Conservative Blogger
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Trump Downplays Rift With China on Iran Before Summit
President Donald Trump on Tuesday downplayed differences with President Xi Jinping over the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran as he headed to Beijing for a high-stakes summit with the Chinese leader. Trump has been unsuccessful in pressing Xi to use China's considerable leverage to prod Iran to agree to U.S. terms to end the more than 2-month-old war — or at least reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Just before he left the White House on Tuesday for his flight to Beijing, Trump sought to downplay differences with Xi over Iran and the shadow the conflict is casting on global oil markets. "We're going to have a long talk about it. I think he's been relatively good, to be honest with you," Trump said of his plans to discuss the conflict with Xi. Minutes later, he added: "We have a lot of things to discuss. I wouldn't say Iran is one of them, to be honest with you, because we have Iran very much under control." But Trump over the course of the conflict has veered between venting that China, the world's biggest buyer of Iranian oil, hasn't done more to get the regime in line and acknowledging that Xi's government helped de-escalate the conflict last month by nudging Tehran back to ceasefire talks when negotiations wobbled. Ahead of the visit, Trump sought to minimize the need to persuade Xi to change China's posture on Iran. Instead, the Trump administration seems determined not to let differences on Iran overshadow efforts to make headway on other difficult matters in the complicated relationship — including trade and further Chinese cooperation to block exports of fentanyl precursors. "I don't think we need any help with Iran," Trump said when asked by a reporter if he would press Xi to pressure Tehran. Beijing publicly insists that it wants to see the war end and has been working diplomatically behind the scenes to help its ally Pakistan push to broker a peace agreement. It has also sent a "subtle message of discontent to Iran" for closing the Strait of Hormuz and to the U.S. for its blockade of Iranian shipping, said Ahmed Aboudouh, a specialist on China's influence in the Middle East with the London-based Chatham House think tank. "They are very cautious, risk averse, and they don't want to be involved in anything that would drag them into something that they don't consider their problem," he said. Meanwhile, Kuwait on Tuesday accused Iran of dispatching an armed Revolutionary Guard team to launch a failed attack earlier this month on an island in the Middle East nation that is home to a China-funded port project. Iran didn't immediately acknowledge the allegation by Kuwait, which came under repeated attack by Iran in the war and even during the ceasefire still holding in the region. In recent days, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have stepped up their calls for China to use its influence to help reopen the strait, through which about 20% of the world's crude flowed before the war began. The State Department announced on Friday it was sanctioning four entities, including three China-based companies, for providing sensitive satellite imagery that enables Iranian military strikes against U.S. forces in the Middle East. Earlier, the Treasury Department moved to target Chinese oil refineries accused of buying oil from Tehran, as well as shippers of the oil. The sanctions cut off the companies from the U.S. financial system and penalize anyone who does business with them. Beijing has called the sanctions "illegal unilateral pressure" and enacted a blocking statute — passed in 2021 and never used until now — that prohibits any Chinese entity from recognizing or complying with the sanctions. Ahead of Trump's arrival, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi last week hosted his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, in Beijing. The Chinese foreign minister used the moment to defend Iran's right to develop civilian nuclear energy. Xi has also implicitly criticized the U.S. over the war. He has said that safeguarding international rule of law is paramount, adding it "must not be selectively applied or disregarded," nor should the world be allowed to revert "to the law of the jungle." Like Trump, Xi also has plenty of reason not to let differences over Iran adversely affect other facets of the relationship, analysts say. Beijing wants to guard against further deterioration of the U.S.-China relationship — something that would add further challenges to its economy. Since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran in late February, however, there have been difficult moments between Trump and Xi that threatened to set back the relative stability in their relationship. China has long supported Iran's ballistic missile program and backed it with dual-use industrial components that can be used for missile production, according to the U.S. government. Last month, Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on China after reports that Beijing was preparing to deliver a shipment of new air defense systems to Iran, but he later backed away from the threat, asserting that he had received written assurance from Xi that he would not provide Tehran with weapons. Days later, Trump said cryptically that the Navy had intercepted a Chinese vessel carrying a "gift" for Iran. He has not offered further explanation. Both Trump and Xi may be eager to avoid creating dark economic clouds, as they did last year, when the two powers appeared on the precipice of a trade war. Trump had set tariffs on Chinese goods at 145%, and China announced a further tightening of rare-earth export controls that would have hurt U.S. industry — before the governments backed off from inflicting maximalist penalties on each other. The two sides reached a truce in their long-running trade disputes in October. Trump and other administration officials have made the case that the Iran conflict — particularly the closure of the strait — has caused greater harm to China and its Pacific neighbors than it has to the United States, which is far less dependent on Middle East oil and has an export-driven economy. "You can't buy from them if you can't ship it there, and you can't buy from them if your economy is being destroyed by what Iran is doing," Rubio told reporters last week, making the case that it was in China's interest for Iran to let traffic resume. But for now, China has shown little interest in wading deeper into the conflict and has appeared reluctant to be seen siding with Washington. "It will be difficult to get the Chinese deeply involved under any circumstances," said Kurt Campbell, a former deputy secretary of state during the Biden administration and chair of The Asia Group. "They will want to be careful because they can see political quicksand as well as the next guy." ___ |
Not a Good Look: 'Flagrantly Racist' Post From Charlotte-Meck NAACP Prompts Long Overdue Backlash
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Last Thursday, RedState reported on the abrupt resignation of Charlotte, North Carolina, Mayor Vi Lyles (pictured above), effective June 30th, where she indicated it was time to spend more time with family. It was news that surprised many of the locals here because Lyles, a Democrat who has held the office since December 2017, is only six months into a two-year term. Health issues were floated by political observers as the reason for the decision. The 73-year-old Lyles had been notably absent from many official public functions, including zoning meetings, since her reelection and had also appeared confused, forgetful, and repetitive at the ones she did attend. The next step for the Charlotte City Council will be to appoint an interim mayor to serve out the remainder of Lyles' term. Not surprisingly, racial politics has entered the chat, and in a way that has disgusted many, including some of the city's minority voters. READ MORE: Speculation Swirls After Charlotte's Democrat Mayor, Vi Lyles, Abruptly Resigns On Monday, former Charlotte mayor Jennifer Roberts, also a Democrat, shared that she was interested in the interim mayor position, which she said she would serve without pay. Roberts, I should note, served for a number of years on the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners (including as its chairwoman) and was also Charlotte's mayor for two years before Lyles primaried her in 2017:
She also said she would not run for a full term once this one was up. Because Lyles is a Democrat, the position would have to go to someone else who was also a Democrat, per state law. With Roberts being a former mayor with years of experience in city and county government, it would seem like a natural, seamless fit for her to step into the role, right? Not to the race-mongers at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP, which wrote on Facebook Monday that the next mayor must be a black female Democrat or else (Roberts is white):
Considering some of the outright trash and hatefulness that have come out of the local NAACP over the last several years, seeing a backlash in the comments from other residents, including minority voters whom Democrats like to target, made me hopeful that not all hope is lost for my city. Here was a sampling of them:
Now, something else to keep in mind when you read that NAACP post and the claims about "black representation" is that they are threatening a City Council that is almost entirely made up of Democrat "people of color" that they will be primaried if they choose someone for interim mayor who doesn't look like them. Another local commenter shared the stats:
Anyone who wants a closer look can check out the City Council and Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners pages for the receipts. Demographic information for Char-Meck can be viewed here. By the way, Rev. Corrine Mack is who "leads" the Char-Meck NAACP, so none of this is too surprising: Racism in government and among the various special interest groups whose support they seek is bad, but this level is toxic indeed, so much so that it's caused a much-deserved and long-overdue backlash against it. While it's not anywhere near enough to change the dynamics in this city, it's a baby step forward in the rejection of the radical left's poisonous, destructive identity politics and racial games at a time when prominent Democrats at the state and national levels are fanning the flames about the "new Jim Crow South" and the "Confederate states" after the recent SCOTUS and SCOVA (Virginia Supreme Court) rulings related to redistricting. |
In Nashville, Capitol Tantrums Come With a Bill — and Tennessee Dems Just Received It
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We’ve reported on the tantrums, theatrics, and disruptions radical Dem lawmakers brought to the Tennessee House of Representatives on May 7. Although Democrats have been on the warpath nationally over redistricting, they really, really pout — and even allegedly shove state troopers — when they don’t get their way. But for every action there is a reaction, and the leftists are really going to shriek over this one. You see, Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R) just yanked all their committee assignments. If you’re going to fool around, don’t be surprised when you find out: The message: the House is not your personal protest space, and you don’t get to just turn it into another out-of-control, unhinged rally whenever the mood suits you. Sexton’s letter on Tuesday put House Democratic Leader Karen Camper on notice that such shenanigans will not be tolerated. This is what Democrats think is normal behavior these days:
KINDERGARTEN BEHAVIOR: Dem Legislator Has Wild Exchange With Cop During TN Redistricting Battle The Postscript to the Tennessee Democrat Redistricting Meltdowns Is Just Chef's Kiss State Rep. Justin Pearson (D-Memphis), who, as we reported, was one of the worst of the worst when it came to delinquent behavior, is already crying and charging “racism!” because to him, that’s at the heart of almost every issue. Cry harder. Or, just try behaving like an adult next time. What were they so upset about? Our Becky Noble reported on the battle as it unfolded in early May:
The legislature quickly approved the new map, and GOP Gov. Bill Lee signed it into law on May 7. The Democrats, obviously, were incensed, even though they were big-time cheerleaders for Virginia’s crazy redistricting scheme, which the state Supreme Court ruled was in violation of Virginia's Constitution, and California’s power grab with Prop. 50, a successful ballot measure that many pundits believe shredded the Golden State’s own constitution. The Democrats keep starting many of these redistricting fights — only to freak out when they lose. RedState’s Susie Moore just reported on yet another GOP win Tuesday: NEW: Missouri High Court Smacks Down Redistricting Challenge - and Referendum End Run Look on the bright side, Tennessee House Dems: many of you will have a lot more time on your hands to go out and protest ICE or scream “Jim Crow 2.0!” or whatever floats your boat. What you won’t be doing for the time being is serving on committees. |
Look Who Democrats Had To Bring Out To Help James Talarico
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As the heated race for Texas’ U.S. Senate seat develops, Democrats have decided to turn to one of the most divisive figures in American politics in hopes of mobilizing voters as their hopes of gaining control of the House are dwindling. Former President Barack Obama joined Democrat nominees for the Senate and Gubernatorial races James Talarico
and Gina Hinajosa
for an event in Texas’ deep-blue capital of Austin. Talarico could be spotted with a jarring smile in the photograph. Obama isn’t the only national figure that state Democrats have turned to in hopes of flipping the Senate seat. The guest of honor for the state Democratic convention is slated to be Sen. Bernie Sanders, the radical socialist who helped boost race-communist Zohran Mamdani into Gracie Mansion last November. Sen. Cory Booker and Gov. JB Pritzker will also be campaigning for fellow Democrats in the state.
While Talarico is relying on progressive radicals like Obama and Sanders to get him over the finish line, Republicans have yet to select a nominee. The run-off election between Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton will be held in two weeks on May 26. |
Bad Medicine Could Be in Store for MI's El-Sayed Over Issues Concerning His Medical Background
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Abdul El-Sayed is the frontrunner for Abdul El-Sayed, which is scheduled for August. He has gained notoriety—mostly negative—as he aligns himself with radical left-wing and potentially antisemitic factions within the Democratic Party. Some also accuse him of being a terrorist sympathizer, hanging out with figures like Hasan Piker, but we’re not going to focus on that low-hanging fruit today. El-Sayed claims he’s a medical doctor, but Politico, of all outlets, published a damaging piece exposing the far-left Democrat as having an inconsistent history in that regard, making it hard to determine if he’s even treated patients. Does he have fake credentials? No, but Mr. El-Sayed, at the very least, has not been completely transparent about a key part of his campaign. He may have the credentials and education of a medical professional, but he’s like Dr. Green from ER (via Politico) [emphasis mine]:
Some bad medicine could be headed for the Michigan Democrat. Will it be disqualifying? Who knows — that state and the Democratic Party overall are unraveling. In Maine, they’re about to nominate a man with Nazi tattoos to run against Susan Collins. |
Patel challenges Sen. Van Hollen to joint alcohol screening during hearing dispute
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The confrontation intensified when Van Hollen cited a recent report from The Atlantic alleging that Patel’s leadership has been damaged by alleged episodes of excessive drinking and unexplained absences.
In a defiant response, Patel dismissed the allegations as defamation and countered by daring Van Hollen to sit for a side-by-side alcohol assessment, asserting he would take any screening the senator was willing to take himself.
FBI
Director Patel: "The only person that was slinging margaritas in El
Salvador on the taxpayer dollar with a convicted gangbang rapist was
you."
— One America News (@OANN) May 12, 2026Watch OAN on Spectrum and YouTube TV Today! pic.twitter.com/WVfbHsJiNT
“Director Patel, I don’t care one bit about your private life. I don’t give a damn what you do on your own time and your own dime, unless and until it interferes with your public responsibilities. You cannot perform those public duties if you’re incapacitated,” Van Hollen responded.
“The only person who was slinging margaritas in El Salvador on the taxpayer dollar with a convicted gang banging rapist was you,” Patel shot back at Van Hollen, referring to his trip to El Salvador in April 2025, when he met with illegal alien Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
During the same hearing, Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-Wash.) also pressed Patel on the alleged weaponization of bureau resources, specifically questioning whether the agency had been utilized to investigate journalists responsible for critical reporting on his tenure.
Patel flatly denied the allegations, maintaining that no such retaliatory probes were underway, even as Murray expressed skepticism.
This exchange further fueled the session’s adversarial tone, as Murray joined Van Hollen in scrutinizing Patel’s conduct and the internal culture of the FBI under his leadership.
“We need serious leadership at the FBI that the American people can trust. And I am deeply concerned about the reports that your leadership has not been serious. We need somebody at this agency who’s focused on solving criminal cases, not passing out branded bourbon, or jetting around the globe. Your job is to be reachable,” said Murray.
“And I know Sen. Van Hollen asked you about this, but I have got to say, if you want to pass out liquor, or pop bottles in a locker room: stick to podcasting. Leave law and order to people who really do care about justice,” she added.
Resigned Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang Pleads Guilty as Chinese Agent
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Arcadia’s recently resigned mayor, Eileen Wang, has agreed to plead
guilty after federal prosecutors say she acted as an illegal agent of
the People’s Republic of China. The unsealed plea agreement paints a
clear picture: a local leader who ran a website that looked like
community news but, prosecutors say, pushed Beijing’s talking points.
This isn’t just bad local politics — it’s a national security problem
that touches every city in America with strong immigrant communities.What prosecutors uncoveredThe Justice Department unsealed a 19‑page plea agreement and charged Eileen Wang with acting in the United States as an illegal agent of a foreign government under 18 U.S.C. §951. The papers say Wang operated a site called the “U.S. News Center” that presented itself as community news for Chinese‑Americans but carried material at the direction and control of PRC officials. The filing even includes a message where Wang replied “Thank you leader” to a complimentary text from a Chinese official. The charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years, though actual punishment will depend on the plea terms and the court. Local fallout and a wider pattern Wang resigned from the Arcadia City Council and her rotating-mayor post after the documents were unsealed. Arcadia city leaders say they are taking the matter seriously, and residents have a right to be alarmed. Prosecutors linked Wang to Yaoning “Mike” Sun, a political operative who was sentenced last year to 48 months for similar conduct. These cases are not isolated paperwork — they are part of a broader push by DOJ and the FBI to use §951 and related tools to stop covert foreign influence in American politics. Why this matters to your townLocal government is supposed to answer to the people who live there, not to foreign capitals. When a website masquerades as community news while carrying foreign-directed propaganda, voters are robbed of honest information. This case shows how easy it can be to hide influence under the guise of outreach. The solution is clear: stronger vetting of candidates, better transparency about outside funding and contacts, and vigorous enforcement of foreign-agent laws. If you think only big cities are vulnerable, think again — small towns and local councils are prime targets. Arcadia’s story should be a wake-up call. The unsealed plea agreement and prosecutors’ statements make the charges hard to ignore, and Wang is expected to enter her plea in federal court soon. Americans who care about honest local governance should demand answers and fixes now — before another “community news” site turns out to be anything but. Accountability isn’t partisan; it’s common sense. Let’s treat it that way. |
Mayor Bass Under Fire: Was LA's Safety Sacrificed for Political Gain?
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A leaked recording of a phone call involving Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has reignited outrage after it appears she was warned about dangerous conditions before the Palisades Fire. The tape, which critics say shows Bass downplaying risks while jetting off to Ghana, has made clear that leadership mattered and leadership failed. The resurfacing of the audio has only confirmed what many Angelenos suspected: an out-of-touch mayor prioritized posturing abroad over public safety. Public records also show troubling gaps in communication: deleted text messages and a string of evasive replies during the blaze have raised questions about whether the mayor was actually reachable when her city needed her most. Local reporting uncovered texts and video calls that contradict the image of a hands-on chief executive, and those inconsistencies have only deepened the suspicion of a cover-up. Americans expect mayors to be present and accountable — not invisible during an emergency. Not surprisingly, Mayor Bass fired LAFD Chief
Kristin Crowley amid the fallout, a move that smelled more like
political theater than genuine reform. The Associated Press documented
the ouster and subsequent legal claims alleging a smear campaign and
retaliation, exposing the messy political calculus behind the headlines.
When public safety careers are tossed aside for optics, taxpayers
deserve answers, not spin. Even more damning is evidence that city fire officials tried to shield the mayor ahead of the release of the after-action report, according to an internal memo obtained by local journalists. Revelations about attempted message control and possible pre-emptive narrative management suggest this was less about learning lessons and more about protecting a political career. Transparency isn’t optional when lives and property are lost — it’s mandatory. Conservative voters and hard-working Angelenos are rightly furious: public safety and common-sense stewardship of city resources must come before political theater. The record of deleted texts, a leaked call, and a suspicious firing is a pattern of mismanagement that cannot be papered over with press releases or pundit shows. If City Hall refuses to clean house, citizens should remember these failures at the ballot box and demand leaders who actually put safety and results first. |
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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