Bishop who lectured Trump defends sermon that set off firestorm: 'How could it not be politicized?'

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde joined "The View" on Wednesday to discuss her "mercy" plea to President Donald Trump at a prayer service this week, saying it was impossible for her viral message not to be politicized.

Co-host Sara Haines asked if she believed her message was being "misconstrued" or "politicized."

"I think if you read what I said, I mean, how could it not be politicized, right? We’re in a hyper-political climate. One of the things I caution about is the culture of contempt in which we live that immediately rushes to the worst possible interpretations of what people are saying and to put them in categories such as the ones you just described," Budde responded.

Budde asked the president to have "mercy" on the LGBT community and immigrants during the prayer service on Tuesday. Trump and Vice President JD Vance, along with their spouses, listened stone-faced as Budde made her remarks.

WHITE HOUSE OPM ORDERS ALL DEI OFFICES TO BEGIN CLOSING BY END OF DAY WEDNESDAY

"That’s part of the air we breathe now, and I was trying to speak a truth that I felt needed to be said, but to do it as respectful and kind a way as I could. And also to bring other voices into the conversation, voices that had not been heard in the public space for some time," Budde added.

Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin asked Budde whether her sentiment would have had more impact in a one-on-one setting with Trump and whether she had that opportunity. 

"I've never been invited for a one-on-one conversation with President Trump. I would welcome that opportunity," Budde said. "I have no idea how that would go. I can assure him and everyone listening that I would be as respectful as I would with any person, and certainly of his office, for which I have a great deal of respect, but the invitation would have to come from him."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

Budde's comments drew considerable attention given the venue.

REVEREND WHO URGED PRESIDENT TRUMP TO 'HAVE MERCY' REACTS TO HIS CRITICISM: 'IT WAS A RESPECTFUL RESPONSE'

"Let me make one final plea, Mr. President," she said on Tuesday. "In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and independent families, some who fear for their lives."

She went on to say that "the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors."

Afterward, Trump told reporters he didn't care for the service.

Trump also sharply criticized Budde in a post on Truth Social.

"The so-called Bishop who spoke at the National Prayer Service on Tuesday morning was a Radical Left hard line Trump hater. She brought her church into the World of politics in a very ungracious way," he wrote.

Fox News' Danielle Wallace and Alex Nitzberg contributed to this report.

from Latest & Breaking News on Fox News https://ift.tt/DWvbnJj

Garth Hudson, The Band's last surviving member, dead at 87

Garth Hudson, the last surviving member of Canadian-American rock group The Band, has died.

His death was confirmed Tuesday by The Canadian Press, which cited Hudson's friend, Jan Haust. Additional details were not immediately available. Hudson had been living in a nursing home in upstate New York.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

from Latest & Breaking News on Fox News https://ift.tt/Fxla5Ct

Jason Aldean reflects on inauguration, sees celebs' attitudes toward Trump shifting

Country music star Jason Aldean isn’t one to shy away from controversy, particularly when it comes to his support for President Donald Trump, a stance that’s often put him at odds with much of the entertainment world.

Aldean, who has faced years of criticism for his outspoken views, said he felt a shift during Trump’s Inaugural Liberty Ball on Monday. 

"I do feel a little vindicated," Aldean said during an interview on "Fox & Friends" Tuesday. "For the last, six, four years especially, it's just been taking a lot of heat for stepping out and kind of telling people how we feel about the state of the country and the regime that had been in office… But it's cool to look here this week and see all the celebrities and people that are showing up that didn't really speak out."

CARRIE UNDERWOOD TRIUMPHS AT TRUMP INAUGURATION AFTER MUSICAL MISHAP

Aldean, who announced his Full Throttle North American tour kicking off later this year, believes the entertainment industry is becoming more open to publicly supporting Trump. 

While the president’s first inauguration in 2017 struggled to secure high-profile performers, this time the lineup included Aldean, rappers Nelly and Snoop Dogg, musician Kid Rock, and country star Carrie Underwood. 

"It just kind of feels electric," Aldean said, describing the atmosphere of the event. "Everybody’s just excited for this new chapter of where we’re headed."

Aldean performed an hour-long set at the Liberty Ball, featuring fan favorites and his hit "Try That in a Small Town." The track, which topped the Billboard Hot 100, faced criticism after its music video sparked accusations of promoting divisive themes. However, Aldean stood firm in defense of the song. 

"In the past 24 hours, I’ve been accused of releasing a pro-lynching song ... These references are not only meritless, but dangerous," Aldean wrote to his nearly 8 million social media followers. 

For Aldean, Trump’s return to office represents a pivotal moment – a chance to reset what he sees as a damaged political landscape. 

"I think for the last few years, as much as a lot of the media has tried to make it seem like everything's been so great, it hasn’t," he said. "A lot of us knew that for a long time. And I think a lot of other people are starting to see it now."

Before his political career, Trump was a fixture in Hollywood, hosting the long-running reality show "The Apprentice," making cameos in films and TV shows, and maintaining a high-profile public image. However, his transition to politics sparked division within the entertainment industry, with many celebrities vocal in their opposition. 

Yet, as Aldean points out, that divide may be slowly fading.

"I think it just means that, you know, hopefully it's getting everything back on track and people are all getting on the same page."

For Aldean, the inauguration wasn’t just about performing – it symbolized a cultural recalibration. 

"To have President Trump back in office, I just think it gives everybody a sense of relief and for a lot of people … to feel like we're headed in the right direction."

from Latest & Breaking News on Fox News https://ift.tt/KEjunFl

Israeli military chief steps down over October 7 Hamas massacre: 'Weighs on me every day'

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, announced his resignation Tuesday, taking responsibility for the military's failures during the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks. 

His departure, set for March 2025, marks the end of a decorated four-decade military career and has ignited political turmoil, with opponents of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling on the Israeli leader to step down.

"On the morning of October 7, the IDF under my command failed in its mission to protect Israel’s citizens. This failure weighs on me every day and will do so for the rest of my life," Halevi wrote in his resignation letter, addressing the IDF’s failure during the unprecedented assault by Hamas, which left over 1,400 Israelis dead and dozens abducted.

Despite the October 7 tragedy, Halevi highlighted the IDF's achievements under his leadership, including operations that weakened Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran’s regional influence. "The IDF managed to rise from a very challenging starting point to conduct intense combat over more than a year and three months across seven theaters of operation," he stated. "The military achievements of the IDF have transformed the Middle East."

BITTERSWEET REJOICING AS FIRST HOSTAGES RETURN TO ISRAEL AFTER 471 DAYS IN CAPTIVITY

Halevi said, "The objectives of the war have not yet been fully achieved. The IDF will continue fighting to dismantle Hamas’s governing capabilities, secure the return of all hostages, and strengthen security conditions to ensure the safe return of residents to their homes." He emphasized that his resignation followed the cease-fire and a new deal for hostage returns.

Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked Halevi for his service in a statement from his office: "The Prime Minister thanked the Chief of Staff for his many years of service and leadership during the War of Revival across seven fronts, which brought significant achievements to the State of Israel." Defense Minister Israel Katz also praised Halevi’s contributions, noting, "He will continue to fulfill his duties and oversee an orderly transition process until the end of his tenure."

Halevi’s resignation marks the most significant exit from Israel’s security establishment in the wake of the events of Oct. 7. Netanyahu has declined to take responsibility for those failures, repeatedly stating that accountability will come only after the war.

ISRAEL, HAMAS CEASE-FIRE DEAL COULD ENABLE REARMING OF GAZA TERRORISTS 

Opposition leaders used Halevi’s resignation to escalate criticism of Netanyahu. Opposition leader Yair Lapid stated, "I salute Lieutenant General Halevi for his integrity. Now it’s time for the Prime Minister and his disastrous government to take responsibility and resign." Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz echoed this, calling Halevi’s decision ethical and commendable. "The government must follow his example and establish a state commission of inquiry to restore public trust," he added. Avigdor Lieberman also urged Netanyahu and his cabinet to step down.

To date, the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the events of Oct. 7 has not been approved by the Israeli government. Knesset member Orit Farkash-Hacohen announced that she will submit a bill on Wednesday to establish such a commission, following the resignation of the IDF chief of staff.

Families of Oct. 7 victims demanded accountability from both the military and government, calling for a state inquiry. "We will not rest until a commission is established to prevent future disasters," they said in a statement.

Halevi’s resignation adds to pressure on Netanyahu, whose government faces historically low approval from the public, according to recent opinion polls. 

Speculation over Halevi’s successor has already begun, with leading candidates including Eyal Zamir, the current director-general of the Ministry of Defense who previously served as deputy chief of staff under former Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi. Other candidates for the position include Northern Command Chief Maj. Gen. Uri Gordin and the current deputy chief of staff, Amir Baram, who reportedly asked Halevi to step down several weeks ago.

from Latest & Breaking News on Fox News https://ift.tt/hNjWcLz

A big TikTok consideration, Trump's (second) first 100 days, and more from Fox News Opinion

HANNITY – Fox News host gives his take on the second inauguration of President Trump. Continue watching…

HUGH HEWITT – Trump's second inaugural address was a triumph for him, and for his supporters. Continue reading…

COMPLETELY CLUELESS – Donald Trump is our president and Democrats have no idea what to do. Continue reading…

ACROSS THE AISLE – Trump’s (second) first 100 days gives Democrats opportunities. Continue reading…

TICK-TOCK – A big TikTok consideration Trump needs to prioritize. Continue reading…

RAYMOND ARROYO – Fox News contributor highlights the best of President Biden’s gaffes as he leaves the Oval Office. Continue watching…

SPEAKER MIKE JOHNSON – Every American should root for President Trump's success. Continue reading…

BIPARTISANSHIP – If Trump is serious about helping working families, here’s what we can do together. Continue reading…

GET READY – I updated my will. Here’s why you should, too. Continue reading…

CARTOON OF THE DAY – Check out all of our political cartoons…

from Latest & Breaking News on Fox News https://ift.tt/xeRMBPs

Ramaswamy done at DOGE, Ohio gubernatorial campaign launch expected early next week: sources

Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is done at President Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, a source close to the multimillionaire biotech entrepreneur confirmed to Fox News Digital.

And Ramaswamy, who along with Elon Musk, the world's richest person, was tapped in November by Trump to steer DOGE, is expected to launch a Republican campaign for Ohio governor early next week, according to the source.

GOP Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio is term-limited and cannot seek re-election in 2026.

DeWine on Friday announced that Lt. Gov. Jon Husted would fill the U.S. Senate seat that was held by former Sen. JD Vance until earlier this month, when the vice president stepped down ahead of Monday's inauguration.

MUSK AND RAMASWAMY IGNITE MAGA WAR OVER SKILLED WORKER IMIMGRATION

Before the Senate announcement, Husted had planned to run for governor in 2026 to succeed DeWine. Ramaswamy, for his part, had expressed interest in serving in the Senate. 

DeWine's decision to choose Husted to fill the vacant Senate seat appeared to accelerate Ramaswamy's move toward launching a run for governor.

Ramaswamy, 39, who launched his presidential campaign in February 2023, saw his stock rise as he went from a long shot to a contender for the Republican nomination.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST FOX NEWS REPORTING ON VIVEK RAMASWAMY

Ramaswamy campaigned on what he called an "America First 2.0" agenda and was one of Trump's biggest supporters in the field of rivals, calling Trump the "most successful president in our century."

He dropped his White House bid a year ago after a distant fourth-place finish in the Iowa caucuses and quickly endorsed Trump, becoming a top surrogate on the campaign trail.

Ramaswamy's exit appears to clear the way for Musk, Trump's top donor and key ally, to steer DOGE without having to share the limelight.

The move also comes a couple of weeks after Ramswamy and Musk sparked a firestorm among Trump's hard core MAGA supporters over their support for H-1B temporary worker visas for highly skilled workers from foreign countries.

Ramaswamy's comments criticizing an American culture that he said "venerated mediocrity over excellence" received plenty of pushback from leading voices on the far right.

Ohio, which was once a top general election battleground, has shifted red over the past decade as Republicans have dominated statewide elections.

from Latest & Breaking News on Fox News https://ift.tt/yx9Btk1

Cubs elect Sammy Sosa to team's Hall of Fame after years away from team due to PED questions

Former Chicago Cubs star Sammy Sosa is being elected to the team’s Hall of Fame, alongside former first baseman Derek Lee. 

The step towards reconciliation between Sosa and the Cubs began when Sosa released a statement in December.

"There were times I did whatever I could to recover from injuries in an effort to keep my strength up to perform over 162 games. I never broke any laws. But in hindsight, I made mistakes and I apologize," Sosa said in a statement through Aurora Global Consulting.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

After that statement, Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts said the team is "ready to move forward together" and invited Sosa to the Cubs' annual fan convention.

Sosa attending the convention was the first time he had been with the Cubs in any official capacity since he last played for the team in 2004.

Sosa said that the apology in his statement from December was not about using performance-enhancing drugs.

"No. I'm referring, for example, look, 21 years out. I had the fans that loved me very much. I had to apologize to them, because, I mean, normally, they see me play so many years."

When Sosa was announced at the convention, he received a large ovation and ran onto the stage with an American Flag. 

JAPANESE PHENOM PITCHER ROKI SASAKI PICKS DODGERS

"People grow up," Sosa said via ESPN. "That's what happened to me. To give that statement out, it was the right time for me. The response right away was incredible. Now, the door is open, I have to continue to contribute (to the organization)."

"I think that today was a perfect day."

Sosa played 13 seasons with the Cubs and is the franchise record-holder with 545 home runs. 

Sosa finished his big league career with a .273 batting average and 609 homers — currently ninth on the career list. He also had 1,667 RBIs and 234 stolen bases in 18 seasons from 1989 to 2007.

Because a lot of Sosa's success has been clouded by questions about performance-enhancing drug use throughout his career, he did not make the Hall of Fame on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America ballot. 

Sosa’s next chance for Hall of Fame consideration will be if he makes the ballot for the contemporary player committee. 

Sosa and Lee will be recognized in the team’s Hall of Fame at a game this summer. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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

from Latest & Breaking News on Fox News https://ift.tt/LNW1tgr