With over 50 million people in this country using cannabis in the past year, and the numbers continuing to skyrocket, it is disturbing to discover that the latest group to jump onto this bandwagon are a vulnerable group who can least afford to use weed from the perspective of their health; namely grandma and grandpa.Indeed, the elderly over 65 are using marijuana products more and more, an increase of close to 50% from 2021 to 2023, with a total of 7% of seniors current users, according to new research just published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.But it is clear to me there are several misconceptions feeding this increased usage, the first being that marijuana is somehow safer than alcohol or cigarettes. In fact, another study just published from the University of California San Francisco reveals that THC, the active ingredient in marijuana products, damages the lining of blood vessels (which can lead to hypertension, heart attacks and strokes), just as much as cigarette smoke does.MORE SENIORS ARE USING CANNABIS THAN EVER BEFORE DESPITE HEALTH RISKS, RESEARCH SHOWSAnd too often both alcohol and marijuana are combined, especially problematic in elderly drivers who may already be exhibiting subpar performance. Deadly car crashes involving both alcohol and marijuana have more than doubled in the U.S. over the past two decades and the number continues to rise.Another misconception is that marijuana is safe for people who cant sleep or are having anxiety problems. In fact, cannabis can lead to IQ decline, poorer learning or processing, and tap cognitive reserves, especially problematic in seniors who may already be showing signs of cognitive decline. And regular cannabis use with higher amounts of THC can worsen anxiety and even lead to psychosis in those with underlying mental health problems.Another false idea prompting increased cannabis use is that the amount of THC in a cannabis product is a constant, when in fact the active psychoactive ingredient in cannabis keeps increasing in concentration. 20thcentury weed was far less potent than todays 30-50% THC content weed. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONThis generations cannabis is hardly the same product as last generations. And keep in mind that older people metabolize chemicals in their body more slowly, meaning that the psychological and physical impact is greater for a longer period of time.HEAVY CANNABIS USE COULD POSE THIS THREAT TO THE BRAINBut the notion that bothers me the most as a practicing internist is, that cannabis is supposed to be medically useful for chronic pain or sleeplessness and that somehow this sanctions its use for everything. In fact, even the medical uses of marijuana products have never been proven.If cannabis helps for chronic pain, it is a most often a minimal effect, whichdoesnt justify the side effects. And yet, medical marijuanas widespread acceptance has led to pressure for full legalization and increased recreational use (now fully legal in 24 states with more to follow).The last thing we need among our cherished older people who are trying to hang on to optimal functioning as long as possible is something addicting that actually pushes them in the direction of suboptimal performance. Regular use can also lead to Cannabis Use Disorder, where aperson becomes addicted to a substance that they crave, that they develop a tolerance to, and which is difficult to stop without withdrawal symptoms. And if an elderly person takes more and more THC-laden gummies to help them sleep, they may become more anxious as a result, or even psychotic. Dont let a cannabis salesman tell your grandma otherwise.CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM DR. MARC SIEGEL

Andrew Cuomo dodged questions throughout Wednesday evenings New York City mayoral debate regarding sexual harassment allegations against him, which the former New York governor insisted were false."Every woman watching tonight should listen right now," said Michael Blake, a former state assemblyman from the Bronx who is running against Cuomo. "Andrew Cuomo would not respond when had a chance about sexual harassment every woman watching tonight he was just given a chance to actually address the clear claims that were stated, and he ignored it."Cuomo was accused of multiple incidents of sexual harassment that ultimately led to his resignation as governor in 2021. A subsequent report from New York Attorney General Letitia James confirmed Cuomo "sexually harassed multiple women from 2013 through 2020," while in January 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it had reached a nearly $500,000 settlement with Cuomo's executive office over one of the claims.However, no criminal charges were ever filed against Cuomo, with some district attorneys citing insufficient evidence.SCANDAL-SCARRED FORMER GOV ANDREW CUOMO IS THE FRONTRUNNER IN NYC MAYORAL RACE"The people who don't feel safe are young women, mothers and grandmothers around Andrew Cuomo," Blake added in his criticism of Cuomo during the Wednesday night debate. "That's the greatest threat to public safety in New York City."Cuomo was given multiple opportunities to address the allegations, but he frequently dodged questions on the matter by pivoting to other issues, like public safety.However, Cuomo's opponents and the moderators would not let him get away without engaging with the question.NEW YORK GOVERNOR DECLINES TO SAY WHETHER ANDREW CUOMO IS FIT TO SERVE AS MAYOR"Mr. Cuomo. I'm sorry. I'm sure that people at home must be wondering about your answer to this question, because we speak to voters throughout the city and quite a few of them will say, I'm not sure exactly what happened with those sexual harassment cases," one of the moderators told Cuomo amid questions about whether the candidates had any regrets regarding their past political tenures. "What do you say to voters now looking ahead to your potential mayoralty? Are you doing anything differently? And why should they believe that that same situation won't happen again?"In response, Cuomo addressed the question, but insisted the allegations against him were "political" and "false.""Let's just make sure we have the facts," Cuomo shot back. "A report was done four years ago making certain allegations. I said at the time, that it was political and it was false. Five district attorneys, Democratic, Republican, short, tall, looked at it all across the state, found absolutely nothing. One case has been resolved. I was dropped from that case. I said at the time that if I offended anyone, it was unintentional. But I apologize."

Transgender pitcher Marissa Rothenberger led Champlin Park High School to Minnesota's state softball championship game after a pair of playoff wins on Wednesday.The pitcher's dominance this season has prompted a lawsuit by three anonymous opposing players amid a national divide over the legality of trans athletes in girls' sports.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMOne of the players involved in the lawsuit reacted to the pitcher's run to the championship game in an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital, provided by her attorneys at Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)."It is upsetting to see a male athlete dominating our sport and taking opportunities away from girls who have worked hard all season to make it to the championship game in the state tournament. On top of the unfairness, it is oftentimes a risk to play a physical sport like softball against a male athlete," the statement said."I am proud of the girls who played hard, and at the end of the day deserve it more than a boy, but I hope that more people will continue to stand up for female sports and take the rights of women and girls seriously."The anonymous player's team did not reach the championship game, the ADF said.ADF attorney Suzanne Beecher weighed in on the situation as well."A males belief about his gender doesnt erase the physical advantages over female athletes. And every girl competing deserves the chance to experience the thrill of victory," Beecher told Fox News Digital."What happened tonight was not only unfair but put every female athlete at risk of getting injured due to the clear differences in biology from male to female. We filed a lawsuit against Minnesota officials to upend their radical policies that hurt female athletes across the state and restore their opportunities in a fair and safe competition."Rothenberger pitched both the quarterfinal and semifinal on Wednesday, and even hit two doubles in the semifinal to help spark a comeback.Champlin Park will now face No. 4-seeded Bloomington Jefferson in the title game on Friday at the University of Minnesota's Jane Sage Cowles Stadium.TRACKING THE TRANS ATHLETE HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS CONTROVERSIES SHAKING THE NATION OVER THE LAST YEARChamplin Park's school district previously provided a statement to Fox News Digital defending the decision to allow the athlete to compete on the softball team."Throughout the entire season, and as the Rebels advance to the state tournament, it is important to note that all of the student athletes participating for the Champlin Park Softball team are eligible to compete in compliance with Minnesota State High School League rules and applicable state law. Due to data privacy laws, the District is not able to provide public comment regarding a specific student athlete," a statement from the Anoka-Hennepin School District stated."In addition, the District is named in an active lawsuit which limits what information can be shared."Meanwhile, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison's office has released a statement responding to the lawsuit against the state over Rothenberger's participation in the girls' softball season."In addition to getting exercise and the fun of competition, playing sports comes with so many benefits for young people. You build friendships that can last a lifetime, you learn how to work as part of a team, and you get to feel like you belong," Ellison said."I believe it is wrong to single out one group of students, who already face higher levels of bullying and harassment, and tell these kids they cannot be on the team because of who they are. I will continue to defend the rights of all students to play sports with their friends and peers."After President Donald Trump signed the "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" executive order, the Minnesota State High School League announced it would defy federal law by allowing transgender athletes to continue playing in women's sports. Ellison then claimed at a press conference on April 22 that he received notice from the Department of Justice threatening legal action if the state did not follow the executive order, so the attorney general decided to sue first.The White House later responded to the lawsuit, condemning Ellison for taking legal action to enable trans inclusion."Why would a grown man sue the Trump administration to allow other biological males to participate in womens sports? This is creepy and anti-woman," White House spokesperson Harrison Fields told Fox News Digital.Minnesota's state legislature failed to pass the "Preserving Girls Sports Act" in early March, which would have stated that "only female students may participate in an elementary or secondary school level athletic team or sport that an educational institution has restricted to women and girls."Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The WWE star known as R-Truth shocked the pro wrestling world over the weekend when he announced he was set to depart the company after nearly 20 total years with the brand.Among R-Truths many accomplishments in the ring include being a longtime tag-team partner of the superstar known as The Miz. The two achieved tag-team gold at WrestleMania 40 when they won the RAW Tag Team Championships in a six-pack ladder match.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMThe bond between the team, billed as Awesome Truth, captured the hearts and minds of the wrestling audience, which is why reaction to R-Truths announcement was strong.Fox News Digital asked The Miz about his reaction to the revelation in a recent interview ahead of his appearance at The American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament next month."Obviously, I was in a tag team with R-Truth, so its always sad to see something like that happen," he said. "But I think Truth will bounce on his feet. Hes a hell of a talented superstar."WWE STAR THE MIZ VOWS TO BEAT NBA GREAT CHARLES BARKLEY AT THIS YEAR'S AMERICAN CENTURYThe Miz, whose real name is Mike Mizanin, also had a post on Sunday."Forming Awesome Truth with you was one of the best runs of my career," he wrote on X. "No one made me laugh harder. Your energy, heart, and smile lit up every roomand every arena. Youre not one of a kind, youre one in a lifetime. Love you, Truth. Keep shining."R-Truth, whose real name is Ron Killings, recently came off a brief rivalry with John Cena amid the legendary WWE stars farewell tour. He congratulated Cena for his title defense against Randy Orton at thepost-Backlash press conference. However, he irked Cena enough that Cena put R-Truth through a table that separates wrestlers from the media.It kicked off a weekslong rivalry that eventually saw Cena put an end to R-Truth, who had been billed as one of Cenas "childhood heroes." R-Truth then lost to JC Mateo on "Friday Night SmackDown."He initially joined WWE in 1999 and debuted as "K-Kwik" with "Road Dogg" Jesse James. He was there from 1999 to 2001, when he was released for the first time. He spent time with Total Nonstop Action wrestling before he made his way back to WWE in 2008.He returned as R-Truth and had been a highly favored competitor in the ring and on the mic as well.R-Truth was a United States champion, hardcore champion and world tag-team champion two times each. He held the short-lived 24/7 Championship a record 54 times. In 2004, Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked him 18th on the list of top 500 wrestlers in the business.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Transgender pitcher Marissa Rothenberger led Champlin Park High School to Minnesota's state softball championship game after a pair of playoff wins on Wednesday.The pitcher's dominance this season has prompted a lawsuit by three anonymous opposing players amid a national divide over the legality of trans athletes in girls' sports.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMOne of the players involved in the lawsuit reacted to the pitcher's run to the championship game in an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital, provided by her attorneys at Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)."It is upsetting to see a male athlete dominating our sport and taking opportunities away from girls who have worked hard all season to make it to the championship game in the state tournament. On top of the unfairness, it is oftentimes a risk to play a physical sport like softball against a male athlete," the statement said."I am proud of the girls who played hard, and at the end of the day deserve it more than a boy, but I hope that more people will continue to stand up for female sports and take the rights of women and girls seriously."The anonymous player's team did not reach the championship game, the ADF said.ADF attorney Suzanne Beecher weighed in on the situation as well."A males belief about his gender doesnt erase the physical advantages over female athletes. And every girl competing deserves the chance to experience the thrill of victory," Beecher told Fox News Digital."What happened tonight was not only unfair but put every female athlete at risk of getting injured due to the clear differences in biology from male to female. We filed a lawsuit against Minnesota officials to upend their radical policies that hurt female athletes across the state and restore their opportunities in a fair and safe competition."Rothenberger pitched both the quarterfinal and semifinal on Wednesday, and even hit two doubles in the semifinal to help spark a comeback.Champlin Park will now face No. 4-seeded Bloomington Jefferson in the title game on Friday at the University of Minnesota's Jane Sage Cowles Stadium.TRACKING THE TRANS ATHLETE HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS CONTROVERSIES SHAKING THE NATION OVER THE LAST YEARChamplin Park's school district previously provided a statement to Fox News Digital defending the decision to allow the athlete to compete on the softball team."Throughout the entire season, and as the Rebels advance to the state tournament, it is important to note that all of the student athletes participating for the Champlin Park Softball team are eligible to compete in compliance with Minnesota State High School League rules and applicable state law. Due to data privacy laws, the District is not able to provide public comment regarding a specific student athlete," a statement from the Anoka-Hennepin School District stated."In addition, the District is named in an active lawsuit which limits what information can be shared."Meanwhile, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison's office has released a statement responding to the lawsuit against the state over Rothenberger's participation in the girls' softball season."In addition to getting exercise and the fun of competition, playing sports comes with so many benefits for young people. You build friendships that can last a lifetime, you learn how to work as part of a team, and you get to feel like you belong," Ellison said."I believe it is wrong to single out one group of students, who already face higher levels of bullying and harassment, and tell these kids they cannot be on the team because of who they are. I will continue to defend the rights of all students to play sports with their friends and peers."After President Donald Trump signed the "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" executive order, the Minnesota State High School League announced it would defy federal law by allowing transgender athletes to continue playing in women's sports. Ellison then claimed at a press conference on April 22 that he received notice from the Department of Justice threatening legal action if the state did not follow the executive order, so the attorney general decided to sue first.The White House later responded to the lawsuit, condemning Ellison for taking legal action to enable trans inclusion."Why would a grown man sue the Trump administration to allow other biological males to participate in womens sports? This is creepy and anti-woman," White House spokesperson Harrison Fields told Fox News Digital.Minnesota's state legislature failed to pass the "Preserving Girls Sports Act" in early March, which would have stated that "only female students may participate in an elementary or secondary school level athletic team or sport that an educational institution has restricted to women and girls."Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

As summer travel kicks off, many Americans are taking to the skies to reach their destination.One traveler is sounding off about the passing around of summer sicknesses, calling out "sick people" with "no masks" and igniting plenty of debate and input from others.Posted in the "r/delta" forum on Reddit, the message reads, "Currently on a plane, and one of the guys in the row behind me is absolutely hacking up a lung with no mask."MAJOR AIRLINE HOLDING FLIGHTS TO ACCOMMODATE FLYERS WITH CONNECTIONS"Ive had this happen quite often recently. These people are totally inconsiderate scummy individuals. We are all in super-close quarters on flights just wear a freaking mask," the user writes.Redditors took to the comments section to discuss the issue of flight passengers wearing masks on board."I have lung disease and occasionally I get a coughing fit. Im not sick or contagious. Could be the case here," suggested one user.Another user wrote, "Youre never going to get the U.S. to adopt a mindset that widely encompasses masks. You just arent. And the thing is, prior to 2020 you would likely not have thought of masking for someone coughing either."CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER"This is why I always wear a mask on planes because I cant control if other people wear them," commented a Redditor.One user said, "I carry a mask and wash my hands before (and after) I use the bathroom. I dont trust others to have common sense or minimal decency."Another person said, "If you go out in public, there will be germs. Accept it. Move on. Protect yourself however you wish. Or stay home."For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyleAnother comment read, "Keep your mask on. Take an airborne or other Vitamin C pill. More than likely you wont get sick. Relax and move on. You cannot do anything."Recirculated air passes through high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that capture 99.97% of particles such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi 0.3 m in diameter, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).The agency says that wearing a "high-quality" and "well-fitting mask" can be "effective in reducing the transmission of respiratory pathogens.""Close proximity of passengers increases the risk of person-to-person airborne spread before contaminated air can be removed from the breathing zone and exhausted or filtered," the CDC notes.Wearing a mask can be especially helpful during the boarding and deplaning process.

Progressive champion Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York is weighing in on New York City's Democratic mayoral race, with a long-expected endorsement coming less than three weeks before the city's June 24th primary.Ocasio-Cortez, the four-term lawmaker who represents a congressional district in the Bronx and Queens and New York City's most prominent leader on the left, backed state assemblyman Zohran Mamdani for mayor on Thursday."Assemblymember Mamdani has demonstrated a real ability on the ground to put together a coalition of working-class New Yorkers that is strongest to lead the pack," Ocasio-Cortez said in a statement to The New York Times, which was first to report the news. "In the final stretch of the race, we need to get very real about that."CUOMO DINGED BY FELLOW DEOMCRATS AT NYC MAYORAL PRIMARY DEBATEMamdani has been rising in the most recent public opinion polls and is now a clear second to frontrunner and former New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the latest surveys.With multiple progressive candidates in the primary race, the endorsement of Mamdani by Ocasio-Cortez is seen as a move to unite fractured progressive voters towards a single candidate in an attempt to block the more moderate Cuomo from returning to power.HEAD HERE FOR THE LATEST FOX NEWS REPORTING, ANALYSIS, AND OPINION ON ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZThe now-35-year-old Ocasio-Cortez made history in 2018 with her defeat of a longtime House Democrat and then grabbed national attention in the ensuing years as the most-visible member of a small but growing group of younger, diverse, progressive House members known as "The Squad."And her endorsement of Mamdani seems to fit her mold. The 33-year-old assembly member from Queens is a person of color and a democratic socialist who is originally from Uganda."Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a once-in-a-generation leader who has led the fight for working people in Congress. In 2018, she shocked the world and transformed our politics," Mamdani said in a social media post after news of the endorsement.And he predicted, "On June 24, with @AOCs support and this movement behind us, we will do the same."Mamdani says he wants to make riding on city buses free, freeze increases in rent on rent-stabilized apartments and open city-run grocery stores. He would pay for his platform by implementing a $10 billion tax hike on businesses and the ultra-wealthy.Four years ago, New York City's progressives failed to unite behind a single candidate, which allowed now-Mayor Eric Adams, a moderate Democrat, to win the primary and eventually the general election.With his poll numbers plummeting, Adams announced in early April that he would run for re-election as an independent candidate rather than seek the Democratic Party nomination.Ocasio-Cortez's endorsement came nine days before early voting in the primary kicks off on June 14, and the morning after the first of two Democratic mayoral primary debates was held.Mamdani and many of his rivals for the nomination took aim at Cuomo during Wednesday night's volatile debate.Cuomo pushed back at Mamdani, characterizing him as too far to the left and inexperienced.Cuomo, a former three-term governor who resigned from office in 2021 amid multiple scandals, is aiming for political redemption as he works to pull off a campaign comeback.

The Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday sounded the alarm on alleged Transportation Security Administration (TSA) "corruption," accusing a longtime Democratic senator of lobbying the Biden administration to have her husband removed from a watchlist despite him allegedly flying with a "known or suspected terrorist."New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheens husband, William "Billy" Shaheen, "traveled with a known or suspected terrorist three times in a single year," DHS said in a statement.The Trump administration on Wednesday cited evidence "detailing the politicization of TSAs watchlisting program under the Biden administration." DHS says that evidence includes discovered documents, correspondence and timelines that clearly highlight the Biden administration's "inconsistent application of Silent Partners Quiet Skies and watchlisting programs, circumventing security policies to benefit politically aligned friends and family at the expense of the American people."DHS claims Sen. Shaheen "directly lobbied" former TSA administrator David Pekoske. Pekoske afterward allegedly "gave repeated, explicit direction" to exclude the senators husband from the Silent Partner Quiet Skies list. Fox News Digital reached out to Sen. Shaheen's office, but they did not immediately provide a response to the allegations.GABBARD SLAMS 'POLITICALLY MOTIVATED' SURVEILLANCE AS EFFORT TO 'INTIMIDATE' HER FOLLOWING CRITICISM OF HARRIS"Pekoske granted Billy Shaheen a blanket Silent Partners Quiet Skies exemption despite Shaheen flying with a Known or Suspected Terrorist on three occasions," DHS said Wednesday. "All the while, Tulsi Gabbard, and many other Americans, were placed on the Silent Partners Quiet Skies list with little to no visibility, awareness, explanation or oversight."President Donald Trump tapped Gabbard as his director of national intelligence during his second term.The Trump administration claims Billy Shaheen "was hardly the only high-profile individual that was placed on this exclusion list," which also allegedly included members of foreign royal families, political elites, professional athletes, and journalists.DHS said Billy Shaheens "blanket exemption has since been revoked.""It is clear that this program was used as a political rolodex of the Biden Administration weaponized against its political foes and to benefit their well-heeled friends," DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement. "This program should have been about the equal application of security, instead it was corrupted to be about political targeting. The Trump Administration will restore the integrity, privacy, and equal application of the law for all Americans, including aviation screening."FEDERAL AIR MARSHALS SURVEILLED TRUMP CABINET MEMBER GABBARD IN 2024, RAND PAUL SAYSDHS said the program has for far too long "yielded little to no measurable security impact and lay at the expense of the American traveler."According to DHSs timeline of events, Billy Shaheen was a "TSA Random Selectee" on his flights from Boston Logan International Airport to Washington-Reagan International Airport and then from Washington Dulles International Airport back to Boston on July 20, 2023. "Billy Shaheen was flagged for the first time as Co-Traveler with a Known or Suspected Terrorist (KST)," DHS said.Shortly after his trip, Sen. Shaheens office "made an inquiry to TSA about the senators husband receiving enhanced screening on these two flights," DHS said.He was flagged a second time as a co-traveler of a known or suspected terrorist again on Oct. 18, 2023, and Sen. Shaheen afterward met with Pekoske about her husband "being on a watchlist," according to DHS."TSA did not disclose any information on watchlisting," DHS noted.On Oct. 20, 2023, Nancy Nykamp, then-assistant administrator for intelligence and analysis, approved Billy Shaheen to be added to the "Secure Flight Exclusion List." That means he was "excluded from any future TSA Random Selectee designation, and Rules-based Selectee designation, such as Quiet Skies, Association Based Rule Selectee designation, or Silent Partner Selectee designation," according to the Trump administration. Nykamp notably departed TSA in March 2025.DHS said TSA Legislative Affairs communicated with Nykamp on Oct. 24, 2023, and referred to the action taken to add Shaheen to the Secure Flight Exclusion List.Billy Shaheen stayed on the Secure Flight Exclusion List for 18 months until current TSA leadership removed him.Shaheen, the highest-ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced in March that she is not seeking re-election in 2026, but her daughter, Stefany Shaheen, just last week announced that shes running for a key House seat.Stefany Shaheen addressed the allegations against her father during a New Hampshire local radio interview Thursday. "It clearly had to be a misunderstanding," Stefany Shaheen told WGIR. "My father is a patriot. Everyone who knows him knows how patriotic he is. He is a former Army captain, he was a U.S. Attorney, he's been a judge for 17 years, he's been a lawyer for his entire professional life, so there was clearly a misunderstanding here, and I think the question was just how to get to the bottom of how the misunderstanding started.""I don't think there was anything inappropriate here," she added, again emphasizing that her father is a "longstanding lawyer" and a veteran. "There was certainly just an attempt to get to the bottom of where this misunderstanding started."

There is mounting evidence that Joe Biden was president in name only during much of his time in office.In his stead, a cabal of top White House staffers appears to have secretly operated a de facto presidency, making crucial decisions without a shred of constitutional authority. If proven true, it would call into question the validity of pardons and executive orders issued under his name but without his knowledge or consent. For this reason, it is imperative that Bidens closest advisers answer questions under oath and others in his orbit be forced to disclose what they knew or observed.TRUMP ORDERS ATTORNEY GENERAL TO PROBE BIDEN'S AUTOPEN USE AMID COGNITIVE CONCERNSThe Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched an investigation into the pardons, commutations and clemencies granted in the waning days of Bidens presidency, including preemptive pardons gifted to a half dozen members of his own family along with his shifty son, Hunter Biden.The probe focuses on whether the elder Biden was competent and whether others were taking advantage of his seemingly diminished mental state. At the same time, the House Oversight Committee is intensifying its own inquiry into the alleged "cover-up" of Bidens cognitive decline.Of particular interest in both investigations is "the potential unauthorized use of autopen" for many executive actions, said Oversight Chairman James Comer.Did rogue actors commandeer the device from a clueless Biden to advance their own political and personal agendas?Was national security jeopardized in the process?Lets call it, "The Case of the Runaway Autopen."Solving it wont be easy, given Washingtons proclivity for concealment, deception, obstruction and lies. Comer has requested that five former Biden aides, including his physician Kevin OConnor,sit down for transcribed interviews. If they resist, subpoenas will be issued. While Biden might assert Executive Privilege to keep them mum, President Trump could override the privilege just as Biden did to Trump after his first term.Assuming he is sentient, Joe might now wish he had not done so. The issue of whether pardons and executive orders could be invalidated is not as simple as some legal experts have opined. They assert, for example, that nothing can be done because there is no constitutional mechanism to revoke or overturn pardons once granted. That is only half true.WHAT IS AN AUTOPEN? THE SIGNING DEVICE AT THE HEART OF TRUMP'S QUESTIONING OF BIDEN PARDONSThere is a well-established legal basis for annulling documents. It is founded in common law. It is called fraud.Under statutory law, it is known as forgery.(See 18 USC 471 and 495).Each are crimes that would render the signed instruments inoperative and unenforceable. Just ask the U.S. Supreme Court, which long ago declared unanimously, "There is no question of the general doctrine that fraud vitiates the most solemn contracts, documents, and even judgments." (United States v. Throckmorton, 98 US 61, (1878)) There exists no exception for presidential documents. But lets back up.An autopen is a mechanical device that activates a robotic arm with a pen attached.It imitates a persons signature, although it is identifiable by a consistent impression on the paper.Past presidents have utilized the autopen for a variety of documents.It is perfectly legal but with an important caveat there must be consent by the purported "signator."In this case, thats Biden. If the 46th president never consented or, worse, had no knowledge of the autopens use for any given document bearing his signature, it could be deemed null and void under law. If Biden was not even competent or mentally fit to provide knowing consent, the result is the same.Two decades ago, the Justice Department formally approved presidential deployment of the autopen, but only if a President personally "directs" a subordinate to affix his signature to a specified document.However, the DOJ cautioned that the chief executive may never "delegate" the actual decision to approve and sign any document with the device.That right rests exclusively with a president. The sheer volume of suspected Biden autopen usage merits closer scrutiny.The growing number of descriptive accounts of his worsening mental infirmities and incoherence magnifies the need for an intensive investigation.If his aides deliberately obscured their bosss health problems, did they also circumvent his permission for orders issued under his name?Did they act on their own because they knew Biden was not cognizant or otherwise feared his confused response?Americans deserve honest answers.But expecting to get them from highly secretive political operatives is fanciful at best.House Speaker Mike Johnson recently recounted his first private meeting with Biden last year during which the President had no idea that he signed an executive order weeks earlier pausing the exports of liquified natural gas.When Johnson pressed him, a stunned Biden insisted, "I didnt do that!"The speaker patiently explained that he did and a copy could be retrieved, yet the President insisted, "No, I didnt do that." "He genuinely did not know what he had signed," said Johnson later."And I walked out of that meeting with fear and loathing because I thought, We are in serious trouble who is running the country? Like, I dont know who put the paper in front of him, but he didnt know." It is possible that the executive order was signed by autopen without the consent or knowledge of the president.In the alternative, did Biden sign something that he was incapable of understanding?Perhaps his aides willfully misrepresented its contents.Or maybe Biden was so mentally impaired that he couldnt remember what he had for breakfast, much less having signed an export ban that cratered American GDP by upwards of $200 billion.It is beyond curious that the preemptive pardons handed out like Halloween candy to Dr. Anthony Fauci, members of the J-6 committee and six of Bidens immediate relatives all bear the unique marks of an autopen.By contrast, Hunter Bidens pardon almost certainly resembles his fathers genuine and shaky signature.Why the difference?Did Biden verily approve or direct the group pardons?Or did someone command the autopen without assent?There is substantial and compelling evidence that Biden was sliding further and further into mental decay as his presidency progressed.Americans are right to wonder just who was running the country.Biden himself seemed to answer the question during several of his rare public outings. In one memorable appearance he said, "Sorry, but Ill get in trouble with my staff if I dont do this the right way." In another, a confused Biden turned to staffers and asked, "Am I allowed to take questions?Wheres my staff?"On a still another occasion he mumbled with regret, "I thought when I got to be President, Id get to do things I wanted to do, but my staff tells me what I cant do."These are stunning confessionals. There is no need to recite the myriad of instances where Americans witnessed a faltering and enfeebled Biden wandering around a stage lost and bewildered.He was not "compos mentis."His mental faculties dwindled.His ability to think and communicate vanished. It all came crashing down on the night of June 27, 2024.The disastrous presidential debate reinforced the truth of his withering condition. It is increasingly apparent that a coterie of unelected White House aides who connived to hide Bidens declining state were the ones making vital decisions behind the scenes.They reportedly called themselves the "Politburo," a nod to the ruling committee of the communist party in the former Soviet Union. The symmetry is not coincidental; it is revealing. They maneuvered and manipulated in a culture of dishonesty.CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONWith Biden mentally incapable of fully performing the demanding duties of his high office, it seems that others took it upon themselves to arrogate his authority. This would constitute a shameful abuse of power that contravenes our constitutional framework. It merits comprehensive investigations by both Congress and the Department of Justice.In responding to the probes, Biden issued a statement on Wednesday insisting, "I made the decisions about pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations," adding that "any suggestion that I didnt is ridiculous and false."The denial is no surprise. But is it more of the same pretense and cover-up that came to define his presidency?Did Joe even write that statement?Almost five years ago in my August 2020 podcast, I warned that if Joe Biden was elected, he would become a "Marionette President" controlled by unscrupulous White House puppeteers making critical decisions for the nation.I wasnt prescient, only paying attention to what was plainly visible.What is so confounding and equally alarming is how long the deceitful charade lasted.As it slowly unravels, we are reminded that calculating lies rarely endure the engine of truth.CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM GREGG JARRETT

British-born CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour revealed on her podcast "The Ex Files" on Wednesday that she recently prepared to travel to the U.S. as if she were traveling to North Korea.Speaking with her ex-husband Jamie Rubin, a former State Department official, Amanpour recalled a speech she gave at Harvard Kennedy School last month. Although she was a prominent media figure, she expressed fear that she would be stopped by border security."I must say I was afraid," Amanpour said. "Im a foreigner. I dont have a green card. Im not an American citizen. Im fairly prominent, and I literally prepared to go to America as if I was going to North Korea. I took a burner phone. Imagine that. I didnt take a singlenot my mobile phone, not my iPad, nothing, and I had nothing on the burner phone except a few numbers."CNN'S CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR GRILLED BOSSES OVER NETWORK'S 'DOUBLE STANDARDS' ON ISRAEL COVERAGE: REPORTShe added that she spoke to CNN security before her visit after hearing several anecdotes about her fellow British citizens being either detained for hours or turned around at the border. However, she found that she was welcomed into the country and that the immigration officer she met "could not have been nicer.""So, huge sigh of relief I breathed, but wow, can you imagine if Im afraid, what do others think?" Amanpour said.Rubin argued that President Donald Trumps attempts to bar Harvard from accepting foreign students were only the latest attacks hes made against the country itself."With Donald Trumps basically weaponization of the immigration and naturalization service to scrutinize people, to imagine that every single non-American is a threat to the United States, is a war on what our country has been since its founding," Rubin said.CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURECLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPThe podcast episode premiered hours before the Trump administration announced an executive order blocking travel to the U.S. from nearly 20 countries identified as "very high-risk" for terrorism, high visa overstay rates and other security concerns.