The internet must controlled nationally based on the laws of the land. And as any asset need Identity control and monitoring. We must Protect our bordersThese BIOS Hotkeys are sometimes hard to Find!Tucker correctly identifies the numerus concerns for Americans this election. Check out this.
The White House slammed Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy as a "moron" on social media after the Connecticut lawmaker posted an expletive-riddled admonishment against a Lara Trump parody account he seemingly believed belonged to the president's daughter-in-law.
"You are a moron, Chris. It is obvious this page is not affiliated with President Trump, his family, or the administration. We do, however, support your right to make such a statement, no matter how imbecilic it makes you look," the White House's X account, Rapid Response 47, said in a message posted on Friday.
The rapid response account is a new White House account that was launched in January to hold "fake news accountable."
The White House was responding to Murphy singling out a social media post he ostensibly believed Lara Trump posted regarding border czar Tom Homan potentially arresting Rep. Alexandira Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. Murphy included a screenshot of the alleged Lara Trump tweet, showing the handle for the account belongs to an X page called the "Lara Trump Page," a parody fan account – not her official X account.
HOMAN, AOC CLASH OVER WEBINAR TO HELP IMMIGRANTS 'EVADE' ICE RAIDS: 'I THOUGHT I EDUCATED HER'
"If you support Border Czar Tom Homan arresting AOC for giving illegal aliens instructions on how to avoid deportation, post a [thumbs up emoji] in the comments," the fan page account posted on Thursday. "Make your voice heard."
Murphy responded to the social media post by arguing the Trump administration has "some f---ing gall" discussing free speech when advocating for the arrest of a Democrat.
'STUNNING AND BRAVE': DEM SENATOR MOCKED AFTER HYPING ALL-NIGHTER STUNT IN PROTEST OF TRUMP NOMINEE
"It takes some f---ng gall to have Vance lecturing Europe on ‘free speech’ when at the exact same time the Trump regime is threatening Democrats back home with arrest if they even explain people’s rights to them," Murphy posted to X on Friday.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT ARRESTS SKYROCKET UNDER TRUMP ICE COMPARED TO BIDEN LEVELS LAST YEAR
Murphy's tweet was hit with a community note, detailing that he was responding to a parody fan account and that Lara Trump did not issue such a tweet.
"This is a screenshot of a parody account of Lara Trump. Her real account is below and no such post exists," the community note states.
AOC'S OFFICE ADVISES MIGRANTS ON HOW TO AVOID DEPORTATIONS IN LIVE WEBINAR
Fox News Digital reached out to Murphy's office for comment Sunday morning, but did not immediately reply.
The parody account's message was likely referring to Ocasio-Cortez's office posting a webinar "Know Your Rights" guide about how illegal immigrants can avoid deportation amid the Trump administration's border crackdown following the immigration crisis that rocked the U.S. under the Biden administration.
Homan, former acting director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and current border czar under the second Trump administration, told Fox News' Laura Ingraham last week that he asked the Justice Department if Ocasio-Cortez's guide crossed a legal line.
"Is that impeding our law enforcement efforts?" Homan said on the "Ingraham Angle." "If so, what are we going to do about it? Is she crossing the line? So I'm working with the Department of Justice and finding out. Where is that line that they cross? So maybe AOC is going to be in trouble now."
Fox News Digital's Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report.
Independent voters in a Fox News Digital focus group approved of President Donald Trump's promise to cut taxes and eliminate wasteful government spending.
Voters responded to Trump discussing his plan to make the government more efficient and cut taxes for families while at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Jan. 23.
"I have promised to eliminate ten old regulations for every new regulation which will soon put many thousands of dollars back in the pockets of American families to further unleash our economy," Trump said.
"Our majorities in the House and Senate, which we also took along with the presidency — we are going to pass the largest tax cut in American history, including massive tax cuts for workers and family and big tax cuts for domestic producers and manufacturers. And we're working with the Democrats on getting an extension of the original Trump tax cuts, as you probably know by just reading any paper," he continued.
INDEPENDENT VOTERS SHOW SIGNIFICANT DISAPPROVAL OF DEMOCRATIC ANTICS AGAINST PRESIDENT TRUMP
The focus group consisted of 75 Democrats, 49 independents and 32 Republicans, and their reactions were represented by blue, yellow and red lines, respectively.
Independents and Republicans were on board with Trump's plan to save taxpayers money. Democrats slightly disapproved at the start of Trump's comments before their reaction remained steady, the Fox News Dial shows.
Lee Carter, a communications strategist and president of Maslansky + Partners, said that Trump's regulation and tax cuts were popular with the group. However, many feared these cuts wouldn't happen.
The group also reacted to Trump discussing the future of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in an exclusive interview with Fox News' Bret Baier last Sunday.
NEW POLL REVEALS WHICH TRUMP POLICIES AMERICANS LOVE AND HATE
"We have to solve the efficiency problem. We have to solve the fraud, waste, abuse, all the things that have gone into the government," Trump said. "You take a look at the USAID, the kind of fraud in there that you found significant damage. Well, we're talking about hundreds of millions of dollars of money that's going to places where it shouldn't be going, where if I read a list, you'd say, this is ridiculous and you've read the same lists and there are many that you haven't even seen. It's crazy. It's a big scam now."
"There's some good money and we can do that through any one of a number. I think I'd rather give it to Marco Rubio over at the State Department. Let him take care of the few good ones. So I don't know if it's kickbacks or what's going on, but the people — look, I ran on this, and the people want me to find it. And I've had great help with Elon Musk, who's been terrific," he continued.
Independents and Republicans were in favor of Trump's pledge to tackle the "fraud, waste and abuse" in the federal government. The Democratic line remained flat at first before trending slightly downward.
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"Fascinating response," Carter said of the group's reaction. "His message of eliminating fraud, waste, abuse is working."
One participant said, "I actually work with USAID so I don't agree with entirely dismantling, but his messaging was very sensible and reasonable in terms of eliminating fraud and wasteful spending."
"Even there, it makes sense," Carter continued. "Trump is bringing common sense back to government. And if Democrats fail to understand this is how it is viewed, they will lose the debate."
Apple devices are believed to be pretty secure, and that's what the company will tell you. You might have seen the tagline "Privacy. That’s Apple." in their promotions.
However, the tech landscape is changing, and even Apple products aren’t beyond cybercriminals’ reach.
A new report suggests Mac users will need to be more vigilant this year because AI advancements are helping hackers breach even the most secure systems. I have consistently reported on how Mac malware is targeting users, and experts now believe this will only get worse.
Mac malware is not what it used to be. For years, the biggest threats were annoying adware and browser hijackers, more of a nuisance than a real danger. But that is changing fast. As highlighted by Malwarebytes, a new wave of information stealers is taking over, and they are far more dangerous, going after passwords, authentication cookies, credit card details and even cryptocurrency.
This shift started in mid-2023 with the arrival of Atomic Stealer, also known as AMOS, a piece of malware that looked much more like something you would see on Windows than the typical Mac threats. AMOS was not just effective. It was easy to use and sold as a service for $1,000 a month with a slick web-based control panel. That success led to the rise of even more dangerous variants.
WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?
One of them, Poseidon, launched in mid-2024 and quickly became the dominant Mac stealer, responsible for 70% of infections. It can drain over 160 different cryptocurrency wallets, steal passwords from browsers and password managers and even grab VPN credentials.
At the same time, cybercriminals have doubled down on malvertising, using fake ads on Google and Bing to trick users into downloading malware instead of real software. These campaigns are highly targeted, allowing attackers to pinpoint Mac users and serve fake downloads based on their searches. With AI now being used to create and execute many of these attacks, they are likely to increase in scale.
4.3 MILLION AMERICANS EXPOSED IN MASSIVE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT DATA BREACH
While Mac malware is evolving, the situation on Android is even more alarming. Phishing attacks on the platform have reached staggering levels, with thousands of malicious apps designed to steal credentials and bypass security measures.
So far in 2024, researchers have detected 22,800 phishing-capable apps, alongside 3,900 apps designed to read OTPs from notification bars and 5,200 apps capable of extracting OTPs from SMS messages. These numbers highlight how widespread and effective Android phishing malware has become.
Just like phishing emails, phishing apps trick users into handing over their usernames, passwords and two-factor authentication codes. Once stolen, these credentials can be sold or used for fraud, identity theft or further cyberattacks. Because phishing apps require minimal code and fewer permissions than traditional malware, they are much easier to sneak onto app stores, including Google Play.
Many phishing apps look like regular, fully functional software. Some impersonate games or utilities, while others appear as cracked versions of popular apps like TikTok, WhatsApp or Spotify. Some stay dormant for days to avoid detection before launching their attacks. Others rely on ad functionality to redirect users to phishing sites, making the malicious code harder to trace.
Google Play Protect, which is built-in malware protection for Android devices, automatically removes known malware. However, it is important to note that Google Play Protect may not be enough. Historically, it isn't 100% foolproof at removing all known malware from Android devices.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
MASSIVE SECURITY FLAW PUTS MOST POPULAR BROWSERS AT RISK ON MAC
Follow these essential tips to safeguard your devices from the latest malware threats, including the notorious info stealer malware.
1. Have strong antivirus software: The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
2. Be cautious with downloads and links: Only download software from reputable sources such as the Mac App Store, Google Play Store or official websites of trusted developers. Be wary of unsolicited emails or messages prompting you to download or install updates, especially if they contain links. Phishing attempts often disguise themselves as legitimate update notifications or urgent messages.
3. Keep your software updated: Ensure that both macOS, Android and all installed applications are up to date. Apple and Android frequently release security patches and updates that address vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates for macOS, Android and your apps to stay protected without having to manually check for updates. If you need more help, see my guide on keeping all your devices updated.
4. Use strong and unique passwords: To protect your Mac from malware, it’s also crucial to use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and devices. Avoid reusing passwords across different sites or services. A password manager can be incredibly helpful here. It generates and stores complex passwords for you, making them difficult for hackers to crack.
It also keeps track of all your passwords in one place and automatically fills them in when you log into accounts, so you don’t have to remember them yourself. By reducing the number of passwords you need to recall, you’re less likely to reuse them, which lowers the risk of security breaches. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2025 here.
5. Use two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA for your important accounts, including your Apple ID, Google account, email and any financial services. This adds an extra step to the login process, making it harder for attackers to gain access even if they have your password.
HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET
The days when Mac users could assume they were safe are long gone. Cybercriminals are evolving their tactics, with Mac malware shifting from simple adware to advanced information stealers. Android phishing apps are also becoming harder to detect and more widespread than ever. From stealing passwords and authentication cookies to intercepting OTPs and draining cryptocurrency wallets, these threats are growing in both sophistication and scale. No platform is immune, and as cybercriminals continue refining their techniques, users and organizations must stay ahead with strong security measures.
Do you trust official app stores like the App Store and Google Play, or do you think they need to do more to prevent malware? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter
Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover
Follow Kurt on his social channels
Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:
New from Kurt:
Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has responded after a prominent ex-official endorsed him to run for mayor of New York City against incumbent first-termer Eric Adams.
Former state comptroller Carl McCall, 89, released an open letter backing Cuomo on Saturday. Cuomo has not formally declared his candidacy in the race, though he is polling as the top potential challenger to Adams in June's primary.
In response to the letter, Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 amid scandals connected to COVID-19 nursing home deaths and sexual harassment claims, acknowledged the history that he and his family share with McCall. Cuomo has always denied the allegations against him.
"Carl and I have a special bond that starts before me. I first had the pleasure of meeting Carl when I was in my early 20s when he worked with my father, the late Mario Cuomo, as the state's human rights commissioner and together the two fought to make New York a fairer, more just place for all who live here."
NEW YORK CITY TO SUE TRUMP ADMIN OVER REVOKED $80M IN FEMA MIGRANT SHELTER FUNDING FOR NEW YORK CITY
"In these divisive and troubling times, his voice is needed more than ever – for his is one of moral clarity, experience and guided by what is right for the people above all else," Cuomo wrote Saturday.
"Today, in these uncertain times, and after more than four decades of friendship and counsel, I thank him for his faith in me and for his advice, trust and confidence," Cuomo said. "His sentiments are both humbling and deeply meaningful."
In his letter, McCall did not cite Adams by name, but he appeared to indirectly slam how the Justice Department on Friday asked a court to dismiss corruption charges against Adams that were filed during the Biden administration. Adams met with President Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, last week, agreeing to work together as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) cracks down on criminal illegal immigrants.
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT MOVES TO DROP CASE AGAINST NYC MAYOR ERIC ADAMS
"Donald Trump wants us to fail as a community. For that reason, the leadership of New York City has rarely, if ever, been as vital as it is today," McCall wrote. "The Mayor of New York must not only have the competence and capacity to manage the City’s real challenges, but the mayor must have the ability to defend our city and demonstrate a powerful counterbalance to President Trump. The people of New York cannot be represented by someone whose loyalty to the city is compromised — we deserve a Mayor of New York to be for New York."
McCall, a Black elder statesman who once ran in a contentious gubernational primary against Cuomo in 2002, turned on Adams, who is New York City’s second Black mayor. McCall endorsed Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign.
"I have never publicly urged a candidate to run for office. But I have never before felt it so necessary to use my voice," McCall wrote Saturday. "For these reasons, I urge Governor Andrew Cuomo to run for Mayor of the City of New York and I offer my full support."
"I’ve known Andrew for over 40 years. Some might be surprised that I am supporting Andrew so strongly and so early," the letter continued. "But despite how it is sometimes framed in the press, we were never political adversaries: twenty years ago, we were competing candidates who shared then and share now the same core values of what is right and wrong and sought to make New York a better place."
"More than anyone else, Andrew is the leader we need and the leader we deserve," McCall wrote.
Despite still not having declared a mayoral bid, Cuomo released a campaign-style video on Valentine's Day, in which he told senior citizens, "I missed you," and declaring that "the strongest four-letter word is not hate, it’s love."
Albany politicians have questioned Adams’ independence from Trump after the DOJ asked that the corruption charges be dropped, and some prosecutors resigned amid allegations of a quid pro quo agreement.
In response, Adams said Friday on X, "I want to be crystal clear with New Yorkers: I never offered — nor did anyone offer on my behalf — any trade of my authority as your mayor for an end to my case. Never."
© Jeremy Nguyen
© The New York Times
© Stefani Reynolds for The New York Times
© Stefani Reynolds for The New York Times
Apple devices are believed to be pretty secure, and that's what the company will tell you. You might have seen the tagline "Privacy. That’s Apple." in their promotions.
However, the tech landscape is changing, and even Apple products aren’t beyond cybercriminals’ reach.
A new report suggests Mac users will need to be more vigilant this year because AI advancements are helping hackers breach even the most secure systems. I have consistently reported on how Mac malware is targeting users, and experts now believe this will only get worse.
Mac malware is not what it used to be. For years, the biggest threats were annoying adware and browser hijackers, more of a nuisance than a real danger. But that is changing fast. As highlighted by Malwarebytes, a new wave of information stealers is taking over, and they are far more dangerous, going after passwords, authentication cookies, credit card details and even cryptocurrency.
This shift started in mid-2023 with the arrival of Atomic Stealer, also known as AMOS, a piece of malware that looked much more like something you would see on Windows than the typical Mac threats. AMOS was not just effective. It was easy to use and sold as a service for $1,000 a month with a slick web-based control panel. That success led to the rise of even more dangerous variants.
WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?
One of them, Poseidon, launched in mid-2024 and quickly became the dominant Mac stealer, responsible for 70% of infections. It can drain over 160 different cryptocurrency wallets, steal passwords from browsers and password managers and even grab VPN credentials.
At the same time, cybercriminals have doubled down on malvertising, using fake ads on Google and Bing to trick users into downloading malware instead of real software. These campaigns are highly targeted, allowing attackers to pinpoint Mac users and serve fake downloads based on their searches. With AI now being used to create and execute many of these attacks, they are likely to increase in scale.
4.3 MILLION AMERICANS EXPOSED IN MASSIVE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT DATA BREACH
While Mac malware is evolving, the situation on Android is even more alarming. Phishing attacks on the platform have reached staggering levels, with thousands of malicious apps designed to steal credentials and bypass security measures.
So far in 2024, researchers have detected 22,800 phishing-capable apps, alongside 3,900 apps designed to read OTPs from notification bars and 5,200 apps capable of extracting OTPs from SMS messages. These numbers highlight how widespread and effective Android phishing malware has become.
Just like phishing emails, phishing apps trick users into handing over their usernames, passwords and two-factor authentication codes. Once stolen, these credentials can be sold or used for fraud, identity theft or further cyberattacks. Because phishing apps require minimal code and fewer permissions than traditional malware, they are much easier to sneak onto app stores, including Google Play.
Many phishing apps look like regular, fully functional software. Some impersonate games or utilities, while others appear as cracked versions of popular apps like TikTok, WhatsApp or Spotify. Some stay dormant for days to avoid detection before launching their attacks. Others rely on ad functionality to redirect users to phishing sites, making the malicious code harder to trace.
Google Play Protect, which is built-in malware protection for Android devices, automatically removes known malware. However, it is important to note that Google Play Protect may not be enough. Historically, it isn't 100% foolproof at removing all known malware from Android devices.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
MASSIVE SECURITY FLAW PUTS MOST POPULAR BROWSERS AT RISK ON MAC
Follow these essential tips to safeguard your devices from the latest malware threats, including the notorious info stealer malware.
1. Have strong antivirus software: The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
2. Be cautious with downloads and links: Only download software from reputable sources such as the Mac App Store, Google Play Store or official websites of trusted developers. Be wary of unsolicited emails or messages prompting you to download or install updates, especially if they contain links. Phishing attempts often disguise themselves as legitimate update notifications or urgent messages.
3. Keep your software updated: Ensure that both macOS, Android and all installed applications are up to date. Apple and Android frequently release security patches and updates that address vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates for macOS, Android and your apps to stay protected without having to manually check for updates. If you need more help, see my guide on keeping all your devices updated.
4. Use strong and unique passwords: To protect your Mac from malware, it’s also crucial to use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and devices. Avoid reusing passwords across different sites or services. A password manager can be incredibly helpful here. It generates and stores complex passwords for you, making them difficult for hackers to crack.
It also keeps track of all your passwords in one place and automatically fills them in when you log into accounts, so you don’t have to remember them yourself. By reducing the number of passwords you need to recall, you’re less likely to reuse them, which lowers the risk of security breaches. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2025 here.
5. Use two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA for your important accounts, including your Apple ID, Google account, email and any financial services. This adds an extra step to the login process, making it harder for attackers to gain access even if they have your password.
HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET
The days when Mac users could assume they were safe are long gone. Cybercriminals are evolving their tactics, with Mac malware shifting from simple adware to advanced information stealers. Android phishing apps are also becoming harder to detect and more widespread than ever. From stealing passwords and authentication cookies to intercepting OTPs and draining cryptocurrency wallets, these threats are growing in both sophistication and scale. No platform is immune, and as cybercriminals continue refining their techniques, users and organizations must stay ahead with strong security measures.
Do you trust official app stores like the App Store and Google Play, or do you think they need to do more to prevent malware? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter
Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover
Follow Kurt on his social channels
Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:
New from Kurt:
Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:
- Vance tells world leaders AI must be 'free from ideological bias,' American tech won't be censorship tool
- Altman says Musk 'trying to slow us down,' OpenAI not for sale
- Top translation apps for travelers
FREE FROM BIAS: Vice President JD Vance told world leaders in Paris on Tuesday that the United States intends to remain the dominant force in artificial intelligence and warned that the European Union's far tougher regulatory approach to the technology could cripple it.
'TRYING TO SLOW US DOWN': OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said Elon Musk is "probably just trying to slow us down" with his bid to purchase the company, insisting on Tuesday that it is not for sale.
'MASS SURVEILLANCE': OpenAI CEO Sam Altman predicts that artificial general intelligence will lead to lower costs for many goods, but has also warned that AI could be leveraged by authoritarian governments aiming to control people.
TRANSLATED TRUTH: Whether you have an iPhone or an Android, these apps have got you covered with features like live speech translation, text input and even AI-powered sign and menu translation.
CONDOLEEZZA RICE, AMY ZEGART: DeepSeek’s new AI model is causing deep consternation from Silicon Valley to Washington. Few would have predicted that a little-known Chinese startup with a couple of hundred homegrown engineers would be able to release a frontier AI model rivaling the capabilities of America’s best and biggest tech companies – reportedly at a fraction of the cost and computational power.
SPEEDY ROBOT DOG: A Chinese team has unveiled a groundbreaking quadruped robot that is pushing the boundaries of robotics and speed.
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Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.
The Orionids meteor shower, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful showers of the year, could light up the sky with shooting stars through most of next month.
NASA said the Orionids peak during mid-October every year, and the meteors are known for their brightness and speed.
The ability to see the shooting stars depends on clear nighttime skies, as a bright waning gibbous moon moves between full and last quarter phases, outshining more faint meteors and reducing the number of meteors visible to sky-gazers.
According to NASA, some of the Orionids leave behind glowing "trains," or incandescent bits of debris in the wake of the meteor, which could last up to several minutes, and some faster meteors could also become fireballs.
NASA SPACECRAFT TO SCOUR JUPITER'S ICY MOON IN SEARCH OF LIFE-SUPPORTING CONDITIONS
The Orionids meteors are pieces of the Halley's Comet and are framed by some of the brightest stars in the night sky.
"Each time that Halley returns to the inner solar system, its nucleus sheds ice and rocky dust into space. These dust grains eventually become the Orionids in October and the Eta Aquarids in May if they collide with Earth’s atmosphere," NASA said.
At the meteor shower’s peak, which is scheduled for Monday, skywatchers could see up to 15 meteors per hour, depending on where they are in the Northern Hemisphere.
NASA RELEASES CLEAREST VIEW OF MARS, BLUE ROCKS SEEN ON LANDSCAPE
While clear skies are important, the second most crucial viewing condition is a dark sky away from light pollution.
Bill Cooke, who leads NASA’s Meteoroid Environment Office at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, suggests budding skywatchers find an area away from city lights.
"Come prepared with a blanket. Lie flat on your back and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible," he said on NASA’s site. "In less than 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt, and you will begin to see meteors."
SPACEX LAUNCHES MISSION TO SPACE STATION THAT WILL BRING BACK STRANDED NASA ASTRONAUTS NEXT YEAR
NASA says the Orionids are viewable in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres during the hours after midnight until dawn.
While the Orionids meteor shower peak is on Oct. 21, the Orionids will be active through Nov. 22.
It takes Halley’s Comet 76 years to orbit the sun, and the last time it was visible to casual astronomers was in 1986. The comet is not expected to enter the inner solar system again until 2061, NASA said.
The White House slammed Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy as a "moron" on social media after the Connecticut lawmaker posted an expletive-riddled admonishment against a Lara Trump parody account he seemingly believed belonged to the president's daughter-in-law.
"You are a moron, Chris. It is obvious this page is not affiliated with President Trump, his family, or the administration. We do, however, support your right to make such a statement, no matter how imbecilic it makes you look," the White House's X account, Rapid Response 47, said in a message posted on Friday.
The rapid response account is a new White House account that was launched in January to hold "fake news accountable."
The White House was responding to Murphy singling out a social media post he ostensibly believed Lara Trump posted regarding border czar Tom Homan potentially arresting Rep. Alexandira Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. Murphy included a screenshot of the alleged Lara Trump tweet, showing the handle for the account belongs to an X page called the "Lara Trump Page," a parody fan account – not her official X account.
HOMAN, AOC CLASH OVER WEBINAR TO HELP IMMIGRANTS 'EVADE' ICE RAIDS: 'I THOUGHT I EDUCATED HER'
"If you support Border Czar Tom Homan arresting AOC for giving illegal aliens instructions on how to avoid deportation, post a [thumbs up emoji] in the comments," the fan page account posted on Thursday. "Make your voice heard."
Murphy responded to the social media post by arguing the Trump administration has "some f---ing gall" discussing free speech when advocating for the arrest of a Democrat.
'STUNNING AND BRAVE': DEM SENATOR MOCKED AFTER HYPING ALL-NIGHTER STUNT IN PROTEST OF TRUMP NOMINEE
"It takes some f---ng gall to have Vance lecturing Europe on ‘free speech’ when at the exact same time the Trump regime is threatening Democrats back home with arrest if they even explain people’s rights to them," Murphy posted to X on Friday.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT ARRESTS SKYROCKET UNDER TRUMP ICE COMPARED TO BIDEN LEVELS LAST YEAR
Murphy's tweet was hit with a community note, detailing that he was responding to a parody fan account and that Lara Trump did not issue such a tweet.
"This is a screenshot of a parody account of Lara Trump. Her real account is below and no such post exists," the community note states.
AOC'S OFFICE ADVISES MIGRANTS ON HOW TO AVOID DEPORTATIONS IN LIVE WEBINAR
Fox News Digital reached out to Murphy's office for comment Sunday morning, but did not immediately reply.
The parody account's message was likely referring to Ocasio-Cortez's office posting a webinar "Know Your Rights" guide about how illegal immigrants can avoid deportation amid the Trump administration's border crackdown following the immigration crisis that rocked the U.S. under the Biden administration.
Homan, former acting director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and current border czar under the second Trump administration, told Fox News' Laura Ingraham last week that he asked the Justice Department if Ocasio-Cortez's guide crossed a legal line.
"Is that impeding our law enforcement efforts?" Homan said on the "Ingraham Angle." "If so, what are we going to do about it? Is she crossing the line? So I'm working with the Department of Justice and finding out. Where is that line that they cross? So maybe AOC is going to be in trouble now."
Fox News Digital's Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report.
Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has responded after a prominent ex-official endorsed him to run for mayor of New York City against incumbent first-termer Eric Adams.
Former state comptroller Carl McCall, 89, released an open letter backing Cuomo on Saturday. Cuomo has not formally declared his candidacy in the race, though he is polling as the top potential challenger to Adams in June's primary.
In response to the letter, Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 amid scandals connected to COVID-19 nursing home deaths and sexual harassment claims, acknowledged the history that he and his family share with McCall. Cuomo has always denied the allegations against him.
"Carl and I have a special bond that starts before me. I first had the pleasure of meeting Carl when I was in my early 20s when he worked with my father, the late Mario Cuomo, as the state's human rights commissioner and together the two fought to make New York a fairer, more just place for all who live here."
NEW YORK CITY TO SUE TRUMP ADMIN OVER REVOKED $80M IN FEMA MIGRANT SHELTER FUNDING FOR NEW YORK CITY
"In these divisive and troubling times, his voice is needed more than ever – for his is one of moral clarity, experience and guided by what is right for the people above all else," Cuomo wrote Saturday.
"Today, in these uncertain times, and after more than four decades of friendship and counsel, I thank him for his faith in me and for his advice, trust and confidence," Cuomo said. "His sentiments are both humbling and deeply meaningful."
In his letter, McCall did not cite Adams by name, but he appeared to indirectly slam how the Justice Department on Friday asked a court to dismiss corruption charges against Adams that were filed during the Biden administration. Adams met with President Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, last week, agreeing to work together as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) cracks down on criminal illegal immigrants.
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT MOVES TO DROP CASE AGAINST NYC MAYOR ERIC ADAMS
"Donald Trump wants us to fail as a community. For that reason, the leadership of New York City has rarely, if ever, been as vital as it is today," McCall wrote. "The Mayor of New York must not only have the competence and capacity to manage the City’s real challenges, but the mayor must have the ability to defend our city and demonstrate a powerful counterbalance to President Trump. The people of New York cannot be represented by someone whose loyalty to the city is compromised — we deserve a Mayor of New York to be for New York."
McCall, a Black elder statesman who once ran in a contentious gubernational primary against Cuomo in 2002, turned on Adams, who is New York City’s second Black mayor. McCall endorsed Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign.
"I have never publicly urged a candidate to run for office. But I have never before felt it so necessary to use my voice," McCall wrote Saturday. "For these reasons, I urge Governor Andrew Cuomo to run for Mayor of the City of New York and I offer my full support."
"I’ve known Andrew for over 40 years. Some might be surprised that I am supporting Andrew so strongly and so early," the letter continued. "But despite how it is sometimes framed in the press, we were never political adversaries: twenty years ago, we were competing candidates who shared then and share now the same core values of what is right and wrong and sought to make New York a better place."
"More than anyone else, Andrew is the leader we need and the leader we deserve," McCall wrote.
Despite still not having declared a mayoral bid, Cuomo released a campaign-style video on Valentine's Day, in which he told senior citizens, "I missed you," and declaring that "the strongest four-letter word is not hate, it’s love."
Albany politicians have questioned Adams’ independence from Trump after the DOJ asked that the corruption charges be dropped, and some prosecutors resigned amid allegations of a quid pro quo agreement.
In response, Adams said Friday on X, "I want to be crystal clear with New Yorkers: I never offered — nor did anyone offer on my behalf — any trade of my authority as your mayor for an end to my case. Never."
President Donald Trump derided former Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., as "not equipped mentally" after he went from being the face of the GOP in the upper chamber to opposing his entire conference and voting with the Democrats on Trump's key Cabinet nominations in just a matter of months.
"He wasn't equipped ten years ago, mentally, in my opinion," Trump told reporters at the White House after McConnell refused to vote in favor of confirming his controversial Health and Human Services (HHS) pick, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
"He's a, you know, very bitter guy," Trump added of McConnell, with whom he has had a strained relationship with over the years, including during his previous presidency.
TRUMP AGRICULTURE PICK CONFIRMED AS PRESIDENT RACKS UP CABINET WINS
While such a shift from GOP leader to defiant Republican might be optically jarring, the move was unsurprising to Jim Manley, former senior communications advisor and spokesman for former Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and the Senate Democratic Caucus.
"He was living on borrowed time the last couple of years," he told Fox News Digital of McConnell. Manley speculated that if he hadn't decided to step down from leadership voluntarily before the 119th Congress, he would have had significant trouble being re-elected. "[I]t's evident just how exactly out of step he is with the caucus," he said, noting that it has become "much more conservative."
In three pivotal Senate votes on Trump's most vulnerable Cabinet nominees in the last few weeks, McConnell bucked his party. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's nomination was confirmed by a razor-thin margin, 51-50, after Vice President JD Vance was called in to break the tie.
TULSI GABBARD SWORN IN AT WHITE HOUSE HOURS AFTER SENATE CONFIRMATION
Moderate GOP Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, joined him in voting against the controversial defense pick.
However, McConnell was the only Republican to vote against the similarly controversial Director of National Intelligence (DNI) nominee Tulsi Gabbard and HHS pick Kennedy. Even Collins, Murkowski, and several other senators with reputations for being somewhat hesitant got behind them.
"If Senator McConnell was looking to accelerate the deterioration of his legacy as the former Republican Senate leader, he’s succeeded," a Senate GOP source remarked. They described the Kentucky Republican's actions as "an attempt to embarrass the president and the Republican Party" and evidence "of why he was no longer fit to lead our conference."
McConnell released lengthy statements following each vote, explaining his reasoning. He also wished each of them well and committed to working with them.
DOGE 'PLAYBOOK' UNVEILED BY GOP SENATOR AS MUSK-LED AGENCY SHAKES UP FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
A defense hawk and chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, McConnell was unconvinced that Hegseth or Gabbard were the best national security selections.
As for Kennedy, McConnell recalled his childhood experience with polio and touted the effectiveness of vaccines, of which the now-HHS secretary has been consistently critical.
McConnell did vote in favor of Trump's other, less-controversial and lesser-known Cabinet nominees.
Republican strategist Matt Dole called the former leader "an enigma."
"[H]e sought to rule the Republican Caucus with an iron fist when he was leader," he pointed out.
"That makes his own, lonely, votes stand out as all the more egregious."
McConnell's successor, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., reacted to the "no" votes in an interview with Fox News Digital. "I think he knows better than anybody how hard it is to lead a place like the United States Senate, where it takes 60 votes to get most things done, and that you got to have everybody, sort of functioning as a team," he said.
According to Thune, McConnell "is still active up here and still a strong voice on issues he's passionate about, including national security, and so when it comes to those issues, he has outsized influence and a voice that we all pay attention to."
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He explained that while the conference doesn't necessarily agree with him, "we respect his positions on these, some of these [nominations], and I know that a lot of big stuff ahead of us, he's going to be with us. He's a team player."
One former top Senate Republican strategist explained the former leader has "nothing to lose" at this point. In fact, they said, the feelings he is expressing about Trump's most controversial selections actually reflects those of a number of other senators. But they can't oppose the picks themselves "for fear of retribution by Trump or primary voters that will make a difference on whether or not they remain in power."
"Not being in leadership can be quite liberating," GOP strategist John Feehery added.
According to Grant Reeher, a political science professor at Syracuse University, "I think he wants to make a symbolic statement in favor of an older Reagan-era type of conservatism and a more traditional Republican Party—this is the way he wants to be remembered."
McConnell's office declined to comment to Fox News Digital.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reportedly cutting thousands of probationary workers as tax season ramps up, according to The Associated Press.
The announcement comes just days after the Trump administration instructed agencies to fire most probationary workers who have not secured civil service protection.
The layoffs could potentially impact hundreds of thousands of people, although the exact number has not yet been confirmed, the AP reported.
TRUMP SIGNS ORDER INSTRUCTING DOGE TO MASSIVELY CUT FEDERAL WORKFORCE
In addition to the probationary cuts, President Donald Trump announced on Jan. 29 that federal employees would be fired if they did not return to in-person work by early February.
A buyout offer, which has been extended, has already been accepted by about 65,000 employees.
The Associated Press reported IRS employees involved in the 2025 tax season, which began on Jan. 27, are not eligible for the buyout until after the taxpayer filing deadline, according to a letter sent recently to IRS employees.
LAWMAKERS FROM STATE WITH MOST FEDERAL WORKERS PER CAPITA WARN AGAINST TRUMP BUYOUT BID
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is tasked with eliminating wasteful government spending and increasing efficiency, aims to cut $2 trillion from the federal government budget by eliminating programs and trimming the federal workforce.
In January, the IRS announced it was "working to continue the success of the 2023 and 2024 tax filing seasons made possible with additional resources."
The Biden administration's Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act devoted $80 billion to hire 87,000 new IRS agents, according to a September 2023 report from the House Oversight Committee.
The oversight committee claimed the funds were used to employ agents that specifically targeted middle-class Americans.
The past two filing seasons saw levels of service at roughly 85% and wait times averaging less than 5 minutes on the main phone lines, according to a statement from the IRS in January. There was also a significant increase in the number of taxpayers served at Taxpayer Assistance Centers nationwide.
"This has been a historic period of improvement for the IRS, and people will see additional tools and features to help them with filing their taxes this tax season," IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel wrote in the statement. "These taxpayer-focused improvements we’ve done so far are important, but they are just the beginning of what the IRS needs to do. More can be done with continued investment in the nation’s tax system."
The IRS expects to receive more than 140 million tax returns, according to the AP.
The IRS and Department of Treasury did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment, as of Saturday night.
More than a dozen immigration judges were fired on Friday, coinciding with President Donald Trump's promise to trim the federal workforce.
A union official told the Associated Press that 13 judges who were set to be sworn in, and five assistant chief immigration judges, were fired on Friday without warning.
The move comes after two other judges were dismissed this week, the AP reported. No replacements have been announced.
US IMMIGRATION BACKLOG REACHES NEW RECORD OF 3 MILLION PENDING CASES: REPORT
Fox News Digital previously reported the U.S. immigration court backlog surpassed three million pending cases.
Immigration judges currently average 4,500 pending cases each, according to Syracuse University’s Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse.
The AP reported five top court officials were replaced by the Trump administration, including Mary Cheng, the agency’s acting director.
TRUMP BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP EXECUTIVE ORDER BLOCKED BY THIRD FEDERAL JUDGE
In a memo released on Jan. 27, Sirce Owen, acting director of the Department of Justice, noted the Biden administration "severely undermined" core values of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).
"An effort to restore those values and to re-establish EOIR as a model administrative adjudicatory body is well underway," Owen wrote. "If all employees are willing to join that effort, then there will be no limit to what EOIR can achieve."
The Trump administration on Thursday instructed agencies to lay off most probationary workers without civil service protection, the AP reported.
The International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers, which represents federal employees, and the U.S. Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on Saturday.
Fox News Digital's Landon Mion and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
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