United Cajun Navy vet describes harrowing flood rescues: ‘Something that you never get over’
United Cajun Navy Vice President Brian Trascher told “Fox & Friends” on Tuesday that a specialized team of mainly combat veterans is helping search for victims of the central Texas flooding.
“It’s something that you never get over,” Trascher said in reference to finding young victims.
“Normally in these kind of missions we will put out like a wide call for volunteers… but we stuck to what we call special ops volunteers who are pretty much all combat veterans – very mentally tough, very able to handle anything emotionally,” he said. “They do come across some things that are really hard to see.”
Trascher also said the devastation in central Texas is similar to what his organization saw following Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.
“The biggest contrast is the response is completely different. The coordination between the state of Texas and the federal government was from day one and it has been highly professional and highly effective in our opinion. It makes our job as easier as volunteers,” he said.
The United Cajun Navy describes itself as a “grassroots nonprofit organization” based in Louisiana.
“Armed with boats, trucks, and an unyielding sense of community, the United Cajun Navy specializes in delivering life-saving rescue efforts, humanitarian aid, and logistical support in areas severely affected by floods, hurricanes, and other catastrophic events,” it said on its website.
The head of a nonprofit assisting in the search for survivors
of the central Texas flooding told “Fox & Friends First” on Tuesday that no rock is being left unturned.
“At the end, it’s all about hope. That is the last thing we lose and that is why we are here,” Project Dynamo President and CEO Mario Duarte said. “Here we are still hoping for miracles, but we also understand that we are getting close to that phase that is going to be probably the hardest, which is recovery and also accepting what we have lost, the people we have lost and the mourning. But in the end in comes with faith also that we will have to rebuild and we will rebuild stronger.”
Project Dynamo describes itself as a nonprofit “dedicated to rescue, aid, and assistance in crisis zones around the world.
Duarte said its members are checking debris along the banks of the Guadalupe River from Center Point to Kerrville.
“We found this little doll, rag doll completely destroyed close to where we found some of the bodies,” Duarte said.
“Our military veterans with Project Dynamo, we are all infantryman, former special forces, former rangers, we are bringing military precision to humanitarian assistance. It doesn’t matter how difficult it is, we are just going along and making sure that we don’t leave a rock unturned. If there is anyone alive, we are still trying to find them,” he added.
Officials in Kerr County, Texas said a “drone operating in restricted airspace collided with a helicopter involved in emergency operations in Kerr County.
“The helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing, and a critical piece of response equipment is now out of service until further notice,” the county said in a Facebook post on Monday night.
“This was entirely preventable. Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are not suggestions. They are federal airspace rules designed to protect lives during emergency situations,” the county also said. “When you fly a drone in restricted areas, you’re not just breaking the law — you’re putting first responders, emergency crews, and the public at serious risk.”
The Kerrville Police Department warned the public Monday against traveling to central Texas to look at flood damage, saying that “sightseers” are getting in the way of first responders.
“Our first responders were hampered by heavy traffic yesterday, mostly sightseers who are making things worse. If you’re not from here, don’t come here to see flood damage. If you live here, avoid the river corridor so our first responders can do their jobs,” it said in a post on Facebook.
As countless children flock to summer camps around the country to enjoy the outdoors while school is out, the wholly American tradition has not existed without a history of tragic horror stories leaving families grieving the unimaginable.
Over the Fourth of July weekend, 27 children and counselors were killed after a flash flood swept through Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, the all-girls Christian camp said Monday morning. Ten campers and one counselor remain unaccounted for as authorities race to search the receding floodwaters of the Guadalupe River.
The devastating events unfolding at Camp Mystic are the most recent in a long line of tragedies striking summer camps throughout the country, with parents sending their children off with the expectation that the only phone call home will be due to homesickness.
“This tragic event ranks among the most severe flooding disasters in recent camp history, and its scale has deeply shaken the camp community,” American Camp Association CEO Henry DeHart said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “Camps across the country work tirelessly to provide safe, enriching experiences, and our focus remains on supporting those affected during this incredibly difficult time.”
The scene
at Camp Mystic is eerily reminiscent of a 1987 tragedy that stemmed from the same river that continues to claim the lives of campgoers after this weekend’s floods.
Nearly four decades ago, over 300 children were attending summer camp at the Pot O’ Gold Ranch, located approximately two miles southwest of Comfort, Texas, when severe thunderstorms moved into the area, according to the National Weather Service.
A total of 39 teenagers and four adults were carried away by floodwaters, with 10 of the teens drowning, according to NWS. The remaining survivors were subsequently rescued — some by helicopter — and taken to safety.
In June 2015, a 13-year-old camper died after floodwaters ravaged a Boy Scout troop’s New Mexico campsite as the children slept, according to the Associated Press.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said Monday that his state sent a team to Texas to support search efforts amid the devastating flooding in the Lone Star State.
“This Louisiana crew is off to Texas to assist with search efforts after the tragic flood,” Landry wrote on X, accompanied by a picture of the team sent to Texas.
“There are 14 Louisiana Swift Water Rescue personnel total with equipment. GOHSEP remains in contact with Texas to see how else Louisiana can support,” he continued, referring to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
The governor added: “Please continue to pray for all those affected and our great neighbors in Texas.”
The Houston Astros organization pledged $1 million to aid with relief efforts.
“The Houston Astros organization announces they are committing $1 million to support relief efforts for those impacted by the devastating flooding in Central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend,” the announcement noted.
“The Astros will support immediate relief efforts and needs of our neighbors in Central Texas in the short term, along with supporting long-term efforts around one of the core pillars of the Astros Foundation – youth initiatives. Beyond the initial investment, the Astros Foundation will launch a fan-based initiative to mobilize our passionate fan base. Together, we will provide resources to ensure our Central Texas neighbors have the sustained support they need to rebuild and recover.”
GOP Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, posted three heart emojis when he shared a post about the announcement.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday that additional state emergency response resources have been activated, as he vowed that “Texas will remain engaged until every missing person is found and every Texan recovers from this disaster.”
“The State of Texas is working around the clock to support emergency management personnel and local officials as they continue recovery and rescue operations across the state,” Abbott said in an update.
“There is still a threat of heavy rain with the potential to cause flooding in the Central Texas, Hill Country, Big Country, and Concho Valley regions,” he continued. “Texans are urged to remain weather aware, heed the guidance of local officials, and regularly monitor weather forecasts. Texas will remain engaged until every missing person is found and every Texan recovers from this disaster.”
Under the governor’s direction, the Texas State Operations Center remains at a Level II (Escalated Response) to support requests for assistance from local officials as they continue to respond to the rainfall and flooding that is still impacting the state.
The state has deployed more than 1,750 personnel and more than 975 vehicles and equipment assets to respond to the flooding, the governor’s office said. More than 20 state agencies are responding to flooding threats across the state.
State emergency response resources that remain available to support local emergency response efforts include the Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas National Guard, as well as at least 15 others.
OJ Simpson lawyer delivers grim forecast for Diddy’s fate behind bars
Despite his partial acquittal on federal charges, Sean “Diddy” Combs remained behind bars as he awaits a decision on the judge’s sentencing.
Speculation as to how much time the rapper would spend in the slammer circulated after Diddy beat the RICO charge that would have landed him in prison for life.
Robert Shapiro, the first member and initial chair of OJ Simpson’s defense team, gave a grim prediction regarding Diddy’s potential sentence. After being found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, Diddy’s judge proposed his sentencing hearing take place on Oct. 3.
“I have to look into a crystal ball. And this is going to be a call that only one person is going to make,” Shapiro told Fox News Digital. “Many times we will rely on a probation report or a pre-sentence report where they calculate the guidelines.”
DIDDY JUDGE RULES RAPPER MUST REMAIN BEHIND BARS AS HE AWAITS SENTENCING
According to Shapiro, judges will typically follow these guidelines, and the former defense attorney estimated the range in Diddy’s case would likely come out to be in the 2.5-3.5-year range.
“Whether or not he had a criminal history, I don’t know. That could raise it,” he explained. “But, having said that and having seen that this judge did not release him on bail, I think a message may be coming that you’re going to be spending a lot more time, so no reason to let you come out and come back in.”
DIDDY BEATS RICO, FOUND NOT GUILTY OF RACKETEERING CONSPIRACY AND SEX TRAFFICKING
WATCH: DIDDY ASSAULTS EX-GIRLFRIEND CASSIE VENTURA IN HOTEL VIDEO
Shapiro pointed out that Judge Arun Subramanian brought up the 2016 surveillance video showing Diddy attacking his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura when denying the rapper’s bail application.
“If the judge looks at that tape in his mind and is reminded about it again… I think there is a real chance that a substantial sentence will be forthcoming.”
Diddy could spend a maximum of 20 years behind bars, 10 years for each count he was convicted of. However, the prosecution suggested the rapper be kept behind bars somewhere between four and five years.
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Celebrity lawyer David Chesnoff noted that while the circumstances of Diddy’s case would generally lead to a low sentence, Judge Subramanian can actually do a “variance.” The criminal defense attorney explained the sentencing guidelines don’t take into account other factors the judge is allowed to consider.
“The guidelines in this case, based on what he got convicted of and the lack of criminal history, would lead you to think that it could be a rather low sentence,” Chesnoff, who has defended Paris Hilton, Buno Mars and more, told Fox News Digital. “And considering the amount of time he’s been in, he’d be out quickly, but on the other hand, the judge is allowed to do what’s called a variance — when the guidelines don’t take into account factors that the judge is allowed to consider.”
“I got the sense from this judge that he feels that [Diddy is] deserving of punishment, otherwise he wouldn’t have kept him in,” he added. “So it’s hard to speculate. The maximum sentence is 10 and 10. That’s very unlikely. But do I think that he’ll get somewhere above what the defense wants and lower than what the government wants? I think he’ll split the baby.”
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During a press conference following the verdict, his lead counsel, Marc Agnifilo, boasted that the team wasn’t going to stop until Diddy walks out a free man to his family.
WATCH: DIDDY’S LEGAL TEAM WON’T STOP UNTIL HE WALKS A ‘FREE MAN,’ RAPPER’S ATTORNEY SAYS
“We are not nearly done fighting. We are just getting started,” Agnifilo said outside the courthouse Wednesday. “To win this and to defeat the prosecutors from the Southern District of New York takes effort from beginning to end. Today was a major, major step in the right direction. But we fight on and we’re going to win, and we’re not going to stop until he walks out of prison a free man to his family.”
Diddy’s judge denied the rapper’s bail package following his partial acquittal. Judge Subramanian claimed Diddy’s violence within his personal relationships, that Combs owned up to, was a contributing factor to his reasoning for keeping the rapper behind bars.
According to the federal judge, there would be no way to guarantee the safety of others should the musician be released.
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NYC mayoral candidate’s threat to arrest Netanyahu gets brutal Trump response
After Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s leading mayoral candidate, pledged to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the city, Netanyahu responded to questions about whether he’s worried.
In December, Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist and is the Democratic Party’s nominee for New York City mayor, said, “as mayor, New York City would arrest Benjamin Netanyahu.”
“This is a city that our values are in line with international law. It’s time that our actions are also,” Mamdani said, referring to the International Criminal Court issuing an arrest warrant against Netanyahu as well as Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Netanyahu met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday evening to discuss a range of topics, including Iran and Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas.
NETANYAHU SURPRISES TRUMP WITH FORMAL NOBEL PEACE PRIZE NOMINATION DURING HISTORIC WHITE HOUSE MEETING
When asked whether he was worried about the possibility of facing arrest in America’s largest city, Netanyahu said, “I’m not concerned about that.”
The prime minister added, “I’m going to come there with the President Trump and we’ll see.”
He went on to say that Mamdani’s threat is “silly in many ways, because it’s just not serious.”
Trump also chimed in, saying, “We don’t know who the mayor is going to be yet, but this is a communist. He’s not a socialist. He’s a communist, and he’s said some really bad things about Jewish people.”
TOP IRANIAN CLERIC CALLS FOR TRUMP’S EXECUTION
“He might make it,” Trump said. “But, you know, it all comes through the White House. He needs the money through the White House. He needs a lot.
“He’s going to behave. He’ll behave. He better behave. Otherwise, he’s going to have big problems.”
Hearkening back to an earlier question asked by reporters, Netanyahu said, “what is serious” is whether there can be a two-state solution in Gaza that does not pose an existential threat to the Israeli people.
“Look, there’s enough craziness in the world, but I guess it never ends,” he said. “After October 7th, people said the Palestinians had a state, Hamas state in Gaza, and look what they did with it. They didn’t build it up. They built down two bunkers into terror tunnels, after which they massacred our people, raped our women, beheaded our men, invaded our cities and our towns and our kibbutzim and did horrendous, horrendous massacres, the kind of which we didn’t see since World War two and the Nazis, the Holocaust.”
ISRAEL HAMMERS HOUTHIS WITH AIRSTRIKES, REBELS RESPOND AMID RED SEA FLARE-UP
“So people aren’t likely to say, let’s just give them another state. It’ll be a platform to destroy Israel,” he added. “We’ll work up a peace with our Palestinian neighbors, those who don’t want to destroy us, and we’ll work out a peace in which our security, the sovereign power of security, always remains in our hands.”
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“Now, people will say it’s not a complete state. It’s not a state, it’s not that, we don’t care,” he said. “You know, we vowed, ‘never again.’ Never again is now, it’s not going to happen again.”
Reporter makes stunning admission while reflecting on Trump’s Butler rally in new book
Salena Zito, a veteran political reporter with more than 20 years of storytelling experience, is telling her own story in her book, “Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump and the Fight for America’s Heartland.”
Zito’s novel, released Tuesday, takes readers back to July 13, 2024, when a young shooter unleashed gunfire into the crowd at President Donald Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
I didn’t get down,” Zito told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview ahead of the release. “There was this inner voice that told me, ‘You have a job to do, continue doing it.’”
When 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks began firing toward Trump, Zito found herself in the Secret Service’s secure perimeter, right by the stage where Trump was delivering his remarks.
FOX NATION REVEALS NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN FOOTAGE FROM TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT IN BUTLER
“Time has these layers that happen,” Zito said. “It’s not remembering them. It’s experiencing them. It’s this interesting thing that happens. I see a sea of navy blue suits immediately surround him. Then, I hear the second four shots. I still didn’t get down.”
PHOTOGRAPHER WINS PULITZER FOR ICONIC PHOTO OF BULLET SPEEDING BY TRUMP’S HEAD DURING ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
As a gun owner, Zito recognized the sound of the gunshots right away. But as a journalist, she quickly began to commit the historic moment to memory as it was unfolding.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Zito described the scene she saw first-hand, that was caught on video by the network pool camera and watched across the world.
Just over eight minutes into Trump’s speech, Zito was standing in the “buffer” with her daughter, her son-in-law and a Trump campaign aide, Michel Picard. It was Picard who finally brought Zito to the ground.
“Michel Picard takes me down and lies on top of me and covers me,” Zito explained. “This young man didn’t have to do this. He will always be a hero in my heart. He lies on the top of my daughter. My son-in-law has already taken my daughter down.”
Zito said, even from that vantage point, she could still see and hear the situation unfolding as Trump shouted out for his shoes, someone called out for a medic and a woman screamed.
“I had my recorder on my phone because I thought I was going to be recording the rally, his speech. I wanted to make sure I got the nuance. I always do that. I could see, and I could hear everything that was happening.”
She said Trump was saying, “USA,” from the ground as the crowd began to chant. When the Secret Service helped Trump onto his feet, he shouted, “Fight! Fight! Fight,” Zito said she saw a different side of Trump, which is revealed in her book.
The journalist, who is a political reporter for the Washington Examiner, is a special contributor for the Washington Post and has been a columnist for the New York Post, said Trump must have called her seven times in the 24 hours after the shooting.
Zito was slated to interview Trump ahead of his rally in Butler, but such is the case with presidential campaign schedules, the interview time kept slipping. Zito was planning to fly with Trump to Bedminster, N.J., to interview him after the rally.
Trump recovered from his near assassination with little more than a bullet graze to the ear, thanks to the immigration chart he was turning his head to face. One rally attendee, firefighter Corey Comperatore, was killed, and two others were critically injured by Crooks’ gunshots.
Comperatore shielded his wife and daughters from the shots, saving his family. Trump honored their family when he returned to Butler to finish the rally later that year.
“This book is for everyone,” Zito told Fox News Digital. “First of all, it was a witness to history. And it’s told in a way that is very conversational and told in way that’s very real and authentic. I tell the story exactly the way that it happened.”
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“But it’s also a book about understanding why place and rootedness [are] so important in American politics. There have been very few Republicans or Democrats that have understood that. It is part of America’s experience, no matter what happens next, that there’s a light shining on it, so that you understand people better.”
Socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s SAT score revealed: report
After it was reported that democratic socialist New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani identified as “Asian” and “Black/African American” in his application to Columbia University, his SAT scores were revealed to be below the median score for students admitted into the school, according to a new report.
Independent journalist Christopher Rufo reported on Monday that, according to Mamdani’s full Columbia application, he scored 2140 out of 2400 on the SAT, which is below the median score of students admitted to the university in 2009.
A 2009 statement by the university said that students admitted into the Class of 2013 scored between 2110 and 2300 on the SAT, which would have placed Mamdani within the range but below the median.
Mamdani has said he identifies as “an American who was born in Africa,” and stated that checking multiple boxes was an effort to reflect his “complex background,” not to gain an advantage in the competitive admissions process.
DEM SOCIALIST’S NYC PRIMARY UPSET SIGNALS ‘GENERATIONAL’ SHIFT IN DEMOCRATIC PARTY, STRATEGISTS SAY
But at the time, Columbia, like many elite universities, used race-conscious admissions, a system the Supreme Court struck down in 2023.
Mamdani, who is the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, identified as “Black or African American” on his 2009 Columbia University application even though he now says he does not consider himself Black, The New York Times reported Thursday.
According to The Times, the internal data came from a leaked database of past Columbia applications which was part of a recent hack targeting the Ivy League school.
Mamdani, then a high school senior, also checked “Asian” and reportedly wrote in “Ugandan” in the space for additional background. He was ultimately not accepted to Columbia even though his father is a professor at the elite school.
NYC MAYORAL FRONTRUNNER ZOHRAN MAMDANI’S PROFESSOR FATHER CLAIMED HITLER INSPIRED BY ABRAHAM LINCOLN
“Even though these boxes are constraining,” Mamdani said, “I wanted my college application to reflect who I was.”
Mamdani told The Times that aside from those college forms, he doesn’t recall ever identifying as Black or African American.
RESURFACED VIDEO SHOWS NYC MAYORAL HOPEFUL SAYING HE WANTS TO REPLACE PRIVATE HOMES WITH COMMUNAL LIVING
His parents are both of Indian descent. His father, Columbia professor Mahmood Mamdani, has lived in East Africa for generations, but Mamdani said there had been no intermarriage in the family with native African groups.
Mamdani has leaned into his South Asian and Muslim identity on the campaign trail. During a June speech at Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, he also stressed his African roots: “I was born in Kampala, Uganda… I was given my middle name, Kwame, by my father, who named me after the first Prime Minister of Ghana.”
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Mamdani has proposed a list of policy changes to radically alter New York City more in line with his democratic socialist vision. He is running to unseat incumbent New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who was elected as a Democrat but is now running for re-election as an independent.
Former New York Democratic Mayor Andrew Cuomo is also running for mayor as an independent.
Fox News Digital reached out to Mamdani and Columbia University for comment but did not receive a response prior to publication.
How does Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ benefit middle-class taxpayers?
Republican lawmakers last week managed to overcome narrow majorities in the House and Senate to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — a package of tax and spending reforms the Trump administration made a priority upon the start of the president’s second term.
The bill addressed a wide range of tax and spending policies, though its main focus was on the extension of provisions within the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that were set to expire at the end of this year, which would have left many taxpayers facing an automatic tax hike.
Among those are several provisions that will have a significant impact on middle-class taxpayers.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) makes the lower tax brackets with revised income thresholds that were established by the TCJA permanent, as they were set to expire at the end of this year and revert to the old, higher rates and thresholds.
WHAT’S IN THE ‘BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL’ FOR AMERICAN WORKERS
While the lowest bracket will retain a 10% tax rate, the second bracket will be 12% instead of rising to 15%, the third bracket $22% rather than 25%, the fourth 24% instead of 28% and the fifth bracket 32% instead of 35% had the TCJA expired.
OBBBA makes the standard deduction, which approximately doubled under the TCJA, permanent ahead of its scheduled expiration this year. The bill also increases the deduction by $750 for individuals, $1,500 for married couples, and $1,125 for a head of household, effective in the 2025 tax year. About 90% of federal taxpayers utilize the standard deduction rather than itemizing their deductions.
During last year’s presidential campaign, Trump pledged to eliminate taxes on tipped income and overtime as a means of providing additional relief to working-class Americans.
While the bill stops short of fully eliminating federal income taxes on tipped income and overtime, it does create new deductions that will provide relief to such workers through 2028, when they’re set to expire. Tipped workers such as restaurant servers, barbers and drivers would be able to deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tips, based on standards established by the Treasury Department.
REPUBLICANS DEFY FISCAL CRITICS TO PUSH THROUGH TRUMP’S SIGNATURE ‘BEAUTIFUL’ TAX CUTS
The bill also creates an above-the-line income deduction for overtime premium payments of up to $12,500 for hourly workers who work overtime.
Another policy that can trace its origins to Trump’s 2024 campaign pledges is the deduction for interest on auto loans.
OBBBA created a deduction of up to $10,000 for a qualified passenger vehicle loan in a taxable year, though the deduction phases out for taxpayers earning over $100,000 (the threshold is $200,000 for joint filers).
Eligible vehicles would include cars, minivans, SUVs, pickup trucks and motorcycles that are regulated under the Clean Air Act as motor vehicles and undergo final assembly in the U.S. The deduction would be available in tax years 2025 through 2028, at which point the deduction phases out.
EXPERTS WARN SENATE TAX BILL ACCELERATES MEDICARE AND SOCIAL SECURITY INSOLVENCY DATES
Retired workers will also benefit from tax relief, though the bill doesn’t completely fulfill Trump’s call for “no tax on Social Security.”
OBBBA provides a $6,000 bonus deduction for taxpayers age 65 and older on top of the standard deduction available to all taxpayers. That’s in addition to the existing extra standard deduction of $2,000 for single filers and $1,600 per qualifying spouse for joint filers aged 65 and up.
The $6,000 bonus deduction is temporary and will be in effect through 2028. It phases out for higher-income retirees, with the full deduction available to individuals with incomes up to $75,000 or $150,000 for joint filers. It phases out entirely for individuals earning over $175,000 and couples earning $250,000.
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The provision was devised as an alternative to the proposal to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits outright, instead offsetting some of what they owe based on their income levels.
Biden’s ex-physician claims ‘ethical obligations’ in fight with House panel
Former White House physician Kevin O’Connor, who served as doctor to former President Joe Biden, requested a delay to his upcoming testimony before the House Oversight Committee this week.
O’Connor was scheduled to testify on Wednesday, but is now in a disagreement with the committee over the scope of the questions he will be expected to answer during his testimony. The committee, led by Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., is interviewing the doctor as part of its investigation into Biden’s mental fitness and his administration’s use of an autopen.
A lawyer for O’Connor requested the testimony be delayed to July 28 or August 4 in a letter to Comer.
“Dr. O’Connor has legal and ethical obligations that he must satisfy and for which violations carry serious consequences to him professionally and personally,” the letter says.
BIDEN INSISTS ‘I MADE THE DECISIONS’ AS REPUBLICANS INVESTIGATE WHITE HOUSE AUTOPEN USE
“We are unaware of any prior occasion on which a Congressional Committee has subpoenaed a physician to testify about the treatment of an individual patient. And the notion that a Congressional Committee would do so without any regard whatsoever for the confidentiality of the physician-patient relationship is alarming.”
A spokesman for the Oversight Committee replied in a statement to NBC News that O’Connor and his legal team were merely trying to “stonewall” the process.
The committee said O’Connor is welcome to object to individual questions during his testimony. But O’Connor is not allowed, in the committee’s view, to delay or decline a congressional subpoena due to concerns over questions about potentially privileged information.
WHO IS NEERA TANDEN? THE CONTROVERSIAL DEM OPERATIVE WHO TESTIFIED ON BIDEN’S MENTAL ACUITY
The debate over O’Connor’s testimony comes weeks after a former top aide to Biden, Neera Tanden, told the Oversight Committee that she was authorized to direct autopen signatures but was unaware of who in the president’s inner circle was giving her final clearance.
During Tanden’s interview before Congress last month, which lasted more than five hours, she told lawmakers that, in her role as staff secretary and senior advisor to the former president between 2021 and 2023, she was authorized to direct autopen signatures on behalf of Biden, an Oversight Committee official told Fox News.
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“Ms. Tanden testified that she had minimal interaction with President Biden, despite wielding tremendous authority,” Comer said at the time. “She explained that to obtain approval for autopen signatures, she would send decision memos to members of the President’s inner circle and had no visibility of what occurred between sending the memo and receiving it back with approval. Her testimony raises serious questions about who was really calling the shots in the Biden White House amid the President’s obvious decline. We will continue to pursue the truth for the American people.”
Former State Department officials reportedly organizing resistance against Trump agenda
Current and former USAID and State Department officials are using their expertise in undermining authoritarian regimes abroad against President Donald Trump and his agenda at home, according to a new report Monday.
The Trump administration is still in the process of terminating thousands of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) workers by September as the agency restructures to fall in line with the president’s “America First” policy.
NOTUS reporter Jose Pagliery reported, however, that “Some of the democracy-building experts President Donald Trump fired this year from the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department are now reapplying the skills and knowledge they built up over decades to undermine Trump’s power.”
One anonymous current federal official warned to NOTUS, “Take it from those of us who worked in authoritarian countries: We’ve become one.” He added, “They were so quick to disband AID, the group that supposedly instigates color revolutions. But they’ve done a very foolish thing. You just released a bunch of well-trained individuals into your population. If you kept our offices going and had us play solitaire in the office, it might have been safer to keep your regime.”
RUBIO OFFICIALLY KILLS USAID, REVEALS FUTURE HOME FOR FOREIGN ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
“Former officials” reportedly told the news outlet that they are “holding workshops on a tactic called ‘noncooperation.’ They’re building a network of government workers willing to engage in even minor acts of rebellion in the office. And they’re planting the seeds of what they hope could become a nationwide general strike.“
“Some in the informal network of Trump opponents are sharing an old CIA pamphlet with allies who still work in the government: It’s called ‘Simple Sabotage,’” the reporter added.
This community, NOTUS reported, “is composed of diplomats and human rights activists who were once on the U.S. government payroll encouraging Latin American dissidents to fight dictators and supporting African independence movements. They were involved to varying degrees with an ultimately successful uprising in the Middle East.”
One group that NOTUS cited was “DemocracyAID,” which has no formal website or legal entity so far, but is “already hosting invite-only workshops with federal employees who hear about them from friends, vetting each person before they’re allowed into a trusted circle and teaching them case studies, like the Danish underground insurgency against Nazi occupation.”
Ro Tucci, the former director of the USAID Center for Democracy, Human Rights and Governance who co-leads DemocracyAID, teaches workshops on what she calls “Authoritarianism 101” and the ways to resist it, starting with small community organization and ideally ending in a massive strike.
BUSH TEAMS UP WITH NOTORIOUS TRUMP FOES TO TRASH ‘COLOSSAL MISTAKE’ SHUTTERING USAID
Deputy White House press secretary Anna Kelly condemned such efforts in a statement to NOTUS, saying, “It is inherently undemocratic for unelected bureaucrats to undermine the duly elected President of the United States and the agenda he was given a mandate to implement.”
While supporters within the administration are resolute they will accomplish their agenda despite internal resistance, NOTUS claims that “several” rebellious insiders are making Star Wars references about their attempts to disrupt Trump’s agenda.
“Fascism is not creative,” a former government expert in conflict told the outlet. “There’s only so many ways to do it. That’s why it’s almost cliché to the point where we ask, ‘What are we, Darth Vader? The Empire? The Nazis?’ The comparisons draw ridicule because people who don’t know enough about it don’t realize there aren’t too many ways to do it. So, the tactics to counter them will still work, and there’s way more ways to be creative.”
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A senior State Department official told Fox News Digital, “The State Department is not aware of these reports but always takes our national security seriously. We will continue to take every precaution to protect the State Department from internal and external threats.”
Fox News Digital also attempted to reach out to Tucci.
Top Amazon Prime Day deals you won’t want to miss
One of the largest online shopping events is here! Amazon Prime Day runs from July 8 through July 11, and features deals on pretty much anything you can think of. You can find some of the best Prime Day deals below, including tools, solar generators, high-tech headphones and more.
Tech enthusiasts can keep scrolling for the latest and greatest Apple products and TVs that are discounted from their original prices. Or, scroll down to find some luxury beauty products you can add to your daily routine.
DIYers who need to upgrade their toolbox can find a handful of power tools in our list below that are significantly discounted. And, if you’re looking to get a better night of sleep, scroll to find Amazon’s best sleep deals. Outdoor enthusiasts looking to upgrade their gear or redecorate their patios can also find some of the best outdoor deals down below.
Best overall Prime Day deals
Philips Sonicare rechargeable electric toothbrush: on sale for $69.95 (36% off), originally $109.96
Greenworks 21-inch cordless lawn mower: on sale for $337.49 (33% off), originally $499.99
DeWalt cordless drill and impact driver: on sale for $129 (50% off), originally $259
Jackery solar generator with solar panel: on sale for $664 (49% off), originally $1,299
Breville Barista Express espresso machine: on sale for $549.95 (27% off), originally $749.95
Google Nest Smart thermostat: on sale for $97.99 (25% off), originally $129.99
Apple iPad: on sale for $279 (20% off)
Original price: $349
$349
$299
The iPad, which is the latest model available, is the ultimate affordable tablet, complete with an A16 chip, delivering an incredibly fast user experience. The retina 11-inch display rivals the competition thanks to its True Tone adjustments that automatically adjust the screen depending on where you are and the conditions to give you the best picture. There’s an impressive 128 GB of storage, all the way up to 512 GB.
An artist’s dream, the iPad has a compatible Apple Pencil that makes drawing ultra-realistic. Note that the iPad doesn’t support the newest Apple Pencil Pro. The magic keyboard folio turns your iPad into a fully functioning laptop and detaches and attaches with a simple click.
To protect your iPad, a hard cover iPad case (that comes in nearly any color) and a screen protector are a must. They’ll prevent cracks and scratches from everyday wear and tear.
Shark pet cordless vacuum cleaner: on sale for $149 (50% off)
Original price: $299.99
$299.99
$149
Shark’s cordless pet vacuum cleaner has a 40-minute runtime, so you can tackle every room in your house on a single charge. The vacuum transitions seamlessly from carpet to hardwood, sucking up dust, pet hair and other messes. The low-profile design makes the vacuum lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Best Prime Day tech deals
Amazon Fire TV Stick: on sale for $24.99 (50% off), originally $49.99
55-inch Amazon Fire TV: on sale for $339.99 (26% off), originally $459.99
Samsung Odyssey G3 27-inch gaming monitor: on sale for $129.99 (43% off), originally $229.99
Amazon Echo Show 8: on sale for $109.99 (27% off), originally $149.99
Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet: on sale for $79.99 (56% off), originally $179.99
Amazon Kindle Scribe: on sale for $309.99 (31% off), originally $449.99
Apple Watch Series 10: on sale for $279.99 (30% off)
Original price: $399
$429
$329
The Apple Series 10 watch features a water temperature sensor that shares information about your swim workouts and a depth sensor. You can also get notifications if you have a high or low heart rate or if the watch detects an irregular heart rhythm.
The watch also has many of the same features as your iPhone. You can send a text, take a call, listen to music and podcasts, use Siri and get notifications from your calendar and other apps.
Apple AirPods 4: on sale for $89 (31% off)
Original price: $129
$129
$99
Redesigned with comfort in mind, the Apple AirPods 4 have a better fit so they won’t fall out of your ears as often. The sound quality has also improved from previous AirPod generations. Now you get a theater-like sound quality no matter what you’re listening to. AirPods are also sweat-, dust- and water-resistant, making them a more durable earbud option.
Best Prime Day beauty deals
Andalou Naturals 1,000 Roses CC color with SPF 30: $17.23 (14% off), originally: $19.99
Briogeo Scalp Revival rosemary pre-wash oil: $22.40 (30% off), originally: $32
Pro Ceramic Ionic hair straightener brush: on sale for $21.73 (27% off), originally $29.86
24k gold under eye patches: on sale for $21.24 (39% off), originally $34.99
Gillette Venus ComfortGlide white tea women’s razor: on sale for $13.69 (19% off), originally $16.99
Professional teeth whitening kit: on sale for $18.99 (37% off), originally $29.99
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean electric toothbrush: on sale for $149.96 (46% off)
Original price: $279.96
$279.96
$149.96
For an advanced clean, the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean toothbrush achieves up to 20 times more plaque removal and helps you get healthier gums. It can also help remove stains much more effectively than a manual toothbrush.
You can choose from five different brushing modes and three intensity levels. Plus, the brush will alert you if you’re using too much pressure, which can also help your gums stay healthy.
Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex ionic hair dryer system: on sale for $199 (20% off)
Original price: $249.99
$249.99
$199
Dry your hair the professional way with a Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex. The dryer provides ultra-fast drying with no heat damage. In seconds, airflow reaches up to 100 mph, and you can adjust the temperature level to keep your scalp comfortable. Featuring a 360-degree rotating nozzle, you can adjust the dryer to any angle to get the perfect style. When you’re done, the handle folds up, making this the perfect travel hair dryer.
Best Prime Day tools deals
Greenworks cordless drill and impact driver set: on sale for $89.99 (31% off), originally $129.99
DeWalt oscilating tool: on sale for $179 (10% off), originally $199
276-piece tool kit with drill: on sale for $99.99 (21% off), originally $125.99
DeWalt circular saw: on sale for $299 (14% off), originally $349
Craftsman 4-piece power tool combo kit: on sale for $149 (25% off), originally $199
Bosch 5-tool combo kit: on sale for $499 (17% off)
Original price: $599
$599
$499
Bosch’s five-tool combo kit includes an impact driver, hammer drill, reciprocating saw, circular saw, a work light and two batteries. The impact driver works as both an impact wrench and a driver. The lightweight reciprocating saw is just over six pounds, so it’s ideal for easy DIY projects.
DeWalt jig saw: on sale for $99 (52% off)
Original price: $205
$205
$99
DeWalt’s jig saw has an anti-slip comfort grip that makes controlling the saw easier. The all-metal blade is easy and quick to change, while the adjustable dust blower keeps your line of sight clear while you’re cutting. The saw is battery-powered, making quick work of all your DIY projects.
Best Prime Day sleep deals
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt + cooling 3-inch king mattress topper: on sale for $398.99 (20% off), originally $499
EGOHOME 14-inch king memory foam mattress: on sale for $599 (14% off), originally $699.99
Sealy Dreamlife 12″ Hybrid Mattress-in-a-Box: on sale for $624.19 (22% off), originally $799
Sweetnight queen hybrid mattress: on sale for $168.31 (40% off), originally $279.99
Neo Sleep 8-inch twin cooling gel memory foam mattress: on sale for $93.58 (42% off), originally $159.98
Casper Sleep Element medium firm mattress: on sale for $416.50 (30% off)
Original price: $595
$595
$505.75
The Casper Sleep Element medium firm mattress is designed to be luxurious. There’s a top layer of breathable foam that promotes airflow, so you don’t sleep hot. The cover is also made from recycled materials that can withstand years of consistent use.
This mattress conveniently comes in a box. All you need to do is unroll it on top of your bedframe and wait a few hours for it to puff up on its own.
Best Prime Day outdoor deals
Coleman Classic 3-burner propane camping stove: on sale for $129.99 (41% off), originally $220.99
Ninja FrostVault 65 quart cooler: on sale for $265 (24% off), originally $349.99
GCI outdoor comfort pro rocker camping chair: on sale for $72 (20% off), originally $90
Pop-up privacy shower pod for camping: on sale for $30.60 (23% off), originally $39.99
Coleman instant tent: on sale for $289.09 (30% off)
Original price: $412.99
$412.99
$289.09
The Coleman instant tent comes with pre-attached poles and an integrated rainfly, meaning you can set it up in about 60 seconds. You can fit up to four queen-sized airbeds in the tent, so you can take the whole family camping and still have plenty of space.