Russia targeted Ukraine with its largest single drone attack yet just hours ahead of President Donald Trumps phone call with Vladimir Putin about ending the war.Russia on Sunday fired a total of 273 exploding drones and decoys targeting Ukraine's Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions, according to Ukraines air force. Of those, 88 were intercepted and 128 lost, likely being electronically jammed. The barrage was the biggest drone attack since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, Yuriy Ihnat, head of the air force's communications department, told the Associated Press.It came after Trump said he would be "speaking, by telephone, to President Vladimir Putin of Russia on Monday, at 10:00 a.m." regarding the war in Ukraine.PRESIDENT TRUMP DISHES ON 'GREAT' PHONE CALL WITH RUSSIA'S VLADIMIR PUTIN"The subjects of the call will be, stopping the bloodbath that is killing, on average, more than 5,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, and trade," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Saturday. "I will then be speaking to President Zelenskyy of Ukraine and then, with President Zelenskyy, various members of NATO.""Hopefully it will be a productive day, a ceasefire will take place, and this very violent war, a war that should have never happened, will end," Trump added. "God bless us all!!!"The previous largest known single drone attack from Russia against Ukraine was on the eve of the wars third anniversary, when Russia pounded Ukraine with 267 drones.Kyiv regional Gov. Mykola Kalashnyk said a 28-year-old woman was killed inSundays drone attack, and three other people, including a 4-year-old child, were wounded, the AP reported.MASSIVE RUSSIAN DRONE ATTACK KILLS 7 IN UKRAINE AHEAD OF US PEACE TALKSVice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also met with Zelenskyy in Rome Sunday for ongoing peace talks."During our talks we discussed negotiations in Istanbul to where the Russians sent a low-level delegation of non-decision-makers. I reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to be engaged in real diplomacy and underscored the importance of a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible," Zelenskyy shared on X regarding the meeting. "We have also touched upon the need for sanctions against Russia, bilateral trade, defense cooperation, battlefield situation and upcoming prisoners exchange. Pressure is needed against Russia until they are eager to stop the war. And, of course, we talked about our joint steps to achieve a just and durable peace," he continued. World leaders converged in Rome this weekend for Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass at the Vatican on Sunday, with Vance leading the U.S. delegation. Zelenskyy also attended the mass.Fox News Emma Colton and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

An independent filmmaker is accusing former first daughter Malia Obama of cinematically plagiarizing her work in a recent Nike commercial.Director Natalie Jasmine Harris claimed Obama ripped off a scene from her recent short film "Grace" in which two characters play "pat-a-cake" in her Nike commercial, starring WNBA star A'ja Wilson.Harris maintains that Obama ripped off the "cinematic tools" used to shoot the childhood game."Initially, I was disappointed and hurt not just for myself but for my entire team," Harris told Business Insider.MICHELLE OBAMA SAYS THE 'ULTIMATE JOB' FOR A PARENT IS TO LET KIDS FAIL AND BUILD RESILIENCEObamas Nike commercial, "Teaching the Pro," features a young girl explaining the complex choreography of a customized game of "pat-a-cake" to Las Vegas Aces Center Aja Wilson as she initially struggles to keep up.Harris, 27, claimed that the camera angles, shots, framing and even the color palette used in the ad echoed a similar scene from "Grace," which she described as a "Black Southern Gothic short about a girl who's being baptized and questioning her feelings for her best friend.""If they wanted these shots that were similar to my shots, why not hire me to direct?" Harris asked Business Insider.Harris claimed she met Obama, 26, at a directors' brunch and other events at Sundance 2024, where their short films "Grace" and "The Heart," respectively, were in competition. Obama, who goes by Malia Ann professionally, was also a writer on the Amazon Prime series "Swarm."FEMALE ATHLETES DIRECT POINTED MESSAGES TOWARD NIKE IN NEW ADThe "Grace" director said her experience speaks to a larger frustration that big brands arent willing to provide opportunities to burgeoning filmmakers. She said that brands' reluctance to take a chance on unknown filmmakers results in a loss of innovative films and original storytelling."The route that used to work for the Spike Lees and Steven Spielbergs of the world feels less viable today. If we're continuously overlooked, how is the next generation of filmmakers going to exist?" Harris told Business Insider.Harris has enjoyed her fair share of commercial work, shooting spots for Verizon and Hyundai. Her student film "Pure" was purchased by HBO, but still, she describes independent filmmaking as a "struggle" and says she relies on freelance work to pay the bills.She said she has not heard back from Obama or Nike since she began speaking out about the similarities.CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTUREThe filmmaker claimed that she was reluctant to raise the issue, fearful of taking on a presidents daughter and a major brand, but felt she had to address what she sees as a major problem in her industry."I've poured too much into my work to just sit by and watch."Obama, Nike and Harris did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer suggested that the Department of Government Efficiency may be at least partly responsible for a Mexican navy tall ship crashing into the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night.Schumer made the claim in a press release on Sunday, saying he had been briefed on the details of the deadly crash, which left two people dead and over a dozen more injured. Schumer argued that a U.S. Coast Guard system may have been operating at partial capacity due to a DOGE hiring freeze at the Department of Homeland Security, but the Coast Guard itself says the system was "fully functional during the incident.""We know that the Trump administration has been meddling in U.S. Coast Guard operations, from staffing to command and comms, and I have the general sense of a DOGE dysfunction in parts of the Coast Guard, to put it mildly," Schumer wrote in a statement. "After being fully briefed on last night's Brooklyn Bridge accident, one thing is very clear. There are many more questions than answers as to how the accident occurred and whether it could have been prevented."Schumer went on to point to the DOGE-implemented hiring freeze at the U.S. Coast Guard, arguing it could have impeded the Coast Guard's Vehicle Traffic System (VTS), which works in a similar fashion to the air traffic control system.CREW ON MEXICAN NAVY TALL SHIP SEEN CLINGING TO RIGGING AFTER COLLISION WITH BROOKLYN BRIDGE, VIDEO SHOWS"There are indications that this service called the VTS may not have been fully or adequately functional in light of that hiring freeze. We don't know the answer to that question. We need answers. If this were the case, Brooklyn Bridge accident could be a national harbinger, demanding immediate attention," Schumer said."The current hiring freeze at the Department of Homeland Security, DHS, which the Coast Guard is part of, may have limited the ability of the Coast Guard to fully staff up at the VTS, the vehicle traffic service, the shore-wide system that provides quote air traffic control for the seas, especially in congested areas and restricted waters like New York Harbor," he added.The Coast Guard rejected Schumer's claim in a statement of its own. Furthermore, there were no other ships involved in Saturday's crash that would have involved the VTS.AT LEAST 2 DEAD AFTER MEXICAN NAVY SAILING SHIP COLLIDES WITH BROOKLYN BRIDGE IN DRAMATIC NYC CRASHThe Coast Guard said VTS was "fully functional during the incident and operating in accordance with established procedures to manage commercial traffic and facilitate safe navigation," according to CBS News."Our response included launching a crew from Station New York, establishing a temporary safety zone, and coordinating with NYPD, FDNY, and NYC DOT," they added.The Coast Guard did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced Sunday it was launching a "go-team" to the Brooklyn Bridge the crash.New York City Mayor Eric Adams, said the Mexican navy tall ship Cuauhtmoc "lost power and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge.""At this time, of the 277 on board, 19 sustained injuries, 2 of which remain in critical condition, and 2 more have sadly passed away from their injuries," the mayor wrote on X.Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she regretted the passing of two crew members who "lost their lives in the unfortunate accident at the port of New York."CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP"Our solidarity and support go out to their families," she wrote at 1:15 a.m. on X. "The Secretariat of the Navy, with the support of local authorities, is attending to the injured. The Ambassador of Mexico to the United States and staff from the Consulate General of Mexico in New York are assisting the Secretariat of the Navy."Fox News' Danielle Wallace and Greg Wehner contributed to this report

1. Biden battling 'most aggressive type' of prostate cancer2. Iran gives unshakeable vow regarding nuclear program3. Trump's 'big, beautiful' bill clears major hurdle in HouseSETTING IT STRAIGHT FBI shuts down Epstein conspiracy theories. Continue reading HEINOUS CRIME Palm Springs bombing suspect's bizarre beliefs revealed. Continue reading VACATION NIGHTMARE Travel at your own risk in these celeb-loved tropical getaways. Continue reading JUDGE AND JURY Legal experts don't buy ex-sheriff's insanity claim in judge's alleged murder. Continue reading FORTUNE AT RISK What assets could be seized from Diddy if convicted in federal case. Continue reading --'YOU SAVED MY LIFE' Freed Hamas hostage thanks Trump in emotional phone call. Continue reading SHOWDOWN POLITICS Trump nominees' viral hearing moments send message to Dems' base. Continue reading PEACE PRESSURE Rubio, Vance joinZelenskyy in Rome for ongoing talks as Ukraine-Russia war rages on. Continue reading DIVIDED Why one of Trump's proposals is getting mixed reviews. Continue reading Click here for more cartoonsBROMANCE 'SNL' lays into Trump's Middle East trip in season finale. Continue reading GET REAL Bill Maher urges Americans to 'get over the fantasy' of deeply held beliefs. Continue reading WALLS CLOSING IN Actor shuts down 'intimidating' question about immigrants in US. Continue reading MEDIA UNMASKED Five mainstream media figures who ran for political office as Democrats. Continue reading CAROL ROTH America needs a 'fat shot' to end our dangerous debt addiction. Continue reading DR. REBECCA GRANT Trump reshapes US foreign policy with wildly successful Middle East trip. Continue reading --FINAL CURTAIN Country music legend performs last tour show of career. Continue reading HISTORIC LINEUP NBA's final four teams set. Continue reading AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ Test yourself on treasured tunes and midwestern marvels. Take the quiz here WARNING SIGN Mom credits TikTok video for cancer diagnosis. Continue reading DELICIOUS SUCCESS Chick-fil-A helps workers graduate debt-free. See video DR. MARC SIEGEL Biden diagnosed with aggressive form of cancer. See video LEXIE RIGDEN Someone is quaking in their boots over leaks in Bryan Kohberger case. See video Whats it looking like in your neighborhood?Continue readingFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterLinkedInFox News FirstFox News OpinionFox News LifestyleFox News Entertainment (FOX411)Fox BusinessFox WeatherFox SportsTubiFox News GoThank you for making us your first choice in the morning! Well see you in your inbox first thing Tuesday.

Walnuts may lower your risk of colon cancer and reduce overall inflammation in the body, according to a study recently published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research. "The study shows that a simple and inexpensive dietary addition can provide health benefits to the colon without any downside risks," study author Daniel Rosenberg told Fox News Digital.Roseberg is the director of the colon cancer prevention program at the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center in Connecticut.COMMON HOUSEHOLD SPICE MAY INTERFERE WITH MEDICINES, STUDY SUGGESTSResearchers from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine said walnuts contain phytochemicals called ellagitannins, which are metabolized by the gut bacteria and converted into potent anti-inflammatory compounds known as urolithins.High levels of urolithin A, formed by gut bacteria after walnut consumption, may positively affect immune cells in colon polyps and be linked with an overall reduction of inflammatory markers in urine, blood and fecal samples, according to the study."The effects are seen both in the colon, as well as in the blood," Rosenberg said."The latter indicates the effects are systemic and not only limited to providing gut health."YOGURT PRODUCTS SOLD NATIONWIDE RECALLED DUE TO UNDECLARED ALMONDSThe study involved 39 participants between the ages of 40 and 60, considered to be at high risk for colon cancer. The participants avoided ellagitannin-containing foods and beverages for a week to get their bodies' urolithin levels close to zero.They were then closely monitored while following a diet that involved consuming walnuts, which are rich in ellagitannins, according to a UConn news release.After the three-week study, the participants underwent a high-definition colonoscopy.Researchers then looked at tissue from polyps removed during the procedure.They found a direct association betweenpatients with high levels of urolithin A formation from gut biodome after consuming walnuts with reduced levels of common proteins found in polyps.This included the protein vimentin, which is associated with more advanced forms of colon cancer, according to the report.Rosenberg told Fox News Digital that walnut ingestion "affects some of the inflammatory proteins that are surrounding a patient's polyps, potentially adding additional health benefit."SNACK FOOD RECALLED AMID UNDECLARED PRESENCE OF ALMONDS AND SESAMEReduced inflammatory markers were found in the urine and fecal samples of the participants who followed the walnut-consuming diet.The study also foundurolithin A-levels in participants' urine correlated with a boost in serum levels of a protein associated with colorectal cancer inhibition known as peptide YY, according to the report.Rosenberg said his team found walnut supplementation reduced the levels of several markers of inflammation in the participants' blood, especially in individuals who had an elevated BMI in excess of 30."We believe that many of the effects we have observed with respect to inflammation are directly related to a patient's ability to form urolithins," Rosenberg told Fox News Digital."However, this ability is widely variable in human subjects. Some people can do this very well, whereas others lack this capacity."CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERRosenberg told Fox News Digital that his team's long-term goal is to "figure out what microbes are responsible for this metabolic activity so that we can create probiotics that people can consume that will afford them the capacity to generate urolithins in their gut."To reap the health benefits, Rosenberg suggested eating about five to 10 walnuts per day.Laura Feldman, a registered dietitian and assistant professor of nutrition at Long Island University in New York, was not affiliated with the study but told Fox News Digital that walnuts "are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids."These acids "are anti-inflammatory and, generally, Americans are not getting enough of them," she said.For more Lifestyle articles, visitfoxnews.com/lifestyleFeldman also noted that walnuts are rich in fiber, which is "another nutrient Americans are lacking.""Adequate fiber intake is associated with decreased risk of colorectal cancers."Although walnuts are a healthy snack, Feldman said they are considered a high-calorie food so consumers should be mindful of portion sizes, "typically sticking to about a handful at a time throughout the day."

Today, May 19, 2025, is the deadline for policy recommendations on ways to implement President Donald Trumps executive order to expand access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and lower its costs. And while his administration is currently contemplating some bizarre and patronizing ways to raise birth rates, like baby bonuses and motherhood awards, my suggestion is to support military families who desperately want to grow their families.Im incredibly proud to represent San Diego, the biggest military community in the country, which is home to 110,000 active-duty service members and more than 118,000 of their family members. So, I hear all the time about their lives and their struggles to pay rent and put food on the table, their inability to find reliable childcare, their concerns about their safety, and their journeys with infertility. For example, a senior-enlisted sailor, Matt, shared with me that he and his wife Jenny had two daughters via IVF after five miscarriages, seven frozen embryo transfers, 600 shots and spending $80,000.PRO-LIFE LEADERS URGE TRUMP TO REVERSE HIS IVF STAND, SAY THE TECHNOLOGY IS 'NOT PRO-LIFE'About a quarter of active-duty service members and military spouses report infertility, which is double the national average of the general population. When we think about the level of sacrifices were asking from our military families, their struggles with infertility make sense. Our service members endure physically intensive training, demanding schedules, and frequent relocations during their prime reproductive years. Deployments are often long and stressful, where theyre physically separated from their partner, which also takes an emotional toll. On top of that, military service also means living and working in hazardous environments that can negatively impact fertility.Despite all of these well-documented stressors, TRICARE, the countrys military health insurance plan, only covers fertility services for those who can prove a service connection to injury or illness, which is often impossible to do. This leaves our military families with three realistic options: pay tens of thousands of dollars out-of-pocket for a chance at a family, forgo having children or leave the military altogether. The cost-of-living crisis is affecting everyone in our country, but especially military families, many of whom live on fixed incomes and struggle to afford childcare, housing and food on the table. This isnt a demographic that can easily afford tens of thousands of dollars out-of-pocket on anything, so folks are leaving the military for this coverage, worsening our recruitment and retention challenges and impacting our military readiness.FLASHBACK: TRUMP SEEKS TO EXPAND FERTILITY COVERAGE, AFTER TIM WALZ ONCE ACCUSED HIM OF BEING ANTI-IVFMilitary families need IVF access. They deserve it. And theyve earned it. Thats why I introduced the "IVF for Military Families Act" alongside Illinois Democrat Senator Tammy Duckworth to require TRICARE to cover infertility diagnosis and treatment, including IVF. Our legislation would cover up to three complete egg retrievals, unlimited embryo transfers, and the necessary medications for IVF and intrauterine insemination (IUI). CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONStarting this year, members of Congress and our staff have access to comprehensive infertility treatment, including IVF coverage, just like many other civilian employees in the federal and private sectors. We shouldnt have access to benefits that our military families dont have. But despite this hypocrisy, our bill still lacks support from my Republican colleagues in both the House and Senate. Im (obviously) skeptical of Trumps commitment to expanding IVF access, but he has called himself the "Fertilization President" and the "father of IVF." If he wants that to be true, he should throw his support behind a demographic that has already sacrificed so much for the safety and security of our country: our military families.NASCAR STAR'S WIFE THANKS TRUMP FOR IVF EXECUTIVE ORDER: 'STEP FORWARD'Expanding TRICARE coverage of IVF could be the watershed moment needed to change the entire market and ensure that everyone in our country has access to IVF. It could put market pressure on private insurers to include IVF and other fertility treatments in their healthcare coverage plans so they remain competitive.While the IVF for Military Families Act would be a monumental step forward, the ultimate goal is for everyone to have access to the full range of reproductive care, so they have the power and the ability to decide when and if to have children.We ask so much from our service members to risk their safety, to be apart from their families, and to give up certain freedoms but we shouldnt ask them to give up their opportunity to build a family. As a country, we need to do more than say we value our military community, we need to actually show it. And I think President Trump has a great place to start by supporting our bill to expand IVF coverage for military families.

Former Obama advisor and CNN commentator Van Jones called on Democrats to apologize to Americans for misleading them about former President Joe Biden if they want to have a chance at the midterm elections.Jones appeared on "State of the Union" on Sunday to discuss the revelations in host Jake Tappers new book, "Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again." In the aftermath of the Democratic Partys loss in 2024 and newly revealed efforts to cover for Bidens condition, Tapper asked Jones what the next step for the party should be.Jones compared the situation to the Democrats after their loss in 2004 and said Democrats need to get "reorganized" like they did back then. First, however, they need to apologize.CNN'S VAN JONES EMOTIONALLY PRAISES BIDEN AS A 'HERO' WHO 'FELL ON HIS SWORD' BY EXITING 2024 RACE"There was a deep internal reflection," Jones said. "I do not see that happening."He added, "Before we get out here and start trying to tell people why they should like us, we need to look in the mirror, reorganize ourselves, get bad people and bad ideas out of the way, and then we will be able to come forward in the midterm. Right now, we need to apologize to the American people that we were part of something that wasnt on the up and up."Earlier on, Jones attacked the party for being complicit in what he considered a "crime against the Republic" for refusing to speak out about Bidens failing mental state despite it being very visible for years."The book makes it very, very clear there are people who knew and said nothing," Jones said. "And that is a crime against this Republic. I think the Democrats are going to pay for a long time for being a part of what is now being revealed to be a massive cover-up."CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTUREIn January, Jones also called out Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for claiming that the Democratic Party didnt mislead the public about whether Biden could serve a second term."Look, obviously, you know, a lot was known and wasnt said and wasnt shared. Now its leaking out all the time anyway. So, look, I think to have any credibility and integrity, people have to quit playing around. Like, Schumers nose is going to start growing if he keeps saying stuff like that," Jones said.Jones made the comments shortly before Biden's team announced that he was diagnosed with an "aggressive form" of prostate cancer."Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms," Biden's team shared in a statement. "On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.""While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians," the statement said.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The Florida Panthers bashed the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals and moved on to the conference finals of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.The Panthers scored three goals in the first period and three more in the second in the 6-1 win. Florida had six different goal scorers Seth Jones, Anton Lundell, Jonah Gadjovich, Eetu Luostarinen, Sam Reinhart and Brad Marchand.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMMarchand scored in the latter stages of the game, capping off his history-making effort.In the win over the Maple Leafs, the NHL said Marchand became the first player to win five winner-take-all games against the same team. Marchand was with the Boston Bruins when the team won four Game 7s against Toronto. Floridas win was his fifth."I grew up a Leafs fan, and I enjoy playing against the Leafs," Marchand said after the game. "I enjoy interacting with fans. Its fun. I dont take myself too seriously. I love getting made fun of, and I love making fun of people. If you cant take it, then so be it. Im going to enjoy the moments that I have.2025 NHL STANLEY CUP, POSTSEASON ODDS: OILERS FAVORED, STARS SECOND"When I come in here and I get booed, Im good. Im going to show it. Im going to enjoy that."Florida acquired the veteran from the Bruins at the trade deadline, and it was for the extra push when it came to the postseason.Panthers head coach Paul Maurice also kept his Game 7 winning streak alive. He is 6-0 in Game 7s as a head coach."Game 7s are for the players," Maurice said. "It doesnt matter how your hands feel. It doesnt matter how your body feels. It doesnt matter how well you execute. If its how comfortable you are in hard situations, then you have a chance."The Panthers are the defending Stanley Cup champions and will take on the Carolina Hurricanes in the conference finals.The Associated Press contributed to this report.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

American Olympic rugby star Alev Kelter will face a judicial hearing and potentially lengthy suspension after being sent off in a womens rugby test on Saturday for stamping on the head of an opponent.Team USA was playing against Australia, who went on to celebrate a 27-19 victory in Saturday's contest.Upon a video review, referees issued a red card around the 79th minute of action in the Pacific Four Series test. Officials determined Kelter forcefully stamped on the head of Australian center Georgie Friedrichs.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMMicrophones picked up a referee saying, "Twelve, blue (Kelter), is going to receive a permanent red card because this is thuggery, it is deliberate and it is very dangerous foul play."Shes clearly stamped on the head of the Australian player. Thats reckless, thats dangerous and shes going off."US RUGBY SEVENS STAR ILONA MAHER ADMITS BRONZE MEDAL IS 'WEARING A LITTLE BIT'Friedrichs appeared to avoid any major injuries in the incident. Team USA coach Sione Fukofuka later apologized to the Australian players.Foul play in rugby that involves contact with the head is treated with extreme seriousness. Rugby, like many contact sports, has changed its rules in an effort to limit the danger of concussion and other head injuries.Kelter is a three-time US Olympic representative in rugby sevens and won a bronze medal in Paris last year. She previously played ice hockey and soccer for the University of Wisconsin.In rugby, judicial hearings over foul play usually take place within 48 hours of a match.The Associated Press contributed to this report.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

FIRST ON FOX: House Oversight Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., and Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa., are demandingsweeping reforms to the federal governments use of charge cards after thousands of highly questionable charges were uncovered at the Department of Defense, including at casinos, bars and nightclubs using taxpayer dollars.In a letter addressed to Comptroller General Gene Dodaro, Ernst and Comer called on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to launch a comprehensive review of all federal charge card programs.The demand follows alarming findings from recent audits that point to systemic failures in oversight, including the issuance of nearly two charge cards per federal employee and more than $40 billion in spending last fiscal year alone.The Pentagons inspector general found nearly 8,000 Defense Department credit card transactions at "high-risk locations" including casino ATMs over the past year. An additional 3,246 transactions occurred at bars and nightclubs, many of them on federal holidays, Super Bowl Sunday, St. Patricks Day, the day of UFC 300, Cinco de Mayo and New Years Eve.DOGE AND AGENCIES CANCEL 200,000 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CREDIT CARDS"It is indefensible for Department of Defense bureaucrats to waste tax dollars at clubs, casinos, and bars, racking up charges on Super Bowl Sunday, St. Patricks Day, Cinco de Mayo, and federal holidays," said Ernst.The DOD is not alone. Recent GAO reports have found agencies consistently fail to use tools to analyze purchase card data and prevent fraud, the letter notes."With Washington $36 trillion in debt, the last thing we need is bureaucrats maxing out their tab and sticking taxpayers with the bill. There should never be more credit cards than federal employees, and Im working to create accountability government-wide."$1,300 COFFEE CUPS, 8,000% OVERPAY FOR SOAP DISPENSERS SHOW WASTE AS DOGE LOCKS IN ON PENTAGONThe letter also highlighted the illegal practice of "split purchases," where government employees intentionally divide large transactions to stay under the $3,500 micro-purchase threshold the largest purchase that can be put on a federal charge card. Despite being a clear violation of federal regulations, these practices reportedly continue due to inadequate monitoring and enforcement.Ernst and Comer's request urges the GAO to investigate criteria for issuing cards, agency compliance with internal controls, the frequency of risky transactions including at marijuana dispensaries, dating services, and gambling platforms and whether agencies are appropriately closing accounts after employees leave government service.In a particularly damning detail, the lawmakers noted that no local purchase card program officials at the DOD could provide examples of analyzing card spending to reduce costs, despite long-standing recommendations from the Office of Management and Budget to do so."Im working to create accountability government-wide. Its time to cut up the plastic and put a stop to the reckless spending," said Ernst.The GAO review, if initiated, could affect hundreds of federal agencies covered under the Chief Financial Officers Act and could lead to a sweeping overhaul of how federal employees use government-issued charge cards."American taxpayers shouldnt be stuck paying for federal bureaucrats' splurges on government-issued credit cards. Tax dollars are meant to fund essential government services, not dating apps, nightclubs, or bar tabs," Comer said in a statement.