Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally has announced that he will be taking a break from social media following criticism for commenting on posts of nearly nude photos of a 20-year-old gay model. His decision has been met with mixed reactions, prompting questions about the role of social media in politics and the need for more guidance on its use by elected officials. McNally has stated that his intent was always engagement and encouragement, and that he will be pausing his social media activity in order to reflect and receive more guidance.
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Florida is facing a wave of anti-trans legislation from Republicans, which President Joe Biden has called "cruel" and "close to sinful." These bills include banning public drag performances, blocking trans athletes from playing on school teams, and barring discussion about sexuality and gender identity in schools. LGBTQ advocates have also spoken out against the bills, urging the state to focus on protecting the rights of LGBTQ individuals, rather than attacking them. President Biden and LGBTQ advocates have strongly opposed the legislation, and it remains to be seen how the state will respond.
Meanwhile, Republicans and conservative influencers have argued that the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank was due to its focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, but the 2018 repeal of stricter regulations on regional banks and the Federal Reserve's decision to hike interest rates are seen as more likely causes.
At a rally in Iowa, former President Donald Trump took aim at Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, calling him "DeSanctus" and saying he probably shouldn't have endorsed him in his bid for the governor's mansion. Trump also compared DeSantis to 2012 GOP nominee Mitt Romney, and said he will "protect Iowa ethanol from anyone who wishes to destroy it." The former president said he last spoke to DeSantis "a couple of days ago," but did not elaborate on the conversation.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has been discharged from the hospital after being treated for a concussion and a rib fracture. He will now go to an inpatient rehabilitation facility for physical therapy before returning home, and his concussion recovery is progressing well. McConnell is the longest-serving U.S. Senator in Kentucky's history and is the most senior Republican in the Senate.
Mike Pence has publicly criticized Donald Trump for his role in the Capitol riot, marking a significant shift in their relationship. Pence stated that Trump's "reckless words endangered" his family and those at the Capitol, and that "history will hold Donald Trump accountable". He also denied having the power to overturn the election results.
At the Gridiron Club Dinner in Washington, DC, former Vice President Mike Pence delivered a speech that was both lighthearted and serious, including jokes about President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as a rebuke of former President Donald Trump for his role in the January 6th attack. Pence's comments come as the Republican party is divided over Trump's legacy and whether to embrace him or reject him in the future, and it remains to be seen whether his words will have any effect.
Key takeaways: Arizona’s Department of Education has launched the “Empower Hotline” for residents to report K-12 class curriculum and lessons that they deem “inappropriate”. The…