CBS News host Margaret Brennan claimed during an interview over the weekend that the Holocaust was caused because free speech was “weaponized.”

The left-wing host made the highly controversial remarks during an interview with Secretary of State Marco Rubio while talking about Vice President JD Vance’s speech in Europe last week where he criticized the continent’s leaders for abandoning certain values, like free speech.

“What did all of this accomplish, other than irritating our allies?” Brennan asked.

“Why would our allies or anybody be irritated by free speech and by someone giving their opinion?” Rubio responded. “We are, after all, democracies. The Munich – Munich Security Conference is largely a conference of democracies, in which one of the things that we cherish and value is the ability to speak freely and provide your opinions.”

Rubio said that a lot of things that Vance said “needed to be said” and that it was perplexing that anyone “would be upset about it.”

“People are allowed – you know, you don’t have to agree on someone’s speech,” he said. “I happen to agree with a lot of what he said, but you don’t have to agree with someone’s speech to at least appreciate the fact they have a right to say it and that you should listen to it and see whether those criticisms are valid.”

Brennan responded: “Well, he was standing in a country where free speech was weaponized to conduct a genocide.”

“And he met with the head of a political party that has far-right views and some historic ties to extreme groups,” she claimed. “The context of that was changing the tone of it. And you know that, that the censorship was specifically about the right.”

Rubio fired back: “Well, I have to disagree with you. I have to disagree with you.”

“Free speech was not used to conduct a genocide,” he noted. “The genocide was conducted by an authoritarian Nazi regime that happened to also be genocidal because they hated Jews and they hated minorities and they hated those that they – they had a list of people they hated, but primarily the Jews.”

“There was no free speech in Nazi Germany. There was none,” he continued. “There was also no opposition in Nazi Germany. They were a sole and only party that governed that country. So that’s not an accurate reflection of history.”

WATCH:

This is the first time I’ve heard the theory that the Holocaust wasn’t conducted with gas chambers but with free speech zones. pic.twitter.com/mpWm6UH2F4

— Michael Brendan Dougherty (@michaelbd) February 16, 2025

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) said over the weekend that America’s ballooning national debt was becoming a serious threat to U.S. national security.

Mullin made the remarks during a Sunday interview on ABC News’ “This Week” with Jonathan Karl when asked about Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cutting wasteful spending in other agencies and departments.

“We hate that anybody’s losing their job, but at the same time, we know that the debt that we have in this country is not manageable, and it’s becoming a national security risk, and we’re spending nearly a trillion dollars a year just in servicing the debt,” Mullin said. “That is scary. We’re spending more on interest payments than we are in our Defense Department now.”

“Anybody will tell you that is a road for disaster,” he continued. “So any time you take over a situation like Elon Musk has had many opportunities and many experiences with taking over businesses, you had to start cutting some of the fat.”

“And unfortunately, the number one expense we have in the United States government right now is payroll, and when you start cutting departments, some people’s jobs are lost,” he added. “And it hurts us because we don’t want anybody to lose their job. But at the same time, we have to get it under control because if we don’t get our debt underneath control, it becomes a national security — can you imagine if we get downgraded?”

He said that if the U.S. gets its credit rating downgraded and the dollar starts losing its value that it could lead to disastrous economic outcomes for the country.

“Our buying power, the ability to invest into the country, the ability to invest in our military starts shrinking, and then we start losing the strength part when we start wanting to be at the negotiating table from peace through strength,” he continued.

WATCH:

When asked about Elon Musk’s efforts to layoff federal employees, GOP Sen. Mullin tells @JonKarl the move is necessary to control debt.

“It hurts us because we don’t want anybody to lose their job. But at the same time, we have to get it under control.” https://t.co/MbYZfpYm86 pic.twitter.com/hzC1q8umzS

— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) February 16, 2025

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) said over the weekend that President Donald Trump was ready to start increasing pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to force him to end his war in Ukraine.

Mullin made the remarks during a Sunday interview with ABC News’ “This Week” with Jonathan Karl when asked about an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal that said Trump was the one who “wants a deal more,” implying that he was not arguing from a position of strength.

“Is President Trump poised to actually really turn the screws on Putin?” Karl asked.

“Absolutely because Putin knows the one person that can truly change the war is the United States,” Mullin responded. “If we went all in for Ukraine, if we went all in with the resources we have, from air superiority to – to the weapons that we can deploy to Ukraine, Putin knows at that point he would be in an extremely negative position.”

“I think that being the opportunity for President Trump to talk to Putin and say, listen, we want to end the war,” he continued. “We don’t want to have to engage more. But we’re not going to allow you to move forward. So, let’s negotiate a peace deal here or you’re going to force our hand to be farther involved. That’s what peace through strength is. It’s negotiating peace, but using strength as a backup. If you make us do something, we will do it.”

“We did this in Syria when President Trump was in office in 2017,” he noted. “You saw that Putin went ahead and engaged with – with – with Syria. They used chemical weapons. And immediately what President Trump did is he bombed the airport and took over the air space that Russia was [in] control over, and he controlled the air space for the remainder of his presidency. So we had the ability to do it and Putin knows that.”

WATCH:

GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin says Pres. Trump has the capability to apply pressure to Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin to negotiate a deal to end the war in Ukraine.

“President Trump wrote ‘The Art of the Deal.’ He knows how to negotiate.” https://t.co/ITK275Hp4z pic.twitter.com/jgFSRIifVO

— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) February 16, 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said over the weekend that he will not accept any deal made between the United States and Russia about his country unless he is part of the negotiations and agrees with the deal.

Zelensky made the remarks during a Sunday interview with NBC News’ “Meet The Press” with host Kristen Welker when asked about President Donald Trump’s remarks about Ukraine last week.

“He did not say yes when he was asked if he sees Ukraine as an equal member in the peace process,” Welker said. “He did say later that Ukraine would have a seat at the table.”

“Have you been given any assurances that Ukraine will have an equal seat at the negotiating table?” she asked.

“I will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine,” He responded. “Never. And our people, never. And our adults, and children, and everybody, it can’t be so.”

“The war in Ukraine is against us, and it is our human losses,” he continued. “And we are thankful for all the support, unity between USA – in USA around Ukraine support, bipartisan unity, bipartisan support, we’re thankful for all of this.”

“But there is not any leader in the world who can really make a deal with
Putin without us about us,” he added. “Of course, the United States can have a lot of decisions, economical partnership, and et cetera. We’re not happy with it, but they can have with Russians. But not about this war without us. And that’s why I think that what we need, very closely to work and quicker.”

He said that the U.S. was the country’s largest strategic partner and that they were ready to share their plan with the U.S. to bring the war to a close.

WATCH:

NOW – Zelensky: “I will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine. Never.”pic.twitter.com/mPTfLgJzO8

— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) February 16, 2025

Border Czar Tom Homan doubled down on his call for the Department of Justice to get involved in response to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) advising illegal aliens how to avoid federal immigration authorities.

Homan made the remarks during a Sunday interview on “State of the Union” when asked about his comments from last week.

“Are you suggesting that she should be prosecuted?” host Dana Bash asked.

“I’m asking the Department of Justice, who are the prosecutors and decide who they prosecute and what the standards of that prosecution is,” he said. “I simply said, at what point is that impeding? Because you can call it ‘know your rights’ all you want, we all know the bottom line is. The bottom line is how they evade law enforcement. Don’t open your door. Don’t answer questions.”

“We’re talking about people here in the country illegally with a criminal conviction who had due process, at great taxpayer expense, and were ordered deported by a federal judge, but became a fugitive,” he continued. “And we’re talking about don’t open your door to ICE, you don’t have to answer questions. I think it’s more about how they evade law enforcement not to get arrested, even though there’s a federal warrant for your arrest, how they evade that, rather than know your rights.”

“They have the right to know their rights,” he added. “The Constitution said they have the right to certain rights. But I hope to God we’re not educating people are going to be the next murder of a college student. I have said it before, if we would have had access to the man who murdered Laken Riley in New York, he would never made it to Georgia to kill a woman.”

Homan mocked Ocasio-Cortez for claiming that he was only “vaguely” familiar of America’s immigration laws.

“I have done this since 1984. I forgot more about the immigration law than AOC will ever know,” he said. “Matter of fact, at a hearing couple years ago, I had explained to her that entering the country illegally was actually a crime. So I’m not going to play that game with her. I simply made a statement. When you sit down with people who are wanted by us, criminal aliens that been ordered to be deported from the United States government and ignore that order, if you and I ignore that order, we’d be sitting in prison.”

“But they ignore their order from a federal judge, they’re hiding in a home, and she’s telling them not to open the door,” he said. “Now, I’m not saying that’s illegal. What I’m saying is, I asked the attorney general, at what point is it impeding and what point is it not impeding?”

WATCH:

“I have done this since 1984. I forgot more about the immigration law than AOC will ever know.”

Trump border czar Tom Homan doubles down on his criticism after previously suggesting Rep. @AOC was “going to be in trouble” for a webinar advising immigrants of their rights when… pic.twitter.com/ebcPeKDIrd

— State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) February 16, 2025

Border Czar Tom Homan pushed back over the weekend against suggestions that there was a corrupt deal between President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Eric Adams that led to Adams allowing local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration officials in removing illegal aliens from the city.

Homan made the remarks during a Sunday interview with CNN’s Dana Bash on “State of the Union” when asked if federal corruption charges against Adams were dropped in-exchange for Adams’ compliance with executing Trump’s immigration agenda.

“No, I think that’s ridiculous,” Homan responded. “Me and Mayor Adams met a couple months ago. I think it was probably eight, nine weeks ago we met. And we had the same discussion. And we talked about getting a presence in Rikers Island. We talked about how we can collaborate on public safety threats and finding the missing children that were — that can be found after they release the sponsors.”

“We had that a couple months ago, long before this other discussion,” he continued. “So I don’t think it had anything to do with it. Matter of fact, the meeting went very well. It was the same meeting we had a few weeks ago. The reason we had the follow-up meeting because there was no action being done.”

Homan pushed back against claims that he was unsatisfied with the previous meeting that he’d had with Adams.

“No, I didn’t come out of that meeting unsatisfied,” he said. “After several weeks, I was taken back that we hadn’t gotten the action yet about getting to Rikers Island.”

“So we rescheduled the meeting to talk about, OK, well, we talked about how — what things we need to put in place how we can make this happen,” he continued. “And that’s what the meeting Thursday was about. And we came out Thursday with a plan in how we can get in Rikers Island in the Criminal Intelligence Division, so we can understand who’s in there, who’s foreign-born in Rikers Island that’s a significant public safety threat.”

“We also talked about how we can collaborate on the missing children, many of them are going to be in New York City,” he added. “And that’s what we talked about. I really don’t think it had anything to do with whatever’s going on in Justice Department. We never talked about that. It’s kind of out of my lane.”

“No, I think that’s ridiculous… I don’t think it had anything to do with it.”

White House border czar Tom Homan denies allegations of a quid pro quo between New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the Trump administration, after Adams agreed to give ICE access to Rikers Island… pic.twitter.com/tXMvcymLwg

— State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) February 16, 2025

President Donald Trump attended NASCAR’s Daytona 500 race on Sunday.

The 67th rendition of the famous auto-racing event is taking place at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. One of Trump’s aides, Dan Scavino, posted a video to X showing a look from inside Air Force One during a flyover above the venue.

Moments ago, President Trump did a flyover on Air Force One at the Daytona 500. The view from above! #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/DCX7d5iH9H

— Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) February 16, 2025

President @realDonaldTrump arrives at Daytona on Air Force One. pic.twitter.com/FB6xsxaVHj

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 16, 2025

Trump, who previously attended the Daytona 500 as president during his first term in 2020, later could be seen arriving in a motorcade. “The Beast” even took a lap around the Daytona International Speedway.

President @realDonaldTrump's motorcade has arrived at Daytona International Speedway. #NASCAR #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/dTkH4FsycI

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 16, 2025

President @realDonaldTrump takes a lap around Daytona International Speedway. #NASCAR #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/8gHD10qzGw

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 16, 2025

President @realDonaldTrump leads the field out of the pits in "The Beast" at the 2025 Daytona 500. pic.twitter.com/m1GOWOVCEv

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 16, 2025

FOX Sports later posted other clips of Trump speaking with NASCAR legends Richard Petty and Greg Biffle as well as reporter Jamie Little.

President @realDonaldTrump talks with Richard Petty and Greg Biffle before the #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/yFnotyRnhp

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 16, 2025

President @realDonaldTrump talks with @JamieLittleTV before the Daytona 500. pic.twitter.com/BBfRyONavC

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 16, 2025

“Today, I look forward to joining tens of thousands of American Patriots in Daytona Beach, Florida, for the ‘Great American Race’ — the legendary Daytona 500 — and the official start to the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series,” Trump said in a statement. “This iconic race showcases the fastest, most fearless drivers in motorsports, who represent our Nation’s love of tradition, competition, and automotive innovation. The Daytona 500 brings together people from all walks of life — from lifelong racing fans to first-time spectators — they all join in celebrating a shared passion for speed, adrenaline, and the thrill of the race. From the roar of the engines on the track to the echo of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ soaring through the stands, the Daytona 500 is a timeless tribute to the speed, strength, and unyielding spirit that make America great. That spirit is what will fuel America’s Golden Age, and if we harness it, the future is truly ours.”

“Since the very beginning, NASCAR has carried forth a proud tradition of honoring our heroic Service members for their unwavering courage. While fans from around the world gather today at Daytona International Speedway, we extend our unending gratitude to the selfless men and women in uniform who risk their lives to keep us safe. When the engines start or the checkered flag waves, and all 500 thrilling miles in between, our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and Guardians stand ready to defend cherished traditions like this—and for that, we are truly thankful,” Trump added. “Melania and I send our best wishes for a safe and successful race. May God bless our Armed Forces, and may He continue to bless the United States of America.”

Last weekend, Trump attended the Super Bowl in New Orleans, where the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22. The Daily Wire reported how Trump took a swipe at Taylor Swift, who is dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and had endorsed now-former Vice President Kamala Harris for president in the 2024 election, with a post to Truth Social that noted how fans booed the singer when she was shown on TV.

“The only one that had a tougher night than the Kansas City Chiefs was Taylor Swift. She got BOOED out of the Stadium. MAGA is very unforgiving!” he wrote on social media, adding video clips of her getting booed and another shot of the crowd cheering the American flag.

Hank Berrien contributed to this report.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said this week that Americans who are receiving food stamps may soon be banned from using them to purchase junk food.

Rollins made the remarks while answering questions from reporters outside the White House on Friday about working with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reform the SNAP program.

“I look forward to working with Bobby Kennedy as we figure out, do we have the healthiest choices?” she said. “So when a taxpayer is putting money into SNAP, are they okay with us using their tax dollars to feed really bad food and sugary drinks to children who perhaps need something more nutritious?”

She said that she looked forward to working with DOGE to see where the SNAP program is wasting money and if it is meeting the metrics required to hit its goals.

“Oftentimes, these government programs are started with the idea that you’re going to help people — it’s not a handout, it’s a hand up — and then years later, the programs are even bigger, and you’ve got more people on them,” she said. “And are we really giving people a hand up, or is it instead a handout? So if we can have a whole other group of really smart people looking at SNAP and other programs at USDA, that will allow us to ensure, what are our metrics for success? Are we meeting those metrics for success?”

“Will we ever take food out of a hungry child’s mouth? Of course not. This is the United States of America,” she continued. “But truly, this program has grown so large, especially in the last administration. Under Biden, I think SNAP, grew almost 30% more than before.”

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According to the USDA, more than 42 million people received SNAP benefits in fiscal year 2023, costing the country well over $110 billion per year.

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins welcomes RFK Jr.’s help reforming SNAP to cut “bad food and sugary drinks”

“When a taxpayer is putting money into SNAP, are they okay with us using their tax dollars to feed really bad food and sugary drinks to children who need something more… pic.twitter.com/nFeooY3fkM

— American Values 🗽 (@AVPac_US) February 15, 2025

Related: Why Can Food Stamps Buy Junk Food? How DOGE Could Save Billions And MAHA

Border Czar Tom Homan said this week that he has contacted the Department of Justice to find out if Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is violating the law by offering guidance to illegal aliens to avoid being deported.

Homan told Fox News during an interview on Thursday night that he contacted the Deputy U.S. Attorney General in response to the webinar that AOC hosted assisting illegal aliens in evading federal immigration officers.

He said he sought guidance on understanding if her actions constituted impeding law enforcement operations.

“So, maybe AOC is going to be in trouble now, but I need the [deputy attorney general] to opine on that, because there’s an impediment, it’s impediment in my opinion, I’m not a prosecutor, but we need some further guidance on that,” he said.

He added that the Trump administration was willing to “take every federal dollar out of” sanctuary cities who fail to comply with federal immigration enforcement.

“We just want to make common sense,” he added. “And sanctuary cities, if they want to step aside, step aside, we’re coming, we’re going to do it for you.”

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WATCH:

🚨🚨Border czar Tom Homan has officially filed a criminal complaint with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi against @AOC for

18 U.S. Code Chapter 73 – OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE
And,
18 U.S. Code § 2 – AIDING AND ABETTING

Arrest is just matter of time. pic.twitter.com/YPdKejx8PH

— 🇺🇸RealRobert🇺🇸 (@Real_RobN) February 14, 2025

AOC snapped back with a statement that made a variety of unsubstantiated claims, including suggesting that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were “entering the homes of everyday Americans without a warrant.”

“And I am proud to offer civil education to everyday Americans to ensure ICE’s compliance with the law, given the numerous reports of agents providing incorrect paperwork in their attempts to enter and search private homes,” she claimed. “Since Mr. Homan seems to be vaguely familiar with U.S. immigration law, we also remind him that according to Congressional statute, becoming undocumented in the United States is a civil offense and not a criminal one.”