FIRST ON FOX: Now-FBI Director Kash Patel worked hard to get the Senate support necessary for confirmation, studying the lawmakers, sitting for countless meetings and even enlisting the assistance of Sens. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Ted Cruz, R-Texas, to prep for his hearing, Fox News Digital has learned.

Patel met with 61 senators in his bid to take on the role that President Donald Trump nominated him for, a transition official told Fox News Digital. 

They noted this is significant for a position that is not even within the president's Cabinet. 

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"He studied what was important to the FBI and everyone in these meetings," they said, explaining how close to home the question of who directs the bureau hits for each senator. 

"You can touch and feel an FBI office in nearly every state."

Prominent Republicans Lee and Cruz were part of "murder board" sessions to critique and question Patel before his hearing. There were roughly 10 such meetings to prepare him. 

"I was happy to assist Director Patel through the confirmation process, because President Trump picked a man of great integrity and dedication to lead the FBI. America will be more free, fair, and safe with him at the Bureau," Lee told Fox News Digital in a statement. 

A source familiar said the sessions consisted of a series of round-robin questions on hot-button issues. He was asked about some of the FBI controversies of recent memory, particularly former FBI officials Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, who infamously exchanged anti-Trump text messages while investigating him for potential collusion with Russia.

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They also took turns grilling Patel over a group of individuals listed in his 2023 book who he considers deep-state actors. Democrats dubbed it an "enemies list," which the then-nominee denied.

According to the transition official, the enthusiasm was palpable upon Patel's nomination.

"There's a cadre of senators that knew Kash before he was nominated," they said, adding that they were excited.

He was confirmed last week by a narrow margin of 51-49. This caught his team by surprise as they actually expected both Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, to come down in favor of his nomination.

During his meeting with Collins, a source familiar told Fox News Digital that Patel referenced the fact that she is the only elected Republican from Maine in Congress and is up for re-election in 2026. The then-nominee also told her that he understood if she was in a position in which she couldn't vote for him.

Collins' office did not provide comment to Fox News Digital in time for publication. 

Patel's meetings with both Collins and Murkowski had been good, per the transition official.

"Kash and Lisa had many conversations and talked a lot," they explained.

While she didn't vote for him, the Alaska Republican did call Patel in the hours leading up to the vote, giving him a heads-up that she wasn't going to be able to support him, a source familiar shared.

Another significant vote was that of former Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who opted to support Patel after opposing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

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Trump's team leading Patel through the process had strategically worked on getting McConnell's backing behind closed doors.

Before Christmas, the then-nominee had already done 40 meetings with senators. This was on purpose; they wanted to get senators talking with each other, the source said. 

This early meeting blitz was specifically designed to lay the groundwork for Patel's eventual discussions with McConnell, Murkowski and Collins, along with others who were potentially skeptical. 

When McConnell's meeting came around, it appeared the strategy worked, with the seemingly open-minded Republican asking questions about Patel's background experience in law and national security. McConnell also seemed particularly interested in Patel's plans to increase transparency. 

Another key win for the now-FBI director was having Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., in his corner. The senator had previously hesitated on Hegseth's confirmation, waiting until the last minute to announce his support. 

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What truly sold Tillis on supporting Patel, with whom he was relatively unfamiliar, was the opinion of former South Carolina Republican congressman and current Fox News weekend host Trey Gowdy. Patel and Gowdy worked with one another when the former was a staffer for former Republican congressman Devin Nunes. The two were part of investigating the FBI’s probe into potential Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Gowdy spoke with Fox News Digital, sharing that he received calls about his experience with Patel from "maybe a dozen" senators. He said he was happy to share his opinion but urged each of them to meet with the nominee themselves rather than just take his word for it.

Tillis quickly became one of Patel's biggest supporters, giving him advice as he met with other lawmakers. 

The North Carolina Republican even introduced Patel for his hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, also creating a "K$H Bingo" game that included subjects Tillis expected to be brought up by Democrats during the hearing. The sheet included subjects such as "Deep State," "Enemies List" and Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, among others.

The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to hear oral arguments Wednesday in a case involving an Ohio woman who claims she was unfairly discriminated against for being straight, while she watched her less-qualified LGBT colleagues in Ohio's youth corrections system climb the career ladder.

Marlean Ames, the woman at the center of the case, argued she was discriminated against because of her heterosexuality at the Ohio Department of Youth Services and contends that her demotion and pay cut constitutes a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The decision of the case could have a significant impact on employment law.

Ames' case is before the Supreme Court after lower courts dismissed her claim in light of the precedent in the 1973 McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green decision. In that case, the high court created a three-step process for handling discrimination cases based on indirect evidence, with the first step being the key issue in the case.

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At this first step, plaintiffs in such cases must present enough evidence to make a basic case of discrimination. This requirement applies to all plaintiffs, whether they are from minority or majority groups.

Thus, Ames is challenging the legal standard used by lower courts, which requires her to provide additional "background circumstances" to "support the suspicion that the defendant is that unusual employer who discriminates against the majority." The majority in this case appears to be Ames, since she is straight. 

Ames' attorney, Edward Gilbert, argued in a Feb. 7 court filing that this additional evidence burden is inappropriate and that discrimination should be assessed equally.

"Judges must actually treat plaintiffs differently, by first separating them into majority and minority groups, and then imposing a 'background circumstances' requirement on the former but not the latter," the filing read. "In other words, to enforce Title VII's broad rule of workplace equality, courts must apply the law unequally."

Ames started working at the Ohio Department of Youth Services in 2004 as an executive secretary, which oversees the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders. Since 2009, she was promoted several times, and by 2014, she was promoted to program administrator, according to the Supreme Court filing.

In 2017, Ames began reporting to a new supervisor, Ginine Trim, who is openly gay. During her 2018 performance review, Trim rated Ames as meeting expectations in most areas and exceeding them in one.

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However, in 2019, after Ames applied for a bureau chief position and did not get it, she was removed from her program administrator role, the court filing states. The department’s assistant director and HR head, both of whom are straight, offered her the choice to return to her previous job with a pay cut. Ames chose to remain with the department and was later promoted to a different program administrator position. The department then hired a gay woman for the bureau chief role Ames had wanted, and a gay man for the program administrator position she previously held.

After assuming Ames' role, the co-worker "expressed to Ames an ‘impatient attitude towards climbing the ranks within the Department,’ ‘claim[ed] that he could manipulate people to get what he wanted on the basis of being a gay man,’ and ‘acknowledge[d]; that he had ’been angling for Ames’s position for some time, stating in front of their coworkers that he wanted the PREA Administrator position,'" according to the filing.

In an amicus brief filed by Elizabeth Prelogar, the U.S. solicitor general under the Biden administration, the federal government supports Marlean Ames' argument. Prelogar said the "background circumstances" requirement imposed by the lower court has no basis in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and goes against the Court's past rulings, which allow all plaintiffs to be judged by the same standards, SCOTUS Blog reported.

On the other hand, the Ohio Department of Youth Services disagrees with the idea that Ames was held to a higher standard because she is straight. The department argued that the "background circumstances" rule is not an additional burden on plaintiffs, but rather a "method of analysis" to examine cases like Ames' without creating a new legal precedent.

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The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case Wednesday morning, with a ruling expected by the end of June. 

The case's hearing before the high court comes amid a second Trump administration that is working to dismantle Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the federal sector while pressuring private sectors to do the same. 

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has posted detailed instructions on its website for the thousands of employees seeking to retrieve personal belongings from their offices inside the Ronald Reagan Building after being fired or placed on administrative leave.

The agency is giving employees two days – Thursday, Feb. 27, and Friday, Feb. 28 – to enter the building during designated time slots if they have items they would like to bring home. While the slots range from 60 minutes to 90 minutes overall, employees will have approximately 15 minutes to collect personal belongings from their work spaces.

"Staff will be given approximately 15 minutes to complete this retrieval and must be finished removing items within their time slot only," the instructions stated. "Staff with a significant amount of personal belongings to retrieve must be cognizant of time; however, flexibility may be granted in select circumstances with the approval of the Office of Security."

They must also bring their own containers and supplies to remove and pack up their belongings. 

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Before leaving the building with their items, USAID said staff "will be required to acknowledge receipt of their personal belongings" in order to keep agencies from being liable for items left behind. They will also be required to confirm that they do not have any physical or electronic government records with them.

USAID said Thursday and Friday are the only two days when retrieval will be allowed and employees must do it within the time slot that coordinates with their bureau. If staff members cannot make the time slot, only a designated alternate staff member can retrieve belongings as visitors, children and staff without proper credentials will not be allowed.

General Services Administration will pack up personal items that were not retrieved and will send them to a warehouse to be collected at a later date, the instructions said.

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There are 14 time slots for employees of 25 bureaus between the two retrieval days.

Employees will also return all USAID-issued government-furnished equipment during their time in the building.

On Sunday at midnight, the Trump administration placed nearly 1,600 USAID employees on administrative leave globally, excluding those working on mission-critical functions, core leadership or specially designated programs.

The reduction-in-force call came after thousands of USAID employees were fired, leaving only around 300 staffers left at the agency.

Trump decided to significantly cut down the agency after the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, determined that USAID wasted millions of dollars funding questionable programs and initiatives around the world.

For instance, Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, the Senate DOGE Caucus Chairwoman, recently published a list that included $20 million to produce a Sesame Street show in Iraq. 

Several more examples have been uncovered, such as more than $900,000 to a "Gaza-based terror charity" called Bayader Association for Environment and Development and a $1.5 million program slated to "advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in Serbia's workplaces and business communities."

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin appears to be following through with a promise to help federal workers find new employment after their jobs were cut by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. 

The Republican governor has announced a new website to assist them find employment in the Virginia government on virginiahasjobs.com. 

"We care about you," Youngkin said at the Capital One Center in McLean. "And we have a support system in order to help you find that next great opportunity."

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The new website is described as a "federal workers support resource package." Youngkin says the site was designed to help federal employees transition into new roles if they "experience job dislocation." 

"We have openings in state government, and they will find a link on our website to go find those opportunities as well," Youngkin.

The site will connect those searching for employment to job sources and regions as well as listings on Indeed and LinkedIn.

"Take advantage of the resources that will help you find your pathway to that career of your dreams," adding: "I actually have extraordinary empathy for the fact that there are many workers in Virginia today, from our federal workforce, who are experiencing real concerns," Youngkin added.

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Democrats in Virginia have made a note that they believe Youngkin is backing the president and not defending Virginians.

House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, called the website "an insult."

"Glossy websites and slogans can’t cover up his political capitulation and a Governor who has turned his back on his constituents when they need it most," Senate Majority Leader Scott A. Surovell, D-Fairfax, said in a statement.

Youngkin has not denied that he is in support of recent DOGE cuts, stating that he believes they are essential.

"We have a federal government that is inefficient, and we have an administration that’s taking on that challenge, rooting out waste, fraud and abuse and driving efficiency in our federal government," and "It needs to happen," he said.

However, Youngkin does believe the "federal workforce is not at fault here."

"But the reality," he said, "is that any CEO who steps into a position where there is an organization that has had such deep financial challenges is going to have to make change."

Virginia is home to one of the largest populations of federal employees with over 144,000, according to a December 2024 congressional report. That number rises significantly when you add in commuters working in Washington, D.C. and Maryland, rising to over 300,000.

Dolton, Illinois, mayor Tiffany Henyard, a Democrat, is projected to lose in a landslide in the village's mayoral primary held on Tuesday amid various scandals and allegations of corruption.

The embattled mayor predicted earlier on Tuesday that she would win in a landslide, according to Fox 32, but challenger Jason House overwhelmingly defeated Henyard in convincing fashion, securing 3,896 votes to Henyard's 536.

House, a village trustee and former ally of Henyard, campaigned on transparency and reform, promising a "clean house" and to bring accountability back to Dolton government.

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"Not only is Ms. Henyard depriving the public of what they deserve, it’s costing the village money," he said on Election Day. "Day one, every record will be turned over."

Henyard, who assumed office in 2021, made headlines during her time as mayor over controversy surrounding her alleged financial mismanagement and other scandals. A federal subpoena issued in May of last year asked for Dolton’s financial records in an attempt to review the mayor's expensive out-of-state trips.

Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, also a Democrat, was hired last year to investigate Henyard’s handling of Dolton's funds.

Lightfoot’s probe revealed that the village's general fund had diminished from a $5.6 million surplus in 2022 to a $3.6 million deficit in 2024, raising concerns about questionable credit card purchases and a lack of financial accountability.

Henyard was heavily criticized by residents ahead of the election over her various scandals. She has also been accused of civil rights violations, is facing numerous lawsuits over her alleged corruption and was involved in a brawl at a board meeting last month.

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"The way that the present mayor has been doing things just hasn't been sitting right with me," voter Sharon Hunley told Fox 32.

Another voter, Regan Lewis, said, "We’re kinda like a joke. It’s not a good thing, it’s embarrassing."

The Georgia state Senate passed a bill on Monday that they are referring to as "DOGE lite."

Senate Bill 28, Red Tape Rollback Act of 2025, has the goal of reducing costs and increasing accountability for state agencies by having them review and update rules and regulations every four years.

During the vote, Democrats were against the measure, accusing Republicans of trying to bring DOGE to Georgia. "DOGE" refers to the Department of Government of Efficiency, headed by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and aimed at shrinking the federal government. 

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"This is a power grab. Plain and simple, this is DOGE coming to Georgia," said state Sen. Emanuel Jones (D-Decatur) during the debate.

The bill is also aimed at small businesses and requires state agencies to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of rules and will solicit the public’s input regarding whether rules are justified and if the government can further reduce those costs.

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The vote was split between party lines, but the majority was Republican.

"Now that Donald Trump is president, we need to feign outrage about a commonsense bill," claimed Sen. Greg Dolezal following the vote.  "That’s just the state of play in Georgia politics."

Dolezal says there has been some mischaracterization of the bill.

He went on to say before President Trump was reelected that a similar bill passed with bipartisan support last year.

Overall, Senate Democrats believe the bill will be effective in aggressive cost-cutting, much like at the federal level.

The bill will now go to the House for consideration.

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., announced his plans to run for Florida governor next year during an interview on Fox News' "Hannity" Tuesday night.

The next Florida gubernatorial election is slated to take place Nov. 3, 2026.

Donalds was endorsed by President Donald Trump, who recently wrote that his fellow Sunshine State resident "would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida."

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"I am hearing that Highly Respected Congressman Byron Donalds is considering running for Governor of Florida, a State that I love, and WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024," Trump's social media post read. 

"[S]hould he decide to run, [Donalds] will have my Complete and Total Endorsement," the president added. "RUN, BYRON, RUN!"

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, however, has not signaled support for Donalds. On Monday, DeSantis told reporters that he wants Florida congressmen to be "focused on enacting [Trump's] agenda."

"They haven’t done very much yet," DeSantis said. "They’re not putting his executive orders into place. We’ll see what they do on the spending, but we have such a narrow majority that to be trying to campaign other places and missing these votes I think is not something that’s advisable at all."

DeSantis' comments came amid rumors that his wife, Casey, might toss her hat in the ring to run in the gubernatorial race. The Florida governor dodged a reporter's question about his wife's plans at Monday's press conference.

"People ask me all the time about our wonderful first lady, who has done a fantastic job as first lady of Florida," DeSantis responded. "I will tell you this, you’re talking about somebody like her. I won by the biggest margin that any Republican has ever won a governor’s race here in Florida. She would do better than me." 

Fox News Digital's Danielle Wallace and Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.

DOGE leader Elon Musk suggested the United States has a "TYRANNY of the JUDICIARY" following a series of court rulings that have paused or blocked some of President Donald Trump's executive orders, while also saying corrupt judges should be impeached and removed. 

In a post on X, Musk lamented judicial rulings that have blocked some of the Trump executive orders, many that have included slashing wasteful government spending and deporting illegal immigrants. 

"If ANY judge ANYWHERE can block EVERY Presidential order EVERYWHERE, we do NOT have democracy, we have TYRANNY of the JUDICIARY," Musk wrote. 

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The post came hours after a federal judge blocked raids by immigration authorities targeting certain places of worship and another gave the Trump administration two days to resume hundreds of millions of dollars in payments for U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) projects across the globe.

On Monday, a federal judge also blocked Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing personal records at the Department of Education (ED) as part of their cost-cutting sweep.

In response to Musk's post, U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said: "Corrupt judges should be impeached. And removed. Pass it on if you agree."

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"It's the only way," replied Musk. 

He cited the ousting of rivals to El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. Parliamentary leaders in that country recently sacked supreme court judges and an attorney general. 

"The only way to restore rule of the people in America is to impeach judges," said Musk. "No one is above the law, including judges. That is what it took to fix El Salvador. Same applies to America."

"Unfortunately, as President Bukele eloquently articulates, there is no other option," he added. "We must impeach to save democracy."

Bukele replied, saying that "if you don’t impeach the corrupt judges, you CANNOT fix the country."

"They will form a cartel, (a judicial dictatorship) and block all reforms, protecting the systemic corruption that put them in their seats," he added. 

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem is warning illegal immigrants in the U.S. that they should leave the country now or face serious consequences, including losing the opportunity to enjoy freedom and live the American dream.

Noem appeared on "Jesse Watters Primetime" on Tuesday night to discuss her latest initiative, announcing an illegal alien registry that requires fingerprinting.

The secretary said DHS will enforce the Immigration and Nationality Act, which was enacted in 1952 and created several tools to track illegal aliens and compel them to voluntarily leave the U.S.

DHS said the tools include criminal penalties for migrants who choose not to leave the U.S., fail to register with the federal government and get fingerprinted, and fail to notify the federal government of changes to their address.

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Illegal immigrants who fail to depart the U.S. will be charged with a crime resulting in a "significant penalty," DHS said.

But migrants who fail to register with the federal government could be fined, imprisoned or both.

"For decades, this law has been ignored – not anymore," DHS said.

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Noem and DHS hope to convince illegal immigrants that self-deportation is a safer path, not just for them, but also for law enforcement officials.

"President Trump and Secretary Noem have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream," DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said. "The Trump administration will enforce all our immigration laws—we will not pick and choose which laws we will enforce. We must know who is in our country for the safety and security of our homeland and all Americans."

The DHS encourages immigrants in the U.S. illegally to visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website, where there are instructions on how to register with the federal government.

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Noem’s push comes more than a week after she sent a stern warning on behalf of President Donald Trump, to those planning on entering the U.S. illegally.

"Let me deliver a message from President Trump to the world. If you are considering entering America illegally, don't even think about it," she said. "Let me be clear. If you come to our country, and you break our laws, we will hunt you down. Criminals are not welcome in the United States. For too long, weak leadership has left our borders wide open, flooding our communities with drugs, human trafficking, and violent criminals. Well, those days are over."

Noem was the fourth member of the Trump administration to gain approval from the Senate, and is leading the department at a time when securing the border and tackling illegal immigration are top priorities for the new administration.

The administration has taken a number of actions to secure the border, including deploying the military, restarting wall construction and ending Biden-era parole programs.

Fox News Digital’s Julia Johnson and Adam Shaw contributed to this report.

The House of Representatives has adopted a resolution that will eventually become a massive multi-trillion-dollar bill full of President Donald Trump's priorities on the border, defense, energy and taxes.

In a major victory for House GOP lawmakers, 217 Republicans voted in favor of the resolution, with 214 Democrats opposed. 

The lone Republican who voted against the legislation was Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky. The final vote fell 217 to 215 with just one absence, Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., who is undergoing cancer treatment.

The next step is now for the relevant House committees to meet and build their own proposals, which will eventually be returned into the framework and negotiated into a compromise deal with the Senate.

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It was a dramatic scene in the House chamber on Monday night as Republican leaders delayed formally ending a vote for roughly 45 minutes as they worked to convince conservative fiscal hawks to support the legislation.

Impatient Democrats called out loud for the vote to be closed as Republicans huddled in varied groups.

Two people on the House floor told Fox News Digital that President Donald Trump got involved at one point, speaking to one of the holdouts, Rep. Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., by phone.

Reps. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., and Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, could be seen on the phone at other points on the House floor as well, but it's not clear if they were speaking with Trump.

At one point, House GOP leaders appeared to lose confidence that they had enough support and abruptly canceled the planned vote. 

Moments later, however, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle were rushing back to the House floor and Fox News Digital was told the vote would be held.

Meanwhile, three House Democrats who had been absent early in the day returned for the Tuesday evening vote in dramatic fashion. 

Rep. Brittany Pettersen, D-Colo., who had a baby roughly a month ago, returned to the House floor with her infant to oppose the bill. And Rep. Kevin Mullin, R-Calif., who was recently hospitalized for an infection, appeared in the chamber aided by a walker.

House and Senate Republicans are aiming to use their majorities to advance Trump's agenda via the budget reconciliation process. 

It's a Senate maneuver that lowers the threshold for passage from two-thirds to a simple majority, but it's used when a party controls both houses of Congress and the White House because it allows that party to pass its policy goals even under the slimmest margins.

And Republicans are dealing with slim margins indeed; with current numbers, the House GOP can afford no more than one defection to pass anything without Democratic votes if all liberals are voting.

On the Senate side, Republicans can lose no more than two of their own in the reconciliation process.

The House resolution aimed 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. 

As written, the House bill also provided $4.5 trillion to extend President Donald Trump's 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, which expire at the end of this year.

An amendment negotiated by House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, and conservatives on his panel would also force lawmakers to make $2 trillion in cuts, or else risk the $4.5 trillion for Trump's tax cuts getting reduced by the difference. 

The resolution also fulfilled Trump's directive to act on the debt limit, raising it by $4 trillion or roughly two years. 

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A bipartisan deal struck in 2023 saw the debt limit suspended until January 2025. Now, projections show the U.S. could run out of cash to pay its debts by spring if Congress does not act.

The resolution's odds were touch and go for much of the week so far, since House lawmakers returned from a week-long recess period Monday.

Several fiscal conservatives had demanded more assurances from House GOP leadership that Republicans would seek deep spending cuts to offset the cost of Trump's priorities.

Republican lawmakers in more competitive districts are concerned some cuts may go too far, however. 

The resolution directs the House Energy & Commerce Committee to find at least $880 billion in spending cuts – which those lawmakers fear will mean severe cuts for federal programs like Medicaid.

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., pushed back against fears of such cuts during his weekly press conference on Tuesday.

"Medicaid is hugely problematic because it has a lot of fraud, waste and abuse. Everybody knows that. We all know it intuitively. No one in here would disagree," Johnson said. "What we're talking about is rooting out the fraud, waste, and abuse. It doesn't matter what party you're in, you should be for that because it saves your money, and it preserves the programs so that it is available for the people who desperately need it."

White House officials confirmed with Fox News that while billionaire Elon Musk is overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an acting administrator has been appointed to the role.

Amy Gleason, who is a low-profile executive with an expertise in healthcare technology, has been appointed as the acting leader of DOGE, the department responsible for gutting many federal agencies while locating and cutting billions of dollars in government waste.

Gleason’s identity was revealed after a reporter pressed White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on who is actually running DOGE.

CBS News’ Nancy Cordes pointed out to Leavitt that President Donald Trump’s executive order to create DOGE called for the naming of a DOGE administrator. She then asked the president’s spokesperson who is serving as the DOGE administrator.

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"So, the president tasked Elon Musk to oversee the DOGE effort," Leavitt said. "There are career officials and there are political appointees who are helping run DOGE on a day-to-day basis.

"There are also individuals who have onboarded as political appointees at every agency across the board to work alongside President Trump's Cabinet to find and identify waste, fraud and abuse, and they are working on that effort every day."

Cordes quickly asked, "So, is Elon Musk the administrator?" as Leavitt twice called on another reporter.

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After the exchange, Fox News learned of Gleason’s temporary appointment.

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Gleason, 53, worked from 2018 through 2021 for the United States Digital Service, an agency that has been renamed the US DOGE Service, according to her LinkedIn profile. In that role, she worked with the White House on the federal response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Gleason returned to the agency after Trump’s return to the Oval Office in January.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order directing the departments of the Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services to make healthcare prices transparent.

The order directs the departments to "rapidly implement and enforce" the Trump healthcare price transparency regulations, which he claims were slowed by the Biden administration.

The departments will ensure hospitals and insurers disclose actual prices, not estimates, and take action to make prices comparable across hospitals and insurers, including prescription drug prices.

In addition, they will be required to update their enforcement policies to ensure hospitals and insurers are in compliance with requirements to make prices transparent.

HERE'S HOW TRUMP'S TARIFFS ON CHINA COULD IMPACT DRUG PRICING AND OTHER HEALTHCARE COSTS

"When healthcare prices are hidden, large corporate entities like hospitals and insurance companies benefit at the expense of American patients," the White House wrote in a statement. "Price transparency will lower healthcare prices and help patients and employers get the best deal on healthcare."

The executive order notes a number of concerns with current healthcare pricing, including that prices vary between hospitals in the same region.

"One patient in Wisconsin saved $1,095 by shopping for two tests between two hospitals located within 30 minutes of one another," according to the statement.

The White House claims one economic analysis found Trump’s original price transparency rules, if fully implemented, could deliver savings of $80 billion for consumers, employers and insurers by 2025.

‘THIS IS ABOUT FENTANYL’: TARIFFS ARE CRUCIAL TO COMBATING ‘DRUG WAR,’ TRUMP AND CABINET OFFICIALS SAY

It added that employers will lower their healthcare costs by an average of 27% on 500 common services by better shopping for care.

"They’ll be able to check them, compare them, go to different locations, so they can shop for the highest-quality care at the lowest cost," Trump wrote in the statement. "And this is about high-quality care. You’re also looking at that. You’re looking at comparisons between talents, which is very important. And, then, you’re also looking at cost. And, in some cases, you get the best doctor for the lowest cost. That’s a good thing."

The White House said American patients are "fed up with the status quo," with 95% saying healthcare price transparency is an important priority. More than 50% said it should be a top priority of the government.

In his first term, Trump took historic action by mandating that hospitals and insurers make prices public.

A lawsuit was filed against the Biden administration in 2023, alleging it did not enforce the prescription drug transparency requirements. 

"While the prior Administration failed to prioritize further implementation and enforcement of these requirements, President Trump is delivering on his promises to make the healthcare system more affordable and easier to navigate for patients," according to the statement.

Fox News Digital previously reported the administration's tariffs on China will affect drug costs.

Consumers are more dependent on China for medications for anxiety and other psychiatric disorders, such as antidepressants.

Republicans are mounting pressure on the Justice Department to advance the release of classified documents and records related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and other federal secrets. 

President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January for agencies to create plans to distribute the files, as well as documents pertaining to the assassinations of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

But Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., who is leading the House Oversight Committee’s Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, is pushing the Department of Justice for answers on when that will happen — and so far, says she has faced silence. 

"On Feb 11 & Feb 19, house oversight sent a letter to the DOJ asking for status on releasing the Epstein files as well as JFK etc.," Luna said in a post on X Monday. "The DOJ has not responded. Reaching out on X because we can’t seem to get a response from the AG. @AGPamBondi what is the status of the documents? These documents were ordered to be declassified."

ANNA PAULINA LUNA TO LEAD TASK FORCE ON DECLASSIFICATION OF JFK ASSASSINATION RECORDS, EPSTEIN CLIENT LIST

Luna sent a letter to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Attorney General Pam Bondi, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and White House Counsel David Warrington requesting a briefing by Thursday on plans for the release of the documents. 

The letter also requests details on when the declassified documents will become available to the task force and the public. 

Trump’s executive order instructed the Department of Justice to coordinate with Gabbard, Waltz and Warrington to establish a plan by Feb. 7 for the release of the JFK files, and to create a plan for the release of the MLK and Robert F. Kennedy files by March 9. 

Additionally, Luna is pushing the Justice Department to share details regarding Jeffrey Epstein’s client list. The American financier died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. 

Meanwhile, Bondi said Friday that Epstein’s client list was awaiting review, and that she was looking over the Kennedy and King files. 

"It's sitting on my desk right now to review," Bondi told "America Reports" host John Roberts Friday about the Epstein files. "That's been a directive by President Trump."

TRUMP SIGNS ORDER TO DECLASSIFY FILES ON JFK, RFK AND MLK ASSASSINATIONS

A spokesperson for the Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. 

Luna’s office did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital in response to Bondi’s statements. 

Luna isn’t the only Republican lawmaker pushing for the release of these documents. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., also said Monday Democrats have undercut her efforts to "crack the Epstein trafficking ring wide open," and vowed that she would receive answers under newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel. 

"The time for transparency is now," Blackburn said in a Monday post on X. 

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, also said in a Monday X post that the documents belong to the American people, and "it’s about damn time they be given access to it!" 

The Office for the Director of National Intelligence also did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital, but told the Associated Press that a plan has been submitted regarding the Kennedy files.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. However, Trump vowed on the campaign trail that he would declassify all JFK-related documents if he won the 2024 election.  

The House’s Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets is scheduled to hold its first public hearing on March 26. 

Fox News' Haley Chi-Sing contributed to this report. 

Republicans are mounting pressure on the Justice Department to advance the release of classified documents and records related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and other federal secrets. 

President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January for agencies to create plans to distribute the files, as well as documents pertaining to the assassinations of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

But Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., who is leading the House Oversight Committee’s Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, is pushing the Department of Justice for answers on when that will happen — and so far, says she has faced silence. 

"On Feb 11 & Feb 19, house oversight sent a letter to the DOJ asking for status on releasing the Epstein files as well as JFK etc.," Luna said in a post on X Monday. "The DOJ has not responded. Reaching out on X because we can’t seem to get a response from the AG. @AGPamBondi what is the status of the documents? These documents were ordered to be declassified."

ANNA PAULINA LUNA TO LEAD TASK FORCE ON DECLASSIFICATION OF JFK ASSASSINATION RECORDS, EPSTEIN CLIENT LIST

Luna sent a letter to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Attorney General Pam Bondi, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and White House Counsel David Warrington requesting a briefing by Thursday on plans for the release of the documents. 

The letter also requests details on when the declassified documents will become available to the task force and the public. 

Trump’s executive order instructed the Department of Justice to coordinate with Gabbard, Waltz and Warrington to establish a plan by Feb. 7 for the release of the JFK files, and to create a plan for the release of the MLK and Robert F. Kennedy files by March 9. 

Additionally, Luna is pushing the Justice Department to share details regarding Jeffrey Epstein’s client list. The American financier died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. 

Meanwhile, Bondi said Friday that Epstein’s client list was awaiting review, and that she was looking over the Kennedy and King files. 

"It's sitting on my desk right now to review," Bondi told "America Reports" host John Roberts Friday about the Epstein files. "That's been a directive by President Trump."

TRUMP SIGNS ORDER TO DECLASSIFY FILES ON JFK, RFK AND MLK ASSASSINATIONS

A spokesperson for the Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. 

Luna’s office did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital in response to Bondi’s statements. 

Luna isn’t the only Republican lawmaker pushing for the release of these documents. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., also said Monday Democrats have undercut her efforts to "crack the Epstein trafficking ring wide open," and vowed that she would receive answers under newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel. 

"The time for transparency is now," Blackburn said in a Monday post on X. 

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, also said in a Monday X post that the documents belong to the American people, and "it’s about damn time they be given access to it!" 

The Office for the Director of National Intelligence also did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital, but told the Associated Press that a plan has been submitted regarding the Kennedy files.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. However, Trump vowed on the campaign trail that he would declassify all JFK-related documents if he won the 2024 election.  

The House’s Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets is scheduled to hold its first public hearing on March 26. 

Fox News' Haley Chi-Sing contributed to this report. 

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s move to suspend refugee admissions into the United States in response to a lawsuit from refugee aid groups.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office suspending refugee resettlement and ordering the Department of Homeland Security to report back in 90 days on whether resuming resettlement would be in the interests of the U.S.

But District Judge Jamal Whitehead, a Biden appointee, said Trump’s actions were an "effective nullification of congressional will" in setting up the nation’s refugee admissions program.

HOMAN ISSUES STARK WARNING FOR ILLEGALS AMID CLASH WITH SANCTUARY CITY OFFICIALS: ‘WE’RE COMING' 

"The president has substantial discretion ... to suspend refugee admissions," Whitehead told the parties, according to The Associated Press. "But that authority is not limitless."

The case had been brought by refugee groups, including International Refugee Assistance Project, HIAS, Lutheran Community Services Northwest and individual refugees. The groups argued their ability to provide services to refugees had been damaged by the Trump order.

The order was one of a number of orders attempting to limit both illegal and legal immigration, including the use of parole to allow in migrants by the Biden administration. Trump had limited refugee resettlement in his first term, but President Joe Biden made moves to take in more refugees, including by increasing the refugee cap.

NOEM ENDS BIDEN-ERA USE OF CONTROVERSIAL APP TO ALLOW MIGRANTS TO BOARD FLIGHTS, EXCEPT TO SELF-DEPORT 

"The United States lacks the ability to absorb large numbers of migrants, and in particular, refugees, into its communities in a manner that does not compromise the availability of resources for Americans, that protects their safety and security, and that ensures the appropriate assimilation of refugees," Trump said in his Jan 20 order.

"This order suspends the USRAP until such time as the further entry into the United States of refugees aligns with the interests of the United States."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGE

The plaintiffs argued that the suspension is in violation of federal law, and any such change should have been subject to the notice-and-comment period as laid out in the Administrative Procedures Act. They also argued that the suspension, as well as a suspension of funding, was "arbitrary and capricious."

The ruling marks a blow for the Trump administration after a federal judge last week declined to block the suspension in a similar case brought by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The conflicting rulings could mean the case ultimately ends up before the Supreme Court.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Arizona's Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs plans to expand border security operations along the state’s four border counties, placing added focus on disrupting transnational criminal organizations (TCOs).

Hobbs signed an executive order Tuesday to establish Operation Desert Guardian, a joint task force in which the state partners with local law enforcement, sheriffs and the federal government to disrupt TCO operations in the counties of Yuma, Pima, Santa Cruz and Cochise.

"I’m proud to launch Operation Desert Guardian to combat the cartels, stop drug smuggling and human trafficking and secure Arizona’s border," Hobbs said. "My administration has been in contact with the federal government and local sheriffs about the Operation, its critical objectives and our shared commitment to keeping criminals and drugs out of Arizona’s communities."

Hobbs added that the operation’s objectives will include identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities along Arizona’s southern border, which stretches about 370 miles, while also combating border-related crimes committed by TCOs. To do so, Hobbs said, the joint task force plans to dismantle TCO supply chains and operating networks.

BORDER STATE GOVERNOR VOWS TO DEFY TRUMP'S ‘MISGUIDED’ MASS DEPORTATION PLAN

Operation Desert Guardian’s funding will come from a portion of the state’s Border Security Fund, which has a balance of $28 million.

The operation will also build on the efforts of Task Force SAFE (Stopping Arizona’s Fentanyl Epidemic), a joint operation between U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Arizona National Guard to stop drugs from entering Arizona at ports of entry.

Since its launch in July 2024, Task Force SAFE has intercepted 19 million fentanyl pills, 6,598 pounds of illicit drugs and 237 weapons at the border.

‘LOUD AND CLEAR’: BORDER STATE'S LEGISLATURE MOVES TO BACK TRUMP'S ICE ON DEPORTATION

"I have worked productively with the federal government on Task Force SAFE and partnered with local law enforcement to deliver critical border security support, and I look forward to continued partnership on our shared border security priorities," Hobbs said. "With Operation Desert Guardian, I’m confident we can take an important next step in our ongoing work to secure the border."

After President Donald Trump was re-elected to a second term in November, Hobbs said Arizona would not be aiding the incoming administration with its "misguided" plan to launch a mass deportation operation.

She was asked by ABC News whether the Trump administration would bring a reset on the border, and she responded by focusing on current partnerships with the federal government to secure the border.

‘NATIONAL EMERGENCY': TRUMP DECLARES AMBITIOUS ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION CRACKDOWN IN INAUGURAL ADDRESS

"I am very hopeful that that partnership can continue, and that the incoming administration will listen to, not only my administration, but the experts here on the ground, the people that are doing the work, about what is most needed, and what we can continue to do that will be most helpful in securing our border," she said.

"What I will unequivocally say is that, as governor, I will not tolerate efforts that are part of misguided policies that harm our communities, that threaten our communities, that terrorize our communities, and Arizona will not take part in those."

State Republicans have a different plan, and, in January, state Senate President Warren Petersen, a Republican, introduced the "AZ ICE Act," which would require sheriff’s departments and the Arizona Department of Corrections to enter into cooperative agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGE

The agreements are based on 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows ICE to delegate to state and local law enforcement officers certain immigration functions, including identifying and detaining suspected illegal immigrants.

Petersen’s bill would also require law enforcement to comply with ICE detainers, which are requests that ICE be notified when an illegal immigrant is being released from state or local custody. "Sanctuary" jurisdictions do not comply with detainers.

After Trump was sworn into office Jan. 20, he immediately signed a number of executive orders to tackle border security and illegal immigration.

Some local jurisdictions have pledged their support for the measures, but other officials have promised to either resist or not comply with any planned deportation operations.

Fox News Digital’s Adam Shaw contributed to this report.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., is going viral for her remarks against the deportation of illegal immigrants and her urging Americans to "think about who picked" the food on their tables.

"If you look at the food that's on your table, think about who picked it. If you look at your homes, think about who built them. If you look at your vulnerable elders and your kids, think about who's taking care of them," Jayapal told the crowd.

HOMAN ISSUES STARK WARNING FOR ILLEGALS AMID CLASH WITH SANCTUARY CITY OFFICIALS

Jayapal made the controversial remarks during the Congressional Progressive Caucus’ Tax the Greedy Billionaires Press Conference, and critics quickly slammed Jayapal. Some even compared her remarks to advocating for slave labor or indentured servitude, pointing out the mistreatment that illegal immigrants face.

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., took to X to criticize Jayapal, calling the remarks a "MEGA WTF moment."

"Rep. Pramila Jayapal just sang praises for illegal immigration – gushing over cheap labor and glorifying indentured servitude," Mace tweeted.

This is not the first time Jayapal has made remarks about the U.S. relying on illegal immigrant labor. In 2023, she was criticized for saying that illegal immigrants were needed to "pick the food we eat," "clean our homes" and "rebuild our communities after climate disasters."

JAYAPAL CRITICIZED FOR SAYING IMMIGRANTS 'NEEDED' IN AMERICA TO 'PICK THE FOOD WE EAT' AND 'CLEAN OUR HOMES'

Jayapal also took a swipe at Elon Musk, saying that he "conveniently seems to have forgotten that he was an undocumented immigrant."

The lawmaker was likely referring to a Washington Post report from October 2024 that purported that Musk briefly worked in the U.S. illegally in the 1990s. The billionaire denied the report in a post on X, saying he held a "J-1 visa that transitioned to an H1-B."

In a recent interview, Jayapal slammed President Donald Trump for claiming that "everyone who’s undocumented is a criminal." The lawmaker insisted that the statement "is just not true."

The White House has made it clear that it is going in a different direction than the Biden administration when it comes to illegal immigration.

In January, when asked about the criminal status of illegal immigrants detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said "all of them" were criminals because they "illegally broke our nation’s laws." 

"If they broke our nation’s laws, yes, they are a criminal," Leavitt said when pressed on the issue again.

FIRST ON FOX: Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. paused a multimillion-dollar contract from the Biden era to create a new COVID-19 vaccine, Fox News Digital has learned. 

"While it is crucial that the Department and Health and Human Services (HHS) support pandemic preparedness, four years of the Biden administration’s failed oversight have made it necessary to review agreements for vaccine production, including Vaxart’s," Kennedy said in comment provided to Fox News Digital Tuesday. 

"I look forward to working with Vaxart and medical experts to ensure this work produces safe, effective, and fiscal-minded vaccine technology."

Kennedy issued a 90-day stop work order Friday related to HHS' contract with American biotech company Vaxart Inc., which is working to develop a new COVID-19 vaccine that would be taken orally. The stop work order comes as 10,000 individuals were slated to begin clinical trials on Monday. 

The trial is only paused, not terminated, with Kennedy and other health officials set to examine the study's initial findings over the next 90 days before deciding on next steps. 

TRUMP'S 'MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN' COMMISSION TO TARGET AUTISM, CHRONIC DISEASES

The creation of a new COVID-19 vaccine was part of the Biden administration's massive $4.7 billion Project NextGen initiative, which was launched in 2023 and works to streamline the development of new vaccines. The Vaxart vaccine specifically was funded through an agreement with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), which is a department within the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the HHS umbrella. 

BARDA obligated roughly $460 million to Vaxart's development of the new vaccine, with a total of $240 million already authorized for the preliminary study, Fox Digital learned. 

RFK JR. VOWS HE WON'T TAKE CHEESEBURGERS AWAY, JUST HIGHLIGHT HEALTH ISSUES: 'MY BOSS LOVES' THEM

A recent modification to the contract would have allowed Vaxart to invoice BARDA for the remaining roughly $230 million for clinical trials, but the stopwork order prevents the biotech company from invoicing BARDA until further notice. Vaxart, however, can still invoice HHS related to medical monitoring of individuals who took part in an initial round of trials, Fox Digital learned. 

The announcement comes just under two weeks after Kennedy was confirmed and sworn in as the nation's 26th chief of HHS. The same day he was sworn in, President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating the Make America Healthy Again Commission, which is led by Kennedy to investigate and address "the root causes of America’s escalating health crisis." 

RFK JR.’S TOP HEALTH AND WELLNESS PRIORITIES AS DOCTORS SHARE INPUT

The commission initially will focus its investigations into childhood chronic diseases, such as autism. 

Kennedy, who ran for president as a Democrat in the 2024 cycle before ultimately dropping out and endorsing Trump, has come under fire from critics for an alleged anti-vaccine stance, which he has repeatedly denied, including during his Senate confirmation hearings earlier in 2025.

"I worked for years to raise awareness about the mercury and toxic chemicals in fish," Kennedy said during his hearing before the Senate Finance Committee in January of his vaccine stance. "And nobody called me anti-fish. And I believe that … that vaccines play a critical role in healthcare. All of my kids are vaccinated. I've read many books on vaccines. My first book in 2014, a first line of it is ‘I am not anti-vaccine’ and last line is ‘I am not anti-vaccine.’ Nor am I the enemy of food producers. American farms are the bedrock of our culture, of our politics, of our national security."  

COVID-19 vaccines were mandated across the federal government under the Biden administration, while many businesses in the private sector also required employees to get the vaccine, which sparked widespread backlash and protests as some employees lost their jobs for bucking the orders. 

Trump signed a few executive orders related to the previous administration's mandates upon his return to the Oval Office in January, including reinstating military members who were fired for refusing the vaccine and another EO that prohibits federal funding for vaccine mandates in schools. 

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

Here's what's happening…

-Noem reveals major milestone on border crossings amid Trump's crackdown on illegal immigrants

-Deadline for Musk's ultimatum to federal workers hits, but OPM reportedly says it's voluntary

-Meet the far-left groups funding anti-DOGE protests at GOP offices across the country

EXCLUSIVE: House Republicans are getting an update on the Trump administration’s probe of billionaire George Soros’ influence on local radio, a source familiar with planning told Fox News Digital.

The Republican Study Committee (RSC), the 175-strong caucus led by Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, is hosting Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr at its annual closed-door lunch on Wednesday.

The source familiar with the planning said Carr is expected to brief GOP lawmakers on the FCC’s investigation into Soros, including an investment firm he’s linked to purchasing over 200 Audacy radio stations nationwide…Read more

'MAXIMUM MOMENTUM': New bill threatens to cripple 'judicial tyranny' from derailing Trump's agenda at every turn

'WARRIOR ETHOS': Trump Pentagon leadership shakeup aims to change culture from top down, expert says

HERITAGE HEARTLAND: Lawmakers pressure Trump to recognize West Bank as Israeli territory

RIFT AT THE UN: US votes against condemning Russia for Ukraine war as Trump admin chases peace deal

'GREY ZONE' ACTION: Taiwan coast guard detains Chinese-crewed vessel suspected of cutting undersea cable

ON THE TABLE: Putin says Russia is open to economic cooperation with US on rare earth minerals

$17B MORE: 'Trump effect' on display as UK's Starmer boosts defense spending on eve of US visit

HOUSE OF CARDS: Trump tax cut plan heads for House-wide vote despite GOP rebel threats, Medicaid anxiety.

BAD DOGE: Frustration at Elon Musk spills over after closed-door House GOP meeting: 'Fed to the wolves'

RAISING KAINE: Trump warns major Dem against move that could cost voters trillions

'NOT GOING TO GET AWAY WITH IT': Judicial pushback on Trump 'hurting American people,' says GOP rep leading impeachment charge

'GOOD START': NYC migrant shelter closure highlights Trump’s success rooting out illegal crossings

'SOROS-BACKED AGENDA': Liberal judge recruits sanctuary sheriffs who defied ICE in ad touting crime record in pivotal race

SOCIAL INFLUENCES: LGBT Americans reach record number, mostly Democrats and Gen Z: Gallup poll

'WE'RE COMING': Homan issues stark warning for illegals amid clash with sanctuary city officials

'TARGETED': Texas governor announces crackdown on massive illegal immigrant community near major city

MILLIONS IN $AVING$: Department of Veterans Affairs cutting more than 1,400 employees in another round of dismissals

IS CAINE ABLE?: Who is Daniel 'Razin' Caine? Air Force general tapped for top advisor role in Pentagon upheaval

TOSSES CONVICTION: Supreme Court tosses conviction and death sentence of Oklahoma inmate, orders new trial

'ILLEGAL' FUNDING FREEZE: Blue state governor says $2.1B in federal funding restored after suing Trump admin

'NO-BRAINER': NASA should dump D.C. for the Sunshine State, DeSantis and other Florida Republicans suggest

'DISGUSTING': NSA investigates 'secret sex chats' under guise of DEI on internal agency message board

'COMMON SENSE VICTORY': Ohio transgender bathroom law takes effect 

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

Paul Clement, a former solicitor general and previous potential Trump Supreme Court pick, was tapped by a federal judge Friday to weigh in on the motion to dismiss the corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. 

U.S. District Judge Dale Ho decided to adjourn the case against Adams until further notice, while also appointing Clement to serve as an independent party. 

Ho wrote that bringing in Clement was "appropriate" in this case, "particularly so in light of the public importance of this case, which calls for careful deliberation."

Former assistant U.S. attorney and Fox News contributor Andy McCarthy noted to Fox News Digital that it is "unusual" for courts to entertain amicus briefs in criminal cases and "it is highly unusual to appoint an amicus to assist the court in the manner contemplated in the Adams case."

JUDGE ADJOURNS CASE AGAINST NEW YORK CITY MAYOR ERIC ADAMS, STOPS SHORT OF DISMISSING THE CHARGES

Clement, a seasoned appellate lawyer who has argued more than 100 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, served as solicitor general under the Bush administration from 2005-2008. He was notably on President Donald Trump's short list of Supreme Court nominees during his first term. 

Before taking on the role of the federal government’s top appellate lawyer, Clement served as a deputy solicitor general.

Clement earned his bachelor's degree from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and a master's in economics from Cambridge University. 

He went on to earn his law degree from Harvard Law School, where he was the Supreme Court editor of the Harvard Law Review. 

Following graduation, Clement clerked for Judge Laurence H. Silberman of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit as well as for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. 

NY GOV HOCHUL DECIDES NYC MAYOR ADAMS' FATE; RAMPS UP OVERSIGHT OF CITY'S TOP OFFICIAL

He went into private practice after his clerkships, joining Kirkland & Ellis' Washington, D.C., office. 

Clement also served as chief counsel of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on the Constitution, Federalism and Property Rights before returning to private practice and working as a partner at King & Spalding in D.C., where he headed the firm's appellate practice. 

Clement is currently a distinguished lecturer in law at the Georgetown University Law Center, where he initially served as an adjunct professor starting in 1998. He is also partner at Clement & Murphy in D.C.

Clement's advocacy in the high court includes recently arguing Loper Bright v. Raimondo, which effectively overturned the Chevron doctrine. The doctrine previously gave deference to an agency's interpretation of a federal regulation. Clement also litigated against the Obama administration, challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act.  

NYC MAYOR ADAMS REFUSES TO RESIGN IN SERMON: 'I HAVE A MISSION TO FINISH'

McCarthy said he thinks "very highly of Paul Clement, who is among the top appellate lawyers in the United States," saying the Adams case "calls for a faithful interpretation" of federal law and "I can’t think of anyone better than Clement to give a judge impartial, solid advice on that issue."

Ho's decision to adjourn the case came just days after U.S. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove asked prosecutors to drop all corruption charges against the mayor.  

In the motion to dismiss, Bove said the legal proceedings against Adams were detracting from other Justice Department priorities, such as illegal immigration and violent crime. 

Ho appointed Clement to weigh in on the DOJ's motion to drop the case. Among the questions posed to Clement, the court asks, "Under what circumstances, if leave is granted, dismissal should be with or without prejudice." 

"The main point of the rule is to protect the defendant’s rights," McCarthy said. "The judge has no authority to order DOJ to persist in prosecuting Adams, or to appoint a ‘special prosecutor,’ but Clement is an excellent lawyer and can give Judge Ho good advice on whether to accept the plea with the ‘without prejudice’ term in it."

Parties are expected to submit briefings by early March, with oral arguments expected shortly thereafter. 

The charges against Adams will remain intact until Ho agrees to dismiss them.

Fox News Digital's Breanne Deppisch contributed to this report.