Fox News Politics: ‘Low IQ individual’
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… – Hunter Biden attorneys leave option open for president’s son to testify Monday …LIVE UPDATES – Biden continues European tour commemorating D-Day… – Trump finds windfall in Silicon Valley… Amid concerns about Biden’s mental decline, former President Trump has a theory about why some Silicon Valley venture capitalists back him over the president: “they can’t relate to Biden because he is a stupid person — and I have a high IQ.” Trump told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview that tech investor David Sacks’ endorsement — which came just ahead of a San Francisco fundraiser that raised $12 million for Trump’s campaign — is a testament to his “accomplishments.” Trump also used his recent trial, where he was convicted by a New York jury, as evidence for his superior intelligence. Unlike himself, Biden is “incompetent to stand trial,” Trump said. ‘THAT ARTICLE WAS B.S.’: Biden’s cabinet reacts to reports of his mental decline …Read more PASSING THE BUCK: Biden tells Zelenskyy ‘some conservatives’ to blame for stalled aid …Read more ON THE STAND? Hunter Biden considers testifying in gun trial, decision to be made over weekend …Read more NO CHANGE: Day after Biden order, migrants are still arriving …Read more WAR OF WORDS: George Clooney reportedly called White House to complain about something Biden said …Read more NEW DISCLOSURES: Justice Clarence Thomas lists controversial vacations on new disclosure forms …Read more BATTLEGROUND BRAWL: Michigan heats up as GOP pours money into swing state Senate race …Read more ‘INSTINCT IS TO WALK AWAY’: Biden speaks about democracy, slams Putin at Pointe du Hoc …Read more ‘UNICORNS’: ‘View’ co-hosts compares Black GOP voters to mythical creatures …Read more ‘NOT OKAY’: Dem in major Senate race accused of ‘pandering’ to Black voters over taxpayer-funded reparations …Read more ‘BIGGER THREAT’: Russell Brand says if it comes down to Trump or Biden, only one candidate will protect democracy, freedom …Read more ‘PROFOUND DISAGREEMENTS’: Progressives prompt Schumer explanation for Netanyahu invite to Congress …Read more BACK IN TIME: House lawmakers parachute out of WWII era-plane in Normandy …Read more ‘PUTTING OUR GIRLS AT RISK’: Nearly 70 House Republicans back push to block Biden Title IX changes …Read more TERMINATED: Ex-Bernie Sanders aide fired from reporting job amid anti-Israel comments …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.
University of North Texas names Harrison Keller as sole finalist for president
Keller has served as the commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board since 2019.
High school students’ math scores are still lagging, STAAR results show
Algebra scores have not recovered since the pandemic, raising worries about students’ readiness for STEM-related jobs.
Hunter Biden’s attorneys consider putting him on the stand in gun trial; decision to be made over weekend
Attorneys for Hunter Biden, who faces three felony charges related to the purchase of a revolver in 2018, left open the possibility he might testify in his criminal trial next week as court concluded Friday. Defense attorney Abbe Lowell said on Friday, the fifth day of the trial, that he will decide over the weekend whether he will call Biden to the stand as the final witness. Biden is facing charges of making a false statement in the purchase of a gun, making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federally licensed gun dealer and possession of a gun by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance. Lowell’s decision on whether to put Biden on the stand will come over the weekend, and he said he would notify the office of Special Counsel David Weiss when he reaches that decision. HUNTER BIDEN LAPTOP RE-EMERGES AS MEDIA EMBARRASSMENT AS IT BECOMES KEY EVIDENCE AT GUN TRIAL The decision is expected to be announced Monday around 8:15 a.m. ET, when court resumes. Should Biden testify next week, direct testimony and cross-examination could take up most of the day, possibly even the full day. The prosecution has suggested that if Biden testifies, then they may call a rebuttal witness. In that case, the earliest that closing arguments and jury instructions would likely be given is Tuesday. However, if Lowell tells Judge Maryellen Noreika that Biden won’t be testifying on Monday, then things are likely to move more rapidly. If Biden doesn’t testify, closing statements would likely start Monday when court resumes, followed by jury instructions. In that case, the jury could begin deliberations as soon as Monday after lunch. Biden pleaded not guilty in the case. He also pleaded not guilty to tax-related charges in a federal court in California, also brought by Weiss. BIDEN SAYS HE WON’T PARDON SON HUNTER, VOWS TO ACCEPT VERDICT IN FELONY GUN CRIME TRIAL The total maximum prison time for the three charges could be up to 25 years. Each count also carries a maximum fine of $250,000 and three years of supervised release. Lowell’s decision on whether to put Biden on the stand for testimony followed an emotional Friday morning in court, where Biden’s eldest daughter, Naomi Biden, testified about her father’s addiction struggles. Naomi testified under cross-examination that she knew her father had been “struggling with addiction” in the past and noted that she “never saw him use” drugs. Biden’s defense team does not deny the first son’s issues with addiction, which are well documented in his memoir, “Beautiful Things.” They instead argue that at the time of the gun purchase on Oct. 12, 2018, Biden did not consider himself a user of illegal substances. Others close to Biden also testified this week, including Kathleen Buhle, Biden’s former wife and the mother of Naomi; Hallie Biden, Biden’s sister-in-law turned girlfriend; and Zoe Kestan, Biden’s ex-girlfriend and a former stripper. Fox News’ Emma Colton, Jake Gibson and David Spunt contributed to this report.
GOP shores up Michigan effort as Dems lose Senate incumbent advantage
Republicans are making an early effort for the open Senate seat in Michigan, which is now in play as Democrats brace to lose their incumbency advantage with the departure of Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich. The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) announced a seven-figure expenditure on a new field program in the battleground state on Friday, emphasizing its effort to flip the long-time Democratic seat. The Republican Senate campaign arm will prop up GOP frontrunner former Rep. Mike Rogers in Michigan, months ahead of the state’s official primary, where he still faces challengers in wealthy businessman Sandy Pensler and former Rep. Justin Amash. SCHUMER JUSTIFIES CONGRESSIONAL INVITE TO NETANYAHU AMID LIBERAL OUTRAGE Rogers, who is endorsed by former President Trump, is expected to come out the victor in the Aug. 6 primary. The early spend includes ground-level infrastructure meant to increase Republican voter turnout and reach individuals who haven’t yet locked in their plan for the November election, the NRSC said. “The Michigan Senate race is one of our top pickup opportunities in 2024. This investment is a direct reflection of our confidence in Mike Rogers’ ability to flip this seat in November,” NRSC spokesperson Maggie Abboud said in a statement. BIDEN ADMIN ACCUSED OF PLAYING POLITICS WITH FLORIDA FUNDING IN PRO-UNION PUSH “Today’s unprecedented investment by the NRSC in support of Mike Rogers makes it very clear that not only is Michigan winnable, it’s the top opportunity for Republicans to secure the Senate Majority,” said Rogers campaign spokesperson Chris Gustafson in a statement. “Along with our strong partnership with the Trump campaign and Republicans up and down the ballot, this investment allows our team to expand our outreach and share Mike’s message using a proven data-driven approach, and help ensure we defeat the Biden-Slotkin agenda to flip Michigan red in November,” he added. TRUMP VP CONTENDER LEADS GOP EFFORT TO REACH BLACK VOTERS AS BIDEN LOSES GRIP Stabenow’s retirement has provided Republicans the opportunity to take on a candidate without an incumbent advantage, which is likely to be Democratic frontrunner Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich. She also faces a primary challenger in actor Hill Harper. Slotkin’s campaign did not provide comment to Fox News Digital in time for publication. The race is rated as “Lean Democratic” by non-partisan political handicapper the Cook Political Report, alongside other close Senate races in Pennsylvania, Arizona and Wisconsin. OBAMA STRESSES CRITICAL DEM SENATE MAJORITY FOR APPOINTING PREFERRED JUDGES In response to the announced buy, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokesperson Maeve Coyle said in a statement, “Republicans are engulfed in a radioactive, expensive primary that will leave their eventual nominee deeply damaged.” “Meanwhile, every day is bringing new and damaging revelations about National Republicans’ chosen candidate Mike Rogers — like how he supports a national abortion ban, enriched himself through ties to Chinese businesses, and ditched Michigan to live in a million dollar Florida mansion the first chance he got,” she said. Michigan is considered a significant pickup opportunity for Republicans, both congressionally and in the presidential race. In an April Fox News Poll, Trump led President Biden in Michigan by three points, 49% to 46%. In April 2020, Biden led Trump 49% to 41%.
Clarence Thomas formally reports 2019 trips paid by friend and GOP donor Harlan Crow
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has acknowledged previously unreported trips overseas that were paid for by his friend, conservative businessman Harlan Crow. One of the 2019 trips was to Bali, where the justice was accompanied by his wife, Virginia. Another trip paid for by the Crows was to Sonoma County, California. Thomas on Friday released his amended 2023 financial disclosure forms — required of all federal judges — to include those earlier trips. The travel was not disclosed in the 2019 report. “During the preparation and filing of this report, filer sought and received guidance from his accountant and ethics counsel,” the filing states. OVER 100 FORMER CLERKS OF JUSTICE THOMAS SIGN OPEN LETTER DEFENDING HIS INTEGRITY, INDEPENDENCE “Consistent with the review of prior filings that the filer began last year, report for calendar year 2019 is hereby amended to include the following entries under the reimbursement section, which was inadvertently omitted at the time of filing: Thomas’ vacations were first documented in April 2023. Thomas issued a rare statement at the time defending the trips and explaining that he had always followed Supreme Court guidance. CRITICS SLAM LATEST PROPUBLICA ‘HIT PIECE’ ON JUSTICE CLARENCE THOMAS “Harlan and Kathy Crow are among our dearest friends, and we have been friends for over twenty-five years,” the justice, who has served on the bench for 32 years, said in a statement at the time. “As friends do, we have joined them on a number of family trips during the more than quarter century we have known them. Early in my tenure at the Court, I sought guidance from my colleagues and others in the judiciary, and was advised that this sort of personal hospitality from close personal friends, who did not have business before the Court, was not reportable,” Thomas said. “I have endeavored to follow that counsel throughout my tenure, and have always sought to comply with the disclosure guidelines,” he said. “These guidelines are now being changed, as the committee of the Judicial Conference responsible for financial disclosure for the entire federal judiciary just this past month announced new guidance. And, it is, of course, my intent to follow this guidance in the future.” Financial reports for seven other justices were released Friday. Only Samuel Alito did not release one but was given a 90-day extension. CLARENCE THOMAS SAYS HE RECEIVES ‘NASTINESS’ FROM CRITICS, DESCRIBES D.C. AS A ‘HIDEOUS PLACE’ In November, the Supreme Court issued a new “Code of Conduct” following months of heightened scrutiny from Senate Judiciary Democrats pushing for new ethics laws for the high court. The Code is a set of five “canons,” including two new canons that appear to be in response to reports over travel arrangements for private trips taken by Justices Thomas and Samuel Alito paid by others, and use of court staff for book promotion — referring to a recent report that staff of Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s staff urged colleges and libraries to buy her latest book. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP “A Justice should not to any substantial degree use judicial chambers, resources, or staff to engage in activities that do not materially support official functions or other activities permitted under these Canons,” the code states. “A Justice may accept reasonable compensation and reimbursement of expenses for permitted activities if the source of the payments does not give the appearance of influencing the Justice’s official duties or otherwise appear improper,” the rules say. “Expense reimbursement should be limited to the actual or reasonably estimated costs of travel, food, and lodging reasonably incurred by the Justice and, where appropriate to the occasion, by the Justice’s spouse or relative,” the new code says. The Code also states, “For some time, all Justices have agreed to comply with the statute governing financial disclosure, and the undersigned Members of the Court each individually reaffirm that commitment.”
Conservative British PM faces backlash after skipping D-Day event and going on TV
British Prime Minister Rish Sunak apologized Friday after he left D-Day commemorations in Normandy, France, early and went on TV for an interview. The move sparked backlash at home and appeared to be yet another setback for Sunak’s Conservative Party, which is down in opinion polls against Keir Starmer’s Labour Party. “On reflection, it was a mistake not to stay longer, and I’ve apologized for that, but I also don’t think it’s right to be political in the midst of D-Day commemorations,” Sunak told reporters. “The focus should rightly be on the veterans.” Starmer remained in Normandy for the duration of events that commemorated the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, which Britain’s King Charles and President Biden attended. The Labour leader was seen talking to several world leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. FORMER BREXIT LEADER NIGEL FARAGE IS RUNNING IN UK ELECTION, WANTS TO ‘MAKE BRITAIN GREAT AGAIN’ Sunak spoke at a British-led event but delegated other duties to ministers, including Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who was pictured with Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. His decision to leave the event early was reportedly made weeks in advance, before the general election was called, according to the BBC. But his campaign failed to consider the optics of the U.K. leader ditching D-Day commemorations to go on TV and criticize the opposition. A Conservative politician who asked not to be identified told Reuters, “I can’t explain it and I won’t.” The lawmaker said it could become the “Gillian Duffy moment” — a reference to 2010 when Gordon Brown, who was then prime minister, apologized for being caught on tape calling a voter “a bigoted woman”, a moment seen as a turning point in a campaign he lost. ENGLISH COURTS CONSIDER NIXING MANDATORY WIGS FOR BARRISTERS AMID CONCERNS THEY’RE ‘CULTURALLY INSENSITIVE’ Others pounced on Sunak in the British press. “He should have stayed. As the PM of our country he should have been there to represent the country and to show our gratitude to those who fell,” said former British army commander in Afghanistan Richard Kemp in comments to the Mirror, a tabloid newspaper. Labour spokesman Jonathan Ashworth said the “disrespect” Sunak showed was “shocking.” “I think it reveals something unbecoming about both his judgment and his character, And I think people today will be asking, what type of person thinks it’s more important to rush away from an event like this, to go and do an interview to try and score political points to save his own skin than truly honor the fallen,” Ashworth told Sky News. Nigel Farage, a lead campaigner for Brexit and leader of the Reform UK party, who will stand in the election, said Sunak’s actions were “an insult” to America. UK CONSERVATIVE DEFECTS TO LABOUR PARTY, ANOTHER HIT TO PM RISHI SUNAK AHEAD OF ELECTION “He doesn’t really care about our history. He doesn’t really care, frankly, about our culture. He cares about staying in Number 10,” Farage said in a video posted on social media. “This man is not patriotic. Doesn’t believe in the country, its people, its history, or frankly, even its culture. If you’re a patriotic voter, don’t vote for Rishi Sunak,” Farage said, adding that he was in Normandy “in a personal capacity because I wanted to be there. I care.” The Conservative party is polling about 20 points behind Labour in opinion polls. Earlier this month, the Conservatives suffered historic losses in local elections, losing about half. Labour picked up seats and won most of the key mayoral races up for grabs, including in London. The center-left party showed strength in areas that voted for Brexit in 2016 and in places where former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson prevailed over Labour in the 2019 general election. In the interview with ITV on Thursday, Sunak warned Labour would raise taxes if elected by about 2,000 pounds, or $2,500, per household if they win the election. Labour leaders have denied the accusation and
Trump touts Silicon Valley support, says tech leaders can’t relate to ‘low IQ’ Biden: ‘I have a high IQ’
EXCLUSIVE: Former President Trump touted the success of a San Francisco fundraiser Thursday evening as a major shift in support and a “great testament” to his accomplishments after raising $12 million and landing the endorsement of a top Silicon Valley venture capitalist. Trump told Fox News Digital that tech leaders who hosted the fundraiser, David Sacks and Chamath Paliphapitiya — two high-profile figures in Silicon Valley and co-hosts of the “All In” podcast — are “very unhappy” with President Biden. “These are brilliant guys — AI guys — these are the guys that are doing all the things you read about,” Trump told Fox News Digital. “These are just a brilliant group of people. And they can’t relate to Biden because he is a stupid person — and I have a high IQ.” “They don’t like dealing with an IQ that’s like, you know, 1/3 of theirs, because it is a difficult thing when someone has an IQ of 180, it is difficult to deal with a man with an IQ of 70 — or maybe lower,” Trump said, slamming his opponent. “Biden is a very low IQ individual.” Trump told Fox News Digital that Sacks’ “strong” endorsement “is a great testament to what I’ve accomplished.” TRUMP HEADS TO UNLIKELY DEEP BLUE STATE TO RAISE MAJOR CAMPAIGN CASH “David Sacks — the king of that world — David Sacks and the group that we were with are the most respected people in San Francisco from both a business and high tech standpoint,” Trump told Fox News Digital. “They love our country and they understand what’s happening into the future with technology better than any group, anywhere in the world.” “One of the primary reasons for the endorsement was the four years that we had in office, which was the best four years ever for high tech, which will play an increasingly important role in the future of our country, especially as it relates to AI and all of the other new and brilliant technologies coming right at this moment,” Trump said. “It is a very exciting time and it is a great honor to have the most brilliant minds supporting, by far, the most brilliant leader.” Sacks endorsed Trump Thursday night. “My reasons rest on four main issues that I think are vital to American prosperity, security and stability — issues where the Biden administration has veered badly off course and where I believe President Trump can lead us back,” Sacks said Thursday. Tickets at the sold-out event ranged from $50,000 per person to get in the door all the way up to $500,000 per couple for special access as part of the host committee. The event was sold out. The event was held at Sacks’ multimillion-dollar home in the tony Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. Trump said the fundraiser was attended by “the most powerful group of industrial intellects from the heart of San Francisco.” TRUMP LANDS ENDORSEMENT OF TOP INVESTOR WHO HOSTED $12 MILLION SAN FRANCISCO FUNDRAISER FOR FORMER PRESIDENT “They liked the job I did, number one, and now, don’t forget, I wasn’t a politician when I started, so it is hard get support when you aren’t a politician,” Trump told Fox News Digital. “But for four years, they did better than they’ve ever done — they had less regulation, and they are a group that cannot stand regulation because it hinders their path to growth.” Meanwhile, Trump described driving through traditionally blue San Francisco. “When Secret Service took us through the middle of San Francisco, there were thousands of people waving,” Trump told Fox News Digital. “We’re talking the heart of San Francisco — people were screaming on the streets with love. It was a very nice thing to see.” Trump added: “I was really surprised. There wasn’t one bad thing or one bad shout… We got a lot of love yesterday. The meeting was amazing.” Fox News’ Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.
Biden references ‘instinct’ to ‘walk away’ from democracy in Normandy speech
President Biden on Friday repeatedly referenced an “instinct” to “walk away” from democracy during a speech in Normandy about the heroics of the Army Rangers who scaled Pointe du Hoc more than 80 years ago on D-Day. “We talk about democracy, American democracy. We often talk about the ideals of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. What we don’t talk about is how hard it is, how many ways we’re asked to walk away, how many instincts there are to walk away,” Biden said. “The most natural instinct is to walk away.” Biden, who at 81 is running for re-election this fall, has previously faced pressure from some in politics to step aside and let another Democrat pursue the nomination. He also used his speech Friday to take a swipe at Russian President Vladimir Putin. BIDEN COMMEMORATES D-DAY AT NORMANDY, CALLING ON ALLIES TO REPEL ‘TYRANT’ PUTIN IN UKRAINE “Because of them, the war turned,” Biden said about the Army Rangers who climbed the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc. “They stood against Hitler’s aggression. Does anyone doubt that they would want America to stand up against Putin’s aggression here in Europe today?” “They stormed the beaches alongside their allies. Does anyone believe these Rangers would want America to go it alone today?” he continued. BIDEN CLAIMS TO HAVE KNOWN PUTIN FOR ‘OVER 40 YEARS’ EVEN WHEN HE WORKED AS A KGB AGENT “They fought to vanquish a hateful ideology in the 30s and 40s. Does anyone doubt they wouldn’t move heaven and earth to vanquish hateful ideologies of today?” Biden also said. “These Rangers put mission and country above themselves. Does anyone believe they would exact any less from every American today? Biden concluded his speech by saying “They’re not asking us to scale these cliffs, but they’re asking us to stay true to what America stands for… they’re asking us to do our job to protect freedom of our time, to defend democracy, to stand up to aggression abroad and at home, to be part of something bigger than ourselves.
Amit Shah rejects Devendra Fadnavis’s proposal to resign, asks him to continue as Maharashtra Deputy CM
The undivided Shiv Sena and the BJP had won 41 of the state’s 48 between them in 2019, but the new coalition – called the Mahayuti in Maharashtra secured only 17 this time.