President Donald Trump is applauding the announcement that Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) will not seek reelection in 2026, following the senator’s opposition to advancing Trump’s high-profile legislative package, often referred to by the president as his “big, beautiful bill.”

“Great News! ‘Senator’ Thom Tillis will not be seeking reelection,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. In a follow-up message, he added, “For all cost-cutting Republicans, of which I am one, REMEMBER, you still have to get reelected. Don’t go too crazy! We will make it all up, times 10, with GROWTH, more than ever before.”

Tillis had been seen as one of the most politically vulnerable Republicans heading into the next cycle. His announcement came shortly after he voted against moving forward with the administration’s sweeping legislation, which included significant changes to Medicaid—specifically, deep cuts related to the Medicaid provider tax rate.

The public split between Trump and Tillis intensified in recent days, with the president blasting the senator as a “grandstander” and signaling he would actively work to support a primary challenger. “Numerous people have come forward wanting to run in the Primary against ‘Senator Thom’ Tillis,” Trump said. “I will be meeting with them over the coming weeks, looking for someone who will properly represent the Great People of North Carolina and, so importantly, the United States of America.”

In his announcement, Tillis appeared to push back on growing partisanship and internal party pressure, remarking that “in Washington over the last few years, it’s become increasingly evident that leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species.”

The senator’s stance placed him at odds with key Republican leaders, including Vice President JD Vance and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who spent the weekend lobbying holdout fiscal conservatives to get behind the bill. While the legislation has drawn praise from the White House and allies for its aggressive approach to spending reform and economic growth, critics like Tillis have argued that some provisions go too far.

As speculation mounts over who may run to replace Tillis, Trump’s public statements suggest he is already playing a central role in shaping the field. The outcome of the 2026 primary will likely serve as a litmus test for continued loyalty to the president and his agenda.

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In a rare moment of clarity from the Democrat Party, Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) broke ranks and sharply rebuked radical New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for her knee-jerk call to impeach President Donald Trump after his decisive, successful, and peaceful strike on Iranian assets.

Fetterman, who has not shied away from criticizing Trump in the past, surprisingly took to Fox News on Monday and delivered a strong rebuke to the leftist firebrand. When asked about AOC’s demand to remove Trump from office over the Iran strike, Fetterman didn’t mince words.

“He’s been impeached twice, and now he’s still our president,” the Pennsylvania senator said. “It’s not going anywhere, and I don’t think that’s helpful.”

He went on to warn about trivializing impeachment, a tactic Democrats have gleefully embraced during Trump’s presidency: “I think if you throw that term around, that actually diminishes what the severity of what impeachment is really reserved for.”

Fetterman’s comments came in the wake of President Trump ordering a military strike on Iranian assets Sunday, which he defended as a strong and justified move. “It was the correct move,” Fetterman said—shocking words from a member of a party that usually reflexively opposes anything Trump does.

But AOC, sticking to her playbook of outrage and overreach, called the action a “grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers,” using the incident to launch another baseless call for impeachment.

Even some Republicans voiced concern about escalating involvement in Iran, with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene urging the President not to plunge the U.S. into another conflict, but rejecting the idea that Trump deserved impeachment for protecting American interests.

The tension with Iran escalated further Monday when the regime fired 10 missiles at a U.S. base in Qatar in retaliation, despite Trump’s calls for de-escalation and peace after Sunday’s strike.

While war hawks and anti-Trump Democrats clamor for chaos, Fetterman’s unexpected criticism of AOC’s impeachment crusade signals a growing frustration within his party over the far-left’s obsession with attacking Trump—no matter the cost to national security or constitutional credibility.

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CNN is facing backlash after airing a bizarre and widely mocked interview with a member of Mexico’s notorious Sinaloa Cartel, in which the network seemingly sought to elicit criticism of former President Donald Trump’s crackdown on cartel violence—only to be met with unexpected resistance to attack the president.

The segment, which aired Saturday, featured CNN’s Isobel Yeung speaking to a cartel gangster whose identity was concealed with a mask, sunglasses, and latex gloves. The interview took place in what the reporter described as a secret location in Mexico, just days after Trump reiterated his commitment to cracking down on cartels and labeling them terrorists due to their role in trafficking deadly drugs like fentanyl into the United States.

“According to the Trump Administration, you are a terrorist … what do you make of that?” Yeung asked pointedly.

Instead of lashing out at Trump, the cartel member gave a surprisingly measured response: “Well, the situation is ugly, but we have to eat.”

Yeung pressed further, asking what message he would deliver directly to Trump. The gangster’s answer caught many off guard: “My respect. According to him, he’s looking out for his people.” He went on to note, “The problem is the consumers are in the United States. If there weren’t any consumers, we would stop.”

The interview rapidly went viral online, drawing fierce criticism of CNN’s approach. Social media erupted with users accusing the network of desperately fishing for an anti-Trump soundbite—and failing spectacularly.

“CNN is in full meltdown mode. All their usual smear tactics have failed—again. So what’s their next brilliant move? Interviewing the freaking Sinaloa Cartel,” one user mocked on X (formerly Twitter). “They were clearly hoping for a ‘Trump is evil’ quote. Instead? Total backfire.”

Another chimed in, “Not the answer the Communist News Network wanted.”

Critics also blasted CNN for what they perceived as an attempt to humanize or even sympathize with violent criminals. “So CNN is worried about hurting the cartel’s feelings? This isn’t the flex they think it is—it’s insulting to Americans,” one viewer tweeted. Another added, “Unbelievably, CNN gives a cartel member a platform to throw a pity party, but he ends up acknowledging Trump is just looking out for his people.”

The interview comes as Trump’s administration and the U.S. Coast Guard continue high-profile operations to combat cartel activities. Earlier this year, authorities seized over $500 million worth of drugs in the Eastern Pacific, underscoring the severity of the cartel crisis.

Rather than damaging Trump’s image, CNN’s segment appears to have inadvertently bolstered his tough-on-crime stance—while further eroding trust in the network’s journalistic judgment.

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Nearly half of the Department of Education’s workforce is set to be terminated as employees receive “reduction in force” notices, Fox News Digital has learned. Staff members were informed Tuesday evening of the impending cuts, marking a major shift in federal education policy.

A source familiar with the situation confirmed to Fox News Digital that the notifications would be issued late Tuesday, signaling the beginning of a massive downsizing effort. Earlier in the day, a department-wide memo was sent out, advising all employees that Education Department offices would be closed from Tuesday evening through Wednesday due to “security reasons.” Staff were required to vacate the premises by 6 p.m. Eastern Time.

President Donald Trump has long championed the idea of shifting control of education policy from the federal government back to individual states. He made this a key issue during his 2024 campaign, reiterating his belief that state governments are better suited to handle education. “I want to close up the Department of Education, move education back to the states,” Trump stated in August 2024. He acknowledged that while many states would likely thrive under this model, some could struggle. “Of the 50 [states], I would bet that 35 would do great. And 15 of them, or, you know, 20 of them, will be as good as Norway. You know, Norway is considered great.”

The layoffs follow reports that Trump is preparing to sign an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. According to The Wall Street Journal, a draft order has already been circulated, directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Education Department” within the legal framework. The draft order reportedly states, “The experiment of controlling American education through Federal programs and dollars—and the unaccountable bureaucrats those programs and dollars support—has failed our children, our teachers, and our families.”

Since taking office in March, Education Secretary Linda McMahon has been clear about her directive to transfer educational governance to state control. In a letter to department staff on her first day, McMahon declared her intent to oversee the transition, calling it a “momentous final mission.” “Our job is to respect the will of the American people and the President they elected, who has tasked us with accomplishing the elimination of bureaucratic bloat here at the Department of Education—a momentous final mission—quickly and responsibly,” McMahon wrote in the letter, which was first obtained by Fox News Digital.

McMahon also emphasized that the restructuring will have significant effects on department employees, budgets, and overall agency operations. While the timeline for the complete dissolution of the department remains unclear, the mass layoffs indicate that the process is already well underway.

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President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Hamas, warning that if all hostages are not released by noon on Saturday, he will push for the cancellation of the ceasefire in Gaza and allow Israel to take decisive action.

Speaking from the Oval Office after signing executive orders on Monday evening, Trump made it clear that he believes Hamas must release all captives immediately.

“If all the Gaza hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 p.m., I would say cancel the ceasefire,” Trump stated. “Let all hell break out; Israel can override it.”

When asked whether the ceasefire should be revoked, Trump maintained that it was ultimately “Israel’s decision.”

The warning comes as Hamas has announced delays in the scheduled release of hostages, citing what it claims are Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.

A Hamas spokesperson, Abu Obeida, accused Israel of failing to meet its obligations under the agreement, including delaying the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza, targeting civilians, and restricting humanitarian aid.

“Therefore, the release of the Zionist prisoners next Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, will be postponed until further notice, and until the occupation commits to and provides compensation for the entitlements of the past weeks retroactively,” Obeida stated. “We reaffirm our commitment to the terms of the agreement, as long as the occupation remains committed to them.”

The ceasefire agreement, now in its sixth week, was designed to facilitate the release of hostages taken during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. So far, five prisoner swaps have been carried out, resulting in the release of 21 hostages and over 730 Palestinian detainees. The next exchange was set to free three more Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

However, Hamas’ decision to halt the release of hostages has prompted strong reactions from Israeli officials. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz called it a “blatant violation” of the agreement, instructing the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to maintain high alert for potential escalations.

“I have instructed the IDF to maintain the highest level of readiness for any possible scenario in Gaza and to fortify the defense of Israeli communities. We will not allow a return to the reality of Oct. 7,” Katz stated.

Hamas recently released three visibly frail Israeli hostages—Eli Sharabi, 52; Or Levy, 34; and Ohad Ben Ami, 56—on Saturday, forcing them to speak at a handover ceremony before transferring them to Israel. In return, Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners that same day.

Trump, responding to the condition of the released hostages, expressed his outrage, likening their appearance to Holocaust survivors.

“They looked like Holocaust survivors,” Trump said. “Like they haven’t had a meal in a month.”

The former president warned that patience is wearing thin regarding the situation. “I don’t know how much longer we can take that,” he added. “You know, at some point, we’re gonna lose our patience.”

With tensions escalating, all eyes are now on Saturday’s deadline to see whether Hamas will comply—or if a renewed conflict is on the horizon.

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Mexico has committed to stationing 10,000 troops along its northern border in an effort to curb fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration, a move that comes in exchange for a one-month suspension of tariffs previously threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the agreement on Monday via social media, just hours before the tariffs were set to be enacted.

Following a conversation between the two leaders, Trump and Sheinbaum reached a mutual understanding that Mexico would intensify efforts to combat drug smuggling while the United States would enhance measures to limit the flow of firearms southward. “I just spoke with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico. It was a very friendly conversation wherein she agreed to immediately supply 10,000 Mexican Soldiers on the Border separating Mexico and the United States,” Trump confirmed in a post on Truth Social. He further elaborated that these troops would be tasked with stopping fentanyl trafficking and unauthorized migration.

The agreement comes in the wake of Trump’s recent announcement that he would impose a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, as well as a 10% tariff on goods from China. While the Mexico deal resulted in a temporary pause on those tariffs, discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not yield a similar agreement.

Trudeau acknowledged the ongoing discussions in a social media post, stating, “I just had a good call with President Trump.” He announced Canada’s decision to bolster border security, including the appointment of a “Fentanyl Czar” and the implementation of a $1.3 billion initiative to strengthen enforcement efforts. “Nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting the border,” he added.

Trump, in a separate post, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in negotiations, saying, “Canada has agreed to ensure we have a secure Northern Border, and to finally end the deadly scourge of drugs like Fentanyl that have been pouring into our Country.” He emphasized that the tariffs would be paused for a month while further trade discussions take place.

While negotiations continue, Mexico has also entered into broader discussions with the United States regarding trade and security policies. Sheinbaum indicated that high-level officials from both nations, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Mexico’s trade representatives, would soon engage in talks to solidify long-term agreements.

The vast majority of fentanyl seized at the U.S. border originates from Mexico, with over 21,100 pounds confiscated by authorities in 2024. In contrast, only about 43 pounds were intercepted along the Canadian border. The new border enforcement efforts aim to curtail the flow of illicit drugs, which have contributed to a devastating public health crisis in the U.S.

While Mexico and the U.S. work to finalize their deal, tensions remain between Washington and Ottawa. Trudeau has encouraged Canadians to support domestic products in response to Trump’s tariff threats, urging citizens to “choose products made right here in Canada” and to “check the labels” when shopping.

With tariffs originally set to take effect at midnight Tuesday, the agreements made with Mexico have provided temporary economic relief, though negotiations with Canada remain unresolved. The coming weeks will determine whether the U.S. and its North American trade partners can reach lasting compromises on border security and economic policies.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio successfully persuaded Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino to forgo renewing the country’s agreement with China on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)—a major geopolitical shift in Latin America’s relations with Beijing.

Mulino confirmed on Sunday that Panama would not extend its BRI agreement, following discussions with Rubio during his diplomatic visit to the country, according to Baha Breaking News.

Panama had originally made history in 2018 by becoming the first Latin American country to sign onto China’s Belt and Road Initiative, just a year after severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan and formally recognizing Beijing. This move marked a major foreign policy victory for China, as Taiwan had previously maintained diplomatic recognition in Panama as a sovereign state. The New York Times reported that the 2017 shift was a significant step in China’s strategic expansion in the Western Hemisphere, aimed at countering American influence.

During the meeting between Rubio and Mulino, discussions centered on Panama’s sovereignty, national security, and economic partnerships with the United States. According to Baha Breaking News, Rubio informed Mulino that President Donald Trump viewed China’s influence over the Panama Canal as a possible violation of the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal. However, Mulino pushed back against concerns about Chinese control, emphasizing that “Panama’s control over the canal was non-negotiable.”

In addition, Mulino confirmed that an audit was underway regarding two Chinese-operated ports in Panama, suggesting that the findings could lead to further policy changes in the future. The Panamanian government’s stance signals a reassessment of its economic and diplomatic ties with China, despite previous engagement in infrastructure projects under the BRI framework.

Beyond the Belt and Road decision, the two leaders also reached an agreement to bolster regional security, curb illegal migration through the Darién Gap, and promote investment opportunities for U.S. businesses. These efforts align with Washington’s broader strategy to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with Latin America amid growing global competition.

According to Reuters, Mulino confirmed that “a broad agreement between Panama and China to contribute to China’s silk road program” would not be renewed. He even suggested that Panama would consider terminating the agreement ahead of schedule, underscoring a more assertive stance toward reducing Chinese influence.

A statement from State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce further reinforced this position, revealing that Rubio had warned Mulino of the risks posed by China’s “position of influence and control” over the Panama Canal, which he deemed “a threat to the canal.”

The decision to distance Panama from the BRI has been met with praise from U.S. foreign policy experts. Michael Sobolik, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate the move, declaring, “This is a huge win for America.” Others have noted that Rubio’s tenure as Secretary of State is already making a strong impact in reshaping global alignments.

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South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem secured her confirmation as Secretary of Homeland Security with bipartisan support, including votes from seven Democratic senators. Her confirmation marks a key victory for President Trump’s second-term immigration agenda, with Noem leading efforts to address border security and domestic threats. While some Democrats opposed her nomination, others crossed party lines, citing a willingness to collaborate on pressing national issues. Here are the seven Democrats who voted in favor [CLICK “NEXT PAGE” BUTTON TO CONTINUE:

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President Donald Trump was greeted by California Governor Gavin Newsom upon arriving in Los Angeles on Friday. The meeting followed Trump’s sharp criticism of Newsom’s handling of the state’s wildfire crisis and other management issues.

Trump, 78, and Newsom, 57, engaged in a brief but animated exchange on the tarmac after Trump descended from Air Force One. The interaction featured a mix of gestures, including pointing, a fist pump, and a thumbs-up. Both leaders also exchanged shoulder pats, and Newsom greeted First Lady Melania Trump with a kiss on the cheek.

“I appreciate the governor coming out and meeting me, Gavin,” Trump said to reporters after the exchange. Newsom had announced the previous evening that he would meet the president, despite not being formally invited. Trump acknowledged the devastation caused by the wildfires, likening it to the aftermath of a bombing. “You got hit by a bomb,” he told Newsom.

The president emphasized the need for solutions, saying, “We’ll be talking a little bit. We want to get it fixed. We want to get the problem fixed. And there will be some ways.” Trump also assured, “We will get it permanently fixed so it can’t happen again.”

In turn, Newsom thanked Trump publicly for his presence and support. “Most importantly, thank you for being here. It means a great deal to us. We’re going to need your support. We’re going to need your help,” the governor said. He also referenced the federal government’s assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding, “You were there for us during COVID — I don’t forget that. And I have all the expectations that we’ll be able to work together to get the speedy recovery.”

The visit came amid tensions between the two leaders. Earlier this month, Trump had called for Newsom’s resignation, accusing him of mismanaging state resources, particularly water supplies, which Trump claimed prioritized protecting an endangered fish species over wildfire prevention. Meanwhile, Newsom has countered Trump’s criticisms, accusing him of spreading misinformation about California’s challenges.

Trump’s visit also highlighted a contentious political condition tied to federal aid. Hours before the trip, the president suggested that disaster assistance for California could be contingent on the state adopting stricter voter ID laws. When asked about this by a reporter, Newsom sidestepped the issue, saying, “I have all the confidence in the world we’ll work that out.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed Trump’s criticisms, blaming Newsom for the severity of the wildfire damage. “Certainly Gavin Newsom — or ‘Newscum,’ as President Trump likes to call him — has wronged the people of his state,” Leavitt said aboard Air Force One.

The wildfires, which have caused an estimated $250 billion in damage, were exacerbated by dry fire hydrants and delayed responses in some areas. As California faces the long road to recovery, the exchange between Trump and Newsom reflected the broader political and practical challenges in addressing the state’s crises.

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., took a strong stance against House Republicans at the U.S. Capitol, accusing them of abandoning a bipartisan agreement to fund the government and prevent a partial shutdown. Jeffries argued that the GOP’s actions were detrimental to everyday Americans.

On Wednesday, House Republican leaders scrambled to salvage the situation after their initial bipartisan deal collapsed due to conservative opposition. The agreement, designed to keep the government open beyond Friday, unraveled amidst internal GOP disputes, prompting Jeffries to hold them accountable.

“House Republicans, House Democrats, Senate Republicans, and Senate Democrats reached a bipartisan agreement to fund the government, keep it open, and meet the needs of the American people,” Jeffries said. He highlighted that the deal included disaster aid for communities affected by extreme weather. “House Republicans have now unilaterally decided to break a bipartisan agreement that they made. House Republicans have been ordered to shut down the government and hurt everyday Americans all across this country… An agreement is an agreement. It was bipartisan, and there was nothing more to say.”

Jeffries also expressed his frustrations on X (formerly Twitter), where he wrote, “House Republicans have been ordered to shut down the government. And hurt working-class Americans they claim to support. You break the bipartisan agreement; you own the consequences that follow.”

As the political drama unfolded, the national debt continued to rise, surpassing $36 trillion, with the federal budget deficit for the past fiscal year reaching $1.83 trillion, the third largest in U.S. history. The proposed 1,547-page continuing resolution (CR) bill became a lightning rod for criticism, with prominent figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump leading the charge.

Elon Musk, co-chair of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), took to social media to lambaste the bill, calling it bloated with unnecessary spending. “You seem to think the public is dumb. They are not,” Musk responded to Jeffries on X. In another post, he celebrated the collapse of the bill, stating, “The voice of the people was heard. This was a good day for America.”

Donald Trump also vehemently opposed the legislation. In a series of posts on Truth Social, the former president dismissed the bill as “ridiculous and extraordinarily expensive,” warning Republicans against passing it without addressing the debt ceiling. “Unless the Democrats terminate or substantially extend [the] Debt Ceiling now, I will fight ‘till the end. This is a nasty TRAP set in place by the Radical Left Democrats!” Trump declared. He urged Republican lawmakers to reject the measure and vowed political consequences for any who supported it. “Any Republican that would be so stupid as to do this should, and will be Primaried,” he warned.

The controversial CR bill was unveiled on Tuesday night after extensive negotiations between Democratic and Republican leaders. It aimed to avert a government shutdown by extending funding through March 14. However, its provisions—including health care measures, ethanol fuel regulations, $100 billion in disaster aid, and funding for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore—provoked backlash from conservatives. Many Republican lawmakers demanded a “clean” funding extension without additional policy riders.

Despite its intention to prevent a shutdown, the bill has only deepened the political divide, leaving Congress and the nation grappling with unresolved fiscal challenges. The debate underscores the high stakes in Washington as leaders on both sides struggle to balance competing priorities.

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