Trump, Vance and Zelenskyy spar over Russian war in tense exchange: 'very disrespectful'

President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sparred during their meeting at the White House to end the Russia-Ukraine War, including Vance asking Zelenskyy if he's "said thank you once this entire meeting." 

Amid Zelenskyy's visit to the White House, Vance said that a path to securing peace between Russia and Ukraine was through the U.S. engaging in diplomacy. 

"Mr. President, with respect, I think it's disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media," Vance told Zelenskyy. "Right now, you guys are going around and forcing conscripts to the front lines because you have manpower problems. You should be thanking the president for bringing it, to bring it into this country." 

TRUMP SAYS UKRAINE RARE EARTH MINERALS DEAL WILL LEAD TO 'SUSTAINABLE' FUTURE BETWEEN US, UKRAINE

"Have you've ever been to Ukraine that you say what problems we have?" Zelenskyy shot back. 

"I've actually watched and seen the stories and I know that what happens is you bring people, you bring them on a propaganda tour," Vance continued. "Mr. President. Do you disagree that you've had problems bringing people into your military? And do you think that it's respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to trying to prevent the destruction of your country?" 

Zelenskyy continued that under war, "everybody has problems, even you" and that the U.S. would feel the war "in the future."

TRUMP SAYS MINERALS DEAL HAS BEEN ‘PRETTY MUCH’ NEGOTIATED WITH ZELENSKYY, MEETING SLATED FOR FRIDAY

"You don't know that," Trump responded as Zelenskyy said "God bless you" to Trump.

"Don't tell us what we're going to feel. We're trying to solve a problem. Don't tell us what we're going to feel," Trump continued. 

"You are in no position to dictate that, remember that," Trump said, as Zelenskyyy defended that he was simply answering Vance's questions. 

"I feel we're going to feel very good, very strong," Trump said. "You're right now not in a very good position. You've allowed yourself to be in a very bad position." 

"You don't have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards," Trump continued, as Zelesnkyy said, "I'm not playing cards."

TRUMP AND ZELENSKYY WAR OF WORDS HEATS UP EVEN AS US LOOKS TO WIND DOWN WAR IN UKRAINE 

"Yeah you're playing cards," Trump said. "You're gambling with the lives of millions of people. You're gambling with World War III. You're gambling with World War III. And what you're doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country."

Vance interjected, asking Zelenskyy if he's "said thank you once this entire meeting."

"You went to Pennsylvania and campaigned for the opposition in October, offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America and the president who's trying to save your country," Vance continued. 

The Ukraine leader argued Vance was speaking "loudly," before Trump shot back that Vance was not speaking loudly.

"Your country is in big trouble," Trump said. "Wait a minute. No, no, you've done a lot of talking. Your country is in big trouble." 

TRUMP SAYS UKRAINE RARE EARTH MINERALS DEAL WILL LEAD TO 'SUSTAINABLE' FUTURE BETWEEN US, UKRAINE

Zelenskyy traveled to the U.S. Friday to meet with Trump at the White House after Trump said Thursday that a peace negotiation to end the war between Ukraine and Russia is in its final stages. The Trump administration is also working to ink an agreement with Ukraine that would allow the U.S. access to Ukraine’s minerals in exchange for support the U.S. has offered the nation since war broke out in 2022, as part of the peace deal. 

Trump also remarked during his remarks to the media that a trilateral meeting between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the U.S., would be no "love match" and likely be difficult. 

"They don't like each other, I can tell you that, it's not a love match," Trump told the media when asked how he envisions a trilateral meeting between the U.S.-Russia-Ukraine.

Fox News Digital's Diana Stancy contributed to this report. 

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Gene Hackman dead at 95: His life in photos

See photos chronicling Gene Hackman's iconic movie career and accolades.

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Bipartisan bill promises more resources at ports to fight fentanyl smuggling, speed up wait times

As drug smuggling attempts persist at ports of entry along the southern border, a bipartisan duo in the House of Representatives is proposing legislation to make it easier for U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents to do their jobs.

 H.R. 1924, the Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade (BEST) Facilitation Act, would make sure image technicians and supervisors are hired at the ports to more closely examine cargo scans, a policy that proponents believe would speed up wait times and make it easier to catch drugs like fentanyl from heading into the U.S. 

The goal is to create a specific role for scanning to make it easier on already strained agents.

"The majority of the fentanyl that is intercepted is at the ports of entry because of the technology that we have," Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., who drafted H.R. 1924, told Fox News Digital. "Also because of the way that fentanyl looks and the way it gets transported, which are small pills and they can fit pretty much anywhere."

MEXICAN DRUG CARTEL LEADER EXTRADITED TO THE US TO FACE FEDERAL DRUG TRAFFICKING CHARGES

"Cars are taken apart and rebuilt around the fentanyl there. So when you've got these kinds of training positions, that enhances the security at the port of entry," the Arizona Republican continued, adding that the legislation comes from an idea floated by authorities on the ground. 

Much of the known drug trafficking done across the border is through the ports. The majority of convictions in recent years for smuggling fentanyl specifically have been American citizens, according to the U.S. Sentencing Commission.

"Through this kind of scanning process where goods are flowing back and forth, we can prevent the crossing of illegal drugs and also speed up the process of the legal goods coming in," Ciscomani said. He also noted that the legislation could make certain ports optimal for increasing trade and reduce wait times, which could be hours.

BLUE STATE SHERIFF UNLEASHES ON 'UN-AMERICAN' SANCTUARY LAWS, MAKES SPECIAL OFFER TO HOMAN

The influx of migrants during the Biden administration put a strain on resources at the ports, which even led to longer lines as authorities were also trying to handle the wave of people crossing into the nation illegally. Despite the obstacles, CBP still seized over 21,000 pounds of fentanyl and over 158,000 pounds of meth along the southern border in fiscal year 2024 alone, according to the agency's data.

"When I think about Eastern North Carolina and so many families being devastated in particular by the fentanyl crisis, we have to do something. We have to take urgent steps. We have to, you know, put aside the partisan politics because this is hitting home literally. So when I went to the border, taking three trips to the border, and in particular the Tucson sector," Rep. Don Davis, D-N.C., who's co-sponsoring the legislation, told Fox News Digital.

"They're gonna be able to do more inspections, and I believe that this is a pathway of actually saving lives," Davis added.

DHS SEC NOEM DOUBLES DOWN ON CALLS FOR ILLEGAL MIGRANTS TO SELF-DEPORT, ANNOUNCES ENFORCEMENT OF REGISTRY

H.R. 1294 has been referred to the House Homeland Security Committee, and it comes at a time when the Trump administration is undertaking a full-scale crackdown on the border crisis, which has led to praise from Republicans and backlash from Democrats. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that only 200 people were encountered by CBP trying to illegally cross on Saturday, the lowest daily figure in 15 years. 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids are ongoing across the country, with some even being held at Guantanamo Bay, and troops were sent down to the southern border shortly after President Donald Trump took office last month.

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Meanwhile, the overall conversation remains heated on Capitol Hill. Democratic Rep. Janelle Bynum slammed another bill by Ciscomani, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Safety Act, as akin to the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 for ramping up penalties for those "intentionally fleeing" law enforcement near the border. Yet, the bill ended up passing with some bipartisan support. 

There have been some bright spots of compromise despite broader disputes on the issue across the nation as well. Arizona Republican lawmakers and Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes are supporting a state bill that would give permission to local authorities to shoot down drones suspected of being operated by the cartels, which would likely hinder one tool the organizations use to smuggle illicit drugs. 

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Trump official says Ukraine mineral deal is 'win-win' financial opportunity for US taxpayers, Ukrainians

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent lauded the pending Trump-backed deal with Ukraine for access to the country's rare earth minerals as a "win-win" for both nations, telling Fox News' Maria Bartiromo the deal could set Ukraine on a "great growth trajectory" that also benefits U.S. taxpayers.

"The first part of this is a partnership between Ukraine and the U.S. that involves strategic minerals, energy and state-owned enterprises, where we set up a partnership, and we are only looking forward," Bessent said during this week's "Sunday Morning Futures."

"We make money if the Ukrainian people make money, and I believe that with the United States of America, our businesses are willing to come in and provide capital that we can accelerate the Ukrainian growth trajectory and take in substantial monies for the U.S. taxpayers and get the Ukrainian economy on a great growth trajectory."

TRUMP SAYS DEAL WITH UKRAINE FOR US ACCESS TO ITS RARE EARTH MINERALS IS ‘PRETTY CLOSE’

Bessent cited a Russian missile barrage on Kyiv ahead of his recent visit to Ukraine as a signal of Russian leadership's opposition to the deal. He suggested Russia's apparent opposition means Ukrainians should favor it instead.

President Trump said Friday that his administration is nearing a deal with Ukraine for rights to access their natural resources in exchange for the United States’ billions of dollars in support for the country's war against Russia.

Bessent elaborated on the deal's contents Sunday, saying it does not include a "military guarantee," but that it does guarantee U.S. investment in Ukraine's economic future. 

ZELENSKYY NOT YET SIGNING US ECONOMIC AGREEMENT ‘SHORT-SIGHTED,' WHITE HOUSE OFFICIAL SAYS

"I call it an economic security guarantee. The more assets that U.S. companies have on the ground, the bigger interest that the U.S. has in the future of Ukrainian economy doing well, the more security it creates for the Ukrainian people and the higher the return for the U.S. taxpayer," he said.

He expects Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to sign the deal despite putting some "daylight" between his country and the U.S.

Fox News' Brie Stimson contributed to this report.

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New Small Business Administration chief goes viral as she tours empty cubes, announces return to office

The recently confirmed head of the Small Business Administration (SBA), Kelly Loeffler, released a video tour of her agency on Friday, showcasing empty offices in a call for government workers to return to in-person work. 

"It's my second day here at the SBA," Loeffler said. "I could not be more excited to be here. So I thought I'd take a walk. And what I found is that exactly what's been said is true. About 90 percent of our employees are working from home. Well, that ends Monday with President Trump's order to return to work."

The video has picked up over 17 million views on X. 

SENATE CONFIRMS KELLY LOEFFLER TO LEAD SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

"The problem with work from home in the federal government is that the employees cannot be fired," former Deputy Assistant Secreatry of the Interior Department, Jeremy Carl, wrote on X Saturday. "When you don’t have to show up to the office, and there is no accountability for your performance [and] that is a recipe for disaster." 

"No one at work," billionaire and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) chief Elon Musk wrote.

Musk's post brought criticism from some commentators. 

Market researcher Anna Matson defended work-from-home policies in a post Friday. "This is one of the worst Trump policies" Matson wrote. "There used to be one parent at home and one that worked. Now, both parents must work to survive. Adding 2-3 hours a day to their workday significantly reduces time with their family. If we want to support families, work from home when feasible should remain."

TOP REPUBLICAN URGES NEW SBA CHIEF TAKE 'DOGE' ACTIONS AGAINST BIDEN-ERA ELECTIONEERING, COVID LOAN CLAIMS

Republicans in Congress have requested that Loeffler use her authority as the new SBA chief to provide answers on alleged taxpayer-funded electioneering in swing states and the failure to actively recoup fraudulent or misappropriated COVID relief funds.

Fox News' Charles Creitz contributed to this report. 

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Rand Paul endorses Trump 3 months after Election Day, admits 'I was wrong'

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., endorsed President Donald Trump in a Wednesday post on X, making the unorthodox announcement more than three months after Election Day 2024.

When making the announcement, Paul pointed to Trump's cabinet picks and a Truth Social post in which the commander in chief blasted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"A few people may have noticed that I resisted an enthusiastic endorsement of Donald Trump during the election. But now, I’m amazed by the Trump cabinet (many of whom I would have picked). I love his message to the Ukrainian warmongers, and along with his DOGE initiative shows I was wrong to withhold my endorsement," Paul declared in the tweet.

RAND PAUL RECOILS AT TRUMP'S GAZA TAKEOVER PLANS: ‘I THOUGHT WE VOTED FOR AMERICA FIRST’

"So today, admittedly a little tardy, I give Donald Trump my enthusiastic endorsement! (Too little too late some will say, but, you know, it is sincere, there is that.)," he added. "Don’t expect this endorsement to be fawning. I still think tariffs are a terrible idea, but Dios Mio, what courage, what tenacity. Go @realDonaldTrump Go!" 

The senator enthusiastically supported Trump's choice to tap former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence and former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

RAND PAUL OPPOSES PRESIDENT TRUMP'S LABOR SECRETARY PICK LORI CHAVEZ-DEREMER

But Paul has indicated that he will not support Trump's pick for Labor Department secretary, former Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer.

Paul issued an anti-endorsement of former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley ahead of the Iowa Republican caucuses last year.

PRO-UNION TRUMP NOMINEE FACES SENATE GRILLING AS AT LEAST ONE REPUBLICAN VOWS TO OPPOSE HER

While he stopped short of endorsing Trump ahead of the 2024 contest, he noted during an interview last year on "Honestly with Bari Weiss" that he would vote for Trump over then-Vice President Kamala Harris.

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VP JD Vance speaks on ‘fundamental goal’ of Trump administration at CPAC address

Speaking at the opening session of the Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) on Thursday morning, Vice President JD Vance touted the Trump administration’s success in its first month of restoring "safety and prosperity" to the American people, which he said is the president’s "fundamental goal."

A week after his fiery speech to European political leaders in Munich, Germany, Vance spoke before a packed house at National Harbor, Maryland, in a conversation-style address with a CPAC organizer.

He said Trump recognizes that "we have a historical mandate on a few issues," which he said were cracking down on illegal immigration, restoring American energy dominance and cutting the rampant waste of taxpayer dollars through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He quipped that in his first 30 days in office, President Donald Trump signed "more executive orders than CNN has viewers."

ACTIVISTS IN MEXICO REPORT FLOW OF MIGRANTS HAS 'ENORMOUSLY DECREASED' ONE MONTH INTO TRUMP ADMIN

Addressing the migrant crisis, Vance said: "We have to secure the southern border and thanks to [Trump’s] actions, border crossings are down well over 90% and we're just getting started."

On the heels of the administration designating several migrant criminal groups – including Tren de Aragua and MS-13 – as foreign terrorist organizations, Vance said Trump’s message to migrant criminals is "get the hell out of our country because your free ride is over… you’re not welcome."

Regarding American energy and the economy, Vance said Trump "recognizes that we have to really unlock the engine of American growth."

"We've got to get back to having a growing economy that creates good jobs and high wages for the American people and a lot of that goes back to ‘drill, baby, drill,’" he said as the crowd broke into applause.

TRUMP EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION PUTS EMPLOYERS ‘ON NOTICE’ TO STOP ‘ANTI-AMERICAN BIAS’

The vice president also criticized wasteful government spending under the Biden administration.

"Why are we spending money on progressive, modern art projects centered around toilets in Afghanistan? That's actually something that your tax dollars were funding until very recently," he said. "And I think all of us are sitting around and asking, 'What the hell are we doing with the American people's money for the last four years?'"

"It is easy, unfortunately, to burn the house down. It takes a little bit of time to build it back up and that’s what we have to do," he continued.

"Look, the fundamental goal of our immigration policy, of our border policy, of DOGE saving taxpayer money, the fundamental goal is we want your children and grandchildren to be able to raise a family in security and comfort in the country that we all love," he explained. "That is the whole goal of President Trump's agenda."

PRESIDENT TRUMP: FOUNDING FATHERS ‘SPINNING IN THEIR GRAVES’ BECAUSE OF BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP ABUSE

Vance received a massive standing ovation after the CPAC organizer mentioned his Munich speech, in which he spoke about the need for Europe to follow Trump’s example of restricting illegal immigration and restoring free speech.

"We cannot rebuild Western civilization; we cannot rebuild the United States of America or Europe by letting millions and millions of unvetted illegal migrants come into our country. It has to stop. Thank God it stopped here. But it's got to stop there," he said.

"The Biden administration did more to destroy free speech, not just in the United States, but also in Europe, than any administration in American history," he went on. "I'm not even blaming the Europeans. I'm actually saying you followed the lead of Joe Biden into censorship and mass migration. Follow the lead of Donald J. Trump and that's free speech, borders and sovereignty. That is the future for our shared civilization."

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'Death of DEI': GOP senator expected to take victory lap against 'wokeness' in CPAC speech

EXCLUSIVE: Indiana Republican Sen. Jim Banks is set to deliver a speech to conservatives on Thursday declaring victory over "wokeness" and making the case that the "Golden Age of America" ushered in by President Trump will mean the "death" of DEI. 

"Despite how extensively DEI polluted our institutions, President Trump, with the swipe of his pen, dismantled this Marxist ideology from the halls of our government," Banks, who founded the Anti-Woke Caucus during his time in the House, is expected to tell the audience at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland on Thursday, Fox News Digital has learned. 

"DEI is the biggest threat to the American Dream, but the Golden Age of America means the death of DEI."

Banks' speech states that Democrats in the United States have attempted to "sabotage" institutions with "wokeness" as their "primary weapon" meant to "nuke" American culture while eroding society. 

STATE TAKES ON 'WOKE' LANGUAGE, INTRODUCES BILL TO BAN TERMS SUCH AS 'PREGNANT PERSON' AND 'CHESTFEEDING'

"Putting up a fight against this kind of poison requires courageous action," Banks will say. "That’s exactly what President Trump has done."

Since taking office, Trump has acted to fulfill campaign promise to remove DEI policies from the federal government that critics for several years have argued shift the focus away from meritocracy and, as a result, make the country less safe and less effective. 

'WOKE IS THEIR GOD': EX-DEM FUNDRAISER SAYS PARTY 'IN SHAMBLES' AFTER 2024 ELECTION LOSSES

Included in those actions were executive orders in the early days of Trump's presidency banning "radical gender ideology" and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives from all branches of the U.S. military.

In an executive order dubbed "Restoring America's Fighting Force," Trump stated that DEI programs have undermined "leadership, merit and unit cohesion, thereby eroding lethality and force readiness" and have "violated Americans' consciences by engaging in invidious race and sex discrimination."

"Maybe most importantly, DEI has been uprooted from our military," Banks will tell the crowd at CPAC. "Under Biden, our armed forces were wasting precious time and taxpayer resources running social experiments. Do you think China’s military is worried about filling diversity quotas and making sure everyone’s pronouns and delusions are respected?"

"No. As an Afghanistan veteran, I can tell you that diversity, in and of itself, provides no strategic advantage. In fact, holding up diversity as some sort of moral virtue is a deadly distraction. Under President Trump, we’re rightfully refocusing our military on lethality. Because that’s what keeps us safe."

Additionally, Trump's partnership with Tesla CEO Elon Musk to slash waste with DOGE has resulted in DEI-related cuts in the federal government, including the Department of Education, which said last week it canceled nearly $350 million in "woke" spending.

The agency canceled 10 contracts with Regional Educational Laboratories (REL), totaling $336 million, after a review of the contracts uncovered "wasteful and ideologically driven spending not in the interest of students and taxpayers," a news release stated. 

"The Education Department under President Trump has given schools 14 days to end any practice that treats students differently because of their race or lose federal funding," Banks will say. "A huge blow to DEI and a massive win for our kids."

While Banks believes that Trump has "put his foot on the neck of woke and driven a stake through the heart of those who hate America," he warns in his speech that Congress still has work to do on the issue and specifically railed against "weak Republicans on our side."

"Congress needs to do its job and reinforce the successes that President Trump and his administration have accomplished," Banks said. "We need legislation to codify and extend his transformative executive orders."

"We have no time for wimpy Republicans. The New Right merges true conservatism with the interests of the people. President Trump and his administration boldly embody this new party."

Fox News Digital's Elizabeth Pritchett contributed to this report

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Man plans 'extended' travel after winning lottery by playing same numbers for years

A man in Wayne County, Michigan won over a million dollars in the lottery after playing the same numbers year after year — and said he now plans on taking an "extended family vacation."  

The man, 54, who did not reveal his identity, told the Michigan Lottery that his $1.3 million jackpot win was a "dream come true." 

His winning ticket was drawn on Jan. 8.

LOTTERY WINNER WON'T GIVE BROTHER BIG CHUNK OF MONEY AS FAMILY IS TORN APART: 'ACCUSED ME OF BEING SELFISH'

He bought the winning Lotto 47 ticket at a liquor store in Taylor, Michigan, southwest of Detroit. 

"I have played this set of numbers for four years," the winner told the Michigan Lottery. "I scanned my ticket on the Lottery app and saw the confetti fly."

His winning numbers were 04-08-17-28-36-43. He did not tell the Michigan Lottery how he came up with those numbers — or whether he plans to continue playing them now that he's won the jackpot. 

Winning, said the man, "is a great feeling and gives me and my family financial freedom."

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The winner chose to receive his jackpot winnings in the form of a lump sum of $901,000, said the Michigan Lottery. 

He plans on paying bills in addition to going on an "extended" vacation with his family.

In 2024, eight players won the Lotto 47 jackpot, Michigan Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli said in a press release published by the Michigan Lottery.

"It looks like that luck is continuing into 2025! Congratulations to the lucky player and his family on their big win," said Shkreli. 

The Lotto 47 game costs $1 per play. Winners are drawn on Wednesdays and Saturdays. 

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Each player selects six numbers from one to 47, said the Michigan Lottery's website.

The jackpot begins at $1 million and grows until it is won. 

The Michigan Lottery began in 1972 and supports the state's public schools, said its website.

Since its founding, more than $28 billion has gone to the School Aid Fund, said Michigan Lottery.

"We are proud to support the education of Michigan's children, which is our primary mission," said the website. 

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Green New Headache: Dems flee gov’s green ‘Energy Master Plan’ as election approaches

A prominent New Jersey Democrat running for governor this year publicly split from leftist Gov. Phil Murphy’s green "Energy Master Plan" as Garden State residents brace for 20% or worse increases in utility costs by summertime.

Former state Senate President Steve Sweeney called for an immediate halt to Murphy’s comprehensive roadmap to 100% clean energy by 2050, saying his "foremost priority" if elected is to make the notoriously pricy state an affordable place to live.

"The recent increases in utility bills demonstrate how overly ambitious targets for a zero-carbon future can negatively impact our residents. We need to take a step back and reassess policies that could drive costs even higher," Sweeney said on NJ-101.5FM.

Rate hikes of 17-21% can be expected throughout the state, via Jersey Central Power & Light, Atlantic City Electric, PSEG and New York-based Rockland Electric, according to 101.5. 

NJ RESIDENTS HIT WITH DOUBLED UTILITY BILLS AS LAWMAKERS FUME OVER MURPHY'S ‘ENERGY DISASTER PLAN’

In a further statement, Sweeney noted he previously sponsored legislation on solar power development, offshore windmills and reducing New Jersey’s reliance on fossil fuels. He also has encouraged building up the state’s EV infrastructure and promoting EV sales.

But, the Democrat appeared to split with some on his side of the aisle by expressing an openness to pursue natural gas as a cleaner fuel source than oil.

"With our abundant organic resources – from landfills and sewage to farms and food waste – New Jersey has a unique opportunity to harness [natural gas] to generate gas to meet our energy needs," Sweeney said.

"We must also acknowledge and make effective use of the substantial investments that have been made in our pipeline infrastructure, which represents a commitment that should not be disregarded."

Meanwhile, state Sen. Jon Bramnick, R-Scotch Plains, told Fox News Digital on Wednesday that Sweeney’s public stance shows the left’s green energy plans are "too extreme, even for Democrats."

GOP LAWMAKER TORCHES OFFSHORE WIND PROJECTS AS MAYOR WARNS OF 'STAR WARS' BACKDROPS

The term-limited Murphy’s plan "wasn’t practical," said Bramnick, a top candidate on the GOP side to replace him.

"Sometimes, Democrats become more political than practical – and that's kind of why they’re having more trouble at the polls."

"I think their heart might be in the right place, but they lack some practical common sense," Bramnick said.

In a prior interview on Trenton's green energy efforts, lawmakers such as state Sen. Mike Testa, R-Vineland, derided the idea as the "Energy Disaster Plan."

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"Quite frankly, what I think happened is, via the Murphy Energy Master Plan that I've often called the energy disaster plan, it seemed that the BPU (New Jersey Board of Public Utilities) and the Murphy administration are working in tandem chasing this green energy dream…. It's a green energy nightmare," Testa said at the time.

For his part, Murphy has defended his plan, saying it "comprehensively addresses New Jersey’s energy system, including electricity generation, transportation and buildings, and their associated greenhouse gas emissions and related air pollutants."

Fox News Digital also reached out to prominent Democratic candidate Steve Fulop, the mayor of Jersey City, and Republican Edward Durr, better known in New Jersey as "Ed the Trucker."

In Janurary, Fulop released a dozen-page outline of his "environmental and sustainability policy goals," and has touted Jersey City's advancements in energy and sustainability endeavors.

Durr, who was then a newcomer to politics, notably engineered the 2021 upset win against Sweeney in Gloucester County that drew national attention.

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DOGE needs to 'cut deeper' and must ‘keep slashing’ to succeed, says Kevin O’Leary

O'Leary Ventures Chairman Kevin O'Leary shot down concerns about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on Tuesday, claiming the newly formed government entity needs to cut spending more quickly for optimal success.

"I think the issue is they're not whacking enough. There's this concept in private equity when you get a bankrupt company and you go in there, you cut 20% more than your initial read, and then you find, like a pool of mercury, the organization gels back together again," O'Leary said during an appearance on "CNN NewsNight With Abby Phillip."

"Always cut deeper, harder when there's fat and waste," he continued.

ACTING HEAD OF SOCIAL SECURITY QUITS AFTER CLASH WITH DOGE OVER DATA: REPORT

The prolific investor described government agencies as "big fat chickens" dripping over "barbecues of fat" and said he does not believe waste is being removed fast enough.

"They're not cutting enough. Keep slashing. Keep hacking while you have a 24-month mandate before the midterms. Cut, cut, cut, cut, cut, cut. More, more cutting. Believe me, it's going to work out just great. Everybody should be happy about it," O'Leary said.

When CNN anchor Sara Sidner asked if even people with nuclear codes should be gutted as part of cost-cutting efforts, O'Leary said that anyone who cannot show what they are doing or how they are adding value should be put on the chopping block.

Elon Musk is leading DOGE to aggressively slash government waste in federal spending under President Donald Trump.

ELON MUSK SAYS MILLIONS IN SOCIAL SECURITY DATABASE ARE BETWEEN AGES OF 100 AND 159

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The department was created via executive order and is a temporary organization within the White House that will spend 18 months carrying out its mission.

The group has faced criticism over its access to federal systems, including the Treasury Department's payment system, as well as moves to cancel federal contracts and make cuts at various agencies.

Attorneys general from 14 states are suing to block DOGE from accessing federal data, arguing Musk and Trump's administration have engaged in illegal executive overreach.

The newly formed cost-cutting agency scored a win on Friday when a federal judge in Washington declined a request to temporarily block it from accessing sensitive data from the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Fox News' Greg Wehner contributed to this report.

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Toronto plane crash survivor describes 'mayhem' after terrified passengers hung upside down on Delta jet

A passenger from the Delta Air Lines plane that crashed in Toronto recalled the harrowing moment the aircraft hit the runway and flipped over, propelling passengers into the air while they hung from their seat belts. 

Peter Koukov, who was traveling from Denver to Toronto on Monday, caught the moments after the crash-landing on camera as passengers de-boarded the aircraft. He joined "America's Newsroom" to discuss the the harrowing incident. 

TORONTO PLANE CRASH TIMELINE: DELTA FLIGHT FROM MINNEAPOLIS FLIPS UPSIDE DOWN WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LAND

"Basically, we hit the ground and kind of just bounced up and turned on our side and were sliding on our side for a while," Koukov told Dana Perino on Tuesday. "Honestly, not as long as I thought we were going to slide for, and then we ended up upside down and we were… hanging by our seat belts upside down for a second."

"We made it off safely," he continued. "Everyone is alive, thankfully."

The CRJ-900 jet, which was bound for Toronto Pearson International Airport, had departed from Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport on Monday. 

The Federal Aviation Administration said all 80 people aboard the jet were evacuated, as images also showed the aircraft belly up in the snow at Toronto's airport. Before the crash, high winds and drifting snow reportedly had already prompted flight delays and cancelations at Pearson. 

"There was no warning from the pilot," Koukov said. "There was no… physical warning either. I didn't feel like anything was wrong until kind of just like the second the wheels touched the ground… It all kind of went mayhem from there."

Air traffic control audio released after the crash depicts officials describing how the plane was "ups-side-down and burning" on the tarmac.

PLANE CRASHES SPARK RENEWED FEAR OF FLYING: 10 CAUSES OF AVIATION DISASTERS

Delta Air Lines said "18 customers with injuries" had been transported to area hospitals. At least three people suffered critical but not life-threatening injuries, a spokesperson for the paramedic service that was on scene told Fox News Digital. 

Two patients were taken by air ambulance to two different trauma centers – Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center and St. Michael’s Hospital – in Toronto. A child, about four years old, was transported to The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

"You're kind of just hanging suspended," Koukov said. "Me and that girl next to me were… able to get out pretty quickly and kind of like climb… sort of fall down to the ground, which was in the ceiling. And then other people kind of needed some help and people were sort of falling. But I don't think anyone… was hurt by getting down from their seat belts."

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is expected to take the lead. 

"The hearts of the entire global Delta family are with those affected by today’s incident at Toronto-Pearson International Airport," Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in a statement. 

"I want to express my thanks to the many Delta and Endeavor team members and the first responders on site. We are working to confirm the details and will share the most current information on news.delta.com as soon as it becomes available. In the meantime, please take care and stay safe."

Fox News' Danielle Wallace, Sarah Rumpf-Whitten and the Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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Georgia high school wrestler suffers broken neck in ‘freak accident’ at state championships

A Georgia high school wrestler is facing a long recovery after he suffered a broken neck in a "freak accident" during a state championship tournament earlier this week. 

Dominic Haines, a Jefferson High School senior, suffered a broken neck in the final seconds of his quarterfinal match of the GHSA Traditional Wrestling State Championships in Macon, Georgia, on Thursday. 

Assistant wrestling coach Matthew Seaman called it a "freak accident," telling FOX 5 Atlanta that it happened after his opponent performed a legal takedown. 

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"It's a heartbreaking situation all in all for both sides, obviously for us, but definitely for this opponent who did absolutely nothing wrong," he told the station.

"This has been years in the works for him," Seaman added. "Dom's come up through the youth program at Jefferson, the middle school program, and the high school program; this is a true family. This was his year, everything was coming together." 

Dominic’s father, Zach Haines, provided updates about his son’s condition in a series of Facebook posts. 

WASHINGTON MAN FACES ASSAULT CHARGES AFTER ALLEGEDLY ATTACKING TEEN REFEREES DURING SON'S HOCKEY GAME

He said after the accident, Dominic had "no feeling from the shoulders down." 

Dominic underwent surgery on Thursday, which his father said went "according to plan."

In his latest update on social media, Haines said his son has shown positive signs of recovery with some feeling in his lower half. Dominic will undergo another surgery later this week "to fuse the vertebrae from the back since the muscles and ligaments were all completely torn," his father said in a recent update.

Haines said if his son continues to progress, he could be transferred to a rehabilitation center in a week. 

A GoFundMe campaign for Dominic has raised over $62,000 as of Tuesday. 

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Elon Musk's 1-word reaction to Trump's Daytona 500 lap in 'The Beast'

Elon Musk, the billionaire mogul in charge of Tesla, X, SpaceX and the Department of Government Efficiency, had one word to describe President Donald Trump's time at NASCAR’s Daytona 500.

Trump was a fixture in the pre-race festivities on Sunday. He rode in "The Beast" as it went around Daytona International Speedway for one lap. He also had a special message for the drivers, which was broadcast on their radios before the green flag flew.

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"This is your favorite president. I’m a big fan," he said. "I’m a really big fan of you people. (How) you do this, I don’t know. But I just want you to be safe. You’re talented people and great people and great Americans. Have a good day. Have a lot of fun and I’ll see you later."

Musk reacted on X.

"Awesome," he wrote.

Trump and the contingency of people who flew on Air Force One with him for the race were three for a few laps. However, rain delayed the restart for a few hours.

It was William Byron who drove his car to Victory Lane on Sunday night. It was the second straight year he won the Daytona 500.

RYAN PREECE THOUGHT OF DAUGHTER AS CAR FLEW THROUGH AIR IN SCARY WRECK AT DAYTONA 500

Trump applauded the courage drivers have going at speeds of nearly 200 mph to win a race.

"They have a lot of courage doing this. I see it, and I’ve been here," the president told FOX Sports’ Jamie Little. "They have a lot of guts, as they would say."

Trump, who was joined on the track by his granddaughter, highlighted the progress of the United States since he started his second term as president.

"I think it’s fantastic. I think it’s great for the country," he said. "The country is doing well again. We have spirit all over the world. There’s spirit again, we brought it back and it’s been less than four weeks. You’ll see what we do in a little period of time. It’s gonna only get better. But this is very exciting."

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Justin Baldoni surfs in Hawaii as Blake Lively legal battle rages on

Justin Baldoni has escaped to paradise as his legal battle with Blake Lively rages on.  

The 41-year-old actor - who was accused of sexual harassment, retaliation and infliction of emotional distress in a December lawsuit filed by Lively - was seen surfing in Hawaii this week. 

In a photograph obtained by Fox News Digital, Baldoni seemed relaxed and in good spirits as he casually rode the waves. 

BLAKE LIVELY'S CLASH WITH JUSTIN BALDONI ‘FATALLY COMPROMISED’ HIS CAREER: EXPERT

The vacation comes nearly two months after Lively filed her lawsuit on December 31. 

Though the actor seems unbothered, sources close to the director told Fox News Digital that Lively's claims have since cost him three jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars.

"Justin Baldoni's career is going to nosedive because of this legal battle," Ryan McCormick, a Reputation Management Expert & Managing Partner at Goldman McCormick PR, told Fox News Digital.

BLAKE LIVELY VS. JUSTIN BALDONI: EVERYTHING TO KNOW

"It's not because of his acting ability or following," he continued. "Even if all accusations are proven false, I think in the eyes of studios, he's radioactive. Entertainment companies take a risk on each film, not knowing if it will connect with the masses. With Baldoni, there's now added perils of not knowing if another legal battle will manifest with his future co-stars."

"In addition, the actor has run awry with one of Hollywood's most powerful couples," he added. "Their sphere of influence goes far beyond what the public sees. I can see Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds subtly letting film studios know that they will not do business with them if they do business with Baldoni."

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"Also, Lively has 44M followers on Instagram and [Ryan] Reynolds (Lively's husband) has 53 million. Baldoni has 4 million. For all the negative press Lively has gotten in the past year, she can recover from this legal hurricane. Baldoni's brand and marketability have unfortunately been fatally compromised," he concluded.

In December, Lively detailed allegations of sexual harassment, retaliation, intentional affliction of emotional distress, negligence and more against Baldoni and film producer Jamey Heath in a complaint first filed with the California Civil Rights department and later in federal court in December. 

In response, Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds, accusing them of civil extortion and defamation. 

His team then released unedited footage from the set of "It Ends With Us" that they claim refutes Lively's previous accusations of sexual harassment. However, Lively's legal team claims the footage bolsters the actress's allegations. 

After the release, Lively's legal team demanded a gag order be issued against Baldoni's lawyer. 

WATCH: JUSTIN BALDONI RELEASES UNEDITED 'IT ENDS WITH US' FOOTAGE FEATURING BLAKE LIVELY

On Jan. 23, Baldoni's lawyers filed a response, calling Lively's gag order attempt an "intimidation tactic" and "tactical gamesmanship."

Baldoni and Lively's legal teams were in federal court on Feb. 3 where the judge ordered that they follow the New York Rules of Professional Conduct, which limit speaking to the press.

Neither party will be permitted to make statements to the press that have a "substantial likelihood" of prejudicing a jury. However, the legal teams will be allowed to defend their client in the media against publicity not created by either side. 

Fox News Digital's Lauryn Overhultz and Tracy Wright contributed to this report. 

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This breakfast food might prevent colon cancer

A new study published on Feb. 12 says that eating yogurt could do more than just provide a delicious breakfast or snack – it could prevent colon cancer. 

In the study, which was published in the journal "Gut Biomes," doctors and scientists from Mass General Brigham examined two studies of more than 150,000 people who have been part of a cohort for at least 30 years. 

"We hypothesized that long-term yogurt intake might be associated with colorectal cancer incidence differentially by tumor subgroups according to the amount of tissue Bifidobacterium," said the study. 

​​MAHA MOVEMENT'S 'FOOD BABE' SHARES 5 NUTRITION TIPS FOR HEALTHIER EATING

Bifidobacterium is a bacterium that is normally found in yogurt. 

The study found that those who ate yogurt at least twice a week had "lower incidence of Bifidobacterium-positive proximal colon cancer" than those who ate it once a month or less.

"Our finding suggests that yogurt intake might have a cancer preventive effect for colorectal cancer with disrupted intestinal barrier," said the study. 

Dr. Tomotaka Ugai, one of the study's co-senior authors, told Fox News Digital he was not surprised by the results. Ugai is an instructor at Harvard Medical School and a faculty member of the Cancer Epidemiology Program at Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center. 

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"Based on this study and other studies, yogurt can be considered beneficial for health, including lowering risk of the colorectal cancer subtype," he said. 

The scientists found that eating yogurt may reduce the risk of colon cancer "through the modulation of intestinal microbiome, which is quite reasonable," Ugai added. 

If a person already regularly eats yogurt, said Ugai, they should continue to do so, and "maybe more than two servings a week," if they are concerned about preventing colorectal cancer. 

While eating yogurt was shown to be possibly beneficial to prevent colon cancer, a person should not feel as though they should force themselves to eat it if they do not like it, said Ugai. 

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"If you're not interested or you don't like yogurt, no worries," he said. "You don't need to have it. There are many other healthy dietary options, such as vegetables, fruits, etc., which you can have, alternatively." 

While Ugai told Fox News Digital that it was "difficult to say" if there were any products that would have a similar impact on the gut microbiome as yogurt does. 

A 2017 study, he said, linked diets that were "rich in whole grains and dietary fiber," to a reduction in tumors in the colon.

So if a person really does not like yogurt, they "can eat such healthy foods, such as whole grains and dietary fiber, instead," he said. 

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DOGE scores big court win, allowed access data on 3 federal agencies

A federal judge in Washington on Friday handed Elon Musk's government efficiency team a win by declining a request to temporarily block it from accessing sensitive data from at least three federal agencies.

Unions and nonprofits attempted to stop Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing records at the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

U.S. District Judge John Bates wrote in an opinion that the government was likely correct in categorizing DOGE as an agency, thereby allowing it to detail its staff to other government departments. 

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However, Bates called his finding a "close question," noting that the government did not want DOGE to be considered an agency for purposes of another federal law, which would subject it to open records requests.

Bates, who was appointed by President George W. Bush, said DOGE was a "Goldilocks entity: not an agency when it is burdensome but an agency when it is convenient."

"Plaintiffs have not shown a substantial likelihood that [DOGE] is not an agency. If that is so, [DOGE] may detail its employees to other agencies consistent with the Economy Act," he wrote in part.

The newly minted agency, a key promise of President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign, is aggressively slashing government waste when it comes to government spending. It was created via executive order and is a temporary organization within the White House that will spend 18 months carrying out its mission.

'WASTEFUL AND DANGEROUS': DOGE'S TOP FIVE MOST SHOCKING REVELATIONS

The Justice Department has argued that the DOGE personnel in question are "detailed" U.S. government employees who have access to the information under provisions of the Economy Act.

Musk hailed the decision by reposting the news on X with the caption: "LFG," an abbreviation for "Let’s f---ing go." 

Judge Bates suggested earlier Friday that DOGE's creation and its hierarchy were "odd," noting that it "was created in a way to get it out of OMB [Office of Management and Budget] and instead answering to the chief of staff of the president."

DOGE "took great effort to avoid being an agency, but in this case, you're an agency," he said of DOGE. "It just seems to strain credulity." 

Attorneys for unions representing Labor Department employees argued during last week's hearing that, absent court intervention, DOGE could access protected agency information, including the financial and medical records of millions of Americans, as well as employee safety and workplace complaints.

The plaintiffs noted that Labor Department systems contain sensitive information about investigations into Musk-owned companies Tesla and SpaceX, as well as information about trade secrets of competing companies, sparking concerns about Elon Musk's possible access to the information.

Attorney Mark Samburg argued that allowing DOGE access to this information could have a "chilling effect" on new employees coming forward, due to fear of unlawful disclosure or retaliation.

"The sensitive information of millions of people is currently at imminent risk of unlawful disclosure," Samburg said.

The plaintiffs had urged Judge Bates to grant a temporary request to block DOGE's access to the information, which they said would "force the agency to implement a more thoughtful process."

Separately, on Friday, a federal judge extended a temporary order blocking DOGE from accessing payment systems within the Treasury Department.

That extension came after 19 state attorneys general filed a lawsuit claiming DOGE illegally accessed the Treasury Department’s central payment system at the Trump administration’s behest.  

Fox News’ Brie Stimson and Reuters contributed to this report.

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Kid Rock leaves Bill Maher stunned after DEI hot take on Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show

Kid Rock left "Real Time" host Bill Maher stunned after a hot take on Kendrick Lamar's halftime performance at Super Bowl LIX, which he described as "the epitome of DEI blowing up," on HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher" on Friday.

Maher asked the legendary rock and roll artist what he thought of Lamar's halftime performance, and whether he agreed with others who complained about the performance being a DEI spectacle, featuring only artists of color: "What did you make of this year’s Super Bowl? You mentioned DEI. People complained about that." 

"To put it nicely, it wasn’t my cup of tea, but I got to respect it," said Kid Rock. "And here’s why: I grew up loving, emulating all things hip-hop, break dancing, deejaying, graffiti, rapping, and so I understand the culture a little bit more than most. And when I say most, of course, I mean white people."

KID ROCK WANTS TO 'UNITE THE COUNTRY,' SHARES PLANS TO CELEBRATE WITH 'LIKE-MINDED,' 'HARD-WORKING PATRIOTS'

He then explained how he related to Lamar's performance, pointing out that he also made a career of going against the grain and not caring about what others thought of his art.

Kid Rock performed at the 2004 halftime show with artists such as Janet Jackson, who stole the show that year with an infamous wardrobe malfunction.

"So watching it… after it’s a lot of things going through your head, you know, everyone’s like, ‘That sucks,’ this, that and the other. I’m like, this kid pretty much came out figuratively with both middle fingers in the air, doing what he does for the people who love what he does unapologetically. And I don’t think he gives a frog’s fat a** what anyone thinks about it. So I go, ‘huh.' It’s pretty much how I built my whole career. I gotta respect it," said Kid Rock.

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The rock and roll star then theorized about how Lamar got the opportunity in the first place, suggesting that former NFL quarterback Collin Kapernick paved the way for the rap artist to eventually take the stage at the Super Bowl.

"I've heard nobody answer this question: how did he get that gig? Jay-Z. What happened there? I think Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar should both send Colin Kaepernick a bundt cake and a six-pack of beer and a ‘thank you’ note with a bunch of money in it, because without him kneeling and getting everyone’s panties in a bunch over the anthem, self-included, I don’t think that happens," he claimed.

Before Maher could get a word in edgewise, Kid Rock claimed that Lamar's choice to select an all-Black cast for his performance was "the epitome of DEI blowing up" in the face of the NFL after years of pushing diversity.

"It’s like all Black people or all people of color speaking to his crowd in the hood, Black people. It was like the most exclusive thing ever and I’m like, ‘F*** yeah, that’s awesome.’ I’m laughing my ass off," said the rock artist, to the shock of Maher.

Maher was left momentarily speechless, fumbling over his words and giggling before changing the topic.

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Suspect in Munich car attack had 'Islamist motivation,' prosecutor says

The suspect accused of injuring more than 30 people in a car ramming attack in Munich, Germany, appears to have been motivated by Islamic extremism, prosecutors revealed Friday. 

The 24-year-old Afghan, a self-described bodybuilder and fitness model, was arrested Thursday after he drove his Mini Cooper into the back of a labor union demonstration. The incident unfolded near where world leaders — including Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — were expected to gather for the Munich Security Conference. 

Prosecutor Gabriele Tilmann said that the suspect said "Allahu Akbar," or "God is great," to police and then prayed after his arrest -- which prompted a department that investigates extremism and terror to take on the case immediately. 

In questioning, he admitted deliberately driving into the demonstration and "gave an explanation that I would summarize as religious motivation," Tilmann said, according to the Associated Press. "According to all we know at the moment, I would venture to speak of an Islamist motivation." 

CAR DRIVER IN MUNICH PLOWS INTO CROWD 

However, there were no indications the suspect was in any Islamic extremist organization, she reportedly added. 

Tilmann also announced Friday that the suspect, who arrived in Germany as an asylum-seeker in 2016 and lived in Munich, posted content with religious references — such as "Allah, protect us always" — on social media. 

The attack left 36 people injured, and the suspect is now facing 36 counts of attempted murder as well as bodily harm and dangerous interference with road traffic. 

PLANE CARRYING SECRETARY OF STATE RUBIO RESUMES FLIGHT TO MUNICH AFTER MECHANICAL ISSUE 

The deputy head of Bavaria's state criminal police office, Guido Limmer, said investigators found a chat, apparently with relatives, in which the suspect wrote "perhaps I won't be there anymore tomorrow," but so far they have found nothing that points to concrete preparations for the attack or anyone else being involved. 

The man had no previous convictions and had a valid residence permit. Tilmann also said there was no indication of mental illness. 

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier reportedly laid a flower at the attack scene Friday morning, where he condemned "the brutality of this act" and said that it "leaves us stunned." 

A spokesperson for the vice president told Fox News Digital on Tuesday that Vance and President Zelenskyy will meet on the sidelines of the conference, where the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is likely to be a focus.  

Fox News’ Rachel Wolf and Morgan Phillips contributed to this report.

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Dem mayor blasted for extending sympathy to suspect killed in officer-involved shooting: 'Lack of leadership'

Milwaukee's Democratic Mayor Cavalier Johnson deleted a social media post following an officer-involved shooting that said the suspect’s death was also a "tragedy," leading to criticism from the Milwaukee Police Association.

"My thoughts are with the [Milwaukee Police] officer shot in the line of duty today," the original X post stated. "The entire incident, including the death of the suspect, is a tragedy."

The new version of the post only includes the first line expressing concern for the police officer. 

The officer was allegedly shot by a suspect carrying a rifle before the suspect was slain by another officer, Fox 6 Milwaukee reported.

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"The original social media post was put up by a staff member.  When the Mayor saw it, he immediately insisted it be taken down. His sentiments are accurately expressed in the video that was posted," the mayor's office told Fox News Digital in an email.

"My thoughts are with that officer. My thoughts are with that officer's family. My thoughts are with the Milwaukee Police Department," Johnson said in the video referenced in his office's statement. "I'm grateful, and I know that the people of Milwaukee are grateful as well that there are so many brave men and women who are part of this force who put their own selves in the line of danger in order to make sure we have safety in this community."

A Johnson spokesperson told Wisconsin Right Now that "an appropriate reprimand is forthcoming" for the staffer who allegedly posted the original comment.

The Milwaukee Police Association said Johnson's original post was insulting to law enforcement.

"MPA President Alexander Ayala contacted the Mayor's office after seeing a social media post calling the death of a criminal who nearly killed one of our police officers today, a 'tragedy,'" the association wrote on Facebook. "While we accept the Mayor's apology that he made in a call to President Ayala, we must make it clear that this sentiment, even in error, insults every Milwaukee Police officer who puts their life on the line for the city."

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Officials and popular voices in the region also blasted the deleted post.

"Law Enforcement’s jobs are made harder by leaders like you who insult their service and sacrifice. A police officer almost didn’t go home today because he was shot by someone endangering his community. That is a tragedy, [mayor]," Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann posted.

"Your lack of leadership has created the environment for this to happen," he added.

"Yes, he really did call the death of a lowlife thug who shot and very nearly killed a Milwaukee Police officer a 'tragedy,'" Wisconsin-based radio personality Dan O'Donnell posted.

As of 2024, Milwaukee is considered one of the most dangerous cities in Wisconsin, according to SafeHome.org. Statistics from last year indicate that the murder rate in the city had a decline, but carjackings did see an increase, Fox 6 Milwaukee reported.

WISCONSIN MAN, DOG FOUND STABBED TO DEATH AT HOME HOURS AFTER POLICE RESPONDED TO POSSIBLE BREAK-IN

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Beef tallow sales resume after recall nationwide by USDA

A beef tallow company has resumed sales after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recalled over 30,000 pounds of its product due to a labeling issue.

Lady May Tallow is a Mississippi-based company that sells various beef tallow products, including skincare and candles. 

"On February 6th, we were notified of a labeling issue affecting our 24 oz. beef tallow for cooking," said a statement from Lady May Tallow that was provided to Fox News Digital. 

STEAK 'N SHAKE TO COOK FRIES IN BEEF TALLOW: 'AUTHENTIC WAY'

Lady May Tallow sold the products nationwide. 

"While the product itself remains completely safe and unaffected, the labeling required correction," said the statement. "As a result, our manufacturer, Common Sense Soap, initiated a voluntary recall to ensure compliance." 

Beef tallow is the fat that surrounds a cow's kidney. It can be used as an ingredient in cosmetics as well as in cooking. 

The labeling has since been updated and sales of the beef tallow resumed on Friday, Feb. 14, Chris McDonald, owner and founder of Lady May Tallow, told Fox News Digital.

MAHA INFLUENCER DEMANDS STRICTER SAFETY STANDARDS FOR US COSMETICS 

The recall only applied to a cooking tallow product, said the statement — not any of Lady May Tallow's other items. The tallow was sold in a variety of sizes. 

"If you purchased a 24 oz. beef tallow for cooking product between Oct. 16, 2024, and Feb. 6, 2025, and still have it in your possession, we ask that you dispose of it," said the statement. 

A person can receive a replacement by emailing a photo of the product along with a receipt to Lady May Tallow, the company said.

"We sincerely appreciate your understanding, patience, and continued support," said the statement from the company — which noted this has been a "valuable learning opportunity" and "one heck of a learning experience."

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The recalled products were produced for Lady May Tallow by Common Sense Soap, a New Hampshire-based company, said a Feb. 12 release by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The recalled tallow products did not have a USDA mark of inspection, and "Common Sense Soap does not possess a federal grant of inspection to produce food products," said the release. 

"FSIS discovered the problem following notification about the beef tallow products by a local health department," said the release. "It was determined that Lady May Tallow contracted Common Sense Soap to process, package and label the product."

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As the beef tallow products had nutritional labels, people would believe that the product is safe to eat, said FSIS. 

"Common Sense Soap does not possess a federal grant of inspection and is not authorized to produce products intended for human consumption," said the release.

There were no reports of any adverse reactions due to the beef tallow, said FSIS. 

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Team USA star Matthew Tkachuk delivers stern one-liner after Canadian fans boo during American national anthem

Team USA heard the boos loud and clear, and they weren’t happy about it. 

When they took the ice ahead of their matchup against Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off on Thursday night, they were vociferously booed by the Canadian fans. 

The booing continued during the "Star-Spangled Banner," as fans disregarded the request from the public address announcer asking fans to respect the United States and Finnish anthems. 

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"I didn’t like it. That’s all I got," Team USA star Matthew Tkachuk said postgame.

And Tkachuk played like someone who didn’t like it. 

Tkachuk scored two goals in Team USA’s 6-1 win. It was 2-1 going into the third period before Team USA erupted for four goals in the third period to break the game open. 

Tkachuk recently spoke about how "grateful" he is to be American during a visit to the White House. 

Tkachuk was part of the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup winning team last season. He spoke at the White House while the team was celebrating the victory with President Donald Trump. 

"Thank you, Mr. President, for having us today. We greatly appreciate it. Being one of the few Americans, who loves this country so much, it’s such an incredible day for myself. You wake up every day really grateful to be an American. So, thank you," Tkachuk said.

CANADIAN HOCKEY FANS BOO TEAM USA PLAYERS, NATIONAL ANTHEM AT 4 NATIONS TOURNAMENT IN MONTREAL

Since Trump’s threat to issue tariffs on Canada and even saying that the country could become the "51st state," it has been common for boos to be heard during the USA’s national anthem. 

Both Toronto Raptors and Ottawa Senators fans have booed the USA’s national anthem, since the tariffs were set to begin. 

Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke via phone last week just before additional 25% tariffs were to take effect on Canadian goods coming into the United States.

Trudeau said that Canada will implement a $1.3 billion border plan and appoint a fentanyl czar, in a post to X. 

Trump had promised to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian and Mexican goods, as well as a 10% tariff on Canadian energy, as he has long said the countries have not done enough at the borders. 

Trump said Mexico and Canada have failed to prevent the flow of illegal migrants and drugs, particularly fentanyl, into the United States. Trump also claims that the United States has subsidized Canada to the tune of $200 billion.

Team Canada and Team USA are the two favorites in the 4 Nations Face-Off and are set to play each for the first time on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET in Montreal. 

Canada won their first game, holding on against Sweden in a 4-3 overtime victory on Wednesday. 

Considering the bitter hockey rivalry between the two countries and the political dissension from Canada’s fans toward the U.S. right now, the booing could be thunderous during the "Star-Spangled Banner" on Saturday. 

Fox News' Louis Casano contributed to this report.

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New poll shows what Americans think of Trump's record setting first 3 weeks

President Donald Trump took to social media on Thursday morning to showcase his frenetic pace since reentering the White House on Jan. 20.

"THREE GREAT WEEKS, PERHAPS THE BEST EVER," the president touted.

Trump has signed 64 executive orders since his inauguration, according to a count from Fox News, which far surpasses the rate of any presidential predecessors during their first weeks in office.

While Trump is never shy about advertising his accomplishments, new polling indicates Americans are divided on the job the president is doing so far in his second administration.

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Trump stands at 48% approval and 47% disapproval in a national survey conducted for AARP.

The poll is the latest to indicate an early split when it comes to public opinion regarding Trump.

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Some surveys, including Pew Research, indicate Trump's approval ratings are slightly underwater, while others, including a poll from CBS News/YouGuv, suggest the president's ratings are in positive territory.

Trump's poll position among Americans stands in stark contrast to his first term in office, when he started out underwater in surveys and remained in negative territory for all four years in the White House.

"His approval rating is higher than it was at any point in time during his first term," veteran Republican pollster Neil Newhouse told Fox News.

Newhouse, pointing to the president's frenetic pace since returning to power, noted that Americans are "giving him positive marks right now, based not just on the perception of what he is going to do, but what he has done already."

The surveys are in agreement when it comes to the massive partisan divide over Trump.

The AARP poll indicates Trump holds a net approval of 83 points with Republicans, a net disapproval of 76 points among Democrats and that he is underwater by 19 points among independent voters.

THE TRUMP POLICIES AMERICANS LOVE, AND HATE 

"Trump’s ratings are stronger among men, white voters, and those without college degrees. He is seen more negatively by women, Hispanic and Black voters, and those with college degrees," the survey's release highlighted.

While Trump's approval ratings for his second term are a major improvement from his first term, his numbers are below where his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, began his single term in office.

Biden's approval rating hovered in the low to mid 50s during his first six months in the White House, with his disapproval in the upper 30s to low to mid 40s. 

However, Biden's numbers sank into negative territory in the late summer and autumn of 2021, in the wake of his much-criticized handling of the turbulent U.S. exit from Afghanistan and amid soaring inflation and a surge of migrants crossing into the U.S. along the nation's southern border with Mexico.

Biden's approval ratings stayed underwater throughout the rest of his presidency.

Fox News' Mary Schlageter contributed to this report

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Blake Lively demands Justin Baldoni's phone records to expose methods allegedly used to 'destroy' her

Blake Lively is on the hunt for "receipts."

Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds' legal team subpoenaed phone records of Justin Baldoni and others involved in the courtroom showdown over an alleged plot to ruin the actress' reputation. Lively accused Baldoni of setting out on a smear campaign after allegedly sexually harassing the "Gossip Girl" star on the set of "It Ends With Us."

"Ms. Lively has initiated discovery that will expose the people, tactics, and methods that have worked to ‘destroy’ and ‘bury’ her reputation and family over the past year," Lively's lawyers, Mike Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, told Fox News Digital in a statement.

"We will now receive all of the ‘receipts’ that, unsurprisingly, are nowhere to be found on Mr. Freedman’s website, and like Ms. Lively, those ‘receipts’ will have their day in court."

BLAKE LIVELY VS. JUSTIN BALDONI: EVERYTHING TO KNOW

The legal team sent out subpoenas to phone carriers and internet providers in a move they claim will uncover "irrefutable evidence" Baldoni spearheaded a smear campaign to destroy Lively's reputation.

"Phone records belonging to all of the individual defendants will expose the full web of individuals who were involved in the smear campaign against Ms. Lively," another statement read. "Such records will provide critical and irrefutable evidence not only about who, but also about when, where, and how their retaliation plan came together and operated."

Baldoni's lawyer, Bryan Freedman, slammed the move as a "fishing expedition."

JUSTIN BALDONI CLAIMS BLAKE LIVELY ‘NEVER INTENDED’ TO FILE LAWSUIT: DOCS

"Subpoenas are an ordinary part of the litigation process," Freedman told Fox News Digital. "What is extraordinary is what the Lively Parties are seeking. They are asking for every single call, text, data log, and even real-time location information for the past 2.5 years, regardless of the sender, recipient, or subject matter."

"This massive fishing expedition demonstrates that they are desperately seeking any factual basis for their provably false claims. They will find none."

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Lively's team also subpoenaed records of Jed Wallace, who they claim helped Baldoni lead a negative campaign against the actress.

"In their internal private messages that Baldoni's team never expected anyone would see, they bragged that thanks to Jed’s work they saw a shift in the narrative to putting a spotlight on Blake and laughed at how sad it was that people so easily want to hate on a woman," Lively's lawyers told Fox News Digital. "We look forward to investigating more about Jed Wallace’s entire business model and what else he was doing to distract from the very real sexual harassment and retaliation claims made by Ms. Lively. We are delighted to be able to start discovery on it."

Meanwhile, Wallace along with his crisis PR firm, Street Relations Inc., sued Lively for defamation on Feb. 4. The actress had named Wallace and his crisis consulting firm in her initial complaint with the State of California Civil Rights Department but not her formal lawsuit. However, Wallace insisted reputation damage was already done and sued Lively seeking punitive damages in an amount of "not less than $6,000,000." 

In a statement to Fox News Digital about the defamation lawsuit, Lively's legal team said, "Another day, another state, another nine-figure lawsuit seeking to sue Ms. Lively ‘into oblivion’ for speaking out against sexual harassment and retaliation. This is not just a publicity stunt — it is transparent retaliation in response to allegations contained within a sexual harassment and retaliation complaint that Ms. Lively filed with the California Civil Rights Department. While this lawsuit will be dismissed, we are pleased that Mr. Wallace has finally emerged from the shadows, and that he too will be held accountable in federal court."

WATCH: HOW COULD RELEASED TEXTS IMPACT BLAKE LIVELY-JUSTIN BALDONI CASE?

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In December, Lively detailed allegations of sexual harassment, retaliation, intentional affliction of emotional distress, negligence and more against Baldoni and film producer Jamey Heath in a complaint first filed with the California Civil Rights department and later in federal court.

Baldoni, in his own lawsuit filed in January, insisted that Lively "falsely" had accused him in an attempt to repair her reputation amid the fallout around the movie's press tour after the actress took control of the film. Baldoni's legal team claimed that Lively had no evidence of a deliberate smear campaign and instead worked to repair her reputation by accusing the actor and others of sexual harassment.

Both sides have denied the allegations.

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Russia claims Trump, Putin talk brought world from 'brink of Apocalypse,' EU warns of 'dirty tricks'

Russia’s deputy chairman of the Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, on Thursday claimed that the recent discussion held between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin brought the world back from the "brink of the Apocalypse."

"It just so happened at some point that the U.S. appointed itself the country-in-chief on our planet with the exclusive right to wage a hybrid war against our people, to mete out justice and grant pardons. It was a grave mistake, which nearly wiped humanity off the face of the earth," he said, without mentioning that the West united behind Ukraine against Russia after Moscow launched the biggest invasion of a European nation since World War II.

"This is a lesson that must be learned by the arrogant American elites and the so-called deep state," he continued. "The quicker our adversaries realize this, the better.

"If they don’t… the Doomsday Clock will keep on ticking towards midnight," he added, threatening nuclear escalation. 

UKRAINE ADVOCATES TEAR INTO HEGSETH FOR GIVING RUSSIA ‘CONCESSIONS’ AT START OF PEACE TALKS: ‘BIGGEST GIFT'

Trump once again prompted geopolitical shock waves following his Wednesday call with Putin when he said in a Truth Social post that peace talks will start "immediately" – comments that came just hours after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it was unrealistic that Ukraine would be allowed to join the NATO alliance. 

European leaders were quick to react with concern to comments from both Washington and Moscow, including EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who told Fox News Digital, "It's not wise to surrender Russia’s key demands before the negotiations even start."

"Any peace agreement requires the full involvement of both the Europeans and the Ukrainians to succeed," she continued. "Quick fixes are just dirty deals.

"Putin only responds to strength. Ukraine is resisting Russia’s invasion, and they have our full support. A bad deal for Ukraine is a bad deal for America and will embolden China," Kallas said. 

Kallas' comments came after she met with NATO defense ministers, who similarly came out in support of Ukraine and issued warnings to Washington. 

Lithuania Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene said NATO leaders are facing "difficult discussions" with "two obvious choices."

"Whether we decide to fall under the illusion that Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin are going to find a solution for all of us – and that would be a deadly trap," she said. "Or we will, as Europe, embrace our own economic, financial and military capacity. And we will be the ones who will be deciding what will happen in Europe and in Ukraine with the United States."

In addition, Estonia Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur warned, "We have to understand that there will be no peace without Ukraine. 

"It cannot be so that someone will come and say when to talk. It has to be Ukraine," he added. 

Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Thursday said Putin would be "pleased" to welcome international leaders, including Trump, to Moscow in May.

European leaders reacted with apparent concern to Trump’s and the Kremlin’s comments and said there can be no peace agreement without direct EU and Ukrainian involvement.

SOME CRITICS WORRIED TRUMP WOULD HAVE UKRAINE GIVE UP TOO MUCH FOR PEACE AGREEMENT WITH RUSSIA

Similarly, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, "There can't be any negotiations about Ukraine without Ukraine being at the heart of it."

Seven European leaders from the U.K., France, Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain and the EU released a joint statement on Wednesday and insisted that they should be part of any negotiations on Ukraine's future. 

"Our shared objectives should be to put Ukraine in a position of strength," the statement said. "Ukraine and Europe must be part of any negotiations."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier this week said he would be willing to exchange the land Ukraine has seized in Russia for the land occupied by Moscow’s troops in its eastern regions. 

The Ukrainian president said he also spoke with Trump following his call with Putin on Wednesday about a "lasting, reliable peace."

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