Trump’s upbeat China message collides with deepening Beijing rivalry
President Donald Trump opened his high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping by predicting a “fantastic future together” — striking an unusually warm tone as his administration pursues new trade and investment deals with Beijing. “In fact, the longest relationship of our two countries that any president and president has had,” Trump said at the start of the bilateral meeting Thursday local time. “We’ve had a fantastic relationship. We’ve gotten along.” “And whenever we had a problem, we worked that out very quickly,” he continued. “We’re going to have a fantastic future together.” Trump also praised Xi directly, calling him “a great leader” and emphasizing the personal relationship between the two leaders as a foundation for future cooperation. TRUMP HEADS TO BEIJING FOR HIGH-STAKES XI TALKS AS TAIWAN TENSIONS, TRADE DISPUTES TEST US STRENGTH Xi, in his own opening remarks, emphasized cooperation and shared interests between the two countries. “As leaders of major countries, this year is the 250th anniversary of American independence,” Xi said, according to a translator. “Congratulations to you and to the American people. I always believe that our two countries have more common interests than differences.” “Success in one is an opportunity for the other, and a stable bilateral relationship is good for the world,” he continued. XI JINPING WARNS TRUMP US WOULD ‘LOSE FROM CONFRONTATION’ WITH CHINA AS RENEWED TRADE WAR LOOMS “China and the United States both stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. We should be partners, not rivals. We should help each other succeed and prosper together, and find the right way for major countries to get along well with each other in the new era.” Xi added that he looked forward to working with Trump “to set the course for and steer the giant ship of China–U.S. relations so as to make 2026 a historic landmark year that opens up a new chapter in China–U.S. relations.” The comments came as Trump arrived in Beijing accompanied by a delegation of top American executives, underscoring the administration’s focus on economic dealmaking even as broader tensions between the two countries remain unresolved. INSIDE THE ‘DIGITAL LOCKDOWN’ FOR US OFFICIALS AS TRUMP ARRIVES IN CHINA “I just want to say, on behalf of all of the great delegation that we have … we have the greatest businessmen,” Trump said. “We ask the top 30 in the world. Every single one of them said yes.” The delegation includes executives from major U.S. firms spanning aerospace, finance, technology and agriculture, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon and Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon. White House officials said ahead of the trip that Americans should expect the president to “deliver more good deals,” with talks expected to include aerospace, agriculture and energy, as well as continued work on a proposed U.S.-China “Board of Trade” and “Board of Investment.” A senior administration official said the potential trade framework under discussion could involve “double-digit billion” levels of commerce, along with possible purchase commitments from China in areas such as aircraft and agricultural products. The emphasis on dealmaking comes after years of friction between Washington and Beijing over trade, technology and military competition. Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on Chinese goods — a policy he has continued into his second term — while repeatedly accusing Beijing of unfair trade practices. He also has criticized past U.S. policy that helped integrate China into the global trading system, arguing Beijing benefited from open markets without offering the same access in return. But in his opening remarks Thursday, the president emphasized business ties and personal rapport, highlighting what appeared to be an effort to stabilize economic relations between the world’s two largest economies. The comments came as administration officials said trade discussions with China are ongoing, alongside talks on issues including Iran, artificial intelligence and other security matters. Trump’s praise of Xi is consistent with his longstanding approach of using personal diplomacy with foreign leaders, including rivals, as a negotiating tactic — though whether that approach will translate into concrete agreements with China remains to be seen.
China rolls out red carpet for Trump as Xi meeting tests trade, Taiwan tensions
President Donald Trump was greeted with pomp and circumstance by the Chinese as he met China’s President Xi Jinping ahead of a high-stakes bilateral meeting between the two nations. After arriving in his armored vehicle Thursday morning local time, Trump met with Xi in front of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in front of crowds of military personnel, dignitaries, music and children. After shaking hands with the Chinese president, the pair introduced each other to their dignitaries and later stood beneath a ceremonial red-and-yellow canopy for a photo-op as the star-spangled banner and China’s national anthem played in the background. TRUMP LANDS IN BEIJING FOR HIGH-STAKES XI SUMMIT AS TAIWAN TENSIONS, TRADE DISPUTES TEST US STRENGTH “That was an honor like few I have ever seen before,” Trump said after they made their way into the Great Hall. “I think I was particularly impressed by those children. They were happy, they were beautiful. The military is obvious — it couldn’t be better — but those children were amazing, and they represent so much. And I know, I know, they represent so much to you.” The ceremony marked the formal start of Trump’s high-stakes visit, with the pageantry outside the Great Hall giving way to a series of meetings expected to focus on trade, security and the broader effort to stabilize relations between Washington and Beijing. The discussions will test whether the public display of diplomacy can translate into progress on the deep disputes that continue to define the U.S.–China relationship. MARCO RUBIO SAYS US WILL PUSH CHINA TO TAKE A MORE ‘ACTIVE ROLE’ IN IRAN NEGOTIATIONS AHEAD OF TRUMP-XI SUMMIT During the opening ceremony, Trump walked around and admired the pomp and circumstance that included children waving flags and holding flowers. The event included marching by Chinese soldiers and music from Chinese military bands. Xi could be seen shaking hands with many of Trump’s closest advisors, like policy advisor Stephen Miller and communications director Steven Cheung, in addition to members of his Cabinet. The public part of the bilateral meeting following the ceremony was very short. “I look forward to our discussions on major issues important to our two countries and the world,” a translator for Xi said.
It never ends: GOP moves to fund border; Democrats blast Trump spending
This story never ends. The government is still not fully funded for the rest of the fiscal year, meaning Sept. 30. Yes. The House and Senate approved a bipartisan bill funding most of the Department of Homeland Security in late April. It’s similar to what the Senate approved unilaterally in late March. But the House never took it up until just before a recent congressional recess. Now the GOP is trying to go around Democrats and pass a three-year bill to fund ICE and Border Patrol. Democrats never secured reforms at ICE. So, they aren’t willing to help out. That’s why Republicans are using a special process called budget reconciliation to bypass Democrats. RELATED: REPUBLICANS QUESTION TRUMP BALLROOM FUNDING IN DHS BILL The only hitch is that it takes a while. The goal is to pass this bill by June 1. Republican Congressional leaders initially wanted to make this bill rather spare, just funding ICE and Border Patrol. But they expanded that measure to include $1 billion for President Trump’s ballroom security after the recent assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. So, Democrats are launching a blitz about the ballroom. “Republicans say let them eat cake and demand American taxpayers build Trump a palace while they’re at it,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. “These ‘ballroom Republicans’ have a constituency of one: Donald Trump’s ego.” “The president just plowed down the East Wing of the White House. And it sits there as a gaping hole waiting to be filled. It was going to be his billionaire buddies filling it. Now it’s the American taxpayers,” Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., complained. Senate Republican leaders initially insisted the latest funding bill only stick to funding Border Patrol and ICE. “While my personal preference is to put as much as you possibly can in this reconciliation vehicle, there may only be an appetite for Border Patrol or ICE,” said Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C. But the decision by GOP leaders to shove $1 billion into the bill opens the floor for other Republicans to stuff additional priorities into this budget reconciliation measure. “I’d love to see the SAVE Act in some form or fashion,” Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, told Fox, referring to the bill which requires proof of citizenship to vote. “There are a lot of good conservative wins that we can put forth for the American people,” Rep. Greg Murphy, R-N.C., told Fox Business. Some pro-life Republicans are pushing an extension of a ban on money for Planned Parenthood. The prohibition expires later this year. “It’s been a very thorny issue. It’s all under negotiation right now,” said President Trump. Meantime, Republicans accuse Democrats of returning to their mantra to defund the police as they fight Border Patrol and ICE funding. Democrats remain opposed because they never secured the safeguards they wanted for ICE after what happened this winter in Minnesota. “My Democrat colleagues refused to provide a single dollar for the men and women who protect our borders,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. Efforts to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security emerged as a flashpoint in recent years. There are too many controversial policy areas fused together under one federal roof. That’s why there’s now a bipartisan plan to permanently split up DHS. “It’s just become too big. It’s become too bureaucratic,” said Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., one of the chief sponsors of the bill. The legislation would make the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) its own Cabinet-level department. The Secret Service would report directly to the president. And the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) would head to the Department of Transportation. Consider the consternation by travelers with the government not paying TSA during the 43-day comprehensive government shutdown. The same thing happened over the winter and into the spring as DHS remained unfunded. Moskowitz believes his legislation would curb some government shutdowns. And it would shield tourists from fiscal fallout. “The American people’s travel cannot be held up in the political dysfunction of Washington,” said Moskowitz. But that debate is for another day. The immediate question is whether the Republican-led House and Senate can advance the package to finish off funding for ICE and CBP. Secret Service Director Sean Curran met with Senate Republicans over lunch Tuesday to defend the $1 billion request. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, was skeptical after she emerged from the meeting, noting that the administration needed to provide “justifications” and “details,” not “just top lines.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., defended the spending request. “You’ve got a president with three assassination attempts just in the last two years. And obviously the money that’s in there is about securing the building. And the Secret Service has a job to protect the president. We need to make sure they have the tools to do it,” said Thune. After the meeting, Thune said Curran “did a very good job of laying it out and developing the case for why these resources need to be used.” Other lawmakers need to hear more. “I don’t know if they’re talking about infrastructure dollars or other kind of technology,” said Rep. Dave Taylor, R-Ohio. “I need to see the details before I pass judgment on whether or not the request is reasonable.” Remember that Republicans want to support the president. But they also don’t want anything attached which will hold up ICE and Border Patrol funding. Especially this late in the game. “Members are diving in a little bit. They want to understand how much of this is really related to security,” said Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D. “Obviously, we have to keep the president and his guests safe. “But when you’re talking about $1 billion, members are going to ask a lot of questions. They’re digging into details. I don’t think we know exactly how this shakes out yet.” Here’s what we do know: The Senate Budget Committee won’t meet until late next week to prep its version of the bill – regardless of what’s in
Vance turns up heat on states with federal cash threat over Medicaid fraud crackdown
Vice President JD Vance warned Wednesday that states could lose federal funding if they fail to aggressively pursue Medicaid fraud, escalating the Trump administration’s pressure campaign on governors and state Medicaid officials. “We are sending letters that will require them to show that they are effectively and aggressively prosecuting Medicaid fraud in their states. And if they do not, if they do not aggressively prosecute Medicaid fraud, we are going to turn off the money that goes to these anti-fraud units,” Vance said during a fraud news conference Wednesday. Vance said the federal government has provided states with “billions of dollars” for Medicaid Fraud Control Units and warned that funding could be cut off if states fail to comply with the crackdown. He pointed to states that have received billions of dollars in federal funding to protect against fraud but have yet to produce a conviction or indictment. The warning came as the administration announced it is deferring $1.3 billion in Medicaid reimbursements from California and Vance accused the state of failing to take fraud seriously. California officials have disputed the administration’s claims. HOUSE GOP LAUNCHES NEW TASK FORCE, PROBES ALLEGED $250B MEDICAID FRAUD IN OHIO “We’re announcing that the federal government is deferring $1.3 billion in Medicaid reimbursements from the state of California. And the simple reason is because the state of California has not taken fraud very seriously,” Vance added. Vance said Ohio, a red state, and Maryland, a blue state, have been good examples of states they have been working with that are taking the “fraud seriously.” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine issued a press release on the same day announcing a series of new measures his state is taking to crack down on suspected fraud, including proposing a six-month moratorium on new home healthcare and hospice providers enrolling in Medicaid. As for other states, Vance pointed to a handful of Democrat-led jurisdictions for not tackling the fraud scandals more aggressively. “This does not have to be a red state or a blue state issue. This is just basic good government. However, states like California, states like Hawaii, states like New York have completely not taken the fraud issue seriously in the Medicaid program. And, so, for those states that refuse to get serious about fraud, we are going to turn off that anti-fraud money,” said Vance. VANCE ANTI-FRAUD TASK FORCE SUSPENDS 221 CALIFORNIA HOSPICE AND HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS SO FAR He added that if states do not take the fraud crackdown seriously, other resources within their Medicaid programs could be turned off too. “We don’t want to turn off any money. What we want to do is ensure that people are taking fraud seriously. We want to protect Medicaid,” said Vance. “We want to protect Medicare, but we can’t do that if the states that are administering those programs are allowing those programs to be fleeced by fraudsters.” READ: DR. OZ PUTS ALL 50 GOVERNORS ON NOTICE OVER BILLIONS LOST TO MEDICAID FRAUD Dr. Mehmet Oz previously gave governors and state Medicaid leaders 10 business days on April 23 to tell CMS whether they will commit to conducting a swift “revalidation” of high-risk Medicaid providers and provide a proposed timetable, Fox News Digital exclusively reported at the time, alongside a separate 30-day deadline for a broader provider-revalidation strategy, escalating federal pressure on states to tighten anti-fraud enforcement. “While the factors contributing to fraud are multifaceted and require a comprehensive approach to address, a revalidation process for high-risk providers will immediately deter criminal actors from continuing their fraud schemes, as the federal and state governments closely review and scrutinize the qualifications of providers to suspend or terminate clearly abusive actors from the program,” Oz wrote in a letter. The letters targeted providers at “high risk of waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption,” particularly those with “less rigorous enrollment and billing requirements,” with CMS directing states to include any provider operating without a National Provider Identifier. A second letter was also sent to each state Medicaid director reiterating the call for a revalidation strategy tailored to each state. “Our analysis of national trends strongly suggests a persistent and growing Medicaid threat posed by sophisticated actors knowingly exploiting these complex systems for financial gain,” Oz wrote. Fox News Digital reached out to the office of the vice president and CMS for additional comment.
Arrest of gang member convicted of murder puts Dem state’s sanctuary policies on blast
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) worked with local authorities to foil California’s sanctuary city policies and took into custody a gang member from Mexico who concluded a 12-year prison sentence for second-degree murder. Local law enforcement in southern California handed over Valentin Galvez-Quintero, an alleged member of the Sureños-13 gang, to federal agents outside the John J. Benoit Detention Center immediately after he concluded his sentence last week, according to CBP. The apprehension contrasts sharply with sanctuary city policies that have thrown up roadblocks for federal-state coordination. It also highlights the payoff that could happen with the types of partnerships the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) hoped to build with local authorities during President Donald Trump’s administration. IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES HIGHLIGHT CRIMINAL HISTORY OF MULTIPLE MIGRANTS ARRESTED IN LOS ANGELES “This is a prime example of the great strides local, state and federal law enforcement can deliver to the American public in terms of safety when common sense cooperation exists,” Daniel Parra, acting chief patrol agent at El Centro Sector, said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “Honoring federal detainers, such as in this case, makes our communities safer.” Galvez-Quintero was first deported in 2014 by an immigration judge but was apprehended in the U.S. twice in 2015 during the Obama Administration. If local authorities did not work with CBP, it’s possible the gang member could have been released from jail and escaped into the U.S. without detection by immigration authorities. DEM GOVERNOR IN THE HOT SEAT AFTER TESTING LIMITS OF AUTHORITY WITH MAJOR MOVE AGAINST ICE The recent arrest follows moves by Democrats, such as New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, to restrict federal-local partnerships. Last week, Hochul urged New York lawmakers to ban the 287(g) program, a law that allows local officers to assume authority to conduct immigration-related work normally carried out by federal officials. Lauren Bis, acting assistant secretary for public affairs for the Department of Homeland Security, blasted the push by Hochul, which follows other blue states seeking to stifle federal immigration operations. “Instead of working with us, Governor Hochul is choosing to release violent criminals from her jails directly back into our communities to perpetrate more crimes and create more victims,” Bis said. IGNORED ICE DETAINERS ‘PUT LIVES AT RISK,’ DHS SAYS, TARGETING NEWSOM, PRITZKER, HEALEY In addition to the second-degree murder conviction, Galvez-Quintero’s criminal history includes felony possession of a gun, taking a vehicle without consent, battery and providing false identification to an officer. Galvez-Quintero won’t be deported immediately since he faces federal prosecution for reentry after deportation, according to CBP. If he is sentenced, he will serve a sentence in federal prison. The Sureños-13 gang, one of many groups that operates in and around Southern California, mainly deals in mid-level drug distribution schemes, according to records from the Department of Justice.
Lawmakers clash over Trump gas tax holiday as Iran war drives prices higher
Capitol Hill lawmakers are clashing over President Donald Trump’s proposal to suspend the federal gas tax as prices climb past $4 a gallon amid the conflict with Iran. Democrats are urging the president to “end the war,” while Republicans are split on whether the plan would deliver real relief. “He’s got to bring this war to an end if he wants these gas prices to come down,” Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said. “And he’s gotta stop this war and stop looking for other gimmicks.” “Why doesn’t he just end the Iran war, which is an illegal war, so that would take care of those issues?” Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, said. “He did not get authorization. It’s on President Trump. And the rise in gasoline and everything else, it’s on him.” DEMOCRATS POUNCE ON $4 A GALLON GAS, BLAME TRUMP’S IRAN WAR FOR ‘BROKEN PROMISE’ Lawmakers made those comments after Trump backed a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax Monday as escalating tensions with Iran pushed fuel prices higher nationwide. Gas prices have climbed to an average of $4.51 a gallon, and diesel prices have risen to $5.66 as of Wednesday, according to AAA. “I mean, we want to keep costs low,” Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., said. “Higher gas prices add costs to groceries and everything else, and, so, I think it’s something worthy to consider, and I’d be amenable to it.” The suspension would potentially slash the cost of each gallon of gasoline by 18.4 cents and 24.4 cents per gallon of diesel. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., introduced legislation Monday to suspend the federal gas tax after Trump backed the idea. Hawley’s Gas Tax Suspension Act would provide relief at the pump for at least 90 days, while also allowing for an additional 90-day extension if prices remain elevated. ENERGY SECRETARY WRIGHT SAYS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION OPEN TO SUSPENDING FEDERAL GAS TAX AMID PRICE SURGE Support for suspending the gas tax has emerged from both parties, but other lawmakers have proposed alternative methods to address rising gas prices. “I think that year-round E-15 is a better idea,” Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., said. “Year-round, E-15 would bring down the price of gas maybe 30, 40 cents a gallon. You throw in our credit card bill, it would bring it down another dime, 15 cents a gallon. So, I think those are probably two better ideas to do it.” E-15 is a cheaper, ethanol-blended gasoline that cannot be sold nationwide during the summer months due to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s pollution rules. Some Republicans, like Marshall, argue year-round access to E-15 would lower gas prices more effectively than a gas tax suspension. ARAB ALLIES RECOGNIZE IRAN’S DANGER, LAWMAKERS SAY, AS REGION VIEWS REGIME CHANGE CAUTIOUSLY While some lawmakers focused on lowering costs at the pump, others argued the U.S. should maintain or even escalate pressure on Iran despite rising prices. “Let’s finish Iran — the IRGC anyway — once and for all,” Bacon said. “The Iranian people are great people, but their government is our enemy. They’ve been the most ruthless enemy that we’ve had over four decades. “They should be pummeled.” Bacon’s comments reflect the opinions of a group of Republicans who argue the surge in gas prices is a consequence of taking on Iran, warning that backing off pressure could carry far greater risks. “Iran with a nuclear weapon is a threat to America and the whole region,” Bacon said.
Democrats caught on camera coaching candidate on how to be ‘authentic’ in 2026 messaging
FIRST ON FOX — Democrats campaigning in Pennsylvania inadvertently posted a video online, giving a look behind the curtain of their 2026 midterm strategy and how they’re preparing to appear more authentic and win back voters who felt “left behind.” The clip, viewed by Fox News Digital and not previously reported, shows Democratic Pennsylvania candidate Bob Brooks in a conversation with Biden-era Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who couldn’t even remember what district he was campaigning in. The pair received coaching from an off-screen staffer, urging them to stay on message. “Think about your audience,” the staffer prompted. “Why is this race so important? We need to win the House [of Representatives] — all of that. Winning over people who feel like they’re left behind by the party, flipping the district. All of that, I think, is really strong, showing up for working people, affordability.” FORMER OBAMA STAFFERS URGE DEMOCRATS TO STOP SPEAKING LIKE A ‘PRESS RELEASE,’ LEARN ‘NORMAL PEOPLE LANGUAGE’ The rare look at a behind-the-scenes campaign moment, filmed by Democratic campaign arm The Bench, highlights the efforts the party is taking to underscore affordability, appeal to everyday voters and come across as naturally as possible after losing swaths of their base in the 2024 election. “We are going to have a really normal conversation with three cameras pointing at you,” the staffer joked. “Everybody act normal,” Buttigieg chuckled. “And remind me the district number we’re in?” he asked the staffer before the conversation commenced. The staffer also gave Buttigieg and Brooks guidance on a pair of beer cans set out as “props.” Brooks, who faces a tight primary race next week, has attracted the support of a wide swath of Democratic Party figures, garnering endorsements from the likes of Buttigieg; Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.; and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. BUTTIGIEG SAYS HE’S ‘LOOKING AT’ POSSIBLE SENATE RUN IN BATTLEGROUND STATE His background as a firefighter has also drawn the support of the Bench, a campaign group that consists of several veteran Democratic operatives. The group describes its ideal candidates as “community-rooted, values-driven and ready to connect with voters across party lines.” The Bench also supports Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, Michigan Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow and Iowa House candidate Sarah Trone Garriott. Brooks faces a four-way primary for a chance to unseat Republican incumbent Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Pa. Pennsylvania’s 7th District is among the most competitive in the country. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report places the race as a “toss-up,” just one of 18 seats to receive that designation this year. DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE APOLOGIZES FOR PAST PRO-POLICE, PRO-GUN POSTS IN KEY BATTLEGROUND RACE Despite their coaching, the off-screen staffer told Brooks they would try to avoid directing the interview too much. “Bob, feel free to prompt Pete with a question: Why this race, why here in the Lehigh Valley, and we will interject if needed to do a little directing, but we’re going to be mostly hands-off,” the staffer said.
Vance confronted about 2028 ambitions after Trump teases ‘dream team’ Rubio ticket
Vice President JD Vance brushed off questions about a possible 2028 Republican ticket with Secretary of State Marco Rubio after President Donald Trump floated the pair as a political force earlier this week. “I love Marco. I think he’s a great secretary of state. He’s become a very, very dear friend. But I think both of us are very much focused on accomplishing the American people’s business right now,” Vance said during a news conference Wednesday focused on the administration’s fraud crackdown. Trump teased a potential ticket with Vance and Rubio earlier this week, but the president did not say who would fill Trump’s shoes. Vance had previously said the media was creating “conflict” when asked in recent months about alleged tension between the pair as Washington, D.C., inches closer to 2028. “Who likes J.D. Vance? Who likes Marco Rubio? All right. Sounds like a good ticket,” Trump said Monday. “By the way, I do believe that’s a dream team.” JD VANCE ADDRESSES POSSIBLE PRESIDENTIAL RUN WITH MARCO RUBIO AFTER TRUMP TEASES ‘UNSTOPPABLE’ TICKET Vance shared that it is one of the topics he least likes to discuss when he is “having a good time and trying to do good work in the job that the American people already elected me to do.” “If I was the American people, there are a few things that I would hate more than a person who’s barely been in one office for a year and a half, is angling for a job two and a half years down the road,” Vance said, referencing himself. VANCE TAPPED AS ‘FRAUD CZAR’ AS TRUMP TARGETS BLUE STATES OVER TAXPAYER THEFT A second reporter followed up during the news conference that the media was not promoting 2028 tension between the pair as the president floated the potential ticket. “I just don’t think it sounds like the president of the United States to have a televised competition for who would succeed him as his apprentice,” Vance quipped in response. “I just think that’s not at all what you would expect the president to do.” Vance added it was “natural” for Trump to joke around with him and Rubio, adding that the president has “always been fascinated by politics.” RUBIO HEADS TO ROME WITH TRUMP’S IRAN CLASH LOOMING OVER POPE LEO, MELONI TALKS Vance’s big initiative has been cracking down on fraud, waste and abuse while leading the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. The news conference Wednesday was held as Vance holds down the fort at the White House while Trump is in China for high-stakes meetings alongside administration leaders, such as Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
Trump gets red-carpet welcome in China, but past Beijing trip shows pageantry only goes so far
President Trump received a red-carpet welcome when he landed in Beijing Wednesday with a military honor guard, band and children waving American and Chinese flags ahead of high-stakes talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The ceremony also highlighted the bigger question around Trump’s return to China about whether this visit can yield more lasting progress than his 2017 trip, which featured major business announcements but was followed by a sharp deterioration in U.S.-China trade relations. The meeting comes as trade tensions, the Iran war and disputes over Taiwan place new pressure on Washington and Beijing to stabilize relations between the world’s two largest economies. TRUMP HEADS TO BEIJING FOR HIGH-STAKES XI TALKS AS TAIWAN TENSIONS, TRADE DISPUTES TEST US STRENGTH The red carpet was rolled out with a welcome ceremony consisting of a military honor guard and a military band with Chinese children waving American and Chinese flags. “Welcome, welcome! Warm welcome!” the children chanted in Chinese. Trump exited Air Force One and was greeted by United States Ambassador to China David Perdue, Chinese Vice President H.E. Han Zheng, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the United States H.E. Xie Feng and Executive Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Ma Zhaoxu. First lady Melania Trump accompanied Trump nearly nine years ago for his first state visit. The 2017 trip emphasized pomp, personal diplomacy and commercial announcements and included excursions such as a Forbidden City tour, a Peking opera performance and a formal welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People. The 2017 trip produced more than $250 billion in announced commercial deals and cooperation pledges, but it did not prevent trade relations from deteriorating in 2018. Most notably, Trump announced a $12 billion deal for cellphone chips from Qualcomm and $37 billion for Boeing commercial jets, AP reported at the time. DONALD TRUMP DETAILS ‘MOST EXCITING PART’ OF CHINA TRADE AGREEMENT “These deals will create jobs for American workers, farmers and ranchers by increasing United States exports to China and stimulating investment in American communities,” the White House said at the time. A strategic focus of his first visit was North Korea’s nuclear program. Trump and Xi agreed at the time that North Korea should not become a nuclear weapons state, declaring the two countries would apply “maximum pressure.” China had already tightened enforcement earlier that year, including suspending North Korean coal imports, while Trump later said Chinese banks were scaling back business with North Korean entities. But U.S.-China cooperation weakened as broader trade tensions escalated, and North Korea continued advancing its missile and nuclear programs. The summit did not prevent a sharp deterioration in trade relations the following year, after Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese imports, triggering a prolonged trade standoff. Trump’s latest visit comes after a broader tariff escalation in which his administration imposed sweeping duties on imports from dozens of countries, with China emerging as the central flashpoint after Beijing retaliated and later tightened export controls on rare earth minerals, prompting Trump to threaten an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods. Trump is expected to press Xi on trade once again, suggesting that American entrepreneurs and executives could help drive growth inside China if Beijing lowers barriers and allows U.S. firms more room to operate. TRUMP WARNS CHINA OF ‘STAGGERING’ 50% TARIFF IF CAUGHT SUPPLYING MILITARY AID TO IRAN Accompanying Trump on the trip are top U.S. executives, including Elon Musk, Apple CEO Tim Cook, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, Cargill CEO Brian Sikes, Citi CEO Jane Fraser, GE Aerospace CEO Larry Culp, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, and Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon. Iran is expected to be among the issues during the talks, though Trump has downplayed differences with Xi over the war. Trump and Xi will hold talks and a formal banquet Thursday. Fox News Digital’s Eric Mack and Morgan Phillips contributed to this report.
Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed chair as Trump’s economic vision comes into focus
The Senate cleared Kevin Warsh on Wednesday to lead the Federal Reserve, ushering in a new era at the central bank under President Donald Trump’s nominee. The Senate confirmed Warsh, 54–45, concluding a monthslong search that began last summer for a successor to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell as his term neared its end. The vote was largely along party lines, with only Pennsylvania Democrat Sen. John Fetterman crossing over in support. Earlier in the week, Warsh was confirmed to the Fed’s Board of Governors, a 14-year appointment and a required step before serving as chair. He previously served on the board as its youngest member at age 35 and now returns to lead the central bank at a pivotal moment. FROM MORTGAGES TO CAR LOANS: HOW AFFORDABILITY RISES AND FALLS WITH THE FED Though the Federal Reserve operates largely out of public view, its decisions shape borrowing costs, job growth and interest rates for millions of Americans, making Warsh’s confirmation a pivotal moment for how that influence will be wielded. Warsh, a lawyer and financier, steps into the role at a particularly volatile time. The central bank is grappling with persistent inflation, the economic fallout from the war in Iran and a looming Supreme Court decision involving Fed Governor Lisa Cook, all while political pressure builds ahead of the midterm elections in November. The 56-year-old multimillionaire has already signaled a clear break from the central bank’s current approach. In testimony before lawmakers on April 21, Warsh pledged to keep monetary policy “strictly independent” and said he intended to keep the central bank “in its lane,” warning that the Fed had become too involved in social policy. He has also taken aim at what he sees as a complacent central bank, warning that large institutions are prone to inertia and that clinging to the “status quo” in a fast-moving economy is not just outdated but dangerous. WATCH: SEN WARREN UNLOADS ON TRUMP’S FED NOMINEE KEVIN WARSH IN EXPLOSIVE HEARING SHOWDOWN At the same time, he has signaled openness to closer coordination with elected leaders and to work with the White House and Congress on non-monetary matters, an approach that could reshape how the Fed operates in Washington. How that balance is struck could define not only Warsh’s tenure, but the future direction of the institution that plays a major role in the financial lives of millions of Americans. Warsh will take the reins from Powell, whose eight-year tenure as Fed chair concludes Friday. Powell, widely considered the most crisis-tested Fed chair, is not leaving the central bank entirely. Powell’s term on the Fed board runs through 2028, and he has indicated he plans to remain in place until all investigations into a renovation project at the Fed’s headquarters are complete. POWELL WILL REMAIN AT THE FED FOR NOW, SETTING UP POTENTIAL CLASH WITH TRUMP If Powell stepped aside entirely, it would have opened a seat for Trump to fill, giving him another opportunity to shape the Fed’s leadership. By staying on, Powell retains influence over U.S. monetary policy, potentially intensifying tensions with the president. “I plan to keep a low profile as a governor. There is only ever one chair of the Federal Reserve Board. When Kevin Warsh is confirmed and sworn in, he will be that chair,” Powell told reporters at a news conference at the Federal Reserve on April 29. Powell said that decision ultimately depends on the outcome of the investigation. “I will not leave the board until this investigation is fully resolved with transparency and finality,” Powell said. “I’m encouraged by recent developments, and I am watching the remaining steps in this process carefully. My decisions on these matters will continue to be guided entirely by what I believe is in the best interest of the institution and the people we serve.” Powell’s tenure at the central bank dates back to 2017, when he was selected by Trump to succeed Janet Yellen. He was reappointed to a second four-year term by President Joe Biden in 2022, which expires on May 15. The White House and Federal Reserve did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.