Washington AG joins coalition suing to block Trump’s order to dismantle Department of Education
Washington state’s attorney general has joined 20 other Democrat states in a lawsuit seeking to block President Donald Trump’s executive order that calls to dismantle the Department of Education. The state’s Attorney General Nick Brown announced Monday that he joined 20 other attorneys general in filing a motion for a preliminary injunction against the Trump administration. A preliminary injunction would temporarily pause the president’s March 20 executive order to eliminate the DOE. The other 20 states filed lawsuits on March 13 attempting to block efforts to close the DOE after plans were announced to eliminate half of the department’s workforce. DEM AGS SUE OVER TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION LAYOFFS The latest lawsuit seeks to stop the layoffs and the move by the administration to transfer student loan and special education services outside the department, as Trump works to shift responsibilities away from the DOE. For example, Trump announced last week that the Small Business Administration would handle student loans as part of this plan. “The devastating cuts and layoffs at the Department of Education will directly harm Washington’s youth and their families,” Brown said in a statement. “Our office will fight to defend the education and health of our students from President Trump’s illegal order.” SECRETARY OF EDUCATION LINDA MCMAHON PRAISES DEPARTMENT FOR TAKING STEPS TO ELIMINATE ‘BUREAUCRATIC BLOAT’ Layoffs at the department have already led to the closure of the Office of Civil Rights outreach services across the country, which investigated students’ claims of discrimination and sexual assault. Federal funding and approvals for state schools have also been delayed, Brown’s office said. The lawsuit argues that the Trump administration’s executive order is illegal and that efforts to dismantle the DOE can only be authorized by Congress. GOP lawmakers have introduced legislation to eliminate the department, but the effort has not yet been approved by either chamber on Capitol Hill. The lawsuit from the attorneys general also claims that the mass layoffs violate the Administrative Procedures Act, which establishes procedures for how administrative agencies of the federal government may propose and issue regulations.
Can Congress defund federal courts with key Trump budget process?
As Republicans look for ways to rein in federal judges issuing countless orders to halt the Trump administration’s action on immigration in particular, a number of potential avenues for doing so are being considered. However, the use of a key budget process that lowers the Senate’s threshold to 51 votes to defund certain courts could face significant obstacles. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, House Freedom Caucus policy chair and chair of the House Judiciary Committee’s subcommittee on the Constitution, told Fox News Digital he isn’t “for or against” any specific approach to addressing the countrywide injunctions that are throwing a wrench into President Donald Trump’s priorities. CHUCK SCHUMER FACING ‘UPHILL FIGHT’ AMID LEADERSHIP DOUBTS: ‘MATTER OF WHEN, NOT IF’ “We ought to look at [impeachment], we ought to look at jurisdiction-stripping, we ought to look at every option that needs to be addressed about judges that are actively taking steps to try to undermine the presidency,” he said. The Republican added, “I think there are pros and cons of those approaches. I think we need to look at … funding scenarios. Now that takes a little time; you’ve got to work through either the appropriations, rescissions or reconciliation process, depending on where it’s appropriate.” The budget reconciliation process lowers the threshold for Senate passage from 60 votes to 51 out of 100, allowing the party in power to more easily advance its agenda with no opposition party support. However, the provisions must relate to budgetary and other fiscal matters. The House of Representatives already has a simple majority threshold. The process is being relied on heavily by Republicans, who have a trifecta in Washington, in order to push through Trump agenda items. BATTLE OF THE CHAMBERS: HOUSE AND SENATE TENSIONS BOIL OVER AS TRUMP BUDGET HANGS IN LIMBO In the months since Trump took office, his aggressive pace has been somewhat hampered by federal judges across the country issuing numerous orders to halt immigration, waste-cutting and anti-diversity, equity and inclusion actions. This has prompted Republicans to call for action against what they consider abusive actions by lower-tier federal judges. “I don’t think defunding is a viable option,” said Andy McCarthy, a former assistant U.S. attorney and a Fox News contributor. “The chief justice would be angry that the district courts were understaffed, and Trump wouldn’t get away with later trying to add the positions back so that he could fill them,” he continued. Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General John Yoo called potentially defunding the courts that have been causing problems for the administration “a terrible idea.” “It would make no difference anyway; the cases challenging Trump’s executive orders would still be challenged in the courts that exist,” he explained. This was echoed by former Trump attorney Jim Trusty, who said, “I don’t think defunding an already overworked judicial system would be right or effective.” BIDEN ADMIN’S ‘VAST CENSORSHIP ENTERPRISE’ WITH HELP OF NGOS SLATED FOR KEY HEARING, LAWMAKER SAYS Because of the specific guidelines for what can be included in reconciliation bills, legal experts seem to be in agreement that defunding courts wouldn’t meet the requirements. One such expert told Fox News Digital that not only does the provision need to have a federal fiscal impact, the policy effect cannot outweigh that impact. They further noted that the Senate’s parliamentarian would be the one to make a judgment on this. Trusty said “the solution to judicial activism” is either the appellate courts finding ways to stop the injunctions on appeal or by direct orders, or “Congress develops a nimble response and passes legislation to clarify their intent to let the executive branch act without judicial tethers on various issues.” “The better option would be to explore ways to limit the jurisdiction of the lower courts or to fast-track appeals when they try to issue nationwide injunctions,” McCarthy said. CONGRESS EXPANDED THE EXECUTIVE – ONLY FOR TRUMP TO QUASH MUCH OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE STATE As for potentially impeaching federal judges, which has been floated by Trump himself, Trusty said it “should still be viewed as a prosecution substitute for office holders who have committed treason or high crimes and misdemeanors; in other words, serious crimes.” “Bad judgment and wrong-headed decisions are not crimes,” he noted. Neither Trump’s White House nor Republican leadership in Congress have indicated plans to pursue the issue through the reconciliation process. Lawmakers have acknowledged the problem, though, and the House is set to take up legislation to address the judges’ actions this week.
Tennessee bill aims to hold charities liable if migrants they house commit crimes
A bill in the Tennessee legislature could start holding charitable organizations liable if they are housing an illegal migrant who commits a crime. House Bill 811 aims to put pressure on organizations that are not turning in migrants. However, the leaders of the organizations say the measure places an unfair burden on them, according to WZTV. The bill is co-sponsored by Sen. Brent Taylor and Rep. Rusty Grills, both of whom are Republicans. Under the proposal, charitable organizations, including churches and homeless shelters, would be liable for the loss, damages, injury or death caused by a migrant who they knowingly house if the organization’s conduct in providing housing constitutes negligence, gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct. TENNESSEE BILL ALLOWS SCHOOLS TO DENY ENROLLMENT FOR ILLEGAL MIGRANTS, PROPOSAL PANNED AS UNCONSTITUTIONAL “The person that has committed that towards, they have a civil right of action against you,” Grills told WZTV. Rev. Enoch Fuzz, who is the senior pastor of the Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville, told the outlet that only the person who committed the crime should be held responsible. “You can’t hold anybody liable for the actions of somebody except for the person themselves,” he said. Asked if his church planned to house illegal migrants, Fuzz vowed to help people and said he has lived his whole life “anchored in wanting to help people.” TN LAWMAKER PROPOSES SENDING ILLEGAL MIGRANTS ACCUSED OF MINOR CRIMES TO SANCTUARY CITIES INSTEAD OF DEPORTING Fuzz was pressed further, asked by WZTV about scenarios in which a migrant commits a crime. “Well what if anybody goes out to commit a crime?” he responded. Sam Siple, the Vice President for Development and Marketing with the Nashville Rescue Mission, told WZTV that holding organizations liable is not a good solution and that it would strain resources. “Our intent here is not to be a sanctuary city, but we are a sanctuary for folks who are looking to get off the dangers of the streets and get some help, get some hope, get some food, get some shelter,” he said. “So our goal is, again, to help and provide human services. It’s not to enforce immigration.” Grills said he and Taylor plan to add amendments to the bill to clarify what it would do, including possibly expanding what liability would entail. “The intention of this bill is not to incriminate those who provide temporary housing for a homeless shelter,” Grills told WZTV. “It’s to deter criminal activity.”
Texas lawmakers consider measure prohibiting SNAP benefits from being used to purchase junk food
A bill making its way through the Texas legislature would bar people from using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on junk food, including soda, energy drinks, candy, chips and cookies. Senate Bill 379 would narrow the restrictions on the types of food people can purchase using SNAP funds, formerly known as food stamps. Republican State Sen. Mayes Middleton, who authored the bill, said he filed the legislation to return to SNAP’s original intent of focusing on nutritional food essential to health and wellbeing. Similar bills with bipartisan support have been introduced in the Texas House — H.B. 3188, proposed by Democrat Rep. Richard Raymond, and H.B. 4970, introduced by GOP Rep. Briscoe Cain. MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN: TIMELINE OF THE MAHA MOVEMENT The federal government, which provides all the funding for SNAP, currently allows the program to be used for most food items, excluding alcohol, tobacco and hot prepared meals. A pair of bills were recently introduced in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate that would also prohibit the purchase of junk food using SNAP benefits. SNAP RECIPIENTS MAY BE BARRED FROM JUNK FOOD PURCHASES UNDER NEW HOUSE GOP BILL Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also expressed his desire to restrict ultra-processed foods and additives. Back in Texas, Republican state lawmakers say S.B. 379 seeks to remove food and drinks with little nutritional value from the government assistance program. “The [U.S. Department of Agriculture’s] stated purpose for the SNAP program is nutritious food essential to health and wellbeing. Well, junk food certainly doesn’t fit that purpose,” Middleton said, according to FOX 4. “So having those types of foods and drinks qualified under the program is actually contrary to the entire purpose of the SNAP program, the food stamp program.” Another federal program that provides food assistance for families called the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) already excludes the purchase of junk food items, instead focusing on providing healthy foods and nutrition education. Meanwhile, critics of the Texas bill argue that people using SNAP should have the freedom to decide what foods are best for their families, including treats for their children or for medical needs such as treating a blood sugar crash, FOX 4 reported. Critics also claim there is a lack of access to grocery stores and say many people on the program rely on convenience stores where there are few healthy food options. The state’s full Senate debated the bill on Monday. It needs to pass the Upper Chamber before it can be sent to the House.
Kristi Noem, Scott Turner establish effort to end ‘exploitation of housing programs’ by illegal immigrants
The Trump administration has begun an interagency effort to end what it describes as the “exploitation of housing programs” by illegal aliens. In a statement published on Monday, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that it had established the “American Housing Programs for American Citizens” Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement was also signed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The MOU is geared towards ending “the wasteful misappropriation of taxpayer dollars to benefit illegal aliens instead of American citizens,” the press release stated. “As part of this new agreement, HUD will provide a full-time staff member to assist in operations at the Incident Command Center (ICC), establishing an interagency partnership to facilitate data sharing and ensure taxpayer-funded housing programs are not used to harbor or benefit illegal aliens,” the release read. TRUMP NOMINATES SUSAN MONAREZ TO BECOME THE NEXT CDC DIRECTOR, SAYS AMERICANS ‘LOST CONFIDENCE’ IN AGENCY The effort comes a month after President Donald Trump signed an executive order (EO) to “ensure taxpayer resources are not used to incentivize or support illegal immigration.” The EO, signed on Feb. 19, ordered government departments to identify which federally-funded programs are “providing financial benefits to illegal aliens,” and mandated them to “take corrective action.” In a statement about the recent MOU, HUD Secretary Scott Turner referenced the ongoing housing crisis in the U.S. and characterized the issue as “pressing.” IMPEACHMENT ARTICLES HIT JUDGE WHO ORDERED TRUMP TO STOP DEPORTATION FLIGHTS “This agreement will leverage resources including technology and personnel to ensure American people are the only priority when it comes to public housing,” Turner said. “We will continue to work closely with DHS to maximize our resources and put American citizens first.” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem blasted the Biden administration in her statement, accusing the former president of prioritizing illegal aliens “over our own citizens, including by giving illegal aliens taxpayer-funding housing at the expense of Americans.” “The entire government will work together to identify abuse and exploitation of public benefits and make sure those in this country illegally are not receiving federal benefits or other financial incentives to stay illegally,” Noem said. “If you are an illegal immigrant, you should leave now. The gravy train is over.”
SCOOP: Mike Johnson meeting House Judiciary Committee as GOP mulls response to activist judges blocking Trump
FIRST ON FOX: Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is expected to privately meet with Republican members of the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, two people familiar with the plans told Fox News Digital. The timing or reason for the meeting is not immediately clear, but it comes as Republicans in Congress map out how to respond to what they see as “activist” judges blocking President Donald Trump’s agenda. The committee is currently scheduled to mark up several pieces of legislation, unrelated to the judicial standoff, on Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. ET. Johnson is scheduled to hold his weekly press conference at that time. It comes as the Trump administration has faced more than a dozen injunctions from various district court judges across the country on a range of policy decisions. WHO IS JAMES BOASBERG, THE US JUDGE AT THE CENTER OF TRUMP’S DEPORTATION EFFORTS? House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., announced on X Monday that lawmakers would be voting on a bill next week led by Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., to limit U.S. district court judges’ ability to hand down nationwide injunctions. Fox News Digital was told last week that Trump himself expressed interest in the bill. Meanwhile, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, is expected to hold a hearing on the issue of activist judges early next week. Several conservative lawmakers have also introduced or threatened resolutions to impeach specific judges blocking Trump’s agenda. Johnson has been known to meet with various factions of the House GOP when trying to push key pieces of legislation, particularly when there are differing opinions on what to do, to ensure all lawmakers who want to express a viewpoint are heard. But House GOP leaders have also been privately wary of getting behind any of the calls for impeachment, worried it would not be the most effective approach. ‘WOEFULLY INSUFFICIENT’: US JUDGE REAMS TRUMP ADMIN FOR DAYS-LATE DEPORTATION INFO Trump, however, has previously signaled interest in impeaching U.S. district court Judge James Boasberg after he issued an emergency order blocking the administration’s deportation of suspected Tren de Aragua gang members under the Alien Enemies Act. Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, introduced a resolution to impeach Boasberg for “abuse of power” last week. The legislation gained three new supporters on Monday and now has 19 total co-sponsors. Some House Republicans expressed hesitation at the idea when asked by Fox News Digital on Monday night, however. “We shouldn’t lower the standard for impeachment, but we should – we meaning Congress – should provide a remedy for district court judges who totally overreach,” Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., said. Another House Republican who declined to be named said they were “totally opposed” to impeachment. “That’s what the appeals process is for,” they said. Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., contended that the impeachment resolutions sent a necessary message. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “The reason I sponsored Gill’s efforts is just – if we don’t say anything, the judges are going to be like, ‘Oh, we can do whatever we want.’ So they need to know that we are watching and that there’s a group of us that, if that’s what it takes, we would support that,” Stutzman said. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., said Issa’s bill was a “start” but said the House Freedom Caucus would have discussions about whether the group wanted to push for impeachment. Fox News Digital reached out to Johnson’s office and the House Judiciary Committee for comment but did not immediately hear back.
Trump revokes former US DHS Secretary Maryorkas’ Secret Service protection
President Donald Trump has revoked former U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’ Secret Service protection, starting Monday. The Secret Service confirmed to Fox News Digital that, per an executive memorandum from the president, the protective detail for Mayorkas was discontinued. No other details were provided, to ensure the integrity of the Secret Service’s operations. The former secretary’s security protection was revoked a week after Trump announced he was revoking Secret Service protection for former President Biden’s adult children. TRUMP REVOKES SECRET SERVICE PROTECTION FOR ADULT BIDEN CHILDREN HUNTER AND ASHLEY Trump made the announcement in a Truth Social post, saying Hunter Biden received Secret Service protection for an “extended period of time.” “There are as many as 18 people on this Detail, which is ridiculous!” Trump wrote. “Please be advised that, effective immediately, Hunter Biden will no longer receive Secret Service protection.” WHO IS SEAN CURRAN? HEAD OF TRUMP’S PERSONAL DETAIL TO BE NOMINATED FOR SECRET SERVICE DIRECTOR Also losing protection was Ashley Biden, Hunter’s sister. Trump noted that 13 agents were assigned to Ashley’s security detail. “We are aware of the President’s decision to terminate protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden,” the Secret Service told Fox News Digital. “The Secret Service will comply and is actively working with the protective details and the White House to ensure compliance as soon as possible.” SECRET SERVICE STRUGGLE TO PROTECT PRESIDENTS WON’T SEE ‘IMMEDIATE’ END EVEN WITH MORE MANPOWER: RETIRED AGENT Former presidents and their spouses receive life-long Secret Service protection under federal law, but the protection afforded to their immediate families over the age of 16 ends when they leave office, though both Trump and Biden extended the details for their children for six months before leaving office, the Associated Press reported. Biden allowed Baron Trump to keep his Secret Service protection after his 16th birthday. Fox News Digital’s Louis Casiano contributed to this report.
Pam Bondi threatens prosecution amid DOGE’s findings about fraud: ‘We’re coming after you’
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a stern warning to those engaged in government fraud at the most recent Cabinet meeting on Monday. Speaking with President Donald Trump present at the meeting, Bondi thanked Tesla CEO Elon Musk for uncovering “fraud, waste and abuse” through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative. “A lot of waste and abuse, but there is a tremendous amount of fraud,” Bondi began. “And, Elon, thank you for your partnership. Thank you for your team. You have uncovered so much fraud in our government.” Bondi then revealed that an internal task force is involved with bringing those accused of fraud to justice. DOJ INSISTS EL SALVADOR DEPORTATION FLIGHTS DID NOT VIOLATE COURT ORDER “We will prosecute you,” the attorney general warned. “We have an internal task force now working with every agency sitting here at this table. And if you’ve committed fraud, we’re coming after you. Thank you, Elon.” Bondi also mentioned that, under Trump’s directive, the Department of Justice (DOJ) will begin seeking the death penalty for those convicted of violent crimes. “All of these horrible violent criminals that you’re hearing about around the country, they will face the death penalty federally within our country,” Bondi said. “And the drug dealers need to get out of here, because we are coming after you. We’re going to have 94 great U.S. attorneys around this country, and everyone will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” The topic of government fraud was mentioned throughout the meeting, with Musk claiming that he found $330 million worth of waste within the Small Business Administration (SBA). IMPEACHMENT ARTICLES HIT JUDGE WHO ORDERED TRUMP TO STOP DEPORTATION FLIGHTS “[We found] a case of fraud and waste with the Small Business Administration, where they were handing out $330 million worth of loans to people under the age of 11,” Musk said. “I think the youngest was a nine month year [sic] old who got a $100,000 loan.” “That’s a very precocious baby we’re talking about here,” he joked. Trump expressed appreciation to both Musk and the rest of the Cabinet for uncovering waste and fraud. “We’ve had many fraudulent contracts that were caught by the work that Elon and his people are doing,” the president said. “And working with our people, it’s been brought to light. The fraud, not just waste and abuse, the fraud has been incredible.”
Trump portrait he claimed was ‘purposefully distorted’ to be taken down from Colorado Capitol
A portrait of President Donald Trump that he claimed was “purposefully distorted” will be taken down from the Colorado Capitol, officials said Monday. In a statement, House Democrats said the oil painting, painted by artist Sarah Boardman during Trump’s first term, would be taken down at the request of Republican leaders in the state Legislature in Denver, the Associated Press reported. “If the GOP wants to spend time and money on which portrait of Trump hangs in the Capitol, then that’s up to them,” the Democrats said. SENATOR REVEALS WHY EVERYONE ‘LOVES’ TRUMP AFTER ROARING NCAA STANDING OVATION The portrait was unveiled in 2019. State Republicans raised more than $11,000 through a GoFundMe account to commission the painting. Trump criticized the painting in a Truth Social post on Sunday. “Nobody likes a bad picture or painting of themselves, but the one in Colorado, in the State Capitol put up by the Governor, along with all other Presidents, was purposefully distorted to a level that even I, perhaps, have never seen before,” he wrote. HERE’S WHAT HAPPENED DURING TRUMP’S NINTH WEEK IN OFFICE “The artist also did President Obama, and he looks wonderful, but the one [of] me is truly the worst, Trump added. “She must have lost her talent as she got older.” Trump said he was requesting the portrait’s removal on behalf of angry Coloradans who have complained about it. “In any event, I would much prefer not having a picture than having this one, but many people from Colorado have called and written to complain,” he wrote. “In fact, they are actually angry about it!” Trump called on Colorado Gov. Jared Polis to have the painting taken down. “Jared should be ashamed of himself!” he wrote.
Trump nominates Susan Monarez to become the next CDC director, says Americans ‘lost confidence’ in agency
President Donald Trump has named Susan Monarez as his nominee for the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), calling the candidate “a dedicated public servant.” Monarez, who is currently acting director of the CDC, replaces Trump’s original nominee for the role, Dr. David Weldon. The Trump administration never gave an official reason why Weldon’s nomination was withdrawn earlier this month, but a source familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital that it would have been a “futile effort.” “It became clear that the votes weren’t there in the Senate for him to get confirmed,” the source explained. “This would have been a futile effort.” In a Truth Social post published on Monday, Trump wrote that Monarez “brings decades of experience championing Innovation, Transparency, and strong Public Health Systems.” DOJ INSISTS EL SALVADOR DEPORTATION FLIGHTS DID NOT VIOLATE COURT ORDER “She has a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, and PostDoctoral training in Microbiology and Immunology at Stanford University School of Medicine,” the president wrote. “Dr. Monarez understands the importance of protecting our children, our communities, and our future.” Trump also claimed that Americans have “lost confidence” in the CDC, citing “political bias and disastrous mismanagement,” as reasons why. IMPEACHMENT ARTICLES HIT JUDGE WHO ORDERED TRUMP TO STOP DEPORTATION FLIGHTS “Dr. Monarez will work closely with our GREAT Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert Kennedy Jr,” the president continued. “Together, they will prioritize Accountability, High Standards, and Disease Prevention to finally address the Chronic Disease Epidemic and, MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN!” According to Monarez’s CDC biography, she previously worked at the White House in the Office of Science and Technology Policy and on the National Security Council. “[She led] efforts to enhance the nation’s biomedical innovation capabilities, including combating antimicrobial resistance, expanding the use of wearables to promote patient health, ensuring personal health data privacy, and improving pandemic preparedness,” the biography states. “She has also held leadership positions at the Department of Homeland Security and has led numerous international cooperative initiatives to promote bilateral and multilateral health innovation research and development.” Fox News Digital’s Rachel Wolf and Julia Johnson contributed to this report.