Dan Patrick concedes Texas ‘turned purple’ after Democrats’ historic blue wave
Outgoing Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a Republican, acknowledged Thursday that the Lone Star State “turned purple” after Democrats’ so-called blue wave swept statewide races and flipped the governor’s office, a U.S. Senate seat and Texas House. During his latest episode of the “Lt. Dan Podcast,” Patrick acknowledged that Texas’ political makeup is shifting left but stopped short of saying the state had turned blue after many others had described it as now a blue state. “Right now, I’d say it’s purple,” he said. “We’ve been winning consistently, and people see it as a red state. But this time, the Democrats turned out more of their Democrat voters than Republicans turned out of their voters. But what really made the difference were the independent voters, the voters who don’t vote in Republican or Democrat primaries. They only vote in general elections. “For almost every election, we’ve been winning those voters. We didn’t win them now. Will they stay voting for Democrats in the future? Two years ago, they almost all voted for the president. Four years ago, almost all voted for [Gov.] Greg Abbott, myself and the other Republicans. So, I wouldn’t say we are a blue state, but we’ve turned purple for this moment. TED CRUZ SAYS ‘BLUE TSUNAMI’ TOOK OVER TEXAS AFTER DEMOCRATS SWEPT STATEWIDE RACES “The wave election, a lot of factors involved from the top down, from Washington down to Texas and all the other states where Republicans lost,” Patrick added. “I would say it’s a group of voters who are willing to change their vote election to election depending on how they feel and how they feel about who’s in charge. So, we’re not a blue state, but we’re going to have to work too hard to be sure in ’28 and ’30 and ’32 we don’t become one.” Patrick, who ran for re-election but lost his race to Democrat Vikki Goodwin, was among the Republicans hit by Democrats’ blue wave. Abbott, who was vying for a fourth term, lost in his re-election bid to Democrat Gina Hinojosa, and Texas Attorney General and U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton was defeated by Democrat James Talarico as part of huge Dem gains in the state and across the country, including in other traditional GOP strongholds. Democrats won every statewide race in Texas, bringing an end to decades of Republican control in contests that had once been considered sure bets for the GOP and leaving Sen. Ted Cruz as the only Republican holding statewide elected office. TRUMP’S GAMBLE ON KEN PAXTON BACKFIRES AS DEMOCRAT PULLS OFF HISTORIC TEXAS SENATE UPSET Patrick said Republicans lost voters in places and demographics they had gained in 2024, including the Rio Grande Valley and young voters. He joined President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other Republican leaders in attributing the party’s disastrous showing last week primarily to voters’ frustrations over affordability and the Iran war, which has caused soaring fuel prices. Gas prices are about 83 cents per gallon higher than a year ago, according to AAA, which listed the national average at $3.91 per gallon on Thursday, compared with $3.08 a year earlier. “We were in a tidal wave, a tsunami that washed across the country where people just said, ‘I can’t afford to feed my family. I can’t afford to pay my bills. I can’t even afford to fill up my car or truck,’” Patrick said. “It was almost to the point where, no matter what our message was, it didn’t matter. People were unhappy, and I get it.” “People can agree with you on cultural issues or policy issues, but it doesn’t mean they’re gonna vote for you if they can’t afford groceries,” he added. Patrick further acknowledged that the war in the Middle East has increased the cost of fuel but refused to denounce Trump’s decision to attack Iran. “I totally support the president on that. If they had intelligence that Iran was gonna get a nuclear weapon, we could be in the middle of World War III if he didn’t take action, or Israel could have already been blown off the map,” Patrick said. “So, I support what the president did, but the reality is that had an impact.”
Van Hollen challenges Schumer for Senate leadership after Democratic election sweep
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., officially has a challenger for the mantle of Democratic leader, and incoming majority leader, in the Senate. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., who has become a progressive darling and outlet for those against Schumer’s bid for another term as top Democrat, officially announced that he was jumping in to challenge the longtime figurehead of the Senate Democratic Caucus. “In this election, the American people called for change,” Van Hollen said in a statement. “They called for a change from Donald Trump’s disastrous policies – but even bigger than that, a change from the status quo that isn’t working for working people.” BERNIE SANDERS SAYS HE WON’T BACK SCHUMER AS PUSH FOR NEW LEADERSHIP GAINS STEAM “It’s now on us to meet this moment, and to do that we need new leadership,” he continued. “This is not about any one person – it’s about answering the call of the American people. That is why I’m running for Senate Majority Leader.” Van Hollen, 67, has served in Congress for 23 years, first starting in the House before moving to the Senate in 2017. Schumer, 75, has been an elected official since 1981. The Maryland Democrat’s decision to run against Schumer comes after a listening tour with Senate Democrats, and follows his initial ambition of “kicking the tires” on jumping into the 2028 presidential conversation. REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK: A USER’S MANUAL TO UPCOMING LEADERSHIP ELECTIONS IN THE HOUSE AND SENATE Since entering the Senate, Van Hollen has occupied Schumer’s left flank. It wasn’t until earlier this week that he fully took a shot at him, arguing that the longtime leader had chosen the “crypto industry,” and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) over progressive candidates that eventually won during this past midterm cycle. But he’s managed to capture some of the superstars of the Left, most notably Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed, who pushed Van Hollen to run. “The American public spoke clearly last week. They rejected Trumpism. But we have yet to earn our mandate. That will require bold leadership. I called on Sen. [Chris Van Hollen] to lead our caucus as a candidate back in April because he leads with courage and experience. We need both right now. Which is why I’m proud to stand with him in his bid to lead our Senate majority.” RACHEL MADDOW WELCOMES ‘BIG FIGHT’ BETWEEN SOCIALIST AND MODERATE DEMOCRATS AFTER MIDTERM WINS Schumer did not take the challenge lying down. “I welcome any discussion about the future of our caucus and the important work ahead,” Schumer said on X. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together—55 seats and counting is an amazing result—and I have the votes to continue serving as Democratic Leader.” “I look forward to leading our new Democratic majority and delivering for the American people,” he continued. Neither did his allies. Schumer has maintained since Democrats flipped the Senate that he would be the one to lead them over the next two years. And one of his possible lieutenants, Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, who is vying to replace Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., as Democratic whip, is riding with him through the storm. “Senate Democrats had historic victories last week, thanks to our talented candidates and the hard work of our caucus, led by Senator Schumer. And it was not the first time he has led this caucus back to the majority,” Schatz said in a statement. “The American people sent a clear message: they want us to lower costs, end a needless war, and fight corruption. Our caucus has the right to have a conversation about the path ahead, but we have no time to waste,” he continued. “We must move quickly to vote, unify, and get to work. I endorse Senator Schumer for leader and will be voting for him in the caucus election.”
Democrat Cindy Holscher wins Kansas governor’s race, extending party’s hold on governor’s mansion
Democratic state Sen. Cindy Holscher won the Kansas governor’s race, defeating Republican Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson in the open contest to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, The Associated Press projected. The victory keeps the governor’s mansion in Democratic hands and marks the third consecutive Kansas gubernatorial election won by a Democrat. Kelly won the office in 2018 and secured a second term in 2022. The result underscores Democrats’ continued success in Kansas gubernatorial races despite Republicans’ longstanding dominance in the state’s presidential elections. The GOP has carried Kansas in every presidential election since 1968. GOP WIPEOUT GOES FROM BAD TO WORSE AS DEMS QUIETLY SCORE ANOTHER MAJOR WIN WITH BIG RAMIFICATIONS Holscher has served in the Kansas Senate since 2021 after previously spending four years in the state House. She secured the Democratic nomination after defeating fellow state Sen. Ethan Corson, who was endorsed by Kelly and former Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, in the August primary. Holscher faced scrutiny during the campaign over resurfaced social media posts from 2023 in which she suggested Jesus Christ could have been transgender. The comments came during a debate over proposed Kansas legislation restricting drag performances in front of children. Holscher celebrated her victory in a post on X, thanking Kansas voters as she prepared to take office. THE TOP TRUMP OFFICIALS DEMOCRATS ADMIT ARE ON THEIR HIT LIST FOR INVESTIGATIONS IN THE NEW CONGRESS “Thank you, Kansas! It’s the honor of a lifetime to serve as your next Governor,” Holscher wrote. Masterson, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump in the crowded GOP primary, conceded the race in a post on X and said he had called Holscher to congratulate her. “It looks like we will come up just short, but the things we fought for are no less important today than they were yesterday.” Masterson, who has served as Kansas Senate president since 2021, also pointed to Republicans’ continued control of the state Legislature and said he would return to the Senate in January to focus on property taxes, public safety, affordability and schools.
Mamdani prepares to fulfill promise to axe NYPD unit responsible for controlling protest violence
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is reportedly preparing to announce his plan to disband the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group (SRG), fulfilling a long-held campaign promise that has led to mounting pressure from his base, as well as questions about how the group’s duties will be replaced. Politico reported that Mamdani, a democratic socialist, is preparing to announce plans to disband the unit, which responds to protests, civil disturbances and major events while handling counterterrorism operations. Mamdani has said he wants to decouple the unit’s protest and counterterrorism functions, but at a March City Council budget hearing Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said discussions with the mayor concerned “the future of how we police protests generally,” not disbanding the unit. MAMDANI IN HOT SEAT OVER POST MOURNING DEATH OF INMATE CHARGED WITH CALLOUS CRIME: ‘ABSOLUTELTY SHAMEFUL’ The NYPD says the SRG responds to citywide mobilizations, civil disorders and major events and is a “critical asset” during parades, protests and the papal visit. SRG personnel are “also deployed to areas requiring an increased police presence due to increased crime or other conditions” and “mobilizes for shootings, bank robberies, missing persons, demonstrations, or other significant incidents,” according to the department. Tisch added during the March City Council budget hearing that the SRG does not typically deal with peaceful protests, but is deployed for protests that involve criminal activity. She also noted that in 2025 the NYPD facilitated 4,255 protests and the SRG was available at 245 of them, or roughly 6%. Sources familiar with the plan told Politico that City Hall has been contemplating putting the SRG under Mamdani’s new Office of Community Safety, launched earlier this year. The sources also said Mamdani’s plan could be formalized via an executive order, according to Politico. MAMDANI CLASHES WITH DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS’ PUSH TO ABOLISH POLICE AND PRISONS “I’ve been clear that my vision is for the disbanding of the SRG. And the reason for that vision is that the SRG were created a little more than a decade ago with an intention first of dealing with threats, terroristic threats to the city,” Mamdani said during a press conference in September. “What it has eventually become is both dealing with counterterrorism and responses to exercising First Amendment rights,” the mayor continued. “I do not believe that those purposes need to be dual purposes. I believe that we should have a focus on counterterrorism that is separate from our response to the use of First Amendment — [that] continues to be a conversation I’m having with our police commissioner.” SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER Fox News Digital reached out to City Hall for confirmation and comment on the mayor’s reported plan, but did not hear back in time for publication. “As the Mayor has said, our administration will disband the Strategic Response Group and separate protest response from counterterrorism,” spokesperson Dora Pekec told Politico. “We will have more to share soon.” Fox News Digital reached out to the NYPD for comment.
Democrats turn on Schumer after historic election wins as potential challenger emerges
The calls for change that helped flip the Senate on Election Night have now reached the chamber itself, where some Democrats are turning their backs on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Schumer intends to seek another term as Democratic leader as his party prepares to take control of the Senate next year. But some of the progressive forces energized by the party’s blue-wave victories want to replace him, too. His caucus is fracturing over whether to support him, with longtime allies such as Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and newer members such as Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., having declared this week that they would not back him for leader. And Schumer’s detractors are eying Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., who has said that he’s “kicking the tires” on a 2028 presidential run, to challenge him. SCHUMER’S GRIP ON POWER SLIPS AS DEMS BEGIN TO REVOLT AGAINST HIM, EYE NEW LEADERSHIP Now he’s in listening mode and speaking with Senate Democrats about a bid against Schumer — and openly taking shots at the longtime Democratic leader, too, for siding “with the crypto industry” and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) against progressive candidates. “We just saw democracy in America in action. We should bring a little more democracy to the United States Senate,” Van Hollen said at the Popular Mandate conference this week. “We have two newly-elected senators who would not be there if Schumer and the DSCC had their way.” When asked about a possible challenge from Van Hollen, Schumer said, “Chris Van Hollen and I are friends.” “We talk frequently, and we’re united, united in lowering costs and united in ending this damn war,” he added, referring to the Iran conflict. BERNIE SANDERS DEMANDS DEMOCRATS BAN SUPER PACS FROM PRIMARIES, BLASTS AIPAC, ‘CORRUPT SYSTEM’ Outside the Senate in the adjacent office buildings, showings of support for Van Hollen took the form of blue, orange and pink sticky notes attached to a plaque outside his office. But for Schumer, a group of protesters chanted outside of his personal office “hey, hey, ho, ho, Chuck Schumer has got to go.” Outside groups, like the progressive organization Indivisible, are bucking Schumer, too. They recently launched the “Tell Democrats: NO Schumer Coronation” campaign urging supporters to push their senator to not back Schumer. Schumer still has several allies in the caucus, including Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., who dismissed Van Hollen’s prospective challenge. SEIZE THE SENATE AS BLUE TIDAL WAVE CRASHES DEEP INTO TRUMP COUNTRY, TOPPLES GOP STRONGHOLDS “Well, what’s his record, other than yelling about anti-Israel stuff, or last year when he visited that wife beating guy in prison,” Fetterman said, in reference to Van Hollen’s trip to visit Kilmar Abrego Garcia, his constituent who was mistakenly deported by the Trump administration. Several senators-elect that rode the blue wave to Washington, D.C., have publicly said they will not support Schumer for leader. Some were not the DSCC’s preferred nominees in key battleground primaries. Senators-elect Adam Hamilton, Peggy Flanagan, Scott Colom and Abdul El-Sayed have all publicly rejected Schumer as the Democratic leader. El-Sayed told Fox News Digital “time will tell” on how leadership elections will shake out, and whether Van Hollen has a strong enough coalition to beat Schumer. “I think we’ll see how things play out,” he said. “This is a unique moment, and it’s our job to make sure we honor our mandate.” But Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Kirstin Gillibrand, D-N.Y., fiercely defended him on Tuesday. She lauded his “vision” for helping score several pick-ups in the cycle, and investing early in states like Mississippi. “And that is why you will see, despite all the grumblings, enormous gratitude for the hard work he has done to get us to this position,” Gillibrand said. “We are about to win nine Senate seats. That has never happened in my political history.”
The top Trump officials Democrats admit are on their hit list for investigations in the new Congress
Democrats are sharing their growing list of senior officials and advisors in President Donald Trump’s administration who could face impeachment efforts and congressional investigations when they take control of Congress in January. Left-wing lawmakers are signaling that their oversight ambitions extend well beyond War Secretary Pete Hegseth after Tuesday’s failed impeachment effort. Top House and Senate Democrats told Fox News Digital they are considering investigations, congressional hearings and potential impeachment proceedings targeting senior administration officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House chief of staff Stephen Miller and border czar Tom Homan. ‘LAWYER UP’: DEMS IMMEDIATELY PUT TRUMP ON NOTICE AMID REPUBLICANS’ MIDTERM BLOODBATH “Our job of accountability doesn’t change, we are going to hold everyone accountable that needs to be held accountable,” Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., told Fox News Digital when asked about possible action against Miller and Homan. “Especially if we’ve seen the violations and any kind of gross abuses.” Gallego acknowledged that the details of any potential efforts to remove the officials “remain to be seen.” Miller and Homan did not respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment. Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Ariz., who introduced articles of impeachment against Hegseth in April, echoed Gallego’s remarks, signaling support for further accountability efforts in the House. HEGSETH COULD FACE NEW IMPEACHMENT PUSH OVER UKRAINE AID, LAWMAKERS WARN Rep. Adelita Grijalva, D-Ariz., also expressed support for increased congressional scrutiny, arguing that voters sent a message during the midterm elections. “What we heard from the American people on Tuesday (midterms) was to put an end to the corruption,” Grijalva told Fox News Digital. “We’re looking at the executive in the White House making hand over fist millions of dollars while in office,” she continued. Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., the current vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus and a candidate to lead the conference in January, also backed discussions about potential investigations into Miller and Homan. Lieu told Fox News Digital that, if elected caucus chairman, he intends to discuss with Democratic leadership how to proceed with congressional hearings, investigations and possible impeachment proceedings targeting the two officials. The California Democrat also called for an investigation into Lutnick over allegations involving Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and a suspected Chinese intelligence operative. NVIDIA SPY CASE EXPOSES HOW FOREIGN AGENTS TARGET AMERICA’S CORPORATE ELITE: ‘HE IS COMPROMISED’ “Howard Lutnick needs to be investigated over his role in Jensen Huang and the Chinese spy, we’re going to have an investigation into those allegations, that’s completely unacceptable,” Lieu told Fox News Digital. Lieu alleged that Lutnick knew about the reported relationship but failed to investigate or take action. Lutnick did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., a vice chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and member of the House Select Committee on China, also supported investigating Lutnick and did not rule out scrutinizing Rubio’s potential involvement. DEMOCRATS RALLY BEHIND GOP LAWMAKER’S HEGSETH IMPEACHMENT PUSH, SIGNAL MORE TO COME IN JANUARY “I think we need transparency,” Khanna told Fox News Digital. “I think we need to understand what they (Rubio and Lutnick) knew.” “Rubio knew about the Chinese spy, and then got invited to the China trip,” Khanna continued. “We need to get to the bottom of this.” Rubio did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. The lawmakers’ remarks signal that Democrats could use their congressional majorities to expand oversight of Trump’s administration, although no findings of wrongdoing involving the named officials have been established in the allegations presented. While the House can impeach federal civil officers by a simple majority, conviction and removal require a two-thirds vote in the Senate. Republicans, meanwhile, accused Democrats of pursuing politically motivated impeachment proceedings against Trump administration officials. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, R-Fla., told Fox News Digital following Tuesday’s vote that he was “not surprised” by Democrats’ interest in impeaching Hegseth. Mast argued that Democrats were determined to impeach “anyone who was appointed by the president,” regardless of whether evidence supported the allegations.
Inside Jim Jordan’s effort to usher in new era of Republican leadership: ‘He’s a fighter’
Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, is set to take the reins of the House GOP in the next Congress, and his fellow Republicans are quickly rallying to tout him as the best person for the job. The current House Judiciary Committee chairman has enjoyed a high profile in the media for years, long known as a bomb-thrower ever since he helped found the conservative House Freedom Caucus in 2015. Because a House minority leader’s primary job is to lead counter-messaging against the majority’s agenda, Republican lawmakers are arguing Jordan is in a prime position to be throwing bombs at the other side — potentially weakening the Democratic majority’s own argument to keep the House in 2028. “Right now, our goal is to stop bad ideas. And I think Jim will do a great job of articulating just how wild some of these ideas are,” Rep. Mike Haridopolos, R-Fla., told Fox News Digital. LONGTIME GOP LEADER FACES UNCERTAIN FUTURE AFTER JIM JORDAN WINS HOUSE LEADERSHIP FIGHT Haridopolos is a longtime ally of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., who notably lost this week’s internal House GOP leadership election to Jordan by a 106 to 73 margin, sources told Fox News Digital. But even Scalise’s supporters have quickly rallied behind Jordan since Tuesday’s race. “Republicans took a hard hit last week, but now it’s time to come together and get back to work. I’m ready to help Jim and our team speak to every voter we need to win the majority back in 2028,” Rep. Nathaniel Moran, R-Texas, who told Fox News Digital he would vote for Scalise, posted on X after the election of Jordan. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald, R-Wis., a Jordan ally, noted the incoming minority leader has had experience sparring with Democrats on the Oversight and Judiciary committees, which will likely play a prime role in investigating — and potentially impeaching — members of the Trump administration. “That’s going to wear thin in a hurry,” Fitzgerald said of Democrats’ plans. “[Jordan] understands it, because we’ve been on the other side of it.” HAKEEM JEFFRIES DECLARES BID FOR HOUSE SPEAKER AFTER GOP’S MIDTERM MASSACRE In his six years as head Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, Jordan has cemented his reputation as a capable bulldog for President Donald Trump and the GOP. He’s known for asking sharp, pointed questions of Democrat-leaning witnesses and spearheading investigations into justice officials who Republicans accuse of blocking Trump’s agenda. “He definitely brings that athletic mentality to committee hearings. What you’re gonna see in press conferences, you’ll see it on the floor,” said Russell Dye, a longtime former aide to Jordan. “You’re gonna have a guy that’s not just gonna lay down, he’s going to get out there, attack, attack, attack, and do it in a way though, that normal Americans understand.” “He’s a fighter,” Dye said. ‘LAWYER UP’: DEMS IMMEDIATELY PUT TRUMP ON NOTICE AMID REPUBLICANS’ MIDTERM BLOODBATH House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., who will be going into the next Congress as Jordan’s No. 2, compared him to the “Energizer bunny” and praised him as a “decision-maker.” And the Ohio Republican himself signaled that he sees his role as directing the voice of the opposition against a likely barrage of Democratic probes. MIKE JOHNSON NOT RUNNING TO LEAD HOUSE GOP AFTER HISTORIC MIDTERM LOSSES Jordan told “Hannity” on Wednesday night that Republicans would heavily focus their pushback during committee meetings, where those investigations and impeachment efforts traditionally start. “[Democrats are] just attacking their political opposition, but it’ll be across the board in every single committee,” Jordan said. “And we are committed, as House Republicans, to pushing back and giving the facts and the truth to the American people.” But House Freedom Caucus Chairman Jordan and Minority Leader Jordan will be very different people, Republicans around him have said. The Ohio Republican has traded his days of publicly criticizing fellow GOP lawmakers in for public calls for unity, something sources said he stressed in his argument to win the leadership role last week. “He’s evolved. He’s been a mouthpiece for the party,” Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., said. “He’s intelligent. … He’s the right messenger for the right time, and he’s been setting himself up for this for decades.” But it remains to be seen if that pragmatism will extend to deal-making with Democrats. “I think so,” said Rep. John Rutherford, R-Fla., when asked if Jordan would be a good negotiator with the other party. “He’s got the president on his side.”
UN renews Iran’s committee seat amid war with US, sparking backlash: ‘Morally bankrupt’
The United Nations reconfirmed Iran to its seat on the Committee for Programme and Coordination on Wednesday, sparking outrage from member states who believe the country’s record of aggression should disqualify its representatives from the committee’s work to review human rights, women’s rights and counterterrorism programs. Ahead of the vote, Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch, a human rights watchdog, said he believes the move gives Iran another tool for the regime’s propaganda machine. “They use it,” Neuer said. “You’ll see a headline in Iranian propaganda right away: ‘Hey, look, we were elected to yet another body.’ And it sends a signal… As they’re killing their own people, what does the world have to say?” Neuer believes Iran’s continued spot on the committee gives Tehran a nod of international legitimacy amid its ongoing conflict with the U.S., showcasing the U.N.’s uneven record for creating a forum to deter international violence. ISRAEL ACCUSES UN OF PLACING IT ON SAME SEXUAL VIOLENCE BLACKLIST AS HAMAS TERRORISTS, SEVERS TIES “Sometimes [the U.N.] is effective. Sometimes they’re not. Sometimes, even when they’re effective, they’re effective in a bad way. There’s an effect, but it’s to empower dictatorships,” Neuer said. “The U.N. spends a lot of its time attacking democracies like America, like Israel. America gets condemned every year for the embargo in Cuba. Last year, there was one resolution on Iran, one on North Korea, one on Myanmar — and 15 on Israel. And Hamas, Islam and jihad were never mentioned once. That happens a lot at the U.N.” Iran was reconfirmed with the support of 144 ballots cast by the U.N. General Assembly. The Committee for Programme and Coordination consists of 34 member states, each of which is elected to the body for a three-year term. Although it is not one of the U.N.’s six main committees, it reviews the organization’s plans and priorities, making recommendations on their design, priorities, coordination and effectiveness. Iran’s renewal to the post prompted an outcry from lawmakers in the U.S. on Tuesday afternoon. “The United Nations elected Iran — the world’s biggest exporter of terrorism — to the committee responsible for establishing priorities on disarmament, counterterrorism and women’s rights,” the House Foreign Affairs Committee wrote in a statement posted to X. FREED AMERICAN REVEALS BRUTAL IRAN PRISON ORDEAL, WARNS HOSTAGES FACE GREATER DANGER “The United Nations is morally bankrupt: no sane person can take it seriously.” Similarly, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand issued her own statement condemning the move. “Canada is steadfastly opposed to giving Iran a seat on the UN Committee for Programme and Coordination — and Canada voted against Iran’s inclusion today at the UN. The committee should be comprised of countries entrusted with shaping the work of the United Nations and must uphold the principles of its Charter. The Iranian regime silences dissent at home and fuels instability across the Middle East. We stand with the people of Iran,” Anand said. Notably, Australia also joined the opposition, voting alongside Canada against Iran’s confirmation. “Australia strongly opposes Iran’s nomination to the UN Committee for Programme and Coordination and voted against. Iran’s human rights violations and destabilizing conduct undermine multilateralism,” Foreign Minister Penny Wong wrote. Neuer believes it’s not just Western countries that will be watching how the U.N. treats Iran. He noted that aggressors constantly monitor the international field to get a sense of how it might react in the future. “It’s like Putin looks when Obama said we ‘have a red line in Syria. Use chemical weapons — red line.’ Well, Syria used chemical weapons. And Obama… did nothing. That sent a message. Shortly thereafter, Putin invaded Ukraine. I’m not saying that invasions are gonna happen the next day, but these things send messages, and constantly governments are taking the temperature. What is the pushback?” Neuer said. He also observed that although many in the U.S. view the U.N. with some skepticism, other countries still use the group as a barometer of international consensus. “The United Nations is considered for many a repository of international legitimacy; it may not be so in the United States… but in many parts of the world it is regarded as the arbiter of international legitimacy,” Neuer said. IRAN IS NOT A NORMAL NATION YOU CAN MAKE DEALS WITH; IT’S A NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT “What is the signal you’re giving to the ayatollah regime? They murdered tens of thousands of people. They’re hanging dissidents. They are torturing women who defend their right not to cover every piece of their hair. They beat political prisoners. What message does the world have to send? Did you give them a pat on the back? Or did you? Did you penalize them?”
Soldier who scolded Hegseth’s entourage at Tomb of Unknown Soldier receives special honor from Pentagon chief
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Thursday awarded a medal to the Army soldier who reprimanded him and his entourage at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after laughter was heard from the group on Veterans Day. “We love soldiers. We love standards,” Hegseth wrote Thursday in a post on X. “Well done, Specialist.” “Carry on Patriots,” he added. A Pentagon official confirmed to Fox News Digital in a Thursday statement that Hegseth had “proudly” awarded Spc. Thomas Iglesias the medal for “the execution of his duties.” TRUMP DEFENDS PENTAGON CHIEF AS MASSIE TARGETS HIM: ‘HEGSETH SHOULD BE PRAISED, NOT IMPEACHED’ “As shown in the photos, Secretary Hegseth welcomed the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, the Old Guard, to the Pentagon where he proudly awarded Specialist Thomas Iglesias the Joint Service Commendation Medal for the execution of his duties at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on November 11, 2026,” the official said. The Joint Service Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the military who distinguish themselves through meritorious achievement or service, typically while serving in joint military operations or activities. The award comes after video from Wednesday showed Iglesias reminding visitors to remain silent and maintain decorum after laughter was heard as Hegseth and his entourage walked away from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier following a Veterans Day ceremony. “All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times,” the soldier commanded to the entourage at the time. TUNNEL TO TOWERS PAYS OFF MORTGAGES FOR 30 MILITARY FAMILIES IN VETERANS DAY TRIBUTE: ‘A GREAT SACRIFICE’ Following the incident on Wednesday, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told CBS News that Hegseth and “the entire Department have always honored-and will always honor-the sacrifices our military men and women have made to keep America safe.” “While commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum,” Parnell added.
US attorney and Senate Dem spar in dueling letters demanding records preservation: ‘I will not be intimidated’
After U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz issued a letter ordering Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., to preserve materials pertaining to the lawmaker’s alleged “intent to deny citizens of their core constitutional rights,” the senator responded in kind by ordering Reitz to preserve materials pertaining to the decision to issue his letter. “In recent weeks, you have threatened citizens for associating themselves with the President and other public officials,” Reitz claimed in his letter to Blumenthal Wednesday. A footnote points to an October Blumenthal press release about the senator issuing letters demanding information from individuals and the heads of companies that the Washington Post indicated had committed donations for the construction of President Donald Trump’s planned White House ballroom project. “It is also extraordinary for an elected official to intimidate citizens for engaging in philanthropic practices that will benefit our nation for generations. The American people are entitled to freely associate without elected officials terrorizing them with aggressive, harassing government action,” Reitz wrote. TOP DEM ON COMMITTEE FIRES BACK AFTER WHITE HOUSE COUNSEL WARNS AGAINST OVERREACH AMID INVESTIGATION THREATS “I therefore write to formally give you notice of your obligation to preserve all documents, communications, and other electronically stored information relevant to your intent to deprive citizens of their core constitutional rights in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 241 and 242. “You are obligated to preserve all potentially relevant evidence related to your efforts to suppress associational activities for philanthropic projects throughout the nation’s capital,” the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas demanded. Blumenthal, the ranking member on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, fired back in a letter to Reitz also dated Nov. 11. “I am aware of your letter, posted to X today, which purports to initiate an investigation into me for conducting a congressional inquiry. This is just the latest in a series of unlawful actions on the part of the Trump Administration attempting to intimidate Members of Congress for engaging in constitutionally protected activity. Your implied threat of an investigation is baseless,” the senator wrote. ‘LAWYER UP’: DEMS IMMEDIATELY PUT TRUMP ON NOTICE AMID REPUBLICANS’ MIDTERM BLOODBATH “As incoming Chair of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, I will not be intimidated. I will work on behalf of the American people to vigorously pursue investigations into this Administration’s misuse of taxpayer dollars and any corporate entity that has enabled its boundless corruption,” Blumenthal continued. “The public deserves to know the terms under which dozens of American companies were persuaded to donate millions of dollars to the President’s vanity projects, and whether lawsuits were dismissed, contracts were awarded, or regulations went unenforced in exchange for that money. “The public deserves transparency about whether the White House and the corporations it cajoled extracted favors at the expense of American taxpayers. Not only are these appropriate subjects for congressional oversight, but such inquiries are among the constitutional duties that Members of Congress must undertake to become informed about matters on which legislation may be necessary.” Then in a tit-for-tat, the senator ordered Reitz to retain all materials related to the decision to issue his letter. RO KHANNA REJECTS WARNINGS THAT TRUMP ADMIN INVESTIGATIONS COULD DERAIL DEMOCRATS’ AFFORDABILITY AGENDA “Since you appear to have evidence of the Trump Administration’s efforts to protect corporate donors and Administration officials from legitimate oversight, I accordingly direct you to preserve all records and correspondence, including all communications with the White House or senior officials at the Department of Justice, related to the decision to draft and post your letter,” Blumenthal wrote. The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment Thursday.