Unearthed interview exposes Dem senator’s past support for reparations: ‘There is a debt unpaid’
Shortly after announcing his intention to run for U.S. Senate, then-candidate Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., said he would support reparations legislation — government-led efforts to make up for the social harms of slavery and other injustices against Black Americans. In a 2019 radio interview, Ossoff said it was only a question of how much the government was obligated to give. “There is a debt unpaid. I think it is a very, very difficult question: how to pay it,” Ossoff told a local radio host. “But see, that should be the question — not if it should be paid,” the host noted. MAMDANI WON’T RULE OUT CASH REPARATIONS, SAYS HE’LL AWAIT NYC COMMISSION FINDINGS “Exactly,” Ossoff replied. Seven years later, as Ossoff wages a re-election campaign that’s likely to be one of the most competitive in the nation, his resurfaced comments raise questions about his stance on the proper role of government in addressing social inequality. In the past, progressive groups like Movement for Back Lives (M4BL) and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have made reparations a part of their platforms. “Despite the elimination of Jim Crow and openly discriminatory laws against Black Americans a half century ago, Black people and the Black community as a whole still suffer economic, political and social discrimination and inequality,” DSA stated in 2019. “Formally equal treatment on the basis of inequality means the perpetuation of inequality. Reparations for these and other offenses is a current topic of significant discussion during this election.” Ossoff, while not a member of the DSA, said he would support legislation to evaluate the matter. “Sen. Cory Booker has legislation in the Senate to establish a commission for the purposes of studying the right way to redress the grievance — to pay the debt never paid,” Ossoff said in the 2019 podcast appearance. “Forty acres and a mule was never paid out,” Ossoff said, referring to an unfulfilled 1865 promise from Union General William Sherman for land redistribution made to former slaves. BLUE STATE POURED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS INTO STUDY ON REPARATIONS AS EFFORT LAUNCHES The proposal never became law but has been reintroduced by Booker several times, most recently in 2025. It remains under consideration in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Notably, Ossoff has not signed on as a sponsor. Conservatives have traditionally opposed reparations, arguing that they would effectively amount to a form of positive discrimination — a treatment based on race, which is prohibited by the 14th Amendment. The Supreme Court tangentially touched on the issue of positive discrimination in its 2023 decision Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard — a case evaluating affirmative action. In that case, the court considered whether schools like Harvard had violated the 14th Amendment by creating a different standard for admissions depending on race that favored minorities. “The student must be treated based on his or her experiences as an individual — not on the basis of race,” the court ruled. “Many universities have for too long done just the opposite. And in doing so, they have concluded, wrongly, that the touchstone of an individual’s identity is not challenges bested, skills built or lessons learned by the color of their skin. Our constitutional history does not tolerate that choice.” NEW YORK FAR-LEFT GROUP CLAIMS REPARATIONS ‘OWED’ AS BLACKS’ MEDIAN WEALTH ‘NEARLY 15 TIMES LESS’ THAN WHITES Ossoff’s office did not immediately respond to questions on whether he envisioned a constitutional challenge to reparations or if his stance on the proposal had shifted since 2019. Having cleared the Democratic primary for his race earlier this year, Ossoff now heads to the general election on Nov. 3, where he will face off against Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga. Ossoff won the election in 2021 with a 50.6% to 49.4% victory over then-Republican incumbent Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga.
Fox News Poll: New matchup, same result: Maine Senate race stays locked
Maine voters are weighing concerns about both U.S. Senate candidates, with anxieties over Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins’ ties to President Donald Trump outpacing concerns about Democratic challenger Troy Jackson’s progressive alignment, according to a Fox News statewide poll released Wednesday. Collins has represented Maine in the Senate since 1997, winning her fifth term in 2020 by nearly 9 percentage points. The new survey shows more than half of Maine voters, 55%, are concerned her voting record aligns with President Trump too often, while fewer, 43%, are worried Jackson is too close to the democratic socialist movement. FOX NEWS POLL: GOP DIVISIONS SHAPE TEXAS SENATE RACE By a 14-point margin, more independents are worried Collins is too close to Trump than are concerned Jackson is too close to the democratic socialists. Jackson, a fifth-generation logger from Allagash and former president of the Maine Senate, replaced Graham Platner as the Democratic nominee in July after Platner withdrew amid an assault allegation. Jackson’s candidacy makes the contest more of a referendum on Collins: 61% of his supporters say their vote is mainly against Collins, up from 48% when Platner was the opponent. Only 36% say they’re voting for Jackson, down from Platner’s 50%. FOX NEWS POLL: DEMOCRATIC ENTHUSIASM SHAPES NORTH CAROLINA SENATE RACE The contrast is even clearer for Collins: 71% of her backers say they’re voting mainly for her, up from 53% in June. Just 27% are voting against Jackson, down from 45% when it was Platner. Despite a major change in the Democratic ticket, the survey finds the Maine Senate race remains competitive. Jackson tops Collins by 2 percentage points, 48-46%, well within the survey’s margin of sampling error. In June, Collins was ahead of Platner by 3 points. Since then, Collins’ support is down 4 points, while Jackson does 1 point better than Platner. Among the subgroup of voters who rate themselves a 10-out-of-10 on certainty to vote, Jackson’s edge increases to 4 points (50-46%). By an 8-point margin, more of those backing Collins say their choice is locked in. One in five Jackson supporters say they may change their mind before voting. Roughly 9 in 10 partisans back their respective candidate, while independents narrowly prefer Jackson. Jackson’s best groups include liberals, women with a college degree and those under age 35. He also leads among men under age 45 and those in union households. He’s favored by women by 4 points, while men are evenly divided. Collins’ biggest support comes from conservatives, White evangelical Christians, men ages 45 and up and voters without a college degree. She’s also ahead among rural and married voters. Compared to Platner’s numbers in June, Jackson mostly holds steady with key constituencies including women, voters with a college degree and suburban voters, while making gains among those under age 45 (12 points better than Platner). At the same time, Collins’ previous 10-point advantage among men has evaporated. Almost all MAGA Republicans back Collins, but that drops to three-quarters among non-MAGA Republicans (nearly one in five non-MAGA back Jackson). For Jackson, almost all supporters of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) movement back him, but that falls to two-thirds among non-DSA Democrats and independents. “Replacing Platner with Jackson has allowed two other factors to assert themselves — opposition to President Trump and a desire for change,” says Republican pollster Daron Shaw, who conducts Fox News polls with Democrat Chris Anderson. “The race remains close, and I’d never count Collins out, but you have to give a slight edge to the Democrats here.” FOX NEWS POLL: VOTERS WANT MAJOR CHANGE AMID ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL DISCONTENT Collins is the only GOP senator running for re-election this year from a state Trump lost in 2024 (former Vice President Kamala Harris won the Pine Tree State by 7 points). Meanwhile, Trump’s personal favorable rating is underwater by 20 points (39% favorable vs. 59% unfavorable). Democrats view Maine as a must-win seat in their effort to take control of the Senate. Inflation remains the top issue in Maine, and one-third say it will be the most important factor in deciding their Senate vote. The other priorities are immigration/border security, healthcare and political divisions within the country. Part of Jackson’s lead is built on the support of the 4 in 10 who say they’re falling behind financially, where he leads by 29 points. Ratings of Collins are unfavorable by 10 points (44% vs. 54%), which is more negative than in June when her ratings were underwater by 3 points (47-50%). Jackson’s favorable rating is positive by a single point (47% favorable vs. 46% unfavorable). Views of both Senate candidates are more positive than those of their respective political parties. Voters who hold negative opinions of both candidates prefer Jackson by 3 points in the horse race, while those viewing both major parties unfavorably back him by 22 points. Ratings for both MAGA and DSA are about equally negative, with MAGA at minus 19 points and DSA at minus 21. However, there is more intensity in views of MAGA, as 50% have a “strongly” unfavorable opinion of it compared to 38% saying the same about DSA. Many more Democrats than Republicans say they’re extremely interested in the election (D+18), and are more motivated to vote (D+9), but nearly equal numbers of both groups say they are certain to cast a ballot in November (D+3). In the governor’s race, Democrat Hannah Pingree continues to lead Republican Bobby Charles by 11 points, with third-party candidate Rick Bennett garnering 9%. However, nearly 3 voters in 10 say their preference in the race could change. CLICK HERE FOR CROSSTABS AND TOPLINE Party loyalty plays a big part in Pingree’s lead, as more Democrats (92%) support her than Republicans (83%) back Charles — and the largest share of independents favor her as well. Pingree’s personal favorable rating is net positive by 15 points (52% favorable vs. 37% unfavorable). Charles’ rating is underwater by 6 (36% vs. 42%), while 23% are unfamiliar with him. Bennett is
Hasan Piker cheers Mamdani aide going ‘beast mode’ with ‘impoverish the White middle-class’ remark
The socialist Twitch streamer who claimed America “deserved 9/11” heaped praise on an aide to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who previously professed hope of “impoverishing the White middle class.” Hasan Piker was in the middle of a long riff mocking liberal comic Bill Maher over his incredulity at various socialist platforms on his “Real Time” program when he responded to Maher’s criticism of Mamdani aide Cea Weaver. “Mamdani’s top aide, Cea Weaver said, ‘If you don’t believe in the government’s sacred right to seize property, it’s over’, and ‘impoverish the White middle class’,” Maher said last week, before Piker interrupted the clip. “You know you’re supposed to scare people into voting ‘for’ you, right,” Maher quipped. PIKER TELLS MAMDANI TO ‘SHUT THE F— UP’ OVER CAUTIOUS MESSAGING, CLAIMS MAYOR NEEDS TO BE MORE ‘BOLD’ Piker interjected that he “love[s Weaver] so much.” “Beast mode,” he said. “One of the things I love about Zohran is that the people surrounding him are oftentimes … so much cooler than he is, but that’s also part of the reason why I really respect what he’s doing; she’s awesome.” FLASHBACK: MAMDANI’S HISTORY OF DODGING QUESTIONS ABOUT WHERE HE STANDS ON KEY ISSUES The phrase “beast mode,” referencing total focus and brute power, was popularized in the 2010s by former Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch in an apolitical context. Weaver, who is White, grew up in a wealthy neighborhood of Rochester and attended the School of the Arts in the upstate city, according to a profile in The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle. Mamdani’s predecessor, Eric Adams, said Weaver’s comments exuded “extreme privilege and total detachment from reality.” Meanwhile, Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed called Piker’s 2019 comments about the 9/11 terror attacks “dumb” in an interview Sunday with NBC but remains an ally of the far-left streamer. Piker, who has appeared with his uncle Cenk Uygur on the progressive “Young Turks” program, has also appeared with other far-left candidates and figures, including Rep. Summer Lee, D-Pa., and Wisconsin State Assemblywoman Francesca Hong, D-Maple Bluff, who narrowly lost the Democratic nomination for governor Tuesday. JD VANCE WARNS ‘LIMOUSINE SOCIALISTS’ WILL DESTROY MICHIGAN AUTO JOBS, DEPRESS AMERICAN WAGES Piker continued his attacks on Maher, including Maher’s comments to Vice President JD Vance that his vote could be up for grabs in 2028 if Democrats align themselves with socialists. At one point, Maher criticized Piker, saying the far left’s “most popular influencer … thinks communism is so groovy, he laments the fall of two of the most murderous regimes in history.” Piker responded by saying Maher’s ensuing mention of the USSR is a “bastardization of my quote” and disputed the comic’s contention that the China of Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping has ever actually “fallen.” Mao died in 1976, and Deng soon emerged as China’s de facto leader, holding several official roles through 1990 before his death in 1997. Piker disputed Maher’s suggestion that the China of Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping had similarly “fallen.” Mao died in 1976, after which Deng emerged as China’s paramount leader and oversaw sweeping reforms through 1990. MARK HALPERIN CALLS HASAN PIKER A ‘HORRIBLE PERSON’ AS DEMOCRATS FACE PRESSURE TO DISTANCE FROM STREAMER “The fall of the USSR was one of the great catastrophes of the 20th century. Mao Zedong is one of the great leaders of this world. Both are true. Both are objectively true statements,” Piker said, calling Maher “smug” and suggesting he “read a book.” Piker then defended his comments about the USSR by saying Russian President Vladimir Putin — “certainly no Communist” — agrees with him. SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER Putin, an ex-Soviet KGB agent, said in 2005 the 1991 collapse of the USSR was the “greatest geopolitical catastrophe” in history. Fox News Digital reached out to Weaver through Mamdani’s office and to Maher through Warner Bros. Discovery for comment.
Repeat offender sucker-punches woman in city where Ukrainian refugee was stabbed by career criminal
A repeat offender has been arrested in Charlotte after a disturbing social media video showed him recording himself screaming at a woman and punching her in the same city where Iryna Zarutska was stabbed last year, according to police. The man, Di-Quan Schafar Hunt, 32, has a long record of arrests, including being arrested nine times in the last three years. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said Hunt punched a woman on the street during the July 30 assault before running away. Police said the woman was taken to a hospital with “serious but non-life-threatening” injuries after the attack. Hannah Goetz, a reporter for local outlet WSOC, posted video of the incident on X showing Hunt yelling, “Don’t wave at me” to a woman passing by on the street. The video then shows him sucker-punching her to the ground. He then stands over her, points his finger in her face and slaps her, yelling, “You still talking? July 21st. Say Elijah, say, Elijah.” CHARLOTTE TRAIN STABBING SUSPECT DODGES POTENTIAL DEATH PENALTY FOR NOW AFTER HE’S RULED INCOMPETENT Police are also investigating Hunt in connection with several similar assaults on women that authorities say he recorded himself committing. Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office records show he has been arrested nine times in the last three years on charges including trespassing, simple assault, assault on a female, assault with a deadly weapon, resisting an officer, violating a protective order, contempt of court, breaking or entering and probation violations. According to Goetz, Hunt was convicted in 2020 of shooting into an occupied building or vehicle. He was arrested in December after authorities accused him of threatening a man with a knife near a Charlotte public transit line. Another video said to have been recorded by Hunt shows him chasing a woman who runs into the street and hides behind a car. RALEIGH MAYOR CONSIDERS YOUTH CURFEW FOLLOWING TEEN TAKEOVER, VIOLENT JULY 4TH WEEKEND The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said officers arrested Hunt on Thursday evening and took him to a medical facility for treatment but did not specify why. Once Hunt is released, he will be transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office and charged with assault with a deadly weapon, police said. Asked why Hunt had been repeatedly released despite his history of arrests, a department spokesperson told Fox News Digital, “We don’t have an answer for you for that question because it’s not our jurisdiction.” Asked how many other women Hunt may have assaulted, the spokesperson said that “based on the other videos that are out there, we anticipate there could be other cases, but at this time we don’t have any other information to share regarding that.” The spokesperson said, “we have put out a call to the public if they have any information to report that to us whether it is reporting to a detective or reporting anonymously through Crimestoppers.” Hunt’s arrest comes just under a year after Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee living in Charlotte, was stabbed on a public transit train. Authorities accused Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., 34, in the attack. Like Hunt, Brown had previously been arrested 14 times, including on violent assault charges. DEMOCRATIC SENATE CANDIDATE CALLED FOR MASS RELEASE OF CRIMINALS DURING PRISON ABOLITION WEBINAR SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER The stabbing drew national attention because of its apparently random nature and Brown’s history of repeated arrests and releases. Fox News Digital also reached out to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office for comment.
El-Sayed dares GOP rival to no-pads football showdown as Senate feud turns personal
Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed recently escalated his feud with Republican nominee Mike Rogers, who is more than 20 years older than El-Sayed, challenging the former FBI agent to a bout of tackle football after accusing Rogers of being “too afraid” to debate him. “Since you’re too afraid to debate me, how about you ‘hold me accountable’ on a football field instead,” El-Sayed posted to X on Wednesday. “Tackle, no pads like we used to play when we were kids. I’d be happy to show you [how] much I love football.” Rogers is 63, and El-Sayed is 41. The unusual challenge comes as Rogers seeks to turn El-Sayed’s past criticism of football culture into a campaign liability, while El-Sayed has increasingly leaned into sports, fitness and a defense of masculinity as he courts male voters. The exchange quickly became personal, with Rogers’ campaign mocking El-Sayed’s height rather than accepting the challenge. MICHIGAN DEM SENATE NOMINEE COMES UNDER FIRE OVER RESURFACED BLOG POST LINKING FOOTBALL TO ‘TOXIC MASCULINITY’ El-Sayed’s X post was in response to a clip of Rogers criticizing him for past comments he made on topics such as football and the 4th of July. “This guy spent hours hating on what most Michiganders would enjoy in their pastimes, and he should be held to account for that,” Rogers said on Fox News. “These are views that he held, that he was pretty strong about, but he knew that he had to delete them all. … If people really knew who he was, they wouldn’t vote for him.” In an October 2021 essay, El-Sayed wrote that “the toxic masculinity at the heart of America’s most popular sport — and men’s sports culture more generally — is way deeper than a few emails or a Jay-Z turnaround.” EL-SAYED’S THREAT AGAINST GOP RIVAL BACKFIRES AS CONSERVATIVES BRING RECEIPTS: ‘IS DUBAI IN FLORIDA?’ Though some have argued that this is evidence of El-Sayed hating football, the Democratic Senate hopeful played football growing up and was the captain of his high school team. He called sports his “lifeline.” While El-Sayed has sharply criticized toxic elements of male sports culture, he has also defended masculinity and chided Democrats for talking down to men, often posting fitness-related content as part of his strategy to appeal to male voters. Rogers’ campaign fired back at El-Sayed’s post by mocking his height. “That’s an awfully tall threat coming from down there,” the Mike Rogers War Room X account posted. ‘DOCTOR’ EL-SAYED’S BIZARRE HEALTH HUSTLE RAISES CAMPAIGN HEADACHE: ‘MOON JUICE BRAIN DUST’ Rogers’ official campaign account posted a GIF of Will Ferrell saying “he’s an angry elf” in response to El-Sayed’s challenge. El-Sayed was listed at 5 feet, 9 inches during his University of Michigan lacrosse career. A 2008 news story, however, listed him at 5 feet, 8 inches. The El-Sayed campaign did not respond to a request for comment when reached by Fox News Digital Wednesday.
Tlaib under fire for working to unseat two Jewish House Democrats in Florida: ‘No coincidence’
Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., is being criticized by Florida’s lone Jewish Republican in Congress as she works to unseat two fellow House Democrats. Tlaib is appearing at a rally in Fort Lauderdale Friday held by left-wing groups in support of three congressional candidates, according to a flier posted on Instagram, including two socialists running to unseat Reps. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla. “I think that it’s no coincidence that she’s coming to target two of the remaining Jewish Democrats,” Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., told Fox News Digital. JEFFRIES DECLINES TO BACK WASSERMAN SCHULTZ AS BLACK LEADERS REVOLT OVER DISTRICT SWITCH “It won’t be well received in Florida,” he continued. “How it’s received in a Democratic primary — look, the Democrats are lost. But I’m going to hope that Florida Democrats are smarter than national Democrats because the Jew hatred side of the Democratic Party is not good for America.” Tlaib has been a power player on the far left so far this election cycle as candidates linked to the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) dominate establishment Democrats in key elections across the country. But DSA-linked candidates have also been accused of criticism against Israel that approaches antisemitism, according to the group’s opponents, while being sympathetic to terror groups like Hamas. Tlaib, the first Palestinian American woman in Congress, has faced bipartisan criticism for her comments on Israel and Jewish people. The Michigan congresswoman has denied accusations of antisemitism. FORMER BERNIE SANDERS OFFICIAL ACCUSES SENATOR OF PUSHING MOST ANTISEMITIC CANDIDATES ‘IN A GENERATION’ But Fine said Tlaib was a “vocal supporter of Hamas” and said the far left was making Jews in America feel unsafe. “I think the Democratic Party is lost, and I think it’s dangerous. I don’t know that it’s lost and dangerous in Fort Lauderdale or Florida, but nationally, the kinds of people that the Democrats are nominating, these are people who do not love America,” Fine said of the far-left surge. “They hate it. They are here to destroy it, and no one embodies that better than Rashida Tlaib.” DSA-linked candidates have already toppled House Democrats in New York, Colorado and Michigan. Also in Michigan, socialist politician Abdul El-Sayed defeated establishment-backed Rep. Haley Stevens for the party’s nomination for Senate. DEMS’ LEFTWARD LURCH GETS LEGS AS EL-SAYED’S MICHIGAN SENATE VICTORY SPARKS PARTY DEBATE Tlaib campaigned with El-Sayed and other DSA candidates across the U.S. Friday’s rally is called Chomp the Oligarchy and is being hosted by progressive groups like Gen Z For Change and Florida Youth Justice Coalition. Moskowitz and Wasserman Schultz’s campaigns did not respond to requests for comment on Tlaib’s appearance. Tlaib’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment on Fine’s remarks. Tlaib and other Democrats have previously accused Fine of anti-Muslim racism. Moskowitz, who represents Florida’s 23rd Congressional District, is running for re-election in the 25th Congressional District, which was recently redrawn to give Republicans a better shot in the general race. Wasserman Schultz is running in the newly redrawn 20th Congressional District, a majority-Black district that leans heavily Democratic, sparking backlash for potentially impacting the area’s historically Black representation.
Trump says Karoline Leavitt will leave White House press secretary role, become outside advisor
President Donald Trump announced that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her role at the end of the month to spend more time with her family. Leavitt confirmed her departure in a lengthy post on X, saying she made the “bittersweet decision” after concluding she could not balance the demands of serving as press secretary with being the mother she wants to be to her two young children. “Serving as the White House Press Secretary over the past year and a half has been the honor and adventure of a lifetime,” Leavitt wrote. Leavitt thanked Trump for giving her the opportunity to work in the West Wing, travel and represent his administration from the White House briefing room. LEAVITT VOWS TRUMP WILL DELIVER ‘ENTERTAINING’ SPEECH AT HIS RETURN TO WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS’ DINNER “Most of all, I am thankful to the President for entrusting me with the distinct privilege of speaking on his behalf at the White House podium. I have spoken with great pride about the many historic accomplishments of this Administration, and I have relished holding the liberal media accountable and ensuring the American people hear the truth about President Trump’s successes.” Leavitt said becoming a mother again while holding one of the White House’s most demanding public-facing jobs ultimately drove her decision to leave. “Being a mother and welcoming a new baby while working in one of the most demanding jobs in the world has been the most rewarding yet challenging season of my life, to say the least. The truth is since returning to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary — and that is why I have ultimately made the bittersweet decision to depart the White House and embark on a new chapter in my life.” LEAVITT RIPS BLUE STATE’S EXPLOSIVE NONCITIZEN VOTER-ROLL ADMISSION: ‘NOT A COINCIDENCE’ Leavitt said she will remain involved with Trump and Republican politics after leaving the White House. “President Trump has asked me to continue serving as a top advisor to him on the outside, and I will always remain a vocal advocate for MAGA and the Republican Party.” She also made clear that she plans to remain politically active. “My fight is entering a new phase, but it is far from over.” KAROLINE LEAVITT ANNOUNCES BIRTH OF SECOND CHILD, A GIRL Leavitt, 28, became the youngest White House press secretary in history when Trump returned to office in January 2025. She previously served as national press secretary for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and worked in the White House press office during his first administration. Leavitt recently returned to the White House after taking leave following the birth of her second child, a daughter, in May. Trump separately praised Leavitt in announcing her departure, calling her one of his most trusted aides and saying she would become one of his top outside advisors. “Our wonderful White House Press Secretary, and one of my most trusted aides, Karoline Leavitt, will be departing her role at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family, a decision I totally understand and respect!” Trump said. “Karoline will now be one of my top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican Party, as we work to defy History, and conclusively win the Midterm Elections.” Trump praised Leavitt’s work in the White House and on his political campaigns. “Karoline has been a real leader in the White House, and has done a phenomenal job fighting for Justice, Liberty, and Freedom, since 2018, including our Historic Re-Election Campaign of 2024. Karoline has been one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office. Thank you, Karoline, for a job well done!” Vice President JD Vance also praised Leavitt following the announcement, pointing to both her effectiveness as press secretary and the demands of the job for a young parent. “Karoline Leavitt has one of the hardest jobs in the Administration — dealing with the relentless attacks from the fake news media. She did the job with grace, wit and a smile on her face. She’s been one of the most effective voices in articulating and defending the President’s agenda, and I’m incredibly grateful to her.” Vance said he understood the challenges Leavitt faced balancing the position with raising a family. “I’ve had the opportunity to get to know Karoline over the past few years, and I know how difficult yet rewarding a constant job like this can be for a young parent. We’re sad to see her go, but I know she’ll continue to do great things.” White House chief of staff Susie Wiles called Leavitt “nothing short of extraordinary” and praised her ability to balance her professional and family responsibilities. “You have taken on one of the toughest jobs in Washington with confidence, discipline, grace and an unmatched ability to deliver the President’s message. Simply put, you are the greatest @PressSec.” Wiles also praised Leavitt as a wife and mother and said she was “excited to see what your next chapter looks like.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio also wished Leavitt and her family well following the announcement. “Karoline has been a critical part of President Trump’s team and has played a pivotal role in the historic accomplishments of the most transparent administration in American history. Wishing her and her family nothing but the best in their next chapter!” FBI Director Kash Patel also praised Leavitt and pointed to her next chapter. “Thank you, Karoline. A true friend and one of the greatest to ever stand at that podium,” he wrote on X. “You handled the job with strength and clarity. Grateful for everything you gave this fight. Excited for what’s next. -DKP” Erika Kirk also congratulated Leavitt on her tenure, praising
Former SPLC official arrested as feds expand case over alleged $4M scheme involving extremist groups
A former top Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) official was arrested on charges Wednesday as federal prosecutors unveiled sweeping new allegations that donated money was allegedly secretly funneled to extremists and used for activities including recruiting members, staging rallies and buying materials for Ku Klux Klan robes and cross burnings. Heidi Beirich, 59, of Palm Springs, California, was charged alongside the SPLC with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to submit false statements to a federally insured bank. The second superseding indictment also charges Beirich with a conspiracy to commit concealed money laundering. Beirich was served with an arrest warrant Wednesday morning, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama. Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed the arrest during a news conference Wednesday in Washington, D.C., and said the federal investigation remains ongoing. FIRST ON FOX: SPLC’S TAX-EXEMPT STATUS UNDER THREAT AFTER FIERY CAPITOL HILL HEARING “I think, as alleged in the indictment, this individual participated in the scheme as alleged,” Blanche said. “I believe she was part of the effort to open bank accounts and complete fictitious companies names and make payments that to individuals for reasons that were not, that were not accurate as described.” FBI Director Kash Patel also weighed in on the news via X, writing that Beirich was at the “center” of the bureau’s ongoing investigation. “As alleged, Heidi Beirich was at the center of our ongoing investigation into SPLC and their previously alleged criminal activity – where SPLC knowingly misled donors, who believed their money was being used to dismantle violent extremist organizations – when in fact, part of those donations were instead being used to pay senior leadership within those extremist groups,” Patel wrote. The 26-page indictment obtained by Fox News Digital alleges the SPLC secretly funneled at least $4.1 million in tax-exempt donor funds between 2007 and 2023 through bank accounts supposedly belonging to businesses unaffiliated with the organization. Prosecutors allege the money paid “field sources” who were leading or affiliated with violent extremist organizations. Prosecutors allege donor money was used to attend and host extremist rallies, recruit members, grow and create extremist chapters, publish extremist literature and buy materials for KKK robes, hoods and cross burnings. The indictment also alleges two KKK members who wanted out of the movement were encouraged by the SPLC to remain and offered monthly payments and expenses. One of the most explosive allegations centers on a source identified as “F-9,” whom prosecutors say infiltrated the neo-Nazi National Alliance and received more than $1.2 million from the SPLC during the period covered by the indictment. Prosecutors allege Beirich oversaw payments to F-9 while also having a romantic relationship with him, with the pair sharing a home and two bank accounts. FIRST ON FOX: SPLC’S LEGAL WOES GROW AS JIM JORDAN FIRES LATEST SALVO AT LEFT-WING GROUP Between 2015 and 2021, approximately $140,000 in donor money flowed from the SPLC’s operating account through a “Tech Writers” account and ultimately into joint bank accounts held by Beirich and F-9, prosecutors allege. The indictment says the money accounted for approximately 66% of all funds deposited into their joint accounts and alleges Beirich used donor money to pay the couple’s personal living expenses. The indictment also alleges F-9 broke into an extremist organization’s headquarters in 2014 and stole approximately 25 boxes of documents. Prosecutors allege that, with Beirich’s knowledge, donor money was used to copy the stolen material before it was returned and that Beirich used the copies as the basis for an SPLC “Hatewatch” story. The indictment alleges Beirich later paid another source approximately $6,000 in donor money to then falsely take responsibility for the burglary. “The indictment unsealed today reflects the continued work of federal investigators and prosecutors in examining this alleged scheme,” U.S. Attorney Thomas Govan said. “We look forward to presenting the evidence in court and allowing the judicial process to determine the facts and the defendants’ responsibility for the alleged crimes.” Beirich is expected in federal court in Riverside, Calif., Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. PT, sources tell Fox News. The SPLC has previously denied wrongdoing and moved to dismiss the federal case. An indictment contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. “Taking on violent hate and extremist groups is among the most dangerous work there is, and we believe it is also among the most important work we do. The actions taken by the DOJ will not shake our resolve,” the SPLC said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “We remain steadfast in our fight for justice and in our commitment to ensuring the promise of the Civil Rights movement becomes a reality for all. We are confident in our position and look forward to presenting the evidence and making our case in court.” Fox News Digital’s Asra Nomani, and Fox News’ David Spunt and Bill Mears contributed to this report.
Illegal immigrant charged with brutal slaying one day after California judge released him
A California judge in the Bay Area released an illegal immigrant who had been in custody on burglary charges one day before prosecutors say he murdered a 68-year-old retiree in his Martinez neighborhood. Marcos Iriarte-Valdez had a prior criminal record and was facing burglary charges stemming from at least two incidents elsewhere in Contra Costa County, just east of San Francisco, when a judge in the Democratic-majority county ordered him released. The Department of Homeland Security told Fox News Digital it placed an immigration detainer on Iriarte-Valdez Sept. 23, 2025. The DHS said that Valdez was from Venezuela with citizenship in Spain. “Valdez is charged with murder, inflicting corporal injury on spouse, three counts of burglary, receiving known stolen property, trespassing, entering non-commercial dwelling, loitering, as well as convicted of violation of court ordered protective order,” the department said in a statement. Prosecutors also added three enhancements against Valdez: a special circumstance that the murder occurred during or immediately after a burglary, personal use of a deadly weapon — a knife — and committing the offense while released on bail or his own recognizance. FLORIDA CONGRESSMAN MOVES TO IMPEACH JUDGE WHO ORDERED CONVICTED CUBAN PLANE HIJACKER FREED FROM ICE “CA Governor [Gavin Newsom] must not release this murderer from jail and turn him over to us so we can REMOVE him from our nation,” the department later tweeted about Iriarte-Valdez, who is from Venezuela but reported to have Spanish citizenship. “Sanctuary politicians must stop putting politics above public safety. This type of insanity leads to more crimes and more innocent victims,” DHS said in a statement to Fox News Digital. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s chief deputy director of communications, Diana Crofts-Pelayo, told Fox News Digital: “This individual should face justice for his alleged crime. California takes public safety seriously, and nothing in California law prevents federal authorities from enforcing federal immigration law. The federal government has billions of dollars and substantial resources to enforce federal law—they do their job instead of blaming California for ICE’s enforcement failures.” Iriarte-Valdez is accused of murdering 68-year-old Todd Stewart of Martinez, who had lived on his quiet street for about 40 years, during an attempted burglary, prosecutors said. Contra Costa prosecutors previously charged Iriarte-Valdez in connection with burglaries at occupied residences in April. He was on pretrial release in that case when he was arrested Tuesday for allegedly violating a home detention condition, then ordered released on his own recognizance on Wednesday, one day before Stewart was killed. Prosecutors said Iriarte-Valdez tried to run from Stewart’s residence after Stewart encountered him in a garage, then stabbed and killed him. Fox News Digital reached out to the Martinez Police Department, Contra Costa Superior Court and District Attorney Diana Becton’s office for comment. WATCH: DEM DEMANDS ‘ONE CASE’ WHERE SANCTUARY CITIES DIDN’T TURN OVER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS; DHS PROVIDES LIST DHS said Iriarte-Valdez was legally admitted to the U.S. during the George W. Bush administration but has since been classified as an “illegal alien.” “The safest way to arrest and remove criminal illegal aliens from our streets is by lodging arrest detainers. Because sanctuary cities refuse to work with ICE law enforcement, criminal illegal aliens are released from jails into American communities to perpetuate more crimes. Seven of the top 10 safest cities in the United States cooperate with ICE,” a DHS spokesperson said, adding that Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin continues to target the “worst of the worst.” A homeowner targeted by Iriarte-Valdez in his April alleged burglary spree expressed shock that the man had been released. FEDS ADMIT FAILURE TO DISCLOSE MURDER WARRANT TO JUDGE WHO ORDERED RELEASE OF DOMINICAN MIGRANT The homeowner told FOX’s San Francisco affiliate his 83-year-old wife saw Iriarte-Valdez’s reflection and screamed, “and I think he took off.” SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER “The judge uses his discretion or her discretion. I don’t know who the judge was, so, you know, who am I to argue?” the man said of the unnamed judge who released Iriarte-Valdez last week. READ THE CHARGING DOCUMENTS: Iriarte-Valdez is being held without bail. Valdez pleaded not guilty Wednesday. He is due back in court on Tuesday, September 1. The judge could not be reached for comment. Fox News Digital’s Stepheny Price contributed to this report.
Tim Scott goes scorched earth on El-Sayed: ‘He’s for Hamas, but he’s against America’
FIRST ON FOX: The Senate GOP’s elections chief said Michigan voters have a clear-cut choice: pick a Trump-backed Republican or support an insurgent progressive who is “for Hamas.” “By going with [Dr. Abdul] El-Sayed, you’re talking about socialism, Marxism, communism, and someone who seems to just not like America,” Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., told Fox News Digital. “The only thing he’s not against, Hamas. He’s for Hamas, but he’s against America.” Scott, who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), and Republicans are ramping up their rhetoric against El-Sayed, who eked out a win to secure the Democratic nomination for Senate in Michigan last week against the more moderate Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich. PEGGY FLANAGAN WAS MINNESOTA’S NO 2 OFFICIAL AS MASSIVE FRAUD SCANDAL EXPLODED UNDER STATE’S WATCH They’re pouncing on unearthed hot takes he’s made in the past and his proximity to Twitch streamer Hasan Piker in their quest to paint El-Sayed as a far-left candidate with extremist ties. Republicans believe that they have a real shot at flipping Michigan’s open seat after Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., opted to retire. Scott and company view former Rep. Mike Rogers, who was the GOP nominee in 2024, as the man to secure the seat. “I always believe that the wind’s at my back, and I always believed that momentum’s on our side,” Scott said. “And there’s no doubt about it when you look at the underlying conditions that you’d much, much, much rather be Mike Rogers than El-Sayed.” REPUBLICANS GET THE DEMOCRAT THEY WANTED AS SOCIALIST ABDUL EL-SAYED WINS MICHIGAN SENATE PRIMARY For starters, Rogers has President Donald Trump’s backing in a state that he won by just over 1 point in 2024, a roughly 4-point swing from 2020, when former President Joe Biden nabbed the state. Rogers also hasn’t had to deal with a messy primary like his previous run against Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., who eked out a victory over the former House Intelligence Committee chair by just over 20,000 votes. “Two years ago, it was a slog for Mike Rogers. He had a very expensive primary in August, and then essentially a 60-day sprint to the finish line,” Scott said. “This time he has more cash than ever, a better ground game than ever.” “He is a strong, powerful, positive candidate. He is well known in Michigan. And so what we’re going to see as we head towards the finish line is Michiganders will make the right decision for their future, for America’s future, and it will be Mike Rogers,” he continued. “I will say on the other side, it is not going to the past, it’s going to a different, an alternate universe.” WATCH: SCHUMER’S ANTI-CORRUPTION SPEECH DERAILED AFTER HECKLER BRANDS HIM ‘GENOCIDAL MANIAC’ El-Sayed, meanwhile, has dealt with the inverse. He’s just over a week out from a bitter primary fight against Stevens and Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, who eventually dropped out roughly a month before the primary election. He emerged victorious despite being vastly outspent in one of the most expensive primaries ever, and after running a campaign that pushed further left than the Democratic establishment and against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Shortly after his victory, Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., who leads Senate Democrats’ campaign arm, went about stitching together the wounds from the primary bloodbath. “Democrats are united by a common purpose: putting a check on Donald Trump by defeating his Republican enablers and taking back the Senate,” they said in a joint statement. “We look forward to working with Abdul and Democrats across Michigan to win this seat in November.” Though Schumer and the Democratic establishment didn’t back El-Sayed, Scott contended that his rise was emblematic of the Democratic Party’s lurch to the left, particularly as moderate Democrats have been felled by progressive challengers throughout this midterm election cycle across the country. “There’s no doubt Abdul El-Sayed represents the worst part of the Democrat Party, which is becoming, unfortunately, the most consistent voice coming out of the Democratic Party,” Scott said. El-Sayed’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.