Former First Lady Michelle Obama will reportedly not attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration next week, her office announced in a statement on Tuesday, without providing an explanation for her decision. 

California Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom says that he is now beginning to focus on developing an "L.A. 2.0" plan following the catastrophic fires in Los Angeles County and surrounding areas that continue to burn.

Pete Hegseth made very strong remarks about re-establishing a proud “warriors class” and “peace through strength. About three hecklers were screaming nonsense during his initial statement. They were thrown out. “You are a misogynist!” an old, angry guy shouted from the back of the room as Hegseth tried to talk over him. The ranting heckler […] The post Wild Democrat Hecklers Interrupted Pete Hegseth’s Hearing appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth put a quick stop to Senator Elizabeth Warren’s (D-MA) line of questioning during Tuesday morning’s Senate Armed Forces Committee hearing, prompting laughter from around the room. Warren — who spent the majority of her time falsely conflating Hegseth’s comments criticizing the placement of women in direct combat roles with opposition to women serving in the military in any capacity — attempted to corner the decorated Army veteran with a hypothetical question about what he might do, assuming he is confirmed, after eventually leaving the Defense Department. WATCH: WARREN: "You are quite sure every General who serves should not go directly into the defense industry for 10 years but you're not willing to make that same pledge?" HEGSETH: "I'm not a General, Senator." pic.twitter.com/lGJQGhUWdS — Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) January 14, 2025 Noting that Hegseth has previously supported the notion that retired generals should wait ten years before seeking employment in the defense industry, Warren pressed him on whether he would impose a similar waiting period on himself once he left the Defense Department. “But the question I have for you on this is will you put your money where your mouth is and agree that when you leave this job you will not work for the defense industry for 10 years?” Warren asked him. JOIN THE MOVEMENT IN ’25 WITH 25% OFF DAILYWIRE+ ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS WITH CODE DW25 “Senator, it’s not even a question I’ve thought about,” Hegseth replied, but indicated that he would review the applicable law before making any such decision. “You can think about it right now,” Warren suggested. “I would consult with the president about what the policy should be,” Hegseth replied. “In other words, you are quite sure that every general who serves should not go directly into the defense industry for 10 years, but you’re not willing to make that same pledge?” Warren challenged him a second time. “I’m not a general, Senator,” Hegseth shot back, prompting laughter around the room. Warren appeared flustered as she paused, collected herself, and continued: “You’ll be the one, let us just be clear, in charge of the generals.”

Michigan Republican Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt announced on Tuesday that he is running for governor, becoming the first GOP candidate to enter a 2026 race that promises to be competitive. Nesbitt, 44, said in a video posted on X that “Michiganders deserve so much better than what they’re getting from these Democrats up in Lansing.” The 2026 race in Michigan will put a new face in the governor’s mansion as Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited. “What we’ve seen is higher taxes, more spending, more debt, and less jobs,” Nesbitt added. “You have Governor Whitmer giving free housing to illegal aliens, backing up the big business interests instead of folks back home that need to be protected. I hear it way too often: small business owners are left behind, our farmers are left behind. They show up and they go to work every day, and we need a governor that’s willing to show up and work just as hard as they are.” Among his top priorities, Nesbitt called for ending electric vehicle mandates and standing with President-elect Donald Trump to bring back manufacturing jobs to Michigan. The gubernatorial candidate also said he wants to “ban sanctuary cities to make sure that our communities and families are safe.” It’s time to start putting the people of Michigan first. That’s why I’m running for Governor. Let’s get to work! pic.twitter.com/aZs5S7THhP — Aric Nesbitt (@aricnesbitt) January 14, 2025 For the past two years, Democrats have controlled the state house and senate in Michigan. However, a Republican wave bolstered by Trump’s victory in the 2024 election put the GOP back in control of the state House, while Democrats hold a narrow majority in the state Senate. JOIN THE MOVEMENT IN ’25 WITH 25% OFF DAILYWIRE+ ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS WITH CODE DW25 Republicans have struggled in statewide elections in recent years. Whitmer cruised to re-election victory in the 2022 election, defeating Republican candidate Tudor Dixon by more than 10 points. The Secretary of State and Attorney General positions have also been filled by Democrats since 2019, and Michigan voters elected Democrats to the U.S. Senate in the 2024 and 2022 elections. Multiple Democrats, including Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, have been floated as possible candidates in the 2026 race. Republicans could see a crowded primary field, which could include Dixon and Kevin Rinke, who also ran for governor in 2022. Reps. Lisa McClain and John James have also been floated as potential candidates, but neither U.S. House member has said they are interested in running for governor. Longtime Detroit Democratic Mayor Mike Duggan was the first candidate to enter the 2026 governor’s race. In early December, he announced that he was running as an independent.

Just days before Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, country singer John Rich is calling on other country stars to publicly show their support. The recording artist was reacting to the news that Grammy Award winner Carrie Underwood would perform at Trump’s inauguration, which shocked many of her fans. Underwood had never publicly expressed her political opinions. “There are several top tier country artists who support Trump, and I wish they’d finally have the balls to come forward and be counted. Ain’t nothing outlaw about keeping your mouth shut to appease the record label. Carrie Underwood is making you look like a bunch of sissy boys,” Rich shared on X Monday.  There are several top tier country artists who support Trump, and I wish they'd finally have the balls to come forward and be counted. Ain't nothing outlaw about keeping your mouth shut to appease the record label. Carrie Underwood is making you look like a bunch of sissy boys? — John Rich?? (@johnrich) January 13, 2025 The Big & Rich singer did not elaborate on which specific “country artists” he was calling out. Underwood has faced backlash from liberal fans following the announcement that she’d sing “America the Beautiful” at next Monday’s ceremony. The “American Idol” winner later issued a statement, saying, “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event.” JOIN THE MOVEMENT IN ’25 WITH 25% OFF DAILYWIRE+ ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS WITH CODE DW25 Underwood added, “I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.” The Village People, the band behind the hit 1978 single and Trump rally staple “Y.M.C.A.,” will perform at Trump’s victory rally in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, per Axios. The group will also perform at the inaugural eve ball hosted by Turning Point USA on Sunday night.  Country stars Jason Aldean and Rascal Flatts will perform at Trump’s inaugural ball on Monday, the outlet noted, while Kid Rock and Billy Ray Cyrus are also slated to play at the victory rally. Opera singer Christopher Macchio will perform the national anthem at the event.