Federal judge blocks Trump’s immigration policy in shocking decision on Haitian protections
A federal judge shot down the Trump administration’s efforts to end temporary protection status (TPS) for over 520,000 Haitian immigrants currently living in the U.S. The TPS designations for Haitians were expected to expire on Aug. 3 with termination to become effective on Sept. 2. U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan in Brooklyn rejected those plans on Tuesday, saying Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem did not follow a timeline and instructions mandated by Congress to reconsider TPS designations for Haitians. In his decision, Cogan wrote, “Secretary Noem does not have statutory or inherent authority to partially vacate a country’s TPS designation.” Doing so, he added, made her actions “unlawful.” TRUMP ADMIN ENDS TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS FOR HAITIAN MIGRANTS CURRENTLY IN THE US “Plaintiffs are likely to (and, indeed, do) succeed on the merits,” Cogan added. He went on to say Haitians’ interests in living and working in the U.S. “far outweigh” potential harm to the U.S. government. That being said, the government is still able to freely enforce immigration laws and terminate TPS status as established by Congress. Fox News Digital reached out to DHS for comment on the matter, but did not hear back by the time of publication. SUPREME COURT HANDS TRUMP WIN ON REVOKING PAROLE FOR 500K FOREIGN NATIONALS A DHS spokesperson said Friday – before Cogan ruled on the matter – that the decision to end TPS ensures the status is in fact only temporary but also restores the integrity of the U.S. immigration system. “The environmental situation in Haiti has improved enough that it is safe for Haitian citizens to return home,” the spokesperson said. “We encourage these individuals to take advantage of the Department’s resources in returning to Haiti, which can be arranged through the CBP Home app. Haitian nationals may pursue lawful status through other immigration benefit requests, if eligible.” Noem originally made the decision to revoke TPS status from Haitians after reviewing a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) report showing the island nation no longer met the statutory requirements that grant foreign residents the ability to obtain TPS. SUPREME COURT ALLOWS TRUMP ADMIN TO MOVE AHEAD WITH ENDING PROTECTED LEGAL STATUS FOR SOME MIGRANTS Sources at DHS have told Fox News that they are encouraging Haitians living in the U.S. with TPS to use the CBP Home application to secure a safe departure home by offering a complimentary plane ticket and a $1,000 exit bonus. Congress created TPS as part of the Immigration Act of 1990, with the intention of allowing residents of countries who have faced war, disasters or other unsafe and extraordinary conditions, to find refuge in the U.S. The program has the ability to be extended in increments of 18-month periods. The Trump administration has been pressing to roll back TPS designations to fulfill a campaign promise to strengthen the border and deport many illegal immigrants who crossed the border under former President Joe Biden’s administration. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Biden gave Venezuelans TPS status in 2021, then renewed that designation before the end of his term in January 2025. The newest designation will run from April 3, 2025, to Oct. 2, 2026. It is estimated the protection would have applied to about 300,000 Venezuelan nationals, before the Trump administration rolled back the decision. Fox News Digital’s Preston Mizell and Reuters contributed to this report.
ICE investigation leads to prison sentence for ‘dangerous predator’ who abused 2-year-old
An ICE Homeland Security Investigations probe in Maryland led to the sentencing of a man who “used his position of authority” to sexually abuse a 2-year-old and who produced and distributed child sex abuse material online. U.S. District Judge Ellen Lipton Hollander sentenced Maryland man Mark Rice, 38, to 30 years in federal prison and a lifetime of supervised release for producing and distributing child sexual abuse material. The sentence was part of a plea deal. A statement by the Department of Justice said Rice pleaded guilty to one count of producing child sexual abuse material, one count of distributing child sexual abuse material, and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material. According to the DOJ, the charges stemmed from Rice “sexually abusing two minors in his care” while using social media platforms such as Reddit, Telegram, and Kik to distribute materials depicting his victims and to solicit and access materials depicting other children. DOJ DIRECTS US ATTORNEYS TO SEEK TO REVOKE CITIZENSHIP OF NATURALIZED AMERICANS OVER CRIME In a Tuesday statement, ICE said the investigation began in April 2023 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cyber tip from Reddit regarding the distribution of child sexual abuse material. Authorities traced the tip to an IP address associated with Rice’s residence in Elkton, Maryland. Maryland State Police questioned Rice regarding the abuse materials, and though he denied the allegations, he was later “observed deleting photos from his phone.” According to ICE’s statement, when Rice showed officers his phone, investigators were able to spot child sexual abuse material in a thumbnail image. Authorities then uncovered additional material in his recently deleted folder. WASHINGTON POST REPORTER ARRESTED ON CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES AFTER FBI SEARCH AND IS PLACED ON LEAVE ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) reportedly discovered more than 600 child sexual abuse images across Rice’s devices. Investigators also found that Rice used Reddit to connect with people with whom he traded abuse materials using encrypted messaging platforms. According to ICE, Rice began abusing his first victim when she “was less than 3 years old.” He created photographic evidence of the abuse and also documented his abuse of another minor. In the statement, ICE HSI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy called the sentencing a “powerful reminder that those who exploit and abuse children will be relentlessly pursued and held accountable.” ‘MARYLAND MAN,’ ACCUSED MS-13 GANGBANGER, COULD FACE DEATH PENALTY OVER DEADLY BORDER DISASTER: FMR PROSECUTOR “There is no place in society for predators who create and distribute child sexual abuse material,” said McCarthy. “These crimes shatter lives, and HSI will never waver in our mission to bring justice to victims by targeting those who commit these horrific acts.” Kelly Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, called Rice “a dangerous predator.” “This sentence reflects the gravity of exploiting the most vulnerable members of our communities,” said Hayes. “We’re committed to working with our law-enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute those who sexually abuse children and participate in networks that perpetuate such exploitation.”
Pentagon halts some weapons shipments to Ukraine over concerns about US stockpiles
The Pentagon has frozen some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine, including Patriot missile interceptors and 155 mm artillery shells, at a pivotal moment in Kyiv’s war with Russia, Fox News has confirmed. According to U.S. military officials tracking the shipments, the weapons were already staged in Poland before the order came down. The halt was driven by Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby after a review of U.S. munitions stockpiles that showed dangerously low reserves, Politico first reported. “This was made to put America’s interests first,” White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said n a statement also shared with Fox News Digital. “The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned — just ask Iran.” TRUMP SHARES SYMPATHETIC EXCHANGE WITH UKRAINIAN JOURNALIST WHOSE HUSBAND IS FIGHTING IN WAR Colby, a principal Trump defense official and architect of the 2018 National Defense Strategy, has long pushed for a hard shift toward countering China over continued involvement in Ukraine. Before rejoining the Pentagon, he led The Marathon Initiative and authored The Strategy of Denial, a widely cited blueprint for great power competition. According to Politico, the withheld arms include air defense munitions, precision-guided shells and Hellfire missiles used by Ukrainian F-16s. A senior defense official told Politico the Pentagon’s review revealed that stockpiles of Patriot interceptors, precision-guided 155 mm shells and other critical munitions had dropped to levels deemed insufficient to meet U.S. contingency plans. The Army has already quietly quadrupled its procurement targets for Patriot interceptors, but defense analysts say replenishment will take time. OPINION: CONTAINING IRAN MEANS CRUSHING THEIR NUCLEAR AMBITIONS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE Over the weekend, Russia launched its largest aerial attack of the war, nearly 500 drones and 60 missiles. Ukraine’s air defenses, many U.S.-made, remain strained. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP After meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at the NATO summit, Trump said, “They do want to have the anti-missile missiles. … We’re going to see if we can make some available.” Remaining funds from the Biden administration are expected to run out in the coming months.
Probe into Biden’s alleged mental decline cover-up deepens with more former White House officials to testify
The House Oversight Committee is expanding its investigation into an alleged cover-up of former President Joe Biden’s mental decline and possible unauthorized executive actions, and nine former senior White House officials will testify in the coming weeks. An Oversight Committee aide familiar with the interview schedule told Fox News Digital five more former senior White House staff members have agreed to appear voluntarily for transcribed interviews. Ronald Klain, former chief of staff under Biden; Steve Ricchetti, former counselor to the president; Mike Donilon, former senior advisor to the president; Bruce Reed, former deputy chief of staff for policy; and Anita Dunn, former senior advisor to the president for communications, will appear for transcribed interviews July 24 through Aug. 7. According to the aide, two other former high-ranking Biden White House officials, Ashley Williams, former special assistant to the president, and Annie Tomasini, former deputy director of Oval Office operations, former assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff, are voluntarily appearing for transcribed interviews on July 11 and July 18, respectively. EX-DNC INSIDER REVEALS ‘PUPPET MASTERS’ WHO RAN THE BIDEN WHITE HOUSE Not all former Biden officials, however, have agreed to testify voluntarily. Oversight Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., has issued subpoenas compelling Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s physician, and Anthony Bernal, a former assistant to the president and senior advisor to the first lady, to appear for depositions. The aide said O’Connor’s deposition is scheduled for July 9, while Bernal’s is schedule for July 16. These interviews are part of the committee’s ongoing investigation into the alleged attempted cover-up of Biden’s decline and the potentially unauthorized issuance of sweeping pardons and other executive actions by senior White House officials usurping Biden’s presidential authority. TRUMP REVEALS WHO SHOULD TESTIFY ON BIDEN ADMINISTRATION’S ALLEGED COVER-UP Comer has been on the hunt for who was making decisions in Biden’s inner circle during the president’s apparent mental decline. Last Friday, he sent letters to former Biden White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, former White House chief of staff Jeff Zients, former senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates and former special assistant to the president Ian Sams, demanding they present themselves for transcribed interviews with the oversight committee. In his letters, Comer says the committee believes that the four top Biden staffers have “critical” information on “who made key decisions and exercised the powers of the executive branch during the previous administration, possibly without former President Biden’s consent.” He said that “if White House staff carried out a strategy lasting months or even years to hide the chief executive’s condition — or to perform his duties — Congress may need to consider a legislative response.” OVERSIGHT CHAIR DEMANDS JEAN-PIERRE, OTHER FORMER WH STAFF TESTIFY ON ALLEGED BIDEN MENTAL DECLINE COVERUP Comer set interview dates for late August and early September and gave the four senior officials until July 4 to confirm they would comply with the demands voluntarily or if they will “require a subpoena to compel your attendance for a deposition.” In a statement to Fox News Digital last week, Comer said that “as part of our aggressive investigation into the cover-up of his cognitive decline and potentially unauthorized executive actions, we must hear from those who aided and abetted this farce.”
MAGA law group fights to expose how Biden’s DEI agenda may have tainted life-saving organ transplants
A conservative legal group is trying to uncover whether the former Biden administration’s focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives seeped into the nation’s organ transplant system and led to prioritizing patients based on race. MAGA law group America First Legal is suing a number of federal health agencies to obtain documents related to the nation’s organ transplant system. Specifically, they’re targeting the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Health Resources Services Administration, in an attempt to compel them to turn over documents related to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). In April 2023, AFL filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request seeking documents relevant to the Biden administration’s efforts to infuse DEI into the organ transplant system. However, to date, AFL says it has not received any of the requested information and, as a result, decided to sue in an effort to compel the release of it. “The Biden Administration infected the federal government with ‘equity,’ replacing traditional principles of fairness and need with race-conscious criteria,” said America First Legal Counsel Will Scolinos. “AFL is determined to uncover the complete scope of Biden-era DEI policies and will continue to take decisive action to restore colorblind healthcare.” NOEM UNCOVERS AND KILLS MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR, BIDEN-ERA DEI, LGBTQ PROGRAM Just days after taking office in 2021, former President Joe Biden signed Executive Order 13985, directing all federal agencies to conduct “Equity Assessments” to determine whether “underserved communities and their members” faced systemic barriers to accessing federal programs. The order also required each agency to develop an action plan to address those barriers. As part of this effort, in December 2021, CMS issued a request to the public for comments on how the agency could “Advance Equity and Reduce Disparities in Organ Transplantation.” “CMS is focused on identifying potential system-wide improvements that would increase organ donations, improve transplants, enhance the quality of care in dialysis facilities, increase access to dialysis services, and advance equity in organ donation and transplantation,” the agency said at the time. “Communities of color have much higher rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, all of which increase the risk for kidney disease. Black Americans are almost four times more likely, and Latinos are 1.3 times more likely, to have kidney failure compared to White Americans. Despite the higher risk, data shows that Black and Latino patients on dialysis are less likely to be placed on the transplant waitlist and have a lower likelihood of transplantation. Because of these stark inequities, CMS’ [Request For Information] asks the public for specific ideas on advancing equity within the organ transplantation system.” BLISTERING REPORT CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION INTO 5 ‘WOKE’ HOSPITALS PUSHING ‘RADICAL’ AGENDA WITH TAXPAYER MONEY Meanwhile, several weeks later, the HRSA announced that the “labeling of race and ethnicity information for organ donors” would “change on a number of data reports available on the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) website.” According to the HRSA, the move made the data “clearer, more consistent and easier for users to interpret,” and did not impact the manner in which data is collected. OPTN collects and manages data pertaining to the patient waiting list, organ donation, matching and transplantation in the U.S. HRSA also announced a “modernization initiative” for OPTN around the same time, which included plans to strengthen “equity, and performance in the organ donation and transplantation system.” In its lawsuit, AFL chronicled a series of delays, non-responses and incomplete communications following its April 2023 FOIA request. AFL is hoping to obtain a judge’s order requiring the release of the records it is seeking, as well as an index of any withheld material and explanations for why it could not be provided. “The last administration’s pervasive directives requiring consideration of immutable characteristics like race, color, and ethnicity — to make healthcare more ‘equitable’ — should concern all Americans,” Scolinos said Tuesday. “AFL is determined to uncover the complete scope of Biden-era DEI policies and will continue to take decisive action to restore colorblind healthcare.” HHS declined to comment on AFL’s lawsuit.
Trump ‘working on’ deportation exemptions for illegal farm and hospitality workers
President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is exploring deportation exemptions for illegal migrants working on farms or in the hospitality industry who could be swept up in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. Trump said workers who have spent years in the U.S. labor force, particularly in the agriculture and hospitality industries, may be eligible for a new type of work permit that would allow them to remain in the country legally, pay taxes and continue working but without receiving citizenship. The proposed plan, which has not yet been formally announced, would create a system by which farmers and other employers take legal responsibility for longtime undocumented workers. TRUMP URGES ‘TEMPORARY PASS’ FROM IMMIGRATION CRACKDOWN FOR KEY INDUSTRIES: ‘I CHERISH OUR FARMERS’ “We’re going to take care of our farmers and hotel workers, but we’re working on it right now. And Ron [DeSantis is] going to be involved,” Trump said during a tour of a new immigration detention camp in Florida’s Everglades that is surrounded by alligators, “Alligator Alcatraz.” “We have a lot of cases where ICE would go into the farm, and these are guys that are working there for 10 to 15 years, no problem. “The farmers know them. It’s called ‘farmer responsibility’ or ‘owner responsibility,’ but they’re going to be largely responsible for these people, and they know these people. They’ve worked on the farms for 15 years. … We have a great feeling for the farmer and for others in the same position. TRUMP DIRECTS ICE TO EXPAND DEPORTATION EFFORTS IN AMERICA’S LARGEST CITIES “They can be here legally. They can pay taxes and everything. They’re not getting citizenship, but they get other things. And the farmers need them to do the work,” Trump said. “Without those people, you’re not going to be able to run your farm.” The future status of illegal migrants working in these sectors has been raised over the last number of weeks with Trump saying that farmers and hospital operators have raised concerns they may lose valuable members of their workforce should those illegal migrants be caught up in his mass deportation operations. Trump’s plan may not sit well with his hardline immigration supporters as the president seeks to find middle ground between them and protecting businesses reliant on long-term immigrant labor. “I won the farmers by 92%, and I’m not going to be abandoning my farmers,” Trump said at a roundtable discussion after the tour. “We were strong with the voters, but we’re also strong for the farmers and for others in the hotel industry. “They’re not going to have citizenship, but they’ll be working. They’ll be paying taxes,” Trump reiterated. “We need to get our farmers the people they need, otherwise the farmers aren’t going to be able to work their land.” Trump said that during a previous mass deportation effort, California farmers were left without enough workers to harvest their crops. “You know, we tried this once before, many, many years ago, when there was a very strong guy, and he got everybody out. And every farmer — almost all the farmers in the country — went bankrupt, and they had nobody to work. And we don’t want to have that situation,” Trump said without citing who he was referring to. He was likely referring to President Dwight Eisenhower’s 1954 mass deportation campaign that saw the deportation of more than 1 million migrants. The president made similar comments about hotels and farms potentially running into issues as a result of federal immigration enforcement June 12. “Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace,” Trump posted to Truth Social. “In many cases the Criminals allowed into our Country by the VERY Stupid Biden Open Borders Policy are applying for those jobs. This is not good. We must protect our Farmers, but get the CRIMINALS OUT OF THE USA. Changes are coming!” On June 19, border czar Tom Homan signaled that those operations would continue, but they are not a major focus.
Israel accepts Trump-led ceasefire plan that could end Gaza war within 60 days
Israel has agreed to a proposal led by the Trump administration for a 60-day ceasefire, during which time President Donald Trump said all parties will work to end the war in the Middle East. “My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday. “Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War. “The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal,” Trump added. “I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar said Monday, “Israel is serious in its will to reach a hostage deal and ceasefire in Gaza.” TRUMP PRESSURES ISRAEL TO END GAZA CONFLICT AS HE EYES ABRAHAM ACCORDS EXPANSION He pointed to Jerusalem’s acceptance of a recent proposal presented by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, but which Hamas rejected as it did not include a solution to a permanent ceasefire and a plan to withdraw Israeli forces from Gaza. Witkoff is expected to head to Cairo in the coming days to begin hashing out new negotiations. TRUMP ANNOUNCES HISTORIC IRAN AND ISRAEL CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT TO END ’12 DAY WAR’ The president has been pushing for Israel to end its conflict in Gaza and to secure a hostage deal. Ending Israel’s military operations in Gaza will prove a crucial step in expanding Trump’s ambitions to bring new nations into the Abraham Accords. ISRAEL AGREES TO TRUMP-BACKED CEASEFIRE PROPOSAL TO FREE GAZA HOSTAGES: WHITE HOUSE “We have opportunities in front of us,” Sa’ar said, echoing Jerusalem’s ambitions to reach a deal. “We paid for the new reality in the Middle East with the blood of our soldiers and citizens.” “Israel is interested in expanding the Abraham Accords circle of peace and normalization. We have an interest in adding countries, such as Syria and Lebanon, our neighbors, to the circle of peace and normalization – while safeguarding Israel’s essential and security interests,” he added. Prior to today, Trump had not detailed which nations are interested in normalizing diplomatic relations with Israel, though nations like Saudi Arabia have made clear that so long as Palestinians continue to suffer in the Israel-Hamas conflict, normalization is off the table. Fox News Digital’s Caitlin McFall contributed to this report.
Trump admin approves Newsom’s request to ‘bail him out’ of damage left by violent LA riots: SBA
FIRST ON FOX: The Trump administration approved millions in disaster relief loans for small businesses that were rocked by the anti-ICE riots that plagued Los Angeles in June after Gov. Gavin Newsom downplayed the riots and blamed the violence on the Trump administration, Fox News Digital exclusively learned on Tuesday. Small Business Administration chief Kelly Loeffler announced in a press release first shared with Fox News Digital on Tuesday that Newsom’s government had applied for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) declaration, which the administration quickly approved. Small businesses are now able to apply for up to $2 million in low-interest EIDL loans “to support working capital and normal operating expenses such as payroll, rent, and utilities that could not be met due to the destruction enabled by Newsom’s failed governance,” according to the SBA. “Governor Newsom allowed a mob to rampage Los Angeles – standing with violent rioters, paid protestors, and criminal illegal aliens over law-abiding citizens. Despite an estimated $1 billion in damage, he refused federal relief for weeks, insisting that the riots were peaceful even as small business owners stood in the rubble,” Loeffler said in the press release. “Although the SBA has approved California’s disaster relief request and will begin delivering immediate aid to the innocent victims, Governor Newsom must take accountability for his state-sanctioned crisis – and stop playing politics with Americans’ livelihoods.” SOCIAL MEDIA EXPOSES CA DEMS WITH RECEIPTS ON ILLEGALS AFTER THEY ATTACK TRUMP FOR COST OF RIOT RESPONSE The press release noted that the request followed “weeks of no real solutions and inflammatory social media statements” until the governor “finally requested federal disaster relief to bail him out – again.” The relief follows SBA previously approving an additional 11,583 loans that totaled $2.99 billion in relief earlier this year following the California wildfire disasters in January, Fox News Digital learned, and marked the largest sum of disaster dollars ever approved by SBA for non-hurricane or flooding events. LOS ANGELES BUSINESS OWNERS ‘SICK AND TIRED’ OF ‘STUPID’ ANTI-ICE RIOTERS LOOTING THEIR STORES Loeffler had previously called on Newsom to request an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Declaration back in June in order for the agency to approve funds to assist small business owners in Los Angeles “that have been ransacked by rioters.” “We’re giving Gavin Newsom the opportunity to stop siding with criminal illegal aliens and start siding with law-abiding Americans – many of whom have lost everything to the violent and destructive riots across Los Angeles,” Loeffler said in a statement on June 12. “The migrant mob has looted stores, destroyed storefronts, and committed criminal acts of vandalism against our small businesses. Although local leaders are allowing Los Angeles to burn, federal partners are ready to help American citizens rebuild – and we will do so, as soon as the Governor answers their call for help.” A spokesperson for Gov. Newsom doubled down on Tuesday in a statement to Fox News Digital, blaming last month’s violence in Los Angeles on the Trump administration, while also celebrating the SBA’s approval of relief for affected California businesses. “Finally, the federal government is doing the right thing to pay for the damages several small businesses have suffered from the Trump-imposed chaos campaign in Los Angeles. California businesses shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden of Trump’s authoritarian tirade,” a Newsom spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Tuesday. CALIFORNIA LT. GOVERNOR SAYS LOS ANGELES RIOTS ARE ‘GENERATED BY DONALD TRUMP’ Riots broke out in L.A. the evening of June 6, after federal law enforcement officials converged on the city to carry out immigration raids. State and local leaders, such as Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Newsom, quickly denounced the raids in public statements while offering words of support for illegal immigrants in the state. Protests over the raids soon devolved into violence as rioters targeted federal law enforcement officials, including launching rocks at officials, with videos showing people looting local stores, setting cars on fire and taking over streets. Los Angeles officials reported in June that the city incurred nearly $20 million in costs over the riots, including in police overtime and to repair damage to government buildings, the LA Times previously reported. Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard members to help quell the violence, which bypassed the governor, who typically activates the National Guard, while the administration additionally deployed hundreds of Marines to respond to anti-raid chaos. NEWSOM’S OFFICE COMPARES LA RIOTS AGAINST FEDERAL AGENTS TO SPORTS CELEBRATIONS California subsequently sued the Trump administration for deploying the National Guard, which Newsom said in a press release “needlessly escalated chaos and violence in the Los Angeles region.” A federal appeals court ultimately ruled in Trump’s favor in the case. Federal officials pinned blame for the violence on Democratic elected officials who have “villainized and demonized” ICE law enforcement, Fox News Digital previously reported. “The violent targeting of law enforcement in Los Angeles by lawless rioters is despicable and Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom must call for it to end,” Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin wrote in a statement in June as the violence continued. “The men and women of ICE put their lives on the line to protect and defend the lives of American citizens … From comparisons to the modern-day Nazi gestapo to glorifying rioters, the violent rhetoric of these sanctuary politicians is beyond the pale. This violence against ICE must end.” EXCLUSIVE: TRUMP ADMIN TAKES ACTION AFTER MASSIVE FRAUD UNCOVERED AT AGENCY DEMS TRIED TO PROTECT FROM DOGE Newsom rejected characterizing the violence as “riots” in social media posts or interviews, instead pinning blame for the chaos on Trump and the administration for its immigration policies and “exacerbating” the violence by activating the National Guard. “Donald Trump has created the conditions you see on your TV tonight. He’s exacerbated the conditions. He’s, you know, lit the proverbial match. He’s putting fuel on this fire ever since he announced he was taking over the National Guard, an illegal act, an immoral act, an
Pentagon releases 150 National Guard troops from security mission deployment in LA as wildfire threats mount
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has approved the release of 150 California National Guard troops from a federal security mission in Los Angeles, freeing them up for wildfire duty just as the state enters peak fire season. The decision came at the recommendation of Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander of U.S. Northern Command, who oversees the mission. In a statement provided to Fox News, a USNORTHCOM spokesperson said, “Task Force 51 will release approximately 150 members of the California National Guard from the Federal Protection mission today,” adding that the force remains “appropriately sourced.” TRUMP ADMIN DEPLOYS 2K MORE TROOPS TO BLUE CITY FOR ANTI-ICE RIOTS The move comes days after Guillot reportedly requested the return of 200 troops to help with wildfire containment, The Associated Press reported. The National Guard’s elite Joint Task Force Rattlesnake has been stretched thin since President Donald Trump deployed roughly 4,000 California National Guard troops and 800 Marines to Los Angeles in early June in response to violent protests over immigration enforcement actions. NATIONAL GUARD AUTHORIZED TO DETAIN ICE ATTACKERS, DHS SAYS The deployment sparked controversy among state political leaders, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, who criticized the move for pulling essential firefighting resources during one of the driest years on record. But the Pentagon held firm, until now. Task Force 51 (TF-51), led by Maj. Gen. Scott M. Sherman, is tasked with protecting federal personnel and property. According to the U.S. Army North, TF-51 “provides a rapidly deployable capability” to assist in homeland defense operations. Sherman, a decorated combat veteran and longtime National Guard leader, also serves as deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army North. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Despite debate over the scope of the mission during Los Angeles’ anti-ICE protests, Hegseth has stood behind it. With 150 troops released, roughly 3,850 troops remain based on the originally deployed 4,000. “These men and women signed up to serve — not to be Trump’s political props,” Newsom’s office wrote in a statement provided to Fox News Digital. “Letting a few of them return to fight fires is a step in the right direction, but thousands of soldiers are still being blocked from their real work as police officers, paramedics, summer school teachers, and public servants. It’s time to send them all home.”
‘We’re ignoring him’: GOP senators react to Musk’s threat to primary supporters of Trump’s ‘beautiful’ bill
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk threatened to support primary challenges of GOP senators who vote in favor of President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” prompting pushback from some senators who spoke to Fox News Digital. “I’ll take President Trump’s endorsement over Elon’s any day of the week back home,” Kansas GOP Sen. Roger Marshall told Fox News Digital. “Look, we need to pass this bill because it helps fulfill President Trump’s agenda. His priorities were to secure the border, bring back prosperity and security. I think if we do those things, if we bring back the prosperity and the security, we’re going to get re-elected. Elon’s continuing his little spat, we are ignoring him. Let’s get this bill across the finish line.” GOP Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama told Fox News Digital that the “bottom line” is that “51 of us are going to vote for this tonight.” TRUMP WARNS OF ‘WHOPPING 68% TAX INCREASE’ IF SENATE FAILS TO PASS HISTORIC BILL “I saw some of the things he’s upset over, the subsidies that we’re cutting out of energy, you know, the wind and solar. He thinks that we need to do more with energy, and I agree with that, but we can’t keep funding it through the federal government. We’ve got to go out there and do it the right way through private enterprise like he’s done it.” Missouri GOP Sen. Schmitt praised Musk’s work at DOGE, saying he has a “ton of respect” for the former DOGE chief and said he should be congratulated for the “incredible thing” he did for the country, finding waste, fraud and abuse in the federal government. “Everybody’s entitled to their opinions,” Schmitt said. GOP Tennessee Sen. Bill Hagerty told Fox News Digital that by the time primary elections come up in 2026, the country will “already be seeing the benefits of the bill.” “We’re going to see more growth and more tax benefits, more revenue benefits, I should say, so, I don’t think that the doom and gloom being predicted by many is actually going to manifest itself,” Hagerty explained. “In fact, I think we’re opening the door to a new golden era, as President Trump likes to say.” ELON MUSK SAYS US IS RULED BY ‘PORKY PIG PARTY’ AS TRUMP DEFENDS HIS VISION AGAINST FORMER ALLY’S CRITICISM South Dakota GOP Sen. Jon Hoeven pushed back on the criticism that the bill would increase the deficit by arguing the deficit would be reduced via revenue growth and savings. “I think people understand that he, you know, didn’t like the one big, beautiful bill,” Hoeven said. “So I don’t know that people have paid, you know, nearly as much attention to it this time around.” Marshall, when asked if he thought Musk’s primary threats would hurt Republicans in the midterms, said, “I haven’t given it a second thought today.” “It would be a big speed bump in certain states, in Kansas, probably not so much. I think President Trump was wildly popular in most of these states. I think we need to find a way to get Elon back on board. He’s a smart person, brings a lot to our economy. Let’s figure out how to bring Elon back into the fold here.” Musk intensified his ongoing feud with Trump and his allies this week in a political warning to lawmakers that he would work to unseat them if they voted in support of Trump’s bill. “Anyone who campaigned on the PROMISE of REDUCING SPENDING, but continues to vote on the BIGGEST DEBT ceiling increase in HISTORY will see their face on this poster in the primary next year,” Musk posted to X Monday evening. The message was accompanied by an image of Pinocchio sitting on fire and the caption, “LIAR Voted to increase America’s DEBT by 5,000,000,000.00” “Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing government spending and then immediately voted for the biggest debt increase in history should hang their head in shame! And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth,” Musk declared in a post on X on Monday. On Tuesday morning, as the bill was being debated in the Senate, Trump warned that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is a “monster that might have to go back and eat Elon.” “DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon. Wouldn’t that be terrible?” Trump told the media Tuesday morning as he departed for a trip to the Florida Everglades to visit a new migrant detention center. “He gets a lot of subsidies. But, Elon was very upset that the EV mandate is going to be terminated.” His response followed a question regarding whether he would deport Musk, who is originally from South Africa. Trump responded, “I don’t know, we’ll have to take a look.” Fox News Digital’s Emma Colton contributed to this report.