A routine security screening at the Cannon House Office Building leads to an unexpected arrest of a Democratic congressional staff member.
According to Fox News, Michael Hopkins, a 38-year-old staff member for Representative Joe Morelle of New York's 25th Congressional District, was arrested Thursday morning after security officers discovered ammunition in his bag during screening.
The incident occurred around 8:45 a.m. when Capitol Police officers conducting standard x-ray screening detected suspicious items in Hopkins' bag. Upon further inspection, authorities found four ammunition magazines and eleven rounds of ammunition, leading to multiple charges against the staff member.
The discovery prompted immediate action from Capitol Police, who conducted a thorough hand search of the bag after noticing suspicious items on the X-ray screen. The incident highlights the effectiveness of existing security measures at congressional buildings.
Capitol Police have charged Hopkins with unlawful possession of ammunition, including an additional charge specifically related to possessing a high-capacity magazine. These charges underscore the serious nature of the security violation within the congressional complex.
Representative Morelle's office has taken a proactive stance in addressing the situation. As the Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, Morelle has emphasized his commitment to maintaining workplace safety and security.
The Representative's office issued a statement confirming their full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. Their response demonstrates the seriousness with which they are treating the security breach.
According to Capitol Police, Hopkins claimed he had forgotten the ammunition was in his bag:
At approximately 8:45 a.m., a House staffer entered the Cannon House Office Building and put his bag through screening. USCP officers noticed what appeared to be ammunition on the x-ray screen.
The incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of security measures within congressional buildings. The effectiveness of current screening procedures has been highlighted by the successful detection of prohibited items.
Representative Morelle's position as Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration adds another layer of significance to the incident. His office released a statement emphasizing their dedication to workplace safety.
The Rochester representative's team continues to gather additional information about the arrest, maintaining transparency throughout the process.
Michael Hopkins, a staff member for Democratic Representative Joe Morelle, faces charges of unlawful ammunition possession after Capitol Police discovered four ammunition magazines and eleven rounds in his bag at the Cannon House Office Building security checkpoint.
The incident occurred during a routine morning screening when x-ray detection revealed the prohibited items, leading to Hopkins' immediate arrest. Representative Morelle's office has pledged full cooperation with the investigation, while emphasizing their commitment to maintaining a secure workplace environment in Congress.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk sparks controversy with his latest social media polls about federal agencies while preparing for his role in the upcoming Trump administration.
According to Just The News, Musk has taken to his social media platform X to gauge public opinion on potentially eliminating the Internal Revenue Service's budget and dismantling the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
The entrepreneur's proposals come as he prepares to co-head the newly planned Department of Government Efficiency Commission, informally known as DOGE. His social media polls and posts reflect his aggressive stance on government spending and regulatory oversight, generating significant public engagement and debate.
Musk's poll regarding the IRS budget garnered substantial attention from his millions of followers on X. The survey emerged in response to Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo's recent request for an additional $20 billion in funding for the tax collection agency. More than 60% of poll participants supported completely eliminating the IRS budget, showcasing a strong anti-tax-agency sentiment among Musk's followers.
The timing of this poll is particularly significant, coming after Republican lawmakers successfully secured a $20 billion reduction in the IRS budget through a federal funding stopgap bill in September. This temporary measure maintains government operations until December 20, creating a pressing deadline for budget negotiations.
The social media engagement demonstrates Musk's strategic use of X, the platform he acquired in 2022, to shape public discourse on government spending and regulatory reform. His approach combines direct public feedback with policy proposals, setting a potential precedent for his future role in the Trump administration.
Musk's criticism extends beyond the IRS to other regulatory bodies, particularly targeting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. His stance on the CFPB reflects a broader skepticism toward financial sector oversight established in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis.
On X, Musk posted his view about the CFPB, stating, "Delete CFPB. There are too many duplicative regulatory agencies."
The CFPB, created through the 2010 Dodd-Frank law, has been a subject of ongoing debate regarding its role and effectiveness in consumer protection. Musk's suggestion to eliminate the agency aligns with conservative critiques of post-2008 financial regulations.
These proposals represent a significant shift in approach to federal regulatory oversight, potentially previewing the direction of policy under the future administration, where Musk will serve as an advisor.
The upcoming role of Musk in the Trump administration's DOGE commission suggests these social media proposals may translate into concrete policy recommendations. His approach combines public engagement with direct policy suggestions, creating a unique model for government reform initiatives.
These initiatives reflect a broader strategy to streamline government operations and reduce regulatory burden. The response to Musk's proposals indicates significant public interest in government efficiency reform. The interaction between social media polling and policy development represents a new approach to gathering public input on government reform initiatives.
Elon Musk's social media proposals regarding the IRS budget and CFPB represent early indicators of his potential influence as a future advisor in the Trump administration. Through his platform X, Musk has gathered public feedback on significant changes to federal agencies and regulatory frameworks. These proposals, including the potential elimination of the IRS budget and dismantling of the CFPB, align with his upcoming role as co-head of the Department of Government Efficiency Commission.
Hunter Biden's legal team launched a preemptive strike on Saturday, releasing a detailed 52-page document accusing federal prosecutors of politicized motives in their handling of his legal cases.
As Hunter Biden faces sentencing in two criminal cases, his attorneys have moved to challenge the underlying motivations behind his prosecution, as the Washington Post reports.
The document, titled "The political prosecutions of Hunter Biden," asserts that the younger Biden is ensnared in legal troubles purely due to his political connections. His team claims that the charges -- pertaining to both gun and tax offenses -- stem not from the rule of law but from a desire to target President Joe Biden by proxy.
Hunter Biden's legal battles began with a conviction in June by a federal jury in Delaware. The charges were serious: lying on a gun-purchase form and illegal possession of a firearm as a drug user. Sentencing for these offenses is set for Dec. 12. These cases come amid broader accusations of governmental bias, echoing in the report that depicts a landscape of threats that could intensify under Trump's new administration.
Further complicating Hunter's legal woes, he confessed to nine federal tax offenses last September, with a separate sentencing scheduled for Dec. 16 in California. The timeline and convergence of these prosecutions, his defense argues, have been manipulated for political purposes, pointing a finger at special counsel David Weiss and Justice Department lawyers likely to fall under Trump's upcoming administration.
In their deep dive into the situation, Hunter's attorneys emphasize the perceived imminent threat once President-elect Trump takes office. They argue the newly elected president has indicated Hunter is among his fiercest adversaries. The document alleges that Trump's past assertions and actions support these claims, highlighting a quote: "With the election now decided, the threat against Hunter is real." Hunter's legal team remains vigilant, contending that the renewed political climate could dictate the outcomes of his cases.
While the legalities prepare to unfold, Hunter Biden spent the Thanksgiving holiday in Nantucket alongside his father, President Joe Biden. Despite the familial ties, President Biden has publicly stated he will neither pardon nor reduce his son's sentences, maintaining a stance of judicial impartiality.
The detailed timeline within the released document paints a picture of targeted scrutiny dating back to 2017. It chronicles what it describes as a "seven-year saga" driven by partisanship, arguing that the legal moves against Hunter are fueled by those who aim to attack his father through indirect means.
Abbe Lowell, a leading voice in Hunter's defense, described the campaign against him as a "reprehensible history of political persecution." This saga underscores broader concerns about how political dynamics influence the justice system.
Hunter's attorneys claim that under the revived political environment, certain Republicans aiming for power have declared intentions to pursue perceived adversaries, utilizing the governmental apparatus. The defense frames their arguments not only in terms of Hunter's individual circumstances but as a warning signal regarding potential shifts in prosecutorial priorities.
The legal skirmish is set against a backdrop of forthcoming challenges with Trump's administration potentially redefining the prosecutorial landscape come January. While Hunter Biden braces for his December court dates, his team voices apprehension over less visible power structures that may exert influence. Hunter's defense insists these legal pressures signify not isolated judicial assessments but broader political aspirations influencing judicial impartiality. The proximity of sentencing dates serves as a deadline in a politically charged environment where legal interpretations might shift in response to party politics.
For now, Hunter Biden's legal path is shaped largely by the charges at hand, with his team remaining outspoken about the larger political forces at play. They remain committed to advocating the narrative of political bias underpinning his legal encounters, yet it remains to be seen how this will impact actual proceedings.
The legal battles will likely evolve as Hunter faces judicial scrutiny in December, offering more insight into how political and legal threads intertwine at this juncture. As the saga unfolds, public attention will focus not only on Hunter's individual case but also on its repercussions within the broader context of American political and judicial operations.
John Morgan, a notable former Democratic Party donor, has expressed his dissatisfaction with Kamala Harris' 2024 presidential campaign, calling into question its efficacy compared to Donald Trump's strategic maneuvers.
Harris' team has been criticized for lacking a definitive strategy, whereas Trump's campaign leveraged Barron Trump's podcast strategies to reach younger voters, something Morgan said made all the difference, as Newsweek reports.
Morgan, a Florida attorney and influential Democratic Party financier, highlighted the contribution of Barron Trump, Donald Trump's 18-year-old son, in shaping his father's campaign strategy. Barron recommended various popular podcasts to his father, including those of Joe Rogan and Theo Von, which helped his dad tap into a younger demographic.
According to Morgan, these podcast appearances were pivotal in expanding Trump's reach, helping him resonate with Gen Z and first-time voters. In contrast, Harris' campaign reportedly opted against similar opportunities, turning down the chance to engage with Joe Rogan's vast audience -- an audience that has significant sway, especially among young males. Morgan criticized Harris' campaign not only for its strategic choices but also for financial mismanagement. Reports cited the campaign's alleged $20 million debt, although Patrick Stauffer, the campaign's CFO, denied these claims.
Reports from the Washington Post on Nov. 6 revealed initial hesitance from Trump's adviser, Alex Bruesewitz, regarding a podcast invitation from Theo Von. Barron Trump’s endorsement of the appearance played a crucial role in convincing his father to accept. Barron's influence extended to his father's guest spot on Adin Ross' podcast, another platform popular among younger audiences.
Morgan's critique extends beyond strategic oversight, accusing Harris' campaign of enriching those involved at the expense of achieving their goal to defeat Trump. He lamented that the Harris campaign prioritized attacking Trump rather than establishing a compelling narrative for her candidacy.
The well-known trial lawyer was blunt in his comparisons, suggesting Barron Trump displayed more strategic acumen than Harris' campaign team. He detailed a scenario in which Trump was delayed by three hours for a rally due to a vital podcast appearance -- a testament to the value placed on this type of engagement. Morgan did not mince words, underscoring his belief that an effective campaign should focus on changing minds through platforms like podcasts and outlets such as Fox News. He contended that Harris' failure to do so raised questions about her capability to govern.
Trump's senior adviser, Jason Miller, echoed the sentiment about Barron’s influence, calling his podcast recommendations "absolute ratings gold." He credited Barron for guiding the campaign towards platforms that significantly boosted their reach and engagement with audiences. Morgan's admonitions raise questions about the financial practices of political campaigns, suggesting that Harris' campaign spending practices had not only failed to yield the desired results but also left it financially stretched.
As a prominent donor, Morgan’s criticisms underscore the broader debate about how best to engage new voter blocs. He pointed to the wealth generated on the back of donors' efforts to counteract Trump, a process he described as enriching consultants rather than supporting the candidacy effectively.
Through these series of critiques, Morgan posits that Barron Trump's advice had proven to be more impactful than the strategic efforts of Harris' team. The results of these engagements could be seen in the broadened appeal to younger voters, crucial for any contemporary successful campaign. Morgan's observations reflect a complex political landscape where traditional campaign strategies are being reconceived. The utilization of modern media platforms speaks to evolving methods of voter engagement, especially as attempts to reach younger demographics intensify.
Amid these developments, the role of social media and podcasts emerges as a new battlefield for capturing the hearts and minds of a digital-first electorate. Morgan's comments illuminate pressing questions regarding optimal engagement strategies for political campaigns moving forward.
The contrasting strategies adopted by the Harris and Trump campaigns highlighted broader themes in political messaging. The importance of evolving campaign strategies to adapt to new media landscapes is clear. The influence of figures like Barron Trump, untraditional yet evidently effective, underscores the need for fresh approaches in an ever-changing political environment. These insights suggest that successful campaign strategies may hinge more on innovation and adaptability than sheer financial expenditure.
In conclusion, Morgan's assessments of Harris’ strategies versus those employed by Trump's team present a larger commentary on the shifting dynamics of modern political campaigns and their engagement with today’s electorate.
Special counsel Jack Smith's legal pursuit of former President Donald Trump takes an unexpected turn as court proceedings reach a definitive conclusion.
According to the Washington Examiner, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals has granted Smith's motion to terminate the appeal in the classified documents case against President-elect Donald Trump, effectively ending one of two major federal prosecutions.
The court's decision came swiftly after prosecutors filed their request, citing the Department of Justice's longstanding policy against prosecuting sitting presidents. The dismissal represents a significant development in the legal challenges facing Trump, though the cases against his co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, will proceed.
The Department of Justice's Watergate-era policy played a crucial role in Smith's decision to withdraw the appeal. This long-established guideline explicitly prevents the prosecution of sitting presidents, forcing prosecutors to reconsider their approach following Trump's election victory.
Smith's team had originally brought more than three dozen charges against Trump in Florida, alleging unlawful retention of national defense information. Judge Aileen Cannon's dismissal of these charges this summer prompted Smith's appeal to the 11th Circuit, which has now been terminated.
The prosecutors maintained their commitment to pursuing cases against Trump's co-defendants, demonstrating the complex nature of cases involving multiple defendants when one becomes president-elect. This selective continuation of legal proceedings highlights the unique challenges faced by the justice system in such unprecedented circumstances.
The classified documents case dismissal mirrors recent developments in Washington, D.C., where Judge Tanya Chutkan granted Smith's request to dismiss the election interference charges against Trump. Both cases reached their conclusion within hours of each other, marking a significant shift in the legal landscape.
Smith had initially filed four charges in Washington, focusing on allegations of Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and claims of public fraud. Recent Supreme Court rulings had already caused significant delays in this case before its ultimate dismissal.
The special counsel's original appointment by Attorney General Merrick Garland in November 2022 led to these two major indictments, both of which have now been terminated due to Trump's election victory. The possibility remains for Smith to produce a detailed special counsel report before departing from the DOJ.
The dismissals of both cases carry different legal implications for potential future prosecution. While Chutkan's dismissal in Washington was without prejudice, potentially allowing future refiling, Cannon's dismissal with prejudice in Florida permanently closes that avenue of prosecution.
The decision reflects the practical and legal complexities of prosecuting a president-elect, particularly given the DOJ's established policies. These developments have effectively paused major federal criminal proceedings against Trump until at least the end of his upcoming presidential term.
Questions remain about the potential revival of these cases after Trump's presidency, though statutory limitations may present significant obstacles to any future prosecution attempts.
Special counsel Jack Smith's request to dismiss federal prosecutions against Donald Trump has been granted by both the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Washington, D.C. district court. The dismissals came in response to Trump's election victory and the DOJ's policy against prosecuting sitting presidents. While the classified documents case in Florida cannot be refiled due to Judge Cannon's dismissal with prejudice, the Washington election interference case theoretically could be revived after Trump's presidency, though practical and legal hurdles would complicate such efforts.
A razor-thin margin of votes separates two candidates in one of California's most closely watched congressional races.
According to LAist, Democrat Derek Tran has declared victory over incumbent Republican Rep. Michelle Steel in California's 45th Congressional District, leading by 613 votes as of Tuesday afternoon.
The victory marks a significant milestone as Tran, a lawyer and army veteran who is the son of Vietnamese refugees, becomes the first Vietnamese American to represent the district that includes Little Saigon.
The race has been under intense scrutiny since Election Day, with Steel initially leading by 4.2 percentage points before her advantage gradually diminished.
The electoral dynamics shifted significantly during the vote-counting process. Tran's campaign estimated that around 1,690 ballots were yet to be counted, including provisional votes and mail-in ballots pending signature verification. Both campaigns have been actively engaging with voters to resolve issues with their ballots.
Orrin Evans, a spokesperson for the campaign, highlighted their efforts to encourage voter participation, noting that they are contacting affected voters multiple times to ensure their ballots are resolved.
Projections show that Steel would need to win 68% of the outstanding ballots to close the gap, a result that Tran's team views as highly unlikely.
The victory reshapes the balance of power in Congress, though Republicans maintain control. With Tran's win, Democrats now hold 213 seats compared to Republicans' 218, with two races still undecided in California and Iowa.
Speaking about his future role, Tran outlined his priorities. He acknowledged the challenges of working in a Republican-majority House under President-elect Donald Trump but expressed willingness to collaborate across party lines. His immediate focus centers on addressing inflation and supporting working families.
Tran has already begun preparing for his new role, attending freshman orientation in Washington, D.C. He described the experience as intensive, comparing it to "drinking from a fire hose." The congressman-elect shared his commitment to inclusive representation, stating:
It's not just the Vietnamese community that I am going to be representing. It's everybody in California's 45th District and I will do so honorably and with character.
The district, which spans portions of Orange and Los Angeles counties, encompasses Garden Grove, Cerritos, and La Brea. Tran's campaign emphasized his dedication to addressing economic concerns and fostering bipartisan cooperation.
Derek Tran's victory over Michelle Steel in California's 45th Congressional District represents a significant shift in local and national politics. The first-time candidate secured his win with a margin of 613 votes, demonstrating the impact of every ballot in closely contested races.
The election's outcome not only changes the composition of the House of Representatives but also marked a historic moment for the Vietnamese American community in Southern California. Tran enters Congress facing the challenge of representing a diverse constituency while working with a Republican majority under the incoming Trump administration.
A dramatic shift in public opinion emerges as former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden experience opposing trends in their latest approval ratings.
According to the New York Post, Trump's favorability has reached a post-election peak of 54%, marking a six-point increase, while Biden's approval rating has plummeted to a four-year low of 36%.
The Emerson College poll, conducted from November 20 to 22, reveals a significant transformation in public sentiment following the November 5 election.
This notable change represents one of Trump's highest approval ratings ever recorded, contrasting sharply with Biden's declining numbers, which show 52% of voters disapproving of his performance.
The poll highlights substantial demographic variations in Trump's support base. Men show stronger support for Trump at 61% compared to women at 48%.
The former president's appeal spans across different age groups, with particularly robust support among voters aged 40 to 59, where he enjoys a 60% favorability rating.
Trump's popularity among racial groups shows notable differences, with 59% of white voters viewing him favorably. Hispanic voters follow at 53%, while support among black voters stands at 28%. These numbers represent a significant improvement from previous polling data.
Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, explained the demographic breakdown:
Trump's favorability varies significantly by gender, race, and age. Trump's strongest age cohort is among voters 40 to 59, with 60% viewing him favorably, compared to 48% among those over 70. Notably, his favorability has risen among younger voters, with 55% of those under 30 expressing a favorable opinion.
The poll also explored potential candidates for the 2028 presidential race. Vice President-elect JD Vance leads Republican preferences with 30% support, while other contenders like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy trail significantly behind with 5% and 3%, respectively.
On the Democratic side, Vice President Kamala Harris emerges as the frontrunner with 37% support. California Governor Gavin Newsom follows with 7%, while Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg garners 4% support. Governors Josh Shapiro and Gretchen Whitmer tie at 3%.
The survey additionally revealed mixed reactions to the 2024 election outcome. While 54% of voters weren't surprised by the results, 46% expressed surprise at the outcome. A stark partisan divide emerged in these responses, with 67% of Harris voters expressing surprise compared to only 29% of Trump voters.
The unprecedented shift in approval ratings marks a significant moment in American political history. Trump's post-election surge to 54% approval represents his highest rating ever recorded, surpassing his previous performance during both his presidency and post-presidency periods.
These findings come as Trump prepares to return to the White House, with 59% of voters approving of his handling of the transition. The stark contrast between Trump's rising numbers and Biden's declining approval ratings suggests a major realignment in public sentiment following the November election results.
President-elect Donald Trump's involvement in Florida politics takes a new turn as he publicly encourages a state lawmaker to pursue higher office.
According to Fox News, Trump has pledged his "Complete and Total Endorsement" to Florida state Sen. Randy Fine should he decide to run for Florida's 6th Congressional District seat, making the announcement through his Truth Social platform.
The congressional seat in question will become vacant following Rep. Mike Waltz's appointment as Trump's national security adviser in his upcoming administration. Waltz, who recently won re-election to Congress this month, will step down from his position to join Trump's team, necessitating a special election to fill the vacancy.
Trump's endorsement came with characteristic enthusiasm as he took to Truth Social to rally behind Fine. The president-elect's message highlighted Fine's alignment with his America First agenda, demonstrating Trump's continued influence in shaping Republican politics at the state level.
Fine's response to Trump's endorsement indicated strong support for the president-elect's vision. Through his social media platform X, Fine expressed deep appreciation for Trump's confidence in his potential candidacy.
The Florida state senator, who recently transitioned from the state House of Representatives to the state Senate through a successful election this month, appears poised to make an announcement regarding his political future soon.
The potential congressional race emerges as part of a larger political restructuring taking place in anticipation of Trump's return to the White House. The vacancy in Florida's 6th Congressional District represents one of several strategic positions being filled as the incoming administration takes shape.
Trump wrote on Truth Social:
I am hearing that America First Patriot Randy Fine is considering launching his Campaign for Congress in Florida's 6th Congressional District! Should he decide to enter this Race, Randy Fine has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, RANDY, RUN!
Fine responded to Trump's endorsement with equal enthusiasm, stating on X:
Mr. President, G-d saved you on that day in Butler so that you could save the world. It would be the honor of my life to be one of your footsoldiers. Your confidence is overwhelming and I will have news to share soon!
The developments in Florida's political landscape reflect broader changes occurring as Trump assembles his administration team. Waltz's selection as national security adviser demonstrates Trump's focus on building a strong national security framework for his upcoming term.
The appointment of Waltz, a Florida Republican, to such a crucial position highlights the strategic importance of Florida in national politics. His transition from Congress to the national security adviser role creates an opportunity for new leadership in his district.
The timing of these political movements coincides with Trump's recent activities, including his attendance at significant events such as the SpaceX Starship rocket test flight in Brownsville, Texas, on November 19, 2024, showing his continued engagement with both political and technological advancement initiatives.
The potential entry of Randy Fine into the congressional race, backed by Trump's endorsement, marks a significant moment in Florida's political landscape. The vacancy created by Rep. Mike Waltz's appointment as national security adviser has opened up an opportunity for new leadership in Florida's 6th Congressional District. As these political changes unfold, the special election to fill Waltz's congressional seat will be closely watched, particularly given Trump's direct involvement in endorsing potential candidates.
A sexual assault allegation against President-Elect Donald Trump's defense secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth, has drawn significant attention amid his potential appointment to a key cabinet position.
According to Breitbart News, a recently released 2017 police report obtained through a freedom of information request presents evidence that challenges the sexual assault allegation made against Hegseth, which allegedly occurred during a Republican women's conference in Monterey, California.
The police investigation uncovered surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and conflicting statements that paint a different picture of the events that transpired at the hotel.
Multiple witnesses observed interactions between Hegseth and the accuser before the alleged incident, with hotel staff and other conference attendees providing detailed accounts of their behavior throughout the evening.
The police report documented statements from hotel employees who witnessed crucial moments leading up to the incident. A hotel worker reported receiving noise complaints about a couple near the pool around 1:30 a.m.
The same worker observed the accuser, who appeared coherent, guiding an intoxicated Hegseth away from the pool area toward his room. Surveillance footage from the hotel showed the pair leaving the bar together with locked arms at approximately 1:15 a.m.
Several eyewitnesses provided accounts that contradicted the accuser's claims of being drugged. One witness specifically noted observing the accuser flirting with Hegseth, which included physical contact. The same witness reported that the accuser appeared normal the following morning, showing no signs of distress or unusual behavior.
The investigation revealed text messages sent by the accuser to her husband earlier that day, expressing interest in Hegseth's presence at the conference. These messages, combined with her subsequent behavior documented by witnesses and surveillance footage, raised questions about the nature of the encounter.
Former Fox News anchor and attorney Megyn Kelly offered her analysis of the situation after reviewing the police report. Kelly stated:
This smells like utter bullsh*t. All of this sounds much more consistent with a woman who had a booty call.
Tim Parlatore, Hegseth's attorney, presented a different perspective on the events, suggesting that his client was actually the vulnerable party.
Parlatore told Breitbart News:
She took advantage of him. She led him. She was, by all accounts, both video and eyewitness, she was sober. He was drunk. She grabbed him. She took him to his room. And really putting it on, and she gets him into his room. And then the police honestly, when they looked at it, even though she was the one that reported it, when they looked at the video, they considered charging her.
The emergence of this police report comes at a crucial moment as Pete Hegseth faces consideration for the position of defense secretary in President-Elect Trump's upcoming administration. The document, which spans back to 2017, reveals multiple discrepancies in the accuser's account while providing substantial evidence through surveillance footage, witness testimonies, and hotel staff statements.
The investigation's findings will likely play a significant role in the confirmation process for Hegseth's potential appointment to lead the Department of Defense. The case highlights the importance of thorough investigation and documentation in addressing serious allegations against public figures, particularly those under consideration for high-level government positions.
In a major move, President-elect Donald Trump has selected former NFL player Scott Turner to head the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
If confirmed, Turner, a former football standout, may reverse key housing policies from the Biden administration and make significant changes to homelessness programs, building upon initiatives from Trump's previous term, as the New York Post reports.
Turner, 52, is not unfamiliar with significant roles in government. During Trump's first term, he played a pivotal role as the first executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council. This council, established in 2018, was one of the flagship initiatives of Trump, aimed at stimulating investment in designated "opportunity zones."
These opportunity zones were a part of the broader Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Turner was instrumental in driving efforts to help economically distressed communities through these zones. His experience with this initiative could be a precursor to the strategies he might employ at HUD.
In his new role, if confirmed, Turner will be responsible for a wide array of duties. These include enforcing housing laws, managing housing programs, administering rental subsidies, and tackling cases of housing discrimination. This is no small task, especially with the expected policy shifts from the previous administration's directives.
Following Trump's defeat in the 2020 election, Turner transitioned to focus on educational opportunities. He became the chair of the Center for Education Opportunity at the America First Policy Institute, an organization with goals aligned to those of the previous Trump administration.
Before venturing into politics and public service, Turner had a distinguished career in athletics. He spent nine seasons in the National Football League. During this time, Turner played with teams such as the Washington Commanders, San Diego Chargers, and Denver Broncos.
Turner also served in the Texas House of Representatives from 2013 to 2017, marking his foray into governance and legislative affairs. His multi-faceted background across sports, politics, and public policy showcases his diverse capabilities.
Trump, expressing his confidence in Turner, cited his experience with revitalizing distressed communities. Trump referred to Turner as an "NFL Veteran" who led "an Unprecedented Effort" to transform some of the country's most neglected areas during his prior administrative term.
If confirmed, Turner's appointment signals a significant shift in HUD's policy direction. His leadership is expected to focus on reversing many policies initiated during Joe Biden's tenure, especially concerning fair housing regulations and homelessness programs.
Turner's expected priorities might revisit strategies employed during Trump's previous time in office, potentially bringing significant changes to rental subsidy programs and addressing housing discrimination cases with a different approach. This nomination suggests a continuation of policy reorientation,” with a focus on stimulating economic growth in struggling areas, as Turner did with opportunity zones.
In conclusion, President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Scott Turner to lead HUD points to a broader strategy to revisit and reshape housing policies. Turner's past roles in government, his time as an NFL player, and his work in public service all combine to paint a picture of a leader prepared to take on new challenges.
As Turner potentially gears up to oversee significant changes in housing law and management, eyes will be on how he plans to implement Trump's housing vision. The combination of Turner's diverse background and the proposed shifts in policy could herald a transformative period in the Department of Housing and Urban Development.