Major League Baseball backed down Monday after threatening several San Francisco Giants players over Bible verses marked on their Pride Night caps, promising not to fine or discipline them for expressing their Christian faith.
<a href="https://x.com/HawleyMO/status/2069180415668326784?s=20">In a letter</a> to Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred said the league was enforcing existing rules and blamed the San Francisco Giants for a controversy that quickly became a religious-liberty flashpoint.
“By warning the Giants players that they may not include Bible verses on their caps in the future, MLB was not discriminating or chastising those players based on their religious beliefs; rather, MLB was enforcing (with only an oral warning) a long-standing, collectively bargained rule that keeps uniforms clean and avoids controversy,” Manfred said. 
Manfred explained that the MLB allows clubs to wear customized uniforms during just 12 league-sanctioned events each year, including Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day, Sept. 11, and Jackie Robinson Day.
However, Manfred said individual clubs retain the flexibility to recognize other commemorative events throughout the season. He noted that in 2023, the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers successfully requested that their use of Pride emblems on uniforms and hats during Pride Night be grandfathered in under the league’s policy.
“Los Angeles and San Francisco are homes to some of the largest LGBTQ communities in the United States, and those clubs desired to show their appreciation and support for those communities,” Manfred explained, acknowledging that not everyone is on board. 
“We understand that some players or other on-field personnel have not been comfortable wearing the pride emblem on their uniform based on their religious beliefs,&#8221; he added.  
During Pride Night, San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Landen Roupp was among them. He inscribed a passage from Genesis 9 on his cap in silver, placing it next to the rainbow logo.
The verses describe God’s promise to Noah and all future generations that he would never again destroy the earth with a flood, with the rainbow serving as the sign of that covenant.
An article in The Athletic sharply criticized the players’ decision, arguing that the Bible verses “missed the point” of Pride Night and helped fuel calls for MLB to crack down on Christian expressions during an event that was “supposed to be dedicated to support and belonging.”
After the game, Roupp stood his ground, saying the Biblical gestures reflected his moral convictions. 
“The rainbow is a symbol of God’s covenant with us, and we as believers stand firm in that … There’s no hate at all,” he told reporters. “It’s just what I stand for and what I stand in, I believe in God.”
Shortly thereafter, MLB issued a verbal warning advising players not to include Bible verses on their uniforms in the future, triggering a wave of conservative backlash, including legal scrutiny from elected officials and state attorneys general.
“The Civil Rights Act prohibits MLB and its franchises from unreasonably burdening the rights of players with religious objections to serving as the League’s vehicle for pro-Pride messages,” Assistant Attorney General Dhillon<a href="https://x.com/AAGDhillon/status/2067709644185759938"> wrote</a> in a letter to Manfred.
In a response to Hawley&#8217;s scathing letter, Manfred appeared to deflect blame to the San Francisco Giants.  
“Unfortunately, this year the Giants&#8217; communication with players was inadequate and not clear. Some players apparently did not understand that they had the option to wear their normal uniform and elected to add messages to their hats bearing the pride logo as a result,” he explained. “After the game had concluded, my office issued a routine oral warning about the uniform policy violation &#8211; unfortunately, it was issued before we became aware of the Giants’ lapse in communication,” 
In a win for the conservatives, the MLB vowed that no players would be punished for the Bible verses.
“The players were neither fined nor disciplined, nor will they ever be,” Manfield said.

Los Angeles Dodgers v. San Francisco Giants

MLB Walks Back Threats Over Bible Verses At Pride Night

News

The Department of Justice is investigating a New York City coffee chain that promotes “radical hospitality” after it threatened to refuse service to Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman over his views on Israel.
Poetica Coffee, which operates seven locations across New York City, mocked Rep. Goldman in a Facebook post Sunday, refunding his purchase and declaring that it does not serve “genocide enablers.”
“Hey, Congressman Dan Goldman, we see that you stopped by our shop today for a coffee. Do you see how it doesn’t taste like genocide juice? Or are you still having a hard time telling the difference?” the coffee shop said, posting a picture of Goldman at a Brooklyn location. 
“See, here at Poetica, we don’t serve racists, fascists, homophobes, genocide enablers, or anyone in between.” 
<iframe loading="lazy" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid02TsEXnK92pz9jH7emvw44pFE1xDZr2z4paVDUUfnnnfhUiSuHqmP3dYMJDPB62pARl%26id%3D100088387140183&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="250" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<a href="https://www.poeticacoffee.com/">On the company’s website</a>, Poetica boasts “radical hospitality” that’s “rooted in the Uzbek tradition where the guest is sacred, the books are unbanned, and the door is open to everyone.” 
But the company struck a markedly different tone when addressing Goldman.
“Too bad we didn’t recognize you right away, or we would have turned you away. We issued you a refund—we don’t need your money (it’s probably coming from AIPAC anyways). Enjoy your loss on Tuesday. Don’t ever come to Poetica,” Poetica said on social media. 
As of Monday night, the post was still up on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02TsEXnK92pz9jH7emvw44pFE1xDZr2z4paVDUUfnnnfhUiSuHqmP3dYMJDPB62pARl&amp;id=100088387140183">Facebook</a>, and it provoked a fiery response from the DOJ’S Civil Rights division. 
“Federal law prohibits public accommodations such as coffee shops from discriminating against patrons based on their race, religion, or national origin. These actions are not only reprehensible, they’re potentially illegal,” Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said. “The Civil Rights Division has opened an investigation, and will bring an enforcement action if warranted. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The <a href="https://x.com/CivilRights?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CivilRights</a> is aware of the denial of service taunts to <a href="https://x.com/danielsgoldman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@danielsgoldman</a> by Poetica Coffee in Brooklyn.
Federal law prohibits public accommodations such as coffee shops from discriminating against patrons based on their race, religion, or national origin. These actions are… <a href="https://t.co/reOawYeEzU">https://t.co/reOawYeEzU</a>
— AAGHarmeetDhillon (@AAGDhillon) <a href="https://x.com/AAGDhillon/status/2069174058143420627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2026</a></blockquote>
Goldman – who is locked in a tight reelection primary – responded to coffee’s social media post. 
“I am sorry to see this post,” he <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/22/nyregion/coffee-shop-poetica-dan-goldman-israel.html">said in a statement.</a> “The barista could not have been nicer to my 7-year-old daughter and me — allowing her to use the bathroom even though we had not purchased anything.
“I made sure to buy a coffee in return for her kindness. I hope you at least make sure she gets the tip that she deserved,” Goldman added.
On Tuesday, Democratic voters in New York City’s 10th Congressional District, which stretches from Manhattan’s East Village into several affluent Brooklyn neighborhoods, will decide whether to renominate Goldman. The pro-Israel Democrat faces a tough challenge from his party’s far-left flank, which has pledged to take a tougher stance against AIPAC and U.S. military aid to Israel.
His leading challenger, Brad Lander, the former city comptroller endorsed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, has made his criticisms of Israel a central part of his campaign message.
Mamdani declined to comment on the incident, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/22/nyregion/coffee-shop-poetica-dan-goldman-israel.html">according to the New York Times</a>.

National Defense Authorization Act Vote

Coffee Chain Tells Congressman ‘Don’t Ever Come Back,’ Triggers DOJ Probe

American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)

Dan Goldman

Israel

A United States Coast Guard helicopter on Monday carrying four crew members crashed during a training flight near Harbor Mountain in Sitka, Alaska, igniting a desperate search-and-rescue mission, the military said.
The crash, which happened at 10:07 a.m. local time, involved a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, according to the Coast Guard. 
No deaths were reported. All four crew members were transported to Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
“First responders and search and rescue assets are currently responding. The safety, well-being, and rescue of our crew members is our absolute, immediate priority,” the military <a href="https://x.com/USCGArctic/status/2069134481500602713?s=20">said in a statement.</a> 
“A formal investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the event,” the Coast Guard said. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
The U.S. Coast Guard is actively responding to a reported crash involving a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter that occurred today in Sitka, Alaska.
First responders and search and rescue assets are currently responding. The safety, well-being, and rescue of our crew members
— USCGArctic (@USCGArctic) <a href="https://x.com/USCGArctic/status/2069134481500602713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2026</a></blockquote>
Monday’s crash comes one week after <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/eight-feared-dead-after-b-52-crash-deemed-not-survivable">eight people were killed</a> Monday when a B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in California during a routine test mission. 
This is a breaking story. Stay with The Daily Wire for updates.

U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter

U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter Crashes In Alaska

Coast Guard

Military

U.S. Military

A top House Democrat claimed Monday that algae in Washington, D.C.’s reflecting pool is the only issue her constituents back home are talking about.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) said her constituents were “outraged” by algae in the picturesque reflecting pool, calling it “sad” and a “real problem” on CNN.  
“That&#8217;s all anybody talked about at home this weekend,” Dingell said. “It&#8217;s very sad, actually, as we do go into the 250th and you know, the 250th is a time that all of us should remember how lucky we are to live in this country, and what our forefathers put into that Constitution.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
U.S. Rep Debbie Dingell claims algae in the Washington, DC reflecting pool is all that her constituents were talking about over the weekend in Michigan.
&#8220;Algae, that&#8217;s all anybody talked at home this weekend. They were outraged.&#8221;
I&#8217;ll take things that never happened for $500. <a href="https://t.co/kQ3fwFp4Iz">pic.twitter.com/kQ3fwFp4Iz</a>
— Thomas Hern (@ThomasMHern) <a href="https://x.com/ThomasMHern/status/2069040525823369276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2026</a></blockquote>
“I don&#8217;t know what&#8217;s happened. Algae’s a real problem, and it is in Michigan, it is in the Great Lakes, so maybe people will study it and understand what he did to the reflecting pool, which is part of the beauty of Washington. I don&#8217;t like that it&#8217;s there,” Dingell added. 
The Michigan Democrat’s feedback follows days of protests and vandalism along the National Mall. 
National Park Service crews have been scrubbing algae from the pool as strips of “American flag blue” paint and sealant peel from its bottom, weeks after a $14.8 million restoration, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-says-national-monument-vandalized-as-restoration-efforts-mobilize?author=Catherine+Maxwell&amp;category=undefined&amp;elementPosition=23&amp;row=3&amp;rowHeadline=Latest+News&amp;rowType=Vertical+Carousel&amp;title=Trump+Says+National+Monument+Vandalized+As+Restoration+Efforts+Mobilize">The Daily Wire</a> previously reported. Algae growth has plagued the reflecting pool since it first opened in 1922, according to an X post from the <a href="https://x.com/interiorpress47/status/2067436655523369239?s=20">Interior Department.</a>
A White House reporter asked Trump in the Oval Office whether the contractors hired for the remodeling project were to blame.
&#8220;No, we had vandalism,&#8221; Trump said. &#8220;It&#8217;s not a lot of damage, but we&#8217;ll probably have to let the water out and re-fix it.&#8221;
Trump added that at least five have been arrested and five others are under investigation.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Reporter: Are the contractors who did the initial work with a reflecting pool, are they to blame for the current condition?
Trump: No, we had vandalism. I think 300 ft slit right through, probably a box cutter or a knife of some kind or we had people lifting up. 5 people are… <a href="https://t.co/OZFqXDV00x">pic.twitter.com/OZFqXDV00x</a>
— Acyn (@Acyn) <a href="https://x.com/Acyn/status/2069153516225262018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2026</a></blockquote>
Three-time U.S. Olympian David Hearn <a href="https://abcnews.com/Politics/olympian-arrested-reflecting-pool-damage/story?id=134078925">told ABC News</a> that police arrested him on Friday after touching a piece of blue coating that was partially detached from the bottom of the reflecting pool. He stopped by the reflecting pool as a &#8220;curious, concerned citizen.” 
“I saw a piece of this loose end of this blue coating … I reached out and touched the end of that piece that was loose but still attached to the bottom,” he told ABC News. “I was able to reach out and touch the edge of that that was still attached at the bottom and handled it a little bit.” 
Alleged vandalism aside, <a href="https://x.com/WallStreetApes/status/2068842606436790767?s=20">viral videos</a> circulating on social media show leftists holding “pro algae” protests, including one woman saying, <a href="https://x.com/EndWokeness/status/2068070926994846144?s=20">“algae’s better than MAGA.”</a>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
A literal pro-algae protest in DC today
You can&#8217;t make this stuff up <a href="https://t.co/6b5v5a0ayL">pic.twitter.com/6b5v5a0ayL</a>
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) <a href="https://x.com/EndWokeness/status/2068070926994846144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2026</a></blockquote>
The issues plaguing the iconic landmark have drawn Trump’s ire as he pushes to restore the site ahead of America’s 250th anniversary, calling alleged vandals <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116790016615762850">“SICK, DERANGED PEOPLE!” </a>
“Of the MANY Statues and Fountains that we rebuilt, renovated, cleaned, and fixed, the only one that was Vandalized was the Reflecting Pool, which is being taken care of, ASAP! It has been given a 300 foot long gash, chemicals have been illegally placed in the water, and the beautiful new grass field has been destroyed with a gigantic 86 47 chemically carved into it (Probably inspired by Dirty Cop, James Comey!),” Trump said in a <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116793994014541387">Truth Social post</a>.
“Please remember that there is a 10 year prison sentence for the destruction, or even the attempted destruction, of such things — Which will be fully enforced! Thank you for your attention to this matter,” he added.

House Democrats 2026 Issues Conference

Swing State Democrat Claims Reflecting Pool Algae Is The Biggest Issue Back Home

Debbie Dingell

Reflecting Pool

Washington D.C.

The trans-identifying lover of Tyler Robinson, the man accused of assassinating Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, will not have to testify in person at a court hearing next month. 
In a win for the prosecution, Utah Judge Tony Graf Jr. on Monday rejected Robinson’s defense team&#8217;s bid to subpoena and cross-examine Lance Twiggs. 
Prosecutors opposed the request for in-person testimony, arguing they already have a recorded interview where Twiggs allegedly told investigators that Robinson confessed to the crime, hid a weapon, disposed of clothing, and warned his boyfriend not to tip off law enforcement. Authorities <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/06/17/us-news/tyler-robinsons-trans-lover-given-limited-immunity-to-provide-evidence-in-charlie-kirk-assassination-case/">reportedly</a> granted Twiggs limited immunity in April for providing statements against Robinson. 
The prosecution will also present a handwritten note Robinson gave to Twiggs as evidence, according to NBC News. 
In Monday’s hearing, the judge punted a ruling on the death penalty for another day but allowed hearsay to be used at a preliminary hearing. 
Graf argued the Utah Constitution allows the state to rely on reliable hearsay to establish probable cause. 
“Although the preliminary hearing is a critical stage of the criminal process, it is not a trial, and does not involve a determination of guilt or innocence,” Graf said, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-tyler-robinsons-effort-former-romantic-p-rcna351165">according to NBC. </a>
Monday’s ruling deals another blow to Robinson’s defense team, which has repeatedly lost key evidentiary motions in court.
On June 1, Judge Graf rejected Robinson’s request to keep key court proceedings and evidence out of the public eye — meaning the media and the public will have access to his preliminary hearings and evidence exhibits. 
In May, Judge Graf also rejected a defense request to bar cameras, microphones, and still photographers from Robinson’s murder trial, The Daily Wire previously reported. 
The defense argued that allowing cameras would jeopardize Robinson’s “fair trial rights.” The prosecution pushed back, insisting that transparency builds public trust in the judicial process.
“Mischief lurks in the dark or in secret,” Deputy Utah County Attorney Chad Grunander said. “Conspiracy theories abound, and the antidote is the actual, real proceedings … Let’s shine a light on these proceedings, a bright light, so the public can have confidence in what happens in this courtroom.”
Robinson allegedly sent his boyfriend, whom he referred to as “Luna,” a message on the day of the shooting that read, “drop what you are doing, look under my keyboard,” <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/inside-the-twisted-confession-tyler-robinson-is-accused-of-making-to-his-boyfriend">The Daily Wire</a> previously reported. 
“Luna, if you are reading this per my text, then I am so sorry. I left the house this morning on a mission, and sent an auto text. I am likely dead or facing a lengthy prison sentence. I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it,” the letter states, according to KSL.
Robinson’s mother <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/read-the-disturbing-texts-between-tyler-robinson-and-his-trans-love-after-charlie-kirk-assassination">previously told investigators</a> that her son became more political and left-leaning over the past year, adopting pro-gay and pro-transgender views.
It remains unclear when the trial against Robinson will begin. If convicted, he faces the death penalty.

MixCollage-15-Sep-2025-04-51-PM-6957

Judge Deals Blow To Accused Charlie Kirk Assassin With Ruling On His Trans-Identifying Boyfriend

Charlie Kirk

Tyler Robinson

Tucker Carlson on Thursday downplayed and defended Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner’s Nazi tattoo.
On the Canadian &#8220;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzL_fmyMJJ0&amp;list=PLAxb11SPUbo6zjovYj1FPmfsMPxqtG387">Can’t Be Censored</a>&#8220; podcast<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzL_fmyMJJ0&amp;list=PLAxb11SPUbo6zjovYj1FPmfsMPxqtG387">,</a> the former Fox News host sat down with Travis Dhanraj and Karman Wong to discuss President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Israel, Iran, and why he says he can no longer support the Republican Party.
Carlson raised eyebrows with his defense of Platner’s candidacy to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine, where Carlson also lives. Republicans across the country have targeted Platner over a series of personal scandals, including a Nazi tattoo that women around him have said he understood the meaning of.
“Look at Graham Platner, this guy who&#8217;s running in the state of Maine, where I live … he&#8217;s a Democrat, he&#8217;s liberal, I don&#8217;t have strong feelings about it,&#8221; <a href="https://x.com/JustinUSA/status/2067951494289145935?s=20">Carlson said</a>. &#8220;But rather than respond to what the guy&#8217;s positions are, they just have called him a Nazi for the last month, because he had a tattoo that was not a swastika, but apparently it was connected to the German military at some point, it&#8217;s not even clear he knew that.” 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
As expected, Tucker Carlson has rushed to Graham Platner’s defense.
He claims Platner didn’t even know about his Nazi tattoo, and insists the real reason people are attacking him is because he’s “not sufficiently supportive of Israel.” <a href="https://t.co/R30ZKXdtSv">pic.twitter.com/R30ZKXdtSv</a>
— Justin (@JustinUSA) <a href="https://x.com/JustinUSA/status/2067951494289145935?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2026</a></blockquote>
Then, the podcaster speculated why Republicans don’t support the Bernie Sanders-backed leftist. 
“They&#8217;ve attacked the guy, and his personal life. They don&#8217;t like him because he&#8217;s not sufficiently supportive of Israel,” Carlson added. 
Several women, including an ex-girlfriend, have gone on the record to say Platner knew the meaning behind his infamous Nazi tattoo, with one telling the <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/06/11/us-news/graham-platner-cheated-on-fiancee-bragged-about-nazi-tattoo-ex-girlfriend/?utm_term=MANUAL&amp;utm_medium=browser_notifications&amp;utm_source=pushly&amp;utm_content=All%20Push%20Subscribers&amp;utm_campaign=142895716">New York Post</a> the symbol reminded him that “the U.S. was the evil bad guy overseas.” The Senate hopeful’s former political director also disputed Platner’s account and accused him of “a pattern of dishonest behavior.”
The Platner campaign insists he picked a “<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/new-accuser-platner-said-nazi-tattoo-reminded-him-u-s-was-the-evil-bad-guy-overseas?author=Jacob+Wheeler&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=23&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=New+Accuser+Reveals+What+Platner+Said+About+His+Nazi+Tattoo">skull-and-crossbones tattoo off a wall</a>” to “commemorate surviving Ramadi and his friends who were killed there.” 
“Graham has also since covered up the tattoo and answered countless questions about it,” a spokesperson for the campaign has said. 
In the same interview, Carlson cast doubt on the motive behind Charlie Kirk’s assassination. 
“He was not murdered for his opinions on transgenderism,” Carlson insisted with no evidence. “Obviously, he was — I believe, and most people who knew him well, as I did, and was friends with him as I was — believe he was most likely murdered for his evolving views on Israel.” 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Charlie Kirk was not murdered for his opinions on transgenderism. Obviously.
Those of us who knew him best and called him a friend believe he was most likely murdered for his evolving views on Israel. 👀
— Tucker Carlson 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/D1mf5UXwHi">pic.twitter.com/D1mf5UXwHi</a>
— Travis (@NihiloX) <a href="https://x.com/NihiloX/status/2067799643979759965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2026</a></blockquote>
Prosecutors say Tyler Robinson, the Utah man accused of assassinating the Turning Point USA founder, wrote in a message to his trans-identifying boyfriend that he had an “opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it,” <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/inside-the-twisted-confession-tyler-robinson-is-accused-of-making-to-his-boyfriend">The Daily Wire</a> previously reported. 
Carlson, a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s foreign policy, said he has no interest in running for president but announced a permanent split with the Republican Party.
“The Republican Party in Washington is just completely out of control. I don&#8217;t share their values on any level, their personal values, the way they live, greedy, bizarro sex lives, loyal to a foreign country above the United States,” Carlson said, before taking shots at individual elected officials. 
“Beginning with the speaker of the House, Speaker Mike Johnson, and extending to the president and the leaders in the Senate. I have nothing in common with these people at all. I do not share their values. I find their priorities appalling, and so I&#8217;m just not going to participate in that party,” he said.

Tucker Defends Platner’s Nazi Tattoo, And Adds A Shot At The GOP

2026 Midterms

graham platner

Maine

Republican Party

Tucker Carlson

California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, struggled to respond to questions about federal investigations into their finances.
On live television, MS NOW correspondent Jacob Soboroff approached the California couple at the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center. 
Soboroff asked, “We’ve heard from the governor, but we haven’t heard from you yet about this investigation. What do you want to say?”
“I&#8217;m just so grateful for this inspiration and leadership,” Jennifer Newsom said, shifting the focus back to the Obama event. “We need more of this!&#8221;
Then, the potential 2028 presidential hopeful jumped in. 
“This is stuff that happens in other countries, that&#8217;s all I&#8217;ll say,” Newsom said. “Happens in other countries. He wants to go after me — go after me.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Gavin&#8217;s Wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom PANICS On-Air when MSNBC When Asks About the DOJ Investigation Against Her:
Q “We’ve heard the Governor comment on the investigation, what do you have to say?”
JENNIFER: “I’m just so grateful for this inspiration and leadership!”… <a href="https://t.co/T1TP0Wmtlm">pic.twitter.com/T1TP0Wmtlm</a>
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) <a href="https://x.com/bennyjohnson/status/2067703159624278442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2026</a></blockquote>
The Department of Justice has launched multiple investigations related to the Newsom family, including a probe dating back to the Biden administration, The Daily Wire previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/newsom-says-trump-is-coming-after-him-one-problem-biden-started-it?author=Jacob+Wheeler&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=10&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Newsom+Says+Trump+Is+Coming+After+Him.+One+Problem%3A+Biden+Started+It.">reported</a>. 
The Monday afternoon bombshell came hours after Newsom accused President Donald Trump of directing the DOJ to investigate him and his wife.
In a nearly five-minute video <a href="https://x.com/GavinNewsom/status/2066585778982166808?s=20">statement</a>, Newsom said federal agents have knocked on the doors of his family, friends, and former employees.
<div style="max-width: 728px; margin: 0 auto;">
  <iframe style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; max-width: 100%; width: 100%; margin: 20px auto 5px; border: 0;" src="https://player.mux.com/KgatyxzBPTeIgISlbafoRv02VdJU6U01Hy?metadata-video-content-type=embed_video&amp;metadata-video-id=df9e3254-c286-4ef6-b2b5-d71267c01df7&amp;metadata-video-stream-type=on-demand&amp;metadata-video-title=2026-06-15%20Newsom%20Says%20he's%20being%20investigated%20by%20the%20DOJ%20&amp;poster=https%3A%2F%2Fdailywireplus-v2.imgix.net%2Fimages%2Fembedded-videos%2F9ddb556e-7a5e-4ca2-b5c9-55e5b945dd25.png&amp;autoplay=false&amp;accent-color=%23DB3D3B&amp;primary-color=%23ffffff&amp;secondary-color=%23000000" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Credit: Gavin Newsom via X
</div>
“Today, my wife &amp; I joined Donald Trump’s hit list. He has directed his Department of Justice to investigate us. They have not found a crime — they are simply trying to find one,” Newsom wrote on X.
“They’re demanding records, they’re abusing the grand jury process, digging through years and years of random documents. Donald Trump isn’t just coming after me because of my mean tweets. He’s coming after me because I’m considering running for president,” the California Democrat said. 
A source familiar with the matter told The Daily Wire that multiple DOJ investigations related to Newsom are underway, though none are directly targeting the California governor himself. One investigation, which began in 2025, concerns his wife and her taxes. A separate DOJ investigation into Newsom’s former chief of staff was launched during President Joe Biden’s administration and remains open and evolving, according to the source. Those investigations originated in Sacramento and involved whistleblowers and sources in the state, rather than coming from the main DOJ. 
In his video, however, Newsom did not specify what the Department of Justice was investigating.
“After calling for my arrest last year, Donald Trump directed his Department of Justice to investigate me, and just in the last week, I’ve learned that his campaign has reached my own home to get me,” he said. “He’s coming after my wife, Jen, a public servant, a woman who’s dedicated her life to supporting women and girls.” 
The investigations threaten to throw a wrench in Newsom’s likely presidential bid. 
A Newsom administration official <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/06/18/newsom-orbit-war-trump-doj-00968115">told</a> POLITICO the developments are “creating complications” for the office, a stress point on full display in Newsom’s response. 
“You can subpoena my records, you can investigate me, you can harass me, put my name on every and any enemies list you have, but leave my wife and family out of your personal vendetta.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom Interview On The Circuit

The DOJ Question Jennifer Newsom Brushes Aside

Department of Justice

Gavin Newsom

Investigation

Jennifer Newsom

President Donald Trump and White House officials are bidding farewell to the Boeing 747-200, known as Air Force One, which has transported U.S. presidents across the nation and around the world for more than three decades.
On Thursday, two White House officials said goodbye to the Air Force One jet after President Trump returned from the G7 summit in Europe. The farewell comes as the first of three aircraft being modified for the presidential role is expected to be delivered soon.
“The last ride,” White House Communications Director Steven Cheung <a href="https://x.com/StevenCheung47/status/2067514778684162330?s=20">said on X</a>. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
“THANK YOU,” White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino said, <a href="https://x.com/Scavino47/status/2067523503817977868?s=20">posting a video</a> of the aircraft, saying he has “been fortunate to fly around the world on this iconic plane for 5 1/2 years — of the 35 years it has been serving U.S. presidents.” 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I have been fortunate to fly around the world on this iconic plane for 5 1/2 years — of the 35 years it has been serving U.S. Presidents…
THANK YOU…
AIR FORCE ONE 2900🫡🇺🇸🦅 <a href="https://t.co/tnh8xYtZDU">pic.twitter.com/tnh8xYtZDU</a>
— Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) <a href="https://x.com/Scavino47/status/2067523503817977868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2026</a></blockquote>
Air Force One is expected to be replaced by three Boeing 747-8s, including a luxury jet donated by the Qatari government that sparked a political firestorm. The so-called “flying palace” is estimated to be worth $400 million, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-defends-400-million-flying-palace-offered-as-gift-from-qatar">The Daily Wire</a> previously reported. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/18/politics/white-house-staff-bids-farewell-to-planes-used-as-air-force-one-for-more-than-35-years">CNN reported</a> that the Qatari jet received significant modifications for its new role as Air Force One, including a major overhaul to equip it with the secure communications and security systems required for presidential travel.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The VC-25B Bridge aircraft has officially arrived at Joint Base Andrews!
More info: <a href="https://t.co/xhurcI0mjL">https://t.co/xhurcI0mjL</a> <a href="https://t.co/zyUpB99jqm">pic.twitter.com/zyUpB99jqm</a>
— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) <a href="https://x.com/usairforce/status/2068038435114262809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2026</a></blockquote>
An <a href="https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4474728/vc-25b-bridge-program-completes-flight-testing-prepares-for-summer-rollout/">Air Force release</a> in May said the plane had officially completed modifications and was “on schedule to roll out in a new red, white, and blue livery this summer.”
The controversy erupted in May 2025 after multiple reports revealed that the Trump administration was in talks to accept a luxury jet from Qatar, a proposal that sparked bipartisan criticism.
Critics pounced on the president, arguing that gifts from Qatar — a nation that spends heavily to build influence in the United States — rarely come without strings attached.
Pro-Trump activist Laura Loomer <a href="https://x.com/LauraLoomer/status/1921615017138618439">urged</a> Trump not to accept the plane, saying, “This is really going to be such a stain on the admin if this is true.”
At the time, the White House <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-defends-400-million-flying-palace-offered-as-gift-from-qatar">said</a>: “Any gift given by a foreign government is always accepted in full compliance with all applicable laws.” 
Still, the president took to social media to blast the critics. 
“So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40 year old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction, so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane. Anybody can do that! The Dems are World Class Losers!!! MAGA,” <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114492082555622686">Trump said.</a>
The first VC-25A, tail number 28000, flew as Air Force One for the first time on September 6, 1990, carrying President George H.W. Bush to Kansas, Florida, and back to Washington, D.C., <a href="https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104588/vc-25-air-force-one/">according to the Air Force</a>. A second VC-25A, tail number 29000, later carried multiple presidents on historic missions, including trips to Israel for the funeral of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, and became especially notable on September 11, 2001, when President George W. Bush was rushed to the jet after the terror attacks on the World Trade Center.
It remains unclear exactly when the Qatari jet being converted into a new Air Force One will arrive in Washington and enter service.

HLMl_bIXkAAfNRR

‘The Last Ride’: White House Bids Farewell To Air Force One

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The long-delayed and over-budget Obama Presidential Center opened Thursday in Chicago with a stolen land acknowledgment.
“We&#8217;d also like to take a moment to recognize the original inhabitants of the land upon which we are gathered today,” Valerie Jarrett, chief executive officer of the Obama Foundation, said. &#8220;We honor the Anishinaabe, the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi nations.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
The Obama center opening opens with a land acknowledgement:
“We honor the Anishinaabe, the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi Nations.” <a href="https://t.co/aR9oM8Ee2t">pic.twitter.com/aR9oM8Ee2t</a>
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) <a href="https://x.com/RNCResearch/status/2067650115469296064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2026</a></blockquote>
A who’s who of liberal donors and political elites attended the opening ceremony, including former Presidents Joe Biden, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush; their First Ladies; and former Vice President Kamala Harris. Video circulating on social media showed some of the attendees dancing to music, while former First Lady Laura Bush <a href="https://x.com/CollinRugg/status/2067687301438992839?s=20">remained seated.</a>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
NEW: Former presidents Barack Obama, Joe Biden, George Bush and Bill Clinton celebrate the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. <a href="https://t.co/x8Dp541DGp">pic.twitter.com/x8Dp541DGp</a>
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) <a href="https://x.com/CollinRugg/status/2067687301438992839?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2026</a></blockquote>
At the opening ceremony, Michelle Obama described illegal immigrants as “the beating heart of this country.” 
“They are us, and we are them, and to ignore the simple truth, to refuse to respect the contributions and experiences of people who aren&#8217;t exactly like us. It puts us all at risk,” <a href="https://x.com/dannydeurbina/status/2067664695377395828?s=20">she said.</a>  
The former president also used the opportunity to push a political message. 
“I am not immune to anger or doubt. But I do know this when we lose faith in each other, when we stop believing that voting matters … we open the door to the most ruthless or the most careless, or the most fearful among us who see some groups and some people as more equal than others and see government as nothing more than a way to divvy up the spoils and punish enemies, and keep those who are different in their place,” <a href="https://x.com/Acyn/status/2067678059940233343?s=20">Obama said</a>.
“I do not believe that is the story of America that prevails in the end,” he added. 
The Obama Presidential Center, which opens to the general public on Juneteenth, is coming in millions of dollars over budget and several years late. The center, funded by private donors, reportedly racked up an $830 million price tag, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/obama-presidential-center-library-groundbreaking-0e3e20be65d7ae1d4ffcfbc7277bb317">according to the Associated Press</a>.  
“This is not a monument to the Obamas,” said Valerie Jarrett. “This is a tribute to all those who made their journey possible.”
Visitors can expect to pay more for admission than at any other presidential library, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/obama-museum-sets-records-including-how-much-itll-cost-you-to-get-in">The Daily Wire</a> previously reported. 
A recent report from the Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/us-news/the-obama-presidential-center-is-finally-here-prepare-to-pay-up-d4aa7d26">found</a> that the $30 adult ticket price for entry into the Obama museum is more than at any other presidential museum and 59% higher than the average price for all presidents since John F. Kennedy.
Illinois residents will also be required to “show proof of residency at the Museum with a valid photo ID, Illinois driver’s license, state ID, or city-issued ID.” That requirement has been mocked by critics who noted that the Democratic Party has aggressively opposed ID requirements for voting.
President Trump, the only living president not in attendance, has previously mocked Obama’s museum from afar.
“It’s not too pretty,” <a href="https://x.com/RedWave_Press/status/1980748368713285932">said</a> Trump. “He wanted only women and DEI to build it. Well? That’s what they got.”
“But they’re hundreds of millions of dollars over budget, and I think it stopped. I’m reading these terrible stories, but that’s the way our country was run under President Obama, too,” the president added.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
President Trump on Barack Obama’s presidential library: “He needs help… It’s not too pretty… They’re stuck and he wanted only women and DEI to build it. Well, that&#8217;s what he got… They&#8217;re hundreds of millions over budget..s that&#8217;s the way our country was run under President… <a href="https://t.co/TmRmPpSE9c">pic.twitter.com/TmRmPpSE9c</a>
— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) <a href="https://x.com/RedWavePress/status/1980748368713285932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2025</a></blockquote>

Obama presidential library

Obama Presidential Library Officially Opens With Land Acknowledgement

Barack Obama

Obama museum

Former First Lady Michelle Obama raised eyebrows with what her next chapter in life might look like.
The Obamas sat down with Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts ahead of the opening of the Obama Presidential Center. The long-delayed, over-budget project includes a 225-foot-tall museum tower and a nearly 20-acre campus funded through private donations, according to the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/obama-museum-chicago-by-numbers-beehive-3d0c4704b0923895ed440b7684e4bc0c">Associated Press.</a>
“One word to describe your next chapter,” Roberts asked the couple.
Barack Obama said, “Fun.”
Michelle Obama replied: “Me.”
WATCH:
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Michelle Obama&#039;s &#039;Me, Myself And I&#039; Response As Divorce Rumors Swirl" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TlWcNdDtfuU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
“What a selfish and entitled person,” Steve Guest, a conservative commentator, said.
Michelle Obama’s apparent focus on her own priorities comes months after she was forced to address swirling rumors that she and her husband of 32 years, former President Barack Obama, could be heading for divorce.
In April, the 62-year-old “Becoming” author discussed the rumors during an episode of Sophia Bush’s “Work in Progress” podcast.
Speculation about potential marital struggles started swirling after Michelle skipped attending former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral in December. She also didn’t attend President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/michelle-obama-addresses-divorce-rumors">The Daily Wire</a> previously reported.
“The interesting thing is that, when I say ‘no,’ for the most part people are like, ‘I get it, and I’m okay,&#8217;” Michelle said, per <a href="https://www.eonline.com/news/1415869/michelle-obama-breaks-silence-on-barack-obama-divorce-rumors">E! News</a>. “That’s the thing that we as women, I think … we struggle with disappointing people. I mean, so much so that this year people were … they couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.”
“This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right?” she continued. “But that’s what society does to us. We start, actually, finally going, ‘What am I doing? Who am I doing this for?’ And if it doesn’t fit into the sort of stereotype of what people think we should do, then it gets labeled as something negative and horrible.”
Then, Michelle said she’s considering “making some big girl decisions” at this point in her life and understanding that she has to “own it fully.”
“If not now, when? What am I waiting for? How am I going to spend 20 years?” she said during the interview. “Now is the time for me to start asking myself these hard questions of, ‘Who do I truly want to be every day?&#8217;”
“And that changes,” she added. “So, who do I want to have a lunch with? How long do I want to stay in a place? Do I want to travel? If a girlfriend calls and says, ‘Let’s go here,’ I can say ‘Yes!’ I can. And I’m trying to do that more and more.”
The former president has not specifically addressed divorce rumors, but he did mention his marriage while speaking with Hamilton College president Steven Tepper.
“I was in a deep deficit with my wife, so I have been trying to dig myself out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things,” he said at the time.
On Michelle&#8217;s podcast, which she hosts with her brother, the couple tried to dismiss the rumors.
“She took me back,” <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSCINsWxHyw">Barack said</a>. “It was touch-and-go for a while.”

2025 Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival

Michelle Obama’s ‘Me, Myself And I’ Response As Divorce Rumors Swirl

Michelle Obama

The national average gas price dipped below $4 per gallon on Thursday for the first time since March, following President Donald Trump&#8217;s signing of a tentative peace deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Average gas prices stand at $3.99 in the United States, down from $4.03 the day before, <a href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=US">according to AAA.</a> The decline coincides with a <a href="https://apnews.com/article/gas-iran-trump-aaa-72d8e7d7c9dcd0795c37a51864fce8a6">15% drop</a> in the price of U.S. crude this month.
Drivers across the South and Midwest are enjoying some of the nation’s cheapest gasoline. Indiana boasts the nation’s lowest average gas price of $3.39 per gallon, while Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, and other red-leaning states remain in the same range. On the East Coast, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and Rhode Island have also dropped below $4 per gallon.
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<iframe style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; max-width: 100%; width: 100%; margin: 20px auto 5px; border: 0;" src="https://player.mux.com/6YZDjUqfyPIReT019oxYBRKqW6LyU01vYM?metadata-video-content-type=embed_video&amp;metadata-video-id=99a70f54-7d7d-42ff-8fa4-0e26021ef77e&amp;metadata-video-stream-type=on-demand&amp;metadata-video-title=2026-06-18%20Trump%20Signs%20Iran%20Deal&amp;poster=https%3A%2F%2Fdailywireplus-v2.imgix.net%2Fimages%2Fembedded-videos%2F4db074c6-6eba-48b3-8a4e-e3d4e377777e.png&amp;autoplay=false&amp;accent-color=%23DB3D3B&amp;primary-color=%23ffffff&amp;secondary-color=%23000000" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Credit: The White House via Storyful
</div>
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, <a href="https://x.com/GasBuddyGuy/status/2067594886195343390?s=20">said</a> gas prices could fall below $3 a gallon later this year.
It’s a welcome relief for cash-strapped consumers and perhaps a turnaround for the White House, which has been racing to lower prices ahead of the crucial November elections.
“These fools, who think I haven’t been tough enough on Iran, when the Stock Market Just Hit A RECORD HIGH, and Oil prices are &#8216;tumbling&#8217; down, are either jealous, bad people, or stupid,” President Trump said in a Thursday morning <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116770180426363226">Truth Social post</a>.
On Wednesday night, Trump formally signed the U.S.-Iran agreement aimed at ending the Middle East conflict during a dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles following the G7 summit. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reportedly signed on behalf of the Iranian regime, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/live-updates-iranian-protests-intensify-as-citizens-demand-end-to-ayatollah-rule?topStoryPosition=undefined&amp;author=Daily+Wire&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=0&amp;row=1&amp;rowHeadline=Top+Stories&amp;rowType=Top+Stories&amp;title=Trump+Signs+Iran+Deal+In+Surprise+Move%2C+Scrapping+Planned+Ceremony">The Daily Wire</a> previously reported. 
The U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding guarantees toll-free passage through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days, but it also calls on Iran, Oman, and other Gulf states to negotiate the waterway’s long-term administration afterward, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/live-updates-iranian-protests-intensify-as-citizens-demand-end-to-ayatollah-rule?topStoryPosition=undefined&amp;author=Daily+Wire&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=0&amp;row=1&amp;rowHeadline=Top+Stories&amp;rowType=Top+Stories&amp;title=Trump+Signs+Iran+Deal+In+Surprise+Move%2C+Scrapping+Planned+Ceremony">raising questions</a> about whether future transit fees could be imposed in a way that benefits Tehran.
Gas prices have remained elevated since the war began, peaking at $4.56 per gallon. By comparison, the national average stood at $3.18 on the same date in 2025, according to AAA.
In May, pain at the pump <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/gas-prices-surge-past-an-ugly-mark-in-all-50-states">passed an ugly mark</a>, with all 50 states reporting average gas prices at $4 or higher going into Memorial Day weekend. 
Opening the Strait and lowering oil prices appeared to be a top concern for the president. 
“If I did the opposite, if I went out and continued to bomb them … just bomb the hell out of them, I’d get bad press on that, there&#8217;s nothing I can do,” <a href="https://x.com/Acyn/status/2067288719644918150?s=20">Trump said.</a> “Also, we run out of reserves in about four weeks, you know, there are reserves all over the world, and we would really run out, and there&#8217;ll be a time when you wouldn&#8217;t be able to get it, and you want to see bedlam?”  
&#8220;I didn&#8217;t want to see economic catastrophe. If you kept this going, that could have happened,” <a href="https://x.com/Rory_Johnston/status/2067342729885982986?s=20">Trump added.</a> 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Trump on the Iran War MOU: &#8220;I didn&#8217;t want to see economic catastrophe. If you kept this going, that could have happened.&#8221;
It&#8217;s honestly a surreal minute to watch:<a href="https://t.co/K7ZRPYklV5">pic.twitter.com/K7ZRPYklV5</a>
— Rory Johnston (@Rory_Johnston) <a href="https://x.com/Rory_Johnston/status/2067342729885982986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2026</a></blockquote>

Pain At The Pump Starts To Ease In First Day After Trump Signs Iran Deal

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Iran

A Trump-endorsed pastor ended his campaign for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District following the leak of explicit text messages exchanged with a former Miss Oklahoma USA.
“After prayerful consideration with my wife, Kendra, and my team over the last twenty-four hours, I&#8217;ve made the difficult decision to suspend my campaign for Congress,” he <a href="https://x.com/JacksonLahmeyer/status/2067314474076266553">wrote</a> on X. 
“I do not want to be a distraction to my family, my church, and the great people of Oklahoma&#8217;s 1st Congressional District, who deserve a strong conservative voice representing them in Washington,” he added. 
Jackson Lahmeyer, a Tulsa pastor and founder of the &#8220;Pastors for Trump&#8221; network, entered the race as one of the leading contenders — and arguably the frontrunner — for the vacant congressional seat.
Then, a salacious scandal shook up the Republican primary. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Jackson Lahmeyer revealed that their relationship was physical after he claimed it was confined only to flirty text messages. 🔗 <a href="https://t.co/IPTDKzzS0e">https://t.co/IPTDKzzS0e</a> <a href="https://t.co/Boo96KNYpX">pic.twitter.com/Boo96KNYpX</a>
— Daily Mail US (@Daily_MailUS) <a href="https://x.com/Daily_MailUS/status/2067077941637660775?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2026</a></blockquote>
Days before the election, <a href="https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-15902225/jackson-lahmeyer-sheridan-church-caitlin-key.html">The Daily Mail</a> published intimate texts between him and <a href="https://www.christianpost.com/news/pastor-jackson-lahmeyer-admits-texting-other-woman.html">Caitlin Simmons Key</a>, a former campaign staffer and <a href="https://www.newson6.com/story/5e3604f02f69d76f62033471/former-miss-oklahoma-usa-never-saw-inappropriate-behavior-from-trump" target="_blank" rel="noopener">former Miss Oklahoma USA</a>. The texts reportedly showed the married man and father of five calling her “cute” and teasing an invitation to his hotel room. Lahmeyer also complimented her body and sent selfies from Mar-a-Lago, <a href="https://www.newson6.com/tulsa-oklahoma-news/lahmeyer-responds-after-reports-of-text-messages-surface-during-congressional-race">according to a local outlet.</a> 
The suggestive messages included one exchange where the pastor told the woman, “I enjoyed those lips.”
In a social media post, Lahmeyer admitted to &#8220;crossing a boundary line through text messaging.” 
“This matter was already dealt with privately between me and my wife, Kendra, through counsel and prayer with God and spiritual advisors. I own crossing a boundary line through text messaging. I also ended all communication,” he said. “The British Tabloid tried to paint me out in a way which is not the case.” 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Today, a distorted story from a British Tabloid was released just two days before my election.
This matter was already dealt with privately between me and my wife, Kendra, through counsel and prayer with God and spiritual advisors. I own crossing a boundary line through text…
— Jackson Lahmeyer (@JacksonLahmeyer) <a href="https://x.com/JacksonLahmeyer/status/2066340956488818723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2026</a></blockquote>
Although Lahmeyer advanced to a runoff Tuesday, the Tulsa pastor posted a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/us/elections/results-oklahoma-us-house-1-primary.html">weaker-than-expected showing</a>. He won 25.9% of the vote, finishing behind state Rep. and businessman Mark Tedford, who secured 32.2% and more than 4,500 additional votes.
The poor showing and inappropriate messages pushed Trump on Wednesday to pull the plug on Lahmeyer. 
“I greatly appreciate Jackson Lahmeyer’s hard work under difficult circumstances — He has always been with me, and I will always be with him. But, when it comes to the current Congressional race for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District, I will be supporting America First Patriot, Mark Tedford,” Trump said on Truth Social. 
Trump previously endorsed Lahmeyer and doubled down on Tuesday’s primary, calling him a <a href="https://x.com/JacksonLahmeyer/status/2066511185504063707?s=20">“MAGA Warrior&#8221;</a> who has “been with me from the very beginning of our Movement.”
Lahmeyer’s withdrawal makes Tedford the presumptive Republican nominee and the overwhelming favorite to win Oklahoma’s ruby-red 1st Congressional District.

ce5057_dc727057c6f54e62a976e3944f6cb3f0~mv2

Texting Scandal Ends Trump-Endorsed Pastor’s Campaign

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Jacob Wheeler