Reading Time: 6 Minutes
| By Scribe | February 22, 2026 |
This late post covers news stories and events from last week (February 9–15, 2026). For news happening this week (February 16–22, 2026), stay tuned for another post coming today.
Donald Trump Called the Police on Jeffrey Epstein Decades Ago, While Democrats Were Still Cozy with the Pedophile
In the latest Democrat fail, new evidence shows President Trump was aware of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes involving minors as early as 2006 and took action against Epstein decades before leftists tried to exploit the story for political gain.
Trump personally called Palm Beach Police Chief Michael Reiter to support and thank him for advancing the investigation, stating that “everybody” in Palm Beach and New York knew about Epstein’s depraved operations.
Trump also flagged Ghislaine Maxwell as “evil” and urged authorities to focus on her role. These actions took place well before Democrats elevated the Epstein issue into a major political controversy around 2024–2025.
Virginia Guv Spanberger Posts Gross Food Pic in Failed “Relatability” Social Media Effort
Democrats’ attempts to appear relatable on social media through grilling photos have backfired spectacularly. Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s recent post of shredded meat on a grill drew widespread mockery, with users asking, “What is that?” and joking that it violated the Geneva Convention.
This resurfaced Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s 2024 Father’s Day photo of uncooked burger patties topped with cheese, dubbed an “E. coli with cheese” disaster, which he deleted after the backlash. Similar fails by other Democrats, such as Kathy Hochul, highlight their embarrassing struggles to connect authentically online.
Eric Swalwell, Ex-Pal of Chinese Spy, Self-Owns Again with Failed Ultimatum to Acting ICE Director
During a February 11, 2026, House Homeland Security Committee hearing, Rep. Eric Swalwell, infamously known for his close connections with Chinese spy Feng Feng, aggressively demanded that Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons resign, framing it as a choice to “stand with the kids” or “side with the killers bringing terror to our streets.”
Lyons firmly refused, stating, “No sir, I won’t,” and countered by explaining that ICE had cared for the child in Swalwell’s displayed photo after the father abandoned him while fleeing law enforcement.
Swalwell’s tough-guy ultimatum backfired as Lyons exposed inaccuracies in his claims, prompting the chairman to cut off Swalwell’s time. The exchange left Swalwell embarrassed, with reports highlighting how his gotcha moment was deftly flipped against him.
Leftist Teacher’s Putting School Kids in Harm’s Way at Anti-ICE Protests
Leftist groups, including socialist organizations and teachers’ unions, are organizing school-led anti-ICE protests that pull children out of class to march against immigration enforcement.
These demonstrations have grown violent, with students engaging in assaults, vandalism, property destruction, and clashes, including attacking individuals carrying opposing flags.
Children face increasing risks of injury, arrest, and exposure to chaos, as teachers encourage participation in often dangerous street actions. Critics argue that this exploits kids to push far-left causes, endangering them for political gain.
Communist China Pays American-Born Eileen Gu Millions to Compete for China
Reports indicate that U.S.-born Olympic freestyle skier Eileen Gu, who competes for China, received substantial payments from the communist Chinese government.
In 2025, the Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau budgeted $6.6 million for Gu and fellow U.S.-born athlete Zhu Yi to prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympics, later removing their names from the public document. Over the past three years, nearly $14 million (about 100 million yuan) was reportedly allocated to both athletes, with Gu likely receiving the larger share.
She has faced criticism for statements perceived as downplaying U.S. representation while benefiting from Chinese funding and endorsements. She also spoke out in support of Olympic skier Hunter Hess’s comments criticizing the U.S.
Rosie O’Donnell Quietly Wanting Return to U.S.A.
Rosie O’Donnell moved to Ireland with her teenage daughter in January 2025, shortly before President Trump’s second inauguration, citing the “scary” U.S. atmosphere and a need to protect her sanity and her child. She publicly declared she would not return until America felt safe for all citizens with equal rights and applied for Irish citizenship later that year.
After a little more than a year abroad, she quietly returned to the U.S. for a two-week family visit in early 2026 without a public announcement. In a SiriusXM interview, she described the trip as assessing whether it was “safe” for a potential summer return, noting America felt “very different” compared to Ireland.
Only 6% of American Adults Trust Mainstream Media
A recent Pew-Knight poll reveals that mainstream media credibility has plummeted, with only 6% of U.S. adults expressing a great deal of confidence that journalists act in the public’s best interests. A majority—57%—report low confidence, including 40% with “not too much” and 17% with none at all. Just 43% have a great deal or fair amount of confidence, down from 47% the prior year.
This reflects widespread perceptions of smug, condescending, and dishonest reporting, as focus group participants cited bias and unreliability. The sharp erosion underscores how far legacy media trust has fallen in the eyes of the American public.
Russiagate, anyone? Impeachment fail, anyone? Epstein fail, anyone? ICE child-kidnapping hoax, anyone?
Legal Immigrant and Patriot Expresses Thanks to ICE with Free Meals at His Restaurant
Jorge Rivas, an El Salvador native and owner of Sammy’s Mexican Grill in Catalina, Arizona, has offered free meals to law enforcement officers, including ICE agents, for about five years as a patriotic “thank you” for their service amid rising hostility.
He expressed gratitude, saying officers risk their lives and deserve respect, countering a “growing culture of hostility” toward police. And how do leftists feel about this LEGAL immigrant and American patriot? Not good.
Following viral attention and anti-ICE protests, Rivas faced backlash, including angry calls, negative reviews, and attempts to boycott his business. Despite the hate, slander, and targeting, he stood firm, noting support from “great patriots” and refusing to back down.
U.S. Job Numbers More Than Double Expectations in January
The U.S. economy added 130,000 jobs in January 2026, more than twice the expected 55,000 to 70,000, marking a strong start under President Trump. Private sector hiring surged by 172,000 jobs, with notable gains in construction (33,000) and manufacturing (5,000–7,000), while government jobs declined by 42,000.
The unemployment rate fell to 4.3% from 4.4%, reflecting improved labor market momentum. This performance has been hailed as evidence of the “Trump boom,” driven by pro-growth policies boosting productivity and private-sector strength.
In 2025, the President made the tough choices. In 2026, we will get to enjoy the results.
Catch up on what happened over the last month:
America This Week: Benghazi Terrorist Faces American Justice (February 2 – 8, 2026)
America This Week: ‘Melania’ Trumps Leftists (January 12 – February 1, 2026)
America This Week: ICE Arrests Pedophiles, Leftists Protect Pedophiles (January 19 – 25, 2026)
America This Week: Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize (January 12 – 18, 2026)
Freedom For Vietnam 