MAGA Insider: Top Political Stories for Patriots – September 17, 2026.
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1: Kash Patel Refuses to Rule Out FBI Agents at Polling Places
The FBI director sparred with senators over Election Day deployments during a combative five-hour hearing.
FBI Director Kash Patel clashed with Senate Democrats on Monday after they pressed him to guarantee the bureau would stay out of polling places in November. When Sen. Peter Welch pushed for a flat pledge, Patel shot back, “I pledge unequivocally that I will not participate in your charade of lies,” while confirming the FBI has “an election crimes community coordinator in all 56 field offices.”
Why It Matters to You: With the midterms weeks away, voters don’t have the categorical assurance from the nation’s top law enforcement officer that past FBI directors have given on Election Day deployments. READ MORE
2: Trump Rips Roy Cooper Over Zarutska Killing at NC Rally
The president invoked the Charlotte transit murder while campaigning for Senate nominee Michael Whatley.
President Trump traveled to North Carolina to stump for Michael Whatley, telling the crowd, “The animal who murdered Iryna Zarutska should never have been on your streets,” and claiming Roy Cooper “released him and 3,500 violent criminals from prison.” Fact-checkers note the 3,500 figure stems from a 2021 court settlement, not a Cooper policy choice.
Why It Matters to You: The Zarutska case has become a proxy fight over bail policy nationwide, and this Senate race is now a real test of whether it moves swing voters. READ MORE
3: Thomas Massie: One GOP Signature Away From Forcing Epstein Files Vote
The Kentucky Republican says he has “one hero slot left” as his new discharge petition nears the threshold to bypass leadership.
Rep. Thomas Massie says his new discharge petition to force a vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act II is down to needing just one more Republican signature, with Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman already signed on. “I’ve got one hero slot left,” Massie said, adding that “the Department of Justice continues to unlawfully withhold over 3 million Epstein files.” He accused Speaker Mike Johnson of canceling House workweeks to run out the clock before a vote can happen.
Why It Matters to You: If Massie finds his final signature, the House would be forced to vote on giving state attorneys general access to the remaining Epstein files, regardless of what leadership wants. READ MORE
4: Massie Files 8 Articles of Impeachment Against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
The privileged resolution cites the Iran war, Caribbean boat strikes, and the capture of Venezuela’s Maduro — and forces a House vote within two days.
Rep. Thomas Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth this week, accusing him of waging an unauthorized war against Iran, ordering unauthorized lethal strikes on suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean, and directing the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro without congressional authorization. Massie made the measure privileged, forcing a House vote within two days. The Pentagon fired back, with Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson calling Hegseth “a transformative leader for the Department of War.”
Why It Matters to You: Because the resolution is privileged, every House member will be forced onto the record on Hegseth’s conduct within days, regardless of whether leadership wants the vote at all. READ MORE
5: Gavin Newsom Says He Won’t Challenge Kamala Harris for 2028
The California governor made a striking on-camera commitment during a fly-fishing trip with CNN’s Jake Tapper.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom told CNN’s Jake Tapper he will not run for president in 2028 if Kamala Harris enters the race, saying flatly, “I wouldn’t run if she ran.” Asked why, Newsom explained, “Of course not, why would I? I wouldn’t do it to her. I wouldn’t do it to you. I would’t waste everyone’s time.” He argued a primary fight between the two would be “mutually assured destruction” that benefits only Republicans.
Why It Matters to You: Newsom has been viewed as a top-tier 2028 Democratic contender, and his declaration hands Harris a clear runway if she decides to run again, reshaping how the invisible primary is already taking shape. READ MORE
