Trump vows to send Somalis back as he axes protected status program in Minnesota
President Donald Trump Friday evening said he was ending deportation protections for Somalis in Minnesota “effective immediately.”
“Minnesota, under Governor [Tim] Walz, is a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
He continued, “I am, as President of the United States, hereby terminating, effective immediately, the Temporary Protected Status (TPS Program) for Somalis in Minnesota.”
OFFICER INJURED AFTER FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT FACE MULTIPLE RAMMING ATTACKS DURING CHARLOTTE IMMIGRATION RAIDS
Trump claimed that “Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing. Send them back to where they came from. It’s OVER! President DJT.”
Minnesota has a sizable Somali population and the TPS program allows Somali nationals temporary legal status to live and work in the U.S. because of the dangerous conditions in the African country.
In the last several years, the state has faced fraud problems, most notably from the Feeding Our Future scheme, which embezzled hundreds of millions of dollars in COVID-19 funds.
The president’s decision comes as a new investigation from the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank, alleged that millions of dollars were being funneled to the Somali terror group Al-Shabaab in connection with the Feeding Our Future scam.
MINNESOTA TAXPAYER DOLLARS FUNNELED TO AL-SHABAAB TERROR GROUP, REPORT ALLEGES
Ryan Thorpe and Christopher F. Rufo of the Manhattan Institute said they had uncovered a web of fraud involving Minnesota’s Medicaid Housing Stabilization Services program, Feeding Our Future and other organizations in a report.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
They added that federal counterterrorism sources confirmed that millions of dollars in stolen funds were sent back to Somalia, which is how Al-Shabaab got the cash.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Walz’s office and the White House for comment.
Eagle’s deadly delivery stuns motorist as 911 dispatcher believes wild tale
A driver in North Carolina told a dispatcher that a cat carcass crashed into her windshield along a highway after the feline was dropped from the sky by a bald eagle.
The woman called 911 on Wednesday morning to report the incident, saying that a bald eagle dropped the cat into the passenger side of her front windshield on U.S. Route 74 in Swain County, near Bryson City, which is located about 65 miles southwest of Asheville.
It is unclear if the cat slipped from the eagle’s talons or was dropped intentionally.
“You may not believe me, but I just had a bald eagle drop a cat through my windshield,” the driver said on the 911 call. “It absolutely shattered my windshield.”
FLORIDA WOMAN WRESTLES ALLIGATOR TO RESCUE PUPPY IT DRAGGED INTO CREEK
The dispatcher calmly responded, “Okay. I do believe you, honestly,” before laughing.
The driver said another person also observed the cat dropping from the sky.
“He’s like, ‘That is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen.’ I’m like, ‘Really?'” the driver said.
The dispatcher replied, “Oh my goodness. Let’s see. I’ve heard crazier.”
“Well, that’s terrifying,” the caller responded, prompting more nervous laughter from the dispatcher.
After receiving the driver’s location, the dispatcher said she would send the Highway Patrol to conduct a report.
“Another question. Is the cat still alive?” the dispatcher asked.
The cat was not alive, and the caller said the cat was on the side of the road rather than inside her vehicle.
“Okay, I have to ask just to make sure,” the dispatcher said.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s Kendrick Weeks said the cat could have been roadkill grabbed by the eagle.
“But they can take animals the size of a cat,” he said. “It is much harder for them to take a live cat than a dead cat. They usually don’t prey on something they don’t find palatable. And, scavenging is a common behavior in bald eagles.”
SOFI STADIUM HAWK STOLEN DURING RAMS GAME LOCATED, SECOND HAWK REMAINS MISSING
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Weeks said eagles and other raptors can drop prey for several reasons, including due to a poor grip or if the prey is biting or otherwise struggling and the birds are wanting to prevent injury to themselves.
Prey can also be dropped if a raptor is being harassed by another bird or if the prey becomes too heavy to carry.
Some raptors may also drop prey to kill it, but that tactic is uncommon for bald eagles.
Maher swipes former first lady’s ‘bad attitude’ about Kamala Harris’ defeat
“Real Time” host Bill Maher took a swipe at former First Lady Michelle Obama for her insisting that America isn’t ready for a woman president, comments he said he was “shocked” by.
“To me, this is logical fallacy 101,” Maher said Friday during a panel discussion.
Obama made headlines earlier this month for declaring “we ain’t ready” for a female president following then-Vice President Kamala Harris‘ defeat in the 2024 election against President Donald Trump.
“That’s why I’m like, don’t even look at me about running, because you all are lying. You’re not ready for a woman. You are not,” Obama said. “You know, we’ve got a lot of growing up to do, and there’s still, sadly, a lot of men who do not feel like they can be led by a woman, and we saw it.”
STEPHEN A SMITH CHALLENGES MICHELLE OBAMA’S SUGGESTION THAT AMERICA ISN’T READY FOR A FEMALE PRESIDENT
The liberal HBO host took exception to that.
“Just because we ‘weren’t ready’ or didn’t like the candidates — Hillary and Kamala — that doesn’t mean we’re not ready for a woman, maybe,” Maher said.
‘THE VIEW’ HOST REJECTS MICHELLE OBAMA’S CLAIM THAT COUNTRY IS NOT READY FOR FEMALE PRESIDENT
Maher went on to knock her “bad attitude.”
“I mean, we said we’re ready for a Black president and someone — I can’t remember who. Maybe she remembers,” he quipped. “So maybe it just has to be the right one
Former DNC chair Donna Brazile agreed with Maher, citing the tens of millions of people who voted for Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris and polling that shows 80% of Americans say they’d support a female president.
“So the idea that America isn’t ready is bulls—,” Brazile said.
CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST MEDIA AND CULTURE NEWS
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Explosion rocks burning cargo vessel as 100 firefighters battle hazmat threat
A cargo ship caught fire at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro on Friday, forcing the crew to evacuate the ship, according to officials, who described the incident as a major emergency.
All 23 crew members were safely evacuated from the ship, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. No injuries were reported.
The fire was observed on several levels of the ship. Hazardous materials were identified in the involved bays, and hazmat crews are monitoring air quality, the department said.
FIRE ERUPTS IN US CAPITOL TROLLEY SYSTEM, 2 POLICE OFFICERS TAKEN TO HOSPITAL
An explosion was reported mid-deck at around 8 p.m. that affected power, including lights and crane operations on the ship.
More than 100 firefighters responded to the scene, according to officials.
‘WE’RE TRAPPED!’: PANICKED 911 AUDIO FROM SOUTH CAROLINA FIRE WHERE JUDGE’S HUSBAND LEAPT TO SAFETY
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“First responders are actively responding to a fire on a container ship at the Port of Los Angeles,” Mayor Karen Bass wrote on X. “LAFD continues fire-suppression efforts and is monitoring air quality. “
Officers attacked as violence mars holiday celebration in downtown Chicago
Multiple police officers were attacked, including one who was injured, while responding to a shooting in Chicago on Friday in which at least five victims were shot.
The incident happened near State and Randolph streets at about 10 p.m., just hours after a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, according to Fox 32.
Ald. Brian Hopkins of Chicago’s 2nd Ward said at least five people were shot, including one person in critical condition.
SHOOTING AT NORTH CAROLINA CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING LEAVES 4 PEOPLE WOUNDED
“300 juveniles rioting in the Loop now, at least 5 victims shot, one critical with life threatening gunshot wound to torso,” he wrote on X.
“Multiple police officers attacked and injured with mace and stun guns, at least one PO hospitalized,” he continued.
CHICAGO TRAIN ATTACK SUSPECT ORDERED BY JUDGE TO REMAIN IN CUSTODY AHEAD OF TRIAL
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Police have not confirmed Hopkins’ statement, including the number of victims.
The incident remains under investigation.
Trump proposes $2,000 tariff checks for most Americans — but it comes with a catch
President Donald Trump’s proposal to give Americans $2,000 tariff dividends could carry a hefty price tag, according to a new analysis by a budget watchdog.
Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday that the federal government is looking to pay out the dividends by mid-2026, which would fall ahead of the midterm elections. The timing could depend on Congress, as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently said legislation would be needed to authorize the dividends.
“We’re going to be issuing dividends later on, somewhere prior to, you know, probably the middle of next year, a little bit later than that,” Trump said. “Thousands of dollars for individuals of moderate income, middle income.”
The president announced the proposal in a post last week on his Truth Social platform, saying that “We are taking in Trillions of Dollars and will soon begin paying down our ENORMOUS DEBT, $37 Trillion. Record Investment in the USA, plants and factories going up all over the place. A dividend of at least $2000 a person (not including high income people!) will be paid to everyone.”
The nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) estimated that if Trump’s tariff dividends are structured like the COVID-19 era stimulus payments that went to adults and children after accounting for income levels, each round of tariff payments would cost about $600 billion on an annual basis.
PREDICTION MARKETS PUT TRUMP TARIFF WIN AT 24% FOLLOWING SUPREME COURT ORAL ARGUMENTS
The CRFB noted that the tariffs the Trump administration has put in place have raised about $100 billion so far this year, including tariffs that were ruled illegal by federal courts and are pending an appeal before the Supreme Court.
On an annual basis, the Trump administration’s tariffs – including those that may be struck down by the Supreme Court – are projected to raise about $300 billion per year. By contrast, the net new tariff revenue that isn’t subject to the Supreme Court ruling raises a little less than $100 billion per year.
TRUMP CALLS TARIFF OPPONENTS ‘FOOLS,’ PROMISES $2K DIVIDEND PAYMENTS FOR AMERICANS
It’s unclear whether the president intends for tariff dividends to be paid annually or at less frequent intervals, or the amount of the dividend given that he stipulated “at least $2000 a person” in his social media post.
The CRFB said that if $2,000 dividends were paid annually, they would increase deficits by $6 trillion over 10 years, adding that the cost is “roughly twice as much as President Trump’s are estimated to raise over the same time period.”
If the administration were to pay the tariff dividends on a revenue-neutral basis, if current tariffs remain in effect, those $2,000 dividends could be paid every other year starting in 2027, according to the analysis.
TRUMP SAYS TARIFF REVENUE TO FUND $2K CHECKS FOR AMERICANS, LOWER NATION’S $38T DEBT
However, if lower court rulings are upheld by the Supreme Court and much of the Trump administration’s tariffs are ruled illegal, the remaining tariff income would be sufficient to pay $2,000 dividends after seven years.
“Using income from tariffs to pay dividends would mean that income could not be used to reduce deficits or offset borrowing from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” CRFB wrote.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
The analysis also found that using tariff revenue for rebates or dividends, rather than to pay down the national debt, would push the debt as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) to 127% by 2035, higher than the 120% projected under current law. If $2,000 dividends are paid annually, that would push debt to 134% of GDP.
Lions coach delivers grim update on Pro Bowl star’s future after back surgery
The Detroit Lions might have lost one of their top offensive weapons for the season.
Lions star tight end Sam LaPorta is unlikely to return this season after undergoing back surgery, head coach Dan Campbell said during his news conference Friday.
“I think we would be fortunate to have a chance to get him back for the rest of the season,” Campbell said. “I think that’s very, very slim.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
“The good news is the procedure went really well, long term.”
The loss of LaPorta is a massive one for a potent Lions offense. The 24-year-old was in the midst of another strong season with 40 catches for 489 yards and three touchdowns in nine games.
GIANTS RULE OUT JAXSON DART FOR GAME VS. LIONS; JAMEIS WINSTON GETS SECOND CONSECUTIVE START
The Pro Bowl tight end is second on the team in receptions — Amon-Ra St. Brown leads with 66 — and is third on the team in receiving yards behind St. Brown’s 735 and Jameson Williams’ 562. Backup tight end Brock Wright will be thrust into a more prominent role in LaPorta’s absence.
LaPorta became an instant contributor since being drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Iowa. In 42 games over three seasons, LaPorta has 186 receptions for 889 yards and 20 touchdowns and is a trusted option for quarterback Jared Goff.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The Lions dropped to 6-4 after a 16-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, a game LaPorta did not play in, and are outside the playoff picture.
They will look to get back on track when they play the lowly New York Giants (2-9) Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Reality star calls case against him ‘trophy prosecution’ as he faces prison time
“McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys” star Steve McBee Sr. is hoping to receive a presidential pardon after being sentenced to prison.
The 52-year-old reality star told Fox News Digital he hopes to ask President Trump for a full pardon after he was sentenced to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme involving crop insurance.
“We have the hopes that he will see that this was a trophy prosecution, a complete weaponization of the DOJ and overreach,” he said. “I’m not saying there wasn’t a clerical mistake made, but it’s so minor.
“I mean, they have the wrong legal, the wrong aim,” he later added. “I mean, there’s always a mistake because people, we make mistakes, we’re human. It’s not a felony. It’s day-to-day business, but they came after us. They wanted our name. They wanted that up there. Shock and awe. And it just, it is not fair, and it’s certainly not right.
TRUMP COMMUTES GEORGE SANTOS’ SENTENCE, PARDON BLITZ WIPES OUT COSTLY FEDERAL INVESTIGATIONS
In a sentencing hearing Thursday, McBee was also ordered to an additional two years of supervised release once he completes his prison sentence, and he will have to pay $4,022,124 in restitution to the USDA Risk Management Agency.
He has until 2 p.m. Dec. 1, 2025, to surrender to the Federal Prison Camp in Yankton, South Dakota.
WATCH: Reality star Steve McBee Sr. says he hopes to receive a presidential pardon after being sentenced to two years in prison
While McBee hopes to receive a pardon from President Trump, a formal request has not been made, and McBee clarified that everything is “in a very infancy stages right now.”
“We’re getting everything put together,” he said. “We don’t wanna get the cart ahead of the horse. So, before any of that moves forward, my attorney, Alan Little with Liston, will get all of that filed. And then once everything’s filed, then we will start trying to get our story out there.”
During his legal battle, a producer who knew both the McBees and the Chrisley reality TV family connected them, telling Todd Chrisley the McBees are “a legit great family” with “great kids.”
TRUMP SAYS DIDDY ASKED FOR PRESIDENTIAL PARDON AFTER RECEIVING 50-MONTH SENTENCE: ‘I CALL HIM PUFF DADDY’
“So, she told Todd, and I’ll tell you something, I didn’t know them prior to that. They are legit good people. The Chrisleys, they, they called me on a Friday night at 8:30. Don’t know me at all. They owe me nothing. Just owe me nothing. Don’t even know me.”
WATCH: Steve McBee Sr. said no one from his team has reached out to President Trump about a pardon yet
“We spent 2½ hours on a Friday evening on a phone call with Todd, Savannah and Julie, their whole Friday evening spent with someone they don’t know,” he added. “They’re legit good people.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
Todd and his wife, Julie Chrisley, were both convicted in 2022 of federal bank fraud and tax evasion. Although they maintained their innocence, they were sentenced to 12 and seven years, respectively, and reported to prison Jan. 17, 2023. The two received presidential pardons and were released from prison in May.
The reality TV star shared that since getting in contact with Todd, Todd has become his “biggest advocate and consultant
WATCH: Steve McBee Sr. shares how he came into contact with Todd Chrisley and his family
LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
He’s made me feel so better,” McBee said. “I mean, genuinely. He texts me. I mean, every other day, ‘How are you feeling today? Steve, you’re going to be OK. We’re going to get through this. I’m going to help you the whole way.’
“And, I mean, having that support from somebody that two months ago was a complete stranger … and Todd truly cares. He’s like, ‘I know what you’re going through.’ Not many people can sit here and say, ‘Oh yeah, you know, you’ll be Ok.’ He knows firsthand. So, it’s been huge.”
WATCH: Reality star shares how Todd Chrisley has helped him prepare for his prison sentence
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
McBee said after owning his own business for over 21 years, “never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be in a federal courtroom defending my character or who I am,” but that Todd has been a great help.
“He’s given me a ton of advice about it,” he shared. “Everything about what clothes I’d be wearing, [to] how everything works.
Trump to socialist NYC mayor-elect: ‘You can just say yes’ on ‘fascist’ label
During an Oval Office media spray Friday, Fox News’ Jacqui Heinrich pressed New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on whether he still believes President Donald Trump is a “fascist.”
Mamdani began to answer, but before he could finish, Trump cut in from behind the Resolute Desk.
“That’s OK,” Trump said, before patting Mamdani’s arm. “You can just say yes. It’s easier than explaining it. I don’t mind.”
The full 10-minute exchange capped a wide-ranging meting focused on affordability, housing and public safety and brimmed with tension between Mamdani’s past rhetoric and the political reality of governing alongside the Trump White House.
TRUMP, MAMDANI SET TO FACE OFF IN FIRST OVAL OFFICE MEETING — WHAT’S ON THE TABLE
Heinrich had earlier asked Mamdani whether he stood by his previous comments describing Trump’s agenda as “fascist” and “despotic.”
Mamdani did not give a direct answer, saying only that he intended to work with the president “where we agree” to help the city’s 8.5 million residents.
Trump jumped in before he finished, adding with a laugh, “I’ve been called much worse than a despot. Maybe he’ll change his mind.”
TRUMP PREDICTS ‘CIVIL’ MEETING WITH MAMDANI DESPITE PAST COMMENTS ABOUT EACH OTHER
The moment came after both men publicly emphasized areas of potential cooperation. Trump pointed to falling energy prices and said he wanted utilities, including Con Edison, to lower rates. Mamdani outlined a plan centered on housing, rent, groceries and utilities, saying New Yorkers are facing a “cost-of-living crisis that threatens to push families out of the city.”
Heinrich also pressed Trump on Ukraine, asking how his proposed peace plan would work if President Zelenskyy rejected it.
Trump replied that Ukraine would “have to like it or keep fighting” and repeated his claim that U.S. support would depend on securing an agreement. He also asserted that casualty numbers in the conflict were “far higher” than publicly reported.
DAVID MARCUS: MR. MAMDANI GOES TO WASHINGTON BETWEEN ROCK AND HARD PLACE
The spray also touched on public safety, with Mamdani saying he intends to maintain roughly 35,000 NYPD officers while shifting more non-urgent calls away from police and toward mental health responders.
Trump said both men shared a goal of removing “very bad people” and making the city safer, adding, “We want New York to thrive again.”
The exchange with Heinrich is likely to fuel further scrutiny over how Mamdani balances far-left progressive messaging with the realistic demands of governing. The mayor-elect has proudly identified as a democratic socialist but said he intends to “meet the moment” in partnership with the Trump administration when possible.
Trump, who joked that the spray attracted “more reporters than usual,” said he was open to meeting again. Mamdani added the same, saying his goal was to find points of agreement that could “deliver for New Yorkers right away.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The President posted to Truth Social Friday night, documenting the visit with several photos of the two men with the caption, “It was a Great Honor meeting Zohran Mamdani, the new Mayor of New York City!”
The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.