How Is a Free Cuba in the National Interest of the United States?

By Family Research Council

The phrase “America First” has been a recognizable rallying cry of the citizen and political movement that brought President Donald Trump to the White House twice. The America First Policy Institute believes that a foreign policy approach that prioritizes the United States is based on the idea that when the United States puts the security, prosperity, and general well-being of its people first, it is better positioned to lead the world and preserve peace and stability.

This last element dispels the widespread notion that an “America First” foreign policy would mean isolationism. The operation to remove dictator Nicolás Maduro and the beginning of a transition to democracy in Venezuela, or the weakening of the Iranian nuclear program, are key to achieving a robust peace under U.S. hegemony.

Now, after these two international successes, the focus seems to be on Cuba, the oldest totalitarian regime in the West. Just 90 miles from the Florida Keys, Havana transformed the island from one of the closest allies in Hispanic America into a hub of anti-American propaganda in the heart of the continent since 1959.

Furthermore, the Castro regime made Cuba available to terrorist groups from Europe, Central and South America, and even some operating within the United States. On the other hand, it provided diplomatic and military support to anti-American regimes in Africa and Asia. It’s no wonder that it earned a place on the list of state sponsors of terrorism in 1982, with brief interruptions during the Democratic administrations of Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

A free Cuba, once again aligned with the West and an ally of Washington, would leave a much safer neighborhood for the United States. One without Chinese radar bases pointed at its territory, like those denounced in the international press a few years ago.

To imagine this possible future, it is helpful to understand what past relations between Cuba and the United States were like. Yuleisy Mena, an adjunct professor at Florida International University, recalls that the relationship, not only commercial but also guided by geopolitical pragmatism, dates back to the 19th century. An example was the Spanish-American War of 1898, which marked a period in which islanders and Americans took up arms together.

“Many Americans wanted to help Cuba, knowing the horrors committed by the Spanish military officer Valeriano Weyler against the rural population; but also because many Cubans and Americans wanted to rid themselves of the domination of European empires in the hemisphere — something key to the Monroe Doctrine — and they also had an interest in Cuba becoming a republic for pragmatic and ideological reasons,” Mena explained to me.

During the republican period, Cuba was a strategic ally in Latin America. That is, until 1959, when Cuba fully entered the Cold War, but on the Soviet side. That tension has not yet subsided, and Professor Mena believes that Castroism still poses a danger to the United States, especially regarding espionage. “These individuals are present in various industries and sectors of society,” she states, “and they can be of Cuban or American origin; they simply have to sympathize with Marxism in its political or cultural forms.”

In economic terms, to summarize, the U.S. was Cuba’s main trading partner between 1902 and 1958; sugar dominated bilateral trade; and U.S. investments had a structural weight in key sectors of the island’s economy.

On the other hand, there are always risks for a post-Castro Cuba, based on understanding and evaluating the available data. Professor Emeritus Octavio de la Suarée of William Paterson University believes that “one of the ills that has always been attributed to Cubans is the Hispanic legacy of caudillismo, that is, the figure of an all-powerful leader.” That tradition, he recalls, stretches from the monarchy to the dictatorships of Latin American strongmen after the successive independence movements of the early 19th century, and on to the political processes of the 21st century.

Suarée, who is also president of the Cuban Academy of History in Exile, asserts that the communist indoctrination received by the Cuban population from 1959 to the present “requires a good dose of freedom and democracy, which cannot be learned overnight.” He fears that a people “accustomed to the government thinking for them may not be prepared to think for themselves.”

First, Suarée argues, it will be necessary to educate the Cuban people about the meaning of freedom, human rights, and democracy, and their importance, so they can vote consciously in free elections and exercise the right that has been denied them for so long.

And that is also fundamental, he asserts, to enjoying a good relationship with the United States. “We had a history as an independent nation during the Republic (between 1902 and 1958), and we could enjoy it again,” according to the Cuban-American historian. But to achieve this, he believes it is essential to first build citizens who can create and sustain it. “We have a lot to learn.”

“Let us remember that the United States is great because it enjoys basic institutions established from its beginnings; we never had them. Can we build them now?” he asks. “To be free, we need to create a civic-minded and responsible Cuban citizen, one who knows how to respect others, without mockery or boasting, a hard worker, dedicated, and respectful. Is that possible?”

Optimistic, Suarée reflects that Cubans have always risen to the challenge of adversity, fought hard, and triumphed. “And they will do so again.” And in this New Cuba, “relations with the United States will once again be cordial,” for the benefit of both nations and for the security and peace of the Western Hemisphere.

AUTHOR

Yoe Suarez

Yoe Suárez is a writer, producer, and journalist, exiled from Cuba due to his investigative reporting about themes like torture, political prisoners, government black lists, cybersurveillance, and freedom of expression and conscience. He is the author of the books “Leviathan: Political Police and Socialist Terror” and “El Soplo del Demonio: Violence and Gangsterism in Havana.”

EDITORS NOTE: This Washington Stand column is republished with permission. All rights reserved. ©2026 Family Research Council.

The Washington Stand is Family Research Council’s outlet for news and commentary from a biblical worldview. The Washington Stand is based in Washington, D.C. and is published by FRC, whose mission is to advance faith, family, and freedom in public policy and the culture from a biblical worldview. We invite you to stand with us by partnering with FRC.

EXCLUSIVE: Somali Lawmaker Shares How U.S. Pays The Price Of Somali Terror And Trafficking

By The Daily Caller

Somali officials are allegedly linked to a network trafficking terrorists, fraud and children into the U.S. and Western nations, according to confidential reports exclusively shared with the Daily Caller by a Somali lawmaker.

Dr. Abdillahi Hashi Abib, a member of Somalia’s Parliament and Foreign Affairs Committee, shared the February letters with the Caller after allegedly receiving no response from the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

A Feb. 12 letter alleges that Somali nationals, including Somali officials with dual U.S.-Somali citizenship, use connections with foreign governments to traffic Somalis into the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union. 

More than 6,900 Somali nationals — including children and people tied to the terrorist group al-Shabaab — were trafficked over the past five months, the February letter claims. The operation allegedly generated roughly $25,000 “per trafficking batch.”

Previous reporting by the City Journal alleged that “untold millions” of U.S. tax dollars from Minnesota’s Somali population were transferred to Al-Shabaab.

Some Somali officials allegedly abuse their public offices, diplomatic status and immunities to “facilitate personal enrichment through organized trafficking operations.”

My source @MPDrAbib shared alleged fake passports, visas, and Ethiopian Airlines emails confirming Somali docs are forgeries.

Reports back Abib’s claims.

Similar forgeries are being used to smuggle terrorists & fraudsters into the US—with Minnesota as a key hub.
Stay tuned… pic.twitter.com/eRThsFTnYx

— Derek VanBuskirk (@DerekVBK) March 5, 2026

The letter pointed to Hinda Culusow — an alleged U.S. citizen and chief of protocol for the Somali president — and her husband, who is a sitting member of Somalia’s Parliament.

The letter claims they reportedly control or own a private travel agency that acts as a “key operational hub within this trafficking pipeline” and allegedly facilitates “documentation, travel logistics and intermediary arrangements” to move clients through irregular channels.

Three attached receipts — $1,320, $330 and $450 — allegedly show clients taken into Egypt before continuing to Western nations, Abib told the Caller. The documents allege the fees were sent to Culusow and her husband.

The agency listed on the payments, Sky Som Air & Logistics, did not reply to the Caller’s request for comment as of publication.

The letter further alleges that U.S. citizen and Somali State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Mohamed Omar coordinated with his brother-in-law, who is Somalia’s ambassador to Cuba, to sell Cuban government scholarships. The scholarships are allegedly used for migration purposes to eventually gain entry into the U.S., according to the letter.

There are reports that individuals with ties to the U.S. designated Foreign Terrorist Organization Al-Shabaab allegedly travel to the U.S.–Mexico border and request political asylum, the letter states.

The letter says that Somalia’s Minister of Education Farah Abdiqadir backs the alleged scheme.

The letter includes examples of Cuban visas and documentation listing 10 students approved to travel under a “scholarship of medicine.”

The letter shows the Somali passport of 33-year-old Shafie Abdirahman Ali, whose occupation was listed as “student.” Abib alleges that Ali was arrested for terrorism, released by corrupt government officials and sent to Germany in November.

Abib also told the Caller that hundreds of minors are coerced into trafficking schemes every month, with the Somali government promising families a new life outside a drought-stricken country by covering travel expenses.

Parents later receive video calls from children held captive in Libya under ransom for the full $25,000 cost, he claimed. With Somalia’s annual GDP per capita at approximately $600, death or sex slavery becomes the likely outcome for many, Abib told the Caller.

The letter includes a photo of two allegedly trafficked children taken during ransom negotiations, according to Abib. An alleged ransom video was also sent to the Caller by a whistleblower.

The photo shows a Somali minor during an alleged ransom call to his or her parents. (Photo shared in a document by Somali lawmaker Dr. Abdillahi Hashi Abib)

Abib described these cases as only “samples” of the evidence he possesses, telling the apparently unresponsive House Oversight Committee that he is prepared to provide records, visa and passport data, financial transaction pathways, witness and parental testimony, and identifying details including names, dates and routing mechanisms.

He claims the committee has not followed up. He reflected on what he described as a broader pattern across federal agencies in both former President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump’s administrations.

Abib claimed to the Caller that officials in Trump’s administration focus on platitudes or placing bandages on fraud in Minnesota, rather than focusing on what he views as the root cause: the Somali government.

In a separate February report, Abib warned the committee of a grave national security threat posed by terrorists operating freely in Somalia.

“[T]he government functions as a captured apparatus for elite enrichment,” the letter claims.

The report classifies Al-Shabaab as a “critical” threat that has formed a “parallel state,” levying its own taxes, undermining federal legitimacy and disrupting elections and humanitarian operations. It warns that the group is planning drone attacks in high-security areas of the capital, including the airport, training compounds, and sensitive diplomatic and security facilities.

Photos included in the report show what Abib described as an Iranian drone, along with images of U.S. ammunition and armored vehicles in the terrorist group’s possession.

The letter also classifies another group, the Islamic State Somalia Province (ISSP), as a “high” threat. The letter cited the terrorist organization’s lethality, ideological rigidity, appeal to foreign fighters and links to smuggling and transnational financing.

Abib accuses the Somali government of suppressing information by framing losses as victories and withholding critical intelligence from the public, Parliament and U.S. intelligence agencies — creating what he described as “strategic and policy implications for the [U.S.].”

The information relayed in the report was obtained through a whistleblower within Somali intelligence structures.

The photo shows an Iranian drone allegedly used by terrorists in Somalia, suggesting they are capable of carrying out threats against high-value targets. (Photo shared in a document by Dr. Abdillahi Hashi Abib)

Though Abib says the situation appears grim due to Somali inaction and insufficient U.S. understanding of regional threats, he outlines recommendations for the United States: independent verification mechanisms, whistleblower protections, an oversight investigation, targeted sanctions on corrupt officials and removal of corrupt Somali leadership followed by a political transition until a new leader is duly elected.

The Caller previously reported on his “roadmap” for addressing fraud in January.

“This failure now directly threatens U.S. national security, U.S. personnel, U.S. taxpayers, and U.S. strategic interests in the Horn of Africa and beyond,” the report says.

“The America First State Department stands ready to ensure President Trump’s war on fraud to fight widespread abuses across our nation is successful,” the U.S. State Department told the Caller. “We are committed to implementing foreign assistance that delivers for the American people following years of wasteful, woke and weaponized programming.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio was carbon copied and sent the letters, according to documents obtained by the Caller.

The Caller reached out to the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, but they have not responded as of publication.

AUTHOR

Derek VanBuskirk

Reporter

RELATED ARTICLES:

SCOOP: Tim Walz Accused Of Stonewalling Key Probe As Somali Fraud Sweeps His State

Healthcare, Daycare And Food Aid: Somali MP Shares The Source Of The Scams

EXCLUSIVE: How Biden Admin Sowed Seeds For Somali Aid Fraud Scandal

EDITORS NOTE: This Daily Caller column is republished with permission. ©All rights reserved.

Four House Democrats Side With Republicans On Trump’s Iran Strikes thumbnail

Four House Democrats Side With Republicans On Trump’s Iran Strikes

By The Daily Caller

Four Democrats voted with Republicans to effectively greenlight President Donald Trump’s military action in Iran, breaking with the party’s House leadership.

The House voted down the War Powers Act (WPA) — introduced by Republican Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie and Democratic California Rep. Ro Khanna — 212 to 219 just one day after the upper chamber nearly voted along party lines to approve the president’s action in the Middle East. Democratic Reps. Henry Cuellar of Texas, Greg Landsman of Ohio, Jared Golden of Maine and Juan Vargas of California broke from the party to support the president.

Massie and Republican Ohio Rep. Warren Davidson were the only two Republicans to side with Democrats to support the measure.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson called  “dangerous” as it would require the administration to extract troops from the region immediately. Some members found the rapid removal could endanger troops while Iran actively targets American troops, assets, embassies, and allies across the region.

A half a dozen members, including Golden and Landsman, introduced an alternative War Powers Act to counteract the Massie-Khanna resolution. The alternative measure would give the administration 30 days to cease military action in Iran and mandates the administration regularly briefs members of Congress and relevant committees on military operations and objectives.

Davidson was hesitant about the timeline of the Iran strikes, as the administration has provided multiple different possibilities ranging from three weeks to months. Reports indicate officials in U.S. Central Command are preparing for the campaign in Iran to potentially last until September.

Talks of supplemental defense funding are spreading through Congress as some Senators on theArmed Services Committee refuse to rule out allocating additional funds to replenish the defenses that keep service members safe. Johnson said Congress would pass additional funding to support the administration “when it’s appropriate.”

AUTHOR

Andi Shae Napier

Congressional Reporter

RELATED ARTICLE: Only One Republican Backs Failed Attempt To Restrict Trump’s Iran Military Action

EDITORS NOTE: This Daily Caller column is republished with permission. All rights reserved.

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.

Emilio Arteaga: How Socialism Revives Slavery in the West Today (Part 2)

By Family Research Council

Read Part 1.

Yesterday, the slave trade in the West focused on unskilled labor, but today, Cuban socialism has revived slave practices for decades — albeit with professionals. It has done so through the “export of services.” Under the guise of “humanitarianism” or “solidarity,” it openly and systematically exploits its workers, “in collaboration with private companies, governments, and international organizations,” according to the NGO Archivo Cuba. In this hemisphere, forced labor is condemned as a practice similar to slavery.

It is not surprising to think that if Christianity, with the British abolitionist movement at the forefront, truncated the practice in much of the world, it is socialism that will bring it back. The Cuban author José Martí, as early as the 19th century, recognized this ideology as “the future slavery.”

Doctors, nurses, medical technicians, teachers, sports coaches, musicians, sailors, architects, geologists, tobacco workers, construction workers — Cuba has state-owned companies that exploit the services of all of them, mostly by sending them temporarily abroad on “internationalist missions,” according to Archivo Cuba.

“They are exported like merchandise for two or three years in unusual secret agreements with governments or companies. From 55% to 75% of exported services are in the health sector; Cuba and its allies dedicate a lot of propaganda to glorifying the practice and concealing its darker aspects. These provide the Cuban dictatorship with enormous income and symbolic capital (prestige, influence, goodwill) that translates into countless political benefits, including votes in international organizations,” the organization stated.

Emilio Arteaga was part of these “missions” in South America and Africa. His story offers a stark picture of the semi-slave-like conditions that thousands of Cubans still endure today. From his exile in Spain, where he arrived after a harrowing journey, he shares his testimony with us.

The story of how you escaped from Africa is harrowing, a kind of modern-day maroonage. What led you to “desert,” as the Castro regime calls it?

A series of personal events, material and existential circumstances that had been accumulating since I lived in Cuba led me to “desert.” Above all, weariness, disappointment, and disgust with that regime that shamelessly exploited me and wouldn’t let me be myself.

The trigger was a meeting where I was taken before the highest leadership of the mission, right there in the Namibian Ministry of Health. They came after me with evidence (several screenshots) of comments I’d made on social media that, according to them, contained counterrevolutionary content. Among them was a simple meme.

That same afternoon I made the decision to escape. And at midnight, I left the house where I was living. It was September 28th, coincidentally a date of revolutionary veneration for Castroism: the day of the neighborhood watch network named the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution.

I spent several months in hiding in a place opened for me by Namibian and Cuban friends living in that African country. It was desperate. It was very agonizing waiting for the second step I had planned: leaving Namibia, where I feared that the political police and the mission authorities, who had signed an agreement with the Namibian government, would pursue me to send me back to Cuba.

Finally, I reached the border with South Africa. When I crossed it, I felt a great relief. And from there, I took a flight to Madrid, Spain, thanks to the support of friends and family who lived outside of Cuba.

A story close to my family is that of a cardiologist who left the island and was banned from entering for several years, to the point that he couldn’t even see his mother before she died. What consequences do Cuban doctors who flee face, and what have you personally experienced?

The consequences of desertion are all described in the Cuban Penal Code.

The worst are the prohibitions on returning to the island for eight years or, directly, imprisonment. For this reason, there are many stories of forced family separation.

In my case, since arriving in Spain, I have been a vocal activist against that regime. So, that “no return” is permanent, or at least until the power of that mafia falls.

There is an economy of individuals who profit from this trafficking of professional services. It ranges from the Castro regime’s inner circle to a series of mid-level officials who, both on and off the island, receive salaries and benefits associated with human trafficking. In a future Cuba, should they all be tried?

In a free Cuba, all those who have been part of this scheme of human trafficking and modern slavery must be brought to justice. Absolutely.

If possible, I myself will be present at those trials as a witness. Don’t doubt it.

How do you interpret the complicity of supranational organizations like the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in this scheme of semi-slavery?

PAHO’s complicity is shameful.

Don’t forget that these organizations are all aligned with the Cuban regime due to the sympathy and ideological proximity of their directors to ideas from the left-wing political spectrum.

Furthermore, they also take their share of the economic profits from the large sums of money that states pay for the export of Cuban doctors.

They, too, must answer to international justice for the crimes of human trafficking and modern slavery.

Spain has historically been a key voice in shaping the European Union’s position toward Hispanic countries, including Cuba. However, under the governments of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) or Podemos, we haven’t seen any criticism of human trafficking by Havana. Why do you think this is?

Spain’s direct complicity with the Cuban regime is well known and constantly denounced by Cuban exiles living in Europe.

This passivity in the face of Castro’s excesses is a direct result of the power the Left and its parties have held in this country for several years now. And, as you say, it includes established parties like the PSOE as well as newer ones like Podemos.

They all continue to see Cuba as an international “revolutionary” role model.

But among ordinary people, that perception is changing significantly. The Spanish people are increasingly informed about the reality on the island through the free flow of information on social media.

Recently, the Trump administration sanctioned Brazilian officials and former PAHO officials for facilitating the trafficking of professionals through the Cuban medical mission in Brazil and has also pressured other Caribbean states to close those that are still operating. Despite these steps, how much more could the White House do?

Now is the time to increase all pressure from the United States administration against the regime — on all fronts and in all parts of the world.

The members of the inner circle in Havana are experts at camouflage and stalling. Especially in each of the countries where they still maintain brigades of enslaved doctors.

One measure I would recommend is the creation of a company or foundation that would establish the legal mechanisms to rehabilitate and reactivate the many doctors who have deserted and are scattered around the world. This way, our talent can be utilized, now free, according to the needs of the communities where we currently reside.

AUTHOR

Yoe Suarez

Yoe Suárez is a writer, producer, and journalist, exiled from Cuba due to his investigative reporting about themes like torture, political prisoners, government black lists, cybersurveillance, and freedom of expression and conscience. He is the author of the books “Leviathan: Political Police and Socialist Terror” and “El Soplo del Demonio: Violence and Gangsterism in Havana.”

EDITORS NOTE: This Washington Stand column is republished with permission. All rights reserved. ©2026 Family Research Council.

The Washington Stand is Family Research Council’s outlet for news and commentary from a biblical worldview. The Washington Stand is based in Washington, D.C. and is published by FRC, whose mission is to advance faith, family, and freedom in public policy and the culture from a biblical worldview. We invite you to stand with us by partnering with FRC.

U.S. And Ecuadorian Forces Launch Joint Strikes On Narco-Terror Targets

By The Daily Caller

American and Ecuadorian military forces launched joint strikes against narco-terror targets in Ecuador on Tuesday, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced.

The joint operations target Designated Terrorist Organizations within the country, the U.S. announced in a press release. SOUTHCOM described the operations as a “powerful example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean” to partner with the U.S. in combatting narco-terrorism.

“Together, we are taking decisive action to confront narco-terrorists who have long inflicted terror, violence, and corruption on citizens throughout the hemisphere,” the press release stated. SOUTHCOM also posted the announcement on X, along with video of soldiers being deployed.

President Donald Trump designated several cartels as terrorist organizations on the first day of his second term in office, which the administration has used to justify military strikes in the Caribbean.

On March 3, Ecuadorian and U.S. military forces launched operations against Designated Terrorist Organizations in Ecuador. The operations are a powerful example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to combat the scourge of narco-terrorism.

Together,… pic.twitter.com/MrkKZcrDbs

— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) March 4, 2026

Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan commended the Ecuadorian armed forces “for their unwavering commitment” to the fight against drug trafficking.

“We commend the men and women of the Ecuadorian armed forces for their unwavering commitment to this fight, demonstrating courage and resolve through continued actions against narco-terrorists in their country,” he stated.

The strikes come less than a week after Trump announced Operation Epic Fury in Iran, hitting nuclear and military targets alongside the Israeli military. Both operations are part of a series of recent U.S. military and law enforcement campaigns conducted with regional partners.

AUTHOR

Jack Cowhick

Contributor

RELATED ARTICLE: Trump Admin Takes Out 11 Designated Narco-Terrorists In ‘Lethal Kinetic Strikes’

EDITORS NOTE: This Daily Caller column is republished with permission. ©All rights reserved.

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.

PODCAST: Georgia House Committee Recommends Hand Counting 2026 Ballots

By Conservative Commandos Radio Show and AUN-TV

The House Blue Ribbon Elections Study Committee issued their first of several anticipated reports. The committee prioritized a solution for Georgia’s current Dominion Democracy Suite 5.5A voting system which was found to be unsecure and in violation of Georgia law. The system tabulates all contest votes that are hidden in a Quick Response (QR) code which voters cannot verify even with a QR code reader. The QR coded ballots are used for all in-person voting.

The report recommends to the Georgia General Assembly that official General Election results should be hand counted for all in-person ballots if they continue to be QR coded. The recommendation ensures that all tabulated votes will be verifiable to the voters. It also reduces risks of electronic results tampering especially since forensic reports have found Dominion tabulators and servers to be remotely accessible.

©2026 . All rights reserved.

Emilio Arteaga: How Socialism Revives Slavery in the West Today (Part 1)

By Family Research Council

Yesterday, the slave trade in the West focused on unskilled labor, but today, Cuban socialism has revived slave practices for decades — albeit with professionals. It has done so through the “export of services.” Under the guise of “humanitarianism” or “solidarity,” it openly and systematically exploits its workers, “in collaboration with private companies, governments, and international organizations,” according to the NGO Archivo Cuba. In this hemisphere, forced labor is condemned as a practice similar to slavery.

It is not surprising to think that if Christianity, with the British abolitionist movement at the forefront, truncated the practice in much of the world, it is socialism that will bring it back. The Cuban author José Martí, as early as the 19th century, recognized this ideology as “the future slavery.”

Doctors, nurses, medical technicians, teachers, sports coaches, musicians, sailors, architects, geologists, tobacco workers, construction workers — Cuba has state-owned companies that exploit the services of all of them, mostly by sending them temporarily abroad on “internationalist missions,” according to Archivo Cuba.

“They are exported like merchandise for two or three years in unusual secret agreements with governments or companies. From 55% to 75% of exported services are in the health sector; Cuba and its allies dedicate a lot of propaganda to glorifying the practice and concealing its darker aspects. These provide the Cuban dictatorship with enormous income and symbolic capital (prestige, influence, goodwill) that translates into countless political benefits, including votes in international organizations,” the organization stated.

Emilio Arteaga was part of these “missions” in South America and Africa. His story offers a stark picture of the semi-slave-like conditions that thousands of Cubans still endure today. From his exile in Spain, where he arrived after a harrowing journey, he shares his testimony with us.

You were part of contingents in Bolivia, Angola, and Namibia. What did and does Cuban health care professionals do to enlist in these “missions”? What is life like for a doctor in Cuba, and what are its challenges?

What makes a doctor in Cuba enlist in a mission is, basically, economic necessity. The rest can be a mix of various motivations that vary from person to person, but to a lesser extent. In Cuba, the salary is so low that for a little more money (which represents a tiny percentage of what the governments of the countries you go to pay you), people enlist. The life of a doctor in Cuba is complicated and difficult. They are the first eyewitnesses to the suffering of a people. Literally. I say this considering that they must respond to the health needs of a population without medicines, without diagnostic tools, without basic supplies and resources to care for a patient, and from a health care system on the verge of collapse.

In a country with several chronic systemic polycrises — encompassing all aspects of daily life: health, social, and financial — doctors are yet another component of this social fabric, already severely damaged anthropologically, and without direct access to foreign currency. They receive their salaries in highly devalued Cuban pesos.

And in this scenario, they have no option for employment other than through a single employer: what I call the Castro-Feudal state.

The Cuban Medical Services Marketing Company (CSMC, S.A.) is the state-owned company designated to “market and manage” the export of medical, academic, and other services, both within Cuba and abroad. It negotiates contracts with foreign governments, organizations, and companies for the deployment of Cuban health care personnel and the provision of external medical services. What is the recruitment and enrollment process for doctors to participate in these missions? What was it like in your case?

The process to enroll in the mission begins at your workplace.

There, you must have the approval of the “factors,” as your union and official political organizations like the Union of Young Communists or the Communist Party of Cuba, among others, are called under communism.

In addition, you must demonstrate professional competence and good overall work conduct to the workplace administration.

In my particular case, it was influenced by the fact that CSMC, S.A. had to provide psychiatrists to the Collaboration Department, and at that time, the vast majority of my colleagues were quite old and didn’t want to leave.

There was also motivation from people close to me — family, friends, and colleagues — and even some patients. They all told me, “It will be good for you to get a change of scenery because you’re going to burn out here,” given how bad the situation is on the island.

So I decided to enter the selection process. We still didn’t really know what lay ahead.

In the preparation before leaving Cuba for the country where you’ll be sent to serve, you have to go through several courses and training sessions. Some are related to the field of medicine in general, others to the culture, language, and characteristics of the place or region where you’ll end up.

At the same time, you have to pass the so-called “Party Courses.” These are taught at the Provincial Schools of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC).

I wasn’t a communist militant, but to get my graduation certificate, I had to pass these courses. They were like a kind of summary of the subjects of Marxism and Fundamentals of Political Knowledge. I particularly enjoyed and made fun of that group of “professors.” They lived in a parallel reality, as if they were unaware of the real and pressing problems on the island.

Since 2019, international organizations have denounced the Cuban regime for committing human trafficking under conditions of slavery, especially through its “medical missions.” How did you personally experience these conditions?

Several conditions were common in Bolivia, Angola, and Namibia, the three countries where I worked.

One of them was the total absence of individual freedom, limitations on movement, and the requirement to submit to absolute control and constant monitoring by State Security agents or the political police, who are stationed in each country to “accompany” those participating in the missions. Furthermore, other doctors also lent themselves to monitoring their colleagues.

This constant monitoring I’m referring to also includes the control and digital espionage of all your communications and social media.

You couldn’t interact or maintain close relationships with anyone outside the mission. Nor with natives of the countries where you were, and much worse, with free Cubans already residing there. The regime’s representatives were terrified of the latter.

AUTHOR

Yoe Suarez

Yoe Suárez is a writer, producer, and journalist, exiled from Cuba due to his investigative reporting about themes like torture, political prisoners, government black lists, cybersurveillance, and freedom of expression and conscience. He is the author of the books “Leviathan: Political Police and Socialist Terror” and “El Soplo del Demonio: Violence and Gangsterism in Havana.”

EDITORS NOTE: This Washington Stand column is republished with permission. All rights reserved. ©2026 Family Research Council.

The Washington Stand is Family Research Council’s outlet for news and commentary from a biblical worldview. The Washington Stand is based in Washington, D.C. and is published by FRC, whose mission is to advance faith, family, and freedom in public policy and the culture from a biblical worldview. We invite you to stand with us by partnering with FRC.

Dems Refuse to Fund DHS as Iran-Related Terror Threat Grows

By Family Research Council

As far as campaign strategies go, risking American lives to make a political point seems like a pretty flawed approach. But it is, incredibly, the path Democrats have chosen — perhaps fatally — to meet the critical moment the U.S. finds itself in. As bombs drop in the Middle East and our country braces for possible retaliation, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-N.Y.) party still insists on choking off crucial dollars to Homeland Security. The reality is, if our nation is attacked — and the growing number of terror sleeper cells within our borders makes that a real possibility —Democrats will own it. But so far, that’s a gamble the party seems willing to make.

On Monday, two days into the offensive in Iran, the Democrats’ second in command, Senator Dick Durbin (Ill.) shot down any suggestion that the war changed anything for the Left where the partial shutdown is concerned. “We gave fair warning to the Republicans that we were serious about reining in what the ICE forces are doing. What we’re talking about is responsible.”

Those talking points were echoed by Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on “Face the Nation” Sunday, who implied that the president’s strikes and ICE mission were both unconstitutional, justifying the party’s ill-advised stance. “They should stop this illegal war, and they should stop ICE from terrorizing our communities. We should demand that they do both things,” he argued.

But the optics of stonewalling Homeland Security are anything but flattering — especially as Congress enjoys heightened protections during the conflict. House Sergeant-at-Arms William McFarland explained in an email Monday afternoon that his office is “working closely with … law enforcement and intelligence partners to monitor the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East” as extra measures are taken to safeguard members.

The weekend’s deadly Austin shooting, which was carried out by a man wearing a “Property of Allah” sweatshirt, also makes the Democrats’ current obstruction look absurdly petty and perilous. Even now, the FBI and several U.S. cities are on high alert, adding extra patrols and other anti-terrorism safeguards. “While the military handles force protection overseas, the FBI remains at the forefront of deterring attacks here at home — and will continue to have our team work around the clock to protect Americans,” Director Kash Patel insisted.

“The threats of terrorism are higher right now,” Texas Senator Ted Cruz (R) warned. “Our forces are on alert because we are actively taking out the Iranian leadership in the Ayatollah,” he said, calling it “shocking” that Democrats continue to hold up DHS funding.

His colleague, Army veteran Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), agreed. “Unfortunately, we had a wide-open border for four years under Joe Biden. We have no idea who may have gotten into the country during those four years. I don’t want to comment specifically on what happened in Austin until all the facts are known, but I did speak with [FBI Director] Kash Patel yesterday, and I can tell you that the FBI is taking every potential threat around the nation very seriously,” he said. But, Cotton underscored, “This is another very compelling reason that we need to fund the Department of Homeland Security immediately.”

Sitting down with Family Research Council President Tony Perkins on “Washington Watch,” former Secret Service special agent Tim Miller detailed some of the chilling scenarios that could be facing Americans thanks to the 15 million illegal immigrants who invaded our country under Biden. “The reason we have legal entry,” he stressed, “is so we can screen them. Now, I will tell you firsthand, from talking to folks on the border and well into Mexico, there were groups of people walking across the border that absolutely raised every suspicion … and we’re still trying to identify them.” And the reality is, Miller said, “If they’re here, which we know segments of them are here, and if they’re organized, not only is the threat real, it’s pending. And that’s a time for all believers to pray and prepare. It’s time.”

There are the Iranian sympathizers, as many believe we saw in Texas on Saturday, but Miller insists that’s only part of the issue, the former Marine pointed out. “There could be a wide range of attacks. That lone actor [is] just mad, angry, [and] ideologically driven. [But] you put two or three of them together with a little bit of planning, [and] you’ve got a bigger problem.” He pointed to the spike in protests across the country. “It wasn’t too long ago they were screaming ‘Death to America!’ from Tehran. Now they’re doing it in downtown New York City? So it’s a totally different threat if they’re organized, housed in a certain area, and supported.”

Remember, he continued, “Too many of the folks that crossed the border, there’s no legitimate way to track them back. That’s what we used to do after 9/11. But now it’s much more difficult because we’re not even sure who they are or where they are.” He paused, “And credit to President Trump. He’s doing everything he can to deal with this mess. But if you think of a percentage, people go, it’s a small percentage of radical ideologues of 15 million people. But imagine the carnage they [could create].”

In other words, this is not the time to leave major gaps in Homeland Security, as several frustrated Republicans continue to remind their Democratic colleagues. Schumer and his caucus are “putting the country at risk” by not funding DHS, Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) argued, and they “should work with the administration to come up with something they can vote for.”

Cybersecurity is another area that remains vulnerable the longer the shutdown goes on, The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board notes. “Only 800 of the more than 2,000 employees at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are currently working, according to data shared with us by Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). Most have been furloughed,” the WSJ highlights. “The agency has cancelled assessments that detect vulnerabilities in America’s critical infrastructure, which seems like bad timing in light of the Iranian regime’s expertise at hacking.”

The other thing to consider, Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Bob Maginnis, FRC’s senior fellow for National Security, emphasized to The Washington Stand, is that America’s enemies look for “signs of division and dysfunction.” When “domestic political inflexibility interferes with national security readiness, it sends the wrong signal,” he argued.

“When America is confronting threats abroad, especially from a hostile regime like Iran, we must assume the increased risk of retaliation at home,” Maginnis reiterated to TWS. “Weakening elements of the Department of Homeland Security during such a period only heightens our vulnerability.” And yet, what we’re seeing is that several facets of our infrastructure have been disrupted because “congressional Democrats have chosen to shutter key operations. That kind of political brinksmanship carries real-world consequences,” he warned. “This is not the time for partisan standoffs. It is a time for seriousness. Members of Congress must put the safety of the American people ahead of political leverage.”

AUTHOR

Suzanne Bowdey

Suzanne Bowdey serves as editorial director and senior writer at The Washington Stand.

RELATED ARTICLE: Congress Probing Foreign Funding behind Left-Wing Protests

EDITORS NOTE: This Washington Stand column is republished with permission. All rights reserved. ©2026 Family Research Council.

The Washington Stand is Family Research Council’s outlet for news and commentary from a biblical worldview. The Washington Stand is based in Washington, D.C. and is published by FRC, whose mission is to advance faith, family, and freedom in public policy and the culture from a biblical worldview. We invite you to stand with us by partnering with FRC.

Jewish Parents Are Now Suing ENTIRE California Education System, ‘F–ck the Jews”

By The Geller Report

A group of Jewish parents has filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Education, the State Board of Education, and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, alleging systemic antisemitism in public schools across the state. The lawsuit claims that Jewish students have been subjected to harassment, anti-Jewish and anti-Jewish rhetoric in classrooms, and discriminatory treatment by school staff.

One ninth-grade teacher organized a walkout that featured chants of ‘f— the Jews,’ while others said schools punished their children for reporting anti-Semitism

A first-of-its-kind federal lawsuit was filed on February 26, 2026, by the Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law and StandWithUs against the State of California, the California State Board of Education, the California Department of Education, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. The lawsuit alleges that public K-12 schools across California have fostered a hostile, antisemitic environment where Jewish students are harassed, bullied, and segregated.

Key Allegations in the Lawsuit:

“Segregation” of Students: The complaint alleges that when Jewish students reported antisemitism, they were in some cases separated from their peers, such as being forced to “sit alone in the library” to protect teachers, rather than addressing the perpetrators.
Teacher-Led Harassment and Propaganda: The suit highlights instances where teachers promoted materials that included anti-Semitic tropes, glorified violence, and facilitated anti-Israel walkouts.
Specific Incidents: One complaint detailed a ninth-grade art teacher at Berkeley High School who displayed art featuring a Star of David with a fist punching through it and encouraged students to attend a walkout where chants of “f— the Jews” occurred.

“Ethnic Studies” Indoctrination:

The lawsuit alleges that under the guise of “ethnic studies,” students are taught that “Zionists” or anyone associated with Israel are “oppressors” and “white supremacists”.
Retaliation for Complaints: Parents alleged that school administrations either ignored complaints or retaliated against students who reported anti-Semitic bullying.

The lawsuit seeks to force the state to implement better oversight and prevent the use of public schools for, in the words of Brandeis Center chairman Kenneth Marcus, “antisemitic indoctrination”.

‘Jewish Students Are Segregated’: Parents Sue California State Education System in First-of-Its-Kind Complaint Over ‘Anti-Semitic Propaganda’ and Harassment

One parent alleged that a ninth-grade teacher organized a walkout that featured chants of ‘f— the Jews,’ while others said schools punished their children for reporting anti-Semitism.

According to the allegations, incidents included students chanting antisemitic slogans during a school-organized walkout, a Jewish student being disciplined for wearing Jewish symbols, and instructional materials that parents argue promoted inflammatory political messaging. The complaint further alleges that, after parents reported concerns and submitted evidence, schools responded inadequately — in some cases removing Jewish students from classrooms or placing them in alternative settings rather than addressing the alleged harassment.

The lawsuit seeks accountability from state-level education authorities, arguing that the response to reported antisemitism has been insufficient and discriminatory.

Jewish parents are now suing the entire California education system.

Not one district.

Not one school.

The entire state.

Why?

Jewish students are being pushed out of classrooms so teachers can run anti-Jewish propaganda sessions.

In California public schools.
In 2026.

One teacher allegedly organized a school walkout where students chanted:

“F— the Jews.”

Another student was punished for wearing Jewish symbols.

Not the kids chanting hate.

The Jewish kid.

Parents filed reports.

Submitted evidence.

Hundreds of complaints.

Ignored.

Instead schools removed the Jewish students.

Pulled out of class.

Sent to libraries.

Forced into online courses.

Separated so teachers could continue anti-Israel lessons without “pushback.”

Think about that.

Jewish students removed so anti-Jewish teaching could continue uninterrupted.

Kindergarten materials included:

“I is for Intifada.”

I kid you not.

Jewish students report hiding their identity at school just to stay safe.

So now Jewish families are suing:

• California Department of Education
• State Board of Education
• State Superintendent Tony Thurmond

First lawsuit of its kind in America.

Because in California schools now:

Jewish students report antisemitism

and the system’s response is:

Remove the Jews.

Disgraceful.

California: ‘Jewish Students Are Segregated’: Parents Sue California State Education System in First-of-Its-Kind Complaint Over ‘Anti-Semitic Propaganda’ and Harassment

One parent alleged that a ninth-grade teacher organized a walkout that featured chants of ‘f— the Jews,’ while others said schools punished their children for reporting anti-Semitism

By: Adam Kredo, Washington Free Beacon, February 26, 2026

A group of Jewish parents sued the California state education system on Thursday, alleging that the state’s public schools have become anti-Semitic cesspools in which “Jewish students are segregated and pulled out of classes so that teachers can spew anti-Israel and anti-Semitic propaganda without pushback,” according to a copy of the first-of-its-kind lawsuit shared with the Washington Free Beacon.

The California State Board of Education, the California Department of Education, and state superintendent Tony Thurmond fostered a hostile environment throughout all of California, ignoring numerous reports from parents whose children had been targeted solely for being Jewish, according to the complaint. In one case, a teacher punished a 12-year-old student “because he was a Jew who dared to wear Jewish and Israeli symbols.” In another, a ninth-grade art teacher organized a walkout “in support of Palestine” that featured chants of “f— the Jews.” When one parent spoke up about the issue during a school board meeting, faculty members mocked her and called her a “Zionist Nazi bitch.”

State officials responsible for protecting students from discrimination allowed “California’s schools to indoctrinate children, from the earliest ages, to believe that Jewish Americans and Israelis—including Jewish and Israeli classmates—are racists, white supremacists, and oppressors who should be shunned,” the lawsuit states.

The case documents numerous anti-Semitic incidents across the state, according to the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, which is handling the lawsuit alongside the pro-Israel advocacy group StandWithUs. It marks the first time legal advocates have sued an entire statewide system over pervasive anti-Semitic harassment and could set a precedent for those in other states to follow suit. Anti-Semitism in California schools, though, has been particularly prevalent since Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack against Israel. The San Francisco teachers’ union, for instance, endorsed a curriculum that claimed many allegations of anti-Semitism are “fabricated” and used to silence pro-Palestinian activists. The public school system in Berkeley received a federal complaint in 2024 over its alleged failure to stem an escalating series of anti-Semitic incidents that culminated in hallway chants of “kill the Jews.” Even before Oct. 7, the state’s proposed ethnic studies curriculum included a lesson that described Jews as having “experienced conditional whiteness and privilege.”

The California State Legislature passed a bill in late 2025 acknowledging “well documented” cases that “Jewish and Israeli American pupils across California are facing a widespread surge in antisemitic discrimination, harassment, and bullying.” Gov. Gavin Newsom (D.), though, was silent on a coordinated bomb plot that a radical anti-Israel group had planned before federal law enforcement foiled the operation, and is facing a lawsuit from a former California National Guard commander who says Newsom “facilitated” an anti-Semitic campaign that resulted in the former commander’s wrongful termination. The Brandeis lawsuit implicates at least one individual vying to replace Newsom in this year’s gubernatorial election: Thurmond, the state superintendent, declared his candidacy back in September 2023, though polling averages have him with 2 percent of the primary vote.

The Jewish families who collectively filed “hundreds of formal” complaints with their respective schools and the California Department of Education maintain that state school administrators were aware of anti-Semitic harassment but either recommended segregating Jewish students from the rest of the class or swept the reports under the rug. The alleged behavior violates California’s constitution, which provides protection for minority groups, as well as federal and state civil rights laws, according to the lawsuit.

Plaintiff Melissa Alexander, for instance, said a teacher repeatedly punished her 12-year-old son solely because he wore clothing that could identify him as Jewish and a Star of David necklace. The teacher, whose name is not included in the filing, “openly proclaimed that Zionists are the enemy” and “had a public social media account filled with virulently anti-Semitic and anti-Israel content.” When Alexander presented this evidence to school administrators and reported that the teacher had mistreated her child, the officials “actively chose to ignore it.” Instead, the school put the student “into new classes in the middle of the school year.”

A similar incident occurred in the weeks after Oct. 7 at Berkeley High School, where plaintiff Ilana Pearlman’s ninth-grade son endured anti-Israel diatribes from an art teacher who “boasted to the class about his latest artwork: an image of barbed wire fences in the shape of a Star of David with a giant fist punching through it,” according to the complaint. The same instructor allegedly used his classroom to promote a walkout “‘in support of Palestine,’ spending time and resources to advertise the demonstration.” The event that followed “was filled with chants that included, ‘Fuck the Jews.’”

When Pearlman reported this behavior to school administrators, those officials allegedly pulled her son from the class and sent him to learn separately in the school’s library and student health center. “The school’s decision to punish the targets of anti-Semitism rather than the perpetrators made a lasting impression on” Pearlman’s son, who now hides his Jewish identity in fear, the filing states.

At Daniel Pearl Magnet High School in Los Angeles—named after a Jewish journalist slaughtered by Islamists in 2002—a teacher repeatedly subjected a student to alleged pro-Hamas activism inside the classroom.

Plaintiffs Dawn and Michael Rosenthal said that their son’s honors chemistry teacher littered the classroom with anti-Israel propaganda. The Rosenthals reported the conduct to Los Angeles Unified School District, which responded with a statement that “the teacher was refusing to remove” anti-Israel posters, according to the complaint. By Oct. 7, 2025—the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attacks—the chemistry teacher allegedly wrote on the blackboard, “‘Oy vey, it’s free’ with an arrow pointing to ‘FREE PALESTINE.’”

As in other cases, the school pulled Rosenthal’s son from the class and ordered him to take a “remote online chemistry course,” as well as “additional academic burdens to accommodate his chemistry teacher’s anti-Semitism.” The teacher in question was only removed from the classroom after stapling a student’s arm in an unrelated incident that carried felony charges.

The lawsuit also included examples of anti-Israel teaching materials used in California classrooms. A curriculum for kindergarten through third grade, for instance, includes links to a read-aloud book called “P Is for Palestine.” It states that “I is for Intifada,” defining it merely as “rising up for what is right, if you are a kid or a grownup.”

Teachers in Oakland, meanwhile, used an unauthorized December 2023 “teach-in” to have students draw “The Zionist leaders of Israel receiv[ing] money and support to conduct [a] two-tiered (unfair) system where Palestinians are mistreated and attacked.”

AUTHOR

Pamela Geller

EDITORS NOTE: This Geller Report is republished with permission. ©All rights reserved.

5-Year-Old’s Near-Death Experience Moves Congress to Stop Illegal Aliens From Truck Driving

By The Daily Signal

Congressional Republicans are pushing to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining commercial driver’s licenses in the wake of President Donald Trump acknowledging 5-year-old Dalilah Coleman during his State of the Union address.

Dalilah was nearly killed in 2022 by Partap Singh, an illegal immigrant truck driver in California, after he did not stop his 18-wheeler at a stop sign.

“Many, if not most, illegal aliens do not speak English and cannot read even the most basic road signs as to direction, speed, danger, or location,” Trump said.

“President Trump is spot on: Left-wing lunatics like [California Gov.] Gavin Newsom are getting Americans killed by giving out driver’s licenses to illegals,” Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky., told The Daily Signal.

Barr and Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., introduced the Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act in October to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining commercial driver’s licenses, or CDLs for short.

The Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act aims to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining CDLs through a more rigorous permitting process and adding accountability measures.

The bill requires all testing related to the issuance or renewal of CDLs and non-domiciled CDLs to be conducted only in English.

The bill also directs the secretary of transportation the authority to revoke a state’s authority to issue non-domiciled CDLs if found non-compliant with federal standards and to require individuals to hold a standard driver’s license for one year before obtaining a CDL.

The president endorsing the idea of preventing illegal immigrants from obtaining CDLs at the State of the Union could serve as a boon to the Republicans’ efforts.

Barr’s office confirmed with The Daily Signal that the legislation will augment efforts to achieve justice for Dalilah.

“That’s why Senator Cotton and I are leading the charge to put an end to this by punishing states that do this and requiring all testing for CDLs to be in English,” Barr added.

As recently reported by The Daily Signal, states like California outsource the vetting and training process for drivers to third-party driving schools, which often go with little verification from government authorities.

“States issue CDLs based on the say-so of driving schools. Many drivers have never had a representative from Department of Motor Vehicles with them in the vehicle during a driving test,” Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies Mark Krikorian told The Daily Signal.

Cotton echoed Barr’s remarks and told The Daily Signal that by administering CDLs to illegal migrants “who can’t read English road signs,” Democrats continue to endanger Americans.

Barr described the bill as “commonsense legislation to end this dangerous practice and require commercial drivers to pass an English-only test.”

Other Republican legislators, such as Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa.; Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala.; and Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., backed conservative efforts to crack down on illegal immigrant truck drivers.

“When it comes to preventing illegal aliens from obtaining commercial driver’s licenses, anyone who is against this policy has lost all semblance of common sense,” Fitzpatrick told The Daily Signal.

In a statement shared with The Daily Signal, Tuberville added that in order to drive a truck, “you should be able to speak English fluently.”

“This protects our law enforcement officers and the public. This is not only about safety and efficiency—it’s just common sense,” Tuberville added.

Earlier this month, Tuberville hosted the Coleman family in his congressional office.

AUTHOR

Pedro Rodriguez

Pedro Boccalato Rodriguez-Aparicio is a journalism fellow at The Daily Signal. Send an email to Pedro.

‘It’s a Disgrace’: Vance Reveals Playbook for Combating Fraud in United States

By The Daily Signal

Vice President JD Vance announced he is withholding Medicaid reimbursements from Minnesota while the administration investigates fraud in the state.

When asked by The Daily Signal if this plan should be viewed as a playbook for fighting fraud in the rest of the country, Vance said, “I think you can, certainly.”

“There are certain things that we’re doing in Minneapolis and Minnesota that I’m not gonna be able to do in other parts of the country, because the fraud is gonna be different in each place,” he said. “But yeah, I get this basic model of saying to people, ‘Hey, you get a massive amount of money to provide a service to people.’ Did you actually provide that service?”

In his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump tapped Vance to lead the “war on fraud” throughout the country.

Vance announced the first move in this war on Wednesday—withholding reimbursements for $259.5 million in Medicaid funds for Minnesota pending investigation.

“The providers on the ground in Minnesota have actually already been paid. The state has paid those providers the money,” Vance said. “What we’re doing is we are stopping the federal payments that will go to the state government until the state government takes its obligations seriously to stop the fraud that’s being perpetrated against the American taxpayer.”

Curbing fraud shouldn’t be controversial, Vance told The Daily Signal.

“The fact that it’s even controversial, that we’re asking these questions as a government goes to show how much the culture of fraud has permeated Washington, D.C.,” Vance said.

“Think about this once you heard about people who take money from autistic children. They pretend their children, or some other person’s kid is autistic, they collect a fake check, they don’t provide an ounce of services, and then the very money that’s supposed to go to needy kids isn’t there anymore to help those needy children.”

Vance shared a story about fraudsters exploiting funding meant to provide after school programs to autistic children.

“The fact that we have so normalized this, and the fact that I guarantee there will be voices in the media, there’ll be voices in the state of Minnesota who say this is hurting children,” Vance said. “No, it’s hurting fraudsters.”

“The way to protect kids is to go after those fraudsters,” Vance added, “which is what we’re doing.”

Democrat Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has 60 days to respond to Vance about the matter.

“All we need the governor and the administration of Minnesota to do is something quite simple, which is to show that before you give Medicaid funds to somebody, you’re taking seriously whether they provided the services that they say that they’re providing,” Vance said.

“And the fact that there are so many people handing out millions and billions of dollars of federal Medicaid money without even confirming that they’re doing the thing that they say that they’re doing, it’s a disgrace,” Vance said. “It’s defrauding the American taxpayer, and we’re stopping it.”

AUTHOR

It’s Time to Stand Up Against Leftist Doxxing

By Center For Security Policy

Peace officers, military personnel and prosecutors in recent years have faced a growing threat from the practice known as “doxxing” in which their personal, private information is obtained, sometimes through legal means and sometimes illegally, and spread online via a variety of social media. In most cases the information posted online has included home addresses, obviously putting law enforcement and military personnel, and their families, at great risk.

Some states, particularly Alabama, have moved to protect America’s heroes with legislation outlawing the practice and imposing penalties on those who participate in the practice.

There is also a federal statute to protect federal law enforcement personnel.

Federal law 18 USC section 119 protects individuals performing official duties from having their personal information disseminated including their Social Security number, home address, phone number, etc. as well as like information of or on their family members. Using mail, phone or internet also exposes the perpetrator to a violation of interstate crime linking this back to this federal statute for the federal protection of state and local personnel for similar actions.

Unfortunately, as is the case on all too many issues, federal prosecutors appear to have scarcely utilized the federal statute.

Recently, the practice of doxxing escalated to a new level when a Rolling Stone “journalist” doxxed the US Army Delta Force commander who led the raid to capture Venezuelan communist dictator Nicolas Maduro.

Currently no protection exists for military personnel from doxxing. The federal statute and the few state laws currently in force mention nothing about military personnel. Center for Security Policy General Counsel Stephen Gele’ has crafted model language that can be be used on the state level to make it a crime to doxx law enforcement personnel, first responders, military personnel and their dependents:

Anti-Doxxing Model Language

(a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:

(1) FIREFIGHTER. The term as defined in [State Law].

(2) GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTION. The term as defined in [State Law].

(3) LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. An officer employed by the state, county, or municipality who has the power of arrest.

(4) MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES: defined as (A) a member of the armed forces, including all components of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, who is serving on active duty; (B) a member of the Alabama National Guard or the National Guard of any State, Commonwealth, or Territory of the United States; or (C) a member of a Reserve component of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Alabama National Guard or the National Guard of any State, Commonwealth, or Territory of the United States.

(5) PERSONAL IDENTIFYING INFORMATION. Includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:

a. Home address, social security numbers and driver’s license numbers.

b. Photographs or information of the victim’s spouse and/or children, including the schools the children attend.

c. Any other information that would enable the victim to be harassed, threatened, or harmed.

(b) An individual commits the crime of doxing if he or she does either of the following:

(1) Intentionally electronically publishes, posts, or provides personal identifying information of another individual, with the intent that others will use that information to harass or harm that other individual, and the other individual is actually harassed or harmed.

(2) Intentionally electronically publishes, posts, or provides personal identifying information of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or member of the armed forces, with the intent that others will use that information to harass, harm, or impede the duties of that law enforcement officer, firefighter, or member of the armed forces, and the law enforcement officer, firefighter, or member of the armed forces is actually harassed, harmed, or impeded from performing his or her governmental function.

(c)(1) A violation of subsection (b) is a Class A misdemeanor.

(2) A second or subsequent violation of subsection (b) is a Class C felony.

(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit any of the following:

(1) Political speech protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

(2) The publication of contact information of public officials by any individual or organization for the purpose of encouraging citizens to lobby the public official for or against any policy or legislative act. For purposes of this subdivision, contact information means an official address, email, or phone number used by the public official for his or her public service.

The Center for Security Policy highlighted the risk to police and other emergency personnel from doxxing in August, 2020, following a rash of similar incidents during the 2020 summer riots. As we noted at the time:

The primary suspect for these doxxing events is Antifa, which maintains a robust open-source intelligence capability to identify targets for future intimidation. It has been reported that at violent Antifa protests in Portland, communist insurgents have read law enforcement officers’ personal information aloud over megaphones, and in Seattle Antifa members attempted to target the home of the Seattle Chief of Police.

Some agencies have taken measures to protect law enforcement officers by concealing name tags and using alternative forms of identification, but this has led to threats of legal action from the Antifa-allied National Lawyers Guild, and caused agencies to face substantial negative media attention.

ICE officers conducting operations to apprehend illegal aliens with criminal warrants have taken to covering their faces and have had to endure harassment from leftist street thugs and activists, as well as media and leftist politicians.

Chilling videos in which leftists and anarchists appear facing off with law enforcement officers specifically threatening to doxx the officers and find their family members once again highlights the urgent need for action on doxxing:

Portland Antifa members vow to doxx ICE agents while harassing federal authorities outside the ICE facility: “We have videos of your faces…We’re going to doxx you. We’re coming for you.

THOUSANDS OF ICE AGENTS DOXXED, PROTESTERS TARGETING HOMES Radical activists published addresses and personal details as harassment campaign hits families. Protesters reportedly showing up at private residences.

This activity is nothing new and it is shameful that more states have not taken action to protect law enforcement personnel and their families. Lest you think that Minnesota is just a normal state that has been aggravated by recent ICE operations, here is a video from Minnesota way back in 2021.

This video from protests in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota is a perfect illustration of why states should move to pass anti-doxxing laws. The video, available on social media, shows activists urging protestors to identify police officers using the internet, and then identify their home addresses and the names of their family members.

Watch this:

It is past time for states to pass laws against doxxing because anarchists and leftists are escalating their activity in this regard. Share the model language included in this article with your state legislators.

AUTHOR

Christopher Holton

Christopher Holton is a Senior Analyst and Director for State Outreach at the Center.

During Mr. Holton’s 20+ years with the Center, he has directed the Center’s Divest Terror Initiative and Shariah Risk Due Diligence Program. He has been involved in education and outreach in more than two dozen states regarding divestment of taxpayer supported pension systems from foreign companies that do business with the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Islamic Republic of Sudan, and the Syrian Arab Republic. In addition, he has been involved in state level counterterrorism and countershariah initiatives in dozens of states.

He was a co-author of War Footing, published by the US Naval Institute Press and a co-author of Shariah, Law and Financial Jihad: How Should America Respond? In 2015, Holton co-authored The Gulen Movement: Turkey’s Islamic Supremacist Cult and Its Contribution to Civilization Jihad in America.

Holton’s work has also been published by National Review, Human Events, The American Thinker, The Epoch Times, Family Security Matters, Big Peace, World Tribune, World Net Daily, NewsMax, and TheHayride.com. He has appeared on television on the O’Reilly Factor, the Glenn Beck Program, CNBC’s Squawk Box and Fox and Friends. On radio he has guested on the Laura Ingraham program, the Michael Reagan show, the Brett Winterble show, the Roger Hedgecock program, the Michael Medved show, the Jim Bohannon show and Politics With A Punch with Jeff Crouere.

Holton has been a frequent guest speaker at gatherings and events from Florida to California and has conducted law enforcement training in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Arizona, Minnesota, Louisiana, South Carolina, Alabama and Arkansas.

Before joining the Center, Christopher was President of Blanchard and Company, a two hundred million dollar per year investment firm, and editor-in-chief of the Blanchard Economic Research Unit.

EDITORS NOTE: This Center for Security Policy column is republished with permission. ©All rights reserved.

Why All the Jew-Hatred?

By Joan Swirsky

It’s a combination of forces. Let’s examine them. 

Did you ever go to Yankee Stadium?  I’ve been there dozens of times and have always felt thrilled and celebratory when they’ve won, especially in the years when Mariano Rivera was closing and Jorge Posada was catching.  I even wore my Posada jersey when I knew he would be in the lineup.

There are 46,537 seats in the stadium, and it is always packed.  But what fascinated me the most was when the Yankees lost, and I witnessed the reaction of die-hard fans as they exited the ballpark.  Many had fire in their eyes — pure rage.  Others took to expletives.  Still others shook their heads in disbelief or anger, many cursing the referees for what they said were bad calls or even blaming the owner of the team, George Steinbrenner, for this or that decision, which they considered key to the loss.

Even when they knew that the Yankees would be playing a double-header the next night and might win both games, they couldn’t let go of their outrage.

But why did they care so much? I asked myself.  What made the loss of a simple baseball game so emotionally charged, so devastating?  Why did these fans spend so much time calling in to radio shows and TV sports programs for days on end after the loss?

Because they were invested!

What Does Invested Mean?

On a superficial level, it could mean they lost bigly when their own considerable “donations” to the many betting sites that flourish off sports fans worldwide failed to pay off.  But more likely, it means that the loss of this game was a negative reflection of their very beings — their own personal choice, their intelligence, their taste, their very considered judgement, and of course their trust and faith in the players they counted on to make them feel like winners…and who now have made them feel like losers.

In plain English, when any person gets deeply emotionally invested in not only baseball, but in all sports and all issues, including particularly politics, and then his “heroes” let him down, that investment tells him that his very sense of identity, nothing less than his ego — usually quite fragile — has been threatened and sometimes shattered.

Relevance?

The relevance to the pandemic of Jew- and Israel-hatred is obvious.  People and pundits and politicians and even countries worldwide have revealed to the entire world how invested emotionally they are in the historically incurable — 5,000 years, anyone?  — hatred of Jews and, since 1948, of Israel.

To some degree, the pandemic of antisemitism we are now witnessing can be attributed to the bandwagon effect, the phenomenon in which people adopt attitudes or behaviors because everyone else seems to be doing it, like fad diets or fashion trends.

Of course, the avalanche of attacks, both physical and verbal, on Jews and Israel is quite different, as it is fueled exclusively by hate — burning hate, maniacal hate, including murderous hate.

Even more interesting is that most people who hate Jews and Israel have never met a Jew or been to Israel.  Let’s not forget that in a world of eight billion people, tiny Israel is home to about seven and a half million Jews, with approximately the same number in the U.S. — population 340 million — and about another million around the world.

Watch any newscast of the hysterically inflamed antisemites on college campuses robotically chanting “From the River to the Sea,” and then witness their answers when a reporter asks them, “Which river, which sea?”  They hilariously answer the East River, the Caribbean Sea!

Who Backs This Hatred?

Where did these jaw-droppingly uninformed protesters get their information from?  Look no farther than the countless colleges and universities to which naïve parents send their children every year for the privilege of maleducating them to the tune of $75,000 a year.

In 2025 alone, according to the U.S. Department of Education, these academic institutions received $1.1 billion from Qatar and $285 million from Saudi Arabia.  That’s a lot of endowed chairs, a lot of dictating the curriculum, a lot of anti-American and especially antisemitic propaganda.  A lot of bought-and-paid-for protesters acting out their paymasters’ political agenda.

You have to wonder, especially when you see former ardent Israel-supporters like French president Emmanuel Macron and many others turn into sworn enemies of the Jewish state, how many of them

  • had their mortgages paid in full.
  • had all their children put through college.
  • had threats of sexual affairs or criminal accusations disappear.
  • had their pockets lined.

Or are Macron & Co. really idealogues, opting to throw their support to Hamas because they fervently believe that Hamas did the right thing on October 7, 2023?  If this is true, then they would back Hamas even if it were their own daughters who were raped, who had infants removed from their arms and placed in ovens to roast to death, whose breasts were cut off to cheering witnesses, who spent over two years starving in filthy tunnels while continuing to be on the receiving end of the sexual appetites of their captors.

The Malevolent Media

This is not to omit the media.  What are the media?  They are a group of massive conglomerates owned by billionaire businessmen — globalists all — who fervently believe that they, the self-appointed Masters of the Universe, should be running the world, and not the morons who continue to procreate; take up valuable space; drive gasoline-fueled cars; and waste fortunes of money on antiquated concepts like religion, the belief in two-parent families, the value of the First and Second Amendment rights of free speech and gun ownership, and so on.

Today, only six organizations are responsible for 90 percent or more of all the “news” we read, watch, and listen to!  They include:

  • GE (Comcast, NBC, Universal Pictures, Focus Features, et al.).
  • NewsCorp (Fox News, Wall St. Journal, N.Y. Post, et al.).
  • Disney (ABC, ESPN, Pixar, Miramax, Marvel Studios, et al.).
  • Viacom (MTV, Nick Jr., BET, CMT, Paramount Pictures, et al.).
  • Time Warner (CNN, HBO, TIME, Warner Bros., et al.).
  • CBS (Showtime, Smithsonian Channel, NFL.com, Jeopardy, 60 Minutes, et al.).

The business moguls who run these companies are always on the side of the weak, the needy, the dependent, the perceived victim, because the immense power of players like America and Israel are major threats to their lofty ambitions.

And they operate the way all successful businesses operate: The boss calls the shots.

That is why the self-importance of this or that anchor, news reader, opinion maker, show host is so preposterous.  All they demonstrate every day is that they are obedient conveyers of their bosses’ desires and opinions and dictates.  Otherwise, they are totally dispensable!

Yet Again, Follow the Money

We know that these colossally ignorant protesters are handsomely paid.  In fact, it was recently revealed that in California, Craigslist now advertises for protesters, offering $6,500–12,500 a week, depending on one’s level of chaos.  Common sense tells us that this is certainly not limited to the Golden State.  And just recently, as reported by Pamela Geller, Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) held hearings to determine who funded the riots in Minnesota.

Surprise, surprise!  “At least $60 million in so-called ‘dark money’ has flowed into Minnesota protests [and] the funds are believed to be linked to 14 organizations, including groups described as part of the Soros network.”

In that same meeting, Sen. Hawley asked Haywood Talcove, CEO of Lexis Nexis Risk Solutions, “You testified that about a trillion dollars, you think, is lost in fraud every year.  Where’s this money going?”

“It goes to terrorism,” Talcove responded.  “It goes to child-trafficking, it goes to drugs … and then it’s used to purchase luxury items, cars, purses, homes.  That’s all funded by people like me that pay taxes … $115 million an hour.”

Senator Hawley followed up: “How do they get their hands on it?”

“They go into programs that they know elected and appointed officials won’t touch, and they can steal at scale,” Talcove answered, “and what happened really was during the pandemic. … They learned a valuable lesson: The government never runs out of money, and the probability of getting caught is virtually zero.”

A Toxic Combo

There you have it: a combination of forces — ranging from the malicious to the ignorant to the greedy to the money-lusting.  From the bandwagon effect to the bought-and-paid-for protesters to the massive infiltration of money and propaganda into our country’s campuses to good old-fashioned payoffs to a shamefully biased media to “dark money” networks run by billionaire anarchists — all of them fulminating with burning hatred and devoted day, night, and weekends to vilifying, undermining, sabotaging and ultimately destroying America’s closest ally, the State of Israel.

Look no farther than history itself to know how all this will turn out.  Guaranteed, the investment of the haters will not yield the return they hope for.  Just like the Yankees fan after a losing game, they will have to find other ways to comfort their oh, so fragile egos.

Pastor brags to Indiana church filled with families about his use of sex toys

By Beverly Newman, Ed. D.

Forensic analysis uncovered more than 200 files of suspected child sexual abuse material, including material described in court filings as sadomasochistic child abuseand photorealistic AI-generated images depicting nude minors.

Investigators also documented chat logs suggesting distribution of explicit material in a Snapchat group called “Diddy Disciples,” a reference to rapper and music producer Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was convicted in 2025 on federal sex trafficking-related charges and is serving a prison sentence while appealing his conviction.

The affidavit also states that more than 50 intimate photos and videos on Peternel’s phone appeared to show his parents nude or engaged in sexual acts — details that intensified public scrutiny when first reported.

SENTENCED: Son of Life Church pastor gets 6 years in child exploitation case

By Sydney Byerly • The Indiana Citizen • February 13, 2026

ANDERSON, Indiana — The son of a prominent Indiana pastor with close ties to the state’s lieutenant governor was sentenced to six years in prison Friday after pleading guilty to child exploitation charges.

Jonathan Peternel, 24, of Pendleton, pleaded guilty in January to one Level 4 felony count of child exploitation and three felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse material.

The case drew public attention because his father, Nathan Peternel, remains listed as lead pastor at Life Church, though he previously took a leave of absence following his son’s arrest. Nathan Peternel has been a longtime mentor and close associate of Republican Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith. The two collaborated in church leadership and co-hosted the podcast “Jesus, Sex & Politics,” which frequently discussed sexual morality along with the role of faith in public life and government. No new episodes have been released since shortly after police searched the Peternel home, and two episodes — including one focused on combating child abuse and sex trafficking — were removed.

Beckwith was not present at Friday’s sentencing and has not publicly commented on the case.

Madison Superior Court 6 Judge Mark Dudley sentenced Peternel to six years on the Level 4 felony child exploitation charge, three years each on two Level 5 felony possession charges and one year on a Level 6 felony possession charge. All counts will run concurrently for a total of six years with Peternel sentenced to four years in the Indiana Department of Correction and two years suspended to probation. Peternel must also register as a lifetime sex offender.

Under the plea agreement, the court retained discretion up to a capped executed sentence of six years. Dudley imposed the maximum allowed under that agreement.

The courtroom was filled for sentencing, and many in attendance appeared to be church members, friends and family of Peternel. Both of Peternel’s parents sat front and center during the hearing.

After the sentencing concluded and the court moved on to other matters, a group of Peternel’s supporters stood and exited together. They were directed by a sheriff’s deputy not to gather in the hallway and instead went outside, where they formed a circle, held hands and began praying.

Investigation and charges

The charges stemmed from a tip received by the Hamilton County Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children indicating that child sexual abuse material had been uploaded to Snapchat from Peternel’s account.

According to court records previously reviewed by The Indiana Citizen, investigators executed a search warrant at the Peternel family’s home in Pendleton and seized multiple electronic devices. Forensic analysis uncovered more than 200 files of suspected child sexual abuse material, including material described in court filings as sadomasochistic child abuse and photorealistic AI-generated images depicting nude minors.

Investigators also documented chat logs suggesting distribution of explicit material in a Snapchat group called “Diddy Disciples,” a reference to rapper and music producer Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was convicted in 2025 on federal sex trafficking-related charges and is serving a prison sentence while appealing his conviction.

The affidavit also states that more than 50 intimate photos and videos on Peternel’s phone appeared to show his parents nude or engaged in sexual acts — details that intensified public scrutiny when first reported.

Peternel did not post bond and remained in custody throughout all of his court proceedings. He was represented by a public defender.

Peternel: ‘I’m deeply sorry’

Before sentencing, Peternel addressed the courtroom.

“Your honor first I want to say that I’m deeply sorry. I hate my sin that I’ve committed,” he said. “I want to apologize to anybody who has fallen victim to my behavior.”

Read entire article.

©2026 All rights reserved.

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Muslim Google Engineers Leak High Tech Secrets to Iran

By The Geller Report

They transferred Google high tech secrets to an enemy of the western civilization country.

These Muslim terrorists accessed and exfiltrated highly sensitive data involving processor security and advanced cryptography — core technologies underpinning modern digital infrastructure. Some of the stolen files were  transferred to entities linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

All three have appeared in federal court.

Who is vetting high tech employees?

Google engineers leak secret information to Iran

A federal jury charges three engineers in San Jose with stealing processor secrets from Google and attempting to conceal the transfer of sensitive information to Iran.

By: Moshe Lampert, INN, Feb 23, 2026:

A legal and security drama is unfolding in Silicon Valley after a federal grand jury indicted three engineers from San Jose on suspicion of stealing sensitive trade secrets from Google and other leading semiconductor firms.

According to the indictment, the information was transferred to unauthorized destinations, including a direct transfer to Iran, as part of an alleged conspiracy to remove confidential material from the companies.

At the center of the case are Samaneh Ghandali, 41, her husband Mohammad Javad Khosravi, 40, and her sister Sorour Ghandali, 32. All three held senior engineering roles in the field of mobile computing processors. The two sisters previously worked at Google before moving to another technology firm, while Khosravi was employed at a third company within the production chain.The indictment alleges that the suspects exploited their authorized access to obtain sensitive documents related to processor security and cryptography. The materials were allegedly transferred through private communication channels, to the defendants’ personal devices, and to work computers at competing companies. At a later stage, the information was allegedly accessed while the defendants were in Iran.

The case reportedly came to light after Google’s internal security systems identified suspicious activity by Samaneh Ghandali in August 2023, leading to the revocation of her access to company resources. Prosecutors allege that instead of ceasing their activities, the three submitted false affidavits denying the sharing of confidential information while simultaneously deleting records from their devices.

In an effort to bypass digital monitoring mechanisms, the indictment states that the suspects resorted to manually photographing hundreds of computer screens using personal cellphones. On the night before Samaneh Ghandali and Khosravi traveled to Iran in December 2023, dozens of images were allegedly taken from Khosravi’s work computer. Subsequent access to the images and sensitive material was identified during their stay in Iran.

The three were arrested and appeared before a federal court in San Jose. They face charges of theft of trade secrets and obstruction of justice. If convicted, they could face up to 10 years in prison for each count of trade secret theft and up to 20 years for obstruction.

The federal prosecutor emphasized that the Justice Department will continue to protect American innovation and pursue those who attempt to transfer advanced technologies to countries seeking to harm the US.

Continue reading.

AUTHOR

Pamela Geller

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EDITORS NOTE: This Geller Report is republished with permission. ©All rights reserved.

The Media Lie About Trans Shooters

By The Daily Signal

We just saw another tragic shooting in Rhode Island, this time at a high school hockey game. What people want to know in the immediate aftermath of such tragedies is who did it, where, and why—and how many people were injured or died. We instinctively want to know how close it was to us, if it could have happened to us, and if we could avoid a similar fate.

Flying in the face of this human need for truth is the woke legacy media, which puts ideology ahead of facts.

The Daily Mail, a British paper, reported early on that the Pawtucket perpetrator was a trans-identifying man in his 50s, the chief victims his wife and children, and the motive was likely connected with his gender identification and family conflict about it. Their photos supported this.

U.S. legacy media, meanwhile, tried to avoid the above facts. Their reason? The woke dogma the media adhere to is that “trans” people are an oppressed minority and always victims. Thus, the growing instances of mass shootings from people suffering from gender-related mental troubles must be given as little coverage and detail as possible.

The Washington Post headline was “Shooting at Rhode Island youth hockey game leaves 3 dead, including shooter, and 3 more wounded.” It quoted the police chief as saying, “It may be a family dispute,” and that the shooter was “Robert Dorgan, who she [the police chief] said also went by the name Roberta Esposito.”

The story from The Associated Press was almost the same.

The New York Times also danced around the motive, quickly pivoting to “the painful regularity of gun violence in America.”

The Federalist demonstrated in one graphic how the legacy media approached this story. It produced headlines from CBS, CNN, NBC, ESPN, AP, and The New York Times. Not one has the word “transgender.” They all reference a “shooting,” which one said was by a “shooter.”

Legacy outlets are so predictable on this that one can infer truth from what they leave out. Initial reports on a (barely) previous mass shooting on Feb. 10 in Canada spoke of a “female in a dress,” or a “gunperson,” leading astute readers correctly to guess the shooter was male.

The legacy media do this because they don’t want to violate the Fifth Woke Commandment: You Shall Not Know “What Is a Woman.” In “The Ten Woke Commandments (You Must Not Obey),” I explain how the progressive Left, which dominates American media, demands we ignore obvious truth to defend its ideology.

Anything that does not fit the woke model must be refuted or, better still, ignored. That is the agenda the legacy media serves.

Gender ideology claims that identity is subjective. You are what you say you are. Hence the mantra “trans women are women,” repeated by everyone from actor Rupert Grint of the Harry Potter movies to British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (in 2022—he later changed his mind).

Why does it matter if news outlets report the truth about crimes committed by trans-identifying individuals, or any other identity group?

It matters because the gender ideology agenda is to give men who identify as women full, unchallengeable access to women’s spaces, and to label anyone fighting for women’s rights a bigot, transphobe, or worse.

Ideologues are also still pushing—against mounting evidence that it does not improve outcomes—what they call “gender-affirming care.” That means accepting at their word any individual—even a child—who self-identifies as the opposite sex, and using social acceptance, hormones, and surgery to make the person look more like how they feel.

It matters because parents have been bullied and shamed into letting their children go so far down this path they can’t go back.

Fox Varian is the first successful “detransitioner” to sue her providers for negligence, winning $2 million. Many others, like Prisha Mosley and Chloe Cole, are bravely countering the narrative that everything works out fine once you “affirm” a child’s fleeting sense of gender.

And it matters because we see more and more cases of men who are frustrated at their inability to change reality and force the world to accept it that they hurt themselves or others.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Ray Blanchard coined the term autogynephilia—“the love of oneself as a woman”—to describe adult men, often in middle age, who enjoy dressing and acting as women and are sexually aroused by the idea of themselves as women.

Men fitting this description are often the most aggressive in insisting on their “right” to women’s sports and spaces, from spas to prisons. Their families, co-workers, and friends must decide how to help them, and they are best served by the truth, not obfuscation for the sake of ideology.

Accurately describing the perpetrators of violence and their motives is a journalistic duty.

Hiding the role of gender confusion in individuals who commit crimes serves only to propagate myths that sustain gender ideology’s crumbling house of cards and will result in more violence.

AUTHOR

Simon Hankinson

Simon Hankinson is a senior research fellow in the Border Security and Immigration Center at The Heritage Foundation, and author of “The Ten Woke Commandments (You Must Not Obey)“

As Lawsuits Multiply, Transgender Reversal Movement Gains Momentum

By The Daily Signal

Lawsuits filed by young people who were permanently disfigured by procedures attempting to reassign gender are multiplying, and more and more professional medical associations are backing away from endorsing the procedures for minors. Experts like Walt Heyer, who formerly spent eight years living a transgender lifestyle, say it’s just the beginning of a burgeoning movement.

On Jan. 30, a New York jury awarded 22-year-old woman Fox Varian $2 million after she sued a psychologist and a plastic surgeon for deviating from standard medical practice and informed consent when they pushed her toward getting a double mastectomy at the age of 16 amid feelings of confusion over her identity as a female.

Three weeks later, the Center For American Liberty announced that a court date of April 5 had been set for Chloe Cole, the 21-year-old national advocate against transgender procedures, who is suing Kaiser Foundation Hospitals for greenlighting gender reassignment procedures that included a double mastectomy and hormones when she was only 15.

The rapidly changing landscape toward widespread disavowal of so-called gender reassignment procedures for minors is now enveloping professional medical associations, who were once the primary advocates of the procedures.

On Feb. 3, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) became the first major medical association to publicly recommend against the procedures for minors, stating that surgeons should “delay gender-related breast/chest, genital, and facial surgery until a patient is at least 19 years old.”

In response to ASPS’s announcement, the American Medical Association (AMA) appeared to partially reverse its position as well, stating that it “agrees with ASPS that surgical interventions in minors should be generally deferred to adulthood.”

For Walt Heyer, a senior fellow at Family Research Council and co-author of the new book “Embracing God’s Design,” the cultural tide is clearly turning, especially in light of the rise in lawsuits against purveyors of these procedures.

“[W]hen the lawyers get a hold of this and it starts getting into the jury trials and juries are making the decisions, this is when things change,” he told Tony Perkins during Thursday’s “Washington Watch.” “[The] second part of that is the medical malpractice insurance goes up. And then the doctors, they go, ‘Wait a minute, now it’s costing me $2 million a year for medical malpractice. I can’t afford it. I’ve got to stop doing it.’”

Heyer further emphasized that the gender reassignment industry is rooted in saddling fear and guilt onto parents of children suffering from confusion over their biological sex. “[It’s] emotional blackmail. ‘Your kid’s going to commit suicide if they don’t have hormones and surgery,’ which is a total lie. The fact of the matter is, they’re [more likely] to commit suicide … after having the hormones and surgery.”

“Or kill someone else,” Perkins interjected. “Or kill someone else, which we’re seeing more and more of now,” Heyer agreed.

This month, an 18-year-old male who began undergoing transgender procedures at age 12 committed the largest mass shooting in Canada since 2020, killing eight people and injuring 25 others.

The shooting continued a troubling pattern of transgender-identifying individuals committing mass murder, including at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis in August 2025 that killed two children and injured 17 others, and at Covenant School in Nashville, Tenn. in March 2023 that killed six people.

Heyer underscored that those who think they are actually “transitioning” to the opposite sex by undergoing reassignment procedures are living a charade, as he himself experienced. “I look at this and realize … this whole thing about hormones and surgery — the fact of the matter is, it never changed my gender, right? So the whole thing is sort of a medical fraud to begin with. It’s masquerading. It’s all cosmetic. So I say, I never transitioned. I didn’t detransition because it never happened.”

As Heyer went on to contend, the way to help those struggling with gender confusion is to identify the underlying comorbidity disorders and to treat those directly, especially trauma.

“A lot of it is spiritual,” he explained. “And we’re dealing with demons who are coming after our children, kids who are struggling with things that happened, like [what] happened to me in my early childhood. … I was sexually abused, and … even as an adult, I thought I was trying to repair what had happened in my early life and thinking if I had my genitals cut off, then I wouldn’t be sexually abused again. … When we say these people have mental illness, I can testify to the fact that they do.”

Heyer concluded by urging the church to get involved in helping those struggling with gender confusion. “Pastors need to speak to this. … [‘Embracing God’s Design’] was designed for pastors to help their congregation understand they don’t have a trans kid. … [S]omething has happened to that child. And let’s help find out what it is and get them the help they need.”

Originally published at the Washington Stand.

AUTHOR

Dan Hart

Dan Hart is senior editor at The Washington Stand.

RIPPED AWAY: Drop by Drop, You Lose Your Rights

By Karen Schoen

I hope you all had an opportunity to listen to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s speech in Munich. I was never a Rubio fan until now. I had a hard time forgiving him for the gang of eight amnesty program he tried to give us. But I believe working with President Trump has given him a new perspective. He has the ability to deliver the message so it is understood.

So what did he say? Basically he said America is the Last Hope for Western Civilization. President Trump recognized this and changed America’s path. Rather than condemn ourselves and go backwards to a feudal society, he is moving forward toward American greatness, as the leader of the free world.

He said that Survival is a choice. Liberty is a choice. Freedom is a choice and it’s up to us to determine what we choose. We invite you to join us. We will not give that decision-making to someone else.

He also said that America is on a path to correct the mistakes that were made in the past as a Global World Order does not work. Countries need sovereignty and each should be putting their own country first by helping their own citizens succeed. He also said that we will change our path for this new one that makes America for Americans. In its leadership role in the world, he welcomes them to come along, to join us and to make Europe great again.

How do we do that when we are constantly being bombarded with lies? Here at home, we are being told to not see and not say what is right in front of our face. How do we do that when the media continually lies and no one calls them on it? How do we do that when we are told BLM is peaceful; climate will change and it is our fault; men can be women and women can be men; all white men are pedophiles and rapists; anyone who disagrees is a white supremacist; war is the only answer; and, if we don’t follow insane regulations, we will die! My head is about to explode.

Now ask yourself, who is controlling all of this information? Why no matter where you go, no matter what you listen too, whether it’s an education or in the mind of a transgender or Marxist or Communist, all the messages are always the same. Trump, MAGA, Grassroots, You are the fault. You are a racist, Trump is a pedophile, Trump is a racist. The message never changes.

Stories are never told by the media because you will find out how incompetent these people are. Did you hear about the sewage spill in DC? The media is not covering this story, so it doesn’t exist. They will cover it as soon as they can make it Trump’s fault. This is our nation’s capital.

  • In 1973, Congress passed the District of Columbia Home Rule Act.
  • This act allowed D.C. residents to elect their own mayor and city council.
  • Since that time DC has been under democrat control. Maryland and Virginia are also democrat control.
  • Infrastructure has deteriorated – roads, bridges, sewer, electricity
  • Crime escalated until the Trump team stepped in
  • On Jan 19, 2026, approximately 250 million gallons of raw sewage discharged into the Potomac River because a pipeline collapsed due to poor maintenance.
  • Gov Moore, MD, called an emergency.
  • The media is not reporting until they can find a way to blame Trump.
  • Mayor Bowser in DC asked for FEMA help during emergency. She got help.
  • But then the Democrats shut down the government which included FEMA.
  • Now what happens? Another city fails.

Did you hear about the destruction of CA by its own governor? Gavin put so many regulations on gas, trucks, gas stations, building permits, etc. that nothing can be done in a timely manner within a reasonable cost. The fuel situation is so bad now that CA is buying gas from the Caribbean.

Someone just wrote to me about Mamdani’s destruction of NYC. They said the garbage is so high all you can see is garbage. Many cars are encased in ice because the snow was never removed. Then they asked, “Do you this destruction of our cities is part of the plan?” I answered, “Yes, it is the plan.”

Another example … Ask anyone, has Trump kept his promises? They will tell you no. Trump bad. Trump doesn’t keep his promises. What they are not telling you is that Congress refuses to pass the bills necessary to cut the budget and shrink the government so that Trump can keep his promises. Congress has no appetite to cut the budget. Congress’ only appetite is to tax, spend, win and stay in office. Congress is not your friend. Sen Mitch McConnell, hates Trump who got him in office, so much he is a No vote on the SAFE Act. The hell with the country, get Trump which is his final parting gift to America.

If you question the opposition, and ask them why do they feel they must destroy everything around them? They will tell you that you are crazy. They are not destroying anything. They are rebuilding! What is wrong with us that we don’t see it? By accepting their actions, you are allowing them to manipulate your mind. You are allowing them to normalize chaos. You are allowing them to control right and wrong. Oh, well, you think, it’s just the government being inept. You accept mediocrity. You stop paying attention. And then…

Drip by drip, you start losing your rights.

You trusted these people. They wouldn’t do anything to harm you. Right. Really? You trust them, and now they own you. It is hard for you to believe that achieving the goal of these evil people is very simple. All they had to do was create a state of mass confusion; divide the groups; make sure that your reality was of their choice and that you no longer understand the fundamental truth when it’s right in your face. You no longer see the sewage, the garbage, the homeless. You only see normal.

In this age of Technology, drip by drip, we are seeing our rights and freedoms ripped away. Usually, some bill was passed before we were even able to pay attention to what happened. Jay Collins, running for Florida governor said, “you do not have the right to hurt people with your words.” Obviously, he never read the constitution and never learned “Sticks and Stones can break your bones but words can never harm you.” If you are harmed by the words, if you’re feelings are hurt, understand where it is coming from so you can ignore and walk away.

The good news is, the piece they are most afraid of is, “We the People” coming together. “We the People” understanding that we are being manipulated. Understanding we are being fed a crock of crap and we’re expected to say it’s delicious.

How can we fight this machine? There is only one way and that way is to come together and expose them under the banner of Truth. We must call them out, expose what they are doing and we must pay attention. The sad part is, the Baby Boomers who created this mess would rather be on a cruise ship than a battleship. They created this monster and now too many of them have abandoned the Next Generation. The good news is, we only need a few for “a well-informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.” – Thomas Jefferson. Are you part of that group?

Remember, freedoms aren’t free. They are paid for with the blood of American lives. If we let them slip away, that precious treasure of our country shall be sorely wasted. On the eve of most certain war with Iran, keep these thoughts in mind. Do something about it. Take action. Call legislators. Tell them,

“I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take it anymore!”

If you still think America is worth saving, stand up and do something about it!

Fight the lies, the tyranny and the 1% trying to force their political agenda on the 99%!

©2026 . All rights reserved.

Pollster: Supreme Court’s Tariff Ruling Could Help GOP in Midterm Elections

By The Daily Signal

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday that President Donald Trump must obtain congressional approval before imposing new tariffs, a decision that significantly reshapes U.S. trade policy.

The 6-3 ruling is expected to have political and economic repercussions heading into the midterm elections—and might ultimately work to the Republican Party’s advantage, according to a veteran pollster.

Scott Rasmussen, founder of the Napolitan Institute, said the court’s decision aligns with public sentiment.

“We polled this consistently over the year, and 6 out of 10 voters tell us that of course congressional approval should be required for tariffs. That’s part of our system of checks and balances,” Rasmussen said Friday. “So, while many of the Trump base will be outraged, I think most of the voters will be comfortable with this decision.”

Voter Attitudes and Economic Concerns 

Rasmussen’s polling also highlights mixed public perceptions of tariffs even before the court’s ruling.

“Before this ruling came down, 41% were saying these tariffs were good for the economy, 50% were saying they were bad,” he explained. “And 6 out of 10 were saying they raised prices and that they were adding to the immigration problem. We will obviously be following the fallout from the decision and polling next week.”

The decision effectively curtails one of Trump’s tools for shaping trade policy—a power he used to reshape U.S. trade relations with China, the European Union, and Mexico.

Political Fallout Ahead of the Midterms 

When asked whether the ruling helps or hurts Republicans heading into the midterm elections, Rasmussen said the answer depends largely on the economic impact.

“It depends on what it does to the economy,” Rasmussen said. “If the economy does better, with tariffs off, that would be good news for the Republicans in two ways. First, as the economy does better, it’s better for the GOP. Second, the Supreme Court ruling is likely to enrage the Trump base and encourage their turnout at even higher levels. If you assume adjustment and provide good news for the economy, this could be a big plus for the GOP.”

What Comes Next 

The Supreme Court ruling puts new pressure on Congress to take a more active role in trade policy—a task likely to be contentious given divisions within both parties.

Economists are watching closely to see whether easing tariffs will curb inflationary pressures or affect domestic industries that benefited from tariff protections.

Rasmussen and other analysts are expected to release new polling data next week measuring public reaction to the court’s decision and its potential influence on the political landscape.

AUTHOR

Katherine Matt

Katherine Matt is an intern for The Daily Signal.

Trump Announces Alternative Tariff Plan After Supreme Court Ruling

By The Daily Signal

President Donald Trump said the Supreme Court ruling against his tariffs actually affirms his authority to levy additional national security tariffs and announced a 10% global tariff on Friday.

In a 6-3 decision Friday, the Supreme Court ruled that Trump did not have legal authority to impose his tariffs in Canada, Mexico, and China.

Trump had cited the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to declare emergencies in imposing his tariffs on the three countries. The court ruled on Friday that the law “does not authorize the President to impose tariffs.”

In a briefing at the White House following the ruling, Trump praised Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who authored the dissenting opinion, for saying that the majority opinion might not substantially constrain a president’s ability to order future tariffs.

“A president can actually charge more tariffs than I was charging in the past period of a year under the various tariffs authorities,” Trump said. “So, we can use other of the statutes, other of the tariff authorities, which have also been confirmed and are fully allowed.”

“Therefore, effective immediately, all national security tariffs under Section 232, and existing Section 301 tariffs, will remain in place, fully in place, and in full force and effect,” he said.

Trump said he will sign an executive order Friday to impose a 10% global tariff under Section 122. The statute grants authority to impose temporary tariffs for certain reasons, such as trade imbalances.

“The Supreme Court did not overrule tariffs,” Trump said. “They merely overruled a particular use of IEEPA tariffs, and essentially it’s a use to get a fee.”

Trump said he has alternative options that will bring in more revenue.

“I’m going to go in a different direction,” he said. “Probably the direction that I should have gone the first time, but I read the language, I’m very good at reading language, and it read our way 100%. But now I’ll go the way I could have gone, originally, which is even stronger than our original choice.”

Trump said the conservative justices who voted against him are “an embarrassment to their families.” Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett—both Trump appointees—joined the chief justice and the court’s three liberal justices in the majority.

“I’m ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed, for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country,” he said.

AUTHOR

Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell

Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell is the White House Correspondent for “The Daily Signal.” Send her an email. Elizabeth on X: @TheElizMitchell.

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EDITORS NOTE: This Daily Signal column is republished with permission. ©All rights reserved.

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