Squad 2.0: Meet America’s next wave of radical Democrats shaping the party’s future
Galvanized by President Donald Trump’s sweeping second-term agenda, a new generation of progressive Democrats is working to redefine the party’s future. The original “Squad,” a group of young, left-wing lawmakers, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018 as a referendum on Trump’s first term. Now, with Trump back in the Oval Office and Republicans controlling both the House and Senate, a new wave of progressive candidates is emerging across the country. ZOHRAN MAMDANI LAUNCHES ANTI-TRUMP TOUR ACROSS FIVE BOROUGHS IN NEW YORK CITY Zohran Mamdani’s Democratic primary win shocked the political establishment in June when the self-identified democratic socialist handily defeated former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in New York City’s mayoral primary. The New York assemblyman has centered his campaign around affordability, successfully using social media to build a broad coalition of support among New Yorkers. Mamdani’s platform includes ambitious campaign promises like freezing the rent, free childcare, fast and free buses, city-run grocery stores, raising the minimum wage and “Trump-proofing” New York City. He plans to pay for his ambitious campaign promises by raising taxes on corporations and the top 1% of New Yorkers. YOUNG PROGRESSIVES LOOK TO ZOHRAN MAMDANI, AOC AS FUTURE OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY – UNDER ONE CONDITION Mamdani has been endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America. Trump has labeled Mamdani a “100% Communist Lunatic” and “My Little Communist,” but Mamdani has maintained that he is a democratic socialist. Dubbed the “Mamdani of Minneapolis,” Minnesota state Sen. Omar Fateh is running for Minneapolis mayor this year. Like Mamdani, Fateh is a self-identified democratic socialist and has been endorsed by the DSA. Fateh, the son of immigrant parents from Somalia, has committed to raising the city’s minimum wage, increasing the supply of affordable housing and combating what he calls police violence. Similar to Mamdani, Fateh has called for replacing some of the police department’s duties with community-led alternatives. He also wants to issue legal IDs to illegal immigrants. Kat Abughazaleh, 26, is the progressive Gen Z candidate running for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District next year. A viral video of an ICE agent shoving Abughazaleh to the ground outside the Broadview U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility on Sept. 19 has become a flash point in the divisive debate over Trump’s deportation rollout. Abughazaleh is a former journalist and activist who frequents protests outside the ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois. She recently accused Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem of perpetrating “crimes against humanity.” Abughazaleh garnered national attention earlier this year for questioning why it’s controversial that illegal immigrants should have access to taxpayer-funded healthcare. “I don’t have health insurance, and I’m running for Congress,” the young progressive’s campaign website reads. Aftyn Behn, a former healthcare community organizer and current Democrat state representative, on Tuesday secured the Democratic nomination to represent Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. The Dickson County Democratic Party described Behn as “our very own AOC of TN,” referring to “Squad” member Ocasio-Cortez, according to The Tennessee Star. On her campaign website, Behn describes herself as a “pissed-off social worker,” who was inspired to run for the House of Representatives after Congress passed Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act earlier this year. Behn is running in the special election to replace Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., who retired from Congress earlier this year. Mallory McMorrow has long been considered a rising star in the Democratic Party. She announced her bid for U.S. Senate in Michigan earlier this year, framing herself as an outsider and calling for a new generation of leaders in Washington ahead of next year’s midterm elections. McMorrow has said she would not vote for Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to continue as the party leader, adding that it is time for him to step back. The 38-year-old Michigan state senator garnered national attention for her viral speech to the Michigan state Senate in 2022, where she pushed back on allegations from a Republican lawmaker that she was “grooming” and “sexualizing” children. “I am the biggest threat to your hollow, hateful scheme,” McMorrow said, calling out Republican state Sen. Lana Theis for invoking her name in a fundraising email. “We will not let hate win.” Fox News Digital reached out to the Democratic National Committee, Mamdani, Fateh, Abughazaleh, Behn and McMorrow but did not receive responses. Fox News Digital’s Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.
Trump heralds ‘golden age of the Middle East’ in address to Israeli Knesset hours after hostages come home
President Donald Trump thanked Israeli lawmakers for their enthusiastic welcome in the Knesset on Monday as the nation celebrated the release of all 20 living hostages from Hamas captivity. “After two harrowing years in darkness and captivity, 20 courageous hostages are returning to the glorious embrace of their families,” Trump said. “Twenty-eight more precious loved ones are coming home at last to rest in this sacred soil for all of time. And after so many years of unceasing war and endless danger, today the skies are calm, the guns are silent, the sirens are still, and the sun rises on a Holy Land that is finally at peace.” The president’s comments came as reports emerged that only four of the 28 bodies held in Gaza are expected to be returned on Monday, which could risk the stability of the ceasefire and its ability to progress to the second phase, which would see the disarmament of Hamas and the further withdrawal of Israeli forces. “This is not only the end of a war. This is the end of an age of terror and death, the beginning of the age of faith and hope and of God,” Trump said. HAMAS ACCEPTS TRUMP PEACE PLAN ENDING 2 YEARS OF WAR IN GAZA, RETURNING HOSTAGES TRUMP UNVEILS 20-POINT PLAN TO SECURE PEACE IN GAZA, INCLUDING GRANTING SOME HAMAS MEMBERS ‘AMNESTY’ Trump used his speech at the Knesset to tell Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Hey, I have an idea, Mr. President – why don’t you give him a pardon?” Trump said, prompting a standing ovation from many in the forum. Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 on charges that included bribery, fraud and a breach of trust, though he has denied the accusations. It is unclear if the president would agree to such a move, or if the majority of the Israeli parliament would support the decision given the prime minister’s previously waning support as the war continued and hostages remained in captivity for more than two years. Trump, during his speech, emphasized his support for Israel as the hostages continue to be returned and said, “Please know that America joins you in those two everlasting vows. Never forget and never again,” Trump said. “As we celebrate today, let us remember how this nightmare of depravity and death all began two years ago, on the eve of the Simchat Torah holiday, thousands of innocent Israeli civilians were attacked by terrorists in one of the most evil and heinous desecration of innocent life the world has ever seen,” he added. Trump described the ceasefire with Hamas “as a very exciting time for Israel and for the entire Middle East” and said “the forces of chaos, terror and ruin that have plagued the region for decades now stand weakened, isolated, and totally defeated.” Trump, who is also set to depart for Egypt on Monday, suggested a peace deal with Iran could be next as he looks to enfold more Middle Eastern nations into the Abraham Accords, which saw the normalization of relations with several Arab nations during his first term. The president thanked Netanyahu for “having the courage” to end the war with Hamas, and in turn seize the opportunity to make Israel stronger and stabilize relations in the Middle East. Trump received a warm welcome from the Israeli Knesset, with the body declaring him “the greatest friend Israel ever had in the White House.” Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana vowed to rally with House Speaker Mike Johnson and other legislative leaders across the globe to submit Trump’s candidacy for Nobel Peace Prize in 2026. “You, President Trump, are a colossus who will be enshrined in the pantheon of history. Thousands of years from now the Jewish people will remember you. We are a nation that remembers,” Ohana said, comparing Trump to Cyrus the Great, who conquered Babylon in 539 B.C. and allowed the Jewish people to return to their homeland. Ohana hailed Trump’s efforts to rescue hostages held by Hamas as well as combat Iran’s nuclear program and influence across the Middle East. He also praised Trump for moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in 2018. “Donald Trump is the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House. No American president has ever done more for Israel than this one, and as I said in Washington, it ain’t even close,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. Netanyahu also nominated Trump to receive the Israel Prize, Israel’s highest honor. Trump would be the first non-Israeli citizen to receive the award.
Trump mulls Tomahawk deliveries to Ukraine if Russia keeps war going
President Donald Trump said he may send Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not settle the war, calling the weapon “incredible” and “very offensive.” Trump, while speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday night, was asked about his recent conversations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and military aid. Trump said he spoke with Zelenskyy on Sunday morning, and Zelenskyy asked about Ukraine’s need for additional weapons in its fight against Russia. Trump said the U.S. sells and sends weapons to NATO, unlike the Biden administration, which, he said, gave Ukraine $350 billion. TRUMP FINDS NEW LEVERAGE IN UKRAINE FIGHT WITH TOMAHAWK THREAT AND LONG-RANGE STRIKE AUTHORIZATION “We gave him nothing, but we gave them respect and some other things,” Trump said. He said he hopes the U.S. can provide more arms, but added that the country must also keep enough to defend itself. “They need Patriots very badly. They’d like to have Tomahawks. That’s a step up,” Trump said. “We talked about that, so we’ll see.” TRUMP SAYS US WILL SEND PATRIOT MISSILES TO UKRAINE, ADDS THAT PUTIN ‘TALKS NICE AND THEN HE BOMBS EVERYBODY’ Before agreeing to send Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, Trump said he may first speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin to see if Moscow wants missiles headed its way. “I don’t think so,” Trump said. “I might speak to Russia about that, in all fairness. I told that to President Zelenskyy because Tomahawks are a new step of aggression.” As for a potential conversation about Putin, Trump said he might have to tell him, “if this war is not going to get settled, I’m going to send them Tomahawks.” TRUMP AND PUTIN’S RELATIONSHIP TURNS SOUR AS PRESIDENT PUSHES FOR RESOLUTION WITH UKRAINE “The Tomahawk is an incredible weapon, a very offensive weapon, and honestly, Russia does not need that,” Trump said. “I may tell him that if the war is not settled, we may very well. We may not, but we may do it. I think it’s appropriate to bring up.” “I want to see the war settled,” Trump added. Zelenskyy wrote in a post on X on Sunday that his talks with Trump “covered all the aspects of the situation,” including Ukraine’s defense of life and efforts to strengthen its air defense, resilience, and long-range capabilities. TRUMP’S NATO DEAL TO ARM UKRAINE WINS OVER GOP SKEPTICS Zelenskyy added that they also discussed “many details” involving the energy sector, though he did not elaborate. “President Trump is well informed about everything that is happening,” Zelenskyy wrote. “We agreed to continue our dialogue, and our teams are doing their preparations.” Trump’s talks with Zelenskyy come as Moscow continues to strike Ukraine with drones and missiles, wounding at least 20 people in Kyiv and causing widespread blackouts Friday. A child was also killed in a separate Russian attack in the southeast. Late Saturday and early Sunday, Russia attacked Ukraine’s power grid in an effort to degrade the country’s energy infrastructure ahead of winter. The latest grid attack, similar to Russia’s annual pre-winter strikes, came as Moscow expressed “extreme concern” over the U.S. potentially providing Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles. Fox News Digital’s Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.
Trump starts week in Middle East, overseeing historic peace agreement
President Donald Trump will spend the first part of the week in the Middle East to oversee a historic peace deal between Israel and Hamas, a landmark agreement expected to end the two-year war in Gaza and bring home the remaining hostages. Before boarding Air Force One, Trump told reporters that the hostages could be released earlier and said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did a “very good job” helping secure the deal. HAMAS ACCEPTS TRUMP PEACE PLAN ENDING 2 YEARS OF WAR IN GAZA, RETURNING HOSTAGES “The war is over,” Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews before boarding a nearly 12-hour flight to Israel. After landing in Tel Aviv, Trump is expected to meet with families of hostages and then give an address at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, in Jerusalem. Trump will then travel to Egypt to attend an international summit in the seaside city of Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday to finalize an agreement aimed at ending the war in Gaza. More than 20 world leaders, including Trump, are expected to attend, an Egyptian presidential spokesperson said, according to Reuters. After a handful of hours in Israel and Egypt, Trump will board Air Force One and return to the White House in the early morning hours on Tuesday in order to honor the late Charlie Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award. TRUMP PLANS WHIRLWIND TRIP TO ISRAEL AND EGYPT BEFORE RUSHING BACK TO WHITE HOUSE FOR CHARLIE KIRK HONOR “It’s a very quick trip, but I’ll be making two major stops, and then I’ll be on the plane trying to get back in time for Charlie,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday. “They’re going to have a great celebration at the White House in the East Room,” he added. The award ceremony coincides with what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday on Oct. 14. Kirk, the charismatic founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), gained recognition for his signature political debates on college campuses. He was assassinated on Sept. 10, during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University. The gathering was the first stop on TPUSA’s planned “American Comeback Tour.” Kirk’s memorial service drew one of the largest public turnouts for a private citizen, with about 90,000 people in attendance at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona and nearby overflow venues. Trump previously announced last month that he would award Kirk the award posthumously.
Trump says Hamas may release 20 hostages ‘a little bit early’ as he heads to Middle East
President Donald Trump said Sunday that Hamas may release the 20 hostages it is holding “a little bit early.” Trump spoke with reporters aboard Air Force One en route to the Middle East, where he was asked about the latest on the hostages and when they might be released. “So, they have the hostages — I understand all 20 — and we may get them out a little bit early,” Trump said. “Getting them was amazing, actually, because we were involved, and they were in places you don’t want to know about.” The president’s comments come as Hamas faces a deadline to return all remaining hostages to Israel, following a peace deal that ended the two-year-long Israel-Hamas war. VANCE SAYS SOME DECEASED HOSTAGES MAY NEVER BE RECOVERED DESPITE TRUMP PEACE DEAL The peace agreement, brokered by President Trump, sparked celebrations across a region plagued by violence since the Hamas terror attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Trump described the peace agreement as historic, saying it was the first time in 3,000 years that Jews, Muslims, and Arab nations were “dancing in the streets.” He said the deal had unified countries that were once bitter enemies and that Egypt, Saudi Arabia and other regional powers were “all into this deal.” When asked about the fighting, Trump declared that the conflict had come to an end. “The war is over,” the president said. TRUMP’S WEEK IN REVIEW: PRESIDENT SECURES HISTORIC PEACE DEAL TO BRING HOSTAGES HOME AS SHUTDOWN CONTINUES He expressed confidence that the ceasefire would hold, saying people were “tired” of centuries of conflict. “Everybody knows their place,” Trump said, adding that peace “is going to be great for everybody.” The president said rebuilding Gaza would begin quickly, though he cautioned that the region resembled a “demolition site.” He said reconstruction would start with clearing unstable structures and restoring basic services before long-term redevelopment begins. Trump also said a new governing body known as the “Board of Peace” would be formed soon, with international leaders seeking to take part. He mentioned Tony Blair as a potential participant but said he wanted to ensure the former British prime minister would be an “acceptable choice.” Trump acknowledged that Hamas has begun forming a local police force and said the U.S. granted temporary approval for that effort to help maintain order. He estimated that Hamas had lost “probably 60,000 people” in the conflict and said ensuring safety as civilians return was now a priority. TRUMP PEACE DEAL TRIGGERS 72-HOUR COUNTDOWN FOR HAMAS TO RELEASE 48 HOSTAGES FROM GAZA He praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “the right person at this time,” revealing that Netanyahu had nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump said Netanyahu “did a very good job” during the conflict and that their relationship remained strong. Trump also told reporters the peace deal between Israel and Hamas is the eighth war he has solved, adding that he heard there is a war going on between Pakistan and Afghanistan, now. “I said I’ll have to wait til I get back. I’m doing another one because I’m good at solving wars. I’m good at making peace. And, it’s an honor to do it,” he said. “I saved millions of lives – millions of lives.” Earlier on Sunday, Vice President JD Vance warned that some of the hostages who were killed while in captivity by Hamas may never be returned to their families. “The reality is that some of the hostages may never get back, but I do think, with some effort, we’ll be able to give them to their families so they at least have some closure,” Vance said on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures.” He continued, noting that while rescuing living hostages remains the Trump administration’s top priority, returning the remains of those killed is also an important effort to give families closure. “We do want to give these people the ability to have a proper burial with their loved ones who were murdered by brutal terrorists, and that matters to us,” Vance said. “It matters to the families, and it will remain a focus, but it’s going to take some time.” The vice president stopped short of certainly, though, saying he believes most of the victims’ remains – but not all – will eventually be recovered. Fox News Digital’s Taylor Penley contributed to this report.
Spanberger quiet on twin controversies in final stretch of Virginia race
With just weeks left before Virginians head to the voting booth, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger has been rattled by twin controversies — a violent text message scandal involving a fellow Democrat and fresh criticism over her stance on transgender bathroom policies. In 2022, Virginia state attorney general candidate Jay Jones told a colleague via text that he wished violence against former Republican House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his children. The private messages, which recently came to light, have sparked outrage from Republicans and discomfort among Democrats, forcing Spanberger to navigate one of the most volatile moments of her campaign. ‘CONSUMED WITH HATE’: WINSOME SEARS, JASON MIYARES UNLOAD ON DEMOCRAT JAY JONES OVER VIOLENT TEXTS Spanberger’s cautious tone carried into last Thursday’s debate, where she faced off against GOP nominee Winsome Earle-Sears. “Jay Jones advocated the murder — Abigail — the murder of a man, a former speaker, as well as his children who were 2 years and 5 years old. You have little girls. Would it take him pulling the trigger? Is that what would do it?” Earle-Sears asked Thursday night. “Please ask him to get out of the race. Have some courage.” She sidestepped several rounds of questions throughout the debate on whether she still endorsed Jones. Spanberger’s campaign did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. Meanwhile, fellow Democrats have rallied around Jones, emphasizing forgiveness and unity as the campaign enters its final stretch. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., was also unwilling to call on Jones’ to drop out. He told Fox News Digital he’s still a supporter of the embattled candidate for his state’s attorney general seat. “I think those statements were not in character, and he has apologized — I wish other people in public life would sincerely apologize for stuff,” the 2016 Democratic vice presidential nominee said. “I’ve known Jay Jones for 25 years.” VIRGINIA DEMS BACK AG CANDIDATE JAY JONES, DESPITE TEXT MESSAGES Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., did not respond when Fox News Digital repeatedly asked whether Jay Jones should end his campaign. Warner was also pressed on whether he would seek the return of a $25,000 August donation from Jones or express regret over the show of support, but once again declined to respond. After the texts came to light, the Virginia Beach Democratic Committee moved quickly to defend Jones, urging Virginians to “line up behind” him. “We are lined up, ten toes down, ready to organize, mobilize and deliver voters for Jay and our entire Democratic ticket,” the statement read. “Recent press may have spotlighted past mistakes. We say, let those without sin cast the first stone. Jay Jones has taken responsibility, apologized and shown he is committed to serving with integrity and accountability that his public record already shows.” Jones has since apologized, calling the remarks “embarrassing and shameful,” and said he had reached out personally to Gilbert and his family. DEMOCRATS UNDER FIRE FOR STANDING BY VIRGINIA AG HOPEFUL WHO JOKED ABOUT SHOOTING GOP RIVAL Last week, President Donald Trump called for Jones to drop out of the race, calling the text messages “sick” and “demented.” “Democrat Jay Jones should drop out of the race immediately and the people of Virginia must continue to have a great attorney general in Jason Miyares who, by the way, has my complete and total endorsement,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Oct. 5. The latest revelation comes amid heightened political tensions and a growing number of incidents that have fueled concerns about violence in national politics. ‘NUDE MEN IN LOCKER ROOMS’: EARLE-SEARS BLASTS SPANBERGER OVER TRANSGENDER LOCKER ROOM STANCE IN HEATED DEBATE On a separate issue, Spanberger has also sidestepped her stance on transgender issues. Earlier this month, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive directive ensuring bathrooms, locker rooms and other intimate spaces remain separated by sex assigned at birth. The directive also instructs the state Board of Health to bar biological males from competing on female athletic teams. When asked, point-blank, whether she would rescind that directive, Spanberger refused to give a definitive answer. “My answer is that in each local community decisions should be made between parents and educators, and teachers in each community. It shouldn’t be dictated by politicians,” Spanberger responded. “I’m a mother of three daughters in Virginia public schools, and nothing is more important to me than their safety and their experience in schools,” Spanberger added in response to questions about her stance on transgender issues. Fox News Digital’s Alec Schemmel contributed to this report.
Trump refuses to rule out striking Venezuela. What’s next for Trump’s war on drugs?
President Donald Trump has launched an unprecedented war against cartels and has threatened narco-terrorists, saying he will “blow you out of existence” as his administration seeks to curb the influx of drugs into the U.S. The White House sent lawmakers a memo Sept. 30 informing them that the U.S. is now participating in a “non-international armed conflict” with drug smugglers — on top of conducting four fatal strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean since September. The Department of War recently announced a new counter-narcotics Joint Task Force in the Southern Command area of responsibility, according to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. The aim of the task force is to “crush the cartels, stop the poison, and keep America safe,” Hegseth wrote on X Friday. “The message is clear: if you traffic drugs toward our shores, we will stop you cold.” HOW TRUMP’S STRIKES AGAINST ALLEGED NARCO-TERRORISTS ARE RESHAPING THE CARTEL BATTLEFIELD: ‘ONE-WAY TICKET’ These recent developments suggest that Trump is eyeing targets within Venezuela, not just those within international waters, according to Geoff Ramsey, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council international affairs think tank. “This is a sign that President Trump is taking the US war on drugs in Latin America to the next level,” Ramsey said in a Monday email to Fox News Digital. “By involving the military, the president is going after drug cartels in a way that no previous US administration has dared to so far. I think it is likely that we will see the Pentagon evaluate targets inside Venezuela.” Additional strikes could target more drug shipments or drug flights, which often take off from covert airfields near the Colombian border, Ramsey said. “It’s a bad time to be posted in a guerrilla camp on the Colombian border or operating a Tren de Aragua safe house along the Caribbean trafficking route,” Ramsey said. Even so, Ramsey said it would be challenging to strike within Venezuela’s territory. Doing so would require the U.S. to dismantle Venezuela’s air defense system, which would escalate hostilities by openly engaging with Venezuela’s military, he said. That’s a departure from the current approach, in which the U.S. has intentionally avoided targeting Venezuelan military assets, Ramsey said. “When two Venezuelan F-16s flew over a US destroyer last month, the fact that those planes weren’t blown out of the sky suggests that the US is not interested in a shooting war with Venezuela’s military,” Ramsey said. Trump himself has not ruled out conducting strikes within Venezuela though, and signaled such strikes could happen when he told military leaders in Quantico, Virginia, Sept. 30 that his administration would “look very seriously at cartels coming by land.” WAR ON CARTELS? WHITE HOUSE SAYS IT HAS AN IRON-CLAD CASE TO STRIKE NARCO-TERRORIST GROUPS So far, the Trump administration has utilized maritime forces to address drug threats, and has beefed up naval assets in the Caribbean in recent months. For example, Trump approved sending several U.S. Navy guided missile destroyers to bolster the administration’s counter-narcotics efforts in the region starting in August. “I expect these deployments to continue for months or more than a year, with new ships rotating in to replace those that need to return home for maintenance or crew rest,” Bryan Clark, director of the Hudson Institute think tank’s Center for Defense Concepts and Technology, told Fox News Digital in September. Nathan Jones, a nonresident scholar in drug policy and Mexico studies at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, predicted the strikes are unlikely to impact the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. That’s because fentanyl precursors originate in China, and are then produced in labs in Mexico before they head north without a pathway into the Caribbean. “I wouldn’t expect your drug flow to be affected because of these strikes,” Jones told Fox News Digital Tuesday. “This could, though, leave transnational criminal organizations running a little scared in terms of what the administration is going to do.” Still, Jones said that he predicted drug flow routes would adapt and that land or aerial drug routes would take precedence over sea routes in the Caribbean. The strikes have prompted members of Congress to question their legality and senators Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and Tim Kaine, D-Va., filed a war powers resolution in September that would block U.S. forces from engaging in “hostilities” against certain non-state organizations. TRUMP UNLEASHES US MILITARY POWER ON CARTELS. IS A WIDER WAR LOOMING? “There has been no authorization to use force by Congress in this way,” Schiff told reporters Wednesday. “I feel it is plainly unconstitutional. The fact that the administration claims to have a list and has put organizations on a list does not somehow empower the administration to usurp Congress’s power of declaring war or refusing to declare war or refusing to authorize the use of force.” However, the measure failed in the Senate by a 51–48 margin Wednesday. Even so, the measure attracted support from Republicans Rand Paul of Kentucky and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who voted alongside their Democratic counterparts for the resolution. Other Republicans have defended the strikes though, and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, said that Trump’s actions were well within his rights and that the resolution was “unreasonable.” “When he sees an attack like this coming — an attack of drugs or explosives or anything else that’s going to kill Americans — he not only has the authority to do something about it, he has the duty to do something about it,” Risch said Wednesday before the vote.
Marc Benioff urges Trump to deploy National Guard in San Francisco after donating millions to liberal causes
Tech billionaire Marc Benioff is shifting his tone toward President Donald Trump, saying he “fully” supports the president and is now urging him to deploy the National Guard to Benioff’s home city of San Francisco. “We don’t have enough cops, so if [the National Guard] can be cops, I’m all for it,” Benioff said in an interview with The New York Times. “I fully support the president,” he added. “I think he’s doing a great job.” His comments come a week before his annual Dreamforce conference in San Francisco. He complained to the Times that he has to pay out of pocket for off-duty police officers to bolster security in the convention area every year. LONG-HELD SCOTUS PRECEDENTS COULD UNDERCUT PORTLAND, CHICAGO NATIONAL GUARD LAWSUITS “You’ll see. When you walk through San Francisco next week, there will be cops on every corner,” he promised. “That’s how it used to be.” The friendly words for Trump are an about-face for the California billionaire, however, having spent recent years funneling tens of millions of dollars toward left-wing activist groups. Benioff’s company, Salesforce, has also a championed transgender ideology. ‘UNTETHERED FROM REALITY’: LAWYERS FOR TRUMP, OREGON, SPAR OVER NATIONAL GUARD DEPLOYMENT IN COURT CLASH Between 2022 and 2024 alone, Salesforce donated over $23 million to the left-wing Tides Foundation. Salesforce also created the “Pledge 1%” program, a model that encourages corporations to donate 1% of equity, product, profit, and employee time to charity. Salesforce kicked the program over to Tides Foundation, which has been handling the Pledge 1% funds since at least 2019. Salesforce says at least 9,000 companies have joined the program since its inception. Salesforce also donated $1.5 million to the liberal dark money group New Venture Fund. Reporting from the Washington Examiner says the organization has links to a Palestinian terrorist group. Aside from funding, Benioff’s company has used its own reach to push transgender activism, using its social media accounts to hail a transgender athlete and defend transgender people in the U.S. military. Despite the left-wing resume, Benioff has been successful in getting closer to Trump’s orbit since his election in 2024. Benioff sat across from Trump at the state dinner hosted by King Charles in the U.K. last month. According to the Times, he repeatedly told Trump “how grateful I am for everything he’s doing.” The White House did not immediately respond when Fox News Digital reached out regarding any plans to deploy National Guard to San Francisco. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Trump himself floated the idea in August, however, telling reporters in the Oval Office that Democrats have “destroyed” the city. “You look at what the Democrats have done to San Francisco — they’ve destroyed it. We can clean that up, too — we’ll clean that one up, too.”
GOP rep gears up for potential rematch against progressive ‘darling’ in bid to succeed McConnell
EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky., said he is the only Senate candidate in Kentucky with the “America First” record and experience necessary to keep the state’s open Senate seat red as Sen. Mitch McConnell’s 40-year tenure comes to an end. After serving seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, Barr is running to replace McConnell in the Senate, as the former party leader retires next year. With Amy McGrath announcing her campaign for the Democratic nomination this week, Barr is also gearing up for a potential rematch. “I relish the opportunity of a rematch, especially statewide, where the electorate is far more conservative than the swing district where I have represented the last seven terms,” Barr told Fox News Digital. McGrath unsuccessfully challenged Barr for Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District in 2018. She later lost to McConnell when she ran for his Senate seat in 2020. TRUMP-BACKED CANDIDATE WINS CROWDED GOP PRIMARY IN BATTLE FOR VACANT HOUSE SEAT “She’s a proven loser,” Barr said. “She has lit Democrat donor money on fire twice, and I’ve even seen Democrats lament the fact that she’s retreading her old messages. She is a stale candidate, and I think there’s a fatigue factor with Amy McGrath.” DEM SHELLACKED BY MCCONNELL IN 2020 MOUNTS NEW SENATE BID: ‘COWARDS IN WASHINGTON ARE BOWING TO DONALD TRUMP’ Despite the criticism, Barr admitted that McGrath is the “darling of the far, extreme left” with a unique fundraising record, so it would not surprise him if Democrats nominated her to run for the open Senate seat. “I’m the only candidate in this U.S. Senate race who has a proven record of defeating Amy McGrath and her fundraising in the one swing, purple district. If you want to block her path, if you want to defeat Democrats in Kentucky, nominate the guy who has a proven record of defeating Amy McGrath,” Barr said. Barr defeated McGrath by just over three percentage points in 2018, despite the former Marine fighter pilot reportedly raising nearly twice as much money as him. Barr described himself as an “America First, pro-Trump Republican member of Congress,” who values limited government, free enterprise and strong national defense. Barr told Fox News Digital that he is the only candidate in the race with experience delivering on President Donald Trump’s agenda. Former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron and businessman Nate Morris are among those vying for the Republican nomination for Kentucky’s open Senate seat. “The Kentucky Republican Party is ascendant in the wake of Senator McConnell’s 40 years in office,” Barr said, telling Fox News Digital that Kentucky’s electorate has shifted to the right since McGrath’s last two races. “The electorate is even more conservative in Kentucky, more pro-Trump than it was when she ran those first two races, first against me in 2018 and then against Mitch McConnell in 2020. The people of Kentucky have rejected those extreme, far-liberal views,” he said. Trump won Kentucky by more than 30 points last year. While former Vice President Kamala Harris won Fayette County, which includes Lexington and is part of the 6th Congressional District, by 18 percentage points in 2024, Barr won his re-election by 26 points. Barr is one of just three House Republicans who won districts that Harris carried in 2024. “Everyone knows that Daniel Cameron is the frontrunner in this race. You’re essentially lighting your money on fire if you give it to Andy Barr,” Cameron’s campaign fired back when reached for comment, arguing that Cameron is the “America First” candidate. And McGrath told Fox News Digital that Kentucky voters are “tired of lifelong politicians like Andy Barr who care more about pleasing Donald Trump than solving real problems here at home.” “It’s time he spent less energy playing politics and more time delivering for the people he’s supposed to represent,” the Democrat added. Fox News Digital reached out to Morris’ campaign but did not immediately receive a response.
Trump announces shakeup at top of WH personnel office
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino is poised to play an even larger role in President Donald Trump’s administration, the president announced Sunday. Trump says Scavino, in addition to his current role, will now lead the White House Presidential Personnel Office. The office was previously held by Sergio Gor, who is now transitioning to become the U.S. Ambassador to India. “I am pleased to announce that the great Dan Scavino, in addition to remaining Deputy Chief of Staff of the Trump Administration, will head the White House Presidential Personnel Office, replacing Sergio Gor, who did a wonderful job in that position, and will now become the Ambassador to India,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Dan will be responsible for the selection and appointment of almost all positions in government, a very big and important position. Congratulations Dan, you will do a fantastic job!” he added. TRUMP SAYS GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN LAYOFFS ARE ‘UP TO’ DEMS AS STANDOFF CONTINUES Scavino’s new appointment comes as the Trump administration is in a pitched fight with Democrats to define the cause of the ongoing government shutdown. Trump allies have pointed to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s refusal to work with Republicans. The president also sought to mitigate damage on Saturday by ordering War Secretary Pete Hegseth to make sure military service members get paid next week, regardless of the shutdown. JOHNSON RAISES STAKES ON SCHUMER AS GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN BARRELS INTO WEEK 3 “Chuck Schumer recently said, ‘Every day gets better’ during their Radical Left Shutdown,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I DISAGREE! If nothing is done, because of ‘Leader’ Chuck Schumer and the Democrats, our Brave Troops will miss the paychecks they are rightfully due on October 15th.” He said he directed Hegseth “to use all available funds to get our Troops PAID on October 15th. We have identified funds to do this, and Secretary Hegseth will use them to PAY OUR TROOPS.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The government shut down on Oct. 1, after Democrats and Republicans failed to pass a spending bill to fund the government, with Democrats concerned expiring Affordable Care Act tax cuts could raise premiums and that Medicaid cuts could leave people without coverage. Fox News’ Brie Stimson contributed to this report