President Donald Trump continued to defend his decision to accept a $400 million jet from Qatar during an exclusive interview with Sean Hannity on Air Force One on Tuesday.Trump has received backlash for planning to accept the jumbo Boeing 747-8 jet from the Qatari royal family since news of the gift broke on Sunday."Now, some people say, 'oh, you shouldn't accept gifts for the country.' My attitude is, why wouldn't I accept the gift? We're giving to everybody else? Why wouldn't I accept the gift?" the president said to Hannity.TRUMP DEFENDS QATAR JUMBO JET OFFER AS TROUBLED BOEING FAILS TO DELIVER NEW AIR FORCE ONE FLEETThe luxury jet, which was offered to the United States because of delays in Boeing's production of the new Air Force One fleet, will serve as a temporary method of transportation so that the current presidential plane doesn't have to be flown.Trump has said AF1 is nearly 40 years old and looks "much less impressive" when compared to the planes in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar."You know, we're the United States of America. I believe that we should have the most impressive plane," Trump told Hannity.TRUMP CLARIFIES OWNERSHIP OF AIRCRAFT IN DEFENSE OF QATAR'S GIFTIn addition to Boeing running behind on delivering the new fleet, the jumbo jet is a gift to the Department of Defense for "a job well done" in successfully defending Qatar "for many years," Trump added on Truth Social a few hours after the interview."Why should our military, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of Dollars when they can get it for FREE from a country that wants to reward us for a job well done," he wrote.Trump has said the plane will be retired to the presidential library once Boeing delivers its new AF1 fleet.The president will be in Qatar on Wednesday for the next stop of his three-day visit to the Middle East, marking his first major international trip of his second term.He spent Tuesday in Saudi Arabia meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

LOS ANGELES In a bombshell decision, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic slashed the Menendez brothers original life-without-parole terms to 50 years-to-life, making Erik and Lyle eligible for parole.Judge Michael Jesic ruled Tuesday that both brothers received a reduced sentence of 50 years to life with the opportunity for parole for the 1989 shotgun murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez."Im not suggesting they should be released [on parole]. Thats not for me to decide," he said.Their fate now lies in the hands of the parole board and Calif. Gov. Newsom.MENENDEZ BROTHERS COULD GET FREEDOM UNDER CALIFORNIA LAW SIGNED BY GAVIN NEWSOM: EXPERTFormer Assistant U.S. Attorney Neama Rahmani told Fox News Digital that Erik and Kyle Menendez "will likely be freed in a matter of months," adding that he does not expect "the parole board or Governor Newsom" to block their release.Rahmani noted that the resentencing decision rests on whether the brothers pose "an unreasonable risk of committing another violent crime," and he believes the evidence weighs heavily in their favor.Pointing to Judge Jesics ruling, Rahmani explained that because former LA County District Attorney George Gascon initiated the resentencing request, new LA DA Nathan Hochman "couldnt pull it back," and the court could only deny resentencing if the risk threshold wasnt met."That wasnt the case," he said, saying that "prison guards and other inmates testified that they were model prisoners."Rahmani also highlighted the unprecedented support from the Menendez family, observing that "every living family member of Jose and Kitty Menendez also supported their release, which is something that never happens. Victims do not support resentencing."MENENDEZ BROTHERS' RESENTENCING MOVES FORWARD AS DA CALLS OUT 'DECEIT, 'NARCISSISTIC TENDENCIES' IN PRISONJudge Jesic made this point while handing down the reduced sentences, saying he had given a lot of thought to the sentence, while acknowledging "the horrific crimes the brothers committed."He added that he was "equally shocked by letters of support he received from prison officials" who spoke highly of the brothers' actions behind bars, calling it "remarkable."Jesic stated the original sentence of life without parole was appropriate, but given the change in state law allowing for resentencing, Jesic said, "Theyve done enough over 35 years to get that chance."Rahmani stressed that such broad victim-family backing made it all but impossible for the current district attorney to derail the process."The bottom line is that there was too much support for the Menendez brothers, both inside and outside the courtroom, for Hochman to prevent their resentencing," he said. It just goes to show the power of a Netflix series."He added that "the Menendez brothers should send Netflix and former LA County DA Gascon nice cards this holiday season."FREEDOM FOR THE MENENDEZ BROTHERS MIGHT COME FROM A SURPRISING SOURCE. AND THIS COULD BE NEXTThe resentencing hearing comes after the brothers filed a habeas corpus petition in May 2023 citing new evidence of sexual assault. Former Los Angeles County DA George Gascon then filed a motion for resentencing in October 2024. Both filings follow the passage of AB 600, a California law allowing for resentencing of long-convicted inmates to align with current law. Gascon recommended resentencing the brothers to 25 years to life for each count of first-degree murder, so a total of 50 years to life for each brother. Because of their age at the time of the murders, that sentence would make them eligible for parole. Gascon cited "a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding sexual violence" and "Erik and Lyles continuous rehabilitative efforts." During the morning session on Tuesday, three Menendez family members were called to the stand by the defense to try and convince the judge that the brothers had shown remorse and had been rehabilitated.FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON XAll three witnesses were asked whether they thought their male cousins would in fact commit another heinous crime."There is no chance," Anamaria Baralt said. "I would bet my life on it.""They are not going to commit a [serious crime]. Because they have too many plans to give back to the world," Tamara Goodall said."Absolutely. No. None. They are extremely remarkable people now," Diane Hernandez said.SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTERMark Geragos, the attorney for the Menendez brothers, said the family's unified plea for the brothers' resentencing is a "unicorn."The brothers, now 57 and 54, were dressed in blue jail garb, and flashed big grins following their resentencing, and waved to family and friends in attendance.WATCH ON FOX NATION: MENENDEZ BROTHERS: VICTIMS OR VILLAINS?Erik and Lyle Menendez appeared in court via video camera from the San Diego prison where they are incarcerated and were each given a chance to address the court prior to their sentencing.Each brother spoke for about 10 minutes and offered full admission to the crimes.Lyle Menendez spoke first and took responsibility for the cold-blooded killing of his parents in their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989.GO HERE FOR REAL-TIME UPDATES FROM THE FOX TRUE CRIME HUB"I take full responsibility. I killed my parents. I made the choice to kill my mom and dad in their own home.""I made the choice to make a mockery of the justice system. I offer no excuse and I dont blame my parents," he said."I was impulsive and immature, and I bottled up my own emotions and anger. I was scared, but also filled with rage," he continued. "Had I had the coping skills and trusted others, I would have not done this. Even after I killed him (Jose), I still heard his voice.""Im deeply ashamed for what I did," he said.After his older brother addressed the court, Erik Menendez spoke, expressing his "profound sorrow.""I fired all five rounds at my parents and went back to reload. I lied to police. I lied to my family. I'm truly sorry," he said."My actions were criminal, selfish and cowardly. I take full responsibility. I am truly sorry.My parents should be alive. There can never be full healing for my crime," he continued. Geragos took a victory lap following the bombshell ruling for thekillers brothers' resentencing.MENENDEZ BROTHERS CASE: WHAT'S NEXT FOR KILLERS AFTER DEFENSE, DA SPAR OVER RESENTENCING"I never thought two years later we'd be standing here after 35 years with this wonderful family that I have grown to love like my own family," Geragos said. "And now we see the pot at the end of the rainbow, so to speak."Following the judge's decision, LA District Attorney Hochman shared his response to the ruling and said "Justice should never be swayed by spectacle.""The decision to resentence Erik and Lyle Menendez was a monumental one that has significant implications for the families involved, the community, and the principles of justice," Hochman said in a news release. "Our offices motions to withdraw the resentencing motion filed by the previous administration ensured that the Court was presented with all the facts before making such a consequential decision."The case of the Menendez brothers has long been a window for the public to better understand the judicial system. This case, like all cases especially those that captivate the public must be viewed with a critical eye. Our opposition and analysis ensured that the Court received a complete and accurate record of the facts. Justice should never be swayed by spectacle."The brothers remain in prison, but are now eligible for parole.Both Lyle and Erik are already scheduled to appear before the board on June 13thas part of a comprehensive risk assessment report (CRA) ordered by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is considering the brothers clemency request a separate potential path to freedom.Fox News is told the two types of parole hearings cannot be combined.The parole board is expected to submit its clemency recommendation to Newsom on the June date.Newsom can also commute their sentence at any time.Fox News' Lee Ross contributed to this report.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Tuesday called out members of Congress for allegedly assaulting law enforcement officers during a heated altercation outside aNewark immigration detention center last week.Noem criticized the lawmakers for defending their actions as a supposed "oversight." Appearing on Jesse Watters Prime, Noem accused the lawmakers of committing criminal behavior."This wasn't oversight. This was committing felonies. This was going out and attacking people who stand up for the rule of law. And it was absolutely horrible," Noem said. "I can't believe they act like this and then they defend it. And then they're doing these acts of violence to get people out of detention centers that are rapists, that are murderers, that are people that are [from] foreign terrorist organizations that have been out there victimizing our communities in the United States of America," she went on.DEM LAWMAKERS DEFEND STORMING OF ICE FACILITY, SAY TRUMP ADMIN IS LYING AT ALL LEVELSU.S. Reps. Rob Menendez Jr., Bonnie Watson Coleman and LaMonica McIver all New Jersey Democrats stormed ICE's Delaney Hall detention facilitys gate in Newark on Friday, demanding they be allowed to conduct an "oversight visit.""These members of Congress storming into a detention facility goes beyond bizarre political stunt and puts the safety of our law enforcement agents and the detainees at risk," a DHS statement to Fox News said. "Members of Congress are not above the law and cannot illegally break into detention facilities. Had these members requested a tour, we would have facilitated a tour of the facility."The three lawmakers were outside the facility with a group of protesters when the gates opened to allow an ICE bus in. The lawmakers then rushed through the gates and past security, DHS said."What are they trying to do?" Noem questioned. "Release these people back into the country so that there could be more Laken Rileys? So there can be more Jocelyn Nungarays? I just don't understand what their point is. They have completely lost their minds."DHS SAYS ARRESTS ARE STILL ON THE TABLE AFTER NEW JERSEY HOUSE DEMS CAUGHT ON CAMERA STORMING ICE FACILITYShe called for the trio to be censured and formally rebuked by the House of Representatives."Its astounding to me that someone would even vote for someone to put them in a place of leadership when they perpetuate something as hypocritical and as criminal as what these individuals did," she said."I hope that the rest of the members of the House of Representatives will hold them accountable," Noem continued. "They shouldnt be allowed to be on the committees that theyre on in fact, one of them (McIver) is supposed to be conducting oversight over ICE and instead shes assaulting them.""They dont deserve to be in the House," Noem added. "They should be censured by it."In a press conference earlier, Coleman denied the accusations that they were trying to illegally enter the facility and claimed that ICE was "out of control." McIver said the three lawmakers had waited more than two hours to gain access to the facility to conduct an oversight visit. She said all three of them were also assaulted by ICE personnel."There are people who are supposed to be officers, who are supposed to protect us, and they have done none of that," McIver told reporters. "If they can treat three members of Congress like that, just imagine how they can treat people on the street each and every day, both undocumented and people who are citizens here in this country."CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPMcIver doubled down in a post on X, saying that "none of this had to happen.""We arrived at Delaney Hall to do our jobs period," she wrote. "Instead of facilitating congressional oversight, as they are obligated to do, ICE created chaos."Fox News' Bill Melugin and Louis Casiano contributed to this report.

There is something deeply fascinating about Hill Republicans (sometimes stammering) and media conservatives (sometimes shouting) ripping President Trump for accepting a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar.But hes not the only president in trouble. More on that in a moment.Daily Wire founder Ben Shapiro called the deal "skeezy," saying the gift isnt coming "out of the goodness of their sweet little hearts'It's an equal opportunity influencer as long as you can help whitewash their image or smooth over the fact that they are in fact the world's largest proponents of terrorism on an international scale."FREE RIDE: ALLIES, EVEN LAURA LOOMER, TURN ON PRESIDENT TRUMP FOR ACCEPTING LUXURY JET FROM QATARNational Review, under the headline "Poison Plane," said in an editorial:"For one thing, the plane is a potential security threat, given all of the possible places to hide listening devices within a jumbo jet. Assuming that issue could be dealt with through an extensive security sweep, there are the ethical concerns"Making matters worse is that Qatar is no friend. Its government funds Al Jazeera, the anti-American propaganda channel. It funneled billions of dollars to Hamas, helping the terrorist group build up the infrastructure that allowed it to carry out the October 7 attacks. After the attacks, Qatar issued a statement calling Israel alone responsible for the massacre"There is absolutely nothing good that can come of an American president feeling he owes something to this terrorist-loving government."Veteran conservative radio host Erick Erickson points out that Attorney General Pam Bondi was a lobbyist for Qatar, paid $119,000 a month: "I dont think that we should agree with Pam Bondi saying, Oh, yes, Qatar can gift this to the Department of Defense on condition it goes to the Trump Presidential Library."And uber-Trump defender Laura Loomer called the deal a "stain" on his presidency.But the president isnt backing down, saying he would have to be "stupid" to pass up saving big bucks by accepting the gift."BIDEN AIDES ALLEGEDLY FRETTED THEN-PRESIDENT WOULD NEED WHEELCHAIR IF RE-ELECTED, NEW BOOK REVEALSNow to the former president.A new book out today, by CNN anchor Jake Tapper and Axios Alex Thompson, unearths devastating new material about the coverup of Joe Bidens declining health.Now weve all known since the disastrous debate against Trump that Bidens mental acuity had dramatically dropped, and this is the main reason he was sequestered from the press and even from much of his own staff.But in a piece on Axios wonder how it obtained an advance copy of the book the authors reveal some stunning news:"Joe Biden's physical deterioration was so severe in 2023 and 2024 that advisers privately discussed the possibility he'd need to use a wheelchair if he won re-election."In "Original Sin: President Bidens Decline, Its Cover-up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again," the authors cite "the significant degeneration of his spine and his aides' alarm over it as Biden sought a second term at age 81."The book also reveals "the White House's determination to conceal the reality of Biden's condition, at the risk of his own health, while he faced a tough reelection bid against Donald Trump."Think about that for a second. While Trump has used poor judgment in accepting the Qatar plane, this is far worse. Yes, FDR was in a wheelchair, but the press agreed never to show him that way that aint happening today. And he wasnt 81.GEORGE CLOONEY WAS 'SHAKEN' WHEN BIDEN FAILED TO RECOGNIZE HIM AT STAR STUDDED FUNDRAISER: AUTHORSIn the Guardian, which also got the book in advance, these on-the-record quotes from top Harris adviser David Plouffe that the campaign was an F---ing nightmare, that Biden F----d us, he totally F----d us hey, Im just quoting here shows the depth of intense anger at the former president for running again. And theyre furious that hes doing a rehab tour on The View and BBC. They want him to get off the stage hopefully not tripping and stay there.Biden aides believed it was politically untenable to have Biden use a wheelchair amid his re-election campaign. Of course they did. It would be political suicide.SUBSCRIBE TO HOWIE'S MEDIA BUZZMETER PODCAST, A RIFF ON THE DAY'S HOTTEST STORIESHis White House doctor Kevin O'Connor, pleading for more rest time, would tell the staff, "Im trying to keep him alive, and youre trying to kill him."OConnor "privately said that if he had another bad fall, a wheelchair might be necessary for what could be a difficult recovery," the authors report. One fall away.Biden didnt even recognize George Clooney, who had raised a record-breaking sum for him, and had to be prompted on who he was. Then Clooney wrote the New York Times op-ed urging Biden to drop out. The rest, as they say, is history.

There is something deeply fascinating about Hill Republicans (sometimes stammering) and media conservatives (sometimes shouting) ripping President Trump for accepting a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar.But hes not the only president in trouble. More on that in a moment.Daily Wire founder Ben Shapiro called the deal "skeezy," saying the gift isnt coming "out of the goodness of their sweet little hearts'It's an equal opportunity influencer as long as you can help whitewash their image or smooth over the fact that they are in fact the world's largest proponents of terrorism on an international scale."FREE RIDE: ALLIES, EVEN LAURA LOOMER, TURN ON PRESIDENT TRUMP FOR ACCEPTING LUXURY JET FROM QATARNational Review, under the headline "Poison Plane," said in an editorial:"For one thing, the plane is a potential security threat, given all of the possible places to hide listening devices within a jumbo jet. Assuming that issue could be dealt with through an extensive security sweep, there are the ethical concerns"Making matters worse is that Qatar is no friend. Its government funds Al Jazeera, the anti-American propaganda channel. It funneled billions of dollars to Hamas, helping the terrorist group build up the infrastructure that allowed it to carry out the October 7 attacks. After the attacks, Qatar issued a statement calling Israel alone responsible for the massacre"There is absolutely nothing good that can come of an American president feeling he owes something to this terrorist-loving government."Veteran conservative radio host Erick Erickson points out that Attorney General Pam Bondi was a lobbyist for Qatar, paid $119,000 a month: "I dont think that we should agree with Pam Bondi saying, Oh, yes, Qatar can gift this to the Department of Defense on condition it goes to the Trump Presidential Library."And uber-Trump defender Laura Loomer called the deal a "stain" on his presidency.But the president isnt backing down, saying he would have to be "stupid" to pass up saving big bucks by accepting the gift."BIDEN AIDES ALLEGEDLY FRETTED THEN-PRESIDENT WOULD NEED WHEELCHAIR IF RE-ELECTED, NEW BOOK REVEALSNow to the former president.A new book out today, by CNN anchor Jake Tapper and Axios Alex Thompson, unearths devastating new material about the coverup of Joe Bidens declining health.Now weve all known since the disastrous debate against Trump that Bidens mental acuity had dramatically dropped, and this is the main reason he was sequestered from the press and even from much of his own staff.But in a piece on Axios wonder how it obtained an advance copy of the book the authors reveal some stunning news:"Joe Biden's physical deterioration was so severe in 2023 and 2024 that advisers privately discussed the possibility he'd need to use a wheelchair if he won re-election."In "Original Sin: President Bidens Decline, Its Cover-up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again," the authors cite "the significant degeneration of his spine and his aides' alarm over it as Biden sought a second term at age 81."The book also reveals "the White House's determination to conceal the reality of Biden's condition, at the risk of his own health, while he faced a tough reelection bid against Donald Trump."Think about that for a second. While Trump has used poor judgment in accepting the Qatar plane, this is far worse. Yes, FDR was in a wheelchair, but the press agreed never to show him that way that aint happening today. And he wasnt 81.GEORGE CLOONEY WAS 'SHAKEN' WHEN BIDEN FAILED TO RECOGNIZE HIM AT STAR STUDDED FUNDRAISER: AUTHORSIn the Guardian, which also got the book in advance, these on-the-record quotes from top Harris adviser David Plouffe that the campaign was an F---ing nightmare, that Biden F----d us, he totally F----d us hey, Im just quoting here shows the depth of intense anger at the former president for running again. And theyre furious that hes doing a rehab tour on The View and BBC. They want him to get off the stage hopefully not tripping and stay there.Biden aides believed it was politically untenable to have Biden use a wheelchair amid his re-election campaign. Of course they did. It would be political suicide.SUBSCRIBE TO HOWIE'S MEDIA BUZZMETER PODCAST, A RIFF ON THE DAY'S HOTTEST STORIESHis White House doctor Kevin O'Connor, pleading for more rest time, would tell the staff, "Im trying to keep him alive, and youre trying to kill him."OConnor "privately said that if he had another bad fall, a wheelchair might be necessary for what could be a difficult recovery," the authors report. One fall away.Biden didnt even recognize George Clooney, who had raised a record-breaking sum for him, and had to be prompted on who he was. Then Clooney wrote the New York Times op-ed urging Biden to drop out. The rest, as they say, is history.

Vaping on planes can be a bit of a cloudy issue for some people who question whether flight passengers can get away with using e-cigarettes in the bathroom.One Reddit user took to the forum "r/flightattendants" to ask others, "Do you guys know when passengers vape in the bathroom?"The post garnered an array of comments from various flyers and users claiming to be flight attendants who weighed in with their thoughts.VAPING FLIGHT PASSENGER PROMPTS PILOT TO THREATEN TO 'TURN THIS PLANE AROUND'"Yes, we know," one Redditor commented.The user added, "Even if [an] audible alarm didnt go off (or maybe it did and you were too far to hear it), something else will alert on the FA panels or in the cockpit and the pilots [will] call to tell us to check on a specific lavatory.""We get loud, flashing red alarms on the flight deck when smoke or particulates are detected. So, yes, we know when someone is vaping in the lav," claimed another Redditor.Another person said, "There are sensors all over the plane. Just saying."PILOT ALLEGEDLY CALLS OUT VAPING PASSENGER IN CABIN-WIDE ANNOUNCEMENT: 'ONE PERSON DECIDED TO RISK LIVES'"When I open the door and it smells like strawberry star crush, then yes," said one user.Another person said, "Keep in mind an alarm may have sounded, but it may not have sounded like a traditional alarm you think of so it may not have registered [in] your mind it was an alarm."A Redditor suggested, "Just buy some nicotine gum if you really are that hooked."For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle"I watched someone just hitting their vape in their seat a few weeks ago," said another flyer."Exhaled into her clothing. No one said anything to her the entire flight. I think some care more than others do."A person claiming to be a flight attendant shared, "Yes. I have worked a flight where the fire alarm went off due to a guy vaping in the bathroom. You can be arrested it's not worth it."Gary Leff, aTexas-basedtravel industry expert and author of the blog "View From the Wing," told Fox News Digitalabout detectors on planes.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER"It's just the smoke detector, but these aren't your average home smoke detectors," said Leff."The modern ones can certainly detect aerosols from vaping.""You cant smoke on a plane. You cant vape, either," said Leff."The FAA has interpreted the prohibition on cigarette smoking to include vaping products, even though theyre quite different."He added, "Its not about banning vapor. The regulation simply extends the banon cigarettesto include e-cigarettes, which werent contemplated when the law against on-board smoking was passed."

Sean "Diddy" Combs' ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, took the stand Tuesday to testify against the former bad boy of music in his federal trial for sex crimes.The model, who is pregnant with her third child with husband Alex Fine, was the only witness prosecutors called to the stand during the second day of proceedings at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse in Manhattan.Throughout nearly eight hours of questioning, Ventura recalled harrowing experiences from her 12-year relationship with the "I'll Be Missing You" singer, many of which she said occurred under the pressure of Diddy's sexual gratification.INSIDE THE DIDDY JURY ROOM: A LOOK AT WHO'S DECIDING THE RAPPER'S FATEVentura testified to using drugs, including ketamine and cocaine, as a way to disassociate during the "freak offs.""For me, it was dissociative I couldnt imagine doing that without some sort of buffer," she told Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson. "I needed to remain high to stay present with the experience."Ventura admitted that ecstasy made her feel euphoric and aroused, while ketamine would make her dissociative. Cocaine made her heart race, and mushrooms made her see things. GHB, also known as the date-rape drug, made her feel drunk.MISSING KEY WITNESS CRIPPLES DIDDY PROSECUTION AS TRIAL HITS ROADBLOCKS BEFORE IT BEGINS: EXPERTShe testified that she would almost always get sick from the drugs and often vomited. Diddy was allegedly aware that she was sick while engaged in a "freak off."Ventura claimed Diddy liked to use baby oil during the "freak off" parties and requested to watch her use the oil on other sexual partners involved.While on the stand, she recalled oneinstancewhen there was a blow-up pool they had filled with oil. She explained she got in because "you couldnt say no." Ventura was concerned about Diddy's temper if she didnt get in, the singer-songwriter told the prosecutor.WATCH ON FOX NATION: WHAT DIDDY DO?Ventura testified that the supplies for the "freak offs" baby oil,Astroglide, lubricants and condoms were provided by Diddys assistants or security.All participants in the"freak offs"used baby oil,according to Ventura. Sheclaimed it was always heated, per Diddys request. Baby oil was used so they were "glistening," she said. Diddy allegedly had them apply the oil every five minutes."If he felt you were too dry, he would let you know you need to be shining," she told the jury. Diddy would direct the "freak offs," but Ventura "knew what to do." She testified it was "a very choreographed experience."On March 25, 2024, Combs' homes in Los Angeles and Miami were raided in connection with a federal human trafficking investigation, officials confirmed to Fox News Digital at the time. During the search, authorities allegedly seized various "freak off" supplies, including narcotics and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant."Members and associates of the Combs Enterprise, including high-ranking supervisors, security staff, household staff, personal assistants, and other Combs Business employees, facilitated the Freak Offs by, among other things, booking hotel rooms for the Freak Offs; stocking the hotel rooms in advance with the required Freak Off supplies, including controlled substances, baby oil, lubricant, extra linens, and lighting," the indictment claimed.LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSThe associates also cleaned hotel rooms after the "freak offs" to "try to mitigate room damage"; arranged the travel for victims, commercial sex workers and Combs to and from the "freak offs"; and were responsible for "resupplying Combs with requested supplies." The team members allegedly delivered large sums of cash to Combs to pay the commercial sex workers and would also schedule the delivery of IV fluids."Freak offs" were "elaborate produced sex performances that Combs arranged, directed, masturbated during, and often electronically recorded," according to the indictment.Combs and his staff allegedly transported commercial sex workers across state lines and internationally for the "freak offs," which regularly occurred and sometimes lasted multiple days, often including multiple sex workers.Ventura testified that the sessions would sometimes last days at a time."The freak offs became a job. There was no space for anything else but to recover," she said on the stand.WATCH: SEAN DIDDY COMBS SEEMINGLY ASSAULTS CASSIE VENTURA IN 2016 LOS ANGELES HOTEL INCIDENTVentura recorded hundreds of songs during their relationship, but only some of the music was released. She said when she wasn't working on music, she was "recovering."The "freak offs" would last between 24 and 72 hours. Ventura recalled the longest "freak off" was four days. When she wasn't participating, she was recovering from "the drugs, dehydration, staying awake," she said."Every freak off was directed by Sean," Ventura testified, which included her positioning, the lighting, etc. Eventually, Ventura and a male escort were instructed to put baby oil on each other.Ventura claimed on the stand that the "Victory" singer requested to be called by her grandfather's nickname."It was weird," she told the courtroom after the jury was shown an email between the former couple, which was sent from "baby girl" (Ventura) to "Pop Pop" (Diddy). The subject line read, "I really need to f---." Diddy replied, asking who she planned to sleep with. Ventura testified she sent the email "because I wanted to be with him," referring to Combs.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTERVentura claimed she wanted to have sex with Diddy, not the escorts, during their relationship.Diddy told Ventura about his "fantasy" of seeing her with another man during the first year of their relationship.The musician was in her early 20s when she began a romantic relationship with Diddy after meeting the rapper in 2006. In addition to his interest in voyeurism, Diddy also allegedly introduced Ventura to swinging: the act of switching partners with another couple.Ventura testified she was "shocked" and "didnt know how to react" to Combs fantasy.At this point, Diddy had allegedly been violent with Ventura. She said she was afraid of upsetting him and "really nervous."Diddy was charged with racketeering conspiracy; sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and transportation to engage in prostitution in a federal indictment unsealed Sept. 17.Authorities allege Diddy ran a criminal enterprise through his businesses, including Bad Boy Entertainment, Combs Enterprises and Combs Global, among others. He used "firearms, threats of violence, coercion and verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse" to fulfill his sexual desires, according to prosecutors.He has maintained his innocence. If found guilty, he faces a minimum of 15 years behind bars or a maximum sentence of life in prison.Fox News Digital's Maria Paronich and Kirill Clark contributed to this report.

The brutal Venezuelan street gang Tren de Aragua (TdA), which has rapidly grown in recent years and is wreaking havoc in communities nationwide, is using tech savvy to best its rivals and infiltrate American communities, experts say."Part of their recruitment process is to get individuals with IT backgrounds so that not only are they maintaining a presence on social media to keep their ear to the ground, they're also getting and recruiting and exploiting individuals with IT backgrounds so that they can operate digitally more easily in their marketing and advertising of individuals in the sex trade [and] sex trafficking," said Ali Hopper, a researcher from the nonprofit GUARD Against Trafficking.Jarrod Sadulski founded GUARD Against Trafficking, and he and Hopper travel to prisons on the southwest border, in Mexico and Central America, where they interview imprisoned former gang and cartel members for research purposes."They absorb people into the ranks, sometimes by force," Sadulski said. "For example, if they come across somebody in a Venezuelan community that they've embedded themselves in and that person has IT skills or some specific set of unique skills, they'll draw in that person, even if it's unwillingly, into their enterprise, into their gang, because of that special skill set that they have. So that speaks to their sophistication."Hopper said that much like organized cartels, TdA uses a specific cloud communication style as a way of avoiding digital surveillance while directing gang activities, unlike typical gangs.DOJ INDICTS ALLEGED HIGH-RANKING TREN DE ARAGUA MEMBER ON TERRORISM CHARGES FOR THE FIRST TIMEPart of that style involves using unique imagery. Hopper said the gang sends images back and forth without text and communicates via symbols in the background of the images to avoid digital detection.Other gangs will simply use email, according to Sadulski and Hopper, exposing themselves to far more risk.TdA also has its own online language."They like to resort to either communicating through a photo background an item in the background or through emojis," Hopper said. "It's a whole other language where emojis mean different things. And so that doesn't really get flagged by a platform system because it's not being written. It is a language communicated through emojis or communicated through an actual image rather than the text below or the image."Another part of TdA's operational strategy that allows the organization to rapidly gain a foothold in American communities is a willingness to partner with local street gangs, a mutually beneficial arrangement that allows the local gangs to make more money on the backs of TdA."They'll come into a large city, hide themselves within the Venezuelan population but then work with the local gangs in that area, whether it's Blood group, Crips or other gangs that [are] more specific to that community and basically align themselves to make profits through human trafficking, through drug trafficking, through murder-for-hire in conjunction with these other gangs versus warring with them," Sadulski said.In return, TdA uses these partnerships to closely study local police and criminal justice trends."They align themselves with these gangs to understand the market in that area, the trade routes [and] who's who in that community," Hopper said. "So they align themselves with these gangs and work with them at lower levels to start to understand the lay of the land and the area in which they work."TEXAS WOMAN ROBBED, PISTOL-WHIPPED IN RITZY DALLAS AREA BY ILLEGAL VENEZUELAN MIGRANTS WITH GANG TIES: REPORT"On top of that, that allows them the time to study the politics in that area," he said. "They're actually studying the politics of the area. They study the political climate, they study law enforcement, their routes, where they're going, where they patrol, where they don't patrol [and] what crimes are being prosecuted, what crimes are seen as lower level and not worth prosecuting."Sadulski and Hopper noted that even with their sophistication, the gang is still ultraviolent and willing to impulsively commit heinous crimes without prior planning.One such crime recently occurred when 11 teen TdA members, including several minors, attacked New York City Police Department officers in Times Square."It's horrific enough to be a victim of a crime," New York City Mayor Eric Adams said of the attack. "But when someone openly assaults a police officer, you are attacking our symbol of safety, and it cannot be tolerated."People who prey on innocent people must be held accountable. They must be brought to justice."

HBO host Bill Maher is taking aim at young Democrats, accusing them of supporting anti-Israel movements and sympathizing with Hamas."Liberals are weak and woke, especially the white ones, and they indulge all sorts of nonsense from their kids," Maher said on a recent episode of "Real Time with Bill Maher.""So talk to your children and remind them you don't really want to live like your heroes in Hamas."Maher criticized young progressives for what he sees as a misguided admiration of extremist groups, hosting Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., and Democratic strategist Donna Brazile on his panel.BILL MAHER SAYS DEMS ARE DOOMED IF THEY WONT STAND UP TO RADICAL ANTI-ISRAEL PROPAGANDA FROM THE YOUNGLawler said on "America Reports" that Maher's commentary "hit the nail on the head" and the left must change course."America is a beacon of hope, of freedom, of opportunity. And yet, they are embracing some of the worst actors on the stage, whether it be Hamas, China, or other countries around the globe that certainly do not provide for freedom of expression or speech in their countries."Maher's comments come amid a wave of renewed anti-Israel protests on college campuses. In early May, dozens of protesters were arrested at Columbia University after occupying the schools library. At least 80 people, mostly women, were detained."Here is the dilemma for Democrats: Their young people, their key constituency, not only don't like their own civilization, they like the wrong one," he said. "They actually think Hamas is a liberation movement."COLUMBIA STUDENTS DESCRIBE SHOCKING LIBRARY TAKEOVER AFTER MASKED PROTESTERS CHANTED PRO-HAMAS SLOGANSHe warned that this growing attitude among younger Democrats is hurting the partys image and eroding a sense of patriotism. Maher has taken an increasingly critical stance toward his own political side, frequently denouncing what he calls "woke" culture.His latest remarks referenced Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., who recently urged her party to reclaim patriotic symbols, including the American flag. Slotkin used the phrase "weak and woke" in her own criticism of the partys direction during a speech reported by Politico."If the thought leaders in the Democratic Party keep encouraging and not rebuking the idea that America is cringe and the people who run Gaza are great, the Democrats are doomed," Maher said, responding to Slotkins comments on his show.Maher also pointed to a rally in Idaho hosted by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., where a Palestinian flag was draped over an American flag. The gesture was met with applause from the crowd.BILL MAHER OFFERS OPEN LETTER TO POP STAR CHAPPELL ROAN ON ISRAEL: YOU DONT KNOW MUCH ABOUT HISTORYMAHER WARNS DEMS' REFUSAL TO DITCH UNPOPULAR 'WOKE' ISSUES MAY MAKE THEM AN 'IRRELEVANT PARTY'"What should have happened after that is one of the adults on stage should have told their young loyal followers, 'this is not a symbol of freedom," Maher said, before asserting the American flag is the true symbol of freedom. Lawler argued that far-left activism has alienated many voters and helped Republicans regain power in Washington this past November."The fact is, you don't see them marching in the streets or storming buildings in support of Laken Riley, who was murdered by an illegal immigrant, or for Edan Alexander, who is now rescued from captivity," Lawler said."You see them supporting the actions of terrorists. And it really is disturbing on so many levels."

President Donald Trump met with Syrias interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh on Wednesday, a day after lifting all sanctions on Syria, marking a major shift in policy.The last time a meeting between the two countries' leadership was with former President Bill Clinton in 2000.Trump met with al-Sharaa for an informal chat on the sidelines of the Gulf Cooperation Council, where he was set to address leaders as part of his four-day regional tour.TRUMP SAYS HE'LL DROP SANCTIONS ON SYRIA IN MOVE TO NORMALIZE RELATIONSTrump stated at the summit this was a step toward peace and rebuilding relations with Syrias government."We are currently exploring normalizing relations with Syrias new government, as you know, beginning with my meeting with President Ahmed Al-Shara and Secretary Rubio's meeting with the Syrian Foreign Minister in Turkey after discussing the situation with Crown Prince Mohammed," Trump said at the broader summit."I'm also ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria to give them a fresh start. It gives them a chance for greatness. The sanctions were really crippling, very powerful," he said.Syrians were seen and heard celebrating the announcement by Trump that he would move to lift sanctions on the beleaguered Middle Eastern nation.TRUMP'S MIDDLE EAST TOUR BEGINS WITH SYRIA LOOMING AS STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITYA statement from Syrias Foreign Ministry called the announcement "a pivotal turning point for the Syrian people as we seek to emerge from a long and painful chapter of war."Trump says he feels strongly that this new endeavor will give Syria a great chance at a fresh start."I felt very strongly that this would give them a chance," said the president. "It's not going to be easy anyway, so it gives them a good, strong chance. And it was my honor to do so, so we will be dropping all of the sanctions on Syria, which I think really is going to be a good thing."U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also scheduled to meet with his Syrian counterpart later in the week.