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Year: 2024

House GOP demands elite universities counteract ‘dangerous’ anti-Israel protests in the fall semester

House GOP demands elite universities counteract ‘dangerous’ anti-Israel protests in the fall semester

EXCLUSIVE: House Republicans are spearheading efforts to demand elite universities counteract the threat of anti-Israel protests on campuses in the upcoming fall semester amid their ongoing investigation into a “disturbing pattern of antisemitic activity” on campuses. The House Ways and Means and the Education and the Workforce committees sent a letter to 10 high-profile colleges on Thursday, asking the universities to provide details on what measures they will be taking to protect Jewish students next semester and prevent antisemitic unrest similar to that of the spring semester.  “Refusals to impose basic discipline, hold bad actors accountable, and restore order on campus in the face of disruptions, violence, and hate will make life worse for all students, including Jewish students,” the letter read. Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., chair of the Ways and Means Committee, charged that some colleges, such as Columbia University – which canceled its spring commencement ceremony amid protests – did not discipline anti-Israel agitators on its campus.  ANTI-ISRAEL DEMONSTRATORS BURN AMERICAN FLAG OUTSIDE CHICAGO CONSULATE ON 2ND NIGHT OF DNC “The Ways and Means Committee has broad jurisdiction over the U.S. tax-code and the generous tax benefits American universities enjoy,” Smith said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital. “In recent weeks, we have learned institutions like Columbia University have grossly mishandled disruptions on campus and refused to expel or discipline a single student who took over and occupied a campus building. That is unacceptable.” The committees have been leading an investigation into antisemitism on college campuses since April that they say has “uncovered a deeply worrisome, systemic culture of antisemitism at a large number of elite American universities across the country.” ‘PUTRID’ DNC ANTISEMITISM DENOUNCED BY COUNTERPROTESTOR WHO SAYS DEMS HAVE ‘LOST THE JEW VOTE’: ‘WE’RE DONE’ Pointing to the hundreds of anti-Israel agitators who recently protested and burned the American flag outside the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s joint-address to Congress, the letter emphasized that the threat of similar coordinated events on college campuses by these groups remains high. “The problem of antisemitic harassment, disruption, and violence has not been resolved. Based on the evidence available, these disruptions are likely to return to campuses this fall and you must be prepared to act,” they wrote. “Without severe disciplinary action and clear, enforced campus policies designed to prevent harassment and intimidation, these elite institutions are giving radical students and organizations the greenlight to continue taking our higher education system hostage and creating a campus environment unsafe for Jewish students. University administrators should take this as a warning to right the ship.” The members of Congress also highlighted the implications such protests have on student’s safety and ability to receive an education.  Recipients of the letter included Barnard College, the University of California Berkeley, Columbia University, Cornell University, Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, the University of Pennsylvania, Rutgers University and the University of California Los Angeles. Several of the universities responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment regarding the letter.  A spokesperson for Northwestern University told Fox News Digital that they are updating their code of conduct ahead of the new school year amid the spike in antisemitism. “The University is committed to ensuring appropriate steps are taken to combat the spike in antisemitism at Northwestern, which is reflective of a disturbing trend across the country,” a spokesperon for Northwestern told Fox News Digital. “The University is in the process of updating its Student Code of Conduct and our Demonstration Policy, as well as the establishment of a new Display Policy. We also are enhancing on-campus security, community resources and educational opportunities, as was outlined in President Schill’s message to our community earlier this week.” Cornell University said that they “have received the letter and will respond to the Committees’ questions.” Similarly, Rutgers told Fox that “the university received the letter and will respond directly to the House Ways and Means Committee and Education and Workforce Committee.” “Columbia is committed to combating antisemitism and all forms of discrimination and taking sustained, concrete action toward a campus where everyone in our community can thrive. We have been working diligently to review and enhance our policies ahead of the fall semester and we are reviewing the letter,” a Columbia spokesperson told Fox News Digital in a statement in response to the letter. “Rutgers stands against hate in all its pernicious forms,” the university said in a statement to Fox. “The university strives to be a safe and supportive environment for all our students, faculty, and staff. We reject absolutely intolerance based on religion, national origin, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or political views.” Berkeley directed Fox to a recent message sent from the President of the UC system to students, staff, and faculty on the Berkeley campus and across the UC system.  The president wrote: “We actively encourage members of all UC communities to make your voices heard on issues that matter to you … the University must of course comply with UC, state, and federal policies that protect the rights of expressive activity, provide safeguards for state and federally protected identities, and ensure safe and timely and full access to our campuses for all.” When reached by Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for the University of Pennsylvania declined to comment. Efforts to reach Barnard College, Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of California Los Angeles were unsuccessful. Education and the Workforce Chairwoman Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., said that “Jewish students have a right to a safe learning environment, and without a plan, they’ll be forced into the same hostile and dangerous situation they left last semester.” “Universities should have spent every possible minute of their summer ‘break’ making sure that those responsible for the chaos last semester don’t return and that they have a plan in place to handle potential violence going forward,” Foxx said in a statement. “If they didn’t, they owe their students answers.” The letter asked the universities to

Green Beret hits back at Dem accusations that Trump doesn’t care about veterans: ‘Seen him firsthand’

Green Beret hits back at Dem accusations that Trump doesn’t care about veterans: ‘Seen him firsthand’

The first U.S. Army Green Beret ever elected to Congress is pushing back against Democrat-led accusations that former President Donald Trump does not care about military servicemembers or veterans. “I’ve seen him firsthand. I don’t care what reporting is out there. I’ve seen it with my own eyes, how much this man cares about those who are willing to die for that flag,” Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., told Fox News Digital. Waltz, who leads the Veterans for Trump coalition, was in Chicago on Wednesday for the GOP campaign’s press conference to counter-program the Democratic National Convention there this week.  He delivered impassioned remarks attacking Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, for discrepancies that have emerged in his military record since joining the national ticket. JD VANCE RIPS HARRIS’ LATEST WORD SALAD: ‘SIGNIFICANCE OF THE POWER OF DIPLOMACY’ Democrats, in turn, have accused Trump of not caring about the military and its servicemembers. Trump critics have often cited his former Chief of Staff John Kelly recalling Trump dismissing dead soldiers as “losers” – something Trump has denied – and more recent remarks where Trump said the Presidential Medal of Freedom is “much better” than the Medal of Honor because “everyone gets the Congressional Medal of Honor, they’re soldiers. They’re either in very bad shape because they’ve been hit so many times by bullets or they are dead.” When asked about Trump’s comments, Waltz said, “Set all the rhetoric and the nonsense aside. Look at the results.” “The most consequential piece of legislation for veterans, the VA MISSION Act, or commonly called Veterans Choice, was passed under President Trump. And that allows veterans – if the hospitals are taking too long – the VA is not giving them what they need, just go to your local doctor and bill it. That was actually done under him,” Waltz said. KARI LAKE DINGS HARRIS ON BORDER: THE ONLY WALZ SHE SUPPORTS IS HER RUNNING MATE “Secondarily, I’ve been with Gold Star families, with President Trump. I was with the Abbey Gate Gold Star families when he said, ‘Bring them up. I want to spend time with them,’ after Biden wouldn’t even give them a meeting. He was scheduled to spend an hour. He ended up spending all night with them. He had them laughing, crying, dancing as only Trump could do.” The VA MISSION Act, which passed Congress in 2018, was overwhelmingly bipartisan. In the Senate, it passed 92 to 5. It garnered support from 116 Democrats and 231 Republicans in the House, with just 70 Democrats voting against it. FORMER LEADER OF WALZ’S BATTALION PUBLISHES SCATHING MESSAGE AIMED AT GOVERNOR’S MILITARY CAREER: REPORT CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Notably, one of those who opposed it was then-Rep. Tim Walz, the only member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee to do so, according to The Hill. Walz said in a statement at the time that he did not take his opposition “lightly” but argued, “I am also concerned that without strong leadership in place, this bill will give the Trump administration the cover it needs to slowly privatize VA, especially if VA is required to cut spending on care provided in VA hospitals, or cut funding for much needed construction and maintenance.”

Wyoming man running as bot concedes race, launches ‘alliance’ to inject AI into politics

Wyoming man running as bot concedes race, launches ‘alliance’ to inject AI into politics

Victor Miller, who had been running as an artificial intelligence-powered bot named “VIC” [Virtual Integrated Citizen] in Wyoming’s capital city, conceded his bid to make technological political history on Wednesday. Miller received 327 votes, or about 3% of the total cast, in Cheyenne’s nonpartisan mayoral primary on Tuesday night, according to Laramie County records. On Wednesday, Fox News Digital obtained a statement from Miller saying that he and VIC came up short in their bid to change the definition of political machine in the Cowboy State’s capital city: “Today, I, Victor Miller, concede the Cheyenne mayoral race. As the first person to put artificial intelligence directly on the ballot, offering voters the novel choice of AI governance, our campaign has marked a historic moment in politics and technology,” Miller said. AI FOR MAYOR: WYOMING MAN SPEAKS OUT AFTER INTEL FIRM THROWS ROADBLOCK IN HIS BOT’S CAMPAIGN Miller, who works at the county library and dabbles in the AI sphere, congratulated the primary victors on Wednesday. He spoke with Fox News Digital in July about VIC’s candidacy. “While we didn’t win the election, we’ve achieved something remarkable: we’ve introduced the world to a new paradigm of governance and sparked crucial discussions about the role of AI in public administration,” Miller said. “The seeds of a revolution in governance have been planted, and they’re already beginning to sprout.” Incumbent Mayor Patrick Collins and second-place finisher Rick Coppinger advanced to the November general election. Miller previously told Fox News Digital he is a “public records advocate” who had grown “disgruntled” with the public-facing side of municipal government. He also said his work with AI programs led him to the realization that the technology can be taught to understand and facilitate laws without human error or “contrary behavior.” In that vein, Miller announced this week the formation of the Rational Governance Alliance (RGA), which will aim to further expand AI’s reach into governing decisions. MUSK ON AI: IT’S NOT FUN TO BE REGULATED, BUT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE MAY NEED IT The RGA will create a framework where AI can take on the full responsibility of decision-making in public office, with “humans serving as the legal and physical intermediaries required by current systems,” Miller said. “We believe this approach can lead to more efficient, transparent, and unbiased governance.” Moments before his last interview with Fox News Digital, the platform OpenAI shuttered VIC’s account, which dealt a blow to the bot’s campaign. While Miller could still access VIC’s technology, it was a major setback, he said. Miller said at the time he never envisioned running for office, let alone with or as an AI bot, adding he has asked for technological leaders, including Elon Musk, to help him broaden the scope for this new technological frontier – particularly after the OpenAI setback.  CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Musk did not respond to a request for comment at the time. Meanwhile, across the pond in Brighton, England, Steven Endacott launched a bid for Parliament this year under the auspices of his bot “AI Steve.” Miller said he was thrilled to hear about a similar candidacy.  However, Green Party candidate Sian Berry trounced the bot in the Brighton Pavilion parliamentary constituency in the July election that saw Labour’s Keir Starmer elected prime minister, according to the British press.

Trump team calls out Walz for ‘weird flex’ after veiled Vance reference at DNC

Trump team calls out Walz for ‘weird flex’ after veiled Vance reference at DNC

Former President Donald Trump’s campaign called out a veiled dig at running mate, Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, made by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz at the Democratic National Convention.  Walz, who formally accepted the Democratic vice presidential nomination Wednesday night, addressed the United Center in Chicago by speaking of his upbringing in the Midwest.  “Now, I grew up in Butte, Nebraska, a town of 400 people. I had 24 kids in my high school class, and none of them went to Yale,” Walz said, prompting laughter from the audience. “But I’ll tell you what. Growing up in a small town like that, you’ll learn how to take care of each other. That that family down the road, they may not think like you do. They may not pray like you do. They may not love like you do. But they’re your neighbors. And you look out for them, and they look out for you.” The Trump War Room X account posted a clip of Walz’s remark about Yale, where Vance attended law school. GOP VETERAN-LAWMAKERS DROP SCATHING ‘STOLEN VALOR’ LETTER TO WALZ AS TRUMP CAMP RIPS ‘FREAKISH TIMOTHY’ “Walz: ‘I had 24 kids in my high school class and none of them went to Yale,’” Trump War Room noted, adding, “Weird flex!”  Vance is the author of “Hillbilly Elegy,” a memoir about his time as a Yale Law School student reflecting on growing up in Appalachia that was adapted into a Netflix film. In his debut as Trump’s running mate at the Republican National Convention, Vance was open about being raised by his grandmother, whom he described as tough and keeping him away from drugs, and who would barter with the Meals on Wheels volunteers to help feed him growing up. Vance, credited for appealing to working-class Midwesterners in the Rust Belt, also spoke of his mother’s long battle with addiction. She is now nearly 10 years sober.  Vance enlisted in the Marine Corps right after graduating from high school in Middletown, Ohio. He attended Ohio State University and later Yale Law School.  SOCIAL MEDIA CALLS OUT TIM WALZ COACHING HISTORY AFTER FORMER PLAYERS TAKE CENTER STAGE AT DNC Fox News host Martha MacCallum asked Vance to respond to Walz’s reference to Yale, suggesting he was deeming Vance “Mr. Fancypants Ivy League.”  “I grew up in a very poor family. I was raised by my grandmother who didn’t graduate from high school, much less from college,” Vance responded. “And I am proud of the fact that she really worked her tail off – she went to her grave fighting to give me opportunities. I’m not ashamed of the fact that my grandmother sacrificed for me, and I was able to live the American Dream. I’m proud of what I accomplished, and, more importantly, I’m proud of all the people who sacrificed in order to give me a better life.” “I would think Tim Walz would want to praise people who sacrificed to give their children and grandchildren a better life, not put me down, but I guess this is the political order of the day,” Vance added. “He’s going to attack me. That’s fine. But I’m proud of my family. I’m proud of what they sacrificed to make my life possible.”  Walz, by comparison, enlisted in the Army National Guard at age 17 and served for 24 years.  CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP He has faced recent “stolen valor” attacks from fellow veterans for reportedly opting to retire to run for Congress, while his unit went to Afghanistan months later.  According to his congressional biography, Walz earned a Bachelor of Science from Chadron State College in Nebraska. The former Minnesota high school teacher is not without Ivy League ties himself. He spent 1989-1990 teaching high school in China as part of a group of government-sanctioned American educators sent to the communist country through a program at Harvard University.