President Donald Trump granted official pardons to a pair of turkeys — Gobble and Waddle — Tuesday afternoon.
At the 78th annual National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation, Trump pardoned Gobble, but he assured that Waddle was also spared. The president used the annual ceremony as an opportunity to slam Democrats and tout his administration’s agenda.
He claimed that a federal investigation determined that former President Joe Biden used an autopen at last year’s event.
“I have the official duty to determine, and I have determined that last year’s Turkey pardons are totally invalid,” he said.
Trump also renewed his calls for federal intervention in Chicago, claiming he could make the Windy City safer in four to ten weeks if Illinois Governor JB Pritzker would permit him to deploy National Guard troops.
Although the ceremony has spanned decades, starting when President Harry S. Truman was presented a turkey in 1947, John F. Kennedy was the first president to technically grant clemency to a turkey in 1963.
It wasn’t until 1989, when George H.W. Bush said he gave a bird a “presidential pardon,” that the tradition finally stuck.
Key Points
- Cutting Trump revokes Biden’s ‘autopen pardons’ of Thanksgiving turkeys as he jabs at Pelosi and Schumer
- Mark Kelly discusses Pentagon probe: 'I'm not going to be silenced'
- 'Justice has prevailed': Democrats praise federal judge's decision to toss Comey and James cases
- FBI wants to interview Mark Kelly and other Dems as veterans blast Pete Hegseth’s ‘sham’ investigation
ICYMI: Trump jokes some of his staff wanted to send pardoned turkeys to El Salvador megaprison
23:30 , Kelly RissmanLetitia James and over a dozen AGs sue Trump administration
23:10 , Kelly RissmanNew York Attorney General Letitia James, 18 other attorneys general and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania sued the Trump administration to “protect billions of dollars in grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development that provide housing and other critical services to help fight homelessness.”
“I'm suing the Trump administration to protect over $3 billion in funds that provide vital housing and services to fight homelessness. Cutting off these funds could put over 170,000 people at risk of homelessness. We must protect our most vulnerable neighbors,” James wrote on X.
The suit came Monday, the same day that a federal judge tossed the federal indictment against James, stating that Trump’s handpicked prosecutor was ‘unlawfully’ appointed.
Trump and Patel issue instant response after report claiming the president was going to fire FBI director drops during meeting
22:50 , Kelly RissmanThe White House quickly refuted a report that President Donald Trumpis considering removing FBI Director Kash Patel from his post amid recent controversies — with a spokesperson describing it as “fake news.”
MS NOW reported on Tuesday that the president and his aides have become frustrated by the unfavorable news coverage Patel has generated, citing three unnamed sources familiar with the matter.
In recent weeks, the nation’s top law enforcement official has come under scrutiny for his use of government aircraft, the security detail assigned to his girlfriend and conflicts with other administration members.
Brendan Rascius has the story.
Trump, Patel issue response after report claims the president may fire FBI director
What has Trump said about the Russia-Ukraine peace deal?
22:30 , Kelly RissmanPresident Donald Trump gave Urkainian President Volodymyr Zelensky until Thursday to agree to his peace plan, which has been widely criticized as favoring Russia.
Top officials from the US, Ukraine, and several European nations have been discussing the peace proposal in Geneva, Switzerland.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday there’s been a "tremendous amount of progress," but still some more to go.
“Over the past week, my team has made tremendous progress with respect to ending the War between Russia and Ukraine...The original 28-Point Peace Plan, which was drafted by the United States, has been fine-tuned, with additional input from both sides, and there are only a few remaining points of disagreement,” Trump wrote on Truth Social Tuesday.
“In the hopes of finalizing this Peace Plan, I have directed my Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with President Putin in Moscow and, at the same time, Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll will be meeting with the Ukrainians. I will be briefed on all progress made, along with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles,” he said, noting he hopes to meet with Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin “soon” when the “deal to end this War is FINAL or, in its final stages.”
Tucker Carlson puts Republican party on blast: ‘I hate them too much’
22:10 , Kelly RissmanTucker Carlson unloaded on the Republican party on a recent podcast, claiming the GOP had lost the Trump movement’s original “America First” message, the latest sign of the conservative commentator’s distance from the rest of the right amid backlash to his recent interview with Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes.
“On the Republican Party, which is almost to the point where it’s just useless, and I’m going to have to oppose it because I hate them too much, because they’re such betrayers,” Carlson told podcaster Shawn Ryan in a Monday episode where he ranted about how the party had ceased solving quality-of-life issues.
“They’re corrupt,” Carlson continued of the GOP donor and political class. “They don’t care that much or enough or at all about you. And they have an obligation to. So that’s the debate underway.”
Josh Marcus has the story.
Tucker Carlson puts Republican party on blast: ‘I hate them too much’
WATCH: Karoline Leavitt's son meets turkey to be pardoned by Trump
21:50 , Kelly Rissman'A reason First Amendment...comes before all others': Swalwell issues statement after suing Pulte
21:30 , Kelly RissmanCalifornia Rep. Eric Swalwell issued a statement after he sued Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, after he was referred for criminal prosecution for mortgage fraud.
The complaint alleges First Amendment and Privacy Act violations.
"Today I have filed a civil lawsuit against FHA director Bill Pulte for violating the Privacy Act and First Amendment. Director Pulte has combed through private records of political opponents. To silence them,” the statement read.
“There's a reason the First Amendment - the freedom of speech - comes before all others. As George Orwell said, ‘If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.’"
FEMA agents couldn’t survey Chicago storm damage because ICE had swarmed the area for raids: report
21:15 , Kelly RissmanA multi-agency team of about 50 people surveying storm-damaged Chicago was reportedly told to stand down earlier this month over concerns their operations would overlap with an unexpected contingent of ICE agents conducting patrols in the area.
On November 6, about ten groups of disaster workers, including those from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, were told to stand down for the day, as FEMA agents worried the presence of ICE agents and vehicles in the area could spark chaos or conflict that would put citizens and government employees at risk, The Washington Post reported.
Josh Marcus has the story.
FEMA couldn’t survey Chicago storm because ICE had swarmed the area for raids: report
ANALYSIS: Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation blows up Trump and Mike Johnson’s MAGA math
21:00 , Kelly RissmanPresident Donald Trump lashed out at a group of House Democrats who called for troops to uphold their oaths to the Constitution by demanding that the legislators be arrested and tried for posting a social media video where they urged military members to refuse unspecified unlawful orders.
Writing Thursday on Truth Social, Trump accused senators Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Mark Kelly of Arizona, plus Colorado Rep. Jason Crow, New Hampshire Representative Maggie Goodlander and Pennsylvania’s Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan had engaged in “seditious behavior at the highest level” and called the senators and representatives — all of whom are military veterans — “traitors to our country” who should be “arrested and put on trial.”
“Their words cannot be allowed to stand - We won’t have a Country anymore!!!” he added.
Eric Garcia has the story.
Trump calls for arrest of Democrats who told troops to refuse illegal orders
What have the six lawmakers said in response to the FBI inquiry?
20:45 , Kelly RissmanSeveral Democrats with military backgrounds issued a video message last week telling troops they “can and must refuse illegal orders.”
The FBI has requested interviews with these lawmakers, the Congress members confirmed.
Reps. Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander and Chrissy Houlahan issued a joint statement in response to the FBI inquiry. "President Trump is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress...No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our Constitution,” they wrote.
“We swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship."
Joint statement in response to FBI inquiry: pic.twitter.com/SYPWCnZpjA
— Rep. Jason Crow (@RepJasonCrow) November 25, 2025
Senator Elissa Slotkin remarked: “The President directing the FBI to target us is exactly why we made this video in the first place. He believes in weaponizing the federal government against his perceived enemies and does not believe laws apply to him or his Cabinet.”
“He uses legal harassment as an intimidation tactic to scare people out of speaking up. This isn’t just about a video. This is not the America I know, and I’m not going to let this next step from the FBI stop me from speaking up for my country and our Constitution,” she continued.
Senator Mark Kelly’s office told The Independent in a statement: “Our office has received this inquiry via the Sergeant at Arms. Senator Kelly won’t be silenced by President Trump and Secretary Hegseth’s attempt to intimidate him and keep him from doing his job as a U.S. Senator.”
Swalwell sues Trump official after he was referred to DOJ for mortgage fraud allegations
20:30 , Kelly RissmanCalifornia Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell is suing Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, for his “gross abuse of power” after referring him to the Justice Department for criminal prosecution over alleged mortgage fraud.
“Pulte has abused his position by scouring databases at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac—two government-sponsored enterprises—forthe private mortgage records of several prominent Democrats,” the complaint reads. “He then used those records to concoct fanciful allegations of mortgage fraud, which he referred to the Department of Justice for prosecution.”
The allegations in Pulte’s referral are “patently false,” an attorney for Swalwell wrote.
Trump celebrates after Indiana GOP says it will consider redistricting
20:15 , Kelly RissmanAfter mounting pressure from Trump, Indiana Republicans reversed course, with leaders from both houses of the state legislature saying they will reconvene next month to consider redrawing the state map.
The move comes after the president warned last month that he would be “strongly endorsing against any State Senator or House member from the Great State of Indiana that votes against the Republican Party, and our Nation, by not allowing for Redistricting for Congressional seats.”
On Tuesday, Trump celebrated the latest announcements from state leaders.
“I am glad to hear the Indiana House is stepping up to do the right thing, and I hope the Senate finds the Votes. If they do, I will make sure that all of those people supporting me win their Primaries, and go on to Greatness but, if they don’t, I will partner with the incredibly powerful MAGA Grassroots Republicans to elect STRONG Republicans who are ready to do what is needed to protect our Country and, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” he wrote on Truth Social.
Trump is considering ousting Kash Patel as FBI director: report
19:51 , Kelly RissmanPresident Donald Trump is reportedly weighing removing Kash Patel as FBI director, MS NOW reported.
Top aides have grown increasingly frustrated by the “unflattering headlines” surrounding Patel, sources told the outlet.
Reports recently surfaced that Patel gave his girlfriend FBI protection, sparking scrutiny.
A White House spokesperson told MS NOW: “President Trump has assembled the most talented and impressive Administration in history and they are doing an excellent job carrying out the President’s agenda. FBI Director Patel is a critical member of the President’s team and he is working tirelessly to restore integrity to the FBI.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt slammed the story as “completely made up.”
“In fact, when this Fake News published, I was in the Oval Office, where President Trump was meeting with his law enforcement team, including FBI Director Kash Patel. I read the headline to the President and he laughed. He said: ‘What? That’s totally false. Come on Kash, let’s take a picture to show them you’re doing a great job!’” she wrote.
FBI wants to interview Mark Kelly and other Dems as veterans blast Pete Hegseth’s ‘sham’ investigation
19:45 , Kelly RissmanThe FBI and Department of Justice are scheduling interviews with members of Congress who urged service members to ignore “illegal orders” and commit to their oath to the Constitution, escalating threats from Donald Trump’s administration against Democratic elected officials he accused of treason.
Senator Elissa Slotkin, a former CIA analyst who joined five other lawmakers in last week’s video statement, said she and other members received a note from the FBI’s counter terrorism division Monday night.
“To be honest the president’s reaction and the use of the FBI against us is exactly why we made the video,” she said in a Tuesday statement. “He believes in using the federal government against his perceived adversaries, and he’s not afraid to use the arms of the government against people he disagrees with. He does not believe the law applies to him.”
Alex Woodward has the story.
FBI interviewing Democrats over ‘illegal orders’ video as veterans blast ‘sham’ probe
WATCH: Trump talks about woman being set on fire at turkey pardoning with children present
19:30 , Kelly RissmanWhat has Senator Mark Kelly said amid Pentagon probe?
19:15 , Kelly RissmanThe Arizona Senator, who is also a retired astronaut and former naval officer, has vowed he will not be “silenced” after the Department of Defense said it’s conducting a “thorough review” of “serious allegations of misconduct.”
“I said something that was pretty simple and non-controversial, and that was that members of the military should follow the law. And in response to that, Donald Trump said I should be executed. I should be hanged. I should be prosecuted,” he told MS NOW host Rachel Maddow Monday night.
“I think it says a lot more about him than it says about me. He doesn't want accountability. But, Rachel, I'm not going to be silenced. I'm not going to be intimidated,” he added.
Kelly said he swore an oath to protect the Constitution when he was 22.
“In combat, I had a missile blow up next to my jet and flew through anti-aircraft fire to drop bombs on enemy targets. At NASA, I launched on a rocket, commanded the space shuttle, and was part of the recovery mission that brought home the bodies of my astronaut classmates who died on Columbia. I did all of this in service to this country that I love and has given me so much,” he wrote.
When I was 22 years old, I commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy and swore an oath to the Constitution. I upheld that oath through flight school, multiple deployments on the USS Midway, 39 combat missions in Operation Desert Storm, test pilot school, four space… pic.twitter.com/jMAlYEozQ6
— Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) November 24, 2025
WATCH: Zelensky confirms Trump talks and claims Ukraine will not be an obstacle to peace
19:00 , Kelly RissmanTrump abruptly pulls plan to announce Obamacare extension after ‘significant congressional backlash’: report
18:45 , Kelly RissmanJust minutes before President Donald Trump was set to unveil a plan to avert a massive hike for Obamacare health plans on Monday afternoon, the event was suddenly pulled — reportedly because of widespread Republican unease on the Hill.
On CNN, anchor Jessica Dean was forced to interrupt herself while interviewing a health expert to announce some breaking news as it came into her ear – that the event had been abruptly postponed.
Federal subsidies passed under the Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act are set to expire at the end of the calendar year, and many Americans are already receiving notice that the monthly cost of their health care plans could jump by hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
John Bowden has the story.
Trump pulled Obamacare extension after ‘significant congressional backlash’: report
FBI scheduling interviews with lawmakers who told troops to refuse 'illegal orders': report
18:30 , Kelly RissmanThe FBI has requested interviews with six Congressional Democrats who issued a video statement telling military service members they “can and must refuse illegal orders,” according to Fox News.
The lawmakers with military backgrounds who appeared in the video are Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin and Reps. Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan.
President Donald Trump went so far as to call their message “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!"
"In the military, vague rhetoric and ambiguity undermines trust, creates hesitation in the chain of command, and erodes cohesion," Hegseth wrote on X Tuesday.
"The military already has clear procedures for handling unlawful orders. It does not need political actors injecting doubt into an already clear chain of command."
ICYMI: DOJ asks judge to unseal documents in New York Epstein case
18:15 , Kelly RissmanIn light of the newly passed Epstein Files Transparency Act, the Justice Department asked a judge in Jeffrey Epstein’s New York criminal case to unseal documents.
The act obligates the attorney general to make public materials related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days.
The court rejected the DOJ’s motion to unseal the grand jury transcripts in the case earlier this year. Now, the DOJ is renewing that motion.
“The Court should authorize the Departmentof Justice to release the grand jury transcripts and exhibits and modify any preexisting protective orders that would otherwise prevent public disclosure by the Government of materials the disclosure of which is required by the Act,” Attorney General Pam Bondi, deputy AG Todd Blanche, and United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton wrote in a Monday filing.
Erika Kirk talks TPUSA support for JD Vance in 2028 as widow is trolled over intense hug with veep: ‘Love language’
18:00 , Kelly RissmanErika Kirk said that Turning Point USA would support Vice President JD Vance’s possible 2028 election bid as she also addressed backlash to an intense hug between the pair on stage.
Kirk, who is now the CEO of the conservative movement’s leading young Republicans group following the assassination of her husband Charlie Kirk, has been dogged by trolls since she embraced Vance last month at a Turning Point campaign event.
The mother of two spoke of similarities between her late husband and Vance before she welcomed him on stage and hugged him, and then placed her hand on the back of his head.
Rhian Lubin has the story.
Erika Kirk talks TPUSA support for JD Vance in 2028 after their intense hug
Cutting Trump revokes Biden’s ‘autopen pardons’ of Thanksgiving turkeys as he jabs at Pelosi and Schumer
17:50 , Kelly RissmanPresident Donald Trump turned what was meant as a lighthearted Thanksgiving presidential tradition into a stage for partisan complaints, swipes at his predecessor and gruesome rants about crime in Democratic-led cities as he used the annual ceremony to “pardon” a pair of turkeys as a stage for familiar grievances.
After boasting to guests — including Vice President JD Vance’s wife and children — about how his recently-renovated patio in the White House Rose Garden was keeping them from “sinking into the mud” as a light rain fell on Washington, Trump said he had an “important announcement” to make before pardoning this year’s turkeys, dubbed Gobble and Waddle by the White House.
He claimed a “thorough and very rigorous investigation by Pam Bondi and all of the people at the Department of Justice, the FBI, the CIA and the White House Counsel’s Office” had determined that then-president Joe Biden had used an autopen to pardon last year’s birds, Peach and Blossom.
Andrew Feinberg has the story.
Cutting Trump revokes Biden’s ‘autopen pardons’ of Thanksgiving turkeys last year
WATCH: Trump insults Biden, Pelosi and Schumer during turkey pardoning
17:40 , Kelly RissmanIn photos: Trump pardons turkey after making jabs at Democrats and touting his record
17:32 , Kelly Rissman
Trump pardons Gobble in annual tradition
17:27 , Kelly RissmanApproaching Gobble, the president granted a pardon.
“You are hereby unconditionally pardoned,” Trump said a foot away from the bird.
He then pet Gobble, saying: “Who would want to harm this beautiful bird?”
Waddle will also be pardoned.
President slams Illinois governor and touts his crime crackdown ahead of turkey pardons
17:22 , Kelly RissmanPresident Donald Trump used the 78th annual National Turkey Presentation to discuss his main talking points: his crime crackdown, immigration policies, and attacks against Democrats.
He brought up Chicago, where Trump has called for federal intervention.
“It’s horrible what’s happening in Chicago. We can make Chicago a safe city in a period of four weeks...in a period of eight weeks, nine weeks, 10 weeks.”
He took aim at Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, calling him “a big fat slob” who should “invite us in” to do what the administration has done in DC.
Trump slams Schumer and Pelosi while talking about turkeys: 'I shouldn't say this'
17:16 , Kelly RissmanDonald Trump took aim at Democrats Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi before pardoning turkeys, minutes after slamming Biden’s autopen.
“When I first saw their pictures, I thought we should send them -- well, I shouldn’t say this. I was going to call them Chuck and Nancy,” he said.
“But I realized I wouldn’t be pardoning them. I would never pardon those two people.”
Trump speaks before pardoning 'two handsome Thanksgiving turkeys'
17:12 , Kelly Rissman“This is a big day, this is a pardon day for a very important beast,” President Donald Trump said.
The president wished Americans a happy Thanksgiving. Before Trump spoke the next sentence, the turkey gobbled during the pause. “That’s a very well trained turkey,” the president joked.
He said he plans to pardon two “handsome Thanksgiving turkeys” today before taking a jab at former President Joe Biden’s alleged use of an autopen.
Speaking of the two turkeys Biden pardoned last year, Trump claimed they weren’t actually pardoned and he pardoned them in the nick of time: “I have stopped that journey and I am officially pardoning them and they will not be served for Thanksgiving dinner.”
WATCH Live: Trump pardons Thanksgiving turkeys at the White House
17:00 , Kelly RissmanThe president will soon pardon a turkey as part of the 78th annual National Turkey Presentation.
You can watch the ceremony live here.
GOP Senator launches probe into states' compliance with Trump's order banning transwomen from women’s sports
16:50 , Kelly RissmanLouisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy is launching an investigation into more than a dozen Democratic-led states to look into their compliance with President Donald Trump’s “Keeping men out of women’s sports” order.
The government will rescind federal funds from education programs that “deprive women and girls of fair athletic opportunities,” according to the February executive order.
The Senator plans to investigate California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Washington, D.C, according to a release. He claimed these states are “defying” Title IX.
Cassidy, the chair of Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, said that in his role, it is my priority to ensure women and girls have every opportunity to succeed on the field and in the classroom,” he said in a statement.
“This means ensuring that states receiving federal financial assistance for educational programs comply with federal law and federal agency directives.”
MAGA senator slams Trump’s $2,000 check plan: ‘We can’t afford it’
16:40 , Kelly RissmanWisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson has unexpectedly broken with President Donald Trump over his proposal to hand out tariff dividend checks worth “at least” $2,000 to American taxpayers, saying bluntly: “We can’t afford it.”
During an interview with Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business Monday, Johnson, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, was asked: “So, what about the $2,000 checks the president has been talking about?
“Would that fly in terms of passing the Congress, or do you expect that the only way that could actually see the light of day is through a second reconciliation package?”
Joe Sommerlad has the story.
MAGA senator slams Trump’s $2,000 check plan: ‘We can’t afford it’
'Degradation in civility': Duffy advises passengers against wearing pajamas on planes
16:30 , Kelly RissmanTransportation Secretary Sean Duffy urges passengers to “dress a little bit better” when flying, advising against wearing pajamas, as holiday travel ramps up.
He said he’s noticed “a degradation in civility” among flight passengers, just ahead of some of the busiest travel days of the year. Airlines are expected to carry more than 31 million people from November 21 through December 1, according to trade association Airlines for America.
"You know, whether it's a pair of jeans and a decent shirt, I would encourage people to maybe dress a little bit better, which encourages us to maybe behave a little better," Duffy said Monday at New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport.
"Let's try not to wear slippers and pajamas as we come to the airport. I think that's positive."
He also encouraged passengers to "say please and thank you to our pilots and to our flight attendants.”
In photos: Donald Trump grants presidential pardons to turkeys over the years
16:15 , Kelly Rissman2017:
2018:
2019:
2020:
What was the video that prompted Donald Trump to call for Democrats' arrests?
15:55 , Kelly RissmanJesse Watters praises Pentagon’s investigation into Mark Kelly
15:40 , Kelly RissmanFox News’ Jesse Watters praised the Pentagon’s investigation into Democratic Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, proclaiming on air last night, “You have to make examples out of people.”
His comments came hours after Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth launched an investigation into Kelly, a retired Navy commander, over a video he and five other Democrats posted urging members of the military to disobey illegal orders.
“You can’t have the deep state interfering with a duly elected presidency and get away with it,” Watters said on The Five. “You gotta draw the line in the sand…”
Co-host Kennedy chimed in, saying “I think that Senator Kelly might have violated the FAFO [F*** Around, Find Out] doctrine and he’s gonna find out the hard way that there, unfortunately, are consequences.”
She accused the six Democrats — all of whom are military veterans or intelligence community professionals — of attempting to muddy the waters around the chain of command.
Brendan Rascius has the story.
‘You have to make examples’: Jesse Watters praises investigation into Mark Kelly
'Proud of you, sweetie': Gabby Giffords defends husband after Pentagon threatens to prosecute him
15:25 , Kelly RissmanGabby Giffords, former Arizona Senator and wife of Senator Mark Kelly, defended her husband after the Pentagon said it would probe the Democrat following his video message telling military service members they “can and must refuse illegal orders.”
Giffords wrote on X: “Intimidation tactics are not going to keep @SenMarkKelly from his duty to protect our constitution.”
“My husband is a patriot. He’s served our country since he was 22 years old – no matter how dangerous the mission. That’s who he is. Proud of you, sweetie.”
Hegseth seeks to cut ties with the Scouts: report
15:10 , Kelly RissmanDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth is planning for the military to sever all ties with Scouting America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts, according to a report.
In a draft memo to Congress, which has not been sent, Hegseth accused the group of having become designed to "attack boy-friendly spaces," according to documents obtained by NPR.
The military has supported the Scouts for decades, according to the outlet.
"The organization once endorsed by President Theodore Roosevelt no longer supports the future of American boys," Hegseth reportedly said, accusing the group of becoming “genderless.”
A Pentagon spokesperson said the department couldn’t comment on "leaked documents that we cannot authenticate and that may be pre-decisional."
The Independent has reached out to the Pentagon for comment.
'Justice has prevailed': Democrats praise federal judge's decision to toss Comey and James cases
14:45 , Kelly RissmanSeveral prominent Democrats celebrated after a federal judge threw out the indictments against Trump’s perceived political foes James Comey and Letitia James.
The federal judge ruled that Lindsay Halligan, Trump’s handpicked prosecutor, was unlawfully appointed.
“Turns out that replacing a qualified federal prosecutor with… ...an insurance lawyer with no prosecutorial experience… ...to more easily target your political opponents… ...is unlawful,” Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth remarked in a social media post.
“It’s always a relief when a branch of government does their job! This is a win for Comey & AG James, but ALSO the American people!” Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett wrote on X.
“Sadly, in Trump’s America, it is clear that we all must now pray for the safety of the Judge. In Trump’s America, following the law is an act of courage… while breaking the law, on his behalf, is demanded,” she added.
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani posted: “Justice has prevailed today. This is a victory for our democracy, for the rule of law, and for one of New York’s fiercest fighters.”
Outrage as memo reveals Trump is going after refugees admitted to the US under Biden: ‘Unspeakably cruel’
14:30 , Kelly RissmanThe Trump administration is planning to re-interview and potentially revoke the status of hundreds of thousands of refugees admitted to the U.S. during the Biden administration, the latest move by the White House to drastically curtail resettlements inside the U.S., a government memo reveals.
The November memo, signed by Joseph Edlow, the director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, directs the agency to review and re-interview all of the roughly 233,000 refugees who were admitted to the country between January 20, 2021, and February 20, 2025, and blocks processing of green card applications from refugees admitted during that time period.
It criticizes the prior administration for allegedly having “prioritized expediency and quantity,” and characterizes the unprecedented move to reexamine every refugee admission during former president Joe Biden’s time in office as a necessary measure to assess national security vulnerabilities.
Read the full story.
Trump administration will subject Biden-era refugees to more vetting: report
WATCH: First lady Melania Trump receives the White House Christmas tree
14:20 , Kelly RissmanMAGA loyalist admits Trump’s Mamdani ‘full-on bromance’ caught him off guard
14:10 , Kelly RissmanMAGA pundit Jack Posobiec has said he was surprised by President Donald Trump’s unexpectedly cordial meeting with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at the White House on Friday.
Before their first in-person encounter, the pair had traded vicious barbs at a distance throughout the democratic socialist’s victorious run for City Hall, with Trump calling him a “100% Communist Lunatic” and threatening to withdraw federal funding to his hometown if he won.
But, contrary to expectations, they seemed to get on famously in the Oval Office, with the president even reacting good-humoredly when a reporter asked Mamdani whether he still considered Trump a “fascist,” telling his guest to answer “yes” because it was easier than mounting an explanation.
MAGA loyalist admits Trump’s Mamdani ‘full-on bromance’ caught him off guard
Schumer likens Trump to 'dictator' amid feud with Democratic lawmakers
14:00 , Kelly RissmanAfter six Democratic lawmakers issued a video statement telling military service members they “can and must refuse illegal orders,” President Donald Trump slammed the members of Congress as exhibiting “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”
The Pentagon has since vowed to probe Arizona Democratic Senator Mark Kelly for alleged “serious allegations of misconduct.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned Trump’s remarks and the Department of Defense’s latest move.
“Trump is attempting to use the Pentagon as his personal attack dog. Just days after calling for violence against members of Congress. This is what dictators do. I stand with Sen. Kelly, as should any American who doesn’t want to be ruled by a King,” Schumer said on X.
Trump is attempting to use the Pentagon as his personal attack dog.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) November 24, 2025
Just days after calling for violence against members of Congress.
This is what dictators do.
I stand with Sen. Kelly, as should any American who doesn’t want to be ruled by a King. https://t.co/s4gOHW7o4X
Senate Democrats demand Trump administration 'justify' Venezuela strikes
13:50 , Kelly RissmanConnecticut Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal and a dozen of his colleagues in the Senate are demanding the Trump administration to declassify and publicly release “documents justifying” the 21 “unauthorized military strikes” in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean since September.
The strikes have killed more than 80 people.
The Senators wrote a letter, dated November 24, to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, stating: “Few decisions are more consequential for a democracy than the use of lethal force.”
In an X post, Blumenthal said: “Up to this point, Trump’s public explanation for these attacks has been lacking in key respects & seriously flawed. The American people shouldn’t be kept in the dark about the supposed legal reasoning for this action.”
Read the full letter here:
Pentagon threatens to court martial Sen. Mark Kelly over ‘illegal orders’ video that sparked Trump and MAGA fury
13:40 , Kelly RissmanThe Department of Defense is performing a “thorough review” of “serious allegations of misconduct” against Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, a naval veteran and astronaut who joined members of Congress to urge service members to honor their oath to the Constitution.
Kelly and several other lawmakers with military backgrounds issued a video statement last week telling troops they “can and must refuse illegal orders,” emphasizing that threats to constitutional order can emerge “from right here at home.”
President Donald Trump labeled the Democratic officials “traitors” who “SHOULD BE IN JAIL RIGHT NOW” as he raged against them in a series of Truth Social statements in the days that followed. “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!,” he wrote.
Alex Woodward has the story.
Pentagon investigating Mark Kelly over ‘illegal orders’ video that sparked Trump fury
Mark Kelly discusses Pentagon probe: 'I'm not going to be silenced'
13:30 , Kelly RissmanSenator Mark Kelly spoke out about the Department of Defense’s “review,” defending his and other lawmakers’ video message as “non-controversial.”
“I said something that was pretty simple and non-controversial, and that was that members of the military should follow the law,” he told MS NOW host Rachel Maddow Monday night.
“And in response to that, Donald Trump said I should be executed. I should be hanged. I should be prosecuted. He even went on and said something about, ‘go get them,’ I guess sending a mob to round me and the other folks up. So this is -- I think it says a lot more about him than it says about me. He doesn't want accountability.”
The Democratic Senator continued: “But, Rachel, I'm not going to be silenced. I'm not going to be intimidated.”
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle defend Senator Mark Kelly amid Pentagon 'review'
13:20 , Kelly RissmanBipartisan lawmakers have slammed the Pentagon’s decision to conduct a “thorough review” of “serious allegations of misconduct” against Senator Mark Kelly.
“F*** you and your investigation,” fellow Arizona Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego wrote on X in response to the Department of Defense’s announcement.
Nebraska Republican Don Bacon similarly remarked: “Amateur hour once again at the Department of Dense. I thought the video by six Dems was unnecessary and foolish. But the threats of sedition charges and courts martial in response are also crazy. Let’s show some common sense and restraint.”
Colorado Democratic Rep. Jason Crow, one of the lawmakers in the video, posted: “You can’t bully a patriot. I stand with @SenMarkKelly. This is a decisive moment.”
“Trump is trying to incite violence, intimidate, and punish those who speak up to hold him accountable. But the only thing we fear is not rising to this moment and defending the country we love. Nothing will stop us from upholding our oath and defending the Constitution,” Crow continued.
'Seditious Six knew exactly what they were doing,' Hegseth says of lawmakers who posted video about military orders
13:14 , Kelly RissmanOn Monday, the Department of Defense said it’s performing a “thorough review” of “serious allegations of misconduct” against Arizona Democratic Senator Mark Kelly and several other lawmakers with military backgrounds issued a video last week telling troops they “can and must refuse illegal orders.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday morning called the video that Kelly and others posted as a “politically-motivated influence operation.”
“In the military, vague rhetoric and ambiguity undermines trust, creates hesitation in the chain of command, and erodes cohesion. The military already has clear procedures for handling unlawful orders. It does not need political actors injecting doubt into an already clear chain of command,” Hegseth said.
“As veterans of various sorts, the Seditious Six knew exactly what they were doing — sowing doubt through a politically-motivated influence operation. The @DeptofWar won’t fall for it or stand for it,” he wrote.
The despicable video urging @DeptofWar troops to “refuse illegal orders” may seem harmless to civilians — but it carries a different weight inside the military.
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) November 25, 2025
This was a politically-motivated influence operation:
☑️ It never named a specific “illegal order.”
☑️ It created…
WATCH: Turkeys 'Gobble' and 'Waddle' get VIP treatment at luxury hotel ahead of White House Thanksgiving pardon
13:10 , Kelly RissmanMeet Gobble and Waddle
13:08 , Kelly RissmanTomorrow’s @WhiteHouse Turkey Pardon Ceremony with @POTUS and @FLOTUS is now scheduled for 12PM ET.
— Office of the First Lady (@FirstLadyOffice) November 24, 2025
Remember to vote by texting GOBBLE or WADDLE to 45470! pic.twitter.com/TgDojDmiAK
Two turkeys to be granted clemency
13:06 , Kelly RissmanA pair of turkeys are set to be pardoned by President Donald Trump Tuesday afternoon, marking the 78th annual holiday tradition.
Either Waddle or Gobble — the two turkeys — will participate in the ceremony, but both will be spared, according to the Office of the First Lady.
