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White House official presses allies to free AI from innovation-killing regulations
White House science and technology advisor Michael Kratsios opened a meeting of G7 tech ministers by urging governments to clear regulatory obstacles to artificial intelligence adoption, warning that sweeping new rule books or outdated oversight frameworks risk slowing the innovation needed to unlock AI-driven productivity.
Kratsios, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy director, spoke Tuesday at the G7 Industry, Digital and Technology Ministers' Meeting in Montréal, Quebec.
"The United States is committed to promoting private-sector-led development of AI systems, applications, and infrastructure, to protect and foster innovation. This primarily requires us to throw off regulatory burdens that weigh down innovators, especially in the construction of the infrastructure that undergirds the AI revolution," said Kratsios in a draft of his remarks obtained by Fox News Digital.
"However, we also recognize the benefits of AI will not be fully realized by complete de-regulation. Regulatory and non-regulatory policy frameworks that safeguard the public interest while enabling innovation are necessary to earn the public trust in AI technologies that will allow broad deployment and fast adoption."
TRUMP LAUNCHES ‘GENESIS MISSION’ TO SUPERCHARGE US SCIENTIFIC AI INNOVATION
The U.S. official told Fox News Digital that the White House wants its allies to build a "trusted AI ecosystem defined by smart, sector-specific regulations tailored to each nation's priorities and designed to accelerate innovation."
"Together, we can deliver transformative growth, keep critical data secure, and ensure the future of AI is built on freedom and human ingenuity," Kratsios added.
President Donald Trump has put artificial intelligence at the forefront of his administration, appointing David Sacks as his "AI czar" and issuing an executive order in January that rolled back many of the federal government’s previous AI safety and oversight policies in an effort to speed deployment — a move critics say could weaken safeguards and increase risks as the technology spreads.
Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform Monday that he will issue a "One Rule" executive order later this week to establish a single national framework for artificial intelligence regulation, arguing that U.S. dominance in the technology will be "destroyed in its infancy" if he doesn’t.
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"We are beating ALL COUNTRIES at this point in the race, but that won’t last long if we are going to have 50 States, many of them bad actors, involved in RULES and the APPROVAL PROCESS. THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT ABOUT THIS!" he said in part. "You can’t expect a company to get 50 Approvals every time they want to do something. THAT WILL NEVER WORK!"
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized the notion of stripping states of jurisdiction to regulate AI, arguing on X in November that it amounts to a "subsidy" to Big Tech and would prevent states from "protecting against online censorship of political speech, predatory applications that target children, violations of intellectual property rights and data center intrusions on power/water resources."
"The rise of AI is the most significant economic and cultural shift occurring at the moment; denying the people the ability to channel these technologies in a productive way via self-government constitutes federal government overreach and lets technology companies run wild," DeSantis added. "Not acceptable."
Sherrod Brown pitches himself as blue-collar populist while raking in cash from Hollywood celebrities
Former Democratic Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown pitches himself as a blue-collar populist fighting for Ohio workers – but his campaign cash shows Brown is quietly leaning on West Coast megadonors from Hollywood.
Brown, who according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings, has received at least $1.2 million from actors, producers, writers, industry executives and a slew of others who live in wealthy California zip codes associated with the film industry, will attend another Hollywood fundraiser this week hosted by the CEO of Sony Pictures, Tom Rothman, and his wife, Jill.
The fundraiser was confirmed by Puck News, which noted that the invite suggests a $10,000 donation to Brown's campaign for those who attend.
Several of the Hollywood elites who have forked over cash to support Brown include "The West Wing" creator Aaron Sorkin, comedian Will Ferrell, actor Jeff Bridges, actor Michael Douglas, actor Danny DeVito and actress Elizabeth Banks.
When Donald Trump won his first election in 2016, Sorkin lamented the day following his win that "the Klan won last night." Meanwhile, Bridges said he had to go through a "grieving process" after Trump's 2024 victory, while Douglas recently said at a film festival in Italy that he was "embarrassed" by the U.S. under Trump.
In a video announcing his intention to run to retake his lost Senate seat in 2026, Brown positioned himself as a fighter for the working class, while slamming billionaires and wealthy people.
"Everywhere you look, costs are too high for Ohio’s working families. While billionaires and corporations get record-high tax cuts, Ohioans can’t catch a break. I’m fighting back," Brown said in a Monday post on X.
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In October, Brown also touted in a press release how his campaign's third-quarter fundraising haul "was powered by an army of grassroots donors." However, Brown's Q3 fillings showed that 74% of his disclosed donations originated from out of state, with nearly 40% from liberal havens like California, New York, and the D.C., Maryland and Virginia region, according to The Ohio Press Network.
Brown lost his Senate seat to GOP challenger Bernie Moreno in 2024. His loss followed Brown's attendance at another big-money fundraiser in the Hollywood Hills that took place while Ohio residents were still reeling from the aftermath of a dangerous chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio.
If selected as the Democratic Party's candidate, Brown's likely GOP opponent would be Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, who was appointed to fill Vice President JD Vance's seat after he left for the White House. A 2026 special election will decide who will serve out the remainder of Vance's term, which lasts until 2029.
Fox News Digital reached out to representatives for Brown, but did not receive a comment in time for publication.
University of Oklahoma removes professor for alleged discrimination related to TA who gave Christian student 0
A University of Oklahoma professor is now facing disciplinary action in relation to a zero grade given to a Christian student in a recent essay.
Last week, the school confirmed that teaching assistant William "Mel" Curth, who uses she/they pronouns, had been removed from the classroom after flunking student Samantha Fulnecky on an essay wherein Fulnecky invoked her Christian beliefs and the Bible.
Now, an assistant teaching professor is accused of viewpoint discrimination stemming from a protest organized to advocate for Curth's return to the classroom.
The University of Oklahoma released a statement on social media on Friday evening confirming that a professor, whom it did not identify, offered excused absences to students who wished to join a protest in favor of Curth's reinstatement.
I'M A CONSERVATIVE STUDENT AND THE NO. 1 QUESTION I GET IS: 'HOW DO I SURVIVE LEFTIST PROFESSORS?'
Turning Point's chapter president, Kalib Magana, reportedly asked for an excused absence to participate in a counter-protest of the same event, according to the group's social media, which identified the professor as Kelli Alvarez. In a later interview with student newspaper OU Daily, Magana reportedly identified Alvarez as his English Composition II instructor.
Republican State Sen. Shane David Jett also said that Alvarez was responsible for the alleged discrimination.
But Alvarez denied Magana's request unless a "documented group [of counter-protesters] could be organized," Turning Point said on X.
"Kalib should not be marked absent for showing up as a counter-protester while those in favor are excused. That is discriminatory," the Turning Point post said. "The professor expected Kalib to organize an entire counter-protest with people confirming they would attend, instead of allowing him to show up on his own like everyone else. His freedom of speech and his ability to receive an excused absence were made dependent on others agreeing to participate in his counter-protest and share his beliefs. This is incredibly anti-free speech and discriminatory toward an opposing viewpoint."
The school responded to the allegation.
LOYOLA NEW ORLEANS STUDENT COURT OVERTURNS PREVIOUS DECISION BARRING TURNING POINT CHAPTER
"On Wednesday, a lecturer allegedly demonstrated viewpoint discrimination by excusing students who intended to miss class to attend a protest on campus, but not extending the same benefit to students who intended to miss class to express a counter-viewpoint," the University of Oklahoma said in a statement posted on social media.
A school director immediately responded to the situation and "told students in class today and by email that the lecturer’s actions were inappropriate and wrong, and that the university classroom exists to teach students how to think, not what to think."
"The Director further stated that any student, regardless of viewpoint, would be excused if absent from class today to attend the protest without penalty, and that the lecturer had been replaced, effective immediately, for the remainder of the semester," the school said, adding that it unequivocally supports the director's decision to remove the professor.
STUDENT SENATE REJECTS TURNING POINT USA CHAPTER RE-ESTABLISHMENT AT CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY
The professor was also placed on administrative leave, pending further investigation.
"Classroom instructors have a special obligation to ensure that the classroom is never used to grant preferential treatment based on personal political beliefs, nor to pressure students to adopt particular political or ideological views," the school's statement finished.
The University of Oklahoma declined to comment further. Alvarez did not respond to a request for comment.
In late November, Curth assessed Fulnecky, a junior at the school, a zero grade on an essay. The assignment was to read a scholarly paper that summarized a study regarding gender norms among middle schoolers and write a response.
Fulnecky responded in support of gender norms, citing the Bible. She said that God made men and women and that gender norms should not be considered "stereotypes."
"Society [is] pushing the lie that there are multiple genders and everyone should be whatever they want to be is demonic and severely harms American youth," the essay said. "I do not want kids to be teased or bullied in school. However, pushing the lie that everyone has their own truth and everyone can do whatever they want and be whoever they want is not biblical whatsoever."
TPUSA URGES TRUMP ADMIN TO 'PULL EVERY LEVER AT ITS DISPOSAL' TO OVERHAUL HIGHER EDUCATION
Curth took offense to Fulnecky's essay, and gave her a zero out of 25.
The teaching assistant said the essay lacked empirical evidence, which was not a requirement in the grading rubric, which cited three criteria for grading.
"Does the paper show a clear tie-in to the assigned article?" was the first criterion, worth up to 10 out of the assignment's 25 total points.
"Does the paper present a thoughtful reaction or response to the article, rather than a summary?" was the second, also worth up to 10 points.
"Is the paper clearly written?" is the last criterion, worth up to five points.
"Please note that I am not deducting points because you have certain beliefs, but instead I am deducting point [sic] for you posting a reaction paper that does not answer the questions for this assignment, contradicts itself, heavily uses personal ideology over empirical evidence in a scientific class, and is at times offensive," Curth's response said.
YOUNG AMERICA'S FOUNDATION TABLE GETS TRASHED AT OSU BY PERSON WHO TELLS CONSERVATIVES TO ‘F--- OFF’
"You may personally disagree with this, but that doesn't change the fact that every major psychological, medical, pediatric, and psychiatric association in the United States acknowledges that, biologically and psychologically, sex and gender is neither binary nor fixed," Curth continued.
Fulnecky told Fox News Digital she believed the grade was punitive.
"I was asked to read an article and give my opinion on the article, and the article was about gender binary and mental health and gender stereotypes, specifically in children, because it's a lifespan development class," Fulnecky, who was shocked by the zero grade, told Fox News Digital. "So I was asked to give my opinion and my reaction to the paper."
"So I did this assignment the same as I would any other in that class, gave my opinion on gender binary and gender stereotypes and that, naturally my views are from the Bible and my Christian kind of worldview," she said. "And so that's what I wrote about and I didn't think anything of it."
Curth is currently on administrative leave.
Minnesota fraud scheme unearths millions in luxury property, cars: DOJ
President Donald Trump and his Republican allies in Congress have launched new investigations into Minnesota's massive "Feeding Our Future" fraud case, pressing federal agencies to recover stolen taxpayer dollars and pursue additional enforcement actions, including a new Treasury Department probe.
Republicans say the renewed investigations are necessary because, despite dozens of convictions, federal officials are still working to recover only a fraction of the stolen money — a process that has uncovered high-end vehicles, luxury homes, designer goods and large amounts of cash tied to the scheme. Meanwhile, city officials in Minneapolis are bracing for an influx of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents after the agency announced plans for a new operation in the state.
At issue is a $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a children's nutrition program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and overseen by the state of Minnesota during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the stated goal of providing food to school-aged children.
The scheme exploited the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to waive many of its standard requirements for the Federal Child Nutrition Program during the pandemic, including relaxing its requirement for non-school-based distributors to participate in the program.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT MINNESOTA’S ‘FEEDING OUR FUTURE’ FRAUD AT THE CENTER OF TRUMP’S LATEST CRACKDOWN
Conspirators charged in the scheme falsely claimed to have served millions of meals to children during the pandemic, but instead used the money for personal gain, according to federal authorities. They are also accused of fabricating invoices, submitting fake attendance records and falsely distributing thousands of meals from hundreds of so-called food distribution "sites" across the state.
At least 77 individuals in Minnesota have been indicted as part of the fraud scheme, as Fox News Digital previously reported, and it is believed to be the largest pandemic-era scheme in U.S. history.
Trial testimony and photos previously introduced as evidence in the case showed wads of more than $64,000 in cash, gold jewelry purchased in Dubai and four vehicles, including a brand-new Tesla and a Porsche, seized from one defendant’s home and cars, along with financial records for a $1.1 million Prior Lake property that he bought to build a custom 8,000-square-foot lake house, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported at the time of the trial.
But the effort to recover at least a portion of the stolen funds has proved to be a bit slower-going. To date, federal officials have recovered an estimated $60 million in funding that was stolen as part of the "Feeding Our Futures" scheme, according to estimates provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office in the state — less than half of the $250 million in stolen funds.
The slow recovery effort is not for lack of trying. Last month, a federal judge in the state ordered one defendant to pay $48 million in restitution funds, in addition to a 10-year prison sentence he received as part of his role in the sprawling fraud effort.
PATEL TOUTS FBI'S DOZENS OF CONVICTIONS IN $250 MILLION MINNESOTA COVID SCAM
Other individuals convicted have also been ordered to refund the government millions of dollars to recoup the stolen taxpayer funds.
Still, the process can be complex and difficult. That's because recovering the stolen funds often involves tracing them to how they were spent — including U.S. properties and vehicles, and then seizing those items for forfeiture — which can contribute to the delay.
In some cases, individuals who were convicted of the crimes actually have family members still living in the homes they are accused of purchasing with the stolen funds.
Others have funneled money abroad into shell corporations, while at least some others appear to have spent the money to pay down their own credit card bills, or otherwise fund their "lavish lifestyles," according to information provided by the Justice Department.
In the case of Abdimajid Mohamed Nur — the defendant who was ordered to pay $48 million in restitution — the stolen funds were sent to a shell company. Nur is estimated to have spent the bulk of the $900,000 in fraud proceeds through his shell company, using that money to buy new vehicles, take a honeymoon to the Maldives and purchase jewelry.
FBI Director Kash Patel described the scheme in July as "one of the worst" in Minnesota history.
"These individuals misappropriated hundreds of millions in federal funds intended to nourish vulnerable children during a time of crisis, redirecting those resources into luxury homes, high-end vehicles and extravagant lifestyles while families faced hardship," he said.
TRUMP, STATES BACK IN COURT OVER SNAP AS BENEFITS REMAIN IN LEGAL LIMBO
Charging documents show that roughly 300 "food sites" in the state served little or no food, with the so-called food vendors and organizations fabricated to launder money intended to reimburse the cost of feeding children.
Senior FBI officials told Fox News that the investigation and resulting trials and indictments continue to impact the state and have already touched off legislative reform in Minnesota.
They added that the investigation into the fraud remains ongoing, and that additional charges were expected.
"Stealing from the federal government equates to stealing from the American people — there is no simpler truth," FBI's special agent in charge, Alvin Winston, told Fox News Digital in a statement at the time.
NFL fans clamor for Colin Kaepernick to get another chance as Colts' quarterback situation spirals
Colin Kaepernick has not played a down of football since the 2016 season with the San Francisco 49ers, but it didn’t stop some NFL fans from clamoring for his return to the gridiron.
Reports indicated Monday that Philip Rivers was going to work out for the Indianapolis Colts as the AFC South team’s season spirals out of control with all three of their quarterbacks hurt. Rivers played the 2020 season with the Colts and retired after that. He recently turned 44 and became a grandfather.
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NFL fans suggested on social media that the Colts should give Kaepernick a look despite the quarterback being out of the league for nearly 10 years.
He has still held out hope that he would get another NFL shot, and his girlfriend made it clear as recently as August.
"All day, every day," Nessa Diab told TMZ Sports over the weekend. "Nothing’s changed."
She added that "of course" he still wants to play.
"It’s all up to the teams if they’ll let him," she said.
Kaepernick, 38, last suited up for the during the 2016 season when he created a firestorm protesting racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem. He was 17-of-22 for 215 yards and a touchdown in his last NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Since then, teams have not been interested in Kaepernick enough to bring him onto their roster – even in training camp.
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Kaepernick has also built up his social activist platform through Know Your Rights Camp and Kaepernick Publishing. He has compared the NFL Draft to a slave auction, called for the abolition of law enforcement and suggested the NFL has not taken meaningful steps to address social injustices.
Late last year, he admitted to NPR that he misses football and was still training in case a team called.
"I will forever miss it," he told the outlet at the time while promoting his new children’s book "We Are Free You & Me." "And I continue to train for it.
"At the end of the day, I don't want to be in a position where I look back and have to question whether or not I gave it my all to try to pursue that. I will make sure that the reason I'm not playing is not because of my work ethic or commitment, but because I was held out of it."
Kaepernick told Sky Sports he still believed he could lead a team to a Super Bowl.
"We're still training, still pushing," he said. "So hopefully. We've just got to get one of these team owners to open up.
"It's something I've trained my whole life for, so to be able to step back on the field, I think that would be a major moment, a major accomplishment for me. I think I could bring a lot to a team and help them win a championship."
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Hot debate about 'nightmare' plane passenger erupts after man brews espresso at 35,000 feet
A flyer has been drawing attention online after making a fresh cup of espresso during a commercial flight — prompting mixed and in some cases heated reactions from viewers on social media.
A TikTok video posted by user Ozan Cetinkaya shows the traveler grinding his own espresso beans and using a handheld, app-connected brewing device while seated next to the window.
The post, as of late Monday, garnered nearly 2 million views. It shows a freshly brewed shot of espresso going into a mug mid-flight at 35,000 feet.
Commenters quickly weighed in, with some questioning a person's decision to prepare coffee while in the air.
"My seat neighbor nightmare," one user commented.
Said another, "Being insufferable at 35,000 feet."
Another commenter joked, "Next time I fly, I’ll bring my portable BBQ and grill up some steaks."
Several users also questioned the person's need for the device, noting that airlines already provide coffee onboard — and that the person could wait for his beverage of choice until after landing.
Others came to his defense, however — pointing out that many travelers avoid airplane coffee because they don’t like the taste.
Some viewers raised questions about whether devices that use heat or electrical components are allowed on commercial flights, as airlines typically expect passengers to keep personal items stowed and avoid bringing equipment that could disrupt the cabin.
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Many were also unsure how the portable machine made it through airport security.
The video has sparked a wider discussion about in-flight etiquette — with some travelers expressing concerns about strong smells, potential spills and the use of personal appliances in tight cabin spaces.
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Others argued that as long as devices meet airline safety rules and do not interfere with fellow passengers, travelers should be free to prepare their own beverages.
Former flight attendant and Florida-based etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore told Fox News Digital recently that flying was once a luxury experience.
"Passengers dressed in their Sunday best," she said. "Flight attendants served real food on real plates."
She said that "now, flying is about getting from point A to B. Budgets are tight and air travel is about quantity, not quality. More seats were added, and meals were cut. Personal space is now at a premium."
Whitmore added, "Many passengers lack civility and common courtesy. Some treat the cabin crew like servants. Passengers eat whatever they want — regardless of whether it smells or not."
Regarding the espresso-brewing incident aboard a flight, she had strong feelings.
"I watched the video of the man making espresso on a flight," she said.
"I see nothing wrong with this as long as the passenger isn’t hurting, offending or disturbing others around him."
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She added, "He isn’t violating any inflight regulations. Many people bring their own food and beverages on board. This isn’t any different than bringing your own ingredients and making a sandwich at your seat."
Whitmore continued, "If he had not recorded this video, no one (except maybe his seatmates) would have known he was making espresso."
Fox News Digital reached out to the TikToker about his viral video.
5 tech terms every smartphone user should know
Technology shouldn't feel confusing or intimidating, especially when most of us are just trying to use our phones to stay connected, stay informed and stay safe.
The problem is that modern devices throw around terms that sound complicated, even when the concepts are actually pretty simple. Understanding just a few of these everyday phrases can make a huge difference in how confidently you use your phone.
Here are five key phone terms you'll often see, along with what they really mean.
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HOW TO HELP OLDER RELATIVES WITH TECH OVER THE HOLIDAYS
This refers to what an app is allowed to do when you're not actively using it. Some apps continue running behind the scenes, checking your location, refreshing content or connecting to the internet, even after you've closed them.
Why it matters: If an app has background permission, it may: Use more battery, use more data, track your location or run when you're not using it.
Examples:
Where to check this on your phone:
On iPhone:
On Android:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
Adjust each app's level of access to Allow only while using the app, Ask every time or Deny, depending on what it actually needs to function.
Your phone remembers Wi-Fi networks you've connected to before, like stores, gyms, hotels, airports or even an old home router and reconnects automatically whenever it detects them again. The problem is that scammers can create look-alike networks with the same name, tricking your phone into joining without you noticing.
Why it matters: Auto-join saves data and speeds things up, but it also removes your control. Your phone could quietly connect to networks you no longer trust or to fake hotspots designed to steal logins, read unencrypted traffic or inject malicious content. Turning off auto-join for places you don't use often keeps you safer from these silent, high-risk connections.
Examples:
On iPhone:
On Android:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
FIND A LOST PHONE THAT IS OFF OR DEAD
These are the pop-up alerts or banners you get from apps, even when those apps are closed. Some notifications are helpful (messages, alerts, reminders). Others just bombard you with ads or updates you don't need.
Why it matters: Push notifications can keep you informed, but they also distract you, drain your battery, expose personal details on your lock screen and give apps a way to pull you back in with constant ads or engagement tactics. Managing them reduces noise and limits how much access apps have to your attention and data.
Examples:
On iPhone:
On Android:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
These are small software updates designed specifically to fix vulnerabilities that scammers or hackers could exploit. They don't add new features; they close holes. Skipping security updates leaves your device exposed. They run quickly, often in the background and keep your phone protected from the latest threats.
Why it matters: Security updates patch weaknesses before attackers can use them, and delaying them gives hackers more time to target your device. Installing them promptly helps block malware, stop data theft and keep your phone safe from new exploits that emerge every month.
Examples:
Patches that fix a flaw in your browser
Updates that stop malware from working
Protection against new phishing techniques
On iPhone
On Android
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
Click Install now or Schedule install
This is when apps update their content even when you're not using them, refreshing news, updating emails, pulling in notifications or syncing data. It keeps apps "fresh," but also drains more battery and uses more mobile data.
Why it matters: Background App Refresh can quietly drain your battery, use mobile data and let apps run more often than they need to. Limiting it gives you more control over what apps do behind the scenes and reduces unnecessary tracking, resource use and surprise data charges.
Examples:
On iPhone
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On Android
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com.
Tech terms don't have to feel like a foreign language. Background permissions help you keep apps from accessing too much information. Auto-join networks show how your phone reconnects to Wi-Fi without asking. Push notifications explain why your phone keeps buzzing. Security updates keep your device protected from new threats. And App Refresh reveals why your battery might drain faster than you expect. Understanding these basics makes your phone safer, faster and easier to use.
What terms still confuse you? Send your questions to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Trump dismisses calls for Alito, Thomas to step down from Supreme Court, calling them ‘fantastic'
President Donald Trump pushed back on calls for Supreme Court Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas to step down, calling them both "fantastic."
Trump made the remark to Politico this week as the outlet reported that some members of the Republican Party are hoping the court's two oldest conservatives consider stepping down before the midterm elections. That would enable Trump to nominate conservatives to take their place while the Republican Party is still guaranteed control of the Senate.
"I hope they stay," Trump said, adding, "'Cause I think they’re fantastic."
Alito, 75, has no plans to retire from the Supreme Court anytime soon, a source close to the justice told The Wall Street Journal in November 2024 after Trump was elected.
SCOTUS POISED TO SIDE WITH TRUMP ON FTC FIRING – A SHOWDOWN THAT COULD TOPPLE 90-YEAR PRECEDENT
"Despite what some people may think, this is a man who has never thought about this job from a political perspective," a person close to Alito said to the newspaper.
"The idea that he’s going to retire for political considerations is not consistent with who he is," this person added.
Alito was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2006 by President George W. Bush.
'THE VIEW' CO-HOST 'SCARED' OVER SOTOMAYOR RESPONSE ON TRUMP POTENTIALLY SEEKING A THIRD TERM
Thomas is 77 years old. He was appointed to the court by President George H.W. Bush in 1991.
Sonia Sotomayor, appointed by President Obama in 2009, is 71.
In 2022, a handful of House Democrats demanded that Thomas step down or be impeached because he would not recuse himself from cases related to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Investigators on the Jan. 6 select committee revealed that the justice's wife, Ginni Thomas, sent text messages to then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows urging him to challenge Donald Trump's 2020 election loss.
Fox News Digital's Breanne Deppisch and Chris Pandolfo contributed to this report.
Liberal podcaster labels widow Erika Kirk a 'grifter' who should be 'kicked to the curb'
Liberal podcast host Jennifer Welch of the "I’ve Had It" podcast condemned the widow of slain TPUSA co-founder Charlie Kirk on Sunday, arguing she is cynically betraying her fellow women.
Welch condemned Erika Kirk for an interview she did last week with The New York Times at the DealBook summit in Manhattan. During the summit, Kirk spoke about the popularity of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, noting, "What I don’t want to have happen is young women in the city look to the government as a solution to put off having a family or a marriage because you’re relying on the government to support you."
Welch fumed at Kirk’s appearance, arguing that it shows hypocritical duality in that she can dress one way for MAGA and another way for New Yorkers, all while pushing conservatism as she benefits from the rights earned by the suffragettes.
HAMLINE UNIVERSITY STUDENT BRAGS ON VIDEO THAT HE CELEBRATED CHARLIE KIRK'S ASSASSINATION
"You actually allow yourself to be afforded all of the luxuries of all of the civil rights fights that the suffragettes and other women fought for you to be able to be a full-time working mother, to be the CEO of a company," the host said. "You just weaponize your gender to rubes so that you can grift off of them."
She suggested Kirk changed her outfit for the Times interview in order to be "taken seriously."
The podcaster has a history of condemning White people and Christians, and argued that Erika Kirk is a disgrace to her own cause.
"You are an opportunistic grifter who weaponizes your gender to demean women, and you are a walking, talking, breathing example as to why nobody, number one, wants to be a Christian, and, number two, wants to be a female hypocrite such as yourself," Welch said. "Your language, your organization makes women less safe, all across the board. Your deceased husband was an unrepentant racist and a homophobe, and women are a lot more empathetic than you are, Erika."
"So this is intentional weaponization of her gender and her faith," she said. "She is a grifter, and just look at the costume changes. Look at the costume changes. Look at the affect, and how she does that. It's wild. This woman should be kicked to the curb. She is an absolute grifter just like Donald Trump, and just like her unrepentant racist homophobic husband was."
The podcast host has made numerous headlines for her incendiary rhetoric about conservatives, including her laughter and praise for an activist sharing her joy that Charlie Kirk was murdered.
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Fox News Digital reached out to TPUSA and the White House and did not receive immediate reply.
Jasmine Crockett says she doesn't need to convert Trump supporters in her Texas Senate bid
Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, said she wasn't trying to win over supporters of President Donald Trump during an interview on Monday, after she filed to run for U.S. Senate.
"How will you make voters who previously voted for Trump — particularly given that you have been an outspoken critic, and he has inserted himself? Just take your campaign video, as is. He has inserted himself at every turn when it comes to your commentary. How will you convert those who are supportive of him to voters for you?" CNN host Laura Coates asked Crockett.
"Yeah, I don‘t know that we’ll necessarily convert all of Trump‘s supporters. That’s not our goal," Crockett responded.
Crockett announced her campaign for a Texas Senate seat on Monday, in a launch video that featured her on camera along with an audio montage of Trump's criticisms of her.
TOP GOP SENATOR SAYS CROCKETT ANNOUNCEMENT EXPOSES HOW 'RADICAL' DEMS ARE NATIONWIDE
Coates asked Crockett if she needed to garner support from Trump voters.
"Our goal is to definitely talk to people. No, we don't, we don't need to. Our goal is to make sure that we can engage people that historically have not been talked to, because there's so many people that get ignored, specifically in the state of Texas. Listen, the state of Texas is 61% people of color. We have a lot of good folks that we can talk to," the lawmaker said.
She cited former Texas Congressman Beto O'Rourke, who ran for Senate against Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, in 2018, for president in 2020, and ran in Texas' gubernatorial election in 2022 — losing all three contests.
"We know that when Beto came really close — Beto, who is a progressive — we know that he got 65% of the Latino vote. So what did they do after that? They specifically went after Latinos. We know that he got close to 90%, or right there, at 90% of the African American vote. So honestly, what we need to do is start talking to the vast majority of Texas. I think my message is very much a mainstream message," Crockett said.
Crockett pointed to Trump previously calling affordability a "Democratic hoax."
"My message is real simple. I'm looking out for you, your survival and the survival of your kids, as it relates to affordability, being able to actually go and access healthcare, being able to send your child to school, being able to afford a roof over your head," she said.
"If that's not what Trump supporters want, then fine. Then they absolutely won't listen to me. But I'm here for the everyday person. The person that's not the billionaire on the list that Trump has decided to take care of. But the people that he left sitting out in the cold, just like he did when he decided to be sworn in, and he decided that inauguration day, he would have it inside, while so many of his loyal supporters were outside," Crockett added.
The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
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Crockett was criticized by conservatives after launching her bid on Monday.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott posted on X that he is "looking forward to watching the circus — and KEEPING the US Senate seat red."
"Jasmine Crockett about to learn the hard way that most Texans are very different from her district, her base & her values. She’ll be pummeled for her progressive socialist agenda & get crushed by the Republican nominee for Senate. The Texas political cemetery is filled with blow hards like her who have no idea what it’s like to run statewide," the governor said.
Democrats haven't won a U.S. Senate race in Texas since 1988.