US NATIONAL NEWS

McCarthy directs House panel to open Biden impeachment inquiry

Published

1 year ago

September 12, 2023

AP Photo

WASHINGTON (AP) — Speaker Kevin McCarthy said Tuesday he is directing a House committee to open an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden over his family’s business dealings, launching historic proceedings ahead of the 2024 election.

McCarthy said the House Oversight Committee’s investigation so far has found a “culture of corruption” around the Biden family as Republicans probe the business dealings of Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, from before the Democratic president took office.

“These are allegations of abuse of power, obstruction and corruption, and they warrant further investigation by the House of Representatives,” McCarthy, R-Calif., said outside the speaker’s office at the Capitol. “That’s why today I am directing our House committee to open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.”

The announcement comes as the Republican leader faces mounting pressure from his right flank to take action against Biden while he also is struggling to pass legislation needed to avoid a federal government shutdown at the end of the month.

An inquiry is step toward impeachment, and McCarthy essentially outlined potential charges. He is is planning to convene lawmakers behind closed doors multiple times this week, including for a meeting to discuss the Biden impeachment.

The Republican leader is once again at a political crossroads — trying to keep his most conservative lawmakers satisfied and prevent his own ouster. It’s a familiar political bind for McCarthy, who is juggling the impeachment inquiry and the government shutdown threat with no clear end game.

Government funding is to run out on Sept. 30, which is the end of the federal fiscal year, and Congress must pass new funding bills or risk a shutdown and the interruption of government services.

Biden’s White House has dismissed the impeachment push as politically motivated.

“Speaker McCarthy shouldn’t cave to the extreme, far-right members who are threatening to shut down the government unless they get a baseless, evidence-free impeachment of President Biden. The consequences for the American people are too serious,” White House spokesman Ian Sams has said.

The impeachment push comes as Trump, who was twice impeached by the House but acquitted by the Senate, faces more serious charges in court. Trump has been indicted four times this year, including for trying to overturn the 2020 election Biden won.

“This is a transparent effort to boost Donald Trump’s campaign by establishing a false moral equivalency between Trump — the four time-indicted former president” and Biden, who faces “zero evidence of wrongdoing whatsoever,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee.

House Republicans are probing the business dealings of Hunter Biden but so far have not produced hard evidence linking them and the president. They have shown a few instances largely during the time the elder Biden was Barack Obama’s vice president when he spoke by phone with his son and stopped by dinners his son was hosting with business partners.

An impeachment inquiry would provide more heft to the House investigation, especially as it battles in court for access to Biden family financial records.

Republicans contend the Justice Department has not fully probed the allegations against Hunter Biden, and say he received preferential treatment in what they call a sweetheart plea deal that recently collapsed. The Department of Justice has appointed a special prosecutor in that probe.

“We will go wherever the evidence takes us,” McCarthy said.

The White House has insisted Biden was not involved in his son’s business dealings. And Democrats on the Oversight Committee are stepping up to fight against what they view as unfounded claims against him ahead of the 2024 election.

Rep. James Comer, the Republican chairman leading the Oversight Committee, is digging into the Biden family finances and is expected to seek banking records for Hunter Biden as the panel tries to follow the flow of money.

On Tuesday, Comer demanded the State Department produce documents about the work Biden did as vice president during the Obama administration to clean up corruption in Ukraine. Comer wants to understand the State Department’s views of former Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin, whom Biden and many Western allies wanted removed from office because of allegations of corruption.

This comes as federal government funding is set to run out on Sept. 30, which is the end of the federal fiscal year, and Congress must pass new funding bills or risk a shutdown and the interruption of government services.

Conservatives who power McCarty’s majority want to slash spending, and the hard right is unwilling to approve spending levels the speaker negotiated with Biden earlier this year.

McCarthy is trying to float a 30-day stopgap measure to keep government running to Nov. 1, but conservatives are balking at what’s called a continuing resolution, or CR, as they pursue cuts.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said late Monday exiting McCarthy’s office she has “red lines” against any new money being spent for COVID-19 vaccines or mandates or Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Another Republican, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, a top Trump ally, is warning that McCarthy could face blowback from conservatives if he does not push hard for spending cuts.

At the start of the year, Gaetz and other Republicans secured agreements from McCarthy as he struggled to win their votes to become House speaker.

Under the House rules, McCarthy’s opponents are able to call a vote at any time to try to oust the speaker from office.

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US NATIONAL NEWS

Remembering Lynette “Diamond” Hardaway: A Political Trailblazer for President Trump

Published

6 days ago

December 1, 2024

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — November 25 would have marked the 53rd birthday of Lynette “Diamond” Hardaway, the electrifying internet star and one-half of the conservative duo Diamond and Silk, whose influence helped galvanize President Donald Trump’s campaigns. Tragically, Diamond passed away on January 8, 2023, at the age of 51, leaving behind a legacy as one of Trump’s most loyal and outspoken supporters.

Credit: AP Photo/Chris Seward

Remembering Lynette “Diamond” Hardaway: Celebrating Her Legacy on Her 53rd Birthday

A Star in the Conservative Media Universe

Diamond and her sister, Rochelle “Silk” Richardson, became household names during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. Self-proclaimed former Democrats turned Republicans, the sisters used their platform to champion Trump’s policies and engage millions of followers online. Their bold commentary and unapologetic style made them both beloved and controversial figures in conservative media circles.

Diamond’s larger-than-life personality stood out, with her passionate speeches and sharp wit energizing crowds at Trump rallies. One such moment occurred in Melbourne, Florida, on February 18, 2017, where the duo opened for Trump. Florida National News (FNN) captured behind-the-scenes footage and an exclusive interview with Diamond and Silk, showcasing their dedication to the “Make America Great Again” movement.

Diamond of Diamond and Silk: Her Political Impact on President Trump’s Campaigns

Trump’s Tribute to Diamond

Upon Diamond’s unexpected passing, Trump himself shared a heartfelt tribute, describing her as “magnificent” and “beautiful.” He credited her with being a powerhouse who gave her all to the cause, writing, “There was no better TEAM anywhere, or at any time! Diamond’s death was totally unexpected, probably her big and precious HEART just plain gave out.”

A Legacy of Loyalty and Influence

Diamond and Silk were frequent guests at the White House during Trump’s presidency, underscoring their importance in conservative politics. Their YouTube videos and public appearances not only energized Trump’s base but also broadened his appeal to diverse audiences, making the duo pivotal in his messaging strategy.

Their impact extended beyond politics; they symbolized a bold, unfiltered voice in a polarized media landscape, inspiring others to be unapologetically authentic in their beliefs.

Diamond’s 7 Takeaways for Supporters

Passion Leads: Diamond’s speeches showed the power of speaking from the heart.
Consistency is Key: The duo’s dedication over years built a loyal following.
Boldness Pays Off: Their fearless commentary made them trailblazers in the media.
Teamwork Matters: Diamond and Silk’s chemistry amplified their message.
Engage with Your Base: Their direct interaction with followers kept their audience invested.
Adaptability Wins: Moving from YouTube to mainstream platforms, they stayed relevant.
Loyalty Lasts: Their unwavering support for Trump solidified their legacy.

Exclusive: Florida National News Recalls Diamond and Silk’s Role in Trump’s Rise

Credit: Florida Today

Florida National News Exclusive

In FNN’s exclusive interview, Diamond shared her hopes for America, saying, “This country is great because of its people. Our mission is to remind them that their voice matters.” This sentiment resonated deeply with their audience and continues to inspire.

Honoring a Legacy

As we reflect on Diamond’s life, we celebrate a woman whose passion and authenticity left an indelible mark on politics and media. While her presence is missed, her legacy endures.

______________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

US NATIONAL NEWS

Trump-Vance Transition Team Condemns Violent Threats Against Cabinet Nominee

Published

1 week ago

November 28, 2024

FNN NEWS

Trump-Vance Transition Team Condemns Violent Threats Against Cabinet Nominee

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) – The Trump-Vance Transition Team has issued a strong condemnation following a series of violent threats directed at President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and administration appointees. The incidents included bomb threats and “swatting” attacks targeting the nominees and their families.

“Last night and this morning, several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them. These attacks ranged from bomb threats to ‘swatting.’ In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted. President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action,” stated Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for the Trump-Vance Transition Team.

The threats come as the Transition Team prepares for the official handover of power and works to finalize Cabinet appointments. Despite these acts of intimidation, the team emphasized its commitment to the nation’s unity and future prosperity.

“President Trump and the Transition are focused on doing the work of uniting our nation by ensuring a safe and prosperous future. With President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us,” Leavitt continued.

Key Points

Multiple violent threats, including bomb threats and swatting, targeted Trump’s Cabinet nominees and appointees.
Law enforcement responded quickly, ensuring the safety of those involved.
The Trump-Vance Transition Team remains committed to its mission of unity and a prosperous future for the nation.
Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt called these actions “unAmerican” and vowed they would not deter the team’s efforts.

Impact

These threats underscore the heightened tensions surrounding political transitions and the critical role of law enforcement in ensuring public safety. The Trump-Vance Transition Team’s resolve demonstrates its commitment to a peaceful and focused preparation for the new administration, setting an example for perseverance in the face of adversity.

US NATIONAL NEWS

Trump-Vance Transition Team Signs MOU with Biden White House for Seamless Power Shift

Published

1 week ago

November 27, 2024

Willie David

Trump-Vance Transition Team Signs MOU with Biden White House for Seamless Power Shift

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) – The Trump-Vance Transition Team has entered a critical phase in its preparation for President-elect Donald J. Trump’s upcoming administration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with President Joe Biden’s White House. This agreement, a hallmark of orderly presidential transitions, establishes the framework for Trump’s team to integrate seamlessly into federal agencies and departments, ensuring operational readiness on Day 1.

Susie Wiles, Chief of Staff to President-elect Trump, emphasized the importance of this step, stating:
“After completing the selection process of his incoming Cabinet, President-elect Trump is entering the next phase of his administration’s transition. The MOU enables our Cabinet nominees and landing teams to begin critical preparations, ensuring a smooth and effective transition of power.”

Key Highlights from the Transition MOU

Private Funding Commitment: The Trump Transition Team will operate entirely on private funding, eliminating reliance on taxpayer dollars and reflecting President Trump’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Organizational Autonomy: The Transition will not use government-provided buildings, technology, or resources from the General Services Administration (GSA). This independence streamlines processes and reduces bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Built-In Security: The team already has established security and information protections, negating the need for additional oversight.
Ethics Plan Compliance: The Transition’s Ethics Plan, in line with the Transition Enhancement Act, ensures personnel meet ethical standards. This plan will be publicly accessible on the GSA website.
Landing Team Transparency: Landing team members will be disclosed to the Biden Administration for transparency and effective integration.
Donor Transparency: All donors to the Transition will be disclosed to the public, with strict policies against accepting foreign donations.

Impact of the Transition MOU

Operational Readiness: The Trump-Vance Transition Team can immediately deploy landing teams to federal agencies, facilitating a smooth exchange of information and policies.
Cost Savings: By forgoing taxpayer funding and government resources, the Transition demonstrates a commitment to financial efficiency.
Public Trust: Transparent disclosures of donors and personnel aim to maintain public confidence in the Transition’s operations.
Efficient Governance: With streamlined processes and ethical safeguards, the Trump Administration is poised to govern effectively from its first day.