A judge ruled on Monday that the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) must open its books and potentially reveal foreign funding sources, the New York Post <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/11/25/us-news/controversial-muslim-group-cair-forced-to-reveal-sources-of-funding-after-defamation-case-against-former-employee-backfires/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>.
The ruling from U.S. Magistrate Judge David Schultz came after the group&#8217;s defamation suit against a former employee backfired. Former CAIR employee Lori Saroya filed a defamation complaint against the group in January after CAIR dropped its lawsuit against Saroya. In its lawsuit against Saroya, CAIR alleged that the former employee&#8217;s social media posts and emails to CAIR supporters implied that the group is funded by terrorist organizations, the Post reported.
CAIR, often <a href="https://ktla.com/news/politics/protests-held-in-woodland-hills-against-rep-ilhan-omar-a-muslim-congresswoman-from-minnesota/">referred</a> to as a &#8220;Muslim American civil rights group,&#8221; ultimately dropped its suit against Saroya, fearing that her legal team would &#8220;demand the names of CAIR supporters who have donated to us,&#8221; but Saroya&#8217;s lawsuit against CAIR has resulted in Judge Schultz ruling that any assets CAIR owns are within the &#8220;scope of permissible discovery.&#8221;
Schultz wrote that &#8220;the thrust of CAIR’s allegations against Saroya in the 2021 complaint is that Saroya falsely implied CAIR received funding from foreign governments and terrorists when she stated CAIR accepted ‘international funding through their Washington Trust Foundation.&#8217;”
&#8220;CAIR points to no public admission that it received funding from terrorists or that it received funding through the Washington Trust Foundation,” but “discovery into these matters is proportionate to the needs of the case,&#8221; he added, ruling, &#8220;CAIR has not shown that the burden or expense of the proposed discovery outweighs its likely benefit, or that it unwarrantedly taxes its resources.&#8221;
Saroya’s lawyer, Jeffrey Robbins, told the Post that the ruling is &#8220;the mother of all legal boomerangs.&#8221; He said that the decision means CAIR must &#8220;turn over evidence about everything from fundraising practices, such as having raised money from foreign sources and concealed it; whether it deceived donors; whether it mismanaged donor money; whether it retaliated against employees or threatened to retaliate against employees for raising concerns about sexual harassment or the like.&#8221;
CAIR was at the center of controversy last year, which caused the Biden White House to distance itself from the group. After Hamas&#8217; brutal October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel, CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/cair-executive-director-i-was-happy-to-see-people-breaking-the-siege-on-october-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> he was “happy to see” Gazans “breaking the siege and throwing down the shackles of their own land.”
<a href="https://get.dailywire.com/gift-guide/">CHECK OUT THE DAILY WIRE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE</a>
CAIR&#8217;s official X account also <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/muslim-american-group-that-celebrated-hamas-attack-hopes-to-have-40-members-in-congress-in-10-years" target="_blank" rel="noopener">posted</a> on October 7, condemning Israel as Israelis were being slaughtered by Hamas.
&#8220;We join @USCMO and the American Muslim community in reaffirming our support for the Palestinian people&#8217;s right to freedom and calling for an end to the Israeli occupation, which kills hundreds of Palestinian civilians every year, subjects millions of Palestinians to racist oppression, and sparks the deadly violence that we see again and again, including today,&#8221; CAIR wrote.

Council on American-Islamic Relations

‘Muslim American Civil Rights Group’ That Celebrated Hamas Attack Must Reveal Donors, Judge Rules

Muslim American Civil Rights Group That Celebrated Hamas Attack Must Reveal Donors, Judge Rules

CAIR

Courts

Judge

Lawsuit

Muslims

U.S.

A trans-identifying male volleyball player will be allowed to continue to play on the San Jose State women&#8217;s team, a judge ruled on Monday, just days before the conference tournament begins.
Federal Judge S. Kato Crews, a Biden appointee, ruled that Blaire Fleming, a man who identifies as a woman, could continue playing after multiple players for other college teams filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent Fleming from competing against women, The New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/25/us/san-jose-state-volleyball-transgender.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>.
&#8220;San José State University will continue to support its student-athletes and reject discrimination in all forms. All San José State University student-athletes are eligible to participate in their sports under NCAA and Mountain West Conference rules,&#8221; the school said in a statement to Outkick. &#8220;We are gratified that the Court rejected an eleventh-hour attempt to change those rules. Our team looks forward to competing in the Mountain West volleyball tournament this week.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
San Jose State sent a statement to OutKick on the judge&#39;s ruling in the Mountain West lawsuit centering around trans SJSU volleyball player Blaire Fleming: 
&quot;San José State University will continue to support its student-athletes and reject discrimination in all forms. All San… <a href="https://t.co/PXzcizGCB6">pic.twitter.com/PXzcizGCB6</a>
&mdash; Dan Zaksheske (@RealDanZak) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealDanZak/status/1861142426758373862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
San Jose State is preparing to compete in the Mountain West Conference tournament on Friday and will <a href="https://themw.com/wvballchamp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">play</a> the winner of Utah State vs. Boise State, two teams that have forfeited matches against San Jose State over Fleming being allowed to play against women. A win for Fleming and San Jose State on Friday would put the team in the conference championship game on Saturday.
A total of four teams in the Mountain West and a team in another conference <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/fourth-university-womens-team-refuses-to-play-against-trans-identifying-male" target="_blank" rel="noopener">forfeited</a> against San Jose State during the regular season, opting to take losses instead of forcing female players to compete against a man. After Utah State and Southern Utah forfeited against San Jose State last month, Utah Republican Gov. Spencer Cox wrote, &#8220;I stand with the students, coaches and leadership at @SUUtbirds and @USUAggies in their decision to forgo their women’s volleyball matches against San Jose State.&#8221;
&#8220;It is essential that we preserve a space for women to compete fairly and safely,&#8221; Cox added. &#8220;Our female athletes are left grappling with this difficult issue because the NCAA has failed in its responsibility to protect female athletes and women’s sports. It’s time for the NCAA to take this seriously and protect our female student athletes.&#8221;
<a href="https://get.dailywire.com/gift-guide/">CHECK OUT THE DAILY WIRE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE</a>
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit, which includes San Jose State co-captain Brooke Slusser, argue that their Title IX rights are being violated as Fleming is allowed to compete with and against them. The lawsuit also alleges that Fleming was given a scholarship over female athletes. San Jose State assistant coach Melissa Batie-Smoose was suspended after filing her own Title IX complaint against the university alleging it was showing favoritism to Fleming, Fox News <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/sports/trans-volleyball-player-accused-plan-harm-teammate-after-taking-scholarship-from-female-recruit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>.

SJSU v Air Force

Judge Allows Man To Continue Playing On Women’s College Volleyball Team As Postseason Begins

Judge Allows Man To Continue Playing On Women's College Volleyball Team As Postseason Begins

California

San Jose State

Volleyball

President-elect Donald Trump is throwing his support behind two candidates to replace Florida Reps. <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/matt-gaetz-says-he-will-not-rejoin-congress-after-withdrawing-from-ag-consideration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Matt Gaetz</a> and <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-taps-mike-waltz-as-national-security-advisor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mike Waltz</a>, after Gaetz resigned from Congress and Waltz was tapped to serve as Trump&#8217;s national security adviser.
Trump is backing Florida&#8217;s chief financial officer Jimmy Patronis to take Gaetz&#8217;s place and endorsed state lawmaker Randy Fine to fill Waltz&#8217;s seat.
Trump urged Patronis to run for the 1st district seat, writing on Monday, &#8220;As your next Congressman, Jimmy would work tirelessly alongside of me to Grow our Economy, Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Incredible Military/Vets, Restore American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.&#8221;
Patronis responded to Trump, posting on X, &#8220;Put me to work, Mr. President! @realDonaldTrump I am here to serve.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Put me to work, Mr. President! <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> I am here to serve. 🫡 <a href="https://t.co/5HcxBtJAmk">https://t.co/5HcxBtJAmk</a>
— Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimmyPatronis/status/1861109273981309269?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 
Patronis also serves as Florida&#8217;s fire marshal and was formerly a member of the state House of Representatives.
Trump similarly encouraged Fine to run for Waltz&#8217;s seat. In a <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113534190029345867" target="_blank" rel="noopener">post</a> on Truth Social over the weekend, Trump described Fine as &#8220;an INCREDIBLE Fighter who will work tirelessly with me to Stop Inflation, Grow our Economy, Secure the Border, Champion our Military/Vets, Restore American Energy DOMINANCE, Protect our always under siege Second Amendment, and Restore PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.&#8221;
Fine served in the state House of Representatives from 2016 to 2024 and was elected to the state Senate in this year&#8217;s election.
&#8220;Should he decide to enter this Race, Randy Fine has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, RANDY, RUN!&#8221; Trump added.
<a href="https://get.dailywire.com/gift-guide/">CHECK OUT THE DAILY WIRE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE</a>
Fine responded to Trump&#8217;s endorsement and hinted at a coming announcement.
&#8220;Mr. President, G-d saved you on that day in Butler so that you could save the world,&#8221; Fine posted. &#8220;It would be the honor of my life to be one of your footsoldiers. Your confidence is overwhelming and I will have news to share soon!&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Clearly Mom wasted no time once she made it upstairs. 
Mr. President, G-d saved you on that day in Butler so that you could save the world. It would be the honor of my life to be one of your footsoldiers. Your confidence is overwhelming and I will have news to share soon! <a href="https://t.co/Zt9Tj3rF6e">pic.twitter.com/Zt9Tj3rF6e</a>
&mdash; Senator Randy Fine (@VoteRandyFine) <a href="https://twitter.com/VoteRandyFine/status/1860428107414426086?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The special elections for both districts will <a href="https://floridianpress.com/2024/11/when-will-florida-have-special-elections-for-empty-gaetz-waltz-seats/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">take place</a> on April 1 and candidates must qualify to run by December 6. Both districts have consistently voted Republican for decades.

Donald Trump

Trump Makes Endorsements In Florida Special Elections

Florida

House Republicans

Matt Gaetz

Mike Waltz

President-elect Donald Trump slammed the &#8220;empty and lawless&#8221; cases brought against him by special counsel Jack Smith on Monday after Smith <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/jack-smith-moves-to-drop-cases-against-trump-over-2020-election-classified-docs?topStoryPosition=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">moved to dismiss</a> four felony charges against Trump.
Smith had charged Trump with four felonies related to the president&#8217;s actions in the aftermath of the 2020 election, but Trump has maintained that the charges — along with the other cases brought against him in Georgia, New York, and Florida — are politically motivated.
&#8220;These cases, like all of the other cases I have been forced to go through, are empty and lawless, and should never have been brought. Over $100 Million Dollars of Taxpayer Dollars has been wasted in the Democrat Party’s fight against their Political Opponent, ME. Nothing like this has ever happened in our Country before,&#8221; Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113545366863200868" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a> on Monday. &#8220;They have also used State Prosecutors and District Attorneys, such as Fani Willis and her lover, Nathan Wade (who had absolutely zero experience in cases such as this, but was paid MILLIONS, enough for them to take numerous trips and cruises around the globe!), Letitia James, who inappropriately, unethically, and probably illegally, campaigned on &#8216;GETTING TRUMP&#8217; in order to win Political Office, and Alvin Bragg, who himself never wanted to bring this case against me, but was forced to do so by the Justice Department and the Democrat Party….&#8221;
&#8220;….It was a political hijacking, and a low point in the History of our Country that such a thing could have happened, and yet, I persevered, against all odds, and WON. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!&#8221; he <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113545366414504634" target="_blank" rel="noopener">added</a>.
Smith wrote that the DOJ&#8217;s &#8220;position is that the Constitution requires that this case be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated. This outcome is not based on the merits or strength of the case against the defendant.&#8221;
“That prohibition is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Government stands fully behind,” the filing states, according to The Washington Post. “Based on the Department’s interpretation of the Constitution, the Government moves for dismissal without prejudice of the superseding indictment.”
Attorney and George Washington University Law School professor Jonathan Turley said he was not surprised to see Smith move to dismiss the charges against Trump after Trump&#8217;s election victory.
<a href="https://get.dailywire.com/gift-guide/">CHECK OUT THE DAILY WIRE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE</a>
&#8220;I wrote over a year ago that there was a good chance Jack Smith would never see the inside of a courtroom for a trial in this case. It made this election the largest effective jury verdict in history by re-electing Donald Trump,&#8221; Turley said. &#8220;The special counsel found himself at odds with his own department&#8217;s longstanding policy against the prosecution of a sitting president.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/JonathanTurley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JonathanTurley</a>: &quot;I wrote over a year ago that there was a good chance Jack Smith would never see the inside of a courtroom for a trial in this case. It made this election the largest effective jury verdict in history by re-electing Donald Trump.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/UFmucqjs99">pic.twitter.com/UFmucqjs99</a>
&mdash; Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrumpWarRoom/status/1861123146121621680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Tim Pearce contributed to this report.

‘I Persevered, Against All Odds, And Won’: Trump Celebrates After Jack Smith Files To Drop Charges

'I Persevered, Against All Odds, And Won': Trump Celebrates After Jack Smith Files To Drop Charges

2024 Election

Jack Smith

Nearly three weeks after the polls closed on Election Day, voters are still waiting for the final results in three U.S. House races: two in California and one in Iowa.
Republicans will hold a slim majority in the 119th Congress, but the exact size of that majority remains up in the air as the final results for three close races remain unknown. The Associated Press and Decision Desk HQ have yet to declare a winner in the races for California&#8217;s 13th and 45th Congressional districts. The AP also has not made a call in the race for Iowa&#8217;s 1st Congressional district, as ballots continue to be counted.
According to the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/11/05/us/elections/results-california-us-house-13.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">latest count</a> in California&#8217;s 13th district, Republican Rep. John Duarte holds a 204-vote lead over Democrat Adam Gray. Fox News <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/size-slim-republican-house-majority-hangs-5-uncalled-races" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that less than 3% of the vote still needs to be counted. The contest is similar to the 2022 midterm election when Duarte <a href="https://californiaglobe.com/fr/13th-house-district-race-between-duarte-gray-within-351-votes-with-98-of-the-vote-in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">won</a> over Gray in what was the closest House race in the country, squeaking out a victory by just 564 votes. The 2022 race wasn&#8217;t called until early December.
In California&#8217;s 45th Congressional district, Democrat Derek Tran leads Republican Rep. Michelle Steel by 545 votes, according to <a href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/11/25/election-2024-results-derek-tran-adds-a-little-to-his-lead-over-michelle-steel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Mercury News</a>. Ninety-nine percent of the vote in the 45th district race has been counted.
In Iowa, Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks is hoping to hold onto her slight lead over Democrat Christina Bohannan as a recount of the race began over the weekend. Miller-Meeks leads by 800 votes and <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/incumbent-iowa-republican-says-dem-house-opponent-wasting-taxpayer-money-recount" target="_blank" rel="noopener">slammed</a> her opponent&#8217;s recount request as a waste of &#8220;taxpayer money.&#8221; Decision Desk HQ has called the race for Miller-Meeks, but the Associated Press has not declared a winner.
<a href="https://get.dailywire.com/gift-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CHECK OUT THE DAILY WIRE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE</a>
According to the AP&#8217;s results, Republicans hold 219 seats to Democrats&#8217; 213. If the current results hold in each of the uncalled House races, the final tally would be 221 seats for the GOP and 214 for the Democrats. Republicans will also be faced with special elections to replace Reps. <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-offers-elise-stefanik-u-n-ambassadorship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Elise Stefanik</a> (NY) and <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-taps-mike-waltz-as-national-security-advisor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mike Waltz</a> (FL), who were tapped to serve in the new Trump administration, and former Florida Rep. <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/matt-gaetz-says-he-will-not-rejoin-congress-after-withdrawing-from-ag-consideration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Matt Gaetz, </a>who resigned.

House GOP Leadership

Multiple House Races Remain Uncalled Nearly 3 Weeks After Election

Elections

Iowa

Politics

U.S. House of Representatives

By a one-vote margin, the Texas State Board of Education approved <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/texas-moves-closer-to-approving-biblical-material-in-public-school-curriculum" target="_blank" rel="noopener">optional biblical teachings</a> in the state&#8217;s elementary public school curriculum.
The curriculum, Bluebonnet Learning, includes Christian teachings and biblical references, such as Jesus’ parable of “The Good Samaritan” and the “Golden Rule.” The Texas Tribune <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2024/11/19/texas-sboe-bible-christianity-curriculum/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that school districts can choose whether to use the curriculum, but the state will offer districts $60 per student to implement the Christian-based lessons. All four Democrats on the board voted against approving the curriculum, along with three Republicans.
The curriculum was also supported by Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who said the lessons would &#8220;allow our students to better understand the connection of history, art, community, literature and religion on pivotal events like the signing of the U.S. Constitution, the Civil Rights Movement and the American Revolution,&#8221; <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/19/us/texas-bible-curriculum-public-schools.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according</a> to The New York Times.
Staci Childs, a Democrat and attorney who voted against the curriculum&#8217;s approval, said it will likely be challenged in court.
“So if those facts alone, if a parent or a teacher who didn’t feel comfortable teaching this were to bring this up to a court, I believe they would be successful,&#8221; she <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/rcna181415" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>, according to NBC News. &#8220;And in my good conscience, in protecting my bar license, I just do not feel that these materials are yet reflective of the experiences and the nuance of Texas students.&#8221;
Other Democrats on the board who voted against the curriculum&#8217;s approval expressed concern that it would force Christianity on public school children, according to The Texas Tribune. Republican Will Hickman, on the other hand, argued that it&#8217;s important for students to &#8220;be exposed to&#8221; the Bible&#8217;s teachings.
“In my view, these stories are on the education side and are establishing cultural literacy,” Hickman said. “And there’s religious concepts like the Good Samaritan and the Golden Rule and Moses that all students should be exposed to.”
<a href="https://get.dailywire.com/gift-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CHECK OUT THE DAILY WIRE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE</a>
Earlier this week, parents spoke at the State Board of Education with some arguing against the curriculum and others defending it, arguing that Christianity and the Bible are inseparable from American history. The New York Times reported that one mother, who is also a substitute teacher, told the board that Jesus’ incarnation “is and always will be the hinge of all of history.”
“How would the canceling of such fundamental facts serve the education of our children or contribute to shape them morally?” she asked.

Students walking in corridor

Texas Board Of Education Narrowly Approves Biblical Material In Public School Curriculum

Bible

Christianity

Education

Elementary Schools

Texas

American consumer sentiment is on the rise, especially among Republicans, following Donald Trump&#8217;s landslide victory over Vice President Kamala Harris earlier this month.
The University of Michigan&#8217;s Consumer Sentiment Index rose to 71.8 in November, which marks the highest point since April, Reuters <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/us-consumer-sentiment-ticks-up-shows-post-election-partisan-flip-2024-11-22/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>. Consumer sentiment was rising before the election, but the latest report shows a massive spike among Republicans who are more optimistic about the economy following Trump&#8217;s win.
&#8220;Overall, the stability of national sentiment this month obscures discordant partisan patterns,&#8221; said Surveys of Consumers Director Joanne Hsu. &#8220;In a mirror image of November 2020, the expectations index surged for Republicans and fell for Democrats this month, a reflection of the two groups’ incongruous views of how Trump’s policies will influence the economy.&#8221;
“Ultimately, substantial uncertainty remains over the future implementation of Trump’s economic agenda, and consumers will continue to re-calibrate their views in the months ahead,” Hsu added.
Among Republicans, consumer sentiment shot up by 15.5 points, while it dropped among Democrats by 10.1 points. Consumer sentiment also slightly ticked down among independents. Future expectations also increased among Republicans by nearly 30 points while falling among Democrats by more than 18 points, the Washington Examiner <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/finance-and-economy/3239226/consumer-sentiment-surges-among-republicans-following-trump-win/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>.
The report comes as shoppers head to stores and look online for Black Friday and Christmas deals.
In the final weeks before the election, the consumer price index, which measures the general cost of goods and services across the country, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/inflation-hotter-than-expected-in-final-report-before-election" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increased</a> 0.2% when seasonally adjusted. Eggs were 8.4% higher, nearly 40% more expensive than a year ago. Butter was 2.8% higher, almost 8% more expensive than a year ago.
Americans look forward to potentially lower inflation, with year-ahead inflation expectations falling to 2.6% this month. Inflation under President Joe Biden reached 9.1% in June of 2022 after Americans grew accustomed to an inflation rate of less than 2% when Trump was in office.
Trump made the economy and inflation major issues of his campaign, promising to address them mainly by lowering energy prices. In September, during a town hall meeting in Flint, Michigan, Trump was <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-says-addressing-economic-woes-begins-with-one-issue" target="_blank" rel="noopener">asked</a> how he would “bring down the cost of food and groceries” as many families struggle to pay their bills.
<a href="https://get.dailywire.com/gift-guide/">CHECK OUT THE DAILY WIRE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE</a>
“We have to start always with energy,” Trump replied. “I don’t want to be boring about it, but there’s no bigger subject that covers everything. If you make donuts, if you make cars, whatever you make, energy is a big deal.”
“And it’s my ambition to get your energy bill within 12 months down 50%,” he added. “If I can do that, we’ve done a hell of a job … [and] interest rates are going to follow.”
Mairead Elordi contributed to this report.

Shoppers Ahead Of US Retail Sales Figures Release

Consumer Sentiment Skyrockets Among Republicans Following Trump’s Victory

Consumer Sentiment Skyrockets Among Republicans Following Trump's Victory

Economy

Inflation

Joe Biden

Americans are expressing &#8220;warmer&#8221; feelings toward President-elect Donald Trump after his 2024 election victory than after the 2016 and 2020 elections, according to <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/11/22/public-narrowly-approves-of-trumps-plans-most-are-skeptical-he-will-unify-the-country/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">survey results</a> published by Pew Research Center on Friday.
A majority of Americans (53%) said they approve of Trump&#8217;s plans for his second term, while 46% disapprove, according to Pew Research. The survey, which received responses from more than 9,500 adults from November 12 to 17, showed that Americans expressed the most confidence in Trump&#8217;s ability to handle economic policy (59%), law enforcement and criminal justice (54%), immigration (53%), and foreign policy (53%).
On the issues of abortion and unifying the country, however, fewer Americans expressed confidence in Trump&#8217;s plans — 45% are confident in Trump&#8217;s handling of abortion, while 41% are confident that he can unite the country.
Pew also asked respondents to indicate how they felt about Trump, ranging from &#8220;very warm&#8221; and &#8220;warm&#8221; to &#8220;cold&#8221; and &#8220;very cold.&#8221; Forty-three percent of respondents said they felt &#8220;warm&#8221; or &#8220;very warm&#8221; toward Trump, a significant increase from 34% after the 2020 election and 36% after the 2016 election.
The positive results for Trump from the Pew survey come just days after a Harvard CAPS/Harris poll showing that 54% of Americans approve of the job Trump is doing as he prepares for another term, The Hill <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4998260-majority-of-voters-approve-of-trump-poll-shows/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>. According to the poll, 91% of Republicans, 49% of independents, and 22% of Democrats approve of how Trump is handling the transition period.
Americans have already received a glimpse into what Trump&#8217;s second term will look like as the president-elect quickly got to work naming people to fill important cabinet positions. Trump has also signaled that he will waste no time in implementing his campaign pledge for mass deportations, tapping former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/heres-what-trumps-incoming-border-czar-has-said-and-done-about-deportations-border-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tom Homan</a> to serve as his &#8220;border czar.&#8221;
<a href="https://get.dailywire.com/gift-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CHECK OUT THE DAILY WIRE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE</a>
Trump&#8217;s approval is also spiking among young adults, according to a recent YouGov poll. The survey, conducted between November 17 and 19, showed Trump boasting a 57% approval rating among Americans aged 18 to 29 — a 19-point increase from a YouGov poll conducted earlier in the month, according to <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trumps-favorability-surges-nearly-20-points-young-americans-1989128" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Newsweek</a>.
Trump cruised to a landslide victory over Vice President Kamala Harris on November 5, taking 312 electoral votes to Harris&#8217; 226. Trump is also leading in the popular vote by more than 2.5 million votes as ballots continue to be counted in some states.
In 2017, Trump entered office underwater by 2 points in his approval rating, according to <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/203198/presidential-approval-ratings-donald-trump.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gallup</a>. During his four years in office, Trump&#8217;s approval rating reached 49% in early 2020 before dipping to 34% by the end of his term.

53% Of Americans Approve Of Trump’s 2nd Term Plans: Pew Research

53% Of Americans Approve Of Trump's 2nd Term Plans: Pew Research

Executive

Job Approval

Poll

Trump Administration

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) said on Friday that he will not rejoin Congress in January after <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-matt-gaetz-withdraws-name-from-ag-consideration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">withdrawing</a> his name from consideration for attorney general.
Gaetz told conservative commentator Charlie Kirk during an interview, “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress,” CNN <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/22/politics/gaetz-not-rejoining-congress/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>.
The former Florida congressman resigned from the 118th Congress earlier this month after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him for attorney general. His withdrawal from AG consideration on Thursday <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/can-matt-gaetz-make-a-house-comeback-next-year" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prompted</a> journalists to immediately begin exploring whether Gaetz could return to the House next year to serve since he won his November election.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Matt Gaetz tells Charlie Kirk he does not plan to return to Congress:
“I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress.” <a href="https://t.co/VVOCoBfu5T">pic.twitter.com/VVOCoBfu5T</a>
&mdash; The Recount (@therecount) <a href="https://twitter.com/therecount/status/1860006982553416149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The nomination of Gaetz, a staunch Trump loyalist, was immediately criticized by Democrats and some Republicans, who expressed concern over the investigations into Gaetz over alleged sexual misconduct. Gaetz announced his decision to drop out of attorney general consideration on Thursday after meeting with senators on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. He said it was “clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.”
The House Ethics Committee has weighed releasing a report on Gaetz after looking into the sexual misconduct allegations against him. CNN <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/21/politics/matt-gaetz-second-sexual-encounter-minor/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> on Thursday that the Ethics Committee was told of a second alleged sexual encounter between Gaetz and a 17-year-old girl in 2017. According to CNN, Gaetz announced that he was withdrawing his name 45 minutes after reporters had asked for comment from him on the second allegation.
Trump tapped former Florida Attorney General <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/republicans-praise-bondi-following-nomination-shell-be-an-incredible-attorney-general" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pam Bondi</a> to replace Gaetz as the attorney general nominee on Thursday, a move praised by Gaetz.
&#8220;@PamBondi is a stellar selection by President Trump for Attorney General,&#8221; Gaetz <a href="https://x.com/mattgaetz/status/1859753489062154581" target="_blank" rel="noopener">posted</a> on X. &#8220;Pam and I worked closely together when she was Florida’s Attorney General and I chaired Criminal Justice in the state house. She’s a proven litigator, an inspiring leader and a champion for all Americans. She will bring the needed reforms to DOJ.&#8221;
<a href="https://get.dailywire.com/gift-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CHECK OUT THE DAILY WIRE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE</a>
To fill Gaetz&#8217;s seat, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis called for a special election, and Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd <a href="https://www.pnj.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/11/21/matt-gaetz-special-election-salzman-rudman-running-to-fill-seat/76450951007/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> an election date would be announced as soon as possible. Republicans hold a slim majority in the House, but the party isn&#8217;t concerned about losing Gaetz&#8217;s seat as Florida&#8217;s 1st district is deep red.
Gaetz told Kirk on Friday, “There are a number of fantastic Floridians who’ve stepped up to run for my seat, people who have inspired with their heroism, with their public service. And I’m actually excited to see Northwest Florida go to new heights and have great representation.&#8221;
“I’m going to be fighting for President Trump,&#8221; he added. &#8220;I’m going to be doing whatever he asks of me, as I always have. But I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress.”
Daniel Chaitin contributed to this report.

Matt Gaetz Says He Will Not Rejoin Congress After Withdrawing From AG Consideration

Attorney General

Congress

Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced a bill on Thursday that would abolish the Department of Education, a move that has been pushed by President-elect Donald Trump and his allies.
The bill, titled &#8220;Returning Education to Our States Act,&#8221; would move the critical programs of the department to other federal government agencies, Fox News <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gop-senator-debuts-bill-abolish-education-department-following-trump-campaign-promise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>. Rounds argued that local officials should be given more control over education.
&#8220;The federal Department of Education has never educated a single student, and it’s long past time to end this bureaucratic Department that causes more harm than good,&#8221; Rounds said in a statement. &#8220;We all know local control is best when it comes to education. Everyone raised in South Dakota can think of a teacher who played a big part in their educational journey. Local school boards and state Departments of Education know best what their students need, not unelected bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.&#8221;
The Department of Education was <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/20/politics/department-of-education-shut-down-trump/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">created</a> in 1979 when President Jimmy Carter signed legislation making it a cabinet-level agency. Rounds&#8217; bill would return the U.S. to pre-1979 practices when other federal government agencies handled education issues.
If signed into law, the &#8220;Returning Education to Our States Act&#8221; would require the Department of Health and Human Services to take over disability programs, the Department of Labor would become responsible for career programs, the State Department would take over &#8220;research and training efforts overseas,&#8221; loan and grant programs would fall under the Department of Treasury, and American Indian education programs would become the responsibility of the Department of the Interior.
Trump promised on the campaign trail to &#8220;drain the government education swamp and stop the abuse of your taxpayer dollars to indoctrinate America’s youth with all sorts of things that you don’t want to have our youth hearing.&#8221; The president-elect <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-taps-linda-mcmahon-for-education-secretary-says-she-will-fight-tirelessly-for-school-choice">tapped</a> Linda McMahon for Education Secretary earlier this week, saying she will “fight tirelessly” to expand school choice in every state and “empower parents to make the best education decisions for their families.”
<a href="https://get.dailywire.com/gift-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CHECK OUT THE DAILY WIRE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE</a>
“As a strong supporter of school choice and parental rights, there is no one better to expel the woke agenda in our education system and put our children first,” Trump said of McMahon.
Since President Ronald Reagan, Republicans have <a href="https://www.cato.org/commentary/elimination-lost-what-happened-abolishing-department-education" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pledged</a> to eliminate the Department of Education with no results. While Rounds&#8217; bill likely won&#8217;t get anywhere under the current Democrat-controlled Senate, Republicans will have a chance to pass the legislation once the party takes over control of the Senate and the White House, along with keeping control of the House, in January.
&#8220;For years, I’ve worked toward removing the federal Department of Education. I’m pleased that President-elect Trump shares this vision, and I’m excited to work with him and Republican majorities in the Senate and House to make this a reality,&#8221; Rounds said. &#8220;This legislation is a roadmap to eliminating the federal Department of Education by practically rehoming these federal programs in the departments where they belong, which will be critical as we move into next year.&#8221;

Mike Rounds

Senate Republican Introduces Bill To Eliminate Department Of Education

Department of Education

Federal Government

Senate

A father, grandfather, and Michigan pastor died from his injuries after he was struck by a vehicle driven by an illegal immigrant earlier this month, and now his family is speaking out about the &#8220;senseless&#8221; killing.
Stephen Singleton, 72, was on one of his routine morning walks in Rochester Hills, Michigan, on November 3 when he was hit while crossing the street, ABC 7 <a href="https://www.wxyz.com/news/family-mourns-loss-of-72-year-old-pedestrian-hit-by-car-killed-in-rochester-hills" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>. According to investigators, Singleton was wearing a reflective vest and was using the marked crosswalk when he was hit. Authorities do not believe speed or alcohol played a role in the deadly crash. One witness told ABC 7 that the driver ran a red light before hitting Singleton.
The Oakland County Sheriff&#8217;s Office said the driver of the vehicle is an illegal immigrant from Colombia. Michigan state law <a href="https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/sos/10lawensn/Foreign_DL_countries_palm_card.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">allows</a> non-citizens to drive in the state as long as they have a foreign driver&#8217;s license that &#8220;is printed in English or accompanied with an English translation.&#8221;
According to Singleton&#8217;s family, the illegal immigrant suspect was released from custody after the crash.
&#8220;I had to sit and watch my husband of 53 years die in front of me and then to know that the person who did this is walking around is very difficult to deal with,&#8221; Singleton&#8217;s wife, Teri, said, according to <a href="https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/family-well-known-detroit-area-pastor-killed-crash-questions-why-suspect-was-released?taid=673ebacf04c1de0001975d25&amp;utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_medium=trueanthem&amp;utm_source=twitter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fox 2</a>.
&#8220;He’s dead and they’re walking around. That’s bothering me,&#8221; Teri added.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
🚨 Oakland County, MI: Earlier this month, Stephen Singleton, a 72-year-old Detroit-area pastor, was struck and killed crossing the street on a crosswalk while wearing a reflective vest.
From <a href="https://twitter.com/wxyzdetroit?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wxyzdetroit</a>: &quot;The&#8230;Sheriff&#39;s Office says the driver is a citizen of Colombia who was… <a href="https://t.co/TIaEdOB1Bp">pic.twitter.com/TIaEdOB1Bp</a>
&mdash; Illegal Alien Crimes (@ImmigrantCrimes) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImmigrantCrimes/status/1859623116919439646?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The Oakland County Sheriff&#8217;s Office did not respond to a Daily Wire request for comment.
Customs and Border Protection said that the suspect crossed into the U.S. illegally before being released into the country pending a future court date.
Singleton&#8217;s family said the 72-year-old Michigan man was a dedicated servant and a former medic. He also volunteered his service at Ground Zero after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
<a href="https://www.amiracist.com/?_gl=1*jtghwp*_gcl_au*ODQ1NjYzNTg2LjE3Mjg5MDk3OTE.*_ga*MTc2NzM0NDQ2NS4xNzI4OTA5Nzkx*_ga_CZKR9ZYKJP*MTczMDEyMDgwOS40OS4xLjE3MzAxMjA4MzkuMzAuMC4w" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ NOW STREAMING ON DAILYWIRE+</a>
&#8220;I started tearing because I couldn&#8217;t find survivors,&#8221; Singleton said during a 2022 interview about looking for survivors after the 9/11 attacks. &#8220;We would find people who were perished, but we couldn&#8217;t find survivors.&#8221;
Singleton&#8217;s daughter Ruth told ABC 7, “One day, I wake up and just know he&#8217;s gone for such a simple and senseless thing. I just don&#8217;t understand.&#8221;
&#8220;He was a loving person who cared about everybody,&#8221; said Teri. &#8220;I mean, the whole neighborhood, everybody in our community has come to my door. They didn’t even see the name on the report, but they knew him because of his habits.&#8221;

Crime scene

Family Mourns ‘Senseless’ Killing Of Michigan Pastor Who Was Struck By Illegal Immigrant

Family Mourns 'Senseless' Killing Of Michigan Pastor Who Was Struck By Illegal Immigrant

Border Crisis

illegal immigrant

Illegal Immigration

Michigan

Shortly after Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-matt-gaetz-withdraws-name-from-ag-consideration?topStoryPosition=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">withdrew his name</a> from consideration for attorney general, multiple political commentators suggested that President-elect Donald Trump nominate a conservative Supreme Court justice for the position.
Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration for AG after being tapped by Trump for the position, saying it was “clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.” The move came as the House Ethics Committee weighed releasing a report on alleged sexual misconduct by Gaetz.
Conservative commentators floated Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito for attorney general, a move that would also open up a seat for Trump to appoint someone to the nation&#8217;s highest court. Trump appointed three Supreme Court justices in his first term.
&#8220;Trump could put Justice Alito up for Attorney General and then fill the SCOTUS seat,&#8221; <a href="https://x.com/KatiePavlich/status/1859654297107193887" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a> Katie Pavlich. In a follow-up post, Pavlich added, &#8220;Or:&#8221; next to a GIF of Thomas.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Or: <a href="https://t.co/j6tXbmM4kr">https://t.co/j6tXbmM4kr</a> <a href="https://t.co/pralJXF1UK">pic.twitter.com/pralJXF1UK</a>
&mdash; Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) <a href="https://twitter.com/KatiePavlich/status/1859655571898761237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Steve Deace of The Blaze floated Thomas for the position in the second Trump administration. &#8220;Appoint Clarence Thomas attorney general, and then fill his seat on the Supreme Court with either Ted Cruz or Ron DeSantis,&#8221; Deace <a href="https://x.com/SteveDeaceShow/status/1859666753925869635" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>.
Nevada Republican Senate candidate Sam Brown also endorsed the idea of nominating Thomas for AG.
&#8220;Double Win! President Trump appoints Clarence Thomas or Samuel Alito, strong defenders of the Constitution, as his Attorney General. Then, he can immediately nominate a new US Supreme Court Justice!&#8221; Brown wrote on X. Make America Great Again! 🇺🇸 Left’s meltdown continues.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
🚨Double Win!
President Trump appoints Clarence Thomas or Samuel Alito, strong defenders of the Constitution, as his Attorney General. 
Then, he can immediately nominate a new US Supreme Court Justice! 
Make America Great Again! 🇺🇸
Left’s meltdown continues. <a href="https://t.co/xfsemfPgwG">pic.twitter.com/xfsemfPgwG</a>
&mdash; Sam Brown (@CaptainSamBrown) <a href="https://twitter.com/CaptainSamBrown/status/1859666567056986325?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a href="https://www.amiracist.com/?_gl=1*jtghwp*_gcl_au*ODQ1NjYzNTg2LjE3Mjg5MDk3OTE.*_ga*MTc2NzM0NDQ2NS4xNzI4OTA5Nzkx*_ga_CZKR9ZYKJP*MTczMDEyMDgwOS40OS4xLjE3MzAxMjA4MzkuMzAuMC4w">MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ NOW STREAMING ON DAILYWIRE+</a>
Other names that have been floated for attorney general include Attorney Mark Paoletta, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Trump only has a few positions left to fill in his new cabinet. Some of his picks, including Gaetz, have caused a stir on Capitol Hill and in legacy media newsrooms. Decorated veteran Pete Hegseth, the nominee for Defense Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary, and Tulsi Gabbard, the nominee for Director of National Intelligence, have all come under fire after being tapped by Trump.

Menu

Zach Jewell