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Category: Politics
January 7, 2025
Christopher Tomlinson
Politics
World

A New Populist Govt May Be Emerging in Europe.

After rounds of negotiations among establishment parties that ultimately collapsed, the President of Austria has called on populists to form the next government. President Alexander Van der Bellen met with populist Freedom Party (FPOe) leader Herbert Kickl on Monday, January 6, and announced that Kickl would be tasked with forming the next government.

The meeting comes after the center-right Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP or OeVP) and the leftist Social Democrats (SPOe) failed to agree on forming a coalition. Van der Bellen invited the two parties to attempt to create a government despite the FPOe winning the last national election last September, albeit without an outright legislative majority.

Previously, the OeVP had stated it would not form a government with Kickl and the FPOe, but it recently changed stances, opening the door to a potential right-wing coalition.

“The voices that rule out cooperation between the ÖVP and Herbert Kickl’s FPOe have become quieter,” Van der Bellen said over the weekend.

HERBERT KICKL.

Kickl is known for his fiery speeches, vaccine skepticism, and anti-mass migration stance. If he becomes Austrian Chancellor, he could become one of the most prominent populist voices in Europe. It would also be the first time in history that the FPOe has led a national government.

During the election campaign last year, Kickl went as far as backing a policy of “remigration,” or mass deportations, for illegal immigrants, bogus asylum seekers, and those taking advantage of Austria’s social benefits. During a speech, he even referred to such people as “invaders.”

While populist, the FPOe is also classically liberal on several issues, including being pro-firearms ownership and supporting several classical liberal economic policies. In the European Union, Kickl and the FPOe are key allies of Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban and are members of Orban’s Patriots for Europe group in the European Parliament.

Image by Roderick Eime.

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After rounds of negotiations among establishment parties that ultimately collapsed, the President of Austria has called on populists to form the next government. President Alexander Van der Bellen met with populist Freedom Party (FPOe) leader Herbert Kickl on Monday, January 6, and announced that Kickl would be tasked with forming the next government. show more
January 7, 2025
News
Politics
UK

Nigel Farage’s Reform Party Gains ANOTHER Big Defection.

Nigel Farage’s Reform Party has welcomed a former Conservative Party Member of Parliament (MP) known for being tough on illegal immigration and a challenger of woke dogma. Marco Longhi becomes the third defector in as many months to Farage’s party, which is exploding in the polls.

Longhi—who represented the Dudley North constituency (electoral district) from 2019 to 2024—announced his shift, criticizing the current direction of the Conservative Party, describing it as “unrecognizable” compared to its former days under leaders like Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher.

“The Conservative Party I once identified with—the party of Churchill and Thatcher—has transformed into something unrecognizable, captured by a left-wing influence that masquerades as conservatism at election time while prioritizing the wishes of an elite few when in power,” he said, saying he would not be part of this “uniparty drift.”

A staunch Conservative, Longhi penned a letter to the Telegraph newspaper in 2020, slamming the “woke agenda” and cultural Marxism. He also confronted former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who resigned after a sex abuse coverup last year, on his support for illegal immigration. Longhi questioned the former Archbishop in 2022 on why he was against a plan to remove asylum seekers to Rwanda, asking if he would house illegals in his own palaces.

Reform has attracted several defectors from the Conservatives, including billionaire donor Nick Candy as treasurer and former Conservative MP Aidan Burley.

Internationally, tech billionaire Elon Musk has expressed support for Reform after meeting with Farage and Candy in Florida late last year.

Image by Owain.davies.

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Nigel Farage's Reform Party has welcomed a former Conservative Party Member of Parliament (MP) known for being tough on illegal immigration and a challenger of woke dogma. Marco Longhi becomes the third defector in as many months to Farage's party, which is exploding in the polls. show more
trump biden
January 6, 2025
Politics

Biden is Trying to Sabotage Trump With a Fresh Ban on Future Oil and Gas.

President Joe Biden has issued a ban on future offshore oil and gas drilling across significant portions of U.S. coastal waters. The move could significantly derail President-elect Donald J. Trump’s pledge to unleash American energy through granting new leases and expanding drilling rights.

The executive order, announced Monday by the White House, relies on Biden’s authority under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and will block new leasing in federal waters off the East and West coasts, the eastern edge of the Gulf of Mexico, and parts of the northern Bering Sea. However, it leaves most of the Gulf of Mexico untouched. In response to Biden’s directive, Trump’s spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, criticized the move in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

“This is a disgraceful decision designed to exact political revenge on the American people who gave President Trump a mandate to increase drilling and lower gas prices,” Leavitt writes, adding: “Rest assured, Joe Biden will fail, and we will drill, baby, drill.”

GREEN AGENDA.

Environmental groups such as Oceana have praised the ban, viewing it as a necessary step to address climate change and protect coastal communities. The American Petroleum Institute, representing oil and gas interests, argues that the ban threatens U.S. energy security. Industry representatives expressed the need for Congress to overturn the policy, viewing it as a politically driven impediment to American energy development.

The implications for Trump’s administration could be substantial, as reversing the ban may require legislative action rather than a unilateral executive decision.

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President Joe Biden has issued a ban on future offshore oil and gas drilling across significant portions of U.S. coastal waters. The move could significantly derail President-elect Donald J. Trump's pledge to unleash American energy through granting new leases and expanding drilling rights. show more
January 6, 2025
William Upton
Media
Politics

‘The View’ Goes Off the Deep End, Likens Jan 6 to the Holocaust.

The View‘s Sunny Hostin, known for outlandish and often absurd political statements, is now likening the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots to the Holocaust. Speaking on the ABC mid-day talk show, Hostin lamented that most Americans appear to have moved on from the unrest that occurred four years ago in Washington, D.C.

“I think we need to find moral clarity, you know, in this country,” Hostin said as co-host Whoopi Goldberg looked on. “I just remember after January 6, you had someone like Mitch McConnell placing the blame on January 6 where it belongs—squarely on Donald Trump’s shoulders. And then you started seeing people backtrack that and losing their moral center. You had Condoleezza Rice, I believe—on this very show—saying, ‘You know we need to move on from January 6.'”

“I say no. You don’t move on. Because January 6 was an atrocity. It was one of the worst moments in American history. And when you think about the worst moments in American history, you know, like World War Two—things that happened—like the Holocaust, chattel slavery, we need to never forget. Because past becomes prologue if you forget any race.”

While the far-left host of The View insists the Capitol riots stand in moral equivalence to some of the darkest moments in modern history, the scale does not appear to be comparable. Four total individuals died during the riots—all were protestors, including Ashli Babbitt, who was shot and killed at point-blank range by Capitol Police Officer Lt. Michael Byrd while trying to climb through a window near the House Chamber, unarmed.

Meanwhile, the Holocaust saw Nazi Germany exterminate over six million Jews on an industrial scale, and the American practice of chattel slavery saw just over 10 million mostly African-heritage individuals held in bondage in the United States.

WATCH: 

Image by Dieglop.

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The View's Sunny Hostin, known for outlandish and often absurd political statements, is now likening the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots to the Holocaust. Speaking on the ABC mid-day talk show, Hostin lamented that most Americans appear to have moved on from the unrest that occurred four years ago in Washington, D.C. show more
January 5, 2025
Christopher Tomlinson
Lawfare
Politics

The Lawfare Against Rudy Giuliani Continues Apace.

Two judges are considering laying contempt charges against America’s Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, as he tries to fend off attempts to seize his Palm Beach, Florida condominium. The ongoing lawfare against Giuliani, 80, comes as he faces a trial this month that will determine if he has to relinquish his Palm Beach residence to two Georgia women who won an absurd $148 million settlement against him in 2023 following a defamation case.

While the two women, former election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, have taken possession of many of Giuliani’s assets, from luxury watches to cars, Giuliani has fought collections, irritating federal judges.

On Friday, Giuliani will appear at the Manhattan federal court, where the two Georgia women have demanded Judge Lewis Liman find Giuliani in contempt and impose heavy sanctions. The women claim Giuliani has refused to provide any documents relating to the Palm Beach property, which they are trying to seize.

Judge Liman, a Democrat appointed by President-elect Donald J. Trump in 2018, ordered Giuliani to surrender his Manhattan penthouse last October. He has also refused to allow Giuliani to attend Trump’s inauguration on January 20.

The second hearing will take place on January 10 in Washington, D.C., where Judge Beryl Howell will determine whether or not to hold Giuliani in contempt for allegedly making new defamatory remarks about the two Georgia women in violation of a prior agreement.

Judge Howell presided over the initial defamation case against Giuliani and has been labeled as biased as she also handled dozens of January 6 cases.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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Two judges are considering laying contempt charges against America's Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, as he tries to fend off attempts to seize his Palm Beach, Florida condominium. The ongoing lawfare against Giuliani, 80, comes as he faces a trial this month that will determine if he has to relinquish his Palm Beach residence to two Georgia women who won an absurd $148 million settlement against him in 2023 following a defamation case. show more
January 4, 2025
William Upton
Election Integrity
Politics

Two House Members Face Campaign Finance Violations.

The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) claims two House lawmakers likely broke campaign finance laws in prior elections. In two reports released on Thursday, the OCE—a nonpartisan and independent watchdog group established by Congress in 2008—says it has “substantial reason to believe” Representatives Andy Ogles (R-TN) and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) failed to appropriately report certain campaign contributions to circumvent election rules on contribution limits and the funding of political action committees (PACs).

According to the OCE reports, Rep. Ogles’s 2022 Congressional campaign allegedly “omitted or misrepresented required information in his financial disclosure statements or FEC candidate committee reports” and “may have accepted excessive contributions that were reported as personal loans and contributions from the candidate.”

The watchdog group claims that Ogles’s $320,000 loan reported to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) for his election campaign was a ploy to cover up his acceptance of donor contributions over the legal limits. They note that they believe the Tennessee Republican lacked the financial resources at the time to make such a significant transaction. However, in a letter to the OCE, Ogles stated that the filing was incorrect and that the actual loan amount was only $20,000.

Meanwhile, Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick is accused of circumventing rules regarding campaign contributions to PACs. The report states the Florida Democrat made “payments to a state political action committee in connection with her campaign and failed to report these payments as contributions to her campaign.” Additionally, the OCE says it has found evidence that at least one individual working on Cherfilus-McCormick’s campaign was not paid with official campaign funds. She is also accused of accepting donor contributions over legal limits.

Both reports were referred to the House Ethics Committee for further investigation.

Image by Daniel Mennerich.

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The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) claims two House lawmakers likely broke campaign finance laws in prior elections. In two reports released on Thursday, the OCE—a nonpartisan and independent watchdog group established by Congress in 2008—says it has "substantial reason to believe" Representatives Andy Ogles (R-TN) and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) failed to appropriately report certain campaign contributions to circumvent election rules on contribution limits and the funding of political action committees (PACs). show more
January 3, 2025
William Upton
Politics

WATCH: Dem FREAKS OUT On House Floor About Her Own Lack of Understanding of Speaker Vote.

U.S. Delegate Stacey Plaskett (D-VI) caused an outburst on the floor of the House of Representatives just after the first ballot to elect a Speaker concluded, demanding that non-voting members representing American territories be allowed to vote as well. The request, made through a parliamentary inquiry, was swiftly denied by the parliamentarian, who cited House rules prohibiting delegates and the resident commissioner-elects from casting votes on legislative business—including the election of the Speaker.

“I note that the names of the representatives from the America-Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia were not called. Representing, collectively, four million Americans,” the non-voting Virgin Islands delegate declared on the House floor to a standing ovation and cheers from her Democratic Party colleagues.

NON-MEMBERS CANNOT VOTE.

The parliamentarian and acting Speaker interjected, asking Plaskett whether she had an actual parliamentary inquiry. “I ask why they were not called,” replied the delegate, whose territory includes the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein’s private island. She repeated the request amid Republican jeers, demanding to know why the non-voting members were not called in the roll.

“Delegates-elect and the resident commissioner-elect are not qualified to vote,” the parliamentarian responded, with Democrat members shouting “wrong” in response. The parliamentarian continued: “Representatives-elect are the only individuals qualified to vote in the election of a Speaker. As provided in Section 36 of the House Rules and Manual, the Speaker is elected by a majority of the members-elect voting by surname.”

Plaskett, again taking the floor, replied: “Thank you, Mister Speaker. This body and this nation has a territories and a colonies problem! What was supposed to be temporary has now effectively become permanent. We must do something about this problem so that these four million…” Before she could conclude, Del. Paskett’s microphone was cut off by the parliamentarian.

WATCH:

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U.S. Delegate Stacey Plaskett (D-VI) caused an outburst on the floor of the House of Representatives just after the first ballot to elect a Speaker concluded, demanding that non-voting members representing American territories be allowed to vote as well. The request, made through a parliamentary inquiry, was swiftly denied by the parliamentarian, who cited House rules prohibiting delegates and the resident commissioner-elects from casting votes on legislative business—including the election of the Speaker. show more
January 3, 2025
Corruption
Politics

Jill Biden Was Recently Gifted a $20,000 Diamond by a Foreign Government.

According to the State Department’s annual report on gifts received by U.S. government officials from foreign leaders, First Lady Jill Biden received a 7.5-carat diamond valued at $20,000 from India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year. The report details a number of valuable items given to President Joe Biden and his family, as well as Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) employees. However, the First Lady’s diamond is by far the most expensive gift for the year.

Other items received by the First Lady and detailed in the report include a $14,063 brooch gifted by the Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States, as well as a bracelet and brooch valued at $4,510 given to her by Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his wife, Entissar Amer. Federal regulations require these gifts exceeding $480 in value to be declared, with most going to the National Archives or displayed officially.

The diamond, intended for official use in the White House’s East Wing, will be transferred to the National Archives once the Bidens leave office, claims a White House spokesman. Meanwhile, President Biden received several notable items, including a $7,100 photo album from South Korea’s former President Suk Yeol Yoon and various silver items from leaders from Mongolia, Brunei, and Israel. Officials from Ukraine, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, presented a $2,400 collage.

Additionally, the State Department document also highlights gifts involving CIA personnel. CIA Director William Burns received an $18,000 astrograph from an undisclosed foreign source and also destroyed an $11,000 Omega watch. Employees under his charge logged multiple luxury items, which were largely destroyed to adhere to security protocols. This destruction list included a $65,100 jewelry set featuring watches and diamonds, and other costly items, such as a $30,000 set from a Libyan jeweler.

Official White House photo by Adam Schultz.

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According to the State Department's annual report on gifts received by U.S. government officials from foreign leaders, First Lady Jill Biden received a 7.5-carat diamond valued at $20,000 from India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year. The report details a number of valuable items given to President Joe Biden and his family, as well as Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) employees. However, the First Lady's diamond is by far the most expensive gift for the year. show more
January 3, 2025
Politics

Mike Johnson Scrambles to Secure Speakership – Vote at Noon TODAY.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) continues to whip for the necessary votes to secure his re-election, engaging in ongoing talks with hard-line conservatives ahead of a scheduled House vote at noon. On Thursday, Johnson met with conservative Republicans at the Capitol who have voiced dissatisfaction with his leadership—with some expressing a desire to elect someone other than the Louisiana Congressman to lead the House. The meeting ended without Johnson making much progress in securing the critical House faction’s votes.

In November, Republicans unanimously nominated Johnson for another term. However, some lawmakers expressed frustration following a year-end spending deal with Democrats aimed at preventing a government shutdown. This agreement faced criticism from prominent figures, including Elon Musk and President-elect Donald J. Trump, contributing to its collapse. Trump nevertheless reaffirmed his support for Johnson’s re-election earlier this week.

To retain his role, Johnson requires nearly total backing from the House Republican conference on the floor. With the party holding a narrow margin—219 seats to the Democrats’ 215—Johnson can only afford to lose one Republican vote if all members are present and Democrats are united behind their leader, Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY). Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) has already announced his opposition to Johnson’s re-election.

On a positive note for Johnson, Trump has urged House Republicans to proceed swiftly to implement his policy agenda rather than fight over positions. Additionally, no other candidates have surfaced to challenge Johnson for the Speaker position. “I think we get it done on the first round,” Johnson said in an interview ahead of the vote, adding he hopes to unify the House Republican caucus.

Nonetheless, some Republicans remain undecided. Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) expressed indecision over backing Johnson, emphasizing the need for change within the party’s leadership.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) continues to whip for the necessary votes to secure his re-election, engaging in ongoing talks with hard-line conservatives ahead of a scheduled House vote at noon. On Thursday, Johnson met with conservative Republicans at the Capitol who have voiced dissatisfaction with his leadership—with some expressing a desire to elect someone other than the Louisiana Congressman to lead the House. The meeting ended without Johnson making much progress in securing the critical House faction's votes. show more
January 2, 2025
William Upton
Politics

REPORT: Biden Struggling to Raise Cash for Presidential Library in Mass Donor Snub.

Outgoing President Joe Biden is struggling to raise funds for his presidential library as major political donors are refusing to give to the 82-year-old Democrat out of anger over President Donald J. Trump’s landslide election victory. Notably, Biden’s approval rating is now lower than Trump’s following the January 6 Capitol riots. He has largely borne the brunt of the blame for the Democratic Party’s defeat in the 2024 presidential election.

Puck’s senior political correspondent, Tara Palmeri, highlighted the fundraising struggles for Biden’s library—an undertaking each former president takes on after their exit from the White House—on her podcast Somebody’s Gotta Win.

“People are really angry with him for pardoning Hunter, for the Democrats’ losses this year in the election, for running for re-election, for the fact that he took so long to drop out of the race and, in turn, did not set up his successor Kamala Harris for success,” Palmeri says.

She continues: “His team is having a really hard time raising money for his presidential library because of it. It is something that all presidents do, but it turns out Democratic donors are like, ‘Thanks but no thanks, we have Trump for a second term after you promised to be the defender of democracy and that you alone could beat him, but it turns out that was not the case.'”

Palmeri notes donors are also angry with Biden’s staff, who insulated him from scrutiny amid his cognitive decline. Biden’s poor mental condition was unquestionably revealed on national television during June’s presidential debate, where the octagenarian appeared confused and unable to articulate simple responses to moderator questions.

Biden faces widespread disapproval among Americans at large. According to Gallup, the 82-year-old Democrat’s approval rating hovered at 37 percent in November—lower than Trump’s rating following the January 6 riots.

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Outgoing President Joe Biden is struggling to raise funds for his presidential library as major political donors are refusing to give to the 82-year-old Democrat out of anger over President Donald J. Trump's landslide election victory. Notably, Biden's approval rating is now lower than Trump's following the January 6 Capitol riots. He has largely borne the brunt of the blame for the Democratic Party's defeat in the 2024 presidential election. show more