The unexpected movement of the E-4B "Nightwatch," President Donald Trump's emergency command aircraft, across the United States has alarmed many citizens.
Despite initial anxiety amplified by the increased friction between the United States and Iran, the Air Force announced that the aircraft's operation had been arranged in advance and bore no relation to the ongoing international tensions, as the Daily Mail reports
The E-4B, commonly referred to as the "Doomsday plane," was observed traveling between Louisiana and Maryland, from Bossier City to Joint Base Andrews, on Tuesday. Customarily stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, this aircraft surfaced from Barksdale Air Force Base. It had earlier embarked from an area near Window Rock, Arizona, illustrating its versatility and operational scope.
Purpose of E-4B "Nightwatch"
The E-4B is crafted to serve as a mobile command post in case of emergencies, especially during nuclear crisis scenarios. Its design includes features to communicate across global distances, with military strategists benefiting from its comprehensive equipment, multi-deck layouts, and long-duration capabilities.
Furthermore, the E-4B is fortified with both thermal and nuclear barriers, crucial for enduring devastating conditions like nuclear explosions.
Amid the backdrop of rising tensions in the Middle East, news of its flight spurred panic. Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have grown, with Trump reportedly voicing his support for Israel's military moves against Iran.
US assurances of mission's routine nature
However, the Air Force reassured the public that the flight was an unremarkable, pre-planned operation and independent of the developing tensions overseas. This clarification was essential to assuage the public anxiety sparked by the aircraft's deployment during such a sensitive period.
Secretary Dr. Troy Meink was onboard the E-4B, engaging in a Major Command (MAJCOM) immersion at the Air Force Global Strike Command.
His presence underscored the routine nature of the mission, aligning with the E-4B's versatile mission history. Notably, the aircraft served operational roles during Hurricane Opal in 1995 and post-9/11, acting as a command center for President George W. Bush.
Iran's stance takes shape
On the other side of the globe, Iran's leadership has vehemently opposed President Trump's position and supported Israel's military efforts. Ayatollah Khamenei's strong words captured the nation's defiance, urging against any potential military involvement from the United States.
Khamenei emphasized that Iran is prepared to resist, saying, "This nation will not surrender to anyone in the face of imposition." Such remarks cautioned the U.S. against potential interventions. He underscored, "The Americans should know that any US military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage."
Amid these escalating tensions, the Trump administration is poised to decide within a fortnight regarding potential U.S. military involvement in the confrontation between Israel and Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt informed that President Trump assesses the possibility of negotiations with Iran before determining the U.S. course of action.
Global implications continue to emerge
As the world watches intently, the decision by the U.S. president holds significant implications. While the flight of the E-4B "Nightwatch" on domestic grounds may have sparked alarm due to its timing, the Air Force reassurances aim to normalize the situation within national borders.
With delicate relations at the forefront of global diplomacy, all eyes are set on whether diplomatic dialogues may prevail over military actions in the near future. The Trump administration's forthcoming decisions and their potential to either ease or exacerbate tensions will likely shape the region's geopolitical trajectory.
This episode, while highlighting existing strains between nations, also underscores the critical role of informed communication and transparency in mitigating public worry during international crises. The anticipation remains as to how these dynamics will unfold in the coming weeks.
Newly uncovered documents reveal a troubling pattern of intelligence agencies downplaying Chinese and Iranian efforts to influence the 2020 presidential election while amplifying Russian threats. The revelations paint a stark contrast between how different foreign threats were handled.
According to Just the News, intelligence officials buried evidence of Chinese government efforts to undermine President Trump's candidacy in 2020, while Iranian meddling attempts were similarly minimized. This stands in sharp contrast to the aggressive pursuit of Trump-Russia collusion claims from 2016.
FBI records recently made public show that a confidential human source reported in summer 2020 that China's communist government was attempting to produce fraudulent driver's licenses to facilitate illegal voting for Biden. This intelligence report was mysteriously recalled and agencies were instructed to delete it shortly after it was distributed.
FBI Director Downplayed Foreign Threats
Former FBI Director Christopher Wray testified to Congress in September 2020 that the bureau had "not seen historically any kind of coordinated national voter fraud effort in a major election." His testimony came shortly before the recall of the intelligence report about Chinese-produced fraudulent IDs.
When appearing before congressional committees, Wray emphasized Russia as the primary election security threat while minimizing concerns about China. Despite being questioned for hours, Republicans never directly asked Wray to explain how China was specifically working to influence the 2020 election.
The intelligence report that was recalled had warned that "in late August 2020, the Chinese government had produced a large amount of fraudulent United States driver's licenses" to help "Chinese students and immigrants sympathetic to the Chinese Communist Party to vote for US Presidential Candidate Joe Biden." Current FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the documents have been provided to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley.
Intelligence Community Split On Chinese Meddling
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence released an assessment in March 2021 where agencies agreed Russia sought to hurt Biden while Iran worked to harm Trump in 2020. However, they could not reach consensus on China's role.
The majority of intelligence analysts argued China didn't try to influence the election against Trump, while a minority dissent led by the National Intelligence Officer for Cyber insisted Beijing had taken "steps to undermine former President Trump's reelection chances." This split revealed significant disagreement within the intelligence community.
An intelligence community inspector found in January 2021 that U.S. intelligence analysts appeared to withhold information on Chinese meddling efforts because they disagreed with Trump administration policies. The ombudsman report noted "concerning revelations about the politicization of China election influence reporting."
Iran's Sophisticated Anti-Trump Campaign
Iranian intelligence conducted sophisticated operations aimed at undermining Trump's reelection bid, including sending intimidating emails disguised as coming from the right-wing Proud Boys group to Democratic voters in Florida and other states.
Then-DNI John Ratcliffe and FBI Director Wray held a press conference in October 2020 warning that Iran had gained access to U.S. voter registration information and was "sending spoofed emails designed to intimidate voters, incite social unrest, and damage President Trump." Despite this public warning, prominent Democrats sought to minimize Iran's role.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi claimed "Russia is the villain here" while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer argued Iran's actions were not aimed at discrediting Trump but rather at undermining confidence in elections generally. The Justice Department later charged Iranian hackers for their election interference campaign.
Double Standard Raises Serious Questions
The contrast between how federal agencies aggressively pursued Trump-Russia collusion claims while downplaying Chinese and Iranian interference efforts has sparked accusations of political bias within intelligence agencies.
The FBI used the now-discredited Steele dossier, funded by Hillary Clinton's campaign, to launch sweeping investigations into Trump that consumed much of his first term. Meanwhile, evidence of foreign efforts to influence the 2020 election against Trump was recalled, deleted, or minimized by many of the same agencies.
Former intelligence officials are speaking out about what they describe as a deliberate cover-up. Christopher Porter, who served as the National Intelligence Officer for cyber-related matters until 2022, stated: "It's important you know this isn't a case of the IC missing something — it was a deliberate cover-up to harm President Trump's reelection."
A 32-year-old female passenger caused chaos on a Southwest Airlines flight after becoming enraged about sitting next to another woman she repeatedly insulted for her weight. The confrontation quickly escalated from verbal abuse to physical assault early Monday morning.
According to the Daily Mail, the intoxicated woman pulled another female passenger's hair, spat in her face, and kicked both the passenger and Southwest employees on a plane at LaGuardia Airport that was scheduled to depart for Kansas City.
The disturbance was captured on video by fellow passengers, who recorded the woman in a red baseball hat and all-black outfit becoming increasingly belligerent. After initially verbally attacking the other woman about her size and appearance, the situation rapidly deteriorated into physical violence.
Passenger Refuses to Release Victim's Hair
Southwest staff and other travelers attempted to intervene as the disruptive passenger grabbed hold of the other woman's hair. Despite repeated requests from a female employee to let go, the woman maintained her grip while smiling.
When asked to release the woman's hair, the unhinged passenger denied even touching it, claiming "I'm not even touching her hair b****," while clearly continuing to hold onto it. Her defiant behavior included grinning throughout the confrontation, showing no intention of complying with staff directions.
A witness who recorded the incident told the Daily Mail that the aggressive woman even "knocked the glasses off the southwest employee." The same witness reported that when they suggested the woman "be nice," she responded with personal insults about their appearance and romantic life.
Intoxicated Woman Hurls Discriminatory Insults
After staff called for police assistance, the disruptive passenger appeared to briefly acknowledge her behavior, shouting "Yeah, I'm sorry! I didn't want to sit next to a f***ing fat lady." Her combative stance continued as she declared everyone was "already past the point of no return."
When Southwest personnel finally managed to restrain her with her hands behind her back, she continued her tirade against the woman she had been harassing. "Look at this fat lady. Look at this fat a** b****. She can't even, look, you can't even see her stomach," she said, adding further insults about the woman's outfit and face mask.
Her verbal attacks then shifted to a male passenger seated next to her target. The belligerent woman screamed profanities and made disparaging remarks about his appearance, slurring her words and stumbling over a chair in the process.
Incident Escalates to Physical Assault
The confrontation reached its most disturbing point when the woman deliberately spat directly in the face of the passenger she had been harassing. Airline staff then attempted to shield the victim from further assault while moving the aggressor away.
As employees tried to control the situation, the woman continued hurling obscenities and making crude, insulting comments about the woman and the man seated next to her. Her behavior became increasingly erratic as she fell to the ground in the plane's aisle.
After falling face-first, she dramatically flipped over, shouting "Shut the f*** up I can't breathe" with her hair covering her face. She then began kicking wildly, directing her attacks at both staff and passengers who were attempting to contain the situation.
Passenger Removed and Detained
Southwest Airlines confirmed to the Daily Mail that the disruptive passenger was eventually escorted off the aircraft on a gurney and prohibited from reboarding the flight. The incident significantly delayed departure for other passengers.
The Port Authority Police Department responded to a call about an "intoxicated passenger" at approximately 1:10 AM, according to their spokesperson. Following the incident, the woman was transported to a hospital for evaluation before being taken into custody.
After medical assessment, the passenger was transferred to the New York City Department of Correction and charged with aggravated assault. Southwest Airlines issued a statement commending their team members for their professionalism during the disturbing incident.
A Florida family's birthday celebration turned into a nightmare when a 75-year-old woman was violently assaulted with a frying pan while walking to their home. The unprovoked attack in Sunrise, Florida, on June 10 was captured on disturbing surveillance footage.
According to the Daily Mail, the victim, who is the mother of Fiorella Lopez, was simply walking along the sidewalk to attend a family birthday party when she was approached by a shirtless man.
Video shows the attacker grabbing the elderly woman by her dress collar before striking her in the head with a frying pan, causing her to fall to the ground.
Family Members Rushed To Help During Attack
Lopez's sister had noticed the suspicious individual behaving strangely moments before the assault occurred. She attempted to warn her mother, who was approaching the residence unaware of any potential danger.
"She's walking alone, and my sister, who's waiting for her at the entrance, notices someone two doors down, behaving strangely, and she begins to signal to my mother, who's innocently walking," Lopez explained to local media. The warning signals, unfortunately, came too late to prevent the attack.
When Lopez's brother arrived at the scene to help their mother, he also became a target of the assailant. "And at that moment, my brother arrived, and he attacked my brother too. He also smashed his head in," Lopez recounted, describing how the violent encounter escalated to include multiple family members.
Victim Left With Severe Injuries From Assault
The 75-year-old woman suffered extensive bruising across her face and leg as a result of the unprovoked attack. Photos released show purple and black bruises covering significant portions of her body following the assault.
Lopez's brother sustained even more serious injuries during his attempt to protect their mother. "My mother has several bruises on her face and leg. My brother's head was split open," Lopez detailed when describing the extent of the injuries inflicted on her family members.
The psychological impact on the family has been just as devastating as the physical injuries. Lopez emphasized the emotional toll, stating, "And what the rest of us are experiencing is psychological damage. Emotional damage. We're all terrified."
Suspect Had Prior Record And Violent History
Police identified the attacker as 26-year-old Carlos Hurtado Florez, who reportedly had engaged in other violent behavior immediately before the incident. According to authorities, Florez had beaten his own brother inside their home and vandalized his car just minutes before attacking the elderly woman.
Florez now faces multiple serious charges, including aggravated battery on a person 65 years of age or older, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment, and two additional counts of battery. These charges reflect both the severity of the unprovoked attack and the vulnerability of the elderly victim.
Lopez expressed deep concern after learning that Florez had a previous criminal record. "We don't know these people. The only thing that because it's public record that he had, he already was involved in a crime last year," she said, adding, "What I saw, he didn't stay more than a month in the jail. So we are scared."
Immigrants' Peace Shattered By Violent Encounter
The Lopez family had moved to South Florida from Venezuela seeking safety and a better quality of life, making the random attack particularly distressing for them. Their hopes for peace in their new community were violently disrupted by the incident.
"We came here for peace. We never imagined something like this could happen to our mother," Lopez shared, highlighting the stark contrast between their expectations when immigrating and the frightening reality they now face. The family's sense of security has been profoundly shaken.
The case has alarmed the Sunrise community, where residents now worry about similar random acts of violence. For the Lopez family, what should have been a joyful birthday celebration instead became a traumatic event that has left them questioning their safety in their adopted home.
An official in Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass' administration has concerning family ties to Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence operations, according to a bombshell investigation. The connection raises serious questions about potential foreign intelligence infiltration at the highest levels of city government.
According to Daily Caller, Adam Ma, who serves as both the city's liaison for Asian-Americans and director of commission appointments, is the son of Ma Shurong (Derek Ma), a Chinatown powerbroker with documented ties to Chinese intelligence operations who raised tens of thousands of dollars for Bass' mayoral campaign.
Ma Shurong has openly praised the CCP and holds positions in multiple arms of China's United Front Work Department (UFWD), a known influence and intelligence service that targets foreign governments.
Father's Deep Ties to Chinese Intelligence
Ma Shurong's connections to Beijing extend throughout multiple Chinese government agencies identified by U.S. authorities as intelligence operations. His influence reaches deep into organizations flagged by American security experts.
Records show Ma Shurong serves as an "overseas committee member" of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese (ACFROC), which the Department of Justice identifies as a UFWD agency. He has also held director positions in the China Overseas Friendship Association (COFA) and previously with the China Overseas Exchange Association (COEA).
During a July 2021 event commemorating the CCP's 100th anniversary, Ma Shurong reportedly declared: "If China didn't have the CCP, there'd be no strong China today, overseas Chinese compatriots send the highest praise and admiration to the CCP."
Campaign Fundraising and Political Access
The Ma family played significant roles in Bass' 2022 mayoral campaign, leveraging their influence within the Chinese American community to provide critical financial and political support.
Ma Shurong held a fundraising event at the Golden Dragon Restaurant in October 2022 that reportedly raised over $40,000 for Bass' campaign. Both Adam Ma and his mother donated $1,000 during this period, according to California Secretary of State records.
Following Bass' victory, Ma Shurong attended her inauguration and expressed happiness that his son would be joining her team. Adam Ma subsequently secured a position in Bass' transition office in December 2022.
Son's Expanding Role in Administration
Adam Ma quickly moved into increasingly influential positions within the Bass administration, gaining visibility at key cultural and community events where Chinese government officials were present.
Starting as director of both Bass' transition office and commission appointments in December 2022, Adam Ma later became the mayor's liaison for Asian Americans and the LGBTQIA+ community in May 2023. The City of Los Angeles paid him $129,534.10 in 2024, according to the California State Controller's Office.
In February 2023, Adam Ma represented Bass at a Chinese Lunar New Year banquet hosted by the Chinese American Unity Alliance, a nonprofit run by his parents. Two officials from the Los Angeles Chinese Consulate attended, including An Mingshuan, whom the UFWD identifies as its consul.
National Security Implications Emerge
Bass has recently gained national prominence for opposing President Trump's immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles, positioning herself as a central figure in Democratic resistance to the administration's deportation policies.
Gordon Chang, author of "Plan Red: China's Project To Destroy America," offered a stark assessment of the situation: "The Communist Party's UFWD has, in fact, penetrated Karen Bass's office. There is a high probability that, wittingly or unwittingly, she is implementing Chinese Communist plans to take down our country."
Peter Schweizer, author of "Red-Handed: How American Elites Get Rich Helping China Win," emphasized that "CCP influence campaigns target local elected officials just like our national leaders. In many ways, they can be even more effective there. Mayor Bass needs to come clean about her ties to these funders."
A Utah "No Kings" protest turned deadly when a bystander was mistakenly killed by event security attempting to neutralize a potential threat.
According to Fox News, the victim, identified as 39-year-old Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, was shot Saturday during the massive demonstration that drew approximately 10,000 participants.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd confirmed the tragic circumstances surrounding Ah Loo's death, stating that he was "not the intended target" and was simply participating in the march when he was struck by gunfire. The fatal shot came from one of two protest peacekeepers who were responding to a man with a rifle approaching the crowd.
Peacekeepers Fired At Armed Suspect
The incident unfolded when a 24-year-old man, identified as Arturo Gamboa, allegedly approached the demonstration carrying a rifle. Police report that Gamboa was observed pulling out the weapon and raising it to a firing position as he moved toward the crowd of protesters.
Two event peacekeepers wearing neon vests spotted Gamboa and perceived an immediate threat to the assembled demonstrators. One of the peacekeepers discharged their weapon three times, striking both Gamboa and Ah Loo in the process.
SWAT medics quickly performed life-saving measures on Ah Loo before he was transported to a local hospital. Despite these efforts, the innocent protester succumbed to his injuries later that night, marking a tragic end to what had been a largely peaceful demonstration.
Suspect Arrested Despite Not Firing
Gamboa, the armed man who prompted the peacekeepers' response, was wounded in the incident but survived. Following medical treatment, he was booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on a murder charge despite not having fired his weapon during the confrontation.
Police recovered a rifle and gas mask from Gamboa's backpack following the shooting. The discovery of these items has raised questions about his intentions at the demonstration, though officials have not speculated on his motives.
Chief Redd noted that Gamboa has no prior criminal history, adding another layer of complexity to understanding the circumstances that led to his armed presence at the protest. Investigators continue to piece together the sequence of events and Gamboa's motivations.
Peacekeeper Cooperating With Authorities
The protest security member who fired the shots is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation, according to police statements. This individual was one of two peacekeepers who observed Gamboa approaching the crowd with a weapon.
The role of these peacekeepers at the demonstration has come under scrutiny following the incident. While they were apparently designated to provide security for the event, questions remain about their training, protocols, and authorization to carry firearms during a large-scale public demonstration.
Salt Lake City authorities have not released additional information about the identity of the peacekeepers or their affiliation with protest organizers. The investigation will likely examine the selection and preparation of these security personnel, given the tragic outcome.
Demonstration Ends In Tragedy
The "No Kings" protest was one of many similar demonstrations that have occurred across the country in recent weeks. While the specific grievances of the Utah protesters weren't detailed in police statements, these events typically draw thousands of participants expressing political concerns.
Saturday's demonstration in Salt Lake City had attracted approximately 10,000 people before tragedy struck. The shooting transformed what had been a peaceful expression of political views into a scene of confusion and grief as participants witnessed the emergency response.
Ah Loo's death serves as a somber reminder of how quickly public gatherings can turn deadly, even when the victim was simply exercising their right to peaceful assembly. The 39-year-old victim was participating in the democratic process when he became an unintended casualty of a security response gone wrong.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) subcommittee have taken a definitive step in overseeing federal funds by launching a thorough investigation into Planned Parenthood. Central to this scrutiny are allegations suggesting that taxpayer money, earmarked for essential health services, may have been improperly directed towards abortions and hormone treatments for minors, potentially breaching the Hyde Amendment.
Greene's investigation seeks to ensure adherence to applicable federal laws governing taxpayer money, such as the Hyde Amendment and regulations related to gender transition services, as Breitbart reports.
The inquiry, initiated on Friday, follows an explosive undercover investigation conducted by Live Action. The probe claims Planned Parenthood may offer cross-sex hormones to minors as young as 16 with minimal parental consent or medical guidance. In response to these allegations, Rep. Greene stressed the importance of tracking taxpayer dollars to prevent prohibited usage.
Planned Parenthood’s finances under microscope
On the same day, a letter was dispatched to Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood. The letter highlighted concerns regarding commingling of federal funds purportedly intended for critical health services like cancer screenings. Greene pointed out that despite a substantial portion of Planned Parenthood’s revenue originating from federal sources, there is a significant shift toward providing abortions, as evidenced by Planned Parenthood's latest annual report.
The report not only detailed federal funding of $792.2 million between 2023 and 2024 but also recorded an increase in abortion services, now surpassing 400,000 in the same timeframe. Greene noted this as a 23% rise over the past decade, raising concerns about how these patterns align with the intended use of federal funds.
Moreover, Greene’s focus extended to policies regarding hormonal treatments for minors. Live Action’s findings suggested an alarming lack of comprehensive medical or psychological evaluation, often with inconsistent adherence to parental consent procedures. This adds another layer of complexity to the scrutiny, emphasizing procedural compliance.
Funding sources scrutinized
Planned Parenthood’s internal categorizations, particularly labeling gender transition services under “other procedures,” also drew attention. Such classification can potentially obscure essential data necessary for a transparent discussion on service allocation.
As part of the evolving investigation, Greene requested extensive documentation from Planned Parenthood. These encompass financial records and service details from January 2020 through June 2025, aimed at assessing compliance with federal funding laws.
The subcommittee's ultimate goal is to validate that funds managed through Title X of the Public Health Service Act, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are appropriately allocated and legally used. Greene emphasized the necessity for careful oversight, reflecting on previous executive actions intended to regulate such expenditures.
Accountability sought
The ongoing probe arises in the context of a broader Republican push toward revisiting federal financial support to organizations providing abortion services. Efforts to retract funding are echoed in proposals aligning with guidelines set during President Trump's administration.
Planned Parenthood, at the time of this article's publication, opted not to respond to requests for commentary about the ongoing investigation and allegations. This silence leaves questions unanswered concerning adherence to existing funding protocols.
A deeper dive into the allocations of Planned Parenthood's funding sources reveals a concern that taxpayer money might be redirected from its core purpose. This initiative reflects a larger drive within segments of the federal government to enforce adherence to established legal frameworks in healthcare funding.
The examination of ovular practices is valid especially when fund allocations are brought into public purview. As the investigation unfolds, it aims to ensure transparency and accountability in how federal funds are executed to meet public health requirements.
In summary, Rep. Greene and DOGE’s intervention underscores the imperative need to illuminate funding paths within national health services. Their intended assurance is that every taxpayer dollar is synchronized with its designated legislative intent.
Dr Phil McGraw has set the record straight about his involvement in the ICE operations that triggered recent riots in Los Angeles. The TV personality is pushing back against what he calls false media narratives surrounding the controversial immigration enforcement actions.
According to Daily Mail, McGraw clarified that he was not "embedded" with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers during the June 6 raids as some reports suggested. Instead, he conducted interviews with Border Czar Tom Homan before and after the operations for broadcast on MeritTV.
McGraw was present at a multi-agency briefing at ICE's LA headquarters involving the FBI, ATF, US Marshal Service, and IRS. He maintains that the federal activities were not random roundups of illegal immigrants but rather coordinated operations conducted with proper legal authorization under a federal search warrant.
Targeted enforcement operation
The primary target of Friday's operations was Ambiance Apparel, a business with a troubled history. McGraw points out that the company and its owner, Sang Bum "Ed" Noh, had previously pleaded guilty to eight offenses, including conspiracy and money laundering, in 2020.
According to Tom Homan, the troubled manufacturer is now being investigated for alleged money laundering, tax evasion, and customs fraud. This context stands in stark contrast to what McGraw describes as incomplete reporting by mainstream media outlets.
Following the raid on the company facility, federal officers audited the workforce and reportedly took about 40 individuals believed to be in the US illegally into custody. McGraw insists these people were "treated with dignity and respect, offered food and water and then interviewed."
Violent response condemned
McGraw harshly criticized the riots that followed the enforcement actions. He described protesters who attacked law enforcement officers as "dangerous, destructive and utterly lawless," noting that some threw concrete chunks at moving vehicles.
The TV personality questioned where these protesters were during the Obama administration, which deported 2.8 million illegal immigrants. He suggested that today's activists might be "motivated more by politics than principle," implying partisan motivations behind the outrage.
McGraw emphasized that laws are not optional and that being a "good person or worker does not grant immunity from them." He urged those who want change to direct their efforts toward Congress and legislative reform rather than attacking law enforcement officers.
Immigration enforcement priorities
McGraw defended the Trump administration's immigration enforcement goals, which he said include closing the southern border with Mexico and prioritizing deportations of the most dangerous illegal immigrants in the country.
He highlighted another priority that has received less attention: finding an estimated 300,000 undocumented children who have gone missing in recent years. McGraw expressed concern that many of these minors may have been pushed into prostitution and forced labor.
The TV personality questioned who would object to these priorities, particularly the focus on rescuing vulnerable children who will require medical, psychological, and sociological services to recover from trauma they've suffered.
Media criticism and call for dialogue
McGraw accused the media of inflaming rather than informing the public about immigration enforcement. He argued that violence against ICE officers and other law enforcement is "not a negotiation for justice" but rather "a demand for surrender."
He maintains that a proper immigration debate should focus on policy reform rather than attacking those sworn to enforce existing laws. McGraw stressed that ICE agents didn't write the policies they enforce but are simply fulfilling their duty.
McGraw concluded by calling for "more truth, not more rage" and a media "willing to inform, not inflame." He suggested that reasonable people can debate immigration reform, but that throwing rocks at officers and blocking vehicles crosses the line into criminal conduct.
Iranian military leadership has suffered a significant blow amid escalating Middle East hostilities. The commander-in-chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps has been reported dead following Israeli airstrikes.
According to The Daily Caller, Iranian state media confirmed that Israel killed IRGC commander-in-chief Hossein Salami in major airstrikes targeting Iran on Thursday night. The attack specifically targeted Iranian leadership, nuclear scientists, and nuclear facilities across the Islamic Republic.
Israel has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of potential Iranian retaliation. Salami, who was designated as a terrorist by the United States, had issued warnings to Israel just hours before the strikes occurred.
Israel's Preemptive Strike Strategy
The Israeli military launched what appears to be a coordinated operation aimed at crippling Iran's nuclear capabilities and eliminating key leadership figures. Israeli forces reportedly targeted multiple nuclear facilities across Iran in an effort to derail the regime's nuclear ambitions.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has begun calling up "tens of thousands" of soldiers, signaling preparation for potential escalation. This mobilization demonstrates Israel's readiness to defend against any retaliatory actions from Iran or its proxies throughout the region.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir emphasized the necessity of the operation, stating, "Recent and past events of history have taught us that when the enemy is attempting to destroy us, we must not turn a blind eye. We need to fight for our existence, freedom was given to those willing to fight for it."
US Position and Precautions
The United States has made clear it was not involved in the Israeli strikes against Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement distancing America from the operation while acknowledging Israel's right to self-defense.
Rubio's statement emphasized American priorities in the region, particularly the safety of US personnel. "Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region," he said.
In anticipation of regional instability, the State Department partially evacuated multiple US military and diplomatic locations throughout the Middle East on Wednesday. This preemptive move highlights the serious nature of the escalation and American concerns about potential blowback.
Salami's Final Warning
The slain Iranian commander had issued explicit threats to Israel shortly before the airstrikes that claimed his life. Salami warned that Iran would launch major retaliatory actions against Israel if it decided to attack Iranian territory.
As commander-in-chief of the IRGC, Salami held one of the most powerful positions in Iran's military and political structure. The Revolutionary Guard Corps represents the elite military force of Iran, responsible for both external operations and internal security.
Salami had been a key figure in Iran's regional strategy, overseeing operations supporting proxy groups across the Middle East. His elimination represents a significant tactical victory for Israel in its ongoing conflict with Iran.
Regional Implications Escalate
The Israeli strikes marked a dramatic escalation in the long-simmering conflict between Israel and Iran. With the elimination of Iran's top military commander and attacks on nuclear facilities, Israel has demonstrated both capability and willingness to take direct action against the Iranian regime.
Israel's declaration of a state of emergency indicates serious concerns about Iranian retaliation. Previous cycles of conflict between Israel and Iranian proxies suggest that response could come through direct missile strikes or through proxy forces in Lebanon, Syria, or elsewhere.
The death of Hossein Salami, a U.S.-designated terrorist and commander-in-chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, came during major Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran on Thursday night. These strikes specifically focused on Iranian leadership, nuclear scientists, and nuclear facilities across the country, according to Iranian state media reports.
Former President Barack Obama is facing mounting criticism from progressive Democrats who believe he isn't doing enough to oppose President Donald Trump's second term. Left-wing activists and consultants are calling for Obama to leverage his significant influence more effectively against the current administration.
According to Fox News, progressive leaders are expressing frustration that the former president has largely remained out of the spotlight since Trump won the election. While Obama campaigned for both President Biden before he dropped out and for Kamala Harris after she became the nominee, his public opposition to Trump has been limited.
Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Institute, expressed disappointment over Obama's relative silence. "There are many grandmas and Rachel Maddow viewers who have been more vocal in this moment than Barack Obama has," Green told The Atlantic, adding that it was "heartbreaking to see him sacrificing that megaphone when nobody else quite has it."
Calls for greater engagement
Democratic media consultant Tracy Sefl didn't mince words when discussing Obama's role in countering Trump. "Should Obama get out and do more? Yes, please," she told The Atlantic, before adding a more urgent plea: "Help us. We're sinking over here."
Obama has made some public statements opposing Trump, including remarks at an April event in New York where he accused the Trump administration of trying to destroy the post-World War II international order. During that speech, he suggested sacrifice might be necessary to fight back against Trump's agenda.
The former president also weighed in on conflicts between Harvard University and the Trump administration, praising his alma mater for standing up against the president. However, many progressives believe these occasional statements are insufficient, given the current political climate.
Strategic voice preservation
Obama's advisers defend his approach, suggesting that his selective engagement is intentional and strategically sound. They argue that overexposure could diminish the impact of his voice on critical issues.
Eric Schultz, an adviser to Obama, explained the rationale behind the former president's measured approach. "We try to preserve his voice so that when he does speak, it has impact," Schultz told The Atlantic. "There is a dilution factor that we're very aware of."
Former Attorney General Eric Holder similarly defended Obama's level of engagement while acknowledging the criticism. "Should he do more? Everybody can have their opinions," Holder said. "The one thing that always kind of pisses me off is when people say he's not out there, or that he's not doing things, that he's just retired, and we never hear from him. If you f------ look, folks, you would see that he's out there."
Party's future leadership
Some Democrats believe the party needs to develop new leadership rather than continually relying on Obama to be their standard-bearer. This perspective suggests a more fundamental question about the Democratic Party's future.
Jon Favreau, former Obama speechwriter and "Pod Save America" co-host, emphasized the need for fresh Democratic leadership. "The party needs new rising stars, and they need the room to figure out how to meet this moment, just like Obama figured out how to meet the moment 20 years ago," he told The Atlantic.
However, Favreau humorously noted a significant exception to this view, saying he would "be begging Obama to come out of retirement" if Trump attempted to run for a third term, highlighting the unique position Obama still holds in Democratic circles.
Democratic resistance dilemma
Progressive demands for Obama's increased involvement reflect broader concerns about effective opposition to Trump's second term. The situation highlights tensions within the Democratic Party about strategy and leadership.
Obama, who left office in 2017, has maintained a complex relationship with public political engagement since then. While he remains one of the most popular Democratic figures and a powerful voice within the party, he has largely followed the tradition of former presidents maintaining some distance from day-to-day politics.
For progressives concerned about Trump's policies and actions, this traditional restraint appears increasingly insufficient. They view Obama's relative silence as a missed opportunity to mobilize resistance at a critical moment in American politics.
