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Marco Rubio’s State Department Cuts Nearly 0 Million in Biden-Era Travel Waste
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Marco Rubio’s State Department Cuts Nearly $100 Million in Biden-Era Travel Waste

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The U.S. State Department has reduced travel spending by nearly $100 million under President Donald Trump’s administration, marking a significant rollback of Biden-era expenditures, according to internal documents obtained by Fox News Digital.

Between January and September 2025, the department spent $212 million on domestic and international travel, compared with $306 million during the same period in 2024, when Joe Biden was in office.

The data shows a broad effort led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to eliminate unnecessary spending and streamline operations.

Rally goers, 45th President Donald Trump and Marco Rubio are seen at the Save America Rally at the Miami Dade County Fair and Expo in Miami on Sunday November 6, 2022. ORG XMIT: 2634540 (Via OlyDrop) Xxx 110722 Mia Trump Rubio 6 Jpg

The largest reductions came from domestic travel, with nearly $37 million in savings. A significant portion of that decrease — about $7 million — was attributed to reduced conference attendance, while site visits and consultations within the United States dropped by roughly $14 million.

Special mission travel within the country also declined by about $5.5 million.

International travel saw similar declines. Spending dropped from $206 million in 2024 to $149 million this year. Overseas site visits and consultations fell by approximately $12.5 million, while training-related travel costs were reduced by another $15 million.

“The Trump Administration has consistently been on the side of the American people and the American taxpayer, and these numbers prove that,” said State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott.

“We believe in real diplomacy, not meetings for the sake of meetings.”

The cost-cutting measures are part of a broader restructuring effort at the State Department.

In April 2025, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo recommending that the combined budget for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) be reduced from $55 billion to $28.4 billion for the upcoming fiscal year.

The proposed plan includes scaling back humanitarian assistance and global health programs by more than half, along with the closure or downsizing of several U.S. missions abroad.

Florida Senator Marco Rubio, left, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin applauded Gold Star Families during the third day of the Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum. The third day of the RNC focused on foreign policy and threats.

As of July 2025, more than 1,300 domestic staff positions have been eliminated as part of the effort to modernize and reduce the department’s operational footprint.

Officials said the initiative is designed to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly while preserving critical diplomatic priorities. The administration’s approach focuses on reducing bureaucratic excesses that had expanded under the prior administration’s spending patterns.

By reining in unnecessary travel and operational costs, the Trump administration’s State Department has aligned its diplomatic mission with fiscal discipline — a shift aimed at making foreign policy both efficient and accountable to the American people.

Illegal Alien Trucker Involved in Fatal Florida Crash Failed CDL Test 10 Times Before Receiving License
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Illegal Alien Trucker Involved in Fatal Florida Crash Failed CDL Test 10 Times Before Receiving License

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An illegal alien truck driver charged in a fatal crash that killed three people in Florida failed his commercial driver’s license (CDL) test 10 times in Washington state before eventually receiving one, according to state and federal investigators.

Between March and May 2023, Harjinder Singh, an illegal alien from India, attempted to obtain his CDL license in Washington on 10 separate occasions and failed each time, records show.

Despite his repeated failures, Singh later received a CDL from Washington, and subsequently, the state of California also issued him a commercial driver’s license. Singh was driving a truck in Florida in August 2024 when he made an illegal U-turn, resulting in a crash that killed three people.

Fox News national correspondent Bill Melugin reported that Singh’s licensing process raised serious concerns about how Washington and California issue commercial driving permits.

“Additionally, I’m told Singh also failed his air brakes knowledge test twice, and that the Washington company that provided Singh’s behind-the-wheel CDL training attested he could speak English proficiently, when he couldn’t,” Melugin wrote.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is leading the state’s criminal and civil response to the case. Singh has pleaded not guilty to three counts of vehicular homicide and to federal immigration violations.

Uthmeier’s office is also pursuing a broader legal challenge against Washington and California, filing a lawsuit directly with the U.S. Supreme Court last week.

According to the attorney general’s office, the suit accuses both states of violating federal safety and immigration status requirements when issuing commercial driver’s licenses.

The filing seeks an injunction that would prevent Washington and California from granting CDLs to individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States.

“The FL AG’s office also sued California and Washington via SCOTUS last week, asking SCOTUS to prevent both states from issuing CDLs to illegal immigrants, and accusing both states of not complying with federal safety and immigration status requirements when issuing CDLs,” Melugin reported.

Investigators say the August crash in Florida could have been avoided if the licensing process had been properly followed. Singh, who was driving a tractor-trailer at the time, reportedly made a prohibited U-turn on a divided highway, causing a collision that left three people dead at the scene.

Federal authorities confirmed that Singh had entered the country illegally and was not authorized to work or operate a commercial vehicle in the United States.

The controversy over state-level licensing practices has intensified in recent months, particularly in California, which continues to issue driver’s licenses to illegal aliens under a state law enacted in 2015.

Critics argue that the policy undermines federal safety standards and has contributed to a series of deadly crashes involving unqualified drivers.

In a separate incident earlier this month, another illegal alien from India, identified as Jashanpreet Singh, was charged in California after allegedly causing a fiery collision that killed three people.

Authorities say Jashanpreet Singh was driving under the influence in a semi-truck when the crash occurred. Investigators later discovered that he, too, held a commercial license issued by the state.

Florida officials say both crashes underscore a growing concern over states that permit noncitizens to obtain commercial licenses without verifying immigration status or ensuring adequate training and English proficiency.

Federal law requires all CDL holders to demonstrate English language competency sufficient to read road signs, communicate with law enforcement, and understand safety instructions.

Attorney General Uthmeier’s office said its investigation into both the Florida crash and the licensing practices of Washington and California remains ongoing. Federal prosecutors are expected to pursue additional charges related to immigration and certification fraud.

Letitia James Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Mortgage Fraud Charges in Virginia
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Letitia James Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Mortgage Fraud Charges in Virginia

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New York Attorney General Letitia James pleaded not guilty Friday to two federal felony charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution during her arraignment at a U.S. District Court in Norfolk, Virginia, as reported by Fox News.

The charges stem from James’ 2020 purchase of a home in Norfolk. According to prosecutors, James misled a bank about the property’s intended use to qualify for better loan terms.

The indictment alleges she claimed the house would serve as her secondary residence but instead rented it to a family, allowing her to secure a lower interest rate and save nearly $19,000 over a 30-year mortgage.

James entered her plea before U.S. District Judge Jamar K. Walker. She is represented by attorney Abbe Lowell and Andrew Bosse, a former assistant U.S. attorney who once led the Norfolk office’s criminal division.

The case against James is being prosecuted by Lindsey Halligan, whom President Donald Trump appointed as acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia last month.

New York, NY – May 9, 2022: Attorney General Letitia James makes announcement about protecting access to abortion at AG New York office

Halligan replaced interim attorney Erik Siebert, who resigned following disputes over bringing cases against James and former FBI Director James Comey.

“No one is above the law. The charges as alleged in this case represent intentional, criminal acts and tremendous breaches of the public’s trust,” Halligan said in a statement.

“The facts and the law in this case are clear, and we will continue following them to ensure that justice is served.”

James, a Democrat, has long been a prominent political opponent of President Trump. During her 2016 campaign for attorney general, she pledged to investigate his business dealings, later bringing a high-profile civil case that resulted in a $450 million penalty.

That financial penalty was later overturned by an appeals court.

“This is nothing more than a continuation of the president’s desperate weaponization of our justice system,” James said following her indictment.

“These charges are baseless, and the president’s own public statements make clear that his only goal is political retribution at any cost.”

After her arraignment, James told reporters outside the courthouse that the Justice Department was being used as a “vehicle of retribution.” She added, “But my faith is strong. I have a belief in the justice system. Never cow down or break or bend. So there is no fear today. I will not be deterred.”

Her attorneys are expected to file motions to dismiss the case, arguing selective and vindictive prosecution, and to challenge Halligan’s appointment. Judge Walker scheduled motions hearings for early December and set the trial for January 26, 2026.

The Justice Department did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on whether additional prosecutors would join the case.

Hakeem Jeffries Pressures Illinois Democrats to Redraw Congressional Map Amid Party Pushback
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Hakeem Jeffries Pressures Illinois Democrats to Redraw Congressional Map Amid Party Pushback

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As the federal budget standoff continues in Washington, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) is reportedly urging Illinois Democrats to adopt an aggressive redistricting plan aimed at increasing the party’s representation in Congress.

The proposal, however, has met significant resistance within Jeffries’ own ranks, with several Illinois Democrats expressing concern over both the timing and political consequences of such a move.

According to reports from Capitol News Illinois and Punchbowl News, Jeffries has been lobbying Illinois lawmakers to consider a new congressional map that would further tilt the state’s already Democrat-heavy delegation.

The current map, drawn after the 2020 census, favors Democrats by a margin of 14 seats to 3. Jeffries has encouraged Illinois to follow the example of states like California, where Democrats have advanced new maps that maximize partisan advantage in response to Republican redistricting efforts in Texas.

Despite pressure from national leadership, many Illinois Democrats appear uninterested in reopening the redistricting process. “I think there is next to zero appetite to do it,” one Democratic lawmaker told Capitol News Illinois. Another added, “There is no world where I see this happening.”

Concerns have also been raised among Black elected officials, who worry that an aggressive gerrymander could weaken minority representation in Congress by redistributing Black voting populations into other districts.

State Sen. Willie Preston (D-Chicago), a congressional candidate and chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, said his caucus would oppose any plan that risks undermining Black political power.

“We’re going to fight back. We just won’t do so at the expense of our own power,” Preston told Punchbowl News.

Currently, three of Illinois’ congressional districts are at least 40 percent African American, according to U.S. Census data. The state is represented by four Black members in the U.S. House.

Political analysts note that further reconfiguring these districts could require incorporating rural, majority-white areas that typically vote Republican—reducing the likelihood of maintaining current minority-majority representation.

In addition to internal party objections, logistical challenges complicate Jeffries’ push for a new map. Legislators would have to move swiftly to introduce and pass a redistricting plan or risk delaying the state’s 2026 primary elections.

Illinois lawmakers are expected to reconvene next week for their veto session, and while Jeffries continues to lobby for the effort, much of the decision-making power ultimately rests with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.

Pritzker has so far declined to take a clear position on the issue. When asked about the possibility of redrawing congressional boundaries mid-decade, he indicated reluctance but did not rule it out.

“In general, I do not think mid-decade redistricting for political purposes is something that any state should be doing,” Pritzker said. “That’s why I have to say that if we’re forced into it… we can” redraw lines that could potentially allow Democrats to pick up an additional seat.

Political observers note that Illinois Democrats already control a sizable advantage in the state’s delegation and that pursuing another round of redistricting could risk internal divisions within the party, particularly among members of the Black caucus.

The discussion comes as Democrats face mounting pressure nationally to maintain control of the U.S. House of Representatives ahead of the 2026 midterms, where even small shifts in district boundaries could determine majority control.

For now, Illinois lawmakers have given no indication that they intend to revisit the state’s congressional map. The upcoming veto session is expected to focus on pending legislation and budget adjustments rather than new redistricting measures, leaving Jeffries’ proposal in doubt.

Bret Baier Fact-Checks JB Pritzker Claim That Chicago Isn’t in Top 30 for Murders
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Bret Baier Fact-Checks JB Pritzker Claim That Chicago Isn’t in Top 30 for Murders

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Fox News anchor Bret Baier challenged Illinois Governor JB Pritzker during an interview Wednesday over the state’s handling of violent crime, confronting the Democrat with data showing that Chicago leads major U.S. cities in its murder rate.

The exchange occurred during an exclusive Fox News Channel segment where Baier questioned Pritzker’s claim that Chicago is “not even in the top 30” cities for murder rate.

Fox News anchor Bret Baier pleads with the crowd to quiet down to keep things moving at Fiserv Forum during the first 2023 Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

“Well, here’s a map — most populous U.S. cities: 17.47 per 100,000 population. Chicago is number one over Philadelphia, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Phoenix, Los Angeles, New York, and San Diego,” Baier told the governor.

Baier had begun the discussion by referencing a Fox News crime map comparing the murder rates among America’s largest cities. “Why does Chicago have the highest murder rate of all the big cities?” he asked.

Pritzker rejected that assessment. “Well, we are not in the top 30, in terms of our murder rate,” he said.

When Baier attempted to review the numbers, Pritzker interjected, stating, “Our murder rate has been cut in half over the last four years, and every year, it’s gone down by double digits. And if you look at all of the violent crime over the last four years, they’ve all gone down.”

Baier responded by reading from his data, showing that Chicago leads all major U.S. cities in murders per 100,000 residents. “No, no, no, these are murders,” Baier said.

According to data from Illinois-based research nonprofit Wirepoints, Chicago recorded 573 murders in 2024 — the highest total among all major U.S. cities. New York City reported 377 that same year, followed by Houston with 322.

Wirepoints also found that Chicago’s murder rate stood at 21.5 homicides per 100,000 residents in 2024, placing it sixth nationally overall but first among the top 20 most populated cities.

St. Louis, Missouri — a smaller city — ranked first in the nation with 52.9 homicides per 100,000 people, though its total murders that year were far lower at 149.

When confronted with those numbers, Pritzker replied, “Look, you can pull statistics up, I can too.”

Governor JB Pritzker

The governor continued, “I’m explaining to you, our murder rate has been cut in half and — very importantly Bret — you gotta hear this: very importantly, we’ve been doing the things that are necessary to bring crime down.”

Chicago Police Department preliminary data shows that murders in the city have dropped by roughly one-third between January and August 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

While crime rates in certain categories have shown declines, Chicago continues to record the highest number of murders among the nation’s largest cities, making it a focal point in the debate over public safety and crime statistics in Democrat-led states.

New Jersey Dem Mikie Sherrill Faces Renewed Scrutiny Over Ethics Complaint, Military Academy Scandal
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New Jersey Dem Mikie Sherrill Faces Renewed Scrutiny Over Ethics Complaint, Military Academy Scandal

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Democrat Mikie Sherrill, the nominee for New Jersey governor, is facing renewed attention over a past congressional ethics complaint tied to false accusations she made against Republican lawmakers in the aftermath of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

The controversy comes as she continues to battle questions about her involvement in a Naval Academy cheating scandal that has followed her throughout her political career.

In January 2021, then-Rep. Sherrill and 33 other Democratic members of Congress signed a letter to the U.S. Capitol Police and the Sergeants at Arms for both chambers, urging investigations into several Republican lawmakers who had given tours of the Capitol complex on Jan. 5, 2021, the day before the riot.

Sherrill and her colleagues suggested that those tours were “suspicious” and could have been part of “reconnaissance” efforts for participants in the following day’s events.

Among those accused was Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), who had led a small group of constituents through House office buildings.

The Jan. 6 Committee, controlled by Democrats, opened an investigation into whether Loudermilk had assisted rioters. However, the U.S. Capitol Police later reviewed surveillance footage and concluded that there was no evidence of wrongdoing.

“There is no evidence that Representative Loudermilk entered the U.S. Capitol with this group on January 5, 2021,” the Capitol Police wrote in a statement.

“We train our officers on being alert for people conducting surveillance or reconnaissance, and we do not consider any of the activities we observed as suspicious.”

The footage confirmed Loudermilk’s account that the group consisted of family friends and other visitors.

“Rep. Sherrill made false accusations, without evidence of any wrongdoing, with apparently no thought of the threats to the safety of myself, my family, and others,” Loudermilk said in a statement to Just the News.

“The truth prevailed, which it always does, and the real damage at the end of the day was to her own credibility.”

The false claims prompted Loudermilk and several colleagues to file an ethics complaint against Sherrill and the Democrats who signed her letter.

The complaint accused them of making “false, spurious, and unsubstantiated” allegations that launched an unfounded investigation and fueled public hostility against the Republican members involved.

“The Sherrill letter is not a petty political spat between Republican Members and Rep. Sherrill and her Democratic colleagues,” Loudermilk wrote in his filing. “In fact, the Sherrill letter is a public allegation of a crime.”

Loudermilk revealed that the allegations led to multiple death threats against him and his family. He also said some of the visitors from his tour group faced questioning from federal agents and struggled professionally as a result of being linked to the controversy.

Despite multiple reviews, neither the Capitol Police nor the Jan. 6 Committee found evidence of misconduct by Loudermilk or anyone associated with his tour.

The Capitol Police’s findings directly contradicted the assertions made by Sherrill and the Jan. 6 Committee, which had claimed Loudermilk’s tour could have provided “unusually detailed knowledge of the layout of the Capitol Complex” to potential rioters.

Those claims have since been widely discredited.

Sherrill’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment regarding the ethics complaint or the Capitol Police findings.

The controversy adds to a string of political challenges for Sherrill as she campaigns for governor of New Jersey. Recent polling indicates a tightening race between Sherrill and Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli, with Ciattarelli closing the gap in the traditionally Democrat-leaning state.

Sherrill is also contending with renewed attention over her time at the U.S. Naval Academy, where a cheating scandal erupted in her graduating class.

While she did not participate in the commencement ceremony that year, Sherrill has claimed that she was disciplined not for cheating but for refusing to report classmates who had violated the academy’s honor code.

Her explanation, however, has shifted over time, leading critics to question her account.

According to The New York Post, Sherrill’s statements about the incident have varied, with new details emerging at odds with earlier descriptions. Though no formal record has confirmed wrongdoing, the controversy continues to overshadow her political campaign.

Between the resurfaced ethics complaint and ongoing questions surrounding her military past, Sherrill faces growing scrutiny as voters weigh issues of integrity and accountability heading into the November election.

Pollsters note that her handling of both controversies could prove decisive in a race that is shaping up to be one of the most competitive gubernatorial contests in the country.

Trump Terminates Trade Talks with Canada Over “FAKE” Reagan Ad
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Trump Terminates Trade Talks with Canada Over “FAKE” Reagan Ad

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President Donald Trump announced Thursday night that he was terminating all trade negotiations with Canada after criticizing an anti-tariff advertisement produced by Ontario that used archival audio of Ronald Reagan and calling the ad “FAKE.”

“The Ronald Reagan Foundation has just announced that Canada has fraudulently used an advertisement, which is FAKE, featuring Ronald Reagan speaking negatively about Tariffs,” the president wrote on Truth Social.

“They only did this to interfere with the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court, and other courts. TARIFFS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY, AND ECONOMY, OF THE U.S.A. Based on their egregious behavior, ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED.”

The 60-second spot was part of a $53.5 million campaign launched by Ontario Premier Doug Ford aimed at informing American voters about the effects tariffs can have on everyday life.

Ford said at the time of the campaign’s launch, “Let’s take Ronald Reagan’s words and let’s blast it to the American people. We’re going to repeat that message to every Republican district there is right across the entire country.”

The ad pulls from a 1987 radio address in which Reagan explained why he was placing tariffs on Japanese electronics.

In the advertisement, Reagan warns that while tariffs may appear to protect American jobs in the short term, “over the long run, such trade barriers hurt every American, worker and consumer.”

The ad continues with Reagan’s explanation of retaliation and trade wars:

“High tariffs inevitably lead to retaliation by foreign countries and the triggering of fierce trade wars. Then the worst happens. Markets shrink and collapse, businesses and industries shut down, and millions of people lose their jobs.”

Ford described the creative as “not nasty” and “very factual,” calling Reagan “the best president [America] has ever seen, in my opinion,” and said the ad would run on major television networks across the United States.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute issued a rebuttal Thursday, saying the ad “misrepresents the Presidential Radio Address, and the Government of Ontario did not seek nor receive permission to use and edit the remarks.”

The institute added that it was “reviewing its legal options in this matter” and linked to the full text of Reagan’s original address.

Trump tied the ad to broader legal and trade disputes in his Truth Social post and framed tariffs as critical to national security and the U.S. economy.

The president has imposed tariffs on a number of Canadian products in recent months, including lumber, aluminum, steel and automobiles, and announced a 25 percent tariff on heavy trucks effective Nov. 1.

Despite the measures, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) continues to govern much of the trade relationship between the two countries.

The ad and Trump’s response come amid sensitive diplomatic exchanges between Washington and Ottawa. The Canadian leader referenced in several reports is described as having sought to improve ties with the White House.

According to the provided account, the Canadian official framed his visit as an effort to restore bilateral relations and discuss shared economic and security priorities.

The text also recounts an exchange in the Oval Office in which the Canadian official reportedly said, “You are a transformative president,” and Trump quipped about a hypothetical “merger of Canada and the United States.”

The report asserts that the United States imported $412 billion worth of goods from Canada in 2024, and that Canada’s GDP fell 1.5 percent in the second quarter, adding to pressure on Ottawa to secure favorable terms.

It also quotes critics at home urging Canada to extract substantive concessions, with one political scientist saying, “Mark Carney has no choice, he must return from Washington with progress.”

The Ontario campaign’s use of Reagan audio and the Reagan Foundation’s objection appear to have escalated already tense trade discussions. The institute said Ontario did not seek permission to edit the remarks, and the foundation linked audiences to the full address as it considers legal action.

Ford initially threatened retaliatory tariffs in response to earlier U.S. measures, though he ultimately stepped back from those threats.

The advertisement, Ford said, was intended to present a cautionary message to American voters about tariffs’ long-term consequences and to use Reagan’s own words to illustrate that point.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer was quoted as saying that Canada’s current leadership was “much more centrist, much more interested in exploiting their energy resources” than the previous government, and that Washington was developing a “great relationship” with Canada dependent on cooperation over mutual interests, even as tariff disputes continue.

The White House has argued that tariffs protect domestic industries and that the United States subsidizes Canadian economic and security benefits in ways that justify tougher trade stances.

Trump reiterated those themes in his Truth Social post, asserting that the U.S. protects Canada and criticizing Ottawa’s economic policies.

The termination of trade negotiations marks a sharp diplomatic turn, with both economic and political ramifications.

The Ontario ad that prompted the response framed tariffs as harmful to American workers and consumers over time; the Reagan Foundation’s assertion that the ad misused archival remarks sparked Trump’s declaration to halt trade talks.

The legal and diplomatic fallout from this episode is ongoing.

Latest US Strike on Drug-Running Boat Kills 6, Hegseth Says
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Latest US Strike on Drug-Running Boat Kills 6, Hegseth Says

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In a decisive display of American strength and commitment to homeland security, the U.S. military has launched its tenth strike on a suspected drug-running vessel in the Caribbean.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, a leader who has never shied away from tough calls, confirmed the operation, which resulted in the deaths of six alleged cartel operatives.

Hegseth did not mince words in attributing the activity to the Tren de Aragua gang, a notorious criminal group that first emerged within Venezuela’s troubled prison system.

This latest action highlights the Trump administration’s firm stance against international drug traffickers, sending a clear signal to criminal organizations that the United States will not tolerate the smuggling of deadly narcotics into its hemisphere.

In a social media post, Secretary Hegseth shared a dramatic 20-second black-and-white video of the strike, which shows a small boat sitting motionless on open water.

https://x.com/SecWar/status/1981706596972372446

Suddenly, a long, thin projectile arcs down from the night sky, igniting the vessel in a bright explosion. The video, as powerful as it is brief, underscores the military’s newfound speed and precision.

Notably, Hegseth celebrated that this was the first such strike conducted at night, demonstrating the military’s growing operational confidence.

“If you are a narco-terrorist smuggling drugs in our hemisphere, we will treat you like we treat Al-Qaeda,” he warned. “Day or NIGHT, we will map your networks, track your people, hunt you down, and kill you.”

This unapologetic approach serves as a direct warning to those who profit from America’s pain, making clear that time and darkness will not provide any cover from justice.

Because these strikes are no longer an occasional event, but rather part of a sustained campaign, they show a notable escalation.

What began in September with sporadic actions has accelerated to three strikes in just one week, including operations in the eastern Pacific Ocean—an area through which massive amounts of cocaine flow from the world’s largest producers.

Therefore, the scope and frequency of these missions reveal a comprehensive plan to choke off the trafficking routes at their source.

At the same time, the U.S. military’s presence in the Caribbean has grown visibly. Only hours before the latest strike, two supersonic heavy bombers were flown up to Venezuela’s coastline.

This demonstration of American air power, while raising eyebrows among international observers, shows that the United States is willing to use every tool at its disposal to secure its interests and protect its people.

Such actions have led some to speculate that President Trump could move to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is currently facing narcoterrorism charges in the United States. While this remains speculation, the message is clear: the United States will not stand by idly while criminal regimes export chaos and drugs.

Predictably, these bold actions have drawn criticism from Venezuela’s leaders. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino insisted that the U.S. government’s true aim is “force a regime change” and not to stop drug trafficking.

However, such claims ring hollow given Venezuela’s own history with narcotics gangs and its reluctance to cooperate with international law enforcement.

Secretary Hegseth has not shied away from making comparisons between today’s anti-cartel campaign and the war on terror launched after September 11.

For many Americans, this is a welcome recognition of the threat posed by modern drug cartels, which operate with the resources and brutality of terrorist organizations.

The Trump administration has backed up this rhetoric with action, declaring drug cartels to be unlawful combatants and officially recognizing an “armed conflict” with these groups.

When reporters questioned President Trump about whether he would seek a formal declaration of war against the cartels, his answer was characteristically direct.

“I think we’re just going to kill people that are bringing drugs into our country, OK? We’re going to kill them, you know? They’re going to be like, dead,” Trump stated during a roundtable at the White House.

His remarks cut through political doublespeak and made the administration’s position clear.

Of course, not everyone in Washington agrees. Some lawmakers from both parties have expressed concerns about the scope and legality of these military actions. Democrats, in particular, have called the strikes a violation of international law.

Senator Richard Blumenthal went so far as to call them “lawless” and “reckless,” especially as the geographic area of operations expands.

Despite these objections, the Republican-led Senate has rejected efforts to require the president to seek further congressional authorization for such strikes, confirming that national security remains a top priority.

These recent events mark a new era in the U.S. fight against drug traffickers.

The administration’s willingness to act swiftly and decisively—guided by leaders like President Trump and Secretary Hegseth—signals to America’s adversaries that there will be no safe haven for those who bring death and destruction to our shores.

Americans can take heart knowing that the full might of the U.S. military stands ready to defend their safety, both at home and abroad.

Bernie Sanders Admits Trump Did ‘Better Job’ Securing Border, Criticizes Biden
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Bernie Sanders Admits Trump Did ‘Better Job’ Securing Border, Criticizes Biden

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Sen. Bernie Sanders broke sharply with his party this week, praising President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement while criticizing former President Joe Biden’s handling of the southern border, as reported by Fox News.

During an appearance on The Tim Dillon Show, Sanders said Trump “did a better job” securing the border and urged Democrats to return to an enforcement-based immigration approach.

Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks to the crowd duirng his “Fighting Oligarchy” speaking event Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 at The Englert Theatre in Iowa City, Iowa.

“So long as we have nation-states, you’ve got to have borders,” Sanders said. “If you don’t have any borders, then you don’t have a nation.”

The Vermont independent continued:

“Trump did a better job. I don’t like Trump, you know, but we should have a secure border, and it ain’t that hard to do.”

The comments, aired in the Wednesday podcast episode and widely shared on X and YouTube, drew immediate attention from both sides of the political spectrum. The Republican National Committee’s research division posted the clip within hours of the broadcast.

“Biden didn’t do it,” Sanders added, referring to border enforcement. “I’m not going to sit here and tell you that overall [Biden] did a good job — it was not.”

Sanders’ remarks came as he promoted his new book, Fight Oligarchy, and fielded questions from host Tim Dillon about the direction of the Democratic Party. The episode marked one of the senator’s most explicit critiques of his own party’s immigration policies.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection data show that migrant encounters reached a record 2.47 million in fiscal year 2023 — a sharp increase from roughly 458,000 in President Trump’s final year in office.

Sanders cited the ongoing crisis as evidence of failed leadership on both sides of the aisle, saying the U.S. has the “technology and manpower” to secure the border but lacks the political will to act.

Sanders’ tone reflects a major departure from his previous stance. During his 2020 presidential campaign, he dismissed the notion of a border crisis and accused Trump of “demonizing immigrants.”

Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks at Erie High School in support of the Harris/Walz presidential campaign in Erie on Oct. 26, 2024.

In a Fox News town hall in March 2020, Sanders said he “would not close the borders” during the COVID-19 pandemic, calling such policies “xenophobic.”

In January 2019, as President Trump made a televised address calling for urgent border action, Sanders responded by saying “we don’t need to create artificial crises.”

The senator’s latest comments suggest a shift toward acknowledging the scale of the border problem. His statement that it “ain’t that hard” to secure the border echoed arguments long made by conservatives who have pushed for stronger enforcement and physical barriers.

Sanders’ office did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for further comment.

FBI Dismantles Violent Philly Drug Ring After Nearly a Decade of Chaos
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FBI Dismantles Violent Philly Drug Ring After Nearly a Decade of Chaos

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The FBI and federal prosecutors announced Friday the indictment of 33 alleged members of the Weymouth Street Drug Trafficking Organization, accused of running one of Philadelphia’s most active drug markets for nearly a decade.

Federal officials said 24 defendants were arrested during coordinated operations Friday, eight were already in custody, and one remains at large.

Agents executed 11 federal search warrants, with additional results expected in court filings.

At a press conference in Philadelphia, FBI Director Kash Patel described the operation as a model for reclaiming violent neighborhoods through sustained law enforcement cooperation.

Patel credited years of collaboration between the FBI, the Philadelphia Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

“Today, even more criminals are off the streets because of the diligent work of the FBI and our partners,” Patel told Fox News Digital.

“Over 30 people have been charged for their alleged role in drug trafficking and dozens of other offenses. These individuals were charged with distributing fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine on one of the most prolific drug blocks in Philadelphia. They were members of a violent drug trafficking organization and used violence to enforce their territory and sell drugs that poison our city streets and community. The FBI will continue our work to put an end to drug trafficking and violence in our cities.”

“This takedown is how you safeguard American cities from coast to coast,” Patel said.

“We have permanently removed a drug trafficking organization off the streets of Philadelphia.”

U.S. Attorney David Metcalf said the case focuses on the 3100 block of Weymouth Street in Kensington, a central hub of the city’s open-air drug market.

The indictment charges a conspiracy spanning January 2016 through October 2025, involving the distribution of fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, and cocaine.

“It’s a massive drug-trafficking conspiracy spanning nearly a decade, the largest federal indictment this century brought by our district,” Metcalf said.

“We targeted it like a precision missile at Kensington’s epicenter.”

Metcalf confirmed that 22 defendants were arrested in Friday’s sweep, while eight others already in local custody will be transferred to federal court next week.

Agents recovered dozens of firearms and significant quantities of narcotics from multiple alleged stash sites, with detailed totals to be presented in upcoming filings.

Prosecutors identified the organization’s alleged leaders as Jose Antonio Morales Nieves, 45, of Luquillo, Puerto Rico, known as “Flaco,” who “essentially owned” the block and charged rent to other dealers; Ramon Roman-Montanez, 40, of Philadelphia, known as “Viejo,” who directed daily operations and managed shifts; and Nancy Rios-Valentin, 33, of Philadelphia, who oversaw finances and scheduling.

Authorities said the crew allegedly used violence, including shootings, assaults, and intimidation tactics, to maintain control of their territory and retaliate against witnesses.

Officials noted that no formal murder or shooting charges have yet been filed, though the investigation remains ongoing.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Wayne Jacobs said the operation involved nine tactical teams and hundreds of officers across multiple states.

Most arrests took place in Kensington, with others in Puerto Rico, Delaware, and New Jersey.

“For too long the Weymouth Street drug organization flooded Kensington with drugs and terrorized residents with horrific acts of violence and intimidation,” Jacobs said. “That ended today.”

Jacobs added that the FBI will launch new public-safety initiatives encouraging residents to report criminal activity securely.

“Our job doesn’t end with these arrests,” he said.

“We will remain here, standing with the people of Kensington.”

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said the takedown reflects the department’s ongoing strategy to dismantle organized crime in open-air drug markets.

“We’re not going to apologize for removing people who terrorize our community,” Bethel said.

“This is the model we can keep running.”

Officials said the case was developed under PSN Recon, a branch of Project Safe Neighborhoods that merges federal, state, and local intelligence to target violent offenders at the organizational level rather than through isolated arrests.

Metcalf explained that the working group meets monthly to identify high-level suspects for joint prosecution.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Justice Department remains committed to dismantling violent criminal networks.

“Drug traffickers who poison our communities and enforce their territory through violence will face the full force of federal law,” Blanche said.

“Working alongside our state and local partners, the Department of Justice will continue to dismantle these criminal networks and restore safety to neighborhoods that have suffered for far too long.”

Patel concluded by thanking investigators and prosecutors for their years of work.

“You need courageous prosecutors to bring these cases,” he said.

“This is exactly how you safeguard American lives. The blocks belong to the residents, not the drug dealers.”

“For the criminals that remain out there,” Metcalf warned, “the next indictment has a space with your name on it.”


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