First lady Melania Trump decorates the White House for Christmas: ‘Home is Where the Heart Is’
EXCLUSIVE: The White House is officially decorated for Christmas with a decor and a theme personally selected by first lady Melania Trump to celebrate the holiday season–“Home is Where the Heart Is.” This is the fifth time Mrs. Trump has had the opportunity to decorate 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for the Christmas season. This year, the first lady’s decor highlights the American spirit of “generosity, patriotism, and gratitude.” MELANIA TRUMP UNVEILS WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS, THEME FOR 2020 Mrs. Trump has decked the halls of the White House this season with more than 25,000 feet of ribbon; more than 2,000 strands of light; more than 120 pounds of gingerbread; more than 2,800 gold stars; more than 10,000 blue butterflies; and more than 700 feet of garland. “Every detail of the 2025 White House Christmas decorations was personally selected by Mrs. Trump to honor the heart of America and the theme ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is,’” the White House told Fox News Digital. The White House has 51 Christmas trees and 75 of Mrs. Trump’s signature Christmas wreaths. The wreaths have classic red bows, and hang outside the windows of the White House. “The saying ‘Home is Where the Heart is’ resonates deeply with me, especially as I navigate the joys, challenges, and frequent motion that comes with motherhood and business,” the first lady told Fox News Digital. “The constant movement has taught me that home is not merely a physical space; rather, it is the warmth and comfort I carry within, regardless of my surroundings.” “This Christmas, let’s celebrate the love we hold within ourselves and share it with the world around us,” she continued. “After all, wherever we are, we can create a home filled with grace, radiance, and endless possibilities.” The theme in the East Room is “Home is Where the Heart Is: America, Our Home.” The room is filled with patriotic decorations to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The decor is red, white and blue, along with national symbols including eagles, the Great Seal, roses and oak. On the trees are 56 eagle ornaments to represent each state and territory; along with 250 stars to represent America’s upcoming birthday. WHITE HOUSE UNVEILS CHRISTMAS DECOR WITH ‘SPIRIT OF AMERICA’ THEME “We are deeply honored that America250 is represented in this year’s White House holiday celebration,” an America250 spokesman told Fox News Digital. “The decor and concept of the East Room highlights ‘America, Our Home,’ beautifully reflecting the spirit of unity, hope, and shared purpose that defines our nation.” “As we enter a truly historic year leading up to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, this holiday season offers an opportunity to reflect on what connects us as Americans,” the spokesman continued. “It’s also a moment to look ahead with excitement—to the many ways we’ll come together in the year ahead to honor our past, celebrate our present, and imagine our collective future.” Next, the Green Room’s theme is “Home is Where the Heart Is: Family Fun.” The room highlights America’s favorite games and activities, with playing cards; Lego portraits of President Trump and President George Washington; dominoes and more. In the Blue Room, the theme “Home is Where the Heart Is: Where Strength and Sacrifice Meets Home.” Decor honors the “beauty, unity, and sacrifices made by Gold Star families on behalf of the United States of America. The Blue Room decorations feature blue, gold, and ivory, with gold stars to honor Gold Star families; custom lithophane ornaments to depict each state and territory’s official bird and flower; and more. The White House said the first lady chose birds to represent “freedom, hope, and courage,” while the flowers symbolize the “vigilance, bravery and steadfast spirit of Gold Star families.” The custom ornaments were designed with AI support and created with 3D printers— a move highlighting the first lady’s emphasis on the importance of AI education and responsible use. MELANIA TRUMP GIVES TOUR OF 2018 WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS DECOR On the Blue Room tree alone, which is an 18-foot noncolor fir from Sidney, Michigan, there are 420 strands of bulbs—21,000 individual lights; and 3,000 feet of ribbon. That Christmas tree is the official White House Christmas tree. The Red Room’s focus in on the first lady’s “Fostering the Future” effort to support foster children. The room’s decor celebrates her “Be Best” initiative, with more than 10,000 butterflies— a symbol of “transformation and representing the hope that every child will have the chance to grow into their full potential.” “Fostering the Future is a mission the first lady cares about deeply. As we began discussing Christmas decorations, the butterfly emerged as a prominent theme, as it symbolizes renewal, resilience, and new beginnings for the foster care community,” Herve Pierre, who is Melania Trump’s “creative artist,” told Fox News Digital. “It was clear that the blue butterfly was the perfect choice to fulfill Mrs. Trump’s creative vision for her Christmas themed Be Best Room.” Pierre has overseen the implementation of her creative vision. “Incorporating thousands of magnificent blue butterflies in the Red Room creates a vibrant and festive atmosphere that reflects the first lady’s style,” Pierre said. “This striking color combination captures the essence of the holiday spirit.” The room also features historic cranberry trees—a tradition first introduced in 1975, but which became well-known as former first lady Nancy Reagan’s favorite holiday decoration—her favorite color was also red. The state dining room’s theme is “Home is Where the Heart Is: A Place to Gather,” which showcases the “joy of hosting at home” and the “history of diplomacy at the White House.” The decor in the State Dining Room features custom tree boxes with hand-painted magnolia blossoms, gilded acorns and fruits of harvest. It also features the White House Historical Association’s official ornament, which celebrates the 150th anniversary of state dinners at the White House. WHITE HOUSE’S 2017 HOLIDAY DISPLAY INCLUDES 53 CHRISTMAS TREES, AND HONORS FOR THE MILITARY In the room is a gingerbread house
Trump says he believes Hegseth ‘100%’ on Venezuelan drug boat strike denial amid allegations
President Donald Trump on Sunday defended Secretary of War Pete Hegseth over allegations he ordered a second strike on a Venezuelan drug boat, saying he believes Hegseth’s denial and would not have supported a follow-up attack if it happened. The exchange came during a gaggle aboard Air Force One as reporters pressed Trump on claims that Hegseth authorized a second strike that allegedly killed two wounded men after an earlier attack on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel. Trump repeatedly said Hegseth denied giving such an order. He added that he was aware of the allegation but stressed that Hegseth told him the claim was untrue and that he accepted that explanation without hesitation. “He said he did not say that, and I believe him 100%,” Trump said. HEGSETH SHARED DETAILS OF YEMEN STRIKES IN SECOND SIGNAL CHAT: REPORT Reporters asked Trump whether he would have approved a second strike if Hegseth had ordered one, prompting him to again distance himself from the allegation while stressing that he trusted his secretary of war. Trump said he planned to seek additional information about the reported incident but reiterated that Hegseth assured him nothing improper happened. “No, I wouldn’t have wanted that. Not a second strike,” Trump said. DEM SEN JOHN FETTERMAN BACKS USE OF MILITARY FORCE TO COMBAT DRUG TRAFFICKING INTO US Still, he praised the wider campaign targeting drug-smuggling boats, saying the strikes had sharply reduced the flow of narcotics into the U.S. by sea in recent months. Trump argued the vessels posed a deadly threat and framed the operations as necessary to protect Americans, calling the missions lethal but justified. “You can see the boats,” he said. “You can see the drugs in the boats and each boat is responsible for killing 25,000 Americans.” TRUMP SAYS ‘DON’T READ ANYTHING INTO IT’ WHEN ASKED ABOUT DECLARING VENEZUELA’S AIRSPACE CLOSED Trump went to Hegseth’s defense after reports from outlets such as The Washington Post and CNN claimed the U.S. military ordered a second strike on a suspected drug vessel in the Caribbean on Sept. 2 after the earlier attack left two survivors. According to The Washington Post, the commander overseeing that operation told colleagues on a secure conference call that the survivors were legitimate targets because they could still contact other traffickers for help and ordered the second strike to comply with what he said was a directive from Hegseth that everyone must be killed. “As usual, the fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland,” Hegseth wrote on X on Friday. “As we’ve said from the beginning and in every statement, these highly effective strikes are specifically intended to be ‘lethal, kinetic strikes,’” Hegseth continued. “The declared intent is to stop lethal drugs, destroy narco-boats and kill the narco-terrorists who are poisoning the American people. Every trafficker we kill is affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization.” Fox News Digital’s Greg Norman and Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.
Music City Miracle: A look at an unusually contentious election in the Volunteer State
We’ll know Wednesday morning if a special election in Tennessee is truly a referendum on country music, pedal taverns and bachelorettes. Or, if we can divine a deeper political meaning from the results of the special election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. Democrat Aftyn Behn is trying to tip the scales in favor of her party in a district which President Trump carried by about 20 points and former Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., won by a similar percentage last fall. Behn faces GOPer Matt Van Epps. It’s a Republican district. But political observers are watching the race to gauge potential weakness by President Trump, a softness in the Trump coalition, issues with the Republican brand or early indications of a possible blue wave in the 2026 midterms. DEMOCRATS, REPUBLICANS GO ALL IN ON FINAL 2025 CONGRESSIONAL BALLOT BOX SHOWDOWN It was Behn who proclaimed that she abhorred Nashville several years ago. “I hate the bachelorettes, I hate the pedal taverns, I hate country music. I hate all the things that make Nashville apparently an ‘it city,’” complained Behn. About all Behn left out in her animus toward Music City was dissing The Grand Ole Opry, hot chicken and Goo Goo Clusters. But if voters go goo goo over Behn Tuesday, Republicans face a cluster of another sort. A Behn victory may signal major problems for Republicans and President Trump heading into the midterms. Behn is characterized as the “AOC of Tennessee,” a reference to progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. Republicans have been sure to boomerang that against Behn, suggesting she’s not in tune with the district, leans too far to the left and is closer to the liberal values of New York or Los Angeles than Nashville. Republicans believe Behn is just a bad fit for Nashville. Kind of like having Bad Bunny perform at the Ryman Auditorium. “It shouldn’t even be close. But it is,” mused Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., on Fox. So Republicans are pouring in money to protect the seat. Democrats are pouring in money to steal the seat. If Democrats pull off the upset, the party should uproot the goalposts at FirstBank Stadium in downtown Nashville and dump it in the Cumberland River. Kind of what Vanderbilt fans did last year when the Commodores upset number one-ranked Alabama. Let’s explore what a Behn win might mean for Republicans. It could indicate that voters are tiring of President Trump. Or that the GOP brand is toxic. Or perhaps it’s the continuation of a trend which Democrats enjoyed this fall: near blowout wins by New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill and Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger. But there’s a downside for Democrats. Yes. They may flip the seat. But a win may also show that the party is tilting more to the left. It would be hard to argue with success if Behn prevails, regardless of her progressive streak. But this may give other liberals ideas that they can win in other red or purple districts. That may work against Democrats – especially since every Republican, except President Trump – has highlighted the left-wing politics of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. TRUMP MAKES 11TH-HOUR PLEA FOR MATT VAN EPPS OVER AFTYN BEHN, WHOM HE CLAIMS ‘HATES CHRISTIANITY’ Democrats probably need to run more centrist candidates in purple areas to regain control of the House. A Behn victory could open the floodgates for a host of progressive candidates in competitive House districts nationwide. Behn’s message – or that of Ocasio-Cortez or Mamdani – won’t work in most places where Democrats need to be successful to seize control of the House. But what if Republicans hold the seat and Van Epps wins? It probably depends by how much. Yes, there were five special elections in 2017 – the first year President Trump was originally in office – which Democrats made competitive. All were closer than they should have been. But Democrats didn’t win any of them. Still, astute political observers suggested there was unpopularity with the president and the GOP agenda. Democrats won 41 seats and gained control of the House in the 2018 midterms. So, even if Van Epps wins, examine the margin. And if Behn wins, see if Republicans downplay it because it was a special election and the customary electorate just doesn’t turn out for special elections. Especially one wedged between Thanksgiving and Christmas. If Republicans hold the seat, the GOP will argue this was a repudiation of a leftist like Behn and someone who was out of step. They will also suggest that it’s a GOP seat and Republicans should win anyway. That’s what happened earlier this year when there was consternation before two Florida special elections. But Reps. Randy Fine, R-Fla., and Jimmy Patronis, R-Fla., both won in March. Here’s another factor which bears watching: the message the press corps and political observers glean from the election results. After all, special elections are always special. It’s natural for analysts and journalists to search for particular meanings or signposts in these contests. Such was the case with the off-year elections in New Jersey, Virginia and New York City. Sometimes these observations are spot-on. Other times, they mean nothing. If anything, there is a tendency to over-illuminate the outcomes of these contests. They are moments in time. Kind of like listening to a few bars of a song. Maybe it tells you a lot about the song. Maybe not. House Republicans could well freak out if Behn is victorious. There’s lots of grumbling among Republicans. Some are frustrated by how their leadership handled the government shutdown. And others could follow Mark Green and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and hit the exits early. This is a fragile time for House Republicans. That’s one reason why a flip of this seat could mean a little bit more. DEM HOUSE HOPEFUL GETTING YANKED FROM GOVERNOR’S OFFICE DURING ATTEMPTED SIT-IN GOES VIRAL AHEAD OF ELECTION Still, it’s rare to flip seats in House special elections. Former Rep. Don Cazayoux, D-La., won
Trump gave Maduro ultimatum to flee Venezuela as land operations loom: report
President Donald Trump delivered a stern ultimatum to Nicolás Maduro to leave Venezuela immediately before announcing the country’s airspace should be closed, according to a report. Per the Miami Herald, Washington’s warning was delivered in a phone call with Caracas and offered guaranteed evacuation for Maduro, his wife Cilia Flores, and their son, but only if the dictator agreed to resign on the spot. The conversation stalled, U.S. officials said, and within hours Washington escalated dramatically. The ensuing impasse, a source told the outlet, was over Maduro asking for “global amnesty for any crimes he and his group had committed, and that was rejected.” MADURO BRANDISHES SWORD AT RALLY AS HE RAILS AGAINST ‘IMPERIALIST AGGRESSION’ AMID RISING TENSIONS WITH US “Second, they asked to retain control of the armed forces — similar to what happened in Nicaragua in ’91 with Violeta Chamorro. In return, they would allow free elections.” The final issue was timing, according to the outlet, as Washington demanded that Maduro resign immediately – but Caracas refused. Trump went on to announce Saturday that Venezuelan airspace would be considered “closed in its entirety.” The Herald also reported that the Maduro government tried to schedule another call to Washington but received no response. According to a defense expert familiar with the country’s military and state-linked cartel ties, Maduro and key players in his regime could now face their most serious threat yet. “I think the operations will start imminently,” former Venezuelan diplomat Vanessa Neumann told Fox News Digital. “The clearing of the airspace is an indication and a very clear public warning that missiles might be coming to take out command and control infrastructure or retaliatory infrastructure,” Neumann said. “This will not be like breaking a jar into a thousand pieces, this is where you can lift the concentration of power, and it’s easier to manage.” “The targets have been identified through covert operations over the last several years by people on the ground,” she continued. “So they’re well-mapped. This is a capture-or-kill scenario, but there’s a limit to how many people you can remove quickly.” On Sunday, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One not to “read anything into” his declaring Venezuela’s airspace closed when asked if a strike was imminent. “Maduro also doesn’t have that many options, and his military is very weak,” she warned. “You can’t go after 30 people simultaneously, who are spread all around, but certainly high on the list would be Maduro himself.” TRUMP PUSHES PEACE IN EUROPE, PRESSURE IN THE AMERICAS — INSIDE THE TWO-FRONT GAMBLE Venezuela’s armed forces, once among Latin America’s strongest, have been weakened by years of corruption, sanctions, defections, and lack of maintenance. Much of its equipment, Neumann says, has never even been serviced. “Their material is extremely old, decayed, and has not been serviced,” Neumann explained. “They’ve got junk from the Russians. The stuff they originally had from the Americans is decades old and has not been serviced. “So, they have neither the personnel, foreign support, nor the material,” she said. Ahead of shuttering the airspace, the U.S. also officially designated the cartel allegedly linked with Venezuela’s government, the Cartel de los Soles, as a foreign terrorist organization. “This cartel turned Venezuela’s main oil company into a narcotics trafficking money laundering operation, using the company’s access to international finance, until it was sanctioned,” Neumann, who has worked with governments on countering transnational organized crime linked to the group, explained. “They were using Venezuelan military jets to bring in cocaine from Colombia, process it in Venezuela, and then move it into Central America and then into Europe. IRAN BACKS MADURO TO KEEP LATIN AMERICA FOOTHOLD AS TRUMP INCREASES PRESSURE ON VENEZUELA “Jet pilots were making a lot of money off that, and they’ve tortured people. They target people, anybody who tell on them, they’re disappeared,” Neumann said. “They’re now one of the prime drug trafficking networks into the United States and Europe, and use their military positions, including their military-to-military relations, to grow and accelerate those movements.” In fact, in September, the European Parliament also voted in favor of the EU designating Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization. “The Cartel de Los Soles is also a key collaborator and financier of Hezbollah and some of the drug money has been used to fund terrorist attacks that have killed American citizens, even in the Middle East,” added Neumann, CEO of Asymmetrica Group, which specializes in defense cooperation. The U.S. has also ramped up a military and intelligence campaign targeting drug-trafficking networks linked to Venezuela, including strikes on suspected narcotics boats. TRUMP’S STRIKE ON CARTEL VESSEL OFF VENEZUELA SENDS WARNING TO MADURO: ‘NO SANCTUARY’ “The decision is President Trump’s because when he says, ‘Go’, we go. And nobody knows when he’ll say that,” Neumann said. “He has mobilized so many assets down there now. But what President Trump is doing now is long overdue.” “The timing is right now,” she added. “Because even Maduro’s biggest backers, Russia and Iran, are both on the back foot, and China will not go that far in backing Maduro as it has bigger and broader interests throughout the region.” She also noted that “Maduro is also weakened because his partners are weakened and have their own issues to deal with,” and that “we also now have a concentration of power and deep repression within the country that’s quite unified, which means it’s easy to flip.” WASHINGTON’S SHADOW WAR: HOW STRIKES ON CARTELS THREATEN TO COLLAPSE MADURO’S REGIME Neumann identified others in the regime who may be targeted, including Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, Diosdado Cabello, Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace and Alexander Granko Arteaga, head of Venezuela’s counter-intelligence agency, the DGCIM. “One of the reasons Granko is an important figure is that he’s one of the reasons why they haven’t capitulated and why there has not been a military uprising,” Neumann explained. “It’s because of the brutality of the counter-intelligence that they do to their own military, and hundreds of soldiers
Trump says ‘don’t read anything into it’ when asked about declaring Venezuela’s airspace closed
President Donald Trump defended calling Venezuela’s airspace closed, saying the country is sending criminals into the U.S., but told reporters not to “read anything into it” when asked whether the warning suggested an imminent strike. While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said Venezuela is “not a very friendly country” and claimed it has sent criminals, gang members and drug traffickers into the U.S. On Saturday, Trump told airlines, pilots, drug dealers and human traffickers to “consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY.” When asked Sunday if the warning meant an airstrike is imminent, Trump said: “Don’t read anything into it.” WHITE HOUSE RESPONDS TO REPORTS OF TRUMP PREPARING TO HIT MILITARY TARGETS INSIDE VENEZUELA Trump also confirmed a report from the New York Times that he spoke on the phone with President Nicolás Maduro, though he offered no details about the conversation. “I wouldn’t say it went well or badly,” he said. “It was a phone call.” The president’s comments come amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela over Venezuela’s failure to stop drug traffickers from sending narcotics into the U.S. TRUMP’S STRIKE ON CARTEL VESSEL OFF VENEZUELA SENDS WARNING TO MADURO: ‘NO SANCTUARY’ Since September, the Trump administration has conducted over 20 strikes against alleged drug boats in Latin American waters and beefed up its military presence in the Caribbean as part of Trump’s effort to crack down on the flow of drugs into the U.S. The strikes have brought the total number of suspected narco-terrorists eliminated to over 82, with three survivors. But as the U.S. continues to bolster forces in the waters off Venezuela, Maduro has called for peace but also remained defiant against what he called “imperialist aggression.” U.S. WARSHIPS TO PATROL INTERNATIONAL WATERS AROUND VENEZUELA AS TRUMP VOWS TO STOP CARTELS Maduro delivered an address in Caracas last week while brandishing a sword and warning supporters to prepare for confrontation, saying the U.S. will “very soon” begin stopping suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers on land. He appeared at a mass rally in the capital holding the sword of Simón Bolívar, the 19th-century independence leader regarded as the liberator of much of South America. Maduro told supporters the country was facing a decisive moment. The Associated Press reported that he said, “For anyone, whether civilian, politician, military, or police – Let no one make excuses. Failure is not an option. The homeland demands it! Our greatest effort and sacrifice. And with (Simón) Bolívar, I come to say that if the homeland demands it, the homeland will have our lives, if necessary,” he declared while raising Bolívar’s sword. Maduro framed the situation as a struggle against what he described as external threats, urging Venezuelans to mobilize against any foreign aggression. Fox News Digital’s Diana Stancy and Efrat Lachter contributed to this report.
Trump envoy Steve Witkoff heads to Moscow as Ukraine peace talks gain momentum
Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, will travel to Moscow on Monday, a U.S. official tells Fox News. The trip comes as peace talks between Ukraine and Russia show signs of progress, with the White House pushing a peace plan to end the nearly four-year-long war. On Sunday, Witkoff — a central figure in negotiating the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas — joined Secretary of State Marco Rubio and senior advisor Jared Kushner in Florida to meet with Ukrainian negotiators. Rubio described the meeting as “very productive.” In a statement, Rubio said that the end goal is “not just the end of the war.” STATE DEPARTMENT SAYS UKRAINE READY TO ACCEPT 30-DAY CEASEFIRE DEAL: ‘BALL IS NOW IN RUSSIA’S COURT’ “Obviously, that’s essential and fundamental. We want to see the end of the killing and the death and the suffering, and I’m sure the Ukrainian side, I know they do as well,” Rubio said. “They want peace. But it’s also about securing an end to the war that leaves Ukraine sovereign and independent and with an opportunity at real prosperity.” Last week, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow could reject the White House’s peace deal framework if it does not uphold the “spirit and letter” of what President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to at the Alaska summit in August. TRUMP: WE’RE GOING STRAIGHT TO RUSSIA-UKRAINE PEACE DEAL, ‘NOT A MERE CEASEFIRE’ He warned that if the terms of the “key understandings” are “extinguished” then the situation would become “fundamentally different.” Despite Lavrov’s comments, Putin showed interest in Trump’s plans to end the war on Thursday, calling the drafted plans a starting point. “We need to sit down and discuss this seriously,” Putin told reporters, according to The Associated Press. Trump’s plan as “a set of issues put forward for discussion” rather than a draft agreement. “Every word matters,” Putin added. Fox News Digital’s Sarah Tobianski, Kyle Schmidbauer and Ashley Carnahan contributed to this report.
Trump makes 11th-hour plea for Matt Van Epps over Aftyn Behn, whom he claims ‘hates Christianity’
President Donald Trump called on Tennesseans to vote for Matt Van Epps, the Republican nominee in the special election for the Volunteer State’s 7th Congressional District, in a Truth Social post on Sunday. Just two days ahead of the election on Dec. 2, Trump urged “all America First Patriots in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, who haven’t voted yet, to please GET OUT AND VOTE.” The president claimed that Van Epps’ Democratic opponent, state Rep. Aftyn Behn, “hates Christianity, will take away your guns, wants Open Borders, Transgender for everybody, men in women’s sports, and openly disdains Country music.” “She said all of these things precisely, and without question — IT’S ON TAPE!” Trump claimed. “Do not take this Race for granted.” MARK GREEN RESIGNS FROM CONGRESS, FURTHER SHRINKING HOUSE GOP MAJORITY “The Radical Left Democrats are spending a fortune to beat one of the best Candidates we’ve ever had, Matt Van Epps!” Trump concluded that Van Epps has his “Complete and Total Endorsement” and “WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Van Epps, a lieutenant colonel in the Tennessee Army National Guard and a former Army helicopter pilot, was formally endorsed by Trump earlier this year and called his support “an incredible honor.” TENNESSEE GOVERNOR BACKS MILITARY VETERAN JUST DAYS BEFORE CROWDED PRIMARY ELECTION Trump’s post comes as Behn draws national attention for her past comments, ranging from anti-police rhetoric to her dislike of country music and Nashville’s drinking culture. The Democrat was also once a frequent advocate for cutting police funding, even suggesting that the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department should be defunded. Last week, Behn was asked to clarify her previous remarks during an episode of MS NOW’s “The Weekend.” “In 2020, you made some tweets that have since been deleted that were very critical of police… 2020 was obviously a very fraught year. Do you still stand by those comments? And if not, is there anything you want to clarify?” host Catherine Rampell asked. “I’m not going to engage in cable news talking points, but what I will say is that, you know, our communities need solutions,” Behn responded. “We need local people deciding, solving local problems with local solutions. And that’s not the overreach of a federal government or state government of which we are dealing with in Nashville and our cities across the state of Tennessee.” Fox News Digital’s Paul Steinhauser, Alec Schemmel and Hanna Panreck contributed to this report.
Sen Cory Booker marries fiancé Alexis Lewis in intimate DC ceremony
Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., announced that he married his fiancé Alexis Lewis on Saturday, sharing photos of himself and his newlywed wife on social media. Booker and Lewis wed in a private ceremony in Washington, D.C., less than three months after announcing their engagement on Instagram. On Sunday, Booker posted that they were “overflowing with gratitude,” writing: “We said ‘I do’ in two places that shaped us—Cory’s beloved Newark and Alexis’s hometown of Washington, D.C.—first at the courthouse, then with our families. Hearts full and so grateful.” The couple married in an interfaith ceremony — Booker is Christian, and Lewis is Jewish — at an undisclosed venue, The New York Times reported. The couple had legally wed Monday at the federal courthouse in Newark with only their parents present. KEANU REEVES’ GIRLFRIEND SETS RECORD STRAIGHT ON WEDDING RUMORS WITH KISSING PHOTO The couple told the Times they met through a mutual friend known for matchmaking in May 2024. Their blind date in Washington lasted more than five hours. When Booker asked for a second date the next night, Lewis said she had to catch a flight for a work trip to Newark. Booker persuaded her to delay her flight so they could meet again in Newark, where he was also headed. Booker later described that second date as “even more magical,” saying they ate at a tapas restaurant before he showed her places in the city that shaped his life. The night ended with their first kiss outside the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. MICHELLE OBAMA CITES ‘QUITE THE JOURNEY’ WITH BARACK OBAMA IN ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE Lewis is a director of investments at Brasa Capital Management, a Los Angeles-based real estate investment firm, and previously worked for former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. She holds a bachelor’s degree from NYU and an MBA from Cornell. “My girlfriends and I say, ‘Change your flight, change your life,’ because it’s exactly what happened,” Lewis told the outlet. “After so many years on my own, I’m not entirely sure I believed I would get married. But now, we’ve found each other at this stage of our lives, after epic personal journeys. And that deserves celebration.”
Ahead of ICE ops, New Orleans police leader lambasted for comments about enforcement of immigration law
New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick made waves earlier this week when she stated illegal immigration by foreign nationals in the U.S. is a “civil issue” and that therefore her agency will not enforce certain immigration laws — but would respond when ensuring public safety and that those involved in a federal operation are “not going to get hurt.” Kirkpatrick made the remarks at a press conference marking the end of a 15-year consent decree between the city and federal government, after then-Mayor Mitch Landrieu invited the Obama Justice Department to probe the agency for alleged “pattern or practice” of civil rights-related misconduct. During press questions, Kirkpatrick responded to one reporter by saying that to “be in the country undocumented is (a) civil issue.” “We will not enforce civil law, and so our support is to make sure they’re not going to get hurt and our community is not in danger,” Kirkpatrick said. ICE READIES SWAMP SWEEP: MISSISSIPPI PLEDGES TO AID, NOT BLOCK, FEDERAL CRACKDOWN “Am I expecting them to come?” she said. “Yes, I’m expecting them to come. But can I tell you they’re coming Friday? No, I can’t tell you that.” “If they call for help because they say they’re going to be hurt. We are going to be there in order to help anyone in danger. We are not enforcing — because we can’t.” Kirkpatrick’s comments swiftly went viral on social media, with critics — largely from the right — lambasting her for claiming her agency cannot enforce certain immigration laws. DENVER MAYOR SAYS HE’S PREPARED TO GO TO JAIL OVER OPPOSITION TO TRUMP DEPORTATIONS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS Commentator Chaya Raichik, better known as “LibsOfTikTok,” also responded to the superintendent’s comments. “Anne Kirkpatrick… says that illegally invading the U.S. is a ‘civil issue’ and her police force ‘will not enforce the law.’” “Illegally invading the country is a crime. This is who is in charge of the police.” NOEM, IN ILLINOIS, CALLS OUT GOV. PRITZKER, CHICAGO’S MAYOR OVER THEIR HANDLING OF CRIMINAL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS “This is Law Enforcement 101. Every American knows this,” conservative commentator David Harris Jr. tweeted separately. Florida journalist Eric Daugherty responded to a clip of Kirkpatrick, writing: “False. It is a crime.” “How can you be the leader of a major police force and not know this? Arrest and deport. No exceptions,” Daugherty said. CHICAGO POLICE ORDERED NOT TO RESPOND AFTER CAR-RAMMING ATTACK ON FEDERAL AGENTS: SOURCES Louisiana Republican Attorney General Liz Murrill commented below Daugherty’s message, saying that she spoke directly to Kirkpatrick about her comments. “It is a state crime to obstruct ICE and federal immigration enforcement. Law enforcement should enforce the law,” Murrill said. In response to Murrill, several other critics reamed Kirkpatrick for being in charge of the New Orleans Police Department the night a man mowed down revelers ahead of the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day, suggesting there were preventative measures on Bourbon Street, including installation of bollards and hardened temporary infrastructure, that were missed. JONATHAN TURLEY: WHY BLUE STATES’ NEW ANTI-ICE LAWS ARE UNCONSTITUTIONAL VIRTUE SIGNALING Other critics cited 8 U.S. Code 1325, which criminalizes “improper entry by (an) alien.” That section describes how it is a criminal act to elude immigration inspection, provide false documentation or enter the U.S. illegally outside a port of entry. Kirkpatrick’s reference to civil law referenced the fact there is a section in the code under the Immigration & Naturalization Act that says being unlawfully present in the U.S. for a visa overstay or other infraction is indeed civil, not criminal. “Inadmissible aliens,” as described in law, also can face civil removal proceedings under 8 USC 1227 and 8 USC 1182. DHS LAUNCHING MASSIVE IMMIGRATION OPERATION IN LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI: ‘SWAMP SWEEP’ In a separate statement, Murrill said she fully expects “all law enforcement and local officials will not obstruct federal authorities and will enforce state law to protect people and property.” “I support ICE operations that ensure violent criminals are removed and ensure legal immigration policies are respected and followed,” she added. Fox News Digital reached out to the New Orleans Police Department for comment. An official who picked up the phone indicated they would seek out the proper official to pass along any comment, but the inquiry was not returned.
Trump freezes Afghan visas after DC shooting — as he quietly eyes land strikes in Venezuela
The Trump administration is taking an even firmer stance on immigration in the wake of a fatal shooting near the White House Wednesday, which took the life of one National Guard member and injured another. Additionally, the White House signaled it may ramp up its operations targeting alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean, following months of strikes against vessels accused of trafficking drugs into the U.S. Here’s what happened this week. The Trump administration is moving to impose more limitations on migrants attempting to enter the U.S., after an Afghan national was identified as the suspect in Wednesday’s deadly shooting. Law enforcement officials identified the shooting suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, who entered the U.S. legally in 2021 under the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome program, which aimed to facilitate resettling Afghan refugees in the U.S. The Department of State has paused all U.S. visas for individuals traveling on Afghan passports, the State Department and Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted to X Friday. VANCE’S PAST WARNINGS REIGNITE AFTER AFGHAN NATIONAL NAMED AS SUSPECT IN DC GUARD SHOOTING U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died Thursday due to injuries stemming from Wednesday’s shooting. U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe remains in critical condition as of Friday, per U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro. As a result of the shooting, Trump said in a social media post Thursday that he would permanently pause migration from “all Third World Countries.” LIBERAL COMMENTATORS BLAME TRUMP FOR NATIONAL GUARD SHOOTING Likewise, the head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Joseph Edlow, said Thursday that in accordance with orders from Trump, he has “directed a full scale, rigorous reexamination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern.” The White House did not provide additional information regarding which countries would be impacted, and referred Fox News Digital to Trump’s social media post. Trump also signaled that his administration would start conducting land operations as it ramps up its operations targeting alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean. LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONDING AFTER 2 NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS SHOT NEAR WHITE HOUSE Since September, the Trump administration has conducted more than 20 strikes against alleged drug boats in Latin American waters, and has beefed up its military presence in the Caribbean as part of Trump’s effort to crack down on the influx of drugs into the U.S. “You probably noticed that now people aren’t wanting to be delivering by sea, and we’ll be starting to stop them by land also,” Trump said Thursday. “The land is easier, but that’s going to start very soon.” The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital regarding whether the White House was considering land strikes or deploying U.S. troops within Venezuela. However, Trump has previously refused to rule out dispatching U.S. ground troops into Venezuela. The New York Times reported Friday that Trump spoke with Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro in the past week. Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.