Author name: RVM News

All Eight Crew Feared Dead After B52 Test Mission Crash in California Desert [WATCH]
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All Eight Crew Feared Dead After B52 Test Mission Crash in California Desert [WATCH]

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All eight crew members aboard a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress are believed to have died after the aircraft crashed Monday morning shortly after departing from Edwards Air Force Base in California, according to military officials, as reported by The Post Millennial.

The crash occurred shortly after takeoff during what officials described as a routine test mission. Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the scene as authorities began assessing the wreckage and gathering information about the incident.

In a statement released following the crash, officials said the aircraft was carrying eight people when it went down at approximately 11:20 a.m. local time.

“Initial indications are that the crash was not survivable.”

Military officials have not yet released the identities of the crew members, and no additional details regarding the cause of the crash were immediately available.

Investigators are expected to examine flight data, maintenance records, weather conditions, and other factors as part of the inquiry into what led to the loss of the aircraft.

The B-52 Stratofortress has served as a cornerstone of the U.S. Air Force’s long-range bomber fleet for decades. The aircraft remains in active service and continues to be used for a variety of missions, including testing, training, and strategic operations.

Monday’s crash occurred near Edwards Air Force Base, one of the nation’s most significant military aviation facilities.

Located in California’s Mojave Desert, approximately 100 miles north of Los Angeles, the installation has played a central role in American aerospace development and military flight testing.

Edwards Air Force Base has been the site of numerous aviation milestones over the years.

Among its most notable achievements was the historic 1947 flight by test pilot Chuck Yeager, who became the first person to break the sound barrier during a supersonic flight conducted in the area.

The base continues to serve as a major center for aircraft testing and evaluation, supporting both military and aerospace programs.

As emergency crews worked at the crash site, officials provided few additional details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Air Force has not announced whether any distress calls were made before the aircraft went down or whether there were any indications of mechanical problems before takeoff.

The loss of a B-52 and its crew would mark a significant incident for the Air Force, and military investigators are expected to conduct a comprehensive review of the crash.

Authorities have indicated that additional information will be released as the investigation progresses and more facts become available.

For now, officials say all eight individuals aboard the aircraft are believed to have perished in the crash shortly after departure from Edwards Air Force Base.

The incident remains under investigation.

Minnesota Colleges Expose Massive Ghost Student Financial Aid Scam [WATCH]
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Minnesota Colleges Expose Massive Ghost Student Financial Aid Scam [WATCH]

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Minnesota colleges and universities are confronting a growing wave of financial aid fraud involving so-called “ghost students,” fraudulent applicants who use stolen or fabricated identities to enroll in classes, secure federal aid, and then disappear, as reported by Trending Politics News.

The problem has expanded to the point that state lawmakers and higher education officials are now pursuing additional safeguards aimed at protecting taxpayers and ensuring legitimate students are not displaced by fraudulent enrollments.

The issue gained widespread attention after Minnesota State, which oversees 33 public colleges and universities, reported a significant increase in suspicious applications during the past academic year.

According to state officials and reporting by KSTP, more than 7,700 applications were flagged as fraudulent or potentially fraudulent.

While many of those applications were identified before financial aid funds were distributed, some fraudulent applicants successfully obtained federal aid, resulting in schools being required to repay the federal government.

Ghost students typically take advantage of online enrollment systems and federal student aid programs.

Investigators say scammers use stolen Social Security numbers, synthetic identities, or other fraudulent information to gain admission to colleges and universities. Once enrolled, they register for courses and apply for Pell Grants and federal student loans.

After aid money is disbursed, the individuals often withdraw from classes or simply stop participating.

In some cases, investigators say fraudulent students submit coursework generated by artificial intelligence to maintain enrollment long enough for aid payments to be released.

Although colleges across the country have reported similar schemes, Minnesota has become one of the states taking a more aggressive approach to addressing the issue.

According to reports, at least three Minnesota institutions were required to repay between $9,500 and $63,457 to the federal government after ghost students successfully obtained financial aid funds.

State officials have not publicly identified the schools involved, citing concerns that disclosure could attract additional fraud attempts.

Beyond the financial impact, college administrators warn that fraudulent enrollments create obstacles for legitimate students seeking access to classes.

Ghost students can occupy limited classroom seats, particularly in courses that routinely reach enrollment capacity. As a result, legitimate students may face difficulties registering for required classes.

The issue is especially challenging for students who depend on financial aid and timely course registration to remain on track toward graduation.

In response, Minnesota lawmakers are considering legislation that would strengthen identity verification procedures for prospective students.

A proposal currently moving through the Minnesota Legislature would provide approximately $1.5 million each year for advanced identity verification technology.

The proposed system would employ tools such as biometric verification, document authentication, and behavioral analysis to confirm applicants’ identities before they are allowed to register for classes or receive financial aid.

Federal officials have also highlighted the broader national scope of the problem.

Education investigators have identified more than $350 million in student aid fraud nationwide since 2019, though authorities believe the true figure could be substantially higher.

The rapid expansion of online learning during and after the COVID-19 pandemic created additional opportunities for organized fraud operations to target college enrollment systems and federal aid programs.

Some observers believe Minnesota’s losses may exceed earlier estimates. Reports cited by higher education officials indicate that nearly 2,000 ghost students may have obtained approximately $12.5 million in federal financial aid from Minnesota colleges.

Those figures have intensified concerns among state officials, who argue that stronger identity verification measures are necessary to prevent additional taxpayer-funded losses and protect educational opportunities for legitimate students.

Tulsi Gabbard Says Declassified Biolab Records Prove Biden Team Misled the Public [WATCH]
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Tulsi Gabbard Says Declassified Biolab Records Prove Biden Team Misled the Public [WATCH]

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Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has released a collection of declassified records detailing U.S. funding and involvement in more than 120 biological laboratories located in over 30 countries, including dozens of facilities in Ukraine, as reported by Fox News.

The release, announced June 14, has renewed attention on questions surrounding overseas biological research programs that became a major topic of debate following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

According to Gabbard, the newly released records provide additional information about laboratory networks that were previously the subject of public controversy.

She argued that the documents support concerns that had been dismissed by some critics as misinformation.

The records include Office of the Director of National Intelligence briefing materials outlining U.S. involvement with biological laboratories in Ukraine.

One document states that more than 40 laboratories in the country received U.S. funding and maintained collections of bacteria and viruses, including some dating back to the Soviet era.

The records also indicate that Ukrainian scientists participated in U.S.-funded training programs focused on working with hazardous pathogens and handling especially dangerous diseases.

Among the pathogens listed in the declassified materials are anthrax, tuberculosis, plague, Ebola virus, Marburg virus, MERS, and SARS.

Additional documents describe construction, modernization, and laboratory improvement projects conducted at facilities across Ukraine, including locations in Kherson, Odesa, and western regions of the country.

According to the records, engineering firm Black & Veatch served as a major contractor on several projects. Individual laboratory upgrades and construction efforts reportedly ranged from approximately $1.7 million to $3.5 million in taxpayer-funded expenditures.

One assessment included in the release focuses on a veterinary research facility in Kharkiv that received support through the Defense Department’s Biological Threat Reduction Program.

The assessment states that the laboratory housed hundreds of pathogen samples, including Brucella bacteria, which can cause brucellosis.

The document also warned that the facility could become vulnerable during the conflict with Russia and potentially be damaged, captured, or exploited for propaganda purposes.

Another ODNI briefing slide outlines what it describes as a “web of connections” involving Ukrainian laboratories, U.S. government agencies, universities, research organizations, and private-sector contractors.

According to the document, American funding supported research involving bird flu and other highly infectious viruses conducted within high-security laboratory environments.

The release comes amid broader scrutiny of biological research programs and government transparency efforts.

Debate over the laboratories intensified after Russia’s 2022 invasion, with differing interpretations emerging regarding the purpose and oversight of the facilities.

Supporters of Gabbard’s decision to release the records argue that the documents provide information that had not been fully available to the public and offer greater insight into the scope of U.S.-backed biological research overseas.

Critics, however, continue to maintain that the laboratories were part of long-standing public health and threat-reduction initiatives designed to secure dangerous pathogens, improve disease monitoring, and reduce biological risks rather than conduct biological weapons research.

The declassification is expected to generate renewed discussion in Washington regarding government transparency, gain-of-function research, international laboratory partnerships, and the extent of U.S. involvement in biological research programs around the world.

As lawmakers, researchers, and policy experts review the newly released materials, the records are likely to remain part of a broader debate over biological security, foreign aid, and federal oversight of overseas research initiatives.

Republican Leaders Celebrate Viral World Cup Fans Falling in Love With True American Spirit [WATCH]
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Republican Leaders Celebrate Viral World Cup Fans Falling in Love With True American Spirit [WATCH]

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As international soccer fans travel across the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a growing number of visitors are attracting attention online by documenting their experiences with American culture, food, travel destinations, and local traditions, as reported by Fox News.

Among the most widely followed visitors is German soccer fan FreddyLA7, whose social media posts have generated millions of views as he chronicles a cross-country journey through the United States while following the German national team.

Rather than focusing exclusively on soccer, Freddy’s videos have highlighted experiences that many Americans consider everyday parts of life.

His posts have featured visits to Waffle House, Taco Bell, Buc-ee’s, Bass Pro Shops, highways stretching across multiple states, and college football venues.

The videos have resonated with viewers across social media platforms, generating widespread engagement and drawing responses from elected officials and political leaders who view the posts as a positive showcase of American culture.

The viral attention comes as the United States prepares to host millions of visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

While political debates surrounding immigration and travel policies have continued in the lead-up to the tournament, many foreign visitors have instead focused on sharing favorable impressions of local communities, regional traditions, and American hospitality.

Among those taking notice was Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who shared one of Freddy’s posts on X after the German visitor traveled through Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama.

Duffy praised the road trip experience and encouraged Americans to appreciate the country’s diversity of destinations.

“There’s no better way to see our country than on a road trip,” Duffy wrote. “Because to LOVE AMERICA you have to SEE AMERICA.”

Duffy also invited followers to suggest additional destinations for Freddy to visit as he continues his travels around the country.

Freddy’s growing popularity has led to interactions with officials from several states. After visiting Alabama and posting about his experiences there, Sen. Katie Britt highlighted the state’s role in his journey.

One of the stops that generated significant attention was Auburn University’s Jordan-Hare Stadium. Freddy posted videos expressing amazement at the atmosphere surrounding college football in the South.

Following those posts, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey publicly encouraged him to return during football season.

“Y’all ought to come back in the fall to see just how we do Saturdays in Alabama,” Ivey wrote.

Freddy’s travels also brought him to Florida’s Gulf Coast, where he shared footage of the beaches and coastline.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis responded after Freddy referred to the Gulf waters as “the sea,” playfully correcting the description while encouraging him to enjoy Florida’s coastline.

The German visitor’s road trip has become one of several viral examples of international fans discovering parts of the United States that often receive less global attention than major tourist destinations.

Videos featuring restaurants, roadside attractions, local traditions, and regional culture have attracted millions of viewers and generated discussion about how the World Cup could showcase more than just soccer.

With the tournament scheduled to bring visitors from around the globe next year, Freddy’s journey has offered an early glimpse of how international guests may experience the country beyond stadiums and host cities.

For many viewers, the popularity of these videos reflects growing interest in the local culture, hospitality, and traditions that visitors encounter while traveling through communities across the United States.

JD and Usha Vance Discuss Fourth Child After Charlie Kirk Tragedy
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JD and Usha Vance Discuss Fourth Child After Charlie Kirk Tragedy

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Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance are sharing new details about the personal conversations that influenced their decision to welcome a fourth child, including the impact of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death in September 2025, as reported by Fox News.

The couple discussed the subject during an appearance on CBS News Sunday Morning while promoting Vance’s upcoming book, “Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith,” which is scheduled for release on June 16.

According to Vance’s book, one of the most memorable moments following Kirk’s death involved a conversation with Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk.

Vance wrote that he sat with Erika on the day of her husband’s assassination and recalled her telling Usha that she “regretted having only two kids with Charlie.”

The conversation became a significant moment for the Vance family as they continued discussing whether to have another child.

In the book, Vance wrote that while he and Usha had previously talked about expanding their family, “something changed” for both of them after Charlie Kirk’s death.

During the CBS interview, Usha Vance explained how the experience affected her husband’s thinking.

“I think it really heightened JD’s sense that he’d been talking about this for a while, this sense that there was this possibility of having another kid whom he could love as much as the three that we had,” Usha said.

She continued, “It really did crystallize for [him], that sense that if you could have that other child, then you would have nothing to regret. And if we couldn’t have that other child, then we were very happy with the children that we had. So it was very powerful what she said about her own family and certainly very moving to both of us.”

The Vances publicly announced in January that they were expecting their fourth child. The announcement was shared on social media, where the couple revealed they were expecting a son. The baby is due in July.

JD and Usha Vance are already parents to three children: Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel.

While discussing the family’s decision, Usha emphasized that the conversation following Kirk’s death was not the sole reason they chose to have another child. She said the couple had already been considering the possibility before that moment.

“I think I had already started to open my mind to the possibility. I wouldn’t say this was for me in any way the decisive factor, but it came in the middle of a conversation that we were already having,” Usha said.

The interview also focused on Vance’s new book, which chronicles his return to religious faith and his conversion to Catholicism.

In a separate interview on “Jesse Watters Primetime,” Vance described the book as the story of his “long and winding road” toward faith after a period in his life when he felt he had “lost it” as a young man.

The memoir combines personal reflections on faith, family, and public life, while also recounting events that shaped some of the most important decisions facing the vice president and his family.

JD Vance Says Trump Would Be Supportive of Any 2028 Decision [WATCH]
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JD Vance Says Trump Would Be Supportive of Any 2028 Decision [WATCH]

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Vice President JD Vance says he has not yet determined whether he will pursue the Republican presidential nomination in 2028, but he believes President Donald Trump will support whatever path he ultimately chooses, as reported by the Gateway Pundit.

During an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Vance discussed ongoing speculation about his political future and said he and Second Lady Usha Vance plan to evaluate their next steps after the 2026 midterm elections.

“I have no doubt that the president of the United States is going to be very supportive of anything that I ultimately decide to do,” Vance said.

“But we really just haven’t talked about what that thing will be.”

The vice president emphasized that his current attention remains focused on serving in the administration rather than preparing for another campaign.

“Usha and I will absolutely sit down and talk about what comes next for our family,” he said.

“The way I make decisions is, I try not to make them until I absolutely must.”

Vance’s comments come as political observers continue to speculate about potential Republican candidates for the 2028 presidential election.

While he remains one of the most prominent figures in the party, Vance indicated that any decision regarding a future campaign remains well down the road.

According to Vance, President Trump frequently raises the topic of future political developments, though those conversations are generally broad discussions rather than detailed planning sessions.

“I never bring it up. But sure, the president brings it up a lot, sometimes publicly, sometimes privately,” Vance said.

“You know, the president’s a political animal. He loves this stuff. He’s very fascinated by it.”

When asked whether Trump is actively encouraging him to seek the presidency, Vance described their discussions as informal conversations focused on the future of the Republican Party and the administration’s long-term success.

“It’s not positive or negative. It’s just … he kind of talks about it, like, ‘What’s gonna happen,’ you know?”

“How do we make sure that we’re successful? What does that mean for the future?’ It’s more of a conversation like that.”

Vance said those discussions occur periodically but do not involve specific campaign planning.

“So, we talk about it, but not in any great detail,” he added. “Because, again, I think both of us are focused on the here-and-now.”

The vice president also stressed that he does not want discussions about future political opportunities to distract from his current responsibilities in the White House.

Since taking office alongside President Trump, Vance has repeatedly stated that his priority is carrying out the duties of the vice presidency rather than focusing on future elections.

During the interview, he reiterated that approach and said keeping his attention on his present role is important to effectively serving the administration.

“I really don’t ever want my thought about a future job, whether it’s president or anything else, to make me a worse vice president,” he said.

“And the way to do that is to keep my attention on the job I have right now.”

For now, Vance said any decisions about a possible presidential run remain in the future, with discussions about his political plans expected to take place after the 2026 midterm elections and in consultation with his family.

Hakeem Jeffries Refuses to Rule Out Trump Impeachment Efforts if Dems Regain the House [WATCH]
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Hakeem Jeffries Refuses to Rule Out Trump Impeachment Efforts if Dems Regain the House [WATCH]

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House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York declined to rule out the possibility of impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump if Democrats regain control of the House of Representatives following the 2026 midterm elections, as reported by PJ Media.

During a recent interview, Jeffries was asked directly whether Democrats would pursue impeachment should they win back the House majority.

Rather than dismissing the possibility, he said Democrats have not “ruled anything in and ruled anything out” regarding accountability measures.

Jeffries also discussed a range of policy priorities, including affordability, jobs, housing, healthcare, education, and retirement issues.

However, his refusal to explicitly reject impeachment drew attention as Democrats continue debating how to approach oversight of the Trump administration.

The comments come as several Democratic lawmakers have continued raising concerns about actions taken by the president, particularly regarding military operations involving Iran.

Among the most vocal critics has been Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., who issued a statement following military action involving Iran and argued that Congress, not the president, possesses constitutional authority to authorize war.

“The American people are once again dragged into a war they did not want by a president who does not care about the long-term consequences of his actions. This war is unlawful. It is unnecessary. And it will be catastrophic,” Ocasio-Cortez said.

“Just this week, Iran and the United States were negotiating key measures that could have staved off war. The President walked away from these discussions and chose war instead. President Trump flippantly acknowledged the possibility of American casualties, stating ‘that often happens in war.’”

“Mr. President: this was not an inevitability. This is a deliberate choice of aggression when diplomacy and security were within reach. Stop lying to the American people.”

“Violence begets violence. We learned this lesson in Iraq. We learned this lesson in Afghanistan. And we are about to learn it again in Iran. Bombs have yet to create enduring democracies in the region, and this will be no different.”

“In moments of war, our Constitution is unambiguous: Congress authorizes war. The President does not. I will do my part to uphold our Constitution by voting YES on Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie’s War Powers Resolution. Every member of Congress must join us in rejecting this aimless war.”

While Ocasio-Cortez did not explicitly call for impeachment in that statement, several House Democrats have formally introduced impeachment measures against Trump during the current Congress.

On Dec. 10, 2025, Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, introduced H. Res. 939 seeking to impeach the president for high crimes and misdemeanors.

The House voted the following day to table the resolution by a vote of 237-140, while 47 members voted present. According to the vote breakdown, 140 Democrats opposed tabling the resolution, while 47 voted present.

Twenty-three Democrats joined Republicans in voting to stop the measure.

Additional impeachment efforts followed. Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., introduced H. Res. 353 in April 2025, containing articles accusing Trump of high crimes and misdemeanors.

Later, Rep. John Larson, D-Conn., introduced H. Res. 1155 in April 2026. That resolution was referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.

Jeffries’ recent comments arrive as both parties prepare for the 2026 midterm elections, which will determine control of the House and Senate for the remainder of Trump’s second term.

Should Democrats regain the House majority, they would control committee leadership positions, subpoena authority, hearing schedules, and the legislative agenda in the chamber.

Whether impeachment would become part of that agenda remains an open question, with Jeffries declining to remove the possibility from consideration.

Twelve Killed After Tragic Plane Crash in Missouri [WATCH]
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Twelve Killed After Tragic Plane Crash in Missouri [WATCH]

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A small community in Missouri is reeling after a devastating plane crash claimed the lives of twelve people on Sunday morning.

The tragedy unfolded around 11:35 a.m., sending shockwaves through local residents and leaving federal investigators scrambling for answers, as reported by Townhall.

According to preliminary information, the aircraft was carrying eleven skydivers and one pilot when it went down. Emergency response teams rushed to the scene, but there were no survivors.

The National Transportation Safety Board has taken control of the investigation and will work to determine what caused the plane to suddenly fall from the sky.

Local media outlets report that the plane was likely on a recreational skydiving trip, a popular activity in the region.

Witnesses claim they saw the aircraft descending rapidly before it burst into flames upon impact. Officials have not yet released the names of the victims, pending notification of their families.

Federal officials have already arrived in Missouri to begin the painstaking process of sorting through debris and data to understand what went wrong.

Early speculation has centered on potential mechanical failure, though nothing has been confirmed.

Authorities say the wreckage is spread across a wide rural area, suggesting the plane may have broken apart midair. That will make the investigation even more complicated, as pieces will need to be collected and analyzed for evidence of malfunction.

The local sheriff’s office described the crash site as “a scene of complete destruction.” First responders worked throughout the day to extinguish fires and recover remains.

Despite the difficult conditions, officials have praised the bravery of rescue crews who rushed into the wreckage to search for survivors.

Residents nearby told reporters that they heard a loud roar followed by what sounded like an explosion. Moments later, plumes of black smoke were seen rising from the field.

For many in the area, the shock of seeing such a disaster up close has been overwhelming.

Community leaders have expressed their condolences, noting that the victims were likely thrill-seekers doing what they loved. Churches across the county have planned prayer vigils, and local officials have pledged support to the families affected.

While investigators are just beginning their work, NTSB officials say it could take months before a full report is released. Every piece of the plane will be cataloged and tested to establish whether weather conditions, equipment failure, or human error played a role.

As often happens with such tragedies, the crash has reignited debate over aviation safety in small aircraft used for recreation.

Skydiving operations, in particular, operate under less scrutiny than commercial flights, and previous accidents have raised concerns about maintenance and training standards.

Aviation experts say the next few weeks will be critical as investigators gather flight records, maintenance logs, and pilot history. If a defect or failure is found, the Federal Aviation Administration could issue new safety guidelines to prevent similar tragedies.

For now, the tight-knit Missouri community must come to terms with the sudden loss of twelve lives. It is a painful reminder that risk is part of the thrill for some, yet the human cost of any accident remains immense.

Across the state and beyond, hearts are heavy for those who will never return from what was supposed to be another ordinary jump into the sky.

President Trump Warns France to Scrap Tech Tax or Face Crushing 100 Percent Wine Tariffs
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President Trump Warns France to Scrap Tech Tax or Face Crushing 100 Percent Wine Tariffs

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President Donald Trump says France could face a major trade dispute with the United States if it continues imposing a digital services tax on large American technology companies, as reported by the New York Post.

In an interview published June 15, Trump said he personally warned outgoing French President Emmanuel Macron that France must eliminate its tax on American tech firms or risk facing steep tariffs on French wine and champagne exports entering the United States.

“I asked him not to charge American companies, and if they do, I have no choice but to charge a 100% tariff on all champagnes and all wines coming out of France,” Trump told The New York Post.

“All [Macron] has to do is get rid of the sales tax, and he wouldn’t have that kind of pressure.”

The warning comes just before leaders gather for the Group of Seven summit in Évian-les-Bains, France. The annual meeting brings together leaders from several of the world’s largest advanced economies to discuss trade, security, and economic policy.

Trump’s comments also challenge recent statements from Macron’s office suggesting that disagreements between Washington and Paris over the digital tax had largely been resolved.

According to reporting cited by the Post, a senior source close to the French president told reporters last week that the issue was “no longer up for debate” among G7 nations.

A U.S. official reportedly disputed that characterization, calling it “not accurate.”

France’s digital services tax, often referred to as the GAFAM tax, was enacted in 2019. The levy applies a 3% tax on revenue generated in France by major technology companies, including Google parent Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Apple.

Because the tax is assessed on revenue rather than profits, critics have argued that it disproportionately affects large American technology firms. According to France’s finance ministry, the tax generated roughly $700 million in revenue last year.

The issue became more contentious in October when France’s National Assembly voted 296-58 in favor of legislation that would have doubled the tax rate to 6% while narrowing its focus to the largest global companies.

The proposal was ultimately vetoed by government ministers before becoming law.

Lawmakers had initially discussed increasing the levy to as much as 15% before reducing the proposal. At the time, then-Economy Minister Roland Lescure warned that a “disproportionate” tax could provoke “disproportionate” retaliation from the United States.

Trump’s latest remarks revive a tariff proposal first advanced during his first administration. In 2019, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative proposed tariffs reaching 100% on certain French products after investigating the digital tax.

The White House signaled earlier that the administration remains focused on the issue.

White House spokesman Kush Desai pointed to a February 2025 presidential memorandum stating that American businesses would no longer “prop up failed foreign economies through extortive fines and taxes.”

That memorandum directed U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and the Treasury Department to determine whether a formal investigation into the French tax should be reopened.

France’s position has increasingly diverged from some allies that have reconsidered similar policies. Canada reportedly abandoned its own digital services tax in 2025 after trade negotiations with the United States were disrupted.

Italy has also reportedly considered repealing its tax, while the United Kingdom has maintained its digital services tax under its current trade arrangements with Washington.

The G7 summit continues through Wednesday in Évian. Current members include France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.

Russia was removed from the group after its seizure of Crimea, while China has never been a member.

U.S. Marshals Boot UFC Champ Sean Strickland from D.C. Fan Fest [WATCH]
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U.S. Marshals Boot UFC Champ Sean Strickland from D.C. Fan Fest [WATCH]

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UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland was removed from the UFC Fan Fest at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., on Sunday after gaining entry to the event despite not being scheduled to participate in UFC Freedom 250 activities, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The incident unfolded during the weekend surrounding UFC Freedom 250, which is being held on the White House lawn.

Strickland is not on the fight card for the event, but he traveled to Washington and appeared at several activities connected to the promotion.

On Sunday evening, Strickland posted a photograph on Instagram showing himself being escorted from the venue by U.S. Marshals and U.S. Park Police officers. Along with the image, Strickland posted a caption referencing the situation.

“I may have been charged with disorderly conduct. I don’t know what that is, but it sounds cool,” Strickland wrote.

Authorities have not announced any formal charges against Strickland, and reports indicate he was not arrested during the incident.

According to reporting from MMA Fighting, the UFC champion could potentially face a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge after entering the UFC Fan Fest without authorization.

The publication reported that Strickland had previously claimed he was prohibited from attending the event but nevertheless traveled to Washington, D.C., during the fight week festivities.

Earlier in the weekend, Strickland drew attention during a pre-fight press conference on Friday when fans reportedly gathered around him despite his absence from the official fight card.

The situation escalated on Sunday when Strickland attempted to enter the fan festival taking place at the Ellipse, a public area located near the White House.

Reports indicate that he succeeded in getting inside the event grounds before security personnel intervened.

According to MMA Fighting, Strickland managed to enter the venue and even jumped into a WWE wrestling ring that had been set up as part of the fan experience.

Security personnel quickly responded and removed him from the area before escorting him out of the event.

While no arrest was made, Strickland suggested that a disorderly conduct charge could be forthcoming.

Under Washington, D.C., law, disorderly conduct is classified as a Class B misdemeanor and can carry penalties of up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both.

The incident comes after Strickland publicly stated earlier this month that he had been banned from UFC Freedom 250 because of comments he made criticizing President Donald Trump and the conflict involving Iran.

However, UFC President Dana White disputed those claims. White has stated publicly that Strickland was not banned from the event.

Instead, White said Strickland was simply not included on the guest list because seating capacity for the White House venue was limited.

As of Sunday night, no official announcement had been made regarding whether prosecutors intended to pursue any disorderly conduct charge connected to the incident.


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