The Pentagon has tapped the Army&#8217;s famed 82nd Airborne Division to deploy 3,000 troops to the Middle East as the United States and Israel continue Operation Epic Fury, the joint military campaign against the Iranian regime.
Fox News Chief National Security correspondent Jennifer Griffin <a href="https://x.com/JenGriffinFNC/status/2036471036477116783">reported</a> on Tuesday that the move is a &#8220;first step&#8221; that would open the door for the Trump administration to shift toward ground operations in Iran, should that prove necessary. The New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/23/us/politics/us-airborne-troops-iran.html">first reported</a> on Monday that the Pentagon was considering sending a brigade combat team to support the ongoing operations.
&#8220;Commander of the 82nd Airborne Division Maj Gen Brandon Tegtmeier and his &#8216;command element,&#8217; members of his headquarters staff, have been ordered to deploy to the Middle East as the Pentagon and White House weigh whether to send the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East for possible land operations,&#8221; Griffin said, adding that speculation abounds as to whether the United States could use American operatives to take control of Kharg Island.
U.S. officials told <a href="https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/iran-war-us-israel-news-updates-2026?mod=WSJ_home_mediumtopper_pos_1">The Wall Street Journal</a> that such a deployment would not indicate a definite decision to put &#8220;boots on the ground&#8221; in Iran, but would provide additional leverage for American military assets, should they need to take control of strategically-located islands or use force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The news comes amid competing narratives between President Trump — who said on Monday that talks with some Iranian officials had been &#8220;productive&#8221; — and officials within the Iranian regime, who say that no such talks have taken place.
The 82nd Airborne Division has long been the Army&#8217;s elite rapid-response team, specializing in airborne-assault operations and able to deploy anywhere in the world within 24 hours or less. Created in 1917 and designated as Airborne in 1942, the 82nd is known as the &#8220;All-American Division&#8221; and executed the first parachute jumps behind enemy lines in Italy in 1943. Within two years, they had parachuted into Normandy on D-Day and played a key role in halting the German offensive during the Battle of the Bulge.

Members of the 82nd Airborne Division land

Trump Sends Best Of The Best Against Iran, With A More Hands-On Phase Now In Play

Pentagon Preps 3,000 Troops From Elite 82nd Airborne For Middle East Deployment

Donald Trump

Iran

Middle East

Military

Politics

A conservative social media personality known for his outspoken support of President Donald Trump has landed a new role in the administration.
Nick Adams, an Australian-American commentator who frequently describes himself online as Trump’s “favorite author,” announced Tuesday that he has been appointed as “special presidential envoy for American tourism, exceptionalism, and values.”
The role comes after Adams’ reported nomination to serve as U.S. ambassador to Malaysia fell apart in recent months. “President Trump has appointed Nick Adams to the position of Special Presidential Envoy for American Tourism, Exceptionalism, and Values,” Adams wrote on <a href="https://x.com/NickAdamsinUSA/status/2036397725785178306">X</a>. “In this role, Mr. Adams will play a vital role in revitalizing America’s diplomatic position as a beacon of free speech, the freedom to worship, and a land of unlimited opportunity.”
Adams said he is “beyond honored” to serve, adding that he looks forward to acting as “America’s brand Ambassador” on the global stage.
“With America 250, the FIFA World Cup, and the Olympics coming up, the world needs to be reminded of all we have to offer,” he wrote. “I will be a tireless spokesman for American greatness, at home and abroad.”
In a video posted to social media, Adams expanded on that message, calling the appointment “the honor of a lifetime” and pledging to “reignite a love for America at home and relight the sacred beacon atop the shining city on a hill for the entire world to see.”
“The United States is a nation that, since its inception, was destined for greatness,” Adams said, adding that his role would be to ensure “the story of American greatness” is told around the world. He concluded, “Mr. President, I look forward to serving you in this vital role &#8230; I am now a deputy whose job it is to spread the message of American greatness and all it represents. Thank you, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It will be my honor to serve this country as Special Presidential Envoy for American Tourism, Exceptionalism, and Values.
I am deeply grateful for President Trump’s continued friendship and confidence in me to serve in this critical role.
I will thrust forward into this role… <a href="https://t.co/OYVwZjTxwv">pic.twitter.com/OYVwZjTxwv</a>
— Nick Adams (@NickAdamsinUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickAdamsinUSA/status/2036405164081553442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2026</a></blockquote>
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In a statement to The Daily Wire, Adams emphasized the administration’s focus on upcoming international events. “The President wants me to let the world know we are ready to welcome them to celebrate with us,” Adams said. “No one can put on a better show than this President. As the world knows, America does everything bigger and better.”
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said Adams is “an America First patriot who will represent our country well as we celebrate our Nation’s 250th anniversary of independence,” adding that the administration looks forward to working with him to “showcase and advance America’s excellence across the world stage.”
Adams rose to national prominence in conservative circles through his prolific social media presence, where he has built a following with a loudly pro-Trump persona and frequent commentary on American culture and politics.
His appointment to a newly-created envoy role highlights the administration’s continued focus on promoting American identity and influence abroad ahead of a series of major international events, including the country’s 250th anniversary, the FIFA World Cup, and the Olympic Games, where the United States is expected to take center stage.

Nick Adams

Trump Picks ‘Alpha Male’ Nick Adams To Be America’s New Brand Ambassador

Australia

Executive

Social Media

Trump Administration

Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) admitted during a recent podcast interview that there was one thing he truly admired about President Donald Trump, despite their obvious and often contentious political differences.
Newsom told Politico&#8217;s Jonathan Martin — for Tuesday&#8217;s episode of his &#8220;<a href="https://www.politico.com/video/2026/03/24/newsom-we-could-lose-the-country-in-2028-1971501">On the Road with Jonathan Martin</a>&#8221; podcast — that Trump&#8217;s constant desire to close the deal, to win people over in person, was what he admired about the president.
Martin began by pointing out that Trump and Newsom, despite the heated words that often pass between them on social media, were not necessarily on the worst of terms when they met in person.
&#8220;And even most recently, Davos, he was there, you were there at the same time, and he’s talking to you backstage, but he’s like coaching you on politics and PR, right?&#8221; Martin asked. &#8220;What did he say?&#8221;
&#8220;It was a fascinating conversation where he’s just, you know, saying, &#8216;We used to get along great! What the hell? Hey, we’re gonna be great–&#8217;” Newsom replied.
&#8220;He wants to win you over in person,&#8221; Martin summed up the situation.
&#8220;Yeah he wants to win everyone over,&#8221; Newsom agreed. &#8220;That’s who he is.&#8221;
Martin observed, &#8220;He wants to sell you the car.&#8221;
&#8220;Yeah, everybody. And look, yeah, I admire that on some level,&#8221; Newsom admitted, suggesting that it implied Trump&#8217;s need to be accepted was somewhat pathological. &#8220;I mean, there’s a human quality to that. He needs to be needed. He needs to be loved. And you know and – but then you get into some clinical components of that as well.&#8221;
Newsom concluded by saying that his main goal was never just to &#8220;get&#8221; Trump: &#8220;So look, I’m not – I don’t wake up every day to try to find, you know, a crowbar to put in the spokes of his wheel.&#8221;
Newsom pivoted then to claim that Democrats needed to win back the House in 2026, claiming that if they didn&#8217;t, he couldn&#8217;t promise that the 2028 presidential election would be without underhanded actions from Republicans.
&#8220;That said, I’m going to stand my ground. I’m going to fight fire with fire. We’re going to have the backs of our diverse communities, and we’re going to fight back. And, yeah, fight fire with fire. And I know two wrongs don’t make a right, but with all due respect, we’ll lose this country as we try to win that argument, and Democrats are constantly trying to be right,&#8221; Newsom claimed. &#8220;The other side is ruthless, and with respect, my party needs to be more ruthless about winning, because if we don’t win back the House of Representatives, we may not have a fair and free election in 2028, and I really believe that.&#8221;

US-POLITICS-TRUMP-fires

Gavin Newsom Admits There’s Something He ‘Admires’ About Donald Trump

Elections

Gavin Newsom

Media

Former CIA Director John Brennan said Monday that he was more inclined to believe statements coming from the Iranian regime than anything coming from President Donald Trump.
Brennan sat down with MS NOW host Symone Sanders-Townsend to discuss the competing claims — from both Trump and the Iranian regime — about whether recent communications were &#8220;productive&#8221; or even took place at all.
WATCH:
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Former CIA Director John Brennan: “I tend to believe Iran more than I do Donald Trump because he could not acknowledge the truth even when he’s slapped in the face with it repeatedly.” <a href="https://t.co/2GVqF2ZVfg">pic.twitter.com/2GVqF2ZVfg</a>
— Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/DropSiteNews/status/2036396559340880229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Trump has said that recent talks with Iran were productive, but officials in Tehran have denied that any negotiations occurred.
Sanders-Townsend, who most recently worked as a top advisor to former Vice President Kamala Harris, began by saying that she was &#8220;wary&#8221; of taking Iranian officials at their word: &#8220;They are an authoritarian regime that&#8217;s known to lie, but, like, I&#8217;m confused! What&#8217;s going on? Help me! Calm me down.&#8221;
&#8220;Well, I tend to believe Iran more than I do Donald Trump because he could not acknowledge the truth even when he’s slapped in the face with it repeatedly,&#8221; Brennan replied.
Brennan, who was among the loudest voices pushing the Russian collusion hoax, suggested that Trump was not actually speaking to Iranian officials but was claiming he&#8217;d done so in order to convince the American people that he was not in over his head.
&#8220;He is flailing right now. He’s trying to figure out how he’s going to get out of this debacle that he has created. And so he’s going to make these claims about negotiations that the Iranians now are sending signals that they really want to make a deal and indicates that it’s going to make a deal on our terms. I don’t think anything close to the truth in that statement,&#8221; Brennan said.
The only concession Brennan made was that Trump&#8217;s team might be &#8220;talking to people,&#8221; but he insisted that they were not people who were speaking for the Iranian regime in any official capacity.
&#8220;They may be talking to people indirectly, and we know that the Turks and the Egyptians are trying to find some way to mediate this problem. So there could be some members, you know, distant members of parliament that are out there that are speaking individually,&#8221; he said. &#8220;But I don’t believe there’s anybody speaking authoritatively right now on behalf of the Iranian government with the Trump administration.&#8221;
President Trump posted his thoughts in all caps early Monday morning, saying that his administration had made progress toward ending the hostilities with Iran.
&#8220;I AM PLEASED TO REPORT THAT THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND THE COUNTRY OF IRAN, HAVE HAD, OVER THE LAST TWO DAYS, VERY GOOD AND PRODUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS REGARDING A COMPLETE AND TOTAL RESOLUTION OF OUR HOSTILITIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST,&#8221; Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116278232362967212">posted</a> on his Truth Social platform.
&#8220;BASED ON THE TENOR AND TONE OF THESE IN DEPTH, DETAILED, AND CONSTRUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS, WHICH WILL CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE WEEK, I HAVE INSTRUCTED THE DEPARTMENT OF WAR TO POSTPONE ANY AND ALL MILITARY STRIKES AGAINST IRANIAN POWER PLANTS AND ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A FIVE DAY PERIOD, SUBJECT TO THE SUCCESS OF THE ONGOING MEETINGS AND DISCUSSIONS,&#8221; he added.

John Brennan

Top Russia Collusion Hoax Peddler Claims Iran Is More Credible Than Trump

Russia Collusion Hoax

Charlie Kirk&#8217;s closest advisor Andrew Kolvet says images of a private group-chat he gave to Joe Kent, the intelligence official who just resigned from the Trump administration, later ended up on the Candace Owens show.
Kolvet, who remains the host of the Charlie Kirk Show, said on Monday that he handed over messages to Kent because he had believed Kent to be trustworthy and seeking the same thing he was: the truth about Kirk&#8217;s assassination. Kolvet said Kent urged him to make the messages public. He declined, but then they ended up in the public sphere anyway.
WATCH:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Here are the facts: Yes, I shared the screen grab with Joe Kent because I was told I could trust him and I wanted EVERY possible lead pursued. We&#8217;ve done this quietly behind the scenes with countless items.
Yes he did suggest I make it public. I declined. A few weeks later the… <a href="https://t.co/Jx09MBIoPr">https://t.co/Jx09MBIoPr</a> <a href="https://t.co/7FzZEEtsRe">pic.twitter.com/7FzZEEtsRe</a>
— Andrew Kolvet (@AndrewKolvet) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewKolvet/status/2036149087179850208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2026</a></blockquote>
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&#8220;I do want to confirm what I can confirm, and that is that, yes, in the immediate aftermath, I did provide the group chat to Joe Kent,” said Kolvet. “We don’t throw around accusations recklessly here, we don’t. There’s a lot people who do that online, we don’t do that. We think that’s keeping in the spirit of Charlie’s spirit, and the way we choose to do things is we try and be responsible. So, yes, in a spirit of looking at every lead, turning over every stone, we wanted everybody that needed to know, to know anything that we knew. Not just—I mean, and by the way, we’ve been accused of not being interested in the truth—”
Blake Neff, a co-host on the Charlie Kirk Show, interjected, &#8220;And just to remind people what this is referring to, this is after Charlie’s murder, there were text messages that, from a private group chat, that were made public and were used to, frankly, kick off the big conspiracy theory that we’ve run into over and over again, which is that Israel or the Jews had Charlie murdered. Which we do not believe.&#8221;
Kolvet complained that he thought he &#8220;could trust Joe Kent,&#8221; but was proven wrong.
&#8220;The actual fact of the matter is that behind the scenes, we have given everything we know to give, every single piece of information. This was one of them. I was told I could trust Joe Kent; I provided the screen grabs to Joe Kent, and I don’t know what happened to them at that point, okay? I just want to make that very clear,&#8221; Kolvet continued, adding that after some time had passed, Kent had suggested that he share the screen grabs publicly. Kolvet opted not to do so.
&#8220;I didn’t want to be reckless with them in the public; there could be innocent people on that group chat that would then be harmed. So I declined,&#8221; he explained. &#8220;But then, fast forward another week or two, and they were made public. So that’s what I know, is that Joe suggested that they be made public, I declined, then they were made public. Can I 100% categorically say that he leaked them? No. But those are the facts. Maybe somebody on his team, maybe they got passed around, maybe somebody else leaked them. But that’s—those are the facts of the matter. And that’s what I know.&#8221;
Kent is reportedly <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/former-counterterror-chief-joe-kent-under-fbi-probe-for-leaking-classified-info">under investigation</a> for leaking sensitive information while working as a top intelligence official in the Trump administration. President Donald Trump on Monday raised the possibility that he was a leaker in comments to The Daily Wire.
&#8220;I hear they’re looking at him for leaking,&#8221; Trump said. &#8220;That’s possible.&#8221;
Kolvet was pulled into the unfolding story when Rabbi Pesach Wolicki, on a recent podcast, said that Kent had leaked the screen grabs to Candace Owens — who used them to foment conspiracy theories tying Israel to Kirk&#8217;s murder in September 2025.
In the screen grabs, texts attributed to Kirk read, &#8220;Just lost another huge Jewish donor. $2 million a year because we won’t cancel Tucker. I’m thinking of inviting Candace,&#8221; and &#8220;Jewish donors play into all the stereotypes. I cannot and will not be bullied like this. Leaving me no choice but to leave the pro Israel cause.&#8221;
Tyler Robinson, the suspect facing trial for Kirk&#8217;s assassination, said in text messages obtained by police that he shot Kirk over his views on transgenderism.

Joe Kent

Was Joe Kent Behind The Leak Of Charlie Kirk’s Private Texts Too?

Charlie Kirk

Global Politics

Israel

The Senate confirmed Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to be the next secretary of the Department of Homeland Security on Monday night.
The vote was 54-45 largely along party lines, but Democratic Sens. Martin Heinrich and John Fetterman voted to confirm him and Republican Sen. Rand Paul voted against his confirmation. Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego did not vote.
Secretary Kristi Noem will leave the department on March 31, and she will be headed to a new role as special envoy for the “Shield of the Americas.” Noem’s exit from the department came amid multiple controversies regarding ad spending and federal immigration enforcement.
Mullin could be taking over the department at a pivotal time, as it has faced a lapse in funding since mid-February over the Trump administration’s immigration tactics through ICE. As TSA, Coast Guard, and FEMA fall under the DHS umbrella, many of those essential workers have been required to work without receiving a paycheck.
Reactions poured in over his confirmation, including in Congress.
“As a conservative warrior with a proven track record of supporting President Trump’s agenda, Markwayne Mullin will lead the Department of Homeland Security with dogged determination and zeal for enforcing our nation’s immigration laws,&#8221; Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) said in a statement.
&#8220;At a time when the danger to American soil is heightened and Democrats continue to hold funding for this vital agency hostage, we need a strong hand at the helm more than ever. I have every confidence Markwayne is up to the task, and I look forward to working with him in this new role to protect and defend the homeland and support America First,&#8221; he added.
While Republicans have largely been pleased with Trump&#8217;s pick, Democrats have largely taken a sharply tone.
&#8220;After Kristi Noem’s disastrous time as Secretary of Homeland Security, we need a steady, level-headed leader who will focus on protecting our homeland while ensuring ICE officers follow the same standards as other law enforcement officials,&#8221; Sen. Jacky Rosen posted to X on Sunday afternoon.
&#8220;Markwayne Mullin has made clear his number one priority is pleasing Donald Trump, including by voting against paying TSA agents during this Republican shutdown. That’s unacceptable and it’s one of the reasons why I voted against him as Secretary of Homeland Security,&#8221; she continued.

Mullin To Face Senate Scrutiny Over Ability To Lead Behemoth DHS

Markwayne Mullin Confirmed As Next Homeland Security Secretary

Congress

Department of Homeland Security

Immigration

Markwayne Mullin

President Donald Trump rejected a pitch to fund other agencies under the Department of Homeland Security except for ICE, multiple sources confirmed to The Daily Wire on Monday.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated to the president that Senate Republicans and some Democrats would back the pitch in hopes of ending the shutdown that started in mid-February, according to <a href="https://punchbowl.news/article/senate/trump-thune-dhs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Punchbowl News</a>. In exchange, funding for ICE would be handled through a future reconciliation bill that would only need Republican votes to pass, the report noted.
“I don’t think we should make any deal with the Crazy, Country Destroying, Radical Left Democrats unless, and until, they Vote with Republicans to pass ‘THE SAVE AMERICA ACT,’” Trump posted to Truth Social on Monday.
A source familiar with the talks said that there is a “bipartisan negotiation train that is still working” that met with White House border czar Tom Homan last week.
In addition, one GOP Senate staffer indicated to The Daily Wire that Democrats are &#8220;letting go potentially of judicial warrants and face masks&#8221; in exchange for not allowing further ICE funding through the appropriations process, with some exceptions like Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The staffer noted that it could be a &#8220;true compromise&#8221; because Republicans already have much of what they want for ICE funding with the &#8220;One Big Beautiful Bill Act&#8221; signed by Trump last year.
According to the source, the Democrats in the conversation include Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and some of the “moderate Dems who voted to reopen the government during the last shutdown.”
“They’ve been dragging their feet the whole time. They’ve been slow walking it, and they keep moving the goalposts of what they actually want, while TSA continues to be held hostage,” the source said, noting that it took 18 days for Senate Democrats to send an update counteroffer to the White House.
Democrats backed out of a meeting with White House staff on Saturday, according to a GOP Senate staffer on background, and the White House did not end up meeting with Senate Democrats on Monday.
As for the Monday meeting, the White House said that it has to do with Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s (R-OK) likely confirmation to become DHS secretary on Monday night.
“Given that Democrats turned down a previous meeting and that Mullin is likely to be confirmed tonight, it seemed appropriate to wait until after his confirmation to allow him to be a full participant in ongoing conversations,” a White House official told The Daily Wire on background Monday.
Some of the most contentious parts of the negotiations have been on the proposed use of judicial warrants and the end of masking for agents, two of the most notable items that Democrats have requested for federal immigration enforcement reforms, according to <a href="https://x.com/bresreports/status/2036106510888063322?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Punchbowl News</a>.
The White House sent its counteroffer to the Senate last week, which included proposals such as “[expanding] the use of body-worn cameras and to &#8216;limit civil immigration enforcement activities at certain sensitive locations,'&#8221; along with heightened oversight of ICE detention facilities.
While the talks continue, the president sent ICE to numerous airports in hopes of speeding up wait times in security lines, as hundreds of TSA agents have walked off the job with no paycheck in sight.
Senate Democrats have argued that Republicans have been unwilling to fund TSA by itself, as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) forced an ultimately unsuccessful vote to just pay employees from that specific agency on Saturday, <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5794925-tsa-funding-senate-rules/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Hill</a> reported.
“Instead of sending ICE agents to harass travelers at airports, why don’t Republicans get their act together and agree to pay TSA workers like we’ve asked them to SEVEN TIMES now?” Schumer posted to X on Sunday.

Long lines form outside Atlanta International Airport

Here’s How Senate Republicans Can End The Democrat Shutdown — And Still Fund ICE

Senate

U.S. Senate

A North Austin church attended by Texas state Rep. James Talarico (D-TX) is drawing increased attention amid his U.S. Senate campaign, with church leadership citing both heightened visibility and security concerns.
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, where Talarico has been a member since childhood, has recently hosted and is continuing to promote a series of events that include political organizing and activist training sessions. Pastor Jim Rigby told congregants in a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StAndrewsAustin/posts/dear-friend-member-or-potential-visitoras-you-probably-know-james-talaricos-camp/1372459444919630/">Facebook post</a> that the attention surrounding Talarico’s campaign has led to an increase in both positive engagement and “hostile press” and negative communications.
“Because we have also received some hostile press and an influx of negative communication, we have temporarily hired plain clothes security as a safety precaution,” Rigby wrote, adding that the church is considering longer-term safety measures. Among the events promoted by the church was a gathering tied to the “No Kings” protest movement, which took place Sunday, June 22, following the church’s morning service.
“Join us this Sunday following the 11:00 service in the sanctuary as we prepare together for the upcoming No Kings protest,” the church said in an event listing. “We’ll review key materials and relevant training, set up shared communication channels … and close with a digital safety training.”
The session included guidance on “personal privacy, protest device recommendations, and best practices for keeping yourself safe,” according to the church’s website. <a href="https://www.nokings.org/">A third wave</a> of “No Kings” protests is scheduled to take place nationwide on March 28, including an event in Austin planned from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. CDT.
The church has also advertised a self-defense seminar, coached by a man described as “a martial artist trained in boxing, MMA, and traditional disciplines.” The event, open to the public, notes that instruction will incorporate “gender-neutral and body-affirming language.”
Rigby has not replied to The Daily Wire’s request for comment on the training at the time of publishing.
Talarico, an Austin Democrat, is running in a high-profile Senate race that will pit him against either Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton or Sen. John Cornyn, depending on the outcome of the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/texas-gop-battle-between-cornyn-and-paxton-will-head-to-runoff">Republican primary runoff</a>.
Conservatives have highlighted Talarico’s public statements about Christianity, such as <a href="https://x.com/realDailyWire/status/2029235718824857949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">abortion being a biblical teaching</a> and that <a href="https://x.com/realBrandonGill/status/2029031304126255588">God is nonbinary</a>, arguing that his views are out of step with many Texas voters. Talarico, who began pursuing a master of divinity degree at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 2022, has defended his positions as grounded in his faith.
He has also criticized Republican-backed policies, including a Texas law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in public schools, describing such measures as inconsistent with Christian teaching.
Talarico has said he aims to &#8220;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-james-talarico.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share">reclaim Christianity for the Left</a>,&#8221; framing his political positions as rooted in biblical principles and social justice concerns. His approach reflects a broader trend within mainline Protestant denominations that have aligned with progressive political priorities. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the denomination to which St. Andrew’s belongs, has experienced <a href="https://pres-outlook.org/2025/09/the-future-of-the-presbyterian-church-u-s-a-decline-renewal-and-shifting-trends/">decades of membership decline</a>, falling significantly from its peak in the mid-20th century, even as more theologically conservative Presbyterian groups have reported growth in recent years.
As Talarico’s Senate campaign gains national attention, his home congregation will likely continue to be viewed not just as a place of worship, but as a venue where faith and contemporary political activism intersect in highly visible ways.

Texas State Representative Talarico Campaigns Ahead Of Primary Election

It Turns Out James Talarico’s Church Is As Weird As He Is

Democrats

James Talarico

Religion

Texas

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy shut down rumors that a deadly runway crash at New York&#8217;s LaGuardia Airport was caused by a lack of air traffic controllers, telling reporters on Monday that the airport is well-staffed.
Duffy, flanked by Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) along with several others, took several questions about the collision — between an Air Canada flight 8646 and a Port Authority fire truck — that occurred late Sunday night. While he deferred most questions to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is handling the full investigation, Duffy responded immediately when a reporter asked whether a lack of air traffic controllers had been a factor in the crash.
Several reports have included audio from Air Traffic Control that features one air traffic controller calling for the fire truck to stop — and then a short time later saying that he&#8217;d &#8220;messed up.&#8221; Another voice could be heard saying that he&#8217;d done &#8220;the best he could.&#8221;
One reporter asked Duffy at the press conference whether there was any truth to rumors that only one air traffic controller had been working at the time — and whether he thought such an incident might discourage people from choosing to become air traffic controllers, and Duffy said that it shouldn&#8217;t.
&#8220;I told you I am not going to talk about specifics, but for that question, I will say that is inaccurate,&#8221; Duffy said. He went on to note that the Transportation Department is doing everything possible to retain experienced air traffic controllers and train new recruits in order to fill vacancies, but he went on to say, &#8220;As airports go, LaGuardia is a well-staffed airport &#8230; I did want to clarify, I have heard the rumor there was only on controller in the tower and that is not accurate.&#8221;
Duffy laid out several key updates that he wanted Congress to approve funding for, saying that providing for the safety of the American people while they travel should not be a partisan issue. &#8220;There is bipartisan agreement so they should come together and figure out a way to give us the rest of the dollars to complete the job.&#8221;
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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said LaGuardia is “well-staffed” but still faces a shortage of air traffic controllers. He said there are currently 33 certified controllers but the goal is to have 37. More than one controller was on duty at the time of the accident, he said.… <a href="https://t.co/RfMr5Z1VwA">pic.twitter.com/RfMr5Z1VwA</a>
— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABC7NY/status/2036178822576382248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Ana Navarro joined her cohosts on ABC&#8217;s &#8220;The View&#8221; in criticizing President Donald Trump for &#8220;celebrating&#8221; the death of former Special Counsel Robert Mueller, and warned him that the same treatment could one day be turned on him: &#8220;karma never forgets an address.&#8221;
Navarro responded on Monday&#8217;s broadcast to Trump&#8217;s message on Truth Social, where he had posted, &#8220;Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!&#8221; She argued that others would certainly celebrate Trump&#8217;s death in the same fashion — and warned that it was likely to happen sooner than later.
&#8220;This is the same thing he did with John McCain after he died, this is the same thing he did with Rob Reiner. This is who he is because he is a mean person with a dark heart, verbal diarrhea, and no impulse control,&#8221; Navarro began, adding, &#8220;But let me just say this, karma never forgets an address and he is 80 years old, he&#8217;s got obvious visible physical ailments, and there will be people that when he passes away — as we will all pass away — [who] will write these type of things and celebrate. If you don&#8217;t condemn it today from him you don&#8217;t have a right to condemn it then from anybody!&#8221;
WATCH:
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Whoopi Goldberg suggests no one celebrating Charlie Kirk&#8217;s assassination and whines about people who were upset by it. She then compares it to what Trump said about Mueller:
GOLDBERG: I listen to you guys kvetch and clutch your pearls about what you thought was being said about… <a target="_blank" href="https://t.co/2nUxxLEwTv" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/2nUxxLEwTv</a>
— Nicholas Fondacaro (@NickFondacaro) <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/NickFondacaro/status/2036109054775308741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">March 23, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Navarro&#8217;s cohosts weighed in as well, with Whoopi Goldberg suggesting that conservatives had simply imagined that people on the Left were celebrating when Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated in September 2025.
&#8220;I listen to you guys kvetch and clutch your pearls about what you thought was being said about Charlie Kirk. I listened to you. We felt for his family,&#8221; Goldberg claimed — and although the cohosts of &#8220;The View&#8221; had broadly condemned Kirk&#8217;s assassination, a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/ilhan-omar-doubles-down-on-nasty-charlie-kirk-comments-says-legacy-belongs-in-dustbin-of-history" target="_blank">number</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/joe-manchin-stunned-by-aocs-charlie-kirk-rant-dems-are-getting-worse-not-better" target="_blank">on the Left</a> had <a target="_blank" href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/ugliest-moment-ive-ever-witnessed-house-dems-object-to-prayer-for-charlie-kirk" target="_blank">celebrated it</a>.
&#8220;Absolutely,&#8221; Sunny Hostin agreed.
&#8220;And yet you don&#8217;t have the courage or the — it&#8217;s not even empathy,&#8221; Goldberg searched for the right word.
&#8220;Decency,&#8221; Hostin suggested.
&#8220;Just the decency to say, &#8216;Do you know what, go with God. I didn&#8217;t like what he did, I didn&#8217;t like what he did to me, but go with God,'&#8221; Goldberg continued. &#8220;This is what we say about people we don&#8217;t like. If we don&#8217;t like their politics, if we don&#8217;t like their personage, &#8216;Go with God. I don&#8217;t like you, but God loves you.&#8217; That&#8217;s what we do. That&#8217;s how America is supposed to run regardless of what God you are talking about. And we will be right back before God gets mad at us.&#8221;

Luis Miranda & Family In Conversation With Anna Navarro

‘The View’ Hosts Moan About Trump ‘Celebrating’ Mueller’s Death: ‘Karma Never Forgets’

'The View' Hosts Moan About Trump 'Celebrating' Mueller's Death: 'Karma Never Forgets'

Robert Mueller

The View

A Democrat’s vote to move forward with the confirmation of President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security was considered a surprise, and it garnered some backlash on the Left.
Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) voted to allow Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to advance to the final step in the confirmation process to become the next DHS secretary, succeeding Secretary Kristi Noem. Heinrich and Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) are the only two Democrats who voted in favor of Mullin, who’s expected to be confirmed later on Monday.
“This is going to surprise some people, but I consider Markwayne Mullin a friend. We have a very honest and constructive working relationship. We have authored legislation together, such as the Tribal Buffalo Management Act, and we crafted the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill together this year. We often disagree and when we do, we work to find whatever common ground we share,” Heinrich said in a statement on Sunday.
“I have also seen first-hand that Markwayne is not someone who can simply be bullied into changing his views, and I look forward to having a Secretary who doesn’t take their orders from Stephen Miller,” he said.
The senator said that even though New Mexico is a border state, he has not had “any constructive relationship” with the DHS secretaries during the current and previous Trump administration.
“I want someone who recognizes the necessity of judicial warrants, as he has. I would like a Secretary who I can call and have a constructive conversation with about my state and the unique terrain that exists in the southwest and the proper mix of structure, technology and personnel necessary to effectively secure our border,” the Democrat continued.
In a press release, his office noted that he’s previously called for Noem to be fired, did not vote for her confirmation, and that he wants to see changes made to federal immigration enforcement.
On social media, Heinrich garnered some controversy over his decision to support the Oklahoma Republican.
“Who gives a frog’s fat ass if Sen Heinrich likes Mullin personally? His job is to ensure the nominees in Trump’s administration are qualified. Mullin lacks experience, is combative and impulsive, and will push DHS in a more aggressive, politicized direction,” Shannon Watts, founder emerita of Moms Demand Action, posted to X.
Heinrich has also weighed into multiple Senate races, including endorsing Texas State Rep. James Talarico, Maine veteran Graham Platner, and Michigan State Sen. Mallory McMorrow – and The Daily Wire reached out to each campaign on whether they would also support Mullin&#8217;s nomination.
A spokesperson for Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, who’s backed by Heinrich in her competitive Senate primary, stated that “no, she would not vote to confirm Mullin.&#8221;
As for Fetterman, he had clearly stated his support for Mullin prior to the procedural vote.
“In January, I called on the president to fire Noem—and he did. I truly approached the confirmation of my colleague and friend, Senator Mullin, with an open-mind,” he posted to X last week. “We need a leader at DHS. We must reopen DHS.”
“My AYE is rooted in a strong committed, constructive working relationship with Senator Mullin for our nation’s security,” he added.
The Department of Homeland Security remains largely unfunded, as Democrats and Republicans are attempting to work out a deal to fund DHS while possibly making federal immigration enforcement changes. However, other agencies within the DHS umbrella, like TSA, have been caught in the crosshairs, leading to hundreds of TSA agents quitting and long lines at major airports nationwide.

Senate Holds Confirmation Hearing For DHS Secretary Nominee Markwayne Mullin

Democrat Makes ‘Surprise’ Break From Party On Major Homeland Security Vote

President Donald Trump took no time taking shots at Robert Mueller, who died at the age of 81, his family announced on Saturday.
“With deep sadness, we are sharing the news that Bob passed away last night. His family asks that their privacy be respected,” the family said in a statement. Mueller had reportedly been suffering from Parkinson’s disease, though an official cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
But within minutes of the announcement, attention shifted from Mueller to President Trump’s reaction.
In a blunt post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people! President DONALD J. TRUMP”
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The post immediately ignited outrage across media and political circles, with critics seizing on the tone and substance of the statement.
MSNBC commentator David Corn framed Mueller as a principled figure undermined by Trump-era politics, “Robert Mueller was an honorable public servant,” Corn said. “He just never understood what he was up against with the Russia investigation: Trump&#8217;s virulent, unprincipled, and unrelenting disinformation campaign. RIP.”
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Robert Mueller was an honorable public servant. He just never understood what he was up against with the Russia investigation: Trump&#8217;s virulent, unprincipled, and unrelenting disinformation campaign. RIP
— David Corn (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:mtr3pwmbnirvyp3robuicd57?ref_src=embed">@davidcorn.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:mtr3pwmbnirvyp3robuicd57/post/3mhlkgxenuk2r?ref_src=embed">March 21, 2026 at 1:26 PM</a></blockquote>
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Former cable host Keith Olbermann responded even more aggressively. “Predictable really. Trump is the worst person in the history of the United States of America. Period,” Olbermann <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/olbermann.bsky.social/post/3mhll7rwpns2v">wrote</a>, before adding in a <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/olbermann.bsky.social/post/3mhllgqnm7c2v">follow-up post</a> that Trump’s reaction suggested “even Trump knows Mueller DID NOT clear him.”
“Trump is always classy,” <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/timobrien.bsky.social/post/3mhllsjlqic2p">said</a> Tim O&#8217;Brien, senior editor of opinion for Bloomberg, adding, “Mueller was right and I still have a bromance with Putin.”
Before rising through the ranks of federal law enforcement, Mueller served as a Marine Corps officer during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded both a Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart after being wounded in combat.
He later built a reputation as a steady institutional figure, ultimately being tapped by George W. Bush to lead the FBI just days before the September 11 attacks. Over a 12-year tenure, Mueller reshaped the bureau’s priorities toward counterterrorism and intelligence gathering in the wake of 9/11, serving under both Republican and Democratic administrations.
Mueller returned to public life as special counsel overseeing the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election—an inquiry that would define his public legacy and fuel years of political division.
His 448-page report, released in April 2019, detailed numerous contacts between individuals tied to the Trump campaign and Russian actors, but did not allege a criminal conspiracy.
At the same time, the report outlined episodes in which Trump sought to influence or curtail the investigation, including efforts to assert control over it. Mueller ultimately declined to make a prosecutorial judgment on obstruction of justice, citing longstanding Department of Justice guidance against indicting a sitting president. Trump has maintained that the investigation fully exonerated him, a claim that remained a point of contention long after the report’s release.
Mueller’s death, and the immediate reaction to it, underscored the extent to which his legacy remains deeply polarizing. For many Trump allies, he remains tied to an investigation they view as politically motivated and unfairly damaging. Trump’s response ensured that, even in death, Mueller’s name remains at the center of one of the most contentious chapters in modern American politics.

US-politics-investigation-Russia

Trump Reacts To Death Of Robert Mueller, Sparks Media Firestorm

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