Statement on Court of Appeals Overturning Coble v Ballentine

This week a panel of the North Carolina Court of Appeals unanimously reversed a trial court’s no-contact order prohibiting me from publishing or speaking about a then candidate for Mayor of Randleman, holding that AnybodyButCoble.org “did not constitute unlawful conduct.”

I am pleased with the court’s binding decision and hope it makes clear to all that online speech about someone is not unlawful harassment.

I am incredibly thankful to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression and Brooks Pierce for such amazing representation. Special thanks to Duke Law School for laying the foundation for this victory in the Weller case.

Statement On GOP Censure of Randolph County Sheriff Greg Seabolt

I commend the Chatham County Republican Party for issuing a formal censure of Randolph County Sheriff Greg Seabolt.

This decision reflects a clear understanding of why political parties exist in the first place. A party is not simply a ballot label or a loose affiliation. It is a voluntary organization built on shared principles, shared rules, and mutual accountability. When those rules are enforced consistently, the party maintains its integrity and credibility with voters. When they are not, the party ceases to have meaning.

Censure is not about personality or punishment. It is about standards. Endorsing a Democrat in a partisan sheriff’s race is a direct violation of party expectations, particularly for someone who has benefited from Republican trust, support, and standing. By addressing that conduct directly and publicly, the Chatham County GOP demonstrated respect for its members who expect fair enforcement of the rules, for the party platform they work to advance, and for voters who deserve clarity, honesty, and consistency from those who claim the Republican banner.

By taking this action, the Chatham County GOP showed that no individual is above the rules and that party loyalty carries real responsibility. That matters. Accountability matters. And parties that are willing to enforce their own standards are far stronger than those that look the other way.

This censure was the correct decision, and the Chatham County Republican Party deserves credit for putting principle and integrity first.

Statement On The Arrest Of Nicolás Maduro

I extend my full support to President Donald J. Trump for his resolute leadership in the successful military operation that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3, 2026. This decisive action demonstrates President Trump's firm dedication to upholding justice, combating narco-terrorism, and enforcing the rule of law across the Western Hemisphere.

The unsealing of the superseding federal indictment in the Southern District of New York, charging Maduro and Flores with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and related offenses, represents a significant advancement in accountability. Building upon prior charges from 2020, this updated indictment addresses allegations that the Maduro regime facilitated extensive drug trafficking, collaborated with designated terrorist organizations, and inflicted profound hardship on millions while evading consequences for years. President Trump's administration has now ensured that these serious charges will be prosecuted in a United States court.

This accomplishment underscores the effectiveness of President Trump's America First approach, which has restored strength and determination to United States foreign policy. It conveys a resolute message to authoritarian regimes worldwide that threats to regional security, democratic values, and the safety of American communities will not be tolerated.

I commend this historic achievement and express my continued support for President Trump as he pursues stability and prosperity in the region.