Jen Psaki’s ‘Absolutely Disgusting’ Comments Mocking Usha Vance Spark Outrage

October 22, 2025

Jen Psaki’s comments about Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha are facing intense backlash after the MSNBC host joked that Usha might be afraid of her husband.

During an appearance on the “I’ve Had It” podcast, Psaki mocked Vance as “the little Manchurian candidate” and said, “I always wonder what’s going on in the mind of his wife. Like, are you OK? Please blink four times. We’ll come over here. We’ll save you.” The podcast description echoed the remark, adding, “Usha Vance, please blink twice if you need help.”

Conservatives slammed Psaki’s comments as “disgusting,” “vile,” and “unhinged.” Fox News contributor Joe Concha said Psaki is “not a good person. At all.” The Libs of TikTok account wrote, “Unhinged Jen Psaki is now smearing JD Vance… @MSNBC should be ashamed to pay her salary.”

Townhall’s Amy Curtis added, “Also, this is an absolutely vile thing to say. Usha Vance is happily married. She made a vow to JD and those words mean something.” White House communications director Steven Cheung also fired back, saying Psaki “has to overcompensate for her lack of talent by saying untrue things.”

Federalist correspondent Margot Cleveland joked, “I must admit, the pivot to ‘JD Vance is worse than Hitler’ started earlier than I anticipated.”

Critics say Psaki’s remarks reflect the hypocrisy of a media class that preaches empathy but mocks conservative women for standing by their husbands.

Cracker Barrel CEO Breaks Silence Over Logo U‑Turn

October 22, 2025

Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino addressed investors on the company’s recent branding reversal, acknowledging the decision to restore its classic logo came after a wave of customer backlash. Masino said the original logo change was meant to boost visibility on highway signage, but said the company “could’ve done a better job” communicating the update.

Masino told attendees at the 13D Monitor Investor Summit that the logo update was “part of this transformation … setting up success for the long term.” She emphasized the move was not ideological, but instead a strategic decision intended to modernize the chain’s appearance for travelers.

The chain’s announcement of the new logo—which removed the iconic “Uncle Herschel” figure—led to widespread consumer and investor criticism. Within days, Cracker Barrel reversed course, reinstating the original identity and halting major remodeling plans amid a sharp drop in its stock value.

From a broader business perspective, the Cracker Barrel logo reversal underscores the importance of aligning brand decisions with customer expectations, especially for companies rooted in tradition. While modernization efforts may be necessary to stay competitive, sudden changes to familiar symbols can trigger strong reactions from loyal consumers. The company’s decision to return to its classic branding highlights the value of customer feedback and the need for careful communication during periods of change.

Maryland Governor Moves Past Reparations Studies, Calls for Direct Action

October 22, 2025

Wes Moore, governor of Maryland, announced that the time for studying reparations is over and urged immediate initiatives to support minority communities. He vetoed legislation that would have created a commission to study reparations for slavery and historic racial disparities, arguing that Maryland already knows the problems and must now deliver results.

In his veto letter for SB 587, Moore stated that prior commissions and research have thoroughly documented the legacy of slavery, redlining, segregation, and other racial injustices in Maryland. He wrote: “Now is the time for continued action that delivers results for the people we serve.”

Moore emphasized concrete steps his administration has already taken: authorizing a $400 million “Just Communities” initiative targeting neighborhoods impacted by discrimination; increasing procurement awards to Black‑owned businesses; boosting funding for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs); and issuing large‑scale pardons for marijuana convictions that disproportionately affected Black Marylanders.

Lawsuit Targets Speaker Johnson Over Delayed Swearing‑In During Government Shutdown

October 22, 2025

The State of Arizona filed a federal lawsuit on October 21, 2025 against House Speaker Mike Johnson, R‑La., accusing him of blocking the swearing‑in of Democrat Adelita Grijalva despite her certified election win. The delay in seating her is tied to the ongoing federal government shutdown and the House remaining in recess, the lawsuit contends.

Grijalva won a special election on September 23 to fill the seat left vacant by the late Rep. Raúl Grijalva and would represent more than 800,000 constituents in Arizona’s 7th District. Johnson has refused her oath until the House returns to full session, citing the shutdown as the reason.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes argues this delay amounts to “taxation without representation” and denies voters their chosen representative for the district. The lawsuit seeks to allow another official to administer the oath if Johnson refuses.

Johnson called the lawsuit “patently absurd” and dismissed it as a publicity move, stating that Grijalva will be sworn in when the House resumes normal legislative business.

Critics note this move coincides with Grijalva’s pledge to sign a discharge petition aimed at forcing a vote on releasing unclassified records tied to Jeffrey Epstein investigations—a petition that would require her participation to reach the necessary threshold. Johnson denies a link between her delayed swearing‑in and the petition.

White House Cancels Trump-Putin Meeting Plans Amid Ongoing Tensions

October 22, 2025

Russian-President-Vladimir-Putin-Alexei-Danichev-Sputnik-Kremlin-Pool-Photo-via-AP — Russian President Vladimir Putin (Alexei Danichev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

The White House confirmed there are no plans for President Trump to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the near future, despite previous suggestions of a summit in Budapest. A senior U.S. official said the administration sees no need for an in-person meeting at this time.

President Trump had previously indicated that a meeting with Putin might occur “within two weeks or so.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded by stating that no date had been scheduled and that serious preparation would be required before any summit could take place.

A senior administration official clarified that a recent phone call between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was productive and eliminated the need for immediate direct talks. The official added that diplomacy would continue through appropriate channels but emphasized that no summit was being organized at this time.

The Trump administration has taken a cautious stance on formal engagement with Moscow, particularly as Russia’s war in Ukraine remains unresolved. The White House’s decision to hold back on a summit reflects a preference for substantive diplomatic progress rather than symbolic gestures.

Japan Elects First Female Prime Minister with Bold Conservative Agenda

October 22, 2025

Japan flag — Japanese flag (Fumiaki Hayashi/Unsplash)

Japan has named Sanae Takaichi as its first female prime minister, marking a historic moment for the country. Takaichi, 64, secured leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and was confirmed by Japan’s parliament on October 21, 2025. She credited former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as her political inspiration, pledging strong, values-based leadership.

Takaichi has built her platform on conservative principles, rejecting progressive cultural norms while championing national strength. She has openly opposed same-sex marriage, supported a constitutional rewrite to expand Japan’s military role, and stood against separate surnames for married couples. These positions align her with Japan’s nationalist right and reflect a broader commitment to traditional values.

Economically, Takaichi favors heavy government investment to stimulate growth, modeling her approach on the late Shinzo Abe’s policies. She has called for bold fiscal stimulus and state support for strategic industries, a strategy critics say will further inflate Japan’s national debt. Despite market concerns, she argues this approach will restore economic vitality.

On foreign policy, Takaichi supports strengthening ties with Taiwan and adopting a tougher stance against China. She also backs a larger, more assertive role for Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. Her hawkish posture is expected to increase tensions in the region, particularly with Beijing and Seoul.

Takaichi’s rise comes at a time of political uncertainty. Her party lost its upper-house majority earlier in 2025, forcing her to navigate a fragile coalition landscape. Public skepticism remains, especially among younger voters. However, her firm stance on national identity and defense has resonated with conservatives across Japan.

Clinton Attacks Trump’s White House Ballroom Project: ‘It’s Not His House’

October 22, 2025

Former-US-president-Bill-Clinton-second-left-and-former-US-secretary-of-state-Hillary-Clinton-Niall-CarsonPool-Photo-via-AP — (Niall Carson/Pool Photo via AP)

Hillary Clinton sharply criticized President Trump’s plan to build a new White House ballroom, accusing him of using the presidency for personal glorification. Clinton claimed the project disrespects national heritage, declaring, “It’s not his house. It’s your house. And he’s destroying it.” The statement coincides with ongoing demolition work on the East Wing, triggering political backlash over the structure’s purpose and funding.

President Trump initiated construction on a $200–$250 million ballroom designed to hold up to 900 guests. The project is being funded privately, with Trump and unnamed donors footing the bill. Demolition on the White House’s East Wing began October 20, 2025, even though the National Capital Planning Commission has not yet approved final plans.

Clinton used the moment to mobilize opposition, aiming to frame the ballroom as a symbol of presidential excess and a disregard for American tradition. Her statement suggested Trump’s vision of leadership prioritizes personal image over civic responsibility. She portrayed the construction as an assault on a building that represents the people, not the president.

The White House has defended the project, noting it uses no taxpayer money and aims to modernize event hosting capabilities. However, critics question the timing of the renovation, as it coincides with government shutdown concerns and broader debates over national spending priorities. The absence of federal oversight prior to demolition has also raised alarms among watchdog groups.

Clinton’s remarks position the ballroom not as infrastructure, but as a political symbol. The attack highlights broader tensions surrounding the presidency, power, and public trust.

Schumer’s Shutdown Gambit: Trump Says Democrats Holding Government Hostage

October 22, 2025

Trump (3) — (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

President Trump directly accused Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, of holding the federal government hostage during a prolonged government shutdown. He warned that Democrats are using the crisis to force through a partisan agenda, calling their actions an act of political extortion.

Speaking from the Rose Garden, President Trump demanded that Democrats pass a clean, bipartisan continuing resolution to reopen the government. He stated plainly, “We will not be extorted.” The shutdown had entered its 21st day, tying the longest in U.S. history at the time.

Trump placed the blame squarely on Democratic leadership, labeling the crisis either “the Schumer shutdown” or “the Democrats’ shutdown.” He emphasized that Senate Democrats are obstructing efforts to fund essential services while trying to leverage the situation to win concessions on unrelated policy goals.

He pointed to polling data that indicated public frustration with Senate Democrats and suggested that Schumer was losing ground with American voters. “Schumer is in deep trouble,” Trump said, highlighting that Democrats were feeling pressure not just from Republicans, but from within their own ranks.

The president also mentioned the growing influence of far-left voices like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and “the Squad,” suggesting Schumer’s caucus was being pulled in a radical direction. Trump said Democrats are prioritizing “things that we don’t want,” calling their demands harmful to the country.

President Trump argued that the shutdown came at a time of historic economic success. He cited strong job creation, rising investment, and robust national wealth as reasons why Democrats should stop obstructing progress. “In the greatest moment in the history of our country … these guys go on strike,” he said.

The president reiterated that his administration is prepared to negotiate, but not under the threat of a government shutdown. He made clear that using essential services and federal workers as political leverage is unacceptable. The remarks reflected a firm stance against allowing partisan politics to override responsible governance.

Furious Mom Slams School After Daughter Plays Against Biological Male

October 22, 2025

Former ESPN host Sam Ponder is calling out a school sports tournament after her daughter’s middle-school basketball team was forced to compete against what she described as an “obviously naturally born boy.” The game, part of a local girls’ tournament, sparked a strong reaction from Ponder, who shared her frustration over what she called an unfair and unsafe situation.

Ponder said she watched her daughter be “physically dominated” during the game and called the experience “maddening.” She accused the boy’s parents of deception and said the situation left her emotionally shaken, despite raising her children to be kind and accepting. Her comments gained attention nationwide as debate over transgender participation in youth sports continues to intensify.

Responding to critics who accused her of trying to profit off controversy, Ponder pushed back, saying she has “lost millions” for being honest on this issue. “I’m not being paid for this honesty,” she added, noting she speaks out to protect girls’ opportunities in sports.

The situation reflects growing national concern over biological males competing in female athletics, particularly at the youth level. With public figures like Ponder stepping forward, calls for policy changes around school sports eligibility are likely to increase.

New Woke Ruling: Tolkien’s ‘Dark’ Races Are Allegory for Colonialism

October 22, 2025

A British university professor is drawing criticism after accusing J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings of promoting colonial imagery and racial bias. The course, titled “Imagining ‘Britain’: Decolonising Tolkien”, is being taught at the University of Nottingham by historian Onyeka Nubia. The class explores “race and mythology” in Tolkien’s work, framing certain characters and cultures as symbols of British imperialism.

The professor claims that the portrayal of the Haradrim, Easterlings, and other “dark” races as enemies—while the morally upright characters are predominantly white and Western—reflects “ethnic chauvinism.” Students are asked to examine the series through the lens of post-colonial theory and to question the racial assumptions built into the fantasy genre.

Tolkien fans and scholars have pushed back, pointing to the author’s known rejection of racism and his deep-rooted Christian worldview. They argue that the moral clarity in Tolkien’s universe—good versus evil, sacrifice over power—transcends modern political narratives. Others warn that reducing classic literature to ideological critiques undermines its broader cultural and literary value.

This controversy is the latest in a growing trend across Western universities to reframe classic texts through progressive frameworks. While academic exploration is vital, critics say this approach often injects modern politics into works that were never intended as allegories for colonialism or race.