Career Justice Department officials reassigned to different positions: reports
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) reportedly reassigned multiple senior officials across various divisions ahead of the anticipated confirmation of President Donald Trump’s nomination for U.S. attorney general, Pam Bondi. Fox News is told that multiple career staffers in the criminal and national security divisions at the DOJ were removed from their current posts and reassigned. While it is difficult to fire a career person “just because,” reassigning is possible, and that appears to have happened. Of those who were moved to other positions within the DOJ was Bruce Schwartz, head of the office of internal affairs, which handles extradition matters, a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity told The Associated Press. The same person reportedly told the wire service that about 20 officials had been reassigned. DONALD TRUMP SWORN IN AS 47TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES Also, reportedly moved was George Toscas, a veteran deputy assistant attorney general in the national security division who not only helped oversee major terrorism and espionage investigations but also was a key figure in politically motivated probes over the last 10 years. Toscas was involved in the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s handling of classified information as well as the investigation into Trump’s possession of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. Toscas’ reassignment was confirmed to The Associated Press by another person familiar with the matter. TRUMP TO TAKE MORE THAN 200 EXECUTIVE ACTIONS ON DAY ONE “He has seen everything in both counterterrorism and counterintelligence,” a former colleague of Toscas’ who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Washington Post. “There is no one in the department who knows as much about prosecuting and investigating terrorists and spies as George Toscas.” The Washington Post also learned from sources familiar with the matter that Eun Young Choi, another deputy assistant attorney general in the national security division, was reassigned within the department, and was notified of the change by way of email on Monday afternoon. The DOJ declined to comment on the changes. PRESIDENT TRUMP DISCOVERS LETTER FROM FORMER PRESIDENT BIDEN IN RESOLUTE DESK Hours after Trump took the oath of office, the DOJ removed at least four senior officials from the division that operates the nation’s immigration courts, which are currently backlogged. The Washington Post reported that there is a 120-day moratorium on some staff reassignments after newly confirmed leaders begin their appointments, under federal guidelines. Bondi has not yet been confirmed; therefore, the moratorium is not yet in effect in the DOJ. Currently, James McHenry is running the DOJ as acting U.S. attorney general after Merrick Garland left the department on Friday. The reasons for the moves were not immediately known, though it is common for a new administration to appoint its own hires to lead the DOJ. The moves could also foreshadow additional changes, given Trump’s interest in the department, which investigated him during his first term and indicted him twice last year in separate cases that never reached trial and were withdrawn after Trump’s election win in November.
Coast Guard surging assets to Gulf of America, other waterways to support Trump’s executive orders
The U.S. Coast Guard on Tuesday announced the deployment of personnel and equipment to various maritime borders in the United States, a day after President Donald Trump dismissed the military branch’s leader. In a statement, Coast Guard Acting Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday said coast guardsmen would work to detect and deter illegal migration in support of Trump’s executive orders issued this week. “The U.S. Coast Guard is the world’s premiere maritime law enforcement agency, vital to protecting America’s maritime borders, territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Lunday said. “Per the President’s Executive Orders, I have directed my operational commanders to immediately surge assets—cutters, aircraft, boats and deployable specialized forces—to increase Coast Guard presence and focus…” RETIRED COAST GUARD HELICOPTER COMMANDER DETAILS RISKS TO AIR CREWS FIGHTING LA FIRES Key areas where authorities will focus their efforts include the waters off Florida to deter and prevent migrants from Haiti and Cuba from entering the U.S., and maritime borders around Alaska, Hawaii, as well as the U.S. territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, American Somoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Lunday also wrote in the release that the agency would target the “maritime border between Texas and Mexico in the Gulf of America.” On Monday, Trump signed an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico. In the federal executive order: “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness,” Section 4 rebrands the “area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico… an integral asset to our once burgeoning nation …and an indelible part of America” – as the “Gulf of America.” The reference appears to be the first time a federal agency has acknowledged the name change. The Coast Guard said it would also target the Bahamas and South Florida, and between the U.S. and Mexico in the Pacific Ocean. In addition, the Coast Guard will support U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) authorities on maritime portions of the southwest U.S. border. “Together, in coordination with our Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense teammates, we will detect, deter and interdict illegal migration, drug smuggling and other terrorist or hostile activity before it reaches our border,” a news release states. 6 SUSPECTS ALLEGEDLY INVOLVED IN DEADLY HUMAN SMUGGLING INCIDENTS OVER THE PAST WEEK, COAST GUARD SAYS On Monday, Trump also issued a flurry of executive orders cracking down on illegal immigration. Among the many charges was the termination of Adm. Linda Lee Fagan, 61, who was fired by Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Benjamine Huffman. Huffman didn’t cite a reason for the dismissal, but a senior DHS official told Fox News that Fagan was removed for failure to address border security threats, insufficient leadership in recruitment and retention, mismanagement in acquiring key acquisitions such as icebreakers and helicopters, excessive focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and an “erosion of trust” over the mishandling and cover-up of Operation Fouled Anchor, which was the Coast Guard’s internal investigation into sexual assault cases at the Coast Guard Academy. Fox News Digital’s Charles Creitz contributed to this report.
Controversial Raphinha winner seals nine-goal thriller for Barca at Benfica
Benfica are denied a penalty in the build-up to an injury-time winner for Barcelona in the Champions League. Raphinha struck a dramatic winner in stoppage time as Barcelona came from behind to beat Benfica 5-4 in a wild match and virtually ensure direct qualification to the Champions League last 16. The home side believed they should have had a penalty in the build-up to the late strike by Barca after Leandro Barreiro appeared to be shoved in the back by Ferran Torres in the box. VAR looked at the appeal, delaying the celebrations for what would be the winning goal, but elected not to ask the referee to take a second look at his decision. Benfica were leading 4-2 with under 15 minutes remaining in the game on Tuesday but Barcelona mounted a stunning late comeback to stay three points behind leaders Liverpool. Vangelis Pavlidis hit a first-half hat-trick for the hosts, in part thanks to two big errors by Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. However, a Robert Lewandowski double from the penalty spot, an Eric Garcia’s header and a brace for Raphinha helped Barcelona claim a stunning late triumph in Lisbon. Barcelona’s Raphinha scores their fifth goal [Rodrigo Antunes/Reuters] Benfica opened the scoring in the second minute, when Pavlidis escaped Pau Cubarsi and fired home from Alvaro Carreras’s low cross. Advertisement Barcelona responded swiftly with Lewandowski scoring from the penalty spot after Alejandro Balde was brought down by Benfica defender Tomas Araujo. The hosts nosed back ahead through a stroke of luck, when Szczesny raced out of his goal to try and cut out a through-ball, but crashed into Balde. Greece international Pavlidis gleefully collected the loose ball and rolled his second into the empty net. Barcelona’s Wojciech Szczesny fouls Benfica’s Kerem Akturkoglu to concede a penalty [Rodrigo Antunes/Reuters] Barcelona, who lured Szczesny out of retirement to replace the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen in October, soon fell further behind. Pavlidis completed his half-hour hat-trick with a penalty after another Szczesny mistake, with the goalkeeper flying in to try and dispossess Kerem Akturkoglu, but bringing him down. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha missed good chances before the break as Barcelona pushed forward. Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin saved from Jules Kounde, who should have scored, and Lewandowski could not turn home from Pedri’s dangerous ball across the face of goal. Raphinha pulled one back for Barcelona in bizarre fashion as a clearance by Trubin struck his head on the edge of the area and flew back into the net. However, Benfica soon struck again, with Ronald Araujo nudging past Szczesny into his own net as he tried to cut out a cross. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal looks dejected after Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis scores the home side’s first goal [Pedro Nunes/Reuters] Barcelona kept pushing and Lewandowski converted another penalty after Nicolas Otamendi brought down Yamal. The Catalan giants, who last won the Champions League in 2015, pulled level when substitute Garcia headed home from Pedri’s inviting cross. Szczesny saved former Real Madrid star Angel Di Maria’s low shot before Raphinha’s dramatic winner. Advertisement With Benfica appealing for a penalty, Barcelona sprang a quick breakaway and the Brazilian winger slotted home to end a blockbuster clash. Benfica’s Nicolas Otamendi awaits with teammates as VAR checks their penalty claims in injury time [Pedro Nunes/Reuters] Adblock test (Why?)
Trump administration removes four-star Coast Guard leader in firing spree
Linda Fagan, the first woman to lead a branch of the US Armed Forces, was among those removed by Trump on his first day. The head of the United States Coast Guard has been removed from her position, as newly inaugurated President Donald Trump follows through with his pledges to fire top officials. On Tuesday, US media published reports that four-star Admiral Linda Fagan had been ousted, less than 24 hours after Trump had taken office. She was part of a wave of dismissals as Trump sought to swiftly reshape the executive branch, brandishing the catchphrase carried over from his time as a reality TV star: “You’re fired.” Fox News was the first to report Fagan’s removal. In 2022, Fagan became the first uniformed woman to lead a branch of the US Armed Forces. According to a statement sent to Coast Guard units and obtained by The New York Times, the incoming administration found Fagan unfit for several reasons. “She was terminated because of leadership deficiencies, operational failures and inability to advance the strategic objectives of the U.S. Coast Guard,” the statement said. It also alleged that Fagan had pursued an “excessive focus” on diversity, equity and inclusion policies, known by the acronym DEI. Advertisement Trump has pledged to dismantle DEI programmes within the federal government, calling them “illegal and immoral”. On Monday night, shortly after he was sworn in, Trump issued an executive action to that effect, calling on federal agencies to “terminate” DEI initiatives. “The public release of these plans demonstrated immense public waste and shameful discrimination,” he wrote. US President Donald Trump speaks next to Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman at the White House on January 21 [Carlos Barria/Reuters] Fagan was one of several officials in Trump’s crosshairs on his first and second day in office. Late on Monday night, Trump also posted a message on his platform Truth Social teasing widespread firings. “My Presidential Personnel Office is actively in the process of identifying and removing over a thousand Presidential Appointees from the previous Administration, who are not aligned with our vision to Make America Great Again,” he wrote. The post identified four people to whom Trump offered the following message: “YOU’RE FIRED.” They included General Mark Milley, a former Trump appointee-turned-critic who told the journalist Bob Woodward that the Republican leader was “fascist to the core”. Another individual identified in the post was Spanish American chef Jose Andres, the founder of World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit that provides meals in disaster zones. Andres had served on the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition under Trump’s predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, and Biden awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom earlier this month for his humanitarian work. Advertisement The chef clapped back at Trump’s “YOU’RE FIRED” post with a social media missive of his own on Tuesday. “I submitted my resignation last week…my 2 year term was already up,” Andres wrote, the sentence punctuated by laughing and shrugging emojis. “May God give you the wisdom, Mr. President, to put politics and name calling aside…and instead lift up the everyday people working to bring America together.” Adblock test (Why?)
Trump rescinds guidance protecting ‘sensitive areas’ from immigration raids
For more than a decade, US immigration agencies like ICE and CBP have avoided raids on places that provide vital services, like hospitals. The administration of newly inaugurated United States President Donald Trump has revoked longstanding protections barring immigration raids on schools, hospitals, churches and other “sensitive areas”. The announcement on Tuesday arrives as part of Trump’s attempts to fulfil a campaign-trail pledge to launch a campaign of “mass deportation”. According to government estimates, as many as 11 million undocumented people live in the United States, many of them cornerstones in their families and communities. For more than a decade, federal agencies have issued guidance against carrying out immigration enforcement efforts in places like schools and medical centres, on the basis that such raids might discourage people from seeking necessary services. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) implemented its policy in 2011. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) followed suit in 2013. But in Tuesday’s statement, the Trump administration accused that guidance of serving to “thwart law enforcement” efforts. Advertisement It framed the new directive, repealing the protections, as a form of empowerment for immigration agencies. “Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest,” the statement said. “The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense.” Trump has long conflated irregular migration with criminality. On the campaign trail last year, he repeatedly raised examples like that of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old student who was allegedly murdered by an undocumented person. He has also used dehumanising language to refer to migrants and asylum seekers. “The Democrats say, ‘Please don’t call them animals. They’re humans.’ I said, ‘No, they’re not humans. They’re not humans. They’re animals,’” he said in April, while referring to the Riley case. Studies, however, have repeatedly shown that undocumented immigrants commit far fewer crimes than native-born US citizens. Human rights groups have warned that Tuesday’s decision could force undocumented people, including children, into precarious situations, cut off from vital services. “This action could have devastating consequences for immigrant families and their children, including U.S. citizen children, deterring them from receiving medical attention, seeking out disaster relief, attending school, and carrying out everyday activities,” the Center for Law and Social Policy said in a statement. Adblock test (Why?)
Migrants at Texas border in shock after Trump canceled their asylum appointments
Hours after Trump’s inauguration, his administration canceled appointments allowing migrants to enter the U.S. to request asylum, leaving many of them stranded on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Republican senators issue warning to historic museums ahead of pro-life march: ‘Respect’ free speech
FIRST ON FOX: Republican Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas and Todd Young, R-Indiana are urging historical museums in Washington, D.C., to “respect” the First Amendment rights of pro-life protesters who are expected to descend upon the city on Friday. “This peaceful exercise of First Amendment rights has historically provided participants with a positive, welcoming experience in our nation’s capital,” the senators wrote in a letter to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Two years ago, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum booted several Catholic students and their chaperones for wearing pro-life attire. Students and chaperones from Our Lady of the Rosary School in Greenville, South Carolina, traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the annual National March for Life. The group stood out in matching blue beanies emblazoned with the words “Rosary PRO-LIFE.” LEADERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD REACT TO PRESIDENT TRUMP’S WHITE HOUSE RETURN At the time, the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), representing some students’ parents, claimed museum staff mocked the group, used expletives, and argued the museum was a “neutral zone” prohibiting political or religious messages. In a settlement reached on March 18, 2024, the Smithsonian Institution resolved a lawsuit with students removed from the National Air and Space Museum for wearing pro-life beanies. As part of the agreement, the Smithsonian committed to providing the students a tour and an apology, updating its policy on clothing with religious and political speech for public-facing security staff, sharing video footage and investigative details of the incident, and paying $50,000. TRUMP PARDONS NEARLY EVERY JAN 6 DEFENDANT BUT SAYS HE’S JUST GETTING STARTED “While we are pleased that the victims of this harassment received justice, it clearly never should have happened in the first place. No sum of money could truly undue the atrocious acts: officers bearing the badge and force of the federal government openly intimidated and violated the First Amendment rights of peaceful students,” the senators wrote to the museums last week. “Moreover, American taxpayers footed the bill for the Smithsonian Institution employees’ egregious behavior and apparent lack of adequate training. This cannot happen again,” they said. TRUMP TO DEPLOY MILITARY TO BORDER, END BIDEN PAROLE POLICIES IN FLURRY OF DAY ONE EXECUTIVE ORDERS That same year, NARA settled a lawsuit in December 2023 after staff reportedly asked visitors to remove pro-life clothing during the March for Life protest earlier that year. The visitors, represented also by the ACLJ, claimed their First Amendment rights were violated. NARA apologized, admitted the incident breached its policies, and agreed to pay $10,000 in legal fees while implementing staff training to prevent future violations. The senators are urging the institutions to answer questions about whether they have honored prior settlements regarding the treatment of visitors displaying religious or political messages and whether staff have been reminded of policies protecting free speech. NARA is also being asked to commit to maintaining these protections after a key injunction expires in January 2025. Both agencies have been asked to provide detailed explanations of their actions and preparations. In an email to Fox News Digital, Smithsonian Institution spokesperson Pamela Baker-Masson said, “We will correspond with the Senators.” NARA did not respond to a request for comment by press deadline.
Trump signs ‘full and unconditional’ pardon of Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht
President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a full and unconditional pardon of Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the anonymous marketplace website Silk Road, which the president promised to do “on Day 1” while on the campaign trail. “I just called the mother of Ross William Ulbri[c]ht to let her know that in honor of her and the Libertarian Movement, which supported me so strongly, it was my pleasure to have just signed a full and unconditional pardon of her son, Ross,” Trump wrote in a social media post Tuesday. “The scum that worked to convict him were some of the same lunatics who were involved in the modern day weaponization of government against me. He was given two life sentences, plus 40 years. Ridiculous!” Ulbricht was convicted because his website, which was founded in 2011 and used cryptocurrency for payments, was used to sell illegal drugs, even though he did not sell any of the illicit substances himself. In May, Trump delivered a speech at the Libertarian National Convention to a hostile crowd of boos in an attempt to win over Libertarian voters. Libertarians believe government investigators overreached in their case against Silk Road and generally oppose the war on drugs. TRUMP FAILED TO DELIVER ‘DAY 1’ PROMISE TO GRANT CLEMENCY TO ROSS ULBRICHT, FOUNDER OF SILK ROAD While the attendees were not favorable to Trump for most of the event, they did give a big cheer when he said he would commute Ulbricht’s sentence to time served, as the crowd chanted “Free Ross” in hopes the presidential candidate would take action if elected to allow the Silk Road founder to return home to his family after more than a decade behind bars. “If you vote for me, on Day 1 I will commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht to a sentence of time served. He’s already served 11 years. We’re going to get him home,” Trump told the crowd of Libertarians, many of whom were holding signs that said “Free Ross.” Ulbricht reacted to Trump’s comments the following day on the social media platform X. TRUMP PARDONS NEARLY ALL 1/6 DEFENDANTS “Last night, Donald Trump pledged to commute my sentence on day 1, if reelected,” he wrote. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. After 11 years in prison, it is hard to express how I feel at this moment. It is thanks to your undying support that I may get a second chance.” Last month, Ulbricht wrote, “For my last monthly resolution of 2024, I intend to study every day and to get up to speed as much as I can as I prepare for freedom.” Trump later reiterated his promise to commute Ulbricht’s life sentence at a bitcoin conference, which he received loud cheers for. While Trump failed to deliver his promise to free Ulbricht on his first day back in office, he followed through on the second day. Ulbricht, now 40, operated the website from 2011 until his arrest in 2013. He was sentenced two years later to life in prison. Fox News Digital’s Landon Mion contributed to this report.
Rep. Andy Biggs eyes run for Arizona governor, says he understands ‘what the state needs to thrive’
Republican Arizona Congressman Andy Biggs announced his interest Tuesday in running for governor in 2026 as the GOP looks to defeat incumbent Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs. Biggs, an ally of President Donald Trump and former chair of the conservative Freedom Caucus, filed a statement of interest, which is required before he can start collecting signatures to qualify for the ballot. However, filing a statement doesn’t mean a candidate will follow through. In a statement posted on X, Biggs said he “will bring my experience home to my native state to help it fulfill its tremendous capacity. I have a firm understanding of what the state needs to thrive.” INFLUENCERS PRAISE TRUMP FOR DECLARING ‘ONLY TWO GENDERS’ WILL BE RECOGNIZED BY US: ‘TRUTH IS WINNING!’ Biggs chaired the Freedom Caucus from 2019 to 2021 and was one of eight Republicans who helped oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., in 2023. If Biggs does run, it could result in a fight between him and Karrin Taylor Robson, also a Trump ally. JOE ROGAN SAYS HARRIS SITDOWN WAS SCRAPPED AFTER CAMPAIGN TOLD HIM SHE ‘ONLY WANTED TO DO AN HOUR’ “Are you running for governor? I think so Karrin, because, if you do, you’re going to have my support, OK?” Trump told a crowd last month at Turning Point USA’s Americafest event in Phoenix. Robson ran for governor in 2022 but lost to Kari Lake, who Trump endorsed. Lake lost that year’s election to Hobbs and recently lost a bid for the U.S. Senate. In his statement, Biggs said he looks “forward to conversing with my fellow Arizonans as I consider this weighty decision.” State Sen. Jake Hoffman, a Republican and founding chair of the Arizona Freedom Caucus, endorsed Biggs on X. “Andy will make an INCREDIBLE Governor and ensure Arizona is safe & prosperous for everyone,” he wrote.
Texas Ethics Commission dismisses complaint against state GOP chair, lawmaker says
Rep. Cody Harris had accused Abraham George of improperly threatening to send mailers and censure lawmakers who backed Rep. Dustin Burrows as House speaker.