Former Democratic Congresswoman from Virginia Abigail Spanberger is being accused by her GOP opponent in the upcoming Virginia governor's race of failing to include her role as a trustee in financial disclosure reports while she was a member of Congress.

The campaign for Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who is aiming to replace incumbent GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin, is calling the incomplete disclosures "a calculated lie," not an "accident." But, according to Spanberger's campaign, the only asset contained in the trust is Spanberger's personal residence, which is not required to be disclosed.

In 2017, according to local real estate records, Spanberger and her husband updated their will and, as part of that process, transferred ownership of their home into a trust that listed the pair's kids as the beneficiaries. They bought it for roughly half-a-million dollars, and it is now worth close to one-million.

DOJ ASKS TO DISMISS VIRGINIA CASE AGAINST SALVADORAN ACCUSED MS-13 LEADER SET TO BE DEPORTED

After opening the trust, Spanberger did not include it in any of her annual financial disclosure reports that are mandated by Congress while serving in the House of Representatives .Nor did she include it in a "Virginia Economic Interest Statement" filed last month.

"Personal residences that do not earn income are not required to be disclosed, so Abigail did not disclose her family’s only home — as doing so would make their home address publicly available," the Spanberger campaign told Fox News Digital. "Abigail filed her disclosures in accordance with House Ethics rules, which do not require her to disclose her role as a trustee of a living trust holding only her family’s home."

However, the Earle-Sears campaign says that Spanberger's explanations of privacy and wanting to keep her family safe fall short.

"Abigail Spanberger got caught hiding a trust — and not just any trust, but one holding nearly a million dollars in assets," Earle-Sears campaign press secretary Peyton Vogel said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "That’s not an accident — that’s a calculated lie. Disclosure forms don’t require anyone to put their families at risk — only honesty. If she’s willing to lie about something this serious, Virginians just can’t trust her."  

VIRGINIA SCHOOL PUTS UP CONTROVERSIAL ABCS DISPLAY ON WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH, STARTING WITH ‘A IS FOR ABORTION’

Additionally, the Earle-Sears campaign has pointed to Congress' House Ethics Manual requirement that members of Congress "must disclose any nongovernmental positions, whether or not compensated, that they currently hold," including the position of "trustee."

Spanberger joined Congress representing a district in the northern part of Virginia in 2018, and was reelected in two subsequent election cycles — 2020 and 2022. Spanberger did not seek reelection in 2024, but is now running to replace Youngkin after he is term-limited later this year.

Earle-Sears was elected lieutenant governor in 2021, cementing herself in the history books as the first woman of color elected to statewide office in Virginia.

Both candidates have been tapped by their respective parties to be their candidate in the upcoming November general election, according to local media reports. Cook-political report currently labels the race as a toss-up.

An illegal immigrant who was arrested in January on charges of incest and sexual battery is now in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after being released from a Virginia county jail.

Officers with ICE, the State Department’s Diplomatic Security team, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and Virginia State Police arrested Marvin Mateo-Alberto last week, a Honduran national who was in the U.S. illegally, according to an ICE release.

The Hoduran national first illegally entered the U.S. in October 2005 near Eagle Pass, Texas, according to the release, where he was given a notice to appear in front of an immigration judge.

ICE USING SOCIAL SECURITY RECORDS TO AID TRUMP PUSH TO DEPORT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

In April 2006, a Justice Department judge ordered that Mateo-Alberto be removed from the United States.

Despite that, Mateo-Alberto was arrested in January by the Fairfax County Police Department and charged with incest with a 13-to-17-year-old child and aggravated sexual battery: parent with a 13-to-17-year-old child, the release notes, resulting in ICE lodging a detainer against him with the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

However, the release notes, the county detention center did not honor the ICE detainer and released Mateo-Alberto 15 days after his arrest.

Fairfax County has "not designated" itself "as a sanctuary county," according to the county’s website, adding that it "complies to the fullest extent required by federal, state or local law with any law enforcement agency requesting criminal law enforcement assistance."

However, the website also notes its official policy is that it "does not and will not enforce civil federal immigration laws."

FLORIDA’S LARGEST VENEZUELAN STRONGHOLD POISED TO JOIN FORCES WITH ICE: REPORT

"The federal courts have determined that the enforcement of civil immigration laws is solely a federal responsibility under the exclusive authority of ICE," the county website reads.

The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Department did not immediately respond to a Fox News Digital request for comment.

Mateo-Alberto was eventually arrested by ICE on April 10 and remains in the agency’s custody, according to the ICE release.

"Marvin Mateo-Alberto stands accused of some very appalling and disturbing crimes and represents a threat to the children of our Virginia communities," ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C., Field Office Director Russell Hott said. 

"We cannot in good conscience allow Mr. Mateo to continue to potentially threaten other children in our neighborhoods. ICE Washington, D.C. will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing criminal alien threats from our streets."

A Virginia-based judge has granted the Justice Department's motion to dismiss its illegal firearm case against a Virginia-based Salvadoran national accused of being an MS-13 leader.

The FBI announced the arrest of Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos on March 27 in Woodbridge, Virginia, just south of Washington, D.C., with Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel describing him as the top MS-13 leader on the East Coast. 

Villatoro Santos was charged with an illegal firearm charge at the time of his arrest. 

DOJ ASKS TO DISMISS VIRGINIA CASE AGAINST SALVADORAN ACCUSED MS-13 LEADER SET TO BE DEPORTED

Magistrate Judge William E. Fitzpatrick said he would stay his decision until Friday morning to allow for Villatoro Santos' counsel to explore other avenues, including appealing the decision. 

The DOJ initially moved to drop the case on April 9, shortly after his arrest. 

Counsel for Villatoro Santos, Muhammad Elsayed, said during the April 15 hearing that the government had not clarified what would happen to his client once the case was dismissed, suggesting Villatoro Santos would likely be "summarily deported" without any due process. 

His counsel noted a similar case from Maryland, where Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national and Maryland resident, was erroneously deported to El Salvador last month for being an alleged MS-13 gang member. 

ACCUSED MS-13 LEADER NABBED BY PATEL'S FBI TO REMAIN IN CUSTODY FOR NOW, JUDGE RULES

Elsayed also claimed during the hearing that the decision to dismiss the case came from high up in the Trump administration. 

"They have already determined the outcome, that he’ll go to the worst prison in the western hemisphere," Elsayed said.

Fitzpatrick said he has been cautious of not overstepping into the executive branch's purview, saying, "It wouldn’t be appropriate [for me] to inquire about the deliberative process of prosecutors."

The judge noted Elsayed has been a good advocate for Villatoro Santos but said the case is straight-forward and the government has the authority to drop the case. Fitzpatrick proceeded to suggest the defense might want to bring a separate case with the Department of Homeland Security as a party, "where you can inquire what kind of treatment your client will get."

Villatoro Santos' counsel responded in a court filing shortly after the DOJ filed to dismiss the case earlier this month that he understands "the Government now intends to pursue the deportation of Mr. Villatoro Santos in lieu of prosecution."

"The above is a fairly straightforward procedural history," the filing read. "But in the background of this routine legal process, the United States government, at its highest levels, has been publicly and loudly propagating allegations that Mr. Villatoro Santos ‘is one of the top leaders of MS-13’ and ‘one of the leaders for the East Coast, one of the top in the entire country,’ claims made by Attorney General Pam Bondi at a high-level press conference on March 27, 2025."

"As a terrorist, he will now face the removal process," Bondi told Fox News at the time.

U.S. Magistrate Judge William Porter of the Eastern District of Virginia made an April 1 ruling to keep Villatoro Santos in custody. The defense was not seeking release at the time of the hearing. 

Fox News' David Spunt and Audrey Conklin contributed to this report. 

Babydog is back on Capitol Hill — and this time, she’s weighing in on America’s energy future.

On Thursday, the beloved English bulldog and constant companion of Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., made her official debut before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, where Justice delivered remarks focused on energy policy, national unity and, yes, a few lighthearted barks from Babydog herself.

"She humanizes us," Justice told the committee as he lifted Babydog into view. "She makes us absolutely get off our pedestals... She makes you smile... She still loves you." The moment ended with applause from the room and a unanimous motion to enter the pooch's "testimony" into the Senate record.

In an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital, Justice said: "From committee appearances to TV appearances, Babydog is always around to bring a smile to everyone’s face. She worked hard this week as the 101st senator to make sure all canine priorities were spoken (or barked) for when the microphone was on."

BABYDOG JUSTICE MAKES AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE DEBUT: 'SHE HUMANIZES ALL OF US'

The moment drew attention from both lawmakers and social media.

"@BabyDogJustice’s testimony will be admitted into the record without objection," declared the official Senate Energy Republicans account.  

Babydog's big day didn't stop there. 

Before heading to FOX Business for her "Bottom Line" appearance, Babydog shared a behind-the-scenes moment from the Fox News D.C. Bureau, tweeting a glammed-up photo with the caption, "I’m ready for my close up." 

Justice joined "The Bottom Line with Dagen McDowell" on FOX Business, where he discussed his priorities for America’s energy sector, including support for President Donald Trump’s recent executive order aimed at bolstering domestic energy production.

BABYDOG BRIDGES 'PAWTISAN' DIVIDE IN THE SENATE ON SOCIAL MEDIA: 'SHE KNOWS NO POLITICAL BIAS'

"President Trump has made us proud in regard to coal," Justice said. "We’ve got to have coal."

Asked about concerns that tariffs may be hindering international energy markets for West Virginia, Justice pushed back, saying, "It’s so premature to think such a thought... He will adjust when adjusting needs to be made."

Justice warned that America faces serious decisions within the next 18 months if energy production isn’t scaled to meet demand.

"There could be a possibility that it could have expanded just a little bit more than that, but really and truly, within a year-and-a-half, we’re going to have to make some really, really tough decisions," he said. "It could very well be an electricity demand of double what it is today."

Justice also addressed budget and entitlement reform, tying economic growth directly to energy: "The ticket to growing... is energy. Energy. Energy. Period."

Babydog has previously appeared at Senate Agriculture Committee hearings and remains a constant presence in the halls of Congress. As Fox News Digital has reported, she continues to resonate with lawmakers and staff alike across party lines for her ability to, as Justice puts it, "bring people together."

"She loves everybody," he said. "Rich, poor, a kid or an adult, or God forbid, a Democrat or a Republican."

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Her bipartisan appeal and growing public profile have helped Babydog carve out a unique role in Washington—part mascot, part morale booster, and now, a regular presence in policy settings. As Thursday’s hearing showed, she’s not just along for the ride—she’s helping shape the tone in the room.

Now heading into April recess, the Senate adjourns with energy questions unresolved, but bipartisan agreement that Babydog is always welcome.

A Democratic prosecutor in Fairfax County, Virginia, dropped a felony charge against a twice-deported illegal immigrant charged with strangulation and kidnapping, cutting a plea deal that let him off with a misdemeanor.

According to local outlet ABC7 News, Democrat Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano advertises on his website that "wherever possible, Steve will make charging and plea decisions that limit or avoid immigration consequences."

Guatemalan national Wilmer Osmany Ramos Giron was facing 360 days in prison for a felony charge involving abduction by force, strangulation and assault on a family member.

Ramos Giron was accused of assaulting his ex-wife during an argument. According to the victim’s testimony and court documents, Ramos Giron allegedly took his ex-wife’s keys, keeping her from leaving; placed two hands on her throat, impeding her breathing; and brandished a knife over her legs.  

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA STUDENT, 21, KILLED IN HIT-AND-RUN CRASH INVOLVING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT: DHS

After the incident, the victim filed for an emergency protective order against Ramos Giron, which was granted.

Despite this, Descano’s office dropped the felony charge against Ramos Giron and allowed him to plead guilty to brandishing a blade, a misdemeanor.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGE

According to a statement from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Ramos Giron is in the country illegally after previously being deported twice. The ICE statement said Ramos Giron has a prior federal conviction for a gun crime and has an ICE detainer filed against him.

Descano’s move has been harshly criticized by other local leaders who say he is contributing to a two-tiered justice system in favor of illegal immigrants.

TOM HOMAN: PEOPLE WHO TERRORIZE MY FAMILY WILL BE 'HELD ACCOUNTABLE'

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, a Republican, slammed Descano, saying, "If someone's here illegally and they have committed a violent crime, or they're a drug dealer and you can pick them up on an illegal weapons charge, you shouldn't treat them more leniently than you would an actual U.S. citizen.

"He is willing to treat those that have broken our laws and come here illegally and give them a lenient sentence or plea deal than somebody that's actually a legal citizen of the United States," said Miyares. "That's unconscionable to me that someone would think that is in some way protecting our community."

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Fairfax County Criminal Justice Advisory Board member Sean Kennedy also commented on the case, saying, "It’s appalling that Fairfax’s prosecutor would protect and abet this dangerous, violent offender precisely because he is illegally present.

"How does breaking one set of laws provide you immunity to break more? It shouldn’t, but it does in Fairfax's two-tier justice system." 

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said this week it was fitting he chose Martinsburg, West Virginia, for his first trip to promote the "MAHA" agenda, saying his iconic political family has a unique history in the Mountain State.

Kennedy recalled former New York Democratic Gov. Al Smith – in whose honor a famous annual Catholic Archdiocese-affiliated dinner is held in New York City – and how he incidentally forced the country to reckon with anti-Catholic biases.

Despite being a popular governor in New York who preceded President Franklin Roosevelt in Albany, Kennedy noted Smith’s foray into the presidential arena led to political strife and "a resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan" in parts of the South.

Smith lost to Republican President Herbert Hoover "catastrophically," Kennedy said – as Smith had only won Massachusetts, Rhode Island, five Deep South states and running-mate Sen. Joseph Robinson’s Arkansas.

RFK JR BACKS WV PUSH FOR SNAP WAIVERS, WORK MANDATES UNDER ‘MAHA’

"And people all felt, the pundits all felt, that America would never elect a Catholic president," Kennedy said.

So when John F. Kennedy ran for president in 1960, his nephew recalled, the Massachusetts Democrat knew he had to win West Virginia – the state with a then-record-low 2% Catholic population, and where much of the anti-Smith vote in the region during the 1928 cycle came from.

"It was critical for my uncle's campaign that he win this state to show the country that a Catholic could win the presidency," Kennedy said.

"He came down in West Virginia, and his objective was to shake the hands of every person in West Virginia. And I think he came very close."

"And my parents came down; my uncle, my aunts – luckily we have a lot of Kennedys" – he interjected to audience laughter – "and they spent time really getting to know the people of West Virginia and understanding the issues in the state and problems and those things stayed with them throughout his presidency and on Election Day."

JFK ultimately beat Republican Richard Nixon by seven points in the Mountain State, considered a major upset.

WV GOV SIGNS RILEY GAINES ACT

"He always believed that he would not be president if he had not won this state – and he never forgot that relationship; that bond that he had for the people of this state."

Kennedy said that prior to becoming HHS secretary, much of his anti-pollution work took him to West Virginia, particularly coal country in the southern part of the state.

Now, he said, his new role allows him to continue fighting a different type of pollution and "giving people a chance to live healthier lives."

At the event, he and Gov. Patrick Morrisey unveiled a first-in-the-nation policy banning food dyes and certain preservatives in school lunches, with a statewide sunset in 2028.

Morrisey also signed a document seeking a waiver from Kennedy’s office to prohibit SNAP food stamps from being used to buy soda, and instituting work requirements for eligibility.

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"Today we're here to focus on making West Virginia healthy," Morrisey told reporters after Kennedy’s speech.

He went on to unveil an "order" of sorts implementing the "Mountaineer Mile," and added the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) movement officially began in West Virginia that afternoon.

West Virginia is first in obesity rates, with the nearby District of Columbia considered 51st and therefore the healthiest by that metric. Morrisey said he and Kennedy want to change that.

"We’re cleaning up our foods, promoting exercise, and putting the ‘Nutrition’ back into SNAP," the governor said.

He also instituted the Mountaineer Mile initiative – urging every Mountaineer to walk at least one mile each day. 

To that end, Morrisey posted photos on social media of the sunset view from his own Mountaineer Miles walked near his home in the evenings since.

One senator's pooch is digging up "bipawtisan" goodwill on Capitol Hill this week.

Babydog Justice, famous sidekick to West Virginia Republican Sen. Jim Justice, visited the Senate Thursday, and senators across the political spectrum couldn't hold back their appreciation.

Rolled along in her soft-sided wagon, the English bulldog canine ambassador is a welcome sight in the Senate chambers.

SENATOR-ELECT JIM JUSTICE'S TEAM CLARIFIES REPORT CLAIMING FAMOUS POOCH BABYDOG BANNED FROM SENATE FLOOR

Babydog took to X to share a post meeting four senators who work with her famous dad, saying, "Loved getting some bipawtisan pets by the Senate floor today!"

Babydog was photographed with Republican and Democratic senators alike, including Democrats Ruben Gallego of Arizona and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania.

One eager commentator wrote, "The real senate majority leader."

BABYDOG GOES TO WASHINGTON: WEST VIRGINIA'S JUSTICE FLIPS SENATE SEAT RED

Sen. Jon Hustsed, R-Ohio, also posted a photo of the lovable pooch, writing, "Just another day at work for Ohio’s four-footed neighbor, Baby Dog."

"Babydog is happy to be pet by anyone that comes along – she shows no political bias, especially if treats are involved," Justice told Fox News Digital. 

"She loves coming with me over to the Senate floor, where senators can walk off and immediately come to visit with her. I think if Babydog moderated spending discussions going on around here, we might get more across the finish line. There is no doubt in my mind that both sides of the aisle agree Babydog as Senator No. 101 is the most popular member in Congress."

Babydog sparked headlines nationally last year at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where she took the Fiserv Forum stage with Justice, who was West Virginia's governor at the time.

"I know that a lot of you want to meet my little buddy. So, if Babydog could come on out here," Justice said before the crowd erupted in cheers.

The 5-year-old pooch was a fixture on the campaign trail with Justice and has shown no signs of ending her support for her dad now that he's in the Senate.

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Her official X account bio says, "My favorite things are @JimJustice_WV, Wendy’s nuggets, riding shotgun in dad’s Suburban, and napping."

Justice successfully flipped his seat for the GOP after longtime Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin announced he would not seek re-election last year.

Justice received 68.8% of the vote after gaining a key endorsement from President Donald Trump.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., spoke Friday in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, as Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed the first letters of intent seeking waivers to allow the Mountain State to eliminate soda from SNAP benefit eligibility.

"We have a public health crisis in this country, and, unfortunately, West Virginia is leading the way," Kennedy said, surrounded by children and local dignitaries at a Catholic school in Martinsburg. Morrisey also signed landmark legislation banning food dyes in West Virginia in support of Kennedy’s "Make America Healthy Again" agenda.

"I'm very, very grateful to Governor Morrisey for his visionary leadership and getting West Virginia to lead the way in transitioning off of processed foods. When my uncle was president, 3% of Americans had chronic disease, and we spent zero dollars on chronic disease in this country. There were no medications [for it]."

Kennedy claimed that, by contrast, the government spends more on Americans’ health issues than the entire defense budget.

WV GOV SIGNS RILEY GAINES ACT

He said that Congress usually debates how to pay for these increased costs, not how to eliminate the health risks and systemic issues that lead to Americans’ globally-low-ranked collective health.

Morrisey praised Kennedy for attending the ceremony, remarking that it proves the "MAHA" movement started "right here in West Virginia." He signed HB 2354 on Monday, which bans the preservative butylated hydroxyanisole, as well as food dyes, from schools, beginning in August and for general sale, starting in 2028.

COAL STILL KEY TO US ENERGY DOMINANCE: WV GOV

"We’re cleaning up our foods, promoting exercise, and putting nutrition back into SNAP. I’m committed to Secretary Kennedy’s vision for America and raising health standards here in the Mountain State," he said Friday from Berkeley County.

Morrisey also plans to implement work requirements for most SNAP recipients, stating that able-bodied applicants must work—citing West Virginia’s last-place ranking in workforce participation as justification.

State Sen. Jason Barrett, R-Martinsburg, who also helped to spearhead the food dye legislation in Charleston, thanked Kennedy for his leadership on the federal level on the issue of Americans’ deteriorating diets and health.

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"Our country is in debt to you for doing that."

Barrett said that when he and Del. Evan Worrell, R-Barboursville, began working on the food dye ban and other legislation, they were warned that food and beverage special interests would be coming after them politically.

"My response to ‘big food’ and ‘big drink’ is: Big deal – the people of West Virginia are worth it."

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, joined Fox News’ "Hannity" to discuss President Donald Trump’s handling of illegal immigration as compared with his predecessor. 

Youngkin’s appearance comes after Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos, a top MS-13 gang member who’d been in the U.S. for over a decade, was arrested in Virginia. 

Santos was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant and was charged with illegal gun possession upon a search of his home. 

Youngkin was instrumental in assisting an interagency task force with the operation, including the FBI and the Department of Justice. 

AG BONDI DETAILS ARREST OF ALLEGED TOP MS-13 LEADER WHO REPORTEDLY JOINED THE VISCIOUS GANG IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

In just a few weeks, the task force has arrested 28 MS-13 gang members, 19 Tren de Aragua gang members, and dozens of other members in trans-organized crime. 

Speaking to "Hannity," Youngkin chastised Biden for having "turned America into a sanctuary state." He then praised President Donald Trump’s leadership for having taken a tougher stance on illegal immigration. 

"Today, this collaboration between state police, our Department of Corrections, Homeland Security, the FBI, ICE, and lots of folks from the U.S. Attorney’s Office – we went to work and they brought down one of the top MS-13 operatives in America," Youngkin said. "And let me tell you, Virginia is safer." 

Youngkin said he did not have this level of cooperation between the state and federal government during the Biden administration. 

"I didn’t have it for three years. And as soon as President Trump showed up, we went to work," Youngkin said. "And we’re making America and Virginia safer." 

EXCLUSIVE: A top DOGE leader in the Senate is trying to reel in a massive federal grant from a nonprofit focused on promoting fishing, boating and outdoors that she alleges is being used to pad executive salaries, a characterization the organization rejected.

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and her colleagues have been scouring federal grants for appearances of waste, fraud or abuse of taxpayer funds, and came upon a $27 million grant to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF). 

More than $26 million of the grant had been paid out, and long-term figures showed RBFF received $164 million in funding since 2012, with nearly $13 million of that coming in 2024.

From the government website USA Spending, the grant’s purpose highlights RBFF’s "Take Me Fishing" consumer campaign that includes a social and digital media component, as well as ads on Walt Disney Company-branded streaming services and "mobile fishing units" that cater to urban communities and "underserved audiences."

DOGE MADNESS: SWEET-16 BRACKET SET UP FOR CRAZIEST FEDERAL WASTES TO COMPETE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP

The Disney contract is worth $1.99 million, and other expenditures included $204,000 in SEO consulting, $5 million to a Minnesota agency for media, creative development and design, and $189,000 to an Atlanta hotel.

The Alexandria, Virginia-based nonprofit recorded six-figure salaries for several top officials, totaling more than $1.5 million. The group’s president is reportedly paid about $318,000 per year. Most others fell in the mid-$100s.

However, RBFF officials defended their work in a statement to Fox News Digital, and suggested government funds are being spent responsibly.

"RBFF has a proud tradition of attracting Americans to the sport of fishing and boating," the statement read.

DOGE CAUCUS SENATOR PUSHES FOR END TO SLUSH FUND FOR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

"By significantly increasing participation over the past 10 years, local communities, independently-owned businesses and manufacturers have directly benefited from increased spending."

RBFF said American anglers contribute nearly $150 billion in economic output and 1 million jobs nationwide.

"In fact, we know that fishing produces $1,500 in commerce per participant per year – a figure that drives economic activity in every state in the union," the organization said.

"We are wholly funded via a competitive grant that is awarded through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service via the Sport Fish Restoration excise tax, and our organization is supported by state fish and wildlife agencies, as well as industry manufacturers and retailers from Alaska to Florida."

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Ernst was not convinced, telling Fox News Digital that "Washington fell hook, line, and sinker into padding the pockets of overpriced recreational consultants."

She quipped that "special interests" should instead be told "to ‘go fish.’"

"The Department of Interior needs to claw back the remaining $650,000 and tell these consultants that there are other fish in the sea." 

Fox News Digital also reached out to the Interior Department for further comment on the grant, which preceded the current agency leadership.

Vice President JD Vance boasted of "no more quotas" in the military as he visited young Marines at Quantico Wednesday, emphasizing that the previous administration's diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies are no longer in effect.  

"No more quotas, no more ridiculous mumbo jumbo, no more diversity trainings," he said. "We believe the real strength and the real diversity in the United States Marine Corps is that you all come from every walk of life, every corner of America, and you have got the strength and the purpose to win the nation’s wars." 

The vice president claimed he saw a "renewed sense of patriotism" and a "renewed commitment to excellence in the nation’s military youth." 

After addressing a crowd of Marines, Vance briefly served lunch in the chow hall and fired three different guns — an M27, M107 and an M240B — and an inert Howitzer and a drone at a gun range. 

VANCE OFFICE TOUTS US DEFENSE OF GREENLAND FROM NAZIS, SOVIETS, AHEAD OF VP AND WIFE'S VISIT TO SPACE BASE

Arriving three hours late, Vance blamed the delay on an Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump. 

"I was in the Oval Office talking to the president. I said, ’Sir, I know we’re in the middle of something, but the Marines at Quantico are waiting for me." 

He said Trump sent his "love" and appreciation.

Lieutenants at Quantico told Fox News Digital they were excited to see a former Marine in the White House. Amid rapid-fire changes in Washington, they said their day-to-day lives hadn't changed much in the military, other than new restrictions about what they were allowed to post on social media.

Wednesday's address included Vance’s first public remarks since a bombshell report emerged of the vice president airing his concerns about Houthi strikes in a group chat on Signal with other top U.S. officials. He did not answer questions from reporters about the leaked discussion. 

JD VANCE RECALLS HIS WIFE TEXTING HIM UNDER TABLE AT SILICON VALLEY DINNER: ‘THESE PEOPLE ARE F---ING CRAZY’

Vance pointed out in messages revealed after The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg was mistakenly added to a high-level Signal chat that Europe’s shipping was far more affected than shipping in the U.S. by Houthi strikes in the Red Sea.

"I think we are making a mistake," Vance said in one message.

"3 percent of US trade runs through the [Suez Canal]. 40 percent of European trade does. There is a real risk that the public doesn’t understand this or why it’s necessary. The strongest reason to do this is, as POTUS said, to send a message."

Hegseth addressed Vance’s hesitance: "VP: I understand your concerns – and fully support you raising w/ POTUS. Important considerations, most of which are tough to know how they play out (economy, Ukraine peace, Gaza, etc). I think messaging is going to be tough no matter what – nobody knows who the Houthis are – which is why we would need to stay focused on: 1) Biden failed & 2) Iran funded."

Hegseth added, "Waiting a few weeks or a month does not fundamentally change the calculus. 2 immediate risks on waiting: 1) this leaks, and we look indecisive; 2) Israel takes an action first – or Gaza cease fire falls apart – and we don’t get to start this on our own terms."

Vance replied, "If you think we should do it let’s go. I just hate bailing Europe out again."

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Hegseth added, "VP: I fully share your loathing of European free-loading. It’s PATHETIC. But Mike is correct, we are the only ones on the planet (on our side of the ledger) who can do this. Nobody else even close. Question is timing. I feel like now is as good a time as any, given POTUS directive to reopen shipping lanes. I think we should go; but POTUS still retains 24 hours of decision space."

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin is drawing comparisons to "The Godfather" after vetoing nearly 160 bills from the Democrat-controlled legislature Wednesday.

"You could call him ‘Veto Corleone’," a Republican strategist told Fox News Digital in comments later Wednesday, after 159 bills were killed upon reaching his desk.

Virginia’s General Assembly passed bills this session that would have prevented prayer in front of abortion clinics, required the commonwealth to implement a comprehensive "environmental justice" strategy and adjusted criminal bond policies.

All of those bills were vetoed by Youngkin, and the legislature’s Democratic majority is far from veto-proof – with two-seat margins in each chamber.

YOUNGKIN WALKS POLITICAL TIGHTROPE WITH SUPPORT FOR DOGE, MEGA-JOB FAIR

Other vetoed bills included two pertaining to gun control legislation, restricting the purchase or transfer of firearms and the like.

Ten of the bills were considered "soft on crime" legislation by critics, and about a dozen would have raised costs on Virginians, according to Republicans.

The governor also nixed a proposal to raise the state minimum wage to $13.50 per hour, and later to $15.

In a statement, Youngkin highlighted legislation supported by some in the Trump administration – such as a bill to keep school lunches free of artificial dyes, which he signed and which mirrors an initiative from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

YOUNGKIN INVITES NEW TRUMP ADMIN TO SETTLE IN VA OVER MD, DC; TOUTING OLD DOMINION'S BIGGEST DRAWS

"I have completed my actions on the more than 900 bills sent to me during the 2025 legislative session," Youngkin said.

"The legislation that I’ve signed into law and the budget amendments I’ve put forward this year will go a long way to helping ensure Virginia remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.  

"I have returned many bills with recommended amendments, hoping that we can come together next week with a common purpose to advance these bills," he added.

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Of his veto choices, Youngkin said those bills collectively would "take the commonwealth backward by raising the cost of living, hurting our strong job growth, stifling innovation, undermining our All-American All-of-the-Above Power and Energy Plan or making our communities less safe."

On X, formerly Twitter, observers contrasted Youngkin’s veto prowess with his predecessors.

The incumbent is one veto away from hitting 400, while Sen. Mark Warner, a Democrat, only vetoed 18 bills in his four years as governor.

Fellow Republican Bob McDonnell vetoed a similar amount to Warner, while the nearest governor of the 21st century in veto usage was Democrat Terry McAuliffe, with more than 110 vetoes.

West Virginia will begin prohibiting certain synthetic dyes and additives used in food items sold in the state following the passage of a bill that marks the most comprehensive effort to regulate food ingredients at the state level. 

Gov. Patrick Morrisey, a Republican, on Monday signed House Bill 2354 into law, which will implement the ban on a tiered basis. 

Starting Aug. 1, seven different artificial food dyes will no longer be allowed for use in school lunches. Beginning Jan. 1, 2028, the same food dyes and two additional food preservatives will not be allowed in any food products sold in the state.

Red Dye No. 3, Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, Yellow Dye No. 6, Blue Dye No. 1, Blue Dye No. 2 and Green Dye No. 3 will all be banned from school lunches starting in August. The same food dyes, plus the preservatives butylated hydroxyanisole and propylparaben, will then be banned from all food items sold in the state beginning in 2028. 

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While several states have introduced or passed similar bills, West Virginia's marks the broadest and most sweeping action on this issue by any state, per local and national media reports. Proponents of the West Virginia bill have suggested the move will help improve health outcomes, particularly for children, but those who are against it argue the move will lead to higher food prices.

"West Virginia ranks at the bottom of many public health metrics, which is why there’s no better place to lead the Make America Healthy Again mission," Morrisey said after signing the new bill. "By eliminating harmful chemicals from our food, we’re taking steps toward improving the health of our residents and protecting our children from significant long-term health and learning challenges." 

Morrisey also thanked Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Trump administration "for helping us launch this movement right here in West Virginia."

Earlier this month, Kennedy instructed FDA officials to explore potential changes to its "Substances Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS)" standards that apply regulatory classification to substances added to food. Kennedy has long been a proponent of food safety and said as HHS secretary he wants to promote "radical transparency" on the issue. 

"We want the dyes out of the food," Kennedy told Fox News earlier this month. 

The issue isn't entirely a Republican one, either. In January, under former President Joe Biden, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revoked its authorization of Red Dye No. 3 following pressure from consumer advocates.

NUTRITIONISTS REACT TO THE RED FOOD DYE BAN: ‘TOOK FAR TOO LONG’

However, American Beverage, a leading national trade organization representing the nation's top non-alcoholic beverage companies, said the new West Virginia bill will significantly limit consumer choices, raise grocery store prices, impact jobs and impose new costs on businesses.

"We want to be really clear about the impact of this sweeping ban, it will hurt West Virginians, both consumers, workers and the overall economy, all over ingredients that have been proven safe," said Meridith Potter, American Beverage senior vice president.

"West Virginians deserve choice, information and facts, not fear," Potter added. "The fact is, this bill will take away choices from West Virginians by eliminating products in nearly every aisle of the grocery store."

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication. 

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, is threatening to withhold state funding from local governments if they do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement officials.

The proposal comes as the governor seeks to eliminate the Commonwealth's "sanctuary cities," which are areas that choose to protect migrants without legal status rather than cooperate with federal officials to enforce immigration law.

Youngkin first floated the idea of withholding funding in December. The governor has now proposed it as an amendment to the state budget passed by the General Assembly, according to Fox 5 DC.

YOUNGKIN TO DRAFT SANCTUARY CITY BAN, MAKING STATE FUNDING CONTINGENT ON ICE COOPERATION

The proposal would ensure that state funding does not go to counties or cities with "sanctuary city" policies such as ignoring detainer requests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the outlet reported.

The governor has been particularly critical of Democrat-run counties in northern Virginia, including Fairfax. He said there must be full cooperation on immigration enforcement to continue receiving funding.

"This is not a decision for people to make locally," he said, according to Fox 5 DC. "This is for the betterment of all our safety. We are not a sanctuary state and therefore we’re not supporting localities that are declared sanctuary cities."

Chair of the Board of Supervisors for Fairfax County, Jeff Mckay, told Fox 5 DC that Youngkin’s plan would effectively "defund the police," as he claims that Fairfax County is not a "sanctuary city" and asserts that officials follow all legal detainers.

"Ultimately, what he’s saying is, if you don’t agree with his non-lawyer definition of 'sanctuary city,' it could affect your law enforcement agency, and he’s doing this because he’s alleging significant crime is occurring," McKay said.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY STUDENT PROTESTER SUES TRUMP ADMIN TO PREVENT DEPORTATION

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Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Don Scott, a Democrat, has accused the governor of "capitulating" to the Trump administration, which has sought to carry out the president's plan to mass deport migrants.

The General Assembly, which has a Democrat majority, will take up the governor's proposal next week.

Patrick Henry delivered the revolutionary rally cry heard around the world: "Give me liberty or give me death!" Protesters sang their own rallying cry on Sunday, at the very site where the Founding Father urged Virginia colonists to join the American Revolution 250 years ago. 

After delivering remarks at the annual enactment of Henry's iconic speech, Gov. Glenn Youngkin, R-Va., was met by loud boos, "shame" chants and protest cries while exiting St. John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia. Protesters held up signs like "deport Musk" and "Youngkin is a Trumpkin" as the governor was escorted through the raucous crowd by law enforcement. 

The "250 Years of No Kings in America" protest in Patrick Henry Park was organized by Indivisible Richmond, a group focused on "local opposition to the MAGA agenda." While Youngkin didn't stop to debate the protesters shouting at him, he addressed them during his speech inside. 

"There are Virginians and there are Americans who are standing up for freedom and liberty, and I just want to once again thank all of you who care so deeply about our commonwealth and our country's future. Now, you might have noticed that there are some enthusiastic friends outside. Don't worry about them because I am happy to do whatever it takes to get someone to church on Sunday," Youngkin said. 

GINGRICH WARNS OF 'VERY DANGEROUS' CONSEQUENCES AS DEMOCRATS RAMP UP RESISTANCE TO TRUMP, MUSK

Youngkin – a Trump ally who rose to political fame for defending parental rights – invoked Henry's fight for freedom and liberty during his speech, as protesters danced to the tune of their own definition of democracy outside. 

Democratic state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, with a megaphone from the bed of a truck, shouted about President Abraham Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War as protesters flooded the sidewalks around the church. She spoke in front of an upside-down American flag, which under U.S. Flag Code, should only be used "as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property."

MEET THE FAR-LEFT GROUPS FUNDING ANTI-DOGE PROTESTS AT GOP OFFICES ACROSS THE COUNTRY

"We resisted King George. We will resist Trump," the flier for Sunday's protest said, comparing the resistance of President Donald Trump to the American Revolution. 

The Reddit user who organized the protest said: "Trump continuously violated the Constitution, declared himself the sole legal authority in the land, and called himself ‘KING.' Trump must be removed from office!"

While anti-Trump protesters used the anniversary of Henry's speech to resist Trump, Trump celebrated the 250th anniversary of Henry's address to the Second Virginia Convention with a proclamation. 

"I signed a proclamation a few minutes ago honoring the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry's famous speech to the Second Virginia Convention in which he declared the very well-known, very famous words, ‘Give me liberty or give me death.' Has anyone heard the phrase? I think most of you have," Trump said. 

"Give me liberty or give me death!" has been a rallying cry for protesters during the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989, by Malcom X during the Civil Rights movement and by those who opposed COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in 2020. The phrase was first used by Henry in the run-up to the American Revolution to persuade Virginia colonists to prepare for war against Great Britain. 

Trump evoked Henry's notorious line during his criminal trial last year. "Give me liberty or give me death," he wrote in all caps on Truth Social, after Judge Juan Merchan said he would consider jail time for Trump if he continued to violate his gag order. 

Protests resisting Trump's executive authority and Elon Musk's leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have been staged in the two months since he returned to office. Progressive groups also hosted "Not My Presidents Day" or "No Kings Day" demonstrations on Presidents Day across the country. Democrats have increasingly accused the Trump administration of "oligarchy" and "authoritarianism."

'NOT MY PRESIDENTS DAY' PROTESTS ERUPT ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Last week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, D-Ill., during "A Better Way Forward" conversation at the Center for American Progress, urged Democrats to fight and defend America's constitutional republic from the "incompetence" and "treachery" of President Donald Trump. 

The Democratic governor, who compared the current political climate to Nazi Germany during his State of the State address in February, warned of Trump's "authoritarian rule" last Tuesday. 

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has drawn thousands of supporters to his "Fighting Oligarchy" rallies across the country, with record-setting West Coast stops alongside Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., over the weekend. 

The events are billed as an opportunity to "discuss how we take on the greed of the billionaire class and create a government that works for all and not just the few."

Indivisible Richmond, Youngkin and the White House did reply to Fox News Digital's request for comment. 

FIRST ON FOX: Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Monday praised the domino effect of Virginia colleges nixing their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) departments and initiatives, just weeks after President Donald Trump issued a nationwide order to that effect.

"Discriminatory DEI policies are being dismantled across Virginia's colleges and universities," Youngkin told Fox News Digital.

"This is a win for common sense, for civil rights, and for students and faculty at some of the world's most premier institutions of higher learning we proudly have in Virginia. I am pleased our college and university boards continue to prioritize merit-based opportunity over race-based discrimination."

Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, along with Virginia’s community college system, Longwood University in Farmville, and Radford University in Radford, all announced or passed resolutions Friday to end such policies.

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Those announcements follow the Old Dominion’s "flagship" university, UVA – founded by President Thomas Jefferson himself – which made its move on March 7 along with its satellite institution, UVA-Wise, near the Kentucky border.

Youngkin has been one of few governors publicly leading such efforts to bring an end to DEI practices at educational institutions.

Sources familiar with Youngkin's work said Virginia – where the governor is uniquely limited to one consecutive term by law – will see the effects of the Republican's board of visitors appointments at colleges across the commonwealth for many years after he leaves office in January.

Youngkin added in a recent interview with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham that Virginia is leading the way on "ending illegal discrimination and restoring merit-based opportunity." The governor made education a priority issue in his administration, telling the Ronald Reagan Foundation last year that proper schooling is the "bedrock to attaining the American dream."

As for the newest DEI departures, Virginia Tech in Blacksburg is also primed to end DEI by midweek – with its board expected to vote Tuesday on the matter. 

Virginia Tech is considered the commonwealth’s flagship land-grant university and the collegiate anchor of Southside Virginia.

VCU’s resolution read that the college will continue to be an "open-admission institution" for every learner, and that its mission seeks to "give everyone the opportunity to learn and develop the right skills so lives and communities are strengthened."

It shuttered all systems, programs, procedures and initiatives that failed to comply with federal civil rights protections, across its 23 institutions.

UVA ENDS DEI

Longwood did the same, as well as blocking out any use of third-parties to try to circumvent the new prohibitions, according to an appendix in the college’s resolution.

The VCU Board of Visitors’ vote favored ending its Division of Inclusive Excellence, but it was not unanimous. 

Two former Gov. Terry McAuliffe appointees – Edward McCoy and the Rev. Tyrone Nelson – joined two Youngkin appointees – Dr. Clifton Peay and Gurpreet "P2" Sandhu – in voting "nay."

Virginia Tech’s quarterly board meeting was listed for 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday at an inn in Montgomery County, as some critics said it should be made more public.

"Permissible programs" affected by the potential end to its DEI department will be moved to "a new organizational home," according a copy of the resolution published by the Augusta Free Press paper of the Staunton-Waynesboro area.

The paper separately reported that an alumni group is warning against adopting the resolution, warning future students would not have the same opportunities as past graduates.

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The Hokie alums are also demanding a town hall-style meeting to address the issue and be able to speak with administrators.

Dr. Tekisha Dwan Everette, vice president of the Trust for America’s Health policy organization in Washington, D.C., and a Hokie alum, told the paper she and others are "deeply disappointed and concerned about the tactics used to challenge Virginia Tech’s commitment to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive learning environment."

The petition itself will be delivered to Virginia Tech President Timothy Sands, and reads in part that "DEIAB programs are not only valuable—they are essential to ensuring that Virginia Tech remains a place where all students, regardless of their background, have a chance to succeed and make meaningful contributions to society."

Christopher Newport University in Newport News, the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, James Madison University in Harrisonburg and George Mason University in Fairfax are all set to hold board meetings in April.

Fox News Digital reached out to Virginia Tech for comment.

The high school track runner who suffered a concussion after being struck from behind with a baton looks like she will be back on the track this weekend.

Kaelen Tucker's father told TMZ Sports that his daughter has been cleared to compete at the Adidas Track Nationals this weekend in Virginia Beach; she's currently slated to participate in three events.

I.C. Norcom High School senior Alaila Everett gave the Brookville junior a concussion and possible skull fracture when she beat her head with the baton at an event earlier this month. 

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Everett claims the attack occurred because she lost her balance and her baton got "stuck" behind her opponent's back. Everett and her whole team were disqualified.

"After a couple times of hitting her, my baton got stuck behind her back like this, and it rolled up her back. I lost my balance when I pumped my arms again. She got hit," Everett said in an interview with WAVY. "I know my intentions, and I would never hit someone on purpose."

Everett held a rally of supporters days after the attack, shortly after she was served with a misdemeanor battery and assault charge. 

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Everett delivered a tearful speech, where she thanked her supporters while sobbing. 

"Thank y'all for supporting me," Everett said to the supporters, as seen in footage by local Virginia news station WAVY. "There's no one else that wanted to hear my story, except the people that know me and people that know I would never do anything like that, I would never harm anybody. I'm not a fighter, I'm not even confrontational, I wouldn't even do that on purpose, and I thank y'all for believing in me. I love y'all."

According to MileStat, Tucker is competing in the girls' 60-meter dash, the 200-meter, and the 4x200-meter relay, the same race where she suffered the injury. 

Everett is not competing. In fact, just one student from her school, Dontae Riddick, will compete in the boys' 60-meter dash. 

Fox News' Scott Thompson and Jackson Thompson contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to halt the planned deportation of a Georgetown University scholar arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Monday over allegations he spread Hamas propaganda online.

Judge Patricia Giles ordered that Badar Khan Suri, an Indian citizen, "shall not be removed from the United States unless and until the Court issues a contrary order."

Suri was detained in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Suri, a postdoctoral scholar student in the United States on a student visa, was accused of "actively spreading Hamas propaganda and promoting antisemitism on social media," a senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official said in a statement.

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"Suri has close connections to a known or suspected terrorist, who is a senior advisor to Hamas."

The agency did not name the suspected terrorist or Hamas advisor.

However, The New York Times reported that Suri's wife is Palestinian American. Her father is Ahmed Yousef, a former advisor to Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader Israel assassinated last year in Iran. 

RUBIO DEFENDS DEPORTATIONS OF HAMAS SUPPORTERS AFTER COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY ACTIVIST ARREST

In a voice message, Yousef said Suri is his son-in-law, adding Suri was not involved in any "political activism," including on behalf of Hamas, the Times report states. 

Yousef lives in Gaza but said he left his position in the Hamas-run government more than a decade ago. He doesn't hold a senior position with the terrorist group and has publicly criticized Hamas’ decision to attack Israel Oct. 7, 2023, which ignited the group's ongoing war with Israel. 

On March 15, Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined Suri’s activities and presence in the U.S. "rendered him deportable" under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a senior official said.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Suri's attorney. 

• Vice President JD Vance sold a Washington, DC-area home for over asking price in less than three weeks.
• Its buyer worked for the last Trump administration and benefits from government contracts.
• A rep for the buyer has said he and Vance had no direct communication during the transaction.

JD Vance sold his home just outside Washington, DC, for $1.87 million after less than three weeks on the market, according to property records.

The buyer is a former deputy director under Trump's first administration who now works as a government contractor — and paid $172,000 over asking price.

Christopher Garcia manages a domestic limited liability company registered in Nevada that purchased Vance's home in Alexandria, Virginia, a Washington, DC, suburb about eight miles from the nation's capital.

Garcia was the national deputy director of the US Department of Commerce from 2017 to 2018, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Garcia — who still owns other property in Washington, DC, records show — is currently listed as president and CEO of Health Supply US, a government-contracted manufacturer and distributor of medical devices, personal protective equipment, and consumables.

According to government spending data, Health Supply US received nearly $179 million in government contracts between 2020 and 2021.

A spokesperson for Garcia confirmed to Forbes that Garcia was behind the purchase and that the sale price was based on the market. The spokesperson also told Forbes that Garcia and the seller had no relationship and no direct communication. Garcia did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

The history of JD Vance's house in Alexandria

Vance and his wife, Usha, bought the Alexandria house in 2023 for $1.64 million.

The couple made $228,025 more than they paid on the sale, but it's unclear whether they spent any money on renovations or upgrades that would cut into their profit.

The five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom, farmhouse-style home hit the market on February 27 listed at $1.69 million, according to its Redfin listing. The sale officially closed on March 17, just 18 days later.

Real-estate agent Justin Tanner of ReMax Allegiance, who represented the buyer, told Business Insider that he heard there were nine offers on the home.

Robert Crawford and Tyler Jeffrey of TTR Sotheby's International Realty listed the property. Crawford and Jeffrey did not respond to a request for comment.

Vance will spend most of his time in the official home of the vice president, which is on the grounds of the Naval Observatory.

Property records show, however, that Vance still owns a home in Washington, DC. In 2014, Vance and his wife purchased a DC townhome for $590,000 in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, within walking distance of the National Mall.

According to Redfin, the house was listed for rent in October 2023 for $3,700 a month.

In 2024, the Vances' renter at the time told the Washington Post that she planned to stay there for a while and that her landlords were responsive.

"I love this house. I love this block. I want to be here for a long time," she said. "So I want to be a good tenant. And I have great landlords — Usha's great."

FIRST ON FOX: A university doctor has resigned from his position after Fox News Digital reported on unearthed audio where he touted how he has been avoiding anti-diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) laws in Florida while attacking state and federal officials, including top White House official Stephen Miller.

"Shortly after learning of Dr. Brown’s comments, the university decided to place him on administrative leave to allow for a thorough review of the matter," a University of South Florida spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Tuesday. "In response, he has chosen to resign effective immediately."

Dr. Haywood Brown, associate vice president of Academic Affairs at the University of South Florida, explained how he continues to implement DEI policies and how he has avoided state and federal discrimination laws, as well as a recent Supreme Court ruling that colleges cannot consider race in admissions decisions, during a recent presentation last month at Virginia Commonwealth University.

"I really want to discuss the threat of the anti-woke movement to medical education and training and health equity," he said in a video obtained and reviewed by Fox News Digital.

FLORIDA EDUCATORS FILE FEDERAL LAWSUIT CHALLENGING STATE LAW UPENDING DEI POLICIES

Haywood explained how his job title changed but revealed that his actual activities did not.

"Even though I eliminated my title, I didn't eliminate my job," Haywood, who was previously vice president for Institutional Equity at USF, said. "That didn't change anything that I was doing already." 

He explained how at USF a DEI office was rebranded to focus on "cultural enrichment."

"As long as it works, that's what we do," he said.

"So we changed our name to healthcare access," Brown said in a presentation. "Who could argue against that? How do you get healthcare excellence? You only get healthcare equity. If you have a workforce that can meet those needs. So my office changed its name, and we're able to do that to culture and enrichment. And we had it codified by our Faculty Council and a task force. And so the fact that it comes to codify this. And as a result, this is now how we address our issues. And who can argue against culture and environment. You know. But we no longer have a person who's dedicated to it. We have a council that's dedicated to it."

Brown added, "Isn't that slippery? As long as it works. That's what we do."

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law in 2023 that barred colleges and universities from using government funds to promote, support or maintain DEI programs or campus activities.

DEI is defined as "any program, campus activity, or policy that classifies individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation and promotes differential or preferential treatment of individuals on the basis of such classification," according to the State University System of Florida.

Brown said in the presentation that people in the health community know best, and sometimes have to ignore the directives from "the big house," while also explaining that he has "learned how slippery you need to be when you're talking to legislators."

In his address, Brown also attacked White House official Stephen Miller, who has been critical of DEI initiatives.

"Well, Stephen Miller has already tried to attack the University of South Florida," he said of Miller. "He's a Dookie [Duke University alum]. We don't claim him. He's also, and he also claims to be Jewish, but we’ll see."

He also said that the Supreme Court decision would not affect Florida as "race conscious" admissions have been banned in Florida since 1999. 

REV. AL SHARPTON THREATENS BOYCOTTS FOR COMPANIES ENDING DEI: 'YOU TOOK EVERYTHING'

He also described his experiences on Capitol Hill and how "I’ve learned how slippery you need to be when you’re talking to legislators."

In a statement to Fox News Digital before announcing that Brown had resigned, the university said that it is reviewing the matter. 

"The University of South Florida is disappointed and troubled by the statements of Dr. Haywood Brown, who is set to retire from USF on July 1," a University of South Florida spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "The university follows all state and federal guidance, policies and laws, and any suggestion otherwise by Dr. Brown is untrue. USF is reviewing this matter."

Multiple critics of DEI policies reacted to the audio in statements to Fox News Digital. 

"Woke DEI ideology is invasive at our university medical schools. The speech by former USF vice president for Institutional Equity Dr. Haywood Brown at Virginia Commonwealth University Health should raise alarm bells for state legislators, governors, attorneys general and anyone concerned about the state of medicine," Kristina Rasmussen, executive director of Do No Harm, said. "Do No Harm will continue to work to expose administrators harming our healthcare system and we will not stop until this woke DEI ideology is fully eradicated." 

"This is just another example of how health systems across the country are intentionally prioritizing a woke agenda over patient care," Will Hild, executive director of Consumers’ Research, told Fox News Digital. 

"The Trump Administration has made it crystal clear that woke ideology such as DEI is illegal and must be removed from our institutions. Organizations like VCU think they can pull the wool over Americans' eyes by inviting speakers like Dr. Haywood Brown, who has been caught openly strategizing on how to break the law and continue DEI practices covertly. Dr. Haywood may be proud of his plan to rename DEI positions and offices, but someone should tell institutions like VCU who continue to allow illegal DEI practices that they are effectively begging the Trump Administration to investigate their discriminatory practices."

Fox News Digital reached out to Brown for comment but did not receive a response.