Politics
How Abigail Spanberger’s Stunning Win Ended the GOP Era in Virginia — and Why Donald Trump Was the Invisible Opponent
Democrat Abigail Spanberger made history as Virginia’s first female governor, defeating Winsome Earle-Sears by uniting moderates and federal workers — while riding a wave of anti-Trump sentiment.
In a political twist few saw coming, Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer and three-term U.S. Congresswoman, has broken a century-old barrier to become Virginia’s first woman governor — a victory that also signals the end of Glenn Youngkin’s Republican dominance in the state.
Her win over Republican Winsome Earle-Sears wasn’t just about party lines; it was about the pulse of a changing Virginia — one driven by economic anxiety, an exhausted electorate, and a deep-seated rejection of Donald Trump.
According to the Fox News Voter Poll, nearly six in ten voters in the state disapproved of Trump’s leadership, and a majority said their vote for Spanberger was “a message of opposition” to the former president.
“This wasn’t just a race for governor — it was a referendum on who we want to be as Virginians,” Spanberger said during her victory speech in Richmond.

The Trump Factor That Wasn’t on the Ballot
Though Trump’s name wasn’t printed anywhere, his presence loomed over every rally and ad. Two-thirds of Spanberger’s voters said their choice was directly motivated by opposition to him.
In contrast, only a third of Earle-Sears’ supporters said their vote was meant to “support Trump’s vision.”
Political analysts, including Larry Sabato of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, noted that Trump’s shadow “may have cost Republicans the suburbs for another decade.”
Youngkin’s Legacy and the End of an Era
Governor Glenn Youngkin, who was elected in 2021 as the first GOP governor in 12 years, had become the face of pragmatic conservatism. Yet his tenure also revealed the limits of Republican appeal in a post-Trump world.
Spanberger’s victory margin exceeded that of Vice President Kamala Harris, who beat Trump in Virginia by just six points in 2024. This time, the Democrat won by a far more comfortable gap — proof that disapproval of the former president continues to shape state politics.
The Numbers Behind the Win
The Fox News poll surveyed over 4,000 registered voters across Virginia and found Spanberger dominating among key demographics:
- 65% of women voted for Spanberger versus 35% for Earle-Sears, a massive 30-point gender gap.
- Black voters backed Spanberger by an overwhelming 9-to-1 margin.
- College-educated and young voters helped push her campaign over the finish line, particularly in Northern Virginia and the Richmond suburbs.
While Earle-Sears performed strongly among White evangelical men and non-college voters, it wasn’t enough to overcome Spanberger’s coalition of moderates, federal workers, and independents.
Economy, Healthcare, and the Federal Workforce
Spanberger’s campaign leaned heavily on economic messaging, especially criticizing the Trump administration’s approach to federal budgeting — a theme that resonated in Virginia, where thousands of families depend on government jobs.
More than six in ten federal employees voted for her, according to the data.
Healthcare emerged as the second-most important issue, with voters worried about benefits and federal shutdown impacts. Those who prioritized healthcare broke for Spanberger by four to one.
“People aren’t asking for perfection; they’re asking for stability,” said campaign advisor Ellen Carmichael, noting how Spanberger’s tone contrasted sharply with her opponent’s cultural messaging.
Gender, Trust, and Values
Interestingly, the most sought-after quality among voters wasn’t partisanship but honesty. Poll data shows that voters who prioritized “trustworthiness” overwhelmingly favored Spanberger, while those driven by “shared values” leaned Republican.
Her calm, disciplined campaign stood in contrast to the controversies surrounding the GOP — including Earle-Sears’ focus on transgender policies and a late-breaking scandal involving Democratic attorney general candidate Jay Jones’ text messages.
While the texts briefly dominated headlines, most voters dismissed them as “concerning but not disqualifying,” and Jones still managed to win.

A New Face of Southern Progressivism
Spanberger’s rise — from former CIA case officer to congresswoman to now governor — mirrors Virginia’s evolution from a conservative stronghold to a modern, suburban-driven swing state.
Her pragmatic style and willingness to cross party lines have earned her comparisons to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Minnesota’s Tim Walz — Democrats who’ve thrived by blending economic populism with moderate social values.
What’s Next for Virginia
Earle-Sears’ defeat underscores the challenge facing Republicans as they navigate between Trump loyalty and moderate outreach. Despite strong rural turnout, she failed to make inroads with suburban voters.
“This is not a blue wave — it’s a purple recalibration,” said political analyst David Wasserman of the Cook Political Report. “Spanberger’s win shows Democrats can win on competence, not just charisma.”
A Historic First
With this victory, Abigail Spanberger becomes the first woman to govern Virginia in its 400-year history — a symbolic milestone for the Old Dominion State.
She has pledged to “restore civility” and focus on issues that unite Virginians, from infrastructure and healthcare to protecting democratic institutions.
As her supporters chanted “Madam Governor!” in Richmond, Spanberger smiled and said:
“Virginia has always been a place where history is written — tonight, we wrote another page.”
For more Update http://www.dailyglobaldiary.com
Politics
Trump Announces Donald Trump Jr.’s Engagement at White House Holiday Party
President reveals his eldest son’s engagement to Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson during festive White House gathering
President Donald Trump announced on Monday night that his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., is engaged, using a White House holiday party to share the family news. The engagement was later confirmed by a spokesperson for Trump Jr., who said the proposal took place over the weekend.
Trump Jr. is engaged to Bettina Anderson, a Palm Beach socialite who has drawn public attention over the past year as speculation about their relationship grew during the president’s election campaign.
The announcement, made in front of guests at the White House, immediately brought renewed focus to the couple, whose appearances together had previously fueled tabloid and political chatter.
Proposal confirmed, reaction shared online
A video of the moment, shared on social media by Trump ally Laura Loomer, captured Trump Jr. speaking shortly after the announcement.

“I’m not usually at a loss for words, because I’m usually doing the ranting and raving really well,” Trump Jr. said in the clip. “I want to thank Bettina for that one word: ‘Yes.’”
A spokesperson later confirmed that Trump Jr. proposed to Anderson over the weekend.
A relationship that gained public attention
Trump Jr. and Anderson were first seen together publicly earlier this year during a Trump family trip to Scotland, where they joined the president for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a new golf course and attended an event announcing a trade deal.
Anderson, who maintains an active social media presence, has described herself with characteristic humor in her Instagram bio as:
“Just your typical stay at home mom … only I don’t do household chores … or have a husband … or have kids.”
Trump Jr.’s previous marriages and engagements
Donald Trump Jr. has been married before. He proposed to his first wife, Vanessa Trump, in 2004, and the couple were married at Mar-a-Lago in 2005. Vanessa Trump filed for divorce in 2018 after more than a decade of marriage.

He was also previously engaged to Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News personality who later served as finance chair of the Trump campaign during the 2020 presidential race.
Despite their breakup, Guilfoyle has remained close to the Trump family. During the period of speculation surrounding Trump Jr.’s relationship with Anderson, then president-elect Trump named Guilfoyle as his choice for US ambassador to Greece, a role she currently holds.
Family moment at the White House
The engagement announcement added a personal note to the White House holiday celebrations, blending family milestones with the traditional end-of-year festivities.
While no wedding details have been released, the public confirmation marks a new chapter for Trump Jr., whose personal life has often played out in the public eye alongside his prominent political role and frequent media appearances.
Politics
Donald Trump Jr. announces engagement at the White House… “I want to thank Bettina for one word: Yes”
From a quiet Palm Beach romance to a surprise White House moment, Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson make it official
In a moment that blended politics, family, and personal celebration, Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson have announced their engagement — and the setting made it even more symbolic.
The news was revealed on December 15 at the White House, with President Donald Trump himself sharing the announcement publicly. A short video of the moment, later circulated on X, captured Donald Trump Jr. struggling — unusually — to find the right words.
“I’m not usually at a loss for words, because I’m usually doing the ranting and raving really well,” Trump Jr. said with a smile. “I want to thank Bettina for that one word: ‘Yes.’”
(Donald Trump Jr.)
(Donald Trump)
Standing beside him, Anderson appeared visibly emotional as she shared her own reaction.
“This has been the most unforgettable weekend,” she said. “I get to marry the love of my life, and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.”
From low-key beginnings to center stage
The couple’s relationship first came into public view in August 2024, when they were spotted together at a brunch in Palm Beach, Florida. At the time, the pairing raised eyebrows, as Trump Jr. was still publicly linked to Kimberly Guilfoyle.
By December 2024, sources confirmed that Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle had quietly parted ways, ending an engagement that began in 2020. Shortly afterward, Trump Jr. and Anderson’s relationship became more visible — and increasingly serious.
Anderson joined Trump Jr. for key family moments, including New Year’s Eve at Mar-a-Lago and President Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, signaling her growing role within the Trump family circle.

A new chapter after a long personal journey
Donald Trump Jr., 47, was previously married to Vanessa Trump, with whom he shares five children — Kai, Donald III, Tristan, Spencer, and Chloe. The couple divorced in 2018 after 12 years of marriage.
Sources close to the family have described Anderson as a stabilizing presence in Trump Jr.’s life, noting that the relationship developed gradually but with clear intention. One insider previously told PEOPLE that the two “could go the distance.”
Who is Bettina Anderson?
Bettina Anderson is no stranger to high-profile circles, but her public identity extends well beyond society events. She is the daughter of philanthropists Harry Loy Anderson Jr. and Inger Anderson, and is deeply involved in charitable and advocacy work.
(Bettina Anderson )
(Hope for Depression Research Foundation)
She is a prominent supporter of the Hope for Depression Research Foundation, founded by Audrey Gruss, and is actively involved in Project Paradise, a Florida-based conservation initiative. Anderson also volunteers weekly with the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, reflecting a long-term commitment to education and community development.
What comes next
While no wedding date has been announced, the engagement marks a significant new chapter for both Trump Jr. and Anderson — one that has unfolded under intense public scrutiny but appears grounded in mutual admiration and shared values.
For now, the couple has asked for privacy as they celebrate the milestone. But with a White House announcement and a presidential seal hovering over their engagement story, one thing is certain: this will remain one of the most talked-about political-society unions of the year.
For more Update – DAILYGLOBALDIARY
Politics
“Egg on Their Face”: DOJ’s Failed Trump Revenge Prosecutions Trigger Legal Embarrassment
From dismissed indictments to grand jury rejections, the Justice Department’s attempts to prosecute Trump critics have unraveled in dramatic fashion
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is facing growing scrutiny and embarrassment after a string of high-profile failures tied to attempts to prosecute critics of President Donald Trump. What was meant to project strength and accountability has instead exposed deep cracks in federal prosecution strategy, according to legal experts and former prosecutors.
In a sequence of setbacks rarely seen in modern federal law enforcement, the DOJ has suffered dismissed indictments, blocked evidence, and, most strikingly, two federal grand juries refusing to indict one of its key targets — New York Attorney General Letitia James.
The most damaging blow came on December 11, when a second grand jury declined to issue charges against James, just days after another grand jury rejected the same effort. Her attorney, Abbe Lowell, called the outcome “unprecedented,” a sentiment echoed by multiple former federal prosecutors.

Earlier indictments against both James and former FBI Director James Comey were thrown out after a federal judge ruled that the special prosecutor who brought the cases, Lindsey Halligan, had been unlawfully appointed. Adding to the DOJ’s woes, a judge also blocked prosecutors from using key evidence against Comey, citing possible constitutional violations.
“This is an embarrassment,” said Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor. “The last thing you want to be as a prosecutor is to be on the defensive — and that’s exactly what’s happening here.”
Trump’s Longstanding Vendettas
Trump’s hostility toward both Comey and James dates back years. He fired Comey in 2017 while the FBI was investigating potential links between Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia. James later sued Trump in 2022 for civil fraud related to his real estate business, a case that deeply angered the former president.
In a September 20 social media post, Trump openly called for the prosecution of Comey, James, and Sen. Adam Schiff of California. While investigations were launched, results have been deeply underwhelming.
An NBC News report revealed that the DOJ’s investigation into Schiff has stalled entirely, with internal probes reportedly underway to examine how the case was mishandled. The DOJ has declined to comment on its performance in these matters.
Loyalty Over Experience
According to multiple reports, career prosecutors — including the interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia — had previously concluded the evidence against James and Comey was too weak to sustain charges. Trump publicly criticized and fired the U.S. attorney, later urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to appoint Lindsey Halligan, his former personal lawyer, despite her lack of prosecutorial experience.
Bondi acted swiftly, and Halligan secured indictments against both Comey and James. But the cases quickly collapsed.
In Comey’s case, Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick described a “disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps,” including possible violations of the Fourth Amendment. Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, a Clinton appointee, ultimately dismissed all charges after ruling Halligan’s appointment unlawful.
“The prosecutions haven’t amounted to much in court,” said Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond. “Except to harass them — which may have been the point.”
Grand Jury Rejections: A Rare Humiliation
Perhaps the most humiliating moment for the DOJ came when two separate grand juries rejected efforts to re-indict Letitia James. Legal experts stress how extraordinary this is.
Former federal prosecutor Mitchell Epner said he sought hundreds of indictments in his career and failed only once. “To go before two grand juries in a week and fail both times is humiliating and a repudiation of the prosecution,” he said.
Barbara McQuade, former U.S. attorney under President Barack Obama, was even more blunt:
“When prosecutors are selected based on loyalty rather than experience and integrity, this is the sort of garbage we can expect.”

Comey Case Still on Shaky Ground
The DOJ has suggested it may try to re-indict Comey, but significant hurdles remain. A federal judge has temporarily blocked prosecutors from using key evidence obtained during a separate 2017 investigation, ruling it may have been seized unconstitutionally.
Even if that hurdle is cleared, prosecutors face another problem: time. The original indictment was issued just days before the statute of limitations expired. Comey’s defense team argues that because the indictment was void, the government cannot rely on the usual six-month extension for refiling charges.
“The DOJ — and Halligan in particular — have egg on their face,” Rahmani said. “These are massive failures by the Justice Department.”
A Pattern of Collapse
What emerges from this saga is not just a legal defeat, but a broader institutional reckoning. From judicial rebukes to grand jury resistance, the DOJ’s efforts against Trump’s perceived enemies have collapsed under scrutiny.
Instead of delivering accountability, the prosecutions have raised uncomfortable questions about politicization, competence, and abuse of power — questions that now hang heavily over the Justice Department itself.
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