Two police officers convicted in the death of a man riding a moped in Washington, D.C., have received pardons from President Donald Trump, the White House announced Wednesday.
Former Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Lt. Andrew Zabavsky, 56, who was convicted of conspiracy and obstruction of justice, was sentenced in September in the 2020 death of Karon Hylton-Brown. Another former MPD officer, Terence Sutton Jr., 40, was also convicted and sentenced in the case.
In a statement, the White House said Trump granted Zabavsky and Sutton full and unconditional pardons.
On Tuesday, the DC Police Union said it was working with the Trump administration to ensure pardons for Zabavsky and Sutton. That same day, Trump said he approved pardons for both men.
TRUMP PARDONS NEARLY ALL JAN. 6 DEFENDANTS ON INAUGURATION DAY
President Donald Trump speaks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House Tuesday in Washington. On Wednesday, Trump pardoned two former Washington, D.C., police officers convicted in the death of a man killed during a deadly chase. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
“I just approved it,” Trump said during a press conference. “They arrested the two officers to put them in jail for going after a criminal.”
In a statement Tuesday, the union said both men were wrongly convicted and maliciously prosecuted.
DOJ’S ‘EXCESSIVE’ TREATMENT OF JAN. 6 RIOTERS ‘UNDERMINED’ THE PROSECUTIONS, TURLEY SAYS AFTER PARDONS
“These officers — men of integrity and dedication — were targeted by corrupt prosecutors who weaponized the legal system against them,” the union said.
Sutton was convicted and sentenced to 66 months in prison for Hylton-Brown’s death, while Zabavsky was sentenced to a 48-month prison term.
Karon Hylton-Brown, 20, died during a police chase while riding a moped, authorities said. Two former Washington, D.C., police officers were found guilty for their roles in his death. President Donald Trump pardoned them.(WTTG)
Hylton-Brown was riding a moped without a helmet on a sidewalk Oct. 23, 2020, when Sutton tried to pull him over in an unmarked car, authorities said. A chase ensued, reaching speeds of more than double the speed limit on residential streets, the Justice Department said.
Hylton-Brown was eventually struck by a vehicle in an alley during the pursuit. He sustained severe head trauma and died two days later. The pursuit appeared to violate the Metropolitan Police Department’s policy prohibiting chases.
High-speed chases are barred over minor traffic offenses.
District of Columbia police show an almost constant presence at the intersection of 5th St NW and Kennedy St NW, where police initiated a chase that led to the death of Karon Hylton, 20. He was killed in a collision with a car while riding a rented moped in Washington, D.C., Oct. 23, 2020. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
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Prosecutors alleged both officers conspired to hide the events that led to Hylton’s death, such as failing to tell superior officers about the seriousness of his injuries.
Prosecutors also claimed the officers deactivated their body cameras minutes after the collision and failed to take statements from witnesses.
Kai Madison Trump, daughter of Donald Trump Jr., garnered nearly 27 million combined views on TikTok and YouTube after posting a vlog of her grandfather’s historic Inauguration Day.
In the 14-minute YouTube video, the 17-year-old is seen getting ready for the day with a hair and makeup team, before heading to a church service.
The family then traveled by car to the U.S. Capitol, where President Donald Trump was inaugurated.
Kai Madison Trump gestures after being acknowledged by his grandfather US President Donald Trump during the inaugural parade inside Capital One Arena, in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025.(ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
BIDEN LEFT TRUMP ‘INSPIRATIONAL’ MESSAGE IN ‘VERY NICE’ LETTER, NEW PRESIDENT SAYS
Kai snacked on Red Bull and cookies that she picked up inside the Capitol building, while joking with her father ahead of the ceremony.
Although she was not allowed to film the event, she included a number of clips.
The family got ready for the Liberty Inauguration Ball, where Kai stunned in a silver sequined Sherri Hill gown.
“My favorite part of this dress is the corset part because it just makes it look really flattering,” she said while spinning for the camera. “I also love all the diamonds and silver stuff. I think it looks really nice on my skin tone.”
Sons of US President Donald Trump Eric Trump (2nd R) and son Donald Trump Jr. (L), his daughter Ivanka Trump (R) and granddaughter Kai Madison Trump attend the Liberty inaugural ball in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025.(JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)
The dress designer is linked in the teen’s video description, but it is unclear if they have a business relationship. Fox News Digital requested comment.
Kai and her family then dropped by the White House to see President Trump, entering through a side door.
Framed photos in White House hallways featured art of the newly-sworn in president.
The family took pictures in front of the fireplace in the iconic Diplomatic Reception Room.
She then showed her 806,000 subscribers the Green, Blue and Red rooms – a set of three parlors named for their color schemes.
“By the way, welcome to the White House,” she told viewers.
They arrived at the ball where she expressed anxiety about dancing with her father in front of a crowd. Nerves seemed to wear off as the family made a number of other appearances.
She arrived at her hotel around 1 a.m., ready to get some rest before heading out of the nation’s capital the next morning.
In less than a day, the video amassed nearly 1.5 million views and 83,000 likes on YouTube.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JULY 17: Daughter of Donald Trump Jr., Kai Trump speaks on stage on the third day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Delegates, politicians, and the Republican faithful are in Milwaukee for the annual convention, concluding with former President Donald Trump accepting his party’s presidential nomination. The RNC takes place from July 15-18. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Kai made national headlines when she spoke at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in July.
During her speech, she explained how the commander in chief was “just a normal grandpa.”
She captured America’s hearts, describing Trump sneaking her candy and soda when her parents weren’t looking, or playing a competitive round of golf.
TRUMP EXCORIATES BISHOP AS ‘RADICAL LEFT HARD LINE TRUMP HATER’ AFTER POLITICALLY CHARGED PRAYER SERVICE
“When we play golf together, if I’m not on his team, he’ll try to get inside of my head,” she said. “He is always surprised that I don’t let him get to me, but I have to remind him I’m a Trump too.”
Kai committed in August to play collegiate golf at the University of Miami.
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Kai’s production/representation, AKA Collective, did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
AKA Collective lists one of its clients as pro golfer Bryson DeChambeau, who posted a viral YouTube video in July playing a round with Trump.
Alexandra Koch is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Prior to joining Fox News, Alexandra covered breaking news, crime, religion, and the military in the southeast.
Rep. Mark Harris, R-N.C., expresses confidence in passing Trump’s legislative priorities through both Republican-controlled chambers and the ‘strong indication’ that America is a world leader again.
Edelman has now been conducting its annual trust survey – which is a nonprobability-based survey – for a quarter-century, and the global communications firm says this year’s findings are particularly alarming.
The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer released Sunday found there is an unprecedented lack of faith in institutional leaders, with an all-time high of 70% of respondents saying they believe government officials, business leaders, and journalists deliberately mislead them.
A protestor uses a megaphone during a demonstration in front of Apollo theater as New York Mayor Eric Adams delivers his fourth and potentially final State of the City speech in Harlem on January 09, 2025 in New York City. (Kena Betancur/VIEWpress / Getty Images)
The survey, which polled 33,000 people across 28 countries, also found the fear of falling victim to discrimination is at an all-time high. In the U.S. alone, 50% of the white population expressed feeling discrimination, while more than 60% feel aggrieved by inflation, job loss risk, and downward social mobility.
The findings also indicated an unprecedented decline in employer trust worldwide.
‘BIDENOMICS’ UNDER FIRE: SMALL BUSINESS EARNINGS PLUNGE DESPITE GDP GROWTH
“Of the highly-aggrieved their observed experience is: You’ve got high inflation, you’ve got job risk, globalization, and [people are asking], ‘Is business really looking out for us?” said Edelman CEO Richard Edelman.
“I think it’s a moment in time for business to perform better,” he told FOX Business in an interview. “To reskill, to pay good wages, to have affordable products, and do what business does best, which is have an impact by making a profit.”
A ‘Mornings with Maria’ panel provides their reactions to the December jobs report, detailing the impact it may have on the U.S. economy.
Another trend shown in the findings is that there is a lack of hope for the next generation. Confidence in a better future is at just 36%, with lows in every Western democracy, including France (9%), the UK (17%), and the U.S. (30%).
People also increasingly see violence as a solution to their grievances, with 4 in 10 respondents, and 53% of those aged 18–34, saying they approve of violence, property damage, or misinformation as tools for change.
ENERGY AND FOOD PRICES DROVE INFLATION IN DECEMBER
At the same time, 67% of respondents said they are convinced the wealthy take more than their fair share, three-quarters overall report having financial issues due to inflation, and respondents increasingly see capitalism as a failure due to their economic situations, with 55% of 18–34-year-olds saying capitalism does more harm than good.
Disney employees rally outside the main entrance of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 2024, ahead of a planned strike authorization vote. Distrust of institutions, including business, has soared worldwide, according to the latest (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)
“It’s amazing to me that half the people in our study now question whether capitalism works – that’s a bad thing, ” Edelman said, suggesting the reason could be because capitalism has been performing for some and less well for others, or possibly because of how it’s been positioned by certain politicians.
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“But we have to make sure that people believe the system works,” he said. “And it’s not just the political system, it’s the economic system, unfairness. And I think the last thing that’s happened that’s really important over the years is the battle for truth and the breakdown of the information system.”
President Donald Trump is quickly showcasing his accessibility to reporters days after returning to the White House, a stark contrast to his Democratic predecessor who frequently ducked questions and took scripted questions from reporters.
“We’ll take a few questions,” the president said on Tuesday, after announcing what’s said to be a half-trillion dollar investment by top tech companies to vastly expand the nation’s artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Trump then took questions for half an hour from reporters gathered at the White House.
It was the second straight day the new president held an informal, off-the-cuff and freewheeling news conference with reporters.
HEAD HERE FOR FOX NEWS UPDATES ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S FIRST 100 DAYS IN THE WHITE HOUSE
President Donald Trump speaks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025.(AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
On Monday, hours after he was inaugurated at the U.S. Capitol, Trump took questions for 45 minutes as he sat in the Oval Office and simultaneously signed an avalanche of executive orders and actions. The back and forth with reporters was carried live by Fox News and CNN.
Trump on Wednesday is taking questions from Fox News’ Sean Hannity, for his first Oval Office interview since returning to the White House.
The sit-down will run at 9 p.m. ET on Fox News’ “Hannity.”
FOX EXCLUSIVE: TRUMP SHARES LETTER BIDEN LEFT FOR HIM
“The president is the tip of the spear and he’s been active in wanting to go out and communicate both his successes and the challenges that we have, and he’s been active in wanting to solve those,” deputy White House chief of staff for communications Taylor Budowich told Fox News.
President Donald Trump takes questions from reporters as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2025.(Reuters/Carlos Barria)
The accessibility with reporters showcases Trump’s unscripted nature, and it stands in stark contrast with former President Joe Biden, whose interactions with reporters were more limited and at times tightly stage-managed.
“Did Biden ever do news conferences like this?” Trump asked on Monday, as he appeared to take a jab at the former president.
TRUMP’S AVALANCHE OF EXECUTIVE ORDERS
Julie Mason, the host of a national radio program, veteran White House reporter and former elected board member of the White House Correspondents Association, told Fox News “it is completely refreshing to have a president who is accessible, available.”
“He’ll answer any question you throw at him. He’s not always happy with the questions he gets, but he engages with journalists. That’s the most important thing. Their job is to inform the public about what is going on at the White House and having direct access to the president is essential to that,” Mason emphasized.
She added that “Biden was kept very much under wraps. Reporters rarely got a chance to ask him anything. It was a huge frustration in the press corps. This is completely different.”
President Biden listens to a question during a news conference in the East Room of the White House, Jan. 19, 2022.(AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
Trump is known for his extended interactions with reporters. He held two unconstrained news conferences at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, during his transition back to the presidency.
And while for years he has accused reporters of being “fake news” and “the enemy of the people,” and while his answers to their questions keep fact-checkers busy, his exchanges with the media are often free-flowing, without any aides selecting reporters to ask questions.
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Budowich says Trump’s accessibility and off-the-cuff style are contributing factors to his political success.
“The reason we won this election is because of Donald Trump. The reason why we are going to succeed in executing his agenda is because of Donald Trump,” he argued.
And he touted that Trump “in the first two and a half days, has accomplished what most presidents fail to accomplish in their first two years.”
Paul Steinhauser is a politics reporter based in New Hampshire.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog is praising Donald Trump on Inauguration Day, calling him a “true friend” of the country and thanking him for his efforts to secure the release of hostages from Hamas.
“On behalf of the people of Israel, I send my heartfelt congratulations to you, President Donald Trump on your inauguration as the 47th POTUS,” Herzog wrote on X.
“You are a true friend of Israel. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and to building a better future for our region. A special thank you for your commitment to bringing all our hostages home,” he continued.
“We wish you and your administration great success in your service to the American people. Good luck!” Herzog added.
FREED ISRAELI HOSTAGE SPEAKS OUT FOR FIRST TIME
Israeli President Isaac Herzog and President Trump(Antonio Masiello/Valerie Plesch/Getty Images)
The comments come a day after Hamas released to Israel three hostages it has been holding in captivity for nearly 500 days, as part of a cease-fire and hostage release agreement.
In exchange, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners in the West Bank.
“Let’s face it, the fact that President Trump had a clear message, ‘By my inauguration, I want to see hostages coming out, or else there will be hell to pay,’ made a huge impact in the Middle East, and we are hopeful that with his leadership, we’re going to see all 98 hostages coming out starting today with the three female hostages,” Ronen Neutra, whose son Omer was killed by Hamas terrorists, told Fox News on Sunday.
ISRAEL RELEASES 90 PALESTINIAN PRISONERS AS PART OF CEASE-FIRE DEAL TO FREE HOSTAGES
Emily Damari, right, and her mother Mandy are seen near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after Emily was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza on Sunday, Jan. 19.(AP/Israeli Army)
Trump said last week, “This EPIC cease-fire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies.
President Isaac Herzog shakes hands with President Biden while meeting at the White House on Nov. 12, 2024.(Alex Wong/Getty Images)
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“I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones,” he had written on Truth Social.
Fox News’ Taylor Penley contributed to this report.
Nearly two dozen states are suing the Trump administration over President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship for the children of illegal immigrants – claiming that it is unconstitutional and “unprecedented.”
“The President has no authority to rewrite or nullify a constitutional amendment or duly enacted statute. Nor is he empowered by any other source of law to limit who receives United States citizenship at birth,” the lawsuit by 18 Democratic-led states said.
“If this unprecedented executive action is allowed to stand, both Plaintiffs and their residents will suffer immediate and irreparable harm,” it argues.
TRUMP ADMIN HITS BACK AS ACLU LAUNCHES LAWSUIT ON BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP: ‘READY TO FACE THEM’
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)
Trump signed the order, “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” which ends birthright citizenship for illegal immigrants. The order seeks to clarify the 14th Amendment, which states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”
It clarifies that those born to illegal immigrant parents, or those who were here legally but on temporary nonimmigrant visas, are not citizens by birthright.
The Trump order argues: “Among the categories of individuals born in the United States and not subject to the jurisdiction thereof, the privilege of United States citizenship does not automatically extend to persons born in the United States: (1) when that person’s mother was unlawfully present in the United States and the father was not a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of said person’s birth, or (2) when that person’s mother’s presence in the United States at the time of said person’s birth was lawful but temporary (such as, but not limited to, visiting the United States under the auspices of the Visa Waiver Program or visiting on a student, work, or tourist visa) and the father was not a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of said person’s birth.”
The states argued that thousands of children are born to parents on temporary or illegal status.
“Under the Order, such children born after February 19, 2025 – who would have been unquestionably deemed citizens had they been born two days ago – will lack any legal status in the eyes of the federal government,” the states argue. “They will all be deportable, and many will be stateless. They will lose the ability to access myriad federal services that are available to their fellow Americans. And despite the Constitution’s guarantee of their citizenship, they will lose their rights to participate in the economic and civic life of their own country – to work, vote, serve on juries, and run for certain offices.”
President Donald Trump presents the second executive order during the inaugural parade inside Capital One Arena on Jan. 20, 2025.(Reuters/Carlos Barria)
Signed onto the lawsuit are attorneys general of New Jersey, Massachusetts, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin. The city and county of San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., are also signed on.
The lawsuit comes shortly after another one filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) “on behalf of organizations with members whose babies born on U.S. soil will be denied citizenship under the order…” and claimed the order is unconstitutional and against congressional intent and Supreme Court precedent.
Four other states, Illinois, Arizona, Washington and Oregon, later filed a separate lawsuit.
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The Trump administration pushed back, saying it was ready to tackle the lawsuit in court.
“Radical Leftists can either choose to swim against the tide and reject the overwhelming will of the people, or they can get on board and work with President Trump to advance his wildly popular agenda,” Harrison Fields, White House principal deputy press secretary, told Fox News Digital.
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“These lawsuits are nothing more than an extension of the Left’s resistance – and the Trump administration is ready to face them in court,” he said.
Fox News’ Bill Mears contributed to this report.
Adam Shaw is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, primarily covering immigration and border security.
Trump senior advisor for trade and manufacturing Peter Navarro discusses the battle over TikTok and bringing ‘prosperity’ to the U.S. on ‘The Claman Countdown.’
President Donald Trump announced he is planning a 10% tariff on Chinese imports on Feb. 1 over the country’s role in fentanyl trafficking.
“We’re talking about a tariff of 10% on China, based on the fact that they’re sending fentanyl to Mexico and Canada,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday. “Probably February 1st is the date we’re looking at.”
When asked about a conversation he had with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of his inauguration this week, Trump added, “We didn’t talk too much about tariffs, other than he knows where I stand.”
During his campaign, Trump threatened tariffs as high as 60% on goods from China. He recently pledged on Truth Social to create an “External Revenue Service” to “collect our Tariffs, Duties, and all Revenue that come from Foreign sources.”
JPMORGAN SETTING UP A ‘WAR ROOM’ TO KEEP UP WITH TRUMP’S POLICY CHANGES
President Donald Trump delivers his inaugural address after being sworn in as the 47th President of the United States in Washington, D.C., on Monday. (Chip Somodevilla/Pool/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Trump and his allies have argued that such a plan would bolster American manufacturing while making it more difficult for adversaries like China to “export their way out of their current economic malaise,” as Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent told senators last week.
However, Democrats and opponents argue the cost of the tariffs would just be passed on to American consumers.
“Not only would widespread tariffs drive up costs at home and likely send our economy into recession, but they would likely lead to significant retaliation, hurting American workers, farmers, and businesses,” Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., recently said in a statement.
At a press briefing Wednesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters, “We always believe that there is no winner in a trade war or tariff war,” according to Reuters.
Trump also has said a 25% levy will be placed on all goods from Canada and Mexico by February.
TRUMP ANNOUNCES LARGEST AI INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT ‘IN HISTORY’ INVOLVING SOFTBANK, OPENAI AND ORACLE
Vice President JD Vance and President Trump react on the day of Trump’s Presidential Inauguration at the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Monday. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)
In late November, Trump wrote on his Truth Social account that he would implement such tariffs on Jan. 20 as one of his first Executive Orders and that the tariffs “will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!”
Those promised tariffs haven’t gone into effect yet, but on Monday, Trump did sign an executive order titled “America First Trade Policy.”
“The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the United States Trade Representative, shall investigate the causes of our country’s large and persistent annual trade deficits in goods, as well as the economic and national security implications and risks resulting from such deficits, and recommend appropriate measures, such as a global supplemental tariff or other policies, to remedy such deficits,” the order said.
Trump says Chinese President Xi Jinping knows where he stands when it comes to tariffs. (Ton Molina/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
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“The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall investigate the feasibility of establishing and recommend the best methods for designing, building, and implementing an External Revenue Service (ERS) to collect tariffs, duties, and other foreign trade-related revenues,” it added.
Fox News’ Elizabeth Elkind and FOX Business’ Daniella Genovese contributed to this report.
Trump formally nominated Sean Curran, the head of his personal Secret Service security detail, to serve as director of the U.S. Secret Service on Wednesday.
In a Truth Social post on Wednesday, Trump wrote that it was an “honor” to appoint Curran.
“Sean is a Great Patriot, who has protected my family over the past few years, and that is why I trust him to lead the Brave Men and Women of the United States Secret Service,” the president wrote.
Trump went on to call Curran a “brilliant leader, who is capable of directing and leading operational security plans for some of the most complex Special Security Events in the History of our Country, and the World.”
SECRET SERVICE DIRECTOR CHEATLE RESIGNS AFTER MOUNTING PRESSURE IN WAKE OF TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
Donald Trump is seen with blood on his face surrounded by Secret Service agents, including Curran.(Rebecca Droke/AFP via Getty Images)
“He proved his fearless courage when he risked his own life to help save mine from an assassin’s bullet in Butler, Pennsylvania,” Trump said. “I have complete and total confidence in Sean to make the United States Secret Service stronger than ever before.”
This is a breaking news story. Check back with us for updates.
Fox News Digital’s Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.
Andrea Margolis is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Readers can send story tips to [email protected].
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Klete Keller was among the 1,500 defendants charged in connection to the Jan. 6, 2021, riots at the U.S. Capital pardoned by President Donald Trump on Monday.
“It didn’t feel real,” Keller told The Washington Post in his first interview since being arrested.
Klete Keller from Phoenix shows off his bronze medal in the men’s 400-meter freestyle final at the Sydney International Aquatic Centre at the Olympics in September 2000.(IMAGN)
“And waking up this morning, I was like, ‘My gosh. Wow, this is over. I don’t have to check in with my probation officer anymore.”
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Keller was one of approximately 1,500 defendants pardoned after Trump signed an executive order granting clemency to those who stormed the Capitol. He pleaded guilty in September 2021 to a felony charge and was sentenced to six months house arrest and three years of probation.
“I really regret the actions I took that day. I love this country,” Keller said in the interview published Tuesday. “I’m just so grateful that I have the opportunity now to move forward.”
Keller acknowledged in court records that he tried to obstruct Congress’ certification of former President Biden’s Electoral College victory and that he brushed away officers who tried to remove him from the Capitol Rotunda. He also admitted to yelling profane comments about former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Klete Keller looks at the clock, confirming he won bronze with a time of 3:44.11 in the men’s 400-meter freestyle at the 2004 Athens Olympics.(IMAGN)
TRUMP PARDONS NEARLY ALL JAN. 6 DEFENDANTS ON INAUGURATION DAY
Keller, a three-time Olympic swimmer, also admitted to tossing his U.S. Olympic team jacket that he wore that day and destroying his phone.
He told The Washington Post that he struggled under “the weight of the justice system,” but he accepted the consequences of his decisions. While never expecting a pardon, Keller expressed his appreciation for Trump’s intervention.
“I’m still trying to comprehend it. I feel like something has been restored to me,” he told the outlet. “You know, I’m not angry. I’m not a victim. I feel blessed to have this opportunity of life again. I’ve learned a lot of lessons. And I’m going to take these lessons forward.”
Klete Keller at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.(AP Photo/Thomas Kienzle, File)
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Keller, 42, competed in three Games, winning five medals. He won his second gold in the men’s 4×200 meter freestyle relay alongside Michael Phelps in the 2008 Beijing Games.
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Leaders across the globe reacted to President Donald Trump’s return to the White House on Monday, offering general good wishes and extending geopolitical olive branches.
While Trump set the tone in his inaugural address and declared he would “put America first,” he also drew attention to specific areas like Mexico, Panama and China – sparking more questions over how new American policies under the 47th president of the United States could take shape.
Neither the China, Mexico nor Panama governments responded to Fox News Digital’s questions following the remarks issued by Trump during his inaugural address, including when he vowed to “take back” the Panama Canal, which the U.S. fully handed over to Panama in 1999.
“China is operating the Panama Canal. And we didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama,” the president said. “And we’re taking it back.”
Trump also vowed to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, and pledged to reinstate his “Remain in Mexico” policies.
President-elect Trump arrives for his inauguration at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, 2025.(Melina Mara/Pool/Getty Images)
CNN PRESIDENTIAL HISTORIAN CLAIMS TRUMP FULFILLED ‘PROMISE TO BE A DICTATOR ON DAY ONE’ WITH EXECUTIVE ORDERS
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Panama President José Raúl Mulino issued a statement rejecting Trump’s comments and said, “The Canal is and will continue to be Panama’s and its administration will continue to be under Panamanian control with respect to its permanent neutrality.”
“There is no presence of any nation in the world that interferes with our administration,” he added, taking issue with Trump’s suggestion that the U.S. “gave” the canal to Panama.
“Dialogue is always the way to clarify the points mentioned without undermining our right, total sovereignty and ownership of our Canal.,” Mulino said.
Reports suggested that Mexico rejected Trump’s plans to implement a “Remain in Mexico” policy and during a Monday morning conference, Juan Ramón de la Fuente, Mexico’s secretary for external relations, said, “If they reinstate it, this is something we don’t agree with. We have a different focus. We want to adjust it.”
“The desire is to keep the same policies as now,” he added.
China does not appear to have commented publicly following Trump’s inaugural address, which was attended by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Argentina’s President Javier Milei, and China’s Vice President Han Zheng attend the inauguration of Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, 2025.(Shawn Thew/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Trump on re-entering the White House and suggested he may be open to peace talks with Ukraine.
“We see the statements by the newly elected President of the United States and members of his team about the desire to restore direct contacts with Russia,” Putin said, according to a Reuters translation.
“We also hear his statement about the need to do everything possible to prevent World War III,” he added. “We of course welcome this attitude and congratulate the elected President of the United States of America on taking office.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy similarly issued his congratulations just ahead of the inauguration ceremony and said, “I congratulate President Trump and the American people on the inauguration of the 47th President of the United States. Today is a day of change and also a day of hope for the resolution of many problems, including global challenges.
“President Trump is always decisive, and the peace through strength policy he announced provides an opportunity to strengthen American leadership and achieve a long-term and just peace, which is the top priority,” he added.
Former President Trump meets with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Trump Tower, Sept. 27, 2024, in New York.(AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
TRUMP ORDERS US WITHDRAWAL FROM WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
EUROPEAN ALLIES
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte offered his “warm congratulations” and in a post on X said, “With President Trump back in office we will turbo-charge defense spending and production.”
European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen also took to X and said the international body “looks forward to working closely with you to tackle global challenges.”
“Together, our societies can achieve greater prosperity and strengthen their common security,” she added.
While many nations in Europe, including Norway, Sweden, Finland, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom, congratulated Trump, with several leaders pronouncing that the U.S. is their closest ally, other nations in Europe were less willing to issue pronounced congratulations.
French President Emmanuel Macron issued a note of warning when giving a speech to the French military on Monday.
Macron said the Trump presidency was an “opportunity for a European strategic wake-up call” and highlighted scenarios that some have feared could affect European security, like a lessening of U.S. military presence in Europe if Washington opts to shift focus toward security concerns in Asia instead.
Donald Trump waves to supporters in West Palm Beach, Florida.(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
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MIDDLE EAST
Just one day into the long-brokered cease-fire between Israel and Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video message on X in which he congratulated Trump and said, “I believe that working together again we will raise the US-Israel alliance to even greater heights.”
“The best days of our alliance are yet to come,” he added.
Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri also commented on the inauguration of the 47th president, saying, “We are happy with the departure of Biden, who has the blood of Palestinians on his hand,” reported Reuters.
“We hope for the end of this dark era that harmed the U.S. before anyone and that Trump can build his policies on balanced foundations that can cut the road against Netanyahu’s evils that want to drown the region and the world,” he added.
