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Trump taps former Sen. David Perdue as ambassador to China

Trump taps former Sen. David Perdue as ambassador to China

President-elect Trump has tapped former Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., to serve as U.S. Ambassador to China.  In his announcement, Trump said Perdue “brings valuable expertise to help build our relationship with China,” citing his decades-long career in business.  TRUMP’S PROPOSED TARIFFS ON MEXICO, CANADA, CHINA WILL INCREASE INFLATION, GOLDMAN SACHS WARNS “He will be instrumental in implementing my strategy to maintain Peace in the region, and a productive working relationship with China’s leaders,” Trump said on Truth Social.  The appointment comes amid threats by Trump to impose additional tariffs on Chinese goods unless Beijing does more to stop the trafficking of the highly addictive narcotic fentanyl.  BIDEN USCIS NOMINEE CALLED FOR PAUSING BORDER PATROL FUNDING Trump also appointed Brandon Judd, president of the National Border Patrol Council, as ambassador to Chile.  “Brandon helped me develop and implement the most effective Border Security policies in our Nation’s History,” Trump said. “I have also watched as Brandon tirelessly and honorably represented the Border Patrol Agents who elected him as their voice in all matters, especially in their efforts to secure our Great Country’s Borders, and keep all Americans safe.” “I am confident Brandon will represent the United States in the same manner as he represented all rank-and-file Border Patrol Agents as the President of the National Border Patrol Council. Brandon will do our Country proud!” Trump added. 

Newsom rails against Trump’s 25% tariff plan during southern border visit: ‘It’s a betrayal’

Newsom rails against Trump’s 25% tariff plan during southern border visit: ‘It’s a betrayal’

California Gov. Gavin Newsom railed against President-Elect Trump’s proposal to impose 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada during a visit to the southern border to announce plans to finish constructing the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry on Thursday afternoon. Newsom described the tariffs as “one of the biggest tax increases in U.S. history” that would affect Californians’ wallets and small businesses, especially farmers across the Golden State. “Don’t think for a second this won’t impact you,” Newsom said. “90% of these tariffs will impact bottom of our economic chain, meaning lower wage workers that pay over half of these taxes.” NEWSOM PROPOSES $25M FROM STATE LEGISLATURE TO ‘TRUMP-PROOF’ CALIFORNIA “There is no economic growth in America without the success and the vibrancy of this region,” he added. Calling the tariffs a “betrayal” that is “happening in real time,” Newsom said the new legal crossing would promote two-way trade between Mexico and the U.S.  “You are being betrayed by these policies,” Newsom said. “And those farmers and ranchers will be impacted disproportionately if these tariffs go into effect,” he said. “And I didn’t even bring up the mass deportation components of it. You know better than I do when you look at farm workers, the last estimate, roughly half are undocumented.” In talking about the Ota Mesa Easy Port of Entry, Newsom said he hopes to have it completed by December 2027, with the help of the incoming Trump administration.  CALIFORNIA’S UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS SYSTEM ‘BROKEN’ WITH $20B OWED TO FEDS IN LOAN DEBT: REPORT “We care about border security, but we also care about economic security, and we care about two way trade, and we care about our partners on the other side of this border that have well-established partnerships.” Newsom also announced a new plan with the California National Guard to strengthen border security by targeting the flow of fentanyl and illegal weapons. Nearly 200,000 illegal migrants cross the border into California daily through ports of entry, according to the San Diego-based Smart Border Coalition in the summer. The move is part of Newsom’s effort to reframe the conversation around illegal immigration flowing into the blue state as he positions himself for a potential showdown with the incoming Trump administration. This week, Newsom spearheaded an emergency special legislative session, urging lawmakers to approve $25 million to bolster the state’s legal defense against potential federal lawsuits lobbed by Trump. PROPOSITION 36 OVERWHELMINGLY PASSES IN CALIFORNIA, REVERSING SOME SOROS-BACKED SOFT-ON-CRIME POLICIES Between 2017 and 2021, California’s Department of Justice led 122 lawsuits against Trump administration policies, spending $42 million on litigation. Newsom’s office said in one case, the federal government was ordered to reimburse California nearly $60 million in public safety grants. While California filed over 100 lawsuits against the Trump administration, President-elect Donald Trump lobbed only four major lawsuits against the state.  California, a sanctuary state for illegal immigrants, abortion procedures and transgender transition treatments for children, could be targeted by the Trump administration, especially considering Trump’s mass deportation plan of illegal immigrants.  Trump called Newsom’s plan an effort to “Trump-proof” the state in a Truth social post last month.

Trump names David Sacks as White House AI and cryptocurrency czar

Trump names David Sacks as White House AI and cryptocurrency czar

President-elect Trump named former PayPal Chief Operating Officer David Sacks to be his White House artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency czar. “In this important role, David will guide policy for the Administration in Artificial Intelligence and Cryptocurrency, two areas critical to the future of American competitiveness,” Trump said in his announcement Thursday evening. “David will focus on making America the clear global leader in both areas,” he said. TRUMP PICKS TWO LONGTIME ALLIS FOR KEY POSITIONS IN HIS SECOND ADMINISTRATION Trump said that Sacks would also prioritize “safeguarding” free speech and away from “Big Tech bias and censorship.” TRUMP NOMINATES PAUL ATKINS TO LEAD SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION “He will safeguard Free Speech online, and steer us away from Big Tech bias and censorship,” he said. “He will work on a legal framework, so the Crypto industry has the clarity it has been asking for, and can thrive in the U.S. David will also lead the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology.” Sacks, a former PayPal executive, has angel investments in several major firms, including Facebook, Uber, SpaceX, Airbnb and Palantir through his Craft Ventures fund.  His enterprise software company, Yammer, was acquired by Microsoft for over $1 billion in 2012.

Fox News Politics: Defining DOGE

Fox News Politics: Defining DOGE

Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump transition, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content. Here’s what’s happening… -Nevada Dems say ‘working-class’ states need to be prioritized in 2028 primary schedule -Biden aides consider preemptive pardons for Fauci, Schiff and Cheney -Republicans slam Biden migrant parole program: ‘Rife with fraud’ Many Americans don’t trust the federal government, and Elon Musk — an eccentric billionaire business tycoon tasked by President-elect Donald Trump with helping slay the unwieldly bureaucratic leviathan — thinks that’s just the right attitude. “I think we should not trust the government,” Musk has previously declared. Apparently, people are way ahead of him.  “As of April 2024, 22% of Americans say they trust the government in Washington to do what is right “just about always” (2%) or “most of the time” (21%),” Pew Research Center noted earlier this year…Read more ‘DARK MARK’: Hunter Biden pardon will be ‘dark mark’ on Biden legacy: historian…Read more ‘BRACE FOR IMPACT’: Boston City Council doubles down on obstructing deportations ahead of Trump inauguration…Read more TRUMP HEARING: Trump assassination attempt hearing devolves into screaming match…Read more MORE POLICE SUPPORT TO COME: Massive police org calls on Trump, Rand Paul to swiftly confirm Noem to DHS…Read more DEMS ‘SELLING AMERICAN PEOPLE A LIE’: Selling Americans a ‘lie’: How election integrity attorneys battled left-wing efforts to upend voting laws…Read more WELCOME TO THE HILL: You’ve been elected to Congress. Now what? Freshman Republican reveals what it’s like to enter office…Read more ‘PENDULUM IS SWINGING’: ‘The pendulum is swinging’: Experts weigh in on historic SCOTUS transgender case amid oral arguments…Read more SHAKING UP THE HOUSE: Dem Rep. Nadler steps down from top spot on Judiciary Committee, endorses Raskin…Read more ‘UNDO THE DAMAGE DONE’: Firebrand GOP lawmaker demands Mayorkas preserve border crisis records for Trump admin…Read more ‘FAILED’: Pro-Trump impeachment Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy targeted for ouster of Freedom Caucus founding member…Read more SLIM MARGIN: Former Dem congressman who lost by 109 votes in 2020 confirmed to lifetime judicial seat…Read more ‘MINI ANTIFA WARRIORS’: Former Obama officials who now run popular podcast selling ANTIFA gear for kids: “ANTIFA baby onesie”…Read more ‘YOU’RE WELCOME!!!’: Trump congratulates bitcoiners — El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele takes victory lap with bitcoin over 100K…Read more ‘HIGHLY CONCERNING ISSUE’: Arizona Republican lawmakers ask for investigation into county recorder’s handling of 2024 election…Read more ‘DISTUBRING & DISGUSTING’: Sexual misconduct at Veterans Affairs facility is ‘disturbing and disgusting,’ House committee chairman says…Read more ‘MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE’: Soros DA ripped by police for ‘war’ on cops after officer sentenced to prison…Read more ALLEGED STONEWALLING?: Iowa sues Biden administration to verify status of 2,000 registered voters who may be noncitizens…Read more Get the latest updates on the Trump presidential transition, incoming Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.

Pete Hegseth says he will be ‘standing right here in this fight’ after meeting with senators

Pete Hegseth says he will be ‘standing right here in this fight’ after meeting with senators

Pete Hegseth, the former National Guard officer who President-elect Trump has tapped to lead the Department of Defense, said he’s had “great” conversations with senators amid efforts to shore up his confirmation and was “standing right here in this fight.” On Thursday, Hegseth said he refused to back down from a fight as his nomination remains in limbo amid drinking and sexual misconduct allegations. He has denied any wrongdoing.  “We’ve had great conversations, about who I am and what I believe,” Hegseth said of his meetings with senators. “And, frankly, the man I am today, because of my faith in my lord and savior Jesus Christ and my wife Jenny right here, I’m a different man than I was years ago.” TRUMP TRANSITION SIGNS AGREEMENT FOR FBI BACKGROUND CHECKS “And that’s a redemption story that I think a lot of Americans appreciate,” he added. “And I know from fellow vets that I’ve spent time with, they resonate with that as well. You fight, you go through tough things in tough places on behalf of your country. And sometimes that changes you a little bit.” An email was recently leaked from Hegseth’s mother, Penelope Hegseth, in which she was critical of his past relationships with women. She joined “FOX and Friends” on Wednesday morning to set the record straight, saying she wrote the email in an impassioned moment after her son’s divorce, but apologized hours after sending it. Hegseth’s mother also said she did not believe any of the accusations against him. TRUMP FLOATS DESANTIS AS POTENTIAL DEFENSE SECRETARY REPLACEMENT IF HEGSETH FALTERS Multiple sources confirmed to Fox News that Trump is reportedly considering nominating Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as defense secretary in place of Hegseth amid the allegations against him. But Hegseth brushed off the potential replacement, telling reporters that he was prepared to fight.  “As long as Donald Trump wants me in this fight, I’m going to be standing right here in this fight, fighting to bring our Pentagon back to what it needs to be,” he said.  Hegseth also told reporters that he doesn’t answer to the media, only to Trump, God, his family and the senators slated to vote on his confirmation.  On Thursday, Hegseth said the conversations with senators have been “robust, candid at times with great questions on policy and personality.” “So we’re going to earn those votes,” he said. “We’re fighting all the way through the tape. I’m grateful to have the president’s support, because his vision for this Department of Defense is to bring it back to its core capacity of deterring our enemies and, if necessary, defeating those enemies.” Fox News Digital’s Aubrie Spady contributed to this report.

Republicans shoot down House Dem’s bid to publicize Gaetz ethics report

Republicans shoot down House Dem’s bid to publicize Gaetz ethics report

The House of Representatives rejected a bid by Democrats to force the release of an ethics report into former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., on Thursday evening.  Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill., filed a measure known as a “privileged resolution” to make the Gaetz report public, a maneuver that forces House leaders to take up a resolution within two legislative days. It was shot down before a final vote, however, on a margin of 206 to 198.  House lawmakers voted to refer Casten’s resolution to the relevant committee for consideration. It’s highly unlikely a GOP-controlled committee would take it up, however, meaning the move essentially defeated the Democrat’s effort. HACKER OBTAINS HOUSE ETHICS TESTIMONY ON MATT GAETZ AS TRUMP MAKES CALLS FOR AG NOMINEE Just one Republican, Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., voted with Democrats to table the measure. Gaetz abruptly resigned from Congress last month in a now-failed bid to be President-elect Donald Trump’s next attorney general. His resignation also came just before the House Ethics Committee was set to consider the release of its report into the Florida Republican. The panel had been conducting a years-long investigation into accusations against Gaetz that involved sex with a minor and illicit drug use. GET TO KNOW DONALD TRUMP’S CABINET: WHO HAS THE PRESIDENT-ELECT PICKED SO FAR? But its jurisdiction ended when Gaetz left Congress, and Republicans have shown little appetite to buck tradition and release a report on someone who has departed Congress. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told reporters last month that he was against releasing the report. “I do not believe that that is an appropriate thing. It doesn’t follow our rules and traditions and there is a reason for that. That would open up Pandora’s box and I don’t think that’s a healthy thing for the institution,” he said. Meanwhile, the House Ethics Committee has met twice since Gaetz’s resignation and failed to come to an agreement both times on whether to release the report. The most recent meeting occurred hours before Thursday’s vote. Gaetz, for his part, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. A federal investigation into the allegations ended without charges against Gaetz.

Trans rights activists stage ‘bathroom sit-in’ near Mike Johnson’s office amid Capitol Hill restroom ban

Trans rights activists stage ‘bathroom sit-in’ near Mike Johnson’s office amid Capitol Hill restroom ban

Transgender rights activists on Thursday participated in a “bathroom sit-in” in a restroom across from House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., in protest of a new policy barring trans people from using bathroom facilities that match their gender identity. Around 15 people were arrested on suspicion of crowding, obstructing or incommoding for illegally protesting inside the Cannon House Office Building, the U.S. Capitol Police told Fox News Digital.  The protest was organized by the Gender Liberation Movement, which describes itself as a grassroots organization that focuses on bodily autonomy and gender.  NANCY MACE’S EFFORT TO BAN TRANSGENDER DELAWARE DEMOCRAT FROM CAPITOL WOMEN’S RESTROOMS GAINS SUPPORT A video posted on the group’s Instagram account shows protesters holding signs calling for a “Ban on bathroom bigotry,” occupying a restroom and blocking a hallway.  The Hill reported that Chelsea Manning, a former U.S. Army intelligence analyst and whistleblower, was one of those being led away by authorities in zip ties. Manning was sentenced to 35 years in prison in 2013 after disclosing classified documents and military reports to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. The sentence was commuted in 2017 by former President Obama and Manning was released from prison after serving seven years.  Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, announced the new bathroom policy in November after Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., tried to block trans people from Capitol restrooms that don’t match their gender at birth.  MACE FACES BACKLASH OVER EFFORT TO BAN NEW TRANSGENDER MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM WOMEN’S BATHROOMS The move came ahead of the first openly transgender lawmaker, Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, D-Del., joining Congress in January. McBride is a biological male who identifies and presents as a woman.  Mace recently introduced a resolution to ban men who identify as female from women’s restrooms on Capitol Hill. On Thursday, she posted a video on X of herself standing outside a Capitol Police station.  CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Using a bullhorn, she read the Miranda rule to the protesters arrested.  Fox News Digital has reached out to Johnson’s office. 

Pete Hegseth on the Hill for another day of meetings to rally support: ‘It’s been a wonderful process’

Pete Hegseth on the Hill for another day of meetings to rally support: ‘It’s been a wonderful process’

President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to head the Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth, spent another day courting support from Republican senators on Capitol Hill and taking a few questions from reporters while he was at it.  The military vet turned “Fox & Friends” co-host met with senators Rick Scott, R-Fla.; Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss; Mike Rounds, R-S.D.; Ron Johnson, R-Wis.; Tom Cotton, R-Ark.; and Sen.-elect Jim Banks, R-Ind., Thursday.  The meetings followed others Hegseth held earlier in the week with GOP senators, including Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who will be the next chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D.  Hegseth has been facing a mountain of criticism with accusations against him ranging from fiscal mismanagement to alcoholism to sexual misconduct. Nevertheless, Hegseth said Thursday while walking between meetings on Capitol Hill that Trump supports him “fully.” TRUMP FLOATS DESANTIS AS POTENTIAL DEFENSE SECRETARY REPLACEMENT IF HEGSETH FALTERS “I’ll tell you why I support him,” Scott told reporters after his meeting Thursday with Hegseth. “I admire people who are willing to put on the uniform and lead troops into battle. … When he goes in the Department of Defense, he will walk in with the mentality that he’s going to take care of our warfighters.” Scott added that he will do “everything” he can to ensure Hegseth is confirmed. “Pete Hegseth won’t back down from the media or the Pentagon bureaucracy,” Banks added after his own one-on-one meeting with the defense nominee. “And he won’t back down from China, Russia or Iran. He will help President Trump make America strong again.” Between meetings on Capitol Hill Thursday, Hegseth was pressed about his meeting a day earlier with Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa. Ernst said earlier Thursday morning she was not yet willing to throw her support behind him. ARE PETE HEGSETH’S TATTOOS SYMBOLS OF ‘CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM’? “Productive meeting. Excellent,” Hegseth said of his meeting with Ernst as he was peppered with questions during his meeting with Rounds.  “Constructive, candid. It was great,” Hegseth told a different reporter.  When asked if the allegations about him were a topic of his conversation with Ernst, Hegseth declined to comment further, citing the private nature of their conversation. “It’s been a wonderful process,” Hegseth told reporters Thursday. “There’s an incredible amount of knowledge in the U.S. Senate — in the Senate Armed Services Committee — men and women who have studied these issues, have invested their lives in it. And as someone who is hoping to earn their support as the nominee for secretary of defense, I welcome that knowledge, I welcome that advice. And that’s why we’re here in all these meetings.” Hegseth’s meetings Thursday coincided with visits to Capitol Hill by Tesla CEO Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. The pair convened on Capitol Hill to discuss their new role running President-elect Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency with Thune.