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Category: Politics
March 10, 2026
William Upton
Immigration
Politics

Paxton Rival John Cornyn Launches ‘Faith Advisory Council’ Helmed by Soros-Linked Pro-Amnesty Pastors.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) has rolled out a Faith Advisory Council in an effort to boost his campaign among evangelical Christian voters. However, several members of the group are well-known boosters of refugee resettlement and mass amnesty policies.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Sen. John Cornyn, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R), Dr. Jack Graham, Max Lucado, Dr. Gus Reyes, the Evangelical Immigration Table (EIT), the National Immigration Forum (NIF), Ali Noorani, George Soros, and Soros’s Open Society Foundations.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The Cornyn campaign announced the advisory council on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

💬KEY QUOTE: “As our state and nation are in turbulent times, we need leaders who serve with principle, wisdom, and integrity,” the Cornyn campaign said in a statement announcing the group.

🎯IMPACT: The Evangelical Immigration Table has received millions in funding from Soros’s Open Society Foundations via the National Immigration Forum to advance open borders and pro-mass immigration policies among evangelical leaders.

IN FULL

Anti-Trump U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), facing a runoff election in May against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) to determine the Republican primary winner, has rolled out a Faith Advisory Council in an effort to boost his campaign among evangelical Christian voters. However, several members of the group are well-known boosters of refugee resettlement and mass amnesty policies, having ties to the George Soros-backed Evangelical Immigration Table (EIT).

Dr. Jack Graham, pastor Max Lucado, and Dr. Gus Reyes—all members of the Cornyn campaign’s Faith Advisory Council—are affiliated with EIT. Both Graham and Lucado are also signatories to the group’s Evangelical Statement of Principles for Immigration Reform, which calls for the adoption of family unification (chain migration) policies and the establishment of a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants.

“As our state and nation are in turbulent times, we need leaders who serve with principle, wisdom, and integrity,” the Cornyn campaign said in a statement announcing the group, adding, “A key element to principled leadership is who a leader consults when confronting complex problems.”

Notably, EIT is a project of the National Immigration Forum (NIF), a Soros-funded open borders advocacy group helmed by progressive foundation guru Ali Noorani from 2008 until 2022. The EIT, with NIF acting as a pass-through, received millions in funding from Soros’s Open Society Foundations to advance open borders and pro-mass immigration policies among evangelical leaders. In 2021, Noorani praised Cornyn’s sponsorship of amnesty legislation, calling it “a positive step that bodes well for the chances of immigration reforms.”

Senator Cornyn’s relationship with a progressive front group like EIT and its pro-open borders advocacy should come as no surprise. The National Pulse reported last July that a video had surfaced of the Texas lawmaker praising the far-left League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) political group, which also advocates for open borders and mass immigration. LULAC sued Texas in 2017 over legislation signed by Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) that ended sanctuary cities in the state.

While LULAC presents itself as a Hispanic and Latin-American civil rights organization, the group has consistently pushed a far-left political agenda, including educating illegal immigrants on legal maneuvers to frustrate federal immigration enforcement actions. Additionally, LULAC has joined campaigns in defense of abortion, far-left DEI programs, and affirmative action.

Image: World Economic Forum/swiss-image.ch/Photo by Sebastian Derungs.

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March 10, 2026
William Upton
Crime
Politics

Democrats’ Jan 6 ‘Insurrection Memorial’ Honors Ex-Cop Suspected of Drugging, Raping Ten Women.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A former Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department officer, already incarcerated for rape and linked to multiple sexual assault cases in Northern Virginia and Maryland, is among the law enforcement “honored” by a commemorative January 6 plaque installed this past weekend in the U.S. Capitol.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Former D.C. officer Timothy Valentin and multiple victims across Maryland and Virginia.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Offenses occurred in 2024 and 2025 in Northern Virginia and Maryland. Valentin was arrested in December 2025, and the plaque was installed on March 7, 2026.

🎯IMPACT: The investigation into numerous allegations of rape and sexual assault tied to Valentin continues, with potential further charges and victims identified.

IN FULL

Timothy Valentin, a former Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer listed among those honored by a commemorative January 6 plaque installed this past weekend in the U.S. Capitol, has been incarcerated since December last year on charges of rape, rape by force, and rape by physical incapacity or helplessness, among other counts. The inclusion of Valentin on a list of law enforcement officers honored for their actions during the January 6, 2021, Capitol protests—accessible through a QR code placed next to the plaque—is raising questions about the judgment and vetting implemented regarding the display.

The plaque was first authorized by Congress as an earmark buried in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 (H.R. 2471), sponsored by Representative Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY). Despite its adoption as part of the broader bill, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA)—after Republicans took control of the lower chamber—has used several procedural tools to delay the plaque’s installation. However, the plaque was forced to be temporarily displayed in the Senate wing of the Capitol Building after a resolution introduced by Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) was adopted in January of this year.

In 2021, Valentin was a patrol officer with the MPD—having joined the force in 2016—and served as part of the department’s response team during the Capitol protests. He and other officers present that day, per the provision in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, are listed in a lengthy PDF hosted on the Architect of the Capitol’s website and accessible via a QR code next to the plaque.

Disturbingly, months prior to receiving this “honor,” Valentin was arrested and charged with five felony counts involving rape. Even more troubling, when investigators reviewed the contents of Valentin’s phone, they found additional evidence potentially tying him to a series of unsolved sexual assaults in both Maryland and Virginia. On Monday, a grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, issued a superseding indictment adding more charges against the former MPD officer, who is among those hailed as “brave” and a “hero” by Sens. Merkley and Tillis, in connection with three other sexual crimes from March and November last year.

According to Maryland and Virginia prosecutors, they have identified at least ten victims of Valentin so far. They allege that Valentin would use dating apps to select his victims and then take the women out on dates, plying them with alcoholic beverages believed to be laced with sedatives. Once unconscious, Valentin would rape the women.

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March 9, 2026
Politics

This Congressman Just Quit the GOP, Here’s What That Means for the House Majority.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Congressman Kevin Kiley (R-CA) has announced he is leaving the Republican Party to become an independent.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Kevin Kiley, Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA), and the GOP House caucus.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced Monday, with changes effective immediately, impacting California’s 6th Congressional District.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Today, I’m asking the clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives to have that reflected in the official roster.” – Kevin Kiley

🎯IMPACT: Kiley will still caucus with the GOP, leaving the slim House majority unchanged for now.

IN FULL

Congressman Kevin Kiley (R-CA) has announced he is leaving the Republican Party and will run for re-election as an independent. The announcement was made on Monday, with Kiley requesting the change be reflected in the official roster of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Today, I’m asking the clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives to have that reflected in the official roster,” Kiley stated. Importantly, the California lawmaker clarified that he will continue to caucus with the GOP, ensuring the slim Republican majority in the House remains unaffected for now. The move comes as Kiley prepares to run for reelection under a “No Party Preference” designation in what will be a Democrat-leaning seat after California state Democrat lawmakers redraw congressional lines.

Kiley criticized gerrymandering, calling it “a plague on democracy, one that Gavin Newsom has brought back to California.” Notably, Kiley’s district will be split into six different parts under the new Democrat-drawn map.

The Republican congressman will now run in California’s 6th Congressional District, a Democrat-leaning area, as he continues his campaign for reelection.

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March 9, 2026
Politics

WATCH: Texas Democrat U.S. Senate Candidate ‘Loves’ Trans Children.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Texas Democrat James Talarico said he loves “trans children.”

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: James Talarico, the Democrat Texas Senate candidate, and Republican critics, including GOP spokesman Zach Kraft.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Comments made during an August 2023 podcast appearance; Talarico won the Democrat primary in Texas in March 2026.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I love, I’m just saying this because it’s all on my mind, the trans children,” Talarico said.

🎯IMPACT: Talarico’s comments and legislative record have drawn sharp criticism from Republicans, who accuse him of promoting radical transgender ideology.

IN FULL

James Talarico, the Democrat nominee for U.S. Senate in Texas, has come under fire for comments made during an August 2023 podcast appearance where he listed “trans children” as something he loves. The remarks, which resurfaced after he won the Democrat primary for a Texas Senate seat, have reignited scrutiny of his legislative record on transgender issues and support for invasive surgeries. In recent months, a number of professional medical associations have reversed their support for transgender procedures for minors, citing severe long-term complications and irreversibility.

“I love, I’m just saying this because it’s all on my mind, the trans children, who showed up yesterday at the state capitol to advocate for their humanity. They shouldn’t have to, but it was an inspiration to watch,” Talarico said during an A Superbloom podcast episode in August 2023. Notably, Talarico has been a longstanding proponent of transgender ideology and allowing minors access to mutilating transgender surgeries and hormone procedures.


Also in 2023, the Texas state Democrat lawmaker opposed a law that prohibited inflicting such practices on minors. Additionally, during a committee hearing, he controversially claimed, “The one thing I want us to all be aware of is that modern science obviously recognizes that there are many more than two biological sexes… In fact, there are six.”

Talarico has also argued that parents who do not “affirm” their child’s gender identity are abusive, claiming it is a “life and death issue.” He has further attacked Republican-backed legislation, including a 2021 bill that barred males from competing in female sports, and has publicly stated that “God is non-binary.”

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March 9, 2026
William Upton
Politics

Pro-Trump Texas Republican Steve Toth Backs Ken Paxton in Senate Runoff.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Texas Republican congressional candidate Steve Toth, who defeated anti-Trump Representative Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) in last week’s Republican primary, announced he is backing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Republican Senate primary run-off election.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Steve Toth, Ken Paxton, and John Cornyn.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The endorsement was made on Monday, March 9, 2026.

💬KEY QUOTE: “On a personal level, I know Ken as a selfless servant who has always put Texas before his own personal interests. That is what we desperately need from the people we send to D.C., and it’s why I am endorsing him in his race to be our next United States Senator.” — Steve Toth

🎯IMPACT: Paxton, a staunch supporter of President Donald J. Trump, is facing immense pressure from establishment and anti-Trump Republicans to drop out of the race, as they view Cornyn, who has frequently been at odds with Trump, as more reliable.

IN FULL

Texas Republican congressional candidate Steve Toth, who defeated anti-Trump Representative Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) in last week’s Republican primary, announced he is backing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Republican Senate primary run-off election. “During my time in the Texas Legislature, I have come to know Ken Paxton on both a professional and personal level. As our Attorney General, Ken has been a staunch defender of conservative values and constitutional rights,” Toth said in an interview published Monday.

“Ken often served as the last line of defense for Texans during the Biden Administration years, securing major wins for border security, blocking COVID-19 vaccine mandates, and protecting our children. Ken Paxton is battle-tested,” Toth continued, adding: “On a personal level, I know Ken as a selfless servant who has always put Texas before his own personal interests. That is what we desperately need from the people we send to D.C., and it’s why I am endorsing him in his race to be our next United States Senator.”

During the March 3 primary, Toth defeated incumbent Congressman Dan Crenshaw by over 15 points, and, with nearly 100 percent of the vote reporting, captured 55 percent of the electorate. Importantly, Toth’s victory is well past the 50 percent needed to avoid a runoff election.

Meanwhile, Paxton and Cornyn are slated to face off in a runoff on May 26 as neither candidate hit the 50 percent threshold. Paxton, a staunch supporter of President Donald J. Trump, is facing immense pressure from establishment and anti-Trump Republicans to drop out of the race, as they view Cornyn, who has frequently been at odds with Trump, as more favorable.

The National Pulse has reported extensively on the dubious actions and statements of Cornyn’s staff. Over the past weekend, for instance, The National Pulse Editor-in-Chief Raheem Kassam revealed that in late May 2020, at the beginning of the “mostly peaceful” Black Lives Matter “summer of love” riots, Cornyn’s campaign communications director, Matt Mackowiak, was posting pro-George Floyd messages on his social media accounts. Mackowiak would even pitch a pro-Floyd op-ed to The National Pulse over a year later, in October 2021.

Image by LiwenAristodemos.

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March 6, 2026
Politics
Religion

Islamic Decorations Appear at Texas School.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Parents spotted Islamic Ramadan decorations on Go Texan Day, in an elementary school that supposedly enforces a ban on religious displays.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Moms for Liberty, Spring Branch ISD, and Bunker Hill Elementary School.

📍WHEN & WHERE: March 2026, at Bunker Hill Elementary School in Houston.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This is in a school district that does NOT allow (per board policy) religious symbols to be displayed, yet somehow these decorations were approved,” – Moms for Liberty.

🎯IMPACT: The display has been removed following online backlash.

IN FULL

Parents spotted an Islamic Ramadan display at Bunker Hill Elementary School in Houston, Texas, on Go Texan Day, despite the district’s policy on political and religious neutrality. The display included signage reading “Ramadan Mubarak” and Islamic symbols such as crescent moons and stars.

“‘Ramadan’ decor was set up in the lobby of an elementary school in Houston TX by a PTA ‘Cultural Committee.’ This is in a school district that does NOT allow (per board policy) religious symbols to be displayed, yet somehow these decorations were approved,” the Moms for Liberty, Harris County, Texas, chapter wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “On Friday in Houston, it was ‘Go Texan Day’…a day where kids across the city celebrate their TX Pride to kick off rodeo season. Parents are often invited to come to the school to watch their kids participate in square dancing and line dancing. Imagine walking into the school for ‘Go Texan Day,’ and this is the decor that greets you,” the group added.

The display was removed on Monday “because the display was religious in nature,” according to a spokesman for the school district.

The growth of Islam and attempts to enforce Sharia law in Texas have sparked significant discussion in recent years. The state’s growing Muslim population has attempted to assert itself both politically and culturally, with projects like EPIC City, a proposed residential development near Dallas, designed exclusively for adherents of Islam. Earlier this month, the Trump administration launched an investigation into the EPIC City project, joining a state probe led by Attorney General Ken Paxton, seeking to determine whether the Islamic group’s land development project has violated federal and state laws, including the Fair Housing Act.

The National Pulse reported last March that the Tablighi Jamaat—a global Islamic missionary network that intelligence agencies contend acts as a potential entry point for jihadis—had established its new headquarters in Garland, Texas. The network, also known as the ‘Army of Darkness,’ has set up operations inside the Masjid Yaseen mosque, which now serves as its American nerve center, following its relocation from Louisiana.

Image by Don Sniegowski.

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March 6, 2026
Immigration
Politics

Dem Congressman’s Illegal Alien SOTU Guest Linked to Sexual Assaults Involving Juveniles.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Marcelo Gomes da Silva, an illegal immigrant and guest of Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) at President Donald J. Trump’s State of the Union address, is referenced in police reports involving sexual assault and juveniles.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Congressman Seth Moulton, Marcelo Gomes da Silva, the Milford Police Department, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The reports date back to June and September of 2021, with recent developments occurring around the State of the Union on February 24, 2026.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Gomes DaSilva is an illegal alien who has no right to be in our nation.” – Department of Homeland Security

🎯IMPACT: The Boston Herald, through public records requests, sought details from the Milford Police Department about incidents involving Gomes da Silva in 2021. However, these requests were denied, citing the involvement of juveniles in the reports.

IN FULL

Anti-ICE activist Marcelo Gomes da Silva, who was invited by Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) to the State of the Union, is referenced in police reports related to sexual assault and juveniles, raising concerns about the vetting of such high-profile guests. The Boston Herald, through public records requests, sought details from the Milford Police Department about incidents involving Gomes da Silva in 2021. However, these requests were denied, citing the involvement of juveniles in the reports.

“The records you are requesting are not public records in accordance with M.G.L. c. 4 s. 7 cl. 26 (A). Report 21-23101-OF involves a sexual assault and juveniles. Report 21-16254-OF involves juveniles,” Milford Deputy Chief John Sanchioni wrote when denying the record inquiries.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) criticized Moulton’s stunt just before President Donald J. Trump’s February address to Congress, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “[Rep. Moulton] plans to bring illegal alien Marcelo Gomes DaSilva. Gomes DaSilva is an illegal alien who has no right to be in our nation. We are committed to enforcing the law and fighting for the arrest, detention, and removal of aliens like him.”

Notably, Moulton had his staff escort Gomes da Silva out of the House gallery early on during President Trump‘s State of the Union address, hiding the illegal immigrant and alleged sexual predator in office “out of an abundance of caution,” alleging DHS was “targeting and harassing Marcelo.” The Massachusetts Democrat went on to defend Gomes da Silva, describing him as a “great American” and a “patriot” during subsequent media appearances. Addressing the criminal allegations directly, a spokesman for Moulton said, “According to our review, Marcelo has never been charged with a crime.”

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March 5, 2026
News
Politics

Congressman Confirms Affair With Staffer Who Later Burned Herself to Death.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales (R) admitted to having an affair with a staffer who committed suicide last year.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Congressman Tony Gonzales, deceased staffer Regina Santos-Aviles, and the House Ethics Committee.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The admission was made during an interview released on March 4, 2026, on The Joe Pags Show.

💬KEY QUOTE: “There was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions.” – Tony Gonzales

🎯IMPACT: Gonzales is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee and faces calls to step down, while continuing his campaign for re-election.

IN FULL

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) has admitted to having an affair with former congressional staffer Regina Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide in 2025. Gonzales made the admission during an interview on The Joe Pags Show, which aired on Wednesday. During the interview, Gonzales acknowledged the relationship and accepted responsibility for his actions, which could violate House rules prohibiting sexual relationships between members of Congress and staff under their supervision. Reflecting on the situation, he said, “There was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions.”

Gonzales also said he has reconciled with his wife, Angel Gonzales, with whom he shares six children. He added that he believes God has forgiven him. The House Committee on Ethics is reviewing whether Gonzales violated the House Code of Official Conduct or other congressional standards.

Santos-Aviles, who served as a district director in Gonzales’s office, reportedly told another staffer in text messages that “I had affair with our boss.” Screenshots later published and additional messages released by her widower appeared to support the claim. In one exchange, Gonzales allegedly asked her for a “sexy pic,” which she declined. Ultimately, she attempted suicide by setting herself on fire, and died from her injuries.

Gonzales initially denied the accusations, describing the claims as “completely untruthful.” However, after the messages surfaced and scrutiny intensified, he publicly acknowledged the affair.

The controversy has emerged during a difficult reelection campaign. Gonzales is currently facing a Republican primary runoff against Brandon Herrera, scheduled for May 26. Despite calls from some lawmakers, including members of his own party, to resign, Gonzales has vowed to remain in the race.

The situation has also drawn comparisons to other recent controversies involving alleged workplace relationships in government. One example involves Democrat prosecutor Fani Willis, who faced scrutiny after allegations surfaced that she had an undisclosed relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade.

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March 4, 2026
News
Politics

Cornyn Camp Mocks, Belittles Wesley Hunt and His Voters.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Senate Leadership Fund (SLF) attacked Representative Wesley Hunt (R-TX) after his third-place finish in the Texas Republican primary for Senator John Cornyn’s seat, potentially alienating Hunt’s supporters ahead of a May run-off between Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: SLF Executive Director Alex Latcham, Wesley Hunt, John Cornyn, Ken Paxton, and GOP fundraiser Caroline Wren.

📍WHEN & WHERE: March 2026, Texas Republican primary race.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Congratulations to Wesley Hunt on an abysmal third place finish in Texas’ Republican primary.” – Alex Latcham

🎯IMPACT: The statement by the SLF, which is backing Cornyn, may drive Hunt and his hundreds of thousands of supporters to back Paxton in the run-off.

IN FULL

The Senate Leadership Fund (SLF), which is backing Republican-in-name-only (RINO) Senator John Cornyn in the primary race for his Texas seat, has taken a swipe at Wesley Hunt following his third-place finish in the first round of the contest. Observers believe this is likely to motivate Hunt and his supporters to back Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his head-to-head run-off with Cornyn.

SLF Executive Director Alex Latcham issued a statement belittling Hunt and, by extension, his supporters, saying, “Congratulations to Wesley Hunt on an abysmal third place finish in Texas’ Republican primary. Instead of fighting for President Trump and conservative priorities, Wesley launched a career-ending vanity tour without any substance or political reasoning. While Wesley’s amateur consultants got wealthy on his senseless campaign, Republican voters are now forced to endure an even longer primary runoff election.”

Paxton and Cornyn appear to have finished the first round of the primary neck-and-neck, within roughly one percent of each other. Hunt, while significantly behind the pair, still boasted around 14 percent of the vote share with approaching 300,000 voters—who will likely decide the run-off.

Caroline Wren, a prominent GOP fundraiser, questioned the wisdom of Cornyn’s camp alienating Hunt and his supporters ahead of the run-off, writing on social media, “Politics is a game of addition. And SLF just told 200,000+ Wesley Hunt voters to fuck off.”

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March 4, 2026
Politics

WATCH: GOP Senator Grills Kristi Noem Over $220M Taxpayer Ad Spend, Vendors.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced criticism over a $220 million ad campaign.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Kristi Noem, Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and President Donald J. Trump.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The hearing took place on a Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The President approved ahead of time you spending $220 million running TV ads across the country in which you feature prominently?” – Sen. John Kennedy

🎯IMPACT: The ad campaign raised questions about spending priorities and the bidding process.

IN FULL

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem faced criticism from Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) during a hearing, as he questioned the effectiveness and intent of a $220 million ad campaign supposedly targeting illegal immigrants. Kennedy suggested the campaign was more about boosting Noem’s name recognition than promoting the Trump administration’s agenda.

“How do you square that concern for waste, which I share, with the fact that you have spent $220 million running television advertisements that feature you prominently?” Sen. Kennedy pressed during Sec. Noem’s appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. Noem responded, “Sir, the President tasked me with getting the message out to the country and to other countries, where we were seeing the invasion come from, with putting commercials out that told them that if they were in this country illegally, they needed to leave.”

“The President asked you to run these advertisements. Is that correct?” Kennedy continued, with Noem stating that President Donald J. Trump did. The DHS Secretary further stated that the contracts to produce the ads went out to a competitive bid. When pressed further about whether the contractors who produced the television ads had formerly worked for her political operation in South Dakota, Noem insisted they had not, but did not clearly answer whether their subcontractors had.

Sen. Kenney again circled back to whether President Trump had approved Noem spending $220 million on the advertisement campaign “in which you [Noem] feature prominently?” Again, Sec. Noem answered in the affirmative and insisted the television ads had been effective.

“They were effective in your name recognition… To me, it puts the President in a terribly awkward spot—and I’m not saying you’re not telling the truth, it’s just hard for me to believe, knowing the President as I do, that you said, ‘Mr. President, here’s some ads I’ve cut, and I’m gonna spend $220 million running them,’ that he would have agreed to that,” Sen. Kennedy responded, adding, “I don’t think Russ Vought would’ve agreed to that. It’s something we have to defend… It troubles me. A quarter of a billion in taxpayer money when we’re scratching for every penny.”

The Strategy Group, a firm with ties to Noem and Corey Lewandowski, acted as a subcontractor on the ad campaign for Safe America Media, LLC, the firm initially awarded the contract. Safe America Media, LLC was formed just days before receiving the contract, bypassing the usual competitive bidding process due to a national emergency declaration. The Strategy Group’s involvement has drawn further scrutiny as its CEO is married to former DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Tricia McLaughlin.

Following Kennedy’s comments, McLaughlin responded in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “[Sen. Kennedy], if you’re going to accuse someone of corruption, you better have your facts straight. No, my husband doesn’t own Safe America and is not apart of it. He nor his company have ever had a contract with DHS.”

WATCH HERE:

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