Judge Who Signed Mar-A-Lago Warrant Defended Jeffrey Epstein Employees, Donated To Obama

Posted on August 10, 2022 by Becky Noble

The details of Monday’s FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago, the Florida home of former President Donald Trump, keep getting more interesting.

Bruce Reinhart, the federal magistrate judge who signed off on the search warrant for Trump’s residence donated to former President Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, and at one point, went from prosecutor to defense attorney to defend individuals connected to financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

I'm willing to bet that if peaceful protesters showed up at Bruce Reinhart's house… they'd be arrested faster than you can say, "The DOJ did absolutely nothing to protect SCOTUS judges who were harassed last month."

— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) August 10, 2022

The Judge In Question

According to a report from Politico, Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart is ‘highly regarded’ in the Palm Beach legal community, and is known for being “meticulous” in his work.

Reinhart’s background was in prosecution until Jan. 2 2008, he became the defense counsel representing several employees of Epstein, including pilots, his scheduler, and a woman later described by some of Epstein’s victims as a “sex slave.”

Politico reports that in 2011, Reinhart was named in a lawsuit and was accused of violating Justice Department policy by representing the Epstein employees. Reinhart has denied any wrongdoing. He said that he was not a part of the criminal case and did not learn any confidential information while serving as prosecutor.

The totally apolitical and completely normal FBI search warrant of Mar A Lago was signed by Bruce E Reinhart, who once left his job as a U.S. Attorney to work for Jeffrey Epstein. Nothing to see here! pic.twitter.com/gzSynjNW9e

— Kim Snyder (@KimSnyd) August 9, 2022

More Details Of The Raid Emerging

Fox News reports that the search warrant issued for Mar-a-Lago was to focus entirely on “presidential records and evidence of classified information being stored there.”

The Fox News report also says that agents combed through former First Lady Melania Trump’s wardrobe and the private office of the former president. Drawers were also gone through and a safe broken into.

Reportedly, the FBI or DOJ did not allow attorneys for Trump into the residence to observe what was going on during the roughly nine-hour raid. About 15 boxes were taken from a locked private storage basement area.

Federal agents also reportedly attempted to get Trump representatives to turn off any security cameras which they refused to do.

Will sign warrants for double stuffed Oreos & booze.#BruceReinhart https://t.co/n9oYe1bFOp

— Ultra Honey Badger (@Nancy7261) August 9, 2022

Who’s Next?

Republicans didn’t have to wait long for the answer to the question “who’s next.” The day after the Mar-a-Lago raid, Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), chairman of the House Freedom Caucus and a close Trump ally, said his cellphone was seized by FBI agents while on vacation with his family.

In a statement, Perry said,

“This morning, while traveling with my family, 3 FBI agents visited me and seized my cell phone. They made no attempt to contact my lawyer, who would have made arrangements for them to have my phone if that was their wish. I’m outraged — though not surprised — that the FBI under the direction of Merrick Garland’s DOJ, would seize the phone of a sitting Member of Congress.”

Perry has refused to cooperate with the Jan. 6 Committee on several occasions, calling it “illegitimate,” and also filed articles of impeachment against Attorney General Merrick Garland in October of 2021 in relation to targeting parents at school board meetings.

With judges like Bruce Reinhart at the ready, perhaps Republicans should keep asking who’s next.

So do you guys remember that time the FBI found a judge who worked for Epstein to sign off on a raid of Mar-a-Lago?

— Jack Posobiec (@JackPosobiec) August 10, 2022

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GOP Congressman Who Was Target of January 6 Committee Says FBI Seized His Cellphone After Mar-a-Lago Raid

Posted on August 10, 2022 by Rusty Weiss

Representative Scott Perry, an ally of former Donald Trump and the current chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, says the FBI seized his cellphone a day after the unprecedented raid by agents on the Mar-a-Lago home of the former President.

The raid had reportedly involved an investigation into the handling of classified documents that may have been brought to Trump’s Palm Beach residence.

But the confiscation of Perry’s phone creates new questions as to the FBI’s intent, as the Pennsylvania Republican has been an ally of the former President in his quest to promote unproven election fraud claims, making him a target of the January 6 House select committee.

“This morning, while traveling with my family, 3 FBI agents visited me and seized my cell phone,” Perry said in a statement. “They made no attempt to contact my lawyer, who would have made arrangements for them to have my phone if that was their wish.”

“I’m outraged — though not surprised — that the FBI under the direction of Merrick Garland’s DOJ, would seize the phone of a sitting Member of Congress,” he added.

The FBI has reportedly seized the cell phone of House Freedom Caucus Chair, Scott Perry. Our country is becoming unrecognizable.

The FBI, and the Regime they take marching orders from, are the enemy of the American People. They must be stopped.

DEFUND THE FBI

— Rep. Paul Gosar, DDS (@RepGosar) August 9, 2022

Scott Perry’s Cellphone Seized by the FBI

It’s difficult to ascertain why Scott Perry would be targeted by the FBI and have his cellphone seized one day after a raid on Mar-a-Lago.

Perry has a history of supporting Trump’s claims of election fraud, however, and has been a target of the January 6 committee investigating the Capitol riot.

He also, as Representative Lauren Boebert (R-CO) points out, has targeted Garland himself, filing articles of impeachment against the Attorney General in October of 2021.

Rep. Scott Perry files articles of impeachment against Merrick Garland.

Garland sends the FBI to retrieve his private cell phone.

This is America, and these Gestapo tactics are not welcome. There will be a reckoning. https://t.co/747N6KLdT9

— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) August 9, 2022

Perry’s articles of impeachment accuse Garland of having “presided over a reckless and corrosive politicization of the Department of Justice at the expense of our Nation’s children.”

The articles at the time referenced the DOJ’s targeting of parents at school board meetings.

With that information as context, it’s easy to wonder if the seizure of Perry’s cellphone was politically motivated.

Here’s your Insurrection https://t.co/56cOKmV4PC

— Benjamin Weingarten (@bhweingarten) August 9, 2022

Why Did They Target a Sitting Congressman?

Unfortunately, without comment from the FBI at the present time, seizing Representative Scott Perry’s cell phone leads to major speculation.

Perry has repeatedly refused to cooperate with the select committee’s investigation into the January 6 riot, suggesting the anti-Trump panel is “illegitimate.”

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The manner and mode of the raid have led conservatives to openly wonder if the FBI isn’t using the search for classified documents as a means to find evidence surrounding the Capitol riot.

Sirius XM podcast host Megyn Kelly expressed skepticism that the Mar-a-Lago raid was about classified documents at all.

“Bullshit – there is no way that’s what they were searching for,” she told listeners. “This is about January 6, and the never-ending desire to get Donald Trump on something.”

“Bullshit – there is no way that’s what they were searching for…This is about January 6, and the never-ending desire to get Donald Trump on something…”@MegynKelly on the FBI raid at Trump’s home. Watch below, and download the FULL show here:https://t.co/F96HgI7HIW pic.twitter.com/s5pA45Vxc5

— The Megyn Kelly Show (@MegynKellyShow) August 10, 2022

Perry suggested Garland’s Justice Department had plunged the United States into “banana republic” territory and noted if they were willing to seize his cellphone and information, and willing to raid a former President’s home, what will they do with their newfound power at the IRS?

The Political Insider reported earlier this week that the so-called Inflation Reduction Act passed by Senate Democrats over the weekend adds $80 billion to the IRS budget for enforcement purposes, allowing them to unleash roughly 87,000 new auditors on low-to-middle income Americans.

“As with President Trump last night, DOJ chose this unnecessary and aggressive action instead of simply contacting my attorneys,” Perry said.

“These kinds of banana republic tactics should concern every Citizen — especially considering the decision before Congress this week to hire 87,000 new IRS agents to further persecute law-abiding Citizens.”

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GOP lawmakers out of their minds over search on their leader by Trump-appointed FBI director

Posted on August 9, 2022 (Updated August 10, 2022) by Rebekah Sager

Just when you thought things couldn’t get even more dystopian, former President Donald Trump confirmed Monday night that the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) were at his Mar-a-Lago beachfront estate carrying out a search warrant. Trump described the raid as “dark times for our Nation” and said that his home was “under siege, raided, and occupied by a large group of FBI agents.”

Trump went on to release an extensive statement on the raid.

It didn’t take long for Trump’s most loyal MAGA lawmakers to proclaim their outrage over the audacity that their leader be investigated. After all, he’s above the law, they believe.

Sign if you agree: No one is above the law

Texas Republican Rep. Ronny Jackson tweeted, “Tonight the FBI officially became the enemy of the people!!”

Tonight the FBI officially became the enemy of the people!!!
— Ronny Jackson (@RonnyJacksonTX) August 9, 2022

Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene initially tweeted to “Defund the FBI,” then Tuesday morning called the raid “tyrannical” and suggested that the FBI’s search will only stoke GOP voters in November.

DEFUND THE FBI!
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) August 9, 2022

“I’ve talked a lot about the civil war in the GOP and I lean into it because America needs fearless & effective Republicans to finally put America First. Last night’s tyrannical FBI raid at MAR is unifying us in ways I haven’t seen. In January, we take on the enemy within.”

I’ve talked a lot about the civil war in the GOP and I lean into it because America needs fearless & effective Republicans to finally put America First. Last night’s tyrannical FBI raid at MAR is unifying us in ways I haven’t seen. In January, we take on the enemy within.
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) August 9, 2022

Indiana Rep. Jim Banks offered that “Republicans have a moral duty to fight back!”

Republicans have a moral duty to fight back!
— Jim Banks (@RepJimBanks) August 9, 2022

Florida Sen. Rick Scott claimed on Fox News that the FBI execution of the warrant was something you’d see from the “Gestapo” and the “Soviet Union and Latin America.”

Rick Scott says the FBI raid of Mar-a-Lago is like the Nazis and the Soviet Union and Latin American dictatorships pic.twitter.com/a0cFWl4kJM
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 9, 2022

Georgia Rep. Jody Hice met with Trump and Greene in 2020 to discuss plans to overturn the presidential election results. According to Georgia Democrats, “video surfaced of Hice promising that if elected, he would work to retroactively ‘decertify’ the 2020 election results.”

Monday night, Hice wrote on Twitter, “What does the FBI know about Hunter Biden?”

What does the FBI know about Hunter Biden?
— Rep. Jody Hice (@CongressmanHice) August 9, 2022

New York Republican Rep. Claudia Tenney accused the Department of Justice and the FBI of “being weaponized” and demanded that President Joe Biden and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland “answer immediately” for the Mar-a-Lago search.

“The DOJ & FBI are being weaponized like never before to target political opponents. This Admin has thrown the rule of law and faith in our democratic institutions out the door. Joe Biden and Merrick Garland must answer immediately for today’s raid against an American president.”

The DOJ & FBI are being weaponized like never before to target political opponents. This Admin has thrown the rule of law and faith in our democratic institutions out the door. Joe Biden and Merrick Garland must answer immediately for today’s raid against an American president.
— Rep. Claudia Tenney (@RepTenney) August 9, 2022

Republican Florida Rep. John Rutherford tweeted Monday night that he wanted to see the FBI search warrant and “probably cause.” Well, we don’t know the cause of the search, but it was “probably” because Trump has committed a crime—probably.

I want to see an immediate release of the search warrant and the "probably cause" used to obtain it. Release it Director Wray, NOW. (2/2)
— Rep. John Rutherford (@RepRutherfordFL) August 9, 2022

Rep. Guy Reschenthaler of Pennsylvania called the FBI search harassment of Trump and suggested that law enforcement should be focused on “terrorists at our southern border.”

“So far this year, CBP arrested more than 50 terrorists at our southern border but we have no idea how many evaded capture and entered our country. The FBI should be answering that question, not harassing a former president.”

So far this year, CBP arrested more than 50 terrorists at our southern border but we have no idea how many evaded capture and entered our country. The FBI should be answering that question, not harassing a former president.https://t.co/1hy8uavHTT
— Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (@GReschenthaler) August 9, 2022

Texas Rep. Louis Gohmert called the search something “Stalin would be proud of…”

We evolved to a #JusticeSystem that was the fairest in the world. Now, #DOJ & House Dems are taking us back 6-7 DECADES, approaching a Soviet-style justice system. Stalin would be proud of what they’re doing. It’s grossly unfair, grossly unjust. https://t.co/ojwjSFsxow
— Louie Gohmert (@replouiegohmert) August 8, 2022

Sen. Rand Paul called the search “outrageous and unjust, but predictable.” Paul is the same man who said he was “proud of the job Donald Trump has done,” and called Trump’s impeachment the “antithesis of unity.”

The @FBI raid on President Trump was approved by Director Wray, who also claimed that the illegal FISA warrants used to spy on Trump were constitutional. Today’s raid is outrageous and unjust, but predictable.
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) August 9, 2022

Sen. Marsha Blackburn referred to the “Obama FBI” and warned, “If they can do this to Trump, they will do it to you!” So try not to steal any classified documents from the White House, folks.

The Obama FBI began spying on President Trump as a candidate. This isn’t how a justice system should operate, and it should outrage every American. If they can do this to Trump, they will do it to you!
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) August 9, 2022

The head of the FBI is Christopher Wray. He became the eighth director on Aug. 2, 2017. He was formally nominated by Trump on June 26, 2017, and confirmed by the Senate on July 12, 2017.

Rep. Kevin McCarthy chose to put Garland on notice with a warning to the attorney general to “preserve your documents and clear your calendar.”

I swear, I thought that message was for Trump.

Attorney General Garland: preserve your documents and clear your calendar. pic.twitter.com/dStAjnwbAT
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) August 9, 2022

While Republicans try to overturn elections and make it harder to vote, volunteer to help save democracy by encouraging people to cast their ballots. Click here to view hundreds of local and national Get Out the Vote opportunities on the Daily Kos Mobilize feed, and sign up to volunteer on a national campaign or one near you.

Trump Speaks: Angrily Condemns ‘Political Persecution’ As FBI Raids Mar-a-Lago

Posted on August 9, 2022 by Rusty Weiss

Former President Donald Trump slammed never-ending “political persecution” by Democrats as he confirmed his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida had been raided by the FBI.

“These are dark times for our Nation, as my beautiful home, Mar-A-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, is currently under siege, raided, and occupied by a large group of FBI agents,” Trump said in a statement released Monday evening.

“Nothing like this has ever happened to a President of the United States before.”

CNN reports that the FBI raided Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home as part of an investigation into the handling of possible classified documents that may have been brought there.

Trump’s Florida home was raided by FBI. Here’s what we know:
– Part of an investigation into whether he took classified documents from the White House
– Raid began Monday morning and lasted until after 6 p.m.
– Trump says Mar-a-Lago safe was opened https://t.co/jhrne5EanT pic.twitter.com/03oMeKjFbm

— Bloomberg Quicktake (@Quicktake) August 9, 2022

Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Home Raided by FBI

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) said in February that Trump earlier this year had to return 15 boxes of documents that were improperly taken from the White House.

The FBI appears to be pursuing concerns of classified materials in the home of former President Trump, something that they provably dismissed and allowed Hillary Clinton to do when she served as Secretary of State.

Trump blasted the raid and suggested it was part of a coordinated weaponization of federal government agencies to stop him from running for President in 2024.

“Such an assault could only take place in broken, Third-World Countries,” he stated. “Sadly, America has now become one of those countries, corrupt at a level not seen before.”

“The political persecution of President Donald J. Trump has been going on for years, with the now fully debunked Russia, Russia, Russia Scam, Impeachment Hoax 11, Impeachment Hoax #2, and so much more, it just never ends, it is political targeting at the highest level!”

Trump says MAL has been searched by feds pic.twitter.com/UEC5KE5pJm

— Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) August 8, 2022

Supporters Come out in Droves

Numerous supporters of former President Donald Trump gathered outside his Mar-a-Lago home after news had spread of the FBI raid.

Several suggested the raid was a political move by the Department of Justice to prevent Trump from running again in 2024. Others simply concurred that it was political persecution.

“As soon as I saw it, I drove here from Tampa. This is nuts,” one man who had driven across the state told Fox News. “We all know what you’re trying to do, DOJ. You’re trying to create some kind of charge so he’s not going to be able to run for reelection.”

“They’re going to do anything they can to get him. They’re terrified of him,” another claimed.

A White House official claimed President Biden was not given advance notice of the FBI raid.

Lara Trump offered commentary hinting that the siege on Mar-a-Lago was more to do with the left and the establishment’s hatred of the former President.

“They detest Donald Trump, not just on the Democrat side, but the general establishment, because he’s not one of them, because he doesn’t play their game,” she said.

Biden’s America
From the IRS to the FBI: They are coming for you

The DOJ’s escalating tactics are a danger to the Republic

LARA TRUMP: An unannounced raid by the FBI conducted on a former President…If this is what they are able to do to him, think what they could do to you pic.twitter.com/RI2Z8G4820

— LionHearted (@LionHearted76) August 9, 2022

Lara Trump warned that if the Justice Department and the FBI are willing to do this to a former President, “think about what they could do to you.”

The Political Insider reported on Monday that the so-called Inflation Reduction Act passed by Senate Democrats over the weekend adds $80 billion to the IRS budget for enforcement purposes.

That budget would unleash roughly 87,000 new IRS auditors.

The government is hiring 87,000 IRS agents because Western governments view their own people as the enemy now and they’ve turned their guns on them. It’s why I believe we will have a massive worldwide turning at some point in the coming years.

— Jesse Kelly (@JesseKellyDC) August 8, 2022

Matt Schlapp, the chairman of The American Conservative Union, says the FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago demonstrates the Biden administration has converted the United States into a Third World country.

“President Biden’s politicized FBI just raided President Trump’s home in Mar-a-Lago,” he wrote. “This nation is becoming unrecognizable. Biden has successfully transformed America into a third-world country.”

BREAKING: Patriots arrive at Mar-a-Lago to show support for Donald Trump after news broke of the FBI’s Raid on him: pic.twitter.com/ILzFyMLDcB

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 9, 2022

Schlapp notes that a CPAC Texas straw poll shows respondents believe the greatest threat to America right now comes from within.

According to that poll, 91% of attendees believe the greatest threat to America is “internal forces such as the Deep State, public education and the mainstream media,” while just 8% pointed to “external forces such as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.”

The Political Insider reports that beyond the investigation of classified documents, the Justice Department is also investigating Trump as part of a criminal probe into “efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.”

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The post Trump Speaks: Angrily Condemns ‘Political Persecution’ As FBI Raids Mar-a-Lago appeared first on The Political Insider.

‘They even broke into my safe!’: Trump confirms FBI raided Mar-a-Lago in whining statement

Posted on August 8, 2022 (Updated August 9, 2022) by April Siese

If you were wondering if the rumblings of a search warrant carried out by the FBI at Mar-a-Lago were true, look no further than the club’s owner—Donald Trump—to confirm this latest development. Florida Politics’ Peter Schorsch first got the scoop from two sources that the former president’s beachfront estate was in the process of being raided early Monday evening. It didn’t take long before Trump said what the FBI seemingly didn’t confirm until after his Truth Social post.

The FBI refused to comment about any specifics on the matter, but Trump found it necessary to issue dozens of words describing the influx of a “large group of FBI agents” at Mar-a-Lago whose orders Trump readily complied with, though the insurrection ringleader claimed the FBI broke into his safe and that they were carrying out an unnecessary, inappropriate form of prosecutorial misconduct. The horrors that come with allowing the FBI into your house willingly! Are they like vampires?

Monday, Aug 8, 2022 · 11:43:18 PM +00:00 · Jen Hayden

Here’s a full transcript of Donald Trump’s statement about the FBI raid on Mar-A-Lago:

These are dark times for our Nation, as my beautiful home, Mar-A-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, is currently under siege, raided, and occupied by a large group of FBI agents. Nothing like this has ever happened to a President of the United States before. After working and cooperating with the relevant Government agencies, this unannounced raid on my home was not necessary or appropriate. It is prosecutorial misconduct, the weaponization of the Justice System, and an attack by the Radical Left Democrats who desperately don’t want me to run for President in 2024, especially based on recent polls, and who will likewise do anything to stop Republicans and Conservatives in the upcoming Midterm Elections. Such an assault could only take place in broken, Third-World Countries. Sadly, America has now become one of those Countries, corrupt at a level not seen before. They even broke my safe! What is the difference between this and Watergate, where operatives broke into the National Democratic Committee? Here, in reverse, Democrats broke into the home of the 45th President of the United States.

The political persecution of President Donald J. Trump has been going on for years, with the now fully debunked Russia, Russia, Russia Scam, Impeachment Hoax #1, Impeachment Hoax #2, and so much more, it just never ends. It is political targeting at the highest level!

Hillary Clinton was allowed to delete and acid wash 33,000 emails AFTER they were subpoenaed by Congress. Absolutely nothing has happened to hold her accountable.

She even took antique furniture, and other items from the White House.

I stood up to America’s bureaucratic corruption, I restored power to the people, and truly delivered for our Country, like we have never seen before. The establishment hated it. Now, as they watch my endorsed candidates win big victories, and see my dominance in all polls, they are trying to stop me, and the Republican party, once more. The lawlessness, political persecution, and Witch Hunt must be exposed and stopped.

I will continue to fight for the Great American People!

Tuesday, Aug 9, 2022 · 1:09:27 AM +00:00 · Barbara Morrill

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy—apparently neck deep in Jan. 6—appears to be threatening the Department of Justice:

Attorney General Garland: preserve your documents and clear your calendar. pic.twitter.com/dStAjnwbAT
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) August 9, 2022

It’s anyone’s guess what latest controversy Trump may be mired in, though I welcome your guesses in the comments.

Statement from #DonaldTrump confirming search warrant scoop. https://t.co/0UkI3nx6Np pic.twitter.com/QH4ANTXs1k
— Peter Schorsch (@PeterSchorschFL) August 8, 2022

Also, why does Trump capitalize the word “Countries”? Someone who’s good at Q math, please solve this problem.

Trump’s ‘parade of supplicants’ advised to woo the ocher ape with big fonts and color photos

Posted on April 19, 2022 by Aldous J Pennyfarthing

I’m trying to think of anything more undignified than sucking up to colossal loser Donald Trump after everything that’s happened in the past few years—telling him he won elections he lost, groveling for his endorsement, buying overpriced tchotchkes at his cult compound/golf resort, and pretending you’re not staring directly into the sallow, rheumy eyes of primordial evil.

I wouldn’t hire Trump to manage a Chuck E. Cheese, unless I actually wanted to open a strip club with an animatronic jug band and didn’t know who to bribe or murder to make that happen. And yet, according to a profoundly pathetic Sunday New York Times story, Republicans as a whole still can’t get enough of his unique blend of feral charisma and sultry lunch meat sweats.

The story is long, sad, and eye-gougingly horrific, but we pretty much already knew the broad strokes of everything that’s in there. Republicans are cashing in their souls for endorsements, and Trump is devouring those souls like so many saucy McNuggets. Pretty standard fare for the sell-out-democracy party.

That said, one portion of the story did grab my eye, because there’s such a huge disconnect between what these GOP hopefuls—almost all of whom went to college—are likely thinking in the parts of their brains they’ve decided to keep alive and what they’re actually doing these days to curry Trump’s favor.

Mr. Trump enjoys flattery and is not above rewarding sycophants. But insiders say bringing compelling visual material matters, too. Big fonts are crucial. With photos and graphics. In color.

“He’s not a real big digital guy, so we had printouts,” said Joe Kent, who has since won Mr. Trump’s backing for his effort to unseat Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler of Washington, one of the 10 Republican impeachment votes.

...

When he likes what he sees, Mr. Trump will mail words of encouragement, scrawled on news clippings with a Sharpie. “You are doing great!” he wrote in January to Mr. Kent. “You are doing great!” he wrote last October to Harriet Hageman, who is challenging Representative Liz Cheney of Wyoming.

Good God, is being in Congress really worth this degradation? Is being in the GOP worth it? If I had to choose between behaving this way to stay politically relevant or chaining a pair of slumbering antelopes to my vintage Sam and Frodo nipple rings, it would probably come down to a coin flip.

The Times charitably refers to the GOPsters visiting Trump at Mar-a-Lago as a “parade of supplicants”—possibly because “caravan of ass-kissers” was deemed too déclassé for the paper of record. But Trump biographer Michael D’Antonio sums up these ingratiation celebrations pretty well.

“What was The Apprentice but a sad scramble of people behaving like crabs in a bucket to be lifted out by him?” said D’Antonio. “How are these people anything other than contestants vying for his approval?”

That’s a good analogy, but like most analogies, it’s a bit imprecise. Crabs in a bucket have far more dignity. If the GOP ever reaches crabs-in-a-bucket levels of seriousness again, maybe we can talk. But for now, they’re still beholden to the worst sentient being on this or any planet. And, well, the vast majority of them seem just fine with it.

It made comedian Sarah Silverman say, “THIS IS FUCKING BRILLIANT,” and prompted author Stephen King to shout “Pulitzer Prize!!!” (on Twitter, that is). What is it? The viral letter that launched four hilarious Trump-trolling books. Get them all, including the finale, Goodbye, Asshat: 101 Farewell Letters to Donald Trump, at this link. Or, if you prefer a test drive, you can download the epilogue to Goodbye, Asshat for the low, low price of FREE.

Report: Trump Set To Deliver Speech Claiming ‘I’m Still In Charge’ Of GOP

Posted on February 22, 2021 by Rusty Weiss

Donald Trump will reportedly deliver a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Florida this weekend in which he will claim the mantle of power in the GOP by saying he is “still in charge.”

A longtime adviser to the former President tells Axios that the speech will be a “show of force” in which he will announce, “I may not have Twitter or the Oval Office, but I’m still in charge.”

Going a step further, Trump is expected to argue that he is still the man to drain the Washington swamp as the Republican “presumptive 2024 nominee.”

Trump will be making his speech on Sunday, the final day of the conference.

During the week, Axios adds, “advisers will meet with him at Mar-a-Lago” where they will “plan his next political moves” and “set up the machinery for kingmaking in the 2022 midterms.”

Scoop: Trump to claim total control of GOP / plans years-long payback campaign…https://t.co/eh7rO1h3OF

— Jim VandeHei (@JimVandeHei) February 22, 2021

Is Trump In Charge of the Republican Party?

Donald Trump certainly seems to have the numbers to back up his claims of being in charge of the Republican party.

A poll released this past weekend indicates nearly 50 percent of Trump voters would follow the former President to a new party and abandon the GOP altogether.

A vast majority of GOP voters want to see him play a big role in the future of the party, including running again in 2024.

Trump is strategically leaving that option open to give him leverage within the party and with voters.

PARTY OF TRUMP
– Trump’s looking to assert himself as top 2024 contender via CPAC speech, sources tell @mikeallen
– His leadership PAC has $75 million on hand & database of tens of millions of names
– Even if he doesn’t run, these stunts give him powerhttps://t.co/HcnsTXEYBj

— Sara Fischer (@sarafischer) February 22, 2021

“Trump effectively is the Republican Party,” Trump senior adviser Jason Miller told Axios. “The only chasm is between Beltway insiders and grassroots Republicans around the country.”

He added, “When you attack President Trump, you’re attacking the Republican grassroots.”

A longtime adviser called Trump’s speech a “show of force,” and said the message will be: “I may not have Twitter or the Oval Office, but I’m still in charge.” Payback is his chief obsession. https://t.co/ohQpzSBabd

— Axios (@axios) February 22, 2021

Who Is In Charge of the GOP?

Miller’s point is one of the more important ones that establishment Republicans don’t seem to understand.

When they attack Trump, they don’t just do so as a matter of principle. They do so with disdain and a personal vendetta which reflects poorly to and upon his supporters.

As an example, a group led by former independent presidential candidate Evan McMullin announced recently that they are considering forming their own political party.

In his statement regarding the anti-Trump party, McMullin portrayed supporters of the former President as extremists who are a threat to the country.

“Large portions of the Republican Party are radicalizing and threatening American democracy,” McMullin told Reuters. “The party needs to recommit to truth, reason and founding ideals or there clearly needs to be something new.”

The biggest threat to American democracy has been, and always will be, the Democrat party – McMullin and the anti-Trumpers good friends.

The Zoom was co-hosted by @EvanMcMullin, who ran as an independent in the 2016 presidential election. Participants included Trump Homeland Security officials @JohnMitnick and @NeuSummits, and former congressman @RepCharlieDent https://t.co/8pQBUlXMBw 3/6 pic.twitter.com/geSHnkKHMO

— Reuters (@Reuters) February 11, 2021

Axios notes that Trump stands ready to support candidates who share his vision for America in the 2022 midterms and has the backing of state-level officials, many of whom censured Republicans who voted in lockstep with Democrats on impeachment.

The former president’s speech will claim “many of his predictions about President Biden have already come true” and that “much like 2016, we’re taking on Washington again.”

That includes everybody in Washington on both sides of the political aisle.

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Donald Trump Surprises Supporters By Showing Up At Presidents’ Day Rally In Palm Beach

Posted on February 16, 2021 by John Hanson

On Monday, former President Donald Trump surprised a crowd of Trump fans by appearing at a Presidents’ Day rally in Palm Beach, Florida.

As his supporters lined the streets, Trump rolled slowly past the cheering crowd in a black SUV, protected by Secret Service agents.

From video of the event, there appears to be at least hundreds of supporters lining the streets.

Former President Donald Trump surprised supporters during a Presidents Day rally held in West Palm Beach, Florida, Monday. Right Side Broadcasting Network captured the hundreds of loyal supporters cheering on the 45th President as his motorcade rolls down the street. pic.twitter.com/zjNdhNnobQ

— VINnews (@VINNews) February 15, 2021

Hundreds Of Trump Supporters Excited By His Surprise Appearance

The former president’s supporters chanted “U-S-A!, U-S-A!” as Trump could be seen through the SUV window.

Police were at the President’s Day event to maintain crowd control and safety.

Two SUVs were part of Trump’s convoy, driving slowly through the crowd of supporters before eventually continuing down the highway.

Video of the event was live streamed by Right Side Broadcasting Network, who were present for the event.

About a mile west of Mar-a-Lago – Trump’s current residence – is where the many Trump supporters joined the to celebrate Presidents’ Day and cheer the former president of the United States.

BREAKING: Former President Trump just drove by the West Palm Beach Presidents Day rally in a motorcade.

pic.twitter.com/Oxrla28qIF

— Benny (@bennyjohnson) February 15, 2021

Supporters Show Love For Trump

Trump’s fans wanted him to know how they felt about him.

A woman from San Antonio, Texas on Sunday spent more than $1,000 to have a plane fly over Mar-a-Lago with the message, “We love you Prez Trump. Happy Valentine’s Day.”

Another message for Trump flew by that read, “We (love) Trump! The Best is Yet to Come.”

Donald Trump, Jr. tweeted out videos of both his dad driving by supporters, and also the plane and its message.

“Incredible presidents day celebration in front of Mar-a-Lago,” Don Jr. wrote. “Check out what has been going on all day here in Palm Beach.”

“Absolutely Incredible,” he added.

“Check out this Valentine’s Day card for POTUS 45. This is awesome!!!” said in another tweet with the plane.

Trump Support Runs Deep Among Republicans

Support for Trump within the GOP runs deep. A recent CNBC poll showed how much support he still has among Republicans.

CNBC reported on Friday, “A CNBC survey conducted in the days before former President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial finds a large share of Republicans want him to remain head of their party.”

“The CNBC All-America Economic Survey shows 54% of Americans want Trump ‘to remove himself from politics entirely,” the report continued. “That was the sentiment of 81% of Democrats and 47% of Independents, but only 26% of Republicans.”

CNBC continued, “When it comes to Republicans, 74% want him to stay active in some way, including 48% who want him to remain head of the Republican Party, 11% who want him to start a third party, and 12% who say he should remain active in politics but not as head of any party.”

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Former First Lady Melania Trump Announces That She’s Opened New Office At Mar-a-Lago

Posted on February 13, 2021 by LifeZette

Former First Lady Melania Trump has just announced that she is opening a new office out of her Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. This comes after Melania was attacked by the media over reports that she has spent much of her time in the spa since moving out of the White House.

Melania Opens Office

“Mrs Melania Trump is announcing the opening of The Office of Melania Trump. Please follow this account for news and updates,” tweeted Melania’s official Twitter account.

Mrs. Melania Trump is announcing the opening of The Office of Melania Trump. Please follow this account for news and updates.

— Office of Melania Trump (@OfficeofMelania) February 12, 2021

This came after CNN reported that Melania was spending much of her time at the spa and was annoyed by the coverage her successor Jill Biden is getting.

“She goes to the spa, has lunch, goes to the spa (again), and has dinner with Donald on the patio. Rinse and repeat. Every day,” a source said, with another adding that Melania’s schedule is “pretty much the same as it was before (she was First Lady) or even when she would come down during vacations.”

An insider claimed that Melania is “bitter and chilly” at times towards her husband, former President Donald Trump, about the way they left the White House.

“She could see how it was going to go for her,” the source claimed, referring to the days before they left the White House. “Once (the Capitol riot) happened, she knew there was nothing to gain for her by speaking out or doing something — so she didn’t do anything.”

Melania To Continue Be Best

Last month, we reported that Melania had planned to start an office so that she could maintain her Be Best campaign.

Her post-White House staff will include three familiar staffers: Hayley D’Antuono, who previously served as her director of operations and trip supervisor; Mary Finzer, who previously managed Melania’s “gift closet;” and Marcia Kelly, a former unpaid senior adviser in the White House.

Sources said that the team is planning to initially work remotely and out of the Trumps’ private Mar-a-Lago Club, though Melania, 50, is looking for a separate office space in Palm Beach.

This piece was written by James Samson on February 13, 2021. It originally appeared in LifeZette and is used by permission.

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Schiff Claims GOP Is A Trump Cult – Says They Have No Ideology Or Principles

Posted on February 12, 2021 by LifeZette

House Intelligence Committee chairman Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) went on MSNBC on Thursday to attack the Republican Party, saying that the GOP is now a Trump cult with no ideology or principles.

Joy Reid Interviews Schiff

“Congressman Schiff, do we need to start having a serious conversation not just about Donald Trump being a bad guy, but about the Republican Party becoming a radicalized anti-democratic institution?” asked host Joy Reid.

‘Because you can’t have a regular party like the Democrats who have their flaws, and we can have an issue with them and a party that is willing to seize the power by force?” she added. “Because that’s what that sounded like it to me.”

Schiff Responds

“That’s absolutely right. I think the managers they’re talking about Donald Trump because he’s the one on trial, and that makes perfect sense, but there are broader, serious problems with the GOP right now as a party,” Schiff replied.

“It has really become a cult of personality around the president,” he said. “It doesn’t have an ideology anymore. It doesn’t have principles anymore.”

“It’s willing to welcome in white nationalists and QAnon conspiracy theorists and people who use violence if they don’t get their way,” Schiff added. “That party needs to come to grips with what it’s become. It needs to be a party once again that stands for something and not just the cult around Donald Trump.”

Schiff Has Accused The GOP Of Being A ‘Cult’ Before

Democrats are trying to impeach Trump in the Senate, claiming that he incited the Capitol riots last month. If they succeed, Trump will not be allowed to run for office again in the future.

This is far from the first time that Schiff has accused the Republican Party of being “a cult.” At the end of January, he said that “the GOP leadership is becoming little more than a cult and a dangerous cult.”

Schiff went on to blast House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) for visiting former President Donald Trump at Mar-A-Lago this week.

“That is sadly where the GOP leadership is at in Congress, and that’s part of the reason why the Capitol looks like an armed fortress right now,” Schiff lamented.

This piece was written by James Samson on February 12, 2021. It originally appeared in LifeZette and is used by permission.

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