15 hours ago
Entries from early 2020 in a now-exposed personal diary kept by Dr. Anthony Fauci during the COVID-19 pandemic show that he privately estimated the death rate from the illness was significantly lower than what he told Congress under oath only weeks later.
Fauci, 85, has come under intense scrutiny for years regarding his approach leading the U.S. response to the coronavirus pandemic, and his alleged links to the Chinese lab where the virus originated. He will return to Capitol Hill on Wednesday before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to speak about his newly publicized personal records.
"The stated mortality over all of this when you look at all the data including China is about three percent. It first started off as two and three," Fauci said in testimony before the House Oversight Committee on March 11, 2020, according to a transcript of the hearing.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci prepares to testify before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee about the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on November 4, 2021, in Washington, D.C. Senators questioned Fauci and other witnesses about the approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for children between 5 and 11 years old this week.
Legacy Media Ignores Massive Anthony Fauci Document Release Alleging He Misled Congress On Covid Origins
#senate #capitol
Fauci, 85, has come under intense scrutiny for years regarding his approach leading the U.S. response to the coronavirus pandemic, and his alleged links to the Chinese lab where the virus originated. He will return to Capitol Hill on Wednesday before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to speak about his newly publicized personal records.
"The stated mortality over all of this when you look at all the data including China is about three percent. It first started off as two and three," Fauci said in testimony before the House Oversight Committee on March 11, 2020, according to a transcript of the hearing.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci prepares to testify before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee about the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on November 4, 2021, in Washington, D.C. Senators questioned Fauci and other witnesses about the approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for children between 5 and 11 years old this week.
Legacy Media Ignores Massive Anthony Fauci Document Release Alleging He Misled Congress On Covid Origins
#senate #capitol
1 day ago
In an exclusive interview with Meet the Press, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) says he believes Troy Jackson is a "strong candidate" who can beat Republican Senator Susan Collins after Jackson replaced Graham Platner on the ballot.
#troy
#troy
1 day ago
The House earlier this week passed legislation that would set new restrictions on stock trading by members of Congress, their spouses and dependent children. It doesn't seem likely to cross beyond the Senate with critics deriding the measure as an inadequate one that contains "loopholes" and unrelated voting restrictions.
The stock trade bill — known as the "Stop Insider Trading Act" — passed on Wednesday in a 232-198 vote with 13 Democrats siding with every House Republican. Democratic senators, though, aren't likely to endorse the legislation since lawmakers won't be compelled to sell off their existing stock portfolio.
Jeff Bezos backs a platform that lets anyone invest in rental homes for as little as $100 — 6 ways to build wealth like a landlord without actually being one
Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake — here's what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP
Millionaires under 43 hold only 25% of their wealth in stocks. Here's where their money is actually going
#Stock #House #restrictions #likely
The stock trade bill — known as the "Stop Insider Trading Act" — passed on Wednesday in a 232-198 vote with 13 Democrats siding with every House Republican. Democratic senators, though, aren't likely to endorse the legislation since lawmakers won't be compelled to sell off their existing stock portfolio.
Jeff Bezos backs a platform that lets anyone invest in rental homes for as little as $100 — 6 ways to build wealth like a landlord without actually being one
Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake — here's what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP
Millionaires under 43 hold only 25% of their wealth in stocks. Here's where their money is actually going
#Stock #House #restrictions #likely
4 days ago
(NewsNation) — Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell was the subject of a scathing "pre-obituary" by his hometown newspaper.
Joseph Gerth, a columnist for the Louisville Courier Journal, published a piece reflecting on the 84-year-old's career even though McConnell is still alive.
The piece was highly critical, saying McConnell dismantled civil rights protections he once advocated and enabled President Donald Trump.
These democratic socialists are running in 2026 elections
"Unlike Nixon, McConnell never paid for his sins that have damaged our nation's trust in government, destroyed the country's ability to have meaningful dialogue and cemented our nation's politics as an arena in which winning is the only thing that matters," Gerth wrote in the publication, calling McConnell a "detestable figure."
#kentucky #senator
Joseph Gerth, a columnist for the Louisville Courier Journal, published a piece reflecting on the 84-year-old's career even though McConnell is still alive.
The piece was highly critical, saying McConnell dismantled civil rights protections he once advocated and enabled President Donald Trump.
These democratic socialists are running in 2026 elections
"Unlike Nixon, McConnell never paid for his sins that have damaged our nation's trust in government, destroyed the country's ability to have meaningful dialogue and cemented our nation's politics as an arena in which winning is the only thing that matters," Gerth wrote in the publication, calling McConnell a "detestable figure."
#kentucky #senator
5 days ago
At 78, Joe Manchin is stepping back into politics.
A year and a half after leaving office fed up with the major parties, the former West Virginia senator is launching a new effort, the Independent Leadership Council, to recruit and support independent candidates across the country.
"We're not trying to start another party," Manchin told CNN in an interview with his daughter, who's also leading the council. "We're trying to get a person who can be committed to – and totally committed to – being an independent with an independent voice. They can vote with Democrats and Republicans when they're right and speak out against them when they're wrong."
Manchin kicked off the effort Thursday by convening candidates in West Virginia. Attendees include California Rep. Kevin Kiley, a former Republican running for reelection as an independent; Seth Bodnar, an independent candidate for Senate in Montana; and Michael Bridgford, an independent candidate for the House in Iowa. The group is also eying races in Alaska and Washington.
The initiative comes at a time of deepening disillusionment with both major parties, and as a record high 45% of American adults identify as political independents, according to a Gallup poll released earlier this year.
#west #virginia #year
A year and a half after leaving office fed up with the major parties, the former West Virginia senator is launching a new effort, the Independent Leadership Council, to recruit and support independent candidates across the country.
"We're not trying to start another party," Manchin told CNN in an interview with his daughter, who's also leading the council. "We're trying to get a person who can be committed to – and totally committed to – being an independent with an independent voice. They can vote with Democrats and Republicans when they're right and speak out against them when they're wrong."
Manchin kicked off the effort Thursday by convening candidates in West Virginia. Attendees include California Rep. Kevin Kiley, a former Republican running for reelection as an independent; Seth Bodnar, an independent candidate for Senate in Montana; and Michael Bridgford, an independent candidate for the House in Iowa. The group is also eying races in Alaska and Washington.
The initiative comes at a time of deepening disillusionment with both major parties, and as a record high 45% of American adults identify as political independents, according to a Gallup poll released earlier this year.
#west #virginia #year
5 days ago
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) bristled when asked Thursday about White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt's statement that President Trump's "patience is running out" with the Senate GOP leader because of the stalled SAVE America Act.
"Maybe she or somebody else ought to get on the phone and get the votes. Right? It's 50 around here," Thune shot back when asked about Leavitt's statement to reporters at a press briefing earlier Thursday.
"Instead of pointing the finger at Republicans, they might think about going after the people who are stopping it on the floor, which is the Democrats," the senator added, appearing somewhat irritated by the critical comment. "And if there are Republicans they think are gettable, get on the phone."
Leavitt said Trump's patience with Thune's handling of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act, which the Senate has voted on — in whole or in part — at least five times but has failed to move forward, is wearing thin.
The remark comes as the president has ramped up his push for Republicans to support the voter ID bill, legislation that would require proof of citizenship for voter registration and photo ID when casting ballots.
#republicans #voter #save
"Maybe she or somebody else ought to get on the phone and get the votes. Right? It's 50 around here," Thune shot back when asked about Leavitt's statement to reporters at a press briefing earlier Thursday.
"Instead of pointing the finger at Republicans, they might think about going after the people who are stopping it on the floor, which is the Democrats," the senator added, appearing somewhat irritated by the critical comment. "And if there are Republicans they think are gettable, get on the phone."
Leavitt said Trump's patience with Thune's handling of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act, which the Senate has voted on — in whole or in part — at least five times but has failed to move forward, is wearing thin.
The remark comes as the president has ramped up his push for Republicans to support the voter ID bill, legislation that would require proof of citizenship for voter registration and photo ID when casting ballots.
#republicans #voter #save
6 days ago
By Manya Saini, Tatiana Bautzer and Pete Schroeder
July 21 (Reuters) - A top Democratic U.S. senator on Tuesday urged banks and trading firms to shun a new product offering early access to posts on President Donald Trump's Truth Social platform, warning it creates a "very troubling form of information asymmetry" for government policies, while Wall Street banks showed little interest in the product.
Earlier this month, TMTG unveiled a paid, licensed data feed that will give banks and trading firms "the fastest" access to posts from influential Truth Social accounts, including Trump's, whose posts often move global markets.
One source at a large bank said the institution was not considering acquiring the API, and if it did, a review of political risk would be needed. The person, asking for anonymity to discuss a sensitive issue, said access to the president's Truth Social posts would create a different risk than buying faster access to market or trading data, because it would mean paying for access to a government official discussing policy.
A second source familiar with the matter at another major bank said the bank was not currently considering subscribing.
#access #Social #banks #product
July 21 (Reuters) - A top Democratic U.S. senator on Tuesday urged banks and trading firms to shun a new product offering early access to posts on President Donald Trump's Truth Social platform, warning it creates a "very troubling form of information asymmetry" for government policies, while Wall Street banks showed little interest in the product.
Earlier this month, TMTG unveiled a paid, licensed data feed that will give banks and trading firms "the fastest" access to posts from influential Truth Social accounts, including Trump's, whose posts often move global markets.
One source at a large bank said the institution was not considering acquiring the API, and if it did, a review of political risk would be needed. The person, asking for anonymity to discuss a sensitive issue, said access to the president's Truth Social posts would create a different risk than buying faster access to market or trading data, because it would mean paying for access to a government official discussing policy.
A second source familiar with the matter at another major bank said the bank was not currently considering subscribing.
#access #Social #banks #product
6 days ago
FIRST ON FOX: Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., is proposing legislation that would withhold bonuses for U.S. Postal Service executives, citing years of staggering financial losses for the agency and its overall on-time delivery record.
Hawley, who has launched an investigation into the Postal Service over its service record, will name the legislation the No Bonuses for Bad Service Act, Fox News Digital has learned.
The bill would prohibit the USPS Board of Governors from approving any additional compensation for the postmaster general and deputy postmaster general for a fiscal year in which the agency doesn't meet or exceed an on-time delivery rate of 95% for all mail products.
"While Missourians don't receive their mail on time, the Postmaster General receives a hefty bonus each year," Hawley wrote in a statement to Fox News Digital. "I am introducing the No Bonuses for Bad Service Act to ensure postal service leadership isn't receiving bonuses while Americans' mail goes undelivered. It's time for the Postmaster General to do his job and put Americans first."
Senator Josh Hawley Demands Answers From Mlb On 'Pattern Of Discrimination' Over Warnings To Giants Players
#postmaster #time #mail #digital
Hawley, who has launched an investigation into the Postal Service over its service record, will name the legislation the No Bonuses for Bad Service Act, Fox News Digital has learned.
The bill would prohibit the USPS Board of Governors from approving any additional compensation for the postmaster general and deputy postmaster general for a fiscal year in which the agency doesn't meet or exceed an on-time delivery rate of 95% for all mail products.
"While Missourians don't receive their mail on time, the Postmaster General receives a hefty bonus each year," Hawley wrote in a statement to Fox News Digital. "I am introducing the No Bonuses for Bad Service Act to ensure postal service leadership isn't receiving bonuses while Americans' mail goes undelivered. It's time for the Postmaster General to do his job and put Americans first."
Senator Josh Hawley Demands Answers From Mlb On 'Pattern Of Discrimination' Over Warnings To Giants Players
#postmaster #time #mail #digital
6 days ago
The CLARITY Act would cement XRP's commodity status into permanent federal law, replacing a reversible SEC/CFTC interpretation that institutional investors cannot rely on.
Republicans hold 53 Senate seats but need 7 to 9 Democratic votes to reach 60, with only about 2 currently secured.
Missing the August 7 recess deadline could push crypto legislation to 2030, with Polymarket currently pricing 2026 passage odds at 43%.
Don't wait: the **** yst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just revealed his top 10 AI stocks. See the full list FREE now.
XRP holders get a two-day countdown this week. Senator Elizabeth Warren has asked President Trump to voluntarily disclose his personal crypto earnings from January 1 through July 15, 2026, with a deadline of July 23, 2026. Whatever the White House does or does not do by Thursday will land squarely on top of the fight over the CLARITY Act, the crypto bill Senate leaders have been trying to move for months. For XRP price watchers, the disclosure request is the pressure point that could decide whether the biggest piece of crypto legislation in years clears the chamber or slides into next year.
#republicans
Republicans hold 53 Senate seats but need 7 to 9 Democratic votes to reach 60, with only about 2 currently secured.
Missing the August 7 recess deadline could push crypto legislation to 2030, with Polymarket currently pricing 2026 passage odds at 43%.
Don't wait: the **** yst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just revealed his top 10 AI stocks. See the full list FREE now.
XRP holders get a two-day countdown this week. Senator Elizabeth Warren has asked President Trump to voluntarily disclose his personal crypto earnings from January 1 through July 15, 2026, with a deadline of July 23, 2026. Whatever the White House does or does not do by Thursday will land squarely on top of the fight over the CLARITY Act, the crypto bill Senate leaders have been trying to move for months. For XRP price watchers, the disclosure request is the pressure point that could decide whether the biggest piece of crypto legislation in years clears the chamber or slides into next year.
#republicans
6 days ago
Republican Sen. Deb Fischer (Neb.) on Wednesday objected to a request from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) for unanimous consent to prohibit President Trump from using taxpayer money to further retrofit a luxury Boeing 747 gifted to the president from Qatar.
The GOP senator blocked Schumer's request to pass his Presidential Airlift Security Act, which would stop the Pentagon from spending more taxpayer money to modify Trump's new jet.
Schumer said Trump's decision to accept the jet to serve as the new Air Force One was another example of what he called "corruption" in the administration.
"Now he wants the taxpayers to fund his palace in the sky as well. Trump's $400 million foreign jet, the biggest gift a president has received from a foreign government ever, is anything but free. Taxpayers will have to pay hundreds of millions of dollars to outfit Trump's luxury jet with the security upgrades it needs to serve as Air Force One," Schumer said on the Senate floor.
Fischer rose to object and pointed out that that Schumer's proposal had already been considered and voted down by the Senate earlier this year.
#president #fischer
The GOP senator blocked Schumer's request to pass his Presidential Airlift Security Act, which would stop the Pentagon from spending more taxpayer money to modify Trump's new jet.
Schumer said Trump's decision to accept the jet to serve as the new Air Force One was another example of what he called "corruption" in the administration.
"Now he wants the taxpayers to fund his palace in the sky as well. Trump's $400 million foreign jet, the biggest gift a president has received from a foreign government ever, is anything but free. Taxpayers will have to pay hundreds of millions of dollars to outfit Trump's luxury jet with the security upgrades it needs to serve as Air Force One," Schumer said on the Senate floor.
Fischer rose to object and pointed out that that Schumer's proposal had already been considered and voted down by the Senate earlier this year.
#president #fischer
7 days ago
Former campaign official for Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Joel Rubin called out the Vermont senator last week for pushing the "most categorically anti-Israel, antisemitic candidates" he's seen in recent years.
"I think what Sanders and the Sanders operation have done is shove into our system the most categorically anti-Israel, antisemitic candidates that we've seen in a generation — if ever, certainly within the Democratic Party — and it's by design," Rubin said in an interview with Jewish Insider.
"The goal is to undermine Democratic unity and even rationality on Israel at this stage," Rubin said.
Sanders Under Fire For Propping Up Platner As Dems Torch His Toxic Endorsement 'Pattern'
Joel Rubin, who previously helped lead Sen. Bernie Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign, criticized the senator for embracing antisemitic candidates.
#sanders
"I think what Sanders and the Sanders operation have done is shove into our system the most categorically anti-Israel, antisemitic candidates that we've seen in a generation — if ever, certainly within the Democratic Party — and it's by design," Rubin said in an interview with Jewish Insider.
"The goal is to undermine Democratic unity and even rationality on Israel at this stage," Rubin said.
Sanders Under Fire For Propping Up Platner As Dems Torch His Toxic Endorsement 'Pattern'
Joel Rubin, who previously helped lead Sen. Bernie Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign, criticized the senator for embracing antisemitic candidates.
#sanders
7 days ago
Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth blasted Democratic senators at a hearing on Tuesday, clashing forcefully with accusations that the United States had demonstrated a failure of leadership in its war with Iran, among other areas.
Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., raised skepticism with Hegseth, pressing him on whether the administration had a plan to bring the protracted war with Iran to a close.
Peters accused Hegseth of leaving the country in a worse position than when the war began.
Pete Hegseth Heads To Capitol Hill To Defend Trump's Iran War As 60-Day Congressional Deadline Looms
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee, on Capitol Hill, in Washington, Thursday, April 30, 2026.
#capitol
Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., raised skepticism with Hegseth, pressing him on whether the administration had a plan to bring the protracted war with Iran to a close.
Peters accused Hegseth of leaving the country in a worse position than when the war began.
Pete Hegseth Heads To Capitol Hill To Defend Trump's Iran War As 60-Day Congressional Deadline Looms
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee, on Capitol Hill, in Washington, Thursday, April 30, 2026.
#capitol
7 days ago
By Nate Raymond
July 21 (Reuters) - A White House lawyer nominated by President Donald Trump to serve on a court that hears litigation regarding trade laws and tariff policies was confirmed to the bench on Tuesday after she apologized for past social media posts that attacked various senators including Republicans.
The Republican-led Senate voted 50-48 in favor of Kara Westercamp becoming a life-tenured judge on the U.S. Court of International Trade, with Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine joining with Democratic lawmakers to oppose her confirmation.
Two Republican senators did not vote, including Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who has been hospitalized and has not been present for votes. Westercamp has previously in Twitter posts referred to McConnell as "Cocaine Mitch" and accused him of betraying Trump.
The Senate moved ahead with votes on Westercamp while McConnell was out following the July 11 death of another of her social media targets, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, whom she called "weak-ass" and "disappointing." She had retweeted a post critical of Collins as well.
#republican #mcconnell
July 21 (Reuters) - A White House lawyer nominated by President Donald Trump to serve on a court that hears litigation regarding trade laws and tariff policies was confirmed to the bench on Tuesday after she apologized for past social media posts that attacked various senators including Republicans.
The Republican-led Senate voted 50-48 in favor of Kara Westercamp becoming a life-tenured judge on the U.S. Court of International Trade, with Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine joining with Democratic lawmakers to oppose her confirmation.
Two Republican senators did not vote, including Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who has been hospitalized and has not been present for votes. Westercamp has previously in Twitter posts referred to McConnell as "Cocaine Mitch" and accused him of betraying Trump.
The Senate moved ahead with votes on Westercamp while McConnell was out following the July 11 death of another of her social media targets, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, whom she called "weak-ass" and "disappointing." She had retweeted a post critical of Collins as well.
#republican #mcconnell
8 days ago
Are the United States Senators from the State of Texas actively working against the University of Texas and its rival Texas A&M? U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has seemingly gone to war with the state's flagship university and its biggest rival, Texas A&M. And the (probable) future U.S. Senator from Texas, Ken Paxton, has publicly and controversially allied himself with Texas Tech.
It is a stunning turn of events for the state's flagship university. For 20 years, the University of Texas had an ally in the U.S. Senate. Kay Bailey Hutchison, a UT alum and former Longhorns cheerleader, was a United States Senator from 1993 to 2013. She was replaced by Cruz.
For years, sports fans have joked about the "Ted Cruz Curse." It seems when Cruz attends a sporting event to support a team from the state, they lose. The narrative reached fever pitch when Cruz attended the Sugar Bowl in 2024 between Washington and Texas. The Huskies beat the Longhorns and social media exploded.
Cruz took to social media to defend himself a few days after the game.
"To all the dishonest press hacks blaming me for the Longhorn's heartbreaking loss, ok—if you give me the WINS I've cheered on too!" Cruz said.
#university #senator #longhorns #rival
It is a stunning turn of events for the state's flagship university. For 20 years, the University of Texas had an ally in the U.S. Senate. Kay Bailey Hutchison, a UT alum and former Longhorns cheerleader, was a United States Senator from 1993 to 2013. She was replaced by Cruz.
For years, sports fans have joked about the "Ted Cruz Curse." It seems when Cruz attends a sporting event to support a team from the state, they lose. The narrative reached fever pitch when Cruz attended the Sugar Bowl in 2024 between Washington and Texas. The Huskies beat the Longhorns and social media exploded.
Cruz took to social media to defend himself a few days after the game.
"To all the dishonest press hacks blaming me for the Longhorn's heartbreaking loss, ok—if you give me the WINS I've cheered on too!" Cruz said.
#university #senator #longhorns #rival
8 days ago
(Changes headline in July 15 story to reflect Lula extending lead over Flavio Bolsonaro)
SAO PAULO, July 15 (Reuters) - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has widened his lead over right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in the run-up to October's presidential election, a Quaest poll commissioned by brokerage Genial showed on Wednesday.
It is the first Quaest survey following a series of political developments including a corruption investigation targeting a senior Lula ally and arguments about accountability over new U.S. tariff threats against Brazil.
• Leftist Lula is seen with 45% of voting intentions in a potential second-round runoff, compared with 37% for Senator Bolsonaro, currently the main opposition hopeful.
• A Quaest poll in June showed Lula leading Flavio Bolsonaro by 44% to 38%.
SAO PAULO, July 15 (Reuters) - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has widened his lead over right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in the run-up to October's presidential election, a Quaest poll commissioned by brokerage Genial showed on Wednesday.
It is the first Quaest survey following a series of political developments including a corruption investigation targeting a senior Lula ally and arguments about accountability over new U.S. tariff threats against Brazil.
• Leftist Lula is seen with 45% of voting intentions in a potential second-round runoff, compared with 37% for Senator Bolsonaro, currently the main opposition hopeful.
• A Quaest poll in June showed Lula leading Flavio Bolsonaro by 44% to 38%.
9 days ago
ATLANTA (AP) — Nearly a decade ago, Jon Ossoff was a 30-year-old Democratic congressional candidate promising Georgia suburban voters he would "cut wasteful spending" and make "both parties in Washington" be "accountable to you." His Republican opponent even complained that Ossoff "talks like a Republican."
Nobody would make that mistake today. After losing that race in 2017 and narrowly winning a U.S. Senate seat during a runoff in 2021, Ossoff is running for reelection with a full-throated broadside on President Donald Trump as a "national disgrace" leading a "Mar-a-Lago mafia" and "the most corrupt administration of all time."
The 39-year-old senator has always been a vessel for Trump opposition, no matter his message on the campaign trail. But not until now has Ossoff openly embraced the role. His approach is being noticed across the Democratic spectrum, from activists hungry for the right message in the 2026 midterms to those pining for viable presidential candidates in 2028.
This week, as Trump renewed his fixation on false claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election that brought Ossoff to Washington, the senator never missed an opportunity to denounce the "world's most famous sore loser."
"The senator is definitely having a moment, and these breakout moments can certainly become a launching pad for something bigger," said Lis Smith, a Democratic strategist who helped Pete **** igieg go from being an unknown Indiana mayor to a presidential contender in 2020. She said Ossoff's approach — tying Trump's personal financial gain to his performance on the economy — is "one that more Democrats should adopt."
Nobody would make that mistake today. After losing that race in 2017 and narrowly winning a U.S. Senate seat during a runoff in 2021, Ossoff is running for reelection with a full-throated broadside on President Donald Trump as a "national disgrace" leading a "Mar-a-Lago mafia" and "the most corrupt administration of all time."
The 39-year-old senator has always been a vessel for Trump opposition, no matter his message on the campaign trail. But not until now has Ossoff openly embraced the role. His approach is being noticed across the Democratic spectrum, from activists hungry for the right message in the 2026 midterms to those pining for viable presidential candidates in 2028.
This week, as Trump renewed his fixation on false claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election that brought Ossoff to Washington, the senator never missed an opportunity to denounce the "world's most famous sore loser."
"The senator is definitely having a moment, and these breakout moments can certainly become a launching pad for something bigger," said Lis Smith, a Democratic strategist who helped Pete **** igieg go from being an unknown Indiana mayor to a presidential contender in 2020. She said Ossoff's approach — tying Trump's personal financial gain to his performance on the economy — is "one that more Democrats should adopt."
10 days ago
A comedian and social media personality says she delivered a cake bearing a provocative message about the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., to the senator's Capitol Hill office, according to posts she shared online.
"I just dropped this cake off at Lindsey Graham's office," Elizabeth Booker Houston wrote in a Tuesday X post. "Congratudolences, Darline! Your brother is burning in ***** , and now, you're working for the devil!"
She included a photo of the cake that featured a printed photograph of Graham smiling in a suit and tie.
Media Ghouls, Commentators Across Political Aisle Mock Lindsey Graham's Death With 'Good Riddance' Posts
White frosting bordered the cake, with blue icing roses decorating the top left corner and scattered around the edges. Across the top, the cake read, "CONGRATUDOLENCES!"—a play on the words "congratulations" and "condolences."
"I just dropped this cake off at Lindsey Graham's office," Elizabeth Booker Houston wrote in a Tuesday X post. "Congratudolences, Darline! Your brother is burning in ***** , and now, you're working for the devil!"
She included a photo of the cake that featured a printed photograph of Graham smiling in a suit and tie.
Media Ghouls, Commentators Across Political Aisle Mock Lindsey Graham's Death With 'Good Riddance' Posts
White frosting bordered the cake, with blue icing roses decorating the top left corner and scattered around the edges. Across the top, the cake read, "CONGRATUDOLENCES!"—a play on the words "congratulations" and "condolences."
10 days ago
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said this week that he received two calls from agencies suggesting Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., died while he was in the hospital.
In an interview with Katie Couric uploaded to YouTube on Thursday, Beshear, a Democrat, did not specify which agencies called him with the news or when the calls were made.
"In fact, I'd gotten two calls from different agencies, not state agencies, suggesting he'd passed," said Beshear, who has served as governor since December 2019.
Fox News Digital reached out to Beshear and McConnell's offices for comment.
Gop Senators Split As Tuberville Demands Mcconnell Answers
In an interview with Katie Couric uploaded to YouTube on Thursday, Beshear, a Democrat, did not specify which agencies called him with the news or when the calls were made.
"In fact, I'd gotten two calls from different agencies, not state agencies, suggesting he'd passed," said Beshear, who has served as governor since December 2019.
Fox News Digital reached out to Beshear and McConnell's offices for comment.
Gop Senators Split As Tuberville Demands Mcconnell Answers
10 days ago
Hunter Biden named Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) among the top three "MAGA laptops" he wants revealed — also speculating that the senator is "really kinky."
On Saturday's episode of the "I've Had It" podcast, former President Joe Biden's son, 56, got real with host Jennifer Welch about his suspicions of Cruz, 55.
"So your laptop, they had so much fun about it… I want to talk about our fantasy laptops we could acquire, you and me," Welch said, kicking off the topic. "I want us to decide our top three MAGA laptops — MAGA men — that we could get."
After naming Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) as his No. 1, Hunter declared, "Ted Cruz, of course, 100%" for his No. 2 spot.
"Do you get a gaydar ping from Ted?" Welch asked, to which Hunter replied, "No, you know what I get? I get a really, really kinky, weird s— thing."
On Saturday's episode of the "I've Had It" podcast, former President Joe Biden's son, 56, got real with host Jennifer Welch about his suspicions of Cruz, 55.
"So your laptop, they had so much fun about it… I want to talk about our fantasy laptops we could acquire, you and me," Welch said, kicking off the topic. "I want us to decide our top three MAGA laptops — MAGA men — that we could get."
After naming Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) as his No. 1, Hunter declared, "Ted Cruz, of course, 100%" for his No. 2 spot.
"Do you get a gaydar ping from Ted?" Welch asked, to which Hunter replied, "No, you know what I get? I get a really, really kinky, weird s— thing."
11 days ago
PHOENIX (AP) — Video footage of two Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents tackling a man at the airport in Las Vegas drew public outrage and criticism from elected officials.
One video posted on social media showed a man yelling and crying on the ground in Terminal 3 at Harry Reid International Airport on Monday when a man and a masked woman, both in plainclothes, tried to control, handcuff and detain him. When the pair realized they were being filmed, they walked away, leaving the man with a handcuff attached to one arm.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police found no outstanding warrants for the man, removed his handcuffs and notified ICE.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, ICE officers on Monday did not proceed with the arrest at the Las Vegas airport of Phu Nguyen, a 57-year-old citizen of Australia who overstayed his visa. ICE arrested him at his flight departing the Los Angeles International Airport on Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security said.
"ICE is continuing to act with impunity — instilling fear in our communities and scaring tourists, which hurts our tourism economy," Democratic U.S. Senator for Nevada Jacky Rosen said in a statement. "Enough is enough. ICE must follow the same commonsense guardrails as other law enforcement agencies."
One video posted on social media showed a man yelling and crying on the ground in Terminal 3 at Harry Reid International Airport on Monday when a man and a masked woman, both in plainclothes, tried to control, handcuff and detain him. When the pair realized they were being filmed, they walked away, leaving the man with a handcuff attached to one arm.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police found no outstanding warrants for the man, removed his handcuffs and notified ICE.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, ICE officers on Monday did not proceed with the arrest at the Las Vegas airport of Phu Nguyen, a 57-year-old citizen of Australia who overstayed his visa. ICE arrested him at his flight departing the Los Angeles International Airport on Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security said.
"ICE is continuing to act with impunity — instilling fear in our communities and scaring tourists, which hurts our tourism economy," Democratic U.S. Senator for Nevada Jacky Rosen said in a statement. "Enough is enough. ICE must follow the same commonsense guardrails as other law enforcement agencies."
11 days ago
Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville said Wednesday that while he takes no joy in the late Senator Lindsay Graham's death, he will remember his career as one of "duplicity."
"Let's give him all the credit in the world. He was one of the [Bill Clinton] impeachment managers. Remember the great moral ***** an Henry Hyde and that whole crowd. And yeah, he was a little bit more than just for impeachment. He was the most aggressive," Carville said.
"I knew him. He could be personable, but I don't think the man has had a... sorry, I don't want anybody to get sick or die, that's not it," Carville said. "But I think his political career is mostly defined by duplicity. Just my own view."
Graham, 71, died Saturday night from an aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The news stunned Washington, as Graham was one of the body's most active members and was even scheduled to appear on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday morning.
Media Ghouls, Commentators Across Political Aisle Mock Lindsey Graham's Death With 'Good Riddance' Posts
"Let's give him all the credit in the world. He was one of the [Bill Clinton] impeachment managers. Remember the great moral ***** an Henry Hyde and that whole crowd. And yeah, he was a little bit more than just for impeachment. He was the most aggressive," Carville said.
"I knew him. He could be personable, but I don't think the man has had a... sorry, I don't want anybody to get sick or die, that's not it," Carville said. "But I think his political career is mostly defined by duplicity. Just my own view."
Graham, 71, died Saturday night from an aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The news stunned Washington, as Graham was one of the body's most active members and was even scheduled to appear on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday morning.
Media Ghouls, Commentators Across Political Aisle Mock Lindsey Graham's Death With 'Good Riddance' Posts
11 days ago
(Corrects 1st paragraph to say couples would lose $16,900 annually, not receive $16,9000 annually, if the Social Security trust fund goes broke.)
Newly retired, average dual-income couples planning to retire in six years should expect to receive $16,900 less in annual Social Security benefits if Congress continues to do nothing to shore up the funds used to pay beneficiaries, according to the nonpartisan, nonprofit Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget think tank.
The trust fund that supplements incoming payroll taxes to pay monthly Social Security benefits is expected to run dry by the end of 2032, according to the program's trustees. When that happens, the law requires benefits to be reduced by an estimated 22% to ensure the program's costs do not exceed its revenues.
That's when today's 61-year-olds will reach their normal retirement age and when today's youngest retirees will turn 68.
"Social Security's insolvency is no longer a crisis for future lawmakers to deal with," CRFB's report said. "Senators elected this year will be in office when Social Security's retirement fund is exhausted."
Newly retired, average dual-income couples planning to retire in six years should expect to receive $16,900 less in annual Social Security benefits if Congress continues to do nothing to shore up the funds used to pay beneficiaries, according to the nonpartisan, nonprofit Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget think tank.
The trust fund that supplements incoming payroll taxes to pay monthly Social Security benefits is expected to run dry by the end of 2032, according to the program's trustees. When that happens, the law requires benefits to be reduced by an estimated 22% to ensure the program's costs do not exceed its revenues.
That's when today's 61-year-olds will reach their normal retirement age and when today's youngest retirees will turn 68.
"Social Security's insolvency is no longer a crisis for future lawmakers to deal with," CRFB's report said. "Senators elected this year will be in office when Social Security's retirement fund is exhausted."
11 days ago
More than half of Pennsylvania voters in a new poll want Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) to leave the Democratic Party.
Fetterman's approval rating, at 48 percent, was above water in Quinnipiac University data. But 52 percent of respondents said they'd like to see him depart the party amid speculation that Republicans have been wooing the famously centrist Democrat.
The share of voters who want him to switch sides includes 57 percent of Democrats, 55 percent of Republicans and 46 percent of independents.
"The Democrats would like to show him the door. The Republicans seem to be welcoming him in. Thus is the political irony of Senator John Fetterman," Quinnipiac University polling ****** yst Tim Malloy said in a release.
Since winning the Senate seat long held by Republican Sen. Pat Toomey (Pa.) back in 2022, Fetterman has often voted with Republicans on Capitol Hill and has been critical of his party at points.
Fetterman's approval rating, at 48 percent, was above water in Quinnipiac University data. But 52 percent of respondents said they'd like to see him depart the party amid speculation that Republicans have been wooing the famously centrist Democrat.
The share of voters who want him to switch sides includes 57 percent of Democrats, 55 percent of Republicans and 46 percent of independents.
"The Democrats would like to show him the door. The Republicans seem to be welcoming him in. Thus is the political irony of Senator John Fetterman," Quinnipiac University polling ****** yst Tim Malloy said in a release.
Since winning the Senate seat long held by Republican Sen. Pat Toomey (Pa.) back in 2022, Fetterman has often voted with Republicans on Capitol Hill and has been critical of his party at points.
12 days ago
Amy Schumer tried to absolve her second cousin once removed, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-New York, who was accused of passing gas on the Senate floor earlier this week.
The comedian came to the 75-year-old Senate minority leader's defense after a Republican colleague called him out after the tooting dilemma on Tuesday, July 14. The sound of the alleged fart can be heard during a video obtained by USA TODAY, as Schumer was speaking about President Donald Trump and the conflict in Iran.
Neither Schumer nor his office has officially confirmed the incident. USA TODAY contacted Schumer's office for comment on July 17.
Here's what you should know about the stinky senatorial situation.
Amy Schumer took to social media on July 16, explaining that she was the one who farted during Chuck Schumer's speech criticizing the Trump administration a day earlier.
The comedian came to the 75-year-old Senate minority leader's defense after a Republican colleague called him out after the tooting dilemma on Tuesday, July 14. The sound of the alleged fart can be heard during a video obtained by USA TODAY, as Schumer was speaking about President Donald Trump and the conflict in Iran.
Neither Schumer nor his office has officially confirmed the incident. USA TODAY contacted Schumer's office for comment on July 17.
Here's what you should know about the stinky senatorial situation.
Amy Schumer took to social media on July 16, explaining that she was the one who farted during Chuck Schumer's speech criticizing the Trump administration a day earlier.
12 days ago
FIRST ON FOX: A far-left "Squad" Democrat is facing scrutiny after spending thousands of dollars in donor cash at lavish hotels nearly 2,000 miles away from her home district, a Fox News Digital review of FEC records found.
"Squad" Rep. Ilhan Omar's, D-Minn., campaign dropped over $6K on high-end hotels and private transportation between April and June, including payments to a Ritz-Carlton resort in Palm Springs, a hotel with sweeping views from the Hollywood Sign to downtown Los Angeles, and a luxury stay in the heart of Times Square, the congresswoman's latest financial filings show.
The payments, covering April 1 through June 30, included $2,131.90 to W New York in Times Square, $1,613.23 to The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood, $1,143 to Blacklane Transportation, $926.80 to Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs and $682.41 to the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage, according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings.
Overall, the campaign reported more than $28,000 in travel expenses and more than $23,000 in food, beverage and catering expenses during the three-month filing period.
Schumer Dodges Questions After Bombshell Report Alleges Dem Senator Had Relationships With House Staffers
"Squad" Rep. Ilhan Omar's, D-Minn., campaign dropped over $6K on high-end hotels and private transportation between April and June, including payments to a Ritz-Carlton resort in Palm Springs, a hotel with sweeping views from the Hollywood Sign to downtown Los Angeles, and a luxury stay in the heart of Times Square, the congresswoman's latest financial filings show.
The payments, covering April 1 through June 30, included $2,131.90 to W New York in Times Square, $1,613.23 to The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood, $1,143 to Blacklane Transportation, $926.80 to Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs and $682.41 to the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage, according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings.
Overall, the campaign reported more than $28,000 in travel expenses and more than $23,000 in food, beverage and catering expenses during the three-month filing period.
Schumer Dodges Questions After Bombshell Report Alleges Dem Senator Had Relationships With House Staffers
12 days ago
The Trump administration's latest nominee to lead the nation' top public health agency drew frustrated reactions from some U.S. senators on Wednesday when they pressed her on whether she would protect the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from political meddling.
Dr. Erica Schwartz told the Senate health committee she "will never betray the science" and pledged to use "radical transparency" in a bid to rebuild public trust in the agency. But several senators questioned how she might handle pressure from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has repeatedly moved to alter U.S. vaccine and CDC policies. Schwartz repeatedly declined to dissent from some of those actions.
Schwartz, 54, is up for director of the Atlanta-based CDC, which is charged with protecting Americans from preventable health threats.
Her career has largely been spent in military uniform, including in a leadership position at the U.S. Coast Guard where she oversaw the organization's system of 41 clinics and 150 sick bays — as well as policies promoting vaccinations of service members. She later served as deputy surgeon general, where she helped lead uniformed medical and health professionals posted at the CDC and government health agencies that serve the general public.
The CDC long enjoyed a sterling international reputation but has been in turmoil since Trump returned to office last year. Largely due to layoffs and resignations, the agency has lost more than 3,000 employees, or more than a quarter of its workforce. Morale has plummeted as a succession of mostly temporary leaders have come and gone — the front office filled with political appointees, many of them with little or no training in medicine or public health.
Dr. Erica Schwartz told the Senate health committee she "will never betray the science" and pledged to use "radical transparency" in a bid to rebuild public trust in the agency. But several senators questioned how she might handle pressure from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has repeatedly moved to alter U.S. vaccine and CDC policies. Schwartz repeatedly declined to dissent from some of those actions.
Schwartz, 54, is up for director of the Atlanta-based CDC, which is charged with protecting Americans from preventable health threats.
Her career has largely been spent in military uniform, including in a leadership position at the U.S. Coast Guard where she oversaw the organization's system of 41 clinics and 150 sick bays — as well as policies promoting vaccinations of service members. She later served as deputy surgeon general, where she helped lead uniformed medical and health professionals posted at the CDC and government health agencies that serve the general public.
The CDC long enjoyed a sterling international reputation but has been in turmoil since Trump returned to office last year. Largely due to layoffs and resignations, the agency has lost more than 3,000 employees, or more than a quarter of its workforce. Morale has plummeted as a succession of mostly temporary leaders have come and gone — the front office filled with political appointees, many of them with little or no training in medicine or public health.
12 days ago
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced questions from senators on the handling of the Epstein files, crime statistics and a Trump settlement with the IRS during his confirmation hearing to permanently serve in the position. NBC News' Julie Tsirkin reports from Capitol Hill on what lawmakers highlighted in their questioning.
12 days ago
Many Americans rejoiced on Tuesday after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent nationwide and end the biannual chore of changing the clocks to "spring forward" and "fall back." It now heads to the Senate, where its future looks dim.
After the lopsided 308-117 vote, Republican Rep. Gus Bilirakis of Florida dismissed America's "twice-yearly clock change" as "a relic of the past that no longer reflects the way Americans live, work and conduct business in the 21st century."
Or, as one of the Sunshine Protection Act's most prominent supporters, President Trump, wrote on social media in May, "this is an easy one!"
It means "a longer, brighter Day," Trump enthused. "And who can be against that?"
The answer, it turns out, may be enough senators to prevent the bill from becoming law.
After the lopsided 308-117 vote, Republican Rep. Gus Bilirakis of Florida dismissed America's "twice-yearly clock change" as "a relic of the past that no longer reflects the way Americans live, work and conduct business in the 21st century."
Or, as one of the Sunshine Protection Act's most prominent supporters, President Trump, wrote on social media in May, "this is an easy one!"
It means "a longer, brighter Day," Trump enthused. "And who can be against that?"
The answer, it turns out, may be enough senators to prevent the bill from becoming law.
12 days ago
By Patricia Zengerle, Jonathan Landay and Luc Cohen
WASHINGTON, July 15 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's nominee to be the top U.S. spy, Jay Clayton, refused on Wednesday to directly acknowledge that the Republican president lost the 2020 election despite repeated questioning by Democrats in a tense Senate confirmation hearing.
Trump "isn't in the room today," Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona told Clayton. "If you can't disagree with him when he's not in the room, are you going to be able to disagree with him when you're sitting across from him?"
Propelled by the Republican president's unfounded claims that U.S. elections are "rigged" and his refusal to accept his 2020 electoral loss to Democrat Joe Biden, the Trump administration has sought to increase federal oversight of U.S. elections and change the way many Americans vote.
Legal experts say such efforts would take power away from states in violation of the U.S. Constitution.
WASHINGTON, July 15 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's nominee to be the top U.S. spy, Jay Clayton, refused on Wednesday to directly acknowledge that the Republican president lost the 2020 election despite repeated questioning by Democrats in a tense Senate confirmation hearing.
Trump "isn't in the room today," Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona told Clayton. "If you can't disagree with him when he's not in the room, are you going to be able to disagree with him when you're sitting across from him?"
Propelled by the Republican president's unfounded claims that U.S. elections are "rigged" and his refusal to accept his 2020 electoral loss to Democrat Joe Biden, the Trump administration has sought to increase federal oversight of U.S. elections and change the way many Americans vote.
Legal experts say such efforts would take power away from states in violation of the U.S. Constitution.
14 days ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confronted skeptical questioning at a Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday about the creation of a fund to compensate allies of President Donald Trump and a tax immunity deal for the president as he aimed to lock down the Republican support needed to advance his nomination.
Blanche insisted the $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund," which was scrapped after fierce bipartisan backlash, was "not moving forward." But lawmakers, including Republican Sen. John Cornyn, raised concerns the Trump administration has yet to commit in writing that the fund is dead and it could therefore conceivably be resurrected.
"Just to be clear, the president of the United States, who's a plaintiff in this lawsuit, has not agreed in writing to delete the 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' and there's no guarantee that he won't raise it in the future?" Cornyn asked. Blanche replied that Trump has no power over the fund, which was to have been administered by the Justice Department but never launched.
Cornyn's questions were closely watched given that Blanche requires the support of all Republicans on the Judiciary Committee and the Texas senator has yet to commit to back him.
The hearing arrived at a tumultuous time for the Justice Department, with mass firings and resignations hollowing out the workforce and Democrats and other critics raising alarms that Blanche is still functioning as the president's personal lawyer. He has led the department on an interim basis since April, functioning as the public face of the maligned and later-withdrawn fund and accelerating investigations into perceived Trump adversaries
Blanche insisted the $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund," which was scrapped after fierce bipartisan backlash, was "not moving forward." But lawmakers, including Republican Sen. John Cornyn, raised concerns the Trump administration has yet to commit in writing that the fund is dead and it could therefore conceivably be resurrected.
"Just to be clear, the president of the United States, who's a plaintiff in this lawsuit, has not agreed in writing to delete the 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' and there's no guarantee that he won't raise it in the future?" Cornyn asked. Blanche replied that Trump has no power over the fund, which was to have been administered by the Justice Department but never launched.
Cornyn's questions were closely watched given that Blanche requires the support of all Republicans on the Judiciary Committee and the Texas senator has yet to commit to back him.
The hearing arrived at a tumultuous time for the Justice Department, with mass firings and resignations hollowing out the workforce and Democrats and other critics raising alarms that Blanche is still functioning as the president's personal lawyer. He has led the department on an interim basis since April, functioning as the public face of the maligned and later-withdrawn fund and accelerating investigations into perceived Trump adversaries
