Happy New Year 2025

Tag: protest

Academic unions plan nationwide demonstration to protest Trump NIH research cuts

The science community is clapping back at President Donald Trump’s efforts to cut facilities and administrative costs that go out to institutions when the federal government disperses money for publicly funded research projects.

A cohort of academic unions around the country has called on scientists, researchers, clinicians, academics and “allies” to protest in front of the Health and Human Services Department building and at different universities across the country on Wednesday, calling it a “National Day of Action.” The Feb. 19 event follows protests outside the HHS building Friday, during which demonstrators locked arms in front of the building and chanted, “We are not leaving!”

Trump’s move to cap these costs at 15% has garnered criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, who argue the spending limit will severely impact the country’s world-leading research apparatus. But, while much of that criticism has been online and in the media, it is starting to spill over into the streets.

INDEPENDENT VOTERS SHOW SIGNIFICANT DISAPPROVAL OF DEMOCRATIC ANTICS AGAINST PRESIDENT TRUMP

Protesters demonstrate in support of federal workers outside the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Feb. 4, 2025 in Washington, DC. Organizers held the protest to speak about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts. (Getty Images)

“We are joining academic unions across the country in a National Day of Action,” the RSVP form for the event reads. “We are demanding the administration stop the attack on science, medicine, and public health research by rescinding the cuts and restrictions.”

The form says that Trump’s directive is “restrict[ing] and censor[ing]” critical research and subsequently preventing “potential treatments and cures” from coming to fruition, while also reducing the nation’s global competitiveness when it comes to “scientific world power.”

Union members from Johns Hopkins, George Washington University and the University of Maryland are slated to attend, according to the RSVP form. A separate online advertisement for the event indicated that additional protests would take place on Wednesday at Rutgers, the University of Washington, Oregon Health & Science University, the University of Illinois – Chicago, and other places. Fox News Digital reached out to organizers of the Feb. 19 demonstrations to glean more details about expected numbers, but did not receive a response.

TRUMP NOMINEES DEBUT NEW SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL AIMED AT SPURRING SCIENTIFIC DISCOURSE, INCREASING TRANSPARENCY

During a protest outside HHS offices in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 14, 2025, demonstrators deliver Valentine’s Day greetings with messages of support for federal workers. (Bryan Dozier/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)

A “Feb. 19 toolkit,” included with the second online advertisement, also implored interested demonstrators to protest outside congressional offices and at public meetings where legislators are present. It included messaging prompts on how demonstrators should respond to push back as well, and implored them to take a lot of pictures and videos.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Metropolitan Police Department to determine whether any safety or security measures would be put in place, but the department declined to share specifics regarding operations, tactics or staffing. The department did iterate that it recognizes the importance of “upholding the First Amendment rights of individuals to peacefully express their views” and is committed to facilitating these events while also protecting public safety. The department added that there was no known threat to the D.C. area at that time.

A federal judge last week put a temporary restraining order on Trump’s directive, halting it nationwide. An in-person hearing date is scheduled for later this month.

JUDGE ORDERS TEMPORARY REVERSAL OF TRUMP ADMIN’S FREEZE ON FOREIGN AID

The National Institutes of Health announced a $9 billion spending cut in response to a new mandate from the Trump administration. (Alamy/Getty Images)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was confirmed as HHS secretary by the Senate last week, shared a NIH social media post explaining how much will be saved under Trump’s new spending limit, signaling that he potentially supports Trump’s cap on indirect facilities and administrative costs going to research institutions from the NIH.

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In addition to the protests on Wednesday, a “Stand Up For Science 2025” protest is also being planned for early March. Furthermore, a nationwide protest movement against Trump’s actions has also been attempting to organize protesters to show up at every major state capital on Presidents Day.

A recent survey of Independent voters showed the unaffiliated group is largely getting tired of the Democratic Party’s sometimes profanity-laced attacks on the president.

February 17, 2025
Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban invites fan ejected for ‘Fire Nico’ protest back to sit courtside

A Dallas Mavericks fan ejected from a game this week after protesting against general manager Nico Harrison for the Luka Doncic trade was invited back to sit courtside courtesy of minority owner Mark Cuban.

Garrett Bussey and his friend Chris Taylor, die-hard Mavericks fans, were among the few fans that were ejected from Monday night’s game against the Sacramento Kings after they shouted “Fire Nico,” a message they also had printed on their shirts.

A fan with a #77 jersey yells “Fire Nico,” referencing Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison as a security member approaches him in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in Dallas on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

The pair told WFAA during an interview this week that the incident took place during the second half of the game while the Mavericks shot free throws.

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“We did ‘Fire Nico’ [chant], and it was the first time we had done it all night,” Taylor told the station. They were quickly met by security and escorted out of American Airlines Center for allegedly violating the NBA code of conduct rules.

Taylor also told the station that Cuban “started yelling” at him before he was escorted out, further escalating the situation.

In a statement to WFAA, Cuban explained his side of things.

“Fans were booing during crunch time while we had the ball and while we were shooting FTs (free throws). I wanted to see why. So, I looked where they were looking. When the guy (it was just one) saw me, he started screaming at me. I had no idea what he said, he was a good 25 rows away, but he was obviously mad.”

Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at American Airlines Center on Nov. 6, 2024. (Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)

MAVERICKS FANS EJECTED OVER ‘FIRE NICO’ PROTESTS AMID GROWING ANIMOSITY OVER LUKA DONCIC TRADE

Cuban added to his statement, saying that the shouting from the fan happened the “whole game.”

“I didn’t care what he was saying. He was saying it the whole game. I cared that fans were booing him while we had the ball in crunch time or were shooting FTs. The time when they should be silent, or cheering for the Mavs, that was it.”

Bussey told WMAQ that he spoke with Cuban after the game and was invited back to sit courtside with his 7-year-old son for Wednesday’s game.

Bussey called it a “step in the right direction” for a fan base that was left reeling after the team’s star player was traded away.

A pair of fans, one waving, are escorted out of the game after holding up a sign that said “Fire Nico,” referencing the Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in Dallas on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

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Doncic led the NBA in scoring last season and helped the Mavericks reach an NBA Finals appearance, but he was dealt away to the Los Angeles Lakers in one of the most controversial trades in recent memory.

Fans have since expressed their disdain for Harrison, the mastermind behind the trade, prompting the organization to reportedly increase his security before last weekend’s games.

At least one other fan was ejected from Monday’s game for a similar protest.

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February 14, 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
India vs England 2nd ODI Live

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF)’s refusal to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order banning trans athletes from girls’ and women’s sports has prompted outrage within the state.

On Friday, residents gathered in Long Beach, California, to protest outside of a CIF federated board meeting.

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The protesters then spoke at the board meeting, pleading with the CIF officials to follow the president’s order.

Protesters even threatened civil lawsuits against the CIF and state in case they continue to refuse compliance with Trump. Currently, there is one lawsuit against the CIF and the state’s attorney general, Rob Bonta, over a situation at Martin Luther King High School involving a trans athlete on the girls’ cross-country team.

“There will be more lawsuits to follow if the CIF does not follow federal law,” said Julianne Fleischer, a Legal Counsel at Advocates for Faith & Freedom, at the event. “I want CIF to know that it is important you follow federal law or you will be held accountable for failing to enforce federal law throughout the school districts … with more lawsuits they’re going to spend significant funds on litigation.”

Trump’s executive order states that any school receiving federal funding that allows biological males to compete in the girls’ or women’s category will lose that federal funding. According to USA Facts, California public schools receive about $16.8 billion per year, which is 13.9% or one in every seven dollars of public school funding, which is well above the national average.

Many of the protesters there made it a point to warn the state of the consequences of losing that federal funding.

A California school district employee showed up at the protest to plead with the CIF to follow Trump’s order. Sonja Shaw, Chino Valley Unified School Board President, spoke from her perspective as a mother and became visibly emotional when she scolded the CIF for its decision, calling it “shameful.”

“Whoever is in CIF at the top level putting out those woke weird toolkit on telling boys about how to compete against girls, if you’re a part of that, you’re disgusting, and you need to step out of here,” Shaw said.

In California, a law called AB 1266 has been in effect since 2014, giving California students at the scholastic and collegiate levels the right to “participate in sex-segregated school programs and activities, including athletic teams and competitions, and use facilities consistent with his or her gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the pupil’s records.”

California Code of Regulations section 4910(k) defines gender as, “A person’s actual sex or perceived sex includes a person’s perceived identity, appearance or behavior, whether or not that identity, appearance, or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with a person’s sex at birth.”

CIF Bylaw 300.D. mirrors the Education Code, stating, “All students should have the opportunity to participate in CIF activities in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on a student’s records.”

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These laws and the subsequent enabling of trans athletes to compete with girls and women in the state have resulted in multiple controversies over the issue in the last year alone.

At Martin Luther King High School, the father of a girl who lost her varsity spot to the trans cross-country athlete previously told Fox News Digital that his daughter and other girls at the school had been told that “transgenders have more rights than cisgender[s]” by school administrators when they protested the athlete’s participation.

That father, longtime firefighter Ryan Starling, showed up at the protests and board meeting on Friday and shared his daughter’s story.

“We’re asking you guys today to be bold and be brave and stand up for our girls,” Starling said.

Starling also suggested that the CIF set up a category specifically for trans athletes, to avoid exclusion.

“How about you make an open category? Start protecting our girls immediately so that everybody can still compete, but that everybody has their place,” Starling said.

Starling’s family is a plaintiff in the current lawsuit against CIF and Bonta. The suit challenges AB 1266, which allows transgender athletes to compete against girls and women, claiming it is a Title IX violation.

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“Plaintiffs seek a federal ruling that AB 1266 violates Title IX as well as a decision holding the District accountable for violating their First Amendment rights. They demand injunctive relief to stop schools from forcing biological girls to compete with and against males, a judgment affirming sex-based protections in athletics and compensation for damages caused by these discriminatory policies,” an Advocates for Faith & Freedom spokesperson said.

The issue of trans athletes competing with girls and women has caused other controversies within the state in recent months.

Stone Ridge Christian High School’s girls’ volleyball team was scheduled to face San Francisco Waldorf in the Northern California Division 6 tournament but forfeited in an announcement just before the match over the presence of a trans athlete on the team.

A transgender volleyball player was booed and harassed at an Oct. 12 match between Notre Dame Belmont in Belmont, California, and Half Moon Bay High School, according to ABC 7. Half Moon Bay rostered the transgender athlete.

California State Assembly member Kate Sanchez announced on Jan. 7 that she is introducing a bill to ban trans athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports. Sanchez will propose the Protect Girls’ Sports Act to the state legislature. Currently, 25 states have similar laws in effect.

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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 8, 2025
‘Stunning and brave’: Dem senator mocked after hyping all-nighter stunt in protest of Trump nominee

Dem. Sen. Chris Murphy was ripped on social media on Thursday morning over a post where he explained how he stayed up most of the night drinking Red Bull because democracy is “on the line” if Democrats do not stop Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) efforts.

“After taking the 2-5am shift on the Senate floor last night for our overnight protest, got 2 hours of crappy sleep on my office couch and right back at it today,” Murphy posted on X. “We don’t rest. Keep going. Democracy on the line.”

Murphy, whose post was accompanied by a photo of a Red Bull energy drink and video explaining his cause, was on the Senate floor late Wednesday night attempting to block the confirmation of Office of Management and Budget nominee Russ Vought until the “crisis” of Musk’s DOGE crackdown “passes.”

Murphy’s post on social media was widely mocked by conservatives who questioned Murphy’s motives on the Senate floor.

FEDERAL JUDGE ORDERS LIMITED DOGE ACCESS TO SENSITIVE TREASURY DEPARTMENT PAYMENT SYSTEM RECORDS

Sen. Chris Murphy, left, was mocked on social media over an X post describing his late night in the Senate. (Getty)

“So brave,” Fox News contributor Lisa Boothe sarcastically posted on X.

“Area man has to work overnight one time,” New York Post reporter Jon Levine posted on X.

“Stunning and brave,” the Trump White House rapid response account posted on X.

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

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) speaks during a press conference following the Democrats’ weekly policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 21, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

“Imagine bragging about doing something that basically every college student has done at some point,” conservative journalist John Hasson posted on X.

“Men used to go to war and now they cry about working overnight and post their little sugar free red bulls like they’re battle scars,” conservative commentator Ashley St. Clair posted on X.

“These clowns are BEYOND pathetic,” video journalist Nick Sortor posted on X. “This is so embarrassing.”

“The purest form of love can be found in the relationship between Chris Murphy and a camera,” former Trump campaign senior adviser Tim Murtaugh posted on X.

SpaceX and Tesla founder Elon Musk speaks during an America PAC town hall on Oct. 26, 2024 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. ( Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

“Overwhelmed at your level of Heroism for ‘democracy’ while your constituents in CT have $1300 electric bills,” radio host Tony Bruno posted on X. “You’re a worthless clown!”

Despite efforts from Murphy and his fellow Democrats, Vought was confirmed as the new White House budget chief late Thursday night.

In an Instagram live post, Murphy explained to his followers that he was not playing the hero.

“I’m not trying to plead hardship here, right?” Murphy said. “All I did was stay up late.”

Murphy added, “So yeah, the USAID workers, the domestic violence workers, the teachers, those are my heroes. But you guys are my heroes too. Because I get paid to do this job, I asked. I raised my hand. I said, ‘make me a United States Senator, I want to defend democracy.’ So I volunteered for this job. I get a paycheck. But the people that are showing up at these protests, the people that are going to show up at these protests, you got other stuff going on in your life. You don’t have to stand up and fight for democracy, but you are because you think the moment is important, and you are despite the fact that they are doing things to try to make you stay home, try to make you afraid of speaking up.”

President Donald Trump’s nominee for Office of Management and Budget director, Russell Vought, testifies during the Senate Banking Committee nomination hearing in the Dirksen Senate Building on Jan. 22, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

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Murphy’s Senate speech amid the Trump administration’s targeting of USAID after Musk’s DOGE efforts have resulted in the agency being effectively shut down over what the administration argues is wasteful spending.

“For decades, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been unaccountable to taxpayers as it funnels massive sums of money to the ridiculous — and, in many cases, malicious — pet projects of entrenched bureaucrats, with next-to-no oversight,” the White House said Monday.

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

February 7, 2025
Russell Vought confirmed to head government’s leading budget office after Dems hold 30-hour protest

Despite Democratic tactics to delay the confirmation vote, the Senate confirmed Russell Vought to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Republicans backed Vought’s nomination, arguing he proved a qualified candidate for the role since he previously held the position during President Donald Trump’s first term. Democrats, however, raised multiple concerns about his nomination and said his views on the Impoundment Control Act, which reinforces that Congress holds the power of the purse, disqualified him from the role.

Democrats held a 30-hour-long protest against Vought’s nomination, delivering speeches in the middle of the night on Wednesday in an attempt to delay the confirmation vote.

The Senate, in a chaotic final floor vote on Thursday evening, voted to confirm Vought to lead the OMB.

SENATE DEMOCRATS SPEAK ALL NIGHT AGAINST TRUMP OMB NOMINEE, DELAYING CONFIRMATION VOTE

Russell Vought repeatedly told lawmakers during two confirmation hearings that he believes the Impoundment Control Act is unconstitutional. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg)

Democratic Senators repeatedly injected themselves during the confirmation vote, protesting the nomination until the last second.

“No debate is permitted during a vote,” Republican Sen. Ashley Moody told the lawmakers.

The Office of Management and Budget is responsible for developing and executing the president’s budget, as well as overseeing and coordinating legislative proposals and priorities aligned with the executive branch.

Vought appeared before the Senate Budget Committee and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for confirmation hearings, where he defended statements asserting that the Impoundment Control Act is unconstitutional.

TRUMP HEALTH SECRETARY NOMINEE RFK JR CLEARS SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE CONFIRMATION VOTE

The law, adopted in 1974, stipulates that Congress may oversee the executive branch’s withholdings of budget authority. But Vought encountered criticism from Democrats for freezing $214 million in military aid for Ukraine in 2019 — a decision that ultimately led to Trump’s first impeachment.

Russell Vought also faced scrutiny for his views on social issues from Democrats, particularly given his ties to Project 2025 that the Heritage Foundation released in 2023.

“You’re quite comfortable assuming that the law doesn’t matter and that you’ll just treat the money for a program as a ceiling … rather than a required amount,” Senate Budget Committee ranking member Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., said Wednesday. “Well, the courts have found otherwise.”

In the 1975 Supreme Court ruling Train v. New York, the court determined the Environmental Protection Agency must use full funding included in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, even though then-President Richard Nixon issued orders to not use all the funding.

Even so, Vought told lawmakers that Trump campaigned on the position that the Impoundment Control Act is unconstitutional — and that he agrees with that.

Vought’s statements on the issue left Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., “astonished and aghast” during one confirmation hearing.

“I think our colleagues should be equally aghast, because this issue goes beyond Republican or Democrat,” Blumenthal said on Jan. 15. “It’s bigger than one administration or another. It’s whether the law of the land should prevail, or maybe it’s up for grabs, depending on what the president thinks.”

Vought also faced questioning from Democrats on his views regarding abortion as an author of Project 2025, a political initiative conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation released in 2023 that called for policy changes that would implement a national ban on medication abortion.

Russell Vought told lawmakers that he would uphold the law and carry out President Donald Trump’s policies. (Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Other proposals included in Project 2025 include eliminating the Department of Education, cutting diversity, equity and inclusion programs, and reducing funding for Medicare and Medicaid.

“You have said that you don’t believe in exceptions for rape, for incest, or the life of the mother,” Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said during a confirmation hearing on Wednesday. “Is that your position?”

“Senator, my views are not important,” Vought said. “I’m here on behalf of the president.”

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Trump repeatedly has stated that he backs abortion in certain instances, and stated that “powerful exceptions” for abortion would remain in place under his administration.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Diana Stancy is a politics reporter with Fox News Digital covering the White House.

February 7, 2025
Largest LAPD union slams anti-Trump protest directives, says arrests ‘should be a no-brainer’ in altercations

FIRST ON FOX: After several Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers were injured by rioters during anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles on Sunday and Monday, the department’s largest union representing most rank-and-file officers hopes the “communication break-down” will be investigated.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, the Los Angeles Police Protective League said “the arrest of individuals that are attacking police officers should be a no-brainer for any competent incident commander.”

“Apparently, that did not happen yesterday,” they said.

“When those committing violence against anyone, let alone police officers, are allowed to masquerade as peaceful protesters, it sends the wrong message and crushes officer morale,” the board said. “We hope this incident is investigated with the same vigor as past crowd control incidents were investigated and those that allowed officers to be attacked are held accountable.”

BORDER CZAR TOM HOMAN SENDS MESSAGE TO FAR-LEFT OFFICIALS PUSHING BACK AGAINST MASS DEPORTATIONS: ‘GAME ON’

Anti-ICE protesters blocked traffic on both sides of the 101 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles. (FOX 11 Los Angeles)

Thousands of demonstrators protesting Trump’s mass deportation program descended upon the streets of L.A. on Sunday and Monday, including clogging the 101 Freeway – one of the city’s busiest roadways – as hundreds were detained amid scuffles, but later released.

Several altercations between officers and protesters took place, as some hurled objects at police who were equipped with non-lethal weapons and riot gear.

While no arrests were made on Monday, LAPD Chief of Police Jim McDonnell said no stand-down order was given.

“The LAPD closely monitored the situation and the Incident Commander made decisions that prioritized public and officer safety,” McDonnell said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.

Meanwhile, the incident commander on sight on Monday, Lillian Carranza, told Fox News Digital that “the minute officers were attacked it became an unlawful assembly.” Carranza did not clarify whether she gave an order for officers to not make arrests.

LA FREEWAY BLOCKED BY ANTI-DEPORTATION PROTESTERS IN RESPONSE TO TRUMP’S CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

A massive protest formed in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday in response to President Trump’s crackdown on immigration and emphasis on deportations. (Fox 11 Los Angeles)

“We are all for supporting the peaceful exercise of freedom of speech and assembly not when it turns violent,” she said.

Part of the LAPD’s “control objectives,” as shared by Carranza, includes establishing “a visible, crowd-friendly law enforcement posture” and a “safe and secure arrival, and departure of participants when able.” Protecting life, property and facilities, as well as taking action “regarding law violators,” were also on the list.

“We don’t dispute that the Chief didn’t give a stand down order, it was the misguided incident commander that did, and we believe it put officers in danger,” the LAPPL board’s statement read in part. “The investigation of this incident should focus on where the communication break-down occurred and what needs to happen going forward to keep peaceful protesters and officers safe while also holding violent individuals accountable.”

A source familiar with the incident also told Fox News Digital that multiple LAPD officers were “very frustrated” by Monday’s directive and detailed confusion in the field.

‘DEPORTATION FLIGHTS HAVE BEGUN’ AS TRUMP SENDS ‘STRONG AND CLEAR MESSAGE,’ WHITE HOUSE SAYS

ICE arrests 32 illegal aliens in Palm Beach County enforcement action. (ICE)

Many of the protesters over the last two days could be seen carrying signs, waving Mexican and Central American flags and speaking out against Trump’s immigration policies.

“No human is illegal on stolen land,” one sign read.

Another one read, “Fight ignorance, not immigrants.”

Videos shared on social media show what appeared to be demonstrators spraying graffiti on the freeway walls and vandalizing at least one car that was stopped in the middle of the crowd.

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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested more than 7,400 illegal immigrants nationwide in nine days amid its aggressive crackdown propelled by the new Trump administration. The agency also said it has placed nearly 6,000 ICE detainers.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Mayor Karen Bass’s office for comment.

Fox News Digital’s Stepheny Price contributed to this report.

Jamie Joseph is a writer who covers politics. She leads Fox News Digital coverage of the Senate.

February 4, 2025
Disgruntled Mavericks fans protest Luka Doncic trade with symbolic funeral outside team’s arena

How are Dallas Mavericks fans dealing with the trade of their superstar guard Luka Doncic?

Well, some are taking mourning to another level.

Going through it was an understatement for a group of fans that was spotted at American Airlines Center in Dallas hosting a funeral, or perhaps a protest, after one of the most shocking trades in professional sports history.

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Dallas Mavericks fans walk to the arena with a coffin during a mock funeral before the game between the Dallas Stars and the Columbus Blue Jackets at American Airlines Center to protest the trade of Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

Yes, it was a funeral as several fans, dressed in black suits, carried a blue coffin to the steps in front of the arena, where Doncic shirts, jerseys and more were spread out.

“Why?!” one of the men carrying the coffin screamed into the area while Wiz Khalifa’s “See You Again” played over a speaker, per Dallas News.

Mavericks fans may not be going to the extreme as this group did on Sunday, but many are still in shock, and even denial, after the trade went down late Saturday night.

The trade sent Doncic and Maxi Kleber to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a draft pick. The Utah Jazz were also involved in the deal.

The NBA world could not believe Doncic, the five-time All-Star who was named Western Conference Finals MVP last season during the team’s Finals run while leading the NBA in scoring (33.9 points), was traded by the franchise who took him third overall in 2018. At just 25 years old, Doncic remains one of the key pieces of the game’s future.

Even Doncic appeared slighted by the trade after writing a farewell note to Mavericks fans just hours after the trade, which some believed was a fake on social media when reports dropped, became official.

He did not mention the team’s name at all – only showing love to the fan base.

Dallas Mavericks fans gather at a mock funeral before the game between the Dallas Stars and the Columbus Blue Jackets at American Airlines Center to protest the trade of Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

“Seven years ago, I came here as a teenager to pursue my dream of playing basketball at the highest level,” Doncic wrote. “I thought I’d spend my career here and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship. The love and support you all have given me is more than I could have ever dreamed of. For a young kid from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the first time, you made North Texas feel like home.

“In good times and bad, from injuries to the NBA Finals, your support never changed. Thank you not only for sharing my joy in our best memories, but also lifting met up when I needed it most.

“To all the organizations I’ve worked with throughout the Dallas community, thank you for letting me contribute to your important work and join you in bringing light to those who need it. As I start the next part of my basketball journey, I am leaving a city that will always feel like a home away from home.

“Dallas is a special place, and Mavs fans are special fans.

“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”

Luka Doncic, #77, celebrates after sinking a basket in the second half of Game 6 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, May 18, 2024 in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Reaction to the trade was immense when it went down, and Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes, who is preparing for potential NFL history this week at Super Bowl LIX, had time to share his “sick” thoughts about it.

“Wait what? I’m sick rn….” Mahomes, a Texas native who was spotted at this past season’s NBA Finals rooting for the Mavericks, wrote on X.

Doncic has not played for Dallas since Christmas after exiting the game with a strained left calf. With the trade, he is now prevented from signing a five-year supermax contract extension that would have been worth $345 million. He can, however, sign an extension with a maximum payout of $230 million.

Mavericks GM Nico Harrison spoke about the trade on Sunday, with his mindset about this shocking trade being a win-now move. Additionally, with the contract looming, Harrison made a judgment call that could alter the franchise – for better or for worse.

“There’s other teams that were loading up,” he explained. “He was going to be able to make his own decision at some point of whether he wants to be here or not, whether we want to supermax him or not, or whether he wants to opt out. We had to take all that into consideration and I feel like we got out in front of what could have been a tumultuous summer.”

Dallas Mavericks fans walk to the arena with a coffin during a mock funeral before the game between the Dallas Stars and the Columbus Blue Jackets at American Airlines Center to protest the trade of Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

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Dallas, without Doncic, dynamic guard Kyrie Irving and Davis not yet in uniform, was embarrassed by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night, 144-101, on the road.

The Mavericks are 26-24 on the season, which is good for ninth in the Western Conference.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 3, 2025
Meta employees ‘protest’ removal of tampons from men’s rooms by bringing their own: ‘Subtle resistance’

New York Post columnist Miranda Devine discusses Mark Zuckerberg’s policy changes at Meta, the SEC’s lawsuit against Elon Musk and special counsel Jack Smith’s report on Trump’s election case.

After Meta removed tampons from men’s bathrooms in company office buildings earlier this month, some employees started coordinating “quiet rebellions” by bringing in their own, according to a new report.

In early January, CEO Mark Zuckerberg overhauled a variety of Meta’s internal and external policies, ranging from lifting restrictions on speech to “restore free expression” across his platforms to changing its “Hateful Conduct” policy to allow criticism of gender identity.

One internal move that irked woke Meta employees was the removal of women’s sanitary products from men’s bathrooms, which the company had previously provided for nonbinary and transgender employees.

META ENDS CORPORATE DEI PROGRAMS

Amid a company-wide shift away from far-left social agendas, Meta management were reportedly ordered to remove tampons from men’s bathrooms. (Zuckerberg photo by David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images | Tampons photo by Martin Schutt/picture alliance via Getty Images)

According to The New York Times Wednesday, “To protest Mr. Zuckerberg’s actions, some Meta workers soon brought their own tampons, pads and liners to the men’s bathrooms, five people with knowledge of the effort said. A group of employees also circulated a petition to save the tampons.”

The vice president of workplace services reportedly emailed the petition signatories directly, suggesting that while it had “not been the intention of Meta leadership to make employees feel unwelcome or excluded in our offices, at this point we do not have plans to revisit our on-site amenities offerings.” The email, however, did promise to “share your feedback with leadership.”

“The sanitary products were emblematic of the quiet rebellions that Silicon Valley workers have staged as they grapple with the rightward shift of their bosses,” The Times reported, describing the tech giants’ embrace of Trump and attendance of his inauguration as “a major departure for a tech industry that has typically leaned left and liberal.”

But while company leadership is normalizing relations with the president in the public eye, employees, according to the Times, are engaged in “subtle acts of defiance.”

“The quiet dissent underlines who wields the power in Silicon Valley these days: the bosses,” The Times observed, noting that this “subtle resistance” is a stark contrast to tech employees’ more public protests during the first Trump administration.

INTERNET ROASTS NYT HEADLINE ABOUT FACT-CHECKERS RULING META CRITICISM OF FACT CHECKS ‘FALSE:’ ‘BEYOND PARODY’

Guests including Mark Zuckerberg, Lauren Sanchez, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai and Elon Musk attend the Inauguration of Donald J. Trump in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as t (Julia Demaree Nikhinson – Pool/Getty Images / Getty Images)

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The Times claimed that according to an internal poll, one question that Meta employees wanted to ask of Zuckerberg at an upcoming company Q&A was how women at Meta could provide “masculine energy” to the office.

During an interview with Joe Rogan on Jan. 10, Zuckerberg had argued that “masculine energy” is a positive force.

The Times reported the company changed how employees could participate and “said it would ‘skip questions that we expect might be unproductive if they leak.’”

January 30, 2025