Kamala Harris says Biden made ‘big mistake’ by not inviting Musk to EV event in 2021
Former Vice President Kamala Harris said her onetime boss, former President Joe Biden, made a “big mistake” by not inviting Tesla CEO Elon Musk to a 2021 White House event on electric vehicles. In August 2021, Biden hosted an EV event at the White House with executives from General Motors, Ford and Stellantis, but Musk was not invited, despite Tesla being the nation’s leading EV manufacturer. “I write in the book that I thought it was a big mistake to not invite Elon Musk when we did a big EV event,” Harris told Fortune Editor-in-Chief Alyson Shontell on Tuesday at the news outlet’s Most Powerful Women Summit in Washington, D.C., referring to her memoir, “107 Days,” in which she criticized Biden for initially running for re-election despite his health struggles. “I mean, here he is, the major American manufacturer of extraordinary innovation in this space,” Harris said of Musk, who is also the CEO of SpaceX. WASHINGTON POST SLAMS KAMALA HARRIS BOOK TOUR, SAYS DEMS DON’T ‘HAVE TIME TO WASTE’ ON FORMER VP Musk’s snub was widely viewed as an effort to support the United Auto Workers and organized labor overall, since Tesla plants are not unionized. Harris wrote in her book that she believed Biden was “sending a message about Musk’s anti-union stance” but that she thought excluding him as the top player in the field “simply doesn’t make sense.” Then–White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the event featured “the three largest employers of the United Auto Workers,” emphasizing that Tesla’s workers are not unionized. Pressed on whether Musk’s snub was punishment for his workers not being unionized, Psaki told reporters: “I’ll let you draw your own conclusion.” The Biden administration defended inviting only those automakers, calling them key partners in the president’s push for union jobs. Harris said that presidents should “put aside political loyalties” when it comes to recognizing technological innovation. “So, I thought that was a mistake, and I don’t know Elon Musk, but I have to assume that that was something that hit him hard and had an impact on his perspective,” she said. Musk did appear to take offense after he was not invited to the event, taking numerous jabs at Biden. “Yeah, seems odd that Tesla wasn’t invited,” Musk wrote at the time on social media. A month later, he said the Biden administration appeared to be “controlled by unions” and was “not the friendliest administration.” KAMALA HARRIS BREAKS SILENCE ON BIDEN DROPOUT, ADMITS SHE HAS REGRETS ABOUT HER HANDLING OF SITUATION After Musk learned Tesla would not be invited, administration officials offered an apology, according to The Wall Street Journal. Biden aides later attempted to soothe things over, but tensions remained. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Harris’ comments on Tuesday mirrored a passage from her new book in which she wrote that the Biden administration’s move not to include Tesla was a mistake and that it appeared to alienate Musk, who later became one of current President Donald Trump’s top financial backers. “Musk never forgave it,” she wrote. Musk later endorsed Trump in the 2024 election and contributed roughly $300 million toward Republican campaign efforts.
Protesters nationwide hold ‘No Kings’ rallies amid government shutdown
Significant crowds in major cities like New York City and Washington, D.C., and even in London, were observed on Saturday during the second “No Kings” protest since June against the Trump administration. While some leaders feared the marches could devolve into violence, there were no reports of violence or arrests at the afternoon rallies amid the ongoing government shutdown. Republicans have argued the protests are simply an effort to distract from the current government shutdown battle and appease their base. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told FOX Business he hoped that Democrat leaders who attended would be more willing to accept the GOP’s plan after the demonstrations were over – but he did not sound overly optimistic. NEW JERSEY DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR HOPEFUL ATTENDS ‘NO KINGS’ PROTEST, VOWS TO FIGHT TRUMP ‘TOOTH AND NAIL’ On Saturday in New York City, the NYPD put out an alert indicating the city had more than 100,000 people across all five boroughs taking part, and they did not have to make a single “protest-related” arrest. No arrests were reported in DC, although some reports indicated that protesters spilled into the streets briefly. Other major cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, Boston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Portland, Oregon, and Austin had sizable gatherings as well Saturday, but police said demonstrations were largely peaceful. Police in Portland confirmed that at least three people were detained after an alleged assault related to the “No Kings” protests downtown. One person was arrested and booked into jail, according to officials. Two others have been detained pending investigation by Portland Police Bureau officers. Outside Chicago in Broadview, at least fifteen people were arrested by Illinois State Police near an ICE facility. In Denver, police said officers dispersed a small group to deny access to the highway and that several arrests were made. There were also some arrests in smaller cities in various states. MILLIONS EXPECTED TO FLOOD STREETS AT ‘NO KINGS’ PROTESTS TARGETING TRUMP ACROSS ALL 50 STATES Roughly 2,500 “No Kings” protests were held across the U.S. The tone of Saturday’s “No Kings” protests were staunchly anti-Trump, as demonstrators rallied against what they viewed as the president’s authoritarian policies. “California will keep peacefully pushing back against the Trump Administration’s authoritarian takeover,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, wrote on X. “It’s a Love America rally,” Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who spoke at the D.C. rally Saturday, said in response to Johnson and others’ criticism. Following his speech at the D.C. rally, Sanders thanked the “millions” of Americans who turned out Saturday. “Thank you to the millions of Americans who turned out in small communities and big cities all over this country to say loudly and boldly: No more kings. In America, We the People will rule.”
‘First to fight’: Marine VP JD Vance marks Corps’ 250th as Hegseth says unity, not ‘diversity,’ is strength
Vice President JD Vance joined Marines and sailors at Camp Pendleton in California on Saturday for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps, telling the crowd that the Corps remains ready to fight and ready to win. The anniversary event included an amphibious assault demonstration on Red Beach, speeches from military leaders and cabinet officials, and a reminder from Vance that he is the first Marine to serve as vice president. Helicopters roared overhead and amphibious vehicles surged through the surf as Marines charged the beach to open the ceremony. Second Lady Usha Vance accompanied her husband to watch the display while families shaded their eyes and Ospreys thundered overhead. This year’s ceremony marked a quarter millennium since the Continental Congress first authorized the Marine Corps in 1775. NEWSOM CLASHES WITH WHITE HOUSE OVER MARINE CORPS ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION HIGHWAY CLOSURE General Eric Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps, told the crowd that what they were seeing was the sound and look of freedom. He described the Corps as America’s “911 force” and warned that Marines must be ready for whatever comes next. “The next fight is coming,” he said. “Marines will be ready. Ready to fight. Ready to win.” “When it matters most, it’s not technology or equipment that wins the day, but the dependability, decisiveness and character of the Marine or sailor who wields it,” Smith said. He ended by thanking families and offering a blessing for their sacrifices. VP VANCE’S CAMP ACCUSES CALIFORNIA GOV. GAVIN NEWSOM OF DISSEMINATING ‘FAKE NEWS’ AHEAD OF MARINES CELEBRATION Secretary of War Pete Hegseth then delivered one of the day’s most fiery addresses. A combat veteran himself, he told the Marines that the Corps stood strong when others wavered. “I’m not supposed to say this, really not. But I think you guys might be my favorite,” Hegseth said. He tied the Corps to the administration’s broader theme of America First, peace through strength, and common sense at every turn. Hegseth reminded the crowd that while many different faces fill the ranks, unity of mission is the true strength of the Corps. “The truth is, your diversity is not your strength. Never has been. Your strength is in your unity of purpose. It’s in your shared mission. It’s in your oath to the Constitution. It’s the bond that turns individuals into single-minded fighting units. You see, you are set apart. You’re not civilians. You’re devil dogs, leathernecks, United States Marines,” the Secretary said, drawing cheers. The crowd erupted when Vance took the stage. “God bless you, Marines,” he began, smiling as chants of “Oorah!” echoed back. He quickly reminded them that he’s the first Marine to hold the office of vice president. “From one Marine to another, thank you for your service,” he said. “I’ve also got to give a special shout out to the incredible display that we saw earlier today. It made my heart sing,” Vance said. “As your vice president, and it was a testament to the core strength and unbeatable power. It reminded me why I am so proud to have worn the uniform, to be one among your ranks, and to be the very first vice president to have been a United States Marine.” Vance used his speech to honor heroes, remember the fallen and reflect on his own service. He mentioned Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Dakota Meyer who served in Afghanistan, Navy corpsman Charles Cram who helped raise the flag at Iwo Jima, and Navy aviator Elmer Royce Williams who survived the longest dogfight in American history. TRUMP DECLARES ‘REAWAKENING’ OF ‘WARRIOR SPIRIT,’ UNWAVERING SUPPORT FOR MILITARY: ‘I HAVE YOUR BACKS’ The vice president mixed solemnity with humor that fellow Marines recognized immediately. He joked about the “E-4 Mafia” and shared a story about a gunnery sergeant who once saved him from signing a 22% interest used car loan by steering him to Navy Federal Credit Union. “That gunny’s leadership didn’t just save me money,” Vance said. “It taught me that Marines look out for each other.” Vance’s remarks included a particular story from boot camp. Recruits queued for Catholic or Protestant church services and Vance, referring to himself in the third person as, “recruit,” called himself an atheist. “Get in the Catholic line,” the drill instructor snapped. That punchline, Vance joked, “wouldn’t work in the Biden administration.” Vance also took aim at Democrats in Congress over the government shutdown, promising that the administration would fight to ensure enlisted Marines are paid. “We will do everything possible to make sure enlisted Marines get paid,” he said. “Political battles in Washington should not come at the expense of troops and their families.” He tied the 250th anniversary back to the Corps’ beginnings at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia in 1775. He named battles that define Marine history: from Belleau Wood and Iwo Jima to the Chosin Reservoir, Khe Sanh, Ramadi, Fallujah and Helmand, and told the audience that every generation of the Corps shares the same common purpose. “Every single person here bleeds Marine Corps green,” Vance said. “It is our common purpose that carries us forward.” Vance reminded East Coast Marines swatting sand fleas at Parris Island that their bond is the same as those climbing the hills of California. He spoke of his pride in wearing the Corps’ uniform and closed with words that Marines have heard before but welcomed on their birthday. “Keep kicking a–. Keep taking names. Semper Fidelis, Marines. Happy 250th birthday. God bless you,” he said. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The ceremony ended with the roar of the crowd as the day carried reminders of sacrifice, grit and unity. The Department of War, Navy, and Vance’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. The Marine Corps offered no further comment to Fox News Digital at this time.
George Santos expresses gratitude to Trump following commutation of his 7-year prison sentence
Disgraced former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., took to social media Saturday to thank President Donald Trump for commuting his prison sentence, saying the commander in chief’s “kindness” and “generosity” moved him deeply. Trump announced the commutation late Friday, ordering Santos’ immediate release from federal prison, where he was serving a seven-year sentence for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in New Jersey. In a lengthy post on X, Santos expressed gratitude for both his faith and the President. “Yesterday, I was given something I never thought I’d have again: a true second chance at life,” Santos posted to X Saturday evening. “First and foremost, I want to thank our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for never abandoning me. … I also want to express my deepest gratitude to President Donald J. Trump.” PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP COMMUTES FORMER NEW YORK GOP REP. GEORGE SANTOS’ PRISON SENTENCE Santos said he spoke personally with Trump earlier Saturday, a conversation he said he “will never forget.” “President Trump reminded me that in this country we love so much, no mistake, no hardship, and no fall from grace can take away the possibility of renewal,” Santos said. “His faith in second chances reignited my own, and for that, I will be forever thankful.” TRUMP SAYS DIDDY ASKED FOR PRESIDENTIAL PARDON AFTER RECEIVING 50-MONTH SENTENCE: ‘I CALL HIM PUFF DADDY’ The former congressman also thanked his supporters who stood by him and said that, going forward, he plans to focus on prison reform, inspired by Trump’s historic peace deal he secured between Israel and Hamas earlier this month. “Inspired by President Trump’s work toward peace in the Middle East, I am dedicating myself to doing good, to building bridges instead of walls,” Santos said. “My focus will be on prison reform and accountability, ensuring that those in power uphold the dignity and humanity of every person in their care.” EX-NBA STAR SEBASTIAN TELFAIR PLEADS FOR TRUMP PARDON BEFORE REPORTING TO JAIL Santos also accused officials at the Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton, New Jersey, of mistreatment. “No one should ever be dehumanized or degraded like I was by the FCI Fariton Warden Kelly and Assistant Warden Nobile,” Santos said. “My goal now is to turn my past into something meaningful, to help create a justice system that truly believes in rehabilitation and second chances.” In his Truth Social post announcing the commutation, Trump described Santos as “somewhat of a rogue” but argued his punishment was excessive. “At least Santos had the Courage, Conviction, and Intelligence to ALWAYS VOTE REPUBLICAN!” Trump said. “George has been in solitary confinement for long stretches of time and, by all accounts, has been horribly mistreated. Therefore, I just signed a Commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY. Good luck George, have a great life!” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP In April, Santos was sentenced to 87 months in prison after pleading guilty to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of nearly a dozen people to funnel fraudulent contributions to his campaign. He reported to FCI Fairton in July. The former representative, elected in 2022, served in Congress for close to a year before being ousted in 2023 by his House colleagues. The FCI New Jersey did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Newsom clashes with White House over Marine Corps anniversary celebration highway closure
The 250th anniversary celebration of the U.S. Marine Corps at San Diego County’s Camp Pendleton Saturday sparked a heated social media exchange between California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the White House. The event, America’s Marines 250: From Sea to Shore: A Review of Amphibious Strength, featured a range of festivities at the Marine Corps base, including a large-scale live-fire demonstration attended by Vice President JD Vance. Newsom blasted the display of military power as “dangerous” and “an absurd show of force,” announcing Saturday that a section of Interstate 5 near the base would be temporarily closed during the celebration. “Because of the Trump Admin’s plans, drivers should expect delays on Interstate 5 and other state routes throughout Southern California before, during and after the event,” Newsom posted to X. VP VANCE’S CAMP ACCUSES CALIFORNIA GOV. GAVIN NEWSOM OF DISSEMINATING ‘FAKE NEWS’ AHEAD OF MARINES CELEBRATION The Democrat doubled down later in the day, accusing the White House of denying earlier in the week that any freeway closures would be needed despite the use of live munitions. NEWSOM SUES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION OVER CALIFORNIA NATIONAL GUARD DEPLOYMENT ORDER TO OREGON However, the White House quickly fired back, accusing Newsom of distorting the facts. “Newscum is lying,” the White House’s Rapid Response account posted to X. “He closed the highway — not only did nobody at the White House or the Marines ask him to do so, the Marines repeatedly said there are no public safety concerns with today’s exercises. Newscum lies and tries to make it about himself? Day ending in ‘y.’” The White House account also reposted an X post from Trump advisor Alex Bruesewitz, who wrote, “Gavin Newscum is shutting down a major CA highway just because JD Vance is in the state. Inconveniencing tens of thousands of Americans. What a petty little man.” Newsom then rebutted, “The [California Highway Patrol] and highway safety experts are saying what any person with common sense knows: It is not safe for people to drive on a major freeway at high speeds directly under LIVE MUNITIONS. “White House not communicating, endangering the public, and then trying to blame the Governor for doing the right thing — keeping people out of harm’s way — yet another day living in Trump’s authoritarian America.” TRUMP VS. NEWSOM SHOWDOWN LANDS IN COURT WITH FAMILY TIES TO THE NATION’S HIGHEST BENCH The exchange followed days of tension between Newsom and the Trump administration over the Camp Pendleton event. Earlier in the week, the California governor called the anniversary celebration a “vanity parade.” “Donald Trump and JD Vance think that shutting down the I-5 to shoot out missiles from ships is how you respect the military,” Newsom posted to X Wednesday, while reposting an X post from left-leaning outlet MeidasTouch that claimed the White House planned to close parts of the I-5 during the event. “PUT ASIDE YOUR VANITY PARADE AND PAY OUR TROOPS INSTEAD.” However, William Martin, special assistant to the president and communications director to the vice president, quickly pushed back against Newsom. “This is complete fake news,” Martin declared in a post on X, which was reposted by the @VP X account. “The Marine Corps said they are NOT shutting down the I-5 highway and that the event at Camp Pendleton is a training exercise. Also, President Trump IS paying the troops despite Chuck Schumer’s efforts to hold their salaries hostage.” A Marine Corps press release Wednesday about the festivities said that “no public highways or transportation routes will be closed.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Extensive safety measures were implemented at the celebration, which was expected to draw more than 15,000 attendees, including detailed risk assessments, emergency crews on site and fully scripted air, surface and ground movements, FOX 11 Los Angeles reported earlier in the week, citing event organizers. Newsom and the White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. Fox News Digital’s Alex Nitzberg contributed to this report.
NYC voters at ‘No Kings’ rally say Zohran Mamdani ‘represents everything’ Trump is not
MANHATTAN, N.Y. — New Yorkers who spoke to Fox News Digital at the “No Kings” rally in Times Square on Saturday agreed they want mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani to protect New York City from President Donald Trump. Millions of Americans gathered in cities across the country Saturday to protest Trump’s sweeping, second-term agenda. While marching through Times Square with almost two weeks until Election Day, New York City voters explained why they are voting for Mamdani for mayor. “He represents everything they’re not,” Edgar, a New York City voter who lives in Rockaway Beach, Queens, told Fox News Digital. Edgar explained that democracy is “under attack,” and New York City needs a leader like Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., to similarly fight back against the Trump administration. FINAL STRETCH: MAMDANI’S LARGE LEAD SHRINKING AS CUOMO GAINS GROUND IN NYC MAYORAL RACE Mamdani has applauded Newsom’s leadership rejecting Trump’s second-term through judicial action, particularly when Trump sent the National Guard to Los Angeles during protests rejecting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportations. Trump has since sent the National Guard to major cities, including Washington, D.C.; Chicago; Portland; Oregon; and Memphis to combat crime. He has also threatened to cut federal funding to New York City if Mamdani is elected mayor. “I don’t think he’s afraid of Trump in the least,” Gail Kelly, a lawyer who lives in Breezy Point, Queens, who said she is voting for Mamdani, told Fox News Digital in Times Square. Kelly said she is “tired” of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who lost the Democratic primary to Mamdani in June and is now running as an independent candidate, adding she is “not that thrilled with Curtis Sliwa,” the Republican nominee. NEW POLLS REVEAL MAMDANI HAS COMMANDING LEAD OVER RIVALS WEEKS FROM ELECTION DAY Brad, another Mamdani voter who lives in Gowanus, Brooklyn, and attended Saturday’s “No Kings” rally, said Trump and Cuomo are “fascists.” “Cuomo is a fascist as well,” Brad said. “He is also a sexual abuser. Mamdani, honestly, I don’t know if he’s got good ideas. I don’t think a lot of ideas are gonna work, but he’s got optimism. He cares about the people in the city. He cares about people’s lives. That’s good enough.” Cuomo resigned as New York governor in 2021 after multiple sexual harassment allegations that he has denied. Rich Azzopardi, a Cuomo campaign spokesperson, fired back at Brad’s charge when reached for comment. “Andrew Cuomo passed a $15 minimum wage, paid family leave, made marriage equality the law of the land, made college tuition free for nearly 80% of CUNY students and protected a women’s right to choose by codifying Row vs. Wade into state law. Whomever said that clearly doesn’t know what any of that word salad means. Send me their address. I’ll be happy to send them a dictionary on me,” Azzopardi said. Annelice Morales, a Mamdani voter who lives on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, said Mamdani’s transparency is refreshing. “I just think people like Cuomo have been in power for a really long time, and they abuse power,” Morales told Fox News Digital while marching in the “No Kings” rally. Morales said she “100%” hopes Mamdani will fight back against Trump. “He has a message to improve lives, the material needs of the New Yorkers,” Lenny, a Lower East Side resident who is voting for Mamdani in November, said Saturday. When asked if he wants Mamdani to fight back against Trump, Lenny said, “Just uphold the law. It’s that simple.” Mamdani has a 21-point lead among New York City registered voters. Forty-nine percent back Mamdani, while 28% go for Cuomo and 13% favor Sliwa, according to the latest Fox News poll. Voters will elect a new mayor of New York City Nov. 4 after Mayor Eric Adams suspended his re-election campaign last month. While those who spoke to Fox News Digital at Saturday’s “No Kings” rally in Manhattan said they were voting for Mamdani in the upcoming election, the democratic socialist candidate did not advertise that he was attending. Mamdani’s campaign did not respond to inquiries about whether he was attending any “No Kings” rallies. Meanwhile, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who has endorsed and campaigned for Mamdani, headlined a “No Kings” rally in Washington, D.C., Saturday. Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment but did not immediately hear back.
Trump administration freezes $11 billion in blue state infrastructure projects, blames Democrats for shutdown
The Trump administration is freezing $11 billion in federal funds earmarked mostly for Democrat cities’ infrastructure projects as the government shutdown rolls on with no end in sight. Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), made the announcement Friday while pinning the shutdown on Democrats, whose actions he said left him with no choice but to halt the spending. “The Democrat shutdown has drained the Army Corps of Engineers’ ability to manage billions of dollars in projects,” Vought posted to X. TRUMP IS USING THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN TO DO SOMETHING NO PRESIDENT HAS EVER DONE “The Corps will be immediately pausing over $11 billion in lower-priority projects and considering them for cancellation, including projects in New York, San Francisco, Boston, and Baltimore. More information to come from the Army Corps of Engineers.” New York will be hit hardest, with about $7 billion being frozen. Other affected projects are in Illinois, Maryland, Oregon, New Mexico, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Delaware, the OMB said, according to Reuters. The money includes $600 million for two aging, federally owned bridges spanning the Cape Cod canal in Massachusetts, which are slated for replacement and carry millions of travelers annually. The OMB told the outlet President Donald Trump “wants to reorient how the federal government prioritizes Army Corps projects.” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul responded to Vought on X, simply writing, “Good luck with that, Russ. We’ll be in touch.” Maryland Rep. Kweisi Mfume wrote on X that the move is “another example of the Trump Administration placing partisan politics over the welfare of the American people.” WHITE HOUSE ESCALATES SHUTDOWN CONSEQUENCES AS DEMOCRATS SHOW NO SIGNS OF BUDGING: ‘KAMIKAZE ATTACK’ Massachusetts leaders also pushed back, with Gov. Maura Healey saying senators had received no official notice from Washington and that the bridge replacement project remains funded and legally approved by Congress. Vought has already targeted Big Apple funds, freezing nearly $18 billion in federal money on the first day of the shutdown for two of New York City’s biggest infrastructure projects — the Hudson Tunnel and the Second Avenue Subway. Vought said that money was stalled “to ensure funding is not flowing based on unconstitutional DEI principles.” The Trump administration has already frozen at least $28 billion in earlier rounds of infrastructure and climate-related projects. Trump has also vowed to cut what he called “Democrat agencies” and sought to eliminate 4,100 federal jobs. The pause in funding stems from the Oct. 1 shutdown after Senate lawmakers failed to reach a spending agreement in time for the end of fiscal year 2025 after a short-term extension of fiscal year 2025 funding, aimed at keeping the government open through Nov. 21, passed the House mainly along party lines earlier in September. Republicans like Vought have blamed the shutdown on Democrats, arguing they refused to fund the budget in an attempt to reinstate taxpayer-funded medical benefits for illegal immigrants through Democrat lawmakers’ continuing resolution, which would include extending the expiring Obamacare tax credits. Democrat leadership has disputed the claims, saying that Trump and Republican lawmakers are really behind the shutdown. Fox News’ Amanda Macias and Emma Colton contributed to this report.
WATCH: ‘No Kings’ protesters at massive NYC rally reveal motivation for taking to the streets: ‘Disgusting’
NEW YORK, N.Y. — At least 100,000 people descended upon New York City’s Times Square on Saturday for a “No Kings” protest, and Fox News Digital spoke to more than half a dozen of them about why they took to the streets to rally against President Trump. “Because I’m an American, and I learned from history, unlike a lot of other people in this country. History repeats itself,” a man named Ed told Fox News Digital when asked why he joined the rally. “People don’t seem to understand that, and we’re going down a slippery slope, probably halfway down there already. And if we don’t stand up and protest and expand our message across America, we’ll be just another one of what Trump called the s—hole countries. That’s where he’s leading us.” The rally was peaceful as protesters gathered in Times Square and marched down 7th Avenue holding a variety of signs, some more inflammatory than others. REPUBLICANS TORCH ANTI-TRUMP ‘NO KINGS’ PROTESTS, SAY DEMS FEAR ANGERING LEFTISTS IN SHUTDOWN FIGHT “No fuhrers,” one sign said with a crossed-out swastika. Another sign read, “ICE melts faster under pressure,” a reference to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, an agency where agents have faced a 10-fold increase in violence against them over the past few months. “We have a fascist government in America abetted by a fascist media,” a man named Brad told Fox News Digital. “And people need to have their voices be heard. There’s this idea that somehow that Trump stands for America. He stands for nothing like that. He stands for hate. He stands for everything against the Constitution, everything our values are built upon, and he stands for himself and his friends and not for the great American people.” A woman named Nicole told Fox News Digital part of her motivation for attending was she is recovering from cancer, and her husband was recently diagnosed with cancer. She says she received a notice their health insurance would be canceled in July 2026. SOROS FOUNDATIONS HELPING FUND ANTI-TRUMP ‘NO KINGS’ PROTESTS NATIONWIDE “So, we can bomb random boats off the coast of Venezuela, spend all this money on ICE terrorizing people. So, we can take food and health care away from families,” Nicole said. “It’s disgusting.” Laura, who said she is from Seattle but was on vacation in New York City and decided it was important to attend the rally, told Fox News Digital of her belief that if people don’t “collectively” get the message of disapproval out “then we’re going to just give up.” “We just might as well bend over,” Laura said, adding she is married to a woman and is concerned that, under Trump, their marriage “might not be valid anymore.” “That’s f—– bull—-,” Laura said. Fox News Digital watched as a man dressed in yellow placed an Antifa sticker onto a street sign as protesters walked by. Several users on social media posted signs mentioning Antifa, which Trump designated a domestic terrorist organization earlier this year. Many of the signs at the protest used the term “fascist” to describe Trump, and several labeled Trump and members of his administration “Nazis.” When asked if it’s fair to call Trump a “fascist,” Laura said, “I mean, he’s doing s— that is outside of what our Constitution has said. “He circumvented so many of our government’s checks and balances that, I mean, it’s just, it is ridiculous. Not to mention making everyone who’s in his Cabinet. They have no experience, no intelligence, no, like, consistency. They’re just a joke. So, yeah.” A man named Edgar told Fox News Digital “democracy is at stake” while another man, Lenny, referred to Trump as a “fool” and a “clown.” Large crowds gathered in major cities all across the United States on Saturday with anti-Trump protesters attempting to make the case that Trump is a king who has overstepped his authority. The “No Kings” movement first gained national attention in June, when similar demonstrations were held in response to the Army’s 250th anniversary military parade. Trump, along with Republicans in Congress in recent days, have pushed back on the “king” label. “They say they’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king,” Trump told Fox News on Friday. Asked about the protests and whether National Guard units would deploy to manage crowds, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told Fox News Digital, “Who cares?”
Trump releases video of US drone strike on ‘drug-carrying submarine’ in Caribbean that left 2 dead, 2 captured
President Donald Trump said Saturday that a U.S. military strike destroyed a “very large drug-carrying submarine” in the Caribbean this week, killing two suspected narco-terrorists and capturing two others alive. He released video of the strike. In a statement posted to Truth Social, Trump said the vessel was carrying mostly “fentanyl and other narcotics” toward the U.S. on a “well known narcotrafficking transit route.” He claimed the interdiction prevented as many as 25,000 American overdose deaths. “It was my great honor to destroy a very large DRUG-CARRYING SUBMARINE,” Trump wrote. “U.S. Intelligence confirmed this vessel was loaded up with mostly Fentanyl… There were four known narcoterrorists on board. Two of the terrorists were killed. “The two surviving terrorists are being returned to their Countries of origin, Ecuador and Colombia, for detention and prosecution.” US MILITARY SEIZED SURVIVORS AFTER CARIBBEAN DRONE STRIKE ON SUSPECTED DRUG SMUGGLING BOAT: REPORT Fox News previously confirmed that two survivors were rescued by the U.S. Navy after the strike and were being held aboard an American warship. Trump’s statement is the first official acknowledgment of their identities and nationalities. The strike marked the sixth U.S. interdiction of a suspected drug smuggling vessel since combat operations began in the Caribbean last month. The Pentagon has not publicly named the operation. Trump first referenced the strike publicly during a meeting Friday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. US MILITARY DRONE STRIKE ON DRUG ‘SUBMERSIBLE’ IN CARIBBEAN LEAVES SURVIVORS, OFFICIAL CONFIRMS “We attacked a submarine, and that was a drug-carrying submarine built specifically for the transportation of massive amounts of drugs,” he told reporters. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking separately Friday, did not dispute the existence of survivors but said further details would be released later. Earlier this week, Trump confirmed he had authorized CIA activity in the region. U.S. Air Force B-52s also flew a visible “show of force” mission near Venezuelan waters on Thursday. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. Fox News Digital’s Louis Casiano and Lucas Tomlinson contributed to this report.
40 Days for Life sees spike in volunteers after Charlie Kirk’s assassination
President Donald Trump recently awarded late Turning Point USA founder and CEO Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom just over one month after the activist was assassinated. Kirk was outspoken about his conservative and pro-life views, and his legacy has inspired a new wave of activism. Shawn Carney, the president and CEO of 40 Days for Life, praised President Donald Trump as “the most pro-life president we’ve ever had,” telling Fox News Digital that pro-life Americans were delighted to see the president honor Kirk. “It was so beautiful to see him honor Charlie,” Carney said. “He represented freedom, and there would be no pro-life movement without free speech. Free speech is what 40 Days for Life is built on. It’s what the pro-Life dialogue is built upon. It’s [what] Charlie gave his life for, and it was really, really beautiful for all pro-life Americans to see him honored with the highest honor we have in our nation.” CHARLIE KIRK POSTHUMOUSLY AWARDED MEDAL OF FREEDOM ON WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN HIS 32ND BIRTHDAY Kirk was known for participating in debates across the country and the globe, often confronting his harshest critics. Carney believes that Kirk’s willingness to go into tough arenas and his approachable and “authentic” nature drew young people to him and the pro-life movement. “Charlie was open and was honest, and he was also humble and willing to talk to you,” Carney told Fox News Digital, adding that being approachable, as Kirk was, is crucial in pro-life activism. “So many people have been hurt by abortion. So many people feel strongly in support of reproductive rights. And you just can’t go in and yell or say you’re going to burn in hell. You have to be approachable. You have to use reason. You can’t be afraid to share your faith, as Charlie wasn’t,” he added. CHARLIE KIRK’S COLLEAGUES AND PASTORS PRAISE HIS PATRIOTISM AS TRUMP READIES HIGHEST CIVILIAN HONOR Carney said 40 Days for Life has seen an uptick in interest, particularly among young activists, after Kirk’s assassination. “His tragic assassination was just two weeks before we kicked off one of our largest fall 40 Days for Life campaigns around the world,” Carney said. “Over 700 cities participating, and we saw a huge uptick, a 36% increase in participation. We had so many young people come out … who knew who Charlie Kirk was and were inspired by him to participate in 40 Days for Life, who then brought their parents out to pray at our vigils.” ERIKA KIRK SHOWS TPUSA STAFF CHARLIE’S MEDAL OF FREEDOM: ‘YOU GUYS ARE ALL PART OF THE LEGACY’ He recalled one young woman — whom he did not name — who said she was “so afraid” to participate in pro-life activism prior to Kirk’s death. Carney noted that, despite the “horrible images” of the assassination, many felt empowered and compelled to speak up about their beliefs. “You thought the opposite would happen, that she’d be more afraid and others would be more afraid, but that didn’t happen,” he said. “It literally inspired her to overcome years of fear.” Carney also spoke about a TPUSA chapter leader whose mother tried to talk her son out of participating in either TPUSA or 40 Days for Life. The young man apparently told his mother that Charlie would have wanted him to speak out and not to run from culture wars. When asked what Kirk’s message to pro-life activists would be if he were still alive, Carney said it would be to not give up. Carney added that he has heard newcomers inspired by Kirk say they believe that the TPUSA founder would want them to be outspoken and not to “cower.” “Right now in our culture, there’s a lot of reasons to be afraid. We can’t give in to them. We have to go out. We have to speak the truth and love, and that is what changes hearts and minds. And that’s the best way we can honor Charlie,” Carney told Fox News Digital.