The mother of Marc Fogel, an American who had been detained in Russia since 2021, is expressing relief and gratitude to President Donald Trump for securing his release Tuesday.

"(Trump) promised me he would get him out, and he kept his promise," Malphine Fogel told "America Reports." "I can't thank him enough." 

Marc Fogel, a history teacher who was working at the Anglo-American School in Moscow, is heading back to U.S. soil after Russia released him following talks with Trump administration officials. Fogel was serving a 14-year sentence after his arrest in August 2021 at a Russian airport for being in possession of drugs, which his family and supporters said were medically prescribed marijuana.

His mother, Malphine, met with Trump before his fateful rally in Butler, Pennsylvania last year, asking the then-presidential nominee to not forget her son’s name. He assured her that he would bring her son home. 

Now, Malphine is celebrating that fulfilled promise. 

RUSSIA SAYS US RELATIONS ‘ON THE BRINK OF A BREAKUP,’ WON'T CONFIRM TRUMP-PUTIN TALK 

"I met with President Trump, and he was just as cordial as he could be," Malphine Fogel recalled of the Butler meeting. "He told me three different times, 'If I get in,' he said, 'I'll get him out' and I really think he's been instrumental." 

Besides wanting to thank Trump "profusely" for his work in bringing her son home, Malphine Fogel also expressed gratitude to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others who worked on the case. 

She described the relief she felt after learning her son would soon be home.  

"It was a total surprise when he called, and he said he was in the Moscow airport," the joyous mom. "So, that meant that (they) had taken him out of the prison to Moscow. ... The last week or so, for some crazy reason, I had a better feeling about things, but I hadn't heard from him in a week, so I thought that was odd and when he called this morning, it was just a total shock." 

Fogel said her son will be "sore from all the hugs" he receives once he lands in the United States. 

"It's just an unbelievable situation right now," she said. "We're just waiting and waiting to get him into the U.S. I think the first thing he'll do is stoop down and kiss the ground." 

Fox News Digital's Greg Norman contributed to this report.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Washington this week, meeting with President Donald Trump and other U.S. officials to discuss the evolving relationship between the two nations. The visit marked a significant shift in U.S.-Israel relations, as the new administration swiftly implemented policies favoring Israel's interests in the Middle East.

In an interview with "Life, Liberty & Levin" host Mark Levin that will air on Saturday night, Netanyahu praised Trump’s leadership and his impact on the U.S.-Israel alliance.

"I think President Trump is the greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House," Netanyahu said. "He’s not only making a tremendous change in the Israeli-American alliance, strengthening it beyond anything we’ve seen up to now, but also he’s also a great leader for America and the world."

Since returning to office less than a month ago, President Trump has made several high-profile moves affecting Israel and the Middle East. Before his inauguration, Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas, threatening "all hell to pay" if hostages held in Gaza were not released. A deal, brokered with the assistance of the Biden administration, followed shortly after.

MIDDLE EAST EXPERT SAYS ISRAEL AND THE US ARE BACK ON THE SAME PAGE — BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN HAMAS IS DETERRED

One of the most notable policy shifts came in late January when Trump lifted a hold on the delivery of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. The Biden administration had previously paused the shipment over concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza. Netanyahu described Trump’s decision to lift the pause as "instantaneous."

"In the first two weeks, he did everything that he promised to do," Netanyahu said. "He went against antisemitism, went against the ICC. This corrupt so-called International Court that targets America, targets Israel, targets democracies."

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Earlier this week, President Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) over its investigations into Israel. The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, accusing him of committing war crimes during Israel’s military response in Gaza following the 2023 Hamas attacks. Neither the U.S. nor Israel recognizes the ICC’s authority.

BENJAMIN NETANYAHU PRAISES TRUMP'S 'REMARKABLE IDEA' ABOUT A US TAKEOVER OF GAZA

The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths, and much of the Gaza Strip has been heavily damaged or destroyed.

Trump has also faced criticism from some Democrats over his plan to rebuild Gaza. During a joint press conference with Netanyahu on Tuesday, Trump outlined an ambitious proposal.

"The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too," Trump said. "We'll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous, unexplored bombs and other weapons on the site, level the site and get rid of the destroyed buildings, level it out, create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area."

Netanyahu expressed his support for the plan and emphasized Israel’s commitment to working closely with the U.S. on future Middle East policy.

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"Israel has no better friend than America," Netanyahu said. "And now, under President Trump's leadership, America has no greater friend than Israel."

"It’s a great beginning and a restart, a recalibration of our great alliance."

The full interview with Prime Minister Netanyahu airs Saturday at 8pm on "Life, Liberty, & Levin."

Pro-life activists sentenced to prison under the Biden administration are speaking out after receiving pardons from President Donald Trump.

"I have never, ever, ever seen any violence on the part of pro-life people," Paulette Harlow said in an exclusive interview with "Outnumbered" co-host Kayleigh McEnany. 

Harlow, 75 at the time of her conviction, was found guilty of federal civil rights conspiracy and violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.

PRO-LIFE PROTESTERS PARDONED BY TRUMP, FOX CONFIRMS

"There were several things that were said to us. One was that this trial was not about abortion, which was sort of ridiculous, because that’s the reason that we were there, to stop abortions," Harlow said. 

"To love the mothers and the children, but primarily to see if we could intervene and save the life of the babies. And saving the life of the baby, you often save the life of the mother as well."

Harlow was among several protesters sentenced for participating in an abortion clinic blockade in Washington, D.C., in October 2020. Prosecutors argued that Harlow and others forcefully entered the clinic, blocking doors with furniture, ropes, and their bodies. She was sentenced to 24 months in prison.

"These defendants conspired to use force to prevent fellow citizens from exercising rights protected by law," said U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves for the District of Columbia in a press release. "People cannot resort to using force and intimidation to prevent others from engaging in lawful activity simply because they disagree with the law."

The FACE Act, passed in 1994, prohibits threats, obstruction, and property damage intended to interfere with reproductive health care services. The law was enacted during a period of increasing protests and violence against abortion providers, including the 1993 murder of Dr. David Gunn.

Earlier this month, Trump pardoned more than two dozen anti-abortion activists, telling reporters, "We released 23 people that were unjustly put in and having to do with pro-life. And they will be released, and they’ll be out very shortly. It was disgraceful what happened."

"I was appalled watching Garland. He was isolating us and targeting us because of our pro-life stance. And especially, he was targeting Catholics," said Harlow. 

Republican lawmakers have repeatedly accused the Department of Justice of holding an "anti-Catholic bias" in its handling of pro-life activists. 

SEN. HAWLEY GRILLS AG GARLAND ON ANTI-CATHOLIC BIAS IN THE FBI, RAID ON PRO-LIFE FAMILY: ‘GIVE ME AN ANSWER!'

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., echoed these concerns on X, writing, "No administration in history has targeted Christians like the Biden Admin. We saw one persecution after another, from shutting down churches during COVID to raiding pro-lifers' homes at the crack of dawn. EVERY pro-life prisoner Biden wrongly imprisoned should be pardoned."

When questioned by Hawley about the DOJ’s treatment of Catholics, then-Attorney General Merrick Garland defended the department, stating, "Our department protects all religions, all ideologies. It does not have any bias against any religion of any kind."

Many abortion rights advocates criticized the pardons, arguing they signal Trump's opposition to abortion access. However, Trump has stated on the campaign trail that he would veto a federal abortion ban if it reached his desk.

On social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, he posted: "Everyone knows that I would not support a federal abortion ban under any circumstances and would, in fact, veto it, because it is up to the states to decide based on the will of their voters (the will of the people!)."

PRO-LIFE ACTIVISTS FOUND GUILTY ON CONSPIRACY CHARGES FOR 2020 'RESCUE ACTION' AT DC CLINIC

Among those sentenced for the blockade was William Goodman, who described the conditions he faced while serving his 27-month sentence.

"We went over two weeks without toilet paper," Goodman said. "And some of the guys mentioned that some of the men who were there with gender dysphoria, wearing dresses, could get mascara, lipstick, and perfume—but we couldn’t even get toilet paper or basic needs. So there was a lot of neglect."

While prosecutors argued that some of the protesters acted violently, Jean Marshall, a former nurse and sister of Paulette Harlow, denies those claims. Marshall was also sentenced to 24 months.

She described her time in prison as difficult but said she relied on her faith for support.

"We had a Bible study going, and a couple of the women joined," Marshall told McEnany. "They were so enthusiastic and thankful. One of them even said, ‘Now I know why I wound up in prison, so that I could hear this Bible study.’"

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Despite the experience, Marshall said she has no regrets.

"I was so thankful to God that He could use me," she said.

Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is calling out the national security risk of having a generation dependent on China as U.S. students fall behind in the classroom. 

"75% of eighth graders are not math proficient according to international standards," Ramaswamy told "The Ingraham Angle" on Thursday. "We're number 26 out of 38 developed countries. There are kids in other countries where English is not even their first language, out-beating our own students on English proficiency and I just think, speaking as an American and as a parent myself, that's unacceptable." 

According to recent studies, reading comprehension scores are hitting all-time lows in the U.S., with only 31% of fourth graders reading at grade level, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Now, President Donald Trump is attempting to turn around these statistics by supporting school choice and getting rid of CRT and gender ideology in the classroom. 

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY CHANGES ‘ILLEGAL’ PROGRAM THAT EXCLUDED WHITE MEN   

The former presidential candidate told Fox News that states must lead the way in improving education by allowing merit-based pay for teachers, giving families school choice and by encouraging students in American virtue. 

"Lighting a fire under the feet of our educational culture, not teaching our kids to be victims, but to be victors, rewarding excellence instead of victimhood. I think it's a cultural change we need in our educational system, too, and if we don't fix it, China is going to be eating our lunch if they already aren't," he said.

Ramaswamy explained the importance of returning to a "true American system" of education, with fewer participation trophies and competition in various academic fields. 

"This is a national security risk to the future of the United States if we have an entire generation that is dependent on China," he said. "It's unacceptable and yes, the woke left is responsible for a lot of this ...but it goes beyond that to where we got to just light that fire under the feet of a generation and teach them that achievement is actually worth working for."

"Hard work is an American virtue, and that doesn't start in college," he continued. "It doesn't even start in high school. It starts young and so, President Trump is leading the way with that culture, but it's going to take the states to really lift us up."

Kash Patel, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the FBI, was the latest of the commander-in-chief's administrative picks to face lawmakers in a confirmation hearing Thursday, clashing with several Democrats, including Sen. Adam Schiff of California.

One former lawmaker weighed in on the exchange, labeling Schiff an "embarrassment" while stating that the California senator had an "ax to grind" with Patel. 

"The American people lost him in the United States House of Representatives. That was a gain for the House of Representatives. But I think the Democratic senators are now realizing that the circus has come to them," former Congressman Devin Nunes said on "The Will Cain Show" Thursday. 

KASH PATEL TURNS TABLES ON DEM SENATOR WITH VIRAL RESPONSE: ‘YOU’VE GOT TWO MINUTES'

"I thought Adam Schiff was an embarrassment like he normally is. He clearly has an ax to grind with Kash Patel, because it was Kash on our team that made a mockery of this guy year after year after year for lying to the American people."

Schiff sparred with Patel during his confirmation hearing on Thursday, particularly over a recording of a song released by Jan. 6 Capitol riot inmates.

"So you're being considered for director of the FBI. And here you did no diligence to find out whether people you were associating with now, the President of the United States in song, were convicted of attacking police officers. Is that who we want running the FBI? I want you to turn around. There are Capitol police officers behind you. They're guarding us. Take a look at them right now. Turn around," Schiff said during the hearing.

"I'm looking at you. You're talking to me," Patel responded.

"Look at them. I want you to look at them if you can. If you have the courage to look them in the eye, Mr. Patel, and tell them you're proud of what you did. Tell them you're proud that you raised money off of people that assaulted their colleagues, that pepper sprayed them, that beat them with polls. Tell them you're proud of what you did, Mr. Patel. They're right there. They're guarding you today. Tell them how proud you are," Schiff followed up.

KASH PATEL FLIPS SCRIPT ON DEM SENATOR AFTER BEING GRILLED ON J6 PARDONS: ‘BRUTAL REALITY CHECK’

"That's an abject lie and you know it. I've never, never, ever accepted violence against law enforcement," Patel responded.

Nunes called out Schiff's "audacity" in trying to "tarnish" Patel's reputation.

The Schiff-Patel exchange was one of a number of fiery exchanges during the hearing. Democrats quizzed Patel about his record, including statements he had made in his book, "Government Gangsters."

Patel slammed what he described as "grotesque" attacks against him.

Devin Nunes believes Democrats' attacks on Patel, specifically those led by Schiff, will backfire.

"It won't take long before the United States Senate, the Democrat senators included, you could see it there today, that they're going to get sick of Adam Schiff, and they're going to be sad that he entered the U.S. Senate," he concluded.

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Fox News' Charles Creitz contributed to this report.

North Carolina residents Curtis A. Wright and Amber Wright, who were heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene, met with President Donald Trump during his visit to their state on Friday.

Curtis A. Wright argued in an appearance on "The Will Cain Show," that he thinks that North Carolinians have "been ignored" in the wake of the hurricane and said that Trump's visit was a "big relief."

"It was a lot of relief. You know, people keep saying, how are you guys doing in Asheville? And, you know, we feel like he's [sic] been forgotten. And I don't think we've been forgotten. I think we've been ignored. So for him [Trump] to come and see us today, that was a big relief. We'd previously had JD Vance come out to our house with Samaritan's Purse and some of the Grahams. And, you know, he told us that they were coming, and we were glad to see them."

‘FEMA IS NOT GOOD’: TRUMP ANNOUNCES AGENCY OVERHAUL DURING VISIT TO NORTH CAROLINA

Trump visited western North Carolina on Friday to meet with residents still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. 

Amber Wright was asked to describe how they have been living in the wake of the hurricane and said that it has been a "true nightmare."

"We just live day by day, one day at a time, trying to clean up, trying to see what our next steps are, if we're going to be able to rebuild, if we're not going to be able to rebuild. Waiting on, you know, insurance or whatever it may be. So it's been a struggle. It really has," she told host Will Cain.

North Carolina was struck by Hurricane Helene in late September and caused over 100 deaths in the state, as well as tens of millions in damage. The catastrophic flooding caused by the hurricane was described by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell as "historic."

FEMA has faced criticism for its relief efforts post-hurricane. During his visit Friday, Trump said, "FEMA has really let us down. Let the country down. And I don't know if that's Biden's fault or whose fault it is, but we're going to take over." 

Curtis and Amber Wright said that they had lost "everything they own" in the storm, including all of their farm equipment, and described what they would need in order to rebuild.

"What we're needing right now is a fair evaluation from our insurance company in a timely manner to pay out," Curtis Wright said. "Samaritan's Purse has been a blessing to us,They are willing to fill all the gaps that FEMA and our insurance company has not. We actually have the ability to build on higher ground on another piece of property that connects to our current farm. And that's what our hopes are, to get fair payout and just to tear down the home that we have because it's beyond 50% repairable and then start over."

While in North Carolina, Trump told reporters that he plans to sign an executive order "fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA, or maybe getting rid of FEMA," Trump told reporters, saying, "I think, frankly, FEMA is not good."

He also promised that his administration would step in to assist the clean-up efforts. "We're going to fix it, and we're going to fix it as fast as you can," Trump said.

Only half of the debris recovery from Hurricane Helene is complete, according to the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, and thousands of families remain in hotels.  

Fox News' Diana Stacy contributed to this report.

Marine Staff Sgt. Lexus Martinez described her experience dancing with Vice President JD Vance at the Commander in Chief Ball as a "once-in-a-lifetime" moment, one filled with excitement and a bit of nervousness.

"It was very nerve-wracking," Martinez, 27, shared during an interview on "Fox & Friends" Friday. "I felt a little better when I saw everyone. And he just made me feel better."

Martinez recalled how Vance helped ease her nerves backstage with a lighthearted joke. 

"I was so nervous; I stayed very far away from him, so I didn’t step on his feet," she said. "That’s exactly what he said backstage was ‘I hope you don’t step on my feet’ and I said ‘Well, I hope you teach me how to dance."

JD VANCE SPELLS OUT WHAT TRUMP'S PROCESS TO 'RECTIFY' 'UNFAIR' JAN 6 PROSECUTIONS COULD LOOK LIKE

Martinez was chosen from hundreds of applicants for the honor. Her family was stunned when they found out she would take part in the prestigious event.

"Everyone just didn’t think I would have the opportunity," she said. "They all were just really excited. Everyone was tuned in, telling everyone, sharing to everyone how it was for me."

PRESIDENT TRUMP SPEAKS AT THE LIBERTY BALL: 'GOING TO TURN OUR COUNTRY AROUND FAST'

During the dance, Martinez and Vance bonded over their shared service in the Marine Corps. 

Vance, the first vice president to have served as a Marine, was a combat correspondent from 2003 to 2007, including a tour in Iraq, before transitioning to civilian life and attending Ohio State University.

The Commander in Chief Ball, a traditional part of inauguration celebrations, honors military service members. President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and second lady Usha Vance also danced with service members during the event. 

Trump addressed the audience with gratitude, saying "I've had no higher privilege in life than to serve as your commander in chief, not once but twice." 

He thanked service members for their contributions, noting their role in helping him return to the White House. 

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The president also highlighted the creation of the Space Force during his first term, calling it a significant addition to the military. 

Reflecting on the dance, Martinez said the moment was surreal and deeply meaningful. 

"I’m very proud [to be a Marine] because not a lot of people can do it," she said. "I’m very excited to know that I’m one of the few and the proud to be a United States Marine."

Chicago residents are voicing frustration with Mayor Brandon Johnson’s commitment to shielding the city’s undocumented migrant population from federal immigration crackdowns, citing concerns about community safety and strained resources.

This comes as border czar Tom Homan declared that Chicago would be "ground zero" for immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s mass deportation plans. 

Mayor Johnson has doubled down on his opposition, vowing to uphold Chicago’s sanctuary city policies.

"I find it unconscionable that this administration would attempt to create not just division but fear within our public schools," Johnson said, referring to potential federal raids. He directed city departments to "stand firm and uphold the local ordinance" in compliance with the Illinois Trust Act, which prohibits local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration enforcement efforts.

However, many residents feel the city’s priorities are misplaced. P Rae Easley, a Chicagoan and host of "Black Excellence Hour," voiced her concerns during a recent appearance on "Fox & Friends First," Thursday. 

"We understand that we are in the middle of an invasion," Easley said. "Every single person who came across that border came with an invoice on their back for the Chicago taxpayer."

The financial burden has been a flashpoint for residents. Last December, the city faced backlash over spending more than half a billion dollars to shelter migrants through its New Arrivals Mission. That program became a heated topic at community meetings after Johnson revealed a billion-dollar budget shortfall.

"I got a great way what we can do with this budget," one resident said during a public meeting. "Let’s start with cutting off illegals getting free everything, free housing, free schooling, free food."

The pushback comes as federal authorities ramp up enforcement. During Trump’s presidency, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested over 460 individuals in the first days of an immigration sweep, targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records. Offenses included sexual assault, domestic violence, and weapons crimes.

Easley supports these actions, saying they’re necessary for community safety.

"Nobody else gets to be shielded from federal crimes, and neither do they," she said. "We need everybody to go back where they belong so that we can reallocate our tax funds to the citizens of the city."

In response to Johnson’s sanctuary city stance, the Trump administration has instructed federal prosecutors to investigate state and local officials who obstruct deportation efforts. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, in a memo obtained by Fox News, cited cartels and transnational criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua as one of the "most serious threats facing the American people."

Despite the criticism, Johnson remains steadfast, insisting that protecting migrants aligns with the city’s values. "Chicago stands strong: regardless of the circumstances, our commitment to protecting and supporting this city remains unwavering," Johnson wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

But residents like Easley say the city’s priorities are out of balance.

"We need the federal government here," she argued. "I don’t think that it’s fair that we’re paying federal income taxes, and we are not allowed to get federal help because our mayor has a political goal that doesn’t align with the people."

President Trump has criticized sanctuary cities, including Chicago, for resisting federal immigration policies. "We're trying to get rid of them (sanctuary cities). We're trying to end them. And a lot of the people in those communities don't want them," Trump told Fox’s Sean Hannity on Wednesday. 

Lawmakers are also moving to support Trump’s immigration agenda. This week, the House approved the Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants accused of theft or violent crimes. The bill is named after a Georgia nursing student who was murdered by a Venezuelan man in the country illegally.

For Easley and others in Chicago, the path forward is clear. "We care more about the children of Chicago than we do the children of the invaders," she said.

"Shark Tank" star Kevin O’Leary broke down what he calls President Donald Trump's "tariff signal" to different countries in an effort to bolster American manufacturing.

"The tariff signal, if you want to call it that, is a negotiating leverage tool because Trump commands the largest market on Earth," O’Leary told "The Story."

TRUMP CONFRONTS BANK OF AMERICA CEO FOR NOT TAKING 'CONSERVATIVE BUSINESS'

Trump addressed the World Economic Forum (WEF) remotely on Thursday, threatening businesses that do not make their products in America with tariffs. He took questions afterward from five world leaders in investments and energy and criticized Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan for not doing business with conservative companies.  

O’Leary responded to this move as "just the way [Trump] is."

"We’ve been listening to Trump for 12 years," O’Leary said. "If you don’t understand that at this point, he's not gonna change. He'll pick someone out of a crowd, out of a sector, and he’ll say something like that. He’s trying to send a signal and yet there’s a lot of noise in it. But he’s bombastic, he's controversial. I've gotten used to it now. It doesn’t bother me anymore…It is what it is, everybody relax."

O’Leary said that Trump’s message is "different for different countries," such as Mexico and Canada, before explaining Trump’s main message.

"These messages are different for different countries. For example, Mexico, we’re gonna build a wall, but we also want you to make sure you stop sending illegal immigrants from yours and other countries, or you’re going to be tariffed." 

O’Leary added, "To the Canadians, start spending on security at the northern border and pay your two percent to NATO and stop sending fentanyl from China over the border into the United States or you’re going to face tariffs."

During Trump’s address to the WEF, he said, "My message to every business in the world is very simple: Come make your product in America, and we will give you among the lowest taxes of any nation on earth. But if you don’t make your product in America, which is your prerogative, then very simply you will have to pay a tariff."

"He’s starting with a message that’s loud and clear," O’Leary said. "Get in line, do what you said you were going to do, or you’re going to face a wicked barrier to come into the world’s largest market. And it’s going to affect your economy. I heard it loud and clear."

During Trump’s second presidential campaign, he repeatedly threatened to tariff imports from China and the European Union, calling tariffs "the greatest thing ever invented." 

"I told the European Union that they must make up their tremendous deficit with the United States by the large scale purchase of our oil and gas," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Dec. 20. "Otherwise, it is TARIFFS all the way!!!"

Renowned comedian and former television host Jay Leno shares how he helped serve hot meals to California firefighters, praising them as "the best fire department in the world."

Since the outbreak of the Los Angeles County wildfires, a wave of critics have come forth condemning California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other elected officials for their lack of preparedness regarding the response.

"Let me tell you something: These guys can eat. They all look like the guy in a Brawny paper towel ad. These big, beefy guys," Leno said on "The Will Cain Show," recalling how they handed out 700 lbs of ribs and 400 lbs of chicken.

FAST-MOVING HUGHES FIRE ERUPTS IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY AS CALIFORNIA OFFICIALS ORDER EVACUATIONS

Leno detailed how he had a "great five days" helping out Los Angeles first responders, describing how they were able to eat and continue running a fire response like a "military operation."

"I was at Bagram Air Force Base. It reminded me of that — airplanes coordinated with guys on the ground, guys on the ground that got big maps laid out of where they think the fire is going to go," he said.

"You know, you hand them a rib, they eat the rib, they point to it [the map] and they're talking to the helicopter. I mean, it's really a military operation," Leno added.

Leno expressed how he was impressed with all the first responders and their ability to avoid the "blame game" regarding who was at fault for the fires. He applauded them for focusing on putting out the fires and keeping people safe.

"You know the great thing about it? No blame game. These are firemen and women," Leno said, explaining how they were focused on questions like, "How can we put this out?" and, "What do we need to do?"

Leno said that even off the record, none of the firefighters were blaming "this person or that person." 

"It was all about, ‘How do we fight this fire?’ And the morale was good," Leno said.

FAST-MOVING HUGHES FIRE ERUPTS IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY AS CALIFORNIA OFFICIALS ORDER EVACUATIONS

When Leno handed out hot meals to first responders, he brought a Burbank California Christie fire truck from 1914 just to "cheer them up a little bit."

"You know, like, I thought maybe having that fire engine might look like I'm showing off a little bit. But one of the chiefs said this was such a great morale booster to see this almost 100-year-old fire engine roll in, it's all bright and shiny in the midst of all this dirt and all this gray," Leno said.

"So it turned out to be a win-win all the way around," he said. "It was just a wonderful experience for me. I just enjoyed it so much." 

President-elect Donald Trump is slated to preview the promise of a "golden age" of America in his inauguration speech Monday, incoming White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News.

Trump will make his White House return on Monday, becoming only the second president in history to serve two non-consecutive terms. 

"You're going to hear President Trump talk about how we are entering a golden age of America and how Americans' hope can be restored in this great nation," she told co-anchors Bill Hemmer and Dana Perino on a special weekend edition of "America's Newsroom" Sunday.

"You'll hear President Trump talk about the reality of the world that we are living in, the border invasion that has turned every state in this country into a border state. You'll hear him talk about the dire economic situation that many American households have found themselves in because of the Biden administration's policies," she continued.

TRUMP INAUGURATION: WHO IS EXPECTED TO ATTEND, AND WHO IS BOYCOTTING?

"Then you'll hear him talk about his plan, his executive action on day one to fix these problems that have been plaguing the American people over the past four years, and I think after hearing his speech tomorrow, Americans are going to feel a renewed sense of hope and optimism, and you're already feeling that in this city [Washington, D.C.] throughout this weekend."

After taking the reins back from President Biden, Trump will be confronted by a slew of pressures — the economy, border security and global instability among them.

Trump plans to enact a series of executive orders to rescind some Biden-era policies on day one, while other plans could take some time, leaving Leavitt with the task of communicating to the American people how the administration's plans will manifest. 

HIGHLIGHTS FROM PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP'S 1ST INAUGURATION DAY; WHAT TO EXPECT FROM MONDAY

"The American people should expect that President Trump is going to deliver on many of the promises that he made to them within the first 24 hours of his taking back the Oval Office," Leavitt said. 

"Our policy team has been working diligently on putting these orders together for him so we can immediately shut down the southern border, reinvigorate our energy industry, reverse many of the disastrous Biden administration executive orders that Joe Biden signed on day one four years ago, which have led to the increased cost of living and inflation in this great country, so there's a lot for us to message. It's a big responsibility. We don't want the details to be lost on the American people because every single one of these executive actions that President Trump is taking are monumental, and they are truly going to transform the way that this government here in Washington, D.C., works, how the bureaucracy works and how it's been ripping off American taxpayers."

It’s not every day that a garbage truck takes center stage in the presidential spotlight, but for the Trump team, the "big, beautiful" MAGA truck is more than a vehicle – it’s a statement. 

The truck, which gained national attention during Donald Trump’s campaign, is set to roll into Washington, D.C., this weekend as part of the upcoming inaugural parade on Monday. 

It first captured headlines at a rally in battleground Wisconsin last October, where then-candidate Trump climbed aboard wearing a bright orange reflective vest over his signature suit and tie.

The white garbage truck, emblazoned with "Trump Make America Great Again 2024" on its side, quickly went viral, becoming an unlikely yet effective campaign symbol.

"The inaugural team actually reached out to me asking if we'd be able to provide a truck for the parade," said Loadmaster vice president Andrew Brisson during an interview with "Fox & Friends" on Friday. "After making a few phone calls, I was actually able to get the truck that we had at the rally out there for them."

The stunt was part of Trump’s effort to connect with blue-collar voters, a demographic that played a critical role in his 2024 campaign. 

The garbage truck appearance was a response to comments by President Biden, who faced backlash after referring to Trump supporters as "garbage."

While Biden later clarified that his comments were meant to criticize Trump’s demonization of Latinos, the remarks had already ignited a firestorm. 

"How do you like my garbage truck?" Trump asked reporters when he arrived at the Green Bay rally. "This truck is in honor of Kamala and Joe Biden." 

Brisson recalled how quickly the Trump team mobilized for the stunt, "The campaign team had someone down in the Green Bay Area put together the magnets that we put on the side of the truck. They picked up some flags down there." 

Reflecting on the experience of driving the truck with Trump on board, Brisson shared his impression of the president-elect. 

"He seemed like someone you could sit down with and have a conversation with. For lack of a better term, he seemed like a normal person."

For Brisson, Trump’s focus on economic issues and his connection with blue-collar workers struck a chord. 

"The state of the economy and inflation. Just the cost of everything is the biggest (voting) factor," he explained. "The economy is the biggest issue in my mind." Brisson's sentiment echoed the concerns of many working-class voters who supported Trump during the 2024 campaign. 

Trump’s inaugural parade and Liberty Ball is expected to draw a mix of high-profile attendees, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and TikTok CEO Shou Chew. In an unexpected turn, Silicon Valley, historically left-leaning, has warmed to Trump since his November win, with tech giants donating millions to the inauguration event. 

However, some notable figures, including former first lady Michelle Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have opted to skip the event.

For Brisson, the opportunity to be part of the inauguration festivities is an honor.

"Pretty excited to be there," he said. "Getting ready to fly out this morning. Going to spend the weekend out in D.C. getting things ready for the parade … Very cool experience being part of the Green Bay rally and driving Donald Trump in the truck, and being able to meet him."

The garbage truck’s presence in the parade is expected to symbolize Trump’s ongoing appeal to working-class voters, a key group that helped propel his 2024 campaign to success. 

Therapists say survivors of the California wildfires can help their children heal from the trauma of leaving everything they know behind by continuing on with their daily routines, providing an empathetic ear and reinforcing their safety. 

While fire crews continue to combat the wildfires consuming Los Angeles County, officials as of Saturday said at least 30 people remain missing while two additional deaths brought the toll to 27.

"Many children are facing the devastation of the fires in California. As parents and caregivers, it's crucial to support children during this crisis, giving them space to share what they saw, heard, and felt," Dr. Cindy Davis, clinical director of Positive Development in Pasadena, Calif., told Fox News Digital. "Encourage them to share their experiences and be open to any form of communication. Some may repeat the same story, while others may prefer not to talk much. Let them choose when and how to share. Consider your child's experience with the disaster — did they evacuate, see homes burning, or witness fear? Use these clues to guide your conversations. For younger children specifically, pay attention to the themes in their play, as it often reflects their concerns and helps them process their feelings." 

CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES: ESSENTIAL PHONE NUMBERS FOR LOS ANGELES-AREA RESIDENTS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP THEM 

Dr. Gail Saltz, associate professor of psychiatry at the New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell School of Medicine, explained that the fires have caused "tremendous and ongoing loss" for both adults and children. 

"The most important thing for children now is to make them feel that they and you, their parents, are safe," she advised. "Parents should often explain, ’We are safe because’ or ‘here is our safety plan’ or ‘we need to start our safety plan and once we get there, I can answer all your questions.’ Expect and answer repeated concerns from children about safety of themselves and their loved ones. Try to do nice things together demonstrating that it feels safe for all of you, like playing a game. Remind them no matter what you have lost, the most important thing is that you are together and safe. Home is, and will be, where you are." 

One way to help children feel safe amid the chaos of relocating is letting them express their preferences about what they can control, such as a new room, school or activity, therapist Samantha Silverman, LCSW, told Fox News Digital. 

"Plan activities together to explore the new city and make it feel like home," Silverman suggested. "Maintain consistent daily routines to provide a sense of stability and security. Incorporate comforting traditions or activities that remind them of home, such as family meals or bedtime rituals. Help your child acclimate by exploring the new city together, visiting local parks, schools or libraries. Encourage participation in community or extracurricular activities to help them make new friends and build a sense of belonging."

La Jolla, Calif., child psychiatrist Josh Feder, M.D., who explained children "need extra support" during this time, advised parents to make sure their children are in a safe place with clean air and cautioned against watching news of the fires around children.

"Use alerts on your phone to get important updates," he said. "It's important to tell the truth but not make it too scary. For example, ‘Our house burned down but we are safe now.' Our job is to protect kids and make them feel as safe as we can!" 

Saltz explained that while the wildfires make for a stressful situation for both adults and children, they can make it through the hardship.  

"Human capacity for resilience is such that the majority of these people will eventually make their way through these losses to recoup their lives, but the more coping tools and support they can receive, the more likely that is and the less painful it will be," she said. 

Fox News Digital's Stephen Sorace contributed to this report. 

As wildfires set Los Angeles County ablaze, one California resident "fought" to save his home from the deadly flames.

Orly Israel is among thousands of citizens in the greater Los Angeles area facing multiple wildfires this week. As of midday Thursday, the fires claimed at least five lives and burned over 27,000 acres.

"We just fought until we couldn't fight any longer, until it was so hot that you couldn't even stand in the backyard without getting your eyes burned," Israel said Thursday on "Your World." 

CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES DEVASTATE LOS ANGELES COUNTY, KILLING 5 AND THREATENING THOUSANDS OF HOMES

As the flames spread toward his home, Israel and a friend attempted to stave off the fire. 

"You've got to battle. If the fight's coming to you, you bring the fight — and we had the hoses. We had the pillows all thrown out. The jacuzzi was ready to be dumped," he explained. 

"We stayed there knowing we had a plan. The second we thought that those trees were going to fall down and block the road, we were out. All the cars were ready to go, so there was no chance that we got stuck in there based on our own opinions."

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Eventually, the rapidly spreading flames forced Israel and his friend to leave the property. 

As officials attempt to quench the wildfires, Israel urges his fellow Californians to "be strong" and "take action again" to help restore the City of Angels. 

"Things are only things. We got the people around. Right now, we're taking action. We're getting GoFundMes, a ‘clean up the Palisades’ GoFundMe. People are trying to make t-shirts that can raise money. We sat around yesterday, but now it's time to take action again, and there is things that can still be done," Israel told Fox News host Trace Gallagher.

"Muhammad Ali, I think he lost a fight — he came back. George Foreman lost a fight — he came back. A house is a house, but the people are strong. Everyone's texting #PalisadesStrong. Kind of corny to be on the other side of a #strong, but this is where we've got to be strong or we've got to sit down, and no one's sitting down. The second we can go out there and start cleaning up, we're going out there and cleaning up."

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Fox News Digital's Greg Norman, Elizabeth Pritchett, Christina Shaw, Bradford Betz, Joshua Comins, Alex Nitzberg, Pilar Arias, Michael Ruiz, Anders Hagstrom, Greg Wehner and Louis Casiano contributed to this report.

Speaker-designate Mike Johnson, R-La., was re-elected to lead the House of Representatives on Friday despite losing one fellow Republican in the final vote tally.

Ultimately, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., was the only Republican to vote against Johnson, but it could have been worse for the House speaker. Reps. Keith Self, R-Texas, and Ralph Norman, R-S.C., were initially voting against Johnson, but switched their votes to support him.

Norman told Fox News he changed his vote after he got some assurances from Johnson.

"I said, ‘Mike, are you going to give us specific examples of fighting for the things we mentioned? Will you give us your word?' He said, ‘Yes.’ So I said, 'OK, we'll take you at your word.' That's why I changed my vote," Norman explained Friday on "The Story."

TRUMP CHEERS JOHNSON WINNING SPEAKER VOTE: ‘AMERICA IS BACK’

Johnson's future appeared uncertain at one point on Friday afternoon when Norman, Massie and Self voted for someone other than him for speaker, putting the gavel seemingly out of reach. 

Johnson then huddled with Self, Norman and other lawmakers behind closed doors before the vote was called to an end. Both later emerged and switched their votes to support Johnson.

Norman shared his initial opposition was rooted in concern as to whether Johnson had the "willingness to fight for Trump's agenda."

"We had met with Speaker Johnson yesterday for an extended period of time, and I just didn't come away with the feeling that the oomph or the willingness to fight for Trump's agenda was there," he said on "The Story." 

Norman stood behind his initial decision to vote against Johnson, reasoning it was "the only way I had to let my voice be heard."

MIKE JOHNSON RE-ELECTED SPEAKER: HERE WERE THE TOP THREE MOMENTS OF THE DRAMATIC VOTE

Ultimately, the Louisiana Republican won along party lines during the first round of voting, a stark contrast to his predecessor Kevin McCarthy's drawn-out, 15-round battle in 2023.

Johnson's re-election victory comes despite saber-rattling by some conservatives who threatened to withhold support from Johnson in protest of his handling of government funding and several other issues in the 118th Congress.

"I think now he understands the fact that no more suspension votes, where we allow more Democrat votes than Republicans — that's what's killing the country," Norman said. "If we're going to do the same thing over and over again as we have done for the last 14 months, we're going to be in the same position. I'm just not willing to go along with that, and I didn't."

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"Mike has got a tremendous opportunity to show the American people that not only he's just going to say it, he's going to fight it. He's going to have Trump backing him up, which is all a good thing."

Fox News Digital's Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report. 

The aunt of New Orleans terror attack victim Martin "Tiger" Bech, a former All-Ivy League kick returner for the Princeton University football team, said faith is guiding the family through the devastating loss.

"It's honestly remarkable. You know, as devastating as this is, God is so present," Cheri Bech told "Fox & Friends First" Friday.

Tiger, 27, was visiting his home state of Louisiana to fish and hunt with college friends when a truck driver plowed into crowds on Canal and Bourbon Street in the early morning on New Year's Day, killing at least 14.

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Cheri told Fox News producers before her interview that Tiger's mother felt as if he had been saying his goodbyes for weeks before the tragedy.

"It gives me chills to talk about it," co-host Ashley Strohmier remarked.

Cheri detailed how their faith in God has been a backbone for her family's grief journey.

"On New Year's night, we had learned of the news of Tiger. My daughters and I were sitting at our dinner table, and one of my daughters looked at me and said, ‘Mom, you know, someone killed my cousin. And I forgive him,'" she revealed. 

"It's through our faith in Jesus that we're able to forgive such a heinous act of crime against just innocent people."

SIBLING OF NEW ORLEANS TERROR ATTACK SUSPECT UNRAVELS DESCENT INTO RADICALIZATION

Cheri called Tiger an "amazing" son, sibling and cousin, supporting his younger brother Jack's TCU football career as he prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft.

"Tiger worked in New York. He worked his tail off all week to take the latest flight he could Friday night to get here 1:30 in the morning, wake up early and be the first one out there watching Jack," she said.

"Jack knows that Tiger's presence will be there with him [at the draft]. We're all firm believers in Jesus and we're just holding Jesus' hand as we're going through this difficult journey."

In a social media post, Jack wrote: "Love you always brother! You inspired me everyday now you get to be with me in every moment," he said. "I got this family T, don’t worry. This is for us."

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT VICTIMS OF NEW ORLEANS TERRORIST ATTACK

Cheri went on to share a crucial Bible scripture that has anchored her to Jesus throughout her family's difficult journey. 

"This scripture that just keeps popping up, because like I said, God just keeps showing up in just such remarkable ways. And that's Isaiah 41:10. 'Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand,'" Cheri quoted.

She concluded by sharing a faith-filled message to the families of other victims of the attack. 

"I want everybody to know that all the Bechs are praying for all of the other victims families. You know, it's a difficult road, but together we can all get through it. And we have a huge core family."

In the aftermath of the 2024 presidential election, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith addressed whether he regretted backing Democrats. 

"I voted Democrat, and I got to tell you something right now, I don't like the fact that I did. I don't like what I'm seeing," Smith said on "Life, LIberty & Levin," Saturday.

Since President-elect Trump's historic win in November, the Democratic Party has played the blame game with accusations swirling over who is to blame for Vice President Harris' loss.

DEMOCRATS ‘LARGELY FINE’ WITH BIDEN'S ABSENSE DURING SHUTDOWN TALKS: ‘LITTLE CLAMOR FOR HIM TO RETURN’

While some have pointed to Harris, others have called out President Biden for his failed re-election campaign and poor approval rating. 

Criticism of the president has continued in the final weeks of his term, specifically over his decision to pardon his son, Hunter. 

"I don't want to hear about, 'Oh we're about the law. Nobody's above the law. Nobody's above the law.' But then you go out, and you pardon your son, and you try to blame everybody else for it," Smith told host Mark Levin.

Biden issued a sweeping pardon for Hunter on Dec. 1 after he stated on record multiple times that he would not pardon him should a jury convict his son.

Smith's qualms with the Democratic Party, however, extend beyond Biden's controversial pardon. The ESPN personality echoed sentiments from Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders calling out the party's platform and policy focuses. 

"I don't want to hear about defund the police. I don't want to hear about, you know what? There should be open borders. I don't want to hear this stuff. And I don't think most of the American people want to hear that," Smith said. 

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Following the election, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders pinned blame for Harris' loss on the Democratic Party for "abandoning" the working class, sparking a rebuke from former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. 

"It should come as no great surprise that a Democratic Party which has abandoned working class people would find that the working class has abandoned them. While the Democratic leadership defends the status quo, the American people are angry and want change," Sanders posted to X in November, accompanied by a press release on the election results. "And they’re right."

Smith told Levin he is "no longer interested in… listening to a bunch of fearmongering to tell us who we shouldn't vote for."

"Why don't you come up with a plan that tells us why we should vote for you?" he posited.

"We're not about America only, but being about America and prioritizing what's going on in this nation with the desolate and the disenfranchized and everybody else in between, and looking out for the best interests of what it is for America… that is not a crime for an American politician or commander in chief or senator or congressional figure to have that mentality," he continued.

"If Donald Trump, JD Vance, Byron Donalds, Marco Rubio, or a host of other Republican candidates coming down the pike, that's the kind of message that they're going to put forth, I'm down for it. I'm open-minded enough to make sure that they entertain that from a policy perspective. That's what I want for the American people. That's what I want for this nation."

Smith conceded he could "quite possibly" see himself voting for Trump if the president-elect could run again, but he said Trump would still have to "prove a lot." 

"What concerned me about Donald Trump, and the reason I voted against him and voted for Kamala Harris, was because I felt that he would be divisive. That he would create chaos because he demands such a level of loyalty and fealty to him. And that would take priority over governing our nation. That was my concern," he explained. 

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"It can't be just about fealty to him and loyalty to him. It has to be about getting the job done on behalf of what's in the best interests of the American people as opposed to yourself, and not engaging in the kind of juvenile tendencies, tweeting all the time and going after people who are really…irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. You do things like that, and you show that you're the adult in the room, I don't think anybody could dismiss Donald Trump at this particular moment in time."

Fox News' Emma Colton contributed to this report.