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Veterans groups ask Trump to reconsider immigration executive order, cite impacts on Afghan partners

Multiple veterans groups sent a letter to President Donald Trump on Thursday, urging him to reconsider a recent executive order regarding immigration and refugee programs, citing concerns about the safety of Afghan interpreters and their families who helped the U.S. military.

The executive order, the Realigning the United States Refugee Program, will go into effect on Monday and suspend the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).

Trump's order immediately pauses all processing and movements for USRAP refugees, who are referred due to threats from their association with the U.S. - such as family members of service members, and Afghan partner forces.

Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), people who directly worked for or supported the U.S. government - which includes interpreters and contractors, do not appear to be directly impacted. 

2 AMERICANS RELEASED IN EXCHANGE FOR TALIBAN PRISONER

They could, however, be indirectly affected by implementation decisions or additional orders, according to #AfghanEvac, a non-profit that helps facilitate relocation and resettlement of Afghan U.S. allies. 

The veterans groups wanted to highlight "unintended consequences" of the order, claiming it could adversely affect the mental health of countless veterans.

The letter, obtained by Fox News, discussed the bonds many service members and veterans formed with Afghan partners who supported the global war on terror, often at great personal risk to themselves and their families.

"The current suspension of certain pathways for these allies may unintentionally penalize individuals who could be eligible for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) but do not currently hold them — not because they do not meet the qualifications, but because of the chaotic and disorganized nature of the withdrawal from Afghanistan under the previous administration," the letter read. 

The groups said they "fully support" Trump's goal of prioritizing American security, but believe there is a clear opportunity to address the issue without harm to Afghan partners.

The executive order argues that the entry of additional refugees would be "detrimental to the interests of the United States," but notes the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security can jointly make exceptions and admit refugees on a case-by-case basis when in the national interest, and there is no threat to America’s security or welfare.

Noting concerns about Afghan partners being deported "erroneously," the groups said the partners' immediate family members, who face serious threats from the Taliban may lose their hopes of safe passage.

GOLD STAR FAMILIES DEVASTATED BY BIDEN'S BOTCHED AFGHANISTAN WITHDRAWAL ENDORSE HEGSETH FOR SECDEF

They asked the president to consider SIV-eligible allies and their families, to prevent them from being "inadvertently cast aside due to lapses that occurred under the botched withdrawal," according to the letter. 

"This approach would protect those who have risked their lives for our country while reinforcing your administration’s clear commitment to national security," they wrote.

USRAP has no impact on illegal immigration, according to #AfghanEvac. Refugees must be vetted before entering the U.S., and crossing the border without authorization voids their eligibility.

Chad Robichaux, a U.S. Marine Corps force recon veteran and Department of Defense contractor, told Fox News he spent years of his life protecting American lives domestically and internationally, but the sacrifice was not made solely by U.S. service members.

"Afghan interpreters risked their lives for two decades alongside us to defeat the evils of the Taliban," Robichaux said. "When Afghanistan fell, I personally went to rescue my interpreter Aziz from the clutches of that very evil, delivering him to American soil. President Trump is honorably taking strong steps to keep this hallowed soil safe. But in doing so, [it] places these same Afghans in jeopardy. These Afghan Allies have demonstrated more patriotic courage than some of our own citizens, and I am asking for their due protection in the midst of these sweeping security measures."

The suspension effectively leaves thousands of Afghan allies stranded in limbo, according to #AfghanEvac. The organization claims at least 10 to 15,000 individuals are fully vetted and awaiting flights in Afghanistan, Pakistan and other countries.

TRUMP ORDER PUTS THOUSANDS OF AFGHAN ALLIES WAITING FOR US RESETTLEMENT IN LIMBO

Groups that signed the letter included: Save Our Allies; Sheepdog Response; The Verardo Group; The Independence Fund; Diesel Jack Media; Special Operations Association of America; and Mighty Oaks Foundation.

Tim Kennedy - a Green Beret, former UFC fighter, founder of Sheepdog Response, and president of Save Our Allies - told Fox News it is the nation's duty to protect its allies.

"I’ve served with the most patriotic heroes our nation has to offer. I’ve watched them brilliantly and valiantly sacrifice life and limb to protect the United States," Kennedy said. "Among those patriots are the Afghan men who risked threat and brutality from the Taliban to defend the freedom and American ideals we hold dear."

There are still 150,000 to 250,000 Afghans seeking settlement, according to #AfghanEvac. An estimated 40,000 to 60,000 are refugees under USRAP.

"The Biden administration is responsible for our blood-soaked exit from Afghanistan," Kennedy said. "The Allies we served beside didn’t receive the promise we offered them. I applaud the necessary and exemplary efforts President Trump is making to secure our country from foreign threats, but it is our duty to protect and preserve the sanctity of our promise to those Afghan allies. In many cases, we owe them our lives, and we must let this be their home."

Since the end of the war in 2021, some 180,000 Afghans have resettled in the U.S., Fox News Digital reported.

Many of those who are still waiting for refugee approval are hiding out in Pakistan, fearful of deportation back to Afghanistan.

Daniel Elkins, CEO of Special Operations Association of America, said he is "certain there would be more Americans in Arlington cemetery if it weren’t for Afghans who risked their lives to help us, and now is the time for us to help them."

Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told Fox News he looks forward to continuing to work with Save Our Allies as they advocate for all Afghan allies former President Joe Biden "abandoned."

"Unlike President Biden who consistently dismissed pleas from veterans and service members to help their Afghan allies, President Trump cares about America's veterans and service members and will listen to them," McCaul said.

The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment Thursday night.

Fox News Digital's Morgan Phillips contributed to this story.

Trump DHS finds 'mass influx' of illegal migrants at southern border, requests assistance from all 50 states

Benjamine Huffman, the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, on Thursday issued a finding calling for an immediate federal response to combat an "actual or imminent mass influx" of illegal immigrants arriving at the southern border. 

In his finding, Huffman requested help from all 50 states to assist the federal government in immigration enforcement.

The secretary determined that "there exist circumstances involving the administration of the immigration laws of the United States that endanger the lives, property, safety, or welfare of the residents" in all 50 states. 

‘ABUSED THE LAWS’: GOP BILL VOWS TO SHUT DOWN KEY BIDEN-ERA POLICIES BENEFITING MIGRANTS

"I further find that an actual or imminent mass influx of aliens is arriving at the southern border of the United States and presents urgent circumstances requiring an immediate federal response," he said. "I therefore request the assistance of State and local governments in all 50 States."

The finding is effective immediately and expires in 60 days, unless extended. The 60 days will give officials time to deputize local and state law enforcement to assist in immigration enforcement. 

Some states like California will likely push back on efforts to assist federal immigration authorities. On Thursday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said local and state enforcement cannot be ordered to perform federal immigration duties. 

US STING SNARES ARMED FELON SMUGGLERS TIED TO FOREIGN PRISON GANG, CARTEL: POLICE

"It is well-established — through longstanding Supreme Court precedent — that the U.S. Constitution prevents the federal government from commandeering states to enforce federal laws," Bonta said in a statement. "While the federal government may use its own resources for federal immigration enforcement, the court ruled in Printz v. United States that the federal government cannot ‘impress into its service — and at no cost to itself — the police officers of the 50 States'."

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has also doubled down on its policy of limiting cooperation with immigration authorities. 

'LOUD AND CLEAR': BORDER STATE'S LEGISLATURE MOVES TO BACK TRUMP'S ICE ON DEPORTATIONS

"That’s not my job. I have too much to do," LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill recently told 8 News.

In addition, the Justice Department is pushing for federal prosecutors to investigate state or local officials who obstruct immigration enforcement.

As part of his finding, Huffman noted that more than 8 million illegal immigrants have entered the U.S. through the southern border in the past four years, while millions more evaded detection. 

"Over the last four years, our southern border has been overrun. Last month, Border Patrol encountered 47,330 aliens along the southern border," the finding states. "While that number is a major reduction from the peak over the last four years, it is still too high. To demonstrate, in that month, Border Patrol released at least 6,920 aliens at the southwest border, the vast majority of whom are subject to mandatory detention."

DOJ TO INVESTIGATE STATE OR LOCAL OFFICIALS WHO OBSTRUCT IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT: MEMO

He cited periods during the Biden administration when the numbers were "astronomically higher," such as December 2022, when border agents released at least 140,306 illegal immigrants at the southwest border.

"Whether the number is 140,000 or 6,000, this is not the way our immigration laws are supposed to work. Aliens arriving at ports of entry or entering unlawfully are supposed to be inspected," Huffman said. 

"Unless they are "clearly and beyond a doubt entitled to be admitted," they are supposed to be detained until either removed or they are granted discretionary relief such as asylum."

In the first days of the Trump administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested hundreds of illegal immigrants, including those with violent criminal histories. 

In a 33-hour period between midnight Jan. 21 and 9 a.m. Jan 22, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested more than 460 illegal immigrants from numerous countries who have criminal histories of sexual assault, robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, drugs and weapons offenses, resisting arrest and domestic violence.

While multiple factors may be considered in determining an influx, Huffman said the magnitude of the problem was sufficient to make the finding. 

"First, if the influx is not controlled, it is likely to increase. I have seen again and again that failure to control the border increases the incentives for more aliens to attempt to enter unlawfully," he said. "Second, the introduction of unvetted foreign persons — at least some of whom will unquestionably be criminals — has a likelihood to increase criminal activity.

"Much of the illegal entries at our southern border involve other criminal conduct, including human trafficking, drug smuggling, and sexual assault," he added. "Third, law enforcement agencies, particularly immigration enforcement agencies, face unusual and overwhelming demands. In particular, immigration enforcement agencies currently face a shortage of detention capacity necessary to comply with the statutory detention obligations."

Lawmaker unveils constitutional amendment to give Trump third term

One of President Donald Trump's top congressional allies introduced a resolution on Thursday evening to allow the commander-in-chief a third term.

Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., is pushing a new amendment to the Constitution that would give a president three terms in office, but no more than two consecutive four-year stints.

The amendment would say, "No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than three times, nor be elected to any additional term after being elected to two consecutive terms, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice."

DANISH PRIME MINISTER HAS BLUNT MESSAGE FOR TRUMP: GREENLAND IS NOT FOR SALE

The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, prevents a person from serving as president for more than two terms. 

It was passed by Congress in 1947 in response to Franklin Delano Roosevelt winning four terms in the White House. Roosevelt died the year after he was elected to his fourth term in the 1944 presidential election.

But in a statement released to media on Thursday, Ogles said Trump "has proven himself to be the only figure in modern history capable of reversing our nation’s decay and restoring America to greatness, and he must be given the time necessary to accomplish that goal."

"To that end, I am proposing an amendment to the Constitution to revise the limitations imposed by the 22nd Amendment on presidential terms," Ogles said. "This amendment would allow President Trump to serve three terms, ensuring that we can sustain the bold leadership our nation so desperately needs."

Trump made comments about serving a third term to House Republicans during a closed-door speech late last year, but multiple sources who attended the event told Fox News Digital that the then-president-elect was joking.

Earlier this month, Ogles unveiled a bill to authorize Trump to enter into talks to purchase Greenland after he expressed interest in doing so.

TRUMP'S REMAIN IN MEXICO POLICY COULD BE REVIVED UNDER NEW HOUSE GOP BILL 

The "Make Greenland Great Again Act" would have authorized Trump to enter negotiations with Denmark over purchasing Greenland, a territory located in North America but with longstanding cultural and geopolitical ties to Europe.

"Joe Biden took a blowtorch to our reputation these past four years, and before even taking office, President Trump is telling the world that America First is back. American economic and security interests will no longer take a backseat, and House Republicans are ready to help President Trump deliver for the American people," Ogles told Fox News Digital at the time.

Defense Department pauses all social media posts pending review by incoming secretary

The Department of Defense (DOD) has ordered an immediate worldwide pause to its social media pages and is pausing all posts on all social media platforms, unless the posts have to do with U.S. military operations and deployments to protect the southern border, Fox News has learned.

The order came with President Donald Trump's approval from the White House and will remain in place until his pick for defense secretary is confirmed and directs otherwise, two senior U.S. defense officials told Fox News.

The temporary pause is expected to last a matter of days, while guidance is given to every uniformed and civilian public affairs officer responsible for social media websites.

All social media posts should reflect an emphasis solely on "warfighting and lethality," sources said.

FLASHBACK: WHITE HOUSE ACCUSED OF US FLAG CODE VIOLATION OVER PRIDE MONTH DISPLAY

A senior defense official said the new administration wants to ensure that "all communications are aligned" with its goals. The pause only applies to social media posts. Press releases will still be emailed to reporters and posted on DOD websites, sources said.

Civilian and military public affairs officers worldwide will soon receive internal guidance on all posts and social media outreach for military recruiting, posts from DOD schools and posts from combatant commands on ongoing military operations. 

Social media accounts will be shut down, and past content won't be erased, but no new posts will be permitted until the future defense secretary, once confirmed, directs otherwise, a senior U.S. defense official explained to Fox News. 

"The Department of Defense is reviewing its social media programming to make sure it aligns with President Trump's priorities on readiness, lethality and warfighting," a senior U.S. defense official told Fox News in a statement. "This pause does not apply for content and imagery relative to the DOD's current border security operations announced yesterday by Acting Secretary of Defense Robert G. Salesses."

Under previous administrations, including the Biden administration, the military had been criticized for social media posts focusing on what critics called "woke" priorities.

The U.S. Army in 2021 released an animated recruitment ad telling the story of an Army corporal with two moms as part of a recruitment campaign, "The Calling," which depicted the diverse stories of five different service members.

"It begins in California with a little girl raised by two moms," the narrator, Cpl. Emma Malonelord, said in the video. "Although I had a fairly typical childhood, took ballet, played violin, I also marched for equality. I like to think I've been defending freedom from an early age."

Critics quickly expressed concern about the ad undermining confidence in the strength of the U.S. military, Fox News Digital reported at the time. Many social media users posted side-by-side comparisons to ads released by other nations' militaries.

"We are so doomed," Media Research Center's Dan Gainor wrote at the time alongside the edited clip.

"Russians are building a military focused on killing people and breaking things. We're apparently building a military focused on being capable of explaining microaggressions and critical race theory to Afghan Tribesmen," John Hawkins concurred at the time.

TWITTER EXPLODES OVER RUSSIAN ARMY RECRUITMENT AD COMPARED TO ‘WOKE’ US VERSION: ‘WE ARE DOOMED’

At the start of Pride Month in 2022, the United States Space Force posted on X, highlighting Maj. Gen. Leah Lauderback's comments on the "QueerSpace" podcast.

"Maj. Gen. Leah Lauderback spoke on how the LIT is working to change policy, change minds, and create opportunities for LGBTQ+ members of the military," the post stated.

On the same day, the official U.S. Marines account on X shared an illustration of a Marine helmet with rainbow-colored bullets.

"Throughout June, the USMC takes #Pride in recognizing and honoring the contributions of our LGBTQ service members," the military branch wrote. "We remain committed to fostering an environment free from discrimination, and defend the values of treating all equally, with dignity and respect."

In June 2023, the U.S. Air Force posted an illustration to X during Pride Month, featuring a service member saluting in front of the rainbow flag.

The post received nearly 6,000 comments.

"As an Air Force vet, I am embarrassed by this," one critic wrote. "How [far] we have fallen as a proud nation. This bulls--- needs to end."

"Pentagon and today's Joint Chiefs are a national embarrassment and are destroying military readiness," another wrote. "Disgraceful."

The U.S. State Department recently adopted a "one flag policy" order from the Trump administration, which permits only the American flag to be flown at U.S. buildings at home and abroad, with two notable exceptions, the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action emblem and the Wrongful Detainees Flag.

Trump also ordered all diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) government offices to close. All DEI federal workers were placed on paid administrative leave.

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for further comment. 

Fox News Digital's Yael Halon and Stephen Sorace contributed to this story.

GOP senator revives effort to make assaulting police a deportable offense: 'We must act'

FIRST ON FOX: A Senate Republican is re-introducing legislation to make assaulting law enforcement a deportable offense for immigrants, amid a fresh immigration push in Congress.

Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., is re-introducing the Protect Our Law enforcement with Immigration Control and Enforcement (POLICE) Act.

The bill would explicitly make assaulting a law enforcement officer a deportable offense. The legislation struggled to advance in a Democratic-run Senate, and is expected to have a better chance at success now Republicans have a majority. There is a version in the House as well.

‘TIDES ARE SHIFTING': PUSH TO CODIFY KEY TRUMP-ERA POLICY SNAGS DOZENS OF COSPONSORS, INCLUDING DEMS

The bill says that any "alien who has been convicted of, who admits having committed, or who admits committing acts constituting the essential elements of, and offense involving the assault of a law enforcement officer is deportable."
 

"One of the best ways we can support law enforcement officers, and protect the public, is by deporting dangerous people who do them harm. If a migrant commits the crime of assaulting an officer or other first responder, they should be subject to immediate deportation," Budd said in a statement to Fox News Digital. 

"Our lawmakers must always back the men and women who protect and serve our communities. We must act on this vital proposal."

The bill has a dozen co-sponsors in the upper chamber, including Sens. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., Steve Daines R-Mont., Katie Britt, R-Ala.,, Ted Cruz, R-Texas,, and James Lankford R-Okla.

TRUMP'S ICE RACKS UP HUNDREDS OF ARRESTS, INCLUDING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED FOR HORROR CRIMES

The bill emerged the same week that the Laken Riley Act, which requires the detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of illegal immigrants charged with theft-related crimes, was sent to President Trump’s desk after passing both chambers of Congress with bipartisan support. Trump is expected to sign the measure.

Legislators have also introduced other anti-illegal immigrant measures, including bills to restore the Remain in Mexico program and to cut down on humanitarian parole and Temporary Protected Status.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGE

Meanwhile, President Trump signed 10 executive orders on day one of his administration, including bills to send military to the border and declare a national emergency.

Federal agencies have been making similar moves, including reducing restrictions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in sensitive areas and ordering a review of the use of parole by federal agencies.

'Restore order': Bill to limit Biden-era immigration powers gets renewed push under Trump

FIRST ON FOX: A bill to strictly limit programs used by the Biden administration to allow migrants into the U.S. and protect them from deportation is being re-introduced in both chambers of Congress amid a flurry of immigration moves in Congress and the White House.

The End Unaccountable Amnesty Act, was introduced in the Senate last year but is now being re-introduced in both chambers by Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., and Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, which would limit the use of humanitarian parole to allow migrants into the U.S. and limit the use of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to protect them from deportation.

The Biden administration, as part of its efforts to expand lawful pathways for migration to curb the ongoing migrant crisis at the border, used parole to admit 1,450 migrants a day using the CBP One app at the border. It has also allowed more than 500,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela (CHNV) to fly into the U.S. using a separate program. Combined, nearly 1.5 million migrants were let in via CBP One and CHNV. President Trump ordered an end to both this week.

‘ABUSED THE LAWS’: GOP BILL VOWS TO SHUT DOWN KEY BIDEN-ERA POLICIES BENEFITING MIGRANTS

Separately, the Biden administration has used (TPS) to allow migrants from countries facing conflict and hardship to remain protected from deportation, including countries like Venezuela and Haiti. It extended a slew of designations in the final days of the administration. 

The bill would restrict TPS designations by requiring Congress to approve them for 12-month terms (currently 18 months) and requiring additional moves by Congress to extend them. 

The bill would also limit parole to a hard cap of 1,000 a year, significantly reduced from the hundreds of thousands allowed currently. Parole would also only be allowed for limited circumstances like emergency medical cases.

The bill would also impose stricter eligibility and placement criteria for unaccompanied children amid reports of such children being lost track of by authorities. Meanwhile, the use of DHS documents like Notices to Appear and also the now-limited CBP One app would be barred from being used for airport security checks.

'TIDES ARE SHIFTING': PUSH TO CODIFY KEY TRUMP-ERA POLICY SNAGS DOZENS OF CO-SPONSORS

"The Biden administration exploited current law to grant legal status to millions of non-citizens, overwhelming communities in Indiana and across the country. Our schools, healthcare systems, and public services are struggling with this massive influx," Banks said in a statement. "This bill will end mass parole, eliminate incentives for illegal immigration, and help President Trump restore order after the chaos caused by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris."

"The Biden-Harris Administration’s policies incentivized the worst border crisis in American history," Nehls wrote. "Worse, President Biden and his cronies imported people from all over the world through the CHNV and other mass parole programs, flooding our communities with insufficiently vetted individuals. I’m proud to introduce legislation alongside Senator Banks to prevent future administrations from abusing TPS designations and parole authority."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGE

When it was first introduced, the bill faced challenges with a Democrat-run Senate, but now the chamber is in the hands of Republicans, and a number of Democrats have backed restrictionist bills after a year in which illegal immigration was a top priority for voters.

Dozens of Democrats recently backed the Laken Riley Act to require Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain illegal immigrants charged with theft-related crimes. Meanwhile, a bill to restore the Trump-era Remain in Mexico policy has picked up bipartisan sponsors in the lower chamber.

Trump says Ukraine's Zelenskyy is ready to negotiate a deal to end war with Russia

President Donald Trump said Thursday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is ready to negotiate a deal to end the war with Russia, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin would like to meet soon.

Trump spoke to reporters after signing multiple executive orders Thursday afternoon in the Oval Office. When a reporter asked if Zelenskyy told him he was ready to negotiate a solution to the war with Russia, Trump provided confirmation.

"Yes, he’s ready to negotiate a deal. He’d like to stop this," Trump said. "He’s somebody that lost a lot of soldiers, and so did Russia. … Russia lost more soldiers. They lost 800,000. Would you say that’s a lot? I’d say it’s a lot."

He was also asked if sanctions on Russia would force Putin to negotiate.

PUTIN REPORTEDLY CONCERNED OVER RUSSIA'S ECONOMY AHEAD OF POSSIBLE TRUMP TARIFFS

"I don’t know, but I think he should make a deal," Trump said.

Trump also told reporters Chinese President Xi Jinping could have an influence on the war between Russia and Ukraine since it has power over Russia. He explained that the two countries are big trading partners. 

Russia, Trump noted, supplies China with a lot of energy, and the latter pays the former a lot of money.

"I think they have a lot of power over Russia, so I think Russia should want to make a deal," Trump said. "From what I hear, Putin would like to see me, and we’ll meet as soon as we can."

PUTIN SAYS RUSSIA READY TO COMPROMISE WITH TRUMP ON UKRAINE WAR

When he described the war in Ukraine, Trump said soldiers were being killed on a battlefield that "is like no battlefield since World War II."

"Soldiers are being killed on a daily basis at numbers that we haven’t seen in decades," he said. "It would be nice to end that war. It’s a ridiculous war."

Putin is reportedly worried about the state of his country’s economy as Trump returns to the Oval Office. According to a Reuters report citing various sources, Trump's push to end the war in Ukraine is only adding to Putin's concerns.

PUTIN, XI VOW TO ‘DEEPEN’ ALLIANCE HOURS AFTER TRUMP RE-ENTERS THE WHITE HOUSE

Throughout his campaign, Trump pushed to end world conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war, which began with Putin’s 2022 invasion.

Last month, Putin said he was ready to compromise over Ukraine in possible talks with Trump on ending the war and had no conditions for starting talks with Ukrainian authorities.

"We have always said that we are ready for negotiations and compromises," Putin said at the time, after saying that Russian forces, advancing across the entire front, were moving toward achieving their primary goals in Ukraine.

"In my opinion, soon there will be no one left who wants to fight. We are ready, but the other side needs to be ready for both negotiations and compromises."

Fox News Digital’s Rachel Wolf contributed to this report.

11 Dem state AGs criticize 'vague' threats over prosecution for noncompliance with immigration enforcement

Eleven Democratic states on Thursday issued a statement criticizing the "vague" threats from the Trump administration related to possible prosecutions for not complying with immigration enforcement

The statement was signed by state attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.

It addressed a recent Justice Department memo directing federal prosecutors to investigate state and local officials who refuse to enforce President Donald Trump's immigration policies, including hs mass deportation plans. 

TRUMP'S ICE RACKS UP HUNDREDS OF ARRESTS, INCLUDING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED FOR HORROR CRIMES

"Right now, these vague threats are just that: empty words on paper," the statement said. "But rest assured, our states will not hesitate to respond if these words become illegal actions."

In the memo, Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, Trump's former defense attorney, said that "federal law prohibits state and local actors from resisting, obstructing, and otherwise failing to comply with lawful immigration-related commands and requests, pursuant to, for example, the President's extensive Article II authority with respect to foreign affairs and national security, the Immigration and Nationality Act, and the Alien Enemies Act." 

‘PROMPT REMOVAL’: TRUMP DHS EXPANDS EXPEDITED DEPORTATION POWERS AS OPERATIONS RAMP UP

Bove said U.S. attorneys offices "and litigating components of the Department of Justice shall investigate incidents involving any such misconduct for potential prosecution, including for obstructing federal functions in violation of federal statutes."

The attorneys general cited Printz v. United States, saying the federal government can't force local or state authorities to carry out immigration actions. 

"Despite what he may say to the contrary, the President cannot unilaterally re-write the Constitution," they wrote. 

"The President has made troubling threats to weaponize the U.S. Department of Justice’s prosecutorial authority and resources to attack public servants acting in compliance with their state laws, interfering with their ability to build trust with the communities they serve and protect."

Fox News Digital's Jake Gibson, David Spunt and Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.

Fox News Politics Newsletter: JFK Files Declassified

Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump administration, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content.

Here's what's happening…

-Karine Jean-Pierre reveals mom's cancer diagnosis — and why she kept it secret

-Illegal immigrant suspect in fatal hit-and-run arrested 800 miles from crime scene on bus headed to Mexico

-Top 5 moments from Trump's 'Hannity' interview 

President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order to declassify files on the assassinations of former President John F. Kennedy, and civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. 

Trump had promised to declassify the previously-classified documents during his 2024 campaign.

"Everything will be revealed," Trump told reporters as he signed the order in the Oval Office of the White House…Read more

RIGHTING A WRONG: Trump expected to pardon pro-life activists convicted under FACE Act…Read more

'FORGOTTEN ABOUT': Anti-CCP group debuts ad with dire call for GOP lawmakers to back Trump on saving US farms…Read more

TWO DOWN: John Ratcliffe confirmed as next CIA director, becomes second Trump cabinet pick to gain congress's approval…Read more

BRACING FOR INFLUX: Mexico scrambles to build tents to handle mass deportations from US…Read more

'FALSELY SMEARED': Benjamin Netanyahu comes to defense of Elon Musk…Read more

MONEY PROBLEMS: Putin reportedly concerned over Russia's economy ahead of possible Trump tariffs…Read more

STATUS REVOKED: GOP leaders rally to revoke China's 'most favored nation' status after 20-year run…Read more

SPREADING THE WORD: New Republican leader Lisa McClain talks messaging 'playbook' in the Trump era…Read more

RESULTS OVER PROCESS: Tim Scott emphasizes 'results' over reconciliation process as he stays out of debate…Read more

'FACTUALLY INACCURATE': Key Senate chairman criticizes 'anonymous sources with ulterior motives,' stands by Hegseth nomination…Read more

'GODFATHER OF THE ULTRA-RIGHT': Trump budget chief pick Russell Vought faces fire from Dem senators…Read more

SENATE SHOWDOWN: Hegseth clears Senate hurdle and advances to a final confirmation vote…Read more

'CONCERNED': Moderate GOP senator says she will vote against nomination of Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary…Read more

'RIDICULOUS': Lawmakers refuse to say how many genders there are when confronted on Capitol Hill…Read more

SHOCKING MOVE: VA Dems reject Youngkin's antisemitism expert pick from George Mason Univ board amid troubling incidents…Read more

EXCLUSIVE: Medal of Honor recipients would see their pensions increase six-fold under new proposal…Read more

‘I’M A FIGHTER': House GOP firebrand invokes Trump while mulling run for South Carolina governor's mansion…Read more

'INFANTICIDE': Pro-lifers pounce on Fetterman for opposing 'Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act'…Read more

'WE'RE GOING TO FIND THEM': First images of ICE mass deportation efforts show arrests of MS-13 gang members, murder suspects…Read more

Get the latest updates on the Trump administration and Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.

Miss America Abbie Stockard wore 'MAHA' dress designed by Andre Soriano to inaugural ball

An Atelier dress designer and supporter of President Donald Trump shocked partygoers and social media users once again with a silhouette unlike anything he'd handcrafted before.

Andre Soriano, a shop owner in Occoquan, Virginia, and originally from the Philippines, designed a green "Make America Healthy Again" dress for recently crowned Miss America Abbie Stockard.

"She’s the sweetest," Soriano told Fox News Digital of Stockard. "She’s the best representation of America. She’s going to be a great example for all the kids."

'MAGA' DRESS DESIGNER FORCEDTO REMOVE TRUMP SIGNS FROM BUSINESS, RESIDENCE WHEN ‘KAREN' CALLED THE POLICE

Stockard, who represented Alabama and was crowned Miss America Jan. 5, wore the custom gown to the MAHA inaugural ball, held for a night in celebration of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Trump’s pick for secretary of Health and Human Services Jan. 20.

She has since shared photographs from the event opposite RFK Jr. and his wife, Cheryl Hines, among others.

"I’m truly, truly honored and grateful to be part of her dressing up," Soriano said.

The controversial designer is well known for the infamous "Make America Great Again" ensemble he crafted for singer-songwriter Joy Villa, which she wore to the 2017 Grammy Awards.

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"I’ve been in Hollywood before," Soriano told Fox News Digital. "I’ve been dissected, especially after I made the Trump dress."

Soriano has been the recipient of hateful rhetoric both online and in person for his patriotic tailoring.

"We’re going to tell the,. ‘God bless you, and peace be with you,'" he said of the backlash.

Soriano received the measurements for Stockard just two days before she arrived in Washington, D.C., for the inaugural events.

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He made the dress in eight hours.

"She came the next day," Soriano said. "I did the fitting, and it fit her like a glove. I've worked with a lot of women, and I really nailed it down to the T."

January was hectic for Soriano because eight to 10 dresses were commissioned by him in preparation for Inauguration Day.

"The whole month of January I was flooded," he said. "I’m so glad that America finally made that decision."

'Complete failure': Government shutdown crisis threatens Capitol Hill as Trump plans policy overhaul

There are less than two months until the next government funding deadline on March 14, and House lawmakers are growing increasingly concerned about the speed of their progress on spending talks.

"I think it’s a complete failure for us to not have a topline number," said Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla. 

Congressional Republicans have been busy negotiating a massive conservative policy and budget overhaul via a process called "reconciliation," which allows the party holding both the House and Senate to enact sweeping changes by lowering the Senate's threshold for passage from 60 votes to 51.

But all the while, Republicans who spoke with Fox News Digital are worried about falling behind on the federal appropriations process for fiscal year (FY) 2025, with no topline funding numbers to work from yet and just 19 days left in session until the deadline.

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Congress has extended the FY 2025 deadline twice since the period began Oct. 1 – most recently passing a short-term funding extension of FY 2024 funding levels, known as a continuing resolution (CR), in late December.

"Appropriation bills have to get done. If we end up with another CR, that would be catastrophic. That would mean, in essence, a reduction on defense [funding]," said Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. "But for us to start doing it, we need a topline number. But I’m optimistic we’ll get there."

If nothing is done by March 14, Congress could be forced to contend with a partial government shutdown in the middle of their reconciliation talks – and within the first 100 days of President Donald Trump's second term.

Other members of the committee suggested they were similarly in the dark about a topline number, but were cautiously hopeful.

"We are less than eight weeks away from the CR expiring. We need to be able to get those toplines as soon as possible and get to work," said Rep. Stephanie Bice, R-Okla. "I have full faith and confidence that Tom Cole will be able to make that happen in the next week or two."

Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo., said House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla., has been "in consultation" with his counterparts on a towline number.

Asked about the possibility of another CR, he said, "We have several things going on at once – the reconciliation package, raising the debt ceiling, and the appropriations process. So let’s just hope for the best and deal with the worst if we have to."

Republican leaders have previously been forced to seek Democratic support to pass CRs, which normally hit a wall of opposition among a cross-section of the GOP.

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Conservative hardliners told Fox News Digital they're bracing for another CR or, worse in their eyes, a massive package combining Congress' 12 regular appropriation bills into one massive "omnibus."

Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., said he and other conservatives were working on a bill to keep border security operations funded in the event of a government shutdown.

"We’re running out of time," he said, adding that Republicans should "probably stay in next week" instead of flying to their annual issues conference in Miami.

Rep. Keith Self, R-Fla., pointed out that House lawmakers have just over two weeks' worth of days in session to come up with a plan.

"I'm very concerned. I'm also concerned that if we screw up the CR on March the 14th, does it poison the reconciliation negotiations?" Self posed.

But not all conservatives are concerned. House Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris, R-Md., said he would be in favor of a full-year CR if "we write it properly."

"You tell me what the topline is, and I'll tell you whether I'm concerned," he said.

Fox News Digital reached out to congressional Republican leaders and the House Appropriations Committee for comment.

Hawaii's Hirono only senator to vote no on Collins, continuing partisan streak at hearings

Democrat Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono was the only lawmaker on the Senate's Veterans’ Affairs Committee to oppose the confirmation of President Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, former GOP congressman from Georgia Doug Collins.

Amid the slew of confirmation hearings that have taken place, Hirono has been unafraid to poke and prod about nominees' sex lives, and at one point she accused Trump's defense secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth, of being willing to shoot at lawful protesters.

"Would you carry out such an order [to shoot protesters] from President Trump?" Hirono asked Hegseth during his hearing in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee, citing reports that the president asked former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper to shoot protesters in the leg during the 2020 riots in Washington, D.C., that ensued after the death of George Floyd.

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Hegseth tried to offer a response to Hirono's question, but the senator would not let him get a word in and instead answered the question for him, "You will shoot protesters in the leg," she asserted to Hegseth. "Moving on."

Hirono also has been unafraid to ask each of Trump's nominees she questioned throughout their confirmation hearings, including Collins, about unfounded allegations of sexual assault.

"As part of my responsibilities to ensure the fitness of nominees before any of the committees, I ask the following two questions," Hirono posited during the hearing for Trump's interior secretary nominee, Doug Burgum. "First is, since you became a legal adult have you ever made unwanted requests for sexual favors or committed any verbal or physical harassment or assault of a sexual nature? Have you ever faced discipline or entered into a settlement related to this kind of conduct?"

For Trump's attorney general nominee, Pam Bondi, Hirono asked the same questions about unfounded sexual allegations. She similarly answered her own questions as she did with Hegseth.

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Bondi, however, clapped back with criticism of her own during the senator's questioning, noting that Hirono refused to meet with her privately to discuss her concerns ahead of the public hearing.

"Sen. Hirono, I wish you had met with me. Had you met with me, we could have discussed many things and gotten to the meat [of your questions]," Bondi told Hirono as she was lobbing questions at the nominee. "You were the only one who refused to meet with me."

WATCH: Lawmakers refuse to say how many genders there are when confronted on Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON — Lawmakers refused to say how many genders there are when confronted just days after President Donald Trump proclaimed that there are only two "not changeable" sexes: male and female.

Former President Joe Biden refrained from defining gender as strictly binary and issued directives supporting the recognition of individual gender identity on federal documents. This included allowing Americans to select "X" as a gender option on their passports, alongside male and female. In contrast, Trump's order, declaring the existence of only two genders, will reverse efforts allowing the use of a gender different from that assigned at birth on documents like driver's licenses.

In the wake of Trump's order, Fox News Digital surveyed lawmakers on Capitol Hill about the number of recognized genders, but most members of Congress refused to answer the question.

"I have one meeting to go to, that's all I'm worried about right now," Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas, told Fox when asked how many genders there are.

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Another Democrat, Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., told Fox that there are "two" genders but that "people are often uncertain what there is."

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"These people are ridiculous," Democrat Rep. Greg Casar of Texas said as he walked away. 

Other lawmakers who did not say how many genders there are included Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., and Rep. Pete Stauber, R-Minn.

Trump is taking aim at several of Biden's federal orders surrounding gender identity, such as revoking the Enabling All Qualified Americans to Serve Their Country in Uniform order, which allowed transgender people to serve in the military. 

Fox News' Morgan Phillips contributed to this report.

'Not my job': Sheriff vows Las Vegas Police will not assist with Trump's illegal immigration 'roundups'

After President Donald Trump's return to the White House and swift, sweeping actions to crack down on illegal immigration, the head of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), Sheriff Kevin McMahill, doubled down on a policy guiding officers to limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (IC) and not assist with federal immigration "roundups."

The department emphasized its policy of not investigating immigration violations, according to a statement posted on X Tuesday. The department said its statement was in response to "questions regarding immigration enforcement."

The policy, which was instituted during the first Trump administration in 2019 and then amended in 2023, states that "although Nevada peace officers have the authority to assist in enforcing federal laws, LVMPD officers will not enforce immigration violations." And "officers will not stop and question, detain, arrest, or place an immigration hold on any individuals on the grounds they are an undocumented immigrant.

"It is the policy of this department to recognize the dignity of all persons, regardless of their national origin or immigration status," the policy states. "LVMPD is committed to community-oriented policing as a strategy that focuses on developing relationships with community members regardless of the immigration status of a suspect or victim."

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According to the LVMPD policy, the department "will share criminal intelligence regarding transnational organized crime and international terrorism with any and all law enforcement agencies to include ICE." 

The policy further states that the department will also notify ICE when a foreign-born individual is arrested and charged with a violent felony, domestic violence or driving under the influence at the time of booking and release.

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However, the LVMPD policy says that the department "will not delay the release of an inmate for ICE" and will release a migrant "if ICE is not present at the time of the inmate’s release."

In an interview with local outlet 8 News Now, McMahill said his officers would not assist federal authorities with "roundups" of illegal immigrants, saying, "That’s not my job. I have too much to do.

"I don’t intend to change that policy any time soon. What I do hope happens is that there’s a bipartisan effort to secure our border."

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In previous statements, ICE has said law enforcement agencies refusing to honor its immigration "detainers," or hold requests, unnecessarily place agents and communities in danger by necessitating potentially violent confrontations and arrests in public spaces.

Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, has spoken out unequivocally against public officials who have vowed not to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

"When you release a public safety threat back into the community, that puts the community at great risk of crime, and it puts our officers at great risk. Now, they’ve got to arrest the bad guy on his turf, where he has access to who knows what weapons, and it puts the public at risk," Homan told Fox News Wednesday.

"To sanctuary cities, I’ve said this many times: Let us into the jail, where it’s safer for an agent to arrest a bad guy, it’s safer for the bad guy to be arrested in jail and it's safer for the community.

"I want to save lives. A secure border saves lives. And when President Trump locks this border down, less women and children will be sex trafficked in this country, less aliens will die making that journey," he added. 

"Sanctuary cities are going to get exactly what they don't want — more agents in the communities, more people arrested, more collaterals arrested. So, that's a game they want to play? Game on."

Top trade association sends letters calling on big changes in three key departments: 'Unleash American energy'

FIRST ON FOX: A top national trade organization has sent letters to three departments in the Trump administration advocating for specific policies that the group believes will most effectively achieve President Trump’s goal to "unleash American energy" in the United States. 

The American Exploration & Production Council, a national trade association representing the leading independent oil and natural gas exploration and production companies in the United States, sent letters to the Department of Energy, Department of Interior and Environmental Protection Agency with specific guidelines on how to best jumpstart energy production.

In the letter to the Department of Energy, AXPC made several requests, including that the department "resume timely approval of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export approvals."

"U.S. LNG plays a critical role in geopolitical stability and supporting global emission reductions — a fact that has been confirmed numerous times over the past decade," the letter states. "As the world’s largest natural gas producer, the U.S. is well positioned to meet the dual challenge of supplying the world with affordable, clean, and reliable energy all while reducing global emissions. This misguided permitting pause should be lifted immediately, and DOE should ensure that any public interest study uses well-reasoned assumptions."

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Other recommendations to DOE included promoting U.S. energy exports, creating fair access to export authorizations and avoiding unnecessary delays, providing greater certainty for critical energy and infrastructure, and enhancing energy reliability with advanced natural gas storage.

"Our recommendations focus on policy priorities and actions within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and some Department wide that we believe strike this critical balance and directly impact responsible onshore exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas in the United States," the letter to the Department of Interior explained. 

"In alignment with the Trump administration’s goal to ‘Unleash American Energy’, including expanding oil and natural gas production on federal lands, these recommendations aim to support responsible American energy production while maintaining crucial environmental protections and fostering economic growth here at home."

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Recommendations to the DOI include revoking the BLM’s Conservation & Landscape Health Rule and its implementing instructional memorandums, streamlining drilling permits, replacing the recent resources management plan amendments to align with western states’ priorities, and allowing for the commingling of oil and gas production for greater efficiency and environmental protection. 

In the letter to the EPA, AXPC wrote that its recommendations "focus on policy priorities that we believe strike this critical balance and directly impact responsible onshore exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas in the United States."

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Some of those recommendations include revising the source performance standards to "improve feasibility for emission controls" and "provide greater allowance for alternative technologies and approaches."

The letter also calls for reforms to the Clean Water Act and modifications to the Greenhouse Gas reporting rule. 

"America is stronger, the world is safer, and the environment is cleaner when the United States is the world leader in energy production, and that is best achieved with sensible, workable, and durable policies out of Washington," AXPC CEO Anne Bradbury told Fox News Digital in a statement. 

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 "That's why America's oil and natural gas producers look forward to working with the Trump administration’s goal of energy dominance and providing affordable, reliable, and ever-cleaner energy for the American people."

Trump's nominees in all three departments have signaled that they intend to implement new policies and guidelines that significantly increase oil and gas production while easing regulations at the same time. 

"When energy production is restricted in America, it doesn't reduce demand. It just shifts production to countries like Russia and Iran, whose autocratic leaders not only don't care at all about the environment, but they use their revenues from energy sales to fund wars against us and our allies," DOI secretary nominee Doug Burgum said in his opening statement at his confirmation hearing. 

"President Trump's energy dominance vision will end those wars abroad and will make life more affordable for every family in America by driving down inflation. And President Trump will achieve those goals while championing clean air, clean water and protecting our beautiful lands."

Dems ask Trump USDA pick who will do 'backbreaking' farming amid mass deportations

Democratic lawmakers are worried American farms will suffer under President Donald Trump’s mass deportation initiative.

Approximately 40% of crop farmworkers are not approved to work in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s National Agricultural Workers Survey, and Democratic lawmakers are curious about who will step in to work in the heat or cold. 

As a result, senators questioned Trump’s pick to lead the Agriculture Department, Brooke Rollins, about whether mass deportation under the Trump administration will undermine the farming workforce. 

"Can we expect this administration to be raiding farms, going after the immigrant farmers?" Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said during Rollins’ confirmation hearing before the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee Thursday. 

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"Listen, the president’s vision of a secure border and a mass deportation at a scale that matters is something I support," Rollins said. 

Rollins then promised to help Trump execute his agenda, while also "defending" American farmers and ranchers. 

"But when you’re talking about massive deportation, we’ve gone beyond dangerous criminals," Durbin said. "I just wonder if we ought to give fair warning to farmers and ranchers across America that if you have immigrant labor, you can expect federal agents to come and search your property."

"I have not been involved in the president’s current plan, I cannot answer that one way or the other," Rollins said. 

Trump has promised to take an aggressive approach to border security and illegal immigration, and the Department of Homeland Security issued a notice Tuesday to green-light expedited deportation of illegal immigrants

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Other Democratic senators, including Peter Welch of Vermont and Adam Schiff of California, echoed similar sentiments regarding the implications of mass deportation on farms. 

While the lawmakers acknowledged that those who pose a public safety threat shouldn’t remain in the U.S., they also said Americans are less inclined to work in the harsh conditions that farming requires than illegal immigrants. 

Schiff said estimates suggest half of California’s farm workforce is undocumented, and asked Rollins how farmers were supposed to survive if half their workforce is cut, because "Americans don’t want to do that work," since it's "too backbreaking." As a result, Schiff asked who would work on California's farms. 

Rollins said she would work with the committee and with the Labor Department on the matter.

"We will work together to understand and hopefully solve for some of these problems. The dairy cattle have to be milked, but if we’ve got a mass deportation program underway, then there’s a lot of work that we need to do," Rollins said. 

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Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle also voiced concerns about how farmers will fare, should Trump follow through on his plans to implement tariffs. Trump’s economic plan calls for imposing tariffs ranging from 10% to 20% on all imported goods. 

When Trump’s first administration imposed tariffs, China issued their own retaliatory tariffs that cost the federal government billions of dollars in government aid to farmers.

"I’m trepidacious that this is going to come back to our farmers," Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan said. 

"My commitment is that there will be no sleeping, that we will work around the clock to ensure that our AG communities across this country are represented in those discussions and at the table," Rollins said. 

Rollins previously worked as the director of the Office of American Innovation and acting director of the Domestic Policy Council during Trump’s first term. After working for the Trump administration, Rollins co-founded the America First Policy Institute think tank. 

The secretary of the Agriculture Department is responsible for managing farm and nutrition, forestry, food safety, rural development, and agricultural research. 

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