A Close Call Over Washington, and the Shadow of Last Year’s Disaster

 

[VIDEO] This report from Washington, D.C. was posted to the ABC 7 Chicago YouTube channel.

Spain’s Ceuta Border Collapse: Trump Calls It an “Invasion”

Yesterday and today, Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta was hit by one of the largest single migrant surges in recent European memory.

Thousands of people (Spanish Interior Ministry figures later put the total who crossed or attempted to cross since Thursday morning around 50,000) poured in from Morocco. Many swam around the border fence. Reception centers for unaccompanied minors hit 2,400% of capacity. Local authorities declared a humanitarian and social emergency. At least nine people died in the water. Spain deployed military units to back up the Civil Guard. Morocco cooperated on rapid returns, and tens of thousands were already turned back by Friday.

President Trump addressed it during a cabinet meeting at Camp David. Here are the key lines:

• “I saw Spain yesterday, and I watched the catastrophe that took place. It looks like an invasion of a country… hundreds of thousands of people.”
• “That same thing’s going to happen to us if the Republicans don’t get elected, except worse. Much bigger… our country will be invaded at levels that made Spain look small time.”
• “They’re coming in by the tens of thousands. They’re just invading the country… weak law, bad management, but very liberal law… That will look good compared to what’s going to happen to the United States.”

Fauci Takes the Fifth 111 Times

The below meme says it better than most commentary. A guy offers basic health advice and gets told he’s not a doctor. Then comes the punchline: “Your doctor invoked the 5th 111 times.” 

Chris Cavallini IG

Yesterday’s Senate Homeland Security hearing with Dr. Anthony Fauci was less a fact-finding session and more performance art. Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment over and over—refusing to answer even basic questions. At one point Rand Paul asked what day of the week it was. Fauci still took the Fifth.

Trump: Ten Years After the Nomination

Ten years ago on July 21, 2016, Donald Trump stood on the stage in Cleveland and officially accepted the Republican nomination for President of the United States.

TEN YEARS AGO TODAY: Donald J. Trump officially accepts the Republican nomination for President of the United States.

The rest is history. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/naiiOQSAMJ

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 22, 2026

The rest, as the White House Rapid Response account put it this week, is history.

Trump’s Primetime Address on Elections – July 16, 2026

 Trump’s Primetime Address on Elections – July 16, 2026

President Donald Trump delivered a roughly 25-minute primetime address to the nation from the White House East Room yesterday evening. The speech centered on election integrity, repeating long-standing concerns about voting systems while announcing the declassification and release of intelligence documents.

Shades Down: Trump’s Tense Flight from Turkey

I had to write a far more timely news-based post regarding President Trump's new Air Force One (the one donated by Qatar in May 2025) and why he had to use the older Air Force One planes.

New Air Force One via Yahoo/USAToday

Glenn Beck recently highlighted a revealing moment from President Trump’s trip abroad. In his segment, Beck played clips from a gaggle aboard Air Force One where reporters were unusually asked to lower their window shades on the return flight from Turkey. Beck used the exchange to explore the serious security threats the president faces and how Trump appears to be mentally preparing for them.

Check out Beck's clip here [VIDEO]

Trump Targets "Woke" Smithsonian Museums

President Donald Trump continues pressing the Smithsonian Institution to shift away from what he calls divisive, overly negative portrayals of American history — even as the nation reflects on its 250th anniversary.

Key Trump Statement (Truth Social, August 2025):

Via Truth Social

In more recent coverage, The White House released a detailed report on July 4 criticizing the National Museum of American History for “extreme political activism.” It accuses leadership of ideological capture and undermining faith in American institutions. See full context in this Washington Post article.

Key Moments: Trump’s Independence Eve Address & DC Celebration

 Trump’s July 3 Speech at Mount Rushmore:

President Trump spoke at the iconic South Dakota site on the eve of America’s 250th anniversary, praising American exceptionalism, the culture and character of the people who built and defended liberty, and the unmatched freedom and prosperity achieved over 250 years. He warned strongly that communism is a mortal threat to those principles — greater than past wars or 9/11 — and urged vigilance against its resurgence while celebrating the nation’s enduring strength. The address ended with fireworks, blending patriotism with pointed commentary.

Check out the President's remarks here.

July 4 Events and Livestream Connection:

You can catch Pres. Trump's remarks at Salute to America livestream here: [VIDEO]

On Independence Day itself, the focus shifted to Washington, DC, for the main “Salute to America” celebrations (as seen in the livestream you shared). These continued the 250th anniversary momentum with more remarks, tributes, and large-scale patriotic displays on the National Mall, reinforcing the themes of liberty and national renewal from the night before. The livestream helped tie the Mount Rushmore kickoff directly into the day’s events, giving viewers a continuous sense of momentum across the milestone weekend. It was a straightforward extension: reflection at the monument followed by nationwide commemoration in the capital.

Trump Returns to Mount Rushmore – Same Stage, Six Years Later

Trump is back at Mount Rushmore tonight for America’s 250th anniversary celebration, with remarks and fireworks on the schedule.

Watch it live here [VIDEO]

He did something very similar six years ago in 2020—headlining a Fourth of July event at the same iconic site with a big patriotic speech and the return of fireworks after more than a decade.

Here are a couple of contemporary reports from that visit:

• ABC News on the 2020 event, controversy, and Trump’s personal fascination with the site
• Full archived remarks from the White House

Some moments just have a way of repeating at places like this. Will check in with thoughts after the full event later.

JD Vance’s Swiss Weekend: Strength or Weakness in the Face of Iran?

 I watched Ben Shapiro’s latest episode — “JD Vance’s Weekend Was Worse Than You Think” — and it hit on a key tension in how we handle high-stakes diplomacy. Then I checked Patrick Bet-David’s Valuetainment clip for more on Vance’s side of the story. Here’s a clear breakdown.

Watch Shapiro's podcast here [VIDEO]

The Backdrop: High-Stakes Talks in Switzerland

Vice President JD Vance led U.S. talks at the Bürgenstock resort near Lucerne with Iranian officials. Pakistan and Qatar mediated. Goals included Lebanon/Hezbollah de-escalation, nuclear steps, and keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.

Vance projected optimism: progress on ceasefires, possible IAEA inspectors returning, technical work ahead. Trump kept the hard edge with public warnings about consequences if Iran crossed lines.

Shapiro’s Critique: Optics Matter

Shapiro focuses on the visuals and tone:

• No strong joint photos.
• Moments where Vance appeared sidelined or lightly corrected.
• Language leaning “give and take” rather than dominance.
• Progress claims (assets, inspectors) called thin.

Takeaway: Looks like weakness next to Trump and Rubio’s firmer approach. “Not peace through strength.”

Lebanon: The Flashpoint Threatening the US-Iran Deal

The Lebanon angle is one of the biggest reasons the US-Iran framework agreement feels shaky just days after it was signed. The deal isn't only about the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program — it explicitly ties in ending military operations "on all fronts, including in Lebanon." This reflects Iran's long-standing support for Hezbollah and its insistence that regional ceasefires go hand-in-hand with any broader truce.

Why Lebanon Keeps Derailing Progress

• Linked commitments: The memorandum calls for a permanent halt to fighting across the region, including Israeli operations in Lebanon. Iran has warned that continued strikes there violate the spirit (and possibly terms) of the deal.
• Recent flare-ups: Fresh Israel-Hezbollah clashes — with strikes killing civilians and militants on both sides — led to the postponement of technical talks in Switzerland. Iran briefly claimed to close the Strait of Hormuz again in response, though shipping appears to continue.
• Proxy dynamics: Hezbollah is a core part of Iran's "Axis of Resistance." Any deal that doesn't address Israeli presence or operations in southern Lebanon risks Iran backing away from nuclear concessions or Hormuz commitments.

US officials (including envoys like Steve Witkoff) are still heading to Switzerland for talks, with Vice President Vance involved, but the Lebanon situation adds real friction. Israel isn't a direct party to the US-Iran MoU, which complicates enforcement.

A Personal Look Back at the 2016 Presidential Race

The White House YouTube channel recently shared a video from Trump Tower titled The Golden Escalator That Changed History. It was posted on Wednesday, but it takes us right back to June 16, 2015 — the day Donald Trump announced his historic run for President. [VIDEO]

The video is nicely shot — kudos to the videographer. At the time, though, I honestly wouldn’t have paid much attention. In the years since, that Golden Escalator moment has become an iconic event. It launched a successful campaign that defeated a formidable opponent: a former Secretary of State and U.S. Senator who seemed poised to become America’s first female President.

FBI Foils Alleged Assassination Plot on Trump at White House UFC Event

The FBI has disrupted an alleged terror plot targeting the UFC Freedom 250 event held on the White House South Lawn this past Sunday — where President Trump was front and center celebrating his 80th birthday and America’s 250th anniversary.

What We Know So Far

Court records indicate the plan involved explosive-laden drones to trigger chaos and mass evacuation, steering crowds into sniper fire, with a follow-up assault on White House grounds. At least five people arrested, up to 23 allegedly involved. President Trump was listed among the high-value targets.

The suspects, driven by anti-government grievances, hoped to "jumpstart a revolution." Thankfully, authorities stopped it cold.

This marks another serious threat against President Trump since he took office in 2025, following an April 2026 incident where a gunman attempted to storm a White House press gala.

Why This Matters

Trump Turns 80: UFC on the White House Lawn

Yesterday, Flag Day doubled as President Donald Trump's 80th birthday, and he marked it in classic fashion: with high-energy action on the South Lawn of the White House. While the Iran peace framework grabbed headlines (as I noted yesterday), the evening delivered something unforgettable — UFC Freedom 250, a full fight card right at the People's House.

The Spectacle Unfolds

President Trump, alongside First Lady Melania and UFC CEO Dana White, hosted seven mixed martial arts bouts under the lights of a massive temporary arena called "The Claw." Over 4,000 fans packed in for what’s being called the first major professional sporting event on the White House grounds. The crowd sang "Happy Birthday" to the President, and the energy was electric as American fighters went toe-to-toe in the iconic octagon.

UFC Freedom 250 at the White House (Getty Images)

Happy Birthday President Trump

 I think I'll jump on that bandwagon. Today is Donald J. Trump's birthday, our President. Perhaps the most significant figure of our time.

Trump on Pod Force One: Candid Talk with Miranda Devine

In a wide-ranging interview in the Roosevelt Room, President Donald Trump sat down with Miranda Devine for her Pod Force One podcast and spoke openly about several pressing issues.

The Heated Call with Benjamin Netanyahu

One of the most striking moments came when Trump confirmed reports about a recent phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He acknowledged using strong language, telling Devine he said something along the lines of, “Bibi, are you effing crazy? What are you f'n doing?”

Trump explained that he was “a little bit perturbed” by Netanyahu’s continued military actions against Lebanon and Hezbollah. He pushed for restraint to avoid complicating broader regional negotiations, particularly around Iran. At the same time, Trump emphasized that he and Netanyahu still work well together overall. He described himself as a “wartime president” and Netanyahu as a “wartime prime minister,” noting they have a strong relationship despite the blunt exchange. Trump also pushed back against claims that Netanyahu had tricked him into any actions regarding Iran, calling such suggestions nonsense pushed by political opponents.

Other Key Topics

Newt Gingrich on Pod Force One discussing Trump, Iran, Bill Clinton's impeachment and breaking the modern left

Note: This post was written with the assistance of AI.

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In a recent episode of Miranda Devine’s Pod Force One, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich delivered a characteristically sharp and historically grounded analysis of where American politics stands in mid-2026. With Donald Trump back in the White House and the nation engaged in conflict with Iran, Gingrich laid out a high-stakes vision for the upcoming midterms and the deeper ideological battle facing the country.

Here are the core insights from Gingrich’s appearance, condensed and organized for clarity.

President Trump's address regarding the current Iranian campaign

 

[VIDEO] An address he delivered last night at the White House heralding his accomplishments with the month long military action against the Islamic Republic of Iran and his main goal which is to prevent that regime from gaining nuclear weapons. I'm sure he wants this to come to a swift end, however, the regime change hasn't happened yet.

I have to see where things are with that regime, Trump had claimed they were seeking a ceasefire and that the Islamic Republic is coming to the table. This inspite of the fact that they claimed they will never negotiate.

I do wonder who's actually in charge over there.

The airstrikes on Iran

 After watching Elimination Chamber this evening and following the news primarily online in addition to TV news regarding the strikes on Iran. These strikes are substantial and see that amongst other gov't officials killed in Tehran, the strikes claimed the life of Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Khamenei.

All I can say to that is wow. I was watching the emergency PBD podcast this morning and the Iranian regime seemed to announce that the Ayatollah has planned to speak, however, later on Saturday the regime confirmed that the Supreme Leader was killed. I was looking for some official confirmation as President Trump said he was killed in these strikes, and the Israeli gov't said he was dead.

Now I see that there were some retaliatory strikes by Iran on American military targets in the Middle East and Israeli targets.

At this point the only thing I can ask is what now? Will the Islamic Republic of Iran survive these airstrikes? Will the people of Iran rise up against the regime as they had been since about December last year?

Does this mean that the Pahlavi dynasty will return? 

Oh yeah a little history the Pahlavi family ran iran until 1979 when Iran was known as the Imperial State of Iran - Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was the King before he was overthrown in a revolution. In Pahlavi's place was the previous Supreme Leader of Iran the Ayatollah Khomeini. And we had well over 46 years of a very theocratic gov't that was considered a state sponsor of terrorism.

These airstrikes were as a result of stalled talks on Iran's nuclear program. The concern is that the theocratic regime would acquire nuclear weapons and use them. Last year in airstrikes US & Israeli had struck a severe blow to the Iranian nuclear program.

Either way most of the day on Saturday sees the emerging military operations over the skies of Iran and how long with this continue since the sitting executives of the gov't there had essentially been decapitated.

Here are President Trump's remarks on the airstrikes on Iran [VIDEO]

One year of 47

 One year ago, Donald J. Trump once again became our President. He was elected the 47th POTUS in such a dramatic fashion facing an opponent who was effectively a lightweight. I had quickly declared to my folks that he was going to clean Kamala Harris' clock.

I could see it happen because what did she have to offer? We could start with she's the anti-Trump. OK, and what else? Why should she be our President? In fact, why should she have been the Democrat nominee for President other than she's a woman of color?

She couldn't make the case. She couldn't even come up with a way to distinguish herself from the man she'd be replacing Joe Biden. 

Those who were down for the Harris/Walz ticket (oh yes that Walz who's political career appears to be over), I never really understood. I didn't trust either of them in the White House and they had very little to offer and Walz especially was quoted as saying he was shocked that they didn't win.

I heard this commentary recently how Americans wanted normalcy and they chose Trump/Vance. And they had to qualify it, many Americans chose Trump as normal. To be sure Trump is anything but, just look at some footage of him flipping the bird to a worker at a plant. He's a very unorthodox president to be sure, he definitely isn't behaving presidential right now.

So let's look at the four years of the Biden presidency. The economy wasn't great, the pandemic was really fading by the time he came around and they wanted more draconian measures such as masks and vaccine mandates. Crime in American cities was becoming a major issue, and let's not forget the mess that Trump is trying to solve which is the border and immigration. 

The second Trump administration began the way I likely expected it though with a far more solid basis than the first administration. Both terms are chaotic, however, I'll take that for safer cities. I'll also take that for a good economy.

What I have to figure out is the push for Greenland and how he's going to end that war in Ukraine. With  Trump is back in office I believe the world is in a better place.

The White House FB

The next question is what will year two bring. As Trump used to say a lot in his first term, I hope more winning. 2026 started off with some very volatile situations especially in Minnesota, here's hoping that  doesn't cause a change in Congressional control this year.

Also, I wanted to add this press conference with Donald Trump talk about the past year in office. He talks about the economy, his immigration background, even showed pics of these illegal aliens who are dangerous criminals that he wants out of this nation. [VIDEO]

I had intended for this to be mostly writing, however, it was important to share his remarks on his one-year mark as the 47th President. Also, this article shows how well he's been doing in the polls. Not great right now, independents are beginning to pull away from him. Though not this independent.