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.  

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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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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.

TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Legislature kicked off the 2025 Legislative Session, but the talk of the town was First Lady Casey DeSantis’s probable 2026 gubernatorial run and a running Black List of Republican lawmakers that the DeSantis’s embrace.

From rumors of reality, Mrs. DeSantis is expected to announce her run for Governor in the coming weeks, and while the DeSantis’s enjoy widespread name identification, not all Republicans want to see a third DeSantis term.

The one Republican lawmaker that is at the very top of the DeSantis ‘Black List’ is State Senator Randy Fine, who recinded his endorsement of Gov. DeSantis during the 2024 Republican Presidential Primary race.

According to Sen. Fine, who walked out of the House chamber moments before DeSantis appeared to deliver his address,  a “black list” exists that extends further than just the Governor’s Mansion.

“Of course, there is a black list. It’s a blacklist that involves the Governor’s mansion, it involves events in your distric—there is absolutely a blacklist,” said Sen. Fine in an interview with The Floridian.

Fine contends that DeSantis claims that DeSantis did not invite him to a Hanukkah party at the Mansion in 2023.

“I am the only Jewish Republican,” said Fine. “Last year, he didn’t do one at all. I guess not running for office, you don’t have to do anything for Jews, but previous year he had a Hannukah party and he didn’t invite me.”

Fine concluded by opining about a potential Mrs. DeSantis gubernatorial run, saying that  Republican voters would not vote for a third DeSantis term in office.

“I don’t think there is a path. I don’t think Republican voters go for the nepotism thing, or the third term. We are the term limit party. I don’t think it sells,” he concluded.

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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.

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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.”

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TALLAHASSEE— Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has said that he believes First Lady Casey DeSantis would be a better governor than him if she ran for his job in 2026.

A formal 2026 gubernatorial announcement appears imminent. The Floridian has learned that Mrs. DeSantis could formally announce her candidacy as early as this week or next.

Just last week in Miami, Mrs. DeSantis was asked if she would run, and she promptly answered with a very scripted,” To quote the late great Yogi Berra: ‘When you come to a fork in the road, take it."

How do we know it was scripted?

Mrs. DeSantis is seen glancing down at her note card a moment before reciting her Yogi Berra quote.

Obviously, DeSantis’s gubernatorial candidacy would be seen as a direct bird-flipping gesture to President Donald Trump and  Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.

The bad blood between the DeSantis's and Wiles has been well-documented.

Why Would DeSantis Announce Now?

Why not?

Remember, lobbyists in Tallahassee cannot donate to state lawmakers once the 2025 legislative session begins, but they sure can donate to others running for elected office, like Mrs. DeSantis.

And while there are some reluctant lobbyists, most need to see their bills move along in both chambers, and for Gov. DeSantis to sign them into law.

More importantly, lobbyist need to see their legislative measures and initiative make it all they way through the appropriation process and on to DeSantis’s desk, where they still could face the governor’s veto pen.

We already know DeSantis has been calling on donors in hopes to ice them from donating to Trump-endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds. Just this week, several Tallahassee-based lobbyists told The Floridian that they were asked to support Casey DeSantis.

During the 2023 legislative cycle, it appeared as if DeSantis put off signing the budget longer than usual because he wanted to shake every last dollar from the fruitful Tallahassee lobby corps.

Shortly after the budget was signed that year, DeSantis announced his ill-fated presidential run against now President Donald Trump.

Trump Slate vs. DeSantis Slate

One of the worst kept secrets in Florida Politics is that Team DeSantis could form a election slate to help shore up Republican support behind his wife in hopes that it will be enough to counter the support a Team MAGA slate comprised of Rep. Donalds, Senator Joe Gruters, and possibly Senate President Albritton, Speaker Daniel Perez,  and former Speaker of the House Chris Sprowls.

Governor— Byron Donalds vs. Casey DeSantis

Attorney General— Chris Sprowls vs. AG James Uthmeier

AG Commissioner—Sen. Ben Albritton/ AG Wilton Simpson vs ???

CFO— Sen. Joe Gruters vs Sen. Blaise “Donuts” Ingoglia

DeSantis’s anonymous online “influencer” team has been busy trying to paint Donalds as some criminal  for a past marijuana possession and for missing  votes in the House of Representatives.

While hitting Donalds on his past missteps and voting records is fair game, expect MAGA world influencer like Laura Loomer and Roger Stone to quickly paint Mrs. DeSantis as a puppet for her husband’s aspiration to control the Executive Office of the Governor (EOG) for third term.

Why?

Again, why not?

DeSantis has presidential aspirations. We don’t think he really cares if current Vice President JD Vance runs for President in 2028.

DeSantis has proven he can raise big campaign bucks as a sitting governor, but can he do it as the former governor of Florida?

Maybe, but if he can help elect his wife Casey governor, she will then control the biggest bully pulpit in the state and help her husband raise cash for his potential 2028 or 2032 presidential campaigns.

A Cute Way of Staying in Power

The biggest obstacle the DeSantis’ will face is shaking off the fact that Casey winning the governership in 2026 will be seen as Gov. DeSantis’ third term in office.

Technically, if Casey wins, it would be her first term in office and not Ron’s third. Technically.

But we all know that’s a bunch of bullshit, because DeSantis will most-likely be rolling up his sleeves to continue pushing his political agenda and growing his national footprint.

Do you actually think that DeSantis would be staying home all day playing golf and picking up the kids from school, or that he will continue his all-involvement in state government?

Here is something to think about this week?

Could DeSantis appoint Casey to be his Lt. Governor now that former Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez has left the EOG?

Could Mrs. DeSantis tap her husband to be her Lt. governor running mate?

Both of these notions seem a bit far-fetched, but are they?

Here is another thought to process?

Could Rep. Donalds run for governor and tap Speaker Perez, Rep. Weinberger, … to be his Lt. Governor?

One thing is for certain, both Donalds and DeSantis are viable gubernatorial candidates, but will the bad blood between Gov. DeSantis and President Trump reach new heights if and when Casey jumps into the race against Donalds?

To quote former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, “You Betcha!”

Donalds Responds to Casey DeSantis' Potential Gubernatorial Run

The post Casey DeSantis Continues to Raise Campaign Cash, Run for Office Appears Imminent 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.

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.

The post Lawmakers Denounce Maduro Threats Towards Machado appeared first on The Floridian.

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).

The post US Sanctions Chinese and Hong Kong Companies Helping Build Iranian Drones appeared first on The Floridian.

New FIU President Jeanette Nunez Vows to Continue Effort to Stomp Out DEI, Antisemitism

As Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is erased out of Washington through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), new Florida International President (FIU) Jeanette Nuñez is vowing to continue to eradicate the practice in her new role at the school...READ MORE

Rick Scott-No family should be put through this.

513 days - bring them all home!.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz-This Women’s History Month, we honor all those courageous women who educate and inspire the next generation to fight for America’s highest ideals.

New FIU President Jeanette Nunez Vows to Continue Effort to Stomp Out DEI, Antisemitism—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines

Lee Introduces Bill Increasing Scrutiny and Transparency of DHS—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Laurel Lee (R-FL) has introduced legislation to place the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under greater scrutiny and demand greater transparency.

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Hails 'Huge Step' Trump Venezuelan Oil Sanctions—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont

DeSantis to Accused Rapist Andrew Tate: 'Florida is Not a Place Where You're Welcome'—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—Gov. Ron DeSantis didn't know that right-wing podcaster Andrew Tate, facing rape and trafficking charges in Romania, was flying to Florida...

Cammack Introduces Bill to Defund NPR—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Kat Cammack has introduced legislation to defund National Public Radio, saying, "Federal funds shouldn't be available to NPR." Specifically, Rep. Cammack's bill...

Rubio Forecasts Trump Will Not Be 'Blackmailed' by Maduro—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—During a recent Fox News interview, Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently expressed his belief that, under President Donald Trump’s leadership, the US’ foreign...

Haridopolos Holds Hearing on Artemis Space Program and Future Missions—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Mike Haridopolos hosted a Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee hearing on the Artemis space program and future missions with George...

Rep. Michelle Salzman Named Combined Workgroup Manager on Hemp by Speaker Danny Perez—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Florida House Speaker Danny "Daniel" Perez on Wednesday named Rep. Michelle Salzman to lead a new Combined Workgroup...

Coral Gables' Kirk Menendez's Financial Management Skills Questioned—By The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—In a recent exposé, the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center Association, a nonprofit organization led by Kirk Menendez, has come under...

Cruz Calls Out Democrats for Refusing to Support DOGE Initiative—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Senator Ted Cruz appeared on Sean Hannity's show to discuss national political strategy and Democrats' appearing to not alter their ways, such as supporting...

Trump Reverses Biden's Venezuelan Oil Policy, Revokes Oil Licenses From Maduro—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—Pressure is mounting on Venezuelan Dictator Nicolas Maduro as US President Donald Trump has cancelled former President Joe Biden’s...

For the People? TV Attorney John Morgan Launching New Political Party—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Orlando attorney and Democratic megadonor John Morgan recently announced he was forming a new political party amidst rumors that he's running for governor of Florida.

Danny Burgess Files Bill Establishing Pilot Program for Phone Free Schools—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Sen. Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills) filed a bill on Wednesday that would direct the Florida Department of Education to start a pilot program to implement a policy prohibiting the use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices by students in school.

Poll: Majority of Americans Disagree with RFK Jr., Rubio Over Using Food Stamps to Buy Soft Drinks—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich

DeSantis to Accused Rapist Andrew Tate: 'Florida is Not a Place Where You're Welcome'—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—Gov. Ron DeSantis didn't know that right-wing podcaster Andrew Tate, facing rape and trafficking charges in Romania, was flying to Florida...

Cammack Introduces Bill to Defund NPR—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Kat Cammack has introduced legislation to defund National Public Radio, saying, "Federal funds shouldn't be available to NPR." Specifically, Rep. Cammack's bill...

Rubio Forecasts Trump Will Not Be 'Blackmailed' by Maduro—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—During a recent Fox News interview, Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently expressed his belief that, under President Donald Trump’s leadership, the US’ foreign...

Haridopolos Holds Hearing on Artemis Space Program and Future Missions—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Mike Haridopolos hosted a Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee hearing on the Artemis space program and future missions with George...

Rep. Michelle Salzman Named Combined Workgroup Manager on Hemp by Speaker Danny Perez—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Florida House Speaker Danny "Daniel" Perez on Wednesday named Rep. Michelle Salzman to lead a new Combined Workgroup...

Coral Gables' Kirk Menendez's Financial Management Skills Questioned—By The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—In a recent exposé, the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center Association, a nonprofit organization led by Kirk Menendez, has come under...

Cruz Calls Out Democrats for Refusing to Support DOGE Initiative—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Senator Ted Cruz appeared on Sean Hannity's show to discuss national political strategy and Democrats' appearing to not alter their ways, such as supporting...

Trump Reverses Biden's Venezuelan Oil Policy, Revokes Oil Licenses From Maduro—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—Pressure is mounting on Venezuelan Dictator Nicolas Maduro as US President Donald Trump has cancelled former President Joe Biden’s...

The Juice is squeezed by Javier Manjarres, Daniel Molina, and Michael Costeines

The post JUICE🍊—3.3.2025—FIU President Nuñez Continues Cracking Down on DEI and Antisemitism—Trump's Oil Sanctions—Much More.. appeared first on The Floridian.

As Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is erased out of Washington through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), new Florida International President (FIU) Jeanette Nuñez is vowing to continue to eradicate the practice in her new role at the school.

"That's something that's been an ongoing focus for the university even before I got here. Of course, given all that we are seeing at the federal level as well, we're going to continue to root out any instances where we are discriminating against students based on race or ethnicity," Nuñez said to The Floridan's Javier Manjarres

"We want to make sure our kids are getting a great education and when they're taking classes, whether it's calculus or engineering, that they're learning those very important concepts to be able to provide for meaningful employment post-graduation because we're also measured on that" Nunez added.

Nuñez, who was Lt. Governor of Florida until a couple ago, also praised her former boss, Gov. Ron DeSantis, for a state-based DOGE initiative to audit universities and eliminate state boards and commissions the state considers to be obsolete.

"I welcome everything the governor is talking about in terms of DOGE. I think we have a responsibility to take over the reins now at this institution. It's a massive university and they've done great things," Nunez said.

While Elon Musk's DOGE has been a topic of discussion during the first 100 days of the Trump administration, Ron DeSantis' Florida DOGE idea has seemingly been in the works for quite some time.

"We are dogeing the Florida university system and the reason is because there's been a massive increase in funding, which I've supported [that] the legislature provided," DeSantis told Manjarres. "I think it's good and I think they've done a lot of good things with it, but I also know that nationally if you go back 30 years the number one growth has been administrative staff  and I think that that's something that we need to make sure isn't getting out of hand here."

As governor, DeSantis has spearheaded efforts to remove DEI from Florida schools.

"We're the first state in the country to eliminate DEI and I think people now realize that was discriminatory and that's not the way you go about doing this stuff. So DEI offices closed at the University of Florida, but then where do those employees go?" DeSantis added. "Are they burrowing into other parts and then doing it by another name or are you eliminating it not just superficially?  What we are going to do the universities I think it's really important."

Last September, FIU was ranked in the top 50 for best public Universities in the United States. The school also placed in the top 100 for best schools overall in the country.

Founded in 1972, FIU ranked inside the top 50 for the first time in school history. The school jumped 18 spots from 2023 among public universities and 26 spots overall.

"The investments have been well utilized because you look at our results and how we've improved in rankings, how we continue to grow in our research expenditures. "The fact we are a preeminent institution, one of only four out of the state university system in our young history because we are the youngest to ever achieve it," Nuñez added. "I think we have a great story to tell, and if there's room for improvements I welcome them and I'll champion them."

The post New FIU President Jeanette Nunez Vows to Continue Effort to Stomp Out DEI, Antisemitism appeared first on The Floridian.

Venezuelan Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado commended President Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector by revoking oil export licenses. 

Machado made her comments during an interview with Donald Trump Jr where she discussed Venezuelan Dictator Nicolas Maduro’s repressive regime. 

President Trump cancelled former President Joe Biden’s Venezuelan oil export licenses, effectively reimposing sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector that had been levied during Trump’s first term. 

Trump cited concerns regarding immigration enforcement and Dictator Maduro’s failure to permit free and fair elections as justifying the revocations.

“This is a huge step, and it sends a clear, firm message that Maduro is in huge trouble, and President Trump is with the Venezuelan people, with security, with freedom, with prosperity and peace for the whole region,” said Machado. 

President Biden had granted the oil export licenses in the ‘Barbados Agreement’ in exchange for assurances from Maduro he would host free and fair elections. 

Despite promises of allowing free and fair elections, the Venezuelan regime barred opposition leader Machado from participating in the same despite winning a landslide primary elections victory.

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.

Instead of Biden’s conciliatory approach, Trump’s cabinet and close allies, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have lobbied for a hardline strategy to Venezuela with the ultimate goal of a democratic transition rather than negotiating with Maduro to help the US economy.  

“I send my gratitude to President Trump,” continued Machado. “This is the correct thing to do, its the right thing to do, the right moment to do it, and I am sure that this will have consequences in the very short term and I am very sure that the Venezuelan people feel right now secured that we are not alone.”

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy entered the White House and sat down with President Donald Trump (R) and Vice President JD Vance (R) as negotiations between the United States and Russia to possibly end the war carry on.

During the exchange, President Trump and Vice President Vance both described President Zelenskyy as "disrespectful" to the American people and the Oval Office, with Vance accusing Zelenskyy of attempting to "litigate" his case in front of the American media.

President Donald J. Trump and Vice President JD Vance put AMERICA FIRST. pic.twitter.com/AkAvzKpcpb

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 28, 2025

Vance then asked Zelenskyy if the Ukrainian military is facing problems with recruitment numbers and then asked if it was respectful to come to the Oval Office and "attack the administration trying to prevent the destruction of your country."

Zelenskyy responded by saying that everyone has problems during wars, even the United States. However, Zelenskyy noted that while the U.S. has a "nice ocean" that serves as a protective barrier against attacks, it will "feel" the pains of war in the "future."

This prompted Trump to immediately step in, saying:

"You don't know that. Don't tell us what we're going to feel. We're trying to solve a problem. You're in no position to dictate what we're going to feel...You don't have the cards right now. You're gambling with the lives of millions of people. You're gambling with World War III."

Vance then called out Zelenskyy with a rhetorical question, asking whether he had "said thank you" during the entirety of the meeting. He then called out Zelenskyy again for campaigning with Democrats in Pennsylvania during the 2024 election cycle.

Trump added that it would be hard to do business with their disagreements.

On social media, Trump released the following statement after the meeting:

“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if… pic.twitter.com/CtnqXBNcW3

— President Donald J. Trump (@POTUS) February 28, 2025

“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace,” said Trump.

The press conference between Trump and Zelenskyy was subsequently canceled.

The post Trump, Vance get into Heated Exchange with Zelenskyy in the White House appeared first on The Floridian.

Lay off my Coke! In the latest polling from Public Opinion Strategies, a majority of Americans, including Trump voters, support the usage of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, commonly referred to as food stamps) for soft drinks, including those sweetened with sugar. Changing this policy has been a focal point not just for Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., but also for another Trump appointee, Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Granted, Secretary Rubio doesn't appear to be super focused on the issue as of now in his role in the State Department, it is one of RFK Jr.'s priorities. In September, RFK Jr wrote this in an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal.

"Stop allowing beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to use their food stamps to buy soda or processed foods. Nine percent of all SNAP funding goes to sweetened drinks, according to 2011 data," Kennedy wrote. "It's nonsensical for U.S. taxpayers to spend tens of billions of dollars subsidizing junk that harms the health of low-income Americans."

Moreover, in May of 2023, while he was still a senator, Rubio introduced a bill, the Healthy SNAP Act, to eliminate junk food from food stamps and “make diet quality a primary objective of the SNAP program,” as 20% of the program’s purchases are junk food and unhealthy beverages, according to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Not only did Rubio believe that cutting sweets from food stamps would be more conscious of taxpayers in the short term, but it would also “in the long run, reduce medical expenses.”

However, despite a majority of Americans voting for President Donald Trump, it appears the citizens of the United States do not want "Big Brother" deciding how to spend their tax dollars.

An argument can be made for the idea that the taxpayers are funding unhealthy habits and stress on the healthcare system, as RFK Jr. and Rubio have pointed out.

But, not a single majority of any demographic from the polling suggests that Americans have a problem with their tax dollars going toward the less fortunate to buy sweets. The overall polling showed nearly 2 to 1 support for this notion.

At the same time, the United States is a representative republic, and the American people voted to put RFK Jr and Rubio in charge. If every issue was left up to the American people, then it would not, in fact, be a republic, but a pure democracy. However, if RFK Jr. wants to win on this issue in the court of public opinion, then polling suggests that the HHS will have some work to do in the communication sphere.

It doesn't appear that this issue will be set in stone any time soon.

The post Poll: Majority of Americans Disagree with RFK Jr., Rubio Over Using Food Stamps to Buy Soft Drinks appeared first on The Floridian.

Pressure is mounting on Venezuelan Dictator Nicolas Maduro as US President Donald Trump has cancelled former President Joe Biden’s Venezuelan oil export licenses. 

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

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

Despite promises of allowing free and fair elections, the Venezuelan regime barred opposition leader Maria Corina 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.

“We are hereby reversing the concessions that Crooked Joe Biden gave to Nicolás Maduro, of Venezuela, on the oil transaction agreement, dated November 26, 2022, and also having to do with Electoral conditions within Venezuela, which have not been met by the Maduro regime,” stated Trump. 

Trump’s cabinet and close allies, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have lobbied for a hardline approach to Venezuela with the ultimate goal of a democratic transition rather than negotiating with Maduro to help the US economy.  

Trump had also alluded shortly after his November election victory that he would seek to end Venezuelan exports of oil to the US. 

“We have more energy than anybody else. We're going to use it. We don't have to buy energy from Venezuela when we have 50 times more than they do. It's just insane what we're doing,” said Trump. 

Venezuelan government officials criticized the oil export restriction, claiming that “in reality the US is self-inflicting damage to its people and businesses.”

Florida Republicans Maria Elvira-Salazar, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Carlos Gimenez released a joint statement commending Trump’s license revocation. 

“When it comes to defending the cause of freedom in illegitimate regimes like Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua, there is no greater ally than President Donald J. Trump,” reads the statement. 

“President Trump is keeping his promise. The days of appeasing regimes that are hostile to the United States, coddling dictators, and sidelining our national security interests are over,“ continued the Florida lawmakers.

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During a recent Fox News interview, Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently expressed his belief that, under President Donald Trump’s leadership, the US’ foreign policy towards Venezuela and Dictator Nicolas Maduro will be stricter than in previous years. 

Secretary Rubio’s interview follows his efforts to broker an agreement where Venezuela agreed to accept deported Venezuelan illegal immigrants from the US as well as release six American hostages. 

Rubio rejected critic’s arguments that negotiating with the Venezuelan regime legitimized its autocratic rule, stating that Venezuela has a legal obligation to accept its repatriated nationals. 

“Remember, Venezuela stopped taking migration flights, deportations, because they wanted to blackmail Joe Biden,” said Rubio.

Conversely, Rubio assured “President Trump is not going to be blackmailed.”

Trump’s cabinet and close allies, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have lobbied for a hardline approach to Venezuela with the ultimate goal of a democratic transition rather than negotiating with Maduro.

Shortly after Rubio’s statements, Trump announced the revocation of Venezuelan oil export licenses due to Venezuelan Dictator Nicolas Maduro’s refusal to host free and fair elections and cooperate in illegal immigrant deportation flights. 

“We are hereby reversing the concessions that Crooked Joe Biden gave to Nicolás Maduro, of Venezuela, on the oil transaction agreement, dated November 26, 2022, and also having to do with Electoral conditions within Venezuela, which have not been met by the Maduro regime,” stated Trump. 

President Biden granted the licenses as part of the ‘Barbados Agreement’ in exchange for assurances from Dictator Maduro he would host free and fair elections.

The licenses effectively lifted sanctions imposed by Trump on Venezuela during his first presidency. 

Yet, despite promises of allowing free and fair elections, the Venezuelan regime barred opposition leader Maria Corina 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.

Consequently, Trump ordered the sanctions relief enjoyed by Venezuela in the form of oil licenses to end as of March 1st. 

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently announced expanded visa restrictions for members of the Cuban government participating in the ‘exploitation’ of medical workers. 

Secretary Rubio’s visa restrictions announcement follows reports that the Communist Cuban regime is profiting off the forced labor of Cuban doctors. 

“Cuba continues to profit from the forced labor of its workers and the regime’s abusive and coercive labor practices are well documented,” claimed Rubio. “Cuba’s labor export programs, which include the medical missions, enrich the Cuban regime, and in the case of Cuba’s overseas medical missions, deprive ordinary Cubans of the medical care they desperately need in their home country.”

Rubio’s new visa restrictions limit the legal travel capacity  current or former Cuban government officials, and other individuals, including foreign government officials, who are believed to be involved in or responsible for Cuba’s overseas medical missions. 

More than 40,000 Cuban doctors are reportedly spread throughout the world in diverse 'medical missions.' 

However, myriad concerns have been raised regarding the process by which such doctors are paid, with critics and some former doctors alleging their wages are withheld by the Cuban government and then funneled into the regime’s military. 

Former U.S. assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere Affairs Otto Reich explained Cuba’s foreign doctor missions as a nefarious and lucrative source of revenue for the Cuban government. 

“Under the guise of a ‘voluntary, humanitarian, internationalist program,’ Cuba generates between $8 billion and $11 billion every year from the forced labor of doctors and medical workers exported to foreign countries,” claimed Reich. 

According to Reich, the doctors are closely watched by Cuban intelligence, have 80-90% of their salary diverted to the Cuban government, and are forced to use their services as leverage for political purposes, such as withholding treatment from patients opposing the Cuban regime. 

Representative Maria Elvira-Salazar (R-FL), the daughter of Cuban exiles, commended Rubio for his expansion of visa restrictions. 

“Secretary Rubio sent Havana a clear message,” stated Representative Salazar. “Those who traffic people and exploit that labor are equally complicit in the regime’s brutal repression of rights and freedom. You are NOT welcome in the United States!”

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