A federal appeals court has upheld the conviction of a Republican operative who had been pardoned by Donald Trump in the waning days of his presidency. The District of Columbia Circuit Court rejected ...

Steve Schmidt, a former Republican operative, harshly criticized U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) for planning to write a book targeting the Trump administration and MAGA insiders, calling it meaningless given Tillis's alignment with Trump. During an episode of The Jim Acosta Show, Schmidt argued that Tillis's efforts would be futile as long as he supports Trump's Justice Department. Schmidt compared Tillis to Nazi general Dietrich von Choltitz, who refused Hitler's orders to destroy Paris but was still condemned for his complicity. He accused Tillis of 'scratching his back' with Trump allies like Stephen Miller and warned that such behavior disqualifies anyone from holding public office. Acosta agreed, calling Tillis's book a 'disgraceful' capitulation. The discussion centered on Todd Blanche's confirmation as Acting Attorney General, with Schmidt alleging that figures like Blanche, former Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem weaponized federal agencies to harass citizens. Schmidt emphasized that such actions are intolerable for any senator, regardless of party affiliation.

Per his plea agreement, Alexander Smirnov faces between two and six years in prison, though the actual sentence will be decided by a federal judge.