FBI Director Kash Patel Releases Statement Regarding Jeffrey Epstein Documents

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(DC Pundit) – President Donald Trump’s FBI Director Kash Patel released a fiery response to Attorney General Pam Bondi’s letter demanding the full scoop on Jeffrey Epstein’s files, Patel has vowed to drag the FBI into a new era—one where “integrity” and “accountability” aren’t just buzzwords tossed around by sanctimonious liberals.

Bondi, clearly not one to back down, dropped a bombshell alleging that a whistleblower tipped her off about the FBI playing hide-and-seek with thousands of Epstein documents. Apparently, they thought 200 pages of flight logs, contact lists, and victim phone numbers were enough to satisfy her. Spoiler alert: they were wrong.

In her letter, Bondi penned: “Before you came into office, I requested the full and complete files related to Jeffrey Epstein… I received approximately 200 pages of documents, which consisted primarily of flight logs, Epstein’s list of contacts, and a list of victims’ names and phone numbers.” She went on to say she kept asking if that was all they had, only to be reassured by FBI brass that she’d gotten the whole enchilada. Then, like a scene from a bad detective novel, she learned yesterday that the New York Field Office was sitting on a treasure trove of thousands more pages. “Despite my repeated requests, the FBI never disclosed the existence of these files,” Bondi wrote.

Patel took to X with this response: “The FBI is entering a new era—one that will be defined by integrity, accountability, and the unwavering pursuit of justice,” he declared. “There will be no cover-ups, no missing documents, and no stone left unturned.” He even threw in a little jab for good measure: “…and anyone from the prior or current Bureau who undermines this will be swiftly pursued.” Translation? The days of FBI shenanigans are over, and Patel’s got a broom big enough to sweep out the whole mess.

And here’s where it gets good: Patel promised that if there’s anything missing, he’ll find it. If it’s been hidden, he’ll dig it up. Then he’ll hand it all over to the DOJ for a full, transparent airing out to the American people. “The oath we take is to the Constitution,” he wrote, “and under my leadership, that promise will be upheld without compromise.” Cue the patriotic music and a collective “amen” from every red-blooded Republican who’s been waiting for someone to finally clean house.

Meanwhile, the DOJ isn’t wasting time. On Thursday evening, they dropped the first batch of Epstein Files. “This Department of Justice is following through on President Trump’s commitment to transparency and lifting the veil on the disgusting actions of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators,” Bondi remarked. “The first phase of files released today sheds light on Epstein’s extensive network and begins to provide the public with long overdue accountability.”

Epstein’s case has been a festering wound in the public psyche for years—a billionaire sexual predator with a Rolodex of powerful pals who somehow kept slipping through the cracks until his arrest in 2019. His death in jail (officially ruled a suicide, though conspiracy theories still swirl) only fueled the demand for answers. President Trump, never one to shy away from a fight, has made it clear he wants the truth out there, and with Patel and Bondi at his side, it looks like conservatives might finally get it. So, to the deep state holdouts still lurking in the FBI: Kash is coming.

Copyright 2025. DCPundit.com | Featured image credit: Gage Skidmore

Adam “Shifty” Schiff: Americans ‘Ashamed’ Of Trump (VIDEO)

(DC Pundit) – Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), the golden boy of California’s progressive elite, took to CNN’s “Situation Room” on Wednesday to clutch his pearls and lament that “millions of Americans are downright ashamed” of how Trump is handling Ukraine.

Apparently, Schiff believes we are a nation weeping over Trump’s supposed betrayal. Conservatives might beg to differ—perhaps those millions are just tired of Schiff’s sanctimonious soundbites.

Schiff, ever the drama king, painted Trump’s approach as some grand Shakespearean tragedy. “This is an effort to pressure Zelensky into giving up something for nothing,” he huffed, tying it to a United Nations resolution where, in his view, the U.S. “sided with Russia, betrayed Ukraine.” He called it “one of the most shameful incidents in modern history.” Strong words from a man who’s spent years auditioning for the role of Chief Trump Critic. But let’s be real: Trump’s been steering this ship since January, and his supporters see a businessman cutting deals.

The senator continued, “We not only betrayed an ally, but we betrayed our principles,” he intoned, as if Trump’s deal-making is the death knell of American virtue. “Are we to be nothing except transactional now?” he asked. To Schiff, it’s all about the money—Trump’s “orientation,” as he put it. Conservatives might argue that’s exactly the point: a president who prioritizes American interests over endless foreign handouts isn’t a betrayal; it’s a breath of fresh air after decades of globalist mush.

Schiff wrapped up his sob story with a nod to Ukraine’s “tremendous sacrifices,” lamenting that they’re “reduced to this” by the U.S. “coming hat in hand with some kind of fig leaf offer of the mineral wealth of his country in exchange for little or nothing.” Republicans might counter: what’s sad is watching Democrats clutch at straws while Trump plays hardball to keep America first. Zelensky’s no stranger to tough talks—Ukraine’s been battling for years, and Trump is not exactly sending them fruit baskets, he’s negotiating.

Conservatives aren’t ashamed—they’re energized. Maybe Schiff is the one who should be blushing, stuck in a loop of outrage while Trump keeps winning.

Copyright 2025. DCPundit.com | Featured image credit: Gage Skidmore

Gene Hackman – What We Know So Far About His Suspicious Death

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(DC Pundit) – Santa Fe, New Mexico, served up a grim scene as authorities discovered the bodies of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, in their home on Wednesday afternoon. The couple, along with one of their dogs, were found in a state that has law enforcement scratching their heads and America mourning the loss of a Hollywood titan.

Hackman, a master of the silver screen whose roles ran the gamut from reluctant heroes to sneering villains, leaves behind a legacy that’s as enduring as it is impressive—though the circumstances of his exit are raising eyebrows.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the deaths but declined to speculate on a cause or timeline. No gas leak was detected, and yet the bodies were so badly decomposed that identification wasn’t immediate—a detail that’s as unsettling as it is puzzling.

According to the Daily Mail, prescription pills were strewn across the bathroom counter near Arakawa’s body, while Hackman was found in a separate room. A deceased dog lay 10-15 feet from Arakawa in a bathroom closet, while a second, perfectly healthy pooch roamed the property like nothing was amiss.

The discovery came via a rattled caretaker, whose 911 call was obtained by TMZ, “I think we just found two, one deceased person inside the house,” the caller stammered, correcting himself mid-sentence as the reality sank in. “I’m the caretaker for the subdivision.” The caretaker then muttered, “Damn, damn, damn,” while the dispatcher scrambled to get paramedics on the scene. The worker spotted the bodies—a male and a female—through a window, and that’s where the trail gets murky.

A Santa Fe detective, clearly not buying the “nothing to see here” routine, wrote in an affidavit that the deaths were “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.” The front door was wide open, unsecured, like an invitation to trouble. A heater had been moved and an open pill bottle and scattered meds next to Arakawa only deepen the mystery. Was this a tragic accident, a medical mishap, or something more sinister? For now, the sheriff’s office isn’t saying.

Hackman’s passing stings a little extra. Here was a guy who didn’t kowtow to Hollywood’s elite, a rarity in an industry that blacklists anyone who dares stray from the script. Think Jon Voight-level grit, minus the viral videos—Hackman kept his politics close and his talent loud. From The French Connection to Unforgiven, he brought a no-nonsense masculinity to the screen that resonated with heartland values, even if Tinseltown tried to sand it down.

Hackman lived quietly in Santa Fe, far from the D.C. swamp or L.A.’s glitterati, with Arakawa by his side since they tied the knot in 1991. The pair didn’t chase headlines, which makes this news all the more jarring.

For now, we can raise a glass to Gene Hackman: a man who lived on his terms, starred in classics that still hold up, and didn’t let Hollywood’s sanctimonious clowns tell him what to say or think.

UPDATE 2/28: Santa Fe County, Sheriff Adam Mendoza announced that the autopsies of renowned actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, showed no traces of carbon monoxide in their systems.

Sheriff Mendoza disclosed an intriguing detail: Hackman’s pacemaker last recorded activity on February 17, a date investigators now believe marks the Hollywood legend’s final moments. Authorities are awaiting the results of toxicology and autopsy reports. These findings, which could shed light on the tragedy, are not expected to be available for another month.

The ongoing investigation continues to keep local officials—and the public—searching for answers in this perplexing case.

Copyright 2025. DCPundit.com | Featured image credit: Christopher Michael Little, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Uber Eats Nightmare: Illegal Alien Posing As Delivery Driver Rapes Woman

(DC Pundit) – A chilling case has emerged from the sanctuary state of Massachusetts, where an illegal alien falsely working for Uber Eats was arrested and charged with raping a female customer in her own residence. The incident raises serious questions about the vetting processes of gig economy companies and the safety of residents in areas with lax immigration enforcement.

The horrifying attack unfolded on the evening of Feb. 9 in Wilbraham, a town in Hampden County, where officials prioritize illegal aliens and their ability to seek refuge over the safety of their own constituents.

The victim ordered food from KFC via the Uber app, which indicated a woman would bring her delivery. The fact that the app indicated one thing and reality presented another should have been the first red flag, but unfortunately, things only escalated from there.

Instead of a woman, it was a man who showed up, and because he didn’t speak English, the customer called a bilingual friend to help translate, according to Mass Live. The man claimed the victim needed to provide a 4-digit code to confirm her order, and more confusion ensued.

The victim invited the man into her home while she called Uber customer service. However, the man grabbed her phone, disconnected the call, and forced her into a bathroom, according to a police report filed with the Palmer District Court.

During a brutal sex attack, the bilingual friend repeatedly called back in concern after the victim disappeared. Eventually, the victim was able to answer and ask her friend to tell the man to leave in his native tongue. Thank goodness for the concerned friend and the victim’s strength of mind, as the story most certainly could have ended much worse.

On Feb. 13, the Wilbraham Police Department tracked down Roiber Andres Rodriguez Melendez, 21, and took him into custody.

Rodriguez Melendez, a Colombian national who is illegally present in the U.S., was charged with rape and ordered held for 120 days without bail.

Authorities also discovered he had an active warrant out of nearby South Hadley for motor vehicle offenses.

Reports indicate Rodriguez Melendez was using an Uber account registered to his mother, which has since been banned. So, not only was he in the country illegally, but he was also using a fraudulent account to commit this heinous crime.

“Rodriguez Melendez said he had worked for DoorDash and Uber Eats for the last several months. He said that he worked delivery on Feb. 9 and told police that he had a busy day. Rodriguez Melendez confirmed video taken from a KFC in Springfield was him,” Mass Live reports.

The Colombian initially denied he ever entered the victim’s home, but his story has reportedly changed many times since. An investigation is ongoing, and Rodriguez Melendez’s next court date has been set for March 18.

Copyright 2025. DCPundit.com | Featured image credit: Ivan Radic

Big Tech Bias: iPhone Types “Trump” When You Say The Word “Racist”

(DC Pundit) – Apple’s latest tech blunder is a doozy, and it’s got President Donald Trump’s name written all over it, quite literally. If you’ve been scratching your head wondering why your iPhone’s Dictation app has been swapping out “racist” for “Trump” you’re not alone.

Apple finally fessed up to the glitch after a tidal wave of social media posts calling out the bizarre transcription error. “We are aware of an issue with the speech recognition model that powers Dictation and we are rolling out a fix today,” an Apple spokesperson told Variety. The bug, they claim, caused the app to briefly flash “Trump” whenever users said “racist,” before correcting itself. Their excuse? It’s all about “phonetic overlaps.” Sure, and I’m the next astronaut headed to Mars.

Let’s break this down for the patriots who smell a rat. Users noticed that when they said “racist,” their iPhone would throw a curveball, momentarily displaying “Trump” like some kind of Freudian slip. The glitch gained steam after a viral TikTok video blew the lid off, and even The New York Times couldn’t resist jumping in to replicate it. John Burkey, a former Siri guru, told the Times, “This smells like a serious prank.” He’s not buying Apple’s phonetic fairy tale either, wondering aloud if some rogue programmer slipped this Easter egg into the data—or the code itself.

Now, Apple’s trying to play it cool, insisting it’s just a hiccup in their speech recognition software. But let’s be real—does “Trump” (one syllable, starting with a “t,” ending with a “p”) really sound anything like “racist” (two syllables, kicking off with an “r,” trailing off with a “t”)? I’ve heard better excuses from a toddler caught with cookie crumbs on his face. The skepticism is warranted, especially when you consider Apple’s track record with their so-called “Apple Intelligence.” Earlier this year, they had to yank a news summary feature after it spat out misleading headlines—shocking, I know, from a company that prides itself on perfection.

President Trump has been locking horns with Apple over their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. After the tech giant doubled down on its woke agenda, Trump took to Truth Social, demanding they ditch the DEI nonsense. Coincidence that their software starts pinning his name to a loaded word like “racist”? You be the judge, but I’m not holding my breath for Tim Cook to send an apology fruit basket to the White House.

Was this an innocent bug, or did some coder with a grudge try to dunk on the president? We may never know, but the fact that it happened at all is proof enough for every Republican who’s ever voiced their dissatisfaction about Big Tech’s left-wing leanings.

Apple scrambled to release a fix, but the damage has been done. For every GOP voter this is another log on the fire of distrust in Silicon Valley.

Copyright 2025. DCPundit.com | Featured image credit: Pexels/MART PRODUCTION

MYSTERIOUS DEATHS: Three US Women Found Dead At Belize Resort (VIDEO)

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(DC Pundit) – A shroud of sorrow and suspicion has descended upon Revere, Massachusetts, as the community reels from the mysterious deaths of three young women in Belize. Kaoutar Naqqad, 23; Imane Mallah, 24; and Wafae El-Arar, 26, were discovered lifeless in their suite at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort on Saturday, according to the Associated Press. Housekeeping finally broke through the silence after two days of unanswered knocks, only to uncover a scene that’s left more questions than answers.

The Belizean police noted that the women showed no visible injuries—the only clue being vomit beside each body. Chester Williams, the Commissioner of Police in Belize, remarked, “The police did a thorough search of the scene, along with the pathologists and scenes of crime. There was nothing of substance that could have been found other than alcohol and some gummies.” Gummies, as in THC variety? “We’re not saying at this time that the gummies caused death, but we’re looking at every possibility,” he added.

Back home, friends of the trio aren’t buying the overdose narrative that authorities seem eager to peddle. Hajar El Khalfaoui, a close friend, told WCVB-TV that pinning this on drugs is off-base. “It’s very frustrating because when you hear possible OD, automatically you attribute characteristics to that person, but that could be the farthest thing from the truth,” she said. She recalled Imane’s aversion to even mild debauchery: “When I graduated, Imane didn’t want me to go to a party, she said she didn’t want to go because there would be drinking there. That was the kind of person she was. So when they said that it was OD, I will never believe that was true.”

Khalfaoui spoke regarding the emotional toll, “I love her so much and I’ll never stop loving her, and nobody will be able to replace her,” she said, painting a picture of a tight-knit group whose loss has gutted the community. “Wafae, Imane and Kaoutar were some of the best people I’ve known. They were so loved and cherished in this community. It’s a tragedy; everybody has grown up with these girls.” During a Tuesday vigil, Destiny Borges-Kelley echoed that sentiment, insisting, “They’re respectful, they wouldn’t do the stuff that people are saying they would. They all were growing in life, they had plans.” These clearly weren’t reckless party girls; they were daughters with dreams.

Mayor Patrick M. Keefe Jr. declared: “I have heard widespread concern from the families and community members about the lack of transparency in this investigation, and the media narrative painted by Belizean authorities.” He’s already roped in federal officials, because apparently it takes a village—and a delegation—to get a straight answer. City Councilor Ira Novoselsky was equally fed up, “We’re getting stonewalled, you know Belize people are just saying their side of the story, but I’m sure there’s more to it.”

So, what’s the deal here? Three vibrant young women, not known for partying or drug use, dead in a tropical paradise, and the best Belize can offer is a shrug and a bag of gummies? The autopsies, scheduled for Tuesday, better shed some light, because this stinks worse than a D.C. swamp in July. For a community like Revere—proud, tight, and fiercely protective of its own—this is a huge tragedy. And for conservatives who’ve long distrusted the sanitized stories spoon-fed by authorities, it’s another reminder: when the facts don’t add up, it’s time to demand answers, not swallow excuses.

If there’s more to this story—and you’d have to be naïve to think there isn’t—it must see the light of day. For Kaoutar, Imane, and Wafae, they deserve nothing less.

Copyright 2025. DCPundit.com | Featured image credit: Kent Wang

Trump Bucks? Radical Proposal For New $250 Bill Has Conservatives Buzzing!

(DC Pundit) – Patriots—brace yourselves for a cash revolution. Representative Joe Wilson, a stalwart Republican from South Carolina, has tossed a live grenade into the swamp with his latest announcement: he’s drafting legislation to slap President Donald Trump’s iconic mug on a shiny new $250 bill. A denomination so bold it could only honor the man who’s been the Left’s kryptonite since 2016.

Wilson took to X, declaring, “Grateful to announce that I am drafting legislation to direct the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to design a $250 bill featuring Donald J. Trump. Biden-flation has destroyed the economy, forcing American families to carry more cash.” Wilson continued, “Most valuable bill for most valuable President!”

Now, before you start picturing Trump’s golden hair fluttering in the breeze, here’s the scoop from Wilson’s policy advisor: the $250 figure isn’t just a random number. It’s a nod to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026—a milestone that deserves a little swagger, don’t you think? The idea, they say, is to celebrate Trump’s relentless fight against the economic chaos unleashed by Sleepy Joe.

Of course, the liberal elite and their media lapdogs are probably gasping at the audacity of putting a living legend on our currency. And they’ve got a point—sort of. According to WTLX, there’s a federal law from 1866 that says no living person can grace U.S. money. Back then, I guess they didn’t anticipate someone like Trump shaking up the game. But Wilson’s office isn’t bothered. They’ve hinted they’ll tackle this outdated rule head-on, though they’re keeping the “how” under wraps for now.

If this bill comes to life, it’ll be a historic first: Donald J. Trump, the only living president to stare back at you from your wallet. Imagine whipping out a crisp $250 note at the grocery store, with Trump’s steely gaze daring the cashier to question your patriotism. It’s not just currency—it’s a statement. And for conservatives who watched Biden’s economic blunders, it’s a long-overdue middle finger to the progressive machine.

Trump is no stranger to making history—or enemies. The man has turned the White House into a fortress of common sense, slashing regulations to boost our economy while the Left screeches about everything from his tweets to his tanning regimen.

Hats off to Rep. Wilson for dreaming big and giving us something to cheer for. Whether this $250 Trump bill becomes reality or just another glorious “what if,” it’s a rallying cry for every Republican who knows the difference between a leader and a liability. And if it does hit circulation, I’ll be first in line to snag one—because who wouldn’t want a piece of history?

Copyright 2025. DCPundit.com | Featured image credit: Tim Reckmann

VIDEO: This Congresswoman Just Told Elon Musk To ‘F**k Off’

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(DC Pundit) – If you’ve been wondering what passes for intellectual firepower in the progressive wing of Congress these days, Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett has graciously provided us with a front-row seat to the circus. Recently, this self-styled firebrand went viral after a reporter dared to ask her what she’d say to Elon Musk about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Her response? A profound, policy-rich “f*** off.”

Yes, you read that right—straight from the mouth of a woman who, according to The Hill, “is vice ranking member on the House Oversight Committee and serves on the Oversight subcommittee on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).” Deep thoughts, indeed.

The clip, gleefully shared by the left-leaning Call to Activism account on X and Instagram, was apparently meant to showcase Crockett as some sort of fearless truth-teller. Instead, it’s a glaring neon sign screaming why conservatives have been laughing all the way to the betting markets lately.

If this is the best the Democrats can muster for oversight of a department that’s winning over voters, then maybe it’s time to start printing those “Vance 2028” bumper stickers in bulk.

Let’s give credit where it’s due: Crockett’s not new to dropping verbal bombs. Earlier this month, she dismissed opposition to DEI as whining from “mediocre white boys” who need “coddling.” Then, she graced the ladies of “The View” with her wisdom, claiming Trump supporters are just too dim to “understand” political reality. It’s almost impressive how she’s turned foot-in-mouth disease into a full-time gig. You’d think someone with her résumé—vice ranking member of a key committee—might have a tad more to offer than playground taunts. But no, when The Hill “reached out to Crockett’s office for further comment,” it seems “f*** off” was the beginning, middle, and end of her policy platform.

For those keeping score at home, DOGE isn’t some obscure government footnote. It’s a cornerstone of Trump’s vision to slash inefficiency and make Washington work for taxpayers again—a concept that’s resonating with Americans tired of bloated bureaucracy. Crockett’s job is to oversee it, yet her contribution is a two-word tantrum. If that’s not a metaphor for the left’s current state, I don’t know what is.

Conservatives, this is why we fight: to keep sharp minds like Musk in the game and sideline the likes of Crockett, who peaked at “class clown” and called it a career. Crockett can huff and puff all she wants, but the tide has turned—and it’s not in her favor.

Copyright 2025. DCPundit.com | Featured image credit: Gage Skidmore

Cartel Chaos: IED Takes Life Of Texas Rancher

(DC Pundit) – A grim scene unfolded earlier this month near the Texas-Mexico border, where a suspected cartel improvised explosive device (IED) turned a routine day on the ranch into a deadly nightmare. Antonio Céspedes Saldierna, a 74-year-old rancher who straddled the line—literally—working land on both sides of the border, perished alongside his colleague Horacio Lopez Peña.

The Texas Department of Agriculture broke the news on Tuesday, painting a picture of a border region increasingly resembling a war zone. Saldierna was simply driving on his own property when he tripped the explosive, according to KRGV. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller called this “part of a growing threat posed by cartel activity along our southern border.” He’s not wrong—those of us who value law and order have been sounding the alarm for years while the left pretends open borders are just a big, happy hug-fest.

Miller’s advice to ranchers? Treat the border like a rattlesnake den. “I encourage everyone in the agricultural industry to stay vigilant, remain aware of their surroundings, and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement,” he said. Miller went further, suggesting people stick to main roads, avoid dirt paths, and limit travel to daylight hours. Solid counsel for anyone who’d rather not become a statistic in the cartels’ gruesome ledger.

This tragedy hits even harder when you hear from Saldierna’s son, Ramiro Céspedes, a U.S. Army veteran who knows a thing or two about dodging IEDs from his time overseas. He was wounded by one during deployment, only to come home and have his father meet the same fate—on American-adjacent soil, no less. “I consider this a terrorist attack because if I went to war to fight terrorists, and I’m seeing the same thing here to me – my personal opinion – it is a terrorist attack,” Ramiro told reporters. Hard to argue with a man who’s lived the nightmare twice over.

Border Patrol agents have been put on high alert, with warnings about heightened cartel threats and the Trump administration has taken a no-nonsense approach by slapping “foreign terrorist organization” labels on some of these outfits. Good move—call a spade a spade, or in this case, a terrorist a terrorist.

For conservatives who’ve long championed border security, this is Exhibit A in the case for a wall, razor wire, drones, military intervention, and whatever else it takes to keep the chaos at bay. Ranchers like Saldierna aren’t collateral damage in some abstract policy debate—they’re the backbone of our agricultural heartland.

A veteran’s father, killed by the same tactics he fought against, all because we can’t secure our own backyard. How much of the blame for this can we lay at the feet of the previous Biden-Harris administration? 100%.

Copyright 2025. DCPundit.com | Featured image credit: Kevin T. Quinn

Clinton Appointed Judges Strike Down Arizona Voting Laws Requiring Proof Of Citizenship

(DC Pundit) – The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has struck down two Arizona laws designed to restrict voting for those who can’t prove their U.S. citizenship, deeming them “unlawful measures of voter suppression.” It appears the court is taking a rather dim view of efforts to ensure that only actual citizens are casting ballots in American elections.

The appeals court upheld a 2023 decision from the U.S. District Court of Arizona, which previously found several provisions of two 2022 Republican-backed laws unconstitutional. These included a provision that prohibits voters who don’t prove citizenship from voting for president, and another that prohibits them from voting by mail. Apparently, demanding proof of citizenship to vote in elections is just too much to ask.

The judges also determined that the state must allow voters who don’t prove citizenship to vote in federal elections even if they use a state voter registration form. The U.S. Supreme Court in August had granted an emergency stay requiring the opposite, pending a final ruling from the 9th Circuit.

That meant that election officials were outright rejecting state registration forms without proof of citizenship in the crucial period leading up to the November presidential election.

“Our democracy works best when every American can participate in it without barriers,” said Danielle Lang, the Campaign Legal Center’s senior director of voting rights, who represented some of the plaintiffs and argued before the 9th Circuit panel. “We’re glad that the 9th Circuit sees these laws for what they are: anti-voter.”

The ruling is a setback for Republican lawmakers, both in Arizona and nationally, as they try to enact stronger laws to prevent noncitizen voting. Senate President Warren Petersen criticized the 9th Circuit decision as disregarding the August ruling from the Supreme Court, which he said was only possible “in the liberal 9th Circuit.”

“Last we checked, the Supreme Court is above the 9th Circuit,” Petersen said in a statement posted on X.

Petersen said the Republican leadership would appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.

The case was heard by a three-judge panel — Kim McLane Wardlaw and Ronald M. Gould, both appointed by President Bill Clinton, and Patrick J. Bumatay, appointed by President Donald Trump. Bumatay dissented, and favored upholding substantial portions of the law, including the ones requiring proof of citizenship to vote in presidential elections and by mail.

Evidently, proving you are a citizen and living in the area where you are casting your ballot is voter suppression.

Copyright 2025. DCPundit.com | Featured image credit: Pexels/KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA