Trump’s ‘Antifa Roundtable’ Highlights Complaints from Partisan Conservative Commentators
At the White House-hosted “antifa roundtable” led by Donald Trump, all fact witnesses so far are either self-proclaimed independent journalists or conservative social media personalities with a clear partisan slant. Their coverage of left-wing demonstrations often resembles opposition research rather than objective journalism.
Many participants have recounted incidents where they claim to have been attacked by left-wing protesters, whom they consistently label as “antifa members” without providing substantiating proof.
What these conservative media figures omit is that several deliberately engage with left-wing demonstrators, provoking reactions that they then record.
Some even infiltrate protests disguised in black attire typical of left-wing activists, later editing their footage to highlight only moments of violence or confrontation, while excluding peaceful demonstrations.
One such witness, Katie Daviscourt, known for her reporting on protests outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in Portland, Oregon, and featured on Fox News, recently described receiving a black eye after being hit by a protester’s flagpole.
Prior to this event, a Portland police officer disclosed in an email-made public through Oregon’s federal lawsuit against Trump’s troop deployment-that Daviscourt was among three conservative influencers acting as “counter-protesters” at the site.
“These three counter-protesters are a frequent cause of police and medical interventions,” the officer noted on September 20. “Despite repeated warnings to avoid the ICE crowd, they persistently return and antagonize protesters until they are assaulted or pepper-sprayed. They resist or hesitate to disengage, even when police are present attempting to intervene. They also trespass on federal property similarly to the main protesters.”
Another participant, conservative influencer Nick Sortor, reported being arrested by Portland police following a confrontation. However, video evidence reveals Sortor instigated the altercation by attempting to push through a protest encampment near the ICE facility. He was also involved in a tussle over an American flag he had taken from a protester attempting to burn it.
Following a conservative media outcry, the Department of Justice’s civil rights chief, Harmeet Dhillon, threatened to investigate the Portland police for alleged anti-conservative bias, leading to the dismissal of charges against Sortor. The two women involved in the altercation with Sortor still face charges.
The roundtable discussion is ongoing.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is slated to participate in a high-level ministerial conference scheduled for Thursday in Paris. This gathering will bring together representatives from European, Arab, and other nations to deliberate on the transition period following the Gaza conflict, according to three diplomatic insiders who spoke to Reuters.
This summit will coincide with ongoing indirect negotiations between Israel, Hamas, and mediators in Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. The primary focus is to explore the implementation of a strategy initially proposed by Donald Trump and to evaluate the collective responsibilities and pledges of the involved countries.
The US embassy in Paris has yet to provide an official statement regarding the meeting.
National Guard units have been deployed near Chicago and are expected to arrive in Memphis by Friday, reports the Associated Press, as the Trump administration advances a stringent approach to urban crime, regardless of local government opposition.
By early Wednesday, Texas National Guard troops had established a presence at an Army Reserve facility in Illinois, despite legal challenges and strong resistance from Democratic officials. Their precise duties remain unclear, though the administration is conducting a vigorous immigration enforcement campaign in Chicago, where protests frequently occur outside an immigration office in Broadview.
President Trump has labeled Chicago a “crime-ridden zone,” despite police data indicating notable declines in various offenses, including homicides.
In Memphis, Tennessee, Police Chief Cerelyn Davis confirmed that a small team of commanders is already on-site preparing for the National Guard’s arrival. Republican Governor Bill Lee stated that these troops will be deputized by the US Marshals Service to provide “critical support” to local law enforcement, although the exact nature of their role has not been fully detailed.
Congressional Democrats have introduced legislation aimed at offering childcare assistance to federal employees impacted by the ongoing government shutdown, now extending into its second week.
Under the proposal spearheaded by Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, parents would be reimbursed for childcare expenses incurred during the shutdown.
The Federal Worker Childcare Protection Act of 2025 would provide support to any federal employee furloughed or working without pay amid the shutdown.
The bill empowers the General Services Administration (GSA) to accept official documentation of childcare costs from federal workers to facilitate reimbursement.
“Federal employees are exhausted. They take pride in their work but feel disregarded,” Omar stated. “While this administration has shown little interest in defending workers, I am committed to doing so. As a working parent, I understand the importance of dependable childcare. This bill is a modest yet vital step to affirm that their contributions and families matter.”
Previously, around 100 childcare centers operated within GSA-managed federal properties, serving thousands of children daily. However, earlier this year, the so-called “department of government efficiency” dissolved the GSA office responsible for managing these facilities.
Co-sponsors of the bill include Democratic representatives Pramila Jayapal, Summer Lee, Gregory Meeks, Jerry Nadler, and Rashida Tlaib.
Pope Leo urged US bishops visiting the Vatican on Wednesday to take a firm stance on the treatment of immigrants under President Donald Trump’s stringent policies, according to attendees.
As the first US-born pope, Leo received numerous letters from immigrants expressing their fears of deportation amid the Trump administration’s enforcement measures. The meeting included bishops and social workers from the US-Mexico border region.
“His personal commitment to continue speaking out means a great deal to all of us,” said El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz, who participated in the discussion.
The Vatican has not yet issued a comment on the pope’s meeting.
Good morning and welcome to our US politics coverage, featuring former FBI Director James Comey’s upcoming initial court appearance in a Justice Department criminal case accusing him of lying to Congress five years ago.
According to the Associated Press, the arraignment is expected to be brief, but the event carries significant historical weight amid concerns that the Justice Department is being used as a political tool against Donald Trump’s adversaries.
Comey is anticipated to plead not guilty at the federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia. His defense team is likely to seek dismissal of the indictment before trial, potentially arguing that the prosecution is selective or retaliatory.
The indictment contains two counts: one alleging Comey falsely told the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 30, 2020, that he had not authorized an associate to act as an anonymous source to the media, and another accusing him of obstructing a congressional proceeding.
Comey denies any misconduct and has expressed readiness for trial. The indictment does not disclose the identity of the associate or the nature of the information shared with the press.
While indictments typically mark the beginning of lengthy legal battles, the Justice Department has portrayed this development as a victory.
Officials from the Trump administration may cite a conviction as validation of the case, whereas an acquittal or dismissal could reinforce their longstanding claims that the criminal justice system is biased against them.
Judge Michael Nachmanoff, appointed by the Biden administration and known for his meticulous preparation and calm demeanor, has been assigned to the case. President Trump has criticized the judge, labeling him a “Crooked Joe Biden appointed Judge.”
Stay tuned for ongoing updates on this case, as well as developments regarding the arrival of National Guard troops in Chicago and the continuing government shutdown.
At the White House, President Trump is scheduled to receive an intelligence briefing at 11 a.m. EST and participate in a roundtable discussion on Antifa at 3 p.m.
Meanwhile, in Egypt, a US delegation has joined indirect talks between Hamas and Israel concerning Trump’s Gaza plan, with recent reports indicating that lists of hostages and prisoners have been exchanged.
Additional news highlights include:
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Donald Trump met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, humorously suggesting a “merger” of their two nations. He also did not dismiss the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy troops on US streets, a move that could further complicate any such union.
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Trump hinted he might not comply with a law requiring back pay for furloughed government workers once the shutdown concludes.
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During a contentious Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, US Attorney General Pam Bondi faced accusations from Democrats of politicizing the Department of Justice, fundamentally altering its mission, and leaving a lasting negative legacy. Bondi responded by criticizing Democratic lawmakers personally while defending the department’s enforcement actions in Democratic-led cities.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that his decision to delay swearing in Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva of Arizona is unrelated to her potential to become the 218th signer on a bipartisan discharge petition aimed at forcing a House vote on the full release of Epstein files.
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Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, visited an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland, Oregon, accompanied by conservative influencers. Portland police cleared the streets ahead of her arrival, keeping protesters-one dressed as a chicken and another as a baby shark-at a distance.
Trump Announces Progress Toward Middle East Agreement
During a live discussion focused on antifascism, President Donald Trump received a note from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. After a brief private exchange, Trump paused the conversation to inform attendees, “I’ve just been notified by the secretary of state that we are nearing a significant agreement in the Middle East, and they will require my involvement shortly.”
He then invited a few more questions before turning back to the press. Trump indicated he might visit the Middle East prior to the release of Israeli hostages, contingent on the deal’s finalization.
As the event continued for another ten minutes, Trump highlighted the strength of the economy, appeared uncertain about the legal term habeas corpus, suggested he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize, and commended Attorney General Pam Bondi for her assertive performance during a Senate oversight hearing earlier in the week.
Conservative Influencers Voice Complaints at Trump’s ‘Antifa Roundtable’
The White House’s recent “antifa roundtable,” hosted by Donald Trump, featured testimony exclusively from self-identified independent journalists and conservative social media personalities. These participants cover left-wing protests with a distinctly partisan lens, often resembling opposition research rather than impartial journalism.
Many attendees recounted alleged assaults by left-wing protesters they consistently labeled as “antifa members,” though no concrete evidence was provided to substantiate these claims.
Notably absent from their accounts was the fact that several of these figures actively provoke left-wing demonstrators by confronting them and recording their reactions. Some even infiltrate protests disguised in black attire, selectively editing footage to emphasize violent incidents while omitting peaceful demonstrations.
One participant, Katie Daviscourt, known for her coverage of protests outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in Portland, Oregon, shared that she recently sustained a black eye after being struck with a protester’s flagpole.
Prior to this, a Portland police officer disclosed in an email-made public through a federal lawsuit challenging Trump’s troop deployment-that Daviscourt was among three conservative influencers acting as “counter-protesters” at the site. The officer noted these individuals frequently instigated confrontations, leading to repeated police and medical interventions.
Another conservative influencer, Nick Sortor, described his recent arrest by Portland police following a clash. However, video evidence revealed Sortor initiated the altercation by attempting to push through a protest encampment near the ICE facility and engaged in a struggle over an American flag he had taken from a protester attempting to burn it.
After conservative media outcry, the Department of Justice’s civil rights chief, Harmeet Dhillon, threatened to investigate the Portland police for alleged anti-conservative bias, resulting in the charges against Sortor being dropped. The two women involved in the altercation with Sortor still face charges.
Currently speaking at the roundtable, Nick Sortor criticized the Portland police for his arrest, accusing local officials of prioritizing appeasement of “Antifa terrorists” over the safety of their own citizens.
Attorney General Pam Bondi addressed the roundtable, referencing the arrest of right-wing influencer Nick Sortor during protests outside an immigration center in Portland last week. Bondi asserted that Sortor was “defending himself against Antifa” and lamented that local law enforcement arrested him instead of those who assaulted him.
Throughout the event, Trump, who has frequently criticized mainstream media, praised these conservative “independent journalists” as courageous figures.
Attorney General Bondi declared, “This is not activism; it is anarchy. We will not permit masked agitators to torch buildings, assault law enforcement, or intimidate our communities.”
Trump Commends Bondi’s Forceful Senate Judiciary Hearing
President Trump applauded Attorney General Pam Bondi for her performance during the Senate judiciary committee’s oversight hearing earlier this week.
“She was outstanding, speaking with both passion and intelligence,” Trump remarked. “Everyone is talking about how well she did.”
Trump Holds Roundtable on Antifa, Labeling It a Domestic Terror Threat
Donald Trump convened a roundtable focused on Antifa, the loosely organized left-wing movement he recently designated as a “domestic terrorist organization.”
During the session, Trump cited various attacks on federal agents he attributed to Antifa and suggested that the individual charged with shooting Charlie Kirk was affiliated with the group, despite law enforcement not confirming any such connection.
“Left-wing violence and Antifa-inspired terror have been escalating for nearly ten years,” Trump stated.
IRS to Furlough Over 34,000 Employees Amid Government Shutdown
The Internal Revenue Service announced plans to furlough more than 34,000 workers, representing nearly half of its staff, due to the ongoing government shutdown.
The Treasury Department’s contingency strategy, activated on October 8, mandates an agency-wide furlough for all employees except those designated as excepted or exempt.
While preparations for tax filing will continue, many taxpayer services are expected to be suspended during this period.
Democrats Link Delay in Swearing-In of Arizona Congresswoman to Epstein File Vote
At a recent press briefing, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined other Democrats in urging Speaker Mike Johnson to promptly swear in Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva.
“There is no dispute regarding her election,” Jeffries emphasized. “So why the hold-up, Mike? Could it be connected to Republicans’ ongoing efforts to withhold Epstein files from the public? People deserve answers.”
Grijalva’s swearing-in would provide the crucial 218th signature needed on a bipartisan discharge petition to compel a House vote on releasing the Epstein documents.
Jeffries: Democrats Ready to Negotiate Funding Bill ‘Anytime, Anywhere’
Hakeem Jeffries, the leading Democrat in the House, declared that his party is prepared to meet “anytime, anyplace, anywhere” to discuss a short-term funding bill incorporating key healthcare provisions.
He criticized Republican Speaker Mike Johnson for canceling votes and keeping the House in recess until the Senate passes a funding extension, accusing Republicans of shirking their responsibilities while demanding federal employees work without pay during the shutdown.
