(The Epoch Times)—House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) predicted that it won’t be Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis who becomes the Republican Party’s nominee for the presidential race.
Instead, he said in a Sunday Fox Business interview that President Donald Trump will likely be the party’s choice for 2024. In primary polls, President Trump is far ahead of Mr. DeSantis and other GOP candidates—coming in spite of four indictments targeting the former president.
“I think he will be the nominee,” Mr. McCarthy told Fox’s “Sunday Morning Futures.” “And the thing is, President Trump is stronger today than he was in 2016 or 2020, and there’s a reason why. They saw the policies of what he was able to do with America, putting America first, making our economy stronger. We didn’t have inflation. We didn’t have these battles around the world. We didn’t look weak around the world.”
After announcing a bid for the White House in May, Mr. DeSantis has failed to gain much momentum. As of Sunday, a RealClearPolitics average of polls shows President Trump has 56.6 percent support, compared to Mr. DeSantis’ 12.7 percent support.
A poll from Quinnipiac University this week showed President Trump with a 50-point lead over Mr. DeSantis—62 percent to 12 percent, respectively. That poll noted that Mr. DeSantis’ support has dropped in the past month, down from 18 percent.
All the other presidential candidates—including businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, and former Vice President Mike Pence—are all in the single digits, according to the Quinnipiac poll.
“I served with Ron DeSantis, he’s not at the same level as President Trump by any shape or form. He would not have gotten elected without President Trump’s endorsement,” the Republican House speaker said Sunday, referring to previous comments that the former president said about Mr. DeSantis victory in 2018.
Also in the interview, Mr. McCarthy was asked about the prospect of a government shutdown. If Congress doesn’t pass spending legislation by the end of September, a partial shutdown may be initiated.
“I don’t think that would work anywhere,” he told Fox Business. “A shutdown would only give strength to the Democrats who would give the power to Biden … I actually want to achieve something.”
Recent Statements
On Sunday, NBC News’ “Meet the Press” aired an interview President Trump, who said he made up his own mind about the 2020 election being “rigged,” saying that “it was my decision.”
Asked why he dismissed the views of lawyers in the White House and his campaign about the 2020 election, he responded: “Because I didn’t respect them.”
President Trump singled out former U.S. Attorney General William Barr, who told him that he had lost, as one of the lawyers whose advice he did not follow. “I listened to some people,” he said. “Guys like Bill Barr, who was a stiff, but he wasn’t there at the time. But he didn’t do his job because he was afraid.”
Also in the interview, the NBC host, Kristen Welker, asked about the four criminal indictments that he faces. President Trump said that he’s not concerned with the prospect of prison time.
“I don’t even think about it,” the former president said. “I’m built a little differently I guess, because I have had people come up to me and say, ‘How do you do it, sir? How do you do it?’ I don’t even think about it. I truly feel that, in the end, we’re going to win.”
As for Mr. DeSantis, the Florida governor has recently leaned into policies that he implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. During a recent news conference, the governor insisted that his state won’t implement mask mandates or lockdown orders as multiple schools, hospitals, and offices around the United States re-implemented mandatory masking starting in August.
“They are trying to do this again,” Mr. DeSantis said earlier this month. “And what we in the state of Florida will say is, ‘No, we are not letting you get away with it again.’”
Meanwhile, in a statement last week, Mr. DeSantis took a sharp stance against the latest COVID-19 booster that was recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“I will not stand by and let the FDA and CDC use healthy Floridians as guinea pigs for new booster shots that have not been proven to be safe or effective,” his statement said.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.