Rubio clashes with Rep Sherman at House hearing: ‘This is not a game show’

Secretary of State Marco Rubio clashed with Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., during a House hearing on Wednesday, telling the California Democrat that “this is not a game show” when Sherman demanded that he only answer questions with a “yes” or a “no.”

Rubio testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee in Washington, D.C., fielding questions on foreign aid, nuclear proliferation in Saudi Arabia and Iran, the war in Ukraine and more. Sparks began to fly early on when Sherman questioned Rubio on a potential nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia.

“First, I will tell you that there has been no conversation about entering into one. For example, during the recent trip,” Rubio began before Sherman cut him off.

“I’ve got limited time,” the congressman interjected. “Either give me a yes or a no.”

RUBIO FIRES BACK AFTER DEM SENATOR SAYS HE REGRETS VOTING FOR HIM, SPARKING TENSE EXCHANGE

“Well, I’m going to give you my answer if you want my answer,” Rubio replied.

But Sherman cut Rubio off, stating that he was reclaiming his time.

“Well, reclaim your time. But it’s not a game show,” Rubio said. “I get to answer. These are complex questions.”

“Mr. Secretary, I’m reclaiming my time,” Sherman said. “The filibustering takes place in the Senate. Not here.”

“I’m not filibustering.I’m trying to answer your question,” Rubio replied.

Sherman then moved on to his next question, asking whether Rubio could assure Congress that the Trump administration would continue sanctions on Iran until they verifiably agree to abandon all nuclear enrichment.

“That’s a yes or no question,” Sherman told Rubio.

Rubio replied: “No, it’s not.”

RUBIO, KAINE CLASH ON SOUTH AFRICAN REFUGEES: ‘YOU DON’T LIKE THAT THEY’RE WHITE’

“Well, can you give me a yes or no? Should I go on to go on to the next?” Sherman asked.

“We believe that Iran should not be allowed to enrich uranium, correct,” Rubio answered. 

“You believe that?” Sherman asked.

“We believe that an acceptable deal with Iran is one in which they cannot enrich, because if they can enrich, they can weaponize,” Rubio said.

“I know why we don’t want — I asked you, will we agree, will we continue the sanctions until they verifiably agree to get rid of enrichments?”

“Oh, you have nothing to worry about,” Rubio said. “The worry was the previous administration. This administration—” 

“Your refusal to give me an answer is loud and clear,” Sherman interjected before shouting over Rubio that he was reclaiming his time.

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The House hearing brought Rubio to testify on the State Department’s posture on protecting American interests. Throughout the hearing, Rubio asserted that any actions taken by the government must have measurable outcomes for the American people, specifically making the country safer, stronger or more prosperous.

New book: Joe and Beau Biden went to ‘lengths’ to hide cancer diagnosis from public

Former President Joe Biden and his late son actively chose to conceal details and misled the public regarding Beau Biden’s cancer diagnosis while he served as attorney general of Delaware, a new book claims. 

The book, “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again,” said that the Biden family wanted to keep Beau Biden’s cancer diagnosis a secret and misled the media about his condition. The nonfiction book, authored by journalists Jake Tapper of CNN and Alex Thompson of Axios, was released Tuesday. 

The revelation comes just after former President Biden announced Sunday he had been diagnosed with an “aggressive form” of prostate cancer. The former president’s office later said Tuesday he had never received a prostate cancer diagnosis. 

GLEASON SCORE FOR PROSTATE CANCER: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT BIDEN’S DIAGNOSIS

“Beau’s cancer treatment also demonstrated the Biden’s capacity for denial and the lengths they would go to to avoid transparency about health issues, even when the person in question is an elected official, in this case the sitting attorney general of Delaware,” the book alleges. 

Fox News Digital has written extensively dating back to the 2020 presidential campaign about former President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline and his inner circle’s role in covering it up.

The book details how Beau Biden collapsed in the summer of 2013 during a family vacation and that he subsequently faced surgery to remove a brain tumor. By the fall, Beau Biden started to reduce his public appearances and media interviews. 

“In September, Biden and Beau’s team internally debated how much to disclose about Beau — the vice president’s son and a state’s top law enforcement officer — but ultimately said nothing,” the book said. “In November, Beau told a local reporter he had been given a ‘clean bill of health.’”

Months later, in February 2014, a neurologist revealed that a “small lesion” was removed from Beau Biden’s brain — even though the former president later shared the tumor was larger than a golf ball. 

JOE BIDEN DIAGNOSED WITH ‘AGGRESSIVE FORM’ OF PROSTATE CANCER WITH METASTASIS TO THE BONE

Beau Biden continued to serve as attorney general of Delaware as he received treatments all over the country. He would enter hospitals using the name George Lincoln, according to the book. 

The book details that Beau’s wife, Hallie, told others she remained confused regarding why Beau Biden’s declining health was kept under wraps, since the public would have likely provided support. However, Joe Biden and Beau Biden remained against sharing details with the public, the book said. 

Hallie Biden did not immediately respond to Fox News Digita’s request for comment. 

Additionally, the book said that the then-vice president ordered his staffers to “mislead” the media regarding his whereabouts as vice president. While his team would say he was departing Washington and going to Delaware on weekends, the vice president would also travel to Houston to be with Beau Biden, who was receiving treatment there. 

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“Publicly acknowledging Beau’s illness would make it a reality,” the book said. “It was them against the world.” 

A spokesperson for the former president did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. 

Beau Biden died of a glioblastoma brain tumor in May 2015 at the age of 46. 

“Original Sin” details the 2024 election cycle and how former President Joe Biden’s team allegedly orchestrated a cover-up to hide just how severely his mental faculties had suffered. 

The book is one of several that detail Joe Biden’s decision to run in 2024 and assert the dramatic decline of his cognitive function.

Blue state faces growing friction over trans athletes amid cries for Trump’s help

Tensions are mounting over trans athletes in girls’ sports in Illinois, as the state continues to allow males to compete against and beat out females in sports across the state.

A youth track meet became the focus of national controversy after a biological male competed in the seventh-grade competition against girls at the Naper Prairie Conference Meet last Wednesday. The incident prompted a series of heated debates, which went viral on social media, at the Naperville 203 Community School District Board meeting on Monday. 

Now, Illinoisans are speaking out, calling for President Donald Trump to crack down on the state and Gov. J.B. Pritzker to protect girls’ sports. 

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Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., has addressed a second letter to the U.S. Department of Education and Department of Justice asking for federal intervention into the issue. Miller previously sent a letter in April and is now doubling-down on her pleas for the Trump administration to step in.

Miller’s latest letter asks U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Education Secretary Linda McMahon to specifically look into the Naperville incident and consider pulling federal funding from the state, as seen in a copy obtained by Fox News Digital.

“The Illinois Governor has made our beautiful state unfair and unsafe for women and girls by allowing men to compete in their sports and to use their showers and locker rooms. It is my strong opinion that any school district that allows these actions to continue should have its federal funds reviewed immediately for revocation,” Miller wrote.  “Ultimately, it is my understanding that violations of Title IX may have taken place at this track and field meet, and I write to bring this grave incident to your attention.” 

Illinois GOP state Rep. Blaine Wilhour is also calling for a federal investigation and potential consequences in the wake of the Naperville incident. 

“President Trump should freeze every penny of federal dollars until these schools come to their senses and do right by these kids,” Wilhour told Fox News Digital. “Either you believe in fairness, biological reality and common sense, or you don’t. This is not fair competition and Naperville 203 is engaged in what I consider abusive and illegal practices in violation of title 9. Wake up people, these are Jr. High kids being exploited and used as political pawns, and it’s disgusting.” 

TEEN GIRLS OPEN UP ON TRANS ATHLETE SCANDAL THAT TURNED THEIR HIGH SCHOOL INTO A CULTURE WAR BATTLEGROUND 

Wilhour was previously a leader in putting pressure on the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) to comply with Trump’s “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” executive order that was signed on Feb. 5. However, the state’s Democrat leaders ensured the IHSA defied Trump on the issue. 

In a public letter to Wilhour and other state GOP lawmakers, the IHSA said Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the Illinois Department of Human Rights have declared that state law requires that transgender athletes be allowed to participate based on gender identity.

So girls around the state and their families have had to continue sharing teams and locker rooms with biological males, as they have since 2006. 

Even Chicago Bears legend Brian Urlacher has spoken out on the issue while his home state is ravaged by controversy.

“It’s just different because we are men, there are certain things we do better than women, and it’s just, number one, it’s not fair, and if I had a daughter who had to be forced to play against a man, I would not be okay with it and I would raise hell about it,” Urlacher said during an interview on the “Global View” podcast on May 9. “I just don’t get it, it’s a common sense thing, I just don’t see how you can push this and make someone thing they’re a different sex.”

Currently, there is one federal Title IX probe in Illinois regarding transgenders impeding on female spaces, but it is only against one school. 

Deerfield Public Schools District 109 is facing a probe by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights after middle school girls were allegedly forced by school administrators to change in front of a trans student in the girls’ locker room. 

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Illinois mother Nicole Georgas brought light to the situation in March after filing a complaint to the Justice Department and then delivering a school board meeting speech that went viral on social media. 

Now, Georgas is looking for more action to be taken as the issue continues to plague girls’ sports in Illinois and hopes the recent Naperville incident will be a turning point. She is pleading for the president’s administration to bring more pressure to Illinois on the issue. 

“The tides are going to turn after this. We as the parents have had enough,” Georgas told Fox News Digital. “We are at the forefront, we are in the crosshairs and we need help. We need help right now. In our state nothing has changed from March, and it’s getting worse!

“They’re using these kids to just almost test President Trump because they know they’re not doing anything. They’ve forgotten about Illinois. They’ve forgotten about us.” 

Navy technician arrested following incident at San Diego airport

A U.S. Navy technician was identified as the suspect charged with making a false bomb threat on board a Hawaiian Airlines flight preparing to take off from San Diego. 

The Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department announced that John Stea, 35, was arrested following Tuesday’s incident. 

“The suspect was onboard Hawaiian Airlines flight 15 when he told a flight attendant the passenger next to him had a bomb. The flight attendant informed the captain of the plane about the potential threat as the flight was pulling away from the jetway and getting ready to depart the San Diego International Airport to Honolulu, Hawaii,” it said in a statement. 

A spokesperson for the U.S. Third Fleet told Fox News Digital, “The Navy is aware Electronics Technician 2nd Class John Stea, assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Group One, was arrested by San Diego Harbor Police on May 20 following an alleged bomb threat. 

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES FLIGHT DIVERTED ON SAN DIEGO TARMAC OVER POSSIBLE BOMB THREAT; PERSON ARRESTED

“The safety of the public and our personnel is of utmost importance to the Navy. We take all threats seriously and are cooperating fully with local and federal authorities,” the spokesperson added. 

The Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department said its “Police Maritime Tactical Team, K-9 Team, and Joint Terrorism Task Force, along with the San Diego Fire Department and multiple federal agencies, responded to the scene to search the aircraft and its contents.”

SECOND NAVY FIGHTER JET GOES OVERBOARD FROM TRUMAN AIRCRAFT CARRIER, PILOTS EJECTED

“The plane captain had taxied to a safe location on the airfield. All 293 people onboard were deplaned and transported by bus to a safe area. K-9s cleared the aircraft including all carry-on and checked luggage,” it added. 

Stea, described by police as a “member of the military,” was charged with making a false bomb threat and false report of a security threat. 

Isai Solorzano, another Navy sailor who was on the flight, told FOX 5 KUSI what he witnessed, explaining that law enforcement officials boarded the plane and asked about the owner of some specific containers. 

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“One guy stood up, (and) they immediately told him to turn around and put him in handcuffs,” Solorzano said. “They took him away.” 

Trump White House rallies behind GOP’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ ahead of key vote

The White House threw its weight behind House Republicans’ version of President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” Wednesday, pressing lawmakers to vote on the measure “immediately.”

“The Administration strongly supports passage of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill
Act,” the White House said in a statement of Trump administration policy obtained by Fox News Digital.

“This bill implements critical aspects of President Trump’s budgetary agenda by delivering bigger paychecks for Americans, driving massive economic growth, unleashing American energy, strengthening border security and national defense, (and) preserving key safety net programs for Americans who need them, while ending waste, fraud, and abuse in Federal spending, and much more.”

It comes hours after the conservative House Freedom Caucus called for a delayed vote amid continued disagreements over rollbacks to Medicaid coverage.

TRUMP’S ‘BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL’ PASSES KEY HOUSE HURDLE AFTER GOP REBEL MUTINY

“I’m not sure this can be done this week. I’m pretty confident it could be done in 10 days. But that’s up to leadership to decide,” House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris, R-Md., told reporters.

Republicans are working to enact Trump’s agenda via the budget reconciliation process, which allows the party in power to pass sweeping legislation without the minority party’s input by lowering the Senate’s threshold for passage from 60 votes to 51.

Their current multi-trillion-dollar bill would advance Trump’s priorities on immigration, taxes, energy, defense, and the debt limit. 

Meanwhile, the national debt continues to climb, surpassing $36 trillion earlier this year.

NATIONAL DEBT TRACKER: AMERICAN TAXPAYERS (YOU) ARE NOW ON THE HOOK FOR $36,213,570,763,720.98 AS OF 5/20/25

The Freedom Caucus is meeting with Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., at the White House on Wednesday afternoon in a bid to resolve differences.

Meanwhile, a White House official told Fox News Digital that the administration wants the House to vote on the bill at some point Wednesday.

“The One Big Beautiful Bill Act reflects the shared priorities of both Congress and the Administration. Therefore, the House of Representatives should immediately pass this bill to show the American people that they are serious about ‘promises made, promises kept,'” the new White House statement said. 

“President Trump is committed to keeping his promises, and failure to pass this bill would be the ultimate betrayal.”

HOUSE GOP TARGETS ANOTHER DEM OFFICIAL ACCUSED OF BLOCKING ICE AMID DELANEY HALL FALLOUT

The statement ended by affirming that Trump would sign the legislation into law if it got to his desk – a significant endorsement of House GOP leaders’ plans.

The bill itself is not yet finished, however. Republican leaders have signaled they are including additional provisions via a “manager’s amendment” that are expected to cover Medicaid work requirements and an amended state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap.

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House conservatives have been pushing for the bill to include more aggressive cuts to Medicaid — specifically the expanded population who became eligible under the Affordable Care Act — and a full repeal of former President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its green energy subsidies.

Trump paid a rare visit to Capitol Hill on Tuesday where he personally told House Republicans he wanted the bill passed as soon as possible.

The Freedom Caucus, meanwhile, has insisted that it is pushing to enact Trump’s campaign promises to the fullest possible extent..

Two more arrested for allegedly aiding New Orleans jailbreak fugitives

Two people were arrested Wednesday for allegedly helping fugitives who escaped in Friday’s New Orleans jailbreak, police said.

According to the Louisiana State Police (LSP), 32-year-old Cortnie Harris of New Orleans and 38-year-old Corvanntay Baptiste of Slidell were arrested for assisting the fugitives. They have been charged with one felony count each of accessory after the fact and were transported to the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center.

“The initial investigation revealed that before the escape Cortnie Harris was in contact via phone with an escapee who remains at large. Furthermore, investigators determined that Harris transported two escapees, who remain at large, to multiple locations in New Orleans,” LSP said. “Investigators also determined that Corvanntay Baptiste was in contact via phone and social media with escapee Corey Boyd (captured) and helped facilitate getting him food while he was hiding in a residence.”

Sources close to the investigation told Fox News that Baptiste was Corey Boyd’s girlfriend. She allegedly did not cooperate with the police and said she did not participate in the escape. Boyd was captured by the Louisiana State Police on Tuesday night. 

Harris is Leo Tate’s girlfriend, who allegedly admitted to her role in aiding the escapees, and gave a confession. Tate is still on the run. 

LOUISIANA ATTORNEY GENERAL EXPECTS MORE ARRESTS IN NEW ORLEANS JAIL ESCAPE INVESTIGATION

The news comes on the heels of a jail maintenance worker being arrested Tuesday for allegedly helping the inmates.

Sterling Williams, 33, an Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office employee and maintenance worker in the facility, was arrested and charged with principal to simple escape and one count of malfeasance in office for allegedly turning off the water in the cell from which the escapees fled. 

LOUISIANA JAIL WORKER ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY HELPING 10 INMATES ESCAPE ORLEANS PARISH FACILITY

He is being held on a $1.1 million bond, $100,000 per charge.

In an arrest affidavit, he claimed that he was coerced into aiding the escapees under threat of stabbing. 

On Tuesday night, LSP announced the capture of Boyd, 19, who was awaiting trial on charges of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery and threatening a public official before the escape. 

DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKERS DEMAND LOUISIANA SHERIFF RESIGN AFTER 10 INMATES ESCAPE JAIL

Five of the escaped inmates are still on the run.

They include: 

• Lenton J. Vanburen Jr., 26, faces charges of illegal carrying of weapons, possession of a firearm or weapon by a felon, obstruction of justice and introducing contraband in prison.
• Jermaine Donald, 42, faces charges of second-degree murder, aggravated battery, possession of a firearm or weapon by a felon and obstruction of justice.
• Antoine Massey, 32, faces charges of domestic abuse involving strangulation, theft of a motor vehicle and a parole violation.
• Derrick Groves, 27, faces three counts of attempted second-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder and battery of a correctional facility employee.
• Leo O. Tate Sr., 31, faces charges of simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, possession of a firearm or weapon by a felon, illegal carrying of a weapon, motor vehicle theft and multiple drug counts.

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Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said on “Fox & Friends” on Wednesday that she believes the remaining escapees are still located in New Orleans. 

“I’ve notified neighboring state officials that they could have headed in that direction, but my gut says that they’re probably staying close to home unless they have significant resources somewhere else,” Murrill said. “You’re just unlikely to go somewhere where you have zero support and help, most of these, if not all of these individuals grew up in New Orleans.”

This story is developing. 

Indy 500 contender talks prep for the ‘Greatest Spectacle of Racing’

Conor Daly will roll off pit road at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indianapolis 500 with the obvious goal in mind – win the race and cement himself in racing lore for the rest of time.

A victory will do more than just make him a part of Indy 500 history forever; he will become a folk hero for his native Indiana, which is itching to see a lengthy drought end.

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It has been 85 years since an Indiana-born race car driver won the illustrious race. Daly will be driving the No. 76 ampm-sponsored Chevrolet with Wilbur Shaw on his mind, almost literally. Shaw won three Indy 500 races, but no one from Indiana has won it since 1940.

He will be wearing a helmet that honors the legendary driver on Sunday.

“It’s crazy, 85 years since the last Indy 500 winner from Indiana. That just seems wrong. It just seems sad. So we’ve got to change that,” Daly, who was born in Noblesville, told Fox News Digital. “It was just a cool idea that I came up with my helmet painter. 

“I try to come up with something unique every year for the Indy 500 helmet because it’s just a special event, and we put a couple old picture of his car from back in the day – 1940 was the last winner, which is crazy. Put the 1940 ticket on top of the helmet as well with a couple of little small details.”

Daly qualified 11th for the race and is set to start in between Scott McLaughlin and Alexander Rossi, who have both won the race in the past.

He touted how fast the car has been for him. His average speed during qualifying was around 231 mph.

INDYCAR DRIVER CONOR DALY GOES RACING WITH AMPM FOR THE INDY 500

“I feel really good,” he said. “This is one of the best cars I’ve had in my IndyCar career here, and I know that’s a bold statement to say, but it’s truly been a pleasure to drive all week. I’ve equaled my best starting position with 11th. We’re right alongside the pole-sitter from last year, Scott McLaughlin. We’re in the fight. … This car is just flat out fast and that’s really, really special.”

He called driving at such a high rate of speed “truly crazy.”

“I don’t know why you wouldn’t watch what we’re doing here because it truly is crazy,” he explained. “We’re at that level where cars are flying through the air, crashing at a high level, because we are putting these things on the absolute ragged edge of control and that’s what it takes to win the biggest race out there.

“It’s the biggest race that there is across motorsports. Some people like to argue that but physically, if you ask any racing drivers who have been around the sport for a long time, the Indy 500, that’s the big one. It’s crazy and what we’re doing out there is wild.”

Daly said winning the Indy 500 would be a realization of all the hard work he has put in throughout his entire career. 

“It’s why I wake up every morning,” the Juncos Hollinger Racing driver told Fox News Digital.

Most importantly, he already has the milk picked out that he will chug should he be able to.

“I’ve gone whole milk the last few years, but I haven’t won yet,” he said. “So, I decided to switch it up. We’re gonna go 2% because why not? Let’s pick something different and maybe that’ll get us the win.”

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The Indy 500 will be broadcast May 25 on FOX with coverage starting at 10 a.m. ET. It will also be available to stream live on FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports app.

George Wendt revealed how one-word audition led to iconic ‘Cheers’ role before death

It’s where everybody knew his name. 

Actor George Wendt, best known for his role as Norm Peterson in “Cheers,” died Tuesday, but in one of his last interviews before his death, he shared how his one-word audition sparked into him landing his iconic role.

In August, Wendt reunited with his “Cheers” co-stars Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson for their podcast, SiriusXM’s “Where Everybody Knows Your Name.” During their conversation, he looked back on how he nearly missed out on the role that would define his career, all because of a scheduling conflict.

GEORGE WENDT, ‘CHEERS’ STAR, DEAD AT 76

“My agent called and said, ‘You know, honey, they want you to do this “Cheers.” Now you’re not available,’ because I had this other show [‘Making the Grade’] at Paramount for CBS,” Wendt remembered at the time.

“Then they go, ‘But they want you to come in anyway, and it’s really small, though.’ I go, ‘Oh, OK.’”

The “really small” role was originally just one line in the pilot episode of “Cheers.”

Wendt recalled asking his agent, “How small?” to which she replied, “Well, it’s really just one line… actually… it’s just one word… come to think of it, it’s one syllable.”

Wendt was asked to walk into the bar and say “beer” to Shelley Long’s character, Diane Chambers.

Although the audition was just one syllable, it would eventually echo through sitcom history.

After the initial reading, the team behind “Cheers” realized Wendt had something more to offer. They expanded the role and gave him a second shot, as he auditioned for another character altogether.

‘CHEERS’ STARS TED DANSON, WOODY HARRELSON ONCE DITCHED WORK TO DO ‘AN EXTRAORDINARY AMOUNT OF MUSHROOMS’

“I read it,” Wendt said. “And then they decided they were going to try to make it work out where I could do both shows, and then the other show got canceled.”

Wendt’s beloved “Cheers” character, Norm Peterson, became a fan favorite, as the frequent customer had a punchline for every pint.

Wendt died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday morning, according to a statement from a family representative shared with Fox News Digital.

“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him,” the statement read.

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“He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.”

His “Cheers” co-stars honored Wendt in heartfelt tributes after his death. 

“I am devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us. I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children,” Danson wrote in a statement given to The Hollywood Reporter. “It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie.”

Kelsey Grammer, who portrayed Frasier Crane on “Cheers” before he starred in his own spin-off, said, “I believe mourning is a private matter. But I liked George a lot. He was beloved by millions.”

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“I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend George Wendt,” said co-star John Ratzenberger in a statement of his own. “He was a true craftsman — humble, hilarious and full of heart. What you saw on screen was exactly who he was off screen with impeccable comedic timing and a deep loyalty to those he loved. I’ll miss our conversations and the quiet moments of friendship that meant the most. My thoughts are with his wife Bernadette, their children, and everyone who loved him.”

“Cheers” co-star Rhea Perlman echoed a similar sentiment, saying, “George Wendt was the sweetest, kindest man I ever met.” 

Perlman, who portrayed waitress Carla Tortelli in the series, continued, “It was impossible not to like him. As Carla, I was often standing next to him, as Norm always took the same seat at the end of the bar, which made it easy to grab him and beat the crap out of him at least once a week. I loved doing it and he loved pretending it didn’t hurt. What a guy! I’ll miss him more than words can say.”

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“Cheers” aired 275 episodes over its 11-season run on NBC from 1982 to 1993. The beloved show took home 28 Emmy Awards with a total of 179 nominations.

Qatari jet to be accepted by US, used as new Air Force One presidential plane

President Donald Trump has officially accepted Qatar’s Boeing 747 jet gift to be refitted as Air Force One, the Pentagon revealed. 

“The Secretary of Defense has accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar in accordance with all federal rules and regulations,” chief spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed to Fox News. “The Department of Defense will work to ensure proper security measures and functional-mission requirements are considered for an aircraft used to transport the President of the United States. For additional information, we refer you to the United States Air Force.”

News of the deal prompted concerns from lawmakers, both over how to retrofit a foreign nation’s plane to serve as a mobile Oval Office with the highest levels of security and over what Qatar might want from Trump in return for the gift. 

TRUMP CLARIFIES OWNERSHIP OF AIRCRAFT IN DEFENSE OF QATAR’S GIFT

Trump ally Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has said the plane poses “significant espionage and surveillance problems,” while liberal Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., declared, “Trump cannot accept a $400 million flying palace from the royal family of Qatar. Not only is this farcically corrupt, it is blatantly unconstitutional.”

“Qatar is not, in my opinion, a great ally. I mean, they support Hamas. So what I’m worried about is the safety of the president,” Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., told reporters last week. 

When asked about the latest news, Trump told a reporter at the White House, “They’re giving the United States Air Force a jet, okay, and it’s a great thing.” 

“You’re a terrible reporter. You don’t have what it takes to be a reporter,” he said.  

TRUMP VISITS QATAR AS COUNTRY’S JET OFFER PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON NATION’S GROWING INFLUENCE IN WASHINGTON

He boasted that he secured $5.1 trillion in investments during his trip to the Middle East last week. 

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Earlier, Trump had said of the criticisms in a Truth Social post, “So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40 year old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction, so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane. Anybody can do that! The Dems are World Class Losers!!! MAGA.”

Trump in 2018 awarded Boeing a $3.9 billion fixed-price agreement to manufacture two new jets, after months of haggling over the price. The jets were supposed to be delivered in 2024, but the project is around five years behind schedule and already $2.5 billion over budget.