Hillary Clinton sparks social media firestorm for promoting book warning about ‘fascists’: ‘Sick people’
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is getting blasted on social media after posting a picture supporting American Federation of Teachers (AFT) chief Randi Weingarten’s new book that suggests her political opponents are “fascists.” “Congratulations to my friend [Weingarten] on ‘Why Fascists Fear Teachers.’ From banning books to controlling curriculum, authoritarians go after public education because it’s a cornerstone of democracy,” Clinton posted on Wednesday, along with a picture of Weingarten holding the book. “Randi’s new book is a critical read for this moment,” she wrote. Clinton was criticized by conservatives for the post, which they argued continued the smear campaign against political opponents that many believe contributed to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. TOP UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATOR CALLS CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION ‘FAIR’ DUE TO STANCE ON GUNS: ‘NO PRAYERS’ “It’s been one week since Charlie Kirk was murdered by a lunatic who wrote about ‘fascists’ on shell casings,” Republican communicator Matt Whitlock posted on X. “Now, Randi Weingarten has a new book arguing everyone who disagrees with her views on public education – which have destroyed public education in America – is a fascist.” American Culture Project senior fellow Corey DeAngelis wrote on X, “Hillary Clinton and Randi Weingarten are going full speed ahead with this disgusting rhetoric right after Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Sick people.” LIBERAL PROFESSORS’ GROUP BACKS FACULTY SPEECH AFTER CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION, SILENT ON CONDEMNING ATTACK “Charlie Kirk was murdered exactly one week ago,” conservative influencer Jack Posobiec posted on X. “Here’s Hillary Clinton today:” “They wrote an entire book on a word they don’t even understand,” restaurateur and Huntington Beach City Council member Andrew Gruel posted on X. “The room. That’s what y’all should read,” Washington Free Beacon investigative reporter Chuck Ross posted on X. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “Democrats Hillary Clinton and Randi Weingarten are still suggesting Republicans are ‘fascists,’” an account belonging to the Republican National Committee (RNC) posted on X. “They really can’t help themselves, can they?” Fox News Digital reached out to Clinton’s office for comment on the post, which has racked up 2 million views on X, but did not immediately hear back. “Have they read the book?” Weingarten said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “If they did they’d discover it’s a love letter to teachers.” Weingarten’s book, which hit bookshelves Tuesday, elaborates on her views on battling what she says is fascist ideology and how it works to “undermine democracy, opportunity and public education as we know it.” “Attacks on schools and teachers have long been a hallmark of fascist regimes: Throughout history, as many dictators rose to power they began banning books and controlling curriculum,” the book’s preview reads. “Fascists fear teachers because teachers foster an educated and empowered population that can see past propaganda and scare tactics. Fascists fear teachers because they teach young people how to think for themselves.” Media pundits and conservatives have been pointing to the left’s years of claiming conservative figures such as Kirk are “fascists.” Following Kirk’s assassination at the hands of a shooter authorities say embraced a leftist ideology, numerous examples have surfaced of liberal pundits, politicians, professors and other individuals celebrating or downplaying the death of Kirk, prompting many to blame heated political rhetoric from the left as a contributor to Kirk’s death. Fox News Digital’s Emma Colton contributed to this report.
Federal judge blocks Trump administration from deporting hundreds of Guatemalan minors
A federal judge on Thursday blocked the Trump administration from deporting certain Guatemalan minors to their home country after the government walked back claims that it intended to reunite the youths with their parents. Judge Timothy Kelly, who issued the order, signaled his skepticism of the removals in a hearing last week, noting declarations from minors who said they feared facing violence or neglect if they were returned to Guatemala. “It goes without saying that makes that irreparable harm,” Kelly said of their possible removals. Kelly, a Trump appointee, also raised a report from the Guatemalan attorney general’s office, which plaintiffs submitted to the court. The report was compiled in response to Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement notifying the Guatemalan government that the government planned to return more than 600 minors to Guatemala. No parents had requested the return of their children, the report said. DOJ attorney Sarah Welch responded during the hearing that she had no evidence to contradict the report. BIDEN JUDGE HALTS ‘SURPRISING’ ILLEGAL ALIEN MINOR REPATRIATION PLAN AFTER ADVOCACY GROUPS SUE “I don’t have anything specific that I can refer to contest the Guatemalan AG’s report,” Welch said, though she also said that some children have signaled they are interested in returning home. The judge’s order arose from a lawsuit brought against the Trump administration after federal authorities woke up 70 minors, aged 10 to 17, in the middle of the night over Labor Day weekend while they were in HHS custody and transferred them to a plane bound for Guatemala. Attorneys for the minors secured an emergency restraining order from Judge Sparkle Sooknanan that prevented their imminent deportation. Kelly’s order effectively extends that order indefinitely. The Trump administration could appeal the decision. Fox News Digital reached out to the Department of Homeland Security, which is named in the lawsuit, for comment. The minors’ attorneys argued their clients were at imminent risk of removal despite some having pending asylum cases or other legal claims that had not fully been vetted by the courts. LAWYERS CHALLENGE DEPORTATION OF HUNDREDS OF MINORS TO GUATEMALA Sooknanan initially addressed the lawsuit over Labor Day weekend, but Kelly has since taken the case over. Trump administration officials, including a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, had excoriated Sooknanan when she issued her order, claiming the judge was blocking children from returning to their parents. “Judge Sparkle [Sooknanan] is blocking flights to *reunify* Guatemalan children with their families,” DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin wrote on social media at the time. “Now these children have to go to shelters. This is disgusting and immoral.” The minors’ attorneys argued in court papers that trafficking and immigration laws “prevent unaccompanied children from being whisked off under cover of darkness at the whim of any government.” The minors in question are currently in Health and Human Services custody and have no legal guardians in the United States, the attorneys have said.
Senate Republican pushes Charlie Kirk Act to stop government-funded ‘propaganda’
FIRST ON FOX: A Senate Republican wants to stop “propaganda” in America in the name of late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, plans to introduce the Charlie Kirk Act, which would halt the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) from disseminating media, such as radio shows, videos and websites, to influence Americans. Lee said in a statement to Fox News Digital that from the end of World War II to former President Barack Obama’s second term, the USAGM, which is an apparatus of the State Department, was barred from distributing media within the U.S. Lee argued that until 2013, it was illegal to “target American citizens with propaganda.” HOUSE CLEARS PATH FOR VOTE HONORING CHARLIE KIRK, DENOUNCING ‘POLITICAL EXTREMISM’ “In 2013, these protections were taken away,” Lee said. “My legislation restores this safeguard under the name of an American martyr for freedom of speech and freedom of thought: Charlie Kirk.” “As Charlie’s vital work so ably demonstrated, Americans can figure out the truth for themselves without government telling them what to believe,” he continued. CHARLIE KIRK MURDER SPURS FIRST-IN-THE-NATION STATE POLITICAL VIOLENCE HATE CRIME LEGISLATION Lee’s bill would add stronger guardrails to the Cold War-era Smith-Mundt Act, which was initially designed to promote the U.S. around the globe. However, the law was tweaked in 2012 to allow the materials produced by the agency to be made available in America. The Charlie Kirk Act would prevent media produced by the agency from being shown in the U.S. right away, instead effectively embargoing it in the U.S. for 12 years. It would also prevent the agency from using the media it produces from influencing Americans. CHARLIE KIRK MOURNED BY WORLD LEADERS AFTER SHOCKING UTAH ASSASSINATION Lee’s latest legislation is not the first bill he’s introduced to honor Kirk, who was assassinated in Orem, Utah, last week. His resolution condemning that act of political violence passed unanimously in the Senate this week. “This is just a flag planted on a hill,” Lee said on X. “What matters is where we carry it next.”
Colleges warned not to invoke Charlie Kirk’s death to silence free speech, unfairly hike security costs
FIRST ON FOX: More than a dozen state attorneys general sent a letter to public university and college presidents in their respective states Thursday warning them against invoking the assassination of Charlie Kirk to chill conservative free speech, or face investigations and potential lawsuits, Fox News Digital exclusively learned. “Unfortunately, we have heard troubling reports that some university officials are using the murder of Charlie Kirk as a justification to shut down speech on campus,” the letter reads. “While considering safety concerns, it is critical that universities are not imposing what would effectively be a tax on free speech.” “Particularly at this moment, when free speech itself was attacked, our universities must show through their actions that they will defend free speech and resist the ‘Assassin’s Veto.’ You have an obligation to protect free speech—you must not use the burden of protecting free speech to prevent free speech.” The “assassin’s veto” is understood as a phenomenon of using violence or threats of violence to silence opposing views. CHARLIE KIRK’S KILLING AT UTAH UNIVERSITY PROMPTS SCRUTINY OF SECURITY MEASURES At the heart of the letter is the issue of security costs as it pertains to conservative speakers. Colleges and universities previously have come under fire over accusations of charging higher security fees for conservative speakers. Such accusations have led to free speech lawsuits in the past, including the University of California, Berekely, settling a lawsuit with campus conservative groups, the College Republicans and Young America’s Foundation, in 2018 concerning allegations the school discriminated against conservative speakers by leveling higher security fees and other safety restrictions that led to the cancellation of right-leaning speakers on campus. Berkeley argued that the higher security fees were based on assessment from law enforcement officials that the speakers were likely to face an increase in public disruption and violence, before reaffirming its “commitment to free speech” and changing its security fee operations. The state attorneys general called on colleges to ensure they “impose security fees in a content-neutral and viewpoint-neutral manner” or face potential investigation and legal action. YEARS OF CAMPUS ATTACKS ON CONSERVATIVE ACTIVISTS RESURFACE AFTER CHARLIE KIRK’S MURDER “Any security policy that appears neutral on its face must not be applied in a discriminatory manner. There is a long and troubling trend of universities misusing security policies to unconstitutionally chill conservative speech on campus. For example, just last year, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico issued a preliminary injunction against the University of New Mexico after the university attempted to charge Turning Point USA over $5,000 in security fees for an October 2023 event featuring conservative speaker Riley Gaines. As the Court found, that was unacceptable,” the letter continued, pointing to another instance of colleges using security fees to allegedly silence conservative voices. The letter was spearheaded by Republican Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird. A total of 17 Republican state attorneys general signed onto the letter, including top law enforcement officials from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas and Utah. “The tragedy of Charlie Kirk’s assassination is a sobering reminder that the right to free speech must be protected,” Bird told Fox Digital. “Charlie was murdered while debating on a university campus, a place where the free exchange of ideas should be encouraged; we cannot allow the actions of an assassin to stop free speech in any way. Colleges and universities must take steps to keep their students safe while preserving free discussion and open debate.” Kirk was killed Sept. 10 while he was at Utah Valley University’s campus as part of a Turning Point USA event. The conservative powerhouse was sitting under a tent while chatting with students when a single shot rang out and struck Kirk in the neck. “We were shocked and saddened by the assassination of Charlie Kirk on the campus of Utah Valley University on Wednesday,” the letter reads. “As the chief law enforcement officers of our states, we unequivocally condemn political violence of any kind. The fact that the slaying took place on a college campus, during a debate, makes it even more tragic.” “It is critical our state institutions of higher learning serve as forums for robust debate from all perspectives,” the letter continued. “The campus should be the very place where the First Amendment rings loudest for all to hear. We urge you to say no to the ‘Assassin’s Veto.’” The attorneys general argued that students might be considered “consumers” under the respective states’ Consumer Fraud Acts or Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices laws, and that the universities might violate state “laws if you invoke ‘security concerns’ to impose exorbitant fees on student groups,” while simultaneously advertising to students that the school is open for discussion and dialogue across the political spectrum. CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION: TIMELINE OF UTAH CAMPUS SHOOTING DETAILS ATTACK, MANHUNT FOR SUSPECT “If we receive complaints about your school, we will fully and fairly investigate those complaints subject to the authority of our respective offices,” the state attorneys general wrote. “Our offices are committed to ensuring that all our state entities, including our public colleges and universities, follow the Constitution.” Conservative nonprofits, including President of Defending Education Nicole Neily, celebrated that the AGs’ calls for better protecting free speech is the ideal way to honor Kirk’s legacy. “This is a moment for leadership, and we are deeply grateful that the nation’s attorneys general are using their authority to remind university administrators of their sacred obligation to protect free speech and open discourse on college campuses,” she said. “I can think of no better way to honor Charlie’s legacy than through ensuring that students voices cannot be silenced by fear or malice.” Will Hild, the executive director for Consumers’ Research, a longtime nonprofit dedicated to consumer information, lauded Bird for leading the charge on ending the “assassin’s veto.” “By sustaining the assassin’s veto, these University bureaucrats are actively aiding Charlie’s murderer, using the threat of violence to
Biden’s ex-chief of staff arrives for House Oversight grilling as mental acuity probe nears end
Former White House chief of staff Jeff Zients is on Capitol Hill Thursday as the House Oversight Committee’s probe into former President Joe Biden’s mental acuity draws to a close. He said nothing to reporters on his way into his closed-door voluntary interview, though the ex-Biden aide did shake hands with House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., on his way into the room. The sit-down is expected to last from about 10 a.m. into the afternoon. Zients is the last former Biden official expected to be interviewed by the committee, which is also looking into whether the then-president was fully aware of clemency orders and other executive actions signed by autopen during the latter half of his term. RON KLAIN DODGES REPORTERS AFTER MARATHON GRILLING IN BIDEN COVER-UP PROBE Comer told reporters ahead of the interview that Zients is “one of the most, if not the most important, witnesses in our investigation.” “Zients was the one who authorized the use of the autopen, especially down the stretch in the last lame duck period of the Biden administration,” Comer said. “We’ve had a lot of witnesses come in that were supposedly in Biden’s inner circle that were shielded from President Biden, especially in the last six months of his administration. So we believe Zients is the guy that was potentially making a lot of decisions down the stretch.” Zients’ recollection will be of particular interest to House investigators, given his senior role in the Biden White House for most of those final two years in office. Before that, he served as counselor to the president and White House COVID-19 response coordinator from Biden’s swearing-in in January 2021 until April 2022. Perhaps most critical to the committee is Zients’ reported key role in the chain of command for Biden’s autopen pardons. LONGTIME BIDEN AIDE SAYS HE STOOD TO EARN UP TO $8M HAD PRESIDENT WON RE-ELECTION It’s not uncommon for presidents to use an autopen to sign documents, and it has been used by leaders on both sides of the aisle. However, Comer is questioning whether Biden was really handing down those decisions, given public concerns about his mental and physical acuity that arose toward the end of his term. The New York Times reported that Zients would have been among the top aides relaying Biden’s clemency decisions to assistants, who then drafted those orders before they were circulated back to Biden’s senior officials and then later given final approval. In that same report, Biden said he made every clemency decision on his own. Axios reported earlier this month that Zients signed off on pardons granted to five of Biden’s family members less than 24 hours before he left office. The former president’s allies have pushed back on the Republican-led House Oversight probe, however, denouncing the investigation as politically motivated. “You managed a White House in disarray after public reporting began to focus on the apparent decline of President Biden’s mental capabilities. You reportedly called an all-staff call in July 2024 ‘in which [you] urged President Biden’s team to unite and move forward from Biden’s terrible debate performance[.],’” Comer wrote in a June letter to Zients. “The scope of your responsibilities — both official and otherwise — and personal interactions within the Oval Office cannot go without investigation. If White House staff carried out a strategy lasting months or even years to hide the chief executive’s condition — or to perform his duties — Congress may need to consider a legislative response.”
‘What would Jesus do?’ Utah students torn on death penalty for Charlie Kirk’s accused killer
OREM, Utah – As Utah Valley University students returned to campus following conservative influencer Charlie Kirk’s assassination, those who spoke to Fox News Digital were divided over whether Tyler Robinson should face the death penalty. Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announced on Tuesday that Utah prosecutors would seek the death penalty against Robinson on multiple charges, including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child. “I think it’s totally necessary,” Ryder Warner, a UVU student who was entering the courtyard when Kirk was shot last Wednesday, said of a potential death penalty against Robinson. Warner told Fox News Digital that, as a Christian, he didn’t believe in taking another human’s life, but “with this situation, where somebody was just here to share an opinion and lost their life because of their opinion, I think that whoever took their life should be killed, too.” “I think that’s only fair,” he said. CHARLIE KIRK’S KILLING AT UTAH UNIVERSITY PROMPTS SCRUTINY OF SECURITY MEASURES Kirk was shot and killed while speaking to UVU students last Wednesday, Sept. 10. After a 33-hour manhunt, Robinson was arrested for allegedly assassinating Kirk. Gray outlined the formal charges against Robinson during a press conference on Tuesday, which was followed by the suspect’s first court appearance. UTAH LEADERS URGE UNITY FOLLOWING CHARLIE KIRK’S ASSASSINATION: ‘TURNING POINT FOR AMERICA’ Afton Miller, a junior at UVU who said she was 5 to 10 feet away from Kirk when he was shot, said Robinson facing the death penalty “hurts a little bit.” “I’m pro-life,” Miller said. “I believe that somebody deserves to live, but in moments like this, it’s very hard that their family is also losing their son as well. It’s just as painful to lose somebody.” She said it was “extremely traumatic” to witness the assassination of one of her “greatest heroes” on her college campus. UVU student Jessie Ball, who was also on campus when Kirk was assassinated, said last week’s tragedy inspired her to use her voice and speak up like Kirk did. “It’s a hard thing to watch, and as people who probably didn’t see the signs coming, it has to be heartbreaking,” Ball said. “I know my family and I will be praying for them to feel God’s love and the peace through it, but his actions have consequences, and they have a lasting impact, and if that’s what the state agreed on…” James Whitney, another UVU student, told Fox News Digital that “they found the gun in my parents’ backyard.” According to Robinson’s charging documents, investigators found a “bolt-action rifle wrapped in a towel” in a wooded area on the northeast end of campus, but authorities have not confirmed the exact location. Whitney said it was “scary” returning to campus. He said he typically tries to stay out of politics because political violence is “becoming normalized.” “I don’t agree with what happened here,” Whitney said. “I don’t think any human being ever deserves to have that kind of hate taken out on their life, ever, including in front of their kids. With the death penalty, I mean, a lot of people here are religious. What would Jesus do?” Whitney asked. And while Whitney emphasized that he didn’t agree with what Robinson did, “especially on my own school grounds,” the UVU student said he didn’t “condone any sort of death in any sort of way,” as the Utah County attorney seeks the death penalty. Meanwhile, Trae Stevens, who is not a UVU student but said he grew up about an hour’s drive south and was visiting the campus on Tuesday to pay his respects, told Fox News Digital it’s “fair” for Robinson to face the death penalty. “I think it’s sad for anybody to die,” Stevens said. “It’s a crazy situation and just to see how it’s affected almost the entire world and that this one man could have such evil in his heart. It’s sad, but I think it’s fair, yes.” UVU classes resumed on Wednesday, one week after Kirk’s assassination. The campus began reopening on Monday as students and locals visited campus to pay their respects to Kirk by leaving flowers and posters. An American flag is now hanging in the UVU courtyard where Kirk was speaking when he was shot. The campus is planning a “Vigil for Unity” on Friday for students, faculty, staff and members of the community to gather in “remembering, healing and reaffirming shared values.” “This attack was not just on an individual, but on the spirit of free expression, civil discourse, and intellectual inquiry that sits at the very foundation of our university,” UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez said in a statement. “The violence that occurred on our campus has shaken us deeply. We remain steadfast in our commitment to learning, dialogue and the values that unite us, even in times of grief. Together we choose hope for the future, and care for each other during this time.”
Immigration judge orders deportation of Mahmoud Khalil to Syria or Algeria
A federal immigration judge has ordered Mahmoud Khalil deported to either Algeria or Syria after ruling he hid information on his U.S. green card application. Judge Jamee Comans issued the Sept. 12 decision in Louisiana and said that Khalil did not disclose his internship with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and ties with Columbia University Apartheid Divest, an anti-Israel campus coalition. Court filings unsealed Wednesday and published by the American Civil Liberties Union also show Coman cited the activism ties as central to her ruling. NEWLY RELEASED MAHMOUD KHALIL SPOTTED BACK AT ANTI-ISRAEL PROTEST AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY She denied Khalil’s motion for relief, writing that the omissions were deliberate and constituted grounds for removal. Federal authorities argue that Khalil’s misrepresentations involved politically sensitive affiliations, raising both national security and foreign policy concerns. Khalil, a legal permanent resident, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 8 at his Manhattan apartment. He spent more than three months in detention in Louisiana before being released in June, when U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz ruled he was neither a flight risk nor a danger to the public. ANTI-ISRAEL RINGLEADER MAHMOUD KHALIL POSTS $1 BOND AFTER FEDERAL JUDGE RULES TRUMP ADMIN CAN’T DETAIN HIM Farbiarz also temporarily blocked Khalil’s removal while reviewing his claim that the government’s actions amounted to retaliation for protected political speech. Khalil’s legal team confirmed Wednesday that they plan to appeal the decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals. They framed the case as a broader civil rights battle. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “It is no surprise that the Trump administration continues to retaliate against me for my exercise of free speech,” Khalil said in a statement. “Their latest attempt, through a kangaroo immigration court, exposes their true colors once again.” Fox News Digital has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment.
Trump to designate antifa a ‘major terrorist organization’
President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced he will designate antifa, a left-wing activist group, a “major terrorist organization.” Trump described the group as “A SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER” in a Truth Social announcement. The president added he will be “strongly recommending” that those funding antifa be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices. The announcement comes just days after Trump said he would “100%” consider the designation. FBI’S TRUMP PROBE ‘ARCTIC FROST’ ALSO INVESTIGATED CHARLIE KIRK’S TPUSA, GRASSLEY REVEALS Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office Monday, Trump accused antifa participants of being “professional agitators” in response to the administration’s recent crackdown on illegal immigration. “Antifa is terrible,” the president said. “These aren’t protests, these are crimes that they’re doing. They’re throwing bricks at cars of the ICE and Border Patrol. … They’re professional agitators. … They should be put in jail. What they’re doing to this country is really subversive.” DAVID MARCUS: DEMOCRATS MUST STOP THEIR DEADLY ANTI-FASCISM COSPLAY Antifa, which is short for “anti-fascist,” is a decentralized movement that does not have a designated leader, membership or structure. The movement claims to oppose fascism, white supremacy and far-right extremism. However, those who identify as part of Antifa — often wearing all black clothing and masks — have come under fire for their use of doxxing, violence and intimidation. MEET THE RADICAL DC ACTIVIST MOBILIZING GANG MEMBERS, ‘HARDCORE MEN’ TO TARGET FEDERAL TAKEOVER: ‘REAL ENEMY’ In response to the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10, Trump linked alleged killer Tyler Robinson to “radical” far-left activism. According to authorities, bullet casings found near the suspected murder weapon were engraved with “Hey fascist! Catch!” and “Bella ciao bella ciao ciao,” which stems from an anti-fascist song popularized by the Italian resistance during World War II. “We have a radical left group of lunatics out there, just absolute lunatics, and we’re going to get that problem solved,” Trump told reporters before boarding Marine One on Sept. 11. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Trump added he wanted people to respond to Kirk’s death in a non-violent manner, something Kirk advocated for throughout his career. Fox News Digital’s Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.
Fox News Politics Newsletter: Kash clashes with the Senate
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… –Gun seller takes stand in Trump assassination attempt trial with key testimony about rifle purchase -DHS blames political rhetoric for surge in assaults on ICE agents after Charlie Kirk murder -House Dem warns both sides on ‘road to ruin’ as political divide deepens over Kirk assassination FBI Director Kash Patel is testifying before House lawmakers on Wednesday in a hearing focused on the bureau’s dramatic reforms in the second Trump administration and the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk. Patel is facing questions in five-minute rounds from Republicans and Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee as part of an annual oversight hearing, marking the director’s second appearance in as many days on Capitol Hill after he testified before the Senate one day prior. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, raised what he said was a weaponization of the FBI against conservatives, reviving concerns his committee regularly brought up during FBI Director Christopher Wray’s tenure. Jordan praised Patel for what he said was a course correction…Read more PROFESSOR VEEP: Donald Trump’s first vice president snags new job POLITICAL SHOWDOWN: Patel spars with House Democrats on allegations he’s involved in Epstein ‘cover-up’: ‘Categorically false’ INFANT HEALTH POLICY: Rand Paul clashes with top Democrat over CDC pushing vaccines on infants BROKEN HOUSE: ‘Squad’ member, Nancy Mace clash on social media: ‘You belong in rehab’ GROOMING CRACKDOWN: Pentagon unveils new ‘clean shaven’ standards, only allows medical exemptions for one year GOP COLLISION: Republican who defied Trump over 2020 election results launches battleground state governor bid MAYOR VS FAITH: Whitmer quiet on Muslim mayor telling critic of terrorist sympathizer he’s ‘not welcome’ BIGGER THAN EVER: ‘This is the turning point:’ TPUSA says campus chapter requests surge over 54,000 after Kirk’s assassination SPEECH SHIELD: Liberal professors’ group backs faculty speech after Charlie Kirk assassination, silent on condemning attack ‘SOMBER’ REFLECTION: Utah Valley University mourns Charlie Kirk as campus reopens after assassination: ‘Extremely traumatic’ LEGACY IN MOTION: Arizona highway could honor Charlie Kirk after assassination rocks conservative movement HATE IN SCHOOLS: Celebratory, dismissive reactions to Charlie Kirk’s death putting educators under scrutiny FREE SPEECH FIGHT: Mamdani labeled Kirk a ‘far-right extremist’ who should be canceled from speaking in NYC Get the latest updates on the Trump administration and Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.
Cruz doubles down against groups funding Charlie Kirk protests; FBI director backs bill during hearing
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, blasted organizations and individuals allegedly funding protests at various Charlie Kirk memorials, in addition to backing “violent” and “extreme” anti-ICE and anti-Israel demonstrations. In July, Cruz introduced legislation that would allow the Department of Justice (DOJ) to impose Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) charges on individuals and organizations allegedly behind funding violent protests. “I urge the FBI and the Department of Justice follow the money,” Cruz told Fox News Digital. “This violence we’re seeing, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, was horrific. “It was a politically motivated assassination. STUDENT EXPELLED AFTER BEING CAUGHT ON VIDEO ACTING OUT CHARLIE KIRK’S ASSASSINATION AT TEXAS STATE VIGIL “This follows a string of politically motivated violence, including the Black Lives Matter and Antifa riots of several years ago,” Cruz continued. “Including the antisemitic riots on college campuses that played out over the last couple of years. Including the pro-open-borders riots in American cities.” Since the assassination of the conservative activist Kirk last week, local and campus police have arrested a number of students and demonstrators who have disrupted vigils and memorial events. Cruz’s bill, the Financial Underwriting of Nefarious Demonstrations and Extremist Riots (STOP FUNDERs) Act, also addresses the violent anti-ICE riots that took place in California and the antisemitic protests that have plagued college campuses since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas. TED CRUZ SAYS HATE SPEECH ‘ABSOLUTELY’ PROTECTED BY FIRST AMENDMENT FOLLOWING CHARLIE KIRK’S ASSASSINATION At a heated Senate Judiciary hearing this week with FBI Director Kash Patel as the lead witness, Patel agreed with Cruz’s legislative targeting alleged funding groups. Cruz questioned Patel during Tuesday’s hearing, asking if the FBI would benefit from “Congress passing into law the STOP FUNDERs Act and if rioting was added to the list of predicate offenses for RICO.” Patel responded during the hearing in agreement with Cruz’s assertion about the bill. President Donald Trump himself and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller have also spoken out about groups funding extreme demonstrations. KASH PATEL FACES HOUSE GRILLING AFTER TENSE SENATE CLASHES OVER KIRK ASSASSINATION “They have organized drop points for weapons, organized drop points for gas masks, organized drop points for all the materials necessary to launch a riot,” Miller told reporters Monday. “I think the key point the president has been making is somebody is paying for all of this. This is not happening for free.” Cruz has been outspoken in condemning the assassination of Kirk, and when asked if the accused assassin should receive the death penalty, Cruz told Fox News Digital, “The death penalty is absolutely merited. “I am glad they’re seeking the death penalty,” Cruz added. “The very worst crimes deserve the ultimate punishment.”