Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was on “Sunday Morning Futures” with host Maria Bartiromo to discuss topics including the armed man who was shot and killed by law enforcement at Mar-A-Lago early Sunday morning.

“Do you know if President Trump was in Washington at 1:30 am last night?” Bartiromo asked.

Secretary Bessent explained that President Trump was in Washington, DC, when the armed man was at Mar-a-Lago.

“I just spoke with President Trump. He spent the night in DC. He was here for the National Governors’ Conference,” Bessent said.

Bessent blasted the left for what he called “venom” from Democrats. He reminded viewers that there have been numerous attempts on the President’s life.

“I just want to say, why don’t we look back here and think two assassins would be dead. One in jail for life, and this venom coming from the other side,” Bessent commented.

“We don’t know whether this person was a mastermind, unhinged, or what, but they are normalizing this violence. It’s got to stop,” Bessent said.

“How is it possible that this individual could have gotten as close as he did to Mar-A-Lago last night?” Bartiromo asked.

“For anyone who has driven along there. The perimeter is, very you know, very, very protected, so, you know, we’ll see,” Bessent continued.

“The Secret Service is running so much better now than it was in Butler. New leadership,” Bessent said.

Secretary Bessent also explained that although President Trump and his family are unharmed, these attempts from would-be assassins are unacceptable. He reiterated that the left’s rhetoric is largely to blame.

“President Trump and his family. They are safe, but they shouldn’t have to endure attempt after attempt,” Bessent said.

“I think the perimeter around the President is as strong as it’s ever been, but again, this existential threat, this venom from the left, really has to stop. They have normalized this violence,” Bessent continued.

Watch:

Today on @SundayFutures with @MariaBartiromo, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent @SecScottBessent reacted to the breaking news of an armed man shot outside Mar-A-Lago earlier this morning. Secretary Bessent also spoke about President Trump imposing 15% global tariffs following… pic.twitter.com/R9gr91UikW

— SundayMorningFutures (@SundayFutures) February 22, 2026

The post Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Weighs in on Armed Man Shot Dead by Law Enforcement at Mar-A-Lago, Blasts the Left – “This Venom from the Left, Really Has to Stop. They Have Normalized This Violence” (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

France announced Sunday it will summon U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner after Washington publicly condemned the killing of French conservative activist Quentin Deranque.

Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the U.S. Embassy’s comments about the case amounted to interference in a matter that “concerns the national community.”

He added that France “rejects any instrumentalisation of this tragedy” and insisted the country has “no lessons to learn” from what he described as an “international reactionary movement.”

Barrot said he plans to raise additional concerns with Ambassador Kushner, including U.S. sanctions imposed on former EU commissioner Thierry Breton and French judge Nicolas Guillou.

He described the sanctions as “unjustified and unjustifiable,” while Macron has reportedly written to President Trump requesting that certain sanctions on European citizens be lifted.

Deranque was beaten to death during a clash with far-left thugs, an attack that has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed debate over political violence in France.

Here is video of the young man in Lyon, France who was beaten to death by Antifa. Quentin, who is now brain dead, was volunteering as security for a conservative women’s group when he was jumped by Antifa, allegedly the Jeune Garde group. https://t.co/yLfycJ0Wxb

— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) February 14, 2026

The U.S. Embassy in Paris and the State Department’s Bureau of Counterterrorism said they were monitoring developments.

In a post on X, the embassy warned that “violent radical leftism was on the rise” and should be treated as a public safety threat.

Reports, corroborated by the French Minister of the Interior, that Quentin Deranque was killed by left-wing militants, should concern us all. Violent radical leftism is on the rise and its role in Quentin Deranque’s death demonstrates the threat it poses to public safety. We will…

— State Dept CT Bureau (@StateDeptCT) February 19, 2026

Sarah Rogers, the State Department’s under secretary for public diplomacy, said the killing demonstrated “why we treat political violence – terrorism – so harshly.”

“Once you decide to kill people for their opinions instead of persuade them, you’ve opted out of civilization,” she wrote.

The Trump administration has also condemned the role of “violent radical leftism” in the case.

The incident has heightened the already febrile atmosphere across France ahead of the upcoming municipal elections.

Around 3,000 people marched in Lyon over the weekend in tribute to Deranque.

« Archenault en prison ! Archenault en prison ! »

Plus de 3000 personnes demandent l’emprisonnement de Raphaël Arnault, de son vrai nom Archenault. pic.twitter.com/ij85EYQfp3

— Frontières (@Frontieresmedia) February 21, 2026

Six men have been given preliminary charges in connection with the assault.

A parliamentary assistant to a lawmaker from the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, led by communist Jean Luc-Melenchon, has also been charged with complicity.

The diplomatic dispute follows earlier friction between France and Italy after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described Deranque’s killing as “a wound for all of Europe,” prompting criticism from Paris.

Brutal Murder of Conservative Activist Quentin Deranque by French Antifa Thugs Unleashes Fierce Debate Between Failing Macron and Conservative Italian PM Meloni

The post France Summons U.S. Ambassador After Washington Condemns Killing of Conservative Activist, Insists There Are ‘No Lessons to Learn’ appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly taken steps to prepare for the possibility of his assassination or removal as tensions with the United States and Israel intensify.

According to a New York Times report published on Sunday, Khamenei elevated longtime ally Ali Larijani to serve as the country’s de facto decision-maker during January’s anti-government unrest.

The move has effectively sidelined Iran’s elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian.

Larijani, a former Revolutionary Guards commander and current secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, is now taking on an expanded role in the state’s affairs.

The leader of the Islamic regime in Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei, has reportedly designated his senior adviser, Ali Larijani, to handle key state affairs in the event of his death.

The New York Times, citing senior Iranian officials and members of the IRGC command. pic.twitter.com/QeMySZHlqq

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) February 22, 2026

He has overseen security responses to protests, coordinated with regional allies including Russia and Qatar, and played a central role in nuclear-related discussions involving Washington.

Although Larijani has emerged as a dominant figure, it is said he lacks the clerical credentials traditionally required to become Supreme Leader.

Other names mentioned in succession speculation include Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf and former president Hassan Rouhani.

Reuters previously reported that U.S. military planning could include targeting senior Iranian figures in the event of a strike, though officials did not name specific individuals.

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
In view of Dr. Ahmadian’s appointment to an executive position in the govt., I appoint Dr. Ali Larijani to be the Leader’s Representative in Supreme National Security Council in accordance with Article 176 of the Constitution.

— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) August 7, 2025

Sources cited in the Times report said Khamenei has developed a layered succession framework for key military and government posts, with multiple designated replacements per role.

A small group of trusted insiders has also reportedly been authorized to act in the event of communication breakdowns or Khamenei’s death.

Iran’s leadership is said to be operating under the assumption that a U.S. strike remains a real possibility as it continues to build up its military presence across the region.

Reports suggest President Trump is postponing action on Iran until the USS Gerald R. Ford docks near Israel.

Arrival expected within 24 hours — decision time is approaching fast.pic.twitter.com/puVP6DcCry

— Brandon Straka #WalkAway (@BrandonStraka) February 22, 2026

Iran’s own military forces have been placed on heightened alert, missile systems deployed along key borders, and exercises conducted near the Strait of Hormuz.

Khamenei remains in charge for now, although it increasingly appears like his time is fast running out.

The post REPORT: Iran’s Ayatollah is Quietly Preparing for His Own Assassination With Detailed Succession Plans appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

President Donald Trump has withdrawn his endorsement of Colorado Congressman Jeff Hurd after he backed the recent Supreme Court ruling against tariffs.

On Truth Social, Trump said he would endorse his opponent, Hope Scheppelman, instead.

He wrote:

Based on a lack of support, in particular for the unbelievably successful TARIFFS imposed on Foreign Countries and Companies which has made America Richer, Stronger, Bigger, and Better than ever before, I am hereby WITHDRAWING my Endorsement of RINO Congressman Jeff Hurd, of Colorado’s 3rd District, and fully Endorsing Highly Respected Patriot, Hope Scheppelman, to take his place in Congress. Congressman Hurd is one of a small number of Legislators who have let me and our Country down.

He is more interested in protecting Foreign Countries that have been ripping us off for decades than he is the United States of America. Taking back an Endorsement is a difficult decision for me. I have only done it once before, with a former Congressman named Mo Brooks, from Alabama, who was leading by 54 points after my Endorsement for U.S. Senate, and then, he unexpectedly, for strictly political reasons, changed his views on the Rigged Election of 2020, and lost his Race in a Landslide to Katie Britt, who I Endorsed. These are the decisions that must be made, however, to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

On the other hand, Hope Scheppelman is a distinguished Critical Care Nurse Practitioner, and a brave U.S. Navy Veteran, who knows the America First Policies required, and will do everything necessary to Defend our Country, Support our Military/Veterans, and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.

In Congress, Hope will work tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Advocate for our Amazing Farmers and Ranchers, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Safeguard our Elections, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.

Hope Scheppelman has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Representative from Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District and, unlike RINO Jeff Hurd, HOPE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!

JUST IN: President Trump just REVOKED his endorsement of Congressman Jeff Hurd (R-CO) after Hurd came out against Trump’s tariffs

Trump’s now endorsing Hope Scheppelman.

This is only the SECOND time Trump has ever revoked an endorsement

Unendorse Tony Gonzales too, POTUS! pic.twitter.com/BklN39wpZk

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 21, 2026

Hurd has never made any secret of his opposition to tariffs. He has repeatedly been among the handful of Republicans voting to block Trump’s tariff policy.

Last September, Hurd was also among four cowardly Republicans who voted against censuring far-left Rep. Ilhan Omar after she appeared to justify the brutal assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Four Weak-Kneed Republicans Side with Democrats to Kill Effort to Censure Radical Ilhan Omar

The post Trump Pulls Endorsement of Colorado Rep. Jeff Hurd After He Backed SCOTUS Tariff Decision appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani actually defended the ID requirement to shovel snow in New York City.

Mamdani came under fire after the last ‘Snowpocalypse’ in New York City left piles of dirty snow on the streets for weeks.

Another blizzard is expected to dump approximately two feet of snow in New York City and this time Mamdani urged New Yorkers to help shovel the snow.

However, they must show two forms of ID!

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said during a press conference on Saturday that the city is preparing for what could be its most significant snowfall in nearly a decade.

“For those who want to do more to help their neighbors and earn some extra cash, you too can become an emergency snow shoveler,” Mamdani said.

”Just show up at your local sanitation garage between 8 am and 1 pm tomorrow with your paperwork,” he added.

The Department of Sanitation said shovelers are paid $19.14 per hour, with overtime at $28.71 per hour after 40 hours – but multiple forms of ID must be presented in order to qualify to be a shoveler!

NEW: New York City is requiring multiple forms of ID for anyone who would like to register to be a paid emergency snow shoveler ahead of this weekend’s winter storm.

This, as some Dems say requiring ID to vote is akin to “Jim Crow 2.0”.

NYC link: https://t.co/q41bg86CtL pic.twitter.com/ajPXA9zR0m

— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) February 21, 2026

Mamdani twisted himself into a pretzel as he defended the ID requirement.

Mamdani blamed federal law requirements.

“Federal law requires that employers get authorization and documentation to pay people for their work. We are not allowed to just cut checks to individuals for their work,” Mamdani said.

WATCH:

The post Mamdani Twists Himself Into a Pretzel as He Defends Requiring ID to Shovel Snow in New York City (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.