Democrat lawmakers' top priorities are keeping
the Department of Homeland Security shut down and
"restricting" President Donald Trump from attacking "terrorists," Rep.
Randy Fine, R-Fla., told Newsmax on Tuesday.
Appearing on Newsmax's "Wake Up America," Fine
blasted Democrats for what he described as political obstruction at a
time of escalating tensions with Iran and heightened domestic security
concerns.
His remarks come as U.S. Central Command reported American forces
struck Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities, missile launch
sites, and drone infrastructure after Iran allegedly launched drones at
the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Trump has said Operation Epic Fury could last four to five weeks, or
longer if necessary, vowing the U.S. will stay engaged until its
objectives are achieved.
Fine said he was not surprised by the lack of bipartisan unity.
"The fact of the matter is we've got people who hate America," Fine
said, arguing that Democrats have allowed millions into the country who
do not share American values.
"As I return to Washington, my top priority is getting the Department
of Homeland Security open so we can be protected from terrorists.
Democrats' top priority this week is stopping us from attacking
terrorists by restricting President Trump."
Congress is preparing to vote on a war powers resolution that would limit the president's military authority.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has warned the move would undermine national security.
Fine predicted the effort would "backfire" on Democrats, accusing them of prioritizing political resistance over public safety.
"Right now, the Department of Homeland Security — literally the
people whose job it is to protect America — that part of our government
is shut down," Fine said. "Democrats are whipping votes to keep it
closed. Their priority is to keep DHS closed and stop us from fighting
Muslim terror. It is insane."
Fine also referenced Sunday's mass shooting in Austin, Texas, in
which the alleged suspect reportedly wore clothing referencing Iran and
Islam.
The lawmaker warned that "sleeper cells are no longer sleeping" and expressed concern about threats inside America.
"These people aren't asleep. They are telling us they want to kill
us," Fine said, pointing to what he described as radical rhetoric from
some religious leaders mourning Iranian figures.
Defense analysts note that U.S. forces maintain overwhelming
superiority in the region, with sustained airstrikes aimed at degrading
Iran's military capacity.
Washington Post correspondent Dan Lamothe shared a message from
Admiral Charles Bradford Cooper II, Commander of United States Central
Command (CENTCOM),
to the roughly 50,000 United States troops who are
part of Operation Epic Fury.
This is the mindset and mentality of the Warrior Ethos, and in this most crucial time, it is absolute fire.
To America's extraordinary sons and daughters deployed around the Middle East,
By
order of the President of the United States, we are embarking on a
mission of profound consequence. The time for preparation is over. The
time for action has arrived.
As we move from deterrence into
active combat, I write to tell you how honored I am to serve with you -
the most exceptional Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Guardians and
Coast Guardsmen on this earth.
Some of you are stationed in the
Middle East. Many of you have deployed overseas on short notice. Others
have been extended on deployment for this critical mission. You
represent the strongest, most lethal warfighting force the world has
ever known. You all selflessly serve our country and make us so very
PROUD.
Since 1979, the Iranian Regime has killed and wounded
thousands of Americans, and they continue to threaten Americans and our
friends. Today, by your courage and grit, you will change the course of
human history.
My guidance for you is simple:
Be Relentlessly Lethal: In the heat of conflict, remember who you are. Let your conduct be as professional as your aim is precise.
Take Care of Your Teammates. The men and women on your flanks, in front of you, and those at your six are your Guardian Angels. Be theirs.
Steady Your Resolve.
Combat is inherently chaotic. The hours, days and perhaps weeks ahead
will challenge you. There will be noise and confusion. Fall back on your
training. If is the best in the world.
You are the shield of the free world, and today, you are its sharpest sword.
As the eyes of the world fix upon us, stay safe, and GODSPEED.
Adm. Cooper's written message was almost a mirror image of Secretary
of War Pete Hegseth's message to the Joint Forces, strengthening resolve
and stirring confidence.
SecWar said:
This is
your moment. This is the generational turning point America has waited
for since 1979, and since the rudderless wars of hubris, my generation,
our generation, endured. Don't listen to the noise. Just stay focused.
Our Commander-in-Chief is steady at the wheel.
We face a
determined enemy, but you are better. But we must prove it every single
day. History doesn't care if we're tired, if we're scared, or if the
fight feels big, it demands Warriors who will rise anyway.
Peace
through Strength. The Warrior Ethos. Lethality. Unity of Purpose, those
are not slogans. They're the beating heart of what it means to wear the
uniform. That uniform. You think clearly under fire, you act decisively
in chaos, you uphold the Constitution. And you uphold our country
without hesitation. We are not defenders anymore, we are Warriors.
Trained to kill the enemy and break their will. History is watching, be
the force you swore an oath to be: focused, disciplined, lethal, and
unbreakable.
We will finish this on America First conditions of
President Trump's choosing. Nobody else's; as it should be. And know
this, above all, President Trump and I have your back. Always. Through
fire, through criticism, through fake news, through everything. We
unleash you because you are the best, most powerful, most lethal
fighting force the world has ever seen.
May Almighty God watch over you and his providential arms of protection extend over you. Godspeed Warriors, and keep going.
The bill for Paramount Skydance’s takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery is coming due.
On
Monday, Fitch Ratings downgraded Paramount’s corporate and long-term
borrower ratings from BBB-minus to BB-plus, pushing the company into
junk territory following its agreement to acquire the larger rival.
The move reflects what Fitch says will be a combined net debt load of roughly $79 billion once the transaction closes.
In its statement, Fitch pointed to pressure from both the broader media environment and the structure of the deal itself:
“The
downgrade reflects competitive pressures across the media sector” and
pressure on free cash flow from transformation costs, Fitch said, adding
that leverage and free cash flow may take longer than anticipated to
improve.
At approximately $110 billion in
total value, Paramount’s bid ranks among the largest media mergers ever
attempted. The offer includes $31 per share in cash and significant
regulatory-related termination costs tied to the collapse of Netflix’s
previous negotiations.
Netflix’s
withdrawal changed the game. As previously reported, the company
stepped away from talks, stating that matching Paramount Skydance’s
latest offer was “no longer financially attractive.” That decision
cleared the path for David Ellison’s Paramount group, which had been
pressing for the full Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio, including linear
television assets such as CNN and TNT Sports.
Paramount did not inherit this position. It bid into it.
That decision now carries leverage. Fitch has placed
the company on negative watch pending further details on financing and
deleveraging plans. Moving from the lowest investment-grade tier into
junk status raises borrowing costs and tightens refinancing flexibility
at the very moment integration risk is highest.
Markets reacted accordingly. Shares of Paramount Skydance slipped early Monday, while Warner Bros. Discovery ticked modestly higher.
The
debt adds another layer of risk to an already consequential
acquisition. The proposed takeover would reshape control over Warner
Bros. Studios, HBO, and CNN.
At CNN,
the reaction was immediate. Chief Mark Thompson sent a memo to staff
urging them not to “jump to conclusions” and to stay focused while the
deal works through
the regulatory process. The note came amid speculation that new
ownership might mean new editorial guardrails. Warner Bros. Discovery
CEO David Zaslav acknowledged
internally that Paramount’s win over Netflix “feels a little
whiplashy,” and suggested the transaction could take six months to
close.
Nerves frayed inside the newsroom. After
Paramount took control of CBS News last summer, the company settled a
lawsuit filed by President Trump against “60 Minutes.” Ellison later
installed a Republican ombudsman at CBS and brought
in Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief. For some inside the industry, those
moves were treated less as management decisions and more as proof that
the editorial sky might be falling
For now, however, the immediate question is financial.
Can Paramount comfortably service the debt it has taken on?
Fitch’s
downgrade does not end the deal, but it narrows the margin for error.
In an industry already strained by streaming saturation, advertising
volatility, and the erosion of legacy cable revenues, that margin may
determine whether this becomes a landmark acquisition or a cautionary
one.
As RedState’s Ben Smith reported earlier Monday,
three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury
went down in what is being described as a friendly fire incident.
Kuwaiti air defenses reportedly shot them down accidentally, but all six
aircrew managed to eject safely, have been recovered, and are in stable
condition.
Now, there are multiple photos and videos
circulating on social media that claim to show the airmen during and
after the incident. They have not been officially confirmed, but there
are no “community notes” on the posts, and CENTCOM has not disavowed
them.
Multiple reports indicate that at least some of the pilots were rescued by grateful Kuwaitis:
Kuwait put out a statement saying that the pilots in stable condition.
Of note — one of our pilots is a female and appears to be safe.
Then
there’s this priceless clip, which appears to show a grinning pilot
being checked on by a concerned citizen who says, “You are safe. Thank
you for helping us!"
“This is the most wholesome video of a shot-down pilot I've ever seen,” wrote podcaster Noam Blum on X.
This is reportedly video of one of the jets crashing and two crewmembers parachuting to safety:
As
you can see from the video of the crash, and from the fact that three
aircraft were downed altogether, this incident could have ended up much
worse. Sure, those planes are expensive, but thankfully, the pilots
didn’t land in enemy territory. Doubtless, there will be investigations
into what happened, but our servicemembers are fine, and that’s what’s
important.
Other Kuwaitis were apparently willing to help as well:
Assuming
that these photos and videos are real, they show that the efforts by
the U.S. are widely appreciated, as also shown by the outpouring of
celebrations around the world. Now, if only the Democrats were as supportive.
Editor's Note: For decades,
former presidents have been all talk and no action. Now, Donald Trump is
eliminating the threat from Iran once and for all.
President Trump and Israel
have decapitated Iran—literally. Its ballistic missile capabilities have
been severely degraded. Its political leadership was annihilated, and
its military command structure was eliminated. It’s a rogue state for
all intents and purposes. The world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism
is no more, its nuclear weapons ambitions buried under the rubble of
its dead leaders, and only the Democrats are complaining.
There’s forever war nonsense being spewed, along with the laughable
talking point that this is an illegal war. Only anti-Trump clowns and
libertarians who’ve never won anything are whining. Regarding the former
group, that would be white wine-guzzling liberal women. The last
talking point is also a moot point, because when then-President Obama
bombed Libya to help the rebels overthrow Gaddafi, Democrats didn’t bat
an eye. It was Nancy Pelosi’s remarks that have been making the rounds
since the start of Operation Epic Fury, as she said Obama didn’t need
permission to conduct airstrikes:
Well, well, well, huh? Also, mute your TVs when you hear War
Powers Resolution stuff—it’s not going to happen. It’s for sure to die
in the Senate, and it might not be constitutional.
Editor's Note: For
decades, former presidents have been all talk and no action. Now, Donald
Trump is eliminating the threat from Iran once and for all.
briefed the ‘Gang
of Eight’ about Operation Epic Fury yesterday afternoon.
Well, some are
calling it ‘Gang of Eight-plus.’ Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL),
chair of the
House Foreign Affairs Committee, spoke with NewsNation’s Katie Pavlich
about what he heard. He told the former Townhall editor the following:
"The mission set for this operation is
literally seek and destroy. Any piece of military hardware that can
reach out and touch Americans or our interests in our region. That is a
perfect mission set to respond to the imminent threat that Iran has
been."
-"I could not be more happy with the mission set. It is a
very pinpointed mission set that goes very directly to addressing what
is this threat that has been allowed to metastasis from administrations
going back to when I was born - which is allowing Iran to pursue
ballistic missiles, missiles, nukes and terrorists."
-On forever
war claims: "This is a very specific operation to end the imminent
threat that Iran has been against the United States for my lifetime."
-The
clandestine activities of China, Russia and North Korea in the region
are a question and concern. What is it that they are working on and
preparing to prevent regime change?
-Ultimately, regime change is up to the Iranian people
-Re: oil - "Two things can be true at once. This [the operation] was never about China, this absolutely affects China."
-U.S.
forces are in the region because of the danger and instability of Iran:
"There is an imminent threat against the United States of America every
single day that the most radical regime for the last 47 years has
existed. They existed to destroy Israel, 100%, but existed to destroy
the United States of American just as much and worked every single day
to accomplish that...this is an operation to protect all of the forces
of the United States of America in the region...The danger, the largest
source of instability, why our forces are there is for Iran. It's why
our forces exist there."
This isn’t a neoconservative project in the way Iraq and Afghanistan
were vis-Ã -vis Bush’s ‘Vulcans’ and the Project for the New American
Century. Ground troops aren’t being considered, we’re not going to
occupy Iran, and the mission objectives are clear and military-based.
This isn’t about spreading Democracy or exporting the principles of the
American Revolution here.
The next wave of attacks is expected to be even bigger. Stay tuned.
Editor's Note: For
decades, former presidents have been all talk and no action. Now, Donald
Trump is eliminating the threat from Iran once and for all.
An anti-Iranian regime protestor holds a placard bearing images
depicting the son of Iran’s Last Shah and now key opposition figure,
Reza Pahlavi and US President, Donald Trump as protestors gather in
front of the Iranian Embassy in Athens on March 1, 2026, during a
protest in support of the US and Israel attack on Iran and the killing
of Iran’s supreme leader.
A local reporter for CBS Austin
in Texas has gone viral for seemingly defying orders to not cover a
protest in support of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
In a Facebook Live broadcast on Saturday at the state capitol, posted to CBS
Austin’s Facebook page, Vinny Martorano
was seen in front of a crowd
that could later be heard shouting, “Thank you Trump,” and “Thank you
Bibi,” when an off-camera person hands the reporter a phone.
After reading the message, Martorano asks, “What does that mean?”
“It means they don’t want us to focus on this,” a voice off-camera can be heard replying.
“All right,” Martorano said, looking around and a moment later decidedly adding, “Well I am.”
Martorano had originally been sent to cover a protest of the U.S. strike against Iran, calling for peace in the Middle East, according to the International Business Times (IBT).
At the time of the exchange Martorano was setting up to report on the
counterprotest in support of President Donald Trump’s decision to strike
Iran.
The outlet also claimed that Martorano’s actual report was
straightforward, with the protests being framed as the divided response
to the strikes.
Martorano posted two videos to his X account on Saturday, one showing
those protesting against the attack, and the other of those in support
of the strikes.
A clip of the exchange has gone viral online with multiple media outlets reporting on it, including The Times of India, which showcases the widespread fame of the interaction.
Framed online and by media outlets as an act of “defiance,”
Martorano’s choice to cover the group celebrating the attack on Iran
despite apparent orders to the contrary seems to be an example of
balanced reporting.
“He showed both sides. He added context. His package was, by any reasonable measure, balanced,” IBT reported.
CBS Austin (KEYE) is a CBS Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group, according to the station.
Neither Martorano nor CBS Austin have released public comments regrading the exchange.
The president’s June decision to strike Iranian nuclear facilities
was a clear, decisive act to blunt a mortal threat before it
materialized, the kind of leadership Americans expect when lives and
liberties are on the line. Critics will call it reckless; responsible
citizens call it preventive, aimed at stopping a regime that has openly
cheered for our destruction from getting a nuclear arsenal.
What
followed was predictable partisan chest-beating over war powers and
semantics — is it a “war” or a targeted military action? The truth is
that Washington’s neutered debates don’t protect the American people;
they only embolden our enemies while left-wing lawmakers posture for
headlines instead of confronting the hard reality that deterrence
requires tough choices.
Even inside the conservative movement
there’s noise — some warn of domestic backlash and fracturing if the
president overreaches, while others praise the firmness of action. That
split is normal in a free political coalition, but the sober point is
simple: a deterrent that keeps nukes out of Iranian hands saves American
and Israeli lives, and boldness sometimes means taking flak from elites
who prefer moralizing to real results.
The strategic ripple
effects are already being felt in Beijing and Moscow, which loudly
condemned the strikes while quietly calculating how to profit from
instability and energy market disruptions. Communist China and an
opportunistic Russia will posture as defenders of “international law,”
but their real worry is preserving supplies and leverage — and they will
test whether American resolve extends beyond rhetoric.
Politically,
Republicans who stand for American strength have an opening: defend the
homeland, insist on clear rules of engagement, and let the voters see
which party stands for safety and which for appeasement. While elite
media and coastal Democrats scream about procedure, voters care about
results — if the action meaningfully set back Iran’s nuclear ambitions
and protected Americans and allies, conservatives can and should claim
the mantle of competence.
This moment calls for unity behind the
mission, ruthless clarity about our national interests, and a refusal to
allow petty partisan theater to hand advantage to Tehran’s terrorists
or Beijing’s strategists. Hardworking Americans don’t want politicians
who toss soft slogans at threats; they want leaders who act, explain,
and maintain the peace through strength.
The world woke this week to the shocking news that a coordinated
U.S.-Israeli strike has decapitated Iran’s regime and, according to
multiple reports, killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. American
leadership moved against the regime that has exported terror and
sponsored proxy wars for decades, and those developments—so long
delayed—have forced a strategic reckoning.
Iran did not answer
quietly; rockets and missiles soon flew back across the region as
Tehran’s proxies and military assets struck Gulf states and Israeli
cities in retaliation. Civilian casualties and widespread damage
followed, proving yet again that tyrants and their enablers never absorb
blows without trying to inflict pain on innocents and allies.
On
our own campuses and in parts of the media, the reaction has been
sickeningly tone-deaf. Rather than celebrating the removal of a butcher
who trafficked in murder, some on the left have rushed to express
outrage at the strike, couching their grief in abstract appeals to
diplomacy while ignoring the victims of Iranian terror. Conservative
Americans should see that for what it is: moral confusion masquerading
as compassion.
Even more outrageous was the spectacle at Columbia,
where an anti-Israel group posted “Marg bar Amrika” — the Farsi slogan
for “Death to America” — on social media after reports of the strike.
That sort of open hostility to the United States by people operating on
or around elite campuses proves the rot goes far beyond a few bad
apples; it is entrenched ideology.
Columbia University tried to
wash its hands of the episode by insisting the group is not officially
affiliated with the school, but anyone who remembers the encampments and
faculty cheerleading knows the hands are not clean. Administrations
that hire and shelter activists while taking tuition and federal dollars
must be held accountable by lawmakers, parents, and donors who still
believe in American values.
This moment should unite patriots, not
divide them. We can recognize the strategic necessity of removing a
monster from power, demand firm measures to protect American lives
abroad, and simultaneously call for justice when civilians
suffer—without excusing campus sedition or celebrating those who cheer
our enemies.
Hardworking Americans deserve leadership that puts
our safety first and institutions that defend, not undermine, the
country. Let Congress stop sending money to universities that tolerate
sedition, let federal officials review visas and privileges for foreign
nationals who openly endorse violence, and let the media stop treating
moral relativism as even-handed journalism. Our nation will be stronger
if we face this storm with courage, clarity, and loyalty to the flag.
