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Nicola Sturgeon and Peter Murrell to end marriage
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- CA lawmaker demands federal probe amid fire destruction, as Sacramento seeks unity and accountability
CA lawmaker demands federal probe amid fire destruction, as Sacramento seeks unity and accountability
California lawmakers called for unity amid the historic Los Angeles wildfires, while at least one fired off letters to Congress calling for federal investigations into Sacramento's fire preparedness and environmental policies.
Republican lawmakers also said at a news conference Monday that any talk of gaveling-in the special session with the express purpose of buttressing the state against President-elect Trump should be quashed.
Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, R-San Diego, said he is sending letters to members-designate of the new Trump administration and top oversight lawmakers, suggesting officials in Sacramento will not "get to the truth" on the blazes.
DeMaio said tragedies like wildfires are a rare issue that can unite Republicans and Democrats, adding Californians "stand united in wishing the best to these communities for a speedy recovery."
ESSENTIAL PHONE NUMBERS FOR LOS ANGELES-AREA RESIDENTS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP THEM
"But I also believe that Californians also stand united on a very important issue of accountability. Why were we not better prepared for this disaster? All Californians are asking that question."
DeMaio said the legislative special session should include oversight hearings on questions he claimed Gov. Gavin Newsom has not sufficiently answered.
"He's given [questioners] nothing but evasion and yes, frankly, dishonesty," DeMaio claimed. "I do not believe that we are going to get to the truth if we leave the investigation in the hands of Gov. Gavin Newsom and other state and local politicians."
DeMaio said two of his letters have been sent to Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rand Paul and House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, both of Kentucky, to probe "a number of failures by state and local politicians on these fire disasters."
He added that he will ask President-elect Trump to also sign an executive order requesting federal agencies investigate California’s lack of brush management, public land maintenance and inadequate water supply and infrastructure in the fire-affected areas.
CA DEMOCRATS URGE FEDS TO APPROVE HIGH SPEED RAIL FUNDING BEFORE DOGE NIXES BOONDOGGLE
Lawmakers also hammered insurance companies and warned the state’s insurance market could go insolvent if changes aren’t made amid dropped coverages and private companies pulling out of the state.
Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher, R-Yuba City, noted his district weathered the 2019 Paradise fire, and offered the caucus’ condolences and support to those dealing with the crisis in Los Angeles.
"Our thoughts and prayers are going out to those community members and those first responders who are fighting and doing God's work fighting these fires as we speak. I want to make sure that we're doing everything we can to help get people safe, to help people recover," Gallagher said.
"[W]e need to do a whole lot more to combat and prevent catastrophic wildfires in our state," he said, adding that both wildfire prevention and issues with the state insurance market must be addressed in the special session.
Gallagher said that in 2021, he and other lawmakers fought for $1 billion in funding for such issues, and that there has been a major reduction in appropriations since then.
"We're calling for immediate action on recovery to help ensure that these communities recover from this disaster, but also on the real solutions that will help us to be a stronger, more resilient state against catastrophic wildfires."
CA DEMS MOVE TO TRUMP-PROOF THE STATE
DeMaio, Gallagher and Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, also voiced concerns about the state’s insurance market.
Grove listed off almost a dozen insurance companies which she claimed either stopped writing Californian homeowners’ insurance, limited renewals or left the state’s market.
She noted homeowners cannot get or refinance a mortgage without proof of insurance and called for "permanently eliminating red tape and expediting cleanup and recovery and rebuild for all Californians affected by wildfires."
For his part, Newsom has reportedly proposed $2.5 billion in additional emergency response and preparedness funding.
Assemblymember Diane Dixon, R-Newport Beach, said seven of the 15 deadliest California wildfires have occurred over the past 10 years, and that little seems to change in the way of preparedness.
Former Republican Gov. Pete Wilson reopened the Santa Monica Freeway only 66 days after a 1994 earthquake-spurred collapse, she said.
Under Newsom, CalFIRE’s ranks and budget have both nearly doubled to nearly 11,000 members and $3.8 billion. The state’s forest management budget also increased under the potential 2028 presidential candidate.
In a tweet rejecting Republicans’ claims about cuts to fire prevention funding, Newsom’s press office tweeted that it presented a "purposefully misleading graphic that starts when a one-time budget supplemental was injected to respond to the horrific fires in 2019/2020."
Fox News Digital reached out to Newsom, as well as the Trump Transition and Comer for response to DiMaio's letters.
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- Dem senator ripped for invoking Hegseth's young daughter in 'despicable' confirmation hearing exchange
Dem senator ripped for invoking Hegseth's young daughter in 'despicable' confirmation hearing exchange
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., invoked secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth’s daughter during a heated hearing, prompting pushback from conservatives on social media who argued that the comments crossed a line.
"So you think you are completely cleared because you committed no crime?" the former vice presidential candidate said to Hegseth during his Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday.
"That's your definition of cleared. You had just fathered a child two months before by a woman that was not your wife. I am shocked that you would stand here and say you're completely cleared. Can you so casually cheat on a second wife and cheat on the mother of a child who had been born two months before? And you tell us you are completely cleared? How is that completely cleared?"
Kaine was commenting on Hegseth’s behavior in earlier marriages, including an October 2017 incident in Monterey, California, in which Hegseth was accused of sexual assault. Hegseth, a former Fox News host, was later cleared of wrongdoing following an investigation, and has since described the incident as consensual. "I was fully investigated and completely cleared," he said of the allegation.
PETE HEGSETH HEADS TO CAPITOL HILL FOR FIERY HEARING ON HIS RECORD, PLANS TO SHAKE UP PENTAGON
"Senator, her child’s name is Gwendolyn Hope Hegseth, and she’s a child of God," Hegseth responded. "She’s 7 years old, and I am glad she’s here."
"And you cheated on the mother of that child," Kaine responded. "Less than two months after that daughter was born, didn't you?"
Hegseth told Kaine those were "false charges" and reiterated that he was "completely cleared" and "grateful" to the marriage he has to the "amazing woman" behind him.
Kaine persisted, "You've admitted that you had sex at that hotel in October 2017. You said it was consensual. Isn't that correct?"
HEGSETH WAS 'INCREDIBLY TALENTED, BATTLE-PROVEN LEADER,' MILITARY EVALUATIONS SHOW
The two continued to go back and forth on the veracity of the claims against Hegseth, with Kaine pressing the nominee on whether he honored his wedding vow.
"I will allow your words to speak for themselves," Hegseth said at one point.
"As I've acknowledged to everyone in this committee, I’m not a perfect person. I'm not claiming to be," Hegseth said before being cut off by Kaine, who went on to accuse Hegseth of withholding information about the accusation when being vetted by the Trump team.
Kaine ultimately moved on to questioning Hegseth about his relationship with drinking and other allegations that Hegseth has dismissed as "false."
Conservatives on social media, along with Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., at another point in the hearing, took issue with Kaine’s line of questioning, particularly invoking Hegseth’s daughter.
"Senator Tim Kaine really did try to use Pete Hegseth’s 7 year old daughter against him, despicable," conservative commentator Drew Hernandez posted on X.
"IRONY ALERT: Senator Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) tries to lecture Pete Hegseth on adultery," The First TV posted on X. "Reminder that Tim Kaine ran on the same failed presidential ticket as Hillary Clinton, legal wife of Bill Clinton."
"Tim Kaine has a lot to say about Pete Hegseth’s conduct during his marriage," Article III Project senior counsel Will Chamberlain posted on X. "Here’s Tim Kaine campaigning with Doug Emhoff, who – while married – impregnated his nanny and forced her to get an abortion."
Fox News Digital reached out to Kaine’s office for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Fox News Digital’s Breanne Deppisch contributed to this report
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- White House removes Cuba's state sponsor of terrorism designation, reversing Trump administration move
White House removes Cuba's state sponsor of terrorism designation, reversing Trump administration move
The Biden administration lifted Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism on Tuesday, reversing a move made by the Trump administration in 2021.
The decision, which is reportedly part of a Catholic Church-sponsored deal to free political prisoners in Cuba, was first reported by the Associated Press on Tuesday.
In a certification that Biden issued later Tuesday afternoon, he claimed that the Cuban government "has not provided any support for international terrorism during the preceding 6-month period," as well as "provided assurances that it will not support acts of international terrorism in the future."
"The United States maintains as the core objective of our policy the need for more freedom and democracy, improved respect for human rights, and increased free enterprise in Cuba.," a national security memo issued by the White House read. "Achieving these goals will require practical engagement with Cuba and the Cuban people beyond what is outlined in NSPM-5 [National Security Presidential Memorandum 5], and that takes into account recent developments in Cuba and the changing regional and global context."
"Accordingly, I hereby revoke NSPM-5."
Cuba was given the designation in January 2021, shortly before Biden took office. At the time, the U.S. Embassy of Cuba accused the country of "repeatedly providing support for acts of international terrorism in granting safe harbor to terrorists."
"The Trump Administration has been focused from the start on denying the Castro regime the resources it uses to oppress its people at home, and countering its malign interference in Venezuela and the rest of the Western Hemisphere," the statement read. "With this action, we will once again hold Cuba’s government accountable and send a clear message: the Castro regime must end its support for international terrorism and subversion of U.S. justice."
The statement referenced Raul Castro, the then-first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and the brother of notorious dictator Fidel Castro. According to the State Department, Cuba was first named a state sponsor of terrorism in 1982, and the designation was rescinded in 2015.
"Cuba maintains close and collaborative ties with designated state sponsors of terror such as Iran and North Korea," the State Department's 2019 report read. "The Cuban regime continues to host ELN leaders associated with now-defunct peace talks to reside in Cuba, despite Colombia’s repeated requests for their extradition. Cuba also continues to harbor multiple fugitives who committed or supported acts of terrorism in the United States."
"The Cuban people are courageously standing up for their freedoms after 62 years of subjugation under a communist dictatorship," Rubio said of the 2021 protests. "This is truly a historic moment, and one that as a Cuban American I’m proud to witness. The people of Cuba have made their voices clear. We must stand in support of the Cuban people’s ongoing efforts to live in a nation free from tyranny and censorship."
Before Tuesday's announcement was made, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, denounced the Biden administration's move, calling it "unacceptable on its merits."
"The terrorism advanced by the Cuban regime has not ceased," Cruz said in a statement. "I will work with President Trump and my colleagues to immediately reverse and limit the damage from the decision."
Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department, but officials declined to comment. Fox News Digital also reached out to the White House for confirmation.
Fox News' Caroline McKee contributed to this report.
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- White House plans to remove Cuba's state sponsor of terrorism designation: report
White House plans to remove Cuba's state sponsor of terrorism designation: report
The Biden administration reportedly plans to lift Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism on Tuesday, reversing a move made by the Trump administration in 2021.
The Associated Press reported the news on Tuesday afternoon, though the White House has not yet denied or confirmed the reports. The move is reportedly part of a Catholic Church-sponsored deal to free political prisoners in Cuba.
Cuba was given the designation in January 2021, shortly before Biden took office. At the time, the U.S. Embassy of Cuba accused the country of "repeatedly providing support for acts of international terrorism in granting safe harbor to terrorists."
"The Trump Administration has been focused from the start on denying the Castro regime the resources it uses to oppress its people at home, and countering its malign interference in Venezuela and the rest of the Western Hemisphere," the statement read. "With this action, we will once again hold Cuba’s government accountable and send a clear message: the Castro regime must end its support for international terrorism and subversion of U.S. justice."
The statement referenced Raul Castro, the then-first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and the brother of notorious dictator Fidel Castro. According to the State Department, Cuba was first named a state sponsor of terrorism in 1982, and the designation was rescinded in 2015.
"Cuba maintains close and collaborative ties with designated state sponsors of terror such as Iran and North Korea," the State Department's 2019 report read. "The Cuban regime continues to host ELN leaders associated with now-defunct peace talks to reside in Cuba, despite Colombia’s repeated requests for their extradition. Cuba also continues to harbor multiple fugitives who committed or supported acts of terrorism in the United States."
Trump, who will be inaugurated for his second presidential term next week, is expected to reverse Biden's move. His incoming secretary of state, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, is of Cuban descent and has vocally criticized Cuba's communist leaders.
In 2021, Rubio sponsored legislation that supported "courageous Cuban people as they lead historic protests throughout the island against six decades of repression and tyranny from the Castro and Díaz-Canel regime."
"The Cuban people are courageously standing up for their freedoms after 62 years of subjugation under a communist dictatorship," Rubio said of the 2021 protests. "This is truly a historic moment, and one that as a Cuban American I’m proud to witness. The people of Cuba have made their voices clear. We must stand in support of the Cuban people’s ongoing efforts to live in a nation free from tyranny and censorship."
Before Tuesday's announcement was made, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz denounced the Biden administration's move, calling it "unacceptable on its merits."
"The terrorism advanced by the Cuban regime has not ceased," Cruz said in a statement. "I will work with President Trump and my colleagues to immediately reverse and limit the damage from the decision."
Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department for comment, but officials declined to comment. Fox News Digital also reached out to the White House for confirmation.
Top 5 moments from Pete Hegseth's Senate confirmation hearing
President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth, faced a Senate grilling on Tuesday as lawmakers determine whether they will vote in support of the nominee.
Hegseth faced intense questioning from Democrats in his Armed Services Committee hearing, including his previous comments related to women serving in military combat roles, and was also interrupted by protesters who disturbed the hearing at some points.
Trump nominated Hegseth in November, just days after his decisive election win over Vice President Harris, lauding him "as a Warrior for the Troops, and for the Country."
After Hegseth wrapped up his hours-long hearing, Fox News Digital compiled the top five moments.
PETE HEGSETH DELIVERS OPENING STATEMENT AT SENATE CONFIRMATION HEARING
Hegseth became emotional during his opening remarks on Tuesday morning while thanking his wife and other family members for supporting him through the nomination process.
"Thank you to my incredible wife, Jennifer, who has changed my life and been with me throughout this entire process. I love you, sweetheart, and I thank God for you," he said, beginning to choke up.
"And as Jenny and I pray together every morning, all glory, regardless of the outcome, belongs to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," he said. "His grace and mercy abounds each day. May His will be done."
HEGSETH WAS 'INCREDIBLY TALENTED, BATTLE-PROVEN LEADER,' MILITARY EVALUATIONS SHOW
Hegseth, a former Fox News host, married Jennifer in 2013, with the couple sharing a blended family of seven children.
"Thank you to my father, Brian and Mother Penny, as well as our entire family, including our seven wonderful kids: Gunner, Jackson, Peter Boone, Kensington, Luke, Rex ... Gwendolyn. Their future safety and security is in all of our hands," he said.
Democrat Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono was slammed on social media Tuesday during the hearing for asking Hegseth if he would lead a military invasion of Greenland if confirmed as the secretary of defense.
"[The] president-elect has attacked our allies in recent weeks, refusing to rule out using military force to take over Greenland and the Panama Canal and threatening to take, to make Canada the 51st state. Would you carry out an order from President Trump to seize Greenland, a territory of our NATO ally Denmark, by force? Or would you comply with an order to take over the Panama Canal?" Hirono asked on Tuesday.
Trump has said in recent weeks that he hopes to purchase Greenland from Denmark, referred to Canada as the U.S.’s "51st state" and outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as Canada’s "governor," and he has also vowed to "demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America in full, quickly and without question."
DEM SENATOR'S 'LIES AND STUPIDITY' AT HEGSETH HEARING ROASTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA: 'CLOWN SHOW'
Hegseth brushed off Hirono’s question during the hearing, saying, "Trump never strategically tips his hand."
"I would never publicly state one way or another to direct the orders of the president," Hegseth responded.
Viewers of the exchange erupted on social media after Hirono’s question, including labeling her the "least intelligent Member of Congress" and others calling the grilling a "clown show."
"Hirono was playing judge, jury, and executioner based on lies and stupidity," Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., wrote in a post on X.
Hegseth’s opening remarks during the hearing were interrupted by a handful of protesters as they shouted at the nominee about the war in Israel and called him a "Christian Zionist" and a "misogynist."
"Veterans are committing suicide and are homeless, but we send money to bomb children in Gaza," one female protester in fatigues shouts as she's escorted from the hearing, Fox News Digital video shows.
At least three protesters were seen being hauled out of the hearing in zip ties or with their hands behind their backs.
"You are a misogynist," one protester shouts at Hegseth.
HEGSETH INTERRUPTED BY MULTIPLE PROTESTERS DURING SENATE CONFIRMATION HEARING
"Thank you for figuratively and literally having my back," Hegseth said after he was interrupted, returning to his opening statement. "I pledge to do the same for all of you."
Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., asked Hegseth about the protesters during his hearing, including the war in Israel that has been ongoing since October 2023.
"Another protester, and I think this one was a member of Code Pink, which, by the way, is a Chinese communist front group these days, said that you support Israel's war in Gaza. I support Israel's existential war in Gaza. I assume, like me and President Trump, you support that war as well," Cotton said.
"I support Israel destroying and killing every last member of Hamas," Hegseth responded.
"And the third protester said something about 20 years of genocide. I assume that's our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Do you think our troops are committing genocide in Iraq and Afghanistan?" Cotton continued.
"Senator, I do not. I think … our troops, as you know, as so many in this committee know, did the best they could with what they had. … And tragically, the outcome we saw in Afghanistan under the Biden administration put a stain on that, but it doesn't put a stain on what those men and women did in uniform, as you know full well, Senator," Hegseth responded.
PETE HEGSETH HEADS TO CAPITOL HILL FOR FIERY HEARING ON HIS RECORD, PLANS TO SHAKE UP PENTAGON
The nominee was repeatedly grilled by senators regarding his previous comments on women serving in combat roles, including by Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Joni Ernst, R-Iowa.
"You say we need moms, but not in the military, especially in combat units. So specific to Sen. Cotton's question, because Sen. Cotton was giving you layups to differentiate between different types of combat, specifically as secretary, would you take any action to reinstitute the combat arms exclusion for female service members, knowing full well you have hundreds of women doing that job right now?" Gillibrand asked.
Her question referred to Hegseth’s 2024 book, which states, "Dads push us to take risks. Moms put the training wheels on our bikes. We need moms. But not in the military, especially not in combat units."
Hegseth pushed back that his argument related to women serving in the military focuses on military standards not eroding.
"Senator, I appreciate your comments. And I would point out I've never disparaged women serving in the military. I respect every single female service member that has put on the uniform, past and present. My critiques, senator, recently and in the past, and from personal experience, have been instances where I've seen standards lowered," he responded.
PETE HEGSETH SAYS HE HASN'T HEARD FROM WEST POINT SINCE EMPLOYEE 'ERROR' DENYING HIS ACCEPTANCE
Ernst, a veteran and Republican who initially did not publicly support Hegseth’s nomination, also questioned the nominee’s views on women in the military, saying he had a platform to make his opinions "very clear."
"I want to know, again, let's make it very clear for everyone here today, as secretary of defense, will you support women continuing to have the opportunity to serve in combat roles?" Ernst asked.
Hegseth again redirected the conversation back to his concerns over ensuring military standards remain high.
"Senator, first of all, thank you for your service. As we discussed extensively as well, and my answer is yes, exactly the way that you caveated it. Yes, women will have access to ground combat roles, combat roles given the standards remain high, and we'll have a review to ensure the standards have not been eroded," Hegseth responded.
Ernst also pressed Hegseth on what efforts he would take to combat sexual assault within the ranks, noting it as one of her top three concerns surrounding the military.
GOP SENATOR FLIPS SCRIPT ON DEMS FOR 'HYPOCRITICAL' GRILLING OF HEGSETH: 'SO RIDICULOUS'
"A priority of mine has been combating sexual assault in the military and making sure that all of our service members are treated with dignity and respect. This has been so important," Ernst said. "Sen. Gillibrand and I have worked on this, and we were able to get changes made to the uniform code of military justice to make sure that we have improvements and on how we address the tragic and life-altering issues of rape, sexual assault. It will demand time and attention from the Pentagon under your watch, if you are confirmed."
"So, as secretary of defense, will you appoint a senior level official dedicated to sexual assault prevention and response?" she asked.
Hegseth said that, as they had previously discussed, he would appoint an official to such a role.
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., hit Hegseth with a handful of personal questions, including the timing of his extramarital affairs, as Hegseth's 7-year-old daughter sat feet away during the hearing.
"I want to return to the incident that you referenced a minute ago that occurred in Monterey, California, in October 2017. At that time, you were still married to your second wife, correct?" Kaine asked, referring to a 2017 accusation of sexual assault against Hegseth. The nominee was investigated and cleared of wrongdoing.
"I believe so," Hegseth responded.
"And you had just fathered a child by a woman who would later become your third wife," Kaine pressed. Hegseth has been married three times.
"Senator, I was falsely charged, and I [was] fully investigated and completely cleared," Hegseth said.
Kaine shot back, "So you think you are completely cleared because you committed no crime? That’s your definition of cleared?"
"You had just fathered a child two months before by a woman that was not your wife," he continued before citing that Hegseth's daughter was in the audience. "I am shocked that you would stand here and say you are completely cleared. Can you so casually cheat on a second wife and cheat on the mother of a child who had been born two months before?"
"Senator, her child’s name is Gwendolyn Hope Hegseth, and she’s a child of God," Hegseth responded.
"She’s 7 years old, and I am glad she’s here," he added.
Fox News Digital's Andrew Mark Miller, Aubrie Spady and Breanne Deppisch contributed to this report.
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- GOP senator flips script on Dems for 'hypocritical' grilling of Hegseth: 'So ridiculous'
GOP senator flips script on Dems for 'hypocritical' grilling of Hegseth: 'So ridiculous'
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., called out Democratic senators' "hypocritical" line of questioning of Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth during his confirmation hearing.
Hegseth, who President-elect Trump nominated to lead the Pentagon during his upcoming administration, faced a series of intense questions from Democrat senators on the Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday.
"I think it's so hypocritical of senators, especially on the other side, to be talking about his qualifications," Mullin said of his Democratic colleagues before starting his line of questioning for Hegseth. "And yet your qualifications aren't any better."
DEM SENATOR'S ‘LIES AND STUPIDITY’ AT HEGSETH HEARING ROASTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ‘CLOWN SHOW’
The Oklahoma Republican then pointed to Democrats questioning Hegseth on claims, which he has denied, that the defense nominee had showed up to work intoxicated.
Mullin hit back on the claims about Hegseth's character, charging that elected members of the Senate had previously shown up intoxicated to cast votes.
SEN. WARREN PRESSES PETE HEGSETH ON ‘WOMEN IN COMBAT’ DURING CONFIRMATION HEARING
"Senator Kaine, or I guess I better use the senator from Virginia, starts bringing up the fact that, what if you showed up drunk to your job? How many senators have showed up drunk to vote at night?" Mullin charged, prompting some audible laughter from individuals in the room. "Have any of you guys asked them to step down and resign from their job? And don't tell me you haven't seen it because I know you have."
The senator continued calling out Democratic members as Hegseth underwent his third hour of questioning.
"And then how many senators do you know have got a divorce for cheating on their wives? Did you ask them to step down? No," Mullin said. "You guys make sure you make a big show and point out the hypocrisy because a man's made a mistake, and you want to sit there and say that he's not qualified. Give me a joke. It is so ridiculous that you guys hold yourself as this higher standard. You forget you got a big plank in your eye."
Before beginning his questioning, Mullin thanked Hegseth's wife, Jennifer, for "loving him through that mistake."
"The only reason why I'm here and not in prison is because my wife loved me too. I have changed, but I'm not perfect," he said.
- Latest Political News on Fox News
- Global health agency on chopping block as Republicans threaten to cut off funds
Global health agency on chopping block as Republicans threaten to cut off funds
FIRST ON FOX: A group of House Republicans is pushing to completely block U.S. funding for the World Health Organization (WHO).
Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, policy chair for the conservative House Freedom Caucus, introduced the bill on Tuesday and argued the international health body "doesn't serve our interests and doesn't deserve our money."
He also attacked WHO member countries’ current effort to draft an international pandemic preparedness treaty, accusing the organization of a bid to consolidate and further its own influence.
"Taking money from hardworking families struggling with the aftermath of Biden's inflation crisis to send it to a bunch of leftist ‘public health’ tyrants in Geneva is unacceptable," Roy told Fox News Digital.
LASSA FEVER DEATH REPORTED IN MIDWESTERN STATE, CONTACT TRACING BEGINS
"I am confident that President Trump will cut the WHO's funding off — as he did last time — but this legislation will ensure that no future administration can restart it."
At least a dozen GOP lawmakers are backing the bill.
A significant number of Republicans, including President-elect Donald Trump, have been critical of the WHO, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
E. COLI OUTBREAK LINKED TO MCDONALD’S BURGERS: HOW TO SPOT THE SYMPTOMS
Trump announced he was halting funding to the WHO during his first term in April 2020, a move that drew blowback from the U.S. medical community, Politico reported at the time.
"Fighting a global pandemic requires international cooperation and reliance on science and data," Patrice Harris, president of the American Medical Association, told the outlet.
However, conservatives in Congress have viewed the organization as a power-hungry group that did not take U.S. interests into account.
The U.S. is currently the biggest contributor to the WHO, according to World Population Review. The organization's website states that 60% of its funding comes from member states.
Roy’s "No Taxpayer Funding for the World Health Organization Act" would stop all contributions to WHO, both committed and other voluntary funding.
WHO DIRECTOR CALLS FOR WORLD PANDEMIC TREATY TO PREPARE FOR DISEASE X
A spokesperson for WHO said the body was focused on maintaining its relationship with the U.S. when reached for comment on Roy's bill.
"The WHO Director General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said in December, at a press conference, that the new U.S. administration has not yet taken office and it requires time, like any new government, to do so. As Dr Tedros has said, WHO will do everything to cooperate with the incoming U.S. administration to continue to strengthen global health security," the spokesperson said.
"I would add that the WHO-US partnership, and America’s contribution to global health security more broadly, has protected and saved millions of lives in America and around the world. WHO values greatly its relationship with the US and is committed to maintaining and strengthening it."
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- Two House Dems join GOP to ban biological males from girls' school sports
Two House Dems join GOP to ban biological males from girls' school sports
Two House Democrats have voted alongside Republican lawmakers to ban transgender female athletes from participating on girls' school sports teams.
The Protection of Women and Girls In Sports Act, led by Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., would amend federal law to specify that student athletes must participate in school sports teams that coincide with their gender at birth.
Senate Republicans have already signaled they are aiming to take up the bill soon.
The change would apply to all federally funded schools from kindergarten through high school, as well as colleges and universities that receive federal dollars.
It comes after several Democrats spoke out against their own party's laser focus on inclusivity and progressivism, arguing that the far-left did not leave any room for dissent on issues like transgender youth.
Notably, however, some Democrats who raised such issues – like Reps. Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y., and Seth Moulton, D-Mass. – voted against the bill.
Republicans have championed the bill as a bid to protect women and girls from unfair athletic standards.
HOW TRANSGENDERISM IN SPORTS SHIFTED THE 2024 ELECTION AND IGNITED A NATIONAL COUNTERCULTURE
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., challenged Democrats on the bill during his weekly press conference on Tuesday.
"Everyone's talking about their children today. I've got two sons and two daughters, and we see the difference. Of course everyone does. And it's kind of silly to deny it," Johnson said. "The American people sent a clear message in November. They want us to return to common sense, and we're going to see if Democrats have heard that message."
Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., said during debate on the bill, "Why are we even having to discuss this? It's amazing to me that the idea that we would have XY chromosome males competing and taking the place of women and girls in sports is just mind-blowing."
"Where are we in society that we're doing this? Where are the feminists? Where are the people who fought so hard to get rights for women?" LaMalfa asked.
TRANSGENDER BILL BARRING MEN FROM WOMEN'S SPORTS TO GET FLOOR VOTE IN NEWLY GOP-LED SENATE
But the majority of Democrats were vehemently opposed to the bill, with Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., and others dubbing it "The GOP Child Predator Empowerment Act."
Rep. Andrea Salinas, D-Ore., argued, "This bill sets an unfair playing field that any parent can raise a concern that a transgender girl is playing on a girls' team," while noting such cases were rare.
The bill previously passed the House in 2023 in a 219 to 203 vote, but it was never taken up in the formerly Democrat-controlled Senate.
Elon Musk poised to occupy White House office space: report
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk will likely claim office space at the White House as he prepares to lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), according to a new report.
Musk may occupy space in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building right next to the West Wing that houses the bulk of office space for White House staffers, the New York Times reports.
Musk and transition officials have talked about what Musk’s access to President-elect Trump will look like after the inauguration, but solidified plans are pending, according to the outlet, which noted that usually special passes are required for those to freely visit the West Wing.
Musk is heading up DOGE with tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy as they target ways to eliminate government spending, waste and streamline efficiency and operations. However, the paper reported that it’s uncertain whether Ramaswamy is also expected to occupy White House office space.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT DOGE AND ITS QUEST TO SLASH GOVERNMENT WASTE, SPENDING
DOGE is not part of the federal government but rather is a blue-ribbon committee that is expected to suggest executive orders for the Trump administration and work alongside the Office of Management and Budget to execute reforms.
DOGE’s objective is to cut $2 trillion from the federal government budget through efforts to slash spending, government programs and the federal workforce.
However, Musk recently cast doubt on the likelihood of eliminating $2 trillion from the federal budget and said there was a better chance at cutting $1 trillion.
"I think we’ll try for $2 trillion. I think that’s like the best-case outcome," Musk said during tech trade show CES last week in Las Vegas. "But I do think that you kind of have to have some overage. I think if we try for $2 trillion, we’ve got a good shot at getting $1 [trillion]."
The Washington Post reported this month that aides for Musk and Ramaswamy had started interviewing staffers from government agencies for DOGE, including the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service, as well as the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security and Health and Human Services.
Approximately 50 people are part of DOGE’s team, which is seeking to expand to roughly 100 staffers by the inauguration. These staffers are working from SpaceX’s offices in Washington, D.C., according to the Washington Post.
Those close to Musk, who donated millions of dollars to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, said he is still determining whether he will take on the role of leading DOGE as a special government employee and, therefore, be required to file financial disclosure forms, the New York Times reports.
But certain restrictions could apply if Musk chooses to forgo special government employee status, such as requiring public meetings and sharing DOGE documents with the public, according to the outlet.
'EFFICIENT AND ACCOUNTABLE': GOP-LED DOGE BILL AIMS TO SLASH OUTFLOW OF FEDERAL DOLLARS
Musk, along with other tech industry titans and venture capitalists, are slated to meet in Washington, D.C., this week for a dinner to discuss global innovation in artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship with incoming Trump administration officials.
Outside the Box Ventures, a firm founded last year by journalist-turned-investment banker Katherine Tarbox and French Ambassador to the U.S. Laurent Bili, is sponsoring the dinner.
"This gathering represents more than discussion. We hope it symbolizes a new chapter in public-private collaboration to harness technology’s transformative power for the nation’s future," a source close to the planning told Fox News Digital.
Fox News Digital’s Chris Pandolfo contributed to this report.
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- Massie removed from powerful House committee after vote against Johnson
Massie removed from powerful House committee after vote against Johnson
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., no longer sits on the powerful House Rules Committee after he was the only Republican to vote against Speaker Mike Johnson in the House leadership election.
The Rules Committee holds sway over which bills make it to the House floor for a vote. Massie, a hardline libertarian, had said he would step aside from the panel voluntarily after he opposed Johnson for speaker on grounds that Johnson had relied on Democratic support to pass major spending bills.
But Massie's uncompromising positions have often isolated him from the rest of the GOP conference. One Republican lawvmaker told Fox News Digital, "98% of the conference wanted Massie off rules."
MASSIE COMES OUT AGAINST JOHNSON RETAINING SPEAKER'S GAVEL
Massie's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The House Republican conference met behind closed doors Tuesday morning and voted for a new committee roster. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Va., a member of the House Freedom Caucus, has succeeded Massie on the Rules Committee.
MASSIE DROPS COLORFUL ANALOGY OPPOSING FOREIGN AID, MOCKS SPEAKER JOHNSON WITH AI-GENERATED IMAGE
Additionally, Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., the former chairwoman of the Education and Workforce Committee, will lead the panel after Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, retired.
Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Pa., the House GOP deputy whip, was also removed from the committee and replaced by freshman Rep. Brian Jack, R-Ga.
THOMAS MASSIE, CONSERVATIVE COMMENTATORS VOCALLY OPPOSE TRUMP'S DEA NOMINEE
Massie was first appointed to the Rules Committee alongside Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, and Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., as part of a deal with ex-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., in January 2023 to expand conservative representation – a piece of a wider compromise for McCarthy to win his short-lived House speakership.
The House Rules Committee is the final stop for bills before a House-wide vote. The committee and its chair are responsible for dictating the terms of debate on a bill and what, if any, amendments will also get a vote.
After a bill passes the House Rules Committee, it is then subject to a House-wide "rule vote" to allow for debate on the legislation before a vote on final passage.
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- Honoring Trump: Speaker Johnson says flags to fly full-staff at US Capitol during presidential inauguration
Honoring Trump: Speaker Johnson says flags to fly full-staff at US Capitol during presidential inauguration
House Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Tuesday that flags at the U.S. Capitol will be raised to full-staff next Monday, Jan. 20, to mark President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.
The move comes despite the official order by President Biden after the Dec. 29 death of former President Jimmy Carter that flags across the country would fly at half-staff for a 30-day mourning period.
"On January 20th, the flags at the Capitol will fly at full-staff to celebrate our country coming together behind the inauguration of our 47th President, Donald Trump. The flags will be lowered back to half-staff the following day to continue honoring President Jimmy Carter," Johnson said in a statement.
THIS REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR SAYS FLAGS WILL FLY FULL STAFF ON TRUMP INAUGURATION IN HIS STATE
Johnson is a strong supporter of Trump, and the president-elect's recent backing of him helped Johnson diffuse opposition by some far-right Republicans to his re-election as speaker in the new Congress.
CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST FOX NEWS REPORTING ON THE TRUMP TRANSITION AND INAUGURATION
According to the U.S. flag code, U.S. flags are flown at half-staff for a 30-day period to mark the passing of a current or former president, at federal government buildings, military installations and vessels and at U.S. embassies and other facilities around the world.
Trump earlier this month claimed on social media that "Democrats are all ‘giddy’" about flags being flown at half-staff during his inauguration.
"Nobody wants to see this," Trump argued. "No American can be happy about it. Let’s see how it plays out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
CHECK OUT TRUMP'S PICKS FOR TOP CABINET AND ADMINISTRATION POSITIONS
The U.S. flag code is not mandatory, which means that Trump could technically override it once he is inaugurated as president.
The Associated Press observed that a flag at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, was flying at full height on Monday.
The flag had been flying at half-staff but was raised in the days after Carter's funeral service at National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and burial in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, both of which took place on Thursday.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday announced that flags at the state Capitol building in Austin and at all state office buildings would also be raised to full-staff next Monday to mark Trump's inauguration.
Fox News' Chad Pergram contributed to this report
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- Hegseth interrupted by multiple protesters during Senate confirmation hearing
Hegseth interrupted by multiple protesters during Senate confirmation hearing
President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth, was interrupted by at least three protesters during his Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday.
"Veterans are committing suicide and are homeless, but we send money to bomb children in Gaza," one female protester wearing fatigues shouted as she was escorted from the hearing, Fox News Digital video shows.
Hegseth appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday morning, when he was grilled by lawmakers ahead of a committee vote and final confirmation vote on his nomination as secretary of Defense.
PETE HEGSETH HEADS TO CAPITOL HILL FOR FIERY HEARING ON HIS RECORD, PLANS TO SHAKE UP PENTAGON
An elderly man who was handcuffed with zipties was also seen being escorted out of the hearing. Another man, also appearing to wear fatigues, was seen being carried out by Capitol Police.
CONSERVATIVE GROUP COMPILES LIST OF 'WOKE' SENIOR OFFICERS THEY WANT PETE HEGSETH TO FIRE
Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has spent his days in recent weeks on Capitol Hill meeting with senators to rally support as he battled allegations of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking and mismanaging a veterans nonprofit organization. Hegseth has denied the allegations and vowed that he won't drink "a drop of alcohol" if confirmed to Trump's Cabinet.
PETE HEGSETH SAYS HE HASN'T HEARD FROM WEST POINT SINCE EMPLOYEE 'ERROR' DENYING HIS ACCEPTANCE
TRUMP NOMINEE PETE HEGSETH FENDS OFF DEMOCRATIC ATTACKS AT FIERY CONFIRMATION HEARING
Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., asked Hegseth about the protesters during his hearing, including regarding the war in Israel that has been ongoing since 2023.
"Another protester, and I think this one was a member of Code Pink, which, by the way, is a Chinese communist front group these days, said that you support Israel's war in Gaza. I support Israel's existential war in Gaza. I assume, like me and President Trump, you support that war as well," Cotton said.
PETE HEGSETH SAYS HE WILL BE 'STANDING RIGHT HERE IN THIS FIGHT' AFTER MEETING WITH SENATORS
"I support Israel destroying and killing every last member of Hamas," Hegseth responded.
"And the third protester said something about 20 years of genocide. I assume that's our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Do you think our troops are committing genocide in Iraq and Afghanistan?" Cotton continued.
"Senator, I do not. I think … our troops, as you know, as so many in this committee know, did the best they could with what they had. … And tragically, the outcome we saw in Afghanistan under the Biden administration put a stain on that, but it doesn't put a stain on what those men and women did in uniform, as you know full well, Senator," Hegseth responded.
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- GOP Hegseth holdout presses Defense secretary nominee on her top 3 issues in military
GOP Hegseth holdout presses Defense secretary nominee on her top 3 issues in military
Republican Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, who initially did not publicly back Pete Hegseth's nomination as secretary of Defense, publicly questioned the nominee on Tuesday morning on her three "very important issues" surrounding the military.
"I want to know, again, let's make it very clear for everyone here today, as Secretary of Defense, will you support women continuing to have the opportunity to serve in combat roles?" Ernst asked former Fox News host Hegseth on Tuesday, saying women serving in the military was one of her top three concerns.
"Senator, first of all, thank you for your service. As we discussed extensively as well, and my answer is yes, exactly the way that you caveated it. Yes, women will have access to ground combat roles, combat roles given the standards remain high, and we'll have a review to ensure the standards have not been eroded," Hegseth responded.
Ernst sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee, which held its hearing on Hegseth's nomination Tuesday morning. She initially withheld public support of the Trump nominee before later signaling she endorsed his nomination.
The Iowa senator said in her opening remarks that she is known for not keeping "anything hidden, pull no punches," while thanking Hegseth for joining the committee for the hearing. She explained that she had three top issues to ask Hegseth, including an audit of the Department of Defense, women serving in combat roles and "making sure that we are combating sexual assault in the military."
On the point of a DOD audit, Hegseth said that he has long called for an audit and supports one, before moving onto his view of women serving in military combat roles and combating sexual assault in the military.
"A priority of mine has been combating sexual assault in the military and making sure that all of our service members are treated with dignity and respect. This has been so important. Senator Gillibrand and I have worked on this, and we were able to get changes made to the uniform code of military justice to make sure that we have improvements, and on how we address the tragic and life altering, issues of rape, sexual assault. It will demand time and attention from the Pentagon under your watch, if you are confirmed," Ernst said.
"So, as secretary of Defense, will you appoint a senior level official dedicated to sexual assault prevention and response?" she asked.
Hegseth said that, as they had previously discussed, he would appoint an official to such a role.
Late last year, Ernst initially withheld committing to voting in favor of Hegseth before backtracking and saying she would support the nominee as the Trump orbit was anticipated to ramp up criticisms against Ernst.
CONSERVATIVE GROUP COMPILES LIST OF 'WOKE' SENIOR OFFICERS THEY WANT PETE HEGSETH TO FIRE
"It's really this simple: If you oppose President Trump's nominees, you oppose the Trump agenda and there will be a political price to pay for that. We are well aware that there are certain establishment Senators trying to tank the President's nominees to make him look weak and damage him politically, and we're just not going to allow that to happen," a top Trump ally told Fox News Digital as Ernst hesitated about offering her endorsement.
Ernst said in comments last month that she supported his nomination.
"As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources," Ernst said at the time.
PETE HEGSETH SAYS HE WILL BE 'STANDING RIGHT HERE IN THIS FIGHT' AFTER MEETING WITH SENATORS
Ernst's questions followed Democratic Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Kirsten Gillibrand grilling the candidate about similar issues surrounding women in the military.
"You’ve made a number of surprising statements about women in the military," Shaheen told Hegseth, before noting that women comprise roughly 18% of U.S. military personnel.
"Women in our military, as I have said publicly, have and continue to make amazing contributions across all aspects of our battlefield," Hegseth responded.
"What I'm confused about, Mr. Hegseth, is why should women in our military— if you were the secretary of defense— believe that they would have a fair shot and an equal opportunity to rise through the ranks? If, on the one hand, you say that women are not competent, they make our military less effective— and on the other hand, you say, ‘Oh, now, now that I've been nominated to be the Secretary of Defense, I've changed my view on women in the military.’"
Hegseth responded that his concern revolves around standards used for women in combat roles and those standards getting watered down.
"I would be honored to have the opportunity to serve alongside, shoulder to shoulder, men and women; black, white; all backgrounds with a shared purpose," Hegseth said.
Trump nominated Hegseth, a former National Guard officer, as secretary of Defense in November following his election win, saying "with Pete at the helm, America's enemies are on notice — Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down." Hegseth was a host on "Fox & Friends Weekend" before Trump's nomination.
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- Michelle Obama to skip Trump inauguration, 11 days after missing Carter funeral
Michelle Obama to skip Trump inauguration, 11 days after missing Carter funeral
Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the inauguration of President-elect Trump on Monday, which will mark the second absence in two weeks from a gathering of former presidents and their spouses. Obama was not in attendance at former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral last week.
Former President Barack Obama is scheduled to attend the Jan. 20 inauguration event along with former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush and their spouses.
"Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration," reads a statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama that was shared with The Associated Press.
MICHELLE OBAMA, DICK CHENEY AMONG NOTABLE ABSENCES AT CARTER FUNERAL
It is unclear why former first lady Michelle Obama is skipping Trump’s inauguration.
Former presidents Trump, Bush and Clinton and their spouses all attended Carter's funeral on Jan. 9 at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., as did former President Barack Obama. Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband also attended, along with former Vice President Mike Pence and his wife.
Former President Bill Clinton will attend next week’s swearing-in ceremony, a person familiar with the former president’s schedule confirmed to the AP. Former first lady Hillary Clinton will also attend, a spokesperson said. The Office of George W. Bush said he and former first lady Laura Bush are attending.
At Carter’s funeral, Trump and Obama appeared to put their political differences aside and were seen chatting and laughing together despite the former Democrat president's history of political animosity with the returning Republican.
All three former presidents and their wives attended Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, including Hillary Clinton, after she lost the 2016 presidential election to Trump. Carter also attended.
President-elect Trump and former first lady Melania Trump did not attend President Biden's inauguration in 2021.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Obama Foundation for comment.
CARRIE UNDERWOOD TO PERFORM ‘AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL’ AT TRUMP INAUGURATION
The news of Michelle Obama sidestepping the inauguration comes a day after former first lady Melania Trump revealed that she and her husband did not get enough information from the Obama administration about moving into the White House back in January 2017, for the beginning of the first Trump administration.
"The difference is, I know where I will be going. I know the rooms where we will be living. I know the processes," the former first lady told "Fox & Friends" co-host Ainsley Earhardt on Monday.
"The first time was challenging. We didn't have much of the information, the information was upheld from us from the previous administration. But this time I have everything. I have the plans. I could move in. I already packed. I already selected the furniture that needs to go in. So it's very different a transition this time, second time around."
The inauguration events will feature performances by Carrie Underwood, the Village People and Lee Greenwood. Underwood, the 2005 "American Idol" winner, will be singing "America the Beautiful" and will be joined by the Armed Forces Choir and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club.
A Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee spokesperson told Fox News Digital Underwood will perform during the swearing-in ceremony for President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance.
TRUMP, OBAMA CHATTING AND LAUGHING AT CARTER FUNERAL LIGHTS UP SOCIAL MEDIA
The '70s disco group Village People have been a staple during Trump's rallies over the past year, with hits like "Y.M.C.A" and "Macho Man" being played.
The group is slated to perform at one of Trump's inaugural balls and a rally he's holding in Washington the day before his inauguration.
Along with Greenwood, opera singer Christopher Macchio is set to make a performance during Trump's inauguration festivities, The Associated Press reported.
Fox News’ Janelle Ash, Brooke Singman and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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- Dem senator's 'lies and stupidity' at Hegseth hearing roasted on social media: 'Clown show'
Dem senator's 'lies and stupidity' at Hegseth hearing roasted on social media: 'Clown show'
Social media users are criticizing a Democratic senator for claiming that Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth would lead a military invasion of Greenland if nominated.
A confirmation hearing for Hegseth was held by the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, where lawmakers were given the opportunity to question Trump's defense pick. One Democrat in particular, Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, caused a firestorm of social media reactions to her asking Hegseth whether he would invade Greenland or take over the Panama Canal.
"Trump never strategically tips his hand. I would never publicly state one way or another to direct the orders of the president," Hegseth responded to the question.
"Hirono was playing judge, jury, and executioner based on lies and stupidity," Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., wrote in a post on X.
PETE HEGSETH HEADS TO CAPITOL HILL FOR FIERY HEARING ON HIS RECORD, PLANS TO SHAKE UP PENTAGON
Brigette Gabriel, ACT for America founder and chairman, wrote that "Mazie Hirono might be the least intelligent Member of Congress, and that's saying something."
"This line of questioning is unbecoming of her position as a United States Senator," Gabriel said on X. "I stand with Pete Hegseth."
HEGSETH WAS ‘INCREDIBLY TALENTED, BATTLE-PROVEN LEADER,' MILITARY EVALUATIONS SHOW
During the hearing, Hirono claimed that President-elect Trump ordered guards to "shoot protesters in the legs" during a protest at Layfayette Square in Washington D.C. in 2020, and asked if Hegseth would carry out such an order.
"I was in the Washington, D.C. National Guard unit that was in Lafayette Square during those events, holding a riot shield on behalf of my country," Hegseth responded. "I saw 50 Secret Service agents get injured by riot agents."
Hirono also asked Hegseth about allegations of sexual assault and claims that he was drinking on the job - both of which he has repeatedly denied.
"Clown show," wrote Eric Daughtery, Assistant News Director of Florida's Voice.
"Mazie Hirono peddles the discredited anonymous sources from NBC who claimed that Pete Hegseth was constantly drunk at work," wrote Greg Price.
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- Biden issues second AI action during final week in office with executive order fast-tracking US infrastructure
Biden issues second AI action during final week in office with executive order fast-tracking US infrastructure
President Biden on Tuesday signed an ambitious executive order that he says will keep both national security and climate change in mind while fast-tracking the build out of large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in the United States.
Biden said in a statement released by the White House that the executive order will "accelerate the speed at which we build the next generation of AI infrastructure here in America, in a way that enhances economic competitiveness, national security, AI safety, and clean energy." It directs the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy "to lease federal sites where the private sector can build frontier AI infrastructure at speed and scale."
"The United States leads the world at the frontier of artificial intelligence (AI). Cutting-edge AI will have profound implications for national security and enormous potential to improve Americans’ lives if harnessed responsibly, from helping cure disease to keeping communities safe by mitigating the effects of climate change. However, we cannot take our lead for granted," Biden said. "We will not let America be out-built when it comes to the technology that will define the future, nor should we sacrifice critical environmental standards and our shared efforts to protect clean air and clean water."
The order will "ensure that the infrastructure needed for advanced AI operations—including large-scale data centers and new clean power infrastructure—can be built with speed and scale here in the United States," Biden said, adding, "These efforts are designed to accelerate the clean energy transition in a way that is responsible and respectful to local communities, and in a way that does not impose any new costs on American families."
"Building AI infrastructure in the United States is a national security imperative," Biden said. "As AI’s capabilities grow, so do its implications for Americans’ safety and security. Domestic data centers for training and operating powerful AI models will help the United States facilitate AI’s safe and secure development, harness AI in service of national security, and prevent adversaries from accessing powerful systems to the detriment of our military and national security."
"It will also help prevent America from growing dependent on other countries to access powerful AI tools," he added.
Vice President Harris, who attended the first-ever global AI summit hosted in London in November 2023, said in a statement on Tuesday the "significant electrical power needs of large-scale AI operations also present a new opportunity for advancing American leadership in clean-energy technology, which will power our future economy." "By activating the full force of the federal government to speed up and scale AI operations here in the United States, we are securing our global leadership on AI, which will have a profound impact on our economy, society, and national security for generations to come," she added.
Under the new rules, the departments of Defense and Energy will each identify at least three sites where the private sector can build AI data centers. The agencies will run "competitive solicitations" from private companies to build AI data centers on those federal sites, senior administration officials said.
Developers building on those sites will be required, among other things, to pay for the construction of those facilities and to bring sufficient "clean power" generation to match the full capacity needs of their data centers. Although the U.S. government will be leasing land to a company, that company would own the materials it creates there, officials said.
Developers selected to build on government sites will be required to pay all costs of building and operating AI infrastructure so that development does not raise electricity prices for consumers, the administration said.
The orders also direct construction of AI data centers on federal sites to be done with public labor agreements. Some of the sites are reserved for small and medium-sized AI companies, according to government officials.
Government agencies will also complete a study on the effects of all AI data centers on electricity prices, and the Energy Department will provide technical assistance to state public utility commissions regarding electricity tariff designs that can support connecting new large customers with clean energy.
As part of the order, the Interior Department will identify lands it manages that are suitable for clean energy development and can support data centers on government sites, administration officials said.
"The volumes of computing power, electricity needed to train and operate frontier models are increasing rapidly and set to surge even more," Tarun Chhabra, deputy assistant to the president and coordinator for technology and national security, told the Associated Press. "By around 2028, we expect that leading AI developers will be seeking to operate data centers with as much as five gigawatts of capacity for training AI models."
Deploying AI systems at scale also requires a broader network of data centers across different parts of the country, he said.
The executive order comes on the heels of the Biden administration’s proposed new restrictions on exports of artificial intelligence chips, an attempt to balance national security concerns about the technology with the economic interests of producers and other countries. The Biden White House announced its "final rule" on AI diffusion Monday, receiving blow-back from chip industry executives as well as officials from the European Union over export restrictions that would affect 120 countries.
"We're trying to strike the right balance between ensuring that the frontier of AI stays in the United States of America and our close allies, while also ensuring that the rest of the world can benefit from AI and get the hardware that they need to power AI applications going forward," National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters at the White House Monday. "We think this is, in a bipartisan spirit, the way to best preserve and protect America's lead when it comes to artificial intelligence."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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- FIRST ON FOX: Red state suing Biden admin for unleashing ‘chaos’ on schools through open border
FIRST ON FOX: Red state suing Biden admin for unleashing ‘chaos’ on schools through open border
FIRST ON FOX: The state of Oklahoma is suing to hold the Biden administration accountable for unleashing "massive chaos" on the public school system in the state through four years of open border policies.
The suit, launched by the Oklahoma State Department of Education and Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters, targets President Biden’s Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. It demands the Biden administration refund Oklahoma for the approximately $470 million it had to spend on educating thousands of illegal immigrant children over the last four years.
Walters, who filed the suit in the Western District Court of Oklahoma today, told Fox News Digital that public schools are "overrun with illegal immigrants" who are stretching the system’s resources thin and limiting opportunities for the children of taxpaying citizens.
According to data gathered by the Oklahoma State Department of Education, the state spends approximately $11,000 per student annually, and the number of unaccompanied migrant children placed in the state is nearly 3,000.
Walters said that Oklahoma schools are struggling to provide adequate resources for immigrant children, such as certified teachers for students with limited English proficiency, transportation and individualized education plans, and that these challenges have a long-term impact on school budgets and the quality of education for all students in the state.
"It truly is chaos in the school system. And who's suffering here? It's the students," said Walters. "Joe Biden and Kamala Harris did this intentionally, and we've got students caught in the crossfire here. We have got to protect them, and we've got to get our states back on track in educating our kids."
BIDEN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPENT OVER $1 BILLION ON DEI GRANTS: REPORT
Though President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office next week, he said that Oklahoma taxpayers are still being saddled with the costs of the Biden administration’s failed border policies.
He pointed to an NBC interview with outgoing ICE Director P.J. Lechleitner, who said the Biden administration "absolutely" should have acted sooner to shut down the border.
Walters said, "They knew it was happening, and they didn't do anything about it."
CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGE
"Last week we had Joe Biden's top ICE director admit that they allowed this to happen, that they allowed the law to be broken … and frankly, they're crystal clear these orders came from the top, they came from Joe Biden and the border czar Kamala Harris," he said. "We cannot just allow them to skate off into the sunset and say, ‘President Trump, here you go, states, sorry, we just caused this massive chaos across your schools, across your state, into your communities.’ Those individuals have to be held accountable for the chaos they brought to our kids and our families. And that's what this lawsuit will do."
Walters called on other states to join Oklahoma’s suit against the Biden administration, saying that "every state has to get a grasp of what illegal immigration has done to their school system, has done to their states."
"This is the future we're talking about; we're trying to get education back on track," he said.
"This is how you change this trajectory. This is how you get the Trump administration the support that they need by holding the current administration accountable, getting this data, getting this information," he went on, concluding: "In Oklahoma, we're not going to tolerate Kamala Harris and Joe Biden allowing our schools to be overrun with illegal immigrants and with this lawsuit, we will hold them accountable to the taxpayers of the state of Oklahoma."
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- LA councilwoman whose district ravaged by wildfires looks to hold leaders accountable for empty reservoirs
LA councilwoman whose district ravaged by wildfires looks to hold leaders accountable for empty reservoirs
A Los Angeles council member, whose district has been devastated by the recent historic wildfires, is demanding accountability from city and state officials after empty reservoirs hindered firefighting efforts, raising questions about how ready the city will be to host world-stage events in the next few years.
"This fire was unlike anything we have ever seen before, but there is no secret that we have chronically underinvested in critical infrastructure and public safety in Los Angeles," Council member Traci Park told Fox News Digital in a Monday interview.
"And I think there are a lot of questions about what more could have been done or could have been done differently, and what it's going to take in Los Angeles to make sure this never happens again," she said.
Following the devastating wildfires that began in the Los Angeles mountains last week, concerns arose over dysfunctional fire hydrants and significant multimillion-dollar reductions of the fire department's budget.
Gov. Gavin Newsom responded on Friday by calling for an independent review of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to investigate the water supply issues during the emergency.
"The ongoing reports of loss of water pressure to some local fire hydrants during the fires and the reported unavailability of water supplies from the Santa Ynez Reservoir are deeply troubling to me and to the community," Newsom wrote to LADWP Chief Executive Officer and Chief Engineer Janisse Quiñones and L.A. County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella in a letter.
Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers defended state leadership.
"Obviously, I have a lot of concerns about the water," said Park, whose district encompasses the Pacific Palisades, the area which was one of the first and hardest hit by the wildfires.
"I was personally at the command post at Will Rogers as this Volcano of Fire came over our mountain, through our town, all the way to Pacific Coast Highway, and throughout those events into the night, I was anecdotally hearing about our firefighters not having enough water," she said. "And I think we all have questions about the expectations, how are our firefighters supposed to fight fire without the thing they need to do it, that's water?"
Park, who has been collecting critical aid at her Westchester neighborhood office to distribute to her constituents, said she's also concerned about disaster preparedness, as Los Angeles sets itself to host the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games.
"I was concerned about our level of preparation for those events before this happened," Park said, in regard to the wildfires. "And I certainly think that over the last several days, we have seen some of those gaps on full display."
While Park expressed her gratitude for Newsom and "his support at the state level," as well as county and Cal Fire partners, "The reality is, as we are hosting millions of people in our city, and our resources are already spread so thin, it is clear that we have a lot of work to do a lot of strategic planning to continue our preparations for those big events that are coming."
'DEVASTATING': CALIFORNIA HAD RECORD RAINFALL LAST YEAR, BUT LACKED INFRASTRUCTURE TO STORE IT
In the months leading up to the wildfires, Los Angeles city officials reduced the fire department's budget by just under $18 million, according to the department.
At the state level, experts and lawmakers are pointing fingers at the top leaders' handling of the state's forestry management and a lesser-known problem: the state's outdated water reserves system. California's existing reservoirs can only hold so much water, and many were built in the mid-20th century.
In 2024, the state experienced record-breaking rainfall after an atmospheric river event, but the existing water infrastructure faced difficulties managing the sudden influx of water. A significant portion of that rainfall was dumped into the ocean.
In 2014, California voters passed Proposition 1, also known as the Water Quality, Supply and Infrastructure Improvement Act, which authorized $2.7 billion in bonds to increase the state's water storage capacity through building new reservoirs and groundwater storage facilities. Yet, no new reservoirs have been completed under Prop. 1, according to local reports.