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Latest rumors, news and updates on Cowboys’ coaching candidates

The stars shine bright in Dallas.

More often than not, it’s also how the Dallas Cowboys conduct business — the franchise searches far and wide for the biggest names in the NFL. America’s Team would have it no other way … especially in a coaching search.

After their parting of ways with Mike McCarthy, it comes as no surprise that everyone is trying to keep up with what Jerry Jones’ team will do. There’s the potential big splash (see: Colorado head coach Deion Sanders). There’s the homegrown talent, like Kellen Moore. There’s the outside-the-box pick, like Jason Witten. There’s the more conventional route, like Robert Saleh and Leslie Frazier.

The list will almost certainly grow over time as the team looks to steal headlines and, eventually, win games with their next hire. Anything goes deep in the heart of Texas, which makes for an exciting coaching search to follow.

Here’s the latest on the Cowboys’ search for a new head coach.

All things Cowboys: Latest Dallas Cowboys news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

Cowboys head coach search rumors, news, updates

This section will be updated as interviews occur and relevant news about potential candidates becomes available.

Kellen Moore a top candidate for Cowboys’ HC

Date: Jan. 16
Report: Ian Rapoport, NFL Network

On Thursday, the Cowboys officially requested to interview Moore, the current Eagles’ offensive coordinator. He formerly held the same title in Dallas before the sides mutually agreed to part ways following the 2022 season. In the four seasons that Moore coached the offense, it finished in the top-10 three times.

Moore, undrafted out of Boise State, played for the Cowboys from 2015 to 2017 before transitioning into the team’s quarterbacks coach in 2018. He was then given the OC responsibilities from 2019 to 2022 and was a holdover from Jason Garrett’s staff to McCarthy’s.

Rapoport said Moore is considered a ‘top candidate’ for the job and that his familiarity with the organization makes this potential partnership one to keep an eye on.

Deion Sanders would ‘almost certainly’ accept Cowboys’ job if offered

Date: Jan. 16
Report:Ed Werder, Dallas’ WFAA-TV

Sanders was initially believed to be a long shot, but the noise is getting too loud to ignore. Jones is reportedly enamored with the idea, according to Werder, meaning the rumors will continue to swirl until the search is over. NFL Network’s Jane Slater reported Thursday that Sanders approached Colorado’s athletic director, Rick George, on Tuesday about additional money for NIL and his staff, but was met with resistance. Sanders, who played for the Cowboys, previously said he had no interest in coaching in the NFL. That seems to have changed in recent weeks.

Robert Saleh to interview this week

Date: Jan. 15
Report:Todd Archer, ESPN

Saleh, the former Jets coach, is set to interview for the Cowboys’ job this week. The former 49ers’ defensive coordinator seems likely to land a job for 2025, whether that is as a coordinator or head coach.

Cowboys request interview with Seahawks’ Leslie Frazier

Date: Jan. 15
Report:Todd Archer, ESPN

Frazier is also slated to interview for the Dallas gig. He comes with plenty of experience, serving previously as the head coach in Minnesota and more recently as the Buffalo defensive coordinator before spending last season in Seattle.

Jason Witten was seen as potential heir apparent to Mike McCarthy

Date: Jan. 14
Report:Jane Slater, NFL Network

Witten was reportedly floated as a potential heir apparent in negotiations with McCarthy, who opted to pursue other opportunities, according to Slater. Jones thinks very highly of Witten, but it’s unclear whether he will be a head coaching candidate. The former Cowboys’ tight end doesn’t have any NFL or college coaching experience, but has been the head coach at Liberty Christian in Argyle, Texas, since 2021.

Cowboys coaching candidates

Here is a look at who the Cowboys have interest in or requested to interview thus far:

Deion Sanders, Colorado head coach
Robert Saleh, ex-Jets coach
Leslie Frazier, Seahawks assistant head coach
Kellen Moore, Eagles offensive coordinator

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Bob Uecker highlights from baseball broadcast booth to movies, Carson

Major League Baseball lost one of its trademark personalities.

The Milwaukee Brewers announced that longtime team play-by-play announcer Bob Uecker, who gained national fame with his appearances on ‘The Johnny Carson Show’ and his role as broadcaster Harry Doyle in the ‘Major League’ movie franchise, died Thursday at 90 years old.

The Uecker family said in a statement Uecker had been in a private battle with small cell lung cancer since early 2023. The team called it ‘one of the most difficult days in Milwaukee Brewers history.’

Uecker had been the radio play-by-play voice of the Brewers since 1971, a run of more than 50 years that made him an indelible part of the MLB experience in Milwaukee and throughout the country. Uecker was a player before his broadcasting career, and eventually a comedian, actor and corporate pitchman who became ubiquitous on television and movie screens during the 1980s and 1990s.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Uecker’s influence spans generations and genres. Here’s more on the legendary life of this broadcasting legend, his crossover into the world of acting and movies and the best moments from his career:

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Bob Uecker: ‘Mr. Baseball’ with Johnny Carson

Uecker first crossed over into the mainstream on ‘The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson,’ beginning in 1971. Carson gave Uecker the nickname, ‘Mr. Baseball’ during Uecker’s first appearance and it stuck throughout Uecker’s career. Uecker was reportedly invited on the show more than 100 times with his self-deprecating humor and deadpan delivery turning him into one of Carson’s regular guests.

Bob Uecker’s ‘Major League’ star turn and acting career

Uecker’s popularity as an entertainer and broadcaster, helped by Carson’s seal of approval, eventually led to an acting career. Uecker’s biggest role was as Harry Doyle, the quick-witted, sarcastic (and sometimes-inebriated) broadcaster of the Cleveland Indians in the ‘Major League’ film franchise who was even more outlandish than Uecker. Some of Uecker’s most famous quotes from the movie are still recited today, more than 35 years after the original film’s theatrical release in 1989.

In addition to various cameo appearances playing himself since then, Uecker was a regular cast member of the sitcom ‘Mr. Belvedere. Uecker played the father and sportswriter George Owen in the the TV show, which aired from 1985-1990. Uecker also hosted ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 1984 and starred in a number of national television advertising campaigns, most notably for Miller Lite.

Bob Uecker, Andre the Giant and WWE’s Wrestlemania

Uecker’s broad base of appeal also took him inside the world of pro wrestling, where he played a role in a couple memorable Wrestlemania moments and earned a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame.

Uecker first served as the ring announcer for the Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant match at Wrestlemania III at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan in 1987. A year later at Wrestlemania IV, Andre the Giant choked out Uecker for mouthing off to him during a backstage interview and produced an image still replayed now.

Bob Uecker’s broadcasting career

Uecker’s broadcasting career began at WSB-TV in Atlanta in 1969 as part of the Braves’ broadcast booth. He was named to the broadcast booth in Milwaukee by former Brewers owner and MLB commissioner Bud Selig in 1971. It was the franchise’s second season after moving from Seattle.

Uecker remained with the team for 54 years until his death Thursday. He is the fourth-longest tenured broadcaster in major-league history, behind only Vin Scully and Jaime Jarrin of the Los Angeles Dodgers (67 and 64 years, respectively) and the still-active Denny Matthews of the Kansas City Royals (56 years). Uecker’s best-known Brewers-related catchphrase was ‘Get up! Get up! Get outta here! Gone!’ when a Milwaukee player hit a home run.

In what became Uecker’s final season broadcasting games for the team in 2024, the Brewers won the National League Central before losing to the New York Mets in a wild-card series. First-year Brewers manager Pat Murphy offered a toast to Uecker when the team celebrated its division title in September.

“There is no one who epitomizes being a champion like this man does … What an example for us to be with every single day,’ Murphy said in the champagne-soaked locker room.

Uecker also served as a color commentator for national MLB broadcasts produced by ABC and NBC during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, and teamed with Bob Costas and Joe Morgan to call the World Series.

Uecker’s broadcasting earned him the prestigious Ford Frick Award in 2003 for his contributions to the game, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of receiving the honor.

Bob Uecker: MLB career stats, accomplishments

Uecker’s playing career often bore the brunt of his jokes.

He signed with the Milwaukee Braves in 1956 after serving in the Army and made his Major League debut with the club in 1962. He hit .200 over his six seasons playing catcher with the Braves, Philadelphia Phillies and St. Louis Cardinals, where he won a World Series as Tim McCarver’s back-up behind the plate in 1964.

‘I was once named minor league player of the year,’ Uecker once cracked. ‘Unfortunately, I had been in the majors for two years at the time.’

(This story was updated to add a new video.)

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6 iconic Bob Uecker scenes as ‘Major League’ announcer Harry Doyle

For many non-baseball fans, Bob Uecker, who died Thursday at age 90, was first and foremost, a hilarious actor.

His humor shone through in many Miller Lite commercials and a starring role in the TV series ‘Mr. Belvedere.’ But when Uecker was able to combine baseball and the big screen, magic happened.

His role as play-by-play broadcaster Harry Doyle in the movie ‘Major League’ combined all of Uecker’s talents into one unforgettable performance.

Perhaps the greatest part of the Harry Doyle story is that most of Uecker’s lines in the movie were ad-libbed, giving him the opportunity to be his authentic, spontaneous self (which also included a few random profanities).

Opening Day in Cleveland

As the announcer for the lowly Cleveland Indians, Harry Doyle instantly shows how bad things are for the home team, drinking on the job to help dull the pain.

Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.

‘Listen to the roar of this crowd,’ Doyle says as he holds the microphone to capture the sound of a nearly empty stadium. ‘Yessir, they love this club here in Cleveland!’

‘Juuuuuuust a bit outside!’

Doyle’s words meshed perfectly with the movie’s physical comedy – in particular the pitching adventures of Rick ‘Wild Thing’ Vaughn, played by Charlie Sheen.

There may not be a more often-quoted baseball phrase than Doyle’s ‘Juuuuuuust a bit outside!’

‘That looked like the Terminator … only slower’

Harry Doyle chronicled Vaughn’s many ups and (mostly) downs, with this one scene allowing him to rattle off as many ‘tater’ words as possible, while also remarking, ‘That baby is definitely going away for the winter.’

‘Nobody’s listening anyway’

Harry bemoans the fact that in yet another Indians loss, they only got ‘one (expletive) hit.’

‘The Indians win it!’

Somehow, this ragtag team manages to come together and actually become a winner. And Harry leads the celebration.

Losing takes it toll in ‘Major League 2’

Uecker was so popular in the role that he returned five years later to reprise the role in 1994’s ‘Major League 2’ (and again in 1998’s ‘Major League: Back to the Minors’).

In this scene, Harry’s just had enough.

(This story was updated to add a new video.)

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Politics

DOJ releases final violent crime numbers for Biden administration

The Department of Justice (DOJ) this week released the final nationwide crime statistics under the Biden administration as the president prepares to leave office. 

Following an uptick in violent crime in 2021 during the pandemic, it began to trend down significantly in 2023, ‘including double-digit drops in homicide rates across many major cities,’ according to the DOJ. 

In 2024, violent crime continued to go down, according to preliminary DOJ data from 85 major cities. 

That included a 17.5% decrease in murder rates. There was also a 7.1% decrease in rape, 3.6% decrease in aggravated assault and 7.8% decline in robbery over the first three quarters of the year. 

Between 2021 and 2022, violent crime decreased by 1.7%, which became a 3% decrease between 2022 and 2023, and through the second quarter of 2023 to 2024 it went down by 10.3%. 

In the same time spans, the murder rate went down by 6.1% starting from 2021 to 2022, by 11.6% in 2023 and finally by 22.7% in 2024.

‘Since launching the Violent Crime Reduction Strategy in 2021, the Department has made historic progress against the most significant drivers of violent crime,’ Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said in a statement. 

She added, ‘This report details the Department’s many successes in implementing its violent crime strategy and serves as a testament to the work of law enforcement officers around the country who have done so much to keep our communities safe.’

Shortly after taking office in 2021, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that Monaco would be implementing a Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime.

‘Recognizing that every jurisdiction — large, small, rural, urban — faces unique challenges that cannot be addressed by a one-size-fits-all policy — the strategy was data-driven and deployed federal resources, including cutting-edge tools, in the most effective way: to act as a force multiplier for state and local law enforcement on the front lines of the fight against violent crime,’ the report said. 

Of the 85 cities included in the statistics, violent crime went up in 23 and down in 62, and murder rates went up in 19 and down in 64, the report said. 

The report said that while there is ‘no single cause’ for the decline or increase in violent crime, ‘the work of law enforcement across the country — a partnership between federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies — has no doubt played a leading role.’

The DOJ said its strategy was to ‘focus on the most significant drivers of violent crime — including gun violence and repeat offenders.’ 

It also prioritized building trust in communities and investing in community-based prevention and intervention programs.

‘Since the start of this administration, this Department has been laser-focused on targeting the most significant drivers of violent crime — with gun violence at the top of that list,’ Monaco said. ‘Our strategy is data-driven and focuses on doing what we do best: acting as a force multiplier with our state and local law enforcement partners — who are on the front lines of the fight against violent crime — and deploying technology and other cutting-edge tools to go after the individuals most responsible for crime in our communities.’

She added, ‘We are seeing returns on our efforts. After a peak during the pandemic, violent crime is on a downward trajectory — including double-digit drops in homicide rates across many major cities.’

This is President Biden’s last week in office. President-elect Trump will assume office on Monday. 

Related Topics

Politics
US Crime
Joe Biden

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Stocks

Quantum Computing: Top Stocks You Should Watch Now!

Jensen Huang may have burst the quantum computing bubble when he said it would take over 15 years for quantum computers to gain widespread use. And yet four quantum computing stocks made it to the top of the list in the StockCharts Technical Rank (SCTR) Report in the Top 10 Mid-Cap Category. You can thank Microsoft (MSFT) for this — the company is talking about becoming ‘quantum-ready’ this year.

A few weeks ago, we covered quantum computing stocks. At the time, the four stocks discussed in the article — Quantum Computing, Inc. (QUBT), Rigetti Computing, Inc. (RGTI), Quantum Corp. (QMCO), and D-Wave Quantum, Inc. (QBTS) — were in the small-cap category. In three weeks, three of these stocks crossed into the mid-cap category. The fourth stock that climbed up the ladder was IonQ, Inc. (IONQ). The four stocks that made it to the top on Thursday are displayed in the image below.

FIGURE 1. TOP 10 MID-CAP SCTR STOCKS. Quantum computing stocks clinch the top four spots.Image source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

In the last article, QUBT, RGTI, and QBTS were trending higher and above their 21-day exponential moving average (EMA). Things have changed since then. IONQ also followed a similar pattern as the other three stocks (see chart layout below).

FIGURE 2. TOP FOUR QUANTUM COMPUTING STOCKS. QUBT, RGTI, IONQ, and QBTS were the top four stocks in the mid-cap SCTR category.Chart source: StockChartsACP. For educational purposes.

All four stocks gapped lower after Huang’s statement, reached a support level of a previous low, and bounced back. QUBT, RGTI, and QBTS are battling at or close to their 21-day EMA, whereas IONQ has broken above it.

Will these stocks gain enough momentum to re-establish their bullish trend? The moving average convergence/divergence (MACD) hasn’t given the signal yet. Once it does, and all four stocks break above their 21-day EMA and revisit their 52-week highs, they could continue their bullish trend.

Get Your Quantum Advantage

It’s worth creating a ChartList of quantum computing stocks even if you’re on the face. At a favorable price point, quantum computing stocks could be worthwhile investments. If you have the luxury of investing for several years, this could be a group of stocks that could add value to your portfolio. There’s also the Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) that will give you broad exposure to several quantum computing and other technology stocks. For more details on QTUM, check out this Symbol Summary page.

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The ideas and strategies should never be used without first assessing your own personal and financial situation, or without consulting a financial professional.

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Reports: Cowboys looking at another former player in coaching search

The team requested to interview Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, according to multiple reports.

Moore, 36, began his coaching career in Dallas as a quarterbacks coach in 2018, immediately pivoting after wrapping up his playing days with the team from 2015-17. He was elevated to offensive coordinator a year later and remained in the role after Mike McCarthy was hired as the new head coach in 2020.

Other than 2020, the year in which quarterback Dak Prescott was lost for the season in October to a compound fracture and dislocation of his ankle, the Cowboys finished in the top six in scoring in each year Moore was at the helm. Still, he and the Cowboys ‘mutually agreed to part ways,’ according to the team, following a 2022 season that again ended in playoff disappointment with a divisional-round loss to the San Francisco 49ers, with McCarthy taking over play-calling duties.

After a one-year stop with the Los Angeles Chargers, Moore took over the Eagles’ attack this past offseason. Philadelphia, which will face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in the divisional round, ranked second in scoring and first in rushing, with running back Saquon Barkley becoming just the ninth player to eclipse 2,000 yards in a season.

All things Cowboys: Latest Dallas Cowboys news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

After the team announced its split with McCarthy on Monday, Jones spoke with former Cowboys great and current Colorado coach Deion Sanders about the opening. The team also plans to interview former New York Jets coach Robert Saleh and Seattle Seahawks assistant head coach Leslie Frazier, according to multiple reports.

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Insurance company pulls Super Bowl commercial amidst California fires

State Farm Insurance, long a stalwart of Super Bowl advertising, is pulling a commercial from next month’s big game following the devastating California wildfires.

The move comes one year after its spot was deemed best in show by voters in USA TODAY’s Ad Meter spot, winning the annual competition with a spot featuring Hollywood legends Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The 60-second spot, ‘Like A Good Neighbaa,’ plays off Schwarzenegger’s thick Austrian accent and his subsequent inability to pronounce the insurance company’s longtime tagline.

It also featured imagery of Schwarzenegger in several disaster hero roles, including lugging a pair of dogs to safety as a house burns in the background.

‘State Farm, its agents, and employees are all focused on helping customers impacted by the Southern California wildfires in the midst of this tragedy,” State Farm said in a statement released to USA TODAY and other news media outlets. ‘Our claims force is the largest in the industry and we are bringing the full scale and force of our catastrophe response teams to help customers recover – whether they are on the ground in LA or across the country.

‘Our focus is firmly on providing to support to the people of Los Angeles. We will not be advertising during the game as originally planned.’

The wildfires that have devastated the Altadena and Pacific Palisades neighborhoods of Los Angeles have now killed at least 25 and destroyed or damaged more than 12,000 residences and businesses. More than 200,000 residents were forced to flee their homes and at least 82,000 residents are still under evacuation orders, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Thursday.

Large insurers like State Farm have an understandably massive task ahead while residents wrestle with what’s being termed an ‘insurance crisis’ amid reluctance to insure properties in endangered areas. The area potentially faces disaster in another form should significant rain fall on the area in coming weeks, turning hilly, scorched terrain into potential mudslides.

Fox, which will broadcast the Feb. 9 Super Bowl from New Orleans, has already sold out its inventory of ads and finding a replacement for State Farm’s slot will not be a challenge. The cost for a 30-second ad is reportedly around $7 million.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

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Divisional playoff fantasy football rankings: Allen vs. Jackson on tap

The NFL playoffs enter the home stretch this weekend with four more games on tap. After that, we’ll know which teams will be playing for a spot in Super Bowl 59.

Fantasy football managers get one more chance in the divisional playoffs to tackle a big slate with eight teams in action once more, including the top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs of the AFC and Detroit Lions of the NFC.

It should be an action-packed two days of action, with plenty of excellent options to help you build a winning fantasy lineup.

Rankings are compiled by Daniel Dobish, TheHuddle.com. 

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

(*-check status before kickoff)

Fantasy football divisional playoff quarterback rankings

Fantasy football divisional playoff running back rankings

Joe Mixon (ankle) was added to the Texans’ injury report on Wednesday and did not practice on Thursday. That could be problematic with Houston playing the first game Saturday in Kansas City.
David Montgomery (knee) was officially removed from the Lions’ injury report on Thursday, clearing the way for him to play on Saturday. He had missed the last three games.
Ray Davis remains in the concussion protocol, though he practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday.

Fantasy football divisional playoff wide receiver rankings

Zay Flowers (knee) did not practice again on Thursday, giving him one more opportunity to get on the field before the Ravens leave for Sunday night’s game in Buffalo.

Fantasy football divisional playoff tight end rankings

Fantasy football divisional playoff kicker rankings

Fantasy football divisional playoff defense/special teams rankings

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

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Politics

President-elect Trump taps slew of administration picks days before inauguration

President-elect Trump on Thursday announced multiple nominations just days before his inauguration on Jan. 20.

In a series of posts on Truth Social on Thursday afternoon, Trump congratulated his picks.

Nominees include a former test engineer of missile defense systems for secretary of the Air Force, as well as a trade partnership CEO for secretary for trade and foreign agriculture affairs.

Trump selected Chris Stallings to be assistant administrator for disaster recovery and resilience of the Small Business Administration.

Stallings currently serves as the director of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and will work closely with Kelly Loeffler, the incoming small business administrator.

‘[Stallings and Loeffler will] make sure that when disasters happen, our Government responds quickly and capably to protect our Small Businesses, which are the backbone of our Economy,’ Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Trump tapped Luke Lindberg as U.S. undersecretary for trade and foreign agriculture affairs at the Department of Agriculture.

During Trump’s first term, Lindberg served as chief of staff and chief strategy officer at the Export-Import Bank, where he earned the Distinguished Service Award.

He is currently the president and CEO of South Dakota Trade and a member of the board of directors of the National Association of District Export Councils.

South Dakota Trade is a 501(c)(6) public-private partnership that navigates international trade for the state, according to the organization’s website.

Lindberg has been featured on Fox News and other outlets for his ‘Thought Leadership’ on international affairs and agricultural policy.

Trump wrote on Truth Social that Lindberg would make sure American farmers and ranchers get the ‘smart’ trade deals they deserve.

Troy Meink has been picked to serve as secretary of the Air Force. 

Meink is serving as the principal deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office, and he began his career as a KC-135 tanker navigator, according to Trump’s post.

He later worked as a test engineer for missile defense systems.

‘Troy will work with our incredible Secretary of Defense Nominee, Pete Hegseth, to ensure that our Nation’s Air Force is the most effective and deadly force in the World, as we secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH,’ Trump wrote. ‘Congratulations Troy!’

Dudley Hoskins was selected as undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs at the Department of Agriculture.

He currently holds the title of counsel on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and he previously spent four years at the Department of Agriculture during Trump’s first term as the chief of staff for marketing and regulatory programs and senior adviser to the secretary, according to Trump’s post.

‘[Hoskins] will work with our great Secretary of Agriculture Nominee, Brooke Rollins, to make sure American food is the safest and healthiest in the World,’ Trump wrote. ‘Congratulations Dudley!’

Related Topics

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Politics
Donald Trump

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While Trump, Biden claim credit for Israel-Hamas cease-fire, some Republicans call it a ‘bad deal’

While President-elect Trump and President Biden are jockeying for credit for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, some Republicans are wary of the deal and whether it will stick. 

‘There’s no part of me that trusts Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Al-Aqsa martyrs Brigade, Fatah or the rank-and-file people that voted for Hamas,’ Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., the House’s new Foreign Affairs Committee chair, told Fox News Digital. 

‘There’s no part of me that trusts them in any way whatsoever. I do trust there’s a fear of God in them from the fact that President Trump is coming in, Secretary Rubio and Stefanik, others, [and] what’s not going to continue with programs like UNRWA,’ he added, referring to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. ‘I trust that there is a chilling effect, you know, how they see the world going forward. But there’s no part of me that trusts them in any way.’

Asked if he was celebrating the deal itself alongside some of his colleagues, Mast said, ‘I’m skeptical, like anything.’ 

‘If it gets Americans home, I’m happy about getting Americans home,’ Mast went on. ‘That’s been a problem for me that, you know, if there’s Americans detained abroad, I would have every expectation that there’s an American coming to get them. And, to me, unfortunately, that hasn’t been the result.’

The cease-fire is meant as a way to bring home the remaining hostages taken from Israel and provide a path to peace for the 2 million Palestinians who have been living in a war zone since Hamas’ bloody attack in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

The deal has implications for the U.S.: Seven hostages who remain in Hamas’ clutches are Americans. 

‘Why is lame duck Joe Biden trying to cram down a bad deal on Israel on his way out the door?’ Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., wrote on X. ‘The only ‘deal’ should be unconditional surrender by Hamas—which is already nearly destroyed—and return of ALL hostages. Instead, we hear reports that Biden is demanding that Israel withdraw from key terrain in Gaza, release dozens of hardened terrorists for every one hostage, and get back only SOME hostages?’

Sources confirmed Israeli reporting to Fox News Digital that it was Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, who traveled to Doha, Qatar and strong-handed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into sitting down to finalize the deal that had evaded the Biden administration’s mediation for the better part of the past year. 

The first cease-fire in November 2023 lasted only one week, with both sides accusing the other of breaking it. In that time, 105 hostages were released, as were 240 Palestinian prisoners.

Trump had promised there would be ‘hell to pay’ if a cease-fire was not reached by the time he took office, which will be on Jan. 20. His surrogates developed close relationships with Arab leaders in swing states like Michigan throughout the campaign, promising Trump would bring peace to the Middle East.

The deal, brokered by Qatari negotiators, with the help of mediation from both the outgoing Biden administration and Witkoff, is set up in three phases. It will see three hostages released on the first day – Sunday – with new hostages released each week. That phase will entail a withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Philadelphi corridor on Egypt’s border and the so-called buffer zone in the Gazan territory bordering Israel. 

Women, children and men over 50 will be prioritized initially. Over the course of the 42-day first phase, 33 of the remaining Israeli hostages will be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. 

That group is likely to include some who have been convicted of murder. On Thursday, Netanyahu delayed ratification of the deal over disagreements about whether he would get a veto over which prisoners convicted of murder would be released. Israel’s Cabinet will now meet Friday to ratify the deal. 

‘This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies,’ Trump wrote on social media. 

Biden said from the White House that ‘my diplomacy never ceased in their efforts to get this done.’

He added, ‘This plan was developed and negotiated by my team and will be largely implemented by the incoming administration.’

Related Topics

Israel
Middle East
Donald Trump
Republicans

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