Former top officials in the Biden administration admitted they were impressed by President Donald Trumps bold moves this week during his historic tour in the Middle East, according to a new report.In a dramatic policy shift, Trump announced on Tuesday he would be lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria, before meeting with Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Wednesday, becoming the first U.S. president to meet with a Syrian president in 25 years.He also secured a $600 billion commitment from Saudi Arabia to invest in the U.S., and agreed to sell Saudi Arabia an arms package worth nearly $142 billion, Reuters reported.Axios spoke to several top Biden administration officials about Trumps "audacious" foreign policy moves which have "astounded even some of his harshest critics," according to the outlet.TRUMP ASKS SYRIA TO JOIN ABRAHAM ACCORDS, NORMALIZE TIES WITH ISRAEL IN RETURN FOR SANCTIONS RELIEF"Gosh, I wish I could work for an administration that could move that quickly," one official admitted."It's hard not to be simultaneously terrified at the thought of the damage he can cause with such power, and awed by his willingness to brazenly shatter so many harmful taboos," Rob Malley, former special envoy to Iran under Biden, also said."He does all this, and it's kind of silence, it's met with a shrug," Ned Price, a former State Department spokesperson in the Biden administration, added. "He has the ability to do things politically that previous presidents did not, because he has complete unquestioned authority over the Republican caucus."Trumps visit to the Middle East is his first major overseas trip since retaking office. The White House says he hopes to strengthen strategic partnerships in the region for stability and economic prosperity.TRUMP'S MIDDLE EAST TOUR BEGINS WITH SYRIA LOOMING AS STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITYTrump said Tuesday during a speech in Saudi Arabia that he was dropping U.S. sanctions on Syria, implemented under ousted President Bashar al-Assad, "in order to give them a chance at greatness.""In Syria, theyve had their share of travesty, war, killing many years. Thats why my administration has already taken the first steps toward restoring normal relations between the United States and Syria for the first time in more than a decade," Trump said.Former Obama administration officials Tommy Vietor and Ben Rhodes hailed the move on their "Pod Save the World" podcast Wednesday."It's a very big deal," Vietor said. "So I think Trump deserves a lot of credit for this decision. It was politically difficult but it's unequivocally the right thing to do.""It's so clearly the right decision," Rhodes agreed. "I don't know why Joe Biden didn't do this.""I don't like Trump's motivations for lots of things he does," Rhodes added. "But one thing you will say is he's not tied to this constant fear of some bad-faith right-wing attacks or stupid Blob-type, 'we don't do this, we must leverage the sanctions for blah blah blah.' No! Sometimes you just have to try something different."Despite their praise, the former Democratic officials who spoke with Axios also questioned Trump's motives for the foreign policy shifts, as the president faces backlash for planning to accept a luxury jet, on behalf of the U.S. government, as a gift from the Qatari royal family.On Thursday, Trump arrived at his final stop of his tour, the United Arab Emirates, becoming the first U.S. president to travel to the nation in nearly 20 years.

Legendary comedian Jerry Seinfeld faced anti-Israel hecklers while leaving a Knicks game. Seinfeld, sporting a Knicks hat, took it in stride and laughed in the protesters face as she accused him of supporting "the genocide of babies in Gaza."A video of the incident, posted on the Palestinian Assembly for Liberations Instagram page, appears to show the comedian heading to his car as someone off-camera begins shouting at him."F--- you, Jerry Seinfeld! Free Palestine," the off-camera person yelled at Seinfeld. "You support the genocide of babies in Gaza!"The comedian instantly began laughing at the protester and responded by saying, "Only you." However, the protester continued shouting at him over his support for Israel and even called him a "rabid f---ing dog."HBO MAX COMEDIAN CONDEMNS 'MASS MURDER' OF GAZANS, DECLARES 'NEVER AGAIN IS NOW'Seinfeld has been open about his support for Israel for years but became even more vocal after Hamas Oct. 7 massacre. Just days after the brutal attacks, Seinfeld joined a group of over 2,000 leaders in the entertainment industry in signing a letter supporting Israel."As Israel takes the necessary steps to defend its citizens in the coming days and weeks, social media will be overrun by an orchestrated misinformation campaign spearheaded by Iran. We urge everyone to remember the horrific images that came out of Israel and to not amplify or fall for their propaganda," the letter, initiated by Creative Community for Peace (CCFP), read.At the end of the letter, CCFP also expressed the desire for Israelis and Palestinians to one day "live side-by-side in peace."For over a year and a half, hecklers have yelled at the comedian at shows and in public. This latest incident comes just months after social media influencer Subway DJ tried to ambush him by asking for a selfie with Seinfeld before declaring, "Free Palestine." The influencer then looked to Seinfeld, seemingly trying to get him to agree, but the comedian delivered a one-liner before walking away: "I dont care about Palestine."JERRY SEINFELD TROLLS PRO-PALESTINIAN ACTIVIST BY SAYING, 'I DON'T CARE ABOUT PALESTINE'While he has dealt with hecklers, Seinfeld has also encountered supporters.An avid New York sports fan, Seinfeld was attending a Mets game when a fan asked if he would send a message to his brother, who was "watching from the Gaza border." Seinfeld looked into the fans camera and said, "Lets go IDF!"Shortly after the war in Gaza began, Seinfeld and his wife, Jessica Sklar, visited Israel in December 2023 and met with survivors of Oct. 7. When discussing the trip in an interview with Bari Weiss, Seinfeld was visibly emotional and even unable to speak for several seconds after calling the visit "the most powerful experience of my life."

President Donald Trump weighed in on the birthright citizenship case being argued in front of the Supreme Court Thursday, insisting the law originally was intended to benefit the descendants of slaves, not illegal immigrants."Birthright Citizenship was not meant for people taking vacations to become permanent Citizens of the United States of America, and bringing their families with them, all the time laughing at the SUCKERS that we are!" Trump wrote in a post Thursday morning on his Truth Social platform as the arguments were being heard. "The United States of America is the only Country in the World that does this, for what reason, nobody knows But the drug cartels love it!"Trump added that birthright citizenship, which was adopted as a constitutional amendment in 1868, was primarily intended to benefit the babies of slaves.SUPREME COURT TAKES ON BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP: JUSTICES APPEAR OPEN TO CONSERVING STATUS QUO"It had nothing to do with Illegal Immigration for people wanting to SCAM our Country, from all parts of the World, which they have done for many years," Trump said in his post. "It had to do with Civil War results, and the babies of slaves who our politicians felt, correctly, needed protection. Please explain this to the Supreme Court of the United States."Trump cited the birthright citizenship issue as "yet another point that leads to the dysfunction of America.""We are, for the sake of being politically correct, a STUPID Country but, in actuality, this is the exact opposite of being politically correct, and it is yet another point that leads to the dysfunction of America.'EVERY COURT HAS RULED AGAINST YOU': SUPREME COURT JUSTICE ELENA KAGAN SPARS WITH U.S. SOLICITOR GENERAL JOHN SAUER IN BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP CASE'While the case being heard Thursday resulted from disputes against the president's effort to end birthright citizenship, which is the right for any child born in the U.S. to automatically acquire citizenship, the issue of whether it is permissible for lower courts to permanently block Trump's executive actions will hinge on the justices' decision.Through universal injunctions, lower federal courts can bar authorities from enforcing a Trump executive order.The birthright citizenship case was set in motion after Trump signed a Day One executive order ending the 19th century law, meant to go into effect Feb. 19. But shortly after the order was signed, legal challenges ensued and Democrat-appointed federal judges began blocking the president's action.Meanwhile, appeals of those decisions from the Trump administration failed before the Supreme Court decided to take up the case.It is unclear when the high court's justices' final ruling on the birthright citizenship case will come out. It could take weeks, or it could take just several hours if they decide to issue an emergency ruling right away.

The leader of the United Arab Emirates gifted President Donald Trump his countrys highest civilian honor on Thursday."In recognition of President Donald Trumps exceptional efforts to strengthen the longstanding ties of friendship and strategic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America, I am honored to announce that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan bestows the Order of Zayed upon President Trump," a woman was heard before Trump was presented the award.The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the "Order of Zayed is considered the highest civilian honor granted by the UAE, and is bestowed upon world leaders and heads of state.""The award bears the name of the UAEs Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed, whose legacy of humanitarianism, international cooperation and the pursuit of peace continues to have an impact throughout the world today," the ministry added.TRUMP MAKES HISTORIC UAE VISIT AS FIRST US PRESIDENT IN NEARLY 20 YEARSTrump on Thursday arrived in the United Arab Emirates for his final stop on his Middle East trip this week in a visit that marked the first time a U.S. president has traveled to the nation in nearly 20 years, following President George W. Bush's trip in 2008.TRUMP SIGNS AGREEMENTS WITH QATAR ON DEFENSE AND BOEING PURCHASESIn March, the UAE pledged a $1.4 trillion investment in the U.S. economy over the next decade through AI infrastructure, semiconductor, energy and American manufacturing initiatives, including a plan to nearly double U.S. aluminum production by investing in a new smelter for the first time in 35 years. On the eve of the presidents visit to the Middle Eastern nation, the State Department also announced a $1.4 billion sale of CH-47 F Chinook helicopters and F-16 fighter jet parts to Abu Dhabi.Fox News Caitlin McFall contributed to this report.

A member of the House of Representatives' progressive "Squad" is reviving legislation aimed at giving reparations payments to Black Americans for slavery.Rep. Summer Lee, D-Pa., reintroduced a resolution Thursday that, if passed, could give federal dollars to the descendants of enslaved people brought from Africa to the United States.Former Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., who lost her 2024 primary to a more moderate Democrat, introduced the reparations bill in the last Congress. Bush's bill, unveiled in May 2023, called for $14 trillion to be put toward reparations payments for descendants of slavery in the United States, but it did not go anywhere."We say to the rest of America: If you are truly committed to justice, as you try to say you are, you cannot look away. You cannot turn your back on the demand for reparations, because until there is repair, there will be no justice. And where there is no justice, we will continue to fight. Were not going anywhere. We are awake. We are organized, and we will win. Reparations now," Bush said alongside progressive Democrat Reps. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., and Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., at Lee's announcement.HOUSE DEMOCRAT TO INTRODUCE REPARATIONS PUSH, DECLARES 'MORAL OBLIGATION' TO SEND TRILLIONS TO BLACK AMERICANSPressley reintroduced a reparations bill during Black History Month this year with Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., rejecting the "unprecedented onslaught against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from the Trump Administration."HOUSE DEMS REINTRODUCE REPARATIONS LEGISLATION: 'WE REFUSE TO BE SILENT'"Trumps policies are nothing but anti-Blackness on steroids," Pressley said Thursday before adding, "This America wants to make America Jim Crow again, and then some.""Reparations are a necessary step towards true equity in our country, and a more just future. There is an opportunity for Congress to confront our nations racist history of slavery and White supremacy. We must provide the descendants of enslaved Black families with the reparations they were promised," Tlaib added.It's an effort mounted by progressive Democrats every year, but one that has little chance of passing.That's especially true for the 119th Congress, which is controlled by Republicans while President Donald Trump is also in the White House.One longtime GOP lawmaker, House Science Committee Chair Brian Babin, R-Texas, even introduced legislation earlier this year to pull federal funding from state and local jurisdictions that enacted reparations policies."We know there will be pushback," Lee said Thursday, adding, "Reparations are a proposal to level the playing field, but the only way we could ever have a level playing field is by remedying the harms that have been done by the system."But Lee signaled on Wednesday that the long odds would not deter her."When we think about the debt that is owed through our country . . . the Trump administration and the Republican Party talks a lot about paying our debts. This is one of them," Lee told Fox News.The Pennsylvania progressive argued that the U.S. government crafted policies that intentionally disadvantaged Black Americans."They were not theoretical, but they were harms from government policies and practices and laws. There were real laws that were on the book that caused systemic disadvantages. They created systemic advantages for other people. So you can never have equal footing until you remedy that," Lee said.

A member of the House of Representatives' progressive "Squad" is reviving legislation aimed at giving reparations payments to Black Americans for slavery.Rep. Summer Lee, D-Pa., reintroduced a resolution Thursday that, if passed, could give federal dollars to the descendants of enslaved people brought from Africa to the United States.Former Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., who lost her 2024 primary to a more moderate Democrat, introduced the reparations bill in the last Congress. Bush's bill, unveiled in May 2023, called for $14 trillion to be put toward reparations payments for descendants of slavery in the United States, but it did not go anywhere."We say to the rest of America: If you are truly committed to justice, as you try to say you are, you cannot look away. You cannot turn your back on the demand for reparations, because until there is repair, there will be no justice. And where there is no justice, we will continue to fight. Were not going anywhere. We are awake. We are organized, and we will win. Reparations now," Bush said alongside progressive Democrat Reps. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., and Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., at Lee's announcement.HOUSE DEMOCRAT TO INTRODUCE REPARATIONS PUSH, DECLARES 'MORAL OBLIGATION' TO SEND TRILLIONS TO BLACK AMERICANSPressley reintroduced a reparations bill during Black History Month this year with Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., rejecting the "unprecedented onslaught against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from the Trump Administration."HOUSE DEMS REINTRODUCE REPARATIONS LEGISLATION: 'WE REFUSE TO BE SILENT'"Trumps policies are nothing but anti-Blackness on steroids," Pressley said Thursday before adding, "This America wants to make America Jim Crow again, and then some.""Reparations are a necessary step towards true equity in our country, and a more just future. There is an opportunity for Congress to confront our nations racist history of slavery and White supremacy. We must provide the descendants of enslaved Black families with the reparations they were promised," Tlaib added.It's an effort mounted by progressive Democrats every year, but one that has little chance of passing.That's especially true for the 119th Congress, which is controlled by Republicans while President Donald Trump is also in the White House.One longtime GOP lawmaker, House Science Committee Chair Brian Babin, R-Texas, even introduced legislation earlier this year to pull federal funding from state and local jurisdictions that enacted reparations policies."We know there will be pushback," Lee said Thursday, adding, "Reparations are a proposal to level the playing field, but the only way we could ever have a level playing field is by remedying the harms that have been done by the system."But Lee signaled on Wednesday that the long odds would not deter her."When we think about the debt that is owed through our country . . . the Trump administration and the Republican Party talks a lot about paying our debts. This is one of them," Lee told Fox News.The Pennsylvania progressive argued that the U.S. government crafted policies that intentionally disadvantaged Black Americans."They were not theoretical, but they were harms from government policies and practices and laws. There were real laws that were on the book that caused systemic disadvantages. They created systemic advantages for other people. So you can never have equal footing until you remedy that," Lee said.

Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump administration, Capitol Hill and more Fox News politics content.Here's what's happening-Trump highlights potential pay raise for troops, touts military reforms in Qatar speech-Dems divided on Trump's executive order aimed at slashing drug prices-Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts reins in Sotomayor after repeated interruptionsThe Supreme Court heard oral arguments Thursday in a challenge to President Donald Trump's effort to end birthright citizenship, a case that could more broadly call into question the powers of lower courts to block executive branch actions. Its unclear when the justices will rule, but their decision to fast-track the case means an opinion or order could come within weeks or even days.Justices across the ideological spectrum appeared to agree Thursday that the use of universal injunctions has surged in recent years blocking actions by both Democratic and Republican presidents.WHY WOULD HE GO?': Trump to skip Russia-Ukraine peace talks, calls Zelenskyy the greatest salesman, maybe in historyTRUMP OF ARABIA: Trump makes historic UAE trip in first U.S. presidential visit in nearly 30 years'VERY SIMPLE': Trump warns Iran faces 'violence like people haven't seen before' if nuclear deal fails'TRUMP'S EXCEPTIONAL EFFORTS': UAE's president bestows highest civilian honor on Trump'IT'S THE LAW': Espionage, constitutional concerns abound from Trump detractors, allies over Qatari jet offerPOLL POSITION: Trump's poll position improves as president's approval ratings edge up in new national survey'DESTRUCTION OR DISRUPTION': Hidden communications devices found in Chinese solar power inverters spark security alarm'NO DOUBT': Dem senator says 'no doubt' Biden declined cognitively during presidencyTAX-CUT DAY: GOP reps, advocacy group to target competitive House districts in Trump tax-cut pushPLANES, TRAINS, AND INVESTIGATIONS: House Dems open investigation into Trump's acceptance of $400 million jet from QatarSUPREME SMACKDOWN: Justice Kagan snaps at Trump lawyer in major case: 'Every court has ruled against you''DISTURBING' CONDUCT: US attorney for Massachusetts says interference with ICE operations is 'disturbing,' threatens arrestsJUDGE IS IN: Jeanine Pirro sworn in as interim US attorney'LEAVING AMERICANS VULNERABLE': US military would be unleashed on enemy drones on the homeland if bipartisan bill passesNEW GAME: Harvard updates lawsuit after Trump cancels additional $450M in fundingGet the latest updates on the Trump administration and Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.

Natalie Portman isfini with Los Angeles as she enjoys her under-the-radar life in Paris with her two children."Theyre very good at privacy here," Portman, who just went through a public divorce with French choreographer Benjamin Millepied, told Net-a-Porter this week. "I feel like the biggest compliment is elle est trs discrte[she is very discreet]."The "Black Swan" star recently moved back to Paris before her divorce, and decided to stay to raise their two children, Aleph, 13, and Amalia, 8, there."All the kids that come to my house are, like, bonjour Madame and give me thebise[cheek-to-cheek kiss]," she said. "And before they leave, they are, like, thank you for having me and if Im not nearby, theyll come and find me to say it."RICHARD GERE AND WIFE EYE US COMEBACK MONTHS AFTER MOVING TO SPAINThe couple previously moved to Paris in 2014 after Millepied was hired as the director for the Paris Opera Ballet, but came back to Los Angeles in 2016.At the time, she told Jimmy Kimmel after moving back to the States that everyone seemed really friendly in L.A. as opposed to France, where people are a bit "cool."LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSShe explained to the comedian that there are a lot of "codes of behavior" compared to L.A., where its "looser."Portman told Net-a-Porter, "I think we have an assumption that Western cultures are all the same and kind of evened out by all this pop culture that everyone consumes. Its not true: its extremely specific here; and the culture is very different in both deep and surface ways."CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTERShe added, "I find the people here are actually incredibly friendly you just have to know how to interact, so that were not the ones being rude. Now, when I go back to the U.S., Im like, Oh, I would go into a store and not say hello to everyone there? Its weird."The New York native said she also enjoys soaking up all the culture the City of Light has to offer.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP"Even when its cold and gray, theres always some incredible exhibit or concert or dinner party or writers in town; something fascinating and stimulating happening and the frequent vacations are so clutch!" she said.

A bill recently passed by lawmakers in Washington state could open the door for illegal immigrants to receive cash assistance under a program designed to provide housing assistance and other essential items to certain low-income residents unable to work, critics say.The state's Democratic-controlled Legislature last month passed SB 5232, which has been delivered to Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson. The bill updates provisions related to the state's Housing and Essential Needs Referral Program (HEN), which provides assistance to low-income U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and victims of human trafficking if they can't work due to their physical or mental condition.HOMELAND SECURITY SUBPOENAS CALIFORNIA FOR POSSIBLE CASH BENEFITS TO ILLEGALSLawmakers amended the bill to remove the eligibility requirement that recipients be "citizens or aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence or otherwise residing in the United States under color of law.""This year seems to be the year for noncitizens," Republican state Sen. Leonard Christian, a ranking member of the Senate Human Services Committee, told Fox News Digital. "We have no problem giving direct money, housing money to noncitizens, along with $150 million in Medicaid for noncitizens.""It just seems like the state is trying really hard to pick a fight with the Trump administration," he added.The state has set aside roughly $130 million for the HEN program in an effort to address homelessness and housing.In a social media post, state Rep. Travis Couture also criticized SB 5232, calling it the "same budget" with "more recipients."NEWSOM ASKS FOR NEARLY ANOTHER $3B FOR STATE HEALTH PROGRAM OVERWHELMED BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS"That means our people get kicked out of line in favor of illegal immigrants," he wrote last week. "Gov. Ferguson veto this. Its unfair and its wrong. Put our own people first!"Ferguson hasn't signaled whether he will sign the legislation. Fox News Digital has reached out to the sponsors of the bill and the governor's office.Christian characterized the government handing out funds for housing as a "gift of taxpayer dollars," noting the money doesn't have many "guardrails around it." He cited his own life experience, recalling his mother once leaving him and his 12-year-old brother at home to go cross-country trucking."He used the money that was given to my mom to buy groceries and food for us kids, to buy marijuana and alcohol at the age of 12," he said. "I saw first hand (the impact of) substance abuse and handing money to somebody."NEWSOM SIGNS $2.8B BAILOUT FOR HEALTHCARE PROGRAM OVERRUN BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTSStatewide, Democrats have favored higher taxes on businesses and the rich, which ultimately trickle down to middle- and lower-class residents and programs that benefit illegal immigrants over American citizens, Christian said."A lot of times, the Democratic Party thinks more with their hearts than with their head," he said. "It's the idea that they see a problem, and they think they can fix it."Republicans want to address the same issues but look at how potential solutions will affect the overall population, he said."They don't get the fact that somebody else has got to pay for that crazy program," he said. "I would certainly like to go around with a card and have fun and save the world, but who's going to pay that Visa bill, and that's when they don't seem to care."SB 5232 was passed as the state faces a $16 billion budget shortfall. In addition, Ferguson recently signed a handful of bills to protect immigrants' rights, including measures to allow the state to inspect private detention centers and prohibit bail bond agents from enforcing immigration laws.

Chris Brown was arrested in England on Thursday for allegedly attacking someone at a London nightclub in 2023.According to the Associated Press, the Metropolitan Police didn't name the rapper, but told the outlet they took a 36-year-old into custody at a Manchester hotel "on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm."Per British law, a suspect cannot be named at the time of their arrest to make sure that a fair trial is conducted.RIHANNA PERFORMS CONCERT IN INDIA AT WEDDING FOR SON OF ASIA'S RICHEST MANThe Sun, who originally broke the news of Brown's arrest, reported that music producer Abe Diaw claimed that he was hospitalized after the alleged "unprovoked attack" at the TAPE nightclub in February 2023.Diaw said Brown hit him in the head with a bottle and punched and kicked him while he was on the floor. Diaw has filed a $16 million lawsuit against the musician.At the time of the incident, Brown was on tour in the U.K. He is scheduled to return overseas for his Breezy Bowl tour, celebrating 20 years as a musician, in June and July.LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSBrown's representatives did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.This is not Brown's first run-in with the police.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTERIn 2009, Brown was arrested for assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Rihanna. That same year, he pleaded guilty to felony assault.According to People, Brown was accused of raping a woman in October 2024 while on Sean "Diddy" Combs' yacht. The alleged abuse is detailed in the Warner Bros. documentary, "Chris Brown: A History of Violence."Brown sued Warner Bros. in January, claiming to be falsely labeled as an abuser, the outlet reported. He is seeking $500 million in damages.