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Today β€” May 17th 2024U.S.

How artificial intelligence is reshaping modern warfare

Harnessing AI is key to the United States staying ahead of adversaries in a competitive battlefield. Software companies are showing off their latest AI tools to military officials.

Trump to attend son's high school graduation Friday

Former President Trump is attending youngest son Barron Trump’s high school graduation in Florida on Friday, a break from his criminal trial in New York City.

IDF Finds Loaded Rocket Launchers in Rafah

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has found loaded rocket launchers during its operation in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, now in its second week.

The post IDF Finds Loaded Rocket Launchers in Rafah appeared first on Breitbart.

Yesterday β€” May 16th 2024U.S.

White House Defends Biden Blocking Release Special Counsel Recordings: Law Enforcement Files 'Need to Be Protected'

The Biden White House is defending President Biden's decision to assert executive privilege over his interview with special counsel Robert Hur -- preventing Congress from obtaining his audio recordings -- asserting that Biden made the decision "at the request of the attorney general."

The post White House Defends Biden Blocking Release Special Counsel Recordings: Law Enforcement Files β€˜Need to Be Protected’ appeared first on Breitbart.

Judicial Watch Sues California to Remove Ineligible Registrants from Voter Rolls

Judicial Watch, the watchdog organization, is suing California election officials to force them to remove ineligible and inactive registrants from the state's voter rolls.

The post Judicial Watch Sues California to Remove Ineligible Registrants from Voter Rolls appeared first on Breitbart.

CNN’s Elie Honig: Michael Cohen Had His β€˜Knees Chopped Out’ by Trump’s Attorney

By: Pam Key Β·Β Pam Key

CNN legal analyst Elie Honig saidΒ Thursday on CNN's coverage of former President Donald Trump's business record trial that witnessΒ Michael Cohen had his "knees chopped out" during defense lawyer Todd Blanche's cross-examination.

The post CNN’s Elie Honig: Michael Cohen Had His β€˜Knees Chopped Out’ by Trump’s Attorney appeared first on Breitbart.

CNN's Cooper: I Would 'Absolutely' Doubt Michael Cohen’s Testimony If I Was a Juror

By: Pam Key Β·Β Pam Key

CNN's Anderson Cooper saidΒ Thursday on the network's coverage of former President Donald Trump's business record trial that if he were a juror, he would doubt the credibility of witnessΒ Michael Cohen after the defense lawyer Todd Blanche's cross-examination.

The post CNN’s Cooper: I Would β€˜Absolutely’ Doubt Michael Cohen’s Testimony If I Was a Juror appeared first on Breitbart.

China May Attempt to Evade U.S. Tariffs by Routing Production through Mexico

As President Joe Biden announces new United States tariffs on several Chinese products, including Electric Vehicles (EVs), China-based corporations may evade those tariffs by rerouting production through other countries.

The post China May Attempt to Evade U.S. Tariffs by Routing Production through Mexico appeared first on Breitbart.

Trump Defense Gets Cohen to Backtrack on Alleged Key Call with Trump Green-lighting Hush Money Deal

Trump' s defense team continued its cross-examination of the prosecution's "star witness" Michael Cohen, during which evenΒ establishment media acknowledged Cohen's lack of credibility.

The post Trump Defense Gets Cohen to Backtrack on Alleged Key Call with Trump Green-lighting Hush Money Deal appeared first on Breitbart.

Michael Cohen Testifies He Recorded More Than 40 Phone Conversations with Reporters, Clients

By: Paul Bois Β·Β Paul Bois

Michael Cohen, the star witness in the New York prosecution's case against Trump, testified that he recorded more than 40 phone conversations

The post Michael Cohen Testifies He Recorded More Than 40 Phone Conversations with Reporters, Clients appeared first on Breitbart.

Prosecution in Trouble as Trump Defense Traps Michael Cohen on Witness Stand

Defense attorneys for former President Donald Trump stunned observers in a Manhattan courtroom on Thursday with a devastating cross-examination of the prosecution's star witness, former Trump attorney Michael Cohen.

The post Prosecution in Trouble as Trump Defense Traps Michael Cohen on Witness Stand appeared first on Breitbart.

Texas Governor Affirms 'Stand Your Ground' Law with Pardon of Army Sgt. Convicted in BLM Protest Shooting

Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a pardon to U.S. Army Sergeant Daniel Perry, citing the state's Stand Your Ground laws and the right of self-defense. Perry was convicted by a Travis County court in April 2023 for shooting and killing Garret Foster during a Black Lives Matter protest.

The post Texas Governor Affirms β€˜Stand Your Ground’ Law with Pardon of Army Sgt. Convicted in BLM Protest Shooting appeared first on Breitbart.

Cotton: 'There's Been No Evidence of Any Crime Whatsoever' in Trump's NYC Trial

By: Pam Key Β·Β Pam Key

Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) said Thursday on CNN's "News Central" that "there's been no evidence of any crime whatsoever" in former President Donald Trump's New York business record case.

The post Cotton: β€˜There’s Been No Evidence of Any Crime Whatsoever’ in Trump’s NYC Trial appeared first on Breitbart.

Watch Live: Oversight Committee Debates Merrick Garland Contempt of Congress Resolution

The House Oversight Committee will debate a resolution to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress after President Joe Biden claimed executive privilege for audio recordings of his meetings with Special Prosecutor Robert Hur.

The post Watch Live: Oversight Committee Debates Merrick Garland Contempt of Congress Resolution appeared first on Breitbart.

Trump Says Prosecution, Judge Merchan Are 'Rushing' the Trial to Hurt Him Before the Election

Former President Donald Trump slammed the pace of the trial in Manhattan for his falsifying business records case, saying the prosecution and Judge Juan Merchan were trying to rush it in order to hurt him before the election.

The post Trump Says Prosecution, Judge Merchan Are β€˜Rushing’ the Trial to Hurt Him Before the Election appeared first on Breitbart.

Alaska lawmakers end their session with late bills passing on energy, education

Alaska lawmakers ended their session early with last-minute bills addressing issues like correspondence school programs and energy; quarreling over the budget was muted.

Pressure Builds on Johnson to Actually Do Something About Jack Smith

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has talked tough about defending Donald Trump from politically motivated "lawfare," but pressure is growing from Trump's allies, who are ready to see action.

The post Pressure Builds on Johnson to Actually Do Something About Jack Smith appeared first on Breitbart.

Reports: Biden Eyes Token Border Curbs for 2024 Election

By: Neil Munro Β·Β Neil Munro

Biden's deputies are planning a big campaign push about not allowing more than 4,000 migrants per day, according to leaks to media outlets.

The post Reports: Biden Eyes Token Border Curbs for 2024 Election appeared first on Breitbart.

Jimmy Fallon Torches Biden Debate Announcement: He Wants CNN Because It Has No Audience

By: David Ng Β·Β David Ng

Comedian Jimmy Fallon took a torch to President Joe Biden's announcement of the upcoming presidential debate set for next month, joking that Biden wants to debate on CNN because the network has no audience.

The post Jimmy Fallon Torches Biden Debate Announcement: He Wants CNN Because It Has No Audience appeared first on Breitbart.

Radical Anti-Israel Official Resigns from Biden Administration over Gaza

Lily Greenberg Call, a member of the radical anti-Israel group IfNotNow, resigned this week from a high position as theΒ special assistant to the Chief of Staff of the Department of the Interior over U.S. support for Israel against Hamas.

The post Radical Anti-Israel Official Resigns from Biden Administration over Gaza appeared first on Breitbart.

Sanctuary State California: 'Monster' Illegal Alien Accused of Raping Two Women in 'Rape Dungeon on Wheels'

A 40-year-old Hispanic man, reportedly an illegal alien from Mexico, is accused of raping two women in separate violent sexual assaults inside what investigators are calling a "rape dungeon on wheels" in the sanctuary jurisdiction of Los Angeles County, California.

The post Sanctuary State California: β€˜Monster’ Illegal Alien Accused of Raping Two Women in β€˜Rape Dungeon on Wheels’ appeared first on Breitbart.

Exclusive -- Attorney General of Nebraska Fighting California EV Mandates

Seventeen states β€” led by Attorney General of Nebraska Mike Hilgers β€” are suing after California moves implement new EV mandates, and Hilgers explained to Breitbart News Daily why California's move is such an absurd move that will affect the supply chain.Β 

The post Exclusive β€” Attorney General of Nebraska Fighting California EV Mandates appeared first on Breitbart.

'The Cavalry Has Arrived': Army of Lawmakers Accompany Trump to Court in Show of Support

Almost a dozen Republican lawmakers trekked up to New York City on Thursday to support former President Donald Trump as he faces charges of falsifying business records years ago, brought by a Democrat district attorney in the midst of the 2024 presidential election.

The post β€˜The Cavalry Has Arrived’: Army of Lawmakers Accompany Trump to Court in Show of Support appeared first on Breitbart.

Kamala Harris Accepts Vice-Presidential Candidate Debate Offer from CBS

Vice President Kamala Harris has agreed to take part in a VP candidate debate hosted by CBS News this summer, the Biden-Harris campaign confirmed Thursday.

The post Kamala Harris Accepts Vice-Presidential Candidate Debate Offer from CBS appeared first on Breitbart.

Gaza 'Floating Pier' Completed by U.S., Connected to Shore by Israel

The "floating pier" built by the U.S. Navy off the coast of Gaza was completed on Thursday, and connected to the shore by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops.

The post Gaza β€˜Floating Pier’ Completed by U.S., Connected to Shore by Israel appeared first on Breitbart.

Russia expels British defense attachΓ© in a tit-for-tat move

In response to London's decision earlier this month to expel the Russian defense attachΓ© over spying allegations, Russia has given Britain's defense attachΓ© a week to leave the country.

Fox News Politics: Check Your Privilege

The latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content

Panama president-elect builds business-friendly cabinet

In Panama President-elect Jose Raul Mulino's first cabinet selections, he has pulled an economist and business leaders into his ranks; he promised an administration 'friendly to the private sector.'

Belarus targets opposition activists with raids and property seizures

In the latest crackdown on dissent in Belarus, authorities announced raids and the seizure of property of more than 100 opposition activists who have left the country.

Panel Passes Resolution to Hold Merrick Garland in Contempt of Congress

The resolution,Β largely symbolic, must be approved by the full House to officially holdΒ Garland in contempt. Republicans maintain a narrow majority in the House to pass the resolution.

The post Panel Passes Resolution to Hold Merrick Garland in Contempt of Congress appeared first on Breitbart.

18 States Sue Biden Administration over Transgender Workplace Mandates

Eighteen states filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration on Monday, saying it is illegally enforcing pro-transgender rules on companies and their employees.

The post 18 States Sue Biden Administration over Transgender Workplace Mandates appeared first on Breitbart.

Poll: Taxpayers Turning on Funding NPR

Taxpayers are turning on the public funding of National Public Radio (NPR), according to the latest DailyMail.com/TIPP survey.

The post Poll: Taxpayers Turning on Funding NPR appeared first on Breitbart.

Watch Live: Congressional Hearing on Unprecedented Surge in Chinese Illegal Immigration

The House Homeland Security subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability will hold a hearing on the surge in illegal immigrants from China on Thursday, May 16.

The post Watch Live: Congressional Hearing on Unprecedented Surge in Chinese Illegal Immigration appeared first on Breitbart.

Chris Wallace: 'Would Be Suicidal' for Trump to Be Too Aggressive in Debate

By: Pam Key Β·Β Pam Key

CNN host Chris Wallace saidΒ Wednesday "Newsnight" thatΒ it would be "suicidal" if former President Donald Trump doesn't change his aggressive "way too hot" behavior from the last time he debated President Joe Biden.

The post Chris Wallace: β€˜Would Be Suicidal’ for Trump to Be Too Aggressive in Debate appeared first on Breitbart.

Turkey sentences pro-Kurdish politicians to lengthy prison terms over deadly 2014 riots

Several pro-Kurdish politicians have been sentenced to between nine and 42 years in prison by a Turkish court over deadly riots in 2014 that left dozens dead and hundreds of others injured.

In Their Domes: Chamber of Commerce Rattled by Breitbart News's Reporting on Congressional Investigation into Foundation Financing

Top officials at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce indicated on Thursday that the organization is rattled by a series of exclusive Breitbart News stories on a blooming congressional investigation into the purportedly pro-business group’s financing of its related foundation, the HillΒ reported.

The post In Their Domes: Chamber of Commerce Rattled by Breitbart News’s Reporting on Congressional Investigation into Foundation Financing appeared first on Breitbart.

Kevin Morris Allegedly Retires as Hunter Biden's Sugar Brother

Kevin Morris, Hunter Biden's sugar brother and Hollywood lawyer, will allegedly quit financing Hunter's legal defense, Morris confirmed.

The post Kevin Morris Allegedly Retires as Hunter Biden’s Sugar Brother appeared first on Breitbart.

Exclusive: Rep. Clyde Pushes Resolution to Make ATF Background Check Rule of 'No Force or Effect'

Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) spoke exclusively with Breitbart News about his plans to introduce a resolution Thursday to make the ATF's universal background check rule of "no force or effect."Β 

The post Exclusive: Rep. Clyde Pushes Resolution to Make ATF Background Check Rule of β€˜No Force or Effect’ appeared first on Breitbart.

Nolte: Descent Into Evil Cost Disney+ $4 Billion as Stock Continues to Sink

By: John Nolte Β·Β John Nolte

My hope is that Bob Iger sincerely believes Disney’s descent into pure evil has nothing to do with this $4 billion loss. I don’t want Disney to right its ship. I want Disney to die.

The post Nolte: Descent Into Evil Cost Disney+ $4 Billion as Stock Continues to Sink appeared first on Breitbart.

Israel on Gallant Going Public with Criticism of Postwar Gaza Policy: We Are a Vibrant Democracy

Israeli government spokesperson Tal Heinrich said Thursday that defense minister Yoav Gallant's public criticism of his own government's policy on postwar Gaza was simply part of Israel's commitment to democracy and free speech.

The post Israel on Gallant Going Public with Criticism of Postwar Gaza Policy: We Are a Vibrant Democracy appeared first on Breitbart.

Niger Coup Official Calls Biden Diplomacy β€˜Unacceptable,’ β€˜Condescending’

Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine said in an interview on Tuesday that his government’s relations with the United States broke down because the Biden administration adopted a β€œcondescending tone and lack of respect.”

The post Niger Coup Official Calls Biden Diplomacy β€˜Unacceptable,’ β€˜Condescending’ appeared first on Breitbart.

Russian metals tycoon says US Treasury sanctions against him are 'balderdash'

The U.S. Treasury levied sanctions on Russian aluminum tycoon Oleg Deripaska for an alleged sanctions evasion scheme aimed at unlocking frozen shares. Deripaska dismissed the sanctions.

Biden campaign accepts VP debate invitation for summer showdown with Kamala Harris and Trump running mate

The Biden campaign accepted CBS News’ vice presidential debate for this summer, setting the stage for a showdown between Vice President Kamala Harris and whoever is nominated as the Republican VP nominee, Fox News Digital has learned.

L.A. Supervisors Vote to Have Taxpayers Fund Legal Bills for Pro-Hamas Activists Arrested at UCLA

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has passed a motion to ensure that the public defender's office provides defense attorneys and legal resources for the pro-Palestinian activists arrested at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) earlier this month.

The post L.A. Supervisors Vote to Have Taxpayers Fund Legal Bills for Pro-Hamas Activists Arrested at UCLA appeared first on Breitbart.

Anti-Biden Uncommitted Vote on Pace to Eclipse 70k in Maryland Democrat Primary

The uncommitted vote to protest President Joe Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war in Maryland’s Democrat primary on Tuesday is on pace to eclipse the 70,000 threshold, showing the pro-Palestinian anti-Biden movement continues to grow three months out from the Democrat National Convention.

The post Anti-Biden Uncommitted Vote on Pace to Eclipse 70k in Maryland Democrat Primary appeared first on Breitbart.

Democrat Judge Dismissed Charges Against Arizona State Pro-Hamas Protesters

In a packed courtroom on Tuesday, a judge dismissed charges filed against 71 protesters arrested in late April at the Arizona State University Campus. The judge dismissed the cases without prejudice at the University Lakes Justice Court in Chandler, Arizona.

The post Democrat Judge Dismissed Charges Against Arizona State Pro-Hamas Protesters appeared first on Breitbart.

Former Chief of Staff Ron Klain to Help Joe Biden with Debate Prep

Former White House chief of staff Ron Klain will take aΒ hiatus from his position at Airbnb and help President Joe BidenΒ prepare his upcoming debates with former President Donald Trump.

The post Former Chief of Staff Ron Klain to Help Joe Biden with Debate Prep appeared first on Breitbart.

Ukraine Claims it Has Halted Russian Advance Into Vovchansk, For Now

Attempts to gain foothold "have been foiled," the general staff said. It was not possible to verify the claim, the Associated Press noted.

The post Ukraine Claims it Has Halted Russian Advance Into Vovchansk, For Now appeared first on Breitbart.

Here’s How the Woke Left Captures Corporate America

How does offering sex change surgery for employees’ children boost a company’s profits or shareholder return?

The post Here’s How the Woke Left Captures Corporate America appeared first on Breitbart.

Jon Stewart Mocks Nancy Pelosi's Stock Market Acumen: β€˜Legal Corruption' Is 'So F**king Lucrative'

By: David Ng Β·Β David Ng

Comedian Jon Stewart targeted Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) for mockery on a recent episode of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show," saying Pelosi and other members of Congress "have inside information" that they blatantly use for personal financial gain.

The post Jon Stewart Mocks Nancy Pelosi’s Stock Market Acumen: β€˜Legal Corruption’ Is β€˜So F**king Lucrative’ appeared first on Breitbart.

'It's Their Super Bowl': Tuberville Calls NY Trial 'Witch Hunt,' 'Planned Since He Decided to Run for President'

By: Jeff Poor Β·Β Jeff Poor

Fresh off of his appearance in New York City alongside former President Donald Trump on Monday, Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) criticized New York prosecutors for what he deemed a "witch hunt" against the former president.

The post β€˜It’s Their Super Bowl’: Tuberville Calls NY Trial β€˜Witch Hunt,’ β€˜Planned Since He Decided to Run for President’ appeared first on Breitbart.

Biden Surrogate: Biden Debating Shows He's Not Running 'Morning in America Campaign'

During an interview with CBS on Wednesday, Biden campaign surrogate Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) stated that President Joe Biden agreeing to debate 2024 Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is a good thing for the country and Biden β€œneeds

The post Biden Surrogate: Biden Debating Shows He’s Not Running β€˜Morning in America Campaign’ appeared first on Breitbart.

Dem Rep. Phillips: Biden Needs 'Major Course Correction,' 'Real Attention' on Fixing Inflation, Border or Face '24 'Wipeout'

On Wednesday’s broadcast of the Fox News Channel’s β€œSpecial Report,” Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) stated that President Joe Biden needs β€œa major course correction, acknowledgment of inflation, the immigration crisis, and real attention to addressing both of those issues,” and

The post Dem Rep. Phillips: Biden Needs β€˜Major Course Correction,’ β€˜Real Attention’ on Fixing Inflation, Border or Face ’24 β€˜Wipeout’ appeared first on Breitbart.

Morning Glory: Trump sees Biden debate bid and raises it

It's presidential debate time in a big way. Both Trump and Biden are preparing for the continuation of their rivalry and another chance to duke it out in front of the American people.

Faith and Politics: An Insider’s View From Former Trump Aide Cliff Sims

Cliff Sims had a front-row seat in the White House to some of President Donald Trump’s biggest decisions and helped craft the administration’s message to the American people.

As a special assistant to the president, Sims served as a key staffer in the White House communications office before later moving to a different role as deputy director of national intelligence for strategy and communications.

Along the way, Sims wrote a bestselling book, β€œTeam of Vipers: My 500 Extraordinary Days in the Trump White House.” And this month, he is now out with a new book, β€œThe Darkness Has Not Overcome: Lessons on Faith and Politics from Inside the Halls of Power.”

Sims writes from the perspective of a Baptist minister’s son whose own Christian faith guided him during his time in the Trump administration. He spoke to The Daily Signal about the lessons he learned and his advice for Americans as they prepare to make a choice for our country’s future.

Listen to the full interview on β€œThe Daily Signal Podcast” or read the transcriptβ€”edited for length and clarityβ€”below.

Rob Bluey: What inspired you to write β€œThe Darkness Has Not Overcome”?

Cliff Sims: When I left the government, a lot of it was me wrestling with what that time period of my life meant for me, like, what were some of the things I could have learned from that experience, and I journaled a lot about it and was thinking a lot about it.

I realized through that process that a lot of the things that I could have learned I was learning, the takeaways that I had could apply to anybody’s life. No matter what they’re doing, they had to serve in government to have some takeaways from it.

I realized that there was an opportunity to write a book that told a bunch of cool stories from behind the scenes in the White House and CIA and Office of the Director of National Intelligence and Air Force One and all these different things, but use those to jump into biblical takeaways, faith takeaways that could apply to anybody’s life. So that was really what inspired me to write the book.

Bluey: Can you speak to your upbringing as the son of a Baptist minister and how that shaped your approach to faith and particularly politics during your time serving a government?

Sims: The subtitle for the book is β€œLessons on Faith and Politics From Inside the Halls of Power.” But the first thing that people would need to know about me is that I come from about as far away from those halls of powers you could possibly imagineβ€”lived in, grew up in a working-class family, working-class neighborhood. My dad was a Baptist minister and faith was an integral part of our lives. We’re in the church every time the doors were open.

But really my personal faith journey, I had a knowledge of the Bible that was more than a lot of my friends growing up. There’s no doubt about that, but it really had not had a heart change in me until later in life.

A lot of that kind of grit and determination from growing up in a working-class family I think I’ve applied to a lot of things I’ve done professionally. And really the moment in my life whenβ€”well, I guess there wasn’t a moment in my life that I could point to that’s like that’s when God changed my heart. Even though I certainly remember the moment that I accepted Christ, my savior, and things like that.

I learned a lot about the way that God changes people and it’s not the way that we think about it. We focus a lot on our actions. Any self-help podcast that you listen to, it focuses on actions. If you could just work out a little bit more. If you could just get up a little bit earlier. If you could just spend more time with your family. If you were a better networker, all these things and actions.

The real "threat to democracy."

The Darkness Has Not Overcome: Lessons on Faith and Politics from Inside the Halls of Power is out NOW https://t.co/B7qlVi6H9L @MarkLevinShow pic.twitter.com/YXSocrBHJK

β€” Cliff Sims (@Cliff_Sims) May 8, 2024

What I’ve learned in my own life is the way that God changes people is, like, I would call it like concentric circles. And at the center of that concentric circle is worship. I found in my life, I’ve worshiped my career, I’ve worshiped power, I’ve worshiped fame, I’ve worshiped money. I mean, go down the list of these things.

What you worship becomes what you think about. What you think about becomes your desires, and your desires become your actions. And what God did was he changed what I worshiped or who I worshiped. Once he was at the center of that Venn diagram, it changed the things that I think about and changed my desires and, ultimately, that changed my actions.

And the way that that manifested itself in serving in government is, I think, in retrospect, I struggled with a lot of things that I didn’t know that I would, such as like the attraction of power.

When you don’t have power, how do you know that you’re going to be susceptible to the attraction of power? But being able to lean back on my faith and look to Scripture for new challenges, things that I was struggling with that I never had to think about before, that biblical foundation helped me not lose myself in the process.

Bluey: I wanted to go back to something you said earlier, and that was that you found yourself growing up far from the halls of power. So did you ever imagine as a younger man that you would be serving the most powerful man in the world?

Sims: No, definitely not. I mean, that’s the thing about life in general is, like, all of us only know the universe that we’ve been exposed to. I mean, I had never met anybody who had money. How could I know what someone with money would do with money? I’d never met someone who’d served in the government. How would I know what people who walk the halls of power, so to speak, what they do, how they lived their lives?

I’d never in a million years would have imagined that. But I do remember the moment when I realized, in retrospect, that God was ordering my steps, that kind of the way that the trajectory of my life has gone on, that he was organizing all of that.

SCOOP: A former top White House and intelligence official will release a book targeting an overlapping audience of political conservatives, particularly those in Trump's base, and evangelical Christians, who play a big role in election outcomes. https://t.co/LA8NVbUFR6

β€” Axios (@axios) February 15, 2024

I was playing college basketball at a university in Mississippi, a buddy of mine was playing at a junior college in South Alabama, and I was thinking about wanting to transfer. My family was living in Florida at the time. I go and visit this tiny town called Enterprise, Alabama, which is most famous for having a monument to a bug in its downtown, to a boll weevil. It’s the only city in the country with a monument to a bug. It’s all I knew about it.

So, I go and visit and I really liked it. The team was good. I thought, β€œYou know what,? I’m going to transfer here.” And the last thing I needed to do was call my dad and say, β€œHey, I’m going to transfer.” And again, they were living in Florida at the time and I called my dad and said, β€œI’m going to transfer to this tiny school in Enterprise, Alabama.” And it was an awkward silence on the phone, and I said, β€œWell, is that OK?” And my dad said, β€œI was going to call you today and tell you that our family is moving to Enterprise, Alabama.”

My dad was a Baptist minister. His friend had become a pastor of a church in Enterprise and called him to be the executive pastor there. And so, my friend was a pastor of a church in Enterprise and called him to be the executive, was kind of reunited on coming from two separate tracks, and it’s like a moment in time where even the most fervent atheist would have a difficult time chalking that up to mere coincidence.

I remember it because at a time in my life where I didn’t care what God’s plan was for my life, he was already ordering his steps. And my Sunday school teacher, the day that I walked into Sunday school, the first day at our new town, was a guy named Barry Moore. Moore, who was a small business owner, but now he’s Congressman Barry Moore.

So, the first thing I did in politics in the 2010 election cycle was help to run Barry’s campaign. And six years later, I had an office in the West Wing. A lot of stuff happened in between there, but that’s kind of my journey in politics. Well, God’s plan for each of us is truly amazing.

Bluey: Thank you so much for sharing that, that story. Wow. Speaking of the West Wing, can you share a specific example from your time working there where you felt challenged in maintaining your Christian principles in this political environment in which we live?

Sims: There aren’t a lot of examples from the West Wing where there’s like a dramatic moment where it’s like, oh my gosh, I’m being asked to do something that is against my sincerely held beliefs.

I worked in the Trump White House and, fortunately, from a policy perspective, I was a fervent believer in a lot of things that we’re doing, what President Trump did from a policy perspective for the faith communityβ€”things like ending the β€œMexico City policy,” funding with taxpayer resources abortions in foreign countries, or putting pro-life justices on the Supreme Court, or instructing the Department of Justice to no longer … go after the nonprofit status of faith-based nonprofits that speak into divisive political issues. I think you can go down the list of these things.

. @Tgowdysc is joined by @Cliff_Sims as he dissects the clash between one’s political identity vs. spiritual identity when holding a position of power. https://t.co/6ov8gO1GMX pic.twitter.com/6EkRK0c4Mh

β€” FOX News Radio (@foxnewsradio) May 7, 2024

I think the wrestling with what serving in government meant for my faith or how my faith applied to that experience or where it was tested really has come more in retrospect. And I think the most direct example that I could give is the day that Joe Biden was inaugurated president, Jan. 20, 2021.

I was deputy director of national intelligence at the time, and I was standing alone in the nearly empty hallways of the CIA. And I was wandering those empty halls by myself because it was not just a transition moment for the country. I knew it was a transition moment for me, that this was going to be the last opportunity that I had to walk those halls, at least in the short term.

And I was wrestling with this nagging feeling that nothing that I will ever do in life will be this important. It’ll never be this big of a deal again. How could I ever find value in the work that I’m doing when it’s never going to be like this again? And, of course, that’s ego talking, but it’s also just wrong because what I learned through that process about work is that who we are working for is more important than what we are doing.

The Bible says whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord. And when you put work in its proper contextβ€”that whether I’m in the White House or in a coffee house I’m performing with excellence and there is meaning to it because I’m serving God in my workβ€”your work becomes an overflow of worship. And that’s a totally different way of looking at work.

So, I think the way to answer your question that my faith was tested was, I was in what C.S. Lewis would call the inner ring. I had access to power and influence and things that test your character. Only in retrospect was I able to come to terms with that is not what defines me. I’m not defined by the title that I have. The fact that my phone quit ringing when I left because people didn’t like me, they were calling me because of the title that I had. I had to come to terms with that.

Going through that and wrestling with that, I’ve been able to put my work, my career, in a much better, more biblical context.

Bluey: There’s so much in our culture that happens outside of government and politics, but obviously, 2024 is a big year. There’s a lot of focus on elections, not only at the national level, but local level. How much is at stake when it comes to the future of our country and the direction we go when it comes to electing leaders?

Sims: Every single election cycle, it feels like we say, β€œWell, this is the most important election of our lifetimes.” And it’s like, well, in retrospect, some of these elections were not as important as others. Let’s just be honest about them.

But this is another moment where I think we are at a real crossroads as a country and deciding kind of what to do, what direction we’re going to go. Are we going to go the path of limited government, more human freedom and flourishing? Are we going to go the path of bigger government, more intervention in our daily lives where the government does play a meaningful role in our daily lives here? Which I don’t want to happen.

Millions of college students may be protesting Israel, but if Trump wins 2024, Israel WILL have a loyal friend in the WH again. Former Deputy DNI @Cliff_Sims tells me how determined Trump was to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem: "[He said] I said I would do it. We're doing it." pic.twitter.com/jRxw7b9zNo

β€” Glenn Beck (@glennbeck) May 3, 2024

On every single issue from foreign affairsβ€”right now you’re seeing just mayhem in every corner of the world. From the Middle East to Eastern Europe to China’s breathing down Taiwan’s neck in Southeast Asia, foreign affairs to economics, where you’re going to have a decision and people aren’t thinking about early next year. We’re going to have to re-up the tax cuts that came for from the Trump presidency. Are we going to do that or we’re going to have to be more taxed and more regulated? All these different issues.

So, I do believe this is one of those elections that we’ll look back on and say that that was a really, really important election.

Bluey: What is one of the things that you hope readers take away from the book, especially those who may be feeling discouraged or disillusioned by the current state of politics and society today?

Sims: Thank you for asking that. I mean, I’ll go back to the title of the book, β€œThe Darkness Has Not Overcome.”

It comes from the Gospel of John 1:5, β€œThe light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” This is a promise from Scripture that we can lean on, even in the darkest of times, that Scripture makes it clear the good guys win. Again, we can skip to the end. End of the book: The good guys win.

It’s hard not to be discouraged at the moment. We have work to do, and we need to do everything that we can to spread the Gospel and fight for policies that we believe in government.

All these different things are very important. But even in the darkest times, we can lean on that promise that the darkness will not overcome this, that we have a hope that is bigger than our politics and it’s found in our relationship with God.

Bluey: I’m so glad the book is doing well. I encourage our Daily Signal listeners to pick up a copy wherever books are sold or online. Thank you so much for writing it and sharing your experiences and advice with us today.

Sims: Rob, thanks for having me. I love The Heritage Foundation, love The Daily Signal. Love everything that you guys do. It’s an honor to be on with you.

Photo courtesy of Cliff Sims.

The post Faith and Politics: An Insider’s View From Former Trump Aide Cliff Sims appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Before yesterdayU.S.

California University President Suspended After Agreeing to Boycott Israel

A university president in California was placed on leave Wednesday after sending a controversial email to the campus community on Tuesday announcing an agreement to boycott Israeli institutions -- apparently without authority.

The post California University President Suspended After Agreeing to Boycott Israel appeared first on Breitbart.

Anti-Israel Protesters End Encampment at Princeton

Anti-Israel protesters taking part in an encampment at Princeton University revealed that the encampment would be open for its last day on Wednesday.

The post Anti-Israel Protesters End Encampment at Princeton appeared first on Breitbart.

Pro-Hamas Activists Take Over UC Berkeley Building -- After Deal to End 'Encampment'

A group of radical pro-Palestinian activists took over a building at the University of California Berkeley on Wednesday, just hours after administrators and protesters struck a deal to end a weeks-long "encampment."

The post Pro-Hamas Activists Take Over UC Berkeley Building β€” After Deal to End β€˜Encampment’ appeared first on Breitbart.

Capitol Police Investigating 'Zip Lock Bag' of Cocaine in Headquarters Building

The United States Capitol Police (USCP) announced on Wednesday that they are investigating a "zip lock bag" left inside the agency's headquarters building that contained a "small amount" of cocaine.

The post Capitol Police Investigating β€˜Zip Lock Bag’ of Cocaine in Headquarters Building appeared first on Breitbart.

Poll: More Say Economy Will 'Get Better' if Trump Elected, 'Worse' if Biden Reelected

More believe the economy will "get better" if former President Donald Trump is elected in November, and more believe it will get "worse" if President Joe Biden wins a second term, a recent survey from the Economist/YouGov found.

The post Poll: More Say Economy Will β€˜Get Better’ if Trump Elected, β€˜Worse’ if Biden Reelected appeared first on Breitbart.

Dem Sen. Warner: Biden and I Did Bash Trump's Tariffs, But China Doesn't Play Fair

On Wednesday’s broadcast of CNBC’s β€œSquawk Box,” Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) responded to President Joe Biden’s prior criticism of the Trump China tariffs by stating that China doesn’t follow market rules and saying that β€œI’m sure I probably took a

The post Dem Sen. Warner: Biden and I Did Bash Trump’s Tariffs, But China Doesn’t Play Fair appeared first on Breitbart.

White House Can't Explain Why Egypt Is Blocking Aid to Gaza

The White House has criticized Israel in the past for the slow pace of humanitarian aid delivery, as well as for recent attacks by right-wing activists on aid trucks, but struggled Wednesday to criticize Egypt for blocking aid to Gaza.

The post White House Can’t Explain Why Egypt Is Blocking Aid to Gaza appeared first on Breitbart.

Trump Trial Becomes Prime Venue for Veep Contenders, Supporters

A dozen of former President Donald Trump's top supporters so far have shown up to Manhattan to support him, which not only likely engenders his gratitude, but also has become a high-profile speaking slot, with a crowd of reporters assigned to detail the trial's every development.

The post Trump Trial Becomes Prime Venue for Veep Contenders, Supporters appeared first on Breitbart.

Dem Rep. Moskowitz: 'Biden Has Been an Absolute Champion of Jewish People'

By: Pam Key Β·Β Pam Key

Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) saidΒ Wednesday on Fox News Channel's "American Reports" that President Joe Biden has been "has been an absolute champion of Jewish people."

The post Dem Rep. Moskowitz: β€˜Biden Has Been an Absolute Champion of Jewish People’ appeared first on Breitbart.

Karl Rove: Biden's Numbers Are So 'Bad,' He Had to Debate

By: Pam Key Β·Β Pam Key

Former George W. Bush adviser Karl Rove said Wednesday on Fox News Channel's "America Reports" that President Joe Biden had to agree to debate former President Donald Trump because his numbers were "bad."

The post Karl Rove: Biden’s Numbers Are So β€˜Bad,’ He Had to Debate appeared first on Breitbart.

Romney on Trump: He Won't Have a 'Cheering Crowd' at the Debate

By: Pam Key Β·Β Pam Key

Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT)Β said Wednesday on MSNBC's "Chris Jansing Reports" that former President Donald Trump can't rely on cheering crowds at the upcoming presidential debate with President Joe Biden.

The post Romney on Trump: He Won’t Have a β€˜Cheering Crowd’ at the Debate appeared first on Breitbart.

Biden Backs Internal Revolt in Netanyahu Government over Postwar Gaza

President Joe Biden is backing an internal revolt within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government over the fate of postwar Gaza, after defense minister Yoav Gallant publicly declared his opposition to long-term Israeli rule there.

The post Biden Backs Internal Revolt in Netanyahu Government over Postwar Gaza appeared first on Breitbart.

Mass Migration Milestone: Joe Biden's Parole Pipeline Brings Over a Million Foreign Nationals to U.S.

President Joe Biden’s parole pipeline has brought more than a million foreign nationals to the United States since its inception in January 2023 -- exceeding the populations of Wyoming, Vermont, Alaska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

The post Mass Migration Milestone: Joe Biden’s Parole Pipeline Brings Over a Million Foreign Nationals to U.S. appeared first on Breitbart.

GOP Congresswoman Rips Democrat Dan Goldman over Merchan, Cohen Controversy

The controversy could to raise a conflict of interest for Goldman, who seemed to say on MSNBC that heΒ prepared Cohen for his testimony in the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump.Β 

The post GOP Congresswoman Rips Democrat Dan Goldman over Merchan, Cohen Controversy appeared first on Breitbart.

Leah Sharibu, Christian Schoolgirl Abducted by Boko Haram 6 Years Ago, Turns 21 in Captivity

Nigerian Christians took the streets on Tuesday to protest their government's incompetence in containing the threat of radical Islamist terrorism, marking the 21st birthday of Christian longtime Boko Haram captive Leah Sharibu.

The post Leah Sharibu, Christian Schoolgirl Abducted by Boko Haram 6 Years Ago, Turns 21 in Captivity appeared first on Breitbart.

Chances of Cyprus peace talks restart look dimmer as Turkish Cypriot leader sees no common ground

Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar told U.N. envoy María Ángela Holguín Cuélla that he saw no common ground for a return to negotiations with Greek Cypriots to mend Cyprus' ethnic division.

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