Texas Senator Ted Cruz discusses President Trump's deportation policy and the "big beautiful bill"
Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas tells Jack Fink about his views on the protests against President Trump's mass deportation policies. He also comments on the report that the President wants Texas lawmakers to redraw the state's congressional districts before next year's elections. He details more budget cuts he wants to see from the federal budget.
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Politico
30 minutes ago
- Politico
‘Political violence is a sickness': Elected officials worry that attacks will escalate
Republican and Democratic politicians are warning about rising violence targeting elected officials in the aftermath of a series of attacks, including the killing of a state official in Minnesota on Saturday. Within the last year, there have been multiple assassination attempts against President Donald Trump, an arson attack on Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence, and the killing of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington — setting a new cycle of violence in the country. That violence culminated this weekend after two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses were shot in their own homes, leaving two dead and two others seriously wounded. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, formerly the Democratic nominee for vice president, went so far as to direct his public safety department to recommend citizens avoid political events out of fear for their safety. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon warned that the brutality his state witnessed on Saturday was not unique to Minnesota, but rather part of the broader trend of political animosity turning into acts of harm. 'Political violence is a sickness,' Simon, a Democrat, said. 'And unfortunately, it's on the rise. I want to be real clear here, we've had recent examples on both sides of the political spectrum. I am really very worried about where this is all headed.' He added that 'to perpetrate it, to encourage it, to pretend to ignore it, all of those things will only further poison our democracy, and I — all of us — have to work hard now more than ever, to reinforce the idea that we have to settle our political differences lawfully, peacefully and ultimately at the ballot box.' According to lawmakers from across the political spectrum, threats of violence and even murder that were once rare are now commonplace, as tensions amid heightened polarization spill over into charged confrontations. 'We're all getting death threats pretty regularly, and violent threats,' Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) said of his congressional colleagues. 'You go online and you just see all of the vile and hate and vitriol that is pulsing through mostly right wing politics and platforms, but there's some of it on the left too.' And the threats don't just begin and end online. 'People have showed up outside my home,' Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat who is running for governor next year, said. 'We've had swatting attacks, we've had bomb threats. I've experienced all three of those things at my home. When things like this happen, it is a devastating reminder of the reality that we're living in in this moment.' In 2020, several men were accused of plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in order to start a civil war. Two suspects were later convicted on charges related to the incident. President Donald Trump recently floated pardoning the men convicted in the kidnapping plot. Huffman said he and other members of Congress are 'taking all kinds of precautions' to boost their safety that they never before would have thought necessary in the U.S. Federal campaign finance officials signed off last year on allowing members of Congress and candidates to use campaign cash for a wide array of personal security measures due to the threats they now routinely face. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), who has young children, said he, too, had beefed up his security in the past year, because 'people have lost all sense of responsibleness and civility.' Lawler said that the 'volatility' in political discourse has 'gotten so hot that people have lost perspective,' resulting in people 'making decisions that result in bodily harm of elected officials and the general public.' 'I think both parties have to recognize that some of the rhetoric really results in grave consequences,' the New York representative added, referencing the attempts on Trump's life in July and September. 'And how things are described, how people talk about actions being taken by the government, just all of it is destructive towards the public discourse, and frankly, put people's lives in jeopardy. And I hope people wake up to it, because it really is destructive.' Members of Congress and Capitol police have been warning about an increase in threats to federal lawmakers for years. But the spike is particularly acute for state lawmakers, many of whom only work part time and do not have the resources that federal elected officials have. 'If Trump has literally the best security in the world, ostensibly, and can't stop it, how could they feel safe?' said Amanda Litman, the co-founder of the Democratic candidate recruitment group Run for Something. 'And I think the thing we came back to is — we want to be really honest with folks — there's nothing we can do to guarantee safety at all times. All we can do is control what we can control.' But some political experts said that the rise in violence is further inflamed by the rhetoric and actions pushed by the Trump administration and other Republicans. 'I mean, it's not rocket science,' Harvard political scientist Steve Levitsky, who co-authored the book 'How Democracies Die' in 2018, said. 'You condone the January 6 insurrection. You pardon them all, or virtually all of them, including those who physically assaulted police officers, and you treat them as heroes. You send around unmarked cars with masked vigilante like agents, abducting people off the streets. You politicize the armed forces and send them in threatening violence upon peaceful protesters. And you condone the physical assault of a or arrest of a U.S. senator for peaceful expression of his views. … You've created an atmosphere that's not just permissive of political violence, it encourages political violence.' Republican politicians are aware of the problem and say so privately, Levitsky said, but are 'worried' to speak up publicly. Trump said of the shootings on Saturday that 'such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America.' The White House did not immediately respond to Levitsky's criticism. The escalating violence comes amid heightened political tension, including millions of Americans pouring onto the streets to protest on Saturday as a counter to Trump's multi-million dollar military parade and the administration's recent immigration crackdowns. Huffman noted the challenge for Democrats of threading the needle between resistance to the president, who Democrats have characterized as an authoritarian leader, and maintaining non-escalatory, peaceful protests. 'I don't want to pull punches, I don't want to stand down in any way, but I don't want to fan the flames that could lead to violence, and so I just try to strike that difficult balance,' Huffman said. 'We're also fighting for democracy and our rights against an authoritarian president who's trying to be a dictator, and you can't sugarcoat that, it's just reality.' 'So how do you confront that without contributing to this ladder of escalation that could lead to violence?' he asked. 'It's not simple.'
Hamilton Spectator
41 minutes ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Military parade kicks off in nation's capital with tanks, troops and 21-gun salute
WASHINGTON (AP) — The grand military parade that President Donald Trump had been wanting for eight years kicked off Saturday with tanks, troops and a 21-gun salute, playing out against the counterpoint of protesters around the country who decried the U.S. leader as a dictator and would-be king. The Republican president, on his 79th birthday, sat on a special viewing stand south of the White House to watch the display of American military might, which began early as light rain fell and dark clouds loomed. It's a procession Trump tried to make happen in his first term after seeing such an event in Paris in 2017, but the plans never came together until this year, when it was added to an event recognizing the Army's 250th anniversary. Hours before the parade was set to start, demonstrators turned out in streets and parks around the nation to decry the Republican president as a dictator or would-be king. They criticized Trump for using the military to respond to those protesting his deportation efforts and for sending tanks, thousands of marching troops and military aircraft out for a show in the U.S. capital. In Washington, anti-war protesters unfurled signs that said 'Homes not drones' not far from a display of armored vehicles, helicopters and military-grade equipment on the National Mall set up to commemorate the Army's birthday. Vendors outside the festival sold gear marking the military milestone. Others hawked Trump-themed merchandise. Doug Haynes, a Navy veteran who voted for Trump, attended the daylong festival to celebrate the Army's 250th birthday, but said that the parade scheduled for later 'was a little over the top.' Pointing at a nearby tank, Haynes said that having them roll down the street is a 'very bold statement to the world, perhaps.' The military procession was set to step off from the Lincoln Memorial later Saturday, under the threat of stormy weather and to the accompaniment of protests elsewhere in the city. Trump brushed off the possibility of both disruptions, with a social media post Saturday morning that said the 'great military parade' would be on 'rain or shine.' The protests, he said earlier, 'will be met with very big force.' Hours ahead of the parade, crowds of protesters with anti-Trump signs marched toward the White House, escorted by police vehicles and officers on bicycles. Some held a giant banner that read: 'TRUMP MUST GO NOW.' The parade was added just a few weeks ago to the planned celebration of the Army's birthday and has drawn criticism for its price tag of up to $45 million and the possibility that the lumbering tanks could tear up city streets. The Army has taken a variety of steps to protect the streets, including laying metal plates along the route. About 6 in 10 Americans said Saturday's parade was 'not a good use' of government money. The vast majority of people, 78%, said they neither approve nor disapprove of the parade overall, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research . The daylong display of America's Army comes as Trump has shown his willingness to use the nation's military might in ways other U.S. presidents have typically avoided. In the last week, he has activated the California National Guard without the governor's permission and dispatched the U.S. Marines to provide security during Los Angeles protests related to immigration raids, prompting a state lawsuit to stop the deployments. He similarly sought to project military strength during his first presidential term, saying in 2020 that he wanted forces to 'dominate' the streets following racial justice protests that turned violent and warning governors that he was prepared to send in active-duty fighters if they did not call out the National Guard in their states. Earlier this week, Trump raised eyebrows during a speech at Fort Bragg when members of the 82nd Airborne Division, who were directed to stand behind Trump, booed and cheered during his incendiary remarks , including condemnation of his predecessor, Joe Biden. There also was a pop-up 'Make America Great Again' merchandise stand nearby selling souvenirs to troops in uniform. The Defense Department has a doctrine that prohibits troops from participating in political activity while in uniform. Members of Congress and military leaders have expressed concerns about the political displays during the speech at Fort Bragg. Saturday's pageantry was designed to fulfill Trump's expressed desire for a big parade that he tried to get done in his first term after seeing one in Paris on Bastille Day in 2017. Trump said after watching the two-hour procession along the famed Champs-Élysées that he wanted an even grander one in Washington. Saturday's event is expected to include about 6,600 soldiers, 50 helicopters and 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks , as well as possibly 200,000 attendees and heightened security to match. The parade will wind down Constitution Avenue, lined with security fencing and barriers. Army helicopters and aircraft will fly above, and the march will be capped off by a parachute jump, a concert featuring 'God Bless the U.S.A.' singer Lee Greenwood and fireworks. It remained unclear whether any protests would disrupt the parade, though several hundred demonstrators assembled in the hours before. Officials have said they had no indication of any security threat. 'No Kings' rallies — organizers picked the name to support democracy and speak out against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration — unfolding in hundreds of cities — were meant to counter what organizers say are Trump's plans to feed his ego on his 79th birthday and Flag Day. Ahead of a rally and march toward the White House on Saturday afternoon, about 200 protesters assembled in northwest Washington's Logan Circle and handed out signs and danced to upbeat music from a local street band, including 'This Land Is Your Land.' The mood was celebratory as the group chanted 'Trump must go now' before erupting in cheers. A larger-than-life puppet of Trump was wheeled through the crowd, a caricature of the president wearing a crown and sitting on a golden toilet. Other protesters waved pride flags and hoisted signs, some with pointed messages such as 'I prefer crushed ICE,' referring to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Other messages were: 'The invasion was HERE Jan. 6th, NOT in L.A.' and 'Flip me off if you're a FASCIST.' With rain expected, there was a chance the parade could be interrupted by thunderstorms. The Army expects as many as 200,000 people could attend the festival and parade. The parade is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT, but parts of it — including the horse-drawn caissons and other units — start at the Pentagon, head over a bridge and meet up with some of the heavier tanks and equipment. Officials did not want the more-than-60-ton M1A1 Abrams tanks and Stryker vehicles crossing the bridge. Timed down to the minute, the march will be divided into sections by history — with equipment and troops in full dress from each period. It will include a total of 6,169 soldiers and 128 Army tanks, armored personnel carriers and artillery, while 62 aircraft fly overhead. At the end of the parade, Trump will swear in 250 new or reenlisting troops, and the Army's Golden Knights parachute team will jump onto the Mall. That will be followed by a concert and fireworks. ____ Associated Press writers Eric Tucker, Michelle L. Price, Nathan Ellgren, Lea Skene, Olivia Diaz, Joey Cappelletti, Ashraf Khalil and Tara Copp contributed to this report. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Accused Minnesota assassin Vance Boelter has ties to Middle East and Africa, runs security company
The Minnesota man being sought in connection with the Saturday morning assassination of a state lawmaker and the shooting of another runs a security company and has ties to the Middle East and Africa, online biographies showed. Vance Luther Boelter lists himself on LinkedIn as the CEO of the Red Lion Group, which is based in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He also worked with Minnesota Africans United, a statewide organization working with African immigrants in the state, according to a now deleted biography on the group's web site. Advertisement 3 Vance Luther Boelter owns a security company and has ties to the Middle East and Africa, online biographies show. Minnesota Department of Public Safety Boelter, 57, who is believed to have posed as a police officer during the shootings, and his wife, Jenny, appear to head Praetorian Guard Security Services, a Minnesota-based company 'here to set up security options and provide security services right to your doorstep and property to keep what you own safe and secure,' according to its website. Boelter has 'been involved in security situations' in Eastern Europe, Africa, North America and the Middle East, 'including the West Bank, Southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip,' according to the Praetorian web site. Advertisement 3 Boelbert is being sought in connection with the Saturday morning assassination of a Minnesota state lawmaker and the shooting of another. Obtained by NY Post Last month, Boelter said he was open to work. Boelter listed food service more than security in his work history. His LinkedIn profile includes jobs at 7-Eleven, where he was a general manager from 2016 to 2021. He also worked at various times as a manager at Del Monte, Johnsonville Sausage and at a company called Greencore, which manufactures convenience foods in the United Kingdom. Advertisement He was twice appointed to Minnesota government by different Democratic governors. In 2016 then-Gov Mark Dayton named Boelter to the Workforce Development Council, and in 2019 Walz to serve a four-year stint on the Workforce Development Board, documents show. Boetler last registered to vote in 2022 as a Republican. In a Nov. 5, 2018 post on his profile, Boetler encouraged others to vote in the upcoming presidential election — and expressed his fears for the outcome. 'I am very big on just telling people to be a part of the process and vote your values and be part of this adventure we are all a part of living in the United States of America,' he wrote. Advertisement 3 In a Nov. 5, 2018 post on his profile, Boetler encouraged others to vote in the upcoming presidential election — and expressed his fears for the outcome. FEVRIER DEVANT TA FACE 'I think the election is going to have more of an impact on the direction of our country than probably any election we have been apart of, or will be apart of for years to come.' Boetler earned his undergraduate degree in international relations at St. Cloud State University, according to his LinkedIn, and later obtained a Masters of Science and Management and Doctorate in Leadership degrees, both from Cardinal Stritch University. Messages for Jenny Boelter, Praetorian and Minnesota Africans United were not immediately returned. Authorities are searching for Boetler, who remains on the loose after cops say he shot Sen. John Hoffman and his wife in their Champlin home early Saturday, leaving them seriously injured before moving on to former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortmon's house, where he is believed to have slaughtered her and her husband, police sources previously told The Post. The suspect allegedly exchanged gunfire with the cops who responded to Hortman's home and briefly cornered him inside — but he got away, and left behind a 'manifesto' listing the names of 70 politicians, including Walz, and a stack of papers stating 'No Kings' in reference to the nationwide anti-Trump protests Saturday, according to cops.
