COLUMBUS, Ga. During a trip to Fort Benning on Thursday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the department is working on re-establishing deterrence, "so that when the enemy sees an American, they don't want to f--- with us."The comments came after Hegseth spoke at an Officer Candidate School (OCS) graduation ceremony, where candidates were commissioned as second lieutenants in the Army or ensigns in the Navy.Following the ceremony, he made remarks at the Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course luncheon sharing stories about his children wanting Army Ranger shirts, and noting the proudest moment of his life would be saluting them if they earned it.TRUMP TO RENAME PENTAGON, RESTORING HISTORIC DEPARTMENT OF WAR IN LATEST MILITARY MOVEHegseth also touched on military priorities under the Trump administration, noting the Department of Defense's focus is rebuilding the military to ensure it has the best possible equipment from the warfighter perspective, across all services."And then reestablishing deterrence, so that when the enemy sees an American, they don't want to f--- with us," Hegseth said. "Because they know they'll get the business end of the best warrior on the planet. We're reestablishing that. Whether it's midnight hammer, or freedom of navigation, or narco-traffickers that are poisoning the American people."WHITE HOUSE ADVANCES PLAN FOR DEPARTMENT OF WAR AS TRUMP LOOKS TO RESTORE HISTORICAL MILITARY TITLEHe said the world knows that when President Donald Trump speaks, he means business, adding that the graduates are the faces of that deterrence."It's you that we remember, and we think of, when we make decisions," Hegseth said. "It's the job of policymakers and leaders in our positions to look down and say, 'We've asked you to do tough things, we're going to have your back when you do it.' We're going untie your hands and make sure you can unleash hell in Yemen. Absolute violence of action."We're going to push decision-making authority down to you, the platoon level, the company level, the battalion unit level, as much as possible."HEGSETH VOWS TO RESTORE WARRIOR MENTALITY AND RAISE STANDARDS IN SWEEPING MILITARY TRANSFORMATIONDuring the trip, the secretary also teased that the Defense Department may have a new name on Friday, which Fox News Digital's Diana Stancy and Emma Colton were first to confirm.Trump will sign an executive order allowing the department to use the "Department of War" as a secondary title, along with phrases like "secretary of war" for Hegseth.The order also directs Hegseth to propose legislative and executive actions to make the name change permanent.Fox News Digital's Diana Stancy and Emma Colton contributed to this report.

Berlin swing musician David Hermlin says he is facing cancellation after being excluded from some of Europes leading jazz festivals and accused of intimidation at a meeting organized by a pro-Palestinian group.The 25-year-old told Fox News Digital that his only actions were asking two questions and wearing a yellow pin in solidarity with hostages still held in Gaza."I didnt harass or intimidate anyone. I merely asked two questions I thought were legitimate," Hermlin said.Known on social media as "Daveetheewave," Hermlin has built a reputation not just for his music but for his image. He dresses in authentic 1930s fashion, complete with slicked-back hair, vintage microphone, and a charcoal gray suit that looks plucked from a Fred Astaire film.BBC DEEMED UK PUNK-RAP DUO 'HIGH RISK' BEFORE CONTROVERSIAL ANTI-ISRAEL PERFORMANCEThe look fits the sound. He sings classics like "Lets Fall in Love" backed by his own big band, The Swing Dance Orchestra, that re-creates the golden era of swing down to the last detail. His yellow ribbon pin, worn neatly on the lapel of that tailored suit, stood out at this years festival and became a flashpoint in the controversy.Hermlins experience raises questions about free speech in the entertainment world. He frames his case as part of a broader historical pattern of exclusion."What kind of a world is this now that before I can play at a festival, I have to make a political statement? Its a music festival, not a political festival," he said.ANTI-ISRAEL BAND PLAYS VICTIM AFTER BEING HAMMERED FOR SAYING DEATH TO THE IDF DURING MUSIC FESTIVALThe Herrng Dance Camp in Sweden is considered one of the worlds most recognized swing festivals. At this years gathering, a group called Jazz with Palestine held an open meeting. Hermlin was performing as a drummer with another ensemble, not his own orchestra.He later learned that organizers not only excluded him from that groups jam sessions but also made it clear they would not consider booking his personal projects, like The Swing Dance Orchestra."I went with the sole intention to just listen to their concerns and if possible have a dialogue," Hermlin explained.At the Jazz with Palestine meeting, Hermlin asked two questions. He wanted to know where monetary donations would be directed, and what the lyrics of the Arabic song used for choreography meant. The exchange later prompted complaints about his "intimidating presence.""The first question was, if I want to donate some money, where are the donations going?" Hermlin recalled. "The second was, whats the meaning of the Arabic song? They said they didnt know. I asked, wouldnt it be nice to know before filming a choreography?"STATE DEPARTMENT PULLS VISAS FOR BRITISH BAND BOB VYLAN, FOLLOWING DEATH TO THE IDF CHANTS AT GLASTONBURYHe said he was stunned when a board member told him some attendees were uncomfortable.Hermlin also faced criticism for wearing the small yellow lapel pin, which symbolizes solidarity with the 50 hostages still held by Hamas. Festivalgoers suggested the pin was inflammatory or political propaganda. Hermlin rejects that characterization."People pointed at my yellow pin and said, maybe people are aggressive because of your pin. I asked them, do you know what it means? They said no," he said. "This pin is about the hostages. Its not about the IDF or the government. Its about empathy."After Herrng, Hermlin said other festivals began dropping him from their lineups while keeping his band. "Im the only one being excluded. Not the band, just me," he said. "A festival told me, dont take it personally, youll get a cancellation fee. But how is that not personal?"Fox News Digital reached out to Jazz with Palestine for comment but did not receive a response. On its website and social media, the group describes itself as a movement of jazz and swing dancers across Europe who use music, dance, and political action to stand with the Palestinian people.Its mission statement says the group raises awareness and funds and that jazz is rooted in the "fight against racial and colonial oppression." The group has recently promoted fundraising efforts for humanitarian groups in Gaza and announced plans for social dance events and educational forums.Hermlin says the treatment reminds him of both the McCarthy era and his own familys history in Berlin during the 1930s. He also points to the swing worlds history of exclusion."It reminds me of the McCarthy era, when artists were pressed to declare if they were communists. If you said yes, you were boycotted," he said. "They did this in front of photos of Norma Miller, Frankie Manning, and the Nicholas Brothers, artists excluded in the 1930s. How ironic is that?"He also cites Benny Goodman, the Jewish clarinetist who became the "King of Swing" and defied segregation by hiring Black musicians such as Teddy Wilson, Lionel Hampton, and Charlie Christian. "As Benny Goodman showed in the 1930s, swing is about inclusion. Thats its very soul," Hermlin said.Despite the fallout, Hermlin vows to keep playing. "I had no choice but to speak up. Music should unite and not divide," he said.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP"I never wanted to be dragged into politics. Im a swing musician, not a politician my instrument is the drums, not a political statement.""My way of fighting back is to keep swinging. Thats what Ill do. I always end my concerts by saying, dont forget, keep swinging. And I mean it."

President Donald Trump will attend the U.S. Open mens final on Sunday, a White House official confirmed to Fox News on Thursday night.The mens final will take place at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows in the Queens section of New York City. The participants are still yet to be determined. No American men will be in the final as Taylor Fritz, the last among the men, was knocked out earlier in the tournament.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMFridays semifinal matchups will determine who moves on to the final. Novak Djokovic will take on Carlos Alcaraz. Jannik Sinner will go up against Felix Auger-Aliassime.Trump has been a spectator at the U.S. Open multiple times in the past. He was seen at the event in September 2015 with his wife, Melania months after he announced he was running for president the first time. Photos showed John McEnroe shaking Trumps hand.He was also there in 2014, 2013 and 2010 among other times.TENNIS STAR IGA SWIATEK HAS TESTY EXCHANGE WITH REPORTER OVER 'MENTAL BREAK' QUESTIONTrump has been seen plenty of times at sporting events whether he was on the trail or at the White House. He was a guest at multiple UFC fights in 2024. He was also seen at a Pittsburgh Steelers game while on the campaign trail.The president will have a big sports week. Hes set to attend the New York Yankees game next week on the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks. He also wrote that he would attend the Ryder Cup at the end of the month.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Former President Joe Biden recently had surgery to treat skin cancer a revelation that comes after worrying photos and video surfaced showing the 82-year-old with what appeared to be a giant gash on his head.Biden's spokesperson confirmed to Fox News that he had Mohs surgery, which is used to treat skin cancer. It's unclear what type of skin cancer he had.Video featured on Inside Edition Thursday showed Biden leaving a church in Rehoboth Beach over Labor Day weekend with the wound on his head.Biden also appeared frail in the video as he greeted people outside the service Sunday.JEN PSAKI INSISTS SHE 'NEVER SAW' DIMINISHED BIDEN WHILE WORKING AS PRESS SECRETARYThe sighting came a day after Biden was seen in the evening at a local ice cream shop in a baseball cap that seemed to cover the wound.In late August, Biden was spotted with a giant bandage covering the wound as he attended the funeral of former Delaware governor and U.S. Representative Mike Castle at St. Joseph at the Brandywine Church in Greenville.CREDIBILITY CRISIS: MEDIA SCRUTINIZED TRUMP'S HEALTH, FITNESS IN FIRST TERM BEFORE TURNING BLIND EYE ON BIDENMohs surgery is an operation that takes off thin layers of cancerous tissue and examines them until it'scertain that no abnormal cells remain.In 2023, Jill Biden, the former first lady, underwent the same procedure to remove multiple lesions, including one over her right eye.The latest development adds to Bidens health struggles. Earlier this year in May, it was revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer that had spread to his bones."Cancer touches us all," former President Biden wrote on social media at the time. "Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places."CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPDoctors classified his cancer as highly aggressive, assigning it a Gleason score of 9 and a Grade Group of 5the most severe rating.In 2023, doctors also removed a basal cell carcinoma from his chest. That same year, he was declared cancer-free following treatment but has since been undergoing ongoing care.

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson (D) warned in an email sent to thousands of recipients that President Donald Trump could target Portland, Ore., next if they don't fix their homelessness crisis, according to OregonLive."Recent events in Washington, D.C., show us what will happen to Portland if we dont move with speed, purpose and compassion to address the humanitarian crisis on our streets," Wilson wrote, according to OregonLive. "The federal administration deploys bulldozers and mass arrests by masked agents; the opposite of our outreach worker and emergency shelter strategy."Trump deployed the National Guard to Washington, D.C., to crack down on crime in the city and said he planned to send troops to Chicago as well."Lets work together by volunteering and donating, and prove the administrations heavy-handed tactics are not needed in our city," the email continued, according to OregonLive.TRUMP VOWS TO MAKE DC 'SAFER' AND 'BEAUTIFUL' AS CAPITAL BATTLES CRIME AND HOMELESSNESSThe White House told Fox News Digital said getting homeless people off the streets is "commonsense.""All local leaders should see the tremendous results achieved by President Trump in DC and look to emulate them in their own cities. President Trumps actions to get homeless people off the street makes the city safer for residents, visitors, and the homeless people themselves. This is commonsense and should be embraced by others around the country," White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson.Wilsons email reportedly included information about how people can help nonprofit organizations that run homelessness programs in the city.The mayor also hopes to recruit volunteers to engage with homeless people across the city, the outlet reported. Services listed included haircuts, resume-writing help and veterinary care.OregonLive reported the email also outlined larger donation needs, including $12,500 for "worship chairs.""In this case, were acting primarily as a switchboard," Taylor Zajonc, Wilson's deputy chief of staff, told OregonLive. "The city of Portland is not accepting any kinds of donations directly but trying to connect people to nonprofit providers."PORTLAND ANTI-ICE RIOT CRUSHED BY FEDERAL AGENTSZajonc said they hoped to draw "an extremely clear distinction" between how the mayor wants to address the crisis and how Trump might approach it.Wilson reaffirmed his commitment to Portlands sanctuary city policies after a night of violence outside a local U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTUREHe vowed that local police would not aid ICE and said hes working with Portland police to determine a response to the Labor Day violence outside the South Macadam Avenue facility, the latest in a series of incidents there in recent months.Anti-ICE protesters were captured on video rolling out a guillotine and confronting police before law enforcement fired munitions to disperse the crowd.Fox News' Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.

President Donald Trump will deliver remarks Monday at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., during a high-profile hearing on religious liberty in education, a White House official confirmed to Fox News.The speech coincides with the second meeting of the Religious Liberty Commission, a panel Trump created earlier this year through an executive order as part of his new White House faith office.The commissions mission is to safeguard Americans ability to practice their religion freely, particularly in public education, and to identify what the administration calls "emerging threats" to First Amendment protections.TRUMP ADMIN ISSUES NEW GUIDANCE TO PROTECT RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION ACROSS FEDERAL WORKFORCEAt Mondays hearing, parents and students are expected to testify about their experiences of expressing their faith in public schools, with Attorney General Pam Bondi also scheduled to speak.White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said in a statement to Fox News: "The previous administration abused the federal governments power to interfere with Americans First Amendment right to religious freedom. They even used the Department of Justice to target peaceful people of faith, specifically Christians."TRUMP GATHERS CEOS FOR UNPRECEDENTED FAITH, ECONOMY MEETING TO RENEW US 'SPIRITUALLY AND FINANCIALLY'"This is exactly why President Trump established the Religious Liberty Commission to stop the emerging threats against Americans inalienable right to practice their religion freely. President Trump is the greatest defender for people of faith in modern history and will continue to protect and promote Americas founding principle of religious freedom," Rogers concluded.The event follows Trumps second inaugural address earlier this year, when he framed his survival of the assassination attempt in Butler, Pa., as divine intervention, declaring, "I was saved by God to make America great again."The renewed focus comes as courts and lawmakers continue to wrestle with religion in public schools. The Daily Wire first reported the White Houses plans for the hearing.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPThe event is anticipated to spotlight President Trumps continued effort to make religious freedom a defining issue of his presidency and re-election narrative, placing emphasis on faith in God as a cornerstone of American life.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. found himself in the arena Thursday morning.Room 215 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building is not a conventional "arena." It's the hearing room for the Senate Finance Committee, but circumstances converted the room into such a venue.Kennedy was due to appear before the Senate Finance panel long before August "happened," but Kennedys "August" is what placed special focus on Kennedys appearance.RFK Jr. sacked newly-confirmed Centers for Disease Control Director Susan Monarez four weeks after senators greenlit her nomination and issued new, stringent, controversial eligibility guidelines for people to receive a COVID-19 booster this fall.TRUMP STANDS BY RFK JR. AFTER HEATED SENATE HEARING: I LIKE THE FACT THAT HES DIFFERENTThe forum was hostile. The hearing for Kennedy quickly devolved into a verbal judo match. He sparred with senators from both parties. They jousted over science and politics, but the heart of the conflict was internal turmoil at the CDC and vaccines."Do you accept the fact that a million Americans died from COVID?" asked Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., of Kennedy."I dont know how many died," answered Kennedy.Warner was apoplectic."You're the Secretary of Health and Human Services. You don't have any idea how many Americans died from COVID?" asked an incredulous Warner."I don't think anybody knows because there was so much data chaos coming out of the CDC," replied Kennedy.RFK JR AND TOP DEM CLASH DURING HEATED SENATE HEARING: 'THIS IS ABOUT KIDS'This bewildered Warner."The Secretary of Health and Human Services doesn't know how many people died from COVID? Doesn't know if the vaccine helped prevent any deaths. And you are the sitting Secretary of Health and Human Services," continued Warner. "How can you be that ignorant?"That was only part of Democrats unloading on Kennedy."You're so wrong on your facts," the Secretary charged when tangling with Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.The Washington Democrat wasnt having it."You're interrupting me. And, sir, you're a charlatan," said Cantwell. "You're the one who conflates chronic disease with the need for vaccines.""You are putting America's babies health at risk. America's seniors' health at risk. All Americans health at risk. And you should resign," said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.At one point, RFK Jr. tussled with Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo."Youre evading the question," Kennedy yelled at the senator.RFK JR. INVOKES DEMOCRAT FATHERS WORDS TO DEFEND TRUMP-BACKED CDC SHAKEUP AT SENATE HEARINGBennet wouldnt allow the witness to flip the script."I'm asking the questions here! I'm asking the questions!" thundered Bennet. "I'm asking the questions on behalf of parents and schools and teachers all over the United States of America who deserve so much better than your leadership."But the secretary gave as good as he got."You're making things up to scare people and it's a lie," alleged Kennedy when facing questions from Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H.He went on to accuse Hassan of "crazy talk" and claimed she was "just making stuff up."BERNIE SANDERS CALLS FOR RFK JR. TO RESIGN AS HHS SECRETARY OVER VACCINE POLICIES: RALLY THE AMERICAN PEOPLEKennedys new COVID jab guidelines roiled the hearing.He told Warren that "anyone can get the booster.""So you're saying that is now the official rule. Just anybody is eligible to get a booster by just walking into the pharmacy?" queried Warren."It's not recommended for healthy people," Kennedy said."No, no!" retorted Warren. "If you don't recommend it, then the consequence of that in many states is that you can't walk into a pharmacy and get one."Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., is an orthopedist, but even he was vexed by Kennedys vaccine vacillation."In your confirmation hearings, you promised to uphold the highest standards for vaccines," said Barrasso. "Since then, Ive grown deeply concerned."Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who is no stranger to calling out the Trump administration, warned Kennedy to tread carefully on vaccines."We're playing with fire here," warned Tillis outside the hearing room. "If the death rates go up for children who aren't vaccinated, they need to own it. Own it. Don't say, whoops, we got the science wrong."RFK JR DENIES TELLING FORMER CDC DIRECTOR TO APPROVE VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONSSenate Health Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy, R-La., is a gastroenterologist. He was skeptical of Kennedys qualifications for the job before ultimately voting to confirm him. Cassidy seemed baffled by the secretarys stance on vaccines."Do you agree with me that the president deserves a Nobel Prize for Operation Warp Speed?" asked Cassidy about the Trump administrations effort to fast-track a COVID-19 shot in 2020."Yeah, absolutely, senator. It's phenomenal," Kennedy responded."But you just told Sen. Bennet that the COVID vaccine killed more people than COVID?" said Cassidy."Wait! I did not say that!" Kennedy fired back, but Cassidy wasn't through."It surprises me that you think so highly of Operation Warp Speed, when as an attorney, you attempted to restrict access," said Cassidy.MORE THAN 1,000 HHS WORKERS DEMAND KENNEDY RESIGNATION OVER CDC DIRECTOR FIRING AND AGENCY CHANGESDuring the hearing, Kennedy claimed on multiple occasions that he canned Monarez as CDC chief because she didnt tell the truth."Are you telling us that the former head of CDC went to you and you asked, are you a trustworthy person? And she said, no, I am not a trustworthy person," questioned Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. "She didn't say no. I'm not a trustworthy person. She said no," said Kennedy."Wow!" exclaimed Sanders.Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., who is an OB-GYN, defended the firing even though President Trump nominated Monarez and Marshall just supported her confirmation in July."I voted for her. I made a mistake. I thought she could do the job. But unfortunately, she's not part of the President's mission of Secretary Kennedy turning the CDC upside down," said Marshall.As we said, August "happened."VP VANCE CURSES OUT SENATORS AFTER HEATED KENNEDY HEARING: 'FULL OF S--- AND EVERYONE KNOWS IT'Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisc., criticized his colleagues who attacked Kennedy and he noted that each senator only scored five minutes to question the Secretary."Thank you for your willingness to serve and for putting up with this abuse," Johnson said to Kennedy. "Five minutes isnt even close to refute all of the falsehoods that have been confidently spewed during this hearing."Vice President JD Vance also rode to Kennedys aid, posting on social media that "Democrats are getting absolutely TORCHED by @SecKennedy."He added that Democrats were "full of sh*t and everyone knows it."The turmoil isnt over. Kennedy told senators he may fire other CDC officials. And one can imagine the questions about COVID-19 which might emerge this fall and winter if theres yet another surge.Senate Finance Committee Chairman, Michael Crapo, R-Idaho, granted Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., the top Democrat on the panel, a few extra questions at the end of the hearing. Crapo then asked Kennedy if he cared to add any closing remarks.Kennedy declined the invitation."Ill have mercy on everybody and let us adjourn," he said.Until theres another foray into the arena.

NEW YORK Justice Amy Coney Barrett spoke about her recent controversial opinion on universal injunctions on Thursday, saying her stern words for Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson in it were appropriate.When asked by the Free Press' Bari Weiss about her surprisingly sharp comments on Jackson, Barrett said she felt she "set the calibration right" in the majority opinion, which she authored in June."I thought Justice Jackson had made an argument in strong terms that I thought warranted a response," Barrett said.Barrett, a Trump appointee, spoke for more than an hour on stage at the Lincoln Center in Manhattan to kick off a string of appearances she is set to make to promote her new book "Listening to the Law" while the Supreme Court is out of session.FEDERAL JUDGES ANONYMOUSLY CRITICIZE SUPREME COURT FOR OVERTURNING DECISIONS WITH EMERGENCY RULINGS"I personally tend not to be spicy for the sake of being spicy, but I am from New Orleans and everyone likes a little Tabasco sometimes," Barrett said of her opinion on universal injunctions.Barrett's remarks came in response to a question from Weiss about a high-profile emergency order in which the Supreme Court blocked lower courts from imposing the injunctions on the government.Such injunctions, which the court reviewed in Trump v. CASA, have become a point of contention with the administration as judges routinely block key policies of President Donald Trump, only for the Supreme Court to often reverse those orders on its emergency docket.APPEALS COURT BLOCK TRUMP FROM FIRING FTC COMMISSIONER IN CASE TESTING PRESIDENT'S REMOVAL POWERSBarrett, who authored the opinion banning universal injunctions, accused Jackson of subscribing to an "imperial judiciary" and instructed people not to "dwell" on her colleague's dissent.Speaking on stage to the packed auditorium, Barrett said she has the "deepest respect for Jackson" and stressed that she was not attacking Jackson personally."We just disagreed about the scope of judicial power," Barrett said."I attack ideas. I don't attack people," Barrett added, attributing the quote to the late Justice Antonin Scalia, for whom she once clerked.Barrett, a closely watched justice who has raised eyebrows for deviating from her conservative colleagues' opinions on occasion, was adamant that she and all of her colleagues were amicable.In a "lightning round" of questions, she was asked to describe each of the justices in one word."Chief," she quickly replied when asked about Justice John Roberts. Justice Neil Gorsuch got "out west," and her word for Justice Brett Kavanaugh was "sports."On Jackson, Barrett paused before landing on "actor, Broadway."This is a developing story. Check back for updates.