JOHNSON'S POLL PUSHBACK: House Speaker Mike Johnson challenged polling showing Democrats ahead of Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections, arguing in an interview Monday that surveys are failing to capture Republican enthusiasm.

PATRIOTIC PUSHBACK: KISS legend Gene Simmons made his feelings about America crystal clear during a NEWSMAX interview Tuesday, declaring himself unapologetically patriotic and saying he has little patience for people who disparage the country.

"You're no longer my friend," Simmons warned.

REWRITING HISTORY: According to AI, Greta Van Susteren was at the top of her class and participated in an impressive list of high school clubs. There was only one problem: Greta says it was not true.

She invited her longtime friend, Broadway manager Kathryn Frawley, onto “Greta Wire” to reveal what their school years were REALLY like. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPU_x63B3Xw

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is campaigning for Republicans in the final week before the Nov. 3 midterms, appearing with a senator, a gubernatorial hopeful, and three House challengers in redrawn districts. https://bit.ly/4eCCWDz

FBI RIPS HOCHUL: The FBI fired back at New York Gov. Kathy Hochul for questioning the motives behind an investigation into a Long Island Democratic Party leader, accusing her of trying to score political points just one week before Election Day. https://bit.ly/4yMjcEK

ZACHARIA BREAKS SILENCE: Former White House press secretary Katie Zacharia told NEWSMAX she was blindsided by hostile questioning from Sean Hannity before her departure from the Trump administration, adding that she likely would still be press secretary had she not appeared on his program. https://bit.ly/4A2sIoy

DEMS’ PIKER PROBLEM?: Is Hasan Piker helping Democrats reach younger voters, or becoming a political liability? “The Right Squad” breaks down the internal warnings and explains why affordability could matter more than political alliances.

https://youtu.be/uqr0PkW7jc8

TRUMP BOOSTS DRILLING: President Trump said that his administration is “terminating” a Biden-era rule aimed at cutting methane emissions from oil and gas operations. https://bit.ly/4ewfyaQ

Defeated Brazilian presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro and his family have landed in Miami after fleeing Brazil. https://bit.ly/4yQQov4

PRISON SECURITY BREAKDOWN: A Northwest Tennessee community is on edge after convicted murderer Jacob Morley escaped from prison. NEWSMAX Crime Correspondent Jason Mattera has details on the manhunt and the mounting backlash over security lapses.

https://youtu.be/yeb1jxXlkQ0

RUBIO'S TRUMP TRIBUTE: Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised President Donald Trump during a rally in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Tuesday, declaring it an honor to serve under the man he called "the greatest president in the history of the United States of America."

Rubio also praised America as "the greatest country in the world" while expressing his appreciation for the opportunity to serve in the Trump administration.

VENEZUELA'S STATEHOOD?: President Donald Trump floated the idea of making Venezuela America's 51st state during a rally in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Tuesday, suggesting the South American nation could one day elect a governor instead of a president.

"Let's make it the 51st state. And instead of a president, we'll have an election for a governor. How about that?" Trump told supporters.

TUNE IN: Watch LIVE coverage as President Donald Trump delivers remarks in Chillicothe, Ohio — TONIGHT at 7 PM ET on NEWSMAX. WATCH: nws.mx/tv

'GREATEST POLITICAL SCANDAL': Rep. Randy Fine told NEWSMAX that a federal investigation into Rep. Ilhan Omar's citizenship status could uncover “the greatest political scandal in American history” if allegations that she was never legally a U.S. citizen are substantiated. https://bit.ly/4zZgHjw