Hare-bey, hair, I love braids day, braids, Hair stylist, stylist, hair, Oh My Heavenly Hair

by Black Enterprise

September 6, 2024

The War On Women Eerily Resembles The War On Drugs

One glaring weakness is the tendency to criminalize certain groups and ideas

By Dr. Topeka K. Sam

Nine years ago, I walked out of federal prison after serving time for a drug conspiracy charge for which at the time I was facing 20 years. Today, I lead The Ladies of Hope Ministries, an award-winning non-profit serving justice-impacted women. I spend over 200 days a year in prisons nationwide, working to reform a system that too often harms rather than heals. As a Black woman who was previously incarcerated and now sits on boards alongside top criminal defense attorneys and judges, I’ve gained a unique perspective on our criminal legal system’s strengths and weaknesses.

One glaring weakness is our tendency to criminalize certain groups and ideas, particularly those that challenge society’s norms. The war on drugs has traditionally been a pretense to attack communities of color and prompted the mass incarceration of black men and women. The underlying discrimination is only all the clearer now that we see many of those same substances being dispensed legally on Main Street of America. It wasn’t the drugs the government actually wanted to eradicate; it was the growing threat of Black liberation.

I am watching now this same criminalization happen again with conspiracy laws being weaponized against other groups that those in power want to denigrate and destroy. There is no case I see this more starkly on display than the case of two women who are now facing a trial in the Eastern District of New York which, if convicted, would face up to 20 years in prison.

I first met Nicole Daedone and Rachel Cherwitz through their non-profit, Unconditional Freedom, through my work with the Prison Monastery program Nicole created. Their vision wasn’t just to improve the system or tear it down, but to transform our often-dangerous prisons into places of healing and growth. When I visited their program at the largest women’s prison in the world, Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla, California, I was moved to tears. Women who had served 30, 40, even 45 years spoke of finding new hope for the first time.

Yet today, Nicole and Rachel stand indicted in federal court for a single count of conspiracy to commit forced labor through their former company, OneTaste. The prosecutors don’t claim they forced anyone to work for free, only that they conspired to do so over a 12-year period – an improbable conspiracy that, according to the indictment, began before Nicole and Rachel even met and continued well after Nicole had sold and departed from the company she co-founded.

As someone who works with justice-impacted people every day of her life and knows first-hand how our conspiracy laws work, I find it difficult to ignore the context of these charges. Nicole created a meditative practice for women called Orgasmic Meditation (OM) that aimed to liberate women’s sexual power and strengthen their connection with their bodies as a pathway to healing. Research scientists who I met published papers on OM affirming its strength as a tool for addressing the mental health issues that plague women today for which we have few if any solutions. The radical nature of this message – encouraging women not to fear their own bodies and sexuality but to claim autonomy over them – seems inextricably linked to Nicole and Rachel’s current legal troubles.

Most tellingly, Nicole’s $1,000,000 bail from Government described her as a danger to society because she “has returned to performing public OM demonstrations.” This is a statement of opinion rather than legal judgement issued by a federal prosecutor.

I know from my advocacy work in prisons that the antidote to criminalization is dignity and empathy. Just as empathy helped steer us away from the devastating excesses of the War on Drugs, we need an open-hearted conversation about the potentially devastating effects of continuing to misuse our conspiracy laws to destroy a movement dedicated to the sexual empowerment and liberation of women.

Knowing Nicole and Rachel, I am certain they will use this harrowing experience to help other women facing similar challenges. That is the essence of their work – transforming poison into medicine. But that doesn’t make this right or justify using our criminal legal system in this way.

It’s time to pause, reflect, and engage in honest dialogue about the intersection of justice and personal freedom. We saw the war on drugs attack Black culture and Black leaders. Are we now moving from a war on drugs to a war on sex to attack female sexuality and female leadership?

Topeka K. Sam, war on women, prison — Courtesy of Topeka K. Sam

Topeka K. Sam is a founding member and national organizer of the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women (The Council) whose mission is to end the incarceration of women and girls and is the founder and executive director of The Ladies of Hope Ministries – The LOHM – whose mission is to help disenfranchised and marginalized women and girls transition back into society through spiritual empowerment, education, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. She has most recently founded HOPE HOUSE – a safe housing space for women and girls.

Empire,Lee Daniels, The Deliverance, white. woman

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 6, 2024

Lee Daniels Had ‘Horrible’ Time Working On ‘Empire’ But Loves All The ‘Money, Money, Money’ He Made

Despite all of Lee Daniels' success with his past hit Fox series Empire, he had a "horrible" time working on it.

Despite all of Lee Daniels’ success with his past hit series Empire, he had a “horrible” time working on it.

Empire built a strong audience during its six-season run on Fox. Daniels created the American music drama with Danny Strong and enjoyed the weekly engagement the show garnered on social media. While the show was reeling in high ratings for Fox, Daniels was suffering from behind-the-scenes drama with network execs.

“I only did Empire just so I could see what that experience was like,” Daniels told The Film Stage.

As for how he feels about his time creating Empire, The Butler director says it wasn’t smooth sailing, but he enjoyed all of the money he could make from its success. According to Daniels, the profits were the only thing that made the experience “worth it.”

“Horrible. Absolutely the worst experience. Horrible!” he exclaimed. “But guess what? F—ing that money, money, money! I was able to put my kids through college and s—.”

Empire served as Daniels’ successful transition into television following his Oscar-award-winning performances in his films Precious (2009) and The Butler (2013).

“I don’t like staying in the same lane just as a creative,” he recalled. “When I got into television, I really just wanted to be able to answer to suits. I wanted to know what that experience was like.”

Having made all of his films independently, Daniels was curious about working within Hollywood’s system, where he had to answer to someone.

“There’s so many filmmakers and writers that I respect that have to answer to people,” he said.

Once he got his first taste of the television world, Daniels soon learned how confining that part of the industry can be. Filming Empire during the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, Daniels found himself subjected to rules and restrictions from higher-ups that stained his television experience.

In 2019, he got candid with Vulture about his distaste for working on the show after Empire‘s cancellation was announced. In one instance, Daniels was told that he “can’t use certain words,” like “the B-word” on set, which left him feeling “triggered.”

“I said, ‘Okay.’ And I think they said, ‘You can’t look people in the eyes too long. Be careful with touching.’ These are all things that I do in my room when I work,” Daniels recalled.

“And then they said, ‘And you can’t say the N-word.’ I was shook. It led to a bigger conversation of me being afraid to be me on the set and how I make my movies. I said, ‘I can’t have this conversation. I need to know who I can call on you. Because you have me triggered. You’re not going to play these games with me.'”

Daniels’ new film, The Deliverance, became the most-watched movie on Netflix during its premiere on Labor Day weekend. The thriller sees Daniels reunite with Mo’Nique following a yearslong feud over their 2009 film Precious. Andra Day, Aunjanue Ellis, and Glenn Close star alongside Mo’Nique in the film.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 6, 2024

50 Cent Makes Novel Debut With ‘The Accomplice,’ Already Receiving ‘Offers To Make It A Television Show’

Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson is adding novelist to his extensive resume with the release of his first-ever novel "The Accomplice."

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is adding novelist to his extensive resume with the release of his first-ever novel The Accomplice.

The hip-hop mogul appeared on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Wednesday to promote his new book, which tells the suspenseful story of the first Black female Texas ranger Nia Adams. Considering his success with his Power Universe which dominates Starz, Jackson, teased the many offers he’s receiving to turn the new book into a television series.

“I already got offers to make a television show,” he told Colbert.

Born in New York but raised in Texas, The Accomplice sees Nia follows her dream of becoming a trailblazing officer of the law. She thought she knew about the dangers of the job. But nothing could prepare her for the trouble criminal Desmond Bell brings. A Vietnam veteran turned thief, Desmond not only steals money but also uncovers the secrets of the wealthy and influential, using them to blackmail his targets for millions.

After stealing from the Duchamps, the wealthiest family in the country, Nia’s investigation into the robbery jeopardizes Desmond’s anonymity and the criminal enterprise he is part of. As gruesome murders continue, Nia risks her career and livelihood to uncover the truth. It’s a dangerous game of cat and mouse between the ranger and the thief, with the looming peril of the Duchamps, who won’t hesitate to kill them both.

According to Jackson, readers can expect “complete excitement” from his novel debut. He shared more detail into his process of crafting the book with award-winning mystery writer Aaron Philip Clark, who brought the story to life “in a real way.”

“I uploaded him information that I had got from a lot of the different networks and stuff that I was doing business with in the television business, and he was able to put this book together,” the G-Unit founder explained.

It’s was a a “really good” writing process, Jackson shared while crediting Clark with being “a good listener.” When Colbert asked the rapper if he told Clark how he wanted the book to be written, Jackson clarified that he didn’t write the novel himself.

“I didn’t sit there writing it,” he confirmed.

“Yeah? You don’t have time for that,” Colbert jokingly added.

The Get Rich or Die Tryin‘ creator recalled telling Clark that the novel “‘has to feel like this. It has to be this. It has to be like this.'”

“And then he built the story around it because he has a great novel structure,” Jackson shared. “He got writers that write that way every time.”

The Accomplice was released on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

by Sharelle Burt

September 5, 2024

Liberian President Joseph Nyumah Boakai Highlights Liberia’s Progression During 124th National Black Business Conference

Way to go Liberia!

PR Newswire reported that close to 3,000 attendees at the National Business League’s 124th National Black Business Conference in Atlanta heard encouraging words from keynote speaker and Liberian President Joseph Nyumah Boakai.

The historic event on Sept. 3, in collaboration with the National Alliance for Black Business and co-founders, the National Black Chamber of Commerce, and the World Conference of Mayors, focused on heightening economic partnerships and collaborative efforts between Black American businesses and African countries.

With a particular emphasis on Liberia, Boakai’s appearance added significant value by identifying the direct line back to the Business League’s founder, Booker T. Washington, who played a vital role in Liberia’s history. When the African nation was threatened with being acquired by European colonial forces in 1907, Liberia leaned on the Tuskegee University founder to intervene. Washington was able to stop foreign entities, secure Liberia’s survival, and create the foundation for Pan-Africanist relations.

Boakai highlighted how collaboration with Liberia, the Pan-African community and the private U.S. sector will heighten economic opportunity. He also called for stronger economic ties to help expand opportunities for Black businesses globally. According to the Liberian Observer, the president and CEO of the National Business League, Dr. Kenneth Harris, celebrated the success of the conference, labeling it as coming full circle. “This occasion is important because 40 years ago, the World Conference of Mayors hosted its first conference in Monrovia, Liberia. And now it’s coming full circle,” Harris said.

“So, should I say, since we went home first, now Liberia is coming to the United States to continue the work that was started 40 years ago, except now, we are focused on black businesses?”

As the Liberian president boosted the nation as having some of the “best opportunities for investors, including black businesses represented at this conference,” he announced the creation of the ARREST Agenda, which focuses on the investment and development in agriculture, roads and infrastructure, as well as education, health and sanitation, and tourism. “While these are not exhaustive of the range of critical interventions to spur economic growth, we believe they drive such growth and development,” Boakai said.

“Liberia’s fertile land and favorable climate offer vast opportunities for agricultural investments, particularly in rice production.”

He also emphasized energy, as Liberia is seeking investments in solar, hydro, and biomass energy projects to meet its growing needs. The president said the country’s installed capacity stands at close to 126 megawatts, while the demand is near over 500 megawatts.

“This leaves a significant gap between supply and demand, which highlights the urgent need for investment in expanding renewable energy sources to ensure that more Liberians have reliable access to electricity and to support industry, including manufacturing, for economic growth,” he said.

With major sponsors including Amazon, Comerica Bank, and Prosper Africa, the conference hosted a diverse audience, including government officials, business leaders, and representatives from 32 Pan-African countries. The 2025 conference is scheduled for August 20-23 at the Hilton Atlanta Hotel in downtown Atlanta.

PayPal, Apple Wallet,,point-of-sale, Google

by Keka Araújo

September 5, 2024

PayPal Expands Into U.S. Point-of-Sale Payments, Integrates With Apple Wallet In Bid To Compete With Tech Giants

To attract more consumers, PayPal is offering 5% cash back on eligible purchases up to $1,000 per month.

PayPal Holdings (PYPL.O) is making a major move into the U.S. point-of-sale (POS) payments market, enabling its debit card to be used with Apple’s mobile wallet. According to Reuters, the expansion includes offering 5% cashback on select purchases, positioning PayPal to compete directly with tech giants like Apple and Google and traditional banks.

This strategic shift is part of an ambitious turnaround plan spearheaded by PayPal’s new CEO, Alex Chriss, who took the reins in 2023 after leaving Intuit. Known for its dominance in online payments and peer-to-peer transactions via Venmo, PayPal is now pushing into in-person transactions at physical stores, restaurants, and cafes.

“E-commerce has obviously been one of the fastest-growing areas where people are spending their dollars, but it’s not everything,” Chriss said. “Now consumers can use PayPal for every purchase, everywhere, every time.”

5% Cashback and Mobile Wallet Integration

To attract more consumers, PayPal is offering 5% cash back on eligible purchases up to $1,000 per month. In addition to rewards for everyday purchases, users will benefit from exclusive offers from popular brands like DoorDash and Sephora.

By integrating with Apple Pay, PayPal enables customers to easily make contactless payments through their mobile wallets, leveraging the growing popularity of the “tap to pay” feature. This move aligns with the broader consumer trend towards using mobile wallets for in-store purchases.

U.S. Debit Card Market Growth

The value of U.S. debit card payments has soared in recent years, reaching $4.55 trillion in 2021, compared to $2.47 trillion in 2015, according to the U.S. Federal Reserve. Chriss pointed out that consumers are becoming more cost-conscious and shifting toward debit cards to manage their spending within their limits.

PayPal’s 5% cashback incentive makes its debit card offering one of the most competitive in the market. According to research from purchase rewards firm Valuedynamx, only 24% of debit card users received cashback rewards in 2023, compared to 74% of credit cardholders. This positions PayPal’s debit card as a valuable option for consumers seeking rewards without relying on credit.

Competing with Apple and Google

In mobile payments, PayPal faces increasing competition from tech giants like Apple and Google. To bolster its market presence, PayPal is making its largest-ever marketing investment to promote in-person use of its services. While the company has not disclosed the amount, PayPal indicated that its marketing and branding efforts will significantly increase expenses in the latter half of the year.

Chriss has described 2024 as a “transition year” for the company, focusing on expanding revenue streams beyond traditional transaction-related volume. Earlier this year, PayPal launched new AI-driven tools and introduced a streamlined one-click checkout feature to enhance its product lineup.

Stock Performance and Future Outlook

PayPal’s stock has risen more than 17% since the beginning of 2024, though it still lags behind the S&P 500 index’s 22% gain. The company’s recent moves reflect broader efforts to revitalize its growth trajectory and regain market momentum.

With its entry into the U.S. point-of-sale market, PayPal aims to bridge the gap between its online payments dominance and the growing demand for in-person, mobile-based transactions, ensuring that consumers can use it “everywhere, every time.”

by Stacy Jackson

September 5, 2024

New Orleans Civil Rights Activist Sybil Haydel Morial Dies At 92

The Civil Rights activist was the mother of the National Urban League's president and wife of New Orleans' first Black mayor.

Civil Rights activist Sybil Haydel Morial, the mother of National Urban League president and CEO Marc Morial, and the widow of Ernest “Dutch” Morial, New Orleans’ first Black mayor, has died.

Xavier University of Louisiana reported that Morial was 92.

The National Urban League informed the public of Morial’s death in a Sept. 4 announcement. The family did not release any additional details.

“Words cannot express our sorrow at the loss of our beloved matriarch and guiding star,” Morial’s family said in a statement shared by the organization. “Our grief is tempered by our overwhelming gratitude for her life, her wisdom, and her love.”

“Like many women of the Civil Rights Era, she was the steel in the movement’s spine,” the family added. “From the moment she met our late father, Ernest ‘Dutch’ Morial, they were joined in the fight for justice and equality. She confronted the hard realities of Jim Crow with unwavering courage and faith, which she instilled not only in her own children but in every life she touched.”

We are incredibly saddened to announce the passing of Sybil Haydel Morial, trailblazer, civil rights activist, and mother of our President & CEO @MARCMORIAL.

Read the full statement issued by the Morial family: https://t.co/U1j8iJdcOH pic.twitter.com/iZhpxqXkVk
— National Urban League (@NatUrbanLeague) September 4, 2024

Born in 1932, Morial played a significant role in the advancement of the Black community as an activist, author, and educator in New Orleans. According to New Orleans Historical, after experiencing the oppression of white supremacy and racial segregation in Louisiana growing up during the 1930s and 1940s, Morial, with other family members, created networks of interaction in Black communities for professionals and social activists.

She studied at Xavier University and transferred to Boston University in 1950. In Boston, Morial was able to experience life without segregation. These moments inspired her to want the same for her Louisiana hometown. After returning to New Orleans, she attended Tulane University before establishing the Louisiana League of Good Government (LLOGG), an organization of women of different ethnicities, formerly known as CiCulSo, that pursued the inclusion of Blacks during voting.

In 1963, Morial challenged the Orleans Parish School Board in an effort to protect Orleans Parish school teachers who advocated for integration. Morial joined the women’s auxiliary of the National Urban League and contributed to fundraisers, youth mentorship, and leadership development initiatives arranged through the organization.

In A Lifetime of Achievement: Sybil Morial Papers at the Amistad Research Center, Morial documented her establishment of the Ernest N. Morial Asthma Center at the LSU Medical Center. The center studies asthma, the chronic lung disease her husband battled before he died in 1989.

Morial was the mother of five children and seven grandchildren. Announcements regarding a celebration of life for the New Orleans native will be released soon.

by Jameelah Mullen

September 5, 2024

Eastside Golf Teams Up With Nike To Create The ‘Everyone’s Game’ Collection

Eastside Golf was founded in 2019 by Morehouse alumni Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper.

Eastside Golf hwe unveiled its fall collection, titled “Everyone’s Game,” which includes a footwear collaboration with Nike. The collection is inspired by Eastside Golf’s mission to promote diversity in the game.

“The collection aims to reach across the traditional golf landscape by positioning golf as a game for everyone to create a more welcoming and diverse sport,“ the brand stated in a press release.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Olajuwon Ajanaku (@oooolajuwon)

The collection features shoes that come with a set of three double-sided removable Nike swooshes. The Nike swoosh comes in a variety of colors including maroon and white in honor of Morehouse College and blue and white in honor of Spelman College. The collection also includes a gold swoosh and a dimpled swoosh which represents the dimples on a golf ball. The shoes come with laces embossed with “Everyone’s Game. Be Authentic.”

In addition to shoes, the collection features clothing and accessories that are versatile enough to be worn on and off the golf course.

Additionally, the brand will host its first-ever retail pop-up on 131 Greene Street in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood. Visitors will have a chance to receive exclusive giveaways, including Eastside Golf-branded Bridgestone golf balls. They will also have an opportunity to win one of 100 pairs of the new Eastside Golf x Nike shoes.

The pop-up will be open from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. daily from September 13- 15.

“Fashion, culture, and community are at the heart of everything we do. We are out to change both the cultural conversation around golf and the perception of the sport to reinforce that this is a game where you can show up as your authentic self, no matter who you are or where you come from,” said Olajuwon Ajanaku, co-founder and creative director of Eastside Golf.

“The Everyone’s Game collection reflects our belief that everyone should feel confident and welcome on the course. This is your game – remember that.”

The limited edition shoes will be available for purchase October 4 via Eastside Golf’s app and Nike.com on October 7th. To pre-order, visit the Eastside Golf website.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 5, 2024

Spelman, Georgia State Professors To Host Conference On Black Women’s Leadership In Religious Activism

'When We Lead: Black Women's Spiritual Activism and Social Change Conference' will take place in October.

Georgia State University’s Monique Moultrie and Spelman College’s Rosetta Ross have teamed up for a two-day conference examining the profound influence of Black women’s leadership in religious activism and social justice movements.

“When We Lead: Black Women’s Spiritual Activism and Social Change Conference” will take place Oct. 4 and 5 at the Emory Conference Center Hotel in Atlanta. This event will unite scholars, religious leaders, activists, community members, and those interested in exploring the vital role of Black women in shaping public life and religious activism.

Attendees can engage in discussions, mentorship opportunities, and professional development sessions to enhance understanding of Black women’s spiritual leadership across various religious traditions.

The conference celebrates Moultrie and Ross’s work on the Garden Initiative for Black Women’s Religious Activism, a three-year project supported by the Henry Luce Foundation. The initiative was created to address the lack of complete documentation and recognition of Black women religious leaders’ contributions to American society.

“My deepest hope is that people recognize that Black women religious leaders’ contributions have helped shape public life as we endeavor to help the nation be a more just and inclusive society,” Moultrie said.

Moultrie and Ross launched The Garden Initiative to focus on four key objectives: documenting and archiving Black women’s religious leadership; establishing a mentoring hub for leaders; broadening scholarship on Black women’s religious leaders beyond Christianity; and enhancing public understanding of the gendered role of Black religious participation in social justice movements.

“I have been pleased to learn how much I did not know about Black women’s religious leadership across traditions in the United States,” Ross said.

“The research has yielded new knowledge for me about the existence of Black women I had not heard of who are making important contributions,” Ross added. “If the Garden Initiative’s future progress helps people recognize the full impact of the contributions Black women make, then that recognition, for me, will be a significant legacy.”

Since its inception, the project has made notable progress, including the creation of its website. The site features a comprehensive timeline showcasing Black women’s religious leadership, activism, and organizing from the 1800s to the present day. It also includes biographies and resource guides on notable Black women religious activists, such as Coretta Scott King and Harriet Tubman.

While the college professors’ work has made momentous strides in just three years, they both stress the additional work that needs to be done.

One of their biggest motivations in creating the Garden Initiative came in response to the influence of religious leaders in the civil rights movement, which focused primarily on male leadership. Moultrie and Ross hope this project will transform public perceptions of Black religious leadership.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 5, 2024

Deion Sanders Partners With BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages

'I've always believed in the power of giving back and uplifting others, and with BLK & Bold, we have the perfect platform to do just that.'

NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders is now a co-owner of a Des Moines, Iowa-based Black-owned coffee and tea company.

BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages, co-founded by Rod Johnson and Pernell Cezar, has announced that the University of Colorado head football coach has partnered with the company as co-owner and social change leader.

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A post shared by @COACHPRIME (@deionsanders)

“Joining BLK & Bold is more than just a business move for me—it’s about making a LASTING IMPACT,” said Sanders in a written statement. “I’ve always believed in the power of giving back and uplifting others, and with BLK & Bold, we have the perfect platform to do just that.”

Sanders will help amplify BLK & Bold’s commitment to reshaping the coffee industry. Coach Prime will focus on marketing, creative, business development, and strategic partnerships for the coffee and tea brand. He was inspired to connect with BLK & Bold because of its dedication to social impact.

Specifically, he saw an opportunity to collaborate and amplify BLK & Bold’s efforts to empower underserved communities.

The company started in 2018 and is the first Black-owned, nationally distributed coffee brand. It is featured in over 11,000 retail stores, including venues like Albertsons, Target, Amazon, Walgreens, and Giant. For two straight years, BLK & Bold has been on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the country.

BLK & Bold also gives back to the community with its social impact model, pledging 5% of gross profits to initiatives that empower underserved youth and communities. This year, the company launched the BLK & Bold Foundation with a solid commitment to creating sustainable and impactful change.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Coach Prime to the BLK & Bold family,” said Cezar, CEO of BLK & Bold. “His commitment to excellence, passion for positive change, and unparalleled influence align perfectly with our values and vision. We aim to inspire, educate, and drive meaningful impact within our communities.”

by Sharelle Burt

September 5, 2024

Oh Look: There Is Strife Among White Republicans Marjorie Taylor Greene And JD Vance

Well, this just got interesting....

Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is allegedly turning her back on GOP Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance, calling him “totally unhinged,” the Borowitz Report reports.

In an interview, Taylor Greene allegedly said she has been listening to some of the things Vance has said on the campaign trail and isn’t impressed, referring to the Republican lawmaker as a “lunatic.” “I have remained silent on this issue, but I can do so no longer,” Taylor Greene said. “I have been listening to the things Senator Vance says on the campaign trail, and they are the ravings of a lunatic.”

The controversial congresswoman warned her fellow Republicans, claiming Vance’s candidacy is on the brink of the party’s demise and “will go down to certain defeat.” In the meantime, she offers herself as a replacement: “If asked to serve, I will.” Taylor Greene said she would restore “much-needed gravitas to the Republican ticket.”

In January 2024, Taylor Greene, one of Trump’s most outspoken allies, was eyeing being one of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s vice presidential candidates. Steve Bannon, former top Trump aide and host of the “Bannon’s War Room” podcast, called her ambitious. “This is no shrinking violet. She’s ambitious—she’s not shy about that, nor should she be,” Bannon said.

“She sees herself on the shortlist for Trump’s VP. Paraphrasing Cokie Roberts, when MTG looks in the mirror, she sees a potential president smiling back.”

Taylor Greene is singing a much different tune than when Vance was first selected by Trump. According to The Hill, she said she was “proud” of him, and he “completely aligned” with her “ideologically.” “I love for people to change their mind about President Trump,” she said. “We’re Americans; we’re allowed to change our mind, and he changed his mind about President Trump after the first four years of his presidency, and that’s a great thing.”

In a video posted on X, she professed the same sentiments, highlighting that she was among the first legislators to vouch for him when he ran for Ohio state Senate. “I’m very excited. I was the first member of Congress to endorse J.D. Vance when he was running for Senate,” she told the interviewer. “And I vetted him, pretty closely, of course, because I’m one of those strong President Trump supporters.”

Marjorie Taylor Greene: I'm very excited Trump chose JD Vance as his running mate. I vetted him! pic.twitter.com/u8cWXkMTbA
— DNC War Room (@DNCWarRoom) July 17, 2024

After other GOP leaders expressed their impression of Vance being highly intelligent and educated, Taylor Greene said she doesn’t know what is causing Vance to go on “bizarre” rants. Several clips of past and present interviews with Vance have caused some backlash, including one where he said the purpose of a premenopausal woman is to raise grandchildren.

He also tried to pull up on Vice President Kamala Harris on a tarmac in Wisconsin and inaccurately unloaded on her record, claiming “she pretends to be a tough-on-crime prosecutor.”