CNN political commentator Bakari Sellers asked why people arent investigating the Trump familys citizenship status while discussing the White Houses ongoing deportation efforts on Tuesday.Sellers took part in a panel on "CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip" on the topic of the Trump administration attempting to revoke the citizenship of naturalized Americans who commit crimes.The panel referenced a recent memo from the Justice Department dated June 11 that directed U.S. attorneys to "prioritize and maximally pursue denaturalization proceedings" as part of an effort by the Trump administration to crack down on crime.While accusing President Donald Trump of refusing to give immigrants "the benefit of their humanity," Sellers suggested people needed to "have a full conversation" about the Trump familys legal status.BAKARI SELLERS INTERRUPTS COMMENTATOR, CORRECTS HIM OVER PRONUNCIATION OF KAMALA HARRIS' NAME"Look, if we want to have a conversation about who belongs where, when, how, and whether or not their citizenship status- and we want to look at everything, I mean, I would look at Donald Trump Jr.," Sellers said. "I would look at all of Melanias kids, all of Ivanas kids. I mean, lets just have a full conversation over who belongs here, how did they get here, their citizenship status."He added, "Lets just have a full discussion about all of it. Why is that not on the table right now? I mean, the only person here should be Tiffany Trump, if were going to have this discussion."First lady Melania Trump, Barrons mother, was born in Slovenia before becoming a U.S. citizen in 2006. The late Ivana Trump, Trumps first wife and Eric, Ivanka and Donald Jr.s mother, was born in the Czech Republic before becoming a U.S. citizen in 1988. Trumps second wife, Tiffanys mother, Marla Maples, was born in the U.S.All of Trumps children were born in the U.S.CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTUREThe Justice Department memo from Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate states that denaturalization cases against "individuals who pose a potential danger to national security, including those with a nexus to terrorism, espionage, or the unlawful export from the United States of sensitive goods, technology, or information raising national security concerns" are one of the key priorities."The benefits of civil denaturalization include the governments ability to revoke the citizenship of individuals who engaged in the commission of war crimes, extrajudicial killings, or other serious human rights abuses; to remove naturalized criminals, gang members, or, indeed, any individuals convicted of crimes who pose an ongoing threat to the United States; and to prevent convicted terrorists from returning to U.S. soil or traveling internationally on a U.S. passport," Shumate wrote.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Zohran Mamdanis surprise victory over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary has raised questions about the partys political direction.Mark Penn, former pollster and advisor to President Bill Clinton and CEO of Stagwell Inc., issued a warning to the left following Mamdanis primary upset."This is a 9-1-1 moment for the Democratic Party," Penn said on "America's Newsroom" Wednesday. "Hes [Mamdani] an anti-Semitic socialist."Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assemblyman from Queens and self-identified Democratic socialist, beat former Gov. Andrew Cuomo last month. His platform includes eliminating transit fares, providing free municipal housing and childcare, and ending ICE operations in the city proposals that Penn and others have labeled as extreme.DEMS AT A CROSSROADS AS ESTABLISHMENT PLANS 'PROJECT 2029' WHILE SOCIALIST CANDIDATE WINS NYC MAYORAL PRIMARY"He is perhaps the most extreme major candidate ever to win such a major office," Penn said, going on to call out Mamdani for refusing to denounce the slogan "globalize the intifada," a phrase widely understood to carry anti-Jewish undertones.Several top New York Democrats have not yet endorsed Mamdani, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Governor Kathy Hochul. While Hochul has recently defended Mamdani from criticism by President Donald Trump, she hasnt formally endorsed him.Penn argued that Mamdani's campaign has successfully positioned itself as a battle against Trump, a strategy he says could distract voters from looking closer at the candidates policies."Its absolutely essential here that this not become Mamdani versus Trump," Penn said. "Thats his strategy."MAMDANI'S PRIMARY WIN EXPOSES DEMOCRAT DIVIDE AS TOP LEADERS WITHHOLD ENDORSEMENTSMAMDANI'S POLITICAL EARTHQUAKE ROCKS DEMOCRATS, DIVIDING PARTY ON PATH FORWARDWhile Trump gained ground in New York during the last presidential election, increasing his vote share to nearly 44%, Vice President Kamala Harris still carried the state with over 56%. Penn warns that making the narrative about the president could cause Democrats not to fully grasp what Mamdanis policies mean for the city."The other Democratic candidates have to come in here and say, No, this is about the future of the city and how we save it and how we reduce crime," he said, also noting that candidates need to focus on making Jewish New Yorkers feel safe and bringing business back to the five boroughs.Mamdanis campaign has drawn significant enthusiasm from younger, progressive voters. But Penn believes many voters may not fully grasp the implications of Mamdanis agenda.CUOMO CONCEDES IN NYC DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY FOR MAYOR, CONGRATULATES AOC-ENDORSED MAMDANI"People really didn't know the full extent of his views on socialism and antisemitism," Penn said. "I think if there's real focus on that, he could be beaten."As the official Democratic nominee, Mamdani will face Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams this November in the general election, as well as his defeated opponent Andrew Cuomo, who's chosen to remain on the ballot as an Independent.

In a dramatic escalation of military involvement in immigration enforcement, the U.S. Air Force and Navy are taking over vast new swathes of federal land along the southern border, under a directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.One 250-mile stretch, located in Texas Cameron and Hidalgo counties, is being transferred to Air Force control and will fall under the jurisdiction of Joint Base San Antonio and be managed as part of a newly established National Defense Area (NDA).The land is being transferred from the International Boundary and Water Commission, an agency traditionally responsible for handling water and boundary disputes between the U.S. and Mexico, marking a significant shift in the use and oversight of federal land at the border.Another 140-mile stretch of land along the border near Yuma, Arizona, will be transferred to Navy jurisdiction.NAVY DEPLOYS ADDITIONAL WARSHIP TO CURB ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, DRUG SMUGGLING AT THE SOUTHERN BORDERThese mark the third NDAs created under the Trump administration, following similar moves in New Mexico and near El Paso, Texas. The areas are designated as military zones to bolster border security operations amid a surge in illegal crossings under the Biden administration.Presidents since Richard Nixon have deployed active-duty troops and reservists to the border. But until Trump, theyve largely been restricted to logistical support: surveillance, building roads, etc. U.S. troops stationed in the NDAs will now be authorized toapprehend, search and detain migrants until Customs and Border Protection agents arrive. Migrants entering these zones may also facetrespassing charges for entering military property.PENTAGON SETS UP NEW 250 MILE MILITARY BUFFER ZONE AT BORDER WITH CROSSINGS AT RECORD LOWSThe move is part of a broader mission managed by the Joint Task Force Southern Border (JTF-SB), a joint effort between the Air Force and U.S. Northern Command to consolidate and strengthen military presence along the border.To support these efforts, the military has deployed Stryker vehicles, ground-based radar systems, and even begun 3D-printing drones to enhance surveillance capacity and reduce costs.Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the coordinated efforts between DoD and Customs and Border Patrol led to zero "gotaways," or migrants that escape authorities, across the entire southern border from June 28-30.Civil liberties groups have sounded the alarm, warning the policy blurs the lines between military and law enforcement roles and may violate the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the use of federal troops in domestic policing without congressional approval."Using the military purpose doctrine to justify direct military involvement in immigration enforcement is a transparent ruse to evade the Posse Comitatus Act," the Brennan Center for Justice said in a statement. "The nominal justification is protecting the installation, but the installation itself was created to apprehend and detain migrants."Critics also warn the policy could set a dangerous precedent. "If soldiers are allowed to take on domestic policing roles at the border, it may become easier to justify military deployments within the U.S. interior," the Center added.Andy Gould, former Arizona supreme court justice, said he thought the move was "extremely effective against the cartels and completely legal."US MILITARY STATIONED AT THE BORDER IN NEW MEXICO NATIONAL DEFENSE AREA CAN DETAIN ILLEGAL MIGRANTS"He's created No Trespassing zones on the border, and by taking federal land and declaring a national emergency and transferring it to the military, and then also using the military as an exception to the Posse Comitatus Act where he says, This is a military purpose to deal with the emergency on the border.""The idea that the President United States can use a military presence to defend an American border, I think that's going to be tough to challenge."Since President Donald Trump took office, the number of active-duty troops at the southern border has surged from under 2,000 to more than 8,000, with Hegseth authorizing up to 10,000 earlier this year.This militarized approach has also prompted drug traffickers to shift tactics, turning to maritime smuggling routes in response to intensified land enforcement. The Pentagon has responded by deploying naval vessels with Coast Guard teams to interdict sea-based drug operations."We know terrorists are trying to get in through our border," said Brig Barker, former FBI advisor to U.S. Special Operations Command and counterterrorism expert. "Swarming this with different inter-agencies is a good thing. The military has a lot of refined skills and capabilities that civilian law enforcement doesn't have.He predicted that military counternarcotics missions would push further into Latin America, "bringing that out to that fight farther out from our border, really kind of preempt before they can get closer to our border."

If you've ordered food on Uber Eats recently, you may have seen a delivery robot instead of a human driver.Uber has partnered with Avride to bring autonomous robots to the streets.They already operate in several U.S. cities, and your area could be next.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, youll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join myCYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER.ROBOT-RUN STORE VENHUB IS CHANGING THE FUTURE OF SHOPPINGUber Eats uses compact, four-wheeled robots to handle the final stretch of food delivery. These delivery robots are about the size of a carry-on suitcase and can move along sidewalks at speeds of up to five miles per hour.Each robot carries up to 55 pounds of food or drinks, including large pizza orders and bottles. With features like LIDAR, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors, the robots can detect obstacles from 200 feet away. They recognize traffic lights and navigate crowded sidewalks with ease.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?These robots work around the clock. Rain or shine, they keep moving. Their secure cargo compartments open only when the customer unlocks them through the Uber Eats app. With swappable batteries and up to 12 hours of life, they're built for constant service.Right now, Uber Eats robot delivery is live in multiple U.S. cities. Austin, Texas, was the first to launch the sidewalk robot program. Dallas will join soon.In New Jersey, Jersey City has already rolled out the robots in neighborhoods like Hamilton Park, Historic Downtown, and the Waterfront. Some cities in Ohio are also part of the program.Uber and Avride plan to deploy hundreds of delivery robots by the end of 2025. That makes it likely your city will see them soon.If you live in a participating city, you might get the option to choose a robot during checkout in the Uber Eats app. Once selected, the app dispatches a delivery robot to your location.You'll get a notification when the robot arrives. Use the app to unlock the secure compartment and collect your order. These robots deliver more than just meals, they can handle groceries and small packages too.Uber Eats serves over 31 million active users in the U.S. The company is always looking for faster, safer, and more affordable ways to deliver food. Robots provide exactly that.They aren't delayed by traffic, don't rely on drivers, and perform well on short trips in urban areas. These delivery robots help reduce fees, increase reliability, and boost safety. Thanks to their sensors and programmed traffic rules, they navigate cities efficiently.Uber Eats serves over 31 million active users in the U.S. The company is always looking for faster, safer, and more affordable ways to deliver food. Robots provide exactly that.They aren't delayed by traffic, don't rely on drivers, and perform well on short trips in urban areas. These delivery robots help reduce fees, increase reliability, and boost safety. Thanks to their sensors and programmed traffic rules, they navigate cities efficiently.Uber Eats delivery robots are designed with privacy in mind. They do not store personal information such as payment details or delivery addresses. The only data they process is the pickup and delivery locations, which are not tied to any personal details.Sensor data collected by the robots is anonymized and used solely to improve the technology. Additionally, the robots' cameras blur faces and license plates to further protect privacy.Uber and Avride are scaling up their operations quickly, with plans to roll out hundreds of delivery robots in more U.S. cities by the end of the year. If you are interested in seeing robot deliveries in your area, Uber Eats encourages customers to reach out and express their interest. The company evaluates requests and considers expanding services based on demand and feasibility.It is remarkable to see how quickly delivery robots are becoming an integral part of everyday life in cities across the country. Whether you're someone who loves trying out new technology or you just want your food to arrive reliably, these robots are designed to make things easier and safer for everyone. With Uber Eats and Avride adding more robots every month, it is only a matter of time before you spot one rolling up to your door with your next order.If a robot rolled up to your door with your next Uber Eats order, how would you feel about it? Would you be excited to try out this new tech, or do you still prefer having a human delivery driver bring your food? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, youll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join myCYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER.Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Clint Eastwood is a man of many layers.In a new biography written by filmmaker Shawn Levy, "Clint: The Man and The Movies," the legendary actor's life behind the camera is examined through past quotes from Eastwood and various peers who shed insight into his extensive romantic past and "addictive" affairs he had while married to his first wife, Maggie Johnson, and other partners."His affairs, he later admitted to Richard Schickel, just became I dont know addictive like you have to have another cigarette," Levy wrote in the book, quoting Eastwood.CLINT EASTWOOD REFLECTS ON DECADES IN HOLLYWOOD AND HIS DRIVE TO KEEP WORKING AS HE TURNS 95Eastwood married Johnson in 1953. Throughout their 21-year marriage, Eastwood had many affairs with various women and fathered multiple children. "There were many other women, some from the ranks of classmates, some encountered at the nightspots and jazz clubs that he frequented, some from among his neighbors at the apartment complex in Studio City, near Universal, to which he and Maggie had moved when he first went under contract to the studio," Levy wrote in the book."The atmosphere of that small apartment building which, naturally, was centered around a swimming pool not only encouraged sexual adventures but facilitated them; several of Clints friends from Oakland, Seattle, and Fort Ord moved into the place or similar places nearby, meaning that there were always apartments readily available for a quick tryst and buddies willing to help him cover his tracks."According to Levy, Eastwood was always upfront about his behavior and allegedly had an "understanding" with Johnson."It wasnt entirely evident, though, that he needed such help. As a friend put it, Clint goes where he wants, does what he wants goes to dinner with a girl if he wants. Maggie doesnt say a thing. Clint is the undisputed boss.' He referred to himself half-jokingly as a married bachelor, but there were significant hints that his wife knew the score and was okay with it," Levy wrote.CLINT EASTWOOD 'S DAUGHTER SAYS 'VERY STRICT' DAD HAD THIS PIECE OF ADVICE GROWING UP"'Maggie and I have an understanding,' he was quoted as saying. Im independent, a vagabond, and she accepts me as I am and doesnt strangle me with female possessiveness. Speaking more broadly, he declared, Maggie doesnt chain me. The worst thing is owning people. I dont want to be owned by anybody maybe shared, but not lock, stock, and barrel."Love is respecting privacy, accepting faults. But I dont believe its a one-way street. The sophisticated woman accepts that chances are a guys not being 100percent faithful. If she talks about it, it only makes it worse."Eastwood allegedly said of his relationship with Johnson, "Theres no ownership in this marriage. My soul is my own. Maggie knows this. Possession is the worst thing. Im hard to live with. Im moody, and lots of the time Id rather be alone. It took Maggie a while, but she learned."Though Johnson was aware of the trysts, Levy wrote, it's unclear if she knew just how extensive the affairs were.LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS"Their private life was another matter, as Maggie admitted some years later when she told an interviewer, Were not advocates of the total togetherness theory. Its not clear that she was aware of just how many liberties Clint took, or, for that matter, whether she availed herself of any."But they stayed together through these lean years, despite living near enough to her family for her to make other choices, so she either didnt know or didnt care about his sexual entanglements or she believed that they were his business and nobody elses, not even hers," Levy wrote."It seemed to some who knew the couple that she thrived. Shes got more steel than a hardware store, a friend noted. Clint talks to her about everything. And Clint himself admitted, She is the very best friend I have. She loved me when no one else did."A representative for Eastwood did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.The couple, who had two children together during their marriage, got divorced in 1984. Eastwood and stuntwoman Roxanne Tunis welcomed a daughter, Kimber Lynn, in 1964, while he was still married to Johnson.Eastwood married Dina Ruiz in 1996, and the couple divorced in 2014. He also had long-term relationships with actresses Sondra Locke and Frances Fisher.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTERThe award-winning actor and director is a father of eight: LaurieMurray, Kimber Eastwood, Kyle Eastwood, Alison Eastwood, ScottEastwood,Kathryn Eastwood, Francesca Eastwood and Morgan Eastwood.In July 2023, Eastwood announced his girlfriend of ten years, Christina Sandera, had died."Christina was a lovely, caring woman, and I will miss her very much," he said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter at the time.A few days later, his daughter Morgan shared a photo with the couple, noting the "devastating" loss."A devastating loss for our whole family," Morgan wrote of Sandera, who died at the age of 61 July 18. "Thank you Christina for being a good partner to my Dad. You will be missed."Sandera's cause of death was cardiac arrhythmia, the Monterey, California, County Department of Health said in a death certificate obtained by Fox News Digital.Two years after his loss, he said he had no plans to slow down professionally. In a recent interview with the Austrian newspaper Kurier, the director, who turned 95 in May, revealed he is in pre-production on a new movie, dispelling rumors that 2024's "Juror #2" would be his final film."Theres no reason why a man cant get better with age," he explained. "And I have much more experience today. Sure, there are directors who lose their touch at a certain age, but Im not one of them."

Omaha City Councilman Brinker Harding has launched a bid to succeed outgoing U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., who announced that he will not seek re-election next year."Im a husband, father, businessman, and Omaha City Councilman. Today, I am announcing my run for Congress in NE-02 to make America more like its Heartland and to make the next 250 years a New Golden Age for America. I hope youll join me!" Harding declared in a July 1 post on X.Bacon, who has served in Congress since 2017, has announced that he will finish his current term, but will not run for re-election in 2026.KEY HOUSE GOP MODERATE DON BACON WON'T SEEK RE-ELECTION"Thank you, @DonJBacon, for your 30 years of distinguished service in the Air Force and a decade of dedicated leadership representing NE-02 in Congress," Harding declared in a June 30 post on X. "Youve been a true statesman whos served with integrity and heart. Wishing you and Angie all the best in this next chapter."While Republicans have been divided on the issue, Bacon is a staunch proponent of U.S. aid to Ukraine.GOP LAWMAKER BLASTS DUMB TRUMP COMMENT ON ZELENSKYY DESPITE PERFECT CRITICISM OF PUTIN"It is a time for honesty. Peace talks are having zero effect on Putin. His goal is to dominate Ukraine & he wont stop until he realizes he cannot win. The U.S. & Allies must arm Ukraine to the teeth, sanction Russia to the max, & confiscate the $300B in overseas Russian assets," the congressman declared in a post on X in late May.U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., is backing Harding for the House seat.PENTAGON HALTS SOME WEAPONS SHIPMENTS TO UKRAINE OVER CONCERNS ABOUT US STOCKPILES"Throughout a lifetime of service to Omaha and Nebraska, Brinker Harding has always championed public safety, economic development, and fiscal responsibility. Brinker will make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. I am honored to endorse him for Congress," Fischer noted in a post on X.

A Congressional intern was shot and killed in Washington, D.C. on Monday night.Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, died after he was shot around 10:28 p.m. on the 1200 block of 7th Street, Northwest in Washington, D.C. on Monday night, according to police, and died on Tuesday. An adult female and a 16-year-old male were also shot and taken to local hospitals.According to the Metropolitan Police Department, multiple individuals exited a car and began firing at a group of people. Tarpinian-Jachym isn't believed to have been the intended target of the shooting, officials said.SENATORS CONDEMN FATAL SHOOTING OF ISRAELI EMBASSY EMPLOYEES AS FAMILIES MOURNTarpinian-Jachym was an intern for Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kan.), according to a statement from his office. He was a rising senior majoring in finance with a minor in political science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.HOUSE STAFFER VICTIM OF ARMED CARJACKING IN POPULAR WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD"I will remember his kind heart and how he always greeted anyone who entered our office with a cheerful smile," Estes said. "We are grateful to Eric for his service to Kansas 4th District and the country. Please join Susan and me in praying for his family and respecting their privacy during this heartbreaking time."Phillip Peterson, one of Tarpinian-Jachym's friends, told Fox News Digital that he "was a very easy-going person to be around.""We met in early January and we really started to hit things off," Peterson said. "After the program we discussed becoming roommates, but I didnt want to move back to D.C. because I despise the culture so much. Unfortunately that fell through. I legitimately do regret now not going back to D.C. just so I could have spent more time with my friend."Tarpinian-Jachym also participated in a spring fellowship with The Fund for American Studies, which said the college student's hometown is Aberdeen, Mississippi.The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a $25,000 reward for anyone who provides information leading to an arrest and conviction, and are encouraged to contact (202) 727-9099.

"$10 million?""$100 million?""No, you're crazy, it's got to be more than that, it's got to be like in the billions."MAGA COUNTRY VOTERS SOUND ALARM OVER RIDICULOUS NATIONAL DEBT AMID DEBATE OVER TRUMP-BACKED BILL"Yeah it's got to be at least maybe $50 billion dollars. Maybe even $100 billion.""That much?""Maybe""No, no it must be even more than that. I bet you it's a trillion dollars."SENATE WEIGHS TRUMP'S 'BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL' AS POLICY GROUP BACKS CBO, PROJECTS $3 TRILLION DEBT INCREASE"A trillion dollars? No way its that much."I had just taught my high school seniors in U.S. government class about budgets and national debts and asked, "How much money do you think we owe? How much is our national debt?"Their ridiculous responses, ranging from millions to billions to $1 trillion, are funny but also sad. Finally, I can't listen anymore and, feeling like the evil queen giving Snow White the poisoned apple, tell them: "$37 trillion dollars."INVISIBLE TAX: GOVERNMENT DEBT IS CRUSHING YOUR FINANCESTheres a stunned silence.I then walk around the room with my hand out and start shaking students' hands, each time saying, "Thank you." They look at me, confused. Eventually a boy asks, "Why are you thanking us?"Because you're the ones who are going to be paying it."More stunned silence.TRUMPS BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL NEEDS A 'FAT SHOT' TO END OUR DANGEROUS DEBT ADDICTIONOf course, many of them have heard, one way or another, about Washington's spending problems, deficits and debts. But it was not until this moment that they finally understood what it really meant and what it will mean for them. Many of them are worried theyll incur student loan debt they were unaware of the other debt theyre inheriting.I put usdebtclock.org up, along with a photo of my granddaughter playing in our back yard, and ask, "How much does she owe?"It takes them a minute, but they find the "Debt per citizen" section $108,010. She is 3 years old.Of more immediate interest for them is "Debt per taxpayer," since some have already begun paying taxes, and most others will soon. That's $323,051.YOU MIGHT NOT LIKE THE SOLUTION TO THE DEBT CRISIS, BUT HERE'S HOW TO FIX AMERICA'S SPENDING PROBLEMI say, "Look at that debt clock what is the worst number on there? Not the highest, the worst."After a couple minutes, I direct their attention to the section, "Interest on the debt." Its a little over a trillion dollars a year."What does that money buy?" one of them asks. I take a piece of scrap paper off my desk, crumple it, hold it up, and say: "To the taxpayer, it's worth exactly as much as this crumpled paper. That money doesn't build a single hospital or school or bridge. It doesn't build a single bomber or manufacture a single bullet."I show them that in July of 2020 debt service was only $386 billion a year and the national debt was $26 trillion. I ask why would debt service be 2.6 times as high now when the national debt is "only" 1.4 times as high. The answer is that interest rates have gone up, greatly increasing the interest we pay on the debt.CLASS DISMISSED: COLLEGES EXPECTED TO CLOSE AS ENROLLMENT NUMBERS TANKThe students try to come up with solutions. "Why not just pay it by printing more money?"I explain hyperinflation and pass around a couple 100 million Deutsche Mark bills from Germany in 1923. I tell the story of a German woman filling an old wheelbarrow with Deutsche Marks, going to the store, leaving it outside for a moment while she selected some bread and milk, then coming back to find the old wheelbarrow gone--and the worthless bills dumped out in the street.We watch the 2009 Onion satirical video "U.S. Government Stages Fake Coup To Wipe Out National Debt" in which a newscaster informs viewers:"The White House today enacted an emergency plan to eliminate all the United States financial obligations to foreign nations by faking a violent coup of the American government the fake coup began at 10 a.m. today, when fake rebel leader Octavius Del Monte stormed Congress, pretended to kill several congressmen then said Hear my words China, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates. The U.S. and all its vast debt, no longer exists. Henceforth, this land will be called Octavia. Do not even try to collect funds owed!"INVISIBLE TAX: GOVERNMENT DEBT IS CRUSHING YOUR FINANCESThe newscaster then explains that "Representatives on both sides of the aisle said the plan was the best option left for lowering our debt after ideas like burning down the country for the insurance money and disguising the nation as Canada were deemed infeasible."I ask the students why it seems almost comical how worried they were in 2009 about the national debt. Theres a pause. Then one student raises his hand, and answers, ruefully, "Because it was only $10 trillion back then."The students want to know how we--the allegedly responsible adults could have done this to them. I list some of the reasons:REPUBLICANS SQUABBLE OVER TRUMP SPENDING PLAN AS FISCAL YEAR 2026 LOOMS: 'STAY UNTIL WE PASS IT'CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONOn the larger political reasons, I ask, "Have you ever seen your parents argue when one wanted to buy something?"Some hands come up. A girl volunteers that a couple years ago her parents had a long running argument mom wanted to buy a new refrigerator, and dad said, "We can't afford it". They were mad at each other."What happened? How did they resolve the conflict?", I ask."They bought a new one. I think they put it on their credit card.""Well, theres your answer."CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM GLENN SACKS

CBS News staffers are furious at their parent company Paramount Global's eight-figure settlement to President Donald Trump that was struck late Tuesday night, ending his $20 billion lawsuit against the network."This settlement is a cowardly capitulation by the corporate leaders of Paramount, and a fundamental betrayal of 60 Minutes and CBS News," veteran "60 Minutes" producer Rome Hartman told Fox News Digital.Fox News Digital has learned that the sum being paid to Trump could reach north of $30 million, with $16 million being paid upfront for his future presidential library, in addition to another eight-figure allocation set aside for advertisements, public service announcements, or other similar transmissions, in support of conservative causes by the network in the future.Current Paramount management disputes the additional allocation, and a source familiar with Paramount's current leadership told Fox New Digital only $16 million was sanctioned by the official mediator, and they have no knowledge of any deal Trump made with incoming ownership as Paramount is set to merge with David Ellisons Skydance Media. However, the incoming ownership will be responsible for the additional allocation.PARAMOUNT, CBS FORCED TO PAY EIGHT FIGURES, CHANGE EDITORIAL POLICY IN SETTLEMENT WITH PRESIDENT TRUMPThe lawsuit stemmed from the "60 Minutes" interview featuring then-Vice President Kamala Harris that aired in October and alleged CBS News deceptively edited an exchange to aid her candidacy in the 2024 race.Hartman, who was one of the producers of the "60 Minutes" Harris interview, maintains that his corporate bosses knew the segment that aired "was edited by the book and in accordance with CBS News standards." Hartman insisted any talk of a settlement was at the behest of Paramount's controlling shareholder Shari Redstone in hopes of paving the for the Skydance merger without potential retribution of the Trump-backed FCC, which could halt the deal. Redstone recused herself from settlement negotiations in February."They know that this lawsuit is completely baseless. But they settled it in order to preserve Shari Redstones payday. That is shameful," Hartman told Fox News Digital.BERNIE SANDERS BLASTS PARAMOUNT, SAYS LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT WILL FURTHER EMBOLDEN TRUMP TO ATTACK MEDIAA second CBS News journalist told Fox News Digital, "Nobody is happy," but the entire newsroom anticipated the outcome."I think the terms look as good as they could be in this situation with no apology, etc," the CBS journalist said.As part of the agreement, CBS News did not admit to any wrongdoing nor issue an apology, something Trump's legal team had previously demanded. However, the network did agree to update its editorial standards by mandating the release of full, unedited transcripts of interviews with future presidential candidates.'60 MINUTES' KAMALA HARRIS INTERVIEW AT CENTER OF TRUMP LAWSUIT RUNS AFOUL OF CRONKITE-ERA CBS GUIDELINESThe settlement was addressed internally by CBS News president and executive editor Tom Cibrowski on Wednesday's 9 a.m. editorial call. He began the meeting by thanking staffers for "blocking out the noise" over the past several months and continuing forward with their work, the journalist familiar with the call told Fox News Digital.During the call, Cibrowski openly discussed how CBS would cover the settlement with "CBS Evening News" executive producer Guy Campanile, who the staffer said was "clearly annoyed" by the Trump payout."I would say almost everyone is upset because it impacts the brand as a whole," the CBS journalist said."CBS Evening News" anchor John Dickerson, who previously saluted ousted "60 Minutes" executive producer Bill Owens and CBS News president Wendy McMahon, used Paramount's own words against itself while addressing the settlement on Wednesday."In the end, Paramount decided to settle the suit it said is without basis in law and fact, and an affront to the First Amendment," a stern Dickerson told viewers before ending the newscast, citing Paramount's motion to dismiss Trump's lawsuit in March.However, Dickerson reserved far more pointed commentary for his CBS online streaming program "CBS Evening News Plus" in a lengthy monologue focused on the mission for journalists to get the facts right."The obstacles to getting it right are many, but the Paramount settlement poses a new obstacle. Can you hold power to account after paying it millions? Can an audience trust you when it thinks you traded away that trust? The audience will decide that," Dickerson said.TOP '60 MINUTES' PRODUCER RESIGNS FROM SHOW, CITES LACK OF INDEPENDENCECBS SETTLEMENT WITH TRUMP SLAMMED BY JOURNALISTS, COMMENTATORS AS APPALLING SURRENDERCBS News' senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang took a subtle swipe against her network by sharing a post by Bloomberg correspondent David Gura, who invoked CBS broadcasting legend Walter Cronkite's quote, "Freedom of the press is not just important to democracy, it is democracy."Andrew Heyward, who previously served as CBS News president from 1996-2005, denounced the settlement, telling NPR, "The decision to settle a case with no legal merit obviously comes squarely from the corporate suite, not from anybody at CBS News. To me, the critical issue is whether '60 Minutes' can hold onto its tradition of fierce editorial integrity under new management.""I spent seven years as the Chief Investigative Correspondent for CBS News and eight as a contributing correspondent to 60," former CBS journalist Armen Keteyian wrote on X. "This Paramount settlement is the nadir for the network a breach of the public trust Murrow, Cronkite, Hewitt and thousands of us worked decades to build."Representatives for Paramount and CBS News did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.At the center of Trump's legal battle with Paramount was an exchange Harris had with "60 Minutes" correspondent Bill Whitaker, who asked her why Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wasn't "listening" to the Biden administration. Harris was widely mockedfor the "word salad" answer that aired in a preview clip of the interview on CBS' "Face the Nation."However, when the same question aired during a primetime special on the network, Harris had a different, more concise response. Critics at the time accused CBS News of deceitfully editingHarris' "word salad" answerto shield the Democratic nominee from further backlash leading up to Election Day.CBS BLASTS TRUMPS LAWSUIT AS MERITLESS DESPITE RECENT $15 MILLION SETTLEMENT OFFERThe raw transcript and footage released earlier this year by the FCC showed that both sets of Harris' comments came from the same response, but CBS News had aired only the first half of her response in the "Face the Nation" preview clip and aired the second half during the primetime special. CBS News previously refused to release the raw transcript when the controversy first erupted in October."With this record settlement, President Donald J. Trump delivers another win for the American people as he, once again, holds the Fake News media accountable for their wrongdoing and deceit. CBS and Paramount Global realized the strength of this historic case and had no choice but to settle.President Trump will always ensure that no one gets away with lying to the American People as he continues on his singular mission to Make America Great Again," a spokesperson for Trumps legal team told Fox News Digital.

For most Americans, the 4th of July is marked by patriotic celebrations with family and friends but for some, the festive holiday can end with an unplanned trip to the emergency room.More than 45,000 people visit the ER on July 4 and 5 each year, according to the Pew Research Center which means Independence Day has the years highest number of daily medical emergencies."This time of year, we see big increases in traumatic injuries and heat-related illness," Dr. Ryan Marino, M.D., an ER doctor and associate professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.BEACH BACTERIA WARNINGS PLAGUE FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND PLANS NATIONWIDE"While fireworks accidents and injuries get most of the attention, there are far more falls, broken bones, head injuries and car accidents, just to name a few."As people are more likely to be outside and active during the holiday, that makes them more prone to accidents and injuries, Marino added.Dr. Robert Biernbaum, an emergency medicine physician in Fairport, New York, who is also the chief medical officer at WellNow Urgent Care, echoed that July 4th is one of the busiest holidays for ERs across the country."We routinely see a sharp spike in preventable injuries and medical emergencies," he told Fox News Digital.Several ER doctors shared the specific injuries that dominate emergency rooms during this holiday weekend.Fireworks are "by far" the most frequent source of injury, according to Biernbaum."We see everything from minor hand and facial burns to severe trauma from fireworks exploding in close proximity," he said. "Improvised or illegal fireworks tend to cause the worst damage."Dr. Betsy Koickel, chief medical officer of Memorial Hermann-GoHealth Urgent Care in Houston, Texas, echoed that fireworks can cause a wide variety of injuries, many of them severe."Eye injuries are particularly troubling, as they can include corneal burns, scratches or even permanent vision loss due to flying debris or sudden explosions," she told Fox News Digital."The loud blasts can also harm hearing, especially in young children, sometimes resulting in ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or even long-term hearing damage."In more serious incidents, people have suffered deep lacerations, lost fingers or sustained facial injuries when fireworks exploded too close or malfunctioned, Koickel added.With more people indulging in alcoholic beverages for the 4th, Dr. Ellana Stinson, a board-certified emergency medicine physician at Boston Medical Center, said she has seen everything from falls and cuts to vehicle accidents and alcohol poisoning."Impaired judgment is a leading cause behind many ER visits," she added.FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS: 4 TIPS TO HELP VETERANS AND OTHER PTSD SUFFERERS ENJOY THE HOLIDAYBiernbaum reiterated that intoxication leads to a range of emergencies, even contributing to assaults and drownings. "We often see head injuries or fractures in patients whove had too much to drink," he noted.July is the peak month for grill fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association."Mishandling propane tanks or grills results in flash burns and cuts, particularly to the hands and arms," Biernbaum said."Many patients come in with heat exhaustion or heatstroke after prolonged outdoor activities without proper hydration," Biernbaum said.This condition can be life-threatening, particularly for elderly people and children, the doctor cautioned.Marino added, "The heat that we saw most recently not only caused problems like heat illness and heat stroke, but can put people at risk for things like dehydration and kidney damage if they arent careful about staying cool and staying hydrated.""Unfortunately, holiday weekends can also bring an uptick in violence-related injuries or major trauma from boating or car accidents," Stinson cautioned.She shared one example when she treated a young man who fell from a speeding boat after a few too many drinks. "He struck the water hard and was rushed in with a ruptured spleen and multiple fractures we nearly lost him," she told Fox News Digital.Biernbaum noted that lack of life jackets, speeding and alcohol all contribute to injuries, ranging from fractures to near-drownings.July has the highest number of drowning deaths compared to all other months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Children are particularly at risk, as drowning is the top cause of death for kids aged 1 to 4."Ive cared for individuals pulled from the water unconscious after near drownings, often because no one was watching closely or due to alcohol-blurred judgment," Stinson said.Experts agree that fireworks are best left to the professionals."But if you do participate in home fireworks, make sure there are designated adults who are in charge, alert and sober," Koikel advised. "Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher handy nearby."Fireworks should only be set off in safe, open spaces that are far away from people, pets, buildings and grass or trees, according to the doctor."Its crucial to closely supervise children if theyre around sparklers, and they should never handle sparklers or any type of fireworks on their own," Koikel said.Anyone handling fireworks should wear protective eyewear to guard against flying sparks or debris, Koikel said. "Its also wise to avoid loose clothing that could catch fire and to tie back long hair to reduce risk."Those lighting fireworks should follow all local laws and safety guidelines, she added.Additional fireworks safety guidelines can be found on the National Safety Councils website at https://www.nsc.org/.Many boating-related injuries occur on the feet, according to Dr. Jared L. Ross, emergency medicine physician and a professor at the University of Missouri.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER"Having a sturdy pair of water shoes both protects against injuries and makes slips and falls less likely," he told Fox News Digital."Life vests (PFDs) are a must for everyone on the water even the best swimmer cant stay afloat if they have been knocked unconscious by a head injury.""It is crucial to stay well-hydrated, avoid the sun between noon and 2 p.m., apply sunscreen and wear a large-brimmed hat," Ross recommended.All experts suggested taking breaks in the shade or air-conditioning, especially if consuming alcohol.If you are going to partake, Ross said its important to moderate your consumption."The risks from alcohol greatly increase after three drinks per day," he said. "Never participate in potentially dangerous activities, like driving or boating, while you are impaired."For those who consume alcohol, Marino emphasized the importance of staying away from dangers like fireworks and planning in advance for sober rides."Also, make sure to stay hydrated, since alcohol also causes dehydration," he added.All experts emphasized this safety tip particularly around grills, water and fireworks."The 4th of July should be a celebration, not a trip to the ER," Biernbaum said. "A little planning and caution go a long way."For more Health articles, visitwww.foxnews.com/health"If something does go wrong, dont hesitate to seek care immediately time is critical with burns, head injuries and heat-related illness."Its also wise to stay brushed up on basic first aid and to keep a well-stocked emergency kit on hand, Stinson added.

On a sweltering day recently, I found myself in need of an indoor activity for me and my six kids. Living near the nations capital has its perks, chief among them, the Smithsonian museums. So, we headed into D.C. for a dose of air conditioning and culture.As we walked in, we were greeted by a relic from the pandemic era: a sign listing "recommended" health and safety measures like masking, social distancing, and sanitizing, straight out of 2021, when the museums finally reopened after more than a year of COVID-19 closures.Our 4-year-old chose the destination: the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, specifically to see the dinosaur bones and dioramas. But we quickly got more than we bargained for. A large section of the exhibit is devoted not to the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs but to climate change.MUSEUM STAFF LEAVES 'MONA LISA' FANS HIGH AND DRY AS LOUVRE SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNINGThis wasnt surprising. Weve come to expect ideological hectoring at the Smithsonians. At the National Zoo, it often feels like for every exhibit about an animals habitat or diet, theres a parallel one warning that its going extinct because of climate change."Hey kids, enjoying the zebra? Greatbecause hes probably not going to make it, thanks to your parents SUV."At the Natural History Museum, the messaging is equally dire except this time, humans are the endangered species. One exhibit states, "Since the last ice age, Earths climate has warmed. But now that warming is getting faster because of us."STATE DEPT DEFENDS HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE REPORT CHANGES, SAYS STREAMLINED PROCESS ELIMINATES 'POLITICAL BIAS'The message is clear: "Hope you liked the dinosaur bones, kids because we might be next."But climate change isnt the only narrative on display.At the National Museum of American History, visitors get a heavy dose of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Despite the fast-approaching 250th anniversary of Americas founding, there were no visible exhibits or events celebrating the milestone. In the week leading up to the Fourth of July, the museums homepage highlighted four features: a lunch counter sit-in, womens suffrage, a 19th-century Black firefighter and a community center for pregnant Latina immigrants. The Smithsonian did not respond to questions on deadline. As one historian told me, "The second-floor popular culture exhibit probably the most popular in the museum is a Marxist struggle session. Every single exhibit is interpreted through a race-class-gender lens."ANCIENT TEN COMMANDMENTS FRAGMENT OF 2,000-YEAR-OLD MANUSCRIPT TO GO ON DISPLAY AT REAGAN LIBRARYThis pattern isnt confined to the Smithsonian system. Two years ago, at the Hirshhorn Museum, my kids picked up a childrens book titled, "My Own Way: Celebrating Gender Freedom For Kids." One page reads, "You may be both you may be none!" Another shows a naked child looking at a clothesline with the caption, "Your truth isnt hidden underneath your clothes."Even museums outside the capital many of which still receive federal funding are echoing the same themes. During a recent visit to the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia, we expected to see paintings and sculptures. Instead, my kids were drawn to an exhibit filled with video screens titled, "Jamestown is Sinking."According to the exhibit description: "In the photographic series Jamestown is Sinking and the video installation The Interpreters, Greta Pratt explores the relationship between climate change and colonialism in Virginias Tidewater region compelling viewers to examine how colonialization, spurred on by capitalist interests, has dramatically altered the natural environment."In other words: climate change, colonialism, capitalism buzzword bingo in a single art exhibit.TRUMP'S DOGE PUSH SLASHES MILLIONS IN DEI CONTRACTS FUNDING 'DIVISIVE IDEOLOGIES' IN BLUE STATESAlthough the Chrysler Museum isnt funded exclusively by taxpayer dollars, it has received $1.2 million in federal grants over the years from agencies like the Institute of Museum and Library Services.CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONWhich raises the obvious question: Why are our tax dollars underwriting this?Erik H. Neil, the Macon and Joan Brock Director at the Chrysler Museum, defended the exhibit: "Were honored to exhibit the work of Greta Pratt, a celebrated local artist and recent recipient of a prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship. The Chrysler Museum of Art is dedicated to fostering creativity, encouraging thoughtful dialogue, and exploring our shared humanity through art. We believe Pratts work contributes meaningfully to civic discourse, and we remain committed to presenting a wide spectrum of viewpoints without limiting artistic expression."There is a glimmer of hope. At the Kennedy Center, Richard Grenell has started cleaning house aiming to ensure that publicly funded art is about art, not indoctrination. Its a long-overdue shift that could mark a turning point.And it appears the issue is already on the administrations radar. Earlier this month, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Smithsonian is undergoing a sweeping review of all content across its 21 museums and zoo to eliminate political bias. According to internal documents, the decision came during a closed-door Board of Regents meeting on June 9. The review follows President Donald Trumps March executive order calling for the removal of "improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology" and the restoration of exhibits that reflect "American and Western values."With more than 30 million visitors expected to descend on Washington, D.C. for the nations Semiquincentennial next year, the clock is ticking. If nothing changes, theyll walk into the Museum of American History and leave not with a celebration of our founding but with a guilt trip.Time is of the essence.CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM BETHANY MANDEL

House Speaker Mike Johnson hopes to have brought President Donald Trumps "One Big Beautiful Bill" to a vote on Wednesday afternoon or evening. If he was successful and "OBBB" passed and is on its way to the presidents desk, then this column has been overtaken by events great events as passage of the OBBB means lift off of the American economy.If, however, four or more Republicans bolted the Caucus, turned on the president and their party, and stopped the huge breakthrough for the economy, the border, the energy sector and especially the nations defense and voted "no," then break glass and pull the lever.DEMOCRATIC DOCTORS' PROTEST AGAINST TRUMP'S BEAUTIFUL BILL DERAILED BY FLOOD OF US CAPITOL TOURISTSOBBB isnt the sort of bill that can survive a conference and a second run through the legislative course. Too many narrow choke-points were navigated to reach this decision point. Throwing caution to the wind and this delicately balanced high pile of compromises to a "conference committee" is actually to throw away a unique opportunity for the GOP to deliver on the central promises the party and President Trump made in the campaign of 2024.Its not a perfect bill in my eyes or the eyes of any other observer and most members of Congress. Its a very good bill, however, and the good must not be the enemy of the perfect.The most vocal critics of the OBBB are self-described "deficit hawks" (plus the odd ball Congressman Massie from Kentucky who believes his job is to be interviewed on television.)It isnt possible to cut more from the bills impact on the deficit without starting over, and "starting over" means failing to deliver.Again, the margins of the House and Senate GOP majorities are too narrow to expect a different result. Shooting down the "OBBB" now means shooting it down period. The members who vote "no" will be responsible for the biggest tax hike in history and the continued decline in American military readiness as well as the underfunded Border Patrol and unfinished wall.The Republicans voting "no" may be from "safe districts," but its pretty clear that the GOP writ large and President Trump specifically will be recruiting and funding primary challengers for them and if those arent successful, encouraging voters to send honest obstructionists and leftists to the House instead of grand-standers.There is, however, one thing which the president and the speaker can hold out to the House members who want more cuts to spending: the opportunity to write and manage the second reconciliation bill.Early this year there were voices arguing for two reconciliation bills a first reconciliation bill for a layup on border and defense spending, and then a second one for the much-more-difficult-to-pass spending and tax cuts and entitlement reforms aimed at paring waste, fraud and abuse from those programs.President Trump, ever the dealmaker, pushed for the "OBBB" on the theory so far proven correct that the GOP wouldnt risk the economy-killing tax hike scheduled to arrive January 1, 2026, unless the "OBBB" stops it first. Trump bet on momentum and thus far hes winning that bet.There are "true believers" in the House who want deeper spending cuts. If they blow the OBBB up this week, they will say they are counting on the House and Senate GOP to reassemble the pieces but with more cuts. That wont happen, of course. Its not even a mirage. Its counter-reality. That wont happen. Look at the Senate vote: 50-50. All the weight that the bill can bear is in it. Pass it or welcome the massive tax hike of 2026!The existing spending cuts in the bill endangered its passage in the Senate. Slice even a little deeper and the deal is dead. The dead-enders in the House may want to believe something else could happen, but the bottom line is killing the "OBBB" now means killing it forever. The Republicans who vote against the "OBBB" are voting to crash the economy between now and November 2026, and thus for a Democrat majority in the House and all the fiscal irresponsibility that telegraphs to the markets. It would be a bloodbath in the markets and rightfully so.The "no" votes on the "OBBB" are "yes" votes for Speaker Jeffries and massive spending hikes his arrival would herald along with the enormous tax hike whammy.The deficit hawks object that they were promised more and they probably were. But every senator gets a vote too and the limit of the Senates appetite for collective deficit cutting has been reached. This is the best that can be done on this round of reconciliation.What the president and the speaker can offer the hold-outs is control of the second round of reconciliation, a second round which this Congress has the right to take up.Put Representatives Chip Roy, Andy Harris and Ralph Norman in charge of that bills drafting and the management of it on the House floor. No guarantees of passage can be given there are moderates in the House GOP who would have to be persuaded, but the president and the speaker can offer strong support for the effort. The deficit hawks might come up with the thread that can make it through the smallest of many needles eyes: actual reform of entitlements.If there are members who want Social Security to go bankrupt, or Medicare and interest payments to devour the entire discretionary spending budget, they will be indifferent to entitlement reform. But responsible members of both parties in both houses of Congress have to realize that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell was correct when he declared Tuesday that "The level of the debt is sustainable, but the path is not.""We need to address that sooner or later," Powell continued. "Sooner is better than later.""Sooner" can mean right now and if the fiscal hawks are allowed to craft an entitlement reform bill for the second reconciliation bill, one that uses the greatest weapon in the arsenal against the national debt time. With a well-crafted bill, they could even pull it off.Recall the "BRAC" commissions? On five different occasions since 1988, Congress gave the very sensitive task of designating American military installations for closure to an independent commission which held hearings and produced a list of bases to be shuttered. Every localcongressman knew their ox could be gored, but they also knew the country needed to trim the size and scale of domestic military installations. So Congress set up and empowered BRACs, and the BRACs did their work. Congress was eventually presented the list and, by design, Congress could only vote "yes" or "no" on the entire list. By forcing all of Congress to deal with all of the closures, the pain was shared out and the BRACs recommendations always accepted. The five BRAC rounds since 1988 closed over 350 military installations, leading to significant cost savings and freeing up resources for other priorities.We need such an approach for an entitlement reform commission and such a procedure for Congressional consideration of the commissions recommendations.CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONTake the easiest reform to propose and pass: adding a month to the retirement age eligibility tables every year for the next 60 years. That would mean a year increase in the age of eligibility from 65 to 66 for exampleevery dozen years, and would help conform Social Security to actuarial tables reflecting our collective longer life spans. Put the slowly moving reform in place only for those under 55 and the end result is that all Americans under 55 wont get a Social Security check until age 66. Thats a very gentle but necessary bending of the cost curve for entitlements.Include such a proposal in a package of other careful, gradual reforms to our tangle of entitlements and then arrange for the whole package to receive an up-or-down vote in the lame-duck session of Congress in December 2026.The deficit hawks can demand the right to try and actually fix the deficit. And they should get it.But is that what they want, or do they desire face time on viral videos that are here today and gone before sundown?This is a very serious moment in the life of the country. Making a tax structure permanent that rewards investment and risk is the single most important thing this Congress can do to guarantee a vibrant, growing economy. Resupplying our defense stockpiles and expediting ship and submarine construction are vital to our safety. Blocking the permanent adoption of that tax code as well as the urgently needed investments in defense and border security would be reckless beyond measure.But if enough short-sighted grandstanders rise up to block the OBBB, make them an offer they cant refuse: responsibility for more than speeches.Hugh Hewitt is a Fox News contributor, and host of "The Hugh Hewitt Show," heard weekdays from 3 pm to 6 pm ET on the Salem Radio Network, and simulcast on Salem News Channel. Hugh drives America home on the East Coast and to lunch on the West Coast on over 400 affiliates nationwide, and on all the streaming platforms where SNC can be seen. He is a frequent guest on the Fox News Channels news roundtable hosted by Bret Baier weekdays at 6pm ET. A son of Ohio and a graduate of Harvard College and the University of Michigan Law School, Hewitt has been a Professor of Law at Chapman Universitys Fowler School of Law since 1996 where he teaches Constitutional Law. Hewitt launched his eponymous radio show from Los Angeles in 1990. Hewitt has frequently appeared on every major national news television network, hosted television shows for PBS and MSNBC, written for every major American paper, has authored a dozen books and moderated a score of Republican candidate debates, most recently the November 2023 Republican presidential debate in Miami and four Republican presidential debates in the 2015-16 cycle. Hewitt focuses his radio show and his column on the Constitution, national security, American politics and the Cleveland Browns and Guardians. Hewitt has interviewed tens of thousands of guests from Democrats Hillary Clinton and John Kerry to Republican Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump over his 40 years in broadcast, and this column previews the lead story that will drive his radio/ TV show today.CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM HUGH HEWITT