Piñon Post

‘Anything’ and ‘a little bit beyond’: MLG vows defying oath again to resist Trump

At far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Tuesday “Public Safety Town Hall” in Gallup, she once again vowed to defy the Trump administration’s immigration policies, including that of removing criminal aliens who entered the country illegally.

The governor, who has previously been reprimanded by federal courts for breaking the Constitution and even had articles of impeachment introduced against her twice for breaking her oath, claimed President-elect Donald Trump was being unconstitutional by acting on his plan to carry out mass deportations of these law-breaking criminals. She even went as far as saying she would go “a little bit beyond” her power to attempt to resist Trump’s policies.

Leftists, such as Lujan Grisham, have attempted to victimize illegal aliens as “asylum seekers,” however, they did not enter the country through the point of entry, which is the proper way to seek asylum.

In a question from an audience member if the governor had any plans to “help these people and protect these people,” referring to illegal aliens, Lujan Grisham responded, “We aren’t going to cooperate, we are not going to violate the constitution, uh, we

aren’t going to do … We’re going to fight and file lawsuits if the next administration works to use the military against residents and citizens of this country.”

“I’m very concerned about immigrant rights, um, and about mixed-status families, and the unintended consequences all across the board that are inhumane and inappropriate,” she claimed.

“What this President-elect is suggesting is not constitutional,” she continued to claim, adding, “We’re going to use our attorney generals (sic) and every other tool in the toolbox to protect the residents of our state.” 

“I can’t make promises uh more than anything in my power and a little bit beyond expect us to do every bit of it every day for everyone,” she concluded, floating once again breaking her oath. 

WATCH:

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NM Republicans crush Dems in November voter registrations

New Mexico’s most recent voter registration statistics reveal a significant shift in the political landscape, with Republicans gaining momentum. As the state gears up for a critical election cycle in 2026, the latest data shows the GOP surpassing Democrats in new voter registrations in November by a 2-to-1 margin. This development comes as New Mexico remains a battleground state, with voter dynamics playing a crucial role in the upcoming elections.

According to the figures, the total party registration in New Mexico now stands at 1,406,281. Democrats maintain a lead with 597,208 registered voters, compared to 451,145 Republicans. 

Voters registered under other affiliations or independents total 357,928. Despite the Democrats’ overall advantage, the GOP’s recent registration surge is noteworthy, with a gain of 15,783 new voters in November, compared to 6,907 new Democratic registrations. Independents (Decline to State voters) also saw a rise, adding 6,506 voters during the same period.

This momentum could prove pivotal, given the state’s recent electoral history. In the 2020 presidential election, President Donald Trump lost New Mexico by 99,720 votes to Joe Biden, a margin of 10.79%. In 2024, Trump narrowed that gap significantly, losing to Vice President Kamala Harris by just 55,000 votes (6%). The November numbers indicate that Republicans have already clawed back a good 20% of this deficit through strategic voter registration efforts, potentially reshaping the state’s political dynamics.

The shift underscores a broader trend of Republican ground game successes in traditionally Democrat-leaning areas. New Mexico, while considered a reliably blue state in presidential elections, has significant pockets of major Republican strength, particularly in rural and semi-rural areas. The recent gains could signal increasing GOP engagement in these communities, as well as potential shifts among independent voters.

Democrats, while holding a numerical advantage, may face challenges in maintaining their edge if the GOP’s upward trend continues. With a Democrat advantage of 146,063 voters as of December, the battle for New Mexico is far from over.

As the 2026 election cycle intensifies, the governorship opens for Republicans to flip the key office after the scandal-plagued tenure of termed-out Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. 

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MLG’s war on oil: Court upholds far-left emissions rules to harm industry

The New Mexico Court of Appeals, which is comprised entirely of Democrat judges, has upheld a contentious set of emissions regulations targeting the oil and gas industry in one of the nation’s most productive energy states. This decision reflects a broader push by far-left environmentalists to undermine the industry, even as experts point out the lack of tangible or scientific evidence that such measures provide meaningful public benefits, whether measurable or otherwise.

The case focused on a 2022 regulation requiring operators to monitor and reduce emissions of pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals can contribute to ground-level ozone, or smog, under certain conditions, claim eco-leftists.

Proponents argue that high ozone levels can exacerbate respiratory problems, including asthma and chronic bronchitis. New Mexico’s oil-producing regions are well within federal standards, casting doubt on the necessity of these regulations, not to mention the science used to attempt to correlate them.

Far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration has ferociously pushed these rules as part of its agenda to combat “climate change.” This agenda is driven by political ideology rather than practical necessity, say many. Also interesting is that half of the judges on the Court of Appeals were appointed by the governor.

Lujan Grisham’s Environment Secretary, James Kenney, celebrated the court’s ruling, declaring that the regulations were developed with “substantial evidence” and urging the industry to cease legal challenges and focus on compliance. “These rules aren’t going anywhere,” Kenney stated, signaling the administration’s unyielding stance against the industry.

The Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico challenged the rule, contending that it disproportionately affects small, family-owned operators in New Mexico while allowing larger corporations to shoulder the costs more easily. The group highlighted how these burdens are part of an ongoing “death by a thousand cuts” approach that threatens the survival of independent businesses in the state. Its executive director, Jim Winchester, expressed frustration with the administration’s hostility toward local operators and indicated that the group is exploring further legal options.

The court dismissed arguments that counties such as Chaves and Rio Arriba should be excluded from the rule. Judges concluded that these counties were part of larger regions that reached the ozone threshold, though critics argue that including these areas stretches the scientific justification for the rule’s geographic application. This reasoning, some say, underscores a broader lack of concrete evidence supporting the regulation’s purported environmental and health benefits.

This decision adds to growing concerns about the ideological slant of New Mexico’s judiciary. With the entire Court of Appeals comprised of Democrats, many see this ruling as a reflection of partisan alignment with the Governor’s eco-left agenda rather than a balanced consideration of the rule’s economic and scientific merits. The lack of diverse perspectives on the court raises questions about the fairness of rulings that have far-reaching consequences for the state’s economy and residents.

The regulations require operators to invest significant resources in monitoring emissions and repairing leaks, with substantial costs that critics contend will yield negligible improvements in air quality. The burden falls hardest on smaller operators, potentially driving them out of business and consolidating power within larger corporations—an outcome that contradicts claims of supporting local communities and economies.

While supporters frame these regulations as essential for addressing climate change and protecting public health, detractors argue they are more about political posturing than achieving real-world results. The oil and gas industry remains a vital part of New Mexico’s economy, providing jobs and revenues that sustain the state. Policies that weaken this sector without clear, evidence-based benefits risk harming New Mexico more than helping it.

The court’s decision, celebrated by environmental advocates, is a stark reminder of how far ideological motivations can drive regulatory efforts. For an industry that plays such a critical role in New Mexico’s economic health, this ruling represents yet another hurdle—one that seems more aligned with far-left political priorities than with any demonstrable benefit to public health, the environment, or the state’s residents.

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The truth about NM’s poverty rankings—What MLG isn’t telling you

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has sparked controversy following her recent appearance on MSNBC, where she voiced strong opposition to the Trump administration’s policy proposals. However, critics, including the Rio Grande Foundation, a free-market think tank based in Albuquerque, have taken issue with several of her claims, including those related to child poverty and education.

During the interview, Lujan Grisham asserted that New Mexico had dramatically improved its child poverty ranking, moving from 50th to 17th in the nation. The Rio Grande Foundation swiftly countered this claim, stating that the alleged improvement is based on a shift in data measurement rather than real progress. “New Mexico’s ‘improvement’ in child poverty is driven by the use of a different data set—the Census Bureau’s supplemental poverty measure,” the foundation explained in a recent analysis. They noted that while the supplemental measure accounts for factors like tax credits and housing costs, it has been criticized for its complexity and inconsistencies.

The think tank added, “We don’t take a position on whether the traditional or supplemental measure is better, but MLG is being her usual disingenuous self in claiming this massive improvement, especially when all other reports show New Mexico to be not doing a good job with child outcomes.”

Critics also took aim at MSNBC’s portrayal of Lujan Grisham as an education policy expert. Despite the governor’s firm opposition to the Trump administration’s proposal to eliminate the Department of Education, the Rio Grande Foundation questioned her credibility on the topic. “It is both hilarious and a sign of the media’s extreme bias that they would include New Mexico’s Gov. as an ‘expert’ on education policy,” the group remarked. They pointed to New Mexico’s persistent struggles with education outcomes, which remain among the worst in the nation.

The think tank also expressed openness to the idea of eliminating the Department of Education, arguing that its presence has done little to improve outcomes in New Mexico or across the country. They concluded, “It is laughable to value MLG’s opinions on an issue where she has failed so miserably.”

Lujan Grisham has yet to respond directly to these criticisms, but the debate underscores the ongoing scrutiny of New Mexico’s progress—or lack thereof—on key social and economic issues under the current governor’s regime.

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See where New Mexico ranks for small business success

A recent Bankrate study ranked New Mexico 45th among the least friendly states for small businesses. The study analyzed various factors, such as access to capital, labor availability, infrastructure, and policy environments, to determine how conducive each state is for small business growth. Unfortunately, New Mexico’s poor performance across multiple metrics highlights significant barriers for entrepreneurs in the state.

Access to Capital

New Mexico ranks 30th in access to capital, indicating that small business owners face challenges securing funding. While states like Washington and Utah excel in providing robust financial resources through programs like SBA 7(a) loans, New Mexico lacks comparable opportunities. This gap disadvantages local entrepreneurs, limiting their ability to start or expand businesses.

Small Business Activity

Ranked 24th for small business activity, New Mexico performs moderately regarding business openings and closures but lags far behind leaders like Washington and Nevada. The state’s limited industrial base hampered its overall economic dynamism, which prevented it from climbing higher in this category.

Labor Availability and Quality

One of the most significant challenges for New Mexico is its labor force. The state ranks a low 46th for the availability and quality of labor. This reflects a shortage of workers and a less educated workforce compared to top states. For example, Washington benefits from a highly skilled labor pool, ranking 3rd in this category, whereas New Mexico struggles to meet the demands of small businesses hiring qualified employees.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure is another weak point, with New Mexico ranking 39th. Poor road and bridge conditions, coupled with inconsistent internet and utility services, make it harder for businesses to operate efficiently. This ranking contrasts sharply with top states like Nevada, which boasts the best infrastructure for small businesses.

Business Costs and Policy Environment

While New Mexico ranks 18th in business costs, indicating relatively affordable labor and operational expenses, it scores a middling 25th in policy and regulation. Tax policies and regulatory frameworks are not as burdensome as in some states, but they lack the pro-business incentives that help states like Wyoming and Florida excel.

What It Means for Entrepreneurs

New Mexico’s low ranking underscores the uphill battle small business owners face. While the state offers some affordability in operational costs, its lack of capital access, weak labor market, and poor infrastructure present significant challenges. If New Mexico hopes to improve its small business environment, targeted investments in workforce development, infrastructure, and financial resources will be critical.

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All the NM ‘sanctuaries’ to be defunded if defiant to Trump admin. deportations

As the incoming Trump administration prepares to implement mass deportation efforts, leftist sanctuary cities and counties in New Mexico for criminal aliens face financial repercussions for their non-compliance, according to incoming border czar Tom Homan. 

These jurisdictions have adopted policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, aiming to protect undocumented immigrants within their communities. However, this stance may lead to significant losses in federal funding. Below is an overview of New Mexico’s sanctuary cities and the potential financial impact they may encounter [CLICK “NEXT PAGE” BUTTON TO SEE THEM]

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SOS Toulouse Oliver’s fake ‘harassment’ hoax crumbles after GOP rep. fights back

In a stunning reversal, New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver has admitted she will not pursue criminal charges for alleged online harassment she previously attributed to state Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo), Piñon Post’s editor. This comes after weeks of public accusations linking Block to threats against her, which Toulouse Oliver claimed were spurred by his criticism of her opposition to voter ID laws.

In an email to media, Toulouse Oliver’s spokesperson Alex Curtas stated, “We have not filed a report on this matter and are unlikely to as the most incendiary of the online messages were deleted before we could compile them for review and potential referral.” The sudden change in course has left critics questioning the credibility of her claims.

Rep. Block responded to the development with strong words: “Wow, after slandering my name for weeks, now SOS Maggie admits it’s all a hoax and supposed fake ‘harassment’ comments she used to attack me and others were conveniently ‘deleted.’ No, it’s because she was put in a corner after I threatened legal action. Shame on her!” he posted on social media.

The controversy began after X users and Block publicly challenged Toulouse Oliver on her resistance to implementing voter ID laws in New Mexico. The secretary laughed at constituents and clapped back at them via social media for asking basic questions.

During a legislative committee meeting, Toulouse Oliver alleged that Block had “egged on” a toxic online environment, indirectly contributing to threats against her. She singled out Block and his platform, the Piñon Post, labeling them as purveyors of “false and misleading information.”

“If she thinks that asking questions about why she doesn’t support voter ID is a threat, then she’s got the thinnest skin I’ve ever seen in my life,” Block previously told local media.

Tensions escalated when Toulouse Oliver announced plans to file a police report under a 2023 law criminalizing threats against election officials. Yet, with no evidence forthcoming, her office backtracked, claiming key posts had been deleted before documentation.

This incident has amplified the ongoing debate over voter ID laws in New Mexico. Polls consistently show widespread support for voter ID, with Gallup reporting that 84% of Americans favor such measures. Block and his supporters argue that Toulouse Oliver’s opposition undermines election security, while she maintains that voter ID could lead to voter suppression.

“This isn’t about harassment; it’s about silencing dissent,” Block said. “She’s weaponizing baseless accusations to deflect from real questions about election integrity.”

As the dust settles, many New Mexicans are left questioning Toulouse Oliver’s false allegations and the broader implications for free speech and accountability in public office.

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NM eco-leftists freak out over Trump’s energy secretary, EPA picks

President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks are setting the stage for a dramatic shift in energy policy, sparking concerns from environmental groups about the future of renewable energy initiatives in New Mexico. For a state heavily reliant on oil and gas production, this could signal a welcome return to policies that prioritize energy dominance and economic stability.

Chris Wright, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Energy, has made his position clear: “There is no climate crisis, and we’re not in the midst of an energy transition, either,” he said in a 2023 LinkedIn video. Wright, a vocal critic of climate alarmism, sees the global climate movement as “collapsing under its own weight” and advocates for expanding fossil fuel production. This vision aligns with Trump’s commitment to revitalizing the oil and gas sector, a cornerstone of New Mexico’s economy.

Wright has done extensive research on climate change and proven that the massive investments being proposed and enacted in law do little to nothing to change the planet’s climate, as set forth in the extensive Bettering Human Lives report, which all Americans are recommended to read here.

Lee Zeldin, Trump’s choice to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, has also pledged to support the administration’s push for energy dominance, reinforcing the importance of fossil fuels to national security and economic growth.

New Mexico’s eco-leftists, as always, are sounding alarms. Camilla Feibelman of the Sierra Club’s Rio Grande Chapter claims, “Unfortunately, I think pretty much every bedrock environmental rule and protection is on the chopping block, and it will be up to us to protect those rules.” 

She points to events like the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire as evidence of a worsening climate crisis, arguing that emissions from the state’s oil and gas industry exacerbate these issues.

Critics like Feibelman argue that so-called “clean energy” policies will prevail due to economic trends despite federal rollbacks. “People can continue this ideological mumbo jumbo about, ‘There’s no climate change,’ or, you know, ‘We should stick to fossil fuels,’ but the economics just don’t show that,” she said.

“Cut off the incentives for these clean energy measures and accelerate unregulated fossil fuel development like Trump promises and we’re pushed back decades as temperatures continue to rise,” Stefi Weisburd of the George Soros-funded dark money group 350 New Mexico wrote.

Others, like Mariel Nanasi of New Energy Economy, warn of corporate misbehavior under less stringent federal oversight, claiming states must step up. “We need New Mexico’s regulatory bodies to be more vigilant than ever before,” she said.

Despite these concerns, New Mexico’s role as a major energy producer remains critical for funding state services and ensuring national energy independence. Environmental fears cannot overshadow the state’s reliance on its oil and gas revenues.

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Democrat NM legislator quits due to undisclosed ‘health-related’ reason

Veteran State Rep. Eliseo Alcon (D-Milan) of District 6 has officially resigned from his seat. His son and political consultant, David Alcon, confirmed the news, stating, “On Saturday, Rep. Alcon submitted his retirement application to PERA and his notice of retirement to the Legislature.” 

Alcon formalized his decision in a letter to the New Mexico Secretary of State. The reason for his sudden departure is health-related, though the specific condition was not disclosed. Alcon will turn 75 in January, according to reports. 

Official New Mexico House portrait of Alcon.

First elected in 2008, Alcon represented a two-county district comprising Cibola and McKinley in western New Mexico. He was re-elected to a ninth term in November, securing 59% of the vote.

Alcon’s career included work as an infirmary technician at the Kerr-McGee uranium mines and as a magistrate judge. He also served as a combat medic in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. 

As chairman of the New Mexico House Labor, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee, Alcon championed veterans’ issues at the Roundhouse. 

Following the news, state Sen. Pete Campos (D-Las Vegas) wrote on X, “Thank you Eliseo Alcon-a true statesman-for your unselfish/devoted years of service to your family-country-state. You’ve earned your retirement as a State Representative. NM is better because of your many contributions to improve our daily living. I wish you the best-Siempre!” 

The Governor will appoint a replacement for Alcon’s seat, with nominations coming from the county commissions of Cibola and McKinley counties. It is expected that the seat will remain in Democratic hands, and possibly in the hands of his son, David. 

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Lawless Gov. MLG furious Trump wants to uphold federal immigration laws

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has made headlines by vowing to defy President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed mass deportation plans, which she described as “unlawful.” Speaking on the matter, Lujan Grisham argued, “I don’t know how they undertake it… They’re not going to do it because we have no federal authority here,” asserting that such actions would exceed federal limits federal authority. 

https://twitter.com/saras76/status/1859621754282348751

Her claim conveniently ignores the clear legality of enforcing immigration laws and deporting individuals who are in the country illegally.

This stance is not surprising given the governor’s track record of selective adherence to laws and standards. Lujan Grisham’s disregard for established rules is nothing new. In 2023, she issued a temporary order banning the carrying of firearms in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, citing a spike in gun violence. 

The order was widely condemned as unconstitutional by a Joe Biden-appointed judge, with her own Attorney General Raúl Torrez refusing to defend it, stating it violated the Second Amendment Second Amendment. Critics labeled the move a blatant abuse of power, and courts swiftly blocked the order.

Her defiance of federal immigration law also comes against the backdrop of troubling scandals. In 2021, Lujan Grisham paid a former staffer $150,000 to settle allegations of sexual harassment. The staffer accused the governor of unwanted physical advances, an incident that undermines her frequent public claims to champion accountability and integrity around sexual harassment.

Additionally, her administration has been criticized for mismanagement of federal COVID-19 relief funds. Reports revealed that her office also used taxpayer dollars to purchase luxury items, including expensive groceries and alcohol, during the pandemic—a decision viewed by many as tone-deaf while businesses and residents struggled to stay afloat COVID-19 relief funds, while bread lines formed around the blocks of grocery stores due to her strict pandemic orders.

While Lujan Grisham claims Trump’s deportation plans are unlawful, federal immigration laws explicitly authorize the deportation of individuals residing in the country illegally. Her rhetoric conflates the logistics of implementing such plans with their legality, ignoring that deportations are firmly within the federal government’s jurisdiction. Furthermore, her assertion that states have no role in federal enforcement is a misrepresentation of cooperative efforts between states and federal agencies, such as ICE.

Critics argue that Lujan Grisham’s willingness to disregard the law when it suits her political agenda raises serious questions about what’s left of her credibility as she enters the lame-duck phase of her second and final term as governor. Her administration’s repeated controversies—from unconstitutional gun bans to ethical lapses and mismanagement of public funds—highlight a pattern of prioritizing political theater over the rule of law.

As Trump’s administration prepares to enforce immigration laws, Lujan Grisham’s defiance underscores a broader issue of state officials cherry-picking which laws they choose to follow. Her selective adherence to legal and ethical standards invites scrutiny, especially when it involves laws designed to protect the nation’s sovereignty and the rights of its legal citizens.

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