Stephen Miller launched a vigorous defense on Fox News regarding the administration's handling of a controversial deportation case.
According to Daily Wire, the White House deputy chief of staff for policy firmly rejected claims that Kilmar Abrego Garcia was wrongfully deported to El Salvador, instead pointing fingers at a Department of Justice lawyer whom he labeled a "saboteur."
Miller's appearance on Monday morning's Fox News segment with host Bill Hemmer centered around addressing what he describes as seriously flawed reporting and accusations against the Trump administration regarding the deportation case. The senior White House official emphasized that Abrego Garcia's removal from the United States was executed in accordance with proper legal procedures, citing a 2019 deportation order.
The controversy intensified when Miller revealed that a DOJ lawyer, who has since been terminated, incorrectly filed documentation suggesting Abrego Garcia's deportation was a mistake. Miller characterized this lawyer as a Democrat attempting to undermine the administration's immigration enforcement efforts.
The case has brought attention to the complexities surrounding withholding orders in immigration proceedings. Miller explained that while such orders typically prevent deportation to specific countries, they become invalid when the individual is associated with foreign terrorist organizations.
The administration's position hinges on allegations of Abrego Garcia's connection to MS-13, though the deportee has consistently denied any gang affiliation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's accusations stem from information provided by a confidential informant.
Miller provided additional context regarding the administration's decision to proceed with the deportation, specifically addressing concerns about potential persecution in El Salvador. He asserted that the 18th Street gang, which Abrego Garcia claimed would persecute him, no longer operates in El Salvador.
Miller stated:
He was not mistakenly sent to El Salvador. He is an illegal alien from El Salvador. In 2019, he was ordered deported. He has a final removal order from the United States. These are things that no one disputes. Where is he from? El Salvador. Where is he a resident and citizen of? El Salvador. Is he here illegally? Yes. Does he have a deportation order? Yes.
The White House official further elaborated on the legal framework supporting the deportation decision:
Now some have said, 'well, but he had a thing called a withholding order' – so a withholding order means you've been ordered deported, but an immigration judge is saying you cannot go back to a particular country. Here's the thing: if you are a member of a foreign terrorist organization, you cannot have a withholding order.
The case has sparked intense debate about the implementation of immigration policies and the internal dynamics within federal agencies. Law enforcement sources indicate that local police played a crucial role in providing information about Abrego Garcia's alleged gang connections.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement priorities and due process considerations. Various advocacy groups have expressed concerns about the reliability of confidential informant testimony in immigration cases.
The administration maintains its position that proper procedures were followed throughout the deportation process, despite the internal DOJ dispute that led to the termination of the involved attorney.
The deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador, initially questioned due to a DOJ lawyer's filing, has become a focal point of immigration policy debate. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller defended the action on Fox News, citing a valid 2019 deportation order and allegations of MS-13 membership as justification. The case continues to draw attention to the complex intersection of immigration enforcement, gang allegations, and internal government operations, with the administration standing firm on its decision while facing ongoing scrutiny from various stakeholders.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has uncovered a massive $382 million in fraudulent unemployment payments, with California, New York, and Massachusetts identified as the chief contributors.
The investigation highlights mismanagement and improper payments in states governed by Democrats, igniting debate about economic stewardship and policy effectiveness, as Fox News reports.
DOGE's comprehensive review over the past four years has brought to light several failings in the management of unemployment benefits across the United States. Since 2020, these failings have led to millions of dollars being improperly disbursed. Of particular note is the $305 million originating from just three states -- California, New York, and Massachusetts -- all of which fall under Democratic governance.
According to DOGE, a substantial portion of the fraud relates to payments made to individuals who should have been ineligible for such benefits. In California, a staggering 68% of the fraudulent unemployment benefits were paid to individuals on parole listed on government watchlists or those possessing a criminal history. This raises significant concerns about the processes in place for vetting eligibility.
Beyond California, New York and Massachusetts also contributed significantly to the total losses identified by DOGE, demonstrating a pattern of systemic issues within these states. These issues are not confined to unemployment benefits alone. They extend to other forms of public assistance, emphasizing broader problems in the management of state resources. The report notes problematic claims such as those with "unrealistic ages or future birthdates." This points to failures in system checks designed to confirm the legitimacy of applications.
Compounding these issues, DOGE highlighted policies regarding immigration that may have exacerbated financial losses. The entry of individuals with minimal screening processes, including at least 6,000 who were flagged by the FBI's terror watchlist or possessed criminal records, posed significant risks. Many among this group were able to claim public benefits, amounting to roughly $42,000, spanning unemployment insurance, federal student loans, food aid, and tax refunds.
In response to DOGE's findings, some officials have emphasized the need for improved oversight and policy reform. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer expressed commitment to recovering the misallocated funds and addressing the root causes of these vulnerabilities. “The Labor Department is committed to recovering Americans’ stolen tax dollars,” Chavez-DeRemer stated. “We will catch these thieves and keep working to root out egregious fraud,” she added.
Political implications of this report have spurred commentary from both sides. Harrison Fields, speaking on behalf of the White House, attributed the financial mismanagement to policies typical of Democrat-led states. He cited "high taxes" and "poor stewardship of taxpayer dollars" as reasons why some Americans are choosing to relocate.
Fields remarked, “There’s a reason for the mass exodus from Democrat-run states." His comments reflect an ongoing debate about governance models and their respective impacts on state and citizen well-being. However, supporters of the Democratic policies suggest that issues such as these should not overshadow the states’ larger achievements or the challenges they face due to socioeconomic demands.
Observers argue that a holistic approach is needed to address these challenges effectively. By enhancing immigration screening and bolstering state-level infrastructure to manage claims, states can prevent repeat issues. It is essential to balance resource distribution effectively while safeguarding against instances of fraud and abuse.
The DOGE report serves as a pivotal source for legislative and policy adjustments. It ensures both transparency and accountability as the pressing needs of residents take precedence. As findings continue to prompt policy review, the potential for reform and change remains sizable. Ultimately, reclaiming trust and maintaining fiscal responsibility across states will require coordinated efforts at both the state and federal levels.
This revelation underscores the necessity for policy makers to build on these findings for more sustainable financial practices. Concrete measures such as enhanced vetting, technological upgrades, and stricter audits stand out as immediate priorities.
Ultimately, safeguarding taxpayer funds while ensuring rightful access to public benefits will dictate the future outcomes in state economies’ effectiveness and efficiency.
The director of National Intelligence has disclosed that newly digitizable documents regarding the assassinations of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. are set to be released soon.
During a special announcement at the White House, Tulsi Gabbard revealed that these documents, which have remained unseen for decades, are in the process of being scanned and will be released in the coming days, as Breitbart reports.
The disclosure took place with the notable presence of President Donald Trump and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., adding a personal aspect to the proceedings.
Gabbard shared that an extensive team has been diligently scanning documents related to the tragic deaths of RFK Sr. and MLK Jr. She noted that these crucial files had been stored away in boxes for many years, untouched and unexamined. Describing the dedicated effort, Gabbard said, “We’ve been scanning -- I’ve had over a hundred people working around the clock.”
This task takes on added significance given the content of the files, which pertain to pivotal historical figures. Both Kennedy and King were monumental figures, each having played critical roles in shaping modern American society before their untimely deaths. The upcoming release is, therefore, likely to garner substantial public interest. President Trump's reaction to the news was one of encouragement. He expressed a personal connection to the situation, acknowledging the emotional gravity, especially for RFK Jr. Trump responded positively, referencing the historical and familial significance by remarking, “That's hitting close to home.”
The announcement comes amid a broader initiative led by the Trump administration. Back in January, Trump signed an executive order to release various assassination records relating to John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. Notably, the John F. Kennedy documents were made public earlier in the year.
RFK Jr., who experienced the heartbreaking loss of his father as a teenager, was present during Gabbard’s statement. The assassination of his father occurred in a momentous context, just after RFK Sr. secured the California Democrat presidential primary victory in June 1968. RFK Jr. expressed feelings of gratitude for the transparency, saying he felt “very gratified” by the impending release.
Gabbard highlighted the personal aspect of the release for RFK Jr. “You let Bobby see some of this because, you know, it's very personal stuff,” Gabbard noted, reflecting on how the documents hold deeper meaning for him beyond their historical intrigue. In recent years, there has been an increased push towards clarity and transparency relating to political assassinations in America. Gabbard mentioned how the information chain concerning the JFK records was entirely open, with “no redactions.”
The future availability of these documents adds a layer of anticipation among those eager to uncover new insights into the events leading to the demise of these leaders. Such figures left a lasting impact, reshaping facets of American culture and policy.
Gabbard also conveyed how RFK Jr. stressed the necessity of this release. “The world needs to know the truth,” she conveyed, sharing his sentiment to ensure a complete historical understanding. Transparency serves not only the cause of justice but also historical accuracy.
Later, the announcement provided context for Trump’s intentions to establish a specialized commission examining presidential assassinations, an idea he floated during his 2024 campaign. This strategy comes following an attempted attack on Trump's life during a rally, promising to engage with and honor those like RFK Jr. who have been deeply affected.
As the public and historians await the release, it remains to be seen how these documents might reshape current understanding of these hallmark events. The effort to declassify and disseminate previously inaccessible records is, in part, a gesture towards a more informed citizenry.
The approaching release thus captures public attention, both for its content and the circumstances surrounding the announcement. Whether the scanned files offer new revelations or confirm existing narratives remains to be revealed. However, what remains unmistakable is the significance of making these documents available, offering a testament to both historical legacy and continuing the pursuit of truth.
A complex legal battle unfolds as the Supreme Court intervenes in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident mistakenly deported to El Salvador.
According to Breitbart, the Supreme Court issued a ruling requiring the Trump administration to take steps toward facilitating the release of Garcia, who was erroneously deported to El Salvador and imprisoned alongside alleged Venezuelan gang members on March 15.
The unanimous decision partially granted and rejected an emergency request from the Justice Department challenging a lower court order. The ruling specified that while immediate retrieval is not mandatory, the administration must demonstrate its efforts and potential future actions to address Garcia's situation.
The three liberal justices, led by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, emphasized the necessity of providing Garcia with proper legal procedures.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration's position with serious allegations against Garcia. She asserted that credible intelligence linked him to human trafficking operations and identified him as a leader of MS-13, which the administration has designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
The Justice Department celebrated aspects of the ruling, interpreting it as an affirmation of presidential authority in foreign affairs. A department spokesperson emphasized that the decision recognized the executive branch's exclusive right to conduct foreign policy.
The administration maintains its stance despite a 2019 immigration judge's ruling that prohibited Garcia's deportation to El Salvador due to persecution risks.
The Supreme Court's decision criticized District Judge Paula Xinis for potentially exceeding judicial authority by ordering the government to "effectuate" Garcia's return. The ruling directed the lower court to revise its order while respecting presidential powers in foreign affairs.
Garcia's legal team described his deportation as a "Kafka-esque mistake." They highlighted that their client, a Beltsville resident with a wife and three children, had no pending charges and had consistently complied with U.S. immigration requirements.
Immigration officials acknowledged that Garcia's deportation resulted from an "administrative error," despite initially labeling him as an MS-13 member.
The Supreme Court's ruling creates a delicate balance between judicial oversight and executive authority in immigration matters. The decision requires the Trump administration to work toward Garcia's release while maintaining respect for diplomatic protocols.
While the administration must now demonstrate its efforts to assist Garcia, the exact timeline and methods remain undefined. The case highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement policies and individual rights protections.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia remains in an El Salvador prison following his March 15 deportation alongside alleged Venezuelan gang members. The Supreme Court's ruling requires the Trump administration to facilitate his release while respecting diplomatic channels and executive authority. As the administration maintains its allegations about Garcia's gang connections and human trafficking involvement, his legal team continues to fight for his return to his family in Maryland, where he previously resided without charges or violations of immigration requirements.
A former Green Beret and CIA officer with diplomatic experience in El Salvador steps into a crucial role as U.S. ambassador to Mexico.
According to Reuters, Ronald Johnson secured Senate confirmation as the new U.S. ambassador to Mexico with a narrow 49-46 vote along strict party lines, as tensions escalate over President Donald Trump's tariff policies and potential military intervention plans.
The confirmation comes at a critical moment in U.S.-Mexico relations, with mounting concerns about Trump's suggested military action within Mexican borders to combat drug cartels. Johnson's extensive military and intelligence background, including his service as a CIA officer and Army Green Beret, adds significance to his appointment during this sensitive period.
The Senate's voting pattern highlighted the stark political division surrounding Johnson's appointment. Every Republican senator present backed his nomination, while Democrats and independent senators aligned with the Democratic party unanimously opposed it.
Johnson's previous role as ambassador to El Salvador during Trump's first term provided him with valuable diplomatic experience in Latin America. However, this background did not sway Democratic senators to support his nomination.
The close margin of victory reflects broader tensions between the two major political parties regarding Trump's approach to U.S.-Mexico relations and border security policies.
President Claudia Sheinbaum has taken a firm stance against potential U.S. military involvement within Mexican territory. Her administration's response demonstrates Mexico's determination to maintain its sovereignty.
The Mexican government's concerns have intensified as Trump continues to float the idea of unilateral military action inside Mexico. This suggestion, repeatedly mentioned during his presidential campaign, has strained diplomatic relations between the two nations.
To strengthen Mexico's position, Sheinbaum has proposed constitutional reforms aimed at reinforcing national sovereignty protections. These measures reflect growing apprehension about potential U.S. military operations within Mexican borders.
Trump's recent implementation of substantial tariffs on Mexican imports has created additional friction in the bilateral relationship. This aggressive trade policy has sent ripples through global financial markets and complicated economic ties between the two countries.
Immigration remains a contentious issue, with Trump maintaining his hard-line stance on border control and continuing his criticism of Mexico. His campaign rhetoric characterizing Mexican immigrants as criminals and blaming Mexico for U.S. drug problems has persistently undermined diplomatic efforts.
Ronald Johnson's confirmation as U.S. ambassador to Mexico represents a crucial appointment during a period of heightened tensions between the two nations. The Senate's approval of his nomination occurred amid escalating concerns about President Trump's proposed military intervention in Mexico and his controversial tariff policies.
The new ambassador faces significant challenges in managing bilateral relations, as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum strengthens sovereignty protections while pushing back against potential U.S. military action. Johnson's extensive background in military, intelligence, and diplomatic service will be tested as he works to address trade disputes, immigration issues, and security concerns that continue to strain the relationship between these neighboring countries.
William J. Pulte, Fannie Mae's newly appointed board chair, leads a significant workforce restructuring at the federal mortgage giant.
According to The Hill, more than 100 Fannie Mae employees were terminated due to unethical conduct, including involvement in fraudulent activities against the company.
The sweeping personnel changes come as part of a broader initiative under the Trump administration to eliminate fraud and deceitful practices within the housing industry. These terminations represent a decisive action to maintain the integrity of one of America's largest mortgage finance companies.
Pulte, who assumed his role after being sworn in on March 14, has taken an aggressive stance against misconduct within the organization. His appointment by President Trump signals a renewed focus on maintaining ethical standards in the housing sector. The board chair's actions align with the administration's commitment to eliminating fraudulent practices that could potentially destabilize the housing market.
William J. Pulte stated:
Since my swearing-in, we fired over 100 employees from Fannie Mae who we caught engaging in unethical conduct, including facilitating fraud, against our great company. Anyone who commits fraud against Fannie Mae does so against the American people.
The terminations have received support from Fannie Mae's top leadership, demonstrating a unified approach to addressing misconduct. CEO Priscilla Almodovar has explicitly endorsed the initiative, emphasizing the company's dedication to maintaining high ethical standards among its workforce.
The recent workforce reduction extends beyond addressing ethical concerns, as it also fulfills requirements set by the Department of Government Efficiency. Under DOGE's directive, Fannie Mae has successfully reduced its active workforce by more than 25 percent. This reduction surpasses the department's initial expectations for the U.S. Federal Housing agency.
The restructuring involves consolidating various divisions within the organization. These changes aim to streamline operations while maintaining focus on key objectives, including increased home construction and strengthened safety measures. The consolidation process represents a significant shift in how the agency operates.
Company leadership has not disclosed specific details regarding the nature of the unethical conduct that led to the terminations. However, the scale of the dismissals suggests a systematic effort to address widespread issues within the organization.
The workforce reduction reflects a dual-purpose strategy, addressing both ethical concerns and operational efficiency. This approach demonstrates the agency's commitment to maintaining public trust while optimizing its organizational structure. The changes are expected to have lasting implications for the housing industry's regulatory framework.
These developments occur against the backdrop of broader efforts to enhance oversight in the housing sector. The Trump administration's focus on eliminating fraud and unethical practices signals a continued emphasis on maintaining market stability. The recent actions at Fannie Mae may serve as a model for other agencies in the housing sector.
Internal reforms within Fannie Mae are likely to continue as the organization adapts to its streamlined structure. The reduced workforce and consolidated divisions will need to maintain effectiveness in supporting the agency's core mission of facilitating home ownership.
Fannie Mae's termination of over 100 employees marks a significant shift in the organization's approach to ethical compliance and operational efficiency. The action, led by board chair William J. Pulte under President Trump's administration, addresses fraudulent activities while meeting Department of Government Efficiency requirements for workforce reduction. This restructuring, which includes a 25 percent staff reduction and division consolidation, aims to strengthen the organization's focus on housing sector stability and ethical conduct in mortgage financing operations.
A devastating series of storms continues to batter the South and Midwest, leaving communities reeling from severe weather conditions and rising floodwaters.
According to Breitbart, at least 16 people have lost their lives as torrential rains and flash flooding ravage regions from Texas to Ohio, with the death toll expected to increase amid ongoing severe weather conditions.
The catastrophic weather system has triggered widespread power outages affecting more than 162,000 residents across Arkansas, Texas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky have already declared states of emergency as communities struggle to cope with the unprecedented weather event.
The National Weather Service has issued new tornado warnings for Alabama and Mississippi counties, while Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee face fresh flash flood warnings. The continuous rainfall has caused rivers and waterways to swell rapidly, prompting emergency responses across multiple jurisdictions.
Arkansas faces particularly challenging conditions as flooding impacts communities statewide. Emergency response teams are working around the clock to assist affected residents and maintain critical infrastructure.
Local authorities report extensive flooding of structures, roads, and bridges across the impacted regions. The National Weather Service predicts numerous locations will reach "major flood stage" in the coming days.
Meteorologists at the National Weather Service have issued stark warnings about the developing situation. The agency emphasizes the severity of the incoming weather system.
Temperature fluctuations and unprecedented rainfall levels are expected to affect areas from the central United States to the East Coast as the weather system moves forward. Officials warn that these conditions could create additional challenges for emergency responders.
The impact of extreme rainfall will continue to affect communities in the coming weeks, with moderate to major flooding expected on secondary and primary waterways throughout the affected regions.
Tennessee has reported the highest number of weather-related casualties, with 10 deaths confirmed. Emergency services continue to monitor developing situations across all affected states.
State and local authorities have implemented emergency protocols to address the crisis. Multiple counties have established emergency shelters and evacuation centers to assist displaced residents.
The National Weather Service maintains an active tornado watch until 10 a.m. for several counties in Alabama, including Choctaw, Clarke, Monroe, Washington, and Wilcox, highlighting the ongoing threat of severe weather.
The devastating weather system has claimed at least 16 lives while continuing its destructive path across multiple states. The combination of torrential rains, flash flooding, and tornadoes has created unprecedented challenges for communities from Texas to Ohio. Emergency response teams remain on high alert as forecasters predict additional severe weather conditions, including potentially historic rainfall and significant temperature variations. The situation continues to evolve as authorities work to protect vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure from the impact of this massive weather event.
Former President Barack Obama recently delivered a candid discussion on personal and political matters to students at Hamilton College.
This engagement highlighted Obama's ongoing attempts to mend his marriage to Michelle Obama and his concerns about the survival of core democratic values, as the Daily Mail reports.
During his appearance at the college last Thursday, its president, Steven Tepper, initiated the dialogue by asking Obama about his current pursuits. In response, the former president, now 63, shared that he has been working on completing the second part of his memoir, likening the process to a series of “50 term papers” that continue indefinitely. Adding a personal note, Obama admitted to the challenges he faces in his relationship with his wife, Michelle Obama, acknowledging his efforts to "dig himself out" of a "deep deficit" by engaging in enjoyable activities together amid swirling divorce rumors.
The former president's acknowledgment of his marriage difficulties comes in the wake of persistent public speculation about the state of their marriage. This speculation was fueled by his solo appearances at significant events, including President Jimmy Carter’s funeral and President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Such admissions of personal struggles were interwoven with Obama’s criticisms of his successor, Donald Trump, reflecting a broader concern over the state of American democracy.
Obama expressed shock at Trump's actions during his first term in office, highlighting a perceived tolerance of behavior by political parties that would have been unacceptable had it been performed by previous administrations, including his own. His address included a critique of the Trump administration's tactics, such as targeting law firms and universities and clamping down on media freedom.
While recalling his own administration’s temporary move against Fox News, Obama pointed out what he says was the stark contrast to the Trump White House’s measures, which included barring the Associated Press from key areas while welcoming conservative media personalities. Obama noted his belief that such actions represented a departure from fundamental American democratic principles, arguing that a free and effective press is crucial for an informed citizenry.
He further conveyed his concern about a federal government perceived to be threatening academic institutions that refuse to yield information about students exercising free speech rights. “Imagine if I had done any of this,” Obama remarked incredulously, imagining a government threatening legal practices and extracting severe penalties for dissenting from governmental policies like the Affordable Care Act.
Obama emphasized that his own administration never engaged in similar behavior, asserting that the conduct he observed eroded foundational democratic commitments. He attributed these issues partly to the growing size and detachment of the government, which he said often led to an unresponsive system and increased public frustration and inequality.
Obama’s address shifted focus towards the importance of embracing diversity and understanding within a more fragmented Congress. He mentioned the role of identity in political disagreements, suggesting a tendency to polarize based on differences rather than find common ground.
Despite identifying significant challenges, Obama remained optimistic about collective efforts towards positive change. “Let me just close this portion of my remarks by saying it is up to all of us to fix this,” he urged students, recalling his belief that individual action could instigate significant progress.
The former president also acknowledged societal progress regarding sexism and racism, expressing a hope that humanity is improving over time. He cited sexism’s persistence globally and within the U.S., and humorously noted, “Humans aren't that bright.”
Obama closed his address by emphasizing the importance of continuous and incremental change, advising students not to despair over slow progress or persistent social issues. He encouraged them to take active roles in political processes, underscoring that tangible change requires participation from every citizen.
By highlighting these topics, Obama reasserted what he said was his commitment to democratic values, while also reflecting on personal endeavors to reconcile relationships and support progress. The message resonated strongly with students, emphasizing the significant role that each individual plays in shaping the future of democracy.