Irish leaders will skip St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the U.S. this year to protest President Donald Trump calling for the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are an opportunity for Irish leaders to reinforce diplomatic relations abroad, particularly in the U.S., where the annual trip to Washington, D.C., commemorates the historic and cultural ties between the countries. This year, the Irish prime minister, known as Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, will represent Ireland without Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill.

"I followed with growing concern what's happening on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank, and like many other Irish people, have listened in horror to calls from the President of the United States for the mass expulsion of the Palestinian people from their homes and the permanent seizure of Palestinian lands," McDonald said.

"Such an approach is a fundamental breach of international law, is deeply destabilizing in the Middle East, and a dangerous departure from the U.N. position of peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis, and the right of Palestinians to self-determination."

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While acknowledging the important opportunity to reinforce the U.S. and Ireland’s relationship, McDonald said she decided not to attend the White House events this year "as a principled stance against the call for the mass expulsion of the Palestinian people from Gaza."

O’Neill echoed McDonald’s comments, vowing to maintain diplomatic relationships with the U.S. while taking a stance against Trump’s comments. 

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"I have taken the decision as First Minister not to attend events at the White House this year," O'Neill announced in a post. "We have all witnessed the heartbreak and devastation and the suffering in Palestine, and the recent comments by the U.S. president around the mass expulsion of the Palestinian people from Gaza is something which I cannot ignore."

O’Neill said she is standing "firmly on the side of humanity" by protesting Trump and supporting the Palestinian people. 

"I will continue to engage with the U.S., both politically and economically, to better people's lives. But people rightly look to leaders to stand against injustice. And in the future, when our children and our grandchildren ask us what we did when the Palestinian people endured unimaginable suffering, I will say I stood firmly on the side of humanity."

McDonald said she supported Martin’s standing St. Patrick’s Day visit to Washington, D.C., because the prime minister would have more access and an expected audience with Trump. She urged Martin to use the "opportunity to reflect the view of the Irish people in relation to Palestine, in support of international law, and to reject threats for the mass expulsion of Palestinian people and seizures of their land."

When asked about the boycott, Martin told reporters, "Sinn Féin does what it always does – it engages in politics. I have a responsibility to the country."

Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) called the boycott "reckless" and "short-sighted."

"The United States is a key economic partner for Northern Ireland," said DUP Leader Rt. Hon. Gavin Robinson. "Turning away from that relationship, particularly at a time when we need continued international support, is a reckless move that does nothing to advance the interests of people and businesses in Northern Ireland."

Trump said during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last month that the U.S. would "take over the Gaza Strip." Trump also suggested relocating Palestinians to rebuild Gaza as the "Riviera of the Middle East." Trump’s comments sparked international backlash. 

Ireland is a long-time supporter of Palestinian independence, as many Irish draw parallels with the British occupation of Ireland. Ireland has advocated for full Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution throughout the war in Gaza. Irish citizens have vocally opposed the war in Gaza and consistently protested in support of Palestinians since the war began. 

Sinn Féin is an Irish Republican party with historic connections to the Irish Republican Army that has grown in popularity and power in Ireland and Northern Ireland over the past few years. Sinn Féin believes in Irish reunification by returning the British-controlled counties of Northern Ireland to Irish rule. 

Just as the U.S. has played a critical role in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, the U.S. was a key negotiator in the Good Friday Agreement between the United Kingdom and Ireland in 1998, which ended decades of conflict and brought peace to the region. 

The U.S. is home to the largest Irish diaspora. The U.S. and Ireland have maintained close diplomatic relations, and traditional St. Patrick’s Day events at the White House have become an opportunity to celebrate and develop that relationship. Former President Joe Biden visited Ireland and Northern Ireland as president in 2023 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. 

Former Vice President Kamala Harris took veiled jabs at President Donald Trump and Department of Government Efficiency chief Elon Musk during her first major speech since her election loss in November. 

After several months out of the public spotlight, Harris stepped onto the stage at the 56th NAACP Image Awards on Saturday in the Los Angeles-area to accept the NAACP’s Chairman's Award.

The former Democratic presidential candidate called for a "sense of urgency," asserting that "eternal vigilance is the price of liberty" as she urged the Pasadena crowd to "stay alert, to seek the truth and to actively participate in the fight for America's future." 

"The organization came into being at a moment when our country struggled with greed, bitterness and hatred. And those who forged the NAACP legacy, those who carried its legacy had no illusions about the forces they were up against. No illusions about how stony the road would be. But some look at this moment and rightly feel the weight of history," Harris said. "Some see the flames on our horizons, the rising waters in our cities, the shadows gathering over our democracy and ask, what do we do now? But we know exactly what to do because we have done it before, and we will do it again. We use our power. We organize, mobilize. We educate, and we advocate. Because you see, our power has never come from having an easy path." 

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Harris, who formerly served as a U.S. senator from California and the state's attorney general, continued, "Our strength flows from our faith. Faith in God, faith in each other and our refusal to surrender to cynicism and destruction. Not because it is easy, but because it is necessary. Not because victory is guaranteed, but because the fight is worth it."

"And while we have no illusions about what we are up against in this chapter in our American story, this chapter will be written not simply by whoever occupies the Oval Office, nor by the wealthiest among us," Harris said, appearing to reference Trump and Musk, who is the wealthiest person in the world. "The American story will be written by you, written by us, by we, the people." 

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Her speech comes at a time when the Democratic Party is in a messaging crisis after Trump soundly defeated Harris in November's presidential election.

Like former President Joe Biden did earlier this month, Harris signed with the powerful Hollywood talent agency, Creative Artists Agency, days ago. The agency said in its announcement on Instagram that it would focus on "speaking engagements and publishing," and work closely with Harris "on her post-White House initiatives, creating strategic opportunities that expand her platform in support of the issues she has championed through her decades-long career in public service." 

In his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference, Trump referenced Harris as Biden's border czar, telling the Washington, D.C., area crowd, "I haven’t said that name in a while."

The MP was suspended by Labour after a video emerged showing him punching a man to the ground.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is teaming up with Elon Musk's cost-cutting department to draw back environmental grants issued by the former Democratic administration. 

The EPA and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), President Donald Trump's newly formed department aimed at cutting federal spending, recently revealed that the Biden administration earmarked $77.1 million in "environmental justice" grants to 20 recipients.

DOGE, as part of its sweep of government "waste," revealed that they are canceling $67.4 million of the unspent funds, the EPA confirmed to Fox News Digital.

"Good work," DOGE wrote in a post on X regarding the recent spending cut.

BIDEN SENT $2 BILLION TO STACEY ABRAMS-LINKED GROUP IN GREEN ENERGY ‘SCHEME,' EPA SAYS

The new developments, first reported by the New York Post, revealed that one recipient, the San Diego State University Foundation, would stand to lose $4.2 million in funding for bringing "environmental justice" to "tribal, indigenous and Pacific Island communities."

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., reacted to the cost-cutting decision, writing on social media that "Biden's EPA" equals "Embezzling Public Assets."

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The EPA has been clawing back millions in environmental grants issued under the Biden administration, recently revealing that the Biden administration was allowing just eight entities to distribute $20 billion of taxpayer dollars "at their discretion." 

The agency found that part of the funds were $2 billion to a climate group linked to high-profile Democrat Stacey Abrams in what was described by the administration as a "scheme" of "wasteful" spending.

The grant was given to Power Forward Communities, an Abrams-tied nonprofit that sought to "reduce our impact on the climate" by financing the replacement of household appliances in lower-income communities with green alternatives.

Some House Republicans have felt heat back home this past week after progressive groups urged Americans to protest the GOP’s handling of government spending.

At least six lawmakers saw protests at their district offices as they spent time with constituents during last week’s recess to mark President’s Day. Several others were confronted during town hall events held during the same period.

The demonstrations largely centered on Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to slash $2 trillion in federal spending. 

BLACK CAUCUS CHAIR ACCUSES TRUMP OF 'PURGE' OF 'MINORITY' FEDERAL WORKERS

"They have control of all of our personal information, and I don’t know that anyone except them knows what they’re going to be doing with it," a protester outside the office of Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., said in a video captured by AZ Central. "I think it’s a terrible breach of security for everyone in this country."

A photo compilation by the Desert Sun showed dozens of people protesting at the office of Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., with signs like, "You work for us, not Musk."

People were also concerned about potential cuts to Medicaid and other federal programs as GOP lawmakers work to enact President Donald Trump’s agenda via the budget reconciliation process. 

Lawmakers are looking to cut billions in federal spending to offset the cost of extending Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as well as border security and national defense priorities.

Constituents outside the office of Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., last week pleaded with him to reject Medicaid cuts, according to local outlet WGAL. "I hope he doesn't touch Medicaid. I hope he does not defund it or try to cut it or anything like that," one demonstrator told the outlet.

Perry told the outlet in response to the protest, "Congressman Perry supports the right to protest. While Congress has yet to see a detailed plan to get our Country back on the path to fiscal solvency, Congressman Perry, as always, will keep the concerns and views of the 10th District at the forefront as he determines his vote on their behalf."

Other Republicans who saw protests at their district offices last week included Reps. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., Ryan Mackenzie, R-Pa., and House Administration Committee Chair Bryan Steil, R-Wis.

Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., was among the Republican lawmakers who faced critics that jeered him at a town hall last week.

KEY CONSERVATIVE CAUCUS DRAWS RED LINE ON HOUSE BUDGET PLAN

It comes after progressive group Indivisible put out a memo encouraging activists to use last week’s recess to protest House lawmakers at their home offices amid the left’s backlash against Musk’s work.

"Recess is when Members of Congress go back home to host town halls, meet with constituents, and try to paint themselves as responsive to the people who elected them. It is also when MoCs think they can avoid public scrutiny — especially Republicans who want to dodge tough questions about their complicity in Trump and Musk’s coup," the group’s site said.

Meanwhile, left-wing group Working Families Power and Opportunity Wisconsin organized the demonstration outside of Steil’s office, an online event notice showed.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined Monday to hear a pro-life challenge against protest restrictions around abortion clinics in Illinois, as activists argued the laws infringe on their First Amendment rights, a decision met with a fiery dissent by Justice Clarence Thomas.

The court rejected appeals from Coalition Life, which describes itself as "America's Largest Professional Sidewalk Counseling Organization" in New Jersey and Illinois, which had challenged previous lower court rulings that dismissed their lawsuits. 

Pro-life activists in the case argued that "buffer zones" – which were established after a previous Supreme Court decision in Colorado to shield patients from harassment – around abortion clinics violate their First Amendment rights to free speech.

SUPREME COURT TO WEIGH STATE BAN ON TRANSGENDER 'MEDICAL TREATMENTS' FOR MINORS

Thomas and fellow conservative Justice Samuel Alito dissented, with Thomas arguing SCOTUS should have taken up the case, Coalition Life v. City of Carbondale, Illinois. Alito did not explain his reasoning in writing.

The votes of four justices are required to grant a writ of certiorari to bring a case up for review.

Thomas said Hill v. Colorado "has been seriously undermined, if not completely eroded, and our refusal to provide clarity is an abdication of our judicial duty." He added that he would've used the Coalition Life case to override the Hill decision.

"This case would have allowed us to provide needed clarity to lower courts," Thomas wrote in his dissent.

In that case, decided in 2000, the Supreme Court upheld a Colorado statute that prohibited individuals from "knowingly" approaching within eight feet of another person within 100 feet of a healthcare facility entrance, without consent, for purposes such as passing out literature, displaying signs, or engaging in oral protest, education, or counseling. 

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The court determined this law was a content-neutral regulation of the time, place and manner of speech, serving the state's interest in protecting individuals entering healthcare facilities from unwanted communication. The decision was 6-3, with Justices Thomas, Antonin Scalia and Anthony Kennedy dissenting.

The City of Carbondale, in southern Illinois, saw an uptick in pro-life protests after two clinics opened following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. As such, the city passed ordinances modeled after Colorado's statutes.

Urging the court to revisit the Hill precedent, Thomas quoted from an excerpt in Alito's majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Center – the case that overturned Roe v. Wade – where he noted that abortion-related cases on other legal precedents had "distorted First Amendment doctrines."

UNPACKING THE SUPREME COURT: WHY IT’S NOT JUST A MAGA STRONGHOLD, AND HOW THE JUSTICES REALLY VOTE

One key case that followed Hill v. Colorado is McCullen v. Coakley, where the Supreme Court ruled in 2014 on a Massachusetts law that established a 35-foot buffer zone around abortion clinics. The high court found that while the state had a legitimate interest in protecting patients and staff from harassment, the law was overly broad, included too much space and infringed on free speech rights.

The court struck down the law, distinguishing it from the Hill decision.

In 2019, New York upheld a 15-foot buffer zone law outside of clinics, and similar laws have been debated in states like California, Maryland and Washington.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Coalition Life for comment. 

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth defended President Donald Trump’s firing of "woke generals" and Pentagon officials, saying that the "status quo" at the Department of Defense "hasn’t worked" and that it is "time for fresh blood."

This comes after Trump made a series of changes in the Pentagon’s top leadership last week, including firing Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Charles Brown and announcing he would replace him with retired Lt. Gen. Dan "Razin" Caine.

Trump also fired the Navy’s top leader, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Air Force Vice Chief of Staff General James Slife and the judge advocates general of the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Speaking with Fox News on Sunday, Hegseth said that these changes "are a reflection of the president wanting the right people around him to execute the national security approach we want to take."

DEFENSE SECRETARY HEGSETH WORKING WITH DOGE TO CUT THE 'BS'

Speaking about the judge advocates general, Hegseth said that just like the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, these military positions have traditionally been filled by a "small group of insulated officers who perpetuate the status quo."

"Well, guess what, status quo hasn’t worked very well at the Pentagon," he said. "It’s time for fresh blood, so we’re going to open up those positions to a broader set in a merit-based process."

In response to criticisms from Democrats and the media, Hegseth denied the firings were part of any political purge, saying: "There’s no purge" and "Nothing about this is unprecedented."

"There is civilian control of the military," he said. "The president deserves to pick his key national security and military advisory team. There are lots of presidents who have made changes from FDR to Eisenhower to H.W. Bush to Barack Obama, who fired – or dismissed – hundreds of military [officials] during his first term."

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Hegseth pointed out that of the 160 three- and four-star generals in the military, Trump only dismissed or moved a total of six. 

He also criticized what he called "inflation in the ranks over time."

"We won World War II with seven four-star generals, we have 44 today, we have 163 three- and four-star generals and has it created better outcomes or not?" he asked. "We’re challenging a lot of assumptions at the Pentagon to streamline what we do to get as many resources as possible to the warfighters."

"There’s nothing about purging, there’s nothing about it illegal, we’ve made it clear from the beginning," he explained. "The military will be apolitical, with a fidelity to the Constitution, prepared to close with and destroy our enemies."

EXCLUSIVE: A new DOGE-centric bill will be introduced Monday targeting overpayments by the federal government, which the lawmaker sponsoring it says have added up to the trillions since the George W. Bush era.

The Payment Integrity Information Reform Act (PIIA) will go "hand-in-hand" with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to root out waste, fraud and abuse within the federal government, according to Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa.

Meuser, chairman of the oversight panel of the House Financial Services Committee and a member of the House DOGE Caucus, said Monday that the "DOGE team" writ-large has uncovered $55 billion in waste in only one month and that the PIIA Reform Act would dig even deeper.

"The federal government expended $236 billion last year in improper payments—money sent out improperly due to fraud, bureaucratic errors, and agencies failing to maintain eligibility integrity. "This is a gross failure of accountability that hardworking American taxpayers should not tolerate," he said.

BILL WOULD PROHIBIT US FINANCIAL AID TO AFGHANISTAN UNTIL ALL WRONGFULLY DETAINED AMERICANS RELEASED

If passed, the bill could account for nearly one-quarter of the $1 trillion that DOGE writ-large has expressed the goal of exposing, recouping or saving on taxpayers’ behalf.

The act would look to improve payment integrity laws and particularly target overpayments for social safety net programs, which have been in the news lately for similar issues.

In 2023, federal agencies estimated $236 billion in improper payments were disbursed, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO). That sum accounted for funds from 71 different government programs.

More than $44 billion of that year’s share was also categorized as "unknown payments."

"The Payment Information Integrity Reform Act will put an end to this careless mismanagement at federal agencies by strengthening oversight, enforcing tougher penalties for noncompliance, and demanding accountability at every level," Meuser said.

DEMOCRATS LOVED IDEA OF DOGE BEFORE TRUMP, WHITE HOUSE QUIPS

"The American people deserve government agencies that manage their money more responsibly and the House GOP remains committed to working with President Trump and DOGE to rein in spending and ensure tax dollars are spent as intended."

The GAO further reported that improper 2023 Medicaid and Medicare payments accounted for $50 billion each, with COVID-19 unemployment assistance accounting for $43 billion.

While down $11 billion from 2022, that $236 billion was parcel to about $2.7 billion collectively disbursed incorrectly or erroneously since 2003.

Meuser said the improper payment calculations are likely conservative estimates and that the total figure is unknown, given agencies’ systemic noncompliance with such payment integrity laws.

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Last week, both DOGE leader Elon Musk and President Donald Trump remarked that some Social Security beneficiaries are listed as being older than the oldest known humans on the planet.

"According to the Social Security database, these are the numbers of people in each age bucket with the death field set to FALSE!," Musk wrote on X. "Maybe Twilight is real and there are a lot of vampires collecting Social Security."

Per Musk, there are 20 million beneficiaries with a listed age of older than 100 years, with about 1 million who were still alive during Reconstruction.

Fox News Digital also reached out to House DOGE Chairman Aaron Bean, R-Fla., for comment.

The U.S. is pushing United Nations (U.N.) member states to back its resolution marking the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war that does not underscore Kyiv’s territorial integrity. 

The U.S. draft resolution, put forward on Friday, pits the U.S. against Ukraine and its European allies, who pitched a lengthier resolution that lays blame on Russia for the invasion and demands Moscow remove its troops from Ukrainian territory. 

While the U.S. resolution mourns "the tragic loss of life" throughout the conflict, it reasserts that the U.N.’s purpose is to "maintain international peace and peacefully settle disputes." It also "implores a swift end to the conflict and further urges a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine." 

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"This resolution is consistent with President Donald Trump’s view that the U.N. must return to its founding purpose, as enshrined in the U.N. Charter, to maintain international peace and security, including through the peaceful settlement of disputes," State Department Secretary Marco Rubio said in a statement Friday. 

"If the United Nations is truly committed to its original purpose, we must acknowledge that while challenges may arise, the goal of lasting peace remains achievable. Through support of this resolution, we affirm that this conflict is awful, that the U.N. can help end it, and that peace is possible."

The U.S. is pushing allies to get on board by telling them the U.S. is committed to ending the war, but Ukraine’s resolution is an impediment to lasting peace, according to a European diplomat. 

It is also urging the U.N. General Assembly to oppose any amendments, including one proposed by Russia that calls for addressing the "root causes" of the Russia-Ukraine war, so the last line of the U.S. resolution would read "implores a swift end to the conflict, including by addressing root causes and further urges a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine." 

EXPERT REVEALS WHY ZELENSKYY IS IN LEGAL CONUNDRUM AS US, RUSSIA HOLD PEACE TALKS

The U.S. called on Ukraine to withdraw its resolution, but it refused, according to The Associated Press. The resolutions will go up for a vote in front of the 193-nation assembly on Monday. 

"We strongly believe that this is the moment to commit to ending the war," Rubio added in his Friday statement. "This is our opportunity to build real momentum toward peace. We urge all U.N. member states to join the United States in this solemn pursuit."

The growing rift between the U.S. and Ukraine has been underscored by the Trump administration's decision to exclude Ukraine and Europe from recent peace talks between Russia and the U.S. Last week, Trump warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who he has labeled a "dictator," that he "better move fast" to negotiate a peace deal with Russia, or risk losing the country.

During a discussion with reporters in Kyiv on Sunday, Zelenskyy said he is prepared to "give up" his presidency in exchange for either peace in Ukraine or an invitation for it to formally become a part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).   

"If to achieve peace you really need me to give up my post — I'm ready," Zelenskyy said during the press conference. "I can trade it for NATO membership, if there are such conditions," he added.

However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during talks last week with the U.S. that Russia was unwilling to negotiate any path forward that includes bringing Ukraine into NATO.

FBI Director Kash Patel, who was just sworn in on Friday, issued a post on Monday declaring that he is "proud to welcome Dan Bongino as the next Deputy Director of the FBI."

"His leadership, integrity, and deep commitment to justice make him the ideal choice to help lead the FBI at this critical time. He’s a cops cop," Patel said of Bongino. "Welcome aboard, Dan. The country needs strong leadership, and I know you will serve with honor and dedication."

Bongino, who previously served in the New York City Police Department and as a Secret Service agent, is a successful conservative commentator who hosts "The Dan Bongino Show."

KASH PATEL SWORN IN AS NINTH FBI DIRECTOR

"I've spent my life in public service, beginning with the NYPD and continuing through my time as a Secret Service agent, working under both Republican and Democrat administrations. I've witnessed firsthand the dedication and sacrifice of the men and women in these agencies who serve with integrity and honor," he stated, according to a post on X.

"There are dedicated people in the FBI who take their oath to the constitution seriously. They deserve leadership that will back them up, protect their mission, and ensure they can do their jobs," Bongino noted.

President Donald Trump announced the news Sunday night on Truth Social.

TRUMP ANNOUNCES DAN BONGINO WILL BE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE FBI

"Dan Bongino, a man of incredible love and passion for our Country, has just been named the next DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE FBI, by the man who will be the best ever Director, Kash Patel," Trump declared in the post.

Bongino "is now one of the most successful Podcasters in the Country, something he is willing and prepared to give up in order to serve," Trump noted.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth congratulated Bongino, saying in a post on X that "Patel-Bongino atop the FBI is pure [fire]."

KASH PATEL TAKES REINS AT SCANDAL-RIDDEN FBI WITH ‘AMERICA ALWAYS’ MINDSET: ‘LET GOOD COPS BE COPS’

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House Freedom Caucus Chair Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., also congratulated Bongino, saying he "will bring leadership, accountability, and restored confidence to the FBI."

While most Republicans voted to confirm Patel last week, two Republican senators – Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine – voted against confirmation.

A massive piece of legislation that House Republicans hope will advance a broad swath of President Donald Trump's agenda is facing its final hurdle on Monday before a chamber-wide vote.

The House Rules Committee, the final gatekeepers for most bills before a House floor vote, is meeting to debate a measure that GOP leaders want to have on Trump's desk by sometime in May.

The bill aims to increase spending on border security, the judiciary and defense by roughly $300 billion, while seeking at least $1.5 trillion to $2 trillion in spending cuts elsewhere.

MEDICAID BECOMES FLASHPOINT IN HOUSE DEBATE OVER TRUMP BUDGET BILL

As written, the bill also provides $4.5 trillion to extend Trump's 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) provisions, which expire at the end of this year.

It comes after the Senate held an all-night session to advance its own version of the Trump plan last week. In the Senate Republicans' budget plan, the first reconciliation bill includes Trump's priorities for border security, energy and national defense, while the second bill, to be drawn up later in the year, would focus on extending Trump's tax policies from TCJA.

Since the commander in chief has already telegraphed his preference for House Republicans' proposal, the Senate bill has been relegated to a de facto backup plan if the House is not able to pass its own. This much was relayed to senators by Vice President JD Vance last week as he gave them the White House's blessing to push their bill forward, a source told Fox News Digital. 

SENATE BORDER BUDGET TRIUMPHS AFTER ALL-NIGHT SESSION WHILE TRUMP-BACKED HOUSE BILL LAGS

Current margins dictate House Republicans can only lose one vote to still pass a bill without Democratic support.

TRUMP BUDGET BILL WITH $4.5T IN TAX CUTS SURVIVES KEY HURDLE DESPITE HOUSE GOP INFIGHTING

Rep. Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., wrote on X Sunday night that she was against the bill as written.

"Why I am a NO on the current version of the house budget instructions - I have a TRILLION DOLLAR QUESTION - where is the money - $1T? Interesting FACT: roughly 85% of spending is not ever even looked at by Congress - convenient if you would like to hide waste, fraud and abuse," Spartz announced.

Other Republicans have expressed concerns over the $880 billion in spending cuts under the Energy & Commerce Committee, which many have taken to mean at least some cuts to federal programs like Medicaid.

TRUMP BUDGET CHIEF VOUGHT TELLS GOP SENATORS $175B NEEDED 'IMMEDIATELY' FOR BORDER SECURITY

The House version of the bill differs from the Senate in that the latter version does not include funding for Trump's tax cuts. Senate GOP leaders argue that splitting Trump's priorities into two bills will allow the party to secure early victories on the border and defense, places where there is more agreement within the conference.

However, House Republican leaders contend that Republicans have not passed two reconciliation bills since the 1990s and under far more favorable margins.

Both chambers are contending with razor-thin margins and an ideologically diverse Republican conference as they look to make major conservative policy changes via the budget reconciliation process this year. 

By leveling thresholds for passage in the House and Senate at a simple majority, reconciliation allows the party in power to pass fiscal legislation without any support from the opposing side. The Senate has a two-thirds majority threshold to advance most measures.

It is not clear, however, whether Trump's support for the House plan will be enough to get it over the line. 

French President Emmanuel Macron is meeting with President Donald Trump Monday at the White House.

The meeting comes after Macron called for an emergency gathering of world leaders after the Trump administration excluded Europe from sitting at the negotiating table to settle the war between Ukraine and Russia.

Macron first arrived at the White House around 8 a.m. local time Monday and was inside for several hours. He and Trump participated in a call with Group of Seven (G7) leaders.

While he was leaving, Macron was seen giving a thumbs up to reporters and said the phone call with the G7 leaders was "perfect."

ON THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE INVASION, EUROPEAN LEADERS SHOW SUPPORT, EXPRESS UNEASE

Macron will later hold a bilateral meeting with Trump in the Oval Office, followed by a joint press conference at 2 p.m. ET.

Trump said in a post on Truth Social that Monday morning's call was convened by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau "to acknowledge the Third Anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine War – Which would have never started if I was President. 

"Everyone expressed their goal of seeing the War end, and I emphasized the importance of the vital "Critical Minerals and Rare-Earths Deal" between the United States and Ukraine, which we hope will be signed very soon! This deal, which is an "Economic Partnership," will ensure the American people recoup the Tens of Billions of Dollars and Military Equipment sent to Ukraine, while also helping Ukraine’s economy grow as this Brutal and Savage War comes to an end," Trump said. 

"At the same time, I am in serious discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia concerning the ending of the War, and also major Economic Development transactions which will take place between the United States and Russia. Talks are proceeding very well!" he added.

Monday is the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Trump said Friday that Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer "haven’t done anything" since 2022 to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.

"Trump, I know him. I respect him and I believe he respects me," Macron said the day before. "I will tell him: deep down you cannot be weak in the face of President (Vladimir Putin). It's not you, it's not what you're made of, and it's not in your interests."

Fox News’ Emma Colton and Caroline McKee contributed to this report.

A federal judge appointed by former President Joe Biden is temporarily blocking Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing personal records at the Department of Education (DoEd) as part of their cost-cutting sweep.

Judge Deborah Boardman of Greenbelt, Maryland, issued a temporary restraining order on Monday against DOGE's access to records at the DoEd containing personal sensitive information on Americans, including financial data related to federal student loans. 

The order established a two-week restraining order against the DoEd and the Office of Personnel Management from sharing information with the newly formed cost-cutting department.

"This continuing, unauthorized disclosure of the plaintiffs’ sensitive personal information to DOGE affiliates is irreparable harm that money damages cannot rectify," Boardman wrote in the decision.

CAESARS PALACE, MLB STADIUM, AN ICE CREAM TRUCK: DOGE REVEALS HOW SCHOOLS SPENT BILLIONS IN COVID-RELIEF FUNDS

The order stems from a lawsuit filed against the administration alleging that "the agencies unlawfully granted access to records that contain their personally identifiable information ("PII") to personnel implementing the President’s Executive Orders on the DOGE agenda."

"The plaintiffs have made a clear showing that they are likely to suffer irreparable harm without injunctive relief," the decision reads. "DOGE affiliates have been granted access to systems of record that contain some of the plaintiffs’ most sensitive data—Social Security numbers, dates of birth, home addresses, income and assets, citizenship status, and disability status—and their access to this trove of personal information is ongoing."

"Upon consideration of the amended complaint, the TRO briefing, the limited record evidence, oral argument, and the recent decisions of other courts in similar cases, the Court finds that the plaintiffs have met their burden for the extraordinary relief they seek," the ruling reads. "The TRO is granted in part and denied in part."

DOGE SLASHES OVER $100M IN DEI FUNDING AT EDUCATION DEPARTMENT: ‘WIN FOR EVERY STUDENT’

The latest ruling against DOGE comes from the same judge who in early February blocked President Donald Trump's executive order ending birthright citizenship.

Boardman argued in the earlier ruling that citizenship is a "national concern that demands a uniform policy."

DOGE has seen several legal victories in the face of attempts to block efforts to cut "wasteful" federal spending.

U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan recently denied a request to issue a temporary restraining order preventing Musk and DOGE from accessing data systems at several federal agencies.

The department was issued another win after District Judge Christopher Cooper, an Obama appointee, shot down a request from several federal labor unions to pause the mass firings of federal workers by the Trump administration.

The policy agenda of President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans is keeping Democrats up at night.

Literally.

If you snooze, you lose.

Or at least you might have missed the recent nocturnal front mounted by Democrats to oppose the GOP’s budget package.

THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE SENATE TRYING TO ADVANCE TRUMP'S AGENDA

It was the second overnight session in three weeks for the Senate. 

While you were sleeping last Thursday night – drifting into Friday – Democrats hoped their resistance to the president wasn’t a legislative lullaby.

In the overnight Senate session, Democrats forced two dozen votes over nearly nine hours on every subject under the moon.

"The right to IVF," was an amendment offered by Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill. 

"Deficits and debt," came the proposal from Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., the top Democrat on the Budget Committee.

MILLIONS MORE FOOD STAMP RECIPIENTS REQUIRED TO WORK UNDER NEW HOUSE GOP PROPOSAL 

"Public lands," was the focus for Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo.

"Deadly and devastating wildfires," caught the attention of Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. 

"The cost of housing," was the issue for Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va. 

"Tax cuts," declared Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.

"The FAA," said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., the leading Democrat on the Appropriations panel.

However, Republicans threw a shuteye shutout.

The GOP-controlled Senate rejected every Democratic proposal all night long. 

Marathon voting sessions – often called "vote-a-ramas" in the Senate – present an opportunity for the party out of power to engineer challenging votes for the other side. They like to put the majority on the spot with tough votes. Some amendments are even drafted with a specific senator in mind. Especially someone who might face a competitive bid for re-election in the next cycle.

Democrats tried to trip up Republicans with votes on tax cuts. They even compelled Republicans to weigh in on their support – or lack thereof – for Ukraine.

"This amendment ensures continued support for the government of Ukraine to stand firm against Russian aggression. For three years, Ukraine has fought tooth and nail for its very survival heroically," said Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee. 

Reed’s plan scored a brushback from Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss.

"There's no greater supporter of Ukraine in this Senate than I am. But this is not the right vehicle," argued Wicker on the floor at 12:34 a.m. ET Friday. "Passage of this amendment – though members might wish to – will make it harder to pass this very valuable budget."

But it was lights out for Democrats as Republicans passed their budget framework just before dawn Friday.

The vote was 52-48. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., was the lone GOP nay.

FOLLOWING KEY WINS, TRUMP POSED FOR CABINET COMPLETION IN RECORD TIME

"We're going to vote all night long to set up a bill to increase spending by $340 billion," argued Paul in a floor speech Thursday. "Senate Republicans are coming forward today to pass a budget to allow them to raise federal spending."

Paul asserted that senators should vote on his amendment to cut spending rather than greenlight an outline to actually spend more on the military and border security. He also reminded his colleagues that the budget plan wasn’t binding. It was just an aspiration with no real money or spending reductions.

"The talk of the savings is ephemeral. It isn't real. Until Congress has the courage to vote on it, it has to be certified by a vote. If Congress doesn't vote, it sort of wishes and washes around in the ether. And it may or may not wind up being savings," said Paul.

Democrats claimed they shined a spotlight on Republican political vulnerabilities via the overnight exercise. 

"One amendment at a time, Democrats exposed Republicans' true colors here on the Senate floor," bragged Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

But in the middle of the night. 

Did anyone see it?

Did anyone pay attention?

If a tree falls in the woods…

But now it’s up to the House to approve its plan. It tackles the same provisions which are in the Senate package. But it emphasizes tax cuts. It also has the support of Trump.

It will be hard to advance anything through the House.

"If we don't do our job, everyone's taxes are going up. And so that is absolutely going to be catastrophic to the American people," said Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., on FOX Business.

Republicans hold a narrow majority in the House. It’s about the math. They can only lose a vote or two on any given day. And keep in mind that a key demand in this bill is to drive up military and border spending – but also reduce overall spending. Plus, renew tax cuts.

That’s why some skeptics say the only way is to tackle the entitlements. So-called "mandatory" spending. This is spending that Congress doesn’t approve for each year. Based on laws passed years ago, the money for mandatory spending just floods out the door – based on what the government owes (such as interest on the debt) and who qualifies for particular entitlements. That’s why there’s a serious hunt for the triumvirate of "waste, fraud and abuse" in federal spending. There simply isn’t enough money to trim from the "discretionary" side of the ledger. That’s the money which Congress allocates on an annual basis to run the government. Mandatory spending dwarfs discretionary spending.

"If we cut all of that, we still won't balance the budget. We have a deficit of $2 trillion. We have got to touch our mandatory spending," said Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., on FOX Business.

That’s why securing an agreement to advance the package through the House is so tough. And the House and Senate must both advance the same plan to use budget reconciliation to skip over the filibuster.

If the House adopts its plan, the House and Senate could then work to sync up. The chambers could try to merge their respective plans in what’s called a conference committee. The House and Senate then must vote again to approve a blended measure, called a "conference report." Then they can go to the actual bill. And the House and Senate must also approve the same version of that.

Or, the sides could get involved in what we call parliamentary ping-pong. The Senate has passed its resolution. So it pings it over to the House The House then OKs its version, and pongs that over to the Senate. They bounce the ball back and forth across the Capitol Dome until one body or the other finally accepts one measure – whichever one it is.

Only then can they get to the actual substance of the underlying bill.

Quite a process to achieve a solitary "big, beautiful bill" the president is pushing.

This enterprise is far from over.

And there’s another problem around the corner:

A bill to avoid a government shutdown is due by March 14. That’s where the real dollars can be found. Real spending can conceivably either go up, down or stay the same in that bill. A problem with government funding could disrupt the goal of the "big, beautiful bill."

So while the action overnight was important, this enterprise is far from over.

And while last Thursday night – bleeding into Friday – was a long night, it likely means there are dozens of other very long nights ahead over the next few months.

Elon Musk, who is leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), warned federal workers on Monday morning that those who fail to return to the office will be placed on administrative leave.

"Those who ignored President Trump’s executive order to return to work have now received over a month’s warning," Musk wrote on X, the platform which he also owns. "Starting this week, those who still fail to return to office will be placed on administrative leave." 

Musk’s warning comes after he announced Saturday that federal employees must report their accomplishments from the last week or face losing their jobs.

Musk said on Saturday that federal employees would receive an email directing them to list their accomplishments from the week prior, with the DOGE leader adding later that day that the assignment should take less than five minutes to accomplish. Employees have until 11:59 pm on Monday to send the list or lose their employment, according to emails regarding Musk's directive that were sent by the Office of Personnel Management.

MUSK'S DEMAND THAT FED EMPLOYEES LIST THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ROIL WORKFORCE: ‘MASS CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE’

Mass confusion followed on the eve of the deadline as some agencies resisted the order, others encouraged their workers to comply, and still others offered conflicting guidance.

Several key U.S. agencies, including the FBI, State Department, Homeland Security and the Pentagon, which instructed their employees over the weekend not to comply.

The Department of Health and Human Services, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., instructed its roughly 80,000 employees to comply shortly after acting general counsel, Sean Keveney, had instructed some not to. Later Sunday evening, agency leadership issued new instructions that employees should "pause activities" related to the request until noon on Monday.

Officials at the Departments of State, Defense and Homeland Security were more consistent.

The State Department reportedly told employees on Saturday that department officials "will respond on behalf of the Department," according to a message sent by Ambassador Tibor P. Nagy, who serves as acting under secretary of state for management.

ELON MUSK SAYS FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MUST FILL OUT PRODUCTIVITY REPORTS OR RESIGN

The Department of Defense (DOD) told its civilian workforce to ignore the billionaire’s request, while Kash Patel, who was confirmed by the Senate last week as the new director of the FBI, also told employees to stand down.

While Musk and DOGE have been criticized for how they’re going about cutting federal spending, President Donald Trump on Saturday wrote on Truth Social that though Musk is "doing a great job," he should be "more aggressive."

"ELON IS DOING A GREAT JOB, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIM GET MORE AGGRESSIVE. REMEMBER, WE HAVE A COUNTRY TO SAVE, BUT ULTIMATELY, TO MAKE GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE. MAGA!," Trump wrote.

Musk responded with an enthusiastic "Will do, Mr. President!" hours after Trump posted.

Fox News Digital’s Greg Wehner and Andrea Margolis, along with The Associated Press, contributed to this report.

Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., has endorsed Andrew Cuomo to run for mayor of New York City in the latest blow to incumbent Democrat first-termer, Mayor Eric Adams. 

"The two most important things we need are competence and courage," Torres, who represents the Bronx, told the New York Post. 

"Andrew Cuomo has the competence to govern the city. He has the courage to stand up to extremist politics – both from the far left and far right," Torres said, adding: "We don’t need a Mr. Nice Guy. We need a Mr. Tough Guy."

Cuomo has not formally declared his candidacy for mayor but is rumored to announce soon. 

"He has my endorsement as soon as he enters the race," Torres told the Post. 

CUOMO RESPONDS AFTER EX-NEW YORK OFFICIAL CALLS FOR HIM TO BE NYC MAYOR

The former governor resigned in 2021 amid scandals connected to COVID-19 nursing home deaths and sexual harassment claims. Cuomo has always denied the allegations against him.

"I predict the comeback story of the 2025 election will be the resurrection of Andrew Cuomo," Torres told the Post. "America loves a comeback, New York loves a comeback."

Fox News Digital reached out to Torres' office for comment Monday and was referred to the congressman's appearance on CNBC. 

"Andrew Cuomo is a common sense Democrat," Torres told CNBC Monday. "For me the two most important virtues in politics are competence and courage. And Andrew Cuomo has the competence to run New York City in a moment of crisis, and he has the courage to stand up to the extremes of American politics whether it's the far right or the far left. There's a mayoral candidate who openly identifies with the Democratic Socialists of America, which celebrated the mass murder of Jews on Oct. 7, and so when it comes to confronting political extremism in New York, when it comes to confronting the crisis of crime, we need not a nice guy, but a tough guy like Andrew Cuomo."

Asked whether it was an endorsement of Cuomo or an indictment of Adams, Torres said it was both, arguing that New York City is "in crisis" after four deputy mayors resigned and "the city is less safe than it should be."

"What we now need more than ever is the kind of stable and strong and steady leadership that Governor Cuomo can provide, and the effectiveness of Andrew Cuomo as an executive need not be taken on faith. It is a fact," Torres said. "We as New Yorkers every day live and feel the legacy of Andrew Cuomo as a great builder of New York City."

Last week, Cuomo disseminated a letter from former state comptroller Carl McCall, a prominent Democrat and Black elder statesman, backing him for mayor. 

McCall endorsed Adams, who is New York City’s second Black mayor, in his 2021 campaign for the office.

MAYOR ERIC ADAMS SAYS NYC'S ROOSEVELT HOTEL MIGRANT SHELTER WILL SOON CLOSE

Adams already faces multiple challengers in June's Democratic primary, but Cuomo is polling as the front-runner. 

A federal judge on Friday canceled a corruption trial for Adams and appointed counsel to advise the court about President Donald Trump's Justice Department’s controversial request to drop charges against the mayor filed under the Biden administration. Adams has denied allegations of a quid pro quo agreement with the Trump administration, as the Democratic mayor cooperates with federal law enforcement on the president's criminal illegal immigration crackdown. 

"I want a mayor who can governor independently of the far right and Donald Trump represents the far right," Torres told CNBC. "What I found striking is Donald Trump made the decision not to pardon Eric Adams or to permanently drop the charges, but only to do so temporarily, and so the fear of a reindictment keeps Mayor Adams permanently under the thumb of Donald Trump."

Judge Dale E. Ho's written order Friday means he will not decide before mid-March whether to grant the dismissal of the case against the embattled mayor of the nation’s largest city.

Ho said he appointed Paul Clement, a former U.S. solicitor general under former President George W. Bush, to present arguments on the government’s request to drop the case.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

President Donald Trump shared a SpongeBob SquarePants-themed meme after Elon Musk announced that federal workers would receive an email seeking information about what they accomplished last week.

The meme features a list titled, "Got Done Last Week." The five items on the list include, "Cried about Trump," "Cried about Elon," "Made it into the office for once," "Read some emails," and "Cried about Trump and Elon some more."

Trump shared the meme on Truth Social shortly after Musk shared it on X.

BUREAUCRACIES ‘CANNIBALIZING OUR NATION’ LAWMAKER SAYS, EXPRESSING EMPATHY FOR FEDERAL WORKERS FACING JOB CUTS

Musk had previously declared in a tweet, "Consistent with President @realDonaldTrump’s instructions, all federal employees will shortly receive an email requesting to understand what they got done last week. Failure to respond will be taken as a resignation."

The announcement came as Musk seeks to uncover government waste, fraud, and abuse as the Trump administration seeks to shrink the massive federal bureaucracy.

"A large number of good responses have been received already. These are the people who should be considered for promotion," Musk noted in another tweet. 

ELON MUSK SAYS FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MUST FILL OUT PRODUCTIVITY REPORTS OR RESIGN

But some have raised objections to the email sent to government workers. 

GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska referred to it as "absurd."

"Our public workforce deserves to be treated with dignity and respect for the unheralded jobs they perform. The absurd weekend email to justify their existence wasn’t it," she declared in a post on X.

Democratic Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota blasted Musk.

"This is the ultimate d--- boss move from Musk - except he isn’t even the boss, he’s just a d---," she tweeted.

Musk mockingly replied to the senator, "What did you get done last week?"

DOD TELLS CIVILIAN WORKFORCE TO IGNORE ELON MUSK'S REQUEST TO REPORT PRODUCTIVITY

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The Department of Defense told workers to "pause any response to the OPM email titled ‘What did you do last week,’" the Pentagon noted on X.

FBI Director Kash Patel similarly instructed workers to "pause any responses."

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told intelligence community workers not to reply to the email, the New York Times reported. "Given the inherently sensitive and classified nature of our work, I.C. employees should not respond to the OPM email," she noted, according to the outlet.

Fox News Digital emailed the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to request comment on Monday.

Fox News' David Spunt contributed to this report

FIRST ON FOX: Newly-confirmed Small Business Administration (SBA) administrator Kelly Loeffler is unveiling the agency's top priorities over the next four years as she aims to work with President Trump to create a "golden era of prosperity and growth." 

Loeffler, confirmed in the Senate by a 52–46 margin last week, issued a "Day One" memo on Monday outlining the top priorities for the agency that will be tasked with the directive to "carry out President Trump’s America First agenda and empower small businesses to thrive" and to become an "America First engine for free enterprise."

The first priority on the list is promoting a "Made in America" agenda to boost U.S. manufacturing.

"The vast majority of America’s manufacturers are small businesses, and SBA programs have powered tens of thousands of them," the memo states. "This agency is committed to supporting the America First agenda by rebuilding American supply chains and investing in manufacturing to strengthen our economy and national security."

PRESIDENT TRUMP LOOKS TO BRING MANUFACTURING BACK TO US WITH TARIFFS

"The agency will transform its Office of International Trade into the ‘Office of Manufacturing and Trade’ – which will focus on promoting economic independence, job creation, and fair trade practices to power the next blue-collar boom. SBA will also partner across agencies to scale innovative manufacturing and technology startups that will help our nation return to ‘Made in America.’"

Since being sworn in as president for the second time, Trump has been vocal about eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) from the federal government while also tasking Tesla CEO Elon Musk with leading the effort to cut wasteful spending with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Loeffler's memo states that the SBA intends to be an ally in both of those efforts and says it will enforce Trump's executive orders, including "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government," "Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing," and "Unleashing American Energy." 

BIDEN GAVE AMERICANS THE BUSINESS. TRUMP IS GIVING US BUSINESSMEN 

The memo says that the SBA will "continue working closely" with DOGE and "prioritize eliminating fraud and waste within the agency, to ensure American taxpayer dollars are utilized in the most productive way possible to benefit small businesses and economic growth and resilience."

The agency will work to eliminate wasteful spending and fraud with a "zero-tolerance policy" that will involve fraud investigations across all programs and appointing a "Fraud Czar" to "identify, stop, and claw back criminally obtained funds on behalf of American taxpayers – working across agencies to prevent fraud."

The SBA will also conduct an agency-wide financial audit.

"As fraud has risen, so too have delinquencies, defaults, and charge-offs on loan programs, exacerbated by the previous Administration’s lax loan underwriting, servicing, and collection efforts," the memo states. "As a result, SBA has been unable to satisfactorily complete a financial audit for several consecutive years. Therefore, the agency will request an independent audit of its financials to address mismanagement, restore the credibility of financial statements, and preserve the solvency of public-private programs like the 7(a) lending program and the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program, which are designed to drive economic growth without taxpayer subsidy."

Last month, Trump told federal employees working from home that they would need to return to the office or face termination, which is a sentiment echoed by Loeffler, who said in her memo that all non-exempt employees will report to work in person on Monday for five days a week. 

Trump's immigration agenda will also be furthered by the SBA, according to the memo, which will ban illegal immigrants from receiving SBA assistance while also "restricting hostile foreign nationals from accessing SBA assistance."

The memo outlines a variety of ways that the agency will work on "empowering small businesses," including a strike force to cut regulations, improving customer service and cybersecurity, promoting fair competition, and relocating offices outside of sanctuary cities. 

Fox News Digital previously reported that the SBA has faced criticism in recent years during the Biden administration from the Republican-led Small Business Committee, which issued a subpoena and alleged that the agency failed to turn over information related to efforts to funnel resources to help register swing state voters. Republicans argued those efforts were unconstitutional, and Loeffler's memo pledges that the registration efforts in question will be ended. 

"The SBA will end all taxpayer-funded voter registration activities – starting by rescinding the agency’s 2024 MOU with the Michigan Secretary of State’s office, which forced SBA district offices to conduct partisan voter registration on behalf of the previous Administration," the memo states. "Instead, the agency will return its focus to its founding mission of empowering job creators, delivering disaster relief, and driving economic growth."

Loeffler, who served as a senator in Georgia from 2020-2021, appeared before the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee on Jan. 28 to outline her vision and promised that Trump’s policies would "restore the small business economy" and would lead to a "golden era of prosperity and growth." 

"Small businesses are the backbone of our nation, driving innovation, job creation, and prosperity – and there’s no stronger advocate for small business than President Trump or myself. But over the last four years, the SBA has burdened entrepreneurs with bureaucracy – with its programs becoming mired in fraud, waste, and abuse," Loeffler told Fox News Digital in a statement. 

"That changes today. My first priority is rebuilding the SBA into an America First engine for free enterprise – by empowering small businesses and fueling economic growth."

The ex-MEP and former UKIP Wales leader made favourable statements about Russia for money, a court hears.

The prime minister called Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky for the second time in four days.