U.S. health officials knew about the risks of myocarditis from COVID-19 vaccines but downplayed the concern and delayed informing the public about the risks of taking the jab that is according to a new Senate report released by Sen. Ron Johnson Wednesday. Johnson, R-Wis., chairman of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, has been investigating the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines. Earlier this year, he subpoenaed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for records relating to COVID-19 vaccine safety data and communications about the pandemic.SEN. RON JOHNSON: THE COVID COVER-UPS HAVE TO ENDThe interim report, spanning 55 pages, obtained and reviewed by Fox News Digital, revealed that Biden administration officials "withheld crucial health information from the Subcommittee and the public."Since 2021, Johnson has sent more than 70 oversight letters, which he says were "either completely ignored or inadequately addressed."The report highlights the records Johnson has obtained pursuant to the subpoena from the new, Trump administration-led health agency. Specifically, the report focuses on HHS awareness of and response to cases of myocarditisa type of heart inflammationfollowing COVID-19 vaccination.SCIENTISTS FIND CLUES ON WHY COVID VACCINE CAUSES CHRONIC HEALTH PROBLEMS IN SOMEJohnsons report says the 2,473 pages of records he obtained "contain evidence of the Biden administrations efforts to downplay and delay warning the public about the risks of myocarditis associated with the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines."The report points to records from May 2021, in which health officials at HHS discussed whether to issue a formal warning about myocarditis.According to the report, the formal warning about myocarditis was initially going to be distributed nationwide as a Health Alert Network message, which, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is CDCs "primary method of sharing cleared information about urgent public health incidents with public information officers; federal, state, territorial, tribal, and local public health practitioners; clinicians; and public health laboratories."However, Johnsons report said that health officials at CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) "ultimately decided against issuing a formal HAN and, instead, posted clinical considerations on CDCs website about myocarditis.""Based on the subpoenaed records the Subcommittee has received to date, as well as public FOIA documents, this interim report will highlight records and present a timeline showing U.S. health officials knew about the risk of myocarditis; those officials downplayed the health concern; and U.S. health agencies delayed informing the public about the risk of the adverse event."FLASHBACK: GOP SENATORS INVOKE STATUTE TO FORCE HHS ANSWERS ON COVID ORIGINS: 'FULL-FLEDGED COVER-UP'The report also highlights the Israeli Ministry of Health notifying officials at the CDC in February 2021 of "large reports of myocarditis, particularly in young people, following the administration of the Pfizer vaccine."The report also highlights documents showing CDC officials discussing "safety signals" for myocarditis with mRNA vaccines in April 2021 based on Defense Department and Israeli data, but "still not taking immediate steps to warn the public."Documents obtained by Johnson also show CDC officials communicating with Moderna and Pfizer representatives about the risks.Johnson also obtained "draft meeting notes from late May 2021 exchanged between U.S. public health officials which included the question: Is VAERS signaling for myopericarditis now?, and the answer: For the age groups 16-17 years and 18-24 years, yes.""VAERS" is an acronym for the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.FLASHBACK: SEN. RON JOHNSON CONFRONTS HHS SECRETARY ABOUT REDACTED FAUCI EMAILS ON COVID-19 ORIGINS"Rather than provide the public and health care providers with immediate and transparent information regarding the risk of myocarditis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, the Biden administration waited until late June 2021 to announce changes to the labels for the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines based on the suggested increased risks of myocarditis and pericarditis," the report states. "Even though CDC and FDA officials were well aware of the risk of myocarditis following COVID-19 vaccination, the Biden administration opted to withhold issuing a formal warning to the public for months about the safety concerns, jeopardizing the health of young Americans."The report added that the Biden administrations decision "to downplay the COVID-19 vaccine health risks and delay warning the public about cardiac-related adverse events associated with the mRNA vaccines jeopardized the publics health."According to the report, as of April 25, 2025, VAERS reported 38,607 deaths and more than 1.6 million "adverse events worldwide associated with the administration of COVID-19 injections."Of the more than 38,000 deaths, the report said 25% occurred on Day 0, 1, or 2 following injection, compared to "2,663 deaths reported to VAERS associated with the flu vaccine over a period of 35 years.""No other reports of adverse events associated with any other drug or vaccine even come close to these statistics," the report states. "And yet, those who oversaw the development and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines continue to insist it is safe and effective, without providing the data to prove their claims."Johnsons report demands that the "full extent" of the Biden administrations "failure to immediately warn the public about all COVID-19 vaccine adverse events must be completely exposed.""The American people fund the federal health departments and agencies with their hardearned tax dollars," the report states. "The information developed by these departments and agencies belong to the American people, and should be made fully and transparently available."The report states that as "the roadblocks are removed and more documents that have been hidden and withheld for years become available, the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations will provide transparency and let the American public see what is their right to see."

The NBA playoffs are in full swing! With just four teams left, its almost time for the finals. Coming up, the New York Knicks are taking on the Indiana Pacers while the Minnesota Timberwolves are playing the Oklahoma City Thunder.While you wait for the finals, now is the perfect time to stock up on team merchandise, thanks to the Game 7 partnership with Amazon. Game 7 features shirts, sweatshirts and sweatpants from all your favorite teams.You can catch all the Playoff games right on Peacock, which costs just $7.99 per month. The NBA League Pass also features all the playoff games, as well as post and pre-game shows. Youll pay $16.99 per month for the regular League Pass.The Minnesota Timberwolves are largely seen as the underdogs going into the series with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but die-hard fans have seen the Timberwolves win time and time again. To show your love for your team, grab this Timberwolves gear on the Game 7 shop.GEAR UP AND EXERCISE THIS SUMMER BY PLAYING THESE POPULAR SPORTSThis Minnesota Timberwolves pullover sweatshirt is a throwback to a more vintage style. The classic Timberwolves' logo paired with the stripped design will make you stand out in a crowd. The sweatshirt is officially licensed and comes in the official midnight blue of the Timberwolves. Its on the heavier side, so youll stay nice and warm.Relax in style with these Minnesota Timberwolves joggers. Designed with a heavyweight NBA team logo patch, the sweatpants have a cuffed bottom that makes them comfortable for everyone. If youre staying home to catch the rest of the playoffs, these sweatpants are the perfect companion to show your team spirit while staying comfy.Also in classic midnight blue is this Minnesota Timberwolves t-shirt. It features a unique Timberwolves picture with a howling wolf overlaying a basketball. The back of the shirt also has the Timberwolves' logo on it. Made from 100% cotton, youll stay comfortable for every game of the playoffs.Oklahoma dominated the Western conference during the regular season, and theyve shown no sign of slowing down in the postseason. Set to play the Minnesota Timberwolves, many predict OKC will come out on top. Rep your team colors with this Oklahoma City merchandise.Get noticed with a bright blue Oklahoma City Thunder pullover hoodie. Featuring the Oklahoma City logo and name on a thunder blue hoodie. This is a lighter sweatshirt, perfect for the early spring playoff days.Youll never want to take off these comfy Oklahoma City Thunder jogger sweatpants. Lined with a soft fleece, these sweatpants have a small OKC Thunder logo on one side. The heather gray color pairs with any of the other Thunder merch on this list.If you prefer Oklahoma Citys sunset orange color, this OKC Thunder short-sleeve shirt will be your new favorite addition to your fan gear collection. The Oklahoma City logo stands out on the bright orange, and theres an additional logo on the back of the shirt.The New York Knicks squeezed the Boston Celtics out of the playoffs, winning the series 4 to 2. After taking the lead early in the series, game six ended with the Knicks winning by 38 points. Next up, the Knicks are set to play the Indiana Pacers. Show your love for New York with some Knicks gear.MARCH MADNESS GEAR EVERY FAN NEEDS, PLUS WHERE TO STREAM ALL THE GAMESA New York Knicks zip-up hoodie is a sleek black hoodie with a Knicks logo on the front and back of the sweatshirt. With hints of Knicks orange along the sleeves, this sweatshirt goes with any other Knicks gear you get from the Game 7 shop.This New York Knicks long-sleeve shirt shows your love for your favorite city and their best NBA team. The front of the shirt simply says New York with a basketball underneath. You get the Knicks' logo on the side of one of the sleeves. The shirt comes in black, so it goes with anything.Go with the Knicks classic blue and grab a New York Knicks short-sleeve t-shirt. The comfortable, affordable shirt has the Knicks logo on the front over a giant "Knicks" font, so you really get the point across.Indiana beat the Cavaliers in just five games in the last series. Now, the Indiana Pacers are taking on the New York Knicks. The Pacers are the number four seed, while the Knicks are number three. If youre supporting the Pacers in this series, grab this merch.For a one-of-a-kind sweatshirt, go with Game 7s Indiana Pacers pullover hoodie. It comes in Pacers blue and features the Pacers' logo on the front. Its a fleece-lined sweatshirt thatll keep you warmer on colder nights while youre up watching your favorite team in the playoffs.Add a pair of Indiana Pacers joggers to your collection and stay comfortable for the rest of the playoffs. Complete with the Pacers' logo on one side and the Game 7 logo on the other, the heather gray pants are lightweight but lined with fleece for added comfort.For more deals, visitwww.foxnews.com/dealsAlso in heather gray is this Indiana Pacers short-sleeve t-shirt. It matches the sweatpants and has a similar Pacers logo on the front. Made from 100% cotton, youll be plenty comfy while watching games in person, from the comfort of your couch or at your favorite sports bar.

Israeli strikes continued to pound the Gaza Strip Wednesday, despite a surge in international anger at Israel's widening offensive. The attacks killed at least 82 people, including several women and a week-old infant, according to the Gaza Health Ministry and area hospitals.Israel began allowing dozens of humanitarian trucks into Gaza on Tuesday, but the aid has not yet reached Palestinians in desperate need.Jens Laerke, the spokesperson for the U.N.'s humanitarian agency, said no trucks were picked up from the Gaza side of Kerem Shalom, the Israeli border crossing with southern Gaza.U.N. spokesperson Stphane Dujarric said Tuesday that although the aid had entered Gaza, workers were not able to bring it to distribution points after the Israeli military forced them to reload the supplies onto separate trucks and workers ran out of time.The Israeli defense body that oversees humanitarian aid to Gaza said trucks entered Wednesday morning, but it was unclear if that aid would move deeper into Gaza for distribution. The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said its staff had waited several hours to collect aid from the border crossing but were unable to do so on Tuesday.ISRAEL BLOCKS HUMANITARIAN AID INTO GAZA AFTER HAMAS REJECTS CEASEFIRE EXTENSION PROPOSALA few dozen Israeli activists opposed to Israel's decision to allow aid into Gaza while Hamas still holds Israeli hostages attempted to block trucks carrying supplies Wednesday morning, but were kept back by Israeli police.Diplomats come under fire in JeninA group of diplomats came under fire while visiting Jenin, a city in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian Authority. The diplomats were on an official mission to observe the humanitarian situation in Jenin when shots rang out.An aid worker, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal, said a delegation of about 20 regional, European and Western diplomats were standing near the entrance of the Jenin refugee camp when they heard gunshots Wednesday, she said. No one was injured, she added.The Israeli military said the delegation "deviated from the approved route" and Israeli soldiers fired warning shots to distance them from the area. The military apologized and said they will contact all countries involved in the visit.Footage shows a number of diplomats running for cover as rapid shots rung out. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said firing even warning shots was unacceptable and called on Israel to investigate.The Italian government of Premier Giorgia Meloni also demanded an explanation, saying that its vice consul was among those who came under fire.Jenin has been the site of Israels widespread crackdown against West Bank militants since earlier this year.On Jan. 21 just two days after its ceasefire deal with Hamas in Gaza Israeli forces descended on Jenin as they have dozens of times since Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The fighting displaced tens of thousands of Palestinians, one of the largest West Bank displacements in years.International pressure on IsraelOn Tuesday, the United Kingdom suspended free trade talks with Israel over its intensifying assault, a step that came a day after the U.K., Canada and France promised concrete steps to prompt Israel to halt the war. Separately, the European Union was reviewing an EU pact governing trade ties with Israel over its conduct of the war in Gaza, according to its foreign policy chief.Israel says it is prepared to stop the war once all the hostages taken by Hamas return home and Hamas is defeated, or is exiled and disarmed. Hamas says it is prepared to release the hostages in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal from the territory and an end to the war. It rejects demands for exile and disarmament.ISRAEL FIRES BACK AT UK OVER SUSPENDED TRADE TALKS, REJECTS EXTERNAL PRESSUREIsrael called back its senior negotiating team from ceasefire talks in the Qatari capital of Doha on Tuesday, saying it would leave lower-level officials in place instead. Qatari leaders, who are mediating negotiations, said there was a large gap between the two sides.Meanwhile, Israeli strikes continued across Gaza. In the southern city of Khan Younis, where Israel recently ordered new evacuations pending an expected expanded offensive, 24 people were killed, 14 from the same family. A week-old infant was killed in central Gaza.The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the strikes, but has said it is targeting Hamas infrastructure and accused Hamas militants of operating from civilian areas.Desperate need for foodExperts have warned that many of Gazas 2 million residents face a high risk of famine. At one displacement camp in Gaza City, a charity group distributed thin and watery lentil soup.Somaia Abu Amsha scooped small portions into bowls for her family, saying they have not have had bread for over 10 days and she cant afford rice or pasta."We dont want anything other than that they end the war. We dont want charity kitchens. Even dogs wouldnt eat this, let alone children," she said, pointing at the soup.Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday called for aid to reach the Gaza Strip and for an end to the "heartbreaking" toll on its people during his first general audience in St. Peters Square.Hospitals surroundedIsraeli troops also have surrounded two of northern Gazas last functioning hospitals, preventing anyone from leaving or entering the facilities, hospital staff and aid groups said this week.Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday urged world leaders to take immediate action to end Israels siege on Gaza, issuing the appeal during a visit to Beirut, where he was expected to discuss the disarmament of Palestinian factions in Lebanons refugee camps.ISRAEL ENCIRCLES 2 OF NORTHERN GAZAS LAST FUNCTIONING HOSPITALS, GROUPS SAY"It is time to end the war of extermination against the Palestinian people. I reiterate that we will not leave, and we will remain here on the land of our homeland, Palestine," Abbas said, demanding the immediate entry of aid, the release of detainees, and a full withdrawal from Gaza.The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251 others. The militants are still holding 58 captives, around a third of whom are believed to be alive, after most were returned in ceasefire agreements or other deals.Israels retaliatory offensive has destroyed large swaths of Gaza and killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count.

A proposal from the Green Bay Packers that would have effectively banned the tush push failed to receive enough votes from NFL owners on Wednesday.The tush push will continue to be a part of the game through at least the 2025 season, according to FOX Sports.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMAs team owners deliberated in the morning, Philadelphia Eagles team owner Jeffrey Lurie reportedly brought Jason Kelce into the meeting to explain why the tush push should be kept in the game. The Eagles have had the most success with the play over the last few years, and Kelces input was apparently enough for owners to forgo approving the ban.The Packers'official rule change proposalwould have prohibited "an offensive player from pushing a teammate who was lined up directly behind the snapper and receives the snap, immediately at the snap." The proposal added that a penalty would be assessed on any offensive player who violated the rule.The original vote was set to take place in April, but it was tabled to May.JORDAN MAILATA, OTHER EAGLES STARS DOWNPLAY TUSH PUSH AS NFL VOTE ON TEAM'S SIGNATURE PLAY LOOMSProponents of the play and those who oppose it both presented strong arguments, while the league expressed worry about safety.Rich McKay, the NFL Competition Committee chair, said in April the issues go beyond safety, because there was not enough data to say whether it is a dangerous play. The league has said there have been no injuries reported from the tush push.Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu called the play cheap.It appears teams will have to adopt the old adage if you dont like it, figure out a better way to stop it.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio clashed with Rep. Brad Sherman during a House hearing on Wednesday, telling the California Democrat that "this is not a game show" when Sherman demanded that he only answer questions with a "yes" or a "no."Rubio testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee in Washington, D.C., fielding questions on foreign aid, nuclear proliferation in Saudi Arabia and Iran, the war in Ukraine and more. Sparks began to fly early on when Sherman questioned Rubio on a potential nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia."First, I will tell you that there has been no conversation about entering into one. For example, during the recent trip," Rubio began before Sherman cut him off."Ive got limited time," the congressman interjected. "Either give me a yes or a no."RUBIO FIRES BACK AFTER DEM SENATOR SAYS HE REGRETS VOTING FOR HIM, SPARKING TENSE EXCHANGE"Well, Im going to give you my answer if you want my answer," Rubio replied.But Sherman cut Rubio off, stating that he was reclaiming his time."Well, reclaim your time. But it's not a game show," Rubio said. "I get to answer. These are complex questions.""Mr. Secretary, I'm reclaiming my time," Sherman said. "The filibustering takes place in the Senate. Not here.""I'm not filibustering.I'm trying to answer your question," Rubio replied.Sherman then moved on to his next question, asking whether Rubio could assure Congress that the Trump administration would continue sanctions on Iran until they verifiably agree to abandon all nuclear enrichment."That's a yes or no question," Sherman told Rubio.Rubio replied: "No, it's not."RUBIO, KAINE CLASH ON SOUTH AFRICAN REFUGEES: YOU DONT LIKE THAT THEY'RE WHITE'"Well, can you give me a yes or no? Should I go on to go on to the next?" Sherman asked."We believe that Iran should not be allowed to enrich uranium, correct," Rubio answered."You believe that?" Sherman asked."We believe that an acceptable deal with Iran is one in which they cannot enrich, because if they can enrich, they can weaponize," Rubio said."I know why we dont want I asked you will we agree, will we continue the sanctions until they verifiably agree to get rid of enrichments.""Oh, you have nothing to worry about," Rubio said. "The worry was the previous administration. This administration""Your refusal to give me an answer is loud and clear," Sherman interjected before shouting over Rubio that he was reclaiming his time.The House hearing brought Rubio to testify on the State Departments posture on protecting American interests. Throughout the hearing, Rubio asserted that any actions taken by the government must have measurable outcomes for the American people, specifically making the country safer, stronger or more prosperous.

President Donald Trump ripped an NBC reporter for questioning over the Department of Defense accepting a jumbo jet from Qatar to serve as Air Force One."The Pentagon announced that it would be accepting a Qatari jet to be used as Air Force One," an NBC reporter asked Trump during a press event during the South African president's Wednesday visit to the White House."What are you talking about? You know, you ought to get out of here," Trump responded.The question regarding the Qatari jet was asked immediately following Trump directing his staff to lower the lights and show video footage of the treatment of white farmers in South Africa during his meeting with the African nation's president.The Trump administration began welcoming white Afrikaners from South Africa to the U.S. in the past week as they face "unjust racial discrimination" in their home country, according to the administration."What does this have to do with the Qatari jet?" Trump shot back at the reporter, believed to be NBC News' Peter Alexander, before slamming NBC News for trying to divert the meeting's topic from genocide in South Africa.ESPIONAGE, CONSTITUTIONAL CONCERNS ABOUND FROM TRUMP DETRACTORS, ALLIES OVER QATARI JET OFFER"They're giving the United States Air Force a jet. Okay? And it's a great thing. We're talking about a lot of other things. It's NBC trying to get off the subject of what you just saw," Trump said. "You are a real you know, you're a terrible reporter. Number one, you don't have what it takes to be a reporter. You're not smart enough. But for you to go into a subject about a jet that was given to the United States Air Force, which is a very nice thing.""They also gave $5.1 trillion worth of investment in addition to the jet. Go back, you ought to go back to your studio at NBC because, Brian Roberts and the people that run that place, they ought to be investigated. They are so terrible the way you run that network. And you are a disgrace. No more questions from you," Trump continued."His name is Peter something. He's a terrible reporter," Trump added as he began calling on other reporters for questions.FLASHBACK: DEM CRITICAL OF TRUMP'S QATARI JET GIFT RODE CAMEL IN EXPENSES-PAID 2021 TRIP TO GULF EMIRATEFox News Digital reached out to NBC News for comment on the matter but did not immediately receive a reply.Fox News confirmed earlier Wednesday that the Department of Defense had formally accepted a 747 jetliner from Qatar.Both Democrats and Republicans have criticized Trump after he announced the Department of Defense planned to accept a jumbo jet from the government of Qatar earlier in May, arguing the gift is riddled with both espionage concerns and constitutional questions.HOUSE DEMOCRAT CALLS FOR 'IMMEDIATE' ETHICS PROBE OF QATARI PLANE GIFT TO TRUMPAt the heart of Democrats' concern over the matter is the emoluments clause in the Constitution, which states: "No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State."It's questionable if the emoluments clause even applies to the president, however, as the Constitution typically stipulates when a clause specifically affects a president and cites the title, such as in the impeachment clause, Hans von Spakovsky, senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation's Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies, previously told Fox News Digital.TRUMP CLARIFIES OWNERSHIP OF AIRCRAFT IN DEFENSE OF QATAR'S GIFT"The clause was specifically inserted because of concerns by the Founders at the Constitutional Convention over corruption of our foreign diplomats, especially by the French government,"von Spakovsky explained. "It is questionable whether the emoluments clause even applies to the president since he is not named and the Constitution usually names the president when a provision applies to him.That is why the impeachment clause specifically provides that it applies to the president, vice president and all civil officers of the United States. If officers of the U.S. included the president, there would be no need for him to be separately listed."Von Spakovsky said that if the plane is a government-to-government gift meaning if Qatar gifted the plane to the Department of Defense and not as a personal gift to the president the Trump administration is likely in the legal clear to accept the gift."If this gift is being considered as a gift to the government of the U.S., there is no legal issue to consider, since there is no constitutional or legal problem with such a gift.If this is a personal gift to the president, the Justice Department would be weighing the constitutional issue I have raised whether the emoluments clause even applies to the president," he said.TRUMP DEFENDS QATAR JUMBO JET OFFER AS TROUBLED BOEING FAILS TO DELIVER NEW AIR FORCE ONE FLEETTrump and his administration had previously and repeatedly defended that the jet would be gifted to the Department of Defense, and used as a temporary Air Force One as Boeing has not yet delivered a new fleet of Air Force ones."We're very disappointed that it's taking Boeing so long to build a new Air Force One," Trump said during a press conference on drug prices Monday morning. "You know, we have an Air Force One that's 40 years old. And if you take a look at that, compared to the new plane of the equivalent, you know, stature at the time, it's not even the same ballgame.""When I first came in, I signed an order to get (the new Air Force One fleet) built," he continued. "I took it over from the Obama administration, they had originally agreed. I got the price down much lower. And then, when the election didn't exactly work out the way that it should have, a lot of work was not done on the plane because a lot of people didn't know they made change orders. That was so stupid, so ridiculous. And it ended up being a total mess, a real mess."

President Donald Trump has officially accepted Qatars Boeing 747 jet gift to be refitted as Air Force One, the Pentagon revealed."The Secretary of Defense has accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar in accordance with all federal rules and regulations," chief spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed to Fox News. "The Department of Defense will work to ensure proper security measures and functional-mission requirements are considered for an aircraft used to transport the President of the United States. For additional information, we refer you to the United States Air Force."News of the deal had prompted concerns from lawmakers, both over how to retrofit a foreign nations plane to serve as a mobile Oval Office with the highest levels of security and over what Qatar might want from Trump in return for the gift.TRUMP CLARIFIES OWNERSHIP OF AIRCRAFT IN DEFENSE OF QATAR'S GIFTTrump ally Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has said the plane poses "significant espionage and surveillance problems" while liberal Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., declared, "Trump cannot accept a $400 million flying palace from the royal family of Qatar. Not only is this farcically corrupt, it is blatantly unconstitutional.""Qatar is not, in my opinion, a great ally. I mean, they support Hamas. So what I'm worried about is the safety of the president," Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., told reporters last week.Asked about the latest news, Trump told a reporter at the White House: "They're giving the United States Air Force a jet, okay, and it's a great thing.""You're a terrible reporter, You don't have what it takes to be a reporter," he said. TRUMP VISITS QATAR AS COUNTRY'S JET OFFER PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON NATION'S GROWING INFLUENCE IN WASHINGTONHe boasted that he'd secured $5.1 trillion in investments during his trip to the Middle East last week.Earlier, Trump had said of the criticisms: "So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40 year old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction, so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane," Trump wrote. "Anybody can do that! The Dems are World Class Losers!!! MAGA."Trump in 2018 awarded Boeing a $3.9 billion fixed-price agreement to manufacture two new jets, after months of haggling over the price. The jets were supposed to be delivered in 2024, but the project is around five years behind schedule and already $2.5 billion over budget.Fox News' Liz Friden contributed to this report.

President Donald Trump appeared to distance the U.S. from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine just two days after speaking over the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin.Trump, who called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Monday after speaking to Putin, told reporters Wednesday that the conflict didnt involve the U.S., despite the fact that the U.S. has adopted the role of mediator between the two countries since Trump came into the White House in January."It's not our people, it's not our soldiers it's Ukraine and it's Russia," Trump said in the Oval Office Wednesday while hosting South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.Trump also mentioned speaking with Zelenskyy while the Ukrainian president was traveling to South Africa. Zelenskyy visited Ramaphosa in April, but cut his trip short amid attacks from Russia against Kyiv."I called Zelensky and they said, he's in South Africa. I said, what the hell is he doing in South Africa?" Trump said.Ramaphosa responded that Zelenskyy was talking with South Africa speaking with him about securing peace."He's trying to make peace," he said.Trump also said Wednesday he believed he "made a lot of progress" with Putin in his Monday call, during which both countries ultimately agreed to a ceasefire and to advance peace talks. However, Trump also indicated that both Moscow and Kyiv would need to take the lead on future talks."The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know the details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of," Trump said in a Monday post on Truth Social.Trump and other members of his administration have signaled in recent weeks that the U.S. is willing to step aside from peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv. For example, Vice President JD Vance said Monday that the discussions between the two had reached a bit of an "impasse" and that the U.S. was "more than willing" to step aside from the talks."There is fundamental mistrust between Russia and the West. It's one of the things the president thinks is, frankly, stupid," Vance told reporters Monday. "That we should be able to move beyond. The mistakes that have been made in the past, but ... That takes two to tango.""I know the president's willing to do that, but if Russia's not willing to that then we're eventually just going to have to say... This is not our war," Vance said. "It's Joe Biden's war, it's Vladimir Putin's war. It's not our war. We're going to try to end it, but if we can't end it we're eventually going to say, you know what? That was worth a try, but we're not doing it anymore."This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

Tensions are mounting over trans athletes in girls' sports in Illinois, as the state continues to allow males to compete against and beat out females in sports across the state.A youth track meet became the focus of national controversy after a biological male competed in the seventh-grade competition against girls at the Naper Prairie Conference Meet last Wednesday. The incident prompted a series of heated debates, which went viral on social media, at the Naperville 203 Community School District Board meeting on Monday.Now, Illinoisans are speaking out, calling for President Donald Trump to crack down on the state and Gov. J.B. Pritzker to protect girls' sports.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMRep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., has addressed a second letter to the U.S. Department of Education and Department of Justice asking for federal intervention into the issue. Miller previously sent a letter earlier in May and is now doubling-down on her pleas for the Trump administration to step in.Miller's latest letter asks U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Education Secretary Linda McMahon to specifically look into the Naperville incident and consider pulling federal funding from the state, as seen in a copy obtained by Fox News Digital."The Illinois Governor has made our beautiful state unfair and unsafe for women and girls by allowing men to compete in their sports and to use their showers and locker rooms. It is my strong opinion that any school district that allows these actions to continue should have its federal funds reviewed immediately for revocation," Miller wrote. "Ultimately, it is my understanding that violations of Title IX may have taken place at this track and field meet, and I write to bring this grave incident to your attention."Illinois GOP state Rep. Blaine Wilhour is also calling for a federal investigation and potential consequences in the wake of the Naperville incident."President Trump should freeze every penny of federal dollars until these schools come to their senses and do right by these kids," Wilhour told Fox News Digital. "Either you believe in fairness, biological reality and common sense, or you dont. This is not fair competition and Naperville 203 is engaged in what I consider abusive and illegal practices in violation of title 9. Wake up people, these are Jr. High kids being exploited and used as political pawns, and its disgusting."TEEN GIRLS OPEN UP ON TRANS ATHLETE SCANDAL THAT TURNED THEIR HIGH SCHOOL INTO A CULTURE WAR BATTLEGROUNDWilhour was previously a leader in putting pressure on the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) to comply with Trump's "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" executive order that was signed on Feb. 5. However, the state's Democrat leaders ensured the IHSA defied Trump on the issue.In a public letter to Wilhour and other state GOP lawmakers, the IHSA said Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the Illinois Department of Human Rights have declared that state law requires that transgender athletes be allowed to participate based on gender identity.So girls around the state and their families have had to continue sharing teams and locker rooms with biological males, as they have since 2006.Even Chicago Bears legend Brian Urlacher has spoken out on the issue while his home state is ravaged by controversy."It's just different because we are men, there are certain things we do better than women, and it's just, number one, it's not fair, and if I had a daughter who had to be forced to play against a man, I would not be okay with it and I would raise hell about it," Urlacher said during an interview on the "Global View" podcast on May 9. "I just don't get it, it's a common sense thing, I just don't see how you can push this and make someone thing they're a different sex."Currently, there is one federal Title IX probe in Illinois regarding transgenders impeding on female spaces, but it is only against one school.Deerfield Public Schools District 109 is facing a probe by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights after middle school girls were allegedly forced by school administrators to change in front of a trans student in the girls' locker room.Illinois mother Nicole Georgas brought light to the situation in March after filing a complaint to the Justice Department and then delivering a school board meeting speech that went viral on social media.Now, Georgas is looking for more action to be taken as the issue continues to plague girls' sports in Illinois and hopes the recent Naperville incident will be a turning point. She is pleading for the president's administration to bring more pressure to Illinois on the issue."The tides are going to turn after this. We as the parents have had enough," Georgas told Fox News Digital. "We are at the forefront, we are in the crosshairs and we need help. We need help right now. In our state nothing has changed from March, and it's getting worse!"They're using these kids to just almost test President Trump because they know they're not doing anything. They've forgotten about Illinois. They've forgotten about us."Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Conor Daly will roll off pit road at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indianapolis 500 with the obvious goal in mind win the race and cement himself in racing lore for the rest of time.A victory will do more than just make him a part of Indy 500 history forever; he will become a folk hero for his native Indiana, which is itching to see a lengthy drought end.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMIt has been 85 years since an Indiana-born race car driver won the illustrious race. Daly will be driving the No. 76 ampm-sponsored Chevrolet with Wilbur Shaw on his mind, almost literally. Shaw won three Indy 500 races, but no one from Indiana has won it since 1940.He will be wearing a helmet that honors the legendary driver on Sunday."Its crazy, 85 years since the last Indy 500 winner from Indiana. That just seems wrong. It just seems sad. So weve got to change that," Daly, who was born in Noblesville, told Fox News Digital. "It was just a cool idea that I came up with my helmet painter."I try to come up with something unique every year for the Indy 500 helmet because its just a special event, and we put a couple old picture of his car from back in the day 1940 was the last winner, which is crazy. Put the 1940 ticket on top of the helmet as well with a couple of little small details."Daly qualified 11th for the race and is set to start in between Scott McLaughlin and Alexander Rossi, who have both won the race in the past.He touted how fast the car has been for him. His average speed during qualifying was around 231 mph.INDYCAR DRIVER CONOR DALY GOES RACING WITH AMPM FOR THE INDY 500"I feel really good," he said. "This is one of the best cars Ive had in my IndyCar career here, and I know thats a bold statement to say, but its truly been a pleasure to drive all week. Ive equaled my best starting position with 11th. Were right alongside the pole-sitter from last year, Scott McLaughlin. Were in the fight. This car is just flat out fast and thats really, really special."He called driving at such a high rate of speed "truly crazy.""I dont know why you wouldnt watch what were doing here because it truly is crazy," he explained. "Were at that level where cars are flying through the air, crashing at a high level, because we are putting these things on the absolute ragged edge of control and thats what it takes to win the biggest race out there."Its the biggest race that there is across motorsports. Some people like to argue that but physically, if you ask any racing drivers who have been around the sport for a long time, the Indy 500, thats the big one. Its crazy and what were doing out there is wild."Daly said winning the Indy 500 would be a realization of all the hard work he has put in throughout his entire career."Its why I wake up every morning," the Juncos Hollinger Racing driver told Fox News Digital.Most importantly, he already has the milk picked out that he will chug should he be able to."Ive gone whole milk the last few years, but I havent won yet," he said. "So, I decided to switch it up. Were gonna go 2% because why not? Lets pick something different and maybe thatll get us the win."TheIndy500 will be broadcast May 25 on FOX with coverage starting at 10 a.m. ET. It will also be available tostream live on FOXSports.comand the FOX Sports app.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.