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Dems attack Johnson over impassioned Columbia speech condemning anti-Israel student activists

Top Democrats are pouncing on House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., after he gave an impassioned speech condemning the anti-Israel protests on Columbia University's campus."Why would I ever listen to a man that thinks he should have more say over my body than I do? NEXT," Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., wrote on X under a photo of Johnson at Columbia.She responded to a report about students heckling Johnson, "Good, he’s trying to take all their reproductive rights away."Johnson and several New York House Republicans – Reps. Nicole Malliotakis, Anthony D'Esposito, and Mike Lawler – visited with Jewish students on the Manhattan Ivy League campus on Thursday after days of demonstrations left them fearing for their own safety.COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY MOVES TO HYBRID LEARNING ON MAIN CAMPUS AMID ANTISEMITIC PROTESTS House Speaker Mike Johnson is under fire from Democrats for denouncing anti-Israel protests at Columbia University's campus. (Getty Images)The speaker denounced the "mob" of pro-ceasefire activists who set up an encampment on the Columbia campus as well as the faculty and staff aiding them. Those protesters loudly booed Johnson's remarks on Thursday, to which at one point he shot back, "Enjoy your free speech."New York's Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul accused Johnson of politicizing the demonstrations in comments to reporters in Albany, according to Politico."A speaker worth the title should really be trying to heal people and not divide them, so I don’t think it adds to anything," Hochul said. "It seems to me there’s a lot more responsibilities and crises to be dealt with in Washington…I’d encourage the speaker to go back and perhaps take up the migrant bill, the bill to deal with closing the borders, so we can deal with the real crisis that New York has."COLUMBIA SETS DEADLINE FOR AGREEMENT WITH PROTESTERS, THREATENS ‘ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS’ FOR CLEARING PROTESTERS New York Gov. Kathy Hochul told House Speaker Mike Johnson to "go back" to Washington. (Howard Schnapp/Newsday RM via Getty Images)Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., whose daughter was arrested at the Columbia encampment earlier this week, went a step further and said Johnson was putting people's lives in danger."It is not surprising that he would go out to Columbia University and stir up really more anger and hate and endanger the lives of young people who are at the encampment at Columbia University," she told MSNBC.The speaker's office told Fox News Digital in response to the attacks, "Speaker Johnson spoke to students at Columbia University because Governor Hochul and other officials in New York have completely failed in their duty to protect Jewish students and combat the rise of antisemitism in their party. We wish it hadn’t been necessary."OMAR'S DAUGHTER DECRIES ‘HYPOCRISY,' SAYS ANTI-ISRAEL STUDENTS ARE ‘100% TARGETED’ AFTER SUSPENSION AND ARREST Anti-Israel agitators construct an encampment on Columbia University’s campus in New York City on Monday, April 22, 2024. (Peter Gerber)CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPHis appearance at Columbia came as officials on both sides of the aisle condemned the demonstrations, which have forced the university to partially move classes online. Similar protests have cropped up at colleges across the country, including at Yale University, where a Jewish student said they were hit in the eye with a flag pole during an anti-Israel event."The college campus used to be the place for respectful debate, for the differences of opinion and the free marketplace of ideas to be discussed. That is not what is happening here," Johnson told the activists on Thursday."You're intimidating and shouting down people you disagree with. You cannot censor and silence viewpoints you disagree with. That is not American. You do not understand what it means to respect the First Amendment."

Empowered21 launches the Global Women’s Alliance

.code-block { display:none !important; } A groundbreaking global Initiative led by Christine Caine and Daniela Freidzon-McCabeTULSA, Okla. — Empowered21 (E21) launched its Global Women’s Alliance at a two-day gathering in Orange County, California, which was attended by 120 key leaders coming from 24 nations and 26 different states. The Empowered21 Women’s Alliance was established to create ecosystems for Spirit–empowered women to connect, commune, and collaborate. This initiative will focus on cultivating authentic relational connections, establishing pathways for women’s leadership development, and creating opportunities for genuine collaboration around the globe. The Alliance is chaired by Christine Caine, founder of the A21 Campaign, Propel Women, and Zoe Churches in Europe, with Daniela Freidzon-McCabe, Executive Pastor of King of King’s Church in Buenos Aires, Argentina, serving as Vice-Chair. The Global Chair of Empowered21, Dr. Billy Wilson, participated in the event and shared, “The launch meeting for the Empowered21 Women’s Alliance was amazing! Godly women, full of the Holy Spirit, connected with one another and collaborated for Christ’s Kingdom, all to make a positive difference for the future of Spirit-empowered Christianity. Special thanks to Christine Caine for her great leadership. Christian history was made by convening these high-level women leaders from every continent. Exciting days are ahead for this effort.” The two-day meeting featured key voices from around the world, deep times of worship, prayer, ministry, panel conversations, table discussions, and opportunities for women to share what is happening in their respective nations. “I’m so excited about the future,” noted Caine. “The potential of uniting and mobilizing Spirit-empowered women from every continent on Earth for the purpose of reaching our world with the Gospel is stunning. This is a historic moment.” Co-Chair Freidzon-McCabe affirmed, “It has been a true joy and a great inspiration to have spent two days at the launch of the Women’s Alliance network of Empowered21. Women from 24 nations gathered to have powerful and insightful conversations, be united, and be encouraged to see a generation of women arise around the world for the purpose of God’s Kingdom.” The Alliance plans to roll out a comprehensive strategy to establish regional cabinets to continue to connect and empower global leaders worldwide, as well as continue to meet digitally and in person throughout the year. Participating Leader Quotes “Empowered 21 Women’s Alliance has surpassed every expectation I had. Women leaders from 24 nations prayed, learned together, received the power of the Holy Spirit, and committed to a Spirit-empowered mission for our day and the rising generation. We’re building new relationships and dreaming about how we collaborate together. We’re pressing on to see the Kingdom come. I can’t wait to see what God does with this movement of women consecrated, united, and empowered.” — Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing, Author, Speaker, Theologian, and Honorary Lecturer Divinity the University of Aberdeen. United Kingdom  “I was in Orange County, California with women leaders from over 20 nations, what an amazing launch of the E21 Women’s Alliance! Empowering women and reviving Jesus’ mandate to release and make disciples from all nations! It was absolutely inspiring to connect, commune, and collaborate with these beautiful daughters of God who’re walking out their purpose on earth as it is in heaven. God be praised for this precious time together!” — Pastor Daphne Yang, Co-founder of Cornerstone Community Church, Singapore  “The moments of prayer and worship with women leaders from so many nations will stay with me for a long time.  God has ministered to my heart in so many ways.  I have been encouraged and filled to rise up and step out in greater confidence and expectation for what the Lord has called me to, particularly to be a spiritual mother in my nation.” — Trudi Sayers, Pastor of Red Church in Melbourne and National Director of 24-7 Prayer, Australia  “God has gifted women with a special ability to reach deep and connect with Him so intimately, and this was evident at this gathering. We had such beautiful Holy Spirit moments like I’ve never experienced at other gatherings, and the Lord poured into us. The women in that room have so much to offer to the body of Christ, and the church will be better because of what happened at Empowered 21 Women’s Alliance.” — Vernita Rwotlonyo, Watoto Church Uganda Alliance Launch Attendees The following leaders were present for the launch of the E21 Women’s Alliance. Katia Adams Rachel Aguirre Elizabeth Anduvate Nina Baratiak Sophia Barrett Karyn Barriger Jamie Bates Lisa Bevere Sephora Boukorras Sarah Breuel Dr. Cheryl Bridges Johns Jennifer Brown Joanne Brozozog Jessica Cabrera Zai Chandler Noemi Chavez Faith Cho Anne Christiansen Lindy Cofer Ellie Cotter Nicole Crank Ashlyn Crank Pfulger Judith Crist Josefin Cummings Priscila Cunha Rosaria Damore Whitney Davis Sonia de Luna Destiny Deas Elaine Edelman Yvonne Fermin Lisa Fields Debra Fileta Elaine Fisher Miriam Fleming Lillie Flock Eden Fontaine Shimoda Melanie Foust Rachelle Francey Betty Freidzon Daniela Freidzon-McCabe Angela Gaeta Christina Gard Shelley Giglio Courtney Good Kyndal Green Nicole Hammond Lisa Harper Carrie Headington Carla Hornung Rachel Hughes Amy Hughes Lisa Hughes Dawn Jackson Becky Johnson Jenn Johnson Jessica Koulianos Rebekah Layton Tara Beth Leach Ashlyn Lee Allison Lih Emily Manginelli Anne Martin Nicole Martin Michelle Mayorquin Oneka McClellan Lydia McLaughlin Sara Mecum Damsy Mich Muscan Lorisa Miller Anna Morgan Julie Mullins Alli Munsey Dianna Nepstad Lina Nielsen Shannon Nieman Madeline Nix Bianca Olthof Amy Orr-Ewing Wendy Perez Dr. Anita Phillips Kara Powell Monica Prescott Elizabeth Prestwood Joy Qualls JoAnne Ramos Andrea Ramos Stephanie Reader Beth Redman Dr. Kathaleen Reid-Martinez Kristin Reinhardt Angie Richey Meghan Robinson Vernita Rwotlonyo Meredith Ryburn Khuloud Samawi Trudi Sayers Alex Seeley Natasha Shapoval Leslie Siebeling Christa Smith Stephanie Sposeto Kelly Spyker Jennifer Toledo Miranda Torrence Liz Turner Rebeca Valbuena Muñoz Debbie Vanderkolk Jemima Varughese Lana Vasquez Holly Wagner Sarah Wehrli Tracy Wilde Sharon Witton Hosanna Wong Daphne Yang Ruth Yang Sarah Yardley About Empowered21Empowered21 (E21) is the world’s largest Spirit-empowered relational network. E21 is comprised of a global council, international and regional leadership teams, and various work groups. E21 organizes regional and global events to inspire the Spirit-empowered community. E21 mobilizes efforts to recognize and implement effective models to answer the cry for spiritual fathers and mothers, connecting generations for intergenerational blessing and impartation and focusing on crucial issues facing the movement. For more information about Empowered21 and Amsterdam 2023, visit empowered21.com and amsterdam2023.com, where the entire EveryONE conference is still available for online viewing. The closing global worship rally is archived at facebook.com/empowered21/videos Media ContactAshley Wilson, Empowered21[email protected] ### Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Religion News Service or Religion News Foundation.

Trump slams 'Bidenomics' ahead of court, claims to have a 'good chance' of winning liberal state

Trump: I can win NY in 2024 Former President Trump speaks on the stock market slowing, presidential immunity and setting his sights on winning New York before heading into court.Former President Donald Trump slammed the state of the economy under President Biden’s administration, while touting campaign events in the heart of the Big Apple, before he entered the Manhattan courtroom for his seventh day on trial."Some very big things have happened, but the biggest seems to be that the GDP just announced us all the way down to 1.6% and it's heading south. It's going to get worse. Gas prices in California were just also announced at $7.60. Gasoline is going way up. Energy costs are going way up and the stock market is, in a sense, crashing," Trump said Thursday morning before heading into the courtroom. "This is Bidenomics. It's catching up with them," he said. His comments followed the Bureau of Economic Analysis estimating the economy grew at an annualized pace of 1.6% during the first quarter, meaning the U.S. economy grew at a slower pace than anticipated.  A court sketch depicts the third day of former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial in Manhattan Criminal Court on Thursday, April 18, 2024. Jury selection for the alleged hush money case remains ongoing after two seated jurors were dismissed earlier today. (Christine Cornell)LIVE UPDATES: TRUMP NY TRIAL TESTIMONY RESUMES AS SUPREME COURT HEARS IMMUNITY ARGUMENTS "The big news today, I think, is the 1.6%. When you look at 1.6 GDP, that's a number that nobody thought was possible. That's a real bad number. And it looks like the projections are it's heading in the wrong direction. And that's why the stock market's down so big today," Trump said.Trump also touted a handful of rallies he's planning to hold in New York City, and suggested that he may even be competitive in the liberal state in the November presidential election. "I think we have a good chance of winning New York. We're going to give it a big play. We're going to the South Bronx to do a rally. We're going to be doing a rally at Madison Square Garden, we believe.… We're gonna have a big rally honoring the police and honoring the firemen and everybody. Honoring a lot of people, including teachers," he said.  SUPREME COURT TO HEAR ARGUMENTS IN TRUMP PRESIDENTIAL IMMUNITY CASETrump is facing his second week in Manhattan court this week, as part of an ongoing trial where he is facing 34 charges of falsifying business records in the first degree. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts.  Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he leaves court during his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments at Manhattan Criminal Court  on April 22, 2024 in New York City.  (Brendan McDermid-Pool/Getty Images)The case focuses on Trump’s former personal attorney Michael Cohen paying forme pornographic actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 ahead of the 2016 election to allegedly quiet her claims of an affair with Trump in the early 2000s. Trump has repeatedly denied having an affair with Daniels. Prosecutors allege that the Trump Organization reimbursed Cohen, and fraudulently logged the payments as legal expenses. Prosecutors are working to prove that Trump falsified records with an intent to commit or conceal a second crime. Prosecutors identified the second cri this week as "conspiracy to promote or prevent election." TRUMP SAYS NY JUDGE MERCHAN 'THINKS HE IS ABOVE THE SUPREME COURT' AFTER BARRING HIM FROM IMMUNITY ARGUMENTSThe trial Thursday is expected to continue with testimony from former American Media Inc. CEO David Pecker, who oversaw outlets such as the National Enquirer. Judge Juan Merchan may also issue a ruling on Trump's alleged gag order violations, which could result in Trump paying a $1,000 fine for each of the at least 10 alleged violations. Trump continued in his comments Thursday that Biden is a "diaster" of a president, while pointing to issues such as the ongoing anti-Israel protests on college campuses and the Biden administration's border policies.  Former U.S. President Donald Trump greets union workers at the construction site of the new J.P. Morgan Chase building on April 25, 2024 in New York City (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)BIDEN INSISTS RED STATE WON TWICE BY TRUMP IS SUDDENLY 'IN PLAY'"This is the worst run country right now, probably anywhere, just about. You don't get much worse," he said. "We have a president who is the worst president in the history of our country."Early Thursday morning, Trump stopped by a construction site in the city to thank construction workers for their support. Former President Donald Trump pumps his first at cheering union workers at the construction site of the new J.P. Morgan Chase building on April 25, 2024, in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP"We have a big case today — this judge wouldn’t allow me to go, but we have a big case today at the Supreme Court on presidential immunity," Trump said to the press, referring to the Supreme Court weighing whether Trump is immune from prosecution in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s election interference case. "A president has to have immunity," he added. "If you don't have immunity, you just have a ceremonial president."

Jewish Democrat calls out Bernie Sanders over opposition to Israel aid: 'Now do antisemitism'

A Jewish Democrat in the House called out Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., after he claimed it was a "dark day" following the passage of a foreign aid package that included billions of dollars for U.S. ally Israel, which is embroiled in a war with terrorist group Hamas in Gaza. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., took to X this week to scrutinize Sanders for his statement on his amendments to restore United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) funding and to end "unfettered" aid to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which were both blocked from consideration prior to a vote on the package. "It is a dark day for democracy when the Senate will not even allow a vote on whether U.S. taxpayer dollars should fund Netanyahu’s war against the Palestinian people," Sanders wrote on X. HELP CHAIRMAN BERNIE SANDERS AVOIDS AGREEING TO CAMPUS ANTISEMITISM HEARINGS Rep. Jared Moskowitz called out Sen. Bernie Sanders for not being vocal against antisemitism. (Getty Images)Moskowitz responded in his own post, writing, "Bernie, now do AntiSemitism. Why so quiet?"Both Moskowitz and Sanders are Jewish and each are members of the Democratic caucuses in the House and Senate, despite Sanders' status as an Independent. Sanders did not provide comment to Fox News Digital in time for publication. After Moskowitz's criticism, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., came to the senator's defense: "Sen. Sanders’ family was killed in the Holocaust. He dedicates his every moment to realizing tikkun olam. His commitment to protecting innocents in Gaza stems FROM his Jewish values," she wrote to her fellow Democratic representative. "He and many other Jewish leaders deserve better than to be treated this way. This is shameful."The Florida Democrat hit back at Ocasio-Cortez, writing, "My family was also killed in the Holocaust. In Germany and in Poland. My grandmother was in the kinder-transport." During an Earth Day press conference, AOC said the protests at Columbia University were "peaceful." (Fox News)GOP LAWMAKERS DEMAND BIDEN ADMIN PROSECUTE ‘PRO-TERRORIST MOBS,’ HOLD SCHOOLS ACCOUNTABLE"They also instilled values in me. It’s why I voted for aid to Israel and for aid to Gaza," he said.  He also slammed the New York congresswoman for responding to him over the internet, adding, "We see each other at work, we are both better than doing this here." Rep. Jared Moskowitz attends a hearing in Rayburn Building on July 26, 2023. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)BIDEN ADMIN NOTES 'URGENT' CONCERN OVER ISRAEL IN GAZA HUMAN RIGHTS REPORTMoskowitz's question to Sanders on antisemitism comes as anti-Israel demonstrations spread across U.S. college campuses, several involving alleged incidents of threats and intimidation of Jewish students. Sanders, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), refused to say whether he would consider holding hearings over antisemitism on college campuses when prompted several times by Fox News Digital.  Sen. Bernie Sanders would not say if he would hold HELP committee hearings on campus antisemitism. (Getty Images)CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPHe was urged to do so by his counterpart, HELP committee ranking member Bill Cassidy, R-La., in the wake of the encampments persisting on campuses nationwide. Moskowitz's office did not provide additional comment on Sanders' refusal to say whether he would consider hearings in his capacity as HELP chairman. 

With DNC nomination set for after Ohio deadline, legislators negotiate to ensure Biden is on ballot

Republican legislative leaders in Ohio say they are negotiating with Democrats to assure President Joe Biden appears on the state's November ballot, but the exact shape of the solution remains murky.GOP Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman told reporters Wednesday that productive discussions are under way between both legislative chambers and both political parties about how to fix the fact that the Democratic National Convention, where Biden is to be formally nominated, falls after Ohio's ballot deadline of Aug. 7. The convention will be held Aug. 19-22 in Chicago."Certainly, it's something that's going to happen. We need to take care of it," Huffman said, seeming to adjust his earlier stance that it was "a Democratic problem" that was up to the General Assembly's minority party to work out. He said the answer may be added to an existing bill or it could be contained in a stand-alone measure.VULNERABLE DEM SENATOR RIPPED FOR IGNORING QUESTIONS ABOUT BIDEN'S PUSH TO 'BAN' GAS-POWERED CARSOn Tuesday, Republican House Speaker Jason Stephens expressed support for doing something to fix the problem with Ohio's deadline not just for this election cycle, but on a longer term basis. The William McKinley Monument is seen in silhouette in front of the Ohio Statehouse on April 15, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. Republican legislative leaders in Ohio say they are negotiating with Democrats to assure President Joe Biden appears on the state's November ballot. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)Since Ohio changed its certification deadline from 60 to 90 days ahead of its general election, state lawmakers have had to adjust the requirement twice, in 2012 and 2020, to accommodate candidates of both parties. Each change was only temporary.Huffman said he also favors a more permanent solution.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPSenate Democratic Leader Nickie Antonio continued to express confidence Wednesday that Biden will make Ohio's ballot, saying that "all options are being explored.""The discussion is there, and it will become reality when we see it," she said. Antonio said a proxy war between Huffman and Stephens for next session's speakership is "the elephant in the room" that may be causing delays.As Ohio nears the May 9 cutoff set by Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, legislation meant to ensure Biden will appear on fall ballots in Alabama cleared the state's Senate Tuesday. The Alabama bill offers accommodations to the president like those made four years ago for then-President Donald Trump.

GOP state lawmakers appeal to SCOTUS to challenge Biden's 'usurpations' of their power to run elections

A group of Pennsylvania state legislators have taken their fight for the right to sue President Biden over his election executive order (EO) to the Supreme Court. A group of 27 state lawmakers are asking the high court to give them standing in a case challenging Biden’s March 2021 Executive Order 14019 on "promoting access to voting," after a lower court ruled that they lacked standing, according to a petition for writ of certiorari that was filed on Tuesday and shared with Fox News Digital.The group of Republicans filed the lawsuit challenging the EO, arguing that it is essentially an executive get-out-the-vote effort targeting key demographics to benefit the president’s political party and own re-election, which they argue is unconstitutional with Congress having never enacted a law that grants such an action from the Oval Office.In their petition filed Tuesday, they asked the court to weigh in, saying that, for the 2024 election, they cannot "do their part" in suing to stop "federal and state executive usurpations of Pennsylvania state law, pursuant to the Elections Clause and Electors Clause, unless the Court does its part and declares individual state legislator standing in this case."DOJ 'STONEWALLING' REQUESTS FOR DETAILS ON IMPLEMENTATION OF BIDEN'S 'FEDERAL ELECTION SCHEME' A group of Pennsylvania state legislators have taken their fight for the right to sue President Biden over his election executive order to the Supreme Court. (PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP via Getty Images)The Elections Clause states that the "times, places and manner of holding elections for senators and representatives, shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature thereof." The Electors Clause says that "each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress." "As the Court has stated, when cases involve federal elections, it ‘heightens the need for review' as [e]lections are ‘of the most fundamental significance under our constitutional structure," the petition states.Biden’s Executive Order 14019 directed "executive departments and agencies" to "partner with State, local, Tribal, and territorial election officials to protect and promote the exercise of the right to vote, eliminate discrimination and other barriers to voting, and expand access to voter registration and accurate election information."Erick Kaardal, attorney for the Key Stone State lawmakers, argued in legal filings that the executive order – among other things – directed the Department of Health and Human Services to facilitate voter registrations; the Department of Housing and Urban Development to instruct more than 3,000 public housing authorities to facilitate registration drives in those units; the Department of Education to push state schools to register students; and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to issue letters to state agencies that administer SNAP and WIC programs, instructing them to carry out voter-registration activities with federal funds.BIDEN ADMIN ACCUSED OF USING TAXPAYER FUNDS TO HELP HIS OWN CAMPAIGN WITH STUDENT VOTER REGISTRATION SCHEME President Biden speaks at a campaign event at Pullman Yards on March 9, 2024, in Atlanta. (Megan Varner/Getty Images)"Each individual legislator has a right to protect ‘their constitutional duty to craft the rules governing federal elections,’" the petition states. "Members of the executive branch should not be permitted to strip state legislators of their Constitutional rights – representative rights of the people."That stripping of constitutional rights refers to the legislator’s claim that Biden’s executive order denies them their "right to oversee and participate in making legislative decisions regulating federal elections", which they say is granted to them in the Constitution. PROGRESSIVE ACTIVISTS TAKE VICTORY LAP AFTER TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DEMOCRATS CAST PROTEST VOTES AGAINST BIDEN President Biden signs an executive order in the East Room of the White House on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. (Photo by Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post via Getty Images)The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA), who filed an amicus brief in the case in lower court, said that "this is the most consequential legal issue in the country."CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP"The outcome of this case could determine who holds the White House," Stewart Whitson, senior director of federal affairs at FGA told Fox News Digital.The Supreme Court receives roughly 8,000 petitions a year and grants roughly 80 of those. The Justice Department and White House did not immediately return Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 

Trump taunts former AG Bill Barr even after endorsement for president

Former President Donald Trump had some fun on social media at the expense of a former member of his administration — even after a presidential endorsement.Trump took a swipe at former Attorney General William Barr on Thursday, following Barr's endorsement of Trump for president earlier this month."Wow! Former A.G. Bill Barr, who let a lot of great people down by not investigating Voter Fraud in our Country, has just Endorsed me for President despite the fact that I called him 'Weak, Slow Moving, Lethargic, Gutless, and Lazy,'". Trump wrote via his proprietary social media service, Truth Social."Based on the fact that I greatly appreciate his wholehearted Endorsement, I am removing the word 'Lethargic' from my statement," he added. "Thank you Bill. MAGA2024!"FORMER AG BILL BARR RIPS 'POLITICAL' TRUMP HUSH MONEY CASE, SAYS 'REAL THREAT' TO DEMOCRACY IS PROGRESSIVE LEFT Former President Donald Trump exits Trump Tower in New York City amid the NY v. Trump trial in Manhattan Criminal Court. (Probe-Media for Fox News Digital)Earlier this month, Barr slammed New York prosecutors for the "obviously political" Trump hush money case, calling it an "abomination" as jury selection continues in the landmark trial. Barr, who led the Department of Justice under former President Donald Trump, argued the case signals what the real threat to democracy is in his opinion — the "excesses of the progressive left."TRUMP SAYS NY JUDGE MERCHAN 'THINKS HE IS ABOVE THE SUPREME COURT' AFTER BARRING HIM FROM IMMUNITY ARGUMENTS Then-President Donald Trump and then-Attorney General William Barr arrive at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.

US GDP Growth Starts 2024 Below Expectations

Consumer and Government Spending Trends Consumer spending showed a mixed picture, with a rise in services expenditure, particularly in healthcare and financial services, being partly offset by a decrease in goods spending, especially in motor vehicles and energy products. On the government side, while state and local government spending increased, primarily due to higher employee compensation, federal government expenditure experienced a downturn, contributing to the overall deceleration in GDP growth. Investment and Trade Trends Investments showed divergent trends, with residential fixed investment accelerating, highlighted by growth in brokers’ commissions and new single-family housing constructions. Conversely, nonresidential investment saw notable increases in intellectual property products. The increase in imports, covering both goods and services, further weighed on the GDP. Inflation and Income Metrics Inflation indicators accelerated, with the price index for gross domestic purchases rising to 3.1% from 1.9% in the previous quarter. Personal consumption expenditures increased significantly, reflecting heightened consumer prices. Additionally, personal income saw a considerable boost, leading to a rise in disposable income, although the personal saving rate dipped slightly from the previous quarter. Market Forecast Given the mixed economic indicators—slower GDP growth, mixed consumer spending, and rising inflation—market sentiment might lean cautious. Traders should prepare for potential volatility, with a short-term bearish outlook on the U.S. economy until further signs of stabilization or growth are evident. The forthcoming second GDP estimate, due in late May, will be crucial for confirming trends and adjusting forecasts accordingly.
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