Virginia Lt. Gov. candidate enlists AI to represent Dem opponent after she rejected debate offers
Conservative businessman and broadcaster John Reid enlisted the help of artificial intelligence to represent Democratic challenger Ghazala Hashmi in a mock debate for the 2025 lieutenant governor’s race. Reid, the Republican nominee from Richmond, challenged Hashmi, a state senator from Chesterfield, to a series of regional debates around Virginia. Reid noted Hashmi is the only candidate of the six running for statewide office to decline a debate. A representative for Reid ensured that the AI only envisaged Hashmi’s likeness and voice — and that of the moderator – and the responses given by the representation of Hashmi were based on her prior quotes or publicized policy positions. Hashmi’s campaign called the video a “deepfake” and told The Washington Post it was a “desperate move straight out of Donald Trump’s playbook.” YOUNGKIN UNLEASHES CUTTING-EDGE AI TECHNOLOGY IN EFFORT TO SLASH VIRGINIA’S GOVERNMENT RED TAPE “While we appreciate that ‘AI Ghazala’ did share her vision, like her commitment to public education and reproductive rights, it’s pretty clear Reid only cares about shoddy gimmicks and not governing,” the campaign added. The AI debate differed from other recent artificially created videos, where the words and representations of lawmakers were made to be cartoonish in some cases. President Donald Trump shared a viral AI video earlier this month showing House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., wearing a sombrero as “La Cucaracha” played in the background and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., referred to his party as “woke pieces of s—.” Schumer never said that in real life. GOOGLE CEO, MAJOR TECH LEADERS JOIN FIRST LADY MELANIA TRUMP AT WHITE HOUSE AI MEETING For her opening statement in the debate, the “AI Hashmi” said she is running because Virginians need “someone who has the experience, knowledge and ability to fight for Virginians.” “I have a track record with regard to the issues Virginians care about — education, health care, housing and opportunity. I am ready to make policy that will make Virginia an example for other states.” In response, Reid — in real life — noted that Hashmi would not appear for a real debate. HOLLYWOOD TURNS TO AI TOOLS TO REWIRE MOVIE MAGIC “If she’s not willing to engage in her own campaign for lieutenant governor, I don’t know why anybody thinks she would be able to fight for anything,” he said. Reid said Hashmi supported keeping Virginia schools closed an extra year after the coronavirus pandemic and has “push[ed] for boys in girl sports… higher taxes [and] releasing criminals early.” “Everything that we would ID as a problem in the state of Virginia, Ghazala Hashmi has pushed,” he said. In this regard, Reid said his work in communications in Congress, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and radio help him understand what businesses need from state government if they choose to operate in Virginia. The lieutenant governorship is “not just gaveling in the Senate,” Reid said. “[It is] working for the state of Virginia.”
Trump reacts to report of B-1 bombers near Venezuela while threatening drug traffickers during WH roundtable
Fox News has learned two B-1 bombers took off from Dyess Air Base in Texas Thursday morning, flying toward Venezuela as seen on open source flight trackers, according to senior U.S. official sources. During a White House roundtable on immigration and crime crackdowns Thursday, President Donald Trump denied the report, which was first published by The Wall Street Journal. “No, it’s not accurate. It’s false,” Trump said. “But we’re not happy with Venezuela for a lot of reasons, drugs being one of them. But, also, they’ve been sending their prisoners into our country. … Nobody can do that.” Secretary of War Pete Hegseth did not correct the president during the Q&A with reporters. IS TRUMP’S ‘HEAT’ ON VENEZUELA THE START OF A WIDER CAMPAIGN FOR REGIME CHANGE? During the roundtable with law enforcement and administration officials to discuss the successes of Homeland Security task forces, Trump honed in on the ongoing efforts to curb illegal drug smuggling into the U.S., noting he believes the cartels will begin infiltrating the U.S. by land. “Now they’re coming in by land,” Trump said. “Even the land is concerned, because I told them … the land is going to be next. We may go to the Senate, we may go to Congress and tell them about it. But I can’t imagine they’d have any problem with it.” TRUMP UNLEASHES US MILITARY POWER ON CARTELS. IS A WIDER WAR LOOMING? “Between that and my discussion with [Chinese] President Xi, I think we have never made progress like we’ve made,” Trump added. “The sea drugs are almost dead, and they can’t come in that fast from the land. And the land drugs are much more dangerous for them. It’s going to be much more dangerous. You’ll be seeing that soon. So, that’s the way it is.” Hours earlier, Hegseth confirmed the U.S. military carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a suspected narco-trafficking vessel Wednesday, killing three suspects. TRUMP SAYS ‘WE’LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS’ WHEN ASKED ABOUT POSSIBILITY OF STRIKING VENEZUELA AMID RISING TENSIONS The attack marked the ninth vessel strike since September and the second strike reported in the Eastern Pacific. A total of 37 people have reportedly been killed, with two survivors later repatriating to their home countries. When asked by reporters why he is not asking Congress to approve a declaration of war against the cartels, the president said he did not think it was needed. “I don’t think we’re going to necessarily ask for a declaration of war,” Trump said. “I think we’re just going to kill people that are bringing drugs into our country. … They’re going to be, like, dead.”
Doctors on key US health task force accused of prioritizing DEI over evidence-based medicine
An “independent” advisory panel of non-federal experts determining which preventative healthcare services insurers must cover is accused of being staffed with doctors who have shown a propensity to prioritize “woke” left-wing diversity, equity and inclusion ideals in their work, as opposed to evidence-based science. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF), an all-volunteer panel of doctors who serve four-year terms appointed by the Secretary of Health, is made up of experts in preventative medicine, which includes services like screening tests, immunizations, behavioral counseling, and medications that can prevent the development or worsening of health conditions. One of the task force’s primary functions is to weigh the efficacy and cost-benefit of such preventative care services, recommendations for which are then used to shape what preventative care services insurance providers must cover. The task force’s ability to make these healthcare recommendations, coupled with what appears to be a membership largely made up of left-wing, DEI proponents, has raised concerns about how the task force could be impacting healthcare. The Wall Street Journal reported in July that sources with knowledge of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s thinking said he was planning to dismiss all 16 members of the USPSTF for being too “woke.” NEW MEDICAL POLICY CENTER COMBATS WOKENESS IN MEDICINE, LAUNCHING LANDMARK RANKING OF TOP SCHOOLS “HHS has been made aware of the ideological issues with members of the USPSTF raised by letters from Senate Republicans, members of the GOP Doctors Caucus, and a large group of physicians including Associations of American Physicians and Surgeons, America’s Frontline Doctors, and the Pennsylvania Direct Primary Care Association. HHS is troubled by these allegations and is investigating further,” Emily Hilliard, a Health and Human Services Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital when asked about Kennedy’s plans for the future of the current USPSTF. Meanwhile, others, including the GOP Doctors Caucus and major physician groups including the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, have also raised alarm bells about potential left-wing bias at the USPSTF. One group that has also raised alarm bells about the USPSTF is the conservative watchdog group known as the American Accountability Foundation (AAF), which just released a new report claiming the USPSTF “has been thoroughly hijacked by left-wing partisans for the purpose of weaponizing science to spread leftist ideology.” The AAF report points to Dr. Michael Silverstein, the task force’s current chairman, who, in 2023, said that USPSTF is “dedicated to … addressing critical issues of health equity” after he was re-appointed to the task force’s leadership team under the Biden administration. As Vice Chair of the task force in 2023, Silverstein co-authored an annual report to Congress highlighting a new partnership with the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) aimed at helping the task force be more “inclusive.” The partnership, according to the report to Congress, was meant to help develop “new recommendations on screening for anxiety disorders, and other conditions that affect LGBTQ+ communities to enhance the health, wellness, and quality of life of their patients.” Other recommendations from the USPSTF that have come down in the last several years include a 2022 recommendation denoting the need for physicians to consider race when screening for anxiety in children and adolescents. A more recent recommendation, published in April, said that doctors should pay special attention to breastfeeding in black mothers due to the “lasting psychological impact and stigma of enslaved Black women being forced to act as wet nurses.” I’M A GENDER DETRANSITIONER. I TOLD THE FTC HOW DOCTORS ABUSED THEIR POWER OVER ME Meanwhile, a 2021 report from the USPSTF, on addressing sex and gender when making preventative healthcare recommendations, included an analysis of how gender-specific terminology, as opposed to “gender-neutral” terminology, could play a role in addressing the needs of “diverse populations.” Think “pregnant people” versus “pregnant mother,” a switch that eventually became part of the task force’s official guidelines. “To advance its methods, the USPSTF reviewed its past recommendations that included the use of sex and gender terms, reviewed the approaches of other guideline-making bodies, and pilot tested strategies to address sex and gender diversity,” the report states. “Based on the findings, the USPSTF intends to use an inclusive approach to identify issues related to sex and gender at the start of the guideline development process; assess the applicability, variability, and quality of evidence as a function of sex and gender; ensure clarity in the use of language regarding sex and gender; and identify evidence gaps related to sex and gender.” Another major achievement towards the task force’s mission to advance “health equity” was the release of a 2024 “Health Equity Framework” aimed at embedding gender theory and other left-wing ideologies into its operations. HOW UNIVERSITY INDOCTRINATION TURNED DEADLY, AND WHY ONE SCHOLAR SAYS IT’S ONLY GETTING WORSE In addition to the work the task force has done, its members also have an extensive history of publishing research that focuses on “health equity” and other DEI components, such as how race impacts certain health outcomes, or how to address sex and gender when making recommendations for clinical preventative services. “National Institutes of Health Pathways to Prevention Workshop: Achieving Health Equity in Preventive Services,” is the title of a scientific research report co-authored by task force rank-and-file member, Dr. Sandra Millon Underwood. “Further Incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Into Medical Education Research,” and “Health Equity Starts with Us: Recommendations from the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute Racial Justice and Health Equity Task Force,” were also reports co-authored by members of the USPSTF. “Antiracist initiatives, such as incorporating community-support persons (e.g., lay doulas) into maternity care for Black people, can reduce disparities in outcomes by addressing both interpersonal racism and the lack of workforce diversity caused by structural racism,” stated a May 2024 research paper co-authored by USPSTF rank-and-file member Dr. Alicia Fernandez. Members of the supposedly “independent” USPSTF have also used their positions of expertise to fight Trump administration priorities as well, such as those around abortion and research funding reforms. For example, Dr. David Chelmow, another
Dems silent on progressive candidate’s Nazi-style tattoo after knocking Hegseth for Christian symbol
Prominent Democrats who were highly critical of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s tattoos with crusader symbolism are now keeping silent on a progressive Senate candidate who had a Nazi-style symbol tattooed to his chest. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., criticized Hegseth for his tattoos, one of which is a Jerusalem cross and another with the Latin phrase “Deus Vult” (God wills it), both of which are associated with the crusades and ancient Christian symbolism. Following their comments against Hegseth, Fox News Digital reached out to Warren and Duckworth for comment on the ongoing controversy over Maine Senate Democratic candidate Graham Platner having a “Totenkopf,” Nazi “death’s head” symbol tattooed to his chest. Warren has previously expressed enthusiasm for Platner’s candidacy, telling Politico, “I’m excited to see new people enter the race for the Senate … particularly those who have a strong voice they’re willing to use on behalf of people who are often ignored in the U.S. Senate.” ARE PETE HEGSETH’S TATTOOS SYMBOLS OF ‘CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM’? Fox News Digital asked whether Warren and Duckworth condemn Platner because of the tattoo and whether they believe he should drop out of the race. Neither immediately responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. During Hegseth’s confirmation hearings, Warren sent him an extensive letter, in which, among other issues, she expressed concern about his “Deus Vult” tattoo. “You were also removed from President Biden’s inauguration because of concerns that you were an insider threat after reports that your ‘Deus Vult’ tattoo ‘was a Christian expression associated with right-wing extremism,’” Warren wrote. “We cannot have a Defense Secretary whose fellow servicemembers feel concerned enough about to report as a potential insider threat.” Democrats have continued to give Hegseth a hard time over the tattoos. During a hearing in June, Duckworth accused Hegseth of “blowing through money like my fellow cadets and I did in our first liberty after basic camp. Luckily, I didn’t end up with a questionable tattoo.” ‘MAINE’S MAMDANI’: MAINE GOP CHIEF ISSUES WARNING ABOUT NEW CHALLENGER LOOKING TO OUST SUSAN COLLINS Platner, a Marine veteran and progressive endorsed by the likes of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has garnered widespread criticism over a skull-and-crossbones tattoo on his chest that strongly resembles the Totenkopf symbol used by Hitler’s SS forces. After the controversy erupted, Platner said he got the tattoo in 2007 during a “night of drinking” while on leave in Croatia in the Marine Corps and claimed he did not know its historical associations at the time. He has since covered the image with another tattoo of dogs. In a video posted to Instagram Wednesday afternoon, Platner elaborated that the design was chosen from a flash tattoo wall while “carousing” with fellow Marines in Split, Croatia. “We thought it looked cool,” he said. MAINE DEM SENATE HOPEFUL BACKED BY BERNIE SANDERS APOLOGIZES FOR NAZI-STYLE TATTOO, VOWS TO STAY IN RACE He claimed he had “lived a life dedicated to anti-fascism, anti-racism and anti-Nazism” and was “appalled” to learn it resembled a hate symbol. A spokesperson for Sanders shared an Axios interview with the senator in which he said, “I’m not overly impressed by a squad of media running around saying, ‘What do you think about the tattoo on Graham Platner’s chest’” and “between you and me there might be one or two more important issues.” The spokesperson also shared another statement from Sanders in which he said of Platner, “I personally think he is an excellent candidate. I’m going to support him, and I look forward to him becoming the next senator in the state of Maine” Fox News Digital also reached out to Sanders and Platner’s campaign for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Fox News Politics Newsletter: Adams to back Cuomo in NYC mayoral race
Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump administration, Capitol Hill and more Fox News politics content. Here’s what’s happening… –Red state university student caught on video threatening lives of Charlie Kirk supporters: ‘Watch your neck’ -Curtis Sliwa vows to be Zohran Mamdani’s ‘worst nightmare’ if the Democratic socialist wins NYC mayoral race -Undercover video exposes what Spanberger’s campaign organizer really thinks of her: ‘What the f—‘ New York City Mayor Eric Adams will endorse former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the city’s mayoral race as he faces off against Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani. “As spokesman for Mayor Eric Adams, I can confirm that the Mayor will endorse former Governor Andrew M. Cuomo for mayor and intends to campaign alongside him,” Adams’ spokesman, Todd Shapiro, said in a statement to Fox News. “The time and locations for their joint appearances are currently being finalized.” Adams declined to answer questions about Cuomo at an unrelated press conference Thursday morning…READ MORE. HOMEGROWN POWER: Apple building American-made AI servers ahead of schedule in new Houston facility, answering Trump call NEW DETAILS: SCOOP: Trump’s Memphis crime crackdown locates dozens of missing kids, removes 109 gangbangers from streets NO PEACE TALKS: Trump ‘not interested’ in de-escalation with ‘unhinged’ leader of Colombia, White House says ON PAUSE: Trump freezes out Putin for lack of ‘enough action’ toward peace — future talks uncertain BLUNT DIPLOMACY: Inside Trump’s ultimatum that forced Netanyahu to the table: ‘You can’t fight the world’ SKY VIOLATIONS: Russia violates NATO airspace in Lithuania amid Putin warning on long-range missiles ‘AMAZING BLESSING’: Vance visits church where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, resurrected amid Israel-Hamas ceasefire NO MORE GAMES: After waffling between Russia and Ukraine, Trump slaps Kremlin with oil sanctions SNAP OUT OF IT: Democrats under fire as food stamp funds run dry: 42 million Americans caught in shutdown fight NO PAY FOR YOU: Essential workers left unpaid after Senate Democrats kill pay bill HOSTAGE POLITICS: Top Republican slams Katherine Clark for admitting suffering families are “leverage” in shutdown battle SOCIAL-IST STANDING: Bernie Sanders defends Maine Senate candidate under fire for wild Reddit comments HALF IN, HALF OUT: Trump yet to endorse in VA governor’s race — but also kept Youngkin at arm’s length MIXED BAG: New poll in key showdown for Virginia governor indicates single-digit race FOOD FIGHT: Youngkin declares state of emergency over “Democrat Shutdown” depleting food stamp benefits for nearly 1M Virginians AI ATTACK: Andrew Cuomo campaign walks back controversial attack ad targeting Mamdani voters CAMPAIGN CLASH: Social media erupts after Cuomo, Mamdani rip each other during final debate: ‘Unmasked’ ‘CALL TO ACTION’: NYC rabbis sound off on “unprecedented risk” Mamdani poses as hundreds of leaders sign “call to action” SECOND GUESSING: NYC socialist mayoral candidate Mamdani’s 911 plan called “worst idea” by former NYPD sergeant Get the latest updates on the Trump administration and Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.
Winsome Sears blasts Virginia Dems’ surprise redistricting session as a ‘stunt’ to pull her off the trail
Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears lambasted Virginia Democrats after they signaled a plan to suddenly call the legislature back in a last-minute special session to address potential redistricting before the election. Virginia’s state redistricting commission is statutorily charged with crafting new congressional maps after every decennial census, but state Democrats appear poised to try to do an end-round around that process, potentially via the constitutional amendment process. “In a desperate political stunt, Democrats in the Virginia General Assembly are calling for a special session to drag Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears off the campaign trail,” the Earle-Sears campaign said in a statement to Fox News Digital. NEW POLL IN KEY SHOWDOWN FOR VIRGINIA GOVERNOR INDICATES SINGLE-DIGIT RACE As lieutenant governor, Earle-Sears is the presiding officer over the otherwise Democratic-majority state Senate. “The same politicians who marched in ‘No Kings’ protests are now trying to crown themselves as the rulers of Virginia politics, abusing their offices to rig the calendar because they can’t win on ideas,” the campaign said. Earle-Sears spokesperson Peyton Vogel said the activity is “what panic looks like” for a party that is out of fresh ideas and is relying on such “stunts,” and suggested Democratic challenger Abigail Spanberger – a former congresswoman – was in some way involved in the plan. “[S]he’s leading the charge on cheap political stunts to slow down Winsome Earle-Sears’ momentum. It’s pathetic. Voters see through it. They know Winsome Earle-Sears is a Marine, a mom, and a fighter for Virginia every day — while Abigail Spanberger is a career politician using Washington-style dirty tricks to protect her power and her friends,” Vogel said. EARLE-SEARS COMES OUT SWINGING IN HEATED DEBATE AS SPANBERGER DODGES JAY JONES QUESTIONS A Suffolk University poll released Thursday showed Earle-Sears trailing Spanberger by about eight percentage points, while her downballot-mates John Reid and Jason Miyares were either tied or just ahead of their Democratic opponents. Democrats are hoping to expand their two-seat majority in the House of Delegates, targeting several districts in the suburbs and exurbs of Hampton Roads and Washington, D.C., where Republicans sit on a statistical knife’s edge. No state Senate seats are up until 2027. The upper chamber also has a two-seat Democratic majority. House Speaker Don Scott Jr., D-Portsmouth, and Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Mount Vernon, did not respond to requests for comment. However, Surovell told the New York Times that plans to reconvene the legislature in Richmond next week are intended to counter President Donald Trump’s push to pressure Republican-led states on redistricting. Those states, like Texas, see their efforts as blunting California Democrats’ likely-successful shoehorning of a mid-decade redistricting plan through Sacramento. VIRGINIA VOTERS SUE TO BOOT DEMOCRAT OFF BALLOT IN DISTRICT THAT COULD DECIDE STATE HOUSE MAJORITY “We are coming back to address actions by the Trump administration,” Surovell told the Times. On the federal level, Democrats hold six of the 11 House seats in Virginia. Some of those held by Republicans are often considered “swing” seats that volley back and forth regularly – like that of Rep. Jennifer Kiggans in Cape Charles and Hampton Roads. Loudoun County – once reliably Republican – has trended far to the left in the past decade, and there is no longer any Republican congressperson within about 50 miles of Washington. Rep. Yevgeny “Eugene” Vindman, D-Va., twin brother of Alexander Vindman, holds a once-swing district in Prince William County and the D.C. exurbs that has been another long-term loss for the GOP. WINSOME EARLE-SEARS REBUKES SPANBERGER PLAN TO UNDO VIRGINIA’S ICE PACT: ‘THIS IS NOT HARD’ By contrast, Rep. Morgan Griffith’s, R-Va., district in the far southwestern end of Virginia is solidly Republican. The way neighboring Rep. Ben Cline’s district is drawn – hugging Interstate 81 and the Blue Ridge Mountains – also remains so. But Cline’s district could be one targeted by Democrats’ redraw – as slicing up the slender district and the top of Republican John McGuire’s confines and affixing the pieces to the increasingly blue center of the state could create several new seats designed in Democrats’ favor. Toying with the shapes of other districts like Vindman’s along I-95 and Republican Rep. Rob Wittman in the Northern Neck could also bear fruit for Democrats. Democrats were the ones to primarily spearhead the original constitutional amendment in 2020 that birthed the commission they now want to circumvent, as it had been introduced by then-Sen. George Barker of Fairfax. Some Republicans were listed as co-signers for the resolution as well. SPANBERGER DEFENDS ABORTION AD CRITICIZING SEARS AFTER BERNIE WARNS AGAINST HIGHLIGHTING ISSUE The amendment was later approved by about two-thirds of Virginia voters, according to reports. If they go the constitutional amendment route, passage before November’s election would count as one session, so Democrats – betting on holding or increasing their numbers in the legislature – would have to pass it once more in the 2026 session before it made the ballot after passage. Whether Earle-Sears or Spanberger wins, the governor is constitutionally precluded from intervening in the process. Working through the regular legislative process would, by contrast, allow a governor to intervene; with the outgoing Youngkin primed to veto their initial attempt. Pennsylvania Republicans led by 2022 gubernatorial nominee Doug Mastriano enlisted the same process to circumvent then-Gov. Tom Wolf and end his onerous coronavirus lockdown orders, so the process has seen recent success. The Virginia amendment would not likely create a new map, but instead authorize a new process to commence redistricting outside the current system with the decennial commission. Fox News Digital reached out to Spanberger for comment on Earle-Sears’ claim.
Fired Trump prosecutors launch new Washington firm they say will battle government corruption
Two federal prosecutors fired by President Donald Trump after working on special counsel Jack Smith’s legal team investigating the commander in chief have founded a new law firm to battle corruption. Molly Gaston and J.P. Cooney have formed a boutique firm in Washington, D.C., to do much of what they did for the Justice Department — but now in private practice. “We will offer a unique combination of services, including public integrity counseling to state and local governments, strategic representation at every stage of congressional and criminal investigations, and trial-ready representation in criminal and civil cases,” Cooney wrote in a LinkedIn blog post. DOJ SEEKS REMOVAL OF COMEY’S DEFENSE LAWYER, CITING CONFLICT OF INTEREST “We are thrilled to join the emerging market of boutique firms offering independent representation and zealous advocacy,” he added. The pair were part of Smith’s legal team looking into potential election interference and allegations that Trump moved classified documents to his Mar-a-Lago residence. The cases against Trump were dropped when he took office in January. They were then fired, along with several others who worked on Smith’s prosecutions, with termination letters saying they couldn’t be trusted to “faithfully implement” the president’s agenda, The Wall Street Journal reported. TRUMP’S US ATTORNEYS IN BLUE STATES FACE LEGAL CHALLENGES THAT COULD UPEND KEY PROSECUTIONS “We conducted a thorough and efficient investigation under very difficult circumstances. The simple fact is that we ran out of time,” Cooney told the newspaper. “That is unfortunate because it would have been good for the country to resolve these cases in court.” The new law firm will take on corruption and civil rights cases. “In the wake of the federal government’s decision to greatly reduce its enforcement of public corruption and civil rights laws, we help state and local governments fill the void,” a fact sheet on the firm’s website states. Smith recently stood by his 2023 decision to subpoena several Republican lawmakers’ phone records, calling the move “entirely proper” and consistent with Justice Department policy. In a letter obtained by Fox News Digital, Snith said through his lawyers that the subpoenaed data, known as toll records, belonging to eight senators and one House member were carefully targeted to support his investigation into Trump’s alleged subversion of the 2020 election. “As described by various Senators, the toll data collection was narrowly tailored and limited to the four days from January 4, 2021 to January 7, 2021, with a focus on telephonic activity during the period immediately surrounding the January 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol,” Smith’s lawyers wrote Tuesday to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa. Fox News Digital has reached out to the law firm for comment. Fox News Digital’s Ashley Oliver contributed to this report.
Reporter’s Notebook: White House pounces after top Dem says government shutdown gives party ‘leverage’
Senate Republicans are forcing Democrats to take a stand today — vote to pay expected federal workers (so-called essential) during the shutdown or risk looking anti-worker. The bill, from Sens. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., and Todd Young, R-Ind., would pay troops, on-duty TSA agents, air traffic controllers and law enforcement. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., says it’s a “political ploy” to let Trump “pick and choose” who gets paid. WHITE HOUSE MAY ‘RUN OUT’ OF FUNDS TO PAY MILITARY IF SHUTDOWN CONTINUES, JOHNSON WARNS House Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass., conceded to Fox News in a now-viral clip that there will be “families that are going to suffer” because of the shutdown but added that “it is one of the few leverage times we have.” Karoline Leavitt pounced, saying Democrats “admitted” to inflicting pain and asking, “What’s wrong with them?” Clark fired back, accusing the White House of “spinning the conflict” and inflicting “trauma” by firing workers. However, Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., called out his own party on Fox News’ “Hannity,” saying, “I am a country over party guy … It’s wrong to shut our government down.”
Red state university student caught on video threatening lives of Charlie Kirk supporters: ‘Watch your neck’
Another example of Charlie Kirk supporters being harassed surfaced at the University of Arizona this week, where a group of Turning Point USA students were threatened in an incident that was caught on camera. “Hey Nazis, can you set up somewhere where I can avoid you more easily?” a pink-haired individual, presumably a student, told a group of Turning Point USA students who had set up a tent on the University of Arizona campus. “Yeah, thank you, have a great day,” one of the students responded in the video, posted online by Turning Point USA on Wednesday. “Nah, f*** you Nazi, watch your neck,” the pink-haired student responded, referencing the assassination of Charlie Kirk. CHICAGO SCHOOLS SILENT ON PUNISHMENT OR PUBLIC CONDEMNATION OF TEACHER WHO MOCKED CHARLIE KIRK’S DEATH In a statement to Fox News Digital, a University of Arizona spokesperson said the school is investigating. “The University of Arizona does not tolerate harassing or threatening behavior,” the statement said. “After learning of the social media post and video, the Office of Public Safety and the Dean of Students contacted the Turning Point USA students and are actively investigating the incident.” CHARLIE KIRK’S LEGACY GUIDING ‘UNHAPPY’ GENERATION TOWARD FAITH, FAMILY AND FULFILLMENT ENDURES AFTER DEATH Since Kirk’s murder, the internet has been littered with examples of liberal attacks that either mock or celebrate his death. The outpouring of rhetoric has led to individuals across the country losing their jobs, particularly on college campuses. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP In Chicago over the weekend, as ‘No Kings’ protests were in full swing, an elementary school teacher was caught on video mocking Kirk’s death by pointing an imaginary gun at her neck and yelling, “Bang, bang.” “The most vile reactions to Charlie’s murder have almost all been public school teachers and professors,” TPUSA’s Andrew Kolvet posted on X. “Tells you a lot about what America’s children are facing and why TPUSA is more important than ever.”
GOP bill would require all truckers to pass English test as highway safety fears grow
Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C., is spearheading an effort to make English proficiency an enforceable prerequisite for commercial drivers in the wake of fatal crashes caused by illegal immigrants who skirted language requirements. “If you can’t read ‘bridge out ahead’ or communicate with a state trooper at a crash scene, you have no business driving an 80,000-pound truck on American highways,” Harrigan said. On Wednesday morning, Harrigan unveiled the SAFE Drivers Act alongside cosponsors Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, and Rep. Bob Onder, Mo. The bill would instruct states to administer English proficiency tests for applicants pursuing commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and grant the secretary of Transportation enhanced powers to oversee compliance. ‘ENGLISH ISN’T OPTIONAL’: SENATE GOP BILL TAKES AIM AT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT TRUCKERS AFTER FLORIDA CRASH If the secretary determines a state has failed to implement the standard, the bill grants them the ability to withhold funding for other aspects of its commercial driving program. The bill also includes reporting requirements states must make annually to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration detailing the number of prospective, successful and compliant applicants. “The SAFE Drivers Act [requires] one uniform English test nationwide before any CDL is issued. No more guesswork, no more state-by-state loopholes, just one standard that keeps Americans safe,” Harrigan said. DUFFY RESPONDS WITH ‘CROCODILE TEARS’ COMMENT ON BANNED CALIFORNIA TRUCK DRIVER CASE The SAFE Drivers act comes on the heels of the Trump administration’s decision to withhold $40 million from California after Harjinder Singh, a 28-year-old illegal immigrant, struck and killed three people after making an illegal U-Turn in Florida in August. California, where Singh had attained the CDL, had refused to enforce English language requirements, according to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. In a separate instance, Jashanpreet Singh, 22, an illegal immigrant who crossed the southern border, allegedly crashed headlong into a traffic jam on Wednesday while intoxicated. He, too, received a CDL from California — after having been released from prison under the Biden administration. Duffy said that existing requirements should have prevented the administration of a CDL in both cases. “U.S. Department of Transportation took THOUSANDS of commercial drivers out of service for not speaking English. Now we are withholding $40 MILLION from California for their refusal to do the same. TIME’S UP,” Duffy wrote in a post to X. Harrigan’s bill isn’t the only piece of legislation that seeks to give Duffy enhanced enforcement mechanisms. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., introduced a bill earlier this month that would deem drivers “out of service” if they fail to meet driving requirements. Harrigan’s bill differs from Lummis’ bill by applying the language requirement before the CDL license is granted. SENATE REPUBLICANS TARGET OBAMA-ERA TRUCKING RULE WITH NEW ENGLISH PROFICIENCY BILL “We have federal rules that require English proficiency, but no standardized test to enforce them, so states like California hand out commercial licenses to drivers who can’t understand basic safety instructions,” Harrigan said. Like other pieces of legislation, the SAFE Drivers Act likely won’t come to the floor for a vote until lawmakers resolve a 23-day shutdown and gridlock over how to fund the federal government. Consideration of a short-term spending bill failed for a 12th time in the Senate on Wednesday.