Democrats change their tune after once declaring ‘no one is above the law’

Several Democrats who have argued that “no one is above the law” in President Donald Trump’s cases are now condemning the arrest of Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan, warning it could threaten the rule of law.

“This is not normal,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., tweeted of Dugan’s arrest by the FBI on proceeding obstruction charges for allegedly shielding an indicted Mexican migrant from ICE agents. 

“The administration’s arrest of a sitting judge in Wisconsin is a drastic move that threatens the rule of law,” Klobuchar added, saying it’s a “grave step and undermines our system of checks and balances.”

During Trump’s 2019 impeachment, Klobuchar said his first impeachment case marked a “somber day for our country.”

FBI ARRESTS JUDGE, ALLEGING SHE OBSTRUCTED ARREST OF ILLEGAL ALIEN

“In America, no one is above the law, and the American people deserve to hear evidence and witness testimony during a full and fair trial in the Senate. If the president has any facts to present in his defense to the articles of impeachment, we should hear them,” she said.

After the 2022 FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago, Klobuchar said, “The law is king, and the former president isn’t.”

Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., also condemned Dugan’s arrest, saying, “If [FBI Director] Kash Patel and Donald Trump don’t like a judge, they think they can arrest them.

“This is stunning — we must stand up to this blatant power grab. Republicans: How is this not a red line for you?”

AG PAM BONDI OUTRAGED AT WISCONSIN JUDGE ARRESTED FOR OBSTRUCTING ARREST OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT

Commenting in 2020 on her vote to remove Trump from office over abuse of power allegations, Smith said she took her constitutional oath seriously and that “to condone corrupt behavior such as this undermines the core value that we stand for as a nation — that no one is above the law, including and most especially our president.”

Smith said she pored over presentations and evidence to reach that conclusion.

Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Wis., who represents Dugan’s county, lambasted the White House, saying its “willingness to weaponize federal law enforcement is shocking and this arrest has all the hallmarks of overreach.”

“I will be following this case closely and facts will come out. However, I am very alarmed at the increasingly lawless actions of the Trump administration, and in particular ICE, who have been defying courts and acting with disregard for the Constitution.”

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Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., commented on an apparently deleted tweet from Patel, writing on X, “Donald Trump and JD Vance are arresting judges now. Deleting the tweet won’t undo the constitutional crisis you have just thrust us into.”

In a 2023 interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt, Khanna said of the Trump impeachment, “You can’t just say, ‘OK, because someone was president or someone is a candidate, that you’re above the law.’ Everyone is under the law, and that allegations, the evidence needs to be pursued.”

When reached for comment by Fox News Digital, Khanna said of the contrast that Trump has “waged war on the judiciary” and that there is no public evidence yet regarding Dugan, but “it is deeply concerning given the administration’s attacks on the courts.”

“Even Chief Justice Roberts has rebuked Trump’s conduct toward the judiciary,” Khanna added.

Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., said norms were being violated on the immigration and legal fronts for Dugan’s arrest.

In a statement obtained by Fox News Digital, Pocan laid out the differences he sees between the Dugan and Trump cases: “Judge Dugan’s arrest is outrageous and a fear tactic to our independent judiciary. Trump has always thought he was above the law, but now he’s enabling his goons to push that limit as far as it can go. His reckless deportations and flaunting of the Constitution will fail,” Pocan said.

“This is stuff I expect from Third World countries,” he told Axios.

In a December 2019 statement after his vote in favor of impeachment, Pocan said Trump was “never held accountable for his actions” over his 70-plus years of life.

“Today, Democrats sent a clear signal to this president and all future presidents: No one is above the law.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the offices of Klobuchar and Smith for comment.

AG Pam Bondi sends shiver down spine of every reporter by reversing Biden-era policy

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Friday the Department of Justice (DOJ) will change the policy that allows journalists to hide records and testimony related to suspects in a criminal investigation.

In a memo first obtained by Axios, Bondi wrote that federal employees intentionally leaking sensitive information to the media undermines the ability of the Department of Justice to keep America safe. 

“This conduct is illegal and wrong, and it must stop,” Bondi wrote. “Therefore, I have concluded that it is necessary to rescind Merrick Garland’s policies precluding the Department of Justice from seeking records and compelling testimony from members of the news media in order to identify and punish the source of improper leaks.”

She noted investigative techniques relating to news-gathering are “an extraordinary measure to be deployed as a last resort when essential to a successful investigation or prosecution,” according to the memo.

AXED PENTAGON AIDS CLAIM THEIR CHARACTER WAS ‘SLANDERED,’ LITTLE DETAILS WERE SHARED ABOUT LEAK INVESTIGATION

She added the protections were being abused, with officials using “media allies” to leak sensitive information for political gain, and the policy often put their phone and other electronic records out of reach of prosecutors, Politico reported.

The memo comes after Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Wednesday referred two intelligence community professionals accused of leaking classified information to the Justice Department for criminal prosecution.

The professionals allegedly shared classified information with the Washington Post and the New York Times, according to previous reporting.

A third criminal referral is expected, the DOJ said.

DNI GABBARD REFERS INTEL OFFICIALS TO DOJ FOR PROSECUTION OVER ALLEGED LEAKS OF CLASSIFIED INFORMATION

Former Attorney General Merrick B. Garland under former President Joe Biden in 2022 made significant revisions to the Justice Department’s regulations regarding obtaining information from members of the news media. 

Garland’s policy prohibited the DOJ from seeking information from members of the news media, acting within the scope of news-gathering, except under limited, specified circumstances.

Bruce D. Brown, president of the Reporters Committee for the Freedom of Press wrote in a statement that he had not seen the language of the new policy, but stressed the importance of reporters being able to protect the identities of confidential sources.

“We’ll wait to see what the policy looks like, but we know reporters will still do their jobs, and there is no shortage of legal support to back them up,” Brown wrote in the statement.

GABBARD ESTABLISHES NEW INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY TASK FORCE TO RESTORE TRANSPARENCY

Bondi said the department will continue to limit the use of forced legal action to obtain information from or records of the media, which includes enhanced approval and advance-notice procedures.

The Office of Legal Policy is tasked with creating new language to reflect the rescission of Garland’s policies.

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Shedeur Sanders passed over by Saints in NFL Draft’s second round as wait drags on

Shedeur Sanders’ draft tumble continues. 

After falling out of the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday, Sanders wasn’t even the first quarterback taken in the second round Friday. In fact, Sanders ended up not getting taken in the second round at all.

The New Orleans Saints chose former Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough with the 40th overall pick.

It came as a surprise to many when the Saints passed on Sanders in the first round with the ninth overall pick, as the 23-year-old Colorado Star’s slide became more pronounced after falling past the Saints. But the move to pick Shough over Sanders in the second round was an even bigger shock to fans on social media.

Sanders was projected by some to contend for the No. 1 overall pick this year. Shough was projected by some to be the fifth-best quarterback in the draft. 

Many fans on social media were quick to post lowlights of Shough’s passing ability, while critisizing the Saints’ decision. 

But the Saints thought otherwise, and pulled the trigger on the underdog Shough with a hole at quarterback going into the 2025. 

The situation surrounding Saints’ veteran Derek Carr has led to many questions over the past several weeks. What began as reports about a potential shoulder injury that required surgery was seemingly confirmed by Saints general manager Mickey Loomis only Wednesday when he said that Carr does have a shoulder “issue.” 

NFL DRAFT QUARTERBACK MISTAKES THAT SHAPED LEAGUE LANDSCAPE

So, Sanders continues to wait, while the NFL’s owners and general managers explore other options. 

Earlier Friday, President Donald Trump ripped “stupid” NFL owners for passing on the star Colorado quarterback and allowing him to fall into the second round.

“What is wrong with NFL owners, are they STUPID? Deion Sanders was a great college football player, and was even greater in the NFL. He’s also a very good coach, streetwise and smart! Therefore, Shedeur, his quarterback son, has PHENOMENAL GENES, and is all set for Greatness,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. 

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“He should be “picked” IMMEDIATELY by a team that wants to WIN. Good luck Shedeur, and say hello to your wonderful father!”

Former Democratic U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman joined the debate Friday, suggesting Sanders slid because “America continues to fear strong black men.”

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“The NFL doesn’t like [Shedeur] Sanders because he wears gold chains and talks like a rapper. They don’t care that he’s a leader, intelligent, tough and completed 77% of his passes with no O-line and no running game. He’s entitled but Eli Manning wasn’t entitled when he refused to be drafted by San Diego?” Bowman wrote on X. 

“He’s not athletic, but that didn’t stop Joe Montana, Drew Brees or Tom Brady. America continues to fear strong black men who come from means and have a strong sense of themselves without submitting to the ‘dominant’ culture.”

At one point during the quarterback’s slide on Thursday, his other brother, NFL safety prospect Shilo Sanders, insisted “something is going on” with Shedeur not being selected, as seen in footage posted by their other brother, Deion Sanders Jr.

“Bro, if they don’t take you right now, it’s something going on,” Shilo said. “If they don’t take him right now, it’s something going on. I don’t know what’s going on, but it’s something.”

In additional footage posted by Deion Jr. Thursday night, Shedeur addressed not being taken in a speech to his family when the first night of the draft was over.

“We all didn’t expect this, of course, but I feel like with God, anything possible, everything possible. I don’t feel like this happened for no reason. All of this is, of course, fuel to the fire. Under no circumstances did we all know this was going to happen, but we understand we on to bigger and better things,” the quarterback said. 

“Tomorrow’s the day. We going to be happy regardless. Legendary.”

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Big city’s Pride organization sees trouble as corporate sponsors flee in anti-DEI flurry

Seattle Pride reportedly faces an uncertain future as corporations turn away from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.

In recent years, Pride parades have been funded by major corporations, but the shift against DEI and identity-politics across American business and culture is reportedly beginning to take its toll.

Seattle Pride, centered in one of the most famous left-leaning bastions on the West Coast, reportedly faces a shortfall of nearly $350,000, which, according to Seattle-based KOMO news is “attributed to recent rollbacks in initiatives and political challenges facing the LGBTQIA2S+ community.”

MAJOR COMPANIES STILL ENGAGING IN DEI POLICIES UNDER NEW NAMES, CONSUMER WATCHDOG CLAIMS

Seattle Pride Executive Director Patti Hearn spoke to the news outlet about how the changing cultural and economic landscape may shift the onus of supporting Pride events from businesses to grassroots organizations and the community.

SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE TAKES FINANCIAL HIT AFTER MAJOR COMPANIES PULL SPONSORSHIPS AMID DEI FALLOUT

“We have seen shifts in corporate sponsorship as companies assess their budgets and priorities, and some sponsors have not yet renewed their commitments this year,” Hearn said. “We are still in conversations with many of them — it’s important to us that we partner with organizations that demonstrate genuine and sustained support for the LGBTQIA2S+ community year-round. This is especially imperative as our community faces ongoing political attacks.”

Hearn added further that “We know that relying on corporate sponsorships is not the future of Pride. The future is community. That’s why we’re leaning into grassroots partnerships and radical mutual aid.”

The organization reportedly said that this financial gap threatens the very core of Seattle Pride celebrations, including the annual Seattle Pride Parade itself. 

According to The Seattle Times, “Hearn said the retreat in financial commitments by major corporate sponsors is a sign big-name companies may be following the lead of the Trump administration, which has launched a sweeping campaign against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender people.”  

“It’s a really rough world for queer people,” Hearn told The Seattle Times, “and this just feels like it’s part of that package.” 

Hearn declined to name which corporations have neglected to renew their donations to the annual event so far, claiming her team is “still in some conversation” with some of them.

DEATH OF DEI IS A MASSIVE REMINDER THERE ARE BETTER WAYS TO RUN A BUSINESS

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“Typically, we’d have a lot more companies who’d sign on the dotted line much earlier than the deadline,” Hearn told The Seattle Times. “What we’re seeing is a bit of uncertainty.”

Harn told the news outlet that while the shortfall will not impact this year’s festivities, the ones in 2026 could look very different unless the situation changes. She added further that the organization is soliciting individual donations and grants and will start regularly hosting events to raise funds.

Fox News Digital reached out to Seattle Pride and did not receive an immediate reply.

WNBA star goes viral after videos appear to show her sitting next to NFL draft pick

Los Angeles Sparks star Rickea Jackson seemed to raise some eyebrows during the opening round of the NFL Draft. 

Videos circulated across social media Thursday night that apparently showed the 24-year-old WNBA player sitting next to the former Tennessee football star James Pearce Jr. 

Moments after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell walked to the draft stage’s podium in Green Bay to announce the Atlanta Falcons were using the 26th overall pick to select Pearce, cameras switched to the pass rusher’s home in North Carolina.

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Jackson appeared to smile, wrap an arm around Pearce and rub his leg as the football player’s family and friends celebrated the special moment.

Rumors about a romance between Jackson and Pearce have swirled for more than a year. Both athletes attended the University of Tennessee.

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Jackson eventually caught wind of the viral videos and took to X to issue a response to the chatter. 

“Soooo I have a doppelganger. Wow,” she wrote on X late Friday night. 

The post had drawn more than 1.7 million views as of Friday afternoon.

Jackson’s response was met with some skepticism, while others took notice of the apparent humor in the Sparks star’s message.

Jackson’s NCAA basketball career began at Mississippi State. She eventually transferred to Tennessee, where she rose to stardom during her two seasons as a member of the Lady Vols. The Sparks drafted Jackson in the first round in 2024. She averaged 13.4 points per game during her rookie WNBA season. 

The Falcons had the NFL’s second-lowest sack total last season. Pearce finished his final season with Tennessee with 7½ sacks. 

But the Falcons gave up significant draft capital to get back into the first round Thursday night to pick Pearce. 

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Atlanta sent the Los Angeles Rams second-round and seventh-round picks in this year’s draft and the team’s first-round selection in 2026. In addition to the rights to the 26th overall pick, the Rams sent their third-round pick this year to the Falcons.

Beloved fast-food chain closing up to 200 ‘underperforming’ locations

Jack in the Box announced that it plans to close 150 to 200 of its restaurants as it looks to boost the fast-food company’s financial performance.

The company said Wednesday that the restaurants in the planned “block closure program” were ones that were “underperforming” and, in many cases, several decades old. 

“Our actions today focus on three main areas: addressing our balance sheet to accelerate cash flow and pay down debt, while preserving growth-oriented capital investments related to technology and restaurant reimage; closing underperforming restaurants to position ourselves for consistent net unit growth and competitive unit economics; and, an overall return to simplicity for the Jack in the Box business model and investor story,” Jack in the Box CEO Lance Tucker said. 

TGI FRIDAYS’ US FOOTPRINT HAS SHRUNK TO 85 RESTAURANTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Roughly 80 to 120 of the total restaurants it plans to shutter under the program will close their doors for good before the end of the year, according to Jack in the Box.

The rest of the underperforming restaurants on the chopping block will stop operations “upon respective franchise agreement termination dates,” the company said.

“This program does not include the expected 1.5% to 2.0% of system unit closures for FY 2025, and an ongoing annual closure rate thereafter of approximately 1% of system units beginning in FY 2026,” Jack in the Box said.

The company anticipates “consistent, positive net unit growth” after closing the 150 to 200 underperforming locations. 

44% OF RESTAURANT OWNERS IN WASHINGTON, DC, FEAR THEY MAY HAVE TO CLOSE IN 2025

The block closure plan is part of the “JACK on Track” initiative that Jack in the Box unveiled. 

In addition to the restaurant closures, Jack in the Box said that the strategy includes other measures meant to help the company see “sustainable growth” in the coming years through improvements in its financial performance and balance sheet. 

Jack in the Box is looking at a possible divestment and other “strategic alternatives” for the Del Taco brand as well, according to its announcement. It has owned the chain since 2022.

RED ROBIN CONSIDERS CLOSING 70 LOCATIONS AMID FINANCIAL WOES

Jack in the Box’s current store count includes roughly 2,200 namesake restaurants and 600 Del Taco restaurants. 

The company said preliminary second-quarter same-store sales for Jack in the Box posted a 4.4% decline. Del Taco experienced a decline of 3.6%.

The company is slated to release its final second-quarter financial results in mid-May. 

For its 2025 fiscal year, Jack in the Box forecasted Wednesday that the company will see operating earnings per share of $5.05 to $5.40, not including any effects of its JACK on Track initiative.

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It also foresaw its namesake business having a “low-to-mid-single digits” decline in same-store sales compared to the prior fiscal year.

Tucker became Jack in the Box’s permanent CEO in late March. He had been leading the company on an interim basis since the former chief executive, Darin Harris, left the company for a job “outside of the restaurant industry” in late February.

Teen ‘gang’ allegedly beat ex-officer after he confronted them for harassing cab driver

A 65-year-old man was attacked in a “gang assault” this week in New York City by a group of teenagers, the New York City Police Department confirmed. 

The victim was a retired NYPD lieutenant and the teens allegedly turned their anger toward him after he confronted them for harassing a cab driver, the New York Post reported, citing sources. 

The group of at least five allegedly punched the 65-year-old in the face and hit him with a backpack before running away.

BRYAN KOHBERGER CASE: SURVIVING ROOMMATE SAW XANA KERNODLE ON FLOOR AFTER ENCOUNTER WITH MASKED INTRUDER

The man was knocked down during the assault, and suffered minor injuries to his face and knee during the alleged assault that took place on Manhattan’s Upper East Side near Park Avenue. 

He refused medical attention at the scene, police said. 

MOTHER WHO LOST SON IN ROAD ROAGE INCIDENT SAYS HE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN FOLLOWED

“They were looking for trouble, harassing everyone they saw,” the victim said, according to the Post. “When they started to bother the cab driver, I went over and told them to leave him alone. That’s when one coward hit me from behind with a backpack.”

All five alleged assailants are described as light-skinned males.

One of the suspects was wearing a black t-shirt, black sneakers and black and white shorts; the second was wearing a white t-shirt and black pants; the third was wearing a white t-shirt and gray pants; the fourth was wearing a white t-shirt and gray shorts and the last suspect was wearing a black t-shirt and gray pants, police said. 

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The department released photos of the teens, asking for the public’s help on Friday as the suspects remained at large.