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JD Vance, Treasury Sec Scott Bessent to meet with Zelenskyy as Trump team sets sights on Russia-Ukraine war

Vice President JD Vance will meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday after years of railing against the U.S.’ continued funding of Ukraine in the war against Russia.

The vice president will meet with Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, a Vance spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital, just ahead of U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg’s trip to Ukraine on Feb. 20.

Trump announced on Tuesday he would also send Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to meet with Zelenskyy in Ukraine.

“This War MUST and WILL END SOON — Too much Death and Destruction. The U.S. has spent BILLIONS of Dollars Globally, with little to show,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

‘LET’S DO A DEAL’: ZELENSKYY CALLS TRUMP’S TERMS ACCEPTABLE FOR SECURITY PARTNERSHIP

Then-Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, right, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet at Trump Tower in New York City on Sept. 27, 2024. (REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo)

Bessent is expected to talk about sanctions, rare Earth minerals and where U.S. funding has gone with the Ukrainian leader.

Trump tasked Kellogg with hashing out a peace deal with Ukraine and Russia to bring the three-year-long war to an end. Last week Kellogg met with Ukrainian delegations at the State Department.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are also attending the conference where the Russia-Ukraine war is sure to be a top focal point.

RUSSIA SAYS US RELATIONS ‘ON THE BRINK OF A BREAKUP,’ WON’T CONFIRM TRUMP-PUTIN TALK

The U.S. does not have a concrete plan yet to end the war, contrary to public reporting, and is listening to concerns and proposals from allies, a European official familiar with peace talks told Fox News Digital.

“Munich is too soon to unveil a Ukraine peace plan,” the official said. “The negotiations between the principals – Trump, Zelenskyy, Putin – will be tough. All options to end the killing are on the table – the course of action will be Trump’s call. There’s still plenty of room to ramp up sanctions.”

Vice President JD Vance will meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday after years of railing against the U.S.’ continued funding of Ukraine in the war against Russia. (Getty Images)

Trump said last week he might meet with Zelenksyy himself in the days ahead.

“I will probably be meeting with President Zelenskyy next week and I will probably be talking to President Putin,” Trump said.

In an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier Monday night, Trump emphasized the need for Ukraine to give the U.S. access to its rare Earth minerals in exchange for its defense. He also suggested Ukraine “may be Russian” someday.

“They may make a deal, they may not make a deal. They may be Russian some day, or they may not be Russian some day,” Trump mused.

“We are going to have all this money in there, and I say I want it back. And I told them that I want the equivalent, like $500 billion worth of rare Earth,” Trump said. “And they have essentially agreed to do that, so at least we don’t feel stupid.”

TRUMP’S ‘RARE’ PRICE FOR US MILITARY AID TO UKRAINE CALLED ‘FAIR’ BY ZELENSKYY

President Donald Trump announced he would send Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to Ukraine. (Vincent Alban/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Both Zelenskyy and Putin have remained opposed to direct talks with each other. Putin is demanding that Ukraine withdraw from regions in the south and east that Kyiv still has control over. Zelenskyy has scoffed at any territorial concessions to Moscow, though he has admitted Ukraine may have to rely on diplomatic means to take back some of its territory.

Vance was long at the forefront of opposition to Ukraine aid in the Senate.

“I gotta be honest with you, I don’t really care what happens to Ukraine one way or another,” he said in February 2022 as Russia invaded.

“Vladimir Putin is not Adolf Hitler. It doesn’t mean he’s a good guy, but he has significantly less capability than the German leader did,” Vance said in an April 2024 speech on the Senate floor.

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A Munich Security report, released just days before world leaders gather in Germany, said that Trump’s election has turned the U.S. into a “risk to be hedged against.”

“Without global leadership of the kind provided by the United States for the past several decades, it is hard to imagine the international community providing global public goods like freedom of navigation or tackling even some of the many grave threats confronting humanity,” the report warned. “The US may be abdicating its historic role as Europe’s security guarantor – with significant consequences for Ukraine.”

February 11, 2025
Uncertainty grows among still-optimistic small business owners, survey finds

Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., weighs in on President Donald Trump’s economic agenda and its anticipated effect on ‘The Big Money Show.’

Uncertainty grew among American small business owners in January while optimism remained high, according to a new survey from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

The group’s uncertainty index rose 14 points to 100 last month, the third-highest recorded reading.

The Small Business Optimism Index also took a slight dip. It stood at 102.8 as of January, according to the NFIB survey.

People with face masks walk past restaurants on Main Street in Patchogue, N.Y., July 11, 2020. (Steve Pfost/Newsday RM via Getty Images / Getty Images)

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While that represented a 2.3-point decline in optimism on a monthly basis, it was still higher than the 51-year average of 98. The Small Business Optimism Index hit a six-year high in December.

In January, a seasonally adjusted net 47% of small business owners harbored expectations for the economy improving, according to the survey. That dropped five points.

Meanwhile, 17% indicated they were bullish about expansion, saying now was a “good time” to do so “substantially,” according to the NFIB.

“Overall, small business owners remain optimistic regarding future business conditions, but uncertainty is on the rise,” NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said in a statement. “Hiring challenges continue to frustrate Main Street owners as they struggle to find qualified workers to fill their many open positions. Meanwhile, fewer plan capital investments as they prepare for the months ahead.”

Over one-third of small business owners said they were experiencing difficulties filling openings at their companies in January, the survey showed.

TRUMPONOMICS WILL TAME INFLATION – NOT MAKE IT WORSE

More than half of owners surveyed were looking to bring new workers on board at their small businesses in January. Many of those – 90% – were finding “few or no qualified applicants,” the NFIB said.

A “Now Hiring” sign posted on the window of a business looking to hire workers May 5, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images / Getty Images)

Labor quality and inflation were tied in January as the “single most important problem for business,” according to the NFIB. Eighteen percent of small business owners cited either of those as their main issue, with the share pointing to labor quality posting a one-point drop from the prior month.

Inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index increased 0.4% month over month and 2.9% year over year in December, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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When it came to capital outlays, a seasonally adjusted 22% of small business owners are looking to make investments in the coming six months, the NFIB also found. That share fell seven points.

About 58% reported capital outlays over the past half year, according to the survey.

February 11, 2025
White House will not release visitor logs during Trump’s second term

The White House will not release visitor logs during President Donald Trump’s second term, Fox News has confirmed.

The move mirrors the policy of his first administration, a White House official told the Washington Examiner.

Trump’s first administration made the announcement of keeping White House visitors secret in April 2017, according to the Washington Post.

“After four years of the Biden administration’s empty promises, lies, and secrets, President Trump is giving the people and the press a level of access and transparency never seen before,” White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers told the media outlet.

HOUSE DEMS ORGANIZE RAPID RESPONSE TASK FORCE AND LITIGATION GROUP TO COMBAT TRUMP AGENDA

President Donald Trump is pictured in front of the White House. (Getty Images/AP Images)

Releasing visitor logs is not a requirement since they are protected by the Presidential Records Act, which shields the records from public release until five years after a president leaves office, the Examiner said.

President Joe Biden consistently released visitor records at the beginning of each month throughout his term.

At the beginning of Biden’s presidency, media outlets praised the Biden administration for resuming the release of visitor logs after the Trump administration stopped the practice during his term. The New York Times spoke highly of the practice as “part of an effort to restore transparency to government.”

TRUMP’S HOUSE ALLIES UNVEIL BILL ‘HAND IN HAND’ WITH DOGE CRACKDOWN

Former President Joe Biden at a surprise press briefing appearance in October 2024. (POOL)

However, a Bloomberg review of logs from his first two years of office revealed disclosure gaps.

Back in November, the White House had still not released its visitor logs for July, the month Bide gave up his re-election bid, leaving questions about who was seeing and advising the president before he made the historic decision to drop out.

White House visitor logs are protected by the Presidential Records Act. (Yasin Ozturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

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Former President Barack Obama was the first president to disclose visitor logs, the Examiner reported.

Fox News Digitals’ Peter Pinedo contributed to this report.

February 11, 2025
February 12, 2025 Special Days: Which Day Is Today? Know Holidays, Festivals, Events, Birthdays, Birth and Death Anniversaries Falling on Today’s Calendar Date
February 12, 2025, Special Days: February 12, 2025, is marked by several notable observances. The Full Snow Moon occurs, peaking at 8:53 a.m. EST, traditionally linked to the heavy snowfall of February. This full moon in Leo encourages introspection about life’s satisfactions and challenges. On this day, Darwin Day is celebrated to honour the birth of Charles Darwin and his groundbreaking contributions to science, especially the theory of evolution. Additionally, Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday is observed, reflecting on the leadership and legacy of the 16th President of the United States. NAACP Day highlights the ongoing civil rights efforts of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. National Freedom to Marry Day advocates for marriage equality, while National Lost Penny Day encourages people to pick up pennies as a reminder of the value of small things. Food enthusiasts can also enjoy National Plum Pudding Day, a day to indulge in this classic dessert. Lastly, Safety Pup Day promotes safety awareness, especially for children, through the character of Safety Pup. These observances offer opportunities for reflection, celebration, and advocacy across various aspects of life and society. There are also several famous February 12 birthdays and birth anniversaries. February 2025 Holidays and Festivals Calendar: Basant Panchami, Valentine’s Day, Maha Shivratri and More – Get a Full List of Major Events in the Second Month of the Year.

List of Festivals & Events Falling on February 12, 2025 (Wednesday)
1. Valentine Week Day 6 – Hug Day
2. Guru Ravidas Jayanti
3. Magha Puja / Makha Bucha Day
4. Lalita Jayanti / Shodashi Jayanti
5. Kumbha Sankranti
6. Magha Purnima Upavasa / Magha Purnima Vrat
7. Anvadhan in February 2025
8. Tourism Day in Taiwan
9. Red Hand Day
10. Oglethorpe Day
11. Union Day in Myanmar
12. National Plum Pudding Day
13. National Freedom to Marry Day
14. NAACP Day
15. International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers
16. Georgia Day
17. Darwin Day
Famous February 12 Birthdays and Birth Anniversaries
1. Abraham Lincoln
2. Charles Darwin
3. Josh Brolin
4. Christina Ricci
5. Darren Aronofsky
6. Tara Strong
7. Park Bo-young
8. Jagapathi Babu
9. Pran (actor)
10. Gundappa Viswanath
11. Nana Fadnavis
February 11, 2025, Special Days.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 12, 2025 12:05 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
February 11, 2025
Gallup survey results on favorability of the 5 living presidents

In a recent Gallup survey of adults living in the U.S., former President Joe Biden earned the lowest favorability and the highest unfavorability of all five living presidents, while former President Barack Obama was held in the highest regard.

While 57% held an unfavorable view of Biden, just 39% held a favorable view of him.

But Obama’s ratings were essentially the reverse, with 59% viewing the 44th president favorably versus just 36% who viewed him unfavorably.

TRUMP HAS HIGHER APPROVAL RATING THAN AT ANY POINT DURING FIRST TERM: POLL

Left: President Joe Biden during a wildfire briefing in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025; Center: President Donald Trump attends a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 4, 2025 in Washington, D.C.; Right: Former President Barack Obama listens to Nika Kovač, Director of Slovenia-based Institute 8th of March as he moderates a conversation with her, Manu Meel, Co-Founder and CEO of BridgeUSA, and Ainka Jackson, Founding executive director of the Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth, and Reconciliation during the Obama Foundation’s 2024 Democracy Forum on Dec. 5, 2024 in Chicago, Ill. (Left: Chris Kleponis/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images; Center: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images; Right: Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Biden, who served as vice president throughout Obama’s terms, had just concluded his own White House tenure when the poll was conducted from Jan. 21-27.

President Donald Trump was inaugurated on Jan. 20.

The current commander in chief and former President Bill Clinton were both viewed favorably by 48% in the survey.

NEW POLL SHOWS WHAT AMERICANS THINK OF TRUMP’S PERFORMANCE IN SECOND TERM

(L-R) Former U.S. Vice Presidents Al Gore and Mike Pence, Karen Pence, former U.S. President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former U.S. President George W. Bush, Laura Bush, former U.S. President Barack Obama, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump attend the state funeral for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 9, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

But while 50% viewed Trump unfavorably, just 41% felt that way about Clinton.

Regarding former President George W. Bush, 52% in the poll held a favorable opinion of him, and 34% held an unfavorable view.

TRUMP ADMIN DEPORTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CONVICTED OF A CRIME IS WILDLY POPULAR AMONG NEW YORK VOTERS: POLL

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former U.S. President George W. Bush attend the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (CHIP SOMODEVILLA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

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Until recently, there had been six living presidents, but former President Jimmy Carter passed away late last year at the age of 100 years old.

“Results are based on telephone interviews conducted January 21-27, 2025, with a random sample of –1,001— adults, ages 18+, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. For results based on this sample of national adults, the margin of sampling error is ±4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level,” Gallup indicated.

Alex Nitzberg is a writer for Fox News Digital.

February 11, 2025
Top political handicapper reveals what Dems’ chances are at winning back the Senate in 2026

Democrats face “few opportunities” to win back the Senate majority in next year’s midterm elections, a top non-partisan political handicapper predicts.

While the Republicans are defending seats in 22 states in 2026 compared to just 13 for the Democrats, the Cook Report’s first Senate rankings of the new election cycle points to a tough road ahead for the Democrats as they aim to recapture control of the chamber.

Senate Republicans enjoyed a very favorable map in the 2024 cycle as they flipped four seats from blue to red and stormed to a 53-47 majority in the new Congress, to go along with President Donald Trump’s recapturing of the White House and the GOP’s successful defense of their razor-thin House majority.

Cook Report Senate and governors editor Jessica Taylor, looking to a new Senate battle, suggested that “the challenge for Democrats to net the four seats necessary to win back the majority looks Herculean.”

FIRST ON FOX: SENATE GOP CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHTS ‘TEAM EFFORT’

Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan, the chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, is interviewed by Fox News Digital at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2024. (Fox News – Paul Steinhauser)

The Cook Report ranks two seats as toss-ups, and both are controlled by the Democrats.

They are in the battlegrounds of Michigan – where Democrat Sen. Gary Peters announced two weeks ago that he would not seek re-election in 2026 – and Georgia – where Democrat Sen. Jon Ossoff faces a rough road to securing a second six-year term in the Senate.

Trump flipped Michigan in last November’s election, while then-Rep. Elissa Slotkin narrowly edged Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers in the race to succeed longtime fellow Democrat Sen. Debbie Stabenow. Rogers is now seriously mulling a second straight bid for the Senate.

SENATE REPUBLICANS JUMP OUT TO FAST START IN THIS KEY CAMPAIGN METRIC

In Georgia, which Trump also flipped after losing the state in his 2020 election loss to former President Joe Biden, the Cook Report calls Ossoff “the most endangered incumbent overall.”

State and national Republicans are urging popular Republican Gov. Brian Kemp – who is term-limited in 2026 – to challenge Ossoff.

The Cook Report ranks the key New England swing state of New Hampshire as Lean Democrat.

Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire speaks before then-President Joe Biden arrives to deliver remarks on lowering the cost of prescription drugs, on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 in Concord, New Hampshire. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Longtime Democrat Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a former governor, has yet to announce if she will seek another term in office. Additionally, while plugged in Democrats in the Granite State have told Fox News the past couple of months that they expected the now-78-year-old Shaheen to run for re-election, her recently announced sparse fundraising for the fourth quarter of last year took many politicos by surprise.

Former Republican Sen. Scott Brown, who served as ambassador to New Zealand during Trump’s first term in the White House, is making moves toward launching a second run for the Senate in New Hampshire, a dozen years after narrowly losing to Shaheen.

TRUMP-BACKED 2024 GOP SENATE NOMINEE IN KEY BATTLEGROUND STATE MOVING TOWARDS ANOTHER RUN IN 2026

While no Republican held Senate seats are listed as toss-ups, two are rated by the Cook Report as Lean Republican.

They are Maine, where moderate GOP Sen. Susan Collins is running for re-election in a state Trump lost last November, and North Carolina, where Republican Sen. Thom Tillis is seeking another term in a state Trump narrowly carried last year.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine heads to the Senate floor for a vote on Jan. 23, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

While Cook lists both races as Lean Republican, Taylor notes that “the rating could change if Democrats recruit strong candidates.”

Those Democratic candidates could possibly be former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, who finished his second term earlier this year, and Maine Gov. Janet Mills, who is term-limited in 2026.

MEET THE REPUBLICAN SENATOR TASKED WITH DEFENDING THE GOP’S SENATE MAJORITY IN 2026

When it comes to potentially competitive races, the Cook Report ranks Ohio as likely Republican. GOP Gov. Mike DeWine last month named Lt. Jon Husted to fill the seat previously held by now-Vice President JD Vance. Husted is now running in 2026 to fill the final two years of Vance’s term.

Once a key battleground state, Ohio has shifted to deep red in recent election cycles and its unclear if former longtime Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, who lost his re-election last year, will make another bid in 2026.

Cook also lists Minnesota – where Democrat Sen. Tina Smith is up for re-election next year – as a likely Democrat.

Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, the chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said last November that he’d “like to see 55,” when asked in a Fox News Digital interview about how many seats he was aiming for in the 2026 midterms.

Additionally, this past weekend at the Senate GOP campaign committee’s winter meeting, Scott reiterated that “we believe we can get to 55 or maybe even stretch for 56,” according to sources attending the confab in Palm Beach, Florida.

The party in power – which this cycle is clearly the Republicans – traditionally faces electoral headwinds in the midterm elections.

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However, Taylor, pointing to recent polling, notes that the Democrats’ “party brand is… deeply unpopular.”

“Even if Democrats were able to defend every incumbent and open seat on their side and flip both those states, it would leave them two short of an outright majority. Additional targets are hard to find,” Taylor emphasized.

Paul Steinhauser is a politics reporter based in New Hampshire.

February 11, 2025
‘This has to stop’: House Dem faces backlash for ‘promoting physical violence’ at DOGE protest

A Democratic congressman is facing heat from conservatives on social media after promoting the idea of a “street fight” at a protest pushing back against Elon Musk’s recent efforts to slash government waste through the newly created DOGE office.

“This will be a congressional fight, a constitutional fight, a legal fight, and on days like this a street fight, yes we will stand,” Democratic Rep. Kweisi Mfume, who has represented Maryland’s 7th Congressional District since 2020, said at a rally in Baltimore on Monday outside the Social Security Office.

Mfume, who was elected to fill the seat of the late Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings, added that DOGE stands for “the department of government evil.”

Conservatives on social media were quick to criticize Mfume. They accused him of inciting violence and wondered aloud why more media outlets weren’t picking up the comments.

‘DOGE BOYS’: DEMS FUME OVER SPENDING CUT SPREE AT RALLY OUTSIDE TRUMP’S NEXT POTENTIAL TARGET

Rep. Mfume called for a “street fight” at an anti-DOGE rally on Monday. (Getty)

“A ‘street fight’ to stop cuts to wasteful spending?” GOP Sen. Mike Lee posted on X. “Those are fighting words. And they’re not honorable words.”

“Remember when Trump pumped his fist and said fight after someone almost blew his brains out and the press claimed it was a call to violence?” Red State writer Bonchie posted on X. “Meanwhile…”

“You can almost hear the Democrat party’s 31% approval rating slide further down a hill with clips like this,” Republican communicator Matt Whitlock posted on X. “Not only are Democrats openly promoting political violence, they’re promoting political violence over funding trans surgeries in South America.”

MEET THE YOUNG TEAM OF SOFTWARE ENGINEERS SLASHING GOVERNMENT WASTE AT DOGE: REPORT

Rep. Kweisi Mfume at a hearing on Capitol Hill, March 8, 2023. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

“WATCH: @RepKweisiMfume (D-MD) riles his supporters up for a ‘street fight’ against President Trump’s agenda on rooting out government waste and corruption,” the Trump White House’s rapid response team posted on X.

“So @realDonaldTrump, what’s the plan for dealing with Congressional members who are inciting violence?” Women For America First Executive Director Kylie Jane Kremer posted on X. ” This has to stop & there should be consequences for any MOC who continues to do this.”

“Dems calling for a ‘street fight,” the American Firearms Association posted on X. “Never give up your firearms because we all know these Communist Dems are thirsty for blood!”

In a statement to Fox News Digital, a Mfume spokesperson said, “Congressman Mfume was talking about going neighbor to neighbor and person to person to fight to win the hearts, minds, and souls of disaffected voters who didn’t participate in the last election or who are turned off by the current process.”

“He believes everybody needs to be engaged and you have to be able to fight where people are to talk with them and to get them engaged and bring them back to the fold.”

The spokesperson added that Mfume is “not opposed to cutting waste, fraud, and abuse.”

“He is the Ranking Member of the United States House Oversight Subcommittee on Government Operations and that has been a focus of his bipartisan work alongside Subcommittee Chair Pete Sessions for the last two years. Congressman Mfume supports many things to make government run better, including ending cost overruns at the Department of Defense, tackling the underworld of fraud and improper payments associated with government spending, and establishing a scorecard within agencies which measures their ability to curb waste – he has worked with at least a dozen inspector generals on these issues.”

The Trump administration appears primed to target the Social Security Administration as part of its DOGE efforts, Fox News Digital previously reported, prompting strong pushback from Democrats who have largely opposed DOGE, arguing it represents a constitutional crisis and a threat to democracy.

“We have one simple message, which is: Elon Musk, keep your hands off our Social Security,” Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., told the crowd in Baltimore.

MAXINE WATERS, HOUSE DEMS RIPPED FOR ‘UNHINGED’ CLASH WITH SECURITY GUARD AT EDUCATION DEPT

Elon Musk is leading the Department of Government Efficiency. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

“Over the last 21 days, we have seen Elon Musk conducting illegal raids on federal agencies with his DOGE crew,” the senator said. “This is a recipe for corruption by the DOGE boys.”

Musk and other Republicans have argued that a significant amount of waste exists in the federal entitlement system and pushed back on the accusation that legitimate benefits will be taken away.

“At this point, I am 100% certain that the magnitude of the fraud in federal entitlements (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Welfare, Disability, etc) exceeds the combined sum of every private scam you’ve ever heard by FAR,” Musk recently posted on X. “It’s not even close.”

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“On no planet does @DOGE want to take away anyone’s Social Security check,” Sen. Lee posted on X. “And on no planet is violence warranted by what @DOGE is actually trying to do—stop waste, fraud, and abuse in government.”

Musk responded to Lee’s post by saying, “Yeah, I can’t emphasize this enough! The goal of auditing the Social Security Administration is to stop the extreme levels of fraud taking place, so that it remains solvent and protects the social security checks of honest Americans!”

Fox News Digital previously reported that, according to Just Facts, a nonprofit research institute, SSA disbursed roughly $2 billion in fraudulent or improper payments in 2022, which it calculated was enough “to pay 89,947 retired workers the average annual old-age benefit of $21,924 for 2023.”

Fox News Digital’s Aubrie Spady contributed to this report

Andrew Mark Miller is a reporter at Fox News. Find him on Twitter @andymarkmiller and email tips to [email protected].

February 11, 2025
American teacher Marc Fogel released by Russia, Trump admin says

An American teacher detained by Russia is heading back to American soil, the Trump administration announced Tuesday.

“Today, President Donald J. Trump and his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are able to announce that Mr. Witkoff is leaving Russian airspace with Marc Fogel, an American who was detained by Russia,” National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said in a statement.

Lisa Hyland, left, and other family members of Marc Fogel, who has been detained in Russia since August 2021, rally outside the White House for his release, July 15, 2023, in Washington, D.C. (AP)

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Greg Norman is a reporter at Fox News Digital.

February 11, 2025
Republican AGs fight ‘freedom’s front line’ for Trump admin facing Dem lawsuits

GOP state attorneys are taking on a renewed role during President Donald Trump’s second administration as “freedom’s front line,” Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) incoming executive director Adam Piper told Fox News Digital, arguing that Democrats – deflated from losing control of both houses of Congress – are turning to left-leaning state attorneys to “undermine” the White House’s America First agenda.

Right now, there are 29 Republican attorneys general in the United States who are “uniquely qualified to be the tip of the spear, to be freedom’s front line and be a foundation for the future and a foundation for freedom every single day,” Piper told Fox News Digital. “These men and women are working tirelessly to ensure their states are the safest places possible. But they’re also working tirelessly to defend freedom, to help President Trump to ensure the American people have the system of government they voted for, they expect, and they deserve one that is free and one that is fair.”

In Trump’s first three weeks in office, Democratic attorneys general have sued the Trump administration on several matters related to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). That includes New York Attorney General Letitia James leading 19 state attorneys in suing over DOGE leader Elon Musk’s access to Treasury Department records. U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer issued a preliminary injunction in that case Saturday.

TRUMP HAS HIGHER APPROVAL RATING THAN AT ANY POINT DURING FIRST TERM: POLL

President Donald Trump speaks at the National Prayer Breakfast on Feb. 6, 2025. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Democratic attorneys general also partnered with the country’s largest federal labor unions to sue over Trump’s deferred resignation offer that would allow workers eight months of paid leave if they agree to leave their jobs voluntarily.

In turn, Montana’s Republican attorney general, Austin Knudsen, led 22 states in an amicus brief Sunday asking the court to deny a motion for a temporary restraining order and allow Trump to manage the federal workforce how he sees fit. U.S. District Judge George O’Toole in Boston federal court on Monday proceeded to push back the deadline a second time on Trump’s “Fork in the Road Directive,” which gives most federal employees the option to resign with pay and benefits until Sept. 30.

“During the Biden administration, Republican AGs were the last line of defense. We were the goal line stand, keeping the equivalent of a ‘tush push’ out of the end zone,” Piper told Fox News Digital.

“During the Trump administration, we have to play offense, defense and special teams,” he continued. “We have to be freedom’s front line. Working with the administration to ensure this DOGE regulatory reform agenda gets done, that we return to America’s Golden Age. But we also have to play defense and special teams. You’re going to see Democratic AGs take our playbook, bastardize it, and push back on the Trump administration. You will see states like New York and California get more aggressive, and Republican AGs are there to defend the rule of law, to promote freedom, and to ensure we work with President Trump to return America’s Golden Age.”

New York Attorney General Letitia James speaks following a verdict against former U.S. President Donald Trump in a civil fraud trial on Feb. 16, 2024. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

As for the DOGE injunction led by James, Piper said it equates to “partisan gamesmanship from Democratic attorneys general who want to do everything possible to thwart President Trump’s agenda.”

“This is why Republican attorneys general are so critical to the success of the Trump administration in pushing back against Democratic attorneys general and their attempts to crowbar what President Trump and his team are trying to accomplish in Washington, D.C., which is returning freedom to the American people, returning government efficiency, eliminating fraud, waste and abuse,” he said.

REPUBLICAN AGS BACK TRUMP FEDERAL EMPLOYEE BUYOUT AS JUDGE DECIDES ‘FORK IN THE ROAD’ DIRECTIVE’S FATE

Regarding James, in particular, Piper noted how New York’s attorney general led cases against Trump during his 2024 re-election campaign that are now defunct and have failed.

President Donald Trump speaks before Pam Bondi is sworn in as U.S. Attorney General in the Oval Office at the White House on Feb. 5, 2025. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

“A lot of her push back on the Trump administration is more about political theater than it is the rule of law in a court of law,” he said. “And today and moving forward, you will see Republican attorneys general being President Trump’s best friend from a policy standpoint. We will be his best champion from a policy standpoint. There’s no more effective elected official in the United States than the state attorney general. We’re more effective than the members of Congress, more effective than U.S. senators, more effective than even governors… You know, we can push back on some of this lawfare that you’ll see from Democratic attorneys general.”

The Republican Attorneys General Association has seen alumni advance to the federal level in the Department of Justice. Most notably, that includes the newly sworn-in U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. Piper said he also hopes to see the Senate confirm Aaron Rice, an alum of the Texas Attorney General’s Office, to join the DOJ’s Office of Legal Policy. He noted 51 Republican attorneys general or staff alumni held Senate confirmed positions in the first Trump administration.

“Republican attorneys general and their staffs are truly America’s farm team. You know where the best incubator of talent to ensuring President Trump has known conservative fighters who are willing to fight every day for the American people,” Piper said. “And from Attorney General Bondi. There’s no better person to be the attorney general of the United States of America.”

As RAGA looks ahead, Virginia Attorney General Jason Myares is defending his office this year in what’s expected to be a competitive race, and then 30 attorneys general races will be on the ballot in 2026.

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“There’s an urban myth that Richmond goes the opposite way of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. We are going to make sure that myth is just an urban myth and just a fable. Attorney General Jason Myers is truly one of our best when you look at the issues across the board. We will have probably an uphill battle,” Piper said. “Virginia is a state the Republicans carried by two points four years ago. We have to have a good ground game. We have to have a good turnout operation… We have to make sure voters in the Commonwealth of Virginia understand the importance of attorney general, understand the public safety issues and understand that they need someone who every day will ensure Virginia is the safest place to live, work and raise a family.”

Danielle Wallace is a breaking news and politics reporter at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] and on X: @danimwallace.

February 11, 2025
Bengals’ Tee Higgins says he’d ‘love’ to return to Cincinnati ahead of free agency

Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Tee Higgins would love to return in free agency, but knows it’s not in his control.

Higgins, 26, and fellow star Ja’Marr Chase have been one of the league’s best wide receiver duos since Chase entered the NFL in 2021.

“I mean, obviously I would love to be there in Cincinnati. I love it here. I love the city. I love the fans. I love the coaching staff, everything in the building. But, hey, it’s not in my control.” Higgins said via FOX19 Cincinncati.

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins walks off the field after the victory over the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium. (Katie Stratman-Imagn Images)

Higgins is one of many key players the Bengals have hitting free agency, and it’s not guaranteed they will make a strong offer to retain their 2020 second-round pick.

Defensive tackle B.J. Hill, cornerback Mike Hilton and tight end Mike Gesicki are among the core group of players hitting free agency.

In addition, Chase and star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson are seeking large contract extensions.

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Cincinnati Bengals, from left, Ja’Marr Chase, Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins take the field for the Steelers game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Jan. 4, 2025. (IMAGN)

Higgins said he is going to take some time away before deciding on his future.

“I’m just trying to stay away from it right now and clear my head, get away from the game, especially after this, after (the Super Bowl). Clear my head, get away from the game for a few weeks, and then, obviously, in March, that’s when things will start ramping up for me with the free agency coming up,” Higgins said.

Higgins will be highly sought after in free agency. Despite being second fiddle to Chase in Cincinnati, he has proven his ability to be the No. 1 receiver in any team’s offense.

The 6-foot-4-inch receiver has dealt with injury issues, missing five games in each of the last two seasons, but has been highly productive when on the field.

Higgins caught 73 passes for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins catches a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. (Barry Reeger-Imagn Images)

Through his five-year career, Higgins has caught 330 passes for 4,595 yards and 34 touchdowns.

The Bengals finished 9-8 this season, just missing the playoffs after suffering one-too-many heartbreaking losses early in the season.

Retaining Higgins, among other key players, would go a long way to ensuring the Bengals remain in playoff contention for years to come.

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Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.

February 11, 2025