The FBI has taken possession of Rep. Andy Ogles’s (R-TN) cellphone as part of its larger investigation into discrepancies with his campaign finance reporting, the Tennessee Republican confirmed Tuesday.

Ogles said he has been under investigation by the Federal Election Commission regarding “mistakes in our initial financial filings,” which the first-term congressman said he believes is also at the center of the FBI investigation. Ogles said he would cooperate with both inquiries.

“It has been widely reported for months that my campaign made mistakes in our initial financial filings,” Ogles said in a post on X. “We have worked diligently with attorneys and reporting experts to correct the errors and ensure compliance going forward. I will of course fully cooperate with them, just as I have with the Federal Election Commission.”

The FEC opened an investigation into Ogles earlier this year after the congressman adjusted a filing report to remove a previously reported loan of $320,000 that he gave his own campaign in 2022. Ogles has brushed off the discrepancies, arguing they were “honest mistakes, and nothing more.”

The Washington Examiner contacted the FBI for comment.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The details come after Ogles won his primary against GOP challenger Courtney Johnston. Ogles was endorsed by former President Donald Trump.

He will go on to face Democrat Maryam Abolfazli in November. The race is expected to favor Republicans.

2024-08-06 21:47:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse%2F3113055%2Ffbi-seizes-andy-ogles-cellphone-investigation%2F?w=600&h=450, The FBI has taken possession of Rep. Andy Ogles’s (R-TN) cellphone as part of its larger investigation into discrepancies with his campaign finance reporting, the Tennessee Republican confirmed Tuesday. Ogles said he has been under investigation by the Federal Election Commission regarding “mistakes in our initial financial filings,” which the first-term congressman said he believes,

The FBI has taken possession of Rep. Andy Ogles’s (R-TN) cellphone as part of its larger investigation into discrepancies with his campaign finance reporting, the Tennessee Republican confirmed Tuesday.

Ogles said he has been under investigation by the Federal Election Commission regarding “mistakes in our initial financial filings,” which the first-term congressman said he believes is also at the center of the FBI investigation. Ogles said he would cooperate with both inquiries.

“It has been widely reported for months that my campaign made mistakes in our initial financial filings,” Ogles said in a post on X. “We have worked diligently with attorneys and reporting experts to correct the errors and ensure compliance going forward. I will of course fully cooperate with them, just as I have with the Federal Election Commission.”

The FEC opened an investigation into Ogles earlier this year after the congressman adjusted a filing report to remove a previously reported loan of $320,000 that he gave his own campaign in 2022. Ogles has brushed off the discrepancies, arguing they were “honest mistakes, and nothing more.”

The Washington Examiner contacted the FBI for comment.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The details come after Ogles won his primary against GOP challenger Courtney Johnston. Ogles was endorsed by former President Donald Trump.

He will go on to face Democrat Maryam Abolfazli in November. The race is expected to favor Republicans.

, The FBI has taken possession of Rep. Andy Ogles’s (R-TN) cellphone as part of its larger investigation into discrepancies with his campaign finance reporting, the Tennessee Republican confirmed Tuesday. Ogles said he has been under investigation by the Federal Election Commission regarding “mistakes in our initial financial filings,” which the first-term congressman said he believes is also at the center of the FBI investigation. Ogles said he would cooperate with both inquiries. “It has been widely reported for months that my campaign made mistakes in our initial financial filings,” Ogles said in a post on X. “We have worked diligently with attorneys and reporting experts to correct the errors and ensure compliance going forward. I will of course fully cooperate with them, just as I have with the Federal Election Commission.” The FEC opened an investigation into Ogles earlier this year after the congressman adjusted a filing report to remove a previously reported loan of $320,000 that he gave his own campaign in 2022. Ogles has brushed off the discrepancies, arguing they were “honest mistakes, and nothing more.” The Washington Examiner contacted the FBI for comment. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER The details come after Ogles won his primary against GOP challenger Courtney Johnston. Ogles was endorsed by former President Donald Trump. He will go on to face Democrat Maryam Abolfazli in November. The race is expected to favor Republicans., , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AP24215177709494-scaled-1024×682.webp, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Cami Mondeaux,

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) released a new book detailing her historic rise to power in Congress, pointing to her experience as a lawmaker as well as a key ally and adviser to several presidents and their administrations. 

The Art of Power, which was released on Tuesday, details Pelosi’s experience as the first female speaker of the House as well as the duties the position entails. The Democratic leader also responds to the rise in political attacks over the last several years, using it to plea for a return to decency in politics. 

“The current climate of threats and attacks must stop,” Pelosi wrote, according to the Associated Press. “We cannot ask people to serve in public life if the cost is risking the safety of their families and those they love.”

Here are the top three takeaways from the book.

Pelosi feared she would die during Jan. 6 attack

In the book, Pelosi detailed her experience during the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol during which the former House speaker said she feared for her own life. 

Pelosi recounted being escorted from the speaker’s platform in the House chamber by her security detail and being transported to Fort McNair with other top congressional leaders. At the time, she attempted to tell Capitol Police officers she could “handle it,” to which they responded, “No you can’t.” 

Pelosi also called then-Vice President Mike Pence, who was in the Capitol during the attack, to warn him not to “let anybody know where you are,” according to the Associated Press. 

Doctors told Pelosi they were concerned about Trump’s mental health

While speaker, Pelosi said she was approached by doctors and other mental health professionals who expressed concerns about former President Donald Trump and “that his mental and psychological health was in decline.”

“I’m not a doctor,” the former speaker wrote, “but I did find his behaviors difficult to understand.”

Pelosi said the concerns were raised during a funeral for Dr. David Hamburg, a prominent psychiatrist who died in 2019. However, the former speaker said she did not solicit the advice. 

However, the concerns were raised just one year before Trump’s mental acuity became a top talking point during the 2020 election, even resulting in the former president taking a cognitive test to ward off attacks from Democrats. 

Still, Pelosi wrote that she found Trump to be “unhinged” and “imbalanced.” 

“I knew Donald Trump’s mental imbalance. I had seen it up close,” she wrote. “His denial and then delays when the Covid pandemic struck, his penchant for repeatedly stomping out of meetings, his foul mouth, his pounding on tables, his temper tantrums, his disrespect for our nation’s patriots, and his total separation from reality and actual events. His repeated, ridiculous insistence that he was the greatest of all time.”

Pelosi gives a glimpse into the aftermath of husband’s attack

In her book, Pelosi also gives a rare glimpse into the aftermath of the attack on her husband Paul Pelosi nearly two years ago. 

During that incident, Paul Pelosi was violently attacked in his San Francisco home after David DePape allegedly broke in to look for the House speaker, according to a federal criminal complaint. During the incident, DePape struck Paul Pelosi with a hammer, causing a skull fracture and serious injuries to his arm and hands.

Pelosi recounted the conversation she had with Capitol Police when they informed her of the attack while she was staying at her home in Washington. 

“It’s Mr. Pelosi. He’s been attacked in your home,” they told her. 

“Is he OK?” she responded. 

“We don’t know.”

“Is he alive?”

“We don’t know.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Pelosi described the experience of frantically traveling back to San Francisco while attempting to contact family members of the attack. She also recounted the surgeries, treatment, and recovery process for her husband. Even two years later, Paul Pelosi still suffers from headaches and vertigo, the former speaker writes, and she still must change bandages on his arm from surgery. 

“Our home remains a heartbreaking crime scene,” she wrote. “I don’t know that we will ever feel safe.”

2024-08-06 19:37:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse%2F3112795%2Fthree-takeaways-nancy-pelosi-book%2F?w=600&h=450, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) released a new book detailing her historic rise to power in Congress, pointing to her experience as a lawmaker as well as a key ally and adviser to several presidents and their administrations.  The Art of Power, which was released on Tuesday, details Pelosi’s experience as the first female speaker,

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) released a new book detailing her historic rise to power in Congress, pointing to her experience as a lawmaker as well as a key ally and adviser to several presidents and their administrations. 

The Art of Power, which was released on Tuesday, details Pelosi’s experience as the first female speaker of the House as well as the duties the position entails. The Democratic leader also responds to the rise in political attacks over the last several years, using it to plea for a return to decency in politics. 

“The current climate of threats and attacks must stop,” Pelosi wrote, according to the Associated Press. “We cannot ask people to serve in public life if the cost is risking the safety of their families and those they love.”

Here are the top three takeaways from the book.

Pelosi feared she would die during Jan. 6 attack

In the book, Pelosi detailed her experience during the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol during which the former House speaker said she feared for her own life. 

Pelosi recounted being escorted from the speaker’s platform in the House chamber by her security detail and being transported to Fort McNair with other top congressional leaders. At the time, she attempted to tell Capitol Police officers she could “handle it,” to which they responded, “No you can’t.” 

Pelosi also called then-Vice President Mike Pence, who was in the Capitol during the attack, to warn him not to “let anybody know where you are,” according to the Associated Press. 

Doctors told Pelosi they were concerned about Trump’s mental health

While speaker, Pelosi said she was approached by doctors and other mental health professionals who expressed concerns about former President Donald Trump and “that his mental and psychological health was in decline.”

“I’m not a doctor,” the former speaker wrote, “but I did find his behaviors difficult to understand.”

Pelosi said the concerns were raised during a funeral for Dr. David Hamburg, a prominent psychiatrist who died in 2019. However, the former speaker said she did not solicit the advice. 

However, the concerns were raised just one year before Trump’s mental acuity became a top talking point during the 2020 election, even resulting in the former president taking a cognitive test to ward off attacks from Democrats. 

Still, Pelosi wrote that she found Trump to be “unhinged” and “imbalanced.” 

“I knew Donald Trump’s mental imbalance. I had seen it up close,” she wrote. “His denial and then delays when the Covid pandemic struck, his penchant for repeatedly stomping out of meetings, his foul mouth, his pounding on tables, his temper tantrums, his disrespect for our nation’s patriots, and his total separation from reality and actual events. His repeated, ridiculous insistence that he was the greatest of all time.”

Pelosi gives a glimpse into the aftermath of husband’s attack

In her book, Pelosi also gives a rare glimpse into the aftermath of the attack on her husband Paul Pelosi nearly two years ago. 

During that incident, Paul Pelosi was violently attacked in his San Francisco home after David DePape allegedly broke in to look for the House speaker, according to a federal criminal complaint. During the incident, DePape struck Paul Pelosi with a hammer, causing a skull fracture and serious injuries to his arm and hands.

Pelosi recounted the conversation she had with Capitol Police when they informed her of the attack while she was staying at her home in Washington. 

“It’s Mr. Pelosi. He’s been attacked in your home,” they told her. 

“Is he OK?” she responded. 

“We don’t know.”

“Is he alive?”

“We don’t know.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Pelosi described the experience of frantically traveling back to San Francisco while attempting to contact family members of the attack. She also recounted the surgeries, treatment, and recovery process for her husband. Even two years later, Paul Pelosi still suffers from headaches and vertigo, the former speaker writes, and she still must change bandages on his arm from surgery. 

“Our home remains a heartbreaking crime scene,” she wrote. “I don’t know that we will ever feel safe.”

, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) released a new book detailing her historic rise to power in Congress, pointing to her experience as a lawmaker as well as a key ally and adviser to several presidents and their administrations.  The Art of Power, which was released on Tuesday, details Pelosi’s experience as the first female speaker of the House as well as the duties the position entails. The Democratic leader also responds to the rise in political attacks over the last several years, using it to plea for a return to decency in politics.  “The current climate of threats and attacks must stop,” Pelosi wrote, according to the Associated Press. “We cannot ask people to serve in public life if the cost is risking the safety of their families and those they love.” Here are the top three takeaways from the book. Pelosi feared she would die during Jan. 6 attack In the book, Pelosi detailed her experience during the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol during which the former House speaker said she feared for her own life.  Pelosi recounted being escorted from the speaker’s platform in the House chamber by her security detail and being transported to Fort McNair with other top congressional leaders. At the time, she attempted to tell Capitol Police officers she could “handle it,” to which they responded, “No you can’t.”  Pelosi also called then-Vice President Mike Pence, who was in the Capitol during the attack, to warn him not to “let anybody know where you are,” according to the Associated Press.  Doctors told Pelosi they were concerned about Trump’s mental health While speaker, Pelosi said she was approached by doctors and other mental health professionals who expressed concerns about former President Donald Trump and “that his mental and psychological health was in decline.” “I’m not a doctor,” the former speaker wrote, “but I did find his behaviors difficult to understand.” Pelosi said the concerns were raised during a funeral for Dr. David Hamburg, a prominent psychiatrist who died in 2019. However, the former speaker said she did not solicit the advice.  However, the concerns were raised just one year before Trump’s mental acuity became a top talking point during the 2020 election, even resulting in the former president taking a cognitive test to ward off attacks from Democrats.  Still, Pelosi wrote that she found Trump to be “unhinged” and “imbalanced.”  “I knew Donald Trump’s mental imbalance. I had seen it up close,” she wrote. “His denial and then delays when the Covid pandemic struck, his penchant for repeatedly stomping out of meetings, his foul mouth, his pounding on tables, his temper tantrums, his disrespect for our nation’s patriots, and his total separation from reality and actual events. His repeated, ridiculous insistence that he was the greatest of all time.” Pelosi gives a glimpse into the aftermath of husband’s attack In her book, Pelosi also gives a rare glimpse into the aftermath of the attack on her husband Paul Pelosi nearly two years ago.  During that incident, Paul Pelosi was violently attacked in his San Francisco home after David DePape allegedly broke in to look for the House speaker, according to a federal criminal complaint. During the incident, DePape struck Paul Pelosi with a hammer, causing a skull fracture and serious injuries to his arm and hands. Pelosi recounted the conversation she had with Capitol Police when they informed her of the attack while she was staying at her home in Washington.  “It’s Mr. Pelosi. He’s been attacked in your home,” they told her.  “Is he OK?” she responded.  “We don’t know.” “Is he alive?” “We don’t know.” CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Pelosi described the experience of frantically traveling back to San Francisco while attempting to contact family members of the attack. She also recounted the surgeries, treatment, and recovery process for her husband. Even two years later, Paul Pelosi still suffers from headaches and vertigo, the former speaker writes, and she still must change bandages on his arm from surgery.  “Our home remains a heartbreaking crime scene,” she wrote. “I don’t know that we will ever feel safe.”, , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/nancy-pelosi-speech-israel.webp, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Cami Mondeaux,

Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) is one of the few remaining House Republicans who voted to impeach Donald Trump in 2021. Now, as payback, he’s set to face not just one but two candidates with the former president’s endorsement. 

Trump endorsed GOP candidate Tiffany Smiley late Saturday evening, lauding her as a “tremendous America First Candidate” running against the five-term incumbent. The endorsement, though, comes three and a half months after Trump threw his support behind Jerrod Sessler — a contradiction the former president seems to have no issue with. 

“They are both running against a weak and pathetic RINO, Dan Newhouse, who stupidly voted to impeach me for absolutely no reason, and he now strongly wishes he didn’t make that Decision,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. “Newhouse has to go, and Republicans need to unite behind a WINNER to ensure we have a tremendous Victory in November. Therefore, I give my Complete and Total Endorsement to both Tiffany Smiley and Jerrod Kessler – EITHER OF WHICH WILL DO A TREMENDOUS JOB, AND NEVER LET YOU DOWN.”

And Smiley, for her part, didn’t seem to mind either, telling the Washington Examiner the endorsement, which came just three days before the primary election, will help her campaign because “voters are still making their choice and continuing to return their ballots.” 

“It’s a huge momentum push for us,” Smiley said in an interview. 

Trump endorsed Sessler in mid-April, a few weeks before Smiley announced her own bid to run in the same district. But Sessler’s endorsement, Smiley contends, was only because Trump “wants anyone but Newhouse.”

“Just speaking honestly, Jared Sessler is an afterthought. I am the front-runner in this election,” Smiley said. “And, you know, why would President Trump endorse me if he was so confident in Jared Sessler?”

Sessler’s campaign, on the other hand, has brushed off concerns that Trump’s endorsement to Smiley will pull the race away from him. Instead, Sessler has argued he is the only candidate who is Trump-endorsed as well as backed by the House Freedom Caucus and the Washington Republican Party. 

“Washington voters need not be deceived,” the campaign told the Washington Examiner in a statement, also citing Sessler’s experience as a Navy veteran and cattle farmer. “Return your ballot for Jerrod Sessler by tomorrow’s deadline. He’s the REAL DEAL.”

Sessler and Smiley are both running in the GOP primary on Tuesday to unseat Newhouse, who has represented Washington’s 4th Congressional District since 2015. Trump previously sought to unseat Newhouse in the 2022 midterm elections after the Washington Republican attracted the former president’s ire by voting in favor of his second impeachment. Newhouse was one of just 10 House Republicans to do so and only one of two GOP lawmakers left remaining.  

Although the double endorsement has raised questions about Trump’s strategy, it’s not the first time the former president has made such a move. 

Earlier this year, Trump endorsed all three major Republican candidates running in the GOP primary for Missouri’s governor: Jay Ashcroft, Mike Kehoe, and Bill Eigel. 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

“Choose any one of them – You can’t go wrong!” he said in a post last week. 

He made a similar move in the same state just two years earlier when Trump gave his endorsement to “ERIC” in the Missouri Senate race — prompting confusion as the two Republicans running shared the same first name. One of those Erics, now-Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO), went on to win the race.

2024-08-05 21:57:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fcampaigns%2F3111404%2Ftrump-endorsed-candidate-attacks-other-trump-endorsed-candidate-same-race-as-afterthought%2F?w=600&h=450, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) is one of the few remaining House Republicans who voted to impeach Donald Trump in 2021. Now, as payback, he’s set to face not just one but two candidates with the former president’s endorsement.  Trump endorsed GOP candidate Tiffany Smiley late Saturday evening, lauding her as a “tremendous America First Candidate”,

Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) is one of the few remaining House Republicans who voted to impeach Donald Trump in 2021. Now, as payback, he’s set to face not just one but two candidates with the former president’s endorsement. 

Trump endorsed GOP candidate Tiffany Smiley late Saturday evening, lauding her as a “tremendous America First Candidate” running against the five-term incumbent. The endorsement, though, comes three and a half months after Trump threw his support behind Jerrod Sessler — a contradiction the former president seems to have no issue with. 

“They are both running against a weak and pathetic RINO, Dan Newhouse, who stupidly voted to impeach me for absolutely no reason, and he now strongly wishes he didn’t make that Decision,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. “Newhouse has to go, and Republicans need to unite behind a WINNER to ensure we have a tremendous Victory in November. Therefore, I give my Complete and Total Endorsement to both Tiffany Smiley and Jerrod Kessler – EITHER OF WHICH WILL DO A TREMENDOUS JOB, AND NEVER LET YOU DOWN.”

And Smiley, for her part, didn’t seem to mind either, telling the Washington Examiner the endorsement, which came just three days before the primary election, will help her campaign because “voters are still making their choice and continuing to return their ballots.” 

“It’s a huge momentum push for us,” Smiley said in an interview. 

Trump endorsed Sessler in mid-April, a few weeks before Smiley announced her own bid to run in the same district. But Sessler’s endorsement, Smiley contends, was only because Trump “wants anyone but Newhouse.”

“Just speaking honestly, Jared Sessler is an afterthought. I am the front-runner in this election,” Smiley said. “And, you know, why would President Trump endorse me if he was so confident in Jared Sessler?”

Sessler’s campaign, on the other hand, has brushed off concerns that Trump’s endorsement to Smiley will pull the race away from him. Instead, Sessler has argued he is the only candidate who is Trump-endorsed as well as backed by the House Freedom Caucus and the Washington Republican Party. 

“Washington voters need not be deceived,” the campaign told the Washington Examiner in a statement, also citing Sessler’s experience as a Navy veteran and cattle farmer. “Return your ballot for Jerrod Sessler by tomorrow’s deadline. He’s the REAL DEAL.”

Sessler and Smiley are both running in the GOP primary on Tuesday to unseat Newhouse, who has represented Washington’s 4th Congressional District since 2015. Trump previously sought to unseat Newhouse in the 2022 midterm elections after the Washington Republican attracted the former president’s ire by voting in favor of his second impeachment. Newhouse was one of just 10 House Republicans to do so and only one of two GOP lawmakers left remaining.  

Although the double endorsement has raised questions about Trump’s strategy, it’s not the first time the former president has made such a move. 

Earlier this year, Trump endorsed all three major Republican candidates running in the GOP primary for Missouri’s governor: Jay Ashcroft, Mike Kehoe, and Bill Eigel. 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

“Choose any one of them – You can’t go wrong!” he said in a post last week. 

He made a similar move in the same state just two years earlier when Trump gave his endorsement to “ERIC” in the Missouri Senate race — prompting confusion as the two Republicans running shared the same first name. One of those Erics, now-Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO), went on to win the race.

, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) is one of the few remaining House Republicans who voted to impeach Donald Trump in 2021. Now, as payback, he’s set to face not just one but two candidates with the former president’s endorsement.  Trump endorsed GOP candidate Tiffany Smiley late Saturday evening, lauding her as a “tremendous America First Candidate” running against the five-term incumbent. The endorsement, though, comes three and a half months after Trump threw his support behind Jerrod Sessler — a contradiction the former president seems to have no issue with.  “They are both running against a weak and pathetic RINO, Dan Newhouse, who stupidly voted to impeach me for absolutely no reason, and he now strongly wishes he didn’t make that Decision,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. “Newhouse has to go, and Republicans need to unite behind a WINNER to ensure we have a tremendous Victory in November. Therefore, I give my Complete and Total Endorsement to both Tiffany Smiley and Jerrod Kessler – EITHER OF WHICH WILL DO A TREMENDOUS JOB, AND NEVER LET YOU DOWN.” And Smiley, for her part, didn’t seem to mind either, telling the Washington Examiner the endorsement, which came just three days before the primary election, will help her campaign because “voters are still making their choice and continuing to return their ballots.”  “It’s a huge momentum push for us,” Smiley said in an interview.  Trump endorsed Sessler in mid-April, a few weeks before Smiley announced her own bid to run in the same district. But Sessler’s endorsement, Smiley contends, was only because Trump “wants anyone but Newhouse.” “Just speaking honestly, Jared Sessler is an afterthought. I am the front-runner in this election,” Smiley said. “And, you know, why would President Trump endorse me if he was so confident in Jared Sessler?” Sessler’s campaign, on the other hand, has brushed off concerns that Trump’s endorsement to Smiley will pull the race away from him. Instead, Sessler has argued he is the only candidate who is Trump-endorsed as well as backed by the House Freedom Caucus and the Washington Republican Party.  “Washington voters need not be deceived,” the campaign told the Washington Examiner in a statement, also citing Sessler’s experience as a Navy veteran and cattle farmer. “Return your ballot for Jerrod Sessler by tomorrow’s deadline. He’s the REAL DEAL.” Sessler and Smiley are both running in the GOP primary on Tuesday to unseat Newhouse, who has represented Washington’s 4th Congressional District since 2015. Trump previously sought to unseat Newhouse in the 2022 midterm elections after the Washington Republican attracted the former president’s ire by voting in favor of his second impeachment. Newhouse was one of just 10 House Republicans to do so and only one of two GOP lawmakers left remaining.   Although the double endorsement has raised questions about Trump’s strategy, it’s not the first time the former president has made such a move.  Earlier this year, Trump endorsed all three major Republican candidates running in the GOP primary for Missouri’s governor: Jay Ashcroft, Mike Kehoe, and Bill Eigel.  CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER “Choose any one of them – You can’t go wrong!” he said in a post last week.  He made a similar move in the same state just two years earlier when Trump gave his endorsement to “ERIC” in the Missouri Senate race — prompting confusion as the two Republicans running shared the same first name. One of those Erics, now-Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO), went on to win the race., , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AP24212787500793-scaled-1024×683.webp, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Cami Mondeaux,

The House Freedom Caucus is demanding that Homeland Security Committee ranking member Bennie Thompson (D-MS) be barred from the forthcoming task force to investigate the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump, arguing the top Democrat would be biased in his efforts. 

In a statement released from the group on Wednesday, caucus members demanded that Thompson be blocked from the committee over a bill he introduced earlier this year that would terminate Secret Service protection for those who have been sentenced to prison after being convicted for a state or federal felony. Republicans condemned the proposal, accusing Thompson of seeking to deny protection to Trump. 

Republicans then accused Thompson of continuing to defend the legislation, “even after the attempted assassination on July 13.” 

As a result, Freedom Caucus members are not only demanding Thompson be blocked from the task force assigned to investigate the assassination attempt but also to be removed as the ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee. 

“His actions should invalidate Rep. Thompson from serving on the task force to investigate the attempted assassination of President Trump,” the group said in a statement. “Americans cannot trust that he will be an unbiased arbiter of the facts in the effort to get to the bottom of the greatest failure of the Secret Service in more than three decades.”

The push against Thompson comes after the Mississippi Democrat introduced legislation that would bar Secret Service protection for convicted felons and would instead place that responsibility on prison authorities. 

Thompson pushed back on GOP attacks against his bill, arguing that “the so-called Freedom Caucus has the facts wrong about my legislation.” 

Instead, Thompson argued Republicans “are still upset” about the work Thompson completed on the Jan. 6 committee, of which he served as the chairman and led the investigation into the Capitol riot.

“In any case, I will continue to serve as top Democrat on the Homeland Security Committee because I was selected by my Democratic colleagues, not the Freedom Caucus,” Thompson said in a statement. 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) announced on Monday they would be creating a bipartisan task force with subpoena authority to investigate the assassination attempt. Lawmakers are expected to vote on approving the task force on Wednesday. 

The task force will be made up of seven Republicans and six Democrats, although it’s not yet clear which members will be tapped for the positions.

2024-07-24 20:19:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse%2F3097087%2Ffreedom-caucus-thompson-banned-trump-task-force%2F?w=600&h=450, The House Freedom Caucus is demanding that Homeland Security Committee ranking member Bennie Thompson (D-MS) be barred from the forthcoming task force to investigate the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump, arguing the top Democrat would be biased in his efforts.  In a statement released from the group on Wednesday, caucus members demanded that,

The House Freedom Caucus is demanding that Homeland Security Committee ranking member Bennie Thompson (D-MS) be barred from the forthcoming task force to investigate the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump, arguing the top Democrat would be biased in his efforts. 

In a statement released from the group on Wednesday, caucus members demanded that Thompson be blocked from the committee over a bill he introduced earlier this year that would terminate Secret Service protection for those who have been sentenced to prison after being convicted for a state or federal felony. Republicans condemned the proposal, accusing Thompson of seeking to deny protection to Trump. 

Republicans then accused Thompson of continuing to defend the legislation, “even after the attempted assassination on July 13.” 

As a result, Freedom Caucus members are not only demanding Thompson be blocked from the task force assigned to investigate the assassination attempt but also to be removed as the ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee. 

“His actions should invalidate Rep. Thompson from serving on the task force to investigate the attempted assassination of President Trump,” the group said in a statement. “Americans cannot trust that he will be an unbiased arbiter of the facts in the effort to get to the bottom of the greatest failure of the Secret Service in more than three decades.”

The push against Thompson comes after the Mississippi Democrat introduced legislation that would bar Secret Service protection for convicted felons and would instead place that responsibility on prison authorities. 

Thompson pushed back on GOP attacks against his bill, arguing that “the so-called Freedom Caucus has the facts wrong about my legislation.” 

Instead, Thompson argued Republicans “are still upset” about the work Thompson completed on the Jan. 6 committee, of which he served as the chairman and led the investigation into the Capitol riot.

“In any case, I will continue to serve as top Democrat on the Homeland Security Committee because I was selected by my Democratic colleagues, not the Freedom Caucus,” Thompson said in a statement. 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) announced on Monday they would be creating a bipartisan task force with subpoena authority to investigate the assassination attempt. Lawmakers are expected to vote on approving the task force on Wednesday. 

The task force will be made up of seven Republicans and six Democrats, although it’s not yet clear which members will be tapped for the positions.

, The House Freedom Caucus is demanding that Homeland Security Committee ranking member Bennie Thompson (D-MS) be barred from the forthcoming task force to investigate the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump, arguing the top Democrat would be biased in his efforts.  In a statement released from the group on Wednesday, caucus members demanded that Thompson be blocked from the committee over a bill he introduced earlier this year that would terminate Secret Service protection for those who have been sentenced to prison after being convicted for a state or federal felony. Republicans condemned the proposal, accusing Thompson of seeking to deny protection to Trump.  Republicans then accused Thompson of continuing to defend the legislation, “even after the attempted assassination on July 13.”  As a result, Freedom Caucus members are not only demanding Thompson be blocked from the task force assigned to investigate the assassination attempt but also to be removed as the ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee.  “His actions should invalidate Rep. Thompson from serving on the task force to investigate the attempted assassination of President Trump,” the group said in a statement. “Americans cannot trust that he will be an unbiased arbiter of the facts in the effort to get to the bottom of the greatest failure of the Secret Service in more than three decades.” The push against Thompson comes after the Mississippi Democrat introduced legislation that would bar Secret Service protection for convicted felons and would instead place that responsibility on prison authorities.  Thompson pushed back on GOP attacks against his bill, arguing that “the so-called Freedom Caucus has the facts wrong about my legislation.”  Instead, Thompson argued Republicans “are still upset” about the work Thompson completed on the Jan. 6 committee, of which he served as the chairman and led the investigation into the Capitol riot. “In any case, I will continue to serve as top Democrat on the Homeland Security Committee because I was selected by my Democratic colleagues, not the Freedom Caucus,” Thompson said in a statement.  CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) announced on Monday they would be creating a bipartisan task force with subpoena authority to investigate the assassination attempt. Lawmakers are expected to vote on approving the task force on Wednesday.  The task force will be made up of seven Republicans and six Democrats, although it’s not yet clear which members will be tapped for the positions., , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/bennie-thompson-staffer-let-go.webp, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Cami Mondeaux,

A number of pro-Palestinian protesters were apprehended by U.S. Capitol Police officers as they staged a protest inside one of the House office buildings just one day before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is slated to address Congress.

Protesters gathered in the rotunda of the Cannon Office Building on Tuesday afternoon, their chants echoing throughout the building that were heard from several floors away. Capitol Police attempted to disperse the crowd and confiscate banners, although it was not immediately clear how many protesters were arrested.

Protesters, donned with red t-shirts that read “Jews Say Stop Arming Israel,” sat on the floor and linked arms as they chanted “Free Palestine.”

There have been several demonstrations inside Capitol office buildings related to the war in Gaza, with protesters often urging lawmakers to call for a ceasefire. Groups have previously interrupted press conferences and other congressional hearings demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.

The Washington Examiner contacted the U.S. Capitol Police for more information.

This story is developing and will be updated.

2024-07-23 19:51:00, http://s.wordpress.com/mshots/v1/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Fhouse%2F3096255%2Fpro-palestinian-protesters-stage-demonstration-in-house-office-building-day-before-netanyahu-address%2F?w=600&h=450, A number of pro-Palestinian protesters were apprehended by U.S. Capitol Police officers as they staged a protest inside one of the House office buildings just one day before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is slated to address Congress. Protesters gathered in the rotunda of the Cannon Office Building on Tuesday afternoon, their chants echoing throughout,

A number of pro-Palestinian protesters were apprehended by U.S. Capitol Police officers as they staged a protest inside one of the House office buildings just one day before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is slated to address Congress.

Protesters gathered in the rotunda of the Cannon Office Building on Tuesday afternoon, their chants echoing throughout the building that were heard from several floors away. Capitol Police attempted to disperse the crowd and confiscate banners, although it was not immediately clear how many protesters were arrested.

Protesters, donned with red t-shirts that read “Jews Say Stop Arming Israel,” sat on the floor and linked arms as they chanted “Free Palestine.”

There have been several demonstrations inside Capitol office buildings related to the war in Gaza, with protesters often urging lawmakers to call for a ceasefire. Groups have previously interrupted press conferences and other congressional hearings demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.

The Washington Examiner contacted the U.S. Capitol Police for more information.

This story is developing and will be updated.

, A number of pro-Palestinian protesters were apprehended by U.S. Capitol Police officers as they staged a protest inside one of the House office buildings just one day before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is slated to address Congress. Protesters gathered in the rotunda of the Cannon Office Building on Tuesday afternoon, their chants echoing throughout the building that were heard from several floors away. Capitol Police attempted to disperse the crowd and confiscate banners, although it was not immediately clear how many protesters were arrested. Extremely loud protest happening in Cannon House building right now by pro-Palestinian protesters just one day before Netanyahu address pic.twitter.com/rrNJ6OZblZ — Cami Mondeaux (@cami_mondeaux) July 23, 2024 Protesters, donned with red t-shirts that read “Jews Say Stop Arming Israel,” sat on the floor and linked arms as they chanted “Free Palestine.” There have been several demonstrations inside Capitol office buildings related to the war in Gaza, with protesters often urging lawmakers to call for a ceasefire. Groups have previously interrupted press conferences and other congressional hearings demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. The Washington Examiner contacted the U.S. Capitol Police for more information. This story is developing and will be updated., , , https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/propalestineprotest_july23.webp, Washington Examiner, Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-favicon-32×32.png, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feed/, Cami Mondeaux,

MILWAUKEE — Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) vowed to be former President Donald Trump’s “strongest ally” on Capitol Hill should he be reelected and pledged to implement his agenda.

In a speech during the third night of the Republican National Convention on Wednesday, Gaetz railed against the Biden administration on a slew of issues, claiming “America has fallen” over the last four years under the current president. Alternatively, Gaetz vowed to push for widespread changes in the federal government and Congress under a possible Trump administration. 

“I’ll be President Trump’s strongest ally in Congress to pass term limits, to stop taxpayer funding for political campaigns, to ban members of Congress for life from becoming lobbyists,” Gaetz, who was greeted by huge cheers, said. “And for the same reason you don’t let the referee bet on the game, ban members of Congress from trading individual stocks.”

Gaetz especially hit on President Joe Biden over his age, which has emerged as a major concern not only among Republicans but also Democratic voters and lawmakers. 

“I don’t think it’s too much to ask for the American president to be able to do the job,” Gaetz said. 

Gaetz’s speech came just one day after he made headlines for interrupting a CNN interview with former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, whom Gaetz successfully ousted last October. 

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“What night are you speaking? Are you speaking tonight?” Gaetz said, taunting McCarthy, who is not expected to speak at the convention. “If you took that stage, you would get booed off of it.”

Gaetz was one of several House Republicans to hold a speaking slot during the high-profile nominating convention, especially as GOP leaders look to expand their historically small margin next year. His speech comes on the third day of the quadrennial convention, which bears the theme “Make America Strong Again,” focusing on the country’s foreign policy and international standing.

MILWAUKEE — Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) took the stage during the third day of the Republican National Convention to appeal to female voters as GOP lawmakers made the case for former President Donald Trump’s return to the White House. 

Mace introduced herself as both a “single mom” and “rape survivor” in her remarks, telling female attendees in the crowd that they “have a sister in me.” The South Carolina Republican also pointed to her father’s experience as an Army brigadier general as she lauded Trump’s foreign policies when he was in office. 

“What we’re witnessing today is proof that strength preserves peace and weakness invites war,” Mace said. “We can never project strength around the world when weakness stands in the White House.”

Mace specifically cited the threat China poses, arguing the country has caused an increase in fentanyl being smuggled across the U.S. border. Mace again made an appeal to female voters to argue China “oppress[es] their own people, especially women.” 

“I know a strong leader when I see one,” Mace said. “Donald Trump’s stood up to China before and he will do it again.”

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Mace’s speech comes on the third day of the quadrennial convention, which bears the theme “Make America Strong Again,” focusing on the country’s foreign policy and international standing. 

Mace was one of several House Republicans to hold a speaking slot during the high-profile nominating convention, especially as GOP leaders look to expand their historically small margin next year. House Republican leaders have expressed confidence in their chances, especially with Trump and vice presidential nominee Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) at the top of the ticket.

MILWAUKEE — House Republican leaders are elevating former President Donald Trump’s agenda not only to win the White House but also to expand their majority in the lower chamber next year. 

As top GOP lawmakers took the stage at the Republican National Convention on Tuesday, party leaders warned against another four years under the Biden administration, flipping the script on Democrats by seeking to paint President Joe Biden as a danger to the country. In doing so, House Republicans praised Trump’s campaign platform that will not only win the White House for the party but also secure both chambers of Congress. 

“I’ve seen some crazy things in my time. But New Orleans has nothing on Washington, D.C., these past four years,” House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) said. “Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have spent your tax dollars trashing America’s finances in ways no sane or sober-minded person ever would.”

Scalise pointed to several policies enacted under the Biden administration that he said amounted to an “assault” by Democrats, including on energy, public safety, and election integrity, among other things. 

But, Scalise said, that would all change when “we reelect Donald Trump” — and secure a Republican majority in both the House and Senate. 

The majority leader cited multiple pieces of legislation he vowed would be pursued under a GOP trifecta, such as the SAVE Act to block illegal immigrants from voting in federal elections; the Parent Bill of Rights to establish certain rights for parents and guardians over schools; and H.R. 2, Republicans’ signature border bill that passed the House earlier this year but has been stalled in the Democratic-led Senate. 

The GOP leaders also praised their party’s ability to “hold the line” against Democrats in the Senate and the Biden White House over the last two years despite having a historically small majority that has often been plagued by infighting and disagreements. 

“We fought back against Democrats’ reckless spending that caused record-breaking inflation for hardworking Americans,” House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) said. “When we grow our majority, when we flip the Senate, and when we send President Donald J. Trump back to the White House, we won’t just be holding the line anymore — we’ll be moving forward.” 

The speeches give a glimpse into how House Republicans are likely to leverage their majority to help advance Trump’s agenda in Congress, especially as several of his staunchest allies have become prominent leaders on Capitol Hill. 

Among those is House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who was considered to be an early contender for Trump’s running mate and is now being floated as a possible choice for a Cabinet position should he be reelected. Stefanik touted her experience defending Trump and his legacy while in Congress, calling his reelection crucial “to save America.” 

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“I have been proud to always stand in the breach during the toughest moments for President Trump,” Stefanik said. “From leading the charge against the illegal impeachments to standing for election integrity to unifying House Republicans to being the first Member of Congress to endorse him for reelection.”

The speeches come on the second day of the RNC, which is scheduled to last until Thursday. Trump is set to accept the GOP presidential nomination on the final day of the convention, when he’ll also give a speech to delegates, his first public remarks since the assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally over the weekend.

MILWAUKEE — Vice President Kamala Harris has already accepted a debate against Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) just hours after the Ohio senator was tapped as former President Donald Trump’s running mate and nominated as the party’s vice presidential nominee during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Harris called Vance shortly after Trump tapped him as his running mate, but the two did not speak, according to a source familiar. Rather, Harris left a message to “congratulate him on his selection, welcome him to the race, and express her hope that the two can meet” in the debate.

Harris and the Biden campaign previously accepted a vice presidential debate hosted by CBS News earlier this year, which is expected to take place later this summer.

Several Democratic lawmakers close to the Biden campaign expressed confidence in Harris’s ability to face Vance onstage, lauding the vice president’s experience in the Senate and White House as she prepares to debate policy.

“The VP will take it to J.D. Vance,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) told reporters on a campaign call shortly after Vance’s nomination was announced. “I’m looking forward to this debate.”

Vance has not yet publicly accepted an invite to debate Harris, but the Ohio Republican indicated to the Washington Examiner in May he would not hesitate to meet with her.

“You know, I’ll do whatever I need to to serve, but I’m very nervous about debating the vice president,” Vance quipped in a sarcastic tone. “She’s very eloquent.”

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Republicans were quick to praise Trump’s decision to tap Vance as his No. 2, lauding the junior senator from Ohio as a step into the party’s future. Several RNC delegates at the convention celebrated Vance as the mark of a “new generation of leadership for the Republican Party,” with one Republican consultant noting that Vance, as the “heir apparent,” will strengthen the GOP presidential ticket in 2028.

Meanwhile, Harris must grapple with questions about her own ticket as Democratic lawmakers have considered whether President Joe Biden should be removed from the ticket. Harris sits with an average approval rating of 38.5%, which could also hurt her if she goes head to head against Vance.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) met with President Joe Biden on Thursday to discuss a path forward for the party heading into November even as a growing number of Democratic lawmakers call on the president to withdraw from the race.

Jeffries met with Biden in person shortly after the president held a press conference at the annual NATO summit, according to a “Dear Colleague” letter the Democratic leader sent to House lawmakers on Friday. The meeting comes after Jeffries met with several House Democrats over the weekend to air concerns about Biden’s viability and whether he is the strongest candidate to defeat former President Donald Trump in November.

“On behalf of the House Democratic Caucus, I requested and was graciously granted a private meeting with President Joe Biden. That meeting occurred yesterday evening,” Jeffries wrote in the letter. “In my conversation with President Biden, I directly expressed the full breadth of insight, heartfelt perspectives and conclusions about the path forward that the Caucus has shared in our recent time together.”

The letter comes as at least 18 House Democrats have called on Biden to withdraw from the race over concerns about his age and whether he could carry out another four years in office. Those calls have steadily increased over the last week, even after Biden held his first solo press conference in eight months in an effort to prove his stamina and strength.

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But the press conference did little to ease the concerns of some Democrats, with at least three doing so immediately after his remarks were over. Rep. Brittany Petterson (D-CO) is the latest to call on him to withdraw, urging Biden to “pass the torch” in a statement issued Friday morning.

Biden has maintained he is the best-qualified candidate to take on Trump in November, telling reporters during his Thursday remarks that he is the most prepared to lead the country. The president conceded that if he would reconsider his candidacy if advisers told him he had no chance of winning, but Biden said he has not heard those calls — despite Democratic lawmakers from both chambers of Congress doing so in recent days.