Category: Trump administration
NOEM DOING ‘GREAT JOB’: Trump Defends DHS Secretary Amid Calls to Step Down [WATCH]
![NOEM DOING ‘GREAT JOB’: Trump Defends DHS Secretary Amid Calls to Step Down [WATCH]](https://hannity.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/GettyImages-2258518759-300x200.jpg "President Trump Departs D.C. En Route To Iowa")
President Donald Trump made it crystal clear Tuesday:
‘Horrifying situation’: Some Republicans retreat following Minneapolis shooting of anti-ICE agitator
Several Republican lawmakers are sounding the alarm following another shooting in Minnesota.
Anti-ICE agitator Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a federal agent in Minneapolis on Saturday, with the Department of Homeland Security saying he “violently resisted” when agents attempted to disarm him. This is the second fatal shooting of an anti-ICE agitator in Minnesota. Renee Good was shot earlier this month after turning her car and accelerating toward an agent.
‘The killing yesterday … should raise serious questions.’
Administration officials like DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and top adviser Stephen Miller have branded Pretti a “would-be assassin” who committed acts of “domestic terrorism.”
This comes after weeks of mob violence, theft, and property destruction in response to ICE presence in Minneapolis. These often coordinated acts are indiscriminately aimed at federal agents conducting lawful operations. The protesters are also threatening journalists simply exposing their violent tactics and even intimidating local churchgoers.
While the investigation continues, some Republican senators and representatives have made an effort to distance themselves from what they called a “horrifying situation.”
RELATED: Democrats threaten to shut down government over ICE funding: ‘We are not powerless’
Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Several senators who are known to buck the Trump administration came out with critical statements following the shooting, citing claims that conflict with DHS’ narrative.
“The tragedy and chaos the country is witnessing in Minneapolis is shocking,” Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said in a post on X. “The killing yesterday of Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen, by ICE agents should raise serious questions within the administration about the adequacy of immigration-enforcement training and the instructions officers are given on carrying out their mission.”
“Lawfully carrying a firearm does not justify federal agents killing an American — especially, as video footage appears to show, after the victim had been disarmed,” Murkowski said. “A comprehensive, independent investigation of the shooting must be conducted in order to rebuild trust and Congressional committees need to hold hearings and do their oversight work. ICE agents do not have carte blanche in carrying out their duties.”
Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who is notably retiring, said officials jumping to conclusions could risk tarnishing President Donald Trump’s legacy.
“There must be a thorough and impartial investigation into yesterday’s Minneapolis shooting, which is the basic standard that law enforcement and the American people expect following any officer-involved shooting,” Tillis said in a post on X. “For this specific incident, that requires cooperation and transparency between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Any administration official who rushes to judgment and tries to shut down an investigation before it begins are doing an incredible disservice to the nation and to President Trump’s legacy.”
Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Other senators who have otherwise supported the administration also expressed skepticism after the shooting, calling for a thorough investigation.
“The nation witnessed a horrifying situation this weekend,” Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts of Nebraska said in a post on X. “My prayers are with the family of Alex Pretti.”
“My support for funding ICE remains the same. Enforcing our immigration laws makes our streets safer,” Ricketts clarified ahead of a major Senate vote on DHS funding. “It also protects our national security. But we must also maintain our core values as a nation, including the right to protest and assemble. I expect a prioritized, transparent investigation into this incident.”
Ricketts’ Republican colleague Sen. Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania echoed a criticism put forth by the National Rifle Association, saying Pretti was lawfully exercising his right to carry a firearm.
“As I have often said, I support the Border Patrol, ICE, and the critical work they do to enforce our laws,” McCormick said in a post on X. “Irresponsible rhetoric and a lack of cooperation from Minnesota’s politicians are fueling a dangerous situation. I also agree with the NRA and others — we need a full investigation into the tragedy in Minneapolis. We need all the facts. We must enforce our laws in a way that protects the public while maintaining its trust. This gives our law enforcement officers the best chance to succeed in their difficult mission.”
RELATED: Vance crushes false narrative about ICE ‘arresting’ 5-year-old boy
Photo by Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images
While several Republicans remained critical, others like Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma came in defense of the Trump administration, suggesting protesters had crossed the line into obstructing law enforcement.
“Law-abiding citizens have every right to carry a firearm,” Mullin said in a post on X. “You DO NOT have a right to obstruct law enforcement activity, or commit another felony with one. This is not difficult.”
Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!
‘F**k off’ and ‘Get ICE the hell out of Minnesota’: Democrats rattle sabers after Bondi demands voter rolls
Attorney General Pam Bondi demanded that Minnesota leaders share detailed records on the state’s federally funded welfare programs, repeal its sanctuary policies, and grant access to voter rolls. The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party responded with a sharp, dismissive rejection.
On Saturday, Bondi sent a letter to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (DFL) describing how the Trump administration’s efforts to enforce immigration laws have been hindered by local leaders. She noted that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and agents are facing a 1,300% increase in violence, including a 3,200% increase in vehicular attacks.
‘Donald Trump and Pam Bondi are demanding access to Minnesotans’ voter rolls in exchange for relieving us from the federal siege we are under.’
“The lawlessness in the streets is matched by the unprecedented financial fraud occurring on your watch,” Bondi told Walz. “And the out of control fraud in your state also implicates election security.”
Bondi made three requests.
First she demanded that Walz provide the federal government with all of the state’s records on Medicaid and Food and Nutrition Service programs to allow for an investigation.
She pressed Walz to repeal Minnesota’s sanctuary policies, blaming them for an increase in crime and violence by preventing the state’s detention facilities from cooperating with ICE.
“I urge you to reach an agreement with ICE that allows them to remove illegal aliens in custody of Minnesota’s prisons and jails and avoids pushing these interactions into your streets,” Bondi wrote.
RELATED: Rioter bit off part of federal agent’s finger amid Minneapolis ‘rampant assault,’ DHS says
Photographer: Jack Califano/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Lastly she demanded that Walz allow the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division to access the state’s voter rolls to confirm they comply with federal law.
“Do not obstruct federal immigration enforcement; do not allow rioters to take over the streets and houses of worship; do not hinder federal officials from investigating financial fraud and violations of election laws,” Bondi stated. “Whether state and local politicians stand in the way or not, we will work every day to protect Americans and make Minnesota Safe Again. I request that you join us in that effort.”
The DFL Party issued a statement on Sunday responding to Bondi, accusing the attorney general and President Donald Trump of attempting to “extort our state voter rolls.”
“Donald Trump and Pam Bondi are demanding access to Minnesotans’ voter rolls in exchange for relieving us from the federal siege we are under,” DFL Party Chair Richard Carlbom said.
“Let us be direct: F**k off,” Carlbom remarked.
RELATED: Democrats threaten to shut down government over ICE funding: ‘We are not powerless’
Ken Martin. Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images
In a separate statement, the DFL Party accused Trump and Bondi of trying to “threaten and intimidate us with violence,” following a deadly shooting involving federal immigration agents and Illinois native Alex Pretti, 37.
The DFL Party shared a statement from Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin.
“Last night, following the heinous murder of U.S. citizen Alex Pretti at the hands of a federal immigration agent, Pam Bondi drafted and sent a threatening letter to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz attempting to extort the state into handing over its voter rolls as part of an ongoing campaign to undermine local elections and build a national database for Trump’s political revenge and retribution,” Martin stated.
He vowed that the DNC would “stand with local elected officials and fight like hell, including in the courts.”
“For Donald Trump, Pam Bondi, Kristi Noem, and Greg Bovino, we have one message for you: Get ICE the hell out of Minnesota. Now,” Martin concluded.
Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!
Walz to Bondi after Minnesota shooting: ‘Go ahead and work on’ Epstein files
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) on Sunday slammed Attorney General Pam Bondi’s letter to him urging him to restore the “rule of law” by turning over information about the state’s welfare programs hours after a federal immigration agent shot and killed a local resident. Bondi’s request follows the uncovering of a massive fraud scandal in…
Charles Payne Analyzes How Market Forces Affect Home Prices In 2026
‘one thing that should help is basic economics’
DC Government Rakes In Millions From Fortress Of Speed Cameras In High-Traffic Areas
‘The lowest number of roadway fatalities’
‘Fraud … for abortion’? Vance announces probe into Planned Parenthood’s $88M taxpayer-funded loans at March for Life
Vice President JD Vance attended the 2026 March for Life in Washington, D.C., on Friday, during which he announced that the Trump administration had launched an investigation into Planned Parenthood affiliates.
The crowd began to chant “JD” as Vance stepped onto the stage. He recalled that his first speech as vice president was at last year’s March for Life.
‘You should not be able to commit fraud and use taxpayer money for abortion.’
“Some of you may remember that in my remarks last year, I told you all, one of the things I most wanted in the United States of America was more families and more babies. So, let the record show, you have a vice president who practices what he preaches,” Vance said, referring to the recent announcement that he and second lady Usha Vance are expecting their fourth child.
Vance credited Trump for selecting Supreme Court justices who delivered “the most important Supreme Court decision in my lifetime,” Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
Vance argued that Trump “shattered a 50-year culture of disposability … that treated human life as expendable the moment that it became inconvenient.”
“He empowered our nation and our movement to build a culture of life from the grassroots up. … Our vision is simple: We want life to thrive in the United States of America,” the vice president continued.
“We’re not trying to argue to the Supreme Court anymore. We are trying to argue to our fellow citizens that we must build up that culture of life,” he added.
RELATED: Nash Keen’s life proves the unborn deserve the law’s protection
Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Vance pledged that pro-life supporters have an ally in the Trump administration.
The vice president announced that the administration on Thursday launched a fraud investigation into Planned Parenthood affiliates for “millions of dollars” in Paycheck Protection Program loans that were “unlawfully received and unlawfully forgiven by the Biden administration.”
“You should not be able to commit fraud and use taxpayer money for abortion,” Vance remarked.
He also mentioned a “historic” expansion of the Mexico City Policy to block international organizations that promote or perform abortion abroad from receiving taxpayer money.
Ahead of Vance’s speech, the March for Life played recorded remarks from President Donald Trump.
“For 53 years, students, families, patriots, and believers have come to Washington from every corner of the country to defend the infinite worth and God-given dignity of every human life,” Trump told attendees. “Six years ago, I was proud to be the first president in history to attend this march in person. Since then, we have made unprecedented strides to protect innocent life and support the institution of the family like never before — there’s never been anything like it.”
“Under the Trump administration, we’re strongly defending religious liberty. We’re bringing back faith in America. We’re bringing back God,” Trump added.
Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
A Thursday press release from the Small Business Administration stated that the agency is reviewing more than $88 million in PPP loans provided to Planned Parenthood affiliates. The agency noted that it sent letters to 38 Planned Parenthood organizations requiring documentation proving their eligibility to receive the relief funds.
Melanie Newman, Planned Parenthood’s chief external affairs officer, issued a statement responding to the SBA’s action.
“Planned Parenthood member organizations follow the law — and previous investigations prove it,” Newman stated. “These latest politically motivated intimidation tactics are about the Trump administration finding every possible avenue to shut down Planned Parenthood health centers and make it harder for people to get high-quality health care from their trusted Planned Parenthood provider. That’s it.”
“And that’s what the Trump administration and its allies are focusing on today: shutting down Planned Parenthood health centers. Meanwhile, all across the country, people can’t afford to see a doctor; the hospitals they rely on are closing; even basic groceries are too expensive,” Newman said. “That’s what the Small Business Administration should be working on: making people’s lives better. Instead, they’re hellbent on making them worse.”
Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!
European Union Doubles Down on ‘Hate Speech’ Censorship in New ‘Anti-Racism’ Strategy
The European Union on Monday unveiled an “anti-racism” plan that presses member states to censor online “hate speech” and adopt an “intersectional approach” to “structural racism.”
The post European Union Doubles Down on ‘Hate Speech’ Censorship in New ‘Anti-Racism’ Strategy appeared first on .
Judge rejects bid to bring federal charges against Don Lemon: Report
A magistrate judge on Thursday rejected federal charges against journalist Don Lemon in connection with a protest at a Minnesota church. Lemon, who was fired from CNN in 2023, said he was there as a journalist, not as part of the demonstrations. “Once the protest started in the church, we did an act of journalism…
