Meaghan Ellis, AlterNet

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is now threatening to charge Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director Christopher Wray with contempt of Congress if he does not make more of an effort to comply with the investigation into President Joe Biden's family.

McCarthy's remarks came during his Tuesday, May 30 appearance on "Fox & Friends." Although McCarthy was supposed to be discussing lawmakers' heated negotiations regarding the debt ceiling, at one point the discussion shifted to House Oversight Chairman James Comer's scheduled meeting with Wray.

According to Mediaite, the upcoming meeting comes after "Comer accused the FBI of refusing to comply with a subpoena demanding that the agency produce internal documents related to the Biden family’s business dealings with foreign entities."

Comer has warned of the possibility of Wray being held in contempt of Congress. During the interview on "Fox & Friends," McCarthy echoed similar sentiments.

"Today is the deadline," McCarthy said. "So let me not just tell you, let me tell Director Christopher Wray right here, right now. If he misses the deadline today, I’m prepared to move contempt charges in Congress against him. We have jurisdiction over this. He can send us that document."

He added, "We have the right to look at that, Republicans and Democrats alike in that committee, and if he does not follow through with the law, we will move contempt charges against Christopher Wray and the FBI. They are not above the law."

McCarthy and Comer's threats come as Comer continues to face obstacles with building a substantial case to support allegations of wrongdoing by the Biden family.

A former Trump White House official is weighing in with his take on the upcoming 2024 presidential election and how he sees the political battle panning out.

On Tuesday, May 29, Mick Mulvaney — who previously served as director of the Trump administration's Office of Management and Budget and as acting Trump White House Chief of Staff — appeared for an interview with Sky News Australia.

During the discussion, Mulvaney was asked about Trump's third presidential run as he attempts to reclaim the White House.

Mulvaney predicts that the former president will likely win the Republican primary but he isn't convinced he will take back the White House.

“The Republican primary will be about Donald Trump and he will probably win,” Mulvaney said. “And then the general election will be about Donald Trump and he will probably lose.”

According to the former White House official, Trump is a “turnout machine" where voting is concerned. However, he also explained why this is a double-edged sword for the former president. Per the news outlet, Trump's motivation for voters "drives people to vote both for and against him."

Mulvaney noted that the race “will be about him: ‘Do you love him or do you hate him? Which is pretty much a repeat of 2020.”

Rick Wilson — Lincoln Project co-founder and vocal Trump critic — is sharing his prediction for the 2024 primary and, by his projection, it doesn't look good for the Republican Party.

According to Wilson, former President Donald Trump would have to be "dead or in jail" for another Republican candidate to have a viable chance of winning the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.

To make matters worse, Wilson even suggested that incarceration might not be enough to diminish Trump's influence among voters. According to Mediaite, Wilson made his remarks during a recent segment of the "The Dean Obeidallah Show."

READ MORE: How Trump’s indictment worries brought the GOP presidential primary 'to a crashing halt': conservative

Obeidallah asked Wilson for his take on the feud between Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R).

"Is there anything we can do to amplify a DeSantis-Trump divide if that race gets closer, even if it doesn’t?" he asked.

Comparing the political feud to a scene from the movie, "Jaws," Wilson said, "I want you to think about that scene in Jaws where Roy Schneider’s on the back of the boat throwing chum in the water. That would be me. I want DeSantis and Trump to fight and fight and fight. And fight and fight."

He added, "Now, I want that because I know. And a lot of my former conservative friends are like, well, you’re just, oh, why don’t you love DeSantis? DeSantis is a guy who is terrible at this work."

READ MORE: George Conway, Steve Schmidt and Rick Wilson burn Trump and the GOP to the ground in scathing joint op-ed

Wilson went on to explain why DeSantis and other Republican presidential candidates will likely be fighting an uphill battle.

"Trump still has a stranglehold over the Republican Party," Wilson noted. "I have to plan for the worst-case scenario. The worst-case scenario is that Donald Trump will be the nominee in the Republican Party once again. There is very there are very few paths to get a Ron DeSantis or any other of these jokers in the field over the finish line in the primary."

"I mean, Trump has to be dead or in jail," he added. "And even in those cases, he still might win the primaries."

Watch the video at this link.

READ MORE: 'They need to be burned to the ground politically': Rick Wilson issues expletive-laced warning about No Labels

The Scientific American's editorial board is highlighting the dangers of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' "antiscience agenda."

In a new editorial, the board noted that the Republican governor "used governmental power in Florida to restrict access to health and education, promoting an intolerant and harmful agenda."

The board emphasized some of the actions DeSantis has taken to obstruct and diminish the importance of science in Florida.

"DeSantis has banned books in school libraries, restricted teachers’ classroom discussions about diversity, prohibited high school classes that focus on Black history and people, politicized college curricula, limited spending on diversity programs, ignored greenhouse gas reduction in climate change policy, diminished reproductive rights and outlawed transgender health care," the board wrote.

The Florida governor's attack on science began with his pushback against lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, DeSantis dismissed the vast majority of scientific data regarding the effectiveness of masks and COVID vaccinations. He also appointed a conspiracy-driven surgeon general who aligned with his belief.

"The governor has refused all evidence that masks are safe and help prevent COVID, appointed a surgeon general who advised against vaccines, and continues to paint science and evidence as restrictions to the freedom of Floridians. Instead of limiting the role of government, as he claimed in his fight against masks, he is expanding it to selectively promote a particular religious agenda," the board wrote.

The board went on to express concern about DeSantis' attack on abortion — another matter of ignoring science and statistics to push his own agenda.

"The maternal mortality rate in Florida is rising, yet DeSantis signed one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country, outlawing it after six weeks of pregnancy and endangering people who have life-threatening complications that termination could help," the board explained.

They added, "Black women in Florida have the worst maternal mortality rates of any group in the state, and research has shown that people who are denied abortions and forced to give birth suffer mentally, financially, and educationally. These statistics surely won’t improve under these new laws, which are pushing health care providers to move out of the state."

The board also noted DeSantis' book bans, “Don’t Say Gay” law, and his attack on critical race theory — all initiatives that appear to ignore key facts and statistics.

"What Ron DeSantis has done in Florida mirrors efforts in other states, including Texas. He is among a new class of conservative lawmakers who speak of freedom while restricting freedom," they wrote.

In wake of DeSantis' presidential candidacy announcement, the board warned, "A country led by someone wielding such cruelty, bigotry and megalomania will never be 'a more perfect Union.'”

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton(R) is not pleased with state House lawmakers' calls for his impeachment.

According to HuffPost, Paxton's concerns come as the Texas House of Representatives passed 20 articles of impeachment in hopes of removing Paxton from office.

The impeachment recommendation came after "outside attorneys presented evidence accusing the state attorney general of sweeping impropriety that verged on criminality, including claims Paxton had used his position to help a political ally, engaged in bribery and attempted to obstruct justice," the news outlet reports.

It was also noted that a decision could be handed down as soon as Friday, May 26. If the state House's simple majority votes in favor of Paxton's impeachment, he would be required to temporarily step down from his post.

Paxton would also be restricted from carrying out his regular duties. The changes would be in place while the state Senate conducts its impeachment trial.

For Paxton to be completely removed from office, two-thirds of state senate lawmakers would have to vote in favor of his impeachment. Reacting to the latest news, Paxton took to Twitter with a response that said, "Overturning elections begins behind closed doors.”

Later in the day, Paxton repeated his stance as he slammed the investigation, describing it as an “illegitimate attempt to overthrow the will of the people.”

“Four liberal lawyers put forward a report to the House General Investigating Committee based on hearsay and gossip, parroting long-disproven claims,” he said. “By attacking the Office of the Attorney General, corrupted politicians in the Texas House, led by liberal Speaker Dade Phelan, are actively destroying Texas’s position as the most powerful backstop against the Biden agenda in the entire country.”

Recently, Paxton attacked Phelan, accusing him of being drunk while performing his duties.

On Tuesday, he tweetedL "It is with profound disappointment that I call on Speaker Dade Phelan to resign at the end of this legislative session. Texans were dismayed to witness his performance presiding over the Texas House in a state of apparent debilitating intoxication.”

Mark Levin, the host of Fox News' "Life, Liberty & Levin," is facing deep backlash from MAGA enthusiasts for tweeting a link to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' (R) fundraising page for his presidential campaign.

Levin made the post on Wednesday, May 24, shortly after the Florida governor announced his presidential bid — and supporters of former President Donald Trump were not pleased with Levin's post.

For quite some time, Levin has been a known supporter of former President Donald Trump.

According to Mediaite, DeSantis' announcement came during a Twitter Spaces event that kicked off late due to technical issues. One Twitter employee confirmed that Twitter Spaces is currently considered to be a technical prototype, the news outlet reports.

Shortly after the Twitter Spaces announcement, the Republican governor made an appearance on "Fox News Tonight" where he solidified his announcement as he attempted to appeal to the network's audience.

Almost immediately after the Fox News appearance, Levin shared his post and Trump supporters quickly weighed in with their disapproval.

"Sent a monetary donation to President Trump’s election campaign. Thanks for the reminder," one Twitter user sarcastically tweeted to Levin.

Former Maryland Republican Lt. Gov. candidate Gordana Schifanelli also tweeted, "Trump is the only person on Earth to stop the globalists and end the War in Ukraine; return to MAGA policies even better now since he knows the Washington swamp. No time for experiments."

"Guess you're afraid to lose your #Faux gig after they canned #TuckerCarlson. Just so you know, we forgave you the first time, because you didn't know better. But we haven't forgotten you started as a #NeverTrump," another fierce Trump supporter tweeted. "We won't forgive you, again this time. Good luck."

Although Levin is taking a hit on social media, he's one of multiple Republicans who shared the link.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) recently took aim at Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) by unearthing one of her previous bizarre conspiracy theories where she claimed Target “forcefully exposed” children to merchandise related to Pride Month.

According to HuffPost, the latest disagreement between Newsom and Greene began on Twitter after the California governor expressed frustration over Target's latest move. Newsom insists Target betrayed the LGBTQ+ community by selling it out to "extremists.”

After facing deep backlash, the retailer opted to rid its shelves of all apparel supporting Pride Month; a move that suggests they were more than willing to concede to bullying.

READ MORE: 'Cancun' Ted Cruz brutally mocked after attacking California governor’s heatwave response: 'No shame at all'

“CEO of Target Brian Cornell selling out the LGBTQ+ community to extremists is a real profile in courage. This isn’t just a couple stores in the South. There is a systematic attack on the gay community happening across the country,” Newsom tweeted.

“Wake up America," he added. "This doesn’t stop here. You’re black? You’re Asian? You’re Jewish? You’re a woman? You’re next.”

Greene fired back at Newsom arguing "the 'gay community' is not under attack before falsely claiming that the retail giant was forcing children in the store to see 'tuck-friendly' kids’ clothing," the news outlet reports.

Newsom quickly shot back at Greene with a reference to one of her previous, outlandish conspiracy theories. The Democratic governor highlighted Greene's theory about a campfire that erupted in California back in 2018. At the time, the lawmaker baselessly claimed solar energy from outer space was the reason for a California campfire.

READ MORE: '$1.3 million Marsha': Twitter shoots down Tennessee's NRA-funded Blackburn's 'prayer' for Nashville victims

“Are you the space laser person?” Newsom tweeted to Greene.

Since facing criticism for the bizarre theory, Greene has made multiple attempts to distance herself from it due to the well-known Rothschild family being linked to the fires. During an interview, Greene also claimed to have no knowledge of the family being subjected to antisemitism and conspiracy theories.

“I’m fully against antisemitism. You’re mixing two things together," Greene said to a reporter. "You’re accusing me of something I did not do, and then you’re trying to blame me for antisemitism. You are such a liar. You need to stop."

READ MORE: Texas mall shooter wore neo-Nazi symbol and shared 'white-supremacist content online': report

John Dean — Watergate attorney and former White House counsel in the Nixon administration — recently weighed in on E. Jean Carroll's legal team's request for additional damages in the defamation suit where she accused Trump of sexual assault.

During a recent appearance on CNN, Dean was asked about the latest development in the case as he noted how Trump's remarks about Carroll during the April 27 CNN town hall could come back to haunt him.

The broadcast moved to a replay of Trump's remarks about Carroll during his CNN town hall.

At that point during the discussion, Trump spoke in the third person as he talked about his situation with Carroll. "They said he didn't rape her. I didn't do anything else either," he said. "You know what? Because I have no idea who the hell she is. I don't know who this woman they said, sir, don't do it. This is a fake story, and you don't want to give it credibility."

According to Dean, Trump's "loose lips" may ultimately be a big problem for him. When asked if he was surprised by Carroll's request for additional damages following Trump's Town Hall, Dean admitted that he was "not at all" shocked.

"I think that what was done was very thoughtful," Dean said. "It wasn't a new case that was filed. It was filed against the original complaint that was done back in November of 2019 that has been bouncing around the courts over who can represent Trump. Whether because he was president when he said that the Department of Justice should be involved in this, and that has not been it's gone up to two court of appeals and now it's back down in the district court."

Dean added, "That's where she amended it. It's back there and it shows punitive damages. Many of these issues in the original case have already been tried. It's the same judge. He's very savvy. He knows what's going on. It was a brilliant move. And I think Trump could end up paying another five or more million dollars as a result of his loose lips."

A new op-ed has unearthed a cringeworthy ad featuring Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) after his announcement to run for president in 2024.

In the article published by MSNBC News, Ja'han Jones — a blog writer for The ReidOut — insists the Republican senator, like the ad, can be summed up in just three words.

Jones recalled Scott's infamous cringeworthy remarks where he used a phrase that reeked of Ebonics: "KeepYoMoney." According to Jones, the clip features Scott "awkwardly reciting the #KeepYoMoney line — flanked by a bunch of old, white lawmakers, who clearly get a kick out of hearing him deliver it."

Since Scott is the only Black Republican senator, Jones noted that the lawmaker is often used as a pawn to do the party's bidding when it comes to key topics that most Black people would likely disagree with.

Jones offered more insight on the video clip which was filmed back in 2017. At the time, Scott was pushed to the forefront to appeal to American voters on Republicans' proposed tax plan; one that was far more beneficial for wealthy Americans.

"Back in 2017, as Republicans controlled the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives, they trotted out Scott to try to sell Americans on their regressive tax plan that immensely favored rich people," Jones wrote.

He added, "Someone seems to have had the brilliant idea for Scott to appear in a promotional video for Senate Republicans — and for him to deploy a catchy hashtag to misleadingly tout the tax plan as beneficial to nonwealthy Americans."

"Scott and the phrase are a lot alike: unserious, deceitful, and deployed in service of the white conservative establishment," Jones wrote. "For me, #KeepYoMoney epitomizes the new presidential candidate. Seriously, I hardly refer to him as Tim Scott in conversation anymore. To me, he’ll always be Senator #KeepYoMoney of South Carolina."

A new op-ed has unearthed a cringeworthy ad featuring Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) after his announcement to run for president in 2024.

In the article published by MSNBC News, Ja'han Jones — a blog writer for The ReidOut — insists the Republican senator, like the ad, can be summed up in just three words.

Jones recalled Scott's infamous cringeworthy remarks where he used a phrase that reeked of Ebonics: "KeepYoMoney." According to Jones, the clip features Scott "awkwardly reciting the #KeepYoMoney line — flanked by a bunch of old, white lawmakers, who clearly get a kick out of hearing him deliver it."

READ MORE: 'Are they all dumb?' Tim Scott ridiculed after grossly distorting the First Amendment and religious freedom

Since Scott is the only Black Republican senator, Jones noted that the lawmaker is often used as a pawn to do the party's bidding when it comes to key topics that most Black people would likely disagree with.

Jones offered more insight on the video clip which was filmed back in 2017. At the time, Scott was pushed to the forefront to appeal to American voters on Republicans' proposed tax plan; one that was far more beneficial for wealthy Americans.

"Back in 2017, as Republicans controlled the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives, they trotted out Scott to try to sell Americans on their regressive tax plan that immensely favored rich people," Jones wrote.

He added, "Someone seems to have had the brilliant idea for Scott to appear in a promotional video for Senate Republicans — and for him to deploy a catchy hashtag to misleadingly tout the tax plan as beneficial to nonwealthy Americans."

READ MORE: 'Like popping a helium balloon': Tim Scott teased for 'word salad' response to abortion ban question

"Scott and the phrase are a lot alike: unserious, deceitful, and deployed in service of the white conservative establishment," Jones wrote. "For me, #KeepYoMoney epitomizes the new presidential candidate. Seriously, I hardly refer to him as Tim Scott in conversation anymore. To me, he’ll always be Senator #KeepYoMoney of South Carolina."

Watch the video below.

READ MORE: Tim Scott transforms from 'gentler' Republican to parroting claims the left is the 'enemy' of the people

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas may be facing new allegations for lavish gifts he's received from wealthy donors, but a recent podcast episode is shedding light on the real timeline of scandals that have plagued him in the past.

WNYC Supreme Court-focused podcast "More Perfect," host Julia Longoria highlighted Thomas' previous discussions about his transition from being "a Malcolm X-admiring revolutionary to arguably the most conservative justice," according to Business Insider.

Thomas' remarks were included in a 1987 profile published by The Atlantic's Juan Williams. At the time, Thomas was employed as an aide for Sen. John Danforth (R-MO). He'd traveled to San Francisco, Calif. to attend a conference for Black conservatives. Although he wasn't a known name at the time, he caught Williams' attention.

Williams noted that Thomas shared his opinion on welfare when he explained his opposition toward public assistance.

"Thomas was the most interesting of a very self-important crowd because he was so brutally candid," Williams wrote. "In discussing welfare policy he explained that his opposition to public assistance was an outgrowth of his sister's experience on welfare in Georgia."

"She gets mad when the mailman is late with her welfare check," Thomas said, according to Williams' recount of the conversation. "That is how dependent she is. What's worse is that now her kids feel entitled to the check too. They have no motivation for doing better or getting out of that situation."

Although Thomas wasn't well-known at the time, his comments sparked criticism. After interacting with Thomas, Williams decided to write about their discussion. In his article, Williams offered a critical assessment of the little-known public official as he slammed Thomas for publicly condemning his own sister.

"He had never been subject to that kind of media spotlight," Williams said of the emerging Republican. "The response from most readers of The Washington Post was, 'Wow, this guy's out of his mind. Why is he bringing up his sister? Why is he putting her in that ugly public position?'"

After the piece was published, Williams noted that Thomas was displeased and didn't speak to him for a prolonged period of time. When they did reconvene, Thomas acted as if he were hurt by Williams' words.

Two former staffers for North Carolina State Rep. Tricia Cotham (R) are weighing in to express their disapproval of the lawmaker's endorsement of a proposed "pro-choice" piece of legislation; something that typically doesn't align with what her constituents stand for.

According to Jezebel, Cotham has a long history of fiercely defending women's right to abortion but her most recent shift -- and party change -- now paints a different picture.

Shedding light on the latest developments, Jezebel's Susan Rinkunas explained Cotham's recent move that has left her supporters feeling "devastated, betrayed, and confused."

"This month, in a stunning move that drew national headlines, Cotham decided to switch parties and vote in favor of a bill that would ban abortion after 12 weeks and could close clinics," Rinkunas wrote. "Her defection gave North Carolina’s Republican Party the supermajority they need to override Gov. Roy Cooper’s (D) veto and jam the bill into law, which will further decimate abortion access throughout the South."

"The people who helped elect Cotham and worked for her are, understandably, feeling devastated, betrayed, and confused," she added.

During a recent interview, Jonathan Coby — a former adviser for Cotham's campaign who recently resigned — shared his concerns about the lawmaker's latest initiative.

“It makes you wonder, did this person ever believe anything at all?” Coby told me in an interview. “For her to vote for this is not just a betrayal of her district, but it’s a betrayal of who she has portrayed herself to be for her entire life.”

“The only thing that I can say for sure about Tricia Cotham from here on out is that she will always be the victim,” Coby also said. “That is just who she believes herself to be, just a victim of life.”

Autumn Alston, a Democratic figure who also previously supported Cotham, expressed similar concerns.

“She used people when she needed them and now she has abandoned them,” Alston told Rinkunas.

Jillian Riley, public affairs director for Planned Parenthood South Atlantic (PPSAT), also released a statement about the lawmaker as she highlighted Cotham's own experience with abortion.

“We hope that a person who has experienced an abortion would do everything they could to protect access to it,” said Riley. “Rep. Cotham has one last chance to do that—to honor her personal experience and to stay true to her word.”

Former President Donald Trump recently shared a doctored clip that depicted CNN's Anderson Cooper as if he were mocking the network amid the critical public reaction it received for the broadcast.

The manipulated clip, which was initially shared by Donald Trump Jr., was re-shared by Trump on his media platform, Truth Social on Friday, May 12.

It features the CNN anchor saying, “That was President Donald J. Trump ripping us a new a** here on CNN’s live presidential town hall. “Thank you for watching, have a good night.”

The clip comes as CNN faces severe backlash for airing the segment. However, CNN executives have defended their leadership insisting that it was necessary to address the Republican presidential frontrunner and inquire about the many false claims he has circulated in recent months.

Despite the stark criticism the network has faced, Cooper did address the concerns on-air Thursday evening.

Although Trump is not a fan-favorite for CNN viewers and Cooper admitted that he "understands the anger," he defended the network's decision to broadcast the Town Hall event. Cooper also attempted to appeal to his audience with an example to explain the significance of embarking on uncharted territory.

“You have every right to be outraged today and angry and never watch this network again,” Cooper said. “But do you think staying in your silo and only listening to people you agree with is going to make that person go away?”

The 2024 GOP presidential field continues to grow. Although former President Donald Trump remains the clear frontrunner, he has his share of challengers — including Nikki Haley (former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and ex-governor of South Carolina), former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, and radio host Larry Elder. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis appears to be gearing up for a presidential run, and Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) launched a presidential exploratory committee in April.

Another longshot GOP presidential candidate is far-right 37-year-old tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who has been drawing headlines by calling for the United States to raise its national voting age from 18 to 25 — a move that critics say is designed to hurt Democrats, as the GOP's policies are generally unpopular among Generation Z. But Ramaswamy has many other extreme positions as well.

Ramaswamy, according to the New York Times, also wants to abolish the FBI, the IRS and the U.S. Department of Education. If elected president, he would halt affirmative action by executive order. Ramaswamy would use the U.S. military against drug cartels in Mexico, and he told The Tennessee Star that he wants to fire "at least half the federal workforce."

In an article published by Axios on May 12, journalist Alexi McCammond reports that Ramaswamy is "running to the right of Trump" with "hyper-Trumpian positions on the border, voting, culture wars and more."

Ramaswamy told Axios, "We can take the America First agenda even further than Trump because we will do it from a moral foundation."

McCammond stresses, however, that Ramaswamy has so far offered only mild criticism of Trump — for example, criticizing him for not debating fellow Republicans. And Trump is not attacking Ramaswamy the way he has been attacking DeSantis.

In a May 5 post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, "I am pleased to see that Vivek Ramaswamy is doing so well in the most recent Republican Primary Poll, CBS YouGov. He is tied with Mike Pence, and seems to be on his way to catching Ron DeSanctimonious. The thing I like about Vivek is that he only has good things to say about 'President Trump,' and all that the Trump Administration has so successfully done — this is the reason he is doing so well. In any event, good luck to all of them, they will need it!"

One of Ramaswamy's critics on the right is Never Trump conservative Sarah Longwell, founder of the Republican Accountability Project (formerly Republican Voters Against Trump) and publisher of The Bulwark. The conservative strategist, who endorsed President Joe Biden over Trump in 2020, described Ramaswamy as the type of "purebred culture warrior" who now typifies the GOP.