White House responds to reports Trump named new ballroom after himself
The White House pushed back on reports claiming President Donald Trump will likely name the upcoming White House ballroom after himself, saying any name designation for the event space will come directly from the president. “Any announcement made on the name of the ballroom will come directly from President Trump himself, and not through anonymous and unnamed sources,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Fox News Digital Friday. Reports spread like wildfire Friday afternoon that Trump planned to name the ballroom after himself, with ABC News publishing a report that administration officials were reportedly already calling the project “The President Donald J. Trump Ballroom.” “I won’t get into that now,” Trump told ABC News Thursday when asked about a potential name, the outlet noted. DAVID MARCUS: TRUMP’S BALLROOM IS NO VANITY PROJECT, IT’S ABOUT AMERICAN GRANDEUR Trump announced Monday that construction had begun on the ballroom, after months of Trump touting the upcoming project to modernize the White House. The project does not cost taxpayers and is privately funded, the administration has repeatedly said. “For more than 150 years, every President has dreamt about having a Ballroom at the White House to accommodate people for grand parties, State Visits, etc. I am honored to be the first President to finally get this much-needed project underway — with zero cost to the American Taxpayer!” Trump posted to Truth Social on Monday. “The White House Ballroom is being privately funded by many generous Patriots, Great American Companies, and, yours truly. This Ballroom will be happily used for Generations to come!” TRUMP CELEBRATES WHITE HOUSE DEMOLITION AS NEW BALLROOM RISES: ‘MUSIC TO MY EARS’ The ballroom’s official construction set off a firestorm of criticisms among Democrats who have characterized Trump as destroying the iconic American residence. “Oh you’re trying to say the cost of living is skyrocketing? Donald Trump can’t hear you over the sound of bulldozers demolishing a wing of the White House to build a new grand ballroom,” Democratic Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren posted to X in response to Trump’s Monday announcement. “The White House became my home when I was twelve years old. I always understood that it wasn’t my ‘house’; it was The People’s House,” former first daughter Chelsea Clinton posted to X. “The erasure of the East Wing isn’t just about marble or plaster — it’s about President Trump again taking a wrecking ball to our heritage, while targeting our democracy, and the rule-of-law.” “I wanted to share this photo of my family standing by a historic part of the White House that was just torn down today by Trump,” New Jersey Sen. Andy Kim posted to X Monday. “We didn’t need a billionaire-funded ballroom to celebrate America. Disgusting what Trump is doing.” HILLARY CLINTON FIRES UP VOTERS AGAINST TRUMP’S WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM CONSTRUCTION: ‘NOT HIS HOUSE” The Trump administration has repeatedly hit back at the criticisms, including White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying on Fox News that presidents historically have wanted a large entertaining space at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. “Nearly every single president who’s lived in this beautiful White House behind me has made modernizations and renovations of their own,” Leavitt said on Fox News’ “Jesse Watters Primetime” Tuesday. “In fact, presidents for decades — in modern times — have joked about how they wished they had a larger event space here at the White House, something that could hold hundreds more people than the current East Room and State Dining Room.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “President Obama even complained that, during his tenure, he had to hold a state dinner on the South Lawn and rent a very expensive tent.”
Cruz ‘cannot support’ Trump’s Kuwait ambassador pick over Muslim Brotherhood remarks
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, announced after a contentious nomination hearing Thursday that he would not support the Trump administration’s pick for ambassador to Kuwait. Among other areas of concern, Cruz expressed alarm over Amer Ghalib’s refusal to outright condemn the Muslim Brotherhood, a group Cruz believes works against the geopolitical interests of the United States. “The Muslim Brotherhood is a global terrorist organization,” Cruz said in a post on X. “Amer Ghalib refers to them as an inspiration. That is in opposition to President Trump and is disqualifying. I cannot support his confirmation for the Ambassador to Kuwait.” REP. ELISE STEFANIK LABELS NYC MAYORAL CANDIDATE ZOHRAN MAMDANI A ‘JIHADIST’ Ghalib, the mayor of Hamtramck, Mich., sparred with Cruz and other members of the Senate earlier that day, clashing with several lawmakers over issues like the United States’ relationship with Israel, comments he had made about the war in Gaza and more. According to the Department of State, Ghalib was born and raised in Yemen before coming to the United States at age 17. After working full-time in an auto parts factory, he attended the Ross University School of Medicine from 2006-2011 and went on to work as a healthcare professional at the Hamtramck Medical Group until his entry into politics. Ghalib made news when he was elected as mayor in 2021, becoming the first Muslim to fill the role. In that capacity, he endorsed Donald Trump for president in 2023. “Mr. Ghalib’s journey began as a farmer in Yemen, then as an autoworker in the United States, a healthcare professional, and then as an elected mayor of his city. His multicultural experience, deep regional knowledge and demonstrated success as a politician, leader and community organizer, make him a well-qualified candidate to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the State of Kuwait,” the State Department wrote in its summary of the administration’s nominee. WHITMER SILENT ON MUSLIM MAYOR TELLING RESIDENT HE’S ‘NOT WELCOME’ FOR SLAM ON TERRORIST SYMPATHIZER On Thursday, when asked by Cruz if he still considered Saddam Hussein, the former president of Iraq, a martyr, Ghalib initially skirted the question. “I was a private citizen in 2020,” Ghalib answered, referring to the timing of a social media post when he had given that description. “I’m just asking your views. I asked you about today. Do you continue to believe that Saddam Hussein is a martyr today?” Cruz asked again. “I don’t think that — there’s no doubt that Saddam was a dictator. I mean, I can say no. It wouldn’t matter. He’s in God’s hands; he’s going to get the treatment he deserves,” Ghalib said. DEARBORN’S MUSLIM MAYOR TELLS CHRISTIAN HE’S ‘NOT WELCOME’ IN DEBATE ON HONORING PRO-TERROR ARAB LEADER Hussein served as president from 1979 until his government was overthrown in the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq. In the aftermath, an Iraqi tribunal found him guilty of willful killing, illegal imprisonment, deportation and torture, among other abuses. He was hanged on Dec. 30, 2006. Ghalib and the Hamtramck City Council entered the spotlight in 2024 when the city voted unanimously to approve a resolution that, in response to the war in Gaza, required the city to avoid investing in Israeli companies. Citing that resolution, Cruz and other senators expressed reservations that Ghalib would be able to faithfully carry out positions held by the administration. especially if it were to designate the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization or other policy issues that could conflict with Ghalib’s personal views on the Middle East. Those hesitations stretched across the aisle. “You liked a Facebook comment comparing Jews to monkeys,” Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., said. “You characterized leaders you don’t like as becoming ‘Jewish.’ As mayor, you failed to comment after one of your political appointees called the Holocaust ‘advance punishment’ for the War in Gaza, and you denied that Hamas used sexual violence as a weapon of war on Oct. 7.” Ghalib did not deny authoring the posts. Instead, he defended himself by arguing that his comments had been taken out of context or that lawmakers had selectively misconstrued his actions. In response to Rosen’s remarks about liking a post comparing Jewish people to monkeys, Ghalib said that he had made it a practice to interact with all social media comments left on his page as a form of acknowledgment. He said those views did not reflect his positions. “I think a lot of my posts were written in Arabic and mistranslated,” Ghalib said in response to further questioning about some of the posts he had made himself. The State Department and Ghalib’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Rosen and other senators did not seem moved by Ghalib’s explanations. “That is beyond the pale. I will not be supporting your nomination,” Rosen said. “And if you are confirmed — I want you to remember this, sir: You will be an ambassador for the United States of America. And, thus, as ambassador, we must show respect to everyone. We will be watching to see if that happens.” No date has been set for a final vote on Ghalib’s nomination.
Grassley releases memo showing DOJ ‘unleashed unchecked government power’ on Trump associates
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, on Thursday released an April 2022 Justice Department memo showing then-Attorney General Merrick Garland, then-Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, and then-FBI Director Christopher Wray personally approved an FBI investigation into alleged efforts by Trump campaign associates to obstruct Congress’ certification of the 2020 election. Grassley posted the four-page memorandum on X, saying it proves top Biden administration officials “personally approved” the case — which he referred to as “Arctic Frost” — and that it “unleashed unchecked government power at the highest levels.” The Iowa Republican added, “My oversight will continue.” The April 2022 memo, signed by Garland, Monaco, and Wray, authorized the FBI’s Washington Field Office to open what the bureau designated a “Sensitive Investigative Matter.” The document details the FBI’s request to examine whether individuals connected to Donald Trump’s 2020 campaign conspired to obstruct Congress’ certification of the Electoral College on Jan. 6, 2021. TOP GOP SENATOR DEMANDS PROBE INTO WHETHER JACK SMITH ‘UNLAWFULLY’ TRIED TO INFLUENCE 2024 ELECTION “Following the 2020 Presidential and Vice Presidential election, in an apparent effort to obstruct Congress’s certification of Electoral College, fraudulent certificates of electors’ votes were submitted to the Archivist of the United States, purporting to represent the actual elector votes from the states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin,” the executive summary reads. “Open source reporting and public statements made by individuals closely associated with Donald J. Trump, Inc. (Trump Campaign) present an articulable factual basis indicating the existence of a federal crime, and thus the FBI seeks to open a full investigation. “Because this investigation involves a SIM as set forth in the Department of Justice memorandum dated February 5, 2020, entitled ‘Additional Requirements for Opening of Certain Sensitive Investigations’ (DOJ Memo), your authorization is required before WFO may initiate this full investigation,” the document continued. Monaco wrote at the bottom of the document, “Merrick- I recommend you approve,” before initialing and dating it 4/5/22. Garland ultimately signed off on the investigation on the same day. DEM REP DEFENDS DOJ OBTAINING GOP SENATOR CALL RECORDS IN 2023: ‘YOU WEREN’T SURVEILLED’ The authorization came more than a year after the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot and months before now-former Special Counsel Jack Smith was appointed to oversee related investigations. The memo appears to document an early stage of the Justice Department’s examination of the so-called “fake electors” effort that became a focus of Smith’s probe. In 2023, Smith subpoenaed phone records belonging to eight Republican senators and one House member, covering a four-day period — Jan. 4 to Jan. 7, 2021 — to examine call activity around the Capitol riot. The subpoenas did not seek call content but instead listed numbers, dates and durations. The targeted senators included Republican Sens. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Josh Hawley of Missouri and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. FBI FIRES AGENTS, DISMANTLES CORRUPTION SQUAD AFTER PROBE UNVEILS MONITORING OF GOP SENATORS, PATEL SAYS In addition to the eight senators, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, told Fox News’ Sean Hannity Tuesday that he recently discovered Smith also attempted to subpoena his toll records but that his phone company, AT&T, did not hand them over. Smith said the records were narrowly tailored and “entirely proper,” adding they were meant to support his investigation into Trump’s alleged efforts to subvert the 2020 election results. His lawyers wrote to Grassley, saying the subpoenas complied with Justice Department policy and were routine. Republicans have broadly claimed they were inappropriately spied on and compared Arctic Frost to the Watergate scandal. Smith’s lawyers emphasized the normalcy of seeking phone records and said public officials are not immune from investigation. Smith’s attorneys also disputed accusations from FBI Director Kash Patel that the subpoenas were hidden, noting the requests were referenced in a footnote of Smith’s final report and shared with Trump’s defense team in discovery. Fox News Digital’s Ashley Oliver contributed to this report.
AG Pam Bondi puts ex-Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on notice over her vow to ‘unmask’ ICE agents
Attorney General Pam Bondi put former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on notice Thursday night over her vow to “unmask” ICE agents. During an interview on “Jesse Watters Primetime,” Bondi reacted to a clip of Lightfoot talking about how she wants to create a real-time portal to track “purported criminal actions of ICE and CBP agents” and “unmask” them. “This is the first time I’ve seen the Lori Lightfoot video was just now on your show,” she told host Jesse Watters. “She will be getting a letter from us tomorrow to preserve anything she has done as well, to make sure that she’s not violating the law. It appears she is. You cannot disclose the identity of a federal agent — where they live, anything that could harm them.” Lightfoot made the comments on FOX32 Chicago’s “Chicago Report.” She said she and other attorneys are creating a nonprofit called “The ICE Accountability Project.” BOSTON’S WU FIRES BACK AT BONDI, CITING REVOLUTION, AS OTHER CITIES SLAM FEDS OVER ‘SANCTUARY’ WARNINGS Lightfoot said it would be a “centralized archive of all the purported criminal actions of ICE and CBP agents” that would spit out real-time updates to the public. “We start the process of unmasking the agents,” she said. She claimed she has a constitutional right to document what’s happening because they are on public property. Bondi said it’s not just Lightfoot she’s looking into. SANCTUARY CITIES DEFY BONDI’S DEADLINE TO COOPERATE: ‘NO INTENTION OF CHANGING’ “Pritzker, same ball game. Nancy Pelosi got a letter today from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, so did Brooke Jenkins – that D.A. in San Francisco,” she said. “We told them: ‘preserve your emails, preserve everything you have on this topic.’ Because if you are telling people to arrest our ICE officers, our federal agents, you cannot do that. You are impeding an investigation, and we will charge them.” The letter Bondi referenced cites several federal statutes that criminalize assaulting, impeding or conspiring against federal officers. It also notes that the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution dictates state officials cannot prosecute federal agents for actions taken in the course of their duties. Blanche directed California leaders to “preserve all written and electronic communications and records related to any attempts or efforts to impede or obstruct federal law enforcement officials,” forewarning that the Department of Justice will investigate and prosecute any official who violates federal statutes. Bondi doubled down on the vow to charge them during her interview with Watters, saying: “If they think I won’t, they have not met me.” Fox News Digital’s Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.
DOJ warns California officials to ‘stand down or face prosecution’ after threats to arrest ICE agents
U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a formal letter to top California officials Thursday, warning them against any attempts to arrest or impede federal law enforcement officers enforcing immigration laws. The letter, addressed to Gov. Gavin Newsom; state Attorney General Rob Bonta; Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.; and San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, stressed that federal agents and officers are carrying out lawful duties, and any interference by state or local officials is both “illegal and futile.” The letter was sent after Pelosi, the former House Speaker, and Rep. Kevin Mullin, D-Calif., issued a statement Wednesday threatening to arrest federal agents if they break California law. If convicted, the Democrats noted, President Donald Trump cannot pardon agents. NANCY PELOSI ERUPTS WHEN ASKED BY CNN’S JAKE TAPPER ABOUT ALLEGATIONS OF INSIDER TRADING “Reports of a planned mass immigration raid in the Bay Area are an appalling abuse of law enforcement power,” Pelosi and Mullin wrote in the statement. “While the President may enjoy absolute immunity courtesy of his rogue Supreme Court, those who operate under his orders do not. … The people of San Francisco will continue to stand with the patriotic immigrants who are the constant reinvigoration of America.” Blanche shared his response in an X post, writing, “We just sent them a letter: Stand down or face prosecution. No one threatens our agents. No one will stop us from Making America Safe Again.” PELOSI DODGES WHEN ASKED IF VIRGINIA AG CANDIDATE WHO FANTASIZED ABOUT SHOOTING REPUBLICAN SHOULD DROP OUT The letter cites several federal statutes that criminalize assaulting, impeding or conspiring against federal officers, and notes the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution dictates state officials cannot prosecute federal agents for actions taken in the course of their duties. Blanche directed California leaders to “preserve all written and electronic communications and records related to any attempts or efforts to impede or obstruct federal law enforcement officials,” forewarning that the Department of Justice will investigate and prosecute any official who violates federal statutes. “We urge you and other California officials to publicly abandon this apparent criminal conspiracy, to stop threatening law enforcement, and to prioritize the safety of your citizens,” Blanche wrote. Pelosi’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Virginia Lt. Gov. candidate enlists AI to represent Dem opponent after she rejected debate offers
Conservative businessman and broadcaster John Reid enlisted the help of artificial intelligence to represent Democratic challenger Ghazala Hashmi in a mock debate for the 2025 lieutenant governor’s race. Reid, the Republican nominee from Richmond, challenged Hashmi, a state senator from Chesterfield, to a series of regional debates around Virginia. Reid noted Hashmi is the only candidate of the six running for statewide office to decline a debate. A representative for Reid ensured that the AI only envisaged Hashmi’s likeness and voice — and that of the moderator – and the responses given by the representation of Hashmi were based on her prior quotes or publicized policy positions. Hashmi’s campaign called the video a “deepfake” and told The Washington Post it was a “desperate move straight out of Donald Trump’s playbook.” YOUNGKIN UNLEASHES CUTTING-EDGE AI TECHNOLOGY IN EFFORT TO SLASH VIRGINIA’S GOVERNMENT RED TAPE “While we appreciate that ‘AI Ghazala’ did share her vision, like her commitment to public education and reproductive rights, it’s pretty clear Reid only cares about shoddy gimmicks and not governing,” the campaign added. The AI debate differed from other recent artificially created videos, where the words and representations of lawmakers were made to be cartoonish in some cases. President Donald Trump shared a viral AI video earlier this month showing House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., wearing a sombrero as “La Cucaracha” played in the background and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., referred to his party as “woke pieces of s—.” Schumer never said that in real life. GOOGLE CEO, MAJOR TECH LEADERS JOIN FIRST LADY MELANIA TRUMP AT WHITE HOUSE AI MEETING For her opening statement in the debate, the “AI Hashmi” said she is running because Virginians need “someone who has the experience, knowledge and ability to fight for Virginians.” “I have a track record with regard to the issues Virginians care about — education, health care, housing and opportunity. I am ready to make policy that will make Virginia an example for other states.” In response, Reid — in real life — noted that Hashmi would not appear for a real debate. HOLLYWOOD TURNS TO AI TOOLS TO REWIRE MOVIE MAGIC “If she’s not willing to engage in her own campaign for lieutenant governor, I don’t know why anybody thinks she would be able to fight for anything,” he said. Reid said Hashmi supported keeping Virginia schools closed an extra year after the coronavirus pandemic and has “push[ed] for boys in girl sports… higher taxes [and] releasing criminals early.” “Everything that we would ID as a problem in the state of Virginia, Ghazala Hashmi has pushed,” he said. In this regard, Reid said his work in communications in Congress, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and radio help him understand what businesses need from state government if they choose to operate in Virginia. The lieutenant governorship is “not just gaveling in the Senate,” Reid said. “[It is] working for the state of Virginia.”
Trump reacts to report of B-1 bombers near Venezuela while threatening drug traffickers during WH roundtable
Fox News has learned two B-1 bombers took off from Dyess Air Base in Texas Thursday morning, flying toward Venezuela as seen on open source flight trackers, according to senior U.S. official sources. During a White House roundtable on immigration and crime crackdowns Thursday, President Donald Trump denied the report, which was first published by The Wall Street Journal. “No, it’s not accurate. It’s false,” Trump said. “But we’re not happy with Venezuela for a lot of reasons, drugs being one of them. But, also, they’ve been sending their prisoners into our country. … Nobody can do that.” Secretary of War Pete Hegseth did not correct the president during the Q&A with reporters. IS TRUMP’S ‘HEAT’ ON VENEZUELA THE START OF A WIDER CAMPAIGN FOR REGIME CHANGE? During the roundtable with law enforcement and administration officials to discuss the successes of Homeland Security task forces, Trump honed in on the ongoing efforts to curb illegal drug smuggling into the U.S., noting he believes the cartels will begin infiltrating the U.S. by land. “Now they’re coming in by land,” Trump said. “Even the land is concerned, because I told them … the land is going to be next. We may go to the Senate, we may go to Congress and tell them about it. But I can’t imagine they’d have any problem with it.” TRUMP UNLEASHES US MILITARY POWER ON CARTELS. IS A WIDER WAR LOOMING? “Between that and my discussion with [Chinese] President Xi, I think we have never made progress like we’ve made,” Trump added. “The sea drugs are almost dead, and they can’t come in that fast from the land. And the land drugs are much more dangerous for them. It’s going to be much more dangerous. You’ll be seeing that soon. So, that’s the way it is.” Hours earlier, Hegseth confirmed the U.S. military carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a suspected narco-trafficking vessel Wednesday, killing three suspects. TRUMP SAYS ‘WE’LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS’ WHEN ASKED ABOUT POSSIBILITY OF STRIKING VENEZUELA AMID RISING TENSIONS The attack marked the ninth vessel strike since September and the second strike reported in the Eastern Pacific. A total of 37 people have reportedly been killed, with two survivors later repatriating to their home countries. When asked by reporters why he is not asking Congress to approve a declaration of war against the cartels, the president said he did not think it was needed. “I don’t think we’re going to necessarily ask for a declaration of war,” Trump said. “I think we’re just going to kill people that are bringing drugs into our country. … They’re going to be, like, dead.”
Doctors on key US health task force accused of prioritizing DEI over evidence-based medicine
An “independent” advisory panel of non-federal experts determining which preventative healthcare services insurers must cover is accused of being staffed with doctors who have shown a propensity to prioritize “woke” left-wing diversity, equity and inclusion ideals in their work, as opposed to evidence-based science. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF), an all-volunteer panel of doctors who serve four-year terms appointed by the Secretary of Health, is made up of experts in preventative medicine, which includes services like screening tests, immunizations, behavioral counseling, and medications that can prevent the development or worsening of health conditions. One of the task force’s primary functions is to weigh the efficacy and cost-benefit of such preventative care services, recommendations for which are then used to shape what preventative care services insurance providers must cover. The task force’s ability to make these healthcare recommendations, coupled with what appears to be a membership largely made up of left-wing, DEI proponents, has raised concerns about how the task force could be impacting healthcare. The Wall Street Journal reported in July that sources with knowledge of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s thinking said he was planning to dismiss all 16 members of the USPSTF for being too “woke.” NEW MEDICAL POLICY CENTER COMBATS WOKENESS IN MEDICINE, LAUNCHING LANDMARK RANKING OF TOP SCHOOLS “HHS has been made aware of the ideological issues with members of the USPSTF raised by letters from Senate Republicans, members of the GOP Doctors Caucus, and a large group of physicians including Associations of American Physicians and Surgeons, America’s Frontline Doctors, and the Pennsylvania Direct Primary Care Association. HHS is troubled by these allegations and is investigating further,” Emily Hilliard, a Health and Human Services Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital when asked about Kennedy’s plans for the future of the current USPSTF. Meanwhile, others, including the GOP Doctors Caucus and major physician groups including the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, have also raised alarm bells about potential left-wing bias at the USPSTF. One group that has also raised alarm bells about the USPSTF is the conservative watchdog group known as the American Accountability Foundation (AAF), which just released a new report claiming the USPSTF “has been thoroughly hijacked by left-wing partisans for the purpose of weaponizing science to spread leftist ideology.” The AAF report points to Dr. Michael Silverstein, the task force’s current chairman, who, in 2023, said that USPSTF is “dedicated to … addressing critical issues of health equity” after he was re-appointed to the task force’s leadership team under the Biden administration. As Vice Chair of the task force in 2023, Silverstein co-authored an annual report to Congress highlighting a new partnership with the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) aimed at helping the task force be more “inclusive.” The partnership, according to the report to Congress, was meant to help develop “new recommendations on screening for anxiety disorders, and other conditions that affect LGBTQ+ communities to enhance the health, wellness, and quality of life of their patients.” Other recommendations from the USPSTF that have come down in the last several years include a 2022 recommendation denoting the need for physicians to consider race when screening for anxiety in children and adolescents. A more recent recommendation, published in April, said that doctors should pay special attention to breastfeeding in black mothers due to the “lasting psychological impact and stigma of enslaved Black women being forced to act as wet nurses.” I’M A GENDER DETRANSITIONER. I TOLD THE FTC HOW DOCTORS ABUSED THEIR POWER OVER ME Meanwhile, a 2021 report from the USPSTF, on addressing sex and gender when making preventative healthcare recommendations, included an analysis of how gender-specific terminology, as opposed to “gender-neutral” terminology, could play a role in addressing the needs of “diverse populations.” Think “pregnant people” versus “pregnant mother,” a switch that eventually became part of the task force’s official guidelines. “To advance its methods, the USPSTF reviewed its past recommendations that included the use of sex and gender terms, reviewed the approaches of other guideline-making bodies, and pilot tested strategies to address sex and gender diversity,” the report states. “Based on the findings, the USPSTF intends to use an inclusive approach to identify issues related to sex and gender at the start of the guideline development process; assess the applicability, variability, and quality of evidence as a function of sex and gender; ensure clarity in the use of language regarding sex and gender; and identify evidence gaps related to sex and gender.” Another major achievement towards the task force’s mission to advance “health equity” was the release of a 2024 “Health Equity Framework” aimed at embedding gender theory and other left-wing ideologies into its operations. HOW UNIVERSITY INDOCTRINATION TURNED DEADLY, AND WHY ONE SCHOLAR SAYS IT’S ONLY GETTING WORSE In addition to the work the task force has done, its members also have an extensive history of publishing research that focuses on “health equity” and other DEI components, such as how race impacts certain health outcomes, or how to address sex and gender when making recommendations for clinical preventative services. “National Institutes of Health Pathways to Prevention Workshop: Achieving Health Equity in Preventive Services,” is the title of a scientific research report co-authored by task force rank-and-file member, Dr. Sandra Millon Underwood. “Further Incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Into Medical Education Research,” and “Health Equity Starts with Us: Recommendations from the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute Racial Justice and Health Equity Task Force,” were also reports co-authored by members of the USPSTF. “Antiracist initiatives, such as incorporating community-support persons (e.g., lay doulas) into maternity care for Black people, can reduce disparities in outcomes by addressing both interpersonal racism and the lack of workforce diversity caused by structural racism,” stated a May 2024 research paper co-authored by USPSTF rank-and-file member Dr. Alicia Fernandez. Members of the supposedly “independent” USPSTF have also used their positions of expertise to fight Trump administration priorities as well, such as those around abortion and research funding reforms. For example, Dr. David Chelmow, another
Dems silent on progressive candidate’s Nazi-style tattoo after knocking Hegseth for Christian symbol
Prominent Democrats who were highly critical of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s tattoos with crusader symbolism are now keeping silent on a progressive Senate candidate who had a Nazi-style symbol tattooed to his chest. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., criticized Hegseth for his tattoos, one of which is a Jerusalem cross and another with the Latin phrase “Deus Vult” (God wills it), both of which are associated with the crusades and ancient Christian symbolism. Following their comments against Hegseth, Fox News Digital reached out to Warren and Duckworth for comment on the ongoing controversy over Maine Senate Democratic candidate Graham Platner having a “Totenkopf,” Nazi “death’s head” symbol tattooed to his chest. Warren has previously expressed enthusiasm for Platner’s candidacy, telling Politico, “I’m excited to see new people enter the race for the Senate … particularly those who have a strong voice they’re willing to use on behalf of people who are often ignored in the U.S. Senate.” ARE PETE HEGSETH’S TATTOOS SYMBOLS OF ‘CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM’? Fox News Digital asked whether Warren and Duckworth condemn Platner because of the tattoo and whether they believe he should drop out of the race. Neither immediately responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. During Hegseth’s confirmation hearings, Warren sent him an extensive letter, in which, among other issues, she expressed concern about his “Deus Vult” tattoo. “You were also removed from President Biden’s inauguration because of concerns that you were an insider threat after reports that your ‘Deus Vult’ tattoo ‘was a Christian expression associated with right-wing extremism,’” Warren wrote. “We cannot have a Defense Secretary whose fellow servicemembers feel concerned enough about to report as a potential insider threat.” Democrats have continued to give Hegseth a hard time over the tattoos. During a hearing in June, Duckworth accused Hegseth of “blowing through money like my fellow cadets and I did in our first liberty after basic camp. Luckily, I didn’t end up with a questionable tattoo.” ‘MAINE’S MAMDANI’: MAINE GOP CHIEF ISSUES WARNING ABOUT NEW CHALLENGER LOOKING TO OUST SUSAN COLLINS Platner, a Marine veteran and progressive endorsed by the likes of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has garnered widespread criticism over a skull-and-crossbones tattoo on his chest that strongly resembles the Totenkopf symbol used by Hitler’s SS forces. After the controversy erupted, Platner said he got the tattoo in 2007 during a “night of drinking” while on leave in Croatia in the Marine Corps and claimed he did not know its historical associations at the time. He has since covered the image with another tattoo of dogs. In a video posted to Instagram Wednesday afternoon, Platner elaborated that the design was chosen from a flash tattoo wall while “carousing” with fellow Marines in Split, Croatia. “We thought it looked cool,” he said. MAINE DEM SENATE HOPEFUL BACKED BY BERNIE SANDERS APOLOGIZES FOR NAZI-STYLE TATTOO, VOWS TO STAY IN RACE He claimed he had “lived a life dedicated to anti-fascism, anti-racism and anti-Nazism” and was “appalled” to learn it resembled a hate symbol. A spokesperson for Sanders shared an Axios interview with the senator in which he said, “I’m not overly impressed by a squad of media running around saying, ‘What do you think about the tattoo on Graham Platner’s chest’” and “between you and me there might be one or two more important issues.” The spokesperson also shared another statement from Sanders in which he said of Platner, “I personally think he is an excellent candidate. I’m going to support him, and I look forward to him becoming the next senator in the state of Maine” Fox News Digital also reached out to Sanders and Platner’s campaign for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Fox News Politics Newsletter: Adams to back Cuomo in NYC mayoral race
Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump administration, Capitol Hill and more Fox News politics content. Here’s what’s happening… –Red state university student caught on video threatening lives of Charlie Kirk supporters: ‘Watch your neck’ -Curtis Sliwa vows to be Zohran Mamdani’s ‘worst nightmare’ if the Democratic socialist wins NYC mayoral race -Undercover video exposes what Spanberger’s campaign organizer really thinks of her: ‘What the f—‘ New York City Mayor Eric Adams will endorse former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the city’s mayoral race as he faces off against Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani. “As spokesman for Mayor Eric Adams, I can confirm that the Mayor will endorse former Governor Andrew M. Cuomo for mayor and intends to campaign alongside him,” Adams’ spokesman, Todd Shapiro, said in a statement to Fox News. “The time and locations for their joint appearances are currently being finalized.” Adams declined to answer questions about Cuomo at an unrelated press conference Thursday morning…READ MORE. HOMEGROWN POWER: Apple building American-made AI servers ahead of schedule in new Houston facility, answering Trump call NEW DETAILS: SCOOP: Trump’s Memphis crime crackdown locates dozens of missing kids, removes 109 gangbangers from streets NO PEACE TALKS: Trump ‘not interested’ in de-escalation with ‘unhinged’ leader of Colombia, White House says ON PAUSE: Trump freezes out Putin for lack of ‘enough action’ toward peace — future talks uncertain BLUNT DIPLOMACY: Inside Trump’s ultimatum that forced Netanyahu to the table: ‘You can’t fight the world’ SKY VIOLATIONS: Russia violates NATO airspace in Lithuania amid Putin warning on long-range missiles ‘AMAZING BLESSING’: Vance visits church where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, resurrected amid Israel-Hamas ceasefire NO MORE GAMES: After waffling between Russia and Ukraine, Trump slaps Kremlin with oil sanctions SNAP OUT OF IT: Democrats under fire as food stamp funds run dry: 42 million Americans caught in shutdown fight NO PAY FOR YOU: Essential workers left unpaid after Senate Democrats kill pay bill HOSTAGE POLITICS: Top Republican slams Katherine Clark for admitting suffering families are “leverage” in shutdown battle SOCIAL-IST STANDING: Bernie Sanders defends Maine Senate candidate under fire for wild Reddit comments HALF IN, HALF OUT: Trump yet to endorse in VA governor’s race — but also kept Youngkin at arm’s length MIXED BAG: New poll in key showdown for Virginia governor indicates single-digit race FOOD FIGHT: Youngkin declares state of emergency over “Democrat Shutdown” depleting food stamp benefits for nearly 1M Virginians AI ATTACK: Andrew Cuomo campaign walks back controversial attack ad targeting Mamdani voters CAMPAIGN CLASH: Social media erupts after Cuomo, Mamdani rip each other during final debate: ‘Unmasked’ ‘CALL TO ACTION’: NYC rabbis sound off on “unprecedented risk” Mamdani poses as hundreds of leaders sign “call to action” SECOND GUESSING: NYC socialist mayoral candidate Mamdani’s 911 plan called “worst idea” by former NYPD sergeant Get the latest updates on the Trump administration and Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.