Who is Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy in the Gaza ceasefire talks?
[unable to retrieve full-text content] Steve Witkoff was little known to the public before he turned out to be a key player in Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks.
Romania sets May date for new presidential election
The first round will take place on May 4, with a second on May 18 if no first-round candidate wins more than 50 percent. Romania’s coalition government has announced that it will hold a new presidential election in May, after the shock annulment of the December vote amid claims of Russian interference. A cabinet meeting on Thursday approved the ruling party’s proposal to have a fresh presidential vote. The first round will take place on May 4, with a second on May 18 if no first-round candidate wins more than 50 percent of the vote. The European Union and NATO state, which borders Ukraine, was plunged into institutional chaos last year when Calin Georgescu, a little-known far-right pro-Russian politician, won the first presidential round on November 24. Officials in Romania said Georgescu benefitted from a massive social media campaign spearheaded by TikTok, which gave him preferential treatment, accusations the platform has denied. Amid suspicions of Russian interference – denied by Moscow – Romania’s top court annulled the ballot and ordered the government to rerun it in its entirety. The European Commission last month also opened formal proceedings against TikTok over its suspected failure to limit election interference, notably in the Romanian vote. Advertisement Georgescu has denounced the vote annulment as a “formalised coup d’etat”. Tens of thousands of Romanians took to the streets on Sunday in Bucharest in the second protest last week against the cancellation of the original vote. The far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) party had called the protest. They demanded the resignation of President Klaus Iohannis, a liberal who has remained in office until his successor is elected. On Thursday, the government, headed by incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, issued a decree saying campaign materials ahead of the next presidential vote will need to be clearly marked as election content and their sponsors identified. Social media platforms will also be required to take down content that does not follow the rules within five hours of a request from Romanian election officials or risk fines of between 1 percent and 5 percent of their turnover. Romanian rights groups have, however, criticised the government for failing to consult the public before issuing the decree, warning the new rules did not address real campaign financing issues. Adblock test (Why?)
Trump to tap Texas “border czar” to lead U.S. Border Patrol, report says
Mike Banks, a former Border Patrol agent, has served in his current role as a special advisor to Gov. Greg Abbott since January 2023.
FBI closed DEI office in December, agency says
EXCLUSIVE: The FBI has closed its DEI office, Fox News can confirm. “In recent weeks, the FBI took steps to close the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), effective by December 2024,” the agency told Fox News Digital on Thursday. The agency didn’t specify why it had closed the office, although many Republicans have been critical of it prioritizing DEI, saying that had overshadowed national security. Earlier this month, Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn sent a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray claiming that “radical” DEI practices had “endangered” Americans following the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans. IS DEI DYING? HERE’S THE LIST OF COMPANIES THAT HAVE ROLLED BACK THE ‘WOKE’ POLICIES “I am deeply concerned that—under your leadership—the Bureau has prioritized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives over its core mission of protecting the American people,” Balckburn wrote in the Jan. 3 letter after referencing the attack. The FBI page on diversity and inclusion – that was still on its website as of Thursday – says the agency is “committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce. In 2015, the FBI added diversity as one of the organization’s core values. It continued: “We believe that differences in thought and belief, in race and religion, in orientation, and in ability contribute to more effective decision making, drive innovation, and enhance the employee experience. We know that a more diverse workforce allows us to connect with and maintain the trust of the American people. We also understand we have work to do. We stand committed, as today’s FBI, to fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity.” Former FBI special agent Nicole Parker told Fox News Digital: “I appreciate all forms of diversity. Make no mistake of that. What I do not appreciate is when there is a constant push for social justice weaponization at the FBI whose top priorities are to protect the American people and uphold the constitution.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP This is President Biden’s last week in office. President-elect Trump will take office on Monday.
Hirono ripped for ‘deranged’ opening confirmation hearing question to Burgum: ‘This lady has issues’
Democrat Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii faced mockery on social media on Thursday over her opening questions to Interior Secretary nominee Doug Burgum during his confirmation hearing. “As part of my responsibilities to ensure the fitness of nominees before any of the committees on which I sit, I ask the following two initial questions,” Hirono said to Burgum on Thursday. “First is, since you became a legal adult, have you ever made unwanted requests for sexual favors or committed any verbal or physical harassment or assault of a sexual nature?” “No, senator, I have not,” Burgum responded. “Have you ever faced discipline or entered into a settlement related to this kind of conduct?” Hirono then asked. BONDI CLAPS BACK AT HIRONO AMID QUESTIONS ABOUT POLITICAL PROSECUTIONS: ‘REFUSED TO MEET WITH ME’ “I have not,” Burgum said. Hirono, who has asked similar opening questions to several other nominees in the past, including Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth and Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi, was widely panned by conservatives on social media over the line of questioning. “This lady has issues.” conservative commentator Chad Prather posted on X. DEM SENATOR WHO BASHED HEGSETH’S QUALIFICATIONS STANDS BY DOD SEC WHO OVERSAW BOTCHED AFGHAN WITHDRAWAL “No, this is not AI…,” conservative influencer Benny Johnson posted on X. “What is wrong with Dems??” American Majority president Ned Ryun posted on X. “They are apparently bat guano crazy sex pervs. Is this all they think about??” “How the F does Hirono have seats on Judiciary AND Armed Services AND Energy?????” columnist Tiana Lowe Doescher posted on X. “What member of Dem leadership does she have kompromat on??” Conservative comedian Tim Young posted on X that the “more Mazie Hirono asks cabinet nominees if they’ve sexually assaulted someone… the more I think she’s guilty of it herself.” Henry Rogers, The Daily Caller’s chief national correspondent, called Hirono “deranged” on X. Hirono’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
Newsom calls for looting to be a felony in evacuation zones amid LA inferno
FIRST ON FOX: California Gov. Gavin Newsom is calling for looting in fire evacuation zones to be a felony after prosecutors in Southern California urged him this week to issue harsher penalties, Fox News Digital has exclusively learned. “Preying on people at their most vulnerable is despicable, these criminals are among the worst kinds,” Newsom said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital on Thursday afternoon. Newsom said “looting has never been legal here” and that “it will not be tolerated” as the state continues to battle the ravenous inferno that broke out on Jan. 7. CALIFORNIA FIREBUG ARREST CAUGHT ON VIDEO AS POLICE WARN OF ARSONISTS “And that’s why I’ve tasked – from the beginning – support from CalGuard and CHP [California Highway Patrol] to protect impacted residents and their property,” Newsom said. In California, looting is currently classified as a “wobbler offense,” meaning it can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. However, judges have the authority to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor, even over prosecutors’ objections. So far, Los Angeles County’s newly elected tough-on-crime district attorney, Nathan Hochman, has issued several arson felonies this week in unrelated cases as firefighters continue to battle the blaze across the region. Fox News Digital previously reported that authorities have arrested at least a dozen individuals in connection with looting and arson. LOS ANGELES WILDFIRES: ARMED HOMEOWNERS PATROL FOR LOOTERS INSIDE EVACUATION ZONE Hochman issued a warning to others “contemplating similar acts,” vowing individuals would be “prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” Armed homeowners in some neighborhoods impacted by the fires have taken matters into their own hands to defend homes that have not been destroyed. Newsom’s public call comes after Hochman and District Attorney Todd Spitzer, of neighboring Orange County, teamed up on Tuesday to ask the governor to make looting a felony. Newsom has come under fire recently for his handling of the crisis from celebrities and lawmakers alike. Hochman and Spitzer’s proposal seeks to reclassify looting as a straight felony, requiring a state prison sentence rather than a county jail term, as is currently the case. The Los Angeles wildfires have killed two dozen people, and that number is expected to rise as authorities continue containment efforts. Fox News Digital has reached out to Spitzer and Hochman for comment. Fox News Digital’s Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.
President Biden’s climate standards for walk-in freezers could face reckoning under new GOP resolution
EXCLUSIVE: Congressional Republicans are pushing back against President Biden’s regulations on appliances with a resolution that seeks to circumvent new green energy standards for freezers. In December 2024, Biden’s Department of Energy (DOE) announced a final rule setting more stringent climate standards for walk-in coolers and freezers. The new regulation is currently set to go into effect in February, but could soon be impeded by Republican lawmakers seeking to overturn the rule. Rep. Stephanie Bice, R-Oka., introduced a joint resolution of disapproval against the DOE standards for coolers and freezers on Thursday, shared exclusively with Fox News Digital. Joint resolutions of disapproval are used by lawmakers to invalidate a final rule enacted by a federal agency, meaning that if passed, the Republican-led Congress can overturn Biden’s new green energy standard for appliances. “The Biden administration has done everything it can to regulate all aspects of our homes and businesses. Walk-in coolers and freezers are used everywhere; from pharmacies, convenience stores, food processing facilities, food banks, restaurants, and more,” Bice told Fox News Digital. HOUSE GOP RESOLUTION WOULD OVERTURN BIDEN’S GAS WATER HEATER BAN According to the DOE’s final rule, the amended freezer standards would “result in significant conservation of energy and are technologically feasible and economically justified,” but Bice suggests that such regulations are an overreach of the federal government into consumers’ lives. “These rules continue to add unnecessary burdens on everyday Americans and ultimately suppress consumer choice,” Bice said. “This is a direct overreach of power that my colleagues and I are fighting back against.” The joint resolution is being cosponsored by GOP Rep. Gary Palmer of Alabama. TRUMP ENERGY NOMINEE HECKLED BY CLIMATE PROTESTERS, DERIDED BY DEM SENATOR AS ‘ENTHUSIAST FOR FOSSIL FUELS’ The bill comes as Republicans, who have a trifecta of leadership in Washington, are teeing up legislation and resolutions to push back on Biden’s green energy regulations on several household appliances. The Department of Energy recently announced a new rule banning non-condensing, natural gas-fired water heaters by 2029. However, on Wednesday, Palmer introduced a resolution to block the ban on water heaters, which was announced first by Fox News Digital. President-elect Trump has said that when he assumes office, he intends to overturn many environmental regulations enacted as part of Biden’s climate agenda.
Burgum grilled on environmental issues targeted by Trump during confirmation hearing: ‘Drill, baby, drill’
Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, President-elect Trump’s nominee for interior secretary, was pressed by the Senate on his environmental agenda and whether his mission aligns with that of Trump, who plans to overturn many environmental rules and regulations enacted under the Biden administration. A confirmation hearing was held by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Thursday for Burgum, a 2024 presidential candidate who was tapped to lead the department that manages public land, wildlife and natural resources. “This is a guy who really fits this job,” Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., said as he introduced Burgum, who grew up in Arthur, North Dakota. Democrats focused their questioning on whether Burgum aligns with Trump’s stance on wind farming and electric vehicles, while Republicans asked about his commitment to forest management, increasing energy production and resurrecting interest in nuclear energy. TRUMP ENERGY NOMINEE HECKLED BY CLIMATE PROTESTERS, DERIDED BY DEM SENATOR AS ‘ENTHUSIAST FOR FOSSIL FUELS’ “When energy production is restricted in America, it doesn’t reduce demand. It just shifts production to countries like Russia and Iran, whose autocratic leaders not only don’t care at all about the environment, but they use their revenues from energy sales to fund wars against us and our allies,” Burgum said in his opening statement. “President Trump’s energy dominance vision will end those wars abroad and will make life more affordable for every family in America by driving down inflation. DEMS BLAME LA FIRE ON ‘CLIMATE CHANGE’ DESPITE CITY CUTTING FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET “And President Trump will achieve those goals while championing clean air, clean water and protecting our beautiful lands.” The Biden administration has enacted recent policies keeping animals on the endangered species list and blocking coal mining and liquefied natural gas exports (LNG). Republicans asked Burgum about his approach to these specific Biden-era policies, which he agreed are policies that should be reevaluated. Burgum told lawmakers that, if confirmed, his agenda would be anchored by two issues — national security and the economy. “Without baseload, we’re going to lose the AI (artificial intelligence) arms race to China,” he said. Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, using a phrase coined by the incoming president, asked the interior nominee if he is going to “drill, baby, drill” after claiming Trump wants to drill in national parks. “As part of my sworn duty, I’ll follow the law and follow the Constitution. And so you can count on that,” Burgum responded. “And I have not heard of anything about President Trump wanting to do anything other than advancing energy production for the benefit of the American people.” President-elect Trump recently suggested his administration could introduce policy to block all new wind energy projects, a topic raised by Democratic Sen. Angus King of Maine, who applauded Burgum for having “all of the above energy strategy” during the hearing. Asked if he will commit to current wind projects, Burgum said, “I’m not familiar with every project that the interior has underway, but I’ll certainly be taking a look at all of those.” “President Trump’s been very clear in his statements that he’s concerned about the significant amount of tax incentives that have gone towards some forms of energy, that have helped exacerbate this imbalance that we’re seeing right now,” Burgum said in reference to Trump raising the issue of subsidies for wind energy projects. Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada asked if Burgum would support repealing credits for electric vehicles, which could reportedly be axed by Trump during his upcoming term. “I support economics and markets,” Burgum responded, highlighting the costs of EVs compared to liquid fuel with zero carbon. Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke of Montana, the former secretary of interior during Trump’s first term, told Fox News he is “very confident” Burgum will be confirmed for the top administration post.
Texas has a big water problem. This state lawmaker hopes he has the solution.
Texas’ population is booming and there is not enough water for everyone. State Sen. Charles Perry hopes to fix that.
Bondi spars with Schiff at testy confirmation hearing: ‘You were censured’
Pam Bondi, President-elect Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Justice, was involved in a sharp clash with Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., on Wednesday as the California senator quizzed Bondi over whether she would prosecute Trump’s political opponents. Schiff, a vocal critic of the president-elect, asked Bondi about whether she would investigate former Special Counsel Jack Smith and also former Rep. Liz Cheney. “I’m asking you sitting here today whether you are aware of a factual predicate to investigate Liz Cheney,” he said. ‘MASTERCLASS’: BONDI FLIPS SCRIPT ON DEM SENATOR AFTER SUGGESTING SHE WILL WEAPONIZE DOJ “Senator, no one asked me to investigate Liz Cheney, that is a hypothetical,” she said. She then turned the tables on Schiff, noting the crime rate in California. “You know what we should be worried about? The crime rate in California is through the roof. Your robberies are 87% higher than the national average,” she said. “That’s what I want to focus on, senator.” Schiff said that Bondi’s answers suggested she doesn’t have the independence to say “no” to the president. He then asked her if she would tell Trump he lost the 2020 election. Bondi accused Schiff of “playing politics” and of leaking Rep. Devin Nunes’ memo. “What I can tell you is I will never play politics, you’re trying to engage me in a gotcha,” she said. TRUMP AG PICK PAM BONDI WOULD ‘MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN’ WITH ‘BACK TO BASICS’ DOJ APPROACH: FORMER COLLEAGUE Schiff shot back, asking her if she would advise against blanket pardons by President-elect Trump and suggesting she would not be able to look at every file on day one. “You’ll be able to review hundreds of cases on day one. … Of course you won’t,” Schiff said. Bondi was furious at Schiff’s comments. “I’m not going to mislead this body or you, you were censured by Congress, senator, for comments just like this that are so reckless,” she said. Schiff was censured in 2023 for promoting claims that Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign colluded with Russia, a vote that made Schiff just the third member of the House to be censured since the turn of the century. The incident was one of a number of sharp exchanges that the former Florida AG had with Democrat lawmakers. She was asked by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., about the weaponization of the DOJ. “It would not be appropriate for a prosecutor to start with a name and look for a crime?” Whitehouse said during his line of questioning. “It’s a prosecutor’s job to start with a crime and look for a name. Correct?” Bondi responded by highlighting the federal government’s investigations into Trump. “Senator, I think that is the whole problem with the weaponization that we have seen the last four years and what’s been happening to Donald Trump,” Bondi said.