Governor Greg Abbott sent social media into overdrive this week after jokingly warning that he would impose a “100 percent tariff” on anyone fleeing New York City for Texas if progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the mayor’s race.
Abbott’s post on X (formerly Twitter) captured the mood of many Texans frustrated by what they view as the consequences of liberal policies—high taxes, crime, and economic decline—driving residents away from blue states.
While the governor’s remark drew headlines, supporters say it underscores a serious message: Texas’s economic strength and public safety record did not happen by accident.
Abbott’s office clarified that the statement was tongue-in-cheek but reflected the governor’s growing concern over the influx of residents from Democrat-run cities who then vote for the same policies they left behind.
“Texas has become America’s economic engine because we protect freedom, keep taxes low, and back the blue,” Abbott said in a follow-up statement.
“If people want to enjoy that success, they should embrace the principles that built it.”
Texas continues to lead the nation in job creation and business relocations, even as cities like New York and San Francisco struggle with population losses and rising costs of living.
Economists credit the state’s balanced budgets, energy independence, and pro-growth regulations as key to its stability during national downturns.
Conservatives argue that liberal leaders have undermined once-thriving cities with soft-on-crime policies and aggressive tax hikes, prompting families and businesses to seek refuge in Republican-led states.
Abbott’s playful “tariff” line resonated widely across social media, where thousands of users echoed the sentiment that Texas should protect its way of life.
“Texans built something worth preserving,” wrote one supporter. “We just don’t want outsiders bringing failed ideas with them.”
Democratic critics seized on the governor’s remark, calling it divisive. But Republicans counter that Abbott’s record—on border security, energy independence, and job creation—speaks for itself.
The governor has repeatedly urged new arrivals to respect local laws and values, emphasizing Texas’s unique blend of liberty and responsibility.
Under Abbott’s leadership, the state has attracted major employers such as Tesla, Oracle, and Samsung, while maintaining some of the nation’s lowest overall tax burdens.
Supporters say those achievements validate conservative governance in action and justify Abbott’s defense of Texas’s model.
“Texas doesn’t need to import New York’s problems,” said state Senator Bryan Hughes. “We need to keep exporting our solutions.”
The exchange comes amid growing national debate over population shifts from blue states to red, with U-Haul reporting record demand for one-way moves to Texas and Florida.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has released new, higher-quality surveillance footage showing the individual who placed pipe bombs near the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Republican National Committee (RNC) in Washington, D.C., on January 5, 2021.
The updated footage, published on October 22, 2025, offers previously unreleased video clips and longer sequences that show the suspect’s movements more clearly.
The release marks the latest effort by the FBI to solve one of the longest-running unsolved cases connected to the January 6 events.
Authorities confirmed that the reward for information leading to the suspect’s identification, arrest, and conviction has been increased to $500,000.
“The FBI is still offering a $500,000 reward for information that helps identify the person who placed pipe bombs at the offices of the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee on January 5, 2021,” the Bureau announced.
The suspect is seen in the video wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, gloves, and a mask, carrying a backpack that investigators believe contained the devices.
The person was captured walking through several Capitol Hill neighborhoods between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the evening of January 5.
Both pipe bombs were found the following day outside the DNC and RNC headquarters. They were safely neutralized before they could detonate, and no injuries occurred.
FBI analysts determined that the devices were constructed with the chemical components of black powder and equipped with kitchen timers.
Even after reviewing thousands of leads and interviewing hundreds of witnesses, investigators have yet to identify the suspect responsible.
Deputy Director of the FBI Dan Bongino reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to finding the individual behind the attempted attack.
“If you have information regarding this critical investigation, please call 1-800-CALL-FBI,” Bongino said. “Even the smallest tip could be the key to closing this case.”
The FBI says it has processed over 1,000 interviews and reviewed more than 43,000 video files tied to the ongoing investigation.
In recent weeks, new information has emerged after FBI Director Kash Patel transmitted laboratory analyses and key witness interviews to Congress.
Those documents, obtained by Just the News, show that both bombs contained explosive components but did not include the term “viable” in the FBI’s laboratory report.
This detail has raised new questions about whether the devices were capable of detonating or if they served another purpose that night.
The timeline has also come under scrutiny, as both bombs were found roughly
Director Patel confirmed that all materials related to the case have been turned over to congressional oversight committees for further review.
Deputy Director Bongino said the Bureau would continue pursuing every lead until the case is solved. “This investigation remains active, and our agents are committed to following the evidence wherever it leads,” he stated.
The enhanced footage, now circulating on social media and the FBI’s official website, gives the public the clearest view yet of the suspect’s route through Washington.
Officials hope that viewers may recognize the person’s movements, clothing, or backpack and come forward with identifying information.
Security experts note that the case stands as one of the most complex domestic investigations in recent FBI history.
The renewed attention, combined with the $500,000 reward, could finally generate the tip that has eluded investigators for nearly five years.
The FBI continues to urge anyone with information to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a confidential tip online at tips.fbi.gov.