Representative Greg Steube (R-FL) is reintroducing legislation to prevent United States security assistance from going to Lebanon until their government stops recognizing Hezbollah.

Creatively named the "Preventing Armed Groups from Engaging in Radicalism" (PAGER) Act, a likely reference to Israel's elimination of Hezbollah leadership via explosive pagers, Rep. Steube's bill terminates US security assistance to the Armed Forces of Lebanon until their government rescinds recognition of Hezbollah and its military wing.

Additionally, Hezbollah members must be banned from serving in the Lebanese government, which must also extend to affiliates and members of other Iran-backed militias. Moreover, such groups must be expelled from Lebanon, all weapons supplied by Iran and these affiliates must be destroyed, and any Americans exposing Hezbollah's influence and imprisoned by the Lebanese government must be released.

In his press release, Rep. Steube said, "While the world celebrates the demise of Hassan Nasrallah, the United States must remain vigilant to the threat of Hezbollah. Until the people of Lebanon can live free of Hezbollah's terror and persecution, long-term peace and stability in the Middle East will remain out of reach. As the Trump administration works to forge closer ties between Israel and the Arab world, Congress must do its part to contain Iran and eliminate its terrorist network. My PAGER Act will ensure US tax dollars never end up in the hands of Hezbollah."

Earlier in February, the Florida Congressman wrote a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, demanding the cessation of security assistance funding to Iraq for similar reasons.

As Steube explained, pro-Iran Shia militias that the United States funded to defeat the Islamic State (ISIS) have attacked US forces ever since, staging 170 attacks in just two years.

"Replacing ISIS with Iran-backed terrorist militias does not make sense and only fuels the onslaught of terror that the Iranian regime seeks to export. Furthermore, many Iran-backed militias in Iraq have not even been designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, including the Badr Corps itself," Steube fumed in his letter.

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Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) has sent a letter to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) urging them to oppose any Democratic resistance to President Donald Trump (R) and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative. The goal of the initiative is to cut waste and abuse in the federal government.

The letter, which comes as the government funding deadline quickly approaches, was sent alongside a multitude of Sen. Scott's colleagues in the Republican Conference of both chambers. It begins by providing a rationale to defend DOGE and its goals.

"President Trump campaigned on a promise to the American people to reduce the size and scope of the federal government, and his resounding victory last November confirms he has been given a mandate by our constituents to make good on that promise," began Sen. Scott and his colleagues. "His clear message that taxpayers deserve to know not only how their money is being spent, but also that it is being spent responsibly, resonated with voters."

Later in the letter, Scott and his cohorts shared that they are "deeply concerned" with the prospect of Democrats maintaining the "unsustainable status quo" related to DOGE's government spending efforts with the deadline less than two weeks away.

"Rather than negotiating in good faith to find a solution that keeps the government open, we understand that Democrats are insisting that any government funding deal include policy provisions that would tie the hands of the President and prohibit DOGE from continuing their efforts to promote transparency and accountability in government spending," the Republicans wrote. "It has become clear that many Congressional Democrats would prefer a government shutdown rather than even attempt to rein in bloated federal bureaucracies."

The Republicans then told their party leadership that they would not support a funding package that would "be weaponized against President Trump" and that they should reject any effort aimed at diminishing DOGE.

They concluded their correspondence by saying the United States of America cannot allow the left side of the aisle to interfere with Trump and Musk's initiative.

"A bloated federal bureaucracy and unsupervised, unaccountable federal spending have contributed to the existential fiscal threat our country faces, with a $36 trillion national debt growing because of perennial budget deficits. Our country cannot afford to allow Democrats to frustrate President Trump’s work to rein in government spending and bring needed and long-overdue accountability to Washington. We look forward to working with you to resist these attempts, and ensure that the President can continue to deliver on his mandate," the letter concludes.

Senator Scott and Representative Andy Harris (R-MD) were joined by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ted Budd (R-NC), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Mike Lee (R-UT), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), along with Representatives Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Sheri Biggs (R-SC), Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Clay Higgins (R-LA), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Brandon Gill (R-TX), Mark Harris (R-NC), Andy Ogles (R-TN), Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Barry Moore (R-AL) and Ralph Norman (R-SC).

The post Scott, Colleagues Urge GOP Leadership to Support DOGE appeared first on The Floridian.

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the charging and extradition of terrorist Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as “Jafar,” for helping orchestrate the Abbey Gate terror attacks which killed 13 US military service members. 

The August 26, 2021 attacks occurred during President Joe Biden’s Afghanistan withdrawal debacle. 

As US servicemembers attempted to coordinate the evacuation of thousands of Afghani civilians, ISIS-K terrorist Abdul Rahman al-Logari detonated a body-worn suicide bomb, killing 13 U.S. military service members and approximately 160 civilians.

Attorney General Pam Bondi commended the DOJ and President Donald Trump’s leadership for Sharifullah’s extradition. 

“This evil ISIS-K terrorist orchestrated the brutal murder of 13 heroic service members,” said Attorney General Bondi. “Under President Trump’s strong leadership on the world stage, this Department of Justice will ensure that terrorists like Mohammad Sharifullah have no safe haven, no second chances, and no worse enemy than the United States of America.”

According to the DOJ, Sharifullah confessed to helping plan and execute the attack while being interviewed by US intelligence officers.

Sharifullah was also complicit in other high-profile ISIS-K terror attacks leading to hundreds of deaths. 

In the 2016 attack on Canada’s Kabul embassy, Sharifullah allegedly conducted surveillance to prepare a suicide bomber and later transported the bomber to the attack area.

The ISIS-K terrorists responsible for the horrific March 2024 Moscow theatre attack were also reportedly instructed on how to use automatic machine guns by Sharifullah. 

Sharifullah faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Sharifullah’s extradition follows Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s expanded efforts to investigate and review the US’ tumultuous Afghanistan withdrawal.

Secretary Hegseth’s review, which he claimed would bring “full accountability” is expected to lead to the firing of military leadership who contributed to the withdrawal’s planning.  

The post Suspected Terrorist Who Killed 13 US Troops Extradited to US appeared first on The Floridian.

Polls measuring viewers’ reactions to President Donald Trump’s recent joint address to Congress are signaling overwhelming support for the president's speech.

A CBS poll conducted shortly after President Trump’s speech recorded 76% of viewers approved it. 

While the poll claimed 51% of viewers were Republican, 27% were independent while 20% were Democrats. 

The 76% approval rate means Trump’s speech gained nearly all of independent viewers’ favour.  

A CNN poll with similar findings reported 69% of viewers had a positive response to Trump’s speech. 

CNN’s poll was composed of 21% Democrats, 44% Republicans, and 35% independents, mirroring CBS’ poll’s finding of Trump’s overwhelming support amongst independents. 

More women, 71%, than men, 68%, approved of Trump’s speech while more men, 17%,  than women, 15%, disapproved. 

For both polls, top issues voters supported Trump in were immigration, wasteful spending, and the war in Ukraine. 

Per CNN’s poll, Trump received 76% of support for his immigration policies, opposed to President Joe Biden’s 41% support after his last joint address. 

Similarly, 61% of viewers supported Trump’s policies for the economy, contrasting with President Biden’s 56% support. 

64% of viewers claimed Trump’s approach to Ukraine is “about right,” while 33% stated it is “not supportive enough.”

Trump’s remarks gained commendations from Republicans and hostile criticism from Democrats, with some even being evicted due to raucous behavior during the address.

“Tonight, President Trump made his triumphant return to Congress to share his bold, optimistic vision for renewing the American Dream,” said Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA).

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) similarly stated “this is the fifth State of the Union address I’ve seen Trump give — it was by far his best.”

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Representative Al Green (D-TX) spoke to the media following his removal from the House Chamber during President Donald Trump's (R) Address to the Joint Session of Congress last night.

Almost immediately, Rep. Green stood up and began heckling President Trump during his speech, and after Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) reminded Rep. Green to keep decorum, Green heckled again and again, leading the Sergeant of Arms to remove him.

Vice President JD Vance (R) was seen smiling throughout the fanfare and was physically motioning for hecklers to get out of the chamber.

Following the display, Rep. Green shared with reporters that his outbursts toward President Trump were about his belief that Trump does not have a "mandate to cut Medicaid," and that he wanted to make those thoughts known. Green acknowledged that he would face any punishment given to him.

NEW: Rep. Al Green says he is working on articles of impeachment after being kicked out of Trump's speech.

"I have other things I'm protesting. And I'm also working on my articles of impeachment. This president is unfit."

I've never seen someone so butthurt. pic.twitter.com/QQ6Ws93yq7

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 5, 2025

"The President said he had a mandate, and I was making it clear to the President that he has no mandate to cut Medicaid," began Green. "I have people who are very fearful. These are poor people, and they only have Medicaid in their lives when it comes to their health care. And I want him to know that his budget calls for deep cuts in Medicaid. He needs to save Medicaid, protect it. We need to raise the cap on Social Security. There's a possibility that it's going to be hurt, and we've got to protect Medicare."

The Texas congressman continued, sharing that his constituents rely on these programs and that President Trump does not care about them.

"These are the safety net programs that people in my congressional district depend on, and this President seems to care less about them and more about the number of people that he can remove from the various programs that have been so helpful."

Furthermore, Rep. Green mentioned that he was willing to "suffer whatever punishment" that is levied upon him, and said it was "worth it to let people know that there are some of us who are going to stand up against this President's desire to cut Medicaid."

Representative Troy Nehls (R-TX) announced that he has moved to censure Rep. Green.

Finally, Green shared that he is "working on [his] Articles of Impeachment."

Al Green represents Texas' 9th Congressional District.

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Florida Chief Financial Officer and Congressional District 1 Republican congressional nominee Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) spoke to The Floridian regarding the persistent antics of House Democrats during President Donald Trump's Address to the Joint Session of Congress last night. Senate Minority Leader Sen. Jason Pizzo (D-FL) also called out his fellow Democrats over their behavior.

For context, one of President Trump's special guests for his address to Congress included a young boy who has battled brain cancer but has dreamed of serving in law enforcement. During the speech, Trump declared him an honorary United States Secret Service agent, bringing forth thunderous applause.

You can view the moment below:

13-year-old D.J. Daniel was diagnosed with brain cancer and given five months to live — and that was six years ago.

Since then, D.J. and his dad have been on a quest to make his dream come true — and tonight, President Trump made him an honorary member of the Secret Service. pic.twitter.com/9FuDCUIfos

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 5, 2025

This sparked little to no reaction from House Democrats, as it seemed planned that they were not going to clap for anything in Trump's speech. He even called them out for it, too.

However, CFO Patronis shared his thoughts on the issue with The Floridian.

WATCH: Florida CFO @JimmyPatronis TORCHES Democrats' reaction to last night's Presidental Speech. The Floridian asked, and he didn’t hold back.

"The #Trump Derangement Syndrome is a real thing."
"Transparency's the best disinfectant."#flpol via- @JavManjarres -… pic.twitter.com/cz5DcKdImh

— The Floridian (@Floridianpress) March 5, 2025

"You know, it's unfortunate," Patronis began. "I think when you look at a young man who's fighting cancer who was given an honorary Secret Service status, or the young man who was given his notice that he was going to be accepted into the Naval Academy (Patronis meant West Point)."

The congressional hopeful continued, sharing that a lot of the stories President Trump highlighted should be celebrated in a bipartisan fashion, not along party lines.

"Those are achievements we should be excited about as a nation, not a partisan fight. You know, the Trump derangement syndrome is a real thing, and the Democrats are just eaten up with it," said Patronis. "Unfortunately, how they stand and accept the type of expenditure that this previous administration was doing is unacceptable, but I'm glad it seemed right like again like I said, transparency is the best disinfectant."

Moreover, State Sen. Pizzo shared his displeasure with the Democrats who refused to stand up for the child with brain cancer.

To @TheDemocrats in Congress, who couldn’t stand to applaud a 13-year-old boy who survived brain cancer, shame on you.

— Sen. Jason Pizzo (@senpizzo) March 5, 2025

To the Democrats in Congress, who couldn’t stand to applaud a 13-year-old boy who survived brain cancer, shame on you.

The post Patronis, Pizzo Scathe U.S. House Democrats for Antics During Trump's Address appeared first on The Floridian.

Representative Vern Buchanan's (R-FL) Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act has passed the House of Representatives and will now go to the Senate.

The bipartisan bill, which Rep. Buchanan introduced with Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) in early February, allows employers that offer high-deductible health plans (HDHP) to employees an option to include pre-deductible coverage of healthcare services treating common chronic diseases, a policy first implemented in President Donald Trump's first term in 2019.

Healthcare services listed in Rep. Buchanan's legislation include beta blockers for congestive heart failure, blood pressure monitors, glucometers for diabetes, asthma inhalers, and cholesterol drugs for heart disease patients.

In his press release, the Florida Congressman said, "With six in ten Americans living with at least one chronic disease, it is clear that we must expand options for people to manage their chronic health conditions. The Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act offers employees more flexibility to manage their chronic diseases, improving patient health while reducing high out-of-pocket costs. I'm proud that this legislation passed the House with unanimous bipartisan support, and I look forward to getting this bill signed into law."

With Republicans controlling the Senate and White House, Buchanan's wish could soon be granted.

The Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act is the Florida Congressman's second major healthcare bill introduced in the new Congress, with the first being the Maximizing Israel-U.S. Research Advancement and Collaborative Leadership in Emerging (MIRACLE) Medical Technology Act.

The MIRACLE Act strengthens medical research and development collaboration between the United States and Israel, including creating a U.S.-Israel Health Care Collaboration Center.

More recently, Buchanan introduced two more bipartisan healthcare bills. The Permanent Telehealth from Home Act permanently removes the originating site and geographic limitations for telehealth services, meaning they can be accessed anywhere.

The other, the Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention Act, expedites approval processes for new lung cancer screening tests through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The post Buchanan's Chronic Disease Coverage Bill Passes House appeared first on The Floridian.

President Donald Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports while increasing current tariffs on Chinese goods by 10%.

The tariffs had been originally imposed last February but were paused by President Trump due to ongoing negotiations with the respective countries. 

Trump has repeatedly promised, both during his presidential campaign and first days in office, that he will use tariffs against Canada, Mexico, and other countries he feels are “out of line” with the US.

As justification for the tariffs, the Trump administration pointed to allegedly lackluster cooperation from China, Mexico, and Canada on curbing illegal immigration and drug trafficking. 

Last February, Trump paused incoming sanctions after Canada and Mexico agreed to increase immigration and drug trafficking enforcement. 

Mexico had pledged to supply 10,000 troops to the border in an attempt to curb the influx of drug trafficking (specifically fentanyl). 

Meanwhile, Canada promised to execute a $1.3 Billion Border plan including 10,000 personnel that will expand Canada’s border enforcement activities. 

Mexico and Canada’s initiatives, however, did not stop Trump from ultimately imposing tariffs, which Chinese, Mexican, and Canadian leaders have rejected.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Trump of wanting to destroy Canada’s economy to “make it easier to annex us."

"That is never going to happen,” assured Prime Minster Trudeau. “We will never be the 51st state.” 

Trump has previously quipped about Canada being exempt from tariffs if they were to become a US state. 

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick supported Trump’s tariffs, claiming they were being leveraged to incite Canadians and Mexicans to give American businesses better trading terms. 

“President Trump is getting deals done for the American people,” said Secretary Lutnick. “Both the Mexicans and the Canadians were on the phone with me all day today, trying to show that they’ll do better and the President is listening.” 

The post Trump Imposes Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, Warns of Further Action appeared first on The Floridian.

Representative Al Green (D-TX) has been kicked out of the House chamber during President Donald Trump's (R) address to the joint session of Congress.

Almost immediately, Rep. Green stood up and began heckling President Trump, and after Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) reminded Rep. Green to keep decorum, Green heckled again and again, leading the Sergeant of Arms to remove Green.

President Trump then scorned the Democrats, saying he could cure tumultuous diseases, provide the greatest economy ever, or perform superhuman events, and they still wouldn't cheer for him or his administration.

During the broadcast, Democrats on the left side of the aisle were shown holding small placards saying things such as "Musk Steals," "That's a Lie," "Save Medicaid," and other phrases in defiance.

One of the biggest jeers from Democrats came when President Trump described former President Joe Biden (D) as one of the worst Commanders-in-Chiefs in history. He also called out the Democrats for attempting to keep him from returning to the Oval Office through lawfare.

Vice President JD Vance (R) was seen smiling throughout the fanfare and was physically motioning for hecklers to get out of the chamber.

This speech from President Trump comes just days after his spat with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The post BREAKING: Texas Democratic Rep. Al Green Kicked Out of Trump's Address to Congress appeared first on The Floridian.

Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL) introduced a bill increasing tax incentives for small businesses, encouraging growth and innovation.

The most significant provision of Rep. Buchanan's American Innovation Act is increasing the amount of income small businesses can deduct from federal income taxes from $5,000 to $20,000, a massive tax break.

Additionally, startup expenditure deductions, like advertising, employee salaries, rent, and office utilities, will be raised from $50,000 to $120,000, both tax breaks allowing small businesses to invest more capital back into their continued growth and innovation.

In his press release, Rep. Buchanan chastised the Biden administration's economic policies: "America's small businesses are still recovering from four years of Biden's overspending and runaway inflation."

As a result, he continued, "Helping entrepreneurs take their unique ideas from concept to reality will jumpstart our economy and give them a deserved shot at the American Dream. As Congress prepares to address historic tax legislation, we need to focus on making it easier for small businesses to do what they do best—create jobs, advance innovation, and invest back into our communities."

Similarly, Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA), the bill's cosponsor, said, "The American Innovation Act allows for investments in research and development to help small businesses grow and allow entrepreneurs to take that next step in their American Dream. This pro-growth tax policy will kickstart our small businesses, and it makes it easier for these businesses to create jobs, support families, and grow our local economies."

Last January, the House Ways and Means Committee passed the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, which improves tax deductions for business equipment, extends research and development (R&D) expenses, expands the Child Tax Credit, and enhances the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, making it easier for low-income people to afford a home.

The Florida Congressman applauded the bill's passage, saying, "As someone who spent 30 years building businesses, as well as a former chairman of the Ways and Means Tax Subcommittee, I know from experience that making our tax code more competitive means greater prosperity for American families and businesses."

The post Buchanan Introduces Bill Increasing Tax Incentives for Small Businesses appeared first on The Floridian.

Representative Sheila Cherfilus McCormick (D-FL) has introduced bipartisan legislation extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals in the United States.

In mid-February, the Trump Administration announced that TPS status for 500,000 Haitians in the United States would be revoked on August 3rd, which Rep. Cherfilus McCormick spoke against.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement justifying the decision: "Biden and Mayorkas attempted to tie the hands of the Trump administration by extending Haiti's Protected Status by 18 months—far longer than justified or necessary. We are returning integrity to the TPS system, which has been abused and exploited by illegal aliens for decades. President Trump and Secretary Noem are returning TPS to its original status: temporary."

In a counterstatement, Rep. Cherfilus McCormick emphasized the potential economic impact of abruptly removing half a million people from the country: "The abrupt removal of nearly half a million workers will have an immense and irreparable impact on businesses across the country and our economy at large."

As a result, the Florida Congresswoman and Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Laura Gillen (D-NY) have issued a bipartisan bill extending TPS for another 18 months starting August 3rd, 2025.

"The elimination of TPS for eligible Haitians will have a detrimental ripple effect on our economy, unleashing turmoil and creating pain throughout our country. Alongside my colleagues, I'm leading this bipartisan push to designate TPS for Haitians because it will provide necessary relief for those fleeing chaos and protect South Florida's workforce," said Cherfilus McCormick in her press release.

Similarly, Rep. Lawler stated, "Many Haitians have sought refuge in my district as the security environment in Haiti has spiraled out of control. Given the ongoing violence and instability in Haiti, extending TPS is both a necessity and a humanitarian imperative. I'm proud to work with Congresswoman Gillen to ensure the U.S. upholds its commitment to the Haitian people during this crisis."

Finally, Rep. Gillen added, "The Administration's unfounded decision to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians will have a devastating impact on Long Island. Our neighbors, who have been thoroughly vetted and contribute to our economy and our community, now face being sent back to certain, life-threatening danger. I thank my House colleagues for their bipartisan support on this crucial priority."

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President Donald Trump’s annoyance with Ukrainian President Vlodymyr Zelenskyy has seemingly worsened after the two recently engaged in a heated debate over the Ukraine-Russia war.

President Zelenskyy reportedly stated the end of the Ukraine-Russia war is “still very, very far away,” inciting President Trump’s immediate rebukes.

“This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelenskyy, and America will not put up with it for much longer,” said Trump.

Trump, who has repeatedly stated he intends to end the Russia-Ukraine war, claimed Zelenskyy’s attitude is misplaced and will frustrate a potential end to the war. 

“It is what I was saying, this guy doesn’t want there to be peace as long as he has America’s backing,” continued Trump.

Zelenskyy was originally scheduled to sign an agreement with the US that would exchange continued US military support for rights over portions of Ukraine’s rare earth mineral deposits. 

Trump and Zelenskyy sat down prior to signing the deal for what was supposed to be a brief press briefing but instead devolved into a row ending in the cancellation of the deal signing.

Trump blamed Zelenskyy for being unreasonable in negotiations and refusing to accept a ceasefire agreement that will end the war. 

Conversely, Zelenskyy questioned Trump’s administration strategy with Russia, asking Vice President JD “what kind of diplomacy” he was talking about when referring to the US’ seeming inability to prevent Russia from invading Ukraine in recent history. 

Meanwhile, Trump’s administration has responded to the Zelenskyy-Trump feud by focusing its messaging on supporting Trump’s unwavering commitment to obtaining peace in Ukraine. 

“Being a peacemaker is not a bad thing,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “We should be applauding and supporting President Donald Trump’s efforts to bring about peace.”

Similarly, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expounded that “the President’s desire to end the bloodshed in Ukraine will not be deterred.”

The post Trump's Frustration With Zelenskyy Grows Following Oval Office Dispute appeared first on The Floridian.

National Security Advisor Mike Waltz discussed the fallout from Friday's tense meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a recent appearance on Fox News, saying the latter was "not ready to talk peace at all," yet "time is not on his side."

In addition, Waltz called the communication breakdown "ridiculous and unacceptable," as Zelenskyy's apparent disinterest in ending the Russia-Ukraine war is a disservice, as "the American people's patience is not unlimited. Their wallets are not unlimited, and our stockpiles and munitions are not unlimited."

"So the time to talk is now, and what we are hearing in terms of alternatives, whether it is the Democrats or leaders around the world, is essentially continuing this grinding, World War I-style trench warfare that is a meatgrinder of people, munitions, and national treasure. The President campaigned on ending this war, he was elected to end this war. He will be the peacemaker in chief," Waltz continued.

Co-host Bill Hemmer noted that the United Kingdom, France, and the European Union are drafting various terms to ensure the war ends and peace is maintained, asking if Russian President Vladimir Putin has felt enough pressure to come forward for peace talks.

Waltz answered that remained to be "tested, but what we do not have right now is President Zelenskyy saying, 'I am ready to take the steps necessary and have the conversations necessary and make the compromises necessary to end the fighting and go to a ceasefire."

Moreover, Waltz suggested terms for at least a temporary ceasefire before Friday's debacle. Still, if Zelenskyy is truly ready to end the war, "we need to hear that latter piece from Zelenskyy, and we need to hear it publicly."

Co-host Dana Perino further asked if a rare earth minerals deal with Ukraine would be reached between Trump and Zelenskyy or another leader. Waltz said that "what happened Friday really put that up in the air," yet to end the war, "both sides are going to have to make compromises."

The post Waltz Says 'Time is Not On Zelenskyy's Side' After Peace Talk Kerfuffle with Trump appeared first on The Floridian.

Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) discussed his run for Governor of Florida in 2026 in a recent appearance on Fox Business's Sunday Morning Futures. When asked about Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis's potential entry into the race, he said, "[President Donald Trump] has a history of making good picks."

Rep. Donalds has long been teased as a gubernatorial candidate for the 2026 Election before he finally made it official in late February, backed by President Trump.

Trump made the endorsement even before Rep. Donalds's official announcement, saying on Truth Social, "[Donalds] will fight tirelessly to Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military, Protect our Vets, Restore our Economic Power, Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment. Byron Donalds would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida and, should he decide to run, will have my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, BYRON, RUN."

The Floridian exclusively reported that Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) sought to travel to Washington, D.C., to change Trump's mind about endorsing the Florida Congressman in favor of First Lady DeSantis.

Since Donalds's announcement, the DeSantis family kept quiet until Friday night. Casey answered a reporter about running in 2026 with baseball player Yogi Berra's "When you come to a fork in the road, take it."

While nothing is confirmed, Sunday Morning Futures host Maria Bartiromo asked Donalds about the rumors.

"Nothing is easy," the Florida Congressman replied, "But I remember back in 2018 campaigning for then-Congressman DeSantis, who had the support of Donald Trump, and that worked out great for our state. So, in 2025, moving into 2026, I am really honored to have the same support from President Trump. He has a history of making good picks, and I think his picks have always worked out for the Sunshine State."

Despite the potential nature of the remark as a dig against Casey DeSantis, Donalds nevertheless added, "We will worry about the primaries as other people decide to get in the race or not, but we are going to be focused on Floridians. We are going to be focused on the ideas to move our state to the next level."

The post Donalds Responds to Casey DeSantis Gubernatorial Run Rumors: 'Trump Makes Good Picks' appeared first on The Floridian.

President Donald Trump’s Treasury Department recently announced that it will not enforce the Corporate Transparency Act’s (CTA) beneficial ownership information reporting rule (BOI). 

BOI rules, originally designed to combat illicit business transactions, fraud, and money laundering by requiring businesses to disclose their ownership’s identity, have faced criticism for being allegedly unconstitutional and burdensome for small businesses. 

Specifically, businesses have complained BOI rules’ ambiguity causes uncertainty over who qualifies as an owner, exposing businesses to an undue burden of fines, penalties, and potential prosecution if they make a mistake when disclosing required information. 

Moreover, the CTA’s overall constitutionality faced legal challenges as impacted businesses claimed the federal government does not have the authority to proscribe such economic regulations. 

President Trump criticized BOI rules as “outrageous and invasive” via a Truth Social post where he also promised further action to definitively eliminate BOI. 

“This Biden rule has been an absolute disaster for Small Businesses Nationwide,” said Trump.  “Furthermore, Treasury is now finalizing an Emergency Regulation to formally suspend this rule for American businesses. The economic menace of BOI reporting will soon be no more.”

The BOI rule enforcement suspension will be limited to companies registered in the US. 

Treasury Department Secretary Scott Bessent qualified the move as “common sense.”

“Today’s action is part of President Trump’s bold agenda to unleash American prosperity by reining in burdensome regulations, in particular for small businesses that are the backbone of the American economy,” said Secretary Bessent. 

Trump has pledged to support American small businesses and has lobbied for Congress to pass measures such as enshrining the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and no taxes on tips. 

The TCJA mainly reduces personal income and corporate taxes among other regulatory tax reforms.

A recent study conducted on behalf of the National Federation of Independent Business found making the TCJA permanent would create 1 million jobs annually.

The post Trump Continues Pro-Small Business Approach, Guts BOI Rules appeared first on The Floridian.

Representative Greg Steube (R-FL) is reintroducing legislation to keep Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) relief funds going solely to American citizens and lawful permanent residents, saying, "American citizens must be our priority when it comes to disaster recovery."

Specifically, Rep. Steube's bill requires noncitizens, meaning lawful permanent residents, to present a green card and valid taxpayer requirements to receive FEMA aid. Asylees and refugees must similarly prove they are actively working toward receiving lawful permanent residence.

The legislation is likely a response to reports that FEMA had spent approximately $59 million to house illegal aliens in New York City, which many assume was why former Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas announced FEMA lacked funds for relief from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the fall of 2024.

In addition to saying, "American citizens must be our priority when it comes to disaster recovery," in his press release, Rep. Steube added, "For too long, FEMA benefits have been extended to paroled noncitizens and individuals who entered our country under policies that many believe have put genuine Americans at a disadvantage.

"The [Biden] Administration's use of humanitarian parole has enabled those without a clear path to lawful permanent residency to tap into disaster relief funds. My legislation restores accountability and ensures that FEMA's critical resources are directed first and foremost to American taxpayers and lawful residents," the Florida Congressman continued.

In December, Steube introduced the Securing Taxpayer Assistance during Natural Disasters (STAND) Act, which would withhold bilateral, multilateral, and humanitarian non-defense foreign assistance obligated or expended by the State Department or USAID during the first 60 days of a Presidentially declared disaster.

The STAND Act was introduced in response to the Biden Administration's announcement of over $1 billion in foreign aid to 31 African countries suffering from natural disasters last week, sparking outrage among Americans for not going to those suffering in North Carolina and Florida after severe hurricanes devastated their communities.

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Conservative lawmakers in Washington have condemned Venezuelan Dictator Nicolas Maduro’s latest threats and repressive tactics against Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. 

Machado recently reported Dictator Maduro sent undercover agents that attempted to break into her private residence in Caracas, Venezuela.

The agents, who arrived in a silver SUV without a license plate, allegedly threatened to arrest Machado’s neighbors as well as her home’s security guard. 

Shortly following Machado’s alerts, Republican lawmakers publicly criticized the agents’ threats and intimidation attempts. 

Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) and Representative Maria Elvira-Salazar (R-FL), two long-time Machado supporters and allies, excoriated Maduro for sending the agents. 

“Maduro and his thugs are so scared of losing power that they’re resorting to raiding Machado’s home and threatening her neighbors,” said Senator Scott. “This cruel behavior is a desperate attempt to distract from what the world already knows—he’s an illegitimate dictator whose days in power are numbered.”

Representative Salazar echoed Scott’s message and alluded to Maduro facing consequences for “playing with fire.”

“Only 24 hours have passed since the announcement to cancel Chevron's license in Venezuela & dictator Maduro has already sent his thugs to the house of Machado,” stated Salazar. “Her life is in danger like never before.”

Maduro’s threats against Machado occurred shortly after the latter supported President Donald Trump’s recent economic measures crippling Venezuela’s oil exports. 

President Trump canceled former President Joe Biden’s Venezuelan oil export licenses earlier this week. 

President Trump’s license cancellation effectively reimposes sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector that had been levied on Venezuela during Trump’s first term. 

President Biden lifted such sanctions in the ‘Barbados Agreement’ in exchange for assurances from Dictator Maduro that he would host free and fair elections. 

Despite promises of allowing free and fair elections, the Venezuelan regime barred Machado from participating in the same.

However, Machado invested her political capital into former Venezuelan Ambassador Edmundo Gonzalez, who subsequently won the presidential elections.

Subsequently, Gonzalez was forced to seek political asylum in Spain after the Maduro regime rejected the election results and threatened to arrest him.

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The US Department of the Treasury has announced new sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong companies allegedly helping build Iranian military drones. 

The latest sanctions were described as part of President Donald Trump’s “maximum pressure campaign on Iran.”

Six entities operating out of China and Hong Kong were sanctioned for reportedly supplying critical components of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), i.e., drones, to Iranian company Pishtazan Kavosh Gostar Boshra (PKGB) and its subsidiary Narin Sepehr Mobin Isatis (NSMI).

According to the Treasury Department, PKGB and NSMI are major suppliers for Iran’s drone and ballistic missile programs.

“Iran continues to try to find new ways to procure the key components it needs to bolster its UAV weapons program through new front companies and third-country suppliers,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent.

President Trump previously issued executive orders during his first term and earlier this month to undermine Iran’s drone and ballistic missile programs. 

“Treasury remains committed to disrupting the schemes that enable Iran to send its deadly weapons abroad to its terrorist proxies and other destabilizing actors,” continued Secretary Bessent. 

US-Iran tensions have reached unprecedented levels, as the latter has increased hostile activity against the former and its allies since Hamas’ October 7th attacks.

Trump has repeatedly stated he will leverage US military, financial, and diplomatic strength to deter Iran from executing and financing its destabilizing agenda.

Earlier this week, the Trump administration announced a series of measures tightening sanctions on Iran’s illicit oil sales via its ‘Ghost Fleet.’

Iran has recently expanded efforts to circumvent US-imposed oil exports by covertly shipping Iranian oil through a network of foreign tankers colloquially referred to as Iran’s ‘Ghost Fleet.’

According to the Treasury Department, Iran has harnessed its illicit oil trade to generate billions of dollars that it subsequently funnels to its military and proxy groups.

Sanctions target oil brokers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Hong Kong, tanker operators and managers in India and the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the head of Iran’s National Iranian Oil Company, and the Iranian Oil Terminals Company (IOTC).

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