Fox News 2025-12-08 09:06:12


WH calls ‘innocent fisherman’ the new ‘Maryland Man’ as Dems allege war crimes

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Democrat lawmakers are increasingly turning up the heat on the Trump administration over its series of military strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean since September, most recently focusing on alleged drug runners who survived an initial strike and were killed by a follow-up. 

“If the reports are true, [Secretary of War] Pete Hegseth likely committed a war crime when he gave an illegal order that led to the killing of incapacitated survivors of the U.S. strike in the Caribbean,” Nevada Democrat Sen. Sen. Jacky Rosen said in a statement earlier in December of strikes that killed suspected traffickers. 

The White House told Fox News Digital on Friday that the Democrat criticism echoes the “Maryland Man” hoax, referring to the arrest of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an accused MS-13 gang member who was illegally residing in Maryland. 

Abrego Garcia received an outpouring of support from Democrat lawmakers in March over his deportation to El Salvador, with lawmakers traveling to El Salvador to meet with him, and media outlets describing him as a “Maryland man.” 

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“’Innocent fisherman’ is the new ‘Maryland Man’ hoax – just like the media tried to paint MS-13 human smuggler Kilmar Abrego Garcia as ‘father of the year,’ they are now running cover for foreign terrorists smuggling deadly narcotics intended to murder Americans. President Trump is using every element of American power to take on the cartels and stop deadly drugs from flooding into our country – just like he promised on the campaign trail,” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told Fox Digital. 

Trump has long vowed to take on the ongoing opioid epidemic and stop foreign drugs and precursor chemicals from flowing into the U.S. The administration has defended the at least 22 strikes, which have killed dozens of suspected drug criminals, on suspected narco-boats as protecting the U.S. from cartels looking to “poison Americans.”

“These narco-terrorists are bringing drugs to our shores to poison Americans at home – and they will not succeed,” Hegseth wrote in a post on X in November. “The Department will treat them EXACTLY how we treated Al-Qaeda. We will continue to track them, map them, hunt them, and kill them.”

Democrats have increasingly taken issue with a pair of strikes on Sept. 2 against an alleged drug boat from Venezuela. The White House confirmed the military carried out an initial strike on the boat before firing off a second that killed two suspected traffickers, sparking Democrats to claim the administration committed potential war crimes. 

“You have two individuals in clear distress, without any means of locomotion, with a destroyed vessel, who were killed by the United States,” Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, told reporters earlier in December of the strikes. 

While Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly shot back, “Going after survivors in the water, that is clearly not lawful.”

Fox News Digital reached out to Kelly’s and Himes’ respective offices for comment on the White House statement and the opioid epidemic in the U.S., but did not immediately receive replies. 

Rosen’s office told Fox News Digital on Friday in response: “If Donald Trump is serious about fighting drug smuggling, why did he pardon the former President of Honduras who was convicted for smuggling hundreds of tons of cocaine into the United States? And why did the Trump Administration threaten to cut millions of dollars in funding to address the opioid epidemic? The American people deserve to know.” 

Republicans such as Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, remarked that video of the survivors allegedly showed individuals who wanted to “stay in the fight.”

“I saw two survivors trying to flip a boat, loaded with drugs bound for the United States, back over so they could stay in the fight,” Cotton said. 

Morgan Murphy, an Alabama Republican Senate candidate, told Fox News Digital that he’s seeing “utter hypocrisy from a party of theater kids who just don’t care about the lives being lost to the drug trade” when asked about Democrats sounding off about the strikes. 

“For nearly a decade, Democrats lauded President Obama as the ‘Prince of Peace,’ even though his bomb strikes in Yemen, Pakistan, and Somalia killed hundreds of civilians. None of those countries were at war with the United States or targeted American civilians,” Murphy said, referring to how former President Barack Obama faced war-crimes accusations from critics over his administration’s drone strikes and civilian casualties in countries like Pakistan, Yemen and Afghanistan. 

Murphy served as the head of public diplomacy for the president’s special envoy to Russia and Ukraine in the Trump administration before launching his Senate campaign earlier in the fall. He is a captain in the U.S. Navy Reserves, as well as a veteran of the Afghanistan war, where he was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, among others. 

“But when President Trump pushes his own effort to stop human smugglers and drug dealers who have done untold harm and killed millions of Americans, they want to place the president and secretary of war on a show trial,” he said. 

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The Trump administration launched the strikes after the president campaigned to end the flow of narcotics into the U.S. from nations such as China, Mexico and Central and South America. The Trump administration turned its attention toward Venezuela, which is led by dictatorial president Nicolás Maduro, saying the U.S. is engaged in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels after the groups evolved into transnational terror organizations. 

The administration has defended the strikes as necessary to curb the flow of opioid deaths in the U.S., while experts have also said the pressure campaign on Venezuela is likely aimed to also oust Maduro as leader of the oil-rich nation. 

HEGSETH DID NOT ISSUE ‘KILL THEM ALL’ ORDER DURING VENEZUELA STRIKES, ADMIRAL TELLS CONGRESS

The CDC found that an estimated 806,000 people died from an opioid overdose between 1999-2023. The opioid crisis is viewed as unfolding in three waves, beginning in the 1990s with the increase in prescriptions to opioids, the CDC reported, followed by the second wave that began in 2010, when heroin overdoses spiked, and finally the current third wave of deaths involving synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. 

The crisis has slowed from its high of 81,806 opioid-related deaths in 2022, with 2023 marking the first annual decline in deaths since 2018, according to CDC data. There were an estimated 79,358 opioid deaths in 2023, according to CDC data. 

As of Thursday, an estimated 86 suspected drug traffickers have died in the strikes. 

Fentanyl has long been on the medical market to treat individuals suffering with severe pain, but has since become an illegal manufactured substance by transnational criminal organizations, such as cartels. 

Trump vowed in his 2022 re-election announcement that cartels would face the U.S. wrath over overdose deaths upon his return to the Oval Office.  

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“We will wage war upon the cartels and stop the fentanyl and deadly drugs from killing 200,000 Americans per year,” he said in November 2024, previewing his administration. 

Several Republican members of the House Armed Services Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee told Fox News Digital that the Trump administration has been well within its rights to act against Maduro’s regime. They added that they’re eager for more information after several strikes against alleged Venezuelan drug boats and Trump’s heightened rhetoric targeting Maduro.

“These boats, they’re stacked up with bags of white powder, that’s mostly fentanyl and other drugs too,” Trump said in September. “Every boat kills 25,000.”

Democrats in past decades have promoted fiery rhetoric focused on taking out foreign narco-terrorist, including then-Delaware Sen. Joe Biden calling for “another D-Day” to end the war on drugs in a 1989 address criticizing Republican President George H.W. Bush’s administration for not taking strong enough action on the crack cocaine epidemic.

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“Let’s go after the drug lords where they live with an international strike force. There must be no safe haven for these narco-terrorists and they must know it,” Biden said in the 1989 speech.

Deadly inferno at tourist hotspot kills 25 as witness claims firecrackers sparked blaze

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A fire tore through a nightclub in Arpora, in the Indian coastal state of Goa on Sunday, killing 25 people and injuring six others.

Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on X that he’s ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident and that all six injured are in stable condition.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident “deeply saddening.” 

“My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji about the situation. The State Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected,” said Modi.

FIRE TEARS THROUGH HONG KONG HOUSING COMPLEX, KILLING AT LEAST 36 WITH HUNDREDS MISSING

The Press Trust of India (PTI), the country’s largest independent news agency, reported that police initially pointed to a cylinder blast as the possible cause, but a surviving tourist told the agency that firecrackers set off during a dance routine likely ignited the blaze.

A woman identified as Riya, a tourist from New Delhi, told PTI that firecrackers were going off when the dancers were performing.

“The fire must have been caused due to this. There was a stampede-like situation,” she said.

SEVERAL FEARED DEAD IN A STAMPEDE OUTSIDE A CRICKET STADIUM IN INDIA

Another tourist, Fatima Shaikh, told PTI that more than 100 people had been on the dance floor at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub when the fire broke out, and some fled toward the kitchen, where they became trapped along with staff members.

“There was a sudden commotion as the flames started erupting. We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” she said.

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A preliminary inquiry, according to PTI, indicated the fire began on the first floor, where congestion and narrow exits kept people from escaping.

“Some of them rushed to the ground floor and got trapped there,” said Sawant. “We will take action against the club management and also against the officials who allowed it to operate despite flouting safety norms. This is an unfortunate incident during the peak tourist season.”

Omar challenges narrative surrounding $250M pandemic benefits scheme

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Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., expressed frustration Sunday with the framing of the massive “Feeding Our Future” fraud scheme that’s embroiled members of the Somali community in her state, saying many Somalis were victims as well since they could have benefited from the program.

“Face the Nation” host Margaret Brennan called the extent of the scam “shocking,” noting it was the Biden-era Department of Justice that said it was the largest COVID-19 fraud scheme in the nation and the majority of the reported offenders were Somalis, adding to the “spotlight” on Omar’s community.

“Why do you think this fraud was allowed to get so widespread?” Brennan asked.

“I want to say this also has an impact on Somalis, because we are also taxpayers in Minnesota,” Omar said. “We also could have benefited from the program and the money that was stolen. So it’s been really frustrating for people to not acknowledge the fact that we’re also, as Minnesotans, as taxpayers, really upset and angry about the fraud that has occurred.”

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT MINNESOTA’S ‘FEEDING OUR FUTURE’ FRAUD AT THE CENTER OF TRUMP’S LATEST CRACKDOWN

Brennan asked Omar if there had been a failure by the Minnesota state government, which is dominated by Democrats.

“That is what I alluded to in my letter that I had sent to the Secretary of AG was to see where things were going wrong. How can this amount of money disappear fraudulently without there being alarms set off?” Omar asked. “And it is something that, you know, we have to continue to investigate. We have to continue to ask those questions.”

President Donald Trump and other officials have zeroed in on this and other alleged fraud schemes in recent weeks, arguing that the criminal activity is a result of mismanagement and “incompetence” from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat and former vice presidential candidate.

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Trump and Omar have traded barbs in recent days as well, with Trump calling Somalis “garbage” and saying they should return to their home country. Omar and other critics have called the remarks bigoted and said Trump is trying to distract from his own policy failings.

The back-and-forth comes as Minnesota has come under fresh scrutiny for alleged mismanagement of federal funds, including in distributing money for the nonprofit “Feeding Our Future” program.

Prosecutors have labeled the fraud scheme in the state as the largest pandemic fraud scheme in the country, stemming from allegations that the Minnesota nonprofit and its associates defrauded federal child-nutrition programs for hundreds of millions of dollars in COVID-19 aid.

The New York Times reported last month, “Over the last five years, law enforcement officials say, fraud took root in pockets of Minnesota’s Somali diaspora as scores of individuals made small fortunes by setting up companies that billed state agencies for millions of dollars’ worth of social services that were never provided.”

$1 BILLION REPORTEDLY STOLEN IN FRAUD UNDER MINNESOTA GOV. WALZ

Omar said she was one of the first members of Congress who inquired about what she called a “reprehensible” scam.

Omar previously told local outlet KARE 11 News, “The alleged fraud scheme orchestrated by ‘Feeding Our Future’ is reprehensible. Using the guise of feeding children to funnel millions of dollars toward extravagant expenses is abhorrent, and anyone who participated in this scheme must be held accountable.”

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Notre Dame rejects bowl invitations after Playoff committee leaves them out

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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish announced on Sunday the team will forgo playing in a bowl game after it was left out of the College Football Playoff field.

Notre Dame was chosen as the first team out as the College Football Playoff Committee revealed the bracket for the tournament. The Miami Hurricanes skipped over Notre Dame to get into the Playoff while the James Madison Dukes and Tulane Green Wave were also deemed worthier of spots ahead of the Fighting Irish.

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Hours after the selections were revealed, Notre Dame decided to opt out of bowl games.

“As a team, we’ve decided to withdraw our name from consideration for a bowl game following the 2025 season,” the school announced.

“We appreciate all the support from our families and fans, and we’re hoping to bring the 12th national title to South Bend in 2026.”

Notre Dame finished the season 10-2 with its losses to Miami and the Texas A&M Aggies. Both defeats came early in the season. The Fighting Irish were ranked ahead of Miami in the penultimate release.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF COMMITTEE SPARKS FRENZIED DEBATE AS NOTRE DAME KEPT OUT OF FINAL FIELD

While college football fans debated whether Notre Dame should have gotten into the final field, CFP Committee Chair Hunter Yurachek opened up about the decision on ESPN.

“You look at those two teams on paper and they were almost equal in their schedule strength, their common opponents, the results against their common opponents, but the one metric we had to fall back on was the head-to-head,” he said. “I charged the committee members to go back and watch that game because it was so far back and we got some interesting debate from our coaches on what that game looked like.

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“With that in mind, we gave Miami the nod over Notre Dame into that 10 spot.”

Trump adds birthday as free park day while MLK and Juneteenth removals ignite backlash

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The Trump administration is reshaping when Americans can enter national parks for free – adding President Donald Trump’s birthday as a fee-free day while eliminating Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth in a move already drawing criticism from civil rights leaders.

Although presidents often revise the list, the changes are sparking criticism from civil rights advocates and Democratic lawmakers who say the removals undercut holidays that honor Black Americans’ history and contributions.

The shift in free-entry days marks a notable break from the 2025 calendar, which leaned heavily on long-established public lands celebrations and civil rights observances.

This year’s lineup included Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth, National Public Lands Day, and the kickoff to National Park Week – all of which disappear under the 2026 schedule.

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In their place, the Trump administration has added a slate of historically themed or presidentially-aligned dates. President Donald Trump’s birthday – which also happens to be Flag Day – on June 14 becomes a fee-free day for the first time, as do Constitution Day, the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service, and the birthday of Theodore Roosevelt.

The agency is also shifting some observances to federal holidays with broader national recognition, including Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day and a three-day Independence Day weekend.

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Veterans Day remains the lone date carried over from both years, underscoring how dramatically the free-day calendar is being remade heading into 2026.

FOX 5 in DC reported that some civil rights leaders have voiced opposition to the changes.

National Parks Conservation Association spokesperson Kristen Brengel told the station that the elimination of Martin Luther King Jr. Day is concerning, adding that the day had become a popular day of service for community groups that use it to conduct volunteer projects at the parks.

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Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., also weighed in on the changes in a post on X on Friday.

“Let’s be clear here: both MLK Jr. Day and Juneteenth were free entry days last year,” she wrote. “The President didn’t just add his own birthday to the list, he removed both of these holidays that mark Black Americans’ struggle for civil rights and freedom. Our country deserves better.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House regarding the changes.

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The Department of Interior is pairing the new free-day schedule with a broader overhaul of how visitors access national parks beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

The agency is rolling out fully digital America the Beautiful passes – including annual, military, senior, fourth-grade and access passes – that can be purchased and displayed on mobile devices through Recreation.gov. Visitors will be able to activate passes instantly and still link them to physical cards if needed.

Officials say updated validation tools and new training for park staff are intended to speed up entrance lines and simplify visitor experiences across the system.

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“President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first,” Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said. “These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.”

The department is also refreshing annual pass designs with new patriotic artwork that will appear on both digital and physical versions.

Alongside the digital rollout, the administration announced it is shifting its fee structure to emphasize lower costs for U.S. residents and higher prices for international visitors.

The annual pass will remain $80 for Americans but jump to $250 for nonresidents. Foreign visitors who do not hold a pass will pay an added $100 per person at 11 of the most visited national parks.

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The agency is also broadening access for motorcycle riders by allowing all America the Beautiful passes to cover two motorcycles instead of one.

Interior officials say the increased revenue from higher nonresident fees will be directed toward facility upgrades, maintenance projects, and visitor services across the park system.

Giants rookie quarterback’s rumored girlfriend sparks buzz at Patriots game

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New York Giants rookie Jaxson Dart appeared to have picked up a win off the field.

The former Ole Miss standout, who has given Giants fans a glimmer of hope for what the future of the franchise could be, is rumored to be dating model and ring girl Marissa Ayers.

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The 22-year-old Ayers was spotted on the sideline of the Giants’ Monday night game against the New England Patriots last week at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. She was seen taking photos with Dart’s mom, Kara, as well as in the background of some shots of the quarterback himself.

The Instagram photo in question showed Ayers with Kara Dart and Boston-based restaurateur David Ledbury.

Fox News Digital reached out to Ayers’ rep for comment.

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Dart and Ayers were first linked together after reportedly appearing at a Halloween party together back in October.

Ayers has more than 1.5 million TikTok followers and another 402,000 followers on Instagram, according to the New York Post. She was among the models who appeared as ring girls during the Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano fight over the summer.

It’s unclear if she will be at any more Giants games this season.

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Dart has shown his potential this season. He has 1,556 passing yards and 11 touchdown passes in 10 games this season.

White House uses Sabrina Carpenter ‘SNL’ clip after she objects to ICE song use

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The White House continued an ongoing conflict with Sabrina Carpenter over U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Posting on X, the official account shared a loud message for “criminal illegal” immigrants by using a portion of a Carpenter promo from her October “Saturday Night Live” hosting gig.

“I think I might need to arrest someone for being too hot,” Carpenter initially said in the monologue. The White House dubbed over “hot” and, in a voice-over, used the word “illegal,” before Marcello Hernández continued in the sketch, “Oh, well I turn myself in.”

“You’re under arrest,” Carpenter said in the clip as footage rolled from ICE raids.

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Gucci Mane’s 2017 song, “I Get the Bag” played in the background as video showed Border Patrol arrests and deportations before the White House logo flashed across the screen.

WHITE HOUSE FIRES BACK AFTER SABRINA CARPENTER SLAMS ICE VIDEO USING HER SONG

Representatives for Sabrina Carpenter, Saturday Night Live and the White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

The unexpected feud began earlier this month after the White House unleashed a scathing response to the “Tears” singer, who blasted the administration for using her music without her permission in an ICE video.

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The clash erupted after the official White House account posted a since-deleted video on X showing what appeared to be ICE raids set to Carpenter’s song.

“Have you ever tried this one? Bye-bye,” the caption said, followed by a waving emoji and a heart-eyes emoji.

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Carpenter called the video, set to her hit song “Juno,” “evil and disgusting,” writing on X, “Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda.”

When asked about the singer’s comment, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told Fox News Digital, “Here’s a Short n’ Sweet message for Sabrina Carpenter: we won’t apologize for deporting dangerous criminal illegal murderers, rapists, and pedophiles from our country. Anyone who would defend these sick monsters must be stupid, or is it slow?”

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Shortly after responding, the White House pulled the video from its platforms.

‘Trump accounts,’ explained: Who qualifies, how they work and when you can claim

President Donald Trump unveiled a sweeping new savings initiative for children, dubbed “Trump accounts,” a government-created investment program established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

The accounts function much like traditional long-term investment vehicles, but with rules specifically designed to protect young savers. Available only to those under 18, they’re funded through federal seed money, private contributions from families and, when applicable, supplemental deposits from employers or nonprofit organizations.

However, the rules for how these accounts will actually operate are still being written, with many key details unsettled.

The IRS has issued only preliminary guidance and is now seeking public feedback, a formal process that allows parents, financial experts, companies and advocacy groups to comment before the regulations are finalized. The comment period remains open through Feb. 20, 2026, meaning many details of the program are still subject to change.

Here’s what is known so far:

Who is eligible?

A Trump account can be opened for any child under 18 years old who has a valid Social Security number. An authorized adult, typically a parent, guardian, adult sibling or grandparent, must be the one to establish the account.

When can I sign up for one?

Not for a while. 

The program is scheduled to become available in mid-2026, with initial contributions occurring after July 4, 2026. Parents of babies born in 2025 through 2028 may open an account by completing IRS Form 4547, which has not yet been issued by the IRS, or by enrolling via the online portal at TrumpAccounts.gov. 

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After the application is received, the Department of the Treasury will initiate the account activation process.

Who can add funds to the account?

Individuals can contribute up to $5,000 per year to a Trump account. Governments and nonprofits may also make eligible contributions. In addition, funds from another Trump account may be rolled over, meaning money already held in one Trump account can be transferred directly into a new or different Trump account without counting toward the annual contribution limit. 

Employers participating in a Trump account program may contribute up to $2,500 per year.

How do I receive the $1,000 deposit?

The $1,000 comes directly from the federal government. The Treasury will make a one-time $1,000 deposit into every eligible child’s Trump account.

How does the account earn money?

A Trump account grows in value because the money inside it must be invested in broad U.S. stock index funds, the same kinds of low-cost funds used in many retirement accounts. 

These funds track the overall performance of the U.S. stock market. As the companies in the index grow, the account’s value grows, too.

‘TRUMP ACCOUNTS’ FOR NEWBORNS COULD GROW TO $1.9M, TREASURY SAYS

The government strictly limits what these accounts can hold to keep them simple, low-risk, low-fee and broadly diversified. This means, families cannot pick individual stocks, chase trendy thematic funds or invest in narrow sectors like tech-only or energy-only products. 

The IRS wants the money invested in market-wide index funds that mirror the overall U.S. stock market, not any single slice of it.

And because the funds can’t be touched until age 18, the account benefits from years of compounding, where investment gains generate additional gains over time.

Are there any estimates of how much money these accounts could actually earn?

Yes – Treasury estimates indicate that the Trump accounts could accumulate into a seven-figure balance by early adulthood if families maximize contributions and allow the funds to grow.

A fully funded account could reach as much as $1.9 million by age 28, according to the Treasury’s Office of Tax Analysis. At the lower end of projected returns, the savings account could still yield nearly $600,000 over the same period.

Even without additional contributions beyond the federal government’s initial $1,000 deposit, Treasury estimates the account could grow to between $3,000 and $13,800 over 18 years.

When can I withdraw the money?

Trump accounts are designed to function as long-term investment vehicles for children, so the money is effectively locked in until the child becomes an adult. During what the IRS calls the “growth period” (from birth until Jan. 1 of the year the child turns 18), money generally cannot be taken out, even if the family experiences financial hardship. 

Are there any exceptions?

Yes. There are four narrowly defined exceptions that permit withdrawals. The IRS intentionally maintains strict limits to keep the funds invested for long-term growth.

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 What happens when the child becomes an adult?

The beneficiary will be allowed to withdraw funds once they reach age 18. At that point, the account begins to function much like a traditional IRA, with the same tax treatment, distribution options and early-withdrawal rules. 

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However, it retains a distinct legal identity that never fully goes away. This matters because a Trump account doesn’t simply convert into a standard IRA, it carries forward several structural differences that continue to influence how the money can be used, taxed and reported throughout the beneficiary’s life.

In practice, this means adults who inherit a Trump account will have to manage it alongside any other retirement accounts they hold, with its own reporting rules and contribution limitations.

Trump admits he didn’t really prepare to host Kennedy Center Honors as he works star-studded red carpet

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President Donald Trump welcomed actors, country music stars and entertainment industry titans to kick off the 48th Kennedy Center Honors Sunday.

While walking the red carpet with first lady Melania Trump, the president admitted he wanted to remain “a little bit loose” for his hosting responsibilities.

“Maybe I haven’t prepared,” Trump quipped when asked how he organized his speech for the gig. “Maybe you want to be a little bit loose.” 

Sylvester Stallone, George Strait and Kelsey Grammar were just a few of the Hollywood heavyweights to walk the red carpet at the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C.

KELSEY GRAMMER CALLS TRUMP ‘ONE OF THE GREATEST PRESIDENTS WE’VE EVER HAD’ AT KENNEDY CENTER HONORS

Honorees were awarded medals Saturday during a ceremony hosted inside the Oval Office, where the group was regarded as “the most accomplished and renowned class of Kennedy Center honorees ever assembled.”

It was date night at the esteemed event as “Rocky” star Sylvester Stallone was accompanied by Jennifer Flavin, his wife of 28 years. 

Country music icon George Strait sported his signature black cowboy hat as he ushered wife Norma Strait down the red carpet at the gala event. 

ANDREA BOCELLI GIVES TRUMP IMPROMPTU OVAL OFFICE PERFORMANCE DURING WHITE HOUSE VISIT”

The award-winning musician, who earned 60 chart-topping singles throughout his illustrious career, smiled while posing with his family. 

“The Last Rodeo” star Neal McDonough and wife Ruve smiled for cameras ahead of the show. Gloria Gaynor sparkled wearing a glittering pale pink dress complete with a matching cape.

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KISS lead singer Gene Simmons wore his signature dark sunglasses while walking the red carpet with wife Shannon Tweed. 

Speaking to Fox News Digital ahead of Saturday’s dinner, Grammer, who was accompanied by his daughter Faith, called Trump “extraordinary.”

“I think he’s extraordinary. He’s one of the greatest presidents we’ve ever had. Maybe the greatest. There are some things he still wants to get done, and I think that’s terrific, but there was a big hill to climb,” Grammer said.

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“And we were left with some very interesting things going on,” he concluded.

“I think he’s extraordinary. He’s one of the greatest presidents we’ve ever had. Maybe the greatest.”

— Kelsey Grammer

The “Cheers” star also touched on Stallone being honored during this year’s ceremony and said he’s “over the moon” about it.

“I was on the selection committee, so I knew about it,” he added. “He’s a force of nature. Sylvester Stallone has captured our imagination in several different roles and performed them beautifully.”

Grammer said it was “about time” that Stallone was honored.

During the ceremony, Trump appointed each honoree with a newly designed medal – a gold disc featuring the Kennedy Center image, which was donated and created by jeweler Tiffany & Co.

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