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EXCLUSIVE: In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s Sept. 10 assassination allegedly at the hands of a left-wing ideologue, a leftist gun club with ties to political violence posted recruiting flyers at Georgetown University with references to Kirk’s death. 

“Hey fascist! Catch!” says a red flyer from the John Brown Gun Club posted on Georgetown’s campus. 

The phrase is a nod to the same slogan which was allegedly written on a shell casing by Tyler Robinson, who stands accused of murdering Kirk at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. 

UVU PROFESSOR AND FORMER FBI AGENT WARNS OF NEW PATTERN OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE AFTER CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION

“The only political group that celebrates when Nazis die,” the advertisement says. 

It is adorned with a QR code linking to a page that says, “We’re building a community that’s done with ceremonial resistance and strongly worded letters. If you want to make a real change in your community, let us know below.”

Turning Point USA spokesman and Charlie Kirk Show executive producer Andrew Kolvet flagged the flyers in a social media post Wednesday afternoon. 

Shae McInnis, a sophomore at Georgetown University and treasurer of the school’s College Republicans Club, found the posters in plain sight on the school’s activity board on Wednesday morning. 

“So, obviously I read this immediately as a threat, not only for me but for everyone on this campus,” McInnis told Fox News Digital. “Every conservative, everyone who just does not subscribe to the prevailing leftist orthodoxy. This is a direct threat against them. It means that there are students at this campus who want to see conservatives dead rather than engaging with their ideas, rather than facilitating a political discourse.” 

“Ever since President Trump won the election in January, we’ve seen an increase in this rhetoric,” he continued. “But really, I think many conservatives noticed a change after Charlie Kirk’s assassination. While much of the school was united in condemning this horrible act of political violence, there have been fringe elements on the left on social media that we have seen really defend this, justify this, and that is really unacceptable. 

The Center for Counter Extremism lists the John Brown Gun Club as a “far-left group.” 

Members of the organization frequently show up armed at left-wing political events under the guise of protecting protesters from right-wing counter-protesters, and the gun club is tied to recent anti-ICE violence. 

YEARS OF CAMPUS ATTACKS ON CONSERVATIVE ACTIVISTS RESURFACE AFTER CHARLIE KIRK’S MURDER

On July 4, a dozen people attacked the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas. 

A criminal complaint filed by the U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas alleges that assailants shot 20 to 30 rounds from an AR-15-style rifle before it jammed, causing it to malfunction. 

Some of the suspects in that case are accused of setting off fireworks and graffiting ICE vehicles with slogans like “ICE Pig” in order to lure unarmed agents into a parking lot. At around the same time, more suspects allegedly opened fire from a nearby tree line, striking a local police officer and injuring him. 

Eleven suspects face federal charges, including three counts of attempted murder of federal agents in addition to three counts of discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.

One of those suspects is Benjamin Song, a long-time antifa agitator who in 2023 was involved in a skirmish with a right-wing group called the New Columbia Movement during a drag event in Fort Worth. 

A lawsuit filed by the New Columbia Movement says Song was at the event providing security as a member of the John Brown Gun Club’s Elm Fork Chapter. He was accused of pepper spraying members of the group, but never charged criminally. 

CHARLIE KIRK WARNED ‘ASSASSINATION CULTURE IS SPREADING ON THE LEFT’ IN EERIE ONLINE POST MONTHS BEFORE MURDER

The club has chapters nationwide, and another member, Willem van Spronsen, was killed by authorities in 2019 when he tried to blow up an ICE detention center by igniting a propane tank and throwing Molotov cocktails at the building. 

“You know, we’re totally comfortable with the fact that many people disagree with us, and that’s what a university is supposed to do,” said McInnis. “It’s supposed to sharpen ideas based on what people disagree with. But it’s not until I saw this poster early this morning that I ever felt directly threatened. I mean, this poster is directly calling for the death of conservatives on this campus.” 

The club is named for militant slave abolitionist John Brown, who in 1856 orchestrated the Pottawatomie Massacre. He and fellow abolitionists dragged five Kansas settlers suspected of having pro-slavery sympathies out of their homes and executed them. 

In October 1859, Brown led a 21-man raid on a federal armory in Harper’s Ferry, part of Virginia at the time. His goal was to start a slave uprising, but few slaves joined the fight. A local militia confronted Brown and his men and fought back. Four townspeople, including freed slave Heyward Shepherd, were caught in the crossfire and killed in the skirmish.  

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After 10 of his men were killed, Brown was captured. He was later tried for treason and eventually hanged. 

“Georgetown University has no tolerance for calls for violence or threats to the university,” a spokesperson for the school told Fox News Digital. “The flyers have been removed and the university is investigating this incident and working to ensure the safety of our community.”

Taylor Budowich, White House deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel, is set to leave the administration at the end of the month, Fox News has confirmed.

Budowich’s exit marks the most significant staff departure of President Trump’s current administration. 

A longtime Trump advisor and one of his most trusted communicators, Budowich is returning to the private sector. The California native’s role gave him broad influence over messaging and personnel decisions inside the West Wing.

Senior Trump advisor Stephen Miller, in a statement provided to Fox News Digital by the White House, called Budowich “one of the true MAGA faithful who has poured out his heart for this movement and our President. He is universally admired and respected. No matter the issue or need, his insights and talents are sought after and valued deeply. He is and remains a cherished and loyal ally to us all.”

EX-BIDEN SPIN DOCTOR IAN SAMS, SLAMMED BY TRUMP AS ‘BELOW AVERAGE,’ GRILLED IN HOUSE AUTOPEN PROBE

Vice President JD Vance said Budowich is “an invaluable asset to this administration and someone I’ve personally relied on countless times during an amazing first year in office.”

“His oversight of the White House’s communications team has been an incredible success, where they’ve done an outstanding job touting the truly historic accomplishments of President Trump’s second term,” Vance continued in a statement provided to Fox News Digital. “In addition to all this, he’s played an integral role in coordinating this administration’s cabinet agencies and our Office of Public Liaison. He’ll be sorely missed, but I’m sure there are big things ahead for Taylor.”

Chief of staff Susie Wiles added that Budowich is “a dear friend, and I know that President Trump holds him in very high regard. I hate to see him go, personally and professionally, but obviously wish him well in whatever he decides is next.”

And longtime Trump aide Dan Scavino told Fox News Digital that Budowich is “an outstanding American patriot and an exceptional friend and colleague, both on the campaign trail previously and here at the White House. His unwavering dedication to advancing President Trump’s Make America Great Again agenda has made him a vital asset in Trump 2.0.

I MADE MEMES FOR THE WHITE HOUSE. HERE’S WHAT I LEARNED

“Taylor is the kind of person you want by your side in any type of challenge, on any day of the week,” Scavino added. “I am grateful for his service to President Trump and the American people and have complete confidence that he will excel in his future endeavors. I wish him the best of luck.”

Budowich previously served as communications director for Save America PAC and as executive director of MAGA Inc., a pro-Trump super PAC.

He was a spokesman for Trump during and after the 2020 campaign and testified in the classified documents investigation in 2023.

In November 2024, Trump announced Budowich’s appointment as deputy chief of staff, giving him oversight of both communications strategy and personnel.

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Budowich’s departure adds to speculation about who might fill his powerful West Wing role as the Trump White House continues shaping its agenda heading into the remainder of the term.

Budowich did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is telling federal agencies to draw up reduction-in-force (RIF) plans ahead of a possible government shutdown on Oct. 1, according to an internal memo obtained by Fox News. 

The guidance says agencies must consider issuing RIF notices to employees working on programs that are not legally required to continue if funding lapses.

“With respect to those Federal programs whose funding would lapse and which are otherwise unfunded, such programs are no longer statutorily required to be carried out,” the memo states.

Under the guidance, RIF notices would be issued on top of furlough notices and should go to all employees tied to the affected programs.

GARBAGE COLLECTION, TOURS TO BE SUSPENDED ON CAPITOL HILL IF THERE’S A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

Agencies would later revise those plans once Congress approves fiscal year 2026 appropriations, keeping only the staff needed for core statutory functions.

The memo notes that while Congress has usually passed short-term funding bills on a bipartisan basis, they believe this year is different. 

The same memo accuses Democrats of breaking that trend and pushing for “insane demands, including $1 trillion in new spending,” which it says could force a shutdown.

SCOOP: GOP RAMPS UP SHUTDOWN FIGHT, TARGETS 25 VULNERABLE DEMOCRATS IN NEW AD BLITZ

Last week, the House passed H.R. 5371, described as a clean continuing resolution (CR) that would extend current funding through Nov. 21. The administration backs the bill, but the memo says Democrats are blocking it in the Senate.

“We remain hopeful that Democrats in Congress will not trigger a shutdown and the steps outlined above will not be necessary,” the memo says.

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“The President supports enactment of a clean CR to ensure no discretionary spending lapse after Sept. 30, 2025, and OMB hopes the Democrats will agree.”

The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

During one of the first Turning Point USA events since Charlie Kirk’s assassination, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin shared a message of hope and faith, telling students, “All of you are the next Charlie Kirk.”

Addressing a packed auditorium at Virginia Tech University as part of the second “This is The Turning Point Tour” stop since Kirk’s death, Youngkin told students, “You will carry the baton. You will engage. You will change minds. You will be that revival.”

Addressing the future, Youngkin said, “The truth is that the question that has been asked over and over again is, ‘Who will be the next Charlie?’ And as I look out in this room and I see thousands of you, I want to repeat the best answer that I have heard. You will be the next Charlie, all of you.”

Despite Kirk’s murder at a similar event at Utah Valley University, Youngkin said the 31-year-old conservative leader left a “blueprint” to advance the truth in the face of evil.

MILLIONS OF AMERICANS TUNED INTO ‘IMMORTAL’ CHARLIE KIRK’S MEMORIAL SERVICE

“That morning Charlie left us with a blueprint,” he said. “That morning, he left us with guidelines to once again benefit from a man who spoke truth. He left us again with something to reflect on our own lives. And therefore, tonight we have an opportunity to reflect, and we have an opportunity to go.”

Recalling Kirk’s staunch Christian faith, Youngkin told the students in the arena, “Each one of you is the light. A light that shines in the corner of the room, a light that shines brightly on evil. A light that chases out darkness that is each and every one of you.”

“A sniper’s bullet shot from a gun held by someone with a heart of evil tried to silence truth, tried to silence all of us. But you see, the exact opposite is happening,” he said. “There is a revival spreading across this great nation.”

CONSERVATIVES RALLY AROUND ‘REVIVAL’ MESSAGE AFTER KIRK’S MURDER, SLAM DEMS FOR VIOLENT GEORGE FLOYD RIOTS

“One of the things that we all loved about Charlie Kirk is he not only spoke truth, but he challenged us. He challenged us to do more than sit on the sidelines. He challenged us to engage, to engage in thoughtful dialog, of course, recognizing we had to do it with respect, but to fully engage. Don’t back down from your beliefs.”

Youngkin also praised Kirk’s wife, Erika Kirk, who since his death has taken up the role of Turning Point USA CEO, leading the crowd in a moment of applause for her and saying, “We see that the next leader of Turning Point is the person who knew Charlie the very best, someone who looked into his heart.”

PASTORS HAIL ERIKA KIRK’S FORGIVENESS OF HUSBAND’S ACCUSED KILLER AS POWERFUL TESTIMONY TO CHRISTIAN FAITH

Youngkin’s words come as Virginia is in the midst of a highly contentious gubernatorial race between Republican Lieutenant Gov. Winsome Sears and former Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger. 

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On Monday, more than 2,000 people packed into an auditorium at the University of Minnesota for the first Turning Point USA event in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. 

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

FIRST ON FOX — Eight federal inmates — once on death row for murders, including the killings of fellow prisoners, gang-related stabbings, and the slayings of two campers — have been transferred to a notorious “supermax” prison in Colorado, the Justice Department told Fox News Digital. The news comes as U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi looks to crack down on the previous administration’s sweeping clemency actions.

The eight former death row inmates were transferred Tuesday to the U.S. Penitentiary Administrative Maximum Facility in Florence, Colorado, also known as “ADX,” Justice Department officials confirmed. 

They were among the 37 death row inmates whose sentences Biden commuted in late December — prompting criticism and complaints that the record clemency and commutation actions were done as a political “Hail Mary,” and without proper vetting.

More of the death row inmates are expected to be moved to ADX, some within weeks, according to one individual familiar with the matter.

The 37 death row inmates commuted by Biden are all expected to be moved to the facility by “early next year,” the Justice Department source told Fox News Digital.

BIDEN CLEMENCY ANNOUNCEMENT GETS MIXED REVIEWS ON CAPITOL HILL: ‘WHERE’S THE BAR?’

The effort comes as Bondi and the Trump administration have sought to reverse some of the Biden administration’s efforts on criminal justice reform for certain criminals, and instead moved to prioritize violent crime and cracking down on the nation’s worst offenders.

Though a commutation cannot be fully reversed, Justice Department officials told Fox News Digital, Bondi has prioritized ways to penalize these individuals, in coordination with directives from Trump, and to ensure that the “conditions of confinement” are “consistent with the security risks those inmates present because of their egregious crimes, criminal histories, and all other relevant considerations,” according to an earlier DOJ memo. 

The eight inmates sent to ADX this week were each convicted of first-degree murder within federal jurisdiction. 

Many had been convicted of crimes that were especially heinous or violent. One individual was convicted of murdering a married couple who was camping at a campsite in the Ouachita National Forest in July 2003. 

Another was convicted of kidnapping, robbing, and murdering a 51-year-old local bank president by tying him to a concrete block and chain hoist, and tossing him off of a bridge and into a lake. 

Many had also killed prisoners while serving time — a factor that can be used in weighing whether to transfer a convicted felon to a higher-security prison.

JUDGES V TRUMP: HERE ARE THE KEY COURT BATTLES HALTING THE WHITE HOUSE AGENDA

ADX is the only true federal “supermax” prison in the U.S., and its inmates are as notorious as the prison’s reputation. Among them are Ramzi Yousef, convicted in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing; Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, one of the Boston Marathon bombers; former Sinola Cartel leader Joaquín Guzmán, or “El Chapo”; and Mamdouh Mahmud Salim, the co-founder of al-Qaeda.

“President Biden’s decision to commute the death sentences of these monsters showed abhorrent disregard for our justice system and total disrespect for victims’ families already suffering through immense loss,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

BIDEN STIRS OUTRAGE IN SCRANTON BY COMMUTING ‘KIDS FOR CASH’ JUDGE’S SENTENCE

“After meeting with many of the victims’ families at the Department of Justice and promising to take action on their behalf, eight of these prisoners have been transferred to the Colorado super-max prison ADX. This will ensure that they spend the remainder of their lives in conditions consistent with the egregious crimes they committed,” she added.

Shortly after her confirmation as attorney general, Bondi issued a memo aimed at “restoring a measure of justice” to the victims’ families. 

The measures granted by Biden earned more criticism than former President Barack Obama: As Fox News reported at the time, the vast majority of Obama’s clemency actions focused on commuting the sentences of federal inmates who met certain criteria outlined under his administration’s Clemency Initiative.

Bondi hosted victims’ families earlier this year to hear their concerns about the commutations, DOJ said. Some said they had been stunned by the eleventh-hour commutations, and that they not been given a heads-up by the Biden administration.

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In February, Bondi issued a memo to the Bureau of Prisons ordering an evaluation of where these prisoners should be detained.

Fox is told that preparations are underway on Capitol Hill for a potential government shutdown next week.

TOP HOUSE DEM FIRES BACK AT TRUMP’S ‘UNHINGED’ SHUTDOWN REMARKS AMID COLLAPSE OF GOV FUNDING TALKS

Congressional aides and workers will be paid during the shutdown. That’s a change after the lengthy 2018-2019 shutdown. But each congressional office has the right to decide which employees are “essential” and must report to work.

Members of Congress must be paid, under provisions of the 27th Amendment to the Constitution, prohibiting a change in the rate of compensation for lawmakers.

TOP HOUSE DEM EXPOSES PARTY’S STRATEGY TO BLAME REPUBLICANS FOR LOOMING GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

US Capitol Police and security operations won’t be affected by the shutdown.

However, other “non-essential” activities on Capitol Hill will cease.

Formal Capitol tours will be canceled. The flag operation, where constituents may request an American flag be flown above the Capitol, will be suspended.

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Restaurants and barber shops are likely to close. Garbage won’t be collected. Fox is told that it’s unlikely that congressional parking restrictions are enforced.

Fox has learned that Democrats have a meeting with top aides about a potential shutdown at 4 pm ET Friday.

New York City voters across all demographic groups are dissatisfied with the direction of the city, and most are looking for significant change in the city’s government. That sentiment has propelled Democrat Zohran Mamdani to the lead in the mayoral race, despite concerns that his proposed tax increases may chase people out of the city.

A new Fox News survey of New York City registered voters finds Mamdani, the Democratic Party’s nominee and self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist, leading the race by 18 percentage points with 45% support. Former New York governor and independent candidate Andrew Cuomo comes in second with 27%, Republican Party nominee Curtis Sliwa gets 11%, and current mayor and independent candidate Eric Adams garners 8%. Among likely voters, the race looks largely the same: 47% Mamdani, 29% Cuomo, 11% Sliwa, and 7% Adams.

FOX NEWS POLL: VOTERS WANT GREATER INVOLVEMENT IN UKRAINE, SUPPORT CURRENT APPROACH IN ISRAEL

The analysis below focuses on preferences and opinions among registered voters.

Some of Mamdani’s best groups include very liberal voters (79%), those under age 35 (61%), women under 45 (60%), Democrats (57%), and Black and Hispanic voters (49% each).

Cuomo receives strong support from Jewish voters (40%), White voters ages 45+ (37%), voters ages 65 and higher (33%) and moderates (31%).

Republicans prefer Sliwa (41%), while five times as many back Cuomo (32%) as Mamdani (6%). Independents are split: 26% Mamdani, 23% Cuomo, and 14% each to Adams and Sliwa.

FOX NEWS POLL: TRUMP’S RAITING ARE STRONG ON BORDER SECURITY, WEAK ON THE ECONOMY

The Big Apple has problems: 62% are dissatisfied with the direction it’s headed, with at least 6 in 10 Democrats (61%), Republicans (70%), and independents (59%) saying they are unhappy. 

That frustration results in three-quarters of voters wanting either substantial (37%), dramatic (20%), or revolutionary change (18%) in how the city’s government is run. Mamdani has a significant lead among both those wanting at least substantial change, and those dissatisfied with the city’s trajectory. His advantage is so considerable he also holds an edge with voters satisfied with how things are going.

Mamdani supporters are more enthusiastic about voting this year (63%) and more certain they will back him (83%) compared to the other candidates. Plus, most describe their support as for him (86%) rather than against his opponents (12%). 

For Cuomo, 32% of his backers are enthusiastic, 65% are certain, and 59% say their vote is for him rather than against his opponents (39%).

Voters say the top three problems facing New York City are crime (25%), followed by the cost of living (20%), and the lack of affordable housing (17%). 

Crime is the number one concern for Republicans (50%) and independents (29%) while for Democrats it’s divided across costs (23%), crime (19%), and housing (19%).

Cuomo is narrowly favored (+12 points) among those who prioritize crime, while Mamdani has wide advantages among those citing the cost of living (+40) and housing (+41).

Concerns about the high cost of living, the need for better city services, and a heavy tax burden produce nuanced policy opinions. For example, 7 in 10 New York City voters think raising taxes will cause a mass exodus of businesses and people that will leave the city more cash strapped. At the same time, another 7 in 10 favor raising taxes on residents with an annual income greater than $1 million. There is widespread agreement on both questions among Democrats, Republicans, and independents. 

There’s a reason Mamdani is campaigning with Bernie Sanders — New Yorkers like the Independent senator from Vermont. Sanders is the most popular individual tested on the survey (61% favorable opinion), followed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (53%), Mamdani (50%) and Cuomo (45%). Adams (29%), Sliwa (28%), and President Donald Trump (24%) are viewed positively by around one-quarter of voters.

When voters are asked to say in their own words why they like or dislike the candidates, the top positives for Mamdani are liking his policies generally, feeling he cares, change/having new ideas, and his focus on affordability. The main reasons given for disliking him are he’s a communist/socialist, his position on Israel, not liking his policies, lack of experience, and unrealistic policies.

Are Mamdani’s left-leaning economic policies a potential Achilles heel? Probably not. In a city where more than twice as many voters are registered as Democrats than Republicans, capitalism is viewed more favorably than socialism by just 7 points (48% vs. 41%).

Experience is the top reason voters like Cuomo, while sexual harassment allegations are the main reason he is disliked. For Adams, voters also give him the thumbs up for experience, whereas his detractors mainly focus on allegations of corruption. For Sliwa, his main positive trait is that he’s tough on crime (a top issue for voters), but his main negative is that voters don’t think he is a serious candidate.

“Mamdani is the change candidate in a change election,” says Republican pollster Daron Shaw, who helps run the Fox News Poll along with Democrat Chris Anderson. “And, like many voters for change candidates, his supporters are enthusiastic.”

Immigration and the Middle East

Only 3% mention illegal immigration as the city’s number one problem, and when it comes to policy options, most (67%) favor only deporting those charged with crimes but allowing others to stay in the U.S. and apply for citizenship.

On the Middle East, more voters back the Palestinians (46%) than the Israelis (38%). That’s the opposite of results nationally. In line with Mamdani’s criticism of Israel and Cuomo’s support, those backing Mamdani side with the Palestinians by a 49-point margin, while those favoring Cuomo side with the Israelis by 16 points. More Jewish voters prefer Cuomo (40%) than Mamdani (27%) or Adams (12%). 

One more thing…

Twice as many NYC voters say the way Republicans talk about politics is leading to an increase in violence (68%) than feel the same about Democrats (32%). Democrats and Republicans are equally likely to think their counterparts’ words lead to violence, while independents are more likely to cite Republican rhetoric as dangerous.

CLICK HERE FOR CROSSTABS AND TOPLINE

Conducted September 18-22, 2025 under the joint direction of Beacon Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R), this Fox News Poll includes interviews with a sample of 1,003 New York City registered voters randomly selected from a statewide voter file. Respondents spoke with live interviewers on landlines (150) and cellphones (598) or completed the survey online by following a link received via text message (255). Results based on the registered voter sample have a margin of sampling error of ± 3 percentage points. There was a subsample of 814 likely voters and the margin of sampling error was ±3.5 percentage points. Sampling error for results among subgroups is higher. Results among subgroups are only shown when the sample size is at least N=100. In addition to sampling error, question wording and order can influence results. Sources for developing weight targets include the most recent American Community Survey, Fox News Voter Analysis, and voter file data. Weights are generally applied to age, race, education, and area variables to ensure the demographics of respondents are representative of the registered voter population. Likely voters are identified based on past vote history and self-reported likelihood of voting.

Vice President JD Vance spent most of his North Carolina speech Wednesday talking about public safety and backing law enforcement, but the day’s most viral moment came from a quick exchange with a young supporter in the crowd.

A boy near the press area called out during a Q&A session and Vance invited him to speak. 

“I skipped school today,” the boy named Henry said. “I was wondering if I could get a picture with you.”

Vance smiled and beckoned Henry up to the stage as the room erupted in cheers.

VANCE SAYS FAR LEFT NOW DEFENDS ‘VIOLENT CRIME’ AS TRUMP SHOWS ‘POLITICAL GENIUS’

Vance answered, “Henry said ‘I skipped school. Can I have a picture with you?’ Well, I guess I got to have some excuse to skip school, so I might as well get a photo with Henry.”

Henry walked to the stage in a red Trump hat and an American flag T-shirt. They shook hands and Henry pulled out his phone. Vance leaned in for the selfie as the crowd roared. The vice president gave him a quick pat on the back and returned to the microphone.

Vance kept the tone easy for a beat and joked that the next request might be a reporter asking for a photo. He said he was not holding out hope for questions that easy and moved back to policy and press questions.

‘TONE-DEAF’ PROTESTERS HECKLE VANCE OUTSIDE MINNEAPOLIS CHURCH SHOOTING SITE

The rest of Vance’s remarks focused on law and order and support for police. He called for keeping violent offenders behind bars and praised local officers. 

He later circled back to the moment as he wrapped. “Henry, I hope you got the photo you needed,” he said, drawing another round of applause.

The White House’s official Rapid Response 47 account also shared the moment, which currently has over 15K likes on X.

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The White House and the Office of the Vice President did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

President Donald Trump is spearheading a military buildup in the Caribbean — and has signed off on a series of U.S. military strikes against alleged drug vessels from Venezuela. 

So far, the Trump administration has conducted at least three deadly strikes against alleged drug smuggling boats, prompting some lawmakers in Congress to question the legality of these strikes and request additional oversight. 

The strikes are the latest escalation from the Trump administration as it moves to crack down on drug cartels and the influx of illicit drugs into the U.S., and comes after the administration designated drug cartel groups like Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel and others as foreign terrorist organizations in February.

Building up naval forces in the Caribbean gives the U.S. the capacity to not only conduct such strikes in international waters near Venezuela, but also within Venezuela itself, according to Geoff Ramsey, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council international affairs think tank. 

TRUMP SAYS ‘WE’LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS’ WHEN ASKED ABOUT POSSIBILITY OF STRIKING VENEZUELA AMID RISING TENSIONS

In August, Trump approved sending several U.S. Navy guided missile destroyers to bolster the administration’s counter-narcotics efforts in the region.

“Whether we see more consequential strikes will depend more on political calculations in Washington than on operational capability,” Ramsey said in a Wednesday email to Fox News Digital “The administration could use the strikes as occasional shows of force, or it could escalate into a more systematic campaign, but the risk of doing so would be that we could destabilize Venezuela and spark an internal armed conflict with no clear end game.” 

Ramsey said that the strikes come with a “real risk of escalation,” and said that Venezuela views them as violations of sovereignty. Additionally, attacks inside Venezuelan territory could ignite a “cycle of retaliation,” he said. 

“That would raise the prospect of a wider confrontation between the U.S. and Venezuelan forces, which could potentially end up sparking an internal armed conflict in the South American country, which could destabilize the region,” Ramsey said. “So far President Trump seems aware of these risks, which is why the strikes so far have been carefully framed as counter-narcotics operations in international waters rather than an overt attack on the Venezuelan government.” 

After Trump sent the destroyers to U.S. Southern Command, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said his country was prepared to respond to any attacks, adding that the move amounted to “an extravagant, unjustifiable, immoral and absolutely criminal and bloody threat.”

TRUMP TOUTS US STRIKE AS MADURO SLAMS MILITARY ‘THREAT’ OFF VENEZUELA

Following the second strike, Maduro said the incident is part of a larger effort “to intimidate and seek regime change” in Venezuela. The Trump administration has said it does not recognize Maduro as a legitimate head of state, and rather, views him as a leader of a drug cartel.

Meanwhile, members of Congress have cast doubt on whether the strikes the Trump administration approved are even legal in the first place. For example, Sens. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and Tim Kaine, D-Va., filed a War Powers resolution Friday that would block U.S. forces from engaging in “hostilities” against certain non-state organizations. 

“President Trump has no legal authority to launch strikes or use military force in the Caribbean or elsewhere in the Western Hemisphere. The Administration has refused to provide Congress with basic information about the multiple strikes it has carried out, including who was killed, why it was necessary to put servicemembers’ lives at risk, and why a standard interdiction operation wasn’t conducted,” Kaine said in a Friday statement. “Congress simply cannot let itself be stiff-armed as this Administration continues to flout the law.”

The Senate will be required to consider and vote upon the resolution. 

Even so, the Trump administration has indicated from the beginning that it’s prepared for additional strikes. 

“Obviously, they won’t be doing it again,” Trump told reporters in September after the first military strike. “And I think a lot of other people won’t be doing it again. When they watch that tape, they’re going to say, ‘Let’s not do this.’ We have to protect our country, and we’re going to. Venezuela has been a very bad actor.”

Likewise, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth signaled the U.S. military would launch future strikes on other drug vessels attempting to smuggle narcotics into the U.S. 

TRUMP ANNOUNCES US MILITARY CONDUCTED ‘LETHAL STRIKE’ ON VENEZUELAN DRUG BOAT IN CARIBBEAN

“We’ve got assets in the air, assets in the water, assets on ships because this is a deadly serious mission for us, and it won’t, it won’t stop with just this strike,” Hegseth told Fox News in September after the first strike. 

“Anyone else trafficking in those waters who we know is a designated narco-terrorist will face the same fate,” Hegseth said.

However, the strikes will likely not continue long-term as boat traffic in the region dies down in response to the strikes, according to Bryan Clark, director of the Hudson Institute think tank’s Center for Defense Concepts and Technology.

“These strikes will probably intensify for a couple weeks and then abate as fewer boats attempt to make the crossing. That is likely the intent of the operation,” Clark said in a Tuesday email to Fox News Digital. “I think it is very unlikely to result in a broader conflict because the Venezuelan government will not want one.” 

The Cincinnati Bengals missed the playoffs the past two seasons. They finished 9-8 both years, despite a loaded offense headed by quarterback Joe Burrow (when healthy).

During the offseason, the Bengals refused to re-sign All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson. He led the league in sacks last season with 17.5. The Bengals considered trading Hendrickson. They then grudgingly signed him to a year-long contract just before the first game.

Cincinnati drafted defensive end Shemar Stewart of Texas A&M in the first round last spring. But then the Bengals and Stewart tussled over a contract.

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The Bengals have been less parsimonious in recent years when doling out the dollars to top-flight players. But owner Mike Brown has a miserly reputation. And despite a talent-laden roster, the Bengals are peerless in mediocrity. They have never won the Super Bowl. That fuels a narrative about the franchise.

Stewart summed up the Bengals when speaking to Sports Illustrated:

“Y’all just want to win arguments (more) than winning games,” he declared.

“Arguments” and “games” are now afoot in Washington, D.C. over avoiding a government shutdown next week. 

The question is what counts as winning an “argument” and what constitutes prevailing in a “game.” Both Republicans and Democrats can compete in both categories over the next few days. A government funding deadline looms at 11:59:59 p.m. ET Tuesday night. In fact, both sides might secure victories in the argument category. But marshaling a true title in the win column is an altogether different enterprise. Moreover, this tournament’s rules don’t dictate that one side emerges victorious and the other loses. In fact, both sides could execute losing campaigns.

DEMOCRATS SKIP CHARLIE KIRK ARIZONA MEMORIAL AFTER 58 VOTE AGAINST HOUSE RESOLUTION

That said, do the sides have more interest in echoing the Cincinnati Bengals and winning “arguments?” Or would they rather win “games” and avert a government shutdown.

“I don’t have any meetings or any scheduling updates for you today,” said White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt at the briefing early Monday afternoon.

But there was a flicker of hope a few hours later.

Word came that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., would head to the White House on Thursday to meet with President Donald Trump. Neither leader has huddled with the president since he took office in January. But one wasn’t quite sure what this session might accomplish.

“We want a clean funding extension to keep the government open. That’s all we’re advocating for,” said Leavitt.

Democrats pushed for something else. They advocated a renewal of subsidies to defray the cost of Obamacare. The price tag for health care coverage for millions of Americans is set to skyrocket early next year unless Congress intervenes. Democrats want to dial back other health care reductions which were part of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill – passed by Congress earlier this summer. Democrats also insist on assurances that the president won’t claw back any money for programs already doled out by Congress. Finally, Democrats want the administration to reinstate dollars cut from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

The House is out of session this week – and prospectively until October 7 – after passing a GOP-backed interim spending plan late last week. But House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., materialized at the Capitol early Tuesday morning.

Johnson told Fox News he was skeptical that a meeting between President Trump, Schumer and Jeffries “is necessary.” But the Speaker noted that he would attend the Oval Office conclave.

“Why would I not be there? This is the legislative branch communicating with the executive branch. If there is such a meeting with the leaders, then (Senate Majority Leader) John Thune, R-S.D., and I will certainly be a part of it,” said Johnson.

It was news that Johnson and Thune were set to be part of a meeting with the president on government funding. But it would have been news to Johnson that Trump nixed the meeting. Moments later, Trump posted a lengthy screed to Truth Social, scrubbing the session.

“I have decided that no meeting with their Congressional Leaders could possibly be productive,” he wrote.

He argued that the Democratic request would provide “free healthcare for Illegal Aliens,” along with government funded “Transgender surgery for minors.” He also said the Democrats proposal would “allow men to play in women’s sports, and essentially create Transgender operations for everybody.”

It’s not clear where the provisions the president cited lie in the Democratic counteroffer. But the fact of the matter is that the government will shutter early next Wednesday morning unless the Senate can secure Democratic votes to overcome a filibuster. The House passed an interim bill renewing funding at current levels last week. Only one Democrat, Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, voted “yea.” 

But the Senate is a different animal. Republicans only have 53 votes there. Sixty votes are necessary to crack a filibuster. So if Democrats don’t accede to the GOP demands, there’s a shutdown. And, by contrast, if Republicans refuse to grant Democrats their wishes, there’s a shutdown.

Avoiding a shutdown could qualify as winning “games.” But we’re not certain if the sides are interested in that sweepstakes just yet.

“The statement that Donald Trump issued today was unhinged,” said Jeffries, adding that “Trump always chickens out.”

“Today seems to be tantrum day for Donald Trump,” said Schumer. “He just ain’t up to it. He runs away before the negotiations even begin.”

Since the House greenlighted its interim bill, Johnson cut everyone loose – cancelling scheduled session days next week when the House could at least be in a position to wrangle with any spending bill which comes over from the Senate. But Republicans are adamant that it’s the House bill or nothing.

“You’re not planning to bring the House back at any stage now?” I asked Johnson.

“The House is on district work period right now. We got our work done in the House. We got it done early with regard to the funding. People have a lot to do back in their districts. So we’re on the ready at any time. But the plan would be to come back when it’s necessary. But the current plan is to not have session days on September 29 and 30th,” he said.

“Is that a bad look if the House is not here and the government shuts down despite what you did?” I countered.

“The government would not shut down until the earliest, October 1st,” replied Johnson, slightly cracking open the door to a potential recall. “But if Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries decide to shut the government down, they’ve created the problem.”

So, we’re less than a week before a possible government shutdown. Seemingly each September, just before the end of the fiscal year, the chances of a government shutdown are “high” and there’s almost no way to avert a shutdown. Yet nearly each time, Democrats and Republicans, the House and Senate, figure out a way to stave off a shutdown at the last minute. In fact, that might be the case this time. But the calculus is different, with the House nowhere to be found, and the Senate left with just the House bill. That’s only exacerbated by a lack of negotiations.

One can only imagine the arguments which may have emanated from the Oval Office had Trump huddled with Jeffries and Schumer this week. They may have viewed a televised meeting with the president as the perfect forum to skirmish. Democrats have struggled for months to demonstrate to their base that they’re “fighting.” That said, Trump may have been ready for a tilt, ala his verbal combat with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in February. And who can forget former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., storming out of a meeting with Trump during his first term?

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At this stage, everyone is trying to win arguments. Not games. And we’ll truly know if they lost the game when the government’s new fiscal year begins at 12:00:01 a.m. ET next Wednesday.