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Texas teachers' union sues state over investigation into controversial Charlie Kirk posts
The Texas American Federation of Teachers (AFT) announced on Tuesday that it plans to sue the Texas Education Agency (TEA) over what it called "unlawful investigations" into school officials over social media posts made about Charlie Kirk's assassination.
In September, Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath sent out a letter to state school superintendents announcing that he was launching investigations into school officials that he said "posted and/or shared reprehensible and inappropriate content on social media" regarding the Turning Point USA founder's death.
"Such posts could constitute a violation of the Educators' Code of Ethics and each instance will be thoroughly reviewed to determine whether sanctionable conduct has occurred and staff will investigate accordingly," Morath wrote. "While the exercise of free speech is a fundamental right we are all blessed to share, it does not give carte blanche authority to celebrate or sow violence against those that share different beliefs and perspectives."
TEXAS TECH STUDENT ARRESTED, EXPELLED AFTER VIDEO SHOWS HER 'MOCKING' CHARLIE KIRK VIGIL: OFFICIALS
The lawsuit alleges that since the letter was issued, several Texas AFT members have been placed on administrative leave, reprimanded or terminated over their social media posts, which the organization claims is a First Amendment violation.
"Somewhere and somehow, our state’s leaders lost their way," Texas AFT President Zeph Capo said in a statement. "A few well-placed Texas politicians and bureaucrats think it is good for their careers to trample on educators’ free speech rights. They decided scoring a few cheap points was worth the unfair discipline, the doxxing, and the death threats targeted at Texas teachers. Meanwhile, educators and their families are afraid that they’ll lose everything: their livelihoods, their reputations, and their very purpose for being, which is to impart critical thinking."
GREG ABBOTT MAKES MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT TURNING POINT USA IN TEXAS
National AFT President Randi Weingarten also released a statement condemning the TEA.
"Sadly, Texas officials, unlike their colleagues in Utah, decided to exploit the tragedy of Mr. Kirk’s senseless murder, rather than deescalate," Weingarten said. "Their actions are a transparent effort to smear and shame educators, divide our communities, and deny our kids opportunities to learn and thrive. They are a state-sponsored attack on teachers because of what they thought were private comments to friends and family. And even if we think some of this speech is noxious, defending one’s right to speak is the essence of our democracy."
She added, "You don’t lose your constitutional rights when you decide to become a teacher—the Constitution, for it to have any meaning at all, has to work for all Americans, not just some."
The AFT is seeking a permanent injunction of the TEA policy and investigations. The TEA declined to comment to Fox News Digital.
In the weeks following Kirk's assassination, several public school teachers across the nation were reprimanded or fired after going viral with controversial social media posts that appeared to celebrate his death.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott previously announced that more than 100 teachers in the state would have their teaching certifications suspended after investigators found they had called for or encouraged violence following Kirk’s assassination.
JD Vance announces multi-state fraud task force in wake of Minnesota scandal
Vice President JD Vance announced a new federal task force aimed at tackling fraud across the country on Thursday.
Vance says the Justice Department will feature a new associate attorney general position to address fraud, in addition to the 1,500 subpoenas and 100 indictments the DOJ has already sent out on the issue.
Vance says the administration hopes to announce a nominee to the position "within the next few days."
"This is the person that is going to make sure we stop defrauding the American people," Vance said.
NOEM ALLEGES WOMAN KILLED IN ICE SHOOTING 'STALKING AND IMPEDING' AGENTS ALL DAY
"We have activated a major Interagency task force to make it possible to get to the heart of this fraud," he continued. "We also want to expand this. We know that the fraud isn't just happening in Minneapolis. It's also happening in states like Ohio. It's happening in states like California."
Vance made the announcement alongside White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt at a Thursday briefing.
Prior to Vance's remarks, Leavitt reiterated the administration's rock-solid support for federal immigration officers operating across the country.
DEMOCRATS LOOK AT DEFUNDING ICE, IMPEACHING NOEM AFTER MINNEAPOLIS SHOOTING
Addressing the deadly officer-involved shooting in Minnesota on Wednesday, she blamed the incident on an "organized attack" by a "broader left-wing network" on federal officers operating in multiple states.
The statement echoed comments from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the victim, 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, tried to "weaponize her vehicle" and "attempted to run a law enforcement officer over."
Noem also accused Good of "stalking and impeding" federal agents all day. Noem told reporters that Good was instructed to get out of her car and stop "obstructing" law enforcement, but she did not comply.
The agency is labeling the incident as an act of "domestic terrorism."
On Thursday, in a separate post on X, Vance expanded on his defense of the officer's actions, slamming critics for engaging in "gaslighting." The post was made in response to comments from Jenin Younes, the national legal director for the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, who argued that the officer was not in danger and had time to get out of Good's way. Vance said Younes' arguments were "preposterous."
"The gaslighting is off the charts, and I'm having none of it. This guy was doing his job. She tried to stop him from doing his job. When he approached her car, she tried to hit him," Vance wrote. "A tragedy? Absolutely. But a tragedy that falls on this woman and all of the radicals who teach people that immigration is the one type of law that rioters are allowed to interfere with."
This is a developing story. Check back soon for updates.
Marco Rubio jokingly shuts down 'rumors' he is looking to become Dolphins next head coach
The Miami Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel on Thursday morning, but at least one person is off their list to fill the vacancy.
Shortly after the Dolphins' announcement, Sen. Marco Rubio joked that there were "online rumors" that he was a candidate for the team.
However, he shut those rumors down.
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"I do not normally respond to online rumors but feel the need to do so at this moment. I will not be a candidate for the currently vacant HC and GM positions with the Miami Dolphins," Rubio posted on X. "While you never know what the future may bring right now my focus must remain on global events and also the precious archives of the United States of America. Thank you."
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross announced the news, citing a need for "comprehensive change" after the team missed the playoffs for a second straight year with a 7-10 finish this season. They also fired general manager Chris Grier in October.
"After careful evaluation and extensive discussions since the season ended, I have made the decision that our organization is in need of comprehensive change," the statement read.
FROM MR IRRELEVANT TO GENERATIONAL WEALTH, BROCK PURDY WANTS TO USE HIS LIFESTYLE FOR GOOD
"I informed Mike McDaniel this morning that he has been relieved of his duties as head coach. I love Mike and want to thank him for his hard work, commitment, and the energy he brought to our organization. Mike is an incredibly creative football mind whose passion for the game and his players was evident every day. I wish him and his family the best moving forward."
McDaniel's firing marks the eighth coaching vacancy in the NFL this season.
The Dolphins made back-to-back playoff appearances in McDaniel’s first two seasons as head coach, but were eliminated both times in the first round. The following season, they were eliminated after suffering an unexpected loss to the New York Jets in the team’s season finale.
McDaniel’s final season in Miami was tumultuous, highlighted by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's struggles and his eventual benching in the final three games of the season.
Fox News' Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.
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Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension drops out of ICE-involved shooting investigation
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) announced Thursday that it has "reluctantly withdrawn" from the investigation into the shooting of a woman by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer.
The state investigative bureau said it was informed by the FBI that it would no longer have access to materials required for a "thorough and independent" review.
Minnesota BCA Superintendent Drew Evans issued a statement on Thursday morning saying on Wednesday, "after consultation with the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI, it was decided that the BCA Force Investigations Unit would conduct a joint investigation with the FBI" into the death of Renee Nicole Good during an ICE operation in south Minneapolis.
"Later that afternoon, the FBI informed the BCA that the U.S. Attorney’s Office had reversed course: the investigation would now be led solely by the FBI, and the BCA would no longer have access to the case materials, scene evidence or investigative interviews necessary to complete a thorough and independent investigation," Evans continued.
PHOTOS RELEASED OF RENEE NICOLE GOOD, THE US CITIZEN KILLED BY ICE IN MINNESOTA
"Without complete access to the evidence, witnesses and information collected, we cannot meet the investigative standards that Minnesota law and the public demands," he added. "As a result, the BCA has reluctantly withdrawn from the investigation. The BCA Force Investigations Unit was designed to ensure consistency, accountability and public confidence, none of which can be achieved without full cooperation and jurisdictional clarity."
Fox News Digital has reached out to the FBI for comment.
When asked about the matter on Thursday, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem told reporters in New York City, "I'd like to know where they've been and why they're not out on the streets investigating all of these people that are harassing and inciting violence on law enforcement officers right now."
"They're allowing the situation to be volatile," Noem also said. "They're not doing their work. They haven't for years. And maybe they should get to work a little bit on the unprecedented fraud that we've seen in Minnesota and in Minneapolis by people that stole from American citizens and diverted funds away from vulnerable people and programs and services that they needed and put it into their own pockets. Minnesota is a train wreck."
FAMILIAR PROTEST GROUPS MOBILIZE IMMEDIATELY AFTER ICE SHOOTING OF MINNESOTA PROTESTER
Evans also said Thursday, "We expect the FBI to conduct a thorough and complete investigation and that the full investigative file will be shared with the appropriate prosecutorial authorities at both the state and federal levels."
"The BCA remains fully committed to our partnerships to build public trust in use of deadly force investigations. If the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI were to reconsider this approach and express a willingness to resume a joint investigation, the BCA is prepared to reengage in support of our shared goal of public safety in Minnesota," he added.
The fatal shooting occurred during an ICE enforcement operation in south Minneapolis, according to DHS, which said agents were attempting to make arrests when Good tried to use her vehicle as a weapon against officers, prompting a federal agent to fire in self-defense.
Good was pronounced dead after being struck by gunfire. The agent involved has not been publicly identified, and the incident remains under investigation.
Fox News’ Patrick McGovern, Stepheny Price, Alexandra Koch and Bill Melugin contributed to this report.
Trump calls for $1.5T defense budget to build ‘dream military’
President Donald Trump called for defense spending to be raised to $1.5 trillion, a 50% increase over the current budget.
"After long and difficult negotiations with Senators, Congressmen, Secretaries, and other Political Representatives, I have determined that, for the Good of our Country, especially in these very troubled and dangerous times, our Military Budget for the year 2027 should not be $1 Trillion Dollars, but rather $1.5 Trillion Dollars," Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday evening.
"This will allow us to build the "Dream Military" that we have long been entitled to and, more importantly, that will keep us SAFE and SECURE, regardless of foe."
The president said he came up with the number after tariff revenues created a surplus of cash. He claimed the levies were bringing in enough money to pay for both a major boost to the defense budget "easily," pay down the national debt, which is more than $38 trillion, and offer "a substantial dividend to moderate income patriots."
SENATE SENDS $901B DEFENSE BILL TO TRUMP AFTER CLASHES OVER BOAT STRIKE, DC AIRSPACE
The boost likely reflects efforts to fund Trump’s ambitious military plans, from the Golden Dome homeland missile defense shield to a new ‘Trump class’ of battleships.
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget found that the increased budget would cost about $5 trillion from 2027 to 2035, or $5.7 trillion with interest. Tariff revenues, the group found, would cover about half the cost - $2.5 trillion or $3 trillion with interest.
The Supreme Court is expected to rule in a major case Friday that will determine the legality of Trump’s sweeping tariff strategy.
This year the defense budget is expected to breach $1 trillion for the first time thanks to a $150 billion reconciliation bill Congress passed to boost the expected $900 billion defense spending legislation for fiscal year 2026. Congress has yet to pass a full-year defense budget for 2026.
Some Republicans have long called for a major increase to defense spending to bring the topline total to 5% of GDP, as the $1.5 trillion budget would do, up from the current 3.5%.
Trump has ramped up pressure on Europe to increase its national security spending to 5% of GDP - 3.5% on core military requirements and 1.5% on defense-related areas like cybersecurity and critical infrastructure.
Trump’s budget announcement came hours after defense stocks took a dip when he condemned the performance rates of major defense contractors. In a separate Truth Social post he announced he would not allow defense firms to buy back their own stocks, offer large salaries to executives or issue dividends to shareholders.
"Executive Pay Packages in the Defense Industry are exorbitant and unjustifiable given how slowly these Companies are delivering vital Equipment to our Military, and our Allies," he said.
"Defense Companies are not producing our Great Military Equipment rapidly enough and, once produced, not maintaining it properly or quickly."
He said that executives would not be allowed to make above $5 million until they build new production plants.
Stock buybacks, dividends and executive compensation are generally governed by securities law, state corporate law and private contracts, and cannot be broadly restricted without congressional action.
An executive order the White House released Wednesday frames the restrictions as conditions on future defense contracts, rather than a blanket prohibition. The order directs the secretary of war to ensure that new contracts include provisions barring stock buybacks and corporate distributions during periods of underperformance, non-compliance or inadequate production, as determined by the Pentagon.
Trump blasts GOP war powers defectors, says they 'should never be elected to office again'
President Donald Trump unleashed his fury on a handful of Senate Republicans who rebelled against him on Thursday, demanding that they never be re-elected.
Five Senate Republicans broke ranks to support a bipartisan war powers resolution from Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., geared toward reining in Trump’s ability to pursue further military action in Venezuela.
It served as a rare rebuke from Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Todd Young, R-Ind., Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Rand Paul, R-Ky., in a Republican-controlled Senate that has largely accepted and advanced many of Trump’s legislative desires.
5 GOP SENATORS JOIN DEMOCRATS TO STOP TRUMP FROM POLICING VENEZUELA
Trump was not happy about it.
"Republicans should be ashamed of the Senators that just voted with Democrats in attempting to take away our Powers to fight and defend the United States of America," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
"Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, Josh Hawley, and Todd Young should never be elected to office again," he continued. "This Vote greatly hampers American Self Defense and National Security, impeding the President’s Authority as Commander in Chief."
KENNEDY SAYS MILITARY ACTION ON GREENLAND WOULD BE 'WEAPONS-GRADE STUPID' AS GOP RESISTS FORCE
Collins, in particular, faces a tough re-election challenge in Maine, where Senate Democrats got their prized candidate, Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, to jump into the race late last year.
The Republicans that voted for the resolution argued that while they supported Operation Absolute Resolve, the codename of the mission carried out to capture former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, they wanted Congress to have a say should any further military action take place.
That decision came in part after lawmakers received briefings throughout the week from top administration officials to explain what the next steps in the country would be.
"With Maduro rightfully captured, the circumstances have now changed," Collins said in a statement ahead of the vote. "While I support the operation to seize Nicolás Maduro, which was extraordinary in its precision and complexity, I do not support committing additional U.S. forces or entering into any long-term military involvement in Venezuela or Greenland without specific congressional authorization."
Trump rejected Congress’ war powers authority, calling the War Powers Act "unconstitutional, totally violating Article II of the Constitution, as all Presidents, and their Departments of Justice, have determined before me."
"Nevertheless, a more important Senate Vote will be taking place next week on this very subject," he said.
Jillian Michaels exposes how America’s food system has been stacked against consumers in Fox Nation special
More than 170 million Americans are overweight or obese, chronic disease is exploding, and it's no accident someone is making billions off it, reality fitness guru Jillian Michaels said Thursday.
"The ultimate rebellion is taking agency. At the end of the day, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," she said while discussing her new Fox Nation special, "Toxic: America’s Food Crisis," on "Fox & Friends."
In the special, Michaels takes aim at a food and health system she says is stacked against everyday Americans, posing a blunt question: How do you fight Big Pharma when sickness is good for business?
The answer starts with a government that works for the people instead of industries that profit when Americans stay sick, she said.
AGRICULTURE IS THE ANSWER TO AMERICA’S JUNK FOOD CRISIS
"People think, ‘I want less government,’ but what they don't appreciate is that Big Pharma doesn't want less government. They lobby your politicians to make them work on their behalf. The sicker we are, the more money they make," she told co-host Ainsley Earhardt.
"We need the government working on our behalf to remove all of this junk, to lower drug prices when we do need these medications, to help us not get as sick by giving us healthier food in a way that's more affordable and more accessible."
Michaels' "Fox & Friends" appearance came on the heels of the Trump administration's historic reset of U.S. nutrition policy, an inverted pyramid which prioritized real foods chock-full of protein and healthy fats over grains and simple carbohydrates to battle systemic diseases.
MOBILE TEACHING KITCHENS ROLL OUT IN WEST VIRGINIA TO FIGHT STATE'S HIGH OBESITY RATE
FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said Thursday that the overhaul challenges the longstanding "dogma" that providing low-fat dairy options is beneficial for children, telling Fox News that guidelines for protein increased by 50 to 100 percent, making it the priority macronutrient.
Michaels explained that government guidelines inform public school and military nutrition in addition to education about what is best to eat.
The administration's focus on whole foods – and the pivot away from ultra-processed foods – means greater access to healthier options for America's most vulnerable, she added.
"[The system] is rigged against us, but by taking agency ourselves and having a little help from HHS, we can get there."
Michaels has echoed concerns from the MAHA movement, calling out the American food system and its benefactors, who she alleges are exposing the public to harmful chemicals that could be driving the health crisis.
To learn more about the food-illness relationship, subscribe to Fox Nation and begin streaming "Toxic: America’s Food Crisis."
Federal judge disqualifies US attorney, tosses subpoenas targeting NY AG Letitia James
A federal judge on Thursday disqualified a U.S. attorney in upstate New York and tossed out subpoenas he issued to state Attorney General Letitia James.
In a 24-page ruling, Judge Lorna Schofield, an Obama appointee, ruled that John Sarcone has been unlawfully serving as the acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York.
"When the Executive branch of government skirts restraints put in place by Congress and then uses that power to subject political adversaries to criminal investigations, it acts without lawful authority," Schofield wrote.
FEDERAL JUDGE DISQUALIFIES ACTING NEVADA US ATTORNEY FROM HANDLING CASES
"The subpoenas are unenforceable due to a threshold defect: Mr. Sarcone was not lawfully serving as Acting U.S. Attorney when the subpoenas were issued," the judge wrote.
James challenged Sarcone’s authority after he issued subpoenas seeking information about lawsuits she filed against President Donald Trump. She claimed he had committed fraud in his business dealings, and separately against the National Rifle Association and some of its former leaders, The Associated Press reported.
James has claimed that the subpoenas were part of a campaign over her investigations into Trump allies.
"This decision is an important win for the rule of law and we will continue to defend our office’s successful litigation from this administration’s political attacks," a spokesperson for James' office told Fox News Digital.
Fox News Digital has reached out to James and the Justice Department on the judge's subpoena decision.
MIKE DAVIS: WHY SCOTUS MUST REINSTATE TRUMP US ATTORNEYS ALINA HABA AND LINDSEY HALLIGAN
The DOJ contends that Sarcone was properly appointed and that his subpoenas were valid.
Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Sarcone an interim U.S. attorney for 120, but "expired, this District’s judges declined to use their statutory authority to extend his tenure," the judge wrote.
"On the same day that the judges declined to extend Mr. Sarcone’s appointment, the Department took coordinated steps -- through personnel moves and shifting titles -- to install Mr. Sarcone as Acting U.S. Attorney. Federal law does not permit such a workaround," the ruling states.
Federal judges have also disqualified prosecutors in Nevada, the Los Angeles area and Virginia.
Lindsey Halligan's dismissal as Virginia's top federal prosecutor resulted in the tossing of indictments against James and former FBI Director James Comey.
On Tuesday, a federal judge ordered Halligan to explain why she continues to call herself the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia despite another judge in November determining that she was unlawfully appointed to the role.
Minneapolis ICE shooting agitators set up camp, barricade roads as schools, businesses close in city on edge
MINNEAPOLIS – School was canceled for about 30,000 students and several businesses decided to temporarily close after a woman was shot and killed by an ICE agent on Wednesday as Minneapolis braces for more protests. Authorities say the woman attempted to run over federal officers during a targeted enforcement operation.
The shooting happened during an ICE enforcement operation in south Minneapolis on Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said. According to DHS, agents were trying to make arrests when Good allegedly tried using her vehicle as a weapon, which the agency says prompted a federal agent to fire shots in self-defense.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said during a news conference that the woman, identified as Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, had been "stalking and impeding agents" and was instructed to get out of her car just before the shooting, but did not comply.
Good was pronounced dead shortly after. On Wednesday, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly disagreed with DHS's assessment of the shooting as self-defense, calling it "bull----."
WHO IS JACOB FREY? MEET THE DEM MAYOR WHO TOLD ICE TO 'GET THE F--- OUT' OF HIS CITY
At the location where Wednesday's shooting happened, protesters have blocked off the street using shipping pallets, trash cans, e-scooters, tires and more.
Hundreds of protesters also gathered outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis to rally against ICE and the shooting of Good. At least four people appeared to be detained by federal authorities.
Chants of "shame" and "go home" could be heard, directed at the officers.
As protests began across the city, the Minneapolis Public School District announced it would be closing and no school would be in session due to "safety concerns."
NOEM ALLEGES WOMAN KILLED IN ICE SHOOTING 'STALKING AND IMPEDING' AGENTS ALL DAY
"Out of an abundance of caution, there will be no school on Thursday, Jan. 8 and Friday, Jan. 9 due to safety concerns related to today’s incidents around the city. All MPS-sponsored programs, activities, athletics and Community Education classes, including adult education, will be canceled. The district will not move to e-learning because that is only allowable for severe weather," the school district announced.
Several local businesses in Minneapolis opted to temporarily close their doors as well.
DEMOCRATS LOOK AT DEFUNDING ICE, IMPEACHING NOEM AFTER MINNEAPOLIS SHOOTING
La Loma Tamales, located about five minutes away from where the shooting happened, announced in a Facebook post Wednesday that, "We will be closed until further notice for the safety of our customers and our team."
Francis Burger Joint in Minneapolis closed its East Lake location on Wednesday night "In solidarity with our community."
"We are horrified at the events that have happened and are happening in our city and country. We are scared and saddened and furious," the restaurant wrote on Facebook. "F--- ICE."
According to Minneapolis-based news outlet Bring Me the News, at least 18 other local restaurants and businesses decided to temporarily close their doors.
Fox News Digital's Stepheny Price contributed to this report.
Crane removes Hampton Inn By Hilton sign from Minnesota hotel that allegedly denied service to DHS, ICE agents
Photos emerged Thursday showing a crane removing the sign of a Hampton Inn hotel in the Minneapolis area that allegedly refused to accommodate U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and immigration officers.
The formerly Hilton-branded property in Lakeville was stripped of its Hilton label by the hotel chain on Tuesday morning after a video surfaced appearing to show that the location continued to deny immigration officers despite Hilton Hotels saying that the venue had apologized and that "properties are open to everyone, and we do not tolerate any form of discrimination."
The images showed the sign being lifted off its supports by a crane set up in the hotel’s parking lot.
Hilton did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday from Fox News Digital. It’s unclear who is now operating the hotel. A phone number linked to the property appeared to be disconnected when called.
The General Services Administration (GSA) said earlier this week that it is terminating the Hampton Inn Lakeville in Minnesota from its list of approved lodging sites for all federal employees.
Several emails posted by the Department of Homeland Security and ICE on Monday showed that the hotel was "not allowing any ICE or immigration agents to stay at our property."
"After I was informed that a local Hilton property canceled rooms reserved for ICE, GSA immediately reviewed the matter and found the hotel to be in clear violation of its government lodging program requirements," GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst told Fox News Digital in a statement. "The property has been removed from the programs and booking tools effective immediately. GSA unequivocally supports our federal law enforcement partners."
HILTON CUTS TIES WITH MINNESOTA HOTEL OWNER
The GSA is a federal agency responsible for managing and supporting the basic functioning of federal agencies. The hotel participated in a government lodging program partnership, known as GSA FedRooms, between federal employees and the location.
Hilton Hotels noted in its initial statement that the Hampton Inn Lakeville is independently owned and operated and said that officials from the property took "immediate action to resolve this matter and are contacting impacted guests to ensure they are accommodated."
However, a viral video posted to X by freelance journalist Nick Sortor Tuesday morning showed an employee at the counter continuing to deny federal agents, going against Hilton’s statement.
"A recent video clearly raises concerns that they are not meeting our standards and values," Hilton Hotels said in a statement. "As such, we are taking immediate action to remove this hotel from our systems. Hilton is — and has always been — a welcoming place for all."