Rep. Kevin Kiley of California announced Monday that he is leaving the Republican Party and registering as an independent
Rep. Kevin Kiley of California announced Monday that he is leaving the Republican Party and registering as an independent, effective immediately. The move further narrows Speaker Mike Johnson’s already slim two-vote majority in the House and adds another complication to an already challenging governing environment.
Kiley said he plans to continue caucusing with Republicans for “administrative purposes.” The California lawmaker did not notify House Republican leadership before first announcing the change on Friday.
He said he later spoke with Johnson over the weekend about remaining aligned with the Republican conference, but the announcement had already reduced the party’s margin in the chamber.
Kiley described his departure as a response to what he characterized as increasing partisanship in Congress and pointed to recent mid-decade redistricting that altered the boundaries of his Republican-leaning district. During a press call Monday, he cited those factors as part of his decision to change his party affiliation.
“Since gerrymandering seeks to elevate partisanship above everything else in our politics … the best way to counter gerrymandering and its insidious impacts on democracy is simply to take partisanship out of the equation,” he said.
Asked if would continue supporting GOP priorities, Kiley told Axios: “If you’re talking about just bringing bills to the floor, I think, generally speaking, I’ve been supportive of that.”
He then said: “I can’t commit to do that in each and every case, in advance, I think I’ll have to consider every one on its own merits.”
Meanwhile, in the Georgia special election to replace former GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Republican Clay Fuller and Democrat Shawn Harris advanced Tuesday from a crowded field to an April 7 runoff.
In the firmly Republican district in the northwest corner of the state, Fuller, a district attorney, benefited from President Donald Trump’s support. Greene defeated Harris, a retired U.S. Army brigadier general and cattle rancher, in the 14th District general election of 2024.
Election forecasters predicted that neither candidate would secure a majority required to prevent a run-off election on April 7. Fuller, the GOP candidate, secured 35% of the vote while Harris managed 37% with 99% of the votes counted on Tuesday.
That said, Fuller is the favorite going into the runoff in a district that Trump won by 37 percentage points in the 2024 presidential contest.
Trump weighed in after the race was called and shared several posts on Truth Social praising Fuller, arguing that he would be an “excellent” Republican in Congress for the MAGA movement, and urged Republicans to “finish the job” in the April 7th runoff.
“Congratulations to Clay Fuller, of Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, on getting such a high percentage of the vote with 12 Republicans running. We want to make the next vote ‘TOO BIG TO RIG.’ Clay will be a GREAT Congressman — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN! President DJT,” the president wrote on his Truth Social.
All candidates, regardless of party, must appear on the same ballot according to Georgia’s special election regulations.
It was improbable that any of the 22 candidates—17 of whom were Republicans—would receive more than 50% of the vote and avoid a runoff.
The campaigns of five Republican candidates who were on the ballot have since ended.
A voter NBC News spoke to on Tuesday cited Trump’s support as a factor in the race.
Sarah Umphrey, 77, said she voted for Fuller, adding that Trump’s endorsement was “really important. I like Trump.”
Assuming Republicans hold the seat and win the April 7th runoff, it would give Speaker Mike Johnson more breathing room in the U.S. House, where Republicans have a slim majority.
Fuller has repeatedly said he would be “a warrior for President Trump on Capitol Hill,” but other Republican candidates have also promised to fully support the president’s plans.
12 Trump’s Emotional Collapse Reveals Dark Fear 1
Trump Admits Fears About Heaven, Ties Peace Efforts to His Spiritual Legacy
In a strikingly candid moment during an interview on Fox & Friends, former President Donald Trump admitted he sometimes worries about his eternal fate, saying he fears he may not “get to Heaven.” Trump, never one to shy away from discussing his image, legacy, or faith, tied his spiritual concerns directly to his global peace efforts, suggesting that his push to end international conflicts could be his pathway to salvation.
“I’ve been told I’m at the bottom of the totem pole,” Trump said with a half-smile, reflecting on how others view his spiritual chances. “Maybe I won’t make it [to Heaven]. But if I can stop wars, if I can save lives, that may be my way in.”
The unusual remarks came just hours after a high-profile White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders. The discussions focused on charting a road map for peace in Ukraine, a conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Trump revealed that he also held direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent days, in what sources described as the “most serious diplomatic opening in years.”
A Spiritual Dimension to Politics
While Trump has often emphasized his deal-making skills and “America First” agenda, rarely has he framed his political efforts in terms of spiritual salvation. His comments seemed to blend the political with the personal, painting a picture of a leader who not only wants to secure a lasting legacy on Earth but also fears what awaits him in the afterlife.
“Peace is the greatest thing we can achieve,” Trump told the Fox hosts. “And when you’re talking about wars, when you’re talking about people dying, it’s bigger than politics. If I can stop even one of these wars, maybe God looks at me differently.”
For many, the idea of Trump publicly doubting his entry into Heaven came as a surprise. Throughout his presidency and post-presidency, Trump has frequently aligned himself with evangelical leaders, often emphasizing his support for religious liberty and conservative social causes. Yet, his statement marked a rare acknowledgment of self-doubt and vulnerability.
The Push for Peace
Trump’s remarks came against the backdrop of significant diplomatic activity. At the White House, Ukrainian President Zelensky met with Trump and European Union leaders to discuss a framework for ending hostilities. According to officials, the meeting produced what participants described as the “most substantive progress toward peace since the start of the conflict.”
Zelensky, who has been steadfast in rallying Western support for Ukraine’s defense, struck a cautiously optimistic tone. “We have seen many promises over the years,” he said. “But today, I believe there is a genuine chance to move forward, and I welcome President Trump’s engagement on this.”
Trump revealed he had also spoken directly with Putin, signaling the potential for direct U.S.-Russia talks to complement ongoing European negotiations. While details remain scarce, Trump suggested both sides were “closer than people think” to at least discussing a cease-fire.
European leaders, often skeptical of Trump’s unorthodox diplomatic style, acknowledged the momentum. French President Emmanuel Macron described the talks as “the most movement we have seen in years,” while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called them “a glimmer of hope.”
Linking Peace Abroad With Legacy at Home
For Trump, the intersection of faith, legacy, and global politics may become increasingly central as he positions himself for a potential return to the White House. His comments suggest he sees diplomacy not only as a political imperative but also as a moral and even spiritual calling.
“People talk about money, about power, about elections,” Trump said. “But when you’re talking about Heaven, that’s the real test. And stopping wars, saving lives — that’s about as big as it gets.”
Critics, however, were quick to question Trump’s sincerity. Some opponents argued that his remarks were calculated to appeal to religious voters as election season looms. Others pointed to his past rhetoric and policies, suggesting his record does not align with his newfound concern for peace.
Still, even skeptics acknowledged that Trump’s willingness to insert his spiritual anxieties into a discussion of global diplomacy was unusual for any U.S. leader, let alone one known for his brash confidence.
The Broader Implications
Political analysts noted that Trump’s comments could serve multiple purposes: signaling seriousness to international partners, reinforcing his appeal to religious conservatives, and reshaping his image as a statesman seeking peace rather than conflict.
“Trump has always been about image, legacy, and branding,” said political analyst Sarah Matthews. “Now he’s linking those to the ultimate legacy — what happens after death. It’s both strategic and deeply personal, and it sets him apart from the usual political script.”
Religious leaders, meanwhile, offered mixed reactions. Some evangelicals praised Trump’s willingness to discuss eternal matters openly, while others cautioned against politicizing faith.
“It’s rare to hear a political figure admit uncertainty about Heaven,” said Pastor Mark Robinson of Dallas. “But the sincerity will be judged by actions, not words. If President Trump is truly committed to peace, that’s something we should all welcome.”
A Moment of Reflection
As the interview wrapped up, Trump seemed almost contemplative, a tone rarely associated with his public persona. “I don’t know if I get there,” he said softly, referring to Heaven. “But if I can stop a war, maybe that’s my ticket. Maybe that’s how I do it.”
For a man whose career has been defined by controversy, combativeness, and an unyielding confidence in his own abilities, the admission stood out. Whether a moment of genuine self-reflection or a carefully crafted message, it underscored Trump’s effort to tie his political future — and perhaps his eternal one — to the quest for peace.
