16 hours ago
By Jason Lange
WASHINGTON, Sept 14 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's public approval rating rose from a record low, while Americans voiced growing support for Democrats gaining power in the U.S. Congress in a Reuters/Ipsos poll taken in the days after the Republican Party's first-ever midterm convention last week.
The four-day poll showed 63% of Americans - including four in 10 Republicans and nine in 10 Democrats - disapproved of Trump's offer made in his convention speech that he would ensure all Americans get a $5,000 dividend if Republicans retain control of the U.S. Congress in November's midterm elections.
The survey gathered responses from 1,143 Americans nationwide and had a margin of error of 3 percentage points in either direction.
Some 35% of Americans give Trump a thumbs up for his performance in the White House, up from 33% in an August 28 to 31 Reuters/Ipsos poll, the lowest of his political career.
#ipsos #convention
WASHINGTON, Sept 14 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's public approval rating rose from a record low, while Americans voiced growing support for Democrats gaining power in the U.S. Congress in a Reuters/Ipsos poll taken in the days after the Republican Party's first-ever midterm convention last week.
The four-day poll showed 63% of Americans - including four in 10 Republicans and nine in 10 Democrats - disapproved of Trump's offer made in his convention speech that he would ensure all Americans get a $5,000 dividend if Republicans retain control of the U.S. Congress in November's midterm elections.
The survey gathered responses from 1,143 Americans nationwide and had a margin of error of 3 percentage points in either direction.
Some 35% of Americans give Trump a thumbs up for his performance in the White House, up from 33% in an August 28 to 31 Reuters/Ipsos poll, the lowest of his political career.
#ipsos #convention
18 hours ago
Former West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat-turned-independent, said Monday he supports two Republican Senate candidates running in battleground races in November.
During an appearance on CNBC, Manchin expressed support for former Rep. Mike Rogers, who is running for an open seat in Michigan, and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who is seeking reelection. Both races are crucial to whether the GOP will retain control of the Senate.
"You lose the Susan Collinses of the Senate, you're losing the soul of the Senate — basically, a person you can talk to, who wants to do the right thing all of the time," Manchin said, adding that he would campaign with the senator.
Manchin, a longtime critic of extremes in both parties, served in the Senate from 2010-2025 and left the Democratic Party during his final months in office, arguing that the party's brand had become "toxic." He has remained involved in politics and launched a national effort in July to help elect more independents.
Mike Rogers, left, and Sen. Susan Collins - Getty Images
#rogers #left
During an appearance on CNBC, Manchin expressed support for former Rep. Mike Rogers, who is running for an open seat in Michigan, and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who is seeking reelection. Both races are crucial to whether the GOP will retain control of the Senate.
"You lose the Susan Collinses of the Senate, you're losing the soul of the Senate — basically, a person you can talk to, who wants to do the right thing all of the time," Manchin said, adding that he would campaign with the senator.
Manchin, a longtime critic of extremes in both parties, served in the Senate from 2010-2025 and left the Democratic Party during his final months in office, arguing that the party's brand had become "toxic." He has remained involved in politics and launched a national effort in July to help elect more independents.
Mike Rogers, left, and Sen. Susan Collins - Getty Images
#rogers #left
18 hours ago
Congressional Republicans have a plan to pass key portions of the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act before the end of this year.
The election integrity bill backed by President Donald Trump and fiercely opposed by Democrats has stalled in Congress, where Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has been reluctant to call it up for a vote, given that it's all but ***** ured to fail.
At least several Democrats would be needed to reach the Senate's 60-vote threshold to break a filibuster. But left-wing lawmakers in the House and Senate have panned the legislation as an attempt to sow doubt in U.S. elections at best and voter suppression at worst.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is now pushing Republicans to pass the bill's main mandates via the budget reconciliation process, which allows the party in power to pass sweeping fiscal policy without input from the minority due to its sidelining of the Senate filibuster. Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., chairman of the Committee on House Administration, is tasked with overseeing how that part of the bill gets done.
Trump Questions Thune's Leadership As Save America Act Stalls
#Trump #bill
The election integrity bill backed by President Donald Trump and fiercely opposed by Democrats has stalled in Congress, where Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has been reluctant to call it up for a vote, given that it's all but ***** ured to fail.
At least several Democrats would be needed to reach the Senate's 60-vote threshold to break a filibuster. But left-wing lawmakers in the House and Senate have panned the legislation as an attempt to sow doubt in U.S. elections at best and voter suppression at worst.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is now pushing Republicans to pass the bill's main mandates via the budget reconciliation process, which allows the party in power to pass sweeping fiscal policy without input from the minority due to its sidelining of the Senate filibuster. Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., chairman of the Committee on House Administration, is tasked with overseeing how that part of the bill gets done.
Trump Questions Thune's Leadership As Save America Act Stalls
#Trump #bill
23 hours ago
Congressman Tom Tiffany, the Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor, is recovering after the small plane he was traveling in made an emergency landing on a Wisconsin lake. Both Tiffany and the pilot swam to shore and were then taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The FAA and the NTSB are investigating the cause of the crash.
#congressman #republican #governor #small
#congressman #republican #governor #small
1 day ago
California Gov. Gavin Newsom does not like being on Donald Trump's side on any issue.
But when it comes to transgender girls and women in sports, particularly at the school level, the Democrat said he largely agrees with the Republican president. Newsom, one of his party's leading White House prospects, believes it's "deeply unfair" for people who are ***** igned male at birth to compete against girls.
"I don't want to be on that side of it, but I'm being honest — I'd be lying to you if I said differently," Newsom told The ***** ociated Press as he was campaigning recently in South Carolina. "I haven't been able to figure out how to make it fair from my perspective."
Newsom is not alone.
While most Democratic officials remain steadfast supporters of the transgender community, an increasing number in red and blue states are distancing themselves from their party's unflinching support for the transgender community's policy priorities, such as allowing athletes to compete on teams that match their gender identity. The shift follows years of conservative attacks against Democrats on the divisive issue, which affects a relatively small number of transgender people and their families, but has emerged as one of Republicans' most potent political weapons in the Trump era.
#number
But when it comes to transgender girls and women in sports, particularly at the school level, the Democrat said he largely agrees with the Republican president. Newsom, one of his party's leading White House prospects, believes it's "deeply unfair" for people who are ***** igned male at birth to compete against girls.
"I don't want to be on that side of it, but I'm being honest — I'd be lying to you if I said differently," Newsom told The ***** ociated Press as he was campaigning recently in South Carolina. "I haven't been able to figure out how to make it fair from my perspective."
Newsom is not alone.
While most Democratic officials remain steadfast supporters of the transgender community, an increasing number in red and blue states are distancing themselves from their party's unflinching support for the transgender community's policy priorities, such as allowing athletes to compete on teams that match their gender identity. The shift follows years of conservative attacks against Democrats on the divisive issue, which affects a relatively small number of transgender people and their families, but has emerged as one of Republicans' most potent political weapons in the Trump era.
#number
1 day ago
James Talarico, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Texas, once described parents who refused to acknowledge their children's gender identity as potentially engaging in "abusive" behavior.
"I think there are some folks that would think that if you deny your child's gender identity, that's incredibly harmful. And whether or not we label it with the term abuse, it's abusive for sure," Talarico said while speaking at a committee hearing in the Texas Legislature in 2019.
Talarico's resurfaced comments add to a growing pile of past remarks that cut against his efforts to paint himself as a moderate on issues like gender, policing and border security as he attempts to win over Texas, a historically Republican-leaning state.
Talarico Says He 'Missed The Mark' As He Backtracks On Controversial Woke Statements
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico speaks during a campaign rally at the Cailloux Theater on Aug. 31, 2026, in Kerrville, Texas. Talarico is in a close race against Republican Ken Paxton ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
#gender #democratic #senate #abusive
"I think there are some folks that would think that if you deny your child's gender identity, that's incredibly harmful. And whether or not we label it with the term abuse, it's abusive for sure," Talarico said while speaking at a committee hearing in the Texas Legislature in 2019.
Talarico's resurfaced comments add to a growing pile of past remarks that cut against his efforts to paint himself as a moderate on issues like gender, policing and border security as he attempts to win over Texas, a historically Republican-leaning state.
Talarico Says He 'Missed The Mark' As He Backtracks On Controversial Woke Statements
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico speaks during a campaign rally at the Cailloux Theater on Aug. 31, 2026, in Kerrville, Texas. Talarico is in a close race against Republican Ken Paxton ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
#gender #democratic #senate #abusive
1 day ago
Wisconsin congressman Tom Tiffany was on his way home Saturday evening following a demanding day of parades and political events when his plane plunged into the pitch-black darkness of Lake Wausau.
As he was returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner in Onalaska, Wisconsin, Tiffany, the Republican gubernatorial nominee, was aboard a Beechcraft K35 when it lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport, the congressman told reporters during a Sunday news conference.
"Hang on, Tom, and buckle up because we're going to go down," Tiffany recounted pilot Len Bolt warning him moments before the emergency landing.
About 10 seconds later, the plane hit the water.
"We were down to 70, 80 miles an hour at that point, and so it was a fast-moving car crash, and all that happened to me was my head hit the dash in front of me, and that was the extent of the damage," Tiffany said. "We're just really fortunate. We're fortunate the plane didn't flip."
#wisconsin
As he was returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner in Onalaska, Wisconsin, Tiffany, the Republican gubernatorial nominee, was aboard a Beechcraft K35 when it lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport, the congressman told reporters during a Sunday news conference.
"Hang on, Tom, and buckle up because we're going to go down," Tiffany recounted pilot Len Bolt warning him moments before the emergency landing.
About 10 seconds later, the plane hit the water.
"We were down to 70, 80 miles an hour at that point, and so it was a fast-moving car crash, and all that happened to me was my head hit the dash in front of me, and that was the extent of the damage," Tiffany said. "We're just really fortunate. We're fortunate the plane didn't flip."
#wisconsin
1 day ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has agreed to a significant portion of a stringent ethics proposal that is part of broader cryptocurrency legislation headed for a key vote this week, according to three of the bill's main Republican authors.
The sweeping bill initially had just a provision included that would bar all federally elected officials and their spouses, as well as federal judges, from issuing digital ***** ets.
A core group of Democrats, as well as Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said that didn't go far enough to address conflict-of-interest issues they had with Trump's crypto wealth. Their votes would be needed to advance the bill in a key vote this Tuesday.
Tillis and Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., along with several other Democrats, had demanded language that would allow state attorneys general to step in and enforce the law in addition to the Justice Department.
In announcing Trump's agreement, Republican Sens. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Tim Scott of South Carolina and John Boozman of Arkansas said it includes a "meaningful role" for state attorneys general to play in enforcing the crypto measure should it become law.
#republican #vote #well #Crypto
The sweeping bill initially had just a provision included that would bar all federally elected officials and their spouses, as well as federal judges, from issuing digital ***** ets.
A core group of Democrats, as well as Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said that didn't go far enough to address conflict-of-interest issues they had with Trump's crypto wealth. Their votes would be needed to advance the bill in a key vote this Tuesday.
Tillis and Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., along with several other Democrats, had demanded language that would allow state attorneys general to step in and enforce the law in addition to the Justice Department.
In announcing Trump's agreement, Republican Sens. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Tim Scott of South Carolina and John Boozman of Arkansas said it includes a "meaningful role" for state attorneys general to play in enforcing the crypto measure should it become law.
#republican #vote #well #Crypto
1 day ago
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Calls to repeal women's rights to vote are emerging from the online firestorm over the Lindsay Clancy trial, prompting Republican women to warn that the intraparty rhetoric could hurt the GOP.
"I think there's definitely a threat in the Republican Party right now," political and legal strategist Mehek Cooke told Fox News Digital.
The online calls to repeal the 19th Amendment come after Clancy's high-profile murder trial ended in a mistrial, with 11 of the 12 jurors favoring a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. Clancy admitted to killing her three children, but her defense argued she was not criminally responsible because she was suffering from postpartum psychosis.
Lindsay Clancy Mistrial Declared After Jury Deadlocks In Killings Of Her Three Children
#three #online
Calls to repeal women's rights to vote are emerging from the online firestorm over the Lindsay Clancy trial, prompting Republican women to warn that the intraparty rhetoric could hurt the GOP.
"I think there's definitely a threat in the Republican Party right now," political and legal strategist Mehek Cooke told Fox News Digital.
The online calls to repeal the 19th Amendment come after Clancy's high-profile murder trial ended in a mistrial, with 11 of the 12 jurors favoring a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. Clancy admitted to killing her three children, but her defense argued she was not criminally responsible because she was suffering from postpartum psychosis.
Lindsay Clancy Mistrial Declared After Jury Deadlocks In Killings Of Her Three Children
#three #online
1 day ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's proposal to send $5,000 to every American adult if his Republican Party maintains control of the House and Senate in the November election needs congressional approval, House Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday, while pledging to try to make it happen.
Trump made the unusual pitch at the party's midterm convention in Dallas last week, promising a "Trump Dividend" if voters keep the GOP in power on Capitol Hill. The president later told CBS News Texas that he did not think Congress would need to authorize the payments, though he did not specify how he could spend more than $1 trillion without lawmakers' authorization.
But Johnson, R-La., said congressional approval is needed. "I would ***** ume, yes, he'd need Congress to act, and that's a creative idea," he said.
A few hours later, Trump said he would deliver on his promise. "The 5,000's going to happen, 100%," he told reporters before boarding Air Force One in Ireland, where he attended a pro golf tournament at his resort.
Johnson, meanwhile, said he would work to get Trump's proposal through Congress despite a small Republican margin.
#proposal
Trump made the unusual pitch at the party's midterm convention in Dallas last week, promising a "Trump Dividend" if voters keep the GOP in power on Capitol Hill. The president later told CBS News Texas that he did not think Congress would need to authorize the payments, though he did not specify how he could spend more than $1 trillion without lawmakers' authorization.
But Johnson, R-La., said congressional approval is needed. "I would ***** ume, yes, he'd need Congress to act, and that's a creative idea," he said.
A few hours later, Trump said he would deliver on his promise. "The 5,000's going to happen, 100%," he told reporters before boarding Air Force One in Ireland, where he attended a pro golf tournament at his resort.
Johnson, meanwhile, said he would work to get Trump's proposal through Congress despite a small Republican margin.
#proposal
1 day ago
Adam Carolla cut right to the chase when he offered his take on President Donald Trump's plan to give out $5,000 to every American adult, as long as Republicans win the 2026 midterms.
"So now we're just bribing people," Carolla said on the Sunday episode of his podcast.
He said again it sounded like Trump was "bribin' 'em" to get votes — but Carolla didn't seem too upset about it.
The veteran comic and podcaster argued the Democratic Party has been doing its own version of freebie payments for decades, thanks to government programs like food stamps and states paying for the healthcare of low-income residents. Carolla said it "evidently works" when it comes to winning over voters, so Republicans should give it a shot.
"It definitely works on all the poor people," Carolla continued. "We'll just get you free cheese, and free school, and free Medicare, and we'll get you free sh*t. Why don't rich people start bribing people? Why not?"
#we 'll #like #adam
"So now we're just bribing people," Carolla said on the Sunday episode of his podcast.
He said again it sounded like Trump was "bribin' 'em" to get votes — but Carolla didn't seem too upset about it.
The veteran comic and podcaster argued the Democratic Party has been doing its own version of freebie payments for decades, thanks to government programs like food stamps and states paying for the healthcare of low-income residents. Carolla said it "evidently works" when it comes to winning over voters, so Republicans should give it a shot.
"It definitely works on all the poor people," Carolla continued. "We'll just get you free cheese, and free school, and free Medicare, and we'll get you free sh*t. Why don't rich people start bribing people? Why not?"
#we 'll #like #adam
3 days ago
After spending the morning at the Pentagon to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11th tragedy, President Donald Trump apparently had another attack on his mind in the afternoon — posting the 5-year-old video of him telling January 6, 2021, rioters to go home after they violently stormed the Capitol building.
The video, which was posted in full on Trump's Truth Social account Friday without any further context, shows the president repeating his false claim that he won the 2020 election but telling rioters to go home: "We have to have peace. So go home, we love you, you're very special."
A White House spokesperson said Trump reposted the video Friday as "a reminder to everyone that what the Democrats did to weaponize the justice system against President Trump has been debunked thoroughly."
It's unclear what cases they were referencing — the criminal case against Trump concerning the Capitol attack was dismissed due to his win in the 2024 election.
Trump has been repeatedly emphasizing voter fraud in recent months, increasingly and without evidence accusing Democrats of cheating in elections. At the GOP midterm convention this week, he implored the audience to "cheat like ****** " to help Republicans keep control of Congress.
#president #home #democrats #telling
The video, which was posted in full on Trump's Truth Social account Friday without any further context, shows the president repeating his false claim that he won the 2020 election but telling rioters to go home: "We have to have peace. So go home, we love you, you're very special."
A White House spokesperson said Trump reposted the video Friday as "a reminder to everyone that what the Democrats did to weaponize the justice system against President Trump has been debunked thoroughly."
It's unclear what cases they were referencing — the criminal case against Trump concerning the Capitol attack was dismissed due to his win in the 2024 election.
Trump has been repeatedly emphasizing voter fraud in recent months, increasingly and without evidence accusing Democrats of cheating in elections. At the GOP midterm convention this week, he implored the audience to "cheat like ****** " to help Republicans keep control of Congress.
#president #home #democrats #telling
3 days ago
Watch: Has Trump won over voters with his midterm convention?
Republicans descended on Dallas this week to turn their midterm prospects around, hoping an unprecedented convention dominated by President Donald Trump would energise voters ahead of the November election.
Many left the gathering - billed ahead of time by supporters as a "Trump-a-palooza" political fest - just as worried about the party's chances in 2026, and wondering what the Republicans' future will look like after the president leaves office.
Vice-President JD Vance, who is widely viewed as a top contender to succeed Trump, offered his a party a glimpse of its potential future during his keynote address on Thursday night.
"We've got to take care of business this November," Vance told the crowds.
#president
Republicans descended on Dallas this week to turn their midterm prospects around, hoping an unprecedented convention dominated by President Donald Trump would energise voters ahead of the November election.
Many left the gathering - billed ahead of time by supporters as a "Trump-a-palooza" political fest - just as worried about the party's chances in 2026, and wondering what the Republicans' future will look like after the president leaves office.
Vice-President JD Vance, who is widely viewed as a top contender to succeed Trump, offered his a party a glimpse of its potential future during his keynote address on Thursday night.
"We've got to take care of business this November," Vance told the crowds.
#president
3 days ago
Pennsylvania state Rep. David Maloney, a Republican, is asking President Donald Trump to rename Lake Erie to "Lake Pennsylvania" following similar renaming efforts by the president.
Maloney is preparing a resolution calling on Trump, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and lawmakers on Capitol Hill to take steps to rename Lake Erie to "Lake Pennsylvania," arguing that the change is needed to reflect the lake's modern identity.
"This is Pennsylvania's only Great Lake. Its modern economy and identity are increasingly tied to the boaters, anglers, families and tourists who come to enjoy it," Maloney said in a statement. "Ohio has plenty of shoreline. New York already has two Great Lakes. Canada has four others."
New York Gov Hochul Rejects Trump's 'Lake America' Renaming With Blunt Message
Pennsylvania state Rep. David Maloney, a Republican, is asking President Donald Trump to rename Lake Erie to "Lake Pennsylvania."
#republican
Maloney is preparing a resolution calling on Trump, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and lawmakers on Capitol Hill to take steps to rename Lake Erie to "Lake Pennsylvania," arguing that the change is needed to reflect the lake's modern identity.
"This is Pennsylvania's only Great Lake. Its modern economy and identity are increasingly tied to the boaters, anglers, families and tourists who come to enjoy it," Maloney said in a statement. "Ohio has plenty of shoreline. New York already has two Great Lakes. Canada has four others."
New York Gov Hochul Rejects Trump's 'Lake America' Renaming With Blunt Message
Pennsylvania state Rep. David Maloney, a Republican, is asking President Donald Trump to rename Lake Erie to "Lake Pennsylvania."
#republican
3 days ago
Sen. Ted Cruz got a rough welcome from the College GameDay crowd in Austin.
Cruz appeared on ESPN's Saturday morning pregame show ahead of No. 4 Texas' matchup vs. No. 1 Ohio State and was met with loud boos while discussing the Protect College Sports Act, according to Sports Illustrated. Video shared by Awful Announcing showed the Texas Republican being booed during the segment, with some in the crowd chanting, "Ted, you suck!"
ESPN had Ted Cruz on 'College GameDay' in a conversation with Rece Davis for nearly 10 minutes.
Cruz was heavily booed by the crowd -- and heard "Ted, you suck!" chants -- in Austin. pic.twitter.com/npQesiYMsG
The segment lasted nearly 10 minutes, according to Awful Announcing, and featured Cruz speaking with host Rece Davis about the college sports bill.
The Protect College Sports Act is a federal proposal backed by Cruz and Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., aimed at setting national rules around college athletics, including name, image and likeness deals, transfers and eligibility. Cruz has argued the bill is needed to bring order to college sports, while critics have raised concerns over athlete compensation and federal involvement.
#austin #protect #awful #announcing
Cruz appeared on ESPN's Saturday morning pregame show ahead of No. 4 Texas' matchup vs. No. 1 Ohio State and was met with loud boos while discussing the Protect College Sports Act, according to Sports Illustrated. Video shared by Awful Announcing showed the Texas Republican being booed during the segment, with some in the crowd chanting, "Ted, you suck!"
ESPN had Ted Cruz on 'College GameDay' in a conversation with Rece Davis for nearly 10 minutes.
Cruz was heavily booed by the crowd -- and heard "Ted, you suck!" chants -- in Austin. pic.twitter.com/npQesiYMsG
The segment lasted nearly 10 minutes, according to Awful Announcing, and featured Cruz speaking with host Rece Davis about the college sports bill.
The Protect College Sports Act is a federal proposal backed by Cruz and Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., aimed at setting national rules around college athletics, including name, image and likeness deals, transfers and eligibility. Cruz has argued the bill is needed to bring order to college sports, while critics have raised concerns over athlete compensation and federal involvement.
#austin #protect #awful #announcing
3 days ago
WASHINGTON, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Three U.S. lawmakers have called on the American government to blacklist a set of Indian IT firms over what they describe as "more than fifteen years of targeted espionage against U.S. citizens, businesses, and the lawyers representing them."
In a letter issued Wednesday, Democratic Senators Ron Wyden and Sheldon Whitehouse, along with Republican Representative Pat Harrigan, asked the Commerce Department to add BellTroX, CyberRoot, and Sunkissed Organic Farms Pvt. Ltd. (formerly known as "Appin Technology Pvt. Ltd.") and its subsidiaries, to the Commerce Department's Entity List. Such a designation would cut them off from U.S. software, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity tools.
Sunkissed representatives, CyberRoot and the Commerce Department did not respond to requests for comment. BellTroX could not be reached for comment.
All three companies have been described in media coverage and in reports published by major tech firms as being fronts for hack-for-hire activities.
In 2022, Reuters named CyberRoot and BellTroX as key players in the cybermercenary industry, saying they were frequently tapped by Western lawyers and private investigators to spy on one another during legal and business disputes. A 2023 Reuters report identified Appin as a pioneer in the field, saying the company grew from an educational startup to a hack-for-hire powerhouse that stole secrets from executives, politicians, military officials and wealthy elites around the globe.
#three
In a letter issued Wednesday, Democratic Senators Ron Wyden and Sheldon Whitehouse, along with Republican Representative Pat Harrigan, asked the Commerce Department to add BellTroX, CyberRoot, and Sunkissed Organic Farms Pvt. Ltd. (formerly known as "Appin Technology Pvt. Ltd.") and its subsidiaries, to the Commerce Department's Entity List. Such a designation would cut them off from U.S. software, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity tools.
Sunkissed representatives, CyberRoot and the Commerce Department did not respond to requests for comment. BellTroX could not be reached for comment.
All three companies have been described in media coverage and in reports published by major tech firms as being fronts for hack-for-hire activities.
In 2022, Reuters named CyberRoot and BellTroX as key players in the cybermercenary industry, saying they were frequently tapped by Western lawyers and private investigators to spy on one another during legal and business disputes. A 2023 Reuters report identified Appin as a pioneer in the field, saying the company grew from an educational startup to a hack-for-hire powerhouse that stole secrets from executives, politicians, military officials and wealthy elites around the globe.
#three
3 days ago
Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas), a prominent conservative voice in the Senate GOP conference, says he's willing to support President Trump's proposal to give $5,000 dividend payments to U.S. adults provided that they are structured as tax refunds and go to people who work and pay taxes.
Asked about Trump's proposal, Cruz told Fox News's Jesse Watters that his support "depends on how it's structured."
"I would like to see it structured as a tax refund," he said. "I would be all for structuring it as a tax refund."
"But I think we should be incentivizing work. I don't think we should be paying people that are not working," he argued.
Trump unveiled the proposal at the GOP midterm convention in Dallas and has drawn pushback from both Republican moderates and conservatives.
#texas
Asked about Trump's proposal, Cruz told Fox News's Jesse Watters that his support "depends on how it's structured."
"I would like to see it structured as a tax refund," he said. "I would be all for structuring it as a tax refund."
"But I think we should be incentivizing work. I don't think we should be paying people that are not working," he argued.
Trump unveiled the proposal at the GOP midterm convention in Dallas and has drawn pushback from both Republican moderates and conservatives.
#texas
4 days ago
Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, generated another viral moment on Wednesday during his speech at the Republican midterm convention — and he says he's not sorry.
Gill opened his remarks with a land acknowledgment, a growing trend among Democratic politicians to begin speeches by noting the Native American tribes who historically lived on the land their events are on.
"I'd like to acknowledge that we stand here today in the great state of Texas and the United States of America is the ancestral homeland of great American patriots, pioneers and explorers who put down roots, fight for freedom all over the globe and bled and died to build the greatest civilization ever known to man," Gill said, the Republican crowd roaring in response.
Gop's Freshman Firebrand Goes Viral Targeting 'Utterly Intellectually Indefensible' Dei Policies
U.S. Rep. Brandon Gill speaks on stage on the first day of the 2026 Republican National Convention at the American Airlines Center on September 9, 2026, in Dallas, Texas.
#republican #convention #great
Gill opened his remarks with a land acknowledgment, a growing trend among Democratic politicians to begin speeches by noting the Native American tribes who historically lived on the land their events are on.
"I'd like to acknowledge that we stand here today in the great state of Texas and the United States of America is the ancestral homeland of great American patriots, pioneers and explorers who put down roots, fight for freedom all over the globe and bled and died to build the greatest civilization ever known to man," Gill said, the Republican crowd roaring in response.
Gop's Freshman Firebrand Goes Viral Targeting 'Utterly Intellectually Indefensible' Dei Policies
U.S. Rep. Brandon Gill speaks on stage on the first day of the 2026 Republican National Convention at the American Airlines Center on September 9, 2026, in Dallas, Texas.
#republican #convention #great
4 days ago
A pastor kicked off a recent campaign stop for Michael Whatley, the Republican nominee for Senate, with a prayer that asked God to bestow "integrity and honesty" upon the event and to right wrongs "hammered down on the conservative movement."
The prayer was hardly unusual by North Carolina political standards. What was surprising was the man who delivered it. Pastor Daimon L. King is a registered ***** offender, twice sentenced to prison for convictions involving children, according to state and court records.
The episode occurred with two months to go in a marquee Senate race that could help decide which party controls the chamber after the November elections. It risks undermining one of Whatley's central campaign arguments — that his Democratic opponent, former Gov. Roy Cooper, is soft on crime. And it could feed into an advertising blitz by Democrats that has targeted the Republican candidate's ***** ociation with another convicted ***** offender, a former GOP official.
King did not respond to messages seeking comment.
Whatley's campaign declined to make him available for an interview. In a statement, campaign spokesman DJ Griffin said Whatley did not know King and the event "was NOT planned nor organized by the Whatley campaign nor did the campaign invite any of the guests."
#king #prayer #Event
The prayer was hardly unusual by North Carolina political standards. What was surprising was the man who delivered it. Pastor Daimon L. King is a registered ***** offender, twice sentenced to prison for convictions involving children, according to state and court records.
The episode occurred with two months to go in a marquee Senate race that could help decide which party controls the chamber after the November elections. It risks undermining one of Whatley's central campaign arguments — that his Democratic opponent, former Gov. Roy Cooper, is soft on crime. And it could feed into an advertising blitz by Democrats that has targeted the Republican candidate's ***** ociation with another convicted ***** offender, a former GOP official.
King did not respond to messages seeking comment.
Whatley's campaign declined to make him available for an interview. In a statement, campaign spokesman DJ Griffin said Whatley did not know King and the event "was NOT planned nor organized by the Whatley campaign nor did the campaign invite any of the guests."
#king #prayer #Event
4 days ago
By Nate Raymond
BOSTON, Sept 11 (Reuters) - A federal judge on Friday blocked U.S. President Donald Trump's administration from continuing to ask applicants for civil service jobs throughout the government to respond to what unions described as a partisan "loyalty question."
U.S. District Judge George O'Toole in Boston sided with three unions representing government workers who sued last year after the administration began asking applicants for nonpartisan federal jobs to write essays explaining how they would help advance Trump's policies and executive orders.
The unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees, argued the question mandated by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) unlawfully politicized the hiring process for career government workers by attempting to **** s their support for the Republican president.
O'Toole, an appointee of Democratic President Bill Clinton, said the question had been asked of applicants to positions ranging from an air traffic control specialist to a crane operator to a nuclear materials courier.
#applicants #unions #question #boston
BOSTON, Sept 11 (Reuters) - A federal judge on Friday blocked U.S. President Donald Trump's administration from continuing to ask applicants for civil service jobs throughout the government to respond to what unions described as a partisan "loyalty question."
U.S. District Judge George O'Toole in Boston sided with three unions representing government workers who sued last year after the administration began asking applicants for nonpartisan federal jobs to write essays explaining how they would help advance Trump's policies and executive orders.
The unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees, argued the question mandated by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) unlawfully politicized the hiring process for career government workers by attempting to **** s their support for the Republican president.
O'Toole, an appointee of Democratic President Bill Clinton, said the question had been asked of applicants to positions ranging from an air traffic control specialist to a crane operator to a nuclear materials courier.
#applicants #unions #question #boston
4 days ago
President Donald Trump pledged Wednesday to send every American adult $5,000 if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate in the midterm elections, an extraordinary gambit to reverse his party's sagging fortunes in November.
The dubious promise would most likely cost more than $1 trillion and require congressional approval, and would further exacerbate the country's nearly $1.8 trillion annual budget deficit and concerns about inflation.
"If the Republicans win, you win with us and you get $5,000," Trump said during the GOP's midterm convention in Dallas. "It will be called the Trump Dividend."
He likened the payments to a corporation's distributions to shareholders, citing "our tremendous strength and success economically."
Within an hour, Vice President JD Vance appeared to try to walk back Trump's proposal — at least in part — by suggesting the dividend payments would not go to the wealthy. Vance suggested it could be paid for by U.S. tariff revenues, though the suggested payment dwarfs what the U.S. has taken in through the protectionist measures.
#president #republicans #midterm #suggested
The dubious promise would most likely cost more than $1 trillion and require congressional approval, and would further exacerbate the country's nearly $1.8 trillion annual budget deficit and concerns about inflation.
"If the Republicans win, you win with us and you get $5,000," Trump said during the GOP's midterm convention in Dallas. "It will be called the Trump Dividend."
He likened the payments to a corporation's distributions to shareholders, citing "our tremendous strength and success economically."
Within an hour, Vice President JD Vance appeared to try to walk back Trump's proposal — at least in part — by suggesting the dividend payments would not go to the wealthy. Vance suggested it could be paid for by U.S. tariff revenues, though the suggested payment dwarfs what the U.S. has taken in through the protectionist measures.
#president #republicans #midterm #suggested
4 days ago
Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below.
Republicans are well known for opposing tax increases and since 1986, many Republican officeholders have signed on to the Taxpayer Protection Pledge (1).
Rolled out with former President Ronald Reagan's endorsement, the pledge is a commitment in writing to oppose "any and all" tax increases. Currently, 44 members of the Senate and 194 representatives in Congress have signed the pledge.
Jeff Bezos backs a platform that lets anyone invest in rental homes for as little as $100 — 6 ways to build wealth like a landlord without actually being one
A record 45% of central banks plan to grow gold reserves — and many investors are following suit. Get your free gold IRA guide from Priority Gold
#republicans #republican
Republicans are well known for opposing tax increases and since 1986, many Republican officeholders have signed on to the Taxpayer Protection Pledge (1).
Rolled out with former President Ronald Reagan's endorsement, the pledge is a commitment in writing to oppose "any and all" tax increases. Currently, 44 members of the Senate and 194 representatives in Congress have signed the pledge.
Jeff Bezos backs a platform that lets anyone invest in rental homes for as little as $100 — 6 ways to build wealth like a landlord without actually being one
A record 45% of central banks plan to grow gold reserves — and many investors are following suit. Get your free gold IRA guide from Priority Gold
#republicans #republican
4 days ago
DALLAS - Some Republicans are saying they are worried about the cost and inflationary impacts of President Donald Trump's pledge to give American adults a $5,000 dividend if the GOP maintains control of Congress after the midterm election.
While a few Republicans expressed enthusiasm - Sen Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) said on X he will "get a bill ready" to get the dividend "passed immediately" after the election - a number of them expressed skepticism about Trump's promise.
Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post.
Several lawmakers, including Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas), who is facing a competitive reelection bid, said Trump's speech was the first "we all heard about" the dividend proposal.
"We're going to see what, actually, [and] how this plays out," said Scott Singer (R-Florida), who also first heard about the dividends during Trump's speech and is running in a swing district. "We'll actually see the specifics, but I believe tax cuts are going to provide the benefits that we need."
#post #expressed #heard
While a few Republicans expressed enthusiasm - Sen Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) said on X he will "get a bill ready" to get the dividend "passed immediately" after the election - a number of them expressed skepticism about Trump's promise.
Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post.
Several lawmakers, including Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas), who is facing a competitive reelection bid, said Trump's speech was the first "we all heard about" the dividend proposal.
"We're going to see what, actually, [and] how this plays out," said Scott Singer (R-Florida), who also first heard about the dividends during Trump's speech and is running in a swing district. "We'll actually see the specifics, but I believe tax cuts are going to provide the benefits that we need."
#post #expressed #heard
4 days ago
Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas — who lost the Lone Star State GOP attorney general primary runoff in May and will depart the U.S. House of Representatives when his current term expires — said Republicans have "delivered significantly" but "need to finish the job."
"Well, we've done so much that frankly, it kinda gets lost in a lot of the noise," Roy told Fox News Digital during an interview on Wednesday, pointing to issues such as tax provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Donald Trump last year.
The Texan pointed to the nation's border as the "biggest example" of Republicans' achievements, saying that "we've literally shut down the flow across the border" through enforcing the law.
He also pointed to the passage of the "Laken Riley Act," a measure named after the 22-year-old woman murdered in 2024 by Jose Ibarra, a man who, according to a 2024 statement by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), had previously been "arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)" after illegally entering the U.S., but was "paroled and released for further processing."
Roy said Republicans "need to unite with a singular vision about where we wanna take the country if we wanna be... rewarded in November... and then frankly looking ahead to 2028."
#border #we 've #frankly #wanna
"Well, we've done so much that frankly, it kinda gets lost in a lot of the noise," Roy told Fox News Digital during an interview on Wednesday, pointing to issues such as tax provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Donald Trump last year.
The Texan pointed to the nation's border as the "biggest example" of Republicans' achievements, saying that "we've literally shut down the flow across the border" through enforcing the law.
He also pointed to the passage of the "Laken Riley Act," a measure named after the 22-year-old woman murdered in 2024 by Jose Ibarra, a man who, according to a 2024 statement by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), had previously been "arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)" after illegally entering the U.S., but was "paroled and released for further processing."
Roy said Republicans "need to unite with a singular vision about where we wanna take the country if we wanna be... rewarded in November... and then frankly looking ahead to 2028."
#border #we 've #frankly #wanna
4 days ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Wednesday that oil prices that have surged because of the Iran war likely won't come down until after U.S. midterm elections.
Oil prices on Wednesday jumped more than 3%, pushing international Brent crude past the $100 threshold for the first time since July as salvos between the U.S. and Iran escalated.
"Right after the election, oil prices are going to be tumbling downward," Trump said. "I think it's going to take a little bit longer than the midterm."
The comments were a striking acknowledgment from Trump about the conflict as his Republican administration faces mounting pressure to address high gas prices as the war in Iran grinds on with no conclusion in sight.
Trump, in an exchange with reporters before traveling to Dallas for the midterm Republican convention, added that he believes Iran will finally relent after the pivotal elections are held in the U.S.
#midterm
Oil prices on Wednesday jumped more than 3%, pushing international Brent crude past the $100 threshold for the first time since July as salvos between the U.S. and Iran escalated.
"Right after the election, oil prices are going to be tumbling downward," Trump said. "I think it's going to take a little bit longer than the midterm."
The comments were a striking acknowledgment from Trump about the conflict as his Republican administration faces mounting pressure to address high gas prices as the war in Iran grinds on with no conclusion in sight.
Trump, in an exchange with reporters before traveling to Dallas for the midterm Republican convention, added that he believes Iran will finally relent after the pivotal elections are held in the U.S.
#midterm
4 days ago
By Steve Holland and David Shepardson
WASHINGTON, Sept 9 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump departed Washington for Texas on Wednesday aboard the Air Force One plane gifted by Qatar after an emergency slide was accidentally deployed and was removed.
Military personnel accidentally triggered the slide, a person briefed on the matter told Reuters.
The slide was activated shortly before Trump was due to board for a flight to Dallas for the first-ever Republican midterm convention. The issue briefly delayed Trump's departure.
Asked by a journalist whether he was sure that the plane was safe to fly, Trump said: "Yeah, I am, or I wouldn't be on it."
#slide #steve #holland
WASHINGTON, Sept 9 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump departed Washington for Texas on Wednesday aboard the Air Force One plane gifted by Qatar after an emergency slide was accidentally deployed and was removed.
Military personnel accidentally triggered the slide, a person briefed on the matter told Reuters.
The slide was activated shortly before Trump was due to board for a flight to Dallas for the first-ever Republican midterm convention. The issue briefly delayed Trump's departure.
Asked by a journalist whether he was sure that the plane was safe to fly, Trump said: "Yeah, I am, or I wouldn't be on it."
#slide #steve #holland
4 days ago
A reporter asked Trump why he needed to give voters $5,000 if his economic policies were working.
It didn't go well.
He blamed Biden, and leaned forward and glared at her when she tried a follow-up question.
A reporter asked President Donald Trump why he needed to incentivize voters with a $5,000 check if his economic policies were working, and it seemed to strike a nerve.
On Wednesday, Trump told the Republican Party's midterm convention that every US citizen would receive a $5,000 "Trump dividend" if Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress in November's midterms.
#voters
It didn't go well.
He blamed Biden, and leaned forward and glared at her when she tried a follow-up question.
A reporter asked President Donald Trump why he needed to incentivize voters with a $5,000 check if his economic policies were working, and it seemed to strike a nerve.
On Wednesday, Trump told the Republican Party's midterm convention that every US citizen would receive a $5,000 "Trump dividend" if Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress in November's midterms.
#voters
4 days ago
Sen. John Fetterman has faced a tide of public criticism from fellow Democrats as he stakes out lonely ground as a critic of the far-left wing of his party — and another wave rolled in Wednesday after he made a surprise video appearance at the Republican midterm convention.
So far, however, his Senate colleagues haven't joined the pile-on.
Democratic senators are staying above the fray as they work to flip the majority in November amid constant speculation that the 57-year-old Pennsylvanian could trigger a nightmare scenario by leaving the party and caucusing with the GOP.
Some have worked to publicly bat down suggestions that Fetterman could abandon Democrats for the final two years of his term — something he has denied considering, even as he continues to raise eyebrows with his outspoken support of Israel, bashing of democratic socialists and close relationships with Senate Republicans.
"John Fetterman is a friend and an important member of our caucus. It's a waste of energy to get spun up about his voting record or place in our party — he votes with us 90 percent of the time," Democratic Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont, who is close with Fetterman, said in a statement to POLITICO before the convention appearance. "We need a big tent if we're going to win in November."
#party #democrats #appearance
So far, however, his Senate colleagues haven't joined the pile-on.
Democratic senators are staying above the fray as they work to flip the majority in November amid constant speculation that the 57-year-old Pennsylvanian could trigger a nightmare scenario by leaving the party and caucusing with the GOP.
Some have worked to publicly bat down suggestions that Fetterman could abandon Democrats for the final two years of his term — something he has denied considering, even as he continues to raise eyebrows with his outspoken support of Israel, bashing of democratic socialists and close relationships with Senate Republicans.
"John Fetterman is a friend and an important member of our caucus. It's a waste of energy to get spun up about his voting record or place in our party — he votes with us 90 percent of the time," Democratic Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont, who is close with Fetterman, said in a statement to POLITICO before the convention appearance. "We need a big tent if we're going to win in November."
#party #democrats #appearance
4 days ago
FIRST ON FOX: Roy Cooper, the former North Carolina governor and a Democratic candidate for the Senate, believes his party should incorporate a big-tent approach to an emerging wave of socialist candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
When asked if he would sign the Promise to America, a repudiation of socialist stances put out by moderate Democrats, Cooper said he wouldn't.
"I don't see any need to," Cooper said in video footage obtained by Fox News Digital.
"I think the party needs a wide spectrum, particularly at a time when the Republican Party is shrinking and having all kinds of loyalty tests. I think we need to have all kinds of folks to be a part of our party."
Florida Board Votes To Ban Illegal Immigrants From Public College Admissions
#America #socialist #need #think
When asked if he would sign the Promise to America, a repudiation of socialist stances put out by moderate Democrats, Cooper said he wouldn't.
"I don't see any need to," Cooper said in video footage obtained by Fox News Digital.
"I think the party needs a wide spectrum, particularly at a time when the Republican Party is shrinking and having all kinds of loyalty tests. I think we need to have all kinds of folks to be a part of our party."
Florida Board Votes To Ban Illegal Immigrants From Public College Admissions
#America #socialist #need #think
