Fox News reported that Vice President Kamala Harris has drawn significant criticism for equating certain Homeland Security agencies to the Ku Klux Klan and endorsing a debunked narrative about Border Patrol agents allegedly whipping migrants.
In November 2018, then-Senator Harris confronted Ronald Vitiello, President Trump’s nominee for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, during a Senate hearing. Her statements have caused outrage among Homeland Security personnel and Republican lawmakers.
She questioned him about possible similarities between ICE and the KKK, citing a 2015 tweet where Vitiello had likened the Democratic Party to a "neo-Klanist" group. Vitiello expressed regret for his tweet.
Harris asked Vitiello about the perception that ICE uses its power to instill fear and intimidation, especially among Mexican and Central American communities. "Are you aware of the perception of many about how the power and discretion at ICE is being used to enforce the laws and do you see any parallels?" Harris questioned. Vitiello responded, "I do not see any parallels."
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel accused Harris of exploiting the comparison for political gain. "Kamala Harris is trying to launch her 2020 campaign off of comparing ICE officers to the KKK, and it's absolutely disgusting," McDaniel tweeted.
In 2021, during a surge of Haitian migrants in Del Rio, Texas, Harris commented on images of Border Patrol agents on horseback allegedly whipping migrants. She expressed her support for an investigation, stating, "What I saw depicted about those individuals on horseback treating human beings the way they were was horrible."
Harris was "deeply troubled" by the images, comparing the treatment of the migrants to historic abuses against Indigenous and African American people during slavery. "It also invoked images of some of the worst moments of our history," she remarked.
However, a subsequent investigation revealed no evidence of agents whipping migrants, though minor infractions by the agents were noted. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas clarified, "Let me just correct you right there because actually the investigation concluded that the whipping did not occur."
Harris' comments caused a stir among Border Patrol agents who felt misunderstood. An anonymous agent voiced their frustration, saying, "Again, it is clear that those in charge, a term that is disgusting to use, have no clue about our operations and frankly operate by ignorance and unhinged emotions."
Despite the investigation's findings, Harris has not retracted her statements about the incident. She has also not responded to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
Ronald Vitiello, who served as the acting ICE director, did not share Harris' view of the agency. During the 2018 hearing, he acknowledged the agency's controversial perception but rejected any comparison to the KKK. "I do not see any parallels," he firmly stated.
Harris questioned the agency's use of power, suggesting it invoked fear, especially in Mexican and Central American communities. She pressed Vitiello, "Sir, how can you be the head of an agency and be unaware of how your agency is perceived by certain communities?"
Vice President Kamala Harris has faced criticism for her controversial comparisons of ICE to the KKK and for supporting a narrative about Border Patrol agents whipping migrants that was later discredited. Her remarks have sparked outrage among Homeland Security personnel and Republicans, emphasizing the ongoing political divide over immigration policies in the U.S. Despite the backlash, Harris has not retracted her statements, positioning immigration as a potential focal point in her political future.
According to the Independent, former first lady Melania Trump is facing difficulties discussing the recent attempt on Donald Trump’s life.
Donald Trump shared his perspective on the incident and the Secret Service’s response during an interview with Fox News’s Laura Ingraham.
Melania Trump was watching the Pennsylvania rally live on TV when a gunman, Thomas Crooks, nearly succeeded in killing her husband. The incident left her deeply shaken, as Donald Trump revealed during the interview, stating that Melania “can’t really even talk about it.”
Donald Trump described how Melania reacted when the attack happened, expressing her fear and helplessness. “When I went down, she thought the worst had happened,” he said, indicating the depth of her distress.
This near tragedy has drawn significant attention to the actions and coordination of the protective detail surrounding the former president. Text messages disclosed that local police had suspicions about Crooks' behavior prior to the shooting.
Despite these warnings, the coordination between the Secret Service and the local police force was insufficient, leading to a breakdown in security measures. This aspect has garnered criticism from many, including within political circles.
In his interview with Laura Ingraham, Donald Trump showered praise on his Secret Service agents for their courage during the attack. “They were very brave. I have to say that,” he remarked.
Despite the failure of preemptive security measures, Trump acknowledged the agents' quick and decisive action during the critical moments of the shooting. Their bravery undeniably played a role in his survival.
He also used this platform to criticize current political figures, specifically Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. He labeled Harris a more radical candidate than Biden.
Furthermore, Trump hinted at a possible debate with Kamala Harris, indicating a shift in his campaign strategy. His comments reflected his belief that Harris's policies were more extreme than those of her political partner.
In addition to his critique of Harris, Trump defended his vice-presidential candidate, JD Vance. Responding to criticisms of Vance’s past remarks, he emphasized Vance's dedication to family values.
“He’s not against anything. He loves family. It’s very important to him,” Trump stated, defending Vance's character and positioning him as a strong advocate for traditional values.
The dramatic event at the Pennsylvania rally significantly impacted Melania Trump, while Donald Trump discussed it publicly and praised his Secret Service. Criticism persists over the lack of local police coordination. Trump used the incident to bolster his campaign points, criticize opponents, and support JD Vance.
Facebook has admitted a significant error in its content moderation policy after mistakenly labeling an iconic photo of former President Donald Trump as "altered."
According to Fox Business, Facebook mistakenly labeled a genuine photo of Donald Trump pumping his fist in the air after an assassination attempt as "altered," which led to significant backlash.
The controversy began when users on X, formerly Twitter, noticed that their Facebook accounts flagged the image of Trump, taken by Associated Press photographer Evan Vucci, as manipulated. This mislabeling sparked protests online, underscoring concerns about Big Tech and potential election meddling.
Dani Lever, Meta’s Public Affairs Director, explained that the error stemmed from confusion with a separate version of the image, which had been altered to show agents smiling. After the error was identified, the mistaken labeling applied to the genuine photo was corrected.
"This was an error," Lever acknowledged. "In some cases, our systems incorrectly applied that fact check to the real photo. This has been fixed, and we apologize for the mistake." This clarifies that the factual error arose from a mix-up between the original and an altered image that had been scrutinized.
The original photograph, which showed Trump with blood on his face and his right arm elevated, surrounded by Secret Service agents, was indeed genuine. It had been published by reputable news sources like CNN, The Atlantic, and Business Insider.
USA Today and the AFP United States had previously validated the altered photo featuring smiling agents. Facebook’s algorithms inadvertently used this fact-checking to flag the unaltered image, highlighting vulnerabilities in automated content moderation.
The incident coincided with another notable development involving Google. Users reported that Google's autocomplete feature was omitting references to the July 13 assassination attempt on Trump. Instead, the search giant recommended other historical assassination attempts, such as those against Ronald Reagan.
A Google spokesperson clarified that there was no manual intervention in the autocomplete suggestions and emphasized that their systems include safeguards against predictions linked with political violence.
"Our systems have protections against Autocomplete predictions associated with political violence," the spokesperson said. They also added that Google strives for constant enhancement to ensure timely and accurate system responses.
The backlash against Meta's mislabeling raised critical issues surrounding big technology companies' roles in shaping information flow during election periods. Users expressed frustration over the potential for such errors to distort public perception.
Statements from Meta and Google underscore the complexity of moderating content in real-time, particularly when dealing with politically charged images and terms. Lever’s admission of error and subsequent correction reflect ongoing challenges in balancing automated moderation with accuracy and fairness.
Ultimately, the dialogue generated by this controversy points to the need for enhanced transparency and accountability from tech companies as they play increasingly central roles in the dissemination of information.
Former President Donald Trump remains undeterred following an assassination attempt during a recent rally.
According to Fox News, Trump has vowed to continue outdoor rallies despite the Secret Service's advice to move them indoors.
On July 13, at an outdoor rally in Pennsylvania, Trump narrowly survived an assassination attempt. The incident has prompted the Secret Service to recommend that he shift his campaign events indoors for safety, but Trump has publicly declared his intention to maintain outdoor appearances, citing their importance to his campaign.
Trump, the 2024 Republican presidential nominee, made his announcement on the Truth Social platform. He praised the swift action of the Secret Service agents during the attack and assured his supporters that outdoor rallies would continue with enhanced security measures.
"I will continue to do outdoor rallies, and Secret Service has agreed to substantially step up their operation," Trump wrote, highlighting their capability despite the recent security breach.
Michael Balboni, a former New York lawmaker and Homeland Security adviser, criticized the Secret Service's recommendation. He found it unreasonable to suggest that the agency could not handle outdoor venues, given its historical expertise.
During the rally, a female Secret Service agent heroically shielded Trump and was injured in the process. Trump commended her efforts, although he noted that she faced undue criticism from the media.
The assailant, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, is currently being investigated by the FBI to determine his motives. Additional investigations are ongoing by Congress and other agencies to address the apparent security lapse.
Balboni emphasized that past presidents, including Barack Obama, managed to hold large outdoor rallies with significant security measures. He questioned why similar precautions were not more effective in Trump's case.
Bill Gage, a retired Secret Service agent highlighted the political and professional complexities of continuing outdoor rallies. "Politically, he needs to get back out there. He will look weak if he doesn’t do any more outdoor rallies," Gage said. "This will further strain the agency during an already very active campaign season."
Trump announced that he plans to return to Butler, Pennsylvania, for another rally. This visit will be to honor Corey Comperatore, a bystander who tragically died from a stray bullet during the assassination attempt.
The attack also left two other individuals, David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, critically wounded. Their conditions have sparked additional concerns about the safety of attendees at such events.
Former President Donald Trump continues to assert his intention to hold outdoor rallies despite the recent attempt on his life. The Secret Service is set to enhance its protective measures, and Trump plans to honor a bystander killed during the Pennsylvania rally. With ongoing investigations into the security breach and the political necessity of such events, Trump’s campaign remains a focal point of national attention and scrutiny.
Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a rallying speech that underscored her determination and resilience at a vital fundraising event.
NPR reported that Vice President Harris called herself an underdog with momentum, speaking boldly about the stakes of the presidential election and brushing off Donald Trump's latest attacks.
Held at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, Mass., the event marked a significant step in Harris' campaign. Roughly 800 supporters gathered on Saturday to hear Harris make her case for why she believes her campaign is gaining momentum despite the challenges ahead.
Harris set an ambitious goal for the evening to raise over $1.4 million. The energized and supportive attendees served as a testament to the grassroots support she highlighted during her speech.
During her address, Harris presented her campaign as a stark choice between two distinct visions for America. She spoke about the need for continued progress and called for unity in confronting threats to freedoms.
"We got a fight ahead of us and we are the underdogs in this race," Harris declared with resolve. She painted a vivid picture of the contrast between her vision and that of her opponents, emphasizing the necessity of a forward-thinking agenda.
Central to her message were themes of freedom, including voting rights, protection from gun violence, and reproductive freedom. Harris stressed these issues as integral to her platform, advocating for a country rooted in compassion and lawful governance.
Harris did not shy away from criticizing former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance. She accused them of attempting to roll back societal progress and instigating chaos, fear, and hatred.
"Do we want to live in a country of freedom, compassion and rule of law or a country of chaos, fear and hate?" Harris asked, challenging the crowd to reflect on the values they wish to uphold.
She addressed Trump's rhetoric head-on, referring to his claims about her record as "wild lies." Harris reassured her audience that the integrity of her campaign remained intact despite such attacks.
Embracing her role as the underdog, Harris rallied her supporters by highlighting the grassroots nature of her campaign. She expressed confidence that this approach would generate the momentum needed for a victory in November.
"This campaign is not just about us vs. Donald Trump," Harris stated, reiterating that the stakes extend far beyond a simple political contest. For Harris, the election represents a pivotal moment in defining the nation’s future trajectory.
Vice President Kamala Harris' first fundraising event as the Democratic presidential candidate was a pivotal moment that underscored her campaign's themes of progress, freedom, and compassion. She positioned herself as a resilient underdog ready to confront challenges and emphasized the stark contrast between her vision and that of her opponent, Donald Trump.
According to ABC News, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper officially withdrew from the race to become Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate in the 2024 presidential election.
On Monday night, Governor Cooper announced that he would no longer be considered for the vice presidential spot on Kamala Harris' 2024 ticket. This decision followed his strong endorsement of Vice President Harris' campaign.
Cooper explained that the timing and current circumstances in North Carolina influenced his choice not to seek a national role. Despite this decision, Cooper remains a steadfast supporter of Harris.
Shortly after his announcement, Governor Cooper joined a grassroots organizing call aptly named "White Dudes for Harris." Interestingly, he did not discuss his recent decision to withdraw during the call. Instead, Cooper continued to emphasize the crucial role of Harris' candidacy in the upcoming election.
"I strongly support Vice President Harris' campaign for President. I know she's going to win and I was honored to be considered for this role. This just wasn't the right time for North Carolina and for me to potentially be on a national ticket," Cooper stated, affirming his commitment to Harris’ campaign.
Earlier this month, on July 21, Cooper had officially endorsed Harris, reflecting on their shared history as attorneys general and underscoring her qualifications to lead the nation.
Roy Cooper was expected to help extend Democratic influence into swing states if he joined Harris' campaign. His inclusion on the ticket could have been a significant development, especially given North Carolina's political landscape.
If Cooper had accepted a national role, North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, a Republican, would have taken over as the active governor. This would have added a layer of political complexity, as Robinson is currently running against Democratic nominee, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, for the governorship.
The decision leaves the path open for Harris to consider other prominent candidates as possible running mates, among them Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
In the meantime, Vice President Harris is anticipated to secure the Democratic presidential nomination imminently. The Democratic National Convention Committee's Rules Committee stipulates that a presidential nominee must be chosen by August 7. However, the selection of a vice-presidential candidate does not need to adhere to this same deadline, though it is still likely that the nominee for vice-president will also be chosen by then.
"As I've said from the beginning, she has an outstanding list of people from which to choose, and we'll all work to make sure she wins," Cooper reiterated, indicating that he would continue to play a supportive role in the upcoming election.
Cooper further added, "Kamala Harris should be the next President. I’ve known @VP going back to our days as AGs, and she has what it takes to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country thoughtfully and with integrity. I look forward to campaigning for her as we work to win NC up and down the ticket."
Governor Roy Cooper's withdrawal from the vice-presidential race was motivated by the timing and current state of affairs in North Carolina. Despite this, Cooper continues to strongly support Kamala Harris' candidacy for the presidency. After his announcement, Cooper joined a grassroots call and reiterated the significance of Harris' bid, having previously endorsed her on July 21. His potential departure from the governor's role would have affected North Carolina's political scene, implicating Republican Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson.
According to Fox News, former White House press secretary Jen Psaki apologized to Gold Star families for her previous comments, denying that President Biden checked his watch during a dignified transfer ceremony.
Psaki's apology occurred during a House Foreign Affairs Committee interview examining the 2021 Afghanistan evacuation.
On a Friday, Psaki agreed to a transcribed session with the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The focal point was the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Psaki faced scrutiny for making multiple unsubstantiated claims about the incident.
House Foreign Affairs Committee members questioned Psaki extensively about her prior statements, especially those contradicting the experiences of Gold Star families. The session re-examined an incident where Biden appeared to check his watch multiple times during a solemn event.
Leslie Shedd, the majority spokeswoman for the committee, described the exchange. "The chairman asked Psaki about her remarks regarding Biden's actions at Dover Air Force Base," Shedd revealed. "After being pressed multiple times, Psaki asked if the chairman could relay her apology to the families."
The former press secretary conveyed her profound regret to the chairman, hoping to ease the pain caused. GOP Florida Representative Mike Waltz later confirmed Psaki's contrition via a statement on X, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the families' distress.
Representative Waltz expressed his approval of Psaki's actions. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), he mentioned the interview and lauded Psaki for apologizing to the families. Waltz did not view this as a partisan issue but as a necessary gesture of humanity.
"This isn’t a partisan or gotcha moment. This is the right thing to do as fellow Americans, and I pray she follows through," Waltz stated, reflecting a bipartisan sentiment for healing.
In response to inquiries from Fox News Digital, neither the Foreign Affairs Committee nor Psaki provided additional comments about the session. The committee referenced a video of Biden's actions during the Dover ceremony, prompting the initial outcry from the Gold Star families.
Psaki's "Say More" book fueled the controversy with claims that Biden checked his watch only once the ceremony concluded. This narrative contradicted the experiences relayed by the families of the fallen service members.
The backlash was swift and intense, leading Psaki to alter future editions of her book. Removal of the contentious passage directly resulted from the families' objections and the uproar that followed.
In May, Psaki came under heavy criticism for the statements in her book, further complicating her involvement with the Afghanistan withdrawal's portrayal. The episode highlighted the sensitivity surrounding the evacuation and the broader impacts on those directly affected.
Ultimately, the interview highlighted the ongoing need for transparency and sensitivity in discussing the 2021 Afghanistan evacuation. For the families who lost loved ones, these reflections and acknowledgments serve as vital steps in their healing journeys.
Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier is demanding an apology from the White House for allegedly undermining his reporting on President Joe Biden’s health and political status.
According to Daily Mail, Baier has questioned the transparency surrounding Biden's condition and suggested potential secret influences on his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.
Baier is adamant that Fox News deserves an apology. He believes efforts were made by the White House to conceal information regarding Biden's health, which significantly affected public perception.
The veteran journalist clarified that he does not completely buy into the notion of a "White House cover-up." However, he remains committed to investigating the intricacies of the President’s condition.
Compounding the intrigue, Baier mentioned circulating rumors suggesting House Speaker Nancy Pelosi threatened to release unfavorable polling data to undermine Biden’s campaign. He raises concerns about influential figures pulling strings behind the scenes.
Moreover, Baier points to signs of Vice President Kamala Harris assuming increasing responsibilities. This shift, according to Baier, could hint at a developing co-presidency scenario.
He also addressed allegations that Fox News manipulated videos of Biden, specifically footage showing the President being led off stage by former President Barack Obama. Baier firmly denies those accusations, stressing the authenticity of the footage.
Intriguingly, Hollywood actor George Clooney corroborated concerns about Biden’s frailty in a New York Times op-ed. Clooney portrayed a stark contrast between the Biden of recent times and his earlier political self.
Baier expressed frustration, noting that neither the White House nor Biden's campaign engaged with Fox News to refute Clooney's commentary regarding Biden's health.
Baier also recounted receiving alerts about a significant news day, including an attempted assassination of Donald Trump and Biden’s abrupt exit from the 2024 race. Fox News' live coverage of Biden stepping down garnered substantial viewership.
Baier emphasizes the importance of uncovering the true reasons behind Biden's sudden withdrawal from the presidential race. He questions the events that transformed Biden's staunch position on running for re-election to suddenly stepping down.
Speculation involving Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama's purported influence over Biden’s decision has injected further intrigue into the narrative. Baier's observations about Kamala Harris's increased responsibilities have prompted speculation about a more prominent role for the Vice President.
In conclusion, Baier remains committed to uncovering the full story behind Biden’s sudden campaign withdrawal. Despite mixed responses from the White House and Biden's campaign, he continues to raise vital questions about the President's future and the potential for significant developments in the political arena.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has once again denied speculation of being considered for Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate.
According to the New York Post, Whitmer confirmed she is not part of the vetting process and is dedicated to fulfilling her role as governor.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer addressed the rumors during an appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” on Monday, where she emphatically stated her commitment to her governorship. She mentioned that she has communicated her intentions clearly to Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign.
Whitmer underscored her dedication to Michigan, stating she plans to serve out her term. "I have communicated with everyone, including the campaign, that I’ve made a commitment to serve out my term as governor in Michigan," Whitmer said.
Whitmer, who is 52 and currently a co-chair of Harris' presidential campaign, remains focused on supporting Harris from her current position rather than vying for the vice-presidential slot. She reiterated this stance in a separate interview, emphasizing, "No, I’m not planning to go anywhere."
Whitmer also plans to campaign for Harris in Pennsylvania alongside Governor Josh Shapiro, 51, further demonstrating her proactive support for the Harris campaign without changing her role.
The Harris campaign has been undergoing an expedited vetting process to select a vice-presidential candidate, with an announcement expected within two weeks. The decision is anticipated before the Democratic National Committee's virtual roll call vote by August 7.
Among those being considered for the vice-presidential role are several prominent figures, including Senator Mark Kelly, Governor Josh Shapiro, Governor Andy Beshear, Governor Tim Walz, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. During an interview with CBS Mornings, Whitmer hinted at the swift nature of the vetting process, stating, "Everything is truncated, and she’s going to make that decision probably in the next six, seven days."
Whitmer formally endorsed Vice President Harris shortly after President Biden announced his withdrawal from the race. This sealed Harris as the presumptive Democratic nominee given her delegate support.
The Harris campaign has gained significant momentum, raising approximately $200 million within a week following Biden’s exit. The financial surge signifies strong backing from the Democratic base and underscores the urgency in selecting a vice-presidential candidate.
Whitmer has consistently communicated her resolve to remain in Michigan and not pursue a vice-presidential campaign. She stressed her pride in her governorship and her consistency, "I am proud to be the governor of Michigan. I have been consistent." She continued, "I know everyone is always suspicious and asking this question over and over again. I am not going anywhere."
The Democratic National Convention is slated to occur from August 19 to 22 in Chicago, where the official roll call will solidify the party's nominees and strategies for the upcoming election cycle. As co-chair of the Harris campaign, Whitmer will play a crucial role in mobilizing support while retaining her duties in Michigan. She emphasized her strategic value in her current role, stating, "I can be an excellent ally to President Harris, and I can be a great co-chair of the Harris campaign from my place as governor."
In conclusion, Gretchen Whitmer has officially ruled out any vice-presidential aspirations, firmly committing to her role as Michigan’s governor. Her dedication extends to actively supporting Kamala Harris' presidential bid from her existing position. As Harris continues her vetting process with the decision expected soon, potential candidates include notable figures like Senator Mark Kelly and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
An Air Canada flight from Morocco to Montreal was abruptly canceled after a heated altercation erupted between a flight attendant and a passenger.
According to Daily Mail, a request for a blanket by a female passenger spiraled into a situation leading to the cancellation of Air Canada flight AC73.
The incident started when the passenger requested a blanket. The flight attendant responded aggressively, reportedly attempting to remove the passenger, and threatened to call the police.
In response to the flight attendant's threats, other passengers rallied in support of the passenger. They even threatened to deplane should the situation escalate further.
Footage from the incident quickly went viral. The video depicted the flight attendant shouting at the passenger and declaring, "You will behave or we will get off!"
Further escalating the situation, the flight attendant remarked, "I don't want no bullying against my crew," and tried to assert control over the aircraft.
The altercation left Air Canada with no choice but to cancel the flight. Subsequently, the airline announced that the flight would be rescheduled to depart from Casablanca to Montreal on the following Saturday with a different crew.
A spokesperson for Air Canada communicated that the company is taking the incident very seriously and thoroughly reviewing the matter. The spokesperson also extended an apology to the affected passengers.
"We are taking this incident very seriously. It is under review, and we will take appropriate action," the spokesperson stated. "We apologize to our customers and deeply regret that their experience today fell far short of what they have come to expect when flying with Air Canada."
Despite the attention the incident has garnered, details leading up to the altercation remain unclear, as does the identity of the female passenger involved. The viral footage shows only the heated exchange.
In a separate incident, a United Airlines flight from Houston to Boston experienced a biohazard situation involving a sick passenger. The plane was forced to divert to Washington Dulles International Airport.
The incident led to both passengers and crew becoming ill due to the biohazard situation. United Airlines confirmed the diversion and the situation onboard.
Both airlines involved in these separate incidents have communicated their apologies and commitment to preventing such disruptions in the future. The spotlight now remains on Air Canada's ongoing review and the anticipated measures they plan to implement in response to this incident.