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President-elect Trump has nominated Kash Patel to be the next FBI director, a person with an extensive background in national security and intelligence. 

Patel’s experience ranges from personally carrying out dangerous missions in the Middle East in an effort to bring home U.S. hostages to implementing counterterrorism strategies against America’s most-wanted terrorists. Current and former U.S. national security officials and lawmakers say that when looking at his résumé “objectively,” he is “one of the most experienced people ever to be nominated” to lead the bureau. 

During the first Trump administration, Patel served as a deputy assistant to Trump and as senior director for counterterrorism. In that role, Patel was involved in presidential missions aimed at decimating Al-Qaeda senior leadership and ISIS command and control. Patel was involved in the planning of the mission to take out Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, among others. 

WHO IS KASH PATEL? TRUMP’S PICK TO LEAD THE FBI HAS LONG HISTORY VOWING TO BUST UP ‘DEEP STATE’

Kash Patel, a former chief of staff to then-acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller, speaks during a campaign event for Republican candidates at the Whiskey Roads Restaurant & Bar in Tucson, Arizona, on July 31, 2022. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Patel also was involved in efforts to bring some of the most-wanted terrorists to the U.S. for prosecution, and worked on Trump administration efforts to return dozens of U.S. hostages back home.

“When I was national security adviser, Kash was my senior director for counterterrorism. He was responsible for all interagency actions against ISIS, Al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations,” former White House national security adviser Robert O’Brien told Fox News Digital. “He was also responsible for hostage rescues, and he did a great job on both fronts.” 

O’Brien recalled Patel’s “tremendous personal bravery” with regard to Austin Tice, a hostage who has been held presumably by the Syrian government for more than 12 years. 

In 2020, O’Brien said Syrians “finally agreed to let an American come in for negotiations and I asked Kash Patel and Amb. Roger Carstens if they would go.” 

White House national security adviser Robert O’Brien speaks during a turnover ceremony of defense articles at the Department of Foreign Affairs office in Manila, Philippines, on Nov. 23, 2020. (Eloisa Lopez/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

“I wanted someone from the White House, so it wasn’t just representatives of the State Department. Kash was the White House’s man,” O’Brien said. “They traveled overland from Beirut to Damascus through territory where the Al Nusra Front, Al-Qaeda, ISIS and Hezbollah were all present. It was a very complex situation. They drove all the way to Damascus to meet with the head of Assad’s intelligence service.” 

O’Brien said the “Syrians themselves could easily have taken Kash and Roger hostage.” 

“I have never heard Kash talk or tell war stories about that mission to try to save a fellow American,” O’Brien said. 

He added: “I would say to anyone who ignorantly criticizes Kash Patel’s character, tell me the last time you did something dangerous to try to save a stranger.”

FBI HAS LONG BEEN ACCUSED OF POLITICIZATION AHEAD OF DEM CONCERN OVER KASH PATEL NOMINATION

Not everyone shared O’Brien’s rosy representation of Patel. Fired FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe and others have blasted Trump’s pick of Patel, claiming he is unqualified. 

But O’Brien and others say those attacks “are entirely politically motivated because he supports the president’s America First agenda.” 

“There was a time when Democrats would have applauded a president for appointing someone with criminal defense experience and who is against the FBI surveilling American citizens — but that was a very different Democrat party,” O’Brien said. 

Beyond his counterterrorism work, Patel was heavily involved in U.S. strategy to counter Chinese, Russian, Iranian and North Korean efforts against U.S. interests. He also worked on the implementation of multimillion-dollar sanctions against foreign adversaries. 

Victoria Coates, a former deputy national security adviser to Trump and vice president for national security at the Heritage Foundation, said that Patel was a “strong colleague” at the National Security Council (NSC) and “understands that critical piece of our national security architecture.” 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation seal outside headquarters in Washington, D.C., on July 3, 2023. (Celal Güneş/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

“After four years of Biden-Harris mismanagement, he will be the strong hand the FBI needs to keep the American people safe,” Coates said. “Instead of a director who spends all his time testifying to Congress about all the red lights he sees flashing across the dashboard, we will have one who will do something to actually put them out.” 

Prior to working as a deputy to Trump and in the NSC, Patel worked in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) as the principal deputy to the acting DNI Ric Grenell and helped former Director John Ratcliffe transition into the role. Trump nominated Ratcliffe last month to serve as the director of the CIA.  

At ODNI, Patel also worked to focus intelligence collection against counter narcotic and transnational threats. 

“Kash brings a lot of passion to government service because he has seen what corruption is like from the inside,” Grenell said. “He is a first-generation American who knows how elites manipulate the system so they retain power and control over Americans.” 

“Reforming Washington and its insular ways requires courage,” Grenell continued. “Those of us outside of Washington who want reform have to stop expecting those who live and work in Washington to deliver reform. They are never going to reform themselves.” 

Former Acting Director of National Intelligence Ric Grenell. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Prior to joining the Trump administration, Patel served as the national security adviser and senior counsel for counterterrorism to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. 

DURHAM FINDS DOJ, FBI ‘FAILED TO UPHOLD’ MISSION OF ‘STRICT FIDELITY TO THE LAW’ IN TRUMP-RUSSIA PROBE

Patel was the chief investigator for the committee’s probe into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Throughout his investigation, he led the effort to uncover FISA abuse and exposed the FBI and the DOJ’s unlawful actions before federal court to illegally surveil Americans, including members of the 2016 Trump campaign. 

“The best thing about Kash is, because of his previous government experience and his key role in uncovering Russiagate, he won’t be bamboozled by the bureaucracy,” said former Trump White House deputy national security adviser KT McFarland.

“Intelligence community bureaucrats cover up their mistakes and malfeasance by hiding behind the ‘sources and methods’ excuse. They slow-walk de-classification efforts and internal investigations. Most appointed officials new to intel bureaucracy fall for it — Kash won’t.”

Former Trump White House deputy national security adviser KT McFarland. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

McFarland said that critics of Patel claim that he will “seek revenge,” but she declared that those critics “are wrong.” 

“Remember, government bureaucrats always leave a paper trail of their actions,” she said. “Kash can expose them by declassifying these documents and then letting the American people decide whether these nameless, faceless FBI and DOJ bureaucrats have abused their power with a two-tier system of justice — by prosecuting their political opponents and protecting their allies.” 

Patel, a lawyer, served as a public defender and national security prosecutor at the Justice Department and tried scores of complex criminal cases. All told, Patel has served in the U.S. government for 16 years. 

His final role in the Trump administration was serving as the chief of staff at the Department of Defense. 

Kash Patel speaks during a campaign rally for former President Trump at Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, Arizona, on Oct. 13. (Getty Images)

“Kash Patel is the right guy for the job,” Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, told Fox News Digital.

Jordan said he worked closely with Patel when he served among then-House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes’ top staffers. 

“He did an outstanding job,” Jordan said. 

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And soon to be on the other side of Capitol Hill, Sen.-elect Jim Banks, R-Ind., told Fox News Digital that Patel “will shake up the FBI.” 

“He has my support and vote for confirmation,” said Banks.

The Nevada Democratic Party is imploring its national party leaders to focus more on “diverse, working-class states” when it considers how to “rebuild” after this year’s election. 

A Thursday press release from the state-level party in Nevada called on national party leaders and potential candidates under consideration to be the next Democratic National Committee Chair to “elevate” working-class states to the front of the presidential primary calendar for 2028. The press release cited a process that has typically started with states that are “overwhelmingly college-educated, white, or less competitive.” 

DNC CHAIR FIRES BACK AFTER BERNIE SANDERS CLAIMS DEMS LOST WORKING CLASS IN ELECTION: ‘STRAIGHT UP BS’

“If Democrats want to win back working class voters and rebuild our broad coalition of voters of color, we should elevate the most working class and most diverse battleground state in the nation to be the first presidential preference primary for the 2028 cycle,” Nevada State Democratic Party Chair Daniele Monroe-Moreno said.

Selecting the Democratic Party’s calendar for presidential primaries is a main responsibility of the Democratic National Committee. Nevada has historically been a caucus state, but in 2024, the state’s Democratic Party led the transition to a state-run primary, which the group said in its press release beat the state’s 2008 caucus record for voter turnout.

NEVADA GOV SPEAKS OUT AGAINST TRANS ATHLETES IN WOMEN’S SPORTS AHEAD OF CONTROVERSIAL VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT

People stand in line to vote in the presidential election on Election Day at a polling station in Galleria at Sunset mall in Henderson, Nevada, on Nov. 5, 2024. (Reuters/David Swanson)

Nevada has historically been among the first few states to hold either a presidential primary or caucus during the last several elections, according to Federal Elections Commission data, but it has been preceded by states such as Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

Last month, after it became apparent that Democrats would not come out of the election with the upper hand, Democratic lawmakers, labor leaders, students and political pundits all came out with their own forensic analysis of what happened, with many suggesting the party needed to refocus on winning back working-class voters.

CENTRIST DEMS TURN ON FAR LEFT AFTER THE ELECTION: ‘IDENTITY POLITICS’ IS ‘ABSOLUTELY KILLING US’

“There is more to lose than there is to gain politically from pandering to a far left that is more representative of Twitter, Twitch, and TikTok than it is of the real world,” Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., said following the election. “The working class is not buying the ivory-towered nonsense that the far left is selling.”

Meanwhile, Brent Booker, the general president of the Laborers’ International Union of North America, said that the party has not “fully embraced, and hasn’t for decades, really, working-class people.” 

“We have to deconstruct and reconstruct the Democratic Party if they’re going to be the party of working people,” Booker added.

In response to similar claims from progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., arguing that Democrats have lost the working class, former Democratic National Committee Chair Jamie Harrison called the idea “straight-up BS.” 

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Fox News Digital reached out to the Democratic National Committee for comment on this story but did not hear back in time for publication.

President-elect Donald Trump has been aggressively rolling out his picks to serve in his Cabinet and other top roles. Thursday was no different as he focused on picks that would work hard to secure the border and carry out a mass deportation operation. 

Trump added nominees for homeland security and immigration, naming Rodney Scott as Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Caleb Vitello as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Tony Salisbury to be Deputy Homeland Security Advisor (White House Homeland Security Council).

RODNEY SCOTT

Rodney Scott, chief of the Border Patrol’s San Diego sector, stands for a portrait near the border wall on April 25, 2018 in San Diego, California. ( Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Scott is a former Border Patrol chief who served as chief from 2020 until he was ousted by the Biden administration in mid-2021. Since then, he has been a fierce critic of the Biden administration’s immigration policies and its handling of the crisis at the southern border.

Before being chief, he had led the San Diego Sector, one of the most challenging sectors in the country. He has been highly critical of DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and recently accused him of having “intentionally” opened the southern border.

TRUMP CABINET NOMINEES, APPOINTEES TARGETED WITH ‘VIOLENT, UNAMERICAN THREATS’

“Rodney served nearly three decades in the Border Patrol, building vast experience and knowledge in Law Enforcement and Border Security. Rodney served as the 24th Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, where he implemented Remain-in-Mexico, Title 42, Safe Third Agreements, and achieved record low levels of illegal immigration,” Trump said in a statement on Truth Social. “He began his career with the Border Patrol in 1992 at the Imperial Beach Station, San Diego Sector. Following the September 11th terrorist attacks, he served as an Anti-Terrorism Advisor to the CBP Commissioner, and later, as Deputy Executive Director of the CBP, Office of Anti-Terrorism.” 

CALEB VITELLO

This portrait shows Caleb Vitello, Assistant Director for the Office of Firearms and Tactical Programs. (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

Vitello has served at the White House National Security Council as the Director for Interior Enforcement as well as serving as Unit Chief and Deputy Assistant Director of the National Fugitive Operations Program within ERO’s Enforcement Division. 

“A member of the Senior Executive Service, with over 23 years of service to ICE, Caleb currently serves as Assistant Director of the Office of Firearms and Tactical Programs, where he oversees Agency-wide training, equipment, and policy to ensure Officer and Public Safety,” Trump said in a statement said in a post on Truth Social late Thursday.  

DEMOCRATS’ FUROR OVER ‘UNQUALIFIED’ TRUMP NOMINEES PUTS BIDEN’S STAFFING DECISIONS BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT

“Caleb led the Fugitive Operations Academy, served as Deputy Assistant Director, and directed the National Fugitive Operations Program, providing policy guidance, strategic planning, and operational oversight for efforts to locate, arrest, and remove at-large, dangerous criminals and illegal aliens from the U.S. As Chief of Staff for Enforcement and Removal Operations, he managed daily operations for an organization with a $4.7 Billion Dollar budget and 8,000 employees. At the White House National Security Council, Caleb led initiatives focused on child safety and national security threats.” 

TONY SALISBURY

Anthony Salisbury, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami, speaks during a press conference at their Field Office. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Salisbury currently serves as the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami.

He has served as the Acting Deputy Executive Associate Director (EAD) for the entire ICE/HSI workforce and previously held key leadership, field and headquarters assignments for ICE/HIS. 

Trump noted he was particularly successful at “all of HSI’s complex Federal Law Enforcement investigative programs related to National Security and smuggling violations, including counter-proliferation, financial crimes, commercial fraud, human trafficking, human smuggling, narcotics smuggling, transnational gangs, cyber-crimes, child exploitation, worksite enforcement and document and benefit fraud.”

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“Tony will bring his vast Law Enforcement, counter-narcotics, and counter-cartel experience to the White House where he will serve under Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor,” Trump said in a statement. 

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

In oral aruments, Supreme Court justices discussed the high-profile, first-of-its-kind case involving transgender medical treatment for children. 

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, the lawmaker at the center of the suit against the Biden administration, told Fox News Digital that over the next few months, the justices will be “thinking a lot about the case.” 

When asked whether he ever foresaw himself in such a high-profile legal matter, he said, “not remotely.”

“I do think the fact that there’s so much disagreement weighs in favor of our side,” Skrmetti said in a phone interview. “This is an area where the court really shouldn’t come in and pick a winner. The data is still very underdeveloped.”

SOTOMAYOR COMPARES TRANS MEDICAL ‘TREATMENTS’ TO ASPIRIN IN QUESTION ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS DURING ORAL ARGUMENTS

Activists hold a rally outside the Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., as the court hears oral arguments in the transgender treatments case U.S. v. Skrmetti on Dec. 4, 2024. (Fox News Digital)

“All the research that both sides point to is unresolved,” Skrmetti said. “This is an unsettled area of science, and in situations like that, the best way to resolve it is through the democratic process. Our legislators appropriate people to deal with that uncertainty and make the call for each individual state.”

The justices appeared divided on Wednesday after oral arguments, and the three appointed by former President Trump could be the key to deciding the socially divisive question. Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett asked tough questions of both sides, and Justice Neil Gorsuch did not speak during the marathon public session.

For its part, the Supreme Court is considering whether the Equal Protection Clause, which ensures equal treatment under the law for similarly situated individuals, bars states from prohibiting medical providers from administering puberty blockers and hormones to help minors transition to a different gender. The case is U.S. v. Skrmetti and is challenging Tennessee’s state law which bans medical procedures for minors.

Outside the court, hundreds of demonstrators rallied both for and against gender transition treatments for children. One of those rally-goers, detransitioner and activist Chloe Cole, told Fox News Digital in an interview that if the justices oppose the ban on trans medical treatments, “it’s going to make things a lot more difficult on legislative fronts in terms of protecting our children and our youth.”

‘THE PENDULUM IS SWINGING’: EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON HISTORIC SCOTUS TRANSGENDER CASE AMID ORAL ARGUMENTS

Detransitioner and activist Chloe Cole outside the Supreme Court building during oral arguments in the U.S. v. Skrmetti case on Dec. 4, 2024.  (Fox News Digital)

“If we want to create a precedent for other states, for first this law, to be upheld in courts and for other states to be upheld as well, we have to do this now,” Cole said.

Cole, who detransitioned at the age of 16, told Fox News Digital that doctors had done an “incredible disservice” to her at a young age by helping her transition in the first place.

“I’m never going to even have a chance at nursing my children with what God gave me,” Cole said. “An incredible disservice has been done to me by these irresponsible doctors who knew better. They knew better than to do this to a child. They still chose to do it. But they messed with the wrong kid, and I am going to make sure there is never another child in America who is abused in the same way I was ever again.”

The court’s decision could have sweeping implications, potentially shaping future legal battles over transgender issues, such as access to bathrooms and school sports participation. A decision is expected by July 2025.

“So if the court puts a thumb on the scale and says that the courts could be second-guessing state governments on these issues, I think you’re going to see an inhibited debate, and we’ve seen this happen before in other contexts where democracy is subverted by judges who step a little too far into the policy arena, and that ultimately hurts the country,” Skrmetti said. 

“It de-legitimates the government,” he added. “It makes people feel alienated from the political process. The alternative is it stays open to our democratic system of resolving disagreements, and you’ll see a lot of debate, and different states will go in different directions, and over time, we’ll have better research, and people will have a chance to debate this extensively, and that’s just the better way to come to a resolution on such a hot button issue where the Constitution is silent.”

The Justices’ decision may also influence broader debates about whether sexual orientation and gender identity qualify as protected classes under civil rights laws, akin to protections for race and national origin.

SUPREME COURT WEIGHS TRANSGENDER YOUTH TREATMENTS IN LANDMARK CASE

A court sketch depicts the United States Supreme Court hearing oral arguments regarding abortion rights on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.  (William J Hennessy Jr.)

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When asked whether Skrmetti believes the incoming Trump administration could persuade the justices one way in the case, he said, “It’s ultimately up to the court how they want to handle that.” Trump promised during his campaign he would outlaw transgender medical procedures for minors and open the doorway to allowing individuals to sue medical providers for conducting them.

“But there is a path there for them to continue this, and I think it’s important that we get clarity soon, because there are so many cases involving these issues, and the lower courts have not been consistent and are looking for guidance, and it would do everyone good to have a more clear answer to the state of the law,” he said.

Fox News Digital’s Shannon Bream and Bill Mears contributed to this report. 

President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to head the Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth, spent another day courting support from Republican senators on Capitol Hill and taking a few questions from reporters while he was at it. 

The military vet turned “Fox & Friends” co-host met with senators Rick Scott, R-Fla.; Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss; Mike Rounds, R-S.D.; Ron Johnson, R-Wis.; Tom Cotton, R-Ark.; and Sen.-elect Jim Banks, R-Ind., Thursday. 

The meetings followed others Hegseth held earlier in the week with GOP senators, including Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who will be the next chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. 

Hegseth has been facing a mountain of criticism with accusations against him ranging from fiscal mismanagement to alcoholism to sexual misconduct. Nevertheless, Hegseth said Thursday while walking between meetings on Capitol Hill that Trump supports him “fully.”

TRUMP FLOATS DESANTIS AS POTENTIAL DEFENSE SECRETARY REPLACEMENT IF HEGSETH FALTERS

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump’s nominee to be defense secretary, walks through the basement of the Capitol Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

“I’ll tell you why I support him,” Scott told reporters after his meeting Thursday with Hegseth. “I admire people who are willing to put on the uniform and lead troops into battle. … When he goes in the Department of Defense, he will walk in with the mentality that he’s going to take care of our warfighters.”

Scott added that he will do “everything” he can to ensure Hegseth is confirmed.

“Pete Hegseth won’t back down from the media or the Pentagon bureaucracy,” Banks added after his own one-on-one meeting with the defense nominee. “And he won’t back down from China, Russia or Iran. He will help President Trump make America strong again.”

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump’s nominee to be defense secretary, responds to reporters during a meeting with Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, at the Capitol in Washington Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Between meetings on Capitol Hill Thursday, Hegseth was pressed about his meeting a day earlier with Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa. Ernst said earlier Thursday morning she was not yet willing to throw her support behind him.

ARE PETE HEGSETH’S TATTOOS SYMBOLS OF ‘CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM’?

“Productive meeting. Excellent,” Hegseth said of his meeting with Ernst as he was peppered with questions during his meeting with Rounds. 

“Constructive, candid. It was great,” Hegseth told a different reporter. 

When asked if the allegations about him were a topic of his conversation with Ernst, Hegseth declined to comment further, citing the private nature of their conversation.

Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, left, meets with Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump’s nominee to be defense secretary, at the Capitol in Washington Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.  (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

“It’s been a wonderful process,” Hegseth told reporters Thursday. “There’s an incredible amount of knowledge in the U.S. Senate — in the Senate Armed Services Committee — men and women who have studied these issues, have invested their lives in it. And as someone who is hoping to earn their support as the nominee for secretary of defense, I welcome that knowledge, I welcome that advice. And that’s why we’re here in all these meetings.”

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Hegseth’s meetings Thursday coincided with visits to Capitol Hill by Tesla CEO Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. The pair convened on Capitol Hill to discuss their new role running President-elect Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency with Thune.

President-elect Trump named former PayPal Chief Operating Officer David Sacks to be his White House artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency czar.

“In this important role, David will guide policy for the Administration in Artificial Intelligence and Cryptocurrency, two areas critical to the future of American competitiveness,” Trump said in his announcement Thursday evening.

“David will focus on making America the clear global leader in both areas,” he said.

TRUMP PICKS TWO LONGTIME ALLIS FOR KEY POSITIONS IN HIS SECOND ADMINISTRATION

David Sacks, former CEO of Yammer, speaks on stage during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, July 15. ( Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Trump said that Sacks would also prioritize “safeguarding” free speech and away from “Big Tech bias and censorship.”

TRUMP NOMINATES PAUL ATKINS TO LEAD SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

“He will safeguard Free Speech online, and steer us away from Big Tech bias and censorship,” he said. “He will work on a legal framework, so the Crypto industry has the clarity it has been asking for, and can thrive in the U.S. David will also lead the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology.”

President-elect Trump named former PayPal Chief Operating Officer David Sacks to be his White House artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency czar. (Getty Images)

Sacks, a former PayPal executive, has angel investments in several major firms, including Facebook, Uber, SpaceX, Airbnb and Palantir through his Craft Ventures fund. 

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His enterprise software company, Yammer, was acquired by Microsoft for over $1 billion in 2012.

President-elect Trump has tapped former Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., to serve as U.S. Ambassador to China. 

In his announcement, Trump said Perdue “brings valuable expertise to help build our relationship with China,” citing his decades-long career in business. 

TRUMP’S PROPOSED TARIFFS ON MEXICO, CANADA, CHINA WILL INCREASE INFLATION, GOLDMAN SACHS WARNS

Former U.S. Senator David Perdue speaks at a campaign event for Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump, at the Johnny Mercer Theatre Civic Center in Savannah, Georgia, U.S. September 24, 2024.   (REUTERS/Megan Varner)

“He will be instrumental in implementing my strategy to maintain Peace in the region, and a productive working relationship with China’s leaders,” Trump said on Truth Social. 

The appointment comes amid threats by Trump to impose additional tariffs on Chinese goods unless Beijing does more to stop the trafficking of the highly addictive narcotic fentanyl. 

BIDEN USCIS NOMINEE CALLED FOR PAUSING BORDER PATROL FUNDING

Trump also appointed Brandon Judd, president of the National Border Patrol Council, as ambassador to Chile. 

National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd speaks at a press conference alongside former President Donald Trump in Eagle Pass, Texas on February 29, 2024. (Fox News)

“Brandon helped me develop and implement the most effective Border Security policies in our Nation’s History,” Trump said. “I have also watched as Brandon tirelessly and honorably represented the Border Patrol Agents who elected him as their voice in all matters, especially in their efforts to secure our Great Country’s Borders, and keep all Americans safe.”

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“I am confident Brandon will represent the United States in the same manner as he represented all rank-and-file Border Patrol Agents as the President of the National Border Patrol Council. Brandon will do our Country proud!” Trump added. 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom railed against President-Elect Trump’s proposal to impose 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada during a visit to the southern border to announce plans to finish constructing the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry on Thursday afternoon.

Newsom described the tariffs as “one of the biggest tax increases in U.S. history” that would affect Californians’ wallets and small businesses, especially farmers across the Golden State.

“Don’t think for a second this won’t impact you,” Newsom said. “90% of these tariffs will impact bottom of our economic chain, meaning lower wage workers that pay over half of these taxes.”

NEWSOM PROPOSES $25M FROM STATE LEGISLATURE TO ‘TRUMP-PROOF’ CALIFORNIA

Gavin Newsom and Donald Trump (Getty)

“There is no economic growth in America without the success and the vibrancy of this region,” he added.

Calling the tariffs a “betrayal” that is “happening in real time,” Newsom said the new legal crossing would promote two-way trade between Mexico and the U.S. 

“You are being betrayed by these policies,” Newsom said.

“And those farmers and ranchers will be impacted disproportionately if these tariffs go into effect,” he said. “And I didn’t even bring up the mass deportation components of it. You know better than I do when you look at farm workers, the last estimate, roughly half are undocumented.”

In talking about the Ota Mesa Easy Port of Entry, Newsom said he hopes to have it completed by December 2027, with the help of the incoming Trump administration. 

CALIFORNIA’S UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS SYSTEM ‘BROKEN’ WITH $20B OWED TO FEDS IN LOAN DEBT: REPORT

Los Angeles,  – September 25: Governor Gavin Newsom speaks at a press conference where he signs legislation related to oversight of oil and gas wells, and community protections on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 in Los Angeles, . (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

“We care about border security, but we also care about economic security, and we care about two way trade, and we care about our partners on the other side of this border that have well-established partnerships.”

Newsom also announced a new plan with the California National Guard to strengthen border security by targeting the flow of fentanyl and illegal weapons. Nearly 200,000 illegal migrants cross the border into California daily through ports of entry, according to the San Diego-based Smart Border Coalition in the summer.

The move is part of Newsom’s effort to reframe the conversation around illegal immigration flowing into the blue state as he positions himself for a potential showdown with the incoming Trump administration. This week, Newsom spearheaded an emergency special legislative session, urging lawmakers to approve $25 million to bolster the state’s legal defense against potential federal lawsuits lobbed by Trump.

PROPOSITION 36 OVERWHELMINGLY PASSES IN CALIFORNIA, REVERSING SOME SOROS-BACKED SOFT-ON-CRIME POLICIES

TIJUANA, MEXICO – MAY 16: Migrants with CBP One App interviews are allowed to enter the United States at the Chaparral pedestrian border on May 16, 2023, in Tijuana, Mexico, as the new Title 8 rule is now being implemented for all asylum seekers after Title 42 rescinded on May 11.  ((Photo by Carlos A. Moreno/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images))

Between 2017 and 2021, California’s Department of Justice led 122 lawsuits against Trump administration policies, spending $42 million on litigation. Newsom’s office said in one case, the federal government was ordered to reimburse California nearly $60 million in public safety grants.

While California filed over 100 lawsuits against the Trump administration, President-elect Donald Trump lobbed only four major lawsuits against the state. 

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California, a sanctuary state for illegal immigrants, abortion procedures and transgender transition treatments for children, could be targeted by the Trump administration, especially considering Trump’s mass deportation plan of illegal immigrants. 

Trump called Newsom’s plan an effort to “Trump-proof” the state in a Truth social post last month.

Pete Hegseth, the former National Guard officer who President-elect Trump has tapped to lead the Department of Defense, said he’s had “great” conversations with senators amid efforts to shore up his confirmation and was “standing right here in this fight.”

On Thursday, Hegseth said he refused to back down from a fight as his nomination remains in limbo amid drinking and sexual misconduct allegations. He has denied any wrongdoing. 

“We’ve had great conversations, about who I am and what I believe,” Hegseth said of his meetings with senators. “And, frankly, the man I am today, because of my faith in my lord and savior Jesus Christ and my wife Jenny right here, I’m a different man than I was years ago.”

TRUMP TRANSITION SIGNS AGREEMENT FOR FBI BACKGROUND CHECKS

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump’s nominee to be defense secretary, is joined by his wife, Jennifer Rauchet, as they walk through the basement of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

“And that’s a redemption story that I think a lot of Americans appreciate,” he added. “And I know from fellow vets that I’ve spent time with, they resonate with that as well. You fight, you go through tough things in tough places on behalf of your country. And sometimes that changes you a little bit.”

An email was recently leaked from Hegseth’s mother, Penelope Hegseth, in which she was critical of his past relationships with women. She joined “FOX and Friends” on Wednesday morning to set the record straight, saying she wrote the email in an impassioned moment after her son’s divorce, but apologized hours after sending it.

Hegseth’s mother also said she did not believe any of the accusations against him.

TRUMP FLOATS DESANTIS AS POTENTIAL DEFENSE SECRETARY REPLACEMENT IF HEGSETH FALTERS

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump’s nominee to be defense secretary, and his wife, Jennifer Rauchet, attend a meeting with Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Thursday.  (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Multiple sources confirmed to Fox News that Trump is reportedly considering nominating Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as defense secretary in place of Hegseth amid the allegations against him.

But Hegseth brushed off the potential replacement, telling reporters that he was prepared to fight. 

“As long as Donald Trump wants me in this fight, I’m going to be standing right here in this fight, fighting to bring our Pentagon back to what it needs to be,” he said. 

Hegseth also told reporters that he doesn’t answer to the media, only to Trump, God, his family and the senators slated to vote on his confirmation. 

On Thursday, Hegseth said the conversations with senators have been “robust, candid at times with great questions on policy and personality.”

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“So we’re going to earn those votes,” he said. “We’re fighting all the way through the tape. I’m grateful to have the president’s support, because his vision for this Department of Defense is to bring it back to its core capacity of deterring our enemies and, if necessary, defeating those enemies.”

Fox News Digital’s Aubrie Spady contributed to this report.

Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump transition, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content.

Here’s what’s happening…

-Nevada Dems say ‘working-class’ states need to be prioritized in 2028 primary schedule

-Biden aides consider preemptive pardons for Fauci, Schiff and Cheney

-Republicans slam Biden migrant parole program: ‘Rife with fraud’

Trust Issues

Many Americans don’t trust the federal government, and Elon Musk — an eccentric billionaire business tycoon tasked by President-elect Donald Trump with helping slay the unwieldly bureaucratic leviathan — thinks that’s just the right attitude.

“I think we should not trust the government,” Musk has previously declared.

Apparently, people are way ahead of him. 

“As of April 2024, 22% of Americans say they trust the government in Washington to do what is right “just about always” (2%) or “most of the time” (21%),” Pew Research Center noted earlier this year…Read more

Trump announced Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy would be leading the Department of Government Efficiency (“DOGE”) on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.  (Getty Images)

White House

‘DARK MARK’: Hunter Biden pardon will be ‘dark mark’ on Biden legacy: historian…Read more

Trump Transition

‘BRACE FOR IMPACT’: Boston City Council doubles down on obstructing deportations ahead of Trump inauguration…Read more

TRUMP HEARING: Trump assassination attempt hearing devolves into screaming match…Read more

MORE POLICE SUPPORT TO COME: Massive police org calls on Trump, Rand Paul to swiftly confirm Noem to DHS…Read more

This split shows Thomas Homan, President-elect Trump and Gov. Kristi Noem. ((Allison Robbert-Pool/Getty Images and ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP))

Trail Dust

DEMS ‘SELLING AMERICAN PEOPLE A LIE’: Selling Americans a ‘lie’: How election integrity attorneys battled left-wing efforts to upend voting laws…Read more

Capitol Hill

WELCOME TO THE HILL: You’ve been elected to Congress. Now what? Freshman Republican reveals what it’s like to enter office…Read more

‘PENDULUM IS SWINGING’: ‘The pendulum is swinging’: Experts weigh in on historic SCOTUS transgender case amid oral arguments…Read more

 A transgender rights supporter takes part in a rally outside of the U.S. Supreme Court. Trans rights activists on Thursday protested on Capitol Hill across from House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office.  (Getty Images)

SHAKING UP THE HOUSE: Dem Rep. Nadler steps down from top spot on Judiciary Committee, endorses Raskin…Read more

‘UNDO THE DAMAGE DONE’: Firebrand GOP lawmaker demands Mayorkas preserve border crisis records for Trump admin…Read more

‘FAILED’: Pro-Trump impeachment Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy targeted for ouster of Freedom Caucus founding member…Read more

SLIM MARGIN: Former Dem congressman who lost by 109 votes in 2020 confirmed to lifetime judicial seat…Read more

Across America

‘MINI ANTIFA WARRIORS’: Former Obama officials who now run popular podcast selling ANTIFA gear for kids: “ANTIFA baby onesie”…Read more

Images of Crooked Media’s products, a baby onesie and an “ANTIFA Dad Hat” advertised for sale. (Crooked Store)

‘YOU’RE WELCOME!!!’: Trump congratulates bitcoiners — El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele takes victory lap with bitcoin over 100K…Read more

‘HIGHLY CONCERNING ISSUE’: Arizona Republican lawmakers ask for investigation into county recorder’s handling of 2024 election…Read more

‘DISTUBRING & DISGUSTING’: Sexual misconduct at Veterans Affairs facility is ‘disturbing and disgusting,’ House committee chairman says…Read more

‘MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE’: Soros DA ripped by police for ‘war’ on cops after officer sentenced to prison…Read more

ALLEGED STONEWALLING?: Iowa sues Biden administration to verify status of 2,000 registered voters who may be noncitizens…Read more

Get the latest updates on the Trump presidential transition, incoming Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.

The House of Representatives rejected a bid by Democrats to force the release of an ethics report into former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., on Thursday evening. 

Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill., filed a measure known as a “privileged resolution” to make the Gaetz report public, a maneuver that forces House leaders to take up a resolution within two legislative days.

It was shot down before a final vote, however, on a margin of 206 to 198. 

House lawmakers voted to refer Casten’s resolution to the relevant committee for consideration. It’s highly unlikely a GOP-controlled committee would take it up, however, meaning the move essentially defeated the Democrat’s effort.

HACKER OBTAINS HOUSE ETHICS TESTIMONY ON MATT GAETZ AS TRUMP MAKES CALLS FOR AG NOMINEE

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., speaks at a campaign rally for Republican presidential nominee, President-elect Trump on Oct. 12, 2024 in Coachella, Calif. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Just one Republican, Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., voted with Democrats to table the measure.

Gaetz abruptly resigned from Congress last month in a now-failed bid to be President-elect Donald Trump’s next attorney general.

His resignation also came just before the House Ethics Committee was set to consider the release of its report into the Florida Republican.

The panel had been conducting a years-long investigation into accusations against Gaetz that involved sex with a minor and illicit drug use.

GET TO KNOW DONALD TRUMP’S CABINET: WHO HAS THE PRESIDENT-ELECT PICKED SO FAR?

President-elect Donald Trump tapped Gaetz to be his attorney general, but that has since collapsed. (Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

But its jurisdiction ended when Gaetz left Congress, and Republicans have shown little appetite to buck tradition and release a report on someone who has departed Congress.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told reporters last month that he was against releasing the report.

“I do not believe that that is an appropriate thing. It doesn’t follow our rules and traditions and there is a reason for that. That would open up Pandora’s box and I don’t think that’s a healthy thing for the institution,” he said.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., was against releasing the report. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

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Meanwhile, the House Ethics Committee has met twice since Gaetz’s resignation and failed to come to an agreement both times on whether to release the report.

The most recent meeting occurred hours before Thursday’s vote.

Gaetz, for his part, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. A federal investigation into the allegations ended without charges against Gaetz.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Republicans are planning to work closely with Tesla CEO Elon Musk and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, the pair co-leading Trump’s newly formed spending cuts project, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

The DOGE duo made their rounds with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, spending the morning with members of the Senate DOGE Caucus before heading to a meeting with House GOP leaders and House DOGE Caucus representatives.

The pair, who will spearhead efforts under President-elect Trump to slash government spending and strengthen government efficiency under the incoming Trump administration, wrapped up their day on Capitol Hill by addressing a joint meeting with Republicans of both chambers.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., incoming chair of the DOGE House subcommittee, revealed that, during the meeting, Musk said there would be a “naughty list” and a “nice list” for lawmakers.

GOP SENATORS ‘VERY IMPRESSED’ WITH MUSK, RAMASWAMY DOGE FRAMEWORK AMID MEETINGS ON CAPITOL HILL

Tesla CEO Elon Musk, co-chair of the newly announced Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), arrives on Capitol Hill with his son on Dec. 5, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Anna Moneymaker)

“There will be a lot more that is expressed in the days ahead,” Johnson said as he left the meeting. “Stay tuned for more to come.”

Co-chairs of the DOGE House caucus said there was a “big discussion” during the meeting with Musk and Ramaswamy about education and the redundancy of government workers.

“There is so much waste, fraud and abuse. There is so much inefficiency. Where do we begin?” DOGE Caucus co-chair Rep. Aaron Bean, R-Fla., said.

He suggested there was already “low-hanging fruit” for improving government efficiency that Republicans could agree on that included the issues of education and the federal workforce.

“There was a big discussion about education. There was a big discussion about redundancy of government workers as they exist in programs across the country. This was not a ‘pick your program and select it and get agreement.’ This was the idea forum,” said co-chair Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas.

REP. JARED MOSKOWITZ FIRST DEMOCRAT TO JOIN CONGRESSIONAL DOGE CAUCUS

Vivek Ramaswamy, chairman and co-founder of Strive Asset Management, center, arrives to meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (Al Drago)

Sessions also highlighted how the timeframe for DOGE, which is expected to conclude no later than July 4, 2026, on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence’s signing, will help ensure agency efficiency.

Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, walking out of the meeting, told reporters that “we’re going to gut the fish.”

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, however, was skeptical of them relying on the new department to cut costs. 

“It’s a little rich to go, ‘Oh DOGE, save us.’ What, from ourselves?” Roy told reporters. “What I told them is, their best role is to expose the absolute stupidity coming out of this body.”

President-elect Donald Trump tapped Elon Musk to co-lead DOGE next year. (Brandon Bell)

But Rep-elect Mike Haridolopos, R-Fla., argued it was good to have an outside eye looking at how the federal government is run.

“The lowest-hanging fruit, one overall thing we need to do is eventually pass a balanced budget amendment,” he said of where Congress could help cut waste. “I think the second one is that people have to show up to work. Everybody else in America, they don’t show up to work, they don’t get paid. And so these government employees need to show up to work.”

Ahead of the meeting with Congress, Musk was asked if he wanted Democratic members to be part of DOGE conversations, to which he was heard answering “yes.”

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Musk sat down with incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune on Thursday morning, while Ramaswamy met with the Senate DOGE Caucus to hear from chair Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa., who unveiled a 60-page proposal for potential spending cuts.

The Boston City Council unanimously voted this week to double down on a measure designed to obstruct President-elect Trump’s plans for mass deportations.

According to the Boston Herald, Boston council member Gabriela Coletta said the measure is an important step “as we brace for [the] impact” of a second Trump presidency.

Titled the “Trust Act,” the law was first passed in 2014 and was amended during Trump’s first term in 2019.

It seeks to protect immigrant communities from “unjust enforcement actions” and restricts Boston police’s ability to cooperate with ICE and bans police from keeping migrants in custody for possible deportation unless there is a criminal warrant.

TOP CONSERVATIVE GROUP REVEALS ROADMAP TO REBUILD NEW US IMMIGRATION SYSTEM ‘FROM THE ASHES’

Flags fly above Boston City Hall on Nov. 11, 2021. (Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

The resolution adopted by the council states that “proposals for mass deportations represent a direct attack on Boston’s immigrant families, and threaten to tear communities apart.”

“In the face of changing federal leadership, the City of Boston must reaffirm our support for the Boston Trust Act to protect our immigrant residents,” the resolution goes on. “The City of Boston shall continue to monitor and respond to federal immigration policies that may impact its residents, reaffirming its commitment to protect immigrant communities from unjust enforcement actions and to uphold the Trust Act, recognizing that protecting the rights and dignity of all residents, regardless of immigration status, is essential for a safe and welcoming city for all.”

According to the Boston Globe, all 13 council members voted to reaffirm the Trust Act on Wednesday.

Per the Boston Globe, Council President Ruthzee Louijeune said that “as the national climate grows increasingly hostile towards immigrant communities, we must reaffirm who we are as a city.”

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH FOR ON IMMIGRATION AND BORDER SECURITY IN 2025

Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston apprehended an unlawfully present 28-year-old Salvadoran national, Bryan Daniel Aldana-Arevalo, and charged him with numerous sex crimes against a child on Nantucket Island. (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

HOMAN SENDS FIERY WARNING TO DEMS: ‘GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY’

“As a city built on the strength of its diverse communities,” she went on, “Boston remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the rights [and] dignity of all its residents, regardless of status.”

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, a Democrat, has also vowed the city would not cooperate with Trump and his incoming border czar Tom Homan’s plans for mass deportations.  

“The federal government is responsible for a certain set of actions, and cities, no individual city, can reverse or override some parts of that,” Wu said during a local news interview. “But what we can do is make sure that we are doing our part to protect our residents in every possible way, that we are not cooperating with those efforts that actually threaten the safety of everyone by causing widespread fear and having large-scale economic impact.”

This comes after the Boston area has seen several ICE arrests of illegal immigrants who have been charged with crimes, including child sex offenses, released back onto the streets. 

ICE announced in November that it apprehended a Colombian illegal immigrant, who had been arrested on charges of enticing a child under 16, distribution of obscene matter, and lascivious posing and exhibiting a child in the nude. ICE had filed a detainer against him, but it was ignored, according to the agency.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey visit the Melnea A. Cass Recreational Complex, which was being used to house more than 300 migrants. (John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

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Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has similarly said she is prepared to use “every tool in the toolbox” to protect residents, vowing that state police would “absolutely not” assist Trump in the mass deportations operation.

Several other Democratic leaders have also pledged resistance to Trump’s deportation plans, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston.

Johnston got into a spat with Homan after he vowed to have Denver police physically block ICE officials from carrying out deportations and predicted a “Tiananmen Square moment.”

In response, Homan has warned resisters to “get the hell out of the way” and cautioned he is “not afraid” to jail those who illegally obstruct ICE enforcement.

Many Americans don’t trust the federal government, and Elon Musk — an eccentric billionaire business tycoon tasked by President-elect Donald Trump with helping slay the unwieldly bureaucratic leviathan — thinks that’s just the right attitude.

“I think we should not trust the government,” Musk has previously declared.

Apparently, people are way ahead of him. 

“As of April 2024, 22% of Americans say they trust the government in Washington to do what is right “just about always” (2%) or “most of the time” (21%),” Pew Research Center noted earlier this year.

GOP SENATORS ‘VERY IMPRESSED’ WITH MUSK, RAMASWAMY DOGE FRAMEWORK AMID MEETINGS ON CAPITOL HILL

Elon Musk, Co-Chair of the newly announced Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), arrives at Capitol Hill on Dec. 5, 2024 in Washington, D.C.; Vivek Ramaswamy, chairman and co-founder of Strive Asset Management, arrives to meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.  (Left: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images; Right: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Trump tapped Musk and self-identified “small-government crusader” Vivek Ramaswamy to helm the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an effort that puts Washington D.C.’s profligate spending in the crosshairs.

“We will serve as outside volunteers, not federal officials or employees. Unlike government commissions or advisory committees, we won’t just write reports or cut ribbons. We’ll cut costs,” the dynamic duo declared in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece last month.

Ramaswamy appears to share similar views to Musk on public trust in government.

“The reason the people don’t trust the government is that the government doesn’t trust the people. In God we trust and government we distrust,” Ramaswamy declared in a post on X last year.

MUSK, RAMASWAMY VISIT CAPITOL HILL TO DISCUSS TRUMP’S DOGE VISION FOR CUTTING GOVERNMENT WASTE

Trump and Musk watch the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket on Nov. 19, 2024 in Brownsville, Tx. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

But in order to realize their cost-cutting ambitions, Musk and Ramaswamy will need to get government figures on board with their plans.

Lawmakers met with the two entrepreneurs in D.C. on Thursday.

THIS WAS A CHANGE ELECTION, DOGE ADDS TO IT: SEN. CORNYN

United States Capitol building is seen in Washington D.C. on Dec. 2, 2024.  (Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images)

“Under President Trump, we will take a blowtorch to the administrative state and reduce the size and scope of government. House and Senate Republicans look forward to hosting Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy tomorrow to discuss how the Department of Government Efficiency can help us get it done,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a Wednesday post on X.

Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee grilled Ur Jaddou, head of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), on Wednesday, slamming her leadership and the Biden administration for waving in mass illegal immigration and running a humanitarian parole program “rife with fraud.”

USCIS is a federal agency meant to oversee lawful immigration into the U.S.

“You totally blew it,” Texas Rep. Troy Nehls told Jaddou.

“The American people are sick and tired, and you should all be fired. Well you will be shortly because the American people said, ‘We ain’t going to tolerate this anymore,’” he added.  

BIDEN USCIS NOMINEE CALLED FOR PAUSING BORDER PATROL FUNDING

Ur Jaddou is head of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. (America’s Voice )

Rep. Tom McClintock, head of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, also drilled into Jaddou, saying: “If anyone wonders why real wages for working families have declined under this administration, look no further than the agency before us today.”

“Our subcommittee,” he continued, “has noted that in millions of cases, credible fear interviews are not even conducted before migrants who have illegally entered the country are then released into the country. How do you explain that?”

Jaddou attempted to explain by saying that USCIS, which primarily receives its funding from applicant fees, is underfunded.

McClintock shot back that “until we opened our borders those fees were more than adequate to conduct those interviews and under your administration, they’re not.”

BORDER PATROL CHIEF THRILLED WITH TRUMP BORDER CZAR PICK AFTER ‘EXHAUSTING’ BIDEN-ERA CRISIS: ‘I’M EXCITED’

Texas National Guard troops watch over more than 1,000 immigrants who crossed the Rio Grande overnight from Mexico on Dec. 18, 2023, in Eagle Pass, Texas. (John Moore/Getty Images)

The chairman took particular issue with the Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans parole program – known as CHNV – which, according to a November report by the subcommittee, was used to allow more than 530,000 migrants from those countries into the U.S.

The CHNV program was started by the Biden administration in January 2023 and allows up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela to enter the U.S. each month. It was temporarily paused by the administration in July due to fraud concerns but then reinstated just weeks later.  

“They took a parole authority that required case-by-case review of individual exigent circumstances to provide temporary entry to the United States and transformed it into a fraud-ridden, mass admission of more than half a million Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans up to 1,000 every day,” said McClintock.  

A Haitian migrant approved for humanitarian parole cheers as he boards a bus taking migrants into the U.S. at the Senda de Vida shelter on Aug. 30, 2022, in Reynosa, Mexico. (Michael Nigro/Getty Images)

COLORADO REPUBLICANS SOUND OFF ON IMPACT OF MIGRANT SURGE ON CITIZENS: ‘THEIR SOULS ARE CRUSHED’

McClintock also criticized USCIS for not properly vetting CHNV sponsors and allowing migrants to sponsor each other.

“Literally one parolee can immediately arrive in this country, receive indefinite status, and then sign up as a sponsor for the next. This is illegal chain migration on steroids all made possible by an agency willing to contort and ignore the law,” he said.

Pressed further by Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, Jaddou admitted that the program allows migrants to sponsor other migrants. She said 86% of CHNV parole sponsors are U.S. citizens and lawful residents, leaving questions about the other 14%.   

Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs dug further, questioning Jaddou on the widespread abuses of the CHNV program by migrants, citing hundreds and thousands of instances of the same Social Security number, email, zip code and responses being used on multiple sponsor applications.

“This program is rife with fraud,” Biggs said, adding that “the fraud was so rampant you closed down the program, but you didn’t fix it. It’s still ongoing.”

A migrant flight takes off to Chicago from Texas on Dec. 19, 2023. (Gov. Greg Abbott)

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“Do you know how you reduce illegal immigration, according to the left? It’s really simple. You make illegal immigration legal,” said Texas Rep. Wesley Hunt. 

“Biden was upset the American people were complaining about the increase in illegal immigration numbers at the border,” he said. “So, what did Biden do? He legalized illegal immigration by expanding the intended use of parole to fit his needs.”

Throughout the hearing, Jaddou maintained that her agency was effectively managing its duties, including the CHNV program, which she said is “just one piece” of “an entire border management strategy.” 

“It cannot work alone,” she said. “Neither can enforcement measures work alone if we want it to be long-lasting, and that’s why this process is important.” 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Lawmakers told Fox News Digital they are “very impressed” with President-elect Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) framework amid meetings on Capitol Hill with agency appointees Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.

In November, Trump tapped Tesla CEO Musk and former presidential candidate Ramaswamy to co-lead DOGE under his administration — a new federal department that will aim to reduce government waste and slash costs. 

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa., chair of the Senate’s DOGE Caucus, led a meeting with senators Thursday to unveil a 60-page cost-cutting proposal. Ramawasy was present at the meeting, while Musk simultaneously sat down with incoming Senate Majority Leader Sen. John Thune of South Dakota.

“I’m very impressed with what Elon and Vivek want to accomplish,” Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., told Fox News Digital after leaving the DOGE Caucus meeting. “I can’t talk about what they are going to be proposing, but I’ve known them for a long time, and I think they’re going to do a great job.”

DOGE CHIEF MUSK BASHES MASSIVE GOVERNMENT SPENDING ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS: ‘BOGGLES THE MIND!’

Vivek Ramaswamy, chairman and co-founder of Strive Asset Management, center, arrives to meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (Al Drago)

While senators who attended the meeting would not reveal specifically where DOGE intends to cut costs, they all agreed that the conversation was productive.

“It showed a lot of us are on the same page,” Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., said of Thursday’s chat. “We need to make government serve people again.”

Budd added that he believes Musk and Ramaswamy are “the right people for the moment” to cut government costs.

Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., told Fox News Digital that DOGE is rolling out “hundreds of ideas” aimed towards achieving a “balanced budget.”

“It was just a great conversation,” Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., said after leaving the meeting.

President-elect Donald Trump tapped Elon Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under his administration. (Brandon Bell)

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said, “We talked about a lot of things. This is the very beginning of a process that, if we do it right, will be ongoing. So right now, we are just talking about the art of the possible.” 

Tillis added that he believes Democrats will come on board with DOGE. 

Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan of Arkansas said his top priority in addressing costs is fixing “the regulatory burden and litigation abuse to do anything in America.”

SENATE DOGE LEADER ERNST TO TAKE ON GOVERNMENT TELEWORK ABUSE AT FIRST MEETING WITH MUSK, RAMASWAMY

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine also told reporters that it was a “good meeting.”

Sen. Joni Ernst chairs the Senate DOGE caucus. (Samuel Corum)

During Thursday’s DOGE caucus meeting, Ernst proposed the federal government relocate Washington’s workforce across the country, and for Congress to set a goal for all federal government agencies to achieve a 60% daily occupancy at their headquarters.

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Ernst’s report found that only 6% of workers currently report in-person on a full-time basis, with nearly one-third working remotely, according to a copy shared with Fox News Digital.

Fox News’ Brooke Singman contributed to this report.

The director of the U.S. Secret Service and a Texas congressman got into a screaming match Thursday during a hearing on the agency’s failures leading to two assassination attempts against President-elect Trump.

Acting Secret Service director Ronald Rowe shouted at Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, after the GOP lawmaker lambasted the service for security lapses that made Trump a target of two failed shooting attempts.

“You’re out of line, congressman!” Rowe yelled at Fallon.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates. 

FIRST ON FOX: A firebrand Republican lawmaker in Congress is demanding that DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas preserve all information related to the border crisis that took place over the last four years as part of an ongoing records request.

“During your tenure as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary, we have seen recordbreaking illegal alien encounters at our borders, millions of aliens released into the interior, scores of criminals and other bad actors infiltrating our communities, endangering Americans and aliens alike, and much more. It is imperative DHS preserve any and all information related to the border crisis and mass influx of aliens into the interior so the incoming Trump administration can deliver on its mandate to undo the damage done,” Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said in a letter to Mayorkas, obtained first by Fox News Digital.

Republicans have consistently complained that DHS has not been responsive to requests for information, a claim that DHS has denied – pointing to a slew of briefings, responses and hearing appearances that officials have given.

DEM SENATOR URGES BIDEN TO EXTEND PROTECTIONS FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS BEFORE TRUMP ADMIN: ‘NOBODY IS SAFE’

Rep. Chip Roy attends a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on March 28, 2023. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Roy says his office and others have received “at best – delayed and insufficient responses or – at worst – no response from your office at all.”

“As such, I request that you take all reasonable steps to prevent the destruction of all documents, communications, and other information, including electronic information, that are or may be responsive to this congressional inquiry, including memoranda, numerical data, reports, letters, and subpoenas received by Congress surrounding border security and immigration policies of the Biden-Harris Administration from January 20, 2021, to the present,” he writes.

The letter comes as a political sea change on how to handle border security and illegal immigration is about to hit Washington, D.C. While the Biden administration has taken a number of hawkish moves at the border in recent months, including a presidential proclamation in June that drastically limited asylum, the incoming Trump administration and Republican Congress are eyeing significant overhauls to how immigration and border security are handled.

Given the historic crisis at the border, which started in early 2021 and continued deep into 2024, Republicans have hammered the administration on the border crisis, with Roy being a key member in the impeachment of Mayorkas earlier this year – although that impeachment was not taken up by the Senate.

While the Trump administration will likely bring in sweeping changes at the border, Roy’s letter indicates there will be continued interest in how the Biden administration handled the crisis.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF THE BORDER SECURITY CRISIS

Roy’s letter requests that DHS preserves information, including the number of migrants released with court dates, their countries of origins, last known whereabouts, and similar information for those released into the U.S. under humanitarian parole and those allowed to stay under programs like Temporary Protected Status.

It also seeks information on how the controversial CBP One app – which allows for migrants to schedule appointments to be paroled into the U.S. – was being used. Information requested also includes those who are no longer able to be contacted, those released with criminal charges or convictions, those with gang affiliations, and those given protection under Temporary Protected Status.

Roy also wanted to see the number of visa overstays, those admitted with visas who are suspected of fraud, and the number of countries that are “recalcitrant” and who are not taking back illegal immigrants. He also wants to know the number of Chinese nationals released into the U.S. with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, the names of organizations that have received DHS grants for caring for migrants and the number of worksite enforcement investigations conducted by ICE.

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The letter is the latest sign that immigration, which was a political hot topic in 2024, will likely remain a top item for Congress as well as the administration in 2025. President-elect Trump has already appointed former ICE Director Thomas Homan as his border czar, and has nominated South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to be Mayorkas’ successor at DHS. Republicans are expected to push for additional legislation to aid in that operation. That push could take the form of HR 2, the Republican border bill that passed in the House in 2023, but has not been taken up by the Senate.

First on Fox – The Fraternal Order of Police sent letters to both President-elect Trump and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., outlining their staunch support of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as secretary of homeland security, in what insiders say is the first in what will be a long list of law enforcement endorsements. 

“Governor Noem has been a longtime ally of the FOP during both her tenure in the House of Representatives and as Governor of South Dakota. The South Dakota State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police endorsed Governor Noem for her re-election campaign in 2022, citing her belief in the rule of law and commitment to public safety,” Fraternal Order of Police national president Patrick Yoes wrote in a November letter to Trump, which was obtained by Fox News Digital. 

“Once confirmed, the FOP will work with Governor Noem to secure our border, stop the flow of fentanyl into the United States, as well as support all the critical missions of the DHS – which has more law enforcement officers than any other Federal Department – in defending our homeland and keeping the American public safe,” Yoes continued. 

The FOP is the largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers, boasting roughly 377,000 members across the nation, with Yoes calling on both Trump and the Senate to swiftly confirm Noem in order for police and law enforcement officers to crack down on crimes ranging from illegal immigration to deadly fentanyl pouring over the border. 

TRUMP SELECTS SOUTH DAKOTA GOV KRISTI NOEM TO RUN DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Gov. Kristi Noem speaks during the Republican National Convention, July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

The DHS oversees U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Secret Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

GOV KRISTI NOEM REFLECTS ON TRUMP WIN, SAYS DEMOCRATS ‘TRY TO PUT WOMEN IN A BOX’

In his separate letter to Paul, Yoes called on the upcoming chairman of the committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs – who will preside over Noem’s confirmation – to swiftly confirm Noem in the Senate, while arguing that under the Trump administration, DHS will be allowed “the opportunity to take bold actions towards protecting our communities.”

President-elect Trump speaks at a House Republicans Conference meeting at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill on Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Allison Robbert-Pool/Getty Images)

“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employs more law enforcement than any other Federal department, and as such we ask the Committee to expeditiously review and confirm nominees as soon as possible to ensure a seamless transition. We especially encourage the committee to hold the earliest possible hearing on Governor Kristi L. Noem to be the next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The FOP supports her nomination, and we look forward to working with her to secure our border,” Yoes wrote. 

Paul has already publicly said he would “expeditiously move President Trump’s critical nominees, including Governor Kristi Noem, in time for Inauguration Day.”

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT KRISTI NOEM, THE ‘BORDER HAWK’ NOMINATED BY TRUMP TO LEAD DHS

Washington, D.C., insiders told Fox News Digital that the FOP’s unwavering support of Noem is just the first in what is anticipated to be a long list of law enforcement support behind the nomination. 

Sen. Rand Paul speaks to reporters as he arrives for a vote in the U.S. Capitol on March 14, 2024. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Trump, who ran in part on a platform of ending the immigration crisis at the southern border and cracking down on the deadly drug epidemic ravaging communities across the nation, announced his nomination of Noem just days after his massive win over Vice President Kamala Harris last month. 

EX-TRUMP OFFICIAL PREDICTS ‘ENTIRE MINDSET CHANGE’ AT SOUTHERN BORDER, HAILS ‘FANTASTIC’ PICK TO LEAD DHS 

“She was the first Governor to send National Guard Soldiers to help Texas fight the Biden Border Crisis, and they were sent a total of eight times,” Trump’s announcement on Nov. 12 read. 

President Trump and FOP President Patrick Yoes during a “Make America Great Again” rally at Harrisburg international airport in Middletown, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 26, 2020. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty images)

“She will work closely with ‘Border Czar’ Tom Homan to secure the Border, and will guarantee that our American Homeland is secure from our adversaries,” Trump added. 

Noem has served as governor of the Mount Rushmore State since 2019, and notably gained national attention and praise from conservatives during the pandemic when she bucked lockdown orders and mask mandates common in liberal states such as California and New York. 

Former President Trump greets Gov. Kristi Noem at the South Dakota Republican Party Monumental Leaders rally Sept. 8, 2023, in Rapid City. (AP Photo/Toby Brusseau)

Republican state leaders and others praised Trump’s pick of Noem to lead DHS, citing her tough stance on illegal immigration that has rocked the nation since 2021, including Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott dubbing her a “border hawk.” 

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“On behalf of the more than 377,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I commend you on your selection of Governor Noem to lead the DHS, and we look forward to resuming our partnership with you and your Administration,” Yoes wrote in his letters to both Trump and Paul. 

Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming announced a bid to unseat Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Republican who voted to convict following the House impeachment vote against former President Donald Trump in the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot.

Fleming, a former U.S. congressman, was one of the founders of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, according to a press release about his Senate bid.

“Senator Cassidy has failed the people of Louisiana,” Fleming said, according to the press release. 

“I will fight to bring real, conservative solutions to the U.S. Senate, I will not cut-and-run on these conservative principles, and I will stand and work with President Trump like I have many times before,” he declared.

Fox News Digital attempted to request comment from the senator.

LOUISIANA LAWMAKERS WEIGHING CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT THAT WOULD SEND MORE JUVENILE OFFENDERS TO ADULT JAILS

Rep. John Fleming, R-La., candidate for the U.S. Senate from Louisiana, conducts a campaign rally at Drusilla Seafood Restaurant in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Nov. 7, 2016. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

Fleming held posts in Trump’s prior administration.

“I cannot fully express the deep sense of pride I have, having served President Trump in the West Wing of the White House as he was literally fighting for his political life against those who were attacking him and turning their backs on him,” Fleming noted, “but the opportunity to stand with him for the principles of America First is why I seek to serve the citizens of Louisiana in the United States Senate.”

Trump endorsed Cassidy for re-election in 2020, before the lawmaker became one of the Senate Republicans who voted to convict after the House impeachment vote against Trump in early 2021.

That Senate vote took place after Trump had already departed from office, and the number of senators who voted to convict failed to reach the threshold necessary for a conviction.

CASSIDY INTRODUCES BILL TO STOP FEDERAL TAX DOLLARS FROM GOING TO HEALTHCARE FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., attends a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on Aug. 5, 2022 in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Trump lambasted Sen. Cassidy in posts on Truth Social earlier this year.

“One of the worst Senators in the United States Senate is, without question, Bill Cassidy, A TOTAL FLAKE, Republican though he may be,” Trump declared on April 1.

“Bill Cassidy is now shunned in his own State as a disloyal lightweight, and it’s a beautiful thing to watch,” Trump declared in another post.

FEDERAL COURTS ARE DECLARING WAR ON AMERICAN OIL WORKERS: SEN. BILL CASSIDY

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., listens to testimony from U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tia during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Capitol Hill on March 31, 2022 in Washington, D.C. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Cassidy’s current U.S. Senate term ends in early 2027.

Fleming previously ran unsuccessfully for Senate in 2016.