NationalWatch

Republicans have a lot of work to do when it comes to healthcare policy, according to Wisconsin GOP Senate candidate Eric Hovde.

Health care costs are so high in some areas of the Badger State that many struggle to even access treatment, Hovde told Fox News Digital in an interview.

“You know, the left loves running on Obamacare, and they think they, you know, own health care,” Hovde said. “I think Republicans are making a mistake not talking about it because of the cost of health care since Obamacare was passed, but more importantly than even the cost, the access to care has gone significantly down.”

“Everybody is having struggles, particularly in our rural communities, with getting access to health care,” he added. “America’s health care system is broken, and Obamacare, which was supposed to be a solution, has only made cost and access to care worse.”

Eric Hovde, a Wisconsin Republican Senate candidate, speaks at a rally hosted by former President Donald Trump on April 02, 2024, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

This issue became one that is personal to Hovde after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in his 20s.

“As someone who was diagnosed with MS at 27 years old, I know on a personal level that we need reforms that provide patient-first solutions to provide greater price transparency, lower costs and improved accessibility,” Hovde said.

Though he intends to make healthcare a major priority of his campaign, other issues facing Wisconsinites include economic insecurity, the southern border crisis, and crime, according to Hovde.

“I would say the economy is the biggest thing,” he said. “I was talking with a younger person who was 21 or 22 years old and she looked at me and said, ‘I’m working two jobs. I work all the time, and I still have to live with my parents. Everything costs way too much.’ So that would probably be the biggest thing that I hear consistently about is the cost of all goods and how expensive everything is.”

SHIRTLESS GOP US SENATE CANDIDATE TAKES COLD PLUNGE IN WISCONSIN LAKE, CHALLENGES DEMOCRATIC OPPONENT

“The border is a huge issue. It’s affecting our state now. People are very concerned about that. So I’d say that’s another big issue,” he added.

The most important issue for each voter depends on where in Wisconsin one lives, Hovde suggested. “If you’re over in Milwaukee, [it’s] crime,” he said. 

“Crime is a very prominent issue here in Milwaukee. Whereas here in the Northwoods or the western part of the state, it’s largely smaller rural communities where they don’t have a crime problem.”

Hovde, who has repeatedly criticized career politicians for their efforts to serve special interest groups rather than their constituents, announced last month that he would donate his congressional salary to charity if he’s elected later this year.

Hovde draws strong distinctions between himself and his rival, Democrat Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who was first elected to the seat in 2012.

When it comes to Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc., Hovde told Fox, “You couldn’t get two more different people.” (Eric Hovde campaign)

“You couldn’t get two more different people,” Hovde said.

“I’ve spent my life in the private sector, building companies. I’m a serial entrepreneur. I’ve created thousands of jobs through the different companies I’ve built and turned around. I live in the real world, I know what it’s like to buy my own health insurance, but more importantly, the insurance for hundreds of thousands of employees,” he said.

TRUMP THROWS SUPPORT BEHIND REPUBLICAN BUSINESSMAN LOOKING TO FLIP WISCONSIN SENATE SEAT: ‘GO OUT AND WIN’

“I understand how our globalized, financialized economy operates. Senator Baldwin has spent her entire life in politics from the time she graduated from college. She’s your classic career politician,” he added. “She came out of college, ran for Dane County Board of Supervisors. From that she went on to the [Wisconsin] State Assembly. From that, she went on to Congress and now has two terms in the Senate. She’s never operated in the real world. She operates in a political bubble. She doesn’t know the real middle class America, the struggles and the issues they face.”

Referring to her voting record as “atrocious,” Hovde said Baldwin voted “for all this debt that has fueled the inflationary crises.”

“She’s voted in support of President Biden on the border,” he added. “She supported the Iranian deal that President Biden signed with Iran. I mean, insanity. It blew up on Obama, and then he goes and doubles down on that, and she supports him.”

Hovde said Baldwin changes when each election cycle nears. She “comes back during election time, makes these staged events, acts like she’s a moderate, and everybody in Washington knows she’s one of the most progressive liberals there are in the entire Senate,” he said.

Though he has yet to receive his party’s nomination for Senate, Hovde got a boost in support from former President Donald Trump earlier this month.

Former President Donald Trump gave his “complete and total endorsement”Hovde earlier this month. (Getty Images)

During a visit by the former president to Green Bay for a campaign rally, Trump praised Hovde as a “man who’s doing really good” and is “just about even in the polls” before giving him his “complete and total endorsement.”

“I’ve met Eric and I’ve studied Eric because we have to get it right. [He’s] running against some very fine people, really, but I’ve looked it out, and they’re going to have other opportunities,” Trump said at the time. “Eric, I am giving you my complete and total endorsement, so go out and win.”

Hovde said he appreciates Trump’s endorsement and compliments. “It helps with the Trump voters. … It’s a positive,” he said.

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Wisconsin’s primary election is slated for Aug. 13. Hovde is running against half a dozen other Republicans who are seeking the party’s nomination.

At first glance, it might seem like inside baseball.

A bunch of former prosecutors and cable pundits talking to each other about how much they don’t like Donald Trump and how he’s in deep legal trouble? Doesn’t that happen every day in green rooms and the corner bar?

But this, as disclosed by Politico, is different. These are some of the most prominent commentators in the media universe, and they appear to be consulting/coordinating/conspiring about their main target.

DAVID PECKER CALMLY LINKS TRUMP, MICHAEL COHEN TO SUPPRESSING STORIES, PUSHING FAKE NEWS

Even if that’s not the case, it looks awful.

It plays into the hands of conservatives who back Trump that the media are part of the resistance, determined to bring him down at all costs.

They can now say that it is a cabal, confirming all their darkest suspicions about the press determined to bring him down.

Former president Donald Trump, center, awaits the start of proceedings at Manhattan criminal court, Monday, April 22, 2024, in New York. Opening statements in Donald Trump’s historic hush money trial are set to begin. Trump is accused of falsifying internal business records as part of an alleged scheme to bury stories he thought might hurt his presidential campaign in 2016.  (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, Pool)

Every Friday, these media hotshots join in a secret, off-the-record Zoom call.

In a high-road description, the piece says the goal is to “intellectually stress-test the arguments facing Trump on his journey through the American legal system.” But a beat later it says, “most are united by their dislike of Trump.”

The origins of the group are telling, beginning during the Jan. 6 hearings, when committee staffers began briefing legal commentators on their work. I can think of classified military matters that haven’t remained secret as long.

TRUMP BLASTS JUDGE AFTER BARRING HIM FROM ATTENDING IMMUNITY ARGUMENTS

Who’s doing the zooming? Norman Eisen, an Obama administration official who worked with House Democrats on Trump’s first impeachment and is a CNN legal analyst, is the founder. 

A group of legal commentators, united in their dislike of Trump, have been gathering regularly to discuss the president’s legal situation.  (Center: (Photo by Brendan McDermid-Pool/Getty Images), Left:(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) , Right top: (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images), Right bottom: (Photo by Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images))

He’s joined by Bill Kristol, a leader of the anti-Trump conservatives; longtime Harvard law professor Laurence Tribe; Watergate figure John Dean; and George Conway, ex-husband of Kellyanne, co-founder of the Lincoln Project and a fixture on MSNBC. 

AT A TURNING POINT? COLUMBIA ARRESTS AND ANTI-JEWISH HARASSMENT SHUT DOWN CAMPUS

That’s just the beginning. There is MSNBC analyst Andrew Weissman, who investigated the fruitless Russian collusion accusations against Trump as a prosecutor for Bob Mueller; why would anyone doubt his objectivity?

There are CNN legal analysts Jeffrey Toobin, Elliott Williams and Karen Agnifilo, along with L.A. Times columnist Harry Litman. And there’s Mary McCord, a former DOJ official who co-hosts an MSNBC podcast. 

Former President Donald Trump attends the first day of his trial at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on April 15, 2024.  (Angela Weiss/AFP via AP, POOL)

Sometimes there are guests, which is also revealing. After Trump was held liable in E. Jean Carroll’s first defamation and sexual assault suit, her attorney, Roberta Kaplan, addressed the group. And, says Politico, former conservative judge J. Michael Luttig, who spearheaded a campaign to kick Trump off state ballots under the 14th Amendment, was another guest. The Supreme Court rejected the anti-democratic move.

Despite efforts to rationalize this as a meeting-of-great-minds exercise, I’m not buying it. Even Politico concedes the calls could “breed groupthink” – what a shocking thought.

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And cable news drives plenty of other coverage, particularly when certain themes are constantly pounded.

All these folks are smart enough to think for themselves. Which makes it surprising that they lack the common sense to see how troubling the Zooming looks.

EXCLUSIVE: Former President Trump said New York Judge Juan Merchan “thinks he is above the Supreme Court,” after “prohibiting” him from attending arguments Thursday on presidential immunity, telling Fox News Digital it is “the most important case in many years” before the high court. 

The former president and presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee spoke exclusively to Fox News Digital on Wednesday after spending the last two days in a Manhattan courtroom for opening arguments and witness testimony in his unprecedented criminal trial. 

Trump had requested to attend arguments at the Supreme Court when it holds oral arguments about the former president’s immunity on Thursday, but Judge Merchan, who is presiding over the trial, rejected that request. 

TRUMP TRIAL: FORMER PRESIDENT ‘INNOCENT,’ SAYS DEFENSE AS DA ALLEGES ‘CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY’

“Because he thinks he is above the Supreme Court, he is prohibiting me from going to the presidential immunity hearing where some of the great legal scholars will be arguing the case — the most important case in many years on the Supreme Court,” Trump told Fox News Digital.  

The Supreme Court is expected to rule in June on whether Trump is immune from prosecution by Special Counsel Jack Smith out of his investigation into 2020 election interference. 

Former President Donald Trump exits Trump Tower in New York City, on April 15, as jury selection is set to begin in the New York trial in Manhattan Criminal Court. (Probe-Media for Fox News Digital)

“Without presidential immunity, the presidency becomes a ceremonial position only, it will be decimated,” he continued. “He’s prohibiting me from going. He is a radical left Democrat.” 

When Trump requested to attend the Supreme Court arguments last week, Merchan told his attorney: “Arguing before the Supreme Court is a big deal, and I can certainly appreciate why your client would want to be there.” 

“But a trial in New York Supreme Court… is also a big deal,” Merchan said last week, requiring the former president to be in his Manhattan courtroom on Thursday, instead of at the high court in Washington, D.C. 

A ruling from the Supreme Court on the issue of presidential immunity is expected by late June. 

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg charged Trump with 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges. 

“Virtually every legal scholar and expert in the country said that this case should not have been brought, that there was no crime, that everything was done properly and that this is a case that should be dropped immediately,” Trump told Fox News Digital on Wednesday.

“It’s an embarrassment to Crooked Joe Biden and the Democrat Party who are duly standing behind it and the judge is totally conflicted — totally conflicted,” he said. 

Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo makes opening statements as former President Donald Trump watches with his attorney Todd Blanche before Justice Juan Merchan in this courtroom sketch. (REUTERS/Jane Rosenberg)

“If falsifying a business record is because a bookkeeper wrote down ‘legal expense’ in paying a legal fee, that’s not falsifying,” Trump told Fox News Digital. “They call it a legal expense — and that’s what it was. It was a legal expense.” 

He added: “It was legal fees paid to a lawyer — that’s called a legal expense.” 

NY PROSECUTORS REVEAL ‘ANOTHER CRIME’ TRUMP ALLEGEDLY TRIED TO CONCEAL WITH FALSIFIED BUSINESS RECORDS

Former President Donald Trump, left, has been in Manhattan Criminal Court before Judge Juan Merchan for most of the past two weeks. (Angela Weiss/AFP via AP, POOL/AP)

Trump’s criminal trial stemming from Smith’s investigation has been put on hold pending a Supreme Court decision on whether Trump is immune from prosecution. 

Smith charged the former president with conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights. Those charges stemmed from Smith’s investigation into whether Trump was involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and any alleged interference in the 2020 election result.

Trump pleaded not guilty to all charges in August.

Meanwhile, Trump also requested to skip court on May 17 to attend the high school graduation of his youngest son, Barron. 

“The other thing is, the judge is prohibiting me from going to my son’s graduation from high school — my son Barron, who has worked very hard and he’s a great student,” Trump told Fox News Digital. “He can’t have his father at his graduation because of a vicious judge that’s totally conflicted.” 

TRUMP WARNS THAT IF HE LOSES PRESIDENTIAL IMMUNITY, SO WILL ‘CROOKED’ JOE BIDEN

Trump added: “He should never be allowed to do this case.” 

Trump and his attorneys had sought Merchan to recuse himself from the case due to his daughter’s Democrat-affiliated political work. 

Barron Trump, right, stands with President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Merchan’s daughter, Loren, has a leadership role and ownership stake at Authentic Campaigns Inc., which Trump lawyers say “services exclusively Democrat clients” and is “the #21 ranked vendor in the country in connection with the 2024 election.”

TRUMP FILES MOTION REQUESTING JUDGE IN HUSH MONEY TRIAL BE RECUSED AMID DAUGHTER’S DEMOCRAT-AFFILIATED WORK

Some of Authentic’s top “featured clients” on its website include campaigns associated with Trump opponents — including “President Biden, Vice President Harris, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Congressman [Adam] Schiff, Congressman [Hakeem] Jeffries, Congressman [Dan] Goldman, Congresswoman [Lauren] Underwood, and Congresswoman [Summer] Lee.” The website also features its work for the Democrat-backed “Senate Majority PAC,” and the Democrat-backed “House Majority PAC.” 

Merchan said he saw no basis for recusal. 

As for Barron’s graduation, Merchan has yet to formally grant or deny Trump’s request, and instead has said he will make his decision based on how the trial is going. 

President Biden seemed to suffer a verbal slip-up during a speech at a trade union conference in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

Biden, reading off a teleprompter, appeared to incorporate script instructions in the middle of his speech, resulting in an awkward applause line. The moment came during a section of his remarks straight out of a campaign stump speech.

“I see an America where we defend democracy, not diminish it. I see an America where we protect freedoms, not take them away,” Biden said. “I see an economy that grows a lot in the bottom up where the wealthy pay their fair share, so we can have child care, paid leave and so much more, and still reduce the federal deficit and increase economic folks.

“Imagine what we could do next. Four more years, pause,” he said before laughing.

TRUMP ‘VERY HONORED’ BY DESANTIS ENDORSEMENT AFTER FLORIDA GOVERNOR SUSPENDS PRESIDENTIAL RUN

President Biden delivers remarks at the North American Building Trades Unions (NABTU) 2024 Legislative Conference at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Biden attended Wednesday’s conference to receive an endorsement from the North American Building Trades Unions (NABTU).

FLORIDA NO LONGER IN PLAY AS A SWING STATE AS GOP VOTERS SURGE OVER DEMS BY NEARLY 900K: DESANTIS

Throughout his speech, Biden blasted former President Donald Trump as being anti-union and a defender of the ultra-wealthy. He went on to contrast his and Trump’s economic policies as the “Scranton” plan and the “Mar-a-Lago” plan, referring to his hometown in Pennsylvania and Trump’s residence in Florida.

Throughout his speech, President Biden blasted former President Donald Trump as being anti-union and a defender of the ultra-wealthy. He went on to contrast his and Trump’s economic policies as the “Scranton” plan and the “Mar-a-Lago” plan, referring to his hometown in Pennsylvania and Trump’s residence in Florida. (Angela Weiss/AFP via AP Pool)

Biden’s teleprompter mix-up is only the latest in the president’s long list of gaffes. Just on Tuesday, he delivered fodder to conservative commentators by mistakenly saying he and his party “can’t be trusted.”

Biden was speaking at a Florida campaign rally at the time, focusing on abortion in particular. During his critique of Trump’s abortion stance, he flipped the tables on himself.

“I don’t know why we’re surprised by Trump. How many times does he have to prove we can’t be trusted?” Biden said.

BIDEN ONCE RIPPED ‘ANTISEMITIC BILE’ BUT NOW FACES OWN ‘CHARLOTTESVILLE MOMENT’

Audience members could be heard laughing after his comment, but Biden continued, seemingly not noticing the mistake.

Former President Donald Trump and President Biden have fought relentlessly on the 2024 campaign trail. (Associated Press )

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Biden’s critics on X had a field day with the gaffe, with many saying they were surprised to find themselves agreeing with the president.

Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown faced immediate backlash Tuesday after video circulated of him refusing to answer a question about whether he supports the Biden administration’s push to “ban” gas-powered cars.

“Senator Brown, do you think that gas cars should be banned,” Brown was asked while walking down the street in Washington, D.C. in a video posted online. 

After Brown didn’t answer and kept walking, he was asked if he “supports the EPA’s decision to ban gas cars?”

Brown again declined to answer before he was asked a third time a “yes or no” question asking, “Should gas cars be banned?”

VULNERABLE DEM SENATOR BLASTED OVER VOTING RECORD AFTER AD TOUTS STRENGTH ON IMMIGRATION: ‘WON’T BE FOOLED’

Sen. Sherrod Brown, left, and President Biden (Getty Images)

Brown declined to answer a third time and continued on his way.

“While facing his toughest election yet, Sherrod Brown is running from his decades-long record of supporting green energy schemes that burden hardworking Ohioans with higher prices and cripple our energy sector,” Reagan McCarthy, communications director for Brown’s Senate opponent, Republican businessman Bernie Moreno, told Fox News Digital in a statement. 

“Make no mistake, Brown supported Joe Biden’s radical anti-energy agenda since day one of this administration.”

Moreno also posted the exchange on X, saying, “Sherrod Brown won’t answer because the truth is that he is a green new deal radical that wants to crush American autoworkers and hand our industry to China.”

VULNERABLE DEM SENATOR FLIP-FLOPS ON SUPPLYING ENERGY TO CHINA IN MIDDLE OF RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN

“Sherrod Brown and Joe Biden don’t just want to ban gas cars, they want to overhaul the entire American economy to appease their far-left base,” National Republican Senatorial Committee Spokesman Philip Letsou told Fox News Digital. 

“The Democrats’ green energy agenda is enriching China while wreaking havoc on American manufacturers, and Sherrod Brown is with them every step of the way.” 

The exchange also generated criticism from social media users.

“That’s because Sherrod Brown is a Green New Deal radical who agrees with Biden!!!” Donald Trump Jr. posted on X.

Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, during senate votes in the U.S. Capitol Jan. 23, 2024. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Some on social media pointed to the fact that Brown has voted against Biden’s emissions agenda in the past and has pushed back against Biden’s EPA. 

“This is bizarre,” American Commitment President Phil Kerpen posted on X. “He actually voted right! To stop Biden’s EPA gas car ban! I mean, we knew he’d snap back after the election. But he can’t even bring himself to play the part???”

Brown has voted with President Biden nearly 100% of the time and voted to confirm 99% of Biden’s nominees. 

MAGA-ENDORSED BERNIE MORENO SET TO SQUARE OFF AGAINST INCUMBENT SHERROD BROWN IN CRITICAL OHIO SENATE RACE

A Brown spokesperson told Fox News Digital “Sen. Brown doesn’t tell anyone what kind of car they should drive.

“He just wants more cars made in Ohio by autoworkers making middle-class wages. That’s why he has stood up to the administration when their policies were wrong for Ohio’s auto industry, and why he’s fighting to ban Chinese electric vehicles.”

The Biden administration recently finalized a slate of highly anticipated environmental regulations curbing gas-powered vehicle tailpipe emissions as part of its broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat global warming.

Under the new plan, automakers will be forced to rapidly curb the emissions of greenhouse gases, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter from new passenger cars, light trucks and larger pickups and vans beginning with model year 2027 vehicles. 

Placard on the exterior of the EPA Building in Washington, D.C. (iStock)

“At a time when millions of Americans are struggling with high costs and inflation, the Biden administration has finalized a regulation that will unequivocally eliminate most new gas cars and traditional hybrids from the U.S. market in less than a decade,” American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers President and CEO Chet Thompson and American Petroleum Institute President and CEO Mike Sommers said in a statement after the EPA rules were announced.

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“As much as the president and EPA claim to have ‘eased’ their approach, nothing could be further from the truth.”

Brown is facing a hotly contested re-election contest against Moreno in November that the Cook Political Report ranks as a toss-up and many believe provides one of the best chances Republicans have to gain control of the Senate in a state Trump carried by eight points in 2020. 

Fox News Digital’s Thomas Catenacci contributed to this report

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub

A new Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday shows President Biden’s slight lead over former President Trump vanishing despite Trump’s ongoing criminal trial in New York City.

Trump’s trial, related to the 34 counts of falsifying business records he’s charged with, began last week with jury selection and moved into opening arguments this week. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges. 

The poll also found the presidential race to be in a dead heat with Biden and Trump tied at 46% support. 

The two remain tied at 37% with the inclusion of independent presidential candidates Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (16%) and Dr. Cornel West (3%) and the Green Party’s Jill Stein (3%).

‘SQUAD’ MEMBER SURVIVES CHALLENGE FROM CENTRIST DEMOCRAT AFTER ANTI-ISRAEL RHETORIC THREATENED RE-ELECTION

Former President Trump, left, and President Biden. (FOX News)

Those numbers mark a significant closing of the gap for Trump, who trailed Biden 48%-45% in Quinnipiac’s March poll. However, with the inclusion of Kennedy, West and Stein, Trump held a one-point lead over Biden 39%-38%. 

Biden’s job approval remained dismally low at 35% support, down from 37% in March, while 61% said they disapprove of his job performance, up from 59%.

Regarding the charges Trump faces in his ongoing New York trial, a plurality of 46% said they believe the former president did something illegal, while 45% said he didn’t. However, 27% believe he did something unethical but not illegal, and 18% believe he did nothing wrong.

COLUMBIA ALUM OBAMA SILENT AS JEWISH FACULTY, STUDENTS FACE ANTISEMITIC HARASSMENT ON CAMPUS

Former President Trump attends the first day of his criminal trial at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City April 15, 2024.  (Angela Weiss/AFP via AP Pool)

If Trump were to be convicted on the charges, 21% said they would be less likely to vote for him, 62% said it would not affect their vote and 15% said they would be more likely to vote for him.

Trump has argued the trial is pure politics, a “political persecution,” and he maintains his innocence. The former president, the first ever to be a defendant in a criminal trial, vowed to “tell the truth” if he takes the stand.

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He has also argued the trial is unfairly keeping him from the campaign trail, giving Biden an advantage. 

Fox News’ Brooke Singman contributed to this report.

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.

Eleven Republicans have been indicted by a grand jury in Arizona and charged with conspiracy, fraud and forgery for falsely claiming that former President Trump had won the state in 2020 over then-Democratic nominee Joe Biden. 

“I will not allow American democracy to be undermined,” Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a Wednesday video announcing the indictments over the “fake elector scheme.” 

She added, “The investigators and attorneys assigned to this case took the time to thoroughly piece together the details of the events that began nearly four years ago. They followed the facts where they led, and I’m very proud of the work they’ve done today.” 

She added that the co-conspirators were “unwilling to accept” that Arizonans voted for President Biden in an election that was “free and fair” and “schemed to prevent the lawful transfer of the presidency.”

MICHIGAN AG CHARGES 16 ‘FLASE ELECTORS’ FOR DONALD TRUMP IN 2020 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Former Arizona Chairwoman Kelli Ward was among those charged Wednesday as a “fake elector” for Trump.  (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

The defendants include former chair of the Arizona Republican Party Kelli Ward, sitting state Sens. Jake Hoffman and Anthony Kern and an unindicted co-conspirator described as “a former president of the United States who spread false claims of election fraud following the 2020 election,” a clear reference to Trump. 

WITH PRESIDENTIAL RACE ON THE HORIZON, NM LAWMAKERS LOOK TO OUTLAW FAKE ELECTORS 

Former President Donald Trump was listed – without being named – as an unindicted co-conspirator.  (Probe-Media for Fox News Digital)

In December 2020, the defendants wrote on a certificate sent to Congress that they were “duly elected and qualified” electors for Trump, claiming he had won the state. 

Seven others were indicted but had their names redacted, pending charges being served. 

Arizona State Sen. Anthony Kern was among the 11 alleged “fake electors” charged.  (Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)

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Alleged “fake electors” have also been charged in Georgia, Michigan and Nevada. 

A new Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday revealed information about Americans’ views on abortion that could surprise voters as the November election draws nearer.

The poll comes as Democrats seek to make abortion a central issue this election year, hoping it will drive turnout across the country in their favor as they seek to win control of the House of Representatives and hold the Senate and the White House.

According to the poll, a record number of Americans (66%) now support legal abortion in some or all cases, the highest level of support ever recorded by the poll in its two-decade history. A plurality of 34% said abortion should be legal in all cases, while 32% said it should be legal in most cases.

‘SQUAD’ MEMBER SURVIVES CHALLENGE FROM CENTRIST DEMOCRAT AFTER ANTI-ISRAEL RHETORIC THREATENED RE-ELECTION

Protesters shout as they join thousands marching around the Arizona Capitol after the Supreme Court decision to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade abortion decision in Phoenix on June 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

At the same time, support for abortion to be illegal in all cases is at a record low of 5%, while 22% said it should be illegal in most cases.

Strong majorities of 89% and 85% believe abortion should be legal when the life of the mother is in danger and when the pregnancy is caused by rape or incest, respectively.

Democrats have made the issue of abortion a central theme in their campaigns across the country this election year, including warning that Republican control of Congress, in tandem with another four years in the White House for former President Donald Trump, would mean a nationwide ban.

COLUMBIA ALUM OBAMA SILENT AS JEWISH FACULTY, STUDENTS FACE ANTISEMITIC HARASSMENT ON CAMPUS

Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump gestures to supporters during an election night watch party at the State Fairgrounds in Columbia, South Carolina, on Feb. 24. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

In what appeared to be an effort to alleviate fears of electoral reprisal, Trump said earlier this month that rather than any national legislation, the issue of abortion should be decided by the states.

He posted a video on Truth Social explicitly affirming his support for in vitro fertilization and emphasizing his support for states determining their own laws for abortion so long as there are exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother.

“The states will determine by vote, or legislation, or perhaps both, and whatever they decide must be the law of the land — in this case, the law of the state,” Trump said. “Many states will be different. Many states will have a different number of weeks… at the end of the day, it is all about the will of the people.”

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His statement drew flak from some pro-life groups, including Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, whose president Marjorie Dannenfelser said she was “deeply disappointed” by the announcement, arguing it was a victory for Democrats.

Fox News’ Paul Steinhauser and Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.

President Biden made the sign of the cross, a gesture Catholics often make before and after prayer, while listening to pro-abortion comments by a fellow Democrat in Florida.

The president’s actions came Tuesday as Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried, the state’s former Democratic gubernatorial nominee, blasted an upcoming law restricting abortion to within six weeks of gestation. Biden was heavily criticized in response to the move, which several Catholic groups and commentators described as sacrilegious given the Catholic Church’s strict teaching condemning abortion.

“And then we come back here to the state of Florida where [Gov.] Ron DeSantis felt like he needed to run for president and so 15 weeks wasn’t good enough. We had to go to six weeks,” Fried said at the event alongside Biden.

At the moment Fried said “15 weeks wasn’t good enough,” Biden made the sign of the cross, appearing to mock Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ efforts to limit abortion.

President Biden leaves after attending mass at Saint Joseph at the Brandywine Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, Delaware, on May 7, 2022. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images)

Critics of the president, who is a practicing Catholic, said his actions mocked Christians. Kristan Hawkins, the founder of Students for Life of America, said Catholics “should be calling this evil out.” The pro-life group 40 Days for Life said Biden’s gesture is a “stark reminder of the disconnect between his actions and Catholic teachings on the sanctity of life.”

CHRISTIAN LEADERS REACT TO TRUMP’S ‘GOD BLESS THE USA’ BIBLES: ‘MORE TRUMP THAN BIBLE?’

“Biden’s decision to make the sign of the cross in support of abortion extremism is a despicable charade that attempts to co-opt a sacred practice in support of his new abortion religion,” added CatholicVote President Brian Burch. “His gesture openly mocks the Christian belief in the sanctity of life.”

“There is no divine support for destroying the lives of innocent children, and he should know better,” he added. “Biden’s gesture suggests he is either terribly naive, or senile, or callously indifferent to the foundational beliefs of millions of Christians in America.”

Just 13% of Americans think of President Biden as “very religious,” while 41% say he is “somewhat religious” and another 44% say he is “not at all” or “not too religious,” according to recent polling data. (iStock)

The incident comes shortly after a Pew Research poll showed a large majority of Americans are not convinced by Biden’s presentation of himself as a “devout Catholic.” The poll, conducted in late February, found that just 13% of Americans think of the president as “very religious,” while 41% say Biden is “somewhat religious” and another 44% say he is “not at all” or “not too religious.”

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the church has “affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion” for centuries. It adds that the teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable.

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The White House didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

A House Democrat outspoken about his disdain for former President Donald Trump and desire to see him face criminal prosecution is giving his own legally troubled sibling a pass.

Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., a Philadelphia-area congressman who boldly declared in Jan. 2021 that “Donald Trump belongs in prison,” has avoided calling for his younger brother, Democratic state Rep. Kevin Boyle, to also face criminal prosecution despite a warrant being issued for his arrest and a drunken tirade at a local bar that was caught on video.

“In the days following the unprecedented attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, I was one of the first members of Congress to publicly call for Donald Trump to be criminally held responsible. It is reassuring to see that now, at long last, justice is being served. This sends a clear message that nobody, not even the former President of the United States, is above the law,” the congressman’s office said in a statement on Trump’s Washington, D.C. indictment last August. 

‘SQUAD’ MEMBER SURVIVES CHALLENGE FROM CENTRIST DEMOCRAT AFTER ANTI-ISRAEL RHETORIC THREATENED RE-ELECTION

From left to right: Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., former President Donald Trump and Democrat Pennsylvania state Rep. Kevin Doyle. (Getty Images/Office of the Governor of Pennsylvania)

The statement noted the congressman’s 2021 social media posts calling for Trump’s arrest, which used the hashtag “#ArrestTrump.”

In September 2021, a few months after making those posts, the younger Boyle was arrested for harassment and violating a protection from abuse order his estranged wife had filed against him. And earlier this year, he was caught on video at Gaul & Malt House, a Philadelphia-area bar, berating the staff and threatening to use his position of power to close down the establishment in retaliation for being kicked out. 

It’s unclear what prompted his drunken tirade, but bar staff could be heard in the video stating that Boyle started the altercation. 

“Do you know who the f–k I am?” he asked at one point in the video as staff yelled at him to leave. “I’ll close your f—–g bar. This bar is done. Do you know who the f–k I am? This bar is done tomorrow.”

Kevin Boyle ultimately left the bar and faced no charges related to the altercation, but he was subsequently removed by the Pennsylvania state House from his committee chairmanship and barred from entering the Capitol building because of it. Since then, he has been unable to cast votes, and other members have had to vote on his behalf by way of proxy. 

COLUMBIA ALUM OBAMA SILENT AS JEWISH FACULTY, STUDENTS FACE ANTISEMITIC HARASSMENT ON CAMPUS

The Pennsylvania Capitol building in Harrisburg, Penn. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

For weeks, Kevin Boyle’s district offices have remained closed, with constituent services available by appointment only. Even his Democratic colleagues in the House recognized his decline — several leaders supported a procedural move that would have paved the way for his expulsion from the body. They submitted a proposal for a rule change aimed at removing members who were “incapacitated,” thereby ensuring due process and maintaining the integrity of the legislature.

Additionally, an arrest warrant was issued for him earlier this month for again violating his wife’s PFA. 

Following the arrest warrant being issued, Brendan Boyle released a statement saying his brother has a “very serious mental health condition,” and that it had been “a nightmare for our family.”

“Like any family who has a beloved member with a serious health issue, we are doing the best we can to help him get better,” Boyle said, stating that his brother initially made a full recovery after he first experienced symptoms of the unnamed condition in 2021, but had again been showing symptoms in recent months.

The congressman didn’t say whether his brother should face prosecution, nor did he say he should step down from his role as a state representative despite his attribution of the latter’s legal struggles to a mental health issue or his inability to fully represent his constituents in person at the Capitol. 

DEMOCRATS HOLD MAJOR 2024 ADVANTAGE AS HOUSE REPUBLICANS FACE FURTHER CHAOS, DIVISION

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner speaks during a news conference in Philadelphia, on Jan. 31, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced Monday that his office was withdrawing Kevin Boyle’s arrest warrant — a day before voters cast ballots in his primary race against another Democratic opponent — citing “previously unavailable information” coming to light “regarding the Protection from Abuse order.”

When reached for comment, Krasner’s office told Fox News Digital, “While there may or may not be a basis for other charges, there is no longer probable cause for violation of a protective order. This remains an ongoing investigation, and we have no further comment at this time.”

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Voters ultimately didn’t give Kevin Boyle a pass, as he lost the primary to his Democratic opponent on Wednesday. There has been no indication he will not serve out the remainder of his term. 

Fox News Digital has reached out to both Boyles’ offices for comment for purposes of this story. 

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is suggesting the National Guard should soon be called in to quell the Gaza ceasefire protests at Columbia University if they don’t peter out themselves.

Johnson and several House Republicans visited the New York City Ivy League school on Wednesday as tensions there escalate over demonstrations that have had several Jewish students speak out publicly about fear for their safety. Columbia University students and those attending its sister school, Barnard College, have set up a tent city on campus in protest of Columbia’s investments in companies linked to Israel. 

Tensions over the issue almost reached a boiling point several times during Johnson’s speech as pro-ceasefire student activists repeatedly heckled and tried to interrupt the Louisiana Republican with coordinated chants which included “We can’t hear you” and “Mike, you s—.”

“Enjoy your free speech,” Johnson shot back at the protesters at one point early on.

LIVE UPDATES: ANTISEMITISM ON CAMPUS SURGES AS AGITATORS TAKE OVER

Speaker Mike Johnson did not rule out the National Guard being necessary to quell the Gaza ceasefire protests at Columbia University. (Getty Images)

Later when asked whether he would urge President Biden to call the National Guard in to the campus, Johnson said he would be speaking with the president shortly – and did not rule out suggesting federal troops.

“My intention is to call President Biden after we leave here and share with him what we have seen with our own two eyes and demand that he take action. There is executive authority that’d be appropriate if this is not contained quickly, and if these threats and intimidation are not stopped, there is an appropriate time for the National Guard,” Johnson said.

“We have to bring order to these campuses. We cannot allow this to happen around the country. We are better than this.”

Johnson attacked the demonstrators as a “mob” and specifically denounced professors and other faculty who have joined the protests.

ANTISEMITIC AGITATORS: WHAT PROTESTERS AT ELITE US UNIVERSITIES ARE SHOUTING

Anti-Israel agitators construct an encampment on Columbia University’s campus in New York City on Monday, April 22, 2024. (Peter Gerber)

He also repeated his call from early this morning for Columbia University President Minouche Shafik, who he met with prior to the press conference, to resign.

“I’m here today joining my colleagues in calling on President Shafik to resign if she can not immediately bring order to this chaos,” Johnson said, eliciting more jeers. “As Speaker of the House, I have committed today that the Congress will not be silent as Jewish students are expected to run for their lives and stay home from their classes hiding in fear.”

At points he addressed the protesters directly, calling their activity un-American and accusing them of censorship as students continued shouting in the crowd.

“The college campus used to be the place for respectful debate, for the differences of opinion in the free marketplace of ideas to be discussed. That is not what is happening here,” Johnson said. “You are intimidating and shouting down people you disagree with.”

TRUMP SLAMS ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTS AS ‘DISGRACE’ THAT ARE ‘ALL BIDEN’S FAULT’ AHEAD OF MANHATTAN COURT

Johnson signaled he may raise the matter with President Biden after his press conference. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The jeers grew louder while Johnson pressed on, “You cannot censor and silence viewpoints you disagree with. That is not American, but you do not understand what it means to respect the First Amendment.”

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“My message to the students inside the encampment is it go back to class and stop the nonsense,” he said. “If we want to have a debate on campus about the merits of there things, let’s do that. But you can’t intimidate your fellow students and make them stay home from class. Think about that. Is that right? Do you think that’s right?”

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House about Johnson’s comments regarding the National Guard.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed on Wednesday that foreign students could potentially face deportation if they are suspended from their courses while on a student visa — just as anti-Israel protests have engulfed Columbia University and other American colleges.

With anti-Israel protests taking place at Columbia and college campuses across the country, which have included antisemitic rhetoric and threats to Jewish students, classes have gone hybrid at Columbia due to safety concerns.

It has raised questions about whether some students, who may be on student visas, could have them revoked or be deported. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., posted on X calling for the removal of foreign nationals backing Hamas.

TRUMP SAYS HE’LL ‘FIRE THE RADICAL LEFT’ FROM COLLEGES, FOCUS ON ‘DEFENDING’ AMERICAN ‘TRADITION’ IF ELECTED

Pro-Palestinian supporters rally outside Columbia University on April 23, 2024 in New York City. In response to recent campus unrest and anxieties regarding Jewish student safety, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik announced a shift to online learning for Monday.  (Jeenah Moon/Getty Images)

“Immediately deport all foreign students studying in the USA that support Hamas. We should also revoke federal student loans for any American student arrested for supporting Hamas,” she said.

DHS’ Homeland Security Investigations told Fox News that an international student is deemed to be “in status” if they are making progress on their course, and that a temporary suspension does not necessarily impact that status. But there is a path by which that suspension leads to removal proceedings.

“A temporary suspension, even if that were a final determination for a student, does not necessarily mean that the student would fall below ‘normal progress’ in his/her course of study,” the spokesperson said.

“If a student were to be suspended, DHS would need reason to believe that the student would not be able to make normal progress in his/her course of study,” they added. “And if it believed a suspension merited that type of decision, it would have to initiate removal proceedings, which would be done on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA).”

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTERS: 5 DRAMATIC MOMENTS FROM A WEEK OF CHAOS

Ultimately, the decision to deport a foreign national would be made by an immigration judge. DHS itself does not revoke a visa. Instead, that decision is made by the State Department and most visa revocations do not themselves create a basis for deportation proceedings, but simply prevent any future entry into the U.S. 

Students who come to the U.S. to study maintain their visa by fulfilling the purpose of their visa (studying) and following the regulations associated with it.

IVY LEAGUE ANTI-ISRAEL AGITATORS’ PROTESTS SPIRAL INTO ‘ACTUAL TERROR ORGANIZATION,’ PROFESSOR WARNS

Meanwhile, the protests have spread across the country. Students from Massachusetts to California, and Tennessee to Texas are now gathering by the hundreds and are pledging to stay put on campus until their demand is met.

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The nationwide movement has gained momentum, and administrators continue to allow anti-Israel demonstrations at schools like Columbia, Yale, MIT, UC Berkeley, University of Southern California, Princeton, Harvard, Stanford, Northwestern University, Vanderbilt University, University of Michigan, University of North Carolina, University of Virginia and others.

The protests mark the six-month milestone in the Israel-Hamas war, which was surpassed earlier this month. That war began with the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel on Oct. 7.

Fox News’ Lawrence Richard and Brooke Singman contributed to this report.

Welcome to Fox News’ Politics newsletter with the latest political news from Washington D.C. and updates from the 2024 campaign trail. 

What’s happening? 

-Biden appears to read teleprompter instructions 

-Rep. Chip Roy raises alarm over George Soros radio purchases

-Nikki Haley wins 150,000 votes in PA primary despite not running

‘Agent of Chaos’

A Columbia professor barred from campus after hosting a pro-Jewish rally slammed Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., Wednesday, following her comments on the “nonviolent” anti-Israel protesters.

“AOC is agent of chaos, and I am just looking forward to my kids and grandkids reading about this chapter in history, and the list of all the rabid antisemites, and to see her name,” professor Shai Davidai told “America’s Newsroom.”

“This is not a peaceful protest… she is lying to the people just like Rashida Tlaib, just like Cynthia Nixon from ‘Sex and the City,’ just like the New York Times,” he continued.

Her rhetoric came as chaos on Columbia’s campus ignited concerns among the Jewish community as they feared for students’ safety. One rabbi even warned Jewish students to leave campus, cautioning that the NYPD “cannot guarantee your safety.”

During a Earth Day press conference, AOC said that the protests at Columbia University were “peacefu;.”  (Fox News)

White House

FLUBBER IN CHIEF: Biden admits ‘we can’t be trusted’ in latest verbal gaffe …Read more

‘IN PLAY’: Biden mocked for boast he can win over state Trump won twice …Read more

‘POLITICAL THEATER’: Leaked doc reveals frustration over ICE unit rebrand …Read more

Capitol Hill

BLASTING BIBI: Pelosi calls on Netanyahu to resign, condemns him as ‘obstacle’ to peace …Read more

ON DEBT: Sen. Lee rails against spending ‘money we don’t have’ as Senate passes foreign aid bill …Read more

‘LOVES’ ATTENTION: Fetterman’s ex-aides fume over senator’s support for Israel …Read more

MONEY TALKS: Chip Roy raises alarms about George Soros’ radio company purchase …Read more

STEP DOWN: House Speaker Johnson calls on Columbia University President Minouche Shafik to resign …Read more

DIFFERENT TUNE: Rep. Omar excuses anti-Israel unrest but branded Jan 6 protesters ‘violent mob’ …Read more

Tales from the Campaign Trail

HIGHER THAN SCOTUS: Trump blasts NY judge for not letting him leave criminal trial to attend Supreme Court arguments …Read more

‘YOU’RE GOING TO LOSE’: ‘Daily Show’ rips Biden’s ‘cannibals’ remarks …Read more

GAME OVER: George Santos ends congressional run less than 2 months into independent campaign …Read more

STAYING ON: Biden campaign to stay on TikTok even after president signs law that could see the app banned …Read more

ALL RISE: Poll reveals what voters think about Trump vs New York trial …Read more

VOTES TO NOWHERE: Nikki Haley wins 150k votes in PA Republican primary despite dropping out …Read more

Republican presidential candidate, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley poses for pictures with her supporters following a campaign rally on March 4, 2024 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Emil Lippe/Getty Images)

Across America

TRUMP RALLY: Dearborn activists could ditch Biden, support Trump …Read more

‘DISCRIMINATORY’: Progressive law school study claims LGBTQ couples are more at risk from climate change harm …Read more

HUMAN TRAFFICKING HACKS: Video shows secret methods used to sneak migrants into US by coyotes …Read more

‘EGO’ IN THE WAY: Dem governor too busy with TV ad blitz to fix state’s problems, critics say …Read more

Subscribe now to get Fox News Politics newsletter in your inbox.

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.

EXCLUSIVE: A rebranding of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)’s investigative unit, purportedly due to “undue toxicity” that ICE faces from some on the left, is apparently causing some frustration within the agency — with a top official in its separate branch promising employees that it will avoid “political theater.”

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which is part of ICE and conducts federal criminal investigations involving transnational crime, rolled out a standalone website on Tuesday that shakes off the ICE branding.

ICE acting director Patrick Lechleitner told the Washington Post that the “independent branding” allows HSI “to work without the undue toxicity that in some places comes with the ICE moniker.”

‘SIGNIFICANT THREAT’ ICE TRACKS DOWN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CHARGED WITH CHILD SEX CRIME 

The rebranding comes amid continued and fierce resistance from some on the left over ICE’s mission, through its Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) wing, to arrest and deport illegal immigrants. 

ICE agents are pictured arresting a man.  (ICE ERO El Paso/X)

‘Sanctuary’ jurisdictions limit local law enforcement cooperation with ICE, while a number of Democrats in Congress have backed the “Abolish ICE” movement. The Biden administration itself sought to shut down ICE deportations after entering office, but was blocked by a federal judge. Major cities like New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago refuse to work with ICE in some aspects of its mission. 

With that left-wing opposition in mind, being associated with ICE can have negative effects on investigators who aren’t dealing with immigration directly, the ICE chief said. 

“We’re not a political organization. We’re a law enforcement, national security, public safety agency. However, it was affecting HSI’s ability to conduct operations and investigations,” Lechleitner told the Post. 

He stressed, however, that it would still remain part of ICE. But the new standalone website made little mention of the agency. The rollout was accompanied by a slick video posted on X, which told viewers to “Please allow us to reintroduce ourselves” — a possible nod to rapper Jay Z’s “Public Service Announcement.”

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CHARGED IN ‘HORRIFIC’ CHILD SEX CRIME ARRESTED BY ICE AFTER POLICE LET HIM GO

But the rebranding appears to have caused some frustration at the ERO side of ICE, which unlike its neighbor is keeping its ICE branding. In an internal email to ERO employees, seen by Fox News Digital, ERO Executive Associate Director Daniel Bible noted the HSI rebrand, but made it clear that ERO would not be following suit.

“HSI’s decision was made in what its leadership believes is best for the program,” he said. “Similarly, [ERO] decisions are guided by what is believed to be the best for it operational and programmatically. ERO has and always will continue to focus its decision making on its most important attribute: each of you.”

He then promised that there would not be a “wholesale rebranding of ERO.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF THE BORDER SECURITY CRISIS

“ERO operates with professionalism, honor, compassion and integrity. Our mission will not be swayed by political theater or media rhetoric and our identity will remain steadfast,” he said in the defiant email.

Bible went on to list off recent successes by the agency, including Operation Speed Race — which nabbed 216 criminals involved in drug trafficking – and Operation Night Guard which resulted in the arrest of 171 murderers and predators. He also highlighted a separate operation that resulted in the arrest of 275 sex offenders.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcements (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents arrested alleged immigration violators at Fresh Mark, Salem, June 19, 2018.  ((Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images))

“As we move forward together, and as ERO’s mission evolves and matures, I will continue to champion the ERO brand, to advocate for the brave men and women of ERO and to push for changes to policy and structure to give ERO the operating space to exercise its criminal and civil immigration authorities,” Bible said.

“Let me reiterate, I am proud to be part of the ICE and ERO family, and I know each of you are as well.”

The frustration comes amid an ongoing crisis at the border which has spilled out into cities and towns across the country. ICE itself has had its hands full, recently arresting a slew of criminal illegal immigrants — including child sex offenders — who had been arrested by local jurisdictions but then released onto the streets despite ICE’s pleas for cooperation.

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The Biden administration has caused controversy by narrowing ICE’s enforcement priorities and placing additional limits on where agents can make arrests, reducing deportations significantly from Trump-era levels. DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has said that illegal presence in the U.S. is now not by itself a basis to begin enforcement against an illegal immigrant. But the administration has claimed that its actions have allowed it to focus on public safety and national security threats with the limited resources available to it, while calling for additional resources from Congress.

In response to the rebranding, RJ Hauman, President of the National Immigration Center for Enforcement (NICE) and visiting adviser at The Heritage Foundation, claimed that the overhaul was part of an anti-enforcement agenda from the administration.

“Through countless policy memos, pilot programs, and using resources improperly, the Biden administration has effectively dismantled the ability of ICE to arrest, detain, and remove illegal aliens in accordance with the law,” he said. “But they don’t only hate the rule of law, they despise the agency itself, especially its core law enforcement unit — ERO.”

“Rather than standing shoulder to shoulder with the brave men and women of ERO and pushing back against false ICE narratives and absurd operational requests, current leaders are siding with a unit who thinks they’re above enforcing immigration laws, and would rather do customs. Detaining and removing illegal aliens on a proper scale should take precedent over finding counterfeit NFL jerseys and returning stolen antiquities,” he added.

EXCLUSIVE: Former first lady Melania Trump is rolling out a jewelry line ahead of Mother’s Day to honor “all mothers,” telling Fox News Digital that they are “the bedrock of the American family.” 

Trump created a customizable necklace designed to honor “all mothers.” The jewelry line is called “Her Love & Gratitude.” Each necklace can be engraved with names, initials or significant dates. 

MELANIA TRUMP GIVES EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE TO LATE MOTHER AT PALM BEACH FUNERAL

The “all made in America” necklace features a flower pendant on an adjustable chain and will be sold on the former first lady’s website for $245. 

“Love & Gratitude” necklace designed by former first lady Melania Trump. It can be engraved and personalized. (Melania Trump/courtesy)

A portion of the proceeds from the jewelry line will go toward her “Fostering the Future” initiative that secures education opportunities and scholarships for children in the foster care community. 

“Mothers are the cornerstone of a flourishing society,” Trump told Fox News Digital, adding that she takes “great pride in embracing this responsibility.”

“Love & Gratitude” necklace designed by Melania Trump. (Melania Trump/courtesy)

The former first lady told Fox News Digital that nothing makes her prouder than the relationship she has built with her son Barron, who will graduate from high school next month. However, “only a mother knows that some of our efforts remain unnoticed,” she said.

“Motherhood exists as the bedrock of the American family, and mothers tend to wear several hats: emotional support, inspirational growth, health, love, humor, education, and more,” she told Fox News Digital. 

Melania Trump and a young Barron Trump.

MELANIA TRUMP ROLLS OUT ‘AMERICAN CHRISTMAS’ ORNAMENTS, NFTS TO HELP FUND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FOSTER CHILDREN

The former first lady said mothers “strive to provide our children with the building blocks to creating meaningful relationships,” as well as the tools to “eventually grow into mindful adults who thrive.” 

“When moms are healthy, our communities are too,” she said. “As mothers, we are inclined to honor our mothers and mother figures on Mother’s Day, but we must also be mindful of ourselves.” 

Barron Trump, right, stands with then-President Trump and first lady Melania Trump on the South Lawn of the White House on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

She added, “It may be difficult to imagine, but when moms prioritize self-care, our families and children enjoy greater stability.” 

The former first lady stressed to Fox News Digital that mothers “can institute a sense of unity, respect, and calm across the next generation.” 

The introduction of her jewelry line comes just months after her own mother passed away in January. 

“My mother, the epitome of elegance and grace, exemplified the essence of a true woman. Her love for her husband, Viktor, my father; Ines, my sister; and me was boundless. Her nurturing spirit had no limits, creating a legacy that will last for generations. She showered her grandson, Barron, with affection, illuminating his world with love, tender care, and unwavering devotion,” Melania said at her mother’s funeral at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida in January. “She embodied the best mother, wife, grandmother, mother-in-law, a true beacon of love and luxury in our lives.” 

Melania Trump releases Mother’s Day necklaces for charity. (Getty Images | courtesy: Melania Trump)

“In her presence, the world seemed to shimmer with radiant joy. She was not just a friend, but a confidant. A ray of light in the darkest of days. In her company, I found peace knowing that she would always be there to listen. She celebrated our successes and provided unwavering support during chaotic times. Our bond was unbreakable. A testament to the power of a true love for one another. She was my dear friend. An irreplaceable treasure. A gift bestowed upon me by the universe. And for that, I am entirely grateful. Rest in peace, my beloved mommy.” 

MELANIA TRUMP SAYS US ‘MUST UNITE’ AHEAD OF MAR-A-LAGO LOG CABIN REPUBLICANS EVENT

The former first lady also recalled how her mother taught her to cook and inspired her interest in fashion with tales of glamorous travels to Paris and neighboring European cities and spent late nights together sketching designs and patterns, ultimately creating pieces akin to “artwork.” 

“She was a creator of dreams, and I am forever grateful for the beauty she brought into my life,” Trump said, describing how her mother “balanced the demands of motherhood with grace and poise. From managing the household to pursuing her own ambition in fashion, she never ceased to amaze with her resilience and determination.” 

The introduction of her jewelry line also comes after she headlined an event at Mar-a-Lago hosted by the Log Cabin Republicans — a pro-LGBT group. 

Amalija Knavs, mother of first lady Melania Trump, died in January. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

Trump spoke about the importance of unifying the nation, telling Fox News Digital that “equality” needs to be the “everyday experience of every American.” 

Fox News Digital asked the former first lady what her plans would be for a second term in the White House, should her husband, former President Trump, win the 2024 election. 

“The safety and well-being of American families remains my top priority,” she told Fox News Digital. “Our children are our future leaders, tomorrow’s innovators.” 

She told Fox News Digital that it is “essential we provide the highest level of care to our next generation; to insure they not only thrive, but reach their full potential.” 

MELANIA FULLY BEHIND TRUMP’S 2024 CAMPAIGN, SAYS IT WOULD BE A ‘PRIVILEGE’ TO SERVE AS FIRST LADY AGAIN

During her time as first lady, Trump hosted virtual roundtables on foster care as part of her “Be Best” initiative, and focused on strengthening the child welfare system. She worked with members of Congress on legislation that secured funding for grants awarded to youth and young adults currently or formerly in foster care to help pay for college, career school or training. The bill ultimately was signed by then-President Trump in December 2020.

Since leaving the White House, the former first lady has also created special edition Non-Fungible Tokens. A portion of those proceeds also went toward her initiative “Fostering the Future” to secure educational opportunities and scholarships for children in the foster care community.

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Trump’s efforts have ensured multiple individuals have full university-level scholarships through the program. “Fostering the Future” students are currently enrolled in multiple colleges and universities across the country, with areas of focus primarily on technology and computer sciences. 

The Biden campaign will stay on TikTok, even after President Biden signed a bill into law that would force its China-based parent company to sell the video sharing social media platform or face a ban in the United States, Fox News has learned. 

Biden campaign officials told Fox News on Wednesday that the Biden-Harris campaign “will stay on TikTok.” 

President Biden, on Wednesday morning, signed a Senate-passed bill to force TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, which is based in China, to sell the app or be banned in the United States, as lawmakers accuse the platform of being a risk to U.S. national security, collecting user data, and spreading propaganda. 

TIKTOK’S CHINA-BASED PARENT REQUIRED TO SELL PLATFORM OR BE BANNED IN US

A prominent pro-Democratic Party political account on TikTok has soured on President Biden ahead of the 2024 presidential election. ((Left: REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration, Right: REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst))

The TikTok legislation was part of a set of bills providing $95 billion in foreign aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. 

House Republicans’ decision last week to attach the TikTok bill to the foreign aid package helped expedite its passage, after an earlier version of the bill had stalled in the Senate. The Senate version would have given ByteDance six months to divest its stake in the platform, which some lawmakers believed was too short of a window for a complex deal potentially worth tens of billions of dollars.

The new measure gives ByteDance nine months to sell TikTok, as well as a possible three-month extension if a sale is in progress. The bill would also prohibit the company from controlling the algorithm that shows users videos based on their interests.

The passage of the legislation comes amid bipartisan fears in Congress over Chinese threats, which includes the ownership of TikTok. Lawmakers and administration officials have expressed concerns for years that Chinese officials could force ByteDance to provide U.S. user data and influence Americans by promoting certain content on the platform.

China has previously said it would oppose forcing the sale of TikTok, and has signaled it would oppose the latest legislation. TikTok has long denied it is a security threat, and is preparing a lawsuit to block the legislation.

“At the stage that the bill is signed, we will move to the courts for a legal challenge,” TikTok’s head of public policy for the Americas, Michael Beckerman, wrote in a memo sent to employees on Saturday.

“This is the beginning, not the end of this long process,” Beckerman wrote.

Former President Trump disagrees with Congress’ efforts to ban TikTok in the U.S. (iStock)

HOUSE PASSES NATIONAL SECURITY BILL TARGETING TIKTOK, SEIZED RUSSIAN ASSETS: ‘CHURCHILL OR CHAMBERLAIN’

The platform has had some success with court challenges in the past, but it has never attempted to prevent federal legislation from going into effect.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, TikTok blasted the law as “unconstitutional.”

“This unconstitutional law is a TikTok ban, and we will challenge it in court,” TikTok said in a statement. “We believe the facts and the law are clearly on our side, and we will ultimately prevail.” 

SENATORS SLAM ‘DELAY TACTIC’ ON TIKTOK BILL DESPITE ‘NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUE’

The company said it has “invested billions of dollars to keep U.S. data safe and our platform free from outside influence and manipulation.” 

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“This ban would devastate seven million businesses and silence 170 million Americans,” the company continued. “As we continue to challenge this unconstitutional ban, we will continue investing and innovating to ensure TikTok remains a space where Americans of all walks of life can safely come to share their experiences, find joy, and be inspired.”

Fox News’ Mark Merideth, Landon Mion and The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

The majority of New York voters view their state’s trial against former President Trump as legitimate, according to a new Empire State poll.

A Siena College Poll asked likely voters in New York their viewpoints on the Trump trial and the criminal charges brought against the former president, just days after the case officially kicked off in a Manhattan courtroom. 

About 54% of New Yorkers said they believe the trial is “legitimate,” while 34% view it as a “witch hunt”. 

Among those who see the Trump trial as legitimate are 77% of Democrat respondents and 44% of independents. About 66% of Republican respondents reported viewing the case as a “witch hunt” against the former president.

TRUMP V US: SCOTUS LIKELY TO DETERMINE PRESIDENTS GET ‘SOME AMOUNT’ OF IMMUNITY, EXPERTS SAY

Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo makes opening statements as former President Trump watches with his attorney Todd Blanche before Judge Juan Merchan in Manhattan state court in New York City, April 22, 2024, in this courtroom sketch. (Jane Rosenberg/Reuters)

The majority of respondents, 60%, said they are watching the historic trial unfold, paying either “some attention” or a “great deal” to it.

NY PROSECUTORS REVEAL ‘ANOTHER CRIME’ TRUMP ALLEGEDLY TRIED TO CONCEAL WITH FALSIFIED BUSINESS RECORDS

The charges against Trump include 34 charges of falsifying his business records, including making hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

Prosecutors revealed a new alleged crime during the trial Tuesday, charging the former president was also involved in “conspiracy to promote or prevent election.”

While a majority of New Yorkers said they found legitimacy in the trial, Trump was still more favored among New York independents than both President Biden and Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul.

The sun sets on the skyline of lower Manhattan as a person runs along the Hudson River on Feb. 25, 2024, in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)

According to the poll, 45% of independents reported having a favorable opinion of the former president, while only 29% viewed Biden positively.

Additionally, the poll found that Biden’s favorability and job performance rating dropped among New York voters.

“The good news for Biden is that he continues to hold a double-digit lead over Trump in solidly blue New York. The bad news for Biden is he only leads by 10 points, 47-37%, after leading 48-36% in February, in a state where enrolled Democrats outnumber Republicans better than two-to-one,” Steven Greenberg, Siena College pollster, said in a press release alongside the results. “While Biden has support from 72% of Democrats, Trump has the support of 81% of Republicans and leads with independents, 46-32%.”

Former President Trump leaves Trump Tower on his way to Manhattan Criminal Court, Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. (Yuki Iwamura/AP Images)

About 64% of respondents also said they believe the country is on the wrong track, just months ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

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The Siena College poll was conducted from April 15 to 17 with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.1 percentage points.

The contentious issue of abortion has returned to the Supreme Court, with the justices prepared on Wednesday to weigh a states’ rights challenge over hospital emergency room access to the procedure.

In scheduled morning oral arguments, the high court will confront whether state abortion restrictions are invalidated by a federal law.  

Idaho officials say hospitals cannot be forced by the Biden administration to perform abortions in potentially emergency situations – even if the state has a near total ban on the procedure – with an exception only to save the life of the mother.

The Justice Department argues the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) requires health care providers to give “stabilizing treatment” – including abortions – for patients when needed to treat an emergency medical condition, even if doing so might conflict with a state’s abortion restrictions.

SCOTUS TO HEAR ARGUMENTS IN BIDEN’S LAWSUIT ‘SUBVERTING STATES’ RIGHTS’ ON ABORTION

Crowds outside the Supreme Court reacting Roe v. Wade overturned in 2022. (Fox News Photo/Joshua Comins)

The state can enforce its restrictions until a final ruling.

The latest debate comes as the court again confronts perhaps the nation’s most divisive social issue, with several state voter referendums planned for the November elections over abortion rights. That includes Florida and New York, and possibly in Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, and other states.

The justices held separate arguments last month over nationwide access to the abortion drug mifepristone.

Rulings in both cases could dramatically shape how the issue plays out in the political dialogue this fall. 

The current appeal arose after the Biden Justice Department sued Idaho, just two weeks after the Supreme Court’s landmark 2022 ruling striking down Roe v. Wade and the nationwide constitutional right to abortion.

In an amicus brief filed with the justices, a group of nearly 700 doctors in Idaho said the state law was putting patients at risk when serious pregnancy complications arose.

WHY TRUMP IS DEFERRING TO THE STATES, AFTER WEIGHING AN ABORTION BAN AT 15 WEEKS

An attendee at an abortion rights rally holds a sign outside the Idaho Capitol on May 14. (Sarah A. Miller/Idaho Statesman/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

The physicians said an unspecified number of women have either been sent home, forced to find another in-state hospital, or leave the state to get appropriate care, citing one example.      

“The risk of infection, sepsis, or other complications is extremely high with a premature rupture of the membranes as early as this one. Another hospital had already turned the patient away — effectively, in petitioner’s words, ‘dumping’ the patient, citing its inability to provide care under Idaho’s total abortion ban.”

“This experience was traumatic for the patient and torture for the doctor,” said the legal brief. “The doctor both felt she had violated her medical ethics by delaying necessary, standard care, and feared the repercussions from the State if she didn’t wait quite long enough.”

Abortion rights groups say the broader effect is reduced quality of prenatal care, with some Idaho physicians choosing to practice elsewhere, and hospitals struggling to recruit OB-GYNs.

A group of 258 Democratic members of Congress also filed a brief in support of the federal government.

PRO-LIFE CONSERVATIVES ARE ‘DISAPPOINTED’ IN TRUMP’S NEW ABORTION POLICY, BUT STICK BY HIM: ‘ONLY ONE OPTION’

Pro-life women celebrate following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Friday, June 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)

But the state told the high court its ruling two years ago returning abortion matters to the states directly conflicts with the Biden administration’s “politically significant” efforts to impose federal law.

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“The Biden administration reinterpreted the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) to create a nationwide abortion mandate in hospital emergency rooms that accept Medicare funding. That mandate — discovered nearly 40 years after EMTALA’s enactment — has no support in the statutory text. The mandate was an attempt to reimpose a federal abortion requirement, this time through the exercise of raw executive power.”  

A group of 22 GOP-controlled states led by Indiana are among those filing amicus briefs supporting Idaho’s law.

The consolidated cases are Moyle v. U.S. and Idaho v. U.S. A ruling is expected in late June.