Happy New Year 2025

Tag: Public

DOGE asks public for ‘insights’ on potential waste at SEC

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul joined ‘Fox & Friends’ to discuss the need for a gold reserve audit at Ft. Knox and his decision to vote against the Republican budget bill.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is continuing its efforts to find potential wasteful government spending and asking members of the public for their “insights” on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The SEC, which was established in the 1930s, regulates securities markets in the U.S.

The seal of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at SEC headquarters. (Jonathan Ernst / Reuters Photos)

“DOGE is seeking help from the public! Please DM this account with insights on finding and fixing waste, fraud and abuse relating to the Securities and Exchange Commissions,” the Elon Musk-run group wrote Monday on X from an “affiliate” account focused on the agency.

FROM RETURN-TO-OFFICE TO FEDERAL LAYOFFS, HOW TRUMP POLICIES ARE AFFECTING DC HOUSING MARKET: REPORT

The post has notched 1.9 million views and over 16,000 likes to date. Musk posted an emoji of a smiley face with sunglasses in response to it.

The Elon Musk-led group’s appeal to Americans regarding the SEC comes as DOGE has also asked for input from the public on other federal agencies about potentially “reducing waste, fraud, and abuse, along with any helpful insights or awesome ideas.”

DOGE has set up “DOGE affiliate” accounts for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the State Department, NASA, Social Security Administration and multiple other federal agencies.

ELON MUSK’S DOGE PREPARES TO AUDIT US GOLD RESERVES AT FORT KNOX AFTER URGING BY SEN. RAND PAUL

President Donald Trump used an executive order to form DOGE not longer after he took office on Jan. 20. He and Musk have both said the goal of the department is to significantly pare back spending and boost efficiency within the federal government.

President-elect Donald Trump walks with Elon Musk before viewing the launch of a SpaceX Starship rocket, in Brownsville, Texas, Nov. 19, 2024. (Brandon Bell/Pool via / Reuters)

Overall, DOGE is looking to trim $2 trillion in government spending, with Musk telling Stagwell Inc. CEO Mark Penn early last month that it had a “good shot at getting” $1 trillion.

WHAT HAS DOGE CUT SO FAR?

“DOGE is saving the Federal Government approx. $1 billion/day, mostly from stopping the hiring of people into unnecessary positions, deletion of DEI and stopping improper payments to foreign organizations, all consistent with the President’s Executive Orders,” the group said in late January.

The group has said it will soon add a page to its website detailing the “description/amount of each cost reduction” it makes within the federal government. As of Monday afternoon, that webpage said, “Receipts coming over the weekend!”

Eric Revell contributed to this report.

February 17, 2025
D.C. Mayor Bowser open to using public money help fund potential multi-billion Commanders stadium at RFK site

Washington’s NFL franchise has spent the last 28 seasons playing home games in Maryland. The Commanders currently call Northwest Stadium, formerly FedEx Field, home.

The stadium opened in time for the 1997 season and is located roughly 13 miles from the U.S. Capitol Building in neighboring Washington, D.C. The stadium replaced the once iconic Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium (RFK Stadium). But, the open-air venue where the Commanders have welcomed opposing teams for nearly the last three decades has rapidly deteriorated, prompting discussions about an eventual alternative.

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General view of the exterior of RFK Stadium on May 24, 2005 during the Washington Nationals first season in Washington, DC. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Earlier this week, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser met with residents who live in the area surrounding the dilapidated RFK Stadium site to discuss the possibility of building a state-of-the art building that could host the Washington Commanders. Bowser has long supported the push to bring the football team back to the District of Columbia.

“I believe firmly that in global cities — world-class cities like ours — we do big things,” Bowser told residents. “We have arts and culture, entertainment, nightlife, and sports. We have great neighborhoods, and we can invite the world to our city. But the fact is, until we have a modern stadium, we will not be able to host events that the world is used to.”

COMMANDERS’ JOSH HARRIS MAINTAINS TEAM NAME IS HERE TO STAY

Proposals estimate the stadium structure could comprise up to 25 acres of the 174-acre site. A mixed-used development featuring housing, restaurants, and parks could take up the remaining portion of land.

The city recently gained control over the swath of land after years of back-and-forth with federal lawmakers. In December, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution to transfer the land from the federal government to D.C. The federal government would effectively lease the acerage back to the city for 99 years.

“This is a win for DC, for our region, and for America,” Bowser wrote on her social media account after news of the approval surfaced. “Everybody loves a good comeback story – and that’s DC’s story. #OurRFK”

Mayor Muriel Bowser reveals plans for a new DC Jail on Hill East as well as a proposal for a new SportsComplex on the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium site, photographed in Washington, DC on March 28, 2022. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

The bill was signed into law by then-U.S. President Joe Biden in January. The move was viewed as a major step toward the Commanders returning to the nation’s capital, although several hurdles remain.

On Thursday, Bowser stressed the importance of constructing a world-class stadium if the city wanted to become a viable host for concerts, Super Bowls, and other major sporting events.

Jan 9, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; General view of FedEx Field before the game between the Washington Football Team and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports)

“Until we have a modern stadium, we will not be able to host events like the world is used to, including a World Cup, including a Super Bowl — and yes, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift,” Bowser said.

The mayor said she is committed to working with the Commanders, as she aims to convince the franchise that building a stadium within the city limits is the best alternative to their current home. Bowser also vowed to reach terms on a stadium deal that would be beneficial to those who live in the community.

Commanders principal owner Josh Harris has not made any public declarations about his preferred stadium location, but acknowledged the team could end up playing in D.C., Maryland, or nearby Virginia.

Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris speaks at a press conference at Commanders Park in Ashburn, VA on January 08, 2024. The conference was to announce that the Commanders are parting ways with head coach Ron Rivera following a disappointing 4-13 season. (Craig Hudson for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

The use of public funds to help fund a multi-billion stadium project is often met with some considerable push back. Bowser and city lawmakers will likely face strong headwinds as they make their case to constituents about the potential allocation of public dollars towards a stadium project.

At one point during her roughly 20-minute presentation on Thursday, Bowser referenced a sports study she commissioned which estimated economic benefits in excess of $1 billion. The revenue would come from a mixed-used development along with a modern NFL stadium. The development could also create thousands of jobs.

Bowser stopped short of sharing details about the amount of public funds she would be comfortable with the team using. She instead noted that her administration’s “detailed analysis” determined that an NFL stadium would be a strong investment.

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Aside from hosting an NFL team, RFK Stadium was the home to two MLB teams, two college football teams, and multiple professional soccer clubs. The stadium was also the site of several World Cup matches.

On the field, the Commanders experienced a major turnaround this season. Harris selected Dan Quinn as the team’s next coach last February, while Adam Peters was brought in to handle general manager duties. The Commanders selected quarterback Jayden Daniels in last April’s NFL Draft. Daniels earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and helped lift Washington to an appearance in the NFC Championship game.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 15, 2025
Public health alert issued for meat and poultry pasties over undeclared allergen
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins discusses how she is preparing to reform the agency and how she and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will tackle the egg crisis on ‘Kudlow.’

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert this week for frozen meat and poultry pasties due to an undeclared egg allergen, the USDA said.

The pasties were produced using an egg wash, which wasn’t printed on the product’s label.

FSIS didn’t request a recall for the product because it’s no longer available to buy.

The agency discovered the mistake during a routine labeling review.

IGLOO RECALLS 1 MILLION COOLERS OVER RISK OF FINGERTIP AMPUTATION

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert this week for frozen meat and poultry pasties due to an undeclared egg allergen, the USDA said. (USDA / Fox News)

The following packages are subject to the alert:
- 8-oz. plastic packages containing “The Pasty Oven Pasty WITH CHICKEN & CHEESE” with best by dates of December 11, 2025, and prior.
- 8-oz. plastic packages containing “The Pasty Oven Pasty PIZZA PASTY WITH PEPPERONI” with best by dates of December 11, 2025, and prior.
- 15-lb. cases containing 30 8-oz. units of “The Pasty Oven Pasty WITH CHICKEN & CHEESE” with best by dates of December 11, 2025, and prior.
- 15-lb. cases containing 30 8-oz. units of “The Pasty Oven Pasty PIZZA PASTY WITH PEPPERONI” with best by dates of December 11, 2025, and prior.
They were sold at The Pasty Oven restaurant in Quinnesec, Michigan, and shipped out to fundraising groups across the state as well as Wisconsin.

TUNA CANS SOLD AT TRADER JOE’S, WALMART AND OTHER SUPERMARKETS RECALLED OVER ‘POTENTIALLY FATAL’ FLAW

No illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported yet, the USDA said.

Customers should throw out the product or return it to where they purchased it, according to the USDA.

The alert comes as a Mississippi-based beef tallow company resumes sales following a recall by the USDA this week.

“On February 6th, we were notified of a labeling issue affecting our 24 oz. beef tallow for cooking,” the company, Lady May Tallow, said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital.

A Mississippi-based beef tallow company resumes sales following a recall by the USDA this week. (USDA / Fox News)

“While the product itself remains completely safe and unaffected, the labeling required correction,” said the statement. “As a result, our manufacturer, Common Sense Soap, initiated a voluntary recall to ensure compliance.”

The USDA recalled 30,000 pounds of its product.

Beef tallow is the fat that surrounds a cow’s kidney. It can be used as an ingredient in cosmetics as well as in cooking.

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The labeling has since been updated as sales resumed on Friday.
February 15, 2025
Department of Education warns that public schools must remove DEI policies or lose federal funding

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The Department of Education is warning state education departments that they must remove diversity, equity and inclusion policies or risk losing federal funding.

A letter from the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights was sent to the departments of education in all 50 states, notifying them that they have no more than 14 days to comply. The letter was shared on social media by the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency.

“Institutions that fail to comply with federal civil rights law may, consistent with applicable law, face potential loss of federal funding,” Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights in the Department of Education, said in the letter.

The letter said the “overt and covert racial discrimination that has become widespread in this Nation’s educational institutions” will no longer be tolerated.

TRUMP EDUCATION NOMINEE LINDA MCMAHON SAYS SHUTTING DOWN DOE WOULD ‘REQUIRE CONGRESSIONAL ACTION’

The U.S. Department of Education building is seen in Washington, Nov. 18, 2024. (Jose Luis Magana/AP)

It argues that a Supreme Court ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which found that affirmative action in Harvard University’s admission process violated the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, should apply more broadly.

“The law is clear: treating students differently on the basis of race to achieve nebulous goals such as diversity, racial balancing, social justice, or equity is illegal under controlling Supreme Court precedent,” the letter reads.

DEMS SPAR OVER DOGE CUTS WITH TRUMP EDUCATION NOMINEE LINDA MCMAHON

The U.S. Department of Education building is seen on August 21, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Getty Images)

Trainor said the Department of Education will “vigorously enforce the law on equal terms as to all preschool, elementary, secondary, and postsecondary educational institutions, as well as state educational agencies, that receive financial assistance.”

The letter urges state education departments to “ensure that their policies and actions comply with existing civil rights law … cease all efforts to circumvent prohibitions on the use of race by relying on proxies or other indirect means to accomplish such ends” and “cease all reliance on third-party contractors, clearinghouses, or aggregators that are being used by institutions in an effort to circumvent prohibited uses of race.”

The U.S. Department of Education building in Washington, D.C. (STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

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The letter comes after President Donald Trump signed executive orders directing agencies to provide a plan to eliminate federal funding for “illegal and discriminatory treatment and indoctrination in K-12 schools, including based on gender ideology and discriminatory equity ideology.” He also signed orders to end DEI programs in federal agencies.

The Department of Education previously announced the removal of mention of DEI from documents and websites. The department also placed employees that led DEI initiatives on leave and dissolved its Diversity & Inclusion Council.

February 15, 2025
Federal judge orders Trump admin to restore public health web pages

A federal judge on Tuesday ordered the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to restore web pages and datasets that were taken down in accordance with President Donald Trump’s executive order.

Under U.S. District Judge John Bates’ order, HHS, the CDC and the FDA are required to restore data sets and pages that were “removed or substantially modified” last month “without adequate notice or reasoned explanation.”

Earlier this month, Doctors for America, represented by Public Citizen Litigation Group, filed a lawsuit against the Office of Personal Management (OPM), the CDC, the FDA and HHS for removing information that it says was used by doctors and researchers.

President Donald Trump signs an executive order barring transgender female athletes from competing in women’s or girls’ sporting events, in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

RILEY GAINES: THE ALL-OUT WAR ON FEMALE ATHLETES ENDS NOW, THANKS TO PRESIDENT TRUMP

“Removing critical clinical information and datasets from the websites of CDC, FDA, and HHS not only puts the health of our patients at risk, but also endangers research that improves the health and health care of the American public,” Dr. Reshma Ramachandran, a member of the board of directors for Doctors for America, said in a statement on the organization’s website. “Federal public health agencies must reinstate these resources in full to protect our patients.”

“These federal agencies exist to serve the American people by protecting public health,” Zach Shelley, an attorney at Public Citizen Litigation Group and lead counsel on the case, said in the same statement. “Removing this vital information flouts that mandate. Our lawsuit seeks to hold them to their responsibilities to the people of this country.”

President Donald Trump holds up an executive order after signing it at an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

LGBT ACTIVISTS MOBILIZE TO CHALLENGE TRUMP’S ‘EXTREME GENDER IDEOLOGY’ EXECUTIVE ORDERS

Doctors for America alleged in its complaint that the removal of the web pages and data sets created a “dangerous gap in the scientific data available to monitor and respond to disease outbreaks.”

According to the complaint, the pages and data sets that were either taken down or modified included a report on an HIV medication, pages on “environmental justice,” pages on HIV monitoring and testing and a CDC guide on contraceptives, among others. Doctors for America claim that these pages and reports were either removed or modified to “combat what the president described as ‘gender ideology.’”

President Donald Trump signs a series of executive orders at the White House on Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Getty)

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The web pages in question were taken down in accordance with President Trump’s order on “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” In the order, President Trump outlines precise definitions of “woman,” “man,” “female,” “male” and other gendered words, establishing the recognition of two genders as official U.S. policy.

“The erasure of sex in language and policy has a corrosive impact not just on women but on the validity of the entire American system. Basing federal policy on truth is critical to scientific inquiry, public safety, morale, and trust in government itself,” the order reads.

Rachel Wolf is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and FOX Business.

February 11, 2025
FBI agents sue Trump DOJ to block any public identification of employees who worked on Jan. 6 investigations

A group of nine FBI agents filed a lawsuit Tuesday seeking to block the public identification of any FBI employees who worked on the Jan. 6 investigations into the U.S. Capitol riots, in an attempt to head off what they described as potentially retaliatory efforts against personnel involved in the probe.

The plaintiffs, who filed the lawsuit anonymously in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, said that any effort to review or discriminate against FBI employees involved in the Jan. 6 investigations would be “unlawful and retaliatory,” and a violation of civil service protections under federal law.

The lawsuit cited the questionnaire employees were required to fill out detailing their specific role in the Jan. 6 investigation and Mar-a-Lago investigation led by former special counsel Jack Smith.

FBI AGENTS GROUP TELLS CONGRESS TO TAKE URGENT ACTION TO PROTECT AGAINST POLITICIZATION

FBI agents have filed a lawsuit to block the public identification of any employees who worked the Jan. 6 cases. (Getty Images)

“Some Plaintiffs were required to fill out the survey themselves, others were told that their supervisors would be filling out the form,” the lawsuit noted, adding that the employees “were informed that the aggregated information is going to be forwarded to upper management.”

“Plaintiffs assert that the purpose for this list is to identify agents to be terminated or to suffer other adverse employment action. Plaintiffs reasonably fear that all or parts of this list might be published by allies of President Trump, thus placing themselves and their families in immediate danger of retribution by the now pardoned and at-large Jan. 6 convicted felons.”

President Donald Trump declined to answer questions on Monday over whether his administration would remove FBI employees involved in the investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot, telling reporters only that he believes the bureau is “corrupt” and that his nominee for FBI director, Kash Patel, will “straighten it out.”

This is a breaking news story. Check back soon for updates.

Breanne Deppisch is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital covering the 2024 election and other national news.

February 4, 2025
Browns star Myles Garrett requests trade in public statement

Myles Garrett wants out of Cleveland.

The 2023 AP Defensive Player of the Year and four-time All-Pro issued a public statement on Monday, requesting a trade from the Browns, the organization that took him first overall in the 2017 NFL Draft and watched him grow into one of the league’s most feared edge rushers.

Garrett cited the “desire to win” in his statement, implying the Browns are not going to give him the best chance to fulfill his Super Bowl dream ahead of his age-30 season.

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Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett celebrates a team fumble recovery against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field Stadium. (Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)

“As a kid dreaming of the NFL, all I focused on was the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl – and that goal fuels me today more than ever. My love for the community of Northeast Ohio and the incredible fanbase of the Cleveland Browns has made this one of the toughest decisions of my life. These past eight years have shaped me into the man that I am today.

“While I’ve loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won’t allow me to be complacent. The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl.

“With that in mind, I have requested to be traded from the Cleveland Browns.”

This is a developing story. More to come…

Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 3, 2025
Chiefs potential Super Bowl celebrations will not feature public rally following 2024 mass shooting: report

The Kansas City Chiefs are pursuing history next weekend when they take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. A victory will make the Chiefs the only NFL team in league history to ever win the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy in three straight seasons.

However, if that does happen, celebrations involving fans will potentially look different from years past.

Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs partied during the Super Bowl Parade in Kansas City, Missouri. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

HOW TO WATCH SUPER BOWL LIX BETWEEN CHIEFS, EAGLES STREAMED ON TUBI

Sources told FOX 4 that officials have decided against hosting a public rally following last year’s mass shooting that left one person dead and dozens of others injured when several people opened gunfire at the rally on Feb. 12, 2024.

According to the report, plans include a celebration at Arrowhead Stadium for only players, families and some local and state officials. Players will then move to Crown Center, where they will gather for the parade route – which has been designed to minimize crowd density.

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The decision follows a meeting held Thursday which was attended by head of the Kansas City sports commission Kathy Nelson. Fox News Digital contacted Nelson and the Chiefs for comment.

A general view of fans prior to the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl LVII victory parade on Feb. 15, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (David Eulitt/Getty Images)

During last year’s Super Bowl where the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers to become back-to-back champions, a mass shooting erupted at the Chiefs’ rally in downtown Kansas City. The parade drew in an estimated 1 million people.

SUPER BOWL I: THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS LOST THE FIRST-EVER GAME TO THE GREEN BAY PACKERS

Police said the shooting happened when one group of people confronted another for staring at them. Officials said 12 people brandished firearms and at least six fired those guns. Prosecutors added that some of the guns recovered from the scene included at least two AR-15-style rifles.

Several individuals were charged.

The Kansas City Chiefs celebrate during their victory rally at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. The Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in the NFL Super Bowl LVIII football game. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

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Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a local radio host and mother of two, was killed in the gunfire. Officials at the time said around two dozen more were injured.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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January 31, 2025
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and political allies launch public affairs firm

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has joined forces with five other figures to found Watchtower Strategy, a public affairs organization.

The other people involved include Jeff Miller, Dan Conston, Arthur Schwartz, Cliff Sims and Brian Walsh.

“Watchtower Strategy is a premier public affairs firm founded by six leaders at the pinnacle of American politics. Watchtower specializes in strategy, advocacy, and crisis communications,” the organization’s website declares.

TRUMP ACCUSES FORMER SPEAKER KEVIN MCCARTHY OF ‘ONE OF THE DUMBEST POLITICAL DECISIONS MADE IN YEARS’

A press release indicates that the group “will provide strategic advisory services for CEOs and senior executives, helping them navigate high stakes issues at the intersection of business, government, and public relations. The firm also specializes in developing and executing issue advocacy campaigns, with a proven track record of shaping public debates and influencing key policy outcomes.”

Fox News Digital attempted to reach out to McCarthy for comment on Wednesday but did not receive a response in time for publication.

“The launch of Watchtower Strategy comes at a pivotal and promising moment for our country,” McCarrthy said, according to the press release. “Navigating this moment can be both an opportunity and a challenge. The Watchtower team is trusted, tested, and built for success.”

KEVIN MCCARTHY CLASHES WITH NBC HOSTS OVER BIDEN FAMILY PARDONS: HE ‘MUST KNOW SOMETHING’ THAT OTHERS DON’T

McCarthy, Watchtower Strategy’s chairman, is also a member of the C3 AI advisory board, and he is on the Anivive Lifesciences board of directors.

C3 AI’s website says the organization “is a leading Enterprise AI software provider for accelerating digital transformation.”

Anivive has described itself as a “pet pharmaceutical company.”

McCarthy obtained the speaker’s gavel in 2023 after a whopping 15 rounds of balloting. He was later ousted from the speakership, and eventually resigned from Congress before the end of his term.

KEVIN MCCARTHY SHARES WHAT HE BELIEVES TO BE ‘THE GREATEST THREAT TO US’

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McCarthy attended President Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony last week.

Alex Nitzberg is a writer for Fox News Digital.

January 29, 2025
Colombia welcomes deported illegal migrants after losing public spat with Trump

After teetering on the brink of an all-out trade war with the United States, Colombia welcomed its first flights of deported illegal immigrants, with its president heralding their “dignified” return and insisting they are not criminals.

The arrivals are taking place just two days after President Donald Trump threatened crippling tariffs and sanctions on Colombia to punish the country for earlier refusing to accept military flights carrying deportees as part of his sweeping immigration crackdown.

Two Colombian Air Force planes carrying deported Colombian nationals arrived in Bogota early on Tuesday, Reuters reported, citing local media.

One plane, flying from San Diego, California, brought home 110 Colombians and the other, which departed from El Paso, Texas, brought home 91, the Colombian Foreign Ministry said on X.

A VICTORY FOR TRUMP’S ‘FAFO’: HOW THE WHITE HOUSE STRONG-ARMED ONE-TIME CLOSE ALLY COLOMBIA OVER IMMIGRATION

President Donald Trump and deported migrants in Colombia. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images | Colombian government.)

“They are Colombians, they are free and dignified and they are in their homeland where they are loved,” Colombia President Gustavo Petro wrote on X with images of the migrants disembarking a flight.

“The migrant is not a criminal, he is a human being who wants to work and progress, to live life.”

The Colombian government hailed the returns as Petro fulfilling his commitments and said it is working on a “structured and accessible credit plan” to support the migrants’ reintegration.

This weekend, American officials sent two flights of Colombian illegal aliens as part of Trump’s ongoing deportation program. Petro rejected the flights, writing that the U.S. cannot “treat Colombian migrants as criminals.”

Trump immediately clapped back, writing in a Truth Social post he was going to slap 25% tariffs on all goods from Colombia, a travel ban on Colombian government officials and other steep financial sanctions. He said the tariffs would reach as high as 50% by next week and insisted the migrants being sent back were “illegal criminals.”

At first, Petro retaliated with his own 25% tariffs on U.S. goods coming from Colombia. Petro had insisted he would not accept the return of migrants who were not treated with “dignity and respect” and who had arrived shackled or on military planes.

President Donald Trump sparred with alongside Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Sunday over deporting illegal migrants. (Getty Images)

COLOMBIAN LEADER QUICKLY CAVES AFTER TRUMP THREATS, OFFERS PRESIDENTIAL PLANE FOR DEPORTATION FLIGHTS

But amid intense political pressure from within his own government, the former Marxist guerrilla fighter acquiesced to all U.S. demands.

The White House confirmed on Sunday that Colombia’s president had caved “to all of President Trump’s terms, including the unrestricted acceptance of all illegal aliens from Colombia returned from the United States, including on U.S. military aircraft, without limitation or delay,”

President Trump hailed it as a victory for his “f— around and find out” [FAFO]-style of governing.

After the debacle, the 47th president posted a celebratory AI-generated image of himself dressed as a mobster next to a sign that read “FAFO.”

Colombians deported from the United States arrive at El Dorado International Airport in Bogota. (Reuters/Luisa Gonzalez)

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Trump officials cheered the deal as a victory and said Trump used Colombia as an example of U.S. power, while Colombian officials have said the agreement is a win for both sides. Dozens of frustrated Colombians had long-awaited visa appointments at the U.S. embassy in Bogota canceled on Monday.

Colombia is one of the top recipients of U.S. aid in the world due to a security partnership. Since 2000, Colombia has received more than $13 billion in foreign assistance from the Departments of Defense and State and from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), largely focused on counternarcotics efforts, continued implementation of the government’s 2016 peace accord with the FARC rebel group, integration of Venezuelan migrants and refugees, and environmental programs.

Fox News’ Morgan Phillips, Andrea Margolis, Bill Melugin, Lorraine Taylor, Landon Mion, and Reuters contributed to this report.

Michael Dorgan is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business.

You can send tips to [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @M_Dorgan.

January 28, 2025