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Yesterday — 3 December 2024Latest & Breaking News on Fox News

Drone activity near Trump Bedminster, Army arsenal spurs NJ flight restriction: FAA

3 December 2024 at 15:54

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed Tuesday it issued two flight restrictions following questionable drone activity in the area of President-elect Trump's New Jersey golf club.

On Nov. 18, the FAA first received reports of drone activity within Morris County, the border of which lies about two miles north of Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in Somerset County.

Upon request from "federal security partners," the agency issued two TFRs, or temporary flight restrictions, and several reports of drone sightings continued into this week in Central Jersey.

One restriction covers an area near Solberg-Hunterdon County Airport that consists of airspace above Trump Bedminster. Flights are also banned over Picatinny Arsenal, a major U.S. Army hub in Dover, N.J., geared toward research and development via its CCDCAC armaments center.

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The ban remains in place over Trump Bedminster for the rest of this week and over Picatinny Arsenal until Dec. 26.

"Safely integrating drones into the National Airspace System is a key priority for the FAA," the agency said in a statement Tuesday.

"We look into all reports of unauthorized drone operations and investigate when appropriate," the agency said, adding drone pilots who endanger aircraft or people can have their certification revoked and/or face $75,000 in fines.

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Local media reported law enforcement has also been probing continued drone activity in the area. 

Sightings have also occurred a few miles north of Bedminster in Mendham and Parsippany, where I-80 meets I-287.

A Parsippany woman told the Morristown Record she saw as many as five drones overhead Sunday night.

Morris County Sheriff James Gannon told New Jersey Patch there is "no advisable immediate danger to the public at this time" and asked the public to send law enforcement clear photographs of the drones.

An FBI spokeswoman told the outlet the bureau’s Newark field office and New Jersey State Police are investigating.

Fox News Digital reached out to Team Trump as well as the U.S. Army’s garrison at Picatinny for comment.

The drone sightings in New Jersey come as unidentified drones have been seen over British-American joint bases in the United Kingdom.

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"Swarms of small drones" have been seen over Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Fairford and RAF Feltwell in England. Some of those bases house F-15 and F-35 fighter jets.

The British military sent dozens of personnel to protect the bases, and a Pentagon spokesman said Nov. 26 none of the incursions affected the base’s buildings, personnel or assets.

Nineties punk rock band Green Day also paused a September show in Detroit after a drone was spotted overhead. Frontman Billie Joe Armstrong rushed backstage as he closed out "Longview." 

The show resumed about 10 minutes later, and Detroit Police said a man was detained.

Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin, Liz Friden and Bradford Betz contributed to this report.

DOGE chief Musk bashes massive government spending on illegal immigrants: ‘Boggles the mind!’

3 December 2024 at 15:50

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has signaled that funding for services for illegal immigrants is on the chopping block as the agency prepares to hack away at government spending.

The department, which is not an official part of the government, is expected to be empowered by President-elect Trump to audit and implement sweeping changes within government agencies.

DOGE called out U.S. spending on illegal immigration in an X post, saying it cost taxpayers $150.7 billion "in 2023 alone." 

DOGE pointed out that, when adjusted for inflation, U.S. spending on illegal immigration in a single year is comparable to government spending during the entirety of World War I ($334 billion) and the Apollo space program ($257 billion), and significantly more than what was spent on the Manhattan Project ($30 billion), the Panama Canal ($15.2 billion), and the Hoover Dam ($1 billion).

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Musk also weighed in, posting on X that "the scale of spending on illegal immigration boggles the mind!"

The data referenced by DOGE is from a 2023 study by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). FAIR’s latest report, published in March 2023, estimated that the net cost of illegal immigration – including federal, state and local spending – was "at least" $150.7 billion, amounting to $1,156 per taxpayer. This was up by nearly $35 billion since 2017 when it was $116 billion.

FAIR said it landed on this number by "subtracting the tax revenue paid by illegal aliens – just under $32 billion – from the gross negative economic impact of illegal immigration, $182 billion." By its estimates, the federal government spent $66 billion while state and local expenditures amounted to well over $115 billion.

The U.S. government does not appear to have any recent estimates on how much taxpayer dollars are being spent on illegal immigrants.

Jessica Baxter, a representative for the U.S. Government Accountability Office, told Fox News Digital that the office "does not have any recent work addressing the federal government’s overall cost estimate on immigration-related efforts."

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"We have a few reports that provide information on costs associated with specific border security or immigration-related efforts, such as estimates of costs for incarceration of noncitizens, but these do not provide overall estimates," she said. "The two reports I’m referring to are from 2018 and 2011, so the data is somewhat dated. Our team is currently working on an update to the 2018 report, but the work is underway, and the report isn’t expected to issue any time soon."

Julie Kirchner, FAIR’s executive director, told Fox News Digital that the $150.7 billion number is actually a "very conservative estimate" and is likely much higher now that the undocumented migrant population has continued to rise.

"The population we cited in the study was 15.5 million, we now estimate that it's over 16.8 million, and we're in the process right now of doing another estimate on the illegal alien population, and I'm sure it will be higher," she explained. "So, we know the costs are going to go up."

She also said the 2023 study did not even include state and local spending on sheltering migrants. Though DOGE’s focus is primarily on the federal government, she said state and local spending – including on education, health care and incarceration – accounts for the largest share of government spending on illegal immigrants.

BERNIE SANDERS ADMITS ‘ELON MUSK IS RIGHT’ TO SLASH PENTAGON WITH DOGE: ‘LOST TRACK OF BILLIONS’

Though exact numbers are hard to come by on the local level, America’s cities are carrying a large part of the burden. New York, the country’s biggest city by population, estimates that with nearly 100,000 asylum seekers having entered the city and "with no end in sight," it will spend more than $12 billion through fiscal year 2025. Chicago, meanwhile, has reportedly spent $400 million on migrant services in the last two years.  

"There are more and more states using state taxpayer dollars to subsidize illegal immigration," she said. "What we are seeing is state and locals are being forced to absorb all of these costs." 

She believes that once Trump retakes office, DOGE and the administration should immediately work to end government health care plans for illegals and close the loophole allowing illegal migrants to get income tax and child tax credits. By doing this, she believes DOGE can save taxpayers around the country "billions and billions of dollars each year."

"There is a lot we can do," she went on. "They are taking our own tax dollars and giving illegal aliens benefits and encouraging more illegal immigration. It is a crazy, crazy scenario where we're seeing people welcome lawlessness, and it's got to stop, and we're hopeful that the DOGE will."

DNC chair frontrunner offers 'uncomfortable' advice to Democrats after crushing loss to Trump

3 December 2024 at 15:35

The candidate considered the frontrunner in the race to chair the Democratic National Committee is proposing a "massive narrative and branding project" to boost the party's image in the wake of last month's election losses.

Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party chair Ken Martin, a DNC vice chair who has led the association of state Democratic Party chairs, on Tuesday unveiled a 10-point memo titled "A New DNC Framework."

Martin's memo calls on Democrats to "show up in nontraditional and uncomfortable media spaces on a regular basis, increase outreach to local messengers and trusted validators, and create our own platforms for authentic engagement."

Democrats suffered major setbacks up and down the ballot in the 2024 elections, as former President Trump recaptured the White House, and the GOP flipped the Senate and held onto their fragile majority in the House. 

MORE CANDIDATES JUMP INTO WIDE-OPEN DNC CHAIR RACE

The Trump campaign and Republicans' aggressive strategy of appearances on podcasts and other non-traditional media is credited, in part, for the gains they made in winning the support of working class, minority, younger and low-propensity voters.

Martin, who is courting state Democratic Party officials this week as they huddle in Phoenix, Arizona, is also calling for themes others in the party have pushed, including competing in all 57 states and territories.

"If we’re going to be a national party, we need to compete everywhere," Martin emphasizes.

He also calls for year-round organizing in every county in the country, contesting races all the way down the ballot, and energizing youth mobilization.

WHO ELSE IS MULLING A BID TO STEER THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Martin lamented that "the majority of Americans now believe the Republican Party best represents the interests of the working class and the poor, and the Democratic Party is the party of the wealthy and the elites. It’s a damning indictment on our party brand."

And he urged that "we must be willing to dig deep and recenter the Democratic agenda to unite families across race, age, background, and class."

Martin unveiled his plan on the same day that DNC chair Jaime Harrison released a memo highlighting that the party's down-ballot victories last month offer a road map to greater electoral success in the future.

Harrison is not seeking a second straight four-year term steering the national party committee. The next chair will be chosen by the roughly 450 voting members of the national party committee when they meet at the beginning of February at National Harbor in Maryland for the DNC's winter meeting.

Martin appears to be the early frontrunner in the race, and his campaign says he has the backing of at least 100 DNC voting members, which is nearly half of what a candidate needs to secure the chair.

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Also running and considered competitive is Ben Wikler, who's chaired the state Democratic Party in battleground Wisconsin for five years and is well known by the voting members.

"Today, the country we love needs the Democratic Party to be stronger. To unite. To fight. And to win," Wikler emphasized on Sunday in a video as he launched his bid.

A party insider who asked to remain anonymous to speak more freely told Fox News that "the DNC insiders/establishment have significant influence over this membership, so the race will be very close."

Martin O'Malley, the former two-term Maryland governor and 2016 Democratic presidential candidate who served as commissioner of the Social Security Administration the past year, jumped into the race last week, a day before Martin.

Also running are New York state Sen. James Skoufis and former U.S. Senate candidate from Maryland Robert Houton.

The field of five DNC chair candidates is expected to grow.

As Fox News and other news organizations reported last month, Rahm Emanuel, the ambassador to Japan, has been quietly reaching out to DNC committee members as he contemplates a bid. Emanuel is a former two-term Chicago mayor who earlier served as White House chief of staff in President Obama's administration and as a member of Congress.

Also eyeing the chair are former New York State assembly member Michael Blake, Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, and Chuck Rocha, a Democratic strategist who describes himself as "non-college-educated Mexican redneck."

A DNC voting member granted anonymity to speak more freely told Fox News, "I'm open to talking to whomever is interested in this, to listen to their vision and plan, and listen to people's different takes on what we need to do."

"I think the race is wide open," the member added.

Trump bucks Biden's 'don't' doctrine on world stage, hits adversaries with 'all hell to pay' deadline

3 December 2024 at 15:31

In the waning days of the Biden administration, President-elect Trump is bucking his predecessor's "don't" doctrine as a deterrent to foreign adversaries, instead issuing tough warnings before even taking office. 

"If the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity," Trump warned Hamas on his Truth Social account Monday. 

"Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East – But it’s all talk, and no action!" Trump added. 

War broke out in the Middle East on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel. Terrorists killed more than 1,100 people and kidnapped more than 200, with Hamas still holding 101 hostages, including seven Americans, in Gaza more than a year after the war began. 

BIDEN SAYING 'DON'T' AND OTHER THREATS SEEMINGLY FAIL TO DETER IRAN AS MORE US MIDEAST BASES HIT

The White House and Israeli government have worked for months to secure a hostage release deal, but have been unsuccessful. 

Trump's tough language against Hamas, which included warning those responsible for holding the hostages that they "will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America," stands in stark contrast to President Biden's "don't" doctrine regarding the war in Israel. 

After the war began last year, Biden delivered remarks from Israel where he warned adversaries of Israel and the U.S. "don't" attack Israel. 

REPUBLICANS SLAM BIDEN’S ‘DON’T’ DETERRENCE: ‘EVERY TIME HE SAYS DON’T, THEY DO’

"And my message to any state or any other hostile actor thinking about attacking Israel remains the same as it was a week ago: Don’t. Don’t. Don’t," he said. 

War continued despite the warning, including from Iranian proxies against Israel. 

This year, Biden doubled down on his warning of "don't" aimed at Iran. When asked by reporters about Iran's expectation to attack Israel in April, he said his message to Tehran is: "Don't." 

"We are devoted to the defense of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed," he added. 

Again in August, Biden warned Iran against attacking Israel with the one-word threat.  

TRUMP PROMISES 'HELL TO PAY' IN MIDDLE EAST IF HOSTAGES ARE NOT RELEASED BEFORE HE TAKES OFFICE

Biden's common response to deter foreign adversaries from attacking Israel is viewed as a failed policy, with conservative security experts and others slamming the message as weak. 

"The Administration keeps saying 'don't' to Iran – but then does nothing to impose costs. This weakness means the risk from Iran continues to grow," former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted in August. 

"Well, he said, ‘Don’t’ multiple times, and ‘Don’t’ isn’t a national security policy," Pompeo added later in a comment to Fox News. "It’s not even a deterrent.

"So much for President Biden telling bad guys ‘Don’t’ actually being an effective deterrent. Every time he says 'Don’t,' they do," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., wrote in a post in April, after Iran launched more than 300 missiles and drones at Israel. 

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"Biden's approach with Iran and the Middle East is backwards," Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., wrote on X. "Now as we risk entering WWIII, the US must stand by Israel's commitment to democracy. The president must stand firm, and stop coddling Iran immediately."

"I guess Biden's speechwriters have him down to one word now. At least he can remember it. Worse when referring to the hospital carnage he calls Hamas the other team," Fox News' Greg Gutfeld quipped after the war in Israel broke out last year, mocking Biden's use of the word "don't." 

Trump had campaigned on ending the wars in both Ukraine and Israel, both of which began under the Biden administration, and claimed that neither war would have been launched if he had been president. 

"The Ukraine situation is so horrible, the Israeli situation is so horrible. We are going to get them solved very fast," Trump said on the campaign trail in January. 

Israeli officials celebrated Trump's tough stance against terrorists in the Middle East and his demand for hostages to be released by next month. 

"Thank you and bless you Mr. President-elect," President Isaac Herzog of Israel said in a post on social media. "We all pray for the moment we see our sisters and brothers back home!"

The nation's finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, added, "How refreshing it is to hear clear and morally sound statements that do not create a false equivalence or call for addressing ‘both sides.’ This is the way to bring back the hostages: by increasing the pressure and the costs for Hamas and its supporters, and defeating them, rather than giving in to their absurd demands."

Trump will be inaugurated as the nation's 47th president on Jan. 20, with his team celebrating that he's already following through on his campaign promises. 

"President Trump is working towards international peace. In anticipation of the incoming Trump administration, Iran has called off its reprisal attack on Israel and negotiations to end the war in Gaza and Russia's war in Ukraine have accelerated. One former NATO Supreme Allied Commander says America's enemies are 'concerned, they're nervous – [and] they ought to be,'" the Trump War Room said in an email this week titled "Promises Kept – And President Trump Hasn't Even Been Inaugurated Yet."

Goo Goo Dolls singer hospitalized with pneumonia; band cancels concerts in South Africa

3 December 2024 at 15:27

Goo Goo Dolls lead singer John Rzeznik was hospitalized with pneumonia and canceled a series of concerts in South Africa.

Wearing a blue medical gown and black Herschel hat, the "Slide" singer apologized to fans for having to postpone the shows in a video captured from what appeared to be his room in a hospital.

The popular '90s rock band was scheduled to perform in South Africa from Dec. 4-7.

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"Hey everybody, it's John from the Goo Goo Dolls," Rzeznik said from his bed in the video posted to social media. "I'm truly sorry that I cannot be there, but I wound up going to a doctor, and I have pneumonia. And they checked me into a hospital. And I'm stuck here for a day or two.

"We're working on getting back down there as fast as we can, and I will keep you informed about that. I'm just really sorry that we couldn't do this. I apologize that this happened. We'll come down there, we'll make it up to you guys.

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"Thanks for being patient."

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Following his video message, updated tour dates flashed across the screen for the end of March.

On Instagram, the band posted, "We’re heartbroken to postpone our South Africa shows. This country means so much to us, and we were so excited to create more memories with you. Sadly, my doctor has advised rest and recovery. Thank you for your understanding — we’ll make it worth the wait when we return in March 2025!"

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The Goo Goo Dolls found mainstream success with the 1995 release of their breakthrough single, "Name," from their fifth studio album. Three years later, "Iris," written for the Nicolas Cage film "City of Angels," earned the group accolades and spent nearly a dozen weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.

Since releasing their sixth studio album, "Dizzy Up the Girl" in 1998, the band has sold millions of albums worldwide and has continued to tour. 

In April 2025, the Goo Goo Dolls will join Zach Bryan, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Ashley McBryde and Lana Del Rey at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival in Indio, Calif.

South Korean president lifts martial law after lawmakers reject move

3 December 2024 at 15:25

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol lifted his martial law declaration after lawmakers rejected the move following Yoon's vow to eliminate "anti-state" forces in a serious challenge to the country's Parliament, which he accused of sympathizing with North Korea. 

The Tuesday night declaration was vocally opposed by the speaker of Parliament and even the leader of Yoon's own party, Han Dong-hoon, who has clashed with the president over his handling of recent scandals, Reuters reported. 

Shortly after Yoon made his announcement, people began gathering outside the Parliament building, some of them shouting: "Withdraw emergency martial law!" while scuffling with troops. Under South Korean law, the president must lift martial law if the Parliament demands it with a majority vote. 

WHY DID YOON'S PARTY LOSE IN SOUTH KOREA'S ELECTIONS AND WHAT TROUBLES DOES HE FACE NOW?

All 190 lawmakers who participated in the vote supported the lifting of martial law. Television footage showed soldiers who had been stationed at Parliament leaving the site after the vote.

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was monitoring the situation and that U.S. forces were in close contact with their South Korean counterparts. 

"The U.S. government writ large is in contact with the Republic of Korea," Ryder told reporters. 

Ryder was not aware of any changes to any force posture for the 28,500 U.S. service members stationed in the country. 

In an unannounced address broadcast live late at night on YTN, Yoon said he had no choice but to take drastic measures to protect South Korean freedoms and the constitutional order. He said opposition parties have taken the parliamentary process hostage and thrown the country into crisis.

"I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people, and to protect the free constitutional order," he said. 

He added that martial law would help "rebuild and protect" the country from "falling into the depths of national ruin." 

Yoon's’s surprising move hearkened back to an authoritarian era not seen since the 1980s.

The liberal Democratic Party has controlled South Korea's single-chamber National Assembly since Yoon, a former top prosecutor, took office in 2022. Those in the opposition have repeatedly thwarted Yoon's agenda and the president has had low approval ratings.

Fox News Digital's Chris Pandolfo and the Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report. 

Brush, floss, mouthwash: Dentists reveal what they believe is the correct order

3 December 2024 at 15:21

Your dentist may remind you to brush, floss and mouthwash – but what is the "right" order to do it?

While all steps of oral hygiene can benefit dental health, Dr. Mike Wei, DDS, of New York City, shared with Fox News Digital that he'd recommend the below order.

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Starting with floss helps to remove food debris and plaque between the teeth and along the gumline, which a toothbrush "may not reach effectively," according to Wei.

"By flossing first, you can dislodge particles and bacteria from these tight spaces, making it easier for the toothbrush and mouthwash to clean the remaining surfaces of your teeth," he said.

Next, brushing with a fluoride toothpaste can help remove plaque, bacteria and food particles from the surface of the teeth, the dentist advised.

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"By brushing after flossing, you are able to remove any particles that were loosened during flossing and ensure that all visible surfaces of your teeth are thoroughly cleaned," Wei said.

Following up with an antimicrobial mouthwash can help further kill bacteria and reduce plaque buildup.

Mouthwashing at the end can also help freshen the breath and reach areas that brushing or flossing may have missed, Wei noted.

"Overall, following this order of flossing, brushing and using mouthwash can help to ensure a comprehensive cleaning of your teeth and gums, leading to better oral hygiene and a reduced risk of dental issues, such as cavities and gum disease," he said.

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This recommended sequence is common practice among dental professionals to achieve optimal oral health, including reduced risk of cavities and gum disease, Wei added.

Dr. Ellie Phillips, DDS, an oral health educator based in Austin, Texas, took it a step further, noting that a mouth rinse can act as a "cleanser" for the teeth before brushing.

Rinsing with salt water or alternative mouthwashes like chlorine dioxide helps to remove any acidity from food and drink particles and prevent them from being brushed into the teeth, she told Fox News Digital.

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After brushing with toothpaste and "massaging" the gums with a toothbrush to stimulate circulation, then it’s time to floss, Phillips said.

Flossing after brushing "will get toothpaste between your teeth," she cautioned.

But the expert also warned that "a lot of floss contains PFAS chemicals," which people should avoid pushing into their gums.

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After flossing, Phillips recommends rinsing with a traditional mouthwash, which studies have shown can be "five times more effective than flossing" just by swishing it through the teeth for a few seconds.

Rinsing with water, especially with natural fluoride, at the end of an oral care routine can help absorb minerals into the teeth, according to Phillips, author of the upcoming second edition of her book "Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye."

While there are "minimal risks" to basic oral care, Wei warned that excessive use of mouthwash containing alcohol could lead to dry mouth and irritation.

"It's important to choose products recommended by dental professionals and follow instructions for proper use," he said.

"Remember to consult with your dentist for personalized recommendations based on your oral health needs."

Hunter Biden pardon raises new questions over 5th Amendment ‘loophole’

3 December 2024 at 15:15

President Joe Biden’s sweeping pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, touched off a flurry of fresh legal speculation Tuesday over how, or if, the younger Biden can move to assert his Fifth Amendment privileges that protect against self-incrimination — and how the broad immunity granted to Hunter could be twisted against him.

While Hunter Biden is indeed shielded against prosecution for any federal offenses he "committed or may have committed" between Jan. 1, 2014, through Dec. 1, 2024, those around him are not — which means that Hunter Biden could theoretically be called on to testify in any potential cases brought against family members or others in his inner circle.

BIDEN'S SWEEPING HUNTER PARDON AT ODDS WITH LONGTIME RHETORIC ON EXECUTIVE POWER: 'NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW'

In these cases, Hunter Biden’s pardon could actually limit his ability to assert Fifth Amendment privileges, since he is no longer at risk of facing criminal charges.

However, the pardon applies only to federal crimes, not state crimes, and it remains unclear how, or if, Republicans could move to act on this possible loophole in the weeks and months ahead. 

Still, the question of Fifth Amendment protections does have outsize importance as Republicans prepare to regain the majority in both chambers of Congress in January, ramping up the possibility of potential GOP-led investigations into the outgoing president. 

In an interview Monday night on Newsmax, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said he plans to discuss the issue of Hunter Biden's Fifth Amendment privileges with Trump’s nominee for attorney general, Pam Bondi.

"I look forward to talking to attorney general Bondi about this," the Kentucky Republican said.

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"We still have information that we've requested that we never received," Comer said, adding that in his view, the White House "is still to this day obstructing rightful evidence that we should have obtained."

Any investigations into Biden’s family after he leaves office would likely be criticized by Democrats as both futile and a waste of taxpayer money, given the nature of earlier investigations, Hunter’s own pardon and Biden’s own lame-duck status.

Comer’s office did not respond to a question from Fox News Digital on whether the House Oversight Committee is planning to investigate Biden’s action in the next congressional session, or their views on Hunter’s ability to plead the Fifth.

But the questions about this potential loophole come just days after President Joe Biden announced the sweeping clemency grant for his only surviving son. 

Earlier Tuesday, the federal judge overseeing Hunter Biden’s gun case in Delaware announced the termination of further court proceedings, including a planned sentencing date in December. Earlier this year, a Delaware jury found Hunter guilty on all three federal felony firearm charges brought against him.

In terminating the proceedings, U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika stopped short of dismissing the case outright, as requested by Hunter Biden's legal team. 

In September, Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to separate federal charges of tax evasion in California, which the pardon also covers. 

The judge in that case, Judge Mark Scarsi, has not yet announced whether he will terminate the proceedings against Hunter or dismiss the case in full.

Texans' Nick Caserio rips NFL over 'unfair' treatment of Azeez Al-Shaair after controversial hit, suspension

3 December 2024 at 15:13

The NFL announced a three-game suspension for Houston Texans player Azeez Al-Shaair on Tuesday. The 27-year-old linebacker will not receive his salary during the suspension, the league said.

The NFL cited multiple violations of its player safety rules after Al-Shaair delivered a violent hit to Trevor Lawrence's head area. The Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback was carted off the field and diagnosed with a concussion. Al-Shaair was disqualified from the game after the hit.

In a letter announcing Al-Shaair's suspension, NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan mentioned the linebacker's previous offenses for personal fouls and sportsmanship-related rules violations over the past few seasons. 

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio met with members of the media on Tuesday and pushed back against the narratives concerning Al-Shaair that he believes have surfaced in the days since the controversial hit.

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Caserio pointed the finger at the NFL for painting an "unfair" picture of Al-Shaair. 

"It’s an unfortunate play and situation," Caserio said. "One of the biggest issues that we sort of take umbrage with, as a team and organizationally, is the picture that’s been painted of Azeez, quite frankly is unfair. I would say one of the biggest issues, and I probably speak for a lot of teams not only Houston Texans, but I think that’s all teams ask for is consistency from the league. I say in this situation quite frankly there’s no consistency at all relative to the level of discipline that’s been handed down."

TEXANS' DEMECO RYANS SUGGESTS TREVOR LAWRENCE BARES SOME BLAME FOR BRUTAL HIT, SAYS JAGS PLAYERS OVERREACTED

Caserio also suggested the league made comments about Al-Shaair without having a genuine understanding of the football player's personal character.

"We’re talking about some of the commentary that’s been made about his character, about the person that he is, about what his intentions are from people that quite frankly don’t know anything about Azeez Al-Shaair. For the league to make some of the commentary that they made about lack of sportsmanship, lack of coachability, lack of paying attention to the rules, quite frankly it’s embarrassing."

A portion of Runyan's letter delved into Al-Shaair's "lack of sportmanship" and suggested he had a "disregard for NFL playing rules."

"Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football and all those who play, coach, and enjoy watching it, is troubling and does not reflect the core values of the NFL… Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules puts the health and safety of both you and your opponents in jeopardy and will not be tolerated," Runyan wrote.

Nevertheless, Caserio made it clear that the organization he works for loves "everything about" the veteran linebacker.

"… What we take umbrage is the picture that’s been painted about Azeez, his intentions, who he is as a person, quite frankly it’s bulls---. It’s unfair to the individual, it’s unfair to the organization and we love everything about Azeez Al-Shaair."

Al-Shaair issued an apology to Lawrence on Monday.

"I’ve always played the game as hard as I could. Never with the intent to harm anyone and anybody that knows me knows that," Al-Shaair wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "My goal is to hit you as hard as I can then I pray you’re still able to get up and play the next play. And when the game is over go home to your family unharmed because it’s not personal it’s just competition! We both are trying to do the same thing which is provide for our families! I genuinely didn’t see him sliding until it was too late. And it all happens in the blink of an eye.

"To Trevor I genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening. Before the game we spoke and I told you how it was great to see you back out on the field and wished you well. I would never want to see any player hurt because of a hit I put on them, especially one that’s deemed ‘late’ or ‘unnecessary.’ To the rest of his teammates I can definitely understand you having his back and defending him in a situation like that."

Al-Shaair also took aim at members of the media who he believes framed him as a "villain."

"To the rest of the people who I’ve been called every single name in the book, from reporters with their hands ready for a story to find their villain, to racist and Islamophobic fans and people, you don’t know my heart nor my character which I don’t need to prove to any of you. God knows my intentions and anyone who has ever been a teammate or friend of mine knows my heart."

It remains unclear whether Al-Shaair will file an appeal. But if the suspension is upheld, he won't be eligible to return to the Texans active roster until after Houston's Christmas Day game against the Ravens.

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