Happy New Year 2025

Tag: Pete

Duffy blasts Buttigieg: ‘Mayor Pete failed for 4 years’

Current Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy slammed former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a post on X, accusing the Biden-era official of “mismanagement.”

He leveled the criticism when responding to a post in which Buttigieg wrote, “The flying public needs answers. How many FAA personnel were just fired? What positions? And why?”

Duffy responded, blasting Buttigieg.

“Mayor Pete failed for four years to address the air traffic controller shortage and upgrade our outdated, World War II-era air traffic control system. In less than four weeks, we have already begun the process and are engaging the smartest minds in the entire world,” Duffy declared.

SEAN DUFFY TELLS HILLARY CLINTON TO ‘SIT THIS ONE OUT’ AFTER SHE CHIMES IN ON HIS DOGE ANNOUNCEMENT

Left: Sean Duffy, U.S, Secretary of Transportation, during a swearing-in ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. Right: U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg speaks to reporters after a groundbreaking ceremony for the Long Bridge Project at the Long Bridge Aquatic Center on Oct. 15, 2024 in Arlington, Va. (Left: Chris Kleponis/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images; Right: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Prior to serving in the Biden administration, Buttigieg served as the mayor of South Bend, Indiana.

“Here’s the truth: the FAA alone has a staggering 45,000 employees. Less than 400 were let go, and they were all probationary, meaning they had been hired less than a year ago. Zero air traffic controllers and critical safety personnel were let go,” Duffy continued.

He accused Buttigieg of utilizing the Department of Transportation “as a slush fund for the green new scam and environmental justice nonsense,” and claimed “that over 90% of the workforce under his leadership were working from home – including him. The building was empty!”

PETE BUTTIGIEG BLASTS TRUMP AFTER PRESIDENT EXCORIATES HIM DURING PRESS BRIEFING

“When we finally get a full accounting of his mismanagement, I look forward to hearing from him,” he declared.

Buttigieg fired back, “At least one of the claims here (concerning telework rates) is demonstrably false, so forgive us for seeking more specifics on the rest. Is the Secretary claiming, and will he show, that none of the hundreds of FAA personnel he just fired were important to safety?”

In a post on Sunday, Duffy had indicated that individuals from SpaceX were slated to visit the Air Traffic Control System Command Center on Monday.

DUFFY BRINGS UP CLINTON WHILE NOTING SPACEX WORKERS WILL VISIT AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM COMMAND CENTER

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg looks on prior to the Playoff First Round game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on Dec. 20, 2024 in South Bend, Ind. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images))

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“The safety of air travel is a non-partisan matter. SpaceX engineers will help make air travel safer,” Elon Musk replied.

Alex Nitzberg is a writer for Fox News Digital.

February 18, 2025
Maxx Crosby excited for Raiders’ future with Pete Carroll, whose impact is being felt: ‘My type of person’

NEW ORLEANS – Maxx Crosby is an optimist, and with Pete Carroll on board as the Las Vegas Raiders’ new head coach, the defensive end couldn’t be more excited about the future.

The star edge rusher spoke to Fox News Digital on Radio Row in New Orleans ahead of Super Bowl LIX, and while he enjoys his time among his peers, he also wants to be playing in the “Big Game” one day.

Carroll has lifted the Lombardi Trophy once as a head coach in the NFL, while with the Seattle Seahawks, and also won two national championships during his time coaching in college.

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Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby reacts during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Oct. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/David Becker)

That championship pedigree is what Crosby believes the Raiders need right now.

“I think it’s pretty straightforward: He’s done it. He’s done it many times at both levels, college and the NFL,” Crosby said when asked why Carroll was the right man for the Raiders’ head coaching gig, while also promoting his partnership with SAXX Underwear on Radio Row.

“For me, I’m an optimistic person. I want to be a winner, I want a chance to win. From everything I’ve seen so far, it’s been encouraging. So — taking it one step at a time and we’ll see how everything plays out. But I’m excited for the future, for sure.”

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Carroll’s impact within the Raiders organization has already been felt by Crosby, too, and it’s that patented energy he brings every day that’s “infectious.”

“Every conversation I’ve had with him has been awesome,” Crosby said. “All energy all the time, my type of person. At the end of the day, you’ve got to have fun with what we do, you know what I mean? We’re modern-day gladiators. We’re going out there — car crashes every single Sunday. That’s the reality. So, you have to have fun with it. The work comes first, but at the same time, you’ve got to enjoy your job. You’ve got to be excited to come into the building every morning and go to work.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Jan. 7, 2024. (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)

“I think he does an incredible job doing that. I’ve yet to experience that yet, but just being around him for a couple weeks now, the dude doesn’t stop.”

Crosby offered an example of how much fun Carroll is having being back inside an NFL building.

“It’s about team, it’s about culture, it’s about competing,” he began. “That’s what he preaches and lives by. I’ve been able to see it at a short glimpse so far, but it’s just funny. You hear guys, I’m talking to one of the front office guys, and he’s like, ‘Yeah, I have this JBL speaker — [Carroll] gave everyone a speaker. I go upstairs and it sounds like a frat house is going on.’ There’s music bumping all the time and stuff. I love that. That’s how I am.

“I think it’s necessary. Energy’s got to be right and correct, and I feel like that leads to success when the work is behind it. He’s proven it his whole life that he can win and knows how to win. It’s exciting.”

MAXX AND SAXX MADE PERFECT SENSE

When Saxx Underwear wanted to partner with Crosby, he found it a no-brainer, considering the name. But it’s what they’ve done together, impacting the next generation of athletes with NIL (name, image and likeness) deals, that has him excited to talk about it during Super Bowl Week.

Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

“Just the alignment from top to bottom, how much they poured into what I believe in,” he said of the partnership. “Helping out with NIL deals for guys at Eastern Michigan, UNLV. Helping out and giving back to places I care about. And best underwear in the game, period.

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“I wear it every single day, and we aligned in many ways. They’ve been incredible.”

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 7, 2025
Pete Alonso returning to Mets on short-term deal: reports

The New York Mets are bringing back first baseman Pete Alonso on a two-year, $54 million deal, according to multiple reports.

The deal reportedly comes with an opt-out after 2025. The deal also reportedly comes with a $10 million signing bonus and a $20 million salary for 2025, with a $24 million player option for 2026.

Alonso was the team’s second-round pick out of the Florida Gators’ program in 2016, and he’s spent his first six seasons hitting home runs (226), including a rookie record 53 that aided his Rookie of the Year resume in 2019. He’s also made four All-Star teams, including each of the last three, and has a career .854 OPS.

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Oct 8, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) reacts after walking in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during game three of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Citi Field. (Brad Penner-Imagn Images)

Alonso’s uncertain return to the Mets was one of the most-discussed storylines of the MLB offseason. Team owner Steve Cohen expressed skepticism the team would re-sign the star sluggers during an appearance at the Mets’ Amazin’ Day in late January.

There, Cohen said the negotiations with Alonso were going “worse” than they had with the team’s offseason big offseason signing, Juan Soto.

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Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets reacts after flying out to left field to end the bottom of the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Citi Field on May 25, 2024 in New York City. (Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

“We’ve made a significant offer to Pete, and, you know, what David said is correct. He’s entitled to go out and explore his market,” Cohen said. “That’s what he’s doing. Personally, this has been an exhausting conversation and negotiation. I mean, Soto was tough. This is worse.”

Still, Cohen never ruled out Alonso’s return.

“I will never say no. There’s always the possibility. But the reality is we’re moving forward, and we continue to bring in players. As we continue to bring in players, the reality is it becomes harder to fit Pete into what is a very expensive group of players that we already have. That’s where we are,” Cohen said.

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New York Mets first base Pete Alonso (20) runs the bases after hitting run in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during game two of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. (Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)

“I’m being brutally honest. I don’t like the negotiations, I don’t like what’s been presented to us, and maybe that changes. Certainly, I’ll always stay flexible. If it stays this way, I think we’re going to have to get used to the fact that we may have to go forward with the existing players that we have.”

Now, Alonso is back in Queens and will be paired with Soto for at least one season.

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Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. He previously worked for ESPN and Business Insider. Jackson has covered the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, and has interviewed iconic figures Usain Bolt, Rob Gronkowski, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Mike Trout, David Ortiz and Roger Clemens.

February 6, 2025
Former MLB Commissioner Fay Vincent, who played major role in Pete Rose, George Steinbrenner bans, dead at 86

Former Major League Baseball Commissioner Fay Vincent died on Saturday at the age of 86 due to bladder cancer.

Vincent was baseball’s commissioner from 1989 to 1992, taking over for Bart Giamatti after his sudden death just eight days after he banned Pete Rose from baseball.

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Vincent played a major role in Rose’s punishment, having been the deputy commissioner to Giamatti.

MLB Commissioner Fay Vincent before a game between the Detroit Tigers and White Sox at Comiskey Park in Chicago circa 1990. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

He became the commissioner on Sept. 1, 1989, and presided over the league during that year’s World Series between the Giants and Athletics that was halted due to the deadly earthquake in the Bay Area.

Vincent was commissioner during the owners’ lockout of 1990, and he handed down a permanent suspension to New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, who was reinstated by Vincent’s successor, Bud Selig.

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Commissioner Fay Vincent was commissioner during the owners’ lockout of 1990, and he handed down a permanent suspension to New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. (Phil Huber/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

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As baseball commissioner, Vincent angered owners by becoming the first management official to admit the collusion among teams against free agents following the 1985, ‘86 and ’87 seasons. He also divided expansion fees among both leagues and attempted to force National League realignment, changing the divisions of four teams.

“Mr. Vincent served the game during a time of many challenges, and he remained proud of his association with our national pastime throughout his life,” the current commissioner, Rob Manfred, said in a statement.

Baseball Commissioner Fay Vincent presents the World Series trophy to Athletics owner Walter A. Haas after Oakland defeated the Giants to win the World Series, Oct. 28, 1989, at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. (Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

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In one of his lasting acts as commissioner, he chaired an eight-member committee for statistical accuracy, which removed the asterisk that had been next to Roger Maris’ entry as the season home run leader and deleted 50 no-hitters. The group defined a no-hitter as games of nine innings or more that ended with no hits.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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February 2, 2025
Pete Buttigieg blasts Trump after president excoriates him during press briefing

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg fired back at President Donald Trump on Thursday after the commander in chief blasted the Democrat during a press briefing about the deadly midair collision between a military helicopter and a passenger airplane that occurred on Wednesday night.

Trump sarcastically called Buttigieg “a real winner.”

“He’s a disaster. He was a disaster as a mayor. He ran his city into the ground. And he’s a disaster now. He’s just got a good line of bulls—,” the president said.

PETE BUTTIGIEG GIVING ‘SERIOUS LOOK’ TO 2026 SENATE RUN IN TRUMP-WON MICHIGAN

Left: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Department of Transportation headquarters on Sept. 27, 2023 in Washington, D.C.; Right: President Donald Trump looks on after delivering remarks at the House Republican Members Conference Dinner at Trump National Doral Miami, in Miami, Fla., on Jan. 27, 2025. (Left: Drew Angerer/Getty Images; Right: MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Buttigieg, the former South Bend, Indiana Mayor who served as secretary of the Transportation Department under former President Joe Biden, sounded off in a post on social media.

“Despicable. As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying. We put safety first, drove down close calls, grew Air Traffic Control, and had zero commercial airline crash fatalities out of millions of flights on our watch,” Buttigieg declared in a post on X.

“President Trump now oversees the military and the FAA. One of his first acts was to fire and suspend some of the key personnel who helped keep our skies safe. Time for the President to show actual leadership and explain what he will do to prevent this from happening again,” he added.

Buttigieg mounted a presidential bid in 2019, but dropped out the next year and endorsed Biden.

Buttigieg is reportedly “taking a serious look” at the possibility of running for U.S. Senate in in Michigan.

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“Pete is exploring all of his options on how he can be helpful and continue to serve,” a source familiar with Buttigieg’s thinking told Fox News Digital. “He’s honored to be mentioned for this, and he’s taking a serious look.”

Fox News Digital’s Julia Johnson contributed to this report

Alex Nitzberg is a writer for Fox News Digital.

January 31, 2025
Pete Buttigieg considering 2026 Senate run in Trump-won Michigan

Former Secretary of Transportation and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg is not ruling out a possible Senate run in Michigan in 2026, following Sen. Gary Peters’ decision not to seek re-election.

“Pete is exploring all of his options on how he can be helpful and continue to serve,” a source familiar with the millennial Democrat’s thinking told Fox News Digital.

“He’s honored to be mentioned for this, and he’s taking a serious look.”

GARY PETERS, DEMOCRATIC SENATOR FROM TRUMP STATE, WON’T SEEK RE-ELECTION

Buttigieg is weighing his options ahead of the 2026 race. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Buttigieg’s potential interest in running for Senate was first reported by Axios.

“I always thought there would be a time that I would step aside and pass the reins for the next generation. I also never saw service in Congress as something you do your whole life,” Peters told the Detroit News in an interview published on Tuesday.

TRUMP’S MOST VULNERABLE NOMINEES RFK JR, TULSI GABBARD GET BACK-TO-BACK HEARINGS

Peters announced he won’t seek re-election. (Getty Images)

“And that goes back to 2008 when I first won that House seat. I thought it would be for a matter of a few terms that I would serve, and then I would go back to private life,” he said.

Peters chaired the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) twice and oversaw Democrat Elissa Slotkin’s Senate win in Michigan in 2024, despite the state swinging for President Donald Trump at the top of the ticket.

PETE HEGSETH CONFIRMED TO LEAD PENTAGON AFTER VP VANCE CASTS TIE-BREAKING VOTE

Slotkin defeated her Republican opponent. (Chip Somodevilla)

Following Peters’ announcement, DSCC spokesman David Bergstein said in a statement, “No Republican has won a Michigan Senate race in 30 years – including last cycle when Democrats won an open Senate seat even as Trump won the state – and Democrats will continue to hold this seat in 2026.”

TIM SCOTT EMPHASIZES ‘RESULTS’ OVER RECONCILIATION PROCESS AS HE STAYS OUT OF DEBATE

Scott is chairing the NRSC for the 2026 cycle. (Reuters)

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National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Chairman Tim Scott, R-S.C., said in his own statement, “Gary Peters is reading the room. After spending years ignoring illegal immigration and destroying his state’s auto industry, Michigan is better off without him. We’re committed to giving them a fighter that will stand with President Trump to restore the economic prosperity and security of our country.”

Julia Johnson is a politics writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, leading coverage of the U.S. Senate. She was previously a politics reporter at the Washington Examiner.

Follow Julia’s reporting on X at @JuliaaJohnson_ and send tips to [email protected].

January 28, 2025
Air Force reinstates Tuskegee Airmen training following backlash from Pete Hegseth and Katie Britt

The Air Force has resumed a course on the first Black pilots unit that was temporarily yanked to ensure compliance with President Donald Trump’s executive order banning DEI in the federal government.

Following backlash from legislators and even the new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Air Force claimed reports it had yanked a course teaching new recruits about the 15,000 Black pilots, mechanics and cooks in the segregated Army of World War II known as the Tuskegee Airmen were “inaccurate.”

However, Hegseth wrote on X Sunday that the course’s removal had been “immediately reversed.”

Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson, Air Education and Training Command commander, said in a statement that the segment that included videos on the Tuskegee Airmen was temporarily yanked on Jan. 23 because a section of it that included DEI material was directed to be removed.

A video on the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), a paramilitary group of female pilots in World War II, was also temporarily removed.

From left to right, Tuskegee Airmen pilots Lt. Colonel Washington Ross, Lt. Col. Harry Stewart, Colonel Charles McGee and Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson stand next to a Tuskegee Army Airfield AY-6 Texan fighter plane during a ceremony to honor the airmen at Selfridge National Airbase in Harrison Township, Michigan, on June 19, 2012.

“We believe this adjustment to curriculum to be fully aligned with the direction given in the DEI executive order,” he said. “No curriculum or content highlighting the honor and valor of the Tuskegee Airmen or Women Air Force Service Pilots has been removed from Basic Military Training.”

TRUMP’S CRACKDOWN ON TRANS TROOPS: NEW ORDER NIXES PREFERRED PRONOUNS AND RESTRICTS FACILITY USE

“No Airmen or Guardians will miss this block of instruction due to the revision, however, one group of trainees had the training delayed. The revised training, which focuses on the documented historic legacy and decorated valor with which these units and airmen fought for our nation in World War II and beyond will continue on 27 January.”

Gen. David Allvin, Air Force chief of staff, explained further, “Allow me to clearly dispel a rumor – while we are currently reviewing all training courses to ensure compliance with the executive orders, no curriculum or content highlighting the honor and valor of the Tuskegee Airmen or Women Air Force Service Pilots has been removed from Basic Military Training.”

Some 14,000 Tuskegee Airmen served in World War II, including hundreds of its now legendary fighter pilots. (Tuskegee University Archives)

“From day one, I directed our Air Force to implement all directives outlined in the Executive Orders issued by the president swiftly and professionally – no equivocation, no slow-rolling, no foot-dragging. When policies change, it is everyone’s responsibility to be diligent and ensure all remnants of the outdated policies are appropriately removed, and the new ones are clearly put in place,” he went on in a statement.

“Despite some inaccurate opinions expressed in reporting recently, our Air Force is faithfully executing all the president’s executive orders. Adhering to policy includes fully aligning our force with the direction given in the DEI executive order. Disguising and renaming are not compliance, and I’ve made this clear. If there are instances of less-than-full compliance, we will hold those responsible accountable.”

Before the Air Force announced it would resume training on the airmen on Monday, Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., had accused it of “malicious compliance.”

“I have no doubt Secretary Hegseth will correct and get to the bottom of the malicious compliance we’ve seen in recent days. President Trump celebrated and honored the Tuskegee Airmen during his first term,” she said.

Tuskegee Airmen pictured in 1945. (Tuskegee University Archives)

PETE HEGSETH CONFIRMED TO LEAD PENTAGON AFTER VP VANCE CASTS TIE-BREAKING VOTE

“Amen! We’re all over it, Senator. This will not stand,” Hegseth echoed.

WASP were vital to ferrying warplanes throughout World War II. The Tuskegee Airmen, an active fighter unit from 1940 to 1952, were the first soldiers who flew during World War II. The group destroyed more than 100 German aircraft.

The nation’s armed forces were not desegregated until 1948, under an executive order from then-President Harry Truman.

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Trump is expected to issue a new executive order focused on rooting out DEI in the military on Monday, in addition to one restricting accommodations for transgender troops. Another executive order will reinstate service members who were fired over refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.

January 27, 2025
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vows to shutter DEI at DOD

The Department of Defense (DoD) is the latest agency that is disbanding all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs following President Donald Trump’s executive order terminating all federal DEI programs.

“The President’s guidance (lawful orders) is clear: No more DEI at Dept. of Defense,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote in a post on X.

In a handwritten note shared along with the post on X, Hegseth wrote: “The Pentagon will comply, immediately. No exceptions, name-changes, or delays.”

Hegseth added that “those who do not comply will no longer work here.”

WHITE HOUSE OPM ORDERS ALL DEI OFFICES TO BEGIN CLOSING BY END OF DAY WEDNESDAY

Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., echoed Hegseth, writing: “The best way to stop discriminating against people on the basis of race or gender is to stop discriminating against people on the basis of race or gender,” Kennedy wrote in a post on X. “Let DEI die.”

Hegseth, 44, was sworn in on Saturday morning after he secured his confirmation to lead the Pentagon on Friday after weeks of intense political drama surrounding his nomination and public scrutiny into his personal life.

“All praise and glory to God. His will be done and we’re grateful to be here,” Hegseth said after taking the oath of office, surrounded by his wife and children.

Hegseth is a former Minnesota National Guard officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and a former Fox News host.

Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, announced he is ending all DEI programs and policies at the Pentagon. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

Trump’s newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed up by Elon Musk, reported that approximately $420 million in current/impending contracts, mainly focused on DEI initiatives, had also been canceled.

On Inauguration Day, Trump signed an executive order that forced all DEI offices to close and placed all government workers in those offices on paid leave.

TRUMP’S FEDERAL DEI PURGE PUTS HUNDREDS ON LEAVE, NIXES $420M IN CONTRACTS

Pete Hegseth is surrounded by his wife and his seven children as he is sworn in as the new Secretary of Defense by Vice President JD Vance at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building at the White House in Washington, DC, on Jan. 25, 2025. (Roberto Schmidt/AFP)

Acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Charles Ezell sent a memo to heads and acting heads of departments and agencies directing them that by the end of business on Jan. 22, they were to inform all agency employees of the DEI shutdown. In addition, they were instructed to tell workers directly involved in DEI to take down all DEI-related websites and social media accounts, cancel any related contracts or training, and ask employees to report any efforts to disguise DEI programs by using coded or imprecise language.

The memo also directed the heads of agencies and departments that by noon on Jan. 23, they were to provide OPM with lists of all DEI offices, employees, and related contracts in effect as of Nov. 5, 2024.

By Friday, Jan. 24, at 5 p.m., agency heads were required to submit to OPM a written plan for executing a reduction-in-force action regarding DEI employees and a list of all contract descriptions or personnel position descriptions that were changed since Nov. 5, 2024, to obscure their connection to DEI programs.

The president also signed an order making it “the official policy of the U.S. government to only recognize two genders: male and female.”

3 IN 10 VOTERS THINK ENDING DEI PROGRAMS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT, POLL SHOWS, AS FEDERAL DEADLINE LOOMS

President Trump targeted gender identity and diversity in executive orders. (Getty Images/AP)

Trump issued two other executive actions targeting DEI — an executive order to end discrimination in the workplace and higher education through race- and sex-based preferences under the guise of DEI and a memo to eliminate a Biden administration policy that prioritized DEI hiring at the Federal Aviation Administration.

In his executive order, Trump wrote that he sought to protect Americans from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin. He said these civil-rights protections “serve as a bedrock supporting equality of opportunity for all Americans” and that he “has a solemn duty to ensure that these laws are enforced for the benefit of all Americans.”

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“Yet today, roughly 60 years after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, critical and influential institutions of American society, including the Federal Government, major corporations, financial institutions, the medical industry, large commercial airlines, law enforcement agencies, and institutions of higher education have adopted and actively use dangerous, demeaning, and immoral race- and sex-based preferences under the guise of so-called ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ (DEI) or ‘diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility’ (DEIA) that can violate the civil-rights laws of this Nation,” the order reads.

It adds that these “illegal DEI and DEIA policies also threaten the safety of American men, women, and children across the Nation by diminishing the importance of individual merit, aptitude, hard work, and determination when selecting people for jobs and services in key sectors of American society, including all levels of government, and the medical, aviation, and law-enforcement communities.

Prior to Trump’s order, the FBI closed its DEI office in December.

Fox News’ Brooke Singman, Brie Stimson, Michael Dorgan and Landon Mion contributed to this report.

Stepheny Price is writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Story tips and ideas can be sent to [email protected]

January 26, 2025
Mets owner Steve Cohen compares Pete Alonso contract talks to Juan Soto’s acquisition: ‘This is worse’

Here’s something New York Mets fans might not have seen coming this offseason: Pete Alonso’s contract talks are “worse” than Juan Soto’s, according to owner Steven Cohen.

During an appearance at the Mets’ Amazin’ Day Saturday afternoon at Citi Field, Cohen was on a panel with his general manager, David Stearns, and manager Carlos Mendoza, while legendary broadcaster Gary Cohen (no relation) moderated the group.

Before questions could be asked, though, the Mets’ faithful in the crowd burst into a “We want Pete!” chant, referring to Alonso, the free agent first baseman who has been a Met his entire career.

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New York Mets owner Steve Cohen speaks to the media before a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citi Field June 28, 2023, in New York City. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

“Hold that for the end, OK?” Cohen told the crowd, smiling.

The Mets and Alonso have had negotiations, but have not reached a deal after they signed Soto to his $765 million deal. New York has landed other players in free agency, but Alonso remains one of the top players on the market.

Alonso was the team’s second-round pick out of the Florida Gators’ program in 2016, and he’s spent his first six seasons hitting home runs (226), including a rookie record 53 that aided his Rookie of the Year resume in 2019. He’s also made four All-Star teams, including each of the last three, and has a career .854 OPS.

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As a fan favorite, it’s easy to see why Mets fans are chanting for their first baseman to be back for a hopeful World Series run in 2025 with Soto added to a roster that also includes Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo and Mark Vientos.

But Cohen, as he has been many times in the past, was transparent with the fan base about what’s been going on in negotiations with Alonso’s agent, Scott Boras, who also represents Soto.

“We’ve made a significant offer to Pete, and, you know, what David said is correct. He’s entitled to go out and explore his market,” Cohen said. “That’s what he’s doing. Personally, this has been an exhausting conversation and negotiation. I mean, Soto was tough. This is worse.”

The Soto sweepstakes were a roller coaster, and it seemed like he was going to stay with the New York Yankees until Cohen came swooping in at the eleventh hour with an offer of a lifetime, crushing Shohei Ohtani’s record contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

So, with a record-breaking deal done, how could Alonso’s negotiations possibly be worse?

New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso runs the bases after hitting a home run in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during Game 2 of a 2024 NLDS at Citizens Bank Park. (Kyle Ross/Imagn Images)

“I don’t like the structures that are being presented back to us,” Cohen explained. “I think it’s highly asymmetric against us, and I feel strongly about it. I will never say no. There’s always the possibility. But the reality is we’re moving forward, and we continue to bring in players. As we continue to bring in players, the reality is it becomes harder to fit Pete into what is a very expensive group of players that we already have. That’s where we are.

“I’m being brutally honest. I don’t like the negotiations, I don’t like what’s been presented to us, and maybe that changes. Certainly, I’ll always stay flexible. If it stays this way, I think we’re going to have to get used to the fact that we may have to go forward with the existing players that we have.”

Mets fans appreciated the honesty from their owner, giving him a round of applause at the end.

Stearns added, “We all love Pete. And we’ve said that many times. I think as we’ve gone through this process, we’ve continued to express that.”

SNY reported this week the Mets have a $68-70 million offer in “present day money” on the table. Alonso turned down a deal for more than $70 million when taking deferred money into account.

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen defended the team’s deadline moves. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

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The Toronto Blue Jays have also been linked to Alonso, but no deal appears imminent.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

January 25, 2025
JD Vance compares Pete Hegseth’s confirmation to Ohio State’s title: ‘Doesn’t matter what the score was’

Vice President JD Vance cast the tiebreaking vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as the next U.S. Secretary of Defense late Friday and might feel a bit like Ohio State quarterback Will Howard.

Vance, an Ohio State alum, celebrated Hegseth’s confirmation with an anecdote that referenced his alma mater’s recent 34-23 national championship victory over Notre Dame.

“As I learned with the Buckeyes just a week ago, when you win the championship, it doesn’t matter what the score was. We won the championship on this one. We’ve got a great Secretary of Defense. We’re proud of him, and he’s going to do a great job,” Vance said.

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Vance has been on a roll with sports analogies lately.

After former President Joe Biden falsely insisted the Constitution had been amended to include the the Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th amendment, Vance mocked that notion with a baseball comparison.

Vance responded to Biden’s declaration in a post on X, joking that Biden should put the late disgraced MLB icon Pete Rose in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

OHIO STATE’S EMEKA EGBUKA REFLECTS ON HOW BUCKEYES RALLIED FROM MICHIGAN LOSS TO WIN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

“Hey Joe if we’re doing fake s— on the way out can you declare Pete Rose into the Hall of Fame?” Vance wrote, in reference to an infamous baseball debate. Rose, MLB’s all-time hit leader who died in September, was banned from the sport for life for illegally betting on games.

Vance, meanwhile, got to witness the Buckeyes’ first national title since 2014 the same day he and President Donald Trump were inaugurated. Vance has been a proud, vocal Ohio State football fan throughout his political career as a former senator from the state.

Vance even joked about skipping Monday’s inauguration to watch the Buckeyes take on Notre Dame in Atlanta.

Usha Vance stood out from the crowd wearing a pink coat on Inauguration Day. (Chris Kleponis)

“Hopefully everyone is cool with me skipping the inauguration so I can go to the national title game,” Vance joked in a post on social media.

During the campaign, Vance revealed he told Trump his loyalty to the Buckeyes might affect Trump’s chances of winning the key battleground state of Michigan.

“When he first asked me to be a VP, I was like, ‘Well, you know, hopefully we don’t lose Michigan by like 900 votes, because you’re going to regret it. ‘Cause it’s probably just a thousand p—ed-off Wolverine fans who wouldn’t vote for a Buckeye,” Vance said during an appearance on OutKick’s “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show.”

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“But I think that most Michiganders are going to be able to put sports rivalries aside and put the country first, which is what, of course, all of us believe is the most important thing.”

The Democratic National Committee attempted to exploit Vance’s connection to Ohio State with a campaign strategy in Michigan in early September. The DNC flew a plane over a Michigan football game Sept. 7 with a banner that said, “J.D. Vance [loves] Ohio State [plus] Project 2025.”

However, the Trump-Vance ticket ended up easily carrying Michigan.

Ohio State players celebrating their national title and JD Vance (Getty Images)

Hegseth, 44, a former Minnesota National Guard officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, secured the role to lead the Pentagon after weeks of intense political drama over his nomination and public scrutiny of his personal life.

The Senate was deadlocked at 50-50 with three Republicans — Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska; Susan Collins, R-Maine; and Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. — joining the Democrats in opposing Hegseth’s confirmation.

The stalemate forced Vance to cast the tiebreaking vote, securing his confirmation.

“It’s not the first time the headline reads, ‘Junior enlisted Marine bails out junior Army officer,’” Hegseth, a former Fox News host joked, referencing Vance’s previous service in the U.S. Marine Corps.

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Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. He previously worked for ESPN and Business Insider. Jackson has covered the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, and has interviewed iconic figures Usain Bolt, Rob Gronkowski, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Mike Trout, David Ortiz and Roger Clemens.

January 25, 2025