President Trump defended Attorney General Pam Bondi amid criticism over her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, calling her "fantastic" and urging supporters to back her. Trump dismissed focus on Epstein, describing him as "a guy who never dies," amid tensions with FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino.

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On today’s show: Trump’s $4.5T “Big, Beautiful Bill” faces court challenges, Sean Duffy takes the helm at NASA, and the Supreme Court paves the way for federal layoffs. We’ll also break down the return of student loan interest under the SAVE plan and take a closer look at America’s $3.8B annual military aid package to Israel.

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NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte praised President Trump for pushing Europe to increase defense spending, calling it a “BIG win” for America and NATO. Rutte said Trump achieved what no U.S. president had in decades, uniting allies at a historic summit in the Netherlands.

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Former CIA targeter Sarah Adams warned of an impending attack but faced pushback from the Pentagon for bypassing “proper channels.” Now she's raise the alarm, and challenging officials who dismissed her warnings. Bureaucratic failure or a courageous stand?

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Leftover border wall materials were auctioned off following a Republican-led bill passed in December 2023. The law required the defense secretary to create a plan within 75 days to dispose of "excess construction materials" and implement it within 100 days, aiming to eliminate storage and maintenance costs.

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Three federal judges, including Judge James Andrew Wynn, have rescinded their retirements to prevent former President Trump from appointing their replacements. This unprecedented move highlights ongoing political battles over control of the federal courts, which decide key issues like same-sex marriage, transgender rights, and immigration policies.

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Federal authorities, including the FBI and Homeland Security, have reassured residents that most reported drone sightings are likely cases of mistaken identity, often involving manned aircraft or facilities.

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President-elect Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for firing missiles into Russia, calling it a "foolish decision" and a significant geopolitical risk. After meeting Zelensky twice since his 2024 election win, Trump stated that Zelensky is ready for peace and believes it's time for Russian President Vladimir Putin to do the same. Trump emphasized the need for a peace agreement, clarifying that he does not intend to abandon Ukraine in the process.

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The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare’s CEO struggled with deputies and shouted about an “insult to the intelligence of the American people” as he was led into court. Arrested after a five-day search, Luigi Nicholas Mangione was taken into custody at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania.

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Luigi Mangione found himself in custody for firearm possession after law enforcement intervened while he dined at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania. This arrest came to pass following an alert from a vigilant employee, as disclosed by the NYPD's chief detective. At 26 years of age, Mangione was discovered to be carrying several counterfeit identities along with a firearm equipped with a silencer, state authorities reported.

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The fate of Syria's Christian population remains a concern. A Christian resident of Aleppo, speaking anonymously, expressed shock at the sudden withdrawal of Syrian government forces. Once reclaiming the city in 2016 through heavy bombardments and sieges under President Assad, their presence vanished swiftly: "They withdrew entirely," the resident said.

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President Biden’s aides are debating preemptive pardons for officials who could face legal risks if Trump returns to power. Concerns grew after Trump appointed Kash Patel, who pledged to target critics, to lead the FBI. However, the White House fears pardons could suggest guilt and spark backlash.

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President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as a replacement for Pete Hegseth, his Pentagon pick, due to concerns over allegations about Hegseth's personal life. Selecting DeSantis, a 2024 GOP rival, would be a surprising move but aligns with Trump’s views on addressing "woke" military policies. Trump’s team sees the next 48 hours as critical for deciding Hegseth’s future.

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The U.S. enlisted Qatar’s help to convince Iran on a ceasefire with Israel, while the U.S. secured Israel's agreement. After talks between U.S. & Qatari leaders, Iran agreed. Qatar was praised for prioritizing regional security over grievances to finalize the deal.

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Sen. Joe Manchin suggested in a CNN interview that President Biden should consider pardoning President-elect Trump, reflecting on Biden's recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden. Biden defended his son's pardon, citing political motivations behind the charges, which included felony gun charges from 2018.

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Biden addressed claims of "weaponization," stating he stayed true to not interfering with the Justice Department's investigation of his son. The pardon covers his son's federal gun conviction and tax evasion charges, with sentencing dates in December and September, respectively.

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Trump Derangement Syndrome has ended, and America is on the road to recovery. Despite Democrats and the press comparing Trump to Hitler, 59% of Americans approve of his handling of the transition from Biden to his second term.

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Denver's Democratic Mayor, Mike Johnston, vows to rally protests against President-elect Donald Trump's planned mass immigrant deportations in Colorado, as sanctuary city leaders gear up to challenge the threat.

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President-elect Donald Trump declared on Monday that a "free, fair, and open media" is crucial to his mission of "Making America Great Again." Trump says his duty to engage with the press for the American people's sake, despite facing unprecedented hostility from some outlets.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping set clear boundaries during a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden at the APEC Summit in Lima, Peru. This message was seen as directed more towards the incoming Trump administration than Biden, as the latter is in his lame-duck period.

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President-elect Donald Trump confirmed plans to use the US military for a mass deportation of undocumented migrants. He responded "TRUE!!!" on social media to a claim about declaring a national emergency and using military assets for deportations. During his campaign, Trump pledged to use the National Guard to assist ICE in deportations, raising questions about how he will execute this large-scale plan.

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In this episode, we delve into President Joe Biden's controversial decision to authorize Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles for deeper strikes inside Russia. The move marks a pivotal escalation in the conflict as Vladimir Putin counters with thousands of North Korean troops along Ukraine’s northern border in a bid to reclaim lost territory.

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GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz resigned from the House on Wednesday, announced by Speaker Mike Johnson, following his selection by President-elect Donald Trump as attorney general. His departure, anticipated by some in GOP leadership, was welcomed by many Republicans after his role in ousting Kevin McCarthy as Speaker. Gaetz did not attend the GOP leadership meeting, and Johnson cited the need to fill his seat promptly as the reason for his sudden resignation.

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President-elect Donald Trump's supporters, including Elon Musk and conservative commentators, are advocating for Rick Scott to be chosen for Republican Senate leadership over John Thune or John Cornyn, as Trump looks to strengthen his influence in Washington.

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The world watches as tensions escalate between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Following U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, Tehran vows to defend itself, with missile exchanges between Iran and Israel intensifying. President Trump hints at "regime change" in Iran, fueling further global uncertainty.

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Donald Trump, victorious in the 2024 elections, has unveiled his strategy to decentralize the federal workforce as a key component of his pledge to streamline government operations. His proposal entails shifting as many as 100,000 federal roles to regions renowned for their patriotic fervor. This move is seen as a bold step toward reducing the concentration of government functions in the nation's capital and dispersing them across communities with strong support for his administration's policies.

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Donald Trump's campaign promises include reinstating past Executive Orders, advancing energy production, and celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary. He plans to launch the largest deportation program, impose a 25% tariff on Mexican goods, and address transgender issues.

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As the 2024 Election horizon draws Trump supporters in, there's a palpable shift in the landscape compared to what was handed to him back in 2016. Initially navigating through waves of racism and anarchism, Trump is now stepping into a terrain marred by an escalating anti-Israel sentiment that cuts across political divides, paired with an economy on the brink. The stakes have undeniably heightened, presenting a challenging backdrop as he makes his bid for re-election amidst these unfolding dynamics.

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The presidential campaign has seen major events like a new Democratic candidate, alleged assassination attempts on former President Trump, and a significant joke. Despite these, voters consistently prioritize the economy, with 52% citing it as the most crucial factor in their presidential choice, according to a Gallup poll.

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The U.S. Constitution established voting for most citizens over 18, but it wasn't always universal. The 15th Amendment in 1869 allowed black men to vote, yet suppression persisted until the 24th Amendment in 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Women gained the right to vote in 1920. Voting rights evolved significantly from the Founding Fathers to the late 20th century. Your vote is crucial in elections, potentially affecting outcomes in close races. If under 18, you can still engage by staying informed, discussing issues, and volunteering. Participating in elections is a fundamental American freedom, vital to exercise.

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State-level polls were inaccurate in 2016 and even more so in 2020, overstating Joe Biden's support by over 4%, marking the worst polling error since 1980. The margin of error, meant to account for sampling flaws, is inadequate and gives a false sense of accuracy, as it doesn't address other issues like Trump's supporters being less likely to participate in polling.

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Gen Z and millennials make up nearly half of the eligible voting population, with swing voters being disproportionately young. A survey by Data for Progress found young voters enthusiastic about the 2024 election and believe voting is effective for change. They support progressive policies, including economic benefits, abortion rights, and promoting diversity.

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Early voting has started nationwide, allowing voters to cast ballots in person or by mail. Some states share early voting details, including partisan splits and voter demographics. VP Kamala Harris encourages Democrats to use early voting to secure votes before Election Day. Despite criticism from former President Trump, his campaign and the GOP are also promoting early voting.

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The U.S. presidential election on November 5 promises uncertainty, with a tight race between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump possibly delaying the winner's announcement, reports Reuters.

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A New York Times/Siena College poll shows that over 75% of Americans believe democracy is under threat. While 76% of likely voters agree on the threat, opinions vary on its nature. Key concerns include Donald Trump (21%), government corruption (14%), immigration (7%), and loss of constitutional liberties (6%). Other reasons include instability, Democrats, specific politicians, foreign policy, misinformation, and social divisions, each with lower percentages.

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The Delaney Hall Detention Center in Newark, once holding 1,000 migrants, is now at 20% capacity after 4 detainees escaped during an uprising. Controversy continues as Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was recently arrested during a protest at the facility, highlighting ongoing tensions over the ICE center.

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Brace yourself for the 2024 election! No matter who wins, America faces major change. Each candidate has bold plans that could reshape our country's future. Whether you support Trump, Harris, or stand independent, their promises will chart the U.S.'s course, potentially sparking protests, violence, and tensions anew.

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While traditionally reserved for exceptions like absentee ballots, early voting offers benefits such as accommodating busy schedules, increasing voter turnout, and aiding political campaigns in mobilizing decided voters. Early voting contributed to a nearly 67% voter turnout in 2020, highlighting more participation as a positive outcome.

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Surveys reveal only 51% of "people of faith" plan to vote in the upcoming election. With about 212 million U.S. adults in this category, that means roughly 104 million Americans "of faith" aren't likely to cast their votes.

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Despite challenges from Hurricane Helene, a record number of people voted early in North Carolina this week. Helene, the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Katrina, caused significant damage. As of Saturday, 90% of early voting sites were operational, with over 353,000 people voting statewide on Thursday. Despite ongoing recovery efforts, officials expect most voters to cast ballots in person over the next two weeks.

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A Georgia judge, Thomas Cox, has ruled that seven new election rules by the State Election Board are "illegal, unconstitutional, and void." The invalidated rules include a requirement for hand-counting ballots after polls close and two related to certifying election results.

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The host from Fox News made appearances on X both Monday evening and Tuesday morning, emphasizing that the interview with VP Kamala Harris, despite being pre-recorded, would be broadcast as if it were happening live. They assured viewers there would be few interruptions and that no questions would be disclosed to Harris beforehand.

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On Monday, around 200 demonstrators protesting Israel's war in Gaza were arrested during a sit-in outside the New York Stock Exchange. Organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, the protesters called for an end to U.S. military support for Israel, accusing the U.S. of profiting from the conflict. A few counterprotesters waved Israeli flags and opposed the demonstration.

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New research from the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University reveals that millions of Christians, including 41 million born-again Christians, 32 million regular churchgoers, and 14 million evangelical attendees, are unlikely to vote in the upcoming 2024 presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Only 51% of all faith voters are expected to participate in the election.

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Hurricane Milton, initially a Category 3 storm, weakened to Category 1 after hitting Florida. By 5 a.m. Eastern, it had 85 mph winds and was 10 miles northeast of Cape Canaveral, moving northeast at 18 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

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Hurricane Milton, a major storm, prompted storm surge warnings along Florida's west coast. Officials warned of severe impacts, including significant flooding and potential damage from construction cranes. Pinellas County's Emergency Management Director emphasized the urgent threat, stating it's a matter of "when," not "if."

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Iran is readying missiles for U.S. bases if America joins Israel’s conflict, per intelligence reports. The U.S. has deployed refueling aircraft to Europe, raising fears of a wider war. Strikes on Iran could trigger attacks by Iranian-backed militias in the Middle East, officials warn.

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Florida's Gulf Coast is preparing for Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, expected to hit the Tampa Bay area on Wednesday. Workers are clearing debris from the recent Helene hurricane as roads fill with evacuees. Although the storm may weaken slightly, it could still retain hurricane strength across central Florida. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor warned of the storm's seriousness, highlighting the power of Mother Nature.

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The Supreme Court is set to address contentious issues such as gun regulation, gender-affirming care for minors, and ID requirements for accessing pornographic websites. The justices might also face election-related cases before and after the Nov. 5 election, as numerous lawsuits on voting rules from both Democrats and Republicans could reach the court, particularly if the presidential race is tight.

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A federal judge ordered the closure of UCLA's Jackie Robinson Stadium and other V.A. properties in West Los Angeles until a deal is reached for their intended use for military veterans. The court ruled that several leases, including the stadium's, are illegal.

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