NationalWatch

Legal Experts Defend Trump Over Special Counsel Pick (Newsmax)

By Michael Katz | Friday, 18 November 2022 06:35 PM EST

Legal experts rallied to Donald Trump's defense Friday in criticizing Attorney General Merrick Garland's appointment of former federal attorney Jack Smith as special counsel to head the Department of Justice's investigations of the former president.

Smith was the chief prosecutor at The Hague investigating war crimes in Kosovo and who led the DOJ unit involved in investigating public corruption in the Obama administration. Smith, said to be a political independent, will oversee the investigations of Trump's alleged role in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot and of his storing presidential documents at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Trump has denied all allegations.

Garland's announcement comes three days after Trump said he would run for president in 2024.

"Jack Smith is well-known and liked in leftist circles because of his role in the IRS scandal, working with Lois Lerner to illicitly target conservative groups," tweeted Mike Howell, head of The Heritage Foundation's Oversight Project and former attorney for the House Oversight Committee.

Howell posted a link to a 2014 letter by Reps. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and Darrell Issa, R-Calif., of the House Oversight Committee about Smith's role in helping Lerner, an Internal Revenue Service official, with the campaign in 2010 against conservative groups in the wake of the landmark Citizens United v. FEC ruling by the Supreme Court that ended federal regulations on campaign financing.

The letter stated Smith "was closely involved in engaging with the IRS in wake of Citizens United and political pressure from prominent Democrats to address perceived problems with the decision."

Mike Davis, president of the Article III Project, which advocates for constitutionalist judges, and a former clerk for Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, tweeted, "By appointing a special counsel to investigate his boss's political enemy, Attorney General Merrick Garland continues to politicize and weaponize the Biden Justice Department — all while Garland ignores smoking-gun evidence of Biden's foreign corruption."

Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, tweeted: "There is no good-faith basis for the any of the DOJ 'investigations' of Trump, let alone a special counsel."

And Will Chamberlain, a lawyer and member of the Article III project, called the move "insane and stupid" in a tweet.

Legal Experts Defend Trump Over Special Counsel Pick (Newsmax)

By Michael Katz | Friday, 18 November 2022 06:35 PM EST

Legal experts rallied to Donald Trump's defense Friday in criticizing Attorney General Merrick Garland's appointment of former federal attorney Jack Smith as special counsel to head the Department of Justice's investigations of the former president.

Smith was the chief prosecutor at The Hague investigating war crimes in Kosovo and who led the DOJ unit involved in investigating public corruption in the Obama administration. Smith, said to be a political independent, will oversee the investigations of Trump's alleged role in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot and of his storing presidential documents at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Trump has denied all allegations.

Garland's announcement comes three days after Trump said he would run for president in 2024.

"Jack Smith is well-known and liked in leftist circles because of his role in the IRS scandal, working with Lois Lerner to illicitly target conservative groups," tweeted Mike Howell, head of The Heritage Foundation's Oversight Project and former attorney for the House Oversight Committee.

Howell posted a link to a 2014 letter by Reps. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and Darrell Issa, R-Calif., of the House Oversight Committee about Smith's role in helping Lerner, an Internal Revenue Service official, with the campaign in 2010 against conservative groups in the wake of the landmark Citizens United v. FEC ruling by the Supreme Court that ended federal regulations on campaign financing.

The letter stated Smith "was closely involved in engaging with the IRS in wake of Citizens United and political pressure from prominent Democrats to address perceived problems with the decision."

Mike Davis, president of the Article III Project, which advocates for constitutionalist judges, and a former clerk for Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, tweeted, "By appointing a special counsel to investigate his boss's political enemy, Attorney General Merrick Garland continues to politicize and weaponize the Biden Justice Department — all while Garland ignores smoking-gun evidence of Biden's foreign corruption."

Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, tweeted: "There is no good-faith basis for the any of the DOJ 'investigations' of Trump, let alone a special counsel."

And Will Chamberlain, a lawyer and member of the Article III project, called the move "insane and stupid" in a tweet.

Original Article

Rep-Elect. Hageman to Newsmax: Republicans United in Blocking Biden's Agenda

Rep.-Elect Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo. (Getty)

By Solange Reyner | Friday, 18 November 2022 06:43 PM EST

Republicans are united in blocking the Biden administration's legislative agenda regardless of the majority in the House, said Rep.-Elect Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo.

"I think that we always knew that regardless of the margin of victory, the next two years would be a matter of blocking the Biden legislative agenda. And whether we have a majority of two or three or four or 40 that isn't going to change that, because I believe everybody in the Republican conference understands how disastrous the Biden administration policies have been for the United States and, frankly, for the world," Hageman said Friday during an appearance on Newsmax's "Spicer & Co."

"So I think that we're very united in pushing back and stopping [President Joe] Biden from pursuing any further legislative agenda. I don't think that that changes regardless of the size of our conference."

Hageman last Tuesday beat a Native American activist to win Wyoming's lone seat in the House, cementing her place as successor to ousted GOP Rep. Liz Cheney.

The race between Hageman and Lynnette Grey Bull drew little attention outside Wyoming compared with the GOP primary, when voters turned against Cheney for her criticism of former President Donald Trump. But Hageman kept up her campaign pace.

Republicans flipped the House with a small majority despite predictions that a red wave was coming.

Hageman also said she would support Kevin McCarthy as House speaker but warned that "there needs to be some important rule changes made."

"A lot of it has to do with being able to participate in the legislative process," said Hageman.

"We all know that Nancy Pelosi completely shut out Republicans when it came to legislating. She limited Republicans' powers on committees. Basically, they had no voice while she was speaker of the house; and that's been a tragedy not only for the states that they represent, but again for the country as a whole. We have never been able to fully have the debate on a lot of these incredibly important issues that have passed."

About NEWSMAX TV:

NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America!

• Find NEWSMAX in over 100 million U.S. homes via cable/streaming – More Info Here
• Watch NEWSMAX TV online – See It Here
• Download the FREE NEWSMAX App on Your Smartphone to Watch Now!

Original Article

Gordon Chang to Newsmax: America's $1T Debt With China 'Really Frightening'

(Dreamstime)

By Jay Clemons | Friday, 18 November 2022 05:36 PM EST

Gordon Chang, a prominent author and lawyer, finds it alarming that China holds the second-largest portion of the United States' global debt — at approximately $1 trillion.

As the world's No. 1 economic superpower, Chang believes that America should have the easy capacity for managing low debt and realizing high prosperity.

But that's not the case. In times of market fluctuations, anyone from anywhere can purchase Treasury securities at any time.

"I don't like that China owns so much of our debt," Chang told Newsmax Friday afternoon, while appearing on "The Chris Salcedo Show" with guest host John Tabacco.

Chang continued: "The issue here is, we shouldn't be into debt at all … it's really frightening."

Both Republican and Democrat presidents from the past four decades have largely ignored this country's spiraling debt, reasoned Chang, who's currently promoting a book, "The Great U.S.-China Tech War."

As a result, the present-day American taxpayer is left with the burden of high inflation and being susceptible to extreme market volatility with the U.S. dollar.

"There's only country that can tank the dollar, and it's us," added Chang.

Being in debt to an adversary isn't Chang's only China-related concern. He also worries about TikTok being used for specific data-collection purposes — while being billed as harmless entertainment to American consumers.

"TikTok is China's weapon against the United States," said Chang, while adding that Chinese companies are collecting data from "tens of millions" of unsuspecting Americans.

TikTok also serves a secondary purpose for China, according to Chang. It's used for "propagating narratives" straight from the Chinese government, whether it involves advocating drug use, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war or fomenting violence in American streets during 2020.

"President [Donald] Trump was right to ban TikTok" before leaving the White House, said Chang. "And it was wrong for President [Joe] Biden to reverse that ban."

The above comment then prompted Chang to wonder whether the U.S. and China now have a reciprocal relationship, built on respect.

"China's very restrictive about letting [other countries' tech innovations] into its country, so why are we allowing China to have [TikTok] in the states?" Chang asked.

About NEWSMAX TV:

NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America!

• Find NEWSMAX in over 100 million U.S. homes via cable/streaming – More Info Here
• Watch NEWSMAX TV online – See It Here
• Download the FREE NEWSMAX App on Your Smartphone to Watch Now!

Original Article

Original Article

Error loading HTML

Trump Slams AG Naming Special Counsel to Oversee Probes: 'Not Acceptable' (Getty)

Friday, 18 November 2022 04:04 PM EST

Former President Trump on Friday blasted Attorney General Merrick Garland's designation of a special counsel to oversee multiple probes against him, saying he would not participate in what he characterized as a prolonged partisan attack.

"I have been going through this for six years — for six years I have been going through this, and I am not going to go through it anymore," he said in an interview. "And I hope the Republicans have the courage to fight this" when they take majority control of the House of Representatives for the next term.

"I have been proven innocent for six years on everything — from fake impeachments to [former special counsel Robert] Mueller who found no collusion, and now I have to do it more?" Trump said. "It is not acceptable. It is so unfair. It is so political."

In a blunt rebuke of Garland's action, he said simply: "I am not going to partake in it. I'm not going to partake in this."

Trump announced his 2024 campaign to recapture the White House on Tuesday. He appeared to suggest the timing of this further escalation was no accident.

"I have never heard of such a thing," he declared. "I announce and then they appoint a special prosecutor," he said. "They found nothing, and now they take some guy who hates Trump. This is a disgrace and only happening because I am leading in every poll in both parties."

The former president branded the special counsel move "the worst politicization of justice in our country."

In a statement on Friday afternoon, Garland said: "Based on recent developments, including the former President's announcement that he is a candidate for President in the next election, and the sitting President's stated intention to be a candidate as well, I have concluded that it is in the public interest to appoint a special counsel, Such an appointment underscores the Department's commitment to both independence and accountability in particularly sensitive matters. It also allows prosecutors and agents to continue their work expeditiously, and to make decisions indisputably guided only by the facts and the law.

Special Counsel Jack Smith has resigned as the chief prosecutor for the special court in the Hague charged with investigating and adjudicating war crimes in Kosovo.

On the heels of his appointment, Smith released a statement: "I intend to conduct the assigned investigations, and any prosecutions that may result from them, independently and in the best traditions of the Department of Justice. The pace of the investigations will not pause or flag under my watch. I will exercise independent judgment and will move the investigations forward expeditiously and thoroughly to whatever outcome the facts and the law dictate."

Trump also took aim at President Joe Biden's son Hunter, who has been accused of peddling access to his famous father to further foreign business interests. "Hunter Biden is a criminal many times over and nothing happens to him," Trump said. "Joe Biden is a criminal many times over — and nothing happens to them."

Original Article

Trump Slams AG Naming Special Counsel to Oversee Probes: 'Not Acceptable' (Getty)

Friday, 18 November 2022 04:04 PM EST

Former President Trump on Friday blasted Attorney General Merrick Garland's designation of a special counsel to oversee multiple probes against him, saying he would not participate in what he characterized as a prolonged partisan attack.

"I have been going through this for six years — for six years I have been going through this, and I am not going to go through it anymore," he said in an interview. "And I hope the Republicans have the courage to fight this" when they take majority control of the House of Representatives for the next term.

"I have been proven innocent for six years on everything — from fake impeachments to [former special counsel Robert] Mueller who found no collusion, and now I have to do it more?" Trump said. "It is not acceptable. It is so unfair. It is so political."

In a blunt rebuke of Garland's action, he said simply: "I am not going to partake in it. I'm not going to partake in this."

Trump announced his 2024 campaign to recapture the White House on Tuesday. He appeared to suggest the timing of this further escalation was no accident.

"I have never heard of such a thing," he declared. "I announce and then they appoint a special prosecutor," he said. "They found nothing, and now they take some guy who hates Trump. This is a disgrace and only happening because I am leading in every poll in both parties."

The former president branded the special counsel move "the worst politicization of justice in our country."

In a statement on Friday afternoon, Garland said: "Based on recent developments, including the former President's announcement that he is a candidate for President in the next election, and the sitting President's stated intention to be a candidate as well, I have concluded that it is in the public interest to appoint a special counsel, Such an appointment underscores the Department's commitment to both independence and accountability in particularly sensitive matters. It also allows prosecutors and agents to continue their work expeditiously, and to make decisions indisputably guided only by the facts and the law.

Special Counsel Jack Smith has resigned as the chief prosecutor for the special court in the Hague charged with investigating and adjudicating war crimes in Kosovo.

On the heels of his appointment, Smith released a statement: "I intend to conduct the assigned investigations, and any prosecutions that may result from them, independently and in the best traditions of the Department of Justice. The pace of the investigations will not pause or flag under my watch. I will exercise independent judgment and will move the investigations forward expeditiously and thoroughly to whatever outcome the facts and the law dictate."

Trump also took aim at President Joe Biden's son Hunter, who has been accused of peddling access to his famous father to further foreign business interests. "Hunter Biden is a criminal many times over and nothing happens to him," Trump said. "Joe Biden is a criminal many times over — and nothing happens to them."

Kari Lake Spotted at Mar-a-Lago

(Newsmax/"Greg Kelly Reports"

By Theodore Bunker | Friday, 18 November 2022 03:16 PM EST

Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake, who has refused to concede the election despite multiple news outlets declaring her loss, was recently seen at former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate.

Lake was spotted at the resort on Thursday, where she met with Trump and former Small Business Administration head Linda McMahon, according to the Washington Examiner.

She later told a crowd at Mar-a-Lago: "They had to do everything they could to stop us. Ballot harvesting. They had to shut down the machines on Election Day. But we know their tricks, and they think they can slow and pour cold water on a movement. It is not possible, people."

Lake also referenced Trump's recent announcement of his intention to run for president in 2024, saying: "I'll tell you this right now. I don't know what my future holds other than [that] I'm going to continue to fight for this country. But I will do everything in my power to make sure this man is back in the White House."

Newsmax called the election on Monday for Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, who won with 50.39% of the vote to Lake's 49.61%, according to Newsmax calculations.

Original Article

Texas AG Paxton to Newsmax: Gender Care Bills Will Protect Parental Rights (Newsmax/"National Report")

By Sandy Fitzgerald | Friday, 18 November 2022 02:40 PM EST

Bills targeting gender-affirming care for minors in Texas were filed this week because Republicans in the state legislature want to try to protect the right for parents to make decisions for their children on treatments that will permanently affect their gender and status, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said on Newsmax Friday.

"I do think it's important to address this issue," Paxton said on Newsmax's "National Report." "They've also shown interest in dealing with issues related to drag shows and having minors at those."

The bills involve one that designates gender-affirming care for minors as child abuse and another that revokes liability insurance for providers who prescribe medications to treat gender dysphoria in minors.

Laws against minors being present at drag shows would have to go through the state legislature, as currently, "there's no particular crime associated with that," said Paxton, but he is sure lawmakers will debate the issue.

"Whether they pass it is really up to them," he said. "I certainly hope they do something about this because it's become a real problem in Texas."

Paxton commented that states are starting to push back against gender-affirming care for minors now because such issues weren't as common 10 years ago or even five years ago.

"It seems like it's all of a sudden come on the scene, particularly during the Biden administration, and it's concerning to the citizens of Texas and some of the elected representatives," said Paxton. "I think they want to figure out how should we address this."

The debate will likely come in the first quarter of the year, he added.

Meanwhile, the border situation is growing, with record numbers of immigrants crossing into the United States, and commented on Gov. Greg Abbott's move to send immigrants north to Philadelphia.

"It's interesting that you see that these cities declare sanctuary city status during the Trump administration because they didn't like the handling of the border," now they struggle with "the consequence of having people show up and what it costs the cities," said Paxton. "The message is clear. We deal with over 5,000 a day, and we're not getting federal help and we're having to deal with these issues of cost and crime every single day. It highlights the hypocrisy of some of these sanctuary cities that have no compassion for our state, yet when they have to deal with just a small problem, they have a lot of difficulty doing it."

About NEWSMAX TV:

NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America!

• Find NEWSMAX in over 100 million U.S. homes via cable/streaming – More Info Here
• Watch NEWSMAX TV online – See It Here
• Download the FREE NEWSMAX App on Your Smartphone to Watch Now!

Original Article

Workers Bolting Twitter After Musk Takeover (Newsmax)

By Solange Reyner | Friday, 18 November 2022 02:32 PM EST

Twitter has reportedly lost 90% of its staff since Elon Musk's takeover as CEO.

Musk also announced Twitter's new policy on freedom of speech, saying negative or hate tweets will be "max deboosted & demonetized, so no ads or other revenue to Twitter. … You won't find the tweet unless you specifically seek it out, which is no different from rest of Internet," he tweeted.

The news comes a day after Twitter told workers they were locked out of offices until Monday, though Musk sent an email out early Friday asking that any employees who write software code report to the 10th floor of Twitter's office in San Francisco at 2 p.m.

Musk last week gave staff an ultimatum to sign up for "extremely hardcore … long hard hours" or leave the company with severance pay.

Hundreds of employees signaled they were leaving before the Thursday deadline set by Musk, posting farewell messages, a salute emoji or other symbols familiar to Twitter workers on the company's internal Slack messaging board, according to employees who still have access to the board. Dozens also took publicly to Twitter to announce they were signing off after the deadline.

Musk on Friday said the accounts of Kathy Griffin, Jordan Peterson and the Babylon Bee had been reinstated on the social media platform, though a decision on former President Donald Trump's account had not been made.

Twitter had 7,500 employees before Musk's $44 billion takeover, but Musk has laid off about half of the workforce; roughly 2,900 employees were still there before Thursday's deadline. "Multiple critical teams" at Twitter have now either completely or nearly completely resigned, according to a person who spoke with the Hill.

"The best people are staying, so I'm not super worried," Musk tweeted Thursday night in response to the widespread departures, which include many engineers responsible for fixing bugs and preventing service outages, raising questions about the stability of the platform amid the loss of employees.

On Thursday night, the version of the Twitter app used by employees began slowing down, according to one source familiar with the matter, who estimated that the public version of Twitter was at risk of breaking during the night.

"If it does break, there is no one left to fix things in many areas," the person said, who declined to be named for fear of retribution.

Twitter's London headquarters was also abandoned Friday after Musk's email, with the union representing the U.K. staff demanding answers, reports The Daily Mail.

"We are deeply concerned by further reports of the treatment of Twitter employees. From removal of remote working, demanding commitment to long hours and unsustainable working practices, and now locking employees out of their offices," U.K. General Secretary Mike Clancy said.

"Big Tech barons are not above the law, and we will hold Twitter to legal account where possible." As the resignations rolled in, Musk joked on Twitter: "How do you make a small fortune in social media? Start out with a large one."

Information from Reuters and the Associated Press was used in this report.

CNN Chief Regrets Network Covered Trump 24/7 (Newsmax)

By Jeffrey Rodack | Friday, 18 November 2022 02:13 PM EST

CNN CEO Chris Licht vowed this time around the news outlet is "not going to be a 24/7 Trump news network."

He said he does not want to repeat the 2016 CNN coverage of former President Donald Trump.
"We have fact-checkers ready to go," Licht told the "On with Kara Swisher" podcast. "We will put things in perspective. We will not let everything he does consume the news cycle, right? There are other things that are important."
Licht's predecessor Jeff Zucker gave Trump wall-to-wall coverage of his first bid for the White House, and Zucker later regretted providing Trump with all that coverage, according to Vanity Fair.
CNN smashed its ratings record in Sept. 2015 when it broadcasted the Republican presidential debate, according to the magazine, but a month before the election, Zucker acknowledged airing so many Trump rallies in full was a "mistake."
That flew in the face of Zucker's continued defense of CNN's coverage in the following months after Trump was elected.
"But look, it's not just Zucker, it was everybody," Licht said. "We let every little thing that he did consume everything, and so you ended up talking about him for eight hours a day."
CNN is going to continue to hold Trump talk back amid his 2024 presidential campaign, he vowed.
"We're going to be very clear and take everything on a case-by-case basis about what level of coverage it should be," Licht said. "We are not going to be a 24/7 Trump news network."
Meanwhile, a recent business review of CNN has employees worried widespread job cuts are coming following the formation of parent company Warner Bros. Discovery, CNBC reported.
The review, led by Licht, comes as part of a broader effort by Warner Bros. Discovery head David Zaslav to find new ways of saving money at the company, which has roughly 40,000 workers, with about 4,500 working at CNN.

Original Article

CNN Chief Regrets Network Covered Trump 24/7 (Newsmax)

By Jeffrey Rodack | Friday, 18 November 2022 02:13 PM EST

CNN CEO Chris Licht vowed this time around the news outlet is "not going to be a 24/7 Trump news network."

He said he does not want to repeat the 2016 CNN coverage of former President Donald Trump.
"We have fact-checkers ready to go," Licht told the "On with Kara Swisher" podcast. "We will put things in perspective. We will not let everything he does consume the news cycle, right? There are other things that are important."
Licht's predecessor Jeff Zucker gave Trump wall-to-wall coverage of his first bid for the White House, and Zucker later regretted providing Trump with all that coverage, according to Vanity Fair.
CNN smashed its ratings record in Sept. 2015 when it broadcasted the Republican presidential debate, according to the magazine, but a month before the election, Zucker acknowledged airing so many Trump rallies in full was a "mistake."
That flew in the face of Zucker's continued defense of CNN's coverage in the following months after Trump was elected.
"But look, it's not just Zucker, it was everybody," Licht said. "We let every little thing that he did consume everything, and so you ended up talking about him for eight hours a day."
CNN is going to continue to hold Trump talk back amid his 2024 presidential campaign, he vowed.
"We're going to be very clear and take everything on a case-by-case basis about what level of coverage it should be," Licht said. "We are not going to be a 24/7 Trump news network."
Meanwhile, a recent business review of CNN has employees worried widespread job cuts are coming following the formation of parent company Warner Bros. Discovery, CNBC reported.
The review, led by Licht, comes as part of a broader effort by Warner Bros. Discovery head David Zaslav to find new ways of saving money at the company, which has roughly 40,000 workers, with about 4,500 working at CNN.

AG Garland Names Jack Smith Special Counsel for Trump Probes Attorney General Merrick Garland (Andrew Harnik/AP)

Friday, 18 November 2022 02:16 PM EST

Attorney General Merrick Garland named a special counsel on Friday to oversee the Justice Department's investigation into the presence of classified documents at former President Donald Trump's Florida estate as well as key aspects of a separate probe involving the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and efforts to undo the 2020 election.

The move, which is being announced just three days after Trump formally launched his 2024 candidacy, is a recognition of the unmistakable political implications of two investigations that involve not only a former president but also a current White House hopeful.

Though the appointment installs a new supervisor atop the probes — both of which are expected to accelerate now that the midterm elections are complete — the special counsel will still report to Garland, who has ultimate say of whether to bring charges.

A senior Justice Department official disclosed the appointment Friday but did not reveal the identity of the special counsel. Garland was expected to provide more details later in the afternoon.

Representatives for Trump, a Republican, did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

There was no immediate reason provided for the decision or for its timing. Garland has spoken repeatedly of his singular focus on the facts, the evidence and the law in the Justice Department’s decision-making and of his determination to restore political independence to the agency following the tumultuous years of the Trump administration.

And there does not seem to be an obvious conflict like the one that promoted the last appointment of a special counsel to handle Trump-related investigations. The Trump Justice Department named former FBI Director Robert Mueller as special counsel to lead the investigation into potential coordination between Russia and the Trump 2016 presidential campaign.

Urgent: Dick Morris predicted a DOJ attack on Trump after he announced. Now his bestselling "The Return" warns of more troubles, Get this book with FREE Offer and Save $28! See Offer Here Now

Original Article

AG Garland Names Jack Smith Special Counsel for Trump Probes Attorney General Merrick Garland (Andrew Harnik/AP)

Friday, 18 November 2022 02:35 PM EST

Attorney General Merrick Garland named a special counsel on Friday to oversee the Justice Department's investigation into the presence of classified documents at former President Donald Trump's Florida estate as well as key aspects of a separate probe involving the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and efforts to undo the 2020 election.

The move, which is being announced just three days after Trump formally launched his 2024 candidacy, is a recognition of the unmistakable political implications of two investigations that involve not only a former president but also a current White House hopeful.

"Based on recent developments, including the former President's announcement that he is a candidate for President in the next election, and the sitting President's stated intention to be a candidate as well, I have concluded that it is in the public interest to appoint a special counsel," said Attorney General Garland. “Such an appointment underscores the Department's commitment to both independence and accountability in particularly sensitive matters. It also allows prosecutors and agents to continue their work expeditiously, and to make decisions indisputably guided only by the facts and the law.

Urgent: Dick Morris predicted a DOJ attack on Trump after he announced. Now his bestselling "The Return" warns of more troubles, Get this book with FREE Offer and Save $28! See Offer Here Now

"Although the Special Counsel will not be subject to the day-to-day supervision of any official of the Department, he must comply with the regulations, procedures, and policies of the Department. I will ensure that the Special Counsel receives the resources to conduct this work quickly and completely. Given the work done to date and Mr. Smith's prosecutorial experience, I am confident that this appointment will not slow the completion of these investigations.

"The men and women who are pursuing these investigations are conducting themselves in accordance with the highest standards of professionalism. I could not be prouder of them. I strongly believe that the normal processes of this Department can handle all investigations with integrity. And I also believe that appointing a Special Counsel at this time is the right thing to do. The extraordinary circumstances presented here demand it. Mr. Smith is the right choice to complete these matters in an even-handed and urgent manner."

Special Counsel Smith has resigned as the chief prosecutor for the special court in the Hague charged with investigating and adjudicating war crimes in Kosovo.

Though the appointment installs a new supervisor atop the probes — both of which are expected to accelerate now that the midterm elections are complete — the special counsel will still report to Garland, who has ultimate say of whether to bring charges.

Representatives for Trump, a Republican, did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

There was no immediate reason provided for the decision or for its timing. Garland has spoken repeatedly of his singular focus on the facts, the evidence and the law in the Justice Department's decision-making and of his determination to restore political independence to the agency following the tumultuous years of the Trump administration.

And there does not seem to be an obvious conflict like the one that promoted the last appointment of a special counsel to handle Trump-related investigations. The Trump Justice Department named former FBI Director Robert Mueller as special counsel to lead the investigation into potential coordination between Russia and the Trump 2016 presidential campaign.

Urgent: Dick Morris predicted a DOJ attack on Trump after he announced. Now his bestselling "The Return" warns of more troubles, Get this book with FREE Offer and Save $28! See Offer Here Now

Video Report: 'Moms for Liberty' Sees Midterm Success (Newsmax/"National Report")

By Leonardo Feldman Friday, 18 November 2022 01:11 PM EST Current | Bio | Archive

The parental rights group "Moms for Liberty" had success in the midterm elections, Newsmax's Miami correspondent Leonardo Feldman reports on Friday's "National Report."

About NEWSMAX TV:

NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America!

• Find NEWSMAX in over 100 million U.S. homes via cable/streaming – More Info Here
• Watch NEWSMAX TV online – See It Here
• Download the FREE NEWSMAX App on Your Smartphone to Watch Now!

Leonardo Feldman is an Emmy Award-winning journalist. As Newsmax's Miami correspondent, he covers the southeastern United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Get his latest reports here!

Original Article

Video Report: 'Moms for Liberty' Sees Midterm Success (Newsmax/"National Report")

By Leonardo Feldman Friday, 18 November 2022 01:11 PM EST Current | Bio | Archive

The parental rights group "Moms for Liberty" had success in the midterm elections, Newsmax's Miami correspondent Leonardo Feldman reports on Friday's "National Report."

About NEWSMAX TV:

NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America!

• Find NEWSMAX in over 100 million U.S. homes via cable/streaming – More Info Here
• Watch NEWSMAX TV online – See It Here
• Download the FREE NEWSMAX App on Your Smartphone to Watch Now!

Leonardo Feldman is an Emmy Award-winning journalist. As Newsmax's Miami correspondent, he covers the southeastern United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Get his latest reports here!

Rep. Donalds to Newsmax: 'Enough Information' for Hearings on Biden Family Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla. (Getty Images)

By Sandy Fitzgerald | Friday, 18 November 2022 12:45 PM EST

There is already "definitely enough information" to hold congressional hearings on Hunter Biden and his business dealings about how they involve his father, President Joe Biden, but even more is coming, Rep. Byron Donalds said on Newsmax Friday.

"The thing we want to make sure that people understand is that we're just scratching the surface here," the Florida Republican, who appeared on Newsmax's "National Report" with Rep. Jeff Sessions, R-Texas, commented. "When you have suspicious activity reports, most Americans may never get one in their entire lifetime. You might get one through your business dealings."

But, Donalds said that Hunter Biden and his uncle Jim, the president's brother, have 150 of the filings that are known about and there may be more. "

Even worse, Donalds said, is that when Biden became president, he blocked such reports from being available to members of Congress, unlike how other presidents had treated the documentation.

A suspicious activity report is generated where there is a "serious concern" that money laundering or other illegal actions have taken place, said Donalds, "so if Hunter Biden and Jim Biden are involved in these, how did that happen?"

Also, he said, the Biden family members were traveling the globe while Biden was vice president, leveraging his influence to create business opportunities.

"We're going to lay all this out in the hearings to come," said Donalds. "The evidence is clearly there to start that process."

Sessions, meanwhile, said the information on Hunter Biden is almost two years old, but there had been a great deal of work done on vetting it, so with the new GOP-controlled House, "we will now go formally and not just ask for, but demand" information.

Countless letters have gone unanswered about the suspicious activity reports, and it may take court hearings for their release, Sessions said.

"The question is whether the president can arbitrarily deny Congress access to these when they deal with his own personal matters or the matters of his family," said Sessions, adding that the lawmakers will "follow the same trail" that Democrats used on former President Donald Trump for his private information, including sources from "banking and other associates."

The investigation was announced in a press conference on Thursday by Reps. James Comer, R-Ky., and Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, who are expected to head the House Oversight and Judiciary committees.

Sessions said the announcement was to put the Bidens on notice Donalds said the hearings will likely start in January after the new GOP majority is sworn into Congress, and the committees will "let the evidence drive" where the investigation heads.

"Unlike the Democrats that picked the point where they wanted to get to and tried to find any way to get there, we're not going to do that," he said.

About NEWSMAX TV:

NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America!

• Find NEWSMAX in over 100 million U.S. homes via cable/streaming – More Info Here
• Watch NEWSMAX TV online – See It Here
• Download the FREE NEWSMAX App on Your Smartphone to Watch Now!

Original Article

Republican Takeover of House Could Pump the Brakes on Biden EV Agenda

David Shepardson Friday, 18 November 2022 11:49 AM EST

Republicans' takeover of the U.S. House of Representatives could slow President Joe Biden's plans for adoption in the country of electric vehicles.

The administration's 2030 goal for half of all new vehicles sold being electric or plug-in hybrids is a big target for the Republicans, who this week won a slim House majority. That sets the stage for two years of divided government as the Democrats held control of the Senate.

House Republican leaders see Biden's EV efforts as heavy handed.

"You can't force it," incoming Republican House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chair Sam Graves told Reuters. "They are still trying to shove this down people's throats."

But the White House and Senate Democrats will strongly oppose any efforts to repeal or trim any part of tens of billions of dollars in government support for EVs, which are a crucial part of President Joe Biden's climate agenda.

Biden says the administration is helping ensure an "electric vehicle revolution."

Republican opposition is likely to block any efforts to expand eligibility for a $7,500 EV tax credit that was restructured in August but immediately barred any vehicles assembled outside North America.

Congress, under Democratic control, approved nearly $5 billion over five years to give grants to states to build thousands of electric vehicle charging stations. In addition to the 50% target by 2030, Biden wants 500,000 new EV charging stations. The president has not endorsed phasing out of new gasoline-powered vehicle sales by 2030.

Sales of electric vehicles accounted for about 6% of U.S. new-car sales in the third quarter.

Republicans in Congress have heaped criticism on the EV plans and pledge to scrutinize the specific projects that have received grants and loans. During the election campaign, they criticized the Biden administration's focus on EVs as a way for people to avoid high fuel prices citing the high price of EVs.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm say the higher prices are why they backed consumer tax credits to reduce the price of EVs and add it is critical long term to move away from gasoline to reduce emissions.

Many Republicans are not anti-EV, however, as many new EV plants are being built in states that have historically backed Republican candidates. Republicans also have promised to shorten EV mine permitting in a move to boost U.S. production of such key EV battery materials as lithium and copper.

In addition, incoming Republican chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee Cathy McMorris Rodgers and other Republicans last month vowed "vigorous oversight over the implementation" of Energy Department loan programs. They warn of waste, fraud and abuse.

The Democratic-controlled Congress has awarded more than $100 billion to the department for use across its applied energy, electricity, and efficiency programs and provided new authorities for $350 billion in loan guarantees.

Rodgers called the program "Solyndra on steroids," referring to a solar panel maker that received $535 million in federal loan guarantees and later filed for bankruptcy in 2011.

Another point of resistance for Republicans will likely be the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's plans to propose by March new, more stringent vehicle emissions rules through at least the 2030 model year.

In December 2021, the EPA finalized new light-duty tailpipe emissions requirements through the 2026 model year that reversed then-President Donald Trump's rollback of car pollution cuts and will speed a U.S. shift to more EVs.

Graves, who says the U.S. does not have the electric grid to handle the rising number of EVs, questioned the administration's focus on boosting mass transit and rail funding over cars and flying. "This isn't Europe."

Original Article

Republican Takeover of House Could Pump the Brakes on Biden EV Agenda

David Shepardson Friday, 18 November 2022 11:49 AM EST

Republicans' takeover of the U.S. House of Representatives could slow President Joe Biden's plans for adoption in the country of electric vehicles.

The administration's 2030 goal for half of all new vehicles sold being electric or plug-in hybrids is a big target for the Republicans, who this week won a slim House majority. That sets the stage for two years of divided government as the Democrats held control of the Senate.

House Republican leaders see Biden's EV efforts as heavy handed.

"You can't force it," incoming Republican House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chair Sam Graves told Reuters. "They are still trying to shove this down people's throats."

But the White House and Senate Democrats will strongly oppose any efforts to repeal or trim any part of tens of billions of dollars in government support for EVs, which are a crucial part of President Joe Biden's climate agenda.

Biden says the administration is helping ensure an "electric vehicle revolution."

Republican opposition is likely to block any efforts to expand eligibility for a $7,500 EV tax credit that was restructured in August but immediately barred any vehicles assembled outside North America.

Congress, under Democratic control, approved nearly $5 billion over five years to give grants to states to build thousands of electric vehicle charging stations. In addition to the 50% target by 2030, Biden wants 500,000 new EV charging stations. The president has not endorsed phasing out of new gasoline-powered vehicle sales by 2030.

Sales of electric vehicles accounted for about 6% of U.S. new-car sales in the third quarter.

Republicans in Congress have heaped criticism on the EV plans and pledge to scrutinize the specific projects that have received grants and loans. During the election campaign, they criticized the Biden administration's focus on EVs as a way for people to avoid high fuel prices citing the high price of EVs.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm say the higher prices are why they backed consumer tax credits to reduce the price of EVs and add it is critical long term to move away from gasoline to reduce emissions.

Many Republicans are not anti-EV, however, as many new EV plants are being built in states that have historically backed Republican candidates. Republicans also have promised to shorten EV mine permitting in a move to boost U.S. production of such key EV battery materials as lithium and copper.

In addition, incoming Republican chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee Cathy McMorris Rodgers and other Republicans last month vowed "vigorous oversight over the implementation" of Energy Department loan programs. They warn of waste, fraud and abuse.

The Democratic-controlled Congress has awarded more than $100 billion to the department for use across its applied energy, electricity, and efficiency programs and provided new authorities for $350 billion in loan guarantees.

Rodgers called the program "Solyndra on steroids," referring to a solar panel maker that received $535 million in federal loan guarantees and later filed for bankruptcy in 2011.

Another point of resistance for Republicans will likely be the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's plans to propose by March new, more stringent vehicle emissions rules through at least the 2030 model year.

In December 2021, the EPA finalized new light-duty tailpipe emissions requirements through the 2026 model year that reversed then-President Donald Trump's rollback of car pollution cuts and will speed a U.S. shift to more EVs.

Graves, who says the U.S. does not have the electric grid to handle the rising number of EVs, questioned the administration's focus on boosting mass transit and rail funding over cars and flying. "This isn't Europe."