Latest articles from Crooks and Liars

Hayden Panettiere Has Sadly Left Us

John Amato — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 03:00:01 +0000

I first remembered seeing Hayden Panettiere when she was in Heroes, because I had completely forgotten she had played Ally McBeal's IVF daughter in season five.

She was equally impressive in "Nashville," as the diva, country pop rising star that took on Connie Britton's legendary Rayna Jaymes.

I was never a big country music fan, but the music on Nashville was wonderful.

The cause of death has not been determined yet, but she had her struggles.

Panettiere had been candid about her struggles from child stardom through adulthood. She released a memoir this May titled "This Is Me: A Reckoning.

"In the memoir, she shared "a rare and intimate glimpse into her life behind closed doors, opening up about postpartum depression, addiction and recovery, trauma, domestic abuse, and loss," according to a synopsis for her book.

Open thread.

Fox News Admits Juking Up The Gas Price From Last Year To Help Trump

John Amato — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:35:32 +0000

If Fox News hadn't been caught in their lie, would they have admitted this massive error?

FOX: Yesterday, we aired a graphic that showed gas prices incorrectly last year were $4.13 a gallon. They were $3.13 a gallon. pic.twitter.com/WzhgugTli4

— Acyn (@Acyn) August 18, 2026

Fox News graphic claims falsely that the average price of gas one year ago was $4.13, lower than it is right now. It was actually $3.14!

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 2026-08-17T17:13:10.653Z

How embarrassing.

How could any TV producer make such an error? When Joe Biden left office, gas prices averaged around $3.10 to $3.12 per gallon. In contrast, current prices under Donald Trump's second term hover around $4.00 to $4.16 per gallon.

Adulterer Newt Gingrich Is Outraged Over Natalie Harp Allegations

John Amato — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 20:33:13 +0000

Serial adulterer Newt Gingrich is the last person one would think to weigh in on the alleged controversial relationship between Donald Trump and Natalie Harp.

In one sentence, Democratic Georgia Sen. John Ossoff caused the MAGA universe to explode over calling attention to 35-year-old Trump aide Natalie Harp's companionship with Demented Donald.

Gingrich has admitted to having multiple affairs during his first two marriages, the first one during the Clinton impeachment saga.

Gingrich reached the height of hypocrisy when he demanded an apology for Ossoff's observable fact.

The Georgia Senator is fully lodged in the brains of the GOP, and they are frightened of what he represents.

Sen. Ossoff, keep doing what you're doing.

How dare someone insinuate a powerful married man has an inappropriate relationship with one of his staffers
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Angie Nixon Scores Major Upset In Florida’s Democratic Senate Primary

Ed Scarce — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 19:04:40 +0000

Like most, I did not see this one coming. Everyone just assumed Alex Vindman would win, as he had more money, more endorsements, and more institutional support. And that Vindman would go on to lose to Republican Ashley Moody in November. But in the end, it was not even close, as state Rep. Angie Nixon won, despite spending just $60,000 on advertising. Perhaps the most surprising win by a DSA candidate this year.

Source: NBC News

Progressive state Rep. Angie Nixon scored a major upset over former National Security Council aide Alex Vindman in the Florida Democratic Senate primary, NBC News projects, setting up a general election race against Republican Sen. Ashley Moody.

Vindman, a retired lieutenant colonel and Iraq War veteran who rose to prominence as a witness during President Donald Trump’s 2019 impeachment hearings, was viewed as a heavy favorite against Nixon, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, heading into Tuesday’s contest.

Vindman raised more than $16 million for his campaign, a significant number for a Democrat in red-leaning Florida, while Nixon brought in less than $1 million.
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Trump's Favorite Aide Once Rode In A Trunk Rather Than Be Left Behind

Conover Kennard — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:53:44 +0000

Natalie Harp does not do "no." Back in October 2023, when Trump's motorcade was ready to roll to a Manhattan courthouse and there wasn't a seat left for her, the fiercely loyal aide didn't sit it out — she climbed inside the SUV's trunk rather than be left behind, according to CNN, which says the scene devolved into a full-scale lobby shouting match first.

It's a fitting snapshot of the role Harp has built for herself over the past few years: perpetually within arm's reach of Trump, to the visible annoyance of more senior staffers who've occasionally tried to shove her out of the inner circle.

A onetime right-wing TV host who falsely says Trump saved her life, Harp has become something like his human relay system — shuttling messages from allies, booking meetings, drafting his Truth Social posts, and hand-delivering flattering clips, all without ever straying far from his side. One White House adviser summed up the appeal bluntly: Trump likes that she's totally loyal and never pushes back.

Long-time Cornyn Aide Defects To Talarico Campaign

NewsHound Ellen — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:46:38 +0000

Jacob Smith is a lifetime Republican who has worked for Republicans in the House and the Senate. For the last five years, he has worked for Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) as a deputy legislative director and policy adviser.

Now he is deputy policy director for Democrat James Talarico’s senate campaign against Republican Ken Paxton.

“I’ve worked for Republicans like Senator Cornyn my entire career, but this year I’m proud to be joining James Talarico’s campaign,” Smith said in a statement, according to NOTUS. “Instead of playing partisan politics, Talarico speaks to the needs of everyday people who day in and day out work too hard for too little. In the Senate, James will fight to lower costs for all 31 million Texans, whether they’re Republicans, Democrats, or independents, so that Texans of all ages have a fighting chance at the American Dream of starting a family, owning a home, and leaving a little behind for their children.” I suspect the Talarico campaign wrote that statement for him.

While he was at it, Smith blasted Paxton as “unfit” and “the most corrupt, self-dealing politician in Texas who would sell their futures to the highest contributor just to hold onto power.” I'll guess Smith meant every word of that, though.

CNN Pollster Has Proof: Hispanic Men Hate Trump And Republicans

John Amato — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:03:15 +0000

With only 78 days left before the 2026 midterms, Trump and the GOP were hit with horrendous polling numbers for Hispanic men, a group he was +10 in 2024.

Trump is 51 points underwater now, and he's sinking lower as I write this.

The news for the GOP is equally as bad.

Republicans were +8 in 2024 over Harris, and now find themselves down 28 points to the Democratic Party.

ENTEN: That is, Johnny B., by my math, a 51-point switcheroo against the President of the United States. All of that movement that you saw, that historic performance that President Trump had amongst Hispanic men, adios amigos, goodbye, see you later, as Johnny B. was telling me backstage.

These numbers are bonkers.
---
HOST: Okay, how might this manifest itself in the midterms?

ENTEN: But the key question is, will this actually matter when it comes to the ballot boxes?

It's one thing to not like somebody else, but will you actually pull the lever for the other party?

Just look at this.

Okay. Choice for Congress, Hispanic men. Republicans won them by eight points.

Look now, Democrats ahead by 20 points. So yes, what we're seeing amongst Hispanic men and their views of President Trump very much diving towards the negative absolutely look like they're going to have a massive impact on the midterm elections.

Hispanic men now favoring the Democrats by 20.

These are bonkers shifts and Democrats have to really like these.
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Pathetic Susan Collins Is Literally Begging For 5 Bucks In Gas Money

Andrea Thompson — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:00:33 +0000

Pitiful, pathetic Susan Collins is begging her supporters to chip in as little as 5 measly bucks to help her get enough gas to "keep her team on the road," even though her husband holds thousands in stock in the oil and gas industries and she voted not once, not twice, but several times to keep the war raging that's actively making those gas prices so unaffordable.

Highly controversial Maine Senator Susan Collins is currently in the midst of a statewide reelection campaign tour, from Kittery to Madawaska, and it seems she's really struggling to keep the crew fueled up.

In a campaign email sent out this week, the exceptionally vulnerable Right-wing, MAGA senator's team wrote, "Organizing a tour of this scale takes a lot of coordination, enthusiasm, and quite literally fuel. Will you chip in just $5 today to help us put gas in the tank and keep our team moving forward?"

"Every dollar goes directly toward keeping our team on the road, our events fully stocked, and our bus powered from stop to stop," the campaign email reads.

But she failed to mention in this little plea for pocket change that these exorbitant gas prices are her fault, as Collins cast multiple votes to continue to uphold Donald Trump's chosen war with Iran, the very driving force behind skyrocketing fuel prices.

FL-19 Republican Primary: A Carpetbagging Clown Show

John Amato — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 15:44:14 +0000

CNN's Dana Bash reviewed the Republican primary in Florida District 19 being held Tuesday night by going through all the candidates, most of whom had been in prison or came from other states, including MAGA creep Madison Cawthorn.

Steve Contorno's article fueled Bash's segment: A ‘clown show’ of carpetbaggers and characters has upended a Republican primary in Trump’s backyard

Madison Cawthorn came from North Carolina.

Chris Collins came from NY and was sentenced to 26 months in jail for his role in an insider trading scheme.

Ola Hawatheh is from New York.

Catalina Lauf is from Illinois.

Jim Oberweiss.

Jim Oberweiss and Catalina ran against each other in Illinois.

Now let's not forget John Strand. He was in prison for what he was convicted of doing on January 6th, 2021.

What a motley and despicable crew.

Trump WH Sparks Outrage For Dragging A Reporter's Children Into Their Petty Beef

Andrea Thompson — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 15:07:28 +0000

If you've ever wondered whether there is a line Donald Trump and his people are unwilling to cross, let me assure you there isn't.

The Trump White House is currently getting its ass handed to it on social media after they invoked a reporter's children in their extremely personal, public attack against her.

The dust-up first grew legs in the Oval Office, where CNN White House correspondent Kristen Holmes called the President out to his face about his recent moves with respect (and I do mean literal respect) to North Korea and the country's unhinged dictator, Kim Jong Un, questioning whether Jong Un himself had personally made the request to the US President to scale back American military drills with South Korea.

This simple and fair question, which came during an Oval Office event with a California teen lifeguard who recently saved a child, immediately enraged Donald Trump, who absolutely cannot stand to be questioned, especially in a public setting.

"Did he ask you specifically to scale back on those?" Holmes simply asked.

Trump immediately demanded that she "be quiet," telling Holmes, "You're very disrespectful." He went on to call her "loud" and "boisterous" and dismissed her as a "fake reporter" with no manners.

Jesse Watters' Healthcare Plan: Use The Internet To Diagnose Yourself

John Amato — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 13:46:57 +0000

Multimillionaire Fox News frat boy Jesse Watters sh*t on the health and safety of the working class by claiming he refuses to pay for those big babies who run to the doctor for bumps and bruises, refuse to work, and should use the internet to self-diagnose themselves, as he did.

I'm sure sitting in his chair and whining like a bitch puts a heavy strain on all his joints and muscles, just like construction work does.

Watters thinks he's funny, which he is not, but he's attacking the reality that children and adults need healthcare.

WATTERS: So I have my own plan for health care. It's called the Watters Plan.

Number one, the Somali pirates, they stop stealing our booty Number two, you slash immigration, that's just a supply and demand issue.

He begins by being racist, as usual.

And how about get a job Because most companies provide health care If you're 30 and went to grad school and are an Ethiopian barista, like your friend in Colorado, yeah, she doesn't have health insurance because she doesn't work.

WTF does this even mean? Being a barista is fucking working, and his use of racism never stops.

Also, MAHA, ever heard of it? Make America Healthy Again. It's called Eat Right and Exercise.

Maybe try that.

Sure, follow roadkill Kennedy's diet, fools. Eating right and exercising has never been promoted before until RFK Jr said it.

Whiskey Pete Hegseth Is Thinking Of Running For President

NewsHound Ellen — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:42:53 +0000

Smack dab in the middle of a scandal about how he has screwed his troops on the USS Lincoln and dangerously depleted our weapons supply, Pete “WhiskeyLeaks” Hegseth apparently thinks it’s a great time to start stumping for president or some other public office.

The Washington Post reported that the defense secretary was traveling to Iowa in his “personal capacity” on Monday, “further fueling speculation that the former Fox News personality is mulling a run for president at some point … or some other political office after his time in the Trump administration is over.”

Trump Declares Iran Peace Talks Officially Dead In Abrupt, Unexpected Announcement

Andrea Thompson — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:25:20 +0000

In a rather sudden and abrupt announcement made on his failing Truth Social platform, the sitting President of the United States rather unceremoniously declared any peace talks between Washington and Tehran officially dead in the water, as Iran continues to make a complete and utter fool out of him in the ridiculous and unnecessary war he never should've picked in the first place.

Just a few days ago, President Trump made an appearance on Real America's Voice, where he confirmed that he was still "sort of negotiating" with leadership in Iran. Just one day before that interview, he told Axios that his administration was "semi-negotiating" with Tehran, despite Iranian leadership releasing multiple statements to the contrary.

Now, he's saying that peace talks don't even exist.

In his Truth Social announcement that came straight out of the wild blue yonder, Trump declared:

"There are no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Naval Blockade remains in full force and effect. The Hormuz Strait is open and operating. All water mines have been removed or detonated. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

Former Biden Aide Deletes His Social Media After Endorsing Republican

Ed Scarce — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:33:14 +0000

There are more of these Vichy Dems around than most people realize — mercenaries who believe in nothing but their next paycheck.

Source: Mediaite

Michael LaRosa, a former press secretary for former First Lady Jill Biden, deleted his X account on Monday after a rocky performance on C-SPAN.

LaRosa has become something of a darling in right-wing media of late, as he has slammed leftist Democrats who have recently scored victories in party primaries. He has appeared on Fox News many times in appearances that are not unlike those of Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), who routinely bashes members of his own party.

On Sunday, LaRosa appeared on Washington Journal, a straightforward, no-frills C-SPAN call-in show. During that appearance, multiple callers confronted LaRosa for supporting a Republican, former Rep. Mike Rogers, for U.S. Senate in Michigan, instead of the Democratic nominee, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed.

“Yeah, I’m just amazed,” a caller who identified himself as Michael from Brooklyn said. “You might as well be a Republican. Do you want to win the Senate back in 2026? The only way you’re going to do it, you’re gonna need Michigan. And you’re dissing this guy El-Sayed. What’s wrong with you? Are you out of your mind? Yeah, I’m sorry. I’m sorry. It’s just beyond me that you’re– you’re coming on as a Democratic strategist? How can you, how dare you?”
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Jeanine Pirro's Latest Vandal Case Takes Blow Amid Judge's 'Concern' About Her Office

David Edwards — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:33:01 +0000

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro suffered another courtroom setback when Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh freed a WWII Memorial vandalism suspect over prosecutors' objections.

Melissa Farris, 41, was released Monday and ordered to return to Kentucky under court supervision. She is barred from entering Washington except for court appearances and must stay away from the World War II Memorial. A preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 3.

The ruling came from the same judge who has publicly rebuked Pirro's office for collapsing cases during President Donald Trump's federal crime surge in the capital.

Prosecutors asked Sharbaugh to stay — or pause — the release order, POLITICO's Josh Gerstein reported, but he declined.

"Farris will likely be released imminently barring some immediate action by Chief Judge Boasberg in DC," Gerstein added.

Sharbaugh ordered Farris to stay out of Washington — except for court appearances — and to remain away from the memorial she is accused of damaging, Gerstein reported.

Mike’s Blog Round-Up

driftglass — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:32:49 +0000

If there is any truth to the William Blake maxim that "The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom", then surely the Sharkando franchise embracing time travel would be the Hennessey Venom F5 hurtling down the Autobahn towards the palace of wisdom. And that it exactly what happened on this day in 2018 Sharknado did what Ludicrous Field scientist did not believe was possible. when it broke the Ludicrous Barrier with "The Last Sharknado - It's About Time".

From IMDB: "Fin has to go back in time to rejoin his shark-battling friends to stop the first Sharknado and save humanity."

McSweeney’s: Trickle-Down Economics Sues Third Law of Motion for Being a Thing.

The Smirking Chimp: Todd Blanche Just Let the Mask Slip As Experts Recoil at the New Reality.

Mock Paper Scissors: News That Will Drive You To Drink.

Attention space nerds! Scientists find 3 supermassive black holes on the verge of collision inside a distant galaxy.

Judge Threatens Trump DOJ W/ JAIL TIME Over Epstein Files

Cliff Schecter — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:32:10 +0000

Today we had our usual roundtable for The Epstein Update--myself, Ellie Leonard & Kait Justice, but the main topic, gleefully, was unusual. Judge Emmet Sullivan, 41-year veteran of the bench, told Trump's DOJ its lawyers would face jail time if they keep stonewalling on releasing all the horrors of the Epstein files.

Ellie was actually in the courtroom for it. When Trump DOJ lawyer/hack Andrew Block said he couldn't commit to a time frame--in his attempt to continue the cover-up--but it would be “forthcoming,” Sullivan quipped: “Christmas is forthcoming." He followed up with: "You want me to issue another order and say, I really mean it this time?”

Finally, Sullivan was clear the attorneys be forewarned he's a judge who'll “enforce legitimate judicial orders” with whatever means available, including prison. He closed with, “I’m not in a habit of blindsiding people," and have "absolutely no desire to go down that road again,” But he also said that they had better be prepared that prison time for contempt was "not a threat. That's a promise."

Watch the video for more on this story!

19th Amendment Ratified!

John Amato — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 03:00:01 +0000

It took decades of work, misogynistic attacks, and religious pious outrage for the suffragettes to win the right to vote, as men had since the conception of the country.

History: "A dramatic battle in the Tennessee House of Representatives ends with the state ratifying the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution on August 18, 1920. After decades of struggle and protest by suffragettes across the country, the decisive vote is cast by a 24-year-old representative who reputedly changed his vote after receiving a note from his mother."

Moms rule!

Is it any wonder most of those assholes that claimed to be Christians wanted women to stay home as a sperm bank?

Like this fucking asshole.

Open thread below...

(This was reprinted from last year.)

Tiffany Doubles Down On Election Denial

Chris capper Liebenthal — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 22:57:29 +0000

After Tuesday's primary election confirmed Tom Tiffany as the Republican nominee for governor, Matt Smith of WISN's UpFront sat down with him for an interview. Smith raised the issue that Tiffany voted against certifying the 2020 elections and asked him whether he regretted his vote. Tiffany's response was as mealy-mouthed as you might have expected.

SMITH: Democrats have been, and they're going to come at you pretty hard for your vote on the 2020ction. Do you regret that at all? Not voting to certify the results?

TIFFANY: No, no. Joe Biden won the election, and we've lived with the consequences, with the massive inflation that he gave us after becoming President. Inflation went up the most in 40 years; now it's up to us to do everything we can to fix those problems that were created from that.

SMITH: Your vote.

TIFFANY: I'm looking forward, not backward.

SMITH: Do you regret your vote, though?

TIFFANY: I'm looking forward, not backwards.

He doesn't regret his vote, but then admits that Biden won? Oh, Big Daddy isn't going to be happy about that one!

Then again, this is coming from a guy who complains about inflation under Biden, but then ignores how he helped Trump make the inflation rate skyrocket with tariffs and illegal wars. That one brain cell in Tiffany's head isn't working very well, is it?

The question Smith should have asked is: How could anyone trust election results if he were governor?

Van Orden Shifts His Campaign Focus To Fear And Smear

Chris capper Liebenthal — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 22:53:09 +0000

Two years ago, Drunken Van Orden ran on the themes of gas, groceries, and grandchildren. Just like DVO's liver, those did not age well at all.

Gas is through the roof thanks to Trump's Operation Epstein Fury, of which DVO has been a strong supporter. Likewise, grocery prices are skyrocketing due to Trump's tariffs, which DVO also supports wholeheartedly. Not only that, but DVO helped cut SNAP benefits, so people's grandchildren are going hungry.

Unable to run on his record, he goes to the old GOP standby of fear and smear. In his new ad, he first cites God and guns. Then he credits the Second Amendment for getting him through two tours of combat but doesn't explain just how

But DVO couldn't stop himself there. He then accused his opponent, Rebecca Cooke, of wanting to ban guns. The truth is that Cooke only wants reasonable gun safety laws, including safe storage of firearms. Oh, the horror! Then again, DVO has a problem following the current gun laws, lax as they are.

GOP Leaders Roger Marshall And Ty Masterson Sound The Alarm About Drag Queens

RedStateRachel — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 22:53:01 +0000

Kansas GOP leaders Sen. Roger Marshall and Ty Masterson sound the alarm about the real menace in Kansas...drag queens. Forget tornadoes; the true threat to Kansas (and America) is...glitter and heels!

Marshall and Masterson are showing voters how Republicans care about the issues that really matter to voters…drag queens.

The two MAGA politicians are trying to get voters to look at anything but the facts, and drag queens are a great distraction. U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and Kansas gubernatorial candidate Ty Masterson are performing Trump’s greatest hits in their 2026 campaigns because they know the GOP policies are deeply unpopular.

Kansas Reflector Opinion editor Clay Wirestone wrote an amazing piece about the “alpha males” Marshall and Masterson’s hypocrisy:

“The candidates for U.S. Senate and Kansas governor shriek like little girls, flail their hands in panic and beat a hasty retreat behind the nearest piece of overstuffed furniture. Who knows what that drag queen might do to them. If their recent social media posts are any indication, Marshall and Masterson fear they’ll be read to.”
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Jon Ossoff Shakes Things Up: MAGA's Latest Obsession Is Natalie Harp?

RedStateRachel — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 19:58:16 +0000

When Democratic Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff singled out Natalie Harp during a campaign rally, he set off a bomb in MAGA world. Senator Ossoff blasted President Donald Trump, comparing the sacrifices of sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln with Trump’s apparent focus on golfing, stock trading, and personal projects, like building his ballroom. Sen. Ossoff mentioned Natalie Harp because the 35-year-old aide and the president have an unusual relationship.

What Did Ossoff Actually Say About Natalie Harp?

Ossoff said Trump did not want to do his job. The New Republic reported the Georgia senator told the voters at a weekend rally:

“He golfs and trades stocks. See, he doesn’t want to do the job. He wants to build his ballroom and travel with Natalie on their apparently defenseless flying palace gifted by the emir of Qatar.”

Ossoff only stated facts. Americans understand Trump isn’t interested in serving the people. He falls asleep during meetings almost daily and won’t answer questions about his actions (war, insider trading, personal enrichment… the list is long).

Hit Dogs Holler

The over-the-top reaction to Ossoff's mention of Harp only draws attention to the Harp and Trump's relationship.

White House Goes After Reporter's Children In 'Inhumane' Attack Over Trump Relationship

David Edwards — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:51:33 +0000

The White House took aim at CNN correspondent Kristen Holmes's children, saying they would one day be "sickened" by her, after she asked President Donald Trump about his relationship with a close aide.

Holmes posed the question Monday in the Oval Office, relaying remarks Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) made at a weekend rally about Trump and executive assistant Natalie Harp.

Harp, a former One America News Network anchor, has become a near-constant companion to the president — attending Oval Office meetings, managing his Truth Social account, and carrying a portable printer to feed him news stories throughout the day.

Rapid Response 47, the official White House rapid response account, escalated to a direct attack on Holmes's family.

"Someday, your children will come across your disgusting and inhumane question," the account wrote. "They will be sickened and embarrassed to have a parent be so callous and vindictive."

In an earlier post, the same account had already called Holmes a "disgraceful, humiliating embarrassment to her alleged profession" and labeled White House reporters "scumbags" and "the lowest of the low."

Holmes had asked Trump to respond to Ossoff's weekend remarks, relaying the senator's words directly.

Trump Admin Caves On 'Insane' Bulldozing Of Big Bend National Park

David Edwards — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:07:04 +0000

The Trump administration has halted bulldozing inside Big Bend National Park after a wave of bipartisan opposition over construction in one of Texas's most celebrated wilderness areas.

CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott announced the pause Monday, saying he had flown to Texas to conduct a personal evaluation of the terrain. The official said he would meet with local stakeholders and law enforcement before any further work proceeds.

The agency has budgeted $1.72 billion for the project, according to CNN.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection says the work includes one new road, upgraded existing roads, detection technology, and vehicle barriers.

"I just landed in Texas headed to Big Bend National Park," Scott said in a video posted Monday.

"Last night, I put a pause on all activity in that park as far as construction goes until I can get down there and do a personal evaluation, talk to some stakeholders, talk to local law enforcement in that area, and more to follow this week," he said.

Bulldozers entered the park on Aug. 6, CNN reported, clearing brush and uprooting trees near Santa Elena Canyon before Scott's announcement.

Scott had described the agency's activity to CNN as "survey and design work."

Source Reveals Secret Power Struggle Between Trump's Blonde Bestie And His Wife

Andrea Thompson — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:58:36 +0000

According to long-time, infamous Trump biographer Michael Wolff, the President is caught in the crossfire of a secret power play between his 56-year-old wife and his 35-year-old blonde, obsessive assistant.

White House aide Natalie Harp has been the subject of many a recent media cycle, as the young woman appears to be all but physically attached to Donald Trump's hip, quite literally appearing right alongside him everywhere he goes -- a stark contrast to his wife, who has been notably absent from his entire second term.

A recent analysis from The Daily Beast confirmed what everyone already knew: the first lady's public appearances have taken a sharp nosedive since her husband managed to secure himself another 4 years in the White House. According to their findings, Melania Trump was seen in public only 47 times in 2025, just after her husband's inauguration, and only 38 times in the first 7 months of 2026.

According to Wolff, Melania is giving her husband a wide berth because she has no interest in clinging to one side of Donald's body while Harp hangs off the other.