USAID head Peter Marocco tells lawmakers he’s eyeing potential criminal charges for foreign aid fraud: report
The acting head of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) told congressional lawmakers Wednesday his staff was preparing potential criminal referrals against those who misused taxpayer dollars intended for foreign development programs. The New York Times said Peter Marocco made his remarks while speaking with members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee during a closed-door meeting. An internal review is in its early stages, but members of Marocco’s team believe they’ve uncovered a pattern of illegal activity at the agency, which serves as the main component used by the United States to deliver foreign aid. TRUMP TEMPORARILY THWARTED IN DOGE MISSION TO END USAID Marocco has been tasked by President Donald Trump with dismantling USAID and told lawmakers he was looking at contracts and grants awarded by the agency. Much of the money given by USAID is supposed to promote stability and economic growth and supply humanitarian assistance in fragile regions. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court denied the Trump administration’s request to block a lower court’s order for the administration to make nearly $2 billion in USAID payments, delivering a near-term reprieve to international aid groups and contractors seeking payment for previously completed projects. HERE’S WHY DOZENS OF LAWSUITS SEEKING TO QUASH TRUMP’S EARLY ACTIONS AS PRESIDENT ARE FAILING U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., the chairman of the foreign affairs panel, told the Times USAID is structured in such a way that makes accountability difficult. “Mr. Marocco was very clear in exposing the waste that goes on out there and in pointing out the way that many of these programs in state and USAID were designed to not be accountable,” he said. USAID was one of the first targets by the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is charged with rooting out wasteful spending. Fox News Digital has reached out to USAID for comment. Fox News Digital’s Breanne Deppisch contributed to this report.
Following Trump’s lead, Gov. Abbott pushes state agencies to end telework
The directive comes as some state agencies have downsized their office spaces after the pandemic forced many employees to work remotely.
Raphinha gives 10-man Barcelona 1-0 win over Benfica in Champions League
Barcelona struggle to narrow win despite teenage defender Pau Cubarsi being sent off midway through first half. Raphinha scored the only goal of the game to give Barcelona a 1-0 Champions League last-16 first-leg win at Benfica, despite the Catalan giants playing most the game with 10 men. Eighteen-year-old defender Pau Cubarsi was sent off midway through the first half of the tight clash in Lisbon on Wednesday with the score goalless. Raphinha drilled home after 61 minutes to give five-time winners Barcelona a slim advantage on Bruno Lage’s side ahead of the second leg next Tuesday. Barcelona have not won the competition since 2015 but are expected to go deep this season, after a draw which many consider favourable. Hansi Flick insisted before the game there was no such thing as an “easy” Champions League tie and the coach was proven right on a tense evening in the Portuguese capital. “I’m very proud,” the German coach said after his team emerged with a victory. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny endured two high-profile mistakes against Benfica in the league stage in January but made amends with a string of saves as Barca were pinned back in the final half-hour. Advertisement Szczesny made a smart save to deny Benfica’s Kerem Akturkoglu after just a few seconds, and the opening stages were played in a way that indicated both sides were picking up where they left off in Barcelona’s wild 5-4 win in Lisbon. “The last time, I don’t think [Szczesny] left here very happy,” said Barca midfielder Pedri. “He saved a lot [tonight], one at the start where if they score you start the game on a bad footing – between the sticks he’s a big presence and it’s great to have him.” Dani Olmo fired narrowly wide at the other end as Barca threatened before Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin produced a stunning triple save to keep the score level. The Ukrainian first parried Dani Olmo’s prodded effort, then made a brilliant reaction stop to thwart Robert Lewandowski converting from point-blank range and mopped up Lamine Yamal’s attempt from the rebound. Barcelona were dealt a blow when 18-year-old centre-back Cubarsi was sent off after 22 minutes. The Spaniard scythed down Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis, who scored a hat-trick in the group match, as he ran through on goal. Cubarsi brings down Pavlidis just outside the box and gets a straight red [Filipe Amorim/AFP] Szczesny saved Orkun Kokcu’s drive from the free-kick, with Flick sacrificing Olmo for defender Ronald Araujo to steady the ship. The Polish goalkeeper, brought out of retirement by Barcelona after Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a severe knee injury in September, also made a fine reaction save to keep out Akturkoglu’s header before the break. Advertisement Despite their numerical disadvantage, Flick’s Barca gave as good as they got at the Estadio da Luz. Szczesny made another good intervention to stop Pavlidis and keep Benfica at bay before Raphinha broke the deadlock. On the right flank, after Flick replaced Yamal early in the second half with Ferran Torres, Raphinha stole in to win the ball back high up and wallop a low, deflected effort home from distance. It was his ninth goal in nine Champions League games, with the forward in the form of his career. Barcelona defended frantically in the final stages as Benfica sought to level. The hosts thought they had won a penalty when Szczesny felled Andrea Belotti, but there was an offside in the build-up and Barcelona survived with their lead intact. “Today we knew how to defend,” added Pedri. “After the red, we knew exactly what to do, stay together at the back, defend as a block and take advantage of our chances with the players we have up front.” Elsewhere in the Champions League last 16, Bayern Munich defeated Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen 3-0, and while Liverpool were second best all night, Harvey Elliott’s late goal secured them a 1-0 win at Paris Saint-Germain. In the early game on Wednesday, Lautaro Martinez scored to become Inter Milan’s all-time leading scorer in the Champions League in a 2-0 win for the Italian giants against Feyenoord. Adblock test (Why?)
Trump threatens Palestinians in Gaza: If you hold captives, ‘you are DEAD’
US president warns Hamas that there would be ‘hell to pay’ if Israeli captives in Gaza are not released immediately. Washington, DC – United States President Donald Trump has issued a threat to Hamas and the people of Gaza as part of a demand to release all Israeli captives in the territory. In a social media post on Wednesday, Trump renewed his warning that there would be “hell to pay” if the captives are not released. “This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance,” Trump wrote. “Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision.” The president’s comment came hours after the White House confirmed that Washington is engaging in talks with Hamas. Trump has been calling for the forced displacement of Gaza’s entire population and for the US to “own” the Palestinian territory. It is unclear how the “beautiful future” Trump promised residents of Gaza would fit into his ethnic cleansing plan. Trump previously said that, under his proposal, Palestinians would not be able to return to the territory. Advertisement “’Shalom Hamas’ means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose. 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 wrote. “Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted! I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.” Israel has held onto the bodies of hundreds of Palestinians over the years to use as a bargaining chip, a practice known as necroviolence. Trump has issued similar threats in the past, but Hamas has insisted that the captives will only be released as part of the ceasefire agreement. The first stage of the deal ended last week, but Israel has refused to move forward to the next stage of the ceasefire, which would lead to a permanent end to the war and the release of all captives. Instead, the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, backed by Trump, has sought to extend the first phase in order to free more captives without committing to a lasting ceasefire. Israel has also sealed off Gaza, preventing the entry of any humanitarian assistance, including food, fuel and medicine – a move that has sparked an outcry from the United Nations and countries around the world. Netanyahu is already facing an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes in Gaza, including the use of starvation as a weapon of war. Adblock test (Why?)
Democrat Rep. Stansbury goes on profane tirade during sanctuary city hearing: ‘total bulls***’
Democrat Rep. Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico went off in a curse-laden tirade against the Trump administration and Republicans during a House Oversight Committee hearing on sanctuary cities, calling the hearing “absolute bulls–t.” Testifying at the hearing were mayors Eric Adams of New York City, Michelle Wu of Boston, Brandon Johnson of Chicago and Mike Johnston of Denver, all of whom are Democrats and lead cities with migrant “sanctuary” policies. These laws ban or restrict law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities to deport illegal immigrants, including those with criminal charges. Stansbury, who represents a heavily blue border state, came to the defense of the sanctuary mayors and bashed Republicans for what she said was an attempt to intimidate local elected officials. ‘SANCTUARY’ CITY MAYOR CONFRONTED AFTER GANG MEMBER ALLEGEDLY ASSAULTS FEDERAL OFFICERS “I always think that we should sage this room after these hearings because we hear a lot of crazy stuff in here,” she began. “Our mayors are sitting here, enduring this ridiculous, ridiculous hearing as they’ve been threatened in front of the American people.” CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGE “I want to reject the fundamental premise of this hearing,” she went on. “Because what this entire effort is about is intimidating state and local officials, attacking law-abiding immigrant families and spending millions of dollars of taxpayer dollars both in the administration and in Congress to make ads that are complete smoke and mirrors, trying to say that Donald Trump has somehow secured America’s safety.” “Its total bulls–t, absolute bulls–t,” she yelled. “They are not making America safer again, and what they are doing is terrorizing immigrant families. That is what they are doing.” TOM HOMAN: MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR SHOULD BE ‘BRINGING HELL’ TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT RAPISTS WITH ME Stansbury also asserted that President Donald Trump “failed to execute on the most basic thing that he said he would do, which was to pass immigration reform when he got into office.” Throwing up her hands and looking around the room, Stansbury said: “Here we are Donald Trump, where’s your immigration bill? Oh wait, you don’t have one, that’s right. Because none of this is actually about making America safer.” Stansbury also caught the spotlight Tuesday night when she was spotted standing on the House floor shortly before Trump’s joint address to Congress, holding a sign reading: “This is not normal.”
Young father killed by illegal immigrant highlights ‘betrayal’ of sanctuary cities, says Republican
Louisiana Rep. Clay Higgins, a Republican, said during a House Oversight Committee hearing on sanctuary cities that President Donald Trump has “ripped the curtains from the rods,” revealing the impact of the Biden administration’s illegal immigration policy and sanctuary policies across America. Testifying during the hearing were New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, all of whom are Democrats and oversee cities with sanctuary city policies. Higgins said that “Americans are fed up with this betrayal of oath” and that mayors will be “held accountable” for upholding sanctuary policies that ban or limit law enforcement from cooperating with ICE to deport dangerous criminal illegal immigrants. Higgins pointed to the case of Welsey Hayes, a young Louisiana husband and father, who he said was killed by an illegal immigrant in Texas, leaving behind his wife, Olivia Hayes, and daughter, Anne Marie. BOSTON’S MAYOR WU OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO FAMILY OF SUSPECT SHOT AFTER ALLEGEDLY TRYING TO STAB PEOPLE “The policies of these mayors and our previous president have consequences, real-life consequences,” said Higgins. “I have a family here today, Mr. Chairman, who lost their beautiful loved one.” CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGE “This young man was killed by an illegal immigrant in Texas that never should have been in our country,” he continued. “He’ll never be here to raise his daughter, Anne Marie, and to love and cherish and honor and uphold his beautiful wife, Olivia.” Raising his voice, Higgins took aim at the mayors, saying: “You mayors, you have a responsibility not just to your communities and citizens you’re sworn to serve but by extension to the entire republic.” CHICAGO ALDERMAN SAYS MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON CAN’T DEFEND SANCTUARY CITY POLICIES “All you want to talk to the children, separation of children,” he said. “If you commit a felony in America, you get arrested and prosecuted and convicted and incarcerated. You can expect to be separated from your children. But let me say there’s a sunset to that separation, because when you do your time, you’ll be released. You can return to your family. This young man will never return to his family, and he should have never been removed from his family if we had a president and heads of our municipalities that were willing to uphold the federal law that exists.” “Three months ago we were at the tail end of four years of millions and millions of illegals coming into our country, [it] was out of control. The only thing that has happened since then is we had an election in November, and now we’re not pulling the curtain back, we have ripped the curtain from the rods. We have revealed to America just how fast we could have secured our border if you had an executive that was willing to enforce the law,” he said. “America is moving into a new era of enforcement of our own laws. Welcome to it.”
Trump issues ‘last warning’ to Hamas terrorists, demands release of hostages: ‘HELL TO PAY’
President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas in a Truth Social post Wednesday, calling for the terrorist group to release all hostages immediately. The post came after Trump met with seven former Hamas hostages who traveled to Washington, D.C., this week. The group included Eli Sharabi, Doron Steinbrecher, Keith Siegel, Aviva Siegel, Naama Levy, Omer Shem Tov and Iair Horn, according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. “‘Shalom Hamas’ means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose,” the president’s post began. “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. “Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!” KAROLINE LEAVITT EXPLAINS US EFFORTS TO NEGOTIATE WITH HAMAS TO FREE AMERICAN HOSTAGES 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. “I have just met with your former Hostages whose lives you have destroyed,” Trump added. “This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance.” “Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!” Trump’s post came hours after the White House was challenged by Fox News senior White House correspondent Peter Doocy on its decision to negotiate with the Palestinian terrorist group. ISRAEL AGREES TO TRUMP ENVOY’S TEMPORARY GAZA CEASEFIRE EXTENSION PROPOSAL AS FIRST PHASE EXPIRES: REPORTS “If the U.S. has a long-standing policy that we do not negotiate with terrorists, then why is the U.S. now negotiating directly and for the first time ever with Hamas?” Doocy asked. “Well, when it comes to the negotiations that you’re referring to, first of all, the special envoy who’s engaged in these negotiations does have the authority to talk to anyone,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded. Leavitt added that Israel was “consulted on this matter,” and that Trump believes in putting forth “good-faith effort[s] to do what’s right for the American people.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “These are ongoing talks and discussions. I’m not going to detail them here,” she continued. “There are American lives at stake.” Fox News Digital’s Landon Mion contributed to this report.
Fox News Politics Newsletter: Supremes Thaw Out Frozen Aid
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… -Elon Musk PAC thanks Trump for ‘saving the American Dream’ in new million-dollar ad –Dem Rep. Al Green, booted from Trump’s address to Congress, doubles down on impeachment -Conservatives erupt with praise on social media after Trump’s speech to Congress: ‘Run through a wall’ The Supreme Court on Wednesday denied the Trump administration’s request to block a lower court’s order for the administration to pay nearly $2 billion in foreign aid money, delivering a near-term reprieve to international aid groups and contractors seeking payment for previously completed projects. In a 5-4 ruling, the justices said that the Feb. 26 deadline imposed by a lower court for the Trump administration to pay the funds had already expired and directed the case back to the district court to clarify any additional details on payment. “Given that the deadline in the challenged order has now passed, and in light of the ongoing preliminary injunction proceedings, the District Court should clarify what obligations the Government must fulfill to ensure compliance with the temporary restraining order, with due regard for the feasibility of any compliance timelines,” the Court said…Read more ‘WE NEED GREENLAND’: Trump says America would welcome Greenland during joint address to Congress GREEN TO GOLD: Trump touts $5 million ‘gold card’ as new path to citizenship ‘WORST PRESIDENT’: 6 times Trump bashed Biden in address to Congress THUMBS UP: Snap polls reveal how speech watchers reacted to Trump’s address to Congress ‘INAPPROPRIATE’: Trump earns largely positive speech reaction, but ejected Dem’s behavior widely deemed inappropriate: CNN poll ‘MAKING AMERICA HEALTHY’: Trump NIH appointee defends president’s research funding cuts, lays out new vision for future CONFESSED: ISIS-K member confessed to scouting Abbey Gate attack route, training Moscow attackers: affidavit ‘READY TO FIGHT’: China, reacting to Trump tariffs, promises to ‘fight till the end’ in trade war ‘or any other type of war’ ‘FEEL THE PAIN’: Canadian premier threatens to cut off energy to US in response to Trump tariffs: ‘They need to feel the pain’ MONEY TALKS: Columbia battles radical activists, limits entry to former Israeli leader’s visit as Trump weighs pulling $5B ‘THEY ARE AFRAID OF THIS’: After Trump speech, AOC tells Democrats to organize in GOP districts against Medicaid cuts BAD SIGN: ‘Squad’ member delivers real-time whiteboard responses to Trump: ‘No king!’ ‘OLIGARCHIC SOCIETY’: Bernie Sanders seethes US has become ‘oligarchic society’ following Trump speech TRUMP CARD: GOP rebels head to White House for meeting to avoid government shutdown ‘MOST DIVISIVE’: House Minority Leader Jeffries describes Trump’s address to Congress as ‘most divisive’ in American history GRASS IS GREENER: Dueling Al Green censure efforts stir frustrations within GOP as Republicans demand consequences STANDING O: Independents and Republicans went wild for Trump’s declaration that ‘America is back’ WILL HE RUN?: Buttigieg says he’s ‘looking at’ possible Senate run in battleground state ‘TREMENDOUS LOSS’: Texas Democratic Rep. Sylvester Turner dead at 70 ‘DEFIANT’: Resolution punishing Al Green circulates House after Dem is thrown out of Trump speech NOT MOVING THE DIAL: Democrats unimpressed by Trump’s gesture to family of young girl killed by illegal migrants ‘SHERLOCK HOLMES’ NOT NEEDED: Inside Elon Musk’s Huddle with GOP senators: Don’t need to be ‘Sherlock Holmes’ to find waste ‘COMPLICATED QUESTION’: Democrats refuse to define ‘woman’ when pressed on Capitol Hill ‘ATROCIOUS’ ALLEGATIONS: Andrew and Tristan Tate face Florida criminal probe days after US homecoming ‘BIG IMPACT’: Red state sheriff credits Trump’s border policies for already helping his small county DC ‘EVOLUTION’: DC Black Lives Matter Plaza to get new look, replace street mural as part of ‘evolution’ Get the latest updates on the Trump administration and Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.
DJ Daniel visits Trump in Oval Office following joint address honor: ‘One more thing I’ve got for ya’
DJ Daniel, a 13-year-old brain cancer survivor with a dream of working in law enforcement, visited President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House just hours after warming millions of hearts Tuesday night when he was named an honorary Secret Service member during the president’s joint address to Congress. In a video shared on X, Daniel could be seen standing next to Trump in the Oval Office before saying, “There’s one more thing I got for ya: a big hug.” The president responds, “OK good, that’s very nice,” as they embrace. 13-YEAR-OLD CANCER SURVIVOR EARNS STANDING OVATION AS HE BECOMES SECRET SERVICE AGENT DURING TRUMP SPEECH Trump then shakes Daniel’s father’s hand and asks how he is doing, before adding, “That was a big evening last night, right? That was a big evening.” The Texas boy’s expression during the surprise Tuesday night went viral on social media, along with video of his father holding him up in the air to hug director of the U.S. Secret Service Sean Curran, who presented him with a customized Secret Service badge. SOCIAL MEDIA EXPLODES AFTER DEMS DO NOT STAND FOR 13-YEAR-OLD CANCER SURVIVOR: ‘TRULY SICK PEOPLE’ “I was not expecting it,” Daniel told “Fox & Friends” co-host Steve Doocy on Wednesday. “Nobody even told us [it was going to happen].” Doctors gave him just five months to live after his brain cancer diagnosis in 2018, yet he survived and endured numerous surgeries. During the address, Trump noted Daniel’s father had been on a “quest” to make his son’s dream of becoming a police officer come true, and Daniel had already been sworn in as an honorary member of several local police departments. Daniels later told “Fox & Friends” he hoped the brown cowboy hat he gifted Trump from Texas made it past security. Tuesday night’s honor was not the first heartwarming moment for Daniels caught on camera. Tennessee Highway Patrol shared a flashback video of Daniel being sworn in as an honorary trooper and Nashville Police Department officer in 2022. “From an honorary Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper and @MNPDNashville Police Officer, to the newest honorary Special Agent of the United States @SecretService – Congratulations #DJDaniel,” the agency wrote. Fox News’ Taylor Penley contributed to this report.
House Speaker Mike Johnson’s chief of staff arrested for alleged DUI after Trump’s address to Congress
The chief of staff for House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., was recently arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated, Fox News can confirm. Hayden Haynes was arrested just before midnight on Tuesday evening for allegedly getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while drunk. The arrest took place around an hour after President Donald Trump‘s joint address to Congress wrapped up. U.S. Capitol Police (USCP), who did not identify the suspect, confirmed the arrest to Fox News. “A driver backed into a parked vehicle last night around 11:40 p.m,” a USCP spokesperson said. “We responded and arrested them for DUI.” HERE’S WHAT HAPPENED DURING PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S 6TH WEEK IN OFFICE Haynes has worked in Johnson’s office since 2017 and became chief of staff in October 2023, according to LegiStorm records. He was Johnson’s campaign manager in 2016. A Louisiana native, Haynes graduated from Louisana Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in 2011, later earning a graduate degree from Gonzaga University in 2014. In a statement obtained by Fox News Digital, Johnson’s office said that the speaker still has “full faith and confidence” in Haynes’ “ability to lead the Speaker’s office.” TRUMP GIVES JOHNSON ‘COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT’ AHEAD OF SPEAKERSHIP FIGHT “The Speaker is aware of the encounter that occurred last night involving his Chief of Staff and the Capitol Police,” the statement read. “The Speaker has known and worked closely with Hayden for nearly a decade and trusted him to serve as his Chief of Staff for his entire tenure in Congress.” “Because of this and Hayden’s esteemed reputation among Members and staff alike, the Speaker has full faith and confidence in Hayden’s ability to lead the Speaker’s office.” Before the arrest took place, Johnson appeared on “Hannity” to praise Trump’s speech and said that Democrats “brought shame on themselves and their party” by disrupting the event. “I’m sure it was received as well at home as it was there by the Republicans and the audience up in the gallery,” Johnson said. “It was really shameful what the Democrats did. I mean, they really it was quite a spectacle. They brought shame on themselves and their party.” “But the American people are following what the president is delivering, and they are appreciating it.”