Veteran filmmaker and "Monty Python" alum Terry Gilliam believes that President Donald Trump's re-election has allowed people to laugh again.In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published Tuesday, the 84-year-old director spoke about his career, the state of comedy and the future of his latest film project amid the changing cultural landscape. When asked if he still felt that humorless activists were stifling comedy, Gilliam declared that Trump had shaken up the environment."I think Trump has changed things considerably. Hes turned the world upside down," Gilliam said. "I dont know if people are going to be laughing more, but theyre probably less frightened to laugh."Gilliam blamed woke activists with a "narrow, self-righteous point of view" for instilling fear in comedians over the past several years.COMEDIAN RICKY GERVAIS SAYS FREE SPEECH ESSENTIAL FOR COMEDY, ADMITS ANY JOKE WILL OFFEND SOMEONE"Thats frightened so many people, and so many people have been very timid about telling jokes, making fun of things, because if you tell a joke, these people say youre punching down at somebody. No, youre finding humor in humanity!" he said.Gilliam described how Trumps return to power had the unintended consequence of derailing his upcoming comedy, "The Carnival at the End of Days," a satire about Satan trying to stop God from wiping out humanity, which lampoons woke culture.The film originally carried the subtitle: "Great fun for all of those who enjoy taking offense.""Well, hes f up the latest film I was working on. Because it was a satire about the last several years when things were going as they were. Hes turned it upside down. So hes killed my movie," Gilliam said.JIMMY KIMMEL BLAMES LIBERALS 'VICIOUSLY ATTACKING COMEDIANS' FOR TRUMP'S RISE TO POWER"That was how I approached it. I think Trump has destroyed satire. I mean, how can you be satirical about whats going on in the way hes doing the world?" he said.He joked about including a disclaimer in the film that places it in the so-called "Trump lost years" between 2020 and 2024.The film's script mocking self-righteous woke activists feels outdated now, he elaborated to Deadline."And the other problem is that the script, in some ways, is out of date because it was a satire of the world two years ago, and Donald Trump has come along, and he is the carnival. Hes turned the world upside down everything. We may have to rework some of the story because parts of it was very specific about the wonderful world of woke before The Donald took over again. That very narrow way of thinking of life. Well see where it goes. At the moment, I may be out of a job for another 10 years," he told the outlet Tuesday.Gilliam lamented the difficulties of getting the film off the ground in an increasingly cautious entertainment industry. We've been living in "a very nervous world," he said. "You were not allowed to offend anyone, and all the executives were living in fear, so I started looking elsewhere."CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTUREDespite his recent comments about Trump, Gilliam is no fan of the president, calling him a "conman" and an "idiot" in a 2018 interview with Agence France-Presse.Gilliam has long been outspoken against political correctness and cancel culture hurting comedy.In a 2020 interview with The Independent, Gilliam said he was all for diversity but was tired of "White men being blamed for everything wrong in the world.""Its been so simplified, is what I dont like. When I announce that Im a Black lesbian in transition, people take offense at that. Why?" he joked.In 2023, he echoed these sentiments to Euronews, saying people were losing their sense of humor."(Activists) are very self-righteous, and if you dont agree with them, youre then a transphobe, a homophobe... No! Im a phobe-phobe! I hate hate! Thats what I hate!" he said at the time.

Former President Joe Biden's persistent use of a teleprompter during public events, including during a fundraiser with just a couple dozen supporters, left donors complaining for months and dashed their expectations of hearing from the 46th president, a new book claims."For most of the campaign, Biden only ever spoke with the assistance of a teleprompter, even for small private audiences," a new book, "2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America," reported. "The presence of the machine made for extremely awkward interactions in intimate settings, and irked donors who had paid thousands of dollars for a personal view of the president, not expecting a canned speech they could see on TV.""He once read from a teleprompter in front of thirty people in the open kitchen of a Palo Alto mansion," the book continued. "Donors complained for months about the presidents reliance on the machine. Aides defended the teleprompter as a tool to keep the famously garrulous president on schedule.""2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America" was released Tuesday and authored by Josh Dawsey of the Wall Street Journal, Tyler Pager of the New York Times and Isaac Arnsdorf of the Washington Post. It details the 2024 presidential campaign cycle, including Biden's cratering health issues.BIDEN AIDES PUSHED FOR EARLY DEBATE TO SHOW OFF BIDENS STRENGTH, EXPOSE TRUMPS WEAKNESS, BOOK SAYSThe book detailed that just days after Biden's disastrous June 2024 debate against President Donald Trump that opened the floodgates to typical Democrat supporters turning their backs on Biden ahead of the election, the president attended a campaign event at Virginia Democrat Rep. Dan Beyers' house without a teleprompter. The book claims Biden only spoke for about six minutes."At Beyers house, the campaign was eager to prove Biden could speak off the cuff. There was no teleprompter to be found. The president blamed his poor debate performance on a heavy travel schedule and said he almost fell asleep onstage. He spoke for about six minutes," the book detailed.The word "teleprompter" appears in the new book a dozen times, mostly referencing the president's reliance on the machine, as well as concern among some staffers that using a teleprompter was crucial to the president avoiding the unexpected as his health deteriorated.BIDEN STRUGGLED TO FILM 2024 CAMPAIGN VIDEOS AMID DECLINING HEALTH, NEW BOOK CLAIMS: 'THE MAN COULD NOT SPEAK'"The officials who planned events at the White House tried to avoid any surprises or unpredictable situations. If the president was going to speak, he would go to the podium, deliver remarks from a teleprompter, and leave. There was no room for creativity or spontaneity," the book states in a section on how Biden had fallen during a commencement in 2023 and staff devised plans to prevent another public fall in the future."Everyone could see the president was aging. He sometimes failed to recognize former staff at functions. Still, current aides insisted his decline was strictly physical, and even then they acknowledged it only by trying to Bubble Wrap the president and avoid any more catastrophes. Staff limited direct access to the president, keeping meetings with him small," the book continued.NEW BOOK REVEALS BIDEN'S INNER CIRCLE WORRIED ABOUT HIS AGE YEARS BEFORE BOTCHED DEBATE PERFORMANCEBiden entered his 2024 reelection cycle already racked by claims and concerns that his mental acuity had slipped and he was not mentally fit to continue serving as president, which was underscored by special counsel Robert Hur's report in February 2024 that rejected criminal charges against Biden for possessing classified materials, citing he was "a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory." Fox News has been reporting on Biden's apparent health decline since at least 2020.Biden brushed off the claims throughout 2024, until his debate against Trump in June of that year, when he was seen tripping over his words, speaking in a far more subdued tenor than during his vice presidency, and losing his train of thought at times. The debate opened the floodgates to criticism among Democrats that Biden should step aside and pass the mantle to a younger generation of Democrats.After weeks of the White House and campaign staffers vowing Biden would stay in the race and to "keep the faith," Biden announced in a social media post on a Sunday afternoon in July 2024 that he dropped out of the race. He endorsed then-Vice President Kamala Harris to run for the Oval Office, giving her just over 100 days to launch her own campaign that failed to rally enough support when up against Trump.Fox News Digital reached out to Biden's office regarding the claims in the new book, but did not immediately receive a reply.

President Donald Trump warned that New York wont ever be the same if New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is elected.Mamdani is a Ugandan-born Muslim who won the Democratic Partys primary for New York City mayor in June and identifies as a Democratic socialist.But Trump said that New Yorkers should not cast their ballot for the New York State assemblyman from Queens, who he described as "a man who's not very capable in my opinion, other than he's got a good line of bulls-."SANDERS ENDORSES SOCIALIST MAMDANI IN MOVE TO BLOCK CUOMO IN NYC MAYORAL RACE"No. 1, you have a communist running, and you shouldn't vote for him," Trump said during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday. "He's a disaster. He's leading. He's got the Democrat nomination because that shows you where the Democrats have gone.""I'm not getting involved, but I can tell you this: I used to say we will not ever be a socialist country. Right. Well, I'll say it again. We're not going to have if a communist gets elected to run New York, it can never be the same."Mamdani did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.Trump previously has blasted Mamdani, and threatened to arrest him if he refused to comply with federal immigration officials. Trump's remarks came after Mamdani said in June that he would halt "masked" U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials from "deporting our neighbors."WASHINGTON POST BASHES SOCIALIST ZOHRAN MAMDANI AS POTENTIAL DISASTER FOR NEW YORK CITY"Well, then we'll have to arrest him," Trump told reporters at the White House July 1. "Look, we don't need a communist in this country, but if we have one, I'm going to be watching over them very carefully on behalf of the nation. We send him money. We send him all the things that he needs to run a government."In response, Mamdani issued a statement claiming that Trump's comments amounted to an assault on democracy."The President of the United States just threatened to have me arrested, stripped of my citizenship, put in a detention camp and deported," Mamdani said. "Not because I have broken any law but because I will refuse to let ICE terrorize our city.""His statements dont just represent an attack on our democracy but an attempt to send a message to every New Yorker who refuses to hide in the shadows: if you speak up, they will come for you," Mamdani said.Trump has also slammed Mamdani after the 33-year-old refused to condemn the term "globalize the intifada."GLOBALIZE THE INTIFADA PHRASE STIRS TENSIONS ON NYC CAMPAIGN TRAIL AS MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT RAGES"Frankly, I've heard he's a total nut job," Trump told reporters July 1. "I think the people in New York are crazy because they go this route. I think they're crazy. We will have a communist in the for the first time, really a pure, true communist. He wants to operate the grocery stores. The department stores. What about the people that are there? I think it's crazy."Mamdani said in a June interview with NBC News he didnt want to condemn the term "globalize the intifada," a phrase used to back Palestinian resistance against Israel, because he didnt want to "police language."Mamdami has received criticism from Democrats for refusing to come out with a stance on the phrase, including from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Jeffries told ABC News Sunday in June that the term was not "acceptable phrasing."

The death toll reached 109 on Tuesday, days after torrential rain pounded the central Texas region. The flash flooding began in the early morning hours on the Fourth of July.Several people remain missing. Gov. Greg Abbott said Texas "will not stop until every missing person is found."Cooper Flagg spent his college basketball career in North Carolina playing for Duke. But he is a new resident of Texas and will begin his NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks. The rookie is currently in Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League, but he took a moment to send a heartfelt message to those back in his new home state who have been impacted by the devastating floods.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM"First, I just want to say that my thoughts and prayers are with the families that were affected in this situation this past weekend out here," Flagg opened his media session at NBA Summer League, per The Dallas Morning News.COOPER FLAGG TALKS NIL, FINANCES AND NEW PARTNERSHIPOn Monday, Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas an all-girls Christian camp said it's grieving after the loss of 27 campers and counselors. Five campers and one counselor there remain missing as of Tuesday."Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy," the camp said in a statement. "We are praying for them constantly."On Tuesday, the National Weather Service in San Antonio, Texas said "additional showers and thunderstorms are possible, but are expected to be low in coverage."Last month, and to hardly anyone's surprise, the Mavericks selected Flagg with the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.Flagg, 18, became one of the youngest basketball stars taken at No. 1. LeBron James retains the distinction of being the youngest player in league history to be taken with the top overall pick.Flagg described the moment he heard his name called by the NBA commissioner as "a dream come true."Flagg is expected to make his debut at the NBA Summer League on July 10 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd recently revealed he wants to see Flagg in action at the point guard position."I want to put him at point guard. I want to make him uncomfortable and see how he reacts. Be able to run the show. Be able to play (shooting guard). Play (small forward). Hes comfortable playing that. We want to push. I think hes going to respond in a positive way."Fox News' Julia Bonavita contributed to this report.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams warned on Tuesday that people "dont really understand the term socialism" as he faces off against democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, running on the Democratic Party ticket, in the mayoral race."70% of New Yorkers are not anti the term socialism," Adams told Coleman Hughes on the "Conversations with Coleman" podcast. "And many people don't really understand the term socialism and what it means.""You know, I've been to Cuba. I've been to Venezuela. I've been to countries where socialism exists. I saw the empty shelves, the ration books in Cuba and what it means," he added. "So, we're romanticizing the terminology, and it always sounds good, you know that, I'm a socialist. But when you dig into what it means, you understand when you get stuff for free, someone is paying for it."Adams argued that Mamdanis campaign promises, such as city-owned grocery stores, would harm the working class he claims to want to help.ERIC ADAMS REVEALS CUOMO ASKED HIM TO DROP OUT OF NYC MAYORAL RACE, CALLS FORMER GOVERNOR ARROGANT"His socialist theory of 'let's open government supermarkets' hey, what about the bodegas, brother? What about those men and women in the Korean community that open up supermarkets, that open up stores? What about the Chinese community or the Arab community? All of these communities have used their feeding of their constituencies as a way to hire people and a move up in the American dream. So, we're going to totally disregard them and collapse their entire industry," Adams said.Fox News Digital reached out to Mamdanis campaign for comment.Mamdani won the Democratic New York City primary race for mayor in June, defeating former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has not yet dropped out of the formal race.ERIC ADAMS BACKS 50 CENT, SAYS DEM SOCIALISTS ECONOMICS DESERVE 'ONE-WAY TICKET TO FANTASYLAND'Adams, elected as a Democrat, announced that he would be running as an independent.Mamdani's win shocked many with his overt support for socialist policies and past comments utilizing communist revolutionary language.In 2020, while campaigning for a seat in the New York State Assembly, Mamdani wrote on social media, "Each according to their need, each according to their ability," a direct quote from Karl Marxs infamous "Communist Manifesto."A 2021 video of Mamdani also showed him urging people at the Young Democratic Socialists of America conferenceto not compromise on goals such as "seizing the means of production."He has also repeatedly argued that "we shouldnt have billionaires," despite New York Citys large billionaire population whose taxes help fund the local government.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Kevin Durant will play for his fifth NBA team later this year. The 2014 league MVP officially became a member of the Houston Rockets over the weekend when the NBA's first seven-team trade was completed.On Sunday, Durant took a moment to look back on his time with the Suns, while also looking ahead to his new chapter in Houston. "Much love to Arizona. Houston, Cant Wait!" concluded a post on X over the weekend.However, during a recent candid discussion with his former coach Steve Nash, Durant looked even further back as he discussed some of the highs and lows of his stint with the Brooklyn Nets.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM"We had this conversation in Portland, I think, right before a game, and Im like, Who am I spending my next five years with?" Durant said during a recent edition of the LeBron James and Nash co-hosted "Mind the Game" podcast."I had just signed that deal. You (Steve Nash) had just signed a deal. But I feel like we were secure, but everything else around us was going to s---. Not in a bad way. We got GMs going to other teams. We got coaches going to other teams. We got players forcing trades. We bring in Ben Simmons. He's back. Like, it was just so much stuff going on. A lot of bulls--- around us."SUNS' KEVIN DURANT ISSUES 8-WORD POST AFTER SHOCKING NBA DRAFT LOTTERY RESULTSDurant added that while he was on the same page with Nash, there were other factors that contributed to an atmosphere of dysfunction."I feel like we were locked in on the same page and understand like, well we trying to do something special here," Durant said. "But I felt like your hands were tied a lot because you had to as a coach you got to deal with so much."Nash acknowledged Durant's point by admitting, "I didn't get to coach as much as I wanted to."Durant responded by suggesting he was robbed of the best version of Nash as a coach."Thats what it was. I think we didnt get the full Steve Nash like I wanted like you probably wanted. I just felt like it was just too many distractions in the way, and you know, you cant win that way," Durant noted.While Durant summarized his stint with the Nets as "weird," he did speak glowingly of his experience playing for the franchise."That first year, man, the most fun ball I had. Some of the most fun ball I had playing my whole life," he said. "I enjoyed it. I enjoyed Brooklyn a lot. I loved playing for Brooklyn, but its just so much around the guys committed to the situation and felt like we were committed, but everybody else wasnt. It just was weird."Durant signed with the Nets in 2019 after three seasons with the Golden State Warriors. He was part of two NBA Finals-winning teams during his time with Golden State, but he suffered an Achilles injury in what became his final season with the team.Durant ultimately appeared in 129 games during his three-year tenure with the Nets.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

A conservative think tank filed a federal civil rights complaint againstCornell University, accusing the Ivy League institution of using diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in its hiring practices and scholarships.The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) filed the complaint in late June with the U.S. Departments of Justice, Education, Health and Human Services and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (FOX Business host Larry Kudlow currently serves as the vice chair of the board for AFPI.)The complaint alleges that internal documents, public policies and archived webpages show a "university-wide culture that places an illegal identity-based ideology above equal opportunity and merit, leading to a coercive and hostile environment."WISCONSIN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PUSHES BACK ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION DEI CERTIFICATION DEMANDSAmong the allegations in the 10-page complaint is that Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff, who served as provost during the time the alleged practices were implemented, oversaw a "hiring scheme" that "excluded the vast majority ofqualified candidates based solely on race and sex."The AFPI document highlights a December 2020 email from a department chair to faculty members and administrators about a plan to make "our hoped-for diversity hire."Kotlikoff did not directly respond to Fox News Digitals requests for comment. Lindsey Knewstub, Cornells deputy director for media relations, referred Fox News Digital to a statement posted on the universitys website."The university strongly disputes the allegations in the America First Policy Institute complaint that references a number of outdated websites or programs that have not been in use for many years," thestatement read in part. "Over the past year, the university has further enhanced its compliance with civil rights laws by engaging outside law firms to audit policy and practices to reflect changes in law or regulations, taking swift corrective action where necessary."It noted that "misunderstandings of policies" can occur as Cornell makes thousands of hiring decisions across hundreds of departments each year.TRUMP'S CRACKDOWN ON HARVARD, 'WOKE' COLLEGES WILL TAKE MORE THAN 100 DAYS TO LEAVE LASTING REFORM: PROFESSOR"If discrimination or bias is observed at any stage in any hiring process, it should be reported and will be corrected," the statement continued."The university does not tolerate unlawfuldiscrimination in hiring or any other aspect of any university program or practice, and the university has taken and will continue to take prompt, effective, and appropriate action to respond to any and all allegations of any violation of law or the universitys equal opportunity and antidiscrimination policy."AFPI also alleged in its complaint that the Ithaca-based college restricted scholarships based on race or ethnicity. It highlighted severalidentity-based scholarships that specifically referenced Latinos, underrepresented minorities, Native Americans and African Americans.Cornell said it administers its financial aid and scholarship programs in compliance with applicable laws."This is about civil rights," said Jessica Hart Steinmann, AFPIs executive general counsel. "Cornells practices violate federal law and fundamental principles of equality. Its time for the government to act."President Donald Trump hastargeted DEI practices since taking office in January. He signed an executive order directing the termination of DEI mandates, policies, programs and activities in the federal government.The Education Department, led by Secretary Linda McMahon, alsoissued a memo in April directing state education officials to eliminate DEI programs and practices or risk losing federal funding.Harmeet Dhillon, the assistant attorney general for the DOJs civil rights division,told The Wall Street Journal that her office "will investigate all serious allegations of identity-based admissions, hiring, and student benefits.""Discrimination by American colleges and universities must come to an end," she said. "Cornell is no exception to this rule."

Beach days are filled with relaxation, hours of swimming in nice cold water, and fun with the entire family. When youre gearing up for your next day at the beach, grab some beach toys every member of the family will love.Amazon has dozens of beach toy deals now through July 11, for Prime Day. Stock up now that summer is in full swing and get ready for some fun in the sun.To take advantage of these deals, you must be anAmazon Prime member. You canjoin or start a 30-day free trialto start your Prime Day shopping today.Original price: $26.99Build sandcastles with the kiddos, dig holes, and make adorable sand animals with this 19-piece sand toys set. The set comes with everything you need to keep your kids entertained once theyre done swimming. When youre done, throw everything back in the carrying case, and youre good to go.FROM BATTERIES TO TOOTHPASTE, THESE EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS ARE ON SALE FOR AMAZON PRIME DAYOriginal price: $9.99Beach balls are a classic for a reason. Theyre tons of fun in and out of the water. This two pack has two 20-inch beach balls that can easily be blown up without an air pump.Original price: $22.99A beach day is perfect for building sandcastles with your kids. These collapsible buckets can be popped up and used for picking up shells, scooping sand and creating giant sandcastles. The buckets and shovels are made from BPA-free materials, so theyre safe for kids of all ages.Original price: $22.99Have fun playing a classic game of football with the family using this light-up water football. The ball is 100% waterproof and lights up on contact, so you can play even if youre spending the evening at the beach.PRIME DAY WORKOUT DEALS: SAVE ON EQUIPMENT, SMART TRACKERS AND MOREOriginal price: $39.99This 18-pack of squirt guns is perfect for beach parties. Theyre long-range squirt guns that can shoot water up to 35 feet. Kids and adults alike will have a blast on hot summer days.Original price: $42.99Reusable water balloons help you avoid leaving debris from balloons on the beach. Theyre made from soft silicone, which is safe for kids and environmentally friendly. To use, just open the magnetic seal and fill with water.Original price: $59.99Boogie boards will always be a fun toy to bring to the beach. A FunWater body board is easy to ride and made from durable material thats waterproof, so it wont break, no matter how much your kids use it. It comes in two beachy colors and has a wrist strap, so the board wont get lost in the waves.Original price: $49.99Cornhole is a game the whole family will love. This set of collapsible corn hole boards makes it easy to play your favorite game on the beach. The set comes with bean bags and boards, as well as a carrying case.SMART HOME DEVICES ON SALE FOR AMAZON PRIME DAYOriginal price: $9.99Do your kids love collecting seashells? A beach mesh shovel can help them find shells, sand dollars and starfish easily. Just digging in the sand can result in a whole new collection. Made from stainless steel, the shovel wont rust and the plastic handle makes it comfortable for kids to hold.Original price: $199.95Paddle boarding isnt just fun, its a great way to get some exercise. An inflatable paddle board is a great way for you or your kids to get started. This board is light, coming in at just under 18 pounds, so its easy to take to the beach. Its constructed with a PVC layer with removable fins for added stability.For more deals, visitwww.foxnews.com/dealsOriginal price: $39.99This toss and catch game is easily packed in any beach bag. The game is simple: throw the ball and try to catch it with the Velcro glove. The whole game is waterproof, making it easy to play while youre in the water.

The Cato Institute is warning that the federal government is testing the outer limits of executive power with President Donald Trumps use of emergency tariffs, and it wants the courts to put a stop to it.In a new amicus brief filed in V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. Trump, Cato argues that the president overstepped his legal authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by imposing steep tariffs on imports from countries including China, Mexico and Canada.The libertarian thinktank argues the move undermines the Constitutions separation of powers and expands executive authority over trade in ways Congress never intended."This is an important case about whether the president can impose tariffs essentially whenever he wants," Cato Institute legal fellow Brent Skorup said in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital. "There has to be a limit and this administration hasnt offered one."TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PREVAILS AS APPEALS COURT PAUSES LOWER COURT DECISION BLOCKING CONTESTED TARIFFS"Tariff rates went up to 145% on some products from China," he said. "And the presidents lawyers couldnt offer a limiting principle. That tells you the administration believes theres no real cap, and thats a problem."Catos brief urges the appeals court to uphold a lower court ruling that found the tariffs exceeded the presidents statutory authority. The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled earlier this year that the presidents use of IEEPA in this case was not legally authorized. The court said the law does not permit the use of tariffs as a general tool to fight drug trafficking or trade imbalances.Skorup said in court the administration was unable to define a clear limit on its authority under IEEPA."They couldnt articulate a cap," he said. "Theres nothing in the law that mentions duties or tariffs. Thats a job for Congress."The administration has defended its actions, arguing that IEEPA provides the necessary tools for the president to act swiftly in times of national emergency. Trump officials maintain that both the fentanyl crisis and Americas trade vulnerabilities qualify.TARIFF FIGHT ESCALATES AS TRUMP APPEALS SECOND COURT LOSS"There are real emergencies, no one disputes that," Skorup said. "But declaring an emergency to justify global tariffs or solve domestic trade issues goes far beyond what most Americans would recognize as a legitimate use of emergency powers."Skorup acknowledged that the real issue may be how much discretion Congress gave the president in the first place."Its a bipartisan problem. Presidents from both parties have taken vague laws and stretched them. Congress bears some of the blame for writing them that way," he said, adding that's why courts should "step in and draw the line."For small businesses like V.O.S. Selections, the costs go beyond legal fees. Skorup said businesses who rely on imports, like V.O.S., have struggled to plan ahead as tariffs have been paused and reinstated repeatedly.Skorup said there are several small businesses that rely on global imports and it becomes a "matter of survival" when tariff rates change unexpectedly."V.O.S. Selections imports wine and spirits and when the tariff rates go up unexpectedly, they cant get products to their distributors as planned," he said. "And thats true for others too, like pipe importers and specialized manufacturers. These companies dont have the flexibility to absorb those costs or adjust overnight."If the appeals court sides with the administration, it could mark a major expansion of presidential power over trade policy. Skorup warned that such a ruling would allow future presidents to take similar actions with little oversight."It would bless Congress ability to hand over immense economic power to the president," he said. "That would blur the separation of powers that the Constitution is supposed to protect."A decision from the appeals court is expected later this year.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPThe White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Seven Chinese nationals living in Massachusetts have been charged in connection with a multimillion-dollar drug-trafficking organization that allegedly grew and distributed marijuana across the U.S. Northeast."Today, we arrested members of an alleged Chinese-run drug trafficking organization who are accused of running a massive marijuana cultivation and distribution scheme that has raked in millions and contributed widely to the illegal drug trade here in the Northeast," Ted E. Docks, special agent in charge of the FBI's Boston Division, said in a statement.TWO CHINESE NATIONALS ARRESTED FOR SPYING ON US NAVY PERSONNEL AND BASESThe scheme allegedly involved interconnected grow houses that cultivated and distributed marijuana. Chinese nationals were also allegedly smuggled into the U.S. for the purpose of working in these houses until they paid off their debts related to being smuggled into the country, according to an announcement from the U.S. Department of Justice.Prosecutors say the accused individuals made millions of dollars from the marijuana sales, which they in turn used to buy cars, luxury homes, jewelry and other items, according to the DOJ.CHINESE BIO-SMUGGLING SUSPECT CRIES IN COURT OVER FEDERAL DETENTIONEach of the Chinese nationals were charged with one count of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana. Some were also indicted on additional charges, including bringing aliens into the country, money laundering and more.The defendants include Jianxiong Chen, 39; Yuxiong Wu, 36; Dinghui Li, 38; Dechao Ma, 35; Peng Lian Zhu, 35; Hongbin Wu, 35; and Yanrong Zhu, 47. Six defendants, excluding fugitive Yanrong Zhu, were arrested on Tuesday, according to the DOJ.CHINESE STUDENT ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY SMUGGLING UNDECLARED BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS SEEN IN NEW MUGSHOTA home in Braintree, Massachusetts, was reportedly the base of the drug-trafficking organization's operations. During a search of the home in October of last year, law enforcement discovered more than $270,000 in cash on the property as well as several Chinese passports. Searches of additional houses resulted in law enforcement finding nearly $200,000 in cash, more than 240 pounds of marijuana and a Rolex watch, according to the DOJ.Hongbin Wu and Yanrong Zhu were also reportedly stopped by law enforcement in June 2023 after leaving a Massachusetts grow house, at which point nearly $37,000 in cash was seized from them."It is further alleged that the enterprise conducted bulk cash transactions with operators located in the Eastern District of New York," as noted in the announcement.The case is part of the nationwide initiative Operation Take Back America, established by the U.S. DOJ to address illegal immigration and combat transnational criminal organizations.The U.S. Department of Justice did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.