In the first three months of the Trump administration, Americans were stunned by President Trump’s breakneck pace: executive orders overturning onerous Biden-era regulations, massive reductions in force, and rescissions eliminating billions in waste. Republicans notched some of their highest approval ratings in months. Democrats looked rudderless.

For the first time in years, it felt like Republicans were taking the country back — unapologetically.

The task remains what it was 365 days ago: Save the country, secure future elections, and restore the American dream.

Fast-forward a year, and the public mood has turned bleak. A recent Fox News poll found that 52% of voters would support the Democrat candidates in their House districts this November — reportedly the highest level of support for either party since 2017. More jarring: Voters favor Democrats by 14 points on affordability and helping the middle class and by 21 points on health care.

President Trump’s worries about the midterms, typical swings aside, look justified.

But plenty of time remains, enough to change the trajectory — if Republicans are willing to spend time and effort instead of conserving both.

The problem sits in the mirror. Despite ample runway to tee up major legislation through a second round of reconciliation — the tool Republicans can use to deliver big wins without a single Democratic vote in the Senate — too many lawmakers have acted as if the moment already passed.

The Republican Study Committee produced a blueprint aimed at making the American dream affordable again by tackling the same pressures families feel every day: rising costs, rising premiums, and a fading path to home ownership for younger Americans.

Yet too many Republicans have decided to run on last year’s accomplishments in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, hoping “tax cuts” can substitute for finishing the America First agenda.

Voters aren’t buying it — and they have reasons.

Spending and priorities

Just days ago, 76 House Republicans joined Democrats to pass a consolidated appropriations package that included millions in earmarks for clinics providing “gender-affirming care” and $5 billion for refugee resettlement — while declining chances to strip the bill of the pork Republicans claim to oppose.

Days before that, 46 Republicans voted against an amendment to defund rogue activist judge James Boasberg’s office. Eighty-one Republicans voted against an amendment to defund the National Endowment for Democracy — which, contrary to its name, functions as a rogue CIA cutout that fuels global censorship and domestic propaganda.

While basic conservative principles get betrayed in plain sight, Senate Republicans too often hide the ball, using procedure as an excuse for inaction.

RELATED: 3 debunked Democrat claims about the SAVE America Act

Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call Inc. via Getty Images

The Senate can act

Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy’s Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act and the new SAVE America Act have passed the House a combined three times. Lawmakers and pundits insist it’s a nonstarter in the Senate. Passing it, they say, would require “nuking the filibuster” — a risky move when 51 votes for major conservative policy cannot be taken for granted.

But to voters, it looks like business as usual: elected officials trying to save their seats rather than save their country.

And voters are right.

Contrary to the lazy narrative, enforcing a talking filibuster does not eliminate the filibuster.

The talking filibuster has been permitted under Senate rules since 1806 and served for more than a century as the primary way to delay or block a vote. Cloture came later. Today, the minority can simply signal its intent to filibuster, triggering a 60-vote threshold to invoke cloture, end debate, and move to final passage by simple majority.

Enforcing a talking filibuster on the SAVE America Act would not change Senate rules or eliminate the minority’s right to filibuster. It would require the majority leader to keep the bill on the floor — and force the minority to sustain a real filibuster as long as the majority maintains a quorum.

Time and effort stand between us and an immensely popular voter ID law.

RELATED: Noem urges swift passage of SAVE Act to prevent illegal aliens from disenfranchising American voters

Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Finish the job

Out-of-control spending keeps burying families in debt and shrinking what their dollars buy. Between backroom deals and broad inaction, politicians seem to be counting the days until a Democrat House returns with subpoenas and impeachment resolutions. The status quo won’t cut it.

The task remains what it was 365 days ago: Save the country, secure future elections, and restore the American dream.

No one believes the job is finished, so stop pretending it is. With months left before November, members of Congress need to prove why voters should keep them in office. Only a dogged push to finish the America First agenda will do.

​Opinion & analysis, Save act, Voting, Illegal voting, Voter fraud, Ballots, Voter id, Congress, Senate, Republicans, 2026 midterms, Majority, Chip roy, Filibuster, Cloture, National endowment for democracy, One big beautiful bill, America first, Donald trump, Mike johnson, Democrats 

Texas Republican attorneys general candidates sparred on the debate stage Tuesday night, taking jabs at their opponents seeking to succeed Ken Paxton.

During the attorneys general debate hosted by Blaze Media’s Allie Beth Stuckey, candidates like Republican congressman Chip Roy and attorney Aaron Reitz took aim at their competitors’ track records and legal experience. Also participating in what Stuckey termed, the “only debate to feature all four Republican candidates,” were state senators Mayes Middleton and Joan Huffman.

‘Don’t be fooled by the kind of Republican that says, ‘It can’t be done.”

Middleton took a blow from Reitz after addressing the topic of gambling and sports betting, noting that it is both unconstitutional and illegal in the state of Texas. Although all candidates across the board came out against gambling, Reitz shared a memorable exchange with the state legislator.

“Newsflash to the guy who’s never practiced law a day in his life,” Reitz said. “If something is unconstitutional, it is illegal… Gambling is both unconstitutional and illegal. They’re synonyms.”

RELATED: Exclusive: Chip Roy introduces bill to strip ‘absurd’ tax-exempt status from CAIR, other groups with terrorist ties

Throughout the debate, Reitz, Roy, Middleton, and Huffman took many similar positions, whether it is uniting against the growing and largely unwelcome Muslim footprint in Texas or uprooting transgender ideology. While the four candidates had greatly overlapping policy platforms, there were moments of disagreement. In one such instance, Huffman and Reitz were at odds on the issue of reining in activist local prosecutors.

“As attorney general I am committed from day one, that within the first month of taking office I will seek the removal of the Dallas County District Attorney, Travis County District Attorney, and Harris County District Attorney,” Reitz said.

Huffman addressed a separate question about removing rogue prosecutors and district attorneys, saying it cannot simply be done on day one as Reitz suggested.

“It cannot be done on day one like some claim they are going to do, or in the first month,” Huffman said. “It is a process. It is a constitutional and statutory process.”

RELATED: Tune in TONIGHT: Allie Beth Stuckey moderates the only Texas AG primary debate — don’t miss it live on BlazeTV!

Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Reitz rejected Huffman’s critique, saying Republicans simply lack the will power to accomplish these ambitious objectives.

“This idea that I’m saying things that can’t be done is exactly the sort of loser mentality why Republicans often don’t win,” Reitz said.

“Don’t be fooled by the kind of Republican that says, ‘It can’t be done, we have to go through a process,'” Reitz added. “If you have the courage to get something done in the justice system as Paxton has shown us for over a decade, you can get it done.”

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A Texas jury hearing the case of a Venezuelan gang member accused of murder and kidnapping could not come to a unanimous decision, which led to a mistrial.

Dallas County prosecutors allege that Carlos Zambrano Bolivar participated in the kidnapping and killing of 33-year-old Nilzuhly Petit, who they believe owed money to the dangerous Tren de Aragua gang.

Petit was forcibly taken from an apartment complex along with his nephew and daughter. He was later found shot to death at a roadside in Farmers Branch.

Jurors deliberated for three days but reported that they were deadlocked a second time on Monday.

“Let the record reflect that the jury has been deliberating three full days on the matter. That being the case, the court will declare a mistrial in this case,” Judge Ernest White said.

Police said that Petit was involved in a nationwide ATM theft operation with the gang but that they believed he was withholding money from the gang. On August 24, 2024, Petit was forcibly taken from an apartment complex along with his nephew and daughter. Petit was later found shot to death at a roadside in Farmers Branch.

Investigators identified Bolivar as a suspect in Oct. 2024 along with three other people believed to be gang members.

Bolivar’s defense said that he feared for his safety and that of his family because he was the victim of sexual trafficking and acted under duress.

Prosecutors argued that he did not appear to be under duress in video footage captured after the killing.

“The jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict as to whether Carlos was acting by free choice or whether fear took that choice away,” defense attorney Sean Daredia said. “When there is that type of doubt, the law says the state has not met its burden. We thank the jury for their time and efforts over the last three weeks, listening to this case, listening to this evidence, and we look forward to telling Carlos’ full story again.”

Bolivar rejected a plea deal offered to him before the trial that included 50 years in prison.

RELATED: ‘REVOLTING LIES!’ DHS obliterates media framing of gang-affiliated illegal aliens shot in Portland as ‘married couple’

A new jury will be selected for a second trial, and Bolivar is expected to be tried again later in the year.

The trial against Bolivar is the first capital murder prosecution in Dallas County involving the Tren de Aragua gang.

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With Ken Paxton now gunning for the U.S. Senate seat held by John Cornyn, the race to replace him as Texas attorney general is heating up fast. Tonight, four Republican contenders — Joan Huffman, Mayes Middleton, Aaron Reitz, and U.S. Rep. Chip Roy — will square off in the sole debate featuring all candidates before the March 3, 2026, primary.

Hosted by the Republican Attorneys General Association, this high-stakes face-off will be moderated by Blaze Media’s own Allie Beth Stuckey. The Texas native and host of the hit Christian podcast “Relatable” has built a powerhouse following with her bold, scripture-rooted commentary on culture and politics.

Expect fireworks tonight as these four battle it out over the future of the Texas AG’s office: safeguarding freedoms, taking down rogue prosecutors, pushing back against federal overreach, locking down the border, carrying forward Paxton’s aggressive fight against leftist policies, and delivering Trump-era victories on immigration, election security, and the culture wars that will shape America’s direction.

Allie’s signature straight-talk style will put them on the spot with tough, no-nonsense questions — testing who’s truly equipped to lead Texas conservatism forward in this pivotal race.

This isn’t just a Texas matter. As a cornerstone of conservative power, the Lone Star State’s choices on border security, election integrity, immigration, and cultural battles send ripples nationwide. What plays out tonight could define the fight for the future.

Clear your schedule: Tune in live tonight at 7:00 p.m. CT on BlazeTV or BlazeTV’s YouTube channel (linked above). Set those reminders, grab some popcorn, and join us as Allie puts these contenders through their paces. Who will step up to defend Texas — and America? We’ll find out together!

Want more from Allie Beth Stuckey?

To enjoy more of Allie’s upbeat and in-depth coverage of culture, news, and theology from a Christian, conservative perspective, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.

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A 49-year-old female who was caught on video tossing coffee on a Michigan McDonald’s worker in November entered her plea in court last week.

Casharra T. Brown appeared beside attorney Paul M. Purcell before Saginaw County District Judge Elian E.H. Fichtner and pleaded guilty to assault and battery, MLive reported, adding that the misdemeanor is punishable by up to 93 days in jail and a $500 fine.

‘F**k you, b***h! Catch that hot-a** coffee!’

On the morning of Nov. 4 at the McDonald’s at 3700 Dixie Highway in Buena Vista Township, Brown wanted a refund for two sandwiches after placing an online order, Buena Vista Township Police Detective Russ Pahssen told MLive in a previous story.

The outlet said the McDonald’s manager gave Brown a coffee and tried to de-escalate the situation, while Brown claimed she had been there for more than an hour. The interaction reached an impasse, MLive said, and the manager told Brown to have a great day as she turned and walked away from the counter.

The female customer removed the lid from the coffee cup, threw the contents at the manager, and yelled, “F**k you, bitch! Catch that hot-ass coffee!” as she exited the restaurant, according to video of the encounter without redacted audio. The manager can be heard screaming after the hot coffee struck her body.

The following video report about the incident aired before Brown surrendered to authorities.

RELATED: Female caught on video tossing cup of scalding coffee on McDonald’s manager, who suffers burns

Brown appeared before Saginaw County District Judge M. Randall Jurrens more than a week after the incident for arraignment, and he freed Brown on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond for the misdemeanor. MLive previously reported that police submitted paperwork to the Saginaw County Prosecutor’s Office requesting a felonious assault charge against the suspect.

While police at the time told MLive that the restaurant manager suffered minor burns, the outlet said police later indicated that she was wearing enough layers to prevent her skin from being burned.

Judge Fichtner last Monday referred Brown to the Probation Department for an interview, the outlet said, which will help the judge fashion “an appropriate sentence.” The judge warned Brown not to skip the interview, as it will not be rescheduled, MLive added.

RELATED: Unhinged female accused of tossing hot coffee on McDonald’s manager finally appears before judge

Before last week’s hearing ended, Brown’s defense attorney asked that her bond be amended to let her leave Michigan and return to Georgia, the outlet said.

Turns out, Brown was visiting family at the time of the coffee-tossing incident, and her attorney said she has remained in the Saginaw area ever since due to a bond condition prohibiting her from leaving the state, MLive reported.

The travel restriction caused Brown to miss a court date over a traffic infraction in Tennessee, her attorney added, according to MLive.

Judge Fichtner modified Brown’s bond to allow her to leave the state, the outlet reported, adding that the judge reminded Brown she must return to Michigan and be physically present in her courtroom for sentencing, or she will issue a warrant for Brown’s arrest.

Brown replied she would be in court, MLive said. The date of her sentencing is pending.

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“The View” co-host Whoopi Goldberg finally broke her silence about her emails found in the Jeffrey Epstein file drop, but her explanation did not pass muster with many.

Goldberg requested to borrow Epstein’s private jet in order to fly to a charity event in Monaco for the White Feather Foundation in 2013, according to the email.

‘People actually believe that I was with him. It’s like, honey, come on.’

Goldberg appeared to confirm the request and was annoyed by critics who used the revelation to bash her and the show.

“In the name of transparency … my name is in the files,” Goldberg said. “Yes. And what does it say? It says, ‘Whoopi needs a plane to get to Monaco. John Lennon’s charity’ — it should say ‘Julian Lennon’s charity’ — ‘is paying for it. They don’t want to charter, so they’re looking for private owners. Here’s the info.’ And they give all the information.”

“It looks like they said, ‘No, thanks,'” co-host Sunny Hostin said.

NewsBusters pointed out that the show displayed the email but did not zoom in because that would have shown the date it was sent — years after Epstein agreed to a plea deal to admit guilt to a charge for procuring a prostitute as well as a charge for procuring a child for prostitution.

“In other words, anybody can be on this list!” co-host Joy Behar said.

“Well, this is my point. Because I’m telling you, when I tell you people are trying to turn me into — I wasn’t his girlfriend. I wasn’t his friend,” Goldberg replied.

“You were too old for him,” co-host Sara Haines said.

“I was not only too old, but it was at a time, you know, where this is just not — you used to have to have facts before you said stuff,” Goldberg said.

“But Trump is on the list 38,000 times. Come on!” Behar protested.

“Well, I can’t speak to him, but I’m speaking about me because I’m getting dragged. People actually believe that I was with him. It’s like, honey, come on,” Goldberg added.

RELATED: Whoopi Goldberg tells Mamdani she hopes his policies will ‘remake the nation’ on ‘The View’

Video of her non-response was posted to social media, where it was widely circulated.

Others pointed out that the gals of “The View” previously excoriated President Donald Trump for being present in the Epstein files, and now they’re excusing Goldberg’s presence.

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BlazeTV host Sara Gonzales warns that a long-standing boundary in American politics has collapsed — and that is leaving the kids out of it.

“Looking at how the left manipulates children, like the depths of their evil and ghoulish behavior, just there’s no floor,” Gonzales comments.

“There used to be this understanding that whatever your political differences, it was like, leave the kids out of it, right? If you’re an adult, you’re fair game. Leave the kids out of it. Don’t bring them into this nonsense. Don’t use them as political pawns,” she continues.

The left stopped listening to that long ago, and it’s only getting worse. Specifically, the left is now trying to get children to protest ICE.

“For some reason, children should be very upset that the Trump administration is trying to remove illegal criminals from our cities. Now, don’t waste your time or your brain power trying to make out why that is,” Gonzales says.

And in a recent article from Fox News, it’s reported that an Antifa-linked organization was even passing out material to K-12 students.

“It’s a 25-page document, and it focuses on mobilizing youth against what it describes as a regime. ‘It’s a regime and a system captured by billionaires,’” Gonzales mocks the group.

“Now, far be it from me to point out the hypocrisy of this being funded by George Soros of all people, but, like, when it’s billionaires that we don’t agree with, it’s bad. And when it’s billionaires that we do agree with, it’s good. And when it’s billionaires we don’t agree with, it’s dark money. And when it’s billionaires we do agree with, it’s just a generous political donation,” she continues.

Gonzales explains that the material “urges students to walk out of classrooms and boycott businesses to try to prove that the country cannot function without their cooperation.”

And it’s not an isolated incident.

In a video shared by Beth Bourne on X, a principal is seen chaperoning students as they chant, “Brown and proud,” and hold anti-ICE protest signs.

“Now, first of all, as a parent, it’s like, OK, this doesn’t need to be school-sponsored. This doesn’t need to be on taxpayer time, right? The school principal is there. It’s clearly school-sponsored. That’s not a thing that you need to be doing,” Gonzales says.

“Secondly, I just very much worry about that generation, that we’re still pretending like the color of your skin has anything to do with this. Like, ‘Brown and proud, brown and proud.’ … These people are here illegally. That is the problem. The problem has nothing to do with the color of your skin,” she adds.

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