The Trump Dictionary

4 family members of Illinois governor candidate killed in Montana helicopter crash, campaign says SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Four family members of a Republican running for governor in Illinois were killed in a Montana helicopter crash, his campaign said Thursday. Killed in the crash Wednesday were the son and daughter-in-law of former state Sen. Darren Bailey, a Republican who lost the 2022 gubernatorial election in Illinois and is seeking his party’s nomination again in next year’s race.

4 family members of Illinois governor candidate killed in Montana helicopter crash, campaign says

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Four family members of a Republican running for governor in Illinois were killed in a Montana helicopter crash, his campaign said Thursday. Killed in the crash Wednesday were the…

The swamp gets rich off of Trump upheaval

Some of Washington’s biggest lobbying firms raked in unprecedented amounts of cash last quarter. But it’s the upstart firms with ties to President Donald Trump or his administration that have been drowning in lobbying fees, lapping their more established…

Indiana Republicans don’t have votes to back Trump’s redistricting, Senate leader spox says Indiana Senate Republicans say they do not have votes to pass mid-cycle redistricting despite a pressure campaign from the White House, according to a spokesperson for Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray. “The votes aren’t there for redistricting,” said Molly Swigart, Bray’s spokesperson. The news comes just days after President Donald Trump held a phone call with reluctant members of the caucus, according to two people close to the sensitive talks.

Indiana Republicans don’t have votes to back Trump’s redistricting, Senate leader spox says

Indiana Senate Republicans say they do not have votes to pass mid-cycle redistricting despite a pressure campaign from the White House, according to a spokesperson for Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric…

John E. Sununu jumps into New Hampshire Senate race Republicans have recruited a Sununu to run for Senate in New Hampshire after all. Former Sen. John E. Sununu said Wednesday that he is running to reclaim the seat he held for a single term before Democrat Jeanne Shaheen ousted him in 2008. Shaheen is retiring next year. “Maybe you’re surprised to hear that I’m running for the Senate again. I’m a bit surprised myself.

John E. Sununu jumps into New Hampshire Senate race

Republicans have recruited a Sununu to run for Senate in New Hampshire after all. Former Sen. John E. Sununu said Wednesday that he is running to reclaim the seat he held for a single term before Democrat Jeanne Shaheen ousted him in 2008.…

Driver crashes car into White House security gate

A person drove a vehicle into a gate outside the White House on Tuesday night, according to the Secret Service. “At approximately 10:37 p.m., an individual drove a vehicle into the Secret Service vehicle gate located at 17th & E St, NW,” the Secret…

Platner says he’ll remove tattoo that resembles Nazi symbol Democratic Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner expressed regret over getting a tattoo that appears similar to a Nazi symbol nearly two decades ago and plans to have it removed, his latest mea culpa after a week of damning headlines over resurfaced social media posts. Platner’s campaign sought to front-run opposition research about his tattoo — which resembles a Nazi skull and crossbones — during an appearance on the liberal podcast Pod Save America on Monday, with his campaign…

Platner says he’ll remove tattoo that resembles Nazi symbol

Democratic Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner expressed regret over getting a tattoo that appears similar to a Nazi symbol nearly two decades ago and plans to have it removed, his latest mea culpa after a week of damning headlines over…

Trump nominee says he has a ‘Nazi streak,’ bashes MLK Jr. Day, according to texts Paul Ingrassia, President Donald Trump’s embattled nominee to lead the Office of Special Counsel, told a group of fellow Republicans in a text chain the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday should be “tossed into the seventh circle of hell” and said he has “a Nazi streak,” according to a text chat viewed by POLITICO. Ingrassia, who has a Senate confirmation hearing scheduled Thursday, made the remarks in a chain with a half-dozen Republican operatives and influencers, according to the chat.

Trump nominee says he has a ‘Nazi streak,’ bashes MLK Jr. Day, according to texts

Paul Ingrassia, President Donald Trump’s embattled nominee to lead the Office of Special Counsel, told a group of fellow Republicans in a text chain the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday should be “tossed into the…

Progressive candidate recruitment org urges Dems to invest beyond Blue Wall Run For Something, a progressive candidate recruitment organization, is pitching major donors on a $50 million, five-year effort to expand Democrats’ footprint in battleground and red states outside the Blue Wall — an ambitious plan for a party that’s lost ground with voters across the country. In a donor memo shared first with POLITICO, the organization paints a dire picture for Democrats if they don’t invest in red-leaning states, and details plans to support independent candidates for the first time next year.

Progressive candidate recruitment org urges Dems to invest beyond Blue Wall

Run For Something, a progressive candidate recruitment organization, is pitching major donors on a $50 million, five-year effort to expand Democrats’ footprint in battleground and red states outside the Blue Wall — an…

‘Meanest people I have ever met’: Chat leak resurfaces internal fights among Young Republicans A trove of bigoted messages between members of the Young Republicans is deepening a sharp rift among state groups across the country, further fracturing an organization that has been beset with internal discord and infighting for years. Young Republicans chapters across the country were divided on how to respond to the texts — with some groups staying silent and others immediately denouncing the…

‘Meanest people I have ever met’: Chat leak resurfaces internal fights among Young Republicans

A trove of bigoted messages between members of the Young Republicans is deepening a sharp rift among state groups across the country, further fracturing an organization that has been beset with internal…

’He’s a whale in Vegas’: JB Pritzker’s million-dollar win reveals governor’s taste for gambling CHICAGO — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker turned heads this week when his campaign disclosed he won $1.4 million gambling last year. Though the billionaire Democrat doesn’t frequent Las Vegas casinos as much as he once did, the windfall is a reminder of his high-stakes past. Pritzker has been a blackjack player for more than two decades, long before he entered public office.

’He’s a whale in Vegas’: JB Pritzker’s million-dollar win reveals governor’s taste for gambling

CHICAGO — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker turned heads this week when his campaign disclosed he won $1.4 million gambling last year. Though the billionaire Democrat doesn’t frequent Las Vegas casinos as much…

‘No Kings’ comes to Washington amid shutdown stalemate

The nationwide “No Kings” protest movement is back for round two — and after avoiding Washington during the summer, protesters are expected to descend on the nation’s capital Saturday amid an 18-day government shutdown that has no end in…

Graham Platner tries to turn the page on his online comments Graham Platner is trying to move on from the divisive online posts that threaten to derail his insurgent candidacy for Senate. The Maine business owner seeking the seat now held by GOP Rep. Susan Collins released a video Friday offering a lengthy explanation and expressing regret for Reddit comments that endorsed political violence, minimized rape in the military and disparaged police.

Graham Platner tries to turn the page on his online comments

Graham Platner is trying to move on from the divisive online posts that threaten to derail his insurgent candidacy for Senate. The Maine business owner seeking the seat now held by GOP Rep. Susan Collins released a video Friday offering…

Lawmaker resigns after involvement in racist chat NEW YORK — The Vermont state senator involved in the hate-filled Young Republican group chat uncovered by POLITICO announced his resignation Friday. Sam Douglass, a state lawmaker who represented an area near the Canadian border, said in a statement that “if my Governor asks me to do something, I will act, because I believe in what he’s trying to do,” referring to Vermont Republican Governor Phil Scott’s…

Lawmaker resigns after involvement in racist chat

NEW YORK — The Vermont state senator involved in the hate-filled Young Republican group chat uncovered by POLITICO announced his resignation Friday. Sam Douglass, a state lawmaker who represented an area near the Canadian border, said in a…

Trump turns up the pressure on Indiana Republicans to redistrict President Donald Trump phoned into a private Indiana Senate Republican caucus meeting Friday, pressing reluctant Hoosier lawmakers to undertake mid-cycle redistricting, according to two people briefed on the call who were granted anonymity to discuss the private conversation. The call — which was Trump’s first-known call with rank-and-file Indiana state lawmakers on the matter following an August Oval Office meeting with state House Speaker Todd Huston and Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray — punctuated an intense period of national lobbying on redistricting.

Trump turns up the pressure on Indiana Republicans to redistrict

President Donald Trump phoned into a private Indiana Senate Republican caucus meeting Friday, pressing reluctant Hoosier lawmakers to undertake mid-cycle redistricting, according to two people briefed on the call who were granted…

Ken Martin says DNC chair is the best job. It still makes him want to pull his hair out.

Ken Martin has been almost everywhere since he became the chair of the Democratic National Committee, attempting to put out fires for a party in the wilderness as he has hopscotched some 33 states over the…

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Jacqui Heinrich | The Conversation Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Jacqui Heinrich | The Conversation lead image

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Jacqui Heinrich | The Conversation

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Jacqui Heinrich | The Conversation lead image

Five takeaways from the New York City mayoral debate Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani smiled his way through a two-hour debate where Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa tried to land punches on the frontrunner. Few of those hits had much of an impact against Mamdani, who effectively pressed his affordability platform without making any significant mistakes. Cuomo needed a moment that he didn’t get. Mamdani had a largely pain-free night.

Five takeaways from the New York City mayoral debate

Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani smiled his way through a two-hour debate where Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa tried to land punches on the frontrunner. Few of those hits had much of an impact against Mamdani, who effectively pressed his…

The nation’s cartoonists on the week in politics

Every week political cartoonists throughout the country and across the political spectrum apply their ink-stained skills to capture the foibles, memes, hypocrisies and other head-slapping events in the world of politics. The fruits of these labors…

Maine Senate candidate promoted violent political action in since-deleted online posts Graham Platner, who is running as an insurgent Democratic candidate for Senate in Maine, once suggested in online posts that violence is a necessary means to achieving social change – comments now drawing scrutiny in an era of increased political violence. Platner, 41, a former Marine and combat veteran who now raises oysters, made the statements on Reddit in 2018, long before he emerged as a serious candidate to take on Republican Sen.

Maine Senate candidate promoted violent political action in since-deleted online posts

Graham Platner, who is running as an insurgent Democratic candidate for Senate in Maine, once suggested in online posts that violence is a necessary means to achieving social change – comments now drawing…

‘I’m ashamed’: In debate, Virginia’s Jones apologizes for violence-themed texts RICHMOND, Virginia — Jay Jones, the Democratic Virginia attorney general hopeful whose violence-themed text messages triggered a nationwide GOP backlash, said during a Thursday debate that his messages should not disqualify him from being elected as the state’s top law enforcement official. “I'm ashamed, I'm embarrassed and I'm sorry,” Jones said Thursday in what will be the only televised debate with incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares, who he characterized as a “willing cheerleader” of President Donald Trump.

‘I’m ashamed’: In debate, Virginia’s Jones apologizes for violence-themed texts

RICHMOND, Virginia — Jay Jones, the Democratic Virginia attorney general hopeful whose violence-themed text messages triggered a nationwide GOP backlash, said during a Thursday debate that his messages should not…

Abbott to send National Guard to Austin for No Kings rally

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is deploying the state’s National Guard to Austin ahead of this weekend’s planned No Kings rally in the Texas capital, he announced Thursday, as top Republicans around the country vilify the protests as Antifa-linked…

Candace Owens denied visa to Australia by country’s highest court Conservative influencer Candace Owens has been denied entry into Australia after the country’s High Court on Wednesday sided with the government and ruled she could "incite discord” among communities. While the Australian Constitution does not explicitly protect free speech, High Court Justices Stephen Gageler, Michelle Gordon and Robert Beech-Jones jointly ruled that implied freedom of political communication “is not a ‘personal right,’ is not unlimited and is not absolute.”

Candace Owens denied visa to Australia by country’s highest court

Conservative influencer Candace Owens has been denied entry into Australia after the country’s High Court on Wednesday sided with the government and ruled she could "incite discord” among communities. While the Australian…

‘It’s revolting’: More Young Republican chat members out of jobs as condemnation intensifies NEW YORK — Two more members of a Young Republican group chat strewn with racist epithets and hateful jokes stepped down from their jobs Tuesday after POLITICO published an exclusive report on the Telegram exchanges. Peter Giunta’s time working with New York Assemblymember Mike Reilly “has ended,” the Republican lawmaker said. Giunta served as chair of the New York State Young Republicans when the chat took place.

‘It’s revolting’: More Young Republican chat members out of jobs as condemnation intensifies

NEW YORK — Two more members of a Young Republican group chat strewn with racist epithets and hateful jokes stepped down from their jobs Tuesday after POLITICO published an exclusive report on the Telegram…

The 5 Democratic primary battles that’ll test the party’s future identity

Gov. Janet Mills’ entrance into the Maine Senate primary on Tuesday reignited the familiar progressive-versus-establishment battle lines. A three-way clash in Michigan has exposed the ongoing divisions within the party over…

‘I love Hitler’: Leaked messages expose Young Republicans’ racist chat NEW YORK — Leaders of Young Republican groups throughout the country worried what would happen if their Telegram chat ever got leaked, but they kept typing anyway. They referred to Black people as monkeys and “the watermelon people” and mused about putting their political opponents in gas chambers. They talked about raping their enemies and driving them to suicide and lauded Republicans who they believed support slavery.

‘I love Hitler’: Leaked messages expose Young Republicans’ racist chat

NEW YORK — Leaders of Young Republican groups throughout the country worried what would happen if their Telegram chat ever got leaked, but they kept typing anyway. They referred to Black people as monkeys and “the watermelon…

Jeffries talked redistricting with Illinois delegation House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries met in a Zoom meeting with members of the Illinois congressional delegation Monday to talk about redistricting in the state — an effort that is already triggering concern among lawmakers who fear the changes could dilute Black political power. No maps were shown to the group but some versions of boundaries have been shared during individual conversations, according to one person in the meeting who was granted anonymity to speak freely.

Jeffries talked redistricting with Illinois delegation

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries met in a Zoom meeting with members of the Illinois congressional delegation Monday to talk about redistricting in the state — an effort that is already triggering concern among lawmakers who fear the…

Pennsylvania man pleads guilty in arson attack at governor’s mansion while Shapiro’s family slept A man who scaled an iron security fence in the middle of the night, eluded police and used beer bottles filled with gasoline to ignite the occupied Pennsylvania governor’s mansion pleaded guilty Tuesday to attempted murder and other charges. Cody Balmer, 38, also entered pleas to terrorism, 22 counts of arson, aggravated arson, burglary, aggravated assault of Gov. Josh Shapiro, 21 counts of reckless endangerment and loitering in the April 13 attack that did millions of dollars in damage to the state-owned brick building.

Pennsylvania man pleads guilty in arson attack at governor’s mansion while Shapiro’s family slept

A man who scaled an iron security fence in the middle of the night, eluded police and used beer bottles filled with gasoline to ignite the occupied Pennsylvania governor’s mansion pleaded guilty…

Chuck Schumer gets his preferred candidate, Janet Mills, in crowded Maine Senate race Maine Gov. Janet Mills joined her state's crowded Democratic Senate primary as the establishment favorite on Tuesday, aiming to flip Republican Sen. Susan Collins' seat in a pivotal midterm year. Democrats view the seat as one of their top pickup opportunities — the only in a state Kamala Harris won in 2024 — and Mills is among a few top-tier candidates Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer aggressively recruited to run this cycle.

Chuck Schumer gets his preferred candidate, Janet Mills, in crowded Maine Senate race

Maine Gov. Janet Mills joined her state's crowded Democratic Senate primary as the establishment favorite on Tuesday, aiming to flip Republican Sen. Susan Collins' seat in a pivotal midterm year. Democrats view…

Did Donald Trump “stop” the Gaza war — and does he deserve credit? The guns are finally quieting. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire is being implemented, and the first hostages have begun to come home while Israel prepares mass prisoner releases. President Donald Trump has flown into the region to sell a 20-point post-war framework and to co-chair a summit aimed at locking in a longer peace. Those are facts. Whether he “stopped” the war—and whether he 

Did Donald Trump “stop” the Gaza war — and does he deserve credit?

The guns are finally quieting. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire is being implemented, and the first hostages have begun to come home while Israel prepares mass prisoner releases. President Donald Trump has flown into the region to sell a…

Polls show voters blame GOP for shutdown. But they don’t trust Dems with the economy. Democrats’ hardline opposition to rising health care costs isn’t earning them voters’ trust on economic issues — a disconnect that lays bare the party’s challenge heading into next year’s midterms. Voters blame Republicans more than Democrats for the federal government shutdown, according to a review of polling conducted after services shuttered. An Economist/YouGov survey of 1,648 Americans showed 41 percent hold the GOP accountable for the lapse in federal funding, compared to 30 percent who point a finger at Democrats and 23 percent who hold the parties equally responsible.

Polls show voters blame GOP for shutdown. But they don’t trust Dems with the economy.

Democrats’ hardline opposition to rising health care costs isn’t earning them voters’ trust on economic issues — a disconnect that lays bare the party’s challenge heading into next year’s midterms. Voters blame…