A high-stakes battle unfolds on Capitol Hill as Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump's defense secretary nominee, faces scrutiny over his controversial past.
According to Fox News, Hegseth's nomination has shown remarkable resilience following a week of intense public support from Trump, behind-the-scenes efforts by Vice President-elect JD Vance, and the nominee's own determined stance against media criticism.
The nomination's trajectory has shifted significantly after receiving crucial backing from key Republican figures. Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, a pivotal vote on the Armed Services Committee, expressed support following their second meeting on Monday. The endorsement carries particular weight given Ernst's status as the first female combat veteran elected to the Senate and her strong record on addressing military sexual assault.
Trump's political orbit has mounted an aggressive defense of Hegseth, viewing his confirmation as crucial for protecting other controversial Cabinet picks. A Trump world adviser, speaking anonymously, emphasized the strategic importance of defending Hegseth to prevent establishment senators from derailing future nominations.
The defense secretary nominee has faced multiple allegations regarding drinking and sexual misconduct, as well as questions about his management of a veterans nonprofit organization. Hegseth has denied mistreating women, though he did reach a financial settlement with an accuser from a 2017 incident. He has publicly pledged to abstain from alcohol if confirmed.
Speaking on Fox News' "Hannity," Hegseth addressed these concerns and his meeting with Sen. Ernst, saying:
The left is trying to turn this into a trial in the media, a show trial. And we're not going to let that happen.
Donald Trump Jr. and other MAGA allies have launched a coordinated effort to pressure wavering Republican senators. Conservative activist Charlie Kirk warned of potential primary challenges for those opposing Hegseth's nomination, particularly targeting Sen. Ernst.
The nomination gained additional momentum after Trump took to social media to defend his choice. Reports of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis being considered as a potential replacement were countered by Trump's public endorsement of Hegseth.
Vice President-elect Vance has emerged as a key figure in securing Senate support. A source from Vance's political orbit confirmed his role as Hegseth's "biggest champion" within Trump's team, actively working to consolidate support among Senate colleagues.
Pete Hegseth's defiant stance against media scrutiny has resonated with supporters. During a press encounter on Thursday, he stated:
This will not be a process tried in the media. I don't answer to anyone in this group. None of you, not to that camera at all. I answer to President Trump, who received 76 million votes on behalf... and a mandate for change. I answer to the 100 senators who are part of this process and those in the committee. And I answer to my Lord and Savior and my wife and my family.
The nomination landscape has evolved rapidly, with Ernst's support marking a significant turning point. The senator highlighted Hegseth's commitment to completing a Pentagon audit and addressing military sexual assault concerns, demonstrating a potential path forward for his confirmation.
Pete Hegseth, the former Fox News host and Army National Guard officer with combat experience in Afghanistan and Iraq, faces a crucial confirmation process for the position of defense secretary in President-elect Trump's cabinet. His nomination has weathered initial skepticism and gained momentum through strategic support from Trump's political circle and key Senate Republicans.
The confirmation battle continues as Hegseth prepares for Senate Armed Services Committee hearings, with growing support from influential figures like Sen. Ernst potentially paving the way for a successful confirmation. The outcome remains uncertain but appears more favorable than a week ago, marking a significant shift in the political landscape surrounding Trump's defense secretary nominee.
A contentious exchange between NBC's Kristen Welker and President-elect Donald Trump ignites discussion about the interpretation of birthright citizenship.
According to Fox News, Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) criticized NBC News for leaving out crucial words from the 14th Amendment during their interview with Trump about his plans to end birthright citizenship.
The controversy emerged after Trump's appearance on "Meet the Press," where he declared his intention to terminate birthright citizenship on his first day in office. The President-elect characterized the current policy as "ridiculous" and emphasized that the United States stands alone in maintaining such a provision.
NBC host Kristen Welker faced criticism for her partial citation of the 14th Amendment during her questioning of Trump. Senator Lee took to X (formerly Twitter) to point out the omission of six specific words that he deemed critical to the constitutional provision. The missing phrase "and subject to the jurisdiction thereof" became the centerpiece of Lee's argument against NBC's presentation.
Lee expanded his critique through a comprehensive 12-part thread on social media, explaining the significance of the omitted text. He emphasized Congress's authority to define the parameters of birthright citizenship and challenged the notion that legislative bodies lack power in this domain.
The Utah senator expressed concern about what he perceived as increasingly partisan coverage from "Meet the Press," traditionally considered America's premier Sunday political program. He suggested the omission potentially skewed the constitutional debate in a particular direction.
During the wide-ranging interview, Trump outlined his plans for his upcoming presidency. He addressed multiple aspects of his agenda, including strategies to rebuild America's global standing and his perspective on current FBI leadership.
Trump articulated his vision for unifying the country through his inaugural address. He emphasized the connection between national success and unity, highlighting the importance of border security and immigration control in his upcoming term.
NBC News's response to the controversy remained notably absent, as they did not provide comment when approached about the alleged selective omission. The network's silence added another layer to the ongoing debate about media coverage of constitutional matters.
The debate surrounding birthright citizenship continues to evolve as Trump prepares to return to office. Senator Lee's detailed analysis of the 14th Amendment's language suggests potential legislative pathways for modifying current citizenship policies.
As stated by Trump during the interview:
It's going to be a message of unity, and I think success brings unity. And I've experienced that. I've experienced it in my first term, as I've said. We're going to be talking about unity, and we're going to be talking about success. Making our country safe. Keeping people that shouldn't be in our country out, we have to do that. I know it doesn't sound nice, but we have to do that. Basically, it's going to be about bringing our country together.
The NBC interview with President-elect Trump highlighted the ongoing debate over constitutional interpretation and birthright citizenship in America. The controversy surrounding the omission of key constitutional language by NBC News brought attention to the complex relationship between media coverage and constitutional discourse.
At the heart of this issue lies Trump's determination to end birthright citizenship through executive action, Senator Lee's critique of media presentation of constitutional matters, and the broader implications for American immigration policy. As Trump prepares to assume office, the controversy underscores the continuing tension between executive authority and constitutional interpretation.
President-elect Donald Trump's recent victory sparks a nationwide debate about the extent of his mandate to implement sweeping policy changes.
According to Just The News, a new Rasmussen Reports study reveals that 55% of voters believe Trump's election win grants him the authority to execute his campaign promises.
The survey, conducted between December 1-3, gathered responses from 1,291 voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. The results show a clear division in public opinion, with 32% disagreeing about the mandate and 13% remaining uncertain.
Trump's agenda encompasses several major policy initiatives that resonated with his supporter base during the campaign season. His platform primarily focused on addressing immigration concerns through mass deportations and enhanced border security measures. The president-elect also emphasized economic reforms and pledged to overhaul federal agencies.
The Pew Research Center's analysis identified three primary issues that drove Trump supporters to the polls. Violent crime topped the list of concerns, followed closely by immigration and economic matters. These priorities aligned closely with Trump's campaign messaging and policy proposals.
The strong voter support suggests a potential smoother path for implementing controversial policies, particularly those related to immigration enforcement and economic reforms. This backing could provide Trump with significant political capital as he prepares to take office.
The Rasmussen poll's findings indicate a substantial shift in public opinion regarding Trump's policy agenda. More than half of surveyed voters now support giving Trump the latitude to implement his proposed changes, representing a significant portion of the electorate.
This level of support extends beyond his base, suggesting broader acceptance of his policy directions among independent voters. The survey results demonstrate that Trump's message has resonated with a diverse cross-section of the American electorate.
These numbers could strengthen Trump's position in negotiations with Congress and other stakeholders as he works to implement his agenda. The clear majority support might also influence moderate lawmakers' willingness to cooperate with his administration.
Trump's policy priorities reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing what his supporters consider the nation's most pressing challenges. His focus on "drill baby drill" energy policies, economic reforms, and federal agency restructuring represents a bold agenda for his upcoming term.
The administration's ability to translate this voter mandate into concrete policy achievements will depend largely on congressional cooperation and executive branch effectiveness. The strong voter backing could provide leverage in legislative negotiations.
Implementation challenges remain, particularly for more controversial proposals like mass deportations and border security measures. However, the clear voter mandate might help overcome some potential legislative obstacles.
The Rasmussen Reports poll conducted in early December 2024 reveals substantial voter support for President-elect Donald Trump's policy agenda. With 55% of respondents backing his mandate to implement campaign promises, Trump enters office with significant popular backing for his proposed reforms. The survey results highlight voter priorities aligned with Trump's platform, particularly regarding violent crime, immigration, and economic issues.
Mark Withers, a distinguished actor celebrated for his roles in various beloved television series, has died at the age of 77.
Withers, known for his memorable role in Dynasty and other popular TV shows, succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the end of November, as the Toronto Sun reports.
The actor's passing was confirmed by his daughter, Jessie Withers, who noted that he died toward the conclusion of November after facing a challenging diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Known for his profound impact on audiences, he left behind a legacy cherished by family, friends, and fans alike.
The actor's journey into the world of entertainment began in 1975. His early roles included appearances in the TV series How the West Was Won and Kaz. It didn’t take long for Withers to become a recognized face on television screens across America.
Throughout the 1980s, he made significant contributions to several popular shows including Days of Our Lives, Dallas, L.A. Law, and Matlock. Withers also delighted audiences with his humorous characterizations in sitcoms like Frasier. Each performance showcased his versatility as an actor, leading to a career that spanned several decades.
Withers even captivated a new generation of fans when he appeared in a 2016 episode of the hit series Stranger Things. His ability to adapt to new roles and trends in television kept him relevant throughout his career. In his later years, Withers expanded his portfolio with roles in films such as The Phoenix Incident and Bolden.
Despite his extensive work on television, his final on-screen presence was in an uncredited role in the 2019 film The Creatress, solidifying a persistent dedication to the craft.
Before pursuing acting, Withers was an accomplished athlete, having earned an NCAA football scholarship at Penn State University. His transition from sports to entertainment marked the beginning of a remarkable career in showbusiness.
His entry into acting was serendipitous when he was discovered for an advertisement for McDonald’s. This early exposure led to opportunities in other advertising campaigns for major brands such as Folger’s Coffee and American Airlines. This experience in commercials paved the way for his successful transition from advertisement roles to larger acting projects in Hollywood.
Withers is survived by his family, including his daughter Jessie and his wife, Haiyan Liu Withers. Jessie Withers expressed sentiments to Variety, highlighting her father’s resilience during his illness. She described his approach to his health challenges as being met with fortitude and grace. These personal qualities, she stated, were evident in both his personal and professional life.
Jessie praised his lasting impression and highlighted the warmth and humor he brought to each role, ensuring that his talent will not soon be forgotten.
Colleagues, friends, and fans from around the world will remember Withers for his commitment to his profession. His contributions to the entertainment industry remain invaluable. Withers’ roles have inspired numerous aspiring actors and provided entertainment for countless viewers. His dedication to his craft was unparalleled, leaving a void in the industry.
As fans and the entertainment community remember Mark Withers, they will reflect on his inspiring journey from the sports fields to the Hollywood sets, cherishing the many memories he created on screen.
In a groundbreaking development, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during fiscal year 2024, executed its first-ever climate change-related arrest under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act.
The Biden administration has prioritized tackling climate change, implementing robust enforcement measures, and safeguarding communities disproportionately affected by pollution, as Fox News reports, as evidenced by the recent arrest.
The arrest took place in March when Michael Hart of San Diego was apprehended on charges related to smuggling potent hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are synthetic compounds widely used in refrigeration and air conditioning. This arrest marked a significant milestone under the AIM Act, a key legislative piece aimed at reducing the production and consumption of HFCs by 85% by 2036.
The EPA announced an impressive $1.7 billion in administrative and judicial penalties for fiscal year 2024, marking the highest level of penalties since 2017. This figure underscores the administration's intensified focus on enforcing compliance with environmental laws. According to David M. Uhlmann, assistant administrator for the EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, these results reflect the agency's strongest enforcement efforts in years.
Uhlmann emphasized that this robust enforcement is aimed at combatting some of the nation's most pressing environmental threats, including challenges related to air, water, and land pollution. The broader enforcement strategy involves a comprehensive approach to tackling climate change and curbing environmental violations.
The EPA reported concluding 1,851 civil cases and charging 121 criminal defendants in fiscal year 2024. These proceedings contributed to more than 225 million pounds of pollutant reductions, primarily in overburdened communities that have historically faced the brunt of environmental hazards.
Notably, at the close of 2024, the agency had approximately 480 ongoing criminal investigations into environmental violations. These efforts have been bolstered by a 12% increase in criminal leads from EPA Headquarters and regional offices, reflecting enhanced collaboration across the agency's national priorities.
Under the Biden administration, the EPA committed to six focal areas as part of its National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative. These areas include mitigating climate change, reducing exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), protecting communities from coal ash, and reducing air toxics in underserved areas. Additionally, the agency is working to increase compliance with drinking water standards and minimize risks of chemical accidents.
In particular, reducing exposure to PFAS, often termed "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment, has been a critical focus area. The administration's efforts to improve drinking water standards align with broader public health goals.
With the landmark AIM Act serving as the backbone of these enforcement activities, the arrest of Michael Hart highlights the Biden administration's dedication to addressing illegal activities that undermine climate goals. By focusing on reducing harmful emissions, the EPA aims to foster a more sustainable environment. The agency's recent report also hints that the enforcement of climate-related violations like these will continue to be a priority, with forthcoming actions likely. An EPA press release echoed this sentiment, asserting that Hart's arrest "will not be the last."
The administration's broader environmental strategy includes significant investments in green energy initiatives. As part of this drive, billions of dollars have been allocated to support climate-related projects, aiming to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy. This investment is designed to strengthen the U.S. energy sector's resilience and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. By bolstering green energy innovation, the administration seeks to create a cleaner and more energy-efficient future.
As President-elect Trump prepares to assume office, these enforcement efforts and climate initiatives delineate a clear pathway set by the Biden administration. The focus on stringent enforcement and significant financial penalties sends a strong message to potential violators of environmental laws. The momentum gained in 2024 highlights the federal commitment to environmental stewardship and pollution prevention, laying the groundwork for subsequent administrations to continue these efforts.
The EPA's landmark achievement in executing its first arrest under the AIM Act and imposing record penalties underscores the evolving landscape of environmental governance. These efforts speak to the administration's resolve in holding polluters accountable and protecting the most vulnerable communities from environmental harm. As the nation transitions, these milestones signify a pivotal moment in U.S. environmental policy, with long-term implications for both regulatory enforcement and climate change mitigation strategies.
Democratic Senator John Fetterman made waves during his appearance on ABC's "The View" with his unexpected stance on high-profile legal cases.
According to Fox News, the Pennsylvania senator declared that both the cases against Hunter Biden and President-elect Trump were politically motivated, advocating for pardons in both instances during Thursday's broadcast.
The senator's remarks came shortly after President Biden issued a pardon for his son Hunter ahead of his mid-December sentencing. Fetterman's stance represented a departure from typical partisan lines, as he criticized the weaponization of legal institutions against political opponents from both sides of the aisle.
Fetterman elaborated on his position during the discussion with The View's co-hosts, emphasizing the damage done to public trust in American institutions. His comments highlighted growing concerns about the use of legal proceedings as political weapons. The senator specifically addressed the New York trial against Trump and the Hunter Biden case, arguing that neither would have been pursued without political motivation.
The Pennsylvania Democrat expressed particular concern about the impact of these cases on American confidence in judicial institutions. He emphasized the importance of preventing the weaponization of legal systems against political opponents, regardless of party affiliation. His stance reflected a broader worry about the deterioration of public trust in government institutions.
During the exchange, co-host Joy Behar raised questions about potential parallels with January 6 rioters, but Fetterman maintained his focus on the specific cases at hand.
He stated:
I think it's undeniable that the case against Hunter Biden was really politically motivated. But I also think it's true that the trial in New York for Trump, that was political as well, too. Now, in both cases, I think a pardon is appropriate.
The show's co-hosts have taken various positions on the pardon issue in recent weeks. Sunny Hostin and Ana Navarro had previously suggested that President Biden should pardon his son, with Hostin arguing that Hunter Biden's indictment was solely due to his surname. Their stance aligned with a growing narrative among some Democrats regarding the nature of the investigations.
Whoopi Goldberg defended President Biden's decision to pardon his son despite earlier promises not to do so. She emphasized the president's executive authority in such matters. The discussion revealed the complex dynamics surrounding presidential pardons and their political implications.
Radio personality Charlamagne Tha God offered a contrasting perspective during his Wednesday appearance on the show.
He criticized President Biden's handling of the situation, particularly his previous promises not to pardon his son. The range of reactions highlighted the divisive nature of the pardon decision.
The senator's bipartisan approach to these high-profile legal cases marks a significant moment in contemporary political discourse. By acknowledging political motivations on both sides, Fetterman challenged traditional partisan narratives about justice and accountability in American politics. His stance represents an attempt to address the growing concern about the politicization of legal institutions.
Senator Fetterman's appearance on "The View" showcased his willingness to break from party orthodoxy regarding politically sensitive legal cases. As these cases continue to develop, Fetterman's position may influence broader discussions about the role of political motivation in high-profile prosecutions.
A celestial visitor made an unexpected appearance in Earth's atmosphere, creating a stunning display for observers.
According to People, a small asteroid approximately 27.5 inches wide blazed across the Siberian sky on December 3, creating a spectacular fireball display that was successfully predicted by space agencies.
The European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA collaborated to track the asteroid's trajectory, with the space rock being discovered roughly 12 hours before impact. The University of Arizona's Bok telescope made the initial observation, while NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Scout system calculated the precise impact prediction.
The coordinated effort between space agencies demonstrated remarkable accuracy in predicting the asteroid's arrival.
Thanks to observations from astronomers worldwide, officials predicted the impact timing within an impressive 10-second margin. The asteroid entered Earth's atmosphere around 11:15 a.m. ET, creating a visible spectacle over the Yakutia region.
Witnesses in the area captured remarkable footage of the event, sharing videos across social media platforms. The celestial object produced a dramatic red flash as it streaked across the sky before disappearing from view. Despite its fiery appearance, the ESA confirmed the small size of the asteroid meant it posed no threat to Earth or its inhabitants.
The successful tracking and prediction of this asteroid's arrival showcases the advancement in space monitoring technologies. Multiple observation stations and sophisticated prediction systems worked in tandem to provide accurate information about the object's trajectory and impact location.
While the Siberian fireball captured public attention, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory simultaneously monitored another significantly larger asteroid. Known as 2020 XR, this stadium-sized space rock passed Earth at a safe distance of approximately 1.37 million miles on December 4.
The agency maintains constant vigilance over celestial objects within 120 million miles of the sun, considering this range within Earth's orbital neighborhood. These space rocks vary dramatically in size, ranging from modest 10-foot objects to massive bodies measuring nearly 25 miles across.
NASA's monitoring system specifically focuses on potentially hazardous asteroids that could pose risks to Earth. While the majority of tracked objects present no impact danger, the agency carefully assesses the threat level of all nearby celestial bodies.
The ESA shared updates about the asteroid's approach and impact through social media, stating:
A small asteroid spotted on a collision course with Earth likely produced a nice fireball over Siberia — though its impact would be harmless.
The coordinated tracking effort represents a significant achievement in asteroid detection and monitoring. The ability to spot, track, and accurately predict the arrival of even small space objects demonstrates the sophistication of current space surveillance systems.
Multiple observation points across the globe contributed to this successful prediction, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in space monitoring. The event provided valuable data for scientists studying near-Earth objects and their behavior upon entering Earth's atmosphere.
A beauty salon in Idaho becomes the center of controversy after its owner takes to social media to express her views on Trump supporters.
According to Daily Mail, Tiffney Prickett, owner of Voire salon in Coeur d'Alene, faces significant business losses and boycotts after posting TikTok videos criticizing Trump voters and labeling them as racist, homophobic, and misogynistic.
The 40-year-old mother of three posted her initial video on November 12, expressing strong opinions about Trump's influence on his supporters. Her comments triggered immediate backlash from long-time clients, including some who had been loyal customers for 15 years.
Prickett addressed the consequences of her actions in a follow-up video, maintaining her stance despite losing numerous clients. She revealed that some customers sent their husbands to demand refunds for pre-purchased gift cards due to her political statements.
In her most recent video, Prickett remained resolute, stating she would rather work at Chipotle than allow people to feel comfortable with their beliefs in her salon space. The controversy has led to the shutdown of her salon's website, with some supporters suggesting she relocate to a more politically aligned state.
Prickett shared her perspective on the situation through TikTok:
If you support a racist, homophobic, misogynist rapist, and you're okay with those things ... because you supported them - then you are in fact, those things.
The Idaho salon incident mirrors a similar situation involving Memphis florist Kristin Wolter, who also faced criticism for refusing to serve Trump supporters.
The 49-year-old owner of Everbloom Designs made her announcement on Instagram, leading to threats against her business.
Wolter temporarily closed her shop due to safety concerns, expressing both gratitude for supporters and disappointment in the community's response. She maintained her position despite the business implications.
The impact of political statements on business operations extends beyond small enterprises to major corporations like Disney, which faces pressure over similar controversies involving their talent's political expressions.
The controversy surrounding Voire salon continues to unfold in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, as owner Tiffney Prickett grapples with the business consequences of her public political statements.
While facing significant client losses and being forced to take down her salon's website, Prickett maintains her stance on refusing service to Trump supporters.
The incident highlights the increasing intersection between political expression and business operations in America's current polarized climate, particularly affecting small business owners who choose to voice their political views publicly.
A dramatic turn in Hunter Biden's legal saga unfolds as President Joe Biden pardons his son for tax and gun-related convictions, sparking immediate controversy.
According to Fox News, IRS whistleblowers and Special Counsel David Weiss have strongly contested the Biden administration's narrative that Hunter Biden's prosecutions were politically motivated following the president's Sunday night pardon decision.
The pardon covers Hunter Biden's guilty verdicts in two separate cases: illegal purchase of a firearm and failure to pay $1.4 million in taxes. President Biden justified his decision by claiming the prosecutions were politically driven and represented a "miscarriage of justice," a stance that has drawn sharp criticism from those involved in the investigations.
IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joe Ziegler, who played crucial roles in exposing Hunter Biden's tax issues, have publicly rejected the administration's characterization of the cases. They emphasized that their investigation was conducted without political bias and followed proper legal procedures.
The whistleblowers revealed that Hunter Biden's tax discrepancies dated back to 2014, particularly concerning his employment with Ukrainian natural gas firm Burisma Holdings. Their testimony to Congress highlighted alleged attempts by the Department of Justice to handle the case with unusual leniency.
Special Counsel David Weiss made his position clear in a court filing, stating, "There was none and never has been any evidence of vindictive or selective prosecution in this case."
The investigation into Hunter Biden's finances began in 2018 under the U.S. attorney in Delaware. The case gained public attention in December 2020 when Hunter Biden acknowledged the investigation's existence following his father's presidential election victory.
The Biden administration's decision to retain David Weiss, a Trump appointee, as the lead prosecutor initially appeared to demonstrate impartiality. This move was particularly notable as the administration had removed most Trump-era U.S. attorneys.
IRS whistleblowers Shapley and Ziegler responded to the pardon with this statement:
No amount of lies or spin can hide the simple truth that the Justice Department nearly let the President's son off the hook for multiple felonies. We did our duty, told the truth, and followed the law.
The pardon's timing and scope have generated significant debate about presidential powers and their limits. The decision effectively shields Hunter Biden from prosecution for offenses between 2014 and 2024, extending beyond the specific charges he faced.
House Republicans, who had launched an impeachment inquiry into President Biden, had previously released a report claiming evidence of "impeachable conduct" and alleged family enrichment through foreign dealings exceeding $27 million since 2014.
The White House maintains its position that President Biden had no involvement in his son's business dealings, despite mounting evidence suggesting otherwise, including alleged WhatsApp messages showing Hunter Biden leveraging his father's influence in business negotiations.
President Biden's pardon of his son Hunter marks a definitive end to a complex legal battle involving tax evasion and illegal firearm possession charges. The decision came after Hunter Biden was found guilty of gun charges in June and entered a guilty plea for tax-related offenses in September, facing potential prosecution for failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes and making false statements during a firearm purchase. IRS whistleblowers and the special counsel maintained that the prosecutions were legitimate and free from political motivation, directly contradicting the president's claims of selective prosecution.
Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford and former Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel prepare to face off in a pivotal judicial contest that could reshape Wisconsin's legal landscape.
According to USA TODAY, the upcoming April election for the Wisconsin Supreme Court seat will determine the ideological balance of the state's highest court following liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley's retirement announcement.
The race emerged in the wake of Wisconsin's November general election, which saw the state split its support between Republican Donald Trump and Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin. This judicial contest is expected to draw significant attention and campaign spending, potentially matching the more than $50 million invested in the previous Supreme Court race.
Schimel enters the race with substantial political experience, having served as Wisconsin's Attorney General from 2014 until his narrow defeat in 2018. His transition to the judiciary came through an appointment by former Republican Governor Scott Walker to the Waukesha County Circuit Court. The former attorney general's campaign has taken a strong stance against what it perceives as judicial activism.
The Schimel campaign issued a statement criticizing recent court decisions. They specifically targeted what they view as concerning trends in judicial oversight and policy implementation. Their messaging emphasizes a commitment to traditional legal interpretation and public safety.
Ben Wikler, chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, offered this perspective on the court's recent liberal majority:
The state's high court had made significant progress in restoring the fairness and impartiality of the court that was lost under the previous far-right majority, striking down unconstitutional legislative maps, increasing access to the ballot box, and restoring balance in a previously unchecked Legislature.
Crawford brings her own extensive legal background to the race. Her career includes experience as a prosecutor, government legal counsel, and private practice attorney focusing on voting rights and reproductive healthcare access. Since 2018, she has served on the Dane County Circuit Court.
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin has already thrown its support behind Crawford, endorsing her candidacy on November 20. This early backing signals the party's commitment to maintaining the court's current 4-3 liberal majority.
Republican Party of Wisconsin chairman Brian Schimming challenged Crawford's candidacy, characterizing her as a "Dane County liberal activist." The contrast between the candidates reflects broader political divisions within the state.
The importance of this election extends beyond typical judicial considerations. The court's recent decisions, including ordering new electoral maps and potentially reviewing abortion access laws, demonstrate its significant impact on state policy.
Crawford addressed these concerns in a statement highlighting her professional background:
I've spent my career standing up for Wisconsin values like safe communities, reproductive rights, clean air and water, and fair elections. As a prosecutor, I took on tough cases to hold criminals and sex offenders accountable and bring justice to victims. As an attorney, I fought for working people, families, and teachers when their rights were threatened and being trampled on.
The race could also affect other significant policy areas, including school voucher programs and right-to-work legislation. These issues remain contentious points of debate between conservative and progressive interests in Wisconsin.
The upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election represents a critical juncture in the state's judicial landscape, with Dane County Judge Susan Crawford and former Attorney General Brad Schimel vying for retiring Justice Ann Walsh Bradley's seat. The April contest will determine whether the court maintains its current liberal majority or shifts back to conservative control, with potential implications for various policy areas, including voting rights, abortion access, and legislative redistricting. Candidates have until January 1, 2025, to enter the race, with the winner securing a 10-year term on the state's highest court.