Trump honors lives of Laken Riley, Jocelyn Nungaray while celebrating strides on securing border
President Donald Trump honored the lives of Laken Riley and Jocelyn Nungaray, who were both brutally killed by illegal immigrants under the Biden administration, during his address to a joint Congress on Tuesday. “All three savages charged with Jocelyn and Laken’s murders were members of the Venezuelan prison gang, the toughest gang, they say, in the world known as Tren De Aragua. Two weeks ago, I officially designated this gang, along with MS-13 and the bloodthirsty Mexican drug cartels, as foreign terrorist organizations,” Trump said. “They are now officially in the same category as ISIS, and that’s not good for them. Countless thousands of these terrorists were welcomed into the U.S by the Biden administration. But now, every last one will be rounded up and forcibly removed from our country. Or, if they’re too dangerous, put in jail, standing trial in this country, because we don’t want them to come back ever,” he said. Trump declared during his speech that the U.S. “will never, ever forget our beautiful Laken Riley” through legislation he singed into law. TEXAS POLITICOS LAUNCH FULL-COURT PRESS AGAINST HARRIS AHEAD OF HER BORDER STATE CAMPAIGN RALLY: ‘APOLOGIZE’ “Laken was viciously attacked, assaulted. Beaten, brutalized, and horrifically murdered. Laken was stolen from us by a savage illegal alien,” Trump said during his speech. Georgia nursing student Laken Hope Riley, 22, was discovered beaten to death last year after going for a run on the University of Georgia’s campus. The Augusta University student crossed paths with an illegal immigrant, Jose Antonio Ibarra. Ibarra, a Venezuelan national, entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and was granted border “parole,” which allows noncitizens to temporarily enter the country due to an emergency or humanitarian reason, authorities have said. Ibarra soon made his way up to New York City, where he was arrested in August and “charged with acting in a manner to injure a child less than 17 and a motor vehicle license violation,” according to ICE. TRUMP SIGNS LAKEN RILEY ACT INTO LAW AS FIRST LEGISLATIVE VICTORY IN NEW ADMINISTRATION Trump continued that Ibarra “was arrested while trespassing across Biden’s open southern border.” “And then set loose into the United States under the heartless policies of that failed administration. It was indeed a failed administration. He had then been arrested and released in a Democrat run sanctuary city, a disaster, before ending the life of this beautiful young angel. With us this evening are Laken’s beloved mother, Alison, and her sister Lauren,” he said. Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law upon taking office for a second time in January, saying that the U.S. will never forget Riley through the law that directs Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain illegal immigrants arrested or charged with theft-related crimes, or those accused of assaulting a police officer. “Since taking office, my administration has launched the most sweeping border and immigration crackdown in American history. And we quickly achieved the lowest numbers of illegal border crossing ever recorded. … The media and our friends in the Democrat Party kept saying we needed new legislation. We must have legislation to secure the border. But it turned out that all we really needed was a new president,” he continued. 7.2M ILLEGALS ENTERED THE US UNDER BIDEN ADMIN, AN AMOUNT GREATER THAN POPULATION OF 36 STATES Trump also remember the life of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, who was sexually assaulted and murdered by strangulation when two illegal immigrants in their 20s allegedly lured the young girl under a bridge before killing her in June of 2024. “Her precious Jocelyn walked to a nearby convenience store,” Trump said, speaking to the young girl’s mom, Alexis Nungaray. “She was kidnaped, tied up, assaulted for two hours under a bridge and horrifically murdered. Arrested and charged with this heinous crime are two illegal alien monsters from Venezuela, released into America by the last administration through their ridiculous open border. The death of this beautiful 12-year-old girl, and the agony of her mother and family touched our entire nation greatly.” Trump said that he learned of the young girl’s love of nature while getting to know her family, and revealed that he renamed a wildlife refuge in Texas in honor of Jocelyn Nungaray. “Alexis, I promised that we would always remember your daughter, your magnificent daughter. And earlier tonight I signed an order keeping my word to you. One thing I have learned about Jocelyn is that she loved animals so much. She loved nature. Across Galveston Bay, from where Jocelyn lived in Houston, you will find a magnificent National Wildlife Refuge. A pristine, peaceful, 34,000-acre sanctuary for all of God’s creatures on the edge of the Gulf of America.” “Alexis, moments ago, I formally renamed that refuge in loving memory of your beautiful daughter, Jocelyn,” he said. Fox News Digital’s Diana Stancy contributed to this report.
Trump promises to ramp up energy production, lower cost of eggs during joint address: ‘Liquid gold’
President Donald Trump promised to “make America affordable again” by reducing the cost of energy during his joint address to Congress Tuesday night. Speaking in the U.S. Capitol, Trump said that he was “fighting every day” to “reverse” the economic damage that he blamed on his predecessor, former President Joe Biden. “Joe Biden especially let the price of eggs get out of control,” Trump said. “The egg price is out of control, and we’re working hard to get it back down. “ “A major focus of our fight to defeat inflation is rapidly reducing the cost of energy,” the president continued. “The previous administration cut the number of new oil and gas leases by 95%, slowed pipeline construction to a halt and closed more than 100 power plants. We are opening up many of those power plants right now.” MEXICO, CANADA TARIFFS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED DUE TO ‘UNACCEPTABLE’ DRUG FLOW, TRUMP SAYS “We have more liquid gold under our feet than any nation on earth, and by far,” Trump said. “And now I fully authorize the most talented team ever assembled to go and get it. It’s called drill, baby, drill.” Slashing energy prices was one of Trump’s many campaign promises before he was elected in November 2024. At a rally in State College, Pennsylvania, Trump vowed to lift the U.S. pause on U.S. liquefied natural gas export terminals. MIKE ROWE SAYS TRUMP POLICIES WILL LEAD TO SHORT-TERM PAIN, BUT LONG-TERM GAIN “Starting on day one of my new administration, I will end Kamala Harris’ war on Pennsylvania energy,” Trump said to the crowd on Oct. 26. “And we will frack, frack, frack.” Trump also promised his supporters that their energy bills would be halved within his first 12 months in office. Before he was confirmed, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright previously said that lowering the cost of energy was one of three of his main objectives in office. “Federal policies today make it too easy to stop projects and very hard to start and complete projects,” Wright said in January. “This makes energy more expensive and less reliable. President Trump is committed to lowering energy costs and to do so, we must prioritize cutting red tape, enabling private sector investments, and building the infrastructure we need to make energy more affordable for families and businesses.” Fox News’ Breanne Deppisch contributed to this report.
Social media erupts after House Dem interrupted Trump’s address to Congress: ‘Embarrassing themselves’
Reactions poured in as Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, was removed from the House chamber for protesting in the middle of President Donald Trump’s address to Congress on Tuesday night. However, Green and other Democrats protesting were drowned out with chants of “USA” at the start of the president’s remarks. On social media, several conservatives slammed Green and the Democrats, saying their behavior was “out of control.” “The Democrats are out of control. They are embarrassing themselves. Heckling the President, especially in a forum like this, is not how they will win,” former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer posted on X. TRUMP DECLARES ‘AMERICA IS BACK’ IN SPEECH BEFORE CONGRESS “Al Green is a disgrace,” Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., tweeted. “[Trump] won the election. #47.” “Speaker Mike Johnson just ordered the Sergeant at Arms to forcibly remove Rep. Al Green for breaking rules of decorum in the House Chamber. Good for the Speaker. Al Green is a clown,” Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk posted on X. “Rep. Al Green has been a gadfly his entire time in Congress. He purposefully disrupted in order to get removed… shameful conduct, but absolutely not surprising,” American Encore President Sean Noble stated on X. “I am disgusted. This is disgusting behavior on the part of democrats,” Megan McCain, the daughter of the late Sen. John McCain, said on X. “Get a grip. You’re in congress.” TUNE IN: LIVE COVERAGE OF TRUMP’S ADDRESS TO CONGRESS TUESDAY NIGHT ON FOX NEWS However, some believe that the Democratic congressman did the right thing. “Rep. Al Green is a goddamn hero,” progressive writer and former Hillary Clinton adviser Charlotte Clymer tweeted. “If 77 year old Al Green can disrupt and be removed, then every single other Democrat had a duty to do so as well. Keep em coming,” Dear White Staffers, a popular far-left social media account, posted on X. Speaker Mike Johnson asked the Sergeant at Arms to escort the Democrat out of the chamber, which was met with cheers from Republicans. Many of Green’s fellow Democrats remained seated as the interaction went on. Green, one of Trump’s most vocal critics, has already filed impeachment articles against Trump over what he called “ethnic cleansing in Gaza.” SCOOP: SPEAKER JOHNSON REVEALS GUEST LIST FOR TRUMP’S BIG SPEECH TUESDAY He was far from the only one making a statement on Tuesday night, as many of the Democratic women in the chamber wore pink in uniform, and Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., briefly held up a sign behind the president stating “This is not normal.” The sign was quickly taken away by Rep. Lance Gooden, R-Texas.
Social media erupts after House Dem Al Green interrupted Trump’s address: ‘Embarrassing themselves’
Reactions poured in as Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, was removed from the House chamber for protesting in the middle of President Donald Trump’s address to Congress on Tuesday night. However, Green and other Democrats protesting were drowned out with chants of “USA” at the start of the president’s remarks. On social media, several conservatives slammed Green and the Democrats, saying their behavior was “out of control.” “The Democrats are out of control. They are embarrassing themselves. Heckling the President, especially in a forum like this, is not how they will win,” former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer posted on X. TRUMP DECLARES ‘AMERICA IS BACK’ IN SPEECH BEFORE CONGRESS “Al Green is a disgrace,” Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., tweeted. “[Trump] won the election. #47.” “Speaker Mike Johnson just ordered the Sergeant at Arms to forcibly remove Rep. Al Green for breaking rules of decorum in the House Chamber. Good for the Speaker. Al Green is a clown,” Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk posted on X. “Rep. Al Green has been a gadfly his entire time in Congress. He purposefully disrupted in order to get removed… shameful conduct, but absolutely not surprising,” American Encore President Sean Noble stated on X. “I am disgusted. This is disgusting behavior on the part of democrats,” Megan McCain, the daughter of the late Sen. John McCain, said on X. “Get a grip. You’re in congress.” TUNE IN: LIVE COVERAGE OF TRUMP’S ADDRESS TO CONGRESS TUESDAY NIGHT ON FOX NEWS However, some believe that the Democratic congressman did the right thing. “Rep. Al Green is a goddamn hero,” progressive writer and former Hillary Clinton adviser Charlotte Clymer tweeted. “If 77 year old Al Green can disrupt and be removed, then every single other Democrat had a duty to do so as well. Keep em coming,” Dear White Staffers, a popular far-left social media account, posted on X. Speaker Mike Johnson asked the Sergeant at Arms to escort the Democrat out of the chamber, which was met with cheers from Republicans. Many of Green’s fellow Democrats remained seated as the interaction went on. Green, one of Trump’s most vocal critics, has already filed impeachment articles against Trump over what he called “ethnic cleansing in Gaza.” SCOOP: SPEAKER JOHNSON REVEALS GUEST LIST FOR TRUMP’S BIG SPEECH TUESDAY He was far from the only one making a statement on Tuesday night, as many of the Democratic women in the chamber wore pink in uniform, and Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., briefly held up a sign behind the president stating “This is not normal.” The sign was quickly taken away by Rep. Lance Gooden, R-Texas.
Democrat removed from House chamber after disrupting Trump’s speech to Congress: ‘Take your seat’
Multiple Democrats caused disruptions before and during President Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday despite calls from many in the party not to do so. Shortly into Trump’s speech, Dem. Rep. Al Green stood up and began shouting at the president and waving his cane at him. “Members are engaging in willful and continuing breach of decorum, and the chair is prepared to direct the sergeant at arms to restore order to the joint session,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said in response to the jeers from the crowd. “Mr. Green, take your seat,” he added. ‘HE’S BACK’: TRUMP’S JOINT ADDRESS TO CONGRESS TO BE BLANKETED WITH 6-FIGURE AD BUY TOUTING TAX PLAN Speaker Johnson then ordered the sergeant at arms to remove Green from the chamber and he was escorted out. Green, one of Trump’s most vocal critics, has already filed impeachment articles against Trump over what he called “ethnic cleansing in Gaza.” TRUMP SET TO CONTINUE UNPRECEDENTED LEVEL OF ACTIONS, ADDRESS CONGRESS IN 7TH WEEK BACK IN OFFICE Earlier in the day, some Democrats warned that antics during the speech should be avoided, including former Kamala Harris 2024 senior adviser Ian Sams. “Democrats: PLEASE do not do dumb sh– like this during Trump’s speech,” former Harris 2024 senior advisor Ian Sams posted on X Tuesday. Green told reporters after being removed that he objected to Trump saying he had a “mandate.” “I was making it clear to the president that he has no mandate to cut Medicaid,” Green said. “I have people who are very fearful. These are poor people, and they have only Medicaid in their lives when it comes to their health care. And I want him to know that his budget calls for deep cuts in Medicaid. He needs to save Medicaid, protect it. Green added that he is “willing to suffer whatever punishment is available to me.” “I didn’t say to anyone, don’t punish me,” Green said. “I’ve said, I’ll accept the punishment.” Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., silently protested Trump as he walked to the podium ahead of his address on Tuesday night. Stansbury, the top Democrat on House DOGE subcommittee, held up a sign reading “This is not normal,” as Trump greeted people nearby. Rep. Lance Gooden, R-Texas, appeared to grab the paper from Stansbury and threw it. He stood across the aisle from her, along with fellow Republicans. Fox News Digital’s Andrea Margolis contributed to this report
Trump declares ‘America is back’ in speech before Congress
President Donald Trump kicked off his address before a joint session of Congress Tuesday evening. “To my fellow citizens, America is back,” Trump declared after thanking the members of Congress and first lady Melania Trump. “Six weeks ago, I stood beneath the dome of this Capitol and proclaimed the dawn of the golden Age of America,” he said. “From that moment on, it has been nothing but swift and unrelenting action to usher in the greatest and most successful era in the history of our country. We have accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations accomplished in four years or eight years. And we are just getting started.” The audience was heard chanting “USA, USA, USA” amid the president’s opening remarks. Trump arrived to the podium shortly after 9:15 p.m. Eastern Standard Time Tuesday, where he was greeted by cheers from conservative lawmakers, while Democrats overwhelmingly remained seated. Protests broke out shortly after Trump began his speech, including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson demanding Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, be removed after he refused to stop yelling or sit during the speech. “Our members are directed to uphold and maintain decorum in the House, and to cease any further disruptions — that’s your warning,” Johnson said. “Members are engaging in willful and continuing breach of decorum, and the chair is prepared to direct the Sergeant at Arms to restore order to the joint session.” “Mr. Greene, take your seat. Take your seat,” Johnson continued before Green was removed. The speech marks Trump’s first before Congress since his return to the Oval Office in January. The address, though similar to the State of the Union, does not carry the same official title as Trump has not been in office for the past year. TRUMP TO DELIVER FIRST ADDRESS OF HIS SECOND TERM TO JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS The White House previously told Fox News Digital that “The Renewal of the American Dream” was the theme of the speech and would feature four main sections: accomplishments from Trump’s second term thus far at home and abroad; what the Trump administration has done for the economy; the president’s renewed push for Congress to pass additional funding for border security; and the president’s plans for peace around the globe. ‘HE’S BACK’: TRUMP’S JOINT ADDRESS TO CONGRESS TO BE BLANKETED WITH 6-FIGURE AD BUY TOUTING TAX PLAN TRUMP SET TO CONTINUE UNPRECEDENTED LEVEL OF ACTIONS, ADDRESS CONGRESS IN 7TH WEEK BACK IN OFFICE Trump did not participate in any formal speech preparation — such as advisers coaching him on how to gesticulate during the address — but he was involved in the editing process of the speech, Fox News’ Peter Doocy reported ahead of the address. Several Democratic members previewed they would boycott Trump’s address ahead of Tuesday, including Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., also skipped attending, instead holding a live prebuttal of the speech. THEME OF TRUMP’S ADDRESS TO CONGRESS REVEALED Democrat congresswomen who did join the speech were seen wearing pink in protest of Trump and his policies, notably ones they say impact women. Fox News Digital’s Brooke Singman and Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report.
Guests of first couple rally around Trump’s policies ahead of address to Congress: ‘Incredible stories’
FIRST ON FOX: Guests attending President Donald Trump’s speech before Congress on Tuesday evening heaped praise on the 47th president and his policies in a video obtained by Fox News Digtial. “From the bottom of my absolute heart and my family’s heart, we truly appreciate everything that you’ve done for us, and it means absolutely the world to bring justice to my daughter, to Jocelyn, and to every other family, to not have to go through what we’re going through. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything,” Alexis Nungaray, the mom of Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl who was murdered by illegal immigrants said in the video, which was exclusively obtained by Fox Digital. “Thank you, President Trump, for giving me this opportunity to be a light for foster care community and the adoption community,” another woman, Haley Ferguson, a former foster child invited by the first lady, said in the video. MELANIA TRUMP SPEAKS ON CAPITOL HILL FOR FIRST TIME IN ROUNDTABLE FOCUSED ON PUNISHING REVENGE PORN The first lady announced earlier Tuesday that she would bring 15 “everyday Americans” to Trump’s first address to Congress following his return to the White House in January. “These men, women, and families come from all different walks of life with incredible stories about the disaster wrought by the previous administration, and the historic achievements President Trump has already enacted to usher in the Golden Age of America,” the White House said in a statement announcing the guest list on Tuesday. MELANIA TRUMP ANNOUNCES RETURN OF WHITE HOUSE EASTER EGG ROLL Allyson Comperatore — the daughter of Corey Comperatore, who was killed during a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a shooter attempted to assassinate the president – also heaped praise on Trump in the video. “I just want to thank you for involving our families. It meant more than you could probably ever imagine,” she said in the video. FIRST LADY MELANIA TRUMP ANNOUNCES REOPENING OF PUBLIC WHITE HOUSE TOURS The first lady’s invite list includes: Elliston Berry; Helen, Allyson, and Kaylee Comperatore; Jeff Denard; Stephanie Diller; Haley Ferguson; Marc and Malphine Fogel; January Littlejohn; Payton McNabb; Allyson and Lauren Phillips; Alexis Nungaray; Roberto Ortiz. The White House previously told Fox News Digital that “The Renewal of the American Dream” is the theme of the speech and will feature four main sections: accomplishments from Trump’s second term thus far at home and abroad; what the Trump administration has done for the economy; the president’s renewed push for Congress to pass additional funding for border security; and the president’s plans for peace around the globe.
Pete Buttigieg meets with Chuck Schumer as he considers Michigan Senate bid
Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg met with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., as he contemplates wading into the 2026 Michigan Senate race. The two met last week to discuss Buttigieg potentially running for outgoing Democratic Sen. Gary Peters’ seat in the Trump-won swing state, a source familiar confirmed to Fox News Digital. HOUSE GOPERS HOPE TRUMP KEEPS DOOR TO MINERAL DEAL OPEN FOR UKRAINE DESPITE OVAL OFFICE DISPUTE Schumer’s office and a representative for Buttigieg did not immediately provide comment to Fox News Digital. The meeting was first reported by Politico. Buttigieg, 43, previously served as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, before launching a presidential bid in 2020. Fans affectionately referred to him as “Mayor Pete,” and he has maintained popularity within the Democratic Party as one of its younger stars. GOP REBELS FIRE WARNING SHOT IN SHUTDOWN SHOWDOWN: NO DOGE, NO DEAL The millennial Democrat was later chosen to serve as President Biden’s transportation secretary. Soon after Peters revealed in January he wouldn’t seek re-election in the pivotal battleground state of Michigan, a source familiar with Buttigieg’s thinking told Fox News Digital, “Pete is exploring all of his options on how he can be helpful and continue to serve.” SENATE BID TO PREVENT BOYS FROM PLAYING GIRLS’ SPORTS GETS STUCK ON FILIBUSTER “He’s honored to be mentioned for this, and he’s taking a serious look.” Peters announced his retirement to the Detroit News, telling the outlet, “I always thought there would be a time that I would step aside and pass the reins for the next generation. I also never saw service in Congress as something you do your whole life.” WHO IS ELISSA SLOTKIN, AND WHY DID DEMS CHOOSE HER FOR THE PARTY’S REBUTTAL TO TRUMP SPEECH? “And that goes back to 2008 when I first won that House seat. I thought it would be for a matter of a few terms that I would serve, and then I would go back to private life,” he added. The Michigan Senate race is considered a “Toss Up” by top nonpartisan political handicapper the Cook Political Report.
Florida governor spotlights timely golf outing he and Casey DeSantis had with President Trump
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took to social media on Tuesday to share a photo from a golf outing he and his wife, first lady Casey DeSantis, had with President Donald Trump this past weekend. The move by DeSantis comes as the race to succeed the term-limited conservative governor heats up, with Trump ally Rep. Bryon Donalds announcing his candidacy after landing the president’s endorsement, and the high-profile first lady acknowledging she’s considering a 2026 run. Trump and Florida’s first couple had breakfast together this past weekend at the president’s West Palm Beach golf course, and also played a round of golf. “.@CaseyDeSantisteeing off at Trump Int’l in Palm Beach (made birdie on the hole). Casey and @realDonaldTrump had no trouble winning the match…,” the governor wrote in a post on his political account on X. DESANTIS TAKES VICTORY LAP IN IMPLEMENTING TRUMP’S IMMIGRATION CRACKDOWN A Republican source in Florida confirms to Fox News that the governor and first lady used their morning with Trump, in part, to appeal to the president to not further engage in the gubernatorial race beyond his initial endorsement of Donalds. The president, who moved his primary residence to Florida in 2019, two weeks ago took to social media to write that Donalds – who was a major surrogate for Trump on the 2024 campaign trail – “would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida.” Trump added that Donalds, “should he decide to run, will have my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, BYRON, RUN!” WATCH: BYRON DONALDS ANNOUNCES RUN FOR GOVERNOR IN FOX NEWS CHANNEL APPEARANCE Donalds announced his candidacy a week later, in an appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity.” The conservative former state lawmaker, who has represented parts of southwest Florida in Congress for four years, had been eyeing a potential gubernatorial bid for nearly a year. “I’ve thought about it. I don’t really rule anything out,” Donalds said in a Fox News Digital interview last spring when asked about a possible run for governor. Trump and DeSantis have a long but at times combustible political history. The president backed then-Rep. DeSantis successful 2018 run for governor and the two were allies for a couple of years. But the two GOP heavyweights waged a bitter battle in 2023 and early last year during a very combative and divisive 2024 GOP presidential nomination race. They seemed to make peace after Trump quickly clinched the nomination during the primaries, and DeSantis helped raise funds for Trump during the general election. After Donalds jumped into the race, DeSantis seemed to criticize the congressman, saying at a news conference that “I think people look at it and say you’ve got a guy like Byron, he just hasn’t been a part of any of the victories that we’ve had here over the left over these last years.” Since he made those comments, the governor has refrained from criticizing Donalds, but has repeatedly touted his wife’s accomplishments as Florida first lady and framing her as a worthy successor. Casey DeSantis last week stoked speculation when asked by reporters if she would run. “To quote the late Yogi Berra,” DeSantis said as she reiterated a famous line from the late baseball legend. “If you see a fork in the road, take it.” The governor then quipped to reporters that “you guys can read into that what you will.” Fox News last week also confirmed that Gov. DeSantis was reaching out to donors on behalf of his wife. Asked about Casey DeSantis, Donald told Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” host Maria Bartiromo this past weekend that “I remember back in 2018 campaigning for then-Congressman DeSantis, who had the support of Donald Trump, and that worked out great for our state. So, in 2025, moving into 2026, I am really honored to have the same support from President Trump.” “He has a history of making good picks, and I think his picks have always worked out for the Sunshine State,” Donald emphasized. And he added that “we will worry about the primaries as other people decide to get in the race or not, but we are going to be focused on Floridians.” While Florida was once a top general election battleground, it’s now firmly red – DeSantis won re-election in 2022 by nearly 20 points and Trump carried the state in November by 13 points – and the eventual winner of the GOP primary will be considered the front-runner in next year’s gubernatorial election.
House GOPers hope Trump keeps door to mineral deal open for Ukraine despite Oval Office dispute
House Republicans said President Donald Trump should keep a proposed minerals deal with Ukraine on the table, despite the public Oval Office showdown with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Friday. “I hope that Zelenskyy will come back humbly to the president, thanking the president for being willing to engage (and) having those business interests,” Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, told Fox News Digital Tuesday. He added that it would have been a “really great” way for Ukraine to signal to Russia that America is on its side. “I hope we’ll go down that road,” Roy said of the proposed deal. GOP REBELS FIRE WARNING SHOT IN SHUTDOWN SHOWDOWN: NO DOGE, NO DEAL Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s Friday meeting with Zelenskyy at the White House was cut short after they publicly sparred over the effort to end the Ukraine-Russia war. An agreement that would give the U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical minerals in exchange for the financial support the U.S. has given Ukraine since 2022 and future investment in the country was left unsigned and Zelenskyy was asked by Trump to depart early. Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah, said the deal should “absolutely” still be in consideration. He pointed out that the U.S.’s presence in Ukraine would deter “the threat of having attacks that we had three years ago. So it’s a win-win.” SENATE BID TO PREVENT BOYS FROM PLAYING GIRLS’ SPORTS GETS STUCK ON FILIBUSTER “I think everything should be on the table. Right?” remarked House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn. “I’m very I was encouraged by President Zelenskyy’s move today to say everything he should have said last week when he was in the Oval Office. And I think that bodes well.” Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., agreed with his GOP colleagues that the deal shouldn’t be scrapped. “Donald Trump did the right things,” he said. “What Zelenskyy did to disrespect the president. Watch how he interrupted the president. Watch how he challenged the vice president. It’s unheard of.” WHO IS ELISSA SLOTKIN, AND WHY DID DEMS CHOOSE HER FOR THE PARTY’S REBUTTAL TO TRUMP SPEECH? Trump is “going to have to decide what he wants,” according to Norman. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., said, “I think that President Zelenskyy regrets not signing it and keeping his mouth shut.” House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris, R-Md., also said the deal should remain in consideration, “absolutely.” “I think it’s a win-win for the Ukrainians,” he added. “I was very disappointed they didn’t take advantage of it.” FLASHBACK: DEM SENATOR EMBROILED IN CONFLICT OF INTEREST ROW TARGETED SCOTUS IN ETHICS CRUSADE In a new development, Zelenskyy addressed the contentious meeting once again Tuesday, and said Ukraine was “ready to come to the negotiating table.” He further remarked that the discussion with Trump and Vance “did not go the way it was supposed to be,” but Zelenskyy said “it is time to make things right.” “My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts,” he said in a lengthy statement on social media.