WATCH: Protesters rally against ‘fascist’ Trump as he becomes 47th president: ‘Socialism beats fascism’
WASHINGTON, DC— Several hundred protesters gathered in Washington, D.C. as President Trump was being sworn into office on Monday and several told Fox News Digital they braved the frigid temperatures to speak out against “colonialism” and “fascism” they believe is coming under Trump’s term. “I’m coming out because I think it’s important to make a stand against the country’s slide towards fascism and against war and genocide and to just show that people are going to keep fighting no matter what attacks come down, and we know that they’re going to happen,” Gregory, who said he traveled from New Orleans to attend the We Fight Back rally at Meridian Hill Park in Washington, D.C., told Fox News Digital. “We know the conditions are going to keep getting worse. We’ve just got to keep fighting.” Maxwell, who traveled to the inauguration protest from Baltimore, told Fox News Digital, “I’m here to make a stand to say that we’re not going away and that the dangers of poverty and wealth inequality, misogyny, discrimination against the LGBTQ community and immigrants who make up the people of our nation deserve to have a voice and deserve to have people stand up for them domestically and also to end imperialism and colonialism and, you know, to discontinue that oppression enacted by the United States government and that’s why we’re here today.” PRESIDENT BIDEN PARDONS HIS SIBLINGS JUST MINUTES BEFORE LEAVING OFFICE Many of the protesters brought signs and props, including one man who rolled a large guillotine replica, which he told Fox News Digital was an “art piece” that is “open to interpretation.” “I want people to know that they have the power to make themselves heard, to voice their anger and to say, you know, to send a message to the people that are above us, people that are ruling us, that, you know, we are here, we’re powerful, and they better, you know, tread lightly. You know, it’s just a sculpture, but it should be a little scary.” An inscription beneath the guillotine said, “come get sum.” Mara, who identifies as transgender, told Fox News Digital that Trump is a “fascist.” TRUMP VOWS THE ‘BIGGEST FIRST WEEK’ IN PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY DURING VICTORY RALLY: ‘EXTREMELY HAPPY’ “It’s important for me to be here. First of all, Donald Trump, with his extreme right wing agenda, has, among other things, to label trans people as pedophiles and then execute them,” Mara said. “So as a trans person, that’s kind of alarming. In addition to that, he has been said not just by left-wing people, but by his own conservative generals, he’s been called a fascist. So I’m out here to reject fascism and say it has no place in our America.” The signs in the crowd contained phrases that included “socialism beats fascism” and “fight Trump’s agenda.” After the speeches wrapped up, many of which included rallying cries to “Free Palestine” and end Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza, the group walked out of the park and marched down the local streets. Counter-protesters showed up as the march got underway, and several individuals engaged in shouting matches. Protests against Trump’s inauguration were far more subdued than the protests that took place at the start of his first term in office and do not appear to have been violent, which it was eight years ago when hundreds of protesters were arrested. Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, marking his return to the Oval Office with a pledge to restore America to a “golden age.” Trump addressed the nation after taking the oath of office for the second time and used his inaugural address remarks to call for a “revolution of common sense.” “I return to the presidency confident and optimistic that we are at the start of a thrilling new era of national success. A tide of change is sweeping the country,” Trump said. “My message to Americans today is that it is time for us to once again act with courage, vigor, and the vitality of history’s greatest civilization.” Fox News Digital’s Brooke Singman contributed to this report
Fox News Politics Newsletter: Dawn of a New Era
Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump administration, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content. Here’s what’s happening… – Trump fans endure frigid temps, sleet, and snow for a chance to see 47th president – Trump vows ‘new era of national success,’ says America’s ‘decline is over’ in inaugural address – Trump sworn in as 47th president of the United States President Trump said a “tide of change is sweeping the country,” striking an optimistic note as he told Americans during his inaugural address Monday that the U.S. is beginning a “new era of national success,” while declaring that the country’s “decline is over.” Trump addressed the nation on Monday after taking the oath of office for the second time and being sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. “In recent years, our nation has suffered greatly. But we are going to bring it back and make it great again, greater than ever before. We will be a nation like no other, full of compassion, courage and exceptionalism. Our power will stop all wars and bring a new spirit of unity to a world that has been angry, violent, and totally unpredictable. America will be respected again and admired again, including by people of religion, faith, and goodwill,” he said…Read more BEG YOUR PARDON: GOP lawmakers pledge to investigate Biden’s last-minute pardons…Read more ‘THIS IS DESPICABLE’: Virginia governor, AG react to Biden granting clemency to ‘cop killers’…Read more LAST-MINUTE PARDONS: High-profile Dems warned Biden against preemptive pardons before giving Fauci, Milley passes…Read more BROTHERLY LOVE: President Biden pardons his siblings just minutes before leaving office…Read more ‘DONE NOTHING WRONG’: Biden pardons Mark Milley, Anthony Fauci, J6 committee members…Read more TIME FOR TRUMP: Laken Riley Act set to become one of first bills to hit Trump’s desk…Read more BORDER BLITZ: Trump to end birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants, halt refugee flow…Read more IN COURT: Elon Musk’s DOGE faces first legal challenge within hours of Trump inauguration…Read more PAGE REFRESH: White House website now lists Trump as president, removes Biden, Harris content…Read more CULTURE WAR: Trump targets culture war lightning rods in early slate of executive orders…Read more NO-SHOW MICHELLE: Former first lady skips Trump inauguration as Barack arrives solo…Read more NEW YORK, NEW YORK: NYC Mayor Adams attends inauguration at Trump team’s request…Read more SILENCE SPEAKS VOLUMES: Former presidents mum following Trump’s second inauguration…Read more ALL THAT GLITTERS: ‘New Golden Age’: Republican lawmakers ecstatic as Trump takes office with slate of new orders…Read more FEELING BLUE: Dems promise to ‘stand up to’ Trump but laud ‘peaceful transfer of power’ after speech…Read more LONG-AWAITED MOVE: Trump national security adviser pick Waltz resigns from House, shrinking GOP majority…Read more DONE AT DOGE: Ramaswamy launching Ohio governor run early next week, say sources…Read more MARK MILLEY PARDONED: General at center of Afghanistan withdrawal predicted it wouldn’t be a Saigon moment…Read more CLEARING OUT: Acting FBI Director Paul Abbate retires just minutes before Trump takes office: report…Read more WORLD OF DIFFERENCE: Trump’s UN ambassador nominee says she sees ‘great promise’ in United Nations…Read more Get the latest updates on the Trump administration, Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.
‘National emergency’: Trump declares ambitious illegal immigration crackdown in inaugural address
President Trump on Monday made a number of ambitious announcements on border security and immigration, eyeing a sweeping overhaul of U.S. policy and likely fueling pushback from Democrats and immigration activists in the weeks and months ahead. Trump used his inaugural address to outline his plans to fulfill his campaign promises to seal the southern border and launch a historic mass deportation campaign. “First, I will declare a national emergency at our southern border. All illegal entry will immediately be halted,” Trump said moments after being inaugurated. “And we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came.” TRUMP VOWS ‘NEW ERA OF NATIONAL SUCCESS,’ SAYS AMERICA’S ‘DECLINE IS OVER’ IN INAUGURAL ADDRESS Fox News had previewed Trump’s immigration moves, which include deploying the military to the border, ending Biden-era parole policies, restoring border wall construction and designating international cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. Trump also will be ending birthright citizenship for illegal immigrants, suspending refugee resettlement and creating a rapid removal process that does not allow for an asylum claim, officials told reporters. Officials told reporters in a press call that Trump would sign an order clarifying language in the 14th Amendment and stating that the federal government “will not recognize automatic birthright citizenship for children of illegal aliens born in the United States.” Trump reiterated many of these promises in his address. TRUMP TO DEPLOY MILITARY TO BORDER, END BIDEN PAROLE POLICIES IN FLURRY OF DAY 1 EXECUTIVE ORDERS “We will reinstate my Remain in Mexico policy. I will end the practice of catch-and-release. And I will send troops to the southern border to repel the disastrous invasion of our country. Under the orders I signed today, we will also be designating the cartels as foreign terrorist organizations,” he said. “And by invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, I will direct our government to use the full and immense power of federal and state law enforcement to eliminate the presence of all foreign gangs and criminal networks bringing devastating crime to U.S. soil, including our cities and inner cities.” TRUMP TO TAKE MORE THAN 200 EXECUTIVE ACTIONS ON DAY 1 “As commander in chief, I have no higher responsibility than to defend our country from threats and invasions,” he said. “And that is exactly what I am going to do. We will do it at a level that nobody has ever seen before.” Trump made tackling illegal immigration, including a mass deportation operation, a central theme of his 2024 campaign. Polls showed Americans saw illegal immigration as a top issue during the 2024 election, and some Democrats in Congress recently have supported legislation to require the detention of certain illegal immigrants by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Fox News’ Brooke Singman and Bill Melugin contributed to this report.
Trump supporters celebrate Inauguration Day in DC streets: ‘Today is a day of freedom’
Spirits were high in the streets of Washington, D.C., this Monday as Americans from across the country converged on the nation’s capital to celebrate the second inauguration of President Trump. Fox News Digital spoke to many Trump supporters who, despite frigid temperatures and a biting wind chill, expressed optimism and hope for the future of America under the new Trump administration. “It’s a happy day,” said a group of women from South Georgia who were wearing huge star-spangled hats and “Make America Great Again” scarves and were standing by the U.S. Capitol. “It’s amazing to have freedom again,” said one of the women named Tanya Garrett. “Today is a day of freedom,” chimed in another woman named Angela Anderson. WATCH: TRUMP SPEAKS TO SUPPORTERS AT THE CAPITOL Anderson said she believes the Trump administration will bring “the respect of America back.” “I think that’s one of the greatest things,” she said. “We’re going to have respect from other countries, and we’re going to prosper and bring safety on our borders and the respect for the people that there should be.” Most of the Trump supporters who spoke with Fox News Digital said the most important thing the new president could do is move quickly to undo the damage done during the Biden administration by securing the southern border, restoring the economy and American energy, and projecting American strength against the nation’s enemies. “I am very, very excited,” said Rachel Quy, who traveled from Atlanta and was standing outside Union Station. “I’m Vietnamese American and I do not like communists, and a lot of us who are anti-communist we hope that Trump can stop that or at least make them weaker so we can make America stronger.” WATCH TRUMP’S FULL INAUGURAL ADDRESS In a pub just blocks from the Capitol, the celebrations began as early as 10 in the morning. As televisions showed Trump emerging from St. John’s Episcopal Church after morning services, crowds in the bar broke into cheers and applause. “A lot of changes are going to happen,” said Jeff, a Trump fan sitting by the bar who traveled for the inauguration from Alaska. “We’re going to make immigration a big deal, bringing things back to America, businesses. It’s a new era, I’m looking forward to it.” Another Trump supporter named Will, who was sitting nearby, chimed in by saying he had never felt the same type of energy for another president. “We’re from Oregon, so it’s a blue state, so it’s nice to be around like-minded people,” he said. TRUMP SUPPORTERS SWARM OUTSIDE CAPITAL ONE ARENA AHEAD OF DC VICTORY RALLY Outside, supporters lined Pennsylvania Avenue where Trump and his motorcade were expected to pass through on their way to Capital One Arena. “We were doing much better under Trump, so we’re excited for another four years,” said Philip Swinson, a construction business owner from Southern California. Standing by Swinson was his father and business partner, Brad Swinson. “I’m almost 72, and I’m going to remember [Biden] as the worst president of my lifetime by far,” said Brad. “We’re big on freedom, the Constitution, free enterprise, all the things that they seem to be pushing against, at least the Democrats [and] the deep state, and I think people can see through that.” Some said that they have noticed a shift in energy in their communities with more and more people willing to openly agree with and support Trump and his agenda. “Anything is better than what we’ve had for the last four years,” said Levi, a young man from Wisconsin. “People that were my friends that were liberals, hard-core lefties, now they’re like, ‘You know what? We’ve got to change something here.’” “It’s been embarrassing for the last four years. We have not had anybody in charge, anybody running the show,” said Deanna, from Illinois. “America has got somebody in charge now.”
Trump, Newsom clash over wildfires, but California governor says he’ll work with president
With President Biden now in political retirement, California Gov. Gavin Newsom is quickly becoming one of President Trump’s top targets. And Trump, minutes into his second term as president, used his inauguration address inside the U.S. Capitol to take aim at the Democratic governor of the nation’s most populous state. “Our country can no longer deliver basic services in times of emergency,” Trump argued. And he pointed to “Los Angeles, where we are watching fires still tragically burned from weeks ago without even a token of defense.” CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST FOX NEWS REPORTING ON THE SECOND INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT TRUMP Trump this month has repeatedly criticized Newsom’s handling of the horrific wildfires that have razed parts of metropolitan Los Angeles, killing nearly 30 people and forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes. POLITICAL FIRESTORM: NEWSOM DEFENDS HIS EFFORTS TO FIGHT CALIFORNIA’S HORRIFIC BLAZES The governor’s press office quickly pushed back, posting on social media four photos of firefighters tackling the blazes. Trump will head to California on Friday to get a firsthand view of the firefighting and recovery efforts. “I’m going to go out there on Friday to see it and to get it moving back,” Trump said at an inaugural eve rally in the nation’s capital. “We’re going to get some of the best builders in the world. We’ll get it moving back.” Newsom, who over a week ago invited Trump to California, said in a statement on Monday following the inauguration ceremony, “I look forward to President Trump’s visit to Los Angeles and his mobilization of the full weight of the federal government to help our fellow Americans recover and rebuild.” And he emphasized “finding common ground and striving toward shared goals” with the Trump administration. “In the face of one of the worst natural disasters in America’s history, this moment underscores the critical need for partnership, a shared commitment to facts, and mutual respect – values that enable civil discourse, effective governance, and meaningful action,” the governor said. Newsom added that “where our shared principles are aligned, my administration stands ready to work with the Trump-Vance administration to deliver solutions and serve the nearly 40 million Californians we jointly represent.” Newsom was a top surrogate on the 2024 campaign trail for Biden and later former Vice President Kamala Harris, who replaced Biden last summer as the Democrats’ nominee. The governor, who is term-limited and likely has national ambitions in 2028, was a vocal Trump critic on the 2024 campaign trail and has taken a lead in leading the Democratic Party’s resistance in the wake of Trump’s presidential election victory.
Trump’s UN ambassador nominee Elise Stefanik says president sees ‘great promise’ in the United Nations
FIRST ON FOX: President Trump sees “great promise” in the United Nations, according to his U.N. ambassador nominee Elise Stefanik, who said she would bring “reform” to the organization. “When discussing this nomination with President Trump, the President shared with me that he sees great promise in the United Nations if it focuses on its founding mission of international peace and security. President Trump has long advocated for peace and no new wars,” she will say, according to excerpts of her opening statement for Tuesday’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, obtained by Fox News Digital. She will pledge to support Israel – as it faces chronic criticism for the war in Gaza – and work to ensure the agency is using U.S. tax dollars to advance U.S. interests. “As the world faces crisis after crisis, with hostages including Americans still held in Hamas’ captivity, to national security challenges ranging from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, it has never been more critical for the United States to lead with strength and moral clarity,” Stefanik plans to say. “As a Member of Congress, I also understand deeply that we must be good stewards of U.S. taxpayer dollars. The U.S. is the largest contributor to the U.N. by far. Our tax dollars should not be complicit in propping up entities that are counter to American interests, antisemitic, or engaging in fraud, corruption, or terrorism.” “We must invest in programs that strengthen our national security and deliver results. To increase the efficacy of U.N. programs, we must drive reform. If confirmed, I will be the first U.N. Ambassador in over two decades to come directly from Congress – and I have a deep respect and understanding of the oversight and appropriations role of the legislative branch. I look forward to using my strong House and Senate relationships to deliver much needed reforms.” After Tuesday’s hearing, where Stefanik will be grilled on her plans for representing the U.S. at the U.N., the Foreign Relations Committee will vote on her confirmation before it heads to a full Senate vote. FORMER HIGH-LEVEL UNITED NATIONS OFFICIALS TO LAUNCH ‘DOGE-UN’ TO HIGHLIGHT AGENCY INEFFICIENCIES Stefanik, who currently serves as the House GOP Conference chair, is expected to sail to confirmation in the U.N. role. Sen. John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, has already said he will vote for her – they are both strong Israel supporters. She served on the Intelligence and Armed Services Committees, but she went viral for her work on the other side of the table last year when she questioned university presidents and their policies surrounding pro-Gaza protests during Education Committee hearings. The U.N. ambassador is a Cabinet-level position, meaning Stefanik will regularly meet with the president to share updates and suggestions, if confirmed. Both Trump and Stefanik have been critical of the U.N., and Trump slashed funding for certain U.N. agencies and programs during his first term. Founded with a mission to promote global peace, development and respect for human rights after World War II, the U.N. relies on the U.S. for about a third of its budget. President Biden increased U.S. financial contributions to the U.N. and its sister agencies, boosting it from $11.6 billion in 2020 to $18.1 billion in 2022. US FOES IRAN, RUSSIA, OTHER UN DIPLOMATS EXEMPT FROM NYC CONGESTION PRICING AS TAXPAYERS FORCED TO FOOT BILL The U.S. gave about three times as much that year as the next-highest contributors, Germany, at $6.8 billion, and Japan, at $2.7 billion. That amount of funding gives a new administration wiggle room to withhold funds to the U.N. if its global interests do not align with those of the U.S., a notion some Republicans have already pushed for. Trump will be in office when the international body elects its next secretary-general in 2026, and the U.S. will have veto power over any candidate. The U.N. particularly relies on the U.S. for global aid programs. In 2022, it provided half of all contributions to the World Food Programme, and about a third of all contributions to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and the International Organization for Migration. And critics have warned that China has infiltrated the agency – the CCP doubled the number of its nationals employed at the U.N. to nearly 15,000 from 2009 to 2021.
Former presidents mum following Donald Trump’s inauguration
The men who held the nation’s highest office before President Trump have all remained mum on his taking the presidency on Monday. All four living former presidents – Bill Clinton, George Bush, Barack Obama and Joe Biden – attended the inauguration ceremony, and sat behind Trump as he gave a politically charged speech about his vision for the future of the country. None had any public well-wishes for the incoming president after the swearing-in ceremony. Asked whether they planned to put out a statement on it, none of their offices responded at press time. Biden only addressed his supporters and staffers in remarks before boarding a government helicopter to be whisked away from Washington, D.C. “We’re leaving office, we’re not leaving the fight,” he told them. Former first ladies Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush and Jill Biden all attended the ceremony alongside their husbands. Michelle Obama did not attend. Sources reportedly close to Michelle Obama told People magazine that the former first lady intended to skip Trump’s inauguration because she cannot contain her disdain for the Republican president-elect. MARK MILLEY PARDONED: GENERAL AT CENTER OF AFGHANISTAN WITHDRAWAL PREDICTED IT WOULDN’T BE A SAIGON MOMENT Hillary Clinton chuckled when Trump suggested renaming the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. Bill Clinton told CNN of his reaction to the speech: “I think you can figure it out for yourself.” The Clintons did not stay for the inaugural luncheon. Trump and former first lady Melania Trump did not attend President Biden’s inauguration in 2021. At the late President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, Obama and Trump were seen chatting and laughing like old friends despite the history of political animosity between the former Democratic president and the returning Republican. PRESIDENT BIDEN PARDONS HIS SIBLINGS JUST MINUTES BEFORE LEAVING OFFICE Trump, in his address, took shots at Biden without addressing him by name. “My recent election is a mandate to completely and totally reverse a horrible betrayal, and all of these many betrayals that have taken place, and to give the people back their faith, their wealth, their democracy and indeed, their freedom,” Trump said. In a follow-up speech to supporters, Trump called out Biden’s last-minute moves as president. “You’re going to see a lot of action on the J6 hostages,” he said. “And I was going to talk about the things Joe did today with the pardons of people that were very, very guilty of very bad crimes, like the UnSelect Committee of political thugs,” he went on. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP In an 11th hour move, Biden preemptively pardoned the members of the January 6th House Select Committee that investigated the role of Trump and his acolytes in the 2021 Capitol riot, along with Dr. Anthony Fauci and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Mark Milley. And just moments before leaving the White House, Biden preemptively shielded his siblings and their spouses from any prosecution.
‘New Golden Age’: Republican lawmakers ecstatic as Trump takes office with slate of new orders
Republican lawmakers are jubilant after President Trump was sworn in for a second term on Monday, followed by a speech promising massive policy changes in the U.S. “President Trump’s speech was a breath of fresh aid for Americans – he will bring down costs, close the southern border, deport illegal immigrants, bring back free speech, and unleash American energy dominance,” House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris, R-Md., told Fox News Digital. “The Golden Age of America begins today.” House GOP leaders, meanwhile, reaffirmed their promise to execute Trump’s policies as quickly as possible, with the commander in chief angling for an active first 100 days in office beginning with a sweeping set of executive orders. “This is America’s moment of redemption, and under President Trump’s leadership, our nation will usher in a new Golden Age,” said House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn. “House Republicans are fully committed to making his America First vision a reality and are ready to hit the ground running on day one.” DONALD TRUMP SWORN IN AS 47TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., meanwhile, hailed Trump’s address as “a powerful speech outlining his vision for an America that’s safe, strong, free, and full of opportunity.” Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., chair of the House GOP Policy Committee, compared Trump’s inauguration to former President Ronald Reagan’s in 1985 – which was also held indoors. “Like Reagan, who ushered in a renaissance of American greatness, President Trump’s inauguration marks the beginning of a new golden age in America. His vision and leadership will secure a brighter future for our nation. Today, we witness the dawn of a new era,” Hern said. Like Trump, Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, called for legislative action to begin without delay. He said, “Today is a day for celebration, but our work begins immediately. There is no room for excuses. Congress must work with the president to deliver fully, not partially. I stand ready and resolved.” Meanwhile, Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, urged Congress to now work with Trump “to pass the Farm Bill, extend the Trump Tax Cuts, lock down our border, end the electric vehicle mandates, support our small businesses, and lower costs for our families and farmers.” TRUMP TO TAKE MORE THAN 200 EXECUTIVE ACTIONS ON DAY ONE Several of those goals were also mentioned by Trump himself during his inaugural speech in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. “I will direct all members of my Cabinet to marshal the vast powers at their disposal to defeat what was record inflation, and rapidly bring down costs and prices. The inflation crisis was caused by massive overspending and escalating energy prices. And that is why today I will also declare a national energy emergency. We will drill, baby, drill,” Trump said. “With my actions today, we will end the Green New Deal, and we will revoke the electric vehicle mandate, saving our auto industry and keeping my sacred pledge to our great American autoworkers.” He also repeated promises to crack down on crime at the border as well as target foreign nations with high tariffs as a means to bring down the deficit. Trump later gave roughly half an hour’s worth of further remarks in the Capitol’s Emancipation Hall. The second speech, more freewheeling than his first, saw Trump criticize his predecessor, former President Biden, for issuing pardons to members of the former House Select Committee on Jan. 6 and others, like retired Gen. Mark Milley. “We’re going to turn our country around, and we’re going to turn it around fast. And I think it was a better speech than the one I made upstairs,” Trump joked in those remarks.
Youngkin, Miyares react to Biden granting clemency to ‘cop killers’: ‘Utter disbelief’
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares lambasted President Biden after he granted clemency to the “Waverly Two,” who they said admitted to being responsible for the 1998 murder of a Sussex County police officer. “I am beyond outraged and in utter disbelief that President Biden would announce clemency for Ferrone Claiborne and Terence Richardson – two men who admitted to being responsible for brutally killing Officer Allen Gibson, a hero and dedicated servant to our community,” Youngkin said in a statement. “What makes this even more unconscionable is the Biden U.S. Attorney advised the White House not to commute these sentences as they are violent offenders.” Youngkin said “the pain and sorrow this clemency causes the Gibson family is unimaginable.” BIDEN COMMUTES NEARLY 2,500 MORE SENTENCES IN FINAL DAYS OF PRESIDENCY “To know that the men who took Officer Gibson’s life will walk free is not just a grave injustice- – it is a heartbreaking blow to those who continue to mourn his sacrifice. This is despicable; a grim day for justice and for the families who trust that our system will hold the guilty accountable,” Youngkin said. Youngkin’s office said Claiborne and Richardson admitted in Sussex County Circuit Court to being responsible for Gibson’s brutal killing. “The evidence presented and the details surrounding Officer Gibson’s death are deeply disturbing and tragic,” Youngkin stated. Youngkin’s office said then-President Obama declined to grant clemency to Claiborne and Richardson. Under the current terms, both men are set to be released in July. “This is despicable. I’m beyond outraged and in utter disbelief that President Biden would announce clemency for these two violent criminals,” Youngkin wrote in a post on X. BIDEN’S FULL LIST OF CLEMENCY AND COMMUTATION RECIPIENTS REVEALED Miyares echoed Youngkin’s disgust and said his office would continue to seek justice for Gibson’s family. “I’m outraged by Biden granting clemency to cop killers, forcing the fallen officer’s child, Crissana, to relive this trauma. Shame on you, Joe Biden and your enabling staff. May the memory of Officer Allen Gibson & his family haunt each of you forever,” Miyares wrote in a post on X. Miyares also shared a statement from Crissana Gibson, who was outraged by Biden’s decision. “I am absolutely outraged by what has happened. My heart is shattered knowing that the men that killed my father are going to be released from prison and can walk the streets freely. This is a huge miscarriage of justice, and I am completely disgusted by the outgoing administration,” she wrote. “The Virginia Attorney General’s office has worked tirelessly to keep these murderers behind bars, and I am forever grateful for their dedication and hard work. I am so disappointed that the disgraceful Biden administration has failed my family, my father, and the entire law enforcement community. Neither my family nor I have ever supported the release of Richardson or Claiborne, and we denounce this decision by the outgoing failed presidency of Joe Biden and the Democratic Party’s abuse of the justice system.” ‘SQUAD’ DEM APPLAUDS BIDEN FOR SPARING MURDERERS FROM ‘RACIST’ DEATH PENALTY IN 11TH-HOUR CLEMENCY MOVE Miyares said that on April 25, 1998, Allen Gibson, 25, woke up and went to work as a Waverly police officer and never returned home after he was shot with his own service weapon in the woods behind an apartment complex. “He put on his bulletproof vest and said goodbye to his 8-year-old daughter Crissana. Officer Gibson found Terence Richardson and Ferrone Claiborne engaged in a drug deal behind an apartment building. The men attacked Officer Gibson, and Richardson disarmed Officer Gibson and fatally shot him in the stomach right below his bulletproof vest,” Miyares described. Officials said that both Claiborne and Richardson were named suspects and arrested for Gibson’s murder soon after his death. Both men are still serving a life sentence for a remaining drug trafficking charge but were acquitted by a federal jury of murder and firearms charges. On Friday morning, Biden announced that he would commute the sentences of nearly 2,500 inmates as his presidency came to a close. The commutations are for people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses “who are serving disproportionately long sentences” compared to what they would receive if sentenced under today’s law. However, Biden has come under bipartisan fire for who he has decided to pardon or commute sentences for. At the end of December, he chose to commute the sentences of 37 of the 40 men on federal death row, helping them escape execution and sending them to prison for life without parole instead. Biden also boasted about completing the “largest single-day grant of clemency” on Dec. 12 when he commuted sentences for 1,500 people and pardoned 39 others, most of whom were already serving time in home confinement because of decisions made during the COVID-19 era. Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Pritchett contributed to this report.
Laken Riley Act set to become one of first bills to hit President Trump’s desk
The Laken Riley Act is expected to be headed back to the House after the Senate likely passes an amended version on Monday night. The legislation is set to be one of the first pieces of legislation sent to President Trump’s desk after it overcame the legislative filibuster’s 60-vote threshold twice this month. The bill, introduced in the new Congress by Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., in the Senate and Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., in the House, was named for a 22-year-old Augusta University nursing student who was found dead on the University of Georgia’s campus in February. NEXT OHIO SENATOR, A ‘FISCAL CONSERVATIVE,’ AIMS TO ‘GET GOVERNMENT OUT OF PEOPLE’S LIVES’ Jose Ibarra, a 26-year-old illegal immigrant, was found guilty of 10 total counts, including felony murder. He initially pleaded not guilty but was ultimately sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in November. The measure would require ICE to arrest and detain illegal immigrants that have committed theft, burglary or shoplifting until they are deported. States would also be granted standing under the legislation to take civil action against members of the federal government that do not enforce immigration laws. DOGE CAUCUS PLANS FOR BIGGEST IMPACT, EYEING KEY TOOLS TO EXPEDITE CUTTING WASTE A Republican amendment that added assault of law enforcement officers to the list of crimes that would trigger ICE detainment was added last week in the Senate. The upper chamber will also vote on Monday afternoon on whether to add “Sarah’s Law” as an amendment. The legislation, led by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, would require ICE to detain illegal immigrants charged with killing or seriously injuring another person. A final vote on the immigration bill is expected around 6 p.m. in the upper chamber. OHIO GOV DEWINE PICKS LT GOV TO FILL VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT JD VANCE’S VACANT SEAT Afterward, the House will need to take up the measure once again and approve the final version as amended by the Senate. The prioritization of the bill ahead of Trump’s swearing in on Monday came as the new president is expected to make immigration law enforcement a top goal of his administration. DESANTIS ANNOUNCES CHOICE FOR SENATE APPOINTMENT AFTER RUBIO’S EXPECTED RESIGNATION Trump’s administration has already revealed several actions he is taking on the first day of his term, with many addressing immigration. Incoming White House officials revealed on Monday that he would sign an executive order ending birthright citizenship for the children of illegal immigrants, in addition to several other day-one actions tackling the border crisis. Fox News Digital’s Adam Shaw contributed to this report.