PresidentDonald Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said they are looking at prosecuting CNN for their reporting on an app that allows users to track ICE agents."Yeah, were working with the Department of Justice to see if we can prosecute them for that," Noem said Tuesday during a visit to "Alligator Alcatraz," a migrant detention facility just opened in the Everglades."Because what theyre doing is actively encouraging people to avoid law enforcement activities, operations, and were going to actually go after them and prosecute with the partnership of Pam [Bondi] if we can, because what they are doing we believe is illegal," Noem added.KAROLINE LEAVITT ACCUSES CNN OF 'ENCOURAGING VIOLENCE' AGAINST AGENTS FOR REPORTS ON NEW ICE TRACKING APPTrump chimed in, but more to air his frustration overrecent CNN reporting,where he called both CNN and The New York Times "fake news" for their stories about the strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities."And they may very well be prosecuted also for having given false reports on the attack in Iran," Trump said. "They were given totally false reports. It was totally obliterated. And our people have to be celebrated, not come home and say, What do you mean we didnt hit the target? We hit the target quickly. You know, the pilots came home, they said we hit the target quickly. So they may very well be prosecuted for that. What they did there, we think, is totally illegal."On Monday, CNNs Clare Duffypublished a story on the app, entitled, "I wanted to do something to fight back: This iPhone app alerts users to nearby ICE sightings."The story features tech workerJoshua Aaronand says that the app, called ICEBlock, "is designed for a very different purpose: to let users alert people nearby to sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in their area."Border Czar Tom Homan criticized the app Monday that is reportedly beingused to track ICE agents during an interview on "The Will Cain Show.""They've crossed the line here, this is out of control,"Homan said. "I know it's just simply disgusting, and any network that covers that is disgusting So I'm hoping DOJ steps in here and see if they cross that line of impeding federal law enforcement officers."ATTORNEY GENERAL PAM BONDI WARNS ICEBLOCK APP DEVELOPER TO 'WATCH OUT,' SAYS DOJ IS 'LOOKING AT HIM'He added that the app is contributing to a hostile attitude toward law enforcement."Assault against ICE is up over 500%," Homan said. "Now you've got an app that's going to tell where ICE operations are going to. It's only a matter of time before ICE agents are ambushed by some nut, like what happened in L.A., throwing them out a cocktail, throwing bricks at these officers. This is just disgusting at every level."Fox News Digital reached out to the White House and CNN for comment."This is an app that is publicly available to any iPhone user who wants to download it," CNN told Fox News Digital. "There is nothing illegal about reporting the existence of this or any other app, nor does such reporting constitute promotion or other endorsement of the app by CNN."

FIRST ON FOX:The Trump administration released data on Tuesday morning showing that it had slashed the federal government workforce, while promising that there is more to come as Trump continues his push to rid the government of waste.Data released by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) shows that the United States employs 2,289,472 federal workers as of March 31, which is down from 2,313,216 on September 30, 2024.The reduction of more than 23,000 positions "reflects the administrations early efforts to streamline government and eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy," OPM said in a press release.'RED TAPE': TRUMP ADMIN UNLEASHES DOGE-ALIGNED PROCESS TO FIRE FEDERAL WORKERS FOR MISCONDUCT"The American people deserve a government that is lean, efficient, and focused on core priorities," Acting OPM Director Charles Ezell said in a statement."This data marks the first measurable step toward President Trumps vision of a disciplined, accountable federal workforce, and its only the beginning."Trumpsigned an executive order in February instructing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to coordinate with federal agencies and execute massive cuts in federal government staffing numbers.UNFINISHED BUSINESS: THE BUDGET CUTS MUSK COULDNT COMPLETE, AND WHATS NEXT FOR DOGEThat order is reflected in the new data, OPM said, showing that agencies averaged 23,000 new monthly hires from April 2024 to January 2025 but dropped by nearly 70% to just 7,385 per month once the freeze was fully implemented.The agency said the cuts saved the taxpayers "billions."OPM added that "hundreds of thousands more workers" will drop from the rolls in October 2025, when more workers depart via the Deferred Resignation Program that was offered to employees in an effort to trim the workforce.Tens of thousands of employees who are in the process of being terminated remain on the government payroll due to court orders that are currently being challenged by the administration, OPM says.Trump's effort to shrink the federal workforce has faced stiff resistance from Democrats and various courts, with critics saying that the administration is cutting critical jobs."It's a judge that's putting himself in the position of the President of the United States, who was elected by close to 80 million votes," Trump said aboard Air Force One on a flight back to Washington in March, after a federal judge blocked one of his efforts to fire federal workers."That's a very dangerous thing for our country. And I would suspect that we're going to have to get a decision from the Supreme Court."Last month, OPM unveiled a new rule it said will make it easier to terminate federal employees for serious misconduct by cutting through the red tape that currently impedes that process.Fox News Digital reported in 2023 that under current law, the vast majority of the federal workforce is not at-will and may only be terminated for misconduct, poor performance, medical inability or reduction in force. Federal employees are also entitled to sweeping due process rights when fired, which can create a cumbersome process for agencies to remove a worker.

MAKING MOVES: A family's tactical approach to claiming an empty row on a flight raises questions about airline seating etiquette.'REFRESHING' DESSERT: A content creator reviews Costco's new peach-flavored cake, calling it "a good summertime dessert."TAB OUT: The trend of younger customers paying for their drinks as they go creates annoyances for some bartenders, but Gen Zers say they have their reasons.FUN FOR THE FOURTH Keep your kids entertained with fun Fourth of July essentials like glow-in-the-dark bracelets, bubbles and light-up necklaces. Continue readingCALLING ALL CROSSWORD PUZZLE LOVERS! Play our Fox News daily crossword puzzle for free here! And not just one check out the multiple offerings.See the puzzles...FacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterLinkedInFox News FirstFox News OpinionFox News LifestyleFox News AutosFox News HealthFox BusinessFox WeatherFox SportsTubiFox News GoFox Nation

FIRST ON FOX: A pair of Republican oversight hawks escalated a complaint on Tuesday about a district court judge who is presiding over one of the Trump administrations cases, alleging the judge has a financial conflict of interest.Reps. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and Darrell Issa, R-Calif., chairman and member of the House Judiciary Committee, respectively, asked the judicial council for the First Circuit Court of Appeals to investigate Judge John McConnell, according to a letter obtained by Fox News Digital.McConnell, an Obama appointee, has been presiding over a pivotal funding freeze case in Rhode Island brought by 22 states with Democratic attorneys general. The case centers on the Office of Management and Budgets order in January that federal agencies implement a multibillion-dollar suspension of federal benefits.JUDGE TARGETED BY GOP FOR IMPEACHMENT DEALS BLOW TO TRUMP'S FEMA OBJECTIVESThe states lawsuit argued the funding freeze was illegal because Congress had already approved the funds for use. McConnell agreed with the states and blocked the administration from suspending the funds, and the case is now sitting before the First Circuit Court of Appeals.McConnell wrote in an order in March that the Trump administrations funding suspension "fundamentally undermines the distinct constitutional roles of each branch of our government."The judge said the freeze lacked "rationality" and showed no "thoughtful consideration of practical consequences" because it threatened states "ability to provide vital services, including but not limited to public safety, health care, education, childcare, and transportation infrastructure."Issa and Jordan said McConnells long-standing leadership roles with Crossroads Rhode Island, a nonprofit that has received millions of dollars in federal and state grants, raised the possibility of a judicial ethics violation."Given Crossroadss reliance on federal funds, Judge McConnells rulings had the effect of restoring funding to Crossroads, directly benefitting the organization and creating a conflict of interest," Jordan and Issa wrote.Their letter was directed to Judge David Barron, chief judge of the First Circuit and chair of the First Circuit Judicial Council.FEDERAL JUDGE BLOCKS TRUMP ADMIN FROM DISMANTLING 3 AGENCIESMcConnell was quick to become one of Trumps judicial nemeses when he became involved with the funding freeze case. His initial order blocking the freeze and subsequent orders to enforce his injunction and unfreeze FEMA funds fueled criticism from Trump's allies.The Trump-aligned group America First Legal has been highlighting McConnells ties to Crossroads Rhode Island for months through its own investigation and complaint to the First Circuit.Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., filed articles of impeachment against the judge in March, though impeachment as a solution for judges with whom Republicans take issue has not garnered widespread support among the broader Republican conference.Vocal Trump supporter Laura Loomer targeted the judges daughter on social media, and X CEO Elon Musk elevated her grievance on his platform.One of McConnells local newspapers, the Providence Journal, described the judge as a man "well-known" in Democratic political circles and a major donor to Democratic politicians and organizations before he was confirmed to the bench in 2011.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPMcConnell included Crossroads Rhode Island and his membership as a board member in his recent public annual financial disclosure reports. No parties in the case have actively sought his recusal at this stage.An aide for the judge did not respond to a request for comment.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., said Tuesday that the Democratic Party should have no patience for hate speech while criticizing New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani for his socialist policies and refusing to condemn the "globalize the intifada" rhetoric."I am completely confused by how people go ahead with a lot of the ideas that hes put forth. And if you saw this weekend when he was asked to condemn globalize the intifada, right, and he refused, which is a call for a wave of terror against Jewish people around the world, and he refused to condemn that language," Gotthemier said during an interview on CNN."As far as Im concerned, somebody who refuses to condemn hate speech is not acceptable. And Im looking for him to clarify that, as well as his other socialist policies. So, you know, theres got to be a lot of clarification before I start to warm up to the idea of him being mayor," the Jewish lawmaker continued.Mamdani, a Democratic socialist candidate who just defeated former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the NYC Democratic mayoral primary, repeatedly refused to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada" during a "Meet the Press" interview with NBC's Kristen Welker on Sunday.HAKEEM JEFFRIES SAYS NYC HOPEFUL MAMDANI NEEDS TO 'CLARIFY' HIS POSITION ON 'GLOBALIZE THE INTIFADA'CNN host John Berman noted that Mamdani did say it wasn't language he used. The NYC mayoral candidate also said he wanted to be careful not to "police speech" during the NBC interview."But why wouldn't he just outright condemn the language? Why would you not condemn antisemitic language? You saw what happened in Washington and Boulder, Colorado, and the surge of hate around the country. Why would you not condemn hate speech? You know, and that's not something that should be confusing," Gottheimer pushed back.The Democratic lawmaker said condemning hate speech shouldn't be confusing with regard to any group, including Muslims and African Americans."I don't understand where any confusion is there. And Im expecting him, I hope, to clarify his position. But listen, I believe the Democratic Party needs to move in the direction of common sense and reasonableness of affordability. And I think thats where we should be going and have zero patience for any kind of hate speech," he added.DEM REP. RITCHIE TORRES SHREDS MAMDANI ON FAILURE TO CONDEMN 'INTIFADA' LANGUAGEOther Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Hakeem Jeffries, have come out and called on Mamdani to clarify his stance on the phrase, which is interpreted as a call to violence against Jewish people.Members of the press called out Mamdani as well, including podcast host Donny Deutsch, who said on Monday he was "outraged" that the NYC mayoral candidate wouldn't condemn the phrase."Im outraged that we have a candidate for mayor of New York, Mr. Mamdani, that cannot walk back or cannot condemn the words globalize the intifada and his nuance of, well, it means different things for different people.' Well, let me tell you what it means to a Jew it means violence," Deutsch said on MSNBC's "Morning Joe."CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE"If any other group came forward and said you know these words are offensive to us, it means violence, it frightens us,' I think there would be a response. But for some reason, if Jewish people find it offensive, it's not offensive."

EXCLUSIVE: The FBI blocked an investigation into allegations that the Chinese Communist Party manufactured fake drivers licenses and shipped them to the U.S. in a scheme to influence the 2020 presidential election in favor of Joe Biden because it would "contradict" then-FBI Director Christopher Wrays congressional testimony, newly declassified FBI documents obtained by Fox News Digital reveal.The records, which include communications between FBI officials ahead of the 2020 election, were recently declassified by FBI Director Kash Patel and transmitted to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley.ALLEGED CHINESE SCHEME TO INFLUENCE 2020 ELECTION FOR BIDEN BEING PROBED BY FBI, SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEEFox News Digital reported in June that Patel located and declassified the original reporting document alleging the Chinese Communist Party sought to deliver fake drivers licenses to Chinese sympathizers in the U.S. who would cast a vote for Biden in the 2020 election. The document did not say whether any ballots were cast as part of the scheme.The FBI recalled that reporting, though, Sept. 25, 2020 just a day after Wray testified before Congress that the FBI had not seen any coordinated voter fraud ahead of the 2020 election.The FBI, at the time, had recalled that report "in order to re-interview the source." It also directed "recipients" of the original report to "destroy all copies of the original report and remove the original report from all computer holdings."But Patel, this week, declassified additional documents, including records relating to the re-interview of the source, and communications between FBI officials at the time discussing the decision-making behind the recall and its decision not to republish the intelligence reporting.The records were sent to Grassley and Fox News Digital has reviewed the records."Although the source was reengaged and provided additional context to support the initial IIR, FBI Headquarters maintained its position not to republish the report," Assistant FBI Director Marshall Yates wrote in a letter to Grassley, obtained by Fox News Digital. "One reason cited for not releasing the IIR was because the reporting will contradict Director Wrays testimony."During a Senate hearing Sept. 24, 2020, Wray said he had not seen any widespread fraud by mail, and said that if he had, it would besomething that we would investigate seriously and aggressively.""We have not seen historically any kind of coordinated national voter fraud effort in a major election, whether it is by mail or otherwise," Wray testified. But "people should make no mistake we are vigilant as to the threat and watching it carefully, because we are in uncharted new territory."But Wray also testified that the Chinese had been "expanding their influence efforts," saying they had been "looking for different ways to take a page out of the malign foreign influence playbook that they have seen elsewhere."FLASHBACK: INTEL COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT DELAYED AMID DISPUTE OVER WHETHER CHINA SOUGHT TO INFLUENCE 2020 ELECTIONBut Yates, in his letter to Grassley, explained that the recall of the original reporting document was "abnormal.""The rationale provided to Albany staff for the recall was that Headquarters deemed the report not authoritative, but this characterization was met with disagreement by those in the Albany office," Yates explained.Grassley told Fox News Digital: "These records smack of political decision-making and prove the Wray-led FBI to be a deeply broken institution. Ahead of a high-stakes election happening amid an unprecedented global pandemic, the FBI turned its back on its national security mission.""One way or the other, intelligence must be fully investigated to determine whether its true or if its just smoke and mirrors." Grassley said.Fox News Digital was unable to reach Wray for comment.The report was recalled at the direction of Deputy Assistant Director for Counterintelligence Nikki Floris.Fox News Digital first reported that Floris was the FBI official to deliver a "defensive briefing" to Grassley and Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., in August 2020, claiming that their Hunter Biden investigation advanced Russian disinformation.FLASHBACK: JORDAN OPENS PROBE INTO INTEL COMMUNITY'S ALLEGED OBSTRUCTION OF 2020 SENATE INVESTIGATION OF HUNTER BIDENThe FBI declassified internal emails among Albany staff, obtained by Fox News Digital, reflecting concerns that suppressing the document would be "dangerous if we cite potential political implications as reasons for not putting out our information."Yates explained that it "was not the role of analysts to align intelligence with public testimony.""Albany staff further warned against FBI assuming the role of sole gatekeeper for the Intelligence Community (IC), emphasizing that suppressing field-generated reporting could deprive other IC elements of the opportunity to corroborate or discredit intelligence," Yates said.In an email on Sept. 30, 2020, reviewed by Fox News Digital, agents questioned why the report could not be released, to which another replied: "Again, the reporting will contradict Director Wrays testimony."On Oct. 1, 2020, an agent in the Albany Field Office replied:"Im not trying to be a pain on this, but after taking some time thinking this over I just want to voice my opinion and concerns on this issue and make it clear I do not agree with the reasoning for not putting this out," the FBI agent from the Albany Field Office wrote."Im not satisfied with the reasoning of needing a new 1023 and HQ review as these things are everyday operational and administrative requirements," the agent continued. "Most concerning to me, is stating the reporting would contradict with Director Wrays testimony. I found this troubling because it implied to me that one of the reasons we arent putting this out is for a political reason, which goes directly against our organizations mission to remain apolitical and simply state what we know."FBI DIRECTOR KASH PATEL VOWS TO RESTORE TRUST IN BUREAU, HUNT DOWN BAD ACTORS 'IN EVERY CORNER OF THIS PLANET'The agent added: "Likewise, at the field operational level, I do not feel it is our job to assess whether or not our intelligence aligns with the Director, rather we provide intelligence for people way above our pay grade (like the director) to make the call of what the FBI is seeing as a whole."The agent agreed that the FBI had "an obligation to not put out reckless information where we know something to be false or will cause undue harm.""However, we are also not in a sole position to determine a reportings validity, as we only make up one USIC agency, and an incredibly small fraction of all USIC, and other FBI Sources that could report on this matter," the agent wrote. "My concern is that I think it gets dangerous if we cite potential political implications as reasons for not putting out information."The agent also stressed that with the decision to keep the report recalled, the FBI is "starting to drift too far into being the sole decider for the USIC regarding when information we gather is, or is not valid, or of interest to the intelligence community because it takes away the crucial opportunity from the rest of the USIC to potentially corroborate or discredit our intelligence.""Chris Wrays FBI wasnt looking out for the American people it was looking to save its own image," Grassley told Fox News Digital. "Nows the time to rebuild the FBIs trust."He added: "Director Patels willingness to work with me to establish renewed transparency and accountability is a critical part of that process, and I applaud him for his efforts."Meanwhile, Yates explained that even though an intelligence analyst "requested further research and re-engagement with the source, Headquarters ultimately decided not to issue a new IIR, citing a lack of additional substantiating information, even after the source was reinterviewed."Yates said that the FBI believed that source "appeared to be reliable," and said that the FBI "did not close the source for cause or lack of credible information."According to the declassified documents, the source was a China-based individual who was not a member of the Chinese Communist Party. In the re-interview, according to the documents, an Albany officer "was able to partially corroborate some of the information s/he provided.""The case agent believes the source is competent and is authentic in his/her reporting," a declassified FBI record states.When asked how "confident" was the source in the information, an agent wrote: "very, very confident.""Additional emails show that the Foreign Influence Task Force (FITF) did not approve reissuance of the IIR, citing concerns about authoritativeness and potential for disinformation by foreign actors," Yates explained. "However, other than a request for information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, we have found no information to indicate that FITF-China aggressively investigated the reported information, despite corroborating intergovernmental reporting and logical investigative leads."The original FBI reporting document came just a month after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the International Mail Facility at Chicago O'Hare International Airportseized nearly 20,000 fraudulent driver's licenses.From January 2020 through June 30, 2020, CBP officers at that location reported seizing 1,513 shipments of fraudulent documents that included a total of 19,888 counterfeit US driver's licenses."The majority of these shipments were arriving from China and Hong Kong," CBP posted in a July press release.It was not immediately clear if the seizure had any relation to the document's allegations."Finally, because of this episode, FBI Headquarters set a new requirement on the field for the 2020 election; all raw reporting concerning the election will now require HQ coordination, which was not required before," Yates explained to Grassley.The FBI said the records reflect "the broader sentiment within the Albany Field Office that the recall decision and resulting suppression of the IIR raised serious questions about the integrity of the intelligence reporting process and its susceptibility to perceived political pressures.The FBI is continuing to investigate the matter, and noted that records have been preserved within the bureaus systems.

The House Rules Committee which is the gateway for legislation to hit the House floor, meets shortly.That committee will tee up the bill for floor debate tomorrow.The House will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday. The House GOP brass wants to consider the "rule" which is the pre-debate. Expect dilatory tactics by the Democrats such as motions to adjourn. The House must first vote and approve the rule before debating the actual Senate-approved version of the so-called "big, beautiful bill."SENATE PASSES TRUMP'S BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL' AFTER MARATHON VOTE-A-RAMAThat vote on the rule which is a test vote could be challenging for the GOP leadership, but if the House approves the rule by midmorning, its on to debate on the actual bill.In a speedy scenario, the House could debate the actual bill by midday and approve the bill itself by early afternoon.CONGRESS MUST RECONCILE KEY DIFFERENCES IN BOTH VERSIONS OF TRUMP'S SIGNATURE BILLBut as you know, this is Capitol Hill. And nothing ever seems to go as quickly as leadership hopes. (e.g. see Senate, U.S.)Fox is told that leaders will tell reluctant Republicans that the bill is not going to get any better. But its also not going to get any worse.In addition, Republicans are banking on the idea that GOP members will want to break off their vacations and other activities to get into town as quickly as possible and then leave. That will provide "peer pressure" as one source described it. Die-hard proponents of the bill would then blame GOP skeptics for dithering and keeping the House in session longer than is needed especially before the 4th of July.

ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale came to the defense of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark after her WNBA peers voted her as the ninth-best All-Star guard.Clarks ranking was a shock to many across the social media landscape. She was named one of the captains for the All-Star Game and received more than 1.2 million fan votes. The WNBA determined All-Star starters based on fan rank, media rank and player rank. The total weighted score helped determine the starters.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMThe second-year guard was ranked ninth among her fellow All-Stars,"It is ABSURD the way that a # of players in the @WNBA have treated @CaitlinClark22! So sad but I bet they love the CHARTER FLIGHTS -the increase in SALARIES - the CROWDS -the TV Ratings since she arrived from @IowaWBB. No doubt she is THE BEST - thing to happen to the WNBA," he wrote on X.He was far from the only one who voiced his opinion on the issue.One potential reason why Clarks peers ranked her so low among guards is due to playing only nine of the Fevers 16 games this season. Clark has been dealing with injuries in her sophomore season, which continues now as shes missed the last two games.WNBA STAR CAMERON BRINK DISCUSSES 'WALKING AROUND NAKED' DURING PHOTOSHOOTClark had been struggling lately as well, going just 13-of-47 from three-point territory in her last three games.Still, Clark is averaging 18.2 points, 8.9 assists, five rebounds and 1.6 steals over 33.3 minutes per game this season. Only the Phoenix Mercurys Alyssa Thomas who could be among the 12 All-Star Game reserves, which will be selected by the leagues head coaches and announced this Sunday has more assists per game (9.3), and shes touched the hardwood in 12 contests this season.While Clark has been integral in the rise of the WNBAs popularity since breaking rookie and league records last season with the Fever, there have been many contentious moments with opponents. All the incidents became the talk of the sports world for a few days.But Clark and Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier will be the ones drafting players to their All-Star squads, and now they know who will be starting with them at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Clarks Fever home, on July 19.Fox News Scott Thompson contributed to this report.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

An off-duty Massachusetts police officer was shot Monday night during a confrontation with a fellow cop as she was being served with a restraining order.Kelsey Fitzsimmons, 28, an officer with the North Andover Police Department, was home when three police officers arrived to serve the order, Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker said during a news conference Tuesday.FAMILY OF SLAIN BOSTON COP JOHN O'KEEFE FUMES AS EX-GIRLFRIEND KAREN READ WALKS FREE: 'SICKENING'"When one of the officers was escorting Ms. Fitzsimmons during the service of the court order, an armed confrontation took place," Tucker said.One officer opened fire and struck Fitzsimmons, he said.Fitzsimmons, who has been with the police department for just over a year, was taken to a Boston hospital and was in stable condition.She remains on administrative leave. Details about the shooting and the restraining order were not disclosed, citing the ongoing investigation. The shooting is being investigated by the Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to Tucker's office, he said.

FIRST ON FOX: The U.S. Department of Education announced Tuesday that the University of Pennsylvania has agreed to a resolution with President Donald Trump's administration to keep biological male trans athletes out of women's sports, in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.The department previously launched an investigation into UPenn on Feb. 6 for Title IX violations that occurred in the swimming program. Trans athlete Lia Thomas competed for the women's team in the 2021-22 season, after previously competing for the men's team."Today, the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) announced the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) has entered into a Resolution Agreement to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX)," the statement read.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMPer the DOE's announcement, under UPenn's new agreement the following actions will be taken:U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon credited Trump for the resolution."Thanks to the leadership of President Trump, UPenn has agreed both to apologize for its past Title IX violations and to ensure that womens sports are protected at the University for future generations of female athletes," McMahon said in a statement."Today is a great victory for women and girls not only at the University of Pennsylvania, but all across our nation. The Department commends UPenn for rectifying its past harms against women and girls, and we will continue to fight relentlessly to restore Title IXs proper application and enforce it to the fullest extent of the law."Former UPenn women's swimmer Paula Scanlan, who was the first of Thomas' teammates on the women's team to speak out against the school for allowing the situation to play out, told Fox News Digital that she is "grateful."HOW TRANSGENDERISM IN SPORTS SHIFTED THE 2024 ELECTION AND IGNITED A NATIONAL COUNTERCULTURE"I am deeply grateful to the Trump administration for standing firm in protecting women and girls and restoring our rightful accolades," Scanlan said."It is because of their strong leadership that my alma mater now knows it has no choice but to begin the process of reforming its policies to uphold womens rights. Today marks a momentous step toward repairing the past mistreatment of female athletes and forging a future where sex discrimination no longer limits girls potential."Scanlan isn't the only one of Thomas' former teammates to speak out anymore.Three other former UPenn swimmers filed a lawsuit against the university on Feb. 5, the same day Trump signed the "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" executive order.The lawsuit sought to have Thomas' accolades withdrawn and redistributed to the women's swimmers who competed against the athlete, and it alleges university administrators suggested any female swimmer opposed to Thomas competing with them had a "psychological problem" and were referred to the school's LGBTQ center.Trump's administration later froze $175 million in funding for the school on March 20. Then, on April 28, the Education Department's Office of Civil Rights announced its investigation concluded that UPenn did violate Title IX in its handling of the Thomas situation.The Thomas saga at the 2022 NCAA championships is largely considered a cultural turning point in the national debate over transgender athletes in women's sports. Back then, current prominent conservative activist Riley Gaines was just a dental student who had to settle for a tie with Thomas in one of the NCAA championship events.Since then, Gaines has taken the lead on an entire political platform focused on combating male inclusion in women's and girls' sports, stemming from her experience competing against Thomas in 2022.Gaines previously told Fox News Digital that she would send a "thank-you" note to "people like" Thomas for bringing attention to the issue back then, as she believes it influenced the 2024 election."I think we should send a thank-you note to people like Will Thomas, I really do, signed and sealed by me. I will sign the thank-you note, I will write it, because I believe he handed us the election," Gaines said."There was a lot that was wrong with Joe Biden, his administration and the Democratic Party as a whole outside of the sports stuff but this was the perfect visual. It's like the South Park episode. It painted the picture that many of us were concerned about for a while, but made it a reality."Anational exit poll conducted by the Concerned Women for America legislative action committee found that 70% of moderate voters saw the issue of "Donald Trumps opposition to transgender boys and men playing girls' and womens sports and of transgender boys and men using girls' and womens bathrooms" as important to them. Additionally, 6% said it was the most important issue of all, while 44% said it was "very important."Fox News Digital reached out to UPenn and Thomas' listed representative for comment.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.