US judge orders Trump admin to pay portion of $2B in foreign aid by Monday
A U.S. judge on Thursday ordered the Trump administration to pay at least a portion of the nearly $2 billion in owed foreign aid for previously completed projects by 6 p.m. Monday, an expeditious ruling that comes just one day after the Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration’s request to continue its freeze. The decision from U.S. District Court Judge Amir Ali came after a more than four-hour court hearing Thursday, where he grilled both parties on their proposed repayment plans, and a timeframe for the government to comply with the $1.9 billion in owed foreign aid that has been completed. At the end of the hearing, Judge Ali ordered the government to pay at least a portion of the $1.9 billion by Monday at 6 p.m. “I think it’s reasonable to get the plaintiffs’ invoices paid by 6 p.m. on Monday,” said Judge Ali. “What I’ll order today is the first concrete step that plaintiffs have their invoices paid … [and] work completed prior to Feb. 13 to be paid by 6 p.m. on Monday, March 10th.” TRUMP TEMPORARILY THWARTED IN DOGE MISSION TO END USAID SCOTUS RULES ON NEARLY $2 BILLION IN FROZEN USAID PAYMENTS That order previously set a deadline of Feb. 26 at 11:59 p.m. for the administration to pay its outstanding debt to foreign aid groups. The Justice Department had argued that the timeline was “impossible” to comply with. But Judge Ali seemed to reject that notion Thursday. After a Justice Department attorney asked the court for more time to get the latest payments out, pointing out that it may be difficult to get financial transactions done over the weekend, he responded by noting that the government had successfully paid out more than $70 million during the hours of Wednesday through early Thursday morning, so this should be possible as well. LAWSUIT TRACKER: NEW RESISTANCE BATTLING TRUMP’S SECOND TERM THROUGH ONSLAUGHT OF LAWSUITS TAKING AIM AT EOS The 5-4 Supreme Court decision remanded the case back to the D.C. federal court – and Judge Ali — to hash out the specifics of what must be paid, and when. Judge Ali moved quickly following the high court’s decision, ordering both parties back to court Thursday to weigh plausible repayment schedules. The proposed schedules, his order noted, “should account for the length of time that has passed since the TRO, [temporary restraining order] was entered and the feasibility of any compliance timelines.” At issue in the case was how quickly the Trump administration needed to pay the nearly $2 billion owed to aid groups and contractors for completed projects funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), at a time when the administration has issued a blanket freeze on all foreign spending in the name of government “efficiency” and eliminating waste. Plaintiffs have argued that the lower court judge had ordered the Trump administration to begin making the owed foreign aid payments more than two weeks ago — a deadline they said the government simply failed to meet, or to even take steps to meet — indicating that the administration had no plans to make good on fulfilling that request. This is a breaking news story. Check back soon for updates.
Social media explodes after ‘cringe’ TikTok video of AOC, House Dems goes viral: ‘Couldn’t get any lamer’
Democrats on social media were mocked by conservatives on Thursday over a viral video in which several of the elected officials pretended to be video game characters in a “choose your fighter parody.” The video, posted by social media influencer Jessica Woo, featured Dem. Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jasmine Crockett, Lauren Underwood, Katherine Clark, Judy Chu, and Susie Lee. The congresswomen in the video could be seen jumping up and down in a fighting position as if they were video game characters, along with attributes describing their accolades and attributes. The video was widely mocked by conservatives on social media, with many pointing out the Democrats’ antics at President Trump’s speech to Congress on Tuesday. HOUSE DEMS SUGGEST TRUMP IS TRYING TO BRING BACK SLAVERY IN RACIALLY CHARGED LIVESTREAM: ‘BACK TO THE FIELDS’ “Democrats Not Be Cringe Challenge,” the White House rapid response social media account posted on X. “Level: Impossible.” “It’s as if the party is trying to implode itself…,” Fox News contributor Joe Concha posted on X. “There are just some people who don’t have anyone in their lives willing to tell them to stop,” conservative commentator Ryan James Girdusky posted on X. “Dear God,” American Majority CEO Ned Ryun posted on X. “As if they couldn’t get any lamer. . . Hold my beer and watch me release a stupid loser video and prove I’m even lamer than you thought!!” “Trump Deranged Democrats release ‘choose your fighter skit’ after refusing to stand and clap for a child with cancer during President Trump’s address to congress,” GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene posted on X. “Democrats have sunk so low that I’m actually starting to feel sorry for them. Pitiful.” POLLSTER WARNS DEMOCRATS’ ‘AMATEURISH’ ANTI-TRUMP ANTICS ARE ‘TANKING’ WITH AMERICANS “My God, who is advising the Democrats,” former Trump campaign senior advisor Tim Murtaugh posted on X. “I’ll take “Reasons why Democrats are not in the majority” for $1,000,” GOP Rep. Virginia Foxx posted on X. “Anyone that has any doubt that the GOP can keep the house in 2026 should rest assured,” communications strategist Erica Knight posted on X. “But at least they like American flags again.” Fox News Digital reached out to all six House Democrats for comment.
Trump sends special message to stranded astronauts, jokes he may go along for rescue: ‘We love you’
President Donald Trump, while signing executive orders Thursday in the Oval Office, vowed to bring home two NASA astronauts who have been stuck in space for eight months. “Elon [Musk] is right now preparing a ship to go up and get them,” the president told Fox News senior White House correspondent Peter Doocy. “We love you, and we’re coming up to get you, and you shouldn’t have been up there so long.” Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were stranded at the International Space Station after their Boeing Starliner spacecraft had technical issues. NASA ASTRONAUTS NOT ‘FRETTING’ OVER EXTENDED MISSION, ‘GRATEFUL’ FOR MORE TIME IN SPACE AFTER STARLINER WOES Their mission began June 5, 2024, and was only scheduled to last eight days. Due to numerous issues with the spacecraft, NASA deemed it unsafe to carry the astronauts back to Earth. It returned to the planet unmanned. BOEING’S STARLINER SPACECRAFT LANDS BACK ON EARTH WITHOUT A CREW One of the astronauts recently confirmed former President Joe Biden declined an offer of help from Musk, SpaceX CEO, the New York Post reported. Trump on Thursday said Biden “left them alone” in space because he was “embarrassed by what happened.” BOEING STARLINER UNDOCKS FROM SPACE STATION, HEADS TO EARTH UNMANNED AS CREW STAYS BEHIND He continued, “The most incompetent president in our history has allowed that to happen to you, but this president won’t let that happen.” SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to launch on Wednesday to head to the space station, then return home with Wilmore and Williams after a handover period of several days, NASA said. Trump later joked with Doocy about partaking in the mission. “Should I go on that journey just to be on the ship when we stop?” the president asked Doocy. Doocy responded, “If that’s an option, yes.” NASA ASTRONAUT SAYS STARLINER CREW LIKELY TO CHANGE EXERCISE ROUTINE DURING EXTENDED ISS STAY “I should do it,” Trump replied with a laugh. “That’s terrible. I thought he liked me.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Another reporter chimed in saying the president should stay on Earth, to which Trump responded, “She likes me better.” Fox News Digital’s Audrey Conklin contributed to this report.
Fox News Politics Newsletter: Dems vs. Dems
Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump administration, Capitol Hill and more Fox News politics content. Here’s what’s happening… -Migrants clone Border Patrol vehicles in bid to bypass Trump’s crackdown -Trump blasts Rep. Al Green as ‘an embarrassment’ to Dem: He ‘should be forced to take an IQ test‘ -Trump’s plan to house migrants at Guantanamo Bay facing major hurdles Democrats displayed their internal party divisions in the wake of President Donald Trump’s first address to Congress. Democrats who are a part of leadership or more aligned with the establishment are clashing with progressives, many of whom heckled Trump throughout his more than 90-minute speech on Tuesday. The party is facing pressure from grassroots organizations to take a more combative approach – in lieu of decorum – to the Trump administration’s dismantling of the federal bureaucracy. While moderate Democrats are frustrated over the progressives’ disruptions, progressives complained about a lack of direction and clear strategy ahead of Trump’s first joint session address to Congress since he began his second term…Read more ‘IMMINENT RISK’: Biden-nominated federal judge extends hold on Trump NIH research funding cuts DISMISSING DELLINGER: Federal appeals court sides with Trump on firing head of watchdog agency ‘UNSIGHTLY’: Trump says DC Mayor Bowser ‘must clean up’ homeless encampments in the capital TRUMP REFLECTS: Trump says he ‘felt very comfortable’ during address to Congress, touts positive coverage from ‘fake news’ ‘REALITY ON OUR SIDE’: Trump guest shares special message to president after address to Congress ‘HELL TO PAY’: After Trump threat, Hamas refuses to release more hostages without phase 2 ceasefire deal STABLE CONDITION: Pope Francis had ‘good night,’ continues to rest during third week of hospital treatment for pneumonia ‘SHAMEFUL’: Speaker Johnson slams Dem Rep. Green’s ‘egregious behavior’ during Trump’s address PAYING THE TAB: Republicans clear way for Trump to sell Nancy Pelosi Federal Building ‘at fair market value’ WHEELING AND DEALING: GOP lawmaker credits Trump’s business prowess for major investment in state: ‘Knows how to make deals’ ‘BREAKING FEDERAL LAW’: GOP rep says she’ll refer sanctuary city mayors for criminal prosecution ‘BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS’: GOP fights back against ‘Trump-proof’ sanctuary jurisdictions ‘SELF OWNS’: Fetterman calls out Dems’ ‘unhinged petulance’ after Trump speech CHANGING THE GAME: ‘Star Trek shield’ technology gets $250M boost to knock drone swarms from the sky with high-powered microwave FACE OF TERROR: Abbey Gate terror suspect’s mugshot revealed as he makes first federal court appearance ‘UTTER DISGRACE’: Casey DeSantis calls out CDC for keeping COVID-19 vaccine on its recommended list for children NEW HIRE: DNC hires new top exec with long history of pushing racial grievances, leftist ideology GANG HEADQUARTERS: Denver mayor grilled over area’s Tren de Aragua problem as GOP lawmaker says policies to blame ‘CITY HALL IS IN CHAOS’: New York City Council speaker Adrienne Adams launches run for mayor: reports OUTTA HERE: Dominican man sent home on ICE removal flight following warrant for human smuggling resulting in death Get the latest updates on the Trump administration and Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.
Border state lawmaker reveals what ‘drastic’ changes can be solidified with major congressional action
Life for many residents in border communities improved following swift policy changes by the Trump administration, Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., says. “They’re very happy with the results, and we knew that the numbers were going to be reflecting like they are,” the Republican told Fox News Digital in an interview, calling the change “drastic.” Migrant encounters plummeted at the border in February with just over 8,300, which is the lowest month since officials started keeping track of the numbers, according to United States Customs and Border Protection data. GOP FIGHTS BACK AGAINST ‘TRUMP-PROOF’ SANCTUARY JURISDICTIONS The reduction in the influx of people crossing is just one piece of the puzzle. More troops were sent down to the southern border upon President Donald Trump taking office; cartels and gangs like Tren de Aragua were designated as foreign terrorist groups; and Immigration and Customs Enforcement is conducting raids nationwide for illegal immigrants suspected of crimes. “They’ve seen an immediate change in their daily lives on this for some people. They’re seeing the reports on TV for my community, they’re seeing it in person,” Ciscomani said about his constituents, which includes people on or near the border. In his capacity as the Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, Ciscomani is leading the freshman GOP class on an Arizona border trip this week, where they will visit ports of entry, strike up conversations with authorities on the ground and take a tour with the National Border Patrol Council. The group of lawmakers includes Reps. Mike Kennedy, R-Utah; Julie Fedorchak, R-N.D.; Jeff Hurd, R-Colo.; Tim Moore, R-N.C.; Derek Schmidt, R-Kan.; Dave Taylor, R-Ohio; Jeff Crank, R-Colo.; John McGuire, R-Va.; and Riley Moore, R-W.Va. NEW YORK CITY DENIED REQUEST FEMA RETURN $80M IN MIGRANT FUNDS “When I first got to Washington a few years ago, I realized that a lot of people run on the issue of the border,” said Ciscomani. “They care about fixing it and addressing it, but a lot of members just haven’t had the opportunity to visit the border. And even if they have, they probably have gone to the area of Texas. And Arizona’s so unique in so many ways, right?” The congressman added that there’s still work to be done to make sure the changes under the Trump administration are permanent to prevent another border crisis in the future, as there were millions of migrant encounters during former President Joe Biden’s tenure. TEXAS REP. PRAISES TRUMP’S BORDER CRACKDOWN: ‘HIS LEADERSHIP HAS LED TO SUCCESS QUICKLY’ Ciscomani, who is in a highly competitive district that includes much of the Tucson suburbs, touted his recent passage of the Agent Raul Gonzalez Office Safety Act in the House, which would make those convicted of fleeing authorities within 100 miles of the border face prison time and potentially be deported, depending on the individual’s immigration status. Some Democrats supported the legislation, whereas others said it was an overreach. “For example, the asylum process, we have to increase the credible fear standard,” Ciscomani said. “Things like Remain in Mexico. I think something like that should be permanent. So we’ve got some ideas on this through reconciliation.” There has been room for bipartisan work to be done, including a bill that Ciscomani and Rep. Don Davis, D-N.C., are working on to get image technicians at ports of entry in the hope of detecting illicit drugs faster and more thoroughly.
Gaza residents react to Trump’s ‘last warning’ to Hamas
NewsFeed ‘What is there left to destroy?’ Palestinians in Gaza brushed off US President Donald Trump’s warning to Hamas that there will be ‘hell to pay’ if Israeli captives in Gaza are not released immediately, in what he called a ‘last warning’ to the group. Published On 6 Mar 20256 Mar 2025 Adblock test (Why?)
What do President Trump’s tariff plans mean for the US and the world?
A US trade war has begun with China, Mexico and Canada. Tariffs are central to US economic and foreign policy in the new administration of President Donald Trump. So, what’s in store for the United States and the world? Presenter: Tom McRae Guests: Niall Stanage – White House columnist for The Hill newspaper Dimitris Valatsas – Chief economist and founding partner of Aurora Macro Strategies, an advisory firm that focuses on geopolitics and macroeconomics William Lee – Chief economist at the US nonprofit think tank the Milken Institute Adblock test (Why?)
Syrian forces in deadly clashes with Assad-linked fighters in Latakia
A Syrian security source told Al Jazeera that 15 security personnel were killed in ‘various armed ambushes’. Gunmen loyal to deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad have killed at least 15 security personnel in ambushes in the coastal province of Latakia, a security source told Al Jazeera. The attacks took place on Thursday near the town of Jableh in the Latakia countryside, part of the coastal area which forms the heartland of the Alawite minority sect to which the al-Assad family belongs. A Syrian security source told the Al Jazeera Arabic network that 15 security personnel were killed in “various armed ambushes”. “The Syrian state will impose its authority on all groups outside the law and will not allow security to be threatened,” said the source. Reporting from Damascus, Al Jazeera’s Resul Serdar, said tensions were running high after the attacks. “Since the fall of the Assad regime three months ago, this is perhaps one of the biggest security challenges that the new government is facing,” he said. The central government had sent reinforcements consisting of “dozens and dozens of military vehicles” to the city of Latakia from several governorates, including Hama, Homs and Idlib, he said. Advertisement Soon after the attack, a video was released by an Assad-era commander, saying that a resistance group called the “coastal shield regiment” had been formed against the new government, said Serdar. The security director of Latakia province had earlier told the Syrian state news agency SANA that security forces were clashing in the Latakia countryside with armed groups loyal to Assad-era special forces commander Suhail al-Hassan. Security forces in Latakia announced that the situation was now under control and that several of the attackers had been killed, with “many more captured”, said Serdar. A curfew was also announced in the coastal city of Tartous. Syria’s Mediterranean coastal regions have emerged as one of the main security challenges for interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa as his government works to consolidate control over the country. Adblock test (Why?)
Hamas treatment of hostages ‘intolerable,’ Trump envoy says
Hamas’ treatment of the hostages it has been holding in captivity in the Gaza Strip is “intolerable,” U.S. envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said Thursday, warning that “it’s not going to be tolerated by President Trump.” Witkoff spoke outside the White House a day after President Donald Trump met with eight former hostages in Washington and posted what he called a “last warning” to Hamas on his Truth Social platform. “We’re not going to sit here, do nothing and tolerate this kind of inhumane conditions,” Witkoff said. “They lived in a terrible situation. By the way, who keeps dead bodies? Who does that? Who keeps people chained up downstairs? Who murders in front of other hostages? What’s happened here is intolerable, and it’s not going to be tolerated by President Trump.” “We had a wonderful day with the hostages yesterday… they got a treat a lifetime, they got to spend some time with President Trump. And we thought it was going to be a short period of time because his day was busy, but he ended up spending about an hour with them, with each of the hostages, pictures, and spent a lot of time listening to their stories about what happened to them in captivity. And he was clearly emotional about it as anybody would be,” Witkoff also said. AFTER TRUMP THREAT, HAMAS REFUSES TO RELEASE MORE HOSTAGES WITHOUT PHASE 2 OF CEASEFIRE DEAL “The president was pretty blunt,” Witkoff added. “It’s time for Hamas to start acting in a responsible and reasonable way. And we don’t think that they have been doing that.” However, the Palestinian terrorist group on Thursday dismissed Trump’s latest threat and refused to release more Israeli hostages without a permanent ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip. Hamas spokesman Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua said the “best path to free the remaining Israeli hostages” is through negotiations on a second phase of the ceasefire agreement. TRUMP STICKING TO GAZA RELOCATION PLAN, AS WHITE HOUSE SEEMS TO DISMISS EGYPTIAN PROPOSAL The first phase of the ceasefire, which lasted 42 days, ended on Saturday. A second phase was supposed to begin in early February, though only limited preparatory talks have been held so far. “‘Shalom Hamas’ means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose,” Trump said on Wednesday. “Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you.” Trump added that he is “sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job,” and that “not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say. “Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages,” the president wrote. “If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!” Fox News’ Stephen Sorace and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Trump cuts off federal resources for law firm that helped fuel 2016 Russia hoax
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday that would rescind security clearances and access to certain federal resources for Perkins Coie, the law firm that hired the company responsible for crafting the so-called “Steele dossier” containing alleged salacious material and Trump’s alleged connections to Russia, which the president has denied. “This is an absolute honor to sign,” Trump told reporters Thursday. “What they’ve done, it’s just terrible. It’s weaponization, you could say weaponization against a political opponent, and it should never be allowed to happen again.” Specifically, the executive order suspends security clearances for Perkins Coie employees until a further review evaluating its access to sensitive information is complete to determine if it aligns with the national interest. Additionally, the order cuts off access to sensitive compartmented information facilities for Perkins Coie employees, and will limit the company’s access to government employees. Additionally, the order bars the federal government from hiring Perkins Coie employees without specific authorization. JUDGE DISMISSES TRUMP’S LAWSUIT ALLEGING INFAMOUS DOSSIER AND ITS ‘SCANDALOUS CLAIMS’ DAMAGED HIS REPUTATION Likewise, the federal government is prohibited from hiring contractors that use the law firm, amid a review of all federal contracts associated with Perkins Coie that agency heads will be ordered to terminate to the fullest extent lawfully permitted. The international law firm represented Hillary Clinton’s campaign and the Democratic National Committee in the 2016 election, and former President Joe Biden after Trump challenged Biden’s win in the 2020 election. Perkins Coie first came under scrutiny after Marc Elias, the former chair of the firm’s political law practice, hired opposition research firm Fusion GPS to conduct opposition research against then-presidential candidate Trump in April 2016 for his opponent, Clinton, and the Democratic National Committee. Fusion GPS then hired former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele, who composed the so-called “Steele dossier.” The document included scandalous and mostly unverified allegations, including details that Trump engaged in sex acts with Russian prostitutes. CARTER PAGE FISA WARRANT LACKED PROBABLE CAUSE, DOJ ADMITS IN DECLASSIFIED ASSESSMENT Trump repeatedly denied allegations included in the dossier, and filed a lawsuit against Orbis Business Intelligence, a company that Steele co-founded. Trump’s legal team claimed that he “suffered personal and reputational damage and distress” as a result of the dossier, but a judge in London pitched the lawsuit in February 2024. The dossier first became public in 2017 when BuzzFeed News published it. The Justice Department’s inspector general lambasted the agency and the FBI in 2019 for using the document to make a case in securing surveillance applications against former Trump campaign adviser, Carter Page, as part of the agency’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Still, the inspector general determined that no political bias motivated the surveillance of Page or the launching of Russia investigations. Requests for comment by Perkins Coie were not immediately answered.