UNITED STATES

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio was confirmed unanimously by the Senate to be the next secretary of state, making him the first of President Trump’s Cabinet picks to receive congressional approval.Rubio, a senator since 2011, was confirmed during a floor vote by the full Senate Monday night, several hours after Trump took his oath of office earlier in the day. The full Senate floor vote occurred following a separate vote by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which also voted unanimously in favor of Rubio’s nomination Monday.  Rubio enters his role as secretary of state with a strong foreign policy background as a longtime member of the Senate’s Foreign Relations and Intelligence Committees. He is also a first-generation Cuban American.DESANTIS ANNOUNCES CHOICE FOR SENATE APPOINTMENT AFTER RUBIO’S EXPECTED RESIGNATION His road to confirmation has been less controversial than many of Trump’s other Cabinet picks. At Rubio’s first confirmation hearing last week in front of the Foreign Relations Committee, the committee’s top-ranking Democrat, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, said she thought Rubio possessed “the skills” and is “well-qualified” to serve as the next secretary of state. She echoed this sentiment Monday evening as well before the full Senate vote.”I’ve had a good working relationship with Sen. Rubio for many years, and I was very impressed during his hearing by his grasp of policy,” Shaheen said Monday evening. “While we may not always agree, I believe he has the skills, knowledge and qualifications to be secretary of state.”MARK MILLEY PARDONED: GENERAL AT CENTER OF AFGHANISTAN WITHDRAWAL PREDICTED IT WOULDN’T BE A SAIGON MOMENT  Rubio expressed during his initial confirmation hearing last week that under Trump the State Department’s “top priority” will be to put America first. “This will not be easy,” Rubio said. “And it will be impossible without a strong and a confident America that engages in the world, putting our core national interests, once again, above all else.”Rubio will face some major challenges heading into his new role, notably the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.Rubio described the fighting between Ukraine and Russia as a “stalemate” that “has to end” during his confirmation hearing last week, adding that under Trump’s proposed peace deal both countries will have to make “concessions.” Meanwhile, despite Trump’s past criticisms of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Rubio called the alliance “very important” and insisted that Trump was also a NATO supporter.On Gaza, Rubio supported Israel’s actions to defend itself against Hamas but stopped short of indicating one way or the other if he thought Israel’s annexation of parts of the West Bank was something he supported. TRUMP’S UN AMBASSADOR NOMINEE ELISE STEFANIK SAYS PRESIDENT SEES ‘GREAT PROMISE’ IN THE UNITED NATIONS”The idea would be that there not be conflict and the people could live side-by-side with one another without being in conflict and with the ability to pursue prosperity,” Rubio said. “Sadly and unfortunately the conditions for that to exist have not been in place for a substantial period of time.”Rubio also repeatedly singled out China during his remarks in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last week. “We welcomed the Chinese Communist Party into this global order. And they took advantage of all its benefits. But they ignored all its obligations and responsibilities,” Rubio posited at his hearing. “Instead, they have lied, cheated, hacked and stolen their way to global superpower status, at our expense.”While Rubio did not face significant opposition to his confirmation, some Trump-aligned Republicans have expressed disdain over Rubio’s willingness to certify the results of the 2020 election that Trump alleged was “stolen” from him. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who has been an outspoken supporter of less U.S. intervention, also questioned Rubio’s hawkish stance on American intervention amid his confirmation to be secretary of state.



Source link : https://www.foxnews.com/politics/marco-rubio-confirmed-senate-next-secretary-state-becomes-first-trump-cabinet-pick-approved

Author :

Publish date : 2025-01-20 23:54:09

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.

Dan Campbell is one of those head coaches who will believe in his team no matter what, but after a crushing defeat in the Divisional Round to the Washington Commanders at home as the No. 1 seed, even the most optimistic people can feel deflated. But not Campbell, who reiterated his belief that his Detroit Lions’ championship window remains wide open. “Yeah, I do,” Campbell said when asked that championship-window question, via ESPN. “We talk about that core. That core group is still intact, and we’ve signed some back, some are up on contracts, and that’ll be ongoing. But, yeah, we absolutely do.”CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM”I think the most important thing is you want to know you’ve got your culture, you’ve got your identity, and you’ve got players that fit into that, and we’ve got that.”A perfect example was star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who signed long term with the Lions this past offseason, texted Campbell at 4 a.m. after the 45-31 loss to the Commanders on Saturday night. The loss was eating at him, but it showed Campbell that he has hungry players in the building, especially leaders like St. Brown. BEARS LAND BEN JOHNSON AS NEXT HEAD COACH: REPORTS”I know the right guys. They’re our guys for a reason, and that’s what will always give me hope and let me know we’re only going to be better. “We’re going to come back stronger, we’re going to learn from this, and it’s just more fuel on the fire, is what it is.”Campbell said all of this before reports surfaced that his offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, had been plucked by an NFC North rival to become their next head coach. The Chicago Bears are bringing in Johnson to help turn things around, and he obviously knows all about the organization after the past three seasons in his role in Detroit. But this shouldn’t come as a shock to Campbell, who should prepare for the loss of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as well. Glenn is going in for his second interview with the New York Jets on Tuesday to potentially fill their head coach vacancy as well. Campbell told ESPN that he must have a next-man-up mentality if he were to lose his coordinators, but winning right now doesn’t change. “We’re not going to allow that to happen,” Campbell said regarding a potential mindset change. “Does it hurt to lose those guys? Absolutely. They’re a part of what we’ve been here. They’ve been here for four years, and they’re one of the major reasons why we’ve been able to get to where we’ve been.”Simply put, the Lions weren’t supposed to be thinking about the future, already losing their innovative offensive coordinator and preparing for the offseason. With their ability to throw up points on the scoreboard, they seemed almost destined to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LIX.While the Lions have to go back to the drawing board, their head coach still believes they have the squad to get to the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history.Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.



Source link : https://www.foxnews.com/sports/lions-dan-campbell-confident-teams-super-bowl-window-remains-open-after-disastrous-loss-commanders

Author :

Publish date : 2025-01-20 23:23:37

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.

Spirits were high in the streets of Washington, D.C., this Monday as Americans from across the country converged on the nation’s capital to celebrate the second inauguration of President Trump.Fox News Digital spoke to many Trump supporters who, despite frigid temperatures and a biting wind chill, expressed optimism and hope for the future of America under the new Trump administration.”It’s a happy day,” said a group of women from South Georgia who were wearing huge star-spangled hats and “Make America Great Again” scarves and were standing by the Capitol Building. “It’s amazing to have freedom again,” said one of the women named Tanya Garrett.  “Today is a day of freedom,” chimed in another woman named Angela Anderson.WATCH: TRUMP SPEAKS TO SUPPORTERS AT THE CAPITOLAnderson said she believes the Trump administration will bring “the respect of America back.””I think that’s one of the greatest things,” she said. “We’re going to have respect from other countries, and we’re going to prosper and bring safety on our borders and the respect for the people that there should be.”Most of the Trump supporters who spoke with Fox News Digital said the most important thing the new president could do is move quickly to undo the damage done during the Biden administration by securing the southern border, restoring the economy and American energy, and projecting American strength against the nation’s enemies.”I am very, very excited,” said Rachel Quy, who traveled from Atlanta and was standing outside Union Station. “I’m Vietnamese American and I do not like communists, and a lot of us who are anti-communist we hope that Trump can stop that or at least make them weaker so we can make America stronger.”WATCH TRUMP’S FULL INAUGURAL ADDRESSIn a pub just blocks from the Capitol, the celebrations began as early as 10 in the morning. As televisions showed Trump emerging from St. John’s Episcopal Church after morning services, crowds in the bar broke into cheers and applause.”A lot of changes are going to happen,” said Jeff, a Trump fan sitting by the bar who traveled for the inauguration from Alaska. “We’re going to make immigration a big deal, bringing things back to America, businesses. It’s a new era, I’m looking forward to it.”Another Trump supporter named Will, who was sitting nearby, chimed in by saying he had never felt the same type of energy for another president.”We’re from Oregon, so it’s a blue state, so it’s nice to be around like-minded people,” he said.TRUMP SUPPORTERS SWARM OUTSIDE CAPITAL ONE ARENA AHEAD OF DC VICTORY RALLYOutside, supporters lined Pennsylvania Avenue where Trump and his motorcade were expected to pass through on their way to Capital One Arena.”We were doing much better under Trump, so we’re excited for another four years,” said Philip Swinson, a construction business owner from Southern California. Standing by Swinson was his father and business partner, Brad Swinson.  “I’m almost 72, and I’m going to remember [Biden] as the worst president of my lifetime by far,” said Brad. “We’re big on freedom, the Constitution, free enterprise, all the things that they seem to be pushing against, at least the Democrats [and] the deep state, and I think people can see through that.”Some said that they have noticed a shift in energy in their communities with more and more people willing to openly agree with and support Trump and his agenda.”Anything is better than what we’ve had for the last four years,” said Levi, a young man from Wisconsin. “People that were my friends that were liberals, hard-core lefties, now they’re like, ‘You know what? We’ve got to change something here.’””It’s been embarrassing for the last four years. We have not had anybody in charge, anybody running the show,” said Deanna, from Illinois. “America has got somebody in charge now.”



Source link : https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-supporters-celebrate-inauguration-day-dc-streets-today-day-freedom

Author :

Publish date : 2025-01-20 22:25:55

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.

Lauren Sanchez has sparked backlash on social media after unveiling a racy look at Donald Trump’s inauguration.The fiancée of Jeff Bezos, the chairman of Amazon, wore a white Alexander McQueen pantsuit featuring a fitted satin-trimmed blazer with a dangerously low-cut V-neck and wide-leg trousers.She skipped a traditional blouse and instead opted for a risqué white lace bustier. She completed the look with a fuzzy coat for the frosty day. Sanchez also made head turns with her signature smoky eye, glossy nude lips and a sleek updo.DONALD TRUMP SWORN IN AS 47TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATESAccording to reports, Sanchez’s eye-popping ensemble retails for at least $1,800.The children’s book author, pilot and former journalist was accompanied by her billionaire beau, who sported a suit with an oxblood-hued tie.Many quickly took to social media to criticize the 55-year-old’s look.”Jeff Bezos future wife Lauren Sanchez is incredibly inappropriately dressed for a state occasion,” one critic wrote on X. “Someone should have told her that having her white lace bra out on display is not acceptable.””Good grief, Lauren Sanchez. Put them away for one day,” chimed another.”Really, a bra plainly visible,” another user wrote. “Today is NOT a night club event. Show some class & dignity.”CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTERWhen one user insisted that Sanchez “forgot to put a shirt on,” another replied, “Maybe she can get one from Amazon same day shipping.” Meanwhile, others joked that the mother of three was “dressed by Victoria’s Secret.””Just when I was luxuriating in the beauty and class of @FLOTUS45, in walks Lauren Sanchez wearing only a bra,” one user said, comparing the Emmy winner to Melania Trump.The first lady, 54, wore a more modest navy Adam Lippes tailored navy silk wool coat to the inauguration. She completed her look with a navy silk wool pencil skirt and an ivory silk crêpe blouse, along with black leather gloves and a statement-making wide-brimmed hat.Sanchez appears to have worn the same form-fitting suit at The New York Times DealBook event in December. She took a sultry selfie at the time for her nearly 900,000 followers.APP USERS CLICK HERE TO VIEW POSTSummer Anne Lee, a presidential fashion historian and professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) told Newsweek that Sanchez’s fashion statement on the historic day left her stunned.”I gasped when I saw it,” Lee admitted about the jaw-dropping outfit. “I imagine this revealing lingerie moment has got to be a ‘first’ in inauguration fashion history, even if she is just an attendee and not a part of the ceremony.”LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSOn Monday, Trump was sworn in as the 47th president. The 78-year-old promised a “revolution of common sense” as he sets out to reshape the country’s institutions.A cadre of billionaires and tech titans — including Bezos, 61, as well as Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook and Sundar Pichai — were given prominent positions in the Capitol Rotunda, mingling with Trump’s incoming team before the ceremony began. Also, there was Elon Musk, the world’s richest man.After five years of dating, Bezos proposed to Sanchez in May 2023. While the couple hasn’t publicly announced any details about their wedding, Sanchez teased on the “Today” show that she was already prepping for the big day.



Source link : https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/jeff-bezos-fiancee-lauren-sanchez-sparks-backlash-trump-inauguration-lingerie-inspired-outfit

Author :

Publish date : 2025-01-20 21:44:58

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.

President Biden’s last-minute preemptive pardons of some of President-elect Donald Trump’s biggest critics, including Gen. Mark Milley, former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci, were panned Monday on social media, hours before he will exit the White House. “Joe Biden using his last day in office to pardon Liz Cheney, among others, is the perfect expression of the American political realignment and the rotted soul of the Democratic Party,” journalist Glenn Greenwald wrote.Biden included anyone who served on the House Jan. 6 committee in the list of preemptive pardons. Milley accepted the pardon, while Fauci thanked the president but maintained that he did nothing wrong.HUNTER BIDEN SAYS HIS MISTAKES WERE ‘EXPLOITED’ FOR POLITICAL SPORT, SAYS HE WON’T TAKE PARDON FOR GRANTEDNBC’s Kristen Welker reported that Trump texted her his reaction, which read, “It is disgraceful. Many are guilty of MAJOR CRIMES!”Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said, “If there was ever any doubt as to who bears responsibility for the COVID pandemic, Biden’s pardon of Fauci forever seals the deal.”
 Milley thanked Biden in a statement on Monday.”My family and I are deeply grateful for the President’s action today,” he wrote. “After forty-three years of faithful service in uniform to our Nation, protecting and defending the Constitution, I do not wish to spend whatever remaining time the Lord grants me fighting those who unjustly might seek retribution for perceived slights.””I do not want to put my family, my friends, and those with whom I served through the resulting distraction, expense, and anxiety,” he added.CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE”The swamp protects its own,” Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., wrote on social media.Biden said in a statement that, “The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that any individual engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense.”Ex-Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill lamented the “sad” pardons during an appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” on Monday and said it set a precedent for the incoming president. Biden was criticized for pardoning his son, Hunter Biden, in early December, after repeatedly telling Americans he believed in the rule of law and would accept the outcome of his son’s trial. “From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,” the president said in a December statement about his son’s pardon.”Biden pardoned Fauci. He says it’s not an admission of guilt. But if Fauci were innocent, no pardon would be needed. The evidence suggests Fauci helped create the Covid pandemic, and then covered it up. The investigation must go forward. All Covid & Fauci Files must be released,” Michael Shellenberger, the CBR Chair of Politics, Censorship and Free Speech at the University of Austin, wrote on social media.”No one is above the law except people who get blanket, preemptive pardons,” commentator Mary Kathrine Ham wrote. “Ignominy to the end.”Notably, Special Counsel Jack Smith, former FBI Director Christopher Wray and Attorney General Merrick Garland are not included in the pardon, despite speculation that they may face backlash from the incoming administration.Fox News’ Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.



Source link : https://www.foxnews.com/media/bidens-preemptive-pardons-trump-critics-blasted-social-media

Author :

Publish date : 2025-01-20 21:00:26

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.