Arizona Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ-08) issued a statement Monday responding to reports which suggested that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had shared “detailed information” about potential military strikes into Yemen and that President Trump is seeking his removal from office.
In the release, Hamadeh, in his capacity as a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, expressed in concurrence with President Trump that Hegseth enjoys his strong support and pointedly questioned “whether fake news reports about unrest in the ranks of the Department of Defense are intended to weaken our national security.”
In a post to X, the congressman wrote, “As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have full confidence in @PeteHegseth and his team at DoD. The fake news had its sights on him since he was first nominated, yet he’s been moving positive changes at lightning speed. Keep up the good work!”
As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have full confidence in @PeteHegseth and his team at DoD. The fake news had its sights on him since he was first nominated, yet he’s been moving positive changes at lightning speed. Keep up the good work! 🇺🇸💪
Hamadeh reportedly urged news outlets nationwide to return to President Ronald Reagan’s motto of “’trust but verify,’ before publishing ‘news’ based on claims from individuals with no affinity for the facts or have nefarious motives.”
This would appear to reference a New York Times story’s reliance on “four people with knowledge” of an alleged Signal chat, which was purported to include Secretary Hegseth’s wife, brother, and personal attorney, and NPR’s similar reliance on an unnamed “U.S. official who was not authorized to speak publicly,” as a source for its story suggesting Hegseth’s imminent ouster.
Hamadeh’s office excoriated both outlets writing, “Few news outlets reported about the fact that the Biden Administration’s Department of Defense did not publicly disclose – in violation of the law – that one of the country’s two National Command Authorities, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, was unable to perform his duties.
“In contrast, it appears outlets are creating ‘news’ out of whole cloth, eroding trust in our national security baselessly to the benefit of enemies both foreign and domestic.
“Currently, a disconcerting debate is raging on social media as to what opinions and policy positions should and should not be allowed to be heard. Unlike others participating in that debate, a former U.S. Army Intelligence officer, would never call for censorship or for the silencing of opposing voices, but understands the effects of fake news and false narratives on the troops.
“Given the fact that recruiting is up across the board for our military service branches to a 15-year high and morale is up among the troops thanks to Secretary Hegseth, it is not unreasonable to suspect that those spreading clearly false rumors about Secretary Hegseth might have not have our country’s welfare in mind.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/20/25
STATEMENT:
Another day, another old story—back from the dead. The Trump-hating media continues to be obsessed with destroying anyone committed to President Trump’s agenda. This time, the New York Times — and all other Fake News that repeat their…
Hamadeh concluded with an admonishment of “propogandists posing as journalists,” saying in full: “While some of us are sacrificing our time with our families and friends to tirelessly promote peace through strength, propagandists posing as journalists are trying to undermine our country by spreading lies.”
In a statement responding to the Times’ report, Department of Defense spokesman Sean Parnell issued a categoric denial of the allegations against Hegseth saying, “Another day, another old story—back from the dead. The Trump-hating media continues to be obsessed with destroying anyone committed to President Trump’s agenda. This time, the New York Times — and all other Fake News that repeat their garbage — are enthusiastically taking the grievances of disgruntled former employees as the sole sources for their article. They relied only on the words of people who were fired this week and appear to have a motive to sabotage the Secretary and the President’s agenda.
“There was no classified information in any Signal chat, no matter how many ways they try to write the story. What is true is that the Office of the Secretary of Defense is continuing to become stronger and more efficient in executing President Trump’s agenda.”
Questioned on the story by reporters during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, President Trump told reporters on the South Lawn, “He is doing a great job. … Ask the Houthis how he’s doing.” He continued, “It’s just fake news. They just bring up stories. I guess it sounds like disgruntled employees. You know, he was put there to get rid of a lot of bad people.”
Hegseth himself told Fox News, “This is what the media does. They take anonymous sources from disgruntled former employees, and then they try to slash and burn people and ruin their reputations.”
Despite opposition from local leaders and community organizers, Governor Katie Hobbs has signed SB 1543 into law, a move that will significantly curtail the ability of residents in cities like Scottsdale to refer zoning decisions to the ballot. The legislation, which passed the Arizona Legislature along party lines earlier this month, takes aim at local control.
The law applies retroactively, nullifying a referendum effort by nearly 27,000 Scottsdale residents who had petitioned to challenge a city council-approved expansion plan by public safety technology company Axon. The referendum would have placed the matter on a future citywide ballot, giving voters the opportunity to weigh in on the project’s future.
In a letter sent to Governor Hobbs prior to her decision, Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky and the full City Council warned that SB 1543 “undermines the principles of local control that are foundational to Scottsdale’s governance” and “sets a dangerous precedent.” The city emphasized that the referendum effort was not a protest against development, but rather a call for public input on a high-impact zoning change.
The controversy began after the Scottsdale City Council voted in November 2024 to approve Axon’s expanded development plans. While the company’s previously approved headquarters from 2020 remains intact, the new proposal includes nearly 2,000 multifamily residential units; over 400 hotel rooms; and approximately 47,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space.
Many residents argued that the expansion warranted broader community input, prompting a grassroots petition drive that garnered tens of thousands of signatures. However, with SB 1543 now law, the referendum effort has been invalidated, and Scottsdale voters will not have the opportunity to decide on the matter at the ballot box.
SB 1543 removes the ability of residents in cities of certain sizes—including Scottsdale—to challenge zoning decisions. Supporters, including Republican legislative leaders, say the law clears the way for large-scale development projects and reduces delays caused by ballot initiatives. Critics, however, argue it silences community voices and weakens the checks and balances that local governments rely on.
City leaders have expressed concern that the legislation fails to address critical issues related to growth, including increased traffic and infrastructure strain. “These are not abstract issues—they impact the daily lives of our residents,” the city wrote in its plea to the Governor.
With the law now enacted, Scottsdale is weighing legal and procedural responses to preserve local authority, while other municipalities watch closely to see how the law will be implemented and challenged.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has signed Senate Bill 1424, known as the Master Sgt. Orlando Dona Stolen Valor Act, into law. The legislation makes it a criminal offense in Arizona to falsely claim military service or honors for personal or political gain.
The bill, which received bipartisan support in the legislature, takes effect 90 days after the legislative session adjourns. With the governor’s signature, Arizona joins a growing number of states adopting “Stolen Valor” laws that aim to protect the integrity of military service and ensure that those who have sacrificed for their country are not disrespected by fraudulent claims.
Under SB 1424, it will be a misdemeanor offense in Arizona to misrepresent oneself as a member or veteran of the United States Armed Forces or to claim military awards, medals, or other honors that were never earned—particularly when done to obtain benefits, employment, or political advantage.
The law is named after Master Sergeant Orlando Dona, a highly decorated veteran and advocate for military integrity. Dona and others have pushed for greater accountability in how military service is portrayed, particularly by public figures and candidates seeking office.
The bill specifically targets individuals who exploit military service for tangible or reputational gain, such as campaign credibility, financial advantages, or public recognition. Supporters say the law will help restore trust in veteran communities and honor those who have served honorably.
The issue of “stolen valor” has drawn increasing attention in recent years, as social media and public scrutiny have exposed multiple cases of individuals falsely claiming service, rank, or military decorations. While federal law—under the Stolen Valor Act of 2013—prohibits false claims of military awards for monetary gain, SB 1424 strengthens state-level enforcement and expands the law to cover a broader range of deceptive conduct.
Military families and veterans’ advocates have praised the signing, noting the damage such lies can cause to the credibility and honor of legitimate service members.
The bill has drawn support from across the political spectrum, including lawmakers, veterans’ groups, and watchdog organizations dedicated to exposing fraudulent military claims.
The law is expected to be enforced by local jurisdictions and could involve penalties such as fines or jail time, depending on the severity of the offense.
As Arizona takes a firm stance against misrepresenting military service, advocates hope the measure will deter future abuse and serve as a model for other states still considering similar legislation.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
In a time when confidence in our democratic institutions teeters on the edge, one principle must remain sacred: the sanctity of our elections. Our Republic is only as strong as the faith our citizens place in the ballot box. That’s why the passage of the SAVE Act (H.R. 22) is not only timely—it is essential.
The SAVE Act draws directly from the foundation laid by President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order titled “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections.” That order highlighted what every American knows instinctively: fair and secure elections are the bedrock of our constitutional republic. President Trump made it clear that foreign interference, voter fraud, and systemic vulnerabilities are not just possibilities—they are threats we must meet with resolve and action. (RELATED: Stephen Miller Says Democrats Just Dropped ‘One Of The Dumbest Talking Points’ Yet Against SAVE Act)
H.R. 22 codifies into law many of the critical protections championed in that executive order. From requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to vote in federal elections, to enhancing voter roll maintenance and mandating transparent election audits, the SAVE Act is a clear response to the growing concerns of voters across the political spectrum. It closes loopholes and modernizes our electoral systems to meet today’s challenges with strength and clarity.
Last Thursday, the House of Representatives passed the SAVE Act with bipartisan support. That vote sent a clear and resounding message to the American people: election integrity is not a partisan issue—it is a national imperative. Now, the responsibility lies squarely with the United States Senate. The time for debate is over. The Senate must act swiftly, pass the SAVE Act, and send it to President Trump’s desk so he can sign it into law.
But passing legislation is only half the battle.
To truly safeguard the integrity of our elections, the SAVE Act must be implemented rigorously at the state level. This isn’t merely a matter of policy—it’s a matter of national security. Every Secretary of State and every election official across the country must treat the integrity of the ballot as the solemn responsibility it is. More importantly, state attorneys general must rise to the occasion and enforce this law with unwavering commitment.
The role of a state attorney general should go beyond consumer protections and civil enforcement. In this era, a top-priority mission must be the preservation of free and fair elections. Attorneys general must be fearless guardians of our electoral process—investigating fraud, holding bad actors accountable, and defending laws like the SAVE Act in court if necessary. Anything less is an abdication of their duty to the Constitution and to the people they serve.
Inaction is not neutrality—it is complicity. And when it comes to our elections, the cost of complacency is nothing less than the erosion of the public trust and the weakening of the very pillars of our Republic.
The SAVE Act offers a rare and critical opportunity to restore that trust. It deserves bipartisan support, full implementation, and vigilant enforcement. The American people are watching. They are demanding transparency, security, and fairness. We owe it to them—and to every generation that will inherit this great nation—to deliver nothing less.
Trey Trainor is a contributor to The Daily Caller News Foundation and currently serves as Chairman of the Federal Election Commission; he was nominated as a Commissioner by President Donald J. Trump and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2020. He is board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Legislative and Campaign Law and has practiced election law for over two decades.
Arizona’s prisons are now under investigation by lawmakers following multiple inmate murders in a Tucson prison.
The chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee, Kevin Payne, announced the investigation Monday into the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR) over the recent murders of three inmates at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Tucson: Saul Alvarez, Thorne Harnage, and Donald Lashley. Alvarez was serving time for first degree murder, Harnage was serving time for sexual conduct with a minor, and Lashley was serving time for sexual conduct with a minor and molestation of a child.
Payne said in a statement the murders were “inexcusable and incredibly troubling,” and expressed concern for the safety of prison staff and officers. Payne also extended prayers to the families of the murdered inmates and said ADCRR had “failed” the three men.
“I fear for the lives of the correctional officers and staff who are reporting to duty every day and risking their safety in a facility that has proven it cannot prevent dangerous criminals from inflicting violence,” said Payne. “Director Thornell has some explaining to do, and the more time that passes by before we can determine the missteps that lead to these murders, the longer our law enforcement will be in danger of losing their own lives at the hands of inmates.”
The sole suspect in the murders, Ricky Wassenaar, was one of two men behind the two-week-long prison hostage crisis in 2004 — the longest in the nation’s history. At the time, Wassenaar was serving time for armed robbery and assault. The prison hostage crisis earned Wassenaar 16 life sentences.
Wassenaar previously claimed to prison officials and advocates that he murdered his cellmate, 81-year-old Joseph Desisto, last November. ADCRR ruled the cause of Desisto’s death as “undetermined” but clarified the medical examiner’s report didn’t find traumatic injuries supportive of Wassenaar’s alleged method of murder (strangulation).
Last week, ADCRR announced two other prisoners died from potential homicides while in facilities in Buckeye and Florence, respectively.
Then, last Friday, ADCRR acknowledged the uptick of inmate on inmate violence. ADCRR attributed the violence to its close custody units, including: Eyman’s Running Unit; Lewis’s Buckley, Morey, and Rast units; Tucson’s Cimarron unit; Winslow’s Kaibab unit; and Yuma’s Dakota unit.
These close custody units house the most high-risk prisoners with “histories of institutional violence, significant behavioral problems, [and] long-standing disciplinary issues.” Those categorized as “high-risk” account for about 5,000 of the over 35,000 inmates statewide.
ADCRR rolled out a series of immediate and forthcoming protective measures for staff and inmates, such as restricted movement with indefinite closed visitation. ADCRR assured the public that affected prisoners will still maintain access to showers, phones, mail, tablets, legal visits, mental and physical health appointments, medication, and in-unit work.
ADCRR Director Ryan Thornell condemned the uptick in violence as unacceptable.
“Violence is not, and should never be an acceptable part of incarceration,” said Thornell. “We will not allow continued negative behavior to disrupt our orderly operations or jeopardize the security of our institutions.”
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