Dems reveal whether they believe US citizens or drug boat traffickers are more important
As scrutiny mounts on the Trump administration’s use of force in its targeting of suspected cartel members in the Caribbean, lawmakers on Capitol Hill were asked whether they believe U.S. citizen victims or drug traffickers are more important.
Republicans, such as Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., said the answer is easy.
“I can’t speak for anybody else, but my top concern is American citizens, their lives, their health. So, for me, it’s an easy choice. Kill drug dealers, save Americans,” said Sheehy.
Democrats, however, had less black and white opinions on the strikes.
“Look, I fully support doing whatever we can within the legal means to make sure that we’re stopping drug trafficking,” said Rep. Johnny Olszewski, D-Md., adding, “We should absolutely be concerned about the victims of drug trafficking and people who have lost their lives to drug violence.”
SENATE REPUBLICANS BLOCK BIPARTISAN EFFORT TO HALT MILITARY ACTION, DRUG BOAT STRIKES IN THE CARIBBEAN
“We support all efforts to [interdict], arrest, hold people accountable who are trying to smuggle drugs into this country. However, we have a rule of law, and we have rules of engagement for a reason. And so, we need to make sure that we have full transparency in terms of how these strikes are happening,” Olszewski went on.
He added that “if the reporting is true, it’s very likely” that the administration’s drug boat strikes are “in violation of our laws and may in fact be a war crime.”
“So, it merits full investigation; it merits the details being released. And you know, again, I fully support doing all that we can to stop drug trafficking, but that means that we have to make sure that we’re doing it within the rule of law and the rules that we have in this country.”
Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., pushed back on the question, saying, “Is this going to do anything to truly help them?”
“Cocaine’s still flowing, the demand is still there,” Smith said, adding, “You see a drug dealer on the street, that’s a bad person. That person is selling drugs. Let’s say they’re selling actual fentanyl, not the cocaine that we’re hitting here. Would you support allowing anyone to execute that person who wants to on the spot? … You want to be tough on drug dealers. Drug dealers are bad people. Why do we need due process? Why do you need probable cause?”
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“Don’t give me this crap about how this proves you don’t care about [selling drugs],” he said. “I care about selling drugs. I don’t want a fascist regime that gets to decide who they can kill when they want to kill them without any check on that power. That simply doesn’t make sense in the United States of America, or at least not the United States of America that I want us to have.”
Meanwhile, Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., answered, “We have to do our best to disrupt drug distribution. Also, we have to invest in drug health care and drug education, et cetera. We have to do all the things. The real question is, how do you do it right?”
Pressed on whether the government should be prioritizing drug victims above the traffickers, Reed responded, “I’ve commented and thank you for asking,” before walking away.
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Rep. Lou Correa, D-Calif., simply answered, “Congress has to do its job: oversight,” and walked away.
Republicans, meanwhile, were much more unilateral in their responses.
“If it disrupts the flow of one drug coming into West Virginia, I’m all for it,” said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.
“I come from a state that has historically had enormous drug problems. A lot of deaths from fentanyl, from overdoses,” said Capito. “So, I’m supportive of whatever the president can do to end the flow of fentanyl. And [with] the narco-terrorism, the intelligence around these strikes, from my understanding, is pretty solid.”
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“For too long, politicians have been satisfied to have a hundred thousand Americans die every year of drug overdoses. Finally, President Trump has stepped up to the plate and said, ‘No more,’” said Rep. Glenn Grothman.
“If you’re going to attack our country, and these people know full well Americans are dying because of what they’re doing. If you’re going to attack our country, we’re going to fight back, about time,” Grothman added.
Biden declares ‘we’re the United States of Amerigotit’ in latest verbal stumble
Former President Joe Biden said “we’re the United States of Amerigotit” in his latest gaffe during a speech on Friday at the International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C.
Biden was urging elected officials, leaders and advocates to “continue the fight” for equality when he slurred his words.
“We just have to get up. As long as we keep the faith … and remember who the hell we are. We’re the United States of Amerigotit, that’s who we are! We’re the U.S.!” Biden said.
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Biden continued to affirm that it is time to “fight back” and protect the Constitution in the face of the Trump administration’s policies and actions.
“All of us are dismayed by the present state of the union,” he added. “This is no time to give up. It’s time to get up. Get up and fight back. Get up. Continue to fight. And what’s the fight all about? … it’s about protecting the Constitution. It’s about protecting the Constitution.”
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The former president accused President Donald Trump and his loyalists of attempting to “distort and derail our fight for equality” and “further divide the country.”
“Donald Trump and the MAGA republicans are trying to distort and derail our fight for equality,” he said. “They’re trying to turn it into something scary, something sinister. But folks, it’s really not about anything that’s all that complicated. At its core, it’s about making every American given the opportunity to be treated with basic decency, dignity, and respect they all deserve. That’s what every single American deserves, every American.”
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Biden was awarded the Chris Abele Impact Award during the event for his role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights during his administration.
The award was named after LGBTQ+ Victory Action board member Chris Abele.
Strangers rally behind 88-year-old veteran working full-time after losing pension
More than $1.7 million has been raised to help an Army veteran retire after his story went viral online and a GoFundMe drew thousands of donations from strangers.
Australian social media influencer Sam Weidenhofer first learned about Edmund Bambas, 88, from a comment on one of his videos. Weidenhofer then worked with influencer Mike McKinstry to track the veteran down at the Meijer supermarket in Brighton, Michigan, where he works, WXYZ Detroit reported.
“May I ask how old you are?” Weidenhofer asks in the video.
“I’m 88 years old,” Bambas responded.
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“Why do you have to keep working?” Weidenhofer asks.
Bambas, who served in the U.S. Army in 1966, explained that he retired from General Motors in 1999, but everything changed when the automaker filed for bankruptcy years later.
I retired from General Motors in [1999],” Bambas says. “In 2012, they went bankrupt, and they took my pension away from me.”
The veteran said his financial situation worsened when his wife became seriously ill.
“The thing that hurt me the most was my wife was real sick, and when they took the pension, they also took the health care coverage and all but $10,000 of my life insurance,” Bambas said, “So, I sold the house, sold the property I had and we made it through.”
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Bambas’ wife died seven years ago, and he said he has been trying to stay afloat ever since.
“I work five days a week, eight hours a day,” Bambas said.
When asked what his dream would be, the veteran answered, “Live somewhat the life I was hoping for.”
In the video, Bambas broke down in tears as Weidenhofer told him he wants to help and hands him a $400 tip.
“I don’t know what to say,” Bambas responded. “It’s going to go a long way to help me.”
Weidenhofer later posted the video to social media and launched a GoFundMe to support Bambas’ retirement.
As of Friday, the fundraiser has raised over $1.7 million, driven by more than 62,000 donations.
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“Despite everything, Ed shows up every day with quiet dignity, strength, and perseverance,” the GoFundMe states. “His story is a stark reminder that too many of our seniors, especially veterans face incredible challenges just to survive. … Every dollar we raise will go directly to supporting him: helping with living expenses, medical care, and the small joys that make life meaningful.”
A spokesperson for General Motors did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Strict California law to make big changes to grocery shopping in 2026
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, grocery, pharmacy, liquor and convenience stores in California will not be able to provide any single-use thin plastic bags or even “reusable” plastic film bags.
The updated law stems from Senate Bill 270, which was first introduced in 2014. It previously allowed the use of reusable bags — which were made of a thicker plastic.
Senate Bill 1053 now “eliminates the distribution of thicker film plastic bags.”
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As opposed to “single use” bags, thicker plastic bags could be reused up to 125 times, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Recycled paper bags may be offered to shoppers in the Golden State, but they must be “sold for not less than 10 cents.” People on specific food programs may be available to get these for free.
The bill’s text says the bags must “contain a minimum of 50% post-consumer recycled materials” to be counted as a paper bag beginning Jan. 1, 2028.
The legislation hopes to “support sustainable and thriving communities and natural environments that are not littered with plastic waste.”
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In 2022, California Attorney General Rob Bonta launched an investigation into plastic carry-out bags that claimed to be recyclable.
Officials investigated seven manufacturers to see if the bags were actually accepted and processed by recycling facilities in California.
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A statewide survey of 69 recycling and processing facilities showed that only two claimed to accept plastic carry-out bags, but it could not be confirmed if they were actually recyclable, according to the AG’s press release.
Nate Rose of the California Grocers Association told SF Gate the change will not have a very big impact on shoppers or stores.
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“We don’t expect a lot of hiccups for either grocers or shoppers,” Rose said.
Jake Tapper offers mea culpa after wrongly calling DC pipe bomb suspect ‘White’
CNN anchor Jake Tapper issued a correction Friday after referring to the D.C. pipe bomb suspect as a “White man.”
Tapper raised eyebrows Thursday after referring to Brian Cole Jr., the man suspected of leaving pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC headquarters on the eve of Jan. 6, as a “30-year-old White man.”
“Yesterday, minutes before we showed you the suspect’s photo, I should note that I mistakenly said that the suspect was White,” Tapper told viewers. “Obviously, as the photo revealed, he’s Black. Apologies for that mistake.”
CNN’S JAKE TAPPER CALLS DC PIPE BOMB SUSPECT ‘WHITE MAN’ SHORTLY BEFORE AIRING PHOTO OF ALLEGED BLACK CULPRIT
CNN did not respond to Fox News Digital‘s request for comment.
The DOJ announced Cole was charged with transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce and attempted malicious destruction by means of fire and explosive materials. More charges are pending, according to authorities.
The charges brought against Cole appear to end the yearslong manhunt for the suspect.
WHO IS BRIAN COLE JR, THE DC PIPE BOMB SUSPECT?
According to authorities, the arrest was spurred by evidence that had already been collected by the FBI under previous leadership.
Neither of the pipe bombs placed outside the RNC and DNC headquarters detonated, but authorities say both were viable and dangerous.
Cole appeared in court Friday but did not enter a plea.
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Fox News reported Friday that the suspect spoke with law enforcement for hours and expressed doubts about the 2020 election outcome, according to a source close to the investigation.
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Trump calls for renaming American football as soccer gains prominence in the US
President Donald Trump suggested the American sport of football should have a different name so that soccer, which is called football in nearly every other country, can assume the name.
Trump made his comments during the World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., Friday while discussing soccer’s growth in the U.S.
“When you look at what has happened to football in the United States, again soccer in the United States, we seem to never call it that because we have a little bit of a conflict with another thing that’s called football. But when you think about it, shouldn’t it really be called, I mean this is football, there’s no question about it. We need to come up with another name for the NFL stuff,” Trump said.
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“It really doesn’t make sense when you think about it.”
Trump was also awarded the first FIFA Peace Prize at the draw Friday.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented Trump with the award, which included a trophy of golden hands holding a soccer ball. He was also awarded a medal that he put on almost immediately.
“The FIFA Peace Prize is presented annually on behalf of the billions of football-loving people from around the world to a distinguished individual who exemplifies an unwavering commitment to advancing peace and unity throughout the world through their notable leadership and action,” a certificate awarded to Trump states.
TRUMP SAYS US READY TO HOST WORLD CUP, WILL ‘TAKE CARE’ OF CRIME IN HOST CITIES
In March, Trump signed an executive order establishing a task force for the soccer tournament, which will be hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Trump serves as the chair of the task force, while Vice President JD Vance serves as the vice chair. As the executive director, Rudy Giuliani’s son was tasked with managing and overseeing daily operations.
The United States is home to 11 of the 16 host cities.
The president previously threatened to move games out of cities if they were deemed unsafe, but after arriving at the Kennedy Center on Friday, he reaffirmed his confidence in the security of those cities and vowed federal support if needed.
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The championship match will take place July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The international tournament, spanning North America, will begin in June 2026 and is the first World Cup in more than two decades to take place in multiple countries.
Recalled dog food could cause gastrointestinal issues in pets if consumed
A dog food company recalled 300 cases of frozen food this week over possible plastic contamination, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Wisconsin-based Fromm Family Foods voluntarily recalled the Bonnihill Farms BeefiBowls Beef Recipe of gently cooked frozen dog food after receiving complaints of plastic contamination.
So far, there have been no reports of any illnesses or injuries.
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When consumed in large amounts, plastic can cause health issues in dogs, such as gastrointestinal upset and the risk of gastrointestinal obstruction.
Other symptoms to watch out for in pets include lethargy and loss of appetite.
The affected food was sold in pet stores in Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Louisiana, California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Alaska and in Ontario in Canada.
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The BeefiBowls were sold in 16 oz. chubs with a best buy date of Dec. 25, 2026.
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“We have identified the error, and, in addition to our existing safety process, we have put corrective actions in place to prevent this from happening again,” Fromm Family Foods said in a release.
Earlier this year, several pet food products were recalled due to possible salmonella contamination.
WATCH: Coast Guard helicopter sniper unleashes disabling fire in Pacific Viper takedown
EXCLUSIVE: The Coast Guard cutter Munro seized more than 20,000 pounds of cocaine in a single drug interdiction mission Tuesday, the largest seizure a national security cutter had completed involving a go-fast vessel.
New video footage shared with Fox News Digital depicts Coast Guard forces, including a sniper from the service’s Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) based in Jacksonville, Florida, utilizing disabling fire against a go-fast vessel as it completes a drug interdiction mission for Operation Pacific Viper.
The amount of cocaine seized in the mission, which occurred in the Eastern Pacific south of Mexico, amounts to more than 7.5 million potentially lethal doses, according to the service.
Operation Pacific Viper launched in August and is a combined initiative between the Coast Guard and Navy that seeks to counter the flow of illegal drugs to the U.S. in alignment with President Donald Trump’s broader effort to crack down on drug cartels in Latin America.
WATCH: COAST GUARD SEIZES COCAINE, SUSPECTED NARCO-TERRORISTS IN PACIFIC VIPER RAID
As of October, the Coast Guard reported it had snatched 100,000 pounds of cocaine in the eastern Pacific Ocean under Operation Pacific Viper. That translates to roughly 1,600 pounds of cocaine nabbed daily, according to the service.
The Coast Guard’s Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron snipers are used in missions to disable vessels carrying illicit drugs by targeting and shooting at their engines with rifles to cripple them. Disabling potential drug vessels paves the way for other Coast Guard assets to board and capture drugs stowed away on the boats.
Go-fast vessels are common vessels employed to ferry drugs in the Caribbean.
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The Coast Guard reported in November it had seized almost 510,000 pounds of cocaine in fiscal year 2025, the largest amount of the drug snatched in the service’s history.
The amount the service seized translates to 193 million potentially lethal doses, enough to jeopardize more than half of the U.S. population, according to the Coast Guard. Additionally, it amounts to more than three times the service’s annual average, which comes out to roughly 167,000 pounds of cocaine each year.
The Trump administration has adopted a hard-line approach to dealing with drugs coming into the United States and designated drug cartel groups like Tren de Aragua, Sinaloa and others as foreign terrorist organizations in February.
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Separate from Operation Pacific Viper, the Trump administration also has conducted at least 22 strikes against alleged drug vessels in Latin American waters since September.
While lawmakers have questioned the legality of the strikes — particularly after the White House revealed that a second strike was conducted against a vessel after the first one left survivors in September — the Trump administration has stated it has the authority to conduct those attacks.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sens. Tim Kaine, D-Va.; Adam Schiff, D-Calif.; and Rand Paul, R-Ky., introduced a war powers resolution Wednesday to bar Trump from using U.S. armed forces to engage in hostilities within or against Venezuela.
Meanwhile, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has indicated that the strikes will continue.
“We’ve only just begun striking narco-boats and putting narco-terrorists at the bottom of the ocean because they’ve been poisoning the American people,” Hegseth said Tuesday.
Pipe bomb suspect confronts charges as family yells message in hearing
Brian Cole Jr., the Virginia man accused of placing pipe bombs outside the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee buildings in Washington, D.C., in January 2021, made his first appearance in federal court Friday as his family yelled in support as he was led out.
Cole, 30, was informed about the charges against him as he appeared before a judge in Washington.
Government prosecutors told Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya Cole spoke to law enforcement for over four hours Thursday, and they would provide a transcript of the conversation to Cole’s defense attorney, John Shoreman, over the weekend.
FOX NEWS POLITICS NEWSLETTER: WHO IS BRIAN COLE, THE DC PIPE BOMB SUSPECT?
Cole was wearing a tan jumpsuit and glasses and told Judge Upadhyaya he did understand the charges against him. Cole was not shackled.
Members of Cole’s family were in the courtroom and yelled in support as he was led out, “We love you, Brian. We’re here for you, baby.”
The next step is a detention hearing on Dec. 15. Cole will remain in federal custody pending the next court proceeding.
He was arrested Thursday. During 2019 and 2020, he purchased multiple items consistent with components that were used to manufacture the pipe bombs placed at the RNC and DNC, authorities said.
WHO IS BRIAN COLE, THE DC PIPE BOMB SUSPECT?
Surveillance footage released by the FBI shows a suspect placing the two explosive devices near the buildings in Washington. The explosives found hours later by law enforcement were determined by the FBI to be “viable devices that could have been detonated, resulting in serious injury or death.”
Cole was charged with transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce and with maliciously attempting to destroy property using explosive materials, according to a criminal complaint.
On Friday, FBI Director Kash Patel criticized the Biden administration over the handling of the case.
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“This is a case that should’ve been solved by the previous administration. 5 years later, justice is finally being delivered,” he wrote on X. “It still wasn’t easy, details of which we will share more about at the appropriate time. But when you let good cops be cops, this is what happens.”
Investigators used cellphone geolocation data to track the suspect in the case, he said.