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Snubbed by Trump, GOP candidates fighting for re-election act like they have his backing anyway

Snubbed by Trump, GOP candidates fighting for re-election act like they have his backing anyway

President Donald Trump‘s overall poll numbers are sliding, but among Republicans, the president’s approval ratings remain sky-high. Trump’s grip on a Republican Party he reshaped over the past decade remains extremely firm, and his endorsements in GOP primaries are highly influential. “The Trump endorsement is king in any primary,” longtime Republican strategist and communicator Jesse Hunt told Fox News Digital. Veteran GOP consultant Matt Gorman highlighted that a “Trump endorsement is extremely powerful… it’s an undeniable force.” So what should a Republican running for re-election who is facing a primary challenge from a Trump-backed candidate do to survive? REPUBLICANS WIN BUT DEMOCRATS ALSO CLAIM VICTORY WITH BALLOT BOX SURGE IN TRUMP TERRITORY In two high-profile cases this year, incumbents fighting for their political lives are trying to make it appear the president is supporting them anyway. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana is facing primary challenges from two Republicans in next month’s primary: Rep. Julia Letlow and former Rep. John Fleming, who is currently the state treasurer. Trump earlier this year weighed into the race by endorsing Letlow. Cassidy was one of only seven Senate Republicans who voted in early 2021 to convict Trump after he was impeached by the House for his role in the violent Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters who aimed to upend congressional certification of former President Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. Trump was acquitted by the Senate. But since the start of Trump’s second term 15 months ago, Cassidy has been supportive of the president’s agenda and his nominees. In his first campaign commercial after Trump endorsed Letlow, Cassidy, a doctor, highlighted a bill he authored that passed into law and increases penalties for criminals convicted of manufacturing and distributing fentanyl. “President Trump said it was the most important legislation he would sign this year,” the senator said in the spot under pictures of Trump. In another spot, the narrator highlights that “Cassidy worked with President Trump to pass tax cuts,” under pictures of the president and the senator and the words “Trump & Cassidy” repeatedly flashing on the screen. MIDTERM ALARM BELLS: TRUMP’S APPROVAL RATINGS KEEP SLIDING BUT DEMOCRATS’ BRAND IN TOILET In Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, Rep. Thomas Massie is facing a challenge from Trump-backed Ed Gallrein in next month’s primary. Massie has long been one of Trump’s most vocal GOP critics in Congress, repeatedly taking aim at the president over the Epstein files and foreign policy. Trump allies have spent big bucks to boost Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL, and to take aim at Massie. Massie spotlighted an old picture of himself and Trump smiling together at the top of a campaign ad last month. In Texas, longtime GOP Sen. John Cornyn is fighting for his political life as he faces off in a late May primary runoff election against state Attorney General John Paxton, who is a MAGA firebrand and major Trump supporter. While Trump has stayed neutral in the showdown between the two Texas Republican titans, Cornyn has repeatedly spotlighted his support for Trump in his statements and on the campaign trail. He has also figuratively hugged the president tight in his ads. COMBUSTIBLE REPUBLICAN SENATE PRIMARY IN TEXAS HEADING INTO OVERTIME The narrator in a recent spot noted that Cornyn “had his back” as it showed a picture of Trump and the senator standing next to each other giving the thumbs-up sign. “We’re especially grateful to your wonderful senators,” Trump says in an old clip used in the ad, as the president referred to Cornyn and fellow Republican Sen. Ted Cruz. While Cornyn’s ads aren’t a total stretch, since neither he nor Paxton has landed Trump’s endorsement, the messaging from Cassidy and Massie does not mention that their rivals are backed by the president. Hunt warns that could backfire by earning Trump’s wrath. “If you haven’t earned it but portray as though you have, it could be the end of your campaign,” Hunt said. “That’s if the President decides to take issue with it.”

The AI you use every day is biased — and it’s quietly shaping your worldview, new report says

The AI you use every day is biased — and it’s quietly shaping your worldview, new report says

Artificial intelligence has quickly become part of everyday life, helping people search for information, complete schoolwork, and make decisions. But what many users don’t realize is that AI systems are not neutral. They are shaped by hidden design choices that influence how they respond — and, ultimately, how people think. The concern is not just theoretical. A recent Fox News Digital report highlighted the controversy surrounding Google’s Gemini chatbot after the system identified multiple Republican senators as violating its hate speech policies — while naming no Democrats.  The findings, based on a prompt evaluating all 100 U.S. senators, raised fresh questions about whether AI systems can reflect ideological assumptions embedded in their training data and design. GOOGLE GEMINI DECLARES ONLY GOP SENATORS VIOLATE HATE SPEECH POLICY, ZERO DEMOCRATS, AUTHOR CLAIMS That episode is not an isolated case. A new report from America First Policy Institute (AFPI) reveals that many AI systems consistently lean in particular ideological directions. These biases can affect how political issues, social topics and news sources are presented. Because users often trust AI as an objective tool, these subtle influences can shape opinions over time without users realizing it. Matthew Burtell, a senior policy analyst for AI and Emerging Technology at AFPI, said the pattern appears across the industry — not just in isolated cases. “What we found was a general ideological bias, not just in a particular model, but across the spectrum,” Burtell told Fox News Digital, adding that the models tend to lean center left. The implications go beyond bias alone. Research shows that AI systems are not just reflecting viewpoints — they can actively influence them. That combination — bias and persuasion — raises deeper concerns about AI’s role in shaping public opinion. “AI is persuasive, and it also leans left,” Burtell said. “So if you combine these two things, it may certainly have an influence on people’s beliefs about different policies.”  Recent examples have fueled those concerns. OpenAI’s ChatGPT has faced criticism from some researchers who argue its responses to political and cultural issues can skew in a particular ideological direction, while Microsoft’s AI tools have drawn scrutiny for how they frame controversial topics and limit certain viewpoints. Those concerns have been reflected in testing as well. In 2024, Fox News Digital evaluated several leading AI chatbots — including Google’s Gemini, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Microsoft’s Copilot and Meta AI — to assess potential racial bias. NEW AI COALITION TARGETS WASHINGTON, BIG TECH AS GROUP WARNS CHILD SAFETY RISKS OUTPACING SAFEGUARDS The report also raises serious safety concerns. AI systems have, in some cases, engaged in harmful interactions — especially with younger users. Without clear transparency about how these systems are designed and what safeguards are in place, parents and users cannot make informed decisions about which platforms are safe. To address these risks, the report calls for greater transparency from tech companies. This includes disclosing how systems are designed, what values they prioritize, how they are tested for bias and safety, and what incidents occur after deployment. WHITE HOUSE AI CZAR BLASTS BLUE STATES FOR INSERTING ‘WOKE IDEOLOGY’ INTO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE The goal is not to control what AI systems say, but to give the public enough information to evaluate them critically. Ultimately, the report makes it clear that AI is not just a tool — it is a powerful force shaping how people access information and understand the world. Without transparency, users remain in the dark about the biases embedded in these systems. And as AI becomes more influential, that lack of visibility may have far-reaching consequences for individuals and society alike.

NYC mayor touts ‘socialist’ wins in first 100 days alongside Bernie Sanders

NYC mayor touts ‘socialist’ wins in first 100 days alongside Bernie Sanders

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani marked his first 100 days in office Sunday alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders, a democratic socialist, touting what he described as sweeping achievements driven by government intervention. Mamdani cited key wins, including securing $1.2 billion for universal childcare, advancing plans for five publicly owned grocery stores, pursuing legal action against landlords and boosting investment in services such as sanitation and infrastructure. In a reference to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her critique that socialists “eventually run out of other people’s money,” Mamdani defended his administration’s approach. “I have thought often of the Margaret Thatcher’s quote, the problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money,” he said. “If anything, my friends, it seems that you eventually need a socialist to clean up the mess.” AOC, MAMDANI URGE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT PARENTS TO SIGN KIDS UP FOR FREE PRE-K Sanders also praised the mayor’s agenda, calling it an inspiration for strengthening communities. “This is the first time I was ever introduced by someone who talked proudly about democratic socialism,” Sanders said. “And it feels great.” Mamdani highlighted additional policy priorities during his first three months in office.  To address rising food costs, he proposed opening five publicly owned, affordable grocery stores — one in each borough — by the end of his first term, a proposal critics say represents a departure from free-market principles. Critics say the plan departs from free-market principles. He added that the first location is expected to open next year.   MAMDANI CLARIFIES NYC WON’T CHECK IMMIGRATION STATUS FOR UNIVERSAL CHILDCARE ENROLLEES The mayor also pointed to universal childcare as a major early win, though critics say the program relies on heavy taxation and could disrupt existing private daycare providers. Mamdani noted the initiative was fulfilled by his eighth day in office through a $1.2 billion partnership with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. The administration has intensified enforcement in the housing sector, with Mamdani saying it issued more than 195,000 violations against landlords and secured more than $34 million in settlements, judgments and repairs for tenants. With murders at record lows, officials said the city has removed more than 1,000 guns from the streets and established its first Office of Community Safety to address gun violence and mental health. In addition, city workers also have filled more than 102,000 potholes in 100 days and are on track to repave more than 1,000 lane miles of streets by the end of the fiscal year.

Oil prices surge past $103 a barrel after US announces blockade of Iran

Oil prices surge past 3 a barrel after US announces blockade of Iran

Asian stocks fall as naval blockade threat injects new turmoil into financial markets. Published On 13 Apr 202613 Apr 2026 Oil prices have risen sharply following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a naval blockade of Iran. Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose more than 8 percent on Sunday to top $103 a barrel. Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of list It was the first time the benchmark rose above the psychologically important threshold of $100 since Tuesday, when prices surpassed $111 a barrel. Trump announced on Sunday that the US Navy would block all ships from entering or exiting the Strait of Hormuz, following the collapse of ceasefire talks between US and Iranian officials over the weekend. US Central Command said in a later statement that it would only block vessels travelling to and from Iran and that other traffic would not be impeded, in an apparent scaling back of Trump’s threat to impose a full blockade. The command said the blockade would take effect on Monday at 10am Eastern Time (14:00 GMT). Oil prices have been a rollercoaster since US-Israeli strikes on Iran prompted Tehran to impose a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for about one-fifth of global oil and natural gas supplies. After topping $119 last month, Brent fell below $92 a barrel last week after the US and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire following more than six weeks of war. While Iran has allowed a limited number of ships to transit the waterway, subject to prior vetting and authorisation, traffic has been reduced to a trickle compared with peacetime levels. Despite Washington and Tehran’s fragile truce officially remaining in place until April 22, only 17 vessels crossed the strait on Saturday, according to maritime intelligence firm Windward, down from roughly 130 daily transits before the war. Advertisement Major stock markets in Asia opened lower on Monday as Trump’s blockade threat stoked uncertainty on trading floors. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 fell 0.9 percent in morning trading, while South Korea’s KOSPI dropped more than 1 percent. US stock futures, which are traded outside of regular market hours, also fell, with those tied to the benchmark S&P 500 down about 0.8 percent. Adblock test (Why?)

US military threatens to blockade all Iranian ports starting on Monday

US military threatens to blockade all Iranian ports starting on Monday

Vessels will still be able to transit Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports, says CENTCOM; Iran warns any approaching military vessels will be breaching ceasefire. Published On 13 Apr 202613 Apr 2026 The United States military has announced it will begin blockading all Iranian ports on Monday, its latest move to exert pressure on Tehran after marathon peace talks in Pakistan concluded without a deal. In a statement on Sunday evening, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the blockade would apply to “all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports” from 10am Eastern Time (14:00 GMT) on April 13. That includes “vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas”, including those on the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of list However, US forces “will not impede freedom of ⁠navigation for vessels transiting the Strait ⁠of Hormuz to and ⁠from non-Iranian ports,” CENTCOM said, in an apparent scaling back from President Donald Trump’s earlier threat to blockade the entire strait and pursue ships paying tolls to Iran. “There are a lot of questions here,” said Al Jazeera’s Heidi Zhou-Castro from Washington, DC, pointing to “conflicting information” coming out of the US side. “Trump said the blockade would target any and all ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz. But CENTCOM is saying this would only target ships going to or from Iranian ports.” The price of US crude oil jumped 8 percent to $104.24 a barrel after the US blockade threat. Brent crude oil, the international standard, increased 7 percent to $102.29. Iran has essentially taken control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for the global energy market, since the US and Israel launched a war against the country on February 28. Traffic through the waterway has since slowed to a trickle, nearly paralysing about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Advertisement Iran has continued to move its own vessels through the strait, while allowing limited passage of ships from other countries. Iranian officials have discussed setting up a toll system after the fighting ends. In a statement responding to Trump’s blockade threat, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said any approaching military vessels would be in breach of a US-Iran ceasefire – meant to be in effect until April 22 – and “will be dealt with severely”. The US-declared blockade appears to be triggered by the failure of the talks in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, raising fears of renewed fighting. Iranian officials blamed the US side for failing to reach a deal, with Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi saying US negotiators shifted the “goalposts” and obstructed efforts when a memorandum of understanding was “just inches away”. Zohreh Kharazmi, an associate professor at the University of Tehran, said the US “is not in a position to dictate” to Iranians how to behave, or “to choose which vessels may pass”. “If this blockade becomes a contest between the resilience of the Islamic Republic and the resilience of global markets, it will not take long to see who is losing,” she said, adding that Iran “is ready for a prolonged war”. “Technically, they [the US] cannot control the situation. With Hollywood-style strategies, they cannot prevail in this battleground.” Adblock test (Why?)

Rory McIlroy wins Masters to become fourth back-to-back champion

Rory McIlroy wins Masters to become fourth back-to-back champion

The Northern Irishman becomes the first player to repeat at Augusta National since Tiger Woods back in 2001-2002. By Reuters Published On 13 Apr 202613 Apr 2026 Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Tiger Woods, and now, Rory McIlroy. The Northern ‌Irishman emerged from a tight pack of contenders to win the 90th Masters Tournament on Sunday, joining the trio of golf icons as the only players in history ⁠to conquer Augusta National in back-to-back years. Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of list McIlroy ⁠said earlier this week that winning one Masters would make it easier to win a second, and he dug deep into that belief on Sunday to rally from a three-shot deficit on the front nine to post a one-under-par round of 71 for the winning score of 12-under 276 – one better ⁠than Scottie Scheffler. “I can’t believe that I waited 17 years to get one green jacket, and I get two in a row,” McIlroy told CBS in Butler Cabin. “I think that all of my perseverance at this golf tournament over the years has really started to pay off.” McIlroy’s sixth career major also tied him with Faldo for the most by a European player in the modern era, and they are tied for 12th-most all-time by any player. Cameron Young, Russell Henley, England’s Tyrrell Hatton and Justin Rose finished another shot back at 10 under. McIlroy putts on the 18th hole to win The Masters [Mike Segar/Reuters] McIlroy rallies McIlroy began the final round tied for the 54-hole lead at 11 under with Young, who birdied the second hole to reach 12 under and take the outright lead. It appeared that McIlroy’s repeat quest might unravel when he went three over on the two par-threes on the front nine to fall to 9 under for the tournament. Suddenly, McIlroy’s name was looking up on the leaderboard at Young and Rose, who reached 12 under with ‌four birdies in a five-hole stretch through No 9. Scheffler was also making a run several holes ahead, and Henley reached 10 under through eight holes. Advertisement This is when McIlroy kicked it back into gear for the first time since closing with six birdies over his final seven holes on Friday. A birdie on the seventh hole got McIlroy back to double digits under par, and he pulled within one shot of the lead with another on the par-five eighth. While Scheffler’s rally stalled for a long stretch with 11 consecutive pars, and Rose and Young struggled to hole putts on the back nine, McIlroy kept ratcheting up the pressure. He birdied the 12th and 13th holes to go 2 under through “Amen Corner” and build a two-shot lead. Scheffler kept it interesting with birdies on numbers 15 and 16 to get to 11 under. Another birdie attempt on 17 stayed on the lip of ⁠the cup, and Scheffler parred out to post a 4-under round of 68, with McIlroy on the course with three holes to play. The two-shot ⁠cushion proved helpful for McIlroy when he pushed his drive on the 18th hole well right into the trees. He was able to punch the ball forward into a greenside bunker and put it on the putting surface with his third shot. From there, McIlroy easily converted the two-putt bogey, and became the fourth player in history to successfully defend at the Masters. “It’s nice to have that two-shot cushion instead of the one [shot] like I ⁠had last year,” McIlroy said. “I looked at the [leader]board after I made the bogey on six, and I went back to 9 under at that point. And I said, ‘If I can get to 14 under, I think I’ve got a really good chance of winning this tournament.’ “I didn’t quite ⁠get there, I got to 13, but 13 was good enough standing on the 18th tee.” After setting a Masters record ⁠with a six-shot lead after 36 holes, McIlroy played the final 36 holes in even par. That brought a host of players back into the mix, with at least four different players leading at some point during the final round. McIlroy admitted that he kept a close eye on the leaderboard after falling back to 9 under to know where he stood in the tournament. “It was a tough weekend,” he said. “I did the bulk of my work on Thursday and Friday, ‌but just so happy to hang in there and get the job done.” McIlroy holds the Masters championship trophy during the green jacket ceremony after the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club [Kyle Terada/Imagn Images via Reuters] Adblock test (Why?)