In hearing, Texas Democrats criticize school leaders for being too “nice” about their funding needs
Lawmakers on Tuesday discussed House Bill 2, which would raise schools’ base funding per student by $220 — a figure that falls short of what many had sought previously.
Pro-Palestinian student artwork at UNT removed early amid antisemitism complaints by state lawmakers
Five GOP lawmakers who targeted the exhibit also called for the cancellation of the “Palestinian Children and the Politics of Genocide” lecture, which is still scheduled.
Trump declares ‘America is back’ in speech before Congress
President Donald Trump kicked off his address before a joint session of Congress Tuesday evening. “To my fellow citizens, America is back,” Trump declared after thanking the members of Congress and first lady Melania Trump. “Six weeks ago, I stood beneath the dome of this Capitol and proclaimed the dawn of the golden Age of America,” he said. “From that moment on, it has been nothing but swift and unrelenting action to usher in the greatest and most successful era in the history of our country. We have accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations accomplished in four years or eight years. And we are just getting started.” The audience was heard chanting “USA, USA, USA” amid the president’s opening remarks. Trump arrived to the podium shortly after 9:15 p.m. Eastern Standard Time Tuesday, where he was greeted by cheers from conservative lawmakers, while Democrats overwhelmingly remained seated. Protests broke out shortly after Trump began his speech, including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson demanding Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, be removed after he refused to stop yelling or sit during the speech. “Our members are directed to uphold and maintain decorum in the House, and to cease any further disruptions — that’s your warning,” Johnson said. “Members are engaging in willful and continuing breach of decorum, and the chair is prepared to direct the Sergeant at Arms to restore order to the joint session.” “Mr. Greene, take your seat. Take your seat,” Johnson continued before Green was removed. The speech marks Trump’s first before Congress since his return to the Oval Office in January. The address, though similar to the State of the Union, does not carry the same official title as Trump has not been in office for the past year. TRUMP TO DELIVER FIRST ADDRESS OF HIS SECOND TERM TO JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS The White House previously told Fox News Digital that “The Renewal of the American Dream” was the theme of the speech and would feature four main sections: accomplishments from Trump’s second term thus far at home and abroad; what the Trump administration has done for the economy; the president’s renewed push for Congress to pass additional funding for border security; and the president’s plans for peace around the globe. ‘HE’S BACK’: TRUMP’S JOINT ADDRESS TO CONGRESS TO BE BLANKETED WITH 6-FIGURE AD BUY TOUTING TAX PLAN TRUMP SET TO CONTINUE UNPRECEDENTED LEVEL OF ACTIONS, ADDRESS CONGRESS IN 7TH WEEK BACK IN OFFICE Trump did not participate in any formal speech preparation — such as advisers coaching him on how to gesticulate during the address — but he was involved in the editing process of the speech, Fox News’ Peter Doocy reported ahead of the address. Several Democratic members previewed they would boycott Trump’s address ahead of Tuesday, including Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., also skipped attending, instead holding a live prebuttal of the speech. THEME OF TRUMP’S ADDRESS TO CONGRESS REVEALED Democrat congresswomen who did join the speech were seen wearing pink in protest of Trump and his policies, notably ones they say impact women. Fox News Digital’s Brooke Singman and Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report.
Guests of first couple rally around Trump’s policies ahead of address to Congress: ‘Incredible stories’
FIRST ON FOX: Guests attending President Donald Trump’s speech before Congress on Tuesday evening heaped praise on the 47th president and his policies in a video obtained by Fox News Digtial. “From the bottom of my absolute heart and my family’s heart, we truly appreciate everything that you’ve done for us, and it means absolutely the world to bring justice to my daughter, to Jocelyn, and to every other family, to not have to go through what we’re going through. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything,” Alexis Nungaray, the mom of Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl who was murdered by illegal immigrants said in the video, which was exclusively obtained by Fox Digital. “Thank you, President Trump, for giving me this opportunity to be a light for foster care community and the adoption community,” another woman, Haley Ferguson, a former foster child invited by the first lady, said in the video. MELANIA TRUMP SPEAKS ON CAPITOL HILL FOR FIRST TIME IN ROUNDTABLE FOCUSED ON PUNISHING REVENGE PORN The first lady announced earlier Tuesday that she would bring 15 “everyday Americans” to Trump’s first address to Congress following his return to the White House in January. “These men, women, and families come from all different walks of life with incredible stories about the disaster wrought by the previous administration, and the historic achievements President Trump has already enacted to usher in the Golden Age of America,” the White House said in a statement announcing the guest list on Tuesday. MELANIA TRUMP ANNOUNCES RETURN OF WHITE HOUSE EASTER EGG ROLL Allyson Comperatore — the daughter of Corey Comperatore, who was killed during a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a shooter attempted to assassinate the president – also heaped praise on Trump in the video. “I just want to thank you for involving our families. It meant more than you could probably ever imagine,” she said in the video. FIRST LADY MELANIA TRUMP ANNOUNCES REOPENING OF PUBLIC WHITE HOUSE TOURS The first lady’s invite list includes: Elliston Berry; Helen, Allyson, and Kaylee Comperatore; Jeff Denard; Stephanie Diller; Haley Ferguson; Marc and Malphine Fogel; January Littlejohn; Payton McNabb; Allyson and Lauren Phillips; Alexis Nungaray; Roberto Ortiz. The White House previously told Fox News Digital that “The Renewal of the American Dream” is the theme of the speech and will feature four main sections: accomplishments from Trump’s second term thus far at home and abroad; what the Trump administration has done for the economy; the president’s renewed push for Congress to pass additional funding for border security; and the president’s plans for peace around the globe.
Pete Buttigieg meets with Chuck Schumer as he considers Michigan Senate bid
Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg met with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., as he contemplates wading into the 2026 Michigan Senate race. The two met last week to discuss Buttigieg potentially running for outgoing Democratic Sen. Gary Peters’ seat in the Trump-won swing state, a source familiar confirmed to Fox News Digital. HOUSE GOPERS HOPE TRUMP KEEPS DOOR TO MINERAL DEAL OPEN FOR UKRAINE DESPITE OVAL OFFICE DISPUTE Schumer’s office and a representative for Buttigieg did not immediately provide comment to Fox News Digital. The meeting was first reported by Politico. Buttigieg, 43, previously served as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, before launching a presidential bid in 2020. Fans affectionately referred to him as “Mayor Pete,” and he has maintained popularity within the Democratic Party as one of its younger stars. GOP REBELS FIRE WARNING SHOT IN SHUTDOWN SHOWDOWN: NO DOGE, NO DEAL The millennial Democrat was later chosen to serve as President Biden’s transportation secretary. Soon after Peters revealed in January he wouldn’t seek re-election in the pivotal battleground state of Michigan, a source familiar with Buttigieg’s thinking told Fox News Digital, “Pete is exploring all of his options on how he can be helpful and continue to serve.” SENATE BID TO PREVENT BOYS FROM PLAYING GIRLS’ SPORTS GETS STUCK ON FILIBUSTER “He’s honored to be mentioned for this, and he’s taking a serious look.” Peters announced his retirement to the Detroit News, telling the outlet, “I always thought there would be a time that I would step aside and pass the reins for the next generation. I also never saw service in Congress as something you do your whole life.” WHO IS ELISSA SLOTKIN, AND WHY DID DEMS CHOOSE HER FOR THE PARTY’S REBUTTAL TO TRUMP SPEECH? “And that goes back to 2008 when I first won that House seat. I thought it would be for a matter of a few terms that I would serve, and then I would go back to private life,” he added. The Michigan Senate race is considered a “Toss Up” by top nonpartisan political handicapper the Cook Political Report.
Florida governor spotlights timely golf outing he and Casey DeSantis had with President Trump
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took to social media on Tuesday to share a photo from a golf outing he and his wife, first lady Casey DeSantis, had with President Donald Trump this past weekend. The move by DeSantis comes as the race to succeed the term-limited conservative governor heats up, with Trump ally Rep. Bryon Donalds announcing his candidacy after landing the president’s endorsement, and the high-profile first lady acknowledging she’s considering a 2026 run. Trump and Florida’s first couple had breakfast together this past weekend at the president’s West Palm Beach golf course, and also played a round of golf. “.@CaseyDeSantisteeing off at Trump Int’l in Palm Beach (made birdie on the hole). Casey and @realDonaldTrump had no trouble winning the match…,” the governor wrote in a post on his political account on X. DESANTIS TAKES VICTORY LAP IN IMPLEMENTING TRUMP’S IMMIGRATION CRACKDOWN A Republican source in Florida confirms to Fox News that the governor and first lady used their morning with Trump, in part, to appeal to the president to not further engage in the gubernatorial race beyond his initial endorsement of Donalds. The president, who moved his primary residence to Florida in 2019, two weeks ago took to social media to write that Donalds – who was a major surrogate for Trump on the 2024 campaign trail – “would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida.” Trump added that Donalds, “should he decide to run, will have my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, BYRON, RUN!” WATCH: BYRON DONALDS ANNOUNCES RUN FOR GOVERNOR IN FOX NEWS CHANNEL APPEARANCE Donalds announced his candidacy a week later, in an appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity.” The conservative former state lawmaker, who has represented parts of southwest Florida in Congress for four years, had been eyeing a potential gubernatorial bid for nearly a year. “I’ve thought about it. I don’t really rule anything out,” Donalds said in a Fox News Digital interview last spring when asked about a possible run for governor. Trump and DeSantis have a long but at times combustible political history. The president backed then-Rep. DeSantis successful 2018 run for governor and the two were allies for a couple of years. But the two GOP heavyweights waged a bitter battle in 2023 and early last year during a very combative and divisive 2024 GOP presidential nomination race. They seemed to make peace after Trump quickly clinched the nomination during the primaries, and DeSantis helped raise funds for Trump during the general election. After Donalds jumped into the race, DeSantis seemed to criticize the congressman, saying at a news conference that “I think people look at it and say you’ve got a guy like Byron, he just hasn’t been a part of any of the victories that we’ve had here over the left over these last years.” Since he made those comments, the governor has refrained from criticizing Donalds, but has repeatedly touted his wife’s accomplishments as Florida first lady and framing her as a worthy successor. Casey DeSantis last week stoked speculation when asked by reporters if she would run. “To quote the late Yogi Berra,” DeSantis said as she reiterated a famous line from the late baseball legend. “If you see a fork in the road, take it.” The governor then quipped to reporters that “you guys can read into that what you will.” Fox News last week also confirmed that Gov. DeSantis was reaching out to donors on behalf of his wife. Asked about Casey DeSantis, Donald told Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” host Maria Bartiromo this past weekend that “I remember back in 2018 campaigning for then-Congressman DeSantis, who had the support of Donald Trump, and that worked out great for our state. So, in 2025, moving into 2026, I am really honored to have the same support from President Trump.” “He has a history of making good picks, and I think his picks have always worked out for the Sunshine State,” Donald emphasized. And he added that “we will worry about the primaries as other people decide to get in the race or not, but we are going to be focused on Floridians.” While Florida was once a top general election battleground, it’s now firmly red – DeSantis won re-election in 2022 by nearly 20 points and Trump carried the state in November by 13 points – and the eventual winner of the GOP primary will be considered the front-runner in next year’s gubernatorial election.
The Texas Senate wants more — and smaller — starter homes in new neighborhoods
The goal of the new legislation is to help drive down the cost of housing so that more Texans can afford homes.
Texas lawmakers scold juvenile justice department over scathing DOJ report
Democratic state Rep. Gene Wu criticized the department for treating an August 2024 federal report as “nothing.”
Texas Senate panel advances bill requiring Ten Commandments in classrooms
The committee also gave initial approval to a bill that would allow prayer in schools.
House GOPers hope Trump keeps door to mineral deal open for Ukraine despite Oval Office dispute
House Republicans said President Donald Trump should keep a proposed minerals deal with Ukraine on the table, despite the public Oval Office showdown with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Friday. “I hope that Zelenskyy will come back humbly to the president, thanking the president for being willing to engage (and) having those business interests,” Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, told Fox News Digital Tuesday. He added that it would have been a “really great” way for Ukraine to signal to Russia that America is on its side. “I hope we’ll go down that road,” Roy said of the proposed deal. GOP REBELS FIRE WARNING SHOT IN SHUTDOWN SHOWDOWN: NO DOGE, NO DEAL Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s Friday meeting with Zelenskyy at the White House was cut short after they publicly sparred over the effort to end the Ukraine-Russia war. An agreement that would give the U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical minerals in exchange for the financial support the U.S. has given Ukraine since 2022 and future investment in the country was left unsigned and Zelenskyy was asked by Trump to depart early. Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah, said the deal should “absolutely” still be in consideration. He pointed out that the U.S.’s presence in Ukraine would deter “the threat of having attacks that we had three years ago. So it’s a win-win.” SENATE BID TO PREVENT BOYS FROM PLAYING GIRLS’ SPORTS GETS STUCK ON FILIBUSTER “I think everything should be on the table. Right?” remarked House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn. “I’m very I was encouraged by President Zelenskyy’s move today to say everything he should have said last week when he was in the Oval Office. And I think that bodes well.” Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., agreed with his GOP colleagues that the deal shouldn’t be scrapped. “Donald Trump did the right things,” he said. “What Zelenskyy did to disrespect the president. Watch how he interrupted the president. Watch how he challenged the vice president. It’s unheard of.” WHO IS ELISSA SLOTKIN, AND WHY DID DEMS CHOOSE HER FOR THE PARTY’S REBUTTAL TO TRUMP SPEECH? Trump is “going to have to decide what he wants,” according to Norman. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., said, “I think that President Zelenskyy regrets not signing it and keeping his mouth shut.” House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris, R-Md., also said the deal should remain in consideration, “absolutely.” “I think it’s a win-win for the Ukrainians,” he added. “I was very disappointed they didn’t take advantage of it.” FLASHBACK: DEM SENATOR EMBROILED IN CONFLICT OF INTEREST ROW TARGETED SCOTUS IN ETHICS CRUSADE In a new development, Zelenskyy addressed the contentious meeting once again Tuesday, and said Ukraine was “ready to come to the negotiating table.” He further remarked that the discussion with Trump and Vance “did not go the way it was supposed to be,” but Zelenskyy said “it is time to make things right.” “My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts,” he said in a lengthy statement on social media.