New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul ordered New York landmarks lit in light blue‚ pink‚ and white on Easter Sunday to celebrate a “Transgender Day of Visibility.” Hochul issued a proclamation last week recognizing March 31 as the day “to reaffirm our commitment to see beyond the gender binary and create equity for New Yorkers of trans experience.” The commemoration was first aligned with that date more than a decade ago by a transgender activist as a way to honor transgender-identifying people. President Joe Biden became the first president to recognize “Transgender Day of Visibility” from the White House after he took office. This year‚ the day coincided with Easter‚ a Christian holy day that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. The date of Easter changes each year with the lunar calendar. Following Biden’s example‚ Hochul issued a proclamation ordering New York landmarks to be bathed in colors representing the transgender flag. Some of the landmarks to glow with transgender flag colors include the Empire State Plaza‚ Niagara Falls‚ and the One World Trade Center‚ according to The Daily Caller. “The International Transgender Day of Visibility is a celebration of gender diversity and authenticity‚” Hochul’s proclamation says. “In doing so‚ New York State continues to set an example to our nation and the world‚ that we embrace all people and all communities as a state where transgender‚ non-binary‚ and gender non-conforming individuals are not just accepted‚ but seen and valued.” Hochul issued an Easter message on social media‚ encouraging “hope‚ kindness‚ and compassion” and Easter egg hunts for children. She did not mention Christianity or Jesus. From my family to yours‚ happy Easter!  Let’s recommit ourselves to being good to one another and spreading the enduring messages of hope‚ kindness‚ and compassion that marks this season. pic.twitter.com/cJ0a9UKclV — Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) March 31‚ 2024 Biden on Friday released a statement recognizing the Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP The campaign of former President Donald Trump‚ Biden’s presumed Republican challenger for the White House in 2024‚ issued a statement after Biden‚ calling the president’s declaration “blasphemous.” “It is appalling and insulting that Joe Biden’s White House prohibited children from submitting religious egg designs for their Easter Art event‚ and formally proclaimed Easter Sunday as ‘Trans Day of Visibility‚’” the statement said. “Sadly‚ these are just two more examples of the Biden Administration’s years-long assault on the Christian faith.”

A Republican lawmaker said in an interview that aired on Sunday that he expects the House to vote on aid for Ukraine in the coming weeks. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) told CNN that he spoke to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) “directly” when asked if they had discussed a vote on Ukraine aid. “I’m not going to delve into the details of that conversation. But I am confident that he is going to bring a bill to the floor and that we will have a vote‚” Lawler said. Lawler said he believes there would be a vote when lawmakers return from the Easter recess. “Certainly‚ this is critically important for our allies. We are the leader of the free world‚ and we cannot shirk on our responsibility to uphold and defend democracies across the globe‚” he said. In mid-February‚ the Democrat-led Senate passed a $95 billion foreign aid bill that would allocate money for Ukraine‚ Israel‚ and Taiwan. Johnson has refused to have the House consider the legislation‚ suggesting that U.S. border security policy changes must be part of the equation. Some House Republicans are pushing for a different bill that includes “defense-only” funds to support Ukraine‚ Israel‚ and Taiwan while also providing authorities meant to secure the southern border. Lawler noted that he signed a discharge petition meant to force a vote on that legislation‚ which is estimated to cost roughly $66 billion. “But I am hopeful that the speaker will put the bill on the floor or an amended version of the bill on the floor‚ so that we can once and for all ensure that our allies have the aid and support that they need‚” he said. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced last week that he briefed Johnson on Ukraine’s fight against Russia‚ which has lasted more than two years and to which the U.S. has already dedicated tens of billions of dollars. “In this situation‚ quick passage of US aid to Ukraine by Congress is vital. We recognize that there are differing views in the House of Representatives on how to proceed‚ but the key is to keep the issue of aid to Ukraine as a unifying factor‚” Zelensky said on X. “We also discussed the importance of cutting off Russia’s sources of funding for its war as soon as possible and using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s benefit. We also rely on the leadership of Congress in this regard‚” he added.

A House Republican said on Sunday that committee lawyers do not believe the corruption-focused impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden has produced sufficient evidence to show a “specific” crime. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) spoke about the status of the inquiry during an interview on NBC News after Biden was formally invited to testify before the House Oversight Committee‚ signaling that the probe is reaching a crescendo. The House is narrowly controlled by Republicans‚ and leadership can only afford to lose one or two votes if all Democrats oppose any articles of impeachment that may be introduced in the weeks and months to come. WATCH: While he defends the House investigation into Pres. Biden‚ Rep. @DonJBacon (R-Neb.) says the bar for impeachment has not yet been reached. "The lawyers in the committee I've talked to say there's not a specific crime. And you need that for high crime or misdemeanor." pic.twitter.com/eyoPHMnCXK — Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) March 31‚ 2024 “You said‚ back in December‚ quote‚ ‘Once we realize there is not a high crime or misdemeanor‚ we should move on.’ Has that moment come‚ in your view?” asked “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker. “Well‚ right now‚ the lawyers in the committee that I talked to say there’s not a specific crime. And he’d need that for high crime or misdemeanor. Now‚ I think the investigation — it merited an investigation to put the facts out‚ let the public look at it‚ make a determination‚” Bacon said. “And I think it’s good to be transparent‚ especially — we’re in an election year‚ so let’s put the facts on the table‚” he added. “But when I talked to the lawyers on the committee staff‚ they say‚ at this point‚ there is not a specific crime that’s been committed. And I think that’s important.” Welker pressed the congressman again. “Based on what you’re saying‚ is it time to drop it?” she asked. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP “I don’t know if it’s time‚ right now. But I do think we’re probably nearing the conclusion of this investigation‚” Bacon said. “And I think it was important for the American people to see that‚ yes‚ there’s $24 million in foreign money that the family raised and all the hidden LLCs that the money was moved around in. But that is‚ in itself‚ not a high crime or misdemeanor‚” he added. It remains unclear whether the House Republicans will ultimately introduce articles of impeachment against Biden‚ let alone have enough votes to pass them‚ but that may not be the end of the story. House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-KY) recently suggested that criminal referrals would come out of the inquiry.

On Sunday‚ former President Donald Trump lashed out as a Republican lawmaker reportedly confirmed plans to retire early from the House‚ part of an exodus that is shrinking what had already been a narrow GOP majority after the 2022 election. A post to Trump’s page on Truth Social offered a disgusted reaction to a Washington Examiner report on how Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) is still planning to step down in April‚ even after House leadership urged him to remain in office. “Never forget our cowards and weaklings! Such a disgrace‚” said Trump‚ who is seeking re-election to the White House this year and has secured enough delegates to clinch the GOP nomination. According to Scripps News‚ House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) had asked Gallagher not to resign on April 19 as he had previously announced. Several members of the House have parted ways with Congress over the past several months for various reasons. Not all of them were Republicans‚ but enough GOP members have departed or announced plans to leave to diminish leadership’s ability to make headway on party-line issues. Among those not completing their two-year term was Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)‚ who left after losing the speakership. Others include Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH)‚ who resigned from office to become president of Youngstown State University‚ and Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO). One Democrat‚ Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY)‚ stepped down in February to become president and CEO of Shea’s Performing Arts Center. And Democrat Tom Suozzi took office after his victory in a special election that followed the expulsion of Rep. George Santos (R-NY). There are currently 218 Republicans and 213 Democrats in the House‚ with four vacancies. Although special elections have been set up to fill in the gaps‚ Gallagher’s impending exit in the coming weeks would leave the chamber with a fifth vacancy for the time being. “After conversations with my family‚ I have made the decision to resign my position as a member of the House of Representatives for Wisconsin’s Eighth Congressional District effective April 19‚ 2024‚” Gallagher said in a statement announcing his plans to retire early. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP “I’ve worked closely with House Republican leadership on this timeline and look forward to seeing Speaker Johnson appoint a new chair to carry out the important mission of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party‚” he added. “My office will continue to operate and provide constituent services to the Eighth District for the remainder of the term.” In January‚ Speaker Johnson talked about the political situation for House Republicans as he faced pushback from a group of conservatives amid negotiations on spending and border security with Democrats in control of the Senate and White House. “Everyone understands the reality of where we are‚” Johnson said at a news conference. “The House Republicans have the second-smallest majority in history. We’re not going to get everything that we want. But we’re going to stick to our core conservative principles.”

Two Harvard Law students resigned from their student government positions after a resolution to divest from Israel was approved through an unconventional secret ballot vote‚ hiding the record of who supported the extreme measure. The resolution‚ which calls on the Harvard Management Company to divest from Israel over the “genocide of Palestinians” and the “ongoing illegal occupation of Palestine‚” violated the student government’s constitution‚ according to the two students‚ Cameron Adkins and Regina De Nigris‚ who resigned from the government shortly after it passed. “We voiced our disagreement to the Student Government at every opportunity‚” they wrote in their resignation letter. “Our concerns‚ however‚ were pushed aside. In light of this disagreement‚ we believe that our continued membership in the Harvard Law School Student Government would compromise our principles and values.” The two students cite procedural issues with how the resolution vote was undertaken through an anonymous Google form and accuse their former fellow representatives of pushing the change through during an emergency meeting without letting students express their opinions.  “The resolution has been pushed through at the last possible minute to avoid running up against the end of this Student Government’s term‚ and‚ perhaps‚ to insulate Student Government from receiving contrary input‚” they wrote. “Given the importance of the issue‚ rushing this process is particularly inappropriate and unacceptable.” According to the student government website‚ its goal is to “make sure that HLS is more fun and inclusive than we found it.” Harvard Accused Of Promoting Eco-Terrorism For Plans To Screen ‘How To Blow Up A Pipeline’ Film The student government members will be replaced by incoming recently-elected representatives next week. Student body co-president Swap Agrawal said the secret vote was to “address concerns regarding doxxing and harassment.”  The resolution passed with 12 in favor‚ 3 opposed‚ and 3 abstaining. The only two known votes are from De Nigris and Adkins‚ who were two of the three votes against the resolution.  Student government members Robert Kim‚ Marissa Thomas‚ Tony Maquiling‚ Pat Healy‚ Aliye Korucu‚ Mackenzie Saunders‚ Tori Borlase‚ Connor Morgan‚ Felicia Caten-Raines‚ Dee Um‚ Hannah Chi‚ Katelyn Turner‚ Amanda Harrison‚ Kayla Hollingsworth‚ Vincent Okonkwo‚ Ojadamola Takuro‚ and Deyaa Alrwishdi did not respond to inquiries on their votes. The Harvard Jewish Law Students Association said the resolution will “divide and alienate” in a statement posted to their Instagram account. VIDEO: Anti-Israel Mob At Harvard Chants Outside Israeli Popstar Ishay Ribo’s Concert “In total darkness‚ they set out to target the state of Israel without even notifying the leadership of Jewish or Israeli communities on campus‚” the group wrote. “Demonizing Israel displays a callous disregard for the identities of so many Jewish and Israeli students at Harvard- by passing this resolution‚ student government asks the campus and the world to assume that those who have any connection to Israel are villainous.” “This resolution is beyond just procedurally and substantively offensive: it is antisemitic‚” the Jewish student group said. The resolution accuses Israel of maiming‚ killing‚ and starving Palestinians in a “genocidal campaign” and calls upon the Harvard Management Company to “divest completely from weapons manufacturers‚ firms‚ academic programs‚ corporations‚ and all other institutions that aid the ongoing illegal occupation of Palestine and the genocide of Palestinians.” Following the announcement of its passage‚ anti-Israel student groups held a last-minute victory celebration with cake and speeches in the student lounge on campus‚ a violation of Harvard policy. Anti-Israel Harvard Law School students held a celebration with cake over its student government voting to divest from Israel. Harvard Employee Harasses Jewish Student Suing School For Anti-Semitism‚ Asks To Debate 9/11 Conspiracies “We can’t expect Harvard to step away from its bloodlust on its own accord because war is profitable‚” a student said during one of the speeches posted to Instagram. “These so-called leaders of this institution would be best served to listen to what we have to say because one day‚ when we win‚ and Palestine is free‚ they will come crawling back. They will be begging us to rewrite history.” Anti-Israel Harvard Law students celebrated with cake after the student gov voted to divest from Israel with a secret ballot. “We can’t expect Harvard to step away from its bloodlust on its own accord…one day when we win and Palestine is free‚ they will come crawling back.” pic.twitter.com/bLoOlRZNOc — Kassy Akiva (@KassyDillon) March 31‚ 2024 In the middle of the celebration‚ another emergency meeting was called over the procedural concerns‚ and another vote was taken to determine if procedure was followed after intense debate. Student Maya Husseini said‚ “Brats are upset they didn’t get their way” after Jewish students raised concerns‚ according to Stop Antisemitism. Another anonymous vote was taken‚ and the students upheld the resolution. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP “I do not believe that it is the role of a student government to make blanket or unilateral statements on contentious issues that impact every student differently‚” Adkins‚ who was able to resume his position for the second vote before his resignation went into effect‚ said. “Because the student government is not fully representative of our diverse student body‚ it is our job to remain neutral‚ offer support to all students‚ and avoid alienating or endorsing any particular viewpoints on campus.” Harvard did not respond to a request for comment.

The Biden administration celebrated “Transgender Day of Visibility” on Easter Sunday after the White House faced a wave of condemnation over formally recognizing the gender identity event taking place on the same day as the religious holiday. President Joe Biden posted to X on Sunday‚ saying‚ “On Transgender Day of Visibility‚ we celebrate the joy‚ strength‚ and absolute courage of some of the bravest people I know.” On Transgender Day of Visibility‚ we celebrate the joy‚ strength‚ and absolute courage of some of the bravest people I know. Today‚ we show millions of transgender and nonbinary Americans that we see them‚ they belong‚ and they should be treated with dignity and respect. pic.twitter.com/mhixHV9KC2 — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) March 31‚ 2024 He added‚ “Today‚ we show millions of transgender and nonbinary Americans that we see them‚ they belong‚ and they should be treated with dignity and respect.” The post also included a graphic that showed the logo for Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’s re-election campaign over a background that incorporated the colors of the transgender flag‚ along with the message: “Trans rights are human rights.” Harris posted the same image to her X account. “On Transgender Day of Visibility‚ we celebrate transgender and nonbinary Americans. Their courage has given countless others strength‚ but no one should have to be brave just to be themselves‚” she said‚ adding‚ “We see you. We stand with you. We won’t stop fighting for you.” The White House also posted about Transgender Day of Visibility on Sunday. Transgender Americans are part of the fabric of our nation. On Transgender Day of Visibility‚ our Administration honors the extraordinary courage of transgender Americans and reaffirms our commitment to forming a more perfect union – where all people are treated equally. pic.twitter.com/ElRf9l62Nk — The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 31‚ 2024 Secretary of State Antony Blinken released a press statement saying the Transgender Day of Visibility “is a celebration of the courage and resilience of transgender‚ nonbinary‚ and gender non-confirming persons who exist in every country and culture around the world.” He added that the “United States recognizes the achievements and progress that trans persons have made in the global struggle for equality and re-affirms its commitment to supporting the equality‚ inclusion‚ and full recognition of the human rights of transgender persons.” The White House faced backlash after Biden issued a proclamation on Friday that announced Sunday would be the Transgender Day of Visibility. Although Biden has made the same declaration for March 31 since 2021‚ critics took umbrage at it falling on the same day as Easter this year. Former President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign released a statement on Saturday‚ calling the declaration an example of the Biden administration’s “years-long assault on the Christian faith.” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) posted on X that the White House “has betrayed the central tenet of Easter — which is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” He continued‚ “Banning sacred truth and tradition—while at the same time proclaiming Easter Sunday as ‘Transgender Day’ — is outrageous and abhorrent. The American people are taking note.” Among the others to lash out at the Biden administration included former Wisconsin Republican Governor Scott Walker. “This should [be] evidence to anyone who voted for Biden in 2020 because they thought he was reasonable that he is not‚” Walker said on X. “Biden is pandering to the radical fringe within politics. The only reason to pick Easter Sunday for this day was to stir up division with Christians. He is wrong!” Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) said‚ “Biden’s re-election team can reflect on this moment when he loses in November. This was intentionally done to disrespect the Christian significance of Easter and it WILL backfire.” Biden’s re-election team can reflect on this moment when he loses in November. This was intentionally done to disrespect the Christian significance of Easter and it WILL backfire. pic.twitter.com/HUn2RvVGwV — Anna Paulina Luna (@realannapaulina) March 30‚ 2024 The White House responded to critics with a statement from spokesman Andrew Bates. “As a Christian who celebrates Easter with Family‚ President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American‚” Bates said‚ according to The Hill. “Sadly‚ it’s unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel‚ hateful‚ and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit‚” he continued. Biden also shared an Easter message on Sunday. “Jill and I send our warmest wishes to Christians around the world celebrating Easter Sunday. Easter reminds us of the power of hope and the promise of Christ’s Resurrection‚” Biden said in a statement issued via the White House. “As we gather with loved ones‚ we remember Jesus’ sacrifice. We pray for one another and cherish the blessing of the dawn of new possibilities. And with wars and conflict taking a toll on innocent lives around the world‚ we renew our commitment to work for peace‚ security‚ and dignity for all people‚” he added. “From our family to yours‚ happy Easter and may God bless you.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP Some Democrats in Congress echoed Biden in recognizing both the Transgender Day of Visibility and Easter on Sunday. “The transgender community is the subject of relentless prejudice and hate. Today I stand with you and proudly observe Transgender Day of Visibility – a day to recognize and celebrate the transgender community‚” Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) said on X. “He has risen! I wish you and your family a blessed and joyous Easter‚” Booker said in an earlier post.

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape‚ Kari Lake‚ a staunch conservative and MAGA favorite‚ has made headlines with her decision to not defend herself in a defamation lawsuit filed by Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer. This decision‚ which has stunned critics and supporters alike‚ is not just a legal maneuver but a powerful statement against what Lake views as a corrupted legal system being weaponized for political ends. My two highest priorities in the Senate are securing the border &; fixing our economy. Both of these things directly impact the quality of life we pass along to the next generation. This open border is importing drugs‚ crime‚ potential terrorism‚ &; chaos. It's killing our… pic.twitter.com/xCYugkABVw — Kari Lake (@KariLake) March 30‚ 2024 Kari Lake‚ known for her unwavering commitment to conservative values and her close alignment with the MAGA movement‚ has long been a thorn in the side of the political establishment. Her refusal to participate in the defamation case brought against her by Stephen Richer‚ a figure she controversially labels as a "fake Republican‚" underscores her disdain for what she perceives as attempts to silence dissenting voices through lawfare. The roots of this legal battle trace back to the contentious 2022 elections‚ during which Lake vocally criticized the handling of the voting process by Maricopa County officials. She highlighted significant machine failures on Election Day‚ affecting a majority of the county precincts and disproportionately impacting Republican voters. Furthermore‚ the discovery of an additional 25‚000 ballots after the election only fueled her allegations of electoral misconduct‚ casting a shadow over the integrity of the election results. Who else agrees that Kari Lake will be an awesome United States Vice President? pic.twitter.com/etbJ6fJfZc — Trump Lover (@SUBRATA30016572) March 27‚ 2024 Lake's decision to concede in the defamation lawsuit is a strategic one‚ aimed at preserving her resources and focus for a more significant battle ahead. With her sights set on succeeding retiring Senator Kyrsten Sinema‚ Lake is courting moderate voters in what promises to be a highly competitive race. Sinema‚ who recently registered as an independent‚ leaving the Democratic Party‚ represents a shifting political landscape that Lake aims to navigate successfully. By stepping away from the lawsuit‚ Lake sends a clear message: she will not allow legal entanglements to distract her from her political objectives or legitimize what she sees as a perversion of the legal system. In her own words‚ participating in the lawsuit would only serve to "legitimize this perversion of our legal system and allow bad actors to interfere in our upcoming election." This bold stance has resonated with many of her supporters‚ who view Lake as a fighter unafraid to challenge the status quo. Her approach to politics‚ marked by a refusal to play by the established rules when they serve to entrench the power of the political elite‚ has earned her a dedicated following among conservatives and MAGA enthusiasts. As Kari Lake continues her political journey‚ her decision to forego a defense in the defamation case will undoubtedly be a defining moment. It highlights her commitment to her principles over political expediency and sets the stage for a Senate race that will test the strength of her convictions against the realities of a politically divided Arizona. In the end‚ Lake's gamble may very well redefine the boundaries of political engagement and set a new precedent for how conservative candidates confront their adversaries. The post Kari Lake’s Bold Stand: A Defiant Message to the Political Establishment appeared first on The Conservative Brief.