Fox News Latest Headlines
Millions lose power across Cuba as Trump sanctions continue to fuel ongoing energy crisis
A large-scale blackout struck western Cuba on Wednesday, leaving millions without power in the latest outage to hit the island as it grapples with dwindling oil supplies due to sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump.
The U.S. Embassy in Cuba said that at approximately 12:41 p.m., there was a "disconnection of the national electrical grid resulting in a complete power outage" stretching from Camagüey to Pinar del Río, including the greater Havana metropolitan area.
"Cuba’s national electrical grid is increasingly unstable and prolonged scheduled and unscheduled power outages are a daily occurrence across the country to include Havana," the embassy said.
"Outages affect water supply, lighting, refrigeration, and communications. Take precautions by conserving fuel, water, food, and mobile phone charge, and be prepared for significant disruption."
TRUMP ULTIMATUM TO CUBA: 'MAKE A DEAL, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE' OR FACE CONSEQUENCES
The incident was reportedly caused by an unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, located roughly 62 miles east of Havana.
Local reports indicate the island may need at least three days to restore operations, according to the Associated Press.
Vicente de la O Levy, the minister of Energy and Mines of Cuba, added that "We are working on the restoration of the SEN amid a complex energy situation."
At least one power plant, Felton 1, remains online, he said.
CUBA’S PRESIDENT DEFIANT, SAYS NO NEGOTIATIONS SCHEDULED AS TRUMP MOVES TO CHOKE OFF OIL LIFELINE
Reuters reported that, because Cuba is accustomed to frequent power outages caused by state-imposed energy rationing, some traffic lights and businesses remained operational thanks to solar panels or backup generators. Many residents have also installed solar panels on their homes and vehicles to maintain electricity amid soaring fuel prices, the outlet said.
Cuba has endured a string of widespread blackouts in recent years due to long-standing issues with its aging power infrastructure and chronic fuel shortages.
However, the situation worsened in January after a U.S. military operation captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and halted Venezuelan oil exports, effectively choking off Cuba's key source of fuel.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated in January that, despite the U.S. severing Havana’s energy lifeline, his administration would not negotiate with Washington to establish a new agreement.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Keith Olbermann under fire for calling Lou Holtz a 'scumbag' after legendary coach's death
Former ESPN broadcaster Keith Olbermann once again incited backlash on social media Wednesday after he called late legendary college football coach Lou Holtz a "legendary scumbag" in an X post on the day Holtz was announced dead.
"Legendary scumbag, yes," Olbermann wrote in response to a clip of Holtz criticizing former President Joe Biden in 2020 for supporting abortion rights.
Olbermann received scathing criticism in response to his post on X.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
"You’re a scumbag that needs mental help," one X user wrote to Olbermann.
One user echoed that sentiment, writing to Olbermann, "You're the real scumbag here. Lou Holtz had more class, integrity, and genuine decency in his pinky finger than you'll ever show in your lifetime."
Another user wrote, "You’re a grumpy, lonely, Godless man. All the things Lou Holtz was not."
Olbermann has made it a pattern of sharing politically charged far-left statements that are often combative and ridiculed on social media, typically resulting in immense backlash.
After the U.S. men's hockey team's gold medal win, Olbermann heavily criticized the team for accepting an invitation from President Trump to the State of the Union address. Olbermann wrote on X that any members of the men's team who attended the event were "declaring their indelible stupidity and misogyny," while praising the women's team for declining the invitation.
In January, Olbermann attacked former University of Kentucky women's swimmer Kaitlynn Wheeler for celebrating a women's rights rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court during oral arguments for two cases focused on the legality of biological male trans athletes in women's sports.
GOP LAWMAKERS MOURN LEGENDARY FOOTBALL COACH LOU HOLTZ
"It's still about you trying to find an excuse for a lifetime wasted trying to succeed in sports without talent," Olbermann wrote in response to Wheeler's post.
In 2025, Olbermann faced significant backlash after posting (and later deleting) a message on X aimed at CNN contributor Scott Jennings, that said, "You're next motherf-----," shortly after the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.
Holtz was a stern supporter of President Donald Trump, even saying in February 2024 that Trump needed to "coach America back to greatness!"
Near the end of Trump's first term, shortly after former President Joe Biden defeated him in the 2020 election, Trump awarded Holtz with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award of the United States.
After Holtz's death was announced Wednesday, several top GOP figures paid tribute to the coach on social media.
Those GOP lawmakers included senators Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala.; Todd Young, R-Ind.; Tom Cotton, R-Ark.; and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.; representatives Greg Murphy, R-N.C.; David Rouzer, R-N.C.; Erin Houchin, R-Ind.; and Steve Womack, R-Ark.; and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis; Indiana Gov. Mike Braun; U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon; and Rudy Giuliani.
At the time of publication, prominent Democrat leaders have appeared silent on Holtz's passing, including prominent Democrats with a football background.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who worked as an assistant high school football coach; Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., who was a recruiting target for Holtz in 1986 as a college prospect; Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, who played in the NFL; and Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Ill., who played football for the University of Illinois, have not posted acknowledging Holtz's death.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Rangers unveil statue at home ballpark, reigniting historical context debate
Fans attending the Texas Rangers’ home opening series against the Cincinnati Reds in early April will get their first look at the newly installed, permanent fixture in left field.
Billed as a tribute to the MLB franchise’s namesake, the Rangers unveiled the "One Riot, One Ranger" statue along the left-field concourse at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Monday.
In 2020, the statue was removed from Dallas Love Field amid heightened racial tensions and the group’s complicated history tied to race relations.
The book "Cult of Glory: The Bold and Brutal History of the Texas Rangers" examined parts of the law enforcement unit’s past. Its publication coincided with nationwide scrutiny of some police practices after the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
In an Associated Press account about six years ago, around the time the statue was pulled from the airport, "Cult of Glory" identified the figure as Capt. Jay Banks. The book states that, in 1957, Banks led a group of Rangers believed to have blocked Black students from enrolling at a local high school and community college.
TEXAS RANGERS GIVING AWAY BLOOD-STAINED NOLAN RYAN JERSEYS
In the article, "Cult of Glory" author Doug Swanson said, "There’s a famous picture of him leaning against a tree in front of Mansfield High School while a black figure hangs in effigy above the school, with Banks making no effort to take it down.
"And Banks sided with the mobs who were there to keep the black kids out. So, he was the face of that."
Russell Molina, a board member of the Texas Ranger Association Foundation, acknowledged the Rangers’ controversial past but said those who lived "up to the ideal" deserve recognition and argued the statue was not solely meant to represent Banks.
"We recognize that the history of the Texas Rangers, like that of our state and nation, includes moments that must be confronted honestly," Molina said. "While not everyone who has served across more than two centuries lived up to the ideal, most did, and they deserve to be remembered for their service, sacrifice and commitment to the people of Texas."
Swanson told The Dallas Morning News he hoped the statue's latest placement would include more context about the organization's complex past.
Fox News Digital contacted the baseball franchise's media relations department but did not immediately receive a response.
According to Globe Life Field's official website, "While the ‘One Riot, One Ranger’ statue commemorates the legend surrounding the agency’s involvement in the stoppage of an unsanctioned Dallas prize fight in 1896, it also stands as a tribute to all who have served the organization over its storied history."
Statues of former MLB stars Iván Rodríguez, Adrián Beltré and Nolan Ryan also stand at the Rangers’ retractable-roof stadium.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Second suspect arrested after NYC snowball fight sends 2 police officers to hospital
A second person was arrested Wednesday in connection with last week’s chaotic snowball fight in Washington Square Park, during which multiple police officers were struck and injured by flying snowballs, police reportedly said.
Eric Wilson Jr., 18, was charged with misdemeanor obstructing government administration and harassment, the New York Police Department (NYPD) said, Fox 5 New York reported. Wilson turned himself in Wednesday morning, according to the New York Post.
"This second arrest sends an important message," Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association (PBA), said. "These shameful attacks on our police officers last week were serious. It wasn't a game. It didn't end when the snow melted. This was a vicious attack on our police officers and, our police officers, it had consequences on them."
The snowball fight erupted last Monday as an organized event promoted on social media. When NYPD officers reportedly arrived to contain the crowd, they were pelted with snowballs that allegedly contained rocks. Two officers went to the hospital for treatment of head and facial injuries, the PBA said.
NFL REPORTER CRITICIZES MAMDANI'S DOWNPLAY OF SNOWBALL ATTACK ON NYPD OFFICERS
Following the incident, authorities released images of four individuals and made their first arrest three days later.
Gusmane Coulibaly, 27, was the first suspect taken into custody and was initially charged with felony assault on a police officer.
However, prosecutors declined to pursue a felony assault charge, saying there was no proof the officers’ injuries were directly caused by Coulibaly, Fox 5 reported. His charges were reduced to misdemeanor obstruction of government administration and harassment, the outlet said.
NYPD added that Coulibaly was arrested less than three weeks before the incident for an attempted robbery in the transit system.
Hendry claimed that the snowballs thrown contained ice and rocks, resulting in injuries to multiple officers.
"This was not just a ‘snowball fight.’ This was an assault — by adults throwing chunks of ice and rocks — that landed two police officers in the hospital with head and face injuries," Hendry previously said in a statement.
In a post on social media, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch added the participants involved should be punished for their "disgraceful" and "criminal" actions.
"I want to be very clear," Tisch said. "The behavior depicted is disgraceful, and it is criminal. Our detectives are investigating this matter."
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said that while police officers should be treated with respect, the individuals involved should not face charges.
"As the mayor has said, police officers deserve to be treated with respect," his spokesperson said. "The videos he saw showed a snowball fight that got out of hand. He does not believe this situation rises to the level of criminal charges."
On the other hand, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul struck a firmer tone, saying criminal charges appear to be appropriate.
"Our police officers put themselves in harm’s way every single day, and there is no circumstance where it’s OK to throw anything at a police officer," Hochul said, according to Fox 5.
Stealth bombers landing at UK bases 'in days' after Trump pressures Starmer: report
American stealth bombers are expected to land at U.K. military bases within days to join the U.S.-Israel campaign against Iran, according to reports.
Citing unnamed senior Western officials, The Telegraph reported Wednesday that air bases at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire are being readied for the arrival of B-2 Spirit stealth bombers — the $2 billion strategic bomber is also known as the world's most expensive aircraft.
The bombers are understood to be landing at the U.K. bases "in a matter of days" as Washington intensifies operations in the region, the outlet reported.
As previously reported by Fox News Digital, the U.S. military used stealth B-2 bombers to strike Iranian ballistic missile facilities Feb. 28 as part of the launch of Operation Epic Fury.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that B-2 stealth bombers, which were equipped with 2,000-pound bombs, struck Iranian "hardened" ballistic missile sites.
The U.S. was cleared to use British bases for limited strikes on Iran’s missile capabilities on Feb. 29 after Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed off on the plan, and while U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey stated Britain had "stepped up alongside the Americans."
Starmer said the authorization was granted to protect U.K. and U.S. allies as the conflict escalated. He had previously said he would not allow American forces to use U.K. bases for offensive operations in the region.
Tensions have since been heightened in the U.K. by security incidents in Cyprus. RAF Akrotiri, a key British military base on the island, was struck by a suspected drone on March 2, causing minor damage.
The unmanned aircraft was reported to resemble an Iranian-made Shahed drone, similar to models used by Russia in Ukraine and by Tehran’s regional proxies.
The Ministry of Defense said force-protection measures were at the "highest level" and that the base had taken steps to defend personnel. About 4,000 service members and their families are based at RAF Akrotiri.
The U.S. State Department raised its travel advisory for Cyprus to Level 3, urging Americans to reconsider travel because of the threat of armed conflict and limited consular assistance in parts of the country.
Non-emergency embassy staff and family members were authorized to leave. Officials said the advisory change reflected adjustments in embassy operations rather than a direct change in underlying risk.
Trump had called Britain "uncooperative" and slammed Starmer as "not Winston Churchill" after Starmer initially rebuffed a U.S. request to use U.K. bases to attack Iran, according to The Associated Press.
Trump has also condemned Britain’s agreement to hand over the Chagos Islands, home to the Diego Garcia base, to Mauritius.
British-Iranian actress asks 'where are the college campuses' protesting the Iranian regime
British-Iranian actress Nazanin Boniadi called out progressive activists for their lack of outrage over the regime's human rights violations before President Donald Trump conducted military strikes against the nation.
The "Rings of Power" actress appeared on CNN's "The Lead with Jake Tapper" Wednesday to discuss the ongoing war against Iran and concerns over the vacuum of leadership in the nation after the U.S. eliminated its leaders.
She agreed with concerns that an ISIS-level threat could take over the country but noted that several human rights activists and organizations did not acknowledge civilian deaths until after the U.S. targeted Iran.
KHAMENEI IS DEAD — AND IRANIANS DARE TO HOPE FOR FREEDOM AGAIN AFTER DECADES OF TYRANNY
"For people who care about international law as I do, I'm getting plenty of messages from colleagues in entertainment and saying, ‘I’m so sorry in this moment, what's happening to your people.' Thank you, but where were you a few weeks ago, when tens of thousands of Iranians were being killed by their own regime?" Boniadi said. "This is a regime that has been violating international law for decades."
Tapper remarked that he also hadn't "really heard a ton" from international progressive activists regarding Iran's human rights violations, even after the nation launched hundreds of missile and drone strikes against other Muslim-majority countries in retaliation.
"I mean, if any other country did that, I think there'd be a huge hue and cry and huge marches in the streets. Iran does it, and there really isn't that result in the progressive community. What do you make of that?" Tapper asked.
EXILED IRANIAN CROWN PRINCE SAYS US STRIKES MARK 'BEGINNING OF THE VERY END' FOR REGIME
"Look, in 1979, progressives world over, including in Iran, were all too willing to sacrifice women‘s rights, LGBTQ+ rights and every other basic human rights at the altar of anti-imperialism. Are we going to do the same in this moment? Are we really caring more about whose hands are on the trigger, or are we going to care about human lives, civilian lives?" Boniadi answered.
"This is a regime that has violated human rights," she continued. "International law has wreaked havoc on the region, domestic oppression, transnational repression, hostage diplomacy, destabilizing the region. And now, it's killing fellow Muslims in neighboring countries. Where is your outrage? Where are the college campuses?"
Boniadi, whose family fled Tehran for England following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has been a longtime supporter of Iranian protesters and has previously used her career to highlight atrocities conducted by the Iranian regime.
PETE HEGSETH CRITICIZES 'FAKE NEWS' COVERAGE OF IRAN STRIKES, SAYS ONLY TRAGEDIES MAKE FRONT PAGE
CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE
During the Academy Women's Luncheon in 2022, she appealed to several Oscar-winning Hollywood figures to show support for female protesters in Iran following the death of a 22-year-old after she was arrested for wearing her hijab too loosely.
"We owe it to our counterparts in Iran to stand with them as they fight for their most basic human rights," Boniadi said.
Top Trump ally Steve Daines exits Montana Senate race, plans to retire
Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., will not seek re-election, opting to leave the Senate just minutes before Wednesday’s filing deadline in the Treasure State, three sources confirmed to Fox News Digital.
Montana’s senior senator is serving his second term and was widely expected to secure a third in Big Sky Country, where President Donald Trump won by nearly 20 points in 2024. He previously served two terms in the House before making the leap to the upper chamber.
Daines played a key role during that election cycle as chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, helping Republicans regain a majority in the upper chamber. He also backed Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., in a grueling race against former Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, helping the GOP secure unified control of Washington.
TRUMP CABINET ALUM RYAN ZINKE JOINS MASS EXODUS OF LAWMAKERS LEAVING CONGRESS
The lawmaker said in a video statement that after "much careful thought, I've decided not to seek re-election."
He thanked his wife, Cindy, and noted that, for the last 13 years, she "has selflessly dropped me off at the airport at 5 a.m. on most Mondays for that commute back to D.C.
"And, together, Cindy and I look forward to the next chapter, like cherishing moments with seven grandchildren, spending a bit more time in Montana and continuing to make a difference."
With Daines set to leave the Senate, Republicans will now look to hold the seat. Montana’s primary election is scheduled for June 2.
REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS' EARLY RETIREMENT RUMORS SEND SHOCK WAVES THROUGH HOUSE GOP
Montana U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme filed just minutes before Daines withdrew from the race, according to the Montana secretary of state. Earlier Wednesday, former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar entered the race as an independent.
Trump wasted no time lauding Daines and swiftly backing Alme in a post on Truth Social.
"Steve Daines, of Montana, is one of our truly Great United States Senators," Trump said. "He honorably served for 12 years in the Senate, and 2 in the House of Representatives. He did a job like few others are capable of doing but, sadly for our Country, Steve’s Term is up, and he has decided to leave the Senate and, ‘pass the torch’ to Kurt Alme, my TRUMP 45 and TRUMP 47 U.S. Attorney."
OPERATION EPIC FURY SURVIVES SENATE CHALLENGE AS REPUBLICANS CLOSE RANKS BEHIND TRUMP
Three Democrats are also running on the opposite side of the primary field: Alani Bankhead, Reilly Neill and Michael Blackwolf.
A spokesperson for the Senate Democrats' campaign arm, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, told Fox News Digital in a statement that "Republicans' midterm prospects are so bleak in 2026 that yet another senator is running for the hills."
"Steve Daines is joining more and more of his colleagues in deciding to throw in the towel rather than defend their toxic record," it said. "This news is the latest flashing warning sign to all GOP senators: Your jobs are not safe, retire or lose."
Daines’ departure comes after Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., announced he plans to retire from the House.
Zinke cited several undisclosed surgeries stemming from injuries he suffered as a Navy SEAL.
"My judgment and experience tell me it is better for Montana and America to have full-time representation in Congress than run the risk of uncertain absence and missed votes," Zinke said.
His open primary has already attracted several Montana Republicans, including Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen and conservative radio host Aaron Flint, who swiftly earned the endorsements of Zinke and Trump.
GOP lawmakers mourn legendary football coach Lou Holtz
Prominent Republican congressional lawmakers and other high-ranking officials across the country shared their condolences after the death of legendary college football coach Lou Holtz Wednesday.
The GOP figures to speak out included senators Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala.; Todd Young, R-Ind.; Tom Cotton, R-Ark.; and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.; representatives Greg Murphy, R-N.C.; David Rouzer, R-N.C.; Erin Houchin, R-Ind.; and Steve Womack, R-Ark.; and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis; Indiana Gov. Mike Braun; U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon; and Rudy Giuliani.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
At the time of publication, prominent Democrat leaders have appeared silent on Holtz's passing, including prominent Democrats with a football background.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who worked as an assistant high school football coach; Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., who was a recruiting target for Holtz in 1986 as a college prospect; Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, who played in the NFL; and Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Ill., who played football for the University of Illinois, have not posted acknowledging Holtz's death.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Waltz, Booker, Allred and Buckner's offices for comment.
Lou Holtz, who spent 33 years leading teams, including the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, died Wednesday. He was 89.
The team released a statement from Holtz’s family, saying he died surrounded by family at his home in Orlando, Florida.
"Louis Leo ‘Lou’ Holtz, legendary college football coach, Hall of Famer, bestselling author, and one of America’s most influential motivational voices, has passed away at the age of 89 in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by family," the statement said.
"Born January 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia, Holtz rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected figures in college athletics.
"Over a remarkable five-decade career, he led college programs at William & Mary, N.C. State, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre Dame, and South Carolina. He transformed every team he inherited and captured the 1988 National Championship with the Fighting Irish. Holtz was preceded in death by his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Beth, with whom he shared a life grounded in faith, devotion, and service."
LOU HOLTZ'S SON SHARES HEALTH UPDATE AFTER COLLEGE FOOTBALL COACHING LEGEND ENTERS HOSPICE CARE
Holtz had reportedly entered hospice care in late January.
Holtz was the first coach in NCAA history to take six different football programs to bowl games, including William & Mary (1969-71), N.C. State (1972-75), Arkansas (1977-83) and South Carolina (1999-2004). The only team he wasn’t able to accomplish the feat with was Minnesota, which he led from 1984-85.
In recent years, Holtz has been a stern supporter of President Donald Trump, even saying in February 2024 that Trump needed to "coach America back to greatness!"
Near the end of Trump's first term, shortly after former President Joe Biden defeated him in the 2020 election, Trump awarded Holtz with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award of the United States.
"I will say this about Lou: Everybody loves him," Trump said during the ceremony in December 2020. "Everybody respects him. He’s tough as hell, and yet they all respect Lou. They just — it’s amazing. They love him, and they respect him. Sometimes, it’s a combination that doesn’t come together, you know? They respect, but you are — you are something. ‘I never coached football; I coached life,’ he said. And it’s true. His players really always loved him."
Holtz, who also spoke at the 2020 Republican National Convention, was humbled by the honor.
"It’s the highest honor or award you could possibly receive, and I receive it with mixed emotions. First of all, I’m humbled," Holtz told "Fox & Friends" afterward. "There are many more people far worthy than me, I can assure you.
"Nobody is more appreciative than me. So, I’m excited to have this opportunity and, at the same time, I’m excited to receive it from President Trump. The president I admire and respect. I think he did a tremendous job."
At the time, Holtz also called Trump "one of the great presidents of my lifetime."
Holtz finished his coaching career with a 249-132-7 record in 388 games. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
GOP senators tangle with Noem during heated hearing on her handling of deportation surge
Department of Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem faced heat from Republican senators during a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday, including criticism about her leadership during the Trump administration's deportation surge.
One GOP senator compared her past animal killings to decisions she has made as DHS secretary.
Outgoing Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., both got into testy exchanges with Noem Tuesday during a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversight hearing with lawmakers.
Tillis likened Noem's decisions as a farmer and dog owner to what he described as Noem's disastrous leadership amid Trump's border crackdown.
Kennedy got into a back-and-forth with Noem over her decision to describe Renee Good and Alex Pretti as domestic terrorists in the early days after they were killed and her subsequent reasoning for doing so.
"Those are bad decisions made in the heat of the moment. Not unlike what happened up in Minneapolis," Tillis said, comparing Noem's time as an animal owner to her leadership as Secretary of DHS.
Noem came under fire in the Spring of 2024 when reporting based on an advanced copy of her memoir, "No Going Back," described an incident of her killing her family dog Cricket and a separate incident during which she killed a goat. Noem explained that the dog had proven itself "untrainable" after several violent attacks and described the decision to eventually shoot the dog.
"I hated that dog," Noem recalled, according to The Guardian and other media reports that covered the pre-released copy of Noem's book at the time. "[Cricket was] dangerous to anyone she came in contact with.
"It was not a pleasant job," Noem added, "but it had to be done. And after it was over, I realized another unpleasant job needed to be done." Noem then went on to describe slaughtering the goat that she described as "nasty and mean," adding it smelled "disgusting, musky, rancid" and complained that it "loved to chase" her children.
The reporting on Noem's memoir prompted a group of lawmakers on Capitol Hill to start a Dog Lovers Caucus, and Noem's memoir excerpt led to criticism against her from animal rights groups and other critics.
"You decided to kill that dog because you would not invest in the appropriate time and training, and then you have the audacity to go into a book and say it's a leadership lesson about tough choices. It's in your book. We could play it if we had time," Thillis said during his heated comments about Noem's leadership, which also included criticism about her approach to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA).
"And you killed a goat because you said it was behaving badly. You are a farmer. You don't castrate a goat. They behave badly. You should have probably done that before, but my point is, those are bad decisions made in the heat of the moment. Not unlike what happened up in Minneapolis."
In addition to getting hounded by Tillis, Noem also got into a testy exchange with GOP Sen. Kennedy, who signaled concern over who she was taking direction from during her tenure running DHS.
'YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED!': PROTESTER DRAGGED FROM KRISTI NOEM'S SENATE HEARING
"At the time you said [what Renee Good and Alex Pretti engaged in] were acts of domestic terrorism," Kennedy told Noem, who said that was the initial assessment of what the pair's actions "appeared" to be. Noem attempted to interject that the assessment came at a time when there was a lot of information circulating about the Trump administration's deportation efforts in Minneapolis, but Kennedy stood firm and continued with his line of questioning.
"As I've said previously in this hearing is that …," Noem began before Kennedy cut her off.
"Did you say that? I think it's been widely reported. Did you say that?" he asked.
Noem continued to try and explain the reasoning for the domestic terrorism label,until Kennedy interjected.
"I think it's safe to say you got some pushback on that," Kennedy said, adding he did not want to make a judgment on the fairness of it but wanted to point it out.
"Yes," Noem agreed, before Kennedy got to the root of his question.
"What got my attention was that you blamed those statements on Mr. Stephen Miller at the White House, did you not?" he asked.
Noem fervently denied the accusation, arguing the claim was from an anonymous source that could not be trusted.
"Where you're seeing that is in a news article of anonymous sources, and anonymous sources say a lot of things, but I've never said that at all," Noem claimed.
Kennedy shot back that she "said on the record" that "everything I've done, I've done at the direction of the president and Stephen." Kennedy then provided an exact date on which Noem made the remark.
"Do you think it was fair to blame Mr. Miller for your words?" Kennedy asked.
Noem dismissed the question again and continued to contest the legitimacy of the claim she made such statements, adding she "did not" blame Miller for her decision to call Good and Pretti domestic terrorists.
"You're reading from a newspaper article with anonymous sources," she said.
"Are you denying that you said that?" Kennedy asked.
"Sir, I am not going to speak to that situation that is relayed on anonymous sources," Noem said again.
The report in question was a January article from Axios, which wrote that the "episode illustrates the confusion that gripped the administration after the Saturday shooting death of Minnesota protester Alex Pretti. And it shows the influence of Miller, Trump's close and longest-serving political adviser whose dominion in the White House far exceeds his title."
"They're quoting you on the record saying it's Stephen's fault," Kennedy replied before the committee chairman gaveled that the senator's time was up.
"Thank you," Kennedy said before another senator began to speak.
Fox News Digital reached out to DHS for comment on the testy exchanges Noem had during the hearing Tuesday but did not receive a response in time for publication.
Held at gunpoint at 9, Iranian refugee turned pastor now prays for Iran’s hour of freedom
An Iranian refugee held at gunpoint at school before fleeing Iran during the 1979 revolution is calling for hope, democracy and prayers for his homeland as the U.S. joins Israel in targeting Iran’s ruling clerical regime.
David Nasser, now an American pastor, spoke to Fox News Digital six days after Operation Epic Fury was launched in Iran, which reignited haunting memories for him and of the time when he was 9 years old.
"As a child, my family and I were forced to escape Iran and run for our lives," Nasser, President and CEO of David Nasser Outreach recalled.
EXILED IRANIAN CROWN PRINCE SAYS US STRIKES MARK 'BEGINNING OF THE VERY END' FOR REGIME
"We found safe harbor as refugees granted political asylum here in the United States," Nasser said, describing how his father had been a high-ranking officer in Iran’s military, meaning "his family became targets as the government collapsed."
"One of my most vivid memories of realizing that nothing was ever going to be the same again was at a school assembly on a military base — a soldier called out three names and mine was called first," he said.
"When I got to the front, the soldier dropped a piece of paper, took a gun out of his holster and put it to my head and quoted the Quran. He told me that he was sent to make an example out of me," Nasser added.
The principal intervened, but the message he relayed was unmistakable. Nasser recalled.
"They’re killing everybody who’s anybody. They’re trying to make an example out of people like our family, and they’re using fear," he remembered hearing at the time.
"That’s one of my first memories of the revolution, but really just being completely scared for my life."
Soon after, Nasser's family devised an escape plan. They would pretend Nasser’s mother needed emergency heart surgery in Switzerland and buy round-trip tickets to avoid raising suspicion.
"We bought round-trip airline tickets like we were going and coming back, but we weren’t coming back. We were running for our lives," he said.
KHAMENEI IS DEAD — AND IRANIANS DARE TO HOPE FOR FREEDOM AGAIN AFTER DECADES OF TYRANNY
At the airport, Nasser remembers gripping his father’s hand tightly and hearing words he will never forget.
"'If they find out we’re escaping, they’re going to kill us right here on the spot,' my father said as his hands shook, holding mine. The last time I was in Iran, I was a 9-year-old little boy running for my life," he said.
Now, watching events unfold in Iran from the safety of the U.S., Nasser said his heart remains with millions of desperate Iranians facing uncertainty.
"We see them — I see them, I hear them. My heart is beating really fast for them right now with hope and with prayers for their protection and their provision," Nasser said.
"Protection. I’m praying for protection for them. I want to be a part of the provision for them. If Iran transitions from a theocracy to a democracy, I want to help rebuild."
ISRAEL HAMMERS IRANIAN INTERNAL SECURITY COMMAND CENTERS TO OPEN DOOR TO UPRISING
"If this moment actually comes, and they go from a theocracy to a democracy, I want to be a part of the solution — for that 9-year-old little boy that I once was. I want to do this for him."
Beyond political change, Nasser, who is also teaching pastor at New Vision Baptist Church, said he takes solace in what he describes as spiritual transformation already underway, calling it "the fastest-growing church in the world right now or the underground church in Iran."
"We know there’s at minimum 4 million, at maximum 8 million Christians right now in Iran," he said.
"In Iran, if you convert from Islam to Christianity, that can be a death sentence. If they come into your home, and you’re gathering for Christian worship, they will take your home title, you will lose your home.
"They’re in prison. They’re being tortured. They’re being ridiculed. They’re being mocked.
"Above all, I came to America, and it was a land of opportunity. And I was given the gift of democracy. So, I would love to see democracy in Iran, where all the boys and girls are afforded what I was afforded when I managed to escape."