Latest news with #politicaltheatre
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Scott Jennings Slammed for Parroting Lies About Handcuffed Senator on CNN
A conservative pundit got himself in hot water pushing debunked claims about Senator Alex Padilla's arrest during a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) press briefing. Scott Jennings told CNN's Table for Five that Padilla was 'charging into a press conference in Los Angeles, lunging towards a stage'—echoing a claim from DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, who posted on X that Padilla had engaged in 'disrespectful political theatre' by 'lunging' toward DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Video of the incident, however, does not show Padilla lunging for the stage, but rather being forcefully removed from the room while loudly identifying himself as a senator. Padilla found himself tackled to the ground and arrested during a June 12 press conference to address the anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement protests in Los Angeles. In an interview with Fox News after the press briefing, Noem—nicknamed 'ICE Barbie' for dressing up for immigration raids, among other bizarre publicity stunts—claimed Padilla had not identified himself before being arrested, despite video footage from her own department showing he had indeed told officials who he was. 'Anybody who's seen the video knows I repeatedly introduced myself,' Padilla said on Pod Save America after the incident. 'They knew who I was. I was not lunging at the secretary.' Jennings claimed on Fox News that the senator's identification was insufficient. 'I mean, I'm sorry, but screaming that 'I'm a senator, I'm a senator,' I don't know who you are,' Jennings said Saturday. 'I still don't know who the guy is. And so that's not good enough.' Jennings further suggested that Padilla had orchestrated his arrest for the purpose of political theater. 'I mean, it's sort of like porn for their base,' Jennings said. 'There's a lot of capital right now in the Democratic Party for getting arrested. In case of [Senator Alex] Padilla, who if you handed me $10 million right now, if I could pick him out of a lineup, I don't think I could do it.' 'The theater kids have taken over, and they are desperate to create theater,' he added. For fellow guest Dan Koh, a former official under the Joe Biden administration, this was a step too far. 'He is one of two Senators in California,' he shot back at Jennings. 'I think Mitch McConnell would be recognised throughout Kentucky.' Koh went on to say he felt that Padilla's arrest, while 'already concerning,' wasn't even the most frightening aspect of the incident. 'When ICE tweeted it, ICE clearly said that he did not identify himself and tweeted a video where he clearly did,' he said. 'What kind of confidence should we have in our government with any communication from the Trump administration going forward?' he added.
The Independent
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Right now, Trump can do no wrong – except in Washington DC
Donald Trump set the Fourth of July as his deadline for the passage of his 'Big Beautiful Bill', which provides for tax cuts and a slew of other measures. With the odds seemingly stacked against him at the start of the week, Trump nonetheless met his goal with hours to spare. The Bill was passed by the Senate thanks to the Vice-President's casting vote after a Republican revolt faded away; it then cleared the House of Representatives late on Thursday by four votes, after a Democrat attempt to talk the Bill out failed. Expect a ceremonial signing on Independence Day, in another act of Trumpian political theatre. Assuming no last-minute hitches, the 'Big Beautiful Bill" will set the seal on six months that have left Trump with considerably more policy wins than losses – a tally that may not be fully appreciated on the European side of the Atlantic, where mis-steps loom larger than they do on the home front. There has been no end to the Ukraine war in the promised 24 hours, or indeed 24 weeks; no durable ceasefire in the Middle East; in place of a pledge to keep the US out of foreign wars, a military strike on Iran; an early exit from the G7 summit; and an ill-tempered split with his one-time guru, Elon Musk. Add the up-ending of the international trading order with an ever-changing set of tariffs, and some measures that seem very alien to many Europeans – such as seizing and summarily deporting undocumented migrants, with back-up from the National Guard and the Marines – and the impression might well be of disorder, inconsistency, maladministration and failure. For the most part, however, this is not how the balance looks from the Trump side of the Atlantic, where I have just bucked the international tourism trend by venturing on holiday. From there, it is clear that Trump has been testing the limits of presidential power, but also that, more often than not, he has been coming out on top. Add the up-ending of the international trading order with an ever-changing set of tariffs, and some measures that seem very alien to many Europeans – such as seizing and summarily deporting undocumented migrants, with back-up from the National Guard and the Marines – and the impression might well be of disorder, inconsistency, maladministration and failure. That is not, for the most part, however, how it looks from the Trump side of the Atlantic, where I have just bucked the international tourism trend by venturing on holiday. And it would probably be wise for Europeans to accept the truth: Trump has been testing the limits of presidential power and, more often than not, coming out on top. Exactly a year ago, before he had even been re-elected president, a Supreme Court judgment upheld immunity from prosecution for past presidents. In recent weeks, the Supreme Court has largely upheld the scope of the executive orders that he issued by the dozen in his first days in power, as it also upheld his right to abolish so-called birthright citizenship – that anyone born in the US was a US citizen by right. (A similar provision in the UK was abolished back in the early 1980s.) He has won more cases than he has lost on his right to abolish whole government departments. An exception was a recent federal court ruling about the Department of Health, which had the effect of protecting those agencies set up by Congress. This could set a pattern for further defeats over the abolition of other Congress-approved agencies. But the ruling could also go to the Supreme Court, where there could be a different outcome. So far, though, the contrast with Trump's first term could hardly be sharper. Where in 2017 he seemed to meet obstructions at every step, and from every branch of power, 2025 has, so far, given him a relatively smooth ride. This is partly explained by the weakness of the Democrats, Republican majorities in both Houses of Congress, and the timidity of Republican opposition, along with the recognition that Trump won the popular vote. It is also because, so far, negative fallout from his decisions has been localised. It has been felt most in Washington itself, a staunchly Democrat city anyway, with the federal government a dominant employer. It is here where the job losses, the dissolution of departments and agencies have been most keenly felt. Swingeing cuts have also affected foreign service and aid programmes. But none of this has great resonance elsewhere in the US – except to be lauded as part of what Trump in his first term dubbed 'draining the swamp'. There was resistance in Los Angeles, New York and a few other places to the immigration raids, but again, broad popular sympathy is on the president's side. The same goes for the opening of a new pre-deportation facility in the southern Florida swamps, dubbed Alligator Alcatraz, after the notorious prison. Its accommodation would be decried in most of Europe; for many, though not all, Americans, serried ranks of metal bunks and fences like wire cages are the acceptable face of law enforcement. Overall, Trump is being given credit for doing what he said he would do, and doing it fast – that includes extracting more defence cash from the Europeans and trying to 'level the field' for US trade. His approval ratings fall short of a majority, hovering around 45 per cent. But that is still a lot higher than for many national leaders in this time of high public distrust of politicians. These are early days, of course. New trade tariffs have yet to be finalised, let alone fed into US consumer prices. There may be adverse effects of the 'Big Beautiful Bill', which include poorer people losing health cover and states reducing the provision of food stamps, well before any macro effect, such as stoking the national debt, is felt. But a hard-nosed ethic of self-help limits the obligation many people feel towards their poorer compatriots. In this, as in many other ways, the US is very far from Europe. With Trump's possibly most controversial action – bombing Iran's nuclear facilities – being successfully sold to his domestic constituency as a one-off American triumph, Trump can celebrate the first Independence Day of his second term riding high, and the opposition from Democrats, small-L liberals, federal employees past and present, and sections of the judiciary is not – at least not yet – on a scale to impede him. The only clue as to where US politics might possibly go (a) next and (b) to oppose Trumpism came from last week's surprise victory of a young left-wing populist in the recent Democratic primary contest for New York City mayor. It may mean nothing, or it could be a glimpse of where popular discontent might go, should Trumpism fail its current followers.
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
GOP Sen. Thom Tillis won't seek re-election in North Carolina after drawing Trump's ire
WASHINGTON — Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., announced Sunday that he would not run for re-election, one day after he drew President Donald Trump's ire for opposing the party's sweeping domestic policy package. The surprise decision opens up seat in battleground North Carolina that was already set to be one of the most hotly contested races of the 2026 midterms. Tillis issued a lengthy statement about his decision, saying he had not been enthusiastic about seeking a third six-year term in the Senate. 'As many of my colleagues have noticed over the last year, and at times even joked about, I haven't exactly been excited about running for another term,' Tillis said. 'That is true since the choice is between spending another six years navigating the political theatre and partisan gridlock in Washington or spending that time with the love of my life Susan, our two children, three beautiful grandchildren, and the rest of our extended family back home. It's not a hard choice, and I will not be seeking re-election.' After Tillis voted against advancing the GOP's massive domestic policy bill Saturday, Trump attacked him in a series of social media posts and threatened to meet with potential primary challengers. 'Thom Tillis is making a BIG MISTAKE for America, and the Wonderful People of North Carolina!' Trump wrote on Truth Social on Saturday night. In his statement, Tillis compared himself to former Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona — both of whom became independents by the end of their tenures — without explicitly naming them. 'Democrats recently lost two such leaders who were dedicated to making the Senate more of a functional and productive legislative body. They got things done. But they were shunned after they courageously refused to cave to their party bosses to nuke the filibuster for the sake of political expediency. They ultimately retired and their presence in the Senate chamber has been sorely missed every day since,' Tillis said. 'It underscores the greatest form of hypocrisy in American politics. When people see independent thinking on the other side, they cheer. But when those very same people see independent thinking coming from their side, they scorn, ostracize, and even censure them,' he continued. Prior to Saturday's vote, Tillis had privately warned his colleagues that the Medicaid cuts in the party's "big, beautiful bill" would cost them politically. Republicans are now forced to scramble to find a replacement for Tillis in a race that is a top target for Democrats in next year's midterms. A source close to the Trump family said Lara Trump, the president's daughter-in-law and former Republican National Committee co-chair, is "strongly considering" jumping into the contest. Asked about the odds she will run, the source said, 'I'd put it as high as one could be considering it.' Another potential contender, according to a GOP strategist familiar with the matter, is Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., who has aligned himself closely with Trump. But his role as chair of House Republicans' campaign arm could complicate a Senate bid, and it's unclear whether if he would need to step down from his leadership post to run. A source close to Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C. said the congressman is looking at the seat. RNC Chairman Mike Whatley, who formerly chaired the North Carolina GOP, is also seen as a potential candidate. National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Tim Scott expressed confidence the party would be able to defend the seat without Tillis in the race. 'President Trump has won North Carolina three times, and the state's been represented by two Republican Senators for over a decade,' Scott, R-S.C., said in a statement. 'That streak will continue in 2026 when North Carolinians elect a conservative leader committed to advancing an agenda of opportunity, prosperity, and security.' But Democrats are now even more optimistic about their chances in North Carolina next year as they seek to cut into the GOP's 53-47 majority. 'Thom Tillis' decision not to run for reelection is another blow to Republicans' chances as they face a midterm backlash that puts their majority at risk,' Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokesperson Maeve Coyle said in a statement. 'Even Tillis admits the GOP plan to slash Medicaid and spike costs for families is toxic — and in 2026, Democrats will flip North Carolina's Senate seat.' Democrats are hopeful they can recruit former Gov. Roy Cooper to enter the contest, which already features former Rep. Wiley Nickel, D-N.C. 'No matter which MAGA loyalist Donald Trump hand-picks to run in North Carolina, I'm the Democrat who's ready to take them on and win,' Nickel said in a statement Sunday. 'I've flipped a tough seat before and we're going to do it again.' This article was originally published on
Forbes
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Forbes
Thom Tillis Won't Seek Reelection After Opposing Trump's ‘Big Beautiful Bill'
Sen. Thom Tillis, the North Carolina Republican who broke with his party to vote against advancing the spending bill promoted by President Donald Trump, announced he would not run for reelection in 2026. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said he will not run for reelection in 2026. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images Tillis opposed the bill for the extensive cuts to Medicaid, telling voters in a statement released Saturday 'we can and must accomplish this without hurting our rural communities and hospitals, and without jeopardizing access to care for hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians who need it the most.' Tillis was one of two Republicans to break with the party to vote against advancing the bill, alongside Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul. Trump lashed out at Tillis after his opposition, calling his vote against the bill a 'BIG MISTAKE' and announcing he would meet with candidates to oppose Tillis in a future election. In a statement released Sunday, Tillis said he wanted to spend more time with his family and was not looking forward to running for a third term. 'That is true since the choice is between spending another six years navigating the political theatre and partisan gridlock in Washington or spending that time with the love of my life Susan, our two children, three beautiful grandchildren, and the rest of our extended family back home. It's not a hard choice, and I will not be seeking re-election.'
Fox News
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
DOJ won't say whether Dem senator will face charges after derailing Noem press conference
It's unknown if Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., will face federal charges from the Department of Justice after he interrupted a press conference that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was holding in Los Angeles on June 12. "No comment here," a DOJ spokesperson told Fox News Digital in an email on Wednesday afternoon when asked if the department plans to file charges against the Democratic senator. "Senator Padilla chose disrespectful political theatre and interrupted a live press conference without identifying himself or having his Senate security pin on as he lunged toward Secretary Noem. Mr. Padilla was told repeatedly to back away and did not comply with officers' repeated commands," Homeland Security tweeted after the incident. [Secret Service] thought he was an attacker and officers acted appropriately." Padilla was pushed out of the room by the Secret Service and briefly arrested after trying to ask the secretary a question in the middle of her remarks. While he was wearing a shirt marked "United States Senate" and identified himself by name, he was not wearing his security pin. "I was forced to the ground," he said in a Senate floor speech about the incident, saying that officers would not answer why he was being detained. "I pray you never have a moment like this," he added. On Tuesday, the Senate Democratic Caucus wrote a letter to Noem criticizing how law enforcement handled the situation. Despite the incident, Padilla and Noem ended up holding a meeting afterward, which Padilla's office described as "civil," and Noem described as "cordial" even though there were strong disagreements between the two. The senator told CNN's "State of the Union" that he was escorted into the room by the National Guard and the FBI, as he was taking another meeting in the same building where Noem held her press conference. The secretary was in Los Angeles to address the anti-ICE protests and riots that unfolded in the city as federal authorities conducted immigration enforcement efforts in the region. Fox News Digital reached out to Padilla's office to see if he had been contacted by the DOJ. However, Padilla is far from the only one who has made waves for protesting ICE and DHS. Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday for allegedly "forcibility impeding and interfering with federal officers" during a protest outside the Delaney Hall Federal Immigration Facility in Newark on May 9. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was also arrested at the May 9 protest on a trespassing charge that was later dropped. "I pleaded not guilty because I'm not guilty. We will fight this," McIver said outside the courthouse. In New York City, comptroller and Democratic mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested and then released for allegedly "assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer," DHS said last week. He was holding onto an individual that immigration court authorities were trying to take into custody, according to the Associated Press. DHS said last week that ICE agents are facing a 500% uptick in assaults as opposition to the Trump administration's immigration policies continue.
