Cliff Sims Archives

Wiregrass native turned Trump world insider Cliff Sims walked opposite Vice President JD Vance on the tarmac Thursday night as Charlie Kirk’s flag-draped casket was lifted onto Air Force Two for the flight to Arizona.

Video from the transfer shows Vance accompanying military pallbearers before the plane later arrived in Phoenix to a solemn procession with Kirk’s wife, Erika, and Second Lady Usha Vance present.

Sims posted footage of the moment, saying, “One more walk with our friend, Charlie,” followed by Philippians 3:8.

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A post shared by Cliff Sims (@cliffsims)

Sims was a close friend and confidant of Kirk, as he is for Vice President Vance.

Kirk, 31, was tragically killed on Wednesday by an assassin who has since been arrested and identified as being driven by left-wing sympathies.

Vance posted a long, heartfelt message about his friendship with Kirk on Wednesday night, saying he, “genuinely believed in and loved Jesus Christ. He had a profound faith.”

https://x.com/JDVance/status/1965985360606888182

Sims is the founder of Yellowhammer News, a former White House advisor and top national security and intelligence official.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

This week following reports of Tommy Tuberville’s increasing interest in running for Governor of Alabama in 2026, a new political reality could take shape: His U.S. Senate seat could be an open race on the ballot in just over a year.

With Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth digging into his bid for the state’s top office, regardless of Tuberville’s potential candidacy – if Coach made a run for it – here’s who might try to take his spot in the U.S. Senate:

Steve Marshall

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall stands as one of the strongest contenders in a potential Senate race. Although he ruled out running for Governor in ‘26 — he’s reportedly game on for Senate. With one of the highest name recognitions in the state and a vast network of donors nationwide, Marshall is primed to lead this field early. He is a proven force on a statewide ballot and has the federal electability to be interested. After eight years of service as Alabama AG and Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth appearing locked in to the Governor’s race, Marshall’s most promising avenue for political advancement would be running for U.S. Senate. If that door is indeed open in 2026, expect Marshall to consider it strongly.

Twinkle Cavanaugh

As one of the most recognizable names among potential candidates, Cavanaugh has an advantage that others do not: She can run for U.S. Senate while still serving in her current role. She’s conservative and well-liked among local GOP groups across the state. She maintains deep connections with party leaders and donors alike and could pick up early support from national conservative groups. If the seat becomes open, she very well might run — especially since she can definitely keep running the PSC.

Dale Strong

As it turns out, no discussion around an open senate seat should take place without including second-term North Alabama Congressman Dale Strong. Word out of Washington is that he is well-liked by his colleagues and well-respected by House leadership. A recent addition to the almighty U.S. House Appropriations Committee, Strong has moved up in Congress at breakneck pace. But he’s popular back home too. First elected to the Madison County Commission in 1996, he was at that time the youngest Republican elected official in the State of Alabama. He’s won every race he’s been in by big margins. Which begs the question: Would polling show favor on a statewide Strong for Senate candidacy? A known commodity in Trump world, Strong would definitely try to duke it out for the President’s endorsement.

Cliff Sims

Sims, at an inflection point in his unforgettable careers both in Alabama and Washington D.C., is speculated to be interested in an open U.S. Senate race in 2026 if the timing is right. Sims is well-connected within and throughout the Trump network, which could prove crucial in a high-profile race like this. His ability to fundraise might determine whether his candidacy gains traction. But most recently, Sims founded a consulting firm with fellow former Trump administration officials as well as former U.S. Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy. Sims, a Wiregrass native, still calls Alabama home after travels across the country with the 2024 Trump campaign, and across the world as a senior intelligence community official during the first Trump administration. If the seat becomes open, he might make a play for it.

Caroleene Dobson

With solid name recognition in Montgomery, Mobile and the surrounding area Dobson has quickly gained prominence in Alabama politics. She recently triumphed over two well-established state lawmakers in the GOP Primary for the newly-redrawn 2nd Congressional District, and cemented her status as a rising star. Her performance in this district outpaced Trump’s numbers, earning her a ranking in the top 10 for over-performance in contested Congressional races by Cooks Political Report. Needless to say, when it comes to state politics, Dobson isn’t going away anytime soon. Could that include a bid for an open U.S. Senate seat? Reports indicate she’s weighing all her options in 2026.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

7. Cliff Sims, a key player in Trump’s transition team, is helping manage personnel for the upcoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance, as reported by Punchbowl News. An Alabama native and founder of Yellowhammer News, Sims has close ties to Donald Trump Jr. and was actively involved in the 2024 campaign. With John Ratcliffe likely to head the CIA, Sims, who previously worked under Ratcliffe, may take on a leadership role at the agency following his recent book release on his experiences in the Trump administration and intelligence community.

6. Workers at Amazon’s Bessemer fulfillment center will vote again on unionization after an administrative law judge found that Amazon committed multiple labor violations during the 2022 vote. Judge Michael Silverstein cited Amazon’s confiscation of union materials from breakrooms as one of six unfair labor practices, warranting a third election. Amazon spokesperson Mary Kate Paradis said the company plans to appeal, while RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum criticized the ruling for lacking stronger remedies to ensure a fair election.

5.President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed mass deportation plan, which would involve local law enforcement and National Guard troops, is facing opposition from Democratic governors. States like Massachusetts have vowed not to cooperate, and legal battles are expected if National Guard troops from Republican states attempt to assist in Democratic-led areas. The Trump administration may also pressure sanctuary states by withholding federal funding from law enforcement that refuses to aid in deportations, though legal challenges could complicate enforcement.

4. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) has been a prominent force in securing a Republican majority in the Senate, actively campaigning for GOP candidates, including Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and raising significant funds to support the party’s efforts. Britt emphasized that Americans are eager for “common sense policies” focused on secure borders, stable prices, and a strong defense. As a key Trump ally, Britt also championed his agenda at the Republican National Convention and participated in strategic fundraising efforts to boost Republican campaigns for both Senate and House seats.

3. As President-elect Donald Trump begins the transition process, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) has not ruled out a role in the administration, though he emphasizes his commitment to being a “sledgehammer” for Trump in a GOP-controlled Senate. Tuberville, who could be eligible for committee chairmanships, aims to impact issues like border security, military strength, agriculture, and veterans’ affairs. While open to opportunities where he could be more impactful, Tuberville has voiced the importance of returning Space Command to Huntsville and is speculated as a potential 2026 gubernatorial candidate in Alabama.

2. Due to long lines on Election Day, some Alabama Republicans are considering implementing early voting options to improve accessibility and reduce wait times. State Rep. Steve Clouse (R-Ozark) told media outlets Wednesday that early voting needs to be explored. Alabama is one of a few states without early voting, and the idea has gained attention from party members looking to modernize election processes and potentially increase voter turnout. Discussions about early voting align with national trends, as more states have adopted various forms of advance voting to ease election-day congestion.

1. In his first address since his Vice President Kamala Harris’ election loss to President-elect Donald Trump, a happy and exuberant President Joe Biden urged Americans to accept the result peacefully and look toward the future, emphasizing resilience: “A defeat does not mean we are defeated.” Speaking from the Rose Garden, Biden praised Harris’ character and dedication, calling her campaign inspiring and urging the nation to lower the political temperature after a divisive campaign season. Biden also underscored his faith in the integrity of America’s electoral system and encouraged his staff to “make every day count” in the remaining months of his presidency but he was so positive that some liberals are questioning when he went full MAGA and questioning Jill Biden’s vote.

Listen here:

Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN and from 10-11 a.m. on Talk 99.5 and News Radio 1440, with a rebroadcast Talk Radio 103.9 FM/730AM WUMP from 3-4 p.m.

First reported by Punchbowl News, Cliff Sims, “is playing an integral role in the Trump transition effort,” for the forthcoming administration of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. According to sources close to the transition team, Sims is helping lead the personnel component of the transition.

Sims, an Alabama native from the Wiregrass, founder of Yellowhammer News, and former senior aid to both President Trump and Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe, was very active in 2024 the campaign and remains close to the president-elect’s son, Donald Trump, Jr.

Earlier this year, Sims released a book detailing his experiences in the Trump administration and intelligence community, which he could potentially return to following a leadership role in the transition. Punchbowl News reports, “With John Ratcliffe poised to be CIA director, Sims may find himself in Langley; he worked for Ratcliffe when the Texas Republican was director of the Office of National Intelligence.”

Sims served as Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Strategy and Communications under Director Ratcliffe during the last administration, but more recently, was appointed by Speaker Mike Johnson as a Commissioner to the U.S.–China Economic and Security Review Commission.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270

7. Because the Kamala Harris campaign for president has been openly lying about The Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” they sent 21 misleading tweets in the last week-plus, even though President Trump said, “I don’t know anything about it. I don’t want to know anything about it” 10 days ago. The media and their Democrats are oddly fixated on the policy paper and lying via misleading headlines that the plan will cut Social Security, ban abortions nationwide without exception, ban contraceptives, give tax cuts to the 1%, raise the retirement age, and raise drug prices, ban books, punish single mothers, and other lies meant to scare uninformed voters.

6. A vast majority of voters cannot name real accomplishments by Vice President Kamala Harris according to pollster Frank Luntz, who asked voters the question as the Kamala rebrand as a normal person is underway by the American media. Luntz answered the question saying, “3 and a half years, can you name just 1? 70% cannot name anything.”

5. Another library, this time in Clay, gets its legs cut off because some people in and outside of the state of Alabama are pushing degeneracy on children. This led to some foolish decision making by City Manager Ronnie Dixon who suggested the purchase of a Christian book means all sorts of religious books must be purchased or “watchers” will get mad. So, the Clay City Council voted to withdraw its local library from the Alabama Public Library Service after the dispute over the alleged new book-purchasing policy brought about by the purchase of an innocuous book about 15 Bible heroes, fear of watchdog groups like Read Freely Alabama targeting the library, and the response to the national attention brought about by the hyper-LGBTQ focus of some libraries.

4. Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen is calling out the League of Women Voters and warns against using the their Vote411 website for voter registration, claiming it is misleading and malicious. Allen advises citizens to use the official AlabamaVotes.gov site directly to ensure privacy. He claims the site collects personal data such as IP addresses and contact information before redirecting users to the official Alabama Secretary of State’s website.

3. Yellowhammer News founder and former Director of Message Strategy for the Trump White House, Cliff Sims, is highlighting how vulnerable Vice President Kamala Harris is on crime and how “she is consistently on the side of criminals, not on the side of law and order.” He also praised former President Donald Trump’s running mate, U.S. Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) and highlights his appeal to voters in key states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, emphasizing his relatability and effectiveness as a communicator.

2. The national GOP is targeting the Second Congressional District by labeling Republican candidate Caroleene Dobson a “Young Gun.” Marking the district as a key race for the GOP, this shows both parties are heavily investing in the race, highlighting its significance in the fight for control of the House in the upcoming November election. The NRCC is providing support and mentorship to Dobson, who is running against Democratic candidate Shomari Figures.

1. Google and Facebook are engaging in election interference and the evidence is pretty clear. Google’s autocomplete refuses to deliver results for the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump and a search for the candidate brings up news positive for Vice President Kamala Harris and Google says they did nothing. Meanwhile, Facebook says they mistakenly censored a photo of former President Donald Trump with a raised fist following his assassination attempt. Meta spokesperson Dani Lever confirmed the error, explaining it was confused with a doctored image showing smiling Secret Service agents.

Listen here:

Alabama native and former Director of Message Strategy for the Trump White House, Cliff Sims, joined Trey Gowdy’s show on FOX News over the weekend to highlight JD Vance’s strength and potential as a running mate for Trump — especially in contrast to the most “radical” party nominee in the history of American politics: Kamala Harris.

“JD Vance is the ideal person to go into the states that are going to decide this election,” said Sims. “Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, these rust belt states who don’t see him as a politician, who don’t see him as someone just reciting talking points, they see one of their own on stage prosecuting the case on those issues.”

Sims told Gowdy that Vance was the “perfect choice” for Trump’s VP because he’s a “fighter.”

https://x.com/Cliff_Sims/status/1817735504718098437

“He’s somebody who can go out on TV, can get out on the stump in these states, around the country, and prosecute this case. And for the past two years, I don’t think there has been a better surrogate for Donald Trump and his message than JD Vance.”

Sims believes that ultimately the VP candidate selected by the Democrats will be irrelevant.

“I think no matter who is at the top of the ticket, the Democrats have a problem because of what they’ve done to this country,” he said.

“And no matter who is on the top of the ticket, you could not create in a lab a better vice presidential candidate than JD Vance for Donald Trump specifically.”

He then touched on Kamala Harris’ established radical record showing that she supports offenders, not law enforcement.

“We saw this in the protests, the Black Lives Matter movement, consistently, from that to the border to everything. She is consistently on the side of criminals, not on the side of law and order,” Sims said. “If you’re talking to suburban moms around this country, if you’re talking to people in inner cities around this country, they want law and order. They want safe streets, safe communities, and safe schools. Donald Trump is going to deliver that.”

“Consistently, Kamala Harris has not done that throughout her career.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

Cliff Sims, Yellowhammer News founder and advisor to former President Donald Trump, joined conservative personality and former U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy in a Fox News podcast Tuesday.

Sims and Gowdy’s main topic of discussion hinged on the intersection of faith and politics.

Gowdy asked Sims, who comes from a long line of preachers, how he got into the political arena to begin with.

“I’m in Enterprise, Alabama, and my Sunday school teacher is a man named Barry Moore,” Sims said. “Barry, at the time, would call himself a garbage man. All he had done was run a small businesses and you know a waste management company. Now, of course, we know Barry by his title, congressman.”

“But then he had nothing to do with politics and it was really a time in my life where I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. Barry decided in 2010, that he was going to run for the state legislature and he and I had started some businesses together and just kind of got to know each other.

“He (Moore) said, I know you don’t know anything about politics, and I’ve never run for office so I don’t know much about this. But I’m betting that if we do it, we can kind of figure it out together. And so I helped manage his campaign in 2010.

“Six years later, I had an office in the West Wing.”

As a man of faith, since entering politics, Sims said he has been led by scripture. From that vantage point he published a book, “The Darkness Has Not Overcome: Lessons on Faith and Politics from Inside the Halls of Power.”

“This is, by all accounts, a pretty difficult, brutal, very pessimistic time in American politics, and really, in American culture in general,” Sims said. “But the title comes from the Gospel of John 1:5 which says, ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’

“And so that’s a promise that I think that we can lean on in a time like this.”

Sims told Gowdy that American society today places too much emphasis on politics rather than spirituality.

“I think it’s also worth remembering that when we think about this being such a dark, brutal time in American life, it’s often because we have placed politics too high in the hierarchy of things that we should care about,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong, I’ve devoted a lot of my adult life as you reference to getting Republicans elected, advancing conservative causes, fighting for a vision of government that I think is most in keeping with God’s vision for justice and righteousness in in the public sphere.

“But politics has risen way too high in our hierarchy of things we care about.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.

Donald Trump Jr. posted a message of support for the legal gambling proposal awaiting a final vote in the Alabama Senate.

On Tuesday, after a conference committee advanced the two-bill plan and the Alabama House voted to concur, the Senate fell one vote short in passing the constitutional amendment measure, which requires a three-fifths threshold of support. It was carried over and can be brought back up in the final days of the 2024 legislative session.

Ahead of his visit to Alabama next week, Don Jr. said the current hang-up, “Makes no sense to me!”

“I’m excited to be in Alabama next week for a fundraiser for my dad, but whenever I ask anyone from there what’s going on in the state this is all they talk about,” Trump posted.

“Why’s their senate refusing to let the people vote on a clean bill to legalize the lottery & fund education when 45 states already do it? Wouldn’t they rather keep the billions of $$$ in Alabama instead of sending it to other states?”

I’m excited to be in Alabama next week for a fundraiser for my dad, but whenever I ask anyone from there what's going on in the state this is all they talk about. Why's their senate refusing to let the people vote on a clean bill to legalize the lottery & fund education when 45… https://t.co/g6rWOvAWJC

— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 2, 2024

On Tuesday night, the Alabama Senate voted 20-15 in favor of legislation that proposes to change the Alabama Constitution to accommodate a legal framework for gambling that has been negotiated by lawmakers throughout the 2024 session.

State Sen. Greg Albritton, who voted in favor of the House-Senate compromise as a member of the conference committee, voted no on the bill Tuesday night, citing concerns from his constituents, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

Senate roll call on motion to concur with conference report

Nays: Albritton, Allen, Bell, Butler, Carnley, Elliott, Givhan, Kelley, Kitchens, Orr, Roberts, Shelnutt, Stutts, Weaver, Willams.

Yeas: Barfoot, Beasley, Chambliss, Chesteen, Coleman, Coleman-Madison, Figures, Gudger,…

— Grayson Everett (@Grayson270) May 1, 2024

“I had to come to a decision on this because the rewriting of (the bill) put my constituents in a very difficult circumstance,” Albritton (R-Atmore) told Alabama Daily News on Wednesday. “We put ourselves in a state position so the state had absolutely nothing to offer PCI for a compact,” he said.

The Alabama House quickly concurred with the conference committee report on Tuesday afternoon.

“The legislation passed in the House today cracks down on illegal gambling by implementing strong, clear and enforceable laws. It ensures all lottery proceeds, which are projected to exceed $300 million annually, benefit education and education only,” Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) said.

“Most importantly, it allows the people of Alabama to vote on this issue for the first time in 25 years.”

In February, another close Trump advisor, Kellyanne Conway, met with Alabama lawmakers to share polling information about the budgetary benefits and political viability of legalizing and controlling gambling in Alabama.

Thursday is Day 27 of the 2024 legislative session.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Donald Trump, Jr. will be in Birmingham on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at a reception and fundraiser for his father, Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for President in November. The event is an official campaign fundraiser and space is limited.

Tickets to the reception start at $1,000 per couple. Other giving/raising amounts also guarantee a photo opportunity with Don Jr., roundtable seating, and recognition on the host committee.

According to the formal invitation, Cliff Sims and Bart Yancey are hosting the event, and contributions will benefit the Trump 47 Committee, a joint fundraising effort between Trump for President, Save America, and the Republican National Committee (RNC).

Those interested in donating or attending are encouraged to RSVP and secure their tickets by May 7, 2024 to T47Events@GOP.com

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

On May 7, 2024, former top Trump White House and intelligence community official Cliff Sims will release The Darkness Has Not Overcome: Lessons on Faith & Politics from Inside the Halls of Power.

The book will take readers inside some of the most secretive places in America – including Top Secret “doomsday” bunkers, the president’s “Nuclear Football,” and the halls of the CIA and Office of Director of National Intelligence, and discusses the importance of maintaining faith in the face of the Left’s assault on Christianity and traditional values.

The book’s title is pulled from the Gospel of John, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

It targets an audience where there is significant overlap between political conservatives – especially those in Donald Trump’s base – and evangelical Christians, who will once again play a leading role in determining the outcome of this year’s presidential election.

Although Trump is not the central focus of the book, Sims is expected to strongly defend his position as a Christian Trump supporter and to make the case for his former boss’s re-election in interviews throughout the campaign trail and book tour.

High-profile endorsements for the book are already flying in from figures including Donald Trump, Jr., Tucker Carlson, U.S. Senator J.D. Vance, former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe and Charlie Kirk, and others:

Former DNI John Ratcliffe: “I worked closely with Cliff Sims every day when I served as Director of National Intelligence. In this book, Cliff gives readers a rare look into a world that most people only see in movies about the White House, or in spy novels – and he does it while providing practical faith lessons that apply to all of our lives.”

Donald Trump, Jr. “American Christians are under attack every day by leftwing activists, mainstream media outlets, and liberal politicians who want to take away our most basic freedoms. My friend Cliff Sims has been through the fire and lived to tell about it. The Darkness Has Not Overcome is an inspiring read that you’ll come back to again and again when you’re going through your own challenges.”

U.S. Senator J.D. Vance: “Politics is a cutthroat but ultimately temporal game, and Cliff Sims has played it at the highest level. The Darkness Has Not Overcome is full of indispensable lessons on how to view politics through an eternal lens while also being good stewards of the political freedoms we enjoy.”

Tucker Carlson: “How does a Christian live with decency in a political world? First, by never forgetting that our fight is not against flesh and blood. We’re actors in a larger drama that we can rarely see, but often, if we’re quiet enough, can feel very clearly. Cliff Sims understands this, and he’s written about it beautifully in this wonderful book.”

Charlie Kirk: “American Christians are in an existential fight for liberty and Biblical truth against radical leftwing forces hellbent on undermining both. Cliff Sims has been an indispensable leader in this fight, which is why The Darkness Has Not Overcome is a must-read for anyone who wants to preserve the Judeo-Christian values that made America the most special country on Earth.”

Worthy Books, an imprint of Hachette, is the publisher. Sims was represented by his longtime agent, Matt Latimer of Javelin. The Darkness Has Not Overcome is available for preorder on Amazon now ahead of its May 2024 official release.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

From the Wiregrass to the White House, Cliff Sims has paved an impressive way to his current vantage over U.S. national security issues — in particular, China.

On Monday, it was announced U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson appointed Sims as a Commissioner to the United States–China Economic and Security Review Commission, a group that advises Congress on the national security and economic implications between the United States and China.

“Sims is viewed as one of Trumpworld’s most vocal and aggressive China hawks — signaling the speaker plans to pursue a hawkish China policy,” Axios reports.

As Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Strategy and Communications under Director John Ratcliffe and President Trump, Sims was part of a generational shift of focus for the Intelligence Community to the threat increasingly posed by China.

During that time, media and message was critical to secure a whole-of-government approach to sharpening the edge toward China. Sims supported Ratcliffe’s mission to that end — which saw an increase in China-focused intel spending of 20 percent — as well as the syndication of a rare op-ed by the sitting DNI, published in the Wall Street Journal, making the case that “The intelligence is clear: Beijing intends to dominate the U.S. and the rest of the planet economically, militarily and technologically.”

“Cliff played an integral role in our efforts to shift the Intelligence Community’s focus toward an adversarial China,” Former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe says.

“I commend Speaker Johnson for this appointment and for sending a clear message that President Trump’s approach to confronting China is the surest way to secure America’s future security and prosperity.”

Sims’ appointment to the commission is being recognized as a politically-savvy move for Speaker Mike Johnson to appoint a close Trump ally — whose appointment was championed behind the scenes by both top Trump national security officials and influential conservatives with whom Johnson is working to build bridges.

Officials advocating for Mr. Sims’s appointment included former DNI John Ratcliffe, Trump’s former national security advisor Robert O’Brien, U.S. Reps. Mike Rogers (R-Saks), Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee, Jason Smith (R-MO) and Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael McCaul (R-Texas).

A native of Enterprise, and graduate of the University of Alabama, Cliff Sims has also had a successful life in the business world, starting a slate of companies, including Alabama-based Telegraph Creative and Yellowhammer News. Sims remains closely involved with Donald Trump’s inevitable bid for the 2024 Republican Presidential nomination.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Alabama Congressman Gary Palmer was identified as an influential figure in former President Donald Trump’s policy circle in a deep-dive report from The Wall Street Journal this morning.

According to their coverage, Rep. Palmer (R-Hoover) is playing a key role in a policy area expected to be a top priority for Trump as he lays the groundwork for a potential second term in office: Energy.

“Trump’s campaign has also developed a relationship with Rep. Gary Palmer (R., Ala.), chairman of the Republican Policy Committee, and has been discussing energy matters,” the WSJ reports.

It detailed a sense of how characteristically Trump’s policy circle is coming together.

“Trump’s policy development, like much of what he has brought to government, is unorthodox—a mix of his gut instincts and working style. He eschews traditional meetings and flowcharts, aides say, and instead draws on his experience in business and direct conversations with an extended network of contacts of longtime friends, CEOs and people he has met in politics.”

The campaign shares common DNA with his administration, particularly among those who have remained confidants. Ben Carson, Stephen Miller and John Ratcliffe are also named in the WSJ article along with Palmer.

Cliff Sims, who served as former Director of National Intelligence Ratclifee’s deputy director and special assistant to President Trump himself, said it’s no surprise Trump has gravitated toward Rep. Palmer’s expertise.

“Plenty of members of Congress come to the White House for photo opps but Gary would quietly come in without fanfare to talk policy and try to get as many conservative wins as possible. He never cared who got the credit,” Sims said.

“That’s why he’s become such a trusted ally of the president and the whole Trump team. Everyone respects his views and expertise on the issues; he’s earned an important seat at the table.”

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Last week, Alabama-based marketing and advertising agency Telegraph Creative announced that its CEO and majority owner, Cliff Sims, had sold his stake in the company to a group of Telegraph executives, led by new CEO Brian “BJ” Ellis. Sims will maintain an active role with the firm as its chairman.

For Telegraph, the sale was a milestone moment after rapid growth and expansion that started when Sims took control of the company in 2019.

For Sims, it was also a milestone moment after a whirlwind decade that included the founding and sale of Yellowhammer News, top jobs in the White House and the office that oversees the U.S. intelligence community, a New York Times bestselling memoir, and the explosive growth of Telegraph, whose revenue quadrupled in his four years at its helm.

This week, Yellowhammer News caught up with Sims for a Q&A on the latest news and what he plans to do next.

Yellowhammer: Why was now the time to make that move?

Sims: We’ve been planning this for over a year now, but it’s a mix of business and personal reasons. Business-wise, we had been approached with several different opportunities, ranging from private equity investments and mergers, to acquisitions and new partners. Ultimately, we chose to maintain continuity within the leadership team and to give them the opportunity to control the company’s destiny. Simultaneously, my strategic advisory business, which had always been complimentary to Telegraph, was exploding to a point that it made sense for BJ, who’s been my right-hand during my tenure as CEO of both Yellowhammer and Telegraph, to take over the CEO role and allow me to focus more on my consulting work.

My wife and I also adopted a little boy from Colombia and this move has freed me up to spend as much time as possible with him during these early years that we can’t ever get back. So it’s a win for everyone.

When we took over Telegraph, it was deeply in debt and frankly on the verge of bankruptcy. I put my own money into it to keep the company afloat and ensure we could save everyone’s job. Then we fought and clawed our way out, shifted the company’s business strategy, acted decisively and actually grew during the pandemic while everyone else was cutting back, got completely debt free, and basically quadrupled the company in the process. The leadership team that went through all of that with me is still in place, so I have a lot of confidence in their ability to continue growing.

Yellowhammer: What kind of work and clients does your strategic advisory firm focus on?

Sims: The way I usually describe it is, I try to leverage my experience from the Oval Office to the corner office, and from the Situation Room to the board room. I’ve seen crises and been involved in decision-making that had both PR stakes and national security stakes. So most of what I do now is at the intersection of risk and brand management, crisis communications, and national security. And the clients range from major corporations, to top government leaders, to prominent media figures.

Yellowhammer: Is President Trump one of those clients?

Sims: President Trump isn’t a client, but he’s definitely a friend and I’m supporting his re-election. I helped him and his team pull together his slate of endorsements in Alabama, which we were very happy included our entire Republican House delegation. We text fairly often and I’m in daily contact with his team, most of whom I know well going back to the 2016 campaign. And I’m still close with the family, especially Don Jr., who I talk to pretty much every day.

Yellowhammer: How would you assess the state of the 2024 presidential race, both the primary and looking ahead to the general?

Sims: Trump is so strong it’s really hard to envision anyone else being the Republican nominee. Part of that is based on the issues he champions which, in spite of his success, are still under-represented within the party – especially when it comes to trade and foreign policy. Part of it is also his unique personality and willingness to take on the media, the Democrats, establishment Republicans, the federal bureaucracy – anyone and everyone. And part of it is blowback to the Biden Administration’s unprecedented weaponization of the justice system against a political opponent.

No sane person wants the stakes of our elections to be “win or go to jail.” It’s so destructive for the country.

I’d give Trump the edge in a general election against Biden, with the primary variables being how things are going in the economy next fall, what’s going on with the war in Ukraine, and how these legal cases play themselves out from a timing perspective. There’s just so much we don’t know right now. Are they seriously going to try to interfere in the electoral process with trials and things like that?

Are the Democrats going to come up with a way to nudge Biden aside but not be stuck with Kamala Harris as the backup plan? Do the investigations into the Bidens’ shady international business dealings end up ensnaring the president and not just his family members? There are going to be a lot of plot twists and turns before next November.

Yellowhammer: In your job as Deputy Director of National Intelligence, you had what’s often called “above Top Secret” clearance, so you’ve presumably seen a lot of things that people would be very curious about. In recent months, there seems to have been an increased focus on UFOs, including the government releasing various reports, congressional testimony from members of the military and intelligence agencies, and speculation in the media. What can you tell us about UFOs, the prospect of alien life, and why this topic has re-emerged as a point of such fascination?

Sims: Well, there’s not a lot I can say about it all, but John Ratcliffe, who was director of National Intelligence and my direct boss, has noted that there are definitely some things out there that will make you raise your eyebrows.

Sightings by Navy and Air Force pilots, objects picked up by satellite imagery or other types of sensors, movements that are hard to replicate or explain given our current technological capabilities, or things that seem to defy the laws of physics, like exceeding the sound barrier without making a sonic boom.

Whatever the explanation, these things raise significant national security concerns that have to be addressed. That’s about all I can say about that.

Yellowhammer: What did he see or learn in your job helping to oversee the Intelligence Community that you’d most want people back home here in Alabama to know?

Sims: The main thing that comes to mind is that Chinese espionage is a massive threat to us here in numerous ways. There are biotech companies in Birmingham that are a target because China wants their intellectual property. There are aerospace companies in Huntsville that are a target because China wants their technology.

There are defense companies in the Wiregrass that are a target because China wants to understand our defense industrial base and military preparedness. Chinese companies that build giant crane systems for ports are becoming platforms for spying – and Alabama is home to a major port. The FBI has warned about Chinese nationals getting busted trying to get on to U.S. military bases, and of course Alabama is home to several. I could go on and on.

The head of counterintelligence while we were in office spent a disproportionate amount of his time trying to alert private sector companies to these threats. They aren’t just isolated to D.C., Silicon Valley, and places like that. Alabama companies need to take this stuff seriously, too.

Yellowhammer: There’s been a massive migration of people from states like California and New York to states like Texas and Florida. This has enormous political and economic implications. What does Alabama need to do to set itself up for success at a time of significant cultural change, political upheaval and economic uncertainty?

Sims: Everything rises and falls on leadership and there are definitely some people here who have a vision for the future and are helping move Alabama in the right direction.

State lawmakers deserve a lot of credit for their focus on developing Alabama’s innovation economy. We’re cranking out brilliant college graduates – many of them from here, and an increasing number who come here from all over the country.

Unfortunately a lot of them haven’t viewed Alabama as a place to put down roots, to build a company and start a family – but it really is. We’ve got to retain them and attract more. And we’ve got the assets to do it: a favorable business climate, low cost of living, and high quality of life, especially when it comes to outdoor recreation.

One thing I’ve always found interesting is how people’s view of Alabama changes so dramatically after visiting here.

You can go nearly anywhere on the planet and when someone finds out you’re from Alabama, they light up with either “Sweet Home” or “Roll Tide.”

I’ll never forget walking through the old city of Jerusalem and coming across a street vendor whose entire shop is dedicated to selling Alabama products.

They’re right down the street from the most historic sites on the planet and, even there, there’s still something magical about Alabama. We’ve got to preserve what’s great about this place and do a better job telling that story to the world.

Cliff Sims, former Trump administration official and founder of Yellowhammer News, has returned to his roots in the music business with the release of a new single, “U, Ur Mom & Me.”

Sims is a former White House communications aide and deputy director for National Intelligence, and he penned the New York Times bestseller “Team of Vipers,” which was based on his time serving the 45th president. Prior to entering the political arena, Sims was the lead singer for the international touring band Moses.

This recent creative endeavor came out of the blue but was inspired by events too personal to let go by without some sort of outlet.

“I’m sure releasing music will come as a surprise to a lot of people, but life is too short to just be or do one thing,” Sims said. “If our lives are a story then we should at least write an interesting one.”

The song is the story of his family’s journey to adopt their young son from an orphanage in Colombia.

“I wanted to start with this song because it’s the most personal of them all,” explained Sims. “One year ago today, my son became a part of our family. This is the story of that journey, and I believe it will resonate with a lot of people.”

As part of the release, Sims produced a video providing greater detail behind the story.

Watch:

Reaction to the news poured in from former Trump officials and notable national political figures:

#GreatStory #GreatFamily #GreatCountry ?? https://t.co/WMarDk09LE

— John Ratcliffe (@JohnRatcliffe) September 21, 2021

Watch! https://t.co/GHn2aAgoPK

— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) September 21, 2021

Former Trump WH and intel official is out with a song! https://t.co/WV0tjaFONp

— Jonathan Swan (@jonathanvswan) September 21, 2021

You barbarians on this website don’t deserve something this vulnerable and kind—but the rest of the world needs it.

Thanks for sharing, @Cliff_Sims. And congrats on creating a catchy song to boot! https://t.co/VPq3KlrfEj

— Michael C. Bender (@MichaelCBender) September 21, 2021

“U, Ur Mom & Me” is available on all major streaming platforms, and the official lyric video is available at CliffSims.com.

An avid outdoorsman and fierce defender of the Second Amendment, Donald Trump, Jr. is set to headline the Tennessee Valley Hunting & Fishing Expo in Huntsville next month.

Trump’s appearance at the event is expected to include his participation in two on-stage question and answer sessions, according to organizers of the event.

One session will be moderated by Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, while the second will be guided by Cliff Sims, former Trump administration official and current CEO of Telegraph Creative.

The discussion will cover a range of topics including Trump’s experiences hunting and fishing all over the world, his favorite gear and guns, and the importance of preserving the constitutional right to bear arms.
(more…)

From the Wiregrass to the White House, Cliff Sims has seen a lot over the past five years.

The Enterprise native served as a key adviser to then-candidate Donald Trump’s ultimately successful 2016 campaign before being appointed as director of White House message strategy and special assistant to the president when Trump took office in January 2017.

Sims served in the West Wing through May 2018, before publishing the best-selling “Team of Vipers: My 500 Extraordinary Days in the Trump White House.”

However, his journey in the Trump administration was far from complete at that point. Sims this past September was appointed as deputy director of National Intelligence for strategy and communications — making him one of the highest ranking officials in our nation’s intelligence community. (more…)

Telegraph Creative on Monday announced that NBA legend, entrepreneur and philanthropist Dominique Wilkins will be one of the keynote speakers at the Alabama Economic Growth Summit, which is set to take place October 24-25 at the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa.

The most celebrated player to ever put on an Atlanta Hawks uniform and represented in front of State Farm Arena by an 18,500-pound bronze statue, Wilkins is currently the Hawks’ vice president of basketball and special advisor to the CEO. He works in various management functions within the organization’s basketball and business areas. He is also the team’s analyst for the Hawks broadcasts on FOX Sports Southeast.

Additionally, Wilkins has embarked on an impressive entrepreneurial career. (more…)

Telegraph Creative on Tuesday announced that Arthur C. Brooks will be one of the keynote speakers at the Alabama Economic Growth Summit, which is set to take place October 24-25 at the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa.

Brooks is professor of the Practice of Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School and Arthur C. Patterson Faculty Fellow at the Harvard Business School. Before joining the Harvard faculty in July, he served for 10 years as president of the Washington, D.C.-based American Enterprise Institute (AEI), one of the world’s leading think tanks.

“The great irony of our times is that people in the wealthiest countries are increasingly turning against the very system that lifted us out of poverty,” Brooks said in a statement. “I look forward to speaking at this year’s Growth Summit on how leaders from the public and private sectors can work together to create a better Alabama for all, starting at the margins.” (more…)

Telegraph Creative on Tuesday announced it will be hosting the Alabama Economic Growth Summit October 24-25 at the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa, bringing back the event first held by Yellowhammer Multimedia three years ago.

Alabama Power is the title sponsor for the summit, which will bring together a diverse group of powerful and influential leaders in pursuit of four overall objectives: (more…)

The U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday subpoenaed Donald Trump, Jr. to answer questions about his previous testimony before Senate investigators relating to the Russia investigation, prompting two prominent Alabama Republicans to leap to Trump, Jr.’s defense.

“Enough is enough,” Congressman Bradley Byrne (AL-01) told Yellowhammer News. “Despite spending millions and countless hours on an investigation that found NOTHING, some want to keep this nonsense going. There are real issues in our country and this whole sideshow is a waste of time. Let’s move on!”

Supporters of the president have pointed out that “Don Jr.” was already cleared by FBI special counsel Robert Mueller after an intensive two year investigation, plus prior supplemental Congressional hearings. (more…)

Yellowhammer Multimedia is proud to announce that Brian “B.J.” Ellis has accepted an exciting new opportunity, departing the company to embark on this next step in his career journey.

Most recently, Ellis was serving as chief executive officer of Yellowhammer Multimedia, helping spearhead the company’s growth as one of the nation’s most successful state-focused media platforms. He originally joined the company, which includes Yellowhammer News, Yellowhammer Podcast Network and Yellowhammer Radio Network, in 2016 as its first head of business development before being elevated to the CEO role.

With the company’s revenue and audience size reaching record highs and continuing to rapidly grow, it is bittersweet to celebrate Ellis’ new job as partner and chief business development officer of Birmingham-based Telegraph Creative.

Yellowhammer owner and publisher Allison Ross explained that Ellis has provided immeasurable value to Yellowhammer’s audience and partners. Thanking him for his tremendous contributions, Ross emphasized the company Ellis helped build is also entering a new era in its own right. (more…)

Former Trump aide and Yellowhammer News founder Cliff Sims has announced his next move. Sims announced Monday that he would be joining Birmingham’s Telegraph Creative as partner and president of the firm.

Yellowhammer News first mentioned Sims’ imminent move in its Rumors and Rumblings feature last month.
(more…)

Early on in Yellowhammer’s history, founder Cliff Sims produced a feature called “Rumors and Rumblings” that became a staple of Yellowhammer News content.

Well, it’s back!

It’s back because we have listened to our readers. In the last few months, we have had more people say they wanted us to bring it back than any other piece of content we can remember.

So we will give the people what they want.
(more…)

Alabama native Cliff Sims said that the continuing leaks of President Donald Trump’s private schedule are “a direct shot” at the president, adding that the “insubordinate” “sociopaths” on the White House staff intentionally undermining Trump’s administration from the inside should resign.

In an interview Sunday on CNN’s “Reliable Sources” with Brian Stelter, Sims discussed why Trump’s staff is so “leaky” and explained that the nature of the leaks have evolved over time.

He also confirmed that the administration is conducting an internal probe into the leaks. Sims served Trump as the White House’s director of message strategy and a special assistant to the president until his resignation in May 2018.

“[I]’ve talked to some people in [the White House] about this, and I do think that it is real. There’s definitely a hunt going on for whoever this individual is. The IT department, as you referenced, is certainly involved,” Sims told the host. (more…)