Marsha Blackburn
Coverage of Marsha Blackburn in the Nexus archive.
- Dem senator accused of being 'nowhere to be found' on crucial issue impacting kids in swing state
Sen. Jon Ossoff is accused by Georgia's child welfare director of overstating his role in addressing the state's foster care system in a re-election ad. Ossoff's team defends his efforts, citing an investigation and legislation, while the director claims he has not secured necessary funding or reforms.
- Dem senator accused of being 'nowhere to be found' on crucial issue impacting kids in swing state
Sen. Jon Ossoff faces criticism from Georgia's child welfare director, Candice Broce, who accuses him of overstating his role in addressing the state's foster care system for political gain. Broce claims Ossoff has not secured funding or reforms, while his team defends his bipartisan investigation and legislative efforts.
- The midterms are months away. The scramble to get on Congress’ tax writing committees has already started.
A wave of departures from Congress' tax writing committees has intensified competition to fill critical roles in the next Congress. House Ways and Means and Senate Finance committees will see multiple members leave, creating openings for new representatives. Both parties are vying for positions on these influential panels, which shape major tax legislation.
- Blackburn joins new GOP Senate task force targeting fraud in federal programs
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn is part of a group of nine Republican senators launching a new Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force to examine fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. The task force aims to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen government accountability, according to Blackburn's office.
- Rep. Blackburn, Schmitt launch Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force targeting federal fraud
U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Eric Schmitt announced the formation of a Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force this week. The task force aims to target federal fraud.
- Blackburn claims she was on 'federal time' which prevented her from talking about her campaign for governor
Sen. Marsha Blackburn claimed she could not discuss her governor campaign during a federal event, but critics argue this reasoning lacks legal basis. She avoided answering questions after a speech at the Greater Nashville Technology Council, deflecting to general campaign outreach. Fellow Republicans and media figures questioned the validity of her 'federal time' defense.
- Blackburn dodges questions about her run for governor as early voting nears in Tennessee primary
U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn is avoiding media questions about her gubernatorial campaign ahead of Tennessee's Republican primary. At an event with the Greater Nashville Technology Council, she left quickly without answering queries about her run or positions on issues like corporate subsidies. Political commentator Steve Gill criticized her evasive responses as unfit for a potential state leader.
- TN lawmaker, activists split after Supreme Court upholds ban on trans girls in school sports
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state laws banning transgender girls and women from school sports, sparking divided reactions in Tennessee. The Tennessee Equality Project criticized the ruling as a setback for LGBTQ+ and women's rights, while U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn hailed it as a victory for women's sports. The decision, based on cases from Idaho and West Virginia, is expected to impact states with similar restrictions.
- ‘Trying to read the tea leaves’: Ted Cruz offers few clues on his AI agenda
Sen. Ted Cruz, chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, is convening a markup for AI legislation but has provided limited details about his criteria or priorities. While emphasizing bipartisan consensus, Cruz's staff acknowledges uncertainty about which bills will advance, and his past opposition to broad AI regulation contrasts with his current role in shaping federal oversight.
- PAC Boasts About Blackburn’s Relationship with Trump, Despite Lack of Endorsement
A PAC produced an ad for Marsha Blackburn’s gubernatorial campaign featuring clips of President Trump praising her, despite Trump not endorsing her. John Rose’s campaign criticized the ad as misleading, arguing Rose has a stronger record of supporting Trump.
- Former CoreCivic CEO Damon Hininger floats replacing Blackburn in U.S. Senate
Damon Hininger, former CEO of CoreCivic, has expressed interest in becoming Tennessee’s U.S. Senator if Marsha Blackburn becomes governor. Hininger has donated to Blackburn’s campaign and established a 501(c)(4) group called Believe in Tennessee. Critics, including Tim Leeper of Kylan’s Light, question his credibility due to CoreCivic’s practices.
- Stockard on the Stump: Don’t bet your life savings on a gubernatorial debate
Tennessee's top Republican gubernatorial candidates—Marsha Blackburn, Monty Fritts, and John Rose—have not held a joint debate, with Fritts urging a forum to address issues directly. Blackburn faces criticism for avoiding debates, while Rose's campaign manager calls for open discussions and highlights Rose's willingness to engage.
- Congress tees up No FAKES Act, aiming at AI-generated deepfakes
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the NO FAKES Act, a bill aiming to prevent unauthorized AI-generated deepfakes of artists, performers, and public figures. The legislation would grant individuals exclusive rights to their digital AI replicas and allow legal action against unauthorized use, though concerns about free speech implications persist.
- Anti-deepfake bill advances to Senate floor
The NO FAKES Act, aimed at protecting against AI-enabled replicas and deepfakes, advanced to the Senate floor after a committee vote. The bill, co-sponsored by Sens. Chris Coons and Marsha Blackburn, has support from Hollywood and tech companies but faces criticism over First Amendment concerns. Free speech groups and some senators, including Ted Cruz, argue the legislation risks limiting protected speech.
- Pence-backed think tank joins push to keep kids’ safety bills out of AI package
A coalition including Mike Pence’s Advancing American Freedom and groups like R Street Institute and NetChoice is urging Senate Commerce Committee leaders to exclude kids’ online safety measures from a national AI framework. The groups argue the proposed bills, such as the Kids Online Safety Act and App Store Accountability Act, risk violating free speech and privacy, with concerns over age verification requirements and data security.
- June 17: Another Tennessee City Prepares to Fight for its Airport; Marsha Blackburn Threatened
Chattanooga's airport authority considers legal action against a Tennessee state law transferring airport control from local governments, joining Nashville's challenge. The FBI reportedly thwarted a plot targeting Sen. Marsha Blackburn during a 250th U.S. celebration event.
- John Rose Slams Starbucks as Too Woke in New Campaign Ad
John Rose, a candidate for governor, criticizes Starbucks' relocation to Tennessee and its diversity initiatives in a campaign ad, opposing the $30 million taxpayer incentives offered to the company. He emphasizes protecting Tennessee's culture and aligns with Trump's business stance.
- Nashville zoo’s data center pushback captures broad political support
Political leaders in Nashville, including Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Sen. Marsha Blackburn, have supported efforts to pause permits for large-scale data centers near the Nashville Zoo due to community pushback. A petition against the proposed data center has over 400,000 signatures, and similar opposition has emerged in other Tennessee communities, with nine rural areas implementing moratoriums on data center construction.
- June 15: Marsha Blackburn on Data Center Near Nashville Zoo; New Christa Pike Execution Challenge
Marsha Blackburn criticized the proposed location of a DC Blox data center near the Nashville Zoo, citing public opposition and calling for reconsideration. Christa Pike's attorneys challenged Tennessee's ability to execute her constitutionally, citing medical complexities and referencing a prior lethal injection failure. A cultural event celebrated immigrant communities in Nashville, and The Hermitage launched a new tour highlighting enslaved people's history.
- Critics warn of years in prison for young adults under carjacking bill before Congress
Sen. Marsha Blackburn sponsored a bill to ease carjacking convictions, which critics argue could lead to long prison sentences for young adults, particularly Black men. The bill, advanced by the Senate Judiciary Committee, faces concerns over racial disparities and ineffective tough-on-crime policies.
- Critics warn of years in prison for young adults under carjacking bill before Congress
A federal carjacking bill sponsored by U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn aims to ease prosecutors' ability to secure convictions, potentially leading to harsher sentences including the death penalty. Critics argue the bill could disproportionately incarcerate young adults, particularly Black men, and exacerbate racial disparities in sentencing.
- White House negotiating federal preemption of state AI laws in exchange for Hill priorities
The White House is negotiating with Capitol Hill to secure federal preemption of some state AI regulations in exchange for technology policies related to kids safety and deepfake protections. Sen. Marsha Blackburn is leading negotiations to finalize an AI preemption package.
- Critics warn of years in prison for young adults under carjacking bill before Congress
A federal bill aims to ease carjacking convictions by lowering the intent requirement, raising concerns about harsher sentences for young adults, particularly Black men. Critics argue it risks perpetuating racial disparities, while supporters claim it strengthens federal prosecutors' ability to combat carjackings.
- Critics warn of years in prison for young adults under carjacking bill before Congress
A proposed federal carjacking bill by Sen. Marsha Blackburn aims to simplify convictions, potentially leading to harsher sentences, including the death penalty. Critics warn it could disproportionately affect young adults, especially Black men, and exacerbate racial disparities in incarceration. The bill has passed a Senate committee but awaits a floor vote.
- Critics warn of years in prison for young adults under carjacking bill before Congress
A federal bill aimed at easing carjacking convictions by lowering the intent requirement faces criticism for potentially sentencing young adults, particularly Black men, to lengthy prison terms. Sponsored by Sen. Marsha Blackburn, the Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act cleared a Senate committee but has not advanced to a floor vote. Critics argue it risks exacerbating racial disparities in sentencing.
- GOP leaders blast plan to fund immigrant nonprofit in Metro budget
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s budget proposal allocates $735,000 to the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. GOP leaders, including Sen. Marsha Blackburn and House Speaker Cameron Sexton, oppose the funding, citing potential violations of state law and sanctuary city concerns. The mayor’s office and TIRRC defend the funding as necessary to support lawful immigration processes.
- Tennessee House speaker, U.S. senator challenge Nashville mayor’s request for TIRRC funding
Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton and U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn challenge Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s request for $735,000 in funding for the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC), arguing it may violate state anti-sanctuary city laws. TIRRC provides legal services to immigrants, and its director, Lisa Sherman Luna, defends the funding as essential for supporting immigrants navigating the U.S. immigration system.
- Mamdani’s ‘COGE’ rollout gets DOGE’s attention after critics say he ripped off Elon Musk
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani launched the Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE) to improve government efficiency for working people. Critics compared the initiative to President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), while Jeff Bezos praised the concept and called for tax relief. Political figures like Marsha Blackburn and Matt Van Swol noted partisan reactions to efficiency efforts.
- Sen Blackburn says sports betting hearing likely first of ‘several’ as Congress weighs federal action
Sen. Marsha Blackburn announced that Wednesday's congressional hearing on sports betting and prediction markets is likely the first of several as Congress determines the proper federal versus state regulatory framework. The hearing examined concerns about sports integrity, gambling addiction, and prediction markets operating as potential backdoor sports betting operations without state-level regulatory constraints.
- Senators consider taking legislative action on prediction markets
U.S. senators are considering federal legislation to regulate prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket, following a Senate Commerce subcommittee hearing on the risks and potential for insider trading. While industry representatives argue these platforms are already regulated by the CFTC, gambling associations contend they operate without proper oversight and harm states and tribes.
- ‘Hunter Biden’ X account debuts with eyebrow-raising claim as GOP lawmakers pile on
A newly active X account bearing Hunter Biden's name has drawn mockery from GOP lawmakers and social media personalities after posting its first message. The account has garnered thousands of followers and interactions since Tuesday. Hunter Biden has re-emerged in the public spotlight as he attempts to rebuild his image following years of controversy.
- ‘Hunter Biden’ X account debuts with eyebrow-raising claim as GOP lawmakers pile on
A newly active X account bearing Hunter Biden's name has drawn mockery from GOP lawmakers and social media personalities after posting its first message. The account has garnered thousands of followers and interactions since Tuesday. Hunter Biden has re-emerged in the public spotlight amid controversy and scrutiny surrounding his personal life.
- Lawmakers mum on where new US House map came from, but data shows two clear criteria
Tennessee’s new U.S. House map, introduced after the Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act, splits Memphis to dilute the majority-Black district and create nine seats favoring Trump and Sen. Marsha Blackburn’s 2018 and 2024 vote shares. The map faces three lawsuits and criticism for partisan gerrymandering, with Republicans aiming to expand their congressional advantage from 8-1 to 9-0.
- Israel, Jews targeted worldwide as well-funded leftist, Islamist groups join for ‘Nakba 78’ protests
A global network of anti-Israel activist groups is mobilizing coordinated 'Nakba 78' protests across the US and worldwide, with about 425 organizations working together with a combined funding footprint of about $1 billion in annual revenues. The protests mark the anniversary of Israel's founding and challenge its right to exist. The groups have organized an estimated 736 events across 39 countries.
- Israel, Jews targeted worldwide as well-funded leftist, Islamist groups join for ‘Nakba 78’ protests
A global network of anti-Israel activist groups is mobilizing coordinated 'Nakba 78' protests across the US and worldwide, with around 425 organizations involved and a combined funding footprint of about $1 billion. The protests mark the anniversary of Israel's founding and challenge its right to exist. The groups have organized an estimated 736 events across 39 countries.
- Lawmakers raise alarm over Neville Roy Singham's $278M network spreading CCP propaganda in the U.S.
Lawmakers are raising concerns about Neville Roy Singham's $278M network spreading Chinese Communist Party propaganda in the U.S. through nonprofits. Singham has funneled millions into these organizations since 2017, including CodePink, which has supported communist regimes. Officials are investigating financial activity tied to the network.
- Lawmakers raise alarm over Neville Roy Singham's $278M network spreading CCP propaganda in the U.S.
Lawmakers are raising concerns about Neville Roy Singham's $278M network spreading Chinese Communist Party propaganda in the U.S. through nonprofits. Singham has funneled millions into a broad network of nonprofits since 2017, including CodePink, which has supported communist regimes. Officials are investigating financial activity tied to the network.
- Burchett tells ‘Ruthless’ more UFO videos to come
Representative Tim Burchett revealed that more UFO videos will be released, and he's convinced aliens exist after seeing government briefings. He appeared on the Ruthless Podcast to discuss the topic and his potential interest in filling Senator Marsha Blackburn's Senate seat. The conversation is part of the Ruthless Midterm Interview Series ahead of the November midterms.
- Tennessee passes new congressional map likely to flip final Dem seat as protests erupt inside Capitol
Tennessee lawmakers passed a new congressional map that may flip the state's final Democratic seat, targeting the 9th Congressional District and potentially erasing Black voter representation in Memphis. The move has been met with protests and criticism from Democrats. Legal challenges are expected under federal voting rights laws.
- Tennessee passes new congressional map likely to flip final Dem seat as protests erupt inside Capitol
Tennessee lawmakers passed a new congressional map that could flip the state's final Democratic seat, targeting the 9th Congressional District and potentially erasing Black voter representation in Memphis. The move has sparked protests and criticism from Democrats, who argue it's a direct assault on minority representation. The map is expected to be signed into law by Governor Bill Lee.