The Epstein controversy erupts into a full-blown partisan crisis
A new Wall Street Journal exposé revealed that on July 24, 2025, Justice Department officials informed President Trump in May that his name appeared multiple times among sealed investigative files on Jeffrey Epstein. Though officials assert the mentions were unverified hearsay, the disclosure has fractured GOP messaging and ignited sustained backlash from Democrats and Trump’s own base (Reuters).
📌 What Just Happened
🧾 Trump Briefed on Epstein Mentions
Attorney General Pam Bondi personally told Trump that his name—and those of other high-profile figures—were included in DOJ files related to Epstein. Neither prosecutors nor investigators found evidence warranting further inquiry (Reuters).
⚖️ Legal Roadblocks & Congressional Action
A Florida federal court rejected the Trump administration’s bid to unseal grand jury transcripts, emphasizing strict legal protections. Meanwhile, House Democrats forced a vote and won bipartisan support (8‑2) for a subpoena compelling the Justice Department to release Epstein-related files, spurning GOP leadership’s attempts to bury the issue (Reuters).
🏛️ Political Quake: Divide at Every Level
• Democrats Demand Full Transparency
Senators like Ron Wyden cite nearly $1.5 billion in suspicious Epstein-related transactions involving foreign banks. Rep. Marc Veasey introduced resolutions to force the release of files, gaining momentum from both parties. Even top Republicans—like former VP Mike Pence and GOP luminaries Marjorie Taylor Greene and Mike Johnson—called fothe r release of the documents, arguing public scrutiny is overdue. Subpoenas are also in motion for Ghislaine Maxwell, intensifying the oversight push (The Times, Vanity Fair, People.com, The Daily Beast, The Guardian).
• GOP in Crisis: MAGA Defections and Internal Scrutiny
Trump loyalists—including QAnon supporters like Jake Chansley—have turned on the former president, denouncing him for breaking transparency promises. Conservative commentators like Laura Loomer accuse his team of bait-and-switch tactics. Even polling shows alarm: only 17% of Americans—and a mere 35% of Republicans—approve of how Trump is handling the Epstein files ranting. Over 60% of Americans believe something is being hidden (Politico).
Trump wagered political capital on revealing Epstein secrets—but learned his own name was inside. Now he’s scrambling to spin it as "democrat hoax" while his base fractures, Congress subpoenas, and his political allies break ranks.
This issue has transcended Epstein. It’s about the limits of power, the hypocrisy of promises made, and whether today's leaders still believe in accountability—or simply control of the narrative.
💥 The bigger question: Does hiding the files only deepen suspicion? Or is this fight now about something else entirely—public trust, political betrayal, and accountability for elites?
Judge Blocks Trump Bid to Release Epstein Transcripts as Scandal Deepens—His Name Was Flagged in the Files
David Morgan•
Judge Blocks Trump Bid to Release Epstein Transcripts as Scandal Deepens—His Name Was Flagged in the Files
Trump’s legal promise meets internal chaos in the Epstein fallout.
A federal judge in Florida declined the Trump administration’s request on July 24, 2025, to unseal grand jury transcripts tied to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case, citing strict legal protections that prohibit disclosure in this matter (Wall Street Journal, Financial Times). That same week, it emerged that Trump learned in May that his name appeared multiple times in Epstein-related internal DOJ files, though officials insist that mentions were “unverified hearsay” and do not imply criminal involvement (Wall Street Journal).
🧾 What Happened
Judge Denies Grand Jury Release
Federal Judge Robin Rosenberg ruled the court lacks authority to unseal grand jury records absent specific legal exceptions—the Trump administration failed to make such a case (Financial Times).
Trump Was Briefed in Secret
AG Pam Bondi and Deputy Todd Blanche informed Trump in May that his name appeared in the files. Trump publicly downplayed the briefing and changed course on his earlier pledge to unseal the documents. The DOJ memo stated there was no credible evidence of a client list or blackmail operation tied to Epstein (People.com).
DOJ & White House Pushback
Bondi insists no wrongdoing was found in the files. White House spokespersons dismiss the file’s release as politically driven, with criticisms coming from both Trump allies and opponents (The Times).
🏛️ Political & Media Fallout
Congressional Heat: House Oversight Democrats are calling for both Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel to testify under oath. They’ve subpoenaed Ghislaine Maxwell, and legal experts say she may now offer new testimony in exchange for leniency (AP News).
Public Outrage & Breakdown: MAGA supporters, frustrated by the non-release, have turned on the administration. Meanwhile, late-night hosts like Seth Meyers, Stephen Colbert, and Josh Johnson are mocking the opacity, pointing out hypocrisy behind Trump’s promise of transparency (The Guardian).
🔍 SMH Takeaway: Transparency or Smoke Screen?
Trump marketed this as a crusade for exposure—“I’ll release the Epstein files,” he promised. But once briefed privately that his name appeared multiple times, clarity hardened into secrecy. Now there's an exposed fissure in his base: transparency or evasion?
With a judge refusing to lift the seal and Maxwell potentially negotiating for testimony, the issue is no longer just about files—it’s about who holds political power, who controls the narrative, and whether the administration can withstand this internal rebellion.
South Park’s Scorched‑Earth Season Premiere Roasts Trump & Paramount
David Morgan•
South Park’s Scorched‑Earth Season Premiere Roasts Trump & Paramount
Late-break humor in a high-stakes media era
South Park launched its 27th season on July 23, 2025, after a two‑and‑a‑half year hiatus. The premiere—“Sermon on the Mount”—drops hard on Donald Trump, his $16 million settlement with Paramount/CBS, the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and the impending Paramount–Skydance merger, all mere hours after Trey Parker and Matt Stone inked a $1.5 billion deal with Paramount+ (Diario AS).
🔥 Episode Highlights
1. Trump Goes Full Scorched Earth
South Park unleashes a photorealistic cartoon Trump who sues the town for $5 billion, coercing residents into producing pro-Trump PSAs (The Guardian).
In one viral scene, Trump lies in bed with Satan. Satan laughs at his micro-penis and calls him out for dodging "Epstein list" questions (Politico).
2. Paramount Gets Roasted
Jesus returns, forced into schools under threat of lawsuit. He warns the townspeople: “Do you want to end up like Colbert?” pointing to CBS and The Late Show cancellation after CBS’s Trump settlement (The Guardian).
The creators self-consciously jab at their own massive deal—$1.5 billion with Paramount+—revealing tensions between creative freedom and corporate interests (The Guardian).
3. Woke Is “Dead”
The storyline also skewers the cultural shift, dubbing the death of “wokeness” and mocking both NPR cancellation and Collateral PC principal drama (Decider).
There’s even a loaded deepfake spot showing a naked Trump wandering the desert, complete with PSA-style voiceover calling out his loyalty pledge (The Guardian).
🌐 Political & Media Fallout
White House Response: A spokesperson slammed South Park as “irrelevant” and accused the “Left” of hypocrisy—though Trump himself notably stayed silent on Truth Social (The Daily Beast).
Media Attention: Outlets like The Guardian praised the “pointed” satire, calling this premiere “scorched earth” on Trump and his media ties (The Guardian).
🔍 SMH Takeaway: When Art Fights Back
South Park isn't pulling punches. Dropping jaws with naked deepfakes and barbed commentary, it dares to confront Trump’s legal muscle and corporate complicity—all at the very moment its creators signed a billion-dollar deal with the satire’s prime target.
👉 This isn’t just comedy—it’s a cultural flashpoint. With creators Parker and Stone effectively middle-fingering their own network, the episode questions who holds the power in today’s media: the artists or the moguls?
Will Paramount support this in future episodes, or will legal and corporate forces blunt the satire? One thing is clear: South Park is still burning the house down—and they own the matchbox.
Donald Trump to Appear on Joe Rogan's Podcast Ahead of 2024 Election
David Morgan•
Donald Trump to Appear on Joe Rogan's Podcast Ahead of 2024 Election
Reports are emerging that Donald Trump, former U.S. president and 2024 Republican presidential candidate, is set to appear on the hugely popular "Joe Rogan Experience" podcast. The news has stirred considerable interest as both figures command significant attention in the media and political landscape.
According to multiple sources, including NBC News, Joe Rogan is scheduled to record a podcast with Trump this Friday in Austin, Texas. The episode is expected to be released in the lead-up to the pivotal November 5, 2024, presidential election. This Trump Joe Rogan podcast 2024 interview could have a significant impact on the political discourse as the election nears.
Trump’s upcoming appearance follows reports that Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, was also in discussions about appearing on the podcast. However, it remains unclear if Harris has finalized her guest spot or if negotiations are still ongoing.
The relationship between Trump and Rogan has been dynamic. Rogan has expressed both agreement and criticism regarding Trump on various issues. Though Donald Trump on Joe Rogan's show has long been speculated, Rogan was previously reluctant to host the former president.
In a 2022 conversation with Lex Fridman, Rogan stated, “By the way, I’m not a Trump supporter in any way, shape, or form... I’ve had the opportunity to have him on my show more than once. I’ve said no every time. I don’t want to help him. I’m not interested in helping him.” Despite these previous remarks, the Joe Rogan podcast Trump interview is now set to take place as the election draws closer.
While Trump has generally praised Rogan in the past, tensions arose earlier this year after Rogan voiced support for independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. During a podcast episode, Rogan said Kennedy was “the only one who makes sense to me (for president),” sparking a sharp response from Trump on his Truth Social platform. Trump criticized Rogan, writing, “It will be interesting to see how loudly Joe Rogan gets BOOED the next time he enters the UFC Ring??? MAGA2024.”
This Trump Rogan podcast election 2024 appearance will likely be a key moment in the final stages of the campaign. Fans and critics alike will be closely watching the release of this highly anticipated Trump Joe Rogan podcast episode. The conversation is expected to cover a wide range of topics, including Trump’s policies, the state of the 2024 election, and Rogan’s evolving stance on politics.
With Trump Rogan podcast rumors 2024 swirling, it remains to be seen how the interview will influence voters. Regardless, the episode promises to be a significant media event, offering insights into both Trump’s campaign and Rogan’s political outlook as the election looms.
Giuliani Ordered to Forfeit Manhattan Apartment to Georgia Election Workers in Court Ruling
David Morgan•
Giuliani Ordered to Forfeit Manhattan Apartment to Georgia Election Workers in Court Ruling
A federal judge has ruled that Rudy Giuliani must surrender his Manhattan apartment and other assets to two Georgia election workers, following a $148 million defamation verdict against him. The U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman's decision marks a major setback for Giuliani, who has yet to pay any of the judgment.
In addition to his Upper East Side Manhattan apartment, the ruling requires Giuliani to turn over assets, including a Mercedes-Benz, several luxury watches, cash, and a $2 million legal claim for unpaid fees from the Trump 2020 campaign and the Republican National Committee. He has been given seven days to comply.
This ruling stems from a defamation lawsuit filed by Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, two Georgia election workers, who were falsely accused by Giuliani of election fraud during the 2020 presidential election. His unfounded claims led to severe harassment and threats against the women, causing significant personal and professional harm.
The court ruling on Giuliani’s Manhattan property and assets is a result of his continued resistance to pay any part of the defamation judgment. Giuliani's failure to cooperate with bankruptcy proceedings earlier this year, along with his refusal to provide a clear financial picture, led to a dismissal of his bankruptcy case. This allowed Freeman and Moss, two of Giuliani's largest creditors, to pursue his assets.
While the court ordered Giuliani to forfeit his Manhattan apartment, the judge delayed a decision regarding his Palm Beach condo. This property is currently the focus of a separate lawsuit, with Freeman and Moss claiming Giuliani is attempting to shield the condo from creditors by falsely claiming it as his primary residence under Florida’s homestead law.
This court decision adds another layer to Giuliani’s legal struggles as he faces increasing pressure to settle the defamation case brought by the Georgia election workers.
Trump Thrusts McDonald’s Into the Political Arena in Final Days of 2024 Campaign
David Morgan•
Trump Thrusts McDonald’s Into the Political Arena in Final Days of 2024 Campaign
In the final push of his 2024 White House campaign, Donald Trump has pulled one of America’s most iconic companies, McDonald’s, into the political spotlight. On a visit to a Pennsylvania McDonald’s, Trump swapped his usual suit jacket for an apron and briefly took on the role of fry cook. The visit, where he joked about making food for customers himself, adds a new twist to his campaign as it reaches its final days.
The former president’s love for McDonald’s is well-known, but this particular stop also reignited a jab at Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris has previously shared her experience working at McDonald’s during her youth, a fact Trump has repeatedly questioned. His visit to the fast-food chain seemed aimed at sowing further doubt about Harris’s claims, stating, “I’ve always wanted to work at McDonald’s, but I never did. I’m running against somebody who said she did, but it turned out to be a totally phony story.”
Harris has largely avoided engaging with Trump’s comments, but her work at McDonald’s has been mentioned as part of her middle-class background during her 2024 campaign. Trump’s remarks come as part of his broader strategy of questioning the personal histories of his political rivals, a tactic he has employed before, including during the infamous "birther" movement targeting former President Barack Obama.
The McDonald’s visit isn’t the first time Trump has used his fast food preferences as a political statement. Earlier in his campaign, he visited another McDonald’s in East Palestine, Ohio, where he claimed to know the menu better than anyone. His connection with fast food has been a recurring theme throughout his public life, reflecting his broader appeal to working-class voters.
As Election Day approaches, Trump continues to mix politics with his personal branding, using stops like the McDonald’s visit to reinforce his relatable image while attacking his rivals. Whether this strategy will sway undecided voters remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Trump is doubling down on familiar tactics to energize his base in these final campaign days.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams Faces Bribery and Wire Fraud Charges in Decade-Long Corruption Scheme
David Morgan•
NYC Mayor Eric Adams Faces Bribery and Wire Fraud Charges in Decade-Long Corruption Scheme
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been hit with serious corruption charges, including bribery and wire fraud, following a federal investigation into a nearly 10-year-long scheme. According to a 57-page federal indictment unsealed Thursday, Adams allegedly received over $100,000 in luxury perks, including plane tickets and stays at high-end hotels, from wealthy Turkish nationals and at least one government official.
In exchange for these illegal gifts and campaign contributions, Adams is accused of performing political favors for his benefactors. One of the most significant allegations involves Adams pressuring the New York Fire Department to approve the opening of a Turkish consulate building, despite serious safety violations, as detailed in the indictment.
This international bribery scheme reportedly began in 2014 when Adams became Brooklyn Borough President and continued into his mayoral campaign and eventual victory in 2021. Federal investigators allege the scheme persisted even after agents seized Adams’ electronic devices and raided the home of his chief fundraiser earlier this year.
“This was a calculated, multi-year attempt to gain influence with one rising political figure in New York City,” stated U.S. Attorney Damian Williams during a news conference.
Eric Adams, 64, now stands charged with five counts, including bribery, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and soliciting contributions from foreign nationals. He is the first sitting New York City mayor in modern times to face federal indictment.
These charges come during a period of significant upheaval for the Adams administration. In recent weeks, key figures in his government, including the city’s police commissioner, lead counsel, and school chancellor, have resigned.
In a defiant public statement, Adams vowed to remain in office and fight the allegations. "We are not surprised. We expected this," Adams said, urging New Yorkers to reserve judgment until his defense is presented.
The political fallout has been swift, with several leaders calling for Adams to step down. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and State Senator John Liu are among those demanding his resignation. However, key New York power players like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Governor Kathy Hochul have so far withheld calls for his resignation.
Adams could face arraignment as soon as Friday, with charges including bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy.
"The indictment of a sitting mayor is not just another headline," remarked James Dennehy, FBI Assistant Director for New York. "It’s a sobering reminder that no one is beyond the law, and it underscores the importance of trust in our elected officials."
The case centers on Adams' relationships with influential Turkish figures, including a senior diplomat, a promoter, a university chairman, an airline manager, and a luxury hotel owner. These individuals allegedly provided Adams with illegal campaign contributions and lavish perks, according to the indictment.
This bribery scheme and corruption probe involving NYC Mayor Eric Adams is poised to have significant implications for both the city's leadership and future political dynamics.
Trump Amplifies Baseless Claim About Immigrants 'Eating Pets' in Ohio
David Morgan•
Trump Amplifies Baseless Claim About Immigrants 'Eating Pets' in Ohio
Former President Donald Trump repeated an unfounded rumor during Tuesday’s presidential debate, claiming that Haitian immigrants in Ohio are abducting and eating pets.
"They're eating the dogs and the cats," Trump said when asked about immigration. "They're eating the pets of the people that live there. This is what's happening in our country, and it's a shame."
The statement, one of the most startling moments in the debate’s opening 30 minutes, spread a baseless social media rumor to a national audience. Critics have labeled the claim as both inaccurate and racially charged. The incident highlights the role of misinformation in modern media and politics.
ABC News anchor David Muir, co-moderating the debate, quickly countered Trump’s claim, noting that the city manager in Springfield, Ohio, had reported no credible evidence of pets being harmed by immigrants in the area.
Unsubstantiated rumors about Haitian immigrants abducting and eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, had circulated online for several days. Police in Springfield issued a statement earlier in the week debunking the claims, saying, "There have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by individuals within the immigrant community."
Despite the lack of evidence, some Republicans, including Ohio Senator and vice-presidential nominee JD Vance, have used these claims to argue that immigrants are causing disorder. While Vance acknowledged the rumors in a statement on social media, he admitted, “It’s possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false.”
The rumors stem from vague and unverified social media posts, including a fourth-hand story in a Facebook group focused on local crime. Some statements made at public meetings referenced violence against animals but lacked credible evidence.
Springfield Mayor Rob Rue reiterated Tuesday that the city had not documented any cases of immigrants eating pets. "These rumors distract from real issues like housing, schools, and healthcare needs," Rue said at a city commission meeting.
One alleged incident of animal cruelty, falsely attributed to a Haitian immigrant in Springfield, was found to have occurred 160 miles away in Canton, Ohio. The person charged in that case had no known connection to Haiti.
Immigration was a central topic at the city commission meeting, where Nathan Clark, a Springfield resident whose son was killed last year by a Haitian immigrant in a car accident, spoke out against politicians using his son’s death to stoke anti-immigrant sentiment.
Immigration remains a polarizing issue in the 2024 presidential race. According to an NBC News poll from April, 22% of voters rank immigration and border issues as their top concern, second only to inflation at 23%.
John Kirby, a national security spokesperson for the White House, condemned the claims about Haitian immigrants as a dangerous conspiracy theory that could provoke violence against immigrants.
“There are people who will believe this, no matter how ridiculous it is, and they could act on it in ways that hurt someone,” Kirby warned during a press briefing.
Trump’s claim about pets was just one of several statements in the debate that drew from misinformation. He also referenced debunked stories about Venezuelan gangs in Colorado and foreign influence on the Biden administration, none of which are supported by credible evidence.
During one segment, Trump revisited the false claim that Hunter Biden received $3.5 million from the wife of Moscow’s former mayor, an allegation that has been repeatedly disproven. Despite these statements, Trump continued to push narratives not backed by facts, underscoring the role of conspiracy theories in shaping public discourse.
Vance Discusses Campaign Strategy with Trump: 'We're Speaking to Different People in Different Ways'
David Morgan•
Vance Discusses Campaign Strategy with Trump: 'We're Speaking to Different People in Different Ways'
Just a week ago, the friction between former President Donald Trump and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp seemed insurmountable. Trump's constant criticism of a key Republican from a battleground state appeared to threaten his own campaign's prospects.
Enter Trump's running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance. After a phone conversation with Kemp, who had endured harsh attacks from Trump, Kemp soon appeared on Fox News to publicly support the GOP ticket. Not long after, Trump expressed his gratitude for Kemp's supportive remarks.
In an interview with NBC News aboard his campaign plane on Tuesday night, Vance played down his role in easing tensions, suggesting he was one of many influential voices Kemp was hearing. However, Vance outlined a strategy, endorsed by Trump, leveraging the fact that he can connect with people in ways that Trump might not.
“There are a lot of similarities, but there are also a lot of differences,” Vance said, describing his partnership with Trump. Reflecting on their campaign approach, Vance recalled Trump saying, “‘I trust you. We should both be in different places unless it’s a really big event ... divide and conquer.’”
“We’re each trying to communicate with different people in different ways, and we’re each trying to run the race as effectively as we can,” Vance added. “Trump obviously sets the tone and the policies, and I just try to support him.”
The conflict between Trump and Kemp dates back to Kemp's refusal to challenge the 2020 election results in Georgia, where Trump narrowly lost to President Joe Biden. Democrats are hopeful about their chances in Georgia this year; Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, are starting a bus tour there on Wednesday.
Vance mentioned that his conversation with Kemp emphasized the common goals shared by Kemp and Trump.
“My approach was, ‘I’m not going to change your mind about Trump, just like I’m not going to change Trump’s mind about you. But you both agree on 90% of the issues. You can set personal differences aside,’” Vance said. “I think many people were conveying this message to both Trump and Kemp, and I’m glad Kemp reached a positive decision, but I don’t take any credit for it.”
Cody Hall, a senior adviser to Kemp, stated that “the governor conveyed to Senator Vance the same message he’s been delivering for over a year, and repeated last week: he fully supports the Republican ticket, is committed to winning Georgia for Trump, and strongly believes that the country can’t afford a Kamala Harris presidency.”
During the interview, Vance also discussed reconciling some of his policy views with Trump’s, particularly on abortion. Vance had campaigned against a constitutional amendment that passed in Ohio, securing abortion rights. He had also previously supported federal abortion restrictions. Now, on the GOP ticket, Vance defers to Trump, who favors leaving the issue to individual states.
“I don’t think it’s about abandoning your values,” Vance said. “I am pro-life and care deeply about the issue. I want to save as many babies as possible. But I also understand that voters make these decisions. We campaigned hard against the amendment in Ohio, and we lost. So those of us who are pro-life need to reconsider how we communicate our message to the American people.”
Vance stated he didn’t see any “major misalignment” with Trump on any issues. “But even if there were, the voters chose him, and he chose me,” he said. “My role is to advocate for the campaign and help make Trump the next president.”
The interview took place on Vance’s return to Washington after a fundraiser in Nashville and a visit to Big Rapids, Michigan. Vance has upcoming events in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, which, along with Michigan, are key “blue wall” states that Trump won in 2016 but which flipped to Biden in 2020. Vance, who often speaks about his working-class background and how it informs his populist economic views, has made 20 stops in these states since joining the ticket.
In Big Rapids, where plans for an electric vehicle battery plant linked to China have sparked controversy, Vance’s event was described as a small-scale discussion on the economy. However, it resembled a rally, with hundreds of people gathering under the hot sun on a horse farm.
There, Vance launched a new attack on Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee. Referring to a report accusing Harris of changing her stance on a border wall, Vance claimed she was “copying all of Donald Trump’s policies.”
“In fact,” Vance joked, “I’ve heard she plans to wear a navy suit, a long red tie, and adopt the slogan ‘Make America Great Again’ for her upcoming debate.”
Afterward, Vance visited a nearby A&W restaurant, serving root beer floats and taking selfies with attendees, contrasting with his earlier visit to a bakery in Valdosta, Georgia. During that visit, with the media present, Vance had awkward interactions while buying doughnuts, and an employee asked not to be filmed. A video of the uncomfortable encounter went viral.
“I felt so bad for that woman,” Vance said on the plane, referring to the bakery worker. “We walked in with Secret Service and cameras everywhere, and she wasn’t prepared. She was clearly terrified. I felt awful for her.”
Vance said he enjoys engaging with people and has instructed his team to better plan such visits in the future. “We don’t script these events. I don’t want to do multiple takes of buying snacks at a gas station,” Vance said, referencing a recent Harris visit to a Pennsylvania gas station. “I want to interact with people genuinely, but we need to make sure people are comfortable with being on camera, so we don’t cause anyone anxiety.”
Vance’s mother, Beverly Aikins, accompanied him on the trip. Vance has written about her battle with drug addiction in his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy” and celebrated her nearing 10 years of sobriety during his speech at the Republican convention. He shared her story with the Big Rapids crowd, linking his family’s challenges to what he described as the failures of past leaders.
“I want people to see him as I do,” Aikins said to NBC News as her son met with supporters at the A&W. “He’s a wonderful person, and he genuinely believes he can make a difference.”
Back on the plane, with Aikins sitting beside him, Vance mentioned he hasn’t decided who will play Walz in their upcoming debate prep.
“I aim to understand the details, whether at a rally, press conference, or policy speech,” Vance said. “If you know the details, you can form your views. This stuff needs to be natural. Over-scripting or over-preparing would be a mistake.”
Trump Hints at Skipping ABC Debate with Harris
David Morgan•
Trump Hints at Skipping ABC Debate with Harris
On Sunday, former President Trump hinted that he might not participate in next month's debate with Vice President Harris, which is set to be hosted by ABC News.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the network's panel and criticized an interview conducted by Jonathan Karl with Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) on the show "This Week." Trump questioned why he should agree to a debate hosted by ABC.
"I watched ABC FAKE NEWS this morning, both lightweight reporter Jonathan Karl’s (K?) ridiculous and biased interview of Tom Cotton (who was fantastic!), and their so-called Panel of Trump Haters, and I ask, why would I do the Debate against Kamala Harris on that network?" Trump wrote.
Trump referenced past actions by “This Week” panelist Donna Brazile, who provided the Clinton campaign with advance notice of town hall questions during the 2016 primary, suggesting that something similar could happen with Harris. He also raised concerns about ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, with whom he has ongoing litigation, potentially being involved in the debate, although there has been no indication that he would be.
“They’ve got a lot of questions to answer!!!” Trump added. “Why did Harris turn down Fox, NBC, CBS, and even CNN? Stay tuned!!!”
Trump had previously agreed to a debate with President Biden on September 10, to be hosted by ABC News. After Harris replaced Biden as the top candidate on the Democratic ticket, Trump expressed uncertainty about his participation.
Despite his reservations, both parties eventually agreed to proceed with the ABC News-hosted debate on September 10. While Trump had advocated for additional debates on Fox News and NBC News in September, the Harris campaign maintained that it would only agree to the ABC News event before considering a second debate.
The September 10 debate is scheduled to take place in Philadelphia and will be moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis, according to ABC News.
RFK Jr. says he’s suspending his Campaign and backing Donald Trump for President
David Morgan•
RFK Jr. says he’s suspending his Campaign and backing Donald Trump for President
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Friday that he was suspending his independent presidential campaign and endorsing Donald Trump. Kennedy explained that his own internal polling indicated his presence in the race would harm Trump’s chances and benefit the Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris. He cited concerns over free speech, the war in Ukraine, and what he described as “a war on our children” as reasons for his decision to withdraw from battleground state ballots.
“These are the main issues that led me to leave the Democratic Party and run as an independent, and now to support President Trump,” Kennedy stated.
However, Kennedy clarified that he is not formally ending his campaign and that his supporters can still vote for him in most states where their votes are unlikely to affect the outcome. He has taken steps to remove his name from the ballot in states such as Arizona and Pennsylvania.
Kennedy's decision follows discussions with Trump over recent weeks. His campaign had earlier indicated in a Pennsylvania court filing that Kennedy would be endorsing Trump, though a spokesperson later claimed this filing was made in error and would be corrected. Despite this, Kennedy reaffirmed his support for Trump shortly after.
Kennedy's campaign has also requested to be removed from the Pennsylvania ballot, although it remains unclear whether he is officially withdrawing from the race. His campaign spokesperson clarified that the filing endorsing Trump was not authorized by Kennedy and would be amended.
Kennedy had scheduled a speech in Arizona to discuss his current political stance and future plans, while Trump is hosting a rally in nearby Glendale, where a "special guest" is expected, though it is unclear if Kennedy will attend.
An endorsement from Kennedy could potentially provide Trump with additional support from Kennedy’s followers. This political shift marks a surprising turn, considering the Kennedy family's long-standing association with Democratic politics. Just a year ago, it would have seemed unlikely for a Kennedy to align with Trump to prevent a Democrat, such as Vice President Kamala Harris, from winning the White House.
Kennedy’s decision comes amid a legal battle in Pennsylvania over his right to appear on the ballot. He has already secured a place on the ballot in several key states, including Michigan and Nevada. However, some states have indicated it might be too late for him to withdraw.
Both the Kennedy and Trump campaigns have increased their mutual praise and engaged in private discussions in recent weeks. They share concerns about the Democrats allegedly using the legal system to their advantage and have suggested a possible alliance to diminish Harris’s chances in the election.
Last month, during the Republican National Convention, a video surfaced briefly showing a conversation between Kennedy and Trump, in which Trump appeared to encourage Kennedy to support his campaign.
Trump has publicly expressed interest in receiving Kennedy's endorsement and has even hinted at offering Kennedy a role in his administration if he withdraws from the race and supports him.
Kennedy’s running mate, Nicole Shanahan, has also suggested the possibility of aligning with Trump, implying Kennedy could be a suitable candidate for a position in Trump’s administration, such as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Kennedy Jr., son of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, initially entered the 2024 presidential race as a Democrat but later left to run as an independent. Despite his initial popularity, fueled by anti-establishment voters and vaccine skeptics, his campaign has faced financial difficulties and legal challenges.
While Kennedy’s support has declined, with recent polls showing him in the mid-single digits, it remains uncertain how his withdrawal would impact the general election. Some polls suggest his presence in the race would hurt Trump more than Harris, as Kennedy’s supporters tend to have a more favorable view of Trump.
Harris’s campaign has welcomed the idea of gaining Kennedy’s supporters should he exit the race, appealing to those seeking a change in leadership and less government interference in personal decisions.
As Trump continues his tour of battleground states, he seeks to shift attention away from the Democratic celebration of Harris's nomination, emphasizing his policies on the economy, crime, national security, and the border. He will wrap up his tour with stops in Las Vegas and Glendale.
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