Schumer accuses Trump admin of Epstein files 'cover-up' amid document dispute

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., accused the Trump administration of orchestrating a "cover-up" as the deadline for the release of documents and materials related to the late Jeffrey Epstein arrives.

Schumer on Friday blasted the Department of Justice (DOJ) following Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s admission that the administration would not be releasing all the documents in one, massive tranche.

Congress last month passed a law, later signed by President Donald Trump, that compelled the DOJ to dump all the documents, albeit with certain exceptions, including materials that reveal victims’ identities or medical files, child sex abuse materials, information that could jeopardize active investigations, images of graphic death or injury, or classified national security information.

DOJ FACES FRIDAY DEADLINE TO RELEASE EPSTEIN FILES AS LAWMAKERS PUSH FOR TRANSPARENCY

"This just shows the Department of Justice, Donald Trump, and [Attorney General] Pam Bondi are hellbent on hiding the truth," Schumer said in a statement. "Senate Democrats are working closely with attorneys for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and with outside legal experts to assess what documents are being withheld and what is being covered up by Pam Bondi. We will not stop until the whole truth comes out."

"People want the truth and continue to demand the immediate release of all the Epstein files," he continued. "This is nothing more than a cover-up to protect Donald Trump from his ugly past."

FEDERAL JUDGE APPROVES RELEASING GHISLAINE MAXWELL CASE GRAND JURY MATERIAL

Earlier in the week, Schumer warned that failure to release the documents on Friday would result in legal and political ramifications for Trump and the DOJ.

His ire came after Blanche, in an interview with Fox News, said that the DOJ would be following through with releasing hundreds of thousands of documents related to Epstein, his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, known associates and entities linked to Epstein and Maxwell, internal DOJ decision-making on the Epstein case, records on destroying or tampering with documents, and all documents on his detention and death.

JUSTICE DEPARTMENT PREPARES TO DROP TROVE OF EPSTEIN FILES AS DEADLINE LOOMS

But, it wouldn’t be every shred of information on the late pedophile.

"Now the most important thing that the attorney general has talked about, that [FBI Director Kash] Patel has talked about, is that we protect victims," Blanche said. "And so what we're doing is we are looking at every single piece of paper that we are going to produce, making sure that every victim, their name, their identity, their story, to the extent it needs to be protected, is completely protected."

"And so I expect that we're going to release more documents over the next couple of weeks," he continued. "So today, several hundred thousand, and then over the next couple weeks, I expect several hundred thousand more."

source https://www.foxnews.com/politics/schumer-accuses-trump-admin-epstein-files-cover-up-amid-document-dispute

Michelle Obama says 'we have to pick leaders' who don't rob women of their femininity

Former first lady Michelle Obama said that "we have to pick leaders" who do not "rob" women of their "femininity," a topic that she writes about in her new book "The Look."

During an exclusive interview with MS NOW's Jonathan Capehart, the former first lady discussed two quotes from her book — both focused on how women are perceived by society — and what could be done to prevent those issues from continuing.

Capehart said, "You write this: ‘When you’re a woman in the public eye, you’re often reduced first and foremost to your physical appearance.’ You also write: ‘If someone wants to take something away from a woman, they will try to rob her of her femininity, her beauty.’ We have current examples of this right now aimed at female reporters."

MICHELLE OBAMA SAYS LEADERS ‘HANG ON TOO LONG’ IN AMERICA, ELDERS HAVE NOWHERE TO GO WITH DIGNITY

The host continued, asking Obama, "Why does it persist? What will it take to shame folks into stopping what you describe there?"

"Look, we have to pick leaders that don’t do that, you know?" she replied, drawing cheers from the audience.

While conceding that she "can’t get into the minds of people who are cruel and mean," Obama said that empathy tells her that this cruelty "comes from a place of brokenness and insecurity," and that "at a certain stage in life, it is not fixable." 

"The question that we have to ask ourselves is … why are we OK with it? You know, people are who they are. So, in the present day situation, we’re here because either we did do something stupid or we didn’t do anything," she argued. "And we’re all culpable in it."

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The former first lady said that "as women and as black women and the men that we’re with," there needs to be a conversation to establish where men’s loyalties lie in relation to the women in their lives.

"We got to figure out, ‘Well, are you with us? Are you with you? Are you going to vote your interest? Are you going to vote our interest?’" she said. "These are all conversations that I think we need to be having — first within ourselves, which is why ‘The Look,’ to me, starts with us, right? Because people will call you out your name." 

"As they say, ‘How it affects you starts with how we feel about ourselves,’" Obama added.

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When speaking about how she's personally handled being judged in the public spotlight, Obama said she had to "cut it off," because she knew what some people were saying wasn't "the truth of how most people felt about me."

The former first lady added that she "never wanted my image of this country to be clouded by a few mean people," saying she hopes the country can come together to help "young girls coming up to feel really good about every aspect of who they are" without worrying about being judged.

source https://www.foxnews.com/media/michelle-obama-says-we-have-pick-leaders-dont-rob-women-femininity

Iran killing spree continues as regime sets new record for 2025 executions, dissident group says

As the United Nations adopted a resolution condemning Iran for its execution spree "in the strongest terms," a leading dissident group released a report accusing Tehran of putting 2,013 Iranians to death under President Masoud Pezeshkian between Jan. 1 and Dec. 15 of this year.

The Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) report says this more than doubles the total of 975 executions that the United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights counted in 2024. The U.N. noted that the 2024 figure was the highest recorded since 2015. The group counted a similar total of 1,001 executions in 2024.

According to MEK documents provided to Fox News Digital, a free-falling Iranian currency, nationwide protests, factional power struggles, "snapback" U.N. sanctions and fractures among leaders are stoking the increase in executions. The MEK says that this year’s execution total is the highest recorded since the 1980s.

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A State Department spokesperson condemned Iran's continued abuse of human rights, telling Fox News Digital that, "We strongly condemn the Iranian regime’s use of execution as a tool of political repression.  For decades, the regime has subjected Iranians to torture, forced confessions, and sham trials, resulting in unlawful executions. Today, innocent civilians are being used as scapegoats for the regime’s military and economic failures."

The spokesperson continued, "The Trump Administration restored the policy of maximum pressure, ending the Biden Administration’s policy of announcing fig-leaf sanctions while handing the regime billions.  Since January, we have designated dozens of people and over 180 vessels in Iran’s shadow fleet to deplete the regime’s coffers."

Behnam Ben Taleblu, the senior director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Iran Program, said there are more steps needed to be taken by Washington. He told Fox News Digital that the U.S. has "been lagging behind" other Western partners who have responded to Iranian human rights violations with sanctions and other measures, most recently Canada, which sanctioned four individuals after a protest in the Iranian city Mashhad in December.

"The lack of practical measures to support the Iranian people is a strategic own goal," Taleblu said. 

Taleblu noted that Iran "arrested over 21,000 people" following the 12-Day War in June, alongside a "political repression that is even much more expansive than ever before." He said that the Islamic Republic "understands how weak it is," and any efforts to appear more socially lenient, including regarding hijab laws, are an attempt to "retain their oligarchic political position in a post-Khamenei Iran."

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Noting the prior Trump administration’s strong stance on Iran, Taleblu says that "it certainly can do better much more cheaply and more cost effectively than it thinks." Taleblu said that one "simple" messaging strategy will present itself in March during President Trump’s Nowruz address, when he can "give an homage to the most pro-American, the most pro-Israeli population in the heartland of the Muslim Middle East."

"The imperative for Washington to support Iranian protesters… stands," Taleblu said. "But that should be a constant in U.S. foreign policy, given the disposition of the Iranian street, which is almost entirely against the Iranian state. U.S. human rights policy towards Iran should not be limited to merely having social media accounts that are the stenographers for Iran's decline into failed state status." 

The MEK has urged U.S. policymakers to recognize the Iranian people’s right to resist and overthrow the regime, which they claim is the only means for eliminating the country’s theocracy.

On Dec. 10, the European Parliament marked International Human Rights Day by calling for the world to take action against Iran on account of its execution campaign. Maryam Rajavi, president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, addressed the parliament with her concerns that Iran is attempting to crush dissent. She urged that "all relations with the regime must be conditioned on the halt of executions," with members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Ministry of Intelligence placed "on the terrorist list."

Among those sentenced to death is Zahra Tabari, a 67-year-old engineer and mother who the MEK say was given her sentence after a "sham 10-minute trial… without her chosen legal representation." MEK documents say Tabari was arrested because she held a banner reading "Woman, Resistance, Freedom."

The total number of executions in Iran has doubled since October. At the time, the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said that Iran was murdering up to nine prisoners each day, which they called an "unprecedented execution spree."  In response, death row prisoners staged a hunger strike.

Iran's mission to the United Nations did not offer comment on the report. 

source https://www.foxnews.com/world/iran-killing-spree-continues-regime-sets-new-record-2025-executions-dissident-group-says

134 House Republicans demand 'assurances' as US eases Syria sanctions

FIRST ON FOX: More than 100 House Republicans are demanding increased oversight of Syria as the U.S. prepares to repeal longstanding sanctions against the country.

Reps. Josh Brecheen, R-Okla., and Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., are leading 134 fellow GOP lawmakers in calling for guarantees that the Syrian government will adhere to terms in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that set the stage for repealing those sanctions, while warning the U.S. needs to be prepared to reverse that if Syria falters on its progress.

"Many Members of Congress, committed to seeking peace, prosperity, and tolerance for religious minorities in the region, worked with the Trump Administration and House leadership to secure assurances that snapback conditions regarding the repeal of Syrian sanctions would be enforced if Syria does not comply with the terms highlighted in the repeal language," their joint statement read. 

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"The mass murder of the Syrian Christians, Druze, Alawites, Kurds, and other religious and ethnic minorities must be a thing of the past."

They said Congress was committed "to keeping a watchful eye on the new al-Sharaa Administration to ensure protections for religious and ethnic minorities in Syria."

It comes after two members of the Iowa National Guard serving in Syria were killed in an ambush by an ISIS gunman.

WHY SYRIA PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN TRUMP’S PLANS FOR MIDDLE EAST PEACE

Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa took power in Syria after the previous government led by Bashar al-Assad was toppled in 2024.

The new leader has sought friendlier relations with the West, even visiting the White House in November of this year.

The House GOP lawmakers said they "look forward" to being invited to Damascus themselves to see that his administration "has created a safe environment for the religious and ethnic minorities historically persecuted in the region."

"We look forward to confirming that these terms have not been squandered by the Syrian government–whether by their President or by rogue military officials–and seeing for ourselves that the al-Sharaa Administration has created a safe environment for the religious and ethnic minorities historically persecuted in the region," they said.

"As Members of Congress, we understand that the Syrian government’s adherence to the conditions laid out in the NDAA’s sanction repeal language is essential for lasting peace in the Middle East and Syria’s prosperity."

President Donald Trump signed the NDAA into law on Thursday evening.

source https://www.foxnews.com/politics/130-house-republicans-demand-assurances-us-eases-syria-sanctions

Airplane linked to former NASCAR star Greg Biffle crashes in North Carolina

An airplane linked to former NASCAR star Greg Biffle crashed while landing at a North Carolina regional airport on Thursday morning.

The plane was identified as a Cessna C550 with the tail number N257BW, which is owned by GB Aviation Leasing LLC, according to federal aviation records. The company is owned by Biffle.

The Federal Aviation Administration told Fox News Digital the C550 crashed around 10:20 a.m. ET. FAA officials and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating, with the NTSB leading the probe.

An official with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News Digital that a small jet crashed after it took off shortly after 10 a.m.

Officials said at a news conference there were fatalities in the crash, but didn’t confirm identities or how many.

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

source https://www.foxnews.com/sports/airplane-linked-former-nascar-greg-biffle-crashes-north-carolina

US civilian interpreter killed in Syria identified as devoted father of four

The civilian interpreter who was killed in Palmyra, Syria, over the weekend has been identified as Ayad Mansoor Sakat. 

Sakat, 54, was born in Bakhdida, Iraq, and worked as an interpreter for the U.S. Army during the Iraq invasion from 2003 to 2007.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday attended a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware for Sakat and two Iowa National Guard soldiers killed in the attack in Syria.

The Department of the Army identified the soldiers as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, Iowa, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, Iowa, who were killed while supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

WAR SEC. HEGSETH ISSUES STATEMENT AFTER TWO U.S. SOLDIERS KILLED IN SYRIA ARE IDENTIFIED

Torres-Tovar and Howard were assigned to 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division of the Iowa National Guard.

The Army said the incident remains under investigation.

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Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Saturday that two Army soldiers and one civilian U.S. interpreter were killed, and three were wounded when an attacker opened fire.

IOWA NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIERS IDENTIFIED AS VICTIMS IN DEADLY SYRIA ISIS ATTACK

The service members had been conducting a key leader engagement with local partners in support of ongoing counter-ISIS operations.

A Pentagon official told Fox News Digital the attack occurred in an area outside the control of interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and that initial assessments indicate it was likely carried out by ISIS.

Sakat is survived by his wife, Manahel Daau, and their children: Zeena, Leena, Dina, and Farah.

source https://www.foxnews.com/us/us-civilian-interpreter-killed-syria-identified-devoted-father-four

GOP, Democrats clash on Capitol Hill as Republicans target cartels and Dems push to curb ICE partnerships

FIRST ON FOX: A Republican lawmaker in the House of Representatives introduced legislation on Thursday to make federal resources for fighting illegal immigration available to local authorities — even as Democrats unveiled their own language that would restrict partnerships between the two.

Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C., unveiled the COPS Anti-Organized Crime and Cartel Enforcement Act of 2025, looking to provide new resources to local communities combating cartels and other organized threats.

201 HOUSE DEMS VOTE AGAINST BILL NAMED AFTER 20-YEAR-OLD AMERICAN KILLED BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT TEEN

Those new resources would be made available through the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) office. 

"My bill gives police departments access to federal COPS grant funding specifically to create specialized units that can take on organized crime, with the training, equipment and personnel they need to dismantle these operations," Harrigan said.

His bill comes as Democrats led by Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., unveiled the PROTECT Act, a piece of legislation that would forbid federal agencies from deputizing local authorities to carry out immigration-related enforcement. The contrasting pieces of legislation highlight split understandings over the country’s most pressing law enforcement needs and views on how to address them.

Harrigan’s bill would create a $200 million COPS grant over four years. Under current law, COPS provides a wide range of federal assistance for specific purposes — like its "Anti-Heroin Task Force Awards" or the "Preparing for Active Shooter Situations" grant.

The proposed bill would create a similar category for communities grappling with organized crime and cartels.

The bill expands the permissible uses of COPS funding to include the purchase of drones, ballistic vests, helmets and other pieces of equipment. It also looks to codify one of President Donald Trump’s executive orders allowing the purchasing of tactical vehicles by local law enforcement.

In total, Harrigan’s proposal would reroute $1.4 billion in COVID-19-era unemployment funding to cover its provisions.

"Drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations are operating on American soil with near impunity, and our local law enforcement agencies need the resources to fight back," Harrigan said.

TOP REPUBLICAN REBUKES NOTIONS TO ARREST DHS AGENTS WITH PLAN TO PULL FUNDING FROM PROBLEM CITIES

Democrats, however, have a different set of concerns.

Quigley, who is spearheading the PROTECT Act, believes that local law enforcement that looks and behaves like federal agencies don’t promote public safety if they also erode public trust.

"When people believe that if they call 9-1-1, they have a risk of being scooped and taken away, they’re less likely to call, and they’re going to be less safe," Quigley said. "I was at the Cook County Domestic Violence Courthouse, talking to advocates. Women were afraid to go in and get the justice they deserved. They were afraid to go get orders of protection to protect them from abusers."

"In Chicago, the 9-1-1 calls in Latino communities went down 20%," Quigley added, referencing reporting by the Chicago Tribune earlier this year. 

The PROTECT Act, which resurfaces legislation originally introduced by Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., would look to eliminate the 287(g) provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act. 

That language allows federal agencies to empower local law enforcement bodies to make their own immigration enforcement decisions. When asked what makes the 287(g) provision more problematic than other forms of local-federal collaboration, Quigley said he believes it goes too far.

"I think it’s more likely to create a distrust, just because it’s all-encompassing," Quigley said. "It’s an extraordinary program, but the public can’t distance local law enforcement and ICE, and they’re less likely to have faith and call in any crime." 

DEMOCRATS REVEAL WHETHER THEY BELIEVE US CITIZENS OR DRUG BOAT TRAFFICKERS ARE MORE IMPORTANT

As lawmakers prepare to leave town for the holidays, it’s unclear when the respective bills will receive consideration.

Harrigan pressed the urgency of needing to equip local law enforcement.

"We're talking about the same criminal organizations flooding our streets with fentanyl and fueling violence in our communities, and if we're serious about securing our communities, we need to give our police the tools to do it," Harrigan said.

source https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gop-democrats-clash-capitol-hill-republicans-target-cartels-dems-push-curb-ice-partnerships