Susan Collins to write in Nikki Haley for president, bucking Trump
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, reiterated to reporters that she still supports former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley for president despite Haley no longer being in the race for the Republican nomination. The Maine Republican will write in Haley’s name on her ballot in November rather than former President Trump or President Biden, according to local CBS reporter Dan Lampariello. Collins’ office confirmed to Fox News Digital her plan to vote for Haley. TESTER DENIES TIGHT RACE, SAYS INTERNAL POLLING HAS HIM BEATING SHEEHY: ’KICKING HIS A–’ A spokesperson for the Maine senator noted she has previously said she’d be supporting Haley and not Trump. BIDEN DRAGS DOWN MICHIGAN SENATE RACE AS COOK POLITICAL REPORT DECLARES ‘TOSS UP’ “I will not be voting for either candidate. I am going to write in Nikki Haley’s name,” Collins said, according to another local outlet. The Republican senator previously endorsed Haley late in the Republican primary, calling the candidate “extremely well-qualified.” “She has the energy, intellect and temperament that we need to lead our country in these very tumultuous times,” Collins said of Haley. However, Haley exited the primary race soon after the endorsement. The former South Carolina governor’s departure from the race didn’t change Collins’ position though. “I cannot support former President Trump. I voted to convict him on the second impeachment charges, so I don’t think it should come as a surprise that I cannot support him,” she said in March, weeks after Haley had already suspended her campaign. DEM SENATOR HELPS BLOCK BIDEN JUDICIAL NOMINEE AMID CONTROVERSY OVER TRANSGENDER INMATE As Collins pointed out in the spring, she was one of seven Republican senators in 2021 who voted to convict Trump for allegedly inciting insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, when some of his supporters rioted at the U.S. Capitol. And while Trump has become the clear Republican nominee and is slated as of now to take on Biden in November, it’s apparent Collins’ mind has not changed on the situation. Trump’s campaign did not immediately provide comment to Fox News Digital. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.
Dem, GOP insiders both see major opportunity after Biden’s first solo presser in months
Democrats and the GOP had wildly different perspectives on President Joe Biden’s highly anticipated NATO Summit news conference, with Republicans dubbing the event another campaign win in Trump’s back pocket and Democrats having mixed reactions. Even so, there was a tone shift among some Democrats who thought Biden’s performance was “strong.” One Democratic activist went so far as to say he believes there are “people who owe President Biden an apology” after the president’s press conference. The comments come after Democrat lawmakers and pundits alike have either called on Biden to drop out of the race or expressed concerns about his aging. Meanwhile, a Trump campaign official told Fox News Digital after Thursday night’s press conference, “It appears Biden did enough to convince his apologists that he should remain on the ballot, but he also reinforced what the American people know.” SOURCES SAY BIDEN FUNDRAISING TAKES A HIT AMID RISING CALLS FROM DEMOCRATS FOR PRESIDENT TO END 2024 CAMPAIGN “Their lives are being hurt by his weakness and failure on a daily basis,” the source said. Donald Trump Jr., who is a top surrogate for this father, said on his Rumble livestream that Biden did “fine enough to be able to stay in it” but later shared a social media post that blended the faces of Trump and Harris together and said “Vice President Trump.” Veteran Republican consultant Dave Carney told Fox News the news conference “couldn’t have been better” for Biden. Biden started out earlier in the day stumbling when he introduced Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “President Putin” at the NATO summit in Washington, D.C. He immediately caught his gaffe and corrected himself. However, later during the evening press conference, he also referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as “Vice President Trump” and did not correct himself. During and after the press conference, Biden’s immediate team and many of his allies were quick to tout the event as an overwhelming success. A source familiar with the workings of the Biden campaign also said that Biden had exceeded expectations with a thorough discussion of foreign policy. FLASHBACK: THE LAST TIME BIDEN HAD A SOLO ‘BIG BOY PRESS CONFERENCE’ WAS EIGHT MONTHS AGO The source added, however, that the press conference alone won’t ultimately convince voters but that continued campaigning and travel by Biden should. Some Democrats claimed that the president’s answers regarding foreign policy issues showed him to have expertise in international affairs. “To answer the question on everyone’s minds: No, Joe Biden does not have a doctorate in foreign affairs. He’s just that f—ing good,” White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates wrote in a post to X. Joel Rubin, a former State Department official during the Obama administration, considered Biden’s performance to be “very strong.” TRUMP, GOP TAKE AIM AT KAMALA HARRIS AS HER POPULARITY RISES: ‘BIDEN’S ENABLER IN CHIEF’ “This is a very strong performance. Quite frankly. @POTUS is putting on a master class in how foreign policy and domestic policy intersect, explaining how crucial American global leadership is to our people here at home. Well done, Mr. President,” Rubin wrote in a post on X. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Democrats remain largely divided on whether Biden should suspend his re-election campaign and allow another candidate to go head-to-head with Trump in November. On Friday, Fox News confirmed that another House Democrat, California Rep. Mike Levin, has joined the chorus of lawmakers calling on Biden to step aside. At least 10 House Democrats and one in the Senate have publicly called on Biden to end his re-election bid, and a growing number of both House and Senate Democrats have publicly and privately warned that the president will lose to Trump in November. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub. Fox News Digital’s Timothy H.J. Nerozzi and Paul Steisenhauer contributed to this report.
Fox News Politics: Payday!
Welcome to Fox News’ Politics newsletter with the latest political news from Washington D.C. and updates from the 2024 campaign trail. What’s happening… -Jen Psaki rips White House strategy on Biden’s health -Pelosi reportedly working to undermine Biden -Biden manager tries to rally staffers after a ‘bad f—–g’ week Make America Great Again Inc., a top super PAC supporting former President Trump’s 2024 White House campaign, says it raked in $104 million during the April-June second quarter of 2024 fundraising. And in figures shared first with Fox News on Friday, MAGA Inc. highlighted that it has nearly $114 million cash-on-hand in its coffers. The announcement from MAGA Inc. comes a week and a half after Trump’s campaign showcased that it and the Republican National Committee hauled in a staggering $331 million in the past three months, topping the massive $264 million raked in by President Biden’s re-election campaign and the Democratic National Committee during the second quarter. Trump’s haul was fueled in part by a fundraising surge following the former president’s history-making guilty verdicts this spring in his criminal trial…Read more ‘NOT GOING WELL’: Jen Psaki says White House strategy on Biden health concerns is failing …Read more ‘ALTERNATE UNIVERSE’: Ex-White House official rips Biden team’s communications strategy after NATO press conference …Read more ‘ONE AND THE SAME’: Biden, Harris defy critics by launching full offensive aimed at tying Trump to Project 2025 …Read more THE DEBATED PRESIDENT: Biden ally in Congress says replacing president must be ‘on the table’ …Read more ‘NAMELESS, FACELESS BUREAUCRATS’: GOP senators plan major crackdown on ‘nameless, faceless bureaucrats’ after blockbuster Supreme Court ruling …Read more DEMS IN CRISIS: Pelosi works to undermine Biden behind the scenes: report …Read more MENTALLY FIT?: Rep. Clyburn defends Biden as ‘one of the best minds’ he’s worked with …Read more ‘STAY OUT OF IT’: Giddy House Republicans spend week lying low as Dems implode over Biden …Read more ‘RUN IT LIVE’: CNN’s Smerconish slams local radio station for editing Biden gaffes from interview …Read more ‘NO DOUBT ABOUT IT’: Biden campaign manager tries to rally staffers after ‘bad f—ing weeks’ …Read more BIDEN SURROUNDED?: David Axelrod says Biden needs ‘royal flush’ to win the campaign against Trump: ‘What are the odds?’ …Read more ‘FACING BAD OPTIONS’: Ashley Judd joins other liberal celebrities in calling for Biden to withdraw …Read more ‘RIDIN’ WITH BIDEN’: Biden delegates reveal convention plans amid push to replace president on ticket …Read more ‘KICKING HIS A–‘: Tester denies tight race, says internal polling has him beating Republican Sheehy …Read more CASH DASH: Exclusive: Leading pro-Trump super PAC hauls in over $100 million past three months …Read more ‘SLIPS OF THE TONGUE’: Euro leaders downplay Orban’s visit to Trump as they defend Biden …Read more LET LOOSE: Zelenskyy says Ukraine can’t win war unless US lifts limits on striking military targets in Russia …Read more CEASEFIRE: Border fire between Israel, Hezbollah continues as delegates prepare to mediate ceasefire with Hamas …Read more Subscribe now to get Fox News Politics newsletter in your inbox. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.
Hunter Biden spotted leaving eatery just before Rosie O’Donnell, who has pushed for Biden to ‘pass the torch’
Hunter Biden was spotted leaving a swanky Malibu, California restaurant shortly before comedian Rosie O’Donnell, who recently joined a growing number of Democrats saying that President Biden should end his reelection bid, The Sun first reported. The 54-year-old first son and convicted felon was seen leaving Nobu, a trendy celebrity hotspot, on Thursday evening just minutes before President Joe Biden was scheduled to deliver his remarks at the NATO summit. Biden was seen sporting a dress shirt and khakis while O’Donnel was seen wearing casual shorts. It’s unclear if the two met inside the restaurant. BIDEN STUMBLES OVER ZELENSKYY INTRODUCTION, CALL UKRAINIAN LEADER ‘PRESIDENT PUTIN’ The pictures were snapped just before the president participated in his highly-anticipated NATO summit in Washington D.C. The president’s participation in the summit and a subsequent press conference came as the 81-year-old attempted to repair his public perception after his disastrous debate performance that left Democratic donors, like O’Donnell, looking to ditch Biden. “Joe Biden- thank u for all u have give our country – time to pass the torch – now- and for God’s sake Democrats, GET IT TOGETHER b4 it’s too late,” O’Donnell wrote in an Instagram post, with an image of California Governor Gavin Newsom, following the presidential debate. While responding to a comment about whether Biden was fit to run, O’Donnell replied, “I believe we will have a better chance to defeat Trump with another candidate.” Another user said the debate was not a call to replace him, but she responded, “It’s time.” O’Donnell’s public commentary that President Biden should step down and refuse the Democratic nomination comes as a growing number of celebrities look to urge the elderly president to pass the torch. Long-time supporters, like author Stephen King and actor George Clooney, have called on Biden to step down. “Joe Biden has been a fine president, but it’s time for him – in the interests of the America he so clearly loves – to announce he will not run for re-election,” King wrote on X. 5 TAKEAWAYS FROM BIDEN’S COMEBACK PRESS CONFERENCE Clooney’s response came later in a New York Times opinion piece titled I Love Joe Biden. But We Need a New Nominee. “I love Joe Biden. As a senator. As a vice president and as president. I consider him a friend, and I believe in him. Believe in his character. Believe in his morals. In the last four years, he’s won many of the battles he’s faced,” Clooney wrote. “But the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time. None of us can. It’s devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fund-raiser was not the Joe ‘big F-ing deal’ Biden of 2010. He wasn’t even the Joe Biden of 2020. He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate.” Biden has bucked calls to drop out, vowing to remain in the race as his campaign and the White House ramp up his number of public events in an apparent effort to quell concerns the president isn’t up for another four-year term in the Oval Office. BIDEN PRESSING ON WITH ‘FULL BORE’ SCHEDULE, DESPITE ADMISSION HE NEEDS TO SLOW ‘PACE’ Biden’s NATO introduction of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy included an embarrassing gaffe that mistakenly called the Eastern European president “President Putin.” “And now I want to hand it over to the president of Ukraine, who has as much courage as he has determination,” Biden said, before starting to leave the podium. “Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin.” Biden seemed to realize his embarrassing verbal stumble mentioning Russian President Vladimir Putin, and attempted to quickly correct himself. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “He’s going to beat President Putin. President Zelenskyy. I’m so focused on beating Putin,” he said. “We got to worry about it. Anyway, Mr. President.” Following his botched introduction, Biden conducted what the White House called a “big boy” press conference – his first solo press conference this year.
DNA TV Show: Ruling Mahayuti alliance wins 9 out of 11 seats
All 274 MLAs voted on Friday in the biennial elections to 11 seats of the Maharashtra Legislative Council.
Biden delegates reveal convention plans amid push to replace president on ticket
FIRST ON FOX: President Biden continues to have support from Democratic delegates, despite a growing number of elected Democrats calling on him to step aside ahead of the 2024 election amid concern over his age and mental acuity. Two weeks after the president’s disastrous debate against former President Donald Trump, as well as his Thursday press conference at NATO, Fox News Digital spoke to a handful of Democratic delegates who remain largely supportive of Biden and intend to cast their votes in support of him at the party’s convention next month. Some delegates also dismissed talk of Vice President Kamala Harris as a replacement in the upcoming election, insisting that she and the president are an unbreakable team. “I think he did an awesome job last night. I really do,” said Joanne Chesley, a pledged Biden delegate from North Carolina. “His clarity and his spontaneity … just well-informed responses. I was super impressed.” IS IT TOO LATE FOR DNC DELEGATES TO ABANDON BIDEN? A LOOK AT THE DEMOCRATS’ NOMINATION PROCESS On a larger scale, Chesley said the situation surrounding Biden and the ongoing questions of whether he is fit to serve has had her feeling “concerned” and “emotional.” “This thing has had me really, really, concerned and emotional, actually, over the whole time that it’s been going on,” she said. “It’s a bit of a somersault and I think a lot of us have been there. I think that’s the beauty of being in this country and being a Democrat, where we encourage people to think and rethink and share perspectives and ask questions and get mad at each other and do just like families and organizations until you get to something that is the workable solution.” Pointing to his “track record,” Chesley, who will support Biden at the Democratic National Convention in August and previously said she wished that Biden had realized that his age was going to be a potential issue in this election much earlier, said she “always come[s] back to my senses.” “I have gone from that kind of feeling, wishing that he had, you know, made that decision to say ‘no’ [to] we’ve got a person who really, really cares about this country,” she said. “Despite those occasional flirtations with him stepping aside, I, like I said, come back to looking at what’s best for our country right now. We’re in a very difficult time in our history.” As for talk about Harris replacing Biden as the party’s nominee, Chesley said she believes “they are a team.” “We get the best of both of them,” she said. “We get that warm, fuzzy grandpa who tells the stories over and over about his dad, and we get this brilliant person who has served as attorney general for the largest state in this country, who’s done four years in the Senate and four years’ experience in the White House. We want vibrancy and younger, so we get that in our vice president.” Maribel Balbin, a pledged Biden delegate from Miami, Florida, said she understands “the concern that has been expressed” and insisted that it’s “nothing new.” “Normally he makes mistakes about people and places, just the same as we have seen the former president do in his rallies,” she said. “On a personal level, I am not concerned, and I have not changed my views of the president or what the president stands for.” The upcoming election, Balbin said, is “a binary choice, and it’s certainly between democracy or dictatorship.” “As someone that grew up in a dictatorship, I am certainly not willing to support something that looks to me like the place that I left,” she said. “So as a woman, as a Hispanic, and now a Democrat, a former Republican, I support the Democratic Party. I understand that the choice for this election is up to the president. If the president decides that he is not the candidate, that he steps out, then we will support that position. Until that happens. I am a pledged delegate to Joe Biden.” BIDEN PRESSING ON WITH ‘FULL BORE’ SCHEDULE, DESPITE ADMISSION HE NEEDS TO SLOW ‘PACE’ Echoing Balbin, Karl Gentles, a pledged Biden delegate from Arizona, said his “position hasn’t changed” about Biden and that it would be a “disaster” for Democrats to replace him at this point. “I believe that you’ve got a candidate that’s been fully vetted,” he said. “He’s brought you all this way, three and a half years of significant success in the administration. I think it would be, in all honesty, disastrous to change out your candidate in this late date.” Gentles said he supports “the Biden-Harris ticket,” insisting that talk of a Biden replacement and the “hypothetical game” isn’t doing Democrats any good. “It’s my opinion that, you know, Democrats should really focus on how they’re going to win in these next four months [instead of] trying to figure out multiple scenarios. The scenario that I believe is the best for the Democrats is the Biden-Harris ticket.” Like many of her other fellow delegates, Samantha Hope Herring, a pledged Biden delegate and elected member of the DNC from Florida, said she is “Ridin’ with Biden.” “I mean, we are all-in with the president until he indicates, or if he indicates, that he makes a different decision,” Herring said. “I have to be honest, I think a lot of us have always known that when you have anybody over the age of 50, I mean, you’ve got have a good backup plan for whatever you’re doing. That’s a fair statement on both sides of the aisle.” “One of the great things about having somebody with wisdom and having experience, especially if they’re an older candidate, is having somebody who’s prepared in the event and ready to walk on the job [on] day one. So we definitely have that,” she added. Herring, who insisted there’s currently a strong “voice of support for President Biden,” said Harris would be a “natural” fit should Biden
Johnson touts GOP unity over record-breaking fundraising numbers ahead of RNC
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is touting unity within his party as the House GOP’s campaign arm celebrates breaking a record in election year fundraising. “This week, House Democrats voted to let illegal aliens vote in American elections, voted against protecting girls sports and fell further into disarray following their role in the greatest political cover-up in history when it comes to President Biden’s fitness for office,” Johnson told Fox News Digital. “At the same time, House Republicans passed commonsense legislation and put up record-setting fundraising numbers to grow our majority. “As Republicans head to Milwaukee to nominate President Trump, our party has never been more united, energized and equipped with the resources needed to win up and down the ballot.” It comes as the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), the House GOP’s campaign arm, announced it raised $37 million in the second quarter of 2024, its highest-ever election year total for that time period. SOURCES SAY BIDEN FUNDRAISING TAKES A HIT AMID RISING CALLS FROM DEMOCRATS FOR PRESIDENT TO END 2024 CAMPAIGN The NRCC also said it had the best June on record, with $14.3 million of that total number coming in one month alone. It’s served to further push back questions over whether Johnson can match the fundraising prowess of his predecessor, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. Johnson himself brought in $23.5 million in the second quarter of 2024. His numbers, along with the NRCC’s total and the House GOP leadership-aligned Congressional Leadership Fund’s announced $46.4 million raised, mean House Republicans have added over $100 million to their war chest in this time period. The haul also comes before the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Wisconsin, where former President Trump will be formally declared the party’s nominee for November. TRUMP’S STAGGERING SECOND-QUARTER HAUL TOPS BIDEN’S MASSIVE FUNDRAISING IN 2024 REMATCH CASH DASH Republicans’ confidence in keeping and possibly expanding their razor-thin House majority appears to have shot through the roof over the last two weeks as Democrats deal with the fallout of President Biden’s disastrous late June debate performance. The 81-year-old leader’s poor showing against Trump has raised concerns among members of his own party over whether he can win again in November and serve another four years. It prompted 17 House Democrats and one Democratic senator to call on Biden to withdraw from the race. But the quarter ended June 30, and the debate took place June 27, so a fuller picture of its impact on GOP fundraising will likely be seen in the beginning of the second half of the year. THE VEEPSTAKES GOES ‘APPRENTICE’: WILL TRUMP REALLY PICK RUBIO, VANCE OR BURGUM? CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP When asked about his advice for Republican candidates as they watch Democrats in turmoil, Johnson told Fox News Digital Thursday, “We need to be talking about the answers we have to all the great challenges that have been created by the policies of the Biden administration. “Our candidates have (done) very well in going out and presenting those answers in a very credible way. We feel very good about what we’re doing,” Johnson said. Fox News Digital reached out to the House Democrats’ campaign arm for comment.
Jill Biden’s ex-press secretary rips White House narrative after Biden’s NATO presser: ‘Alternate universe’
First lady Jill Biden’s former press secretary blasted the White House communications team’s narrative on Thursday, saying they live in an “alternate universe” after a senior official praised President Biden’s performance at a NATO press conference. “There are two different versions of reality in my party right now, Michael LaRosa, who served as first lady Jill Biden’s press secretary, wrote on X on Thursday night in response to a post from Republican communicator Sarah Matthews criticizing the White House’s Senior Deputy Press Secretary, Andrew Bates. “The below is an alternate universe that MOST of us Dems are NOT actually living in. Being coherent in his FIRST ‘big boy press conference’ of 2024 is not exactly the bar most of us are looking for…. but clearly it’s the bar for Biden set by his own staff … and that is pretty ‘f—ing’ terrifying.” Matthews had criticized Bates for a post on X he made following Biden’s highly anticipated NATO press conference on Thursday night where the senior staffer said, “To answer the question on everyone’s minds: No, Joe Biden does not have a doctorate in foreign affairs. He’s just that f—ing good.” BIDEN SAYS ‘ANYWAY’ AT LEAST 9 TIMES WHILE TRAILING OFF IN PRESS CONFERENCE “1) Literally no one is asking that question right now,” Matthews wrote on X. “2) It’s beneath the office to say “f—ing” from your official White House account. Do better.” “Everyone evaluated POTUS’s performance based on how they wanted to feel or how they already felt about the situation,” LaRosa told Fox News Digital. TOP DEMOCRAT ON HOUSE INTEL COMMITTEE CALLS ON BIDEN TO SUSPEND CAMPAIGN AFTER NATO PRESS CONFERENCE “Andrew’s exuberance, which is what Sarah was responding to, is an example of the division within the Democratic Party right now, unfortunately. But that’s Andrew’s job — and he’s very good at it. His whole purpose is to drink the kool-aid surrounding the boss and make sure everyone else is gulping down too. If I were Biden or any other lawmaker or candidate, there’s no one I’d rather have watching my back than Andrew Bates.” “But for those of us in the party and outside the White House now, it’s our responsibility to decipher the rhetoric from the reality. The reality is, and I said this to Jesse Watters before the debate, that no one has ever questioned or doubted Joe Biden’s command of complex and nuanced domestic or foreign policy,” Larosa continued. “He can run circles around the media, his opponents, or members of Congress on substance or his record. That’s not what the noise or conversation is about. The bar the President hasn’t been able to clear and the reason why Democrats in Congress are anxious is because they feel he hasn’t met or cleared the bar for matters of presentation, agility, and sharpness.” LaRosa said he fears “that sometimes people around him unintentionally lower the bar for the President.” “He’s a former Chair of Senate Foreign relations, a former Vice President, and current President who has met with leaders all over the globe,” LaRosa said. “He’s been negotiating with the Russians since he was in his mid-thirties. We’re not giving him enough credit when we create standards that are frankly beneath him. It’s a distraction from the reality of the challenge in front of us, as Democrats, and in moments of political crisis, there need to be folks on the outside who can put the kool-aid aside for a bit and drink some water.” The X post from Bates also sparked strong criticism from conservatives on social media. “Dude he confused Harris and Trump right after he mixed up Zelensky and Putin,” Abigail Jackson, Communications Director for GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, posted on X referencing a Biden gaffe shortly before the press conference. “Literally no one is asking that question right now,” conservative communicator Steve Guest posted on X. “The question on my mind is what’s wrong with these people,” journalist Josh Barro posted on X. Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment. Biden, who is facing increased calls from elected officials within his own party to drop out of the race due to concerns about his age, was widely criticized by Republicans over his NATO press conference performance. However, longtime GOP strategist Mike Biundo, a former Trump adviser, told Fox News Digital that he believed “it’s a 100% win-win” for Republicans and the Trump campaign. “It appears Biden did enough to convince his apologists that he should remain on the ballot, but he also reinforced what the American people know. Their lives are being hurt by his weakness and failure on a daily basis,” a Trump campaign official, who asked for anonymity to speak more freely, told Fox News Digital after Thursday night’s press conference. Several Democrats and progressives defended Biden’s performance along with Bates. “Tonight Joe Biden offered a lengthy, detailed dive on the major national security issues he’s juggling combined with a comfortable but forceful defense of his view of where this race stands,” Kate Bedingfield, a former communications director for Biden, posted on X. “50 minutes of Qs. He needed to show up big tonight and he did.” “This is a very strong performance,” Joel Rubin, a former State Department official during the Obama administration, posted on X. “Quite frankly. @POTUS is putting on a master class in how foreign policy and domestic policy intersect, explaining how crucial American global leadership is to our people here at home. Well done, Mr. President.” Fox News Digital’s Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.
Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie shares update after wife’s passing: ‘Still devastated’
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., posted a heartfelt tribute to his late wife Rhonda on Thursday, breaking his silence on social media for the first time in two weeks since her passing. Massie wrote on X that he is “still devastated” by the loss of his wife, although “the four wonderful children she brought into this world and nurtured so perfectly have surrounded me with love and comfort.” “Over 1,000 friends and family attended her services and/or sent flowers and other tributes to her memory. I want to thank them and those of you who have prayed for us and who have honored Rhonda in other ways,” he continued. “Our family has cried hard and we have laughed at happy memories of her. With the help of others who have experienced similar losses, I have accepted I can get through this but I will never get over this. I don’t ever want to lose her memory.” REP. THOMAS MASSIE ANNOUNCES PASSING OF HIS WIFE RHONDA On June 28, Massie announced that his wife of 35 years had died, though he did not disclose her cause of death. In a statement, he called her “the smartest kindest woman I ever knew, my beautiful and wise queen forever.” In the days since, various conspiracy theories have circulated online related to Rhonda Massie’s passing. The lawmaker shared that he at first reacted with “indignation” towards the gossip, but now is amused because “Rhonda would have laughed.” “Without violating her privacy, I can dismiss some of those theories by disclosing: she did not take the COVID shots (we were both seropositive by the time they became available), our house is very secure, family was in the house the night she passed, and an autopsy has been conducted (we do not yet have results),” Massie wrote. REP. MASSIE PRESSES GARLAND ON CONSTITUTIONALITY OF SPECIAL COUNSEL JACK SMITH’S APPOINTMENT “I have joked that after poring through hundreds of photographs of us since high school, the only credible conspiracy I can offer is a gorgeous girl who was a literal genius conspired to make a congressman, who would be steerable by no one but her, out of an awkward nerd by taking him as her boyfriend at age 16 and committing to decades of continuously molding him into something better. “I am returning to work for the people of Kentucky’s Fourth Congressional District, and I beg your forgiveness for the votes I missed during this difficult period. With Rhonda no longer with me, I will strive to summon the grace and patience and wisdom she quietly and selflessly dedicated to the effort of serving you.” Massie represents Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, which encompasses more than a dozen counties near the cities of Louisville and Lexington. THOMAS MASSIE, GOP REBEL WHO DEFIED TRUMP AND TRIED TO OUST JOHNSON, SURVIVES PRIMARY THREATS Several colleagues and supporters replied with condolences to his loving tribute. “I teared up reading this. Really something. We’re here for you upon your return. Prayers for your beautiful family,” wrote Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C. “We love you Thomas,” said Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. “Praying for you and your family, Rep. Massie,” wrote Oklahoma state Rep. Dusty Deevers. “‘The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace’ (Numbers 6:24-26).” Fox News Digital’s Greg Norman contributed to this report.
Melania Trump set to appear at Republican National Convention: report
Former first lady Melania Trump is expected to appear at the Republican National Convention next week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, according to a report. Two individuals familiar with the situation told the Associated Press that the former first lady will attend the convention, where her husband, former President Donald Trump, is set to be nominated. The convention, which is set to run from July 15 through 18, would be one of Melania Trump’s first appearances in months in support of her husband’s presidential campaign. AMBER ROSE CONFIRMS PRO-TRUMP SPEECH AT RNC IN MILWAUKEE NEXT WEEK Melania Trump has kept a low profile in the years since she lived in the White House, reportedly focusing most on raising teenage son Barron. She has briefly popped up on major occasions to appear with Donald Trump, such as his Super Tuesday victory party and his 78th birthday party in June. Donald Trump has described her as a “private” person who does not enjoy being in the spotlight but endures the pressure for his sake. FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP, MELANIA AT BARRON’S GRADUATION IN FLORIDA DURING BREAK IN NEW YORK CRIMINAL TRIAL “You know, a lot of first ladies would go out — they want to be everywhere. They get angry at their husband, because he’s not introducing them,” Trump said at a Fox News townhall in February. “If I didn’t introduce Melania, she’d be very happy about it. She’s just a different kind of a person.” He has praised the attention she pays to Barron, as well her personal charitable endeavors. “Her life revolves around that boy. It’s so important to her,” Trump said at the townhall. “At the same time, it also revolves around our country and the success of our country. She’s raised a lot of money for charity. She’s a private person.” Another member of the Trump clan — Lara Trump — currently serves as the Republican National Committee co-chair. Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump and others are also expected to be in attendance.