Senator Marsha Blackburn has sparked political intrigue across Tennessee with her revelation about potentially seeking the state's highest office. The Republican lawmaker is contemplating a major career shift that could reshape both state and national politics.
According to Breitbart, Blackburn confirmed during a "Fight Club Founders' Roundtable" discussion on Monday evening that she is "strongly considering" running for governor of Tennessee. The senator made this revelation while speaking with hosts Alex Marlow and Matthew Boyle.
Blackburn expressed gratitude for the support she's receiving to pursue the gubernatorial position. Her comments come as Republicans solidify their influence across various levels of government following President Trump's return to the White House.
When asked directly about the speculation surrounding her potential gubernatorial aspirations, Blackburn didn't hesitate to address the rumors. Marlow noted she would make a "terrific governor" while expressing concern about losing her presence in the Senate.
The Tennessee Republican acknowledged the substantial encouragement she's receiving from supporters. This backing appears to be a significant factor in her consideration of a potential run for the governor's mansion.
Blackburn emphasized her dedication to serving Tennesseans regardless of her role, framing a potential gubernatorial run as an opportunity to lead during a period of significant federal-state power dynamics under the Trump administration.
Despite her gubernatorial considerations, Blackburn made clear that her current Senate responsibilities remain paramount. She continues working with colleagues to implement the president's agenda on Capitol Hill.
The senator specifically mentioned her commitment to advancing President Trump's America First policies. This commitment highlights her continued alignment with the MAGA movement that has reshaped Republican politics.
Reducing living costs for Americans, particularly Tennesseans, remains a top priority for Blackburn. This economic focus aligns with broader Republican messaging on inflation and cost-of-living concerns that have resonated with voters.
Blackburn's potential move to state leadership comes at a time when Republican governors are increasingly asserting their authority. Many see state governments as crucial counterbalances to federal policy under certain circumstances.
The senator specifically referenced a "reset" and working with the Trump administration as "states get this power back." This suggests Blackburn views the governorship as a position where she could have significant influence in federal-state relations.
Her comments reflect the ongoing Republican emphasis on federalism and state sovereignty. These principles have become increasingly central to conservative governance philosophy in recent years.
Blackburn's consideration of a gubernatorial run has significant implications for Tennessee and national politics. If she pursues and wins the governorship, it would trigger a Senate vacancy that could alter the chamber's dynamics.
The timing of her announcement coincides with the ongoing implementation of President Trump's agenda following his return to office. Her potential move highlights the fluid nature of Republican leadership as the party continues consolidating power.
While maintaining her focus on current Senate responsibilities, Blackburn has clearly opened the door to a new political chapter. Tennessee voters and political observers nationwide will be watching closely as she weighs this consequential decision about her political future.
The Trump administration is firing back at allegations that new Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals could deny healthcare to veterans based on factors like marital status or political affiliation. The dispute centers around the implementation of a recent executive order and has sparked heated denials from White House officials.
According to The Hill, the controversy erupted after The Guardian published a report claiming VA hospitals were implementing new rules that would permit workers to refuse care to veterans based on characteristics not protected under federal law. This alleged policy change reportedly stems from President Trump's executive order signed on the first day of his second term.
The January executive order, titled "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government," directed the federal government to recognize only two biological sexes. The Guardian's report suggested this directive was being interpreted broadly at VA facilities.
White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly forcefully rejected The Guardian's reporting on social media platform X. Her response didn't mince words about the publication's allegations regarding veteran care.
"Aaron, this is a totally FALSE story that The Guardian should retract immediately. Fearmongering with our Veterans to try to score clicks for your failing 'news outlet' is pathetic and shameful," Kelly wrote, addressing the article's writer directly.
The Department of Veterans Affairs also quickly issued its own denial of X, stating: "This story is disinformation. All eligible Veterans will always be welcome at VA and will always receive the benefits and services they've earned under the law."
The Guardian's reporting indicated it had obtained documents showing medical staff could potentially be barred from working at VA hospitals based on their marital status, political party affiliation, or union activity. The publication claimed these changes were connected to Trump's executive order.
VA press secretary Peter Kasperowicz, identified as a former politics editor at Fox News Digital, reportedly did not explicitly deny these allegations when contacted by The Guardian. This initial response may have contributed to the confusion surrounding the story.
The extent of actual bylaw changes remains unclear. Veterans' advocacy organizations are working to determine how widespread any policy modifications might be and their potential impact on care.
Kyleanne Hunter, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America provided context about the situation at VA facilities. She noted the department has historically maintained "very expansive" antidiscrimination policies that extended beyond federally protected classes.
Hunter acknowledged that in response to Trump's executive order, some hospital bylaws have "shrunk" to only encompass federally protected classes like race, religion, and sex. However, she emphasized an important distinction about the current situation.
"There are over 140 different VA medical centers as hospitals that each have their own set of bylaws that exist. So we don't know how many different hospitals this has actually been changed at," Hunter told The Hill, indicating the need for more information before drawing conclusions.
The controversy has placed VA healthcare providers in a difficult position as they attempt to navigate changing policies while maintaining quality care for veterans. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over federal policy implementation.
VA employees have expressed concerns to veterans' advocates about the impact of the controversy on staff morale. Many healthcare providers remain committed to serving all veterans regardless of policy changes.
Hunter lamented that VA employees are being caught in the crosshairs of this dispute while trying to provide essential care. "The VA employees that we have talked to and connected with are personally very, very committed to continue to serve all veterans," she noted.
Federal authorities have uncovered a massive corruption scheme involving a U.S. Agency for International Development official and multiple corporate executives. The decade-long conspiracy has sent shockwaves through government contracting circles.
According to The Daily Caller, the Department of Justice announced Thursday that a USAID contracting officer and three company executives have admitted to participating in a bribery scheme connected to over $550 million in taxpayer-funded contracts.
The guilty pleas reveal how government insiders manipulated federal contracting processes designed to help disadvantaged businesses, instead using them as vehicles for personal enrichment at taxpayer expense.
Roderick Watson, 57, of Woodstock, Maryland, confessed to accepting bribes while serving as a USAID contracting officer - a position that gave him significant influence over contract awards. Beginning in 2013, Watson received approximately $1 million in bribes from various business executives.
These illegal payments came in multiple forms, including cash, laptops, expensive NBA tickets, payments toward two-home mortgages, cell phones, and jobs for Watson's relatives. In exchange, Watson manipulated the procurement process to steer lucrative government contracts to companies involved in the scheme.
The elaborate bribery operation centered around the Small Business Administration's 8(a) Business Development Program, which is designed to help small disadvantaged businesses compete for federal contracts. Instead of fulfilling this mission, participants exploited the program for personal gain.
Darryl Britt, 64, of Myakka City, Florida, initially secured contracts through Watson's influence while his company was enrolled in the federal business development program. After Britt's company graduated from the program, Walter Barnes' firm took its place.
Barnes, 46, of Potomac, Maryland, continued the scheme, with his company serving as the prime contractor while Britt's firm became a subcontractor. This arrangement allowed the corrupt relationship to continue uninterrupted from 2018 to 2022.
Paul Young, 62, of Columbia, Maryland, played a crucial role as the middleman, channeling bribe payments to Watson. As president of another firm subcontracted to both Britt's and Barnes' companies, Young helped conceal the true nature of the payments.
Watson faces the most severe potential penalty of the individuals involved, with up to 15 years behind bars for bribery of a public official. The three corporate executives each face up to five years in prison for their roles.
Both corporate entities implicated in the scheme have also admitted criminal liability. The companies entered into three-year deferred prosecution agreements with federal authorities, agreeing to pay civil settlements and implement compliance measures.
Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, emphasized the gravity of the crimes, stating: "The defendants sought to enrich themselves at the expense of American taxpayers through bribery and fraud."
The scandal comes amid heightened attention to USAID spending under President Trump's second administration. The agency has undergone significant budget reductions following reviews of its expenditures.
U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes of the District of Maryland highlighted the fundamental values at stake: "Public trust is a hallmark of our nation's values, so corruption within a federal government agency is intolerable."
The case represents one of the largest bribery schemes involving USAID in recent memory, with contracts worth over half a billion dollars affected by the corruption. The guilty pleas signal the conclusion of a major investigation but raise questions about oversight mechanisms at federal agencies.
An escalation in tension between Israel and Iran has led to Elon Musk activating Starlink satellite internet in Iran, a move that comes as Iran restricts online access amid the ongoing conflict.
The activation of Starlink was a response to a request from conservative analyst Mark Levin and aims to bypass Iranian government-imposed internet limitations following military exchanges with Israel, as the Washington Examiner reports.
Israeli and Iranian relations have grown increasingly adversarial following a surprising military strike by Israel targeting Iranian military leaders and nuclear sites. This sudden escalation happened on Thursday, leading to a series of retaliatory actions by Iran.
In retaliation, Iran fired a series of missiles. With the combined efforts of Israeli and U.S. forces, several incoming missiles were intercepted, though not all strikes could be prevented. The ongoing hostility saw nighttime strikes on multiple sites in both nations.
The Israeli government reported significant strikes on several Iranian provinces, including East Azerbaijan, Lorestan, and Kermanshah, leading to widespread destruction. Iran, on the other hand, indicated that the strikes resulted in a loss of life, with approximately 60 fatalities reported just within Tehran.
With the increase in military activities, the Iranian government decided to impose restrictions on internet access. Consequently, internet usage sharply declined throughout the country. In an official statement, Iran's Ministry of Information and Communications cited the nation's "special conditions" as the reason for these temporary limitations.
This backdrop serves as the context for Musk's decision to activate Starlink in Iran. Historically, Iran is not listed as a country where Starlink services are readily available. However, Musk has previously activated the internet service in crisis situations, such as assisting a Gaza hospital.
The initiation for this setup in Iran was notably prompted by Levin, who suggested that providing the Iranian people with uncensored internet could destabilize and possibly challenge the current regime. Elon Musk responded promptly, simply announcing that the "beams are on.”
In the wake of these developments, the situation in the Middle East continues to be unpredictable. Israeli authorities have been vocal about their defensive stance, with Defense Minister Israel Katz stating that "Tehran will burn" if Iranian forces continue to threaten Israeli civilians.
This comes alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging the Iranian populace to rise against their government. In a recent address, he encouraged the citizens to embrace their national identity and heritage, highlighting the perceived weaknesses of their regime.
These statements highlight the expectation that international ramifications could escalate as countries and leaders grapple with the volatile dynamics.
The activation of Starlink in Iran underscores the crucial role digital communication plays in contemporary conflicts. Musk's action could empower the Iranian population with unrestricted access to information at a time when governmental control is tightening.
The broader implications of this move could be significant, especially in an era where access to the internet often equates to the dissemination of critical information. As tensions persist, this development may influence how communication tools are leveraged in global disputes.
Yet, as the death toll remains uncertain and both nations continue their aggressive stances, the potential for dialogue remains a pressing necessity. How these technological interventions contribute to profound geopolitical changes is a question yet to be fully understood.
Michael Madigan, once the most powerful politician in Illinois and the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, has received a stunning downfall with his sentencing to prison. The 83-year-old former Illinois House speaker now faces 7 1/2 years behind bars and a $2.5 million fine for corruption.
According to the New York Post, Madigan was convicted in February on 10 of 23 counts after a remarkable four-month trial that featured 60 witnesses and mountains of evidence, including documents, photographs, and taped conversations.
U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey delivered the sentence Friday in Chicago federal court, rejecting both the prosecution's request for 12 1/2 years and the defense's plea for probation. The judge appeared particularly troubled by what he described as Madigan's "nauseating display of perjury and evasion" when testifying in his own defense.
Nicknamed the "Velvet Hammer" for his quiet but effective political style, Madigan dominated Illinois politics for nearly half a century. During his legislative career, he served as House speaker for almost four decades – a national record for legislative leadership.
As chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party for over 20 years, Madigan controlled much of the state's political agenda and handpicked candidates for office. He also frequently controlled political redistricting, drawing boundaries that favored Democrats.
Meanwhile, prosecutors revealed that the Chicago Democrat built a private legal career that allowed him to accumulate a net worth of approximately $40 million. His dual roles as political leader and private attorney became central to the corruption case against him.
The jury found Madigan guilty of ensuring approval of legislation favorable to utility giant ComEd in exchange for kickbacks. The scheme included arranging jobs and contracts for political loyalists, including a Chicago alderman seeking paid employment on a state board after retiring.
Federal prosecutors documented how Madigan traded his immense legislative influence for the enrichment of friends and allies. The case included evidence of bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud and other charges related to these corrupt arrangements.
Though the jury deadlocked on six counts, including an overarching racketeering conspiracy charge, and acquitted him on seven others, the convictions were sufficient to end Madigan's political career and send him to prison in his twilight years.
Before sentencing, Madigan made a brief statement asking to avoid prison so he could care for his ailing wife, Shirley. "I'm truly sorry for putting the people of the state of Illinois through this," Madigan told the court. "I tried to do my best to serve the people of the state of Illinois. I am not perfect."
Madigan's attorneys had called the government's recommended sentence "draconian" and effectively a life sentence given his advanced age. They requested five years' probation with one year of home confinement, community service, and a "reasonable fine."
In a video submitted to the court, Shirley Madigan pleaded for her husband's return home. "I really don't exist without him," she said. "I wish I could say that I do, but I don't know what I would do without Michael. I would probably have to find someplace to live and I'd probably have to find care."
Judge Blakey acknowledged numerous letters supporting Madigan, noting that the former speaker was a good family man who had helped neighbors without hesitation. However, the judge made a clear distinction between personal kindness and public corruption.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker emphasized Madigan's lack of remorse and failure to take responsibility for his crimes. She pointed out that having served as speaker through seven governors, "he had every opportunity to set the standard for honest government." Instead, Streicker said, "he fit right into the mold of yet another corrupt leader in Illinois."
Tried alongside Madigan was his longtime confidant, Michael McClain, on whom the jury couldn't reach a decision. McClain was, however, convicted in a separate trial over the ComEd conspiracy last year.
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal's desperate final words captured the terrifying moments before Air India's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed in Ahmedabad, claiming the lives of 241 passengers and crew.
According to the Daily Mail, the experienced pilot frantically radioed "Mayday…no thrust, losing power, unable to lift" just seconds before the London-bound aircraft plummeted into a medical college building.
The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad Airport on Thursday morning, crashed shortly after takeoff when it was only about 400 feet above ground. In the final 17 seconds before impact, Captain Sabharwal and his co-pilot Clive Kundar struggled desperately with the controls as their state-of-the-art aircraft lost altitude and speed.
One British passenger, Viswashkumar Ramesh, miraculously survived the catastrophic crash that killed everyone else onboard and at least 50 people on the ground. Ramesh, who had been seated in 11A, was traveling with his brother, who perished in the disaster.
Video footage captured Ramesh walking away from the apocalyptic scene with visible injuries to his face. His survival has been deemed extraordinary, given the complete destruction of the aircraft and the intense fires that erupted when the plane's fuel tanks ignited.
The crash site in the densely-populated Meghaninagar neighborhood turned into what witnesses described as "a war zone." The Boeing jet smashed into the doctors' hostel of BJ Medical College, embedding its landing gear in the canteen where medical students were having lunch.
Aviation experts have put forward two primary explanations for the sudden loss of power that doomed the aircraft. Captain Saurabh Bhatnagar, a former senior pilot, suggested the engines may have failed after bird strikes, citing the takeoff as "perfect" before the loss of power.
"From the footage I have seen, it looks like prima facie the case of multiple bird hits," Bhatnagar stated. Salil Colge, an aviation management lecturer, added support to this theory noting that "historically there have been reports of several bird strikes in this area in the past."
However, other experts pointed to concerns about the aircraft's wing flaps. Terry Tozer, a former pilot and author, told Sky News that an issue with flaps was "a reasonably logical explanation for a well-designed aircraft sinking to the earth in this way." The footage didn't show puffs of smoke from the engines that might be expected with bird strikes.
The crash created a massive fireball as the aircraft's 80 to 90 tons of aviation fuel ignited upon impact. Multiple buildings in the vicinity were engulfed in flames, with debris scattered across a wide area of the neighborhood.
Eyewitness Raju Prajapati described the horrific scene: "We heard a huge explosion and rushed out of our homes. There were thick plumes of black smoke rising into the sky. People were shouting and running in all directions."
Another resident reported seeing people jumping from the second and third floors of buildings to escape the flames. A doctor named Krishna, who rescued approximately 15 students, said that "the nose and front wheel landed on the canteen building where students were having lunch" and that he saw "about 15 to 20 burnt bodies."
International air accident investigators have begun the process of recovering and examining the "black box" flight data and cockpit voice recorders. These critical pieces of equipment should provide crucial information about what went wrong during the flight's final moments.
Authorities now face the grim task of identifying victims, many of whom were "charred beyond recognition," according to Vidhi Chaudhary, a top state police commissioner. Relatives of victims have been asked to provide DNA samples to assist with identification efforts.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner had reportedly undergone maintenance service as recently as March. The crash is already being compared to the 1988 Lockerbie disaster in Scotland, where 207 people lost their lives when Pan Am Flight 103 was destroyed by a bomb.
FBI Director Kash Patel and Drug Enforcement Administration officials are celebrating a major victory in the war against drug trafficking after a joint operation led to one of Georgia's largest drug seizures. The historic bust yielded enough fentanyl to potentially kill 48 million Americans.
According to Fox News, federal agents executed three search warrants last Thursday, resulting in the arrest of 47-year-old Bartholomew Keeton Harralson and the seizure of more than 252 kilograms of drugs valued at over $9 million, along with 33 firearms.
The operation, part of a broader initiative called Operation Take Back America, represents a significant blow to drug trafficking networks operating in the Atlanta area. U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg announced that Harralson faces multiple charges that could result in at least 40 years in prison or potentially a life sentence.
Law enforcement agents discovered an alarming arsenal of narcotics during the raid on Harralson's Atlanta-area residence. The haul included over 56 kilograms of fentanyl, 84 kilograms of methamphetamine, nearly 10 kilograms of heroin, and approximately 4 kilograms of cocaine in both powder form and hundreds of thousands of pressed pills.
The search also yielded nine firearms, including one converted to function as a machine gun, and $145,000 in cash. In a particularly ironic twist, agents found a book titled "How to Avoid Federal Drug Conspiracy & Firearms Charges" in Harralson's possession at the time of his arrest.
DEA Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge Jae W. Chung emphasized the historic nature of the operation, noting it resulted in "the largest fentanyl seizure to date in the state of Georgia." The quantity of fentanyl alone—97 kilograms across all locations—contains enough lethal doses to kill approximately 48 million people.
The investigation revealed a sophisticated drug manufacturing operation spread across multiple locations. At Harralson's Douglasville residence, agents discovered two large pill press machines capable of producing up to 25,000 pills per hour, along with three hydraulic presses used to form kilogram-sized bricks of narcotics.
This secondary location contained even more narcotics: over 37 kilograms of fentanyl, about 13 kilograms of methamphetamine, over 8 kilograms of heroin, and more than 6 kilograms of cocaine. The drugs were found in both powder form and as hundreds of thousands of pressed pills designed to mimic prescription medications.
A machine shop behind the Douglasville residence functioned as part of the manufacturing operation, housing approximately 1,375 pounds of binding agent used in pill production, 564 punch dies for marking pills, 19 additional firearms, four drum-style magazines, and significant ammunition. FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown noted that two ballistic vests were also found during the searches.
Director Patel, who was appointed to lead the FBI under the Trump administration, expressed pride in the successful operation and emphasized the importance of interagency cooperation in combating drug trafficking organizations.
"I'm proud of the outstanding work by our agents and grateful for the strong partnership of the DEA in this joint effort," Patel said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "This was a major takedown – dozens of weapons, large quantities of fentanyl and meth, and key members of a sophisticated drug network taken off the streets."
The operation aligns with Patel's directive to the FBI workforce to "crush violent crime," as Special Agent Brown explained during a press briefing. Brown highlighted the urgency of their mission, noting that "right now, we have an American dying every seven minutes from drug overdoses, and homicides occur twice each hour."
DEA officials confirmed that the enormous quantities of drugs discovered in the bust indicated a direct connection to Mexican drug cartels. The operation is part of Operation Take Back America, which aims to streamline efforts within the Department of Homeland Security to crack down on illegal immigration and eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
Harralson now faces three serious charges: possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted on all counts, he faces a minimum of 40 years in federal prison.
The successful operation represents what Director Patel described as a "serious blow to those profiting off addiction" and demonstrates the administration's "unwavering commitment to protecting American communities."
Brad Bondi, brother of Attorney General Pam Bondi, faced a staggering defeat in his bid to lead the D.C. Bar Association, securing just 9.1 percent of votes in an election that saw unprecedented participation. The race garnered national attention amid concerns about potential Trump administration influence over the legal organization.
According to The Hill, Bondi received only 3,490 votes compared to employment lawyer Diane Seltzer's overwhelming 34,982 votes, representing 90.9 percent of ballots cast. The election drew a record turnout with over 38,646 votes cast, far exceeding the historical average of 7,444 ballots over the past 50 years.
Critics of President Trump had expressed alarm about what they perceived as an attempted takeover of the influential legal organization by administration allies, highlighting escalating tensions between the White House and the legal profession.
The D.C. Bar Association, the largest unified bar in the country with approximately 121,000 members, experienced what its CEO Robert Spagnoletti described as "extraordinary" engagement in this election. The 43.26 percent voter participation rate marked a dramatic increase from typical elections.
Spagnoletti emphasized the "apolitical" nature of the organization during a press call Monday afternoon while acknowledging the exceptional level of member involvement. The unprecedented turnout suggests widespread concern among members about the direction of the organization.
The election results come at a time when relationships between the Trump administration and the legal community have reached what some describe as "stratospheric" levels of tension, though Bondi had previously pledged to maintain the association's nonpartisan status.
Following his defeat, Bondi issued a statement expressing both gratitude and significant concerns about how the election unfolded. The white-collar defense attorney, who has represented high-profile clients including Elon Musk and Trump Media & Technology Group, blamed partisan politics for transforming the race.
Bondi claimed the campaign devolved into "baseless attacks, identity politics, and partisan recrimination" rather than focusing on substantive ideas for improving the organization. He specifically mentioned suggestions like enhancing the ethics hotline and expanding pro bono programs.
In his statement to The Hill, Bondi expressed disgust with how the election unfolded: "I am disgusted by how rabid partisans lurched this election into the political gutter, turning a professional campaign into baseless attacks, identity politics, and partisan recrimination. Smearing me over my family and peddling conspiracies about my intentions is not just an assault on my integrity but on the D.C. Bar's very mission."
The election results revealed a broader pattern of rejection for candidates perceived as aligned with the Trump administration. Alicia Long, a top deputy to interim U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, also lost her bid for treasurer by a significant margin.
Long received just 8,854 votes, representing 25.1 percent of ballots cast in that race. Her opponent, cybersecurity lawyer Amanda Molina, secured a decisive victory with 26,380 votes, or 74.9 percent of the total.
The parallel defeats suggest a coordinated response from D.C. Bar members against candidates perceived as having close ties to the Trump administration. Despite assertions from Bondi and other candidates that they would maintain the organization's nonpartisan tradition, voters overwhelmingly chose alternatives.
Brad Bondi's overwhelming defeat in the D.C. Bar Association presidential election represents a significant rebuke from the legal community amid heightened political tensions. The brother of Attorney General Pam Bondi secured just 9.1 percent of votes against employment lawyer Diane Seltzer's 90.9 percent in a contest that drew unprecedented participation.
The record-setting voter turnout—with over 38,000 ballots cast compared to the historical average of about 7,400—underscores the legal community's intense interest in this election. Many observers interpreted the results as a direct response to concerns about potential Trump administration influence over the bar association.
Seltzer, who was endorsed by nearly two dozen former D.C. Bar Association presidents, will begin her term as president-elect next month and assume the presidency on July 1, 2026, after members delivered what appears to be a clear mandate against candidates with ties to the current administration.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has issued a stern warning to California Governor Gavin Newsom after the Democrat threatened to withhold federal tax payments amid an escalating dispute over transgender athletes in school sports. The confrontation began when President Donald Trump vowed to impose "large scale fines" on California for allowing a biological male to compete in girls' sports competitions.
According to Fox Business, Bessent condemned Newsom's suggestion as "extremely reckless" and warned that such actions would constitute criminal tax evasion, potentially leaving California residents and businesses liable for unpaid federal taxes.
The dispute centers on transgender athlete AB Hernandez, who recently won first place in the girls' high jump and triple jump events at the California state competition while taking second in the long jump. California's Interscholastic Federation had amended its rules to accommodate transgender athletes by allowing four finalist spots instead of three in events where Hernandez earned medals.
Trump triggered the confrontation with a post on Truth Social, declaring, "A Biological Male competed in California Girls State Finals, WINNING BIG, despite the fact that they were warned by me not to do so." The president added that Governor "Gavin Newscum fully understands, large scale fines will be imposed!"
Newsom responded by threatening to withhold California's substantial contribution to federal coffers. "Californians pay the bills for the federal government," Newsom wrote on X. "We pay over $80 BILLION more in taxes than we get back. Maybe it's time to cut that off, @realDonaldTrump."
Bessent quickly moved to counter Newsom's threat, posting on X that such actions would constitute tax evasion and defraud American taxpayers. The Treasury Secretary wrote that he was "certain most California businesses know that failing to pay taxes owed to the Treasury constitutes tax evasion and have no intention of following the dangerous path Governor @GavinNewsom is threatening."
Bessent's warning to California officials was particularly pointed, suggesting they could face personal consequences for following through on Newsom's threat. His message targeted state officials specifically, including payroll managers who might be involved in implementing such a policy.
"I would warn state officials, including payroll managers, that federal law attaches personal liability to an attempt to evade or defeat tax," Bessent stated in his social media post, elevating the stakes for any California official who might consider implementing Newsom's suggestion.
Instead of pursuing what he called "criminal tax evasion," Bessent suggested California adopt tax policies more aligned with Trump's approach. "Governor Newsom should consider a tax plan for California that follows the Trump Tax Cuts model and reduces the onerous state tax burden to allow families to keep more of their hard-earned money," he advised.
The California Interscholastic Federation's accommodation for transgender athletes has already drawn federal scrutiny. The Department of Justice has launched a probe into potential Title IX violations regarding California's policy on transgender athletes in girls' sports.
This federal investigation comes in addition to an ongoing Department of Education inquiry that began in February. The multiple federal investigations highlight the growing tension between state and federal authorities over the issue of transgender athletes participation in school sports.
The recent state competition showcased the Federation's compromise approach. Hernandez had to share podium spots with female athletes who finished one position behind after the finals on Saturday, a temporary change that granted female athletes qualification and podium finishes they would have earned had a biological male not competed.
The unprecedented threat to withhold federal tax payments marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and California. Newsom's suggestion that the state might leverage its substantial federal tax contributions represents a novel approach to state resistance.
California's economic power gives particular weight to Newsom's threat. The state recently overtook Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy, underscoring its financial significance both nationally and globally. This economic clout has emboldened California's leadership in challenging federal policies.
Bessent's characterization of Newsom's proposal as "extremely reckless" highlights the Biden administration's view that such actions would cross a fundamental line in federal-state relations, potentially triggering a constitutional crisis over tax authority and collection.