on the ground, and as they were doing so, they demanded the car from the woman who was inside the car and had already locked the car. They were banging on the car, they were pulling on the car door, trying to get the car open, and were telling the woman in the car to hand over the keys,” said Pirro. Pirro urged the D.C. City Council to “reconsider” its laws that “allow these young people to go out and victimize, revictimize and keep revictimizing and putting the safety of the citizens who live, work and visit here at risk.” “I ask them to stand up finally and send a clear message, because the people of this district deserve no less than safety,” said Pirro. Coristine was assaulted at approximately 3 a.m. by a group of teenagers in D.C.’s Logan Circle neighborhood. A photo of a bloodied Coristine went viral, sparking outrage over the city’s handling of crime and drawing President Donald Trump’s attention. The president slammed D.C., saying crime in the city was “totally out of control.” BIDEN JUDGE FREES TEENS TIED TO EX-DOGE STAFFER’S ASSAULT AS TRUMP CRACKS DOWN ON CRIME “Local ‘youths’ and gang members, some only 14, 15, and 16-years-old, are randomly attacking, mugging, maiming, and shooting innocent citizens, at the same time knowing that they will be almost immediately released. They are not afraid of Law Enforcement because they know nothing ever happens to them, but it’s going to happen now!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Days later, Trump directed federal law enforcement to increase its presence throughout D.C. He also deployed members of the National Guard to patrol the city and assumed federal control of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.
Trump breaks ground on massive White House ballroom project with private funding from ‘patriots’
President Donald Trump announced on Monday that construction has begun on a new, privately funded White House Ballroom – a long-envisioned addition designed to host state visits and large gatherings – as part of a modernization of the East Wing. “I am pleased to announce that ground has been broken on the White House grounds to build the new, big, beautiful White House Ballroom,” Trump said on Truth Social. “Completely separate from the White House itself, the East Wing is being fully modernized as part of this process, and will be more beautiful than ever when it is complete! “For more than 150 years, every President has dreamt about having a Ballroom at the White House to accommodate people for grand parties, State Visits, etc. I am honored to be the first President to finally get this much-needed project underway — with zero cost to the American Taxpayer!” he continued. “The White House Ballroom is being privately funded by many generous Patriots, Great American Companies, and, yours truly. This Ballroom will be happily used for Generations to come!” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a briefing in July that the construction of the estimated $200 million new ballroom would begin in September and be “completed long before the end of President Trump’s term.” TRUMP GAVE THE OVAL OFFICE A GILDED MAKEOVER – AND COVERED THE COST HIMSELF Her announcement came after a similar gesture earlier this year, when Trump personally financed the installation of two 88-foot American flags flanking the White House, each reportedly costing about $50,000. “The White House is currently unable to host major functions honoring world leaders in other countries without having to install a large and unsightly tent approximately 100 yards away from the main building’s entrance,” Leavitt said at the time, adding the new ballroom will be “a much needed and exquisite addition.” FETTERMAN DEFENDS TRUMP’S ‘TASTEFUL’ $200M WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM MAKEOVER AMID DEM CRITICISM She also said the United States Secret Service will provide the necessary security enhancements and modifications during the construction. The project is intended to provide a dedicated space for hosting official events, state dinners and large ceremonial gatherings. TRUMP APPEARS ON WHITE HOUSE ROOF AMID TALKS OF HISTORIC RENOVATIONS The new 90,000-square-foot addition will accommodate approximately 650 seated guests and will stay true to the classical design of the White House. The White House does not have a formal ballroom, and the new ballroom will take the place of the current East Wing of the White House. Trump chose McCrery Architects to design the project, with Clark Construction overseeing the build and AECOM providing engineering support. Fox News Digital’s Amanda Macias contributed to this report.