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White House Warns GOP: Backing Epstein File Release Is ‘Hostile Act’ Against Trump

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) said she got “a lot” of pushback from the White House over supporting a discharge petition aiming to force the administration to release all of the documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

“Oh, I got a lot of pushback. I got phone call after phone call last night. They didn’t want me to sign the discharge petition. They want to focus on the Oversight [Committee] investigation. They hate Thomas Massie more than they can hate any Democrat, which makes no sense to me. And they don’t want to work with Democrats at all,” Greene, an ally of President Trump, said during her Wednesday appearance on Real America’s Voice “Bolling!” . . .

Greene said Wednesday, “It’s not a hoax, because Jeffrey Epstein is a convicted pedophile. That takes away the whole hoax things. It’s not a hoax. It’s not a lie.” . . .

House GOP leadership is urging members not to sign on to the petition, which currently has the support of four Republican lawmakers, and to back the investigation done by the Oversight Committee. The panel released a large batch of files it received from the Justice Department after issuing a subpoena for materials related to Epstein. Democrats on the panel said most of the files have already been made public.

“Helping Thomas Massie and Liberal Democrats with their attention-seeking, while the DOJ is fully supporting a more comprehensive file release effort from the Oversight Committee, would be viewed as a very hostile act to the administration,” a White House official told multiple news outlets this week. (Read more from “White House Warns GOP: Backing Epstein File Release Is ‘Hostile Act’ Against Trump” HERE)

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Trump Ties to Epstein Resurface: Survivor Calls Him Epstein’s “Biggest Brag” as GOP Rep Caught Saying He’s in the Files

Pressure continues to mount on Congress and the White House to release the full contents of the Jeffrey Epstein case files, as survivors, lawmakers, and even members of Donald Trump’s own party demand transparency about who was involved in the disgraced financier’s network.

At an emotional press conference on Capitol Hill, survivors of Epstein’s abuse — joined by family members of other victims and a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers — urged immediate passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which would compel the Department of Justice to make all Epstein-related records public.

One of the most striking moments came from Chauntae Davies, an Epstein survivor, who spoke directly about the late financier’s ties to prominent political figures — specifically naming President Donald Trump.

“Epstein had a free pass. He bragged about his powerful friends, including our current president, Donald Trump,” Davies said. “It was his biggest brag, actually.”

Davies went on to describe a framed photo of Epstein with Trump that reportedly sat on Epstein’s desk during her first visit to his Palm Beach estate. She added that both Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell often boasted about their connections to influential men.

While Democrats are expected to unanimously support the transparency bill — introduced by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) — at least two more Republican signatures are still needed to force a vote through a discharge petition. So far, four Republicans, including Massie and Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Nancy Mace, and Lauren Boebert, have signed on.

But resistance from the White House and the Department of Justice has raised alarms. Despite prior commitments to transparency, the Biden-appointed DOJ has reportedly slow-walked the release of key documents, citing legal hurdles, and recently stated that no further information would be released — contradicting past statements by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who previously claimed the so-called “client list” was “on my desk.”

Survivors and lawmakers say this stonewalling is unacceptable.

“The American people deserve to know the full extent of Epstein’s network,” Massie said. “Sunlight is the best disinfectant — and we should not be shielding abusers or their enablers, no matter how powerful.”

The push for transparency has been complicated by the frequent invocation of Trump’s name — both by survivors and members of Congress. At a recent Muscogee County GOP meeting in Georgia, Rep. Mike Collins was caught on a hot mic suggesting that Trump may indeed appear in the files.

“He’s in there,” Collins said, later clarifying that he believes Trump was referenced because he had previously cooperated with the FBI and had banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago.

Collins, who is also a candidate for the U.S. Senate, doubled down on his support for full disclosure:

“We need to release it. I have no problem releasing it.”

Trump Shuts Down Health Rumors, Declares “Never Felt Better” in Fiery Truth Social Post

President Donald Trump pushed back Sunday against a wave of online speculation about his health, declaring on Truth Social that he has “never felt better” — and using the moment to highlight plummeting crime rates in the nation’s capital under his leadership.

“NEVER FELT BETTER IN MY LIFE. Also, DC IS A CRIME FREE ZONE!” Trump posted, breaking his uncharacteristically quiet weekend after spending time golfing at his Virginia resort.

The post comes after several days of public absence and a blank presidential schedule released Friday, which fueled bizarre online theories about the president’s wellbeing. The hashtag #TrumpIsDead even trended on X (formerly Twitter), as critics and online sleuths speculated about everything from illness to secrecy inside the White House.

Those rumors were abruptly silenced when Trump was spotted Saturday leaving for a golf outing in Sterling, Virginia, accompanied by his granddaughter Kai Trump. The outing marked his first public appearance in days and appeared to quash concerns about his health.

While Trump remained largely out of the spotlight, his administration continued to push forward on a high-profile crackdown on crime in Washington, D.C. — a key talking point for the president. Recent statistics show violent crime in the capital has dropped 45% compared to the same period last year, with overall crime down 15%.

The drop comes after Trump assumed control of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department earlier this year, citing the city’s struggles with rising violence.

Even Democratic D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged the impact of the federal intervention.

“We greatly appreciate the surge of officers that enhance what MPD has been able to do in this city,” Bowser said at a press conference last week.

Trump followed up his health update with early Labor Day messages on Truth Social, touting what he described as a “roaring” U.S. economy and praising his administration’s efforts to “restore American strength at home and abroad.”

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Trump Vows Executive Order Requiring Voter ID for All Ballots, Limits on Mail-In Voting

President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he plans to issue an executive order mandating voter identification for every ballot cast in U.S. elections — a move that could intensify legal and political battles ahead of the 2026 midterms.

“Voter I.D. Must Be Part of Every Single Vote. NO EXCEPTIONS! I Will Be Doing An Executive Order To That End!!!” Trump declared on Truth Social. He added, “Also, No Mail-In Voting, Except For Those That Are Very Ill, And The Far Away Military.”

The statement marks the latest escalation in Trump’s long-standing campaign to overhaul U.S. election practices.

In his latest push, Trump is renewing calls not only for universal voter ID but also for a near-total ban on mail-in ballots and the elimination of electronic voting machines in favor of paper ballots and hand counts.

Trump’s message signals that election security will be a central theme in his messaging ahead of the 2026 elections — the first national vote since his return to office.

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Trump Names Giuliani First Medal of Freedom Recipient of Second Term

President Donald Trump announced Monday that former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. The announcement marks the first Medal of Freedom that Trump has awarded during his second term.

President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that Rudy Giuliani will be the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

“As President of the United States of America, I am pleased to announce that Rudy Giuliani, the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot, will receive THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM, our Country’s highest civilian honor. Details as to time and place to follow. Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!”

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is given at the discretion of the president to individuals who have made “especially meritorious” contributions to the security or national interests of the country, world peace, cultural endeavors, or other significant public or private achievements.

Trump’s announcement comes one day after Giuliani was hospitalized following a vehicle accident in New Hampshire. According to a statement from Michael Ragusa, Giuliani’s head of security, the former mayor had stopped to assist a domestic violence victim and called 911 before his car was “struck from behind at high speed” while traveling on the highway. Giuliani was diagnosed with a fractured thoracic vertebrae, multiple lacerations and contusions, and injuries to his left arm and lower leg. Ragusa noted that Giuliani was “in good spirits and recovering tremendously.” (Read more from “Trump Names Giuliani First Medal of Freedom Recipient of Second Term” HERE)

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Trump’s Tariffs Ruled Illegal in Stunning Blow to President’s Agenda

A federal appeals court delivered a major setback to President Donald Trump’s trade agenda Friday, ruling that the sweeping tariffs he imposed earlier this year are illegal under U.S. law.

In a 3–0 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit found that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) — the statute Trump cited to justify his global tariff program — does not grant the president authority to unilaterally impose such broad duties.

The ruling affirmed an earlier decision from the Court of International Trade, which struck down Trump’s executive orders in May. However, the appeals court paused its judgment until October 14 to allow the administration time to seek Supreme Court review.

“This is a significant constitutional question about the limits of presidential power,” said Georgetown University law professor Michael Ramsey. “The courts are signaling that trade policy — especially blanket tariffs — belongs to Congress, not the White House.”

Trump made tariffs a centerpiece of his second term after declaring a national emergency at the southern border on January 20. By April, he rolled out a sweeping tariff regime that reshaped U.S. trade relations with dozens of countries.

The measures included:

“Reciprocal tariffs”: a 10% baseline duty on nearly all imports, with higher surcharges for countries like China, India, and Canada.

Drug-related tariffs: 25% duties on Mexico and Canada and up to 20% on China, justified as part of the fight against fentanyl and cross-border trafficking.

Industry-specific tariffs: a 25% “fentanyl tariff” on Chinese pharmaceutical imports, a 100% duty on foreign films, and doubled steel and aluminum tariffs (from 25% to 50%).

Automobile duties: a 25% tariff on imported cars.

De minimis repeal: ending the exemption for low-value international packages, meaning even small online purchases from abroad now face tariffs.

At their peak, tariffs on Chinese goods climbed to 145% before a temporary July truce lowered rates to 30%. Canada, Mexico, and India were also hit with duties ranging from 25% to 50%.

The tariff blitz sparked immediate backlash. A coalition of small businesses and 12 states filed suit earlier this year, arguing that Trump’s actions were unconstitutional and exceeded his statutory authority.

Small manufacturers, retailers, and farm exporters said the tariffs increased costs, strained supply chains, and invited retaliatory measures from key trading partners. China and Canada both responded with their own counter-duties, escalating trade tensions.

“We’ve been left in a state of uncertainty for months,” said David Brown, who runs a small auto-parts importing business in North Carolina. “Now at least we know the courts are siding with the rule of law instead of executive overreach.”

The White House has not yet issued an official response, but senior officials are widely expected to appeal to the Supreme Court before the October deadline. If the high court agrees to hear the case, it could set up a defining legal battle over the scope of presidential authority in trade policy.

The ruling also reopens debate on Congress’s role in shaping tariffs and trade. While the Constitution grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, presidents of both parties have increasingly tested the boundaries of executive authority in the trade arena.

For now, businesses, consumers, and America’s trading partners are left waiting to see whether Trump’s tariffs — a cornerstone of his “America First” agenda — will survive judicial scrutiny.

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Epstein’s Secret “Birthday Book” Set to Expose Trump Note

The estate of Jeffrey Epstein has agreed to turn over a 2003 “birthday book” containing messages from high-profile individuals—including a reportedly explicit note from Donald Trump—as part of the House Oversight Committee’s expanding investigation, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) confirmed Friday on MSNBC.

A subpoena issued by the committee’s Republican chairman, Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), tasks Epstein’s estate with delivering all entries from the leather-bound album assembled by Ghislaine Maxwell for Epstein’s 50th birthday, as well as any associated documents such as client lists, financial records, and his will—all by September 8.

“The estate is actually going to now get us that book and a bunch of other documents that they have that’s actually not been reported yet,” Garcia said. “We’re gonna get those documents, as we understand it now, on Sept. 8. And so that will continue our investigation.”

The committee also seeks additional information from the Department of Justice after an unsigned memo indicated that no “client list” exists. Investigators view the birthday book as potentially critical evidence in uncovering Epstein’s network and how the case was managed by federal authorities.

The “birthday book” was first publicized in July 2025 when The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump’s message, reportedly illustrated and framed by the outline of a naked woman, closed with the line: “Happy Birthday—and may every day be another wonderful secret.” Trump has categorically denied authoring the note and has filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Journal and its parent company

Ghislaine Maxwell confirmed in DOJ interview transcripts that she assembled the book but could not recall who contributed to it.

The probe has intensified in recent months following an unsigned joint memo by the Justice Department and FBI announcing they would not release additional Epstein files. The decision triggered anger among Trump’s supporters and even criticism from within his own administration. On the campaign trail, Trump accused the government of concealing aspects of the Epstein case and promised transparency, though his critics argue little has been delivered.

Meanwhile, the scandal continues to entangle high-profile figures abroad. Emails reveal that Britain’s Prince Andrew stayed in contact with Epstein years longer than he previously admitted, even after Virginia Giuffre publicly accused both men of sex trafficking in 2015. In one email exchange from late 2015, Epstein told his longtime associate, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, that the Duke of York was the source of information about a potential business venture in China.

The correspondence casts further doubt on Andrew’s claim in his infamous BBC Newsnight interview that he last saw Epstein in December 2010. Records now suggest he maintained ties with Epstein well into 2015, including discussions of business opportunities and personal meetings.

Epstein and Barak had jointly invested millions in a security start-up, Reporty Homeland Security, and were exploring new ventures in Asia. In one striking email, Epstein wrote of “Weathy [sic] Chines [sic] looking for to start personel [sic] protection co in Beijing,” adding ominously that “kidnapping has begun.” Barak pressed back, asking Epstein where he obtained the information.

The revelations underscore the global breadth of Epstein’s influence and the expanding scope of the congressional inquiry. With the “birthday book” and new records set to be delivered by September 8, lawmakers say they are determined to uncover the full extent of Epstein’s network, and to ensure that the voices of survivors remain central to the investigation.

Trump Administration Mulls Using Naval Base for ICE Sweeps

The Trump administration is preparing to use Naval Station Great Lakes, located about 35 miles north of downtown Chicago, as a logistical hub for upcoming immigration enforcement sweeps across Illinois, sparking sharp criticism from Democratic leaders.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has asked the Navy facility to provide “limited support in the form of facilities, infrastructure, and other logistical needs” to assist with operations. While the plans remain in their early stages, administration officials have signaled Chicago could see a surge in enforcement activity in the coming weeks.

Trump border czar Tom Homan told reporters the administration intends to dedicate a “large contingent” of forces to Chicago, though he declined to give specifics.

“Operations are ramping up across the country, but you could see a ramp up of operations in Chicago, absolutely,” Homan said. “You’re going to see a ramp up of operations in New York; you’re going to see a ramp up of operations continue in L.A., Portland, Seattle — all these sanctuary cities that refuse to work with ICE.”

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has been one of the most vocal opponents, accusing the White House of targeting the city for political reasons. In a recent television appearance, Johnson urged Chicagoans to resist, going so far as to suggest residents should “rise up” against federal law enforcement officers.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker also condemned the plan, pledging the state would push back against what he described as an overreach of federal authority.

“The state of Illinois is ready to stand against this military deployment with every peaceful tool we have,” Pritzker said.

Other Democrats have echoed those concerns. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who served at Naval Station Great Lakes during his time in the U.S. Navy Reserve, criticized the potential use of the facility.

“When I reported for duty at Naval Station Great Lakes, I never imagined that someday a U.S. president would seek to use it as a base for surveillance and enforcement activity on American soil,” Buttigieg wrote on X. “Our military was not set up to cater to the whims of a would-be American dictator.”

The planned operation in Chicago is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to intensify immigration enforcement in sanctuary jurisdictions. Cities including New York, Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle have already seen heightened Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in recent months.

Administration officials have not disclosed when operations centered at Naval Station Great Lakes would formally begin, but DHS sources indicated preparations are underway.

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‘Trump Is Dead’ Trends Online as Leftists Fantasize About President’s Demise

Leftists spread baseless rumors online overnight Friday and into Saturday morning that President Donald Trump was dead.

Phrases including “Trump Is Dead” and “Please Let It Be True” trended on social media and many celebrated the fake news:

One social media user wrote in a post, “if trump is dead i will give 50 dollars to anyone who likes this tweet,” along with a photo of the president:

Someone else shared a gif of what appeared to be a cult ritual with the words “TRUMP IS DEAD OR ON THE VERGE OF DEATH” repeated over and over:

However, Trump was photographed Saturday leaving the White House on his way to Virginia to play golf, Newsweek reported. (Read more from “‘Trump Is Dead’ Trends Online as Leftists Fantasize About President’s Demise” HERE)

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Trump Cancels Kamala Harris’s Extended Secret Service Protection Ahead of Book Tour

President Donald Trump has revoked former Vice President Kamala Harris’s Secret Service protection, ending on September 1 a security arrangement previously extended by former President Joe Biden. The directive leaves Harris without federal protection as she prepares to embark on a high-profile book tour.

Under federal law, former vice presidents receive six months of Secret Service protection after leaving office. Harris’s standard protection expired in July 2025, but it had been extended by an additional year in an undisclosed executive directive signed by Biden before leaving the White House. Trump’s move nullifies that extension.

Officials confirmed Trump’s decision via internal communications to the Department of Homeland Security. According to the directive, “you are hereby authorized to discontinue any security-related procedures previously authorized by Executive Memorandum, beyond those required by law, for the following individual, effective September 1, 2025: Former Vice President Kamala D. Harris.”

The timing of the announcement coincides with the release of Harris’s forthcoming memoir, 107 Days, and the launch of her national book tour. Scheduled to begin September 24, the tour includes domestic and international stops.

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