Trump says Comey ‘placed a cloud over the entire nation’ with Crossfire Hurricane, reacts to indictment
EXCLUSIVE: President Trump reacted to the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, telling Fox News Digital during an exclusive interview that he “placed a cloud over the entire nation” with the bureau’s “Crossfire Hurricane” probe. Comey, on Thursday evening, was indicted by a grand jury on two counts, alleged false statements within jurisdiction of the legislative branch and obstruction of congressional proceeding. COMEY INDICTED FOR ALLEGED FALSE STATEMENTS, OBSTRUCTION OF CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDING “What they did was so terrible and so corrupt,” Trump told Fox News Digital, referring to those involved in the Trump-Russia probe. “We had a great administration, though.” Former Deputy Assistant Director of Counterintelligence Peter Strzok formally opened the Trump-Russia investigation, known inside the bureau as “Crossfire Hurricane” on July 31, 2016. Trump fired Comey in May 2017. Days later Special Counsel Robert Mueller was appointed to take over the Crossfire Hurricane probe. “He is a very corrupt person. He was absolutely a terrible man for what this country stood for,” Trump told Fox News Digital. “Comey placed a cloud over the entire nation, and actually, the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax made it very difficult,” Trump said. “It could have caused wars.” Fox News Digital exclusively reported in July that Comey was under criminal investigation by the FBI. Fox News Digital also exclusively reported that former CIA Director John Brennan is under criminal investigation related to the Trump–Russia probe. When asked whether Brennan should be charged as well, the president told Fox News Digital: “We’ll have to see what happens.” “It is up to the Justice Department, but I can tell you, it is a group of people that was very disappointing,” the president said. “This makes Watergate look like peanuts.” EXCLUSIVE: FBI LAUNCHES CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS OF JOHN BRENNAN, JAMES COMEY: DOJ SOURCES He added: “They tried to destroy our country.” Comey’s case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. The indictment alleges that Comey obstructed a congressional investigation into the disclosure of sensitive information in violation of 18 USC 1505. The indictment also alleges Comey made a false statement when he stated he did not authorize someone at the FBI to be an anonymous source. According to the indictment, that statement was false. His arraignment is set for 10 a.m. on Oct. 9, in Alexandria Courtroom 600 before District Juge Michael S. Nachmanoff. “No one is above the law,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X. “Today’s indictment reflects this Department of Justice’s commitment to holding those who abuse positions of power accountable for misleading the American people. We will follow the facts in this case.” FBI Director Kash Patel took to X to say, “Today, your FBI took another step in its promise of full accountability.” “For far too long, previous corrupt leadership and their enablers weaponized federal law enforcement, damaging once proud institutions and severely eroding public trust,” Patel wrote. “Every day, we continue the fight to earn that trust back, and under my leadership, this FBI will confront the problem head-on. Nowhere was this politicization of law enforcement more blatant than during the Russiagate hoax, a disgraceful chapter in history we continue to investigate and expose. “Everyone, especially those in positions of power, will be held to account – no matter their perch.” Meanwhile, after nearly two years, former Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation, which concluded in March 2019, yielded no evidence of criminal conspiracy or coordination between the Trump campaign and Russian officials during the 2016 presidential election. Shortly after, John Durham was appointed as special counsel to investigate the origins of the “Crossfire Hurricane” probe. Durham found that the FBI “failed to act” on a “clear warning sign” that the bureau was the “target” of a Clinton-led effort to “manipulate or influence the law enforcement process for political purposes” ahead of the 2016 presidential election. “The aforementioned facts reflect a rather startling and inexplicable failure to adequately consider and incorporate the Clinton Plan intelligence into the FBI’s investigative decision-making in the Crossfire Hurricane investigation,” Durham’s report states. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SEEKS TO INDICT FORMER FBI DIRECTOR JAMES COMEY FOR ALLEGEDLY LYING TO CONGRESS “Indeed, had the FBI opened the Crossfire Hurricane investigation as an assessment and, in turn, gathered and analyzed data in concert with the information from the Clinton Plan intelligence, it is likely that the information received would have been examined, at a minimum, with a more critical eye,” the report continued. Durham, in his report, said the FBI “failed to act on what should have been — when combined with other incontrovertible facts — a clear warning sign that the FBI might then be the target of an effort to manipulate or influence the law enforcement process for political purposes during the 2016 presidential election.” In an Instagram post on Thursday, Comey acknowledged that he and his family have known for years that there are costs to standing up to President Donald Trump. “We couldn’t imagine ourselves living any other way,” he said. “We will not live on our knees and you shouldn’t.” Fox News’ David Spunt contributed to this report.
Waltz calls UN mishaps during Trump speech ‘unacceptable,’ vows funding freeze until reforms
United Nations Ambassador Mike Waltz on Thursday called mishaps during President Donald Trump’s U.N. speech “unacceptable” and vowed to withhold U.S. funding until sweeping reforms are made. Waltz appeared on FOX Business’ “Kudlow” when host Larry Kudlow asked him about the incidents that appeared as if the U.N. was trying to sabotage the president. Kudlow noted that the escalator malfunctioned as Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrived, the teleprompter later failed, and finally the auditorium sound cut out. Waltz added that the broadcast audio abruptly switched to Portuguese during Trump’s speech before returning to English. WORLD LEADERS LAUGH, SQUIRM AS TRUMP BLASTS UN ON CLIMATE, UKRAINE, GAZA AT GENERAL ASSEMBLY “The whole thing is unacceptable. The whole thing stinks,” Waltz said. “There’s 150 world leaders there and this only happens to him, not once, not twice, but three times.” He said the incidents are under investigation by the Secret Service and noted the Secretary General has pledged full cooperation. “As the ambassador, I said, you’ve got to open your doors, and some people were kind of shoulder shrugging at this,” Waltz said. “This could have been incredibly serious. It’s insulting, and it’s right here on American soil.” WALTZ TO ROOT OUT ANTISEMITISM, ELIMINATE ‘WOKE’ PROGRAMS, GET ‘BACK TO BASICS’ AT THE UNITED NATIONS Waltz then turned to reform, criticizing the U.N.’s bloated bureaucracy and noting that seven agencies focus on climate issues alone. He argued the organization needs to be “cut up” and reformed before U.S. taxpayer money flows again. He confirmed the U.S. has withheld its U.N. contribution this year. TRUMP’S FINAL CABINET PICK, MIKE WALTZ, CONFIRMED BY SENATE IN NARROW VOTE “We’ve withheld this year,” Waltz said. “We haven’t paid any and my first meeting with the Secretary General was, here are the reforms that we need to see before you start talking about taxpayer dollars.” Waltz invoked Sen. Jesse Helms’ 1999 push to clean up the U.N. before releasing U.S. dollars, saying transparency and accountability remain essential. “We have every obligation to make sure it’s transparent,” he said.
Harris resurrects campaign word salad when concerned pregnant mom asks about raising a son under Trump
NEW YORK — Former Vice President Kamala Harris tried to quell a nine-month-pregnant mom’s concerns over having a baby boy under the Trump administration, resurrecting a campaign phrase celebrating the “children of the community.” “Part of how I was raised to think about things was that the children of the community are our children of the community. And we all have some, I think, responsibility — you can call it a moral responsibility, you can think of it in different ways — but to be invested in their well-being and success,” Harris said Wednesday evening from The Town Hall theater venue in Midtown Manhattan. Harris was in New York City to launch her book tour to promote “107 Days,” which offers a detailed and personal retelling of her days on the 2024 presidential campaign trail after then-President Joe Biden dropped out amid mounting concerns over his mental acuity. KAMALA HARRIS’ BOOK, MEDIA TOUR SLAMMED BY LIBERAL CRITICS AS ‘EMBARRASSING’ AND ‘UNHELPFUL’ Harris only took a couple questions from the audience, including one from a nine-month-pregnant mom who was concerned about raising a son with a “good heart and moral compass” under “this current political climate.” Harris quelled the mom’s concerns by reassuring her she would teach her son how to be “strong,” which would catapult him to “role model” status as an adult. “To teach that our own children, that that is the way that we expect that they will live, which is to see the connection between themselves and others, to see the interdependence between themselves and others, and to have a sense of understanding that it’s a sign of strength to lift other people up,” she continued. BERNIE URGED HARRIS TO FOCUS ‘ON THE WORKING CLASS, NOT JUST ON ABORTION,’ BOOK REVEALS Harris argued that President Donald Trump has a “perverse notion” that strength is measured by “who you beat down,” which she rejected. “I used to talk about it a lot in those 107 days, which is this perverse notion that is absolutely being pushed by this guy in the White House, which is to suggest that the measure of strength is based on who you beat down,” she said. “Instead, what I think everyone here understands, which is the true measure of strength, is based on who you lift up.” KAMALA HARRIS BREAKS SILENCE ON BIDEN DROPOUT, ADMITS SHE HAS REGRETS ABOUT HER HANDLING OF SITUATION Harris added that she was excited about the future of the unborn baby under his mom’s leadership. “You’re going to teach him to be strong in every way that is important, and he will be a role model,” she continued. “And we are very, very excited for the future of that child.” Harris repeatedly has used the phrase “the children of the community are the children of the community” while speaking during public events, including as vice president and when she was running for the presidency in 2024. Conservative critics and others frequently mocked Harris’ “word salad” comments during the election cycle, including in September 2024 when she tied inflation to her “children of the community” phrase. “I grew up understanding the children of the community are the children of the community, and we should all have a vested interest in ensuring that children can go grow up with the resources that they need to achieve their God-given potential,” Harris said, explaining she wanted to lower the cost of groceries for struggling families and vowing to take on big corporations who gouged customers. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Harris kicked off her book tour in New York City before traveling to cities from coast to coast to promote her new book, which was released Tuesday. Her roughly hourlong conversation Wednesday evening included taking a few shots at Trump, as well as celebrating how former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton served as her mentor and supporter throughout the 2024 election.
Comey indictment sparks fierce political reactions nationwide
James Comey, the former FBI Director, was indicted on felony charges of obstruction and perjury Thursday, igniting fierce reactions across the nation and political spectrum. The charges, announced by newly appointed U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan in the Eastern District of Virginia, relate to his 2020 testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Halligan framed the indictment as a matter of accountability, declaring it “a breach of public trust at an extraordinary level” and emphasizing that “no one is above the law.” If convicted, Comey faces up to five years in prison. IN TRYING TO SECURE COMEY INDICTMENT, US PROSECUTORS HAVE SHORT WINDOW — AND A DIFFICULT CASE TO MAKE The announcement sparked reaction with the fastest coming through from the president and his allies. President Donald Trump has long demanded Comey’s prosecution since firing him in 2017 and railing against the Russia investigation he oversaw. Trump celebrated the news with a triumphant post on his Truth Social account. “JUSTICE IN AMERICA! One of the worst human beings this Country has ever been exposed to is James Comey, the former Corrupt Head of the FBI. Today he was indicted by a Grand Jury on two felony counts for various illegal and unlawful acts. He has been so bad for our Country, for so long, and is now at the beginning of being held responsible for his crimes against our Nation. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” the president wrote. FBI LAUNCHES CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS OF JOHN BRENNAN, JAMES COMEY: DOJ SOURCES Attorney General Pam Bondi also issued a sharp statement on X declaring, “No one is above the law. The American people deserve justice after years of lies and political interference.” FBI Director Kash Patel amplified that opinion and cast the indictment as part of a broader effort to restore trust in the bureau. “Today, your FBI took another step in its promise of full accountability,” he wrote. “For far too long, corrupt leadership weaponized federal law enforcement, damaging once proud institutions and eroding public trust. Under my leadership, this FBI will confront the problem head-on. No one is above the law.” U.S. Senator John Cornyn responded noting the gravity of Comey’s offenses. “While our legal system provides for the presumption of innocence, Comey’s accountability for FBI abuses during the first Trump term are long overdue,” he said. “These charges are serious offenses, especially if committed by the head of our nation’s top law enforcement agency, and there must be consequences for any crimes.” LISA BOOTHE POINTS TO ‘CLEAR EXAMPLE’ OF COMEY, BRENNAN’S ‘COLLUSION AND CORRUPTION’ Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller called it “a long-awaited correction to years of corruption and cover-ups,” while economic adviser Peter Navarro said it proved “justice delayed is not justice denied.” Democrats condemned the charges as politically motivated. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) denounced what he called a “malicious prosecution,” reminding reporters that Trump previously fired a prosecutor who refused to bring “frivolous charges.” Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, issued an even sharper rebuke. “This kind of interference is a dangerous abuse of power,” he warned. “By ousting a respected, independent prosecutor and replacing him with a partisan loyalist, Trump is undermining one of the most important U.S. Attorney’s offices in the country and eroding the rule of law itself.”
City council member resigns after going viral on Libs of TikTok for vile comment made to Trump supporter
Bree Danyele Montoya, a city councilmember representing Norman, Oklahoma’s Ward 3, resigned effective immediately Tuesday after a Facebook comment she wrote telling a Trump supporter to harm herself resurfaced and went viral when shared by Libs of TikTok. The resignation followed months of inaction from the city council, critics say, until the exchange gained national traction online. The City of Norman has since emphasized that while elected officials speak for themselves, it “does not support actions or behaviors that may encourage harm.” “In various capacities, I have served this community since 2008, and I am ready to pursue other interests. Effective immediately, I am resigning as councilmember for Ward 3. Thank you, Ward 3,” Montoya said at the meeting. The recipient of Montoya’s comments, constituent Audra Abbott, told FOX affiliate KOKH she was shocked when she realized who had written them. “I saw that she was a city council member within moments of her posting it, and I was like, ‘Wow, I can’t believe that an elected official would talk like that online,’” she said. DEARBORN MAYOR REFUSES TO APOLOGIZE FOR TELLING CHRISTIAN MINISTER HE WAS ‘NOT WELCOME HERE’ “If it hadn’t went viral with Libs of TikTok picking it up, I don’t think that anything would have happened at all.” Chaya Raichik, who runs Libs of TikTok, told Fox News Digital, “With a rising trend of violent left-wing extremists targeting conservatives, it is our duty to hold elected officials, such as Oklahoma City Councilor Bree Montoya, accountable for violent rhetoric, regardless of their status or position. “While the fake news media refuses to acknowledge the truth of the rising epidemic of far-left violence, Libs of TikTok will continue to expose elected leaders who promote violence, demonize ICE, or issue threatening statements against the American people.” NYC MAYORAL CANDIDATE ZOHRAN MAMDANI DEFENDS PAST TWEETS, SAYS CUOMO ATTACKING ‘MYTHICAL VERSION’ OF HIM In an email to Fox News Digital, Norman Chief Communications Officer Tiffany Martinez Vrska said, “The City of Norman as a municipal corporation does not support actions or behaviors that may encourage harm; carrying out municipal functions that provide or support public service remains the focus of the corporation.” She added that elected officials speak only for themselves when making personal remarks. Officials pointed to resources explaining Norman’s council–manager government structure and how the Ward 3 vacancy will be filled in the coming weeks. The online clash dates back to June, when Montoya and Abbott argued on Facebook about the size of a “No Kings” protest. Montoya called Abbott “uneducated” and escalated by telling her to harm herself. Screenshots of the exchange spread in local Facebook groups during the summer before Libs of TikTok recently amplified them on social media. Abbott and others say Norman officials ignored the controversy until the post gained traction online. Montoya was first elected in 2023, re-elected in February 2025, sworn in again July 1 and resigned less than three months later. At the Sept. 23 meeting, Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman addressed the incident. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “As your mayor, I want to affirm our commitment to upholding the rights guaranteed under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. The right to free speech is fundamental to our democracy, and it is our responsibility to ensure that every citizen has the opportunity to express their opinions and be heard,” the mayor said. “While we honor the right to free speech, we must also maintain an environment that is respectful, orderly and conducive to productive discussion,” Holman added. “My goal is to ensure that every voice in this room can be heard while maintaining the integrity and decorum of our meetings. I ask for your cooperation and mutual respect as we continue to work together for the betterment of Norman.”
Comey indicted for alleged false statements, obstruction of congressional proceeding
Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted by a grand jury on two counts, alleged false statements within jurisdiction of the legislative branch and obstruction of congressional proceeding, Fox News Digital has learned. Comey will reportedly turn himself in on Friday and his arraignment is set for 10 a.m. on Oct. 9, in Alexandria Courtroom 600 before District Juge Michael S. Nachmanoff. Fox News Digital exclusively reported in July that Comey was under criminal investigation by the FBI. The probe into Comey centered on whether he lied to Congress during his Sept. 30, 2020, testimony about his handling of the original Trump–Russia probe at the FBI, known inside the bureau as “Crossfire Hurricane.” “No one is above the law,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X. “Today’s indictment reflects this Department of Justice’s commitment to holding those who abuse positions of power accountable for misleading the American people. We will follow the facts in this case.” JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SEEKS TO INDICT FORMER FBI DIRECTOR JAMES COMEY FOR ALLEGEDLY LYING TO CONGRESS FBI Director Kash Patel took to X to say, “Today, your FBI took another step in its promise of full accountability.” “For far too long, previous corrupt leadership and their enablers weaponized federal law enforcement, damaging once proud institutions and severely eroding public trust,” Patel wrote. “Every day, we continue the fight to earn that trust back, and under my leadership, this FBI will confront the problem head-on. Nowhere was this politicization of law enforcement more blatant than during the Russiagate hoax, a disgraceful chapter in history we continue to investigate and expose. “Everyone, especially those in positions of power, will be held to account – no matter their perch.” The indictment alleges that Comey obstructed a congressional investigation into the disclosure of sensitive information in violation of 18 USC 1505. The indictment also alleges Comey made a false statement when he stated he did not authorize someone at the FBI to be an anonymous source. According to the indictment, that statement was false. In an Instagram post on Thursday, Comey acknowledged that he and his family have “known for years that there are costs to standing up to President Donald Trump. “We couldn’t imagine ourselves living any other way,” he said. “We will not live on our knees and you shouldn’t.” “My heart is broken for the department of justice, but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system and I’m innocent. So let’s have a trial and keep the faith,” Comey added. Fox News Digital also exclusively reported that former CIA Director John Brennan is under criminal investigation related to the Trump–Russia probe. Under federal law, prosecutors have five years to bring a charge, with the five-year mark occurring Tuesday. The case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. “JUSTICE IN AMERICA!” President Trump posted to his Truth Social account. “One of the worst human beings this Country has ever been exposed to is James Comey, the former Corrupt Head of the FBI. Today he was indicted by a Grand Jury on two felony counts for various illegal and unlawful acts. “He has been so bad for our Country, for so long, and is now at the beginning of being held responsible for his crimes against our Nation. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” The FBI opened its Trump-Russia probe in July 2016, known inside the bureau as “Crossfire Hurricane.” President Trump, during his first term, fired Comey in May 2017. Days later, Robert Mueller was appointed special counsel to take over the FBI’s original “Crossfire Hurricane” investigation. After nearly two years, former Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation, which concluded in March 2019, yielded no evidence of criminal conspiracy or coordination between the Trump campaign and Russian officials during the 2016 presidential election. Shortly after, John Durham was appointed as special counsel to investigate the origins of the “Crossfire Hurricane” probe. Durham found that the FBI “failed to act” on a “clear warning sign” that the bureau was the “target” of a Clinton-led effort to “manipulate or influence the law enforcement process for political purposes” ahead of the 2016 presidential election. “The aforementioned facts reflect a rather startling and inexplicable failure to adequately consider and incorporate the Clinton Plan intelligence into the FBI’s investigative decision-making in the Crossfire Hurricane investigation,” Durham’s report states. EXCLUSIVE: FBI LAUNCHES CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS OF JOHN BRENNAN, JAMES COMEY: DOJ SOURCES “Indeed, had the FBI opened the Crossfire Hurricane investigation as an assessment and, in turn, gathered and analyzed data in concert with the information from the Clinton Plan intelligence, it is likely that the information received would have been examined, at a minimum, with a more critical eye,” the report continued. Durham, in his report, said the FBI “failed to act on what should have been — when combined with other incontrovertible facts — a clear warning sign that the FBI might then be the target of an effort to manipulate or influence the law enforcement process for political purposes during the 2016 presidential election.” Fox News’ David Spunt contributed to this report.
Trump blasts Rep. Jasmine Crockett as ‘low IQ,’ jokes Somalia should ‘take back’ Ilhan Omar
President Donald Trump, while signing executive orders in the Oval Office Thursday, went off script to criticize Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, calling her “a very low IQ person” and questioning her role in Congress. “Recently, Jasmine Crockett. Yes, yes, I remember what I said. Is she any relation to the late, great Davy Crockett? I don’t think so,” Trump told assembled reporters. “Let me tell you before you even ask. She’s a very low IQ person. I mean, if we ever had to pass an aptitude test, that’s the one [who] should take one. … This is a low IQ person who I can’t even believe is a congressperson,” he said. JASMINE CROCKETT DISPARAGES MAGA VOTERS, TRUMP AS ‘MOST UNPATRIOTIC PEOPLE’ “Between her and Ilhan Omar [D-Minn.]… and, you know, I met the head of Somalia. Did you know that? And I suggested that maybe he’d like to take her back. And he said, ‘I don’t want her,’” Trump said. The president’s comments came as he addressed reporters during a proclamation and executive order signing, where his remarks shifted from the day’s policy agenda to sharp critiques of Democrat lawmakers. Trump grouped Crockett with Omar, reviving criticism he has often directed at members of the so-called progressive “Squad.” His anecdote about suggesting to Somalia’s leader that Omar, who was born in Mogadishu, be “taken back” drew laughter from some in the room. TRUMP LASHES OUT AT CROCKETT, RENEWS CALL FOR COGNITIVE TEST Crockett, a freshman Democrat from Texas, has quickly gained visibility for her combative style during House hearings and for her clashes with Republicans. Omar, meanwhile, has long been a target of Trump’s criticism over her pro-Palestinian views and outspoken progressive agenda. President Trump’s remarks are likely to energize his base, who see his plain-spoken approach as a refreshing break from Washington norms. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The White House, Crockett and Omar did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.
Teen pleads guilty to DOGE staffer beating that sparked DC National Guard deployment
A 15-year-old boy pleaded guilty to the beating of an ex-DOGE staffer earlier this year that sparked President Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to restore order to the city. The 15-year-old, from Hyattsville, Maryland, pleaded guilty in D.C. juvenile court to felony assault, simple assault, robbery and attempted robbery related to the beating of the former DOGE staffer, Edward Coristine, according to local outlet NBC Washington. On Aug. 3, Coristine, better known by his nickname, “Big Balls,” was assaulted at approximately 3 a.m. by a group of teenagers in D.C.’s Logan Circle neighborhood. The teens allegedly attempted to carjack him and a woman, whom police identified as his significant other, according to authorities. Police said Coristine pushed the woman into the vehicle for safety and turned to confront the attackers. JEANINE PIRRO ANNOUNCES CHARGES AGAINST TEEN IN SHOOTING AGAINST DC FIREFIGHTER: ‘SAD COMMENTARY ON WHAT’S GOING ON’ A photo of a bloodied Coristine went viral, sparking outrage over the city’s handling of crime and drawing President Donald Trump’s attention. The president slammed D.C., saying crime in the city was “totally out of control.” “Local ‘youths’ and gang members, some only 14, 15, and 16-years-old, are randomly attacking, mugging, maiming, and shooting innocent citizens, at the same time knowing that they will be almost immediately released. They are not afraid of Law Enforcement because they know nothing ever happens to them, but it’s going to happen now!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Days later, Trump directed federal law enforcement to increase its presence throughout D.C. He also deployed members of the National Guard to patrol the city and assumed federal control of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. Trump touted the takeover’s success in stopping crime in the city, saying in late August, “We’ve had some incredible results, and results have come out, and it’s like a different place. It’s like a different city.” TRUMP MAKES SURPRISE DC RESTAURANT STOP TO SHOWCASE ‘VIRTUALLY NO CRIME’ IN CAPITAL, FACES DOWN PROTESTERS Last week, the House of Representatives passed a pair of bills aimed at cracking down on crime in Washington, D.C., with dozens of Democrats voting against each one. The first bill advanced through the House was the DC Criminal Reforms to Immediately Make Everyone Safe Act, or the DC CRIMES Act. That legislation, led by Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., would reduce the maximum statutory age of a youth offender from 24 to 18, meaning people in their late teens are eligible to be tried as adults. It would also bar judges in most cases from being able to hand down sentences lower than the stated mandatory minimum for juvenile offenders. House lawmakers also advanced a bill led by Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, that would make juvenile offenders as young as 14 eligible to be tried as adults if accused of certain violent crimes. DEM GOVERNORS SUDDENLY CRACK DOWN ON CRIME AS TRUMP’S NATIONAL GUARD THREATS LOOM That age limit is currently at 16. The bill covers crimes including murder, first-degree sexual abuse, burglary in the first degree, robbery while armed or assault with intent to commit any such offense, according to a press release on Gill’s website. Since then, Trump has suggested he would take a similar approach to cracking down on crime in other major American cities. On Sept. 15, he signed a presidential memorandum titled “Restoring Law and Order in Memphis,” mobilizing the National Guard to the city and establishing a “Memphis Safe Task Force” like the D.C. task force.
Fox News Politics Newsletter: Zelenskyy questions effectiveness of UN amid global conflict
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… –Mangione, Catholic Church shooter, Kirk shooter, ICE shooter all allegedly had engraved ammo -DNC holds onto decades-old Jeffrey Epstein donations after other Dems returned theirs -TPUSA to give away 5,000 Charlie Kirk ‘freedom’ shirts at Penn State-Oregon game Kirk planned to attend Only “friends and weapons,” not international laws, can protect against war and authoritarian ambitions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned on Wednesday during an address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The Ukrainian leader, who has been pleading with the international community to do more to counter Russian President Vladimir Putin amid his more than three-and-a-half-year-long war, once again cautioned that Ukraine may have been the first European nation to bear Moscow’s affront to international order, but it will not be the last. “Putin will keep driving the war forward wider and deeper. And we told you before, Ukraine is only the first. And now Russian drones are already flying across Europe,” Zelenskyy said. “Russian operations are already spreading across countries, and Putin wants to continue this war by expanding it…Read more CHA-CHING?: Trump tariffs haul over $200B in revenues as Supreme Court weighs challenge to legality WEDDING BELLS: Congratulations pour in after White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino shares marriage proposal video POWER ALLY: Kamala Harris plays up relationship with Hillary Clinton as wedge with Biden widens LONG APPLAUSE: UN gives round of applause after Palestinian Authority president accuses Israel of ‘genocide’ ACCESS DENIED: Abbas to address UN after visa clash with US as questions swirl over Hamas SYRIA’S UN MOMENT: Syrian president’s historic UN speech joined by thousands rallying outside for peace and Trump’s support TRUTH COMES OUT: Gazan boy alive after ex-GHF ‘whistleblower’ falsely claimed IDF killed him JETS FOR FUEL: Trump: Erdogan could be ‘influential’ in ending Putin’s war amid push to cease Russian oil sales PEACE VIA STRENGTH: Lithuanian president credits Trump’s ‘strong’ UN address ‘A TERRIBLE MAYOR’: Trump accuses London of wanting ‘Sharia law’ in UN speech, mayor hits back MAFIA TACTICS: Senate progressive accuses Trump of ‘mafia-style blackmail’ in shutdown fight SEEKING OUSTER: Michigan Democrat Rep. Stevens cites ‘health care chaos’ in impeachment move against RFK Jr. SOUND OF SILENCE: Ilhan Omar silent after call to ‘abolish ICE’ over story on 5-year-old that NBC was forced to correct GENERALS GATHER: Hegseth orders hundreds of military commanders to Virginia for unprecedented meeting CLOCK RUNS OUT: In trying to secure Comey indictment, US prosecutors have short window — and a difficult case to make GAVELED OUT: Chaos erupts during immigration hearing as Democrat lunges at chairman’s gavel: ‘I’m tired of you’ HONOR CODE BUST: New Jersey governor hopeful blocked from Naval Academy graduation over cheating scandal BALLOT BRAWL: Republican aiming to flip blue state rips Dem rival for blaming ‘everything on Trump’ COMMISSION CHAOS: Ousted director says America250 leaders ‘hate Trump more than they love America’ after firing for Kirk post HEROES IN ACTION: Border Patrol agents rescue cyclist who fell ‘more than 50 feet’ into remote canyon PERIMETER SECURED: Charlie Kirk’s accused assassin encountered by police during return to crime scene: law enforcement sources HIGH STAKES: Who is Kathryn Nester, Charlie Kirk assassination suspect Tyler Robinson’s attorney? Get the latest updates on the Trump administration and Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.
Hegseth orders hundreds of military commanders to Virginia for unprecedented meeting
The Pentagon next week is convening a meeting of top U.S. military leaders from across the globe. Multiple War Department officials confirmed to Fox News that top military commanders had been asked to fly to Virginia for a meeting next week, though the topic of the discussion is unclear. Such a meeting is highly unusual and would usually take place on a secure video teleconference — around 800 generals and admirals are spread across the U.S. and world. PENTAGON’S NEW PRESS RULES MAY BE ‘BRIDGE TOO FAR,’ TURLEY WARNS The lack of details surrounding the gathering has some fearing a looming purge. War Secretary Pete Hegseth has previously said he wants to cut 20% of senior generals and admirals. The order, first reported by the Washington Post, applies to senior officers with the rank of brigadier general or above or their Navy equivalent and their top enlisted advisers. HEGSETH DELIVERS STERN WARNING TO CHINA IN FIRST CALL AFTER XI’S MILITARY PARADE It comes as administration officials have been preparing for a new national defense strategy that makes homeland defense a top priority, where the strategy had long had a focus on pivoting to the Indo-Pacific. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Pentagon for comment. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.