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Judge Tosses Trump's Lawsuit Against Hillary Clinton Former President Donald Trump. (AP)

By Charlie McCarthy | Friday, 09 September 2022 11:01 AM EDT

A federal judge has thrown out former President Donald Trump's lawsuit against Hillary Clinton, the Democratic National Committee and others over the since discredited Russian collusion allegations.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida Judge Donald Middlebrooks said Trump was "seeking to flaunt a two-hundred-page political manifesto outlining his grievances against those that have opposed him, and this Court is not the appropriate forum."

Trumps lawyers plan to appeal Middlebrooks ruling, which was dated Thursday.

"We vehemently disagree with the opinion issued by the Court today," Trump's lawyer, Alina Habba, said in a statement to Newsmax. "Not only is it rife with erroneous applications of the law, it disregards the numerous independent governmental investigations which substantiate our claim that the defendants conspired to falsely implicate our client and undermine the 2016 Presidential election. We will immediately move to appeal this decision."

Trump in late-March sued Clinton, the Democrat nominee in the 2016 presidential election, and several other Democrats, alleging that they tried to rig that election by tying his campaign to Russia.

The suit was amended in June to include new details from Special Counsel John Durham's failed prosecution of Democrat lawyer Michael Sussmann, who was accused of lying to the FBI while providing a Trump-Russia tip just before the 2016 election, Bloomberg reported.

Middlebrooks said Trump exceeded the legal statute of limitations and that "many of the statements that Plaintiff characterizes as injurious falsehoods qualify as speech plainly protected by the First Amendment."

"At its core, the problem with Plaintiffs Amended Complaint is that Plaintiff is not attempting to seek redress for any legal harm," Middlebrooks wrote, Axios reported.

Middlebrooks, appointed by former President Bill Clinton, in April denied a request from Trump to recuse himself in the lawsuit.

"Every federal judge is appointed by a president who is affiliated with a major political party, and, therefore, every federal judge could theoretically be viewed as beholden, to some extent or another," Middlebrooks wrote.

"As judges, we must all transcend politics."

Reuters contributed to this story.

Original Article

Greg Kelly: 'Real Personal Affection' Between Trump, Queen President Donald Trump, right, and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II inspect a Guard of Honour, formed of the Coldstream Guards at Windsor Castle on July 13, 2018 in Windsor, England. (Richard PohleAP)

By Charlie McCarthy | Friday, 09 September 2022 10:28 AM EDT

Former President Donald Trump and late Queen Elizabeth enjoyed a "real personal affection for each other," Newsmax's Greg Kelly said.

Kelly honored the queen, who died Thursday, on his show, "Greg Kelly Reports," and discussed the bond between Trump and Elizabeth.

"They had real chemistry, real personal affection for each other," Kelly said while photos showed the then-president with the queen.

"I do think, just the body language alone, I think this was the most genuine relationship with an American president that she had. The affection was mutual."

Beginning with Harry Truman, Queen Elizabeth met 13 presidents, all except Lyndon Johnson.

Kelly said that one of Trump's earliest memories is watching the queen's 1953 coronation on TV with his mother, Mary, who hailed from Scotland.

"Melania and I will always cherish our time together with the Queen, and never forget Her Majesty’s generous friendship, great wisdom, and wonderful sense of humor. What a grand and beautiful lady she was — there was nobody like her!" Trump posted on Truth Social.

Original Article

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 03: 45th U.S. President Donald Trump and Queen Elizabeth II make a toast during a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on June 3, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Dominic Lipinski- WPA Pool/Getty Images)

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UPDATED 2:45 PM PT – Thursday, September 8, 2022

45th President Donald J. Trump has described the Queen’s reign as historic and remarkable. In a statement on Thursday, Trump and former First Lady Melania announced that they are deeply saddened by her passing. Trump said he will always treasure his time with her and that he appreciated Queen Elizabeth’s generosity and great sense of humor. The Republican also praised the Queen’s unwavering devotion to her fellow countrymen and women.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II first took to the throne in 1952. She was 25 year old at the time. Throughout her 70 years as Queen, she had met with 13 of the 14 United States Presidents who held office during her reign. The Queen met with the 45th President back in 2018 and in 2019.

MORE NEWS: Queen Elizabeth II Dead At 96-Years-Old

Original Article Oann

Amb. Woody Johnson to Newsmax: Queen Could Impress and Put You at Ease (Newsmax/"Spicer & Co.")

By Jack Gournell | Thursday, 08 September 2022 08:48 PM EDT

Queen Elizabeth II had an ability to impress world leaders and to put anyone at ease, former U.S. Ambassador to the U.K. Woody Johnson told Newsmax.

Johnson, who served as ambassador during most of the Trump administration, said Thursday on "Spicer & Co." that the queen had an "enormous, enormous impact" on everyone she met

Trump, who met her on several occasions on his two visits to Great Britain and spoke with her during multiple dinners and lunches, was very impressed with the queen, Johnson said.

In one state dinner, "he had a 45-minute discussion with the queen, and he was absolutely mesmerized," Johnson said. "And I think, knowing Donald Trump for the last 40 years, you know, that takes a lot."

Of all the experiences Trump had as president, "I think the time he spent with the queen, I think would be right up there, if not No. 1," Johnson said.

Johnson himself met the queen many times, but the first time was when he had to present his accreditation papers to her as the new ambassador.

He described the experience as "a little bit like going to dance class. You have to learn the steps at Buckingham Palace."

He had prepared and brought some embassy staff, along with his wife.

"And then the door knocked. We heard the knock on the door immediately opened and I, you know, immediately you blank," he said. "But then I looked at her eyes and she had that incredible ability to relax everybody around her, including me."

Even though Johnson was approximately the 19th U.S. ambassador, Queen Elizabeth "still had that sparkle in her eyes and the enthusiasm after having done it for so many of us diplomats. I don't know anybody that can do that. She's so special."

Original Article

Trump: 'Deeply Saddened' for Loss of 'Historic' Queen Then-President Donald Trump is greeted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace on June 3, 2019, in London, England. (Victoria Jones – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

By Luca Cacciatore | Thursday, 08 September 2022 08:04 PM EDT

Former President Donald Trump offered his condolences to the British royal family and praised the life of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday following her death at age 96.

Trump wrote in an official statement that he and his wife, Melania, are "deeply saddened" to hear of Elizabeth's passing after her "historic" 70-year reign as Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

Queen Elizabeth's "leadership and enduring diplomacy secured and advanced alliances with the United States and countries around the world," he wrote. "However, she will always be remembered for her faithfulness to her country and her unwavering devotion to her fellow countrymen and women.

"Our thoughts and prayers will remain with the great people of the United Kingdom as you honor her most meaningful life and exceptional service to the people," Trump added.

He also reflected on his time spent meeting with the queen while in the White House, stating that he "will always cherish" the time spent with her.

Trump traveled to England in 2018 and 2019, once claiming he "talked the whole night" with the queen during a visit. In an interview on "Fox Nation" recalling the trip, Trump said that everyone in the room, including Elizabeth, was "laughing and smiling" during their dinner.

The former president ended his statement by sending his thoughts and prayers to the United Kingdom and invoking the queen's late husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

"May God bless the Queen, may she reign forever in our hearts, and may God hold her and Prince Philip in abiding care," he proclaimed.

In a later Truth Social post, Trump issued his support for incoming King Charles III, proclaiming that he "dearly loves the United Kingdom and all that it represents to the World."

"He will prove to be an inspiration to everyone. Queen Elizabeth has been, and will be from above, very proud of King Charles III," Trump emphasized.

Original Article

Sen. Rick Scott: Media 'Vultures' Hyping Fictional GOP Rift With McConnell

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

By Jay Clemons | Thursday, 08 September 2022 07:39 PM EDT

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, has dismissed rumors of a rift between him and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., blaming what he called media "vultures" for manufacturing a pre-midterms distraction.

While addressing the NRSC distribution email list this week, Scott wrote, "As is predictable for this time of year, the vultures in the left-wing news media — The Washington Post, NY Times, CNN and the like — are roaming about trying to divide and defeat Republicans."

Scott added that "as always, they are being aided by the typical Washington 'anonymous sources' whose cowardice is only exceeded by their ignorance."

McConnell has been the subject of conservative criticism in recent weeks — including from former President Donald Trump — for allegedly minimizing the November chances of GOP Senate candidates such as Herschel Walker (Georgia), Dr. Mehmet Oz (Pennsylvania), Blake Masters (Arizona), J.D. Vance (Ohio) and Adam Laxalt (Nevada).

McConnell recently questioned the "candidate quality" of the above Senate Republican hopefuls, all of whom have endorsement ties to Trump.

There's a lot riding on this year's Senate elections, given how the Democrats (along with two independents) and Republicans currently hold 50 seats apiece.

According to Real Clear Politics, incumbent Democrats are expected to carry Senate races in Connecticut (Richard Blumenthal), Washington (Patty Murray) and Colorado (Michael Bennet).

Conversely, Republicans are slated to prevail in Florida (Sen. Marco Rubio), Alaska (Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Missouri (candidate Eric Schmitt) and Alabama (candidate Katie Britt).

For other Senate races, however, Real Clear Politics has the opposing parties essentially operating in "toss-up" territory.

Speaking with Politico last month, Scott acknowledged that he and McConnell had a "strategic disagreement" about funding certain candidates.

At the same time, Scott said passionate exchanges are common among party leaders at the height of an election cycle.

"The fact is that Republicans are on the verge of taking over both the Senate and the House, and the left is panicking," Scott wrote in the NRSC email.

Part of that so-called panic might involve the power of Trump endorsement rallies in the coming weeks.

"This year, because President Trump endorsed in many primaries, some of the self-appointed smart guys in Washington demanded that I insert the NRSC into primaries against his candidates,” Scott said. "This would have meant spending dollars raised by Republican donors against Republican candidates."

According to a data analysis from The New York Times, Scott's NRSC raised approximately $181.5 million by the end of July — but spent 95% of the funds.

"Democrats have consistently outraised Republicans in digital fundraising," Scott wrote in the email. "This had to change — and the only way to change it was to make early investments to get new donors, which we did and it worked."

Original Article

US Claims More Classified Records May Be Missing in Trump Probe (Getty)

Sarah N. Lynch Thursday, 08 September 2022 07:14 PM EDT

Former U.S. President Donald Trump's team may not have returned all the classified records removed from the White House at the end of his presidency even after an FBI search of his home, U.S. prosecutors warned on Thursday, calling it a potential national security risk that needs investigation.

That revelation came in a Justice Department court filing asking U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon to let it continue reviewing about 100 classified records seized by the FBI at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate while it investigates whether classified documents were illegally removed from the White House and improperly stored there.

Trump is under investigation for retaining government records, some of which were marked as highly classified, at the resort in Palm Beach, Florida, his home after leaving office in January 2021.

The 100 documents represent a fraction of the more than 11,000 records and photographs seized, most of which the government said Trump may review because they are not classified.

"This motion is limited to … the seized classified records because those aspects of the order will cause the most immediate and serious harms to the government and the public," the department said in its court filing.

The prosecutors also asked the judge not to allow an independent arbiter, called a "special master," to review classified materials seized from Trump's property.

Trump, in a posting on his Truth Social platform, described the request as a waste of money.

The Justice Department on Thursday suggested there could be more classified records that were removed from the Trump White House that investigators have not yet located. This revelation comes about a week after the Justice Department released a detailed list of property seized from Trump's home which showed the FBI located 48 empty folders labeled as classified and another 42 which indicated they should be returned to a staff secretary or military aide.

Legal experts were perplexed as to why the folders were empty, and it was not clear whether records were missing.

"Without a stay, the government and the public will also suffer irreparable harm from the undue delay to the criminal investigation," prosecutors wrote.

"The injunction against using classified records in the criminal investigation could impede efforts to identify the existence of any additional classified records that are not being properly stored – which itself presents the potential for ongoing risk to national security," they added.

READY TO APPEAL

Prosecutors asked Cannon for a ruling by Sept. 15. If she denies their request, they intend to file an appeal to the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, where six of the 11 active judges are Trump appointees.

In an order on Thursday evening, Cannon gave Trump's lawyer's until Monday morning to respond to the government's request.

Cannon, also a Trump appointee, on Monday ordered prosecutors to pause reviewing the more than 11,000 recovered records while a special master is appointed to review the material.

The Justice Department said it will on Friday provide the court a list of possible special master candidates in a joint filing with Trump's attorneys, as Cannon has requested.

The Justice Department is also investigating possible obstruction of justice, after it uncovered evidence showing that records may have been removed or concealed from the FBI when it sent agents to Trump's home in June to try to recover all classified documents through a grand jury subpoena.

Cannon granted Trump's request for a special master, despite prosecutors' objections.

The judge said the special master will review documents not just covered by attorney-client privilege, but any records possibly covered by executive privilege as well. Executive privilege is a legal doctrine that can shield some presidential records from disclosure.

The Justice Department has challenged the logic of using executive privilege because Trump does not own the records and is no longer president. Cannon's reasoning has also been criticized by Democratic and Republican legal experts.

"No potential assertion of executive privilege could justify restricting the executive branch's review and use of the classified records at issue here," the Justice Department wrote in its Thursday filing.

In Cannon's Monday order, she allowed U.S. intelligence officials to review all of the seized materials as part of their ongoing national security damage assessment.

But the Justice Department said there is no way to wall off the criminal investigation and the national security review.

"The ongoing Intelligence Community classification review and assessment are closely interconnected with — and cannot be readily separated from—areas of inquiry of DOJ’s and the FBI’s ongoing criminal investigation," the prosecutors said.

Some legal experts on Thursday lauded the Justice Department's approach to Cannon's order, saying it carefully preserves its right to appeal broader concerns about a special master appointment, while at the same time asking Cannon for a much narrower solution for bigger concerns.

"I think the government has embarked on a shrewd tactical strategy," said David Laufman, an attorney who previously served as chief of the department's counterintelligence section.

He said the department's legal strategy takes "a scalpel" to Cannon's order by seeking immediate relief from its worst parts, while still preserving its right to appeal in the future.

"They are focusing on what is most critical and most time-sensitive, both with respect to protecting the national security interests of the United States and with conducting follow-up investigative action," he said.

Original Article

US Claims More Classified Records May Be Missing in Trump Probe (Getty Images)

Sarah N. Lynch Thursday, 08 September 2022 07:14 PM EDT

Former President Donald Trump's team may not have returned all the classified records removed from the White House at the end of his presidency even after an FBI search of his home, U.S. prosecutors warned on Thursday, calling it a potential national security risk that needs investigation.

That revelation came in a Justice Department court filing asking U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon to let it continue reviewing about 100 classified records seized by the FBI at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate while it investigates whether classified documents were illegally removed from the White House and improperly stored there.

Trump is under investigation for retaining government records, some of which were marked as highly classified, at the resort in Palm Beach, Florida, his home after leaving office in January 2021.

The 100 documents represent a fraction of the more than 11,000 records and photographs seized, most of which the government said Trump may review because they are not classified.

"This motion is limited to … the seized classified records because those aspects of the order will cause the most immediate and serious harms to the government and the public," the department said in its court filing.

The prosecutors also asked the judge not to allow an independent arbiter, called a "special master," to review classified materials seized from Trump's property.

Trump, in a posting on his Truth Social platform, described the request as a waste of money.

The Justice Department on Thursday suggested there could be more classified records that were removed from the Trump White House that investigators have not yet located. This revelation comes about a week after the Justice Department released a detailed list of property seized from Trump's home which showed the FBI located 48 empty folders labeled as classified and another 42 which indicated they should be returned to a staff secretary or military aide.

Legal experts were perplexed as to why the folders were empty, and it was not clear whether records were missing.

"Without a stay, the government and the public will also suffer irreparable harm from the undue delay to the criminal investigation," prosecutors wrote.

"The injunction against using classified records in the criminal investigation could impede efforts to identify the existence of any additional classified records that are not being properly stored – which itself presents the potential for ongoing risk to national security," they added.

READY TO APPEAL

Prosecutors asked Cannon for a ruling by Sept. 15. If she denies their request, they intend to file an appeal to the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, where six of the 11 active judges are Trump appointees.

In an order on Thursday evening, Cannon gave Trump's lawyer's until Monday morning to respond to the government's request.

Cannon, also a Trump appointee, on Monday ordered prosecutors to pause reviewing the more than 11,000 recovered records while a special master is appointed to review the material.

The Justice Department said it will on Friday provide the court a list of possible special master candidates in a joint filing with Trump's attorneys, as Cannon has requested.

The Justice Department is also investigating possible obstruction of justice, after it uncovered evidence showing that records may have been removed or concealed from the FBI when it sent agents to Trump's home in June to try to recover all classified documents through a grand jury subpoena.

Cannon granted Trump's request for a special master, despite prosecutors' objections.

The judge said the special master will review documents not just covered by attorney-client privilege, but any records possibly covered by executive privilege as well. Executive privilege is a legal doctrine that can shield some presidential records from disclosure.

The Justice Department has challenged the logic of using executive privilege because Trump does not own the records and is no longer president. Cannon's reasoning has also been criticized by Democratic and Republican legal experts.

"No potential assertion of executive privilege could justify restricting the executive branch's review and use of the classified records at issue here," the Justice Department wrote in its Thursday filing.

In Cannon's Monday order, she allowed U.S. intelligence officials to review all of the seized materials as part of their ongoing national security damage assessment.

But the Justice Department said there is no way to wall off the criminal investigation and the national security review.

"The ongoing Intelligence Community classification review and assessment are closely interconnected with — and cannot be readily separated from — areas of inquiry of DOJ's and the FBI's ongoing criminal investigation," the prosecutors said.

Some legal experts on Thursday lauded the Justice Department's approach to Cannon's order, saying it carefully preserves its right to appeal broader concerns about a special master appointment, while at the same time asking Cannon for a much narrower solution for bigger concerns.

"I think the government has embarked on a shrewd tactical strategy," said David Laufman, an attorney who previously served as chief of the department's counterintelligence section.

He said the department's legal strategy takes "a scalpel" to Cannon's order by seeking immediate relief from its worst parts, while still preserving its right to appeal in the future.

"They are focusing on what is most critical and most time-sensitive, both with respect to protecting the national security interests of the United States and with conducting follow-up investigative action," he said.

Original Article

Michigan's High Court Puts Abortion Question on Nov. Ballot (Dreamstime)

JOEY CAPPELLETTI, SARA BURNETT and ED WHITE Thursday, 08 September 2022 06:34 PM EDT

Voters will determine whether to place abortion rights in the Michigan Constitution, the state Supreme Court declared Thursday, settling the issue a day before the fall ballot must be completed.

Abortion rights would be guaranteed if the amendment passes on Nov. 8. A 1931 state law makes it a crime to perform most abortions, but the law was suspended in May and a judge this week followed up by striking it down as unconstitutional.

Though appeals of that decision are likely, the law would be trumped if voters approve the amendment in the fall election.

There are political implications beyond the ballot question.

Democrats say the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is mobilizing voters and will help Democratic candidates this fall, when top races including governor, secretary of state and attorney general are on the Michigan ballot. They point to conservative Kansas, where voters overwhelmingly defeated a measure that would have allowed the Republican-controlled Legislature to tighten restrictions or ban the procedure outright.

In Michigan, a state elections board on Aug. 31 deadlocked along party lines on whether the abortion initiative should appear on the ballot, with Republicans voting no and Democrats voting yes. The 2-2 tie meant the measure wasn’t certified for the ballot.

Supporters submitted more than 700,000 signatures, easily clearing the minimum threshold. But Republicans and abortion opponents argued the petitions had improper or no spacing between certain words and were confusing to voters.

“What a sad marker of the times,” Chief Justice Bridget McCormack said in a brief statement that accompanied the Supreme Court's 5-2 order.

McCormack said “there is no dispute” that every word was legible and in the correct order.

Republican members of the Board of State Canvassers “would disenfranchise millions of Michiganders not because they believe the many thousands of Michiganders who signed the proposal were confused by it, but because they think they have identified a technicality that allows them to do so, a game of gotcha gone very bad,” McCormack said.

The majority was made up of McCormack, three other Democratic justices and a Republican justice. Two Republicans dissented.

The court ordered the Board of State Canvassers, which meets again Friday, to sign off on the ballot question.

Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat who supports abortion rights, hailed the decision.

“Our state Constitution provides the people with direct access to the democratic process and that access should not be limited by appointed individuals acting beyond the scope of their duty,” Nessel said.

A group called Citizens to Support MI Women and Children said it will campaign against the amendment. Right to Life of Michigan also will be a major opponent.

“Current events continue showing us that any nation that sees the next generation as an existential threat — rather than an existential necessity — has no future,” Right to Life said on Facebook.

There was no immediate comment from Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is in favor of the ballot question and is seeking reelection. Her Republican opponent, Tudor Dixon, opposes abortion rights except to save the life of the mother.

Original Article

Michigan's High Court Puts Abortion Question on Nov. Ballot (Dreamstime)

JOEY CAPPELLETTI, SARA BURNETT and ED WHITE Thursday, 08 September 2022 06:34 PM EDT

Voters will determine whether to place abortion rights in the Michigan Constitution, the state Supreme Court declared Thursday, settling the issue a day before the fall ballot must be completed.

Abortion rights would be guaranteed if the amendment passes on Nov. 8. A 1931 state law makes it a crime to perform most abortions, but the law was suspended in May and a judge this week followed up by striking it down as unconstitutional.

Though appeals of that decision are likely, the law would be trumped if voters approve the amendment in the fall election.

There are political implications beyond the ballot question.

Democrats say the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is mobilizing voters and will help Democratic candidates this fall, when top races including governor, secretary of state and attorney general are on the Michigan ballot. They point to conservative Kansas, where voters overwhelmingly defeated a measure that would have allowed the Republican-controlled Legislature to tighten restrictions or ban the procedure outright.

In Michigan, a state elections board on Aug. 31 deadlocked along party lines on whether the abortion initiative should appear on the ballot, with Republicans voting no and Democrats voting yes. The 2-2 tie meant the measure wasn’t certified for the ballot.

Supporters submitted more than 700,000 signatures, easily clearing the minimum threshold. But Republicans and abortion opponents argued the petitions had improper or no spacing between certain words and were confusing to voters.

“What a sad marker of the times,” Chief Justice Bridget McCormack said in a brief statement that accompanied the Supreme Court's 5-2 order.

McCormack said “there is no dispute” that every word was legible and in the correct order.

Republican members of the Board of State Canvassers “would disenfranchise millions of Michiganders not because they believe the many thousands of Michiganders who signed the proposal were confused by it, but because they think they have identified a technicality that allows them to do so, a game of gotcha gone very bad,” McCormack said.

The majority was made up of McCormack, three other Democratic justices and a Republican justice. Two Republicans dissented.

The court ordered the Board of State Canvassers, which meets again Friday, to sign off on the ballot question.

Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat who supports abortion rights, hailed the decision.

“Our state Constitution provides the people with direct access to the democratic process and that access should not be limited by appointed individuals acting beyond the scope of their duty,” Nessel said.

A group called Citizens to Support MI Women and Children said it will campaign against the amendment. Right to Life of Michigan also will be a major opponent.

“Current events continue showing us that any nation that sees the next generation as an existential threat — rather than an existential necessity — has no future,” Right to Life said on Facebook.

There was no immediate comment from Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is in favor of the ballot question and is seeking reelection. Her Republican opponent, Tudor Dixon, opposes abortion rights except to save the life of the mother.

Queen Elizabeth II Met With 13 US Presidents Queen Elizabeth II, then-President George W. Bush, and then-British Ambassador David Manning arrive at the British Embassy for a dinner hosted by the queen on May 8, 2007 in Washington, D.C. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

By Jack Gournell | Thursday, 08 September 2022 05:13 PM EDT

When Queen Elizabeth II died Thursday at age 96 as Great Britain's longest-reigning monarch, she had met with 13 U.S. presidents: one before she became queen, and only skipping Lyndon B. Johnson.

Her visits with American leaders began in 1951, a year before she ascended to the throne, when she and her husband, Prince Philip, met with President Harry S. Truman and his family at Blair House during a visit to Washington D.C., according to Yahoo News.

In 1957, now-Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip spent four days at the White House with President Dwight D. Eisenhower and first lady Mamie Eisenhower.

In 1961, it was time for an American president to visit the queen. That's when President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy visited her at Buckingham Palace. Elizabeth reportedly felt upstaged by Jackie Kennedy, but still had a friendly relationship with the family.

Though Elizabeth never met Johnson, her sister, Princess Margaret did meet him in 1965 during a famous White House dinner party at which Johnson said in a formal toast that he hoped the two countries' friendship would always remain so close. Later, in a not-so-formal toast, he advised Margaret's husband how to keep her happy: "First, let her think she is having her way. And second, let her have it!"

The queen did meet again with America's next president, Richard Nixon, when he and first lady Pat Nixon visited Great Britain in 1970.

She came back to American soil in 1976 for the U.S. Bicentennial celebration, dancing with President Gerald Ford.

The next year, the United States had a new president, and Jimmy Carter was part of a group of world leaders who arrived at Buckingham Palace for a summit dinner with the queen.

President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan visited the queen at Windsor Castle in 1982, and the president and queen rode horses. The Reagans invited the queen to their ranch, and she later visited.

In 1991, Elizabeth came to the White House where she and President George H.W. Bush planted a tree on the South Lawn. That tree was a replacement for one that had been planted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937 in honor of King George VI's coronation. He was the father of Queen Elizabeth II.

President Bill Clinton met the queen several times, including at a D-Day commemoration at the Guildhall in London. Clinton said of her in his memoir, "Her Majesty impressed me as someone who but for the circumstance of her birth, might have become a successful politician or diplomat. As it was, she had to be both, without quite seeming to be either."

President George W. Bush met Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace in 2003. She gave him a good-natured teasing for saying she had come to America in 1776 rather than 1976.

In 2016, President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama had a private lunch at Windsor Castle with the queen and Prince Philip.

Elizabeth met President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump when they visited Buckingham Palace in 2019.

And President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden met the queen in 2021 at Windsor Castle during Biden's first foreign trip as president.

Original Article

Group of Hunter Biden Laptop Dissenters Now Leading DC-Based Spy Museum Hunter Biden. (Getty Images)

By Jay Clemons | Thursday, 08 September 2022 05:02 PM EDT

The recent additions to the International Spy Museum's advisory board have a common thread, according to the Washington Examiner:

Each appointment involves an ex-intelligence official who dismissed the New York Post's October 2020 story on Hunter Biden's laptop as "Russian disinformation."

The Washington D.C.-based Spy Museum, which touts itself as "lifting the veil of secrecy on the hidden world of intelligence, exploring its successes and failures, challenges, and controversies," just added Jeremy Bash, Malcolm Nance, and Joanna Hiestand Mendez to the board.

Formerly a chief of staff at both the CIA and Department of Defense (DOD), Bash was recently hand-picked by President Joe Biden to join the President's Intelligence Advisory Board.

Regarding Hunter Biden's laptop, Bash said this on MSNBC for Oct. 19, 2020: "This looks like Russian intelligence. This walks like Russian intelligence. This talks like Russian intelligence."

Malcolm Nance, a former member of Navy intelligence, offered this insight on Twitter regarding Hunter Biden's laptop.

Shortly after, Nance posted this response, according to the Examiner:

"BAD SPYCRAFT ALERT: The 'laptop' (briefcase, safe, harddrive, purse, wallet, jacket pocket) full of accidentally abandoned 'secret' is an OLD KGB/FSB TECHNIQUE of PLANTING data to be 'suddenly discovered' just for a gullible newsmedia," wrote Nance.

Later on, Nance likened the Hunter Biden materials to "[Rudy] Giuliani/Russian Intelligence generated fake emails" in a separate tweet.

And Mendez, a founding board member of the Spy Museum, worked at the CIA for 27 years (1966-93), is also the former chief of disguise in the CIA's Office of Technical Service.

For her introductory video at the museum, actor Morgan Freeman reportedly handled the narration.

Among the other Spy Museum notables:

Mike Morelli, the former acting CIA director under former President Barack Obama.

Marc Polymeropoulos, a former senior operations officer at the CIA, told the National Review in 2020 that he and Morelli crafted the letter of intelligence officials denouncing the New York Post's Hunter Biden story as "Russian disinformation."

John McLaughlin's run as former deputy director of the CIA covered the George W. Bush administration.

Doug Wise, who spent 29 years in the CIA, was a former deputy director of the Defense Intelligence Agency under Obama.

And James Clapper, honorary board member at the Spy Museum, was Obama's former director of national intelligence.

Earlier this year, Clapper reasoned to the Post that "sounding such a cautionary note at the time was appropriate."

For what it's worth, the original Post story broke just three weeks before the 2020 presidential election, pitting Joe Biden vs. Donald Trump.

Original Article

DOJ Appeals Ruling That Called for Special Master in Trump Doc Probe (Dreamstime)

Thursday, 08 September 2022 04:11 PM EDT

The Justice Department is appealing a judge’s decision to name an independent arbiter to review records seized by the FBI from former President Donald Trump’s Florida home.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon on Monday granted the Trump team’s request for a so-called special master and temporarily blocked the Justice Department from using for investigative purposes the thousands of records taken from Mar-a-Lago during the Aug. 8 search.

That order has the likely impact of slowing the pace of the investigation into the presence of classified documents at the Florida property.

The Justice Department, which had strenuously opposed such an appointment, filed a notice of appeal Thursday, saying it was contesting the ruling to the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Cannon, a Trump appointee, said the yet-to-be-named special master will be responsible for reviewing the records from Mar-a-Lago and segregating out those that are potentially protected by attorney-client privilege or executive privilege.

The Justice Department has been investigating what it says was the unlawful retention of national defense information at Mar-a-Lago as well as efforts to obstruct the probe. It is not clear whether Trump or anyone else will face charges.

The two sides were directed to submit proposed names of a special master by Friday. That role is often filled by a lawyer or former judge.

Original Article

DOJ Appeals Ruling That Called for Special Master in Trump Doc Probe (Dreamstime)

Thursday, 08 September 2022 04:11 PM EDT

The Justice Department is appealing a judge’s decision to name an independent arbiter to review records seized by the FBI from former President Donald Trump’s Florida home.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon on Monday granted the Trump team’s request for a so-called special master and temporarily blocked the Justice Department from using for investigative purposes the thousands of records taken from Mar-a-Lago during the Aug. 8 search.

That order has the likely impact of slowing the pace of the investigation into the presence of classified documents at the Florida property.

The Justice Department, which had strenuously opposed such an appointment, filed a notice of appeal Thursday, saying it was contesting the ruling to the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Cannon, a Trump appointee, said the yet-to-be-named special master will be responsible for reviewing the records from Mar-a-Lago and segregating out those that are potentially protected by attorney-client privilege or executive privilege.

The Justice Department has been investigating what it says was the unlawful retention of national defense information at Mar-a-Lago as well as efforts to obstruct the probe. It is not clear whether Trump or anyone else will face charges.

The two sides were directed to submit proposed names of a special master by Friday. That role is often filled by a lawyer or former judge.

Letter: House GOP 'Gravely Concerned' About Marines' Role in Biden Speech President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden emerge from Independence Hall between Marines before last week's speech in Philadelphia. (AP)

By Jay Clemons | Thursday, 08 September 2022 03:45 PM EDT

The fallout continues from President Joe Biden's controversial speech in Philadelphia last week in which he condemned "MAGA Republicans" as a threat to the republic.

On Thursday, the House Republicans informed the Department of Defense they were "gravely concerned" about President Biden's usage of the Marine Corps in the speech, saying the two Marines standing behind the president were "political props."

In the letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin — which was signed by House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., and Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif. — the Republican lawmakers wrote: "We are gravely concerned that throughout the entirety of this partisan, politically charged, and divisive address to the nation, two United States Marines were visibly present flanking the President in the background."

The letter continued: "The President's use of active-duty Marines as political props undermines the apolitical nature of our servicemembers and erodes trust in our military."

Also, the House Republicans asked Austin to respond to three particular questions, regarding the Pentagon's possible coordination with the White House.

Among the questions:

• Did the Pentagon know the contents of Biden's speech before his appearance in Philadelphia?
• Did the DOD know two active-duty service members would be involved in the TV presentation?
• And if so, what guidance was given to the White House regarding their participation in the event?

"You've expressed your concern about politicization of the military and have insisted the military will not become a political instrument under your watch. Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened with the participation of the Marines at this political event," the lawmakers wrote.

The Pentagon reportedly referred questions on the use of the Marines to the Biden administration.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre defended Biden's usage of the Marines last week, saying it was done out of respect for the Marines and their role in defending democracy.

"It is not abnormal. It is actually normal for presidents from either side of the aisle to give speeches in front of members of the military," said Jean-Pierre. "It is not an unusual sight or is not an unusual event to have happen."

Original Article

Harriet Hageman to Newsmax: Cheney Was Focused on Jan. 6, Not Wyoming (Newsmax/"National Report")

By Sandy Fitzgerald | Thursday, 08 September 2022 03:14 PM EDT

Much of the focus of the recent Wyoming GOP primary was on incumbent Rep. Liz Cheney, considering her role in the House Jan. 6 committee, and she concentrated more on that than she had in the election to keep her seat, nominee Harriet Hageman, the Trump-backed candidate who beat her, said on Newsmax Thursday.

"I understand that she's a Cheney and she was an incumbent," Hageman said on Newsmax's "National Report." "She's Dick Cheney's daughter. There's no doubt that that legacy has helped her with her name recognition and being elected to the seat in the first place, but in my view in a constitutional republic, which is what we are, we're mere representatives."

And as such, Hageman said the biggest contrast between her and Cheney was that while the incumbent was focusing on the Jan. 6 committee, or on things that are not important to Wyoming, "I was in Wyoming meeting with the people.

"I was talking about the issues such as inflation, the open border, the skyrocketing fuel costs. … I was talking to real people in Wyoming, not only about the problems but real solutions," said Hageman.

She added that as a constitutional attorney for more than 30 years, she has the "experience and background to go back to Congress and be effective for the people of Wyoming as well as people across the country."

However, said Hageman, too many of the nation's leaders only want to talk "about issues that are important to them" rather than what's important to the nation.

Hageman also discussed President Joe Biden's recent speeches, and said that despite his campaign promises to unite the nation, he's "never been a unifier."

"Anybody who's paid any attention to Joe Biden over the last 50 years knows that was rhetoric," she said. "That was political noise, and that was the media attempting to prop up someone incompetent, even at the time that he was running for the office."

And Biden's speech in Philadelphia, where he disparaged "MAGA" Republicans while standing in front of a dark red background was "stagecraft," she said. "It was purely about deflection and the problem is that the media and so many of the people in the public took the bait," said Hageman.

"They want to focus on Donald Trump because they can't focus on their record. The record of the Democrats has been an abysmal failure."

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Original Article

Levell: Trump Stood Up for You, Now Do the Same for Him

Former U.S. President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in support of Doug Mastriano for governor and Mehmet Oz for U.S. Senate at Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania – Sept. 3, 2022. (Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images)

By Bruce Levell | Thursday, 08 September 2022 03:05 PM EDT

President Donald Trump’s red wave continues sweeping the nation.

Despite what the mainstream media tells you, the Trump endorsement is a significant political advantage. Many politicians benefited from his recognition and moral support.

Some candidates straight up begged and cried to receive it.

But, alas, the mainstream media continues to deceive.

The recent politically-motivated raid at the president's Palm Beach, Florida residence (Mar a Lago) seems to have spooked some of the people President Trump so graciously gave his approval to.

This writer, as a friend of President Trump, hates to see him (as well as his family) endure constant political attacks. Rest assured, this writer understands the word loyalty and will continue to speak out against corruption between federal agencies, politicians, and the mainstream media.

Unfortunately, some Team Trump newcomers have lapsed into radio silence.

Loyal members of the original team, like myself, know this is just another distraction organized by those seeking America's destruction.

There are questions for our new members to consider, specfically directed toward those who haven’t spoken up about Mr. Trump being targeted — yet again.

Does a sensational headline scare you that much?

Why would you start to believe the mainstream media now?

Do you genuinely believe in the America First agenda?

If you can’t stand up for President Trump now, how will you stand up to globalists and their radical liberal agenda?

Are you just another swamp creature only motivated by selfish gain?

President Trump has had to come to the rescue of many in the GOP.

Our nation's 45th commander in chief never complained about what he had to do for our country. Even people who had previously turned their back on him.

For example, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, had he not received Trump's endorsement, could have lost his seat to former Congressman Beto O'Rourke, D-Texas.

Or even Gov. Brian Kemp, R-Ga., who in short order denied President Trump.

Yet, Trump still came to save him during a contentious race.

Our team cannot allow the mainstream media to make us run for cover.

We must stand firm and unite against the psychological warfare and poison that the mainstream media spews. If the government had any real criminal evidence on President Trump, don’t you think he would have been arrested long ago?

The point is, when you receive Trump's endorsement, it's like joining a team.

And as a team, we have one common goal, to save America.

Perhaps certain team members remaining silent don't fully understand the word loyalty.

Call me old-school, but I believe loyalty is one of a person's most important attributes.

Loyalty is an unconditional quality. You're either consistently loyal, or you're not.

It's that simple.

Fidelity is certainly not a one-way street or engaged in only when it benefits you.

A winning team must act as a "we," not a singular "me."

When the going gets tough, weak people run, but loyal people remain.

Loyalists don't fade into the background or completely disappear.

They stand firm, act with courage, and do what's morally right.

In these times, we must bravely continue to fight to save America.

This means, we must call out corruption.

Nefarious forces are working against this mission, so we must always stand together courageously.Yes, the politico-media complex is a formidable opponent, but the truth is on our side.

Remember, President Trump has the support of over half of America.

He will prevail. Do not let the mainstream media's deceptive psychological tactics and fake spin make you lose your loyalty.

Remember, all of this is meant to scare the weak-willed and the easily deceived.

Hold on to the vision, hold the line. Stand up for the man who stood up for you.

Bruce LeVell is a longtime adviser and appointee to President Donald J. Trump, Former Trump Campaigns 2016 and 2020 senior adviser.

Original Article