New York Times columnist and longtime critic of President Donald Trump, Bret Stephens, admitted that the Trump administration is having more success than he expected.In a column published Tuesday, Stephens marveled at Trumps recent slew of successes, saying that the presidents term has had a better turn since his first 100 days in office."Egads! After a disastrous first 100 days, Donald Trump is starting to have a much more successful presidency. This is not what we, his foam-at-the-mouth critics, had planned or perhaps secretly hoped for," he wrote.MARK HALPERIN: DEMOCRATS TRY TO CONSTRUCT A FRANKENSTEIN CANDIDATE WHILE JD VANCE GAINS MOMENTUM FOR 2028Stephens, who's described himself as a "Never Trump conservative," listed Trumps accomplishments and pointed out whether hes achieved them through good policy or sheer luck.Among Trumps positive policies, the columnist pointed to Trump getting NATO countries on board with increased defense spending."Far from destroying the Atlantic alliance, as his critics feared, Trump may wind up being remembered for reviving and rebalancing it, to the advantage of both sides," he added.He even praised Trump for "courageous policy." Namely, the bombing of Irans nuclear facilities last month."Joining Israel in its strikes on Iran, which Trump carried out in the teeth of political resistance from parts of his own base, did not lead us into a calamitous Middle East war, though Tehran may yet seek retaliation. Instead, it helped bring the war between Israel and Iran to a swift end," he said.CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTUREThe columnist went on to encourage Trumps adapted policy on the Russia-Ukraine war, stating, "Speeding the delivery of arms to Ukraine, after Trumps disastrous initial pressure campaign on Ukraine backfired by emboldening Vladimir Putin, is the only way to end the war."He also praised Trumps immigration policy, though he noted it is "good policy thats gone too far" in terms of its enforcement. Additionally, Stephens expressed some relief that trade deals Trump recently secured with the European Union and Japan did not lead to worse outcomes than they did.Despite noting there are "many unbeautiful parts" to Trumps $3.3 trillion spending package that was passed in early July, the columnist admitted it was a "needed" political victory for the president.COLUMBIA PROFESSORS DEMAND ANSWERS AS WHITE HOUSE FINALIZES NEGOTIATIONS WITH IVY LEAGUE UNIVERSITYHe also noted that Trumps legal shakedown of Columbia University for antisemitism on its campus while not the way to go about it did yield results.Stephens, who wrote last year he no longer considers himself "Never Trump" because the movement was too dogmatic, said Trump's recent successes were a valuable lesson to his critics."If Trumps opponents want to someday be effective and lets face it, we havent been then we have to come to grips with realities that have so far eluded us. Such as: Not everything Trump does is bad," he wrote.The White House did not immediately reply to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

EXCLUSIVE: Jewish student leaders from across the United States gathered Monday in the nations capital for the Israel on Campus Coalitions National Leadership Summit, where they heard an address from the parents of an American-Israeli hostage killed by Hamas.Jon and Rachel Polin, the parents of 23-year-old Hersh Goldberg-Polin, delivered a direct appeal to the group of more than 700 students: find your purpose, speak with courage and help secure the release of the 50 hostages still believed to be held in Gaza."Pull your shoulders back, head up, be proud, engage, try to truly learn and listen," Jon Polin said. "Disarm the other side by engaging and talking."Their remarks, shared exclusively with Fox News Digital, came just days after the latest ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas collapsed. The Polins appeared alongside freed hostages Keith and Aviva Siegel as keynote speakers.ISRAELI AMBASSADOR CONNECTS EMBASSY STAFFERS' SLAYING TO 'VERY IMPORTANT' BIGGER PICTUREHersh Goldberg-Polin was abducted by Hamas terrorists from the Nova music festival on Oct. 7, 2023. His death was confirmed this summer, following nearly 10 months of uncertainty. "He will always be 23," Rachel recounted.Rachel spoke plainly of her familys pain. "This wasnt a choice," she said. "This was very much reflexive, very innate, very primal and natural as a parent I need Hersh. I need him. Like I need water."She challenged students to find their "why," recalling the words of a former hostage who survived three days in a Gaza tunnel with Hersh. He told the Polins that Hersh had quoted Viktor Frankl: "When you have a why, youll figure out how." The surviving hostages, Rachel said, repeated the "what is our why?" mantra daily to keep spirits high.FROM CAMPUS PROTESTS TO DEADLY VIOLENCE: ISRAELI EMBASSY STAFF MURDERED IN DCIn sharing who Hersh was, Jon described a young man who embodied what he now calls "a revolution for good.""He excelled at listening," Jon said. "He would go over to people he disagreed with and say, Hey, lets have coffee. Lets talk. Rarely do we win when were outshouting another side." Rachel called it "radical listening."Jon shared a conversation with another Israeli who had made Hershs photo his phone background. "Every morning, the first thing I do is look at my phone. I see this picture of Hersh. And I ask: what can I do to be better?" he told Jon. "Thats the revolution.""Do one thing every day," Rachel urged the student leaders. "Some people wear a yellow ribbon. Some say a psalm. Some write to the White House. It doesnt matter what it is, it matters that youre doing something."Addressing the spike in antisemitism on college campuses, Jon urged students not to succumb to despair or victimhood."Lets stop saying, Woe is us," he said. "Pull your shoulders back. Put your head up Flip the narrative to one of pride, strength and resilience."Instead, he challenged students to confront hatred with confidence. "We are challenged. We have difficulties. But we have every ingredient to overcome our difficulties. We need to do it. We need to do it together. We dont have another choice."Rachel also urged the student leaders to strive for progress, not perfection. "We all have to figure out whats our purpose," she said. "What am I going to do today so when I go to sleep tonight, Ive left the world one molecule better?"CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPHer remarks ended on a note of hope."I bless all of us to have the resilience, the recovery, the healing, and the comfort that we all so desperately are thirsty for," Rachel said. "There is light ahead. Lets all go toward that light."

Not so fast.A Louisiana woman who purchased a Lamborghini while fraudulently obtaining Medicaid benefits is facing a fraud charge, authorities said this week.Candace Taylor, 35, of Slidell, dubbed the "Medicaid millionaire" by the office of Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, was arrested Monday. The state Bureau of Investigation began looking into Taylor after receiving a complaint from the Louisiana Health Department saying she underreported her income to qualify for Medicaid benefits.PENNSYLVANIA WOMAN ALLEGEDLY USED 10 DIFFERENT ALIASES TO POSE AS NURSE ACROSS MULTIPLE FACILITIES"From 2021 through 2024, Ms. Taylor continued to transfer tens of thousands of dollars between her personal and business accounts, with personal inflows consistently exceeding the eligibility thresholds for Medicaid," the affidavit directly states.Medicaid provides health insurance for low-income adults and children. The program is partially funded and primarily managed by state governments. The federal government establishes parameters for states to follow. However, each state administers their Medicaid program differently.Taylor initially applied for Medicaid in May 2019 under the alias Candace Sailor, listing a bi-weekly income of $1,900 and no dependents, authorities said. That application was denied.Less than a year later, she re-applied under the same misspelled name, prosecutors said. She was allegedly inconsistent with the years she reported having a dependent.Investigators eventually discovered she owned six different businesses that generated more than $9.5 million between January 2020 and December 2024, according to court documents.FEDERAL JUDGE DEEMS FORMER CHICAGO ALDERMAN ACCUSED OF BRIBERY UNFIT FOR TRIALA look at her accounts revealed deposits totaling $480,994.09, with over $325,000 directly attributable to Taylor's business activities, authorities said. In addition, transfers and payments were disbursed from one account, including $45,086.65 in vehicle payments to Audi Finance.Other purchases included a $100,000 wire transfer to Tactical Fleet, an exotic car dealership, followed by a $13,000 debit card transaction for the purchase of a 2022 Lamborghini Urus, authorities said.Taylor also made multiple six-figure withdrawals via cashier's checks, which allegedly funded property purchases, cosmetic surgery, high-end jewelry, and luxury services.Two months after the Lamborghini, Taylor tried to renew her Medicaid benefits, claiming she made $4,000 per month with an unidentified business. However, she omitted that she was the owner, authorities said.Investigators also saw Taylor flaunting her lifestyle on social media, the attorney general's office said.

Two men have been banned from flying with a British airline after police removed them from a plane for allegedly behaving inappropriately while intoxicated.Ian Boyle, who was on the July 24 flight departing from Leeds Bradford Airport in Yeadon, England, to the Greek island of Crete, saw the disturbance.The flight had been delayed, at which point the two men began drinking a bottle of vodka, according to Boyle, SWNS reported.DELTA PLANE ABORTS TAKEOFF IN MEXICO CITY AFTER PLANE NEARLY LANDS ON TOP OF AIRCRAFT"Apparently, the two friends brought a duty-free bottle of vodka on board and thought it was OK to drink it while we were delayed," Boyle said.One of the men became "so drunk he was uncontrollable," he said.Police officers who responded to the incident can be seen in a video escorting the two passengers off the plane and walking with them on the tarmac."The airline staff were doing their best, but the drunk guy just overwhelmed them," Boyle said.BOMB THREAT GROUNDS SPIRIT AIRLINES FLIGHT AT DETROIT METRO AIRPORT: 'POTENTIAL SECURITY ISSUE'West Yorkshire Police confirmed they "received a request for assistance following a report of a disturbance," according to SWNS.The two men were arrested on suspicion of affray and later released on bail, SWNS reported."We can confirm that two disruptive passengers have been banned from flying with us following their appalling behavior, which led to police having to offload them," a Jet2 spokesperson said in a statement. "As a family-friendly airline, we take a zero-tolerance approach to disruptive passenger behavior."OH, CANADA: TORONTO MAN PLEADS GUILTY AFTER WILD AIRPORT ASSAULT ON TSA AGENTS IN MIAMI WAS CAUGHT ON VIDEOIn May, a Houston, Texas-bound Southwest airplane at a terminal in New Orleans was held to allow authorities to remove a passenger who refused to disembark when asked.The Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office said the passenger, Kamaryn Gibson, 25, of Olathe, Kansas, was causing a disturbance on the plane after it left the gate at Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport.Jet2 and West Yorkshire Police did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

The U.S. Navy has called off a search for a sailor assigned to the USS George Washington amid reports that he possibly went overboard while the ship was sailing north of Australia.The sailor was reported overboard on the aircraft carrier on Monday as the ship was transiting the Timor Sea, the Navy said.US DEFENSE OFFICIAL REACTS TO IRAN'S CLAIMS ABOUT ENCOUNTER WITH WARSHIPThe search effort involving the George Washington, its carrier strike group, as well as the Australian Defence (sic) Force and Australian Border Force, concluded at 12:40 p.m. Wednesday."USS George Washington expresses sincere condolences to those impacted by this loss and is actively engaged with the crew to make services available to tend to their needs during this challenging time," Lt. Cmdr. Mark Langford, a spokesperson for the ship, told USNI News.BOAT CAPTAIN ARRESTED AFTER HIT-AND-RUN CRASH INTO USS MIDWAY MUSEUM SHIP: POLICEThe Navy is withholding the sailors name until 24 hours after next-of-kin notification, per Navy policy.The George Washington was carrying out its first patrol since returning to Japan in November 2024, USNI News reported.Fox News Digital has reached out to the Navy.

Director Christopher Nolans upcoming movie "The Odyssey" is already facing backlash for allegedly filming on indigenous land under "military occupation" in the Western Sahara.After the picture wrapped up shooting in the area last week, the Sahrawi Government expressed "deep concern and strong indignation" that the "Oppenheimer" directors follow-up project was filming in the city of Dakhla, a location it claims is currently under "illegal military occupation by the Kingdom of Morocco.""The Ministry firmly expresses its strong condemnation and unequivocal rejection of the decision to select an occupied territory as the location for a major international film production, without any form of consultation or coordination with the legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people, internationally recognized as the Polisario Front," its statement read.The statement continued, "This act constitutes a dangerous form of cultural normalization with the occupation, and an unethical exploitation of art and cinema to whitewash the image of a colonial situation that is still imposed by force and met daily with the steadfast resistance of a people struggling for freedom and dignity."JAMES CAMERON SLAMS 'OPPENHEIMER' AVOIDING AFTERMATH OF ATOMIC BOMBINGS ON JAPAN AS 'MORAL COP-OUT'The Western Sahara International Film Festival (FiSahara) similarly put out a statement urging Nolan and Universal Pictures to "stop filming in Dakhla and stand in solidarity with the Sahrawi people who have been under military occupation for 50 years and who are routinely imprisoned and tortured for their peaceful struggle for self-determination.""By filming part of The Odyssey in an occupied territory classified as a 'journalistic desert' by Reporters Without Borders, Nolan and his team, perhaps unknowingly and unintentionally, are contributing to Morocco's repression of the Sahrawi people and to the Moroccan regime's efforts to normalize its occupation of Western Sahara," Mara Carrin, the festivals executive director, said.Actor Javier Bardem, who has appeared in FiSahara before, shared the festivals statement on his Instagram account last week."For 50 years, Morocco has occupied Western Sahara, expelling the Sahrawi people from their cities. Dakhla is one of them, converted by the Moroccan occupiers into a tourist destination and now a film set, always with the aim of erasing the Sahrawi identity of the city. Another illegal occupation, another repression against a people, the Sahrawi, unjustly plundered with the approval of Western governments, including the Spanish. #FreeSaharaNow," Bardem wrote.Meanwhile, Reda Benjelloun of the Moroccan Cinematographic Center, a public administrative film agency in Morocco, called the film "extremely important" as the first major Hollywood project to shoot in the area.OPPENHEIMER' DIRECTOR CHRISTOPHER NOLAN SAYS AI IN FILM CARRIES RESPONSIBILITIES LIKE ATOMIC BOMB CREATION"Dakhla will indeed offer extraordinary opportunities in the future to foreign productions which will find human resources there as well as a geography very different from other regions of Morocco," Benjelloun said in an interview. "Today, Morocco's strength lies in being very responsive to demand and also having very efficient local executive production companies that do a great job."Fox News Digital reached out to Universal Pictures and a representative for Nolan for comment."The Odyssey" spent at least four days filming in the area which has been classified as a "non-self-governing territory" by the United Nations. Seventy percent of the land is currently controlled by Morocco, though Morocco has proposed a plan to give the country autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.President Donald Trump recognized Moroccos claim to the land and endorsed its plan in a statement during his first term in 2020.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP"The Odyssey" is set to be released on July 17, 2026, and adapts Homers ancient Greek epic poem of the same name. It has also filmed in Morocco, Greece, Italy, Scotland and Iceland and is expected to continue filming in Ireland and the UK.

FIRST ON FOX: More than two dozen protesters were captured on video last week delivering a faux coffin and flowers to the Wisconsin home of House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil, R-Wis.The unwanted visitors, dressed in black and carrying cowbells, walked up the congressman's private driveway in what appeared to be a mock funeral procession, before dropping a cardboard coffin prop with an epitaph at his front door.Former Walworth County Democrat Party Chairwoman Ellen Holly was identified in the video footage posted to social media allegedly walking up to Steil's front door, along with several other constituents from previous protests.AFTER MINNESOTA KILLINGS, CAPITOL HILL REPRESENTATIVES FACE STARK REALITY ABOUT FAMILY SAFETYPrior to the "Death of Democracy" funeral procession, sponsored by the Southern Wisconsin Grassroots Network and Working Families Party, an organizer could be heard on a Facebook Live video saying, "We're not going to hang out here because we're not going to invite the police to come and ask questions, and say, 'What are you doing here, blah, blah, blah.' We're just going to get out of town."Following the demonstration, protesters could be seen walking across Steil's front yard, forgoing the sidewalk, and commenting on photo opportunities in front of the home.A photo of the coffin and epitaph at the front door was later posted to Facebook by another group involved. One commentator asked for the lawmakers home address.USERS MANUAL TO SECURITY BRIEFINGS FOR LAWMAKERS AFTER MINNESOTA SHOOTINGSThis incident has been reported to U.S. Capitol Police (USCP). It is unclear if any of the protesters are facing criminal charges."Its disappointing that Democrat leadership and the radical left resort to these type of tactics," Steil told Fox News Digital. "I remain committed to my work to get this country back on track and will not be deterred by their threats."Ravi Mangla, National Press Secretary for Working Families Power, told Fox News Digital the incident was less concerning than Steil's policies."17 million Americans are going to lose life-saving medical care becauseof Bryan Steil's vote," Mangla wrote in a statement. "Frankly, that's a farscarierthing than a group of seniors holding some taped together cardboard."Congressional offices have seen a 93.8% increase in threats reported to USCP compared to last year.Steil oversees the Committee on House Administration, which has been working with leadership on both sides of the aisle to address increased threats to congressional members and their staff.Due to an increase in threats, Congress recently authorized an increase in funding for the Member Security Allotment, from $10,000 to $20,000 for life, and an increase in the Monitoring and Maintenance Allotment from $150 to $5,000 per month for fiscal year 2025.MINNESOTA LAWMAKER SHOOTINGS PROMPT SECURITY DEBATE IN HOUSE AND SENATEThegroup is encouraging protestsat Steils in-person town hall on Thursday.Organizers posted "Good Trouble Lives ON!" on Facebook ahead of the meeting.Similar efforts are being sponsored by left-wingdark moneygroupsandtheDemocratic Party of Wisconsin.USCP and Southern Wisconsin Grassroots Network did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Actor Harrison Ford spoke out about President Donald Trump's second term in an interview published Wednesday, lamenting, the "rich get richer and poor get poorer," which he declared wasn't right."In politics and in life, you dont always get what you want, but you get what you get, and you dont get upset. They teach us that in kindergarten, but they also teach you to fight for what you think is right," he told Variety."Now, because weve been disaggregated in this way, were having a hard time finding commonality. But if you look at the economy, youll figure out where the commonality is its where it always was: Rich get richer, and poor get poorer. And that aint exactly right," Ford conituned.Ford supported former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024 and recorded a video endorsement for the former vice president.OBAMA SWIPES AT AFFLUENT LIBERALS DURING RARE PUBLIC REMARKS, SAYS 'ALL OF US ARE GOING TO BE TESTED'Ford said the country was "on a healthy swing to the right" right now, but added that it would swing back the other way.Asked by Variety where they should go from here, Ford responded, "Youre asking an unqualified person. So I dont have that answer."In Ford's campaign video for Harris, he said, "The truth is this: Kamala Harris will protect your right to disagree with her about policies or ideas."Harris garnered a lot of celebrity endorsements, including George Clooney, Cardi B, Jamie Lee Curtis, and TV producer Shonda Rhimes.KAMALA HARRIS COMES KNIVES OUT AGAINST TRUMP IN FIRST SPEECH SINCE LEAVING OFFICE: ABSOLUTE CHAOSFord said during the endorsement video that Trump wanted revenge.Variety asked Ford how he felt about making the video for Harris, as someone who doesn't talk about politics often."Fine," he responded.He also spoke to Variety about his career and was asked whether he would ever retire.CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE"No. Thats one of the things I thought was attractive about the job of an actor, was that they need old people, too, to play old peoples parts," he said.

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani left Wednesday night's game with medical trainers in the fourth inning.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMOhtani was pitching for the Dodgers and had thrown six consecutive balls, and had runners on first and third, before coming out in the middle of an at-bat. Ohtani's facial expression suggested potential pain around the time of his exit.Ohtani initially went back to the team's clubhouse, but then returned to the dugout minutes later. Ohtani then came back into the game to hit in the sixth inning, but struck out.DODGERS' SHOHEI OHTANI BLASTS HOMER IN WIN, ACHIEVES STATISTICAL FEAT UNSEEN SINCE WILLIE MAYSHe may have been suffering from cramping or tightness in the lower half of his body, ESPN reported.Ohtani made his return to pitching in June for the first time since August 2023. Right elbow surgery kept him out as a pitcher for the entire 2024 season.Some fans have argued that he should abandon pitching to focus on being a full-time hitter and position played, and to limit potential for injury.Meanwhile, others have suggested he give up hitting to focus exclusively on hitting.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Washington Commanders executives are reportedly afraid they will have to restore the Redskins nickname or possibly face President Donald Trump hampering their D.C. stadium deal in some way.The organization has recently come under fire from Trump for not restoring the name in a series of Truth Social posts earlier this month. The New York Post reported on Wednesday that team owners Josh Harris and David Blitz have warned business associates that the White House "does indeed have some leverage" over their plans to build a stadium on the old RFK Stadium site.The stadium is on federal land leased to the D.C. government for at least the next 99 years, the New York Post noted. The D.C. Council is set to vote on a revised bill that would allow the Commanders to build the stadium, chairman Phil Mendelson said last week.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMThe $3.7 billion project would receive $1 billion in public funding a $2.7 billion from the organization itself.The New York Post reported that Trump may "use his control of the administrative state to extract concessions." A source warned to the outlet that Harris and Blitzer may have to "grovel before Trump relents" if they ultimately dont decide on changing the name.Fox News Digital reached out to the Commanders for comment.Trump put the pressure on the Commanders, and the Cleveland Guardians calling both organizations out in two posts made on Truth Social."My statement on the Washington Redskins has totally blown up, but only in a very positive way," Trump wrote on social media. "I may put a restriction on them that if they dont change the name back to the original Washington Redskins, and get rid of the ridiculous moniker, Washington Commanders, I wont make a deal for them to build a Stadium in Washington. The Team would be much more valuable, and the Deal would be more exciting for everyone."The president added that the Guardians should follow suit.D.C. COUNCIL SET FOR AUG. 1 VOTE ON UPDATED COMMANDERS STADIUM PLAN"Cleveland should do the same with the Cleveland Indians. The Owner of the Cleveland Baseball Team, Matt Dolan, who is very political, has lost three Elections in a row because of that ridiculous name change," Trump added. "What he doesnt understand is that if he changed the name back to the Cleveland Indians, he might actually win an Election. Indians are being treated very unfairly. MAKE INDIANS GREAT AGAIN (MIGA)!"It was the second time in one day that he made his demands."The Washington Whatevers should IMMEDIATELY change their name back to the Washington Redskins Football Team. There is a big clamoring for this," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday. "Likewise, the Cleveland Indians, one of the six original baseball teams, with a storied past."Our great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen. Their heritage and prestige is systematically being taken away from them. Times are different now than they were three or four years ago. We are a Country of passion and common sense. OWNERS, GET IT DONE!!!"Mendelson suggested to106.7 The Fanin D.C. on the "Grant & Danny" show he would have "no problem" with a potential name change.COMMANDERS GENERAL MANAGER, DC MAYOR UNFAZED BY TRUMP'S COMMENTS ON TEAM NAME"He suggested the past DC opposition of the team moving back into the city while named Redskins had more to do with Dan Snyder than the name," radio host Grant Paulsen wrote about Mendelson. "Suggested he would have no problem with DC welcoming the team back with the name Redskins now."Harris has been adamant about keeping the Commanders name going. Hae said on Fox News Channels"Special Report"in April that the team would not bring back the Redskins name even with plans to build a new stadium in Washington, D.C."The Commanders name actually has taken on an amazing kind of element in our building," Harris responded to Bret Baiers question about the Redskins name coming back as part of this new stadium deal. "So, the people that certain types of players that are tough, that love football, are delegated Commanders and Jayden [Daniels], for example, is a Commander, and they're ranked."And, you know, the business staff has gotten into it, and obviously, we're in a military city here. There's more military personnel than anywhere else, so we're kind of moving forward with the Commanders name, excited about that, and not looking back."Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.