Two more vacancies are reportedly opening at the U.S. Court of Appeals that will allow President Donald Trump to increase his footprint over the federal judiciary.

Just the News reported, “Last week, Chief Judge Jeffrey S. Sutton, of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, based in Cincinnati, and Chief Judge Debra Ann Livingston of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in New York City, announced their plans to assume senior status later this year. Both judges were appointed by President George W. Bush.”

Senior status is a form of semi-retirement, and it creates a vacancy for a new appointee.

The Sixth Circuit has a Republican-appointed majority, while the Second Circuit has a one-seat majority for Democrat-appointed judges.

The Second Circuit presents a more consequential opening for Trump, “[g]iven its prominent role in cases involving financial regulation, national security, and major civil litigation, a conservative appointment could have a meaningful impact,” according to Just the News.

Heritage Foundation’s Judicial Appointments Tracker indicates that Trump appointed 26 federal judges last year, compared to 39 for Joe Biden and 12 for Barack Obama during their first year in office.

At the same point in his first term, Trump had filled 19 judicial slots, so appointments are moving at a faster clip this time around.

But Politico noted last month that the overwhelming majority of Trump’s judicial appointments during his second term are at the district court level.

“There simply aren’t as many of the more coveted and more powerful appeals court spots to fill as there were in 2017. That reality, along with more steadfast resistance from Democrats, suggests Trump won’t be able to make as big of an impact on the courts this time around,” the outlet said.

“This is not going to be the same kind of earth shaking four years … we saw in his first four years, when he really did turn the judiciary around in terms of the percentage of judges appointed by Republicans as opposed to Democratic presidents,” Russell Wheeler, a senior fellow at the left-leaning Brookings Institution’s Governance Studies program, told Politico.

There were over 100 vacancies when Trump first assumed office in 2017, versus about 40 this time.

“Trump appointed 12 appeals-court judges in 2017 — more than any president has gotten in their first year since 1945, according to the Congressional Research Service. He has been able to appoint only six so far in his second term,” Politico said.

So the vacancies created by Sutton and Livingston stepping down are no doubt welcomed.

The Pew Research Center reported in January 2025 that Biden appointed 228 judges total during his four years in office, which is two more than Trump during his first term.

However, Trump appointed 54 appeals court judges compared to Biden’s 45. Further, Trump placed three justices on the U.S. Supreme Court versus Biden’s one.

Joe Biden: “I appointed the most demographically diverse slate of judges ever… on top of that was one of the brightest lawyers I’ve ever met! Ketanji Brown Jackson!”pic.twitter.com/WdxuuV3Yrp

— Thomas Sowell Quotes (@ThomasSowell) August 1, 2025

An opening at the high court during Biden’s term was looking somewhat doubtful, so Democrats launched a pressure campaign to get Justice Stephen Breyer to step down in 2022. And in an unusual move, Senate Democrats held Jackson’s confirmation hearing even before Breyer left the bench.

SEN. BLACKBURN: “Can you provide a definition of the word ‘woman’?”

JACKSON: “No, I can’t”

BLACKBURN: “You can’t?”

JACKSON: “I’m not a biologist” pic.twitter.com/i7Rg83z5Y4

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) March 23, 2022

One of the most memorable moments in Jackson’s confirmation hearing was when she could not define what a woman was; nor could she agree with the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s observation that men and women have physical differences.

This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.

The post President Trump Will Fill Two Massive Court Vacancies as He Continues to Shape the Federal Judiciary appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

California’s Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom is already gearing up for 2028 because he took a swipe at Kamala Harris over her relationship with Willie Brown.

Never forget that Kamala Harris launched her political career in the bedroom as married Mayor Willie Brown’s mistress.

Kamala Harris is best known for being former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown’s much younger sidepiece.

Mayor Willie Brown admitted in 2020 to an extramarital affair with Kamala Harris.

Brown also admitted to giving Harris her first official state job.

A December 1995 clip from ABC shows Kamala Harris with Willie Brown.

“Excuse me, are you his daughter?” a woman ask Kamal Harris.

Harris looks stunned: “No, I’m not.”

WATCH:

HOLY SH!T

This is an unearthed ABC profile of San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown in 1995.

Your jaw is about to hit the floor… pic.twitter.com/W6oO30AUY6

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) September 10, 2024

Newsom threw shade at Kamala Harris during a stop in Atlanta this weekend during his book tour.

Gavin Newsom was elected San Francisco Mayor after Willie Brown served out his term.

Newsom zinged Kamala Harris as he recalled the good old days of San Francisco politics and Willie Brown.

“And for those who don’t know Willie Brown, you wouldn’t know Kamala Harris without Willie Brown,” Newsom said.

WATCH:

The post SHOTS FIRED: Newsom Throws Shade at Kamala Harris Over Her Relationship with Married San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

President Donald Trump predicted Monday that the U.S. Supreme Court likely will not rule in his favor on an executive order that directs federal agencies to only recognize babies born to people in the country legally as American citizens.

“[T]his supreme court will find a way to come to the wrong conclusion,” Trump declared in a social media post.

Trump’s prediction came after a 6-3 ruling Friday by the high court that found he did not have the authority to impose tariffs using a 1977 law known as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the majority, joined by conservative Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch, as well as the liberals on the bench: Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson.

Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Samuel Alito, and Clarence Thomas dissented.

On Monday, Trump posted on Truth Social regarding the tariffs decision, “The supreme court (will be using lower case letters for a while based on a complete lack of respect!) of the United States accidentally and unwittingly gave me, as President of the United States, far more powers and strength than I had prior to their ridiculous, dumb, and very internationally divisive ruling.”

“The court has … approved all other Tariffs, of which there are many, and they can all be used in a much more powerful and obnoxious way, with legal certainty, than the Tariffs as initially used. Our incompetent supreme court did a great job for the wrong people, and for that they should be ashamed of themselves (but not the Great Three!),” the president added, referring to Kavanaugh, Alito, and Thomas.

Donald J. Trump Truth Social Post 07:06 AM EST 02.23.26 pic.twitter.com/xdHMVnD9iJ

— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) February 23, 2026

Trump continued, “The next thing you know they will rule in favor of China and others, who are making an absolute fortune on Birthright Citizenship, by saying the 14th Amendment was NOT written to take care of the ‘babies of slaves,’ which it was as proven by the EXACT TIMING of its construction, filing, and ratification, which perfectly coincided with the END OF THE CIVIL WAR.”

“How much better can you do than that? But this supreme court will find a way to come to the wrong conclusion, one that again will make China, and various other Nations, happy and rich,” he wrote.

Chinese birth tourism has flourished for the past 15 years, resulting in “at least 750,000 and possibly as many as 1.5 million Chinese, who are also American citizens by virtue of being born here, are now growing toward adulthood in China,” Peter Schweizer wrote in a piece for the New York Post last month.

These Chinese nationals are “entitled to vote in any U.S. election of their choosing and move freely within our borders,” Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio wrote in a brief to the Supreme Court in the case.

The day he took office in January 2025, Trump issued an executive order designating that only those born to parents “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States are citizens, quoting from the Fourteenth Amendment.

The impact would be that when children are born to people who are not legal residents, the children are not U.S. citizens.

Several lawsuits were filed around the country seeking to block the implementation of Trump’s order. Federal district courts issued injunctions putting it on hold, and then federal appeals courts in San Francisco, Boston, and Richmond, Virginia, upheld their decisions.

Trump elaborated on his understanding of the Fourteenth Amendment during an interview with NBC “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker in December 2024, shortly before taking office for his second term.

Welker asked Trump, “The Fourteenth Amendment, though, says that ‘All persons born in the United States are citizens.’ Can you get around the Fourteenth Amendment with an executive action?”

Currently, when illegal aliens have children in the country, federal policy has been to recognize them as U.S. citizens.

“Well, we’re going to have to get a change,” Trump answered Welker. “We’re the only country that has it.”

President Trump says it’s still his plan to END birthright citizenship: “We’re the only country that has it!” pic.twitter.com/iOdkKQ2gnZ

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) December 8, 2024

A key clause that Welker left out of the Fourteenth Amendment reads, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”

Some legal scholars have argued that the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” means the Fourteenth Amendment only grants citizenship to babies born to citizens and lawful, permanent U.S. residents, i.e., green card holders.

That is the position the Trump administration has taken.

This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.

The post Trump Predicts Supreme Court ‘Will Find a Way to Come to the Wrong Conclusion’ on Birthright Citizenship appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

Several conservative House Republicans are demanding the immediate resignation of Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) following the release of damning leaked text messages.

The scandal centers on a series of leaked communications between Gonzales and Regina Santos-Aviles, a 35-year-old regional district director for his office.

She died in September 2025 after setting herself on fire at her home; her death was ruled a suicide by the Bexar County medical examiner’s office.

As The Gateway Pundit reported last year, Rep. Tony Gonzales, a married father of six, is accused of carrying on an extramarital affair with his senior aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, who tragically died after dousing herself in gasoline and setting herself on fire.

35-year-old Aviles, a married mother of an eight-year-old son who was separated from her husband, Adrian Aviles, was often seen by Gonzales’s side. Such appearances included high-profile events, such as Elon Musk’s 2023 tour of the Mexico border in Eagle Pass.

Gonzales discussed the rumored affair at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, telling a reporter there was no veracity to any affair while also denying knowledge of Aviles’ passing.

“The rumors are completely untruthful. I am generally untrusting of these outlets,” Gonzales stated.

“‘Regina’s family has asked for privacy. If it was your family or any of our families, I would argue that you would want privacy as well, he added. “I don’t know exactly what happened. Nobody has contacted me. I haven’t contacted anyone.”

“I’m waiting for a final report. I think that would make a lot of sense.”

Gonzales, a so-called Republican who has repeatedly betrayed conservative principles by voting for radical gun control measures after the Uvalde tragedy and cozying up to the Biden administration on border issues, now finds himself at the center of a MeToo-style scandal that reeks of hypocrisy and moral decay.

The leaked texts, obtained by outlets like 24Sight News, paint a picture of a predatory boss exploiting his position for personal gratification.

In one exchange, Gonzales reportedly demanded “sexy pics” from Santos-Aviles late at night, inquiring about her favorite sexual positions and pushing her into uncomfortable territory while she was vulnerable and married.

The texts also she questioned whether he hired her because he found she attractive and indicate he asked her about sexual preferences in which she replies “This is going too far boss.” pic.twitter.com/EwSTtMXxJ6

— Juliegrace Brufke (@juliegraceb) February 23, 2026

In the texts, the late staffer also questions whether Gonzales was intoxicated while asking her for images and sexual content. pic.twitter.com/B3kP1KVwyH

— Juliegrace Brufke (@juliegraceb) February 23, 2026

The staffer’s widower, Adrian Aviles, through his attorney Bobby Barrera, has come forward with over 3,500 text messages that allegedly confirm the affair and harassment.

The texts indicate multiple staffers in the office knew about the alleged affair. pic.twitter.com/HvbBtcniqs

— Juliegrace Brufke (@juliegraceb) February 23, 2026

Aviles discovered the messages, leading to the couple’s separation, and Santos-Aviles’ subsequent spiral into depression.

Instead of taking responsibility, Gonzales has shamelessly accused the grieving husband of “blackmail” after Barrera sought a settlement under the Congressional Accountability Act for sexual harassment and retaliation.

Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) was the first to call out Gonzales publicly, posting on X: “@RepTonyGonzales, RESIGN!”

.@RepTonyGonzales, RESIGN! https://t.co/sOjPAt0CWS

— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) February 23, 2026

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) joined the chorus, demanding Gonzales step down immediately.

“A young woman is dead. Regina Santos-Aviles took her own life.

The allegations against Congressman Tony Gonzales are deeply disturbing: a sitting Member of Congress accused of soliciting explicit photos from a staffer and subjecting her to graphic sexual texts. This is an abuse of power.

Congressional staff serve their country. They should never have to endure predatory behavior from the people they work for.

Congressman Gonzales must address these allegations and resign.”

A young woman is dead. Regina Santos-Aviles took her own life.

The allegations against Congressman Tony Gonzales are deeply disturbing: a sitting Member of Congress accused of soliciting explicit photos from a staffer and subjecting her to graphic sexual texts. This is an abuse…

— Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) February 23, 2026

Reps. Brandon Gill (R-TX) and Tim Burchett (R-TN) piled on, with Gill urging Gonzales to “drop out of the race” and Burchett bluntly stating, “He needs to go.”

America deserves better.

Tony should drop out of the race. https://t.co/djJJVu7dJm

— Brandon Gill (@realBrandonGill) February 23, 2026

NEW: GOP Rep. Tim Burchett tells me of Tony Gonzales, “He needs to go.” https://t.co/pGZWLX9NAn

— Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) February 23, 2026

Even Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) condemned the messages as “disgusting,” calling for all colleagues to denounce such behavior.

“The entire Texas delegation, as well as every single other Member of Congress, should be condemning a sitting Member of Congress asking for explicit photos of their staff. As a woman, this is really disgusting to see. Not to mention, it brings dishonor on the House of Representatives. I am so sick of people not calling this crap out. Again, like I’ve said before, this is not the only case of this crap up here. @RepTonyGonzales, shame on you.”

The entire Texas delegation, as well as every single other Member of Congress, should be condemning a sitting Member of Congress asking for explicit photos of their staff. As a woman, this is really disgusting to see. Not to mention, it brings dishonor on the House of…

— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) February 23, 2026

More from CNN:

House Speaker Mike Johnson is resisting calls, including from within his own ranks, to pressure Rep. Tony Gonzales to resign amid allegations he had an affair with a district staffer who later died by suicide, telling reporters he wants investigations to play out first.

Johnson conceded the accusations were “very serious” and that he has urged the San Antonio Republican to address them with his constituents directly. But the Republican leader insisted ongoing investigations should play out before he would step down.

“There are serious accusations, and it must be taken seriously, and I’ve told him he’s got to address that with his constituents and, and he’s in the process of doing that,” the speaker told CNN.

“It is my understanding there’s an investigation in the state of Texas on these matters and has been going for some time, and the Office of Congressional Conduct has also, it’s been reported, they’ve been looking at it and all of that was news to me. But I … think as in every case like this, you have to allow the investigations to play out and all the facts to come out.”

The post LEAKED TEXT SCANDAL: House Republicans Call on Rep. Tony Gonzales to Resign After Messages Allegedly Show Repeated Requests for Nude Photos from Staffer Who Later Died By Lighting Herself on Fire appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

FedEx filed a lawsuit against the US and is seeking a refund of President Trump’s tariffs after the Supreme Court’s ruling.

The US Supreme Court last Friday struck down President Trump’s tariffs in a 6-3 decision.

Chief Justices Roberts, Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch sided with the three liberal justices.

The high court did not address the billions of dollars collected from the tariffs.

So now FedEx is suing for a refund.

“Plaintiffs seek for themselves a full refund from Defendants of all IEEPA duties Plaintiffs have paid to the United States,” the lawsuit said.

CNBC reported:

Federal Express on Monday sued the U.S. government, seeking a “full refund” of the money the shipping giant paid for tariffs unilaterally imposed last year by President Donald Trump, which the Supreme Court last week ruled were illegal.

FedEx’s suit appears to be the first one filed by a major American company seeking a refund for tariffs paid after the Supreme Court decision on Friday.

Other companies filed lawsuits seeking refunds before the high court ruled that the tariffs Trump imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act are illegal.

Those suits, whose plaintiffs include retail warehouse club giant Costco, remain pending at the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York, the same court where FedEx filed its lawsuit.

The post HERE WE GO: FedEx Sues US, Seeks Refund of Trump’s Tariffs After Supreme Court Ruling appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.