White House

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is still desperately seeking the one man who can end the government shutdown today ... and says Cardi B's verbal smackdown of President Trump is on point.

We got the freshman congresswoman Thursday on the Hill, and she continued calling out Sen. Mitch McConnell. She says he's nowhere to be found, and places blame on him -- more than Trump -- for the fact government employees still aren't getting paid ... 27 days into the shutdown.

AOC's first speech from the House floor on Wednesday topped 1 million views -- a record for C-Span's Twitter feed -- so, it's clear people are paying attention when she speaks. Still, she admits she can't smoke out McConnell.

She also weighed in on her fellow New Yorker's rant about the gov't shutdown.

If ya missed it, Cardi B blasted Trump, saying "our country is in a hellhole right now, all for a f***ing wall."

Not shockingly, Cortez gives Cardi her stamp of approval, and says they might have to do what Sen. McConnell won't do.

Donald Trump's fast food plan worked ... because Clemson's star QB Trevor Lawrence tells TMZ Sports he LOVED the President's McDonald's spread at the White House and can't wait to do it again!

Lawrence and the rest of the Clemson Tigers arrived to 1600 Penn to celebrate their National Championship victory over Alabama ... where President Trump personally selected the food menu.

"I think we're going to serve McDonald's, Wendy's and Burger King with some pizza," Trump said to the media earlier that day ... explaining, "I would think that's their favorite food."

When the team arrived, the fast food -- Big Macs, Filet-O-Fish sandwiches and more -- was waiting for them on silver platters on a table decorated with gold candelabras ... real fancy stuff.

"It was awesome," Lawrence told us while taking pics with Clemson fans ... "We had McDonalds and everything. It was good!"

Another fan asked Lawrence how many times he plans on returning to the White House -- to which he replied, "Hopefully, a few more!"

Trump also enjoyed the dinner with the champs -- tweeting out, "Because of the Shutdown I served them massive amounts of fast food (I paid), over 1000 hamberders etc."

Hey, it's hard to spell correctly when your body is sluggish with berder meat.

Go Tigers!

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson gang hit up 1600 Penn to commemorate their win over Alabama in the national championship ... and celebrated by scarfin' down hundreds of burgers!!

It's the Tigers' second trip to the White House in 3 years ... but this time around, they were served with the finest (and quickest) cuisine around!!

Donald Trump said earlier Monday he was preppin' a smorgasbord of fast food for the champs ... saying "I think we're going to serve McDonald's, Wendy's and Burger King with some pizza."

BTW -- the buffet actually turned out pretty well ... and they even included some healthy salad options for the world-class athletes!

Trump explained the move ... saying he got "everything that I like, that you like ... and I know no matter what we did, there's nothing you could have that's better than that."

Sarah Sanders explained the move for fast food, saying, “much of the residence staff at the White House is furloughed, so the President is personally paying for the event to be catered with some of everyone’s favorite fast foods."

President Trump had time to reflect on Jeff Bezos' divorce drama -- and he let it rip on Sunday by trashing the Amazon honcho ... while praising the National Enquirer.

Trump just tweeted, "So sorry to hear the news about Jeff Bozo being taken down by a competitor whose reporting, I understand, is far more accurate than the reporting in his lobbyist newspaper, the Amazon Washington Post."

DT continued ... "Hopefully the paper will soon be placed in better & more responsible hands!"

Bezos owns WaPo -- and, of course, Trump doesn't like the way they cover him ... much like the "Failing New York Times." Regarding the Nat'l Enquirer, the tabloid published alleged text messages between Bezos and GF Lauren Sanchez after he announced he and MacKenzie Bezos were getting a divorce.

Trump seems to be implying that the paper forced Jeff's hand.

We broke the story ... Jeff and MacKenzie don't have a prenup, and his $137 billion fortune could be on the line as the divorce proceeds.

It's interesting that Trump's weighing in on the Bezos situation at more length now than he did on Thursday ... when he wished Jeff luck and said the divorce would be a "beauty."

Just the possibility of President Trump's impeachment was enough for the Escobar family to collect millions upon millions of bucks ... according to Pablo's bro, who's pissed GoFundMe censored his cause.

Sources connected to Pablo Escobar's brother, Roberto, tell TMZ ... his ByeByeTrump GoFundMe campaign had raised upwards of $10 mil while the page was still live ... for just 10 hours.

The crowdfunding site yanked the page to investigate where the money was going. A screenshot of the page prior to it getting shut down shows a balance of $10,786,980.

We broke the story ... Roberto and the rest of Escobar Inc. started the campaign in an effort to impeach the U.S. Prez. They were gunning for $50 million to finance "intelligence research, lobby firms and lawyers" they said would help get Trump impeached in the States.

In response, GoFundMe pulled the page pending more clarification on the funds' use and purpose. Our sources say the Escobars responded to GoFundMe with the info they wanted ... but the page was still down as of Thursday.

We've reached out to GoFundMe to confirm that $10 mil total ... but so far, no word back.

A rep for Escobar Inc. -- the holding company dedicated to the late Colombian drug kingpin -- tells us that it plans on taking its impeachment efforts to another site, where they'll be accepting cryptocurrency donations instead of government regulated funds.

We're told the Escobars believe the U.S. government (and Trump himself) got involved in derailing their efforts ... but insist they won't be deterred.

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has no misgivings about referring to President Trump as a "motherf***er," and says her statement sends a message -- not only to Trump, but to women.

We got Michigan's freshman Rep. in D.C. and asked about the controversial remark she made on her first day in the House -- "We're going to go in and impeach the motherf****er."

Tlaib caught of ton of flak, especially from the right, for her spicy language -- but she told us she simply got caught up in the moment. She doesn't apologize, though, and strongly insinuates there's a double standard when it comes to women expressing anger in the workplace.

Still, she doesn't want her colorful language to become the focus. Rep. Tlaib told us there are more important things going on right now in D.C.

Sen. Joe Manchin thinks folks should really tune in to President Trump's televised address to the nation on the border "crisis" ... even if that means screwing over Ellen DeGeneres.

We got the West Virginia Senator Tuesday in D.C., where our photog asked how Trump's border address later in the evening would measure up to Ellen's 'Game of Games' ... and which one should take precedent for the American people.

Translation: which broadcast will be sillier and have more entertainment value -- Trump or Ellen? Perhaps unsurprisingly, Manchin says DT's the one to watch tonight.

Trump and the Dems can't come to a resolution to fund the border wall, which is why the federal government is in day 18 of a partial shutdown. So, Manchin's right ... there's a lot riding on Trump's speech tonight.

The Prez tweeted he'd be addressing the nation about the "Humanitarian and National Security crisis" at the border.

Trump's address starts at 9 PM ET, so on the east coast it'll creep into hour 2 of Ellen's NBC broadcast, and your fave programs on other networks -- looking at you, "Black-ish."

10:05 AM PT -- The page has been temporarily pulled -- we're told GoFundMe has asked the fundraising page creators for additional information -- including how exactly the money raised will be used. Once more questions are answered, we're told the page will be put back up.

Pablo Escobar's family needs your help to make another person disappear -- this time, it's President Trump they want out ... but, apparently, it'll be no cheap feat.

The brother of the deceased Colombian drug kingpin, Roberto (aka El Osito), has started a GoFundMe campaign seeking at least $50 million in donations to bolster his company's efforts to impeach the U.S. Prez. Sounds totally legit ... we're listening.

Roberto and his associates at Escobar Inc. are soliciting anyone and everyone to kick in cash toward their crowdfunding page to finance "intelligence research, lobby firms and lawyers" that could ultimately lead to Trump's downfall in Congress. Hmmmmm ... yes, go on.

Roberto claims he's already got dirt on Trump from previous alleged business dealings between DT and the Escobar company ... among other things. Roberto says his dirty secrets on Trump are something Special Counsel Robert Mueller would wanna hear.

He sounds pretty confident in himself, saying, "I am the brother of a Latino hero, I have eliminated many people from power ... Trump will be impeached." We'll give him this ... the Escobars have definitely (allegedly) gotten rid of some folks in their day.

Maybe it's just us, but it's weird that Roberto and co. are asking for a cool $50 mil to fund this project if they've already got the goods on Trump.

Snoop Dogg's got thoughts on the government shutdown and a message for furloughed workers who might still be team Trump after this ... Trump doesn't care about ya.

Snoop posted a hilarious video this weekend in which he directly comments on the shutdown that's now in its 16th day with no end in sight. He says everyone who works for the government that aren't being paid right now must reconsider their POTUS pick in 2020.

He goes on to say that any federal worker who still votes Trump in a couple years are some "stupid motherf***ers." He says furloughed employees are being treated unfairly, and the fact that DT can't (or won't) come to a resolution can only mean one thing ... "this punk motherf***er don't care."

The MC urges potential Trump voters to seriously reconsider and even makes an appeal to blue-collar workers whom he says are still suffering.

Snoop ends with one last F-U to Trump ... at least he's consistent on that front.

Sen. Chuck Schumer says potentially ending the government shutdown is gonna take a firm commitment from President Trump ... and not his usual jiggling on the issues.

We got the Senate Minority Leader Wednesday in D.C. as he was making his way to the White House, where Trump is set to meet with Dems (in the Situation Room, no less) to discuss ending the partial shutdown that's been in effect for 12 days now.

Schumer says he's gonna try to strike a deal with the Prez -- who wants his southern border wall funded -- but makes note that Trump is like Jell-O on when it comes to sticking to one position.

Coincidentally, shortly after Schumer made that comparison ... Trump was holding a cabinet meeting with his "Game of Thrones"-style poster -- threatening sanctions -- smack in the middle of the table.

Still, Schumer sounds cautiously optimistic there's a "chance" to end the shutdown.

Good luck, Chuck.

1:14 PM PT -- If you were planning on attending any future Kanye concerts, be prepared to see that MAGA hat of his ... 'cause Ye says he'll be performing with it from now on.

Kanye West is making it quite clear to kick off the new year -- he's still on the Trump train heading into 2019.

Ye went on another Twitter rant Tuesday proclaiming his unwavering devotion to President Trump, saying ... "Trump all day." He continued by saying, "Just so in 2019 you know where I stand."

The political line of logic continued with Kanye saying, "They will not program me," and adding, "Blacks are 90% Democrats That sounds like control to me."

He followed up by saying, "Love everyone," and "We will change the world. God is on my side. I am a Christian. I am a tax payer. I am myself. God is with us." It should be noted ... Kanye is currently retweeting love and support being sent to him at an alarmingly rapid pace.

The new tweets follow his latest attack against Drake for following Kim Kardashian on Instagram last year. It also appears to be the first direct mention of politics ever since Kanye announced he'd be putting a pause on political talk and focusing on being creative.

Speaking of Drizzy, Kanye addressed his ongoing feud with the guy, saying "I love Drake 2019 we will all heal."

BTW -- Kanye also seems to be teasing a presidential run for 2024.

Donald Trump pretended to send well wishes to people who oppose him ... but let's be honest, it was aggressive and mean-spirited.

Trump wished Happy New Year 2019 to his haters and the "fake news media." He also made it clear ... the only people who would have an awesome 2019 were those who were not suffering from a fake disease -- Trump Derangement Syndrome.

Trump has been playing Kevin McCallister in "Home Alone" ... hunkering down in The White House over the holidays and complaining none of the Democratic leaders came to visit and break the deadlock that has shut down the federal government.

Trump's 2019 is about to get way more difficult, because Democrats take over the House of Representatives Thursday.

This is bonkers ... President Trump is using a brick wall the Obamas built outside of their D.C. rental home as justification for his own southern border wall. Seriously.

Trump tweeted out the strange logic Sunday, saying ... "President and Mrs. Obama built/has a ten foot Wall around their D.C. mansion/compound."

He went on to say, "I agree, totally necessary for their safety and security. The U.S. needs the same thing, slightly larger version!"

We broke the story ... construction got underway last year at Barack and Michelle's D.C.-area home -- which they're renting until Sasha graduates -- and a brick wall was being built to fortify the property ... where secret service has been assigned to protect the former First Family.

BTW ... the Obamas are also building an in-ground pool at the pad, as well as a terrace of some sort ... this according to building permits we've obtained.

With all that in mind, it should go without saying ... Trump's rationale makes zero sense here. Also, keep in mind ... the federal government has been partially shut down over this.

Donald and Melania Trump took a top secret sleigh ride overnight to Iraq to surprise the troops ... and wish them a Merry Christmas.

The 2 flew out of Washington late on Christmas and traveled overnight to the Al Asad Air Base west of Baghdad ... marking the President's first trip to see U.S. troops in a combat zone since his presidency began.

Trump's Press Secretary, Sarah Sanders, says POTUS and the First Lady are meeting with the troops and senior military leadership to thank them for "their service, their success, and their sacrifice."

The trip was reportedly kept under wraps for security reasons, and comes during tough times for the Prez in D.C. ... 5 days into the partial government shutdown.

There's also a NY Times report alleging Trump received his infamous bone spurs diagnosis to help avoid the Vietnam War draft from a foot doctor as a "favor" to his father, Fred Trump.

According to the report ... the daughters of the podiatrist claim their dad -- who rented his office from Fred -- performed the favor to get in good with his landlord.

Donald Trump spread a little Christmas pain when he challenged a 7-year-old child who apparently dares to still believe in Santa Claus.

Trump and Melania fielded some NORAD calls on Xmas Eve, when the President asked the child if he still believes in Santa. It seems the kid said he did, and Trump responded, "At 7 it's marginal, right?"

Trump bitched the other day that he was sitting in the White House alone after the government shut down over the budget crisis. He had planned to spend the holiday at Mar-a-Lago.

The guy who poured fake blood on Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame says he was working for PETA when he did the deed ... but now he's been canned.

We spoke to PETA's now-former senior campaign specialist, Matt Bruce, who was caught on camera earlier this week pouring red dyed corn syrup on the Trump star ... which had just been vandalized earlier that day by another guy who'd also been caught on tape.

It was a shocking image to say the least, especially since the previous vandalism from hours earlier featured swastikas.

Matt tells us here was there with PETA members protesting Forever 21 for their use of wool. Toward the end of the protest, Matt says he wanted to send a message by pouring some fake blood on the star ... an act he says PETA has done in other instances many times over.

According to him, pouring the blood here couldn't be more on brand ... and, ultimately, it was a harmless political statement. Well ... he says PETA didn't see it that way.

Shortly after, Matt tells us he got a call from a PETA HR rep and the VP, who told him it was his last day. He says he's mostly disappointed by the firing, but not shocked. Matt asserts that PETA doesn't want any heat from the Trump administration, and that's why they cut him loose.