Dana Nessel, Michigan's Attorney General, delivered a passionate speech at the Democratic National Convention, issuing a stark warning to conservative Supreme Court Justices who might consider revisiting same-sex marriage protections.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Nessel, who is openly lesbian, borrowed a phrase from actor Charlton Heston to emphasize her point, stating that anyone attempting to deny her right to marriage would have to "pry this wedding band from my cold, dead, gay hand."
In her address, Nessel also praised Vice President Kamala Harris for her actions as California's attorney general, particularly her refusal to defend the state's ban on same-sex marriage in court. Nessel emphasized the significance of Harris's stance, stating that it meant a great deal to families like her own.
Nessel's involvement in the fight for marriage equality extends beyond her role as Attorney General. She played a crucial role in overturning Michigan's gay marriage ban through a civil case. This legal victory paved the way for her own marriage to Alanna Maguire in 2015, shortly after the ban was struck down.
The Attorney General drew parallels between the California same-sex marriage ban and the recent Supreme Court decision that revoked constitutional protections for abortion rights. She highlighted how Harris supported her when Michigan's archaic abortion ban was temporarily reinstated following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Nessel's comments reflect the ongoing concerns within the LGBTQ+ community about the security of their rights, particularly in light of the current conservative majority on the Supreme Court.
The current makeup of the Supreme Court, with its 6-3 conservative majority, has raised concerns among LGBTQ+ rights advocates. Three of the justices were nominated by former President Donald Trump, solidifying the court's conservative lean.
Of particular concern to some is Justice Clarence Thomas, who has previously written about potentially revisiting and overriding the same-sex marriage decision. This stance has alarmed LGBTQ+ advocates, with Sarah Kate Ellis of GLAAD describing it as a "blaring red alert for the LGBTQ community."
Nessel stated:
We know when [Kamala] takes an oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution, she's actually read it. Kamala knows you go from the court house to the White House, not the other way around.
This comment was reportedly a jab at Republican nominee Donald Trump, alluding to his ongoing legal battles and recent conviction in a hush-money case.
Nessel's provocative statement about her wedding band was a deliberate reference to a famous quote by Charlton Heston, the former president of the National Rifle Association (NRA). At the 2000 NRA Convention, just a year after the Columbine mass shooting, Heston declared that Democrats would have to pry his rifle from his "cold, dead hands."
By co-opting this rhetoric, Nessel drew a parallel between the passionate defense of gun rights and her own equally fervent protection of marriage equality. This linguistic callback served to underscore the intensity of her commitment to LGBTQ+ rights.
In conclusion, Dana Nessel's speech at the Democratic National Convention highlighted the ongoing concerns about the future of same-sex marriage rights in the United States. Her warning to conservative Supreme Court Justices and her praise for Vice President Kamala Harris underscored the Democratic Party's stance on LGBTQ+ issues. As the political and legal landscape continues to evolve, Nessel's words serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and the determination of those fighting to maintain hard-won rights.
According to Daily Mail, Donald Trump has disclosed that his youngest son, Barron Trump, will soon start college in New York.
While the exact institution is yet to be revealed, Trump confirmed that Barron has chosen a prestigious school in the state. The former president shared this information during a recent Philadelphia's Talk Radio 1210 WPHT interview. Trump highlighted Barron’s academic prowess and interest in politics, indicating that the youngest Trump has already been accepted to every college he applied to.
Barron, who has been increasingly visible at political events, notably attended his first rally in July in Florida alongside his older brothers, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. The trio made a significant appearance in the front row at a rally in Doral, Florida, where Trump introduced Barron to the crowd. This marked a rare public acknowledgment of Barron’s growing involvement in political circles.
During the radio interview, Trump praised Barron for his academic and personal accomplishments. He mentioned Barron’s height, humorously referring to him as "a little on the tall side," and commended him for his good looks and sharp mind.
Trump also noted Barron's budding interest in politics, sharing that his son occasionally offers advice on political matters. "It’s sort of funny," Trump said, adding that Barron often suggests strategies, saying, "Dad, this is what you have to do."
At the Doral rally, Trump further emphasized Barron’s success in securing offers from all the colleges he applied to. However, the final decision on which institution he will attend remains undisclosed. Trump referred to Barron as a "very special guy" and expressed pride in his youngest son's achievements.
Although Barron has shown a growing interest in politics, he has also made decisions that set him apart from the political spotlight. Recently, Barron declined an offer from the Florida Republican Party to serve as a delegate at the Republican National Convention. This decision was announced by Melania Trump’s office, citing prior commitments that prevented Barron from participating.
Barron's involvement in past political events, including his father’s 2016 and 2020 presidential campaign announcements, has been noted, although he was not present at the announcement of Trump's 2024 campaign. Despite this, his recent appearances suggest a potential future role in political activities.
As the youngest child of Donald Trump, Barron has largely remained out of the public eye compared to his older siblings. However, recent developments indicate that he may be stepping into a more prominent role, at least in terms of public interest and media attention.
Speculation about Barron’s college choice has been widespread, particularly given Trump’s comments on his son’s academic achievements and the emphasis on a New York-based institution.
The choice of college could potentially align with Barron’s emerging interest in politics, especially considering New York’s significance in the Trump family’s business and political history.
While Trump has kept the specific details of Barron’s college plans under wraps, his statements suggest that an announcement is forthcoming. The revelation of Barron’s college choice is likely to draw significant media attention, given his growing presence in public and political life.
In the meantime, the public and media alike will be watching closely to see which prestigious institution Barron will attend. This decision could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the youngest Trump, who is stepping into adulthood under the intense scrutiny that comes with being part of the Trump family.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Former President Donald Trump kicked off his swing state tour in Pennsylvania, criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris' energy policies and outlining his own plans for energy independence.
During a speech at Precision Components Group in York, Trump accused Harris of embarking on a "regulatory jihad" to shut down power plants across the country.
The former president's remarks come as he seeks to revive his campaign following the Democratic Party's late switch in candidates. Trump's speech, delivered to an audience of about 300 supporters, focused on his vision for an energy-independent and "manufacturing-dominant" nation. He warned that Harris wants to ban fracking and impose a carbon tax, claiming that 50 power plants have closed since she and President Joe Biden took office.
Trump set out a protectionist plan in his address to safeguard American industry from cheap foreign imports. He also outlined his intentions for increased nuclear power and reiterated his opposition to Nippon Steel's planned purchase of U.S. Steel. The former president contrasted his proposed regulation-cutting administration with what he described as Harris' approach to energy policy.
Trump stated:
Kamala is also on a regulatory jihad to shut down power plants all across America now. They're closing nuclear, they're closing coal, they're closing everything. We're not going to have this the way in California they have blackouts all the time.
The 52-minute speech largely followed Trump's prepared remarks despite some digressions into topics such as winning Pennsylvania and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
A significant portion of Trump's speech was dedicated to his plans for nuclear energy. He promised a historic commitment to building Advanced Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (ASMNRs), describing them as "ultra clean" and "very low cost, but they are absolutely safe."
Trump explained that these reactors produce about a third of the power of conventional reactors. Their smaller size makes it easier to find suitable sites for them and presents fewer technical challenges when integrating them into existing infrastructure.
The former president emphasized the potential benefits for Pennsylvania, repeatedly using the slogan "Jobs, Jobs, Jobs" to underscore his message. He contrasted his vision with that of his political opponents, stating:
Instead of shutting down power plants, we will open dozens and dozens more, and they'll happen fast. Kamala stands for energy disappearance and factory obliteration. She will obliterate factories like this. I stand for American energy independence and manufacturing dominance.
Trump's appearance in Pennsylvania is part of a broader strategy to counter the Democratic National Convention taking place in Chicago. While candidates traditionally allow their rivals to enjoy a week in the limelight during their party conventions, Trump has chosen a different approach.
The former president is campaigning this week in a string of battleground states as he fights to regain his footing in the race. Following his Pennsylvania visit, Trump is scheduled to head to Michigan, North Carolina, and Arizona.
By timing his speech for the early afternoon, Trump aimed to dominate headlines well before Biden's major speech in Chicago. This aggressive counterprogramming strategy reflects the former president's determination to maintain a strong media presence throughout the Democratic convention.
In conclusion, Trump's speech in Pennsylvania marked the beginning of his swing state tour, focusing on energy policies and economic plans. He criticized Vice President Harris' approach to energy regulation while promoting his own vision for energy independence and increased nuclear power. The former president's campaign strategy involves actively countering the Democratic National Convention by maintaining a high profile in key battleground states.
Conservatives and supporters of former President Donald Trump are raising eyebrows over Vice President Kamala Harris' behavior during recent public appearances.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, some individuals on the political right are suggesting that Harris may be under the influence of alcohol during speeches, pointing to what they describe as "lunatic" laughter and incoherent statements.
While no evidence supports these claims, the speculation has gained traction on social media platforms. Critics have shared video clips of Harris' speeches, including one where she introduces President Joe Biden and another where she discusses her mother's "coconut tree" story as supposed evidence of unusual behavior.
The allegations against Vice President Harris have been circulating primarily among conservative commentators and on right-leaning social media accounts. One video clip that has drawn particular attention shows Harris repeating the word "democracy" three times in a span of thirty seconds during a speech in Pennsylvania.
Another widely shared clip features Harris bursting into laughter while discussing equality and advancement for Hispanic people. In this instance, she poses the question, "You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?" before laughing, which some critics have deemed inappropriate or unusual.
These clips have led to speculation about Harris' state of mind during public appearances, with some commentators suggesting that her behavior indicates potential inebriation.
James Blair, identified as the political director of Donald Trump's 2024 campaign, has also contributed to the discourse surrounding Harris' behavior. Blair wrote on social media:
A lot of rumors out there about Kamala having a serious drinking problem...apparently coming into focus as campaign heats up.
This statement from a high-profile campaign official has further fueled the speculation despite the lack of concrete evidence to support such claims.
As of the time of reporting, representatives for Vice President Harris have not responded to requests for comment on these allegations. The absence of an official statement has allowed the speculation to continue unchecked on various social media platforms.
It's worth noting that unfounded rumors about politicians' health and behavior are not uncommon, particularly as election seasons approach. Similar claims have been made about other political figures in the past, including both President Biden and former President Trump.
Despite the circulating rumors, Vice President Harris is continuing with her scheduled campaign activities. She is set to embark on a bus tour starting in Pittsburgh, with a planned stop in Rochester, Pennsylvania. These engagements come as the Democratic Party prepares for its four-day national convention in Chicago, where Harris will be officially welcomed as their vice presidential nominee.
The upcoming convention and Harris' campaign activities will likely put her further in the spotlight, potentially providing more opportunities for scrutiny of her public appearances and speeches.
In conclusion, conservatives and Trump supporters are questioning Vice President Kamala Harris' behavior during recent speeches, suggesting she may be under the influence of alcohol. These claims lack substantive evidence and have spread on social media platforms. A Trump campaign official has acknowledged the rumors, further fueling speculation. Harris's office has not responded to these allegations. Meanwhile, the Vice President continues her campaign activities, with a bus tour planned and the Democratic National Convention approaching.
A Paulding County sheriff's deputy lost his life in a tragic incident while responding to a domestic dispute call on Saturday night.
According to ABC News, Deputy Brandon Cunningham, a 30-year-old father of two, was fatally shot in what officials described as an ambush.
The incident occurred when Cunningham and another deputy were dispatched to a home in Hiram following reports of a domestic dispute. Upon arrival, they were met with gunfire from a suspect inside the residence, resulting in Cunningham being struck while his colleague managed to avoid injury.
Maj. Ashley Henson of the Paulding County Sheriff's Office provided details about the incident during a press conference on Saturday night. He described the situation as "tremendously tragic" and stated that it appeared the deputies were ambushed upon their arrival at the scene.
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old James Samuel Atkins, was found dead at the scene from what officials believe to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A female victim, 52-year-old Kim Thao Vu, was also shot during the incident and was transported to the ICU. As of Saturday night, she was reported to be in stable condition.
Sheriff Gary Gulledge expressed his grief over the loss of Deputy Cunningham, emphasizing the impact on both the department and the community. He referred to Cunningham as a hero and called for support and prayers for the fallen deputy's family and colleagues.
Deputy Brandon Cunningham has been serving with the Paulding County Sheriff's Department since 2020. At just 30 years old, he was a dedicated law enforcement officer and a father of two children. His untimely death marks a significant loss for both his family and the department.
Cunningham's passing is particularly poignant for the Paulding County Sheriff's Office, as it represents the first officer killed in the line of duty in the department's history. This tragic event has deeply affected the entire staff, as noted by Sheriff Gulledge during the press conference.
The sheriff's office took to social media to express their sorrow, describing the day as "one of the hardest in the history of the Paulding County Sheriff's Office." This statement reflects the profound impact of Cunningham's loss on his colleagues and the law enforcement community as a whole.
In the wake of this tragedy, local officials have called for community support and solidarity. Sheriff Gulledge made a heartfelt plea during the press conference, stating:
I ask that you pray for this family -- both blood and blue. Everybody here is hurting, our whole staff is hurting.
This statement underscores the close-knit nature of the law enforcement community and the ripple effect that the loss of an officer has on their colleagues and families.
Deputy Brandon Cunningham, a 30-year-old father of two, was fatally shot while responding to a domestic dispute call in Paulding County, Georgia. The incident, described as an ambush by officials, also resulted in injuries to a female victim and the death of the male suspect.
Cunningham had been serving with the sheriff's department since 2020 and is the first officer in the department's history to be killed in the line of duty. The community and law enforcement colleagues are mourning this tragic loss and calling for support and prayers for Cunningham's family and the department.
Former President Donald Trump has recruited former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard to assist him in preparing for his upcoming debate against Vice President Kamala Harris.
Trump's choice of Gabbard, a former presidential candidate herself, has sparked widespread interest -- and perhaps trepidation on the part of the VP -- due to her past confrontations with Harris during the 2020 Democratic primary debates, as the Western Journal reports.
Gabbard, a former lawmaker from Hawaii, gained notoriety during the 2020 Democratic primary for her sharp criticism of Harris's record as a prosecutor, particularly regarding the case of Kevin Cooper.
The former lawmaker's participation in Trump's debate preparation has been confirmed by Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who stated that Trump is meeting with "respected policy advisers and effective communicators" as part of his preparation.
Gabbard's involvement in Trump's debate strategy is seen as an effort to capitalize on her previous experience in debating Harris. Gabbard is expected to offer informal advice to Trump and may also take on the role of Harris in practice sessions.
This is particularly noteworthy given the contentious exchanges between Gabbard and Harris during the Democratic primaries, where Gabbard's criticisms of Harris's prosecutorial record became a focal point.
Trump, who is known for his unconventional approach to debate preparation, reportedly does not engage in traditional methods. Instead, he prefers to discuss potential topics and strategies with advisers in a more informal setting. Gabbard's inclusion in these discussions is indicative of Trump's desire to address Harris's strengths and weaknesses directly, drawing on Gabbard's firsthand experience.
While Trump has expressed a desire for additional debates, including one hosted by Fox News, Harris has only agreed to participate in the September 10 debate. This has added another layer of strategic importance to Gabbard's role in Trump's preparation, as it may be his only opportunity to face off against Harris directly before the election.
Gabbard's political trajectory has been unconventional, much like Trump's. After serving as a Democratic representative from Hawaii, she left the Democratic Party in 2022 to become an independent. Her decision to assist Trump, a figure who represents a stark contrast to her former party, highlights the shifting allegiances and complex dynamics within the current political landscape.
Leavitt emphasized Gabbard's effectiveness in previous debates, particularly against Harris, as a key reason for her involvement. "Trump has proven to be one of the best debaters in political history as evidenced by his knockout blow to Joe Biden," Leavitt stated. "He does not need traditional debate prep but will continue to meet with respected policy advisers and effective communicators like Tulsi Gabbard, who successfully dominated Kamala Harris on the debate stage in 2020."
This collaboration between Trump and Gabbard is particularly intriguing given their respective political histories. Gabbard's willingness to work with Trump, despite their ideological differences, suggests a pragmatic approach to the upcoming debate, where the focus is less on party loyalty and more on strategic advantage.
The upcoming ABC debate on Sept. 10 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the 2024 presidential race. With Harris only committing to one debate so far, the stakes are high for both candidates. Trump's decision to involve Gabbard in his preparation reflects his recognition of the significance of this event.
As the debate date approaches, the political world will be watching closely to see how Trump and Harris perform on stage. Gabbard's past interactions with Harris will undoubtedly play a role in shaping the strategies employed by the Trump campaign.
President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 election stunned political observers, but behind the scenes, pressure from his own party, particularly from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, played a pivotal role.
Biden’s withdrawal has sparked tensions within the Democratic Party, following an ultimatum from Pelosi that has put a strain on the pair's 50-year friendship, as the Daily Mail reports.
On Sunday, June 21, President Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race. This unexpected decision came via a digitally signed tweet, with the White House quickly asserting that the choice was Biden's alone. However, emerging reports reveal that the president faced mounting pressure from prominent Democratic leaders, with Pelosi's intervention being particularly impactful.
Biden's health had recently come under scrutiny as he tested positive for COVID-19, leading to his isolation in Delaware with first lady Jill Biden and a select group of aides. Despite his previous insistence that he would seek re-election, Biden reportedly began drafting his withdrawal letter on Saturday night, just hours after receiving an urgent message from Pelosi.
According to four sources, Pelosi had issued a stark warning: if Biden did not step aside, she would release polling data suggesting he would struggle to defeat former President Donald Trump in a general election. Both Pelosi and the White House have denied any phone conversation took place between them, but the impact of Pelosi’s pressure is evident.
Biden and Pelosi have shared a political alliance dating back to the 1970s, a relationship characterized by mutual respect and collaboration on significant legislative initiatives. However, the recent developments have strained this once-close friendship, with both leaders now facing the repercussions of this political fallout.
In the aftermath of his withdrawal, Biden reached out to several congressional leaders, pointedly excluding Pelosi. The former House Speaker, currently promoting her memoir, has publicly denied orchestrating a campaign to force Biden out of the race. "No, I wasn’t the leader of any pressure [campaign]," Pelosi stated in a recent interview, while also expressing concern over the current rift with Biden.
Other Democratic leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, were also involved in urging Biden to step down. Schumer’s meeting with Biden in Delaware a week before the announcement has been noted as another key moment leading to Biden's decision.
The decision to withdraw has not only affected Biden politically but has also had personal ramifications within his inner circle. Jill Biden, who was reportedly worried about her husband’s dignity throughout the ordeal, has been particularly upset by the role Pelosi played in the process. There is also reported tension between Pelosi and Hunter Biden, further complicating the situation.
Biden, however, appears to be focusing on his legacy rather than dwelling on the circumstances surrounding his exit. After announcing his withdrawal, he turned his attention to promoting the "Biden Cancer Moonshot" initiative during a visit to New Orleans. Despite the ongoing political turmoil, Biden is determined to cement his legacy on his own terms.
Looking ahead, Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to be officially tapped as the Democratic Party nominee this coming week in Chicago. Biden is set to make a brief appearance at the party's convention, addressing the crowd on Monday night. The focus will likely be on unity within the party as it prepares for the upcoming election, despite the underlying tensions that have been brought to light by Biden’s withdrawal.
As Pelosi continues to promote her memoir, she reflects on her long-standing relationship with Biden, noting the kindness and thoughtfulness he has shown over the years. "He was so prayerful, kind, and thoughtful," she writes, acknowledging the depth of their connection while also grappling with the reality of their current estrangement.
In summary, President Biden's decision to exit the 2024 race, spurred by an ultimatum from Nancy Pelosi, has exposed deep divisions within the Democratic Party and tested a friendship that has endured for five decades. As Biden focuses on his legacy and Pelosi navigates the political and personal aftermath, the ripple effects of this moment will likely be felt for years to come.
The U.S. Secret Service is investigating a significant security breach during former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Asheville, North Carolina.
According to Daily Mail, a female agent’s decision to leave her post to breastfeed her child without notifying the site agent triggered the investigation.
The incident is one of several recent issues that have put the Secret Service under intense scrutiny, leading to investigations and calls for reform.
The security lapse occurred minutes before Trump’s motorcade was set to arrive at the rally. The agent, who was responsible for a crucial security position, left to breastfeed her child in a side room, failing to inform her superiors.
During a final walkthrough, the Site Agent discovered the female agent absent from her post. She was found in the side room with family members who had not been screened by security. Security protocols were further breached when the agent’s family members were escorted into the room by staff who were not approved to handle such duties. The entire situation has raised alarms within the Secret Service.
The Secret Service has since launched an investigation into the incident. Anthony Gugliemi, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, emphasized that all employees are expected to adhere to the highest standards. He noted that while the breach did not impact the North Carolina event, the specifics of the incident are under review.
This breach is the latest in a series of security lapses that have plagued the agency. Recently, the Secret Service faced backlash when an agent from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) was spotted improperly wearing a Secret Service patch. Internal action was quickly taken to address this misuse of agency insignia.
The string of errors has led to increased scrutiny of the agency, particularly following a near-assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. The incident prompted widespread criticism of the agency’s leadership.
The controversy surrounding the Secret Service has reached Congress, where lawmakers are calling for reform. Rep. Ritchie Torres, a vocal critic of the agency, introduced legislation aimed at bolstering the security around high-profile protectees. The proposed law would expand the protective radius around individuals under Secret Service protection and shift financial crimes responsibilities away from the agency.
The pressure on the Secret Service has also led to changes in its leadership. Kimberly Cheatle, the former Secret Service director, resigned after testifying before Congress about the Butler incident. Ronald Rowe, the Acting Director, has also come under fire and faced severe criticism from lawmakers during his testimony.
A congressional task force has been established to investigate the Butler rally further. The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are also conducting their investigations into the event, seeking to understand how such a significant breach could have occurred.
Rep. Torres has been particularly vocal about the need for reform, arguing that the safety of a president or presidential candidate cannot be left to chance. His comments reflect growing concern about the agency’s ability to fulfill its mission amid mounting security challenges.
The Secret Service's history of controversies, including the Butler incident and the misuse of agency patches, highlights the urgent need for systemic changes within the organization. These incidents have underscored the importance of rigorous security protocols and the consequences of even minor lapses.
New York City has spent over $5 billion responding to the ongoing migrant crisis, as nearly 200,000 migrants have arrived seeking assistance since mid-2022.
According to a report by the Washington Examiner, the city has been grappling with the influx of migrants who entered the United States illegally by crossing the southern border. The NYC Humanitarian Crisis Response Tracker revealed that the five boroughs spent $4.8 billion responding to the migrant situation in fiscal years 2023 and 2024.
An additional $112 million is estimated to have been spent in the first six weeks of fiscal 2025, bringing the total expenditure to over $5 billion. The city has provided housing, food, and clothing to more than 212,000 migrants, making it the hardest-hit city nationwide as migrants seek to resettle while navigating immigration court proceedings.
The city's spending on the migrant crisis has more than doubled from fiscal year 2023 to 2024. In 2023, NYC spent $1.45 billion, while in 2024, the expenditure rose to $3.43 billion. The largest portion of the spending, nearly $2 billion, went towards housing, rent, and "initial outfitting" for migrants.
Services and supplies accounted for another $1.9 billion of the total spending. Information technology and administrative costs followed at $488 million, while food costs totaled $345 million. Medical expenses amounted to $124 million. The NYC Department of Health and Hospitals and the Department of Homeless Services were the biggest spenders across the city government, each spending nearly $4 billion.
To accommodate the influx of migrants, the city has established more than 200 impromptu shelters. This includes taking over hotels such as the City View Inn, Springhill Suites by Marriott, and the Roosevelt Hotel, costing tens of millions of dollars.
The surge in migrants arriving in New York City can be partially attributed to Texas Governor Greg Abbott's decision to provide free bus transportation to migrants from Texas to NYC. This initiative was implemented to alleviate the burden on public transportation systems in Texas border towns amid mass crossings and releases.
Since April 2022, Texas has bused 45,900 migrants to NYC, accounting for approximately one-fifth of the 212,000 migrants who have arrived in the city. The remaining migrants have reached NYC through various means, including flights, trains, and buses from other locations.
Republican Joseph Borelli, the minority leader of the New York City Council, provided testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee in September 2023. At that time, he stated that the city had anticipated spending $12 billion over three years.
This projection suggests that if the migrant situation persists, New York City's financial burden may continue to grow in the coming years.
However, recent data indicates a significant decline in the number of migrants crossing the southern border. In December 2023, Border Patrol agents arrested nearly 250,000 individuals attempting to enter the country illegally from Mexico. By July 2024, preliminary data obtained by the Washington Examiner showed that migrant arrests had dropped below 60,000.
This decrease in border crossings may lead to fewer new arrivals seeking assistance in cities across the country, potentially easing the financial strain on New York City and other affected municipalities. However, the long-term impact of the migrant crisis on the city's resources and infrastructure remains to be seen.
New York City's spending on the migrant crisis has surpassed $5 billion, with the majority of funds allocated to housing, services, and supplies. The city has housed, fed, and clothed over 212,000 migrants since mid-2022, making it the most impacted city in the nation. While recent data shows a decline in border crossings, the financial burden on NYC remains significant, with future projections suggesting continued high spending in the coming years.
The U.S. Secret Service has responded to allegations that its agents broke into a hair salon in Massachusetts during a campaign event for Vice President Kamala Harris last month.
According to a report by Conservative Brief, the agency's spokeswoman, Melissa McKenzie, issued a statement suggesting that Secret Service personnel would not enter a business without the owner's permission.
Alicia Powers, the salon owner, claimed that individuals dressed as Secret Service agents covered her security cameras with duct tape and used lock-picking techniques to enter her building. Powers alleged that several people used her bathroom and counter for about two hours without permission, leaving the building unlocked and the camera still taped when they departed.
Powers reported that the intruders, whom she believes were Secret Service agents, used lock-picking techniques to access her salon. She alleges that they covered her security cameras with duct tape, used her bathroom, set off alarms, and left the building unsecured when they departed. Powers expressed her frustration, stating that the individuals were in her salon for about an hour and a half without her knowledge or consent.
Security camera footage from the salon reportedly shows a person dressed as a Secret Service agent approaching a door with a roll of tape and using a chair to cover the camera. This footage has fueled the controversy, leading to questions about the agency’s involvement in the incident.
In response to the allegations, Secret Service spokeswoman Melissa McKenzie stated that the agency takes its relationships with business partners very seriously.
"The U.S. Secret Service works closely with our partners in the business community to carry out our protective and investigative missions," McKenzie said. She emphasized that the agency would not enter a business without the owner's permission.
The controversy surrounding the salon break-in is not the only issue plaguing the Secret Service. Less than a month ago, the agency faced severe criticism following an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
During the rally, a shooter identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks was able to get dangerously close to Trump despite having been flagged as suspicious by law enforcement over an hour before the shooting. The Secret Service, which was responsible for coordinating security at the event, has been accused of failing to act on these warnings.
Newly released footage from the Butler rally shows local police officers expressing frustration with the Secret Service’s handling of the event. In the footage, a Butler Township police officer can be heard angrily stating that he had warned the Secret Service about security concerns days before the rally.
Officers described losing track of Crooks, who had been seen lurking near the rally site, observing people from the woods by a water tower. The officers also expressed confusion and frustration over the lack of security personnel on the roof, which had been a planned precaution.
One officer, in particular, voiced his disappointment, stating, “I thought you guys were on the roof. I thought it was you. I thought it was you.” The response from another officer, “No,” underscored the lapse in security that allowed the shooter to get close to Trump.
The U.S. Secret Service is currently navigating one of the most challenging periods in its history. The agency is facing serious allegations from a Massachusetts salon owner, who claims that agents broke into her business during a Vice President Kamala Harris event. At the same time, the agency is also under fire for its handling of security at a recent Trump rally, where a botched assassination attempt took place. These controversies have led to the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and have sparked widespread calls for increased oversight and reform within the agency.