From bipartisan praise over a Middle East peace deal to bare-all activism in Portland, here’s what you need to know.
Schumer Praises Trump for Peace Deal, Breaks Democratic Silence
In a rare moment of bipartisan recognition, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer publicly commended President Donald Trump for brokering the ceasefire and hostage release that brought 20 Israeli citizens home from Hamas captivity.
“Today is a wonderful day… I commend the enormous advocacy of the tireless hostage families, President Trump, his administration, and all who helped make this moment happen,” Schumer said in a statement.
Schumer — the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in U.S. history — joins Bill and Hillary Clinton in crediting Trump for the landmark Middle East peace agreement. The praise comes as House Speaker Mike Johnson slammed other Democrats for being “strangely silent” or omitting Trump entirely from their acknowledgments.
Notably, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued a statement on X celebrating the return of the hostages without mentioning Trump.
The peace deal, finalized in Egypt, marks the formal end of a two-year war. Trump, who addressed the Israeli Knesset Monday morning, thanked the international coalition of Arab and Muslim nations that helped pressure Hamas into compliance.
Schumer also called for a “lasting end” to the conflict, advocating for humanitarian aid to Palestinians and a path toward a two-state solution.
Portland’s Naked Protest Rolls Through ICE Facility
Meanwhile, in classic Portland fashion, hundreds of nearly naked demonstrators took to the streets in a protest ride against Trump’s immigration policy and the “militarization” of the city.
Billed as an “emergency edition” of the city’s annual World Naked Bike Ride, the six-mile trek concluded at the local ICE facility, where riders staged a dramatic silent ‘die-in’ on the pavement.
One rider, wearing only wool socks and a wig in 50-degree weather, told AP, “It’s a quintessentially Portland way to protest.”
Demonstrations at ICE facilities in Portland have intensified in recent weeks. Over the weekend, DHS warned protesters against aiming lasers at government aircraft — a tactic allegedly planned by a local anarchist group. Trump ordered the National Guard to respond, but was temporarily blocked by a federal judge.
Ironically, the protest occurred just days after the ceasefire agreement was reached — one that organizers still viewed as “insufficient,” despite Palestinians in the region and abroad going on record celebrating it.
Spanberger Leads in Virginia Governor’s Race — Barely
In Virginia, the governor’s race is tightening. Democratic nominee Abigail Spanberger holds a slim lead over Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, according to a Trafalgar Group poll.
- Spanberger: 47.7%
- Earle-Sears: 45.1%
- Undecided: 5.6%
- Margin of error: ±2.9%
While Spanberger’s edge is within the margin of error, the race for attorney general is swinging the other way. Incumbent Republican Jason Miyares is leading Democrat Jay Jones 48.9% to 43.1% — a gap likely widened by recent controversy.
Text messages obtained by the National Review show that in 2022, Jones joked with GOP Delegate Carrie Coyner about shooting former House Speaker Todd Gilbert, even referencing Gilbert’s children.
Asked during a recent debate whether she still supports Jones, Spanberger deflected, saying, “I am running for governor. I am accountable for the words that I say.”
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